From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 23): General Año: WesMinCom, lipulin ang ASG sa loob ng anim na buwan
Hinimok ni Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Eduardoang mga military personnel na nasa Western Mindanao Command na sundin ang panawagan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na lipulin ang Abu Sayyaf Group sa loob ng anim na buwan.
Matatandaang noong January 18, bumisita si General Año kasama ni Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana sa Simunul at Sibutu Island noong umaga at dumiretso naman ito sa Jolo, Sulu noong hapon.
Ayon kay AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, Marine Col Edgard Arevalo, historic umano ang naturang pagbisita ni General Año sa frontline units sa Western Mindanao dahil hindi lamang nito sinama si Secretary Lorenzana kundi halos ang buong AFP.
Sinabi ni General Año na satisfied ito sa kanilang preparasyon lalong lalo na sa personnel, equipment, intellegence, psychological operation at support units.
Dinagdag pa niyang sa pamamagitan ng mga bagong plano, mas mapapadali ang pag-supil sa ASG dahil gagamitin nila umano ang mga lumang operation plans at imomodify ang mga ito para mas lalo itong maging epektibo.
Sa huli ay hinikayat ni General Año ang mga sundalo na tatagan ang kanilang loob, at ibigay nila ang kanilang makakaya para sa kanilang laban sa ASG at iba pang mga teroristang grupo.– EPJA
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/01/23/general-ano-wesmincom-lipilin-ang-asg-sa-loob-ng-anim-na-buwan/
Sunday, January 22, 2017
MILF: MILF nominated BTC members undergo training on Parliamentary Procedure
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jan 22): MILF nominated BTC members undergo training on Parliamentary Procedure
As part of preparation for the re-activation of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), eleven (11) BTC members nominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) underwent Training on Basic Parliamentary Procedures at the Royal Mandaya Hotel at Davao City on January 18-19, 2017.
The BTC shall be chaired by MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar. Former BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal will remain part of the Commission as member.
It was reported recently that the appointments of 21 BTC members were already signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a peace deal signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in 2014, provides the creation of the BTC that will be tasked to draft a proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to be submitted to Philippine Congress for enactment.
Under the Aquino Administration, the BTC did its job drafting the BBL and submitted to the Philippine Congress through Malacanang. However, the 16th Congress ended last year without passing the BBL.
President Duterte has committed to implement the peace agreements signed by the government with the Moro revolutionary groups.
In a bid to incorporate the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement, the Duterte Administration increased the membership of BTC from 15 to 21 to include representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Indigenous Peoples.
The expanded BTC will draft an Enabling Law to be submitted to Congress. Once passed and ratified through a plebiscite, the Bangsamoro law will pave the way for the establishment of an autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more political and fiscal powers.
The MILF leadership and peace advocates are hopeful that the lawmakers will pass an enabling law that adheres to the CAB.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1043-milf-nominated-btc-members-undergo-training-on-parliamentary-procedure
As part of preparation for the re-activation of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), eleven (11) BTC members nominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) underwent Training on Basic Parliamentary Procedures at the Royal Mandaya Hotel at Davao City on January 18-19, 2017.
It was reported recently that the appointments of 21 BTC members were already signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a peace deal signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in 2014, provides the creation of the BTC that will be tasked to draft a proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to be submitted to Philippine Congress for enactment.
Under the Aquino Administration, the BTC did its job drafting the BBL and submitted to the Philippine Congress through Malacanang. However, the 16th Congress ended last year without passing the BBL.
President Duterte has committed to implement the peace agreements signed by the government with the Moro revolutionary groups.
In a bid to incorporate the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement, the Duterte Administration increased the membership of BTC from 15 to 21 to include representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Indigenous Peoples.
The expanded BTC will draft an Enabling Law to be submitted to Congress. Once passed and ratified through a plebiscite, the Bangsamoro law will pave the way for the establishment of an autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more political and fiscal powers.
The MILF leadership and peace advocates are hopeful that the lawmakers will pass an enabling law that adheres to the CAB.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1043-milf-nominated-btc-members-undergo-training-on-parliamentary-procedure
MILF: Stakeholders undergo ‘Insider Mediators Training’ for Bangsamoro unity
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jan 22): Stakeholders undergo ‘Insider Mediators Training’ for Bangsamoro unity
Around 20 Moro stakeholders underwent training entitled “Insider Mediators Training” with an aim to enhance their skills in resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation and mediation geared towards strengthening unity among the Bangsamoro people.
The activity was organized by the Bangsamoro Study Group with the support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme. It is a continuation of the training given last September.
Experts from Clingendael Institute were tapped as facilitators. Clingendael provides information, conduct research and develop programmes for government agencies or NGOs. The institute is organized into two departments, research and academy.
The participants learned analysing threats to the Bangsamoro peace process and the role of the insider mediators.
They were also taught on how to handle with potentially violent groups as mediators, handle informal consultations and deal with negotiation behaviours of the parties.
Part of the training was mediation simulation workshop where they were applied their learning in conducting formal and informal talks, communication skills within conflict resolution and how to remain impartial.
The participants are on a mission to initiate and intra-Moro dialogue and pitch the call for Bangsamoro unity.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1044-stakeholders-undergo-insider-mediators-training-for-bangsamoro-unity
Around 20 Moro stakeholders underwent training entitled “Insider Mediators Training” with an aim to enhance their skills in resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation and mediation geared towards strengthening unity among the Bangsamoro people.
Experts from Clingendael Institute were tapped as facilitators. Clingendael provides information, conduct research and develop programmes for government agencies or NGOs. The institute is organized into two departments, research and academy.
The participants learned analysing threats to the Bangsamoro peace process and the role of the insider mediators.
They were also taught on how to handle with potentially violent groups as mediators, handle informal consultations and deal with negotiation behaviours of the parties.
Part of the training was mediation simulation workshop where they were applied their learning in conducting formal and informal talks, communication skills within conflict resolution and how to remain impartial.
The participants are on a mission to initiate and intra-Moro dialogue and pitch the call for Bangsamoro unity.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1044-stakeholders-undergo-insider-mediators-training-for-bangsamoro-unity
NDF: NDFP condemns killing of Negros peasant leader
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 21): NDFP condemns killing of Negros peasant leader
NDFP Media Office
Press Statement
January 21, 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vigorously condemns the killing of peasant leader Alexander Ceballos in Negros on January 20. Ceballos was gunned down in his home in Barangay Pandan Silos, Murcia, Negros Occidental by a masked goon in the employ of former Don Salvador Benedicto town mayor Nehemias dela Cruz. Ceballos was the leader of some 50 members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) cultivating a piece of land in Don Salvador Benedicto claimed by the ex-mayor who had reportedly sold the land to big landlord Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Six months ago, Ceballos had narrowly survived an attempt on his life by De La Cruz’s goons.
The peasant leader’s murder, the first extrajudicial killing under the Duterte government’s new internal security program Oplan Kapayapaan, also comes amid the NDFP’s negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) for a comprehensive agreement that among others, calls for genuine land reform.
Ceballos’ killing is but the latest case of landlord violence against peasants who have taken initiatives to assert their right to have land to till in the face of the failure of successive government agrarian reform programs. The Mendiola Massacre, the Hacienda Luisita Massacre and the series of attacks against agrarian reform beneficiaries in Lapanday Foods Corp. all demonstrate the need for sweeping reforms in the Philippine countryside to dismantle landlord power, resolve the peasantry’s hunger for land and end rural oppression and exploitation.
Signed:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Peace Panel
Ceballos’ assailants are members of the RPA-ABB, a bandit group
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-condemns-killing-of-negros-peasant-leader/
NDFP Media Office
Press Statement
January 21, 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vigorously condemns the killing of peasant leader Alexander Ceballos in Negros on January 20. Ceballos was gunned down in his home in Barangay Pandan Silos, Murcia, Negros Occidental by a masked goon in the employ of former Don Salvador Benedicto town mayor Nehemias dela Cruz. Ceballos was the leader of some 50 members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) cultivating a piece of land in Don Salvador Benedicto claimed by the ex-mayor who had reportedly sold the land to big landlord Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Six months ago, Ceballos had narrowly survived an attempt on his life by De La Cruz’s goons.
The peasant leader’s murder, the first extrajudicial killing under the Duterte government’s new internal security program Oplan Kapayapaan, also comes amid the NDFP’s negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) for a comprehensive agreement that among others, calls for genuine land reform.
Ceballos’ killing is but the latest case of landlord violence against peasants who have taken initiatives to assert their right to have land to till in the face of the failure of successive government agrarian reform programs. The Mendiola Massacre, the Hacienda Luisita Massacre and the series of attacks against agrarian reform beneficiaries in Lapanday Foods Corp. all demonstrate the need for sweeping reforms in the Philippine countryside to dismantle landlord power, resolve the peasantry’s hunger for land and end rural oppression and exploitation.
Signed:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Peace Panel
Ceballos’ assailants are members of the RPA-ABB, a bandit group
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-condemns-killing-of-negros-peasant-leader/
NDF: NDFP slams allegations of fractiousness
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 21): NDFP slams allegations of fractiousness
NDFP Media Office
Press release
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) denounced allegations that the revolutionary organization is split into three factions with regard to its attitude towards the peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
An article in today’s issue of the Manila Standard citing spurious sources alleged that a faction led by NDFP Senior Adviser Luis Jalandoni and Chief Political Consultant Jose Ma. Sison wants a negotiated settlement; that a second faction led by Benito and Wilma Tiamzon merely wants the release of all political prisoners; and a third faction led by NPA National Operational Command chief Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos wants to pursue the armed struggle.
“This rehash of the old military psywar line,” said NDFP peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili, “is nothing but an attempt to sow intrigues against the revolutionary movement and derail the peace negotiations.”
“The NDFP will not be distracted by such baseless intrigues in its objective of engaging the GRP in peace negotiations to attain the maximum possible benefits for the Filipino people,” sd Agcaoili.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-slams-allegations-fractiousness/
NDFP Media Office
Press release
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) denounced allegations that the revolutionary organization is split into three factions with regard to its attitude towards the peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
An article in today’s issue of the Manila Standard citing spurious sources alleged that a faction led by NDFP Senior Adviser Luis Jalandoni and Chief Political Consultant Jose Ma. Sison wants a negotiated settlement; that a second faction led by Benito and Wilma Tiamzon merely wants the release of all political prisoners; and a third faction led by NPA National Operational Command chief Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos wants to pursue the armed struggle.
“This rehash of the old military psywar line,” said NDFP peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili, “is nothing but an attempt to sow intrigues against the revolutionary movement and derail the peace negotiations.”
“The NDFP will not be distracted by such baseless intrigues in its objective of engaging the GRP in peace negotiations to attain the maximum possible benefits for the Filipino people,” sd Agcaoili.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-slams-allegations-fractiousness/
NDF: NDFP, GRP peace panels sign rights monitoring committee supplemental guidelines
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 21): NDFP, GRP peace panels sign rights monitoring committee supplemental guidelines
NDFP Media Office
Press release
The peace panels of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) signed today the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after a six-year impasse. It was the result of renewed efforts from the NDFP and the reconstituted GRP monitoring committee appointed by the Duterte government.
Once implemented, the Supplemental Guidelines will now make it possible for the JMC to conduct joint investigations regarding both parties’ compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the first substantive agreement signed under the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations. The CARHRIHL was signed in 1998.
The JMC was last able to submit a draft of the supplemental guidelines to the two peace panels in 2011, but the GRP panel under then Pres. Benigno Aquino III did not sign the document because it refused to acknowledge that the NDFP has a separate duty and responsibility to conduct investigations in accordance with CARHRIHL.
In explaining the significance of the signing, NDFP peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili said that joint investigations could finally be conducted on the thousands of cases filed with the JMC since 2004. For every case against the NDFP, there have been four cases filed against the GRP.
Many of the cases against the GRP involve extrajudicial killings, involuntary disappearances, illegal detention and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as a consequence of military operations conducted by state security forces.
[Video: Signing of Supplemental Guidelines to JMC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8-Mj2qV4bY
The peace panels of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) signed today the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after a six-year impasse. It was the result of renewed efforts from the NDFP and the reconstituted GRP monitoring committee appointed by the Duterte government.]
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-grp-peace-panels-sign-rights-monitoring-committee-supplemental-guidelines/
NDFP Media Office
Press release
The peace panels of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) signed today the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after a six-year impasse. It was the result of renewed efforts from the NDFP and the reconstituted GRP monitoring committee appointed by the Duterte government.
Once implemented, the Supplemental Guidelines will now make it possible for the JMC to conduct joint investigations regarding both parties’ compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the first substantive agreement signed under the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations. The CARHRIHL was signed in 1998.
The JMC was last able to submit a draft of the supplemental guidelines to the two peace panels in 2011, but the GRP panel under then Pres. Benigno Aquino III did not sign the document because it refused to acknowledge that the NDFP has a separate duty and responsibility to conduct investigations in accordance with CARHRIHL.
In explaining the significance of the signing, NDFP peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili said that joint investigations could finally be conducted on the thousands of cases filed with the JMC since 2004. For every case against the NDFP, there have been four cases filed against the GRP.
Many of the cases against the GRP involve extrajudicial killings, involuntary disappearances, illegal detention and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as a consequence of military operations conducted by state security forces.
[Video: Signing of Supplemental Guidelines to JMC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8-Mj2qV4bY
The peace panels of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) signed today the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after a six-year impasse. It was the result of renewed efforts from the NDFP and the reconstituted GRP monitoring committee appointed by the Duterte government.]
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-grp-peace-panels-sign-rights-monitoring-committee-supplemental-guidelines/
NDF: Adherence to CARHRIHL first big test of GRP sincerity
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jan 21): Adherence to CARHRIHL first big test of GRP sincerity
The first major item of the agenda taken up by the GRP and NDFP panels in the third round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations was the review of the implementation of CARHRIHL, the first major item in the substantive agenda in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. This agreement was approved and signed by the two panels in 1998.
The NDFP panel had previously insisted to place the review of the implementation of CARHRIHL as number one item on the agenda because the NDFP has been greatly disappointed by the failure of the GRP to fulfill many of its obligations under this agreement.
“The first big test of the seriousness of the GRP in these negotiations is compliance with CARHRIHL. For if the GRP cannot fulfill its obligations in an agreement already signed, what is our guarantee with regard to future agreements?” NDFP Panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili said.
The NDFP Negotiating Panel believes that the strict implementation of CARHRIHL is of prime importance for the peace process to move forward especially because it is the first major item in the substantive agenda in the peace negotiations. Mutual trust and confidence is essential if the peace negotiations are to succeed. Non-compliance is bound to erode mutual trust and confidence.
In his presentation, NDFP panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili, enumerated some of the most important violations by the GRP of CARHRIHL. He cited the retention of repressive Marcos decrees particularly those that are used against NDFP forces and against the basic masses.
Alleged NDFP personnel when arrested, are routinely slapped with non-bailable charges such as illegal possession of firearms and explosives to keep them perpetually detained. In most cases, the firearm is planted to serve as “evidence.”
Agcaoili also cited other decrees and repressive laws such as those restricting the right to peaceful assembly, authorizing the demolition of urban poor communities, and legalizing the CAFGU (Citizen’s Armed Forces Geographical Unit) whose members are often involved in carrying out atrocities in the countryside.
He also pointed to the violation by the GRP of the Hernandez political offense doctrine to which the GRP committed itself to uphold. Alleged NDFP forces are routinely charged with common crimes.
For instance, a person alleged to be a New People’s Army (NPA) red fighter may be charged with multiple murder if he was suspected of being involved in an ambush resulting in the death of several GRP soldiers. Under the Hernandez doctrine the charge of multiple murder should be subsumed under the crime of rebellion.
The NDFP panel chairperson protested the continuing military operations against rural communities on the pretext of conducting so-called peace and development projects under OPLAN Bayanihan.
They occupy schools, health and day care centers, barangay halls, public plazas, and even bus stops and private residences in more than 43 provinces and 146 municipalities all over the country. They impose food blockades and restrictions on the movement of residents, disrupting their economic activities.
Agcaoili formally raised with the GRP panel the case of three JASIG-protected NDFP consultants who remain in prison and prevented from participating in the ongoing peace negotiations. Eduardo Sarmiento, Emeterio Antalan and Leopoldo Caloza were arrested and convicted on trumped up criminal charges. To facilitate their release and enable them to participate in the ongoing GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, the GRP panel suggested that the consultants withdrew their appeals to pave the way for the granting of presidential pardon. As a result, their conviction became final. But until now they have not been pardoned and continue to languish in jail.
According to Agcaoili, “This constitutes not only a serious violation of CARHRIHL and JASIG but a betrayal of trust.”
During the session, Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN Secretary General and NDFP-designated Independent Observer to the Joint Monitoring Committee, formally presented to the GRP panel documented cases of human rights violations committed by GRP forces and violations of CARHRIHL by the GRP.
As the talks were going on, the NDFP panel received a report about the cold blooded murder of Alexander Ceballos, a peasant leader of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) by suspected members of RPA-ABB, a paramilitary unit under the payroll of the local government unit in the area. According to KARAPATAN this would be the first extra-judicial killing of a progressive peasant leader under OPLAN Kapayapaan the new counter-insurgency program that has replaced the notorious OPLAN Bayanihan. #
FIDEL V. AGCAOILI
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
https://www.ndfp.org/adherence-carhrihl-first-big-test-grp-sincerity/
The first major item of the agenda taken up by the GRP and NDFP panels in the third round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations was the review of the implementation of CARHRIHL, the first major item in the substantive agenda in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. This agreement was approved and signed by the two panels in 1998.
The NDFP panel had previously insisted to place the review of the implementation of CARHRIHL as number one item on the agenda because the NDFP has been greatly disappointed by the failure of the GRP to fulfill many of its obligations under this agreement.
“The first big test of the seriousness of the GRP in these negotiations is compliance with CARHRIHL. For if the GRP cannot fulfill its obligations in an agreement already signed, what is our guarantee with regard to future agreements?” NDFP Panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili said.
The NDFP Negotiating Panel believes that the strict implementation of CARHRIHL is of prime importance for the peace process to move forward especially because it is the first major item in the substantive agenda in the peace negotiations. Mutual trust and confidence is essential if the peace negotiations are to succeed. Non-compliance is bound to erode mutual trust and confidence.
In his presentation, NDFP panel Chairperson Fidel V. Agcaoili, enumerated some of the most important violations by the GRP of CARHRIHL. He cited the retention of repressive Marcos decrees particularly those that are used against NDFP forces and against the basic masses.
Alleged NDFP personnel when arrested, are routinely slapped with non-bailable charges such as illegal possession of firearms and explosives to keep them perpetually detained. In most cases, the firearm is planted to serve as “evidence.”
Agcaoili also cited other decrees and repressive laws such as those restricting the right to peaceful assembly, authorizing the demolition of urban poor communities, and legalizing the CAFGU (Citizen’s Armed Forces Geographical Unit) whose members are often involved in carrying out atrocities in the countryside.
He also pointed to the violation by the GRP of the Hernandez political offense doctrine to which the GRP committed itself to uphold. Alleged NDFP forces are routinely charged with common crimes.
For instance, a person alleged to be a New People’s Army (NPA) red fighter may be charged with multiple murder if he was suspected of being involved in an ambush resulting in the death of several GRP soldiers. Under the Hernandez doctrine the charge of multiple murder should be subsumed under the crime of rebellion.
The NDFP panel chairperson protested the continuing military operations against rural communities on the pretext of conducting so-called peace and development projects under OPLAN Bayanihan.
They occupy schools, health and day care centers, barangay halls, public plazas, and even bus stops and private residences in more than 43 provinces and 146 municipalities all over the country. They impose food blockades and restrictions on the movement of residents, disrupting their economic activities.
Agcaoili formally raised with the GRP panel the case of three JASIG-protected NDFP consultants who remain in prison and prevented from participating in the ongoing peace negotiations. Eduardo Sarmiento, Emeterio Antalan and Leopoldo Caloza were arrested and convicted on trumped up criminal charges. To facilitate their release and enable them to participate in the ongoing GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, the GRP panel suggested that the consultants withdrew their appeals to pave the way for the granting of presidential pardon. As a result, their conviction became final. But until now they have not been pardoned and continue to languish in jail.
According to Agcaoili, “This constitutes not only a serious violation of CARHRIHL and JASIG but a betrayal of trust.”
NDFP Photo
During the session, Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN Secretary General and NDFP-designated Independent Observer to the Joint Monitoring Committee, formally presented to the GRP panel documented cases of human rights violations committed by GRP forces and violations of CARHRIHL by the GRP.
As the talks were going on, the NDFP panel received a report about the cold blooded murder of Alexander Ceballos, a peasant leader of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) by suspected members of RPA-ABB, a paramilitary unit under the payroll of the local government unit in the area. According to KARAPATAN this would be the first extra-judicial killing of a progressive peasant leader under OPLAN Kapayapaan the new counter-insurgency program that has replaced the notorious OPLAN Bayanihan. #
FIDEL V. AGCAOILI
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
https://www.ndfp.org/adherence-carhrihl-first-big-test-grp-sincerity/
8 soldiers, NPA rebel killed in North Cotabato clash amid Rome peace talks
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 22): 8 soldiers, NPA rebel killed in North Cotabato clash amid Rome peace talks
While peace negotiations continue here, government forces and communist guerrillas clashed in Makilala town in North Cotabato leaving a rebel and eight soldiers dead.
The military’s 10th Infantry Division said in a statement that a combined team of soldiers and police clashed with armed men in Barangay Biangan at 5 p.m. Saturday. Fighting lasted for an hour. At around 5:30 a.m. the next day, another clash erupted.
“After the 30-minute firefight, the troops recovered three high-powered rifles, several personal belongings and a dead body of an unidentified man at the encounter site,” the military said.
The AFP said that on January 20, government forces were responding to a report of rebels commandeering a vehicle of the Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC) in the village of Malasila.
“The driver of the ten-wheeler truck reported that the armed men fired at him and threatened that the management will suffer the consequences if they fail to give in to their extortion demands. After which, the armed men forcibly took the key of the said truck and escaped immediately,” the military said.
But the New People’s Army said the military was provoking and pursuing them despite the ceasefire and peace negotiations.
“At around 5 in the morning yesterday, troops from the 39th IB-AFP arrived at Sitio Concepcion, Barangay Kisante, Makilala and launched offensive operation towards Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan where an NPA unit was encamped. Having monitored the enemy’s movement, Red fighters promptly maneuvered to avoid armed encounter,” Rigoberto Sanchez, NPA-Southern Mindanao spokesman, said in a statement.
Sanchez said that government troops caught up with the NPA where a firefight erupted leaving one communist and eight soldiers dead.
“The war dogs of the 39th IB and the entire AFP cannot wash its hands clean of this flagrant violation of their own ceasefire: Sitio Lokatong in Brgy. Biangan is a remote area that their presence can only mean an offensive operation against the NPA,” Sanchez said.
“Furthermore, they fool no one by claiming that their combat operation was merely in response to reports by local authorities of the presence of lawless groups: for the entire day, they actively maneuvered to engage the evading unit of the NPA,” he added.
Sanchez said that since August last year the military has maneuvered in North Cotabato with them deployment of peace and development teams.
“It, likewise, continued to mobilize its troops and paramilitaries in various forms of combat operations such as intelligence gathering, combat and psywar in far-flung areas that resulted in harassments; extra-judicial killings of civilians Rita and Norberto Gascon on September 13 in Arakan, and Rolan Malignan on November 22 and the forced evacuation of several families in Magpet on December 6,” Sanchez said.
“The Duterte government must know by now that it is the bullish insincerity of its armed forces to continue its counter-insurgency campaign that is the biggest impediment in the quest for just and lasting peace,” Sanchez commented.
Both peace panels are still mum about the incident but they said that they would investigate it and act on it in the context of the negotiations.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864478/8-soldiers-npa-rebel-killed-in-north-cotabato-clash-amid-rome-peace-talks
While peace negotiations continue here, government forces and communist guerrillas clashed in Makilala town in North Cotabato leaving a rebel and eight soldiers dead.
The military’s 10th Infantry Division said in a statement that a combined team of soldiers and police clashed with armed men in Barangay Biangan at 5 p.m. Saturday. Fighting lasted for an hour. At around 5:30 a.m. the next day, another clash erupted.
“After the 30-minute firefight, the troops recovered three high-powered rifles, several personal belongings and a dead body of an unidentified man at the encounter site,” the military said.
The AFP said that on January 20, government forces were responding to a report of rebels commandeering a vehicle of the Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC) in the village of Malasila.
“The driver of the ten-wheeler truck reported that the armed men fired at him and threatened that the management will suffer the consequences if they fail to give in to their extortion demands. After which, the armed men forcibly took the key of the said truck and escaped immediately,” the military said.
But the New People’s Army said the military was provoking and pursuing them despite the ceasefire and peace negotiations.
“At around 5 in the morning yesterday, troops from the 39th IB-AFP arrived at Sitio Concepcion, Barangay Kisante, Makilala and launched offensive operation towards Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan where an NPA unit was encamped. Having monitored the enemy’s movement, Red fighters promptly maneuvered to avoid armed encounter,” Rigoberto Sanchez, NPA-Southern Mindanao spokesman, said in a statement.
Sanchez said that government troops caught up with the NPA where a firefight erupted leaving one communist and eight soldiers dead.
“The war dogs of the 39th IB and the entire AFP cannot wash its hands clean of this flagrant violation of their own ceasefire: Sitio Lokatong in Brgy. Biangan is a remote area that their presence can only mean an offensive operation against the NPA,” Sanchez said.
“Furthermore, they fool no one by claiming that their combat operation was merely in response to reports by local authorities of the presence of lawless groups: for the entire day, they actively maneuvered to engage the evading unit of the NPA,” he added.
Sanchez said that since August last year the military has maneuvered in North Cotabato with them deployment of peace and development teams.
“It, likewise, continued to mobilize its troops and paramilitaries in various forms of combat operations such as intelligence gathering, combat and psywar in far-flung areas that resulted in harassments; extra-judicial killings of civilians Rita and Norberto Gascon on September 13 in Arakan, and Rolan Malignan on November 22 and the forced evacuation of several families in Magpet on December 6,” Sanchez said.
“The Duterte government must know by now that it is the bullish insincerity of its armed forces to continue its counter-insurgency campaign that is the biggest impediment in the quest for just and lasting peace,” Sanchez commented.
Both peace panels are still mum about the incident but they said that they would investigate it and act on it in the context of the negotiations.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864478/8-soldiers-npa-rebel-killed-in-north-cotabato-clash-amid-rome-peace-talks
Army denies NPA killed 8 soldiers in North Cotabato clash
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 23): Army denies NPA killed 8 soldiers in North Cotabato clash
Police scene of the crime operatives process the site in Makilala town in North Cotabato where the Army had an encounter with a group of armed men who turned out to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The Army on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, denied the claim of the NPA that eight soldiers were killed in a gunbattle that happened on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION PHOTO
The Army on Monday denied the claim of the New People’s Army (NPA) that eight soldiers were killed in a gunbattle in North Cotabato over the weekend.
“There were no casualties in that encounter between the soldiers and the lawless armed men. I don’t know where they got that information. It’s a hoax,” Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, commanding officer of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, told INQUIRER.net by phone.
In Manila, Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao also denied the reported casualties. “We did not receive such report. How will the benefits of the soldiers supposedly be processed if there was no report of casualties in the first place?”
NPA Southern Mindanao spokesman Rigberto Sanchez said on Sunday that eight soldiers and one NPA rebel were killed in a firefight in Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan in Makilala town, North Cotabato.
The rebels also claimed that the military was provoking them despite a ceasefire and ongoing peace talks.
The supposed incident coincided with the third round of peace negotiations in Rome between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Argamosa said they merely responded to reports that a “lawless armed group” harassed a truck driver in a bid to extort from a construction company. An intermittent firefight on Saturday and Sunday between government forces and communist rebels followed, which left one rebel dead.
The soldiers were able to recover three-high powered rifles, three improvised explosive devices, 15 backpacks with personal belongings and two handheld radios.
A separate statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division confirmed that based on the investigation of the Philippine National Police, the weapons recovered from the encounter were from the NPA.
Argamosa said the claims of the communists were “a total lie.”
“Why will we hide that kind of information? Maybe they had more casualties,” he said.
He also denied that they were provoking the communist rebels to fight. “We are not singling them out. We are just keeping our mandate to help and maintain the peace in the community,” Argamosa said.
Asked if this would affect the peace talks, Argamosa said this was an “isolated incident.”
“This does not represent the situation of the entire Philippines. It just so happened that this occurred while the peace talks are ongoing,” he said.
But the military officer said that while he believed in the peace negotiations, there were incidents in other areas in the recent past that must be tackled, such as the burning of buses and construction equipment by suspected communist rebels.
“Of course there is no other way than to talk peace. It has hindered peace and progress (for) almost five decades now,” he said. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864575/army-denies-npa-killed-8-soldiers-in-north-cotabato-clash
Police scene of the crime operatives process the site in Makilala town in North Cotabato where the Army had an encounter with a group of armed men who turned out to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The Army on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, denied the claim of the NPA that eight soldiers were killed in a gunbattle that happened on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION PHOTO
The Army on Monday denied the claim of the New People’s Army (NPA) that eight soldiers were killed in a gunbattle in North Cotabato over the weekend.
“There were no casualties in that encounter between the soldiers and the lawless armed men. I don’t know where they got that information. It’s a hoax,” Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, commanding officer of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, told INQUIRER.net by phone.
NPA Southern Mindanao spokesman Rigberto Sanchez said on Sunday that eight soldiers and one NPA rebel were killed in a firefight in Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan in Makilala town, North Cotabato.
The rebels also claimed that the military was provoking them despite a ceasefire and ongoing peace talks.
The supposed incident coincided with the third round of peace negotiations in Rome between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Argamosa said they merely responded to reports that a “lawless armed group” harassed a truck driver in a bid to extort from a construction company. An intermittent firefight on Saturday and Sunday between government forces and communist rebels followed, which left one rebel dead.
The soldiers were able to recover three-high powered rifles, three improvised explosive devices, 15 backpacks with personal belongings and two handheld radios.
A separate statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division confirmed that based on the investigation of the Philippine National Police, the weapons recovered from the encounter were from the NPA.
Argamosa said the claims of the communists were “a total lie.”
“Why will we hide that kind of information? Maybe they had more casualties,” he said.
He also denied that they were provoking the communist rebels to fight. “We are not singling them out. We are just keeping our mandate to help and maintain the peace in the community,” Argamosa said.
Asked if this would affect the peace talks, Argamosa said this was an “isolated incident.”
“This does not represent the situation of the entire Philippines. It just so happened that this occurred while the peace talks are ongoing,” he said.
But the military officer said that while he believed in the peace negotiations, there were incidents in other areas in the recent past that must be tackled, such as the burning of buses and construction equipment by suspected communist rebels.
“Of course there is no other way than to talk peace. It has hindered peace and progress (for) almost five decades now,” he said. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864575/army-denies-npa-killed-8-soldiers-in-north-cotabato-clash
Philippines Continues to be Piracy Hotspot
From the Maritime Executive (Jan 22): Philippines Continues to be Piracy Hotspot
A surge in piracy to the west of the Philippines is forcing shipowners to divert vessels through other waters, increasing costs and extending the time it takes to transport goods such as Australian iron ore to key Asian destinations, reports news agency Reuters.
Shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon shows several large vessels carrying iron ore from Australia to northern Asia which used to take the route through the Sulu Sea now sailing east of the Philippines, through the open Pacific Ocean.
For the period of January 3 – 9, three attempted piracy incidents were reported to the Asian regional piracy center ReCAAP ISC, two of them in Philippine waters.
There have been 16 attacks since last March on ships in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, through which about $40 billion worth of cargo passes each year, according to ReCAAP. Currently, over a dozen crew members are being held hostage by Filipino Abu Sayyaf militants, all from ships sailing through the Sulu and Celebes seas.
The Philippine Navy announced last week that it will send 30 more boats and the best people to help fight the Abu Sayyaf.
ReCAAP ISC’s 2016 annual report highlights serious concern about incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off eastern Sabah which accounted for 10 of 13 Category 1 incidents.
10 of the Category 1 incidents involved the abduction of crew from tug boats, namely Brahma 12 (March 26), Massive 6 (April 1), Henry (April 15), Charles 00 (June 22) and Serudong 3 (July 18). Other incidents involved the general cargo ship Dong Bang Giant No. 2 (October 20); bulk carrier Royal 16 (November 11) and fishing boats and trawlers.
However, the report also states that overall there was a significant improvement in the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in 2016 compared to the past four years (2012-2015). The total number of incidents reported in 2016 has decreased by 58 percent compared to 2015, with 85 incidents reported in 2016 compared to 203 in 2015.
The 2016 annual report is available here.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/philippines-continues-to-be-piracy-hotspot
A surge in piracy to the west of the Philippines is forcing shipowners to divert vessels through other waters, increasing costs and extending the time it takes to transport goods such as Australian iron ore to key Asian destinations, reports news agency Reuters.
Shipping data in Thomson Reuters Eikon shows several large vessels carrying iron ore from Australia to northern Asia which used to take the route through the Sulu Sea now sailing east of the Philippines, through the open Pacific Ocean.
For the period of January 3 – 9, three attempted piracy incidents were reported to the Asian regional piracy center ReCAAP ISC, two of them in Philippine waters.There have been 16 attacks since last March on ships in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, through which about $40 billion worth of cargo passes each year, according to ReCAAP. Currently, over a dozen crew members are being held hostage by Filipino Abu Sayyaf militants, all from ships sailing through the Sulu and Celebes seas.
The Philippine Navy announced last week that it will send 30 more boats and the best people to help fight the Abu Sayyaf.
ReCAAP ISC’s 2016 annual report highlights serious concern about incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off eastern Sabah which accounted for 10 of 13 Category 1 incidents.
10 of the Category 1 incidents involved the abduction of crew from tug boats, namely Brahma 12 (March 26), Massive 6 (April 1), Henry (April 15), Charles 00 (June 22) and Serudong 3 (July 18). Other incidents involved the general cargo ship Dong Bang Giant No. 2 (October 20); bulk carrier Royal 16 (November 11) and fishing boats and trawlers.
However, the report also states that overall there was a significant improvement in the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in 2016 compared to the past four years (2012-2015). The total number of incidents reported in 2016 has decreased by 58 percent compared to 2015, with 85 incidents reported in 2016 compared to 203 in 2015.
The 2016 annual report is available here.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/philippines-continues-to-be-piracy-hotspot
Best soldiers, equipment to be used vs Abu Sayyaf
From Malaya (Jan 23): Best soldiers, equipment to be used vs Abu Sayyaf
ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año told ground commanders in Sulu to display their “highest degree of commandership” as he relayed his new timeline of six months within which to defeat the lawless Abu Sayyaf group.
Año issued the call during a visit of military units in Sulu, an Abu Sayyaf bailiwick, on Wednesday last week, Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP’s public affairs office, said yesterday.
Arevalo said Año also vowed to put the “best officers, enlisted personnel, and equipment” on the ground to accomplish the mission. Año’s predecessor, now retired Gen. Ricardo Visaya, also aimed to defeat the Abu Sayyaf during his term but failed.
Asked if additional forces will be deployed to Sulu, Arevalo said there is no need because there are enough soldiers on the ground. There are about 7,500 soldiers operating in Sulu. There are some 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf men operating in Sulu and Basilan, according to the military.
Año set the new deadline last January 6. He also wants the other lawless groups – the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters -- ended in six months.
Arevalo said Año gave “inputs” on how to end the Abu Sayyaf to Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. He declined to elaborate as he said these are operational in nature.
With Año during the Sulu visit were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, and Navy chief Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, among others.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/best-soldiers-equipment-be-used-vs-abu-sayyaf
ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año told ground commanders in Sulu to display their “highest degree of commandership” as he relayed his new timeline of six months within which to defeat the lawless Abu Sayyaf group.
Año issued the call during a visit of military units in Sulu, an Abu Sayyaf bailiwick, on Wednesday last week, Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP’s public affairs office, said yesterday.
Arevalo said Año also vowed to put the “best officers, enlisted personnel, and equipment” on the ground to accomplish the mission. Año’s predecessor, now retired Gen. Ricardo Visaya, also aimed to defeat the Abu Sayyaf during his term but failed.
Asked if additional forces will be deployed to Sulu, Arevalo said there is no need because there are enough soldiers on the ground. There are about 7,500 soldiers operating in Sulu. There are some 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf men operating in Sulu and Basilan, according to the military.
Año set the new deadline last January 6. He also wants the other lawless groups – the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters -- ended in six months.
Arevalo said Año gave “inputs” on how to end the Abu Sayyaf to Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. He declined to elaborate as he said these are operational in nature.
With Año during the Sulu visit were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, and Navy chief Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, among others.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/best-soldiers-equipment-be-used-vs-abu-sayyaf
P4B eyed to keep youth off extremism
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 23): P4B eyed to keep youth off extremism
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is setting aside P4 billion for poverty alleviation programs, which an official said should help keep the youth off extremism.
The region is feared to become the hotbed of extremism in the country and base of operations of groups like Maute of Lanao, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines in Maguindanao, and Abu Sayyaf, which is now styling itself as an ally of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Amir Mawallil, the newly appointed head of the ARMM’s Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA), said “poverty has been a pervasive problem” in the region.
Mawallil, who was appointed by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman as OBYA executive director last week, said poverty in the region threatens the future of the Bangsamoro youth.
“Poverty makes our youth vulnerable,” he said.
He said priority in the poverty alleviation campaign are conflict-torn areas that would be given shelter, livelihood, water and social service programs.
The community programs would cover the youth in terms of basic social services and job opportunities, he said.
Mawallil said sports programs are also being offered to Bangsamoro youth to help them grow beyond the classroom.
“We have been working hard to provide quality services and job opportunities across the region, especially for the Bangsamoro youth,” Mawallil said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864516/p4b-eyed-to-keep-youth-off-extremism
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is setting aside P4 billion for poverty alleviation programs, which an official said should help keep the youth off extremism.
The region is feared to become the hotbed of extremism in the country and base of operations of groups like Maute of Lanao, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines in Maguindanao, and Abu Sayyaf, which is now styling itself as an ally of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Amir Mawallil, the newly appointed head of the ARMM’s Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA), said “poverty has been a pervasive problem” in the region.
“Poverty makes our youth vulnerable,” he said.
He said priority in the poverty alleviation campaign are conflict-torn areas that would be given shelter, livelihood, water and social service programs.
The community programs would cover the youth in terms of basic social services and job opportunities, he said.
Mawallil said sports programs are also being offered to Bangsamoro youth to help them grow beyond the classroom.
“We have been working hard to provide quality services and job opportunities across the region, especially for the Bangsamoro youth,” Mawallil said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/864516/p4b-eyed-to-keep-youth-off-extremism
Armed men arrested in Lanao Sur not from Maute Group —AFP
From GMA News (Jan 22): Armed men arrested in Lanao Sur not from Maute Group —AFP
The military on Saturday clarified that the more that 20 armed men soldiers rounded up at a checkpoint in Marawi City were not members of the terrorist Maute Group.
In a radio interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that those arrested at an Army checkpoint at the boundary of the city's Barangays Matampay and Mapiga last January 17 were members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The arrest was due to lack of coordination by the armed group led by MNLF Kumander Aleem Abdulaziz Aminodin with the Army's 51st Infantry Battalion.
Lanao del Sur Police Provincial director Senior Supt. Datumama Mokalid Al-Haj told GMA News Online in a text message that the police are still determining the personal identities of those arrested.
Mokalid appealed to Lanao del Sur residents to refrain from carrying illegal firearms to avoid arrest. “I am wishing that everybody should follow the law on illegal firearm."
He said the military turned over to the police the seized firearms that included a loaded M60 machine gun, a Barrett rifle, an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, an M16 Bushmaster, and several handguns.
The firearms will be immediately subjected to ballistics test at the regional police laboratory.
Mokalid said the group of Aminodin was on board four vehicles heading for Lanao del Norte when it was intercepted.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/596653/news/regions/armed-men-arrested-in-lanao-sur-not-from-maute-group-afp
The military on Saturday clarified that the more that 20 armed men soldiers rounded up at a checkpoint in Marawi City were not members of the terrorist Maute Group.
In a radio interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that those arrested at an Army checkpoint at the boundary of the city's Barangays Matampay and Mapiga last January 17 were members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The arrest was due to lack of coordination by the armed group led by MNLF Kumander Aleem Abdulaziz Aminodin with the Army's 51st Infantry Battalion.
Lanao del Sur Police Provincial director Senior Supt. Datumama Mokalid Al-Haj told GMA News Online in a text message that the police are still determining the personal identities of those arrested.
Mokalid appealed to Lanao del Sur residents to refrain from carrying illegal firearms to avoid arrest. “I am wishing that everybody should follow the law on illegal firearm."
He said the military turned over to the police the seized firearms that included a loaded M60 machine gun, a Barrett rifle, an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, an M16 Bushmaster, and several handguns.
The firearms will be immediately subjected to ballistics test at the regional police laboratory.
Mokalid said the group of Aminodin was on board four vehicles heading for Lanao del Norte when it was intercepted.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/596653/news/regions/armed-men-arrested-in-lanao-sur-not-from-maute-group-afp
PH, NDF activate monitoring body amid ceasefire complaints
From Rappler (Jan 22): PH, NDF activate monitoring body amid ceasefire complaints
Hopes are up for a bilateral ceasefire deal that will prevent misencounters on the ground
GUIDELINES. Negotiators of the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines sign supplemental guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee. Photo from OPAPP
The languishing Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body tasked to monitor and investigate human rights abuses of security forces and communist rebels, was given a new lease on life amid a threat that the ongoing ceasefire will collapse.
Negotiators of the government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) on Saturday, January 21, signed supplemental guidelines that will make the JMC fully operational.
It is hailed as the first major achievement of the 3rd round of talks held Rome, Italy following a threat that the New People's Army (NPA) wants to withdraw the 5-month-old declaration of unilateral and indefinite ceasefire because of the delayed release of political prisoners and alleged ceasefire abuses by the military. (READ: No ceasefire expected soon as NDF extend timeline of talks)
Key to the activation of monitoring body is a funding from Norway, the 3rd country facilitating the talks to end Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.
Hopes up for a bilateral ceasefire deal
Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III is hoping that the activation of the JMC will bode well for the possible elevation of the current unilateral ceasefires – separately declared by the military and the NPA – into a bilateral ceasefire deal that will put in place common rules on the ground.
A bilateral ceasefire deal is critical in making sure misencounters on the ground – which could hurt ongoing talks – are avoided.
“This should be taken as an incentive for us to work harder in the remaining days of this round of talks, especially on our efforts to put in place a joint ceasefire agreement – a peace dividend that our people have been waiting for,” Bello said.
NDF chief negotiators Fidel Agcaoili is counting on the JMC to investigate alleged human rights violations of state forces, pointing out the arrests of suspected communist rebels based on allegedly trumped up charges. Rights group Karapatan claimed reporting more than 4,000 violations since 2004.
"The first big test of the seriousness of the GRP in these negotiations is compliance with CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law). For if the GRP cannot fulfill its obligations in an agreement already signed, what is our guarantee with regard to future agreements?," Agcaoili said.
The military also accused the NPA of ceasefire abuses such as the burning of buses and alleged extortion on business owners. The Department of National Defense had submitted to the government panel its inputs to the proposed bilateral ceasefire agreement.
First substantive agenda
The JMC was created after the government and the NDF signed in 1998 the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the 1st of the 4 substantive agenda to be negotiated before a peace deal is finalized. (READ: NDF not ready to sign final peace deal before 2020)
CARHRIHL encourages victims of human rights violations and abuses by security forces and the NPA to file complaints in order to receive indemnification.
"Persons liable for violations and abuses of human rights shall be subject to investigation and, if evidence warrants, to prosecution and trial. The victims or their survivors shall be indemnified. All necessary measures shall be undertaken to remove the conditions for violations and abuses of human rights and to render justice to and indemnify the victims," reads the CARHRIHL.
Bello said new laws on human rights (HR) and international humanitarian law (IHL) will aid the full operation of the JMC, citing the law against enforced disappearance, Anti-Torture Act, IHL Act, Human Security Act, Writ of Amparo, and the Writ of Kalikasan, among others.
The 3 other agenda are the follow: Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), Comprehensive Agreement on Political Reforms (CAPR), and Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF).
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159122-joint-monitoring-committee-ceasefire-complaints
Hopes are up for a bilateral ceasefire deal that will prevent misencounters on the ground
GUIDELINES. Negotiators of the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines sign supplemental guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee. Photo from OPAPP
The languishing Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body tasked to monitor and investigate human rights abuses of security forces and communist rebels, was given a new lease on life amid a threat that the ongoing ceasefire will collapse.
Negotiators of the government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) on Saturday, January 21, signed supplemental guidelines that will make the JMC fully operational.
It is hailed as the first major achievement of the 3rd round of talks held Rome, Italy following a threat that the New People's Army (NPA) wants to withdraw the 5-month-old declaration of unilateral and indefinite ceasefire because of the delayed release of political prisoners and alleged ceasefire abuses by the military. (READ: No ceasefire expected soon as NDF extend timeline of talks)
Key to the activation of monitoring body is a funding from Norway, the 3rd country facilitating the talks to end Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.
Hopes up for a bilateral ceasefire deal
Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III is hoping that the activation of the JMC will bode well for the possible elevation of the current unilateral ceasefires – separately declared by the military and the NPA – into a bilateral ceasefire deal that will put in place common rules on the ground.
A bilateral ceasefire deal is critical in making sure misencounters on the ground – which could hurt ongoing talks – are avoided.
“This should be taken as an incentive for us to work harder in the remaining days of this round of talks, especially on our efforts to put in place a joint ceasefire agreement – a peace dividend that our people have been waiting for,” Bello said.
NDF chief negotiators Fidel Agcaoili is counting on the JMC to investigate alleged human rights violations of state forces, pointing out the arrests of suspected communist rebels based on allegedly trumped up charges. Rights group Karapatan claimed reporting more than 4,000 violations since 2004.
"The first big test of the seriousness of the GRP in these negotiations is compliance with CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law). For if the GRP cannot fulfill its obligations in an agreement already signed, what is our guarantee with regard to future agreements?," Agcaoili said.
The military also accused the NPA of ceasefire abuses such as the burning of buses and alleged extortion on business owners. The Department of National Defense had submitted to the government panel its inputs to the proposed bilateral ceasefire agreement.
First substantive agenda
The JMC was created after the government and the NDF signed in 1998 the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the 1st of the 4 substantive agenda to be negotiated before a peace deal is finalized. (READ: NDF not ready to sign final peace deal before 2020)
CARHRIHL encourages victims of human rights violations and abuses by security forces and the NPA to file complaints in order to receive indemnification.
"Persons liable for violations and abuses of human rights shall be subject to investigation and, if evidence warrants, to prosecution and trial. The victims or their survivors shall be indemnified. All necessary measures shall be undertaken to remove the conditions for violations and abuses of human rights and to render justice to and indemnify the victims," reads the CARHRIHL.
Bello said new laws on human rights (HR) and international humanitarian law (IHL) will aid the full operation of the JMC, citing the law against enforced disappearance, Anti-Torture Act, IHL Act, Human Security Act, Writ of Amparo, and the Writ of Kalikasan, among others.
The 3 other agenda are the follow: Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), Comprehensive Agreement on Political Reforms (CAPR), and Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF).
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159122-joint-monitoring-committee-ceasefire-complaints
Soldiers, NPA break ceasefire in Cotabato clash
From Rapper (Ian 23): Soldiers, NPA break ceasefire in Cotabato clash
A New People's Army rebel is killed in Makilala, North Cotabato, in the first fatal encounter to disrupt the 5-month-old ceasefire
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the communist New People's Army (NPA) confirmed they exchanged gunfire in Makilala, North Cotabato over the weekend while their negotiators were talking peace in Rome.
A communist rebel was killed in an hour-long exchange of gunfire with the military at Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan on Saturday afternoon, January 21, in the first armed encounter to disrupt the 5-month-old indefinite ceasefires separately declared in August 2016. (READ: Gov't in backchannel talks to protect ceasefire)
Another 30-minute firefight erupted on Sunday morning, January 22, when the troops returned to clear the area. Troops recovered the body of a rebel they identified as Rojit Estampa Ranara, 33, of the Guerrilla Front 51 of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was reportedly a resident of nearby province Davao del Sur.
In a statement, the NPA claimed they killed 8 soldiers in the encounter. The military denied this.
The military's Eastern Mindanao Command chief, Lieutenant General Ray Guerrero, told Rappler on Sunday it was a legitimate operation in support of the local police.
"It was a law enforcement operation by the Makilala police against an armed group of extortionists. The 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) provided supporting elements to the PNP," Guerrero told Rappler Sunday afternoon.
The NPA Regional Operations Command in southern Mindanao accused the military of violating its own ceasefire.
It was early Saturday morning in Rome when the clashes happened.
The peace panels of the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front were signing supplemental guidelines that were meant to empower the languishing Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body tasked to monitor and investigate allegations of human rights abuses by state forces and communist rebels.
The government panel seeks to elevate the unilateral ceasefire declarations to a bilateral ceasefire deal that will put in place common rules for the military and the NPA in order to avoid misencounters.
The peace panels have not issued statements on the encounter.
Extortion or sabotage?
Makilala has always been a hotspot of conflict between the military and the communist rebels.
Both camps have accused each other of abusing the ceasefire, with the military supposedly occupying communities and conducting intelligence operations against suspected rebels and the NPA supposedly continuing its extortion activities against businessmen.
Captain Rhyan Bathar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division based in nearby Compostela Valley, said the troops were pursuing a group of armed men that was reported by the police to be extorting from a construction company when they were fired upon Saturday afternoon.
Bathar said the local police sought military assistance when Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC) reported that its company driver was being threatened by 4 armed men in Makilala.
"The driver of the 10-wheeler truck reported that the armed men fired at him and threatened that the management will suffer the consequences if they fail to give in to their extortion demands. After which, the armed men forcibly took the key of the said truck and escaped immediately," said Bathar.
The military claimed to have recovered several extortion letters at the abandoned encounter site.
The NPA, on the other hand, protested government's deployment of peace and development outreach program (PDOP) teams in barangay halls, health centers, and schools, and accused the troops of conducting intelligence gathering and psywar in far-flung areas.
"Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan is a remote area that their presence can only mean an offensive operation against the NPA. They fool no one by claiming that their combat operation was merely in response to reports by local authorities of the presence of lawless groups: for the entire day, they actively maneuvered to engage the evading unit of the NPA," the NPA statement said.
"For more than 3 months, the ceasefire only existed because the NPA was consciously maneuvering its forces in order to avoid armed skirmish in the face of unrelenting combat operations of AFP and PNP troops," the NPA statement said.
The local chapter of rights group Karapatan fears the clash was meant to sabotage the peace talks.
"Para sa amin sa Karapatan, isa itong sabotahe sa (Karapatan fears that this happened to sabotage) ongoing peace talks between GRP and NDF. Mayroong mga grupo kahit diyan sa government at AFP na ayaw nila ng ceasefire (There are groups in the government and the AFP that do not want a ceasefire)," Karapatan-North Cotabato officer Joy Mirasol told Rappler in a phone interview.
Mirasol said Karapatan is documenting the incident and will submit its report to the peace panels.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159168-soldiers-communist-rebel-clash-break-ceasefire
A New People's Army rebel is killed in Makilala, North Cotabato, in the first fatal encounter to disrupt the 5-month-old ceasefire
FIRST SHOT. It is believed to be the first armed encounter between the military and the New People's Army since both issued separate ceasefire declarations in August 2016. Photo from the military
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the communist New People's Army (NPA) confirmed they exchanged gunfire in Makilala, North Cotabato over the weekend while their negotiators were talking peace in Rome.
A communist rebel was killed in an hour-long exchange of gunfire with the military at Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan on Saturday afternoon, January 21, in the first armed encounter to disrupt the 5-month-old indefinite ceasefires separately declared in August 2016. (READ: Gov't in backchannel talks to protect ceasefire)
Another 30-minute firefight erupted on Sunday morning, January 22, when the troops returned to clear the area. Troops recovered the body of a rebel they identified as Rojit Estampa Ranara, 33, of the Guerrilla Front 51 of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was reportedly a resident of nearby province Davao del Sur.
In a statement, the NPA claimed they killed 8 soldiers in the encounter. The military denied this.
The military's Eastern Mindanao Command chief, Lieutenant General Ray Guerrero, told Rappler on Sunday it was a legitimate operation in support of the local police.
"It was a law enforcement operation by the Makilala police against an armed group of extortionists. The 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) provided supporting elements to the PNP," Guerrero told Rappler Sunday afternoon.
The NPA Regional Operations Command in southern Mindanao accused the military of violating its own ceasefire.
"The Duterte government must know by now that it is the bullish insincerity of its armed forces to continue its counter-insurgency campaign that is the biggest impediment in the quest for just and lasting peace," the NPA Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Region said in a statement.
While in Rome
The peace panels of the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front were signing supplemental guidelines that were meant to empower the languishing Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body tasked to monitor and investigate allegations of human rights abuses by state forces and communist rebels.
The government panel seeks to elevate the unilateral ceasefire declarations to a bilateral ceasefire deal that will put in place common rules for the military and the NPA in order to avoid misencounters.
The peace panels have not issued statements on the encounter.
Extortion or sabotage?
RECOVERED ITEMS. Firearms and personal possessions were among those recovered at the encounter site. Photo from the military
Both camps have accused each other of abusing the ceasefire, with the military supposedly occupying communities and conducting intelligence operations against suspected rebels and the NPA supposedly continuing its extortion activities against businessmen.
Captain Rhyan Bathar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division based in nearby Compostela Valley, said the troops were pursuing a group of armed men that was reported by the police to be extorting from a construction company when they were fired upon Saturday afternoon.
Bathar said the local police sought military assistance when Santos Land Development Corporation (SLDC) reported that its company driver was being threatened by 4 armed men in Makilala.
"The driver of the 10-wheeler truck reported that the armed men fired at him and threatened that the management will suffer the consequences if they fail to give in to their extortion demands. After which, the armed men forcibly took the key of the said truck and escaped immediately," said Bathar.
The military claimed to have recovered several extortion letters at the abandoned encounter site.
REBEL NEWSPAPER? A newspaper reporting on the ongoing peace talks was among those recovered from the possession of the slain NPA rebel. Photo from the military
"Sitio Lokatong in Barangay Biangan is a remote area that their presence can only mean an offensive operation against the NPA. They fool no one by claiming that their combat operation was merely in response to reports by local authorities of the presence of lawless groups: for the entire day, they actively maneuvered to engage the evading unit of the NPA," the NPA statement said.
"For more than 3 months, the ceasefire only existed because the NPA was consciously maneuvering its forces in order to avoid armed skirmish in the face of unrelenting combat operations of AFP and PNP troops," the NPA statement said.
The local chapter of rights group Karapatan fears the clash was meant to sabotage the peace talks.
"Para sa amin sa Karapatan, isa itong sabotahe sa (Karapatan fears that this happened to sabotage) ongoing peace talks between GRP and NDF. Mayroong mga grupo kahit diyan sa government at AFP na ayaw nila ng ceasefire (There are groups in the government and the AFP that do not want a ceasefire)," Karapatan-North Cotabato officer Joy Mirasol told Rappler in a phone interview.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159168-soldiers-communist-rebel-clash-break-ceasefire
Murder inside Camp Crame: A tangled tale of crime
From Rappler (Jan 22): Murder inside Camp Crame: A tangled tale of crime
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II says investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation, an office under him, contradicts some findings of the Philippine National Police on the Korean businessman's murder
It also sets the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on a potential collision course as the latter scrutinizes evidence that could challenge the version of police headquarters about what happened to the Korean national.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said an audio recording of a phone conversation and several photos presented to him by Jinky Sta Isabel, wife of Senior Police Officer 3 Ricky Sta Isabel, could prove he is being framed for the killing of the Korean national right inside the police headquarters, Camp Crame.
When asked about the possibility of the PNP and the NBI probes contradicting each other, Aguirre told Rappler in a text message on Sunday, "It might be too early to say, the probability of different findings between the two police agencies is very probable."
Meeting with PO3 Sta Isabel's wife
Aguirre met with Jinky Sta Isabel on Friday, January 20, Aguirre told dzBB in an interview Sunday morning, January 22.
"Noong kausap ko 'yung misis sa DOJ noong Friday [January 20], sinabi niya na itinatanggi ng kanyang asawa na siya ang nag-kidnap at pumatay sa Korean," Aguirre said. (When I was speaking with the wife at the DOJ on Friday, she told me that her husband was denying involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the Korean.)
PO3 Sta Isabel, who was tagged by a fellow cop for killing Jee, sought protective custody from the NBI following "surrender or die" threats from PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa. He was turned over to the PNP but only after he completed his affidavit denying allegations against him. (READ: Manhunt while in Crame: The confusion over PO3 Sta Isabel)
The police headquarters claimed "damning evidence" against Sta Isabel, who is supposedly working for a "narco-general" with the intention of sabotaging the PNP and its war on drugs.
"Bago dalhin sa PNP si Sta Isabel, nakagawa muna siya ng isang salaysay na siya ay na-frame-up lamang at walang kinalaman sa pag-kidnap," Aguirre told dzBB. (Before he was turned over to the PNP, he was able to complete an affidavit that said he was framed up, and had nothing to do with the kidnapping.)
Evidence of innocence?
On Saturday, January 21, Jinky herself presented her proof to journalist Henry Omaga-Diaz in an interview during his program on dzMM to refute the PNP's claim of "damning evidence" against her husband.
Jinky spoke of an alleged recording of her phone conversation with her husband's superior, Colonel Rafael Dumlao, while he was supposedly instructing her to persuade her husband to admit to the killing of Jee. She was supposedly promised that the PNP would make sure her husband would eventually be released.
The recording was submitted to the NBI, Aguirre said.
Aguirre said photos could also show that the license plate of Sta Isabel's Toyota Hilux – the one supposedly caught on CCTV being used to conduct surveillance and the eventual kidnapping of the Korean – may have been illegally duplicated to frame Sta Isabel for the crime.
"Kung totoo ito at talagang mayroong 'kambal plaka', ibig sabihin pinag-planuhin nang malalim," Aguirre told dzBB. (If it is true that the car license plate was duplicated illegally, it means this was planned very well.)
'TokHang for ransom'
The kidnapping of Jee exploded in the news after it was reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a case of "TokHang for ransom", where a group of men led by cops supposedly took Jee and house helper Marisa Morquicho from his home in Pampanga.
"TokHang for ransom" is a play on the PNP program "Oplan TokHang" – which comes from the Visayan root words "toktok" (knock) and "hangyo" (request). TokHang refers to the PNP strategy to go house to house and convince drug pushers and users to surrender.
Morquicho, who was immediately released, was told that her boss was involved in illegal drugs. Sta Isabel and Dumlao work for the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group.
But Jee's wife claimed the kidnappers demanded P5 million in ransom, which she paid, but her husband was not released.
Officials of the Korean embassy sought the help of Dela Rosa, who ordered a manhunt against the cops who were reportedly identified using CCTV footage of the kidnapping.
Confusion surrounded Sta Isabel's case when Dela Rosa claimed he was missing. But he was apparently moved and had been reporting to another PNP unit, the PNP Headquarters Support Service's Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU).
The NBI later announced that Jee was found dead – information that again caused some confusion in the PNP which could not immediately verify the report. Dela Rosa himself would shortly confirm that Jee was killed inside the police headquarters.
This may have been the first tell-tale sign that the PNP and the NBI could go against each other in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the murder of the Korean inside Camp Crame prompted calls for Dela Rosa to resign.
Cops planted evidence?
It was a fellow cop, Senior Police Officer 4 Roy Villegas, who accused Sta Isabel of killing Jee. In his affidavit, Villegas said he heard Sta Isabel talking to "Sir Dumlao" and overheard him say, "Sir, ang alam ko ay kilala 'nyo ang mga taong ito dahil ang pagkakaalam ko ay sanction 'nyo ito." (Sir, what I know is, you know these people because what I know is you sanctioned this.)
Crame also claimed that Sta Isabel was working for a "narco general" to create a scenario where the public becomes doubtful about the government's war on drugs.
Villegas said it was Sta Isabel himself who brought the packing tape and surgical gloves that covered the head of Jee. Sta Isabel supposedly later called a certain "Ding" who agreed to take the body for P30,000 and a golf set. The body was brought to Caloocan.
Aguirre said the NBI did not find a golf set at the funeral parlor. He said the local police claimed they found it, suggesting it was planted.
"Lumalabas na noong NBI search, wala 'yung golf set. The following day, sabi ng police nakakuha ng golf set," Aguirre told dzBB. (It appears that during the NBI search, they didn't find a golf set. The following day, police said they found a golf set.)
"'Yun din ang sinasabi ng empleyado ng punerarya. Walang golf set," Aguirre added. (That is what the employees of the funeral parlor also said. There was no golf set.)
Malacañang vowed there will be no cover up in the investigation.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159140-korean-businessman-murder-pnp-tangled-tale-crime
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II says investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation, an office under him, contradicts some findings of the Philippine National Police on the Korean businessman's murder
SUSPECT. Police officer Ricky Sta Isabel (C), one of the suspects in the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, is escorted by fellow policemen as they leave the National Bureau of Investigation building in Manila on January 20, 2016. Photo by Noel Celis/AFP
The wife of a police officer tagged in the kidnapping and murder of Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo surfaced to show evidence of her husband's innocence, presenting a tangled tale of crime that has raised questions about abuses committed in the name of the government's war on drugs.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said an audio recording of a phone conversation and several photos presented to him by Jinky Sta Isabel, wife of Senior Police Officer 3 Ricky Sta Isabel, could prove he is being framed for the killing of the Korean national right inside the police headquarters, Camp Crame.
When asked about the possibility of the PNP and the NBI probes contradicting each other, Aguirre told Rappler in a text message on Sunday, "It might be too early to say, the probability of different findings between the two police agencies is very probable."
Meeting with PO3 Sta Isabel's wife
Aguirre met with Jinky Sta Isabel on Friday, January 20, Aguirre told dzBB in an interview Sunday morning, January 22.
"Noong kausap ko 'yung misis sa DOJ noong Friday [January 20], sinabi niya na itinatanggi ng kanyang asawa na siya ang nag-kidnap at pumatay sa Korean," Aguirre said. (When I was speaking with the wife at the DOJ on Friday, she told me that her husband was denying involvement in the kidnapping and murder of the Korean.)
PO3 Sta Isabel, who was tagged by a fellow cop for killing Jee, sought protective custody from the NBI following "surrender or die" threats from PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa. He was turned over to the PNP but only after he completed his affidavit denying allegations against him. (READ: Manhunt while in Crame: The confusion over PO3 Sta Isabel)
The police headquarters claimed "damning evidence" against Sta Isabel, who is supposedly working for a "narco-general" with the intention of sabotaging the PNP and its war on drugs.
"Bago dalhin sa PNP si Sta Isabel, nakagawa muna siya ng isang salaysay na siya ay na-frame-up lamang at walang kinalaman sa pag-kidnap," Aguirre told dzBB. (Before he was turned over to the PNP, he was able to complete an affidavit that said he was framed up, and had nothing to do with the kidnapping.)
Evidence of innocence?
On Saturday, January 21, Jinky herself presented her proof to journalist Henry Omaga-Diaz in an interview during his program on dzMM to refute the PNP's claim of "damning evidence" against her husband.
Jinky spoke of an alleged recording of her phone conversation with her husband's superior, Colonel Rafael Dumlao, while he was supposedly instructing her to persuade her husband to admit to the killing of Jee. She was supposedly promised that the PNP would make sure her husband would eventually be released.
The recording was submitted to the NBI, Aguirre said.
Aguirre said photos could also show that the license plate of Sta Isabel's Toyota Hilux – the one supposedly caught on CCTV being used to conduct surveillance and the eventual kidnapping of the Korean – may have been illegally duplicated to frame Sta Isabel for the crime.
"Kung totoo ito at talagang mayroong 'kambal plaka', ibig sabihin pinag-planuhin nang malalim," Aguirre told dzBB. (If it is true that the car license plate was duplicated illegally, it means this was planned very well.)
'TokHang for ransom'
The kidnapping of Jee exploded in the news after it was reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a case of "TokHang for ransom", where a group of men led by cops supposedly took Jee and house helper Marisa Morquicho from his home in Pampanga.
"TokHang for ransom" is a play on the PNP program "Oplan TokHang" – which comes from the Visayan root words "toktok" (knock) and "hangyo" (request). TokHang refers to the PNP strategy to go house to house and convince drug pushers and users to surrender.
Morquicho, who was immediately released, was told that her boss was involved in illegal drugs. Sta Isabel and Dumlao work for the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group.
But Jee's wife claimed the kidnappers demanded P5 million in ransom, which she paid, but her husband was not released.
Officials of the Korean embassy sought the help of Dela Rosa, who ordered a manhunt against the cops who were reportedly identified using CCTV footage of the kidnapping.
Confusion surrounded Sta Isabel's case when Dela Rosa claimed he was missing. But he was apparently moved and had been reporting to another PNP unit, the PNP Headquarters Support Service's Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU).
The NBI later announced that Jee was found dead – information that again caused some confusion in the PNP which could not immediately verify the report. Dela Rosa himself would shortly confirm that Jee was killed inside the police headquarters.
This may have been the first tell-tale sign that the PNP and the NBI could go against each other in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the murder of the Korean inside Camp Crame prompted calls for Dela Rosa to resign.
Cops planted evidence?
It was a fellow cop, Senior Police Officer 4 Roy Villegas, who accused Sta Isabel of killing Jee. In his affidavit, Villegas said he heard Sta Isabel talking to "Sir Dumlao" and overheard him say, "Sir, ang alam ko ay kilala 'nyo ang mga taong ito dahil ang pagkakaalam ko ay sanction 'nyo ito." (Sir, what I know is, you know these people because what I know is you sanctioned this.)
Crame also claimed that Sta Isabel was working for a "narco general" to create a scenario where the public becomes doubtful about the government's war on drugs.
Villegas said it was Sta Isabel himself who brought the packing tape and surgical gloves that covered the head of Jee. Sta Isabel supposedly later called a certain "Ding" who agreed to take the body for P30,000 and a golf set. The body was brought to Caloocan.
Aguirre said the NBI did not find a golf set at the funeral parlor. He said the local police claimed they found it, suggesting it was planted.
"Lumalabas na noong NBI search, wala 'yung golf set. The following day, sabi ng police nakakuha ng golf set," Aguirre told dzBB. (It appears that during the NBI search, they didn't find a golf set. The following day, police said they found a golf set.)
"'Yun din ang sinasabi ng empleyado ng punerarya. Walang golf set," Aguirre added. (That is what the employees of the funeral parlor also said. There was no golf set.)
Malacañang vowed there will be no cover up in the investigation.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159140-korean-businessman-murder-pnp-tangled-tale-crime
183 LGUs didn't follow rules for disaster funds in 2015
From Rappler (Jan 22): COA: DND, 183 LGUs didn't follow rules for disaster funds in 2015
The Commission on Audit releases its first-ever report on how funds for disaster risk reduction and management were used by national and local officials
The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the Department of National Defense (DND) and local government units failed to follow rules for using disaster funds in 2015.
The Commission on Audit releases its first-ever report on how funds for disaster risk reduction and management were used by national and local officials
The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the Department of National Defense (DND) and local government units failed to follow rules for using disaster funds in 2015.
In a 52-page Consolidated Report on the Audit of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Fund released on Thursday, January 19, COA listed 183 LGUs which failed to comply with Section 21 of Republic Act (RA) 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
Under this provision, LGUs are required to transfer unspent balance of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) into a special trust fund to serve as standby funding for emergency purposes.
The amount that was not transferred to a special trust fund totaled P3.05 billion ($61 million):
- National Capital Region – P1.993 billion
- Region 4A (Calabarzon) – P220 million
- Region 3 (Central Luzon) – P208 million
- Region 5 (Bicol) – P129.792 million
- Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) – P115.274 million
- Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) – P65.7 million
- Region 1 (Ilocos) – P65.53 million
- Region 6 (Western Visayas) – P59.99 million
- Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) – P46 million
- Negros Island Region – P44.55 million
- Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) – P44.5 million
- Region 12 (Soccsksargen) – P14.6 million
- Region 7 (Central Visayas) – P13.79 million
- Region 13 (Caraga) – P10.464 million
- Cordillera Administrative Region – P9.24 million
- Region 11 (Davao) – P5.424 million
- Region 4B (Mimaropa) – P2.49 million
Disaster funds amounting to P244.997 million ($5 million) were improperly spent on activities not related to risk management while 12 LGUs had undocumented purchases worth P19.36 million ($387,240).
COA also added that 57 LGUs failed to create a Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) while 112 LGUs did not prepare their annual LDRRMF Investment Plans which would have guided proper usage of funding for disaster preparedness activities, procurement of emergency supplies and equipment, and post-disaster rehabilitation programs, among others.
The report also indicated that about 278 LGUs violated COA Circular No. 2012-002 which required them to submit a report on the sources and utilization of their disaster funds.
The report, the first of its kind to be released by COA, aims to provide "an overall picture of the management of the DRRM funds" by the national government, related agencies, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Improper QRF usage
The DND was also scrutinized in the COA report.
State auditors discovered that out of the P572.9 million ($11.5 million) allocated for disaster response in 2015, the DND only used P236.31 million ($4.7 million). Out of this amount, only P128.63 million ($2.6 million) were paid out while the remaining funds were obligated for purchase orders, contracts, or deliveries pending approval.
COA also stressed that the DND should not have transferred P120.27 million ($2.4 million) to various implementing agencies (IAs) after they failed to liquidate previously transferred funds since 2008.
The following agencies with unsettled accountabilities identified in the report include:
- Office of Civil Defense (2008 to 2014) – P203.89 million
- Philippine Army (2012 to 2013) – P110.379 million
- Philippine Navy (2012 to 2014) – P66.25 million
- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters (2013 to 2014) – P54.246 million
- Philippine Air Force (2012 to 2013) – P20.116 million
- Philippine Military Academy (2014) – P1.236 million
It recommended that the DND "refrain from granting additional fund transfers to IAs with outstanding balances and to closely monitor the liquidation of fund transfers" so that the funds are used properly and promptly.
The report also highlighted the improper usage of the Quick Response Fund (QRF).
"The utilization of funds amounting to P73,929,934.91 for repairs/reconstruction, using the QRF, was not in accordance with the intended purpose of [the] QRF as authorized in the DND's budget," COA said.
The QRF is supposed to be "earmarked for immediate needs for relief and rescue" during calamities, not repairs.
Out of the P73.93 million ($1.5 million) from the DND's QRF, P41.82 million ($836,486) were transferred to AFP-Finance for the repair of the AFP Commissary and Exchange Service, EP Condos, Camp Lapu-Lapu Army Station Hospital, Headquarters Service Command building, DND building, Special Operations Team Barracks, and the Central Command Motor Pool.
Meanwhile, P32.1 million ($642,066) were transferred to the Office of Civil Defense for the construction of OCD Regions 2 and 9 offices and purchase of OCD Region 2 equipment.
"RA 10121 cites QRF as stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs in order that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies may be normalized as quickly as possible," state auditors told the DND.
COA also said repairs and construction activities should have been handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
(UPDATED) President Rodrigo Duterte is keeping Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa in his post
From Rappler (Jan 23): (UPDATED) President Rodrigo Duterte is keeping Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa in his post
According to a GMA News report, Duterte will keep Dela Rosa in his post.
"He stays there. Bato has my complete trust," the President was quoted as saying on Sunday, January 22, before he attended Dela Rosa's birthday party at Camp Crame.
The report also said Duterte ordered the PNP to identify who were behind the abduction and murder of Jee Ick Joo in October 2016. (READ: Murder inside Camp Crame: A tangled tale of crime)
Malacañang, in a statement on Sunday, had said there would be "no whitewash or cover-up" in the probe into Jee's murder and that "corrupt, abusive, errant policemen" would not be tolerated.
All's well?
Also present at Dela Rosa's birthday party on Sunday was House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who – just two days ago – called on the PNP chief to resign and "save" the President "from further embarrassment."
"Siyempre, alam mo, kailangan din natin magsalita paminsan-minsan. Kahit na magkakaibigan tayo, kailangan nating tawagin iyong pansin kung kinakailangan," he also said. (Of course, you know, we need to speak up once in a while. Even though we're friends, we need to call their attention when needed.)
Asked what adjustments Dela Rosa should make, Alvarez said the PNP chief should continue what he is doing. The House Speaker also expressed confidence that Jee's case would soon be resolved.
The PNP's spokesman, responding to calls for Dela Rosa's resignation, earlier said the PNP chief would quit if Duterte orders him to. But Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos also said, "When one little finger is sore and wounded, do we cut the head to cure it?"
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159184-president-duterte-complete-trust-pnp-chief-dela-rosa
CELEBRATION. President Rodrigo Duterte (L) and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (R) attend the birthday party of Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa (C) on January 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go
(UPDATED) – Despite the murder of a South Korean businessman happening right inside the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, President Rodrigo Duterte still has "complete trust" in PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa.
"He stays there. Bato has my complete trust," the President was quoted as saying on Sunday, January 22, before he attended Dela Rosa's birthday party at Camp Crame.
The report also said Duterte ordered the PNP to identify who were behind the abduction and murder of Jee Ick Joo in October 2016. (READ: Murder inside Camp Crame: A tangled tale of crime)
Malacañang, in a statement on Sunday, had said there would be "no whitewash or cover-up" in the probe into Jee's murder and that "corrupt, abusive, errant policemen" would not be tolerated.
ALL SMILES. Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez at Dela Rosa's birthday party on January 22, 2017. Photo courtesy of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go
All's well?
Also present at Dela Rosa's birthday party on Sunday was House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who – just two days ago – called on the PNP chief to resign and "save" the President "from further embarrassment."
"The commission of a heinous crime right under his very nose is not only an insult but a clear indication that he has lost the respect of his people," Alvarez had said in a statement on Friday, January 20.
He also said then that Dela Rosa "seems more interested in having a showbiz career" – an apparent swipe at the PNP chief's special appearance at the Rakrakan Festival last January 14.
On Sunday, the House Speaker said he remains friends with the PNP chief despite his strong words.
"Wala naman iyon kinalaman sa pagiging magkaibigan namin (It has nothing to do with our friendship). I greeted him happy birthday," said Alvarez in a chance interview during the party.
Asked what adjustments Dela Rosa should make, Alvarez said the PNP chief should continue what he is doing. The House Speaker also expressed confidence that Jee's case would soon be resolved.
The PNP's spokesman, responding to calls for Dela Rosa's resignation, earlier said the PNP chief would quit if Duterte orders him to. But Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos also said, "When one little finger is sore and wounded, do we cut the head to cure it?"
http://www.rappler.com/nation/159184-president-duterte-complete-trust-pnp-chief-dela-rosa
Negros farm workers’ leader slain as rights violations complaints traded at Rome talks
From InterAksyon (Jan 21): Negros farm workers’ leader slain as rights violations complaints traded at Rome talks
Murdered NFSW leader Alexander Ceballos eating at a picket. (contributed photo)
A leader of a sugar farm workers’ organization was killed in Negros Occidental Friday night as complaints of human rights violations were traded during the third round of formal talks between the Duterte administration and communist rebels in Rome.
The murder of Alexander Ceballos, a leader of the National Federation of Sugar Workers, came two days before the 30th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre, when government forces fired on thousands of protesting farmers near Malacanang on January 22, 1987, killing 13 and wounding more than 50 others. The incident led to the collapse of peace negotiations between the communists and the government of then President Corazon Aquino.
Christian Tuayon, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros, said Ceballos had just arrived with his wife and son at their home in Barangay Pandan Silos, Murcia town when a gunman wearing a bonnet walked up to his jeep and shot him between the eyes before fleeing on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice around 8 p.m.
Tuayon said Ceballos’ life had been in danger since he led some 50 NFSW members cultivate land in Barangay Igmaya-an in Don Salvador Benedicto being contested by former mayor Nehemias dela Cruz.
In 2015, Ceballos’ brother-in-law Ronel Bariga was wounded when gunmen ambushed a jeepney on its way to collect firewood at the Igmaya-an property. The NFSW leader’s son Ariel, who was driving the vehicle, was unharmed although a bullet grazed his shirt.
The NFSW believed Ceballos was likely the intended target of the attack.
A month before this, according to NFSW records, Jigger Costan, described as a bodyguard of Dela Cruz, had threatened to kill Ceballos and 11 other members of the federation.
Meanwhile, in Rome, the human rights organization Karapatan submitted a complaint to the government negotiating panel its report on human rights violations committed by state forces from late August, when both the government and rebels declared separate unilateral ceasefires, to the end of December last year.
The Karapatan report was submitted at the plenary meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The report said the abuses victimized 28,890 persons throughout the country.
The cases documented by Karapatan included the killing of 24 peasants and indigenous peoples; the enforced disappearance of two lumad activists; at least 14,659 incidents of threats, harassment and intimidation; and 4,170 incidents of indiscriminate firing and bombings by troops who have occupied communities in the countryside despite the ongoing ceasefire.
KARAPATAN'S RECORD OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS UNDER DUTERTE:
“We urge the GRP peace panel to look into the violations and heed the calls of affected communities, the victims and their families to stop these violations, to pull out the AFP and paramilitary forces in civilian communities and to respect and implement the CARHRIHL,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the chief government negotiator, said they accepted the 50-page Karapatan report and promised their counterparts in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines that they would look closely into the complaints.
“We accepted the report by Karapatan as a signatory of the CARHRIHL and we will study it closely,” Bello said.
In turn, he said, the government panel submitted to the NDFP a list of human rights violations allegedly committed by rebel forces even as he acknowledged, “I also have yet to look at the report we gave the NDFP.”
Luis Jalandoni, former chair and now senior consultant of the NDFP negotiating panel, said they would “have to see if their (government's) reports are indeed human rights violations.”
http://interaksyon.com/article/136401/negros-farm-workers-leader-slain-as-rights-violations-complaints-traded-at-rome-talks
Murdered NFSW leader Alexander Ceballos eating at a picket. (contributed photo)
A leader of a sugar farm workers’ organization was killed in Negros Occidental Friday night as complaints of human rights violations were traded during the third round of formal talks between the Duterte administration and communist rebels in Rome.
The murder of Alexander Ceballos, a leader of the National Federation of Sugar Workers, came two days before the 30th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre, when government forces fired on thousands of protesting farmers near Malacanang on January 22, 1987, killing 13 and wounding more than 50 others. The incident led to the collapse of peace negotiations between the communists and the government of then President Corazon Aquino.
Christian Tuayon, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros, said Ceballos had just arrived with his wife and son at their home in Barangay Pandan Silos, Murcia town when a gunman wearing a bonnet walked up to his jeep and shot him between the eyes before fleeing on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice around 8 p.m.
Tuayon said Ceballos’ life had been in danger since he led some 50 NFSW members cultivate land in Barangay Igmaya-an in Don Salvador Benedicto being contested by former mayor Nehemias dela Cruz.
In 2015, Ceballos’ brother-in-law Ronel Bariga was wounded when gunmen ambushed a jeepney on its way to collect firewood at the Igmaya-an property. The NFSW leader’s son Ariel, who was driving the vehicle, was unharmed although a bullet grazed his shirt.
The NFSW believed Ceballos was likely the intended target of the attack.
A month before this, according to NFSW records, Jigger Costan, described as a bodyguard of Dela Cruz, had threatened to kill Ceballos and 11 other members of the federation.
Meanwhile, in Rome, the human rights organization Karapatan submitted a complaint to the government negotiating panel its report on human rights violations committed by state forces from late August, when both the government and rebels declared separate unilateral ceasefires, to the end of December last year.
The Karapatan report was submitted at the plenary meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The report said the abuses victimized 28,890 persons throughout the country.
The cases documented by Karapatan included the killing of 24 peasants and indigenous peoples; the enforced disappearance of two lumad activists; at least 14,659 incidents of threats, harassment and intimidation; and 4,170 incidents of indiscriminate firing and bombings by troops who have occupied communities in the countryside despite the ongoing ceasefire.
KARAPATAN'S RECORD OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS UNDER DUTERTE:
“We urge the GRP peace panel to look into the violations and heed the calls of affected communities, the victims and their families to stop these violations, to pull out the AFP and paramilitary forces in civilian communities and to respect and implement the CARHRIHL,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the chief government negotiator, said they accepted the 50-page Karapatan report and promised their counterparts in the National Democratic Front of the Philippines that they would look closely into the complaints.
“We accepted the report by Karapatan as a signatory of the CARHRIHL and we will study it closely,” Bello said.
In turn, he said, the government panel submitted to the NDFP a list of human rights violations allegedly committed by rebel forces even as he acknowledged, “I also have yet to look at the report we gave the NDFP.”
Luis Jalandoni, former chair and now senior consultant of the NDFP negotiating panel, said they would “have to see if their (government's) reports are indeed human rights violations.”
http://interaksyon.com/article/136401/negros-farm-workers-leader-slain-as-rights-violations-complaints-traded-at-rome-talks
WATCH | Timing of Ji Ick-Joo kidnap-slay curious; team leader of 'killer' cop relieved
From InterAksyon (Jan 22): WATCH | Timing of Ji Ick-Joo kidnap-slay curious; team leader of 'killer' cop relieved
Wearing bullet-proof jacket and helmet, SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel - tagged as the one who strangled to death a Korean businessman they kidnapped on a fake anti-drug mission - is transferred under heavy security from the NBI to the PNP's Anti-kidnapping Group. EDD GUMBAN, PHILIPPINE STAR
Was the kidnapping and killing of Korean businessman Ji Ick-joo, allegedly inside Camp Crame, timed to be done when most of the key people of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) were in Abu Dhabi for the extradition of drug lord Kerwin Espinosa?
PNP probers are looking into this, while checking out the background of people, including active-duty and retired officers, who might also have played key roles in the Korean's Oct. 18, 2016 kidnapping and subsequent death by strangulation.
The case has thrown the PNP's vaunted war on drugs in turmoil, sparking calls for the PNP chief's resignation and a demand for justice by the South Korean government, while surfacing the ugly side of rogue cops misusing the anti-drug campaign in what has been called "Tokhang for ransom".
News5 sources said probers are struck by the coincidence: the kidnapping and killing, done in the AIDG's facilities in Camp Crame on the night of Oct. 18, happened when most of the AIDG was busy with the high-profile mission to bring back Espinosa from Abu Dhabi, where he had been arrested.
Supt. Rafael Dumlao, the AIDG team leader supervising SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, the alleged policeman-killer of Ji Ick-joo, has been placed on restrictive custody in Camp Crame. He is among those listed in a warrant of arrest after the Justice department issued a resolution finding probable cause against Sta. Isabel, an "Alyas Dumao" who is a senior officer, and six others. They face kidnapping for ransom with homicide charges.
A separate case for illegal detention - for taking away as well Ji's Filipino housemaid - is under preliminary investigation.
Besides Rafael Dumlao, PNP probers suspect one of the five so-called "narco generals" named earlier by President Duterte among those with a hand in Ji's case.
PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered Supt. Rafael Dumlao III placed on “freezer” status under the custody of the PNP’s Headquarters Support Service.
This means Dumlao has to inform his superiors and must be accompanied by a police escort if he wishes to leave the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
One of those also facing charges, SPO4 Roy Villegas, earlier claimed Sta. Isabel misled him and a PO2 Baldovino into believing they were on a legitimate anti-drug mission targeting the Korean businessman, and even joined earlier surveillance trips to the Angeles City subdivision where Ji lived.
Villegas pointed to Sta. Isabel as the one who strangled Ji to death after ordering them to cover his mouth with packaging tape hours after they seized him in Pampanga.
Despite the killing, the group managed to extract a P5-million ransom payment from the Korean's wife, who later went to the police after a second ransom demand was sent without proof of life.
Dumlao has denied his subordinate’s allegation, saying there were witnesses pointing to Sta. Isabel as the killer.
“Contrary to the evidence at hand and the witnesses’ account, everybody is pointing at him,” Dumlao said in a TV interview.
Dela Rosa said he had already talked with Dumlao, and he had the impression that Dumlao is lying. “He is hiding something,” he said.
Dela Rosa, citing the information from a witness, said Sta. Isabel and Dumlao were there when Ji was killed inside the AIDG headquarters in Camp Crame.
He did not reveal other details provided by the witness, who is now in their custody.
According to Dela Rosa, Sta. Isabel threatened to drag into the fray everyone else if someone speaks out.
“He [Sta. Isabel] was threatening Dumlao and his companions,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa said Sta. Isabel had warned his fellow officers that he knows the location of their respective families. “Now he is trying to become the least guilty person."
The PNP chief rejected the notion of tapping Sta. Isabel to be state witness.
Palace: no kid gloves
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said President Duterte is very angry over the case, and Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo gave assurances there will be no whitewash.
Sta. Isabel’s defense counsel earlier withdrew from the case, citing death threats.
The police officer is now represented by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
On Friday, Sta. Isabel was transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation main office in Manila to Camp Crame, and taken into custody by the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).
The AKG served the copy of the arrest warrant against Sta. Isabel and seven others issued by the Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 58.
“The NBI drafted Sta. Isabel’s statement in the presence of two lawyers,” a Philstar source said, referring to the PAO lawyers.
The Department of Justice on Friday filed the case against Sta. Isabel, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Ramon Yalung and four other policemen who were only identified as “Pulis,” “Jerry,” “Sir Dumlao” and “Ding.”
http://interaksyon.com/article/136428/watch--timing-of-ji-ick-joo-kidnap-slay-curious-team-leader-of-killer-cop-relieved
Wearing bullet-proof jacket and helmet, SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel - tagged as the one who strangled to death a Korean businessman they kidnapped on a fake anti-drug mission - is transferred under heavy security from the NBI to the PNP's Anti-kidnapping Group. EDD GUMBAN, PHILIPPINE STAR
Was the kidnapping and killing of Korean businessman Ji Ick-joo, allegedly inside Camp Crame, timed to be done when most of the key people of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) were in Abu Dhabi for the extradition of drug lord Kerwin Espinosa?
PNP probers are looking into this, while checking out the background of people, including active-duty and retired officers, who might also have played key roles in the Korean's Oct. 18, 2016 kidnapping and subsequent death by strangulation.
The case has thrown the PNP's vaunted war on drugs in turmoil, sparking calls for the PNP chief's resignation and a demand for justice by the South Korean government, while surfacing the ugly side of rogue cops misusing the anti-drug campaign in what has been called "Tokhang for ransom".
News5 sources said probers are struck by the coincidence: the kidnapping and killing, done in the AIDG's facilities in Camp Crame on the night of Oct. 18, happened when most of the AIDG was busy with the high-profile mission to bring back Espinosa from Abu Dhabi, where he had been arrested.
Supt. Rafael Dumlao, the AIDG team leader supervising SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, the alleged policeman-killer of Ji Ick-joo, has been placed on restrictive custody in Camp Crame. He is among those listed in a warrant of arrest after the Justice department issued a resolution finding probable cause against Sta. Isabel, an "Alyas Dumao" who is a senior officer, and six others. They face kidnapping for ransom with homicide charges.
A separate case for illegal detention - for taking away as well Ji's Filipino housemaid - is under preliminary investigation.
Besides Rafael Dumlao, PNP probers suspect one of the five so-called "narco generals" named earlier by President Duterte among those with a hand in Ji's case.
PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa ordered Supt. Rafael Dumlao III placed on “freezer” status under the custody of the PNP’s Headquarters Support Service.
This means Dumlao has to inform his superiors and must be accompanied by a police escort if he wishes to leave the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
One of those also facing charges, SPO4 Roy Villegas, earlier claimed Sta. Isabel misled him and a PO2 Baldovino into believing they were on a legitimate anti-drug mission targeting the Korean businessman, and even joined earlier surveillance trips to the Angeles City subdivision where Ji lived.
Villegas pointed to Sta. Isabel as the one who strangled Ji to death after ordering them to cover his mouth with packaging tape hours after they seized him in Pampanga.
Despite the killing, the group managed to extract a P5-million ransom payment from the Korean's wife, who later went to the police after a second ransom demand was sent without proof of life.
Dumlao has denied his subordinate’s allegation, saying there were witnesses pointing to Sta. Isabel as the killer.
“Contrary to the evidence at hand and the witnesses’ account, everybody is pointing at him,” Dumlao said in a TV interview.
Dela Rosa said he had already talked with Dumlao, and he had the impression that Dumlao is lying. “He is hiding something,” he said.
Dela Rosa, citing the information from a witness, said Sta. Isabel and Dumlao were there when Ji was killed inside the AIDG headquarters in Camp Crame.
He did not reveal other details provided by the witness, who is now in their custody.
According to Dela Rosa, Sta. Isabel threatened to drag into the fray everyone else if someone speaks out.
“He [Sta. Isabel] was threatening Dumlao and his companions,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa said Sta. Isabel had warned his fellow officers that he knows the location of their respective families. “Now he is trying to become the least guilty person."
The PNP chief rejected the notion of tapping Sta. Isabel to be state witness.
Palace: no kid gloves
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said President Duterte is very angry over the case, and Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo gave assurances there will be no whitewash.
Sta. Isabel’s defense counsel earlier withdrew from the case, citing death threats.
The police officer is now represented by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
On Friday, Sta. Isabel was transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation main office in Manila to Camp Crame, and taken into custody by the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).
The AKG served the copy of the arrest warrant against Sta. Isabel and seven others issued by the Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 58.
“The NBI drafted Sta. Isabel’s statement in the presence of two lawyers,” a Philstar source said, referring to the PAO lawyers.
The Department of Justice on Friday filed the case against Sta. Isabel, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Ramon Yalung and four other policemen who were only identified as “Pulis,” “Jerry,” “Sir Dumlao” and “Ding.”
http://interaksyon.com/article/136428/watch--timing-of-ji-ick-joo-kidnap-slay-curious-team-leader-of-killer-cop-relieved
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