15 ex-MILF, MNLF members finish college

From ABS-CBN (Mar 21): 15 ex-MILF, MNLF members finish college

Fifteen former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have graduated from the Basilan State College Tipo-Tipo Extension.

The former MILF and MNLF members were among the 68 pioneer graduates of BSC-Tipo-Tipo Extension, which offers degrees in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies.

One of the former rebels is 71-year-old Ustadz Madar Cabulot, who said that it is never too late to learn.

One former commander of the MNLF, Bonnie Salih, shared the same sentiment and added that he wanted to be a role model to out-of-school youth.

He said education played a big part in his reformation.

Former representative of the lone district of Basilan, Gerry Salapuddin, congratulated the pioneer graduates and extended his special applause to his former colleagues back when he was still a member of the MNLF.

Salapuddin said that as one former rebel, education must be a priority. He spearheaded the construction of a college facility in the province, which was later named the Basilan State College.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Tipo-Tipo, Ingatun Lukman Istarul, said he wants others to see the bright side in the area, and that it is not always about war, but children and adults living in harmony with the advocacy on education as a key to success and peace.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/20/15/15-ex-milf-mnlf-members-finish-college

Over 100 rebels killed in law enforcement operation in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (Mar 21): Over 100 rebels killed in law enforcement operation in North Cotabato

A total of 139 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in the on-going military law enforcement operation in North Cotabato as of today, said military officers.

In addition, 53 BIFF members were injured and 12 others arrested in the operation.

The Philippine security forces launched an all-out offensive against lawless groups in southern Philippines three weeks ago.

The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel force in the southern Philippines, in 2010 because of disagreements over the peace talks with the government. 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/03/21/1436350/over-100-rebels-killed-law-enforcement-operation-north-cotabato

Gov’t to launch massive info drive on BBL

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 22): Gov’t to launch massive info drive on BBL

The government will launch a massive and intense information and education campaign to convince more Filipinos, especially the high number of the undecided, to understand and support the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law(BBL).

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said that while 44% of Filipinos said they disagreed with the BBL, a high percentage--36%--also said they are undecided on their position in the survey conducted by polling firm Pulse Asia from March 1-7 among 1,200 respondents nationwide.

"It means that many have not made up their minds and would benefit from an intensified information, education, and communications program (IEC) on the BBL," Deles explained.

She said an intense information blitz may also sway part of the 44% to support the draft law.

 Lack of support comes from lack of information

"I wonder how many of them have read the BBL," asked Deles when asked to comment on the survey result that 44% of Filipinos disagree with the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL. "Knowing that many of them most likely lack information or are misinformed, then we still have a chance to significantly decrease that number with an IEC on BBL."

"No doubt about it, the 44% also reflects the result of the serious misinformation which has been spread regarding the BBL," she added. "Maraming mga maling impormasyon ang kumalat, (Too much misinformation was spread) -- wrong information on the peace process, the negotiating panels, and of course on the BBL, so we already expected that there will be a higher number on those who will disagree."

In the weeks following the tragic results of a law enforcement operation by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25, 2015, that left at least 67 dead, the peace process being pursued by the Aquino Administration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF came under heavy criticism.

 Survey conducted after nation reeled from Mamasapano

The peace adviser said that the January 25 incident left the nation reeling.

"It was a very difficult time for the country, with the grief that we all felt over the deaths of so many in one incident. And it provided the much-awaited opportunity for many to pursue their interests against the BBL or the Aquino Administration, political or otherwise."

The peace adviser pointed out that although the difference between those who agreed, 21%, and those who disagreed, 44%, to the passage of BBL is significant, the numbers still offer hope for the peace process, especially the 36% who remain undecided.

Deles said she believes many who disagreed with the BBL will change their minds and support the Bangsamoro if they are to know and understand the BBL and the good it will bring to fellow Filipinos and the country.

"Tayong mga Pilipino kasi ay likas na mapagmalasakit at matulungin sa kapwa. Basta alam nating tama, tutulong at tutulong tayo sa mga naaapi at nangangailangan (Filipinos are naturally kind-hearted and like helping other people. As long as we know it is right, we will help the downtrodden and the needy)," she said.

"Making our people see the truth from the many lies that have been told about the peace process is a challenge that we are confident we will overcome. If we were able to successfully achieve a high 88% awareness on the BBL before the Mamasapano incident happened, we will certainly work hard to achieve as much, if not more, than that with a well-informed public who support the BBL."

Deles said that this can also be true of the 62% from Mindanao who disagree with the passage of the BBL.

"I think that fear borne out of misinformation has something to do with it. Even before the Mamasapano incident, there were already rumors being spread around of prohibitions against certain practices of Christians, etc., that will be imposed, or that the take-over by the MILF of local government rule once the Bangsamoro is established. These are falsehoods that our people are working hard to correct."

The peace adviser also said that the number does not reflect the true sentiments of the Bangsamoro who comprise approximately 18% only of the 17.8 million population of the whole Mindanao region. "The voices of communities who are most affected by the ravages of conflict remain strong in their call for peace.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231426853160/gov-t-to-launch-massive-info-drive-on-bbl

Military to probe alleged burning of 2 mosques, 9 houses in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 21): Military to probe alleged burning of 2 mosques, 9 houses in Maguindanao

The military on Saturday vowed to investigate a report by the militant group Suara Bangsamoro on the alleged burning of two mosques and 9 houses in Sitio Tampat in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, by soldiers.

Jerome Succor Aba, Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson, said the house owners, who have evacuated to the neighboring village of Dapiawan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, have pointed to the members of the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT), who had encamped in the area in the last two weeks, as the culprit.

Suara said house owners Noraine Mohammad, Juharto Mohammad, Nanang Esmail, Aslamiya Adam, and Fatima Adam, noticed the fire at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 18, from the evacuation center in Barangay Dapiawan.

“They saw smoke and flame in the area, where their houses were. It was there where the 8^th MBLT had earlier encamped,” Aba said.

He said the following morning, the affected villagers went back and saw that their houses had been razed. Two mosques were also burned.

Capt. Jo-Anne Petinglay, spokesperson of
the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division, said the incident would be investigated.

“We will investigate the allegations and will not tolerate those who made violations if there is any,” she said.

Petinglay said burning civilian structures was “not a part of the doctrines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

“Before the operation started, the troops were also reminded to respect human rights and to properly observe the rules of engagement and the international humanitarian law,” she said.

Suara said the burning of the civilian houses and the two mosques in the area violated provisions on the International Humanitarian Law, which protects the rights of civilians and noncombatants in armed conflicts.

“This is only one of the numerous violations of human rights, brought about by the all-out war waged by the Aquino administration against the Moro people,” Aba said. “As the number of evacuees swell to 123,000, their communities are turned into warzone, soldiers encamp in barangay halls, while their communities and livelihoods are relentlessly bombed and destroyed,” he said.

Suara also rallied support to its call against the all-out war in Maguindanao, which it said, had put in danger the lives of the Moro people.

“Until these all-out offensives continue, soldiers will continue to stay in Maguindanao, putting civilian lives under the persistent threats of being hit in the crossfire,” Aba said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/680456/military-to-probe-alleged-burning-of-2-mosques-9-houses-in-maguindanao

‘Soldiers burn Moro houses, prayer huts’

From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication Bulatlat (Mar 21): ‘Soldiers burn Moro houses, prayer huts’

Residents pick through the ashes of their burned homes in Pamalian village, in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Suara Bangsamoro)

 

Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue, a month into government’s “all-out offensive” in Maguindanao against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, says a Moro group.

 

The Suara Bangsamoro reported that at least nine houses and two “masjids” or prayer huts in Maguindanao were burned by soldiers belonging to the Phil. Army’s 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT).

The group condemned the acts, and called for the pullout of the military from the Moro communities.

“The burning of civilian homes are just one of the growing list of violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws brought by the all-out war launched by the Aquino government against the Moro people,” said Jerome Succor Aba, Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson.

The group interviewed residents of Sitio (subvillage) Tampat, Pamalian village, in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao. The residents said that at about 7 pm on March 18, they were at the evacuation center in Dapiawan village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, when they saw a fire blazing from the direction of their homes, where they knew soldiers of the 8th MBLT had camped.

At 5 am on March 19, they went to check on their homes after seeing soldiers leave the area, and they were shocked to find their houses razed to the ground.

“The military have turned the communities into war zones, encamping in village halls, stationing themselves at evacuation centers, and wantonly bombing civilian homes and farms,” Aba said.

Suara Bangsamoro said that there are already 123,000 evacuees who have been forced to leave their homes because of the “all-out offensive” of the military.

The group feared that there will be more victims of indiscriminate firing, more homes and farms destroyed, and more civilians will be affected, with the military offensive.

 

http://bulatlat.com/main/2015/03/21/soldiers-burn-moro-houses-prayer-huts/

AFP: MILF training camp in Iligan City trumps ceasefire, peace process protocols

From InterAksyon (Mar 20): AFP: MILF training camp in Iligan City trumps ceasefire, peace process protocols

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has violated the ceasefire and peace process protocols based on evidence of its continuous recruitment of fighters and training them at a government property they seized and converted into their training camp in Iligan City, the military said Friday.

According to Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the government has resorted to an inter-agency mediation protocol to resolve the issue peacefull

A press statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) indicated that it has already begun investigating the case.

OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, together with government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, had previously come under fire for "defending" the MILF and blaming the Special Action Force (SAF) in connection with the Mamasapano massacre of 44 police commandos.

Earlier, also, local officials in Iligan city expressed alarm over the influx of indigenous people from different tribes and who were apparently being recruited for military training by the MILF's 103rd Base Command.

Col. Gilbert Gapay, commanding officer of Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, has confirmed this and immediately submitted his report to his superiors for the dismantling of the training camp.

A complaint had been lodged before the Iligan City council by Datu Lantung Ko Limunsudan, or Higaonon chieftain, Deodato S. Abugan Sr.

"They alleged that MILF fighters under Abdul Sango Amoran of the 305th Guerrilla Unit recruited 85 Higaonon tribesmen and Maranaws from Bukidnon and brought them to the camp from May 16 to 31 last year," Cabunoc said.

This was despite the fact that peace process protocols between the government and the MILF strictly prohibit such activities within the framework of the peace process.

The complaint was facilitated by Gapay, who brought his recommendation of dismantling the MILF training camp to the Government of the Philippines Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH CCCH).

"The protest submitted by Colonel Gapay to GPH CCCH will be acted upon through the conduct of a Joint Site Verification Mission composed by the Joint GPH-MILF CCCH and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), International Monitoring Team, and The Provincial Local Monitoring Team, Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Post and representatives from local government units, tribal elders and the non-government organization Non-violent Peace Force," Cabunoc said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107356/afp-milf-training-camp-in-iligan-city-trumps-ceasefire-peace-process-protocols

BIFF death toll now at 139 - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): BIFF death toll now at 139 - AFP
 

The number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members killed in the ongoing law enforcement operations against the bandit group has reached 139, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)..

"As of today (March 21), we have accounted 139 killed, 53 wounded and 12 arrested/apprehended BIFF members," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

Operations against the BIFF started last Feb. 25 when they attempted to take control of Pikit town in North Cotabato and Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

And in return, six troopers were killed while another 31 were wounded in the ongoing offensive against the bandits.

"The security forces will continue to conduct focused military operations against the armed threats like the BIFF and the terrorists that they have coddled in their communities," Cabunoc said.

"We have gained the momentum in this fight against lawlessness and we will never abandon our constitutional mandate to protect the people from bandits, criminals and terrorists," the AFP public affairs office chief pointed out.

As this develops, Cabunoc said that the AFP will facilitate the conduct of joint graduation ceremonies for the schools in area that are affected by the ongoing law enforcement operations against the BIFF.

These areas are mostly in Maguindanao and includes the town forming the so-called "SPMS Box".

These towns are Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Salibo (Shariff Saydona).

"Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., (AFP chief-of-staff) will support the decision of the ground commander, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan (6th Infantry Division commander) regarding this issue," Cabunoc said.

He also said that the AFP was considering a proposal to identify a safe area where the joint graduation ceremonies could be conducted.

"We need to discuss and take collective decisions together with our partners like the LGU (local government unit), PNP and DEPED (Department of Education)," Cabunoc said.

He also said that the AFP was very much interested in seeing school children flocking to schools in pursuit of education and better lives.

"We are delighted to see them finish school and receive their diplomas and recognition. We understand the plight of the people who have fled to evacuation centers, especially the women, children and old people," Cabunoc said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=746658

Chinese state media tags US as ‘kibitzer’

From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 21): Chinese state media tags US as ‘kibitzer’

Chinese state media turned to Yiddish on Saturday in the war of words over territorial disputes, criticising the United States as a “kibitzer” for what it called meddling in the South China Sea issue.

A commentary published in English by the official Xinhua news agency was headlined “America the Kibitzer”—which refers to an onlooker who gives unwanted advice–in this case regarding the South China Sea.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a position that conflicts with Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as with Taiwan.

US officials have called for a multilateral agreement to end all actions that risk further inflaming tensions in the region, which includes US allies.

“Uncle Sam has long been in the grip of many addictions, such as muscle-flexing, preaching and borrowing, but there has turned out to be one more: kibitzing,” the commentary said.

The commentary followed remarks by Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Robert Thomas, calling for patrols of the South China Sea as well as US senators urging a strategy to deal with China’s land reclamation in the disputed region.  

Thomas this week called on Southeast Asian nations to form a combined maritime force to patrol areas of the South China Sea, Bloomberg News reported.

“If ASEAN members were to take the lead in organising something along those lines, trust me, the US 7th Fleet would be ready to support,” Bloomberg quoted Thomas as saying.

ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/21/chinese-state-media-tags-us-as-kibitzer-/

Phil. Navy ‘rescues’ hostages in PHL-US anti-terror drill in Cebu

From GMA News (Mar 20): Phil. Navy ‘rescues’ hostages in PHL-US anti-terror drill in Cebu

A 13-member Philippine Navy team broke into a vessel and "rescued" 13 hostages from terrorists off Cebu province on Thursday.

 

The rescue is part of a joint military training exercise between the Philippine and US Navies, GMA Cebu reported Friday.

 

Thursday's rescue operation was among the activities of the last day of the training where the Navy personnel were briefed on tactics on visit, board, search and seizure, and tactical quarter combat.

 

Lt. James Reyes, spokesman of the Philippine Navy Forces Central (Navforcen) said Thursday's exercise also showed the exchange of anti-terrorism information between the Philippines and the US.

 

Reyes said both the Philippine and US Navies learned much from each other.

 

"We are ready for any hindi magandang mangyari, and we are here to respond," he said.

 

Following the two-week joint exercise in Cebu, the two navies will take part in another two-week exercise in Tawi-Tawi.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/455853/news/regions/phil-navy-rescues-hostages-in-phl-us-anti-terror-drill-in-cebu

AFP: Clearing ops vs. BIFF may end next week

From GMA News (Mar 21): AFP: Clearing ops vs. BIFF may end next week

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said clearing operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters may end next week.

In a phone interview with GMA News Online, AFP spokeperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said that after the clearing operations, the military will conduct "holding operations."

He explained that during the holding operations, troops will make sure that the area is safe enough for residents to return to their homes. Military officials will also coordinate with local government officials who will decide if its is safe for the residents to come back, he added.

"Siguro next week, we will start the holding operations," he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that since the start of the operations, 139 rebels have been killed. Of the number, 52 have been identified, he added.

On the other hand, 53 rebels were wounded while 12 have been captured, apprehended or surrendered, Kakilala said.

On  the government side, six were killed in action, while 33 were injured.

The Joint Task Force Central Mindanao, meanwhile, has captured three major and five minor BIFF camps.

The military has launched offensive operations against Usman and the members of the BIFF involved in the Jan. 25 encounter with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town. The encounter cost the lives of 44 SAF troopers.

The targets of the operation were Malaysian terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Amin Baco and Usman. Marwan was believed to have been killed during the operation but Usman managed to escape.

The military offensives are being conducted in four towns in Maguindanao: Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, or the “SPMS box”, where BIFF members are believed to have retreated with Usman.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/456609/news/regions/afp-clearing-ops-vs-biff-may-end-next-week

Suspected bomber arrested at checkpoint in Misamis Occidental town

From GMA News (Mar 21): Suspected bomber arrested at checkpoint in Misamis Occidental town

Police in Panaon town in Misamic Occidental arrested a man suspected to be a follower of Malaysian terrorist Marwan and who is believed to be behind bombings in Mindanao in 2006 and 2007.

 

According to Northern Mindanao Regional Director C/Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., police caught  Abdulmalik Sali, an alleged member of the Al-Khobar Group, at a checkpoint along the national highway in Panaon.

Al-Khobar is a group under an umbrella organization led by Marwan — an alias used by Zulkifli bin Hir, whom authorities say was killed in a police operation in Maguindanao in January.
 

Sali was arrested by the town police, the Misamis provincial police, and Special Project Mindanao Khilafa Islamiya on warrants for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder.

 

Sali is believed to be behind bombings in Kidapawan City, Cotabato and Digos City, Davao del Sur in 2006 and 2007 "wherein numerous lives were lost".

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/456701/news/regions/suspected-bomber-arrested-at-checkpoint-in-misamis-occidental-town

American senators seek US strategy to stop China’s South China Sea reclamation

From GMA News (Mar 20): American senators seek US strategy to stop China’s South China Sea reclamation

Leading US senators expressed alarm on Thursday at the scale and speed of China's land reclamation in the South China Sea and said a formal US strategy was needed to slow or stop the work.

 

In a letter to US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Republican Senators John McCain and Bob Corker and Democrats Jack Reed and Bob Menendez said that without a comprehensive strategy "long-standing interests of the United States, as well as our allies and partners, stand at considerable risk."

 

They said China's land reclamation and construction in the South China Sea's Spratly archipelago gave it the potential to expand its military reach and was "a direct challenge, not only to the interests of the United States and the region, but to the entire international community."

 

The letter said Gaven Reef had grown about 28 acres (114,000 square meters) in the past year and previously submerged Johnson Reef (Mabini Reef) was now a 25-acre (100,000-square-meter) "island." Fiery Cross reef increased in size more than 11-fold since August.

 

"While other states have built on existing land masses, China is changing the size, structure and physical attributes of land features themselves," the letter said. "This is a qualitative change that appears designed to alter the status quo in the South China Sea."

 

It said any attempt by China to militarize the artificial islands could have "serious consequences" and could embolden Beijing to declare a new air defense zone in the South China Sea like it announced in 2013 in an area contested with Japan.

 

The senators, who head the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the strategy should lay out "specific actions the United States can take to slow down or stop China's reclamation activities... ."

 

China claims about 90 percent of the potentially energy rich South China Sea. It has defended its reclamation work there, saying it is not seeking to overturn the international order. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

 

Chinese reclamation work is well advanced on six Spratly reefs and workers are building ports and fuel storage depots and possibly two airstrips. Experts say this will not overturn US regional military superiority but could allow Beijing to project power deep into the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/455725/news/nation/american-senators-seek-us-strategy-to-stop-china-s-south-china-sea-reclamation

AFP to hold graduation rites for schools affected by Maguindanao operations

From GMA News (Mar 21): AFP to hold graduation rites for schools affected by Maguindanao operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said it will facilitate a joint graduation ceremony for schools in areas affected by the military's all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao.

In a press statement, the military said AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. supported the decision of Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division, regarding the issue.

The statement said authorities are still determining a safe area where the ceremonies will be held.
"We need to discuss and take collective decisions together with our partners like the local government units, Philippine National Police and Department of Education," it added.

"We would like to see school children flocking to schools in pursuit of education and better lives," it added. "We are delighted to see them finish school and receive their diplomas and recognition."

Earlier, Maguindanao 1 Schools Division Superintendent Meriam Kawit on Thursday asked the military for a three-day suspension of law enforcement operations, to allow peaceful graduation ceremonies in several areas in the province.

Some 13,000 elementary and secondary students are set for their graduation rites, Kawit said, even as she proposed that the suspension of hostilities could be done from March 25 to 28.

“We are planning to conduct clustered or centralized graduation or we [could] make new platforms where the graduation ceremonies can be held,” Kawit told reporters after the meeting.

However, the military statement did not say if it will grant the three-day suspension request. GMA News Online contacted AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc for further details, but he was not available.

The military has launched offensive operations against Usman and the members of the BIFF involved in the Jan. 25 encounter with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town. The encounter cost the lives of 44 SAF troopers.

The target of the operation was to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Usman. Marwan was believed to have been killed during the operation but Usman managed to escape.

The military offensives are being conducted in four towns in Maguindanao: Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, or the “SPMS box”, where BIFF members are believed to have retreated with Usman.

The military said that as of Saturday, 139 rebels have been killed, while 53 were wounded, and 12 were arrested.

"We have gained the momentum in this fight against lawlessness and we will never abandon our constitutional mandate to protect the people from bandits, criminals and terrorists," it said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/456489/news/regions/afp-to-hold-graduation-rites-for-schools-affected-by-maguindanao-operations

Gov’t forces seize rebel camp in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): Gov’t forces seize rebel camp in Negros Occidental

Government troopers have captured another New People's Army (NPA) camp during operations at Sitio Natuyay, Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

In a statement forwarded Saturday by 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson, the incident took place 6:35 p.m. March 19.

Rebel forces quickly retreated after seeing approaching government troops.

He added that the camp can accommodate 40 rebel fighters.

Seized from the captured NPA base were assorted weapons and war materiel.

The operation was conducted by troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force.

They found a rebel camp that can accommodate around 40 people. Among the items they recovered were a shot gun, hand-held radios, kitchen utensils, ponchos, combat boots, voluminous subversive documents, food stuff, and personal belongings.

Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, commanding officer of the 62nd IB, said the NPA camp is believed to be occupied by the rebels encountered by the combined military and police forces last Wednesday.

“We are intensifying our peace and security operations to protect the populace and secure their community from lawless elements. The discovery of this camp will surely deprive the NPA of a place to train, consolidate and equip,” Cordova said in a press statement.

On Tuesday, the troopers of 62nd IB and 6th SAB also captured two suspected NPA rebels after a firefight in the same area.

Arrested were Felipe Bolo, 34, and Conrado Sison, 19, both of Sitio Bedio, Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City.

“The two NPA members were apprised of their constitutional rights and were turned over to San Carlos City Police for medical check-up and inquest proceedings,” the Army’s 3rd ID said.

Firearms were also recovered by military and police troopers following the encounter that lasted for about 15 minutes.

Cordova said government troops recovered five homemade shotguns and one .357 caliber revolver.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=746532

Abandoned rebel training camp discovered in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): Abandoned rebel training camp discovered in Masbate

Troopers from the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company have discovered an abandoned New People's Army (NPA) training camp at Sitio Busdak Diotay, Barangay Danao, San Jacinto town, Masbate Friday morning.

This took place 9:30 a.m., 9th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa said.

She added that the camp, also features a cave, which can hold around 30 NPA fighters.

Recovered were a motorcycle, one printer and a cassette radio.

Military informants said the camp was abandoned five months ago due to pressure exerted by the military.

The recovered items are now at the custody of the San Jacinto Municipal Police Station.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=746537

U.S. did not break PHL law in Mamasapano operations -- DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): U.S. did not break PHL law in Mamasapano operations -- DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs said American personnel involved in the operation in Mamasapano that killed a wanted Malaysian terrorist did not violate Philippine laws.

Citing a Philippine National Police investigation report that was released last week, the DFA said: “We can conclude from these findings that U.S. involvement in this operation did not violate any agreement or law.”

“The BOI found that there were no armed U.S. troops engaged in combat in the area of operations,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said at a press briefing this week.

The January 25 raid on the hideout of Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano town, however, resulted in the death of 44 PNP Special Action Force troopers after coming under intense gun battle with Muslim rebels in the area. The incident is said to be the worst single-day combat loss for Philippine troops in recent memory.

Jose maintained that existing arrangements between the Philippines and the U.S. allow American forces to serve in an “advisory and assistance capacities,” particularly on information-sharing, equipment provision, training and casualty evacuation.

“Under the same arrangements the only constitutional restriction is that U.S. forces may not engage in combat operations,” he said.

Jose emphasized that the types and extent of U.S. activities in connection with the operation, called Oplan Exodus, as indicated in the PNP-Board of Inquiry, fall within the ambit of existing bilateral agreements, such as the Mutual Defense Board, Security Engagement Board and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=746578

More troopers deployed in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21): More troopers deployed in Maguindanao

To ensure greater peace and security, troopers of the 34th Infantry Battalion was ordered deployed to Maguindanao and the nearby provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao Del Sur.

The unit was formally welcomed Saturday at 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Officers and enlisted troopers of the unit were formally welcomed by 6th Infantry Division assistant division commander Brig. Gen. Manolito Orense.

The 34th Infantry Battalion is a field unit of the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division.

It is commanded by Lt. Col. Edgar K. Delos Reyes.

The 34th Infantry Battalion will augment 6th Infantry Division efforts in maintaining peace and security in Maguindanao, parts of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao Del Sur.

The deployment marks the start of the holding phase wherein government forces will establish encampments in former lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in order to prevent armed lawless group from going back to said areas.

It will further pave the way for the implementation of various developmental projects in the different communities in the 6th Infantry Division's area of operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=746650

More than 120,000 Mindanao residents flee as all-out offensive vs BIFF continues

From InterAksyon (Mar 21): More than 120,000 Mindanao residents flee as all-out offensive vs BIFF continues
 

More than 120,000 people have fled their homes in the impoverished southern Philippines since fighting broke out between government troops and Islamic militants in late January, the UN refugee agency said Friday.

"UNHCR is concerned about the safety of civilians as the conflict spreads into local villages," spokesman Babar Baloch told reporters.

The Philippines military launched an offensive earlier this year against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a rebel group fighting for an independent Muslim homeland in the south.

The offensive, including attacks with artillery and helicopter gunships, has taken place in poor farming areas on Mindanao island, where Muslim rebels have for decades fought for independence.

Baloch said an estimated 13 municipalities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato had been affected by the eight weeks of clashes.

More than 120,000 had been displaced and sought shelter in schools, public buildings and madrasas, he said.

But he acknowledged, "the estimated number of displaced could be higher, since it does not include people hosted by relatives and friends."

Baloch also warned that the numbers were "expected to grow as the fighting extends to the local communities ... already hosting many of the displaced."

The volatile security situation is meanwhile blocking UNHCR from accessing many of the affected areas, he said.

UNHCR expressed particular concern for the safety of civilians, including women and children, stuck in the conflict area.

While civilians did not seem to be targeted directly, they were getting caught in the crossfire, Baloch told AFP.

"Women and children could potentially be exposed to exploitation and abuse," he warned, pointing out that many found themselves without income or community protection, and with very limited access to shelter, food, medicine and water.

"UNHCR appeals to all parties of the conflict to ensure the safety of civilians while the law and order operation is underway," he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107355/more-than-120000-mindanao-residents-flee-as-all-out-offensive-vs-biff-continues

MILF: Intercepted PNP-SAF members told by MILF Forces to raise hands and leave

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 20): Intercepted PNP-SAF members told by MILF Forces to raise hands and leave



On Wednesday, March 18, a company of police operatives, including commandos from the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) reportedly entered an MILF territory in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, to arrest ‘dead or alive’ high value targets but were detected, quickly intercepted and surrounded and told to raise their hands and leave, according to a source from the intelligence sector of the government.

The area where they entered is under the control of the MILF 106th Base Command and allegedly on operation having learned that wanted bomb-maker Abdul Basit Usman and Malaysian terrorist Amin Baco alias Jihad were hiding in the area.

"Not a single shot was fired from both sides, because the police team was detected and promptly yelled at by MILF fighters not to proceed in order to avoid an encounter.

They were surrounded and told to raise their hands, and to leave if they don't want to be shot at," Interaksyon TV5 quoting its source saying.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., has not commented yet on the report.

The military said they too had heard about the report, but still in the process of verifying it.

Similar ‘hands-up’ orders by Moro rebels also happened to SAF operatives in Taviran, datu Odin, Sinsuat, Maguindanao in early 90’s; Masula, Isabela City, Basilan; and in Matanog, Maguindanao, when some SAF officers and men were caught between Army troops and MILF rebels in 1995.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/791-intercepted-pnp-saf-members-told-by-milf-forces-to-raise-hands-and-leave

CPP/NDF: NDFP condemns arrest of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta

NDFP Negotiating Panel propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 18): NDFP condemns arrest of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta

Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

 

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) strongly condemns the arrest of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta on 4 March 2015 by combined Philippine Army and Philippine National Police forces of the Aquino regime. His arrest and continued detention are a gross violation of the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta has been issued NDFP Document of Identification ND978240 under the assumed name Lirio Magtibay, which he presented to the arresting officers. The Aquino regime again shows its obstinate refusal to comply with its obligation to respect the reciprocal binding peace agreement JASIG signed in 1995 and approved by the Principals of both Parties.

The NDFP demands the release of NDFP Consultant Ruben A. Saluta and 15 other NDFP consultants. Their illegal arrest and detention in violation of the JASIG seriously prejudices the resumption of formal peace negotiations between the Aquino government and the NDFP.

Currently held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) detention in Camp Crame, Quezon City, NDFP Consultant Saluta needs urgent medical care for hypertension, allergic rhinitis and scoliosis. He also has cataract. He suffers from recurring pneumonia and needs to maintain his cholesterol level. All the more, that he should be released immediately and unconditionally.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150318_ndfp-condemns-arrest-of-ndfp-consultant-ruben-a-saluta

CPP/NDF International: Remembering Jabidah Massacre: Moro people must persist in armed resistance vs. chauvinism, state repression

NDF International propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 17): Remembering Jabidah Massacre: Moro people must persist in armed resistance vs. chauvinism, state repression

NDFP International Information Office

By JORGE MADLOS (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson, NDFP Mindanao

 

The NDFP-Mindanao is one with the entire Moro people in remembering the tragic Jabidah Massacre, when, 46 years ago, 64 young Moro men were sent to Corregidor to undergo military training for an ambitious Marcos-dictated mission to Sabah, Malaysia, dubbed Oplan Merdeka, that ended in their gruesome summary execution.
When the trainees knew that they were being prepared to start a war against their fellow Muslims in Sabah, they opposed the mission by refusing to participate in it, which did not rest well with Marcos and his military henchmen. To contain this “mutiny” and avoid being exposed, Marcos then ordered the execution of all the young Moro trainees; only one, Jibin Arola, survived to divulge the horrific details of the massacre.

The Jabidah massacre is but one appalling event in a long history of violent subjugation and mass slaughter of the Moro people had to endure. During the bloody era of the American colonization, the carnage at Bud Dajo in 1906 and at Bud Bagsak in 1913 saw the annihilation by American soldiers of entire Moro communities in Mindanao. In recent history, the extensive casualties and damage brought about by Estrada’s all-out war against the MILF, dubbed Oplan Balanghay, gained no less than international notoriety and condemnation.

Decades of oppression however have not emasculated but instead solidified the Moro people’s steadfastness to bravely fight for their right to self-determination and liberation. In the aftermath of the Jabidah massacre in particular, Moro youth and students, along with the broad Moro masses were propelled to rise against the Marcos regime and, in the process, established armed resistance movements such as the MNLF, then the MILF and now the BIFM.

Today, under the US-Aquino III regime, the Moro people are faced once more with a series of all-out attacks, launched, in particular, against the BIFF and other Moro armed groups in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sulu. A huge number of AFP units with direct assistance from the US Armed Forces are once again subjecting several Moro communities to mortar, cannon-fire, aerial bombings and ground attacks, which have already resulted in the evacuation of tens of thousands of Moro families and individuals.

Clearly, Aquino III’s peace effort in Mindanao has revealed itself not the “bringer of peace” as it claims to be but the harbinger of real terror by using his US boss’s “war on terror” to justify its all-out war against the BIFF, which, at the same time, is placing undue pressure on the MILF-BIAF to run after BIFF. The MILF, unfortunately, has been held back from raising its protest against this pressure to somehow avoid spoiling the passing into law of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, even as an increasing number of legislators are now countering its enactment. This debacle reeks of how Dictator Marcos once used young Moro men to realize its territorial ambition in Sabah.

Faced with these challenges, the Moro people have no other recourse but to persist in their tradition of armed resistance against state oppression and against the continuing plunder of the natural wealth in Moro lands. In order to realize the genuine right to self-determination they aspire for, there is a need to counter pervasive chauvinism and struggle to resolve the country’s basic problems – feudalism, bureaucrat capitalism and US imperialism – that are inimical to both the Bangsamoro and the entire nation.
The NDFP-Mindanao, for its part, continues with its commitment to fight for the interests of the Bangsamoro against a common enemy not only to attain emancipation for the Moro people but for the entire Filipino nation as well.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150317_remembering-jabidah-massacre-moro-people-must-persist-in-armed-resistance-vs-chauvinism-state-repression

CPP/NDF International: Aquino’s brutal war against BIFF, intensified Mindanao war campaign must be opposed and condemned

NDF International propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 16): Aquino’s brutal war against BIFF, intensified Mindanao war campaign must be opposed and condemned

NDFP International Information Office

By JORGE MADLOS (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson, NDFP Mindanao

 

In the aftermath of the botched US-directed attack on Mamasapano, the Aquino III regime has launched a full-blown military offensive, covering 11 municipalities of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement–Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFM-BIFF). In Sulu, since last November 2014 until recently, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, with the aid of the US, has launched no less brutal anti-Moro attacks in the guise of stamping out terrorism in the region, victimizing not the “terrorists” but the civilian Moro populace. These all-out attacks are at the behest of the US “war on terror”.

While on the other hand, as part of its bloody Oplan Bayanihan (OPB) campaign, the regime is also intensifying its US-guided counter insurgency brutal offensives in Mindanao to wipe out the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which Aquino III could only dream of attaining before his term ends.

To achieve these offensives, the AFP has deployed to Mindanao over 60% (or around 70 battalions) of its total forces, which include Infantry, Marines, Scout Rangers, Special Forces, Light Reaction Forces, and its Mechanized Battalions. It has beefed up its air force and artillery units in the island, and has obtained direct US operational assistance especially in communication equipment and surveillance drones.

The US-Aquino III regime’s current military campaign against the BIFM-BIFF is an attempt to cover and divert BSA III’s treasonous culpability in the death of the 44 Special Action Forces troops in the Mamasapano incident. Aquino III has not only demoralized the AFP and Philippine National Police organizations when he intentionally by-passed the chain of command just to please his US boss, but he leaves them virtually dejected by dodging blame. The families of the 44 SAF fatalities and the public in general must not be misled by the self-serving PNP investigation report.

It has mobilized troops from the 6th Infantry Division, the Luzon-based 7th Division, the Marines, Scout Rangers, and Special Forces, supported by armored and artillery units and the Philippine Air Force, including direct US military assistance. The military has also capitalized on “rido”, or clan feuds, between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and BIFF groups to justify its all-out war effort, only partly succeeding however in pitting the two armed Moro groups against each other.

Benigno Aquino III conspired with US Armed Forces to execute Oplan “Exodus” inside an MILF and a BIFM area without any prior coordination with the MILF. This is a treacherous breach in the peace agreement it has entered into with the MILF. The collateral damage of Aquino III’s treachery includes the apparent scuttling of its peace effort with the MILF, which has already led to the further escalation of the armed Bangsamoro resistance movement.

For the past weeks, the AFP has launched massive artillery and aerial bombardments in several Moro communities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, aided by US surveillance drones. As a result, more than 35,000 families or 175,000 individual Moro men, women, children and elderly have abandoned their homes and livelihood, and are now in cramped evacuation centers, only to suffer hunger and disease. Over 2,000 individuals, especially children, have gotten sick due to extremely insalubrious conditions. These atrocities are also happening in Sulu.

Worse, just like in the Yolanda-hit areas in the Visayas and in Zamboanga City after the MNLF siege, the reactionary government couldn’t care less in accommodating the swelling number of evacuees, nor on how to facilitate the safe return to their homes, rebuild their economy and provide psycho-social rehabilitation. This condition is a déjà vu of the ruthless anti-Moro campaigns in the Marcos and the Estrada regimes
The MILF, for its part however, has stood helpless to abate the suffering of their Moro brethren. They can hardly raise their protest against the treachery of the US-led Oplan “Exodus”, nor defend the Bangsamoro people against the public insult heaped by some rabid anti-Moro legislators, lest their BBL project is fully scuttled in both the lower and upper houses (Manila government’s Congress).

Not fully reported in the media, this anti-Moro terror campaign of the US-Aquino III regime has been met with stiff resistance from the Moro masses and Moro armed resistance groups in Mindanao, causing heavy casualties to government mercenary troops. On the other hand, its OPB military campaign against the CPP-NPA-NDFP has been gaining more notoriety in its brutality and human rights violations, yet is far from achieving its avowed aim of dismantling into inconsequentiality the revolutionary movement. Hardly getting through to news agencies, OPB’s recent combat operations have instead been pummeled by the active defense of NPA units who enjoy wide support from the masses, exacting heavy losses on the enemies in all five (5) NPA regions in Mindanao.

Right before the eyes of the Manila government and the MILF, their joint project for peace in Mindanao has, in reality, become a source of unpeace, thanks to the duplicity and puppetry of Aquino III to the dictates of his US imperialist master. Its all-out war now rages with the aim to wipe out resurging Moro armed resistance forces for the all-out sale of Moro lands to foreign monopoly capitalists, who have long since coveted mineral-rich Liguasan Marsh and the vast fertile lands of North Cotabato,

Maguindanao, Basilan and Sulu for super profit. However, instead of crushing the Bangsamoro armed resistance as a whole, the US-Aquino regime, after presuming it has succeeded in pacifying the MILF, has only emboldened the BIFF and other Moro armed groups to rekindle and escalate the Bangsamoro armed struggle.

Under the context of this all-out attack, the NDFP-Mindanao calls upon the entire Filipino people, Moro and non-Moro alike, to unite and strongly condemn and oppose this latest all-out war against the BIFM-BIFF and other Moro armed groups, and the intensified brutality of its dreaded Oplan Bayanihan in the rest of Mindanao. The people must see Benigno Aquino III for the US puppet and fascist that he is, and, therefore, must further amplify the call for his immediate ouster.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150316_aquino-s-brutal-war-against-biff-intensified-mindanao-war-campaign-must-be-opposed-and-condemned

AFP chief: Military drive against BIFF may last till June

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 20): AFP chief: Military drive against BIFF may last till June

The military operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao could last until June, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said on Friday.

“The offensive will stay up to June because we have yet to fully account all the BIFF membership. There are about 300 plus. As of last count, we have neutralized somewhere between 110 and 120,” he told reporters.

The military last month launched an all-out offensive against the BIFF, the breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that is opposed to the peace deal between the MILF and the government.

The operations started after a rido or clan war between the BIFF and MILF in February. The BIFF is also believed to be coddling Basit Usman, a bomb maker who escaped a police operation in Mamasapano last January.

Catapang said they are hoping to catch Usman in due time.

The fighting has already displaced at least 100,000 people, he added.

By next week, Catapang said they are aiming for the next phase of the operations dubbed as “peace and development operations.”

He said they would assess and check municipalities where evacuees could already return to. I will be going there on Wednesday to visit to give an update,” he said.

“We are now on clearing phase and what we want to clear initially is the SMPS box. Kung clear na yan, we will allow the people to return to their abode and put in peace and development activities which include roads, bridges, schools and hospitals for peace,” he added.

The AFP chief also said that a P67-million wooden bridge that would be constructed in Mamasapano will be inaugurated on Wednesday.

It was in the bamboo bridge that most of the police commandos were killed in the bungled mission. It was the only way that top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan could be reached but at the same time it is also the only access for the people in Tukanalipao to the rest of the town.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/680308/afp-chief-military-drive-against-biff-may-last-till-june