MILF: Editorial -- The Issue of Ancestral Domain in the Bangsamoro

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Apr 1-7): The Issue of Ancestral Domain in the Bangsamoro

April 1-7, 2014 ::The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fully respects the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) as a law enacted by Philippine Congress. But its application in the future Bangsamoro political entity has never been agreed as part of signed documents, especially in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The MILF consistently staved off attempts --- and succeeded --- in excluding the application of this conceptual legal framework in the Bangsamoro. It is too narrow and restrictive.
  

As far as the CAB is concerned, there is only one ancestral domain in the Bangsamoro; and this ancestral domain is owned by Moros and indigenous peoples (IPs) particularly the Tidurays, Lambangian, and Dulangan Manobos. (By the way, Moros are also indigenous). If outside of the Bangsamoro, the concept of ancestral domain is more tribal in application, here it is elevated to a more national in character, because the term “Bangsamoro” becomes an identity, similar or at par with “Filipino”. Both are national identities.

There are facts that support this discourse. The Maguindanaons and Tidurays have only one ancestral root; they are the descendants of the two brothers, Mamalu and Tabunaway. Therefore, both in ancestry and domain, they are one and cannot be separated. Besides, North Upi and South Upi, where the descendants of Mamalu dwell, have large Maguindanaon populations.  Besides, the other municipalities bordering these two municipalities have mixed Maguindanaon and Tiduray populations. Therefore, an outright delineation cannot be possible; it would only create trouble. What is possible is “identification” of areas occupied, possessed, or owned by the Maguindanaons and Tidurays.

In the Annex on Power-sharing, ancestral domain and natural resources are part of the exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro. But in order to allay the fears of the IPs, whether founded or otherwise, a safety clause for their protection was added in the document, which reads: “Protection of the rights of the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples and taking into account, in addition to economic and geographical criteria, their individual and communal property rights, cultural integrity, customary beliefs, historical and community tradition.” Besides, the NCIP was not devolved to the ARMM, which instead has the Office of the Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC) to take charge of the affairs and interests of the IPs. On top of all reasons, it was not the Moros or Muslims who “grabbed” the landholdings of the IPs anywhere in Mindanao. The truth is that both Moros and IPs are victims of this massive landgrabbing in Mindanao. They should, therefore, unite not disunite --- and not intrigued by “evil whisperers”.

We should also understand that the signing of the CAB was only made possible after 16 long years of hard and harsh bargaining in the negotiating table and after more than forty years of bloody armed conflict in Mindanao that claimed the lives of 150,000 people and billions of pesos worth of properties. And it was mostly Moros’ lives lost in the conflict, not other peoples’. The Moros paid for it dearly.

We appeal to groups especially former (or current) members of the rejectionist faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and a local non-government organization based in Cotabato City, which received a huge grant of money from an international donor institution for the so-called “delineation of ancestral domain” of the indigenous peoples in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), particularly in the province of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur,  to respect the arrangement set forth in the CAB. It is not helping the peace process. However, in order to sort out things and come to full understanding, the MILF is willing to hold a dialogue. Please let us know.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/900-the-issue-of-ancestral-domain-in-the-bangsamoro

102nd IB, IPHO conduct free medical-dental services in Sibugay

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 1): 102nd IB, IPHO conduct free medical-dental services in Sibugay

The 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade conducted a total of six medical and dental outreach services all around Zamboanga Sibugay province from February to March in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

This was disclosed by Captain Marcel S. Jumawan, Civil Military Operations Officer of 102nd IB, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Jumawan said the outreach program also included medical consultation, circumcision, haircut, ear piercing, shoe repair and dental services.

Some 2,500 residents from the different barangays benefitted from the said services.

Moreover, on Feb. 28 a total of 35 patients have availed themselves of free dental services (tooth extraction) initiated by Pastor Ricky E. Lagare, administrative pastor of the Metro Ipil Evangelical Church,  in partnership with the 102nd IB Dental Team headed by Major Ester P. Austria at Barangay Tomitom, this municipality.

On Feb. 21, 23, and 26, during the commemoration of the 13th Araw ng Sibugay, a total of 1,786 individuals have benefitted from the medical and dental outreach program by the IPHO and the 102nd IB.

On March 7, a medical and dental outreach program was again conducted by the 102nd IB, IPHO, 44th IB and 16 Special Forces Company (SFC) in Barangay Dipala, Kabasalan, benefitting 679 individual.

The 102nd IB and 44th IB also participated in the medical and dental outreach program spearheaded by IPHO in Barangay Bulawan, Payao last March 14.

Captain Jumawan said in a text message that the active participation of the army in delivering community services is in line with the army “transformation road map.”

“We, the army are doing untraditional tasks, like the med-dental outreach to reach out to our less fortunate brothers in mountain barangays and offer them the basic services for free.”

He also said that these activities are to expand army’s roles such as disaster response, peace keeping operations and support to the national development through multi-sectoral alliance and LGU support.

“This rendering of basic services to the people in need is to make them realize that the government cares for them. The army is only a bridge in giving these services from the government to the people,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2831396255553

MNLF wants terms of 1996 agreement incorporated into MILF peace accord

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 1): MNLF wants terms of 1996 agreement incorporated into MILF peace accord

Moro National Liberation Front. AFP FILE PHOTO

Majority of the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front, including Nur Misuari, wanted the inclusion of all provisions of its 1996 peace agreement with the government incorporated into the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that was signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last week.

Randolph Parcasio, an MNLF legal counsel, said in a statement e-mailed to news organizations that this position was shared by the so-called Misuari and Muslimin Sema factions, the executive council and the Islamic council during a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia.

“All its provisions complementing the  Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) on advancing the cause of self-determination must be incorporated into the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” he said of the agreement that Misuari signed with the government in 1996.

Parcasio said the general consensus of senior MNLF leaders is for the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to study how the significant provisions of the 1996 agreement could be merged with those of the CAB.

He said the MNLF already has a position on this.

The 32-page 1996 peace agreement covers the Basic Rights, Rights on Sharing of Revenues for Metallic Minerals, Security, Governance, Women and the Indigenous Peoples.

“The MNLF (leaders) agree that these provisions should not be diminished,” Parcasio said, adding that this was also the position of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The OIC was the same body that brokered the 1996 peace agreement and the talks between the government and the MILF.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/590912/mnlf-wants-terms-of-1996-agreement-incorporated-into-milf-peace-accord

NPA can no longer recover its formidable strength – Nolcom

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 1): NPA can no longer recover its formidable strength – Nolcom



Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. FILE PHOTO

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City– The strength of the New People’s Army has turned into an “irreversible” level in Northern Luzon.

“This is attested by the formal declaration of the 22 provinces in the Nolcom AOR [area of responsibility], together with our stakeholders, as peaceful and ready for further development,” Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang, commander of Northern Luzon Command, said on Tuesday.

At the 27th anniversary of Nolcom here, Catapang said that they have shifted their efforts to readying for more “business enterprises” and “economic-boosting expansions” that guarantee better lives.

“Peace has a shelf life. If our ordinary townsfolk do not feel prosperous, ang tiyan at sikmura niya ay nakararamdam ng gutom. If he feels hungry, there is still a probability that he will join the enemy,” Catapang said in his speech.

He said they have an ongoing programs and developments throughout his area of responsibility.

Catapang also addressed another “emerging challenge” to the military, which is climate change.

“Natural disasters which we believe is the new war that we are facing. No matter how progressive and developed our community may be no one is spared from its impact,” he said.

With this, they already set aside shelters inside camps under his area as possible evacuation sites for future disasters.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/590916/npa-can-no-longer-recover-its-formidable-strength-nolcom

Reports of its Demise Untrue, Says NPA

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 1): Reports of its Demise Untrue, Says NPA

The Southwest Negros Island front of the New People’s Army (NPA), in its birthplace, Southwest Negros and which covered the CHICKS, (Cauayan, Hinobaan, Ilog, Kabankalan and Sipalay), related in an official statement its experiences on the eve of its 4th anniversary commemoration last March 29, this year, saying it is, like the rest of the country, advancing steadily towards its goal of achieving the stalemate stage of its armed struggle nationwide.

From its number which was small previously, it has become bigger, Andrea Guerrero, southwest Negros spokesperson declared.

When then now retired army Gen. Raymundo Jarque Sr. launched the military operation Oplan Thunderbolt under its Low Intensity Conflict, strategy, the NPA adopted the battlecry, "Fight Bisul, Kontra Humay" which referred to the much-better feed military troops. This was also because, facing extreme difficulties then, the guerilla army, was on survival mode.

Like the NPA as a whole, it also suffered what appeared to be unresolvable setbacks but a ratification movement corrected serious mistakes committed by the revolutionary movement, Guerrero said.

Relating their establishment in Southwest Negros, the guerilla spokesperson said landgrabbing of farmlands especially that which was cleared by Silvestre Gatillas, a farmer-settler in the 60s and 70s was rampant.

Thus, the farmers and especially poverty-stricken farmers in the area sought the support of the NPAs then.

Among the most despotic were a landowner and a bureaucrat whom the hinterland residents considered cruel in his actions. In such as case, they are always administered revolutionary justice, said Guerrero.

The rebel spokesperson further said many are aware of what happened recently when the NPAs acted to rectify the injustice done by a group of farmers in Camansi Subvillage, Kabankalan City. Military intelligence agent and militiamen were also punished, it was revealed.

On the arrest of the refuted national CPP-NPA leader, Benito and Wima Tiamzon, the revolutionary movement will not end with their capture. It is a movement sustained and supported by the masses, she said.

http://ndb-online.com/040114/local-news/local-news-reports-its-demise-untrue-says-npa

People’s Army Lauded by Partners, Allies

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 1): People’s Army Lauded by Partners, Allies

The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros and the main Negros Island Guerilla Command, the Boy Gatmaitan Command, with spokesman Juanito Magbanua, to include the Southwest Negros Front Andres Sumayang Jr. Front with spokesperson Andrea Guerrero released declarations and in written form lauding the guerilla New People’s Army (NPA) which celebrated and commemorated its 45th anniversary, Saturday, March 29, last week.

The three revolutionary entities issued congratulatory messages to the NPA at the same time, relating how it was since it was established in March 29, 1968, during a period when martial law was not declared yet.

It has experienced storied victories in its armed struggle which has no comparison and which at the moment has rocked the foundation of the ultraconservative state and its main political backer, the United States, it said.

The NPA, it said boosted by the best among the children of farmers, workers, middle classes national bourgeoisies and even by landowners and big, middle and small businessmen who have learned to reject their classes, it emphasized.

"The NPA acts as the defender of poor peasants and workers including other downtrodden sectors in Philippine and Negros society against their oppressors, against policies and programs such as the provincial government’s First Agenda and against landgrabbing, he declared in a statement. "This was because the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the provincial government and the Regional Public Safety Battalion Maneuver Battalions (RPSMB), had maneuvered to eject farmers from Murcia town as well as acting as agents of pineapple, palm oil, rubber tree and pasture lands for sheeps and cattle."

This was the same in the hacienda owned by the Sola family and administered and supervised by Gene Sola and John Paul Sola in Kamansi Village in Kabankalan City.
Fernandez also declared that the church should be one with the masses and as Pope Benedict said, should live and suffer like them.

While his comrades, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, had been arrested while criminal elements such as retired Military Officer Jovito Palparan and Negros fugitive are still scot-free.

The revolutionary movement and the NPA can never be destroyed by the government, he concluded.

On his part, Apolinario Gatmaitan Command Spokesperson, Juanito Magbanua III, related and proudly said, that from about 65 red fighters and hardly nine high-powered automatic rifles it has grown solidly since then.

The NPA, he said, has assumed a critical growth which has shaken the state to its foundation, he said.

The island of Negros, revolutionary movement has, in fact, been is a target which the government intended to destroy under its latest counter-insurgency strategy, Oplan Bayanihan but it has failed to do so, since the year 2007, and years before that.

The military’s "cutting edge" strategy intended to cut off supply lines and communications in and among the islands in the Visayas has dismally failed, it said, although it has spent billions of pesos in the process.

The series of efforts for them to transfer operations in the Visayas, by dealing a blow to the revolutionary movement in the island has failed.

Consolidation politically and organizationally with the launching and finishing of The Batikang Kurso Political-Miltar (BKPM) Intermedyang Kurso as Partido (IKP) and a study of PKM and Yunit Militia (YM) Plenum ng mga Yunit Komite as Prente Larangan have successfully conducted studies and trainings including graduation ceremonies for the People’s Army and the CPP.

The NPAs’ territory has also expanded in areas where the military cannot reach, it said. Military claims that the NPA is weakening is nothing but an illusion, at the same time inviting one and all to join in, it was pointed out.* (to be continued)

http://ndb-online.com/040114/local-news/local-news-people%E2%80%99s-army-lauded-partners-allies

All quiet for the MILF; Even the breakaway BIFF has been silent, report military authorities

From Malaya (Mar 31): All quiet for the MILF; Even the breakaway BIFF has been silent, report military authorities

IT has been unusually “very peaceful” in Central Mindanao since the signing of a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Thursday last week, the military said yesterday.

 

No atrocity by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which is opposed to the peace negotiations between government and the MILF, has been recorded since the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed in Malacañang, said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

 

Hermoso said the BIFF, a breakaway group of the MILF, launched atrocities each time the government and MILF peace panels met in Malaysia for formal negotiations, or when the two sides signed documents during their meetings as part of the peace process.

 

“It’s very peaceful here, maybe because the security sector is vigilant. There are no significant incidents as of now,” said Hermoso. 

 

The 6th ID based in Maguindanao went on red alert Tuesday as part of measures to pre-empt any incident meant to mar the signing of the CAB.

 

“We’re used to this group sowing violence every time the peace panels would meet in Malaysia. But they’ve not sowed any violence since the signing,” said Hermoso.

 

He said the BIFF could have jumped into the bandwagon for peace “but it remains to be seen.” 

 

He added, “Maybe, they are observing what will happen after the signing and capitalize on issues.”

 

The relatively peaceful situation could be also related to the appeal of the MILF to support peace, said Hermoso. 

 

“Majority of the MILF and their community support the signing of the agreement. If you go against it, you will be unpopular, you will have no moral high ground,” he said.

 

Hermoso said what they monitored from the BIFF side are “movements” of its fighters, ranging from five to 10 men.

 

“We have monitored some movement but they did not sow violence. Groups of about five to 10 moved from one place to another…It could be merely administrative movement. There was no intention to sow violence,” he said.

 

Hermoso placed the strength of the BIFF at about 100 men. At least 50 BIFF fighters were killed and several of their camps were captured when government troops launched law enforcement operations against the group in Maguindanao last January.

 

“They may have learned their lesson,” said Hermoso, adding however that the BIFF, which he described as a lawless group, “is still capable of “sowing lawlessness in the form of kidnapping, extortion, bombings.”

 

The CAB incorporates all agreements by the two sides, including annexes on power and wealth-sharing, and the creation of a police force for the autonomous Muslim area.

 

The next important step is the drafting and passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, President Aquino said during signing ceremonies at the Palace.

 

The task of drafting the basic law has been given to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission which has given itself until today to complete the draft. Both houses of Congress promised to pass the bill this year to create a new entity and expand the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. A plebiscite later in Muslim-dominated areas in the south will determine the shape and size of the new region.

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon said there are still many steps to be taken before the Bangsamoro political entity would be in place.

 

But the Senate would prioritize the passage of the basic law this year so that it could be presented for ratification next year.

 

“Magkaroon pa ng transition commission bago pa magkaroon ng halalan sa May 2016 – that is when the Bangsamoro political entity will be in place,” he said in an interview with dzBB.

 

Drilon said the Senate committee on local governments, chaired by Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., would conduct public hearing on the draft basic law to be submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to the Office of the President, which it would then submit to Congress as a priority administration measure.

 

He said he expects to see the copy of the draft before the end of April this year. 

 

Drilon said the Senate panel would immediately conduct public hearings making sure that the proposed legislation would be within the parameters of the Constitution.

 

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said the House would uphold the Constitution in passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said while autonomy is guaranteed for the region, separation remains out of the question.

 

He also said the House would try to avoid legal questions before the Supreme Court when it tries to approve the measure by the end of the year.

 

He said sovereignty will not be compromised when Congress deliberates on the proposed law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, which is being crafted by the Transition Commission.

 

“There will be autonomy for the establishment of the Bangsamoro entity but we will remain as one sovereign nation,” Belmonte said over the weekend.

 

“All discussions to be made will be guided by the existing laws and consistent to the provisions of the Constitution. The national sovereignty is not an issue here because it will not be violated. The supremacy of the Constitution is always above during the deliberations of the proposed law,” Belmonte added.

 

Deputy speaker and Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, a lawyer, backed Belmonte, saying the organic law of the new Bangsamoro entity must conform to the 1987 Constitution.”

 

“That means, the entity would be autonomous under the framework of one sovereign nation,” he said. “Any reference in the proposed organic law to an independent nation for the Bangsamoro entity would be downright unconstitutional. It will not hurdle Congress.”

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/all-quiet-milf-even-breakaway-biff-has-been-silent-report-military-authorities

Iriberri put on line as next AFP chief

From Malaya (Apr 1): Iriberri put on line as next AFP chief

PRESIDENT Aquino has promoted Army chief Hernando Iriberri to   lieutenant general, making  him qualified to succeed AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista who is due to retire in July.

 

Two other Army colonels have also been promoted. They are now Brig. Generals Carlito Galvez and Inocenco Mayangao, commanders of the 104th Brigade and 502nd Brigade.

 

Iriberri got his third star from Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in a simple ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City yesterday.

 

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said the President promoted Iriberri based on the recommendation of the AFP’s Board of Generals. The recommendation is actually ministerial because the post of Army chief is a three-star position.

 

The promotion of Iriberri, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, came almost two months after he assumed command of the 85,000-strong Philippine Army, replacing the now retired Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes.

 

Iriberri’s promotion makes him more qualified to become Armed Forces chief. All officers who have who have been named AFP chief in recent years hold the rank of lieutenant general.

 

Some quarters in the AFP have criticized the designation of Iriberri -- who is said to be close to Gazmin -- as Army chief primarily because more senior military officers were bypassed in the selection.

 

Iriberri served as senior military assistant to Gazmin when the latter assumed as defense secretary in July 2010. 

 

Iriberri also served as Army spokesman when Gazmin was Army chief in 1999.

 

Apart from Iriberri, several other officers are candidates for the post of AFP chief. They include Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang and AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, both classmates of Bautista at the PMA Class of 1981.

 

Another contender is AFP Central Command chief Maj. Gen. John Bonafos (PMA Class 1982). He assumed the post of Central Command chief in December last year and is expected to be promoted to the higher rank because his post is a three-star position.

 

Like Iriberri, Catapang and Bonafos are Army officers while Guerrero is from the Marines. The last Marine officer designated as AFP chief is now Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, in the 1980s. 

 

REASSIGNMENTS

 

President Aquino has also reassigned several senior officers because of the retirement of officials, including 5th Infantry Maj. Gen. Joel Ybañez who bowed out of the service more than a year before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

 

The reassignment order took effect March 28.

 

Detoyato said Ybañez retired from the service effective February 12 or five days after Iriberri assumed the post of Army chief.

 

He also said Ybañez, a non-PMAyer, did not give a reason for retiring earlier than scheduled, which is in April next year. It came after some quarters questioned the appointment of Iriberri as Army chief.

 

Ybañez will be succeeded by Maj. Gen. Benito de Leon, chief of the Army Training and Doctrines Command (Tradoc). A classmate of Bautista, De Leon will assume his new post on Friday.

 

De Leon had been accused of plunder in connection with the alleged diversion of over P2 billion in military funds in the 1990s. He was subsequently cleared of the accusation, made by his PMA classmate,  former military budget officer Lt. Col. George Rabusa.

 

Replacing De Leon as Tradoc chief is Brig. Gen. Ivan Samarita (PMA 1982), the chief of the 202nd Brigade.

 

Succeeding Samarita at the 202nd Brigade is Col. Rodel Mauro Alarcon (PMA Class 1985), Army assistant chief for plans.

 

Maj. Gen. Gamaliel Cruz, the AFP chief of staff for logistics, had been designated as chief of the Army Support Command, replacing Maj. Gen. Danilo Servando who retired last February. Cruz and Servando are from the PMA Cclass 1981.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/iriberri-put-line-next-afp-chief

Japan naval training squadron here for visit

From Malaya (Apr 2): Japan naval training squadron here for visit

The training squadron of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will make a goodwill visit to Manila starting today, April 2, up to April 5, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

 

The embassy said the training squadron from the JMSDF 13th Escort Division consists of two vessels–JS Shirane (DDH 143) and JS Asayuki (DD132) and will dock at Manila’s South Harbor during their visit.

 

The JS Shirane   is capable of making 32 knots (nautical mile) per hour. It is armed with two MK 42 127mm guns, two 20mm-Phalanx close-in weapon systems, one surface –to-air RIM 7 sea sparrow launcher, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets. On the other hand, the JS Asayuki   is capable of making 30 knots.

 

It is equipped with one Otobreda 76 mm gun, two 20 mm Phalanx close-in weapon system, two Harpoon surface to surface missile launchers, RIM 7 Sea Sparrow surface to air missile and anti-submarine torpedoes.

 

The ships have about 480 officers and crew members on board, including 48 newly-commissioned officers, under the command of Captain Hideto Ikeda. 

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/japan-naval-training-squadron-here-visit

CPP/NDF: Strengthening the anti-feudal united front

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 30): Strengthening the anti-feudal united front

Luis Jalandoni
Chief International Representative
NDFP National Executive Committee

 

 Speech delivered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on the occasion of the 45th Founding Anniversary of the NPA

 

It was in the hinterlands of Negros in Central Philippines, shortly after Marcos imposed martial law. Poor peasants discussed with me their struggle to hold on to their land. Big landlords supported by the military were driving them out. One peasant declared: "_Hasta may hangin and ilong ko, indi ko gid pagbaya-an and duta ko!_” In his down to earth peasant way he asserted: “As long as there is air in my nostrils, I will not leave my land.”

Comrades and friends, I wish to speak about the anti-feudal united front of the revolutionary movement. I cite this concrete experience with the poor peasants, because their resolute determination to fight for their land is the rock-like foundation of the anti-feudal united front.

The Main Content of the People’s Democratic Revolution

The main content of the people’s democratic revolution is agrarian revolution. This is the basic demand and aspiration of the overwhelming majority of the Philippine population, which is the peasantry. Seventy-five percent of the 100 million population of the Philippines consists of peasants and farm workers. The advance and victory of the people’s democratic revolution depends on the fulfillment of this basic aspiration. It constitutes the most fundamental democratic content of the Philippine revolution.

It is therefore most fitting that the Communist Party of the Philippines sets the anti-feudal united front as a centerpiece of the Philippine revolutionary struggle. “Rely on the poor peasants and farm workers, win over the middle peasants, neutralize the rich peasants, take advantage of the contradictions between the despotic and big landlords on the one hand and the enlightened gentry on the other, in order to destroy landlord power in the countryside. Thus runs the CPP’s policy of anti-feudal united front.

Combination of Agrarian Revolution, Mass Base Building and Armed Struggle

Through the 45 years of the Philippine revolutionary struggle, the combination of agrarian revolution, mass base building and armed struggle has resulted in the building of Red political power in more than 110 guerrilla fronts in 71 out of 81 provinces of the country. The people’s democratic government has been set up in more than ten thousand barrios (villages) and some municipalities.

The minimum program of agrarian revolution consists of the lowering of land rent, the eradication or lessening of usury and the raising of farm workers’ wages. This is carried out in the guerrilla fronts. In some areas, where the peasant association and the people’s army are sufficiently strong, the maximum program of land confiscation and free distribution of land is carried out. The gains in the agrarian revolution benefit many millions of peasants and farm workers.

Additional gains in the agrarian revolution are the improvement of farmgate prices for the peasants’ products, setting up of simple cooperatives, and sideline occupations to increase income. These gains are made possible by the implementation and strengthening of the CPP’s anti-feudal united front. The peasant masses are organized by the CPP and ably supported by the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The NPA defends the peasant masses and their gains.

Health, Education and Cultural Programs

Other campaigns of the peasants and farm workers such as health campaigns, education including revolutionary education, literacy and numeracy, and cultural programs, serve the consolidation of the peasant organizations. People’s medics conduct Klinika ng Bayan(people’s clinic), wherein medical care, acupuncture, herbal medicines, and some Western medicine are provided to the barrio residents. They also give education in hygiene and preventive medical care. Campaigns like anti-malaria are conducted.

Schools on the primary and secondary levels provide literacy and numeracy classes and revolutionary education on Philippine history, the basic problems of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, and the program of the people’s democratic revolution.

Cultural groups carry out programs of revolutionary songs, poems, theater to inspire the masses and promote a pro-people, scientific and mass culture, drawing from the rich traditions and experience of the revolutionary struggles of the people.
Firm Leadership of the Poor Peasants in the Peasant Associations.

The poor peasants and the lower middle peasants who comprise the overwhelming majority of the peasantry take the leadership in the peasant associations. Middle middle and upper middle peasants, driven to deeper poverty by the US-backed Aquino regime’s anti-people and anti-national policies, join the poor and lower middle peasants in militantly opposing the despotic landlords and the Aquino regime.

Rich peasants, many of whom are impoverished by the landgrabbing big landlords, corrupt politicians and military, are neutralized and won over by the peasant associations.

Peasant associations unite with indigenous peoples who struggle against foreign mining companies, that grab their ancestral lands and destroy their livelihood and the environment. They also unite with the fisherfolk who struggle against foreign owned trawlers that destroy their fishing grounds and corrupt politicians who receive bribes from the foreign fishing companies. Lately, the peasants, indigenous people and fisherfolk have endured massive destruction caused by calamities and the Aquino regime’s anti-people policies.

Aquino’s No-Build No Dwell Zones in Yolanda Affected Areas

Aquino has declared “no build and no dwell zones” extending 40 meters from the coastline. This is depriving millions of fisherfolk and- peasants any place to live.
Aquino has allocated these lands to crony capitalist businessmen for building resorts. This scandalous policy of Aquino has enraged the peasants and fisherfolk who mount their militant resistance.

Organs of Political Power in 71 Provinces

Among the gains of the anti-feudal united front is the setting up of organs of political power, based on the mass organizations of workers, peasants, women, youth and children and cultural activists. These organs of democratic power form the people’s democratic government on the barrio level, and in some areas on the municipal level. Red political power has spread throughout 71 provinces of the country.

The gains of the agrarian revolution fire up the enthusiasm of the peasantry for the revolution. They are ready to give their best sons and daughters to the New People’s Army. As the agrarian revolution grows and the mass base building and organs of political power consolidate, the People’s War advances.

The CPP has declared that it aims to reach the stage of strategic stalemate in people’s war, from its current stage of strategic defensive, in the coming years.

Comrades and friends, at the very fundament of all these gains in the wide countryside, correlating dynamically with NDFP and the national united front and revolutionary mass movement in the cities, is the peasant’s love for land and his undying resolve to fight for it. To close my speech, I wish to recite a poem that speaks of the peasants’ love for the land.

IF THE LAND COULD SPEAK

If the land could speak
It would speak for us,
It would say, like us, that the years
Have forged the bond of life that ties us together.
It was our labor that made the land what she is,
And it was her yielding that gave us life,
We and land are one.

But who would listen?
Will they listen,
Those invisible,
Who, from an unfeeling distance, claim
The land is theirs?
Because pieces of paper say so?
Because thee pieces of paper are backed by men
Who speak threatening words’
Men who have power to shoot and to kill,
Men who have power to take our men and our sons away?

If the land could speak
It would speak for us!
For the land is us!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140330_strengthening-the-anti-feudal-united-front

CPP/NDF: On the false Allegations of Alex Padilla and intrigues of the Aquino regime

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 31): On the false Allegations of Alex Padilla and intrigues of the Aquino regime

Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

 

Alex Padilla’s allegation that the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines proposed informal talks with the Aquino government only after the arrest of the Tiamzons is completely untrue and malicious. He knows that in our meeting in Makati on 27 February 2014, we already stated our willingness to agree with the proposal of the Royal Norwegian Government to hold informal talks or consultations with the Aquino government in May 2014.

The RNG Foreign Minister, during his visit to the Philippines in early January 2014, conveyed our proposal to hold such informal talks to GPH President Aquino and Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). In two meetings NDFP Panel member Coni Ledesma and I had with the Norwegian Embassy official in Manila, on 14 and 21 February, he knew of the NDFP’s willingness to hold such informal talks, and he informed Alex Padilla of such willingness in a meeting just before our meeting with Padilla on 27 February.

Alex Padilla’s statement that the Aquino government now wants to talk only with the Communist Party of the Philippines in the Philippines and not with the NDFP Negotiating Panel is not a new intrigue. He and Secretary Deles, and other spokespersons of the Aquino government, have made such declarations. This is just another move to avoid negotiating with the NDFP Negotiating Panel, which has been mandated by the CPP and other revolutionary forces in the NDFP. In the face of this type of intrigue on the part of the Aquino administration, this mandate has been reiterated.

The possible agenda of the RNG proposed informal talks or consultations, in accordance with the Agreement on Ground Rules of 26 February 1995, were doables like rehabilitation projects for Yolanda affected communities such as coconut farmers.
A session on the Colombian talks was mentioned, because one of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry official, Ingrid Ekker, is involved in these Colombian negotiations. The two Parties would have to agree on the agenda in consultation with the Norwegian officials.

If the Aquino administration continues to refuse to respect JASIG and other bilateral agreements, and puts forward intrigues and false allegations to avoid even informal talks, then BS Aquino must take the responsibility for killing the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140331_on-the-false-allegations-of-alex-padilla-and-intrigues-of-the-aquino-regime

CPP: CPP denounces AFP for rounding up civilians for fake surrender

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 31): CPP denounces AFP for rounding up civilians for fake surrender

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for using civilians, including a number of minors in staging a fake surrender ceremony last Saturday. The public ceremony was initiated by the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

“This AFP claim of a mass surrender is a hoax,” said the CPP. “It is a desperate bid to cover up its losses in the field and the steady growth of the New People’s Army, especially in the areas covered by the 4th ID in the Caraga region.”

Last Saturday, the AFP chief of staff himself presided over the “surrender ceremonies” where they rounded up scores of civilians, including children and elements of paramilitary forces from the provinces of Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte.

“The AFP has been resorting to such ‘surrender’ ceremonies since the time of the Marcos dictatorship,” pointed out the CPP.

“The military is resorting to fake surrenders and empty declarations amid its gross failure to achieve Oplan Bayanihan’s declared objective in 2011 to render the NPA inconsequential by 2014 and transfer so-called counter-insurgency operations to the police,” said the CPP.

As exposed by a barangay captain in Paquibato District, Davao City, AFP officials have been doing the rounds of homes and asking people to sign a document that would portray them as “NPA surrenderees”.

“These fake surrenders are also among the biggest sources of corruption as AFP field commanders pocket the reward money allocated for the firearms supposedly turned in,” added the CPP. “Most of the firearms are either the personal property of the so-called surrenderees or recycled by the military from its rust stockpile.”

The CPP further condemned the AFP for abducting a 14-year old child in Magpet, North Cotabato last March 24 and later presenting him as an NPA combatant. The boy, who was abducted by troops of the 57th Infantry Battalion while conducting operations in Barangay Bantak, is a graduating student of the Bangkal Elementary School with complete class records. The military’s sole basis for claiming that he is a child combatant is the boy’s purported ability to sing the NPA anthem and familiarity with the NPA officers in their area. He was later remanded to the local social welfare office.

The CPP also dismissed declarations made by the chief of staff over the weekend that the NPA will be a ‘spent force’ in five years time. “All previous AFP generals, current AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista included, are wont to make declarations of victory beyond their tour of duty because this exempts them from being answerable when their projections fail.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140331_cpp-denounces-afp-for-rounding-up-civilians-for-fake-surrender

CPP/NDF: NDFP marks 45th NPA Anniversary with international cultural, educational event

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 1): NDFP marks 45th NPA Anniversary with international cultural, educational event

NDFP International Information Office

 

The international office of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines marked the 45th Founding Anniversary of the New People’s Army by hosting a multinational cultural and educational event on Sunday, 30 March 2014, at the Mirror Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Guests from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Kurdistan, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Turkey, and the UK delivered solidarity speeches and cultural performances, and joined in the discussions.



Short video presentations paid tribute to the martyrs and heroes of the revolution, and highlighted the various aspects of work of the people’s army – health and medical, literacy and numeracy, economic production, cultural activities, and military trainings and offensives. A five-minute voice recording was also played, wherein Filipinos now working in Europe saluted the NPA and vowed to help forge international solidarity for the people’s war. They vowed to gather political and material support for the NPA and the armed revolution.

Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Founding Chairperman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, spoke on “Building the People’s Army and Waging the People’s War”. He recalled his experiences during the founding and early years of the people’s army.
“I recall how I presided over the founding of this revolutionary army of the Filipino people on 29 March 1969 in my capacity as Chairman of the CPP Central Committee and its Military Commission.

“We started the NPA from scratch in the second district of Tarlac in 1969. We had only nine automatic rifles and 26 other inferior firearms to rotate among 60 Red fighters to whom we had given politico-military training.” He stressed, “But we were confident. We had a party that had avidly studied Marxism-Leninism, the revolutionary experience of the Filipino people, the teachings of Comrade Mao Zedong, and the writings of Vietnamese comrades on building the people’s army and waging the people’s war.”

Prof. Sison also discussed the growth and victories that have been accumulated in the last 45 years, and the prospects of the people’s war in the country. “At present, the CPP is reported to have about 150,000 members, the NPA has about 10,000 fighters, the people’s militia tens of thousands of personnel, and the self-defense units hundreds of thousands.”

He continued, “The guerrilla fronts number more than 110, covering significant portions of 71 provinces. The mass organizations have members in the millions; and the people’s democratic government has millions of people in its territory.

“The CPP and NPA are determined to realize the plan to advance from the strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate in the near term. They intend to bring up the number of CPP members to 250,000, the NPA to 25,000, the guerrilla fronts to 200, and the scope of the agrarian revolution and the mass base to many more millions of people.”

The NDFP’s Chief International Representative, Luis G. Jalandoni, spoke on the anti-feudal united front. He stressed on the resolute determination of the majority peasant population to fight for agrarian revolution, serving as the rock-like foundation of the anti-feudal united front and the main content of the New Democratic Revolution.

Jalandoni, a Member of the NDFP National Executive Committee, disclosed the many gains achieved by the NPA through the successful combination of agrarian revolution, mass base building and armed struggle. (This) has resulted in the building of Red political power in more than 110 guerrilla fronts in 71 out of 81 provinces of the country. The people’s democratic government has been set up in more than ten thousand villages and some municipalities.”

He explained, “The minimum program of agrarian revolution consists of the lowering of land rent, the eradication or lessening of usury and the raising of farm workers’ wages. In some areas, where the peasant association and the people’s army are sufficiently strong, the maximum program of land confiscation and free distribution of land is carried out. The gains in the agrarian revolution benefit many millions of peasants and farm workers.”

Jalandoni stressed, “The gains of the agrarian revolution fire up the enthusiasm of the peasantry for the revolution. They are ready to give their best sons and daughters to the New People’s Army. As the agrarian revolution grows and the mass base building and organs of political power consolidate, the People’s War advances.”

Excerpts from the message of the CPP Central Committee to the NPA Red commanders and fighters were also read during the program.

Visual artworks from NPA artists adorned the walls of the meeting hall, as revolutionary songs and music videos were presented throughout the afternoon. The program ended with the singing of “Internationale”, in the various languages of the guests, and chanting of praises for the Philippine revolution. Long live the New People’s Army!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140401_ndfp-marks-45th-npa-anniversary-with-international-cultural-educational-event

Marines to continue manning outpost at Ayungin Shoal

From the Business Mirror (Apr 1): Marines to continue manning outpost at Ayungin Shoal

THE military will continue to maintain its presence at the Ayungin Shoal and assert the country’s sovereignty over the area, the Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, said on Tuesday as he dismissed China’s warning that the rotation of the Marines over the weekend was a provocative action.

 

“What is provocative there? We just wanted to resupply our people using civilian ships. It is they who were provocative. It is them that are blocking [the shoal] with Coast Guard ships. They have a lot of Coast Guard vessels there and even PLA [People’s Liberation Army] Navy ships,” Bautista said.

 

“We will stand our ground. We will stand by our [actions]. We will assert our sovereignty, our rights,” he added.

 

Bautista was at the 27th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac on Tuesday. The Nolcom is under Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang.

 

The Armed Forces rotated its seven-man team of Marines at the Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, using a ship owned by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in what it dubbed as a “secret mission,” but which was joined by selected journalists and arranged days ahead of the trip.

 

China said that in rotating the Filipino troops in the full view and company of journalists, the military has created a tension, especially that it was made on the eve that the country filed its memorial on the arbitration case against Beijing before the UN.

 

“The Philippine side will certainly face consequences for its provocative actions,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said.

 

But Bautista said the military is prepared for China’s response to the rotation and over the filing of the arbitral case.

 

“We will be ready for any consequences. The fact that we pursued our case [at the UN] means that we are prepared to face any consequences,” he said.

 

“We will assert our sovereignty in that place. We have every right to do that, it is our right to do that,” he added.

 

Bautista defended the replacement of the seven marines at the shoal on the eve of the filing of the memorial, adding that such exercise should have been taken weeks ago had the ship carrying the troops not blocked by Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

 

“It was very much delayed already. They have been there since November. They [Chinese] blocked our resupply on March 9. They [marines] have been there for long so they needed to be reprovisioned. There is nothing sinister about that timing,” he said.

 

“We will continue to resupply our people there, we will maintain our people in Ayungin,” he added.

 

Bautista said the military will “not bow to the terror” brought about by China.

 Bautista also defended the decision to allow selected journalists to tag along during the rotation of the seven-man team of Marines guarding Ayungin Shoal, calling it as a part of the “strategy” in addressing Chinese threat.

 

“Please understand that we are executing a strategy, these are all part of it,” he told military reporters, admitting that using journalists was a part of their tactics in dealing with China, particularly in the case of Ayungin.

 

The Armed Forces public affairs officer, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, had told at least two members of the Defense Press Corps, the accredited organization of journalists covering the defense department, that keeping the invitation to the selected journalists under wraps was due to the fact the the trip was a “secret mission.”

 

“Zagala claimed it was a secret mission because they were avoiding its leak to the Chinese,” one of the reporters said.

 

The military has a standing policy against travel by by journalist to any of the small bodies of land being claimed by both the Philippines and China.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/29908-marines-to-continue-manning-outpost-at-ayungin-shoal

Thai among cadets beginning training at PMA

From the  Philippine Star (Apr 1): Thai among cadets beginning training at PMA



Cadets in formation at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. PMA

Eighteen year old Thai lad Pongpeera Disapirom joined this year’s more than 300 cadets that were  welcomed to the Philippine Military Academy Tuesday noon.

Three-hundred forty six  young men and women composing class of 2018 were received at the “Beast Barracks”, a rites of passage for incoming plebes, said Maj. Lynette Flores, PMA spokesperson.

The Thai cadet is the first foreign student in the PMA since 2001.  The last was Mongkol Khum-arwut, also a Thai.

Two-hundred fifty-three males and 93 females made it through the rigorous mental and physical entrance tests this time, a rather large number compared to other years, Flores said.

Disapirom like the other incoming plebes were received in the historic and traditional “rites of passage” of jumping jacks, squat rushes, chin-up exercises and push-ups by the upper classmen and were assigned to their squads and platoons.

“It is their traditional entry from civilian life to military training,” Flores explained.

Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978 is reputed to be the only Class with the most number of foreign nationals.

When the Class of 1978 reported to the Academy there were four foreign cadets - one each from Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States of America.

They were American Anthony Mark Carmicael, who resigned in April 16, 1974, just two weeks after reporting to the Academy for the start of summer training;  Thai Supakit Wanpess, who was later discharged for academic deficiency;  Taiwanese Hsueh Chao Yung was recalled by his government during his third class year due to abrogation of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of China; and Singaporean Ho Sun Yee, who graduated at the top of the 139-member Class on February 18, 1978 taking the most-coveted Presidential Saber.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/01/1307642/thai-among-cadets-beginning-training-pma

PNoy, Obama to discuss China, defense issues

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): PNoy, Obama to discuss China, defense issues

The country's defense issues and territorial dispute with China will certainly be discussed by President Benigno Aquino III and United States President Barack Obama when the latter visits Manila this month, Malacañang said Tuesday.

"Defense and security will definitely be a topic in the talks between President Aquino and President Obama. And when you talk of this topic, the most relevant issue that can be discussed would be the West Philippine Sea. So, it is entirely within the realm of possibility," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

But the two leaders will also take up other issues since the nations are involved in a strategic partnership, Coloma said.

While tensions on the contested South China Sea continue to rise, the Philippines and the US have yet to complete an agreement that will increase the rotational presence of the American forces here.

Malacañang earlier said it will just let China interpret the negotiations between the Philippines and the US.

Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. On Sunday, the former filed a memorial at the international arbitral tribunal, presenting evidence and arguments on its claim on the disputed waters.

In a recent statement, the US State Department recently issued called China’s act of blocking a Philippine supply ship in Ayungin Shoal as "provocative."

Despite these remarks, the US government had said it does not take sides on the conflicting claims among countries in the South China Sea. But it also said that freedom of navigation should be ensured in the contested territory.

Coloma said the Philippines is looking at other avenues to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully, such as pushing for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We continue to engage our fellow ASEAN members, both bilaterally and multilaterally, that there must be an ASEAN centric approach, considering that there are overlapping expanded economic zones in the claims of the various member countries," Coloma said.

"So we just continue our policy of peaceful and diplomatic engagement," he added.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/01/1307610/pnoy-obama-discuss-china-defense-issues

AFP banking on aid projects to continue fight vs rebels

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): AFP banking on aid projects to continue fight vs rebels

The decline of communist rebels in northern and central Luzon would be “irreversible” because of the development programs to be implemented by the government, a military official said Tuesday.

Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang said while the 22 provinces they are securing have been declared ready for development, the gains could be reversed if people are hungry.

“Peace has a shelf life if our ordinary townsfolk do not feel prosperous… If he feels hungry, there is still probability that he will join the enemy,” Catapang said during the 27th anniversary of NOLCOM.

“This is why NOLCOM has shifted its focus to ensure and assist in the efforts so that northern and central Luzon area are ready for more business enterprises and other economic-boosting expansions that guarantee better lives for the locale,” he added.

Catapang said the ongoing programs and infrastructure projects in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera regions would pave way to greater economic prosperity.

“This will further continue the downward trend in the NPA’s (New People’s Army) capabilities in our area of responsibility,” Catapang said.

“Our enemy has reached a level which is now irreversible. The armed insurgents are but remnants of a lost cause,” he added.

In January, the military and local officials have declared Pampanga as insurgency-free, effectively claiming victory against communist rebellion in the entire northern and central Luzon.

Pampanga, said to be the birthplace of insurgency in the Philippines, is the 43rd province to be declared insurgency-free. A total of 32 provinces in the country are still grappling with rebellion.

Military officials previously claimed that the strength of the communist rebels in the country has been reduced to less than 4,000.

Despite its gains against insurgency, NOLCOM, Catapang said, there remain threats such as those posed by disasters.

“Natural disasters, we believe, is the new war that we are facing,” the NOLCOM chief said.

“No matter how progressive and developed our community may be, no one is spared from their impact,” he added.

Catapang said all stakeholders should work together to craft a comprehensive plan on disaster reduction and management.

“We in NOLCOM have initiated shelters inside every camp under our area of responsibility as possible evacuation sites when disaster strikes,” he said.

Military reservists, Catapang said, should play a greater role in preparing for disasters.

 http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/04/01/1307652/afp-banking-aid-projects-continue-fight-vs-rebels

Kidapawan eyes special armed group vs rebels, terrorists

From the Philippine Star (Apr 1): Kidapawan eyes special armed group vs rebels, terrorists

The city government is looking  to allocate P3.5 million for the creation of a military-controlled special militia group to help local authorities secure strategic areas from attacks by terrorists and communist rebels.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista, chairman of the inter-agency Kidapawan City Peace and Order Council, said he is in favor of organizing a Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA) to help the police and the military maintain peace and order here.

Members of the city peace and order council unanimously approved, during a meeting last week, the planned creation of a SCAA for Kidapawan City, to be comprised of no less than 200 members.

The group is to be placed under the control of the anti-crime Task Force Kidapawan, which is led by the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion.

Evangelista said the SCAA will also engage, under the supervision of local authorities, in tactical activities to protect civilians from criminals and lawless groups.

“This group will be a big help to our efforts of addressing domestic security threats,” Evangelista said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/04/01/1307608/kidapawan-eyes-special-armed-group-vs-rebels-terrorists

No NPA offensive in Panay, Negros - Philippine Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): No NPA offensive in Panay, Negros - Philippine Army

The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Tapaz, Capiz would leave nothing to chance as it floated the order among its military outposts in Panay Island and Negros Occidental to be on guard 24/7 even after the Communist Party of Philippines-New People's Army's (CCP-NPA) 45th founding day on March 29.

Maj. General Aurelio Baladbad, 3ID Commanding General, said the NPA failed to mount a major offensive versus the military because the rebels have become too weak and all they could do was to stage sporadic harassment against small Army detachments “and make it appear that they are still a force to reckon with”.

In a disparaging statement, Baladbad said that the current armed strength of the NPA is probablyat its lowest ebb, the rebels stretched thin due to shrinking manpower and diminishing sphere of influence in the countryside.

The odds seem to be stacked against the rebels as few recruits have turned up in NPA camps, and morale is low as more members come out of hiding to avail of government peace initiatives, said Baladbad.

If there are new faces in their ranks, they are reinforcements coming from other regions, he said.

Major Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman seconded his commander's assertions by releasing recordsshowing that from January to March this year, five NPA rebels in Negros Occidental and two in Panay have gone back to the fold of the law as law-abiding citizens.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=631194

PHL to get MRF by 2018

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): PHL to get MRF by 2018

With the country now on its way to acquire its first-ever supersonic jet aircraft in 34 years, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it will be acquiring a "multi-role fighter" (MRF) by 2018.

This was revealed by DND undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations, and munitions Fernando Manalo.

2018 is the second phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

During this period, the defense and military establishment will determine whether to acquire additional units of the South Korean F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" or go full stream with the acquisition of the MRFs to enhance the country's external defense capabilities.

Studies are now underway to determine the best MRF designs for the Philippines.

The Philippines and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd (KAI) signed the P18.9 billion deal for 12 units of the F/A-50 last Friday.

Manalo said that the first two F/A-50 jet aircraft will be delivered 18 months after the opening of the letter of credit, the next two will be delivered 12 months later and the remaining eight jet planes to be delivered in staggered basis within eight months.

The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630919

Gazmin to ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting in Hawaii

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Gazmin to ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting in Hawaii

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will be attending the ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting in Hawaii.

He left the country for meeting Monday as the event is slated to begin by April 1 (American time).

DND Spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said the meeting is informal.

"(Gazmin) was invited by (US Defense Secretary) Chuck Hagel to the event during the June 2013 Shangri-La dialogue," he added.

But what would likely to be discussed is humanitarian assistance and disaster response, Galvez stressed.

ASEAN is a political and economic organization of ten countries located in Southeast Asia.

It consists of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631075

NPA threat in 4th Infantry Division area of operations diminishing

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): NPA threat in 4th Infantry Division area of operations diminishing

The insurgency threat in the area of operations of the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division is steadily diminishing.

This was announced by 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya Tuesday.

He made this statement after noting that his unit has neutralized 80 rebels and recovered 75 high-powered firearms last March.

New People's Army (NPA) strength in the 4th Infantry Division is estimated to be at 800 rebel fighters.

The military is responsible for protecting and defending against internal and external threats the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, Camiguin and Misamis Occidental.

“We foresee that the apprehension of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, the surrender of 72 rebels (and neutralization of eight others) and the relentless combat operations of our troops will lead to the neutralization and surrender of more NPA rebels in Northern Mindanao. There will be no let-up of combat operations being carried out in the whole 4th Infantry Division area of responsibility," Visaya stressed.

He added that the local population is helping them in their campaign against the NPA as the local residents are long tired of the rebels extortion and harassment tactics.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631177

Pilot pool for F/A-50s identified

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Pilot pool for F/A-50s identified

The pilot pool for the South Korean made F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft has been finally identified and selected.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol on Tuesday said the pilot pool includes two instructor pilots, two operational pilots and two test pilots.

Deployment of these PAF pilots to South Korea for training and familiarization briefing on the F/A-50 will be determined later, Okol said.

He added that these pilots, all relatively junior officers, assured that they will stay with the PAF for a considerable period of time and pass their skills to other pilots.

Okol said that these personnel have long flying experience and operating of the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 trainer, which at present, is the PAF's sole jet trainer.

Aside from the six pilots selected for testing, operational and instructor positions, another six pilots who have just finished training in the S-211 were selected for line pilot training.

The PAF spokesperson said that these individuals will undertake F/A-50 simulator training once the senior "Fighting Eagle" pilots have returned to the country.

The Philippines and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd (KAI) signed the Php18.9 billion deal for 12 units of the F/A-50 last Friday.

Department of National Defense undersecretary for finance, modernization, installations, and munitions Fernando Manalo said that the first two F/A-50 jet aircraft will be delivered 18 months after the opening of the letter of credit, the next two will be delivered 12 months later and the remaining eight jet planes to be delivered in staggered basis within eight months.

The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631181

Army official says rebel movement to self-destruct with capture of ranking leaders, surrender of 72 NPA fighters

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Army official says rebel movement to self-destruct with capture of ranking leaders, surrender of 72 NPA fighters

A ranking Army official has said he expects the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army to self-destruct with the capture of their ranking leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon at Barangay Zaragoza, Aloguinsan, Cebu and the surrender of 72 NPA members last March 22 and 28, respectively.

"As the current CPP-NPA chairman and the secretary general's (the Tiamzons) arrest crippled the communist organization, no one is directing the armed group's operation while their centralized-type logistical management is also paralyzed since Wilma used to manage it," Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Cagayan de Oro-based 4th Infantry Division, said.

Visaya added that this incident resulted to the surrender of 72 CPP-NPA members who have realized that the rotten system of the rebels only suits their higher ranking cadres.

He noted that some of the NPA members, especially in Northern Mindanao, are now establishing lines of communication for their safe passage and eventual surrender.

“The current situation of the rebels can be likened to a car without a driver and without gasoline. These gains are proofs that they are becoming weak and whenever they perceive that they are at the losing end, they will again manifest their intention to negotiate and return to the negotiating table,” he said.

“We will continue accepting those who would like to return to the folds of the law and be with their families. While for those who insist on staying in the mountains, we will let them rot there... It is now their choice whether they want to live happily with their families or die miserably and regrettably in the jungles. I have ordered our field units to continue their operations without letup,” Visaya stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631217

3 brand-new patrol boats for PCG to be delivered by Q3 of 2015

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): 3 brand-new patrol boats for PCG to be delivered by Q3 of 2015

Three of the 10 patrol boats to be acquired from Japan for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be delivered by the third quarter of 2015, PCG spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo said on Tuesday.

These 40-meter vessels can do patrol and search-and-rescue missions and will boost the nine-ship fleet of the PCG, Balilo added.

However, he said that no date is yet available regarding the delivery of the remaining seven patrol boats.

Balilo said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) would provide a USD 184-million soft loan for the PCG’s acquisition of 10 patrol boats from Japan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631225

Nothing provocative about Ayungin resupply run -- AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Nothing provocative about Ayungin resupply run -- AFP chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Tuesday said there was nothing provocative about the efforts to resupply and rotate Marine troops standing watch over Ayungin Shoal.

This was in response to China's claim that the Philippines' resupply efforts last Saturday was provocative.

"We're not provoking China, we are just doing our job to resupply our troops in Ayungin Shoal," Bautista said.

And to show that the Philippines is not engaged in any hostile actions, the AFP chief added that a civilian ship was used to reprovision Filipino forces there.

The Marine contingent in Ayungin Shoal is based on the BRP Sierra Madre, a landing ship tank, grounded last 1999 to serve as headquarters of Philippine forces in the area.

When asked if the Philippines will continue its periodic resupply and rotation missions off Ayungin Shoal, Bautista said they will continue to "assert Philippine sovereignty in that place and we have every right to do that."

He also said that it is China who is provoking a lot of their Coast Guard and Navy ships who are in the area attempting to block Filipino resupply efforts as proven by events last March 9.

Bautista also commended the relieved Marines there for staying there for five months and doing a good job in securing the country's territory.

"We salute our Marines and we salute our sailors for a job well done for continuing to defend our territory," the AFP chief emphasized.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=631300

SC affirms clearance for Manila court murder trial of Satur, 3 NDF consultants

From InterAksyon (Apr 1): SC affirms clearance for Manila court murder trial of Satur, 3 NDF consultants



The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed its February ruling giving the Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 32 the go-ahead to proceed with the multiple murder trial of former Bayan Muna Rep. Saturnino Ocampo and three other consultants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front in connection with the discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte some eight years ago.

Also covered by the order are Vicente Ladlad, Randall Echanis and Rafael Baylosis.

The high tribunal’s public information office said, “The Court denied the Motion for Reconsideration of its decision dated February 11, 2014 filed on March 11, 2014 by counsel for petitioner Vicente Ladlad in a Minute Resolution.”

Voting 15-0 last February 11, the SC dismissed the consolidated petitions of the respondents questioning the proceedings and the issuance of the arrest warrants. The SC said, however, that the respondents shall remain on temporary liberty until the end or termination of the criminal case by the Manila court.

The mass grave discovered in August 2006 by elements of the Army’s 43rrd Infantry Battalion bore the bodies of 15 civilians allegedly killed as part of the communist rebels’ campaign to rid its ranks of deep-penetration agents from the government.

The government then filed the case with Branch 18 of the Hilongos RTC which issued the warrants but the respondents questioned the proceedings before the SC, which allowed them to post bail for their temporary liberty.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83927/sc-affirms-clearance-for-manila-court-murder-trial-of-satur-3-ndf-consultants