MILF: MILF conducts consultations in Tawi-Tawi

From the MILF Website (Mar 11): MILF conducts consultations in Tawi-Tawi

The MILF consultations held in Tawi-Tawi last February 25-26, 2014 yielded positive responses and participants urged for the early signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CAB).
  

The consultation conducted at the Beachside Inn, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi draws a crowd of more than 400 participants who came to the venue all the way from their far-flung communities to listen and keep abreast on the peace process. 

Those who attended were representatives from the MILF PolCom, BIAF, women, youth and some   representatives from line agencies to ventilate their concerns for incorporation into the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The program was intended for only 100 participants but as people flocked to the venue, attendance exceeded over 300%.  It dramatized an undeniable peoples’ strong support to the peace process.

The consultation started in the morning on February 25 by an opening prayer by Ustadz Abduwahid Daluddin followed by a welcome address by Hji. Mansur B. Sakili, PLD, Tawi-Taw, and. Mr. Cris T. Yano, Programme Anchor from the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. Mr. Yano presented the overview of the consultation. The Secretary of MILF Information Committee, Central Committee presented the updates on the peace process while Haji. Suharto, Provincial Information Director of Maguindanao and the Iranun Provincial Information Director facilitated the orderly conduct of the consultation proceedings. An open forum followed, moderated by Jul Jastan and assisted by Engr. Adan Muhammad. All concerns and queries from the participants were readily answered by the BLMI and BTC panels.

Workshops followed in the afternoon with 4 groups formed. Guide questions were provided by the panels. At 4:00 pm, each group started wrapping up their outputs in Manila papers. The outputs of participants were quite similar but there also appeared some variances.

Over 70 women participated led by Dr. Nihma Lakian, the Assistant School Division Superintendent of Dep.Ed Tawi-Tawi and Professor Hja. Liza Nour from MSU-Tawi-Tawi. Both are credited in putting forward the women’s aspirations, collaborated and complemented by other lady attendants. Their outputs were presented by the Chairperson of the SWC, Tawi-Tawi. Dr. Abdulwahab Y. Nour and Dr. Cabel Madjailan from the MSU made themselves visible to assist the participants to come up with refined outputs. The provincial Director of the CSC, Mr. Sastri Buddin exhausted all efforts to come up with   comprehensive output not only for the group, but for the whole participants. He himself made the reports in a computer-flashed, and explained them item by item.

 The Provincial Vice Chairman of MILF Political Committee of Tawi-Tawi Province together with his Municipal Chairmen and Sectorial Representatives participated actively. The Provincial Vice Chairman of the Sama Province together with his Municipal chairmen and Sectorial Representatives also attended and participated well.

Other religious leaders also attended. The youth and the representatives of the line agencies also participated well for the sake of attaining peace. The BIAF led by their Brigade Commander of the 119th Base Command in their civilian attires participated actively. Mr.Yano synthesized the consultation proceedings and called it meritorious and impressive.

Haji Sakili gave the closing remarks and expressed his deep appreciation for those in one way or the other contributed in the success of the 2-day consultations. He made special mention of the members of the information in the island province who afforded full support and cooperation to the consultation. would have resulted to a flop. Lastly, he reiterated his deep appreciation to the party of brave men from the BLMI and the BTC for bringing the messages of goodwill to Tawi-Tawi. All resolutions and recommendations presented by the 4 groups were appreciated by the speakers and official guests. Ustadz Dimasangkay gave the closing du’a or prayer.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/863-milf-conducts-consultations-in-tawi-tawi

Soldiers reminded on rule of law in pursuit operations

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 11): Soldiers reminded on rule of law in pursuit operations

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday ordered his troops to strictly follow the rule of law, and consider as “premium” the safety of civilians, while pursuing the members of lawless armed groups.

This was in the aftermath of series of encounters between Army soldiers and suspected New People's Army rebels in Negros and Panay.

On March 8, an encounter took place between the 79 th Infantry Battalion soldiers and about 15 rebels in Brgy. Bahian, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, but no casualty was reported from both sides.

It was followed by three successive encounters between the 61 st Infantry Battalion soldiers and suspected rebels yesterday in barangays Daan Sur and Abangay, all in Tapaz, Capiz, and Brgy. Agcalaga in Calinog, Iloilo, military records show.

Citing information from civilians, Baladad said the NPA rebels were planning to attack government vital installations, in line with the 45 th founding anniversary of the New People's Army on March 29.

An M16 armalite rifle with two magazines containing ammunition, and a back pack containing personal belongings, were recovered at the encounter site in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, by 79 th IB soldiers.

Meanwhile, the series of encounters in Capiz and Iloilo led to the recovery of a damaged upper receiver part for an M16 rifle, live ammunition and empty shells of M14 and M16 rifles.

Baladad said the 3ID remains committed and vigilant in ensuring the security and safety of the people in the Western Visayas.

He also acknowledged the support of the people of Tanjay City, who provided them information on the presence of armed rebels in their community.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/11/negor3.htm

Chinese state media: Phl ships expelled from Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine Star (Mar 11): Chinese state media: Phl ships expelled from Ayungin Shoal



China confirmed that its coast guard vessels had driven away two Philippine ships from the disputed Ayungin Shoal, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.

According to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said coast guard vessels patrolling the disputed area identified "two ships loaded with construction materials and carrying the flags of the Philippines."

The Philippine ships were reportedly approaching the shoal, known as the Ren'ai Reef to China, last Sunday.

Qin said the ships left the reef on Sunday afternoon after being warned by the Chinese vessels, the report added.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters including the Ren'ai Reef," Qin was quoted as saying in the Xinhua report.

Qin further claimed that the Philippines had attempted to start construction on the disputed reef.

"The moves infringed China's sovereignty and violated the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea," he said.

The latest incident came weeks after the Philippines lodged a formal protest against China for reportedly using water cannons to drive away Filipino fishermen from the Panatag shoal, another disputed area.

The Philippines and China remain locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, with the Asian giant pressing its indisputable sovereignty over the entire contested waters through its sweeping nine-dash-line claim.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/03/11/1299637/chinese-state-media-phl-ships-expelled-ayungin-shoal

Sultan of Sulu: No to PH consular office in Sabah

From the Manila Times (Mar 10): Sultan of Sulu: No to PH consular office in Sabah

THE Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo reiterated its rejection of proposals made by Malaysians for the Philippine government to open a consular office in Sabah.

Apparently agitated by the reports that the Aquino administration has decided to open a consular office in Sabah, Sultan Esmail Kiram 2nd, the reigning Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, expressed serious concern.

The Sultan’s wazir, not quite his prime minister but his policy adviser, former Gov. Almarin Centi Tillah of Tawi-Tawi, relayed these concerns to The Manila Times’ Publisher-Editor Rene Bas.

“We have every reason to believe that the plan while being denied publicly by Aquino officials, was agreed upon in secret between President Aquino and Prime Minister Najib Razak,” Al Tillah said.

“This is a betrayal not only of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo but also of the Republic of the Philippines. It is against Philippine national interest to virtually abandon the claim to Sabah by opening a consular office there and thereby show the world that the Philippine government accepts Malaysian sovereignty over Sabah,” he added.

In a separate event also on Monday, the Sultanate’s spokesman, Abhraham Idjurani, told Manila Times reporter Ritchie Horario of the Sultanate’s rejection of the plans “of the government to establish a Philippine consular office in Sabah.

Idjurani said saying that this is tantamount to surrendering Philippine sovereignty over Sabah to Malaysia.

“The Sultanate of Sulu is vehemently opposing any move by Malacañang to put up a Consular Office in the disputed territory,” Idjirani said.

The establishment of a consular office in the disputed territory was raised during the recent visit of President Benigno Aquino 3rd in Malaysia.

In case the plan pushes through, Idjirani said, Aquino would be the first Philippine President to start with “a wrong policy to waste a national legacy and as part of the Muslim contribution to nation building.”

“He has forgotten that any effort to diminish this legacy is a betrayal to the Filipino Great Cause,” he added.

He added that Aquino must remind Malaysia that it should adhere to the rule of law embodied in the 1963 Manila Accord.

North Borneo is that part of Sabah that is the sovereign territory of the reigning Sultans of Sulu and North Borneo.

The present Sultan, Esmail Kiram II, as his predecessors did, gladly accepts the fact of his being a Filipino citizen. Therefore, any lands and seas in his realm is part of the Republic of the Philippines.

That Sabah is Philippine territory is affirmed by the transfer by the then reigning Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Muhammad Esmail Kiram I, “of full sovereignty, title and dominion” over Sabah to the Philippines on September 12, 1962. The President of the Philippines then was Diosdado Macapagal.

Legal documents show that Sabah was leased by the Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo to agents of the British North Borneo Company. The UK then handed over the lease to the leaders of Malaya when they, with British support, were forming the Federation of Malaysia.

The Malaysian government maintains that Sabah belongs to it and Sabah is a state of the federation. The Philippines disputes that claim.

During President Aquino’s visit to Malaysia last week, Malaysian media once again played up proposals that the Philippines open a consular office in Sabah.

Problems of Filipino “migrants” in Sabah—Filipino Muslims carrying Philippine passports—have been cited by Malaysians as the reason there should be a consulate.
The way the news reached the Philippines, it seemed as if President Aquino and his administration have agreed to these proposals.

That is not true. President Aquino himself has stated that he did not want the Sabah dispute to be discussed but that Prime Minister Najib Razak did.

The Malaysian PM suggested the establishment of a hotline over the Sabah dispute.

The hotline would be between the Philippine and Malaysian security authorities. The Malaysian PM himself told journalists this detail.

http://manilatimes.net/sultan-of-sulu-no-to-ph-consular-office-in-sabah/81648/

Classes suspended as hot pursuit vs NPA rebs continues in Davao Sur town

From the Manila Times (Mar 11): Classes suspended as hot pursuit vs NPA rebs continues in Davao Sur town

DAVAO CITY: Classes in all levels in Matanao, Davao del Sur are still suspended since Monday even as military hot pursuit operations have continued against communist rebels who attacked the town’s police station and an Army detachment killing two policemen and seven soldiers.

Mayor Butch Fernandez was forced to suspend classes to prevent students from being hit in the crossfire.

Military operations spread as far as the hinterlands of neighboring Magsaysay town, Hagonoy and Kiblawan, all of Davao del Sur; Colombio in Sultan Kudarat; and Tulunan in North Cotabato.

Col. Norman Marcus Flores, commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, warned his men against landmines possibly planted by the fleeing members of the NPA’s Front Committee 72 led by one Felix Amodia alias Commander Jing.

Seven members of the 39th Infantry Battalion were killed while eight others were wounded when the vehicle they were riding was hit by a landmine explosion on Monday morning while they were chasing the rebels in Barangay Asbang in Matanao.

Earlier at 4:00 a.m., a band of 50 rebels attacked the Matanao Municipal Police Station, killing two policemen and wounding five others. They also carted away four Armalite rifles.

http://manilatimes.net/classes-suspended-as-hot-pursuit-vs-npa-rebs-continues-in-davao-sur-town/81692/

Army troops fend off rebel attacks in Capiz, Iloilo provinces

From the Manila Times (Mar 11): Army troops fend off rebel attacks in Capiz, Iloilo provinces

Alert troopers from the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion has successfully fended off attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Tapaz, Capiz and Calinog, Iloilo on Monday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan, 61st Infantry Battalion commander, said his men were conducting peace and development works in Barangays Daan Sur and Abangay in Tapaz town and in Barangay Agcalaga, Calinog town when fired upon by the rebel fighters around 2:00 p.m.

He said his troopers fired back and repelled the NPAs after a five-minute firefight.

Information from the civilians in the said areas states that the NPA rebels were planning to attack government vital installations as part of their compliance from the CPP-NPA leadership for the upcoming NPA anniversary on March 29.

Llapitan said the attacks prompted them to conduct pursuit operations against the fleeing rebel group resulting in the recovery of a damaged M-16 receiver, magazine parts, eight rounds of unserviceable M-16 ammunition, seven rounds of live M-16 ammunition and two rounds of M-14 shells.

The 61st Infantry Battalion commander said his men sustained no casualty and an undetermined number of NPA fighters could have been wounded as several blood trails were seen by pursuing troops.

“This incident is significant in our campaign for the security of our government vital installations in Tapaz and Calinog. We will not falter in our commitment to protect the government vital installations and likewise ensure the security and safety of the local communities,” Llapitan said.

http://manilatimes.net/army-troops-fend-off-rebel-attacks-in-capiz-iloilo-provinces/81698/

Philippines Says Near Military Cooperation Deal With U.S.

From the Wall Street Journal (Mar 10): Philippines Says Near Military Cooperation Deal With U.S.

Two Sides Have Reached Consensus on Many Provisions, Philippine Defense Department Says

The U.S. and the Philippines are aiming to add the finishing touches to an agreement on the rotational presence of U.S. forces in the Asian country at planned talks in Manila later this month.

The two sides made "significant progress" during a sixth round of talks held in Washington last week, the Philippine Department of Defense spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said March 9.

There was now "consensus on many provisions" of the proposed Framework Agreement for Enhanced Defense Cooperation, Mr. Galvez said, ahead of the seventh round of discussions scheduled for late March.

A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment, but a U.S. official said the talks "went well" and are on track for an agreement to be in place for Mr. Obama's visit to the Philippines.

Negotiations on increasing the U.S. military presence in the Philippines began last August, but became bogged down over the issue of jurisdiction, with the Philippine side reluctant to give U.S. forces exclusive control over any new facilities. The Philippine constitution bans any kind of permanent foreign military presence.

Progress was further delayed by disagreements within the Philippine negotiating panel. These problems led to the firing of one the team's four members in January, and to the subsequent appointment of two new members.

U.S. President Barack Obama is due to visit the Philippines in April as part of a regional tour, and both Manila and Washington are focused on completing the agreement before his arrival.

Mr. Galvez said the Philippines had now furnished the U.S. with a "full draft text" of the agreement, which "comprehensively articulates the Philippines' positions," especially in relation to its constitutional red lines.

The U.S. ambassador to Manila, Philip S. Goldberg, told reporters in Manila last month that the deal would lead to a rotational U.S. military presence at several locations in the Philippines.

The U.S. and the Philippines also held their fourth Bilateral Strategic Dialogue alongside the talks on U.S. force rotations last week, as they seek to strengthen their alliance based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

Improving joint disaster-relief operations has become a priority in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the central Philippines in November.

Tensions in the South China Sea—where China has overlapping territorial claims with several countries, including the Philippines—have also convinced leaders in Manila that they need to work more closely with Washington on security issues.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304020104579430653356370242?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304020104579430653356370242.html

Rebel leader killed in clash with troops

Sun Star-Davao (Mar 9): Rebel leader killed in clash with troops

A LEADER of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the government troops at Sitio Tagmailan in Barangay New Sibunga, Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley on Friday.

The Army's 10th Infantry Division's spokesperson Captain Ernest Carolina, in his text message, identified the rebel as Eleazar Romero, alias Ka Dads, resident of Compostela Valley.

It was revealed that Romero was a member of the NPA for about eight years. He was a platoon leader of the NPA's Sandatahang Unit Pampropaganda.

Carolina said Romero died inside the military's ambulance while heading to Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City.

He added that the rebel succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, following the NPA's encounter with the 60th Infantry Battalion around 1 p.m.

"The troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion were searching the encounter site at 6 p.m. when they found Romero. The troops were unable to call for a helicopter for evacuation of Romero and two wounded army due to their conditions kaya nag ambulance," Carolina said.

"According to one 60IB trooper, the medics applied all its first aid technique and had to carry Romero for three hours until they could reach the nearest road where he could be evacuated by ambulance together with our two wounded troops," he added.

Carolina said the cadaver of Romero was brought to Angel Funeral Parlor on F. Torres Street in Davao City. The Davao City Police Office was already informed on the matter, he added.

Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, on the other hand, commended the soldiers for their effort, however futile, to save the NPA platoon leader.

"Our soldiers tried to save this man because they recognize that he is already helpless. They took it upon themselves to extend whatever help they can to the wounded NPA leader, while his companions have already abandoned him," Bernardo said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/09/rebel-leader-killed-clash-troops-332274

Opinion: The true spirit of the Bangsamoro must be kept alive!

Opinion piece posted to the Philippine Star (Mar 10): The true spirit of the Bangsamoro must be kept alive!

The pioneers of the Bangsamoro struggle, the surviving MNLF FF90 have recently signed Resolution No. 01-2014, a Resolution of Unity. Out of the 90 brethren brothers who were part of the inception of the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), 39 are left and 33 have resounded themselves through this manifesto calling for peace and justice in Mindanao. 

Some may not know it but Datu Abul Khayr Alonto was actually the brains behind the MNLF.  He recruited the members including Nur Misuari (in the late 1960’s) who he made Chairman despite the refusal of the group.  But being deeply respected as the rightful head of the organization, Alonto’s decision prevailed and Nur was re-instated.  The rest is history.

Nur Misuari is in absentia. He has not shown up since the Zamboanga siege.  He has become a fugitive in view of the charges filed against him and 60 others by the DOJ which resulted to issuance of arrest warrants.  As in the past, Nur Misuari has on several instances hibernated at the expense of his people in the field. The men who fought at the 2013 Zamboanga siege were misled by him. They were told to wear their uniforms for a ‘parade’ for guests supposedly coming from the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. When Nur’s men reached Zamboanga City, they were given arms and told to occupy the Muslim dominated areas in the city. Those who died were wasted. In fact 2 FF90 and 1 FF300 original MNLF fighters, who were merely resting in their homes were also killed.

 With the disappointment the pioneers of the Bangsamoro struggle have with the present siutation and Nur Misuari, they saw a need to re-emerge as the Mainstream Original MNLF Members to work for Peace and Development with the signing of the 1976 RP-MNLF Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Accord. 

By the way, the MNLF is presumed to have demilitarized but Nur Misuari kept on violating the agreements to the dismay of the Original Freedom Fighters who stayed put in Mindanao and fought the war years, while Nur and others allegedly lived comfortably in the Middle East.

Unknown to Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, who is beset with his economic revolution (bringing local and foreign investments to the deprived Muslim Mindanao), the group elected him to be the present Chairman to replace Nur Misuari.

I was able to get a copy of the Resolution and here are some statements:

Whereas, we are the Original MNLF Freedom Fighters, the FF’90 of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), with our Military Arm, the MNLF Bangsamoro Army, who in the war years stayed put in Mindanao and fought, in defense of Islam, our people and the Bangsamoro homeland;

Whereas, we hereby reaffirm that the legitimacy of the positions of our brothers, Mr. Nur Misuari and DatuHj. Abul Khayr D. Alonto, as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the MNLF respectively, by virtue of selection, emanated from our group through the MNLF Central Committee, the rightful body to choose their rightful leaders;

Whereas, we are aware of the unfortunate blunders of Mr. Nur Misuari that hauled down the MNLF into an abyss of leadership crisis and its lamentable fragmentation as well as the exodus of able and dedicated Mujahideen (freedom fighters), either into the Philippine Government Bureaucracy, or to private lives of seemingly but definitely unwanted complacency;

Whereas, without the knowledge nor the approval of the Original MNLF Central Committee and their members, Mr. Nur Misuari veered away from the very principle that the group has sworn their lives for, when, among others, he publicly proclaimed Sulu, nearby provinces & the island of Palawan independent from the Philippine Republic with the inclusion of Sabah, Malaysia; and allegedly participated in the “March 2013 LahaDato Stand Off” & led “the September 2013 Zamboanga City Siege”, that caused the loss of hundreds of lives and destruction of properties;

Whereas, in pursuance of the inherent & inalienable rights of the Bangsamoro people to self-determination, the restoration of their freedom, independence and sovereignty as a people; the 1976 RP-Tripoli Agreement; and the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Accord; it is of historical imperativeness and exigency that we now fill the gap of leadership in the MNLF and concomitantly manifest our support for the 2012 GPH-MILF Framework Agreement for the Bangsamoro and the Transition Commission in the crafting of the Basic Law for the establishment of the Bangsa Moro State in Muslim Mindanao;

Wherefore, we hereby serve notice to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) & its 57 Member States; the Government of the Republic of the Philippines; the United Nations (UN); the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); the United States of America, Canada & Mexico…; that by virtue of law of succession and the noble covenant of the Original MNLF Central Committee, we have obliged MNLF Vice Chairman DatuHj. AbulKhayr D. Alonto, to assume the MNLF Chairmanship;

Wherefore, resolve as it is hereby resolved, and by virtue thereof, and having ordained and unanimously elected, DatuHj. AbulKhayr D. Alonto, of the Triumvirate of 1964 who organized the Youth Wing of the Moro Malay Muslim Movement in the Middle East & the Philippines; a participant in the “1965 Covenant of Jabbal Noor, Makkah Al-Mukarramah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and the true founding leader of the MNLF; as the new Chairman of the MNLF Central Committee; he shall immediately assume as such and officially exercise all the powers and authorities inherent thereof;

Wherefore, premises considered, resolve as it is resolved that authority is hereby granted to the Honorable Chairman, DatuHj. AbulKhayr D. Alonto, to initiate the immediate reconsolidation, reorganization and revitalization of the MNLF in consultation and collaboration with the MNLF Central Committee, the General Secretariat and the Heads of the Higher MNLF Military, Political, Economic, Religious, Social Services, Tribal Communities, Women & Youth Commissions;

This Resolution was done and signed on the 3rd day of RabiulAkhir 1435H corresponding to the 3rd day of February 2014, at theMNLF-LAM ALIF Lama Maradeka, KutaMarawi, Buadi Sa Kayo, Islamic City of Marawi, Mindanao, Philippines.

Signatories were members of the FF 90 AB’20, FF 90 CD’21, FF 90 H’14, and top 91 Brother Abdullah (Al) Camlian. It was noted with acceptance and conformity by Datu HJ. Abul Khayr D. Alonto.

In the public hearings and other forums conducted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission that is now in the process of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Ambassador Alonto has been invited as resource person and observer. He and some FF90, FF300 and BG67 are actively participating and contributing to the crafting of the Basic Law.     
        
The last annex to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that deals with decommissioning the armed wing of the MILF and outline steps to disarm private armies in the proposed Bangsamoro area has been signed.

At this juncture in the history of the MNLF, all they want is for all sectors to unite in support of the peace process since development cannot prevail in an atmosphere of war.

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2014/03/10/1299122/true-spirit-bangsamoro-must-be-kept-alive

PH, US moving closer to signing military deal

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 10): PH, US moving closer to signing military deal

“Significant progress was made” during the sixth round of negotiations on the “Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement” between the Philippines and the United States that would allow an increased rotational presence of American forces in the country, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.

The DND described the latest discussions between the two parties as “substantive and productive” and that “significant progress was made.”

According to the DND statement, the two panels went through the entire draft agreement and reached consensus on many provisions, including on the proposed accord’s preamble, purpose and scope, definition of terms, ownership of constructed infrastructure, coordination on security, contracting procedures, and resolution of disputes.

Once approved, the agreement will allow the sharing of defined areas within certain Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) facilities with elements of the US military on a rotational basis within parameters consistent with the Constitution and laws.

“This fresh round has clearly shown the shared commitment of both parties to enhance cooperation in defense, security, and related fields, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” said DND Undersecretary and chair of the Philippine negotiating panel Pio Lorenzo Batino.

“The further exchanges of views have helped pave the way for the formulation of mutually agreeable language,” he added.

The latest round of negotiations was held last week in Washington, D.C. The Philippines and United States negotiating panels are scheduled to meet again in Manila in late March to work on remaining issues.

After the reconstitution of the Philippine negotiating panel and before the fifth round of talks last January 30-31, the Philippine side presented a full draft text which more comprehensively articulated the Philippines’ positions that which are consistent with the Philippine Constitution and relevant laws as well as informed by the country’s historical experiences.

At the instance of the Philippine panel, the United States agreed to the inclusion of provisions on environment and safety, and opportunities for potential Philippine suppliers of goods, products and services.

Batino emphasized that, as in the preceding five rounds, the Philippine negotiating panel is guided by the principles of full respect for Philippine sovereignty, non-permanence of US troops, and no US basing in the Philippines, mutuality of benefits and respect for the Philippine Constitution, including the prohibition against nuclear weapons.

The other members of the Philippine negotiating panel are Ambassador Lourdes Yparraguirre, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Justice Department Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, and DND Assistant Secretary for strategic assessments Raymund Jose Quilop.

http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-us-moving-closer-to-signing-military-deal/

MILF: Peace Advocacy held in Jolo

From the MILF Website (Mar 10): Peace Advocacy held in Jolo



The MILF Provincial Committee of Southern SULU headed by its Provincial Chairman held another round of peace advocacy on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four annexes with the theme “Empowering Bangsamoro Potential Leaders and Communities on the Art of Ministerial form of Government” on February 12 at the Notre Dame Demazenod Center, Jolo, Sulu.
  

The participants came from the different island municipalities of Sulu and some local government officials.  Speakers were Aleem Sam Alabat, a Shari’a expert and Tirso Tahir, a native of Tawi-Tawi, both members of the Steering Committee of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).

The forum started with an opening prayer by Uztadz Olsen Lee and followed by opening remarks.

The overview on the topic “Ministerial Form of Government was given by Brother Omar Sabdani Jr. BDA staff-SulTa Region, followed by Aleem Sam Alabat who tackled about Sharia and Politics in Islam in relation to Bangsamoro Ministerial form of Government.

Tahir, categorically underlined the salient points of the four (4) signed annexes of FAB and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters and Zone of Joint Cooperation. Both Speakers stressed their topics in a vivid and comprehensive manner through power point presentation using Tagalog & Tau Sug dialects to be more effective and easily understood by the local folks.

At the end of the program the closing statement was delivered by Ms. Sitti Rina A. Halun BDA-IDO, SulTa Region. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the resource speakers and participants for their responsiveness.
Afterwards, kanduli or thanksgiving was held at the residence of Provincial Chairman of Southern Sulu.

The organizers and the attendees expressed their overwhelmed gratification to BLMI, The Asia Foundation (TAF) for their unwavering support to this kind of endeavor; the speakers for their effort and valuable knowledge provided to them in relation to the progress in the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

The BLMI is engaged in expeditionary mission on advocacy and consultation efforts in Moro areas both in central and island municipalities in Mindanao with its noble undertaking of enlightening every Bangsamoro on the peace process. In their consultation sorties, they encouraged everyone to be on board on the journey towards achieving lasting peace in Bangsamoro homeland.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/860-peace-advocacy-held-in-jolo

MILF: MINHRAC appoints new Executive Director and TPMT Representative

From the MILF Website (Mar 10): MINHRAC appoints new Executive Director and TPMT Representative



The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRac) in a meeting on February 28, 2014 passed a resolution appointing a new Executive Director and representative to the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) after Atty. Zainudin Malang tendered his resignation as Executive Director and representative to the TPMT.

In the resolution by the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the MINHRAC held at Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City, it said that the BOT appointed Abdulbasit R. Benito as a new Executive Director of the said association and Rahib L. Kudto as a new representative to the TPMT in order to pursue MINHRAC’s mandates in empowering conflict affected communities in Mindanao through promotion of human rights.

The MINHRAC’s BOT agreed to disseminate the resolutions as wide as possible especially to the GPH and MILF Peace Panel Chairs and the Third Party Facilitator for their information and guidance.

“FINALLY, it is resolved to furnish copies of these resolutions to the Office of the Chairmen of the Peace Panels of the GPH and MILF, Chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), Office of the Chairman of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), and Office of the GPH-MILF Peace Process Third Party Facilitator,” says resolution.

The TPMT is mandated by the GPH and MILF to monitor, review and asses all signed agreements, primarily the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/859-minhrac-appoints-new-executive-director-and-tpmt-representative

CPP: Video -- Block the US-Aquino regime's cha-cha scheme

Ang Bayan video posted to the CPP Website (Mar 7): Video: Block the US-Aquino regime's cha-cha scheme (Ang Bayan, 7 March 2014)  



Published on Mar 10, 2014
          

The Filipino people face a great battle in their historic defense of the nation's sovereignty. Their enemy in this battle is the puppet Aquino regime which is now going all-out in pushing for changes in the provisions of the reactionary 1987 constitution in accordance with US imperialist desires.

Aquino has pulled all stops in using government funds to fuel the cha-cha train.

The entire people must take action and unite to block and derail this scheme by the US-Aquino regime whose end is no other than to condemn the Philippines to new depths of foreign exploitation and plunder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcNyub6JBes&list=UUIdJcoTlC5Q5jrKCOh4dJeA

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP: Oppose Aquino spending spree for hosting increased US military presence—CPP

Anti-US military propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 10): Oppose Aquino spending spree for hosting increased US military presence—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the spending spree of the Aquino government and its armed forces to rush the construction and upgrading of its military facilities in order to accomodate the requirements set by the US military for its increased rotational presence in the Philippines.

“Upon the prodding of the US, the armed forces under the Aquino government is presently making upgrades to its facilities in order to accomodate the increased traffic of US warships and war planes,” said the CPP. The AFP is set to spend at least P1 billion for the construction of a port at Ulugan Bay as well as upgrade the facilities at Oyster Bay, both in Palawan, pointed out the CPP.

“This is where most of the much-vaunted military aid of the US goes,” said the CPP. Last year, the US allocated $40 million in military financing to the Philippines, twice as much as the previous year. “In reality, the US is able to save a lot because its so-called aid, augmented by local funds, is in fact spent for the needs of US military overseas forces.”

The CPP further denounces the negotiations on the Framework Agreement for Increased Rotational Presence (IRP) between the US and Aquino governments which is geared towards further relegating the status of the Philippines as a military base of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The negotiations on the IRP, the details of which are being kept secret from the Filipino people, are clearly being rushed to have the agreement ready for the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama this April,” pointed out the CPP. Another round of IRP negotiations are set for the last week of March.

“The Filipino people must oppose the IRP with all-out vigor as this will draw the Philippines into the military tensions and wars being instigated by the US,” added the CPP. “The increased rotational presence of US forces will strengthen the permanent presence of the US military in the Philippines. Even without the agreement, one or several US warships are stationed in Manila or elsewhere at any given time.” Just last Sunday, another US warship, the USS Cowpens (CG 63), a guided-missile cruiser, docked in Manila.

“Based on the scarce information being released by the Department of National Defense, the IRP will allow the sharing of defined areas within the facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the US military,” noted the CPP.

“The term ‘sharing’ is, of course, a euphemism for what really is exclusive control being provided the US, as in the case of the headquarters of the US forces within Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.” The CPP pointed out that the 700-strong US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) maintain and exclusive zone within Camp Navarro which not even the top generals of the AFP can enter without prior consent and coordination with US officials.

Such a foothold also facilitates US military intervention, especially in the counterrevolutionary war in the country. US military advisers were active in the design of the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan, a carbon copy of the US Counterinsurgency Guide of 2009. Despite explicit constitutional prohibition, US military personnel are also active in the battlefield providing logistical real-time satellite and drone intelligence support to ground forces.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140310_oppose-aquino-spending-spree-for-hosting-increased-us-military-presence-cpp

CPP: Block the US-Aquino regime’s cha-cha scheme

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 8): Block the US-Aquino regime’s cha-cha scheme

CPP Ang Bayan

 

The Filipino people face a great battle in their historic defense of the nation’s sovereignty. Their enemy in this battle is the puppet Aquino regime which is now going all-out in pushing for changes in the provisions of the reactionary 1987 constitution in accordance with US imperialist desires.

Aquino has pulled all stops in using government funds to fuel the cha-cha train.

The entire people must take action and unite to block and derail this scheme by the US-Aquino regime whose end is no other than to condemn the Philippines to new depths of foreign exploitation and plunder.

In just two weeks and after only a few hearings, Aquino’s minions at the Lower House of Congress passed a resolution calling for constitutional change. Aquino’s people hope that the cha-cha resolution will also be rapidly approved by the House in plenary, just as laws and resolutions pushed by Aquino had likewise been passed posthaste in exchange for fund pledges in the form of projects.

The US government has been brazenly intervening in goading the Philippines into amending the 1987 constitution and has imposed this on the Aquino regime as a condition for joining the US Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a pact being forged by the US that would lock the Philippines in an unequal trade relationship with the US. The Aquino regime wants to make sure that the cha-cha train runs full speed so it could brag about it to its master Barack Obama who is scheduled to visit this April.

Once the Aquino regime’s cha-cha scheme pushes through, foreign big capitalists will be given free rein to own land and run their businesses within the country. This can only worsen foreign domination over the economy and pave the way for widespread mining operations and the plunder of the country’s resources by foreign big capitalists and their big comprador bourgeois cohorts.

Aquino’s cha-cha scheme will further impoverish the toiling masses, worsening the widespread displacement of the peasant masses who will further be deprived of land to till, and aggravating the eviction of minority peoples from their ancestral lands. Already massive landgrabbing by big landlords in connivance with big foreign agribusiness companies and vast export-oriented plantations will become even more widespread.

The conditions of the Filipino worker masses will also worsen. It is a declared objective of Aquino’s cha-cha to attract foreign investments.

Along with granting foreign capital the entire gamut of investment and property rights, the ruling state will further pull down workers’ wages even if these are already severely inadequate to support the daily needs of a typical family.

Local capital will be further decimated. For the past several decades, areas of the economy where national bourgeois capital and operations could still exist have progressively dwindled. Local capital has virtually been wiped out amid the all-out investment and trade liberalization of the past three decades. With the cha-cha plans, one can expect the eventual extinction of the local bourgeoisie or its complete devourment by foreign capital.

To make the cha-cha scheme palatable, the Aquino regime has been claiming that the key to economic progress is to attract foreign investments.

This justification has been bandied about for more than 50 years by reactionary economists and the IMF-World Bank. But it has become crystal clear that the pro-imperialist economists’ repeated claim that the massive entry of foreign investments is the solution to widespread unemployment is a big lie.

This was the same reasoning invoked by the US in 1946 when it pushed the Parity Rights amendment granting equal rights to foreigners to own land and businesses in the Philippines. In fact, Aquino is merely restoring Parity Rights to Americans and other foreign big capitalists. Aquino’s cha-cha measures constitute a big step backward, and are further worsening the semicolonial status of Philippine economy and society. It will aggravate the backward and foreign capital-dependent agrarian economy that is tied to the crisis-ridden international capitalist system.

The cha-cha scheme will further exacerbate the neocolonial status of the reactionary state. The ruling classes will become even more dependent on foreign capital, leading to an even tighter stranglehold by foreign monopolies on the ruling landlord-big comprador bourgeois state.

The forthcoming battle against the cha-cha scheme is indeed a historic one, ushering in a major shift in the country’s economic and political course.

The Filipino people must fight a great battle against the US-Aquino regime’s cha-cha scheme. A widespread political education campaign must be launched in the next few months to revive the spirit of patriotism, shatter the illusion of neoliberalism and expose the damage to the economy and the people’s livelihoods wrought by decades of implementing the policies of liberalization, privatization, deregulation and denationalization.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140308_block-the-us-aquino-regime-s-cha-cha-scheme

PA, NPA clash in 3 boundary barangays of Capiz-Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): PA, NPA clash in 3 boundary barangays of Capiz-Iloilo

The Philippine Army (PA) and the New People’s Army (NPA) clashed Monday in three boundary barangays of Capiz and Iloilo provinces.

Major Rey Tiongson, PA 3rd ID spokesperson, said that a five-minute encounter occurred in Brgy. Daan Sur and Brgy. Abangay, Tapaz, Capiz Monday morning while the 61st Infantry Battalion based in Tapaz were conducting patrol as part of the intensified, focused security operation on governmental vital installations.

At 1:30 a.m., another encounter happened at Brgy. Agcalaga, Calinog, Iloilo while elements of the 61st Infantry Battalion were securing the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project.

Tiongson said that PA started last week an intensified security operation after receiving reports from the barangay residents about the NPA central front plan to conduct atrocious activities in line with their anniversary celebration on March 29.

The military spokesperson said that the government troops recovered upper part of the M16 rifle and empty shells. There was no casualty on the government side but that the PA believes there are wounded NPAs in the encounters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=623945

6 NPA rebels surrender in Western Visayas – Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): 6 NPA rebels surrender in Western Visayas – Army

Four self-confessed members of the New People’s Army in Negros and two others from Panay surrendered to the Philippine Army units in Western Visayas from January to March this year.

Maj. Ray Tiongson, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division in the islands of Negros and Panay, said the surrender of the six brings to 50 the number of rebels who abandoned the armed struggle in the region.

Sonny Boy Senda, alias Ka Raymund, a member of Squad 3, Sentro De Grabidad platoon of the South East Front, surrendered on March 6 to the 79th Infantry Battalion in Siaton, Negros Oriental.

On March 8, an encounter between 79th Infantry Battalion troopers and about 15 NPA members was reported in Barangay Bahi-an, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

An M-16 Armalite rifle with two magazines of ammunition, a backpack containing personal belongings and subversive documents, were found at the encounter site, Tiongson said.

He added that the return of several NPA members to the mainstream society and abandonment of their 44 camps last years are indications of weakening revolutionary organization in the region.

These camps included 24 in Negros and 20 in Panay.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=624043

(Update) 10 killed, 11 hurt in series of clashes, landmine attacks in Davao Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): (Update) 10 killed, 11 hurt in series of clashes, landmine attacks in Davao Del Sur

Ten people were killed while 11 others wounded following a series of clashes and landmine attacks in Matanao town, Davao Del Sur Monday morning.

Capt. William Alfred Rodriquez, 1002nd Infantry Brigade civil-military operations officer, said six of those killed were soldiers, two policemen and the remaining two were rebel fighters.

Rodriquez said the slain soldiers were on their way to reinforce the military's Dongapekong Detachment in Matanao town which was being harassed by the rebels, when the New People's Army (NPA) detonated a landmine as their convoy was passing through Barangay Asbang.

Six troopers were immediately killed in the blast while eight others wounded.

Earlier, an estimated 50 rebels attacked the Matanao Municipal Police Station around 4:30 a.m., killing two police officers and wounding three others.

The slain police officers were identified as PO3 Danny Laganse Moalong and PO3 Manolo Lazarte Booc Jr.

Those wounded were identified as Insp. Renato Yulin Uy, PO1 Sherwin Ray Diapana Cadungog and P01 Nelbert Portabes.

The NPA force was under the command of one Felix Armodia, leader of the rebels' Front 72.

The rebel force managed to snatch seven M-16 automatic rifles, two 9-mm pistols, one .45-caliber pistol and two hand-held radios.

Pursuing government soldiers killed two of the attacking rebels in Barangay Saboy.

Rodriquez said that pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=623884

6th round of talks on US troops presence in PHL substantive, productive

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): 6th round of talks on US troops presence in PHL substantive, productive

The Philippines and United States have made “significant progress” after both sides concluded its 6th round of talks for an agreement that will allow increased rotational presence of American troops in the country.

From March 4 to 6, Philippine and US negotiating panels held negotiations in Washington where they went through the entire draft agreement and reached consensus on many provisions, a Department of Foreign Affairs statement said Monday.

Among these are the proposed accord’s preamble, purpose and scope, definition of terms, ownership of constructed infrastructure, coordination on security, contracting procedures, and resolution of disputes.

An Agreed Minutes issued at the end of talks described the discussions as “substantive and productive” and that “significant progress was made.”

They will meet again in Manila late March to thresh out other issues in the agreement, which is hoped to be signed on or before the visit of US President Barack Obama in the Philippines in April.

“This fresh round has clearly shown the shared commitment of both parties to enhance cooperation in defense, security and related fields, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” said Defense Undersecretary and head of Philippine negotiator Pio Lorenzo Batino.

“The further exchanges of views have helped pave the way for the formulation of mutually agreeable language,” he added.

According to the DFA, the Philippine side presented a full draft text which “more comprehensively articulated the Philippines’ positions” consistent with the Philippine Constitution and laws.

The US, it added also agreed to the Philippine position to include provisions on environment and safety, and opportunities for potential Philippine suppliers of goods, products and services.

“As in the preceding five rounds, the Philippine Negotiating Panel is guided by the principles of full respect for Philippine sovereignty, non-permanence of US troops and no US basing in the Philippines, mutuality of benefits and respect for the Philippine Constitution, including the prohibition against nuclear weapons,” he said.

The US used to maintain large military bases in Clark, Pampanga and Subic Bay in Olongapo, Zambales for decades until Philippine lawmakers voted to close it down in the 1991.

After almost a decade of absence, American forces were allowed in 1998 to return to the county through a mechanism, called the Visiting Forces Agreement -- an accord that permits them to stay for brief periods to hold military drills with Filipino counterparts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=624000

DND joins in nationwide celebration of International Women's Month

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): DND joins in nationwide celebration of International Women's Month

The Department of National Defense (DND), in cooperation with the Philippine Commission on Women, joins in the nationwide celebration of International Women's Month.

In Monday flag-raising ceremony, DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin hailed the invaluable role that women play in nation-building, especially in the country’s road to recovery, development, and progress.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=624072

Hawaii National Guard, PHL disaster response teams conducting urban search and rescue training

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): Hawaii National Guard, PHL disaster response teams conducting urban search and rescue training

Experts from the Hawaii National Guard and Philippine disaster response teams are currently conducting bilateral urban search and rescue training (US&R) at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.

The 10-day training program, which began on March 3, involves over 100 personnel, including members of the Hawaii National Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Red Cross, the Emergency Response Unit Foundation, and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The training, a US&R subject matter expert exchange, involves basic and advanced practical application in rope rescue, confined space operations, shoring, medical search and extraction, lifting and hauling, and breaching and breaking.

The goal of the training is to build capacity within the AFP and other Philippine first-responders for US&R operations and pre-hospital trauma medical skills.

The members of the Hawaii National Guard are expected to return during Exercise Balikatan ’14 in May for additional US&R training and a scenario-based field training exercise.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=624071

Death toll in Davao del Sur NPA attacks rises to 10 as pursuing troops ambushed

From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Death toll in Davao del Sur NPA attacks rises to 10 as pursuing troops ambushed



(UPDATE 2 - 3:28 p.m.) The death toll from New People’s Army operations in Davao del Sur province on Friday that began with the foiled attempt to overrun a town police station rose to 10 when the rebels ambushed pursuing soldiers.

At least six soldiers died and eight others were wounded when a rebel blocking force detonated a landmine in Barangay Asbang that struck a KM250 truck ferrying troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion to Barangay Dunganpekong in Matanao town to take part in the pursuit of the rebel band that had tried to storm the municipal police station around 4:30 a.m.

Troops of the battalion manning a checkpoint by in Barangay Savoy, also in Matanao, had earlier apprehended 9 suspected guerrillas, who were reportedly retreating after failing to overrun the town police station.

The rebels who attacked the police station left two policemen dead -- Police Officer 1 Manolo Booc and PO3 Danny Moalong -- and three others -- Inspector Renato Uy, PO1 Gilbert Legaspi, and PO1 Sherwin Cadungog -- wounded.

Troops who responded killed two rebels, one of who was identified as Eleazar de Asis Romero by Captain William Alfredo Rodriguez, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division.

Earlier, Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebels who attacked the police station belonged to NPA Front 72.

The rebels, who were clad in camouflage uniforms, arrived on an Elf truck, a jeep and motorcycles.

The Tactical Operations Group 11 of the Philippine Air Force sent two MG520 attack helicopters to provide air support for pursuing ground troops.
Two UH-IH helicopters were also sent to provide support.

The rebels are believed to belong to the NPA's Front 72 Mt. Alip Command led by Felix Armodia, alias Ka Jing, who in December vowed to launch more rebel offensives.

Monday’s raid came several days after another NPA unit from the Southern Mindanao Party Command exploded a landmine in the nearby town of Bansalan, wounding 11 soldiers of the 39th IB and five civilian members of the Davao del Sur provincial rescue and disaster management coordinating council.

The Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA has apologized for the injuries to the civilians.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82357/death-toll-in-davao-del-sur-npa-attacks-rises-to-10-as-pursuing-troops-ambushed

Cordillera rights group urges PNoy to probe Army battalion for deaths of Abra farmer, 2 sons

From InterAksyon (Mar 10): Cordillera rights group urges PNoy to probe Army battalion for deaths of Abra farmer, 2 sons

A human rights group in the Cordillera region is urging President Benigno Aquino III to order an investigation of an Army battalion suspected of being behind the deaths of a 75-year old farmer and his two sons in Abra province.

At the House of Representatives, Kabataan party-list Representative Terry Ridon asked the committee on human rights to investigate the deaths of Licuben Balansi Ligiw and his sons Freddie, 24, single, and Eddie, 42, also single, whose bodies were discovered in a shallow grave in Capualan, Sitio Sucao, Domenglay in Licuan-Baay, Abra on March 8, Saturday.

Earlier, the military described the three as possible victims of execution by the New People’s Army. 1st Lieutenant Rowena Abayon, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the three were last seen on March 1 in the company of 15 rebels.

She also said Freddie Ligiw was a former NPA fighter who surrendered in March 2011.

But the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance said the three were members of the Kakailyan Salakniban Tay Amin ti Nagtaudan (Let Us Protect Our Homeland), the Abra chapter of the Cordillera People’s Alliance, which is the oldest indigenous people’s federation in the region.

The CHRA said the organization to which the Ligiws belonged had been the subject of vilification campaigns and branded an NPA front by the 41rst Infantry Battalion.

Freddie, who was indeed a former rebel, was, at the time of his death, also a member of the activist youth group, Anakbayan.

On Monday, Anakbayan and the Student Christian Movement of the Philippines staged protests at Mendiola Bridge and the Department of Justice in Manila to protest the death of Freddie.

In a statement, the CHRA said on February 19 Freddie had been forced by 41st IB troops to act as their guide during an operation in Lenneng, Domenglay, Licuan-Baay.

The CHRA said that, on the morning of March 2, Freddie left their home to join his father and brother at their pacalso or farm hut. The three failed to return home that night.

Anakbayan said on March 4 Freddie was scheduled to meet with human rights groups on being forced to guide the 41st IB.

On March 7, at least 50 residents and officials of Licuan-Baay formed a search team, which found the grave near the Ligiws’ hut.

Domenglay barangay captain Josephine Carino reported this to the town police, which retrieved the cadavers the next day.

When exhumed, the residents said the bodies of the Ligiws were piled up in the grave in fetal positions, their hands tied, and the two sons gagged.

Lawyer Jennifer Asuncion, CHRA vice chairman, said they will be filing cases against the suspects in the deaths of the Ligiws.

However, Cordillera regional police spokesman Vicente Limmong said they still had not identified any suspects and their investigation into the killings is still ongoing. The remains of the Ligiws were brought to the Pineda Funeral Homes in the capital town Bangued for autopsy.

The CHRA called for the demilitarization of Abra, saying the murder of the Ligiws had created a climate of fear in the province.

CHRA chairman Rene Cortes, Asuncion and deputy secretary general Audrey Beltran also urged Brigadier General Felix Brawner, a Cordilleran, to help initiate an impartial investigation of the 41st IB, which is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Domingo.

“We do not subscribe to the AFP’s claim that the massacre was perpetrated by the NPA,” the CHRA statement said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82381/cordillera-rights-group-urges-pnoy-to-probe-army-battalion-for-deaths-of-abra-farmer-2-sons

China claims to have driven off Philippine boats from disputed Second Thomas Shoal

From InterAksyon (Dec 10): China claims to have driven off Philippine boats from disputed Second Thomas Shoal

China said on Monday that coast guard ships had driven away two Filipino vessels that had tried to approach a shoal in the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, in the latest flare-up of a long-running territorial dispute.

The Chinese ships were patrolling waters around Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as the Ren'ai reef, when they spotted the boats, carrying construction materials and Philippine flags, which left the area after being warned off, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

The incident happened on Sunday, he added.

Qin said that China had repeatedly demanded the Philippines remove a ship that had been grounded on the shoal in 1999, but that Manila had cited technical reasons for being unable to do so.

"This time, the Philippine side has again attempted to start construction on the reef," he told a daily news briefing. "The moves infringed China's sovereignty."

China had no choice but to respond to the Philippines' moves, Qin added.

Manila ran aground an old transport ship on the reef in 1999 to mark its territory, and has stationed marines in abject conditions on the rusting hulk.

China's claims over islands, reefs and atolls in resource-rich waters off its south coast and to the east of mainland Southeast Asia have set it directly against Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also lay claim to parts.

The Second Thomas Shoal, a strategic gateway to Reed Bank, believed to be rich in oil and natural gas, is one of several possible flashpoints in the South China Sea that could force the United States to intervene in defense of its Southeast Asian allies.

In 2010, Manila awarded an Anglo-Filipino consortium a license to explore for gas on Reed Bank, but drilling stalled in 2012, because of the presence of Chinese ships.

Manila says Reed Bank, about 80 nautical miles west of Palawan, is within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Beijing says it is part of the Spratlys, a group of 250 uninhabitable islets spread over 165,000 square miles, claimed entirely by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and in part by Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82413/china-claims-to-have-driven-off-philippine-boats-from-disputed-second-thomas-shoal

NPA rebels raid Davao police headquarters

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 10): NPA rebels raid Davao police headquarters



Dozens of communist rebels attacked a police headquarters and killed two and wounded three other policemen in a daring raid at dawn Monday in the southern Philippines, security officials said.

The attack occurred even as police and military earlier warned all its commanders to stay on high alert because of intelligence report of an impending raid by New People’s Army rebels.

Officials said two rebels were allegedly slain in a gunbattle with pursuing government soldiers in Davao del Sur’s Matanao town where rebel forces arrived in trucks and attacked the headquarters that killed PO1 Manolo Booc and PO3 Danny Moalang.

The wounded policemen have been identified as Insp. Renato Uy, PO1 Sherwin Cadungog and PO1 Gilbert Legaspi.

Officials tagged the leader of the raiders as Felix Armodia alias Ka Jing, who heads the NPA forces in Davao and Cotabato provinces.

There was no immediate statement from the rebel group about the latest attack, but it had previously warned of fresh offensives against police and military targets.

In December, rebel forces stormed a police headquarters in Don Victoriano Chiongbian town in the southern Misamis Occidental province and seized a cache of weapons, including a machine gun before escaping towards Zamboanga del Sur province.

The NPA also raided the police headquarters in Kibawe town in Bukidnon province near Misamis and killed and wounded 5 officers and carted at least 13 assorted weapons. The rebels have been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/03/npa-rebels-raid-davao-police.html