From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): Ilocos peace and order council tackles insurgency
Representatives of the Regional Peace and Order Council convened in Vigan City on Wednesday to tackle updates and pressing issues on insurgency in the Ilocos region.
Attended by representatives from the inter-agency government network composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Army and other multi-sectoral representatives, the discussion was presided by Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos.
Due to the sensitivity of the issues being discussed, the meeting was off-limits to the media.
The agenda mainly focused on updates on the regional peace and order situation covering the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, particularly regarding government efforts to resolve the insurgency problem.
On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations.
Under the law, anyone proven to be financing these groups would be held liable.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018092
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Army extends medical aid to NPA rebels hurt in clashes
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): Army extends medical aid to NPA rebels hurt in clashes
Dabawenyos have sent 1,700 holiday food packs containing comfort foods such as pomelo and pastries for the soldiers in the main battleground of Marawi City.
This was disclosed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chief of staff Raul Nadela Jr., who said that the food packs are gestures of the city's gratitude for all soldiers who served in Marawi.
“We send them holiday packs, a simple token that they can enjoy. This is from the people of Davao to our soldiers for their bravery—their sacrifices,” Nadela said.
Each food pack is worth P1, 000 of holiday foods.
“It is our way of saying thank you for their service, for their sacrifice, especially now that it is holiday season and they are not with their families,” Nadela said.
Earlier, the city government also donated P5 million for the City Government of Marawi to help the LGU revive the economic activities in Marawi.
Aside from the holiday food packs and P5 million, the city also gave relief goods for the families affected by the siege.
The seven-month siege has left thousands of families in the evacuation center. Despite the liberation of Marawi from the terrorists, some barangays are still occupied by a few IS-inspired groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018076
Dabawenyos have sent 1,700 holiday food packs containing comfort foods such as pomelo and pastries for the soldiers in the main battleground of Marawi City.
This was disclosed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chief of staff Raul Nadela Jr., who said that the food packs are gestures of the city's gratitude for all soldiers who served in Marawi.
“We send them holiday packs, a simple token that they can enjoy. This is from the people of Davao to our soldiers for their bravery—their sacrifices,” Nadela said.
Each food pack is worth P1, 000 of holiday foods.
“It is our way of saying thank you for their service, for their sacrifice, especially now that it is holiday season and they are not with their families,” Nadela said.
Earlier, the city government also donated P5 million for the City Government of Marawi to help the LGU revive the economic activities in Marawi.
Aside from the holiday food packs and P5 million, the city also gave relief goods for the families affected by the siege.
The seven-month siege has left thousands of families in the evacuation center. Despite the liberation of Marawi from the terrorists, some barangays are still occupied by a few IS-inspired groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018076
Army extends medical aid to NPA rebels hurt in clashes
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): Army extends medical aid to NPA rebels hurt in clashes
Soldiers belonging to the 33rd Infantry Battalion had treated wounded communist rebels following a clash with the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the borders of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, the Army said Wednesday.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the 33rd IB based in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat provided manpower support to elements of 27th IB that clashed with the NPAs on Sunday in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
In the clash, seven communist rebels were killed and scores were wounded. Two soldiers from 27th IB were also killed.
Encinas said after the clashes in Sitio Datal Bonglangon, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato the wounded rebels fled toward Bagumbayan town which is part of the area of operation of 33rd IB.
At around 10:30 a.m. Monday, 33rd IB troopers, led by Lt Col Harold Cabunoc and accompanied by tribal elders, entered Datal Bonglangon to treat a wounded insurgent named Jeffrey Denian, 18.
Datu Dandee Denian, a tribal leader from Tulale village, confirmed that among those killed were Datu Victor Denian and two of the latter’s sons who reinforced the NPA.
Cabunoc has arranged a tribal burial rite for the dead insurgents who all belong to the Dulangan Manobo.
Later in the afternoon, 10 NPA members, several of them injured, surrendered to Cabunoc in the presence of Datu Tony Paan and Sto Nino village chairperson Julieto Ynion.
The simple ‘Balik Tribo’ surrender rite was held in Sitio Bermuda, about a kilometer away from the seized NPA camp. Cabunoc said the number of communist rebels who surrendered to the government troops in Sultan Kudarat had now reached to 86.
Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, said aside from the sustained military operations in the area, massive awareness campaign was also undertaken in the indigent communities to expose the deceptive propaganda used by the NPA in their recruitment of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The wounded were brought by soldiers to Sultan Kudarat provincial hospital in Isulan, the provincial capital. Cabunoc said ten other communist fighters who belonged to the IPs community have surrendered to government forces.
Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said at least 1,000 families had been displaced armed hostilities in Lake Sebu and fled toward Barangay Sumilil, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Supt. Supiter said the local police of Bagumbayan, led by Chief Inspector Gary Marfil, extended emergency assistance to the affected families.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018065
Soldiers belonging to the 33rd Infantry Battalion had treated wounded communist rebels following a clash with the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the borders of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, the Army said Wednesday.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the 33rd IB based in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat provided manpower support to elements of 27th IB that clashed with the NPAs on Sunday in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
In the clash, seven communist rebels were killed and scores were wounded. Two soldiers from 27th IB were also killed.
Encinas said after the clashes in Sitio Datal Bonglangon, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato the wounded rebels fled toward Bagumbayan town which is part of the area of operation of 33rd IB.
At around 10:30 a.m. Monday, 33rd IB troopers, led by Lt Col Harold Cabunoc and accompanied by tribal elders, entered Datal Bonglangon to treat a wounded insurgent named Jeffrey Denian, 18.
Datu Dandee Denian, a tribal leader from Tulale village, confirmed that among those killed were Datu Victor Denian and two of the latter’s sons who reinforced the NPA.
Cabunoc has arranged a tribal burial rite for the dead insurgents who all belong to the Dulangan Manobo.
Later in the afternoon, 10 NPA members, several of them injured, surrendered to Cabunoc in the presence of Datu Tony Paan and Sto Nino village chairperson Julieto Ynion.
The simple ‘Balik Tribo’ surrender rite was held in Sitio Bermuda, about a kilometer away from the seized NPA camp. Cabunoc said the number of communist rebels who surrendered to the government troops in Sultan Kudarat had now reached to 86.
Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, said aside from the sustained military operations in the area, massive awareness campaign was also undertaken in the indigent communities to expose the deceptive propaganda used by the NPA in their recruitment of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The wounded were brought by soldiers to Sultan Kudarat provincial hospital in Isulan, the provincial capital. Cabunoc said ten other communist fighters who belonged to the IPs community have surrendered to government forces.
Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said at least 1,000 families had been displaced armed hostilities in Lake Sebu and fled toward Barangay Sumilil, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.
Supt. Supiter said the local police of Bagumbayan, led by Chief Inspector Gary Marfil, extended emergency assistance to the affected families.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018065
Gov't forces on high alert for retaliatory attacks
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): Gov't forces on high alert for retaliatory attacks
Army and police units here and the neighboring areas have been placed on heightened alert after President Rodrigo R. Duterte formally declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups.
Col. Roberto Ancan, commanding officer of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said they alerted all their operating units to brace for possible retaliatory attacks as a result of the declaration.
But Col. Ancan assured that they are prepared for any attack and have been closely monitoring the movements of NPA rebels within their area of responsibility.
The 1002nd Brigade has operational jurisdiction over this city and parts of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.
The city is considered as under the operational jurisdiction of the NPA’s guerilla front 73, which is mainly based in South Cotabato province. Other nearby units are the Front 71 in nearby Davao Occidental and Front 72 in Makilala, North Cotabato and Malungon, Sarangani areas.
Ancan said it is only proper to classify the NPA as a terrorist organization due to the rash of "terrorist activities" such as the harassment of local communities, burning of vehicles and heavy equipment, attacks and cases of killings.
Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12, said the President's proclamation was necessary and reasonable.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018095
Army and police units here and the neighboring areas have been placed on heightened alert after President Rodrigo R. Duterte formally declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups.
Col. Roberto Ancan, commanding officer of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said they alerted all their operating units to brace for possible retaliatory attacks as a result of the declaration.
But Col. Ancan assured that they are prepared for any attack and have been closely monitoring the movements of NPA rebels within their area of responsibility.
The 1002nd Brigade has operational jurisdiction over this city and parts of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.
The city is considered as under the operational jurisdiction of the NPA’s guerilla front 73, which is mainly based in South Cotabato province. Other nearby units are the Front 71 in nearby Davao Occidental and Front 72 in Makilala, North Cotabato and Malungon, Sarangani areas.
Ancan said it is only proper to classify the NPA as a terrorist organization due to the rash of "terrorist activities" such as the harassment of local communities, burning of vehicles and heavy equipment, attacks and cases of killings.
Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-12, said the President's proclamation was necessary and reasonable.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018095
9 hostages still in ASG hands in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): 9 hostages still in ASG hands in Sulu
Nine hostages, including six foreigners, are still being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
This was confirmed by Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana during the sidelines of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Yearend Meeting held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.
The remaining hostages consist of one Dutch, five Indonesians and three Filipinos.
Sobejana said that the latter are being held by the terrorists under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron.
Operations are still ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims, he added.
An estimated 400 ASG members are still being hunted by military units in Sulu, the military official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018105
Nine hostages, including six foreigners, are still being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
This was confirmed by Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana during the sidelines of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Yearend Meeting held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.
The remaining hostages consist of one Dutch, five Indonesians and three Filipinos.
Sobejana said that the latter are being held by the terrorists under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron.
Operations are still ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims, he added.
An estimated 400 ASG members are still being hunted by military units in Sulu, the military official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018105
Duterte orders ‘mass arrest’ of NDF consultants out on bail
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): Duterte orders ‘mass arrest’ of NDF consultants out on bail
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he will order the “mass arrest” of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants, who were released temporarily, following the collapse of the peace talks with the communist rebels.
“For those who are out temporarily, you just maybe zero in now, because any day, I will order for their mass arrest. Wala akong magawa eh. Ginusto ninyo (you wanted it), I'm addressing them through the TV, ginusto ninyo eh,” Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of newly-appointed generals and flag officers in Malacañang.
"I gave too much, too soon. I know ‘yung police, military medyo may sentimyento sa akin. You know, I released almost about 32, just… ‘yung Tiamzon na spouses,” he said.
Around 20 NDF consultants, including Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, were granted conditional liberty so they could participate in the peace talks.
Duterte's announcement came a day after declaring the CPP and New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations.
Duterte told the military officials that the communists eventually want a coalition government, which is something he cannot give.
“So they are now considered ordinary criminals. And so if they ambush you, that’s murder, multiple. If they use an explosive, use of explosive is always a murder, then it’s no bail for everybody,” he said.
President Duterte told military officials to expect a longer war of attrition with the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“But kung matapos natin (if it’s finish) during my term, I will be happy. But I am not talking to them anymore,” he said.
He said that he is not ready to go back to the negotiating table even if the Reds are now the ones demanding for the resumption of the talks, adding that he will not insult them by speculating on the sudden turn around.
“Well, you might be ready now, not before. Ang problema, ako na ang ayaw na rin (The problem is I myself don’t want it anymore) because I said --- Not to win a thing, I concede to your brilliance or whatever, you are the ideologues. But then the simple matter is really a sovereignty is owned by the Filipino people and nobody else,” he said.
He also accused them of “impunity” for waylaying everybody, including innocent civilians.
Duterte terminated peace talks with the communist rebels following a string of violent attacks against state forces despite ongoing peace negotiations.
The last straw was when a police vehicle was ambushed by alleged NPA rebels in Bukidnon last November 9 that resulted in the killing of a four-month old infant in a nearby vehicle.
“You want to fight the country, create a revolution? Fine. We have been fighting you for 50 years and we will fight again for another 50 years. That is what you want,” the President said.
He said that he is ready to implement the rule of law by first ordering their arrests, adding that the government is ready for any eventuality should the rebels resist.
“You always insist on the rule of law. We will follow the law. And if you don’t, then the simple thing is to arrest you and place you in prison,” he said.
“If you come by violent resistance, you place in danger the lives of people and the soldiers and the police, we will answer the appropriate action. That is my message to the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018188
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he will order the “mass arrest” of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants, who were released temporarily, following the collapse of the peace talks with the communist rebels.
“For those who are out temporarily, you just maybe zero in now, because any day, I will order for their mass arrest. Wala akong magawa eh. Ginusto ninyo (you wanted it), I'm addressing them through the TV, ginusto ninyo eh,” Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of newly-appointed generals and flag officers in Malacañang.
"I gave too much, too soon. I know ‘yung police, military medyo may sentimyento sa akin. You know, I released almost about 32, just… ‘yung Tiamzon na spouses,” he said.
Around 20 NDF consultants, including Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, were granted conditional liberty so they could participate in the peace talks.
Duterte's announcement came a day after declaring the CPP and New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations.
Duterte told the military officials that the communists eventually want a coalition government, which is something he cannot give.
“So they are now considered ordinary criminals. And so if they ambush you, that’s murder, multiple. If they use an explosive, use of explosive is always a murder, then it’s no bail for everybody,” he said.
President Duterte told military officials to expect a longer war of attrition with the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“But kung matapos natin (if it’s finish) during my term, I will be happy. But I am not talking to them anymore,” he said.
He said that he is not ready to go back to the negotiating table even if the Reds are now the ones demanding for the resumption of the talks, adding that he will not insult them by speculating on the sudden turn around.
“Well, you might be ready now, not before. Ang problema, ako na ang ayaw na rin (The problem is I myself don’t want it anymore) because I said --- Not to win a thing, I concede to your brilliance or whatever, you are the ideologues. But then the simple matter is really a sovereignty is owned by the Filipino people and nobody else,” he said.
He also accused them of “impunity” for waylaying everybody, including innocent civilians.
Duterte terminated peace talks with the communist rebels following a string of violent attacks against state forces despite ongoing peace negotiations.
The last straw was when a police vehicle was ambushed by alleged NPA rebels in Bukidnon last November 9 that resulted in the killing of a four-month old infant in a nearby vehicle.
“You want to fight the country, create a revolution? Fine. We have been fighting you for 50 years and we will fight again for another 50 years. That is what you want,” the President said.
He said that he is ready to implement the rule of law by first ordering their arrests, adding that the government is ready for any eventuality should the rebels resist.
“You always insist on the rule of law. We will follow the law. And if you don’t, then the simple thing is to arrest you and place you in prison,” he said.
“If you come by violent resistance, you place in danger the lives of people and the soldiers and the police, we will answer the appropriate action. That is my message to the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018188
DOJ to file court petition to declare CPP-NPA as terror group
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): DOJ to file court petition to declare CPP-NPA as terror group
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Wednesday he would issue a department order creating a team from the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a formal petition before the regional trial court (RTC) to legally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), a terrorist group.
Aguirre expressed confidence that the lower court would grant the government’s request following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation naming the CPP and NPA as terror organizations on Tuesday.
“I will issue a Department Order directing the OIC Prosecutor General of the National Prosecution Service to form a team to draft and file a petition before the RTC praying to grant the petition to declare the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization,” Aguirre said in a text message.
“I hope to file this on Monday, Dec. 11, or even earlier,” he added.
On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the President has signed a proclamation formally designating the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
The Palace spokesperson said the President signed the proclamation pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Human Security Act.
Roque said that under the law, affiliate revolutionary groups of the CPP-NPA would now also be considered terrorist groups, and anyone proven to be financing them would be held liable.
Citing the pertinent provisions of RA 10168, Roque said that a designated person is “any person or entity designated or identified as a terrorist, as one who finances terrorism or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations Security Council resolution or by another jurisdiction or supranational jurisdiction and pursuant to the proclamation which implements the Human Security Act.”
“Take note that the domestic statute and the UN Security Council prohibit the giving of funds to terrorist organizations. This will enable law enforcement agencies to run after individuals who will, in any way, provide financial support to the NPA now that it has been described as a terrorist organization,” Roque said.
In his proclamation, Duterte directed the Department of Foreign Affairs “to publish the foregoing designation of CPP-NPA and other designated persons, organizations, in accordance with Sections 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
The proclamation was issued two weeks after the Philippine government terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA after a series of violent attacks that the President said is against humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Roque said that due to the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had already issued a memorandum to Aguirre to immediately file the necessary application for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization with the appropriate RTC.
He said this is because a proper petition must be filed by the DOJ in court to classify the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group under the Human Security Act for the group to be considered as such under domestic laws and under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
“This is not just in relation to Philippine domestic law but also in relation to a UN Security Council resolution intended to curtail financing of terrorist organizations,” Roque said.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has petitioned Manila RTC Branch 32 to void the temporary liberty granted to alleged CPP leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma and Edilberto Silva.
State Prosecutors Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and Aristotle Reyes submitted the motion on Nov. 24 after the President announced that the government was formally withdrawing from the negotiation table.
“In view of the cancellation of the peace talks, there is no more legal ground for the continuous provisional liberty of the accused,” read a portion of the petition.
“Thus, the immediate recommitment and cancellation of bail of all the accused should logically follow,” it added.
Duterte earlier said he considered the CPP-NPA as criminals after the death of a four-month old baby and two other civilians in an ambush that targeted a police convoy in Bukidnon province last month.
The CPP-NPA has been in the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2002.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018143
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Wednesday he would issue a department order creating a team from the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a formal petition before the regional trial court (RTC) to legally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), a terrorist group.
Aguirre expressed confidence that the lower court would grant the government’s request following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation naming the CPP and NPA as terror organizations on Tuesday.
“I will issue a Department Order directing the OIC Prosecutor General of the National Prosecution Service to form a team to draft and file a petition before the RTC praying to grant the petition to declare the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization,” Aguirre said in a text message.
“I hope to file this on Monday, Dec. 11, or even earlier,” he added.
On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the President has signed a proclamation formally designating the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
The Palace spokesperson said the President signed the proclamation pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Human Security Act.
Roque said that under the law, affiliate revolutionary groups of the CPP-NPA would now also be considered terrorist groups, and anyone proven to be financing them would be held liable.
Citing the pertinent provisions of RA 10168, Roque said that a designated person is “any person or entity designated or identified as a terrorist, as one who finances terrorism or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations Security Council resolution or by another jurisdiction or supranational jurisdiction and pursuant to the proclamation which implements the Human Security Act.”
“Take note that the domestic statute and the UN Security Council prohibit the giving of funds to terrorist organizations. This will enable law enforcement agencies to run after individuals who will, in any way, provide financial support to the NPA now that it has been described as a terrorist organization,” Roque said.
In his proclamation, Duterte directed the Department of Foreign Affairs “to publish the foregoing designation of CPP-NPA and other designated persons, organizations, in accordance with Sections 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
The proclamation was issued two weeks after the Philippine government terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA after a series of violent attacks that the President said is against humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Roque said that due to the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had already issued a memorandum to Aguirre to immediately file the necessary application for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization with the appropriate RTC.
He said this is because a proper petition must be filed by the DOJ in court to classify the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group under the Human Security Act for the group to be considered as such under domestic laws and under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
“This is not just in relation to Philippine domestic law but also in relation to a UN Security Council resolution intended to curtail financing of terrorist organizations,” Roque said.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has petitioned Manila RTC Branch 32 to void the temporary liberty granted to alleged CPP leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma and Edilberto Silva.
State Prosecutors Olivia Laroza-Torrevillas and Aristotle Reyes submitted the motion on Nov. 24 after the President announced that the government was formally withdrawing from the negotiation table.
“In view of the cancellation of the peace talks, there is no more legal ground for the continuous provisional liberty of the accused,” read a portion of the petition.
“Thus, the immediate recommitment and cancellation of bail of all the accused should logically follow,” it added.
Duterte earlier said he considered the CPP-NPA as criminals after the death of a four-month old baby and two other civilians in an ambush that targeted a police convoy in Bukidnon province last month.
The CPP-NPA has been in the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2002.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018143
Aguirre wants CPP-NPA legally tagged as terror group
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7): Aguirre wants CPP-NPA legally tagged as terror group
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) to file a formal petition before the regional trial court (RTC) to legally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) a terrorist group.
“The Office of Prosecutor General is directed to file necessary application or petition organization with appropriate court for the proscription or declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as a terrorist organization pursuant to Republic Act (RA) NO. 9372, otherwise known as “Human Security Act of 2007”,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in his Department Order no. 779 dated December 6, 2017.
Under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9372, or the Human Security Act of 2007, the DOJ must first seek clearance from the court before an organization, association or group of persons could be declared a terrorist and outlawed group.
The OPG will also request assistance from the concerned agencies and to submit regular reports of the actions taken in the implementation of the order.
Aguirre expressed confidence that the lower court would grant the government’s request following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation naming the CPP and NPA as terror organizations on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the President has signed a proclamation formally tagging the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
The Palace spokesperson said the President signed the proclamation pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Human Security Act.
Roque said that under the law, affiliate revolutionary groups of the CPP-NPA would now also be considered terrorist groups, and anyone proven to be financing them would be held liable.
Citing the pertinent provisions of RA 10168, Roque said that a designated person is “any person or entity designated or identified as a terrorist, as one who finances terrorism or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations Security Council resolution or by another jurisdiction or supranational jurisdiction and pursuant to the proclamation which implements the Human Security Act.”
In his proclamation, Duterte directed the Department of Foreign Affairs “to publish the foregoing designation of CPP-NPA and other designated persons, organizations, in accordance with Sections 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
The proclamation was issued two weeks after the Philippine government terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA after a series of violent attacks that the President said is against humanitarian law.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had already issued a memorandum to Aguirre to immediately file the necessary application for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization with the appropriate RTC.
He said this is because a proper petition must be filed by the DOJ in court to classify the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group under the Human Security Act for the group to be considered as such under domestic laws and under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has petitioned Manila RTC Branch 32 to void the temporary liberty granted to alleged CPP leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma and Edilberto Silva.
Duterte earlier said he considered the CPP-NPA as criminals after the death of a four-month old baby and two other civilians in an ambush that targeted a police convoy in Bukidnon province last month.
The CPP-NPA has been in the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2002.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018201
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) to file a formal petition before the regional trial court (RTC) to legally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) a terrorist group.
“The Office of Prosecutor General is directed to file necessary application or petition organization with appropriate court for the proscription or declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as a terrorist organization pursuant to Republic Act (RA) NO. 9372, otherwise known as “Human Security Act of 2007”,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in his Department Order no. 779 dated December 6, 2017.
Under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9372, or the Human Security Act of 2007, the DOJ must first seek clearance from the court before an organization, association or group of persons could be declared a terrorist and outlawed group.
The OPG will also request assistance from the concerned agencies and to submit regular reports of the actions taken in the implementation of the order.
Aguirre expressed confidence that the lower court would grant the government’s request following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation naming the CPP and NPA as terror organizations on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the President has signed a proclamation formally tagging the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
The Palace spokesperson said the President signed the proclamation pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Human Security Act.
Roque said that under the law, affiliate revolutionary groups of the CPP-NPA would now also be considered terrorist groups, and anyone proven to be financing them would be held liable.
Citing the pertinent provisions of RA 10168, Roque said that a designated person is “any person or entity designated or identified as a terrorist, as one who finances terrorism or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations Security Council resolution or by another jurisdiction or supranational jurisdiction and pursuant to the proclamation which implements the Human Security Act.”
In his proclamation, Duterte directed the Department of Foreign Affairs “to publish the foregoing designation of CPP-NPA and other designated persons, organizations, in accordance with Sections 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
The proclamation was issued two weeks after the Philippine government terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA after a series of violent attacks that the President said is against humanitarian law.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had already issued a memorandum to Aguirre to immediately file the necessary application for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization with the appropriate RTC.
He said this is because a proper petition must be filed by the DOJ in court to classify the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group under the Human Security Act for the group to be considered as such under domestic laws and under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has petitioned Manila RTC Branch 32 to void the temporary liberty granted to alleged CPP leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma and Edilberto Silva.
Duterte earlier said he considered the CPP-NPA as criminals after the death of a four-month old baby and two other civilians in an ambush that targeted a police convoy in Bukidnon province last month.
The CPP-NPA has been in the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2002.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018201
Duterte signs proclamation labeling CPP-NPA as terrorist group
From Rappler (Dec 7): Duterte signs proclamation labeling CPP-NPA as terrorist group
(UPDATED) Malacañang says this is due to the 'continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace'
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, December 5, during a press briefing.
"It's a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army a designated, identified terrorist organization under Republic Act (RA) No. 10168," he said in Malacañang.
This, Roque said, is due to the "continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."
After Duterte signed the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a memorandum, directed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to file a petition with the appropriate regional trial court for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
A court decision is necessary since a proclamation from the President is not enough to classify the communists as terrorists. (READ: Military agrees NPA should get 'terrorist' tag)
The proclamation would have an impact on United Nations Security Council resolutions, aside from domestic policies, said Roque.
He added that the classification would also mean authorities can arrest members of communist "legal fronts" found to be financing the CPP-NPA, based on RA No. 10168 which defines the crime of financing terrorism.
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said that following the declaration, the military will "fully execute and perform its mandate without reservation and restrictions."
"This proclamation clearly classifies and labels the group for what they really are.... We can now address without any hesitation and with all the means and resources available to us the increasing criminal and economic sabotage activities of these terrorists," he said.
Padilla added that despite government efforts to pursue negotiations, the communists "never aspired for peace.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190457-duterte-proclamation-communist-party-philippines-new-peoples-army-terrorist-group
(UPDATED) Malacañang says this is due to the 'continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace'
'TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.' President Rodrigo Duterte signs a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as a terrorist organization. File photo
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, December 5, during a press briefing.
This, Roque said, is due to the "continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."
After Duterte signed the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a memorandum, directed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to file a petition with the appropriate regional trial court for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
A court decision is necessary since a proclamation from the President is not enough to classify the communists as terrorists. (READ: Military agrees NPA should get 'terrorist' tag)
The proclamation would have an impact on United Nations Security Council resolutions, aside from domestic policies, said Roque.
He added that the classification would also mean authorities can arrest members of communist "legal fronts" found to be financing the CPP-NPA, based on RA No. 10168 which defines the crime of financing terrorism.
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said that following the declaration, the military will "fully execute and perform its mandate without reservation and restrictions."
"This proclamation clearly classifies and labels the group for what they really are.... We can now address without any hesitation and with all the means and resources available to us the increasing criminal and economic sabotage activities of these terrorists," he said.
Padilla added that despite government efforts to pursue negotiations, the communists "never aspired for peace.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190457-duterte-proclamation-communist-party-philippines-new-peoples-army-terrorist-group
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