Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 4): MILF-UNICEF Hold Capacity Building for Religious Leaders
Moro Islamic Liberation Front in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) implemented their ways forwards program in a 3-day Training being held at Crystal Hall being held at Em Manor Hotel from August 2-4.
It is recalled that a Training of Trainers was held in Davao City last month for Aimmah, Du’at, Murshideen, and Murshidaat relative to the MILF disengaged children from combat.
The program in EM Manor that aims to enhance the capacity of the Selected Aimmah, Du'at, Murshideen and Murshidaat in dealing with Disengaged Children in Conflict Affected Areas will culminate today.
The training tackles the four (4) major topics such as; Magnetic Da'iyah, Effective Kuthbah, Effective Speaker and Trainer and Masjid Management.
It focused on giving spiritual transformation, capacitating mental ability and good values or behavior where they play as a role model of the Muslim Ummah in the Bangsamoro.
Relative to this, about 100 SWC members were also trained at CFSI building as para-social workers. The training was purposely to prepare them with the tasks of expanding services to the 1,869 disengaged children and identifying the basic services to be provided to the children for their survival, education, health and sanitation.
Meanwhile, the MILF-UNICEF in collaboration with the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), local government units (LGU's) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSO) has started reaching out provinces in Central Mindanao and other areas in Mindanao to train members of Social Welfare Committee (SWC) of the MILFin localities who shall become future advocates in countering radicalization and violent extremism.
The MILF religious group, Deparment of Da'wah and Guidance, and the trained members of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) on dealing with disengaged children from combat will spearhead the advocacy as they are the right groups to convey the implications of violent extremism to the youth.
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 4): CSOs, NGOs Converge on Stakeholders Concerns on BOL
Leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) converged in this town to discuss issues and concerns on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) particularly on the Opt-in Provision that will allow contiguous areas to join the Bangsamoro in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Nash Mustapha, NGO Representative, said “There must be a series of information and education campaign in the 39 barangays of North Cotabato to get the support of the residents and the local government units concerned.”
Prof. Esmael A. Abdula, President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute, emphasized that “Coordination and voters’ education on the core areas and contiguous areas are needed to get the support of concerned residents to the BOL.”
Abdula added that massive campaign in contiguous areas as regards the filing of petition for inclusion into the Bangsamoro must be undertaken right away and strengthened.
Thaks Mosaid, NGO Representative of Ligawasan Marsh, said “Ligawasan Marsh residents need to be educated and enlightened about BOL so that they can support it.”
Jahara Zumbaga, Women Sector Representative, said “Women must be empowered so that they can help in advocating the BOL in the communities.”
Mogawan Manonggal, former local leader of Bunawan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, said “Residents of Bunawan and its adjacent communities need massive campaign on BOL so that they can be convinced to join the BARMM.”
Dante Mulod, Youth Leader, said “Youth must be the primary target of information and education campaign on BOL because they comprised largest number of the population.”
Mulod added: “Youth sector could help shape the Bangsamoro Government in a given time.”
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 5): “MILF Officially Accepts BOL” – MILF Chair Al Haj Murad
IN PHOTO- MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim delivering his message during the Forum on “Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law at Notre Dame University Gym on August 4
“The MILF is officially accepting the Bangsamoro Organic Law”, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim announced during the forum on “Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law” organized by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance at Notre Dame University (NDU) Gymnasium, Cotabato City on August 4, 2018.
According to Al Haj Murad, the decision of the MILF leadership to officially accept the BOL came after the general agreement of the Bangsamoro people on the BOL during the Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly on July 29, and the consensus of the MILF Central Committee members in favor of the Organic Law.
Al Haj Murad also encouraged the participation of everyone in the Bangsamoro in nation-building. “I ask that you participate in shaping the Bangsamoro Vision, a vision that goes beyond our individual interest; beyond our clan interest, beyond our organizations’ interest; beyond our party’s interest; and I dare say, beyond our generation’s interest.”
“All indications point to acceptance without prejudice that all the provisions of the CAB not captured in the Bangsamoro Organic Law must also be complied by the government.” MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman and BTC Commissioner Mohagher Iqbal said, referring to the decision of the MILF regarding the BOL.
Iqbal also mentioned some of the good provisions of the BOL which includes the powers of the Bangsamoro government, the General Welfare clause, the Parliamentary form of government, the Shari’ah Justice system, and the fiscal autonomy provisions. According to Iqbal, the best provision of the BOL is on fiscal matters.
Furthermore, he also mentioned some of the provisions which are lacking in the BOL including the removal of principles in the preamble such as parity of esteem, principle of subsidiarity, and asymmetrical relationship. BOL provisions on policing and plebiscite were also different from the original Bangsamoro Basic Law drafted by the BTC.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law, now called the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be the enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the signed peace agreement between the MILF and government of the Philippines.
Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Study Group provided an in-depth discussion on the provisions of the BOL pertaining to the Powers, Bangsamoro Parliament, Shari’ah Justice System, Bangsamoro Transition Authority, and other aspects of Political Autonomy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Provisions on Fiscal Autonomy were discussed further by Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. His presentation included BOL provisions on Revenue Generation, Annual Block Grant, and Special Development Fund. The 50-billion Special Development Fund will be used specifically in the recovery and rehabilitation of conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro.
BTC Commissioner Susana Anayatin tackled the provisions related to settler communities. “In the BOL, in the Bangsamoro, no one is left behind”, Anayatin said. She emphasized that the BOL ensured the participation and representation in governance of settler communities, as well as the protection of their basic rights and religious freedom.
Commissioner Romeo Saliga of the BTC shared during the forum the provisions of the BOL related to the Indigenous People (IP) communities. According to Saliga, the law provides representation for the IP communities in the Parliament. It also recognizes and protects the Indigenous Peoples Rights and ensures their preferential rights in exploring the natural resources in their areas. “Kung katanggap-tanggap sa MILF ang BOL, mas katanggap-tanggap na rin sa amin ito”, Saliga said.
The inclusivity of the BOL was also emphasized by Chairman Murad in his speech. “I assure you that the Bangsamoro Government will be an inclusive government and primarily based on justice and equality.”
Al Haj Murad reaffirms the commitment of the MILF in changing the current political system into a more principled, participatory, and inclusive governance.
Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 2): Comment of Jose Maria Sison on Duterte Rant Against His Fellow Criminals in the Police and Military
Duterte himself is the biggest criminal in the country for inciting the police and military to commit mass murder of thousands of suspects and violate human rights, for guaranteeing impunity and for providing rewards in cash and promotions in rank.
He is the No. 1 scalawag and No. 1 inspiration of all the scalawags in the police and military who are now engaged in all kinds of criminal activities, including murder for hire, robbery, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
Duterte is a shameless hypocrite for threatening his fellow criminals among the police and military with ¨termination¨of their lives for committing crimes lesser than mass murder of which he is the mastermind and for earning sideline income which is so little compared to the plunder and corruption top-level politicians like Duterte and Arroyo engage in.
The Filipino people hold Duterte responsible for promoting criminality and impunity among the police and military. He pretends to be angry at his fellow criminals in authority and he is publicly threatening them with undercover projects to kill them extrajudicially.
NDF-Christians for National Liberation-Metro Manila propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 4): Christians for National Liberation hails the Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Sr. Carmela Adama
Spokesperson
Christians for National Liberation - Metro Manila
August 04, 2018
We, the Christians for National Liberation – Metro Manila (CNL-MM) joins the Filipino people in acclaiming the leadership and lay faithful of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) or Aglipyan Church as this nationalist church celebrates its 116th Proclamation Anniversary.
The “Ama sumilang nawa ang aming pagsasarili” is a call to national liberation in the context of the US colonialism in 1902 until 1946 and neo-colonialism until now. This message can be found encrypted on a stone on the base of the image of the Birhen Balintawak propagated by IFI. May this call continue to challenge the clergy and lay people of IFI to remain faithful to its stand along with the Filipino people in demanding and fighting for national sovereignty and national patrimony.
The fight for the protection of human and democratic rights of the Filipino people cannot be realized if our country will remain a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. The fight for genuine and lasting peace cannot be completed if the comprador-landlord class will continue to rule over the Filipino people. The fight for the propagation of a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented culture cannot be achieved if the feudal and neo-liberal culture will continue to dictate and dominate the everyday life of every Filipino even in religious celebrations and practices.
Along with the other Christian churches in the Philippines, IFI can carry on a ministry of reconciliation, ecumenical life and partnership with the organized sectors of the society through faithful witnessing and solidarity. Through dialogues and consultations, IFI can help in forging a broader unity among Churches, Christians and church people against Rodrigo Duterte’s charter change, federalism, tyranny and dictatorship.
The IFI shall assert its role in supporting the struggle of the workers against contractualization and the promotion of the national industrialization; the struggle of the peasants for genuine land reform and rural development; the struggle of the urban poor and the homeless people for job, dissent housing and rights; and, the struggle of the national minorities and Moro people to ancestral domain and self-determination. These struggles and the struggle of other sectors like the women, youth and student, children and LGBTQ is being supported by IFI through its clergy, mandated organizations and ministries.
In casting out the evils in the present time, can be made easy if the unity and solidarity will not be limited among Churches and Christians. The IFI which has the history of linking with the basic sectors in our society can propagate an openness, mutual respect and cooperation. The CNL-MM is willing to be part of this endeavor and mission.
NDF-National Council propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 4): President Rodrigo R. Duterte listens to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
NDFP National Council
August 04, 2018
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is at it again.
He did not let the opportunity pass to equate the revolutionary forces with bandits when he said “If we have peace talks with the CPP, why not the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group)?”
Lorenzana made this remark immediately after his boss Rodrigo Duterte said he was open to talks with the ASG, which is notorious for its involvement in kidnapping for ransom and murdering hostages who fail to comply with the bandit group’s ransom demands.
At the same time, Lorenzana revealed his perverse concept of the peace negotiations as nothing but surrender talks. He made no mention of, or dismissed altogether, the need for thoroughgoing reforms to resolve the roots of armed conflict.
No wonder he could actually countenance holding talks with the ASG.
Lorenzana must now be eating crow because a day after his statement, a suspected suicide bomber from the ASG killed 10 people in Lamitan, Basilan.
Lorenzana can avoid humiliating himself in the future by abandoning the tack of peace negotiations as surrender talks. That way, he will not be coming up with such absurd statements, and the GRP-NDFP peace talks can be put back on track.
NPA-Northeast Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 2): Reject the US-Duterte’s localized peace talks scheme
Ka Ariel Montero
NPA-Northeastern Mindanao
August 02, 2018
The New People’s Army-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NPA-NEMR), under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), along with all revolutionary forces in the region, firmly reject the duplicitous and bogus localized peace talks peddled by the US-Duterte regime. On the other hand, the NPA-NEMR and all units under its command, absolutely and sincerely abide by the signed agreements of the peace negotiations that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) entered into and recognize, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), The Hague Joint Declaration, among others.
The localized peace talks proposed by the US-Duterte regime through its militarist puppets, is meant to deceive and force the NPA into surrendering. It intends to obscure and reduce the issues on social and economic reforms such as national sovereignty, national industrialization, land reform and social justice which are the most significant aspects from which the achievement of lasting and just peace is founded.
The localized peace talks is but a scheme to show that the US-Duterte regime is advocating “peace”, but in reality, it seeks to hide its lack of interest to delve into the root causes of armed struggle in the Philippines. It intends to end armed struggle by forcing the NPA to lay down its arms and turn its back from armed struggle while the ruling system continue to oppress and exploit the people.
The US-Duterte regime’s localized peace talks is part of the comprehensive psychological operation campaign along the design of Oplan Kapayapaan, together with state fascism and terrorism through total war, martial law and war against drugs. It is but part of the regime’s counter-insurgency strategy to destroy the revolutionary movement and realize its ambition of establishing a fascist dictatorial rule.
Only the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and other related agencies, will benefit because of the sizable funds they can pocket while no significant change will happen to the people especially the workers, farmers and the poor. The only prospect for Duterte’s localized peace talks scheme is a cruel peace, more brutal than war.
With this, the Regional Operational Command of the NPA-NEMR commands all units of the NPA in the region to reject all deceitful attempts from agencies of the reactionary government for the deceitful localized peace talks in their areas.
As the true soldiers of the people, the NPA, will never surrender and abandon armed revolution especially under conditions of brutal attacks by the fascist armed forces of the US-Duterte regime. The NPA must launch more effective tactical offensives to defend itself and the people. Tirelessly help the people to achieve solid strength to advance, struggle and achieve their just demands against the exploitative class.
NPA-Southern Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 1): Duha pilason sa 61stIB/AFP sa serye sang opensiba sang NPA-Southern Front Panay
Ka Ariston Remus
NPA-Southern Panay (Napoleon Tumagtang Command)
August 01, 2018
Duha ang pilason sa kubay sang 61stIB/AFP sa ginlunsar nga operasyong haras sang mga Pulang hangaway sa idalum sang Napoleon Tumagtang Command sang NPA Southern Front-Panay subong nga adlaw -Agosto 1.
Ginlunsar sang isa ka yunit sang mga Pulang hangaway ang nasambit nga aksyon batuk sa naga-operasyon nga suldado sang mga alas-9 sang aga sa Sityo Tigmagahan, Brgy. Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
Ang mga suldado sang AFP ang malagas tani batuk sa mga pwersa sang Pulang hangaway nga nagharas sang makaduha ka beses sa detatsment sang 12thIB CAA sa Brgy. Pudpud, Miag-ao, Iloilo sadtong Hulyo 30 kag Hulyo 29 pasado alas-10 sang gab-i.
Samtang, sadtong Hulyo 29, kadungan sang pagharas sa detatsment sang CAFGU sa Miag-ao, ginharas naman sang isa pa gid ka yunit sang NPA-NTC ang detatsment sang 12thIB CAA sa Brgy. Maalan, Hamtic sa probinsya sang Antique.
NPA-ComVal Davao East Coast propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 3): Fascist AFP troops force Lumad, peasants to evacuate, surrender in Davao Oriental
Roel Agustin II
NPA-Comval Davao East Coast
August 03, 2018
In the three days that Red fighters launched tactical offensives against US-Duterte’s armed forces around the region and safely released a prisoner of war in Davao City, AFP troops added yet another crime against the people in forcing almost 200 hundred Lumad and peasant families to flee their homes and livelihood and surrender as NPA members or sympathizers in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
Since early July, troops of the 67th IB have launched combat operations in the hinterland barrios of Tarragona and sowed terror with their peace and development teams in civilian communities. PDT troops conducted psywar, harassment and interrogation and carried out food and economic blockade against Lumad and peasants.
On July 26, while on a mobile checkpoint in Sitio Tagsagawong, Brgy, Tomoaong, Tarragona in Davao Oriental, a unit of the ComVal – Davao East Coast Sub-Regional Command intercepted and tried to flag down a vehicle at around 4:00 in the afternoon. When the vehicle instead reversed course, the NPA command fired a warning shot into the air. The passengers inside the vehicle answered with a volley of gunshots forcing the NPA unit to return fire. After several minutes, the armed passengers alighted the vehicle and scampered away. Red fighters were able to seize 1 Glock 9mm pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several handgun magazines and other military and personal possessions from the abandoned vehicle. At least 2 of the absconding policemen were severely injured during the firefight.
Masses disclosed that the PNP personnel engaged by the NPA unit were detailed as escorts of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and also moonlighted as protectors of drug syndicates in Davao Oriental.
Immediately after the incident, July 27, the 67th IB forced 135 families in the three sitios of Brgy. Tomoaong, threatening that if the civilians do not evacuate or if they were to sustain yet more casualties, the soldiers would retaliate against the Lumad and peasants. The evacuees are currently taking shelter in the barangay gymnasium while others have gone to families in nearby towns. For almost a week now while the civilians are in the gymnasium, the 67th IB has been hounding barangay officials to compel the residents to surrender as either members of the NPA or sympathizers of the revolutionary movement.
Only two years old, the US-Duterte regime has unleashed the full potential of the AFP, PNP and their paramilitaries as its most brutal machinery of terror, suppression and corruption in the region and elsewhere in the country. As the growing unrest of the Filipino people shakes Duterte’s tottering hold to power, NPA units are making the AFP answer to its escalating fascist crimes to the people.
NPA-Batangas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 3): Matagumpay na ambus inilunsad ng JRC-BHB
Luz Del Mar
NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)
August 03, 2018
Binabati ng JRC-BHB Masbate ang mga pulang kumander at mandirigma sa matagumpay na ambus laban sa 14 kataong pwersa ng 2nd IB,PA at CAFGU habang nagsasagawa ito ng combat patrol. Nasamsam sa lugar ang 1 M16 rifle, 1 M14 rifle, 2 magasin ng M14 rifle, bala, mga dokumento na naglalaman ng mahahalagang impormasyon at iba pang kagamitan.
Dakong alas 8:30 ng umaga habang nagsasagawa ng combat operation ang nasabing yunit ng Army at Cafgu sa sitio Mangga, Brgy. Mactan, Cawayan, Masbate, nang pagtapat sa pwesto ng mga kasama ay agad itong pinaputukan na nagresulta sa agad na pagkamatay ng 11 sundalo at pagkasugat ng tatlo sa kanila matapos tamaan ng command detonated explosive(CDX). Nagtagal ang putukan na mahigit 20 minutos na nag kanya-kanyang takbo at iniwan ang mga kasamahan nilang sugatan at patay, habang ligtas na nakalayo sa lugar ang mga kasama. Ang pinangyarihan ay di kalayuan sa kanilang kampo sa Brgy. Del Carmen, Uson.
Ang paggamit ng CdEx ay isang mapanlikhang armas at hindi ito labag sa Ottawa Treaty dahil kaiba ito sa inilalarawan ng AFP/PNP na basta na lang sumasabog katulad ng preassure type at time delayed explosives na kahit sino ay pwedeng tamaan. Samantala ang mga panganganyon, pambobomba mula sa taas gamit ang kanilang mga helicopter at eroplano ay mas mataas ang posibilidad na tamaan ang mga walang kaugnayan sa labanan katulad ng nangyari sa Marawi (na mismong kasamahang nilang sundalo ang tinamaan) at iba pang lugar sa Mindanao. Kadalasan ang panganganyon at pambobomba ng AFP ay nagdudulot ng pagkasira ng pananim, alagang hayop at tirahan ng mga sibilyan.
Ang matagumpay na operasyon ay pagpapakita sa patuloy na pagtatanggol ng BHB sa mamamayang Masbatenyo na dumadanas ng pang-aabuso mula sa mga kasapi ng 2nd IB,PA at 22nd Cafgu Battalion. Mahigpit na binabalaan ng JRC-BHB Masbate ang lahat ng mga sundalo at pulis na tigilan niyo ang pagpatay at pang-aabuso sa mga sibilyan katulad ng pagpatay niyo sa apat(4) na habal-habal driver noong Agosto 3, 2015, at marami pang iba.
Pinapasahol ng mga operasyong militar/pulis, kasama ang mga dating NPA na tinalikuran na ang pagsisilbi sa sambayanan at ngayon ay masugid nang tagapagpatupad ng krimenalidad sa kanayunan.
Ipinababatid ng JRC-BHB Masbate sa mga sibilyan, kawani sa pamahalaan, opisyal sa baryo at mga pulitiko na huwag kayong maniniwala sa isinasagawang Civil Military Operation’s(CMO) na ikinokuble sa relihiyong USAFFE at pag-oorganisa sa mga magsasaka para sa Disaster Response dahil ginagamit lang kayong panabing para lihim na makapagtayo ng ugnay laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayang Masbatenyo.
Kaugnay dito, muling nananawagan ang JRC-BHB Masbate sa mga Masbatenyo na patuloy niyong suportahan ang tunay na hukbong tapat na naglilingkod sa inyo para sa tuloy-tuloy na pagsulong nito hanggang sa ganap na tagumpay. Digmang bayan ang sagot tumitinding krisis sa lipunan Pilipino.
Samantala, namatay sa hospital sa lungsod ng Masbate ang apat pang mga sundalo na dinala kaninang umaga.
Mamamayang Masbatenyo at Pilipino, isulong ang Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan! Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ang tunay na Suldados san Pobre!
NPA-Batangas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 3): Pasistang tropa ng 1st IBPA, Binigwasan ng NPA – Batangas!
Apolinario Matienza
NPA-Batangas (Eduardo Dagli Command)
August 03, 2018
Ipinagbunyi ng mga mamamayang Batangueño ang magiting na paglaban ng New People’s Army (NPA) – Batangas sa ilalim ng Eduardo Dagli Command sa pasistang tropa ng 1st Infantry Batallion Philippine Army (IBPA). Binigwasan ng isang team ng NPA ang nag-ooperasyong puwersa ng 1st IBPA sa hangganan ng mga sityo ng Tagbakan, Puting-uway at Manyakap sa Brgy. Calubcob 2 sa bayan ng San Juan noong ika-30 ng Hulyo, taong kasalukuyan. Tumagal ang labanan mula ika-11:43 ng umaga hanggang ika-12:20 ng tanghali. Ligtas namang nakaatras ang yunit ng NPA at walang tinamong pinsala maliban sa isang nasugatan na kaagad namang nalapatan ng paunang lunas sa gitna ng matinding kordon ng kaaway. Hindi naman bababa sa tatlo (3) sundalo ng 1st IBPA ang tiyak na nasawi mula sa naganap na labanan habang madami naman ang nasugatan mula sa tropa ng kaaway.
Upang pagtakpan ang kanilang kahihiyan sa bigong operasyon, kaagad na kinontrol ng pasistang kaaway ang buong erya. Puwersahang pinalikas ang mamamayan at pinagbawalang mag-alam ng kanilang mga hayop sa bundok. Aabot sa humigit kumulang 1000 katao ang dinala sa iskul at tsapel ng Brgy. Calubcob 2. Tatlong araw na kinontrol ang mga tao sa evacuation center kung saan limitado ang kanilang paggalaw at walang maayos at sapat na pagkain.
Habang buong kayabangang sinasabi ni Lt. Col. Jonathan S. Manio, Commanding Officer ng 1st IBPA na walang anumang pinsala sa mersenaryong tropa, hindi mapapasubalian ng ilang ulit na labas-pasok ng ambulansya at sasakyan ng Red Cross na ineeskortan ng 2 trak ng militar ang kanilang pagkukumahog na mailabas ng lihim ang kanilang mga patay at sugatan. Ayon sa mga residente ay tatlong patay ang nakitang inilabas sa baryo. Subalit pinalabas ng mga militar na mga bangkay diumano ito ng NPA.
Mariing pinabubulaanan ng Eduardo Dagli Command – NPA Batangas ang kasinungalingan ng 1st IBPA na may nasawi sa hanay ng mga pulang mandirigma. Kinukundena rin ng Eduardo Dagli Command-NPA Batangas ang panggigipit at pandarahas ng mga militar sa mga sibilyan upang mapagtakpan ang kanilang kahihiyan. Bukod sa sapilitang pagpapalikas, ang mga nagpupumilit na puntahan ang kanilang mga nakasugang hayop ay tinututukan ng baril at hinahalwat ang kanilang mga dala. Masahol pa, 12 katao na pawang lehitimong mga residente sa lugar ang pinangalanan at inihiwalay ng mga ito. Isang sibilyan ang inilayo sa kanyang mga kasamahan at pilit na pinakuha ng labong sa kawayanan kung saan isang diumano’y bag ang nakita at pilit na pinapaako sa kanya. Sinadya itong i-set up ng mga militar sa kadesperaduhan nitong may mapagbalingan sa naganap.
Ang pinakamalalang paglabag ng 1st IBPA ay ginawa ng mga ito kahit sa kanilang hanay. Ilang araw na ipinagkait ng mga militar ang karapatan ng pamilya na makuha at mapaglamayan ang bangkay ng tatlong sundalong napaslang sa labanan. Ito ay malinaw na desecration of remains. Dalawang araw pa ang nakalipas bago alisin sa Sityo Coloconto ang bangkay, tinakpan ng bunot at pinalabas na labi ng nasawing NPA. Kahabag-habag maging ang mga karaniwang kawal ng sundalo na ginagamit pa ang kanilang bangkay upang paglingkurin sa maruming taktikang pampropaganda ng kaaway. Hindi katulad ng mga pulang mandirigma ng NPA na kung may masawi man ay kaagad nitong inaako at itinatanghal bilang mga bayani ng sambayanan at libu-libong mamamayan ang nagbibigay pugay sa kanilang kadakilaan.
Malaon nang isinusuka ng mga mamamayan ang pananatili ng mga kampo militar sa mga sibilyang komunidad sa buong lalawigan. Sa Brgy. Bulsa, makailang ulit ng inirereklamo ng mamamayan ang pananatili ng kampo militar sa baryo dahil sangkot mismo ang mga CAFGU at kasundaluhan sa iba’t ibang krimen na nagaganap dito; tulad ng panloloob sa isang tindahan, kasong panggagahasa at kamakailan lamang isang babaeng kalive-in ng isang CAFGU na lesbiana ang nakitang patay sa loob mismo ng kampo. Ginagawa ding human shield ng mga militar ang mga sibilyan sa mismong pagpuwesto ng kampo sa tabi ng bahayan at sa pamamagitan ng pagpapapasok dito ng mga babae at kapamilya nila, at mga residente mismo sa lugar.
Sa Brgy. Laiya Aplaya, nalantad na sa mamamayan ang kasuklam-suklam na katangian ng 1st IBPA. Kung noong una ay nagpapanggap pa itong mabait sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalok ng libreng gupit, medical mission at pamimigay ng Gardenia, kinalaunan ay hinubdan na rin nito ang kanyang pasistang mukha. Iwinasiwas nito sa baryo ang Order of Battle, na isang iligal na dokumento ng AFP na naglalaman ng mga pangalan ng diumano’y kaaway ng gubyerno at mga target nila para sa arbitraryong pagdakip at pamamaslang. Pangunahing instrumento ni Federico Campos ang 1st IBPA upang supilin ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan sa kanilang tirikan. Nasa unahan ito ng karahasang sumiklab sa Laiya Aplaya noong Hulyo 23 kung saan dalawang magsunod na araw itong naglunsad ng checkpoint at operasyon sa lugar hanggang sa aktwal na araw ng marahas na demolisyon. Ito rin mismo ang naghakot at nagpakain sa mga security sa loob ng kampo bago sumabak sa marahas na panggigiba kung saan nanunood lamang ang mga kasundaluhan sa kabila ng limang dipa lamang halos ang layo ng nagaganap na pandarahas sa mga tao mula sa kanilang kampo.
Mariin ding kinukundena ng NPA Eduardo Dagli Command ang lokal at panlalawigang pamahalaan na mistulang tengang-kawali sa kabila nang labis na karahasan at traumang inabot ng kanilang mga mamamayan. Sa halip na dinggin ang kahilingan ng mga mamamayan, ipinasa pa ng pamahalaan ni Mandanas sa mga sundalo ng 1st IBPA ang tungkuling protektahan diumano ang mga tao gayong ito nga mismo ang tagapagtaguyod ng demolisyon at pangunahing nandarahas sa mga mamamayan.
Mistulang ginigisa sa kanilang sariling mantika ang mga mamamayan ng San Juan na pinag-aayu-ayuhan lamang ng sabwatan ng lokal at panlalawigang pamahalaan, mga debeloper at militar. Pinagkakaisahan ng tatlong ito ang mamamayan ng San Juan upang sansalain ang kanilang demokratikong pagkilos at mabigyang daan ang mga huwad na proyekto sa naturang bayan.
Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng pinaiiral na Martial Law sa buong lalawigan sa balangkas ng mga PDTs ng rehimeng Duterte, pinagpupugayan ng NPA ang mga mamamayan ng San Juan at ang buong rebolusyonaryong base sa lalawigan na nagpunyagi at lumaban mula sa kanilang sariling lakas at patuloy na nagtatagumpay na maipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan. Pinatunayan ng mga naganap na atake sa hukbo at mamamayan partikular sa bayan ng San Juan nitong mga nakaraang araw na hindi basta basta yuyukod sa pasismo at paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang mga mamamayan ng Batangas. Patuloy din itong nagtataguyod sa New People’s Army dahil ito lamang ang tanging hukbong nagtataguyod sa tunay na interes at adhikain ng masang api at pinagsasamantalahan.
Umiihip sa lusong ang sabwatan ng lokal na pamahalaan, ni Federico Campos, ng AFP at rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa gitna ng paghahasik ng teror ng militar sa mga baryo ay patuloy na nagtatanggol ang mga mamamayan at patuloy na binubuklod ang kanilang lakas at tinatahak ang armadong pakikibaka bilang siyang tanging solusyon sa inihahambalos na karahasan ng estado.
Pinapatunayan din ng magiting na pagharap ng mga pulang mandirigma sa berdugong AFP, na kailanman ay hindi papayag ang Eduardo Dagli Command sa localized peace talk na inilalako ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang magiting na paglaban at pagpupunyagi ng mga mamamayan ng San Juan at buong lalawigan ng Batangas na ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatan ay nagpapakita naman na hindi malulutas sa makitid na antas ng lokalidad ang malalim na suliranin sa lupa at kabuhayan na nakaukit sa buong sistemang mala-pyudal at mala-kolonyal. Habang patuloy na tumatanggi ang rehimeng US-Duterte na harapin ang tunay na problema ng mamamayan sa buong bayan na siyang pangunahing laman ng nakasalang na adyenda ng CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms) at NIED sa naudlot na usapang pangkapayaan, lalo lamang nitong itinutulak ang mga mamamayan na taluntunin ang landas ng pagpapabagsak sa kanyang rehimen.
Bukas kamay naman na tinatanggap ng NPA-Batangas ang lahat ng mamamayan na biktima ng mga karahasan ng pasistang rehimen. Hangga’t nagpapatuloy ang militaristang pagharap ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno sa mga suliranin ng mamamayan, laging nakahanda ang mga yunit ng BHB sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng Eduardo Dagli Command na bigwasan ang lahat ng yunit ng pasistang militar sa buong lalawigan.
NPA-Quezon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 4): Pulang Saludo kay Ka Totoy
Nagdadalamhati ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan, Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at ang mamamayan sa pagkasawi ni Kasamang Rommel Aguado o mas kilala bilang Ka Totoy ng mga kasama at masa sa South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula.
Nasawi si Ka Totoy sa isang labanan noong Hulyo 27, 2018, alas singko ng hapon sa Brgy Montes Kallagan sa bayan ng Atimonan. Si Kasamang Totoy ay isang pulang mandirigma ng Apolonio Mendoza Command-NPA.
Tubong Iloilo, 36 anyos si Ka Totoy. Siya ay naging manggagawa sa isang pabrika ng lubid sa Laguna. Dito namulat si Ka Totoy dahil sa pagsasamantala sa kanila ng management ng kumpanya. Naranasan nilang sumahod ng mababa sa minimum wage na itinakda sa mga pagawaan. Hindi rin naibigay ang mga benipisyo na dapat sana ay kanilang tinatamasa.
Sumapi si Kasamang Totoy sa unyon ng manggagawa at lumahok sa mga pagkilos para ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan sa sahod at mga benipisyo na ipinagkakait sa kanila ng management ng kumpanya.
Mahigit sampung taong kontraktwal na manggagawa si Ka Totoy hanggang sa siya ay sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.
September 2016 nang pumasok sa isang sonang gerilya sa Quezon si Kasamang Totoy. Mula noon hindi na siya nagdalawang isip at nagpasya na siyang lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka.
Buong puso niyang pinaglingkuran ang sambayanan. Nagpakita ng kasipagan, katiyagaan at kapursigehang matuto upang mas lalong pahusayin ang sarili at mas makapaglingkod sa mamamayan.
Sa bawat barangay ng magsasaka na napupuntahan niya ay napapamahal sa kanya ang masa dahil sa kanyang malambing at masayahing pakikitungo sa kanila. Matiyaga siyang nagpapaliwanag sa masa at walang pagod sa pagtulong sa arawan nilang mga gawain.
Kaya naman kasabay ng pagdakila kay Ka Totoy ay labis-labis rin ang poot na nadarama ng mamamayan sa pasistang AFP-PNP-CAFGU.
Pagbabayaran nang mahal ng pasistang tropa ang pagkamatay ni Ka Totoy, lalo pa at matapos ang labanan ay patuloy na naghahasik ng teror ang mga sundalo sa mga residente na pinipigilang magpunta sa kanilang mga lupain at pinalayas sila sa kanilang bahay sa bundok ng Brgy Montes Kallagan.
Nananawagan ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan at Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa lahat ng mamamayan na labanan ang pasismong inihahasik ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU at ng rehimeng US-Duterte.
Gawin nating inspirasyon si Kasamang Totoy upang lalong palakasin ang ating Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Sa kanyang pagkabuwal ay tanganan natin ang kanyang armas na nabitawan at ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para sa tagumpay ng rebolusyon at pagkakamit ng katarungan para sa mga naging biktima ng mga berdugong AFP-PNP-CAFGU at rehimeng US-Duterte.
NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 1): To the victims of the Duterte regime’s oppression and violence, the NPA is on your side
Ka Oris
Spokesperson
New People's Army
August 01, 2018
As the Duterte regime heightens its violent attacks against the Filipino masses, we assure the people that the forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) are on your side. To Duterte, his military cabal and his band of comprador oppressors, we are closely watching you.
Through all the information in the media and social media, the NPA is not only aware but enraged by the vicious attacks being carried out by the state and state-supported forces against the people. The recent brutal dispersal of striking workers at the giant condiments manufacturer NutriAsia in Marilao, Bulacan, the violent demolition of fisherfolk homes in Laiya, Batangas and the AFP’s oppressive acts against the evacuees of Lianga, Surigao del Sur all demonstrated the state’s ready use of violence against unarmed civilians.
The illegal arrests and detention of workers, supporters and even members of the media, point to the state’s all-out use of its oppressive institutions to protect big comprador bourgeois interests and terrorize workers and their supporters. The ruling class is rapidly closing its ranks – even to the point of using its power and sway over the big corporate media to bury the real stories of oppression.
The regime is attacking on all fronts: in addition to attacks in NutriAsia, Laiya and Lianga, protesting workers of Middleby, Unipak, Pearl Island, CoreAsia, Jollibee, Manila Harbour Centre, among others, are being subjected to harassment and intimidation. Union organizers are being threatened. These attacks are on top of the regime’s bloody, oppressive, and militaristic Oplan Tokhang, Oplan Tanggal-Tambay, and Oplan Kapayapaan.
In the countryside, Lumads and peasants who have already evacuated due to intense militarization are relentlessly harassed and oppressed, even to the point of starvation. AFP units block their supply of food, water and other neccesities, even under the glare of media and social media. Like the workers in cities, they are charged with ridiculous cases to keep them immobile and unable to carry on with lives and struggles.
As the Duterte regime unleashes brutal violence to suppress the people’s resistance, we assure the Filipino people: The NPA is on your side.
Among the NPA are peasants and workers, as well as students, professionals and ordinary people, who long to attain to correct the injustices that continue to be perpetrated by the state and its sponsors. At the heart of the national democratic revolution is the aspiration for a just society where these injustices will all become faint memories of a bygone era.
Revolutionary justice will be attained. The mounting catastrophe that the regime’s tyranny is invariably provoking will rapidly intensify the people’s wrath and will certainly usher the downfall of this oppressive system. We enjoin all struggling workers, peasants, students, professionals, and the toiling masses to join the NPA, and together, let us fight and quake the system to usher in the bright future – sans oppression, sans violence, sans injustice – that the Filipino people deserve.
From Malaya Business Insight (Aug 6): Duterte visits Basilan blast victims
PRESIDENT Duterte on Saturday night conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on soldiers wounded in the July 31 bomb explosion in Lamitan City in Basilan and extended financial aid to the other victims of the blast, including civilians.
The President, during a visit to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City, also met and condoled with the families of those who were killed in the blast.
A soldier, four members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu), and four relatives of Cafgu members died in the blast together with the driver of a van that exploded in front of the Cafgu’s Magwakit detachment in Barangay Colonia in Lamitan.
The blast is being blamed on the Abu Sayyaf bandit group which operates mainly in Basilan and Sulu and is known for kidnap-for-ransom activities.
Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said the Duterte assured the victims and their kin he is ready to help them in any way he can, and all they need to do is to call on him.
Duterte was accompanied by Go, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Arthur Tabaquero, Armed Forces chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, and Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.
From Malaya Business Insight (Aug 6): Soldiers retrieve remains of NPA rebel in Masbate
GOVERNMENT forces have retrieved the body of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebel during clearing operations at a clash site between government forces and the insurgents in Masbate.
Capt. Joash Pramis, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the body of the still unidentified rebel was found at barangay Daan Mactan in Cawayan town in Masbate at around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Pramis said an encounter between forces of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels occurred at the site on Friday, where two government troops died and four others were injured.
“The unidentified male cadaver suffered gunshot wound and was wearing a black sweatshirt, camouflage jogging pants and gloves,” said Pramis of the body which was turned over to the local police.
Earlier reports said the clash occurred on Friday morning in barangay Daan Mactan while soldiers and militiamen were conducting a security patrol against communist rebels monitored in the area.
The 20-minute firefight left two militiamen dead and three other militiamen and an Army team leader wounded. The military had said bloodstains were seen in the rebel position, indicating they likewise suffered casualties.
Meanwhile in Isabela, troops from the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion clashed with a group of NPA rebels in barangay Dicamay 2 in Jones town at around 7:35 a.m. Saturday, said Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, spokesman of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command.
Nato said the soldiers were on combat operation when they clashed with a still undetermined number of rebels. No one was reported killed or injured on both sides during the 30-minute clash.
In Ifugao, Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg, commander of the Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion, said 20 NPA supporters surrendered to the military on Saturday during a peace caravan in barangay Namal in Asipulo town.
Nabulneg said the group turned over an M16 rifle during their surrender.
“These 20 personalities were long-time supporters of the enemy that played a vital role in the survival of the CNT (CPP-NPA Terrorist) group, and by having them in our side, we can now paralyze the enemy activities in their traditional abode,” Nabulneg said.
The peace caravan was launched by the local government in coordination with the military. It was attended by residents, tribal leaders, youths, local government personnel, soldiers and policemen.
From the Mindanao Times (Aug 6): 2 NPA rebels killed in Agusan Sur clash
Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed following an armed encounter with soldiers and civilian auxiliary force geographical unit (Cafgu) elements at Purok 4, Barangay Oro, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on Sunday.
Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 402nd Infantry Brigade, identified the fatalities as Juan Precioso, 59, and Dondon Montilla, 23, both believed to be members of Guerrilla Front 88, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). Recovered near their bodies was a 9mm pistol with a magazine loaded with several rounds of ammunition.
Pueblas said government troops lost no time in recovering the bodies and bringing them to the village center where they were identified by residents.
Accordingly, elements of the Tandang Sora Patrol Base, 3rd Platoon, 6th Agusan del Sur Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) Company, under the supervision of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, were conducting security patrol in the area after receiving reports on the presence of the NPA.
He said there was no soldier or militiaman reported hurt in the firefight.
Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, thanked the residents for helping the government in its effort to drive away the NPAs from the communities.
From Rappler (Aug 6): Basilan under state of calamity after military ops
The Basilan peace and order council cites as another reason the acute rice shortage due to the 'cocolisap' infestation
BASILAN, Philippines – The provincial board of Basilan declared a state of calamity in the province Monday, August 6, upon the recommendation of the peace and order council.
This was after the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched massive operations in the municipality of Mohammad Ajul Municipality.
Authorities said 705 families were evacuated.
Also cited as reason for the state-of-calamity declaration was the rice shortage in the province due to the "cocolisap" (coconut scale insects) infestation.
This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates.
From Rappler (Aug 6): Duterte signs national ID system law
Filipinos will soon be asked to register with the Philippine ID System in order to get their national ID. Lawmakers give assurances that privacy rights and data will be protected.
NEW LAW. President Rodrigo Duterte signs the national ID system law on August 6, 2018. RTVM screenshot
Filipinos will soon get national IDs after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the Philippine Identification System Act on Monday, August 6.
The enrolled bill seeking to create a unified and streamlined national identification system was signed by the President in Malacañang in the presence of lawmakers and other officials.
The new law establishes the Philippine ID System or PhilSys, a centralized database for vital information on all residents and resident aliens in the Philipines.
It is meant to speed up and improve the delivery of government services and reduce fraudulent transactions.
"For the ordinary Juan dela Cruz, the signing of this Act means that he will no longer have to present multiple identification cards simply to prove his identity," said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque in a statement.
How it works: A physical national ID or PhilID will be issued to each individual who registers with the system. Each person will also get a randomly generated, unique, and permanent ID number or Common Reference Number (CRN).
Personal data to be collected for the national ID will be include name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, and address. Biometrics information will also be collected, including facial image, full set of fingerprints, iris scan, and other identifiable features that are necessary.
It will be optional to give your mobile number and email address.
The PhilID or number can be used when dealing with national government agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and the private sector.
Registeration for the ID will be free of charge. Filipinos living abroad may sign up for their national ID with the embassy or consular office where they are located.
Under the 2018 national budget, the government alloted P2 billion for the initial implementation of the program, lodged under the Philippine Statistics Authority's budget.
Securing privacy rights, data: Yet creating a national ID system has sparked a debate on privacy and data security, especially at a time when government websites have been vulnerable to data breaches.
While the system may be beneficial, data privacy experts are worried about certain provisions in the bill which may blur the line between what's appropriate and what may constitute a violation of privacy. (READ: 'Record history' casts cloud of doubt on proposed national ID system)
For example, the law's inclusion of a record history, which will track each transaction made, may pave the way for mass surveillance. If the national ID system aims to streamline identity verification, keeping a record history would be completely unnecessary, experts said.
Senator Franklin Drilon, however, sought to assuage such fears. Drilon, who thanked Duterte for signing the law, said, “We have provided enough safeguards to protect the individual’s right to privacy and to prevent unscrupulous persons from accessing confidential information.”
He gave assurances that the Data Privacy Act would protect those registered from any violation of their right to privacy.
Legislation for a national ID system was among the Duterte administration's priorities in its legislative agenda.
Presidential Spokesman Roque said the signing of the law is consistent with Duterte's commitment to cut bureaucratic red tape.
"Through PhilSys, we hope to improve efficiency and transparency of public services and promote ease of doing business," he said.
Last May, Duterte also signed the Ease of Doing Business Act which created a unified and streamlined system for persons seeking to put up businesses in the Philippines.
From Rappler (Aug 6): US sending 4 OV-10B planes to PH for anti-terror campaign
Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana makes the announcement 5 days after the Basilan car blast that killed 10
AIR SUPPORT. The Philippine military expects the delivery of more OV-10Bs this year and in 2019. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday, August 6, announced the transfer of 4 OV-10B planes from the United States to the Philippines to help in the country's counter-terrorism campaign.
The same type of plane was used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in dropping 250-lb and 500-lb bombs in Marawi City during the 5-month battle with extremists who seized the city last year.
Used as close-air support combat aircraft, several OV-10B planes are currently deployed in Mindanao.
"The aircraft will be transferred to the PAF [Philippine Air Force] this year or early next year," Lorenzana told reporters.
The Philippines will only spend for the shipment of the aircraft, according to Lorenzana.
"They will augment the existing ones to support ground operations," he added.
The planes, described by a senior air force official as "capable, though old," will be delivered under a military aid program.
The twin engine turbo-prop planes saw action during the Vietnam War but are still in use in the U.S. and Afghanistan.
Since January 2017, the US has provided the Philippines with close to $70 million in military equipment for counter-terrorism operations, including Raven and Scan Eagle drones, rubber boats, pistols, grenade launchers and surveillance aircraft.
From Rappler (Aug 6): Bangsamoro law to be 'vaccine' vs terrorism
President Rodrigo Duterte formally presents the signed Bangsamoro Organic Law to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
LANDMARK LAW. President Rodrigo Duterte presents the Bangsamoro Organic Law to Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on August 6, 2018. RTVM screenshot
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte formally handed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on Monday, August 6, marking a milestone in the group's efforts to bring peace to Mindanao.
The landmark law was presented by Duterte to Murad during a ceremony in Malacañang, in the presence of Congress leaders and Cabinet members.
The BOL is a significant step to stopping the spread of terrorism and extremist beliefs in Mindanao, a region that has been besieged with conflict, said Deputy Presidential Peace Process Adviser Nabil Tan.
"That's why [Mindanao] has become fertile ground for the recruitment of terrorists – Abu Sayyaf, Maute – because the frustrations of people are easy to feed. It's easy to lure them into illegal activities," he said in a press release.
"This (BOL) is one effective vaccine against terrorism," he added.
The MILF Central Committee announced last August 1 that it "formally accepts" the BOL, which Duterte signed on July 26 after its ratification by both chambers of Congress. This brings to a new level 17 years of peace negotiations between the MILF and the government.
"I consider it a great honor to witness this event, proof of all those years of hard work in name of just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro and the rest of Mindanao," said MILF implementing panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal in a press release.
More resources for Bangsamoro region
Tan said the BOL would help address grievances that provoke some in Mindanao to join terror groups.
In particular, he cited provisions in the law that provide annual block grants to the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region from funds automatically appropriated in the national budget.
Some of these funds would be devoted to rehabilitation and development of conflict-ravaged areas.
This would give the Bangsamoro government "greater fiscal autonomy" compared to the previous situation where the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) practically "begged Congress" to release funds for certain projects.
If the block grant is not enough, the BOL also sets aside a Special Development Fund for the new region specifically to help develop its economy.
"It will improve the present ARMM. It will empower [the Bangsamoro government]. It will accord [the Bangsamoro people] greater participation by the national government in terms of governance," said Tan.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said a plebiscite for the BOL would be held in November or December. This is in conformity with the law's provisions that a plebiscite must be conducted not earlier than 90 days and not later than 150 days after the BOL's effectivity.
"Plebiscite is a must to jumpstart implementation of the BOL. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority will take control after the plebiscite ratification," Dureza told Rappler.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region will only be considered established after a majority of ARMM residents vote in favor of the BOL in the plebiscite.
A majority of votes in specific cities and provinces is also required for certain barangays and towns to join the new region.
With the upcoming plebiscite, the next challenge is for the Duterte administration, MILF, and other BOL proponents to galvanize support for the new law and the Bangsamoro region. (READ: After Bangsamoro law, a bright yet bumpy path to peace)
Duterte called for those in the ARMM to join the plebiscite.
"I encourage you to take part in the upcoming plebiscite so that you may express your sovereign will through the ballot," he said on Monday.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6): Army overruns NPA camp in Agusan del Norte
The 29th Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army overran another New People's Army (NPA) camp after the government forces encountered an undetermined number of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) under Sangay sa Partido Pamproganda (SPP)16A, Guerilla Front Committee 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee in Sitio Cogon-Cogon, Brgy Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte on July 26, 2018, at around 2:20 in the afternoon.
The firefight ensued, while the troops were conducting Focused Military Operations (FMO), as a response to the reports provided by the residents of the NPAs' presence extorting in their locality. The skirmish, which lasted for about 20 minutes, resulted to the capture of the terrorist's camp, the recovery of one high powered firearm AK-47 loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunitions, one improvised explosive device (landmine), 100 meters trip wire, one backpack and personal belongings.
On the other hand, no casualty or loss was incurred by the government forces. But heavy blood stains were seen on the captured enemy camp indicating of the enemy's large casualties. Moreover, additional troops were sent to pursue the remaining NPA terrorists.
The successful combat operation was a result of the local community’s support to get rid of lawless elements from their community. BGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 402nd Brigade, lauded the troops for the successful conduct of this military operation.
"Our operations against the NPA terrorists will be relentless. We will pursue them right at the heart of their guerrilla bases," BGen. Gacal said.
"The communities are already expressing their sentiments against the continued presence of the NPA terrorists as this terrorist group has only brought misery and suffering in their locality," he added.
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service radio Website (Aug 6): NPA PARALYZED | 20 CNT Supporters Mass Surrenders during Peace Caravan
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela –20 members of the Communist-New People’s Army –Terrorist (CNT) supporters surrendered to the Team of Community Support Program (CSP) of the 54th Infantry Battalion during the Peace Caravan in Sitio Nagkatengey, BrgyNamal, Asipulo, Ifugao on August 4, 2018.
According to Lt Col Narciso B NabulnegJr, Commander, 54IB, the 20 were composed of 16 full time “Militia ng Bayan” (MB) and six CNT contacts in their village. The group also surrendered an M16 Rifle.
“These 20 personalities were long-time supporters of the enemy that played a vital role in the survival of the CNT group, and by having them in our side, we can now paralyze the enemy activities in their traditional abode. We will soon reach the desired peace and development in this part of the country.” LTC NabulnegJr, said.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Perfecto M RimandoJr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division, commended the CSP teams under 54IB for their sincerity to help the community and by assisting the CNT supporters into the right path. “Truly, if we put premium on the rights and welfare of our Kababayans in our activities, our jobs become easy. These, former CNT supporters have seen the sincerity of our soldiers that is why they surrendered. If we continue to become professional in our dealing with the locals, we will achieve the desired peace the soonest possible time” MGenRimandoJr, said.
Each MB will be entitled to receive an Immediate Assistance, Reintegration Assistance and Remuneration for the Firearm surrendered under the Enhanced
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).“We will assists and support those who wish to surrender, and to those who still wish to fight the government, we will use all our resources to bring them into justice,” MGenRimandoJr, added.
The MBs and CNT supporters also held their oath of allegiance to the government and denounce their former groups in front of their families, friends and local elected officials during the short program.
In line with the 5ID programof reaching the people in the countryside, 54IB launched the Peace Caravan supported by the Local Government Unit of Asipulo, Seventh Day Adventist Hospital Inc., Philippine Red Cross, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources – Ifugao, Bureau of Fire Protection,Ifugao Police Provincial Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office – Ifugao and Department of Public Works and Highways. The group conducted medical and dental outreach program, information drive, distribution of school supplies and gift giving (school supplies) to the students in the area.
In another activity, a peace rally was conducted in BrgyAguid, Sagada, Mt Province on the same day facilitated by the Charlie Coy of the 54IB. The local folks held their activities in support to the program of the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their locality.
The said peace rally was attended by the local residents, tribal elders, youths, local officials, police and soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion. The attendees were holding placards declaring that the people of Sagada are peace loving people.
An oath of allegiance to the republic was also done by the two CNT supporters in front of their tribal leaders and elders.
Prior to the peace rally, the 54IB with the assistance of the 1st AFP (Talon) General Hospital, conducted free medical and dental consultation to the locals, distribution of school supplies, free haircut and poster making contest to the youth. 5DPAO / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service radio Website (Aug 6): ENCOUNTER | NOLCOM Troops clashes with NPAs in Isabela
CANDON, Ilocos Sur (DWDD) – An encounter ensued between the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Army troops and the Communist Terrorist Group in the hinterlands of Isabela province today, August 4, 2018, at 7:35 this morning.
The thirty (30) minute firefight happened in Sitio Dibulod, Brgy. Dicamay 2, Jones, Isabela while the 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB) of Joint Task Force (JTF) “TALA”, under the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), was conducting combat operations and chanced on a group of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area.
Developments in the incident are yet to be received as of this time.
NOLCOM will continue to pursue the NPA remnants in its area of responsibility to keep communities safe from Communist Terrorist threats and bring in government services for the Filipino people. NOLCOM / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service radio Website (Aug 6): ALL IN ONE | NOLCOM tenders Social Services in Ilocos Sur
GALIMUYOD, Ilocos Sur (DWDD) – The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) has initiated once again its Civic Action Program, dubbed as “All in One Bayanihan”, on August 4, 2018 (Saturday), to render social services to the people of Galimuyod in Ilocos Sur.
The event formally started with a program in Brgy, Patac Covered Court that was participated by the residents and Local Government Officials of the Municipality of Galimuyod headed by Mayor Juanito B. Balingsat, the team of NOLCOM spearheaded by Lt Gen Emmanuel L Salamat, the 702nd Brigade of Joint Task Force (JTF) “KAUGNAY” led by BGen Henry A Robinson Jr, the 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB), the GO SHARE Foundation headed by Mr. Noel Gonzales, the local police and other stakeholders.
All other social services immediately followed as part of the main event. Medical Services, that includes giving of free medicines and check-up, as well as Optical Services, like Eye Check-up and Giving of Free Eye Glasses, were then provided.
A classroom and two (2) Dental Buses, from NOLCOM and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur which can cater two (2) patients at a time per bus, were used for the dental services.
Trainings were also provided for the members of “barangay tanod” and other municipal volunteers like Humanitarian and Disaster Response (HADR) Training, Self-Defense Training and the First Responders Training.
Aside from the free haircut and free pictorials in a photo booth that were available for all, the gift-giving, distribution of school supplies and books for the three (3) libraries, face painting and food cart services were also carried-out for the children.
Simultaneous with the other activities, a Peace and Order Consultative Meeting was conducted to discuss related matters on safety and security of the communities against local threats. This was attended by the municipal and barangay officials, together with the representatives from the security sector.
At this point, Lt Gen Salamat emphasized on the effects of these threats to the Political, Economic and Social aspects of society. Moreover, the Deception, Exploitation and Recruitment efforts of the Communist Terrorist Groups on the youth and Indigenous People (IP) were given premium in the discussion.
An information dissemination on free livelihood programs on livestock, poultry and aquaculture, as these were now subsidized by the government, was also delivered by a representative from the Department of Agriculture to enlighten the participants.
About three thousand (3,000) individuals became recipients of the social services and trainings provided by thirty (40) doctors, nurses and other health practitioners from the LGU, NOLCOM and its partners.
The “All in One Bayanihan” was materialized as request was made from the grassroots, which was further followed-up by the LGU, to NOLCOM officials. This now gives the people the chance to avail of the needed basic services as a result of collaboration and cooperation among the stakeholders.
NOLCOM will remain as a partner for nation-building. Together with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Local Government Agencies (LGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), NOLCOM will be an advocate and prime-mover for peace and development. NOLCOM / MCAG
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service radio Website (Aug 6): REBELS CRUMBLING | 86IB seized NPA encampment, People’s Militia and supporters mass surrendered in Northern Luzon
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – A New People’s Army (NPA) encampment was taken hold of by the operating Army units under Joint Task Force (JTF) “Tala” of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) after its discovery, while members of the “Milisyang Bayan” and supporters surrender in separate incidents on August 4, 2018 (Saturday).
The encounter that transpired in Sitio Dibulod, Dicamay 2, Jones, Isabela resulted to the discovery of a Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) temporary harbor area or camp, in the mountainous area of Brgy Sto Domingo during the conduct of pursuit operation of 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB), 502nd Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (5ID).
The said can accommodate about ten (10) CNTs wherein the operating troops also found three (3) improvised cooking fire place and fresh vegetables.
Moreover, no casualty was incurred by the 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB) while undetermined on the terrorist side.
In the province of Ifugao, fourteen (14) members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia (PM) and six (6) CNT supporters yielded in Sitio Nakatengey, Brgy Namal, Municipality of Asipulo to the 54th Infantry Battalion (54IB), 503rd Brigade also of the 5ID.
An M16 rifle was also surrendered by the group which was later brought to the Headquarters of 54IB for safekeeping.
The surrender was made possible through the efforts and initiatives of Community Support Program (CSP) operators of said Army unit deployed in the area.
NOLCOM units will sustain its Focus Military Operations (FMO) to address the armed threat groups, as well as the efforts in engaging the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders as partners in attaining peace and development in the region. NOLCOM / MCAG
From MindaNews (Aug 6): M’lang PNP intensifies visibility, intelligence networking after IED recovery
Police in M’lang, North Cotabato has intensified their visibility, intelligence, monitoring, and other security measures after authorities recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) left by still unidentified suspects along the national highway as the town culminated its weeklong 67th founding day celebrations on Sunday.
Supt. Giovanni Ladeo, officer-in-charge of the M’lang municipal police station, said that right after the recovery, they conducted checkpoints during dawn and the time when people converge in public places.
“I don’t want to speculate on the motive but our assessment was, the suspects did the planting of the IED after the celebration. Our investigations would continue,” said Ladeo.
Ladeo said troops from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division are helping them secure the town from threat groups operating in the area.
Around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, bystanders saw two people leave a paper bag while walking along the highway in Magsaysay Street, Poblacion and upon checking the package they saw a mobile phone and electrical wires inside, police reports said.
Ladeo said he immediately sought the help of the operatives of the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the Army, who had the bomb defused a few hours later.
M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado said the town’s security and order had been disturbed by bombing and other bomb-related incidents in the past.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): PH assumes coordinatorship for ASEAN-China Dialogue
The Philippines has officially taken over from Singapore the role of country coordinator for the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dialogue.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said the Philippines' coordinatorship began Thursday, right after a meeting between the foreign ministers of ASEAN and China.
DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, before leaving for Singapore, said the Philippines will be playing a "crucial role" as the country coordinator for the dialogue, particularly as both parties work towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
"We have a very good window to not only include but make part of the whole code of conduct the protection of marine environment," he told reporters in a press conference last week.
The 10-member bloc and China have already expressed hopes on the COC's conclusion by November 2018, when ASEAN leaders and its dialogue partners meet for the ASEAN Summit.
Meanwhile, the joint communique of the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting revealed that ASEAN and China had agreed on a Single Draft COC Negotiating Text during the 15th ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC on June 27.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): PH Navy head meets with Russian counterpart
In line with ongoing efforts to interact more with its foreign naval counterparts, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, met with Russian Navy head Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev during the Russia Navy Day celebration last July 29.
Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata, in a statement Saturday, said the event took place at Saint Petersburg, Russia where Empedrad represented the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the celebration.
"It was during this historic meeting that a draft MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for deepening security cooperation between the two navies was discussed. The Chief of Russian navy assured his commitment to support the upgrade program of the PN in terms of training, maintenance and sustainment of future acquisition particularly the submarine acquisition project of the PN. He also mentioned about conduct of joint HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) training and regular visits of ships," he added.
Korolev also expressed his appreciation for the upcoming visit of a PN ship in Vladivostok, Russia.
In June, three Russian warships made a port visit in Manila.
Zata said the PN delegation was given the opportunity to visit Admiralty Shipyard, the Russian Navy's premier naval shipyard where its submarines are built.
The Main Naval Parade at Saint Petersburg is a commemoration of over three centuries of Russia’s rich history.
Celebrated on the last Sunday of July, this is the day where the Russian Federation honors members of the Russian Navy and showcase its strength and capabilities.
To mark this year's Navy Day parade, Russian President and Commander-in-Chief, Vladimir Putin attended the activity.
The Commander of the China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy, Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong is also among the Navy Chiefs who attended and was met by Empedrad during the event.
The 14 chiefs and representatives of the invited navies were also tendered with a formal dinner by the head of the Russian Navy as the final event for the visiting delegations.
All heads of delegations agreed that the only way to achieve peace at sea is through cooperations among navies of the world. The official visit underscores the navy’s diplomacy efforts for increased interaction among other navies.
"These engagements are building blocks for closer cooperation in areas of mutual concern such as combating terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Zata said. http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043792
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Palace to celebrate signing of BOL
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will lead a ceremony on Monday, August 6, to mark the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), a landmark law that will give meaningful autonomy to the Moro people in Mindanao.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza said the ceremony, which comes a little over a week after the President signed the law, symbolizes the major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. “True to his campaign promise, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, fulfilling his desire to bring peace in Mindanao,” Dureza said.
“The Bangsamoro Organic Law is an extraordinary law. It is the product of years of peace negotiations with the Moro revolutionary groups and the stakeholders in Mindanao,” he added.
Formerly known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the BOL is premised on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a signed peace deal.
The BOL is part of the Duterte administration’s agenda to achieve national reconciliation with the Moro rebel groups. Congress has extensively deliberated on the BOL and made sure that the law is within the bounds of the Constitution, and national sovereignty and territorial integrity, at the same time ensuring that the interests of all sectors are respected.
Dureza said the challenge is now for the country to “work hard to achieve the Bangsamoro Organic Law’s vision to bring peace and development and rectify past injustices to be able to work together in the days ahead.”
This developed as the Central Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed to officially declare its acceptance of the BOL.
MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said since the representatives of all MILF groups had expressed their acceptance of the law during the Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly on July 29 in Camp Darapanan, the Central Committee “held a special meeting on August 1, 2018 and agreed to officially declare its acceptance of the BOL as ratified by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.”
Nabil Tan, Deputy Presidential Peace Adviser and Chair of the Government Implementing Panel for the GPH-MILF peace accord, said the BOL “should be seen not as a privilege for a few but as the government’s recognition of the Moros’ right to chart their political future through a democratic process as enshrined and guaranteed in the Constitution.”
“The legal framework is now ready, and it is now upon us, the stakeholders – Moros and non-Moros – to put our acts together to make it work,” he said.
Ghazali Jaafar, chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), described Monday’s event as the beginning of “a better tomorrow” in the Bangsamoro homeland.
“The signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law by our very own President Rodrigo Roa Duterte paves the way for the coming and establishment of a just and dignified peace in the Moro land. It is a dawn of hope for a better tomorrow. Indeed, it is a beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Moro people in their quest for a better life and progressive community where people are living together harmoniously free from oppression,” he said.
For MILF Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, the event on Monday is the culmination of the more than 17 years of peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.
“As Chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel and member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, I consider it a great honor to witness this event, proof of all those years of hard work in name of just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro and the rest of Mindanao,” he added.
Iqbal also reiterated the fact that the signing of the BOL is “just the beginning. The real challenge lies ahead, or the implementation of the important commitments stipulated in the signed peace agreements, from the establishment of the transition government to the Normalization process.” (OPAPP PR) http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043794
