Lacson: Communist rebels are 'enemies of state,' they'll be 'criminally liable' if they arrest PNoy

From InterAksyon (Apr 3): Lacson: Communist rebels are 'enemies of state,' they'll be 'criminally liable' if they arrest PNoy


InterAksyon file photo of Sen. Panfilo Lacson

Communist rebels "should be made criminally liable" if they would push through with their announcement that they would arrest former President Benigno Aquino III and other personalities over the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last year.

Senator Panfilo Lacson issued this statement on Monday, April 3, saying that arresting Aquino and others placed under the liquidation list of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (NDF) would be a "criminal act" by "enemies of state."

"It is the responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, as well as all law-abiding citizens of this country, to protect former President Aquino and all those placed under the...list," said Lacson.

"Having said that, there is only one duly constituted authority that can mete out any form of penalty against anybody found violating the laws of the land, and that is a court of law of the Republic of the Philippines. Anybody else is unauthorized and therefore illegal," the senator added.

The NDF-Southern Mindanao earlier said the “revolutionary government” had “indicted” Aquino and others over the April 1, 2016 Kidapawan incident, which left two persons dead and more than a dozen others injured.

Also indicted for “war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law” were North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco, and several other government, military, and police officials.

Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of the NDF Southern Mindanao Region, said the indictment “effectively prescribed the arrest of the respondents.”

“The indictment recommended that the named respondents, after due trial by a People’s Court, be meted out with appropriate penalties for having committed the above-mentioned acts constituting war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law,” Del Mundo said in a statement.

http://interaksyon.com/article/138233/lacson-communist-rebels-are-enemies-of-state-theyll-be-criminally-liable-if-they-arrest-pnoy

NDF indicts PNoy, North Cot officials on Kidapawan dispersal; Duterte says “that’s for the courts to decide”

From MindaNews (Apr 2): NDF indicts PNoy, North Cot officials on Kidapawan dispersal; Duterte says “that’s for the courts to decide”

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao indicted former President Benigno S. Aquino III, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Kidapawan City mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco, among others, for “war crimes, crimes against humanity,” and other serious human rights violations over the violent dispersal of 6,000 farmers in Kidapawan on April 1, 2016.

.

Farmers and members of militant groups from seven towns and one city in North Cotabato block a portion of the Davao-Cotabato highway in Kidapawan City on March 30, 2016. The protesters (around 5,000 according to organizers and estimated at 3,000 by the police) demanded, among others, the release of 15,000 sacks of rice as calamity assistance. MindaNews file photo by TOTO LOZANO

In a statement issued on the first anniversary of the tragedy last Saturday, the NDFP said it found a compelling evidence to indict the respondents for ”gross neglect and apathy and willful acts and/of omissions” and held them criminally liable for gross negligence, and failed to act promptly, if at all, ease the suffering and ameliorate the livelihood of the people.

Sought for comment, Mendoza told MindaNews, “I have nothing to say.” Evangelista said “no comment for now.” Catamco said, “I don’t understand why they included me.”

“I didn’t have any participation in that incident except that I went to ask Mayor Evangelista not to file a case against the farmers because they were just victims,” Catamco said.

In Cagayan de Oro City, President Rodrigo Duterte said, “that is for the courts to decide,” when a reporter asked him to comment on the NDF’s indictment of Aquino and the North Cotabato officials.

“There could be but it’s a.. I really do not know but at the end of the day kung ako man, akin talaga yan” (if it’s me, I’ll take responsibility), he said.

He said he is ready to be jailed and “kung ihabol ninyo si Aquino, okay lang” (if you let Aquino follow, that’s okay).

The NDFP said the respondents also violated the fundamental rights of civilians guaranteed in international tenets, covenants and instruments such as the government (GRP)-NDFP 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the 1996 International Covenant on Civil Political Rights, the 1966 International Convention on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

“The indictment described the inutility of the reactionary national and provincial government over the widespread damage caused by the severe drought to the lives and livelihood of the Lumad and farmers,” it said. “It, likewise, underscored that in the face of such devastation, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) with the consent of the provincial reactionary officials continued to unleash fascist abuse in the countryside, especially in arming and mobilizing the paramilitary Bagani in North Cotabato.”

On April 1 last year, some 6,000 farmers from several parts of North Cotabato, Kitaotao in Bukidnon, and Sultan Kudarat province blocked the national highway in Kidapawan to ask for the release of 15,000 sacks of rice as food assistance due to the drought.

But the protest later turned into a violent dispersal that killed two – farmer Darwini Sulang from Arakan town and Enrico Fabiligar from Kidapawan City who was passing by at the time of the incident – and 34 others seriously injured, including 22 people who sustained gunshot wounds.

Citing as grounds for indictment, the NDFP said authorities willfully shot at the protesting farmers that resulted in “multiple violent deaths and serious injuries, the incarceration and the maltreatment of civilians were all deliberate acts of aggression against defenseless civilians and vulnerable sections of the civilian population long considered under the IHL as protected persons.”

It also added that the “premeditated and arbitrary use of superior and overwhelming armed force and military might against defenseless civilians constitute a most severe crime of mass murder – what ensured was a massacre in broad daylight on a national highway ordered by state officials and implemented by state forces, without compunction or fear of accountability and with extreme prejudice.”

The NDFP added that the “naked terror persisted after the barricade was fully destroyed and the civilians were subjected to more contemptible attacks.”

It added that the indictment recounted the illegal arrest and detention of the civilians who were also physically assaulted by the fully-armed Philippines National Police (PNP) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel.

“It also showed how the respondents connived to conceal the facts regarding the cause of death of the civilians in order to shrouad their culpability,” NDF said.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/04/ndf-indicts-pnoy-north-cot-officials-on-kidapawan-dispersal-duterte-says-thats-for-the-courts-to-decide/

BTC meets April 3 to 5 to set up committees, begin work on draft BBL

From MindaNews (Apr 3): BTC meets April 3 to 5 to set up committees, begin work on draft BBL

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) will convene in Cotabato City on April 3-5 to adopt its internal rules and set up the committees so they can begin crafting the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The 21-member Commission will also decide during this session what working draft they will adopt although several commissioners MindaNews spoke with said they prefer the draft submitted to Congress by the previous BTC on September 10, 2014 — the “agreed version” adopted by the Office of the President and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) — to be the working draft.



The 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) held its first plenary session on March 6 and 7 at the Em Manor Hotel in Cotabato City, to come up with interim rules, budget and work plan. MIndaNews photo by GG Bueno

Government has proposed a May 18 target to submit the draft to President Rodrigo Duterte for him to study it before it its submission to Congress in time for Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24.

Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel and a member of the BTC, told a press conference here last week that May 18 is “too ambitious” but the former BTC chair said they will exert “best efforts”

There are only 45 days between April 3 and May 18 and 112 days to July 24.

On March 11, Duterte surprised those keenly monitoring the Bangsamoro peace process, when, addressing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the inauguration of the People’s Television (PTV) Cordillera Hub in Baguio City, he said, “you’re about to complete the Bangsamoro Transition draft. I will study it before we submit it to Congress and pray that it would sail on still waters.”

The BTC, however, has yet to start working on the draft.

In fact, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has yet to release the BTC’s budget.

BTC Executive Director Mike Pasigan told MindaNews that he was informed the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration had endorsed the documents to the DBM. “We are now waiting for DBM to assign funds,” he said.

BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar, the MILF’s 1st Vice Chair, had earlier said that if the government side agrees to adopt as working draft, the draft bill that the BTC submitted in 2014 — or what became HB 4994 and SB 2408 — “hindi na kami masyadong mahirapan.”



Bangsamoro Transition Commission chair Ghadzali Jaafar reiterates that a political problem requires a political solution as he pushed for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) whose signing on March 27, 2014, was commemorated by the government and MILF panels on March 29, 2017 in Davao City. MINDANEWS PHOTO

“The BBL produced by the previous BTC is a better BBL. Maganda na yan eh, maganda na, so maybe we can reach out an agreement with the government that this previous BBL would become (the) working paper for the BTC. Now … if that will be the case, hindi naman kami masyadong mahirapan,” Jaafar told MindaNews on February 18.

He said they can focus work on the provisions in the working draft that were objected to by the previous Congress. “Yung provisions na walang objection, hindi na kailangang pagtuunan yun ng pansin” (The provisions without objects, we do not need to focus on that), Jaafar added.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/04/btc-meets-april-3-to-5-to-set-up-committees-begin-work-on-draft-bbl/

Duterte renews conditions as GRP-NDF peace panels begin 4th round in The Netherlands

From MindaNews (Apr 3): Duterte renews conditions as GRP-NDF peace panels begin 4th round in The Netherlands

As government casualties mount, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday renewed his conditions for the peace talks with the National Democratic Front.

Duterte said a document should be signed by the NDF and government with the third party facilitator, the government of Norway, as witness, detailing “the parameters of the peace talks.”

“Kailangan may ceasefire at signed in an official document with the participation with the Norway government who’s providing the good offices of the peace talks to be held there,” Duterte told reporters outside the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in a media interview during his visit to the wounded soldiers at the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Headquarters in Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH), Cagayan de Oro City on April 2, 2017, announces the conditions he has set for the peace talks to prosper. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/Presidential Photo

Duterte arrived here Sunday afternoon to award Purple Hearts medals to ten Army soldiers who were wounded in the latest clashes between the New Peoples Army rebels in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

In a press conference here, Duterte said he relayed the four conditions to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, concurrent chair of the government peace panel in the peace negotiations with the NDF.

Duterte said he also set three other conditions for the NDF to comply with, namely: the rebels should no longer engage in extortion or revolutionary taxes and “they cannot claim any piece of territory or a real estate here in the Republic of the Philippines.”

He also demanded that the rebels release all soldiers, policemen and government employees held captive by the NPA.

“Here are my conditions. Akin yan, and that could be by barest, pinaka-bare conditions or conditionalities,” Duterte said.

“Pag wala yan, walang peace talks,” he said.

Casualties have mounted since hostilities between the government and the NPA when the NDF announced the lifting of its unilateral ceasefire effective 11:59 p.m. on February 10. Hours after NPA spokesperson Jorge Madlos issued the announcement, however, a junior officer was killed in Davao Oriental while three soldiers were killed in Bukidnon in an ambush by the NPA.

On February 3, Duterte announced in M’lang, North Cotabato that he would order the lifting that night of the government’s unilateral ceasefire. The next day he called off the talks and on February 5 also here in Cagayan de Oro declared Jose Ma. Sison, chief political consultant of the NDF and his professor in Political Thought in Lyceum University, as a terrorist and his group as a terrorist organization. He also ordered the re-arrest of NDF leaders who were temporarily released to participate in the peace talks in Oslo.

Communist rebels using guerilla tactics have conducted ambuscades and set up checkpoints along key highways in Mindanao where its main forces are concentrated.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano told reporters here a total of 20 soldiers have been killed since the resumption of hostilities.

But Ano said Army soldiers were able to kill 200 rebels during the same period, a claim disputed by the NPA.

“Based on that numbers, I think we are winning the war,” Ano said.

Col Edgar Arevalo, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Public Affairs Office told MindaNews in a telephone interview Monday that the 200 Ano was referring to was “either killed, apprehended or neutralized.”

Back-channel talks were held on March 10 and 11 in Utrecht, at the end of which Dureza announced the peace process was back on track.

“I am pleased to announce that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army / National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/ NDF) which broke down weeks ago, are now back on track again,” Dureza said in a five-paragraph statement he posted on his Facebook wall.



HUDDLE BEFORE TALKS. Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (center), and GRP peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III (right) in a last minute huddle with NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili (left) Saturday in preparation for the fourth round of formal talks at Radisson Blu Palace Hotel, Noordwijk San Zeeland, The Netherlands. The panels agreed to open the fourth round at 10 a.m. on April 3 or (4 p.m. in the Philippines). OPAPP

He said the unilateral ceasefire declared by both parties last year but terminated in early February “is deemed restored and reinstated but will be made effective only as soon as the respective forces of both sides are duly informed but definitely before the next round of talks in April, 2017.”

The GRP and NDF peace panels at the end of the third round of formal talks on January 25 had scheduled the fourth round of formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway on April 2 to 6.

The venue of the talks has been moved to The Netherlands. Both parties agreed on Sunday that the fourth round of formal peace talks will open at 10 a.m. April 3 (4 p.m. in the Philippines) at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/04/duterte-renews-conditions-as-grp-ndf-peace-panels-begin-4th-round-in-the-netherlands/

Pres Duterte sets four conditions to pursue peace talks

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 2): Pres Duterte sets four conditions to pursue peace talks

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his visit to 10 wounded soldiers who are in the care of 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army station hospital on 2 April 2017, shared to the media that he is open to peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF in four conditions.

President Duterte said there must be a document in writing, establishing the parameters of the peace talks. First, there must be ceasefire signed in an official document with participation of Norway government whose providing our good offices peace talks to be held there. Second, there must be no extortion or revolutionary tax. Third, they cannot claim any piece of territory or real estate in the republic of Philippines.

And fourth, for the rebels to release all prisoners, whether police, military civilian or government employee.

President Duterte said this fight has been going on for the last 50 years. ‘I hate it, I don’t want it,’ he said. Otherwise, he said he cannot do anything to stop the fight.

Meanwhile, the President declared that government is winning the war. He shared that previously, NPAs surrender without arms. Now, these NPAs are coming down from the mountains and are surrendering.

Currently, the 4ID has recovered firearms and war materials from CPP-NPA-NDF through focused military operations, surrendered firearms and law enforcement support operations.

A total of 18 high powered firearms and 12 low powered firearms were recovered. There were also nine Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) recovered and surrendered to the division.

Further, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Eduardo Año explained that NPAs don’t have the ideology anymore. They are a big syndicate mafia organization with extortion activities.

He said, there is no more communist country in the world. NPA is the only one longest communist inspired insurgency in the Philippines.

Año said that 75% of NPA come from Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Their focus in recruitment are IPs because they can be easily deceived, especially those who have not gone to school. They give all sorts of promises. However, there are a number of NPA surrenderees are IPs also through the support of IP leaders.

Now, program of line agencies are given priority to IPs. He said AFP casualty is 22 all over the country, however, 141 NPA were also neutralized in the country.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611491137720/pres-duterte-sets-four-conditions-to-pursue-peace-talks

President Duterte awards 10 soldiers wounded in action in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 2): President Duterte awards 10 soldiers wounded in action in Mindanao

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visits and awards 10 soldiers confined at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) who are recuperating from wounds sustained in various military offensive operations in the area of responsibility of 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army.

Aside from the medals they received, President Duterte also gave each wounded soldier cash support and cellphone unit.

According to PFC Peter Ladera, he is thankful that the President gave time even if he is faraway to visit them and gave them the wounded medals and cash assistance. Ladera was wounded in his right soldier during an encounter on 10 March 2017 in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

Meanwhile, the other nine soldiers also sustained wounds in the different parts of the body with encounters in Surigao del Norte and parts of Bukidnon in the month of March.

They are PFC Windyl Daayata, PFC Peter P. Ladera, Sgt. Ramie L. Valle, PFC Alfie G. Jauculan, Pvt Jeffrey C. Mallorca, Cpl Mhody Ramayrat, PFC Romeo C. Sajor, PFC Romer Quidit and Cpl. Michel D. Maagad.

Ladera said that this incident does not hamper him to move on with his job. He said, after he is well, he will continue to be a soldier and do his duties.

Meanwhile, since lifting the ceasefire, 4ID has had 51 armed encounters, seized 12 NPA encampments, recovered six high powered firearms and three lowered firearms, had the NPA surrendered seven high powered firearms and four low powered firearms, recovered seven improvised explosive device (IEDs) and two IEDs surrendered and 12 NPA rebels either surrendered or killed during armed encounter.

Army's 4ID has also supported law enforcement operations. In total, they had four joint AFP-PNP operations, two warrants served, four firearms recovered from other threat groups, 20 grams of shabu confiscated, five grams of marijuana and P35,000 estimated amount of drugs, and 540 pieces of illegally cut logs of Lawaan confiscated with estimated P 399,142.60 total market value.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611491138063/president-duterte-awards-10-soldiers-wounded-in-action-in-mindanao

Army reiterates public support to fight armed rebels in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Army reiterates public support to fight armed rebels in Samar

The Philippine Army encouraged the public to step up their support to the government's fight against communist rebels in Samar Island.

“Everyone is highly encouraged to report to any nearest military units any NPA sightings in their area,” said Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Lt. Cherry Junia.

The official reiterated their call to the public on Sunday days after the 150 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) surprisingly attacked a detachment of Civilian Active Auxiliary in Geparayan village, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar on March 30.

The recent attack forced the 17 members of government troop to fire back resulting to exchange of gunfire that lasted two and a half hours. The NPA allegedly burned the camp.

The clash injured four civilians living near the camp. Three of them are minors.

“The atrocity proved once again that the NPA is no longer concern for the well-being of civilians who are considered non-combatants and a clear manifestation that the communist terrorists do not abide to the Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law,” Junia said.

The Army said they need public support to fight the communist as they “continue massive combat operation to deter the evil plans of the NPA.”

After the incident, the government force lost one M60 machine gun, one rifle 4A3, four carbine rifle, five garand rifle and one handheld radio.

Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain consisting of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.

Since the early stages of the rebellion, Samar Island has been considered to be a rebel stronghold, with 11 percent of all NPA-related incidents have taken place on the three provinces, the same study revealed.

The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an Army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=976945

AFP to NPA: Show sincerity first before calling for another truce

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2): AFP to NPA: Show sincerity first before calling for another truce

Unless the New People's Army (NPA) shows its sincerity by stopping needless attacks on businesses that refuse to give in to their extortion demands, there is no reason for the government to agree with the rebels' call for a unilateral ceasefire.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año Sunday.

In the same vein, the NPAs used the previous ceasefire -- lifted last February after a wave of unprovoked attacks -- to undertake more extortion activities at the expense of legitimate business and peace-loving citizens.

Since the termination of peace negotiations last Februay 4, the AFP has recorded more than 60 incidents of arson perpetrated by the rebel group, prompting the military to conduct operations against the NPAs.

"We have a mandate to follow and that is to protect our people," Año stressed.

"For the peace talks to succeed, we have to see more sincerity on their part," he added.

The AFP chief said the rebels' constant extortion activities and attacks on legitimate businesses are among the primary causes of the Philippines' poverty and underdevelopment problems.

"We now see the concrete manifestation of the evil in our society that has been a major cause of underdevelopment, the anti-development and anti-people activities of the NPA. We must join hands and collectively work to end all these so we can protect change for the better. As a people, we must all work to have a nation worthy of all Filipinos and Filipinos worthy of the nation," Año adedd.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976937

BRP Andres Bonifacio's Kuala Lumpur visit highlights PHL-Malaysia partnership

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): BRP Andres Bonifacio's Kuala Lumpur visit highlights PHL-Malaysia partnership

The serene waters off Port Klang became more alive with music, good cheers and camaraderie Friday night as a visiting Philippine Navy frigate hosted a reception for members of the diplomatic and defense attaché corps, Wisma Putra officials, leading businessmen and the members and friends of the Filipino-Malaysian community.

Skippered by Captain Brendo Casaclang, the frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio, with its 88-person complement, was welcomed by Malaysian Armed Forces chief of staff Lt. General Dato’ Abdul Halim bin Hj Jalal, the event’s guest of honor.

In a message before some 300 guests and crew members, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said that the frigate’s goodwill visit “highlights the deepening partnership between the Philippine and Malaysian governments and their respective armed forces, including in addressing issues of common concern such as extremism and transnational crimes.”

Malaya, who concluded last weekend his five-and-a-half years diplomatic assignment in Kuala Lumpur, noted that with the relentless law enforcement operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Abu Sayyaf group and their affiliates in Sulu and Basilan and the enhanced intelligence-sharing and coordinated patrols in the Sulu Seas between the Philippine and Malaysian sides, there has been no kidnapping in Sabah waters since November last year, and the last remaining Malaysians in the hands of lawless elements have been safely recovered.

Ambassador Malaya also cited the heightened interest of Malaysian companies in investment opportunities in the fast growing PH economy and the increasing number of PH companies doing business in Malaysia, led by Petron Corporation, PLDT and Pancake House.

The port call and reception at Port Klang capped BRP Andres Bonifacio’s Malaysian voyage, which included participation in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition ‘17, and port call and maritime exercises at the Royal Malaysian Naval base in Lumut, Perak. Port Klang is the main seaport to Kuala Lumpur.

In his remarks during the program, Commodore Albert A. Mogol, the head of the visiting mission and Commander of the Philippine Navy’s Fleet Marine Ready Force, described the visit as a manifestation of the Philippine Navy’s “commitment to promote harmonious relations between and among countries.”

The event featured performances by the Philippine Marine Corps band and Kuala Lumpur-based Filipino performers Gina Panizales and Jennifer Alferez who made the night more fun with lively repertoire of Filipino and Malaysian songs, jazz standards and dance music. Miss Panizales sang P. Ramlee’s Getawan Jiwa and the upbeat “Isang mundo, isang awit” (One world, one song), while Ms. Alferez, a PH embassy staff member, did Breathless and Dancing Queen.

BRP Andres Bonifacio is the third Gregorio del Pilar-class frigate to be commissioned by the Philippine Navy. She is named after Andrés Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary leader who is regarded as the "Father of the Philippine Revolution" and a pre-eminent national hero of the Philippines.

The frigate is expected to return to home shores on April 6, after leaving Manila on March 14.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=976976

NPA guerrillas vow to punish fake collectors of revolutionary taxes

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 3): NPA guerrillas vow to punish fake collectors of revolutionary taxes

Fake communist rebels have been collecting “revolutionary taxes” in the highlands during the last three months of 2016, according to the New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in the Cordillera provinces of Benguet, Abra, and Mountain Province, and in Ilocos Sur province.

“They have been extorting large sums of money from their victims and [have] even threatened to kill the victims should they refuse to pay,” according to Salaknib Monteverde, spokesperson of the Antonio Licawen Front Operations Command (Alfoc), in a letter released to the Inquirer on Thursday.

The NPA urged the public to provide them information that may help them “punish” the sham rebels.

Among the supposed victims of the fake group was an Abra town vice mayor and his budget officer, who received identical letters directing them to provide money for medicine to help NPA rebels wounded in combat, Monteverde claimed.

Monteverde said the vice mayor was instructed to drive to an area near a military detachment and leave money at a waiting shed.

“Common sense dictates that a person who is not afraid to collect the extorted money near a military detachment is somebody who is inside the detachment himself,” the rebel spokesperson said.

The Inquirer could not independently verify this report at press time. The officials allegedly victimized by the fake NPA rebels live in a remote Abra municipality.

Monteverde acknowledged that the NPA collects revolutionary taxes from “foreign imperialists, bureaucrat capitalists, local big businessmen and landlords operating within the guerrilla zone.”

“Revolutionary taxes are collected based on the authority and recognized political strength of the revolutionary government,” Monteverde said.

He said the NPA sent letters, bearing the logo and signature of the spokesperson or designated official of the concerned NPA command, to those being taxed and conduct negotiations during scheduled meetings.

Monteverde claimed his unit never uses threats.

He also urged victims of the extortionists to “bring the matter to a unit of Alfoc.”

“Then, we can give these criminals appropriate disciplinary action,” he said.

Monteverde said rebels were trying to determine if the alleged scams were perpetrated by the military and the police, or by the political rivals of the vice mayor.

President Duterte had listed what he said were signs of goodwill which he was waiting for rebels to demonstrate that would convince him to believe in rebel sincerity in the ongoing peace process.

One of these gestures of goodwill, Mr. Duterte said, is a stop to rebel collection of taxes in their territories.

But Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser, said what Mr. Duterte listed were just “wishes” and not preconditions for the peace talks.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/885881/npa-guerrillas-vow-to-punish-fake-collectors-of-revolutionary-taxes

PH-NDF ceasefire talks delayed — Norway

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 3): PH-NDF ceasefire talks delayed — Norway



In this file photo taken Aug. 26, 2016, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (left) and then-chairman of the National Democratic Front of Philippines (NDFP) Luis Jalandori (second from right) sign a joint declaration next to the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Boerge Brende (center) in which both parties undertake unilateral ceasefires without time constraints. AFP FILE PHOTO
The start of Dutch-hosted ceasefire talks to end a four-decade insurgency waged by communist rebels in the Philippines has been delayed to Monday, mediators said.

“The formal opening is now pushed to tomorrow,” Helene Revhaug, spokeswoman for the Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), mediating the planned discussions, told AFP on Sunday.

“They are still working on the agenda setting for the (latest) round” of discussions, Revhaug added.

The talks are the fourth round to date between Manila and the National Democratic Front. Discussions have been on-off for 30 years but were restarted by President Rodrigo Duterte after he took office last June.

The insurgency began in 1968 in the poverty-stricken country and has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives according to the military.

The government says it wants a permanent ceasefire, although a week of negotiations on the outskirts of Rome in January ended without such a deal.

“The (front) believes it is possible at the soonest time to have a bilateral ceasefire agreement,” chief rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili said in a statement issued late Friday from his exile in The Netherlands.

But the same day, chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello forecast “very difficult and exacting” talks with no guarantees for a breakthrough.

The National Democratic Front comprises several groups, the most prominent of which is the Communist Party of the Philippines, whose guerrilla unit is the 4,000-strong New People’s Army (NPA).

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/154284/ph-ndf-ceasefire-talks-delayed-norway

Rebs say they fired at crop duster

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 3): Rebs say they fired at crop duster

Communist rebels said they fired at a crop duster spraying pesticides on a banana plantation in Tagbina town in Surigao, saying the attack served as a punitive action against environmentally destructive aerial spraying.

Ariel Montero, spokesperson of the New People’s Army (NPA) Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command, said the plane owned by Sumifru, piloted by a certain Capt. Magbanua, was shot at while aerial spraying the banana plantations in the village of Sta. Fe on Monday.
Sumifru is a subsidiary of the Sumitomo Corporation.

“The wing and wheel of the plane were struck, forcing its emergency landing. The pilot was not hit and was safe,” Montero said.

Warning

He said the NPA had warned banana plantation owners against aerial spraying because of the damage it could cause to the environment and health of people living near plantations.

“This practice has been discontinued in other places like Davao City, because of the people’s opposition to its proven harmful effect,” Montero said.

He said the punitive action also served as a warning against land grabbing by banana plantations, which deprived farmers of land to till.

“The small number of those employed suffer from low wages, lack of benefits and lack of job security,” the NPA spokesperson said.

He also warned aviation companies against renting out planes for aerial spraying.

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/885879/rebs-say-they-fired-at-crop-duster

Military’s top physician retires

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 31): Military’s top physician retires

Brig Gen. Mariano Mejia. Photo from AFP

The military’s top doctor, Brig Gen. Mariano Mejia, stepped down from office on Friday after 30 years of service.

Mejia, the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC), bade the military goodbye in a retirement ceremony presided by AFP Inspector General Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz at Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand.

Col. Patrick de Leon, the deputy for administration at AFPMC, will serve as acting commander, the AFP public affairs said in a statement.

Mejia was assigned as acting commander of the AFPMC in an acting capacity in August last year and officially assumed the position in December.

During his watch, medicines and equipment were sent to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital last August and a fully-equipped field ambulance and a mobile surgical laboratory/diagnostic van were flown to Jolo in Sulu.

Mejia also deployed medical and surgical rotators to military hospitals in Zamboanga City, Cotabato City and Jolo. The teams are composed of medical and nurse corps who augmented the medical services in military treatment facilities.

An adopted member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, he is also a Scout Ranger and was assigned to different military treatment facilities from Luzon to Mindanao.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/885458/militarys-top-physician-retires

29 wounded as military clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From ABS-CBN (Apr 2): 29 wounded as military clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Twenty-nine soldiers were wounded in a clash with members of terror group Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu Sunday.

The encounter happened at around 9:30 a.m. and ended at around 10:45 a.m.

As of posting time, the number of injured members of the Abu Sayyaf has yet to be identified.

Members of the bandit group that were encountered by soldiers were allegedly led by a certain Hatib Hajan Sawajaan.

The wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu for treatment.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/02/17/29-wounded-as-military-clash-with-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu

61 high-powered guns seized from Sulu bandits

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 2): 61 high-powered guns seized from Sulu bandits

Soldiers of Task Group Panther and the 4th Scout Ranger Company under the Joint Task Force Sulu seized a total of 61 high-powered firearms in a two-day military offensive launched against the group of Saudi Hamja, a local crime group in Omar town, Sulo last week.

Army Captain Jo-Ann D. Petinglay, the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom), said members of the 4th Scout Ranger Company, led by Captain Rusell Bawat, encountered about 15 armed bandits Thursday afternoon resulting in a 20-minute firefight.

The bandits later withdrew leaving behind seven firearms and assorted ammunition.

Among the firearms seized were an M16 rifle, three M14 rifles, two M1 Garand rifle, an M203 Grenade Launcher, five M14 ammo magazines, ten M16 ammo magazines, seven M1 Garand clips, 100 rounds of .62 cartridge, 50 rounds of Caliber .30 ammunition, and six rounds of 40mm ammunition.

Petinglay said after scouring the immediate vicinity, the rangers found 12 more high-powered firearms. Among them were six M14 rifles, two M16A1 5.56mm rifles, two M1 Garand rifles, an M203 Grenade Launcher, and an M79 Grenade Launcher.

Earlier on Thursday, two high-powered firearms – an M16 rifle and an M203 grenade launcher, 646 rounds of caliber .50 ammunition, and six rounds of 60mm were seized in a clearing operation conducted by the 4th SCRC in Barangay Lablab, Omar, Sulu.

On the run
On Wednesday, the Task Group Panther seized 36 firearms from the group of Hamja in a military operation in Barangay Capual, Omar town. And four more high-powered firearms – two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle and an M1 Garand rifle were seized following a clearing operation launched by the same group in Barangay Lablab in Omar town.

“We have pushed these bandits out of their comfort zones, and we intend to keep it that way,” said Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu based in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

“We will continue to have them running until we get them and all their firearms,” he added.

For his part, Major General Carlito G. Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, thanked the public for providing them with information in order to defeat the enemy.

“I believe that the people are helping us with these bits of very important information, reporting whereabouts of lawless elements, because they desire for their town to be free of fear from any form of criminality,” Galvez said.

“Seizure of these firearms will surely entail a decrease if not fully pre-empt lawlessness in the municipality where the firearms were seized.”

“WestMinCom together with the Philippine National Police, will continue the conduct of focused military operations to advance its mandate of protecting the people and their communities from criminalities, banditry and terrorism,” Galvez added.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/02/61-high-powered-guns-seized-from-sulu-bandits/

Al-Barka residents want more troops to protect infra projects

From the Philippine Star (Apr 2): Al-Barka residents want more troops to protect infra projects



Road projects in Basilan, like this one connecting Mebak and Bohe Languyan, are potential targets of the Abu Sayyaf. John Unson

Residents in Al-Barka, Basilan want more troops to protect local infrastructure projects that the Abu Sayyaf opposes.

Close Ad X

 

The 16 barangays in Al-Barka have been scenes of deadly clashes between the military and the Abu Sayyaf in recent years.

 

Al-Barka Mayor Darussalam Lajid said on Sunday that while the presence of the Abu Sayyaf in the municipality had been weakened in recent months due to interventions by agencies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the military, bandits are still capable of attacks to disrupt ongoing projects.

 

Lajid said the Abu Sayyaf is opposed to big-ticket government infrastructure projects that can provide economic empowerment to local sectors and weaken its influence in impoverished areas where its members are holding out.

 

Thousands of Al-Barka residents displaced by conflicts in past years returned to their barangays in 2016 through the efforts of local officials and ARMM’s inter-agency regional peace and order council.

 

“The infrastructure projects implemented in Al-Barka from 2012 up ushered in improvements in our domestic security situation and the local economy. That is what misguided extremists do not want,” Lajid said in accented Filipino.

 

Barangay leaders urged the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to tighten security in the municipality after officials launched last week P10 million in projects designed to address poverty and underdevelopment in Al-Barka.

 

The March 27 groundbreaking rite for the projects under the ARMM Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance Synergy in Barangay Macalang was led by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. of AFP’s Westmincom and Malaysian Army Gen. Masrani Paiman of the International Monitoring Team.

 

The Malaysian-led peacekeeping team, comprised of soldiers and police from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and non-uniformed conflict resolution experts from Japan, Norway and the European Union, is helping enforce in Basilan and other provinces in Mindanao the 1997 interim ceasefire pact between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

Hundreds of MILF guerrillas helped units of Westmincom drive away Abu Sayyaf rebels from Al-Barka in recent joint operations assisted by local officials and volunteers from the Moro National Liberation Front.

 

The launching of new socioeconomic and humanitarian projects in Al-Barka last March 27 was also attended by Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman and members of the league of mayors in the island province.

 

The event was capped off with the conduct in Barangay Macalang of the ARMM “People’s Day,” where health and social workers from the regional government provided free medical and relief services to no fewer than 3,000 villagers who had suffered from the impunity of the Abu Sayyaf.

 

Lajid said it was in 2012 when the ARMM government started allocating huge infrastructure grants for Al-Barka.

 

Records obtained from the office of engineer Don Loong, ARMM’s Public Works secretary, indicated that P877 million in projects has been allocated for Al-Barka from 2012 to 2017 in separate allocations drawn from the region’s yearly infrastructure subsidy.

 

“All of the projects implemented in my municipality were religiously implemented. The impact of these projects to the lives of my constituents is now being felt,” Lajid said.

 

The Abu Sayyaf had thrice attempted to kill Basilan’s district engineer, Soler Undug, using improvised explosive devices as part of a ploy to derail the implementation of infrastructure projects in far-flung areas in the island’s 11 towns and in its capital, Lamitan City.

 

Galvez, who had served as commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade in Basilan while still a colonel, said the Abu Sayyaf is good at using poverty and underdevelopment to stoke public animosity towards the government.

 

“Now they are losing ground gradually because of the infrastructure projects implemented in Basilan in the past four years. There are more projects now in the pipeline and we will provide security support to ensure that these terrorists cannot get close to the project sites,” Galvez said.

 

Galvez said he is grateful to the MILF for its continuing support to the military’s continuing effort to clear Al-Barka of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

 

The government and the MILF are bound by the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities to cooperate in addressing peace and security issues in conflict flashpoint areas in Southern Mindanao.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/02/1686994/al-barka-residents-want-more-troops-protect-infra-projects

NDF: 'Revolutionary gov't' orders arrest of ex-PNoy, others over violent Kidapawan dispersal

From GMA News (Apr 1): NDF: 'Revolutionary gov't' orders arrest of ex-PNoy, others over violent Kidapawan dispersal

A year after the violent dispersal of farmers, the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Southern Mindanao said former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has been indicted for crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international human rights law on the "Kidapawan Massacre."

Also indicted by the "revolutionary government" were North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco, several other Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) civilian personalities and military and police officials.

The NDF said Aquino and the other officials were indicted for "war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law."

It said that "the People’s Democratic Government, found compelling evidence that the 'gross neglect and apathy and willful acts and/of omissions' of the named-respondents violated the fundamental rights of the civilians guaranteed in international tenets, covenants and instruments."

The group said that the indictment "effectively prescribed the arrest" of Aquino and the others.

It added that "after due trial by a People’s Court," Aquino and the others must “be meted out with appropriate penalties for having committed the above-mentioned acts constituting war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.”

The NDF Southern Mindanao noted in its statement the "willful shooting that resulted in multiple violent deaths and serious injuries, the incarceration and the maltreatment of civilians were all deliberate acts of aggression against defenseless civilians and vulnerable sections of the civilian population long considered under IHL(International Humanitarian Law) as protected persons."

The announcement was made on the first anniversary of the violent dispersal of at least 6,000 farmers in Kidapawan City in Apr. 1, 2016. Two persons were killed and over a dozen were hurt as policemen arrested and dispersed the protesting farmers.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Group and the Philippine National Police have yet to reply to questions if additional security personnel will be provided to Aquino and the other officials due to the NDF's announcement.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/605527/news/nation/ndf-revolutionary-gov-t-orders-arrest-of-ex-pnoy-others-over-violent-kidapawan-dispersal

Photos: Bangsamoro Freedom Day/MNLF Anniversary

From the Facebook page of Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim, Secretary General, Moro National Liberation Front (Apr 1): Photos: Bangsamoro Freedom Day/MNLF Anniversary

SG Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim participated in the parade conducted at the heart of Jolo, Sulu in solidarity with over 7, OOO Moro patriots from all walks of life to commemorate the 49th Birth Anniversary of the MNLF and the Declaration of the Bangsamoro Freedom Day on March 18, 2017; he delivered a message on the significance of March 18 before a mammoth of MNLF members, officials, BAF's commanders and officers including distinguished and honored Guests from AFP, LGU and Academic Institution converged inside SSC's Gymnasium. Setting in the Presidential Table is the Keynote Speaker, Utoh Abdulkarim T. Misuari, MNLF Vice Chairman representing HE Prof. Nur P. Misuari, MNLF Founding Chairman, Central Committee; and Dr. Samsula Adju, MNLF's Ambassador for Global Peace Advocacy and Foreign Relations.



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444545142563176&set=pcb.444545509229806&type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444545135896510&set=pcb.444545509229806&type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444544785896545&set=pcb.444545509229806&type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444545119229845&set=pcb.444545509229806&type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444545465896477&set=pcb.444545509229806&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf

MILF: Editorial -- Surgical approach

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 1): Editorial -- Surgical approach

Forty eight days to go before May 18, the timeline unilaterally set by the government for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to come up with new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). This timeline, while it is ideally sound, may not be too practical. This can only happen if the other side of inclusivity will work wonder for the BTC; if not, even the adoption of internal rules, committees assignment, and which draft to use as working draft may take some time.

As a principle, inclusivity is to be valued and pushed at all times. But as part of a process, its outcome depends on many factors especially on the coherence of the group, their commonalities of vision and dedication, and effectiveness of leadership. If the general interest rather than selfish, clan, tribal, prevail then this principle and as part of process is most desired.

What is good in this effort for inclusivity is that once it is overcome and the Bangsamoro people speak as one, the oft-repeated accusation that they are disunited will be dashed away. But if this will not happen, for various intervening reasons, then the old “myth” will stay and worse it will be reinforced. It can be used effectively to deny them a better deal.

By the way, it is not true to say that the Bangsamoro people are disunited. Yes, we cannot unite on many things, which are natural, but are these situations not also true to the majority populations? How do we explain the various coup attempts, the jailing, the political mudslinging, etc.? After all, is not democracy built on the sovereignty of people, who have divergent views and wants?

The truth of the matter is that the Bangsamoro people are weak, they lack power, mostly poor and uneducated. That is why Moros would generally prefer fighting in the firing line rather than engaging in the halls of Congress. At least, the firing line is level while in Congress, a Moro is like shouting in wilderness.

Weak people can be easily manipulated, because they have many weaknesses. They also have many needs and concerns; and for which reasons, the less principled in them would grab at the first opportunity at the expense of others.

But on the flipside, the weak are not lacking in people who are sincere, determined, and competent. In fact, many if not most of those who are willing to die for a cause emanate from the least fortunate in life. We have proved this in our more than decades of struggle in Mindanao.

Forty eight days to come up with a new BBL is not impossible to beat. But the key to do this is use the “agreed version” as presented to Congress as HR 4994 and concentrate on those they revised through surgical approach. Improve on them to address the concerns of the lawmakers.

Moreover, we have high regard for the current BTC, its leadership and members. We are sure they are equal to the real challenges and they will rise above them all with heads high.

 http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/editorial/23-1st-issue-1-7/1132-surgical-approach

MILF: BLMI, PAHRODF conduct Training on Administration and Management, visit training facilities’ sites

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 2): BLMI, PAHRODF conduct Training on Administration and Management, visit training facilities’ sites



The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in partnership with Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF) has conducted a six -day training on Administration, Management and Benchmarking visit on different training facilities’ sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City from March 23-28. 2017.

The ten (10) trainees who participated were BLMI Officers headed by Executive Director, Sheikh Mahmod S. Ahmad, Unit heads and BLMI Volunteers.

The first two-day activity was held in Bahay Alumni, Brokenshire, Compound, Madapo Hills, Davao city. The two-day sessions focused on BLMI Training Centre Administration and Management as well as orientation on benchmarking visit.

Ms. Ermarie A. Mondejar “Ems”, DAP Vice President/ Managing Director for Conference Center lectured on Module 1 and 2 on the first day. She touched on Planning and Marketing the Training Centre. She presented significant concepts and practices on planning and marketing strategies.

For her part, Ms. Pag-asa Lubag-Dogelio “Page” DAP Program Officer for Conference Center lectured on Module 3 and 4 tackled on Managing the Training Centre and Best Practices. She elucidated the principles and practices of Management of Learning and Facility Management and its processes.

Both resource persons and the facilitators were from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) an institution expert on administrative concepts, organizational management among others. Ms. Theresa Sarona (Maam Inday) from PAHRODF was also present to oversee the flow of activities.

In a bid to acquire more relevant knowledge through in-depth inquiry and observation, the BLMI Trainees made a benchmarking visit to different Training sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City. The first three (3) site visits were in Davao city on March 23 at Brokenshire Alumni Foundation Inc. Another benchmarking visit was in Mindanao Training Resource Centre (MTRC) and Davao Episcopal Training Centre.

On March 26, the BLMI Trainees took an extra mile travel to Tagaytay City where DAP Training Centre and other sites are located. The trainees were warmly welcomed by DAP Officials during their courtesy call and spent their remaining days from March 26-28 at DAP Training Center by making an ocular tour on DAP Conference Centre facilities and engaged in cordial inquiry with its different units’ heads related to administrative and management of DAP Training and Conference Centre.

On the last-day of Benchmarking visit, the BLMI Trainees were also able to meet DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr, exchanged jovial conversation and gained valuable inputs from the DAP Executive.

Dr. Kalaw said that it was a strange to him that his first assignment as DAP executive in 2006 was to help the BLMI getting developed, so BLMI is no longer new to him.

The last Benchmarking visit was made on March 28 at Helena Z. Benitez National Program and Training Centre also in Tagaytay along Calamaba Road. The BLMI Trainees were welcomed by the Administrator and had a conversation and tour of its training facilities.

In his culminating message, Sheikh Ahmad expressed his profoundest gratitude to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through PAHRODF and Maam Inday for the technical assistance extended to BLMI. He also thanked the DAP management, the resource speakers and facilitators who provided viable skills and valuable inputs to BLMI trainees that can be applied in managing the BLMI Training Center.

Mr. Alan S. Cajes, DAP Managing Director and Maam Inday of PAHRODF also expressed their respective message of appreciation to BLMI Management and Trainees for having a high passion of updating to new knowledge and openness to new learning environment for the betterment of BLMI and the Bangsamoro as a whole.

The six-day series of session and Benchmarking visits were facilitated by Ms. Cheng Rasco, Ms. Avon Sinajon, Maam Page” and Ms. Justine Imbag, all employees of DAP Davao City Regional Office and Central Office in Pasig City and Tagaytay City.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1134-blmi-pahrodf-conduct-training-on-administration-and-management-visit-training-facilities-sites-2

CPP: On non-declaration of ceasefire, peace talks and AFP crimes

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 1):
On non-declaration of ceasefire, peace talks and AFP crimes

Communist Party of the Philippines

1 April 2017

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) did not proceed to issue a declaration of interim ceasefire yesterday, after the GRP announced that it will not issue a similar ceasefire declaration. The issuance of ceasefire declarations was supposed to be done reciprocally as agreed upon by the NDFP and GRP in the their March 11 statement Joint Statement.

In an earlier statement, the CPP had expressed willingness to comply with this agreement. In response, GRP President Duterte said he had to consult with national security and military officials about issuing a reciprocal ceasefire declaration. It can only be surmised that he heeded the advise of AFP officials on the matter.

Support for fourth round of talks even without ceasefire

The CPP fully supports the scheduled 4th round of NDFP-GRP peace negotiations slated for April 2-6 despite the non-issuance of ceasefire declarations by either side. The Party looks forward to fruitful discussions and positive steps towards forging an agreement on socio-economic reforms as well as political and constitutional reforms.

The CPP anticipates that the question of free land distribution to the tillers, the most pressing social justice issue in the country, will be fully addressed in the talks. The CPP also anticipates intense discussions and debates on the people’s demand for national industrialization, as well as expansion of public services, versus the insistence of the GRP to pursue the neoliberal policies of liberalization, privatization and deregulation.

Rally against AFP intensified attacks on civilians

The CPP anticipates heightened attacks by the AFP against civilians in light of Duterte’s non-declaration of ceasefire. Over the past three days alone, the AFP have carried out the following fascist crimes against civilians:

On March 29, 100 soldiers of the 58th IB entered Sitio Camansi, Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental and encamped in the Lumad community. Thirty six families (187 individuals) were forced to evacuate and seek sanctuary in Cagayan de Oro.

On March 30, elements of the 9th ID entered Sitio Traktora, Bagong Silang, Sipocot, Camarines Sur and without provocation strafed several people who were at the waiting shed, killing resident Renel Mirabeles and severely injuring Joseph Sagario and Regie Loprandado. Another civilian, Erick Madrona, was accosted and later accused of being a member of the NPA. To cover-up the attack against the civilians, military PR officials churned out the fake news that the shooting of the civilians was an encounter with the NPA.

In another incident on March 30, elements of the 203rd Infantry Brigade used helicopters to drop at least 16 bombs on sitios Karumata and Kalungbuyan, in Barangay Benli, Bulalacao town, Oriental Mindoro endangering the lives of the Hanunuo Mangyan communities in the area.

Also on March 30, soldiers of the 28th and 66th IB killed Jeffry Santos, a peasant resident of Tagbinonga, Mati City, Davao Oriental, after they encountered the NPA in the area. Santos was on his way to the town center to sell copra when he was waylaid by AFP soldiers. In press releases, the AFP claims he was a member of the NPA, something which his family disputes.

The Party calls on the people to rally and protest the extrajudicial killings, aerial bombings, occupation of communities, forcible evacuations, hamletting and other fascist criminal attacks perpetrated by the AFP against the peasant masses. Expose the AFP for propagating lies and fake news to cover up their crimes.

NPA is duty-bound to defend the people
In light of AFP intensified attacks against civilians, the New People’s Army (NPA) is duty-bound to punish the perpetrators of these fascsit crimes and carry out offensives to disable the AFP from carrying out further attacks and armed suppression against the civilians.

The NPA must take full initiative in order to defend the people’s interests, protect their livelihood and the environment against destructive enterprises and ensure that economic ventures comply with policies that uphold the people’s welfare.

The NPA must continue to help the people wage struggles for genuine land reform, fight feudal exactions and various forms of oppression and help them raise agricultural production.

The NPA must open its doors wide open in order to accomodate the large numbers of people who want to join the armed struggle in their aspiration to attain justice and work to end the prevailing social system.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170401-on-non-declaration-of-ceasefire-peace-talks-and-afp-crimes

CPP/NPA-Ilocos Cordillera: Hot Pursuit ng PNP-Abra Hinaras ng NPA, 5 Sugatan

NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 1?):
Hot Pursuit ng PNP-Abra Hinaras ng NPA, 5 Sugatan

NPA-IIocos Cordillera (Chadli Molintas Command)

14 April 2017

Inantala ng Agustin Begnalen Command (ABC) NPA-Abra ang hot pursuit operation ng mga puersa ng PNP-Abra na tutugis sa kanila pagkatapos nilang i-reyd ang Municipal Police Station ng Malibcong, Abra noong gabi ng Marso 12.

Marso 13, alas-diyes ng umaga, hinaras ng mga puersa ng NPA ang mga tropa ng Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) ng PNP-Abra sa Agibo Road, Malanas, Malibcong, Abra. Lima ang nasugatan sa kanila noong bumaliktad ang isa sa tatlong komboy ng sasakyan na pinasabugan ng command detonated explosive (CDX). Nakilala ang mga ito na sina PO2 Jessie Pastores Trinidad, PO1 Marlon de la Paz, PO1 Gerome Baldos, PO1 Von Harold Layao, PO1 Kennon Sanggoy.

Ang nasabing hot pursuit operation ay direktang pinamunuan ni PNP-Abra Provincial Director Supt. Alexander Tagum kung saan kasama sa komboy ng sasakyang pinasabugan. Maalalang si Tagum ay ang dating pasistang Provincial Director ng PNP sa North Cotabato na nagmando sa pagmasaker sa mga gutom na magsasakang biktima ng tagtuyot sa Kidapawan noong Abril 2016 na naniningil ng ipinangakong bigas mula sa gobyernong Aquino.

Ipinatupad ng NPA-Abra ang pagreyd sa nasabing istasyon ng pulisya at kasunod nitong pagharas bilang armadong pwersang instrumento ng reaksyonaryong estado sa aktibong pinapapel nila sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong programa ng AFP at PNP sa Abra; at batay din sa atas ng National Operational Command (NOC) ng BHB at Komite Sentral ng PKP na isagawa ang mga opensiba laban sa mersenaryong tropa ng rehimeng Duterte pagkatapos ng pagputol sa deklarasyon ng unilateral ceasefire ng CPP-NPA at sa harap ng pagpapakawala ng all-out war nito sa rebolusyonaryong puersa at mamamayan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170414-hot-pursuit-ng-pnp-abra-hinaras-ng-npa-5-sugatan

CPP/NDF-SM: Kidapawan Massacre, a year later: Revolutionary gov’t indicts Aquino, et al in bloody dispersal of civilian Lumad, farmers

NDF propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 2):
Kidapawan Massacre, a year later: Revolutionary gov’t indicts Aquino, et al in bloody dispersal of civilian Lumad, farmers

Rubi del Mundo, Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao

1 April 2017

On the commemoration of the bloody dispersal of Lumad and farmers in what is now notoriously remembered as the Kidapawan Massacre, the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao released the Indictment for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law against former GRP Pres. Benigno Aquino III, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco, several other GRP civilian personalities and military and police officials.

On April 1, last year, more than 6,000 Lumad and farmers barricaded the national highway in Kidapawan City and protested the criminal neglect of the reactionary national and provincial governments in the face of hunger and devastation brought about by severe drought. The farmers also demanded the end to the AFP’s militarization and use of paramilitaries that were aggravating the severity of their condition.

The ensuing events manifested the reactionary government’s penchant for fascism and contempt for legitimate resistance: the protesting farmers were violently dispersed with bullets, truncheons and water cannons. Two civilians died while 34 were seriously injured, including 22 people who sustained gunshot wounds. In the aftermath of the bloody carnage, the GRP even had the audacity to unjustly arrest and detain 79 civilians, nine of whom were elderly and five were pregnant, over spurious charges of serious injury supposedly against fully-armed PNP and SWAT personnel.

The Indictment, issued following a thorough investigation conducted on behalf of the People’s Democratic Government, found compelling evidence that the “gross neglect and apathy and willful acts and/of omissions” of the named-respondents violated the fundamental rights of the civilians guaranteed in international tenets, covenants and instruments such as the GRP-NDFP 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the 1966 International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The investigation was culled from testimonies of the victims, fact-finding missions, documents and video footages and transcripts of coverage from media organizations who were present at the start of the farmer’s demonstration and barricade until days after the violent dispersal. It was dated December 26, 2016 but was only made public this year.

Specifically, the Indictment enumerated the following facts:

1. “The willful shooting that resulted in multiple violent deaths and serious injuries, the incarceration and the maltreatment of civilians were all deliberate acts of aggression against defenseless civilians and vulnerable sections of the civilian population long considered under IHL as protected persons. “

The Indictment succinctly outlined how the reactionary government, even at the onset, already rejected a solution to the plight of the farmers other than dispersing the peaceful demonstration.

2. “The premeditated and arbitrary use of superior and overwhelming armed force and military might against defenseless civilians constitute a most severe crime of mass murder ― what ensued was a massacre in broad daylight on a national highway ordered by state officials and implemented by state forces, without compunction or fear of accountability and with extreme prejudice. “

The Indictment narrated the events that unfolded before, during and immediately after the violent dispersal. It chronicled the command decisions of Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, former North Cotabato PNP Provincial Director Alexander Tagum and Kidapawan City Chief of Police John Calinga that led to the wanton shooting of the unarmed civilians.

3. “Naked terror persisted after the barricade was fully destroyed and the civilians were subjected to more contemptible attacks.”

The Indictment recounted the illegal arrest and detention of the civilians who were also physically assaulted by the fully-armed PNP and SWAT personnel. It also showed how the respondents connived to conceal the facts regarding the cause of death of the civilians in order to shroud their culpability.

4. The “Respondent GPH civilian bureaucrats were criminally liable for gross negligence, and failed to act promptly, if at all, to ease the suffering and ameliorate the livelihood of the people. In particular, Respondent GPH civilian bureaucrats failed to decisively address the immediate and legitimate demands of the hungry and drought-stricken farmers in North Cotabato and adjoining areas.”

The Indictment described the inutility of the reactionary national and provincial governments over the widespread damage caused by the severe drought to the lives and livelihood of the Lumad and farmers. It, likewise, underscored that in the face of such devastation, the AFP with the consent of the provincial reactionary officials continued to unleash fascist abuse in the countryside, especially in arming and mobilizing the paramilitary Bagani in North Cotabato.

The Indictment recommended that the named respondents, after due trial by a People’s Court, “be meted out with appropriate penalties for having committed the above-mentioned acts constituting war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law.” It also effectively prescribed the arrest of said respondents.

Despite the feigned condemnation and the fanfare of inquiries by the reactionary government, like most crimes committed against hapless Filipinos, no justice has yet been given to the victims of the Kidapawan massacre. The continued evasion from accountability of Aquino and the other perpetrators of this heinous act is a stark reminder of the ruling class’ blatant contempt and apathy to the plight of the Lumad and peasants.

On behalf of the People’s Democratic Government, the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao affirms its commitment to pursue revolutionary justice to the victims of the reactionary government’s criminal neglect and culpability in the massacre. Rest assured that the revolutionary movement will wage all forms of resistance—in the streets, in the negotiating table and especially in the arm struggle—to ensure that the martyrs of Kidapawan barricade shall not have died in vain.

NPA units in North Cotabato have continued to launch offensives against troops of the AFP, PNP and their paramilitaries, most notably the March 15 raid and disarming of their scalawag asset that trafficked illegal firearms in the province and in nearby regions. Peasant masses in the province, with the guidance of revolutionary mass organizations, wage campaigns for land, food and justice that demand genuine agrarian reform and comprehensive assistance during calamities.

“Kidapawan Massacre Indictment” https://www.dropbox.com/s/i2jb1pb9dy564ut/Kidapawan%20Massacre%20indictment.docx?dl=0

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170401-revolutionary-govt-indicts-aquino-et-al-in-bloody-dispersal-of-civilian-lumad-farmers

President Duterte instructs changing name of Benham Rise

From Update Philippines (Apr 2): President Duterte instructs changing name of Benham Rise



The Philippine government specifically the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of the Executive Secretary are now in the work to explore a new name that will fit for Benham Rise.

The DFA confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte instructed the renaming of Benham Rise. Initial suggestion is Philippine Rise.

“A motion has been made subject to the conduct of the requisite legal and logistical study to effect the change,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.

Under the Aquino administration through Administrative Order No. 29, maritime area within Philippines’ 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in South China Sea was renamed as West Philippine Sea.

“In the exercise of sovereign jurisdiction, the Philippines has the inherent power and right to designate its maritime areas with appropriate nomenclature for purposes of the national mapping system,” said in the order signed September 2012.

http://www.update.ph/2017/04/president-duterte-instructs-changing-name-of-benham-rise/16382

Coast Guard visits US Coast Guard facilities, exchange ideas

From Update Philippines (Apr 2): Coast Guard visits US Coast Guard facilities, exchange ideas

PCG photo

Philippine Coast Guard Public Affairs delegation headed by PCG Public Affairs Office chief Commander Armando A. Balilo conducted a subject-matter expert exchange visit United States Coast Guard (USCG) Pacific Area (PACAREA) at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California last March 21 to 23.

“The visit aims to introduce to the PCG the existing policies of the USCG in terms of public affairs and social media, discuss roles and responsibilities of the USCG Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) and Specialists at the strategic, operational and tactical level,” the PCG said.

PCG delegation also visited various USCG afloat and ashore units to meet with the collateral duty PAOs in the vicinity of PACAREA such as District 11 Public Affairs Facility, Rescue Coordinating Center, Maritime Safety and Security Team, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, and Coast Guard Sector San Francisco in Yerba Buena, San Francisco.

USCG Public Affairs personnel will in turn visit PCG Headquarters in Manila in September 2017 for the second part of the said subject-matter expert exchange. Details of the second part was discussed by the PCG delegation with Deputy Commander of the USCG PACAREA Rear Admiral Pat DeQuattro.



http://www.update.ph/2017/04/coast-guard-visits-us-coast-guard-facilities-exchange-ideas/16384

US Strike Group, Japanese warships operate in East China Sea, PH Sea

From Update Philippines (Apr 2): US Strike Group, Japanese warships operate in East China Sea, PH Sea

US, Japan warships in Philippine Sea, March 28, 2017. JMSDF photo

United States Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group together with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) warships concluded a 3-day at-sea bilateral exercise in East China Sea, March 29. “The US Navy and JMSDF operated together March 26-29 to increase proficiency in basic maritime skills and improve response capabilities,” US Carrier Strike Group 1 Public Affairs said.

US and Japanese warships also held drills in Philippine Sea as part of the said bilateral maritime exercise. This is part of US-Japan routine operations to increase proficiency in basic maritime skills and improve response capabilities.

Warships that participated in the bilateral exercise were Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), accompanied by JMSDF destroyers JS Hamagiri (DD-155), JS Samidare (DD-106), JS Sazanami (DD-113), JS Umigiri (DD-158) and JS Yudachi (DD-103).

According to US Navy the warships conducted multiple maneuvers to test communications interoperability and ship handling techniques.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

“The U.S. and Japan have built a relationship based on a shared vision of cooperation, democracy and regional stability,” said Rear Adm. Jim Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1. “The Japan-U.S. alliance is maintained and strengthened through training exercises like these.”

http://www.update.ph/2017/04/us-strike-group-japanese-warships-operate-in-east-china-sea-ph-sea/16388