NPA-Far South Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 9): NPA raids Sumifru plantation in South Cotabato
Dencio Madrigal, Spokesperson
NPA-Far South Mindanao (Valentin Palamine Command)
9 October 2017
Various company facilities were torched and at least four service arms were confiscated by the NPA in a raid in Sumifru Corporation’s banana plantation in Sityo Lakag, Brgy. New Dumangas, T’boli, South Cotabato. The attack took place at around 10:30 in the evening in October 2, 2017.
The raid which was carried out by the Neptune Unit of the Mt. Musa Subregional Operations Command of the NPA-FSMR is a punitive action meted against the multinational agri-corporation for its persistent land grabbing, environmental destructions and unjust labor policies.
The NPA Red fighters confiscated two 9mm handguns, two shotguns, and two handheld radios from the security guards on duty. They also burned down a container van, two tanker trucks, a packing plant and a warehouse building.
The damages to company properties figure to a total of at least six million pesos.
The NPA-FSMR is ever determined to ceaselessly defend the people against local and foreign plunderers. It is set to pull off further punitive actions amidst the all-out war of the US-Duterte regime that clearly stands for the oligarchs.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171009-npa-raids-sumifru-plantation-in-south-cotabato
Thursday, October 12, 2017
CPP/NPA-Cental Negros: Bayaran nga Organisadong Sindikatong Grupo nila Jim Paul D. Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores, mga Kabutigan Ginbayaran
NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 10): Bayaran nga Organisadong Sindikatong Grupo nila Jim Paul D. Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores, mga Kabutigan Ginbayaran
JB Regalado, Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
10 October 2017
Press Release
Wala kamatuoran nga naka-istorya ang NPA kay Spo1 Joshua Barili sa isa ka Food Shop sa Bacolod City sadtong July 2017 upod kay Albert Lacerna alyas Ka Ambit nga kuno District Commander sang NPA sa Central Negros paagi sa bulig sang isa ka beterano kag bantog nga mediaman kag journalista nga si Mr. Edgar Cadagat.
Una, wala sa patakaran sang NPA ang pagpakig-istorya kay bisan sin-o man sa mga pangpubliko nga mga lugar pareho sang isa ka kalan-an sa Bacolod City. Wala man sa patakaran sang NPA nga bisan sin-o lang ang magtaytay kag mag-istorya sa mga indibidwal ilabe na sa mga elemento sang kaaway kaangay ni Spo1 Joshua Barili nga wala sang organisado, solido kag kolektibo nga kasugot. Wala gid sa roster sang NPA ang nagahingalan nga si Albert Lacerna alyas Ka Ambit nga nagatindog nga opisyal kag kumander sang NPA sa Central Negros.
Sin-o man nga gusto makigsugilanon sa NPA dapat mag-adoptar kag magsunod siya sa mga patakaran kag palisiya sang NPA angot sa sini nga mga hambalanon. SOP na sa NPA nga ginatigayon sa sulod sang baseng masa kag sakop sang teritoryo sang NPA kag rebolusyonaryong hublag ang pagpakig-istorya pareho ni Barili kag iban pa nga elemento sang kaaway nga gusto mag-angot sa NPA. Ini hugot nga ginasunod kag indi basta-basta nga lapason sang bisan sin-o man nga elemento sang NPA ang 3 ka disiplina kag 8 ka punto nga nabalhag sa pagsulundan sang NPA ilabe na ang una nga disiplina nga “Sundon ang Tanan nga Mando sa Paghulag.”
Ikaduha, kabutigan man nga naghatag sang mga nagkalain-lain nga mga armas si Spo1 Joshua Barili kaangay sang M16, M14, AK47, handguns kag iban pa nga assorted ammunitions sa NPA paagi kay Albert Lacerna. Wala man kamatuoran nga ginhatag ni Barili ang M72-LAW System ukon mini-bazooka sa NPA nga sa diin suno nila Jim Paul Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores sa ila open statement sa print media sadtong Oktubre 5, 2017, ini nga mga armas kag bala gingamit sang NPA sa pag-ambus sa PNP Guihulngan nga gintaliwan sang 6 ka mga kapulisan ilabe na ni PSupt. Arnel Arpon kag pagkapilas pa sang 3 pa ka iban. Hugot man ginapatuman kag ginasunod sang NPA ang disiplina nga “Ang Tanan nga Nakumpiska, I-sentralisa kay Partido ang Magtalana.”
Isa ini ka “heresy” ukon indi mapatihan nga mga palayag sa publiko. Tuyo lang sang 3 (Elizalde, Gepullano kag Flores) nga i-angot si Spo1 Joshua Barili sa NPA kag dugangan ang mga kuno nakomiter nga krimen ni Barili sa reaksyunaryong estado. Gusto man sang 3 nga ilupot sa prisohan si Barili para pahipuson sa ila mga illegal kag organisadong sindikato nga mga aktibidad. Dugang pa nga gusto man nila nga i-angot si Cadagat kay Barili kag sa NPA.
Sila Elizalde, Gepullano kag Flores daw mga idu-buang nga ginpataghol sang mga pabrikado nga mga palayag batok kay Barili kag Cadagat sa mando sang AFP, PNP, NBI kag PDEA katumbas sang kantidad sang kwarta bilang bayad sa ila ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” Peña sang Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Matuod man nga dapat maghalong ang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga state security forces sa ila pagpang-atake sa mga yunit sang NPA tungod indi lang Light Anti-Tank Weapon System ang armas sang NPA kundi may mga masobra pa.
Bisan ang US-Duterte nga rehimen angot sa iya ginalunsar nga gyera kag kampanya kontra-druga, kontra-terorismo kag kontra-insurhensiya idalom sang US-CIA Oplan Kapayapaan, dapat maghalong man indi lang sa NPA kundi sa malapad nga masa sang pumuluyo diin amo ang tunay nga baganihan kag tagtuga sang kasaysayan.
Samtang ang mga bayaran kag organisadong sindikato nga mga grupo kaangay nila Jim Paul Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores nga matuod imbolbado sa mga kontra-sosyal nga gawi, gun for hire, tunay nga nagahatag proteksyon sa pagbaligya sang illegal nga druga kag iban pa nga mga sinindikato, illegal nga mga aktibidad kag mga kontra-pumuluyo nga mga kalakasan kag kagarukan ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” Peña.
Ang LPC-NPA indi gid mag-untat lagas sa inyo. Mangatubang kamo sang nagakaigo nga silot matapos nga mapamatud-an sang Korte sang Pumuluyo sa proseso sang pagbista ang kabug-aton sang kaso nga inyo nakomiter.
JB Regalado, Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
10 October 2017
Press Release
Wala kamatuoran nga naka-istorya ang NPA kay Spo1 Joshua Barili sa isa ka Food Shop sa Bacolod City sadtong July 2017 upod kay Albert Lacerna alyas Ka Ambit nga kuno District Commander sang NPA sa Central Negros paagi sa bulig sang isa ka beterano kag bantog nga mediaman kag journalista nga si Mr. Edgar Cadagat.
Una, wala sa patakaran sang NPA ang pagpakig-istorya kay bisan sin-o man sa mga pangpubliko nga mga lugar pareho sang isa ka kalan-an sa Bacolod City. Wala man sa patakaran sang NPA nga bisan sin-o lang ang magtaytay kag mag-istorya sa mga indibidwal ilabe na sa mga elemento sang kaaway kaangay ni Spo1 Joshua Barili nga wala sang organisado, solido kag kolektibo nga kasugot. Wala gid sa roster sang NPA ang nagahingalan nga si Albert Lacerna alyas Ka Ambit nga nagatindog nga opisyal kag kumander sang NPA sa Central Negros.
Sin-o man nga gusto makigsugilanon sa NPA dapat mag-adoptar kag magsunod siya sa mga patakaran kag palisiya sang NPA angot sa sini nga mga hambalanon. SOP na sa NPA nga ginatigayon sa sulod sang baseng masa kag sakop sang teritoryo sang NPA kag rebolusyonaryong hublag ang pagpakig-istorya pareho ni Barili kag iban pa nga elemento sang kaaway nga gusto mag-angot sa NPA. Ini hugot nga ginasunod kag indi basta-basta nga lapason sang bisan sin-o man nga elemento sang NPA ang 3 ka disiplina kag 8 ka punto nga nabalhag sa pagsulundan sang NPA ilabe na ang una nga disiplina nga “Sundon ang Tanan nga Mando sa Paghulag.”
Ikaduha, kabutigan man nga naghatag sang mga nagkalain-lain nga mga armas si Spo1 Joshua Barili kaangay sang M16, M14, AK47, handguns kag iban pa nga assorted ammunitions sa NPA paagi kay Albert Lacerna. Wala man kamatuoran nga ginhatag ni Barili ang M72-LAW System ukon mini-bazooka sa NPA nga sa diin suno nila Jim Paul Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores sa ila open statement sa print media sadtong Oktubre 5, 2017, ini nga mga armas kag bala gingamit sang NPA sa pag-ambus sa PNP Guihulngan nga gintaliwan sang 6 ka mga kapulisan ilabe na ni PSupt. Arnel Arpon kag pagkapilas pa sang 3 pa ka iban. Hugot man ginapatuman kag ginasunod sang NPA ang disiplina nga “Ang Tanan nga Nakumpiska, I-sentralisa kay Partido ang Magtalana.”
Isa ini ka “heresy” ukon indi mapatihan nga mga palayag sa publiko. Tuyo lang sang 3 (Elizalde, Gepullano kag Flores) nga i-angot si Spo1 Joshua Barili sa NPA kag dugangan ang mga kuno nakomiter nga krimen ni Barili sa reaksyunaryong estado. Gusto man sang 3 nga ilupot sa prisohan si Barili para pahipuson sa ila mga illegal kag organisadong sindikato nga mga aktibidad. Dugang pa nga gusto man nila nga i-angot si Cadagat kay Barili kag sa NPA.
Sila Elizalde, Gepullano kag Flores daw mga idu-buang nga ginpataghol sang mga pabrikado nga mga palayag batok kay Barili kag Cadagat sa mando sang AFP, PNP, NBI kag PDEA katumbas sang kantidad sang kwarta bilang bayad sa ila ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” Peña sang Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Matuod man nga dapat maghalong ang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga state security forces sa ila pagpang-atake sa mga yunit sang NPA tungod indi lang Light Anti-Tank Weapon System ang armas sang NPA kundi may mga masobra pa.
Bisan ang US-Duterte nga rehimen angot sa iya ginalunsar nga gyera kag kampanya kontra-druga, kontra-terorismo kag kontra-insurhensiya idalom sang US-CIA Oplan Kapayapaan, dapat maghalong man indi lang sa NPA kundi sa malapad nga masa sang pumuluyo diin amo ang tunay nga baganihan kag tagtuga sang kasaysayan.
Samtang ang mga bayaran kag organisadong sindikato nga mga grupo kaangay nila Jim Paul Elizalde, Jerry Gepullano kag Roy Flores nga matuod imbolbado sa mga kontra-sosyal nga gawi, gun for hire, tunay nga nagahatag proteksyon sa pagbaligya sang illegal nga druga kag iban pa nga mga sinindikato, illegal nga mga aktibidad kag mga kontra-pumuluyo nga mga kalakasan kag kagarukan ni Mayor Magdaleno “Magsie” Peña.
Ang LPC-NPA indi gid mag-untat lagas sa inyo. Mangatubang kamo sang nagakaigo nga silot matapos nga mapamatud-an sang Korte sang Pumuluyo sa proseso sang pagbista ang kabug-aton sang kaso nga inyo nakomiter.
CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Brigands and Thieves in Camarines Norte are Agents and Under the Protection of the 9th ID, PA
NPA-Camarines Norte propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 10): Brigands and Thieves in Camarines Norte are Agents and Under the Protection of the 9th ID, PA
Carlito Cada, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)
10 October 2017
Press Release
The Armando Catapia Command (ACC – NPA Camarines Norte) wishes to inform the public that the revolutionary movement has no connection with the following:
1. Jonel Sayno Alcanzo, alias “Bro” or “Jo”
2. Sammy Pacinos of Sitio Nagitin, Barangay Capakuan, Paracale
3. Saldy Rile, alias “Gigi”
4. Jose Gutierrez of Sitio Tidi, Barangay Sta. Rosa Sur, Jose Panganiban
5. Rodel Medinilla, alias “Caloy”, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Jose Panganiban
6. Ronnie “Totoy” Archibedo of Barangay Alayao, Capalonga
These personalities are brigands and thieves operating in the municipalities of Jose Panganiban, Paracale and parts of Labo in Camarines Norte, Bicol, where they target small mining operations, businessmen and well-to-do citizens. Some of their cases are the following:
1. Discrediting the policy of the People’s Democratic Government on revolutionary taxes and posing as members of the New People’s Army
2. Drug trafficking
3. Armed robbery
4. Extortion and threats of kidnap and arson for those who do not comply
These criminal activities – which are against the iron discipline and the laws of the revolutionary movement – are, in fact, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). The ACC has received reports that Sammy Pacinos is directly connected with the 9th ID,PA, as evidenced by his frequent visits to the division camp in Pili, Camarines Sur. Jose Guitierrez works directly with Pacinos. Medinilla and Archibedo are active CAFGU elements of the Delta Company, 22nd Cadre Batallion.
The formation of paramilitary ang impostor groups are part of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU’s design to confuse the public and thus, hinder the unity and cooperation of the people. Military and pollice officials protect and supervise these criminal activities for their personal gain as well.
The People’s Democratic Government, as representative of revolutionary political power, has the right to levy taxes within its territory. These taxes are reasonable and are used for community services. No matter how hard the reactionary state agents try to discredit the revolutionary movement, the NPA, through genuine service as the true soldiers of the people, have already firmly established unity and cooperation with and among the people.
The ACC calls upon the people to be vigilant and critical when dealing with those who introduce themselves as members of the NPA. The NPA conducts its duties, not through violence and intimidation, but based on the level of political power of the masses. This means that progress in dealing with the middle forces is the result of rigorous advances in educating, organizing and mobilizing the people. The ACC also encourages the public to inform the nearest NPA unit in their area regarding complaints against enemy state agents. Rest assured that complaints will be heard and acted upon, after thorough investigation.
The ACC warns those who are using the name of the New People’s Army for their personal gain and for sowing confusion and fear among the people. Punitive actions for violations will be carried out, as per the Law and Justice of the People’s Democratic Government.
Carlito Cada, Spokesperson
NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)
10 October 2017
Press Release
The Armando Catapia Command (ACC – NPA Camarines Norte) wishes to inform the public that the revolutionary movement has no connection with the following:
1. Jonel Sayno Alcanzo, alias “Bro” or “Jo”
2. Sammy Pacinos of Sitio Nagitin, Barangay Capakuan, Paracale
3. Saldy Rile, alias “Gigi”
4. Jose Gutierrez of Sitio Tidi, Barangay Sta. Rosa Sur, Jose Panganiban
5. Rodel Medinilla, alias “Caloy”, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Jose Panganiban
6. Ronnie “Totoy” Archibedo of Barangay Alayao, Capalonga
These personalities are brigands and thieves operating in the municipalities of Jose Panganiban, Paracale and parts of Labo in Camarines Norte, Bicol, where they target small mining operations, businessmen and well-to-do citizens. Some of their cases are the following:
1. Discrediting the policy of the People’s Democratic Government on revolutionary taxes and posing as members of the New People’s Army
2. Drug trafficking
3. Armed robbery
4. Extortion and threats of kidnap and arson for those who do not comply
These criminal activities – which are against the iron discipline and the laws of the revolutionary movement – are, in fact, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). The ACC has received reports that Sammy Pacinos is directly connected with the 9th ID,PA, as evidenced by his frequent visits to the division camp in Pili, Camarines Sur. Jose Guitierrez works directly with Pacinos. Medinilla and Archibedo are active CAFGU elements of the Delta Company, 22nd Cadre Batallion.
The formation of paramilitary ang impostor groups are part of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU’s design to confuse the public and thus, hinder the unity and cooperation of the people. Military and pollice officials protect and supervise these criminal activities for their personal gain as well.
The People’s Democratic Government, as representative of revolutionary political power, has the right to levy taxes within its territory. These taxes are reasonable and are used for community services. No matter how hard the reactionary state agents try to discredit the revolutionary movement, the NPA, through genuine service as the true soldiers of the people, have already firmly established unity and cooperation with and among the people.
The ACC calls upon the people to be vigilant and critical when dealing with those who introduce themselves as members of the NPA. The NPA conducts its duties, not through violence and intimidation, but based on the level of political power of the masses. This means that progress in dealing with the middle forces is the result of rigorous advances in educating, organizing and mobilizing the people. The ACC also encourages the public to inform the nearest NPA unit in their area regarding complaints against enemy state agents. Rest assured that complaints will be heard and acted upon, after thorough investigation.
The ACC warns those who are using the name of the New People’s Army for their personal gain and for sowing confusion and fear among the people. Punitive actions for violations will be carried out, as per the Law and Justice of the People’s Democratic Government.
CPP/NPA-NCM: NPA Bags 22 Firearms in a Punitive Action Against DAVCO
NPA-North Central Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 10): NPA Bags 22 Firearms in a Punitive Action Against DAVCO
Ka Malem Mabini, Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao
10 October 2017
THE NEW PEOPLE’S ARMY – North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) lauds the Red fighters of South Central Bukidnon – Subregional Command (SCB-SRC) for their triumphant attack against the Davao Ventures Corporation (DAVCO), a multinational company, in Barangay Merangeran, Quezon, Bukidnon on October 8, 2017, 4:15 PM.
DAVCO was formerly owned by the Del Rosario family and Antonio Leviste. At present, it operates through a foreign investor from Brazil. The revolutionary forces had previously launched two punitive actions against the said agri-venture company as a constant reminder for them not to aggressively expand in agricultural areas where staple food crops such as rice and corn are cultivated. The revolutionary forces also aimed for the environmental protection since it operates near a populated area. Land inundation and health hazards due to poisonous chemicals used by the said company are always imminent.
The Red fighters during the attack paralyzed a boom spray, a tractor, a water tanker, two backhoes, a chemical mixer and razed a supply depot where toxic chemicals are stored. Meanwhile, the Red fighters seized assorted firearms from the investment defense units, namely the Mongoose Security Agency and Fireball Security Agency. Without a single shot fired, they clutched 22 firearms including 12 M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, a sniper rifle, four shotguns, three .45 caliber pistols, a 9mm, live ammunitions and communications equipment. The said military action was clocked at 40 minutes and the said NPA unit safely withdrew afterwards.
This military action will serve as a deterrent to the US-Duterte regime’s plan in Mindanao regarding export-oriented and commercial crops such as palm oil, pineapple, banana, cacao, rubber through aggressive expansion by the millions of hectares.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171010-npa-bags-22-firearms-in-a-punitive-action-against-davco
Ka Malem Mabini, Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao
10 October 2017
THE NEW PEOPLE’S ARMY – North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) lauds the Red fighters of South Central Bukidnon – Subregional Command (SCB-SRC) for their triumphant attack against the Davao Ventures Corporation (DAVCO), a multinational company, in Barangay Merangeran, Quezon, Bukidnon on October 8, 2017, 4:15 PM.
DAVCO was formerly owned by the Del Rosario family and Antonio Leviste. At present, it operates through a foreign investor from Brazil. The revolutionary forces had previously launched two punitive actions against the said agri-venture company as a constant reminder for them not to aggressively expand in agricultural areas where staple food crops such as rice and corn are cultivated. The revolutionary forces also aimed for the environmental protection since it operates near a populated area. Land inundation and health hazards due to poisonous chemicals used by the said company are always imminent.
The Red fighters during the attack paralyzed a boom spray, a tractor, a water tanker, two backhoes, a chemical mixer and razed a supply depot where toxic chemicals are stored. Meanwhile, the Red fighters seized assorted firearms from the investment defense units, namely the Mongoose Security Agency and Fireball Security Agency. Without a single shot fired, they clutched 22 firearms including 12 M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, a sniper rifle, four shotguns, three .45 caliber pistols, a 9mm, live ammunitions and communications equipment. The said military action was clocked at 40 minutes and the said NPA unit safely withdrew afterwards.
This military action will serve as a deterrent to the US-Duterte regime’s plan in Mindanao regarding export-oriented and commercial crops such as palm oil, pineapple, banana, cacao, rubber through aggressive expansion by the millions of hectares.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171010-npa-bags-22-firearms-in-a-punitive-action-against-davco
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Labanan ang Sumisidhing Banta ng Batas Militar ng Rehimeng US-Duterte! Ipagtanggol ang Karapatang Tao at Kalayaang Sibil ng Mamamayan!
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 10): Labanan ang Sumisidhing Banta ng Batas Militar ng Rehimeng US-Duterte! Ipagtanggol ang Karapatang Tao at Kalayaang Sibil ng Mamamayan!
Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)
10 October 2017
Kaisa ng masang Bikolnon ang NDF-Bikol sa pagkundena at paniningil sa sunud-sunod na hakbangin ng rehimeng US-Duterte upang ibuslo ang sambayanan sa bitag ng Batas Militar. Lalong nagiging mapangahas si Duterte at kanyang mga alagad sa paglikha ng samu’t saring pamamaraan upang ikundisyon ang taumbayan sa posibilidad ng Batas Militar. Lantaran nang sinusubukan ng mga alipures ni Duterte sa lokal na gubyerno at kasundaluhan ang pagpapatupad ng mga ordinansa at aktibidad na hayagang lumalabag sa karapatan at kalayaan ng mamamayan.
Sa Kabikulan, naalarma ang mamamayan sa paglitaw ng Executive Order No. 26-2017 ni Noel Rosal, alkalde ng bayan ng Legazpi. Kung naipatupad ang mapanupil na ordinansang ito, mabibigyang-laya ang mga upisyales ng lokal na gubyernong panghimasukan ang mga pribadong aktibidad ng kanilang nasasakupan. Oobligahin ang mga mananatili sa naturang bayan nang higit sa 24 oras na pumirma at itala ang dahilan ng kanilang pagpunta. Malinaw na layunin ng nabanggit na ordinansa ang sanayin ang mamamayan na pinanghihimasukan ang kanilang mga kalayaang sibil at sukatin ang reaksyon ng madla sa hayagang pasismo ng estado.
Kasabay nito, sunud-sunod din ang ilinunsad na mga pulong-propaganda ng 9th IDPA sa iba’t ibang unibersidad at kolehiyo sa rehiyon. Laman ng kanilang mga ipinamahaging polyeto ang simplistiko at ilohikal na argumentong laging dumudulo ang paggigiit ng mga demokratikong interes sa komunismo. Nitong nakaraan, napabalita rin ang pagmamanman na isinagawa ng mga elemento ng militar sa labas ng Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU). Napag-alaman din ang paglalagay ng AFP sa kanilang ‘watchlist’ ng mga publikasyong pangkampus ng Camarines Sur Polytechnic College-Nabua (The Spark), ADNU (The Pillars), Mariners Polytechnic College Foundation (Seafarer’s Gazette) at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (The Stateans). Sa esensya, sinusupil ng kasundaluhan ang makatwirang pagkilos ng mga sektor para sa kanilang mga karaingan at binabantaan ang mga bahagi ng lehitimong organisasyon na sila ay itinuturing na target ng karahasan ng estado. Sinasalamin nito ang kalabnawan ng pagkaintindi ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kilusang masa at ang kanilang baluktot na paniniwalang walang ipinag-iba ang mga kombatant na direktang kalahok sa armadong pakikibaka sa mga sibilyang isinasapraktika lamang ang kanilang mga karapatang sibil na magpahayag at mag-organisa.
Patuloy din ang pagpapalobo ng institusyon ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa pekeng ugong ng terorismo at insurhensya sa rehiyon. Makailang ulit nang ilinagay sa red alert status ang buong rehiyon dahil sa mga gawa-gawang insidente ng banta ng pagpapasabog, pagsalakay at panggugulo ng NPA sa iba’t ibang aktibidad tulad ng naudlot na ASEAN Summit sa Legazpi at sa nagdaang Penafrancia Festival sa Naga. Sa totoo, sa sukdulang pagkabahag ng buntot ng mersenaryong hukbo sa patuloy na paglakas ng CPP-NPA-NDFP, nagpapalaganap na lamang ito ng mga pekeng balita upang takutin ang mamamayan at sirain ang prestihiyo ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Ang pambabansag ng gubyernong US-Duterte sa kilusang masa bilang hakbanging destabilisasyon at ang pagkakandarapang maihanda ang entablado para sa Batas Militar ay sumasalamin sa matindi nilang takot sa nagkakaisang pwersa ng mamamayan. Alam ni Duterte na umabot na ang karahasan at brutalidad ng estado sa puntong walang sinumang nasa katinuan ang kaya pang sikmurain ang tripleng gerang kanyang ilinulunsad. Nanginginig ang kanyang tuhod sa pagmamadaling makonsolida ang kapangyarihan at buwagin ang mabilis na paglawak at paglakas ng kilusang sisingil at magpapanagot sa mga krimen ng kanyang gubyerno.
Katigan man ng imperyalistang US ang pagbabalatkayo ng kontra-mamamayang gera ni Duterte bilang pagtatanggol sa interes ng bansa, mulat ang mamamayan na walang antas ng pagdadahilan ang magbibigay-matwid sa ganitong sidhi ng walang katuturang karahasan. Ilang ulit mang pudpurin ng mga tagapagsalita ng gubyerno ang mga palusot na ‘nanlaban kaya pinatay’ at ‘para sa tunay na pagbabago’, malinaw sa mamamayan na hindi kailanman dudulo sa kabutihan ng bayan at pangmatagalang pagbabagong panlipunan ang pagmasaker sa libu-libong sibilyan at pagwasak sa milyun-milyong buhay.
Hungkag ang maaanghang na salita at banta ni Duterte sa harap ng nagkakaisang lakas ng mamamayan. Patuloy na dadagsa sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bansa ang mga alyansa at kilusang masang laban sa tiranikong paghahari ni Duterte. Lalong mag-iibayo ang armadong pakikibaka ng sambayanan. Sa susunod na mga araw, dadagundong sa kapuluan ang pagsasalimbayan ng mga protestang bayan sa kalunsuran at mga taktikal na opensiba sa kanayunan. Sa huli, mapagpasyang itatakwil ng sambayanan ang kriminal na rehimeng US-Duterte at puspusang makikibaka para sa tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171010-labanan-ang-sumisidhing-banta-ng-batas-militar-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-ipagtanggol-ang-karap
Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)
10 October 2017
Kaisa ng masang Bikolnon ang NDF-Bikol sa pagkundena at paniningil sa sunud-sunod na hakbangin ng rehimeng US-Duterte upang ibuslo ang sambayanan sa bitag ng Batas Militar. Lalong nagiging mapangahas si Duterte at kanyang mga alagad sa paglikha ng samu’t saring pamamaraan upang ikundisyon ang taumbayan sa posibilidad ng Batas Militar. Lantaran nang sinusubukan ng mga alipures ni Duterte sa lokal na gubyerno at kasundaluhan ang pagpapatupad ng mga ordinansa at aktibidad na hayagang lumalabag sa karapatan at kalayaan ng mamamayan.
Sa Kabikulan, naalarma ang mamamayan sa paglitaw ng Executive Order No. 26-2017 ni Noel Rosal, alkalde ng bayan ng Legazpi. Kung naipatupad ang mapanupil na ordinansang ito, mabibigyang-laya ang mga upisyales ng lokal na gubyernong panghimasukan ang mga pribadong aktibidad ng kanilang nasasakupan. Oobligahin ang mga mananatili sa naturang bayan nang higit sa 24 oras na pumirma at itala ang dahilan ng kanilang pagpunta. Malinaw na layunin ng nabanggit na ordinansa ang sanayin ang mamamayan na pinanghihimasukan ang kanilang mga kalayaang sibil at sukatin ang reaksyon ng madla sa hayagang pasismo ng estado.
Kasabay nito, sunud-sunod din ang ilinunsad na mga pulong-propaganda ng 9th IDPA sa iba’t ibang unibersidad at kolehiyo sa rehiyon. Laman ng kanilang mga ipinamahaging polyeto ang simplistiko at ilohikal na argumentong laging dumudulo ang paggigiit ng mga demokratikong interes sa komunismo. Nitong nakaraan, napabalita rin ang pagmamanman na isinagawa ng mga elemento ng militar sa labas ng Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU). Napag-alaman din ang paglalagay ng AFP sa kanilang ‘watchlist’ ng mga publikasyong pangkampus ng Camarines Sur Polytechnic College-Nabua (The Spark), ADNU (The Pillars), Mariners Polytechnic College Foundation (Seafarer’s Gazette) at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (The Stateans). Sa esensya, sinusupil ng kasundaluhan ang makatwirang pagkilos ng mga sektor para sa kanilang mga karaingan at binabantaan ang mga bahagi ng lehitimong organisasyon na sila ay itinuturing na target ng karahasan ng estado. Sinasalamin nito ang kalabnawan ng pagkaintindi ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kilusang masa at ang kanilang baluktot na paniniwalang walang ipinag-iba ang mga kombatant na direktang kalahok sa armadong pakikibaka sa mga sibilyang isinasapraktika lamang ang kanilang mga karapatang sibil na magpahayag at mag-organisa.
Patuloy din ang pagpapalobo ng institusyon ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa pekeng ugong ng terorismo at insurhensya sa rehiyon. Makailang ulit nang ilinagay sa red alert status ang buong rehiyon dahil sa mga gawa-gawang insidente ng banta ng pagpapasabog, pagsalakay at panggugulo ng NPA sa iba’t ibang aktibidad tulad ng naudlot na ASEAN Summit sa Legazpi at sa nagdaang Penafrancia Festival sa Naga. Sa totoo, sa sukdulang pagkabahag ng buntot ng mersenaryong hukbo sa patuloy na paglakas ng CPP-NPA-NDFP, nagpapalaganap na lamang ito ng mga pekeng balita upang takutin ang mamamayan at sirain ang prestihiyo ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Ang pambabansag ng gubyernong US-Duterte sa kilusang masa bilang hakbanging destabilisasyon at ang pagkakandarapang maihanda ang entablado para sa Batas Militar ay sumasalamin sa matindi nilang takot sa nagkakaisang pwersa ng mamamayan. Alam ni Duterte na umabot na ang karahasan at brutalidad ng estado sa puntong walang sinumang nasa katinuan ang kaya pang sikmurain ang tripleng gerang kanyang ilinulunsad. Nanginginig ang kanyang tuhod sa pagmamadaling makonsolida ang kapangyarihan at buwagin ang mabilis na paglawak at paglakas ng kilusang sisingil at magpapanagot sa mga krimen ng kanyang gubyerno.
Katigan man ng imperyalistang US ang pagbabalatkayo ng kontra-mamamayang gera ni Duterte bilang pagtatanggol sa interes ng bansa, mulat ang mamamayan na walang antas ng pagdadahilan ang magbibigay-matwid sa ganitong sidhi ng walang katuturang karahasan. Ilang ulit mang pudpurin ng mga tagapagsalita ng gubyerno ang mga palusot na ‘nanlaban kaya pinatay’ at ‘para sa tunay na pagbabago’, malinaw sa mamamayan na hindi kailanman dudulo sa kabutihan ng bayan at pangmatagalang pagbabagong panlipunan ang pagmasaker sa libu-libong sibilyan at pagwasak sa milyun-milyong buhay.
Hungkag ang maaanghang na salita at banta ni Duterte sa harap ng nagkakaisang lakas ng mamamayan. Patuloy na dadagsa sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bansa ang mga alyansa at kilusang masang laban sa tiranikong paghahari ni Duterte. Lalong mag-iibayo ang armadong pakikibaka ng sambayanan. Sa susunod na mga araw, dadagundong sa kapuluan ang pagsasalimbayan ng mga protestang bayan sa kalunsuran at mga taktikal na opensiba sa kanayunan. Sa huli, mapagpasyang itatakwil ng sambayanan ang kriminal na rehimeng US-Duterte at puspusang makikibaka para sa tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171010-labanan-ang-sumisidhing-banta-ng-batas-militar-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-ipagtanggol-ang-karap
MILF: Editorial - ‘In the eye of the beholder’
Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 12): Editorial - ‘In the eye of the beholder’
“In the eye of the beholder” is most often a cliché used in relation to beauty. What is beautiful depends on who is looking at, say a girl or woman. There seems to be no universality of taste of what is beautiful.
But looking at how the previous 16th Congress treated the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and compared it with early comments of people including some legislators on the new BBL, one can say that it is not always true that this cliché is only about beauty. It touches also other issues and concerns like a piece of legislation. In the previous Congress, they practically did not touch the BBL’s provisions on Bangsamoro Police and parliamentary (ministerial is the term used in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) system of governance --- alongside the constitutional bodies namely Commission on Audit, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Election, and Civil Service Commission.
But this early, not to mention the opposition to the constitutional bodies, it surfaces that that these two issues of the new BBL are in the limelight as possibly deemed unconstitutional by some legal minds including some lawmakers.
We see this as a seriously odd situation, if not a flawed creeping development. Why are lawyers and/or lawmakers, reading the same 1987 Constitution and examining the same BBL end up having variant views? Is it the nature of lawyering that lawyers always trained to disagree practically on everything?
Legal luminaries often assert that Constitutions are not legal but political document. As such, it is flexible and is dynamic. It is living and vibrant. It is a tool to solve man’s problem – and not as impediment.
To the MILF, the three above-enumerated provisions on are very vital to the creation of a real autonomous entity for the Bangsamoro. Except for the creation of the Bangsamoro Police Board and chief minister as ex-officio member of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and as ex-officio chair of the Bangsamoro Police Board, practically every provision of the new BBL on policing is copied from R. A. 9054 that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). On the parliamentary or ministerial system, Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution clearly states in Section 18 to wit: “…The organic act shall define the basic structure of government for the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political units.”
All these prerequisites are satisfied in the BBL, both old and new. All members of Bangsamoro parliament are elected and representatives of the constituent political units. Moreover, even the less privileged and marginalized sectors are also represented by giving them reserved seats which are to be determined by the respective sectors. Real and genuine democracy is also about giving them a fair of everything including those in governance.
We have all the respect for lawmakers, and we do not doubt they aspire to notions of justice and fairness in the laws that they enact. But the enactment of a law does not settle the debate whether that law is just or fair. Law in the end does not define justice nor tell us what is just in a particular case. It may tell us what we must do or what we have a right to do. Its limits may tell us what we are free to do. In many cases those statements will reflect or embody what most people would agree are principles of common morality. But that is not always so. What is lawful is not always right or just or fair. It may be exceeded by what is generous and altruistic and giving.
Finally, the BBL is meant to solve the Bangsamoro Problem or Question. If Congress passes a diluted BBL, where is sense or wisdom of passing it? Come to think of it!
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1043/---in-the-eye-of-the-beholder---
“In the eye of the beholder” is most often a cliché used in relation to beauty. What is beautiful depends on who is looking at, say a girl or woman. There seems to be no universality of taste of what is beautiful.
But looking at how the previous 16th Congress treated the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and compared it with early comments of people including some legislators on the new BBL, one can say that it is not always true that this cliché is only about beauty. It touches also other issues and concerns like a piece of legislation. In the previous Congress, they practically did not touch the BBL’s provisions on Bangsamoro Police and parliamentary (ministerial is the term used in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) system of governance --- alongside the constitutional bodies namely Commission on Audit, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Election, and Civil Service Commission.
But this early, not to mention the opposition to the constitutional bodies, it surfaces that that these two issues of the new BBL are in the limelight as possibly deemed unconstitutional by some legal minds including some lawmakers.
We see this as a seriously odd situation, if not a flawed creeping development. Why are lawyers and/or lawmakers, reading the same 1987 Constitution and examining the same BBL end up having variant views? Is it the nature of lawyering that lawyers always trained to disagree practically on everything?
Legal luminaries often assert that Constitutions are not legal but political document. As such, it is flexible and is dynamic. It is living and vibrant. It is a tool to solve man’s problem – and not as impediment.
To the MILF, the three above-enumerated provisions on are very vital to the creation of a real autonomous entity for the Bangsamoro. Except for the creation of the Bangsamoro Police Board and chief minister as ex-officio member of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and as ex-officio chair of the Bangsamoro Police Board, practically every provision of the new BBL on policing is copied from R. A. 9054 that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). On the parliamentary or ministerial system, Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution clearly states in Section 18 to wit: “…The organic act shall define the basic structure of government for the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political units.”
All these prerequisites are satisfied in the BBL, both old and new. All members of Bangsamoro parliament are elected and representatives of the constituent political units. Moreover, even the less privileged and marginalized sectors are also represented by giving them reserved seats which are to be determined by the respective sectors. Real and genuine democracy is also about giving them a fair of everything including those in governance.
We have all the respect for lawmakers, and we do not doubt they aspire to notions of justice and fairness in the laws that they enact. But the enactment of a law does not settle the debate whether that law is just or fair. Law in the end does not define justice nor tell us what is just in a particular case. It may tell us what we must do or what we have a right to do. Its limits may tell us what we are free to do. In many cases those statements will reflect or embody what most people would agree are principles of common morality. But that is not always so. What is lawful is not always right or just or fair. It may be exceeded by what is generous and altruistic and giving.
Finally, the BBL is meant to solve the Bangsamoro Problem or Question. If Congress passes a diluted BBL, where is sense or wisdom of passing it? Come to think of it!
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1043/---in-the-eye-of-the-beholder---
MILF: ‘Pass the BBL, let Supreme Court decide on unconstitutionality’: MILF Implementing Panel
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 12): ‘Pass the BBL, let Supreme Court decide on unconstitutionality’: MILF Implementing Panel
A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel urged the Philippine Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and thereafter let the Supreme Court decide if there are provisions that are unconstitutional in the proposed legal measure that is hoped to provide the Bangsamoro people their desired self-governance.
“It is the sole responsibility of the Philippine government to pass the BBL,” Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, member of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel reminded during his lecture for the participants of the Youth Forum on the Trend of Extremism in Mindanao held at General Santos City on September 27-28.
He said the enhanced BBL should be passed, if possible, with all provisions retained for it was crafted to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people and help realize their right to self-determination.
“Anyway after passing it, the Supreme Court can determine if there are unconstitutional provision,” he said and added that the Bangsamoto Transition Commission (BTC), the body created to draft the BBL, may recommend amendments of the constitution to accommodate whatever BBL provisions seen as unconstitutional.
The BBL is one of the important fruits of the more than 17 years of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF.
The old version of the BBL was drafted by the 15-member of the BTC during the stint of President Benigno Aquino III. However, Aquino’s term ended without the draft Bangsamoro bill passed into law.
During the current administration, President Rodrigo Duterte reconstituted the BTC adding six more members that included representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front and Indigenous Peoples. The enhanced BBL was already forwarded to the Office of the President.
Lingga asked the Muslim youth to partake in the advocacy for the realization of Bangsamoro government through the passage of the BBL.
He also urged the participants not to opt to venture into radicalism should the BBL will again failed to be passed by the lawmakers.
At present, peace advocates are initiating different strategies to call the attention of the lawmakers to help in the swift passage of the proposed measure.
Lingga further advised that whatever fate awaits the BBL, they should cling to the peace agreements.
He said the Bangsamoro people have the right to demand the government to fulfill whatever are stipulated in the peace agreements.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1044/---pass-the-bbl--let-supreme-court-decide-on-unconstitutionality-----milf-implementing-panel-
A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel urged the Philippine Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and thereafter let the Supreme Court decide if there are provisions that are unconstitutional in the proposed legal measure that is hoped to provide the Bangsamoro people their desired self-governance.
“It is the sole responsibility of the Philippine government to pass the BBL,” Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, member of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel reminded during his lecture for the participants of the Youth Forum on the Trend of Extremism in Mindanao held at General Santos City on September 27-28.
He said the enhanced BBL should be passed, if possible, with all provisions retained for it was crafted to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people and help realize their right to self-determination.
“Anyway after passing it, the Supreme Court can determine if there are unconstitutional provision,” he said and added that the Bangsamoto Transition Commission (BTC), the body created to draft the BBL, may recommend amendments of the constitution to accommodate whatever BBL provisions seen as unconstitutional.
The BBL is one of the important fruits of the more than 17 years of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF.
The old version of the BBL was drafted by the 15-member of the BTC during the stint of President Benigno Aquino III. However, Aquino’s term ended without the draft Bangsamoro bill passed into law.
During the current administration, President Rodrigo Duterte reconstituted the BTC adding six more members that included representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front and Indigenous Peoples. The enhanced BBL was already forwarded to the Office of the President.
Lingga asked the Muslim youth to partake in the advocacy for the realization of Bangsamoro government through the passage of the BBL.
He also urged the participants not to opt to venture into radicalism should the BBL will again failed to be passed by the lawmakers.
At present, peace advocates are initiating different strategies to call the attention of the lawmakers to help in the swift passage of the proposed measure.
Lingga further advised that whatever fate awaits the BBL, they should cling to the peace agreements.
He said the Bangsamoro people have the right to demand the government to fulfill whatever are stipulated in the peace agreements.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1044/---pass-the-bbl--let-supreme-court-decide-on-unconstitutionality-----milf-implementing-panel-
MILF: UN Sec-Gen lauds MILF for efforts that removed it from UN list of groups using and recruiting children
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 12): UN Sec-Gen lauds MILF for efforts that removed it from UN list of groups using and recruiting children
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for its efforts in implementing the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan, a measure that aimed to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict.
The MILF now is removed from the UN list of armed groups recruiting and using children.
“Regarding MILF, I commend it for the significant progress in implementing its action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children. In this regard, all 1,869 children identified by MILF as associated with its armed wing underwent formal disengagement in a series of ceremonies, the last of which was held in March 2017,” Guterres disclosed during his report to the UN General Assembly held at the UN Headquarter in New York City on august 24, 2017.
The action plan committed the MILF to implement concrete activities pertaining to unimpeded access to its camps by the monitoring team, prevent the recruitment and release and reintegrate any children below the age of 18 and initiate information awareness drive on the child rights and child protection mechanism within the MILF communities.
Initially, it created a five-member panel tasked to interact with the UN and UNICEF, , the UN’s agency for children,
With the help of UNICEF, the MILF intensified its campaign in the base camps orienting officers and elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces on child’ rights, child protection and the grave child’s rights violation.
Plan International, an iNGO, and Bangsamoro Development Agency, the MILF’s economic arm, were tapped in the campaign.
The MILF leadership also issued General Order to its base commanders and officers to prohibit the recruitment of children under 18.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1046/un_sec_gen_lauds_milf_for_efforts_that_removed_it_from_un_list_of_groups_using_and_recruiting_children
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for its efforts in implementing the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan, a measure that aimed to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict.
The MILF now is removed from the UN list of armed groups recruiting and using children.
“Regarding MILF, I commend it for the significant progress in implementing its action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children. In this regard, all 1,869 children identified by MILF as associated with its armed wing underwent formal disengagement in a series of ceremonies, the last of which was held in March 2017,” Guterres disclosed during his report to the UN General Assembly held at the UN Headquarter in New York City on august 24, 2017.
The action plan committed the MILF to implement concrete activities pertaining to unimpeded access to its camps by the monitoring team, prevent the recruitment and release and reintegrate any children below the age of 18 and initiate information awareness drive on the child rights and child protection mechanism within the MILF communities.
Initially, it created a five-member panel tasked to interact with the UN and UNICEF, , the UN’s agency for children,
With the help of UNICEF, the MILF intensified its campaign in the base camps orienting officers and elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces on child’ rights, child protection and the grave child’s rights violation.
Plan International, an iNGO, and Bangsamoro Development Agency, the MILF’s economic arm, were tapped in the campaign.
The MILF leadership also issued General Order to its base commanders and officers to prohibit the recruitment of children under 18.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1046/un_sec_gen_lauds_milf_for_efforts_that_removed_it_from_un_list_of_groups_using_and_recruiting_children
MILF: Indigenous Peoples in ARMM and The Bangsamoro identity
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 12): Indigenous Peoples in ARMM and The Bangsamoro identity
(IN PHOTO)- Young IP’s Women in their native attire
Indigenous peoples (IP's) are people defined in international or national legislation as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory , and their cultural or historical distinctiveness from other populations that are often politically dominant.
The definition itself applies to all indigenous people worldwide like Native Americans, Inuit of Canada and many more. There are approximately 370 million indigenous people in the world, belonging to 5,000 different groups in 90 countries.
In the Philippines, there are 18 major indigenous peoples scattered throughout Mindanao island, namely : Subane'n , B'laan , T'boli , Mandaya , Mansaka , Te' duray , Higaonon , Manobo , Bagobo , Bukidnon , Tagkaolo , Ubo , Banwaon , Kalagan , Dibabawon , Talaandig , Mamanwa and Manguangan.
These IP's refer themselves as " lumad ". a cebuano term meaning " native " or " indigenous ", the term short for " katawhang lumad " (literally: " indigenous people). These are group of non - Islamized indigenous people. The term " lumad " was officially adopted by the delegates of the Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) founding assembly on 26 June 1986 at Guadalupe Formation Center in Balindong , Kidapawan City. It is the self - ascription and collective identity of the indigenous peoples of Southern Philippines.
In R.A. No. 9054, an organic act creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao dedicated a section defining tribal peoples and " Bangsa Moro " people.
Article X, sec. 3: (a ) Tribal Peoples. These are citizens whose social, cultural and economic conditions distinguish them from other sectors of the national community; and (b) Bangsa Moro People. These are citizens who believes in Islam and who retained some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) includes a more comprehensive definition of Bangsamoro people. However , the definition of indigenous peoples does not appear in the provisions of BBL considering that they are included in the definitions as " native or original inhabitants " regardless of Islamized / non - Islamized or Christianized / non - Christianized IP's.
The Bangsamoro People was defined in Art. II, sec 1., " Bangsamoro People - those who at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan and their descendants, whether or mixed or of full blood , shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self - ascription. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro. " And sec 2, provides, " Freedom of Choice of other indigenous peoples shall be respected. "
For all intents and purposes, BBL is not about religion nor cultural dominance but a political aspiration for self - governance and right to self - determination. The BBL provides a platform for the indigenous people in the Bangsamoro core area an opportunity for them to exercise their customary rights and traditions, traditional and tribal justice system ( Art. X , sec. 23 BBL ), right to education ( Tribal University System , Art. IX , sec. 14 , BBL and other IP rights.
The BBL guaranteed the indigenous Peoples Rights as provided for under Art. IX , sec. 5 , " The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights , the right to their titles and / or " fusaka inged " , indigenous political structures , the right to an equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands , the right to free and prior informed consent , right to political participation in the Bangsamoro Government including reserved seats for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Parliament , the right to basic services , and the right to freedom of choice as to their identity. "
If we will try to analyze and examine the rights of indigenous peoples provided in the BBL, it is more than the rights granted under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act Law ( IPRA ) which is national in character and applicable to all IP's throughout the Philippines , whereas the rights mentioned in BBL has distinct and exclusive character applicable only in the Bangsamoro core area with a chance of expanding a more extensive IP's rights by virtue of the power of Bangsamoro Parliament.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1047/-indigenous-peoples-in-armm-and-the-bangsamoro-identity
(IN PHOTO)- Young IP’s Women in their native attire
Indigenous peoples (IP's) are people defined in international or national legislation as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory , and their cultural or historical distinctiveness from other populations that are often politically dominant.
The definition itself applies to all indigenous people worldwide like Native Americans, Inuit of Canada and many more. There are approximately 370 million indigenous people in the world, belonging to 5,000 different groups in 90 countries.
In the Philippines, there are 18 major indigenous peoples scattered throughout Mindanao island, namely : Subane'n , B'laan , T'boli , Mandaya , Mansaka , Te' duray , Higaonon , Manobo , Bagobo , Bukidnon , Tagkaolo , Ubo , Banwaon , Kalagan , Dibabawon , Talaandig , Mamanwa and Manguangan.
These IP's refer themselves as " lumad ". a cebuano term meaning " native " or " indigenous ", the term short for " katawhang lumad " (literally: " indigenous people). These are group of non - Islamized indigenous people. The term " lumad " was officially adopted by the delegates of the Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) founding assembly on 26 June 1986 at Guadalupe Formation Center in Balindong , Kidapawan City. It is the self - ascription and collective identity of the indigenous peoples of Southern Philippines.
In R.A. No. 9054, an organic act creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao dedicated a section defining tribal peoples and " Bangsa Moro " people.
Article X, sec. 3: (a ) Tribal Peoples. These are citizens whose social, cultural and economic conditions distinguish them from other sectors of the national community; and (b) Bangsa Moro People. These are citizens who believes in Islam and who retained some or all of their own social, economic, cultural, and political institutions.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) includes a more comprehensive definition of Bangsamoro people. However , the definition of indigenous peoples does not appear in the provisions of BBL considering that they are included in the definitions as " native or original inhabitants " regardless of Islamized / non - Islamized or Christianized / non - Christianized IP's.
The Bangsamoro People was defined in Art. II, sec 1., " Bangsamoro People - those who at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan and their descendants, whether or mixed or of full blood , shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self - ascription. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro. " And sec 2, provides, " Freedom of Choice of other indigenous peoples shall be respected. "
For all intents and purposes, BBL is not about religion nor cultural dominance but a political aspiration for self - governance and right to self - determination. The BBL provides a platform for the indigenous people in the Bangsamoro core area an opportunity for them to exercise their customary rights and traditions, traditional and tribal justice system ( Art. X , sec. 23 BBL ), right to education ( Tribal University System , Art. IX , sec. 14 , BBL and other IP rights.
The BBL guaranteed the indigenous Peoples Rights as provided for under Art. IX , sec. 5 , " The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights , the right to their titles and / or " fusaka inged " , indigenous political structures , the right to an equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands , the right to free and prior informed consent , right to political participation in the Bangsamoro Government including reserved seats for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Parliament , the right to basic services , and the right to freedom of choice as to their identity. "
If we will try to analyze and examine the rights of indigenous peoples provided in the BBL, it is more than the rights granted under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act Law ( IPRA ) which is national in character and applicable to all IP's throughout the Philippines , whereas the rights mentioned in BBL has distinct and exclusive character applicable only in the Bangsamoro core area with a chance of expanding a more extensive IP's rights by virtue of the power of Bangsamoro Parliament.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1047/-indigenous-peoples-in-armm-and-the-bangsamoro-identity
DWDD: AYUDAHAN 2017 | PN and PAF conducts Joint Field Training Exercise Capability Demonstration
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): AYUDAHAN 2017 | PN and PAF conducts Joint Field Training Exercise Capability Demonstration
NFWM, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force through their units in Western Mindanao, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and Tactical Operations Command (TOC) conducted “Ayudahan 2017” Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX) Capability Demonstration on Oct 8, 2017 held at Zamboanga City. The Capability Demonstration is likewise a part of the City’s month-long celebration of Fiesta Pilar.
The Joint Field Training Exercises (JFTX) Capability Demonstration of NFWM and TOC includes the following activities: Communications and Electronics, Maritime Surveillance, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Search and Rescue Exercises and Air to Ground Operations.
Officers and men from NFWM and TOC aboard their respective vessels and aircraft were able to demonstrate to the public their capabilities as part of the Philippines’ armed forces. They executed various maneuvers and evolutions with accuracy and rigor. These capabilities show more of what the Navy and Air Force can do in the occurrence of situations involving different terrorists and lawless groups in the country.
Interoperability Exercise “Ayudahan” 2017 (IOX) is the 1st interoperability exercise launched by NFWM
and TOC which was held in different areas of Zamboanga City. The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, competency and camaraderie of the operating units of NFWM and TOC. It also aims to enhance the overall coordination and responsiveness during the conduct of joint maritime operations which involves surveillance and search patrols, and maritime interdiction.
However, the conduct of this exercise does not only focus on the enhancement of the different units’ capabilities, but also on the immediate detection of the threats and illegal activities that will be perpetrated by different lawless groups and enemy forces in the Western Mindanao region.
Ayudahan 2017 was participated by NFWM Units namely, Naval Task Force 61 (NTF 61), Naval Special
Operations Unit 6 (NAVSOU 6), Naval Air Unit-Western Mindanao (NAU-WM), Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM), Maritime Situational Awareness Center- Western Mindanao (MSAC-WM) and Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE). Delegates from TOC were 15th Strike Wing, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 304th Air Intelligence and Security Squadron (AISS), 722nd Special Operations Squadron (SOS), 505th Search and Rescue Group (SRG), Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) Hospital and Philippine Air Force Engineering Construction Group (PAF ECG).
Assets used were BRP Waray (LC 288), two Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), one Budjak of SBU and Naval Helicopter 434 (NH-434) from NTF 61, NSRE and NAU-WM respectively. The TOC also provided two OV10 from 15th Strike Wing and one SPOW from 722nd SOS.
Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP, the Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao expresses his confidence that this exercise will enhance the interoperability and effectiveness of both the Navy and the Air Force in this region.
The effective collaboration of PN-PAF units in the conduct of IOX “Ayudahan” 2017 in the Western Mindanao region envisions a more credible and equipped armed forces. With this exercise, they were able to improve their capabilities and skills that will greatly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of their performance of their duties and in carrying out their mission to promote peace and development in the Western Mindanao region. NAVFORWESMIN/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/ayudahan-2107-pn-and-paf-conducts-joint-field-training-exercise-capability-demonstration/
NFWM, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force through their units in Western Mindanao, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and Tactical Operations Command (TOC) conducted “Ayudahan 2017” Joint Field Training Exercise (JFTX) Capability Demonstration on Oct 8, 2017 held at Zamboanga City. The Capability Demonstration is likewise a part of the City’s month-long celebration of Fiesta Pilar.
The Joint Field Training Exercises (JFTX) Capability Demonstration of NFWM and TOC includes the following activities: Communications and Electronics, Maritime Surveillance, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Search and Rescue Exercises and Air to Ground Operations.
Officers and men from NFWM and TOC aboard their respective vessels and aircraft were able to demonstrate to the public their capabilities as part of the Philippines’ armed forces. They executed various maneuvers and evolutions with accuracy and rigor. These capabilities show more of what the Navy and Air Force can do in the occurrence of situations involving different terrorists and lawless groups in the country.
Interoperability Exercise “Ayudahan” 2017 (IOX) is the 1st interoperability exercise launched by NFWM
and TOC which was held in different areas of Zamboanga City. The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, competency and camaraderie of the operating units of NFWM and TOC. It also aims to enhance the overall coordination and responsiveness during the conduct of joint maritime operations which involves surveillance and search patrols, and maritime interdiction.
However, the conduct of this exercise does not only focus on the enhancement of the different units’ capabilities, but also on the immediate detection of the threats and illegal activities that will be perpetrated by different lawless groups and enemy forces in the Western Mindanao region.
Ayudahan 2017 was participated by NFWM Units namely, Naval Task Force 61 (NTF 61), Naval Special
Operations Unit 6 (NAVSOU 6), Naval Air Unit-Western Mindanao (NAU-WM), Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM), Maritime Situational Awareness Center- Western Mindanao (MSAC-WM) and Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE). Delegates from TOC were 15th Strike Wing, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 304th Air Intelligence and Security Squadron (AISS), 722nd Special Operations Squadron (SOS), 505th Search and Rescue Group (SRG), Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) Hospital and Philippine Air Force Engineering Construction Group (PAF ECG).
Assets used were BRP Waray (LC 288), two Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB), one Budjak of SBU and Naval Helicopter 434 (NH-434) from NTF 61, NSRE and NAU-WM respectively. The TOC also provided two OV10 from 15th Strike Wing and one SPOW from 722nd SOS.
Rear Adm. Rene V Medina AFP, the Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao expresses his confidence that this exercise will enhance the interoperability and effectiveness of both the Navy and the Air Force in this region.
The effective collaboration of PN-PAF units in the conduct of IOX “Ayudahan” 2017 in the Western Mindanao region envisions a more credible and equipped armed forces. With this exercise, they were able to improve their capabilities and skills that will greatly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of their performance of their duties and in carrying out their mission to promote peace and development in the Western Mindanao region. NAVFORWESMIN/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/ayudahan-2107-pn-and-paf-conducts-joint-field-training-exercise-capability-demonstration/
DWDD: EXERCISE LUMBAS 2017 | PN, RAN conducts Table Top Exercise
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): EXERCISE LUMBAS 2017 | PN, RAN conducts Table Top Exercise
SAN FERNANDO, La Union (DWDD) – Exercise Lumbas 2017 had its opening ceremony last Monday, October 9, 2017, at the Quarterdeck of Naval Forces Northern Luzon.
The Exercise Lumbas is an annual activity between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy held in different areas in the Philippines since 1998 which aims to sustain, strengthen military relationship and enhance interoperability between the two navies.
This year’s exercise is being conducted from October 9 to 13 is in a form of Table Top Exercise (TTX) focused on scenarios like: humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime security and maritime interdiction operations that involves other Philippine government agencies. NFNL/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/exercise-lumbas-2017-pn-ran-conducts-table-top-exercise/
SAN FERNANDO, La Union (DWDD) – Exercise Lumbas 2017 had its opening ceremony last Monday, October 9, 2017, at the Quarterdeck of Naval Forces Northern Luzon.
The Exercise Lumbas is an annual activity between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy held in different areas in the Philippines since 1998 which aims to sustain, strengthen military relationship and enhance interoperability between the two navies.
This year’s exercise is being conducted from October 9 to 13 is in a form of Table Top Exercise (TTX) focused on scenarios like: humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime security and maritime interdiction operations that involves other Philippine government agencies. NFNL/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/exercise-lumbas-2017-pn-ran-conducts-table-top-exercise/
DWDD: NEW INTEL CHIEF | Brigadier General Fernando T. Trinidad
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): NEW INTEL CHIEF | Brigadier General Fernando T. Trinidad
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. (Right), The Deputy Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), presides over the Change-of-Chief of Office Ceremony of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 at the GHQ Conference Room, Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City last October 9, 2017.
Brigadier General Fernando T. Trinidad (Left), a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987 assumes the post as the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 AFP. He takes over the post of Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr (Middle). Brig. Gen. Trinidad is the former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, AJ7 AFP in an acting position. Maj. Gen. Santos, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 on the other hand takes the helm as the Commander of the 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army, in a separate ceremony. In his remarks, he described the intelligence community as the nucleus of all operations. Photo by PH3 Rutao/PAOAFP
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/new-intel-chief-brigadier-general-fernando-t-trinidad/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. (Right), The Deputy Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), presides over the Change-of-Chief of Office Ceremony of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 at the GHQ Conference Room, Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City last October 9, 2017.
Brigadier General Fernando T. Trinidad (Left), a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987 assumes the post as the new Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2 AFP. He takes over the post of Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr (Middle). Brig. Gen. Trinidad is the former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, AJ7 AFP in an acting position. Maj. Gen. Santos, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 on the other hand takes the helm as the Commander of the 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army, in a separate ceremony. In his remarks, he described the intelligence community as the nucleus of all operations. Photo by PH3 Rutao/PAOAFP
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/new-intel-chief-brigadier-general-fernando-t-trinidad/
DWDD: CLOSING CEREMONY | Exercise KAMANDAG 2017
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): CLOSING CEREMONY | Exercise KAMANDAG 2017
MARINE BARRACKS RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The ten-day KAMANDAG Exercise between the Philippine Marine Corps and US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade successfully concluded with a Closing Ceremony held at the Acero Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces, Pedro Cesar C Ramboanga Jr, was Guest of Honor and Speaker.
The combined training activities between the two armed forces enhanced both sides’ capability in adapting to the current security environment. The Humanitarian Civic action and other humanitarian project related activities turned out to be more benefitting to the populace of the Casiguran. The Philippine Marines were refreshed of the various tactics in counter-terrorism specifically in military operations in urbanized terrain and other internal security operations as they exchanged expertise with their US Counterparts. It is expected that the highlights of the KAMANDAG will be presented during the ceremony by the senior leaders who facilitated the bilateral exercise. NPAO/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/closing-ceremony-exercise-kamandag-2017/
MARINE BARRACKS RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – The ten-day KAMANDAG Exercise between the Philippine Marine Corps and US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade successfully concluded with a Closing Ceremony held at the Acero Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces, Pedro Cesar C Ramboanga Jr, was Guest of Honor and Speaker.
The combined training activities between the two armed forces enhanced both sides’ capability in adapting to the current security environment. The Humanitarian Civic action and other humanitarian project related activities turned out to be more benefitting to the populace of the Casiguran. The Philippine Marines were refreshed of the various tactics in counter-terrorism specifically in military operations in urbanized terrain and other internal security operations as they exchanged expertise with their US Counterparts. It is expected that the highlights of the KAMANDAG will be presented during the ceremony by the senior leaders who facilitated the bilateral exercise. NPAO/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/closing-ceremony-exercise-kamandag-2017/
DWDD: PEACE ADVOCATES | 115 Candidate Soldiers took Oath in 4ID Hallowed Grounds
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): PEACE ADVOCATES | 115 Candidate Soldiers took Oath in 4ID Hallowed Grounds
CAMP EDILBERTO EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – 115 candidate soldiers will be joining the noble profession of arms as they take their oath in the hallowed grounds of 4th Infantry Division as the AFP’s new set of promising peace advocates. The ceremony was held in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City at 2:00pm today.
These 115 candidate soldiers are composed of 95 males and 20 females (5 Cebuanos and 15 Indigenous Peoples from the different tribal affiliations) whom had undergone series of stages of the selection process such as qualifying examinations that tested their mental and physical ability to prove their worth as finest from the poll of aspirants from Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions to join the Philippine Army.
After taking their oath, they will be undergoing the rigors of Basic Military Training at the 4th Division Training School in Malaybalay, Bukidnon for the 95 males and at the 6th Division Training School in Carmen North Cotabato for the 20 females to help them transform from their carefree civilian life to fine grown military men and women. Their training will be conducted in a six-month duration covering skills and knowledge not only in combat fighting but also in life-saving imperatives, disaster response operation, peacekeeping initiatives, Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Rules of Engagement.
MGen Ronald C Villanueva, 4ID Commander said during his speech “We congratulate each and every one of you for having been chosen from among the thousand aspiring candidate soldiers who have undergone series of tests and screenings for us to be able to choose the best and the brightest. This is the first step as you pursue your career in the Military service. It is expected of you to be developed during this training as the most reliable soldiers that could defend our people and their communities from any kinds of threats. Make good and have a positive mind set during your training.”
“To the parents and loved ones of these Candidate Soldiers, thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to us. We commend you for raising such patriotic-minded individuals, who at their young age, have chosen to join this noble profession of arms. We will assure you that as they undergo this training, Safety, Morale and Welfare will be of utmost priority.” MGen Villanueva added.
These new breed of peace advocates will fill up the needed number of personnel due to the attrition such as optional and compulsory retirement, and other causes. They will also continue the efforts of their predecessor in devoting their lives in the pursuit for lasting peace. 4DPAO/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/peace-advocates-115-candidate-soldiers-took-oath-in-4id-hallowed-grounds/
CAMP EDILBERTO EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – 115 candidate soldiers will be joining the noble profession of arms as they take their oath in the hallowed grounds of 4th Infantry Division as the AFP’s new set of promising peace advocates. The ceremony was held in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City at 2:00pm today.
These 115 candidate soldiers are composed of 95 males and 20 females (5 Cebuanos and 15 Indigenous Peoples from the different tribal affiliations) whom had undergone series of stages of the selection process such as qualifying examinations that tested their mental and physical ability to prove their worth as finest from the poll of aspirants from Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions to join the Philippine Army.
After taking their oath, they will be undergoing the rigors of Basic Military Training at the 4th Division Training School in Malaybalay, Bukidnon for the 95 males and at the 6th Division Training School in Carmen North Cotabato for the 20 females to help them transform from their carefree civilian life to fine grown military men and women. Their training will be conducted in a six-month duration covering skills and knowledge not only in combat fighting but also in life-saving imperatives, disaster response operation, peacekeeping initiatives, Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Rules of Engagement.
MGen Ronald C Villanueva, 4ID Commander said during his speech “We congratulate each and every one of you for having been chosen from among the thousand aspiring candidate soldiers who have undergone series of tests and screenings for us to be able to choose the best and the brightest. This is the first step as you pursue your career in the Military service. It is expected of you to be developed during this training as the most reliable soldiers that could defend our people and their communities from any kinds of threats. Make good and have a positive mind set during your training.”
“To the parents and loved ones of these Candidate Soldiers, thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to us. We commend you for raising such patriotic-minded individuals, who at their young age, have chosen to join this noble profession of arms. We will assure you that as they undergo this training, Safety, Morale and Welfare will be of utmost priority.” MGen Villanueva added.
These new breed of peace advocates will fill up the needed number of personnel due to the attrition such as optional and compulsory retirement, and other causes. They will also continue the efforts of their predecessor in devoting their lives in the pursuit for lasting peace. 4DPAO/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/11/peace-advocates-115-candidate-soldiers-took-oath-in-4id-hallowed-grounds/
DWDD: SAFETY OF HOSTAGES | AFP, No deadline set for end of Maraw siege
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 12): SAFETY OF HOSTAGES | AFP, No deadline set for end of Maraw siege
MANILA (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not keen on giving any deadline on when the Marawi crisis will end.
This is in consideration for the safety of the remaining hostages still at the hands of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group.
According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo Año, they are taking the campaign slowly but surely for fear that the Maute group might turn their ire on the remaining hostages if they would intensify their campaign just to accomplish a deadline.
This, despite a previous announcement that the clearing operations by the AFP on the whole city might be over by October 15.
Gen Año added that they don’t want to give the Maute group any telegraphic message pertaining to the end of the siege, because this might be used by the terror group to their advantage. Any announcement of a deadline might trigger the terrorist to harm the remaining 38 hostages, mostly women and children. There have also been reports that some of the male hostages have either converted or were forced to serve as fighters by the Maute group. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/safety-of-hostages-afp-no-deadline-set-for-end-of-maraw-siege/
MANILA (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not keen on giving any deadline on when the Marawi crisis will end.
This is in consideration for the safety of the remaining hostages still at the hands of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group.
According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo Año, they are taking the campaign slowly but surely for fear that the Maute group might turn their ire on the remaining hostages if they would intensify their campaign just to accomplish a deadline.
This, despite a previous announcement that the clearing operations by the AFP on the whole city might be over by October 15.
Gen Año added that they don’t want to give the Maute group any telegraphic message pertaining to the end of the siege, because this might be used by the terror group to their advantage. Any announcement of a deadline might trigger the terrorist to harm the remaining 38 hostages, mostly women and children. There have also been reports that some of the male hostages have either converted or were forced to serve as fighters by the Maute group. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/safety-of-hostages-afp-no-deadline-set-for-end-of-maraw-siege/
DWDD: SHORTLIST | SND awaits list of candidates for next CSAFP
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 12): SHORTLIST | SND awaits list of candidates for next CSAFP
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is still to receive the shortlist of candidates for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Possibly, the list of candidates might be forwarded to the Department of National Defense by next week.
According to Sec Lorenzana, the AFP Board of Generals has only met once, headed by AFP Chef of Staff Gen Eduardo Año.
Lorenzana added that they are expecting three names to be submitted by the board.
One the shortlist is turned-over to the SND, he will then submit it to the President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte for his decision.
Gen Año is set to retire from the military service on October 26, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Currently, there are four names floating as unofficial candidates for President Duterte choose to replace Gen Año, including AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985; AFP Eastern Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Leonardo Rey Guerrero, of PMA Class 1984 (based in Davao City); Lt. Gen. Melchor Mison Jr., of PMA Class 84, and Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., of PMA Class 85. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/shortlist-snd-awaits-list-of-candidates-for-next-csafp/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is still to receive the shortlist of candidates for the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Possibly, the list of candidates might be forwarded to the Department of National Defense by next week.
According to Sec Lorenzana, the AFP Board of Generals has only met once, headed by AFP Chef of Staff Gen Eduardo Año.
Lorenzana added that they are expecting three names to be submitted by the board.
One the shortlist is turned-over to the SND, he will then submit it to the President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte for his decision.
Gen Año is set to retire from the military service on October 26, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Currently, there are four names floating as unofficial candidates for President Duterte choose to replace Gen Año, including AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1985; AFP Eastern Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Leonardo Rey Guerrero, of PMA Class 1984 (based in Davao City); Lt. Gen. Melchor Mison Jr., of PMA Class 84, and Deputy Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr., of PMA Class 85. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/shortlist-snd-awaits-list-of-candidates-for-next-csafp/
DWDD: RECOVERED | IED found in a Barangay Hall in Ilocos Sur
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 12): RECOVERED | IED found in a Barangay Hall in Ilocos Sur
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – According to a progress report, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) thrown at the 2nd floor of the Barangay Hall of Brgy Patungcaleo, Quirino, Ilocos Sur in the evening of October 9, 2017 did not explode but civilians waited for authorities to recover it. The team from the Municipal Police Station of Quirino headed by SPO2 Amado Gallia arrived at 7 o’clock in the morning of October 10, 2017 to recover the IED.
Civilian witnesses living beside the barangay hall saw two (2) men ran towards the eastern direction of the barangay after an explosion which partially damaged the window of the house owned by Mr Jommar Umawis located around 20 meters from the barangay hall. They are the same suspects for the recovered IED in the barangay hall.
1Lt Jonald B Ramos (AGS) PA of Charlie Company, 81st Infantry Battalion Philippine Army proceeded to Barangay Patungcaleo to assist in the CSP Team while one (1) of his squad conducted patrolling around the vicinity of the barangay.
The AFP, along with the PNP is continuously monitoring the area to ensure the safety of the residents and to pursue the perpetrators. PIO NOLCOM/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/recovered-ied-found-in-a-barangay-hall-in-ilocos-sur/
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – According to a progress report, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) thrown at the 2nd floor of the Barangay Hall of Brgy Patungcaleo, Quirino, Ilocos Sur in the evening of October 9, 2017 did not explode but civilians waited for authorities to recover it. The team from the Municipal Police Station of Quirino headed by SPO2 Amado Gallia arrived at 7 o’clock in the morning of October 10, 2017 to recover the IED.
Civilian witnesses living beside the barangay hall saw two (2) men ran towards the eastern direction of the barangay after an explosion which partially damaged the window of the house owned by Mr Jommar Umawis located around 20 meters from the barangay hall. They are the same suspects for the recovered IED in the barangay hall.
1Lt Jonald B Ramos (AGS) PA of Charlie Company, 81st Infantry Battalion Philippine Army proceeded to Barangay Patungcaleo to assist in the CSP Team while one (1) of his squad conducted patrolling around the vicinity of the barangay.
The AFP, along with the PNP is continuously monitoring the area to ensure the safety of the residents and to pursue the perpetrators. PIO NOLCOM/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/recovered-ied-found-in-a-barangay-hall-in-ilocos-sur/
DWDD: CLEARING OPERATIONS | Marawi Death Toll reaches 1,000
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 12): CLEARING OPERATIONS | Marawi Death Toll reaches 1,000
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The death toll of the Marawi siege has reached the one thousand mark after 142 days of fighting.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson MGen Restituto Padilla, the Daesh-inspired Maute Terror group has incurred 802 casualties, 160 government forces gave the ultimate sacrifice, while 47 civilians were killed.
Gen Padilla added that there is an estimated 40 terrorist left in the main battle area, located in a hectare area, while 42 civilians are still being held hostaged.
Latest report from the ground indicates that the military still has 150 buildings / infrastructure to clear of terrorist and improvised explosive devices before the end of the week before fully declaring the city as liberated. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/clearing-operations-marawi-death-toll-reaches-1000/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The death toll of the Marawi siege has reached the one thousand mark after 142 days of fighting.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson MGen Restituto Padilla, the Daesh-inspired Maute Terror group has incurred 802 casualties, 160 government forces gave the ultimate sacrifice, while 47 civilians were killed.
Gen Padilla added that there is an estimated 40 terrorist left in the main battle area, located in a hectare area, while 42 civilians are still being held hostaged.
Latest report from the ground indicates that the military still has 150 buildings / infrastructure to clear of terrorist and improvised explosive devices before the end of the week before fully declaring the city as liberated. AES/ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/12/clearing-operations-marawi-death-toll-reaches-1000/
Mindanao road projects vital to government counterinsurgency campaign–Army
From the Business Mirror (Oct 11): Mindanao road projects vital to government counterinsurgency campaign–Army
A former antiterror unit commander here said the road projects in Mindanao are “very vital” in government’s counterinsurgency campaign, citing the ensuing economic activities in formerly unreachable areas.
Army Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri said the road projects have made formerly difficult to reach places more accessible to tourists seeking natural attractions.
Neri, the commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, said “constructing roads contribute much to help solve the insurgency problem” by allowing more tourists to visit far-flung areas, which creates employment to local residents.
“The roads that the Army built are now crisscrossing the towns of Compostela Valley, giving access to many tourist destinations,” he said during the Comval Tourism Month Awarding and Culmination Day on September 29 in Tagum City.
However, he said the activities of the New People’s Army in the region still pose a problem, although they remain manageable.
Neri updated provincial officials on the state of security and peace and order in the province, where Engr. Edwin Ortiz of the provincial District Engineer’s Office also gave updates on the development in the Tourism Road Infrastructure Priority Projects.
Meanwhile, the provincial government held training on construction works for former guerrilla fighters and former drug dependents who surrendered to the government.
They were sent to a 20-day construction work on eight duplex housing units, equivalent to 16 housing units, in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo town, under the Aftercare Program for drug surrenderees and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program for guerrilla surrenderees.
The construction training falls under the province’s Operation Plan Liwanag on community-based rehabilitation sessions.
Holcim Philippines was a partner of the provincial government in the undertaking, providing 400 bags of cement to the units to be constructed at the New Berjaya GK Village. The provincial government gave P100 daily allowance to the trainees.
On the other hand, the province would require the 58,000 beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program to undergo Family Development Sessions.
The recently formed Provincial Spiritual Development and Values Restoration Council would initiate the sessions.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/mindanao-road-projects-vital-to-government-counterinsurgency-campaign-army/
A former antiterror unit commander here said the road projects in Mindanao are “very vital” in government’s counterinsurgency campaign, citing the ensuing economic activities in formerly unreachable areas.
Army Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri said the road projects have made formerly difficult to reach places more accessible to tourists seeking natural attractions.
Neri, the commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, said “constructing roads contribute much to help solve the insurgency problem” by allowing more tourists to visit far-flung areas, which creates employment to local residents.
“The roads that the Army built are now crisscrossing the towns of Compostela Valley, giving access to many tourist destinations,” he said during the Comval Tourism Month Awarding and Culmination Day on September 29 in Tagum City.
However, he said the activities of the New People’s Army in the region still pose a problem, although they remain manageable.
Neri updated provincial officials on the state of security and peace and order in the province, where Engr. Edwin Ortiz of the provincial District Engineer’s Office also gave updates on the development in the Tourism Road Infrastructure Priority Projects.
Meanwhile, the provincial government held training on construction works for former guerrilla fighters and former drug dependents who surrendered to the government.
They were sent to a 20-day construction work on eight duplex housing units, equivalent to 16 housing units, in Barangay Pasian, Monkayo town, under the Aftercare Program for drug surrenderees and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program for guerrilla surrenderees.
The construction training falls under the province’s Operation Plan Liwanag on community-based rehabilitation sessions.
Holcim Philippines was a partner of the provincial government in the undertaking, providing 400 bags of cement to the units to be constructed at the New Berjaya GK Village. The provincial government gave P100 daily allowance to the trainees.
On the other hand, the province would require the 58,000 beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program to undergo Family Development Sessions.
The recently formed Provincial Spiritual Development and Values Restoration Council would initiate the sessions.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/mindanao-road-projects-vital-to-government-counterinsurgency-campaign-army/
NPAs tagged in Ilocos Sur barangay attack
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 11): NPAs tagged in Ilocos Sur barangay attack
Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked and damaged a barangay hall and an adjacent house in Barangay Patungcaleo, Quirino, Ilocos Sur Tuesday night.
Lieutentant Colonel Eugene Julio Osias IV, commander of the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, on Wednesday confirmed the incident and said that responding troops also recovered an undetonated improvised explosive device on the second floor of the barangay hall.
He said that an explosion destroyed the roof of the barangay hall.
Fortunately, no one was reported killed or wounded.
Witnesses said that prior to the explosion, they saw two unidentified persons running away from the barangay hall.
He believed that this is the handiwork of the NPA rebels, who are trying to sabotage the ongoing skills and livelihood training being conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
He added that he also deployed his troops to the village as the community support program team to the on-going livelihood and skills training.
He said that follow-up probe to the incident is going on.
Earlier, Major General Paul T. Atal, commander of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela, condemned the series of attacks carried out by NPA rebels in Cagayan province.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/11/npas-tagged-in-ilocos-sur-barangay-attack/
Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked and damaged a barangay hall and an adjacent house in Barangay Patungcaleo, Quirino, Ilocos Sur Tuesday night.
Lieutentant Colonel Eugene Julio Osias IV, commander of the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, on Wednesday confirmed the incident and said that responding troops also recovered an undetonated improvised explosive device on the second floor of the barangay hall.
He said that an explosion destroyed the roof of the barangay hall.
Fortunately, no one was reported killed or wounded.
Witnesses said that prior to the explosion, they saw two unidentified persons running away from the barangay hall.
He believed that this is the handiwork of the NPA rebels, who are trying to sabotage the ongoing skills and livelihood training being conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
He added that he also deployed his troops to the village as the community support program team to the on-going livelihood and skills training.
He said that follow-up probe to the incident is going on.
Earlier, Major General Paul T. Atal, commander of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela, condemned the series of attacks carried out by NPA rebels in Cagayan province.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/11/npas-tagged-in-ilocos-sur-barangay-attack/
55 villages in NegOcc rebel-infested
From Sun Star-Bacolod (Oct 12): 55 villages in NegOcc rebel-infested
FIFTY-FIVE villages in Negros Occidental are infested by rebel forces, a provincial official said.
During the security briefing of the Philippine Army with the Provincial Board Wednesday at the Capitol in Bacolod City, Third District Board Member David Lacson, chairman of committee on peace and order, said most of these villages are in the northern part of the province, including Escalante City, Toboso, and Calatrava.
Lacson said Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, deputy commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, told them that rebels still have influence in these communities.
The board member said the Army continues to strengthen its presence in the rebel hotspot areas.
Lacson said the New People's Army (NPA) in the province have “slightly increased” their number and weapons, according to the Army.
He cited the ambush in Negros Oriental last July, where six policemen of Guihulngan City Police Station, including its police chief, and a civilian were killed.
“Their recruitment continues,” Lacson added.
The policemen lost 15 firearms to the rebels during the Guihulngan ambush.
Last week, suspected members of the NPA also staged an ambush in Cauayan town, which injured two foreign nationals and their Filipino driver on their way to the neighboring Sipalay City.
The rebels were targeting the policemen.
Even with the number of atrocities perpetrated by the rebels in the past weeks, Lacson remained optimistic with the peace and order situation in the province as the incidents are still “controllable.”
With the help of all concerned agencies, he said the authorities can “minimize” insurgency.
Lacson said that army units from Negros Island are being deployed to Mindanao to help the crisis in Marawi City.
“Hopefully, when the problem in Mindanao is done, the army units will be sent back here to augment our forces,” Lacson added.
Cancelled visits
Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares said several foreign tourists have canceled their trips to Sipalay days after the ambush in Cauayan.
She said they felt “threatened” due to the incident. Mansinares said that local tourists continue to visit and “patronize” the province.
The Provincial Board will meet with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led by Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr. next week for a briefing on the crime and drug situation in the province.
FIFTY-FIVE villages in Negros Occidental are infested by rebel forces, a provincial official said.
During the security briefing of the Philippine Army with the Provincial Board Wednesday at the Capitol in Bacolod City, Third District Board Member David Lacson, chairman of committee on peace and order, said most of these villages are in the northern part of the province, including Escalante City, Toboso, and Calatrava.
Lacson said Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, deputy commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, told them that rebels still have influence in these communities.
The board member said the Army continues to strengthen its presence in the rebel hotspot areas.
Lacson said the New People's Army (NPA) in the province have “slightly increased” their number and weapons, according to the Army.
He cited the ambush in Negros Oriental last July, where six policemen of Guihulngan City Police Station, including its police chief, and a civilian were killed.
“Their recruitment continues,” Lacson added.
The policemen lost 15 firearms to the rebels during the Guihulngan ambush.
Last week, suspected members of the NPA also staged an ambush in Cauayan town, which injured two foreign nationals and their Filipino driver on their way to the neighboring Sipalay City.
The rebels were targeting the policemen.
Even with the number of atrocities perpetrated by the rebels in the past weeks, Lacson remained optimistic with the peace and order situation in the province as the incidents are still “controllable.”
With the help of all concerned agencies, he said the authorities can “minimize” insurgency.
Lacson said that army units from Negros Island are being deployed to Mindanao to help the crisis in Marawi City.
“Hopefully, when the problem in Mindanao is done, the army units will be sent back here to augment our forces,” Lacson added.
Cancelled visits
Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares said several foreign tourists have canceled their trips to Sipalay days after the ambush in Cauayan.
She said they felt “threatened” due to the incident. Mansinares said that local tourists continue to visit and “patronize” the province.
The Provincial Board will meet with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led by Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr. next week for a briefing on the crime and drug situation in the province.
AFP recruiting Lumads to ‘protect IP communities’
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Oct 12): AFP recruiting Lumads to ‘protect IP communities’
ABOUT 15 Lumads or members of indigenous peoples’ (IPs) communities are part of 115 candidate soldiers who will be undergoing military training at the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
The candidate soldiers composed of 95 males and 20 females from Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions are undergoing the selection process, among them qualifying examinations designed to test their mental and physical abilities.
Major General Ronald Villanueva, 4ID Commander, advised the future soldiers to always follow commands and be "perfect".
Villanueva also urged more Lumads to join the military so they can help protect their communities.
"Having them join the Armed Forces is also giving them chance to serve their people, their fellow Lumads, and help their community protect their ancestral domain, instead of being exploited lang by the New People's Army (NPA)," he added.
The candidate soldiers will undergo basic military training at the 4th Division Training School in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and the 6th Infantry Division Training School in Carmen, North Cotabato.
The six-month training will teach the candidate soldiers combat fighting, life-saving imperatives, disaster response operation, peacekeeping initiatives, human rights, rule of law, and rules of engagement.
The new breed of so-called peace advocates will fill up the needed number of personnel due to the attrition such as optional and compulsory retirement, among others.
Responding to the attacks of the NPA rebels in Bukidnon, Villanueva is asking security agencies to raise their guards against the armed rebels.
"We are asking security agencies concerned sa security sa mga companies, because we cannot be security people for companies in these areas, so we ask their help to tell us if there are already threats so that these can be addressed," he said.
"We cannot man all the businesses, that is not our mandate," he added.
Last Sunday, the NPA attacked Davao Ventures Corporation (Davco), a multinational company, in Barangay Merangeran, Quezon, Bukidnon, burning a boom spray, a tractor, a water tanker, two backhoes, a chemical mixer and razed a supply depot where toxic chemicals are stored, and recovered several firearms.
The NPA said the attack is a constant reminder for Davco to stop expanding in agricultural areas "where staple food crops are cultivated", adding that their action served as a "deterrent to the US-Duterte regime's plan in Mindanao on their plan to expand export-oriented and commercial crops such as pineapple, banana, cacao, and rubber".
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2017/10/12/afp-recruiting-lumads-protect-ip-communities-568982
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2017/10/12/afp-recruiting-lumads-protect-ip-communities-568982
Philippine Moro rebels have ousted child soldiers – UN
From the Asian Correspondent (Oct 12): Philippine Moro rebels have ousted child soldiers – UN
Members of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, show their firepower inside their stronghold in Maguindanao province, Philippines in this file photo. Source: Bong S. Sarmiento.
THE United Nations has stricken off the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Islamic armed group in the Philippines fighting for self-determination in Mindanao, from the list of armed groups recruiting and employing child warriors.
With Malaysia as third-party facilitator, the government and the MILF forged a final peace deal in 2014, ending four decades of deadly armed struggle in Mindanao that claimed the lives of over 120,000 individuals.
At least 1,869 child soldiers have been disengaged from the MILF in an effort that began in 2009, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) said early this week in announcing the removal of the MILF from the UN’s list of armed groups employing minor combatants or those 18 years old and below.
Unicef Philippines described the removal of the MILF from the list as “a stride and a victory toward realising children’s rights in the Philippines.”
THE United Nations has stricken off the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Islamic armed group in the Philippines fighting for self-determination in Mindanao, from the list of armed groups recruiting and employing child warriors.
With Malaysia as third-party facilitator, the government and the MILF forged a final peace deal in 2014, ending four decades of deadly armed struggle in Mindanao that claimed the lives of over 120,000 individuals.
At least 1,869 child soldiers have been disengaged from the MILF in an effort that began in 2009, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) said early this week in announcing the removal of the MILF from the UN’s list of armed groups employing minor combatants or those 18 years old and below.
Unicef Philippines described the removal of the MILF from the list as “a stride and a victory toward realising children’s rights in the Philippines.”
“The MILF’s commitment to protect and promote the rights of children in their communities continues today, even as they are delisted from the UN report,” Unicef Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander said in a statement.
“Fostering lasting peace for children involves continued vigilance by all concerned, including the government, civil society, elders, parents and children themselves to ensure they are not involved in or used in armed conflict.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded the MILF for its efforts in implementing the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan, a measure aimed to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict.
“Fostering lasting peace for children involves continued vigilance by all concerned, including the government, civil society, elders, parents and children themselves to ensure they are not involved in or used in armed conflict.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauded the MILF for its efforts in implementing the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan, a measure aimed to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the armed conflict.
“Regarding the MILF, I commend it for the significant progress in implementing its action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children. In this regard, all 1,869 children identified by MILF as associated with its armed wing underwent formal disengagement in a series of ceremonies, the last of which was held in March 2017,” Guterres said in the recently released UN Secretary-General’s 2016 report on children and armed conflict.
The report is presented annually to the UN Security Council and highlights trends and patterns of grave violations and progress made to protect children, among others.
Unicef facilitated the work on the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan to end recruitment and use of children, which was completed early this year.
Members of MILF armed wing Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces man a checkpoint at their stronghold in Maguindanao province, Philippines, in this file photo. Source: Bong S. Sarmiento.
Sylwander said the disengagement of MILF child soldiers will facilitate their access to appropriate support and services from government and development partners to enjoy all their rights to health, education and protection.
The programme of support to disengaged/at-risk children and their families through Unicef is being supported by the governments of Japan and Canada, among others.
The MILF instituted safeguards through its command structure to regularly monitor and screen troops to prevent children from associating or re-associating, Sylwander said.
She added the United Nations will continue the monitoring of violations against children committed by all parties in conflict.
In the Philippines, children continue to be direct victims of grave violations in the context of the armed conflict, affecting their rights to life, survival, development, protection and education, among others, Unicef said.
Thousands of children and families have been displaced in recent years by armed conflict, mainly in Mindanao, the agency added, noting that in 2017, the Marawi crisis displaced approximately 359,000 individuals, 205,000 of them being children.
President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao on May 23, hours after the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group attacked and clashed with government troops in Marawi City, the major Islamic city in the Philippines.
The Marawi battle that continues to rage today killed at least 150 government troops and over 800 terrorists. Video footage recovered by the military showed the Maute Group also employed minor combatants.
Muslim children wave green flaglets in support to the Mindanao peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in this file photo. Source: Bong S. Sarmiento
For the MILF, their delisting from the UN list of armed groups employing child soldiers is a welcome development that was a result of “its sincere efforts to comply with UN-MILF Action Plan.”
Edward Guerra, MILF panel chair for the UN-MILF Action Plan, noted that they campaigned against the recruitment of child soldiers not only with their commanders but also more importantly in Muslim communities.
“It is important for parents and the MILF (members) to understand that this campaign is for their children and they should encourage them to go to school instead of joining armed groups,” he said.
As part of its commitment to the action plan, the MILF leadership had issued a general order to its base commanders and officers to prohibit the recruitment of children under 18 as well as gave unimpeded access to Unicef-led monitoring teams.
The implementation of the UN-MILF Action Plan to curb the employment of child soldiers was also aimed to contribute towards the normalisation track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace agreement between the government and the MILF.
The CAB’s annex on normalisation deals with the decommissioning of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, and help them lead productive civilian lives in the proposed new Bangsamoro region.
However, almost three years after the CAB was signed by the government and the MILF, the enabling law that would establish the new Bangsamoro region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has yet to be approved by the Philippine Congress.
The report is presented annually to the UN Security Council and highlights trends and patterns of grave violations and progress made to protect children, among others.
Unicef facilitated the work on the 2009 UN-MILF Action Plan to end recruitment and use of children, which was completed early this year.
Members of MILF armed wing Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces man a checkpoint at their stronghold in Maguindanao province, Philippines, in this file photo. Source: Bong S. Sarmiento.
Sylwander said the disengagement of MILF child soldiers will facilitate their access to appropriate support and services from government and development partners to enjoy all their rights to health, education and protection.
The programme of support to disengaged/at-risk children and their families through Unicef is being supported by the governments of Japan and Canada, among others.
The MILF instituted safeguards through its command structure to regularly monitor and screen troops to prevent children from associating or re-associating, Sylwander said.
She added the United Nations will continue the monitoring of violations against children committed by all parties in conflict.
In the Philippines, children continue to be direct victims of grave violations in the context of the armed conflict, affecting their rights to life, survival, development, protection and education, among others, Unicef said.
Thousands of children and families have been displaced in recent years by armed conflict, mainly in Mindanao, the agency added, noting that in 2017, the Marawi crisis displaced approximately 359,000 individuals, 205,000 of them being children.
President Rodrigo Duterte imposed martial law in Mindanao on May 23, hours after the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group attacked and clashed with government troops in Marawi City, the major Islamic city in the Philippines.
The Marawi battle that continues to rage today killed at least 150 government troops and over 800 terrorists. Video footage recovered by the military showed the Maute Group also employed minor combatants.
Muslim children wave green flaglets in support to the Mindanao peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in this file photo. Source: Bong S. Sarmiento
For the MILF, their delisting from the UN list of armed groups employing child soldiers is a welcome development that was a result of “its sincere efforts to comply with UN-MILF Action Plan.”
Edward Guerra, MILF panel chair for the UN-MILF Action Plan, noted that they campaigned against the recruitment of child soldiers not only with their commanders but also more importantly in Muslim communities.
“It is important for parents and the MILF (members) to understand that this campaign is for their children and they should encourage them to go to school instead of joining armed groups,” he said.
As part of its commitment to the action plan, the MILF leadership had issued a general order to its base commanders and officers to prohibit the recruitment of children under 18 as well as gave unimpeded access to Unicef-led monitoring teams.
The implementation of the UN-MILF Action Plan to curb the employment of child soldiers was also aimed to contribute towards the normalisation track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace agreement between the government and the MILF.
The CAB’s annex on normalisation deals with the decommissioning of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, and help them lead productive civilian lives in the proposed new Bangsamoro region.
However, almost three years after the CAB was signed by the government and the MILF, the enabling law that would establish the new Bangsamoro region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has yet to be approved by the Philippine Congress.
Views: S-E Asia countries should worry about Marawi's terrorists
From The New Paper (Oct 12): Views: S-E Asia countries should worry about Marawi's terrorists (By Dane Chamorro and Bill Dickey)
Insurgency in the Philippine city is a regional terror threat and Asean nations must take heed
A government soldier in Marawi City. Photo: Reuters
Although it has slipped from the headlines, the conflict in the southern Philippine city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao rages on.
Several hundred terrorists led by the Maute brothers and the Abu Sayyaf managed to seize the city in May. Despite some initial success, Philippine security forces remain engaged in clashes with a small group of terrorists who are entrenched in the town's centre.
The capital city of Lanao del Sur province - population 200,000 - has been effectively destroyed by government aircraft in an effort to recapture it, with reconstruction estimated at US$1 billion (S$1.35 billion).
The drawn-out battle and the fact that 600 to 700 terrorists - which includes dozens from Malaysia and Indonesia - were able to coalesce essentially undetected is indicative of the armed forces' inability to counter this long-running insurgency.-For Asean, the issue is a much bigger one - terrorism will not be defeated in this region until Mindanao ceases to be a haven for regional militants. This will be achieved only when the island is at peace and on a path to sustainable development and autonomy.
For several decades, Mindanao has been where terrorists in the region could shelter, train and plan operations. Various local groups have harboured and supported these militants, such as the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to kidnap-for-ransom gangs such as Abu Sayyaf.
Mindanao also hosts the largest contingent of the communist New People's Army and a plethora of private political armies.
A sustainable solution to Mindanao's instability can be found only by addressing four fundamental factors:
SECURITY REBOOT
Local security forces have never effectively dealt with the various armed groups on the island. An overhaul of the armed forces and national police - specifically in terms of counter-terrorism and maritime security - will assist the effort to gain control of the problem.
Plus, a focus on robust civil affairs projects will assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the fighting.
BETTER GROWTH
Although many observers are celebrating the Philippines' record gross domestic product growth, economic development has not been "equitable" - it remains concentrated in southern Luzon.
Mindanao is rich in natural resources of all kinds but has historically been handicapped by poverty, poor governance and a lack of economic investment and opportunity. The government in Manila needs to ensure better distributed growth, not just faster growth.
REAL AUTONOMY
Former president Benigno Aquino re-launched a peace process to grant autonomy to key areas of "Muslim Mindanao", an electoral and continuing promise made by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has served as mayor of Davao City, also on Mindanao, for over 22 years.
But this process stalled after a botched police raid in 2015 to capture fugitive Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli, who was sheltering in Mindanao.
Much of the separatist violence since then is largely a result of the disrupted peace process, which has driven believers in a "Bangasmoro homeland" to see no other option but armed resistance.
ASEAN SUPPORT
Indonesian militants remain interested in plotting attacks on home soil, even as they have been drawn into the Mindanao front. But once the militants in Marawi City are overrun, there is a real risk of terrorism imploding once more.
The danger is that once aspirations for the creation of a "South-east Asia caliphate" are destroyed and militant groups disperse from Marawi, targeting and attack patterns will reach a new and more unpredictable phase, with regional implications that extend far beyond the southern Philippines.
The countries that will be affected need to better coordinate their counter-terrorism efforts, and the Philippines should request for assistance from Malaysia's and Indonesia's security forces to end this regional threat.
[Dane Chamorro is a senior partner at Control Risks and a former resident of the Philippines. Bill Dickey is a retired United States Army colonel and former attache in Jakarta and Yangon. This article was published in The Business Times yesterday.]
http://www.tnp.sg/news/world/defeating-marawi-militants-not-enough
Insurgency in the Philippine city is a regional terror threat and Asean nations must take heed
A government soldier in Marawi City. Photo: Reuters
Although it has slipped from the headlines, the conflict in the southern Philippine city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao rages on.
Several hundred terrorists led by the Maute brothers and the Abu Sayyaf managed to seize the city in May. Despite some initial success, Philippine security forces remain engaged in clashes with a small group of terrorists who are entrenched in the town's centre.
The capital city of Lanao del Sur province - population 200,000 - has been effectively destroyed by government aircraft in an effort to recapture it, with reconstruction estimated at US$1 billion (S$1.35 billion).
The drawn-out battle and the fact that 600 to 700 terrorists - which includes dozens from Malaysia and Indonesia - were able to coalesce essentially undetected is indicative of the armed forces' inability to counter this long-running insurgency.-For Asean, the issue is a much bigger one - terrorism will not be defeated in this region until Mindanao ceases to be a haven for regional militants. This will be achieved only when the island is at peace and on a path to sustainable development and autonomy.
For several decades, Mindanao has been where terrorists in the region could shelter, train and plan operations. Various local groups have harboured and supported these militants, such as the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to kidnap-for-ransom gangs such as Abu Sayyaf.
Mindanao also hosts the largest contingent of the communist New People's Army and a plethora of private political armies.
A sustainable solution to Mindanao's instability can be found only by addressing four fundamental factors:
SECURITY REBOOT
Local security forces have never effectively dealt with the various armed groups on the island. An overhaul of the armed forces and national police - specifically in terms of counter-terrorism and maritime security - will assist the effort to gain control of the problem.
Plus, a focus on robust civil affairs projects will assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the fighting.
BETTER GROWTH
Although many observers are celebrating the Philippines' record gross domestic product growth, economic development has not been "equitable" - it remains concentrated in southern Luzon.
Mindanao is rich in natural resources of all kinds but has historically been handicapped by poverty, poor governance and a lack of economic investment and opportunity. The government in Manila needs to ensure better distributed growth, not just faster growth.
REAL AUTONOMY
Former president Benigno Aquino re-launched a peace process to grant autonomy to key areas of "Muslim Mindanao", an electoral and continuing promise made by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has served as mayor of Davao City, also on Mindanao, for over 22 years.
But this process stalled after a botched police raid in 2015 to capture fugitive Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli, who was sheltering in Mindanao.
Much of the separatist violence since then is largely a result of the disrupted peace process, which has driven believers in a "Bangasmoro homeland" to see no other option but armed resistance.
ASEAN SUPPORT
Indonesian militants remain interested in plotting attacks on home soil, even as they have been drawn into the Mindanao front. But once the militants in Marawi City are overrun, there is a real risk of terrorism imploding once more.
The danger is that once aspirations for the creation of a "South-east Asia caliphate" are destroyed and militant groups disperse from Marawi, targeting and attack patterns will reach a new and more unpredictable phase, with regional implications that extend far beyond the southern Philippines.
The countries that will be affected need to better coordinate their counter-terrorism efforts, and the Philippines should request for assistance from Malaysia's and Indonesia's security forces to end this regional threat.
[Dane Chamorro is a senior partner at Control Risks and a former resident of the Philippines. Bill Dickey is a retired United States Army colonel and former attache in Jakarta and Yangon. This article was published in The Business Times yesterday.]
http://www.tnp.sg/news/world/defeating-marawi-militants-not-enough
Believe it or not, Duterte administration making progress in pursuit of peace with Reds
From the Business Mirror (Oct 12): Believe it or not, Duterte administration making progress in pursuit of peace with Reds
In Photo: Members and supporters of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines, most of them wearing red shirts and red kerchiefs over their faces, display placards during a brief rally near Malacañang in a show of force two days before the resumption of peace talks with the government on March 31, 2017.
Peace is as elusive as truth. Like in the pursuit of truth, the pursuit of peace is challenging, complex and, at times, impossible. Peace, like truth, knows no compromise, as anything less of it is not truly peace, but consolation, tokenism.
That’s why in the Philippines the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), have been engaged in peace negotiations for more than four decades now. In a bid to reach a final peace agreement, the government panel and the NDF has held peace talks in Scandinavia, discussing possible reforms that would lead to the laying down of arms of the NPA.
But that’s easier said than done. All the while the NDF seeks socioeconomic reforms, which it claims to be necessary to resolve the root causes of the armed struggle. The government panel, on the other hand, demands bilateral cease-fire, which it deems to be conducive for the continuation of talks.
And under the present administration, no other than President Duterte himself made it clear that a bilateral cease-fire has to be enforced first for the negotiations to carry on. This, for the NDF, is a sign of insincerity.
When Duterte was elected President in May 2016, the Left, undoubtedly, saw a window of opportunity to work with the government. The President, after all, has expressed willingness to work with the Left, given his record of maintaining close relations with communists when he was still mayor of Davao City.
As a goodwill measure, Duterte has appointed five Leftist leaders in the government, namely, Rafael V. Mariano as secretary of agrarian reform; Judy M. Taguiwalo as secretary of social welfare; Liza L. Maza as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission; Joel B. Maglunsod as undersecretary of labor; and Terry L. Ridon as chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.
On the other hand, the CPP has supported the government’s war on drugs in its early stages, instructing the NPA, its armed wing, to conduct offensives and arrests against big-time drug lords in the provinces.
However, the split cracked open when the war on drugs garnered international attention for claiming the lives of thousands of suspected drug criminals. Blood spilled on the streets, and so in the countryside. The CPP-NPA withdrew its support on the brutal campaign, and the civil war slowly intensified once more between government troops and communist rebels.
Peace negotiations between the government panel and the NDF suffered heavily from these setbacks, as the two panels are caught in the crossfire of events. The realities on the ground took a toll at the discussions in Norway and the Netherlands, with the NPA ambushing government troops here and there and the military bombing communist camps in the countryside.
And so after the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, after the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, after the rejection of Mariano and Taguiwalo in the Cabinet, after the killing of communist rebels by Duterte’s security men in Arakan, Cotabato, the peace talks was cancelled. The termination was expected, like a teapot turned off minutes after reaching the boiling point. The government panel withdrew from the talks in May, and never went back to the table with the NDF.
According to Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza, the government panel remains optimistic the talks would resume anytime in the future. But like what Government Chief Negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said, not now.
“We are always optimistic. Right now, as declared by the President, talks with them [NDF] are cancelled. We, at [the peace process], however, continue our mandate to work for peace,” Dureza told the BusinessMirror.
“We are waiting to see an enabling environment conducive to the resumption of peace negotiations. Our assessment is continuing,” Dureza added.
In a previous text message to the BusinessMirror, Bello reported the government panel is closely monitoring the situation in the countryside. If there is a “lowering level of violence” on the side of communist rebels, then the talks might resume, Bello said.
The CPP, on the other hand, reiterated in mid-September it is still open to returning to the peace table, saying the talks, after all, “is still in Duterte’s hands”.
“As the party and the NDF have often stated, it is the policy of the revolutionary forces to remain open to peace negotiations with any ruling regime that expresses willingness to seriously discuss the roots of the armed conflict, in accordance with previously agreed principles and procedures as stipulated in The Hague Declaration,” the CPP said.
“Thus, the peace negotiations can resume if Duterte will drop his earlier precondition of a bilateral cease-fire, which became the single biggest factor that terminated the talks. The ball is still in Duterte’s hands,” the CPP added.
This statement was echoed by Jose Enrique A. Africa, executive director of think tank Ibon Foundation. In a text message to the BusinessMirror, Africa argued that socioeconomic reforms should come first before the two camps can sign a bilateral cease-fire agreement.
“Putting the bilateral cease-fire first will virtually guarantee that the difficult socioeconomic reforms needed will not be implemented because the compulsion for the [government panel] will be gone. The [government panel] is, I think, also underestimating how sincerity in implementing socioeconomic reforms can significantly increase people buy-in and support for the peace process and an eventual final settlement,” Africa said.
As to the resumption of the talks, Africa urged the two camps to figure it out in backchannel and carry on with the negotiations. The talks, after all, had made significant developments under the Duterte administration, in spite of contradicting views between the government and the NDF.
“The first four rounds were successful in resuming talks with the NDF that the previous Aquino administration did not want, and in doing more work in a year, especially but not only on social and economic reforms, than in the whole decades before this. There was progress because both sides were delivering on their commitments, albeit incrementally and still imperfectly—release of political prisoners, temporary cease-fires and negotiations on substantive issues,” Africa said.
One of the most significant agreements made by the talks under the Duterte administration was the recognition in paper by the government that free-land distribution is a major socioeconomic reform needed to resolve the armed conflict. The agreement was reached in April during the fourth round of talks in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
“We believe the talks can still continue if only the President chooses to continue—whether out of the urgency to push the far-reaching social and economic reforms the country needs, or to get the revolutionary Left on board his Charter change agenda, or out of political pragmatism to make progress on a major national security issue, or all of these,” Africa said.
Ramon C. Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, also believed the talks under the Duterte administration had made a progress the previous regimes failed to achieve.
“The talks, so far, have made progress on all topics, except on the cease-fire,” Casiple told the BusinessMirror. He added it is important to note that “the two sides still express their willingness to talk” in spite of all that’s happen; and that’s a positive outlook for peace.
Because no matter how elusive it might be, how complex it is to understand, how challenging it is to reach, like truth, peace will set the nation free.
In Photo: Members and supporters of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines, most of them wearing red shirts and red kerchiefs over their faces, display placards during a brief rally near Malacañang in a show of force two days before the resumption of peace talks with the government on March 31, 2017.
Peace is as elusive as truth. Like in the pursuit of truth, the pursuit of peace is challenging, complex and, at times, impossible. Peace, like truth, knows no compromise, as anything less of it is not truly peace, but consolation, tokenism.
That’s why in the Philippines the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), have been engaged in peace negotiations for more than four decades now. In a bid to reach a final peace agreement, the government panel and the NDF has held peace talks in Scandinavia, discussing possible reforms that would lead to the laying down of arms of the NPA.
But that’s easier said than done. All the while the NDF seeks socioeconomic reforms, which it claims to be necessary to resolve the root causes of the armed struggle. The government panel, on the other hand, demands bilateral cease-fire, which it deems to be conducive for the continuation of talks.
And under the present administration, no other than President Duterte himself made it clear that a bilateral cease-fire has to be enforced first for the negotiations to carry on. This, for the NDF, is a sign of insincerity.
When Duterte was elected President in May 2016, the Left, undoubtedly, saw a window of opportunity to work with the government. The President, after all, has expressed willingness to work with the Left, given his record of maintaining close relations with communists when he was still mayor of Davao City.
As a goodwill measure, Duterte has appointed five Leftist leaders in the government, namely, Rafael V. Mariano as secretary of agrarian reform; Judy M. Taguiwalo as secretary of social welfare; Liza L. Maza as lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission; Joel B. Maglunsod as undersecretary of labor; and Terry L. Ridon as chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.
On the other hand, the CPP has supported the government’s war on drugs in its early stages, instructing the NPA, its armed wing, to conduct offensives and arrests against big-time drug lords in the provinces.
However, the split cracked open when the war on drugs garnered international attention for claiming the lives of thousands of suspected drug criminals. Blood spilled on the streets, and so in the countryside. The CPP-NPA withdrew its support on the brutal campaign, and the civil war slowly intensified once more between government troops and communist rebels.
Peace negotiations between the government panel and the NDF suffered heavily from these setbacks, as the two panels are caught in the crossfire of events. The realities on the ground took a toll at the discussions in Norway and the Netherlands, with the NPA ambushing government troops here and there and the military bombing communist camps in the countryside.
And so after the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, after the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, after the rejection of Mariano and Taguiwalo in the Cabinet, after the killing of communist rebels by Duterte’s security men in Arakan, Cotabato, the peace talks was cancelled. The termination was expected, like a teapot turned off minutes after reaching the boiling point. The government panel withdrew from the talks in May, and never went back to the table with the NDF.
According to Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza, the government panel remains optimistic the talks would resume anytime in the future. But like what Government Chief Negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said, not now.
“We are always optimistic. Right now, as declared by the President, talks with them [NDF] are cancelled. We, at [the peace process], however, continue our mandate to work for peace,” Dureza told the BusinessMirror.
“We are waiting to see an enabling environment conducive to the resumption of peace negotiations. Our assessment is continuing,” Dureza added.
In a previous text message to the BusinessMirror, Bello reported the government panel is closely monitoring the situation in the countryside. If there is a “lowering level of violence” on the side of communist rebels, then the talks might resume, Bello said.
The CPP, on the other hand, reiterated in mid-September it is still open to returning to the peace table, saying the talks, after all, “is still in Duterte’s hands”.
“As the party and the NDF have often stated, it is the policy of the revolutionary forces to remain open to peace negotiations with any ruling regime that expresses willingness to seriously discuss the roots of the armed conflict, in accordance with previously agreed principles and procedures as stipulated in The Hague Declaration,” the CPP said.
“Thus, the peace negotiations can resume if Duterte will drop his earlier precondition of a bilateral cease-fire, which became the single biggest factor that terminated the talks. The ball is still in Duterte’s hands,” the CPP added.
This statement was echoed by Jose Enrique A. Africa, executive director of think tank Ibon Foundation. In a text message to the BusinessMirror, Africa argued that socioeconomic reforms should come first before the two camps can sign a bilateral cease-fire agreement.
“Putting the bilateral cease-fire first will virtually guarantee that the difficult socioeconomic reforms needed will not be implemented because the compulsion for the [government panel] will be gone. The [government panel] is, I think, also underestimating how sincerity in implementing socioeconomic reforms can significantly increase people buy-in and support for the peace process and an eventual final settlement,” Africa said.
As to the resumption of the talks, Africa urged the two camps to figure it out in backchannel and carry on with the negotiations. The talks, after all, had made significant developments under the Duterte administration, in spite of contradicting views between the government and the NDF.
“The first four rounds were successful in resuming talks with the NDF that the previous Aquino administration did not want, and in doing more work in a year, especially but not only on social and economic reforms, than in the whole decades before this. There was progress because both sides were delivering on their commitments, albeit incrementally and still imperfectly—release of political prisoners, temporary cease-fires and negotiations on substantive issues,” Africa said.
One of the most significant agreements made by the talks under the Duterte administration was the recognition in paper by the government that free-land distribution is a major socioeconomic reform needed to resolve the armed conflict. The agreement was reached in April during the fourth round of talks in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
“We believe the talks can still continue if only the President chooses to continue—whether out of the urgency to push the far-reaching social and economic reforms the country needs, or to get the revolutionary Left on board his Charter change agenda, or out of political pragmatism to make progress on a major national security issue, or all of these,” Africa said.
Ramon C. Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, also believed the talks under the Duterte administration had made a progress the previous regimes failed to achieve.
“The talks, so far, have made progress on all topics, except on the cease-fire,” Casiple told the BusinessMirror. He added it is important to note that “the two sides still express their willingness to talk” in spite of all that’s happen; and that’s a positive outlook for peace.
Because no matter how elusive it might be, how complex it is to understand, how challenging it is to reach, like truth, peace will set the nation free.
Peace talks with communists remain ‘alive’– Bello
From the Manila Times (Oct 12): Peace talks with communists remain ‘alive’– Bello
PEACE negotiations between the government and the communist rebels were still “alive,” government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello 3rd said on Thursday.
Bello, during a press conference in Malacanang, said President Rodrigo Duterte would not abandon the peace process with the communists despite the Chief Executive’s pronouncements that he no longer wanted to talk peace with the rebel group.
“The talks are alive and we are just waiting for the President to give us his instruction to go back to the peace table,” Bello told reporters.
“If you recall when the President came in as our president, he made a very clear statement that this legacy to our country and our countrymen is a lasting peace for our country. So I don’t think that the President has abandoned that legacy,” he added.
Bello issued the statement after Duterte dashed hopes that peace between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) could be achieved within his term.
The President said the communist group may have to wait for another president for peace negotiations.
“At this stage, I am not ready to talk to them (CPP-NPA-NDFP) because it is not good for the country… the way that it is now, ayaw ko (I don’t like) and maybe it would take some time to, maybe another president, to do it,” Duterte said at the Army’s change of command ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 5.
Peace talks resumed in 2016 under the Duterte administration. Negotiations reached fourth round of talks.
The fifth round scheduled from May 27 to June 1 was cancelled by the government after the CPP ordered the NPA, its armed wing, to step up offensives against government forces implementing martial law in Mindanao.
Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, the same day the Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City where fighting continues.
In July, Duterte told the government negotiating panel to drop the talks unless the NPA stopped its attacks on government troops and its illegal activities like extortion, and a bilateral ceasefire agreement was signed.
In September, Duterte said he was open to resuming talks with the communists but would have to consult his security advisers.
http://www.manilatimes.net/peace-talks-communists-remains-alive-bello/356048/
PEACE negotiations between the government and the communist rebels were still “alive,” government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello 3rd said on Thursday.
“The talks are alive and we are just waiting for the President to give us his instruction to go back to the peace table,” Bello told reporters.
“If you recall when the President came in as our president, he made a very clear statement that this legacy to our country and our countrymen is a lasting peace for our country. So I don’t think that the President has abandoned that legacy,” he added.
Bello issued the statement after Duterte dashed hopes that peace between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) could be achieved within his term.
The President said the communist group may have to wait for another president for peace negotiations.
“At this stage, I am not ready to talk to them (CPP-NPA-NDFP) because it is not good for the country… the way that it is now, ayaw ko (I don’t like) and maybe it would take some time to, maybe another president, to do it,” Duterte said at the Army’s change of command ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 5.
Peace talks resumed in 2016 under the Duterte administration. Negotiations reached fourth round of talks.
The fifth round scheduled from May 27 to June 1 was cancelled by the government after the CPP ordered the NPA, its armed wing, to step up offensives against government forces implementing martial law in Mindanao.
Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, the same day the Maute terrorist group attacked Marawi City where fighting continues.
In July, Duterte told the government negotiating panel to drop the talks unless the NPA stopped its attacks on government troops and its illegal activities like extortion, and a bilateral ceasefire agreement was signed.
In September, Duterte said he was open to resuming talks with the communists but would have to consult his security advisers.
http://www.manilatimes.net/peace-talks-communists-remains-alive-bello/356048/
SPECIAL REPORT: ‘Win the hearts of the people’ to prevent extremism, govt urged
From the Manila Times (Oct 12): SPECIAL REPORT: ‘Win the hearts of the people’ to prevent extremism, govt urged (By Bernadette Tamayo)
THE government is trying its best to balance its act to end the Marawi crisis without opening new avenues for a protracted war between the military and the Islamic State-linked Maute group, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said.
Security expert Richard Heydarian said President Rodrigo Duterte has to handle the Marawi crisis “very carefully with the added element that there are also sectarian things involved here.”
“Of course, it was not the fault of AFP that the war started. But you know how the narrative will come out, right?” he said.
Heydarian raised the possibility that the Maute remnants would some day “resurrect” and create another problem.
Local politics might play a role. “I mean ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is just an over layer. Parang lasagna e. May mga family feudalism, etc. (It’s like lasagna. There’s family feudalism),” Heydarian said.
Padilla assured the public that the military was aiming to crush the entire Maute group and prevent a protracted war.
“We need to get all of them. Some managed to escape. But these were just a few. They can create trouble later on. But we’re trying to arrest them,” Padilla said.
Heydarian warned the government against complacency. “They’re going to come back sure. Because if the top leaders of the Maute brothers will be eliminated, there’s going to be some organizational vacuum for sometime.”
“It’s not true that if you kill one of them someone who is a lot crazier will come up. It doesn’t happen that way,”he said. “If you look first at ISIS, which used to be al-Qaeda of Iraq, when they killed, you know, al-Zarqawi and other leaders, you know by the end of 2009 the leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq were gone. It took them until 2013 and 2014 to become a force…So, it’s a big factor if the Philippine government can eliminate the top tier of the (Maute) leadership,” he said.
Bangsamoro bill crucial
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who hails from Bukidnon province in Mindanao, said the quest of the Bangsamoro people of Mindanao to achieve genuine autonomy would be a crucial factor against the resurgence of radicalism.
Zubiri called for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to address the decades-old grievances of Muslim Filipinos. The Bangsamoro Transition Commission on July 17 submitted its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to President Rodrigo Duterte.
It hopes to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the 2014 final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“If we pass the BBL, there will be de-escalation of the war,” the lawmaker said.
“If we don’t pass it, they might think it’s a treacherous move on our part and they may decide to take action,” he added.
Zubiri said he was worried that if there would be another conflict in Mindanao similar to the Marawi crisis, the national government would have to move most of the armed forces from Luzon and the Visayas to Mindanao.
This could mean the rest of the Philippines would be open to attacks by other armed groups such as the communist New People’s Army, he said.
‘Win the hearts of people’
Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Mindanao Development Authority head, said the specter of a protracted war between the government and the military would “depend upon how the national and the local governments will manage the crisis and post-crisis situation in Marawi City.”
“The right strategy to veer away from a long-protracted war against the IS-inspired Maute group is to win the hearts of the people,” said Alonto, who holds the rank of a Cabinet secretary.
He also raised the need to immediately “arrest all the drug lords and politicians who participated in the Marawi City siege.”
“It was very frustrating for the IDPs (internally displaced persons) to see the unabated illegal activities of the drug lords from Marawi and Lanao del Sur.”
“This will ensure that there will be justice and that they will have a bright future despite the crisis. If we can win over and rally the support of the people, then we can isolate and eventually eliminate the violent extremists within our midst,” he added.
Heydarian said the government must immediately address reports that some Muslim youth, specifically those directly affected by the crisis, have become “sympathetic” to the cause of the Maute.
“We know certain politicians are helping them. I mean you wouldn’t be able to build all of these networks unless certain [politicians helped them]and pre-position [their]equipment,” he said.
“But my fear is, it’s going to be more than just political calculation. We know that there were tribal politics involved,” he said.
Islamic State as ‘glue’
Heydarian also pointed to the presence of foreign terrorists who helped and apparently continue to aid the Maute. “The presence of foreign fighters from as far as the Middle East, Saudi, Yemenis, and Russian Chechnyans, that’s scary.”
“So, that means in the future you have more and more foreign fighters coming in as ISIS gets (defeated) in the Middle East,” the security expert warned.
“And the second factor is, how jihadist extremist groups have come together under the ISIS ideology despite their tribal competitions. So, you have the Tausugs-Abu Sayyaf, you have the Maranao-Maute.”
That’s why the Moro National Liberation Front split, and led to the creation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.
“But now you see the radical splinters are coming together. So, the ISIS brand is gluing them together. So, you cannot underestimate the power of ISIS as an ideology,” Heydarian said.
He noted that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the Islamic State chief in Southeast Asia, relocated from Basilan all the way to Lanao del Sur to join the Marawi siege.
“When they were competing it was good to isolate them and bog them down. Once they come together they can launch coordinated attacks,” he said.
Poverty not the only factor
This is the reason the military is very cautious in neutralizing the IS-inspired local extremists. “And even if you defeat the Maute in the battlefield you might still lose the war if you handle it badly because down there the Maute can still come back and recruit. They can disappear, come back,” Heydarian said.
Zubiri agreed, saying: “It’s not just because they live in abject poverty, it’s not just they are illiterate, some people are illiterate to join these extremist groups but you have also to remember that they also have a bad history.”
“Whenever they recall what their elders had told them about the decades-long injustices on their people, they harbor resentment in their hearts,” he said. “So, it’s very easy for them to be agitated and that is why it’s important for government to show that we are responsive to the needs of every Filipino including our brother Moslems.”
“The benefits we give to those in the Visayas and to Luzon we should also give to our brother Moslems. That is the way to do it. With all things equal, they must receive equal benefits from the government,” he said.
One of the problems that must be addressed in Mindanao is corruption and inefficiency in the delivery of government services.
“And we also have to give them further autonomy so that they can also promote their traditional and cultural practices among themselves so that we would not force them to speak Tagalog or adopt Christian culture and tradition,” he said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/win-hearts-people-prevent-extremism-govt-urged/355990/
THE government is trying its best to balance its act to end the Marawi crisis without opening new avenues for a protracted war between the military and the Islamic State-linked Maute group, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said.
“Of course, it was not the fault of AFP that the war started. But you know how the narrative will come out, right?” he said.
Heydarian raised the possibility that the Maute remnants would some day “resurrect” and create another problem.
Local politics might play a role. “I mean ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is just an over layer. Parang lasagna e. May mga family feudalism, etc. (It’s like lasagna. There’s family feudalism),” Heydarian said.
Padilla assured the public that the military was aiming to crush the entire Maute group and prevent a protracted war.
“We need to get all of them. Some managed to escape. But these were just a few. They can create trouble later on. But we’re trying to arrest them,” Padilla said.
Heydarian warned the government against complacency. “They’re going to come back sure. Because if the top leaders of the Maute brothers will be eliminated, there’s going to be some organizational vacuum for sometime.”
“It’s not true that if you kill one of them someone who is a lot crazier will come up. It doesn’t happen that way,”he said. “If you look first at ISIS, which used to be al-Qaeda of Iraq, when they killed, you know, al-Zarqawi and other leaders, you know by the end of 2009 the leaders of al-Qaeda in Iraq were gone. It took them until 2013 and 2014 to become a force…So, it’s a big factor if the Philippine government can eliminate the top tier of the (Maute) leadership,” he said.
Bangsamoro bill crucial
Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who hails from Bukidnon province in Mindanao, said the quest of the Bangsamoro people of Mindanao to achieve genuine autonomy would be a crucial factor against the resurgence of radicalism.
Zubiri called for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to address the decades-old grievances of Muslim Filipinos. The Bangsamoro Transition Commission on July 17 submitted its draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to President Rodrigo Duterte.
It hopes to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the 2014 final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“If we pass the BBL, there will be de-escalation of the war,” the lawmaker said.
“If we don’t pass it, they might think it’s a treacherous move on our part and they may decide to take action,” he added.
Zubiri said he was worried that if there would be another conflict in Mindanao similar to the Marawi crisis, the national government would have to move most of the armed forces from Luzon and the Visayas to Mindanao.
This could mean the rest of the Philippines would be open to attacks by other armed groups such as the communist New People’s Army, he said.
‘Win the hearts of people’
Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, Mindanao Development Authority head, said the specter of a protracted war between the government and the military would “depend upon how the national and the local governments will manage the crisis and post-crisis situation in Marawi City.”
“The right strategy to veer away from a long-protracted war against the IS-inspired Maute group is to win the hearts of the people,” said Alonto, who holds the rank of a Cabinet secretary.
He also raised the need to immediately “arrest all the drug lords and politicians who participated in the Marawi City siege.”
“It was very frustrating for the IDPs (internally displaced persons) to see the unabated illegal activities of the drug lords from Marawi and Lanao del Sur.”
“This will ensure that there will be justice and that they will have a bright future despite the crisis. If we can win over and rally the support of the people, then we can isolate and eventually eliminate the violent extremists within our midst,” he added.
Heydarian said the government must immediately address reports that some Muslim youth, specifically those directly affected by the crisis, have become “sympathetic” to the cause of the Maute.
“We know certain politicians are helping them. I mean you wouldn’t be able to build all of these networks unless certain [politicians helped them]and pre-position [their]equipment,” he said.
“But my fear is, it’s going to be more than just political calculation. We know that there were tribal politics involved,” he said.
Islamic State as ‘glue’
Heydarian also pointed to the presence of foreign terrorists who helped and apparently continue to aid the Maute. “The presence of foreign fighters from as far as the Middle East, Saudi, Yemenis, and Russian Chechnyans, that’s scary.”
“So, that means in the future you have more and more foreign fighters coming in as ISIS gets (defeated) in the Middle East,” the security expert warned.
“And the second factor is, how jihadist extremist groups have come together under the ISIS ideology despite their tribal competitions. So, you have the Tausugs-Abu Sayyaf, you have the Maranao-Maute.”
That’s why the Moro National Liberation Front split, and led to the creation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” he said.
“But now you see the radical splinters are coming together. So, the ISIS brand is gluing them together. So, you cannot underestimate the power of ISIS as an ideology,” Heydarian said.
He noted that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the Islamic State chief in Southeast Asia, relocated from Basilan all the way to Lanao del Sur to join the Marawi siege.
“When they were competing it was good to isolate them and bog them down. Once they come together they can launch coordinated attacks,” he said.
Poverty not the only factor
This is the reason the military is very cautious in neutralizing the IS-inspired local extremists. “And even if you defeat the Maute in the battlefield you might still lose the war if you handle it badly because down there the Maute can still come back and recruit. They can disappear, come back,” Heydarian said.
Zubiri agreed, saying: “It’s not just because they live in abject poverty, it’s not just they are illiterate, some people are illiterate to join these extremist groups but you have also to remember that they also have a bad history.”
“Whenever they recall what their elders had told them about the decades-long injustices on their people, they harbor resentment in their hearts,” he said. “So, it’s very easy for them to be agitated and that is why it’s important for government to show that we are responsive to the needs of every Filipino including our brother Moslems.”
“The benefits we give to those in the Visayas and to Luzon we should also give to our brother Moslems. That is the way to do it. With all things equal, they must receive equal benefits from the government,” he said.
One of the problems that must be addressed in Mindanao is corruption and inefficiency in the delivery of government services.
“And we also have to give them further autonomy so that they can also promote their traditional and cultural practices among themselves so that we would not force them to speak Tagalog or adopt Christian culture and tradition,” he said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/win-hearts-people-prevent-extremism-govt-urged/355990/
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