Army calls NPA ‘paranoid’ for abducting gov’t surveyors using drones

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 2): Army calls NPA ‘paranoid’ for abducting gov’t surveyors using drones

New People’s Army. FILE PHOTO

 

The military on Monday tagged the New People’s Army rebels as “paranoid” for abducting government surveyors who used drones while working in Compostela Valley.

“This is utter paranoia in the NPA’s part, even calling these unmanned aerial vehicles as ultimately instruments of mass genocide and civilian destruction (and mentioning predator drones), when these are clearly used for a purpose supporting development,” said Army’s 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Ernest Carolina in a statement.

The NPA seized six government surveyors in New Leyte village in Maco town last May 30.  They were doing validation work for the government’s National Greening Program when they were seized by the communist rebels.

A previous news report said that three of the six surveyors were freed, but Captain Alberto Caber, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, maintained that the six were still with the NPA.

“When the abduction happened, they held two DENR workers and a village chief at gunpoint before they fled. But they were not taken by the rebels,” he said.

In a statement, the NPA claims that the use of aerial reconnaissance “is merely a pretext to intensify imperialist mining plunder and counter-revolutionary intelligence in Southern Mindanao.”

“The NPA denounces the use of drones and other reconnaissance devices that are ultimately indiscriminate weapons of mass genocide and civilian destruction. The [unmanned aerial vehicles] are not only surveillance gadgets but are also weapons for aerial attacks and strikes, designed and used by US imperialism,” Daniel Ibarra, spokesperson of NPA in Davao said.

Carolina downplayed the NPA’s statements, saying that this only goes to show that the NPA is “anti-development,” “anti-people” and “anti-organization.”

He maintained that the surveyors were completely non-military activity.

“The NPA is particularly paranoid because it wants to hide its activities to ensure their so called revolution will continue – the same activities which make their leaders wallow in wealth (as confirmed in recent arrests of ranking NPA leaders by virtue of warrants of arrest) while their Red fighters whom they teach a “simple life” are toiling in the mountains,” he said.

 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/607716/army-calls-npa-paranoid-for-abducting-govt-surveyors-using-drones

AFP to intensify operations vs NPA after abduction of DENR contractors

From InterAksyon (Jun 3): AFP to intensify operations vs NPA after abduction of DENR contractors



An NPA formation in southern Mindanao (videgrab from http://www.philippinerevolution.net/)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday vowed to intensify operations against New People’s Army guerrillas who abducted four contractors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and their driver.

Kendrick Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, and Tim Sabino, all of Manila-based Sky Eye AUV, and the driver of their rental vehicle, Jonas Loredo, were seized by rebels in Maco town, Compostela Valley Friday while flying drones for a DENR-contracted forest survey.

The rebels acknowledged seizing the team and their equipment, saying their deployment of drones was “in culpable violation of the policy of the People’s Democratic Government for bringing in of surveillance gadgets, for undertaking reconnaissance of base guerrillas of the New People’s Army and, thus, abetting the enemy’s counter-revolutionary campaign against the revolutionary forces and environmental plunder.”

The five were released Monday to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The DENR has admitted failing to coordinate with local authorities on the deployment of the survey team but has denied rebel suspicions the aerial survey was to aid the military track them down.

In a statement, AFP spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said the rebels who abducted the surveyors “must be held accountable” and mocked the NPA for its “paranoia,” noting that unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have other uses aside from spying.

“Following the release of the civilians yesterday, AFP troops vowed to intensify its operations against the NPAs particularly in Davao area where they continue to participate in illegal activities such as small-scale mining, extortion and kidnapping,” he added.

Zagala said the abduction of the contractors was “not the first time the NPAs abducted civilians in Compostela Valley,” citing an incident last month in which the military claimed communist rebels used 39 miners as “human shields” to avoid being attacked in Barangay Golden Valley, Mabini Town.

The rebels have denied this, saying the alleged hostage taking was actually a forced evacuation ordered by the Army as it prepared to mount operations against communist guerrillas who attacked Apex Mining.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/88217/afp-to-intensify-operations-vs-npa-after-abduction-of-denr-contractors

Suspected NPA rebels burn heavy equipment in Agusan

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 3): Suspected NPA rebels burn heavy equipment in Agusan

REMIDIOS TRINIDAD ROMUALDEZ, Agusan del Norte – The regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) on Tuesday ordered a manhunt against 30 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who allegedly burned heavy equipment and destroyed some 2,000 rubber trees at barangays Tagbongabong and San Antonio, in Remedios Trinidad Romualdez town, Agusan del Norte Monday.

Police Inspector Rene Sarmiento, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez chief of police, was also ordered by the regional command of PRO 13 to conduct an investigation to identify the culprits and their motive.

Supt. Romaldo Bayting, regional spokesman of PRO 13, said the perpetrators were believed to be members of guerilla-Front Committee 21 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Party Committee (NEMPC).

The cost of damage still has to be determined.

http://www.mb.com.ph/suspected-npa-rebels-burn-heavy-equipment-in-agusan/

OIC invites MNLF, MILF to consultation meeting

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 3): OIC invites MNLF, MILF to consultation meeting

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has invited leaders of various Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) groups and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for a consultation on the peace process. The meeting is scheduled on June 14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The MNLF groups are sending 11 representatives from the groups led by founding Chairman Nur Misuari, Chairman Muslimin Sema, and Chairman Habib Mujahab Hashim, sources said.

The MILF is sending an eight-man delegation to the Jeddah meeting initiated by the pan-Islamic body in consonance with the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum (BCF).

The BCF is a mechanism created under the OIC aegis to bring the MNLF leaders and the MNLF and MILF to work together for the Bangsamoro people’s welfare.

OIC VISIT

Meanwhile, it was learned that representatives from the 15 OIC member-states with embassies in the Philippines are scheduled to visit Mindanao on June 4, information from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

The visit is “to monitor the progress and development in Mindanao as part of the Tripartite Review process (TRP) relative to the implementation” of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).

OPAPP said ambassadors of the OIC members are also to visit North Cotabato and Maguindanao, tentatively in July.

BANGSAMORO AGREEMENT

Hashim of the Islamic Command Council (MNLF-ICC) said yesterday the OIC General Secretariat wants to consult the MNLF and MILF leaders on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the CAB on March 27 in Manila, after about 17 years of negotiations.

MNLF leaders, particularly in Misuari’s and Hashim’s groups, have vehemently opposed to the CAB.

On the other hand, Abdul Sahrin, secretary general of Sema’s group, said the meeting with the OIC “is based on the BCF” which seeks to unite the MNLF leaders, and the MNLF with the MILF.

“The OIC wants the MNLF leaders to have a single voice about the peace process,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/oic-invites-mnlf-milf-to-consultation-meeting/

Freed DENR contractors now undergoing stress debriefing

From the Manila Times (Jun 3): Freed DENR contractors now undergoing stress debriefing

The Eastern Mindanao Command on Tuesday said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) contractors, abducted last May 30 and released June 2 afternoon, are now undergoing stress debriefing at the agency’s regional office in Davao City.

“They are now at the DENR Regional Office for stress debriefing,” Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, said.

He added that victims along with their drivers were released with the help of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Caber said that the DENR contractors were released in Barangay Panangan-Sangab, Maco town, Compostela Valley.

Released were Kendrick Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Tim Sabino and driver Jonas Loredo.

DENR Regional director Joselin Marcus Fragada earlier apologized to the local authorities of Maco, Compostela Valley for non-coordination with the local government unit prior to the conduct of the aerial survey in Barangay New Leyte.

Fragada said the activity of the survey inspectors from Manila-based Sky Eye UAV, which was commissioned by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO), was not also coordinated with the DENR XI, thus he only knew that the surveyors were in the area when he was informed of the abduction last Friday.

He also clarified the surveyors are independent contractors and not part of the DENR. These are young graduates from the Ateneo de Manila who ventured into such business.

Fragada stated that the group was commissioned mainly for aerial survey to validate the National Greening Program (NGP) tree plantation implemented by the government three years ago.

The NGP is one of the flagship programs of the national government to have 1.5 million hectares planted to trees. In the region, a total of 33,000 hectares were already planted with different tree species, including cacao, coffee and Falcata.

Under the NGP program, the DENR is required to produce geo-tag photos from the ground. And they also need to match these photos with an aerial/satellite surveillance to make sure that tree plantations really exist and to check survival rates of the tree seedlings.

He said the use of drones is one way to get an aerial surveillance.
Fragada pointed out there was no malicious intent in the use of drones. He, however admitted there were lapses in the area of coordination that even DENR XI has no knowledge of the group’s presence in the area.

http://www.manilatimes.net/freed-denr-contractors-now-undergoing-stress-debriefing/101277/

NDF slams ‘landgrabbing’

From the Visyan Daily Star (Jun 2): NDF slams ‘landgrabbing’

The National Democratic Front-Negros has condemned what it claims to be “landgrabbing” operations of prominent individuals, multi-national corporations and even government officials in Negros island, allegedly in connivance with government agencies, including state authorities.

 

In a press statement, NDF-Negros , through its spokesman, Frank Fernandez, accused Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. of using his position to allegedly land-grab the 147 hectares lot of farmers in Murcia, by converting it into ranch for imported sheep and cattle, and for use by DOLE Philippines.

 

Fernandez also claimed that alleged land grabbers enlisted the help of the Philippine Army, police, and even members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade in taking over lands intended for farmers.

 

He also criticized a certain Yanson for expanding his oil palm and rubber plantations in Basay, Negros Oriental to Damutan Valley in Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, in the areas being cultivated by indigenous people.

 

Fernandez also slammed the Sola family for their alleged landgrabbing activities in Kabankalan City, using the military and police units, as well the Gatuslao family and the Mosser Foundation in Himamaylan City.

 

He claimed that the Del Monte company started its maneuvering to take over the land occupied by agrarian reform beneficiaries in La Castellana, La Carlota and in Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City, while Mayor Jose Max Ortiz and former Board Member Nene de la Cruz were also accused of alleged land grabbing by farmers in Salvador Benedicto.

 

The intensified Oplan Bayanihan campaign of the AFP and PNP, with the help of some civil society groups and non-government organizations, led to more violations of human rights, Fernandez also claimed.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/02/topstory11.htm

CBCP: No stand on Edca

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 3): CBCP: No stand on Edca



CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas: No official stand. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Contrary to earlier reports that it had taken a critical stand, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Monday it had no official position on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between the Philippines and the United States.

CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said, “The CBCP has not taken an official position on the matter,” in response to news reports the 120-strong CBCP was critical of the agreement that would allow more US troops in the Philippines and give the US greater access to local military bases.

Villegas added: “As president of the CBCP, I wish to make clear that we are fully cognizant of the complexity of the issues involved, including as they do issues of international law and relations, regional politics as well as the morality of the use of force and the threat of the use of force.”

The Edca, which is being challenged in the Supreme Court, was signed by Filipino and US officials in April after eight months of negotiations.
But Villegas said the bishops, like other Filipino citizens, were free to form and express their individual opinions on the issue.

“We continue to entrust ourselves to the spirit of truth and to study the matter with assiduousness,” he said.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/105589/cbcp-no-stand-on-edca

MILF: Lambayong holds largest Peace Advocacy In Sultan Kudarat

From the MILF Website (Jun 2): Lambayong holds largest Peace Advocacy In Sultan Kudarat



More than four thousand people (4,000) comprising MILF-BIAF Commanders, LGU Lambayong Officials, AFP and PNP Officers, MILF PolCom Officials; representatives from government line agencies; and local residents representing Moro, settlers and the indigenous people gathered in a largest ever peace advocacy conducted in Sultan Kudarat Province on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on May 31, 2014 at the Lambayong Nat’l High School, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
  

In their inspirational messages, Lambayong Mayor Florante Agduma, Lambayong Vice Mayor Ramon Abalos, and Lt. Col. Markton Abo, Battalion Commander of 33rd IB expressed the same observations on the unity among the local leaders and the tri-people of the town. “We are glad to have this peace advocacy in our town. We hope that there will be no more war and conflict. It is the time for us to unite”, Mayor Agduma said.

“We are elated to be informed about the FAB and the CAB. Let us show to the GPH our unity”, Vice Mayor Abalos said. “As a Muslim, I am thankful because there is no more war. I cannot anymore fight against my fellow Muslims”, Col. Abo said.

About few minutes after he started his message, a loud explosion occurred a kilometer away from the venue but as a soldier, Col. Abo remained unperturbed and continued to speak but some of the civilians in the audience distanced themselves from the venue. The military and the police sensed that it was a handiwork of anti-peace or spoilers of peace who wanted the people to continuously live in fear, chaos and violence. In an investigation conducted by authorities revealed that there were no casualties in the said explosion.

Prof. Esmael A. Abdula, the BLMI Training Officer and currently the Chairman of the Campaign and Mass Mobilization, Sub Committee on Information, Committee on Information, MILF CC  and member of the Steering Committee of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) was the guest speaker.

He lectured on “Understanding the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the  Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and its four annexes.  He discussed the 17-year GPH-MILF Peace Process saying that the FAB was a product of a diplomatic, lengthy and hard process engaged on by both parties to finally resolve the Mindanao question.

Under the FAB, both parties agreed for the establishment of a new political entity called Bangsamoro with a ministerial form of government. Also with Abdula were Arman Armada, the head of the Committee on Information Secretariat who lectured on the ministerial form of government; Kalilintad Dev’t Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Moidjoddin Talusob delved on MILF Policies and Islamic Perspectives, and Judy Jaafar, member BTC Communication Group spoke on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Brigade Commander Guevarra Sanday of the 3rd Brigade, MILF-BIAF 106th Base Command called on Lambayongeños to support the peace process. “The least that we can do for the peace process is not to be a hindrance to it”, Guevarra said.

Lambayong Councilors Jerry Solaiman, Ustadz Abubakar Sa’ban Mamaluba, Ustadz Abdurrasid Midzapak, Daguma Provincial Chair Daud Madaliday, Lambayong Municipal Chair Lakim Guiano, Baby Dalgan, BTC-Communication Group member Judibee Jabar and Alex Lucero also imparted some words of wisdom.

The program was initiated by the Lambayong Political Committee headed by Municipal Chairman Lakim Guiano, Brigade Commanders Guevarra Sanday and Bato Kamad of 106th Base Command, PAPC, Daguma Information Committee, SWC, and other line agencies in partnership with the Mindanaoan Humanitarian Dev’t Initiative, Inc. (MinHuDI). Officials of local government units of the 26 barangays of Lambayong and municipal leaders also supported and attended the program.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1010-lambayong-holds-largest-peace-advocacy-in-sultan-kudarat

CPP/NPA: Captured drone personnel violated NPA policy against US imperialism counter-revolutionary intelligence & environmental plunder

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 2): Captured drone personnel violated NPA policy against US imperialism counter-revolutionary intelligence & environmental plunder

Daniel Ibarra
Spokesperson
NPA ComVal-Davao Gulf Sub-region Sub-regional Command

 

In culpable violation of the policy of the People’s Democratic Government for bringing in of surveillance gadgets, for undertaking reconnaissance of base guerrillas of the New People’s Army and, thus, abetting the enemy’s counter-revolutionary campaign against the revolutionary forces and environmental plunder, the NPA Comval Davao Gulf Subregional Command detained four personnel belonging to the Sky Eye UAV services, namely: Ken Wong, manager and team leader; Chrisandro Favela, Tim Sabino, and Nico Lasaca. Confiscated from them were 1 sky surfer drone and two multi-rotor drones, two laptops and one GPS. Their driver, Jonas Loredo of the Maria Ave car rental service, was also arrested last May 30 in Brgy. New Leyte, Maco, Compostela Valley. The five arrived in the area last May 28.

Initial investigation following the arrest showed that the Sky Eye UAV was hired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for its so-called greening program. The four personnel were conducting mapping thru aerial surveillance using drones that have high definition cameras and videos. The company’s owners are Matt Cua and Carlos Ezekiel. They started last year and have already visited Bislig, Kapalong, Monkayo,Montevista, Polomolok,Tacloban, Panay, and Appari areas.

The investigation confirmed earlier pronouncement made by local GPH environment officials who announced that it will tap the ‘Sky High’ project using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to pinpoint so-called illegal logging ‘hot spots’ in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Norte provinces. The same GPH officials have said that they will tap the UAV services of a private company based in Makati called Sky Eye Inc.

The NPA maintains that the DENR/Skyeye’s anti-logging aerial reconnaissance is merely a pretext to intensify imperialist mining plunder and counter-revolutionary intelligence in Southern Mindanao. The motives of Skyeye’s reconnaissance are suspicious, considering that Maco is not a hotspot for logging as its forests are largely denuded and its mountains mainly mineral-rich. It would appear that Sky Eye is mainly protecting, if not linked towards the big mining operations in Maco and mountain boundaries of Pantukan and Mabini, areas under the control of foreign large scale mining concessionaires Apex Mining and St. Augustine Mining Corp. The DENR’s UAV use is far from protecting the environment, but is mainly to defend the interest of the big mining companies that are guilty of destroying and plundering our environment.

The NPA denounces the use of drones and other reconnaissance devices that are ultimately indiscriminate weapons of mass genocide and civilian destruction. The UAVs are not only surveillance gadgets but are also weapons for aerial attacks and strikes, designed and used by US imperialism. Most well-known among drones is the Predator and the Reaper, which have carried out assassinations and massacres in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa. Thousands of civilians have been killed by these drone air strikes.

This is not the first time that US gadgets were used in the revolutionary territories of Southern Mindanao. In May 2008, four U.S. soldiers manned a tactical command post of the 1003rd Brigade of the AFP in Barangay Ngan, Compostela, Compostela Valley, as the AFP launched a 10th ID-wide military operation. The US troops were spotted operating a UAV. Similar looking gadgets were found in Paquibato and Marilog districts in Davao City last year.

The NPA will release the captive drone personnel on condition that the Sky Eye will stop its surveillance and intelligence activities in the areas of People’s Democratic Government. The NPA, likewise, urges civilian entities to desist from pursuing defense of large-scale mining and environmental plunder, and to cease performing counter-revolutionary intelligence activities against the revolutionary movement.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140602_captured-drone-personnel-violated-npa-policy-against-us-imperialism-counter-revolutionary-intelligence-environmental-plunder

Australia weighs in, backs US in sea row

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 3): Australia weighs in, backs US in sea row

Australia’s Defense Minister David Johnston on Monday said that he supports the statement made by his US counterpart, Chuck Hagel, who had accused China of “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea.

Johnston said he agreed that China’s actions were “quite damaging to the future economic prospects” in the region.

“The US, Australia and Japan are very concerned that unilateral action is destabilizing the region of the South China Sea particularly, and the East China Sea.”

He added that “this instability is unwarranted and quite damaging to the future economic prospects. So I do share Secretary Hagel’s concerns.”

Johnston said that Australia did not take sides in territorial disputes between China and other countries, but said Canberra would attempt to persuade the Asian superpower there was “another path”.

Australia, along with the United States and Japan, is a strategic partner of the Philippines and in fact has started a continuing initiative with the Philippines in establishing the Asean Regional Forum which held its initial staging in Manila in 2011.

In the 2ND ARF held last May 28 and 29, the Philippines urged fellow member-nations in the Southeast Asian Nations to work for the full implementation of the United Nation Convention the Law of the Sea (Unclos), which would clearly define the boundaries among Asean members and avoid conflicting claims on territories in the region.

The Foreign Affairs Department said that the call was made following several incident surrounding the conflicting claims in the South China Sea, where four of the Asean members, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, have overlapping claims.

“It is imperative that all countries are clear on the various provisions of UNCLOS and their proper interpretations. This is why the full operationalization of the dispute settlement mechanisms provided by the UNCLOS is crucial. By subjecting our disputes to the full weight of the Convention, we elevate the rule of law from theory to practice,” DFA assistant secretary for legal affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said during the 2nd Asean Regional Forum held May 28 to 29.

De Vega said that it is timely for member-state to fully implement the 1982 Unclos, where China is also a signatory, amid the ongoing territorial disputes over the oil-resource-rich South China Sea.

The seminar featured presentations from experts from all over the world on the intricacies of UNCLOS and its provisions and applications, particularly in maritime boundary delimitation, possibilities for cooperation, and dispute settlement.

The participants also discussed the emerging issue of protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

The expert speakers put forward several recommendations, including the establishment of a fisheries commission in the South China Sea to protect fish stocks in the area, as well as a mechanism under the ARF for the settlement of maritime disputes in the region.

The participants also discussed the clarification of maritime claims to facilitate not only the settlement of disputes, but also the joint development of marine resources outside disputed areas.

Representatives dealing with Law of the Sea issues from 21 countries and the European Union attended the seminar, a continuing initiative of the Philippines and Australia that began with the 1st ARF Seminar on UNCLOS in Manila in 2011.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/03/australia-weighs-in-backs-us-in-sea-row/

Bangsamoro law not being watered down, Palace assures MILF

From GMA News (Jun 2): Bangsamoro law not being watered down, Palace assures MILF

Malacañang on Monday assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that it will not release a watered-down version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a piece of legislation aimed at ending the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao.

“We can assure Chair Iqbal that the Bangsamoro Basic bill will reflect the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.

MILF chief negotiator Mohaquer Iqbal was earlier quoted in news reports as saying that he is worried the government is going to water down the draft bill and delay its release.

Lacierda, however, said they have not yet released the draft as they are still studying it.

“We are here to review that it complies with the provisions of the CAB,” he said, referring to the  Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“We are also making sure that this will stand judicial scrutiny. So, in both cases, we want to make sure that... to a large extent, we want to make sure that when it goes to Congress, it will be as smooth as possible,” he added.

Lacierda also assured the MILF that after they submit the BBL to Congress, President Benigno Aquino III will certify it as urgent.

The BBL will formalize the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its draft, which was crafted by the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission, was based on the CAB signed late March.

Once approved by Congress, the BBL will be put through a plebiscite involving Mindanao provinces that want to be part of the new Bangsamoro political entity.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/363768/news/nation/bangsamoro-law-not-being-watered-down-palace-assures-milf

Farmer beheaded; head seen hanging from tree

From ABS-CBN (Jun 2): Farmer beheaded; head seen hanging from tree

A farmer was brutally killed and beheaded last Friday in Matalam town in North Cotabato.

The victim was identified as Kenti Diagao, 44. He sustained multiple gunshots on his back. He was also beheaded.

Based on the investigation conducted by Matalam police, the victim was on his farm lot when he was shot using a 12-gauge shotgun.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MINHRAC) condemned the brutal killing of Diagao.

MINHRAC's Abdulbasit Benito added they received information that the victim's head was seen hanging from a tree in a remote area in Sitio Bungasong in Barangay Patadon, Kidapawan City.

The group is urging the provincial government as well as the local government of Matalam and Kidapawan City to conduct an impartial investigation on the gruesome incident.

They also urged the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to probe the incident and put the perpetrators behind bars.

Authorities are still conducting an in-depth investigation. They are also eyeing the possibility that the incident is related to the victim's farm lot.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/02/14/farmer-beheaded-head-seen-hanging-tree

Philippines nabs rebel linked to US soldiers' bombing death

From Rappler (Jun 2): Philippines nabs rebel linked to US soldiers' bombing death

Mihaji Hamjuda, also known as Mahang, is a member of the Moro National Liberation Front responsible for the death of soldiers in a roadside bombing in Jolo, Sulu, in 2009

Philippine security forces have arrested a Muslim rebel linked to a 2009 roadside bombing that killed two US soldiers on the volatile southern island of Jolo, a police official said Monday, June 2.

Mihaji Hamjuda, also known as Mahang, was arrested in a joint operation by police and military intelligence on Sunday, said Benjamin Magalong, chief of the national police's criminal investigation and detection group.

"Mahang was involved in the 2009 bombing that killed 3 military men, including two US servicemen," Magalong said.

Jolo is a known stronghold of Al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants specializing in bombings and kidnapping for ransom.

Mahang is described as a "bomb expert" and had been wanted by police, Magalong said.

He said troops had swooped on Mahang's hideout in Jolo's remote Indanan town.

The slain US servicemen were among hundreds of American troops rotating in the south to help the Philippine government's fight against Islamic militants.

They were on a military vehicle that rolled over the roadside bomb, which Mahang helped to manufacture, Magalong said.

Magalong said Mahang belonged to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a rebel group that is the forerunner of the smaller Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf, consisting of several hundred armed members, are believed holding several foreign hostages on Jolo, including two European bird-watchers and a Japanese citizen taken captive in separate incidents over recent years.

Authorities rescued on Saturday a Chinese woman and a Filipino resort worker seized by the militants from a Malaysian dive resort in April.

Thousands of US soldiers have served in the southern Philippines since 2001, helping Filipino forces to cut down the Abu Sayyaf's strength from about 1,000 fighters to roughly 300 at present.

Manila and Washington signed a deal in April allowing a greater US military presence in the Philippines over the next decade.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/59473-philippines-nabs-rebel-american-soldiers-bombing-death

Japan slams China after Abe speech sparks row

From Rappler (Jun 2): Japan slams China after Abe speech sparks row

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the Japanese delegation in Singapore protests against the remarks to the Chinese side

SHINZO ABE. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gives the keynote address at The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 13th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, May 30, 2014. How Hwee Young/EPA

 

Japan on Monday, June 2, hit back at China's denouncement of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's speech at a regional security forum, firing the latest salvo in an ongoing tit-for-tat row.

 

On Sunday, Lieutenant General Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army, told the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore that the comments made by Abe and US Defense secretary Chuck Hagel at the conference were "unacceptable."

But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo: "We believe the Chinese senior official made claims based on mistake of facts and defamed our country."

Suga said the Japanese delegation in Singapore immediately made a "strong protest" against the remarks to the Chinese side.

On Friday, Abe had opened the forum by urging countries to respect the rule of law – an apparent reference to what rivals consider aggressive Chinese behaviour over disputed areas in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Hagel on Saturday warned China against "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea and listed a number of alleged infractions, including against the Philippines and Vietnam, the two most vocal critics of Beijing's claims.

A furious Wang accused the two of coordinating their remarks and encouraging each other to attack China.

In response to the US and Japanese remarks, Wang said in an address to the forum: "The Chinese delegation... have this feeling that the speeches of Mr Abe and Mr Hagel are a provocative action against China."

He added: "The speeches made by Mr Abe and Mr Hagel gave me the impression that they coordinated with each other, they supported each other, they encouraged each other and they took the advantage of speaking first... and staged provocative actions and challenges against China."

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have fallen to their lowest point for years, with much of the animus focused on disputed islands that Japan administers but China claims.

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/59448-japan-china-remarks-spark-row

Philippine rebels hold 5 missing surveyors

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 2): Philippine rebels hold 5 missing surveyors





Images of the Sky Surfer and multirotor drones

Communist rebels on Monday admitted holding 5 people who were reported abducted by the Philippine military in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

Daniel Ibarra, a spokesman for the New People’s Army, said the five men were captured May 30 in the village of New Leyte in Compostela Valley’s Maco town after they had been caught flying drones to survey the town.

The Eastern Mindanao Command earlier said that six forestry surveyors - Kendrik Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina - were abducted by gunmen, but the NPA said only five people were taken in custody by the rebels and are being interrogated.

Ibarra identified the captives as Ken Wong, Chrisandro Favela, Tim Sabino, Nico Lasaca and their driver Jonas Loredo. He said all, but Loredo are working for the private Skyeye UAV Services (Skyeye, Inc.) based in Quezon City. The team is headed by its manager Wong.

He said the 5 men were arrested in “culpable violation of the policy of the People’s Democratic Government for bringing in of surveillance gadgets, for undertaking reconnaissance of base guerrillas of the New People’s Army and, thus, abetting the enemy’s counter-revolutionary campaign against the revolutionary forces and environmental plunder.”

Ibarra said they also seized one Sky Surfer drone and two units of multi-rotor drones, including two laptops and a GPS navigation equipment from the men, who arrived in Maco town on May 28. He said the men admitted that they were hired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to conduct an aerial survey and mapping in Maco for the government’s reforestation program.

The men also told the rebels that they started the survey last year in Bislig town in Surigao del Sur;  Kapalong town in Davao del Norte; Monkayo and Montevista towns in Compostela Valley;  Polomolok town in South Cotabato; - all in southern Philippines, and Tacloban City in Leyte province;  Panay Island in central Philippines; and Appari town in Cagayan province in northern Philippines.

Ibarra said the aerial survey and aerial reconnaissance is merely a pretext to intensify “imperialist” mining plunder and counter-revolutionary intelligence in southern Mindanao.  “The motives of Skyeye’s reconnaissance are suspicious, considering that Maco town is not a hotspot for logging as its forests are largely denuded and its mountains mainly mineral-rich. “

“It would appear that Skyeye is mainly protecting, if not linked to big mining operations in Maco and mountain boundaries of Pantukan and Mabini, areas under the control of foreign large scale mining concessionaires Apex Mining and St. Augustine Mining Corporation. The DENR’s UAV use is far from protecting the environment, but is mainly to defend the interest of the big mining companies that are guilty of destroying and plundering our environment,” Ibarra said.

He said U.S. troops deployed in Mindanao also used drones in the past to aid Filipino soldiers in their operations against the NPA in Compostela Valley and Davao City.

“The NPA denounced the use of drones and other reconnaissance devices that are ultimately indiscriminate weapons of mass genocide and civilian destruction. The UAVs are not only surveillance gadgets, but are also weapons for aerial attacks and strikes, designed and used by U.S. imperialism,” Ibarra said, citing drones used by American military forces and Central Intelligence Agency such as the Predator and Reaper, which have carried out assassinations and massacres in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa that killed thousands of innocent civilians.

Ibarra said they will release the prisoners only if Skyeye UAV Services stops all its surveillance and intelligence activities in areas where NPA rebels are actively operating. 

“The NPA will release the captive drone personnel on condition that the Skyeye will stop its surveillance and intelligence activities in the areas of People’s Democratic Government. The NPA, likewise, urges civilian entities to desist from pursuing defense of large-scale mining and environmental plunder, and to cease performing counter-revolutionary intelligence activities against the revolutionary movement,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from Skyeye UAV Services owned by Matthew Cua and Carlos Ezekiel.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate state in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/philippine-rebels-hold-5-missing.html

NPAs own up abduction of DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): NPAs own up abduction of DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley

The New People’s Army (NPA) has held captive the four survey inspectors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from Manila and one driver that were abducted on Friday (May 30) afternoon in New Leyte, Maco, Compostela Valley while conducting survey for the National Greening Program of the government.

In a press statement, the spokesperson of the ComVal Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command Daniel Ibarra confirmed the communist rebels have “arrested” four surveyors for using drones in conducting a forest survey.

The four surveyors held by the rebels are Ken Wong, Chrisandro Favela, Tim Sabino and Nico Lasaca. Wong is the team leader and the manager of the Sky Eye UAV, the agency sub-contracted by DENR to do aerial survey using drones equipped with high-definition cameras and videos. The group has already surveyed Bislig, Kapalong, Monkayo, Montevista, Polomolok, Tacloban, Panay, and Appari areas.

Ibarra also confirmed the driver of the vehicle rented by the surveyors identified as Jonas Loredo, was also among those held captive by the rebels.

The NPAs held the surveyors for their “culpable violation of the policy of the People’s Democratic Government for bringing in surveillance gadgets, for undertaking reconnaissance of base guerrillas of the New People’s Army and, thus, abetting the enemy’s counter-revolutionary campaign against the revolutionary forces and environmental plunder.” The rebels have confiscated one sky surfer drone and two multi-rotor drones, two laptops and one GPS.

On Sunday (June 1), the Maco Crisis Committee said five were abducted by the armed group.

Ibarra accused the surveyors of conducting surveillance and intelligence activities in the areas; and they will only be released “if they stop their surveillance and intelligence activities in the areas of the People’s Democratic Government.”

According to Ibarra, the activities of the surveyors is an “anti-logging aerial reconnaissance” but “is merely a pretext to intensify imperialist mining plunder and counter-revolutionary intelligence in Southern Mindanao.”

Ibarra said the motives of the operations of the surveyors “are suspicious, considering that Maco is not a hotspot for logging because its forests are denuded, although rich in mineral resources.

Ibarra suspected that using drones is “far from protecting the environment, but is mainly to defend the interest of the big mining companies that are guilty of destroying and plundering our environment.”

He linked the use of drones to the operations of Apex Mining and St. Augustine Mining Corporation in Compostela Valley.

Maco Vice Mayor Voltaire Rimando, the head of the crisis management committee, earlier said New Leyte is a tenement area formerly operated by North Davao Mining Corporation and is now under the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC).

Rimando said they are clueless on the real situation because the committee could establish communications with either the abductors or the surveyors, including the DENR or CENRO employees.

While the committee is closely monitoring and calling for the safe release of the surveyors, Rimando criticized the DENR or its provincial and CENRO offices for breaching coordination protocols prior to conducting the survey in the area.

Rimando reminded that the abduction of the surveyors was not the first incident that happened in Maco.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649423

NPAs behind snatching of 6 DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley --EastMinCom spokesman

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): NPAs behind snatching of 6 DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley --EastMinCom spokesman
 
The abduction of the six Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inspectors last May 30 was perpetuated by the New People's Army (NPA) fighters based in Compostela Valley, the Eastern Mindanao Command said on Monday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, EastMinCom spokesperson, said in a text message to the Philippines News Agency they were able to confirm this as Daniel Ibarra, the rebels' spokesperson in the area, informed the local government unit (LGU) of Maco, Compostela Valley and media entities, through e-mails, that their group was behind the abduction.

According to Caber, the military is focusing on the safe release of the six DENR inspectors identified as Kendrik Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina.

"This is our goal and as a result we're doing calculated operations to ensure this," he said.

The Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson added that the Maco local government has started negotiations for the safe release of the victims.

Caber earlier said that they were looking into reports that the six DENR inspectors could have been victims of mistaken identity.

He explained this was possible as the victims were operating a drone to aid them in their validation work in Barangay New Leyte, Maco town, Compostela Valley when they were snatched by unidentified gunmen at around 2 p.m. Friday.

The validation work is done in aid of the government'sNational Greening Program in the area.

"It's likely that the DENR inspectors were thought to be military personnel as they were operating a drone at the time of their abduction. In fact, the motorcycle-riding suspects told witnesses not to worry, as they will only determine the exact identities of the six," Caber said.

The Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson said the suspects immediately took the victims' cellphones and the remote control for the drone.

He added that a platoon from their 1001st Infantry Brigade is now busy conducting pursuit and tracking operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=649352

PHL to host ADAS 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): PHL to host ADAS 2014

The Philippines will be hosting the Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) 2014 which will be held from July 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

In a statement, organizers said that the developing political scenario in the South China Sea has brought the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the fore and as a result, the Filipino military is now focusing on how they can be best modernized and strengthened in order to fulfill their primary role of maintaining the territorial integrity of country.

"As a result of recent developments, the Armed Forces have urgently reviewed their modernization and procurement plans and have now been given the necessary budgets to develop their capability into a meaningful defense force in the region," it added.

ADAS 2014 organizers will be working closely with the AFP, the Philippine National Police, the Office of Civil Defense and the Philippine Coast Guard to encourage exhibitors participating in the show to set up meetings with relevant senior personnel in order to fully evaluate requirements regarding their upgrade and modernization plans.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=649421

Rebels violated CARHIHL in abducting DENR inspectors -- Army spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): Rebels violated CARHIHL in abducting DENR inspectors -- Army spokesperson

In abducting the six Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inspectors Friday, the New People's Army (NPA) have again shown disregard for Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL), which it signed together with the Government of the Philippines.

This was stressed by Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, in an interview Monday.

"It's a violation of the CARHIHL as they (rebels) deliberately targeted civilians. This is another blatant human right abuse committed by the NPAs and we are requesting peace and human rights advocate to closely monitor this incident to ensure that the victims will be release immediately," he said in Filipino.

CARHIHL stipulates that civilians shall be distinguished from combatants, shall not be the object of attacks.

Caber said that the NPA decision to abduct the DENR inspectors was triggered by the information that the victims were allegedly using a drone in their validation work in the ongoing National Greening Program in Barangay New Leyte, Maco town, Compostela Valley when snatched by the suspects 2:00 p.m. Friday.

He added that the rebels thought that the six were illegal loggers and using the drone to identify trees to cut up.

Caber said that the search is focused on the Maco town environs as of this posting.

The survey inspectors were identified as Kendrik Wong; Nico Lasaca; Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=649396

Malaysia clears abducted Filipina of involvement in Sabah kidnapping

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): Malaysia clears abducted Filipina of involvement in Sabah kidnapping

The Filipina resort staff, who was abducted along with a Chinese tourist by suspected Filipino Muslim extremists off Sabah in April, was cleared by Malaysian authorities of suspected involvement in the kidnapping, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the Malaysian government did not find any evidence linking Filipino Marcy Dayawan to the kidnappers who are believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf, a group of armed bandits listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

“Malaysia has cleared her of any involvement in the kidnapping,” Jose said in a press briefing.

Dayawan and Chinese national Gao Huayun were snatched from Singamata Resort by gunmen on April 2 and were taken to the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Tawi-Tawi in Southern Mindanao.

They were released from captivity last May 30 in a joint rescue operation conducted by the Philippines and Malaysian forces. The two hostages were brought to Malaysia afterwards.

The Philippine and Malaysian governments have denied paying ransom to Dayawan and Gao’s captors.

Jose said Dayawan, who is now under the care of the Philippine Embassy, will be repatriated to the Philippines soon.

“Preparations are under way for her repatriation back to the Philippines,” Jose said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=649472

Review of Bangsamoro Law is to ensure it complies with comprehensive agreement, Palace says

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): Review of Bangsamoro Law is to ensure it complies with comprehensive agreement, Palace says

Malacanang is reviewing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to ensure that it complies with the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a Palace official has said.

“We are making sure that this will stand judicial scrutiny. To a large extent, we want to make sure that when it goes to Congress, it will be as smooth as possible,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during Monday’s press briefing.

He said the BBL is still being evaluated and studied by the Office of the President and the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

Asked why it is taking too long to transmit the BBL to Congress for approval, Lacierda answered, “It is the evaluation of the bill itself. They have to go through each and every provision just to be sure that it is in sync with the agreement.”

He said Malacanang is making sure that the BBL can stand on its own, should there be a challenge to its constitutionality.

“We can assure (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) Chair Mohagher Iqbal that the Bangsamoro Basic bill will reflect the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes,” Lacierda added.

The CAB was signed in Malacanang last March 27, ending the decades-long conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=649486

NPAs release 5 survey inspectors, driver to Mayor Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): NPAs release 5 survey inspectors, driver to Mayor Duterte

The five independent survey inspectors and vehicle driver abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Friday (May 30) in Barangay New Leyte, Maco, Compostela Valley were finally released to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte at an undisclosed place in Compostela Vallley province around 2:00 p.m. Monday.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional (DENR) Regional Director Joselin Marcus Fragada has sought the help of Duterte in facilitating the safe release of the five survey inspectors and the driver of the vehicle rented by the group.

Those released were Kendrick Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Tim Sabino and driver Jonas Loredo, who were turned-over by Duterte to Fragada at Holcim Cement Plant where the mayor was scheduled for a separate event.

Fragada earlier apologized to the local authorities of Maco, Compostela Valley for non-coordination with the local government unit prior to the conduct of the aerial survey in Barangay New Leyte.

Fragada said the activity of the survey inspectors from Manila-based Sky Eye UAV, which was commissioned by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO), was not also coordinated with the DENR XI, thus he only get to know the surveyors were in the area when he was informed of the abduction last Friday (May 30).

Fragada also clarified the surveyors are independent contractors and not part of the DENR. These are young graduates from the Ateneo de Manila who ventured into such business.

He said the group was commissioned mainly for aerial survey to validate the National Greening Program (NGP) tree plantation implemented by the government three years ago. Fragada said NGP is one of the flagship programs of the national government to have 1.5 million hectares planted with trees. In the region, a total of 33,000 hectares were already planted with different tree species, including cacao, coffee and Falcata.

According to Fragada, under the NGP program the DENR is required to produce geo-tag photos from the ground. And they also need to match these photos with an aerial/satellite surveillance to make sure that tree plantations really exist and to check survival rates of the tree seedlings.

He said the use of drones is one way to get an aerial surveillance.

Fragada pointed out there was no malicious intent in the use of drones. He however admitted there were lapses in the area of coordination that even DENR XI has no knowledge of the group’s presence in the area.

Duterte, who is the elected chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council, has been helping facilitate release of people held captive by the rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=649504