From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 11): OPPAP announces new members of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Team
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Friday announced the new members of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC)—a body that will draft the new Bangsamoro enabling law. The crafting of the law is part of the implementation process of the southern peace pact or the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 2014.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has just released the appointment papers of the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This will signal the start of the work to come up with an inclusive Bangsamoro law that will truly reflect and address the clamor for a genuine political autonomy for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao,” Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process, said.
The creation of the expanded BTC from 15 to 21 was made after President Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO) No. 8 on November 7. The EO was one of the agreements reached during the August meeting between the implementing panels of the government and the MILF, where they discussed the new Peace and Development Roadmap for the implementation of the signed peace agreements.
Under the EO, the consultative body will be chaired by the MILF with 11 members, while the government nominates 10 members, including three members from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The new members of the expanded BTC are the following:
• Atty. Jose I. Lorena
• Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph
• Samira Gutoc-Tomawis
• Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan
• Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin
• Atty. Hussin AMIN
• Romeo Saliga
• Hatimil Hassan
• Atty. Firdausi Ismail Y. Abbas
• Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema
• Ghadzali Jaafar
• Mohagher M. Iqbal
• Abdulraof Abdul Macacua
• Ibrahim d. Ali
• Haron M. Abas
• Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie
• Said M. Shiek
• Hussein P. Muñoz
• Melanio U. Ulama
• Gafur A. Kanain
• Ammal D. Solaiman, J.D.
Irene “Inday” M. Santiago, the chair of the Government Panel Implementing the Bangsamoro Accords, said the members were chosen because of their capacity to listen and their extensive knowledge in Mindanao.
“It is expected that the new members of the BTC will hit the ground running. Their role is vital for us to reach a CAB-compliant enabling law,” she said.
The government has set a deadline for the BTC to submit the draft to Congress by July for deliberations and ratification.
Earlier, Secretary Dureza said the old Bangsamoro Basic Law, which failed to be enacted as a law last Congress, will probably be the basic document, among other pertinent legislations, of the new enabling law.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231486708024/oppap-announces-new-members-of-the-expanded-bangsamoro-transition-team
Friday, February 10, 2017
TESDA eyes conversion of Madrasas schools into skills training centers
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): TESDA eyes conversion of Madrasas schools into skills training centers
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced that skills training will be incorporated in the curriculum of Madrasa schools to provide additional knowledge to its graduates.
TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong on Thursday announced here that the move aims to help the graduates land jobs after studying in Madrasa schools.
Mamondiong said that Madrasa graduates have difficulty in finding jobs since they only learn Arabic language and how to pray while studying.
“Through the grant of scholarship to them (Madrasa students), we will cooperate with them in converting their Madrasa schools into training center. So it is going to be Madrasa and skills training center,” Mamondiong said.
He said that there are around 220 Madrasa schools here in Region 9 and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Mamondiong said that skills training will be incorporated in the day-to-day teachings in Madrasa schools ones the system is in place.
He said TESDA has allocated 95,000 scholarship slots for ARMM and Region 9. Of the total, 60,000 slots are for the autonomous region and the remaining 35,000 for Region 9.
He said Madrasa students can avail of the scholarship slots to study and to earn skills.
Mamondiong and TESDA Deputy Director General Alvin Feliciano visited this city on Thursday and met with concerned stakeholders of the agency.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962581
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced that skills training will be incorporated in the curriculum of Madrasa schools to provide additional knowledge to its graduates.
TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong on Thursday announced here that the move aims to help the graduates land jobs after studying in Madrasa schools.
Mamondiong said that Madrasa graduates have difficulty in finding jobs since they only learn Arabic language and how to pray while studying.
“Through the grant of scholarship to them (Madrasa students), we will cooperate with them in converting their Madrasa schools into training center. So it is going to be Madrasa and skills training center,” Mamondiong said.
He said that there are around 220 Madrasa schools here in Region 9 and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Mamondiong said that skills training will be incorporated in the day-to-day teachings in Madrasa schools ones the system is in place.
He said TESDA has allocated 95,000 scholarship slots for ARMM and Region 9. Of the total, 60,000 slots are for the autonomous region and the remaining 35,000 for Region 9.
He said Madrasa students can avail of the scholarship slots to study and to earn skills.
Mamondiong and TESDA Deputy Director General Alvin Feliciano visited this city on Thursday and met with concerned stakeholders of the agency.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962581
Gov't forces start campaign to urge NPA rebels to abandon revolution
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Gov't forces start campaign to urge NPA rebels to abandon revolution
The Philippine Army begins its propaganda campaign to encourage recruits of the New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law.
This developed as rebel areas were deluged with 5,000 flyers calling for unity and the prize the communist guerillas can get if they surrender firearms.
The presence of the military choppers hovering over the areas of Davao Oriental worried people in the communities where the flyers were dropped.
But the military assured the people they do not have to worry or leave the area because they were only dropping leaflets.
Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division (ID), confirmed leaflets were dropped from the military choppers particularly in the area were the 67th Infantry Battalion forces are operating. The 67th IB is operating in the area of Davao Oriental.
The first leaflet states the different amounts, depending on the type of firearms surrendered under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
For an AK 47 surrendered, the rebel gets P58,000; M14 – P60,000; Garan – P34,000; Carbine – P20,000; Light Machine Gun – P93,000; M16 – P45,000; 357 - P30,000 and .45 caliber pistol – P16,500.
The second leaflet carries “Manag-uban Kita sa Tul-id nga dalan (Let’s go together in a straight path)” with a sketch of people shaking hands.
This is not the first time that leaflets were released by the military since the declaration of the suspension of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the unilateral ceasefire by President Rodrigo Duterte.
In many areas in the city, anti-communist propaganda materials were also posted in city thoroughfares.
Earlier, 10th ID commanding general MGen. Rafael Valencia said the NPA has taken advantage of the unilateral ceasefire by recruiting new members.
This was evident in Manay town the past month, where a clash sparked between joint police and army teams sent to respond to the complaints of the villagers in Lambog and Rizal of alleged NPA harassment and extortion activities.
The firefight left one soldier dead and another wounded and forced the evacuation of about 3,500 residents.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang earlier also confirmed the death of two residents in Manay. He said they were killed by NPA rebels after they refused to join the NPA.
Dayangirang on Wednesday called for the people’s support to the government’s effort towards peace.
“Our presence here gives a clear message on our intention to reach out and touch lives. We are all from the same province and whatever conflict that would erupt here will affect all of us, especially the poor. So, there’s no reason that we become divided or yet become the cause of strife and division,” he said during the service caravan in Lupon town.
“We are all Filipinos. Wouldn’t it be better if we all just get along? All of us wants peace and it is my dream as well that someday we may finally achieve the peace that we have so-long desired,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962518
The Philippine Army begins its propaganda campaign to encourage recruits of the New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law.
This developed as rebel areas were deluged with 5,000 flyers calling for unity and the prize the communist guerillas can get if they surrender firearms.
The presence of the military choppers hovering over the areas of Davao Oriental worried people in the communities where the flyers were dropped.
But the military assured the people they do not have to worry or leave the area because they were only dropping leaflets.
Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division (ID), confirmed leaflets were dropped from the military choppers particularly in the area were the 67th Infantry Battalion forces are operating. The 67th IB is operating in the area of Davao Oriental.
The first leaflet states the different amounts, depending on the type of firearms surrendered under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
For an AK 47 surrendered, the rebel gets P58,000; M14 – P60,000; Garan – P34,000; Carbine – P20,000; Light Machine Gun – P93,000; M16 – P45,000; 357 - P30,000 and .45 caliber pistol – P16,500.
The second leaflet carries “Manag-uban Kita sa Tul-id nga dalan (Let’s go together in a straight path)” with a sketch of people shaking hands.
This is not the first time that leaflets were released by the military since the declaration of the suspension of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the unilateral ceasefire by President Rodrigo Duterte.
In many areas in the city, anti-communist propaganda materials were also posted in city thoroughfares.
Earlier, 10th ID commanding general MGen. Rafael Valencia said the NPA has taken advantage of the unilateral ceasefire by recruiting new members.
This was evident in Manay town the past month, where a clash sparked between joint police and army teams sent to respond to the complaints of the villagers in Lambog and Rizal of alleged NPA harassment and extortion activities.
The firefight left one soldier dead and another wounded and forced the evacuation of about 3,500 residents.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang earlier also confirmed the death of two residents in Manay. He said they were killed by NPA rebels after they refused to join the NPA.
Dayangirang on Wednesday called for the people’s support to the government’s effort towards peace.
“Our presence here gives a clear message on our intention to reach out and touch lives. We are all from the same province and whatever conflict that would erupt here will affect all of us, especially the poor. So, there’s no reason that we become divided or yet become the cause of strife and division,” he said during the service caravan in Lupon town.
“We are all Filipinos. Wouldn’t it be better if we all just get along? All of us wants peace and it is my dream as well that someday we may finally achieve the peace that we have so-long desired,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962518
AFP-SOLCOM calls for community support, expects NPA human rights complaints
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): AFP-SOLCOM calls for community support, expects NPA human rights complaints
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– The Armed Forces Of the Philippines-Southern Luzon Command (AFP-SOLCOM) stationed here on Thursday called on the support of the community in light of the government’s effort to stop the terrorist acts perpetrated by the New People’s Army (PNA) operating in the area.
The SOLCOM leadership here expected NPA human rights advocates’ accusations against the military following the series of armed confrontations and all-out military offensives against the insurgents.
“We expect the NPA human rights advocates to take the center stage on accusing the military of human rights violations and abuses,” SOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Ferdinand F. Quidilla said.
He sounded the call for community support to the government’s efforts to curb violence and lawlessness instigated by the rebels.
"Due to NPA’s inability to retaliate the military forces, they resort to inflict harm and divert their atrocities specifically on geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDA) and hapless communities,” he assessed.
Lt. Gen. Quidilla also reported that on Wednesday evening, the NPAs continued to commit terrorist violations like burning the equipment used in the ongoing construction of the circumferential road project at a sub-village in Casay, San Francisco town in Quezon province.
He said the refusal of the Rapid Foremost Construction Company to give in to the NPA’s demands resulted in the burning of the company’s equipment that included a dump truck, two cement mixers and a bulldozer.
Quidilla emphasized to his troops that in carrying out their missions, “there should be no abuse of authority and ensure that there is no collateral damage inflicted to the community.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962640
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– The Armed Forces Of the Philippines-Southern Luzon Command (AFP-SOLCOM) stationed here on Thursday called on the support of the community in light of the government’s effort to stop the terrorist acts perpetrated by the New People’s Army (PNA) operating in the area.
The SOLCOM leadership here expected NPA human rights advocates’ accusations against the military following the series of armed confrontations and all-out military offensives against the insurgents.
“We expect the NPA human rights advocates to take the center stage on accusing the military of human rights violations and abuses,” SOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Ferdinand F. Quidilla said.
He sounded the call for community support to the government’s efforts to curb violence and lawlessness instigated by the rebels.
"Due to NPA’s inability to retaliate the military forces, they resort to inflict harm and divert their atrocities specifically on geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDA) and hapless communities,” he assessed.
Lt. Gen. Quidilla also reported that on Wednesday evening, the NPAs continued to commit terrorist violations like burning the equipment used in the ongoing construction of the circumferential road project at a sub-village in Casay, San Francisco town in Quezon province.
He said the refusal of the Rapid Foremost Construction Company to give in to the NPA’s demands resulted in the burning of the company’s equipment that included a dump truck, two cement mixers and a bulldozer.
Quidilla emphasized to his troops that in carrying out their missions, “there should be no abuse of authority and ensure that there is no collateral damage inflicted to the community.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962640
Gov't troops rescue 2 trafficking victims in Tawi-Tawi
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Gov't troops rescue 2 trafficking victims in Tawi-Tawi
Joint military and police have rescued two victims of human trafficking in the province of Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Friday.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified those rescued as Kathleen Banua, 18, and Greta Banua, 54, both from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.
Petinglay said the victims were rescued around 11:45 a.m. Thursday in the municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Petinglay said the victims were turned over to the Women and Child Protection Desk of the Tawi-Tawi police office for proper disposition.
They were provided with medical services by attending medical practitioners of the rescuing agencies.
The military continues to assist the police and other law enforcers in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to deter lawless violence not only in the province of Tawi-Tawi but also in the entire area of jurisdiction of Westmincom.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, six female victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were also jointly rescued by the government troops at Margarita Resort, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.
The rescued TIPs were debriefed and made to undergo medical check-up to ensure that they are in good health condition.
Petinglay said the joint elements were able to apprehend Girlie Manalo, who was identified as the facilitator of the said TIPs at Sitio Pook, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the troops and agencies concerned for the intensified effort to rescue victims of syndicate groups engaged in human trafficking activities.
“Together, we can do so much in stopping this lawless activity. The successful rescue operation is to bring a message to these syndicate groups that the government forces will not be hampered and will double our efforts in going after them,” Galvez said.
Trafficking in persons is one of the many lawless activities thriving in the province of Tawi-Tawi, which the concerned government agencies are working together to stop such illegal activities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962698
Joint military and police have rescued two victims of human trafficking in the province of Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Friday.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified those rescued as Kathleen Banua, 18, and Greta Banua, 54, both from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental.
Petinglay said the victims were rescued around 11:45 a.m. Thursday in the municipality of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Petinglay said the victims were turned over to the Women and Child Protection Desk of the Tawi-Tawi police office for proper disposition.
They were provided with medical services by attending medical practitioners of the rescuing agencies.
The military continues to assist the police and other law enforcers in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to deter lawless violence not only in the province of Tawi-Tawi but also in the entire area of jurisdiction of Westmincom.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, six female victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) were also jointly rescued by the government troops at Margarita Resort, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.
The rescued TIPs were debriefed and made to undergo medical check-up to ensure that they are in good health condition.
Petinglay said the joint elements were able to apprehend Girlie Manalo, who was identified as the facilitator of the said TIPs at Sitio Pook, Barangay Cabaluay, this city.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the troops and agencies concerned for the intensified effort to rescue victims of syndicate groups engaged in human trafficking activities.
“Together, we can do so much in stopping this lawless activity. The successful rescue operation is to bring a message to these syndicate groups that the government forces will not be hampered and will double our efforts in going after them,” Galvez said.
Trafficking in persons is one of the many lawless activities thriving in the province of Tawi-Tawi, which the concerned government agencies are working together to stop such illegal activities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962698
Abducted soldiers in S. Kudarat town ‘in good condition’
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Abducted soldiers in S. Kudarat town ‘in good condition’
The two Army troopers abducted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last week in a hinterland village in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat were reportedly in good condition and being treated as “prisoners of war,” a police official said on Friday.
Sr. Insp. Bernard Francia, chief of the Columbio municipal police station, said such information was based on a letter issued on Thursday to the town’s crisis management committee by the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region Revolutionary Committee.
“They gave assurance that the two soldiers in their custody will not be hurt or killed,” he said.
Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Private 1st Class Samuel Garay, both of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB), were seized on Feb. 2 by NPA rebels under the Front 72 in Purok 7, Barangay Telafas in Columbio.
The two were on their way to their detachment aboard a motorcycle when they were stopped and forcibly taken by around 20 heavily-armed rebels.
Francia said the NPA letter noted that the two soldiers are currently being investigated for possible abuses and related violations.
But he said there are no reports of abuses or complaints against the two, who were involved in peace and development activities of their unit in local communities in Columbio.
The police official expressed relief over the statement released by the NPA on the status of the abducted soldiers, who were earlier reported to have been executed by the rebels.
He said the assurance on the treatment of the two “prisoners of war” is a positive development and could open doors for possible negotiations on their release.
“Right now, the crisis management committee is still waiting for a response (from the NPA) regarding the proposed negotiations,” he said.
The town’s crisis committee, which is headed by Columbio Mayor Amir Musali, earlier sent negotiation feelers to the rebels.
Francia said they hope the rebels will reciprocate the efforts made by the 39th IB and the local government of Columbio in “saving the life” of one of their comrades who was wounded in an encounter in Sitio Lam-alis, Barangay Datal Blao on May 23, 2016.
He said the wounded NPA rebel was in critical condition then after he was hit by a bullet in his spinal cord.
But through the initiative of the municipal government and the 39th IB, the injured rebel received proper treatment and rehabilitation that cost “more than PHP500,000.”
The rebel has since recovered and is now able to walk, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962764
The two Army troopers abducted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last week in a hinterland village in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat were reportedly in good condition and being treated as “prisoners of war,” a police official said on Friday.
Sr. Insp. Bernard Francia, chief of the Columbio municipal police station, said such information was based on a letter issued on Thursday to the town’s crisis management committee by the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region Revolutionary Committee.
“They gave assurance that the two soldiers in their custody will not be hurt or killed,” he said.
Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Private 1st Class Samuel Garay, both of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB), were seized on Feb. 2 by NPA rebels under the Front 72 in Purok 7, Barangay Telafas in Columbio.
The two were on their way to their detachment aboard a motorcycle when they were stopped and forcibly taken by around 20 heavily-armed rebels.
Francia said the NPA letter noted that the two soldiers are currently being investigated for possible abuses and related violations.
But he said there are no reports of abuses or complaints against the two, who were involved in peace and development activities of their unit in local communities in Columbio.
The police official expressed relief over the statement released by the NPA on the status of the abducted soldiers, who were earlier reported to have been executed by the rebels.
He said the assurance on the treatment of the two “prisoners of war” is a positive development and could open doors for possible negotiations on their release.
“Right now, the crisis management committee is still waiting for a response (from the NPA) regarding the proposed negotiations,” he said.
The town’s crisis committee, which is headed by Columbio Mayor Amir Musali, earlier sent negotiation feelers to the rebels.
Francia said they hope the rebels will reciprocate the efforts made by the 39th IB and the local government of Columbio in “saving the life” of one of their comrades who was wounded in an encounter in Sitio Lam-alis, Barangay Datal Blao on May 23, 2016.
He said the wounded NPA rebel was in critical condition then after he was hit by a bullet in his spinal cord.
But through the initiative of the municipal government and the 39th IB, the injured rebel received proper treatment and rehabilitation that cost “more than PHP500,000.”
The rebel has since recovered and is now able to walk, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962764
Army's 7ID open to dialogue with rebels but ready to protect people
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Army's 7ID open to dialogue with rebels but ready to protect people
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City --The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) which holds jurisdiction over Central and portions of north Luzon keeps its table open for dialogue with "local constituents and with rebels," amid the termination of ceasefire.
This, as the 7ID led by its commander Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, distributed Wednesday some PHP807,000 in Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip) benefits to 10 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, according to Catherine Hapin, 7ID public affairs chief.
Hapin said the declaration of ceasefire has paved the way for the surrender of at least 19 rebels, most of them are now CLIP beneficiaries.
"The same will be offered to rebels who will follow suit," she said, saying the command welcomes dialogues with its local constituents and with rebels "who would like to grab the opportunity for a new and more peaceful life.'
"The division (7ID) calls them now, while they still have time," Hapin said.
The call was made by 7ID on Friday as it declared a focused military operations "from this point onwards," referring to the abrupt termination of the unilateral ceasefire.
In a statement, 7ID also expressed regret over the termination of peace talks.
"It is unfortunate that the peace talks that have run for almost six months should come to a halt because the rebels chose to use violence," it reads.
"The 7ID will conduct focused military operations that will actively protect the communities and flagship projects of the government", it added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962766
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City --The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) which holds jurisdiction over Central and portions of north Luzon keeps its table open for dialogue with "local constituents and with rebels," amid the termination of ceasefire.
This, as the 7ID led by its commander Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, distributed Wednesday some PHP807,000 in Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip) benefits to 10 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, according to Catherine Hapin, 7ID public affairs chief.
Hapin said the declaration of ceasefire has paved the way for the surrender of at least 19 rebels, most of them are now CLIP beneficiaries.
"The same will be offered to rebels who will follow suit," she said, saying the command welcomes dialogues with its local constituents and with rebels "who would like to grab the opportunity for a new and more peaceful life.'
"The division (7ID) calls them now, while they still have time," Hapin said.
The call was made by 7ID on Friday as it declared a focused military operations "from this point onwards," referring to the abrupt termination of the unilateral ceasefire.
In a statement, 7ID also expressed regret over the termination of peace talks.
"It is unfortunate that the peace talks that have run for almost six months should come to a halt because the rebels chose to use violence," it reads.
"The 7ID will conduct focused military operations that will actively protect the communities and flagship projects of the government", it added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962766
Army chief leads reactivation of 54th Engineering Brigade in Zamboanga City
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Army chief leads reactivation of 54th Engineering Brigade in Zamboanga City
The Philippine Army on Friday reactivated the 54th Engineering Brigade (EB) to undertake development projects in support to the government’s pacification campaign in this part of the country.
Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Philippine Army chief, spearheaded the reactivation ceremony held at Camp Arnaldo Fernandez Jr., in Barangay Cabatangan, this city.
“We are not only trained to fight but rather we are also trained to support development,” Miranda said during the ceremony.
At the same time, Miranda has installed Brig. Gen. Arnold Fernandez as the 54EB commander.
Miranda expressed confidence that Fernandez will not falter in his task, citing he is an efficient and competent officer.
Fernandez, for his part, has assured that he would do his best to accomplish the tasks given him and his brigade.
“I am ready to accept these tasks,” he said.
Miranda, meanwhile, thanked Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman for allowing them to use a portion of the ARMM property to house the 54EB headquarters in Barangay Cabatangan, this city.
Originally, Lt. Col. Maynard Camarao, operations officer of the 52EB, said that the 54EB was activated on July 1, 1991.
However, Camarao said the 54EB was deactivated on July 11, 2013 after it was assigned to the different areas in the country.
With its reactivation, the 54EB would be the fourth engineering unit of the Philippine Army.
The other three Army engineer units are the 51st, 52nd and 53rd Engineering Brigades.
Glorioso has placed the 54EB under the tactical control of the Philippine Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command based in this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962915
The Philippine Army on Friday reactivated the 54th Engineering Brigade (EB) to undertake development projects in support to the government’s pacification campaign in this part of the country.
Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Philippine Army chief, spearheaded the reactivation ceremony held at Camp Arnaldo Fernandez Jr., in Barangay Cabatangan, this city.
“We are not only trained to fight but rather we are also trained to support development,” Miranda said during the ceremony.
At the same time, Miranda has installed Brig. Gen. Arnold Fernandez as the 54EB commander.
Miranda expressed confidence that Fernandez will not falter in his task, citing he is an efficient and competent officer.
Fernandez, for his part, has assured that he would do his best to accomplish the tasks given him and his brigade.
“I am ready to accept these tasks,” he said.
Miranda, meanwhile, thanked Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman for allowing them to use a portion of the ARMM property to house the 54EB headquarters in Barangay Cabatangan, this city.
Originally, Lt. Col. Maynard Camarao, operations officer of the 52EB, said that the 54EB was activated on July 1, 1991.
However, Camarao said the 54EB was deactivated on July 11, 2013 after it was assigned to the different areas in the country.
With its reactivation, the 54EB would be the fourth engineering unit of the Philippine Army.
The other three Army engineer units are the 51st, 52nd and 53rd Engineering Brigades.
Glorioso has placed the 54EB under the tactical control of the Philippine Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command based in this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962915
Covenant vs terrorism signed in Iloilo City
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Covenant vs terrorism signed in Iloilo City
The Iloilo City Police Office and Iloilo United Muslims Community, Inc. (IUMCI) signed a covenant against terrorism at the Iloilo Pioneer Masjid, the group's worship center, in Barangay Magdalo here, Friday.
Senior Superintendent Remus Zacarias Canieso, ICPO Acting Director; IUMCI president Imam Umar Madrigal; Imams Nasser Mersederio of Jumiato Moalafate Kolobohan, Inc. and Abdul Salam Umpara of San Pedro Muslim Community; Khalid Barodi, San Isidro Muslim Community chairman; Regional Director Gil Pabilona of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); Liga ng mga Barangay Iloilo City president Reyland Hervias; Lt. Col. Vener Morga, 82IB Commander, were among those who signed the covenant.
"Terrorism has many faces....it is fatal and has tremendous effects...globally, it claimed millions of lives," said Caniezo in his message.
"This should not happen in Iloilo, we should be on the lookout to prevent terror acts from happening here," he added.
Canieso said the covenant is part of the police's campaign against terrorism to ensure that Iloilo City will remain a peaceful place to live in.
He stressed that while a person's religion has nothing to do with violence, there are those who use it to justify their violent acts, which is against the tenets of religion that promotes peace.
Bombs cannot differentiate who will be the victims, Canieso said.
Thus, the involvement of the Muslim community is very significant, particularly through intelligence information gathering and validation.
"Let us help each other to ensure Iloilo will still remain peaceful and orderly," Canieso said.
Barodi, on his part, said that their community is one with the police in the goal to keep Iloilo a safe place to live in.
Now living in the metro for more than two decades, Barodi called on his brethren to extend support to the police.
Also part of the covenant are various intelligence communities of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962904
The Iloilo City Police Office and Iloilo United Muslims Community, Inc. (IUMCI) signed a covenant against terrorism at the Iloilo Pioneer Masjid, the group's worship center, in Barangay Magdalo here, Friday.
Senior Superintendent Remus Zacarias Canieso, ICPO Acting Director; IUMCI president Imam Umar Madrigal; Imams Nasser Mersederio of Jumiato Moalafate Kolobohan, Inc. and Abdul Salam Umpara of San Pedro Muslim Community; Khalid Barodi, San Isidro Muslim Community chairman; Regional Director Gil Pabilona of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); Liga ng mga Barangay Iloilo City president Reyland Hervias; Lt. Col. Vener Morga, 82IB Commander, were among those who signed the covenant.
"Terrorism has many faces....it is fatal and has tremendous effects...globally, it claimed millions of lives," said Caniezo in his message.
"This should not happen in Iloilo, we should be on the lookout to prevent terror acts from happening here," he added.
Canieso said the covenant is part of the police's campaign against terrorism to ensure that Iloilo City will remain a peaceful place to live in.
He stressed that while a person's religion has nothing to do with violence, there are those who use it to justify their violent acts, which is against the tenets of religion that promotes peace.
Bombs cannot differentiate who will be the victims, Canieso said.
Thus, the involvement of the Muslim community is very significant, particularly through intelligence information gathering and validation.
"Let us help each other to ensure Iloilo will still remain peaceful and orderly," Canieso said.
Barodi, on his part, said that their community is one with the police in the goal to keep Iloilo a safe place to live in.
Now living in the metro for more than two decades, Barodi called on his brethren to extend support to the police.
Also part of the covenant are various intelligence communities of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962904
Manhunt launched against armed groups in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Manhunt launched against armed groups in Bukidnon
The military and the police on Friday launched a joint manhunt operation against an armed group that torched the heavy equipment owned by a construction firm, abducted a police officer, and killed a resident in Bukidnon.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID), said that the armed group members, who introduced themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), killed a certain Lito Siagan Atoy and abducted Police Officer 2 Anthony Natividad.
He said that the armed group on board a dump truck and an L300 van raided the house of Atoy in Talakag, Bukidnon last Thursday.
The unidentified armed men took Atoy and his five motorcycles and sped toward Kilometer 28 of Tigkalaan, a village that is part of Talakag, where he was tortured and shot dead.
Along the way, and prior to the killing of Atoy, the armed men torched the four heavy equipment of the Mindanao Rock Corporation then put up a checkpoint where all vehicles and commuters were checked.
“The police officer was then taken by the armed group that fled toward the direction of Lanao Del Sur,” Martinez said.
Colonel Eric C. Vinoya of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander, has immediately directed the 1st Special Forces Battalion to have a close coordination with the PNP and conduct pursuit operation against the perpetrators, Martinez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=963006
The military and the police on Friday launched a joint manhunt operation against an armed group that torched the heavy equipment owned by a construction firm, abducted a police officer, and killed a resident in Bukidnon.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID), said that the armed group members, who introduced themselves as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), killed a certain Lito Siagan Atoy and abducted Police Officer 2 Anthony Natividad.
He said that the armed group on board a dump truck and an L300 van raided the house of Atoy in Talakag, Bukidnon last Thursday.
The unidentified armed men took Atoy and his five motorcycles and sped toward Kilometer 28 of Tigkalaan, a village that is part of Talakag, where he was tortured and shot dead.
Along the way, and prior to the killing of Atoy, the armed men torched the four heavy equipment of the Mindanao Rock Corporation then put up a checkpoint where all vehicles and commuters were checked.
“The police officer was then taken by the armed group that fled toward the direction of Lanao Del Sur,” Martinez said.
Colonel Eric C. Vinoya of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander, has immediately directed the 1st Special Forces Battalion to have a close coordination with the PNP and conduct pursuit operation against the perpetrators, Martinez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=963006
ASEAN security team reviews plan after peace talks suspension
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): ASEAN security team reviews plan after peace talks suspension
The Peace and Order Committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is reviewing the security measures for the meetings in 10 cities in the country in light of the government’s declaration of intensified offensive against the New People’s Army (NPA).
Interior and Local Governments Undersecretary Catalino Cuy, chair of the committee for security preparations and the ASEAN peace and order team, said the review would be on a case-to-case basis depending on the level of the security threat.
While there is no specific threat for now, Cuy said they are tasked to look into all angles “because we are not taking for granted (all information).”
“We monitor all developments and protest rallies,” Cuy said.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is considering the NPA as threat to the security of the city.
According to Cuy, they will consider changes in collaboration with the international security.
Davao is an immediate concern not only because it is the home province of President Rodrigo Duterte but also because it is the only city in Mindanao to host ASEAN meetings.
Cuy said this is the first time that an ASEAN meeting will be held in Mindanao.
Davao City is among the 10 cities as sites of the ASEAN meetings. The others are Manila, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Clark.
Cuy’s committee takes responsibility for all the security preparation in collaboration with 21 agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a primary responsibility to secure ASEAN activities from now until November, this year.
Cuy said there are 120 activities to be conducted in the Philippines. These are the two leaders’ summit, the ASEAN + partners (21 heads of states), the meetings of the 10-member countries, the 15 ministerial level meetings, 31 senior officials’ meeting and the 72 technical working group meetings.
Given this, Cuy said additional deployment is also considered although they already brought personnel from central offices to augment the forces here.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962569
The Peace and Order Committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is reviewing the security measures for the meetings in 10 cities in the country in light of the government’s declaration of intensified offensive against the New People’s Army (NPA).
Interior and Local Governments Undersecretary Catalino Cuy, chair of the committee for security preparations and the ASEAN peace and order team, said the review would be on a case-to-case basis depending on the level of the security threat.
While there is no specific threat for now, Cuy said they are tasked to look into all angles “because we are not taking for granted (all information).”
“We monitor all developments and protest rallies,” Cuy said.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is considering the NPA as threat to the security of the city.
According to Cuy, they will consider changes in collaboration with the international security.
Davao is an immediate concern not only because it is the home province of President Rodrigo Duterte but also because it is the only city in Mindanao to host ASEAN meetings.
Cuy said this is the first time that an ASEAN meeting will be held in Mindanao.
Davao City is among the 10 cities as sites of the ASEAN meetings. The others are Manila, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Clark.
Cuy’s committee takes responsibility for all the security preparation in collaboration with 21 agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a primary responsibility to secure ASEAN activities from now until November, this year.
Cuy said there are 120 activities to be conducted in the Philippines. These are the two leaders’ summit, the ASEAN + partners (21 heads of states), the meetings of the 10-member countries, the 15 ministerial level meetings, 31 senior officials’ meeting and the 72 technical working group meetings.
Given this, Cuy said additional deployment is also considered although they already brought personnel from central offices to augment the forces here.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962569
6 killed, 4 wounded in drive-by shooting, grenade explosion in Zamboanga Sibugay
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): 6 killed, 4 wounded in drive-by shooting, grenade explosion in Zamboanga Sibugay
The police strongly believed that revenge is the motive behind the killing of six people in a grenade explosion and drive-by shooting that also injured four others in this municipality.
Senior Supt. Romulo Cleve Taboso, provincial police director, on Friday disclosed that the members of the Baraham Ali crime group are out to avenge the arrest of their comrade.
Taboso said the incident that resulted in the death of six people and wounding of four others occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday along the highway in Barangay Cainglet, this municipality.
Taboso identified the fatalities as the following: Emeristo Bastasa; Raymary Tena; Asser Mangan; Delia Pagador; Marisa Bucan; and, a certain Calib-og.
Wounded were: Alex Angoon; Agnes Mangan; her eight-year old daughter, Syra; and, Ryan Dumalag Francisco.
Investigation showed the victims were seated in front of an automobile repair shop when one of two men riding tandem in a motorcycle opened fire as they passed by.
The suspects also tossed a grenade as they fled from the crime scene.
A police vehicle of the nearby Payao town, this province, which was under repair, was also damaged.
The local police strongly believed the suspects are members of the Barahama Ali crime group who were out to avenge the arrest of their companion, Odih Wahab.
Combined police and military operatives arrested Wahab during a law enforcement operation on February 3 at a hotel in Barangay Tirso Babiera, Ipil, this province.
Wahab has standing warrants of arrest for the crimes of robbery, highway robbery and brigandage, and, murder.
He was caught in possession of a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition; fragmentation grenade; blasting caps; detonating cord; three large-size plastic sachets of suspected "shabu"; and prohibited drug paraphernalia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962880
The police strongly believed that revenge is the motive behind the killing of six people in a grenade explosion and drive-by shooting that also injured four others in this municipality.
Senior Supt. Romulo Cleve Taboso, provincial police director, on Friday disclosed that the members of the Baraham Ali crime group are out to avenge the arrest of their comrade.
Taboso said the incident that resulted in the death of six people and wounding of four others occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday along the highway in Barangay Cainglet, this municipality.
Taboso identified the fatalities as the following: Emeristo Bastasa; Raymary Tena; Asser Mangan; Delia Pagador; Marisa Bucan; and, a certain Calib-og.
Wounded were: Alex Angoon; Agnes Mangan; her eight-year old daughter, Syra; and, Ryan Dumalag Francisco.
Investigation showed the victims were seated in front of an automobile repair shop when one of two men riding tandem in a motorcycle opened fire as they passed by.
The suspects also tossed a grenade as they fled from the crime scene.
A police vehicle of the nearby Payao town, this province, which was under repair, was also damaged.
The local police strongly believed the suspects are members of the Barahama Ali crime group who were out to avenge the arrest of their companion, Odih Wahab.
Combined police and military operatives arrested Wahab during a law enforcement operation on February 3 at a hotel in Barangay Tirso Babiera, Ipil, this province.
Wahab has standing warrants of arrest for the crimes of robbery, highway robbery and brigandage, and, murder.
He was caught in possession of a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition; fragmentation grenade; blasting caps; detonating cord; three large-size plastic sachets of suspected "shabu"; and prohibited drug paraphernalia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962880
ARMM, Army brigade to implement PHP199.7-M road projects in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): ARMM, Army brigade to implement PHP199.7-M road projects in Basilan
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Philippine Army’s 54th Engineering Brigade on Friday agreed to implement the PHP199.7-million road concreting projects in Basilan province.
ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and newly installed 54th Engineering Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Arnold Fernandez signed the agreement shortly after the re-activation of the brigade in Camp Arnaldo Fernandez Jr., Barangay Cabatangan here.
The road projects cover the 3.5-km. Sampinit-Masola Road in Isabela City with an allocated budget of PHP82.2 million, and the 5-km. Sampinit-Punoh-Mahadie Road in Sumisip town with an appropriation of PHP117.5 million, for a total of PHP199.7 million.
Engineer Don Mustapha Loong, secretary of the public works office in ARMM, said the roads form part of the Basilan Transcentral Road and are among the first projects being undertaken under Phase II of the Transcentral road project.
Loong said a total of PHP806.05 million has been allocated for the Phase II Transcentral road project that covers 34.3 km.
Hataman said the completion of the projects will bring peace and development to Basilan.
“It’s completion will deny safe haven to the Abu Sayyaf bandits,” he added.
Loong noted that the Basilan Transcentral road project is one of the key connectivity projects of Hataman in Basilan that will reduce travel time between the town of Sumisip and Isabela City, and between Maluso municipality and Lamitan City.
“The project connects different towns located at the center of the province to the Basilan Circumferential Road. This will allow better logistics and people interconnectivity in Basilan,” he said.
“It is hoped that upon completion of the Basilan Transcentral road, there would be peace in Basilan, faster movement of people, cheaper transport costs, more agricultural areas developed and a more competitive Basilan ready for the ASEAN integration, Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and the Basilan Economic Zone.”
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda; Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.; and Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman.
Meanwhile, the implementation of Phase I of the Transcentral project is ongoing with a budget of PHP252 million covering 21 km.
The allocation was sourced from the 2016 regular infrastructure budget of ARMM.
Since 2012, ARMM has allocated a total of PHP7.865 billion for infrastructure projects in Basilan.
For this year, a total of PHP2.207 billion has been earmarked for the province under the region’s infrastructure program.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962933
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Philippine Army’s 54th Engineering Brigade on Friday agreed to implement the PHP199.7-million road concreting projects in Basilan province.
ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and newly installed 54th Engineering Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Arnold Fernandez signed the agreement shortly after the re-activation of the brigade in Camp Arnaldo Fernandez Jr., Barangay Cabatangan here.
The road projects cover the 3.5-km. Sampinit-Masola Road in Isabela City with an allocated budget of PHP82.2 million, and the 5-km. Sampinit-Punoh-Mahadie Road in Sumisip town with an appropriation of PHP117.5 million, for a total of PHP199.7 million.
Engineer Don Mustapha Loong, secretary of the public works office in ARMM, said the roads form part of the Basilan Transcentral Road and are among the first projects being undertaken under Phase II of the Transcentral road project.
Loong said a total of PHP806.05 million has been allocated for the Phase II Transcentral road project that covers 34.3 km.
Hataman said the completion of the projects will bring peace and development to Basilan.
“It’s completion will deny safe haven to the Abu Sayyaf bandits,” he added.
Loong noted that the Basilan Transcentral road project is one of the key connectivity projects of Hataman in Basilan that will reduce travel time between the town of Sumisip and Isabela City, and between Maluso municipality and Lamitan City.
“The project connects different towns located at the center of the province to the Basilan Circumferential Road. This will allow better logistics and people interconnectivity in Basilan,” he said.
“It is hoped that upon completion of the Basilan Transcentral road, there would be peace in Basilan, faster movement of people, cheaper transport costs, more agricultural areas developed and a more competitive Basilan ready for the ASEAN integration, Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and the Basilan Economic Zone.”
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda; Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.; and Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman.
Meanwhile, the implementation of Phase I of the Transcentral project is ongoing with a budget of PHP252 million covering 21 km.
The allocation was sourced from the 2016 regular infrastructure budget of ARMM.
Since 2012, ARMM has allocated a total of PHP7.865 billion for infrastructure projects in Basilan.
For this year, a total of PHP2.207 billion has been earmarked for the province under the region’s infrastructure program.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=962933
ASG 'Lucky 9 Group' leader killed in Tawi-Tawi- ops
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): ASG 'Lucky 9 Group' leader killed in Tawi-Tawi- ops
Combined forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have killed a leader of the Abu Sayyaf's "Lucky 9 Group" along with another bandit during a series of joint military and police operations in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Thursday.
Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay identified the slain bandits as "Lucky 9 Group" leader Ninok Sappari and his follower, Mahdi Abdurahman.
Initial reports indicated the two were looking for possible kidnapping targets at the Almari Beach Resort in Barangay Pahut, Tawi-Tawi when spotted by concerned citizens who then reported their presence to authorities.
In the first operation, which was conducted 12:15 p.m in Barangay Pahut, government forces shot and killed Abdurahman while Sappari managed to escape only to be neutralized 9:30 p.m. in the resulting pursuit operations in nearby Barangay Nalil.
Seized from Saparri, who was wanted for 32 counts of murder, was a hand grenade.
"All available forces are being deployed to pursue and neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group. These recent operations have caused setbacks, casualties and losses on the terrorist group," WMC head Major General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command said.
"We will not stop until we get them all or until they decide to return to the folds of the law and surrender," he added.
The "Lucky 9 Group of Sulu is being hunted by authorities for perpetrating the assassinations of military personnel. The group was also engaged lately on kidnapping of locals in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962761
Combined forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have killed a leader of the Abu Sayyaf's "Lucky 9 Group" along with another bandit during a series of joint military and police operations in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Thursday.
Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay identified the slain bandits as "Lucky 9 Group" leader Ninok Sappari and his follower, Mahdi Abdurahman.
Initial reports indicated the two were looking for possible kidnapping targets at the Almari Beach Resort in Barangay Pahut, Tawi-Tawi when spotted by concerned citizens who then reported their presence to authorities.
In the first operation, which was conducted 12:15 p.m in Barangay Pahut, government forces shot and killed Abdurahman while Sappari managed to escape only to be neutralized 9:30 p.m. in the resulting pursuit operations in nearby Barangay Nalil.
Seized from Saparri, who was wanted for 32 counts of murder, was a hand grenade.
"All available forces are being deployed to pursue and neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group. These recent operations have caused setbacks, casualties and losses on the terrorist group," WMC head Major General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command said.
"We will not stop until we get them all or until they decide to return to the folds of the law and surrender," he added.
The "Lucky 9 Group of Sulu is being hunted by authorities for perpetrating the assassinations of military personnel. The group was also engaged lately on kidnapping of locals in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962761
BuCor chief relieves 20 prison guards at AFP detention facility
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): BuCor chief relieves 20 prison guards at AFP detention facility
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Benjamin Delos Santos on Friday ordered the relief of all the prison guards stationed at the Intelligence Service for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) detention facility due to alleged reports that some high profile inmates temporarily detained there are given special privileges.
Delos Santos ordered the 20 prison guards headed by Prison Guard 3 Marlon Mangubat to be transferred back to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as they face investigation to determine their possible liability.
In response to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II memorandum issued on Wednesday, Delos Santos said a clearing operation was conducted by a joint team of BuCor and members of the Special Action Force (SAF) at the said facility.
The BuCor Chief said the joint team has dismantled air conditioning units and also searched all the rooms and no cellular phones were found in the rooms and with the inmates.
He said there is only one phone installed at the reception area for emergency purposes, under watch by BUCOR-SAF and all calls are logged individually showing inmates name, time, date and party contacted.
He added that there is only one television set installed and that is at the reception area for scheduled viewing.
Aguirre has earlier denied claims of Senator Leila De Lima that he has restored the privileges of inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) who testified in the House of Representatives inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary.
“I absolutely deny it. I made no such order. However, allow me to point out that Senator De Lima used the term “restores, it only means that she is admitting that such privileges that she claims were restored were existing during her time as Secretary of Justice!,” Aguirre said.
“She must be referring to her stint as Secretary of Justice when such privileges abounded and were tolerated in the NBP. She must have a lot of spare time to reminisce about her past. You can only reminisce about factual things, things that actually happened,” he added.
Aguirre remained unfazed as he dared de Lima to present evidence to back her accusation.
De Lima claimed she has “indisputable information that Aguirre restored the privileges of the high-profile inmates led by convicted robber Herbert Colanggo who testified against her in the House’ s inquiry on the narcotics trade.
She said among these privileges were the use of cellular phones and other electronic gadgets, television, airconditioning units and even Internet access.
The use and or possession of such devices inside the New Bilibid Prison are strictly prohibited with Aguirre himself saying last year that the illegal drugs trade proliferated inside prison due to the presence of communication gadgets which allowed them to contact their cohorts outside.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962820
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Benjamin Delos Santos on Friday ordered the relief of all the prison guards stationed at the Intelligence Service for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) detention facility due to alleged reports that some high profile inmates temporarily detained there are given special privileges.
Delos Santos ordered the 20 prison guards headed by Prison Guard 3 Marlon Mangubat to be transferred back to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as they face investigation to determine their possible liability.
In response to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II memorandum issued on Wednesday, Delos Santos said a clearing operation was conducted by a joint team of BuCor and members of the Special Action Force (SAF) at the said facility.
The BuCor Chief said the joint team has dismantled air conditioning units and also searched all the rooms and no cellular phones were found in the rooms and with the inmates.
He said there is only one phone installed at the reception area for emergency purposes, under watch by BUCOR-SAF and all calls are logged individually showing inmates name, time, date and party contacted.
He added that there is only one television set installed and that is at the reception area for scheduled viewing.
Aguirre has earlier denied claims of Senator Leila De Lima that he has restored the privileges of inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) who testified in the House of Representatives inquiry on the proliferation of illegal drugs at the national penitentiary.
“I absolutely deny it. I made no such order. However, allow me to point out that Senator De Lima used the term “restores, it only means that she is admitting that such privileges that she claims were restored were existing during her time as Secretary of Justice!,” Aguirre said.
“She must be referring to her stint as Secretary of Justice when such privileges abounded and were tolerated in the NBP. She must have a lot of spare time to reminisce about her past. You can only reminisce about factual things, things that actually happened,” he added.
Aguirre remained unfazed as he dared de Lima to present evidence to back her accusation.
De Lima claimed she has “indisputable information that Aguirre restored the privileges of the high-profile inmates led by convicted robber Herbert Colanggo who testified against her in the House’ s inquiry on the narcotics trade.
She said among these privileges were the use of cellular phones and other electronic gadgets, television, airconditioning units and even Internet access.
The use and or possession of such devices inside the New Bilibid Prison are strictly prohibited with Aguirre himself saying last year that the illegal drugs trade proliferated inside prison due to the presence of communication gadgets which allowed them to contact their cohorts outside.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962820
OPAPP announces new members of expanded BTC
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): OPAPP announces new members of expanded BTC
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Friday announced the new members of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC)—a body that will draft the new Bangsamoro enabling law.
The crafting of the law is part of the implementation process of the southern peace pact or the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in March 2014.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has just released the appointment papers of the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This will signal the start of the work to come up with an inclusive Bangsamoro law that will truly reflect and address the clamor for a genuine political autonomy for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao,” Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process, said.
The creation of the expanded BTC from 15 to 21 was made after President Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO) No. 8 on November 7.
The EO was one of the agreements reached during the August meeting between the implementing panels of the government and the MILF, where they discussed the new Peace and Development Roadmap for the implementation of the signed peace agreements.
Under the EO, the consultative body will be chaired by the MILF with 11 members, while the government nominates 10 members, including three members from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The new members of the expanded BTC are Atty. Jose I. Lorena, Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, Atty. Hussin Amin, Romeo Saliga, Hatimil Hassan, Atty. Firdausi Ismail Y. Abbas, Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema; Ghadzali Jaafar;Mohagher M. Iqbal; Abdulraof Abdul Macacua, Ibrahim d. Ali and Haron M. Abas. Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie; Said M. Shiek; Hussein P. Muñoz; Melanio U. Ulama; Gafur A. Kanain; Ammal D. Solaiman, J.D.
Irene “Inday” M. Santiago, the chair of the Government Panel Implementing the Bangsamoro Accords, said the members were chosen because of their capacity to listen and their extensive knowledge in Mindanao.
“It is expected that the new members of the BTC will hit the ground running. Their role is vital for us to reach a CAB-compliant enabling law,” she said.
The government has set a deadline for the BTC to submit the draft to Congress by July for deliberations and ratification.
Earlier, Secretary Dureza said the old Bangsamoro Basic Law, which failed to be enacted as a law last Congress, will probably be the basic document, among other pertinent legislations, of the new enabling law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962847
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Friday announced the new members of the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC)—a body that will draft the new Bangsamoro enabling law.
The crafting of the law is part of the implementation process of the southern peace pact or the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in March 2014.
“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has just released the appointment papers of the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission. This will signal the start of the work to come up with an inclusive Bangsamoro law that will truly reflect and address the clamor for a genuine political autonomy for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao,” Secretary Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process, said.
The creation of the expanded BTC from 15 to 21 was made after President Duterte signed an Executive Order (EO) No. 8 on November 7.
The EO was one of the agreements reached during the August meeting between the implementing panels of the government and the MILF, where they discussed the new Peace and Development Roadmap for the implementation of the signed peace agreements.
Under the EO, the consultative body will be chaired by the MILF with 11 members, while the government nominates 10 members, including three members from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The new members of the expanded BTC are Atty. Jose I. Lorena, Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Dr. Susana Salvador-Anayatin, Atty. Hussin Amin, Romeo Saliga, Hatimil Hassan, Atty. Firdausi Ismail Y. Abbas, Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema; Ghadzali Jaafar;Mohagher M. Iqbal; Abdulraof Abdul Macacua, Ibrahim d. Ali and Haron M. Abas. Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie; Said M. Shiek; Hussein P. Muñoz; Melanio U. Ulama; Gafur A. Kanain; Ammal D. Solaiman, J.D.
Irene “Inday” M. Santiago, the chair of the Government Panel Implementing the Bangsamoro Accords, said the members were chosen because of their capacity to listen and their extensive knowledge in Mindanao.
“It is expected that the new members of the BTC will hit the ground running. Their role is vital for us to reach a CAB-compliant enabling law,” she said.
The government has set a deadline for the BTC to submit the draft to Congress by July for deliberations and ratification.
Earlier, Secretary Dureza said the old Bangsamoro Basic Law, which failed to be enacted as a law last Congress, will probably be the basic document, among other pertinent legislations, of the new enabling law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962847
AFP chief says no need for martial law despite NPA, terror threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): AFP chief says no need for martial law despite NPA, terror threats
Despite the series of New People's Army (NPA) attacks against military and civilian targets and threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf and other terror groups, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Eduardo Año sees no reason for the declaration of martial law.
He made this statement after noting that the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) still has full control of the security situation.
"Well right now the PNP and the AFP can still operate within the prevailing situation with full control so right now I don't see a reason why the President will declare martial law, although he has the discretion (and) authority based on the Constitution," Año said.
And should the Chief Executive ever decides to do so, he said there are checks and balances available to ensure that its declaration are in accordance with Constitutional provisions.
"But right now, we (AFP) don't see the reason (for doing so)," he added.
Año earlier said that close military and police cooperation is one of the strategies which will be employed by the Duterte administration in defeating the NPA insurgency threat.
He made this statement during the sidelights of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.
"In our meeting this morning, we strengthened the mechanism of the JPSCC particularly the creation of joint cells at the different levels, so in our planning and actions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP, will be always together, down to the provincial level," he said in Filipino.
Also emphasized in the meeting is that the AFP and PNP will intensify operations to fight and defeat the NPA decisively.
"In view of the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire and the cancellation of the talks, we will intensity our operations together -- the PNP and the AFP -- to fight the NPA to defeat the armed group and put back into jail all those high ranking personalities (earlier released to help in the peace negotiations)," he added.
At the moment, the AFP chief said there is no need for the deployment of additional troops in NPA hot spots in Northern and Eastern Mindanao as the military has enough forces in these areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962770
Despite the series of New People's Army (NPA) attacks against military and civilian targets and threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf and other terror groups, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Eduardo Año sees no reason for the declaration of martial law.
He made this statement after noting that the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) still has full control of the security situation.
"Well right now the PNP and the AFP can still operate within the prevailing situation with full control so right now I don't see a reason why the President will declare martial law, although he has the discretion (and) authority based on the Constitution," Año said.
And should the Chief Executive ever decides to do so, he said there are checks and balances available to ensure that its declaration are in accordance with Constitutional provisions.
"But right now, we (AFP) don't see the reason (for doing so)," he added.
Año earlier said that close military and police cooperation is one of the strategies which will be employed by the Duterte administration in defeating the NPA insurgency threat.
He made this statement during the sidelights of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.
"In our meeting this morning, we strengthened the mechanism of the JPSCC particularly the creation of joint cells at the different levels, so in our planning and actions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP, will be always together, down to the provincial level," he said in Filipino.
Also emphasized in the meeting is that the AFP and PNP will intensify operations to fight and defeat the NPA decisively.
"In view of the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire and the cancellation of the talks, we will intensity our operations together -- the PNP and the AFP -- to fight the NPA to defeat the armed group and put back into jail all those high ranking personalities (earlier released to help in the peace negotiations)," he added.
At the moment, the AFP chief said there is no need for the deployment of additional troops in NPA hot spots in Northern and Eastern Mindanao as the military has enough forces in these areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962770
AFP: Rebels need to show sincerity to reopen peace negotiations
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): AFP: Rebels need to show sincerity to reopen peace negotiations
The New People's Army (NPA) must first show sincerity and their political and armed factions are united in the quest for peace before any new peace negotiations can take place.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo when asked what conditions the military will be requesting in an event President Rodrigo Duterte decides to resume negotiations again with the insurgents.
"First they must be united in the goal of seeking peace and they must show sincerity by complying with all peace negotiation agreements especially on the part calling for the cessation of attacks against government troops," he said in Filipino.
Arevalo was referring to the apparent disarray in the political and armed leadership of the NPAs whom earlier issued conflicting statements regarding its ceasefire pullout.
The National Democratic Front (NDF) negotiating panel headed by Fidel Agcaoili earlier said that the NPA unilateral ceasefire will continue while its spokesperson Jorge "Oris" Madlos stated that the truce will effectively end on 11:59 p.m. of Feb. 10.
"Before seeking any new peace negotiations with the government, the NPA must show that its leadership and units in the ground, are united in the goal of seeking a just and lasting peace," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962849
The New People's Army (NPA) must first show sincerity and their political and armed factions are united in the quest for peace before any new peace negotiations can take place.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo when asked what conditions the military will be requesting in an event President Rodrigo Duterte decides to resume negotiations again with the insurgents.
"First they must be united in the goal of seeking peace and they must show sincerity by complying with all peace negotiation agreements especially on the part calling for the cessation of attacks against government troops," he said in Filipino.
Arevalo was referring to the apparent disarray in the political and armed leadership of the NPAs whom earlier issued conflicting statements regarding its ceasefire pullout.
The National Democratic Front (NDF) negotiating panel headed by Fidel Agcaoili earlier said that the NPA unilateral ceasefire will continue while its spokesperson Jorge "Oris" Madlos stated that the truce will effectively end on 11:59 p.m. of Feb. 10.
"Before seeking any new peace negotiations with the government, the NPA must show that its leadership and units in the ground, are united in the goal of seeking a just and lasting peace," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962849
PHL-US info-sharing leads to quick solution of crime
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): PHL-US info-sharing leads to quick solution of crime
Expect early solution of a crime when two nations shared factual information on the progress of any case.
This has been proven many times by the United States and the Philippines when both nations compared notes that led to the arrest and conviction of the accused and giving justice to the victim.
Citing the case of the 54-year-old Calvin Bernhardt, who was sentenced before Chief United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 50 years in prison, accused of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, counterfeit currency, tampering with witness or evidence, and attempted travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor.
Bernhardt was found guilty on October 28, 2016, following nearly four days of trial.
Bernhardt induced and enticed a 14-year-old minor from the Philippines to engage in and produce images of sexually explicit conduct via the internet. Bernhardt further induced the minor to send him the sexually explicit or sadistic and masochistic images.
Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) exchange of information leds to the conviction of the accused.
Upon learning of an investigation into his illegal conduct, the suspect contacted the mother of the victim in the Philippines and instructed her to delete any images of himself and the minor on the minor’s cellphone and further instructed her to not talk to United States federal law enforcement officials in the Philippines.
Communications between Bernhardt and the victim revealed that the accused was attempting to arrange a meeting with the minor in a Philippine hotel with the intent of engaging in sexual acts with her.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations in Bismarck; Homeland Security Investigations-Manila, Philippines; and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
"The courage of the victim, her willingness to testify, to tell the truth and not to be intimidated by the defendant was compelling," HSI said.
In March 2016, a federal search warrant was executed on Bernhardt’s property in Tuttle, North Dakota. Bernhardt was interviewed and admitted to corresponding with the victim and the victim's mother in the Philippines via Facebook.
Bernhardt was released pending trial but was re-arrested by HSI after he contacted the victim's mother in the Philippines and instructed her to destroy evidence and not cooperate with law enforcement.
HSI Manila in cooperation with NBI Anti-Human Trafficking Division (ATHRAD) and Philippine DOJ, Office of Cyber Crimes (DOJ OCC) located and rescued the victim of this investigation in Manila in May 2016.
In October 2016, both the victim and the victim's mother traveled to the United States to testify at the trial which culminated with Bernhardt convicted on all six counts.
On February 6, 2016, Bernhardt was sentenced to 600 months (50 years) incarceration for his crimes. This case was led by the HSI offices in Manila and Bismarck, North Dakota, with assistance provided from a number of other HSI offices in the United States.
Those U.S. law enforcement entities worked closely with the Philippine Department of Justice Office of Cyber Crimes (DOJ-OCC), Philippine National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI- AHTRAD), and the Philippine DSWD.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962891
Expect early solution of a crime when two nations shared factual information on the progress of any case.
This has been proven many times by the United States and the Philippines when both nations compared notes that led to the arrest and conviction of the accused and giving justice to the victim.
Citing the case of the 54-year-old Calvin Bernhardt, who was sentenced before Chief United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 50 years in prison, accused of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted receipt of materials depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, counterfeit currency, tampering with witness or evidence, and attempted travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor.
Bernhardt was found guilty on October 28, 2016, following nearly four days of trial.
Bernhardt induced and enticed a 14-year-old minor from the Philippines to engage in and produce images of sexually explicit conduct via the internet. Bernhardt further induced the minor to send him the sexually explicit or sadistic and masochistic images.
Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) exchange of information leds to the conviction of the accused.
Upon learning of an investigation into his illegal conduct, the suspect contacted the mother of the victim in the Philippines and instructed her to delete any images of himself and the minor on the minor’s cellphone and further instructed her to not talk to United States federal law enforcement officials in the Philippines.
Communications between Bernhardt and the victim revealed that the accused was attempting to arrange a meeting with the minor in a Philippine hotel with the intent of engaging in sexual acts with her.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations in Bismarck; Homeland Security Investigations-Manila, Philippines; and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
"The courage of the victim, her willingness to testify, to tell the truth and not to be intimidated by the defendant was compelling," HSI said.
In March 2016, a federal search warrant was executed on Bernhardt’s property in Tuttle, North Dakota. Bernhardt was interviewed and admitted to corresponding with the victim and the victim's mother in the Philippines via Facebook.
Bernhardt was released pending trial but was re-arrested by HSI after he contacted the victim's mother in the Philippines and instructed her to destroy evidence and not cooperate with law enforcement.
HSI Manila in cooperation with NBI Anti-Human Trafficking Division (ATHRAD) and Philippine DOJ, Office of Cyber Crimes (DOJ OCC) located and rescued the victim of this investigation in Manila in May 2016.
In October 2016, both the victim and the victim's mother traveled to the United States to testify at the trial which culminated with Bernhardt convicted on all six counts.
On February 6, 2016, Bernhardt was sentenced to 600 months (50 years) incarceration for his crimes. This case was led by the HSI offices in Manila and Bismarck, North Dakota, with assistance provided from a number of other HSI offices in the United States.
Those U.S. law enforcement entities worked closely with the Philippine Department of Justice Office of Cyber Crimes (DOJ-OCC), Philippine National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI- AHTRAD), and the Philippine DSWD.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=962891
MILF: GPH, MILF Peace Implementing Panels to launch Reconstituted BTC
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): GPH, MILF Peace Implementing Panels to launch Reconstituted BTC
A MindaNews report says that, the peace implementing panels of the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday agreed on a target date for the launching of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) even as the 21 members of the body that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have yet to be officially named.
The panels met yesterday at the Kanato Hall of the Royal Mandaya Hotel to discuss several ways forward in the implementation phase.
Irene Santiago, Chair of the GPH Peace Implementing Panel said they are eyeing the last weekend of February for the launch and oath-taking in Davao City of the 21-member BTC. President Duterte, who was mayor of this city for 22 years, comes home every weekend, the MindaNews report also said.
Under the Peace and Development Roadmap of the Duterte adminstration approved in July last year, the BTC is supposed to submit the draft to Congress by July 2017 but as of 5 p.m. Thursday, Malacanang has not released the appointment papers that Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process last month said was signed on January 9.
Despite the delayed release of appointment papers of BTC members, Santiago, and Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of MILF Peace Implementing Panel are optimistic the BTC can meet the July deadline.
Santiago said they are confident the draft law will be submitted to Congress before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, where he is expected to certify the bill as urgent.
Iqbal, who was chair of the BTC under the Aquino Administration from March 2013 to June 2016 said, they are “not starting from scratch.”
Iqbal will remain a member of BTC with MILF 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar as the new chairman.
Iqbal told MindaNews there are existing drafts that can be made as the working draft to hasten the process of the final drafting.
Iqbal also said sessions can be done more frequently than the previous BTC’s twice monthly sessions with the rest of the month spent on consultations and committee meetings. He said they can meet every day if necessary.
Six of the previous BTC members representing the MILF will still be part of the new BTC, Iqbal said.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1067-gph-milf-peace-implementing-panels-to-launch-reconstituted-btc
A MindaNews report says that, the peace implementing panels of the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday agreed on a target date for the launching of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) even as the 21 members of the body that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have yet to be officially named.
The panels met yesterday at the Kanato Hall of the Royal Mandaya Hotel to discuss several ways forward in the implementation phase.
Irene Santiago, Chair of the GPH Peace Implementing Panel said they are eyeing the last weekend of February for the launch and oath-taking in Davao City of the 21-member BTC. President Duterte, who was mayor of this city for 22 years, comes home every weekend, the MindaNews report also said.
Under the Peace and Development Roadmap of the Duterte adminstration approved in July last year, the BTC is supposed to submit the draft to Congress by July 2017 but as of 5 p.m. Thursday, Malacanang has not released the appointment papers that Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process last month said was signed on January 9.
Despite the delayed release of appointment papers of BTC members, Santiago, and Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of MILF Peace Implementing Panel are optimistic the BTC can meet the July deadline.
Santiago said they are confident the draft law will be submitted to Congress before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, where he is expected to certify the bill as urgent.
Iqbal, who was chair of the BTC under the Aquino Administration from March 2013 to June 2016 said, they are “not starting from scratch.”
Iqbal will remain a member of BTC with MILF 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar as the new chairman.
Iqbal told MindaNews there are existing drafts that can be made as the working draft to hasten the process of the final drafting.
Iqbal also said sessions can be done more frequently than the previous BTC’s twice monthly sessions with the rest of the month spent on consultations and committee meetings. He said they can meet every day if necessary.
Six of the previous BTC members representing the MILF will still be part of the new BTC, Iqbal said.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1067-gph-milf-peace-implementing-panels-to-launch-reconstituted-btc
MILF: IMT conducts medical outreach program in Camp Rajah Muda
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): IMT conducts medical outreach program in Camp Rajah Muda
The Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) conducted a medical outreach program last Sunday (Feb 5) at Camp Raja Muda, Eastern Mindanao Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Raja Muda, Pikit North Cotabato benefitting the children and adult constituents of the target community.
In press release issued by the IMT, it said that the activity, supported by the Department of Health (DOH)- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Bangsamoro Development Agency, was aimed to deliver the necessary medical services to the people of the area while it also serve as confidence-building measure on the on-going Bangsamoro peace process.
The IMT related that the medical mission provided the beneficiaries with medical supplies, free consultation and simple treatment to various ailments. The patients complained of problems on digestive disorder, headache, fever, asthma, body pains and other common ailments.
IMT Head of Mission Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain and MILF Eastern Mindanao Front Commander Amirudin Jack Abas, Al Haj, graced the occasion.
The event also coincided with the Exit Call Program of IMT 11 to the MILF Eastern Mindanao Front.
The remarkable reduction of the incidents of violent encounter between the government troops and the MILF forces has been attributed to the presence of the IMT in Mindanao.
At present, the IMT is composed of contingents from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Norwegian and European Union.
One of the IMT’s major duty is to monitor the ongoing peace process between the Government of Philippines and the MILF under the facilitation of Malaysian Government. (Info source: IMT)
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1066-imt-conducts-medical-outreach-program-in-camp-rajah-muda
The Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) conducted a medical outreach program last Sunday (Feb 5) at Camp Raja Muda, Eastern Mindanao Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Raja Muda, Pikit North Cotabato benefitting the children and adult constituents of the target community.
The IMT related that the medical mission provided the beneficiaries with medical supplies, free consultation and simple treatment to various ailments. The patients complained of problems on digestive disorder, headache, fever, asthma, body pains and other common ailments.
IMT Head of Mission Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain and MILF Eastern Mindanao Front Commander Amirudin Jack Abas, Al Haj, graced the occasion.
The event also coincided with the Exit Call Program of IMT 11 to the MILF Eastern Mindanao Front.
The remarkable reduction of the incidents of violent encounter between the government troops and the MILF forces has been attributed to the presence of the IMT in Mindanao.
At present, the IMT is composed of contingents from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Norwegian and European Union.
One of the IMT’s major duty is to monitor the ongoing peace process between the Government of Philippines and the MILF under the facilitation of Malaysian Government. (Info source: IMT)
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1066-imt-conducts-medical-outreach-program-in-camp-rajah-muda
CPP/NDF: Prepare for military abuses with Duterte’s all-out war
Communist Party of the Philippines propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 9): Prepare for military abuses with Duterte’s all-out war
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
Press Release
February 9, 2016
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on the Filipino people to prepare against the Duterte regime’s all-out war and the massive human and civil rights violations that it is sure to be perpetrated with increasing impunity by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“His record speaks for himself,” the CPP stated, referring to Duterte’s criminal Oplan Tokhang which has claimed more than 7,000 victims to date. For months now, he has threatened to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and impose martial law-style rule to suppress political opposition. “We must be ready to vigorously oppose any and all attempts to realize these threats,” the CPP said.
“He is bound to set his fascist dogs in the AFP against activists and civilians, especially in the areas where the people are actively waging land reform struggles and resistance against foreign mining companies and plantations,” added the CPP.
“In his desperate and vindictive attempt to score against the revolutionary movement, he has already targeted aboveground NDFP consultants.”
The CPP condemned the “Oplan Tokhang”-style killing of Glenn Ramos, 40, last Monday in Barangay Maa, Davao City by military and police operatives. The AFP accuses Ramos of being an NPA member. The military claims they were serving a warrant for Ramos’ arrest when a firefight broke out after he supposedly “refused to submit himself and drew a weapon.” Ramos died after sustaining two gunshot wounds.
“The entire AFP story is dubious and sounds like all the ‘nanlaban’ stories of the PNP of the past few months,” said the CPP.
“People’s organizations and all democratic sectors both in the cities and in the countryside should unite to protest military presence and abuses,” the CPP says. “They must tighten security measures and get ready to defend human and civil rights against state violence that is bound to escalate.”
“The people’s army, the NPA, will be at the people’s side to punish the AFP’s fascist troops at every available opportunity.”
“Defeating the NPA is a Duterte pipedream,” the CPP added. “Other regimes before him have tried and failed. The NPA is ever ready to face his wild dogs in the AFP in battle.”
“Duterte is more and more isolating himself,” the CPP says, stating he has antagonized all sectors that have been supportive of the peace process. “Not for long, he will only have the AFP’s fascist dogs for company.”
https://www.ndfp.org/prepare-military-abuses-dutertes-war-cpp/
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
Press Release
February 9, 2016
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on the Filipino people to prepare against the Duterte regime’s all-out war and the massive human and civil rights violations that it is sure to be perpetrated with increasing impunity by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“His record speaks for himself,” the CPP stated, referring to Duterte’s criminal Oplan Tokhang which has claimed more than 7,000 victims to date. For months now, he has threatened to suspend the writ of habeas corpus and impose martial law-style rule to suppress political opposition. “We must be ready to vigorously oppose any and all attempts to realize these threats,” the CPP said.
“He is bound to set his fascist dogs in the AFP against activists and civilians, especially in the areas where the people are actively waging land reform struggles and resistance against foreign mining companies and plantations,” added the CPP.
“In his desperate and vindictive attempt to score against the revolutionary movement, he has already targeted aboveground NDFP consultants.”
The CPP condemned the “Oplan Tokhang”-style killing of Glenn Ramos, 40, last Monday in Barangay Maa, Davao City by military and police operatives. The AFP accuses Ramos of being an NPA member. The military claims they were serving a warrant for Ramos’ arrest when a firefight broke out after he supposedly “refused to submit himself and drew a weapon.” Ramos died after sustaining two gunshot wounds.
“The entire AFP story is dubious and sounds like all the ‘nanlaban’ stories of the PNP of the past few months,” said the CPP.
“People’s organizations and all democratic sectors both in the cities and in the countryside should unite to protest military presence and abuses,” the CPP says. “They must tighten security measures and get ready to defend human and civil rights against state violence that is bound to escalate.”
“The people’s army, the NPA, will be at the people’s side to punish the AFP’s fascist troops at every available opportunity.”
“Defeating the NPA is a Duterte pipedream,” the CPP added. “Other regimes before him have tried and failed. The NPA is ever ready to face his wild dogs in the AFP in battle.”
“Duterte is more and more isolating himself,” the CPP says, stating he has antagonized all sectors that have been supportive of the peace process. “Not for long, he will only have the AFP’s fascist dogs for company.”
https://www.ndfp.org/prepare-military-abuses-dutertes-war-cpp/
NDF/NPA: Ka Oris: No factions within the revolutionary movement
New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 9): Ka Oris: No factions within the revolutionary movement
New People’s Army
February 9, 2016
Contrary to AFP black propaganda, the revolutionary movement is firmly united in its aspiration for a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict, said New People’s Army spokesperson, Ka Oris, on Thursday.
“There is absolutely no truth to the AFP psywar claims that the revolutionary movement is divided into three camps, and that I represent one camp,” said Ka Oris.
“The NPA is solidly behind its NDFP representatives and consultants to the peace talks. We commend the dedication and hard work they put into the talks in the movement’s efforts to bring just peace even just a little step closer to the Filipino people.”
As NPA spokesperson, Ka Oris consistently re-echoes the decision of the NOC and the Party on the reasonable termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire. The NDFP negotiating panel was properly consulted and advised of such a decision.
“While the whole revolutionary movement relies on armed struggle as the principal form of struggle that will ensure the people’s liberation from imperialist and feudal oppression, we are always open to explore whatever avenues the situation may open to achieve comprehensive reform.”
The CPP and NPA terminated the unilateral ceasefire because the Duterte government continued to deny justice and freedom to political detainees and because it has become untenable for NPA troops to keep on evading the aggressive offensive operations of the AFP.
The NDFP negotiating panel has repeatedly declared its respect for the CPP and NPA’s decision to terminate the ceasefire declaration, and the whole revolutionary movement is united and determined to continue advancing the Filipino people’s interests both through armed struggle and negotiations for just peace.
“The lie about factions is an AFP ploy to sabotage the peace talks. By spreading this lie, the AFP hopes to sow doubt and discord within the revolutionary movement and undermine the Filipino people’s hopes for a just peace,” added Ka Oris.
“It is actually in the Armed Forces where pro- and anti-Duterte factions exist and crawl over each other over who gets the privileges and the lion’s share in the spoils of the anti-drug war, the corruption racket on the budget for the renewed all-out war and the increased US military aid,” said Ka Oris.
He also pointed out that “Since the resumption of peace negotiations in August 2016, it has been the AFP and its forward deployment and occupation of barrios in the NPA guerrilla zones, that has been the biggest stumbling block. Indeed, they have succeeded in having Duterte toe the US counterinsurgency doctrine of defeating the people’s war through combat operations, psywar and pacification.”
https://www.ndfp.org/ka-oris-no-factions-within-the-revolutionary-movement/
New People’s Army
February 9, 2016
Contrary to AFP black propaganda, the revolutionary movement is firmly united in its aspiration for a just and lasting peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict, said New People’s Army spokesperson, Ka Oris, on Thursday.
Photo by AsianCorrespondent.com
“There is absolutely no truth to the AFP psywar claims that the revolutionary movement is divided into three camps, and that I represent one camp,” said Ka Oris.
“The NPA is solidly behind its NDFP representatives and consultants to the peace talks. We commend the dedication and hard work they put into the talks in the movement’s efforts to bring just peace even just a little step closer to the Filipino people.”
As NPA spokesperson, Ka Oris consistently re-echoes the decision of the NOC and the Party on the reasonable termination of the unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire. The NDFP negotiating panel was properly consulted and advised of such a decision.
“While the whole revolutionary movement relies on armed struggle as the principal form of struggle that will ensure the people’s liberation from imperialist and feudal oppression, we are always open to explore whatever avenues the situation may open to achieve comprehensive reform.”
The CPP and NPA terminated the unilateral ceasefire because the Duterte government continued to deny justice and freedom to political detainees and because it has become untenable for NPA troops to keep on evading the aggressive offensive operations of the AFP.
The NDFP negotiating panel has repeatedly declared its respect for the CPP and NPA’s decision to terminate the ceasefire declaration, and the whole revolutionary movement is united and determined to continue advancing the Filipino people’s interests both through armed struggle and negotiations for just peace.
“The lie about factions is an AFP ploy to sabotage the peace talks. By spreading this lie, the AFP hopes to sow doubt and discord within the revolutionary movement and undermine the Filipino people’s hopes for a just peace,” added Ka Oris.
“It is actually in the Armed Forces where pro- and anti-Duterte factions exist and crawl over each other over who gets the privileges and the lion’s share in the spoils of the anti-drug war, the corruption racket on the budget for the renewed all-out war and the increased US military aid,” said Ka Oris.
He also pointed out that “Since the resumption of peace negotiations in August 2016, it has been the AFP and its forward deployment and occupation of barrios in the NPA guerrilla zones, that has been the biggest stumbling block. Indeed, they have succeeded in having Duterte toe the US counterinsurgency doctrine of defeating the people’s war through combat operations, psywar and pacification.”
https://www.ndfp.org/ka-oris-no-factions-within-the-revolutionary-movement/
CPP/NDF: Reject plan to restore ROTC for all-out war
Communist Party of the Philippines propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 9): Reject plan to restore ROTC for all-out war
Communist Party of the Philippines
Information Bureau
Press Release
February 09, 2017
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on the Filipino people, especially the youth, to oppose the plan of the Duterte regime to restore compulsory military training for college level students as this will only be used for “fascist mind-conditioning” and for mobilizing the youth in Duterte’s “all-out war against the people.”
Duterte on Tuesday approved of the plan to restore mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for Grade 11 and 12 students and has certified this proposed law as urgent.
The AFP wants to immediately restore the ROTC in order to serve as training ground for additional officers in the AFP in the effort to increase the size of the military to be used in the all-out war against the New People’s Army (NPA).
The proposal claims that its objective in restoring the ROTC is to “instill patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual values, respect for human rights.”
“This is pure hogwash,” said the CPP. “The AFP is the antithesis of patriotism, having been a tool for colonial subjugation when it was first created by the US imperialists as the Philippine Scouts.” The CPP pointed out that the AFP continues to be guided by US counter-insurgency doctrine and remain reliant on US funding and arms support.
“The Party calls on the students and youth to unite and oppose the return of the ROTC,” said the CPP. “The ROTC will only subject the students to the abusive military trainings, corrupt influences, fascist mind-conditioning and pro-US psywar of the AFP.”
https://www.ndfp.org/reject-plan-to-restore-rotc-for-all-out-war/
https://www.ndfp.org/reject-plan-to-restore-rotc-for-all-out-war/
Communist Party of the Philippines
Information Bureau
Press Release
February 09, 2017
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on the Filipino people, especially the youth, to oppose the plan of the Duterte regime to restore compulsory military training for college level students as this will only be used for “fascist mind-conditioning” and for mobilizing the youth in Duterte’s “all-out war against the people.”
Duterte on Tuesday approved of the plan to restore mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for Grade 11 and 12 students and has certified this proposed law as urgent.
The AFP wants to immediately restore the ROTC in order to serve as training ground for additional officers in the AFP in the effort to increase the size of the military to be used in the all-out war against the New People’s Army (NPA).
The proposal claims that its objective in restoring the ROTC is to “instill patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual values, respect for human rights.”
“This is pure hogwash,” said the CPP. “The AFP is the antithesis of patriotism, having been a tool for colonial subjugation when it was first created by the US imperialists as the Philippine Scouts.” The CPP pointed out that the AFP continues to be guided by US counter-insurgency doctrine and remain reliant on US funding and arms support.
“The Party calls on the students and youth to unite and oppose the return of the ROTC,” said the CPP. “The ROTC will only subject the students to the abusive military trainings, corrupt influences, fascist mind-conditioning and pro-US psywar of the AFP.”
https://www.ndfp.org/reject-plan-to-restore-rotc-for-all-out-war/
https://www.ndfp.org/reject-plan-to-restore-rotc-for-all-out-war/
NDF: On the Notice of Termination of the JASIG Sent on 07 February 2017 by Sec. Jesus Dureza
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 9): On the Notice of Termination of the JASIG Sent on 07 February 2017 by Sec. Jesus Dureza
NDFP Media Office
Press Statement
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
09 February 2017
There is no fair and just reason for the GRP to terminate the JASIG and in effect the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations less than two weeks after the two Negotiating Panels had successfully concluded their third round of talks in Rome, Italy.
The 25 January 2017 Rome Joint Statement clearly shows the significant advances made in the substantive agenda of the peace negotiations.
A thorough discussion of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) was done. This was capped by the signing of the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the mechanism provided for in the CARHRIHL to monitor the implementation of the Agreement.
The Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) on Social and Economic Reforms (SER) exchanged complete drafts of their respective Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). They had substantially agreed on the Preamble, Declaration of Principles (Part I), Bases, Scope and Applicability (Part II) and Desired Outcome (Part III). They began to discuss Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (Part IV) and had reached common understanding on the general features of the agrarian problems in the Philippines and agreed in principle to the free distribution of land to farmers and farm workers as the governing framework of CASER. They approved and signed the Ground Rules for the Conduct of the Formal Meetings between the RWCs-SER of the GRP and the NDFP that is meant to accelerate the discussions of drafts and hopefully craft a final common draft by the deadline set this year.
Beyond expectations, the Reciprocal Working Groups (RWGs) on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) exchanged their respective tentative drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR), as well as their respective comparative matrices of the drafts. They exchanged views on the proposal for a federal form of government and the need for certain constitutional guarantees and safeguards demanded by the people. They agreed to work on a common matrix as reference for discussions in the fourth round of formal talks.
The Negotiating Panels agreed to have their respective ceasefire committees meet in The Netherlands on 22-27 February 2017 to discuss their respective drafts of the bilateral ceasefire. They also agreed to set the next round of talks in Oslo, Norway on 2-6 April 2017.
At the same time, in his closing statement, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison projected that, at the rate the negotiations have been going, the CASER and CAPCR can be signed by the Negotiating Panels and approved by their respective Principals in 2017 in time for the founding of the Federal Republic of the Philippines in 2018.
With the above progress in the talks, it is unreasonable for any Party to unilaterally terminate effectivity of the JASIG and in effect the peace negotiations without just cause and squander the gains so far achieved. The recommendation of the GRP Negotiating Panel to proceed with the talks as scheduled should have been heeded instead of the lies and warmongering of the peace spoilers.
Moreover, we note that the letter of termination of the JASIG sent by Sec. Dureza is improperly addressed. It should have been sent to the National Executive Committee of the NDFP through its Negotiating Panel, and not jointly in one letter to Prof. Sison as Chief Political Consultant and me as Chairperson of the Negotiating Panel. The NDFP Negotiating Panel and its consultants draw their authority from the National Executive Committee of the NDFP based in the country. The original of the letter should also be sent by mail or courier to the NDFP Information Office in The Netherlands to be formally received by the NDFP Negotiating Panel.For all of the above reasons, the NDFP cannot as yet acknowledge receipt of the 07 February 2017 email letter of Sec. Dureza. The NDFP cannot be a party to an unjust, unreasonable and improper termination of the JASIG. The GRP bears full responsibility for its unilateral decision to terminate the effectivity of the JASIG and in effect the peace negotiations.
https://www.ndfp.org/notice-termination-jasig-sent-07-february-2017-sec-jesus-dureza/
NDFP Media Office
Press Statement
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
09 February 2017
There is no fair and just reason for the GRP to terminate the JASIG and in effect the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations less than two weeks after the two Negotiating Panels had successfully concluded their third round of talks in Rome, Italy.
The 25 January 2017 Rome Joint Statement clearly shows the significant advances made in the substantive agenda of the peace negotiations.
A thorough discussion of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) was done. This was capped by the signing of the Supplemental Guidelines for the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the mechanism provided for in the CARHRIHL to monitor the implementation of the Agreement.
The Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) on Social and Economic Reforms (SER) exchanged complete drafts of their respective Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). They had substantially agreed on the Preamble, Declaration of Principles (Part I), Bases, Scope and Applicability (Part II) and Desired Outcome (Part III). They began to discuss Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (Part IV) and had reached common understanding on the general features of the agrarian problems in the Philippines and agreed in principle to the free distribution of land to farmers and farm workers as the governing framework of CASER. They approved and signed the Ground Rules for the Conduct of the Formal Meetings between the RWCs-SER of the GRP and the NDFP that is meant to accelerate the discussions of drafts and hopefully craft a final common draft by the deadline set this year.
Beyond expectations, the Reciprocal Working Groups (RWGs) on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) exchanged their respective tentative drafts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR), as well as their respective comparative matrices of the drafts. They exchanged views on the proposal for a federal form of government and the need for certain constitutional guarantees and safeguards demanded by the people. They agreed to work on a common matrix as reference for discussions in the fourth round of formal talks.
The Negotiating Panels agreed to have their respective ceasefire committees meet in The Netherlands on 22-27 February 2017 to discuss their respective drafts of the bilateral ceasefire. They also agreed to set the next round of talks in Oslo, Norway on 2-6 April 2017.
At the same time, in his closing statement, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison projected that, at the rate the negotiations have been going, the CASER and CAPCR can be signed by the Negotiating Panels and approved by their respective Principals in 2017 in time for the founding of the Federal Republic of the Philippines in 2018.
With the above progress in the talks, it is unreasonable for any Party to unilaterally terminate effectivity of the JASIG and in effect the peace negotiations without just cause and squander the gains so far achieved. The recommendation of the GRP Negotiating Panel to proceed with the talks as scheduled should have been heeded instead of the lies and warmongering of the peace spoilers.
Moreover, we note that the letter of termination of the JASIG sent by Sec. Dureza is improperly addressed. It should have been sent to the National Executive Committee of the NDFP through its Negotiating Panel, and not jointly in one letter to Prof. Sison as Chief Political Consultant and me as Chairperson of the Negotiating Panel. The NDFP Negotiating Panel and its consultants draw their authority from the National Executive Committee of the NDFP based in the country. The original of the letter should also be sent by mail or courier to the NDFP Information Office in The Netherlands to be formally received by the NDFP Negotiating Panel.For all of the above reasons, the NDFP cannot as yet acknowledge receipt of the 07 February 2017 email letter of Sec. Dureza. The NDFP cannot be a party to an unjust, unreasonable and improper termination of the JASIG. The GRP bears full responsibility for its unilateral decision to terminate the effectivity of the JASIG and in effect the peace negotiations.
https://www.ndfp.org/notice-termination-jasig-sent-07-february-2017-sec-jesus-dureza/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)