CPP/Ang Bayan: Serye ng mga atritibong opensiba sa Northern Samar

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Serye ng mga atritibong opensiba sa Northern Samar

APAT NA ATRITIBONG operasyon ang inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa Las Navas, Northern Samar mula katapusan ng Marso.

 Noong Marso 30, inisnayp at nasugatan ng BHB ang isang elemento ng 43rd IB na naglulunsad ng operasyong saywar na “Community Support Program” ng Oplan Kapayapaan sa Brgy. San Miguel.

Marso 31, bandang alas-7 ng gabi, inisnayp ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang nag-ooperasyong 16 na elemento ng 43rd IB sa Brgy. San Isidro. Dahil sa matinding demoralisasyon, sumakay kaagad ang mga sundalo sa bangka at umalis nang alas-8 ng gabi ring iyon. Abril 6, alas-10 ng umaga, hinaras ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang 28 elemento ng 43rd IB sa Brgy. Poponton na nag-ooperasyon mula pa Abril 4. Dahil dito, umatras ang mga sundalo at hindi nagpatuloy ng operasyon pagkatapos sunduin ng helikopter ang kanilang mga kaswalti. Noon namang Abril 8, pinaputukan ng milisyang bayan ng “doble zero” (yaring-bahay na de-sabog) ang nag-ooperasyong mahigit 30 na sundalo mula sa Brgy. El Empon patungong Brgy. Poponton. Napilitang umatras ang mga sundalo dahil sa mga sugatan nila. Dahil sa sobrang takot, nagkampo at hindi naglalabasan hanggang sa ngayon ang mahigit 140 sundalo ng 43rd IB sa Brgy. El Empon at Brgy. Paco. Sa desperasyon, ibinaling ng mga pwersa ng 43rd IB ang pasistang galit laban sa mga lokal na residente. Nagbanta ang mga sundalo na babarilin ang sinumang lalaki na makikita nila na nasa labas ng baryo.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/2017april21-serye-ng-mga-atritibong-opensiba-sa-northern-samar/

CPP.Ang Bayan: Ka Zola, 48

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Ka Zola, 48

BINIGYANG-PUGAY ng BHB-Ifugao (Nona Del Rosario Command) si Leonardo “Ka Zola” Manahan na namatay noong Abril 14 sa edad na 48 taon. Namatay siya dulot ng malubhang sakit habang naglilingkod bilang namumunong kadre ng Partido at Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Ifugao.

Unang kumilos si Ka Zola sa hanay ng sektor ng kabataan bilang mahusay na lider masa at propagandista sa loob ng League of Filipino Students noong huling bahagi ng dekada 1990. Kinalaunan, gumampan siya bilang kalihim ng seksyon sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) at naging kagawad ng Pambansang Kawanihan ng Kabataan-Estudyante ng PKP. Dito siya nakilala ng mga kasama at masang estudyante bilang “Tolayts” at “Dario.” Tuluy-tuloy ang naging pagkilos ni Ka Zola sa sonang gerilya mula noong 2003. Mula sa North Ilocos Sur-South Ilocos Norte-Western Abra, nailipat siya sa Western Mountain Province bilang Kalihim ng Komite ng Larangang Gerilya. Mula 2010-2016, naging kagawad siya ng sub-rehiyong kinapapalooban ng Western Mountain Province bilang upisyal sa pulitika ng sentro de grabidad ng subrehiyon. Naging kagawad siya ng komiteng rehiyon mula 2013, at itinalagang Kalihim ng Ifugao nitong huling bahagi ng 2016. Ginunita ng BHB-Ifugao ang mahusay na aktitud ni Ka Zola na inspirasyon ng hukbo at mga rebolusyonaryo sa rehiyon. Inalala rin ng BHB-Ifugao ang kanyang mahigpit na pagkapit sa rebolusyon, nang agad bumalik sa kanayunan matapos lumaya mula sa pagkakabilanggo noong 2005. Ang kanyang mga labi ay dinala sa PUP chapel noong Abril 20, hatid ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersang tangan ang mga bandila ng PKP. Maging dito ay pinagpugayan siya ng mga estudyante ng PUP, mga kaibigan at dating kasamahan.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/2017april21-ka-zola-48/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Dalawang bihag ng digma, pinalaya

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Dalawang bihag ng digma, pinalaya

PINALAYA NG BHB-Far South Mindanao Region noong Abril 19 ang dalawang bihag-ng-digma (prisoner-of-war o POW) na sina Sgt. Solaiman Calocop at PFC Samuel Garay sa Brgy. Colon Sabak, Matanao, Davao del Sur. Kapwa sila elemento ng 39th IB nang dakpin ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa Columbio, Sultan Kudarat noong Pebrero 2.

Ang programa sa pagpapalaya ay itinaguyod ng isang kumpanya ng mga Pulang mandirigma. Kasunod nito’y ipinasa ang dalawa sa organisasyong Sowing the Seeds of Peace na nagkoordina sa paglaya ng mga sundalo. Ipinailalim sa tsek-ap ng mga tauhang-medikal ang mga POW upang tiyaking maayos ang kanilan kalusugan. Kabilang sa mga nagkoordina sa kanilang paglaya at dumalo sa programa ay sina Columbio Vice Mayor Edwin Bermudez, Board Member Romulo Solivio ng South Cotabato, at dating kongresman Marc Douglas Cagas. Naroon din ang mga pamilya ng dalawang sundalo. Pinasalamatan ng mga sundalo ang BHB sa makataong pagtrato sa kanila ng BHB. Ayon kay Garay, wala silang naranasang anumang pananakit, kahit sa salita. Sa programa, ipinaliwanag ni Ka Macario Dilaab, tagapagsalita ng Mt. Alip Command, na ang pagpapalaya sa mga POW ay dahil sa makataong batayan at bilang pagsuporta sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP. Nauna rito, noong Abril 12, ipinahayag ni Ka Oris, tagapagsalita ng BHB, na noon pang Kwaresma nakatakdang palayain sina Calocop at Garay. Hindi lamang ito natuloy dahil sa pagtanggi ng AFP na isuspinde ang mga opensibang operasyon nito para sa ligtas na pagpapalaya sa mga POW, gayundin ng kanilang mga pamilya at ng third party facilitator.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/2017april21-dalawang-bihag-ng-digma-pinalaya/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mahigit 50 armas, nasamsam ng BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Mahigit 50 armas, nasamsam ng BHB

MAHIGIT LIMAMPUNG BARIL, daan-daang mga bala at iba pang gamit-militar ang nasamsam ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) mula Abril 9 hanggang 14.

Sa North Cotabato, mahigit 32 armas ang nasamsam ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa ilalim ng Regional Operations Command (ROC) ng BHB-Southern Mindanao Region sa ginawang reyd sa bahay ni Michael Lingaro sa Brgy. Mahongcog, Magpet, noong Abril 9, alas-9 ng umaga. Tumatayong lider ng isang grupong paramilitar ang kapitan ng barangay na si Lingaro. Ginagamit ang grupo ni Lingaro sa mga operasyong kombat ng 39th IB sa lugar. Ilang oras matapos ito, sinalakay ng ROC-SMR ang mga pwersa ng 39th IB na nagsagawa ng operasyong pagtugis sa Brgy. Temporan, katabi ng Mahongcog. Tumagal nang dalawang oras ang labanan. Sa Palawan, nasamsam ang 18 armas sa isinagawang reyd ng Bienvenido Valleber Command sa Brgy. Barong-barong, Brooke’s Point noong Abril 14, alas-8 ng gabi, sa akusadong drug lord na si Gilbert S. Baaco. Sa San Fernando, Bukidnon, isa ang sugatan at isa ang patay sa hanay ng 60th IB sa isinagawang aksyong militar ng magkasanib na pwersa ng regular na hukbo at milisyang bayan noong Abril 10. Dalawang operasyong harasment at isa pang operasyong isparo ang isinagawa sa Brgy. Bunaco at Brgy. Nabunturan sa parehong bayan. Sa Cateel, Davao Oriental, naglunsad ng operasyong harasment noong Abril 11, alas-8 ng umaga laban sa 67th IB. Sa Baganga noong Abril 13, pinasabugan ng isang tim mula sa Front 15 ang tropa ng 67th IB. Sa Davao City, pinaputukan ng Pulang hukbo ng Front 55 ang mga sundalo ng 60th IB sa Brgy. Mangani Tapak, Paquibato. Sa Surigao Del Sur, naglunsad ng opensibang harasment ang BHB-NEMR laban sa 72nd IB/CAA noong Abril 10, alas-2:35 ng hapon sa Brgy. Pagbacatan, Lingig.
[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/2017april21-mahigit-50-armas-nasamsam-ng-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Manggagawang Pilipino: Magkaisa at lumaban! Itanghal ang bandila ng Partido!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 21): Manggagawang Pilipino: Magkaisa at lumaban! Itanghal ang bandila ng Partido!



Kabilang sa pinakamalalaking tungkulin ng ating Partido ang malawakang pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos sa masang manggagawang Pilipino sa landas ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon. Sa darating na Mayo Uno, Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Manggagawa, bigyang-pansin natin ang mga kagyat na dahilan para lalong mahigpit na panghawakan at tupdin ang mga tungkuling ito.

Kailangang-kailangang palakasin ang demokratikong pakikibaka ng mga manggagawang Pilipino upang pangibabawan ang dinanas nilang malawak na pinsala dulot ng halos apat nang dekada ng kaayusang neoliberal. Mula dekada 1980, walang habas na inatake ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa pag-uunyon, sa seguridad sa trabaho at sa disenteng sahod. Sa panahong ito, walang kapantay sa kasaysayan ang iniatras ng antas ng kabuhayan, kalagayang panlipunan, mga demokratikong karapatan at pampulitikang kalayaan ng mga manggagawang Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng pasistang karahasan, tuwirang pagsikil, pambabraso, pananakot at panlilinlang, pati na sa pakikipagsabwatan ng mga lider-dilawan at taksil, malawakang sinupil ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa pagbubuo ng unyon. Mula 12% noong maagang bahagi ng dekada 1980, bumagsak ang bilang ng mga manggagawang Pilipino na nakapaloob sa mga unyon tungo sa mahigit na lamang 3%. Ang malawakang pagwasak sa mga unyong manggagawa ang susing salik para maipataw ng malalaking burges at dayong monopolyong kapitalista sa Pilipinas ang napakasasahol na patakarang anti-manggagawa. Isinabatas noong 1989 kapwa ang Herrera Law (nirebisang Batas sa Paggawa) at ang Wage Rationalization Act. Ang mga ito ang nagbigay-daan at nagsilbing salalayan ng kontraktwalisasyon at iba’t ibang anyo ng pleksibleng pag-eempleyo, deregulasyon ng mga pamantayan sa paggawa, paglalansag sa pambansang minimum na sahod at pagpatupad ng iba’t ibang iskema upang hilahin pababa ang sahod ng mga manggagawa. Ang mga patakarang ito ay nakatuon sa pagbabaklas ng lahat ng regulasyon sa pag-eempleyo sa paggawa at pagwasak sa mga naipagwagi nang mga karapatan ng mga manggagawa. Ibinigay sa malalaking kapitalista ang buong-laya na sagarin ang oras ng pagtatrabaho at sulitin ang bawat pisong pasahod upang huthutin ang maksimum na labis na halaga mula sa lakas-paggawa. Ipinaiilalim ang mga manggagawa sa pinakamalalalang anyo ng pagsasamantala, kabilang ang pinakamasasahol na kaayusan sa pagtatrabaho (kontraktwal, “apprenticeship,” “student training,” walang sahod na pagtrabaho sa mga prangkisa ng may-ari ng eskwelahan at iba pa). Pinalala nito ang atake sa mga unyon sa pamamagitan ng palagiang bantang masisante ang mga kontraktwal na mangangahas na bumuo ng unyon o sumapi dito. Ipinatupad ng reaksyunaryong estado ang liberalisasyon sa pamumuhunan sa pagluluwag o tuluyang pag-aalis ng dating mga regulasyon sa pangangalaga sa kapakanan at kalusugan ng mga manggagawa (pati na sa kapaligiran) para lamang makapagtipid ang kapitalista kahit pa katumbas nito’y kaligtasan ng mga manggagawa mula sa sunog at iba pang aksidente. Pinakamatindi ang dinaranas na pagsasamantala ng mga manggagawa sa mga pabrika sa loob ng tinaguriang export processing zone o mga engklabo sa paggawa. Ang mga engklabong ito ay langit para sa mga kapitalista at impyerno para sa mga manggagawa. Sa nagdaang 20 taon, labis nang nahuli ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa sa bilis ng pagsirit ng presyo ng mga bilihin. Ang kasalukuyang abereydds na ₱454 minimum na sahod sa NCR ay wala pa sa kalahati ng kinakailangang ₱1,119 para mabuhay nang disente ang anim kataong pamilya. Dapat muling palakasin ng masang manggagawa ang kanilang organisadong lakas upang maipaglaban ang pagbabalik ng mga karapatang dati na nilang tinamasa. Dapat organisahin ang milyun-milyong manggagawa, regular man o kontraktwal, kapwa sa mga unyon at asosasyon. Malawak na organisahin ang mga manggagawa sa loob ng mga engklabo. Ang malawakang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa para sa umento sa sahod at laban sa kontraktwalisasyon ay maghuhugis sa kaliwa’t kanang pagputok ng mga welga sa mga pabrika at empresa. Kasabay nito’y dapat buuin ang malawak na kilusang manggagawa para ibasura ang kontraktwalisasyon, laluna sa harap ng nakapakong pangako ng gubyernong Duterte na wakasan ito. Singilin ang obligasyon ng estado na tiyakin ang trabaho. Ipaglaban ang pangkalahatang umento sa sahod at pagtatakda ng pambansang minimum. Isigaw ang pagwawakas sa patakaran ng pagluluwas ng mga manggagawang kontraktwal. Ang mga pakikibakang ito ng masang manggagawang Pilipino ay bahagi ng mas masaklaw na pakikibaka ng sambayanang Pilipino laban sa mga imperyalistang patakarang neoliberal. Ang buong saklaw ng mga patakarang ito ay nagdulot ng matinding pinsala sa sambayanang Pilipino at naglugmok sa Pilipinas sa mas malalim na krisis. Kaakibat ng pagsusulong ng mga pakikibakang ito, nasa balikat din ng uring manggagawang Pilipino ang tungkuling pamunuan ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan upang wakasan ang malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema ng lipunan at sumulong sa landas ng sosyalistang kinabukasan. Ang makauring pamumuno ay ginagampanan ng proletaryong Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, ang kanilang partidong pampulitika. Upang pahigpitin ang pamumuno ng uring manggagawa sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan, mahigpit na tungkulin ng Partido na malawakang pukawin, pakilusin at organisahin ang masang manggagawa. Palaganapin sa hanay ng masang manggagawa ang pag-aaral sa Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, ang ideolohiya ng uring manggagawa, para gamiting sandata sa pagdurog sa mga kaisipang burges at pyudal na pinalalaganap ng naghaharing uri. Dapat ilantad ng kilusang manggagawa ang pandaigdigang krisis ng kapitalismo, ang dominasyon ng mga dayuhang monopolyong kapitalista sa lokal na ekonomya at kung papaano nila ginagamit ang kanilang kontrol sa mga kasangkapan sa produksyon sa Pilipinas para huthutin ang likas na yaman ng bansa at pagsamantalahan ang lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawang Pilipino. Dapat ipaglaban ng masang manggagawang Pilipino ang pambansang industriyalisasyon at tunay na reporma sa lupa bilang mga susing hakbangin na wakasan ang ekonomyang atrasado at nakasalalay sa dayuhang pamumuhunan at pagpapautang, sa pagluluwas ng mala-manupakturang produkto at murang lakas-paggawa. Sa gayong paraan lamang mailuluwal ang modernong ekonomyang makalilikha ng sapat na trabaho para sa lahat. Dapat patampukin ito sa pagsuporta sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP. Dapat ilantad at labanan ang dominasyon at panghihimasok ng imperyalismong US sa militar at pulitika, ang paggamit nito sa mga tagibang na kasunduang militar tulad ng EDCA at VFA, sa mga baseng militar at presensya ng mga tropang militar nito sa Pilipinas upang pangalagaan ang estratehikong interes ng mga korporasyong US sa Pilipinas at sa Asia-Pacific. Ang malawakang pagkilos ng masang manggagawa sa kalunsuran ay magsisilbing matatag na salalayan ng paglahok ng mga petiburgesyang lungsod (laluna ang mga estudyante) at iba pang mga panggitnang pwersa sa pambansa-demokratikong kilusan. Dapat silang malawakang pakilusin para makiisa sa mga pakikibaka ng batayang masa sa kalunsuran at kanayunan. Kaakibat ng pagsusulong ng kanilang mga pakikibakang pang-ekonomya, dapat malawakang kumilos ang masang manggagawa at mala-manggagawa sa kalunsuran para magbigay ng suporta at tuwirang lumahok sa mga pakikibakang antipyudal ng masang magsasaka sa kanayunan. Ilantad at labanan ang militarisasyon at mga pasistang pang-aabuso ng AFP sa kanayunan. Dapat malawakang pakilusin ng Partido ang mga manggagawa para lumahok sa armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kanayunan. Kailangang kailangan ang libu-libong mga kadreng manggagawa (gayundin ang mga kadre mula sa mga petiburges na intelektwal) upang balikatin ang papalaking mga tungkulin para palakasin ang BHB at paigtingin ang armadong pakikibaka, isulong ang rebolusyong agraryo at itayo ang mga organo ng kapangyarihang pampulitika sa buong bansa.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/2017april21-manggagawang-pilipino-magkaisa-at-lumaban-itanghal-ang-bandila-ng-partido/

Army officer urges communities to help fight terrorism

From Rappler (Apr 24): Army officer urges communities to help fight terrorism

Until all local government officials and residents cooperate, 'the problem with terrorists will continue, kahit ilang Duterte pa ang dadaan'

CALL FOR COOPERATION. Colonel Cirilo Tomas Donato says terrorism will persist unless everyone works together. Photo by Gualberto Laput/Rappler

As the military's ambitious 6-month plan to crush the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups nears its 4th month, an Army official here said the fight against terrorism will never end without the all-out support of local government units (LGUs) and the public.

"Noong second lieutenant pa ako, ganito na ang problema. Ngayon malapit na akong mag-retire parang hindi matapos-tapos ang problema," said Colonel Cirilo Tomas Donato, Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1st ID). (When I was just a second lieutenant, we already had this problem. Now that I'm approaching retirement, it seems the problem will never be resolved.)

Donato's troops were engaged in a heavy firefight with the Maute Group in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on Sunday, April 23. 1st ID spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera said the clashes began at around 5:45 am.

Residents in Iligan City woke up to the sound of aircraft flying past, going in the direction of Piagapo.

Donato said in an interview on Saturday, April 22, that if the help they get from LGUs, concerned agencies, and communities "continue to be haphazard, palagay ko talagang lalapit sila sa (the terrorists will remain in) urban centers."
He added, "Ang bombing nila sa urban centers, dadami and dadami pa 'yan (The bombing of urban centers will continue)."

Ongoing battle

A statement from 1st ID said "focused military operations" in Piagapo have been ongoing since Saturday after they received reports that the Maute Group, which earlier pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS), has moved to that area from Butig town.

"'Yung operasyon natin against Maute Group, hindi hihinto 'yan (Our operations against the Maute Group will not stop)," Donato said.

"Pero araw-araw iniisip ko, ano ba talaga ang solusyon sa problema natin? Ang nakikita ko, parang kulang ang ating pagtutulungan. Maraming gusto na matapos ang problema, pero sa aking sariling opinyon, marami pa ring ayaw matapos ang ating problema," he continued.  (But everyday, I think about the solution to terrorism. What I'm seeing right now is lack of cooperation. Many want the problem to end, but in my opinion, there are still those who don't.

He did not specify who he meant, but a lot of military officials have said terrorism will not thrive in unsympathetic places.

Donato recalled that during his assignment in Basilan, local government officials and residents were seemingly not bothered with bombings, killings, and kidnappings.

"May sasabog sa Isabela, may sasabog sa Lamitan, maraming patay, may kidnapping, parang wala lang nangyayari, parang okay lang sa kanila. Hindi ako magtataka kung magpupugad ang mga terorista doon," he explained. (There would be an explosion in Isabela or Lamitan, many would die. There would be a kidnapping but people would act as if nothing had happened, like they're fine with it. I wouldn't be surprised if terrorists thrive there.)

He added that while intelligence gathering may be strong, "they have to be concerned in solving the problem, like what happened in Bohol" where Abu Sayyaf presence was reported by residents and local government officials acted promptly.

Until this happens in all other affected areas in the country, Donato said "the problem with terrorists will continue, kahit ilang Duterte pa ang dadaan (no matter how many Dutertes arrive)."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167724-army-official-communities-fight-terrorism

NDFP welcomes DENR Sec. Lopez’s inputs on environmental preservation

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Apr 23): NDFP welcomes DENR Sec. Lopez’s inputs on environmental preservation

NPA FIGHTERS. Guerrillas of the New People’s Army Mt. Alip Sub Regional Command in formation somewhere in the hinterlands of Matanao, Davao del Sur on Wednesday, April 19. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)

 

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines on Saturday lauded Environmental Secretary Gina Lopez for her plan to work with the New People’s Army as a “positive gesture towards implementing genuine social and economic development programs in mining areas.”

In a statement, Randall Echanis, NDFP Consultant and a member of its Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms said Lopez’ move “could help address the plight of peasant and indigenous peoples communities affected by destructive large-scale foreign mining, especially in Mindanao.”

Echanis also floated the possibility of the NDFP working as the intermediary between Lopez and the NPA.

Meanwhile, another NDFP Consultant and RWC-SER member Alan Jazmines said Lopez’ input on environmental protection and rehabilitation is welcome in the next round of talks.

“Her inputs and suggestions on how to protect, preserve and rehabilitate the environment for use in rural and national industrialization could also be considered in the next round of formal talks,” Jazmines said.

Environmental protection, conservation, and compensation are major components of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, that said to be the most contentious among the four agenda of the NDFP-GRP talks.

In a forum in Agusan on Thursday, Lopez announced her plans to work with the communists to develop mining communities in the area.

“I already asked the President if I can work with the NPA. In fact, I met them two days ago. I like the NPA. The guy we met was an ex-seminarian. We can’t market the place and do anything if there’s fighting and, at the end of the day, what do they want? They just want a better life,” Lopez was quoted in news reports.

“I love the NPA. They’re kind. I feel if you handle them the right way, they’ll be good because they’re also looking for ways to survive,” Lopez added.

The fifth round of formal talks between the government and the NDFP is set to begin on May 26

Meanwhile, as part of the acceleration of the peace talks, the RWC-SERs of both sides will meet on April 25 to discuss agrarian reform and rural development.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/environment/ndfp-welcomes-denr-sec-lopezs-inputs-on-environmental-preservation/

Army, NPA encounter in Aliwagwag Falls on Earth Day

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Apr 23): Army, NPA encounter in Aliwagwag Falls on Earth Day

The Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental (davaotoday.com file photo)

 

Government troops and the New People’s Army engaged in an hour-long fight after some 40 communist rebels attacked soldiers in Barangay Aliwagwag in Cateel, Davao Oriental on Sunday, April 23.

Captain Rhyan Batchar 10th Infantry Division in a press release said a soldier was hurt during the attack while two NPA fighters were reportedly dead.

Batchar said the NPAs attacked the troops of the 67th Infantry Battalion who were at the Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park.

“The outnumbered troops fiercely fought the 40 NPA attackers who were in several positions around the patrol base for almost 45 minutes before repositioning to their alternate battle position,” Batchar said.

He said the soldiers were able to seize an M14 rifle after the encounter. Meanwhile, the Army and police had set up checkpoints in the area as pursuit operations against the NPAs are ongoing.

The NPAs has not yet issued a statement on the incident.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/army-npa-encounter-in-aliwagwag-falls-on-earth-day/

Rebels attack soldiers in Aliwagwag Falls; 1 soldier injured, 2 rebels slain

From MindaNews (Apr 23): Rebels attack soldiers in Aliwagwag Falls; 1 soldier injured, 2 rebels slain

Around 40 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a group of soldiers deployed at the popular tourist spot Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park in Cateel, Davao Oriental at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, leaving one soldier hurt and two rebels dead, the military said.

In a press release, Rhyan Batchar, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division, said gunfight between soldiers belonging to the 67th Infantry Battalion and rebel forces lasted for about 45 minutes. An M-14 rifle was left behind by the rebels, he said.

The NPA has not issued a statement on the alleged attack as of 5 p.m. Sunday.



Tourists cross the monkey bridge for fun and adventure at the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental. The trees surrounding the falls have recovered from the devastation wrought by super typhoon Pablo in December 2012. The area has been developed and is now a favorite tourist destination. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO taken in February 2016

The military did not disclose the identity of the injured soldier, pending notification of his family.

Police and military checkpoints were established while pursuit operations were launched against the rebels.

“This attack is a wanton disregard of the people’s safety and source of livelihood, showing once more the anti-people and anti-development character of the nuisance propaganda army (NPA) of the communists,” the press release quoted Major General Rafael Valencia, 10ID commander, as saying.

During the fourth round of peace talks in the Netherlands on April 3 to 7, the government (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) signed an agreement on an interim joint ceasefire, which will take effect upon the approval and signing of the ground rules and will be effective until a permanent agreement is forged as part of the Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

The interim joint ceasefire “aims to provide a conducive environment for the GRP and NDFP negotiations, encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and provide an enabling environment for the eventual and early signing of CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms).”

The GRP and NDFP panels directed their respective ceasefire committees to “discuss, formulate and finalize the guidelines and ground rules for the implementation of the agreement, including rules governing the presence of armed units and elements of both parties in local communities, the creation of buffer zones, the prohibition of hostile and provocative acts, and ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanisms.”

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/04/rebels-attack-soldiers-in-aliwagwag-falls-1-soldier-injured-2-rebels-slain/

AFP, Maute clash in Lanao

From Tempo (Apr 24): AFP, Maute clash in Lanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that an intense firefight between government troops and the Maute Group erupted in Lanao del Sur yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Army 1st Infantry Division, said the gunbattle started at around 5:45 a.m. at Piagapo Complex.

Troops are still in the area engaging the Maute Group as press time.

 

Bautista said the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao conducted focused military operations in Piagapo starting midnight of April 21 as part of continuous focused military operations in Lanao in accordance with President Duterte’s directive to destroy local terrorist groups.

He said the operations resulted into a series of encounters between the 103rd Infantry Brigade under the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan and undetermined number of Maute Group members starting 1 a.m. Saturday.

He said coordination with the community and local government units paved the way in pinpointing the location of the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur.

http://tempo.com.ph/2017/04/24/afp-maute-clash-in-lanao/

Security all set for ASEAN Summit in Manila

From CNN Manila (Apr 24): Security all set for ASEAN Summit in Manila



The government is deploying around 41,000 personnel to secure the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila next week.

Around 26,000 uniformed police officers and soldiers and 15,000 force multipliers from 21 government agencies are to be deployed to ensure the safety and security of all delegates from April 26 to 29.

In a send-off ceremony on Sunday, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said the PNP is aiming for zero untoward incident during the event.

"Sana yung ating pagka propesyonal, disiplinado, matapang, ibuhos natin lahat ngayon," Dela Rosa said. [Translation: I hope we put all our professionalism, discipline and courage in this event.]

This, even with the recent clashes between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf in Inabanga and Clarin, Bohol.

READ: AFP: 3 more Abu Sayyaf members killed in second clash with military in Clarin, Bohol

Interior and Local Government Sec. Catalino Cuy said the government is prepared for any incident that may transpire during the summit.

"We always consider na possible threat na yan. Kasama sa planning yan e. May contingecy tayo in case may ganun mamonitor as we approach the activity in Manila," said Cuy.[Translation: We will always consider it as a possible threat- it's part of planning. We have contingency plans in case we monitor something as we approach the activity in Manila.]

But authorities say there are no terrorist threats in next week's ASEAN summit.

Heads of government from 10 ASEAN member states are participating in the summit.

Members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines.

Of the 138 ASEAN-related meetings scheduled this year, two-thirds will be held in Manila.

The rest will be held at the 31st ASEAN summit in Clark and related meetings this November, where 22 heads of state -- including United Nations Secretary General António Guterres -- will attend.

Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the upcoming summit will test the PNP's skills.

"In the coming days, our capability of providing security will be challenged once again as we are tasked to secure the safety of our ASEAN leaders and delegates," he said.

The ASEAN summit will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from April 26 to 29.

Malacañang earlier declared work suspension for the 30th ASEAN summit on April 27 and 28.

READ: Palace declares work suspension for ASEAN Summit

Authorities urge the public to take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic.

To avoid any inconvenience, the public- especially those with flights on the said days- are advised to plan their trips ahead.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/04/23/Security-ASEAN-Summit-in-Manila.html

Suspected bomb-maker nabbed in Bohol

From ABS-CBN (Apr 24): Suspected bomb-maker nabbed in Bohol

[Video report]

A suspected bomb maker and a female police official from Davao Region have been detained on suspicion of attempting to rescue Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Clarin, Bohol over the weekend.

Superintendent Maria Christina Nobleza, deputy regional chief of the Davao Crime Laboratory, and her companion Renierlo Dongon allegedly tried to drive past a checkpoint in Clarin last Saturday, around the same time that security forces hunted down Abu Sayyaf fighters who had escaped a government siege earlier this month.

Police officials have identified Dongon as a bomb expert and a brother-in-law of an Abu Sayyaf leader. He was arrested in connection with a pending arrest warrant for a double murder case in Cagayan de Oro.

Intelligence reports said the two wanted to rescue a certain alias "Asis," a 17-year-old bandit believed to be from a royal bloodline in Basilan.

Recovered from their vehicle were diving gear, food packs, medicines, clothes, cellphones with batteries and SIM packs, and a service firearm -- all of which were allegedly intended as supplies for Abu Sayyaf.

Nobleza and Dongon have been charged with disobedience to persons in authority and were being held in Tagbiliran, Bohol, according to Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, director of the Central Visayas police.

"Tuloy-tuloy ang pagkalap natin ng ebidensya kung bakit sila andoon malapit sa pinangyarihan ng encounter," Talino told radio DZMM. (We continue gathering evidence on why they were near the encounter site.)

He noted that Nobleza has claimed she was on vacation and only touring Clarin.

[Video report]

A TEXT FOR RESCUE?

Taliño, however, declined to confirm a media report that the cop's cellphone received a text message purportedly from an Abu Sayyaf member begging for rescue.

"Hindi pa ako makakapagbigay ng detalye tungkol d'yan dahil part ng investigation iyan. Hinihintay rin natin iyung manggagaling sa mga nag-iimbestiga," he said.(I cannot give details about that because that's part of the investigation. We are still waiting for information from the investigators.)

Authorities, he added, were still verifying the identity of an elderly woman and a minor who were also on board Nobleza's vehicle.

A group of about 10 bandits infiltrated Inabanga, Bohol earlier this month, just days after the US warned of possible kidnappings in the island.

Six of them were killed in a clash on April 11, including their leader, Abu Rami, who had been involved in the kidnap and execution of Canadian and German nationals in recent months.

Some Abu Sayyaf fighters meanwhile fled to the nearby town of Clarin. Authorities discovered their hideout over the weekend, prompting a gun battle that killed 4 more bandits.

Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto said 3 other Abu Sayyaf members were still at large.

The military has been struggling to wipe out Abu Sayyaf, which originally had Muslim separatist aims but now engages mostly in banditry and piracy.

The group has been holding more than 2 dozen captives, most of them Vietnamese sailors, who are easy prey for militants equipped with small, fast boats.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/17/suspected-bomb-maker-nabbed-in-bohol

Army’s ‘Tabak’ Division troops attack terrorist lair in Lanao del Sur

From the Business Mirror (Apr 24): Army’s ‘Tabak’ Division troops attack terrorist lair in Lanao del Sur

TROOPS from the Army’s First Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID) launched operations against terrorists who have sought sanctuary at the Piagapo Complex in Lanao del Sur, starting midnight on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, 1ID commander, said the operations has resulted in a series of gun battles between troops from the 103rd Infantry Division-Joint Task Force Zampelan and the terrorists belonging to the Maute Group.

Bautista said the 1ID launched the operations following President Duterte’s order to destroy local terrorist groups that threaten the peace and security of the people.

Bautista said the troops relied on the information provided by the townfolk and the local governments, that pinpoint the whereabouts of the bandits operating in Lanao del Sur.

At around 5:45 a.m. on Sunday, an intense firefight broke out between the operating troops and the local terrorist groups.

There were reports that the bandits sustained heavy casualties but these have yet to be verified, Bautista said. No casualty has been reported on the government side.

The fighting was still going on as of Sunday afternoon.

NPA rebs attack Davao tourist spot

Meanwhile, communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked facilities at the Aliwagwag Falls, one of the main tourist destinations in Davao Oriental, at around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, an official said.

“No tourist was injured in the attack,” Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, said in a telephone interview.

Aliwagwag Falls is in Cateel town.

Batchar said a team of the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion was assigned to the tourist spot to secure visitors, as the place is frequented by tourists during summer.

He said around 40 members the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command staged the attack.

A member of the 67IB was wounded during the attack, but his name was withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

Batchar said the 67IB team was able to defend its position while the NPAs withdrew northwest of Aliwagwag Falls.

The gun battle lasted for almost an hour, he added.

“The place is secured right now. Pursuit operation is ongoing against the fleeing rebels,” he said.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/armys-tabak-division-troops-attack-terrorist-lair-in-lanao-del-sur/

Policewoman arrested with ‘mother-in-law of Abu Sayyafs’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 24): Policewoman arrested with ‘mother-in-law of Abu Sayyafs’

Accused of “sleeping with the enemy,” a ranking policewoman caught with a suspected Abu Sayyaf member in Bohol should be transferred to Manila, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said on Monday morning.

Dela Rosa said the Philippine National Police would ask the court to order the transfer of Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza to Camp Crame after she was caught with a certain Reneer Lou Dongon, a member of the bandit group.

Dela Rosa said Nobleza and Dongon had become “lovers.” Nobleza was assigned in Camp Crame before she was transferred to Davao.

“Initially, we came up with information that she is a ‘Balik Islam’ (a person returning to the Muslim faith). She has been romantically linked with that ASG member and driver who was later identified as Reneer Dungon,” Dela Rosa said.

“They fell in love with each other. She fell madly in love. She was sleeping with the enemy,” he added.

Also caught in the vehicle Nobleza and Dongon were riding in was a woman whose three daughters were married to the late Indonesian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan; the late Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani; to Abu Solaiman, who was linked to the 2004 Superferry bombing, and to Ahmad Santos, the founder of the Rajah Solaiman Movement.

“She’s really the hardcore mother-in-law of the Abu Sayyaf, isn’t she?” Dela Rosa said of the woman he did not name.

He said the police were still investigating if Nobleza, Dongon, and the unnamed mother-in-law of Abu Sayyaf leaders were trying to rescue the remaining Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol.

They were arrested after their Nissan Navarra that Dongon was driving did not stop at a military checkpoint.

Also found in the vehicle was the 13-year-old son of Ahmad Santos, who is now detained in Bicutan.

“So, (Nobleza) is really high-risk and many will be interested in her. She needs to be brought here in Crame so that the people of Bohol will be at peace,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said the unidentified “mother-in-law” would also be charged if it could be proven that they were trying to rescue the remaining Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/891466/policewoman-arrested-with-mother-in-law-of-abu-sayyafs

US Embassy official says travel alerts no bearing on US-PH bilateral relationship

The Cebu Daily News (Apr 23): US Embassy official says travel alerts no bearing on US-PH bilateral relationship

Advisories issued by the government of the United States against travel to certain parts of the Philippines will never be indicative of the two countries’ bilateral relationship, an American diplomat said.

Russel Brown, consul general at the US Embassy in Manila, said these warnings are for the mere benefit of US citizens.

“The decision to issue anything from us involving travel alert warnings or emergency messages is based on the overall health, safety, and security of American citizens,” he said during the general membership meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) in Cebu on Friday.

Last April 9, the US Embassy in Manila issued a warning to American citizens in the Philippines not to travel to Central Visayas amid reports that terrorist groups were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in the region.

Two days after, a firefight broke out between government forces and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Inabanga, Bohol province.

 In all of its consular operations in the world, Brown said they practice no double standard.

He said that whenever they receive credible information on activities that may compromise the security of US citizens in other countries, they are required to share this information.

While Brown recognized that these advisories may have a negative impact on business and tourism in the Philippines, he said that the US government had enough basis to issue such statements.

Nonetheless, he said he saw many reasons to continue to be optimistic for commercial and economic partnership between the Philippines and the US.

 He said US companies such as Timex, JP Morgan & Chase, and Lexmark, among others, are comfortable operating here.

The Philippines continues to enjoy robust growth, clocking a 6.9-percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion in 2016.

Brown said efforts to end corruption, promote transparency in government, as well as improve the country’s overall business climate were seen to attract more investors.

He said the US is currently the Philippines’ biggest investor with $4 billion in investment stock.

US companies are also thriving in Cebu, especially in economic zones, Brown added.

The official said what AmCham does is a huge part of these success stories, calling for engagement as he recognized that it is critical in strengthening the relationship between the Philippines and the US.

http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/130579/us-embassy-official-says-travel-alerts-no-bearing-us-ph-bilateral-relationship

Joselito Melloria: How a simple lad became an Abu recruit

From the Cebu Daily Inquirer (Apr 23): Joselito Melloria: How a simple lad became an Abu recruit



Ma. Norma Melloria, mother of ASG Leader Joselito Melloria, shed tears while watching the body of his son at the Clarin Funeral Homes in Clarin, Bohol./ Junjie Mendoza

It was his marriage to a Muslim woman that prompted the conversion of Joselito Patalco Melloria, the son of a poor and simple farmer from Barangay Napo, Inabangga, Bohol to Islam and his inevitable recruitment by the Abu Sayyaf.

His wife is the daughter of an Abu Sayyaf Group leader from Salug, Zamboanga del Sur. They married in 2005, and Melloria converted to the Muslim faith.

He worked in Tanza, Cavite in 2007.

He later became an Overseas Filipino Worker in Saudi Arabia from 2013 to 2014.

Upon his return to the country in 2015, he joined an ISIS-influenced group, the Maute.

While in Cavite, Melloria was involved in the murder of another Muslim convert and thus fled to Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Intelligence reports showed that Melloria met with Mohammad Jaafar Maquid, alias Tokboy, leader of the Ansa Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP), also an ISIS affiliated rebel group in Sultan Kudarat.

Maquid then directed him to meet with Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, who was with him on April 10, when the ASG entered Inabanga, Bohol.

Since his meeting with Abu Rami, he was monitored to be in the company of Rami’s ASG unit.

No one from his hometown knew of his activities until his return last April 10 in the company of an armed group who later turned out to be ASG members, reportedly on a mission to conduct kidnapping and terror activities in Bohol and nearby provinces.

According to the military, Melloria took the name Abu Alih and assumed the leadership of the remaining ASG members who escaped the government siege in Barangay Napo on April 11, which left at least four of his comrades, including their leader Abu Rami, dead.

The military later discovered that they were hiding in a cave in Bacani, a place familiar to Melloria.

“But-an”

It came as a shock to some people who knew Melloria that he was reported to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf.

His former landlady, Pacing dela Torre, 64, said he and his family used to rent a room in her apartment when he studied at the Nawahan National High School in Clarin, a town adjoining Inabanga.

She remembered him to be a “kind and respectful person” and was shocked to hear that he was a member of the dreaded bandit group.

Dela Torre came with her children to the Clarin Funeral Homes in the town proper to see the body of Melloria. He was killed by government troopers last Saturday afternoon in Barangay Bacawi, which adjoins Barangay Nawahan.

The former landlady could not comprehend why Melloria chose to join the ASG and sow so much terror and fear in his own hometown.

“But-an man na siya nga bata. Dali ra namo masugo,” Dela Torre said.  (He was a good boy. He would never refuse when we asked him to do some errands.)
http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/130582/joselito-melloria-simple-lad-became-abu-recruit

3 Abus at large in Bohol unarmed - AFP

From ABS-CBN (Apr 24): 3 Abus at large in Bohol unarmed - AFP

Police and soldiers take position as they engage with the Abu Sayyaf group in the village of Napo, Inabanga town, Bohol, on Tuesday. Nine people, including four government security officials, were killed during clashes with the Abu Sayyaf on the popular resort island as millions prepare to travel for the Easter holiday. AFP

The three remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits who recently attacked Bohol and remain at large are believed to be unarmed, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a forum in Malacanang that the military already has the situation in Bohol under control.

"Out of the seven who we have been going after, we were able to neutralize 4. We have remaining three who we believe are unarmed," Padilla said.

“[AFP chief] General [Eduardo] Año confidently said that we have addressed this threat.”

Abu Sayyaf, notorious for its kidnap-for-ransom activities, recently attacked popular tourist destination Bohol, in what the authorities said was an attempt by the group to carry out another abduction.

However, a gunfight with the military and the police in the province foiled the supposed plan, which if it had succeeded could have embarrassed the government which is in the thick of preparations for the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

The gun battle resulted in the killings of Abu Sayyaf leader Muamar Askali, several other members of the bandit group, and Joselito Melloria, who allegedly guided the group in the Visayan province.

Authorities believe only three Abu Sayyaf bandits remain at large, following the killing of Melloria and three others over the weekend.

 

Padilla said the killing of most of the Abu Sayyaf bandits shows the government’s resolve in keeping the country safe.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he has ordered government forces to kill the remaining terrorists who are still hiding in Bohol.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2017, Duterte slammed terrorists as "animals" and said he wants them dead.

"I want them dead. Huwag niyong ibigay sa akin nang buhay," he said.

"Terrorists slit throats. They are animals. But if you want me to be an animal, eh sanay rin ako diyan," he said.

 

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/17/3-abus-at-large-in-bohol-unarmed-afp

3 Abu Sayyaf men still on the run in Bohol

From ABS-CBN (Apr 24): 3 Abu Sayyaf men still on the run in Bohol

 [Video report]

Security forces are hunting down 3 Abu Sayyaf terrorists who escaped a gun battle in Bohol province over the weekend, Governor Edgardo Chatto said Monday.

The three, Chatto said, had hidden in a cave in Clarin town with several others bandits who escaped a government siege that killed 6 of their comrades in Inabanga town last April 11.

A civilian tipped off their location to authorities on Saturday, prompting a firefight that killed 4 more terrorists, Joselito Melloria, a Boholano who had led the bandit group into his hometown.

Authorities are searching the villages of Bacani and Caboy in Clarin and Ilihan in Inabanga for the 3 Abu Sayyaf men who are still at large, Chatto said.

The fugitives were reportedly wounded, said Colonel Edgard Arevalo, chief of the military's public affairs office.

The governor said at least 1,500 residents were evacuated from the area.

REWARD FOR HABAL-HABAL DRIVER

The military is also verifying reports that a habal-habal driver led authorities to Melloria's group.

The driver supposedly reported the possible presence of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Clarin after becoming suspicious of his smelly passengers.

"Kung mapapatunayan natin na siya ay naging susi sa pagtuturo ng kinalalagyan, entitled po siya sa pabuyang ipinangako ng ating Commander in Chief," Arevalo said. (If we prove that he was a key in tracing their location, he will be entitled to a reward promised by our Commander in Chief.)

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier offered a P1-million bounty for each of the bandits who were still on the loose.

The military has been struggling to wipe out Abu Sayyaf, which originally had Muslim separatist aims but now engages mostly in banditry and piracy.

The group has been holding more than 2 dozen captives, most of them Vietnamese sailors, who are easy prey for militants equipped with small, fast boats.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/24/17/3-abu-sayyaf-men-still-on-the-run-in-bohol

Quiet burial rites for ASG members as Melloria kin watch

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Apr 24): Quiet burial rites for ASG members as Melloria kin watch

The bodies of 4 alleged Abu Sayyaf fighters killed in Clarin, Bohol are buried. Among them was Joselito Melloria, who hailed from Bohol. SUNSTAR FOTO/ALLAN CUIZON

 

It was a silent funeral for the once “good” and “behaved” Joselito Melloria and three other suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Poblacion Centro, Clarin, Bohol yesterday afternoon.

 

Melloria’s mother Norma became emotional upon seeing her son’s body.

 

“I don’t blame the military and the police. He was at fault,” she said after breaking down.

 

Flanked by her daughters and relatives, Norma stayed a few meters away when the bodies were being brought down.

 

Melloria’s body was the only one placed inside a coffin while the others were contained in black body bags with the initials of the Department of Health (DOH). They were put side by side, with Melloria’s white coffin at the center.

 

 Norma revealed to SunStar Cebu that she called Melloria’s wife in Zamboanga City. “She asked me, ‘Is he dead already?’ and that’s it. This was two days before his death,” Norma said.

 

She said that Melloria only told her that his family would have a vacation in the quiet farming village of Sitio Ilaya.

 

Instead of his wife and kid, he brought with him, 11 heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members.

 

 Melloria was killed in the second encounter, which started 11 days after the first clash in Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga.

 

Mila Roble, 59, a resident of Barangay Caboy in Clarin, whose house is just a few steps from where the three Abu Sayyaf bandits were slain, said they were alarmed when they heard the gunshots near their house.

 

 “They were just about to pass behind our house to maybe try to take hostage one of my grandchildren, but it was a good thing that the military was fast enough to deter them,” she said.

 

The first clash in Inabanga claimed four lives including Abu Rami, their leader, while the second clash also killed four, including Melloria who acted as a guide.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/24/quiet-burial-rites-asg-members-melloria-kin-watch-538116

Cop detained over alleged plot to rescue Abu Sayyaf in Bohol

From Rappler (Apr 24): Cop detained over alleged plot to rescue Abu Sayyaf in Bohol

(UPDATED) Government forces in Bohol are pursuing members of the ASG following two armed encounters in the province



ASG IN BOHOL. Military troops operate against members of the ASG in Bohol province. File photo sourced by Rappler

(UPDATED) – “Sleeping with the enemy.”

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa on Monday, April 24, confirmed reports a commissioned police officer was detained in Clarin, Bohol for supposedly planning to rescue Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members being pursued by government forces in the area.

According to Cebu Daily News, Superintendent Maria Christina Nobleza was detained on Saturday, April 22, after attempting to avoid a police checkpoint in Clarin.

Nobleza was reportedly inside a van driven by Renierlo Dongon, who is suspected to have links to the terror group.

Government forces in Bohol are pursuing members of the ASG following two armed encounters in the province. On April 11, police and military launched their first operation against members of the group who had supposedly plotted to kidnap tourists in popular island destination.

“Lumabas sa investigation, but initially this is what we have come up with… is that [Nobleza] is Balik-Islam and she is romantically involved or romantically linked with the ASG member, the driver,” said Dela Rosa in a press conference in Camp Crame on April 24.

Nobleza is currently the deputy regional chief of the PNP Crime Laboratory in the Davao Region. Cebu Daily News said the suspect claimed she was in Clarin for vacation.
But Dela Rosa said their attempt to avoid the checkpoint raised suspicion.

Government forces in Central Visayas had been monitoring reports that the remaining ASG members were awaiting rescue from the province, a source told Rappler.

Dela Rosa said checkpoints had been placed all over the province as part of government’s efforts to chase after the remaining ASG members.

Cebu Daily News said investigators got her cellular phone and “saw a text message purportedly from one of the Abu Sayyaf members, begging to be rescued.”

Nobleza had been part of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) and was re-assigned to the Crime Laboratory in Davao after the group was ordered dismantled by President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to a police source, Nobleza had also been assigned to the Directorate for Intelligence, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and the Office of the Chief of the PNP, during her career.

Nobleza has so far denied allegations against her, police in Central Visayas told Rappler. But Dela Rosa said she faces both administrative and criminal complaints.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167771-police-bohol-abu-sayyaf-rescue

Hundreds flee clashes between military and Abu Sayyaf-Maute in Lanao

From ABS-CBN (Apr 23): Hundreds flee clashes between military and Abu Sayyaf-Maute in Lanao

Relief goods are distributed to families affected by the on-going firefight between the Maute-Abu Sayyaf groups and the military in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. Photos Courtesy of Jennie Alonto Tamano
Hundreds fled their homes in Lanao del Sur amid clashes between the military and the joint forces of the Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups on Sunday morning

In the town of Piagapo, 416 families or 1,828 individuals have evacuated while 57 families or over 200 individuals have fled the town of Wato, their respective Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (MDRRMO) said.

 

In a press release, the military said operations against the terror groups began last April 21.

At 5:45 a.m. Sunday, an intense firefight erupted anew between government troops and bandits and is still ongoing as of posting time.

An earlier firefight preceded today’s clash on Saturday morning as military forces engaged members of the terror groups in a gunfight in Barangay Gakap, Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur.

 

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/17/hundreds-flee-clashes-between-military-and-abu-sayyaf-maute-in-lanao

Sison welcomes Lopez's proposal to tap NPA fighters

From ABS-CBN (Apr 20): Sison welcomes Lopez's proposal to tap NPA fighters



Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Ma. Sison on Thursday welcomed Environment Secretary Gina Lopez's plan to tap rebel fighters for peace and development projects.

Sison said Lopez's plan was "directly related" to the agrarian reform and rural development goals of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the rebels' political arm.

"As Chief Political Consultant of the NDFP, I declare the following: The desire of Gina Lopez to work with the NPA for peace and development is welcome by the NDFP," Sison said in a Facebook post.

Sison said he would welcome Lopez's attendance in the fifth round of formal talks in June.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/15b9a5c3d5b06908

Gina Lopez: Working with NPA is the way to peace

From ABS-CBN (Apr 23): Gina Lopez: Working with NPA is the way to peace


Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez believes working with communist rebels in developing communities is a way to achieving lasting peace.

In a Facebook Live Q&A Sunday, Lopez said she is confident that working with the New People's Army (NPA) will lead to the rebels' laying down of arms.

Lopez said she is eyeing the creation of peace zones where both rebels, soldiers and government employees can work together for community development.

"I truly feel that the way for them to lay down their arms and the way to peace is to create peace zones, wherein in these peace zones, walang mag-aaway dito," she said.

Lopez earlier said she wants to work with the rebels in developing communities in in Agusan del Norte province.

• READ: Lopez wants to work with NPA for peace, development

She described the rebels she personally knows as former clergymen, seminarians and members of the academe, who were frustrated with a corrupt government.

"In frustration, they went up to the mountains and led very hard lives," she said.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which has been waging one of Asia's longest-running Maoist insurgencies.

CPP Founder Jose Ma. Sison already welcomed Lopez's plan to tap rebel fighters for peace and development projects.

• READ: Sison welcomes Lopez's proposal to tap NPA fighters

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on the other hand, cautioned Lopez on her plan, suggesting that she instead tap "real champions of change," referring to government forces.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/17/gina-lopez-working-with-npa-is-the-way-to-peace

PH allots P1.6B to fast track construction on Pag-asa

From Rappler (Apr 22): PH allots P1.6B to fast track construction on Pag-asa

The funding mainly covers the repairs of the eroding runway

 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said P1.6 billion has been allocated to proceed with long delayed plans to construct facilities in Pag-asa (Tithu) Island, the second biggest naturally occuring island in the entire South China Sea and the only one with a community of civilians.

 

The funding will cover mainly the repair of the runway.

"P1.2 billion ($24 million)* [for the runway] plus P400 million ($8 million) for transportation. P1.6 billion lahat (total). Dito lang sa Pag-asa muna yan (We will spend all of that here first)," Lorenzana told reporters who joined him in his trip to the disputed seas. (READ: PH security officials visit disputed island in West PH Sea)

He wants to speed up the construction work. He said he will tap the navy's Seebees – a mobile construction unit of the Philippine Navy – to immediately beach the island so that the military's landing ship tanks can bring in construction materials.

"Dapat kasi maumpisan natin ito hanggang...kasi kapag July, tag-ulan na 'yan e. Kaya ang magandang gawin muna ay beaching, 'yung landingan ng LST (Landing Ship Tank)," Lorenzana said. "We'll also hire civilian laborers," he said. (We should be able to start it before July because it will already be the rainy season. It's good if we can do the beaching immediately so the LSTs can land.) He said the soldiers should arrive on Pag-asa Island in the next few weeks to start work.



Fixing the runway, finally

Lorenzana promised to fix and extend the eroded runway. "Kanina nakakatakot mag-landing itong C130. Akala mo lalampas na sa runway dahil sa igsi ng runway (It was a scary landing for the C130. You'd think it would overshoot the short runway)," he said. (READ: Duterte adviser bares plan to fix PH runway in West PH Sea)

He also wants to build a solar power tower, a desalination facility, a fish port, and a sewage system.

He envisioned turning the island's white sand beaches into a tourist destination, a proposal that local officials in Pag-asa Island have been proposing for a while.

"Napakaganda ng beaches, puting-puti at saka mababaw lang (The beaches are beautiful, very white and they're just shallow). We will develop this into a tourism area and marine research. Gagawa tayo ng mga facilities dito, building, at saka pagagandahin din natin 'yung tirahan ng ating mga sundalo (We will put up facilities, buildings, and we will also improve the barracks of the soldiers)," he said.

"Kapag nagawa na natin itong runway rito na maganda, makakapunta na lahat. Madaling pumunta dito. Maraming magpupunta rito dahil magandang tourist attraction ito e," Lorenzana said.
(Once the runway is fixed, everyone can come. It's easy to come here. A lot of people will want to go because it's a great tourist attraction.)

The previous administration had similar plans, had allocated funding, and awarded contracts for the development of Pag-asa Island. But it was deferred as the country filed an international arbitration case against China's actions against the Philippines inside its 200-nautical exclusive economic zone.

"I think we could already resume at 'yun naman ang gustong mangyari ni President (that's what the President wants), na i-improve ang faciltiies dito (to improve facilities here)," Lorenzana said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167619-pagasa-tithu-runway-repair-delfin-lorenzana

PH military chief says nothing like singing nat'l anthem on Pag-asa

From Rappler (Apr 22): PH military chief says nothing like singing nat'l anthem on Pag-asa



It's the first time for the Philippine military chief to step foot on Pag-asa, the second biggest naturally occurring island in the entire South China Sea

PAG-ASA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año said on Friday, April 21, there's nothing like singing the national anthem on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

The lyrics of Lupang Hinirang mirror patriotism to the flag and willingness to offer one's life to defend national territory. Pag-asa is inside the 9-dash-line drawn by China to claim almost all of the South China Sea.

"I'm so proud. Alam mo kanina noong kumakanta ng (You know when we were singing the) national anthem here in Pag-asa, I dont know if you feel that it's a different feeling. It's very different from the normal flag raising cereomony in the headquarters and doing it here in Pag-asa," Año told Rappler during the visit.

The national anthem ends with the lines: "Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo" which has been unofficially translated to "It's our joy when there be oppressor, to die for cause of Thee" in English.

"From the start [of the national anthem] pa lang. It symbolizes we really own this territory," Año said.

Año and other top officers of the military joined Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's trip to the disputed seas. (READ: PH security officials visit disputed island in West PH Sea)

Año and Lorenzana flew in separate planes. Both received radio challenges from China.

It's the first time for the Philippine military chief to step foot on Pag-asa, the second biggest naturally occurring island in the entire South China Sea.

Año, who belongs to the Army, has spent his career fighting rebels and insurgents.

Protecting the West Philippine Sea is mostly a tandem job between the navy and the air force. The Marines get the most challenging task of manning Philippine outposts in the disputed seas for months on rotation. Navy ships patrol the waters while the air force pilots watch developments from the sky.



President Rodrigo Duterte, who has warmed ties with China, recently ordered the military to boost deployment in the country's maritime claims, build structures, and raise the Philippine flag. (READ: Duterte to military: Occupy PH islands in South China Sea)

Lorenzana said a budget of at least P1.6 billion was allocated to fast-track construction of facilities here.

The Philippines occupied Pag-asa in the 1970s, deployed troops to occupy the island, and built a runway there.

But the island was neglected for decades as Philippine presidents adopted various strategies to deal with the growing aggressiveness of China.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167624-pag-asa-island-visit-eduardo-ano-philippine-anthem

WATCH: Duterte's defense chief asserts claim to West PH Sea

From Rappler (Apr 23): WATCH: Duterte's defense chief asserts claim to West PH Sea

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana visits Pag-asa island in the West Philippine Sea, bringing along with him the Philippines' top military officers

Rappler's Carmela Fonbuena was among the reporters who joined Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in his visit to Pag-asa island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, April 21.

Watch her video blog.

CARMELA FONBUENA, REPORTING: President Rodrigo Duterte backed out of his plan to plant a Philippine flag here in Pag-asa Island. It doesn’t mean his defense chief can’t go either. Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters a few months ago he has ordered the military to make arrangements for his trip to Pag-Asa and he invited everyone to join. Now here we are.

DELFIN LORENZANA, DEFENSE CHIEF: This is just a normal visit within our territory which is we believe and we know that it is territory and we are just visiting our territory to look at the conditions of our people here.

Lorenzana brings along the top brass of the military to the West Philippine Sea, sending a strong signal that the Philippines is asserting its claim amid concerns that Duterte is getting too friendly with China.

LORENZANA: We are trying to manage the issue and talk to them one on one, bilaterally settle this dispute in the South China Sea. I believe that the President is right in talking to the Chinese leadership on how to manage the issue here in South China Sea.

The Philippines downplays radio messages from China challenging the two planes of the Philippine Air Force used to fly officials here. 


EDUARDO AÑO, PHILIPPINE MILITARY CHIEF: That's just for documentation, for recording purposes.

LORENZANA: We always tell them also that we are flying over Philippine territory.

Pag-asa is the second biggest naturally ocurring island in the Spratlys and the only one occupied by a civilian population. It has a town hall, a school building, a runway and not much else.

AISA BILIDAN, PAG-ASA RESIDENT: Hinihiling namin dati pa na magkaroon ng runway, magkaroon ng daungan ng barko, pier, yun po, hospital. Yoon lang naman po ang mga kailangan dito.

Meanwhile, residents watch China build massive infrastructure in neighboring Subi Reef.

ROMEO MALAGUIT, PAG-ASA RESIDENT: Yung kanilang parola nakikita namin, pati mga ilaw. maliwanag. parang siyudad na rin yan e. 


Lorenzana promises Pag-asa residents Duterte will deliver on the long delayed developments.

It is not Lorenzana’s first visit to Pag-asa. But it is for the military chief.

AÑO: I'm so proud. Alam mo kanina noong kumakanta ng national anthem here in Pag-asa, I dont know if you feel that. It's a different feeling.

The new government of Duterte ushers in a new strategy to deal with China. His men are here to guarantee the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea will not be abandoned. Carmela Fonbuena, Rappler, Pag-asa.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167680-pagasa-island-delfin-lorenzana-visit

ASEAN: Maximum security, minimum hassle for Metro Manila

From Rappler (Apr 23): ASEAN: Maximum security, minimum hassle for Metro Manila

For the 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila, road closures will be kept to a minimum, while commercial flights will largely remain unaffected, says security officials

With over 2,000 delegates, including top government officials, flying into Manila for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Philippine security officials are working 24/7 to make sure none of the threats they’re preparing for actually materialize.

But aside from making sure delegates are secure, Philippine government officials are seeing to it that Metro Manila's residents need not carry the burden of the summit. (READ: 1/3 of ASEAN 2017 budget devoted to security)

“You see how good the planning is because we have to follow the instruction of [President Rodrigo Duterte] when he said that ASEAN is not just for the guests but also, first and foremost… the Filipino,” said Police Director Napoleon Taas, chief of the ASEAN Security Task Force, in an interview on Sunday, April 23.

Unlike the last time the Philippines played host to a major global summit, road closures will be kept to a minimum. While several roads inside cities where delegates will be billeted or hold meetings will be closed, EDSA, Metro Manila’s primary thoroughfare, will largely remain untouched except when delegates need to pass by.

“You’re not going to expect that, except when a leader is passing [then] they’re going to stop traffic,” added Taas, when asked about possible inconveniences to the riding public during those dates.

When Metro Manila was host to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015, commuters and motorists found themselves stuck in heavier-than-usual traffic, thanks in part to heightened security ahead of and during the meeting of world leaders. A lane along EDSA was made exclusive to APEC delegates. The same will not happen for the ASEAN hosting.

The Palace has since suspended classes and work in all government and private offices in the entire Metro Manila on April 28. Government work in the cities of Manila, Makati, and Pasay, will also be suspended on April 27.

Minimal airport interruption

Unlike the 2015 APEC summit, flight cancellations and delays will be kept to a minimum as ASEAN leaders fly into the country.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr, ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council Director-General for Operations, said that when top officials fly into the country, they will be given “priority landing” but will not entail a “no movement” notice an hour before and 30 minutes after.

Paynor explained this was a requirement for some world leaders during the APEC summit. Thus far, none of the ASEAN leaders have requested the same protocol.

“Sabi nga ni presidente kung wala naman talagang (The president said, as long as there’s no) serious threat [there’s no need to order ‘no movement']. We will elevate the security measures, of course, but let [ASEAN leaders] have priority landing. But all other commercial flights should not be affected,” added Paynor, who was also director general for the APEC 2015 organizing council.

Beginning Sunday, some 41,000 personnel from different government agencies – the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Presidential Security Group, among others – will be deployed to secure the different areas and routes that will be used during the summit and related meetings from April 27 to 29.

The April 2017 summit is only the first of two summits that the country will host, and is just the 59th out of more than 130 meetings set in the Philippines from 2016 to November 2017.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167708-30th-asean-summit-2017-security-metro-manila