From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Police on guard, Army in defensive mode after NPA’s termination of unilateral ceasefire
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to enforce laws while the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) will take a defensive approach against the New People’s Army (NPA) following the latter’s announcement terminating its unilateral ceasefire effective February 10.
Police Regional Office (PRO) XI Director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan told reporters during the AFP-PNP Press Corps on Wednesday, they will take action on any violation of the laws such as extortion, abduction, arson. But he warned all units to be on the lookout for groupings of armed men.
Gaerlan also alerted all police stations for possible attacks by the rebels in their areas of responsibility.
He has also warned all police units in the region of the possible breakdown of the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) following the NPA's announcement on the termination of the unilateral ceasefire it declared on Aug. 28, 2016.
Unless there is a new order from President Rodrigo Duterte, the Eastmincom will heed the call from the Department of National Defense (DND) to continue enforcing the government’s unilateral ceasefire.
“If the CPP-NPA will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire it is up to them. It will not affect the AFP,” Eastmincom said in a statement released to the media by Eastmincom spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey on Wednesday.
“Our troops will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect. However, it will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are,” the statement said.
In an interview, Balagtey said they have never recognized any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people,” he said.
On Wednesday morning, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of the NPA announced they are terminating the unilateral ceasefire declared on Aug. 28, 2016 by the Central Committee Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Operations Command New People’s Army (NPA).
Ka Oris, in a statement, said the Negotiating Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) will be notified of the termination by the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front (NDFP).
With this declaration and notice, he said will effectively expire on 11:59 p.m. of February 10. Among the reasons Ka Oris cited are the non-compliance on the amnesty and release all political prisoners under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees; alleged encroachment on the territory of the people’s democratic government when the armed force occupied at least 500 barrios within their territory.
Ka Oris however said that even with the termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire, they continue to support the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations within the framework of The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=960093
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
PHL, Russia enhance security cooperation
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): PHL, Russia enhance security cooperation
In line with the government’s thrust to enhance security cooperation with Russia, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta met with Lt. Gen. Alexander Avdeyko, Head of the Legal and Treaties Department of the Ministry of the Interior (MoI), in Moscow, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
The two officials acknowledged the necessity of consolidating efforts in combating the growing threat of transnational crimes, especially drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking, among others.
“The Philippines recognizes the Russian Federation as an important partner in advancing its national security goals, including in its fight against transnational crimes and other public safety and public order issues,” Ambassador Sorreta said.
“For this reason, we are keen on establishing institutional linkages between the Department of Interior and Local Government and other Philippine security agencies and the MoI in order to facilitate cooperation in this sphere,” the Ambassador added.
Lt.Gen. Avdeyko noted that Philippines-Russia relations are on the rise based on the high-level contacts at the head of state and ministerial levels, and the expanding tourism exchanges.
The MoI expressed its desire to contribute to this positive development as it is prepared to become a full-fledged partner in the fight against crime through capacity building activities.
These activities possibly include training and retraining of Philippine personnel in the MoI’s institutes and academies as well as cultural and sports exchanges, among others.
Sorreta affirmed that bilateral cooperation is indeed on the rise and that both Presidents Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vladimir Putin are determined to strengthen Philippine-Russia relations even more.
The two officials agreed to speed up work on a draft legal framework in time for the visit of President Duterte to Moscow slated in the first half of 2017, as both acknowledged the importance of security cooperation as a pillar of Philippine-Russia relations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959735
In line with the government’s thrust to enhance security cooperation with Russia, Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta met with Lt. Gen. Alexander Avdeyko, Head of the Legal and Treaties Department of the Ministry of the Interior (MoI), in Moscow, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday.
The two officials acknowledged the necessity of consolidating efforts in combating the growing threat of transnational crimes, especially drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking, among others.
“The Philippines recognizes the Russian Federation as an important partner in advancing its national security goals, including in its fight against transnational crimes and other public safety and public order issues,” Ambassador Sorreta said.
“For this reason, we are keen on establishing institutional linkages between the Department of Interior and Local Government and other Philippine security agencies and the MoI in order to facilitate cooperation in this sphere,” the Ambassador added.
Lt.Gen. Avdeyko noted that Philippines-Russia relations are on the rise based on the high-level contacts at the head of state and ministerial levels, and the expanding tourism exchanges.
The MoI expressed its desire to contribute to this positive development as it is prepared to become a full-fledged partner in the fight against crime through capacity building activities.
These activities possibly include training and retraining of Philippine personnel in the MoI’s institutes and academies as well as cultural and sports exchanges, among others.
Sorreta affirmed that bilateral cooperation is indeed on the rise and that both Presidents Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vladimir Putin are determined to strengthen Philippine-Russia relations even more.
The two officials agreed to speed up work on a draft legal framework in time for the visit of President Duterte to Moscow slated in the first half of 2017, as both acknowledged the importance of security cooperation as a pillar of Philippine-Russia relations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959735
Malayo is Counter Intelligence TF chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Malayo is Counter Intelligence TF chief
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo was selected to head the newly-formed Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF).
Dela Rosa noted that Malayo was formerly assigned as Zamboanga City police director and had been held hostage once by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels, but he managed to convince his captors to turn themselves into the folds of the law.
Dela Rosa said Malayo is now in Camp Crame, Quezon City and has reported to him.
The PNP chief ordered Malayo to immediately start working at the CITF which will be housed at the former office of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).
As of Tuesday, Dela Rosa said they started to recruit and screen policemen who would be members of the task force.
Dela Rosa stressed that they should be careful in selecting the personnel of the task force in order that it will not be penetrated by “criminal-minded” policemen.
As much as possible, he said, the policemen who would work with Malayo in cleansing the ranks of the PNP should have “saint-like” traits.
Dela Rosa added this is geared towards not casting any doubts on the aim of the creation of the CITF, which is to cleanse the entire PNP of “police scalawags.”
The CITF will be composed of 100 policemen who would occupy the vacated office of the defunct AIDG.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959719
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo was selected to head the newly-formed Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF).
Dela Rosa noted that Malayo was formerly assigned as Zamboanga City police director and had been held hostage once by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels, but he managed to convince his captors to turn themselves into the folds of the law.
Dela Rosa said Malayo is now in Camp Crame, Quezon City and has reported to him.
The PNP chief ordered Malayo to immediately start working at the CITF which will be housed at the former office of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).
As of Tuesday, Dela Rosa said they started to recruit and screen policemen who would be members of the task force.
Dela Rosa stressed that they should be careful in selecting the personnel of the task force in order that it will not be penetrated by “criminal-minded” policemen.
As much as possible, he said, the policemen who would work with Malayo in cleansing the ranks of the PNP should have “saint-like” traits.
Dela Rosa added this is geared towards not casting any doubts on the aim of the creation of the CITF, which is to cleanse the entire PNP of “police scalawags.”
The CITF will be composed of 100 policemen who would occupy the vacated office of the defunct AIDG.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959719
AFP to remain on defensive despite NPA attacks
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): AFP to remain on defensive despite NPA attacks
Until ordered to go on the offensive, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to be on the defensive despite repeated and unprovoked attacks against civilians and military men in Bukidnon, Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Norte, Compostela Valley, Batangas and Isabela in the past 48 hours.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday said that should the attacks continue, the AFP would be forced to recommend the lifting of the military ceasefire so that lives of soldiers in the field would not be hazarded needlessly.
"We have brought this matter to the attention of our peace panel and to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process," Padilla said.
In the NPA ambush in Echague, Isabela, two unarmed troopers were killed last Jan. 30 while another three were wounded in a harassment raid in Surigao City in the same day.
Last January 29, a trooper, fresh "Bayanihan" duties, was abducted by the NPA in Alegria, Surigao Del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959749
Until ordered to go on the offensive, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to be on the defensive despite repeated and unprovoked attacks against civilians and military men in Bukidnon, Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Norte, Compostela Valley, Batangas and Isabela in the past 48 hours.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday said that should the attacks continue, the AFP would be forced to recommend the lifting of the military ceasefire so that lives of soldiers in the field would not be hazarded needlessly.
"We have brought this matter to the attention of our peace panel and to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process," Padilla said.
In the NPA ambush in Echague, Isabela, two unarmed troopers were killed last Jan. 30 while another three were wounded in a harassment raid in Surigao City in the same day.
Last January 29, a trooper, fresh "Bayanihan" duties, was abducted by the NPA in Alegria, Surigao Del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959749
Dureza advises Pres. Duterte to maintain ceasefire with NPA
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): Dureza advises Pres. Duterte to maintain ceasefire with NPA
Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP) Secretary Jesus Dureza on Wednesday advised President Rodrigo Duterte not to lift unilateral ceasefire with the communist groups.
Dureza made this recommendation to the President after New People’s Army (NPA)’s spokesman Ka Oris announced on Wednesday that the rebel group is ending unilateral ceasefire effective February 10.
"On the part of the Office of the Presidential Peace adviser, we respectfully recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte that the government continues to maintain and uphold the unilateral ceasefire to sustain peace in the communities where our people desire to live in peace,” Dureza said in a press statement.
Dureza also recommended that government forces should continue to be relentless in their campaign to protect the civilians from harm and terrorism.
The OPAPP official expressed dismay at NPA’s withdrawal but said “we respect their decision.”
"This cancellation came just after some progress were made in the third round of peace talks in Rome where negotiating panels from both sides agreed to further discuss a bilateral ceasefire in The Netherlands sometime end of this month,” Dureza said.
Last Tuesday, Dureza expressed concerns over the recent series of attacks and harassments allegedly perpetrated by the communist rebels in some areas of the country.
"We agree that the situation, with various incidents on the ground, had become untenable to sustain without the guidelines and protocols that a bilateral ceasefire provides," Dureza said.
"This gives more impetus and encouragement to our earnest task of forging a sustainable ceasefire agreement," he added.
Despite reports of NPA attacks, Dureza said the government is still hopeful that the search for peace will continue and the tragedy of Filipinos fighting fellow Filipinos will come to an early end.
"As we always stress, the road to peace is not easy to traverse. What is important is that we all stay the course," he said.
In an effort to achieve peace with communist rebels, President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire right in his first state of the nation address or SONA on July 25 last year.
The President, however, lifted the declaration on July 31 after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) failed to meet deadline to reciprocate the government ceasefire.
On August 21 last year, President Duterte restored the unilateral ceasefire five days before the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) was held in Oslo, Norway.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960088
Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP) Secretary Jesus Dureza on Wednesday advised President Rodrigo Duterte not to lift unilateral ceasefire with the communist groups.
Dureza made this recommendation to the President after New People’s Army (NPA)’s spokesman Ka Oris announced on Wednesday that the rebel group is ending unilateral ceasefire effective February 10.
"On the part of the Office of the Presidential Peace adviser, we respectfully recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte that the government continues to maintain and uphold the unilateral ceasefire to sustain peace in the communities where our people desire to live in peace,” Dureza said in a press statement.
Dureza also recommended that government forces should continue to be relentless in their campaign to protect the civilians from harm and terrorism.
The OPAPP official expressed dismay at NPA’s withdrawal but said “we respect their decision.”
"This cancellation came just after some progress were made in the third round of peace talks in Rome where negotiating panels from both sides agreed to further discuss a bilateral ceasefire in The Netherlands sometime end of this month,” Dureza said.
Last Tuesday, Dureza expressed concerns over the recent series of attacks and harassments allegedly perpetrated by the communist rebels in some areas of the country.
"We agree that the situation, with various incidents on the ground, had become untenable to sustain without the guidelines and protocols that a bilateral ceasefire provides," Dureza said.
"This gives more impetus and encouragement to our earnest task of forging a sustainable ceasefire agreement," he added.
Despite reports of NPA attacks, Dureza said the government is still hopeful that the search for peace will continue and the tragedy of Filipinos fighting fellow Filipinos will come to an early end.
"As we always stress, the road to peace is not easy to traverse. What is important is that we all stay the course," he said.
In an effort to achieve peace with communist rebels, President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire right in his first state of the nation address or SONA on July 25 last year.
The President, however, lifted the declaration on July 31 after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) failed to meet deadline to reciprocate the government ceasefire.
On August 21 last year, President Duterte restored the unilateral ceasefire five days before the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) was held in Oslo, Norway.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960088
ARMM, Malaysia reopen Sabah cross-border trade with BIMP-EAGA
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): ARMM, Malaysia reopen Sabah cross-border trade with BIMP-EAGA
Both the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Malaysian government are in high spirits for the scheduled resumption on Wednesday of the decades-old Sabah–ARMM cross-border trading activities, halted last year by the proliferation of sea piracy and kidnapping of seafarers as perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Responding to an announcement made by the Mindanao Development Authority, the ARMM has sent a delegation to the Jan.30 – Feb. 3, 2017 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia as part of its commitment to reciprocate the move to reopen the trade route.
Malaysia suspended since last year the cross-border trade between Sabah and ARMM’s island provinces due to security concerns in the Sulu Sea wherein piracy and kidnap-for-ransom activities thrived.
However, as security measures improved, authorities are convinced that a holistic approach is necessary wherein providing livelihood opportunities would help dissuade the youth from engaging in piracy as a way out of poverty.
Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chair of the ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), led the region’s delegation to Jakarta as head of the regional cabinet cluster on economic growth and linkage.
“Most of our cross-border trade is with Sabah but the ARMM is committed to promote cross-border trade not just with Sabah but with all BIMP-EAGA countries, particularly Indonesia and Brunei,” Mastura said.
The primary policy framework for cross-border trade to be enhanced in the ARMM shall be through the establishment of special economic zones, Mastura added.
The ARMM has its own Regional Economic Zone Authority created by the Regional Legislative Assembly with similar powers as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
It has established the Polloc Freeport as Special Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has earlier ordered that Polloc port and all other special economic zones across the region should be “halal-compliant”, or that the conduct of economic activities are permissible under Islamic religious laws.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=959915
Both the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Malaysian government are in high spirits for the scheduled resumption on Wednesday of the decades-old Sabah–ARMM cross-border trading activities, halted last year by the proliferation of sea piracy and kidnapping of seafarers as perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits.
Responding to an announcement made by the Mindanao Development Authority, the ARMM has sent a delegation to the Jan.30 – Feb. 3, 2017 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia as part of its commitment to reciprocate the move to reopen the trade route.
Malaysia suspended since last year the cross-border trade between Sabah and ARMM’s island provinces due to security concerns in the Sulu Sea wherein piracy and kidnap-for-ransom activities thrived.
However, as security measures improved, authorities are convinced that a holistic approach is necessary wherein providing livelihood opportunities would help dissuade the youth from engaging in piracy as a way out of poverty.
Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chair of the ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), led the region’s delegation to Jakarta as head of the regional cabinet cluster on economic growth and linkage.
“Most of our cross-border trade is with Sabah but the ARMM is committed to promote cross-border trade not just with Sabah but with all BIMP-EAGA countries, particularly Indonesia and Brunei,” Mastura said.
The primary policy framework for cross-border trade to be enhanced in the ARMM shall be through the establishment of special economic zones, Mastura added.
The ARMM has its own Regional Economic Zone Authority created by the Regional Legislative Assembly with similar powers as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
It has established the Polloc Freeport as Special Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has earlier ordered that Polloc port and all other special economic zones across the region should be “halal-compliant”, or that the conduct of economic activities are permissible under Islamic religious laws.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=959915
No additional FA-50PHs orders for now -- DND
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): No additional FA-50PHs orders for now -- DND
Pending the arrival of new security threats, there are no plans so far to acquire additional units of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle," of which four units are now in service and another eight expected to arrive this year.
This was disclosed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Tuesday when asked on whether they have plans to acquire additional units of the Mach 1.5 capable jet fighters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
"(There are) no plans to get more that the 12 we ordered. Four are already delivered (as of this posting), the other eight will be delivered this year," he added in a message to the PNA.
During the time of then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, a study was made on the feasibility to acquire additional six FA-50PHs units to further secure the country's airspace.
With Lorenzana's statement, it seems that the PAF will have to content with the 12 FA-50PHs until Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which is to start this 2018 and end on 2022, before they can acquire more advance and sophisticated jet aircraft.
The FA-50PHs landed recently landed in the headlines after it participated during a surgical air and artillery strike that severely wounded Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon and seven others aside from killing an estimated 15 terrorists during a military offensive in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last Jan. 26.
It was the first combat mission for the above-mentioned aircraft, military leaders said.
The PAF's 12-plane order from KAI is worth PHP18.9 billion.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The FA-50PHs uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959983
Pending the arrival of new security threats, there are no plans so far to acquire additional units of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle," of which four units are now in service and another eight expected to arrive this year.
This was disclosed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Tuesday when asked on whether they have plans to acquire additional units of the Mach 1.5 capable jet fighters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
"(There are) no plans to get more that the 12 we ordered. Four are already delivered (as of this posting), the other eight will be delivered this year," he added in a message to the PNA.
During the time of then Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, a study was made on the feasibility to acquire additional six FA-50PHs units to further secure the country's airspace.
With Lorenzana's statement, it seems that the PAF will have to content with the 12 FA-50PHs until Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which is to start this 2018 and end on 2022, before they can acquire more advance and sophisticated jet aircraft.
The FA-50PHs landed recently landed in the headlines after it participated during a surgical air and artillery strike that severely wounded Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon and seven others aside from killing an estimated 15 terrorists during a military offensive in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last Jan. 26.
It was the first combat mission for the above-mentioned aircraft, military leaders said.
The PAF's 12-plane order from KAI is worth PHP18.9 billion.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The FA-50PHs uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959983
DND still supportive of gov't peace agenda despite NPA decision to lift unilateral ceasefire
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): DND still supportive of gov't peace agenda despite NPA decision to lift unilateral ceasefire
Despite the decision of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to terminate its existing unilateral ceasefire, the Department of National Defense (DND) remains supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte's peace agenda.
"The CPP-NPA's decision to terminate the existing unilateral ceasefire will not deter the Department of National Defense (DND) from supporting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's peace agenda," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.
He added that the DND will continue to enforce the government's unilateral ceasefire and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect.
"However, government security forces will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever and wherever they are," Andolong said.
"We emphasize that we do not recognize the NPA's claims to areas which they believe are under their control and our forces are ready to defend themselves when attacked," the DND official stressed.
Earlier, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the decision of the NPA to lift the unilateral ceasefire effective, which will be in effect until 11:59 a.m. Feb. 10, will have no effect on the military.
"If the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire it is up to them. It will not affect the AFP, anyway despite their declared ceasefire they have not stopped extorting under the guise of their so-called revolutionary taxation, went on recruiting, burning buses and equipment, ambushing and kidnapping soldiers," he added.
Pending instructions from Duterte, Lorenzana said the DND will continue to enforce the government unilateral ceasefire.
"Our troops will not actively operate against the npa while our ceasefire is in effect. However, it will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are. We do not recognize any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people," Lorenzana stressed.
“The August 28, 2016 unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the CPP (CPP-CC) and the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army (NPA-NOC) is hereby terminated,” NPA spokesperson Ka Oris said in a statement.
“From today (Feb. 1, 2017) until the expiration of the ceasefire declaration, all commands and units of the NPA, including the people’s militia and self-defense corps, are tasked to take initiative and more vigorously carry out active defense in order to defend the people and revolutionary forces,” he added.
The rebels attribute the lifting of their unilateral ceasefire on the government’s failure to release all political prisoners under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees as one of the reasons for the termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960059
Despite the decision of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to terminate its existing unilateral ceasefire, the Department of National Defense (DND) remains supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte's peace agenda.
"The CPP-NPA's decision to terminate the existing unilateral ceasefire will not deter the Department of National Defense (DND) from supporting President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's peace agenda," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.
He added that the DND will continue to enforce the government's unilateral ceasefire and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect.
"However, government security forces will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever and wherever they are," Andolong said.
"We emphasize that we do not recognize the NPA's claims to areas which they believe are under their control and our forces are ready to defend themselves when attacked," the DND official stressed.
Earlier, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the decision of the NPA to lift the unilateral ceasefire effective, which will be in effect until 11:59 a.m. Feb. 10, will have no effect on the military.
"If the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire it is up to them. It will not affect the AFP, anyway despite their declared ceasefire they have not stopped extorting under the guise of their so-called revolutionary taxation, went on recruiting, burning buses and equipment, ambushing and kidnapping soldiers," he added.
Pending instructions from Duterte, Lorenzana said the DND will continue to enforce the government unilateral ceasefire.
"Our troops will not actively operate against the npa while our ceasefire is in effect. However, it will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are. We do not recognize any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people," Lorenzana stressed.
“The August 28, 2016 unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the CPP (CPP-CC) and the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army (NPA-NOC) is hereby terminated,” NPA spokesperson Ka Oris said in a statement.
“From today (Feb. 1, 2017) until the expiration of the ceasefire declaration, all commands and units of the NPA, including the people’s militia and self-defense corps, are tasked to take initiative and more vigorously carry out active defense in order to defend the people and revolutionary forces,” he added.
The rebels attribute the lifting of their unilateral ceasefire on the government’s failure to release all political prisoners under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees as one of the reasons for the termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960059
DND wants official order on utilization of military in anti-drug war
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): DND wants official order on utilization of military in anti-drug war
With President Rodrigo Duterte planning to utilize the military in the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday announced that it is now requesting an official order regarding the matter.
"In line with this, the Department of National Defense has requested the Office of the Executive Secretary to issue an official order regarding this presidential directive to serve as a legal basis for our troops to follow," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.
Earlier, President Duterte said he is planning to use the military to support the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the ongoing anti-drug campaign.
The decision stemmed from the involvement of several narcotics officers in the kidnap-slay of a South Korean businessman in the so-called "tokhang-for-ransom" racket.
In the same vein, he also wants the latter's assistance in arresting rogue and corrupt police officers.
"By the same token, the President's verbal directive to arrest 'scalawag cops' should also be covered by a formal order," Andolong added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960031
With President Rodrigo Duterte planning to utilize the military in the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday announced that it is now requesting an official order regarding the matter.
"In line with this, the Department of National Defense has requested the Office of the Executive Secretary to issue an official order regarding this presidential directive to serve as a legal basis for our troops to follow," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said.
Earlier, President Duterte said he is planning to use the military to support the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the ongoing anti-drug campaign.
The decision stemmed from the involvement of several narcotics officers in the kidnap-slay of a South Korean businessman in the so-called "tokhang-for-ransom" racket.
In the same vein, he also wants the latter's assistance in arresting rogue and corrupt police officers.
"By the same token, the President's verbal directive to arrest 'scalawag cops' should also be covered by a formal order," Andolong added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960031
NPA attacks a blatant disregard for ongoing peace talks -- 10th ID
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): NPA attacks a blatant disregard for ongoing peace talks -- 10th ID
Atrocities committed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani and Compostela Valley against innocent civilians and troopers highlights the insurgents' blatant disregard for the ongoing peace talks.
This is aside from the earlier unprovoked attacks in Batangas, Isabela, Bukidnon, Surigao Del Norte and Agusan Del Norte which claimed the lives of two soldiers, wounding of three and abduction of one last Jan. 29 and 30.
This was stressed by the 10th Infantry Division in a statement Wednesday.
"These violent actions manifest the outright banditry, criminal inclination and gross disrespect of the NPA on the ongoing GPH-NDF (Government Philippines and National Democratic Front) peace negotiations," 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar.
On Monday, the NPA staged a series of violent attacks against the civilians and soldiers in Compostela Valley and Sarangani.
The first incident was against the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion securing a road construction at Barangay Banlibato, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
The second was the burning of a passenger van in Crossing Tablao, BrgyLebe, Kiamba, Sarangani.
The latest incident was the disarming and stealing of personal belongings of the civilian guards of Musahamat Plantation in Barangay Union, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province.
"We call on the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) to show their sincerity on the peace talks with the government by directing the NPA to immediately desist from committing further atrocities," Batchar added.
"We will however continue to perform our mandate of protecting the Filipino people and their communities against attacks by armed threat groups, including the NPA which was never a People’s Army," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959987
Atrocities committed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani and Compostela Valley against innocent civilians and troopers highlights the insurgents' blatant disregard for the ongoing peace talks.
This is aside from the earlier unprovoked attacks in Batangas, Isabela, Bukidnon, Surigao Del Norte and Agusan Del Norte which claimed the lives of two soldiers, wounding of three and abduction of one last Jan. 29 and 30.
This was stressed by the 10th Infantry Division in a statement Wednesday.
"These violent actions manifest the outright banditry, criminal inclination and gross disrespect of the NPA on the ongoing GPH-NDF (Government Philippines and National Democratic Front) peace negotiations," 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar.
On Monday, the NPA staged a series of violent attacks against the civilians and soldiers in Compostela Valley and Sarangani.
The first incident was against the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion securing a road construction at Barangay Banlibato, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
The second was the burning of a passenger van in Crossing Tablao, BrgyLebe, Kiamba, Sarangani.
The latest incident was the disarming and stealing of personal belongings of the civilian guards of Musahamat Plantation in Barangay Union, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province.
"We call on the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) to show their sincerity on the peace talks with the government by directing the NPA to immediately desist from committing further atrocities," Batchar added.
"We will however continue to perform our mandate of protecting the Filipino people and their communities against attacks by armed threat groups, including the NPA which was never a People’s Army," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959987
NPA lifting of unilateral ceasefire won't affect military -- DND chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1): NPA lifting of unilateral ceasefire won't affect military -- DND chief
The decision of the New People's Army (NPA) to lift the unilateral ceasefire, which will end noon of Feb. 10, will have no effect on the military.
This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a message Wednesday.
"If the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire it is up to them. It will not affect the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), anyway despite their declared ceasefire they have not stopped extorting under the guise of their so-called revolutionary taxation, went on recruiting, burning buses and equipment, ambushing and kidnapping soldiers," he added.
Pending instructions from President Rodrigo Duterte, Lorenzana said the DND will continue to enforce the government unilateral ceasefire.
"Our troops will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect. However, it will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are. We do not recognize any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people," Lorenzana stressed.
“The August 28, 2016 unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the CPP (CPP-CC) and the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army (NPA-NOC) is hereby terminated,” NPA spokesperson Ka Oris said in a statement.
“From today (Feb. 1, 2017) until the expiration of the ceasefire declaration, all commands and units of the NPA, including the people’s militia and self-defense corps, are tasked to take initiative and more vigorously carry out active defense in order to defend the people and revolutionary forces,” he added.
The rebels attribute the lifting of their unilateral ceasefire to the government’s failure to release all political prisoners under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees as one of the reasons for the termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960021
The decision of the New People's Army (NPA) to lift the unilateral ceasefire, which will end noon of Feb. 10, will have no effect on the military.
This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a message Wednesday.
"If the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) will terminate or stop their unilateral ceasefire it is up to them. It will not affect the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), anyway despite their declared ceasefire they have not stopped extorting under the guise of their so-called revolutionary taxation, went on recruiting, burning buses and equipment, ambushing and kidnapping soldiers," he added.
Pending instructions from President Rodrigo Duterte, Lorenzana said the DND will continue to enforce the government unilateral ceasefire.
"Our troops will not actively operate against the NPA while our ceasefire is in effect. However, it will continue to maintain peace and order and run after lawless elements whoever they are. We do not recognize any areas under NPA control nor are they allowed to roam around with their firearms intimidating people," Lorenzana stressed.
“The August 28, 2016 unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the CPP (CPP-CC) and the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army (NPA-NOC) is hereby terminated,” NPA spokesperson Ka Oris said in a statement.
“From today (Feb. 1, 2017) until the expiration of the ceasefire declaration, all commands and units of the NPA, including the people’s militia and self-defense corps, are tasked to take initiative and more vigorously carry out active defense in order to defend the people and revolutionary forces,” he added.
The rebels attribute the lifting of their unilateral ceasefire to the government’s failure to release all political prisoners under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees as one of the reasons for the termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=960021
US envoy denies US weapons depot project in PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): US envoy denies US weapons depot project in PHL
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim has denied that the US is building an arsenal in the Philippines, following the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that the US is putting up permanent structures here to house weapons and military equipment.
“The United States is not building any weapons’ depot anywhere in the Philippines,” Kim said during the General Membership Meeting of the Makati Business Club on Tuesday.
“So I think, perhaps, some misinformation was given to the President (Duterte), that’s why he made that statement especially concerning about the weapons’ depot,” he added.
On Sunday, President Duterte claimed that the US is bringing weapons into three provinces in the Philippines to permanently store in the country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines had denied earlier the Chief Executive’s claim.
Moreover, the US envoy here noted that US government’s priority projects in the Philippines are in areas of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959776
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim has denied that the US is building an arsenal in the Philippines, following the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that the US is putting up permanent structures here to house weapons and military equipment.
“The United States is not building any weapons’ depot anywhere in the Philippines,” Kim said during the General Membership Meeting of the Makati Business Club on Tuesday.
“So I think, perhaps, some misinformation was given to the President (Duterte), that’s why he made that statement especially concerning about the weapons’ depot,” he added.
On Sunday, President Duterte claimed that the US is bringing weapons into three provinces in the Philippines to permanently store in the country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines had denied earlier the Chief Executive’s claim.
Moreover, the US envoy here noted that US government’s priority projects in the Philippines are in areas of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959776
DND chief tells Mindanao natives to cooperate with AFP offensive vs Abu Sayyaf, other terror threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): DND chief tells Mindanao natives to cooperate with AFP offensive vs Abu Sayyaf, other terror threats
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intensifies its pressure against the Abu Sayyaf and other terror groups, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday urged citizens in Mindanao to cooperate fully with the military to avoid untoward incident and injury.
"Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Abu Sayyaf and other local terrorist groups are now in full swing. Your AFP will use its ground, air and sea assets against our enemies and leave them no room for escape," he stressed.
In the same vein, Lorenzana also urged his fellow Mindanaoans not to support these terrorist groups in the event that these bandits, even if they are their relatives or friends, come running to them for help.
And if they want to save their relatives or friends from harm, the DND chief urged the former to convince these terrorists to surrender peacefully to government so that they can be rehabilitated.
"As always, foremost on the minds of your defenders are your safety and those of the poor hostages who are being heartlessly used as human shields," Lorenzana said.
"The war against terrorism and violent extremism is not just the responsibility of your Armed Forces. It is a war every Filipino citizen must fight in order to attain lasting peace and usher in development to Mindanao and the entire nation," he stressed.
As of this posting, terrorists killed in the ongoing operations are placed at 15 and eight wounded including Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon, who was allegedly severely wounded in the surgical air and artillery strike conducted by the AFP last Jan. 25.
Among the terrorists claimed killed is an Indonesian terror suspect identified only as "Mohisen," and two other local terrorists identified as Sahl Num and one alias "Sadat".
The ongoing offensive is part of AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año self-proclaimed deadline of eliminating these threats within six months.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959737
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) intensifies its pressure against the Abu Sayyaf and other terror groups, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday urged citizens in Mindanao to cooperate fully with the military to avoid untoward incident and injury.
"Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Abu Sayyaf and other local terrorist groups are now in full swing. Your AFP will use its ground, air and sea assets against our enemies and leave them no room for escape," he stressed.
In the same vein, Lorenzana also urged his fellow Mindanaoans not to support these terrorist groups in the event that these bandits, even if they are their relatives or friends, come running to them for help.
And if they want to save their relatives or friends from harm, the DND chief urged the former to convince these terrorists to surrender peacefully to government so that they can be rehabilitated.
"As always, foremost on the minds of your defenders are your safety and those of the poor hostages who are being heartlessly used as human shields," Lorenzana said.
"The war against terrorism and violent extremism is not just the responsibility of your Armed Forces. It is a war every Filipino citizen must fight in order to attain lasting peace and usher in development to Mindanao and the entire nation," he stressed.
As of this posting, terrorists killed in the ongoing operations are placed at 15 and eight wounded including Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon, who was allegedly severely wounded in the surgical air and artillery strike conducted by the AFP last Jan. 25.
Among the terrorists claimed killed is an Indonesian terror suspect identified only as "Mohisen," and two other local terrorists identified as Sahl Num and one alias "Sadat".
The ongoing offensive is part of AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año self-proclaimed deadline of eliminating these threats within six months.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959737
DND says US will not be allowed to build military depots in EDCA bases
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): DND says US will not be allowed to build military depots in EDCA bases
The US will not be allowed to build any military depots in bases ear-marked for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) under the US.
This was disclosed Tuesday by Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
"The Secretary of National Defense supports the President's statements not (to) allow construction of military depots by the US," he said.
"We are reviewing the provisions of the EDCA on allowable infrastructures and ensure that the President's wishes are followed," he added.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the Americans are unloading weapons and other stores in the EDCA dedicated facilities in the Philippines.
However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that only equipment and materials intended for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions may be stockpiled in military facilities earn-marked for EDCA.
Earlier, the Department of National Defense announced that the United States will start building some facilities that can house troops and their equipment in Basa Air Base, Floridablance, Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan De Oro, in relation to EDCA-related activities.
Construction is expected to be done within the year.
"(These claims) were checked by the AFP and it was found out that there was not confirmed incident of this nature and EDCA, like what was announced, is geared for the preparedness (of our forces) to respond to HADR situation faster," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in Filipino.
"And if they are constructing warehouses or storage areas of equipment or items, these should be oriented for HADR (like generator sets, rubber boats, or shelter-type materials, and water purifiers)," he added.
The AFP spokesperson said construction of fuel depots are allowable in EDCA as this will allow aircraft to refuel and do repeated missions transporting relief goods and saving lives in times of calamities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959725
The US will not be allowed to build any military depots in bases ear-marked for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) under the US.
This was disclosed Tuesday by Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
"The Secretary of National Defense supports the President's statements not (to) allow construction of military depots by the US," he said.
"We are reviewing the provisions of the EDCA on allowable infrastructures and ensure that the President's wishes are followed," he added.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that the Americans are unloading weapons and other stores in the EDCA dedicated facilities in the Philippines.
However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that only equipment and materials intended for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions may be stockpiled in military facilities earn-marked for EDCA.
Earlier, the Department of National Defense announced that the United States will start building some facilities that can house troops and their equipment in Basa Air Base, Floridablance, Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan De Oro, in relation to EDCA-related activities.
Construction is expected to be done within the year.
"(These claims) were checked by the AFP and it was found out that there was not confirmed incident of this nature and EDCA, like what was announced, is geared for the preparedness (of our forces) to respond to HADR situation faster," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in Filipino.
"And if they are constructing warehouses or storage areas of equipment or items, these should be oriented for HADR (like generator sets, rubber boats, or shelter-type materials, and water purifiers)," he added.
The AFP spokesperson said construction of fuel depots are allowable in EDCA as this will allow aircraft to refuel and do repeated missions transporting relief goods and saving lives in times of calamities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959725
OPAPP chief 'extremely' disturbed by NPA attacks
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): OPAPP chief 'extremely' disturbed by NPA attacks
Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza expressed on Tuesday concerns by the recent series of attacks and harassments allegedly perpetrated by the communist rebels.
"We are distressed and extremely disturbed by the recent series of attacks and harassments by alleged NPA elements in various areas nationwide,” Dureza said in a press statement.
Despite the ongoing peace talks and mutually declared unilateral ceasefire between the government and National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels allegedly committed series of atrocities in the last two days including the abduction of Pfc. Erwin Salan of 30th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Norte last January 29.
Last Monday, three members of the composite Peace and Development Team were wounded when communist rebels reportedly led by Pablo Logatiman alias Lucas fired at them in Surigao City.
"The unilateral ceasefire was precisely set in place to provide an enabling environment for the ongoing peace talks and also to secure the support of the stakeholders and the bigger public in understanding and supporting these unprecedented, although small but significant steps, for sustainable peace in the land," Dureza said.
Dureza said the government does not wish to “unnecessarily squander those gains that even saw President Duterte exercising strong political will to move the peace process forward.”
"Either some in NDF leadership talking to the government are not in full control of their own forces on the ground or they are themselves undermining these efforts for sustainable peace, or pressuring government for certain concessions," he said.
Dureza said President Duterte will definitely walk the extra mile for peace.
"But our counterparts on the other side of the peace table must also reciprocate accordingly and do the same," Dureza said.
"The road to peace is not smooth and easy. Let us all help to successfully traverse it," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959822
Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza expressed on Tuesday concerns by the recent series of attacks and harassments allegedly perpetrated by the communist rebels.
"We are distressed and extremely disturbed by the recent series of attacks and harassments by alleged NPA elements in various areas nationwide,” Dureza said in a press statement.
Despite the ongoing peace talks and mutually declared unilateral ceasefire between the government and National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels allegedly committed series of atrocities in the last two days including the abduction of Pfc. Erwin Salan of 30th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Norte last January 29.
Last Monday, three members of the composite Peace and Development Team were wounded when communist rebels reportedly led by Pablo Logatiman alias Lucas fired at them in Surigao City.
"The unilateral ceasefire was precisely set in place to provide an enabling environment for the ongoing peace talks and also to secure the support of the stakeholders and the bigger public in understanding and supporting these unprecedented, although small but significant steps, for sustainable peace in the land," Dureza said.
Dureza said the government does not wish to “unnecessarily squander those gains that even saw President Duterte exercising strong political will to move the peace process forward.”
"Either some in NDF leadership talking to the government are not in full control of their own forces on the ground or they are themselves undermining these efforts for sustainable peace, or pressuring government for certain concessions," he said.
Dureza said President Duterte will definitely walk the extra mile for peace.
"But our counterparts on the other side of the peace table must also reciprocate accordingly and do the same," Dureza said.
"The road to peace is not smooth and easy. Let us all help to successfully traverse it," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=959822
CPP/NPA: Hakbang Pamamarusa Laban sa Pangangamkam ng Lupa ni Henry Sy sa Hacienda Looc, Iginawad ng New People's Army
New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jan 25): Hakbang Pamamarusa Laban sa Pangangamkam ng Lupa ni Henry Sy sa Hacienda Looc, Iginawad ng New People's Army
Apolinario Matienza
Spokesperson
Provincial Operations Command
Batangas
New People's Army
30 January 2017
Apolinario Matienza
Spokesperson
Provincial Operations Command
Batangas
New People's Army
30 January 2017
Mahigit 40 armas ang nakumpiska ng New People’s Army sa matagumpay na reyd na isinagawa nito sa barracks ng Selective Security Agency kahapon ng Enero 29 sa ganap na ika 6:32 ng hapon sa Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas.
Sa nasabing reyd, dinisarmahan ng NPA ang mga security guard ng SELECTIVE Agency na tumatayong armadong goons ni Henry Sy laban sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa Hacienda Looc. Tiniyak ng yunit ng NPA na na nangreyd na walang nasaktan mga Security Guard at Empleyado sa nasabing ahensya. Ang aksyong ito ng NPA ay bahagi ng hakbang pamamarusa laban kay Henry Sy at sa kanyang mga bayarang security guard na ginagamit sa marahas at malaganap na pangangamkam ng lupa sa Hacienda Looc.
Kabilang sa mga tampok na kaso ng mga berdugong security guard at ni Henry Sy ang walang pakundangan at paulit-ulit na pagwasak sa mga tanim ng mga magsasaka, pagsunog sa mga kubo at ulingan, pagkumpiska sa bunga ng mga pananim at pagbabawal sa mga magsasakang magbungkal ng lupa sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng dahas at pananakot tulad ng panunutok ng baril, pagbabanta sa buhay at paggamit ng mga K9 dogs laban sa mga karaniwang magsasaka.
Sa sityo Convento Brgy. Looc at sityo Bangkal at Cueba ng Brgy. Bulihan, makailang ulit na nakaranas ng panunutok ng baril mula sa mga security guard ng Selective ang mga magsasaka. Mula pa 2008 ay hindi na pinapayagan magtanim ang mga magsasaka doon. Binubunot ang kanilang mga pananim na saging at pinagbabawalan silang pumutol ng kahoy kahit panggamit lamang sa bahay.
Dagdag pa rito, aktibo ring ginagamit ni Henry Sy ang mga bayarang security guard sa panggigipit sa mga mangingisda kung saan pinagbabawalan na silang mapagawi man lamang o pumondo sa baybayin ng Hamilo Cove at mga sinaklaw ng debelopment ni Henry Sy sa Brgy. Calayo at Brgy. Papaya.
Malaon nang idinadaing ng mga magsasaka ang isinasagawang pangangamkam ng lupa ni Henry Sy. Ang mga tumututol sa pangangamkam ng lupa at pagpapalayas ng ganid na si Henry Sy ay nakakaranas ng walang habas na pamiminsala ng mga security guard ng Selective Agency sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan bilang bahagi ng sistematikong panunupil at panggigipit sa lehitimong pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka sa humigit kumulang 8,650 ektaryang-lupang kinamkam ni Henry Sy sa Hacienda Looc.
Kaalinsabay ng reyd sa Selective Security Agency ay isinagawa ang pagsunog sa Staff House na katabi ng barracks ng mga security guards. Ang aksyong pamamarusang ito ay tugon lamang ng NPA sa karaingan ng mamamayan sa Hacienda Looc na malaon nang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan ng mga panginoong maylupa, burgesya kumprador at ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno na ngayon ay pinamumunuan ni Rodrigo Duterte.
Tahasang hinahamon ng aksyong ito ng New People’s Army ang rehimeng Duterte na hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay walang makabuluhang pagtugon sa matinding suliranin ng mga magsasaka sa kawalan ng lupa. Sa kabila ng mga pangakong pagbabago, ay patuloy niyang kinakandili ang malalaking burgesyang tulad nina Henry Sy, Zobel, Roxas, Danding Cojuangco, Puyat at Consunji sa lalawigan na malawakang nangangamkam ng lupa at nananalanta sa buhay, karapatan at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan sa Batangas. Patuloy na isasagawa ng NPA ang mga kahalintulad na aksyon laban sa naghaharing burgesya hangga’t umiiral ang pagyurak sa interes ng mamamayan, hangga’t bingi at inutil ang gubyerno ni Duterte. Makakaasa ang mamamayan na palaging kabalikat ninyo ang NPA sa pagkamit ng minimithi ninyong kapayapaan at kaunlaran.
Ang nasabing reyd na isinagawa ng NPA ay isang hakbang pamamarusa laban sa panginoong maylupa at burgesya kumprador na kaaway ng mamamayan at bahagi ng aktibong depensa ng NPA na hindi saklaw ng kasalukuyang umiiral na unilateral na deklarasyon ng NPA na tigil-putukan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170130-hakbang-pamamarusa-laban-sa-pangangamkam-ng-lupa-ni-henry-sy-sa-hacienda-looc-iginawad-ng-n
Sa nasabing reyd, dinisarmahan ng NPA ang mga security guard ng SELECTIVE Agency na tumatayong armadong goons ni Henry Sy laban sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa Hacienda Looc. Tiniyak ng yunit ng NPA na na nangreyd na walang nasaktan mga Security Guard at Empleyado sa nasabing ahensya. Ang aksyong ito ng NPA ay bahagi ng hakbang pamamarusa laban kay Henry Sy at sa kanyang mga bayarang security guard na ginagamit sa marahas at malaganap na pangangamkam ng lupa sa Hacienda Looc.
Kabilang sa mga tampok na kaso ng mga berdugong security guard at ni Henry Sy ang walang pakundangan at paulit-ulit na pagwasak sa mga tanim ng mga magsasaka, pagsunog sa mga kubo at ulingan, pagkumpiska sa bunga ng mga pananim at pagbabawal sa mga magsasakang magbungkal ng lupa sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng dahas at pananakot tulad ng panunutok ng baril, pagbabanta sa buhay at paggamit ng mga K9 dogs laban sa mga karaniwang magsasaka.
Sa sityo Convento Brgy. Looc at sityo Bangkal at Cueba ng Brgy. Bulihan, makailang ulit na nakaranas ng panunutok ng baril mula sa mga security guard ng Selective ang mga magsasaka. Mula pa 2008 ay hindi na pinapayagan magtanim ang mga magsasaka doon. Binubunot ang kanilang mga pananim na saging at pinagbabawalan silang pumutol ng kahoy kahit panggamit lamang sa bahay.
Dagdag pa rito, aktibo ring ginagamit ni Henry Sy ang mga bayarang security guard sa panggigipit sa mga mangingisda kung saan pinagbabawalan na silang mapagawi man lamang o pumondo sa baybayin ng Hamilo Cove at mga sinaklaw ng debelopment ni Henry Sy sa Brgy. Calayo at Brgy. Papaya.
Malaon nang idinadaing ng mga magsasaka ang isinasagawang pangangamkam ng lupa ni Henry Sy. Ang mga tumututol sa pangangamkam ng lupa at pagpapalayas ng ganid na si Henry Sy ay nakakaranas ng walang habas na pamiminsala ng mga security guard ng Selective Agency sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan bilang bahagi ng sistematikong panunupil at panggigipit sa lehitimong pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka sa humigit kumulang 8,650 ektaryang-lupang kinamkam ni Henry Sy sa Hacienda Looc.
Kaalinsabay ng reyd sa Selective Security Agency ay isinagawa ang pagsunog sa Staff House na katabi ng barracks ng mga security guards. Ang aksyong pamamarusang ito ay tugon lamang ng NPA sa karaingan ng mamamayan sa Hacienda Looc na malaon nang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan ng mga panginoong maylupa, burgesya kumprador at ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno na ngayon ay pinamumunuan ni Rodrigo Duterte.
Tahasang hinahamon ng aksyong ito ng New People’s Army ang rehimeng Duterte na hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay walang makabuluhang pagtugon sa matinding suliranin ng mga magsasaka sa kawalan ng lupa. Sa kabila ng mga pangakong pagbabago, ay patuloy niyang kinakandili ang malalaking burgesyang tulad nina Henry Sy, Zobel, Roxas, Danding Cojuangco, Puyat at Consunji sa lalawigan na malawakang nangangamkam ng lupa at nananalanta sa buhay, karapatan at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan sa Batangas. Patuloy na isasagawa ng NPA ang mga kahalintulad na aksyon laban sa naghaharing burgesya hangga’t umiiral ang pagyurak sa interes ng mamamayan, hangga’t bingi at inutil ang gubyerno ni Duterte. Makakaasa ang mamamayan na palaging kabalikat ninyo ang NPA sa pagkamit ng minimithi ninyong kapayapaan at kaunlaran.
Ang nasabing reyd na isinagawa ng NPA ay isang hakbang pamamarusa laban sa panginoong maylupa at burgesya kumprador na kaaway ng mamamayan at bahagi ng aktibong depensa ng NPA na hindi saklaw ng kasalukuyang umiiral na unilateral na deklarasyon ng NPA na tigil-putukan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170130-hakbang-pamamarusa-laban-sa-pangangamkam-ng-lupa-ni-henry-sy-sa-hacienda-looc-iginawad-ng-n
CPP/NPA: Recent AFP, PNP combat offensive in N. Cotabato puts GPH peace resolve in serious question
New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jan 25): Recent AFP, PNP combat offensive in N. Cotabato puts GPH peace resolve in serious question
Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao
New People's Army
27 January 2017
Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao
New People's Army
27 January 2017
The Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao commends the Red fighters of Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Command for successfully deflecting the strike operation launched by the composite troops of the AFP’s 7Ist Infantry Battalion, CAFGU and the PNP’s Special Action Force on January 26, in Sitio Emilda, Brgy. Taguranao, Matalam, North Cotabato.
At around 6:00 in the morning, at least 50 enemy troops assaulted an NPA unit in the latter’s guerilla camp some three kilometers away from the community. Three enemy troops were killed in the 45-minute firefight as Red fighters safely withdrew from the clash site.
The AFP and the PNP cannot hide behind the convenient excuse of an “anti-crime or anti-drug” operation. The assaulting composite enemy troops chose to engage the NPA unit early in the morning to pre-empt the Red fighters’ evasive measures.
The NPA sternly condemns this recent violation of the GPH’s ceasefire declaration, especially as it comes merely five days since their last combat operation that resulted in an armed clash with the NPA in Makilala town. This reality of the AFP and PNP’s outright non-compliance alarmingly puts the commitment of the GPH in the peace process into serious question.
At present, the AFP and the PNP have continued to militarize the civilian communities of Matalam town with the deployment of at least 100 soldiers in the area.
The revolutionary forces are wondering whether the GPH panel, and indeed Pres. Duterte, have either the control of their armed forces to effectively implement its proposed bilateral ceasefire or the political resolve to investigate and punish the insidious saboteurs to the peace process. Whatever the case, it would appear that a bilateral ceasefire agreement would be pointless in the face of relentless and outright attack operations by AFP and PNP troops against units of the NPA.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170127-recent-afp-pnp-combat-offensive-in-n-cotabato-puts-gph-peace-resolve-in-serious-question
At around 6:00 in the morning, at least 50 enemy troops assaulted an NPA unit in the latter’s guerilla camp some three kilometers away from the community. Three enemy troops were killed in the 45-minute firefight as Red fighters safely withdrew from the clash site.
The AFP and the PNP cannot hide behind the convenient excuse of an “anti-crime or anti-drug” operation. The assaulting composite enemy troops chose to engage the NPA unit early in the morning to pre-empt the Red fighters’ evasive measures.
The NPA sternly condemns this recent violation of the GPH’s ceasefire declaration, especially as it comes merely five days since their last combat operation that resulted in an armed clash with the NPA in Makilala town. This reality of the AFP and PNP’s outright non-compliance alarmingly puts the commitment of the GPH in the peace process into serious question.
At present, the AFP and the PNP have continued to militarize the civilian communities of Matalam town with the deployment of at least 100 soldiers in the area.
The revolutionary forces are wondering whether the GPH panel, and indeed Pres. Duterte, have either the control of their armed forces to effectively implement its proposed bilateral ceasefire or the political resolve to investigate and punish the insidious saboteurs to the peace process. Whatever the case, it would appear that a bilateral ceasefire agreement would be pointless in the face of relentless and outright attack operations by AFP and PNP troops against units of the NPA.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170127-recent-afp-pnp-combat-offensive-in-n-cotabato-puts-gph-peace-resolve-in-serious-question
CPP/NPA: NPA punishes Alamara organizer, drug operator in Davao City
New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jan 25): NPA punishes Alamara organizer, drug operator in Davao City
Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao
New People's Army
25 January 2017
The 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao punished a notorious operator of drug trade, and an organizer of Alamara bandits who was also responsible for the killing and massacre of peasants, in two separate operations last week in Calinan and Paquibato districts, Davao City.
On January 16, at around 4:00 in the afternoon in Brgy. Saloy,Calinan, Red fighters killed Alberto T. Sablada, a stooge of the 73rd IB who was a known leader and organizer of the paramilitary Alamara
for the AFP’s counter-insurgency campaign. Sablada was also identified as one of the culprits in the April 15, 2002 massacre of Apolio “Tatay Poloy” Enoc, a peasant leader; and Rosha Icatan, Charles Bayanban,Edgar Bias, Jaimae Daculo and Warlito Bayanban in Sitio Pangyan, Tamugan, Marilog district.
On January 23, the death penalty was also meted out to Neptali Alfredo Pondoc, 37, in his farm-turned-drug den in Taboan, Malabog, Paquibato district. Neptali operates one of the drug syndicates that trade shabu from Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley to Panabo City, Paquibato and Calinan in Davao City. His farm, in fact, sits in between two AFP detachments in Sitio Binaton and Sitio 24 and supplies drugs to CAFGUs and cadre man of both detachments. Pondoc has a warrant of
arrest from the GRP reactionary police in Calinan. Red fighters also confiscated various drug paraphernalia such as weighing scales and other equipment found in his farm.
The dispensation of revolutionary justice last week has been one of the Red Army’s preoccupations in accordance to the guidelines set by the unilateral interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Operational Command of the NPA. Part of the ceasefire reads: “While ceasing offensive military operations, the NPA will continue to enforce policies and laws of the people’s democratic government, perform appropriate functions of governance, and mobilize the people and resources in territories under its authority, including: maintaining peace and order including suppression of criminal groups such as drug traffickers and operators of the drug trade and large-scale gambling, private armies and private armed groups of warlords, local tyrants and vigilante groups, as well as spies.”
The NPA operation last week is a far cry from the relentless counter-insurgency activities of the PNP and the AFP. Under the auspices of Oplan Tokhang, the PNP not only continues to wage an anti-people drug war that does not discriminate between victims and perpetrators, its fascist officials, likewise, use the pretext of “drug operations” in order to encroach on Red territories.
Similarly, AFP units smokescreen their offensive military operations, as what happened on January 21 in Makilala, North Cotabato, with claims of “anti-criminality” operations in order to wantonly subvert their ceasefire order and engage the Red army in armed combat.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170125-npa-punishes-alamara-organizer-drug-operator-in-davao-city
Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao
New People's Army
25 January 2017
The 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao punished a notorious operator of drug trade, and an organizer of Alamara bandits who was also responsible for the killing and massacre of peasants, in two separate operations last week in Calinan and Paquibato districts, Davao City.
On January 16, at around 4:00 in the afternoon in Brgy. Saloy,Calinan, Red fighters killed Alberto T. Sablada, a stooge of the 73rd IB who was a known leader and organizer of the paramilitary Alamara
for the AFP’s counter-insurgency campaign. Sablada was also identified as one of the culprits in the April 15, 2002 massacre of Apolio “Tatay Poloy” Enoc, a peasant leader; and Rosha Icatan, Charles Bayanban,Edgar Bias, Jaimae Daculo and Warlito Bayanban in Sitio Pangyan, Tamugan, Marilog district.
On January 23, the death penalty was also meted out to Neptali Alfredo Pondoc, 37, in his farm-turned-drug den in Taboan, Malabog, Paquibato district. Neptali operates one of the drug syndicates that trade shabu from Diwalwal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley to Panabo City, Paquibato and Calinan in Davao City. His farm, in fact, sits in between two AFP detachments in Sitio Binaton and Sitio 24 and supplies drugs to CAFGUs and cadre man of both detachments. Pondoc has a warrant of
arrest from the GRP reactionary police in Calinan. Red fighters also confiscated various drug paraphernalia such as weighing scales and other equipment found in his farm.
The dispensation of revolutionary justice last week has been one of the Red Army’s preoccupations in accordance to the guidelines set by the unilateral interim ceasefire issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Operational Command of the NPA. Part of the ceasefire reads: “While ceasing offensive military operations, the NPA will continue to enforce policies and laws of the people’s democratic government, perform appropriate functions of governance, and mobilize the people and resources in territories under its authority, including: maintaining peace and order including suppression of criminal groups such as drug traffickers and operators of the drug trade and large-scale gambling, private armies and private armed groups of warlords, local tyrants and vigilante groups, as well as spies.”
The NPA operation last week is a far cry from the relentless counter-insurgency activities of the PNP and the AFP. Under the auspices of Oplan Tokhang, the PNP not only continues to wage an anti-people drug war that does not discriminate between victims and perpetrators, its fascist officials, likewise, use the pretext of “drug operations” in order to encroach on Red territories.
Similarly, AFP units smokescreen their offensive military operations, as what happened on January 21 in Makilala, North Cotabato, with claims of “anti-criminality” operations in order to wantonly subvert their ceasefire order and engage the Red army in armed combat.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170125-npa-punishes-alamara-organizer-drug-operator-in-davao-city
CPP/NDF: Decisive action o7n land issues in SMR will show pro-peasant, peace agenda resolve of Duterte gov’t
National Democratic Front propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jan 25): Decisive action on land issues in SMR will show pro-peasant, peace agenda resolve of Duterte gov’t
Rubi del Mundo
Spokesperson
Regional Chapter
Southern Mindanao
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
25 January 2017
Rubi del Mundo
Spokesperson
Regional Chapter
Southern Mindanao
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
25 January 2017
The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao wholly supports the just demands of thousands of peasants presently encamped in Davao City. They braved the onslaught of flood and heavy rains to converge in Mindanao’s political center to call for food, genuine land reform and justice to be seriously addressed in the peace negotiations between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Pres. Duterte must decisively address these demands to show his seriousness to confront and dismantle feudalism, one of the pestering roots of the armed conflict.
Prime in the peasants’ demands is the enactment of genuine land reform, especially for the landless tillers of Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (MARBAI) in Madaum, Tagum City, Arakan, North Cotabato and Banarao, Tugbok District in Davao City. The farmers in these three areas are presently locked in struggle against feudal exploitation in the form of landgrabbing by the Lorenzo-owned Lapanday Foods Corp., the school reservation of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology and the banana plantation DOLE, respectively. They demand a halt in the aggressive state-sanctioned expansion of agri-venture agreements that displace poor peasants from their lands and livelihood.
The peasants are also demanding food in the face of crop and livelihood loss due to calamities such as heavy rains and flooding, even as most of them have yet to recover from the damages caused by last year’s severe drought. Additionally, the peasants are resisting the continued assault against our agricultural sovereignty with the dominance of imperialist transnational and multi-national companies that for years have converted our productive lands into export-crop plantations and fettered our farmers to expensive and unsustainable crop varieties.
The peasants demand justice—justice for the many decades of feudal domination aggravated by state fascism that irrefutably resulted in the Mendiola massacre, the Hacienda Luisita massacre, the Kidapawan massacre, and many other extra-judicial killings against peasant leaders, Lumads, and activists. They oppose the newly-minted Oplan Kapayapaan which they know to be a mere rehash of the vile Oplan Bayanihan because combat and civic-military operations still pester their homes and communities despite the GPH’s much-vaunted ceasefire declaration.
The peasants’ demands are all the more meaningful as they come at the heels of the 30th year of commemoration of the Mendiola massacre, the three-decade old indictment of the reactionary government’s continuing injustice against Filipino peasants.
NDF-SMR urges all revolutionary forces and allies to take to the streets, to social media and other venues to show their unwavering support for the demands of the peasants for food, land and justice. We encourage them to especially join the peasants in their “Kampuhan” and help swell their ranks and amplify their demands.
Finally, NDF-SMR urges the Duterte government to enjoin and provide all political reinforcement to its agencies, especially the office of the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Agriculture, the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in addressing the pressing demands of the peasants encamped in Davao City as soon as possible. It is an opportune time for his government to show its commitment and resolve in the peace process by helping the landless tillers in their decades-old struggle against feudal exploitation.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170125-decisive-action-on-land-issues-in-smr-will-show-pro-peasant-peace-agenda-resolve-of-duterte
Prime in the peasants’ demands is the enactment of genuine land reform, especially for the landless tillers of Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (MARBAI) in Madaum, Tagum City, Arakan, North Cotabato and Banarao, Tugbok District in Davao City. The farmers in these three areas are presently locked in struggle against feudal exploitation in the form of landgrabbing by the Lorenzo-owned Lapanday Foods Corp., the school reservation of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology and the banana plantation DOLE, respectively. They demand a halt in the aggressive state-sanctioned expansion of agri-venture agreements that displace poor peasants from their lands and livelihood.
The peasants are also demanding food in the face of crop and livelihood loss due to calamities such as heavy rains and flooding, even as most of them have yet to recover from the damages caused by last year’s severe drought. Additionally, the peasants are resisting the continued assault against our agricultural sovereignty with the dominance of imperialist transnational and multi-national companies that for years have converted our productive lands into export-crop plantations and fettered our farmers to expensive and unsustainable crop varieties.
The peasants demand justice—justice for the many decades of feudal domination aggravated by state fascism that irrefutably resulted in the Mendiola massacre, the Hacienda Luisita massacre, the Kidapawan massacre, and many other extra-judicial killings against peasant leaders, Lumads, and activists. They oppose the newly-minted Oplan Kapayapaan which they know to be a mere rehash of the vile Oplan Bayanihan because combat and civic-military operations still pester their homes and communities despite the GPH’s much-vaunted ceasefire declaration.
The peasants’ demands are all the more meaningful as they come at the heels of the 30th year of commemoration of the Mendiola massacre, the three-decade old indictment of the reactionary government’s continuing injustice against Filipino peasants.
NDF-SMR urges all revolutionary forces and allies to take to the streets, to social media and other venues to show their unwavering support for the demands of the peasants for food, land and justice. We encourage them to especially join the peasants in their “Kampuhan” and help swell their ranks and amplify their demands.
Finally, NDF-SMR urges the Duterte government to enjoin and provide all political reinforcement to its agencies, especially the office of the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Agriculture, the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in addressing the pressing demands of the peasants encamped in Davao City as soon as possible. It is an opportune time for his government to show its commitment and resolve in the peace process by helping the landless tillers in their decades-old struggle against feudal exploitation.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170125-decisive-action-on-land-issues-in-smr-will-show-pro-peasant-peace-agenda-resolve-of-duterte
MILF: UNYPAD holds Dialogue Session with Children of Moro Rebels
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jan 30): UNYPAD holds Dialogue Session with Children of Moro Rebels
The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD)-Western Mindanao Region brought together children of Moro Rebels belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a two-day dialogue on how to take part in the ongoing peace deal between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF @ Cecille Pension House, Barangay Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga City on January 27-29, 2017.
Participants mostly youth ranging from 18-35 years of age from provinces of Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City and far flung island province of Sulu availed the opportunity of getting some knowledge and information regarding the current status of the stalled peace process, Philippines political issues on Duterte administration particularly the scheme to shift the present unitary form of government to federal system, the plight of Bangsamoro as displaced people in pre, era and post martial law to the present, and of course the root cause of problem that led to Moro uprising in the olden day.
UNYPAD-Western Mindanao Regional Coordinator Phix Samsaraji opened the program with the theme: “Dialogue Session Between MILF and MNLF Sons and Daughters” (Bridging the Relationship of the Moro, IP’s and Settlers in the Bangsamoro Region) accompanied by his presentation of what UNYPAD is all about, its task of empowering youth of present generation onward as well as its program, goal, mission and vision as non-partisan organization in delivering its task/role in the ongoing peace process.
While the Cotabato-based UNYPAD-Central Mindanao Regional Project Officer Mursidin Husain discussed the overview and the root cause of Bangsamoro problem which he subsequently demanded for supplemental insights, opinions, and expectations @ the conclusion of the two days activity.
In his part, Guest of Honor and Resource Speaker, and member of technical working group (TWG), former Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Professor Ali Aiyub explained the advantages and disadvantages should the government push through and succeeds in shifting the present form of government to federalism.
He said should federalism be established in the Bangsamoro Region it must be compliant with the provisions provided in the BBL and CAB in letter and spirit lest all times and efforts in seventeen years of peace negotiation would be put to waste.
Professor Aiyub also solicited some inputs from the participants on identifying issues and concerns regarding Moro youth non-participation or involvement in solving the Bangsamoro problem during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in the form of workshop.
Before concluding his lecture he made a statement for the youth to remember that the peace process does not end with the passage of BBL, it rather continue until all agreements stipulated in the CAB are implemented and subsequently will lead to the signing of the Exit Agreement.
Notably, on the part of the participants there were at least three names that rose to the occasion in interacting with the resource speaker Professor Aiyub.
They were Saudi Daranda, Sitti Kaushar Maring and Zhayma Abubakar who are identified as son of MILF and daughters of MNLF respectively. The rests were either intentionally opted to remain passive or too shy to participate in the activity.
Badruddin Mamindig closed the program at about 6PM.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1055-unypad-holds-dialogue-session-with-children-of-moro-rebels
The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD)-Western Mindanao Region brought together children of Moro Rebels belonging to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a two-day dialogue on how to take part in the ongoing peace deal between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF @ Cecille Pension House, Barangay Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga City on January 27-29, 2017.
UNYPAD-Western Mindanao Regional Coordinator Phix Samsaraji opened the program with the theme: “Dialogue Session Between MILF and MNLF Sons and Daughters” (Bridging the Relationship of the Moro, IP’s and Settlers in the Bangsamoro Region) accompanied by his presentation of what UNYPAD is all about, its task of empowering youth of present generation onward as well as its program, goal, mission and vision as non-partisan organization in delivering its task/role in the ongoing peace process.
While the Cotabato-based UNYPAD-Central Mindanao Regional Project Officer Mursidin Husain discussed the overview and the root cause of Bangsamoro problem which he subsequently demanded for supplemental insights, opinions, and expectations @ the conclusion of the two days activity.
In his part, Guest of Honor and Resource Speaker, and member of technical working group (TWG), former Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Professor Ali Aiyub explained the advantages and disadvantages should the government push through and succeeds in shifting the present form of government to federalism.
He said should federalism be established in the Bangsamoro Region it must be compliant with the provisions provided in the BBL and CAB in letter and spirit lest all times and efforts in seventeen years of peace negotiation would be put to waste.
Professor Aiyub also solicited some inputs from the participants on identifying issues and concerns regarding Moro youth non-participation or involvement in solving the Bangsamoro problem during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in the form of workshop.
Before concluding his lecture he made a statement for the youth to remember that the peace process does not end with the passage of BBL, it rather continue until all agreements stipulated in the CAB are implemented and subsequently will lead to the signing of the Exit Agreement.
Notably, on the part of the participants there were at least three names that rose to the occasion in interacting with the resource speaker Professor Aiyub.
They were Saudi Daranda, Sitti Kaushar Maring and Zhayma Abubakar who are identified as son of MILF and daughters of MNLF respectively. The rests were either intentionally opted to remain passive or too shy to participate in the activity.
Badruddin Mamindig closed the program at about 6PM.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1055-unypad-holds-dialogue-session-with-children-of-moro-rebels
DWDD: IED Explosion Hits 5 Persons in Albarka, Basilan
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 30): IED Explosion Hits 5 Persons in Albarka, Basilan
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City -- An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in Albarka, Basilan killing two (2) children and wounding three others this morning.
The IED was monitored to be laid by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under Furuji Indama to sow fear on the people in the area especially those who are not sympathetic to their group.
All the five (5) victims are from Bgy Danapah, Al Barka, Basilan the same place where the IED was triggered. Both fatalities are children, Niyadz Pising who is two (2) years old and Ombek Akbar who is five (5). The three (3) wounded are Pahmiya Pising and Salmiya Akbar who are both four (4) years old, and Suraima Akbar who is twenty-five (25).
The victims were reported to be playing outdoors when they accidentally triggered the IED which was placed in a trail frequented by the locals. Four of the victims were rushed to the nearest hospital however only the three (3) survived.
Joint Task Force “Basilan” responded to the incident as soon as it came to their attention and is currently assessing the incident together with local authorities and come up with measure to avert the recurrence of such a tragic event.
Major General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), AFP expressed that this horrendous act perpetrated by the ASG goes beyond savagery and stressed that victimizing innocent civilians, especially children, is simply unacceptable.
He further committed to exhaust every available resource under his disposal to crush the ASG in the soonest possible time so that the people of Basilan will have the peace that they truly deserve.
Last December 2, 2016, two (2) children also perished while two (2) others were seriously injured during a similar incident in Bgy Bohe Piyang, Albarka last year where the victims also accidentally triggered an IED placed by the ASG along a trail frequented by the locals.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/ied-explosion-hits-5-persons-in-albarka-basilan/
Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City -- An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in Albarka, Basilan killing two (2) children and wounding three others this morning.
The IED was monitored to be laid by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) under Furuji Indama to sow fear on the people in the area especially those who are not sympathetic to their group.
All the five (5) victims are from Bgy Danapah, Al Barka, Basilan the same place where the IED was triggered. Both fatalities are children, Niyadz Pising who is two (2) years old and Ombek Akbar who is five (5). The three (3) wounded are Pahmiya Pising and Salmiya Akbar who are both four (4) years old, and Suraima Akbar who is twenty-five (25).
The victims were reported to be playing outdoors when they accidentally triggered the IED which was placed in a trail frequented by the locals. Four of the victims were rushed to the nearest hospital however only the three (3) survived.
Joint Task Force “Basilan” responded to the incident as soon as it came to their attention and is currently assessing the incident together with local authorities and come up with measure to avert the recurrence of such a tragic event.
Major General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), AFP expressed that this horrendous act perpetrated by the ASG goes beyond savagery and stressed that victimizing innocent civilians, especially children, is simply unacceptable.
He further committed to exhaust every available resource under his disposal to crush the ASG in the soonest possible time so that the people of Basilan will have the peace that they truly deserve.
Last December 2, 2016, two (2) children also perished while two (2) others were seriously injured during a similar incident in Bgy Bohe Piyang, Albarka last year where the victims also accidentally triggered an IED placed by the ASG along a trail frequented by the locals.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/ied-explosion-hits-5-persons-in-albarka-basilan/
DWDD: 15 Killed 7 Wounded in the renewed AFP Offensives in Lanao Sur
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 30): 15 Killed 7 Wounded in the renewed AFP Offensives in Lanao Sur
“At least 15 were killed and 7 others wounded including a foreigner from groups comprised of ASG Leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts from Basilan; the Brothers Abdullah, Omar, and Otto Maute; and other local and foreign terror personalities in airstrikes a little past midnight 26 January2017 in the the municipality of Butig, Lanao Del Sur,” according to Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Chief of AFP Public Affairs Office.
Commander of Western Mindanao Command MGen Carlito Galvez, Jr. reports to AFP Chief General Eduardo Año that among the 15 reported killed is an Indonesian terror suspect identified only as Mohisen, and two other local terrorists identified as Sahl Num and one alias SADAT.
Two among the 7 wounded were identified as one Amirul and the other is the proclaimed “Emir” and ASG Leader Isnilon Hapilon from Basilan. The latter, according to reports, was severely wounded.
“Our focused military operations backed by intelligence from the community and available wherewithals of the AFP will be unrelenting.
“It is too early to rejoice but I consider this initial success a significant gain in the campaign to defeat the terror groups in Western Mindanao by the end of June 2017 as desired by the President and Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte,” declares General Eduardo Año, the AFP Chief of Staff.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/15-killed-7-wounded-in-the-renewed-afp-offensives-in-lanao-sur/
“At least 15 were killed and 7 others wounded including a foreigner from groups comprised of ASG Leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts from Basilan; the Brothers Abdullah, Omar, and Otto Maute; and other local and foreign terror personalities in airstrikes a little past midnight 26 January2017 in the the municipality of Butig, Lanao Del Sur,” according to Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Chief of AFP Public Affairs Office.
Commander of Western Mindanao Command MGen Carlito Galvez, Jr. reports to AFP Chief General Eduardo Año that among the 15 reported killed is an Indonesian terror suspect identified only as Mohisen, and two other local terrorists identified as Sahl Num and one alias SADAT.
Two among the 7 wounded were identified as one Amirul and the other is the proclaimed “Emir” and ASG Leader Isnilon Hapilon from Basilan. The latter, according to reports, was severely wounded.
“Our focused military operations backed by intelligence from the community and available wherewithals of the AFP will be unrelenting.
“It is too early to rejoice but I consider this initial success a significant gain in the campaign to defeat the terror groups in Western Mindanao by the end of June 2017 as desired by the President and Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte,” declares General Eduardo Año, the AFP Chief of Staff.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/15-killed-7-wounded-in-the-renewed-afp-offensives-in-lanao-sur/
DWDD: Army honors three retiring generals
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 30): Army honors three retiring generals
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Three Army retiring generals were honored by the Philippine Army in a traditional testimonial review held on Friday, January 27, 2017.
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Three Army retiring generals were honored by the Philippine Army in a traditional testimonial review held on Friday, January 27, 2017.
Major General Rolando V Picar, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Resource Management Office; Brigadier General Allan F Martin, Commander of the General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command of the AFP; and Brigadier General Nelia F Valmonte, Chief Nurse of the AFP, will retire from the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on February, respectively.
Army Vice Commander General Harold Cabreros together with other HPA-based officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees came to witness the ceremony and pay respect to the generals for their honorable service to the nation.
Picar, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandigan” class of 1982 rendered 38 years and 9 months in the military service. Prior to his current position he held vital posts in the Philippine Army such as the Battalion Commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division in 2002; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the 6th Infantry Division in 2004; and later as the Commanding Officer of the Finance Center of the Philippine Army.
During Picar’s stint as the commander for the 66th Infantry Battalion, he strengthened the unit’s community partnerships and led successful Internal Security operations in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Sultan Kudarat.
Likewise, Martin is also a member of the PMA from the “Matikas” class of 1983. He rendered 37 years and 9 months in the military service. He took up key roles in the field while he was in the Army. He served as the Battalion Commander of 39 Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division in 2000 and also as the Commander of the 302nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in 2014.
As the Commander of the 302nd Brigade, 3rd Infantr y Division, Martin successfully led “Bayanihan” team activities bringing the army closer to the community. Such efforts greatly contributed in addressing insurgency in the provinces of Siquijor, Bohol, and Cebu.
On the other hand, Valmonte is one of the few female star officers of the AFP. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has a Master’s Degree both in Hospital Administration and in Nursing.
Prior to Valmonte’s current position she served as the Army Chief Nurse. During her stint, she was awarded as one of the Outstanding Professionals of 2015 by the Professional Regulations Commission. She worked to improve the Army’s nursing care services and ensured that the Army nurses are capable to provide the best medical and health care services to soldiers.
The families of the three retiring Army generals were also recognized during the testimonial ceremony for their indispensable role in the success of the organization as the constant source of support and inspiration of the officers.
DWDD: PCSO, nag-bigay ng 1M donasyon sa Children of Military Heroes
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 30): PCSO, nag-bigay ng 1M donasyon sa Children of Military Heroes
Idinaan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa isang seremonya ang kanilang pasasalamat sa Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office matapos nitong mag-donate ng isang milyong piso para sa educational assistance ng mga anak ng military heroes.
Ito ang siniguro ni AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo. Si AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ańo mismo ang tatanggap ng cheke mula sa PCSO.
Nilinaw naman ni Colonel Arevalo na kada taon, umaabot ng apat na raang sundalo ang napapatay sa mga operasyon kung saan sa ilang pagkakataon, hindi na nakakapag-patuloy sa pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak dahil sa kanila lamang umaasa ang mga ito.
Dahil sa naturang donasyon, matutulungan nito ang isang daan at pitongpu’t walong stipends ng AFP Educational Benefit System Office.
Isa lamang itong manipestasyon ng pagpapakita ng pasasalamat at pagpupugay ng AFP sa kanilang kasundaluhan na walang humpay na nagsasakripisyo upang makapag silibi sa bayan.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/pcso-nag-bigay-ng-1m-donasyon-sa-children-of-military-heroes/
Idinaan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa isang seremonya ang kanilang pasasalamat sa Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office matapos nitong mag-donate ng isang milyong piso para sa educational assistance ng mga anak ng military heroes.
Ito ang siniguro ni AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo. Si AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ańo mismo ang tatanggap ng cheke mula sa PCSO.
Nilinaw naman ni Colonel Arevalo na kada taon, umaabot ng apat na raang sundalo ang napapatay sa mga operasyon kung saan sa ilang pagkakataon, hindi na nakakapag-patuloy sa pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak dahil sa kanila lamang umaasa ang mga ito.
Dahil sa naturang donasyon, matutulungan nito ang isang daan at pitongpu’t walong stipends ng AFP Educational Benefit System Office.
Isa lamang itong manipestasyon ng pagpapakita ng pasasalamat at pagpupugay ng AFP sa kanilang kasundaluhan na walang humpay na nagsasakripisyo upang makapag silibi sa bayan.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/30/pcso-nag-bigay-ng-1m-donasyon-sa-children-of-military-heroes/
DWDD: Eastern Mindanao Command Condemns NPA Atrocities, Alerts Troops
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 31): Eastern Mindanao Command Condemns NPA Atrocities, Alerts Troops
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines condemns the New People’s Army following its series of attacks, abduction and killings in CARAGA and Davao Region, despite the earlier declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/31/eastern-mindanao-command-condemns-npa-atrocities-alerts-troops/
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines condemns the New People’s Army following its series of attacks, abduction and killings in CARAGA and Davao Region, despite the earlier declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.
Just recently, elements of an armed lawless group, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, fired at the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) that were stationed in Mat-i, Surigao City in the midnight of January 30, 2017. The attack lasted about 15 minutes and caused the wounding of three AFP personnel.
Shortly after midnight, three more attacks took place in San Isidro, Mahayahay, and Hinambangan all of Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte against the PDTs that are deployed in these areas.
These atrocities ran contrary to the spirit of the peace process especially in the delivery of basic services to support far flung communities. These PDTs are stationed in depressed communities to facilitate the delivery of basic government services in collaboration with different government agencies.
It can be recalled that the NPAs also killed Albert Sablada last January 16, 2017 in Brgy. Saloy, Calinan, Davao City allegedly for being an organizer of Alamara Militia. It was followed by the killing of Neptali Alfredo on January 23, 2017 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District allegedly for being tagged as a drug supplier.
The Command also laments the abduction of Pfc Erwin Salan of 30IB in Lumondo Falls, Budlingin, Alegria, SDN. The said military personnel was unarmed and in the company of other civilians when the abduction happened on January 29, 2017.
JTF Haribon condemns NPA killing
Joint Task Force Haribon Commander Brigadier General Gilbert I. Gapay condemns the killing of Neptali Alfredo Pondoc who was killed on January 23, 2017 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District for being alleged as illegal drugs supplier.
Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, AFP, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command expressed his serious concern and called on the NPAs to desist from committing further atrocities.
“Let us condemn these atrocities which target our soldiers who are performing non-combat missions. These tactical offensives by the NPAs are inconsistent with their ceasefire declaration and could imperil ongoing peace negotiation. These acts of violence also bring misery and suffering to the affected communities. We call on the CNN to show sincerity in their peace talks with the government by directing their armed members to immediately desist from committing atrocities,” Lt Gen Guerrero said.
In line with such pronouncement, General Guerrero has directed all units to be on alert against possible atrocities in the future and reminded the troops to remain committed and observe the suspension of offensive military operations as part of the unilateral ceasefire.
“In the meantime we will continue to abide by our own ceasefire declaration and observe the suspension of offensive military operations. We will, however, continue to exercise/perform our mandate of protecting the people and the communities against attacks by armed threat groups,” he added.
JTF Haribon condemns NPA killing
Joint Task Force Haribon Commander Brigadier General Gilbert I. Gapay condemns the killing of Neptali Alfredo Pondoc who was killed on January 23, 2017 in Tabaon, Malabog, Paquibato District for being alleged as illegal drugs supplier.
“This is not a dispensation of justice as they claim but purely murder. The NPAs have no right to impose justice as this is within the purview of the judiciary,” said Bgen. Gapay.
“It is ironic that the group grossly disregarded International Humanitarian Law which they always claim to adhere” he further said.
Aside from its counter and anti-terrorism task, JTF Haribon is also responsible in securing the hinterlands of Davao City particularly on efforts against criminal groups and Lawless elements in support to the PNP
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/31/eastern-mindanao-command-condemns-npa-atrocities-alerts-troops/
DWDD: NPA commits atrocities in Eastern Mindanao during peace talks
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 31): NPA commits atrocities in Eastern Mindanao during peace talks
Despite the mutually declared unilateral ceasefire with the Duterte administration, the Maoist CPP-NPA committed a series of atrocities within the last 48 hours.
According to the reports sent by Anti-Crime Watch Group in Mindanao, the outrages included an abduction, violent attacks, harassment, and arson.
Private First Class Erwin Salan of 30th Infantry Battalion was abducted at the vicinity of Lumondo Falls, about a kilometer from the center of Barangay Budlingin, Alegria town in Surigao del Norte while leading youth volunteers in a forest clean-up drive about 4:00 in the afternoon of January 29, Sunday.
There was also an attack on the resort in Pico de Loro, Batangas which was earlier visited by Miss Universe contestants. There were about 30 fully-armed men of NPA who disarmed the guards, took the weapons, ransacked the building, torched the staff house and several quarters of employees and even attempted to burn other buildings about 7:30 p.m. of the same day.
Past midnight of Monday, three members of a composite Peace and Development Team of 75IB and 30IB led by 2Lt. Clarence Jae C. Patayan were wounded after their encounter against some 15 members of SPP-16B, Guerilla Front 16, NEMRC, KOMMID, CPP-NPA led by Pablo Logatiman alias ‘Lucas’ at the vicinity of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City.
The wounded troops are identified as Private First Class Estrabela of 75IB who obtained a splinter on the left eyebrow, Corporal Abalde of 30IB who was grazed on the left thigh and Corporal De la Cruz of 30IB with a gash on the right foot.
About 2:30 p.m. Monday, a team of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under 72IB & 73IB were harassed while securing heavy equipment of Jargon Construction used in a road rehabilitation project as part of its Bayanihan Investors Protection and Security Operations at Sitio Banlibato, Barangay Pag-Asa, Alabel town in eastern Sarangani Province.
The rebel group also set a passenger van on fire when it was plying the Gensan-Maitum route at the vicinity of Purok Mirasol, Barangay Lebe, Kiamba, Sarangani past 6 p.m. of the same day.
Bearing the registered plate number MVY-400, and carrying three passengers and a driver identified as Ogie Rosite, the van is reportedly a total wreck. However, there was no one hurt by the incident.
According to the report, as soon as the vehicle halted at Tablao, Brgy Lebe crossing, at least three armed men appeared and asked all who were in the van to disembark from it so they could burn it.
Before the four left, one of the men said to them, “tell the PNP and Army we are NPA.” -AGA
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/31/npa-commits-atrocities-in-eastern-mindanao-during-peace-talks/
Despite the mutually declared unilateral ceasefire with the Duterte administration, the Maoist CPP-NPA committed a series of atrocities within the last 48 hours.
According to the reports sent by Anti-Crime Watch Group in Mindanao, the outrages included an abduction, violent attacks, harassment, and arson.
Private First Class Erwin Salan of 30th Infantry Battalion was abducted at the vicinity of Lumondo Falls, about a kilometer from the center of Barangay Budlingin, Alegria town in Surigao del Norte while leading youth volunteers in a forest clean-up drive about 4:00 in the afternoon of January 29, Sunday.
There was also an attack on the resort in Pico de Loro, Batangas which was earlier visited by Miss Universe contestants. There were about 30 fully-armed men of NPA who disarmed the guards, took the weapons, ransacked the building, torched the staff house and several quarters of employees and even attempted to burn other buildings about 7:30 p.m. of the same day.
Past midnight of Monday, three members of a composite Peace and Development Team of 75IB and 30IB led by 2Lt. Clarence Jae C. Patayan were wounded after their encounter against some 15 members of SPP-16B, Guerilla Front 16, NEMRC, KOMMID, CPP-NPA led by Pablo Logatiman alias ‘Lucas’ at the vicinity of Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City.
The wounded troops are identified as Private First Class Estrabela of 75IB who obtained a splinter on the left eyebrow, Corporal Abalde of 30IB who was grazed on the left thigh and Corporal De la Cruz of 30IB with a gash on the right foot.
About 2:30 p.m. Monday, a team of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) under 72IB & 73IB were harassed while securing heavy equipment of Jargon Construction used in a road rehabilitation project as part of its Bayanihan Investors Protection and Security Operations at Sitio Banlibato, Barangay Pag-Asa, Alabel town in eastern Sarangani Province.
The rebel group also set a passenger van on fire when it was plying the Gensan-Maitum route at the vicinity of Purok Mirasol, Barangay Lebe, Kiamba, Sarangani past 6 p.m. of the same day.
Bearing the registered plate number MVY-400, and carrying three passengers and a driver identified as Ogie Rosite, the van is reportedly a total wreck. However, there was no one hurt by the incident.
According to the report, as soon as the vehicle halted at Tablao, Brgy Lebe crossing, at least three armed men appeared and asked all who were in the van to disembark from it so they could burn it.
Before the four left, one of the men said to them, “tell the PNP and Army we are NPA.” -AGA
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/31/npa-commits-atrocities-in-eastern-mindanao-during-peace-talks/
5 Abu men killed, 2 soldiers and 7 others wounded in Sulu clashes
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 31): 5 Abu men killed, 2 soldiers and 7 others wounded in Sulu clashes
Soldiers in action against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. AFP FILE PHOTO / STRINGER
Five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while nine others – including two soldiers – were injured in separate clashes in Sulu on Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the clashes took place in Barangay Pugad Manaul in Panamao, Sulu.
He said the group that the soldiers clashed with was led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.
“First, there was an encounter of 30 minutes and the kidnappers withdrew, and another unit engaged them in a bloody firefight for 45 minutes,” Galvez said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/866950/5-abu-sayyaf-men-killed-2-soldiers-and-7-others-hurt-in-sulu-clashes
Soldiers in action against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. AFP FILE PHOTO / STRINGER
Five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while nine others – including two soldiers – were injured in separate clashes in Sulu on Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the clashes took place in Barangay Pugad Manaul in Panamao, Sulu.
He said the group that the soldiers clashed with was led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.
“First, there was an encounter of 30 minutes and the kidnappers withdrew, and another unit engaged them in a bloody firefight for 45 minutes,” Galvez said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/866950/5-abu-sayyaf-men-killed-2-soldiers-and-7-others-hurt-in-sulu-clashes
More rebel attacks reported in CARAGA, Northern Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): More rebel attacks reported in CARAGA, Northern Mindanao
Government troops, conducting relief and disaster response operations in flood-battered CARAGA and Northern Mindanao, were subjected to a series of unprovoked rebel attacks Monday.
This was disclosed by 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez in a statement Tuesday.
This includes a New People's Army (NPA) rebels lobbing two hand grenades to troops undertaking relief operations thereat.
"Fortunately, the said grenades which landed just a few meters from the evacuation center, did not explode. This could have caused undue casualties and further misery to the civilian flood victims thereat," he added.
Likewise, separate attacks were also made on soldiers undertaking community support activities in one outskirt barangay of Surigao City and three barangays in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte in the wee hours of Jan. 30.
"Just about after midnight, more or less 10 NPAs attacked the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion who are supporting the local government unit in Sitio Brazil, Brgy. Mat-i, Surigao City in their Bayanihan efforts. The troops managed to push the rebels to withdraw out of the community while three soldiers were slightly wounded," Martinez said.
The incident happened the day after the NPA abducted one 30th Infantry Battalion trooper while he was with the civilians doing a civic-action and clean-up activity in Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao Del Norte.
The soldier is unarmed and in civilian attire when he was taken by the rebels.
Martinez said 30th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro immediately coordinated with the provincial government about the incident.
Governor Sol F. Matugas convened the local crisis management committee to discuss their next action.
Meanwhile, at around 1:30 a.m., another attack was launched by the NPAs against the troops of 29th Infantry Battalion who are deployed in Barangay San Isidro and in Barangay Mahayahay all in Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte.
The soldiers were deployed to help the local government units deliver the programs and basic services for their constituents.
An hour later, at around 2:30 a.m., another attack was launched in Barangay Hinimbangan, another community of Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte.
Martinez said there were no casualties on the part of the government troop in these areas.
However, there are reported damages on the civilian properties due to the indiscriminate strafing perpetrated by the NPAs to include the explosion of one hand grenade that was thrown by one rebel near the civilian houses.
Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, 29th Infantry Battalion commander, immediately alerted his troops who are also deployed as part of the "Bayanihan" team in other communities within his area of responsibility.
He immediately informed the local chief executives about the incident.
It can be noted that the NPA has declared its unilateral ceasefire last August to reciprocate the declaration of the government to pave way for the peace talks.
"The military has faithfully abided by its ceasefire declaration and continues to fully support the peace process. On the other hand, these tactical offensives by the NPA's are inconsistent with their ceasefire declaration and could imperil the ongoing peace negotiations. These acts of violence also add further misery and suffering to the affected communities," said 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=959677
Government troops, conducting relief and disaster response operations in flood-battered CARAGA and Northern Mindanao, were subjected to a series of unprovoked rebel attacks Monday.
This was disclosed by 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez in a statement Tuesday.
This includes a New People's Army (NPA) rebels lobbing two hand grenades to troops undertaking relief operations thereat.
"Fortunately, the said grenades which landed just a few meters from the evacuation center, did not explode. This could have caused undue casualties and further misery to the civilian flood victims thereat," he added.
Likewise, separate attacks were also made on soldiers undertaking community support activities in one outskirt barangay of Surigao City and three barangays in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte in the wee hours of Jan. 30.
"Just about after midnight, more or less 10 NPAs attacked the troops of 30th Infantry Battalion who are supporting the local government unit in Sitio Brazil, Brgy. Mat-i, Surigao City in their Bayanihan efforts. The troops managed to push the rebels to withdraw out of the community while three soldiers were slightly wounded," Martinez said.
The incident happened the day after the NPA abducted one 30th Infantry Battalion trooper while he was with the civilians doing a civic-action and clean-up activity in Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao Del Norte.
The soldier is unarmed and in civilian attire when he was taken by the rebels.
Martinez said 30th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro immediately coordinated with the provincial government about the incident.
Governor Sol F. Matugas convened the local crisis management committee to discuss their next action.
Meanwhile, at around 1:30 a.m., another attack was launched by the NPAs against the troops of 29th Infantry Battalion who are deployed in Barangay San Isidro and in Barangay Mahayahay all in Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte.
The soldiers were deployed to help the local government units deliver the programs and basic services for their constituents.
An hour later, at around 2:30 a.m., another attack was launched in Barangay Hinimbangan, another community of Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte.
Martinez said there were no casualties on the part of the government troop in these areas.
However, there are reported damages on the civilian properties due to the indiscriminate strafing perpetrated by the NPAs to include the explosion of one hand grenade that was thrown by one rebel near the civilian houses.
Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, 29th Infantry Battalion commander, immediately alerted his troops who are also deployed as part of the "Bayanihan" team in other communities within his area of responsibility.
He immediately informed the local chief executives about the incident.
It can be noted that the NPA has declared its unilateral ceasefire last August to reciprocate the declaration of the government to pave way for the peace talks.
"The military has faithfully abided by its ceasefire declaration and continues to fully support the peace process. On the other hand, these tactical offensives by the NPA's are inconsistent with their ceasefire declaration and could imperil the ongoing peace negotiations. These acts of violence also add further misery and suffering to the affected communities," said 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=959677
Philippines: an Emerging Islamic State Base in Southeast Asia?
From Benar News (Jan 30): Philippines: an Emerging Islamic State Base in Southeast Asia? (Commentary by Rohan Gunaratna)
Philippine troops fire cannons at Islamic militants in Lanao del Sur province, Mindanao, Nov. 27, 2016.
Islamic State (IS) has been expanding steadfastly beyond its heartland of Iraq and Syria since the declaration of a “caliphate” on June 29, 2014. Over half of the 50,000 foreign fighters drawn to Iraq and Syria have since perished. But the IS narrative has spread and its subculture has been seeded worldwide.
Today, the threat in South and Southeast Asian countries is not so much from returning foreign fighters, who are coming home demoralized and in small numbers. Rather, these countries are seeing domestic threat-groups coopted by IS, and their own citizens radicalized and militarized by IS propaganda. Some of these individuals and groups are being directed and influenced by the foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria who form part of the IS external operations wing.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the battlefields of IS. IS has successfully mounted attacks in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
In a June 2016 IS video, a Filipino, an Indonesian and a Malaysian appeared together, urging Muslims in their native languages to fight in Syria or the Philippines. “If you cannot go to [Syria], join up and go to the Philippines,” Malaysian IS figure Rafi Udin said in the 20-minute video.
IS and its supporters now regard Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, as a part of its territory.
Beyond Asia
The two dozen foreign fighters operating in the Philippines include people from different parts of Asia as well as other continents. Among recent foreign fighters killed was Nadir Ali Ahmad (alias Abu Naila), a Belizean national. Together with his local wife, Kadija, they were killed in Maasim in the Sarangani province of the Philippines on Jan. 7, 2017.
Abu Naila was hosted by a local IS group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) until its leader, Mohammad Jaafar Maguid (alias Tokboy), was killed on Jan. 5 at Angel Beach Resort in Sarangani province. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa said Abu Naila “wanted to fight in Syria, but he first went here in the Philippines to train.”
In April 2016, Moroccan bomb-maker Mohammad Khattab was killed in Basilan, and his local wife, who was allegedly engaged in terrorist support activity, was captured.
“The Moroccan terrorist wanted to organize and unite all the kidnap-for ransom-groups to be affiliated with an international terrorist organization,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Hernando Iriberri said at the time.
The leader of the Philippine branch of IS, Isnilon Hapilon, was reportedly wounded by a military operation in Lanao del Sur last week.
Recruits
While Philippines security forces are fighting a relentless battle against a dozen groups that pledged allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, neighboring countries are disrupting the flow of foreign fighters to Mindanao. A series of raids in mid-January in Malaysia led to four arrests and fears that its westernmost state, Sabah, has become a transit station for South and Southeast Asians seeking to join IS Philippines (ISP).
The first arrest, a 31-year-old Filipino watch seller, was made in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on Jan 13. ISP had tasked the man with recruiting Malaysian, Indonesian, Bangladeshi and Rohingya fighters and bringing them for training to the southern Philippines.
He was offered 4,000 Malaysian ringgit (U.S. $903) per recruit by Dr Mahmud bin Ahmed, a 37-year-old former lecturer in comparative religion at Universiti Malaya and one of several Malaysians operating in the southern Philippines.
Also arrested in Kota Kinabalu was the prospective bride of the Filipino man, a 27-year-old Malaysian woman from Selangor recruited two months earlier through social media. They had planned to fly to Sandakan before entering Marawi City, Mindanao, and then linking up with Dr. Mahmud in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
The other arrests were two Bangladeshi salesmen in Kuala Lumpur, age 27 and 28, who were also to join Dr Mahmud in the southern Philippines.
Shifting to land
The initial IS inroads to the islands of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi Tawi in Western Mindanao was through the Abu Sayyaf Group. But since President Rodrigo Duterte pressured his commanders to eliminate both ASG and IS and their associated groups, the threat groups are shifting to “land.”
ISP leadership moved to Central Mindanao and is working with Islamic State Lanao, led by the Maute brothers. With the IS base in Basilan shifting to Lanao del Norte, the unfamiliar terrain has made Hapilon and his associates more vulnerable.
The security forces will need the support of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a group that has entered the political mainstream but awaits a peace deal with Duterte. What is important for the Philippines is to work hard to engage threat groups that genuinely seek peace and fight the groups unwilling to enter the mainstream.
If conflict persists, both seasoned and newly recruited foreign fighters will use the Philippines as a base, threatening both national and international security.
http://www.benarnews.org/english/commentaries/asia-pacific-threat-update/is-gunaratna-01302017142823.html
Philippine troops fire cannons at Islamic militants in Lanao del Sur province, Mindanao, Nov. 27, 2016.
Islamic State (IS) has been expanding steadfastly beyond its heartland of Iraq and Syria since the declaration of a “caliphate” on June 29, 2014. Over half of the 50,000 foreign fighters drawn to Iraq and Syria have since perished. But the IS narrative has spread and its subculture has been seeded worldwide.
Today, the threat in South and Southeast Asian countries is not so much from returning foreign fighters, who are coming home demoralized and in small numbers. Rather, these countries are seeing domestic threat-groups coopted by IS, and their own citizens radicalized and militarized by IS propaganda. Some of these individuals and groups are being directed and influenced by the foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria who form part of the IS external operations wing.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the battlefields of IS. IS has successfully mounted attacks in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
In a June 2016 IS video, a Filipino, an Indonesian and a Malaysian appeared together, urging Muslims in their native languages to fight in Syria or the Philippines. “If you cannot go to [Syria], join up and go to the Philippines,” Malaysian IS figure Rafi Udin said in the 20-minute video.
IS and its supporters now regard Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, as a part of its territory.
Beyond Asia
The two dozen foreign fighters operating in the Philippines include people from different parts of Asia as well as other continents. Among recent foreign fighters killed was Nadir Ali Ahmad (alias Abu Naila), a Belizean national. Together with his local wife, Kadija, they were killed in Maasim in the Sarangani province of the Philippines on Jan. 7, 2017.
Abu Naila was hosted by a local IS group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) until its leader, Mohammad Jaafar Maguid (alias Tokboy), was killed on Jan. 5 at Angel Beach Resort in Sarangani province. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa said Abu Naila “wanted to fight in Syria, but he first went here in the Philippines to train.”
In April 2016, Moroccan bomb-maker Mohammad Khattab was killed in Basilan, and his local wife, who was allegedly engaged in terrorist support activity, was captured.
“The Moroccan terrorist wanted to organize and unite all the kidnap-for ransom-groups to be affiliated with an international terrorist organization,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Hernando Iriberri said at the time.
The leader of the Philippine branch of IS, Isnilon Hapilon, was reportedly wounded by a military operation in Lanao del Sur last week.
Recruits
While Philippines security forces are fighting a relentless battle against a dozen groups that pledged allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, neighboring countries are disrupting the flow of foreign fighters to Mindanao. A series of raids in mid-January in Malaysia led to four arrests and fears that its westernmost state, Sabah, has become a transit station for South and Southeast Asians seeking to join IS Philippines (ISP).
The first arrest, a 31-year-old Filipino watch seller, was made in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on Jan 13. ISP had tasked the man with recruiting Malaysian, Indonesian, Bangladeshi and Rohingya fighters and bringing them for training to the southern Philippines.
He was offered 4,000 Malaysian ringgit (U.S. $903) per recruit by Dr Mahmud bin Ahmed, a 37-year-old former lecturer in comparative religion at Universiti Malaya and one of several Malaysians operating in the southern Philippines.
Also arrested in Kota Kinabalu was the prospective bride of the Filipino man, a 27-year-old Malaysian woman from Selangor recruited two months earlier through social media. They had planned to fly to Sandakan before entering Marawi City, Mindanao, and then linking up with Dr. Mahmud in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
The other arrests were two Bangladeshi salesmen in Kuala Lumpur, age 27 and 28, who were also to join Dr Mahmud in the southern Philippines.
Shifting to land
The initial IS inroads to the islands of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi Tawi in Western Mindanao was through the Abu Sayyaf Group. But since President Rodrigo Duterte pressured his commanders to eliminate both ASG and IS and their associated groups, the threat groups are shifting to “land.”
ISP leadership moved to Central Mindanao and is working with Islamic State Lanao, led by the Maute brothers. With the IS base in Basilan shifting to Lanao del Norte, the unfamiliar terrain has made Hapilon and his associates more vulnerable.
The security forces will need the support of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a group that has entered the political mainstream but awaits a peace deal with Duterte. What is important for the Philippines is to work hard to engage threat groups that genuinely seek peace and fight the groups unwilling to enter the mainstream.
If conflict persists, both seasoned and newly recruited foreign fighters will use the Philippines as a base, threatening both national and international security.
http://www.benarnews.org/english/commentaries/asia-pacific-threat-update/is-gunaratna-01302017142823.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)