MILF: ICRC conducts Seminar on Shari’ah, IHL for MILF Commanders

From the MILFWebsite (Nov 22): ICRC conducts Seminar on Shari’ah, IHL for MILF Commanders



A group of 25 senior commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attended a Seminar on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) also known as the law of armed conflict that includes Islamic Law held at the MILF Camp Darapanan, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last October 29.
  

The activity was organized jointly by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the MILF.

The organizer said, “The seminar explored similarities between IHL and Islamic law related to armed conflict, and featured Dr. Ameur Zemmali, ICRC’s foremost expert on the subject for many years."

The seminar had emphasized that IHL and Islamic Law was aimed at limiting the worst excesses impact of conflict.

The participants also discussed the mandate of the ICRC, protection of war victims, the responsibilities of military commanders and the role of the Islamic scholars in promoting Shari’a and IHL.

An impartial, neutral and independent organization, the ICRC endeavors to prevent sufferings by promoting and strengthening IHL and universal humanitarian principles.

The MILF participants included Toks Ebrahim, General Staff of the BIAF-MILF, Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah, Head of Islamic Call and Guidance of the BIAF-MILF, and Ustadz Nhorul-am Abdullah, Chairman of the Committee on Da’wah and Masajid Affairs for Cotabato City; all of whom helped arranged the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1356-icrc-conducts-seminar-on-shari’ah-ihl-for-milf-commanders

China building South China Sea island big enough for airstrip: report

From InterAksyon (Nov 22): China building South China Sea island big enough for airstrip: report

Satellite images show China is building an island on a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands large enough to accommodate what could be its first offshore airstrip in the South China Sea, a leading defense publication said on Friday.

The construction has stoked concern that China may be converting disputed territory in the mineral-rich archipelago into military installations, adding to tensions waters also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei.

IHS Jane's said images it had obtained showed the Chinese-built island on the Fiery Cross Reef to be at least 3,000 meters (1.9 miles) long and 200-300 meters (660-980 ft) wide, which it noted is "large enough to construct a runway and apron."

The building work flies in the face of US calls for a freeze in provocative activity in the South China Sea, one of Asia's biggest security issues. Concern is growing about an escalation in disputes even as claimants work to establish a code of conduct to resolve them.

Dredgers were also creating a harbor to the east of the reef "that would appear to be large enough to receive tankers and major surface combatants," it said.

The land reclamation project was China's fourth in the Spratly Islands in the last 12 to 18 months and by far the largest, IHS Jane's said. It based its findings on images taken on Aug. 8 and Nov. 14 showing that dredgers had created a land mass almost the entire length of the reef.

It said Fiery Cross Reef was previously under water with its only habitable area a concrete platform built by China's navy. It said that structure was home to a Chinese garrison and had a pier, air-defense guns, anti-frogmen defenses, communications equipment, and a greenhouse.

Beijing has rejected Washington's call for all parties to halt activity in the disputed waters to ease tensions, saying it can build whatever its wants in the South China Sea.

Hong Kong media have reported that China is planning to build an air base on Fiery Cross Reef. In August, the deputy head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Boundary and Ocean Affairs Departments said he was unaware of any such plans.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99685/china-building-south-china-sea-island-big-enough-for-airstrip-report

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ka Lucas: Isang pag-alaala ng Sine Proletaryo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Nov 21): Ka Lucas: Isang pag-alaala ng Sine Proletaryo (Comrade Lucas: A recollection by Sine Proletaryo)

Noong Enero, itinalaga sa tim ng Sine Proletaryo si Ka Lucas para magsagawa ng mga panayam sa mga lider at kasapi ng Partido at Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Far South Mindanao Region para sa proyektong “Istatus: FSMR” at bahagi ng “JMS: 55/75.”

Ang “Istatus” ay serye ng maiiksing bidyo na nagtatampok ng kalagayan at pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa iba’t ibang rehiyon habang ang “JMS” ay produksyon para sa ika-75 kaarawan ni Jose Maria Sison noong Pebrero. Si Ka Lucas ang nasa likod ng kamera sa halos lahat ng kuha para sa bidyong “Istatus: FSMR” na lumabas noong Pebrero 16.

Bagamat walang pormal na pagsasanay, ipinamalas ni Ka Lucas ang mataas na interes sa trabaho sa “likod ng kamera.” Madali siyang matuto at matamang nakikinig sa mga instruksyon at tagubilin. Maingat niyang inalagaan ang mga gamit ng pangkat: ang kamera, tripod at mga baterya. Kadalasang nangunguna siya sa pangkat ng SineProl sa mga itinakdang iskedyul kahit pa napakalakas ng ulan at wala nang makita dahil sa hamog. Mabilis siyang nakaangkop sa “estilong gerilya” at naging maayos ang kanyang mga kuha sa kabila ng di paborableng panahon at limitasyon sa gamit.

Nakipaghabulan siya sa mga Pulang mandirigma nang kunan ang war games. Umakyat siya sa mga punong-kahoy para makunan ng magandang anggulo ang BHB na nagmamartsa. Maagap niyang kinukunan ng bidyo ang mga Pulang mandirigma na nag-eehersisyo sa umaga. Komentaryo ng mga kasama: “Istable ang pulso ni Lucas.”
Bukod sa hawak niya ang kamera, mataman din siyang nakikinig sa panayam kay Ka Efren Aksasato, tagapagsalita ng NDFP-FSMR kaugnay sa kalagayan ng rehiyon at ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa.

Hindi alintana ni Ka Lucas kung bago man sa kanya ang gawain, sa partikular, ang gawaing bidyo ng Sine Proletaryo. Ang kanyang rebolusyonaryong sigla ay makikita sa kaseryosohang tuparin ang mga tungkuling nakaatang sa kanya at sa patuloy na pagtitipon ng kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanong at sariling pagsisikap na matuto.

Ito ang iniwang alaala ni Ka Lucas sa mga kasama sa Sine Proletaryo.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141121/ka-lucas-isang-pag-alaala-ng-sine-proletaryo

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ka Lucas: Lider-estudyante, Pulang mandirigma

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Nov 21): Ka Lucas: Lider-estudyante, Pulang mandirigma (Comrade Lucas: Student Leader, Red Warrior)

Pinarangalan ng Southern Mindanao Regional Committee ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, kasama ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan, si Rendell Ryan Cagula, kilala bilang Ka Lucas ng libu-libong mamamayang pinagsilbihan niya sa kanayunan. Kabilang si Ka Lucas sa mga Pulang mandirigmang napatay noong Nobyembre 4 sa pakikipaglaban sa mga pasistang tropa ng 27th IB sa Maasim, Sarangani. Kasama ring napatay sa labanan sina Ka Payat, Ka Doming at Ka Jappie.

Si Ka Lucas, 23, ay isang kilalang lider-estudyante sa Southern Mindanao. Ipinanganak siya noong Pebrero 24, 1991 sa isang panggitnang-uring pamilya. Namulat siya sa kalagayan ng lipunang Pilipino nang maging mag-aaral siya ng Anthropology sa University of the Philippines (UP)-Mindanao.

Naging aktibo siya sa kampus. Nahalal siyang kinatawan ng kolehiyo at kalauna’y presidente ng konseho ng mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad. Nahalal din siyang bise-presidente ng Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP), ang pambansang alyansa ng mga student council ng lahat ng mga sangay ng UP.
Dagdag dito, myembro siya ng Pi Sigma Fraternity, Anak UP Min at Dugong Antro. Sumapi siya sa League of Filipino Students at nagsilbing panrehiyong tagapagsalita nito. Naging panrehiyong koordinador din siya ng Kabataan Partylist sa Southern Mindanao.

Nagpasyang sumapi si Ka Lucas sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan noong Disyembre 2013 at naitalaga siya sa isang yunit sa Far South Mindanao Region. Kinilala at iginalang ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang kanyang kakayahang mamuno, talas ng pag-iisip at kapasyahan. Una siyang nagsanay bilang medik at sumama sa mga klinikang bayan na idinaos ng kanyang yunit. Isinagawa niya at ng kanyang yunit ang kanilang mga tungkulin sa pag-oorganisa sa malawak na hanay ng magsasaka sa kanilang erya, pagbibigay ng pag-aaral at paglahok sa produksyon.

Dahil sa ipinakita niyang kasigasigan at tatag, itinalaga si Ka Lucas bilang upisyal sa pulitika ng platun sa Larangang Gerilya 73 nang wala pang isang taon. Naging mahirap ang gawaing pag-oorganisa sa eryang binabawi pa lamang, pero nagpursige sina Ka Lucas at kanyang mga kasamahan. Para maging mas epektibo sa kanyang mga tungkulin sa kanilang erya kung saan mayorya ay mga Lumad, nagpursige siyang matuto ng hanggang apat na magkakaibang dialekto.

Wala siyang pagod sa panghihikayat sa mga kasama na maging matatag sa harap ng walang katapusang mga operasyong kombat ng AFP at serye ng mga engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga sundalo at kanilang yunit. Sa isa sa mga engkwentrong ito napaslang sina Ka Lucas at tatlo pang mandirigma, habang nakikipagpalitan ng putok sa kaaway.
Dinala ang mga labi ni Ka Lucas sa UP-Mindanao, kung saan sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay pinarangalan sa loob ng kampus ang isang Pulang mandirigma. Bumuhos ang pakikiramay at parangal kay Ka Lucas mula sa kanyang mga guro, kaibigan at kapwa mga aktibista sa sektor ng kabataan. Nagpadala ng mga mensahe ng paghanga ang kanyang mga kapwa lider-estudyante sa mga konsehong hindi pa nagtatagal niyang iniwan.

Inalala ng kanyang kapwa mga aktibista ang kanyang buhay at pakikibaka, gayon din ang mga buhay at pakikibaka ng katulad niyang mga kabataang nagpasyang magsilbi bilang mandirigma sa kanayunan. Kabilang dito sina Rhaim Buanjug (Ka Jack), na namatay mula sa kumplikasyon ng sakit na malarya noong Setyembre 22 at Recca Noelle Monte na pinahirapan at pinatay ng mga tauhan ng 56th IB sa Lacub, Abra noong Setyembre 4.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141121/ka-lucas-lider-estudyante-pulang-mandirigma

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga aksyong militar sa Sorsogon, Aurora at Nueva Vizcaya

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Nov 21): Mga aksyong militar sa Sorsogon, Aurora at Nueva Vizcaya (Military actions in Sorsogon, Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya)

Tatlong sundalo ang napatay at di bababa sa apat na sundalo ang nasugatan sa magkakahiwalay na labanan sa pagitan ng reaksyunaryong militar at Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa Sorsogon, Aurora at Nueva Vizcaya nitong Oktubre at Nobyembre.
Sa Nueva Vizcaya, dalawang sundalo ang nasugatan nang mapansin at unahan ng putok ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang tropang militar na nakapwesto para mang-ambus sa Sityo Manial, Barangay Lublob, Alfonso Castañeda bandang alas-5:45 ng hapon noong Oktubre 22.

Sa Aurora, dalawang sundalo ang napatay at maraming iba pa ang nasugatan nang maglaban ang isang pangkat ng mga pwersang kaaway at mga gerilya ng BHB sa Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora noong Nobyembre 12. Walang tinamong pinsala ang BHB.

Samantala, sa Sorsogon, isang sundalo ng 31st IB na sakay ng traysikel ang napatay nang manlaban ito sa isang tim ng BHB na sumita sa kanya at isa pang militar para disarmahan sila sa Barangay San Antonio, Barcelona bandang alas-8 ng umaga nitong Nobyembre 16. Hindi na nakipaggitgitan ang mga operatiba ng BHB para iwasan ang posibleng maging pinsala sa mga sibilyan at hinayaan na nilang umabante ang traysikel. Nasamsam sa napatay na sundalo ang kanyang pistolang kal .45.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141121/mga-aksyong-militar-sa-sorsogon-aurora-at-nueva-vizcaya

CPP/Ang Bayan: 23 armas, nasamsam ng BHB sa Occidental Mindoro

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Nov 21): 23 armas, nasamsam ng BHB sa Occidental Mindoro (23 firearms seized by the NPA in Mindoro Occidental)

Dalawampu’t tatlong armas, kabilang ang 20 malalakas na riple ang nakumpiska ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng Lucio de Guzman Command ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa matagumpay na reyd sa munisipyo ng Paluan, Occidental Mindoro noong Nobyembre 7.

Ang mga riple ay kinabibilangan ng 13 M16 at pitong M14. Nakasamsam din ang BHB ng isang shotgun, dalawang pistola, mga bala at mga gamit-militar.

Hindi bababa sa pitong elemento ng Public Safety Battalion at 408th Public Safety Maneuver Forces ng Philippine National Police at 76th IB ng Philippine Army ang napatay at apat na iba pa ang nasugatan. Ligtas na nakaatras ang mga Pulang gerilya sa 20-minutong reyd.

Ang reyd na ito ay isa sa may pinakamaraming armas na nasamsam ngayong taon. Isang platun na naman ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng BHB ang maaarmasan mula sa nakumpiskang mga sandata ng kaaway.

Sa kanilang pag-atras, dinala ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang meyor ng Paluan na si Carl Michael Pangilinan at ang kanyang municipal administrator upang balaan laban sa pang-aabuso nila sa maralitang mamamayan at sa pagkakasangkot at pagkandili ni Pangilinan sa iligal na pagtotroso, iligal na droga at iba’t iba pang sindikatong nag-oopereyt sa Paluan. Protektor ni Mayor Pangilinan ang mga pasistang tropa ng 76th IB at 408th PNP. Agad ding pinakawalan sina Pangilinan matapos ang isang oras.

Makasaysayan ang araw ng pagsalakay para sa rebolusyonaryong mamamayan ng Southern Tagalog dahil ginugunita nila noon ang buhay at pakikibaka ng magigiting na kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at BHB na sina Ka Armando Teng at Ka Lucio de Guzman. Kabilang sila sa mga kapita-pitagang haligi ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na namuno sa pagpunla at pagpapayabong ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayan sa isla ng Mindoro.

Samantala, dahil sa malaking kahihiyan, agad na sinibak ang hepe ng pulisya ng PNP sa Paluan at ang hepe rin ng 76th IB. Sa kabila ng matagumpay na reyd, pinagpipilitan pa rin ng AFP na wala na raw mga Pulang mandirigma sa Mindoro at nagmula raw sa iba pang isla ang sumalakay na mga gerilya.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141121/23-armas-nasamsam-ng-bhb-sa-occidental-mindoro

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Kabataan, lumahok sa digmang bayan!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Nov 21): Editorial: Kabataan, lumahok sa digmang bayan! (Youth, participated in people's war)

Gugunitain ng buong sambayanang Pilipino ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng Kabataang Makabayan (KM) sa Nobyembre 30. Kinikilala ng buong sambayanan, laluna ng masang manggagawa at magsasaka, ang malaking papel ng KM nitong nagdaang 50 taon sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan at ang mahalagang papel na gagampanan pa nito sa hinaharap.

Parangalan natin ang lahat ng mga kabataang nag-alay ng kanilang buhay sa pagsusulong ng pambansa-demokratikong kilusan sa iba’t ibang larangan ng pakikibaka, laluna sa larangan ng armadong pakikibaka. Bigyang-pugay natin ang mga kabataang bumubuo ng pinakamalaking hanay ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa buong bansa. Binabagtas nila ang landas ng armadong rebolusyon para sa pambansa at panlipunang paglaya na unang hinawan ng mga kabataang anak ng bayan na pinangunahan ni Andres Bonifacio.

Nitong nagdaang apat at kalahating dekada ng pagsusulong ng matagalang digmang bayan, ang Kabataang Makabayan ay nagsilbing di natutuyong balon ng bagong mga Pulang mandirigma at kumander ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at mga kasapi at kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas.

Dahil tuluy-tuloy na sumisibol ang mga kabataang rebolusyonaryo, laging nananatiling masigla ang Partido at BHB at walang takot na nagsasabalikat ng mabibigat na tungkulin sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyon.

Malaki ang pasasalamat ng sambayanang Pilipino sa Kabataang Makabayan sa malaking ambag nito nitong nagdaang kalahating siglo sa pagsusulong ng kanilang pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka. Nitong nagdaang 50 taon, ang KM ay naging katuwang ng Partido sa pagpapakilos sa mga kabataan sa mga pakikibakang masa at pagsasanay sa kanila sa pagsusulong ng kilusang propaganda at rebolusyong pangkultura, pagpapasigla ng demokratikong pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis, pagbubuo ng nagkakaisang prente at pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka.

Batid ng Partido at Kabataang Makabayan ang pangunahing mga problema at usaping panlipunan na kinakaharap ng mga kabataang Pilipino. Ang patuloy na lumalalang krisis ng naghaharing sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal ay lalong nagpapalala sa kalagayan ng milyun-milyong kabataang manggagawa, magsasaka at petiburges.

Nitong nagdaang dekada, dumoble ang bilang ng mga kabataang hindi nakapag-aaral dahil sa lumalalang komersyalisasyon ng edukasyon. Tuluy-tuloy na tumataas ang singil na matrikula, iba’t ibang bayarin at mga gastusin sa eskwelahan. Patuloy na kinakaltasan ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang gastusing panlipunan nito, kabilang ang alokasyon sa edukasyon, habang patuloy na pinalalakas ang papel ng malalaking kumprador sa edukasyong publiko.

Kaakibat ng komersyalisasyon ng edukasyon ang pagtindi ng panunupil sa loob ng mga kampus. Ipinatutupad ng mga kapitalistang may-ari ng mga eskwelahan, kasabwat ang mga ahensyang panseguridad ng estado, ang paghihigpit laban sa pamamahayag, pagbabawal ng mga organisasyon at iba pang karapatan. Layunin nitong supilin ang kolektibong paghamon ng mga estudyante sa mga patakarang nakatuon sa pagkakamal ng papalaking tubo.

Sa pagtupad ng programang K-12, ang edukasyon sa Pilipinas ay lalong nakatuon sa pagsasanay ng murang lakas-paggawa para ieksport o para dumagdag sa lokal na hukbo ng walang hanapbuhay. Kalahati ng kabuuang bilang ng mga wala o kulang ang hanapbuhay ay nagmumula sa kabataan. Hindi lumilikha ng sapat na bilang ng hanapbuhay ang ekonomyang walang baseng industriyal, nakasalalay sa dayuhang puhunan at pautang at dinadambong ng malalaking dayuhang kapitalista. Napipilitan ang mga kabataang mag-aplay sa mga “call center” at dumanas ng matinding pang-aapi at malupit na kundisyon sa paggawa.

Bilang katuwang ng Partido, inaabot ng mga kadre at kasapi ng Kabataang Makabayan ang malawak na bilang ng mga kabataang Pilipino sa mga kolehiyo at hayskul. Pinupukaw at pinakikilos sila sa batayan ng kanilang mga kinakaharap na problema sa araw-araw at minumulat sila sa pinag-uugatan nitong saligang mga suliranin ng sambayanang Pilipino. Binibigyan sila ng pampulitikang edukasyon upang pag-alabin ang kanilang diwang progresibo at patriyotiko.

Sa pamamagitan ng KM, patuloy na malalim na nakauugat ang mga proletaryong rebolusyonaryo sa hanay ng mga kabataan-estudyante at napakikilos sila sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Inaabot nila ang mga kabataan at mamamayan sa mga komunidad, pabrika at mga tanggapan.

Umiiral ang kundisyon para sa muling pagdaluyong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng kabataan-estudyante. Dapat walang sawa, walang pagod at ubos-kaya silang pukawin, mulatin, abutin, organisahin at pakilusin para isulong ang kanilang demokratikong kapakanan at lumahok sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.

Ang panibagong makasaysayang paghugos ng kabataan sa lansangan at kanayunan ay sadyang magiging kaakibat ng pagsusulong ng matagalang digmang bayan tungo sa susunod na yugto ng estratehikong pagkapatas. Ang malawakang pag-anib ng kabataan mula sa kalunsuran sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan ay malaking ambag sa ibayong pagpapasigla ng armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan.

Ang alingawngaw ng matatagumpay na taktikal na opensiba ng BHB sa kanayunan ay nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa kabataan at mamamayan sa kalunsuran. Sa kabilang panig, ang malalawak na pakikibakang masa at lumalaking mga demonstrasyon sa lansangan ay nakapagbibigay-sigla sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa kanayunan.

Ang tuluy-tuloy na pag-usbong ng bagong henerasyon ng kabataang proletaryong rebolusyonaryo ang isang salik kung bakit laging masigla at optimistiko ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Isinasalin nila, hindi lamang ang bagong pisikal na lakas, kundi maging ang sariwang determinasyon at perspektiba sa paglulutas ng mga problema at pagsusulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Natututo sila at humahalaw ng inspirasyon sa nakatatandang mga kadre sa paggampan ng mabibigat ng tungkulin.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20141121/kabataan-lumahok-sa-digmang-bayan

BIFF members attack farmers' districts in N. Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (Nov 21): BIFF members attack farmers' districts in N. Cotabato

Marauding members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Thursday simultaneously attacked two peasant enclaves in Midsayap town, provoking clashes with armed villagers and community watchmen.

The local police said two groups of BIFF bandits surrounded at the same time Bentad and Lunok Districts in Midsayap and shot houses with assault rifles and shoulder-fire 40 millimeter grenades.

Barangay tanods and armed peasants engaged the bandits in an hour-long running firefight, preventing them from closing in.

The bandits, led by clerics Karialan and Tambako, scampered away after sensing that responding combatants of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion have started arriving at the scene.

The BIFF’s attempt to intrude into the two farming communities forced Muslim and Christian folks to evacuate to safer areas.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/11/21/1394273/biff-members-attack-farmers-districts-n.-cotabato

Cops still clueless on Cotabato City bombers' identities

From the Philippine Star (Nov 21): Cops still clueless on Cotabato City bombers' identities

Investigators are still clueless on the identity of the two men who tried to bomb a truck full of soldiers along Sinsuat Avenue here on Thursday night.

Two passersby, Cristel Uy and Leslie Encina, were injured in the blast, which occurred four days after a student was killed and 15 others were hurt in an explosion in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Witnesses insinuated, however, that one of the passengers of the Army truck could have accidentally fired a 40-millimeter projectile from a tube of an M203 rifle, causing the explosive round to explode on the ground.

Local police investigators had insisted that one of the two bombers, who were riding a motorcycle together, hurled a mortar priming fuse on the Army truck, whose uniformed passengers managed to promptly drop the explosive device at one side of the thoroughfare, where it went off.

A mortar priming device is a miniature explosive attached on tips of a 60- or 81-millimeter round, designed to ignite a projectile's combustible powder once it slams on the ground after having been launched from a tube.

The soldiers, who belong to a component unit of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, were on their way to Parang town in northwest of Maguindanao.

Uy and Encina, who sustained shrapnel wounds, are now undergoing medication at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

Captain Joan Pitinglay, public affairs chief of 6th Infantry Division, said no one from among the passengers of the military truck was hurt.

The incident was preceded by Sunday’s bomb explosion in Kabacan town in North Cotabato, which killed a student named Monique Mantawil and injured 15 others.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and Kabacan’s incumbent chief executive Mayor Herlo Guzman have offered P100,000 each as bounty in exchange for any information that would lead to the arrest of the bombers.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/11/21/1394253/cops-still-clueless-cotabato-city-bombers-identities

Some 293 new defenders of the Philippine Republic graduate

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 20): Some 293 new defenders of the Philippine Republic graduate

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, November 20 (PIA) - Samar community welcomes in its fold some 293 new defenders of the Philippine Republic.
These were some of the words uttered by Rep Emil Ong, as guest of honor and speaker in the candidate soldiers’ graduation on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the 8th Infantry Division headquarters of the Philippine Army.

In his message, Ong honored the graduates who stood under the heat of the sun while their parents proudly clapped and watched their children who hurdled the rigorous physical and mental training for seven weeks.

Of these graduates, 20 come from Luzon, 64 from Mindanao and 209 of them come from Eastern Visayas. The youngest is 18 years old while the oldest is 33 with special skills though.

The graduates are a combination of two batches, the first batch 365-14  is led by top one soldier Pvt Jury Lanquino who yielded an average grade of 95.05; the second batch 366-14 is led by Pvt Rey Marino with 95.85 general average.

As to educational background, 118 are high school graduates, 154 of them are college undergraduates while 21 are college graduates.

“These are the smartest soldiers,” said 8th ID Commanding Officer Jet Velarmino.

As Pvt Noel Palacio ate lunch with his parents after the ceremony, he narrated that he is duty bound to give his parents a better life as his father is a farmer in Jaro, Leyte. His mom was teary-eyed as she talked of convincing her first born to forget being a soldier as she feared for his life.

“My son was determined and I am just glad he did not complain during the training. I see him now as a soldier who can defend his country,” Joselita Palacio said.

Pvt Jovy Caluya ate his lunch alone, his parents from Antique could not make it. But he talked to them on his cellphone the night before  which was enough encouragement. Like Palacio, Caluya is also the eldest son and he wants to assume the responsibility of taking care of his four siblings as his father is also a farmer.

The two young soldiers along with 291 classmates  took their oath  as dedicated and disciplined defenders of the country and to uphold human rights as they perform their duties.

The soldiers were also given rosaries. The rosaries are to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in the history of salvation and for God’s blessings.

As the last part of the program unfolded, the 293 new defenders met their families with the hindsight that challenges await them in the real battlefield.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1221416463437/some-293-new-defenders-of-the-philippine-republic-graduate

Rebeldeng NPA patay sa engkwentro

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 20): Rebeldeng NPA patay sa engkwentro

Usa ka sakop sa rebeldeng New People’s Army (NPA) ang patay sa usa ka engkwentro sa mga tropa sa gobyerno didto sa amihanan-sidlakan nga utlanan sa Bukidnon ug Misamis Oriental sa Sitio Kalha-an, barangay Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, niining Martes.

Si Lt. Norman Tagros, ang spokesman sa 8th Infantry Battalion, sa interbyu sa radyo miingon nga ang nasangpit nga mga NPA gituohan nga hiniusa nga mga elemento sa Guerilla Front 4B, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) ubos sa mando ni Lino Namatidong alyas “Dahon” ug sa Headquarter Force niini ubos sa mando ni Dionisio Micabalo alyas “Muling.”

Nakuha diha sa “battlefield” kon panggubatan ang us aka AK-47 nga armas nga dunay 30 ka rounds nga magasin, bala ug propaganda nga mga dokumento sa Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Ang taho sa Philippine Army miingon nga ang mga kauban sa namatay nga NPA nasamdan usab tungod sa daghang tulo sa mga dugo nga nagkatag diha sa ilang mga agianan atol sa ilang pag-eskapo.

Hinuon, walay report nga nasamdan o nakalas sa mga kasundaluhan sa gobyerno.

Ang 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division sa Philippine Army, pinaagi nila ni 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Jesse A. Alvarez ug 8th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, miingon nga kamulo sila karon nakig-alayon uban sa local government unit sa lugar aron sa pagtabang sa pamilya sa namatay’ng NPA ug pagtanyag sa tabang ngadto sa ubang mga miyembro sa NPA nga nasamdan panahon sa engkwentro.

Ang patay’ng lawas sa NPA anaa karon sa Hagpa, Impasugong, Bukidnon. Ang mga opisyal sa army ug mga lider sa Indigenous People miingon nga ang mga paryente sa gipatay nga rebelde kinahanglan mopakita ug motambong sa “vigil” tungod kay ang namatay nagkinahanglan usab sa takos ug desente nga paglubong.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501416474104/cebuano-news-rebeldeng-npa-patay-sa-engkwentro

US envoy keynotes youth gathering in Zamboanga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 21): US envoy keynotes youth gathering in Zamboanga

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg has met young peace advocates here during his recent visit to the city.

Speaking before high school and college students gathered at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) gymnasium, Ambassador Goldberg said the US government is committed to help the young people create a better future.

Young people around the world, he said, can make a difference by doing and standing what is right.

He also disclosed that the US has been supporting youth development programs in Mindanao like the livelihood skills training given to 181 out-of-school-youth in Zamboanga City under the US Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development-Mindanao Youth for Development (USAID-MYDev).

Goldberg personally attended the signing of the Cities Development Initiative (CDI) between the US government and Zamboanga City.

The CDI, which is part of the US-Philippines Partnership for Growth, aims to stimulate the city’s development potential through collaboration in the areas of health, education and environment as well as economic and invest promotions.

The ambassador also met some of the participants in the journalistic writing workshops conducted by the Zamboanga del Norte Press club (ZNPC) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to high school students and IP (indigenous people) college students, respectively.

ZNPC and PIA have partnered with the US Embassy in providing free training on journalistic writing to budding campus journalists.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431416537694/us-envoy-keynotes-youth-gathering-in-zamboanga-

NPA seeks ceasefire

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 22): NPA seeks ceasefire

New People’s Army rebels who abducted three Surigao del Norte policemen have sent feelers that they wanted a ceasefire, says  Mayor Dominador Esma Jr. of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

Reached by mobile phone on Thursday, he said Governor Sol Matugas has been informed as head of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Crisis Committee, pending formal negotiations initiated by the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

On Friday, 1st Lt. Patrick Martinez, Army 4th Infantry Division spokesman, said a military-police operation has been launched to recover the policemen.

“The decision for suspension of military operations (SOMO) will not come from us, the military. As in most cases, it actually originated from civilian authorities,” he told Manila Standard. “But I think, Governor Matugas learning from bitter lessons in the abduction and release of four Surigao del Norte policemen last July, it is most unlikely, the SOMO request will be realized.”

Martinez claimed the same group that kidnapped two Alegria policemen along the national highway in Barangay Pongtud last November 16 were also the ones who held captive four other policemen on July 10 but released July 29 during a five-day ceasefire that took effect July 27.

At the time, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the truce covered the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigakit, Claver and Alegria all of Surigao del Norte and Santiago, Kitcharao and Jabonga all of Agusan del Norte.

Esma, also Municipal Crisis Management Committee chairman, said Insp. Karlo Eden Malinay has been replaced by Senior Insp. Alberto Yong, as town police chief.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/22/npa-seeks-ceasefire/

Eight kidnap groups on the loose — PNP

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 22): Eight kidnap groups on the loose — PNP

The Philippine National Police is hunting down eight notorious kidnapping groups believed to be behind the series of abduction in the country which are preying mostly on wealthy and prominent Chinese and Filipino businessmen.

Sr. Supt Rene Asperas, Chief of Staff of the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group said a massive hunt has been launched against the syndicates, even as he reported that some 66 leaders of kidnap for ransom groups had already been arrested.

Asperas said there were 43 kidnapping cases from January to November this year, 24 of which were solved, with one kidnapping suspect killed.
Of the 43 cases, 21 occurred in Luzon, 22 in Mindanao, while not even a single incident of kidnapping was reported in the Visayas.

The 19 kidnapping cases in Luzon Asperas said, are still being investigated, while the 22 cases, most of which involved the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) are being looked into by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Three of the more prominent kidnap for ransom syndicate leaders whom the police arrested recently were identified as Tyron dela Cruz, who was caught in Alburquerque, Bohol shortly after he escaped from jail; Reccinte Padillo and Martin Lico.

Dela Cruz was charged for the 2013 kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese couple in Laguna. Padillo, on the other hand, is the alleged mastermind in the 2013 kidnapping of businesswoman Sally Chua, who was rescued in Davao City, while Lico leads a kidnap syndicate and is also involved in robberies. Padillo and Dela Cruz’s arrest came after Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas  challenged the MRPO to step up their efforts to neutralize the kidnapping groups.

Teresita Ang See, president of the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order lauded the recent arrests and gave the PNP a 2.5 grade for its efforts.

Ang See, however, asked the PNP not to be complacent despite its recent successes as most of the kidnap syndicates are just lying law and may come back with a vengeance.

“During the times that the syndicates laid low, the PNP should intensify their manhunt. Of course, the national government should also provide the funding for the manhunt,” she said.

Ang See called on the police and the public to be more vigilant as crimes are expected to rise during the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Aspera also noted that kidnappers seem to be operating in smaller groups and are now involved in other crimes such as illegal drug trade and robbery.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/22/eight-kidnap-groups-on-the-loose-pnp/

PNoy wants to step up counter-terrorism efforts –Palace

From GMA News (Nov 21): PNoy wants to step up counter-terrorism efforts –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III wants security officials to step up counter-terrorism efforts, Malacañang said Friday, after the Philippines ranked higher in the Global Terrorism Index Report.

During a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Undersecretary Abigail Valte said the administration would strive to lessen the number of incidents involving terrorist groups in the country.

"So far, I am quite certain that the President has seen some of the results of the work but, because he is the President, will continue to demand more from our law enforcement agencies when it comes to counter-terrorism," Valte said.

She issued this statement after the Philippines was identified as the ninth country in the world most at risk to terrorism.

The Global Terrorism Index Report also said that terrorist activities in the Philippines — particularly those linked to the New Peoples' Army, the Abu Sayyaf group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front — doubled last year.

Valte further said that the Philippine government is working with other countries to suppress the threat of other terrorist groups, particularly Islamic State militants.

"We have been coordinating and cooperating with our neighbors just to make sure that the Philippines will remain free from any ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] recruitment," she said.

ISIS recruitment activities have been reported in Mindanao, although the Philippine military has maintained that such activities remain unverified.

Last August, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf bandits claimed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State jihadists.

Aquino earlier ordered a relentless hunt against members of the Abu Sayyaf, which is supposedly getting logistical support from the global militant Islamist group al Qaeda.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/389174/news/nation/pnoy-wants-to-step-up-counter-terrorism-efforts-palace

Gov’t keen on striking down ISIS recruitment in RP

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 21): Gov’t keen on striking down ISIS recruitment in RP

The Aquino administration has expressed intentions to completely thwart possible recruitment activities conducted by the Islamic State militants in the Philippines, as Malacanang noted that moves by the jihadist group to recruit Filipinos in Mindanao have yet to be verified.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the authorities are currently on the case, ensuring that the administration will act as soon as possible in time that such an instance is verified in the country.

Coloma said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local government officials in vicinities where alleged recruitment takes place are on watch for the illegal activities of the terrorist group.

“We continue to assure that our authorities and law enforcement are ensuring the security of the people and of their communities from terrorist threats,” he said.

The AFP said it is coordinating with local leaders to prevent ISIS recruitment efforts and enjoined their support to our counter-radicalization campaign in the communities, Coloma added.

A Filipino was reported to be among the Islamic State fighters seen in a recent video showing the beheading of Syrian soldiers earlier this week, prompting the Palace official to give out the statements.

However, military intelligence units said that the authenticity of the video, which may be part of the jihadist group’s propaganda, has yet to be ascertained.

Reports that the Islamic State jihadists control large swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory revealed that the group has been accused of several atrocities in these areas, whereas in the local scene, a student form the Western Mindanao State University earlier reported Islamic State recruitment activities in southern Philippines.

President Aquino earlier said the Philippines is willing to help in the campaign against the jihadist group.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/gov-t-keen-on-striking-down-isis-recruitment-in-rp

BIFF explodes bomb to embarrass Catapang

From the Business Mirror (Nov 21): BIFF explodes bomb to embarrass Catapang

LESS than a day after the Armed Forces chief of staff, Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, ordered military forces in Central Mindanao to wipe out the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a homemade bomb lobbed by a man believed to be a BIFF guerrilla exploded on a busy highway in Cotabato City.

 

The blast occurred just 12 hours after Catapang visited Central Mindanao.

 

During his visit, Catapang ordered military commanders to hasten the operations against lawless groups in the region, particularly the BIFF whom he dubbed as a “spoiler of peace.”

 

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, public affairs officer of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division  (GID), said the latest attack in the series of harassments and terrorist activities by the BIFF occurred at around 6 p.m. on Thursday along Sinsuat Avenue, particularly infront of a Petron gasoline station at the crossing of Luna Street, Cotabato City.

 

During the explosion, two persons identified as Leslie Encina, 18, and Kristel Mae Uy, 20, were wounded. They were taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

 

Petinglay said the explosion was witnessed by soldiers who were onboard a military vehicle that was incidentally passing by.

 

According to the public affairs officer, one of the soldiers saw a man throwing a package that exploded on the highway.

 

She said the bomb was made from a 60mm high explosive mortar shell, hinting that it was the handiwork of the BIFF which had used similar type of explosive in its previous terrorism attacks in the region.

 

On Thursday morning Catapang visited the 6ID and ordered its commander, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, and other military commanders in the area to step up their operations against all lawless groups operating in the region, including the BIFF.

 

On Monday suspected members of the BIFF members led by a certain Commander Obetin detonated a homemade bomb near a primary school in Kabacan, North Cotabato, that wounded 16 people and killed Monique Mentawil, 19.

 

On Tuesday heavily armed BIFF members led by Commander Abunawas also attacked a Christian community at Sitio Lunok, Barangay Baliki, Midsayap, at around 10 p.m. but the villagers engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

 

On Wednesday an Army patrol briefly clashed with BIFF members at around 9 p.m. in Maguindanao.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/biff-explodes-bomb-to-embarrass-catapang/

Government’s goal to lessen terrorism incidents -- Valte

From the Business World (Nov 21): Government’s goal to lessen terrorism incidents -- Valte

AS THE PHILIPPINES’ rating among the countries most affected by terrorism went up in the annual Global Terrorism Index report, Malacañang yesterday reaffirmed its fight against terrorism in the country.

“We’d like to see more of the details of the report, but certainly, at the end of the day, our goal really is to lessen these incidents because you are looking at the safety also of the people,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail dlF. Valte told a press briefing Friday.

 

“We’d like to see what those incidents are and compare it with the data that our law enforcement agencies have. But certainly, I think everyone is unified in the goal that we want to lessen these incidents,” she added.

On the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Ms. Valte said the country “has been coordinating and cooperating with our neighbors just to make sure that the Philippines will remain free from any ISIS recruitment.”

“Yesterday, we were asked about some information that a Filipino was involved in the beheading of some Syrians in the most recent ISIS video. The military is endeavoring to check the veracity of that particular video, but so far, we still do not have any confirmation of the nationality of that person,” she said.

“We will continue to push for that. You have seen the administration’s resolve in trying to reach a just and lasting peace for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao through the Bangsamoro agreement. And perhaps to us, we will remain undeterred in our efforts to continue to push for that,” she added.

The global index said terrorism activities in the Philippines have doubled in 2013. This ranks the country at 9^th place among states that are “most at risk of becoming less peaceful.” The Philippines ranked 10^th in 2012.

 

At the top of the 2013 list are Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, India, Somalia, Yemen, and Thailand.

Terrorism increased “significantly” in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013, with almost twice as many incidents recorded at 499 and the number of deaths more than doubled from 122 to 292, said the Institute for Economics and Peace, the international think tank which prepared the study.

“Terrorism in the Philippines is intrinsically tied with nationalist and separatist claims by people living in provinces in southern Philippines (Mindanao),” the report said -- adding that “terrorism is spread across the country” over the past year, with 438 cities suffering terrorist attacks in 2013, “of which only 104 had one attack or 83 percent of the 81 provinces had at least one terrorist attack.”

Cotabato City recorded the highest number of terrorist activities, the report said, with 11 separate attacks and 11 fatalities recorded.

The report also said the New People’s Army, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Abu Sayyaf Group carried out the most terrorist activities in 2013.

It added that the government was the target in 34 percent of deaths from terrorist attacks; while business leaders, private citizens, and the police were the targets in 10-17 percent of deaths.

“The use of these tactics and targets demonstrates that many of the terrorist groups in the Philippines are seeking to directly change the political system,” the report said.

 

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=government’s-goal-to-lessen-terrorism-incidents----valte&id=98345

Curfew order in ESSzone extended until Dec 8

From The Sun Daily (Nov 21): Curfew order in ESSzone extended until Dec 8

The ninth phase of the curfew order for the waters off the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ends tomorrow, has been further extended. The extension is from Nov 23 to Dec 8, from 7pm to 5am.

Sabah Police Comissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the decision to extend the curfew order at six districts in ESSZone was made after reviewing the security situation there, and following public request.

"After considering several security issues, I am inclined to extend the curfew after the ninth order ends tomorrow," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the Royal Malaysian Police Practical Training Programme here today.

The first phase of the curfew in the ESSZone area was enforced on July 19, following several incidents of kidnapping involving local residents and foreigners at some districts in eastern Sabah.

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said a bilateral meeting between Sabah police and East Kalimantan police in Indonesia would be held from Dec 24 to 26 to discuss various security issues at the borders of the two regions.

He said the annual meeting in Balik Papan, Kalimantan Timur would among others, discuss issues relating to smuggling, cross-border crime, kidnapping, drug distribution, as well as new issues affecting Malaysia and Indonesia. – Bernama

 http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1234366

Army recovers 20 IEDs planted in Samar village; NPA blamed

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 20): Army recovers 20 IEDs planted in Samar village; NPA blamed

The military recently foiled an attempt by communist rebels to sow terror and bomb civilian communities in Samar with the seizure of 20 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the guerrillas planted in Barangay (village) Mabini, Basey town.

Lt. Col. Miguel Ceballos, commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the bombs were retrieved following reports from residents about suspicious-looking wires laid in the outskirts of Sitio Bega, Barangay Mabini in Basey. Troops from the 20th IB immediately went to the area and discovered the IEDs.

Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, public affairs officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID), thanked the residents for their vigilance and quick reporting.

Alea quoted Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, commander of 8th ID, as saying that the seizure of IEDs only proved the NPA’s violent character.

“Guided by concerned residents in the locality, the soldiers went to the area and were able to recover 20 sets of IEDs,” said Alea in a statement.

Alea said that soldiers continued to look for more IEDs in the area.

He said that IEDs could have been intended to inflict harm on the soldiers patrolling in the area.

“Further, the civilians’ safety is threatened as these (IEDs) can also destroy innocent lives and properties,” said Alea.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang visited the troops stationed in Maguindanao and was given updates on the atrocities perpetrated by lawless elements.

The Army recorded a series of IED attacks on military outposts and civilian communities.

Catapang told his troops to intensify the haunt for lawless elements which have been trying to spoil the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Catapang said that his visit was like a homecoming to reminisce his younger days as a junior officer.

He said he saw action against enemies of the state in the hinterlands of Maguindanao and Cotabato.

“I received my baptism of fire as a young lieutenant here. It is a very memorable place for me. I am glad that peace and development have gradually taken over this land,” Catapang said.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/652009/army-recovers-20-ieds-planted-in-samar-village-npa-blamed

Global Terrorism Index 2014

From the Institute of Economics and Peace (Nov 18): Global Terrorism Index 2014

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is the first index to systematically rank and compare 162 countries according to the impact of terrorism.

The GTI uses four indicators to measure the impact of terrorism: the number of terrorist incidents, the number of deaths, the number of casualties and the level of property damage. These indicators are used to create a weighted five year average for each country, which takes into account the lasting effects of terrorism.

The score given to each country therefore indicates the impact of a terrorist attack on a society in terms of the fear and subsequent security response.



http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/our-gti-findings

The 2014 Global Terrorism Index has just been released.
The Global Terrorism Index Report analyses the impact of terrorism in 162 countries and identifies the social, economic and political factors associated with it.

Highlights: Global Terrorism Index

The number of terrorist attacks around the world has increased dramatically; over 80% of all terrorism occurs in only 5 countries. Get the facts on terrorism.

 

Terrorism has become a global phenomenon with a 61% increase in the number of people killed in terrorist attacks over the last year. The 2014 Global Terrorism Index provides a fact-based understanding of terrorism and its impact.

Explore the interactive Global Terrorism Index map and download the Global Terrorism Index Report.

Key Facts:

• 17,958 people were killed in terrorist attacks last year, that’s 61% more than the previous year.
• 82% of all deaths from terrorist attack occur in just 5 countries: Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Syria.
• Last year terrorism was dominated by four groups: the Taliban, Boko Haram, ISIL, and al Qa’ida.
• More than 90% of all terrorist attacks occur in countries that have gross human rights violations.
• 40 times more people are killed by homicides than terrorist attacks.

http://economicsandpeace.org/research/iep-indices-data/global-terrorism-index

Why the AFP chief is skipping the Pacquiao match

From Rappler (Nov 21): Why the AFP chief is skipping the Pacquiao match

Know what event General Gregorio Catapang Jr prefers to witness other than the boxing match of Army reserve officer Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao?

Apologies to Army reserve officer Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, the Armed Forces chief of staff will have to miss his boxing match against Chris Algieri on Sunday, November 23.

General Gregorio Catapang Jr will be in La Union to award the posthumous Gold Cross Medal to the slain fresh graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), 2Lt Jun Corpuz.

 

Corpuz died fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan last month. His father will receive the honor, the 3rd highest combat award. (READ: Basilan's hero: Fresh PMA grad dies in Abu Sayyaf hands)

 

“I can always watch the replay of our Pambansang Kamao, but I could not miss the opportunity to present this award to the family of our fallen hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country,” Catapang said.

But he promises to watch a replay of the match. More importantly, he has made sure that troops nationwide will get the chance to watch the Pacquiao-Algieri fight through live screens that will be set up at the following venues:

• AFP Grandstand and AFP Wellness Center in Camp Aguinaldo
• Officers' Clubhouse and the Army General Hospital Multipurpose Hall at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio
• The gymnasium of the Philippine Air Force headquarters in Villamor Airbase
• Social Hall in Bonifacio Naval Station, Conference Room in Naval Base Cavite, and Fleet Marine Ready Force Wardroom in Sangley Point; NETC Blain Theater in Zambales, and the Multipurpose Hall of Naval Sea Systems Command in Cavite

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/75707-afp-chief-pacquiao-match

EXCLUSIVE | 'Pinoy ISIS jihadist' is Indonesian, says military

From InterAksyon (Nov 21): EXCLUSIVE | 'Pinoy ISIS jihadist' is Indonesian, says military

 
One of the photographs that military intelligence sources provided InterAksyon.com, comparing the alleged Filipino jihadist ISIS member (right) with a known Abu Sayyaf member.

The alleged Filipino jihadist named by the British tabloid Daily Mail as a member of the Islamic State group (also known as ISIS) is actually Indonesian, a military intelligence officer told InterAksyon.com.

The jihadist was shown in a video among other ISIS fighters wearing brown camouflage uniforms beheading more than a dozen captured Syrian pilots.

"There was already a report coming from our counterparts in Indonesia confirming that the jihadist was indeed Indonesian,” said the officer who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the matter.

“I'm not at liberty to divulge his name," he added.

Other intelligence sources also provided InterAksyon.com pictures of some members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who look like the Indonesian jihadist.

The ASG members, however, did not match the “facial frame” of the jihadist.

"We are always on red alert when it comes to terrorism threat in our country, especially the ISIS phenomenon. There are some groups who expressed support to ISIS such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf Group pero hanggang doon na lamang sila (but that’s as far as they go)," said the officer said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99640/exclusive--pinoy-isis-jihadist-is-indonesian-says-military

Dozens displaced, 27 houses burned in rido in North Cotabato

From MindaNews (Nov 21): Dozens displaced, 27 houses burned in rido in North Cotabato

A rido involving members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted near the boundary of Aleosan and Midsayap towns in North Cotabato resulting in the displacement of at least 211 families and the burning of 27 houses.

No casualties have been reported on both sides.

Aleosan Vice Mayor Eduardo Cabaya told Mindanews that the feuding families have a long-standing conflict.

In a report emailed to MindaNews by the town’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), sporadic clashes between the feuding families started on November 15 and lasted for four days.

This has resulted to the displacement of villagers and torching of the houses in Sitio Resingan in Barangay Dunguan. However, the report was not clear on who committed the arson.

The DRRMO report added that the harassment of paramilitary outposts by suspected BIFF rebels in Dungguan also forced the villagers to flee.

The evacuees came from the sitios of Dungguan and sitios of Bintad, which is already part of Midsayap as well as from Barangay Langayen in neighboring Pikit town.

Of the total number of displaced families, half are from Langayen and they are now staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Tapodoc, also in Aleosan. Those from Dungguan and Bintad have taken shelter in different evacuation centers near Dungguan proper.

Sporadic gunfire could still be heard until Thursday afternoon, said DRRMO staffer Lito Gellado.

Cabaya said the local government has intervened many times to resolve the conflict, but both sides have refused to peacefully settle their dispute.

“Their rido in Dungguan has been ongoing for decades already,” he said over the phone.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/21/dozens-displaced-27-houses-burned-in-rido-in-north-cotabato/

Surigao Norte police placed on red alert after abduction of 2 more cops

From MindaNews (Nov 21): Surigao Norte police placed on red alert after abduction of 2 more cops

Police stations in Surigao del Norte have been placed on red alert following the series of abductions of policemen by suspected New People’s Army rebels in the province.

Provincial police director Supt. Julito Diray issued the directive shortly after two more policemen were seized Sunday by alleged rebels in Barangay Pungtod, Alegria town.

On Sunday, Police Officer 3 Democrito B. Polvorosa and Police Officer 1 Marichel U. Contemplo, both assigned at Alegria Police Station were flagged down by suspected communist rebels and taken to a still unknown location.

“We must be on alert and vigilant,” Diray said in the directive, adding all police stations should put up checkpoints.

“We intensified our intelligence operations to monitor the movements and activities of the enemy in coordination of Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Last Wednesday (November 12) a rookie policeman identified as PO1 Junrie Amper was kidnapped by suspected communist guerrillas in a remote village in Malimono town. His captors have not sent word on his whereabouts.

The three policemen are still in the hands of their captors.

MindaNews tried to contact the NPA in Surigao del Norte, including National Democratic Front-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos but failed.

The NPA was yet to confirm if they have in their custody the three policemen.

On July 10 this year, four police officers were taken hostage by communist rebels in Alegria while the town’s police station was being attacked.

Nineteen days after, PO3 Vic Concon, PO3 Rey Oniel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Ronquino were released in a remote village in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte after the government declared a five-day ceasefire in some areas of the province.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/21/surigao-norte-police-placed-on-red-alert-after-abduction-of-2-more-cops/