Monday, June 10, 2019

The Philippines to boost maritime surveillance with drones

Posted to OpenGov (Jun 10, 2019): The Philippines to boost maritime surveillance with drones

The eight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be a big boost to the military intelligence capability of the Philippines.

In order to strengthen its surveillance capabilities, the Philippines is acquiring eight (8) ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) worth US$ 9,633,665 from an aircraft maker’s subsidiary, under the United States Foreign Military Sales program.

According to a recent report, the contract was shared by the maker of the drones. The procurement will be added to the scheduled deliveries of the company to Southeast Asia by 2022.

Other countries in the region that also ordered the same type of UAV are Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Procurement inclusions

Through the United States Department of Defence, the company shared that the Philippines’ order provides for spare payloads, spare and repair parts, and support equipment as well.

Additionally, it also includes tools, training, technical services and field service representatives.

The ScanEagle is a well-known tactical UAV and used principally for maritime surveillance, with most of the procuring states intending to use it to patrol their vast maritime waters.

It characteristics include:
  1. Being launched through a catapult and being recovered using a skyhook
  2. Has more than 24 hours of flight endurance
  3. Maximum speed of 148 kilometres per hour
  4. Carries a maximum of 4.3 kg of fuel
This model can perform a plethora of missions. These are:
  1. Intelligence
  2. Surveillance and reconnaissance
  3. Special services operations
  4. Escort operations
  5. Sea-lane and convoy protection
  6. Protection of high-value and secure installations
  7. High-speed wireless voice, video and data communications relay
Boosting capabilities

As reported, the unmanned surveillance drone will be a big boost to the military intelligence capability of the Philippines, particularly in the South China Sea.

The procurement of the eight UAVs will be an addition to the current inventory that the Philippine Air Force has of such aircraft.

In March of 2018, the United States turned over six ScanEagle 2 drones to the Philippine Department of Defence (DOD).

The six drones were acquired through a grant amounting to US$ 13.2 million, which was a part of the financial assistance provided by the United States to its allies in Southeast Asia.

These drones are currently being operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing of the Philippine Air Force at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan.

This province is the closest to the disputed portion of the South China Sea.

The ScanEagle 2 model has several functions and is capable of performing a variety of missions. The missions include:
  1. Internal security operations
  2. Counterterrorism
  3. Reconnaissance
  4. Patrol
Aside from boosting its maritime domain awareness, particularly in the South China Sea, buying the UAVs will further boost the military’s capability in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations and counter-terrorism capabilities.

https://www.opengovasia.com/the-philippines-to-boost-maritime-surveillance-with-drones/

Fugitive BIFF militant shot dead

From the Philippine Star (Jun 11, 2019): Fugitive BIFF militant shot dead

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, who escaped from detention last year, was shot dead when he allegedly drew his gun as law enforcers tried to recapture him yesterday.

Torag Sandalan Sabal
died on the spot in an operation conducted by personnel of the Midsayap police and the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Olandang.


Sabal was among 20 escapees from the provincial jail in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City. He had pending cases for multiple murder, drug trafficking and robbery.

Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzalez, Soccsksargen police spokesman, said Sabal’s companion Nasser Macabangen Usman was arrested for illegal possession of firearm.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/11/1925375/fugitive-biff-militant-shot-dead

Abu Sayyaf still poses a threat: IGP

From the Sun Daily (Jun 11, 2019): Abu Sayyaf still poses a threat: IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The threat of the Abu Sayyaf group believed to be based in Jolo, Sulu, on islands in eastern Sabah, is still high despite the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), according to Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador.

He said attacks by the group can happen everyday and at anytime.

“As such, ESSCom will be restructured on the placement of security forces involving the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), police as well as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).


“Among others, the restructuring will involve the structure of security in the areas and the change of security posts which have been taken over by police and MAF would be updated,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernamaat Bukit Aman headquarters here.

Abdul Hamid said the restructuring process is being carried out via the National Security Council (NSC) to further strengthen ESSCom.

He said threats to the islands of Sabah are always there everyday.

“This is because Sabah is very near to the Philippines, it only takes 15 minutes by speed boat to reach Philippines waters,” he said.

Abdul Hamid said it was easy for the Abu Sayyaf group to intrude into Malaysian waters.

“However, the Philippines government had earlier created an overall security control on Jolo islands near Kunak as well Lahad Datu, Sabah and the new measure has eased our concerns,” he said.

Nonetheless, he said ESSCom needs to be on the alert on any threats when conducting operations.

On May 6, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu announced ESSCom would be restructured to improve security on the eastern coast of the state.

According to him, the National Security Council is discussing the decision including efforts to acquire additional equipment to boost security teams under ESSCom.
- Bernama

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/abu-sayyaf-still-poses-a-threat-igp-GC958448

7 Kalinga LGUs condemn NPAs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2019): 7 Kalinga LGUs condemn NPAs 

PASIL, Kalinga - - Seven local government units this province condemn anti-government groups sowing fear and atrocities on communities, Kalinga Provincial Police Office records show.

In Municipal Resolution No. 2019-21, the Municipal Council of Pasil
condemned the barbaric acts of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) against government troopers and declared them “persona non grata.” 


The council in condemning and unwelcoming this anti-government group cited Duterte’s pronouncement on December 5, 2017 when the President declared them (CPP-NPA) a terrorist group, a basis also provided in RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

The resolution recalls the people of Pasil lived a peaceful and harmonious life before the municipality was infiltrated by the CPP-NPA. With the presence of this anti-government group, residents are allegedly being threatened, attacked and deceived to support their cause. It also reiterates the support and allegiance of peace-loving people of Pasil to the government. Any person or resident who accepts and help members of the CPP-NPA and their legal front organizations in the municipality will be penalized.

The council also requires legal organizations that intend to conduct activities in the municipality to pay a courtesy call with the LGU before entering the sub-tribe communities. This requirement is earlier provided under Municipal Ordinance No. 2017-01.

In Tinglayan, the municipal council approved Resolution No. 2018-06 condemning the presence of leftist individuals or groups promoting anti-government operations and also declaring Tinglayan as free from illegal gambling.

Rizal municipal council also approved Resolution No. 2019-09 condemning and rejecting the activities and presence of the NPA in the municipality.

Lubuagan municipal council in Resolution No. 2019-07 strongly condemned the NPA for the killing of one Army Sergeant and wounding of three CCAs and burning the bunk houses of the CAA/PA Patrol Base at Ag-agama, Lubuagan on December 23, 2018.

Pinukpuk municipal council in Resolution No. 2018-11 states in the matter of “denouncing illegal drug activities and terrorism in the municipality of Pinukpuk, Kalinga.”

Resolution No. 2018-11 of the Tanudan municipal council also condemns the presence and activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF and other organized crime groups within the vicinity of the municipality.

On the other hand, Balbalan municipal council in Resolution No. 2015-05 adopted the Balbalan Police Station Action Plan on Anti-Insurgency.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022968

3 killed as MILF, plantation security men clash in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2019): 3 killed as MILF, plantation security men clash in Maguindanao



Google map of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao

Three persons were killed as a firefight broke out between a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and armed security volunteers of a banana plantation in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao on Sunday.

Maj. Alma Ladera, town police chief, identified the parties involved in the fighting as the MILF faction under a certain Commander Tommy of the MILF 105th base command, and the armed security group under Aldrex Kali, community leader of the banana plantation in Barangay Tukanalugong.

In a report Monday, Ladera identified the casualties on the MILF side as Datu Ila Mohammad and Toy Taha, while the fatality on the side of Kali’s group remains unidentified.

A certain Tanto Abdul, a civilian security volunteer, was also injured and brought to the Isulan Provincial Hospital following the 2:30 p.m. gun battle, Ladera said.

“The incident apparently stemmed from the laying-off of some 10 personnel from the banana plantation who have relatives at the MILF,” Ladera said.

She added that the laying off of the workers was due to the violation of the plantation’s rules and regulations.

“Family members of the laid-off workers sought the help of Commander Tommy who, in turn, called on Kali’s group for a talk on the matter,” Ladera said.

However, the planned meeting bogged down after members of the MILF faction brought firearms with them, triggering a firefight. The conflict only halted several hours later after police and town elders intervened.

Ladera said emissaries have already been sent to both parties for the peaceful settlement of the problem.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071968

Regional Task Force vs insurgency launched in Ilocos region

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2019): Regional Task Force vs insurgency launched in Ilocos region



REGIONAL TASK FORCE TO FIGHT INSURGENCY. National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (second from left) leads the launching of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict during the meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chaired by Ilocos Norte Governor and Senator-elect Imee Marcos (second from right) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) at Bauang La Union. (Photo by Liwayway Yparraguirre)

A task force to protect the region against insurgency through the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the local government units, and the community has been launched in Region 1 (Ilocos).

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is a spin-off from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict chaired by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

"What we want to do is to preserve the gains and advances of progress and development in all these provinces. We have a lot to do in Region 1 with developmental efforts. If we cannot guard our provinces, how can we extend our expressway and the road networks? This time, it will not just be AFP who will operate, but civilian bureaucracy and the people will be involved, “National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said in a phone interview Monday.


Esperon said the new peace talks is not just about ceasefire, but of bringing government services to the people.

"We will bring services to the affected areas but at the same time, we will bring better services to the vulnerable areas which are not necessarily affected by insurgency," he said.

The launching last week was held alongside the joint meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chaired by Ilocos Norte Governor and Senator-elect Imee Marcos and the Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina.

Esperon announced during the meeting his designation as the supervisor or overseer for the Region 1 task force.

"We are here today because of Executive Order 70 that was issued last December 2018 by President Rodrigo Duterte. The RPOC and the RDC are the two regional councils that I would now be visiting every now and then as the Cabinet Officer for the Regional Development and Security (CORDS)," said Esperon, who hails from Asingan town in Pangasinan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071965

Soldiers to saturate Negros for combat ops, peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11, 2019): Soldiers to saturate Negros for combat ops, peace efforts



ARMY IN NEGROS. Some of the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in central Negros. Including the newly-returned 11IB, the Philippine Army now has five battalions stationed in Negros Island. (PNA Bacolod file photo)

Troops of the Philippine Army will saturate Negros Island for combat operations and peace development initiatives, the region’s top military official said.

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of 3rd Infantry Division (ID) based in Jamindan, Capiz, said the island now has five battalions after the return of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) last week.

“We will saturate Negros Island with more troops to fill up every inch of the island,” said Dolina in a statement on Monday.

He stressed that a bigger number of troops conducting not only combat operations but also peace and development activities will surely create better results in the army’s anti-insurgency efforts in Negros.


“The return of the 11IB will boost the government’s peace campaign and will definitely help in fast-tracking our anti-insurgency and clearing efforts in the island,” he added.

The seasoned 11IB troopers were originally based in Barangay McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental before they were deployed to Zamboanga City two years ago. They joined the 94IB based in Tanjay City as the second battalion in Negros Oriental.

In Negros Occidental, the 15IB is based in Cauayan town in the south while the 62IB is stationed in Isabela town to cover the central Negros area. The 79IB is headquartered in the northern city of Sagay.

“We shall have five infantry battalions working hand in hand to eradicate the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). With the return of the 11IB, we are seeing the faster demise of the terrorist organization in this part of the region,” Dolina added.

He also renewed his call to the remaining communist rebels in Negros to lay down their arms, abandon the senseless armed struggle, and avail of the benefits from the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

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/1071999

Gov't to look for parties interested in Hanjin shipyard

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11, 2019): Gov't to look for parties interested in Hanjin shipyard



Should the government acquire control of cash-strapped Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC-Phil), the next option is to get interested parties or shipbuilders to operate its shipyard in Subic Bay, Zambales.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked about updates on the government plans on the South Korean shipbuilder Monday.

In the same interview, he said that foreign or local investors are still to make any formal offer or bid regarding the HHIC-Phil's shipbuilding operations.

"We are still yet to see any formal offer, so (the) Hanjin (matter) is now being handled by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) as they are talking with local banks where the company has outstanding loans with. DOF is looking on how to pay these banks so that we can get Hanjin and then after we take over Hanjin, then we can now select who among (the) interested parties (are) best suited to our purpose and run it as a shipyard to make money," Lorenzana said in a mixture of English and Filipino.

In the meantime, the DND chief said the government could use Hanjin's facilities to house and repair large Philippine Navy ships.

But Lorenzana said prospective investors for the Hanjin facility should really come from the shipbuilding sector as it will take a lot of money and foreign contacts to get orders abroad to make its operations profitable.

HHIC-Phil earlier revealed that it has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans -- USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.

According to SBMA, HHIC-Phil filed on January 8 a petition at the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City "to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals".

With this, the shipbuilder has sought help from the government to find investors that can take over the operation of its shipyard in Subic, as well as to help its employees, who have taken the brunt of the company's financial woes.

In December 2018, the company laid off more than 7,000 workers.

"Hanjin shipyard (has) not actually filed for bankruptcy, it is just asking for rehabilitation, because the problem is cash flow, it is still building some ships here in the Philippines but it needs money to keep operating (on a) day-to-day basis so its still being in the works, however (the) Senate is already set aside some money for the eventuality," the DND chief earlier said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072000

Exercise restraint while near PH waters, foreign warships urged

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11, 2019): Exercise restraint while near PH waters, foreign warships urged

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday appealed to the nations, whose warships pass through the West Philippine Sea and waters near the country, to exercise restraint as any imprudent behavior could lead to an international incident or conflict.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the appeal following the two incidents between US, China and Russian warships in the South China Sea and Philippine Sea last October and earlier in June, respectively.

In the two incidents, warships of these nations got too close and nearly collided with each other.

Lorenzana said miscalculations between the captains of these warships might spark conflict in the region.

"So (to the nations those vessels are passing through these waters), tell their captains not to get to close to each other as there could be a miscalculation," the DND chief said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072005

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Baho ng pandaraya ni Duterte sa Halalan 2019, patuloy na umaalingasaw

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 10, 2019): Baho ng pandaraya ni Duterte sa Halalan 2019, patuloy na umaalingasaw

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PATNUBAY DE GUIA
NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
JUNE 10, 2019

Matapos pakinabangan ang Smartmatic bilang pangunahing kakutsaba ng COMELEC sa malawakang pandaraya at manipulasyon sa halalang 2019 para paboran ang mga kandidato ng administrasyon, iba naman ngayon ang sinasabi ni Duterte kaugnay sa katatapos na halalan.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa Davao City sa pagdiriwang ng Eid’l Fitr (pagtatatapos ng buwan ng Ramadan), pinahayag ni Duterte sa harap ng mga kapatid nating Muslim na gusto niyang maghanap ng ibang kumpanya, kapalit ng Smartmatic, bilang bagong service provider ng vote counting machines para gamitin sa mga sususunod na halalan sa bansa. Dagdag pa niya na ang pagkakaroon ng mga aberya at pagpalya ng mga VCM’s na produkto ng Smartmatic ay naglagay sa pagdududa ng taumbayan sa “integridad” ng halalan.

Walang moral na otoridad si Duterte para manawagan sa pagkuha ng ibang kumpanya kapalit ng Smartmatic at sa Vote Counting Machine (VCM) na produkto nito. Si Duterte mismo ang pangunahing utak at nagbenepisyo sa paggamit sa Smartmatic sa pandaraya at manipulasyon para matiyak na mananalo ang kanyang mga alipures sa Senado. Ito’y isang maniobra para linisin ang kanyang maruming kamay at pagtakpan ang kanyang malaking pananagutan sa krimen ng pandaraya sa halalan.

Sinakyan na rin ni Duterte ang panawagan ng ilang grupo sa pagsasantabi sa Smartmatic at sa VCM nito para palitawin na maging siya ay para sa isang malinis at may “integridad” na halalan.

Laglagan sa mga kasapakat tatak at gawi ng mga sindikatong kriminal tulad ni Duterte Ang ikinikilos ngayon ni Duterte ay walang iba kundi “tatak at gawi” ng isang puno ng sindikato. Na matapos itulak at pakinabangan ang mga tauhan sa paggawa ng krimen, sa kalauna’y “ihuhulog” din ang mga ito lalo na kapag nalalagay sa alanganin. Gagawa ng mga maniobra at palusot para linisin at ilayo ang sarili sa krimen na ginawa ng kanyang mismomg binuong sindikato.

Ganito ngayon ang ginagawa ni Duterte. Sinisisi niya ang Smartmatic, sa mga naganap na pagpalya at aberya ng mga VCM, bilang dahilan kung bakit nabahiran ang “integridad” ng halalang 2019.

Napilitang gumawa ng mga maniobra si Duterte at dumistansya sa kanyang mga kasabwat matapos maisandal siya sa pader mula sa kabi-kabilang batikos at protesta ng taumbayan kaugnay sa malawakang dayaan sa katatapos na halalan.

Baho ng pandaraya ni Duterte sa Halalan 2019 patuloy na umaalingasaw

Patuloy na umaalingasaw ang bahong nalikha ng pakanang dayaan at manipulasyon sa halalang 2019 ng rehimeng Duterte. Mananatili itong pinakamarumi at pinakamabaho sa lahat ng mga reaksyunaryong halalang naganap sa bansa.

Hindi kayang pagtakpan ni Duterte ang kanyang pananagutan sa mga nangyaring dayaan sa halalang 2019 gamit ang mga maniobra sa propaganda at pagtuturo ng daliri sa iba bilang siyang nakagawa ng krimen . Sa mata ng taumbayan, siya ang nasa likod at pangunahing utak ng malawakang dayaan at manipulasyon ng boto, kasabwat ang COMELEC at Smartmatic, sa pamamagitan ng paglustay ng pondo ng bayan, kontrol sa mga ahensya ng ehekutibo, lokal na burukrasya at mersenaryong AFP at PNP.

Kailangang puspusang ilantad at papanagutin si Duterte bilang utak ng malaganap na dayaan at manipulasyon sa katatapos na halalan. Huwag natin siyang hayaang makawala sa pananagutan sa ginawa niyang malaking krimen sa taumbayan—ang pagkitil sa kagustuhan ng taumbayan na mailuklok sa pwesto gamit ang kanilang demokratikong karapatan sa pagpili ng mga taong inakala nilang maghahatid sa kanila sa tunay na pagbabago.

Dapat patuloy na igiit at ipaglaban ng taumbayan ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan at lehitimong interes laban sa tumitinding panunupil at pasismo ng tiranikong papet na rehimeng Duterte. Isanib ang mga pagkilos na ito sa isang malapad na kilusan para ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte dahil sa patung-patong nitong krimen sa bayan.

Nananawagan ang NDFP-ST na suportahan at itaguyod ang pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyong bayan na isinusulong ng Partido at Bagong Hukbong Bayan bilang isang lehitimo at makatuwirang anyo ng pakikibaka ng taumbayan para ibagsak ang imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata-kapitalismo. ####

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/baho-ng-pandaraya-ni-duterte-sa-halalan-2019-patuloy-na-umaalingasaw/

CPP/CPDF-Mountain Province: An Open Letter to the Elders of Agawa, Baclingayan and other concerned elders

Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF)-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 10, 2019): An Open Letter to the Elders of Agawa, Baclingayan and other concerned elders

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT - MT. PROVINCE
SIMON 'KA FILIW' NAOGSAN
SPOKESPERSON
CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
JUNE 10, 2019

To our esteemed elders,

Revolutionary greetings!

These are troubled times for the people of Besao, Tubo and adjacent municipalities. As you may well know, a few week sago, a dire incident occurred along the ridges bridging the Provinces of Abra and Mt. Province which led to the death of Pedro Sauyen, Ivan Gabaen, and Ronnie Macayba, all of Agawa Tribe in Brgy. Nabanig, Besao, Mt. Province. We have received reports that the alleged perpetrator is a resident of Sitio Baclingayan, Brgy. Tabacda, Tubo.

Tension and anxiety between and among the concerned communities consequently arose from the incident. Some went as far as to call for retribution: blood for blood or tribal war. While we recognize the urgent need for swift justice on this matter, we, as servants of all oppressed and down-trodden, are duty- bound to prevent the intensification of the brewing conflict.

We urge you to make a firm stand against the escalation of the issue towards a full-blown tribal war. We entreat our esteemed elders to be a portrait of reason and a beacon of justice. Dialogue and due process to mete out justice to the victims and aggrieved parties have proven to be effective in dispute resolution among our people and between tribes.

Tribal wars only lead to unnecessary loss of countless lives, not to mention wastage of time, energy and resources. Ultimately, the people will suffer without genuinely addressing the roots of the conflict. Issues such as scarcity of resources, destruction of the environment and boundary disputes commonly ignite inter-tribal conflict. These are offshoots of the present semi-feudal semi-colonial system perpetrated by the ruling class which cannot be resolved through tribal war.

The largest gainers in tribal wars are actually the ruling class, not the oppressed peasants and ordinary people. Tribal wars serve to slowly erode the unity of the people and turn families, clans, and tribes against each other, all the while diverting their attention from their true and radical problems—imperialism, bureaucrat capitalism, feudalism, and national oppression. Thus, giving many opportunities for the imperialist and the ruling big comprador-bourgeoisie and landlords to advance their plans to grab ancestral territories and resources unnoticed. Unwittingly or otherwise, some individuals and institutions who are capitalizing on these incidents to instigate tribal wars are servants of the ruling class.

As opposed to tribal war, the revolutionary people’s war currently blazing across the nation unites all the oppressed classes against their common class enemy, the landlords and big comprador-bourgeoisie, and their imperialist master. It addresses the roots of conflict. Instead of directing our anger towards our fellow oppressed Igorot, we should be one in bringing down the system that perpetuates our hardships. The Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front are more than willing to intercede in this case in order to bring it to its just and peaceful resolution. We enjoin all parties concerned to cooperate to ensure that due process for both the victims’ families and the suspect’s is observed. We urge our elders to
do their part to the attainment of justice for the victims without further bloodshed. ##

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/an-open-letter-to-the-elders-of-agawa-baclingayan-and-other-concerned-elders/

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: The truth leads the youth to revolution for freedom and democracy

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 10, 2019): The truth leads the youth to revolution for freedom and democracy

MAGNO UDYAW
NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE (LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND)
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
JUNE 10, 2019

DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano recently called on the revolutionary movement to stop recruiting the youth, accusing the act of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing them as brainwashing. But really, how can one brainwash another with the truth? Isn’t that simply being honest and true?

In reality, the experts in creating and spreading deceit and lies compose the psywar machinery of the Duterte regime. Countless times they have produced fake news to advance their own propaganda. They manipulate data and statistics to create a seemingly improving economy. Just like how they redefined the meaning of “employed” so as to boost employment and job rates. Oftentimes, in cohorts with the AFP and the PNP, they release so called intelligence data to create an atmosphere of fear and chaos so they can justify military operations. This was evident during the Marawi Seige, in the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, the Red October plot and recently the Negros Massacre of Peasants.

The government, along with other state institutions is the biggest and primary machinery for psywar and brainwashing the youth. The current education system of K-12 is oriented towards labor export and is focused on technical and vocational skills. Subjects such as Social Studies and Filipino are given lesser importance. The Commission on Higher Education has even removed Filipino and History in college. Currently, the revival of the ROTC and its inclusion in the senior high curriculum is now mandatory. This will only result in more campus violence and students will be indoctrinated to the fascist, terroristic, savage and feudal ways of the military.

263 PMA cadets graduated last May, the MABALASIK class of 2019 boasts that among them, 40 are Cordillerans. We are proud of their academic achievements but we are wary knowing that these kailians, in a few months time, will be deployed back to their hometowns to lead in the conduct of combat, civil-military, psywar and intelligence operations. The more national minorities being employed in the AFP, PNP and CAFGU, the more the intensification of Duterte’s Oplan Kapayapaan with its Indigenous Peoples’- Centric Approach. This will undoubtedly result in more human rights violations, disturbances in the communities, and the further division of clans, tribes and ilis. These recruited state forces will be compelled to carry out commands from their higher officials to protect capitalist plunder even at the expense of their kakailians. They will serve as mere mercenaries to advance the interests ofthe ruling class thereby exacerbating national oppression against national minorities. In the end, what is there to be proud of?

The DILG Secretary should stop posing as if he is concerned of the youth. The youth sector is a formidable force to change society, that is why the government and the ruling class are so afraid that the youth raise their social consciousness and decide to join the revolution. It is not true that the youth are easy to manipulate. They are open-minded, creative and very much capable of analysis and discernment of what is true and just. Moreover, the NPA would like to reiterate that we do not recruit minors. Those who would like to join the NPA must be at least 18 years old. Taking part in the revolution does not lead the youth astray, on the other hand, this will deepen their understanding of philosophy, sharpen their class analysis, improve their skills, talents and capabilities in changing this rotten system and in building a better world. They will be given the opportunity to realize their potentials and improve themselves so that they may truly serve the interest of their fellow oppressed and exploited.

The Leonardo Pacsi Command challenges the youth to distinguish the truth from lies and to fight with the oppressed and exploited. Be the ” Pag-asa ng Bayan” for genuine freedom, democracy, peace and justice. Do not be swayed by government propaganda nor be dazzled by promises of higher wages and greater benefits because in exchange you will be utilized to safeguard the interests of Imperialism and the local ruling clique of big bourgeois compradors and landlords. The Igorot youth should likewise carry forward the warrior tradition of their ancestors to defend their ancestral land and resources, and to attain self-determination and democracy.

Join the People’s Army and contribute to the victory of the People’s Democratic Revolution until socialism is achieved!

CPP/NPA-Quezon: NPA-Quezon, Supports the People’s Opposition to Kaliwa Dam Project, Vows to Launch More Tactical Offensives!

NPA-Quezon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 10, 2019): NPA-Quezon, Supports the People’s Opposition to Kaliwa Dam Project, Vows to Launch More Tactical Offensives!

ELIZA “KA ELI” DE LA GUERRA
DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON
APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND
NPA-QUEZON
JUNE 10, 2019

The officers and red fighters of Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC-NPA-Quezon) supports the local government units of Infanta, Quezon and Tanay, Rizal, the church people belonging to the Roman Catholic Prelature of Infanta, the members of DUMAGAT and REMONTADO tribesmen and pro-environment advocates in their opposition to Kaliwa Dam.

The Kaliwa Dam would tap water from Agos River in Sierra Madre supposedly to supply potable water to Metro Manila. This project is being pushed by the Duterte Regime under his grandiose BUILD, BUILD, BUILD program with an approved budget 0f P18.7 Billion pesos of which P12.2 Billion pesos will come from onerous loan from China.

This dam project would flood 9,700 hectares of watershed areas including ancestral lands belonging to the indigenous Dumagat and Remontado tribes and would submerge large parts of Barangay Daraitan, Tanay. Rizal, Barangay Pagsangahan, Gen. Nakar and Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon. Even the MWSS acknowledged that the dam project would displace families living in the area including families of indigenous Dumagat and Remontado tribal people.

The Kaliwa Dam, a 62-meter-high concrete-faced, rock-filled dam (CFRD) with a projected capacity of 600 million liters per day (MLD) and will flood a watershed area of more than 9,700 hectares affecting more or less 10,000 families, with 1,500 families to be immediately affected. This dam project had no free prior and inf0rmed consent (FPIC) from the Dumagat and Remontado tribe, as mandated under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act No. 8371, or IPRA of 1997 to protect the rights of the indigenous peoples. It will be constructed in the mountain villages of Pagsangahan, General Nakar town, and Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta town of Quezon Province.

This dam project was started by the Marcos regime. The succeeding regimes of Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Simeon Aquino III tried to continue but was forced to shelf the project because of the organized resistance of the people of the Provinces of Rizal and Quezon supported by the church people, pro-indigenous people advocates, environmentalists and the armed revolutionary groups led by the CPP-NPA-NDFP. Even the local governments of Tanay, Rizal and Infanta, Quezon are opposing the project. Every regime, starting from Marcos and the succeeding regimes including the BS Aquino regime salivated from the expected profits they would pocket once this project becomes operational. They all tried but eventually failed.

Now, it is the US-Duterte regime’s attempt to continue this project. In their pronouncements, Rodrigo Duterte and his henchmen in the MWSS said that the Kaliwa Dam project in Sierra Madre is a done deal because it is one of the main project under his BUILD, BUILD, BUILD program. The US-Duterte regime and his cohorts want to dip their hands and make this project their milking cow. This time, Rodrigo Duterte wants the people’s fund to be pocketed by his favored oligarch, military henchmen and Chinese ‘Friends’. The Duterte regime is hell-bent to have the Kaliwa Dam constructed even with overwhelming opposition from the people.

To quell the widespread opposition of the people against the dam project, the Duterte regime ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to guard the dam construction and safeguard the interests of China and his military henchmen in MWSS. He has unleashed the Philippine Army forces, namely the 80th IB-PA and 59th IB-PA and PNP forces from SAF-PNP at PMFC-PNP-Quezon Members of the AFP and PNP had been strategically deployed in villages that will be affected by Kaliwa Dam namely; Pagsangahan, Gen. Nakar, Quezon, Magsaysay, Infanta Quezon and Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. These barangays are now teeming with Philippine Army troops and SAF-PNP Forces with strict orders to suppress and quell the people’s movement against the Kaliwa Dam Project. To please their PNP bosses and the financiers of the Kaliwa Dam Project, the PNP-Infanta had the gall to post in their official FB account their open support for the construction of Kaliwa Dam despite the opposition of the local government of Infanta, Quezon as reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

But the people of Rizal and Quezon province will not be cowed. They are determined to oppose the dam projects and with continuous protest coupled with the armed resistance of the revolutionary movements in Rizal and Quezon, the wish of US-Duterte regime will surely fail. The efforts of the people together with the revolutionary movement will surely frustrate the ruling regime’s plan.

The Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC-NPA-Quezon), with the support of the people, vows to launch tactical offensives to stop the construction of Kaliwa Dam and all anti-people project of the reactionary government posing as “development projects”. The successive tactical offensives launched in the 1st quarter of 2019 in the towns of Real, General Nakar and Infanta, Quezon by members of AMC-NPA are clear proof of the increasing capacity of the revolutionary movement in Quezon Province to punish the plunderers of Mt. Sierra Madre. Together with the people of Rizal and Quezon Province, we will prevail against the onslaught of the US-Duterte regime and his AFP-PNP mercenaries. The Kaliwa Dam project will be stopped and the ancestral lands of the Dumagat and Remontado tribe will be free from environmental destruction.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/npa-quezon-supports-the-peoples-opposition-to-kaliwa-dam-project-vows-to-launch-more-tactical-offensives/

IDP Protection Assessment Report - Displacement due to AFP vs. ASG armed conflict in Patikul, Sulu (IDPPAR no. 03, Issue no. 02, 2019)

Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 10, 2019): IDP Protection Assessment Report - Displacement due to AFP vs. ASG armed conflict in Patikul, Sulu (IDPPAR no. 03, Issue no. 02, 2019)

REPORTfrom UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Protection Cluster
Published on 10 Jun 2019 —View Original


Download PDF (1.07 MB)


INCIDENT BACKGROUND

On May 26, 2019, around 26 families from Barangay Igasan, Patikul municipality in Sulu province were displaced due to firefight between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Abu Sayaff Group (ASG). According to the local authorities, the conflict sparked when the armed group allegedly harassed the AFP while conducting a community dialogue related to the implementation of a government-led project on livelihood and infrastructure for the ASG returnees. The firefight resulted in the wounding of two (2) civilians and death of two (2) minors who were caught in the crossfire. The IDPs sought temporary shelter with their relatives and in the municipal hall.

CURRENT SITUATION

According to the local authorities, the displaced families had also returned to their habitual residences on the day after the armed clashes. The Municipal Local Government Unit provided "relief packs" as relief assistance to the affected families. UNHCR and its local partner are still monitoring the condition of the families who have reportedly returned.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/idp-protection-assessment-report-displacement-due-afp-vs-asg-armed-conflict

Carpio: Filipinos must counter Chinese propaganda on SCS claim

From Tempo (Jun 10, 2019): Carpio: Filipinos must counter Chinese propaganda on SCS claim

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio has called on Filipinos to use their freedom of expression and the power of social media to expose the “falsity” of China’s claim on the disputed South China Sea.

There must be a “truth movement” among Filipinos “to expose to the world, and to the Chinese people themselves, the falsity of the historical claim of the Chinese government to the South China Sea,” particularly the “the falsity of China’s nine-dashed line claim.”

“We can call this present-day information campaign the South China Sea Truth Movement, a people’s movement using freedom of expression to explain the historical truth about the South China Sea,” Carpio, speaking last Friday to graduates of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, said.

“We can invite the peoples of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei – countries whose Exclusive Economic Zones are also encroached by China’s nine-dashed line claim – to join us in this Movement,” he stressed.

He underscored the need to start immediately the information campaign despite the refusal of the present administration “to assert the arbitral ruling” handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 in favor of the Philippines.

“The truth will secure forever our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, to be enjoyed by generations of Filipinos to come,” he stressed.

He pointed the need to counter Chinese propagandists and trolls that “spread with impunity fake history and fake news within our country.”

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/06/10/carpio-filipinos-must-counter-chinese-propaganda-on-scs-claim/

Philippines on the horns of a superpower dilemma

Posted to the Asia Times (Jun 10, 2019): Philippines on the horns of a superpower dilemma (By Richard Javad Heydarian)

President Rodrigo Duterte is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a credible middle line between the US and China as tensions spike in nearby waterways

Philippines on the horns of a superpower dilemma

Student activists in the Philippines protest against both China and the United States equally. Photo: Facebook

As US-China rivalry boils ever hotter in the contested South China Sea, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte finds himself on the horns of a high stakes strategic dilemma.

While largely defining his three-year-old tenure through anti-Western tirades and drawing closer to China, the Philippine leader is now sending signals he is willing to recalibrate that balance by revitalizing defense ties to the United States.

In a June 8 interview with local media, Duterte said he was willing to reconsider his government’s bilateral relations with the US because he “likes” President Donald Trump.

While visiting China four times since taking office in mid-2016, including for last month’s Belt and Road Forum, Duterte has yet to travel to the US despite a previous and apparently still standing invitation to visit Trump’s White House. Chinese president Xi Jinping made a high-profile visit to Manila with promises of big investments last November.

Duterte has frequently alleged the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is trying to topple his elected government in cahoots with local groups, including media outlets like Rappler, though without providing any evidence of such a plot.

What’s nominally bringing the two longtime treaty allies back together are shared and rising concerns about Islamic terrorism. In early June, Washington deployed senior officials to Manila to discuss expanded counterterrorism cooperation.


US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the ASEAN Summit in Manila in November 2017. Photo: Twitter

Denise Natali, US assistant secretary of state for conflict and stabilization, wrote in a tweet afterward that both sides held “productive meetings with our Philippines partners on countering violent extremism and supporting our enduring alliance.”

No details were released on any new agreed initiatives, though counterterrorism has been the bedrock of the two sides’ defense relations since the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US. The local Abu Sayyaf militant group developed ties with al-Qaeda and is now aligned with Islamic State.

Washington is now apparently trying to leverage terrorism risks to revitalize otherwise faltering strategic ties at a time the Philippines is at the geographical center of a possible conflict with China over the South China Sea.

In a new Indo-Pacific Strategy report released on June 1, the US underscored how it has been “a significant partner to the Philippines in building counterterrorism capacity.”

At the height of Islamic State-aligned groups’ siege of the southern Philippine city of Marawi in 2017, Washington provided crucial assistance to Philippine security forces, including urban warfare training, real-time intelligence-sharing and high-grade weapons transfers.

Duterte acknowledged America’s support at the time but soon thereafter returned to his combative anti-US tone. China also offered firearms for Philippine forces during the siege and has since offered to help with the ruined city’s reconstruction, though to controversial effect.

In an extensive June 8 interview with a local media network in his home city of Davao, Duterte said he was now considering the purchase of new American armaments.


A US Navy member (left) gives instructions to his Filipino counterpart during drills at a naval base in Sangley Point, Cavite City, west of Manila on June 28, 2013. Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe

“In the purchase of arms, we have a bad experience but they have a new policy now,” Duterte said referring to the US. “We are going to reconsider,” he said, though without clarifying what “new policy” he was referring to.

The US has announced in recent weeks plans to sell armaments to allies in the region in a policy clearly aimed at counterbalancing China’s rising influence in Southeast Asia.

In typical flip-flop fashion, Duterte had just days previously lambasted Washington for not honoring earlier arms deals. In 2016, the US Congress blocked the planned sale of some 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippine National Police over concerns of human-rights abuses in Duterte’s lethal “war on drugs,” which has killed thousands of drug suspects.

The Philippine president appears to be implying that the Trump administration is now willing to take a softer line on human-rights issues and proceed with the sale of advanced-grade rifles to security forces explicitly for counterterrorism purposes.

“We’ll buy [guns] if we think we need that kind of [armament],” he said. “I like Trump and I would like to assure America that we will not do anything to hinder, hamper or whatever [bilateral] cooperation,” he said.

“We are ready to cooperate, but this I have to say: I will not go to war with anybody,” Duterte added, rhetorically reiterating his unwillingness to side with the US against China or its other regional rivals.


Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) gestures as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (right) looks on during a state banquet at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila on November 20, 2018. Photo: AFP/Mark R Cristino/Pool

After downgrading joint US-Philippine war games early in his tenure, Duterte has more recently allowed exercises to return to previous levels. In one recent joint maneuver, US and Philippine forces even simulated retaking an occupied island, a shot across China’s bow in light of its occupation of the Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal.

Sino-American tensions have reached a dangerous new level, with the Trump administration imposing tariffs and targeting major Chinese technology companies on national-security grounds.

At the same time, Trump’s government has approved as much as US$2 billion in weapons sales to Taiwan and stepped up its “freedom of navigation” (FONOP) patrols and overflight operations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait in a direct challenge to Beijing.

That has put the wider region on edge of a possible clash, concerns that were underscored by China’s combative, uncompromising rhetoric at the recently held Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The Philippines, which has adopted a “one China policy,” has proactively steered clear of America’s rising tensions with China over Taiwan. Manila has also declined categorically to support America’s FONOPs in the contested maritime area, despite China recently swarming its claimed features, including the strategic Thitu Island, with paramilitary forces.

Duterte has vacillated between provocative and dovish rhetoric toward China on the disputes. But it’s a middle line his officials are finding increasingly difficult to navigate.

Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said this month that the Philippines “would want stability in this part of the world” and that its “position is that every country has a right to use the waters in the South China Sea as well as the airspace. And we want peace and quiet in that area. So anything that will provide such kind of atmosphere, we are for it.”



“If the presence of the US will make it so, then that’s good for us – all of the claimants,” the presidential spokesman said, offering only lukewarm support to US FONOP efforts to avoid piquing Beijing.

Tensions between the US and Russia have also spiked in the region, as both powers expand their naval footprints in the Western Pacific. On June 7, the USS Chancellorsville cruiser and Russia’s Pacific Fleet warship Admiral Vinogradov almost collided in the East China Sea.

The two warships came as close as 50 meters, allegedly forcing the Russian vessel to perform “emergency maneuvering” to avoid a direct collision. Both sides claimed the other was to blame for the near collision. Russia and China are increasingly aligned against the US, with the two sides staging massive joint war games in Russia’s Far East last year.

Duterte has said he wants to steer the Philippines clear of all great-power rivalries, even as a mutual defense treaty ally of the US. “You do not have to praise China and side with [China against] America,” he said in the interview.

“We will go along with our alliances but to me China and Russia are not enemies because what the Americans failed to deliver [in arms], that was the time I went to Russia, [and later] only to ask [Chinese] President Xi Jinping to give me a credit line because I have no money [to purchase weapons],” he said.


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte inspects an automatic rifle at Clark Air Base, near Angeles City, on June 28, 2017. Photo: Twitter

“When we needed in the hour of our need, Russia and China gave it to us practically free. To this day, they have not even asked for even one penny as payment,” Duterte said.

“They have not asked a military alliance. They have not asked for special favors to operate in this country, unlike the Americans,” Duterte added, adding that the Philippines has no plans for new treaty alliances under his leadership. “I’m a Filipino. I have to have a sense of gratitude, at least honor the contract. Nothing else.”

Duterte clearly believes the Philippines’ best course of action is to derive maximum benefits from all powers, while avoiding alignment with any one against another.

But as US-China tensions rise to new dangerous levels and US-Russia rivalry intensifies in the region, it will be an increasingly hard balance for Duterte to maintain.

https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/06/article/philippines-on-the-horns-of-a-superpower-dilemma/

Coast Guard spots Chinese warship at Scarborough

From the Business Mirror (Jun 11, 2019): Coast Guard spots Chinese warship at Scarborough

A Chinese warship along with other paramilitary vessels have been spotted by the Philippine Coast Guard at Scarborough Shoal, where the Philippine patrol unit was challenged by Chinese Coast Guard personnel.

China had been exercising de facto control over the shoal since a standoff with Philippine forces in 2012, but sightings of Chinese Navy vessels were “very rare,” and this is the “first time” that a Chinese warship had moved so close to the lagoon.

Coast Guard Spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said the Chinese Navy ship was only about 12 nautical miles from the Scarborough Shoal, adding the ship was in the company of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and paramilitary ships.

A Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Malabrigo (MRRV 4402), conducted a four-day patrol in the Scarborough Shoal known locally as Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters from Thursday up to Sunday.

During the patrol, Philippine Coast Guard personnel saw two Chinese Coast Guard ships, the frigate and two Chinese militia boats moving at the “end” of shoal’s waters.

The Coast Guard patrol also saw the presence of three Filipino fishing vessels.

Balilo said that during the patrol, Malabrigo was challenged by the two Chinese Coast Guard ships, with Chinese officials asking questions, among others, about the purpose of its presence in the shoal.

“Except with the regular questioning, nothing untoward happened during the four days,” the Philippine Coast Guard said in a post.

Asked about the presence of a Chinese military ship in Scarborough, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said this was “not the first time” that Chinese Navy vessels have been spotted in the area.

China controls the shoal, although the Philippines maintains it has not lost it to the Chinese. This, even though it can only manage to send civilian ships in the area while Chinese military and paramilitary ships prowl and maintain their presence in the shoal.

Lorenzana: Hanjin purchase not needed for US use of Subic

From the Manila Times (Jun 11, 2019): Lorenzana: Hanjin purchase not needed for US use of Subic

The United States, particularly its Navy, could still utilize Subic Bay without having to purchase the Hanjin shipyard, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Retired US Navy Capt. Brian Buzzell, who was a former political-military officer in the Philippines, wrote in the US Naval Institute’s Proceedings this month that Hanjin’s bankruptcy was a “perfect opportunity” for the US to return to its former naval base.




US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana take part in a welcome ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2019. AFP PHOTO

Lorenzana, however, on Monday told reporters: “They (the US Navy) can go to Subic [anytime]. There is no need for them to buy a shipyard to do that.”

Still, there is no bar to Washington or a US firm from participating in a bidding for the facility, with Lorenzana noting interest from companies in South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Sweden and even China.

What should be paramount in the sale, he added, is that the Philippines’ interests are upheld by whoever ends up running the shipyard.

Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Philippines (HHIC-Phil), a unit of the South Korean conglomerate, filed for bankruptcy in January after failing to pay around $412 million to five of the Philippines’ biggest banks.

The government has said that it could take over the HHIC-Phil shipyard in Subic, but control over it was effectively in the hands of creditors Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., BDO Unibank Inc., Land Bank of the Philippines, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

No formal offers have been announced to date other than reported expressions of interest, the latest from International Container Terminal Services Inc. Chairman Enrique Razon, who in April said his firm was “making presentations” to the banks.

PMA Alumni declare Erwin Tulfo as persona non grata

From PTV News (Jun 10, 2019): PMA Alumni declare Erwin Tulfo as persona non grata

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) declared news anchor and broadcaster Erwin Tulfo as persona non grata following his slander against Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary and former Philippine Army Commander, Rolando Bautista.

The declaration was formalized in a board resolution signed by PMAAAI Chairman and CEO, Retired Major General Rufo De Veyra and President and COO, Police Colonel Arthur Bisnar. It cited Erwin Tulfo’s use of foul, offensive and derogatory language against Secretary Bautista who is a member of the PMA Class of 1985.


It added that the broadcaster’s actions and words were not only contrary to the Broadcast Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Journalist’s Code of Ethics of the National Press Club, it also violated R.A. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Revised Penal Code.

Erwin Tulfo made degrading remarks against Secretary Bautista after the latter rejected a call for an interview during the broadcaster’s radio program ‘Tutok Tulfo’. It was simultaneously aired on May 30 2019 by DZRB Radyo Pilipinas 1 and uploaded in Erwin Tulfo’s Facebook Page.

The PMAAAI Board of Directors resolved that Erwin Tulfo’s presence or participation, physical or by proxy, shall not be appreciated in all activities held inside or outside areas of jurisdiction by the Association or any of its chapter members and affiliate organizations. He will also be dispossessed of the privileges and courtesies granted to responsible media practitioners under the said circumstances.

The resolution further emphasized that Erwin Tulfo “committed the great injustice of including in his rants the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) which also counts the general membership of the PMAAAI”.

“The PMAAAI takes offense and strongly condemns the boorish behaviour and derogatory remarks of Mr. Tulfo that spilled over the ranks of the active and retired Officers, Men, and Women of the MUP thereby assailing the very core of service to country and people of which the PMAAAI squarely stands for,” the resolution said.

The resolution was approved during the PMAAAI Board of Directors meeting on June 7, 2019 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The general membership of the association is strongly enjoined to unequivocally abide by it and report any breach of the conditions for immediate and corresponding sanctions.

POC- Col Noel J Detoyato (Ret) Spokesman PMAAAI

https://www.ptvnews.ph/pma-alumni-declare-erwin-tulfo-as-persona-non-grata/

Joint Force Commander Visit Highlights Brunei-Philippines Military Relations

From The Diplomat (Jun 5, 2019): Joint Force Commander Visit Highlights Brunei-Philippines Military Relations

The trip spotlighted some of the ongoing military interactions between the two sides.

Joint Force Commander Visit Highlights Brunei-Philippines Military Relations

Image Credit: MINDEF Brunei

Last week, Brunei’s military joint force commander paid a visit to the Philippines. Though the scheduled trip was just one manifestation of the security relationship between the two Southeast Asian states, it nonetheless highlighted some of the ongoing activity within this dimension of ties.

As I have noted before in these pages, Brunei and the Philippines have a defense relationship as part of their broader bilateral ties. Apart from usual components such as visits, exchanges, and exercises, Brunei also has a few uniformed personnel that have been deployed as part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) headquartered in Cotabato city in Mindanao to help monitor the peace process ongoing in the southern Philippines since 2004.

Last week, the relationship was in the spotlight again with the visit of the joint force commander of the Brunei military to the Philippines. Joint Force Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces (JFC RBAF) Mohd Sharif Bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim made a working visit to Manila and Cotabato city from May 26 to 28.

The trip consisted of several interactions. The commander and his delegation met with Philippine officials, including Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Salvador Mison Jr. at the General Headquarters at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon city, and Juvymax R UY, the assistant commander of the 6th Infantry Division at the 6th Infantry Division Headquarters in Cotabato city. Per Brunei’s defense ministry (MINDEF), these meetings provided both sides with the opportunity to assess the state of ties between their two militaries.

The JFC RBAF and his delegation also interacted with the IMT as well during the visit. They met with First Admiral Abd Halim bin Hj Shaari, deputy head of the mission, at IMT Headquarters, where issues of interest were discussed. And the delegation also had an opportunity to visit IMT Team Site 1, where they were briefed on the latest situation in Mindanao and the situational progress of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) on decommissioning weapons from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Apart from these meetings, the commander and his delegation also participated in other activities as well that were tied to the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing the religious linkage between Brunei and the southern Philippines and how that extended to people-to-people ties as well within defense ties. As a case in point, the JFC RBAF distributed a personal donation from Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to the people of Mindanao, which included Safawi dates.

To be sure, the commander’s visit to the Philippines was just one of several defense interactions between the two Southeast Asian states. Nonetheless, the trip reinforced some of the ongoing activity in a security relationship that is often not in the spotlight despite the significance both sides continue to attribute to it.

6 abducted by Abus still missing – PNP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10, 2019): 6 abducted by Abus still missing – PNP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboang del Sur, Philippines — The military and the police have conflicting views as to whether or not there are still kidnap victims in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

While the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said there was no more hostage held by ASG after the death of Dutch bird watcher Ewold Horn,
the Philippine National Police-led Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) said six people — two foreigners and four Filipinos — kidnapped by the bandit group were unaccounted for.


On Saturday, Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said all kidnap victims had been accounted for in Sulu province.

“Today, we say, there’s no more hostage in Sulu. So far, there is no proof of presence nor proof of life of any kidnap victim in Sulu,” Pabayo told the Inquirer by telephone.


Last hostage

He said the last remaining hostage was Horn, who was kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi in 2012. He was killed reportedly by his captors while trying to escape at the height of the encounter between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf at Barangay Pansul in Patikul, Sulu, on May 31.

Col. Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of Westmincom, also said their command had no record of any person still being held by the Abu Sayyaf.

“As far as Westmincom is concern, Horn was the last captive of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. It is zero now. There is no other hostage,” he said.


However, the AKG, based in this city, said it was still tracking the whereabouts of two foreigners and four Filipinos abducted by ASG.

The names of the kidnap victims are still listed on their white board at the AKG office here, a reminder that they still have to secure six hostages.

‘Missing’

Police Maj. Arthur Valdez, an AKG officer, said that despite not having proof of life of these ASG hostages, they were still considered “missing.”

Valdez declined to give details on the remaining hostages but an AKG source, who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak to the media, said two Vietnamese and four Filipinos were still unaccounted for.

Early reports said six Vietnamese, all crew of Vietnam-registered cargo vessel “Royal 16,” were abducted by the ASG on Nov. 11, 2016, in the waters off Sibago Island in Basilan.

Two of the victims were beheaded, with their decapitated remains recovered in Sumisip town in Basilan on July 5, 2017. One victim escaped on June 16, 2017, while another was rescued by Task Force Basilan on Aug. 20, 2017. There had been no report on the whereabouts of the remaining two Vietnamese.

The Filipinos, who were all taken within the Zamboanga Peninsula, were identified as Dennis Cabadonga, Ronnie Bancale, Antonio Tan and Alejandro Bation.


Cabadonga, a businessman, was kidnapped in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, on May 28, 2015. Bancale, a fisherman, was kidnapped in Basilan on Feb. 14, 2016, while Tan, 70, a businessman, was abducted in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, on March 23, 2016.

Bation, a fishpond operator, was kidnapped on July 16, 2018, in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. “For as long as [there is] no proof of death or life, they will stay in the list,” the AKG said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1128350/6-abducted-by-abus-still-missing-pnp

AFP-CRS: Task Force Balik Loob: Meeting to Revise and Finalize the Enabling Policies under ECLIP

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jun 10, 2019): Task Force Balik Loob: Meeting to Revise and Finalize the Enabling Policies under ECLIP

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW:
DIR. Karl Caesar Rimando of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) delivering his guidance and welcome remarks for today's Meeting to Revise and Finalize the Enabling Policies under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP to Support Administrative Order No. 10 at Honestas Hall, AFP Finance Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.



Image may contain: 1 person, standing and indoor


Image may contain: 1 person, indoor


AFP, MILF intensify efforts against violent extremism in Lanao del Sur

From GMA News Online (Jun 10, 2019): AFP, MILF intensify efforts against violent extremism in Lanao del Sur

Marawi City—Two years after an extremist siege left Marawi City in ruins, the military has stepped up efforts in helping address the causes of violent extremism in Lanao del Sur.

Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, led by Brigadier General Romeo Brawner Jr., together with other stakeholders, conducted peace-building events and dialogue with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community in Barangay Padas, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.

Maute leader Abu Dar was killed in an encounter with the government Forces last March, 2019 in Pagayawan.



Photos by M. REvales



At a briefing at the headquarters of the 103rd IB in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, Brawner said the activities for the day aimed to provide a first-hand coverage of the AFP peace activities with the MILF, along with other partners such as NGOs, the media, military reservist forces, Upsilon Sigma Phi organization from the University of the Philippines, among other stakeholders in the province.

Brawner said a playground will be provided for the young MILF, to provide a avenue for cohesive and positive social engagement instead of divisive and potentially vicious activities that could drag children and the youth into violent extremism.

According to Brawner, the sole intent of the activities is to break the cycle of violent extremism.


Activities undertaken during the event include medical and dental services, livelihood projects, awarding of the first-ever playground set up in the MILF community; boodle fight with the MILF, Maute -ISIS returnees, among other programs.

Sammy Punda alyas Kumander Bangladesh, MILF chief of operation, Western Mindanao Base Command said that they are very grateful to President Rodrigo Duterte and to the AFP for their joint efforts for the betterment of their community.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/697142/afp-milf-intensify-efforts-against-violent-extremism-in-lanao-del-sur/story/?fbclid=IwAR0NNbh5da-p0PXKbeECFg1L4vnyJ5FR0FFD9i0a3H6ZeM-fe5OiEyyTS-g