Thursday, March 26, 2015

Resupply missions to Ayungin getting tougher because of Chinese ships

From GMA News (Mar 25): Resupply missions to Ayungin getting tougher because of Chinese ships

Sending supplies to the troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, the country's outpost in Ayungin Shoal, is getting more difficult as Chinese Coast Guard vessels continue to block ships going to the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Navy said on Wednesday.
 
"We have been holding ourselves back and refraining from undertaking activities that run the risk of being misinterpreted or mishandled in the conflict. Bearing that in mind we exercise utmost caution particularly since our recent resupply missions at Ayungin Shoal are becoming increasingly more difficult in view of the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels," said Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez in a report on GMA 7's "24 Oras" on Wednesday. 
Admiral Lopez also said the troops out in the Kalayaan Island Group should be given ample support. 
 
"Our own KIG detachments today badly need moral, welfare, and recreational support and require critical maintenance and upgrade," he stated.  
 
Around the same time last year, the Navy's resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal was also harassed by Chinese vessels.
 
Philippine Navy spokesman Col. Ed Arevalo that so far the harassment of the Chinese vessels are not considered "hostile." 
 
"Hindi pa naman natin siya masasabi na hostile act...Parang isang lugar na may nagtatalo kung sino dapat ang may-ari or kung sino ang dapat na nandoon na sinisigawan mo na 'Hoy umalis ka diyan'," he said. 
 
The Ayungin Shoal is located inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but China is also claiming it is part of its territory.    
 
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the military is continually monitoring the situation in the West Philippine Sea. 
 
"Pinag-aaralan natin kung papaano natin maayos 'yunng ating mga tao doon at ang kanilang mga resupply, mga provisions. And at the same time, pinalalakas natin 'yung ating mga relasyon sa ating mga kapitbahay, mga kalapit-bansa upang sa ganun lumakas ang ating samahan," he said.
 

DND tells supplier: Justify delayed delivery or lose P1.26-B chopper deal

From GMA News (Mar 26): DND tells supplier: Justify delayed delivery or lose P1.26-B chopper deal

A joint venture has a week to submit a verified position paper explaining why the Department of National Defense should retain a P1.26-billion helicopter deal despite its failure to deliver 21 UH-1 helicopters to the Philippine Air Force on time.
 
DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has sent a "Notice to Terminate" dated March 25 to Robert Rice Jr., the official representative of the joint venture of US-based Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Canada-based Eagle Copter Ltd. saying it would "partially" terminate the deal because it has failed to comply with the agreed delivery schedule of 21 UH-1 helicopters. 
 
"Failure to show cause within the provided period, either by inaction or by default, shall cause the issuance of an order terminating the contract," the Defense secretary stressed. 
 
The letter said that the joint venture reached the maximum liquidated damages on January 31 when it failed to comply with the agreement that the delivery of the choppers should be within 180 days since the Letter of Credit was opened. 
 
"The Letter of Credit was opened in 27 March 2014 and the deadline for delivery for the Contract is on 23 September 2014," Gazmin wrote.
 
He pointed out that the DND gave a 13-day extension for shipment number two, composed of UH-1 with tail number 8969 and 8502. Its delivery date was October 16, 2014. 
 
However, Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copter Ltd. delivered the units "in tranches." As of the date of the notice, only eight out of the 21 UH-1 helicopters and 21 sets of gun mounts were completely delivered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee. 
 
When DND was still bidding out the procurement deal for the helicopters, the joint venture failed to comply with the documentary requirements set by the DND Bids and Awards Committee. It also submitted an unsigned document.  
 
Last March 19, three lawmakers — Reps. Samuel Pagdilao of ACT-CIS party-list, Leopoldo Bataoil of Pangasinan, and Romeo Acop of Antipolo City — who were former police officials asked the House to look into the deal, saying the helicopters were obsolete and the transaction was done in bad faith.  
 
"Instead of terminating the project, the DND allowed the supplier to continue with the delivery of the helicopters despite its vilations and conspicuous disadvantages, which are inimical to the modernization of the AFP," the lawmakers said.
 

DFA: Pag-asa airstrip rehab won’t violate Code of Conduct in South China Sea

From GMA News (Mar 26): DFA: Pag-asa airstrip rehab won’t violate Code of Conduct in South China Sea
 
The government's planned rehabilitation of an eroded airstrip at the Pag-asa Island in the South China Sea would not be a violation of a 2002 non-aggression pact unlike China's massive land reclamation in the contested region, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Thursday.

“It’s the massive reclamation which is intended to change the status quo of a certain feature that is what’s in question. So we’re taking the position that we can and this has always been our position that we can proceed with repair and maintenance,” Del Rosario said at a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

China, which is asserting ownership over nearly the entire contested waters, is currently reclaiming seven disputed features in the South China Sea.

The Philippines strongly protested such activities, saying China violated the spirit of the 2002 non-binding agreement it signed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, called the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or DOC.

Philippine officials said Chinese reclamation has included areas that are within Manila's territory.

The Philippine military has long planned to repair the runway on Pag-asa—the largest feature being occupied by Manila in an area which is home to a cluster of islands, reefs and atolls further south that’s called the Spratlys.

However, the Department of National Defense in October 2014 said that President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered a freeze in the repair and rehabilitation of the 1.4-km runway to show the Philippines has “moral high ground" amid its pending arbitration case against China.

Manila filed a complaint against China before a Netherlands-based tribunal in a bid to declare Beijing’s massive claim as illegal. A sizeable chunk of this claim, according to Philippine officials, infringes on the country’s jurisdiction.

“If we read into the DOC, massive reclamation is one activity whereas maintenance repair is another activity,” Del Rosario said.

China and the Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN, of which the Philippines and other South China Sea claimants Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are members, signed the accord to ease tensions in the area. Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are the other members of the ASEAN.

The DOC calls on all claimants to exercise restraint and stop new occupation of territories in the South China Sea. However, it lacks the power to sanction states that will violate its provisions.

China and ASEAN have yet to craft a code of conduct, which is envisioned to be a legally-binding document.

“I think the violation of the DOC is in terms of massive reclamation and we have said that maintenance and repair [are] not covered by the portion of the DOC which says repair and maintenance [do] not raise tension,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario, meanwhile, assured that any repair work will be undertaken with “great care” and that it will be done “in accordance with what is allowed under the DOC.”
 
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/459578/news/nation/dfa-pag-asa-airstrip-rehab-won-t-violate-code-of-conduct-in-south-china-sea

NPA arsonists in Bukidnon captured, face multiple charges

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): NPA arsonists in Bukidnon captured, face multiple charges

Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who burned seven cargo trucks in a village in Bukidnon were captured and are now facing multiple charges, while their leader remains at large.

Major General Oscar T. Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said the three NPAs identified as Henry P. Omandam alias Empoy, 19 years old; Vergel Pitogo alias Marmar, 23 years old; and John Rey O. Flores, 16 years old, were captured March 15, 2015, around 8:00 a.m at Brgy Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon during the police-army joint operation.

Recovered from their possession were one landmine, ammunition of M203 and two (2) t-shirts with NPA logo.

Troops from the army's 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, under 403rd Infantry Brigade, arrested the NPA rebels following information received from concerned citizen on the presence of the three in their community.

“This is the consequence when you join the New People’s Army. There will be nobody, not even your leaders, will come to your aid when you are put in a situation that warrants you to justify your unlawful actions. You are on your own to tend the charges against you,” Maj. Gen. Lactao said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Quezon, Bukidnon filed charges against them in violation of R.A. 10591, which is "unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms and ammunitions" with penalty of Reclusion Temporal to Reclusion Perpetua and R.A. 8294, which is "Illegal Possession of High Explosives and Ammunitions". They are also filing Frustrated Murder case after these NPAs ambushed the responding PNP personnel during the burning incident and Arson case when they burned the seven heavy trucks.

The apprehended bandits are part of the group responsible in the burning of seven trucks on March 8, 2015 at the same place.

“Let this serve as a lesson to all members of NPAs and to those who are planning to join the armed struggle. NPA leaders are not concerned about your welfare, they are only using you to pursue their vested interest and in destroying the hopes and dreams of Filipinos in achieving peace and development. I urge you to contemplate and come to a decision of leaving the armed struggle and return to mainstream society to experience living peaceful life with your families,” Maj. Gen. Lactao said, addressing the rebels.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501427251894/npa-arsonists-in-bukidnon-captured-face-multiple-charges

NPA attacks Consunji firm

From the Manila Times (Mar 26): NPA attacks Consunji firm

Communist rebels have claimed responsibility for a daring raid on a logging company in Sultan Kudarat province in Mindanao in southern Philippines.

Efren Aksasato, a spokesman for the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the raiders destroyed a backhoe, a grader, two dump trucks and a logging truck, among other equipment and assets of M&S Co. Inc., an affiliate of David M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI), in the village of Hinalaan in Kalamansig town.

He added that the “punitive action” was carried out recently by the NPA’s Mount Daguma Front Operations Command.

“The Lumad [indigenous people] and peasant masses in the area have persistently demanded to hold accountable and punish the company for numerous atrocities to the civilian populace affected by [its] operation,” Aksasato said.

He also accused the company of landgrabbing and human-rights violations, among other serious crimes against the Dulangan-Manobo tribes.

“It has been four decades, or since DMCI acquired M&S from the Magsaysay family, that [DMCI] has unceasingly encroached on the Dulangan people in Sultan Kudarat. A string of atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by fascist government troops, company-hired paramilitary groups and company guards were directly connected to the company’s aggressive operation,” Aksasato said.

He added that the depressing plight of the Dulangans worsened at the course of the company’s implementation of the Integrated Forest Management Agreement or IFMA that began in early 1990.

Aksasato said the tribesmen had been prevented from tilling their own farms and those who attempted to do so were harassed by company guards.

“Fearing for their lives, they were forced to leave their communities. Their farms planted with native coffee, corn and various food crops were bulldozed and cleared. And before long, the company started planting Arabica coffee, eucalyptus deglupta [bagras], gmelina arborea, acacia mangium, pinus carribea, falcata and mahogany among others,” he added

Aksasato said the tribesmen have been opposing the encroachment on their ancestral domain, but can only do so little to protect their rights.

In August last year, according to him, some 300 residents gathered at and barricaded a logging area in Sitio Elem in the village of Salangsang in Lebak town to protest the clearing up of their farms and demolition of their houses for construction of logging roads.

Aksasato said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in 2000 approved the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for Kalinan Timber Corp., now South Davao Development Co. Inc.—another DMCI affiliat—covering 1,274 hectares of mineral-rich area within the IFMA concession of M&S.

He noted that while M&S and DMCI insist that they are pursuing an environmentally sustainable and financially viable approach that directly addresses poverty alleviation, jobs creation and the decentralization of progress, as well as the imperative of preserving and developing the forest resources, the Dulangan and settlers incessantly decry their poverty, landlessness and beleaguered state, injustices and government neglect.

“More and more of the masses are dispossessed of their lands and means of living while Consunji revels in super profits from exporting raw forest products and manufacturing high-quality construction materials. They are relentlessly hounded by the company guards and mercenary agents and are obliged to pay for the company’s safe conduct pass,” Aksasato said.

“Being one of the few elite families in the country who are well-entrenched politically and economically, the Consunjis are enjoying government backing and unrestrained from getting full control of the resources in the Dulangan-Manobo ancestral lands. They rely on military power, hire private goons disguised as Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary elements under the 38th Infantry Battalion and organize their workers into a private army to augment the company’s forces. It is a company policy to pay their guards and armed workers who are able to eliminate anybody who stands in their way,” he claimed.

Aksasato said DMCI also employs “mercenary” troops under the 6th Infantry Division, the Regional Public Safety Battalion and Special Action Force, including the 7th and 8th Marine Battalion Landing Teams to protect their economic interests in the province.

There was no immediate statement or reactions from M&S or DMCI, and even the military and police authorities over the allegations and accusations of Aksasato against them.

The NPA has been fighting for a separate state for more than five decades.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-attacks-consunji-firm/172071/

MILF members who have active participation in Mamasapano incident must be held liable --DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): MILF members who have active participation in Mamasapano incident must be held liable --DND chief

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Thursday all Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members who had an active participation in the bloody clash on Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao must be held liable.

"Even if they are a revolutionary group, they are living in our country, they are staying in Philippine soil, so they are considered citizens of the Republic," he added.

"The law must be implemented at all costs," he stressed.

The DND chief made the statement on the heels of a 35-page MILF report which puts squarely the blame on the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) for the incident.

The group earlier said they will not surrender their members involved in the encounter and instead will mete out their own punishment to those found liable.

Forty-four SAF members were killed in the Jan. 25 incident which also resulted in the neutralization of Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir, alias "Marwan."

Gazmin said it is hard to believe that the MILF had no information regarding Marwan's location in areas they are known to control.

Earlier, the MILF recommended an investigation to determine the liability of SAF trooper PO2 Christopher Lalan, the lone survivor of the 55th Special Action Company, who allegedly killed four MILF combatants while they were sleeping inside a makeshift mosque in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano town.

”The PNP-SAF committed Human Rights violations,” the MILF report said.

The report added that the MILF forces were fired upon by the SAF troopers belonging to the 55th SAC, killing two Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) members Omar Dagadas and Ali Esmael.

The incident triggered a firefight between the BIAF’s 105th Base Command forces and 55th SAC troopers, who were in the area as blocking forces for the assault team of the 84th SAC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=748070

MILF peace negotiator assures peaceful visit in Cagayan de Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): MILF peace negotiator assures peaceful visit in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –- “We come in peace, we will depart in peace,” Mohagher Iqbal, the chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said in a press conference here Wednesday.

Igbal issued the statement amid apprehension that his presence would instigate trouble as emotions in response to the death of 44 PNP commandos following the Mamapasano tragedy remain high to this day.

The MILF chief negotiator is a recipient of the “Fr. William Masterson Award” that the Jesuit-run Xavier University would confer during the “convocation ceremony” at the university gym on Thursday.

Iqbal said that the Mamapasano tragedy that occurred last January 25 in Maguindanao was an isolated incidence where the MILF responded to an “armed offensive” of the SAF commandos.

“The SAF simply stepped into the territory of MILF where most residents are relatives who must have suspected that the presence of the SAF commandos was a military action,” Iqbal said.

Depending on how the incident would be interpreted, the MILF believes that the Mamapasano encounter should not affect the Framework Agreement that both the government and the MILF have signed in a bid to attain lasting peace in Mindanao, he said.

Iqbal believes that Congress will approve the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as stipulated in the Framework Agreement.

“Both representatives of the House of Congress and head of various government offices of the Philippines who were present during the meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia signed the Framework Agreement,” Iqbal said.

Amid protest by local residents and university alumni, the Xavier University will give the award to Iqbal during the university’s 76th Commencement Exercises this year.

Fr. Roberto Yap, the university president, said that the members of the Board of Trustees have taken into consideration the objections, but believes that the award demonstrates the university’s commitment to attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=747884

More benefits await former rebels -- DILG Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): More benefits await former rebels -- DILG Iloilo

Government efforts to coax New People's Army (NPA) rebels to come out of hiding and rejoin the mainstream society are paying off, as numerous former NPA members are now in the process of rebuilding their lives under the updated Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Iloilo Director Teodora Sumagaysay assured that rebels who decide to lay down their arms and pledge allegiance to the government will receive greater benefits in the name of peace.

Sumagayay said a rebel returnee stands to gain P65,000 of which P15,000 will go to processing of their vital documents, and the rest amounting to P50,000 is given outright to help him start a new life. Additional benefits await him if he turns over to authorities his weapon, although the local DILG chief did not go down to specifics.

For his part, Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) Director Sr. Supt. Cornelio Salinas, Jr. said that “he is fully committed to the government's cause".

He said the police would gladly assist in validating the identity of the returnee and once the process is over, a certificate will be issued allowing him to get the benefits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=747879

Army gaining ground vs insurgents in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): Army gaining ground vs insurgents in Davao Region

The military claimed to have made headway in its operation against the communist rebels in Eastern Mindanao during the first quarter of 2015 despite heightened atrocities.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said residents in the countryside are able to cooperate freely in the government’s peace and development outreach program as they see local government units dealing directly to them by facilitating the solutions to the issues besetting the communities by responding with the corresponding tangible projects.

He said the success in the first quarter is attributed to the police, local government units, line government agencies, stakeholders and the soldiers.

“The Philippine government is winning in the campaign in the Eastern Mindanao Command, an effort initiated both by the Armed Forces and the local government units, in the program 'whole of nation' approach,” Brawner said.

He said the insurgency took a toll on the lives of Filipinos on both sides.

Brawner said during the first quarter of 2015, a total of 17 rebels were killed in various encounters with the soldiers, 36 surrenderees with nine bringing along their weapons while 27 yielded their firearms.

He said seven rebels were also captured in the series of security operations.

Brawner said a total of 57 firearms were also recovered in the same duration.

“We also took cognizance of the information given by the residents. More people are reporting to us about the rebel presence, that is why we are able to successfully hit them because of the reports reaching the authorities from the residents,” he said.

Brawner said that on the government side, a total of 19 soldiers were killed and 78 were wounded, attributed to the use of landmines during the first quarter of 2015.

He said one policeman was killed and 11 other cops were wounded in the same period.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=747845

CLIP being strengthened to encourage former rebels to return to mainstream society

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): CLIP being strengthened to encourage former rebels to return to mainstream society

Notwithstanding the existing Social Integration Program (SIP), another program is being strengthened to encourage former rebels to surface and avail the incentives intended for them to start new lives and be a productive part of the society.

Entitled Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), the program has so far benefited two rebel returnees from Calinog, Iloilo.

They were Michael Chiva, 24, and Marcendo Caro, 41, both of Calinog, Iloilo. Their cash benefit worth P50,000 each was personally received by them during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting at the Capitol last February.

"Under the program, former rebels are enticed to surface and be a part of the mainstream society as productive citizens," said DILG-Iloilo head Teodora Sumagaysay.

On Tuesday, implementing agencies such as provincial DILG of Iloilo the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a capacity building for key providers on CLIP. They are the chiefs of police, municipal social welfare and development officers, municipal local government operations officers.

Sumagaysay said they discussed about the process and benefits of the former rebels once they decide to go back to the fold of law. The CLIP program started over a year ago.

Sumagaysay said former rebels will receive a total of P65,000 cash as benefit which comprises P15,000 immediate assistance for them to process their IDs and other important documents and P50,000 as livelihood assistance.

Like SIP, CLIP's financial aid to former rebels is provided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The intent/sincerity of the former rebels to return to the society will go through an authentication phase by the Joint Armed forces and police intelligence committee (JAFPIC).

Sumagaysay added that corresponding price for each firearm to be surrendered by former rebel also awaits them.

Under firearms valuation, each surrendered firearm has an equivalent price not exceeding P50,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=747656

USAID donates new classrooms in Leyte school

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): USAID donates new classrooms in Leyte school

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over on Wednesday two school buildings with 14 classrooms in this town, as part of the US government’s assistance to typhoon-weary areas.

The new classrooms inside the Palo I Central school campus is the third school building project completed by USAID in Palo town alone, after the completion of school building construction in the villages of San Jose and San Joaquin.

“The U.S. government and other countries in the world have great determination to rebuild your lives after Yolanda,” said Andrew Holland, USAID supervisory contracting/agreement officer who graced the turn-over ceremony.

Holland added that USAID will continue to give assistance on livelihood, medical, and educational needs of the people in the typhoon-stricken communities.

Melfe Grance Sanchez, school principal of Palo I Central, thanked the USAID officials, local leaders and Department of Education (DepEd) officials in Leyte for realizing their dream.

The new school building is fully equipped with electrical and water facilities and various teaching and learning kits for both the teachers and pupils, she said.

Engr. Carlos Tan, USAID Rebuild Deputy Chief of Party for Infrastructure, informed that they are aiming for more than 250 classrooms to be built until January 2016 in Tacloban City and other towns in Leyte.

The school building project is under the USAID medium term disaster rehabilitation plan.

Tan added that the USAID buildings are storm and earthquake proof and can be suitable as evacuation center in times of disaster.

Earlier, USAID turned over newly rehabilitated and re-stocked sari-sari stores in Tacloban to support the livelihood of people affected by Yolanda.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=748010

NPAs leave behind dead comrades in Compostela

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 26): NPAs leave behind dead comrades in Compostela

THE body of a slain New People's Army (NPA) rebel was discovered in a remote village of Compostela Valley after he was left behind by his comrades, a top military official said Thursday.

The body was discovered by villagers amid thick vegetation Wednesday at Sitio Totoy in Barangay San Jose, Monkayo.

Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief, said the NPA guerilla was left behind after a clash with troops from the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion troops.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/03/26/npas-leave-behind-dead-comrades-compostela-399633

South Cotabato Muslim youth groups initiate Tabang Bakwit Program

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 26): South Cotabato Muslim youth groups initiate Tabang Bakwit Program

South Cotabato Muslim youth groups initiate Tabang Bakwit Program


Muslim students and youth groups from South Cotabato initiated a Tabang Bakwit Program to gather relief goods for the displaced constituents of Maguindanao brought by the all-out offensive of the government forces against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The initiative was a joint collaboration of the Muslim Students Organization-Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Mindanao Center for Da'wah and Islamic Studies, Agency for Youth affairs-Tupi, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Health Sciences of NDMU and Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students.

The volunteers were able to collect and produced 230 packs of relief goods. Each pack has clothes, rice, noodles, toiletries and other food items.

The relief goods will be sent this Thursday to Office of the Bangsamoro People at the ORG Compound in Cotabato City which will facilitate the distribution to target community.

Organizers thanked all benefactors who shared their resources for the said program.

The Humanitarian Emergency Aid Response Team (HEART) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao reported there were around 123,537 IDPs as of Monday March 16 due to the AFP-BIFF clash.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/809-south-cotabato-muslim-youth-groups-initiate-tabang-bakwit-program

MILF: Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission conducts consultations in Southern Mindanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 26): Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission conducts consultations in Southern Mindanao

Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission conducts consultations in Southern Mindanao


The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), a body created by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to recommend measures to correct historical injustices and address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, has been conducting consultations in Southern Mindanao.

Since last week, TJRC facilitators gathered peace stakeholders and representatives from different sectors namely women, elders, youth, Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, Indigenous Peoples, regardless of religious affiliations in different schedules and venues.

The participants are coming from the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato and city of General Santos.

TJRC was created as a provision of the Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF.

The body initiate study and recommend remedies to promote healing of the physical, mental and spiritual wounds and to provide measures to address causes of conflict and to prevent their recurrence.

It will employ assessments, consultations or surveys to determine measures to address historical injustice, human rights violations, marginalization through land dispossession, legitimate grievances, and reconciliation and healing.

Participants from General Santos City related the human rights violations committed by the government troops during the martial law era of President Marcos where summary executions of either rebels or civilians were rampant.

They also related the Palimbang massacre where more than a thousand men and children perished and some Moro women were raped in 1974.

They recommend the establishment of Shariah Law in Bangsamoro territory which is appropriate for Muslim citizens in order to address crime, drugs, divorce, and other social issues like pre-marital sex among youth.

For healing and reparation, the participants stressed the best thing the government should do is to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law so that the Bangsamoro people can exercise their own governance, attain peace and develop their communities.

They also demand acknowledgement and apology from the government for the deaths of the Moro people particularly those whose rights were violated by government troops especially during the martial law period.

The participants also recommended that the government will make law for the mandatory Bangsamoro representation in the local government units, establishment of Bangsamoro Development Office under the local chief executives of the LGUs, and establishment of Muslim cemeteries in municipalities and cities and prayer areas in terminals, airports, hospitals and schools.

The participants also slammed the National Commission on Indigenous People for not recognizing the Maguindanaon among the IP tribes in the country, thus members of the Moro tribe are not able to avail benefits like IP representation in LGU and claim for ancestral domain.

TJRC is chaired by Mo Blekker, a special envoy from the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and members are Atty. Cecilia Jimenez (as GPH representative) and Atty. Ishak Mastura (as MILF representative) as well as Jonathan Sisson who serves as senior adviser.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/808-transitional-justice-and-reconciliation-commission-conducts-consultations-in-southern-mindanao

Philippine Army camps on former BIFF havens

From Ang Malay (Mar 26): Philippine Army camps on former BIFF havens

Philippine Army troopers will now encamp in former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters hideouts as part of continued operation against the said group of bandits. 

Encampment on BIFF lairs is stage called holding phase “to prevent the armed lawless group from going back to said areas,” 6th Infantry Dvision public affairs chief Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay said.

As part of the said phase, 34th Infantry Battalion of the 8th ID commander Lieutenant Colonel Edgar delos Reyes “will augment the 6ID’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in its area of responsibility, which covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur province and parts of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.”

On Monday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Catapang said that all-out offensive against the terror group will continue amid calls to stop. “We want to take advantage that our soldiers na nand’yan na ngayon should be familiar with the terrain and the areas and we have to clear it with terrorists, clear it from being a haven of IED factory.”

“I think this is the output of our all-out offensive. We realized that these terrorists have turned that place into a terrorist haven and they have turned that place into an IED factory haven. Mas sobra pa sa Bocaue ang ginawa nila,” the AFP Chief-of-Staff said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/03/26/9794-philippine-army-camps-on-former-biff-havens

Armed Forces prepared for NPA anniversary attacks

From Ang Malaya (Mar 26): Armed Forces prepared for NPA anniversary attacks

The Armed Force of the Philippine is prepared for any eventualities that may arise during the 46th NPA Anniversary on March 29.

AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said that though a heightened alert was not declared, all government forces are ready for any situation.

The AFP expects the communist armed group to launch attacks on lightly defensed government and military installations. Lt. Col. Cabunoc said raising alerts is the prerogative of unit and ground commanders.

“Normally, when their anniversary comes, they conduct ambushes, harassment and torching of equipment but we are already prepared for those,” 10th Infantry Division (Compostela Valley Province) commander Maj. Gen. Eduardo M. AƱo said.

“We’ll anticipate their movements and instead go on the offensive with the help of the people in the communities.”

As for the Holy Week, the Philippine National Police will play the lead role in securing the public while the military will be in a supporting role.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/03/26/9800-armed-forces-prepared-for-npa-anniversary-attacks

Philippine Navy sends crew for two Balikapapan-class LCH to Australia

From Ang Malaya (Mar 26): Philippine Navy sends crew for two Balikapapan-class LCH to Australia

Philippine Navy is sending two teams of commissioned officers and enlisted personnel to Australia to have a training on how to operate Balikapapan-class landing craft-heavy.

 “The crew composed of two teams of ship complement will leave anytime this week for Australia,” PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna confirms.

The crew will sail decommissioned Her Majesty Australian Ships (HMAS) Tarakan and Brunei to Philippines. These vessels were donated by Australian government to Philippine government. They are expected to arrive May 17, ten days before Philippine Navy’s 117th anniversary.

“They were not the best looking or most comfortable ships, however, they could always be called upon when needed. The Balikpapan class is an excellent capability for amphibious operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” last Executive Officer of HMAS Brunei Lieutenant Brenton-James Glover said. “They were certainly the work horses of the Royal Australian Navy.”

Balikpapan-class LCHs are 44.5 meters long and can load up to 180 tons of cargo.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/03/26/9803-philippine-navy-sends-crew-for-two-balikapapan-class-lch-to-australia

PH hails US senators' call vs China reclamation

From Rappler (Mar 26): PH hails US senators' call vs China reclamation

'Win or lose, we will abide by the law, and it is our expectation that China will behave in the same manner,' the Philippines' top diplomat says

SUBJECT OF PROTESTS. A photo obtained by Rappler shows the status of reclamation activities in Keenan (Chigua) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as of December 12, 2014.

SUBJECT OF PROTESTS. A photo obtained by Rappler shows the status of reclamation activities in Keenan (Chigua) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as of December 12, 2014.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on Thursday, March 26, hailed American senators who urged the United States to craft a formal strategy to stop China's reclamation in the disputed South China Sea.

Del Rosario said this move by the American lawmakers, led by US Senator John McCain, “is very helpful for our case,” as well as for other countries claiming the contested waters.

“It brings into focus with the international community the differences in terms of what is being said and what is happening on the ground,” the Philippines' top diplomat said in a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Thursday.

Reuters reported on March 19 that US senators requested a formal strategy to stop China's building of artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, which the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea.

Republican Senators McCain and Bob Corker, and Democrats Jack Reed and Bob Menendez, addressed their letter to US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

The American senators said that if the US doesn't implement a comprehensive strategy, “long-standing interests of the United States, as well as our allies and partners, stand at considerable risk.”

Quoted by Reuters, the US senators said the artificial islands “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.”

“We welcome the statements made and we also welcome the call for a more substantive support and focus on the Asia rebalance strategy of the United States,” Del Rosario said.

'Win or lose...'

He also asserted the need for the Philippines' arbitration case against China.
He said the case upholds international law. He added, “We pursued arbitration precisely to preserve a valued friendship.”

“Win or lose, we will abide by the law, and it is our expectation that China will behave in the same manner,” Del Rosario said.

“If the ruling is in our favor, given that there is no enforcing entity, we're of the view that China is a world power, and as a world power, they are seeking the acceptance and respect of the international community of responsible nations, that China itself in order to gain this respect must adhere to international law,” the secretary added.

The Philippines has consistently slammed China for its artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea.

The Southeast Asian country, for one, cites the “widespread destruction of the region's biodiversity.”

It also argues that the reclamation activities disrupt the status quo in the disputed sea even before an arbitral tribunal before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decides on the Philippines' case.

The Philippines boosted its case against China on March 16 by submitting to the PCA a 3,000-page document against the Asian giant.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/88013-philippines-us-china-reclamation

Security guard missing after attack on banana firm in South Cotabato town

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Security guard missing after attack on banana firm in South Cotabato town

A security guard has remained missing following an attack by unidentified suspects on a field base of a banana plantation company operating in Polomolok town in South Cotabato early Wednesday.

Ruel Molina, supervisor of Lapanday Foods Corp. in Polomolok, said Thursday an undetermined number of suspects stormed their offices and facilities in Barangay Koronadal Proper at around 12:30 a.m. and later burned them.

He said their duty security guard identified as Zainudin Nilong went missing after the incident and was believed taken by the suspects.

“His motorcycle was also missing and there were bloodstains found on a table and chair at the guardhouse. But we’re not sure yet if they were from (Nilong),” he said in a radio interview.

Molina said the fire, which was controlled by responding fire trucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection station in Polomolok at around 5 a.m., gutted down their office building, warehouse and portions of their banana packing plant.

He said among those destroyed were the company’s generator sets as well as office and plant equipment that were initially valued at around PHP1.5 million.

Molina said they could not yet determine the exact motive of the incident but it appeared that the suspects initially ransacked their warehouse before setting it on fire.

He said a team from the Polomolok municipal police station is already looking into the incident.

Police are also scouring parts of Barangay Palkan and other the neighboring areas where the suspects could have brought the missing security guard, he said.

But as a result of the incident, Molina said company officials immediately decided to totally close down its operations in Polomolok town, specifically in Barangay Koronadal Proper.

The company established a 44.6-hectare banana plantation in the area three years ago and later opened a packing plant that employed around 100 people on a contractual basis.

He said they already informed the affected workers of the company’s decision and has started vacating their premises.

“We’re currently chopping down the standing bananas as part of the shutdown,” he said.

Molina added that all regular personnel assigned in the area have been so far recalled to the company’s main provincial base in Tampakan town.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=748090

PHOTO | Iqbal, Ferrer recognized by Xavier U Cagayan de Oro for peace efforts

From InterAksyon (Mar 26): PHOTO | Iqbal, Ferrer recognized by Xavier U Cagayan de Oro for peace efforts



Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer were awarded the Fr. William F. Masterson SJ Award during the 76th commencement exercises of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday.

Iqbal was recognized for his untiring work towards achieving "a negotiated political solution that eschews the ways of extremism and terrorism, and for his unflinching  and heartfelt service to bring peace and progress in the country," while Ferrer was honored for her "exemplary contributions to peacebuilding and conflict management" and as a "champion of human rights."

Xavier University president Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ (middle, in photo) bestowed the awards on Iqbal and Ferrer.

Presidential peace adviser Teresita Quintos-Delese, meanwhile, was conferred a doctorate in Humanities, honoris cause for "for her sincere heart and efforts for the welfare of women, the poor, and the marginalized, but most of all for her  works in peacebuilding in the country, especially in Mindanao."

Yap acknowledged that several quarters asked whether the peace awards should be given in the wake of the January 25 Mamasapano incident, which saw the peace agreement between the MILF and the government hanging in the balance in the wake of the disastrous Special Action Force operation to get Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," in his hideout in Maguindanao province.

Although Marwan is said to have been killed, so were 44 police commandos, 17 MILF fighters and at least three civilians in the ensuing clash.

Despite the questions about the peace awards, Yap said, "we firmly believe that the answer should be, 'Yes.' There can be no wavering in our commitment for peace and our support to those who work hard and sacrifice a lot to make peace happen."

"Our three awardees are purely committed for peace," he stressed.

Expressing gratitude for the award, Iqbal vowed: "We will not disengage from the peace process, no matter what."

On the issue of MILF camps

Both Iqbal and Ferrer also addressed the issue of MILF camps, which has been raised by some quarters after the military recently questioned the existence of a training camp within Iligan City.

"In deference to the signing of the Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro, and the (proposed) Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is now in Congress, the normalization process is already underway, that's why we are no longer conducting training, we are not establishing new camps and not recruiting people for our military organization, and  we are not acquiring weapons," Iqbal said.

However, he added: "If you have to look at the ceasefire agreement, wala namang sinasabing hindi kami puwedeng mag-training, magpatayo ng kampo, 'di kami puwedeng (bumili) ng armas (nothing says we cannot undertake training, establish camps or buy arms)," he said.

Nevertheless, he stressed, "'di na kami nag-training uli. 'Yung training camp sa Iligan matagal na po 'yan (we have not done any more training. The training camp in Iligan was established a long time ago)".

For her part, Ferrer said, "The decommissioning body is already in place."
She added that the government is expecting sincerity from the MILF in the decommissioning process.

She stressed that the decommissioning of the MILF will not involve a gun buyback but will instead offer livelihood programs, with rebel camps turned into communities that will receive assistance for sustainable development.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107733/photo--iqbal-ferrer-recognized-by-xavier-u-cagayan-de-oro-for-peace-efforts

Gov Amante survives ambush, cop wounded in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

From InterAksyon (Mar 26): Gov Amante survives ambush, cop wounded in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte



Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba at a Peace and Order council meeting January 28, 2015. Photograph by Erwin Mascarinas.

Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba escaped harm but a police officer was wounded after her convoy was ambushed at the barangay road of Camagong in the town of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, Thursday morning.

Supt. Martin Gamba, spokesperson of the Caraga Regional Police Office 13, pointed out that the incident happened after the governor attended the turnover ceremony of a school building.

"At around 11:20 in the morning at kilometer 12, Sitio Mimbahandi, Barangay Camagong, while they were traveling back to Butuan City, several rounds of gunfire were heard, and the vehicle of the police escorts trailing the vehicle of the governor was hit," said Gamba. 

Supt. Gamba explained that, if not for the quick reaction and fast cruising speed of the vehicle, several more persons could have been wounded, or killed.

"The police escorts told us that, immediately after they heard the gunfire, the vehicles just accelerated out of the area. The last vehicle with the wounded police officer sustained several hits, but no one was killed in the ambush," said the regional police spokesperson.

Gamba disclosed the name of the wounded police officer as PO1 Vincent Dubouzet, who was immediately rushed to MJ Santos Hospital in Butuan City with a bullet wound on his right shoulder.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commander of the Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division, told journalists that this was "an action perpetuated by the New People’s Army (NPA), which is directing their effort toward sabotage and making it difficult for our government to deliver services, such as education, and facilities reaching far flung communities," said Lactao. 

Capt. Patrick Martinez, deputy public affairs officer of the 4th Infantry Division, stated that soldiers from the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade have been deployed in the area and are working closely with police personnel from the Regional Public Safety Company.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107751/gov-amante-survives-ambush-cop-wounded-in-nasipit-agusan-del-norte

MILF says recruitment of Higaonons in Iligan is a scam, denies having a camp there

From MindaNews (Mar 26): MILF says recruitment of Higaonons in Iligan is a scam, denies having a camp there
 
The reported recruitment and training among Higaonon tribesmen into the ranks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a remote barangay in Iligan city was a scam operation, its Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities said.

MILF CCCH chief Rashid Lidasan also denied the MILF has a camp in Barangay Rogongon in Iligan City.

“Our investigation disclosed that a certain Abdul Amoran is behind the scam to swindle the Higaonon tribesmen. He is also responsible of putting a tarpaulin outside his house announcing this was the headquarters of the MILF 103rd Infantry Brigade,” Lidasan said.

The Army, led by Col. Gilbert Gapay of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, has lodged a complaint with the government CCCH alleging the MILF was recruiting the tribesmen and training them in their new camp in Barangay Rogongon.

Lidasan, who met with Amerudin Usman of the MILF North Eastern Mindanao Front in Cagayan de Oro, said their investigation in Barangay Rogongon found it contrary.

The MILF CCCH had tasked Usman to investigate the complaint lodged by the Army.

“Amoran claimed he is a fighter of the MILF 103rd Infantry Brigade when he is not. He is not even a commander. To back his claim, he put a tarpaulin, which says this was the office of the MILF 103rd Infantry Brigade,” Usman told MindaNews.

He said the real location of the MILF 103rd Infantry Brigade was in the town of Butig, Lanao del Sur, more than a hundred kilometers away.

“Amoran’s house is not a camp. It is only one house,” Usman said.

In their complaint, Gapay said Amoran demanded P800 from the Higaonon tribesmen to be able to join the MILF ranks and were promised five hectares of land once they are accepted.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/03/26/milf-says-recruitment-of-higaonons-in-iligan-is-a-scam-denies-having-a-camp-there/

Agusan del Norte gov, town mayor unscathed but escort cop hurt in ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Agusan del Norte gov, town mayor unscathed but escort cop hurt in ambush

A policeman was hurt when the convoy of the Agusan del Norte governor and Nasipit town mayor was ambushed by an armed group at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, in a remote village of Nasipit town, this province.

In an interview with the chief spokesperson of the police regional headquarters here, PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, it was gathered that Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Amante-Matba together with Nasipit town Mayor Enrico Corvera came from a graduation and turnover rites of a school building at Sitio Mimbahandi, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte when they were waylaid.

Gamba said that the governor, Mayor Corvera and party were on their way back to the capitol when they were fired upon by the armed men believed to be communist rebels.

It resulted in the wounding of PO1 Vincent Salvador Doubuzet, a personnel of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC).

Doubuzet was among the joint police escorts composed of men from the Agusan del Norte PPSC, Nasipit Municipal Police Station and Agusan del Norte Provincial Police under PSSupt. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil.

Doubuzet was rushed to a hospital here in Butuan City and is now in stable condition, while the police escorts successfully extricated safely Governor Amante, Mayor Corvera and party out of the area, Gamba said.

A hot pursuit operation is now being conducted by the police and military teams against the perpetrators, according to Supt. Gamba.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=748194

Rebels own up raid on logging firm in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Mar 25): Rebels own up raid on logging firm in Southern Philippines

Communist rebels on Wednesday owned up to the daring raid on a logging company in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines.

Ka Efren Aksasato,  a spokesman for the New People's Army, said rebel forces destroyed a backhoe and a grader, two dump trucks, a logging truck, among other assets of the M & S Company Incorporated, an affiliate of the David M. Consunji Incorporated, in the village of Hinalaan in Kalamansig town.

He said the punitive action was carried out by the NPA’s Mount Daguma Front Operations Command.

“The Lumad and peasant masses in the area have persistently demanded to hold accountable and punish the company for numerous atrocities to the civilian populace affected by their operation,” Aksasato told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He also accused the company of land grabbing and human rights violations, among other serious crimes against the Dulangan-Manobo tribes.

“It has been four decades, or since DMCI acquired the M & S Company from the Magsaysay family, that Consunji have unceasingly encroach the Dulangan people in Sultan Kudarat.  String of atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by fascist government troops, company-hired paramilitary groups and company guards were directly connected to the company’s aggressive operation,” Aksasato said.

He said the depressing plight of the Dulangans worsened at the course of the company’s implementation of the Integrated Forest Management Agreement or IFMA that begun early in 1990.

He said the tribesmen had been prevented from tilling their own farms and those who attempted to do so were harassed by company guards.

“Fearing for their lives, they were forced to leave their communities.  Their farms planted with native coffee, corn and various food crops were bulldozed and cleared.  And before long, the company started planting Arabica coffee, eucalyptus deglupta (bagras), gmelina arborea, acacia mangium, pinus carribea, falcata, and mahogany among others,” he said.

Aksasato said the tribesmen have been opposing the encroachment in their ancestral domain, but can do so little to protect their rights.

In August last year, he said some 300 residents gathered and barricaded the logging area in Sitio Elem in the village of Salangsang in Lebak town to protest the clearing up of their farms and demolition of their houses for the construction of logging roads.

Aksasato said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in 2000 approved the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for Kalinan Timber Corporation now South Davao Development Company Incorporated – another DMCI affiliate - covering 1,274 hectares of mineral-rich area within the M & S Company IFMA concession.

He said while the M & S Company and DMCI insist that they are pursuing an environmentally sustainable and financially viable approach that directly addresses poverty alleviation, jobs creation, and the decentralization of progress, as well as the imperative of preserving and developing the forest resources, the Dulangan and settlers incessantly decry their poverty, landlessness and beleaguered state, injustices and government neglect.

“More and more masses are dispossessed of their lands and means of living while Consunji revels in super profits from exporting raw forest products and manufacturing high quality construction materials.  They are relentlessly hounded by the company guards and mercenary agents and are oblige to pay for the company’s safe conduct pass,” he said.

“Being one of the few elite families in the country who are well-entrenched politically and economically, the Consunjis are enjoying government backing and unrestrained from getting full control of the resources in the Dulangan-Manobo ancestral lands.  They rely on military power, hire private goons disguised as Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary elements under the 38th Infantry Battalion and organize their workers into a private army to augment the company’s forces.  It is a company policy to pay their guards and armed workers who are able to eliminate anybody who stands in their way,” he added.

Aksasato said the DMCI also employs the “mercenary” troops under the 6th Infantry Division, the Regional Public Safety Battalion and Special Action Force, including the 7th and 8th Marine Battalion Landing Teams to protect their economic interests in the province.

There was no immediate statement or reactions from the M & S Company or DMCI, and even the military and police authorities over the allegations and accusations of Aksasato against them, but the NPA has been fighting for a separate state for many decades now.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/03/rebels-own-up-raid-on-logging-firm-in.html

IMT visits Sulu, praises local officials for huge support to peace process

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Mar 26): IMT visits Sulu, praises local officials for huge support to peace process













     Photo by Ahl-franzie Salinas

 
SULU – Members of the Malaysia-led International (Ceasefire) Monitoring Team visited the southern Filipino province of Sulu to pay their respect and courtesy to the local provincial officials. 

The IMT Batch 10, headed by Maj. Gen. Datu Sheik Mouhsin bin Sheikh Hassan, of the Royal Malaysia Army, met with Vice Gov. Sakur Tan and thanked him for the support of the provincial government to the peace process. 

Among those in the group of the Malaysian general were Col. Mohammad Radzi bin Abdulhamid (Royal Malaysia Army), Col. Wan Amir Zaki bin Wan Hassan (Royal Malaysia Air Force), Maj. Baharuddin (Indonesia Army),  Supt. Azhar bin Sepawi (Royal Malasia Police), Deputy Supt. Mohammad Hafidz bin Abubakar (Royal Malaysia Police),  Capt. Mohammad Azman bin Hadji Kamaruddin (Royal Malaysia Police) and Sgt. Kamaruddin bin Yusof (Royal Malaysia Army). They were also accompanied by local army officials. 

Vice Gov. Tan thanked the IMT, which is based in Cotabato City near Maguindanao province on Mindanao Island, for visiting Sulu. The official also exchanged gifts with the IMT commander. 

The visiting soldiers also toured the local museum and were impressed by the colorful and rich history between Sulu and Malaysia during the reign of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo

Vice Gov. Tan renewed his support to the peace process and praised Malaysia and other member countries in the IMT for their commitment to bring peace in southern Philippines.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/03/imt-visits-sulu-praises-local-officials.html

SurSur army battalion cites gains in CLIP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 24): SurSur army battalion cites gains in CLIP

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – As the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) continues its campaign to win peace primarily through Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) by offering the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), its effort, like any other army front liners, has started to gain ground, according to Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, its civil military operations (CMO) officer.

On March 20, Friday, during the DILG-OPAPP meeting held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) here, eight former rebels (FRs) were given checks of P15,000 immediate cash assistance and P50,000 livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The meeting called by DILG Caraga regional director (RD) Lilibeth Famacion was attended by Governor Johnny Pimentel as well as high ranking police and military officials and other representatives of government member-agencies.

The awarding of checks spearheaded by RD Famacion and assisted by 36IB commander Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr. and 75th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Haron Akaz highlighted the whole affair, said Pueblas.

Also, during the occasion, three high powered firearms were surrendered. Ariel Balili turned over one AK 47 and one M16 rifle; Jemuel CaƱete also handed in one M16 rifle, he said.

Of the eight FRs, four have been surrenderees to the 36IB under Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio Jr.; the rest to the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) under Lt. Col. Haron Akaz, it was learned.

Pueblas identified the FRs who surrendered to their battalion as Rotchap Bangoy aka “Jay,” a squad leader of platoon 1 of the New People’s Army’s (NPA’s) Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC); Gilbert Gardigo, now deceased after a short stint as Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) being a casualty in an encounter last year with former comrades;  Jayson Tumanan aka Mac-Mac of Guerilla Front-4B (GF-4B) of the Northcentral Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); and Marilyn Umba aka “Shani,” a former member of Guerilla Front 30 (GF-30), which operates in the first district of Surigao del Sur. 

Surrenderees to the 75IB were also named:  Jomarie Secuya, Gedailyn Megallen, and Rosemarie Pandita.

However, the DILG bared the 8th FR in the list as certain Rene Betos, which Pueblas failed to mention.

Likewise, the CMO officer clarified that since FR Gardigo has already died, it was her elder sister Fe, who received the cash assistance due him.

Pueblas claimed that “CLIP is a joint program of the DILG a
nd Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) that seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups,” adding that “it specifically aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of FRs as productive citizens and enhance capacities of local government units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in the implementation of the same.”

Meanwhile, he pointed out that Lt. Col. Suaybaguio has continued to call on the rebels to return to the mainstream of society.

“To the rebels, lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families. Take advantage of the government’s integration program because it will provide you with an opportunity to return back to your families and communities and together we shall solve our problems the peaceful way,” said Pueblas quoting their battalion chief.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741427182293/sursur-army-battalion-cites-gains-in-clip