Thursday, April 18, 2019

AFP spox: Surrender of rebel arms, a confidence building measure

From PTV News (Apr 17, 2019): AFP spox: Surrender of rebel arms, a confidence building measure

In localized peace talks, the laying down of arms by surrendered communist rebels is a sign of goodwill, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said Wednesday.

“In the local setting, rebels (of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army) who decide to go back to mainstream society always brings with them their firearms as a sign of goodwill and confidence building,” Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when asked about the value of yielding weapons during the peace process.

“(The) laying down of arms is always a big part of a peace process. In the UN (United Nations), it’s also a part in the resolution of conflicts. DDR — disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration,” Detoyato said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Some 11,000 NPA fighters and supporters have surrendered to government troops since January 2018.

RPOC-10 defines agencies' roles in ending armed conflict

Posted to the Relief Web (Apr 17, 2019): RPOC-10 defines agencies' roles in ending armed conflict

REPORT from Government of the Philippines

Published on 17 Apr 2019 —View Original


By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 16  -- To attain inclusive and sustainable peace, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-10) mapped out the roles and functions of key agencies of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC-10) in an organizational meeting on April 11 here.

"The RTF-ELCAC shall oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development program as the enabling mechanism to operationalize Executive Order No. 70 (s. 2018) in Region 10," said Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-10).

The Regional Task Force Sub-Clusters of Capacity Develoment (CapDev) themes include Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, Good Governance and Institution Building, and Socio Economic Transformation.

The first theme focuses on the identification and implementation of programs designed to address the root causes of conflict and the grievance of the past, and promotion of long term stability and justice.

Members of the sub-cluster will monitor and enforce agreements and promote peace dialogues, local peace agenda, and conversations among stakeholders.

Good Governance and Institution Building sub-cluster will implement institutional mechanisms for sustained results, promote accountability and transparency, and promote people participation and partnership.

The third sub-cluster will coordinate and mobilize both social and economic interventions, and provide social and economic interventions based on their organic mandates that complement the local government unit (LGU) services.

To actualize the roles, the RTF-ELCAC will prepare the community profile or date as well as generate the community needs.

CapDev monitoring indicators will also be mainstreamed.

Furthermore, the task force will prepare the convergence action plan and consult with the national line agencies concerned for committed programs and projects fir the CapDev communities.

Cariño said the creation of the task force does not require the agencies to formulate new programs or services as it will only guide the agencies on where they could further strengthen and boost the impact of their programs.

As per EO 70, the key members of the task force include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Economic and Developmpent Authority (NEDA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The task force is also consists of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (Deped), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The two private sectors of RTF-ELCAC include the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro (ACDO) and the Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI)

To further strengthen the scope and functions of the task force, RPOC-10 added the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (RTP/PIA10)

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/rpoc-10-defines-agencies-roles-ending-armed-conflict

CPP/NPA-Quezon: NPA claims victories versus fascist AFP troops, scores warmongering GRP for militarizing peace panel

NPA-Quezon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 17, 2019): NPA claims victories versus fascist AFP troops, scores warmongering GRP for militarizing peace panel

KARLOS MANUEL
NPA-EASTERN VISAYAS
(EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND)
APRIL 17, 2019

The Efren Martires Command of the New People’s Army (NPA-EMC) in Eastern Visayas today congratulated the Red fighters for defending the people versus the fascist AFP troops after successfully launching two tactical offensives versus fascist Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops in Samar last April 15, “This is the correct response of the revolutionary movement to the warmonger Government of the Republic of the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte who recently voiced his intent to install military men on the peace panel for the negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. This is on top of creating a junta by merging the civilian bureaucracy and military for his ”counter-insurgency” efforts through his whole-of-nation approach. He is thus relinquishing all prospects of a just and lasting peace as he prepares his full-blown dictatorship,” said NPA-EMC spokesperson Ka Karlos Manuel.

According to initial reports, the NPA recently carried out two guerrilla offensives. Red fighters in Northern Samar fired on soldiers of the 543rd Engineering Combat Battalion reportedly inspecting road projects under the “counter-insurgency” Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program in the barangays of San Antonio, Aguinaldo, and San Isidro, Las Navas town at around 11:20 in the morning. Two troopers identified only as Corporal Bueno and Private First Class Labid were killed in the offensive. Meanwhile, PFC Renan Antojado was wounded in a separate ambush by a team of Red fighters in Barangay Literon in Calbiga, Samar, at around 10:20 in the morning. The NPA suffered no casualties in both actions.#

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/npa-claims-victories-versus-fascist-afp-troops-scores-warmongering-grp-for-militarizing-peace-panel/

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Fake news ng 85th IBPA, pagtatakip ng kanilang kapalpakan

NPA-Quezon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 17, 2019): Fake news ng 85th IBPA, pagtatakip ng kanilang kapalpakan

CLEO DEL MUNDO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-QUEZON
(APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND)
APRIL 17, 2019

Isang malaking kasinungalingan at resulta ng kanilang kapalpakan ang ipinakalat na balita ng Bravo Coy ng 85th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army na diumano’y engkwentro nila sa New People’s Army (NPA) sa San Francisco, Quezon nitong ika-10 ng Abril 2019. Ang tunay na nagbarilan ay sila-sila mismong mga sundalo ng reaksyunaryong estado.

Dalawang pangkat ng Bravo Coy ang nagsalpukan sa Sitio Labrahan, Barangay Butanguiad, alas-3 ng madaling araw ng Miyerkules. Ang isang pangkat nila ay nagpanggap na mga NPA na nakabihis ng tsino at parka. Kumpirmadong napatay ang isang sundalo at hindi mabilang ang sugatan.

Bagama’t naobliga ang AFP na amining misencounter ang naganap, bago ito ay agad na inanunsyo ng 85th IBPA na nakapatay sila ng NPA. Subalit hindi nila mapagtakpan na isa itong bagong gradweyt na regular na sundalo, batay sa nakuhang ID dito nang dalhin sa punerarya sa bayan ng San Francisco.

Hindi din nila maitatago sa mga mamamayan na ang napatay ay isa sa mga sundalong patuloy na nag-ooperasyon sa mga barangay ng Butanguiad, Casay, Santo Niño, at Don Juan Vercelos, at nandarahas sa mga mamamayan dito.

Focus and sustained operations

Mula pa Marso 5, 2019, patuloy na nagsasagawa ng operasyon ang mga sundalo sa nasabing mga barangay sa tabing ng pagsesensus. Sa selektibong pagsesensus, partikular na hinahanap ang mga lider at kasapi ng Coco Levy Fund Ibalik sa Amin (CLAIM) at Anakpawis Partylist. Binabantaan ang mga residente at sinisiraan ang CLAIM at Anakpawis Partylist bilang diumano’y mga terorista at front organizations ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Isa itong malinaw na pandarahas at pananakot sa mga mamamayan lalo na sa mga magniniyog at kasapi ng mga naturang organisasyon.

Sa gitna ng malawakang paglaban ng mga magniniyog dahil sa dumadausdos na kabuhayan, layunin ng mga isinasagawang operasyon ng 85th IBPA na supilin ang kanilang mga lehitimo at ligal na paglaban.

Bumulusok na sa P11 kada kilo ang presyo ng kopras nitong nakalipas na buwan sa nasabing bayan at iba pang karatig-lugar. Pinakamababang presyo ito sa loob ng halos dalawang dekada.

Gayundin, malinaw na layunin ng mga operasyon ng sundalo na supilin at idiskredito ang mga progresibong partylist tulad ng Anakpawis ngayong mid-term elections.

Sa matinding kagutuman at kahirapan na dinadaganan pa ng pasismo ng estado, walang susulingan ang mamamayan kundi ang lumaban at lumahok sa armadong pakikibakang inilulunsad ng NPA sa pamumuno ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Sa malao’t madali, bibiguin at ibabagsak ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan ang pasista at diktador na rehimeng US-Duterte.#

Lorenzana meets with Japan defense minister in Tokyo

From Rappler (Apr 18, 2019): Lorenzana meets with Japan defense minister in Tokyo

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana 'reaffirms' the Philippine defense department's partnership with Japan

TIES AFFIRMED. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana holds talks with Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya on 17 April 2019 in Tokyo. DND photo

TIES AFFIRMED. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana holds talks with Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya on 17 April 2019 in Tokyo. DND photo

MANILA, Philippines – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana visited Japan's Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, April 17.

In a statement released on Thursday, the DND said Lorenzana "reaffirmed" the defense department's "commitment" to the partnership between the countries.

In 2015, the Philippines and Japan signed a defense cooperation memorandum which covered increased exchanges and visits between the two countries' armed forces and more meetings among security officials.

The DND said Lorenzana and Iwaya agreed to "deepen exchanges" towards humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The two also agreed to aid each other in ship repairs and maintenance, and to share knowledge on "airmanship" between their air forces.

Lorenzana's visit comes amid reports of more Chinese vessels intruding into Philippine waters. It is unclear whether matters pertaining to the South China Sea were discussed among the officials.

Lorenzana then thanked Iwaya for Japan's donation to the Philippines of 5 TC-90 aircraft units, spare parts, and maintenance equipment.

Philippine and Japanese defense officials will meet again sometime 2019 in the Philippines, as the country hosts the 6th Philippines-Japan Vice-Ministers' Defense Dialogue.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228489-lorenzana-meets-japan-defense-minister-tokyo-april-2019

Rep. Zarate: MGen Parlade a ‘congenital liar’

From MindaNews (Apr 18, 2019): Rep. Zarate: MGen Parlade a ‘congenital liar’



Salugpongan community school in Sitio Dulyan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte during the flag ceremony on 19 November 2018. Photo courtesy of Breakaway Media
DAVAO CITY – Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate called a military official a “congenital liar” for alleging that members of the left-leaning Makabayan Bloc did not show up when invited to a validation trip on Wednesday to know if the red-tagging accusations against a Salugpongan School in Talaingod, Davao del Norte were true.

The allegation came from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations MGen Antonio Parlade Jr. during the AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here on Wednesday.

But in a phone interview, Zarate said they had not received an invitation to join the supposed investigation.

Parlade also claimed the progressive partylist groups wanted to delay the inquiry.

“Ginapagawas karon na gipugngan namo. Na-bilib ko sa bakakon ni Parlade bisan sa Semana Santa (They want to make it appear that we’re suppressing it. I am impressed with the dishonesty of Parlade even if it’s Holy Week),” Zarate said.

The Makabayan bloc, a coalition of 12 partylist groups, comprises Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, Katribu, Migrante, Akap-bata, Courage, Piston, Kalikasan and Aking Bikolnon.

Parlade said the “congressional inquiry,” obviously referring to the validation trip, was conducted to know the truth behind the Salugpongan schools amid accusations that communist rebels used them to radicalize and indoctrinate young Lumads.

Among the agencies that joined the activity were the Department of Education, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Interior and Local Government, police, military, and Office of the Presidential Adviser for Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns, according to Parlade.

“Hindi nagpakita ang Makabayan Bloc (The Makabayan Bloc did not show up). We want to engage them into this inquiry para sabihin natin ang totoo (so we can tell the truth),” he said, adding the inquiry could have answered questions on issues on human rights abuses and militarization in the region.

A similar activity had been undertaken on Tuesday in Tugbok, Davao City, he said.

For his part, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said his office had not also received an invitation.

“The two previous official inquiries of the House committee on indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples last February clearly demolished their baseless accusations and in fact napakaulawan sila (they were put to shame). They insisted that Salugpongan is not registered with DepEd when a DepEd representative present during the hearing clearly affirmed the school’s permit to operate,” he said.

Had he known, Casilao said he would “be very willing to face them and debunk their lies.”

Zarate said he was not aware of the supposed inquiries in the region this week.

He, however, admitted to receiving an invitation from the House committee on indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples last March 25 for an “ocular inspection” in Lianga, Surigao scheduled on April 25 in relation to his House Resolution 1656 filed in February 2018, which called for an “investigation, in aid of legislation, on the human rights violations committed against the Indigenous Peoples in the same province.”

He said he declined it explaining he would not be available due to the campaign sorties, and suggested that it be held after the elections.

His letter to committee chair Rep. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang dated April 10 read in part: “My staff have been trying to arrange my schedules to fit in the said ocular inspection. However, because of numerous activities and campaign sortie events, which have been prepared way earlier, it will be very difficult for me to adjust because of the very limited campaign days available.”

Parlade also accused the Makabayan bloc of delaying the inquiry but maintained it had to be pushed through because it had been postponed twice.

“Matagal na itong naka schedule pero gusto itong ipa-postpone ng Makabayan bloc, sabi namin hindi, dalawang beses na itong na postpone, we have to proceed with this inquiry on this Salugpongan schools for us to finally thresh out ano ba talaga ang katotohanan sa Salugpongan schools (This has been scheduled a long time ago but the Makabayan bloc wanted it postponed. This was already postponed twice. We have to proceed with this inquiry on this Salugpongan schools for us to finally thresh out what’s the truth behind the Salugpongan schools)” he said.

But Zarate belied such claims saying he was not a member of the committee, “so I have no power at all to prevent or stop it from conducting any hearing if its members want.”

“From the statements and lies now being peddled by Parlade, it is now becoming apparent that the purpose of this so-called investigation is nothing but a McCarthyism witch hunt to further vilify and slander the Makabayan bloc and other progressive groups,” he said.

“This is part of the vicious partisan campaign directed against us by anti-democratic forces, like the discredited putschist Parlade,” he said.

Parlade added the government wanted the closure of all schools linked to the communists but vowed the government would bring basic services closer to lumad communities.

Parlade further repeated earlier allegations that the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and livelihood Development Inc. and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. had links to the communist movement.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/04/rep-zarate-mgen-parlade-a-congenital-liar/

Netizens hit ‘heartless’ NPA over boy’s death

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): Netizens hit ‘heartless’ NPA over boy’s death

Netizens expressed indignation over the heartless acts of the New People’s Army (NPA) with their latest atrocity resulting in the death of a 10-year-old boy in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

The rebels detonated a landmine near a temporary patrol base of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB) Charlie Company at around noon with the intention to kill soldiers but instead killed Armando Remolde, a Grade 3 pupil in remote San Miguel village.

Michael Mabini labeled the rebels as heartless since they do not care whoever is endangered while shooting at soldiers.

“I have co-teachers assigned in San Miguel village in Lasa Navas. They shared to me their horrific experiences with the NPAs. They tend to attack soldiers in places where there are many school children, which they can use as a human shield,” Mabini said.

Sincerity
A certain Ariel Macaraeg questioned the NPA’s sincerity to attain peace.

“The President offered peace talks to the communist terrorists. They responded with this,” he said.

Meanwhile, soldiers trained in combat lifesaver tried to revive the victim but failed. He succumbed to fatal wounds.

The government troops were in the area to carry out community support program when the land mine exploded.

The Philippine Army, in a statement issued Wednesday, lashed out at the communist terrorists for victimizing an innocent child.

“They do not value the lives of civilians, especially children. This unit strongly condemns the atrocities perpetrated by the communist terrorist and will exert our efforts in coordination with the Philippine National Police to bring the perpetrators into justice,” the Army said.

The military also condemed the NPA for using landmines in their attacks, which shows disrespect to basic human rights. The rebels also disregarded the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The landmine attack happened two days after two soldiers were killed by rebels while inspecting an ongoing road project in San Antonio and Catotogan villages, also in Las Navas, a fourth class town in Northern Samar province.

The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)



INNOCENT VICTIM. The lifeless body of a boy after the New People's Army detonated a landmine in San Miguel village, Las Navas, Northern Samar on Wednesday (April 17, 2019). The military condemned the NPA for using landmines in its attacks, which shows disrespect to basic human rights. (Photo courtesy of PA 20th IB)

3 NPA fighters killed in clash with gov’t troops in north Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): 3 NPA fighters killed in clash with gov’t troops in north Negros


SEIZED ARMS. The high-powered firearms and ammunitions, as well as other items, seized by troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion after the encounter with communist rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Wednesday afternoon (April 17, 2019). Three New People’s Army guerrillas were killed while a soldier was slightly injured in the clash. (Photo courtesy of 79th IB, Philippine Army)

Three guerrillas of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were killed while a soldier was slightly injured in a clash in Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava town in Negros Occidental on Wednesday afternoon.

Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), said in a statement on Thursday that he deployed a platoon to the area after residents complained of the NPA’s extortion activities.

At about 5:30 p.m., the soldiers engaged at least 12 rebels for about 30 minutes in the vicinity of Sitio Banwa Minatay.

The encounter led to the death of three communist rebels, whose remains were seen in a photo released by the 79IB headquarters based in Sagay City on Thursday.

The troops recovered an AK47 rifle, an M16 rifle, seven AK47 magazines, five M16 magazines, and four M14 magazines with live ammunition. They also seized three rifle grenades, two handheld radios, 12 backpacks, personal items, and subversive documents.

Logan said the soldier is in stable condition.

The cadavers of the NPA members were turned over by the troops to the Calatrava municipal police and the local government, he said.

“The encounter is a clear manifestation that communities are tired of the extortions of the NPA and no longer want to be deceived. The communities are now doing their part to solve the insurgency problem in northern Negros by giving reports on the activities of the NPA,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd IB based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the troops in Negros will continue their combat operations against the NPA to prevent its extortion and terroristic activities during the holidays.

“There is no ceasefire during the Holy Week,” he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067651

BIFF follower killed, leader hurt in NoCot clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): BIFF follower killed, leader hurt in NoCot clash


Troops recovered an M-14 rifle and other belongings of the slain member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter following a clash Wednesday in Midsayap, North Cotabato. (Photo courtesy of Army's 6th Infantry Division)

A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed while a BIFF leader and a soldier were injured in a firefight in a remote village here, a top military official said Thursday.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the firefight ensued while a joint military and police team was on a law enforcement support operation (LESO) in Barangay Kadingilan, this town at about 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Sobejana identified the slain BIFF member as Pakindal Baganian alias “Tawan-Tawan”, while the wounded was Samad Masgal, alias Commander Madrox, who is also wanted by authorities.

The wounded soldier, who is assigned with the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, was admitted to the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao, he said.

Sobejana said the troops were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Masgal when they clashed against 10 BIFF members, who are followers of BIFF leader Kagi Karialan.

He said the troops recovered the remains of Baganian, as well as an M-14 rifle with ammunition at the clash site. Baganian’s remains were turned over to local officials for a decent burial according to Islamic rites.

The official said that the other BIFF members fled, carrying the injured Masgal.

“The LESO is part of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) mandated task to ensure the security and safety of each individual against any threat groups,” Sobejana said.

Lt. Col. Glenn Loreto Caballero, the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion commander said, “The success of the operation was manifested by the strong cooperation and commitment among the security forces and civilians in the area to the fight against criminality.”

Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the residents of Barangay Kadingilan appreciated the joint efforts of the government forces in going after the group that continuously threatens the civilian community.

The BIFF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067652

NoCot folks welcome ‘persona non grata’ declaration vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): NoCot folks welcome ‘persona non grata’ declaration vs. NPA

Residents and officials in this province welcomed the decision of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in declaring the New People’s Army (NPA) as “persona non grata.”

Charlie Segucal, chairperson of Barangay Kabalantian in nearby Arakan town, spearheaded a peace rally last weekend denouncing the atrocities of the NPA following the PPOC declaration.

A PPOC resolution approved Friday (April 12) declared the NPA as “persona non grata” or unacceptable in this province.

Segucal also led the other officials of Kabalantian in declaring the NPA as “persona non grata” in the village, where the rebel movement had a strong influence for some time.

“But the time has come that their atrocities, including forcible taxation from ordinary farmers, must be stopped,” Segucal said of the NPA.

Segucal said the NPA rebels have killed “those who refuse to provide them food or rice as they roam around the community at night.”

He lauded the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion for giving his fellow villagers “enlightenment about the rebels’ ill motives and the government’s program for the Filipino people in the countryside."

Segundo Bautista, 50, who is into agribusiness in President Roxas town, this province, also hailed the PPOC declaration.

“It will give us some relief,” Bautista said, admitting that communist rebels have been mulcting them on a regular basis.

“We are in a difficult situation with that extortion,” he recalled citing “if we don’t give, we are subjected to harassment and all forms of threats.”

“Now the Army is in our midst, we the traders here expect improved business climate ahead,” Bautista added.

Ignacio Pedroso, a driver of a passenger jeep plying the Kidapawan City-Arakan Valley route, said the declaration was a welcome move.

“I am a victim of extortion by men claiming to be NPAs who demand money for food almost every time I pass by a portion of rebel-infested villages,” Pedroso said in vernacular.

“Sa kalisod sa kinabuhi karon unya naa pa’y mangotong dala panghadlok (Life is difficult now while others simply mulct us and threaten us),” he said.

Gov. Emmylou Mendoza expressed confidence the police and military stationed in this province will protect the people against NPA atrocities.

Mendoza urged her constituents to continue supporting the security sector by providing timely and accurate information to stop the NPAs from harming civilians.

Alberto Lavega, a farmer from M’lang town, shared the governor's sentiment, saying: “No one will help protect North Cotabato but us Cotabatenios.”

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067657

No US-brokered talks to end Panatag Shoal standoff

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): No US-brokered talks to end Panatag Shoal standoff



Malacañang on Thursday rejected the statement of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that the United States brokered an agreement with the Philippines and China to pull out their respective vessels during the standoff at the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in 2012.

“There is no proof that the United States has brokered an agreement for the Philippines and China to withdraw their respective vessels during the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo, however, said that even if such brokering took place, del Rosario’s decision to agree to the US proposal and trust that China would keep its word showed his “inexperience” as foreign affairs chief.

“Even if there was such brokering, Mr. del Rosario’s ordering the withdrawal of Philippine vessel or vessels without the knowledge and consent of former President Aquino demonstrated his inexperience and naïveté in the art of psychological warfare,” he added.

Del Rosario earlier claimed that the US brokered talks to end the standoff by asking the two countries to pull out their vessels from the area.

On June 15, 2012, Philippines withdrew its two vessels, but China did not.

Panelo further blamed del Rosario for the Philippines losing possession of the shoal, saying the Duterte administration was only trying to “fix his mess.”

Del Rosario earlier criticized Panelo’s statement that the current administration never shelved the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines against China at The Hague.

The former Cabinet member described Panelo’s remark as “mindless”, noting that the presidential spokesperson “appears to be in surrender without lifting a finger to peacefully defend what is ours.”

“By such horrendous mistake, we lost Scarborough Shoal to the Chinese under Mr. del Rosario’s watch,” Panelo said.

“We are now trying to fix his mess, and no amount of justification from him could justify his monumental blunder,” he added.

Panelo also dismissed del Rosario’s statement as “pretended patriotism,” stressing that reacting to reports on the increased presence of Chinese vessels suspected to be maritime militia without verifying reports could lead to conflict between the two countries.

“What is mindless is when one makes reckless statements under the guise of pretended patriotism on unverified reports of intrusion or harassment, or performs actions that could provoke an armed retaliation,” Panelo said.

Citing the President, Panelo said the “best way” to solve the sea row between the Philippines and China is through negotiations.

“The President believes, and rightly so, that the best way to resolve this maritime dispute is through peaceful and diplomatic negotiations with China, a mode that avoids a violent confrontation to resolve international disputes,” Panelo said.

He said opting to negotiate with China did not mean that the Duterte administration was setting aside the arbitral ruling.

“Adopting such universally accepted dispute resolution relative to the present conflict is not an act of weakness nor is it deemed to be abandonment or shelving of the arbitration ruling in our favor,” he added.

Panelo earlier said the Philippines has already filed a "salvo of diplomatic notes" against China for the continued activity of Chinese vessels and is currently waiting for its response.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining “equilibrium” between the Philippines and China amid the ongoing sea row.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067649

More tribal leaders speak up vs. abuses in Salugpungan school

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): More tribal leaders speak up vs. abuses in Salugpungan school


Datu George Mandahay, an IP leader, seeks the closure of a Salugpungan school in Calinan, Davao City. (PIA 11 photo)

Another group of tribal leaders in Mindanao reached out to the government for the shutdown of a left-leaning local school in Calinan, Davao City.

Sitio Kahusayan Datu George Mandahay, on Tuesday, expressed the need to shut down Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center, Inc. as parents have ruled out sending their children to the supposed learning center on suspicion that it is teaching them to rebel against the government.

Slow process

In a press interview in Davao City, Mandahay said the Department of Education (DepEd) follows a slow process on removing the rights of the school to operate on the territories of the tribal groups in Mindanao.

“Tungod kay dugay pa man ang proseso nga ginasunod sa DepEd una masirado ang Salugpungan, mismong mga lumad na ang nagkandado niini kay dili panggobyerno ang ginatudlo didto (Since DepEd takes too much time, the IP leaders themselves did the closure. We have observed that Salugpungan schools are not teaching our children what the government has set),” he said.

Failure

The school is operated by a private organization, Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center, Inc., supposedly to enhance the life skills and knowledge of lumad or indigenous people (IP) children but according to the parents of those who attended the center, it has failed to do so.

“Gani ang “a” nga ginatudlo sa mga bata kay armas ug ang “b” kay bala”. Magpakita sila ug nawong sa mga sundalo dayun muingon sila ug “kalaban” (Instead, they teach the kids unlikely. The alphabet goes: a for armas [guns], b for bala [bullets]. They would even show photos of the soldiers and tell the children they are enemies)," Mandahay explained.

The IPs have requested the DepEd to revoke the recognition of the Salugpungan and build a government-owned public school instead.

This way, they said, they are assured that their children are not taught with subversive ideas.

Compliance evaluation

Davao Region’s DepEd office has also stated that it is now strictly checking the compliance of these Salugpungan schools before issuing a permit to operate for the next school year.

Once it sees non-compliance with requirements including the absence of enrollees, DepEd is bound to shut these schools.

Inaction

In a Congress hearing early this year, Undersecretary Allen Capuyan, Presidential Adviser for IP Concerns, rebuked the DepEd for the seeming inaction on the issue, noting that two big Mindanao groups have officially submitted to the DepEd their respective resolutions, signed by thousands of IPs, regarding the atrocities and requesting investigation.

“With or without the notarized affidavits, DepEd, as a regulating body is duty-bound to evaluate the compliance of Salugpungan schools,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) agreed with Capuyan, saying it has also received many complaints coming from IPs, including the resolutions earlier mentioned.

Major. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations, said the complaints and issues regarding the Salugpungan were clearly stated and that complainants executed affidavits were duly notarized.

He also told lawmakers that among the notarized affidavits is one attesting that parents are forced to work on communal farms where half of the profits go to the school and the other half goes to the NPA.

Parlade, who is also a member of the task force to end the communist insurgency, likewise showed several pieces of photographic and video evidence attesting to the allegations made against the kind of “youth training” conducted in Salugpungan schools.

He said this material evidence came from documents recovered during operations, from NPA surrenderers and from IPs who were recruited by the NPA but have since returned to the folds of the law.

“This must be addressed because many of our youth are dying,” Parlade said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067658

Duterte urges China not to 'surround' Pag-asa Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): Duterte urges China not to 'surround' Pag-asa Island



President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday asked China to stop surrounding Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), warning that just one harmed soldier could “precipitate trouble there.”

Duterte, in a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Batangas, made this statement after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bared that a rise in the number of Chinese fishing vessels have been discovered near the Philippine-occupied island since January this year.

“Iyong Pag-asa Island, sinabi ko, huwag ninyong i-surround kasi may mga sundalo ako diyan (I said, don’t surround Pag-asa Island because I have soldiers there),” Duterte said in his speech.

“Nag-warning lang ako. Hindi ko tinatakot ang China (I just warned them. I didn’t threaten China). But it could precipitate trouble there. 'Pag namatayan ako ng sundalo maski isa, ah gulo na 'yan (If I lose even just one soldier there, there would be trouble),” he added.

He also appealed to China to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in the disputed waters and not to drive them away.

“But there will be a time, at sabihin ko sa China ngayon (and I will tell China now) that they should also meet halfway. Kagaya ng mga mangingisda natin, tapos 'yang palibutan nila 'yang Pag-asa (To consider our fishermen, and their actions surrounding Pag-asa Island),” he added.

The President said waging a war with China is unwise, since he doubted that other nations, including the US, would be willing to take part in the conflict.

“Pero ngayon, magsabi ka, ‘mag-fight ako sa China,’ (But now, if you say, ‘I will fight China’) okay, who will come? Who will? Sino? Magbigay ka ng limang magtulong sa atin (Name at least five countries that will help us),” Duterte said.

“America? Mag-suicide kaya ang America ng nuclear war para sa atin (Would America risk a suicide and wage a nuclear war for us)? Would America risk a Third World war just to defend?” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the best solution to conflict between the Philippines and China is through negotiations.

“Again I will repeat: the best way is still negotiation. Negotiation is the best avenue by which we can solve any conflict in any area in the South China Sea,” Panelo said in a recent TV interview.

“Otherwise, we will be forced at the risk of an armed conflict, even if minimal,” he added.

He also insisted that the Duterte administration has never “shelved” the arbitral ruling won by the Philippines against China at The Hague.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067638

Just answer challenge, AFP to Makabayan bloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): Just answer challenge, AFP to Makabayan bloc


Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday stood by its claim against Makabayan party-list groups who recently filed a complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over a Facebook post accusing them as legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"Bakit nagagalit ang Kamatayan (Makabayan) Bloc sa sinabi ng Civil Relations Service (CRS) na sila ay may parehong adhikain ng CPP-NPA? Ito naman ang sinabi ni CPP Chairman Jose Maria Sison sa kanyang video (Why is Kamatayan Bloc angry over what CRS said that it has the same goal with the CPP-NPA? This was mentioned by CPP Chairman Jose Maria Sision in his video)," Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, said in a statement, referring to the left-leaning legislators at the House of Representatives.

"Ito rin ang patuloy na sinasabi ni Jose Maria Sison tungkol sa kanyang mga 'progresibong kaalyado na makikita natin lahat sa International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS) at rebolusyonaryong website (This is also mentioned by Jose Maria Sision about his progressive allies we see in International League of Peoples Struggles and in revolutionary websites)," he added.

‘Hiding’

Parlade questioned why Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago was angered over the post when she is in fact “hiding” under a legal front of the CPP-NPA.

“Meron ba pagkakaiba si Elago at ang mga Kabataang Makabayan na namatay na sa bundok kasama ang NPA? Wala, maliban sa patay na ang mga kabataan na sumama sa underground habang si Elago ay buhay pang nagtatago sa Kamatayan Bloc (Is there a difference between Elago and the Kabataang Makabayan who died in the countryside along with the NPA? Nothing, apart from the fact that the children who joined the underground movement died while Elago is still alive hiding under Kamatayan Bloc,” he said.

He also questioned ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and other “kadres” teaching revolution in leading Philippine universities like the University of the Philippines and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Parlade also took a swipe at Gabriela Party-list Rep. Emmi de Jesus and challenged her to comment on the 12 children called “Hagibis” who were recruited by members of the NPA in Mindoro, and 10-year old Armando Nuguit who died after NPA members threw bombs at goverment troops in Las Navas, Samar.

In the statement, he also asked the difference between Katribu and PASAKA, an organization which a certain Datu Kaylo Bontulan belonged.

“Wala, pareho sila 'front' ng CPP pero si Datu Kaylo ay patay na sa enkwentro laban sa gobyerno noong nakaraang lingo at si Katribu ay pinagbunyi na lang ang kabayanihan ni Bontulan sa libing nya sa Davao kahapon (Nothing, they are both CPP fronts but Datu Kaylo died in an encounter against government troops in the past week while Katribu just praised the heroism of Bontulan in Davao yesterday),” he said.

‘Black tag’

He said rather than a “red tag,” a “black tag” is more suited to the Makabayan coalition, given the atrocities it has done to the people.

Parlade challenged the group to condemn the acts of the NPA.

"Puwede niyo bang i-kondena ang mga teroristang NPA sa mga pinagagawa nilang karahasan? Kung hindi niyo magawa ito, wala nga kayong pinag-iba kay JoMa Sison, sampo ng kanyang kampon sa Kamatayan Bloc (Can you condemn the terrorist NPA for its atrocities? If you can't do this, then you aren't different from JoMa Sison and his allies in Kamatayan Bloc)," he stressed.

He also called on all Filipinos including parents and politicians to stop believing the leftist organization.

“Idadamay at ipapahamak lang kayo habang sila ay nagpapasarap at nagtatago sa legalidad ng Kongreso (They will only put you to danger while they enjoy and hide in Congress),” he said.

In the Facebook post of AFP-CRS last April 13, it tagged the Makabayan as “house fronts” of the CPP, NPA, and the National Democratic Front.

"The Makabayan bloc in Congress is the extreme-left bloc at the House of Representatives and at the same time, is considered as the legal front of the CPP-NPA, and performing tasks as part of the revolutionary movement‘s tactic to exploit the Legislative branch of the government," the post stated.

On Wednesday, the Makabayan Bloc coalition, consisting of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, ACT Teacher, and Kabataan, filed an electioneering complaint at the Comelec and denied that the candidates of these party-list groups are terrorists and legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

Named as respondents in the Comelec were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP-CRS Commander Major Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, and officers responsible for the alleged negative campaign.

Parlade earlier said communist rebels and their supporters are using "red-tagging" of their front organizations as a way to prevent "truth to be out in the open," and a smokescreen to the House of Representatives from conducting a probe into the Salugpungan schools being operated by the CPP-NPA.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067659

Makabayan reps 'no-show'; fear truth will expose deception: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2019): Makabayan reps 'no-show'; fear truth will expose deception: AFP


AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (left) and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate (right)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., on Thursday chided Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate for calling him a liar after asserting that the Makabayan bloc did not show up in an inquiry in Davao City to validate allegations against the Salugpungan school in Davao, which is reportedly used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to turn the youth against the government.

"They are from Mindanao but they didn't come because the truth will expose their duplicity and deception," the AFP official said, referring to the members of the Makabayan bloc.

"They sent instead a SELDAP representative and some Karapatan personnel to go peep and see if we were indeed there. The Makabayan representatives never entered and left the DepEd (Department of Education) compound after a while," he added.

Parlade said he traveled all the way from Manila to attend the first leg of the ocular inspection in Davao City called for by the House Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples, that was rescheduled on April 16 from April 11.

The postponement was contained in a letter dated April 8, 2019 by Committee chairperson, Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse c. Mangaoang, signed by Committee Secretary Adora P. Pueblos.


From left, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan, and Datu Kaylo Bontulan

Mangaoang needed to attend to emergency medical concerns in his province thus, the postponement.

Authorities want the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center (STTICLC) shut down following allegations that it is being used as recruitment and training grounds of the CPP-NPA.

The reported growing number of IP students joining the ranks of the communist group through the alleged operating grounds disguised as private schools and the continuing violations of IP rights in their ancestral domains prompted the Committee to go on ocular inspection.

Zarate, as cited by online website MindaNews, said they did not receive an invitation to join the supposed investigation.

Belying this claim, Parlade said he hopes Zarate "reads his letters in his office or at least his staff should do their job" to inform him.

"Let Congress remind him of the letters of invitation and his letter requesting for postponement," he added.

Based on another House Committee letter from Mangaoang dated April 11, only the April 25 ocular inspection has been requested postponed by Zarate as the latter said "he will not be able to attend the congressional activity due to tight schedule of prior arranged activities and campaign sortie events."

There are supposed to be three ocular inspections to validate the reported recruitment of indigenous people and continuing violation against their rights: one was in Davao, the second and third are in Surigao del Sur (April 25) and Bukidnon (May 9).

The Surigao del Sur leg is expected to be pushed through between May 24-25.

Parlade also rued the death of Datu Kaylo Bontulan, head of PASAKA Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao, a group supportive of the Salugpungan. Bontulan was reportedly killed in an encounter between government troops and communist rebels in Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on April 7.


Datu Kaylo Bontulan

"Zarate and Gabriela party-list Rep. Luz Ilagan have been meeting with Datu Kaylo Bontulan to defend the closure of these schools through their program, 'Save our communist Schools' or SOS," he said.

Parlade said Bontulan and PASAKA were extensions of the NPA.

"Datu and the PASAKA were clearly an extension of the NPA, Datu being the head of the Militia ng Bayan in the boundaries of Bukidnon. His body was recovered with his bandoleer and firearms. So, Zarate and Ilagan, can you condemn these PASAKA members who have been killing their fellow lumads and report them as the work of government forces?"

Parlade dared the Makabayan bloc to attend the next congressional inquiry "and let the whole world know what else have you been hiding from them."

Parlade earlier challenged left-leaning organizations in the House of Representatives, including Bayan Muna, to condemn the atrocities of the NPA.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067672