Sunday, March 31, 2019

'Balikatan' instrumental to Pacific Region's stability

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1, 2019): 'Balikatan' instrumental to Pacific Region's stability 



The annual "Balikatan" exercises between the Philippines and the United States has helped maintain stability in the Pacific Region.

“Exercise 'Balikatan' has become one of the premier military training events in the Pacific Hemisphere and has helped us to maintain regional stability, uphold international norms, combat violent extremism, alleviate human suffering, and much more,” said US Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips, who is also the American exercise director for the annual military maneuvers.

This year's "Balikatan" exercises formally opened in a ceremony at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday.

"Balikatan", which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino, symbolizes the partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Forces. Around 4,000 Filipino, 3, 500 American troops will be taking part in the exercises which will run from April 1 to 12.

The exercise also includes the participation of 50 members of the Australian Defense Force for humanitarian and civic assistance projects and special operations forces training.

Philippine and US forces will conduct counter-terrorism training, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations training, aviation operations, bilateral planning, subject matter expert exchanges, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects throughout Luzon.

“The 35th iteration of Exercise Balikatan is aimed at improving both AFP and US Forces’ inter-operability through trainings that are focused on mutual defense operations and counter-terrorism. The goal of such is to enhance both militaries’ employment of forces and assistance in the event of crises that threaten the safety and security of the nation,” Philippine exercise director Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, in an ambush interview, said the exercises will help participating troops keep abreast in the latest technologies and equipment pertaining to defense.

"'Balikatan' focuses on maintaining a high level of readiness and responsiveness, and enhancing combined military-to-military relations and capabilities.

Trainings included in the annual exercises also help in reinforcing maritime security, territorial defense capabilities, and responsiveness to humanitarian disasters.

Philippine and US military collaboration has served as a cornerstone for stability in the Indo-Pacific region for decades. Both militaries share a continuing interest in strengthening the longstanding alliance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066142

PH always ready to respond to peacekeeping missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1, 2019): PH always ready to respond to peacekeeping missions



The Philippines is always ready to deploy its peacekeeping forces in any part of the globe regardless of threat levels.

“The Philippines is ready to increase its engagement in peacekeeping operations. The Philippine Government has decided to allow the deployment of military and police in any area, regardless of the security threat level,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said as he delivered the country's statement to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance, and Protection held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, last March 29.

Lorenzana also added the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is currently enhancing its capabilities in support of future peacekeeping deployments.

As of this posting, the Philippines has committed 90 military observers and peacekeeping staff, one force headquarters support unit, and one aeromedical evacuation team to the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System.

In addition to highlighting the progress made by member-countries in their commitment to UN peacekeeping missions, the meeting also served as a venue for the ministers to announce their respective pledges and concrete plans that are geared towards strengthening the capabilities and performance of uniformed personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations (PKOs) and ensuring the protection of civilians.

Lorenzana also remarked on the Philippines’ position that success in peacekeeping operations must be measured by how well peacekeepers protect civilians, especially children, and prevent sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse.

He noted that the Philippines employs rigid standards of conduct and behavior in the performance of the peacekeeping duties of its personnel deployed to PKOs, and has adopted more stringent criteria in the selection of peacekeeping candidates.

The Philippines also recognizes the role of skilled and trained female peacekeepers to the success of PKOs.

The DND chief added that the Philippines commits to deploy more female peacekeepers in the future, supporting the holistic approach of the UN in peacekeeping missions.

Lorenzana said the country’s more than 50 years active participation in peacekeeping efforts illustrates the Philippines’ readiness to respond to the UN’s call, noting the country’s renewal of commitment to the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations along the Action for Peacekeeping or A4P initiative of the UN Secretary-General.

“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the community of nations in fostering shared responsibility for the success of peacekeeping operations,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066136

'Balikatan' highlights historic PH-US military ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1, 2019): 'Balikatan' highlights historic PH-US military ties



The annual "Balikatan" exercises are a testament to the enduring commitment of American and Filipino defense partnership.

"The 35th iteration of the annual ('Balikatan') military exercise is a testament of our enduring commitment to our defense partnership. Every year when our troops train together and hurdle developed scenarios, in a way we actually relive the times when Filipinos and American soldiers fought side by side in defense of peace, freedom and democracy," Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said during the opening ceremony of the annual military maneuvers held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday.

Around 4,000 Filipinos, 3,500 American and 50 Australian troops will participate in the military maneuvers which formally started April 1 and will end on April 12.

Acting as observers in the exercises are military personnel from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"Incidentally, the timing of this year's exercise coincides with our annual observance of the Philippine Veterans Week and Bataan Day which we call the Day of Valor and falls on April 9. Indeed, the memories of World War II have molded the US-Philippine relationship, remember the Fall of Bataan and Death March in 1942, the Battle of Corregidor in the same year and the Battle of Leyte Gulf of 1944," the AFP chief said.

He added that during these times, both American and Filipino forces truly embodied, understood and experienced the real meaning of 'Balikatan', which is "carrying the load together on our shoulder, however heavy the load, however huge the obstacle, and whatever the cost".

Also, "Balikatan" exercises, which are now on its 35th iteration, aims to enhance the inter-operability of Philippines and United States Forces in joint and combined operations aside from projecting readiness to combat any security threats.

"It ('Balikatan') serves as a platform when we could exchange our best practices in various military operations, a venue where we could validate our defense plans and an opportunity where we could amplify our alliances with other participating countries. All of us understand how threats on security constantly evolve, including the non-traditional security challenges at present. As we have this year's Balikatan, we will shoulder the load together to prepare for these scenarios and should a crisis or national disaster occur in the future we will be ready," Madrigal said.

Meanwhile, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna said the annual "Balikatan" exercise has been a strong foundation of the security alliance and partnership between Manila and Washington.

"The geopolitics and security dynamics within the Indo-Pacific regions for our both our two countries are geographically located are evolving so fast, we need to work together more to cope with these challenges, otherwise our past efforts and sacrifices in ensuring peace and stability for the past several decades will lose their meaning and significance. This is the best time for us, the Filipino and American peoples to stay together and work hand in hand, shoulder-to-shoulder to review our commitment for peace and posterity in the region," he added.

"This 'Balikatan' 2019 is truly a remarkable and historic one as no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has affirmed the Philippines and American friendship (and) alliance will grow further into higher heights as the United States Government (honored) its promise to return to the Philippines the Balangiga Bells in December of last year," the DND official said.

As this develops, US Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, said the "Balikatan" exercise is by no means a small undertaking.

"As our previous speakers mentioned, this is no small undertaking. In order to achieve successful results at this scale many dedicated colleagues from the AFP and the US military have invested months of planning, I thank all of you for your commitment to ensure 'Balikatan' 2019 is a huge success for both of our countries," he added.

Participating forces will spend the next two weeks working shoulder-to-shoulder, honing their skills in key areas such as counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066156

Counter Points: The Salafi-jihadi global architecture

From the Asia & Pacific Policy Society (Apr 1, 2019): Counter Points: The Salafi-jihadi global architecture

Al-Qaeda’s resurgence, ISIL’s return

In the second of this series, Isaac Kfir examines recent tactics al-Qaeda and ISIL have employed to expand their influence, and explains what this means for Australia and its counter-terrorism strategy.

The Salafi-jihadi landscape has drastically changed since 2015, when Australia released its Counter-terrorism Strategy.

In 2019, al-Qaeda, which many discounted in 2015, has resurged. Between 2014 and 2015, Ayman al-Zawahiri, the group’s current leader, didn’t make any public statements; since 2017, however, we have seen a steady increase in his messaging. This growth in confidence can be seen as a result of the success in his “strategy of deliberate yet low-key growth”.

Zawahiri has adopted a franchising strategy that doesn’t require people or groups to completely buy into the al-Qaeda model. It simply requires that they at least in part accept the al-Qaeda ideology – or, al-Qaedaism.

In undertaking his franchising strategy, Zawahiri has dispatched key lieutenants to Syria, Iran, Turkey, Libya, and Yemen to help build and solidify cells. These individuals have brought new connections, overseas resources, technical skills, and, at times, have helped bridged parochial divisions.

Al-Qaeda’s resurgence is also predicated on the fact that Zawahiri and Hamza bin Laden have largely abrogated responsibility for terrorist activities to their franchisees.

It is groups such as al-Shabab, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM), al-Qaeda in the Islamic Peninsula, and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) that carry out terrorist attacks.

The threat that al-Qaeda poses comes from two avenues. Firstly, there’s the core of al-Qaeda, which serves as the disseminator of ideas often through specific chatrooms and online channels, and behaves as an arbitrator and facilitator of sorts by marrying local issues with a transnational call to engage in jihad. Secondly, there exists the franchisees that engage in violence.

In 2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) may have posed an existential threat to Iraq, Syria, and other areas in the Middle East. Now in 2019, however, the group is but a shell of itself. Officially, it controls no territory, and many of its leaders are either dead or on the run.

But ISIL is also is investing in subsidiaries and proxies. Outside of Syria and Iraq, it has two main proxies in the Sinai Peninsula and in the Khorasan Province, while a third is emerging in West Africa. These entities carry out insurgency operations that extract heavy casualties from Egyptian and Afghan security forces.

The Egyptian and Afghan governments have adopted hard military tactics against these entities, while retreating their own forces to secure bases. In doing so, they’ve fuelled the anger of local communities who feel the brunt of their tactics, and have also empowered the insurgents who live among, and also terrorise, the people by feeding the extremist narrative.

ISIL has arguably been more successful in Southeast Asia than al-Qaeda, not only because of Marawi, but because of Syria’s Katibah Nusantara brigade, led by Bahrun Naim, who conceived and directed the 2016 Jakarta terrorist attack. Questions remain as to whether Jemaah Islamiyah threatens national and regional security, while the recent arrest of 12 Filipinos in Sabah underlies the importance of regional cooperation. There simply are too many ‘black spots’ that non-state actors can exploit.

Through Naim and the Abu Sayyaf Group network, which relies on close kinship links, ISIL seeks to exploit Filipino dissatisfaction with the Bangsamoro Organic Law and a possible Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Duterte regime, and with established groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to garner support. The network has even claimed responsibility for the twin bombings in Jolo in January 2019 that killed 23 people.

The implications of the new global Salafi-jihadi architecture for Australia are numerous.

Firstly, the fact that there has been at least one recent attempt to carry out a mass casualty attack in 2017 involving ISIL means that Australia must remain vigilant in ensuring that Brexit and Trump don’t undermine the Five Eyes alliance.

Australia remains an attractive market for extremists for a number of reasons. It is evident that their message resonates with at least a small number of people, and Australia is closely allied with the international coalition to counter violent extremism. It’s also likely that a successful attack will test social cohesion – a key motivator for terrorist groups. The goal is to sow divisionism.

Over the last few years, Melbourne and the Sydney Opera House have featured in Salafi-jihadi videos, and ISIL’s media department is reportedly headed by an Australian, Abu Abdullah al-Australi, leaving the likelihood of threat at being reasonably probable.

Secondly, it is important for Australia to continue to work closely with Israel, Lebanon, and Europe to forestall attacks – it was allegedly Israeli intelligence that prevented the attack. The security services of these countries have a better understanding of the Middle East than we do.

Home-grown radicalisation remains a principal concern. Some 80 per cent of convictions for terrorism offences in Australia have occurred in the last three years. Many of those individuals weren’t members of ISIL or al-Qaeda, but were sympathisers intending to commit low-cost, high-impact operations. However, as groups such as al-Shabab, AQIM, and AQIS increase their presence, there is a growing need to watch these groups and their activities on their media outlets as well.

We need to be cognizant that these entities could be reaching out to young Australians. We must also remain aware of the pull and push factors that feed al-Qaedaism as it pertains to regional groups.

For years, security services have focused on al-Qaeda and ISIL and Jemaah Islamiyah. The next threat, however, is just as likely to come from a franchise group that could be based in the subcontinent, Africa, or the Greater Middle East. Australia must be quick to broaden its horizon over the expanding Salafi-jihadi landscape.

https://www.policyforum.net/counter-points-the-salafi-jihadi-global-architecture/

Officials: Filipino IS fighters may return home but must ‘pay the price’

From the Business World (Mar 31, 2019): Officials: Filipino IS fighters may return home but must ‘pay the price’

FILIPINO terror fighters in Syria should be given the opportunity to return home but must “pay the price” of their involvement, officials and an analyst said.

Following the recent attacks by American-backed forces on the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), the Department of National Defense said it is expecting the return of some IS fighters to their respective countries.

“If they are Filipino citizens, my view is they pretty much be allowed to come back because this is their country. That being said, if the law permits, there ought to be some type of penalty when you travel to another. Well, if you were a supporter of an ideology, this is not about your mental support of an ideology, we have the freedom of speech, we have the freedom of action, there are certain freedoms that…are guaranteed by the Constitution and the government should uphold those freedoms,” said security analyst and former Federal Bureau of Investigation officer Stephen P. Cutler in a conversation with reporters on Thursday, March 28.
He added, “That being said, as a foundation on my comments, that doesn’t provide untethered, unrestricted action and if you are, if there is credible evidence that you have participated in terrorism financing, support for terrorism, you made bombs, you actually supported in some material way, killings and bombings and extortion, you have to pay the prize.”

For his part, Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año said Filipino IS fighters can come back home: “They are Filipinos and they can come back. But we’ll have to investigate their involvement and look for appropriate charges that may be filed against them pending the result of investigation.”

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brigadier-General Edgard A. Arevalo said: “Security wise, those who have been identified and have cases filed will be arrested upon their return to the country.”

Last week, presidential adviser on terrorism Benjamin Defensor said returning fighters from Syria could face charges if proven that they have committed acts of terrorism abroad.

“If they are Filipinos, you’d want to know what they have done or what is the offense and then if they created something out of their own volition to join, say a criminal activity, at their own lookout, they have to answer for their actions because there are conventions by the UN [United Nations] on terrorism,” Mr. Defensor told reporters at a forum in Makati City.

For his part, Mr. Cutler agreed that those who committed and supported terrorism should be prosecuted: “If it is illegal, then they need to be prosecuted for that and if they are found guilty in an open trial, this is where the police, the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation], and the DOJ [Department of Justice] need to be much more aggressive in protecting people’s rights and prosecuting them if they have committed illegal acts.”

Mr. Año said, “Yes, I agree with him (Mr. Defensor). Joining ISIS in Syria is the same as joining the ISIS-Maute-ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] here.”

However, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said charges cannot be filed against returning rebels as the crimes they committed were done abroad.

“Acts of rebellion and/or terrorism become punishable only when overt acts or elements of the offense are committed in the Philippine territory,” said Mr. Guevarra in a phone message on Saturday, March 30.

Mr. Cutler suggested that there should be a law that would forfeit a terror fighter’s citizenship.

“There’s need to be a debate in Congress about ‘Let’s make a law that if you leave the Philippines and you participate in armed combat action in another country, you have forfeited Philippine citizenship.’ And Congress needs to step up and say ‘This is what we want as national policy.’ This is something the Philippines ought to address,” he said.

Right now, the Human Security Act of 2007, which addresses issues of terrorism in the country, only discusses conflict management, addressing the roots of conflict, and the arrest and detention of suspects.

“Suspected terrorists are jailed in SICA [Special Intensive Care Area] 1 in Bicutan. Orientation and counselling are regularly conducted to mainstream the inmates and introduce deradicalization programs,” Mr. Año said.

https://www.bworldonline.com/officials-filipino-is-fighters-may-return-home-but-must-pay-the-price/

IBON dares Armed Forces: Act on accusations vs NGOs

From the Business Mirror (Mar 31, 2019): IBON dares Armed Forces: Act on accusations vs NGOs

Think tank IBON Foundation challenged Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prove their allegations before a court and shut them down already if they have any evidence to back up their claims that they have links with
communist rebels.

This, after European Union (EU) and Belgium agreed to look into AFP’s request to stop donations to nongovernment organizations (NGOs) allegedly connected to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Sought for comment, IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique A. Africa said EU and Belgium are just acting to protect its diplomatic relations with the country.

Nonetheless, Africa vowed they will cooperate with the investigation as they have “nothing to hide.”

“If the AFP has any evidence about their allegations then they should charge all of us in court, prove it and shut us down already. But they don’t and can’t because all they have are their stories,” he said in a text message to the BusinessMirror.

“This is most of all about how the Duterte administration is scared of meaningful criticism and of those unafraid to voice this.”

IBON earlier said the Duterte administration is just aiming to stifle economic analysis which is inconsistent with its preferred narrative of growth and development.

It has also already clarified that it is not now receiving funding from either the EU or Belgian government and that the group’s funds is not being used for terrorism.

Aside from IBON, human-rights group Karapatan was also tagged by the government with links to the communist rebels.

Karapatan has also expressed confidence that these accusations will easily be debunked and urged the Duterte administration to not block efforts of United Nations and International Criminal Court to investigate the alleged human-rights violations in the country.

“Amid the false and malicious accusations hurled against organizations like Karapatan, we have been openly addressing these issues as we ask for dialogues with the European Union and other governments to directly talk to us. We are confident that these red-tagging schemes, taken to the international arena by a government who wishes to discredit us, will be sufficiently refuted by years of our human-rights advocacy for marginalized communities,” Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay said.

“We echo the same challenge to the Duterte government and its rabid gang of militarists: If indeed human-rights organizations are merely spouting lies to defame the government, then do not block efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and United Nations Independent Experts to investigate these human-rights violations that we have reported and exposed,” Palabay said.

AFP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo has also stood firm that they would be able to prove their case before the countries supporting the organizations which they linked to the communist rebels.

Arevalo also said the EU said it was pleased that the EU ambassador and Belgium ambassadors accepted the request by the National Task Force (NTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The task force was created by President Duterte.

Arevalo added the EU did not just commit to look into “voluminous documents” that the NTF submitted but also committed to enlist a third party firm to audit the funds they donated to NGOs that they have reported to have links with CPP-NPA.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/03/31/ibon-dares-armed-forces-act-on-accusations-vs-ngos/

Palace: ‘We are not in the business of cyberattacks’

From Business World (Mar 31, 2019): Palace: ‘We are not in the business of cyberattacks’

MALACAÑANG’S MEDIA security task force on Sunday denied that President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration had a hand in the series of cyberattacks against alternative media outfits, including Alipato Media Center Inc. (Bulatlat.com), Altermidya-People’s Alternative Media Network Inc., Kodao Productions Inc., and Pinoy Media Center Inc.

“I’m telling you as a matter of fact, we are not in the business of doing cyberattacks. Should I swear before my dead saints’ graves?” Presidential Task Force on Media Security Executive Director and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said in a phone message to BusinessWorld.

Alipato Media Center Inc. (Bulatlat), Altermidya-People’s Alternative Media Network Inc., Kodao Productions Inc., and Pinoy Media Center Inc. filed a complaint for damages against IP Converge Data Services, Inc., and Suniway Group of Companies last Friday, March 29, at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The media groups were assisted by the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL).

In a statement, the NUPL said the two domestic corporations “were identified by experts as the source of the unrelenting cyber attacks against the websites of the plaintiffs. The well-funded and orchestrated attacks, “in the form of Distributed Denial of Service” (DDoS), have been inflicted upon the plaintiffs for months amidst a climate of intensifying state-sponsored media repression.

For her part, Altermidya People’s Media Network National Coordinator Rhea Padilla said the attacks were state-sponsored.

“We believe these attacks are state-sponsored and are part of the Duterte administration’s attempt to stifle press freedom in the country. It seems cyber censorship is one of the administration’s tactics to make way for an open dictatorial rule,” she said in a statement.

Sought for comment, Mr. Egco said: “If their allegations are based on ‘belief,’ then it’s baseless.”

“How I wish they could report on the atrocities against civilians and civilian properties committed by the NPA (New People’s Army). There lies the disconnect,” he added.

Denying the government’s involvement in the attacks, he said: “My mandate is clear: to protect media workers and their families.”

Mr. Egco did not answer when asked if these media outfits were part of the list of organizations identified by the government as communist fronts.

The media groups said their websites have been subjected to “sustained” cyberattacks since December last year.

Ms. Padilla said this kind of attack “denies legitimate readers of access to truthful reports.”

“Launching a cyberattack with this kind of magnitude and immensity is impossible without the knowledge of the companies. At the very least, they should be held responsible for gross inexcusable negligence. The attacks are continuing despite the fact that it has been reported in the media,” she also said.

https://www.bworldonline.com/palace-we-are-not-in-the-business-of-cyberattacks/

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue gathering information on the alleged ‘front groups’ of the CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue gathering information on the alleged ‘front groups’ of the CPP-NPA
Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2392536014098442/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: Arrested NDF Leader, Wife Get Full Medical Care

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: Arrested NDF Leader, Wife Get Full Medical Care

NDF leader and former Catholic priest Francisco Fernandez and his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, were accommodated and given appropriate medical treatment at the Army General Hospital (AGH) following their arrest on Sunday, March 24, 2019.

Image may contain: 2 people, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2392533187432058/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: Belgium Probes NGOs' Links to CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: Belgium Probes NGOs' Links to CPP-NPA

Belgium is investigating claims by Philippine authorities that European governments are inadvertently giving funds to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that allegedly serve as fronts of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and NPA.

 Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2392520670766643/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue gathering information on the alleged ‘front groups’ of the CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue gathering information on the alleged ‘front groups’ of the CPP-NPA

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2392536014098442/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: SOLCOM supports the creation of Regional Task Forces To End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (RTF-TELCACs) through Joint Resolutions of RDCs and RPOCs

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: SOLCOM supports the creation of Regional Task Forces To End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (RTF-TELCACs) through Joint Resolutions of RDCs and RPOCs

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/crg2crsafp/photos/a.555622884555959/2134144770037088/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide: A P5 million peso-transient house for former CPP-NPA Terrorists will soon rise in Agusan del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 30, 2019): Photo/slide: A P5 million peso-transient house for former CPP-NPA Terrorists will soon rise in Agusan del Sur

Image may contain: 5 people, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2392543767431000/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Bakit Wala sa Listahan ng mga Narco-Pulitiko si Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio?

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Bakit Wala sa Listahan ng mga Narco-Pulitiko si Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio?

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson
NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
March 31, 2019

Kahina-hinalang hindi napabilang sa listahan ng mga narco-pulitiko sina Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio sa kabila ng mga naganap na pampublikong pagdinig na nagresulta sa konkretong mga ebidensyang nagpapatunay sa kaugnayan nila sa pagpuslit ng P6.4 bilyong halaga ng shabu sa Davao noong 2017. Tigas-mukhang ilinabas ng Malacanang ang listahan sa kabila ng kawalan ng sapat na batayang nag-uugnay sa droga sa mga pulitikong napabilang rito.

Malinaw na bahagi ang paglalabas ng mga narco-politicians sa malawakang whitewashing o cover-up ng kampo ni Duterte sa kanilang kaugnayan sa malawakang operasyon ng iligal na droga sa bansa. Layunin nitong patahimikin ang mga pulitiko at upisyal ng gubyerno na nakaaalam sa mga operasyon at transaksyon ng sindikato ni Yang at Duterte sa buong bansa. Sa gayon, linilinis ang pangalan ng mga aktwal na kalahok sa kalakalan ng droga katulad nina Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio upang buong laya nilang maipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga operasyon. Kamakailan lang, agarang lininis ni Albayalde at ng PNP ang pangalan ni Yang gayong hindi pa lubusang napalalalim ang sariling intel report ng kanilang ahensya hinggil sa sindikato ni Yang.

Tahasang ginagamit ni Duterte ang buong reaksyunaryong gubyerno bilang kasangkapan sa kanyang pakanang cover-up. Hindi dapat pabayaan ang pangkating Duterte na salaulain nito ang mga makinaryang para sa demokratikong interes ng mamamayan. Dapat tumugon ang mga makabayang kinatawan sa Kongreso sa paghahain ng mga panukalang resolusyon o motu propio na imbestigasyon. Kuwestyunin sa Korte ang lantarang pag-amin ni Duterte na kanyang inatasan ang pulis at militar na patayin si Acierto.

Nananawagan ang mamamayang Pilipino sa mga lingkod-bayan, pulitiko at upisyal ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno na pumanig sa lumalawak na panawagang imbestigahan si Duterte at ilantad ang tunay nitong katangian bilang isang drug overlord.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/bakit-wala-sa-listahan-ng-mga-narco-pulitiko-si-paolo-duterte-at-mans-carpio/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Hustisya para sa Labing-apat na Magsasakang Pinaslang sa Negros! Mamamayan, Makibaka at Ipagtanggol ang Sarili laban sa Pasismo ng Estado!

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 31, 2019): Hustisya para sa Labing-apat na Magsasakang Pinaslang sa Negros! Mamamayan, Makibaka at Ipagtanggol ang Sarili laban sa Pasismo ng Estado!

Maria Roja Banua
Spokesperson | NDF-Bicol
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
March 31, 2019           
 
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng pwersang progresibo at demokratiko na makibahagi sa paglaban ng mamamayang Negrense sa sukdulang karahasan at pagsasamantala sa kanilang hanay. Labing-apat na magsasaka ang brutal na pinaslang ng mga elemento ng 94th IBPA, PNP-Canlaon at Special Action Forces (SAF) sa Canlaon City, Negros Oriental noong Marso 30. Ang mga pinaslang na sina Edgardo ‘Gadong’ Avelino, Ismael Avelino, Rogelo Recumuno, Ricky Recumuno at 10 iba pa ay pawang mga sibilyan. Si Ismael Avelino ay lider ng asosasyon ng mga magsasaka sa ilalim ng Hugpong Kusog Mangunguma (HUKOM) Canlaon City Chapter ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). Samantala, ilang sibilyan na rin ang iligal na inaresto at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Negros Oriental.
Dagdag pa, nasa ilalim ngayon ng matinding militarisasyon ang buong lungsod ng Canlaon. Nangangamba ang mga residente para sa kanilang buhay at kabuhayan sa harap ng matinding presensya ng mga berdugong militar sa kanilang lugar. Aabot sa lampas 500 elemento ng AFP-PNP o halos dalawang batalyon ang kasalukuyang nakadeploy sa naturang bayan.

Ang karumal-dumal na pagpatay sa 14 na magsasaka at iba pang serye ng abusong militar ay panibagong bugso ng pasistang atake sa Negros na bahagi ng pagpapatupad ng MO 32 at EO 70. Ilinunsad nitong Disyembre 27, 2018 hanggang Enero 15, 2019 ang one time big time Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operations (SEMPO) o Oplan Sauron sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental na nagresulta sa lampas 50 kaso ng iligal na pag-aresto at pitong kaso ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang.

Nagngangalit ang mamamayan sa napakahabang krimen ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte laban sa masang anakpawis na ang tanging hangad ay maayos na kabuhayan. Sa halip na tunay na reporma sa lupa, bala at karahasan ang ipinantatapat ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa mga naghihikahos na magsasaka. Sa Negros, nananatili sa kontrol ng iilang malalaking panginoong may-lupa ang malalawak na lupaing agrikultural habang nagkakasya sa halos P50 arawang kita ang mga sakada at manggagawang-bukid na siyang nagbubungkal ng lupa.

Kaisa ng mamamayang Negrense ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Kabikulan at buong bansa sa pagbabalikwas laban pasistang diktadurang ilinalatag ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Hindi nakapagtataka na sa harap ng ganito katinding pang-aapi at pagsasamantala ay piliin ng masang magsasaka na tumangan ng armas at tahakin ang landas ng rebolusyon. Para sa mga sakada, manggagawang-bukid at magsasakang ilang daang siglo nang dinarahas at pinagkakaitan ng kanilang karapatang mamuhay nang marangal at masagana, walang ibang masasandigan kung hindi ang sariling lakas at ang ipagtanggol ang sarili sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pagkilos at armadong pakikibakang itinataguyod ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Makatwiran ang digmang bayan dahil ito ang tatapos sa marahas na paghahari ng iilan.

 https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/hustisya-para-sa-labing-apat-na-magsasakang-pinaslang-sa-negros-mamamayan-makibaka-at-ipagtanggol-ang-sarili-laban-sa-pasismo-ng-estado/

NDF/Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Region ROC: 71st IB is guilty of the murder of 2 civilians in Mabini, ComVal

NPA-Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 1, 2019): 71st IB is guilty of the murder of 2 civilians in Mabini, ComVal

New People’s Army
ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao Region
PRESS STATEMENT
March 31, 2019



The ugly twin heads of fascism and impunity has again victimized hapless civilians in Southern Mindanao under the US-Duterte regime’s brutal implementation of martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan. On the early hours of March 28, two civilian youths were murdered while another was severely wounded by members of the 71st Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mangurayan, Brgy. Anitapan in Mabini, Compostela Valley.

Ground reports that reached NPA units in Compostela Valley painted a gruesome story of the 71st IB’s wanton disregard for the lives of civilians and their consequent effort to sweep their crime under the rug. Armed with only flashlights and an improvised marble gun, Franklin Tirol, Zaldy Tirol and one other, all farmers and part-time small-scale miners, were doing night-time hunting (panulo) of frogs, civet cat (milo) and other edible animals when, without warning, at around 1:00 in the morning, they were mercilessly fired upon for several minutes by members of the 71st IB. Killed instantaneously was Franklin while his cousin Zaldy died from sustained wounds a few hours after arriving at the hospital. AFP troops likewise arrested the third companion who also sustained severe gunshot wounds.

Learning that its troops rained bullets over civilians, the 71st IB’s Civil Military Operations was quick to do damage control in the media and immediately churned out fake news to wash the blood off their hands. The fascist liars claimed that the youths were members of the NPA and even showed photos of the slain civilians as though these legitimized the commission of murder and the “seized” weapons that included improvised explosive device and other paraphernalia. They even absurdly insisted that one of their forces sustained gunshot wounds.

However, the condemnation and adamant denial of Franklin Tirol’s mother that the two were members of the NPA belied the ridiculous claims of the 71st IB. Helpless and grieving, she fears for her right to demand justice for the murder of her son and nephew. Even a cursory survey of the masses in the community would prove that the murdered youths were in fact civilians.

This is not the first time that the 71st IB displayed such stark disregard for human rights and got away with it. In the province, its forces are known as “child-killer battalion” who murdered 7-year old Sunshine Jabinez in September 2011 in Pantukan and 8-year old Roque Antivo in April 2013 in Mabini. Later that same year, on December 6, 2013, they killed Pedro Tinga, a 57-year old Mansaka tribal leader, in Maco. Not only were the culprits of these atrocious crimes remained scot-free, but the 71st IB itself enjoyed impunity for sowing terror in their areas of operation, especially since Duterte’s implementation of martial law in Mindanao. Its troops clearly follow in the fascist footsteps of their former notorious commander Jovito “The Butcher” Palparan, who has already been found guilty for the rape and murder of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

The US-Duterte regime’s campaign of massacre and genocide against peasants and indigenous people is clearly the hallmark of Duterte’s tyrannical rule. The murders in Mabini happened just 2 days before yesterday’s Negros massacre where 14 farmers (eight in Calaon City, four in Majuyod town and 2 in Catalina City) were massacred by police officers and soldiers under the guise of an anti-criminality drive on March 30.

NPA units under the Comval – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Operations Command have already been directed to ensure that revolutionary justice be afforded to the families of the victims. Perpetrators of the crime must be identified, investigated and indicted in the people’s court and, following a trial conducted by organs of political power and in accordance to existing conditions in the guerilla base, appropriate punishment must be meted out.

We urge the officials of the local governments in Mabini and Compostela Valley to aid the family in seeking justice for the murder of the two youths. They must immediately demand the release of arrested youth who is currently detained under false charges and suffering trauma from the incident. The crimes of the 71st IB, including the ones that they skirted responsibility on, must be exposed and severely condemned. We also call upon the foot soldiers of the 71st IB who know the truth of the AFP’s culpability and deceit in covering up the heinous crime. There is no glory, even as you are being paid blood money to carry out crimes against the masses in Compostela Valley, in serving a fascist killing machine that victimizes your fellow peasants and Lumad.

Finally, we urge the Lumad and peasant masses in Compostela Valley province to show their indignation by continuing to demand that the 71st IB pay for their crimes against the people and thoroughly driving them out of the province. Only by exhausting all forms of resistance, such as linking arms with the people’s movement against the US-Duterte regime’s escalating fascism and impunity and most especially joining the revolutionary armed struggle being waged by the NPA, will the state-sponsored terrorism be stopped and the brutal enemy be made to face revolutionary justice.

DANIEL IBARRA
Spokesperson
ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Operations Command
New People’s Army – Southern Mindanao

https://www.ndfp.org/71st-ib-is-guilty-of-the-murder-of-2-civilians-in-mabini-comval/

NDF/NPA-RPOC/SMR: WE ARE THE NPA: We serve the people and the revolution until victory and for socialism!

NPA-Regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 31, 2019): WE ARE THE NPA: We serve the people and the revolution until victory and for socialism!



RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson, New People’s Army
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao Region

PRESS STATEMENT
March 29, 2019

On the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of the true army of the people, the New People’s Army, Red fighters and commanders in Southern Mindanao, along with our tens of thousands of people’s militia, reiterate our commitment to serve the people and the armed revolutionary people’s war until victory and for the attainment of socialism. With the US-Duterte regime’s free falling deterioration to being the most fascist, corrupt and anti-people puppet regime since Marcos, the path of revolutionary armed resistance is clearer more than ever.

The past year has yet again proven the distinct contrast between Red fighters of the NPA and the brutal dogs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. While the NPA consistently serves the interests and welfare of the workers, peasants, Lumad and all other sectors of society, the fascist enemy in Southern Mindanao has been squarely reduced to a rabid, mercenary and brutal organized group of hooligans out to do the bidding of the ruling class of landlords, bourgeoise comprador, bureaucrat capitalists like Rodrigo Duterte and their imperialist masters.

The AFP’s fascism in the region under Duterte’s martial law has rivalled and in other cases surpassed the dark days of Marcos’ martial law. Training their guns on farmers, workers, the Lumad, activists, minors and other civilians, extra-judicial killings have not only become standard fare for the AFP’s brutal troops but tremendously enjoyed Duterte’s utmost support and impunity. Since February this year, AFP troops have managed to abduct and detain for almost 2 days two underage girls in Kitaotao, Bukidnon; killed a Lumad student in Talaingod, Davao del Norte and murdered 2 civilians and fatally injured one other in Mabini, Compostela Valley. As far as Duterte and the AFP are concerned, the bloody trail of deaths and abuses under martial law in Mindanao is part and parcel of establishing the dictatorship which will perpetuate Duterte in power or ensure he escapes responsibility for the crimes he has committed against the people.

Failing to make any significant gains against the NPA, however, the AFP in the region have resorted to all sorts of fake news and shenanigans to smokescreen their utter failure in the counterinsurgency campaign Oplan Kapayapaan. They have made a milking cow of the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP), from which their officials have pocketed millions, all the while recycling past surrenderees or else rounding up civilian peasants and Lumad and forcing them to surrender as members of the NPA. AFP troops employed psywar tactics in order to force local government units or tribal councils to come up with so-called “declarations” naming the CPP, NDFP and the NPA as persona non-grata (unwelcome persons). Before long, however, the AFP spin doctors will have to explain why Red fighters are still able to launch tactical offensives against their troops or deflect their attacks in areas they previously “cleared” from “communist influence.”

The Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP has belabored the need for the so-called localized peace talks in lieu of the formal negotiations between the GRP and NDFP panels scuttled by Duterte himself and insisted on the “crucial role” of the local government units and other agencies of the reactionary government. Reading through the sweet talk and false obeisance, the AFP actually wants to subvert civilian authority and ensure that LGUs and other agencies tow the fascist line in their counter-insurgency campaign. The enemy desperately wants to ensure that these localized peace talks are being conducted in conjunction with their psywar campaign of intimidation and harassments, fake mass surrenders of civilians, alongside enforced disappearances, bombings, forced evacuations and extra-judicial killings. The AFP in fact is sending a veiled threat against all peace-loving local officials, human rights advocates and sympathizers of the revolutionary cause in the region, or else face the fatal consequences.

Meanwhile, the New People’s Army in the region continues to be the center of gravity for the masses’ hope and earnest struggle in resolutely resisting the present tyrannical US-Duterte regime. Fifty years into the revolutionary armed struggle, the NPA remains and has proven its mettle to be the main instrument of the Filipino people in realizing genuine national democracy to defeat US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

Tempered in the realities and hardships of the people’s war, NPA units in Southern Mindanao are able to promptly adjust their mode and conduct of political and military work in consideration of the fluid military situation. During the implementation of Oplan Bantay Laya 1 and 2 when the region became the priority target of the brutal counterinsurgency campaign, the NPA in Southern Mindanao strengthened in numbers and in skill in guerilla warfare. All indications—including and mostly especially the worsening fascism as a result of heightened AFP militarization—point to the NPA emerging from the present challenges to become a far stronger people’s army that is resilient in withstanding the enemy’s suppression campaigns and more creative in advancing the revolution.

NPA units in the region are also able to help the peasant and Lumad masses wage agrarian revolution in order to retain their right to till and campaign for more just share, higher wages, higher farm gate prices for their produce and better working conditions. They have likewise aided the mass organizations and organs of political power in their campaign against the intrusion of multi-national companies, mining corporations and plantations that threatens to drive Lumad and peasants away from their farms and ancestral lands.

With the unwavering support of the masses and the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA forces in Southern Mindanao are emboldened to achieve heights and bearing in carrying out our urgent tasks in the CPP’s 5-year plan, which include overthrowing the current fascist US-Duterte regime, waging the anti-fascist, anti-feudal and anti-imperialist struggle, and bringing forward the people’s war to the advanced phase of the strategic defensive stage.

In serving the people and advancing their interests above all, the NPA in Southern Mindanao distinctly defines its class line and ensures that the intervening years will see greater and bigger achievements in the revolutionary armed struggle. For Red fighters and commanders in the region, there is no better way to celebrate this golden momentous occasion but by resolutely waging the people’s war until our nationwide victory.

https://www.ndfp.org/we-are-the-npa-we-serve-the-people-and-the-revolution-until-victory-and-for-socialism/

Dean of AFP’s corps of professors visits Eastern Mindanao Command

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2019): Dean of AFP’s corps of professors visits Eastern Mindanao Command

Brig. Gen. Archimedes H. Viaje, the Dean of Corps Of Professors of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, paid a courtesy visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command on Saturday, March 30.

The visit was in line with the ongoing information drive on the recruitment, institutionalization and efforts of strengthening the military teaching profession as major component and program in the continuing professionalization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Viaje was accorded with military honors on his arrival, and was received by Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command and other officers of the Command.

In his remarks, Santos saw the importance of Corp of Professor as this will facilitate doctrine development in the AFP.

He said this will be instrumental in the repository of lessons learned and experiences of the soldiers and officers in the field.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/31/dean-of-afps-corps-of-professors-visits-eastern-mindanao-command/

PH reiterates commitment to UN peacekeeping operations

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 31, 2019): PH reiterates commitment to UN peacekeeping operations
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana has committed 90 military observers and peacekeeping staff, a force headquarters support unit, and one aeromedical evacuation team to the United Nations’ (UN) Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System.



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN) (Photo: Joseph Vidal/PRIB/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Lorenzana pledged the country’s commitment to the peacekeeping operations of the UN in his speech at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance, and Protection at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, on March 29, 2019 (EDT).

“The Philippines is ready to increase its engagement in peacekeeping operations,” he said.

“The Philippine Government has decided to allow the deployment of military and police in any area, regardless of the security threat level,” the Defense Chief said, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently enhancing its capabilities in support of future peacekeeping deployments.

The Philippines, according to Lorenzana, also recognizes the role of skilled and trained female peacekeepers in the success of peacekeeping operations or PKOs.

With this in mind, Lorenzana said that the Philippines is committed to deploying more female peacekeepers in the future, supporting the holistic approach of the UN in peacekeeping missions.

In addition to highlighting the progress made by member countries in their commitment to UN peacekeeping, the meeting also served as a venue for the ministers to announce their respective pledges and concrete plans that are geared towards strengthening the capabilities and performance of uniformed personnel deployed in PKOs, and ensuring the protection of civilians.

For his part, Secretary Lorenzana remarked on the Philippines’ position that success in peacekeeping operations must be measured by how well peacekeepers protect civilians, especially children, and prevent sexual exploitation abuse.

He noted that the Philippines employs very strict standards of conduct and behavior in the performance of the peacekeeping duties of its personnel deployed to PKOs, and has adopted more stringent criteria in the selection of peacekeeping candidates.

Lorenzana said the country’s more than 50 years of actively participating in peacekeeping efforts illustrates the Philippines’ readiness to respond to the UN’s call, noting the country’s renewal of commitment to the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations along the Action for Peacekeeping or A4P initiative by the UN Secretary-General.

“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the community of nations in fostering shared responsibility for the success of peacekeeping operations,” Lorenzana concluded.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/31/ph-reiterates-commitment-to-un-peacekeeping-operations/

Chinese boats off Pag-asa meant to take control of West PH Sea - analyst

From ABS-CBN (Mar 31, 2019): Chinese boats off Pag-asa meant to take control of West PH Sea - analyst
 

Watch more in iWant or TFC.tv

MANILA -- Hundreds of Chinese vessels that have been circling Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea are part of intimidation tactics meant to give Beijing control of the strategic waterway, an analyst warned Sunday.

The Philippine military on Friday expressed alarm the presence of some 600 Chinese vessels near the sandbar.

"They have been a critical part of Chinese intimidation around the Senkaku Islands [in the East China Sea], and in the South China Sea," said retired US Navy captain Carl Schuster, former director of the US Pacific Command's joint intelligence center.

The boats, seen as part of China's maritime militia, are often armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and sometimes with handheld surface-to-air missiles that take out aircraft, he told ANC.

They typically form a blockade, get in the way of supply crafts and occasionally ram fishing vessels with reinforced hulls, he added.

"Typically, what you'll see is they (China) can't just slip and take it (territories)... They'll use the maritime people's militia essentially to blockade, make it difficult to support, and intimidate any non-military craft," Schuster said.

"If your Coast Guard or your military Navy tries to do anything about it, the Chinese Coast Guard will show up as well as the Chinese Navy. It's kind of a 3-tiered tactics to achieve an objective and the objective is to establish control over the entire Spratly Islands chain and 90 percent of the South China Sea," he added.

CHINESE MILITIA AND THE PARACEL ISLANDS

The militia in January 1974 was used by China to seize Paracel islands from Vietnam, noted Schuster.

"The South Vietnamese Navy thought they were going after fishing craft and they suddenly found themselves fighting a close-in battle against heavily armed and reinforced militia boats," he said.

"When the battle was in the balance, the PLA (People's Liberation Army), Navy showed up and the Vietnamese had to withdraw. The islands have belonged to China ever since."

The militia, he added, has killed 25 to 30 Vietnamese fishermen yearly since 2012.

Manila could opt to tell Chinese envoys that it would take the disappearance of any Filipino fishermen as an act against Philippine interests, suggested Schuster.

The Philippines used to be a staunch critic of China's claims over the sea.
But after his election in 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte put the dispute on the back burner in favor of courting Chinese trade and investment.

Philippine troops and fishermen have frequently complained about harassment by Chinese maritime security forces.

A 1951 US-Philippine mutual defense treaty committed Manila and its former colonial master to come to each other's aid in case of "armed attack in the Pacific area".

Duterte previously threatened a split with the United States and called then President Barack Obama a "son of a whore", but relations are being rebuilt under President Donald Trump.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/31/19/chinese-boats-off-pag-asa-meant-to-take-control-of-west-ph-sea-analyst

PNP officers awarded for fighting Reds in Mountain Province, Samar

From the Manila Times (Mar 31, 2019): PNP officers awarded for fighting Reds in Mountain Province, Samar

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Saturday pinned a medal award to a wounded police officer for fighting a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bauko, Mountain Province, while 15 PNP officers from Northern Samar will be given recognition on Monday.

Albayalde visited Police Corporal Eirphil Lapniten in Benguet General Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment to confer him the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.

The 1502nd Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force-15, to which Lapniten belongs, fought against some 20 communist rebels in Barangay Bagnen Proper on Friday.

The encounter, which lasted for about 15 minutes, happened while Albayalde was attending a command conference in Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad in Benguet for the upcoming midterm elections.



Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde pins the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to Police Corporal Eirphil Lapniten who was confined at Benguet General Hospital after he was wounded in an encounter with a group of New People’s Army rebels in Bauko, Mountain Province. PHOTO BY ROY D.R. NARRA

The other wounded police officer, Patrolman Pat Wilfredo Padawil, was declared dead on arrival at the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital from multiple gunshot wounds during the encounter.

Lapniten was teary-eyed upon receiving the medal and cash assistance from Albayalde’s office and the Office of the President. He told Albayalde that he was wounded on the left side of his neck from an alleged sniper.

Albayalde also expressed his condolences to Padawil’s family for their loss.

“The whole PNP forwards their condolences and we know that this police officer is a hero. He sacrificed his life for the freedom and for the people,” Albayalde said.

Hewas set to visit Paddawil’s in Sagada, Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, Albayalde earlier announced that the 15 police officers of Victoria Municipal Police Station led by Police Lt. Eladio Alo would be awarded this Monday at the flag ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The Victoria Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar was attacked by about 50 NPA rebels on March 28.


The firefight led to the death of two rebels and the arrest of one of them.

Two of the officers, Police Master Sgts. Arturo Gordo Jr. and Arnold Cabacang, will receive the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting. They were wounded during the three-hour firefight against about 50 NPA rebels.

Albayalde said the Victoria firefight was “one of the best success stories in the history of the PNP.”

Police Col. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman, told reporters in a text message that they were still evaluating who will receive a promotion after the incident, saying it would be based on their purpose and performance during the actual firefight.

https://www.manilatimes.net/pnp-officers-awarded-for-fighting-reds-in-mountain-province-samar/533378/

NPA declared ‘persona non grata’ in Region 1

From Tempo (Mar 31, 2019): NPA declared ‘persona non grata’ in Region 1

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Regional Peace and Order Council and Regional Development Council in Region 1 have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as “persona non grata” in the Ilocos provinces.

The declaration was announced last Friday at Hotel Ariana, Bauang, La Union during the joint first quarter meeting of the RPOC Region 1 and RDC Region 1 presided over by Major Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army 7th Infantry Division.

Members of the RPOC 1 and RDC 1 unanimously approved RPOC Resolution No. 1, Series of 2019, condemning the unlawful acts committed by the CPP-NPA and declaring them as persona non grata.

Agustin said the declaration is the first step in line with President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole of nation approach and created a national task force to end the local communist armed conflict and attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

The declaration was issued following the recent 50th founding anniversary of the NPA.

The region’s development situation, major programs, and concerns regarding the May 13 midterm elections were discussed in the meeting.

Aside from the insurgency updates and the elections, topics about the crime situation and anti-illegal drug operations were also discussed.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/31/npa-declared-persona-non-grata-in-region-1/

Duterte names retired colonel to task force to end local communist armed conflict

From Tempo (Mar 31, 2019): Duterte names retired colonel to task force to end local communist armed conflict

President Duterte has appointed retired Col. Allen Capunan as executive director of the National Secretariat of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Duterte signed Capuyan’s appointment paper on March 25. He was previously Duterte’s adviser for indigenous people’s concerns in April 2018.


He was also once an official of the Manila International Airport Authority but later on resigned from his post in March 2018.

Capuyan was accused of providing tariff codes that gave smugglers of the P6.4-billion shabu shipment in May 2017 access to the green lane or express lane, which exempts shipments from X-ray inspection.

He was also allegedly the one behind the wiretapping scandal under the administration of President now House Speaker Gloria M. Arroyo. He was said to have monitored those they believed to be part of the opposition.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict seeks to address causes of armed conflict on the local level by ensuring the provision of social services, employment opportunities, and improved quality of life in communities affected by armed communist conflict.

The task force, which was created in December 2018 and falls under the Office of the President, is chaired by Duterte and vice-chaired by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/31/duterte-names-retired-colonel-to-task-force-to-end-local-communist-armed-conflict/

Negros Occidental town councilor shot dead in front of family

From Rappler (Mar 31, 2019): Negros Occidental town councilor shot dead in front of family
 
Police say reelectionist councilor Jolomar Hilario was shot dead in his residence in Moises Padilla town, Negros Occidental
 
KILLED. Councilor Jolomar Hilario is allegedly killed by communist insurgents inside his home. Photo from Hilario's Facebook page
 
KILLED. Councilor Jolomar Hilario is allegedly killed by communist insurgents inside his home. Photo from Hilario's Facebook page

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A councilor in Moises Padilla town in this province was killed in his residence at Barangay Inolingan on Sunday morning, March 31.

Reelectionist Councilor Jolomar Hilario, 51, was still sleeping when about 50 armed men entered their house and shot him dead in front of his family. He succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at a hospital.


Police Major Junji Liba, town police chief, said the victim's wife and his children were threatened by the armed suspects but were unscathed. (READ: PNP: 701 election hotspots as 2019 campaign period begins)

The suspects allegedly identified themselves as members of the New People's Army (NPA).

The police have yet to establish the motive of the killing as the investigation is still ongoing.

Moises Padilla is one of the localities in the province being closely monitored due to insurgency, history of violence, and election-related incidents.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/227080-negros-occidental-councilor-jolomar-hilario-shot-dead-home-march-31-2019

Commentary: The Duterte-Misuari Puzzle

Commentary by Patricio Diaz in MindaNews (Mar 31, 2019): The Duterte-Misuari Puzzle

Really puzzling! This Duterte-Misuari puzzle!

President Duterte coddles and is beholden to Misuari. Evident! The erstwhile top Moro rebel leader, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, has obviously Duterte under his spell. Evident! Read media reports of how the two have been relating.

Misuari now demands federalization. If this cannot be given to him, he will declare war. To utter such a threat in the face of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is unthinkable. But Duterte didn’t rebuff Misuari; instead, sounding conciliatory, he proposed two panels formed to discuss what Misuari wants.

This happened during their conversation in Malacañan last March 20 on Misuari’s return from the United Arab Emirates and Morocco where he attended meetings under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This was not the first of Misuari’s demands, frank or otherwise, that Duterte had favorably considered.

Palace officials, particularly President Spokesman Salvador Panelo has belabored trying to clarify or interpret what Duterte had clearly said to show him as being “in control”. In doing so, he only highlighted the obvious.

In this latest episode, Duterte revealed their conversation during a campaign speech – not in an interview or through a Palace source – Misuari’s demand for federalization as promised to him by President Corazon C. Aquino and threat of war if denied. He told his audience, among them reporters, his thoughts and response to Misuari:

“So meron ako isang revolution pa. Sabi ni Misuari kagabi, ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest. I will go to war’”.

“Sabi ko, ‘I understand that, Nur. So ganito na lang gawin natin. Let’s form a panel because you have to inform the people. We cannot negotiate secretly here’”. (Quoted from “The Philippine Star, March 22, 2019: Federalism or war? Gov’t ready for Nur Misuari”, one of the thirteen reports from nine national media online that repetitiously quoted Duterte with slight variations.)

To the above, Panelo added, quoting the President, “Whatever the product of that discussion, they will have a one-on-one meeting. And then he said, ‘After which, we will celebrate for its success; and if it fails, we will die together…’ – that was the response of the President”.

What is not clear in the quoted conversation? In all the thirteen reports we have compiled, not one carried what Panelo quoted.  Did Duterte say what Panelo quoted him to have said?

Panelo clarified that the President had meant to rebuff Misuari and issue his counter-threat.  Is that in the conversation? Clarifying or interpreting what is clear only complicates the puzzle.

Question No. 1  What does Misuari have to easily win for him special favors from President Duterte?

To Duterte Misuari is a great revolutionary who is the key to lasting peace in Mindanao. From the very start of his administration he sought the presence of Misuari in the final resolution of the Moro problem regardless of the Government-Moro Islamic Liberation Front Agreement just waiting for the final act of the Congress. The 17th Congress could have passed the final act, RA 11054, a year earlier had the rewriting of the bill not been delayed because Misuari could not come out of hiding until November 2017 — after the suspension of his arrest order for rebellion through the intercession of the President.

But to his co-rebel leaders and co-founders of the MNLF, as a revolutionary, as a peace negotiator, as a local government executive and peace maker, he is discredited. Let’s revisit the past:
  1. Until 1977, Misuari was the unquestioned leader of the MNLF. However, after the signing of the Tripoli Agreement in 1976, the MNLF gradually disintegrated. The Salamat Hashim group, now the MILF broke away in 1977; the Dimas Pundato Reformed Group followed in 1981. After the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, the Misuari MNLF further splintered. In 2001, the MNLF Council of 15 (Central Committee) ousted him as MNLF Chairman for incompetence, then conferred the title “Chairman Emeritus”.
  2. Misuari negotiated peace with the Philippine Government for almost thirty years including the review of the Final Peace Agreement. He signed the “uncompleted” 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement — its “review” still pending and claimed “not fully implemented”. The 90-day exploratory talk for the implementation of the 1987 Jeddah Accord ended in a stalemate. All these yielded dissatisfaction.
  3. As ARMM governor, he was not better than his two predecessors in terms of governance and socioeconomic development. In fact, he is now facing a corruption case as governor.
  4. As ARMM governor and an international peace awardee, he was supposed to be among the top peace makers in Mindanao. Yet, in 2001 he staged a short revolt in Zamboanga City and Jolo; and another in Zamboanga City in 2013.
Question No. 2  What does Duterte lack that Misuari can provide?

Duterte, won with 15,970,018 votes, 38.6% of 41,341,402 valid votes canvassed – a little more than 2.5 million less than the votes of Manuel Roxas II (2nd) and Grace Poe (3rd) combined. He has very strong mandate and political will; he is wielding them to do what he wants as he wants. He is adored as much as criticized and scorned.

He is popular — the only President ever since the poll survey came into use whose acceptance ratings have remained “very good” for three years since taking office.

Yet, halfway his six-year term, his key election promises are still promises. By his own admission, he is frustrated in his war vs. drugs. Read today’s report, Duterte: Philippines drug situation has worsened,” by Edith Regalado, The Philippine Star, March 27, 2019. His “Build, Build, Build” program is lagging; his campaign to eradicate corruption in government is still mostly threats.

Federalization, a historic political reform to shift government from the unitary to the federalized, looks doomed. According to surveys, the vast majority of Filipinos are not ready for it; all efforts done so far got snagged in the Congress – the Senate standing firm against the House. Evidently, Duterte is desperate. The 18th Congress is his only hope.

Mutual Back-scratching

Both Duterte and Misuari want federalization. What Misuari can have of his demand – whole, little or nothing – would depend on how Duterte could attain his federalization. He desperately needs the full cooperation of the Congress.

Is Misuari of help? Duterte might have seen one; by a long shot, Misuari’s “war threat” might help elect Duterte’s men to the Senate.

Duterte is the only post-Marcos President to actively campaign for his Senate bets — even before the official start of the campaign period. At the Marikina City rally last March 21, he presented the war threat: Misuari is demanding federalization; he will declare war if he we fail to give it to him.

In short, he will dangle the Misuari threat to help his candidates win the Senate. He is sure most of the House members behind the federalization bill will return. With a federalization-friendly supermajority in the Senate, federalization will be a cinch. Misuari can have his “federalization” according to the Constitution. War can be averted.

People know Misuari staged short revolts in 2001 under President Arroyo and in 2013 under President Aquino III. He could mean his threat. With Duterte conveying the threat, will this scare the voters to vote for his senate bets to avoid war?

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2019/03/comment-the-duterte-misuari-puzzle/

Lawless group busted, high-powered firearms seized

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Lawless group busted, high-powered firearms seized



SEIZED. The cache of firearms confiscated by state forces from the Lumbos lawless group on Saturday (March 30, 2019) in Barangay Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Joint military and police units on Saturday seized high-powered firearms and apprehended lawless elements during the conduct of law enforcement support operation (LESO) in Barangay Langkong, Matanog, Maguindanao.

Personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-BARMM), backed by troopers from the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) and Maguindanao police force, served the search warrant against the notorious Lumbos group for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition and arrested four of its members.

Arrested were Guiaman Lumbos, Ali Lumbos, Samsudin Lumbos, and Digna Lumbos Dirangaren, all suspected members of the Lumbos robbery group who are also allegedly into contract killing activities.

Seized from them were one improvised .30-caliber sniper rifle, two M16 assault rifles, one M14 rifle, one Carbine, one M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, one hand grenade, assorted ammunition, and magazines.

The suspects and the recovered war materials are now in the custody of CIDG-BARMM for the appropriate filing of cases.

“The successful LESO was made possible through the collaborative effort and deliberate planning among the security forces within the area of operation,” said Lt. Col. Roberto Go Jr., commanding officer of the 37IB.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that operation would also not have been successful if not for the help of the civilian community that provided them with vital information.

“In the quest for peace and development, unity is the key to success,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066093

Southern Negros villagers burn CPP flag, vow loyalty to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Southern Negros villagers burn CPP flag, vow loyalty to gov't



Residents of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental burn the Communist Party of the Philippines flags to condemn their presence and atrocities in a program held at Gatuslao Gymnasium on Friday (March 29, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
 
BACOLOD CITY -- Residents in two southern cities of Negros Occidental held separate activities to denounce the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The rites were held on Friday in line with the 50th founding anniversary of the CPP-NPA which is listed as terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

In Sipalay City, some 140 residents of Barangay Cabadiangan burned the flag of the CPP and took their oath of allegiance to the government in the activity facilitated by the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion IB (15IB) headed by Lt. Col. Patricio Tomales.

Capt. Arnel Lozada, commanding officer of 15IB’s Charlie Company, said on Saturday the village has been identified to be “influenced by the rebels.”

He added that the NPA has been monitored conducting extortion activities, recruiting of minors, and trying to win back their former supporters.

Lozada urged the residents to stop giving financial, material, and moral support to the communist rebels during the dialogue.

After the talk, the residents took an oath denouncing the presence and activities of the NPA and burned the flag of the CPP.

They also agreed to come up with a barangay resolution declaring the NPA-CPP-NDF members and leaders persona non grata, Lozada said.

In Himamaylan City, residents from 19 barangays with their respective village officials joined the peace rally on Friday to condemn the presence of the NPA in their area.

The participants marched along the national highway in Kabankalan City going to Gatuslao gymnasium in Himamaylan City.

During the program, Lt. Col. Erwin Glenn Provido, chief of Himamaylan City Police Station, and Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of 62nd IB, delivered messages of peace.

The activity included testimonies from former rebels and was highlighted by the oath of peace and oath of allegiance, and pledge of support of the participants to the Republic of the Philippines.

It was followed by candle-lighting and prayers for the victims of NPA atrocities, and burning of the CPP-NPA flags and symbols.

The waving of the Philippine flag and ceremonial release of white doves as a symbol of peace capped the program.

Dacoscos said the local government units, other government agencies, and partner-stakeholders should be aware of the security threat of the CPP-NPA against the people in the guise of helping them to solve their problems in the community.
 
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066094

Student activist-turned Army scholar gets college diploma

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31, 2019): Student activist-turned Army scholar gets college diploma



Members of the 71st Infantry Battalion congratulate Peter (with Toga), a Salugpongan-turned Army army scholar, during a graduation ceremony of the Liceo de Davao Tagum College on March 29, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 71st IB CMO)

DAVAO CITY -- A 24-year-old supporter of the Communist New People's Army (NPA) who surrendered to government forces and became a scholar of the Philippine Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) was among the successful graduates of the Liceo de Davao Tagum College.

Identified only as alias Peter, he received his diploma on Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education on Friday’s graduation of the Liceo de Davao Tagum College held at the New City Hall building in Tagum City.

Peter was a student of a Salugpungan school run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) in Sitio Tyra, Barangay Lapu-Lapu, Maco, Compostela Valley that has been reportedly penetrated by the communist recruiters teaching students to grow up hostile to the government.

Peter came from a poor Mansaka tribe family who cannot afford to send him to school. After finishing high school in the Salugpungan, MISFI sent him to Liceo de Davao as its college scholar on condition that he would go back as a volunteer teacher of Salugpungan school after graduation.

In 2018 at the height of the mass surrender of the New People’s Army (NPA) members and underground supporters and arrest of some insurgents, Peter and his brother, who was serving as informant of the NPA, feared they would also suffer the same experience of those arrested by the government.

This prompted Peter and his brother to surrender in August 2018 in Purok 8, Barangay Nueva Visayas in Mawab, Compostela Valley. His surrender also cut the scholarship from MISFI. Nowhere to go, Peter then sought the help of the 71IB.

“We were told he did not like it teaching in Salugpungan. That after college he would take the exam for teachers and work somewhere else,” said First Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, Civil Military officer of the 71st Infantry Battalion based in Maco, Compostela Valley province.

In a phone interview on Sunday, Asis said the 71IB went beyond its means and helped Peter continue with his college education at Liceo.

Asis said Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, the commanding officer of 71IB and whose advocacy is empowering youth, decided that the unit will take responsibility for Peter’s studies.

The 71st IB assisted Peter in all school’s requirements, including financial assistance and board and lodging.

“We are joyful having known Peter’s graduation. This only implies that those who go back to the folds of the law are ensured with opportunity for better life. And we will always extend help to those who will cooperate with us,” Ducusin said in a statement.

Peter has already expressed his intention to join the Army.

“He really liked to join the Army so we will help him process his papers and take the exam in October. He can qualify for an officer because he is a college graduate,” Asis said.

Asis said the 71IB has also facilitated the employment of his brother in a private company. He refused to name the company for security reasons.

The 71IB also enrolled the family of Peter in the People’s Organization created by the Army troops to assist families of the surrenderers. Peter’s family has already planted the seedlings provided by the 71IB.

“May lupa kasi sila na gusto i-develop (They have now lands they want to develop) into an agricultural area,” Asis said.

According to Asis, the 71IB will continue to provide interventions in areas affected by communist insurgency.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066112