SC to vote on enhanced Philippines-US defense pact today

From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): SC to vote on enhanced Philippines-US defense pact today



Petitioners alleged that EDCA violates provisions on national sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests, freedom from nuclear weapons and autonomy of local government units in the charter. Philstar/File

Is it a treaty or just an executive agreement?

After the Senate invoked last week its position that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States is a treaty that needs concurrence of the Senate, it is the turn of the Supreme Court (SC) to decide on the constitutionality of EDCA based on the same legal issue today.

The SC justices were supposed to vote on the case last Tuesday but some justices were not ready with their opinions. Two of them were also on sick leave.

The case was heard by the high court in oral arguments in November last year and had been up for resolution since December last year.

The two main petitions against EDCA were filed in May last year by a group led by former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada and nationalist lawmakers led by Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate.

Similar petitions were also filed by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement (Courage).

Petitioners alleged that EDCA violates provisions on national sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests, freedom from nuclear weapons and autonomy of local government units in the charter.

They also argued that EDCA is a treaty and not merely an executive agreement as the Aquino administration has claimed.

Because of this, the groups said the EDCA violates Section 25, Article XVIII of the Constitution, which requires that any foreign military bases, troops or facilities “shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.”

But the government, through Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, has argued that EDCA is a valid executive agreement that could stand even without the concurrence of the Senate.

Under the EDCA, the US will be allowed to build structures, store as well as preposition weapons, defense supplies and materiel, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels and aircraft for a period of 10 years.

It was signed by officials of both countries hours before US President Barack Obama arrived in the Philippines for his state visit on April 28 to 29, 2014.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/16/1522376/sc-vote-enhanced-philippines-us-defense-pact-today

Apec protest groups say ‘all systems go’

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 16): Apec protest groups say ‘all systems go’

“It’s all systems go” for protest actions during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit on Wednesday and Thursday despite the extreme security alert level the government imposed that included a ban on all mass rallies during those days, protest organizers said yesterday.

Militant groups said the government should not equate their movement that would include about 400 foreign activists as threats comparable to the series of terrorist attacks in Paris, France.

Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said the prevention of terrorism “should not be at the expense of the rights of people to assemble and air their legitimate grievances.”

All units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) nationwide and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were placed on the highest alert status in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Paris last Friday that killed 129 individuals.

Casiño insisted the raised security concerns after the Paris incident should not lead to a ban on protests near or around the venue of the Apec Summit.

“President Aquino and the PNP should not worry. The only threat that our groups pose to Apec and its leaders is the threat of embarrassment for exposing the truth about the disastrous impact of Apec’s imperialist globalization,” he said.

Casiño, who is the lead convenor of the People’s Campaign Against Apec and Imperialist Globalization (PCAIG), said while they’re expecting extreme measures to prevent the holding of rallies, they remain unfazed.

“We know we will be blocked. We know we will be prevented from airing our grievances. But that will not stop us from trying. It’s all systems go for protests,” he said.

Casiño mouths that the main mass action on Nov. 19 will start at Liwasang Bonifacio as they will try to get as close as possible to the venue of the APEC Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Meanwhile, about 400 activists from 40 countries under the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS) gathered yesterday in Quezon City vowing their participation with local militants in the planned anti-APEC demonstrations.

Among those present at the ILPS gathering were Palestinian revolutionary leader Leila Khaled, Canadian film director Malcolm Guy and former US legislator Cynthia McKinney.

Khaled, in an interview with the Tribune, denied that her presence along with members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) present in the country should be considered a threat comparable to fundamental extremists under the Islamic State (IS).

“Our presence in the Philippines is not to terrorize but rather join the people’s campaign against the perpetration of imperialism against nations,” Khaled, who gained international attention after hijacking two airlines in 1969 and 1970, said.

Her group, the PFLP, is described as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

The ILPS, on the other hand, also expressed its condemnation of the terrorist attacks.

“Such systematic mass murder of civilians is an unmitigated crime against humanity and can never be construed as a just political act,” it said.

The Islamic State (also called the ISIS or ISIL or the State of the caliphate) or Daesh to the French had claimed responsibility for the attacks and has detailed how it deployed eight operatives with assault rifles and bomb belts to sow mayhem.

The targets included the Bataclan concert hall where most of the victims were killed and the vicinity of the Stade de France where French president François Hollande was watching a friendship football game between France and Germany.

Cabinet security cluster convened

The Palace said President Aquino convened the Cabinet security cluster the other day in the wake of the Paris attacks.

”Yes, the President convened the security cluster in light of the recent developments,” Deputy Presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said.

”President Aquino wanted to ensure that all our preparations are in place and all contingencies have been planned for. As he said, it is better to be over prepared than caught under prepared,” Valte said.

Valte said the meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half, was held at the Bahay Pangarap in Malacanang.

The Cabinet members in the meeting included Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Cesar Garcia and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ricardo Marquez.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino continues to closely monitor the preparations for the culminating APEC Leaders’ Summit, particularly on security aspect.

”The President continues and is personally monitoring all the aspects particularly on ensuring the security and safety of the public and the APEC leaders and delegates from other countries,” Coloma said.

At least 10,000 delegates, including 3,000 media members, will be coming for the 2015 APEC Summit which the country will host for the first time since 1996.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to coordinate with the Philippine embassy in Paris to check if there are Filipino nationals who were affected by the terror attacks.

Coloma said the Philippine embassy headed by Ambassador Maria Theresa Lazaro is ready to provide assistance in coordination with the local authorities.

There are up to 60,000 Filipinos currently residing in France and half of them are said to be undocumented. A small Filipino community also exists in the French capital.
Gringo wants terrorism in Apec agenda.

Opposition Vice Presidential bet Sen. Gringo Honasan urged Malacañang to raise the issue of terrorism in the Leaders Summit following the series of terrorist attacks in Paris, France.

Honasan said that security measures for the upcoming forum must be intensified as a response to the horrifying incidents in Paris.

“If the series of terror attacks on Paris is not yet in the APEC formal agenda as a fundamental basis for economic cooperation not only in the Asia-Pacific but among all free democracies, then it should be,” Honasan said.

“The Philippines must be willing and able to take the lead politically, morally, and globally by example, setting aside partisan squabbles and uniting against common enemies of humanity,” the former military man added.

The Philippines, as host, will serve as a moderator of sorts during the event where economic leaders can raise various issues.

Meanwhile, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff cautions Malacañang to be very vigilant as the Philippines now turns out to be a vulnerable hot spot due to the presence of prominent international figures in the APEC meeting.

Former AFP Chief Ret. Gen. Dionisio Santiago, in a phone interview, said that though there’s no verified information of any threat yet, the government shouldn’t be too loose on its security measures.

“Manila is an apparent target because the terrorists’ favorite targets are coming here that’s why our security forces should be more extra cautious in hosting the APEC,” Santiago, who’s also an expert in military intelligence, told the Tribune.

Prominent world leaders arriving in the country this week are US President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, newly elected CanadianPrime Minister Justin Trudeau and 15 others.

Santiago added that the threats may be indirect but still it surely is a “security nightmare and concern”.

“Our military and policemen have been through drills preparing for the worst case scenario but, of course, it will be different if ever anything happens,” he added.

The retired general also reiterated that the militant protesters are “not much of a deadly threat” nor are Moro rebel groups from Mindanao.

“The threat will always come from the outside and never in the inside because, as a matter of fact, Filipinos can’t afford themselves to be suicide bombers,” he added.

Santiago, however, indicated that among the APEC’s side effects, aside from the security threats, is its effect to air travellers in the country throughout the course of the said gathering.

“Never was it known in history that flights for 4 days are cancelled for security’s sake. Yes, APEC’s going to be a window to promising investments but they still remain to be but promises, so why compromise a lot of things?” he added.

Interior Secretary Sarmiento said Aquino has ordered a heightened level of security for the Apec forum delegates and participants this week.

“At present, security forces are positioned in Metro Manila beyond the regular deployment scale. This should add to the peace of mind and level of confidence of our people and provide much optimism for a fruitful and orderly APEC 2015 Summit,” Sarmiento said.

The DILG chief appealed to the public for understanding for some inconvenience during the APEC Summit.

“We would like to forewarn the public to expect heavy traffic that may cause inconvenience in areas where APEC activities will be conducted. We advise them to, as much as possible, avoid APEC venues to include all roads leading to these areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, after the upgrading to red alert status of both the PNP and AFP, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said its personnel are also now on red alert status.

According to MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos, although the agency has no security capabilities, its closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be useful in monitoring the situation and alerting the PNP and the AFP on any untoward developments during the APEC Summit.

He also advised motorists to stay away from the APEC meeting venues because of the limited use of roads leading to such places.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said there is nothing to worry about, and that no delegation has expressed concern about the security measures being undertaken for the leaders’ meeting.

“Of course, our security officials are monitoring and assessing the situation and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of all delegates in the AELM [APEC Leaders’ Meeting], especially the economic leaders,” he added.

The security agencies would have to assess the situation and beef up security measures as needed.

“Hopefully, by the time of the economic leaders meeting in Manila next week, we are sincerely hoping that situation in Paris, in particular, have turned to normal,” Jose said.

The Philippines is expecting some 17 leaders and three representatives after Russia and Indonesia confirmed the non-attendance of their presidents, Vladimir Putin and Joko Widodo, respectively.

Chinese Taipei will also send a representative in place of President Ma Ying-jeou.

Senator Loren Legarda today underscored the importance of cooperation among nations in the global fight against terrorism following recent vicious attacks of terrorist groups, particularly in the cities of Paris, Beirut and Baghdad.

Legarda earlier joined the French nation and the rest of the world in condemning the November 13 attacks in several public sites in and around Paris that have killed at least 129 individuals and injured hundreds more. But the Senator said that we should also give the same attention to other cities in the world that have been subjected to atrocities carried out by terrorist groups.

Apec equated to economic plunder

The upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will only set the stage for greater corporate plunder and increased labor exploitation across the region, according to a Quezon City-based labor NGO.

Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research Inc (EILER) said only big multinational corporations and local elites will benefit from APEC’s thrust while workers will suffer from even cheaper wages and flexible work arrangements in a prepared statement said.

“What is not being said about the APEC summit is that it will lay the groundwork for greater corporate plunder by dismantling remaining trade and investment regulations, leveraging public finance to private enterprises through public-private partnerships (PPP), further pushing down on wages, and increasing cost pressures on small local businesses in a region that is home to more than half of the world’s poor,” EILER said in a statement.

EILER said the Philippines’ festive hosting presents stark ironies as the country exemplifies the worst and wide-ranging impacts of APEC’s neoliberal globalization framework.

“More than 3 million workers lost their jobs from 1990 up to present, especially workers in sectors directly affected by trade liberalization such as the garments sector.

Over 12 million are currently jobless or in poor quality of work while another 12 million Filipinos are migrant workers in different parts of the globe,” EILER researcher Carlos Maningat said.

Maningat said among the key subthemes of the APEC 2015 summit is the integration of SMEs into the regional and global value chains (GVCs) which is essentially the continuation of the subcontracting strategy of multinational corporations.

“Under the SME integration thrust, MNCs seek to reduce the procurement, production and distribution costs by shifting the cost pressures and risks to the suppliers and subcontractors, and ultimately, to the workers of the subcontractors. This will lead to shutdown of weaker local enterprises and consolidation of the remaining ones into few relatively big suppliers,” he said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/apec-protest-groups-say-all-systems-go

Obama to hound China on sea row

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 16): Obama to hound China on sea row

Thorny issues unavoidable at APEC meet

Despite an accession of the Philippine government to defer talks on the South China Sea dispute during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit this week, US President Barack Obama is set to challenge China on its infrastructure buildup in the disputed area.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be in Manila for the Apec summit, an annual event that is meant to forge unity on free trade within the region.

China had insisted repeatedly in the lead-up to the summit that the South China Sea dispute was not relevant to the trade talks.

But US National Security Advisor Susan Rice said the dispute would be a “central issue” during Obama’s three-day trip to the Philippines starting on Tuesday, and a subsequent visit to Malaysia for another regional summit.

Rice also emphasised Obama would raise the issues of “maritime security” and “freedom of navigation,” terms commonly used when referring to the dispute.

This year’s meeting, thus, risks becoming entangled in various US- China power struggles, including over the South China Sea where Chinese island building in disputed waters has caused alarm in the United States and with its Asian allies.

The global menace of terrorism will also be an unwanted talking point after gunmen massacred more than 120 people in a series of coordinated attacks in Paris on Friday.

Philippine authorities had already undertaken their biggest security operation for the summit, which will gather leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies on Wednesday and Thursday, but they vowed after the French carnage to do even more.

While China said it wanted the summit to focus only on trade, the French attacks and US attention on the South China Sea showed this was unrealistic, according to Curtis S. Chin, a former US ambassador to the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.

“One cannot separate the economic and the non-economic in today’s interconnected world,” Chin, now an Asia fellow of the Milken Institute, a non-partisan think-tank, told AFP.

“That’s as true in the battle against ISIS (Islamic State group) as in the search for a peaceful resolution to the many territorial disputes with China that haunt development in the South China Sea.”

China insists it has sovereign rights to nearly all of the sea, even waters approaching the coasts of its Asian neighbours.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims to some of the waters, which are home to some of the world’s most important shipping trade routes.

China’s island building in the Spratlys archipelago, which is close to the Philippines, prompted the US military to recently deploy a missile destroyer and B-52 bomber planes to the area.

DFA says row can still be taken up

The Philippines, which has hauled China before a United Nations tribunal over the row, initially promised to respect China’s demand on the Summit’s agenda.

But in his first press conference as official APEC spokesman last Friday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose talked at length about China’s “aggressive” actions in the sea.

Jose also said that, while the issue was not on the official agenda, leaders may discuss it at their retreat, one of the summit’s key events where the delegates speak less formally.

Obama will also use both legs of his Asian trip to promote the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) mega-trade deal, which was signed last month by 12 APEC nations but excludes China.

On the sidelines of APEC, the leaders of the TPP nations will meet for the first time since the signing.

“TPP is central to our vision of the region’s future and our place in it,” Rice said.

“(It) is a critical step towards a high-standard free trade area in Asia and the Pacific, and our goal of revitalising the open rules-based economic system that the US has led since World War II.”

China has flagged it will push on with its own effort to steer regional economic rules with a planned Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

“We need to actively work for the establishment of FTAAP,” Chinese vice commerce minister Wang Shouwen told a briefing in Beijing.

China sought to champion the FTAAP at last year’s APEC summit, which it hosted, and Wang promised a report would be released in Manila on its progress.

APEC members account for 57 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of the world’s population, with the diverse grouping including Papua New Guinea, Peru, Japan and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo are the only major leaders of APEC nations who have said they will not attend.

China repeatedly stressed the summit is not an appropriate place to discuss the South China Sea issue, after the U.S. State Department claimed the topic would come up during the gathering.

A State Department spokesman reportedly said the United States and its allies would discuss regional disputes over sovereignty in the South China Sea on the sidelines of the APEC summit, though it is not on the formal agenda of the event, which is scheduled on Nov. 17 to 19 in Manila.

As the most important economic and trade forum in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC has avoided talk of political and security issues, as agreed by most of its members, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing.

Not discussing sensitive issues is a fundamental precondition for APEC’s existence and development, said Hong, stressing that “APEC is not an appropriate place to discuss the South China Sea issue.”

“As host of the APEC summit, the Philippines has said no political or security issues will be, or should be, on the agenda,” he added.

First APEC VIP: Chile leader

Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet arrived in Manila yesterday afternoon ahead of all Asia-Pacific economic leaders for a summit next week as she undertakes her first state visit to the Philippines.

Aboard a 767 military aircraft, Bachelet, Chile’s first woman President, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 1:24 p.m.

She was welcomed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Philippine Ambassador to Chile Consuelo Puyat Reyes, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Foreign Affairs Chief Protocal Maria Aileen Bugarin.

Bachelet and Aquino will discuss major bilateral issues, which include trade and investments as both sides are expected to sign a framework agreement leading to negotiations for a free trade accord between the two countries.

Besides Chile and the Philippines, other APEC members include the Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand, United States and Vietnam. 

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/obama-to-hound-china-on-sea-row

Gov't: No concrete ISIS presence in PH

From ANC/ABS-CBN (Nov 16): Gov't: No concrete ISIS presence in PH

MANILA - Malacañang on Monday allayed fears about potential security threats that could mar Manila's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in light of the Paris terror attacks.

Undersecretary Manny Bautista, executive director of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Peace and Justice, said authorities have not identified any credible threat from the Islamic State which claimed responsibility for Friday's carnage.

"We have not seen any, really, concrete presence of ISIS in the Philippines...that we continue to monitor and we remain vigilant and rest assured your security forces are on top of the situation," he said in an interview on ANC.

Still, Bautista said the government has increased resources and manpower devoted to securing APEC venues and other public places.

 

Philippine Marines inspect the anti-aircraft gun emplacement mounted near the venues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila. Reuters

 

"We also increased the alert level, like the police, there are not going to be any shifts anymore. Everybody will be on duty. That goes for the Armed Forces as well. Everybody will be on hand to respond to any eventuality," he said.

President Aquino earlier convened the Security Cluster with instructions to increase vigilance and level-up security preparations to deter possible threats.

But Bautista noted that security is not the government's job alone but a national responsibility.

"There is no hundred percent assurance, really, that even if you have very good intelligence apparatus, security apparatus, that nothing can happen. We have seen in Paris, we have seen in New York and in other places. That is why we need the cooperation of everybody," he said.

"The key here is vigilance, not just of security forces but all of us," Bautista added.

 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/v1/11/16/15/govt-no-concrete-isis-presence-in-ph

Another grenade explodes in Kabacan, Cotabato

From GMA News (Nov 16): Another grenade explodes in Kabacan, Cotabato

Just a day after five people were injured when a fragmentation grenade went off on a busy street on Saturday night in Kidapawan City, another grenade exploded at a parking area of a gasoline station Sunday evening.

The explosion occurred in Barangay Poblacion at around 7:30 p.m.

No one was hurt in the recent attack, but the incident alarmed some residents, including students of University of Southern Mindanao (USM) who were in the area at the time of the incident.

An agriculture student from the town of Mlang who asked not to be identified said they heard a strong blast just a few minutes after they passed the Petron gasoline station.

“Nag-uyog ang lupa paglupok (The earth was shaken during the explosion)," the student said.

On Saturday evening, five people including two minors were also hurt when a fragmentation grenade exploded along the busy intersection of Rizal and Malvar Streets.
The wounded victims are still confined in hospitals in Kabacan and Kidapawan City due to shrapnel wounds in the head, chest and legs.

On Thursday afternoon, a four-year old girl was also hurt when men riding in tandem tossed a grenade along the national highway in front of a police outpost.

No one claimed responsibility for the series of grenade explosions.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza instructed the local police to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the identity of the suspects and their motive.

She also ordered the police to strengthen security in all areas to preempt any more such incidents.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/544471/news/regions/another-grenade-explodes-in-kabacan-cotabato

Army officer believes Cotabato grenade attacks directed at military, suspects known

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): Army officer believes Cotabato grenade attacks directed at military, suspects known

Military authorities stationed in Cotabato City have been placed on alert following a series of grenade attacks directed at government forces in the city over the weekend.

Col. Ranulfo Sevilla, commander of the 5th Army Special Forces tasked to help the Cotabato City PNP in enforcing law and order, said Army and police investigators have identified the man behind the series of grenade attacks.

“We see the hands of Ben Montes alias Black Moro, a member of a syndicate linked to shadowy group,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla believed that Saturday night’s rifle grenade attack along a busy national highway here was clearly intended for soldiers conducting patrol.

A case in point, Sevilla said, happened on Nov. 14. Soldiers on board a military vehicle were patrolling Sinsuat Avenue when a rifle grenade was fired by two men on a motorbike.

The rifle grenade hit a mango tree and landed in between a passing Mitsubishi mini-cargo truck driven by Ibrahim Bayao and an Army vehicle at 7:30 p.m. at the height of a power interruption.

Sevilla said the two soldiers, Corporal Noel Ganab, 28 and PFC Romer Agustin, 27, both of Special Forces Battalion, were slightly wounded. Bayao and a civilian were also slightly injured.

Sevilla believed the suspects in rifle grenade attack were syndicate members who wanted to get back at the military for the series of arrests it carried out in the city.

Black Moro was arrested in September after his armed group traded shots with lawmen along SK Pendatun Avenue, Cotabato City.

The shootout left three persons killed, including Black Moro’s wife. He was arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms but a local court ordered his release on Friday, Nov. 13.

Three incidents involving grenades have been recorded by the Cotabato City police since Saturday night, according to Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, city police chief.

A live grenade was found, but safely disarmed, by police bomb experts found in front of Cafe Florencio, a popular restaurant, along Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=827464

‘Cops keeping lumad in church’

From The Standard (Nov 16): ‘Cops keeping lumad in church’

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan on Sunday accused the Philippine National Police of allegedly violating the rights of lumad protesters camping out at the Baclaran Church in Parañaque City.

“PNP trucks and personnel have prevented the lumad from leaving the church compound, in clear violation of their rights,” Renato Reyes, Bayan secretary-general, said.

On Nov. 13, the lumad protesters staging the Manilakbayan 2015 left Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila and moved to a new campsite at the Baclaran church.

Since then, hundreds of policemen have held the Manilakbayan marchers in virtual detention at the church compound, forming a barricade to prevent them from transferring to another site.

Lumad backers.Leaders of lumad groups and the Catholic Church  hold hands to protest security measures which have blockaded protesting tribespeople inside Baclaran Church in Parañaque City. DANNY PATA

“These fascist impositions are the real embarrassment to the Philippines. The Martial Law tactics shames our country,” Reyes said.

Meanwhile, an Army official has denied the allegation of journalist Inday Espina Varona that the military burned a teacher’s cottage at an award-winning Lumad school in Sibagat, Agusan de Sur last Nov. 12.

“The only persons who can give this information are the perpetrators,” Col. Alexander Macario, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division was quoted as saying in an official statement released by 4ID public affairs chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez.

Varona, who has also been accused by the military of supporting the communist New People’s Army, could not be reached for comment.

The burned cottage is owned by the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development in Barangay Padiay, a branch of the award-winning school in Han-ayan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur whose administrator, Emerito Samarca, was murdered last Sept. 1, together with Manobo leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo.

“The NPA and their allied militant organizations are the ones who greatly benefit from this incident by using it as propaganda against the military. Hence, there is no doubt that they are behind it. They have tried it in Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon when they burned houses and tried to blame it on the military but [this] was belied by residents led by Barangay Captain Felipe Cabugnason,” Macario said.

According to Martinez, citing the military’s own witnesses, “the school was already abandoned. This contradicts the statement of Inday Espina Varona that there are 24 students and 10 teachers in the school.”

Meanwhile, Col. Isidro Purisima, the commander of military’s 402nd Brigade, on Sunday accused NPA rebels of instigating a string of attacks against residents in the area, denying claims by human rights groups that the armed forces are to be blamed for them.

“We are investigating the angle that the NPAs killed the lumad since there were witnesses,” Purisima said.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/192005/-cops-keeping-lumad-in-church-.html

Philippine public institutions set up as models for anti-corruption and good governance in APEC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): Philippine public institutions set up as models for anti-corruption and good governance in APEC

Twelve public sector institutions who were declared last month as the Philippines’ first "Islands of Good Governance" (IGG) were presented to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials Friday night as beacons for anti-corruption and good governance in the region.

According to Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jess Estanislao their stories of transformation through good governance are available for others to look at and possibly learn from.

The first IGG include the cities of Balanga in Bataan, Mandaue in Cebu, Talisay in Negros Occidental, Butuan in Agusan del Norte, and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte; the Philippine Heart Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The five city governments were cited for their endeavors to improve economic wellness in their locales through programs promoting knowledge-based businesses, agro-forestry, sports and recreation, high-quality manufacturing, and retiree-friendly zones, respectively.

The Philippine Heart Center, on the other hand, was praised for its desire to improve heart health status for the less fortunate.

DTI was cited for its commitment to increase the country’s competitiveness by 2016 from lower third to upper third rank in the World Economic Forum (WEF) global competitiveness report. It has heightened consumer awareness from 66 percent in 2012 to 80 percent this year.

The AFP was recognized for increasing operational readiness of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) national response units from 64 percent to 80 percent in 2015, while the Philippine Army was hailed for its initiative to craft functional personal scorecards for 100% of the Philippine Army’s non-commissioned officers or 60,000 men and women.

The Philippine Navy was commended for successfully achieving its breakthrough commitments as a Standard of Excellence, Bastion of Innovation, and Sentinel of the Sea, guided by its strategic Sail Plan 2020.

The NEA was credited for being well on its way to attaining 100 percent sitio energization, thus serving an additional 1.4 million consumer connections, and providing P5 billion financial assistance to electric cooperatives.

The only banking institution on the list, the BSP was awarded for continuously being top-ranked globally in policy and regulation and for being the first central bank in the world to establish an enabling environment for financial inclusion.

All were put through a rigorous two-year selection process, including audits by respected firms the Institute of Internal Auditors Philippines (IIA-P), KPMG and R.G. Manabat & Co. and Deloitte and Navarro Amper & Co.

In a speech delivered during the ABAC luncheon with APEC Senior Officials at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Dr. Estanislao stressed that the award demands that they should "continue to give good example and inspiration to all other institutions."

"They are to be re-certified every 3 years: for their observance of the Code of Ethics and Integrity; their practice of solidarity and promotion of entrepreneurship in social enterprises; and their governance outreach proving that social responsibility has been embedded into their transformation program," he said.

"Even as they share good governance practices, we implore our Philippine public sector institutions to learn from the best anti-corruption and good governance practices from the entire APEC community," added Estanislao.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131447591532/philippine-public-institutions-set-up-as-models-for-anti-corruption-and-good-governance-in-apec-

Obama to visit PHL Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): Obama to visit PHL Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar

United States President Barack Obama will visit the Philippine Navy flagship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) where he will meet with senior Filipino defense officials.

 

The event is designed to underscore the United States’ commitment to Philippine maritime security.

 

Obama is scheduled to arrive in the country on Tuesday. Nov. 17, for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting.

 

“Shortly after his arrival, the President will spend his first event focused on our alliance with the Philippines and our maritime security assistance to the region,” according to Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.

 

This will include a visit to BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, where Obama will meet with U.S. and Filipino sailors and senior Filipino defense officials. Del Pilar is a Hamilton-class weather high endurance cutter (WHEC) acquired by the Philippines from the U.S. in 2011 through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA).

 

Kritenbrink said the event with the Philippine Navy will underscore the United States’ commitment to assisting the region with stronger maritime security capabilities.

 

The Philippines is embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, which claims over 80 percent of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) based on a nine-dash line drawn on a 1940s map lodged informally with the United Nations in 2009.

 

Obama’s visit takes place against the backdrop of tensions in the region caused by China’s massive reclamation and construction in the Spratlys and the threat of militarization of the outposts.

 

It also follows on the heels of a recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to hear the case brought by the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.

 

Besides the Philippines, China’s claims in the South China Sea also overlap with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

 

While the territorial disputes is not in the APEC agenda, U.S. officials said it will be a central issue when Obama confers with President Benigno S. Aquino III, as well as, other Asian leaders on the margins of the summit through bilateral meetings.

 

Aquino and Obama are scheduled meet Wednesday morning. The two are expected to address a number of issues important to both countries, from economic to regional security, including the South China Sea and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

 

“I think you can expect that there’ll be a good deal of discussion about the security side of our alliance as well, particularly our cooperation together to enhance the Philippines’ maritime security.

 

And I think you’ll see through the President’s events on the ground and some of the announcements he’ll make, you’ll see proof of our commitment to assisting our Filipino allies in that regard,” said Kritenbrink.

 

The U.S. official said they look forward to the implementation of the EDCA, signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg in April 2014, hours before Obama arrived in Manila for a state visit.

 

“We think it will help enhance alliance cooperation, our ability to further enhance the Philippines’ security, to respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian assistance,” said Kritenbrink.

 

“I know that currently, EDCA is being reviewed by the Philippines Supreme Court, and we look forward to the court’s ruling on the issue. But it’s very clear to us what the benefits of EDCA will be, both for the people of the Philippines and the people of the United States, and we look forward to being able to implement it in the near future,” he added.

 

Earlier, Goldberg also said, “We have a very good EDCA agreement and we’re looking forward to implementing it when the time is right, when all of the decisions have been made on this side.”

 

The high tribunal last week deferred handing down a ruling on the EDCA, which some sectors have denounced as too advantageous to the U.S.

http://www.mb.com.ph/obama-to-visit-phl-navy-flagship-brp-gregorio-del-pilar/
 

Howitzer shells: The new ‘bala’

From The Standard (Nov 16): Howitzer shells: The new ‘bala’

AMID efforts to contain a widening scandal over a bullet-planting extortion racket at the airport, the government now faces problems with ammunition of a different sort—howitzer shells.

Documents from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines show that the military illegally imported 4,500 rounds of 105 mm Howitzer worth P165 million from Ankara, Turkey, and 1,000 units of “fuze” for the Howitzer from the United States.

The ammunition arrived in Subic Bay port on Nov. 3 and 4 without an authority to import from the PNP.

The documents show the PNP had denied the AFP’s request for an authority to import on Nov. 2, or a day before the shipment arrived.

Even without proper documents, the AFP was able to slip through the Bureau of Customs and transported the contraband to Sangley Point in Cavite for the Navy and Camp Aquino in Tarlac for the Army.

In a letter to Brig. Gen. Job Yucoco, AFP deputy chief of staff for logistics, PNP Director for Civil Security Group Elmer Soria said the request for cancellation of the authority to import was made by Roferma Enterprises and was approved by PNP Chief Ricardo Marquez.

Soria said the basis for the cancellation was the appointment of a local agent issued by the Mechanical and Chemical Industries, which cancelled the authority given to Roferma.

Soria said MKEK, represented by Gulderen Baglacer and Hasan Sahan, both of Ankara, replaced Roferma on April 1, 2015 with System Nomics Inc. headed by Allan Mendoza.

It was Roferma, then representing MKEK, that won the P165-million contract to supply the AFP with the 4,500 rounds of 105 mm Howitzer during a public bidding last year.

“Based on our records, System Nomics Inc. was not yet a licensed indentor [importer] at that time,” Soria told Yucoco.

“The authority to import is non-transferable. As such, should System Nomics Inc. opt to engage in the sale, distribution, importation of firearms, ammunition firearm parts and accessories for sale to the AFP, PNP or other government agencies, it should secure its own license and authority to import from the PNP,” said Soria, in a separate letter to Marquez.

 Soria identified the “end-users” of the contraband delivered by the MKEK as the Army and the Navy.

 A check with the Bureau of Customs showed no broker allowed the entry of the shipment but other documents show an “authority to transport” from the ports to the Army and Navy was issued by Senior Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona, acting chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office.

Sarona’s permit to transport was used as basis by Yucoco to retrieve the goods from Subic.

While Sarona issued the permit to transport, documents also show that it was Sarona who approved Soria’s recommendation to Marquez to approve Roferma’s request to cancel the authority to import.

 “In this regard, we regret to inform you that your request for re-issuance of the authority to import could not be favorably considered either through Caballo Negro Industriya Corporation or System Nomics Inc.,” Soria told Yucoco.

“Moreover, in the letter of Baglacer and Sahan of Ankara, Turkey, dated Oct. 12, 2015, it certifies that Mr. Eduard del Mundo of Caballo has been appointed only to assist Mr. Alan Mendoza of System Nomics Inc. In this regard, assuming that legal remedies could cure such defects in this transaction, Caballo Negro Industriya Corporation still could not apply for import authority or re-issuance of such authorities as the authority given to the said local company by MKEK is limited only to assist System Nomics Inc.,’’ Soria said.

Should the AFP pursue the re-issuance of authority to import, the PNP recommended that the MKEK clarify the issued authority given to System Nomics Inc. and Caballo Negro in relation to the AFP’s request that both are authorized representatives.

“If both of them are authorized local representatives of MKEK, a separate contract agreement, Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed should be issued separately in favor of each company specifically for this transaction considering there are two different end-users [Philippine Army and Philippine Navy],” said Soria, emphasizing that all contracts and documents were awarded to Roferma.

As of Sunday, the PNP leadership was in a bind as to whether to seize the shipment, which it now considers illegal.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/192003/howitzer-shells-the-new-bala-.html

Vice mayoralty bet survives ambush

From the Manila Times (Nov 15): Vice mayoralty bet survives ambush

A vice mayoralty candidate in Isabela City, Basilan was wounded in an ambush on Sunday by suspects onboard a motorcycle in Zamboanga City, police said.

The victim, Sihon Indanan, 45, a former city councilor, sustained two gunshot wounds in the back.

Police recovered from the crime scene in Brgy. Santa Maria, three empty shells of .45-caliber pistol and one slug.

A team was immediately dispatched to track down the suspects as police is looking into the motive of the incident.

The victim is running against Mayor Cherry Akbar of Isabela City, who is also vying for the vice mayoralty post in the 2016 elections.

Indanan’s case adds up to statistics in the city on election-related crime incidents recorded by the police since October.

At least a dozen people were killed and wounded in a roadside bombing in Isabela City that targeted Vice Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon, who is running for mayor next year.

Ajibon’s group was traveling on a convoy of pickup truck and van and passing by Akbar’s house when the motorcycle bomb went off. Three of his security escorts were killed in the attack.

In May 2012, a motorcycle bomb also exploded as Ajibon’s convoy was passing by the same place, although no one was killed or injured in the blast.

Police said the bomb was placed inside the tool box of the motorcycle which was parked near the house of Akbar, whose husband, Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar, was killed in a 2007 motorcycle bomb attack outside the House of Representatives in Manila.

Basilan is a known stronghold of the rebel group Abu Sayyaf, blamed by authorities for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the region.

http://www.manilatimes.net/vice-mayoralty-bet-survives-ambush/229259/

Esszone security boost with more patrol boats

From The Daily Express (Nov 14): Esszone security boost with more patrol boats

Sandakan: Security off the waters in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) will see a further boost with additional patrol boats given to the marine police and General Operations Force.
   
The boats were handed over during a ceremony officiated by Internal Security and Public Order Department Director Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim at the Piazza Harbour Mall here, Friday, with each receiving two patrol boats.

    

Also present were the Internal Security and Public Order Department Deputy Director SAC Datuk Azman Yusof, Esscom Commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, Marine Police Commander SAC Datuk Abdul Aziz Yusof and State General Operations Force Brigadier Commander SAC Zanuddian Samsu Hadi, among others.    

The ceremony also witnessed a fleet review parade and patrol boat demonstration which involved personnel from the marine police, General Operations Force and Air Operations Force.    

During the media conference, Mohammad Fuad said apart from Sabah, the process of adding assets is also rapidly implemented in the peninsula which, among others, is to strengthen marine duties, especially in policing, along coastal areas as well as address issues involving fishermen in the country.

 He said based on the report response gathered during a National Security Council Special Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, it has been decided that the marine police will be allowed to patrol and enforce order with no boundary restriction in the country's waters.    

Earlier in his speech, Mohammad Fuad said the presentation ceremony is proof that the Federal government through the Home Affairs Ministry is concerned about equipping the police force in terms of logistic aspects in line with current needs.    

He said with rapid development in terms of economy and number of visitors to the State, it is only right for the number of patrol boats to be increased as it would assist police in providing fast and effective service to the maritime community in the Sandakan waters.    

He also urged the marine police and the General Operations Force in the State to give more focus on local needs by conducting more meetings, dialogue sessions and discussions with the community on issues concerning safety and security.    

Meanwhile, Marine Police Team Commander SAC Datuk Abdul Aziz Yusof said the patrol boats worth RM885,000 each, is proof of the concern showed by the police force leadership to ensure security is upheld. He said crime at the nation's seas is not only the responsibility of the security forces but also a challenge which needs to be addressed by the community.    

Meanwhile, Rashid said the added assets is helpful especially in the Esszone area, adding that the cooperation and commitment among police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the armed forces especially in the Esszone area has added to the boost in security.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=104480

NPAs allegedly burned ALCADEV cottage

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): NPAs allegedly burned ALCADEV cottage

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – The New People’s Army (NPA) was responsible for the burning of a lumad teachers’ cottage in Padiay, Sibagat town, Agusan del Sur, as claimed by a former NPA leader.

Quoting former NPA Guerilla Front and Finance Secretary Julieto Canoy, the Army spokesman of Northeastern and Northern Mindanao alleged that a group led by a certain “Ka Batic” was responsible for razing the building located in the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture Development (ALCADEV) compound in Padiay at around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez said Canoy was informed by his contacts in Sibagat town that three NPAs went to Sitio Bolonbon in Padiay the night before they burned down the teachers’ cottage.

“NPA allied organization immediately blamed the Army about the burning. This is our usual strategy to destroy the soldier’s image and also to generate fund. We have to create a condition that the soldiers are violators of Human Rights and are attacking the lumads. This unfortunate situation of the indigenous peoples (IPs) will attract attention of foreign NGOs. NPA cohorts will now use this situation to solicit support from these foreign NGOs,” Martinez said.

Other witnesses said during the joint investigation conducted by the PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection last Saturday that they saw 6 unidentified men wearing long-sleeves, pants and rain boots burned down the teacher’s cottage.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npas-allegedly-burned-alcadev-cottage/

FVR stresses need to intensify intelligence vs Abu Sayyaf terrorists

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): FVR stresses need to intensify intelligence vs Abu Sayyaf terrorists

Former President Fidel V. Ramos ruled out on Sunday the possibility of any threat coming from an international terrorist group that could sow terror during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting here this week similar to the terror attacks by Islamic terrorists in Paris that killed at least 129 innocent civilians.

In an interview over DZMM/ABS-CBN news, Ramos, a retired four-star general and defense secretary, stressed the need for the military and police to intensify their intelligence gathering against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Ramos gave his observation when asked by radio-television host Julius Babao during the latter’s morning program on DZMM/Channel 2 on the possible threat by foreign terrorist group that could attack during the holding of the 2015 APEC Leaders’ Conference in Manila on Nov. 18-19, similar to the deadly attacks they did in Paris and other parts of France over the weekend.

“There is none coming from outside the country,” Ramos replied.

“This is based on the information I got from the media and Wikipedia since I’m no longer in government,” he added.

However, Ramos pointed to the Abu Sayyaf Group which he said had attacked a passenger bus in Makati City in 2011 that killed several people.

He said the Abu Sayyaf terrorists showed that they are capable of carrying such an attack.

Ramos called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify their intelligence operations to preempt any possible attack by the Abu Sayyaf.

Meanwhile, Col. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said that although no security threat has been monitored so far, the AFP and the PNP are taking no chances to ensure the safety of the heads of state and some 7,000 dignitaries attending the APEC Summit on Nov. 18-19.

Padilla declined to give the exact figure of how many security forces are being deployed, saying they are considerable enough to respond to any threat.

Among the world leaders who are expected to attend the APEC Leaders’ Summit are United States President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Mexico President Enrique Peña Nieto, Chile President Michelle Bachelet, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Tight security measures will be enforced during the summit such as the closure of several major streets in Metro Manila, rerouting of traffic, mandatory closure of windows of high-rise buildings and hotels along the routes where heads of state would pass by going to the conference site at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in suburban Pasay City and other venues where meetings would be held.

Air traffic will be closed to international and domestic airlines during the arrival and departure of the heads of state.

In fact, many international and domestic airlines have cancelled their flights to Manila next week.

The Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guards have been patrolling Manila Bay the past few days.

As of 8:20 a.m. Saturday, Chief PNP Ricardo C. Marquez placed all PNP units nationwide under full alert condition to ensure availability and operational readiness of police forces to respond to any contingencies as the APEC meeting nears.

“Although we have not monitored any specific or direct threat in our home front, nonetheless, target hardening measures on vital installations, particularly seaports, airports and our rail systems have been further elevated to maximize deterrence against unforeseen events,” Marquez said in a statement.

http://www.mb.com.ph/fvr-stresses-need-to-intensify-intelligence-vs-abu-sayyaf-terrorists/

PHL Muslims, MILF, MNLF condemn attacks in Paris

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 15): PHL Muslims, MILF, MNLF condemn attacks in Paris

Muslims in the Philippines are joining the global outcry against the attacks on Friday that terrorized and hit across Paris, France.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), sent a copy of the MILF’s official statement on the terror the gripped the French capital that killed 129 people and injured 352 others across as news reports said.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s tragic events in Paris, France, These blind, indiscriminate acts of violence deserve nothing but convention,” the MILF said.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said the attacks are “stupid and crazy.”

MNLF senior leader Abdul Sahrin said the attackers—whether as members of or inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)—“have twisted ideology which they masquerade to have Islamic content.”

”ISIS does not and will never represent Islam and Muslims. They twist and misrepresent the teachings of Islam to suit their evil agenda,” said Sahrin. “They will go to hell.”

Ustadhz Esmael Ebrahim, commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos representing the Moro ulama (religious leaders) sector, said violence against innocent civilians wherever committed is against the teachings of Islam.

“The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Allaihi Wassalam forbid violence against civilians and other non-combatants in times of peace or in war,” Ebrahim, an official of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines said.

Violence anywhere in the world, including in the Philippines, in Mindanao, should be a signal to everybody to muster stronger resolve to work as ever for peace, harmony, and understanding, he said.

In the wake of the terror in Paris, the MILF reaffirmed its rejection of violence.

“This is unacceptable. The MILF rejects acts of terror against humanity and all peace-loving peoples,” the group added.

At the same time, the MILF also condemned in the “same strong terms the violence against civilians in Palestine, in Myanmar, and elsewhere in the world.”

The MILF said its thoughts are with the victims and their families, expressing hope that the resolve to achieve peace around the world would gain strength.

Ebrahim said, “Let us not condemn the whole 1.6-billion Muslim world for the violent acts of a few Muslims, in the same vein that violent acts of a few Christians or Jews or Buddhists are not attributed to Christianity, Judaism, or Buddhism.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/phl-muslims-milf-mnlf-condemn-attacks-in-paris/

Military moves in to curb violence in Moro-Ilonggo land dispute

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 14): Military moves in to curb violence in Moro-Ilonggo land dispute  

Cotabato City – Government forces have been ordered to stand between two warring sides in a land dispute in Datu Abdullah Sangki (DAS), Maguindanao in an effort to curb further violence that has so far claimed five lives, injured many others and displaced dozens of families.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said military contingents have encamped at DAS, Maguindanao  to secure the area and prevent further armed confrontation between armed Moro resident-peasants and Ilonggo settlers who are reportedly backed by elements of the once-dreaded “Ilaga” cultist group.

The two groups are disputing ownership of a 40 hectare rice farm in the town.

Soldiers from the 33rd Battalion of the 601st Brigade, a 6ID unit, have occupied the vicinity of the disputed land on the tri-boundary of Barangays Banaba, Talisawa and Guinibon southwest of DAS town.

Violence erupted a week ago when members of the two rival camps, armed with high-caliber rifles and grenade launchers, traded shots that  resulted in the reported killing of five protagonists.

The incident also wounded other clan members and sent dozens of families from the town scampering for safety for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

One of those killed was identified as a certain “Kumander Badoy,” said to be a local leader of the cultist “Pulahan (red)” group of Ilonggo migrants from the adjacent town of Tulunan in North Cotabato. Followers of the slain leader reportedly vowed to avenge his death, while the native Maguindanaon  residents also beefed up forces, field reports said.

Pangilinan said the presence of military and police forces will prevent a resurgence of the cultist “Ilaga” group that may taint the gains made by the government’s peace agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“We will not let it (revival of intruding cultist settlers) resurface and cause trouble. The military has been painstakingly helping nurture the normalcy being brought about by the peace process in Central Mindanao,” he told reporters last Wednesday at his headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The “Ilaga” movement, composed mostly of migrants from the Visayas, gained notoriety during the Martial Law era when its forces enjoyed military backing in repulsing the so-called “Blackshirt” rebellion, which later evolved into the formation of the then unified MNLF. The MNLF had eventually splintered into factions including the MILF.

http://www.mb.com.ph/military-moves-in-to-curb-violence-in-moro-ilonggo-land-dispute/