From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20): Rebel in clash with PSG killed
Government forces pursuing communist rebels involved in an ambush on President Duterte’s security personnel in Arakan, North Cotabato Wednesday killed a New People's Army member in a separate encounter, police and military authorities said.
Army Captain Silver Belvis, spokesperson for the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said Thursday that the body of the still unidentified NPA, who carried a bag containing an improvised explosive device, is now in the custody of the Arakan local government unit.
Belvis said the slain rebel was among the more than 50 NPA men under Commander Bobby who fled to Barangay Naplico, Arakan after engaging members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) near a rebel-manned checkpoint in Bukidnon-Davao highway in Barangay Katipunan, Arakan, North Cotabato.
As they fled toward Barangay Naplico, they clashed with joint 39th IB troopers, militiamen and Arakan police units. The scene of encounter was about five kilometers from Barangay Katipinan.
Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr, speaking for police in Region 12, said personnel of the Arakan municipal police are still trying to identify the NPA fatality.
Citing intelligence information, Belvis said the rebels belonging to NPA’s Guerilla Front 56 gathered in Barangay Katipunan before dawn and set up a checkpoint to flag down public transport vehicles.
Residents first noticed they were in military fatigue uniform with patches of 3rd Infantry Battalion. But Belvis said the locals noticed they arrived on foot and not on military KM-45 vehicle the Army regularly use.
They became suspicious and tried to alert village officials when automatic gun fires were heard.
Belvis said the PSG personnel noticed something wrong with the checkpoint so its driver decided to pass through, hitting the Task Force Davao signage followed by automatic gunfire.
Galgo said as the rebels fled toward Naplico on board two vehicles, they picked a militiaman along the way, used him as human shield and executed him later. A man later named Rogelio Genon, a police civilian agent, was also abducted. His fate remained unknown.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001920
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Marawi residents to AFP: Stop the airstrikes, we want to go home
From GMA News (Jul 20): Marawi residents to AFP: Stop the airstrikes, we want to go home
Displaced residents of Marawi City on Wednesday emotionally met in Iligan City with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and asked them to end the airstrikes.
"Naririnig po sa inyo sa TV na kokonti na lang ang ISIS, about 60. Kumokonti lang ang kanilang ginagalawan. At sabi niyo malapit niyo na silang ma-ano. Bakit hindi pa natin itigil ang airstrike na ito? Hindi ba mayroon kayong mga drones, mayroong mga surveillance ano na nakakakita sa mga images kung nasaan sila? Bakit hindi na lang yon ang i-target? Bakit the whole Marawi is being bombed?," asked Dalumabi Bula, in an exclusive report on Unang Balita on Thursday by Ivan Mayrina.
Lieutenant Colonel Joar Herrera, spokesman of Joint Task Force Marawi, said the use of airstrike is necessary to take down the Maute group's battle positions.
"Kaya po tayo dumating sa point ng paggamit ng airstrike upang i-take down po yung malalakas na battle positions ng kalaban. At kung hindi natin gagawin yon aabutin po tayo nang siyam-siyam," he said.
The residents expressed hope that they be allowed to go back to their houses soon, even if just in the areas controlled by the military.
They added they could no longer take their situation in evacuation centers.
"'Yung mga lalaki halos araw araw, sir, nagsusuntukan diyan sa mga evacuation center. Result na 'yon ng aburido, sir. Ako po ay kasama niyo from the very start na nagkokondena sa itong mga terorista. Atsaka ayaw ko na may mag-recruit ng terorista. Pero ito hong nangyayari na hindi mapansin, sir, ay para tayong nagre-recruit ng terorista," said Johary Ditucalan, one of the residents of Marawi.
Herrera assured them they will be able to go back to their city soon.
"It's a matter of time but we will liberate Marawi City at ibabalik po namin sa inyo. Babangon po tayo," he said.
The military officials promised to relay the residents' concerns to higher officials.
The meeting ended with a song calling for unity and the quick end to the crisis in Marawi City, moving residents to tears.
The Marawi City siege by the ISIS-linked Maute group began on May 23. President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, which will end on July 22, Saturday. Lawmakers will meet on Saturday for a joint session to discuss the possibility of extending martial law, upon Duterte's recommendation.
"Naririnig po sa inyo sa TV na kokonti na lang ang ISIS, about 60. Kumokonti lang ang kanilang ginagalawan. At sabi niyo malapit niyo na silang ma-ano. Bakit hindi pa natin itigil ang airstrike na ito? Hindi ba mayroon kayong mga drones, mayroong mga surveillance ano na nakakakita sa mga images kung nasaan sila? Bakit hindi na lang yon ang i-target? Bakit the whole Marawi is being bombed?," asked Dalumabi Bula, in an exclusive report on Unang Balita on Thursday by Ivan Mayrina.
Lieutenant Colonel Joar Herrera, spokesman of Joint Task Force Marawi, said the use of airstrike is necessary to take down the Maute group's battle positions.
"Kaya po tayo dumating sa point ng paggamit ng airstrike upang i-take down po yung malalakas na battle positions ng kalaban. At kung hindi natin gagawin yon aabutin po tayo nang siyam-siyam," he said.
The residents expressed hope that they be allowed to go back to their houses soon, even if just in the areas controlled by the military.
They added they could no longer take their situation in evacuation centers.
"'Yung mga lalaki halos araw araw, sir, nagsusuntukan diyan sa mga evacuation center. Result na 'yon ng aburido, sir. Ako po ay kasama niyo from the very start na nagkokondena sa itong mga terorista. Atsaka ayaw ko na may mag-recruit ng terorista. Pero ito hong nangyayari na hindi mapansin, sir, ay para tayong nagre-recruit ng terorista," said Johary Ditucalan, one of the residents of Marawi.
Herrera assured them they will be able to go back to their city soon.
"It's a matter of time but we will liberate Marawi City at ibabalik po namin sa inyo. Babangon po tayo," he said.
The military officials promised to relay the residents' concerns to higher officials.
The meeting ended with a song calling for unity and the quick end to the crisis in Marawi City, moving residents to tears.
The Marawi City siege by the ISIS-linked Maute group began on May 23. President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, which will end on July 22, Saturday. Lawmakers will meet on Saturday for a joint session to discuss the possibility of extending martial law, upon Duterte's recommendation.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/618722/marawi-residents-to-afp-stop-the-airstrikes-we-want-to-go-home/story/
Armed men attack Philippine Army detachment in Maguindanao
From GMA News (Jul 20): Armed men attack Philippine Army detachment in Maguindanao
[Video report]
A group of armed men staged an attack against a Philippine Army detachment in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday evening, according to a report on Unang Balita on Thursday.
The attack happened at past 9 p.m.
The armed men exchanged gunfire with Army soldiers for 10 minutes.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Meanwhile, at around 9 p.m. Wednesday also, another armed group of 30 men fired at Army soldiers patrolling an area in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.
No injuries were reported likewise in the second incident.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/618730/armed-men-attack-philippine-army-detachment-in-maguindanao/story/
[Video report]
A group of armed men staged an attack against a Philippine Army detachment in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Wednesday evening, according to a report on Unang Balita on Thursday.
The attack happened at past 9 p.m.
The armed men exchanged gunfire with Army soldiers for 10 minutes.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Meanwhile, at around 9 p.m. Wednesday also, another armed group of 30 men fired at Army soldiers patrolling an area in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.
No injuries were reported likewise in the second incident.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/618730/armed-men-attack-philippine-army-detachment-in-maguindanao/story/
Video: Gov't troops seize control of 2 hospitals in Marawi
From ABS-CBN (Jul 20): Gov't troops seize control of 2 hospitals in Marawi
PH among 5 countries with highest count of terror attacks: US
From ABS-CBN (Jul 20): PH among 5 countries with highest count of terror attacks: US
US State Dept: PH drug war has shifted manpower and resources away from counterterror efforts
The Philippines is among five countries where the highest number of terror attacks were recorded in 2016 even as the global figure decreased last year, the US State Department said in a report released Wednesday.
The agency said more than half of the 11,072 worldwide attacks last year took place in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
"The emergence of ISIS-affiliated extremist groups, persistent kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), attacks on government forces, and bombings, all indicated that domestic and international terrorism remained a serious problem," the US State Department report said.
It called the ISIS "the most potent terrorist threat to global security."
"Philippine military and police counterterrorism efforts kept up pressure on terrorist organizations, but were unable to prevent numerous attacks against government, public, and private facilities, primarily in central and western Mindanao," it said.
Among attacks cited by the agency were the discovery of a bomb near the US Embassy in Manila in November, the Abu Sayyaf Group's beheading of several hostages throughout last year, the deadly September bombing in Davao City, clashes between state forces and communist rebels in July, and the siege of Butig town, Lanao del Sur by Islamic State-linked fighters in November.
The 2016 US Country Reports on Terrorism came out just as Philippine forces continued to battle ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf fighters that have besieged Marawi City in restive Mindanao for nearly two months now.
The Maute group was also behind attacks in Butig town and the Davao City bombing, among incidents cited in the US report.
The ongoing Marawi conflict, where several foreign fighters were seen, marked an emergence of local terror groups pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.
In its report, the US government also cited how President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has shifted manpower and resources of security forces away from the fight against terrorism.
"The focus on counternarcotics has increased workload and operational tempo for security forces. Specialized law enforcement units possess some necessary equipment, but numerous unfulfilled needs remain, and sustainment and maintenance of equipment often exceeds fiscal and human resources," the report read.
The report said Duterte's focus on anti-narcotics efforts "slowed progress towards shifting internal security functions" from the military to the Philippine National Police (PNP), which leads the drug fight.
Malacañang previously denied that the campaign against terror took a backseat because of Duterte's focus on narcotics.
"As early as August last year, one and a half month after [Duterte] assumed presidency, the President already told the Philippine military to be ready with ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) and warned that the country would be plagued with the ISIS disease,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in June.
The US House of Representatives' human rights body is set to hold a hearing on "the human rights consequences" of Duterte's drug war in Washington on Thursday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said government expects due process in the investigation.
RECOGNIZING PH EFFORTS
The US State Department meanwhile noted that Duterte has pursued a federal system of government and peace talks with rebel groups in a bid to curb the spread of radicalism in Mindanao.
"The government’s goal is to reduce radicalization and the attraction of terrorist groups by providing greater political and economic autonomy for Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao," the agency said.
Philippine agencies, it added, have enhanced investigative, crisis response, and border security capacity.
The agency said Washington continues to work with Manila to monitor terror activities, and provide training and equipment to troops.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/20/17/ph-among-5-countries-with-highest-count-of-terror-attacks-us
US State Dept: PH drug war has shifted manpower and resources away from counterterror efforts
The Philippines is among five countries where the highest number of terror attacks were recorded in 2016 even as the global figure decreased last year, the US State Department said in a report released Wednesday.
The agency said more than half of the 11,072 worldwide attacks last year took place in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
"The emergence of ISIS-affiliated extremist groups, persistent kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), attacks on government forces, and bombings, all indicated that domestic and international terrorism remained a serious problem," the US State Department report said.
It called the ISIS "the most potent terrorist threat to global security."
"Philippine military and police counterterrorism efforts kept up pressure on terrorist organizations, but were unable to prevent numerous attacks against government, public, and private facilities, primarily in central and western Mindanao," it said.
Among attacks cited by the agency were the discovery of a bomb near the US Embassy in Manila in November, the Abu Sayyaf Group's beheading of several hostages throughout last year, the deadly September bombing in Davao City, clashes between state forces and communist rebels in July, and the siege of Butig town, Lanao del Sur by Islamic State-linked fighters in November.
The 2016 US Country Reports on Terrorism came out just as Philippine forces continued to battle ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf fighters that have besieged Marawi City in restive Mindanao for nearly two months now.
The Maute group was also behind attacks in Butig town and the Davao City bombing, among incidents cited in the US report.
The ongoing Marawi conflict, where several foreign fighters were seen, marked an emergence of local terror groups pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.
In its report, the US government also cited how President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has shifted manpower and resources of security forces away from the fight against terrorism.
"The focus on counternarcotics has increased workload and operational tempo for security forces. Specialized law enforcement units possess some necessary equipment, but numerous unfulfilled needs remain, and sustainment and maintenance of equipment often exceeds fiscal and human resources," the report read.
The report said Duterte's focus on anti-narcotics efforts "slowed progress towards shifting internal security functions" from the military to the Philippine National Police (PNP), which leads the drug fight.
Malacañang previously denied that the campaign against terror took a backseat because of Duterte's focus on narcotics.
"As early as August last year, one and a half month after [Duterte] assumed presidency, the President already told the Philippine military to be ready with ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) and warned that the country would be plagued with the ISIS disease,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in June.
The US House of Representatives' human rights body is set to hold a hearing on "the human rights consequences" of Duterte's drug war in Washington on Thursday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said government expects due process in the investigation.
RECOGNIZING PH EFFORTS
The US State Department meanwhile noted that Duterte has pursued a federal system of government and peace talks with rebel groups in a bid to curb the spread of radicalism in Mindanao.
"The government’s goal is to reduce radicalization and the attraction of terrorist groups by providing greater political and economic autonomy for Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao," the agency said.
Philippine agencies, it added, have enhanced investigative, crisis response, and border security capacity.
The agency said Washington continues to work with Manila to monitor terror activities, and provide training and equipment to troops.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/20/17/ph-among-5-countries-with-highest-count-of-terror-attacks-us
SolGen seeks arrest of NDF consultants after scrapped backchannel talks
From ABS-CBN (Jul 20): SolGen seeks arrest of NDF consultants after scrapped backchannel talks
Solicitor General Jose Calida said Thursday he will request for the cancellation of bail bonds of National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultants following the scrapping of backchannel talks with communist rebels.
Calida in a tweet said he will also request the arrest of NDF consultants.
"OSG will ask the courts to cancel all bail bonds of NDF Consultants, order their arrests, and recommit them to their detention facilities," he said.
SolGen Jose C Calida @SolGenCalida
Last May, Duterte warned overseas communist leaders of arrest after they criticized the President's decision to place the entire Mindanao under martial law following the terrorist siege in Marawi City.
The government on Wednesday cancelled backchannel negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines due to a series of attacks by its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA)--the most recent of which is an ambush attack on the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Akaran, North Cotobato which resulted to the death of a militiaman and left 4 others injured.
Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on Thursday downplayed the cancellation of backchannel efforts, calling it a "temporary hitch" that could still be resolved.
Solicitor General Jose Calida said Thursday he will request for the cancellation of bail bonds of National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultants following the scrapping of backchannel talks with communist rebels.
Calida in a tweet said he will also request the arrest of NDF consultants.
SolGen Jose C Calida @SolGenCalida
OSG will ask the courts to cancel all bail bonds of NDF Consultants, order their arrests, and recommit them to their detention facilities. https://twitter.com/peacegovph/status/887619154525569024 …
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier ordered the release of several communist leaders so they can participate in the peace negotiations. However, the talks have been hampered several times due to persistent clashes between government troops and NPA rebels.Last May, Duterte warned overseas communist leaders of arrest after they criticized the President's decision to place the entire Mindanao under martial law following the terrorist siege in Marawi City.
The government on Wednesday cancelled backchannel negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines due to a series of attacks by its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA)--the most recent of which is an ambush attack on the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Akaran, North Cotobato which resulted to the death of a militiaman and left 4 others injured.
Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on Thursday downplayed the cancellation of backchannel efforts, calling it a "temporary hitch" that could still be resolved.
Duterte refuses to resume peace talks unless NPA stops attacks
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jul 19): Duterte refuses to resume peace talks unless NPA stops attacks
President Rodrigo Duterte at Camp Quintin M. Merecido, Catitipan, Buhangin, Davao City. 29 June 2017 (Robby Joy D. Salveron/davaotoday.com)
The government said the announced resumption of the fifth round of peace talks may not proceed if the attacks of the New People’s Army continue.
President Rodrigo Duterte met with the government peace panel on Tuesday, July 18, in Malacañan where he directed the negotiators not to resume the formal talks unless the communists agree to stop attacks against government troops in Mindanao.
In a statement released by the Presidential News Desk, Duterte stressed that the communists “really need to stop engaging the military in Mindanao if they want to continue the peace negotiations.”
Jesus Dureza, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary, added that the resumption of formal talks would depend on the Reds’ commitment to “follow certain guidelines for a possible ceasefire deal with government.”
He said this includes suspending operations against the military and the police and stopping all their “extortion” activities on the ground.
The government officials said the NDFP “needs to order its armed wing to halt all offensive operations against government troops in order to pursue their shared goal of sustaining economic development throughout Mindanao.”
GRP Chief Negotiator Silvestre Bello III announced early last month that the fifth round of talks with the National Democratic Front will possibly push through by the third week of August.
More NPA attacks
Following the plan to extend Martial Law until the end of the year, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered the NPA to continue to “strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.”
The CPP said the Martial Law is “directed at the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Party-led forces as much as the Moro people.”
It added martial law “is an assault on every Filipino’s rights and freedom.”
The CPP said: “With Mindanao martial law extension and threat of expansion, Duterte can exercise the power to railroad his tax reform plan and other economic policies and infrastructure projects that are detrimental to the people’s rights and interest.”
It added that because of martial law, “US military forces are carrying out outright intervention through electronic surveillance and use of attack drones especially at night.”
The CPP said the law could also reinforce the plan to implement a national ID system, which can be used to restrict the people’s rights to free movement and for mass surveillance.
Duterte wants Congress to extend the original 60-day duration of Martial Law in Mindanao that was specified in Proclamation No. 216 to more than five months or until December 31.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/duterte-refuses-to-resume-peace-talks-unless-npa-stops-attacks/
The government said the announced resumption of the fifth round of peace talks may not proceed if the attacks of the New People’s Army continue.
President Rodrigo Duterte met with the government peace panel on Tuesday, July 18, in Malacañan where he directed the negotiators not to resume the formal talks unless the communists agree to stop attacks against government troops in Mindanao.
In a statement released by the Presidential News Desk, Duterte stressed that the communists “really need to stop engaging the military in Mindanao if they want to continue the peace negotiations.”
Jesus Dureza, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary, added that the resumption of formal talks would depend on the Reds’ commitment to “follow certain guidelines for a possible ceasefire deal with government.”
He said this includes suspending operations against the military and the police and stopping all their “extortion” activities on the ground.
The government officials said the NDFP “needs to order its armed wing to halt all offensive operations against government troops in order to pursue their shared goal of sustaining economic development throughout Mindanao.”
GRP Chief Negotiator Silvestre Bello III announced early last month that the fifth round of talks with the National Democratic Front will possibly push through by the third week of August.
More NPA attacks
Following the plan to extend Martial Law until the end of the year, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered the NPA to continue to “strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.”
The CPP said the Martial Law is “directed at the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Party-led forces as much as the Moro people.”
It added martial law “is an assault on every Filipino’s rights and freedom.”
The CPP said: “With Mindanao martial law extension and threat of expansion, Duterte can exercise the power to railroad his tax reform plan and other economic policies and infrastructure projects that are detrimental to the people’s rights and interest.”
It added that because of martial law, “US military forces are carrying out outright intervention through electronic surveillance and use of attack drones especially at night.”
The CPP said the law could also reinforce the plan to implement a national ID system, which can be used to restrict the people’s rights to free movement and for mass surveillance.
Duterte wants Congress to extend the original 60-day duration of Martial Law in Mindanao that was specified in Proclamation No. 216 to more than five months or until December 31.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/duterte-refuses-to-resume-peace-talks-unless-npa-stops-attacks/
NPA to carry out offensives as martial law continues
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jul 19): NPA to carry out offensives as martial law continues
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/npa-to-carry-out-offensives-as-martial-law-continues/
Six platoons of the 1st Pulang Bagani Company performs a tactical inspection during the 48th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato district in Davao City on Monday morning, Dec. 26, 2016. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has called on its armed wing to continue its resistance against the imposition of the martial law to which they say would only prolong the restrictions against civil and political freedom in Mindanao.
“The New People’s Army (NPA) must continue to strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war,” the CPP said in a statement.
The CPP accused President Rodrigo Duterte of continuing “to build the foundations of authoritarian rule under US imperialist tutelage,” and expressed fear the “supermajority of congressional sycophants are likely to approve without question” the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
It also lamented the displacement of at least 10,000 people in less than two months due to the intense military operations – the number is outside the estimated 410,000 evacuees from the war-torn Marawi and nearby towns. Duterte, the CPP added, wanted the measure extended “in the vain hope of completing the suppression of the armed resistance in Marawi City”, a war launched that, the CPP sees, Duterte cannot finish.
It also perceived a different outcome the continuing air and ground assaults in Marawi has resulted to — it stirred “the Moro people to take up arms to seek retribution for all the death and destruction perpetrated by the fascist siege and incessant aerial bombardment.”
The CPP added there’s no way the recent submission of the revamped Bangsamoro Basic Law will pacify the Moro people, as the administration of Duterte continues to accentuate their oppression through the ongoing war.
“A conflagration of Moro armed resistance is bound to flare up across the Bangsamoro,” the group asserted.
The CPP also expressed belief the extension of martial law is directed towards the New People’s Army, the Party-led forces, and the Moro people.
Increased offensives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the NPAs have been noted for the past two months, the group said, citing the aerial bombardments and shellings the AFP conducted in the areas of North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has called on its armed wing to continue its resistance against the imposition of the martial law to which they say would only prolong the restrictions against civil and political freedom in Mindanao.
“The New People’s Army (NPA) must continue to strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war,” the CPP said in a statement.
The CPP accused President Rodrigo Duterte of continuing “to build the foundations of authoritarian rule under US imperialist tutelage,” and expressed fear the “supermajority of congressional sycophants are likely to approve without question” the extension of martial law in Mindanao.
It also lamented the displacement of at least 10,000 people in less than two months due to the intense military operations – the number is outside the estimated 410,000 evacuees from the war-torn Marawi and nearby towns. Duterte, the CPP added, wanted the measure extended “in the vain hope of completing the suppression of the armed resistance in Marawi City”, a war launched that, the CPP sees, Duterte cannot finish.
It also perceived a different outcome the continuing air and ground assaults in Marawi has resulted to — it stirred “the Moro people to take up arms to seek retribution for all the death and destruction perpetrated by the fascist siege and incessant aerial bombardment.”
The CPP added there’s no way the recent submission of the revamped Bangsamoro Basic Law will pacify the Moro people, as the administration of Duterte continues to accentuate their oppression through the ongoing war.
“A conflagration of Moro armed resistance is bound to flare up across the Bangsamoro,” the group asserted.
The CPP also expressed belief the extension of martial law is directed towards the New People’s Army, the Party-led forces, and the Moro people.
Increased offensives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the NPAs have been noted for the past two months, the group said, citing the aerial bombardments and shellings the AFP conducted in the areas of North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
“Workers rights have been suppressed. Attacks against civilian communities have stepped up. Paramilitaries have been emboldened by martial law and are subjecting the Lumad people to threats and harassments,” the CPP said.
In the same statement, the CPP called on the Filipino people to vigorously oppose Duterte’s plan to extend martial law.
In the same statement, the CPP called on the Filipino people to vigorously oppose Duterte’s plan to extend martial law.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/npa-to-carry-out-offensives-as-martial-law-continues/
GRP cancels backchannel talks due to Arakan NPA attack
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jul 19): GRP cancels backchannel talks due to Arakan NPA attack
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/grp-cancels-backchannel-talks-due-to-arakan-npa-attack/
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza and GRP chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III during the fourth round of talks on April 6, 2017 at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk Aan Zee in the Netherlands. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
The fifth round of the formal talks, which was supposed to tackle the comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms in August is again on the rocks.
The government peace panel announced Wednesday that the backchannel talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines are cancelled following the recent attack of the New People’s Army in Arakan, North Cotabato.
The fifth round of the formal talks, which was supposed to tackle the comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms in August is again on the rocks.
The government peace panel announced Wednesday that the backchannel talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines are cancelled following the recent attack of the New People’s Army in Arakan, North Cotabato.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced the cancellation of the backchannel talks in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon.
“I am announcing the cancellation of backchannel talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF originally set within the next few days in Europe due to recent developments involving attacks done by the NPAs,” Dureza said.
He said: “the situation on the ground necessary to provide the desired enabling environment for the conduct of the peace negotiation are still not present up to this time.”
In an interview with Davao Today on Wednesday, Randall Echanis, member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social Economic Reforms said the backchannel talks on July 21 to 23 are supposed to tackle how they will resume the formal talks.
The parties are supposed to tackle the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), release of political prisoners and the ceasefire.
Around 6am Wednesday, a convoy from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) encountered the NPAs in a checkpoint set up by the guerrilla fighters of the 1st Pulang Bagani Company of the NPA in the tri-boundary of Arakan, North Cotabato, Bukidnon and Davao City.
Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the encounter involved 10 personnel boarding two vehicles going to Cagayan de Oro City.
The NPAs were clad in military uniform along the highway and put up a checkpoint.
Balagtey said five were wounded and immediately brought to German Doctors Hospital, Buda, Marilog District, Davao City. The casualties were identified as Staff Sargeant Arniel L Matunhay, Sgt. Gerry N Torsar, Cpl. Rodel A Ledesma, Cpl. Ayam P. Alia and a certain SSg Lisondra.
PSG Spokesman Michael Aquino said the PSG personnel were on “administrative” duty.
The NPA also said they arrested an agent of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. “The operation was conducted amidst Mindanao martial law,” the NPA said.
President Rodrigo Duterte previously met with the government peace panel on Tuesday in Malacañan and directed the negotiators not to resume the formal talks unless the communists agree to stop attacks against government troops in Mindanao.
The fifth round of the formal talks was cancelled last May after the GRP peace panel refused to participate due to “lack of conducive environment” for the negotiations.
Echanis said the government wants to talk about ceasefire while the NDFP is bent on pushing for social, economic, and political reforms before prolonged ceasefire.
“Yung CASER maaprubahan muna tapos yung release of political prisoners bago mapag-usapan yung ceasefire,” Echanis said, adding that there is a sequence of the agenda for negotiations.
CASER is the second of the fourth substantive agenda of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. The other agenda is the political and constitutional reforms and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
“I am announcing the cancellation of backchannel talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF originally set within the next few days in Europe due to recent developments involving attacks done by the NPAs,” Dureza said.
He said: “the situation on the ground necessary to provide the desired enabling environment for the conduct of the peace negotiation are still not present up to this time.”
In an interview with Davao Today on Wednesday, Randall Echanis, member of the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Social Economic Reforms said the backchannel talks on July 21 to 23 are supposed to tackle how they will resume the formal talks.
The parties are supposed to tackle the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), release of political prisoners and the ceasefire.
Around 6am Wednesday, a convoy from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) encountered the NPAs in a checkpoint set up by the guerrilla fighters of the 1st Pulang Bagani Company of the NPA in the tri-boundary of Arakan, North Cotabato, Bukidnon and Davao City.
Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the encounter involved 10 personnel boarding two vehicles going to Cagayan de Oro City.
The NPAs were clad in military uniform along the highway and put up a checkpoint.
Balagtey said five were wounded and immediately brought to German Doctors Hospital, Buda, Marilog District, Davao City. The casualties were identified as Staff Sargeant Arniel L Matunhay, Sgt. Gerry N Torsar, Cpl. Rodel A Ledesma, Cpl. Ayam P. Alia and a certain SSg Lisondra.
PSG Spokesman Michael Aquino said the PSG personnel were on “administrative” duty.
The NPA also said they arrested an agent of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. “The operation was conducted amidst Mindanao martial law,” the NPA said.
President Rodrigo Duterte previously met with the government peace panel on Tuesday in Malacañan and directed the negotiators not to resume the formal talks unless the communists agree to stop attacks against government troops in Mindanao.
The fifth round of the formal talks was cancelled last May after the GRP peace panel refused to participate due to “lack of conducive environment” for the negotiations.
Echanis said the government wants to talk about ceasefire while the NDFP is bent on pushing for social, economic, and political reforms before prolonged ceasefire.
“Yung CASER maaprubahan muna tapos yung release of political prisoners bago mapag-usapan yung ceasefire,” Echanis said, adding that there is a sequence of the agenda for negotiations.
CASER is the second of the fourth substantive agenda of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. The other agenda is the political and constitutional reforms and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/grp-cancels-backchannel-talks-due-to-arakan-npa-attack/
DWDD: BAYANIHAN | Tubo, Lambo: Tree Growing Activity
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): BAYANIHAN | Tubo, Lambo: Tree Growing Activity
CUARTERO, Capiz (DWDD) – The 61st Infantry Battalion participated in TUBO. LAMBO`!: A TREE GROWING ACTIVITY in line with the National Disaster Resilience Month on July 18, 2017 7:00 am at Capiz Eco-Park, Brgy. Nagba, Cuartero, Capiz.
Agencies that participated were: Capiz Police Provincial Office – Police Community Relations; 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Army Reserve Command, 3ID, PA; 62nd Special Action Company; 1st District Department of Public Works and Highways; Department of Education – Capiz; DepEd – Roxas City; Department of Trade and Industry – Capiz; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Philippine Information Agency – Capiz Infocen; National Food Authority – Capiz; OPFM – Capiz; Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Ports Authority; Professional Regulations Commission – Capiz, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI; Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas – Capiz, CAGPIO; Capiz Archdiocesan Sac; CADER, Handicap International, Toyota Roxas City, PSA, Department of Agrarian Reform; CapSU Main Campus, CapSU Dayao, CAAP, SCAN – Capiz District, TESDA, Capiz Aksyon News Center, Roxas CDRRMO, Panitan MDRRMO, MDRRMO Dumalag, MDRRMO Cuartero, Mambusao MDRRMO, Jamindan MDRRMO, Dao MDRRMO, RCERT, DRT, MERU, CERT and DYVR RMN – Roxas.
Thru the efforts of The Aksyon Tabang (PDRRMO) under the administration of Gov. Tony A. Del Rosario in partnership with PTCAO, OPA, and CaPENRO. CMO 61IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/20/bayanihan-tubo-lambo-tree-growing-activity/
CUARTERO, Capiz (DWDD) – The 61st Infantry Battalion participated in TUBO. LAMBO`!: A TREE GROWING ACTIVITY in line with the National Disaster Resilience Month on July 18, 2017 7:00 am at Capiz Eco-Park, Brgy. Nagba, Cuartero, Capiz.
Agencies that participated were: Capiz Police Provincial Office – Police Community Relations; 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Army Reserve Command, 3ID, PA; 62nd Special Action Company; 1st District Department of Public Works and Highways; Department of Education – Capiz; DepEd – Roxas City; Department of Trade and Industry – Capiz; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Philippine Information Agency – Capiz Infocen; National Food Authority – Capiz; OPFM – Capiz; Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Ports Authority; Professional Regulations Commission – Capiz, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI; Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas – Capiz, CAGPIO; Capiz Archdiocesan Sac; CADER, Handicap International, Toyota Roxas City, PSA, Department of Agrarian Reform; CapSU Main Campus, CapSU Dayao, CAAP, SCAN – Capiz District, TESDA, Capiz Aksyon News Center, Roxas CDRRMO, Panitan MDRRMO, MDRRMO Dumalag, MDRRMO Cuartero, Mambusao MDRRMO, Jamindan MDRRMO, Dao MDRRMO, RCERT, DRT, MERU, CERT and DYVR RMN – Roxas.
Thru the efforts of The Aksyon Tabang (PDRRMO) under the administration of Gov. Tony A. Del Rosario in partnership with PTCAO, OPA, and CaPENRO. CMO 61IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/20/bayanihan-tubo-lambo-tree-growing-activity/
DWDD: REGIONAL PROBLEM | Singapore supports PH against Extremism
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): REGIONAL PROBLEM | Singapore supports PH against Extremism
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The challenge posed by violent extremism is a problem for all of us in the region; hence the PH could count on the support of Singapore in its fight against the Maute-ISIS in Marawi.
This was personally conveyed by Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana when the two ministers met in Manila today (July 18).
Secretary Lorenzana expressed appreciation for Singapore’s offer to provide assistance for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), transport of supplies for the rehabilitation of Marawi and training relative to built up cities. Minister Ng also offered the utilization of Singapore’s HA/DR Center to galvanize foreign contributions for the reconstruction of Marawi. Originally put up to coordinate foreign assistance to Southeast Asian countries devastated by natural calamities, Minister Ng said that the center could likewise be used for Marawi’s rehabiliation.
Agreeing in principle as regards to Singapore’s offer, Secretary Lorenzana instructed the AFP to examine the ISR capabilities that Singapore is ready to provide. Singapore’s provision of C-130 to help transport supplies and provision of training regarding building up cities are things the AFP could readily avail of, Secretary Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, both ministers expressed their respective support to each other’s chairmanship of ASEAN. The Philippines is ASEAN’s chair for 2017, something it will pass on to Singapore which will chair ASEAN next year. Secretary Lorenzana acknowledged that coordination between the current and incoming chairs, like what the Philippines and Singapore are doing, is a best practice that could be emulated by succeeding chairs of ASEAN. This is to ensure continuity of programs and projects launched by an ASEAN chairman. PAS DND / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/regional-problem-singapore-supports-ph-against-extremism/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The challenge posed by violent extremism is a problem for all of us in the region; hence the PH could count on the support of Singapore in its fight against the Maute-ISIS in Marawi.
This was personally conveyed by Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana when the two ministers met in Manila today (July 18).
Secretary Lorenzana expressed appreciation for Singapore’s offer to provide assistance for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), transport of supplies for the rehabilitation of Marawi and training relative to built up cities. Minister Ng also offered the utilization of Singapore’s HA/DR Center to galvanize foreign contributions for the reconstruction of Marawi. Originally put up to coordinate foreign assistance to Southeast Asian countries devastated by natural calamities, Minister Ng said that the center could likewise be used for Marawi’s rehabiliation.
Agreeing in principle as regards to Singapore’s offer, Secretary Lorenzana instructed the AFP to examine the ISR capabilities that Singapore is ready to provide. Singapore’s provision of C-130 to help transport supplies and provision of training regarding building up cities are things the AFP could readily avail of, Secretary Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, both ministers expressed their respective support to each other’s chairmanship of ASEAN. The Philippines is ASEAN’s chair for 2017, something it will pass on to Singapore which will chair ASEAN next year. Secretary Lorenzana acknowledged that coordination between the current and incoming chairs, like what the Philippines and Singapore are doing, is a best practice that could be emulated by succeeding chairs of ASEAN. This is to ensure continuity of programs and projects launched by an ASEAN chairman. PAS DND / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/regional-problem-singapore-supports-ph-against-extremism/
DWDD: BEST DEFENSE | PRRD turned-over Pistols to the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): BEST DEFENSE | PRRD turned-over Pistols to the Armed Forces of the Philippines
HEROES HALL, Malacañan Palace (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the turnover of 3,000 pistols to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.
The President spoke of the importance of having a side arm for off-duty soldiers for the purpose of self-defense and civic responsibility. He said, “Your best defense is to not let anyone know you have a gun with you,” and emphasized that they must be aware of their environment at all times. “I do not want to place you in a disadvantageous position,” he added.
President Duterte further discussed the significance of safety in and out of duty, and said that safety is a priority for everyone who wants to properly serve their country.
A step-by-step narrative on how to properly hone brand new pistols was also discussed by the President, and said that it was how his old gun club used to break-in new firearms.
The new Order of Lapu-Lapu, which aims to recognize government workers and private citizens in recognition of “invaluable or extraordinary service in nation to a campaign or advocacy of the President,” as also announced during the President’s speech.
The President created the award through Executive Order (EO) Number 17 and it is composed of three types of medals: the Lapu-Lapu Medal, Kalasag Medal, and the Kampilan Medal.
The Lapu-Lapu Medal is to be awarded to those who contribute significantly to the success of an activity related to one of the administration’s campaigns or advocacies.
The Kalasag Medal is for individuals who sacrificed their lives or property in pursuit of success for an advocacy of the administration.
The Kampilan Medal will be conferred on persons who are seriously injured in an activity or event that contributes to the administration’s advocacies
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assisted the President in the ceremony that turned over the pistols to the AFP and its three major services — Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force). AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año and the three major service commanders were present to receive the pistols. RTVM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/best-defense-prrd-turned-over-pistols-to-the-armed-forces-of-the-philippines/
HEROES HALL, Malacañan Palace (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the turnover of 3,000 pistols to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.
The President spoke of the importance of having a side arm for off-duty soldiers for the purpose of self-defense and civic responsibility. He said, “Your best defense is to not let anyone know you have a gun with you,” and emphasized that they must be aware of their environment at all times. “I do not want to place you in a disadvantageous position,” he added.
President Duterte further discussed the significance of safety in and out of duty, and said that safety is a priority for everyone who wants to properly serve their country.
A step-by-step narrative on how to properly hone brand new pistols was also discussed by the President, and said that it was how his old gun club used to break-in new firearms.
The new Order of Lapu-Lapu, which aims to recognize government workers and private citizens in recognition of “invaluable or extraordinary service in nation to a campaign or advocacy of the President,” as also announced during the President’s speech.
The President created the award through Executive Order (EO) Number 17 and it is composed of three types of medals: the Lapu-Lapu Medal, Kalasag Medal, and the Kampilan Medal.
The Lapu-Lapu Medal is to be awarded to those who contribute significantly to the success of an activity related to one of the administration’s campaigns or advocacies.
The Kalasag Medal is for individuals who sacrificed their lives or property in pursuit of success for an advocacy of the administration.
The Kampilan Medal will be conferred on persons who are seriously injured in an activity or event that contributes to the administration’s advocacies
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assisted the President in the ceremony that turned over the pistols to the AFP and its three major services — Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force). AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año and the three major service commanders were present to receive the pistols. RTVM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/best-defense-prrd-turned-over-pistols-to-the-armed-forces-of-the-philippines/
DWDD: TEAM WESCOM | Continue Focused & CMO despite roadside bomb incident
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): TEAM WESCOM | Continue Focused & CMO despite roadside bomb incident
PALAWAN (DWDD) – Despite the roadside bomb incident that wounded a Marine soldier Tuesday afternoon in the municipality of Bataraza and the killing of 2 Marines this Wednesday morning in Roxas, Team WESCOM shall continue with its focused and Civil Military Operations in Palawan in order to support and protect its peace and development.
Team WESCOM also denounces the CPP-NPA-NDF’s use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as a shameful and gutless act that can’t be anything more than placing the lives of innocent civilians in the area in grave danger.
The CPP-NPA-NDF has always been like this – a violator of international humanitarian laws by using roadside IEDs from past to present – if it is already losing against government efforts that ensure civilians do not get enticed anymore by their depraved philosophies.
The roadside bombing incident that this communist-terrorist group perpetrated, but sad to say, failed to produce major damages to government troops, as well as the killing of our 2 Marines from the 12th Marine Battalion, were even more a hard blow to their ranks following our takeover of their training camp in Samariñana, Brooke’s Point.
They are now desperate because Team WESCOM’s civil military operations are winning and continuously building stronger ties in many communities in the province.
The Marine who was injured in Tarusan, Bataraza by their cowardly act is now recuperating well, and is thanking residents in the area for providing them help.
On the otherhand, the names of the 2 Marines who were killed are withheld until the next of kin have been informed. The two were brutally shot near a wet market in Brgy Magara in Roxas, Palawan.
CMO WESCOM / MCAG
PALAWAN (DWDD) – Despite the roadside bomb incident that wounded a Marine soldier Tuesday afternoon in the municipality of Bataraza and the killing of 2 Marines this Wednesday morning in Roxas, Team WESCOM shall continue with its focused and Civil Military Operations in Palawan in order to support and protect its peace and development.
Team WESCOM also denounces the CPP-NPA-NDF’s use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as a shameful and gutless act that can’t be anything more than placing the lives of innocent civilians in the area in grave danger.
The CPP-NPA-NDF has always been like this – a violator of international humanitarian laws by using roadside IEDs from past to present – if it is already losing against government efforts that ensure civilians do not get enticed anymore by their depraved philosophies.
The roadside bombing incident that this communist-terrorist group perpetrated, but sad to say, failed to produce major damages to government troops, as well as the killing of our 2 Marines from the 12th Marine Battalion, were even more a hard blow to their ranks following our takeover of their training camp in Samariñana, Brooke’s Point.
They are now desperate because Team WESCOM’s civil military operations are winning and continuously building stronger ties in many communities in the province.
The Marine who was injured in Tarusan, Bataraza by their cowardly act is now recuperating well, and is thanking residents in the area for providing them help.
On the otherhand, the names of the 2 Marines who were killed are withheld until the next of kin have been informed. The two were brutally shot near a wet market in Brgy Magara in Roxas, Palawan.
CMO WESCOM / MCAG
DWDD: OFFER OF SUPPORT | SND receives Singapore Defense Minister
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): OFFER OF SUPPORT | SND receives Singapore Defense Minister
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen discussed Singapore’s offer of support during the official visit of Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Manila on July 18, 2017.
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The challenge posed by violent extremism is a problem for all of us in the region; hence the PH could count on the support of Singapore in its fight against the Maute-ISIS in Marawi. This was personally conveyed by Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana when the two ministers met in Manila today (July 18).
Secretary Lorenzana expressed appreciation for Singapore’s offer to provide assistance for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), transport of supplies for the rehabilitation of Marawi and training relative to built up cities. Minister Ng also offered the utilization of Singapore’s HA/DR Center to galvanize foreign contributions for the reconstruction of Marawi. Originally put up to coordinate foreign assistance to Southeast Asian countries devastated by natural calamities, Minister Ng said that the center could likewise be used for Marawi’s rehabiliation.
Agreeing in principle as regards to Singapore’s offer, Secretary Lorenzana instructed the AFP to examine the ISR capabilities that Singapore is ready to provide. Singapore’s provision of C-130 to help transport supplies and provision of training regarding building up cities are things the AFP could readily avail of, Secretary Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, both ministers expressed their respective support to each other’s chairmanship of ASEAN. The Philippines is ASEAN’s chair for 2017, something it will pass on to Singapore which will chair ASEAN next year. Secretary Lorenzana acknowledged that coordination between the current and incoming chairs, like what the Philippines and Singapore are doing, is a best practice that could be emulated by succeeding chairs of ASEAN. This is to ensure continuity of programs and projects launched by an ASEAN chairman. PAS DND / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/offer-of-support-snd-receives-singapore-defense-minister/
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen discussed Singapore’s offer of support during the official visit of Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Manila on July 18, 2017.
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The challenge posed by violent extremism is a problem for all of us in the region; hence the PH could count on the support of Singapore in its fight against the Maute-ISIS in Marawi. This was personally conveyed by Singapore’s Minister of Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen to Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana when the two ministers met in Manila today (July 18).
Secretary Lorenzana expressed appreciation for Singapore’s offer to provide assistance for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), transport of supplies for the rehabilitation of Marawi and training relative to built up cities. Minister Ng also offered the utilization of Singapore’s HA/DR Center to galvanize foreign contributions for the reconstruction of Marawi. Originally put up to coordinate foreign assistance to Southeast Asian countries devastated by natural calamities, Minister Ng said that the center could likewise be used for Marawi’s rehabiliation.
Agreeing in principle as regards to Singapore’s offer, Secretary Lorenzana instructed the AFP to examine the ISR capabilities that Singapore is ready to provide. Singapore’s provision of C-130 to help transport supplies and provision of training regarding building up cities are things the AFP could readily avail of, Secretary Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, both ministers expressed their respective support to each other’s chairmanship of ASEAN. The Philippines is ASEAN’s chair for 2017, something it will pass on to Singapore which will chair ASEAN next year. Secretary Lorenzana acknowledged that coordination between the current and incoming chairs, like what the Philippines and Singapore are doing, is a best practice that could be emulated by succeeding chairs of ASEAN. This is to ensure continuity of programs and projects launched by an ASEAN chairman. PAS DND / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/offer-of-support-snd-receives-singapore-defense-minister/
DWDD: ENCOUNTER | PSG battle NPAs in Cotabato
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 19): ENCOUNTER | PSG battle NPAs in Cotabato
CAGAYAN DE ORO (DWDD) – Four members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were wounded in an encounter with around 100 members of the New People’s Army at 6:o’clock this morning along a crossing at the National Highway Camp 1, Arakan, Cotabato.
In an interview with LTC Michael T Aquino, PSG spokesperson, ten (10) PSG members were onboard two (2) vehicles from Camp Panacan in Davao City on their way to Cagayan De Oro City, led by a certain Ssg Lancheta, when they encountered around 100 NPA members, some were disguised as soldiers.
Two of the wounded PSG members were identified as Cpl. Rodel Ledesma and SSg Gery Torsal.
The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, PPSC at Regional Public Safety Battalion – Region 10 is currently conducting hot pursuit operations.
Meanwhile, according to Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) spokesperson BGen. Gilbert Gapay, the PSG members were able to engage and repulse the rebels after reinforcements arrive, forcing the enemy to flee. MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/encounter-psg-battle-npas-in-cotabato/
CAGAYAN DE ORO (DWDD) – Four members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were wounded in an encounter with around 100 members of the New People’s Army at 6:o’clock this morning along a crossing at the National Highway Camp 1, Arakan, Cotabato.
In an interview with LTC Michael T Aquino, PSG spokesperson, ten (10) PSG members were onboard two (2) vehicles from Camp Panacan in Davao City on their way to Cagayan De Oro City, led by a certain Ssg Lancheta, when they encountered around 100 NPA members, some were disguised as soldiers.
Two of the wounded PSG members were identified as Cpl. Rodel Ledesma and SSg Gery Torsal.
The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, PPSC at Regional Public Safety Battalion – Region 10 is currently conducting hot pursuit operations.
Meanwhile, according to Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) spokesperson BGen. Gilbert Gapay, the PSG members were able to engage and repulse the rebels after reinforcements arrive, forcing the enemy to flee. MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/19/encounter-psg-battle-npas-in-cotabato/
DWDD: GALLANTRY | PRRD honors 12 wounded soldiers in Sulu
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 18): GALLANTRY | PRRD honors 12 wounded soldiers in Sulu
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Duterte honored 12 wounded soldiers with the Wounded Personnel Medal Award during his visit to Sulu on 15 July 2017 for their gallantry in combating extremism and terrorism in the Western part of Mindanao.
The President was accompanied by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of National Defense, General Eduardo Año, AFP Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, and other senior military commanders during the awarding at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, AFPMC Jolo, Sulu.
The President commended the dauntlessness of the soldiers who belonged to the 41st Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu in wiping out the Maute-ISIS in the urban jungle of Marawi City. The soldiers were also appreciated for their outstanding contribution to our nation’s fight against terrorism, illegal drugs, and criminality. Aside from the merit, the President also gave the soldiers cellular phones, wrist watches, and Cal .45 pistol each.
“We commend our soldiers for their bravery even if they are facing a very difficult fight against Maute-ISIS in Marawi City. Even with the complexities of the battle, they showed unrelenting passion and determination days and nights to wipe out and gain initial advantages against the enemy” Col Edgard Arevalo added.
The officials in the Province of Sulu also felt elated by the support and attention of the Commander-in-Chief to the soldiers. His personal visit with them will surely help in boosting the morale of the troops in their fight against terrorists in Marawi.
General Año also appreciated the efforts of the troops in fighting the enemy not just for the Filipino people but also for the sake of future generation. He also pointed out that winning is irreversible but it’s just a matter of time.
“We do not count the days because we will make sure this will end, I am sure we will defeat them, but we don’t want to put additional pressure that would result to unnecessary loss of soldiers’ lives”, General Año said.
Meanwhile the President has already promised the soldiers who were wounded in the performance of their duty will get necessary aid and assistance to help them recover and sustain the needs of their families. AFP PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/gallantry-prrd-honors-12-wounded-soldiers-in-sulu/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – President Rodrigo Duterte honored 12 wounded soldiers with the Wounded Personnel Medal Award during his visit to Sulu on 15 July 2017 for their gallantry in combating extremism and terrorism in the Western part of Mindanao.
The President was accompanied by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Department of National Defense, General Eduardo Año, AFP Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, and other senior military commanders during the awarding at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, AFPMC Jolo, Sulu.
The President commended the dauntlessness of the soldiers who belonged to the 41st Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu in wiping out the Maute-ISIS in the urban jungle of Marawi City. The soldiers were also appreciated for their outstanding contribution to our nation’s fight against terrorism, illegal drugs, and criminality. Aside from the merit, the President also gave the soldiers cellular phones, wrist watches, and Cal .45 pistol each.
“We commend our soldiers for their bravery even if they are facing a very difficult fight against Maute-ISIS in Marawi City. Even with the complexities of the battle, they showed unrelenting passion and determination days and nights to wipe out and gain initial advantages against the enemy” Col Edgard Arevalo added.
The officials in the Province of Sulu also felt elated by the support and attention of the Commander-in-Chief to the soldiers. His personal visit with them will surely help in boosting the morale of the troops in their fight against terrorists in Marawi.
General Año also appreciated the efforts of the troops in fighting the enemy not just for the Filipino people but also for the sake of future generation. He also pointed out that winning is irreversible but it’s just a matter of time.
“We do not count the days because we will make sure this will end, I am sure we will defeat them, but we don’t want to put additional pressure that would result to unnecessary loss of soldiers’ lives”, General Año said.
Meanwhile the President has already promised the soldiers who were wounded in the performance of their duty will get necessary aid and assistance to help them recover and sustain the needs of their families. AFP PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/gallantry-prrd-honors-12-wounded-soldiers-in-sulu/
DWDD: EDUCATIONAL FUND | AFP Cavaliers Donate P1 Million for Soldiers’ Orphans
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 18): EDUCATIONAL FUND | AFP Cavaliers Donate P1 Million for Soldiers’ Orphans
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – “LEAVING NO SOLDIER’S ORPHAN BEHIND” – General Eduardo Año (middle), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff receives the symbolic P1 Million-check donation from Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson (right), AFP Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) Board of Trustees in a ceremony held Monday, 17 July 2017 in Camp Aguinaldo.
The AFP Cavaliers Basketball Team won the money during the UNTV Cup Executive Face-off where it triumphed against the PNP Responders on June 10.
The donation will be used to sustain the education of our brave soldiers’ orphans who are current beneficiaries of the AFPEBSO. Present in the ceremony are members of the AFP Cavaliers headed by its team captain, Major General Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7 (left). Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan PN/PAOAFP . MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/educational-fund-afp-cavaliers-donate-p1-million-for-soldiers-orphans/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – “LEAVING NO SOLDIER’S ORPHAN BEHIND” – General Eduardo Año (middle), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff receives the symbolic P1 Million-check donation from Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson (right), AFP Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the AFP Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) Board of Trustees in a ceremony held Monday, 17 July 2017 in Camp Aguinaldo.
The AFP Cavaliers Basketball Team won the money during the UNTV Cup Executive Face-off where it triumphed against the PNP Responders on June 10.
The donation will be used to sustain the education of our brave soldiers’ orphans who are current beneficiaries of the AFPEBSO. Present in the ceremony are members of the AFP Cavaliers headed by its team captain, Major General Melquiades Feliciano, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7 (left). Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan PN/PAOAFP . MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/educational-fund-afp-cavaliers-donate-p1-million-for-soldiers-orphans/
DWDD: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | AFP Receives Cash Donations, Goods for Soldiers in Marawi
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 18): SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | AFP Receives Cash Donations, Goods for Soldiers in Marawi
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – (From left) Mr. Jethro T Dionisio, President of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) Philippines hands over a PhP500,000.00 check donation to General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the AFAD Defense & Sporting Arms Show in Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall on Monday, 17 July 2017. The AFAD Philippines also donated 1,000 packages of basic clothing supplies for soldiers operating in Marawi City.
The Chief of Staff is accompanied by MGen Job Yucoco, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) for Logistics, J4; MGen Melquiades Feliciano, DCS for Civil-Military Operations, J7; MGen Ronnie Evangelista, Commander, Civil Relations Service AFP; MGen Elvin Velasco, DCS for Education and Training, J8; BGen Arnel Duco, DCS for Personnel, J1; BGen Isidro Purisima, DCS for Operations, J3; and Col Edgard Arevalo, Chief, Public Affairs Office, AFP. Photo by PH3 Jayson Rutao PN/PAOAFP / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/support-our-troops-afp-receives-cash-donations-goods-for-soldiers-in-marawi/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – (From left) Mr. Jethro T Dionisio, President of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers (AFAD) Philippines hands over a PhP500,000.00 check donation to General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the AFAD Defense & Sporting Arms Show in Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall on Monday, 17 July 2017. The AFAD Philippines also donated 1,000 packages of basic clothing supplies for soldiers operating in Marawi City.
The Chief of Staff is accompanied by MGen Job Yucoco, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) for Logistics, J4; MGen Melquiades Feliciano, DCS for Civil-Military Operations, J7; MGen Ronnie Evangelista, Commander, Civil Relations Service AFP; MGen Elvin Velasco, DCS for Education and Training, J8; BGen Arnel Duco, DCS for Personnel, J1; BGen Isidro Purisima, DCS for Operations, J3; and Col Edgard Arevalo, Chief, Public Affairs Office, AFP. Photo by PH3 Jayson Rutao PN/PAOAFP / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/18/support-our-troops-afp-receives-cash-donations-goods-for-soldiers-in-marawi/
Federalism gets boost as Duterte meets with Cordillera, MNLF leaders
From CNN Philippines (Jul 19): Federalism gets boost as Duterte meets with Cordillera, MNLF leaders
President Rodrigo Duterte's push for federalism in the Philippines got a boost from meetings he held with officials from the Cordillera region and the proposed Bangsamoro region, the Palace said Wednesday.
Duterte held separate closed-door meetings Tuesday in Malacañang with officials from the Cordillera region led by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front, statements from the Presidential Communications Operations Office said.
The shift to a federal form of government has been Duterte's strong advocacy since his campaign for the presidency.
Meeting with Misuari
According to the statement, Misuari said he represented the Muslims in Mindanao, especially those from the Sulu archipelago, during the meeting. Misuari's visit comes days after a new draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was turned over to the President on Monday.
"In response, President Duterte said he is ready to craft the federal setup of government for the country that he believes will correct the historical injustice in Mindanao and bring lasting peace to the region," the Palace said.
The BBL paves the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, which will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) established in 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734. Misuari served as ARMM governor from 1996, amid widespread allegations of corruption.
The BBL, which the President certified as urgent on July 17, is now with both houses of Congress for deliberation. Its creation is seen as a template of what a federal state could look like in the Philippines.
Among those present during the meeting between Duterte and Misuari on Tuesday were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Palace statement said.
Cordillera region backs President's bid
The Palace said the Cordillera officials, led by Domogan, requested Duterte to certify as urgent House Bill No. 5343, An Act Establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera, filed in March 2017.
"The proposed measure is supported by all of the representatives of the seven congressional districts of Cordillera, according to Domogan," it said.
The Baguio mayor requested for the completion of the region road infrastructure program, saying that 183.3 kilometers in the Cordilleras remain unpaved. The national and local roads require P5 billion to be completed, Domogan said.
According to him, the Loakan airport, Baguio's main airport, also needs to be modernized as this is a vital hub for exports to and from the Cordillera region and during times of disaster. The President said he would discuss this Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
In response, Duterte said the long occupation by colonial powers, in addition to the adoption of the unitary type of government, resulted in uneven development of the Philippines.
Misuari, the peace process, and the Bangsamoro
Misuari, founder of the MNLF in the 1960s, has been a controversial though key figure in the move for autonomy in Muslim Mindanao. He survived rebellions against the regime of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s, headed the ARMM, led a failed uprising in November 2001, and was accused of the 2013 Zamboanga siege which saw more than 118,000 people displaced in a three-week standoff between MNLF fighters and government troops.
Duterte has maintained ties with Misuari, saying in March 2017 that he considers the MNLF leader vital in consultations over a "preparatory document" on a federal system in Mindanao. Duterte suspended arrest warrants against Misuari over the 2013 Zamboanga siege, so he could participate in peace talks between the government and Muslim leaders.
The BBL, crafted by 21 experts on issues concerning Mindanao, is the result of a peace agreement signed in 2014 by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a split faction of the MNLF.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/07/19/rodrigo-duterte-nur-misuari-mnlf-cordillera-mauricio-domogan.html
President Rodrigo Duterte's push for federalism in the Philippines got a boost from meetings he held with officials from the Cordillera region and the proposed Bangsamoro region, the Palace said Wednesday.
Duterte held separate closed-door meetings Tuesday in Malacañang with officials from the Cordillera region led by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front, statements from the Presidential Communications Operations Office said.
The shift to a federal form of government has been Duterte's strong advocacy since his campaign for the presidency.
Meeting with Misuari
According to the statement, Misuari said he represented the Muslims in Mindanao, especially those from the Sulu archipelago, during the meeting. Misuari's visit comes days after a new draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was turned over to the President on Monday.
"In response, President Duterte said he is ready to craft the federal setup of government for the country that he believes will correct the historical injustice in Mindanao and bring lasting peace to the region," the Palace said.
The BBL paves the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, which will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) established in 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734. Misuari served as ARMM governor from 1996, amid widespread allegations of corruption.
The BBL, which the President certified as urgent on July 17, is now with both houses of Congress for deliberation. Its creation is seen as a template of what a federal state could look like in the Philippines.
Among those present during the meeting between Duterte and Misuari on Tuesday were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the Palace statement said.
Cordillera region backs President's bid
The Palace said the Cordillera officials, led by Domogan, requested Duterte to certify as urgent House Bill No. 5343, An Act Establishing the Autonomous Region of the Cordillera, filed in March 2017.
"The proposed measure is supported by all of the representatives of the seven congressional districts of Cordillera, according to Domogan," it said.
The Baguio mayor requested for the completion of the region road infrastructure program, saying that 183.3 kilometers in the Cordilleras remain unpaved. The national and local roads require P5 billion to be completed, Domogan said.
According to him, the Loakan airport, Baguio's main airport, also needs to be modernized as this is a vital hub for exports to and from the Cordillera region and during times of disaster. The President said he would discuss this Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
In response, Duterte said the long occupation by colonial powers, in addition to the adoption of the unitary type of government, resulted in uneven development of the Philippines.
Misuari, the peace process, and the Bangsamoro
Misuari, founder of the MNLF in the 1960s, has been a controversial though key figure in the move for autonomy in Muslim Mindanao. He survived rebellions against the regime of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos in the 1970s, headed the ARMM, led a failed uprising in November 2001, and was accused of the 2013 Zamboanga siege which saw more than 118,000 people displaced in a three-week standoff between MNLF fighters and government troops.
Duterte has maintained ties with Misuari, saying in March 2017 that he considers the MNLF leader vital in consultations over a "preparatory document" on a federal system in Mindanao. Duterte suspended arrest warrants against Misuari over the 2013 Zamboanga siege, so he could participate in peace talks between the government and Muslim leaders.
The BBL, crafted by 21 experts on issues concerning Mindanao, is the result of a peace agreement signed in 2014 by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a split faction of the MNLF.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/07/19/rodrigo-duterte-nur-misuari-mnlf-cordillera-mauricio-domogan.html
Duterte, Nur Misuari meet with GPH, MNLF panels in Malacañang
From GMA News (Jul 19): Duterte, Nur Misuari meet with GPH, MNLF panels in Malacañang
President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari met with the members of peace implementing panels in Malacañang on Thursday.
The peace panels, from the government and the secessionist group, are tasked to implement earlier agreements namely, the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
Trisha Macas @trishamacas
President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari met with the members of peace implementing panels in Malacañang on Thursday.
The peace panels, from the government and the secessionist group, are tasked to implement earlier agreements namely, the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
Trisha Macas @trishamacas
Pres. Duterte had a meeting with GPH, MNLF implementing panels and MNLF leaders including founding chair Nur Misuari in Malacañang :
The MNLF implementing panel is chaired by lawyer Randolph Parcasio and its members are lawyers Ombra Jainal and Yasser Lumbos as well as Dr. Alipikre Basher and the Bangsamoro Humanitarian Inc.
Meanwhile, the government implementing panel is headed by Nabil Tan. He is joined by Diosita Andot, Ma. Cecilia Papa, Gerry Salapuddin, Habib Hashim, and lawyer Jose Lorena.
Other MNLF leaders, Vice Chairman Abdulkarim Misuari and Secretary General Murshi Ibrahim, also joined the meeting.
Other MNLF leaders, Vice Chairman Abdulkarim Misuari and Secretary General Murshi Ibrahim, also joined the meeting.
Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza also joined the meeting, Malacañang photos showed.
In a text message to GMA News Online, Dureza said Misuari expressed support for Duterte’s plan to shift to a federalism type of government.
“Iyong federalism track is now road map for MNLF,” he said.
Dureza also mentioned that it was the first time that both panels met with Duterte and Misuari together, although the panels have met many times before.
In a text message to GMA News Online, Dureza said Misuari expressed support for Duterte’s plan to shift to a federalism type of government.
“Iyong federalism track is now road map for MNLF,” he said.
Dureza also mentioned that it was the first time that both panels met with Duterte and Misuari together, although the panels have met many times before.
MILF: Speaker Alvarez optimistic House can pass new draft BBL by year end
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 19): Speaker Alvarez optimistic House can pass new draft BBL by year end
In a radio interview with radio station DzMM yesterday, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he is optimistic the House can pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the 2018 budget before yearend, an online report by Philstar said today.
However, Alvarez said that it will only happen “if there is no problem with the Constitution”.
Lawmakers are planning to conduct simultaneous deliberations on the draft BBL and budget proposals until the end of the year, convene the chamber later into a constituent assembly (con-ass) and push for federalism early next year.
Alvarez said he and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III have agreed on this, said the report by Philstar.
In his speech during the turn-over of new draft BBL by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) yesterday afternoon, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte assured that ‘there shall be a Bangsamoro Country within the context of the Republic of the Philippines”.
However, nothing in his speech that says he will certify the new draft BBL as “urgent bill”.
Meanwhile, local government officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Regional Governor Mujib Hataman expressed support to the new draft BBL and are looking forward for its immediate passage.
He told Philstar yesterday that the new BBL would provide Muslim communities political strength to address violent religious extremism plaguing some areas in the region.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in an interview by Philstar yesterday thanked Duterte for ensuring the enactment into law of the new draft BBL.
Mangudadatu said he is sure Duterte would keep his promise to help secure congressional imprimatur for the new BBL.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/928/speaker_alvarez_optimistic_house_can_pass_new_draft_bbl_by_year_end_
In a radio interview with radio station DzMM yesterday, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said he is optimistic the House can pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the 2018 budget before yearend, an online report by Philstar said today.
However, Alvarez said that it will only happen “if there is no problem with the Constitution”.
Lawmakers are planning to conduct simultaneous deliberations on the draft BBL and budget proposals until the end of the year, convene the chamber later into a constituent assembly (con-ass) and push for federalism early next year.
Alvarez said he and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III have agreed on this, said the report by Philstar.
In his speech during the turn-over of new draft BBL by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) yesterday afternoon, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte assured that ‘there shall be a Bangsamoro Country within the context of the Republic of the Philippines”.
However, nothing in his speech that says he will certify the new draft BBL as “urgent bill”.
Meanwhile, local government officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Regional Governor Mujib Hataman expressed support to the new draft BBL and are looking forward for its immediate passage.
He told Philstar yesterday that the new BBL would provide Muslim communities political strength to address violent religious extremism plaguing some areas in the region.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in an interview by Philstar yesterday thanked Duterte for ensuring the enactment into law of the new draft BBL.
Mangudadatu said he is sure Duterte would keep his promise to help secure congressional imprimatur for the new BBL.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/928/speaker_alvarez_optimistic_house_can_pass_new_draft_bbl_by_year_end_
MILF: BTC submits new BBL to Duterte
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 18): BTC submits new BBL to Duterte
Photo by: Amirah Gayak / BTC Secretariat
BTC Chairman Ghazali Jaafar formally submitted on Monday (July 17) the new draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to President Rodrigo Duterte in ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.
In his message, Jaafar told the President that the draft BBL is the “new formula for the very elusive peace in Mindanao.”
“We humbly submit that this new proposed BBL is the best antidote to violent extremism that has wrought havoc in many parts of the Bangsamoro,” Jaafar said.
In describing the new draft BBL, Jaafar mentioned that it is “faithful to the letter and spirit of the CAB and considerate of other agreements gained through decades of peace process.”
He added that the proposed law is more inclusive as it reflects the diversity of interests of the peoples in the Bangsamoro, and that it is a concrete alternative against the growing doubts and frustrations on the peace process.
President Duterte, who personally received the copy of the draft law, gave his assurance of support for the eventual passage of the BBL.
“May I say to you, my brother Moros – that I commit to support – in front of everybody – my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislature for consideration,” the President told the Moro delegations which included MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim and Central Committee officials, provincial governors in ARMM and Region 12, Muslim congressmen, ulama and other sectors of the Bangsamoro.
“This moment is a significant step forward in our quest to end centuries of hatred, mistrust and injustice that cost and affected the lives of millions of Filipinos,” the President said.
“InshaAllah, we will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao (and) the entire country,” he also said.
Once enacted and approved in a plebiscite, the BBL shall govern the administration of the Bangsamoro government which shall supplant the present ARMM.
The new draft BBL was completed by the expanded BTC in almost four months, beginning last March 5 up to June 16 when it was formally adopted by the commissioners.
Under Executive Order No. 08 issued on November 7, 2016 the draft BBL shall be submitted to the Office of the President for submission to Congress.
Both Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez were also present to witness the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/927/btc-submits-new-bbl-to-duterte
Photo by: Amirah Gayak / BTC Secretariat
BTC Chairman Ghazali Jaafar formally submitted on Monday (July 17) the new draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to President Rodrigo Duterte in ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace.
In his message, Jaafar told the President that the draft BBL is the “new formula for the very elusive peace in Mindanao.”
“We humbly submit that this new proposed BBL is the best antidote to violent extremism that has wrought havoc in many parts of the Bangsamoro,” Jaafar said.
In describing the new draft BBL, Jaafar mentioned that it is “faithful to the letter and spirit of the CAB and considerate of other agreements gained through decades of peace process.”
He added that the proposed law is more inclusive as it reflects the diversity of interests of the peoples in the Bangsamoro, and that it is a concrete alternative against the growing doubts and frustrations on the peace process.
President Duterte, who personally received the copy of the draft law, gave his assurance of support for the eventual passage of the BBL.
“May I say to you, my brother Moros – that I commit to support – in front of everybody – my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislature for consideration,” the President told the Moro delegations which included MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim and Central Committee officials, provincial governors in ARMM and Region 12, Muslim congressmen, ulama and other sectors of the Bangsamoro.
“This moment is a significant step forward in our quest to end centuries of hatred, mistrust and injustice that cost and affected the lives of millions of Filipinos,” the President said.
“InshaAllah, we will achieve sustainable and inclusive peace and development in the Bangsamoro, Mindanao (and) the entire country,” he also said.
Once enacted and approved in a plebiscite, the BBL shall govern the administration of the Bangsamoro government which shall supplant the present ARMM.
The new draft BBL was completed by the expanded BTC in almost four months, beginning last March 5 up to June 16 when it was formally adopted by the commissioners.
Under Executive Order No. 08 issued on November 7, 2016 the draft BBL shall be submitted to the Office of the President for submission to Congress.
Both Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez were also present to witness the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/927/btc-submits-new-bbl-to-duterte
MILF: Dabawenyos believe GPH-MILF peace process will likely to succeed
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 17): Dabawenyos believe GPH-MILF peace process will likely to succeed
(L to R) Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for the GPH CCCH and AHJAG. Police Director, DIPO for Western Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Irene Santiago, Chair of Government Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Accord and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command at the Forum on GPH-MILF Peace Process held at Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on 26 April 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO
An online post by Mindanews on July 11 says that Dabawenyos believed the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will more likely succeed than that with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), results of a survey conducted by the University of Mindanao’s Institute of Popular Opinion said.
The survey administered on 1,200 respondents from May 17 to 26 found that 40 percent of them said they do not believe a “final peace agreement” with the NDFP will be achieved.
Thirty-eight percent said a “final peace agreement” with the MILF is not possible.
“It was observed that there are more Dabawenyos who withhold conviction on the peace initiatives with the Moros than with NPAs. Perhaps, they are influenced by the gestures of the two camps. So far, no military engagements with Moro rebels were reported, this is in contravention with the NPA’s case,” the survey said according to Mindanews.
It added, “The MNLF/MILF perhaps are viewed as more serious groups relative to making peace.
UM-IPO director for quantitative studies Adriam Tamayo said the erosion of trust was more on the communists for their perceived inconsistencies in the peace process. (Source: Mindanews)
(L to R) Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for the GPH CCCH and AHJAG. Police Director, DIPO for Western Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Irene Santiago, Chair of the Government Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Accord and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command at the Forum on GPH-MILF Peace Process held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on 26 April 2017.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/926/dabawenyos_believe_gph_milf_peace_process_will_likely_to_succeed
(L to R) Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for the GPH CCCH and AHJAG. Police Director, DIPO for Western Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Irene Santiago, Chair of Government Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Accord and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command at the Forum on GPH-MILF Peace Process held at Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on 26 April 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO
An online post by Mindanews on July 11 says that Dabawenyos believed the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will more likely succeed than that with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), results of a survey conducted by the University of Mindanao’s Institute of Popular Opinion said.
The survey administered on 1,200 respondents from May 17 to 26 found that 40 percent of them said they do not believe a “final peace agreement” with the NDFP will be achieved.
Thirty-eight percent said a “final peace agreement” with the MILF is not possible.
“It was observed that there are more Dabawenyos who withhold conviction on the peace initiatives with the Moros than with NPAs. Perhaps, they are influenced by the gestures of the two camps. So far, no military engagements with Moro rebels were reported, this is in contravention with the NPA’s case,” the survey said according to Mindanews.
It added, “The MNLF/MILF perhaps are viewed as more serious groups relative to making peace.
UM-IPO director for quantitative studies Adriam Tamayo said the erosion of trust was more on the communists for their perceived inconsistencies in the peace process. (Source: Mindanews)
(L to R) Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for the GPH CCCH and AHJAG. Police Director, DIPO for Western Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Irene Santiago, Chair of the Government Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Accord and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command at the Forum on GPH-MILF Peace Process held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City on 26 April 2017.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/926/dabawenyos_believe_gph_milf_peace_process_will_likely_to_succeed
NDF: Duterte’s dialogue with Bayan shows: change would only come from the people
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 19): Duterte’s dialogue with Bayan shows: change would only come from the people
Press Statement
19 July 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (NDFP RWC-SER) is gravely concerned with the statements made by GPH Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in his dialogue with leaders of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) last July 18.
Duterte’s decline of Bayan’s reasonable plea for the end of martial law and, on the contrary, his push for the further extension of martial law in Mindanao and relatedly the GPH’s insistence for a “prolonged ceasefire” as a precondition for the continuation of the GPH-NDFP peace talks – all these do not at all bide well for the peace negotiations.
All these indicate that the GPH is just looking at the military angle of the crisis in Marawi and of the problems of the whole country, and that the GPH lacks interest to work out with the NDFP fundamental agreements towards solving the socio-economic and also the political-cultural root causes of the armed conflict with the objective of achieving real and lasting peace in the country.
The RWC-SER bilateral teams of both parties have just recently met, and have gradually been making actual headways towards forging an agreement that would break up the age-old feudal land monopoly and pave the way for genuine agrarian reform throughout the country. The talks on socio-economic reforms should even be further accelerated, if only the GPH would take discussions on the NDFP’s proposed draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) more seriously.
Duterte’s supposed openness to other reform measures would eventually all be rendered meaningless, as he tends to scuttle the peace talks and gives in more and more to the interests of and pressures from the military fascists in government and from the US imperialists behind these fascists.
He had earlier said that he would also like to terminate labor contractualizaton, push for free school tuition and for more practical reform measures. None of these would find reality any longer, if the GPH keeps on insisting only at the military aspects of and apparent solutions to the country’s problems, and does not even look at the abuses made by the GPH’s military and at the intrusions of the US troops that have exaggerated and even further worsened the Marawi crisis.
We are calling on the Filipino people to intensify their struggles for real and significant reforms, raise their revolutionary consciousness, strengthen their organized strength, fight for genuine social change, and press for real peace efforts. Let us seek to mobilize hundreds of thousands, and up to millions, to push for progressive reforms that are pro-people – and against policies that are pro-US, fascist, militarist and neoliberal.
Let us intensify struggles for genuine land reform, for the junking of labor contractualization, for the grant of free tuition in schools, and for the release of all political prisoners.
Let us intensify calls to soonest end martial law in Mindanao and to prevent it from being declared throughout the country, to seriously continue with the peace talks, to end the militarization of Lumad communities and other victims of oppression in the countryside, and to junk the Visiting Forces Agreement and other one-sided military treaties with the US.
Genuine change – whether in the form of significant reforms within the current system or of the latter’s revolutionary overthrow – will only come from the collective actions of the Filipino people.
REFERENCE:
Alan Jazmines
Vice-Chairperson, NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms
Contact Number: + 63 949 137 7260
https://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-dialogue-bayan-shows-change-come-people/
Press Statement
19 July 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (NDFP RWC-SER) is gravely concerned with the statements made by GPH Pres. Rodrigo Duterte in his dialogue with leaders of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) last July 18.
Duterte’s decline of Bayan’s reasonable plea for the end of martial law and, on the contrary, his push for the further extension of martial law in Mindanao and relatedly the GPH’s insistence for a “prolonged ceasefire” as a precondition for the continuation of the GPH-NDFP peace talks – all these do not at all bide well for the peace negotiations.
All these indicate that the GPH is just looking at the military angle of the crisis in Marawi and of the problems of the whole country, and that the GPH lacks interest to work out with the NDFP fundamental agreements towards solving the socio-economic and also the political-cultural root causes of the armed conflict with the objective of achieving real and lasting peace in the country.
The RWC-SER bilateral teams of both parties have just recently met, and have gradually been making actual headways towards forging an agreement that would break up the age-old feudal land monopoly and pave the way for genuine agrarian reform throughout the country. The talks on socio-economic reforms should even be further accelerated, if only the GPH would take discussions on the NDFP’s proposed draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) more seriously.
Duterte’s supposed openness to other reform measures would eventually all be rendered meaningless, as he tends to scuttle the peace talks and gives in more and more to the interests of and pressures from the military fascists in government and from the US imperialists behind these fascists.
He had earlier said that he would also like to terminate labor contractualizaton, push for free school tuition and for more practical reform measures. None of these would find reality any longer, if the GPH keeps on insisting only at the military aspects of and apparent solutions to the country’s problems, and does not even look at the abuses made by the GPH’s military and at the intrusions of the US troops that have exaggerated and even further worsened the Marawi crisis.
We are calling on the Filipino people to intensify their struggles for real and significant reforms, raise their revolutionary consciousness, strengthen their organized strength, fight for genuine social change, and press for real peace efforts. Let us seek to mobilize hundreds of thousands, and up to millions, to push for progressive reforms that are pro-people – and against policies that are pro-US, fascist, militarist and neoliberal.
Let us intensify struggles for genuine land reform, for the junking of labor contractualization, for the grant of free tuition in schools, and for the release of all political prisoners.
Let us intensify calls to soonest end martial law in Mindanao and to prevent it from being declared throughout the country, to seriously continue with the peace talks, to end the militarization of Lumad communities and other victims of oppression in the countryside, and to junk the Visiting Forces Agreement and other one-sided military treaties with the US.
Genuine change – whether in the form of significant reforms within the current system or of the latter’s revolutionary overthrow – will only come from the collective actions of the Filipino people.
REFERENCE:
Alan Jazmines
Vice-Chairperson, NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms
Contact Number: + 63 949 137 7260
https://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-dialogue-bayan-shows-change-come-people/
CPP/NPA-Palawan: Magkasunod na aksyong militar ng BHB Palawan, inilunsad!
NPA-Palawan propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 19): Magkasunod na aksyong militar ng BHB Palawan, inilunsad!
Salvador Luminoso, Spokesperson
NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)
19 July 2017
Pinasabugan ng mga elemento ng Mt. Mantalingahan Command (MMC) (NPA-South Palawan) ang isang M35 truck ng 4th MBLT Philippine Marines kahapon petsa 18 bandang 1:05 ng hapon sa Barangay Tarusan Bataraza Palawan. Napinsala ang naturang sasakyan at nagkaroon ng kaswalti na ayon sa mga nakasaksi ay may isang patay at isang sugatan subalit pilalabas ng WESCOM na isang sugatan lamang diumano ang tinamo ng mga sundalo.
Isinagawa ang sapper operation na ito upang parusahan ang mga marines na mula pa noong Hunyo ay patuloy sa paglulunsad ng combat at civil military operation sa bayan ng Brookes Point at Bataraza na nakalikha ng mga dislokasyon at takot sa mga katutubong Palaw’n.
Samantalang kanina lamang bandang 7:30 ng umaga ay isang sparrow operation naman ang isinagawa Virginia Casidsid Command (VCC-NPA North-Palawan) sa mga tauhan din ng 4th MBLT sa barangay Magara Roxas Palawan na nagresulta naman sa pagkapaslang kina Sgt. James Melchor at isang Sgt. Galiste.
Ang mga aksyong ito ng mga yunit ng NPA sa ilalim ng Bienvenido Vallever Command ay tugon sa panawagan ng mga taong bayan na naging biktima ng kanilang mga operasyon militar sa buong lalawigan mula pa noong Hunyo 2017 sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayaan ng rehimeng US Duterte. Kung matatandaan, ang mga bayan ng Bataraza, Brookes Point sa south at Taytay, Coron naman sa north ay priority target ng Oplan Kapayapaan dahil sa mga lugar ding ito nakapukos ang mga proyekto ng gubyerno at mga dayuhang malalaking korporasyon na naging banta sa buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan.
Sa mga tagumpay na ito, malaki ang nagging partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan na patuloy sa walang sawang pagsuporta tulad ng pagbibigay ng ma impormasyon, pinansya at lohistika upang maisagawa ang mga pamamarusa sa kaaway ng masa.
Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Palaweñong patuloy na nakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at kapayapaan!
Mabuhay ang Samabayang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang CPP/NPA/NDFP!
Mabuhay Rebolusyon!
Salvador Luminoso, Spokesperson
NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)
19 July 2017
Pinasabugan ng mga elemento ng Mt. Mantalingahan Command (MMC) (NPA-South Palawan) ang isang M35 truck ng 4th MBLT Philippine Marines kahapon petsa 18 bandang 1:05 ng hapon sa Barangay Tarusan Bataraza Palawan. Napinsala ang naturang sasakyan at nagkaroon ng kaswalti na ayon sa mga nakasaksi ay may isang patay at isang sugatan subalit pilalabas ng WESCOM na isang sugatan lamang diumano ang tinamo ng mga sundalo.
Isinagawa ang sapper operation na ito upang parusahan ang mga marines na mula pa noong Hunyo ay patuloy sa paglulunsad ng combat at civil military operation sa bayan ng Brookes Point at Bataraza na nakalikha ng mga dislokasyon at takot sa mga katutubong Palaw’n.
Samantalang kanina lamang bandang 7:30 ng umaga ay isang sparrow operation naman ang isinagawa Virginia Casidsid Command (VCC-NPA North-Palawan) sa mga tauhan din ng 4th MBLT sa barangay Magara Roxas Palawan na nagresulta naman sa pagkapaslang kina Sgt. James Melchor at isang Sgt. Galiste.
Ang mga aksyong ito ng mga yunit ng NPA sa ilalim ng Bienvenido Vallever Command ay tugon sa panawagan ng mga taong bayan na naging biktima ng kanilang mga operasyon militar sa buong lalawigan mula pa noong Hunyo 2017 sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayaan ng rehimeng US Duterte. Kung matatandaan, ang mga bayan ng Bataraza, Brookes Point sa south at Taytay, Coron naman sa north ay priority target ng Oplan Kapayapaan dahil sa mga lugar ding ito nakapukos ang mga proyekto ng gubyerno at mga dayuhang malalaking korporasyon na naging banta sa buhay at ari-arian ng mga mamamayan.
Sa mga tagumpay na ito, malaki ang nagging partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan na patuloy sa walang sawang pagsuporta tulad ng pagbibigay ng ma impormasyon, pinansya at lohistika upang maisagawa ang mga pamamarusa sa kaaway ng masa.
Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Palaweñong patuloy na nakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at kapayapaan!
Mabuhay ang Samabayang Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang CPP/NPA/NDFP!
Mabuhay Rebolusyon!
CPP/Camarines Sur: Aktibong Depensa ng NPA Laban sa Paggalugad ng 9th IB sa Camarines Sur, Matagumpay!
NPA-Camarines Sur propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 19): Aktibong Depensa ng NPA Laban sa Paggalugad ng 9th IB sa Camarines Sur, Matagumpay!
Michael Robredo, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command)
19 July 2017
Press Release
Isang engkwentro ang naganap sa pagitan ng NPA at ng 9 th IB ng 9 th ID, PA noong Hulyo 19, bandang alas-singko ng hapon, sa Bgy. Salvacion, Ragay, Camarines Sur. Sa labanang tumagal ng 30 minuto, isa ang napatay sa hanay ng AFP. Walang kaswalti sa hanay ng NPA,taliwas sa pahayag ng 9 th ID na isang NPA diumano ang napatay.
Alas dos ng umaga noong Hulyo 18, na-monitor na ng Norben Gruta Command (NPA-West Camarines Sur) ang pagpasok ng tatlong pormasyon ng AFP sa Bgy. Baya, Bgy. Napolidan
at Bgy. Cawayan sa Ragay. Matiyagang sinubaybayan, sinuri at pinaghandaan ng NGC ang galaw ng kaaway. Kinabukasan ng hapon, namataan na ng isang yunit ng NGC ang mga elemento ng Alpha Company ng 9 th IB na pumasok sa Bgy. Salvacion mula sa Bgy. Baya. Hinintay ng mga
Pulang mandirigma ang paglapit ng mga ito, at sa unang bugso ng putok, napatay ang isang elemento ng 9 th IB.
Walang ibang dapat sisihin ang 9 th ID kundi ang sarili nito. Habang patuloy ang paggamit nito sa ilang midya upang paggandahin ang sariling imahe sa gitna ng sunod-sunod na paglabag nito sa mga karapatang pantao, at upang siraan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, patuloy rin ang pagpasok at paggalugad nito sa mga sonang gerilya bilang pagsasakatuparan ng all-out-war nito laban sa kilusan. Patunay ito na sila mismo ang naghahanap ng “gulo”, taliwas sa ibinibintang nitong kaguluhang mula sa NPA.
Ang matagumpay na pagdepensa ng NGC ay patunay din ng suporta ng masa sa kanilang tunay na hukbo. Hindi katulad ng AFP na kailangan pang manakot o magbigay ng pabuya sa
makakapagturo sa NPA, lubos ang tiwala ng NPA sa masa. Sa pamamagitan ng suporta ng masa,naisasapraktika ang taktikang gerilyang “papasukin ang kaaway sa kailaliman”, kung saan nagmimistulang bulag at bingi ang kaaway.
Sa gitna ng muling pagpapatigil ni Duterte sa usapang pangkapayapaan at plano nitong patagalin pa ang batas militar hanggang Disyembre, makakaasa ang masa na magpapatuloy ang Norben Gruta Command sa pagdepensa para sa kanilang kapakanan. Tumatalima ang NGC sa
panawagan ng Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) na maglunsad ng mga kontra-aksyon at opensiba upang labanan ang batas militar at all-out-war.
Tuloy ang laban para sa tunay at matagalang kapayapaan!
Michael Robredo, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command)
19 July 2017
Press Release
Isang engkwentro ang naganap sa pagitan ng NPA at ng 9 th IB ng 9 th ID, PA noong Hulyo 19, bandang alas-singko ng hapon, sa Bgy. Salvacion, Ragay, Camarines Sur. Sa labanang tumagal ng 30 minuto, isa ang napatay sa hanay ng AFP. Walang kaswalti sa hanay ng NPA,taliwas sa pahayag ng 9 th ID na isang NPA diumano ang napatay.
Alas dos ng umaga noong Hulyo 18, na-monitor na ng Norben Gruta Command (NPA-West Camarines Sur) ang pagpasok ng tatlong pormasyon ng AFP sa Bgy. Baya, Bgy. Napolidan
at Bgy. Cawayan sa Ragay. Matiyagang sinubaybayan, sinuri at pinaghandaan ng NGC ang galaw ng kaaway. Kinabukasan ng hapon, namataan na ng isang yunit ng NGC ang mga elemento ng Alpha Company ng 9 th IB na pumasok sa Bgy. Salvacion mula sa Bgy. Baya. Hinintay ng mga
Pulang mandirigma ang paglapit ng mga ito, at sa unang bugso ng putok, napatay ang isang elemento ng 9 th IB.
Walang ibang dapat sisihin ang 9 th ID kundi ang sarili nito. Habang patuloy ang paggamit nito sa ilang midya upang paggandahin ang sariling imahe sa gitna ng sunod-sunod na paglabag nito sa mga karapatang pantao, at upang siraan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, patuloy rin ang pagpasok at paggalugad nito sa mga sonang gerilya bilang pagsasakatuparan ng all-out-war nito laban sa kilusan. Patunay ito na sila mismo ang naghahanap ng “gulo”, taliwas sa ibinibintang nitong kaguluhang mula sa NPA.
Ang matagumpay na pagdepensa ng NGC ay patunay din ng suporta ng masa sa kanilang tunay na hukbo. Hindi katulad ng AFP na kailangan pang manakot o magbigay ng pabuya sa
makakapagturo sa NPA, lubos ang tiwala ng NPA sa masa. Sa pamamagitan ng suporta ng masa,naisasapraktika ang taktikang gerilyang “papasukin ang kaaway sa kailaliman”, kung saan nagmimistulang bulag at bingi ang kaaway.
Sa gitna ng muling pagpapatigil ni Duterte sa usapang pangkapayapaan at plano nitong patagalin pa ang batas militar hanggang Disyembre, makakaasa ang masa na magpapatuloy ang Norben Gruta Command sa pagdepensa para sa kanilang kapakanan. Tumatalima ang NGC sa
panawagan ng Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) na maglunsad ng mga kontra-aksyon at opensiba upang labanan ang batas militar at all-out-war.
Tuloy ang laban para sa tunay at matagalang kapayapaan!
CPP/NPA-Zamboanga: 11 AFP troops killed, 10 wounded in two successive NPA attacks in Zamboanga del Norte
NPA-Zamboanga propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 18): 11 AFP troops killed, 10 wounded in two successive NPA attacks in Zamboanga del Norte
Ka Mario J. Jose, Spokesperson
NPA-Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
17 July 2017
On July 16, at around 5:30 a.m., an NPA platoon under the Zamboanga Peninsla Regional Operations Command ambushed a 22-person unit of the 44th IB (16 army regulars and 6 CAFGU elements) in Purok Biwa, Barangay Titik 1, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. The firefight lasted for one and a half hours up until reinforcements from the military camp in the neighboring barangays of Bukana and Titik 2, both in Sindangan, arrived. Both military units sustained casualties. On the part of the 44th IB, one soldier was killed and seven wounded. On the side of the NPA, five members were woulded. A civilian was shot and killed in the firefight.
At 1:30 on the same day, July 16, another NPA platoon ambushed a KM40 transport vehicle (with 13 regular troopers onboard) from the 42nd IB HQ in Leon Postigo who were sent to reinforce the ambushed troops earlier that day. By combining firepower and command-detonated explosives, a large part of the reinforcing troops was paralyzed and only a few managed to fire back during the two-hour firefight. The arrival of two six-by-six trucks of the 42nd IB prevented the Red fighters from getting the firearms from the first truck which turned over and whose troops were almost entirely pinned down.
The said ambush resulted in 10 AFP regular troops killed and three wounded. The wounded were taken to different emergency hospitals in Sindangan and Dipolog City. On the NPA side, a Red fighter was slightly wounded. Another Red fighter, Ka Masaw, was killed.
The two attacks were carried out in line with the NPA’s principle of active defense. In the face of relentless attacks of the fascist regime, the NPA holds the initiative to fight and launch tactical offensives. Only by defending itself by fighting can it ensure its defense of the interests and victories of the oppressed and exploited masses.
If there is no real people’s army, if this army allows itself to be defeated by being passive in the face of crazed armed attacks by the ruling class, the people’s century-long struggles will not be realized—the peasants’ struggle for their own land to till, the workers’ demand for job security and decent wages for their families, defense of the Lumads’ ancestral lands; to benefit from what is left of our land and sea natural resources through national industrialization and a system of pro-preople and anationalist social services from the cities up to the countryside where majority of the poor will be lifted out from their poverty into a prosperous life.
It is not true that the martial law declaration in Mindanao only targets the Maute group in Marawi City and other terrorist groups such as the ASG and ISIS, which the US through the CIA established and funded. This is because as Marawi City is bombarded, shelled and straffed with bullets, the AFP in truth carries out attacks against the NPA and revolutionary forces not only in Mindanao but in the entire country.
Prior to the NPA ambush in Leon Postigo and Sindangan, 44th IB and 42nd IB troops have repeatedly entered forests, barrios and communities of the Lumad-Subanen to search and destroy the NPA in the guise of anti-drug operations. There are even AFP troops in several barangays in Leon Postigo and Sindangan who ask for support from the residents by posing as Mautes even as operating troops from the 42nd IB are stationed nearby.
On the other hand, the NPA has always supported the struggle for a genuine and lasting peace. The NPA fully support thte NDFP in the current round of peace talks with the GRP. The genuine and lasting peace relies on the founding of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms or CASER’s which the NDFP has pushed to be signed in the next round of talks in August or September 2017. The CASER is the meat of the peace talks.
But if peace means the surrender of the entire revolutionary forces as the Duterte regime carries out its relentless suppression campaign Oplan Bayanihan while showing no interest in resolving the roots of the armed conflict of the last 50 years, then, this is a peace only for the imperialists, big compradors and landlords and bureaucrat-capitalists.
The Duterte regime’s militarist solution to the Philipine social crisis, which it has intensified through Duterte’s all-out war and martial law in Mindanao, will surely fail. Like during the time of Marcos, martial law will not solve and will even exacerbate the crisis.
Red salute to the Red fighters of the New People’s Army, the people’s true army, dare to struggle and win!
Ka Mario J. Jose, Spokesperson
NPA-Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
17 July 2017
On July 16, at around 5:30 a.m., an NPA platoon under the Zamboanga Peninsla Regional Operations Command ambushed a 22-person unit of the 44th IB (16 army regulars and 6 CAFGU elements) in Purok Biwa, Barangay Titik 1, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. The firefight lasted for one and a half hours up until reinforcements from the military camp in the neighboring barangays of Bukana and Titik 2, both in Sindangan, arrived. Both military units sustained casualties. On the part of the 44th IB, one soldier was killed and seven wounded. On the side of the NPA, five members were woulded. A civilian was shot and killed in the firefight.
At 1:30 on the same day, July 16, another NPA platoon ambushed a KM40 transport vehicle (with 13 regular troopers onboard) from the 42nd IB HQ in Leon Postigo who were sent to reinforce the ambushed troops earlier that day. By combining firepower and command-detonated explosives, a large part of the reinforcing troops was paralyzed and only a few managed to fire back during the two-hour firefight. The arrival of two six-by-six trucks of the 42nd IB prevented the Red fighters from getting the firearms from the first truck which turned over and whose troops were almost entirely pinned down.
The said ambush resulted in 10 AFP regular troops killed and three wounded. The wounded were taken to different emergency hospitals in Sindangan and Dipolog City. On the NPA side, a Red fighter was slightly wounded. Another Red fighter, Ka Masaw, was killed.
The two attacks were carried out in line with the NPA’s principle of active defense. In the face of relentless attacks of the fascist regime, the NPA holds the initiative to fight and launch tactical offensives. Only by defending itself by fighting can it ensure its defense of the interests and victories of the oppressed and exploited masses.
If there is no real people’s army, if this army allows itself to be defeated by being passive in the face of crazed armed attacks by the ruling class, the people’s century-long struggles will not be realized—the peasants’ struggle for their own land to till, the workers’ demand for job security and decent wages for their families, defense of the Lumads’ ancestral lands; to benefit from what is left of our land and sea natural resources through national industrialization and a system of pro-preople and anationalist social services from the cities up to the countryside where majority of the poor will be lifted out from their poverty into a prosperous life.
It is not true that the martial law declaration in Mindanao only targets the Maute group in Marawi City and other terrorist groups such as the ASG and ISIS, which the US through the CIA established and funded. This is because as Marawi City is bombarded, shelled and straffed with bullets, the AFP in truth carries out attacks against the NPA and revolutionary forces not only in Mindanao but in the entire country.
Prior to the NPA ambush in Leon Postigo and Sindangan, 44th IB and 42nd IB troops have repeatedly entered forests, barrios and communities of the Lumad-Subanen to search and destroy the NPA in the guise of anti-drug operations. There are even AFP troops in several barangays in Leon Postigo and Sindangan who ask for support from the residents by posing as Mautes even as operating troops from the 42nd IB are stationed nearby.
On the other hand, the NPA has always supported the struggle for a genuine and lasting peace. The NPA fully support thte NDFP in the current round of peace talks with the GRP. The genuine and lasting peace relies on the founding of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms or CASER’s which the NDFP has pushed to be signed in the next round of talks in August or September 2017. The CASER is the meat of the peace talks.
But if peace means the surrender of the entire revolutionary forces as the Duterte regime carries out its relentless suppression campaign Oplan Bayanihan while showing no interest in resolving the roots of the armed conflict of the last 50 years, then, this is a peace only for the imperialists, big compradors and landlords and bureaucrat-capitalists.
The Duterte regime’s militarist solution to the Philipine social crisis, which it has intensified through Duterte’s all-out war and martial law in Mindanao, will surely fail. Like during the time of Marcos, martial law will not solve and will even exacerbate the crisis.
Red salute to the Red fighters of the New People’s Army, the people’s true army, dare to struggle and win!
CPP: On the plan to extend martial law in Mindanao to end of year
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 18): On the plan to extend martial law in Mindanao to end of year
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
18 July 2017
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) firmly denounces the plan of GRP President Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao up to December 31, 2017. This will result in worse military and police abuses. It will prolong the restrictions against civil and political freedom and aggravate violations of people’s democratic rights. It will further suppress the truth to control the narrative to favor the AFP.
Duterte continues to build the foundations of authoritarian rule under US imperialist tutelage. His supermajority of congressional sycophants are likely to approve without question Duterte’s Mindanao martial law extension plan.
Duterte wants to extend martial law in the vain hope of completing the suppression of the armed resistance in Marawi City. He has launched a war which he cannot finish. The Duterte-US-AFP war has roused the Moro people to take up arms to seek retribution for all the death and destruction perpetrated by the fascist siege and incessant aerial bombardment of Marawi City. They demand a halt to the siege in order to return to their homes. The submission of the revamped draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law as an urgent bill in congress will fail to pacify the Moro people whose oppression has been underscored again by Duterte’s war to suppress their aspirations. A conflagration of Moro armed resistance is bound to flare up across the Bangsamoro.
Martial law in Mindanao is directed at the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Party-led forces as much as the Moro people. AFP armed offensives against the NPA have been stepped-up over the past two months. Aerial bombings and shellings have been carried out in North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and elsewhere. Workers rights have been suppressed. Attacks against civilian communities have stepped up. Paramilitaries have been emboldened by martial law and are subjecting the Lumad people to threats and harassments. Across Mindanao, at least 10,000 people have been forced to evacuate in less than two months in addition to the 410,000 evacuees from Marawi and nearby towns.
Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao or nationwide, is an assault on every Filipino’s rights and freedom. Under its camouflage, US military forces are carrying out outright intervention through electronic surveillance and use of attack drones especially at night. It is set to be further reinforced by plans to implement a national ID system, which can be weaponized to restrict the people’s rights to free movement and as a tool for mass surveilance. With Mindanao martial law extension and threat of expansion, Duterte can exercise the power to railroad his tax reform plan and other economic policies and infrastructure projects that are detrimental to the people’s rights and interests.
Thus, it is imperative for the entire Filipino people to vigorously oppose this plan. Revolutionary forces nationwide are firmly united and ever determined to resist martial law in Mindanao. The New People’s Army must continue to strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
18 July 2017
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) firmly denounces the plan of GRP President Duterte to extend martial law in Mindanao up to December 31, 2017. This will result in worse military and police abuses. It will prolong the restrictions against civil and political freedom and aggravate violations of people’s democratic rights. It will further suppress the truth to control the narrative to favor the AFP.
Duterte continues to build the foundations of authoritarian rule under US imperialist tutelage. His supermajority of congressional sycophants are likely to approve without question Duterte’s Mindanao martial law extension plan.
Duterte wants to extend martial law in the vain hope of completing the suppression of the armed resistance in Marawi City. He has launched a war which he cannot finish. The Duterte-US-AFP war has roused the Moro people to take up arms to seek retribution for all the death and destruction perpetrated by the fascist siege and incessant aerial bombardment of Marawi City. They demand a halt to the siege in order to return to their homes. The submission of the revamped draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law as an urgent bill in congress will fail to pacify the Moro people whose oppression has been underscored again by Duterte’s war to suppress their aspirations. A conflagration of Moro armed resistance is bound to flare up across the Bangsamoro.
Martial law in Mindanao is directed at the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Party-led forces as much as the Moro people. AFP armed offensives against the NPA have been stepped-up over the past two months. Aerial bombings and shellings have been carried out in North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and elsewhere. Workers rights have been suppressed. Attacks against civilian communities have stepped up. Paramilitaries have been emboldened by martial law and are subjecting the Lumad people to threats and harassments. Across Mindanao, at least 10,000 people have been forced to evacuate in less than two months in addition to the 410,000 evacuees from Marawi and nearby towns.
Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao or nationwide, is an assault on every Filipino’s rights and freedom. Under its camouflage, US military forces are carrying out outright intervention through electronic surveillance and use of attack drones especially at night. It is set to be further reinforced by plans to implement a national ID system, which can be weaponized to restrict the people’s rights to free movement and as a tool for mass surveilance. With Mindanao martial law extension and threat of expansion, Duterte can exercise the power to railroad his tax reform plan and other economic policies and infrastructure projects that are detrimental to the people’s rights and interests.
Thus, it is imperative for the entire Filipino people to vigorously oppose this plan. Revolutionary forces nationwide are firmly united and ever determined to resist martial law in Mindanao. The New People’s Army must continue to strengthen itself nationwide by carrying out armed counteractions and offensives across the country to defeat the Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.
Safety of troops prompted acquisition of new pistols
From Update Philippines (Jul 19): Safety of troops prompted acquisition of new pistols
Concern for the safety and well-being of the country’s soldiers prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to provide .45 caliber pistols to all military personnel.
This was after the Chief Executive turned over 3,000 of the above-mentioned weapons to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año during short ceremonies in Malacanang Palace Tuesday.
“Realizing that most uniformed personnel from the AFP could not afford to buy for themselves hand guns with their meager salaries, President Duterte pledged to provide pistols to all soldiers within his term. The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the fact that soldiers are always exposed to danger in implementing his orders and in fulfilling their mandate to secure the country from lawless elements,” Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, said in his speech, in behalf of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“During the President’s visit to the Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last April 6, 2017, the defense department was directed to provide caliber .45 pistols to all soldiers to better protect themselves during military operations. Like a good soldier, we immediately requested for an emergency procurement for 3,000 units of caliber .45 pistol. This acquisition is also part of the First Horizon of the revised Modernization Program of the AFP,” he added.
The pistol acquisition project was undertaken by the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) under negotiated procurement mode with ARMSCOR Global Defence, Inc., pursuant to Section 53.2 (Emergency Cases) of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.
In line with his flagship program of ridding the country against illegal drugs, Duterte likewise stressed the need for soldiers to have pistols other than their service firearms to use during operations against criminality and drugs.
During his visits to soldiers in various camps, the Chief Executive has always emphasized the need for military personnel to always carry with them hand guns which they can use to protect themselves and their families from threats or actual attacks of rebels, terrorists and other enemies of the state, especially after their military operations, or whenever they are outside military camps and even during their authorized rest and recreation period.
https://www.update.ph/2017/07/safety-of-troops-prompted-acquisition-of-new-pistols/19207
Concern for the safety and well-being of the country’s soldiers prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to provide .45 caliber pistols to all military personnel.
This was after the Chief Executive turned over 3,000 of the above-mentioned weapons to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año during short ceremonies in Malacanang Palace Tuesday.
“Realizing that most uniformed personnel from the AFP could not afford to buy for themselves hand guns with their meager salaries, President Duterte pledged to provide pistols to all soldiers within his term. The Commander-in-Chief acknowledges the fact that soldiers are always exposed to danger in implementing his orders and in fulfilling their mandate to secure the country from lawless elements,” Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, said in his speech, in behalf of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
“During the President’s visit to the Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last April 6, 2017, the defense department was directed to provide caliber .45 pistols to all soldiers to better protect themselves during military operations. Like a good soldier, we immediately requested for an emergency procurement for 3,000 units of caliber .45 pistol. This acquisition is also part of the First Horizon of the revised Modernization Program of the AFP,” he added.
The pistol acquisition project was undertaken by the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) under negotiated procurement mode with ARMSCOR Global Defence, Inc., pursuant to Section 53.2 (Emergency Cases) of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184.
In line with his flagship program of ridding the country against illegal drugs, Duterte likewise stressed the need for soldiers to have pistols other than their service firearms to use during operations against criminality and drugs.
During his visits to soldiers in various camps, the Chief Executive has always emphasized the need for military personnel to always carry with them hand guns which they can use to protect themselves and their families from threats or actual attacks of rebels, terrorists and other enemies of the state, especially after their military operations, or whenever they are outside military camps and even during their authorized rest and recreation period.
https://www.update.ph/2017/07/safety-of-troops-prompted-acquisition-of-new-pistols/19207
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