Kalinaw News: NPA Commits Another Violation on International Humanitarian Law

From Kalinaw News (May 5, 2019): NPA Commits Another Violation on International Humanitarian Law



Wounded Civilian affected in the encounter

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur— An encounter transpired between CAFGU personnel of 22nd Infantry (Valor) Battalion and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Sitio Burong-Burong, Barangay Malinao, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Saturday morning, May 4.

Prior to the incident, the elements of the Dinumpilan CAA Detachment conducted a combat patrol in response to the report about the presence of CTG members in the vicinity.

Accordingly, the troops received information that the CTG intentionally destroyed the water system of the barangay. The troops immediately conducted investigation and assisted the civilians in fixing the damaged water pipes.

While in the course of inspecting and repairing the barangay water lines, the troops engaged more or less 10 terrorists wherein the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes leaving one soldier, two CAA personnel and four civilians wounded. The terrorists fled in different directions dragging their wounded casualties.

The injured troops and civilians were extricated from the encounter site and immediately brought to the hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, additional troops were deployed to conduct pursuit operation and hunt down the fleeing terrorists.

In the statement of Joint Task Force Bicolandia under Maj. Gen. Fernando T Trinidad AFP, the command strongly condemns the indiscrimanate attack without regard to innocent civilians and cowardly tactics of destroying civilian properties to exploit government troops vulnerabilities during community service. But most especially, the command comdemns the CTG for endangering the lives of civilians and destroying their properties both considered as “non-military targets”.

Furthermore, the JTFB Commander said that the treacherous action committed by the NPA manifested their terroristic inclinations that clearly violates the Rules of Engagement, Human Rights and the provisions of Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL).

“This kind of desperate move is a clear manifestation that they (CTG) are the perpetrators of human rights abuses. They do not consider the welfare of the civilians in all of their actions. We hope that we could be of help to the wounded civilian victims in bringing the terrorists to justice and pay for their crimes. We assure you that JTFB troopers will not rest in hunting down these terrorists” the Commander said.

It was also indicated in a separate report that the CTG burned the pipes of water system in Barangay Cambalidio of the same municipality.

Division Public Affairs Office 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Joash Pramis
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 9ID
Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Cell number: 09151434816
email: dpao.9id.pa@gmail.com

https://www.kalinawnews.com/archives/

Army: 7 hurt in rebel attack in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 5, 2019): Army: 7 hurt in rebel attack in Camarines Sur



LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — At least seven people, including a soldier and two militiamen, were wounded in an attack by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members on Saturday in a remote village of Libmanan town in Camarines Sur province, the military said Sunday.

Four civilians and Army members were repairing a busted water pipe in Sitio (sub-village) Burong-Burong in Barangay (village) Malinao when they were attacked by a group of rebels at around 7:40 a.m. Saturday, Capt. Joash Pramis, public affairs chief of Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division.

Pramis said they could not yet release the names of victims as they were still receiving treatment in a hospital as of Sunday.

He said that while inspecting and repairing the damaged water system of the village, soldiers providing security in the area engaged in a 15-minute firefight at least 10 NPA rebels. The four civilians who were helping the soldiers were wounded in the attack.

It was also learned the NPA rebels intentionally destroyed the water system facility, Pramis said.

Meanwhile, additional troops were deployed to conduct pursuit operation and hunt down the fleeing terrorists.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113991/army-7-hurt-in-rebel-attack-in-camarines-sur

Poll bets warned vs. supporting NPAs in exchange for armed protection

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2019): Poll bets warned vs. supporting NPAs in exchange for armed protection



The highest military official in the Visayas on Saturday warned candidates for the May 13 mid-term elections to refrain from giving financial assistance to the communist New People’s Army in exchange for armed protection or they will face charges for financing a terrorist organization.

Lt. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the Central Command (Centcom), said rendering support to NPA terrorists now that election day is near is a violation of Memorandum Circular 2018-211 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The memo circular reminds local chief executives and local government officials that giving any form of support to the NPA terrorists is a violation not only of Executive Order 773 (Further Reorganizing the Peace and Order Council) but also of Republic Act 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

According to him, the military and the police will closely monitor candidates who are reported to be allied or giving support to the NPAs in exchange for using them as armed goons to terrorize and harass voters on the day of election.

“We will not hesitate to make the necessary actions and forward to DILG the names of candidates who are supporting the CNTs (Communist New People’s Army Terrorists), and using them as private armed group during the elections,” Clement declared in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“Those vying for government positions should not in any way support the CNTs as they should be working with the government that the CNTs are trying to overthrow. As government officials, they should be protecting the democratic process of the state,” he added.

Clement urged all government officials in the Visayas region to strictly abide by the memorandum circular.

“I remind the regional, provincial, city and municipal peace and order councils to use moral suasion or to recommend sanctions against local chief executives and other local officials supporting the NPAs in the Visayas,” he said.

Clement’s statement came after the revelation made by Brig. Gen Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, that more than 30 local government officials in Negros Occidental have been supporting the NPAs.

The report also said that some of the 30 officials in the province have even allied themselves with the communist terrorist organization.

The statement quoted Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. as saying, “There’s no need to call on them not to support the CNTs. It is their duty not to do so. Those who support the CNTs are also against the government.”

The chief of Centcom encouraged the voters in the 16 provinces of the Visayas to be vigilant against the activities of the terrorist NPA, citing its evil plans, which may derail the democratic process.

“Cooperate with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) to help ensure an honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections, and not to be intimidated to report candidates providing financial and logistical support to the CNTs,” Clement said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - 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/1068894

More BIFF members expected to surrender

From the Philippine Star (May 4, 2019): More BIFF members expected to surrender

The rice dispersed to the now reforming former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is meant to cushion the impact of crop losses due to the continuing dry spell in Maguindanao province.

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The military is anticipating the surrender soon of more Islamic State-inspired militants seeing how their now reforming companions are benefiting from government socio-economic interventions.

The Maguindanao provincial government and the Army’s 601st Brigade again extended on Friday relief assistance to more than 30 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered in batches in the past two years via a domestic program meant to hasten their reintegration into mainstream society.

Among those who recently returned to the fold of law was the elusive BIFF leader Gani Saligan, who is now being reintroduced, along with his 12 followers, to the local communities by the 6th Infantry Division and the office of the now outgoing third-termer Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of the Army’s 6th ID said Saturday he is thankful to the provincial government of Maguindanao for supporting efforts of rebuilding the lives of former BIFF members who have pledged allegiance to the Philippine government.

The 50 bags of rice the 601st Brigade distributed to the former BIFF members last Friday was part of an emergency relief package meant to alleviate their families from hunger due of crop losses caused by the drought plaguing Maguindanao since February.

The BIFF, operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is not covered by the ceasefire accord between Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Mangudadatu said the Maguindanao Program for Education and Community Empowerment, or MagPEACE, is ready to provide college scholarship to children of BIFF militants who have surrendered to units of 6th ID.

The MagPEACE has produced more than 2,000 college graduates since its inception in 2010.

Sobejana said they are optimistic of the surrender soon of more BIFF bandits.

“The companions of those who have surrendered are aware now of the readiness of the provincial government of Maguindanao and the 6th ID to help reform them for good,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana said senior officials of the inter-agency Maguindanao provincial peace and order council are helping the 6th ID secure the surrender of more BIFF members through backdoor dialogues supported by Mangudadatu and his constituent-mayors.

Mangudadatu, whose third and last term as governor will end on June 30, is certain his brother, Freddie, a candidate for the gubernatorial post in the province, will continue the peace and reconciliation programs he started after he got to the helm of the provincial government following his election in 2010.

Freddie is mayor of Mangudadatu town in the second district of Maguindanao and is president of the 36-member league of mayors in the province.

His candidacy for Maguindanao governor, as an anointed bet of President Rodrigo Duterte, is openly backed by 26 of the 36 mayors in the province.

The remaining 10 mayors are with his rival, gubernatorial candidate Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/05/04/1914979/more-biff-members-expected-surrender

Marawi IDPs face another bleak Ramadan

From the Manila Bulletin (May 4, 2019): Marawi IDPs face another bleak Ramadan

MARAWI CITY – This year’s Ramadan, the month of fasting among Muslims worldwide set to start Monday (May 6), and is expected to be bleak anew in this lone “Islamic city” of the Philippines.

Melodious sounds of azan (call to prayer), which is basic in the solemn observance of Ramadan, will not be heard again from mosques, especially in the so-called “ground zero” here.

“Ground zero” is comprised of 24 barangays where majority of 160 mosques have remained in ruin since the siege here of Daesh-inspired militants of Dawla Islamiya and Abu Sayyaf groups on May 23, 2017.

Some of the over 201,700 displaced residents have been allowed to return home and occupy housing units built outside the “ground zero” or most affected areas (MAA).

Government authorities said the MAA will only be opened for returning evacuees after the clearing of debris and unexploded ordnances in August or September this year.

Over 45,000 displaced families, according to local and international welfare organizations, remain stranded in evacuations camps in urban areas of Northern Mindanao and other parts of the country.

Not only azan and congregational Ramadan prayers will be absent in evacuations centers, but also substantial food rations, especially those containing nutrients needed by fasting Muslims.

Ustadz (Islamic cleric) Paisal Hamid, who went around evacuations camps the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and other parts of Northern Mindanao, said the refugees or bakwits were lacking regular food rations, water for drinking and hygiene, and healthcare.

“Fasting is virtually is daily recourse for the evacuees from over two years now. But the essential parts of fasting (like praying and partaking nutrient foods) would only be imaginary among them,” Ustadz Hamid told The Manila Bulletin in Maranao.

Hundreds of bakwits have returned and occupied government resettlement shelters outside the MMA.

Because no market place has been built yet in the resettlement areas, majority of the shelters’ occupants depend on food donations from humanitarian groups and individuals.

“Some little cash donations will not be enough to buy foods or goods due to transport cost (in market places else elsewhere),” a resettled evacuee said.

Maranaos stranded in evacuation centers or sheltered in relatives’ homes have renewed clamor for state authorities to let them come home and spend Ramadhan fast in this war-torn Islamic city.

“We have extreme penitence in evacuation centers. We hope President Duterte will hear finally our prayer for homecoming. Ramadhan will be dull for us again but we want to observe it at home,” a crying student evacuee, Ismael, told The Manila Bulletin

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/04/marawi-idps-face-another-bleak-ramadan/

NPA refutes military report of invaded training camp in Quezon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 4, 2019): NPA refutes military report of invaded training camp in Quezon



New People’s Army guerrillas stand in formation at their camp in the Sierra Madre mountain range in this photo taken on July 30, 2017. —AFP FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — The New People’s Army (NPA) strongly refuted the military report that a supposed guerrilla training camp in the Sierra Madre mountain range in northern Quezon had been overrun by government forces.

“The military is once again lying through their teeth,” Eliza “Ka Ely” De la Guerra, NPA-Apolonio Mendoza Command-Quezon deputy spokesperson, said in a statement Thursday.

De la Guerra insisted that no such incident happened.

“The truth is that there is no NPA training camp in the said area and no encounter took place between the NPA forces and government soldiers and policemen,” she said.

On Wednesday, Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, public affairs chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, reported that a combined Army and police force successfully invaded an alleged NPA training camp in the mountain village of Canaway in General Nakar, Quezon.

The military said the camp was overrun after a 10-minute firefight against an estimated 30 NPA rebels.

The government forces also recovered blasting caps, improvised explosive devices, radio equipment, other war materials, and documents, the report said.

De la Guerra accused military officials of “spewing lies to deceive the people into believing that they are winning in their war against the NPA forces in the Southern Tagalog region.”

“When in fact they are losing in every engagement with NPA forces in Mt. Sierra Madre Mountain ranges,” the rebel insisted.

De la Guerra claimed that last month alone, the government forces suffered two casualties in a sniping operation staged by the communist guerrillas.

The Red fighter alleged that one soldier was killed in Barangay Umiray in Gen. Nakar last April 18 and another killed in the same village last April 26.

She assailed the military “for propagating fake news to compensate for their battlefield losses.”

“To hide the truth, they presented to the media and to the public a rehashed discovery of blasting caps, improvised explosive devices, radio equipment, other war materials, and documents with their usual preposterous claim that bloodstain is present in the withdrawal route and that NPA suffered casualties without presenting any credible evidence,” the NPA rebel said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113692/npa-refutes-military-report-of-invaded-training-camp-in-quezon

Solons bewail death threats on ACT president in Northern Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (May 3, 2019): Solons bewail death threats on ACT president in Northern Mindanao

ACT Teachers Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro condemned Saturday the death threats hurled against the president of a progressive teachers union in Northern Mindanao.



ACT-Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio (ALVIN KASIBAN / MANILA BULLETIN)

They lamented that red-tagging of militant organizations in the region continues, as Ophelia Tabacon, ACT chapter president in the region and an elementary school teacher, received her first direct threat.

“The highly paid cowards in the police and military and their anonymous and masked minions can only answer with death threats, intimidation, and lies the legitimate issues which progressives, including our teachers under ACT, raise,” Tinio said in a statement.

“On the other hand, Ma’am Tabacon is a mere elementary school teacher, lowly paid but bravely continues to fight for decent salaries and benefits, who criticize this government’s policies that drive teachers and the Filipino people further into poverty,” he said.

According to Tabacon, a certain Ashley Mendoza messaged her through Facebook Messenger on April 25, saying “Nasa watch list kna 4 kamatayan (You are already on the watch list of people who will die).”

Castro, a union leader herself, said even before Tabacon bacame president of ACT-NMR, she was already advancing the rights and welfare of teachers, lumad children, and other marginalized sectors.

“She was vital in forming ACT-NMR Union, standing up for and protecting the right of teachers’ to better pay and working conditions through unionism,” he said.

The ACT Teachers lament that both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have tagged ACT and ACT Teachers Party-List as “legal fronts” of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Teachers and ACT’s regional unions are also subjected to profiling by the PNP, which ACT haled to the Court of Appeals as a violation of teachers’ rights to self-organization, privacy, among others, they noted.

While, the national and regional offices of the Department of Education and the Civil Service Commission duly recognized ACT Philippines and ACT NMR.

Tinio and Castro accused the police and military of spreading lies online and offline, including red-baiting memes against progressive mass organizations and urging the public not to vote for party-list and senatorial candidates of Makabayan bloc.

“These online and offline threats form part of the modus operandi of state terrorism,” they said. The ACT Teachers lawmakers already filed complaints with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for electioneering regarding such posts.


“These threats will not make us, including our brave teachers, back down from our legitimate work for the people. Such cowardly acts only provide proof who are the real terrorists,” Tinio and Castro said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/04/solons-bewail-death-threats-on-act-president-in-northern-mindanao/

AFP out to disprove NUPL’s ‘baseless’ allegations

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 3, 2019): AFP out to disprove NUPL’s ‘baseless’ allegations

PHOTO by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has pieces of evidence to prove that the allegations of intimidation and threats by a group of human rights lawyers against them are baseless.

The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) earlier sought the assistance of the Supreme Court , claiming that its members’ lives are in danger because of the military’s alleged intimidation and red-tagging.

The AFP said it has already communicated with the Office of the Solicitor General and has prepared its defense on all the “baseless” accusations of the NUPL.

“We are committed to tell the honorable Supreme Court nothing but the truth when we present our side that the acts attributed to the AFP are mere imputations and allegations. We have pieces of evidence to refute NUPL,” said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement.

On Friday, the Supreme Court has granted the request of NUPL on the protection of its members by issuing a writ of amparo and habeas corpus.

Both writs serve as preventive and curative roles to curb extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

But Arevalo said that while this is a prerogative of the Supreme Court, it is not yet a decision on the merits of the case but the procedure of the writs.

“The AFP respects that. The AFP is an institution that submits to the rule of law and bows down to the majesty of the courts,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1113602/afp-out-to-disprove-nupls-baseless-allegations

Nat'l Youth Commission: Groups to reward youth who report, 'arrest' those behind pro-NPA vandalism

From CNN Philippines (May 3, 2019): Nat'l Youth Commission: Groups to reward youth who report, 'arrest' those behind pro-NPA vandalism

NYC Chairman Ronald Cardema (FILE PHOTO)

The National Youth Commission (NYC) is cracking down on vandalism that promotes youth recruitment to the New People's Army (NPA), armed wing of the country's largest communist group.

"We must end their youth recruitment now and we will start by removing all the recruitment propaganda/vandalisms on our own walls, streets, & barangays throughout the entire country starting this month," NYC Chairman Ronald Cardema said in a statement on Friday.

He said he has talked to "pro-government" groups, including the Duterte Youth movement which committed to offer ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 to each individual who will cooperate in removing the pro-NPA graffiti.

Cardema said ₱5,000 will be given to those who can report – "photograph the act and get the name" – of anyone "vandalizing our streets with 'Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDF,' 'Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan,' or any similar NPA Propaganda."

Cardema said the reward will be doubled to ₱10,000 for those who will exert a "patriotic effort to do a citizens arrest and bring the vandalizer of your area to your local police station."

Under the law, a private citizen may conduct a warrantless arrest of a person who has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit an offense.

"When making an arrest, a private person shall inform the person to be arrested of the intention to arrest him and cause of the arrest, unless the latter is either engaged in the commission of an offense, is pursued immediately after its commission, or has escaped, flees, or forcibly resists before the person making the arrest has opportunity to so inform him, or when the giving of such information will imperil the arrest," Article 13, Section 9 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure states.

Cardema directed the Sangguniang Kabataan leaders and other youth groups to help in the removal of all pro-NPA vandalisms in the country as part of the government's whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has waged a five-decade insurgency, one of the longest-running in Asia. The National Democratic Front represents the rebels in negotiations with the government, which has been terminated by President Rodrigo Duterte in November 2017 as both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations. The government is now pushing for localized peace talks between the rebels and local government officials.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/5/3/national-youth-commission-new-people-s-army-.html?fbclid=IwAR0UPbO_YBCxPpI-6mmhPW4uMmnwXzKWOJPtyf0_6jz6nO-arzDeSKJiAtA#.XMzRHToL-ds.facebook

We’re apolitical, Arevalo assures

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2019): We’re apolitical, Arevalo assures

Don’t drag the military into politics.

The statement was made yesterday by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, in response to reports and claims of some politicians, or candidates in the May 13 elections, that they are taking sides, or favoring candidates.

“Our mandate is always remain to be apolitical,” Arevalo stressed, as he again reminded Army commanders to ensure that nobody among their personnel must engage in partisan politics.

He advised candidates to stop using the military for their political vested interest, stressing also that the job of the Philippine Army during the midterm elections is to protect everybody against any threats from lawless elements.

Arevalo has not been spared by some politicians, who have been using some civic groups to malign him, to advance their political interest.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade has already started to deploy Army personnel in election hotspot areas, especially in Moises Padilla and Himamaylan City, categorized as areas of grave concerns.

Arevalo said that the peace and order situation in Moises Padilla is back to normal, following the deployment of 150 Army soldiers backed up by three armored personnel carriers, which will also cover the areas of La Castellana and Isabela in their visibility operations.

The deployment of forces in the area implies that only the security forces of the government must be recognized as armed group in the area “and not the New People’s Army or any private armed groups,” he stressed.

Arevalo said there are politicians who use the services of the rebels and the PAGS, but did not elaborate. “What’s important is these politicians are aware that the army is also aware of what they are doing so they better stop,” he added.

The Department of the Interior of Local Government (DILG) will be filing charges against local government officials providing financial support to communist rebels after the May 13 elections, its spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, disclosed.

Malaya said the DILG, together with the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to monitor all candidates during the final days of the election campaign season.

“The AFP and PNP are now closely monitoring them and they will be held liable even after the election, if we are able to gather evidence that they are aiding, financing, supporting or conniving with these communist terrorist groups and their allies who are out to trample on our democracy and oust our duly constituted authorities,” Malaya said.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac warned those who donate to communist rebels that they will face criminal liability for violation of Republic Act 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Aside from the crime of financing terrorism, he said the act of giving any amount or item of value to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is tantamount to disloyalty, punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

Malaya reiterated the warning to all local candidates and officials not to fall prey to the modus operandi of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/04/topstory10.htm

EO on normalization a big boost to Bangsamoro peace deal, MILF says

From MindaNews (May 3, 2019): EO on normalization a big boost to Bangsamoro peace deal, MILF says



Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in a military formation at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MILF fighters will be decommissioned in line with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal between the government and the MILF signed in 2014. MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is hoping President Duterte’s recent signing of Executive Order 79 for the implementation of the Annex on Normalization will fast track the transformation of Moro combatants into productive members of mainstream society.

Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, better known as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the MILF chair, lauded Duterte for signing the measure that will pave the way for the demobilization of MILF fighters and their weapons.

Ebrahim, whom Duterte appointed as interim Chief Minister of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), stressed the normalization track of the Bangsamoro peace process is “now very much lagging behind the political track.”

“It (signing of EO 79) is a welcome development as it will hasten the implementation of the normalization track of the GPH (Government of the Philippines)-MILF peace process,” he said in a text message early this week.

The Annex on Normalization is part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the final peace deal signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after four decades of conflict that left over 120,000 people dead, including civilians.

The political track of the CAB was achieved with the passage of the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM), which was ratified during two plebiscites held earlier this year that led to the establishment of the new political setup.

The BARMM, which replaced the 29-year-old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato.

Von Al Haq, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF’s armed wing, assured they will comply with the demobilization of forces and weapons as stated in the normalization annex.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez, Jr. said that Duterte’s approval of EO 79 “marks another milestone in the decades-long Bangsamoro peace process and signals the full implementation of the normalization track.”

Galvez said the key to the successful implementation of the normalization phase will largely depend on the involvement of the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the body that will govern the new region until the election of regular officials in 2022.

“More than anything else, the BTA, under the leadership of (Ebrahim), can serve as a symbol of solidarity, reconciliation and more importantly, inclusivity in the region,” he said.

Galvez said the normalization phase will cover the six MILF-recognized camps — Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, Camp Omar ibn al-Kattab in Maguindanao, Camp Rajamudah in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, Camp Busrah Somiorang in Lanao del Sur and Camp Abubakar as-Siddique in Maguindanao.

He added that other locations where decommissioned combatants are residing may be identified for inclusion later on by the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels.

“The main goal of normalization is to help these former rebels return to the folds of the law and regain their lives,” Galvez said.

He earlier said that 12,000 MILF combatants and their weapons will be decommissioned within the year.

The ceremonial decommissioning of 145 MILF fighters took place under the term of former President Benigno Aquino III.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2019/05/eo-on-normalization-a-big-boost-to-bangsamoro-peace-deal-milf-says/

Peace, security orgs hold security and socio-economic forum

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 4, 2019): Peace, security orgs hold security and socio-economic forum



The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) formerly known as Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central facilitated the conduct of a security and socio-economic forum held at Kampilan, Clubhouse in 6th Infantry Division Headquarters, Awang, Satu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on April 23.

The forum was aimed at providing updates on the current security situation, determine points of convergence and identity conflict-sensitive interventions relative to the implementation of the normalization process.

It was attended by the military leadership from WMC and JTF Central down to brigade and battalion commanders; Philippine National Police (PNP) national quad staff, regional and provincial commanders in Central Mindanao; Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership from chief of staff, front and base commanders; National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other mechanisms for the peace process like the GPH-MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

Among the security topics discussed during the event were matters on peace and order, anti-drug campaign, decommissioning plans and procedures, the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) updates, and issues and concerns regarding the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) decommissioning.

On the socio-economic side, a workshop between the military ground commanders of JTF Central and the OPAPRU was conducted. It focused on identifying socio-economic programs consisting of conflict sensitive and peace promoting interventions that would address the existing ground issues especially in conflict vulnerable and affected areas.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of JTC Central and the 6th Infantry Division thanked everyone for the collective effort and sincerity towards lasting peace in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, MILF Chief of Staff Sammy Gambar expressed high hopes on the current strong collaboration with the security sector.

“Our hearts now are connected towards achieving the success of the peace process for the benefit of our people here in Mindanao and whole Filipinos in general," he added. (DPAO-6ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021327

AFP respects SC grant of writ of amparo, habeas data to NUPL

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2019): AFP respects SC grant of writ of amparo, habeas data to NUPL



The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) respects the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) granting a writ of amparo and habeas data to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), one of the progressive groups that claimed being "red-tagged" by the military.

"We take notice through a news report that the Supreme Court has resolved to issue the Writ of Amparo and Habeas Data and thereupon referred the case to the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals to hear the petition," AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters late Friday.

He added that this a prerogative of the SC and that the AFP is an institution that submits to the rule of law and bows down to the majesty of the courts.

"This is not yet the decision on the merits of the case but the procedures of the writs," Arevalo said.

He added that the military is committed to tell the truth when the time comes to present their side and will present the pieces of evidences that will readily dismiss the allegations made by the NUPL.

"We have communicated with the OSG (Office of the Solicitor General) as our statutory counsel and prepared the refutations of all the baseless claims of NUPL," he added.

Arevalo, however, maintained the AFP is the protector of the people and the state, and that national security is of paramount interest.

In a special en banc session on Friday, the High Court issued a writ of amparo and habeas data in favor of the NUPL.

It also referred the petition of NUPL to the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) who was directed to cause the immediate raffle of the said case among the appellate justices.

The CA was further directed to hear the petition on May 14 and to decide the case within 10 days after submission of the case for decision.

The SC ordered respondents President Rodrigo Duterte, who was impleaded in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Security Adviser (Ret.) Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., et al. to make a verified return of the writ of amparo and habeas data on or before May 8, and to comment on NUPL's petition before the said date.

Also named as respondents were National Defense Secretary (Ret.) Gen. Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., AFP Deputy Commander for Intelligence Brig. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, AFP Intelligence Service of the Philippines (ISAFP) Chief Major Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, and AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations Major Gen. Antonio G. Parlade, Jr.

In its petition, NUPL sought for the issuance of the writ of amparo and habeas data for their protection, claiming that their rights to life, liberty and security have been violated and continue to be violated through the persistent threats and harassment and red tagging allegedly done to vilify and intimidate them and prevent them from pursuing their profession as members of the Bar and from practicing their advocacy as peoples’ lawyers serving the poor and the marginalized.

The petitioners likewise asked the Court to compel the respondents, under the writ of habeas data, to provide them with copies of all the facts, information, statements, records, photographs, and other evidence, documentary or otherwise, pertaining to each of them in the respondents’ files and records.

President Duterte, on Dec. 4, 2018, signed a ‘whole-of-nation‘ Executive Order 70 that formed the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which would work out a mechanism to help end the decades-old communist group by harmonizing “the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected areas and [conflict]-vulnerable communities” and facilitating societal inclusivity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068882

AFP in best position to secure NUPL from 'comrades': NTF-ELCAC exec

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2019): AFP in best position to secure NUPL from 'comrades': NTF-ELCAC exec

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil MIlitary Operations

An official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is in the best position to secure the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), not from AFP attacks but those from its comrades.

This, according to AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., who said he respects the decision of the Supreme Court to hear National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL’s) plea for the issuance of a writ of amparo and habeas data for the latter’s protection.

“It is always the duty of the highest court to ‘hear’ its constituents,” Parlade said in a statement sent Friday night. “The SC (Supreme Court) also knows that we, in the AFP, are in the best position to secure you, not from AFP attacks because we don’t do that, but from your comrades who has the habit of attacking your own kind then blame the government.”

The NUPL, et al. , in its petition last week, claimed that “their rights to life, liberty and security have been violated and continue to be violated through the persistent threats and harassment and red tagging allegedly done to vilify and intimidate them and prevent them from pursuing their profession as members of the Bar and from practicing their advocacy as peoples’ lawyers serving the poor and the marginalized. They claimed that some NUPL members have died in the line of duty.”

“Did you watch the late Father Balweg's video where he described how they would attack communities near your ambush area, while clad in military uniform, so people will be enraged and will hate the AFP?,” Parlade said in his statement addressed to NUPL.

He also reminded NUPL how its comrades bombed Plaza Miranda on August 21, 1971, and blamed the government.

“What about the attack of your fellow rallyists at Hacienda Luisita? Maybe we should remind you of all the killings you did in order to blame the government,” he said referring to the massive rally outside the hacienda owned by the family of former president Corazon Cojuangco Aquino on November 16, 2004.

Parlade said he and 6 other respondents will comment on the NUPL petition before the May 8 deadline set by SC.

“But does it change the fact you (NUPL) are members of the Lupon ng Mananaggal ng Bayan (LUMABAN) -- the underground movement of the Communist Party of the Philippines hiding under the cloak of the legal front NUPL? No. And look how safe you are as you exploit the protection of our democracy, even as you advance your revolution to establish your proletarian dictatorship,” he added.

The NUPL, he said, has perfected the craft of deception in 50 years.

“Classic revolutionary dual tactics indeed. Use the law when it is convenient for you. Hide under and circumvent it to prosecute your violent and illegal agenda,” he added.

Other respondents in the NUPL petition include President Rodrigo Duterte, who was impleaded in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; National Security Adviser (Ret.) Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr.; Defense Secretary (Ret.) Gen. Delfin N. Lorenzana; AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr.; AFP Deputy Commander for Intelligence Brig. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, AFP Intelligence Service of the Philippines (ISAFP) Chief Maj. Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri; and Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto.

NTF-ELCAC was created pursuant to President Duterte’s Executive Order 70 signed on December 4, 2018, institutionalizing a “whole of nation” approach in its fight against communist insurgents and deal with the "root cause" of communism in the country by harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development interventions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1068902