Farmers accuse AFP of forcibly taking 14

From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 30): Farmers accuse AFP of forcibly taking 14

FOURTEEN farmers were allegedly taken forcibly by members of the 8th and 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from their community and were brought to their camp in Maramag, Bukidnon on a helicopter last August 27, said a spokesperson of a farmer’s organization.

Kahugpongan sa Mag-uuma sa Kitaotao spokesperson Isidro Indao said in a phone interview with Sun.Star Davao on Sunday that the 14 people who were taken by the soldiers by force were accused by AFP as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Another reason might also have something to do with the involvement of these people in fighting for the rights of the farmers in their community in Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

Some of these people taken by the soldiers were identified as Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Barangay White Kulaman (Namabaw) and Tikulpa leaders Ellen Manlimbaas, Felizardo Labadan, Editha Bontao, Jun Pellazar, Camilo Asunan, Noeda Manlumaray, and Ariel Malumaray. The rest are still unidentified.

Another reason for taking them is that they are also protecting the farmer’s lands in their community from capitalists who are trying to penetrate in their area, Indao said.

Indao added that the AFP did not show any legal documents when they took the said people to their camp. There were only 13 left at the soldier’s camp since one of them, Josie Labaninay, was released because she is nursing her small child.

Indao said the AFP is causing troubles to the farmers’ daily source of income by taking control at their community and preventing them from working on their fields because they were suspected to be meeting the NPAs.

He said they had sought the help of support groups, church people, and the media regarding this incident, adding that a support group responded by conducting a fact-finding mission to document the alleged violations done by the AFP, but the soldiers prevented them from coming there.

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/08/30/farmers-accuse-afp-forcibly-taking-14-427517

4 more NPA men surrender in Davao

From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 29): 4 more NPA men surrender in Davao

FOUR members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered last week to government troops in Davao Region.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information officer Alberto Caber identified the surrenderees only in their aliases: Luther, 20; Tres, 30; Pilot, 45; and Dodong, 23, all from the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Captain Caber said Luther, Tres and Pilot first surrendered to Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operations Battalion (CMOBN) at the JBL Complex in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte at around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

He added three are now undergoing interview at the headquarters of the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay New Visayas in Sto. Tomas town, Davao del Norte.

Caber said that concerned tribal leaders Datu Samsun Mansaganay from Barangay Sto. Niño, and Datu Antonio Anlas from Barangay Dagohoy helped the surrenderees for their safe return to the folds of the law.

"According to the tribal leaders, they were approached by the relatives of the rebel returnees requesting them to help Luther, Tres and Pilot to return to the folds of the law," Caber said.

Meanwhile, Dodong surrendered to the soldiers of the 71st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cadunan in Mabini town in Compostela Valley province Thursday afternoon. He was accompanied by his father and Cadunan barangay councilor.

Caber said the rebel returnees will receive livelihood and appropriate training assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the local government unit in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley for the start.

Eastmincom reported 206 NPA members who returned to the folds of the law under its areas of responsibility since January this year.

Record showed that 74 percent of the NPA strength in Eastern Mindanao are indigenous peoples or lumads. This was based on the revelations of NPA returnees, Caber said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/08/29/4-more-npa-men-surrender-davao-427344

Aquino in emergency meet with Cabinet, generals

From Rappler (Aug 31): Aquino in emergency meet with Cabinet, generals

The meeting ends past 1 am, Monday



INC 'DEVELOPMENTS.' President Benigno Aquino III convenes his cabinet late evening Sunday, August 30.
On the third night of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) protests on EDSA Sunday, August 30, President Benigno Aquino III called for a meeting with senior Cabinet officials and police and military generals to tackle options on how to best deal with the situation.

One Cabinet Secretary has been in talks with INC representatives and their discussions were part of the agenda during Sunday night’s meeting at Bahay Pangarap, the President’s official residence in Malacañang, Rappler learned.

INC's representative in the talks is its politicial liaison officer, Erano “Erdz” Codera, according to another Palace source.

Among those in the meeting, which started at 8 pm and ended past 1 am, Monday, August 31, were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.

The sense is that “this could be settled amicably,” said one Palace official who attended the meeting.

But speeches Sunday evening did not indicate that the Iglesia members were backing down. The INC announced that thousands of its members are expected to hold similar protests in Bacolod and Davao cities Monday.

The INC is protesting alleged government interference in internal matters following a justice department probe into complaints lodged by an expelled Iglesia minister. But the investigation is in its early stages yet.

The complaint was triggered by allegations that INC leaders have been harassing some members who have been questioning certain policies and actions by the leadership. The public rift in July caused the worst crisis to hit the influential religious organization.

The protest began last Thursday, August 27, in front of the Department of Justice building in Manila. They moved to EDSA the following day, with the number of protesters swelling to about 13,000 Sunday, based on police estimates.

Waiting for Monday

The local government of Mandaluyong extended the deadline for the INC rally permit, allowing them to stay in the area up to Monday morning, which is a public holiday.

INC members are supposed to head to Manila Monday, where they were given a permit to hold rallies until Friday, September 4.

Weekend traffic came almost to a halt in the Pasig and Mandaluyong areas, triggering complaints from commuters and netizens.

Late Sunday afternoon, more members of the INC from nearby provinces arrived in EDSA to join the thousands already crowding the streets. Similar protests will be held in the cities of Cebu and Davao on Monday, August 31.

Sources said the INC asked for De Lima's resignation. The President reportedly rejected it.

But talks with Codera continue, according to a Palace source.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/104250-aquino-cabinet-inc-protests

Troops recover explosive cache

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 30): Troops recover explosive cache
 

GOVERNMENT troops have recovered explosive cache and high-powered firearms, as law enforcement operations continue in the hinterlands of Bukidnon, a military official said Sunday.

Lieutenant Colonel Lennon Babilonia, commander of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion, said the explosive cache was recovered around 6 p.m. Friday in the village of White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

Babilonia said that among the war materiel the troops have recovered included one M-16 Armalite rifle, six improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 60 pieces blasting caps, 900 meters explosive detonating chord, eight pieces IED molders, one-half kilo sulfur powder, one lower receiver of caliber .45 pistol, subversive documents, and a New People’s Army (NPA) flag.

"Some of the IEDs that were recovered were found planted along the populated area of the said barangay (White Kulaman)," Babilonia added.

Combined military and police forces have arrested 12 suspected NPA rebels and confiscated high-powered firearms and explosives in a raid last August 26 in White Kulaman.

The raid was carried out on the strength of 57 search warrants issued by the court after the residents tipped off the government troops and executed affidavits of complaint about the abusive and threatening presence of the NPA rebels in the area.

During the raid, the troops confiscated a homemade M-16 Armalite rifle, one M-79 grenade launcher, three rifle grenades, two IEDs, detonator, blasting caps, assorted ammunitions, and subversive documents of high-intelligence value.

"There were no reported armed clashes between the government troops and the NPA during the said recoveries," Babilonia said.

He blamed the NPA rebels for "militarizing" the village of White Kulaman as evidenced by the recovered items.

"We call upon the NPAs and their leaders to stop arming the barangay folks and quit emplacing landmines and IEDs within communities," he said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/08/30/troops-recover-explosive-cache-427470

4 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash

From the Manila Times (Aug 30): 4 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash

FOUR members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed and scores were wounded in the latest firefight between them and government forces in Patikul, Sulu, on Saturday, belated reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City (Metro Manila) said on Sunday.

Three of the dead were identified as Abu Alih, Abu Saip and Abu Ben.

They were reportedly members of the ASG’s Ajang-Ajang group under one Roger Samlahun, who was wounded during the encounter in Patikul.

Citing reports from the field, Brig.Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Task Group Sulu, said Gajer Timbang and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, an ASG sub-leader, were also wounded.

The military believed that the bandits suffered heavy casualties during the two-day clash that started on Friday when at least 300 ASG members engaged security forces in Parikul.

Ten soldiers were wounded during the gunbattle.

Arrojado said that on Saturday, five wives of the bandits, among them the wife of Arab Sawadjaa, and daughter-in-law of the ASG sub-leader were monitored buying several medicines from different drug stores in Jolo.

He said Nanah Sawadjaan revealed that they were treating at least 15 wounded bandits.

http://www.manilatimes.net/4-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-sulu-clash/214354/

WestMinCom lauds personnel, units, partner stakeholders

From the Zamboanga Today Online (Aug 30): WestMinCom lauds personnel, units, partner stakeholders

The Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (WestMinCom, AFP)  led by Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero awarded its personnel, units, and partner stakeholders during the flag-raising ceremony held in connection with the 9th anniversary of the Command. held at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City last August 24, 2015.

 

Lieutenant General Guerrero, assisted by Brigadier General Carlito Galvez, Jr., conferred the Gold Cross Medal  to Staff Sergeant Julieto Payumo for gallantry in action during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu; the Distinguished Aviation Cross to Staff Sergeant Rodel Borromeo for distinguished heroism during the successful extrication of the battle casualties and the dead body of Sihata Muallom Asmad; the Bronze Cross Medal to Sergeant Opiniano Bawik, Jr., for acts of heroism during the conduct of law enforcement operations in Sulu; the Military Merit Medal to Corporal Noel Cajara for meritorious and valuable achievements during the conduct of the WestMinCom Football for Peace Festival; the Military Commendation Medal to Machinery Repairman Second Class Reynaldo Delfin for exemplary efficiency, loyalty and dedication to duty during the conduct of the series of repair and renovation of facilities of the Command from September to November 2014; and the Military Civic Action Medal to Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Hopkins for laudable achievements and invaluable support rendered as a member of the WestMinCom Foreign Liaison Element (WMC-FLE).

 

A plaque of appreciation was also accorded to Zamboanga City Mayor. Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for her invaluable support and services extended to the Command.

The 1st Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps (1MBde, PMC) led by its Commander,  Brigadier General Salamat, was named the Best Combat Brigade covering the period from September 01, 2014 to August 15, 2015. The brigade was awarded with a certificate of recognition and a 50-inch led TV.

Bagging the second and third place as the Best Combat Brigade are the 103rd and 102nd Infantry Brigades under the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN, which were conferred a certificate of recognition and a desktop computer each.

The Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8), Philippine Marine Corps (MBLT-8, PMC) led by its Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Manalang, was hailed as the Best Combat Battalion covering the period from September 01, 2014 to August 15, 2015. The MBLT-8 was awarded a plaque of recognition and a 50-inch led TV.

Bagging the second and third place are the 65th and 33rd Infantry Battalions under the Joint Task Force Central which were also conferred a certificate of recognition and a desktop computer each.

Lieutenant General Guerrero said, “The awardees were conferred the plaques of recognition for their distinct contributions and services rendered to the Command which contributed in our mission accomplishments. We also recognize the contributions of the Zamboanga City Mayor for her support to our activities and advocacies.”

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/20944-westmincom-lauds-personnel-units-partner-stakeholders.html

Info blitz on BBL under way

From The Standard (Aug 30): Info blitz on BBL under way

Government’s chief peace negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Saturday urged Congress anew  to finish  its  work on the  draft Bangsamoro Basic Law   and  at the same time continue to raise awareness and understanding on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Ferrer made the call  as the country was poised to  celebrate the 12th National Peace Consciousness Month next month.

In a statement, Ferrer said that this year’s observance “comes at a most opportune time as the leadership of both Houses of Congress are eyeing a September passage of the BBL.”

Ferrer said that the celebration will be meaningful if Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. will pass the emended version of BBL into law.

“September has always been an important month for us in the peace process. This year will be extra special and memorable if our esteemed lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate will finally finish their work on the Bangsamoro law,” Ferrer said.

Both Drilon and Belmonte have  made a public pronouncements that there’s  still time to pass their respective BLBARs (Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region), the amended version of the BBL, in September.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process is scheduled to hold several activities for the month-long commemoration.

Ferrer said that the agency would be launching a series of exhibits around Metro Manila and parts of Mindanao with the assistance of several government agencies, major shopping malls and universities.

“Beyond just calling for the passage of the bill, the purpose of these exhibits is to bring closer to the Filipino people the stories and dreams of our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters in the prospective Bangsamoro,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said that the series of exhibits in different universities and campuses may empower the general public to engage in the continuing dialogue on the Bangsamoro and the legislative process involving the BBL.

She added that they are also planning to put out  information and education materials in public spaces to increase awareness of the peace process.

The exhibit will  kick off at the Miriam College and the TriNoMa Mall  in  September and it will be mounted until the 5th and the 6th, respectively.

On September 14, the exhibit can be viewed at the College of Arts and Science, University of the Philippines Manila and the Philippine Normal University.

On September 14 to 17, the exhibits will be seen at the House of Representatives.

The exhibits will focus on providing information and clarifying misconceptions on the draft law, Ferrer said.

Aside from exhibits, the OPPAP will also hired a public utility vehicles in Metro Manila and Mindanao province carrying messages and information education about BBL.

Various tricycle drivers and associations have agreed to carry the   advertisements, pointing out the need to bring closer to the public the Bangsamoro message of peace and social justice.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping the Bangsamoro peace process in the consciousness of the public because the best opportunity to end the decades of alienation and hostility is now with us,”Ferrer said.

Ferrer also invited everyone to visit the official OPAPP website as various activities and contests were also being planned.

“We are bringing the peace month to the social media. The OPAPP will be launching several online-only events aligned with the objectives of the Bangsamoro peace process,” she said.

OPAPP has been leading the annual celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 675 series of 2004.

The highlight of last year’s celebration came when the Office of the President transmitted the original BBL which was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/30/info-blitz-on-bbl-under-way/

Bicol recorded highest Extrajudicial Killings as slain human rights advocate laid to rest

From the often pro-CPP Bicol Today (Aug 30): Bicol recorded highest Extrajudicial Killings as slain human rights advocate laid to rest



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

BARCELONA, Sorsogon — Karapatan-Sorsogon Spokesperson Teodoro “Ka Tudoy” Escanilla was laid to rest here in Barcelona, Sorsogon with flooded red flags in his funeral. He was the 69th victim of Extrajudicial Killing (EJK) in Bicol after his body bore two gunshot wounds in the stomach, one in the left shoulder and another in his right cheek in a massacre last week.

Karapatan National chair Marie Hilao-Enriquez said Bicol is taking the lead to fight human rights violations and exploitations in the country. As of July 2010 to March 2015, Bicol ranked first, seconded by Southern Mindanao with 35 EJKs and followed by Southern Tagalog with 22 EJKs under Noynoy Aquino government.

Karapatan slams the BS Aquino regime for hunting human rights workers after the recorded 1, 206 EJK under Arroyo regime. Karapatan documentation showed Escanilla had been under surveillance since 2003, including several encounters between him and the military units assigned in Sorsogon.

It’s heavy but a pride because he sacrificed his life for his sector according Enriquez. Escanilla came from a family of farmers but never had a chance to finish college due to poverty. Escanilla became member of Patriotic Youth (KM) and pressed against martial law. The 49th IB, currently based in Camarines Norte, beaten him and tortured him during ‘70s.

In 2011, Escanilla was falsely charged with frustrated murder and damage to property in a supposed raid conducted at a police station in the town of Barcelona. Escanilla had been a human rights worker since 1998 as part of the Sorsogon People’s Organization (SPO), a community-based human rights organization in Sorsogon province.

During his tenure as SPO president, the province became active in educational discussions and fact finding missions that gather data for serious violations of the military and other government security units.

He joined Karapatan-Sorsogon in 2006 as its spokesperson and served as anchor of a local radio program, “Pamana ng Lahi” (Legacy of our people) for 10 years.



Teodoro Escanilla, Radio anchorman and spokersperson of human rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon province. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

There is a similar attack against human rights worker William Bugatti of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance-Karapatan happened in Ifugao on March 5, 2014 and RomualdoPalispis, officer of the Justice and Peace Action Group based in Aurora province, on June 30, 2012 according to Karapatan.

Aside from the killings, Karapatan Secretary GeneralCristina Palabay said the government is more aggressive in criminalizing legitimate human rights work by filing trumped up criminal charges against leaders of human rights organizations and other political activists who assist victims of human rights violations, specifically those in Mindanao.

“HanimaySuazo, Secretary General of Karapatan-Southern Mindanao and Pastor Sadrach Sabella, Secretary General of Karapatan-SoCSKSarGen were among the 35 leaders of people’s organizations and human rights advocates falsely charged with kidnapping, serious illegal detention, violation of anti-trafficking law, Republic Act 9851 at anti-child abuse law,” Palabay said because of providing assistance to more than 1,200 evacuees from the hinterlands of Malapatan, Saranggani Province and those from the provinces of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon.

Some 70 other leaders of human rights organization and progressive groups, including Palabay and Jacqueline Ruiz of the Children Rehabilitation Center, were implicated in the same case. 

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/30/bicol-recorded-highest-extrajudicial-killings-as-slain-human-rights-advocate-laid-to-rest/

Bangsamoro panel gets more powers

From the Manila Times (Aug 30): Bangsamoro panel gets more powers

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino 3rd has expanded the functions and prolonged the life of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) headed by Mohagher Iqbal to ensure the existence of the body until the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been ratified.

The President signed Executive Order (EO) 187 that amended an earlier order that created the BTC, which was required to come up with a draft BBL that will serve as the basis of a new Bangsamoro political entity in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The proposed BBL has been pending in Congress since it was submitted many months ago.
The transition commission will cease to exist once the BBL is enacted.

EO 187, however, extended the life of the BTC until after the law has been ratified through a plebiscite, after which the new Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will be created.

Under the CAB and under Section 5 of EO 120, Series of 2012, the BTC “shall cease to operate upon the enactment by Congress of the [BBL].”

On the other hand, the transition authority will be created “only upon the promulgation and ratification” of the BBL.

“If the Bangsamoro Basic Law is enacted and ratified, there may be a gap in the intervening period between enactment and ratification within which neither the Bangsamoro Transition Commission nor the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will exist to address the issues relevant to the Bangsamoro Basic Law and to the Bangsamoro as a whole,” Aquino’s order said.

It explained that the time from enactment to ratification may take time and that during which, the BTC is considered dissolved after enactment but the transition authority is yet to exist because under the rules at present, it would be formed once the law has been ratified.

“There is a need to further strengthen and expand the functions of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to address this foreseen gap during the intervening period between the enactment and ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” EO 187 read.

“Extending the duration of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission until such time that the Bangsamoro Basic Law is ratified, and vesting additional functions in such commission, can better facilitate an efficient transition upon the ratification of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law,” it said.

When sought by The Manila Times for comment, Iqbal said EO 187 gives the BTC “additional responsibilities.”

He added that it was ordered to fill the gap between enactment and ratification, which could happen way beyond the administration of Aquino, considering the BBL’s very slow development in the legislature.

“[It will] cure the gap between enactment and ratification. This is about additional responsibility,” Iqbal said in a text message.

When asked what additional powers they were given, he replied, “We will decide when we are in that situation.”

EO 187 expands the powers of the BTC from simply crafting the BBL draft bill to the preparation and drafting of a “Code of Parliamentary Procedures for the Future Bangsamoro Parliament and a Bangsamoro Administrative Code for the consideration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.”

Section 5 of the new executive order provides, “The commission shall cease to operate upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a plebiscite called for such purpose.”

Even if the BBL is passed this year, it remains uncertain as to when it could be ratified. Some sectors are already saying the ratification of the BBL may not happen within the term of Aquino.

This means that the BTC can well survive and operate even after Aquino steps down next year.

http://www.manilatimes.net/bangsamoro-panel-gets-more-powers/214407/

‘Abus task wives to buy medicine for wounded bandits’

From the Philippine Star (Aug 30): ‘Abus task wives to buy medicine for wounded bandits’



Abu Sayyaf bandits are reportedly having their wives buy medicine for their comrades who were wounded in recent military offensives in Sulu. File photo

Abu Sayyaf bandits are reportedly having their wives buy medicine for their comrades who were wounded in recent military offensives in Sulu.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Joint Task Group Sulu (AFP-JTGS) uncovered this on Saturday after five women, believed to be wives of Abu Sayyaf bandits, were seen by government agents buying medical supplies from several drug stores in Jolo.

“They were in black Muslim clothing with their faces covered. One of them was identified by our agent as Nanah Sawadjaan, daughter-in-law of Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan,” AFP-JTGS commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said.

By chatting with the women, the undercover agent found out that 25 bandits were wounded, 10 of them in critical condition, in a series of clashes with military troopers who have been conducting offensives from Aug. 20.

The 15 wounded bandits have recovered and rejoined the group. The 10 others were still recuperating at an Abu Sayyaf lair in Patikul, the women told the government agent.

Nanah is the wife of Arab Sawadjaan, son of Hatib Hajan, whose group is being pursued by government security forces in the outskirts of Indanan town.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/31/1494079/abus-task-wives-buy-medicine-wounded-bandits

Aquino extends Bangsamoro Transition Commission

From Rappler (Aug 30): Aquino extends Bangsamoro Transition Commission

The new executive order allows the commission to function until the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law



In this file photo, President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses the hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law by Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, September 10, 2014. Photo by Rey Baniquet/NIB/Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order 187 amending the Executive Order No. 120, which formed the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

Earlier signed in December 2012, Executive Order 120 established the 15-member transition commission that is tasked to lead the transition toward a Bangsamoro political identity.

The BTC is currently composed of 8 nominees from the MILF and 7 member nominated by the government.

EO 187 states an additional clause which allows the drafting and preparation of a “Code of Parliamentary Procedures for the Future Bangsamoro Parliament and a Bangsamoro Administrative Code for the consideration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority."

The EO 187 also expands the duration of the commission.

From the original clause which states that the commission shall cease to operate upon the enactment of Congress, the new executive order allows the commission to function until the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The BBL was initially targeted to be passed by March this year, but a clash between elite police and Moro rebels in January hampered the peace process.

The original version of the BBL aims to establish an autonomous political entity to end almost four decades of conflict and poverty in Mindanao. The government and the MILF agreed on the passage of the law under a historic deal signed in March 2014.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/104195-aquino-eo-duration-bangsamoro-transition-commission

5 villagers slain by troops are rebels not civilians

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 30): 5 villagers slain by troops are rebels not civilians

The Philippine military on Sunday maintained that 5 people killed by soldiers in a clash in Bukidnon province were all members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, a spokesman for the 4^th Infantry Division, said the police have already released the results of laboratory examination conducted on the cadavers. “They were all positive for gunpowder burns and this further strongly proves that they had fired weapons and not civilians as what the NPA has been saying,” he said.

He said the rebels were slain in a recent firefight with members of the 1^st Special Forces Battalion in the village of Mendis in Pangantucan town. The clash also left two soldiers – Lieutenant Alvin Balangcod and Private First Class Virgil Rubante – wounded.

General Oscar Lactao, the army division commander, said they would provide assistance to the families of the rebels. “It is unfortunate that this incident has happened. We extend our condolences and express our sympathies to the families of the dead NPA members. Through our local government, we will provide necessary assistance to the concerned local officials in order to facilitate the decent burial of the dead NPA members.”

He also urged other rebels to surrender peacefully and avail of the government’s amnesty program.

“It is now time to stop violence and give peace a chance. I am encouraging our brothers and sisters who are still blinded by the lies and deceit of the NPA rebels to return back to the folds of the law and lead a more peaceful life. The armed struggle is not the answer to our country’s problem. Let us all work together to live a harmonious and peaceful community,” Lactao said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA, which has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a separate state.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-villagers-slain-by-troops-are-rebels-not-civilians/

MNLF technical working group to revisit GPH-MNLF peace accord

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): MNLF technical working group to revisit GPH-MNLF peace accord

The tripartite technical working group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is set to revisit the 47-year-old Tripoli Peace Agreement with the Philippine Government.

Acting Vice Chairperson of the MNLF Central committee, Rolando Abdul-Aziz T. Olamit, said they have initially set the date on September 7-9 in Manila and they will focus on the remaining issues of the 1976 Tripoli agreement on Territory; provisionary gain and natural resources and revenue sharing.

However Olamit said the review of the final peace agreement is only on a lower level in view of the absence of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari.

“Gumikan kay naa siya’y pending warrant of arrest dili pa maka apil si Misuari, so kaning mahitabo nga tripartite technical working group is at low level(Because he has a pending warrant of arrest Misuari cannot participate yet, so the holding of the tripartite technical working group is at low level),” Olamit said.

He added that should the government want to bring to high level and official Misuari must be included in the consultation or review.

“Kung gusto ang gobyerno nga high level or official, ilahang ilift ang warrant of arrest ni Misuari or moratorium para maka apil siya. And once and for all matapos na siya (If the government want the consultation on high level, it must lift the warrant of arrest of Misuari or a moratorium so he can participate),” Olamit said.

He further disclosed that the MNLF has already listed the delegation that will attend on the tripartite technical working group.

According to Olamit, the review is important because they have not seen any improvement in the government since the signing of the final peace agreement because it has not been implemented properly. He added that the MNLF will remain passive with regards to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Olamit said that they have experienced trick and deception of the government that is why they remain passive with the BBL especially that the government was only consulting with its “MNLF mascot”.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798653

CPP’s Joma backs Duterte; mayor gives 50-50 to run for president

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): CPP’s Joma backs Duterte; mayor gives 50-50 to run for president

The founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Jose Maria Sison officially endorsed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for the 2016 presidential elections.

This was revealed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the Run Duterte Run Caravan on Friday night at San Pedro Square this city. The mayor shared the voice message of Sison sent to him from Netherlands minutes before he came to the rally venue.

In his message, Sison said that Duterte has the “integrity, strength of character and political will for good”.

“Sa tingin ko bukas naman siya sa development ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng Filipino owned industrialization and land reform at kumbinsido ako na makabayan siya at ipag tatanggol niya ang pambansang soberenhiya at integridad ng teritoryo nga Pilipinas (I can see he is open to the development of the Philippines through Filipino-owned industrialization and land reform and I am convince he is a nationalist and he will defend national territorial sovereignty and integrity of the Philippines,” Sison said.

According to Duterte, Sison sent the message to him upon learning he was on his way to rally organized by his supporters.

While Duterte had been turning down calls to run for president, on Friday night, the mayor gave his supporters a glimmer of hope for a possible presidential bid in May 2016.

Overwhelmed by more or less 10,000 supporters gathered at the San Pedro Square for the Run Duterte Run caravan which started in the Manila passing through Luzon provinces, Visayas and down to Mindanao, Duterte however did not declare he will run for president.

He said he still needs to seek the approval of his family. “Konti nalang, Kausapin ko muna sila Inday kasi ayaw talaga nila (Just a little bit more, I will talk to Inday – former mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio because they do not like it),” Duterte said.

When asked to elaborate, Duterte said he is still thinking about it. Unlike before, Duterte hinted to considering running for the presidency seeing the thousands of people supporting him.

The Run Duterte Run Caravan was 13-day journey aimed at convincing the mayor to run for president. The caravan of vehicles was estimated at 3,261 coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. There was no declaration to run for president but Duterte promised he would talk to his family.

Among those in the rally were left-leaning organizations, governors, mayors, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and community leaders. Also present were former Army chief Hermogenes Esperon, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Roberto Lastimoso.

He emphasized that he does want to be president under the same system of government otherwise he is bound to fail.

While saying this, Duterte still shared his wishes if he would become president. Duterte said he would put Mindanao in the priority list; corruption; illegal drugs; and, family planning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798704

Another rebel arms cache seized in Bukidnon operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Another rebel arms cache seized in Bukidnon operations

Another New People's Army (NPA) arms cache was seized by units of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) during operations in Kitaotao, Bukidnon last Aug. 28.

Capt. Alberto Caber, EMC public affairs office chief, reported on Sunday that the captured rebel weapons consisted of one M-16 automatic rifle, six unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 60 pieces of blasting caps, 900 meters of dangerous explosive detonating chord, eight pieces of IED molders, half a kilo of sulfur powder, one lower receiver of .45 caliber pistol, subversive documents, and NPA flag.

The items were recovered by 8th Infantry Battalion troopers during security patrols at Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao town at around 6 p.m.

It can be recalled that three days ago, NPA elements attempted to disrupt the law enforcement operations and tried to enter the barangay when they clashed with security elements of the 8th Infantry Battalion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798597

Palace urges Filipinos to join commemoration of National Heroes’ Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Palace urges Filipinos to join commemoration of National Heroes’ Day

Malacanang encouraged the Filipinos on Sunday to join the commemoration of the National Heroes' Day on Monday.

”On this day, we must give honor to our heroes who offered their lives to fight, uphold and exalt our independence that became the foundation of the development that we have been experiencing,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

”May our heroes serve as a source of inspiration by the Filipino people and the next generation who aspires for a better life for their families,” he added.

Coloma said President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day with a simple wreath-laying ceremony and commemorative program at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Monday. The event will take place at 8 a.m.

The President will be joined in by other top government officials, senior military officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, members of the diplomatic corps, students, and members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP).

A full military honor composed of personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy (Fleet and Marines), and Philippine Air Force will also be tendered to the President upon his arrival at the LNMB.

National Heroes' Day is a national holiday in the Philippines, celebrated every last Monday of August to pay tribute to our Filipino heroes, particularly soldiers fallen during combat and/or while performing in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798630

PAF to acquire communication systems for transport fleet

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PAF to acquire communication systems for transport fleet

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating the sum of PhP4,340,000 for the acquisition of communication systems which will be fitted to its C-130, F-27 and N-22 transport aircraft.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, while submission and opening of bids is on Sept. 17, the same time and venue.

PAF said the pre-bidding conference shall be open to all interested parties who have purchased the bidding documents.

The PAF has three C-130s, three F-27s and three N-22s in its service.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798633

PA finalizing recruitment of 2,300 soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PA finalizing recruitment of 2,300 soldiers

The Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday announced that it is finalizing the recruitment of 2,300 soldiers this year to fill the ranks of the various units nationwide.

The Army recruitment is open to qualified individuals who have the potential to become part of the uniformed service.

The PA, on the average, recruits 2,000 to 3,000 new soldiers annually.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said applicants must be a natural-born Filipino citizen; with 72 units in college, of if a high school graduate must possess technical skills needed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines; at least 18 to 26 years old; at least 5 feet or 60 inches in height; single and without child; of good moral character; must have passed the pre-qualifying physical fitness test and physical medical exam; and physically and mentally fit for military training.

As of August this year, the Army has already validated 1,322 applicants which will undergo the Candidate Soldier Course.

Hao said the recruitment and training of soldiers are now delegated to the Training and Doctrine Command, Division Training Schools, Combat Support Units and Combat Service Support Units of the Philippine Army.

On the average, each unit has a quota of 50 to 100 candidate soldiers.

Meanwhile, PA chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año approved the request for additional candidate soldier quota of 10th Infantry Division and Mechanized Infantry Division.

At present, the 10th Infantry Division and the Mechanized Infantry Division need additional 200 and 120 candidate soldiers, respectively.

Interested applicants may visit the Army Recruitment Centers nationwide. The locations of the major Army Recruitment Offices are in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila in Luzon; Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City in the Visayas; and Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City in Mindanao.

They may also visit the Philippine Army Website at www.army.mil.ph for further details.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798638

Luzon-based PA NCOs attend 3-day leadership symposium

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Luzon-based PA NCOs attend 3-day leadership symposium

In line with its efforts to strengthen the Non-Commissioned Officers Corps, the Philippine Army (PA) conducted a three-day Senior NCO Leaders Symposium for Luzon-based NCOs at Hotel Kimberley in Tagaytay City on Aug. 26 to 28.

Guided by its theme, “Pinunong Kawal, Matatag na Sandigan ng Hukbong Katihan, Kaagapay sa Makabuluhang Pagbabago, Tungo sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Pamayanan,” the conduct of SNCOLS effectively demonstrated the core leadership skills and competencies of senior NCOs and imbibed the essence of not just being the backbone, but also the auxiliary brain of the Army.

Col. Laurence E. Mina, SNCOLs chair, said that 88 senior NCOs composed of sergeant majors and chief clerks from various units and offices in Luzon area attended the activity.

“The Army NCOs who attended the SNCOLS are now more professional, capable and empowered Senior NCOs of the Army,” he added.

“We will also conduct this kind of activity in Mindanao and the Visayas before the year ends,” Mina stressed.

Strengthening the NCO Corps is one of the priority thrusts of the PA wherein NCOs will be fully utilized by empowering and encouraging them to be more active and participative in the supervision of the organization.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798655