Kalinaw News: Former NPA supporters graduate TESDA course in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019):  Former NPA supporters graduate TESDA course in North Cotabato

ARAKAN, North Cotabato – At least 34 former NPA supporters from the
Tinananon-Manobo tribe in Barangay Tumanding here have successfully finished the Mobile Training on Appliance Repair of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on August 13, 2019.

The 34 former NPA supporters marched in white shirt and receive their certificate of training during the graduation program held at Lobo Bemboo Grills in Poblacion, Arakan, North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Dao-on said the graduates were formerly members of the so-called Underground Mass Organizations or UGMO who are supportive to the New People’s Army (NPA) in various ways.

“They surfaced and returned to the folds of the law amidst presence of government troops who conducted intensified Community Support Program (CSP) in selected barangays of Arakan since last year”, Dao-on said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Noraya Acas, TESDA Provincial Director said the training is part of agency’s National Integration Scholarship Program (NISP), which seeks to empower the former rebels and supporters as they go back to the mainstream society.

Acas also vowed to continue supporting similar programs in partnership with the 19th Infantry Battalion and other stakeholders.

The mobile training was successfully conducted due to the relentless support and coordination between 19 th Infantry Battalion, TESDA-North Cotabato Office and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Arakan, Cotabato.

19th Infantry Battalion 8th Infantry Division Philippine Army
2Lt Angelique Taban
Civil Military Operations Officer, 19IB, 8ID
Arakan, North Cotabato
0915-883-2223

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-npa-supporters-graduate-tesda-course-in-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Army, sagip kapamilya, LGU turn-over water system

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019): Army, sagip kapamilya, LGU turn-over water system

Mawab, ComVal Province – Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn E Ducusin, Commanding Officer of 71st Infantry Battalion led the turn-over of water system to the residents of Purok 7, Brgy San Vicente, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province on August 13, 2019, 9:00 o’clock in the morning.

The Water System project provides safe potable water to the increasing number of population in the community, in turn improving their quality of life. The donation was therefore made possible by the 71st Infantry Battalion under who initiated the request earlier this year to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc – Sagip Kapamilya, who after having learned of the project, did not hesitate to help and therefore the primary donor of the Water System.

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation has provided the cost of materials. Meanwhile, the local Government of Mawab contributed on labor cost and 71st IB provided the necessary manpower assistance.

Indeed, it is a collaborative efforts and passion that benefited more or less 100 families, mostly members of the Indigenous community.

LTC Ducusin, Commanding Officers of 71IB and Hon Ruperto S Gonzaga III, Municipal Mayor of Mawab led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon and turned-over to Cristina Brigaño,Purok Chairwoman and Mr Mark Gesulga, School-in-Charge who are the direct beneficiaries of the water system.

“The turn-over of water system is a manifestation of the true spirit of Bayanihan. We took the initiative and gladly, we are given with the right stakeholder and local officials who supported us in our endeavor to pursue developmental projects for the community,” LTC Ducusin said during his speech in the turn-over ceremony.

“To the 71st IB, thank you for extending a beneficial project. Our happiness today is beyond measure. This is such a huge blessing to us. We have felt that we are now part of the community because people have given us favor and this is it, a potable and safe water system that would benefit us,” said Purok Chairman Brigaño.

The families living in the said community will benefit tremendously from having access to clean water for many years to come. As part of the program, more projects are underway with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Inc in other barangays within 71st IB Area of Operation which are expected to be completed before the year ends.

Division Public Affairs Office 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Catherine H Jubas
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 7ID
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
09175547417

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-sagip-kapamilya-lgu-turn-over-water-system/

Kalinaw News: 61st Infantry Battalion CSP barangay receives livelihood project

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019): 61st Infantry Battalion CSP barangay receives livelihood project

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo – The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion and 301st Infantry Brigade headed by COL ORLANDO EDRALIN (GSC)MNSA PA, DBC 301BDE attended the Inauguration and Blessing Ceremony of Grains Flatbed Mechanical Drier Project held at Brgy Putian, Cuartero, Capiz.

Intended to benefit the growing eighty-five (85) members of Putian Farmers Association (PFA), the project was a result of concerted efforts of LGU, stakeholders, and Community Support Program (CSP) Teams who were deployed at Brgy Putian.

PFA Officials and members requested the said project supported by a baranggay resolution from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).The request was later approved by the DOLE -Capiz with a project costs amounting to Eight hundred thousand pesos (P800,000.000).

Present during the ceremony were Engr Jez Balad-on, DOLE Capiz, Hon SB Abner Falsis, LGU Cuartero, Hon Punong Brgy Nes Foyunan and Mr Sebedeo F Falsis,PFA President. The blessing ceremony was graced by Ptr Yancy Japhet Martinez of Putian Evangelical Church.

LTC Joel Benedict Batara , Commanding Officer, 61IB said,” This is a manifestation of the strong commitment of our government and your Philippine Army to help the geographically isolated and depressed communities. It only shows that the army is truly for the people, and the CSP is our tool to prove our sincerity in helping and addressing the socio-economic problems of these communities.”

61st Infantry Battalion 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT HAZEL JOY M DUROTAN (FS) PA
CMO OFFICER, 61IB
Miagao,Iloilo
0906-254-9608

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/61st-ibs-csp-barangay-receives-livelihood-project/

Kalinaw News: Saving the vulnerable: 102 IP youths of Agusan del Norte undergo enlightenment

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019): Saving the vulnerable: 102 IP youths of Agusan del Norte undergo enlightenment

BUENAVISTA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE– 102 youths from Higaonon Tribe were enlightened after undergoing a 3-day stay-in Barangay Youth Leadership Summit from August 9-11, 2019 at Lawan-lawan National High School, Barangay Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The activity informed the youth on the different programs of the government. It also nurtured them to become responsible citizens and advocates of the government’s peace and development initiatives. It has a theme “Kabatan-onan Hiusahon aron Kaugmaon ug Kahapsay Maangkon” (Unite the Youth for Brighter Future). The event includes series of lectures from different stakeholders, small group discussions, Disaster Preparedness Orientation, Cultural Presentation, and Team-building activities.

Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M Amante-Matba, the Guest Speaker during the Opening Ceremony, reminded the youth not to believe on the deceitful scheme of the CPP-NPA Terrorists. “Don’t be deceived by the bad elements specially the CPP-NPAs who bring conflict and hinder government projects that benefit the people. Their recruitment on the youth especially from the Indigenous Peoples’ community, many lives are wasted, many youths died during encounters against the government troops. I encourage everyone to be vigilant and do not believe in the propaganda of the CPP-NPA. Take care of your lives so that in the future, you, the youth, will be the ones who will replace us to be the leader of our nation.” – Cong. Amante-Matba stated.

Moreover, Mayor Avelina S. Rosales of the Municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte impressed among the participants that “I hope you will remember all your learnings from the lectures so that you will not be easily deceived or brainwashed by the terrorist group. We want the residents of Barangay Lawan-lawan to live in peace and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23IB stressed that “the youth are active and has the potential to become leaders in the future. Start learning for the betterment of Barangay Lawan-lawan and for you to have better lives.” He also impressed to the participants that security is not only the responsibility of the Military. “I would also like to intimate to everyone that security is everybody’s responsibility” – Molina added.

23rd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army
1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG
CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA
Mobile Nr. 09171440972
Facebook Page: 23rd Infantry Battalion @ TeamMasigasig23
http://m.me/TeamMasigasig23

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/saving-the-vulnerable-102-ip-youths-of-agusan-del-norte-undergo-enlightenment/

Kalinaw News: Persona Non-Grata declaration against CPP-NPA-NDF continuous in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019): Persona Non-Grata declaration against CPP-NPA-NDF continuous in Bukidnon

Maramag, Bukidnon – Local populace declared the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in Brgy Merangeran of Quezon, Brgys of Lumbayao, Banlag, and Dagat Kidavao all of Valencia City, and Brgys of Sagbayan, Osmena and Kapalaran all of Dangcagan on August 10, 2019.

Punong Barangays Hon. Anselmo Mangum Mangubat, Hon Nelson Cabaluna, Hon. Robert Boje, Hon. Ferdinand Basilio, Hon. Alexis Durog, Hon. Brendo Balonquit and Hon. Tito Apit led their respective constituents in the said declaration as a symbol of withdrawal of support and condemning the atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-NDF in their community.

The activity was the highlight during the collaborative dialogue/pulong-pulong MEDCAP with the presence of different Local Government Unit and Agencies of Valencia City, Quezon, and Dangcagan. Signing in a “Wall of Commitment” was also conducted to express their willingness to cooperate in ending communist insurgency in their barangays. The Municipal Health Office of Quezon and Dangcagan also offered medical assistance for common illnesses to the residents.

The said activity was attended by the following: Valencia City: Representatives from FIBECO, Water District, Valencia City Police Station; City Veterinarians Office, CENRO, CSRRMO, City Engineerings Office, City Assessor’s Office, DepEd, DAR, DENR; Dangcagan: Hon Seville Cabunoc, Councilor of Dangcagan; Representatives from DAR, Municipal Health Office (MHO), PNP Dangcagan, DOLE, TESDA; Quezon: MPDO, TESDA, DENR, DEPED, NCIP, DA.

Different concerns of the local populace were immediately addressed by the concerned agencies on site. The 88IB provides information drive about the Enhance Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), R.A 10168 known as the “Human Security Act 2012” and the EO 70.

Ltc Franklin Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, we welcomed the surrender of forty (40) Milisyang bayan (MB) and the withdrawal of membership of seven (7) Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) from the CPP; and members of Hingpit na Organisadong Masa (HOM) from NDF composed of fifty-one (51) Mang-uuma, forty-three (43) kababainhan, and twenty-two (22) kabataan with a total of 116 members of HOM. “It shows that the Whole-of-Nation Approach under Executive Order 70 to end local armed conflict in our barangays is clearly working. Let us continue to enlighten those victims of propaganda of the CPP-NPA-NDF to return to the folds of the law and take advantage of the programs of the government for their reintegration in the mainstream society.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/persona-non-grata-declaration-against-cpp-npa-ndf-continuous-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: 56th IB Joins turn-over ceremony of three (3) classroom buildings for lumads in Talaingod

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 15, 2019): 56th IB Joins turn-over ceremony of three (3) classroom buildings for lumads in Talaingod

56th Infantry “TATAG” Battalion, headed by LTC NORMAN E VALDEZ INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander, together with 1003rd Bde, 52nd EBde, KALAHI-CIDSS, LGU Talaingod, DepEd, DSWD FO XI, MLGU, and BLGU participated in the blessing and turn-over ceremony of the three (3) Classrooms for Lumads in Sitio, Basak, Sitio Napisulan and Sitio Salawao, all of Brgy Sto Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on August 15, 2019.

These Classrooms for Lumads are one of the complimentary projects implemented by KALAHI-CIDSS which aimed to provide far-flung indigenous cultural communities with classrooms to address the educational needs of communities. These classrooms are strategically located in areas where Indigenous People resides, thus, encouraging the children in the area to enroll due to accessible education in the area.

During the program, Mrs Reynaly Santos, School head and IP Head of Sto Niño Central Elementary School, speak in behalf of Dr Josephine L Fadul, Davao del Norte DepEd School Division Superintendent.

“Kami sa DepEd labaw nga nalipay nga naa nay eskwelahan sa mga kumunidad aron dili na magbaktas ang mga bata aron mutungha sa eskwelahan. Ang DepEd nag tan-aw sa kaayuhan sa mga bata nga mutungha.”

“Pero, mga bata naay tugon si Sec Briones alang kaninyo. Bisan nindot na atong eskwelahan, nindot na ang mga gamit kay naa nay mga computers apan kinahanglan daw dili kalimtan ang atong kultura. Hinumduman daw ang atong mga awit, sayaw, senina, pinulungan ug labaw sa tanan ang atong pagrespeto sa atong mga ginikanan ug mga katigulangan. Kay matud pa ni Sec Briones ang mga Lumad mga buotan mao dili siya mutuo nga kadtong naga rally sa Manila tinuod nga mga lumad.”

“Busa, mga bata pahimusli ninyo ang mga pasilidad nga gihatag sa inyo aron mo makat on ug makalampus sa pagtuon kay daghan pa ang hinabang nga atong madawat alang sa inyong edukasyon.”

As COL NOLASCO A MEMPIN INF (GSC) PA, Brigade Commander, 1003rd Bde, 10ID, PA, read the message of the Commander Eastern Mindanao Command, LTGEN FELIMON T SANTOS JR AFP, “Our gathering today speaks of victory for all being a community united to the cause of peace and development, I sincerely hope that you will value the support that was been extended to you for this is for your own welfare.”

With the continuous collaboration, coordination and cooperation of different national and local agencies and with the help of the different stakeholders, last mile communities will have access to education without leaving their ancestral communities.

56th Infantry Battalion 7th Infantry Division
CPT John Louie Dema-ala (INF)
Public Information Officer
56th Infantry (TATAG) Battalion
Cellphone No: 09673514403
E Mail Address: cmotatag56@gmail.com

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com

https://www.kalinawnews.com/56th-ib-joins-turn-over-ceremony-of-three-3-classroom-buildings-for-lumads-in-talaingod/

Sen. Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa -- OPENING STATEMENT: This hearing is about protecting the basic unit of our society, the Filipino family

Posted to MindaNews (Aug 15, 2019): OPENING STATEMENT: This hearing is about protecting the basic unit of our society, the Filipino family  (By SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA)

(Opening statement of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on 14 August 2019 at the second hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Resolution No. 38 “on the missing minors who are allegedly recruited by leftist groups as their members and fighters”)
Today we continue with our hearing on the plight of mothers whose children have been recruited by leftist groups. From last week’s hearing, the Kabataan Partylist and its affiliated organizations primarily Anakbayan and League of Filipino Students, had publicly labelled these proceedings as harassment to critics of the administration. This however runs contrary to the statements of the parents who were merely fighting for their children. They are not here because the groups who have allegedly recruited their children are critics of the administration. They are here voluntarily because their children are being coddled by those organizations and they have grown desperate because their pleas have not been heeded by the said groups.

We also would like to address the issue that this hearing is meant to suppress student activism. To say that is a mockery to the parents who willingly exposed themselves publicly, risking public scrutiny of their personal lives and probably putting into question their parenting. A parent can never be faulted for wanting to be with their children and clearly, these parents are just longing to reclaim their child as what has been denied to them after their joining the leftist groups. Let me state that this hearing is about protecting the basic unit of our society, the Filipino family. As a Senator of the Republic and as a parent myself, I am convinced that I am called upon to protect the Filipino family as the basic social institution and to ensure that this institution remains intact. From the testimonies of the resource persons last week, we have been able to establish the following:

1.That groups like Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students and other affiliate organizations of Kabataan Partylist have been actively recruiting in schools even without the consent of school authorities and the parents of their recruits. We have heard from the parent’s testimonies that their children, as young as 16 years old were recruited without their knowledge. We have also noted statements from school authorities that some of these organizations are not accredited in the schools they were recruiting in, such as the case of Far Eastern University and University of the East.

2. That the above mentioned groups have facilitated the participation of their young recruits to rallies, community immersions, group studies etc without getting permission from the school much more their parents.

3. That, based on the parents’ testimony, all of their children, after having joined such group, have noticed a change in their behavior particularly becoming very agitated and hateful of the government. They have also observed paranoia on the part of their children on the belief that they are being followed by government agents.

4. That the recruited children eventually left their homes, despite their parents’ disapproval, even to the point of escaping so that they can join the said groups. After abandoning their families, the children severed communication with their parents. Each of the parent, except for one, has no knowledge of the whereabouts of their children.

I would like to point out that while the previous testimonies are not yet conclusive, the fears of the parents are not without basis. They do not want to see the names of their children reported in the news DEAD because they became armed fighters of the New People’s Army. Media outlets have reported deaths of students from skirmishes with our security forces. Is it purely incidental that these students were members of the same leftist organizations that the missing students were recruited into?

1. John Carlo Capistrano who died in Luisiana, Laguna last February 14, 2019 was a member of Anakbayan UPLB
2. Guiller Martin Cadano who died in Carrangian, Nueva Ecija last September 20, 2017 was a member of Kabataan Partylist UP Manila
3. Josephine Lapira who died in Nasugbu, Batangas last November 28, 2017 was a member of Gabriela Youth UP Manila
4. Remy Beraye who died in Capiz last November 7, 2017 was a member of League of Filipino Students in Western Visayas State University

These are just a few of those who died, notwithstanding those that were arrested or those still with the terrorist group.

For today, we have invited other resource persons for us to understand the predicament of the parents and enlighten us with insights on what legislation can be done to make sure that our students are protected and that parents and schools can work hand in hand to ensure a bright future for our young people. I look forward to the testimonies of our resource persons today and may we have a fruitful day ahead of us.

https://www.mindanews.com/statements/2019/08/opening-statement-this-hearing-is-about-protecting-the-basic-unit-of-our-society-the-filipino-family/

Opinion: The insurgency revisited

Opinion piece by Ernesto M. Hilario in the Manila Standard (Aug 16, 2019): The insurgency revisited

"The communist rebellion in the country did not start with the founding of the New People’s Army in March 1969."

It seems that the reach of the Manila Standard extends well beyond those readers who read the hard copy daily, as many more get their fill of the news through social media. Last week, I received an e-mail from Lt. Col. Sir Byron de Ocampo (yes, the “Sir” is part of his first name, not a title of respect), commander of the newly established Civilian-Military Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force saying that they had read in social media three of my columns on internal security threats, and asked whether I would be available to talk on the topic before their personnel. I replied that yes, I would be glad to, and last Wednesday, I found myself at Villamor Air Base facing an audience of about 40 men and women working on bringing the PAF closer to the people through civic action.

The main focus of my talk was the communist insurgency. I pointed out from the get-go that the communist rebellion in the country did not start with the founding of the New People’s Army in March 1969—they celebrated their 50th year five months ago—but with the establishment of the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas way back in the 1930s, during the American colonial period. The PKP and its armed wing known as the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon or Hukbalahap helped Filipino and American forces in fighting the Japanese occupation. After the Second World War, the PKP and the Huks continued to pursue their goal of overthrowing the government to establish a socialist society, but battlefield losses, internal weaknesses as well as diminished mass support led to their eventual decline in the 1950s and 1960s.

It was amid this decline that Jose Ma. Sison reestablished the Communist Party of the Philippines in 1968 based on Marxist-Leninist ideology and a few months later, the NPA. To this day, the CPP, NPA and their political arm, the National Democratic Front, make no secret of their ultimate goal of seizure of state power mainly through armed struggle, with legal and parliamentary struggle in the cities focusing on issues such as low workers’ wages, high prices, agrarian reform, and human rights, among others.

The NPA grew in numbers during the period of martial law from 1973 to the EDSA People Power uprising in February 1996 that restored democracy. Some estimates of NPA strength at that time even placed it at more than 20,000 regulars. But I think this was a bloated figure as the NPA was not able to launch attacks on a large scale, meaning those involving battalion-size formations, during the period, only hit-and-run raids on isolated government outposts.

The membership and influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF gradually declined with the restoration of democracy in 1986. Part of the decline may be traced to the split in the movement arising from differences in ideology and strategy and tactics. Another source of disenchantment and disaffection within the underground was the internal cleansing launched by the CPP-NPA in the 1980s and 1990s to ferret out so-called deep-penetration agents within its ranks. It is believed that hundreds and perhaps even a few thousands of suspected DPAs were summarily executed by the NPA in what the CPP leadership later claimed was an aberration that had been “rectified” and those responsible had been meted the appropriate disciplinary action. But many survivors of the purge claimed innocence and left the movement for good.

The NPA observed its 50th anniversary last March 29. Not surprisingly, in the run-up to this milestone, NPA rebels launched so-called “tactical offensives” in various areas throughout the country. In light of this, President Duterte warned that the fight against the NPA would soon turn bloody: “They are just plain bandits and that should be the way to treat them,” referring to his order to shoot the rebels. Earlier, he had slammed the door shut to any further peace negotiations with the NDF.

The military estimates current NPA strength at only between 3,000 to 4,000 guerrillas spread out in a few regions, notably Bicol, Negros provinces, Panay and Samar in Central Visayas, and several provinces in Mindanao.

Ranged against the ragtag Maoist guerrillas employing mainly hit-and-run tactics are no less than the total manpower complement of the armed forces and their superior firepower, including air support.

But after 50 years of waging armed revolution, the CPP and the NPA appear no closer to achieving their ultimate goal of seizure of political power through the barrel of the gun. Every year, on their anniversary, the CPP issues a statement giving themselves a pat on the back for surviving despite great odds, and claiming the objective conditions for armed revolution have never been better. But that’s what they’ve been saying year after year since 1968.

The only remaining Maoist rebellion in the world has not been defeated by superior government firepower because they can still draw recruits from the countryside where there is widespread poverty. But the NPA has been unable to go beyond the strategic defensive stage of its revolutionary project, quite possibly because of a flawed strategy derived lock, stock and barrel from the Chinese model.

On the other hand, the government has also failed to crush the communist rebellion after 50 years despite pouring massive resources in the counter-insurgency campaign since the 1970s.

With the collapse of the political negotiations between the Duterte administration and the NDF last year, we now witness the resumption of all-out war between the two sides, and the very grim prospect of more violence and bloodshed in the years ahead.

More on this next week.

ernhil@yahoo.com

http://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/about-town-by-ernesto-m-hilario/302487/the-insurgency-revisited.html

DND seeks broader wiretapping powers

From the Philippine Star (Aug 19, 2019): DND seeks broader wiretapping powers



File photo shows Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana trying out a sniper rifle during a gun show in 2019. Lorenzana says if the anti-subversion law is revived, it should cover the Communist Party of the Philippines and front organizations, including the ‘legal left.  Boy Santos

‘Makabayan’ bloc to be covered if anti-subversion law revived

MANILA, Philippines — Security officials want broader wiretapping powers to fight terrorism and other threats to national security.

This is among the amendments to the Human Security Act of 2007 or Republic Act 9372, which will be recommended by the Cabinet cluster on security, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said yesterday.

Lorenzana, who heads the Cabinet cluster, told “The Chiefs” yesterday on Cignal TV’s One News that the wiretapping period should be extended to an initial 60 days instead of the 30 days specified under RA 9372, with one extension of up to 30 days allowed.

The law allows wiretapping, with the consent of the Court of Appeals, only for terror suspects, and expressly prohibits it in the case of lawyer-client communication, between doctor and patient, and between journalists and their sources.

Lorenzana said authorities would have to decide whether communist rebels should be classified as terrorists under the proposed amended law.

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) is classified as an international terrorist organization by the United States and certain European states, but there is no such classification by the Philippine government.

Lorenzana also told The Chiefs that if the anti-subversion law is revived, it should cover the Communist Party of the Philippines and CPP front organizations, including the so-called “legal left” such as the Makabayan bloc of party-list organizations, Lorenzana said.

The CPP is no longer an illegal organization following the repeal of the Anti-Subversion Law during the presidency of Fidel Ramos, who explored peace with the rebels. But Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, a former military chief, has proposed the revival of the law to fight, among others, reported communist “indoctrination” of youths.

Lorenzana told The Chiefs that the CPP should be declared illegal again if the law against subversion is revived.

“I would target the groups that are actually an organ of the CPP-NPA and one of them is what you call the Makabayan bloc,” he said. “They only support the agenda of the NPA.”

Among the groups under the bloc are Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakbayan, Anakpawis, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Pamalakaya, Kadamay, Alliance of Concerned Teachers and League of Filipino Students.

“If you look at the actions of… Makabayan bloc, where do they pour their resources? In far-flung areas where there are lots of NPAs,” Lorenzana said.

The bloc also reacts or moves whenever NPA suspects are arrested, he added.

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that any amendment to RA 9372, also called the counterterrorism law, will be in accordance with existing local and international human rights law.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen Edgard Arevalo, came out with the assurance amid fears that amending the country’s anti-terror law would only further aggravate human rights problem in the country.

“The enemy here is neither the government nor your AFP. We are your protectors, we are your defenders,” Arevalo said.

He stressed the AFP can only propose and that it is up to the country’s lawmakers to decide on any proposal.

A proposed amendment to the human security act is the removal of the P500,000 fine for each day of wrongful detention. The military also wants a longer period allowed for authorities to hold terror suspects without filing a case.

“We are seeking for the extension from three days to 30 days within which we can continue to hold in detention a suspected terrorist to continue up to the filing of evidence and obtaining vital information that would help us in establishing our case that would lead to conviction,” Arevalo said.

The AFP also wanted to penalize the act of glorification of terrorism, saying terrorists have resorted to using various social media to advance their cause and recruit new members.

Also included in the military proposal is penalizing not only consummated acts of terrorism but related acts as well like inciting to commit terrorism, recruitment to terrorist organization and providing material support to terrorism.

“These are just some of the proposals as regards, that we have and we are proposing to Congress to add to the present human security act which to our mind appears to be restrictive to security forces rather than empowering members of the security forces,” Arevalo said.

The military also wants the penalty for convicted terrorists upgraded to life imprisonment without parole from the current maximum of 40 years.

“We are living in extraordinary times. We are facing exceptional risk to our security, that’s why we are pushing for uncommon solution. What is at stake today is not just us, it is not just our lives and limbs and our possessions. It is about the future generation of our children and their future,” he said.

CPP only target
As administration officials bat for tougher laws against crime and terror, Secretary Año said a revived anti-subversion law will only target the CPP and its front organizations – not “legitimate” opposition groups and political parties.

“That’s all we want, only the CPP. Opposition and legitimate groups don’t have to worry – they’re not covered by the law,” Año said in Filipino in an interview over dzBB. “You don’t have a problem if you’re not a member of the CPP.”

He stressed he understands the concerns raised by some sectors considering that the anti-subversion law was abused during the Marcos regime.

The law was repealed in 1992 during the Ramos administration or decades after it was passed in 1957. Its repeal in 1992 was largely meant as a confidence building tack ahead of peace negotiations with communist rebels.

Año, a former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the repeal did not work as the CPP and its armed wing the NPA are still trying to overthrow the government through armed struggle.

He said the military was like in a boxing match with communist rebels – with one hand tied behind its back – because the CPP was enjoying its status as a legal organization.

He said he has yet to discuss the matter with President Duterte. He added it would be up to Congress to determine which organizations and groups should be deemed illegal for being directly linked to CPP.

He noted that CPP should be outlawed for advocating armed struggle through its “inseparable” armed wing – the NPA.

He admitted serious study should be made first before the anti-subversion law is revived, so that authorities could readily distinguish between rebels as “political dissenters and legitimate critics of the government.” 

 
Send them home

Sen. Ronaldo dela Rosa chided leftist lawmakers for calling for a stop to Senate hearing on alleged minor rebel recruits, saying they should have instead sent the young rebels home to their distraught parents.

Dela Rosa chairs the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs which conducted the hearing.

“Who is he to dictate me? Diktahan nya ang mga reds dun sa taas wag ako,” said Dela Rosa, referring to Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and NPA members in the mountains.

Militant party-list lawmakers in the House of Representatives slammed the ongoing Senate investigation on the alleged disappearances of students recruited by leftist groups.

Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives said the hearing called by Dela Rosa was a witch hunt targeting progressive organizations. They called on the Senate to end the probe and instead focus its investigative power on pressing concerns like poverty.

Setting aside legal issues, Dela Rosa said Zarate and other left-leaning elected officials should have exercised their moral duty to advise the teenagers in their custody to go home and see their families.

Dela Rosa also denied using the grieving parents for his own vested interest. “It is the other way around. They went to my office to seek help. So I’m helping them,” he said.

He also said it’s not yet too late for the young rebel recruits to return to the fold of the law. “The best way we can help our country solve its problem is to study hard,” he said.

Dela Rosa’s former subordinate, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, for his part, asked teachers to stop “brainwashing” students. He issued the statement in reaction to ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro’s call for the PNP to stop its “witch hunt” of leftist teachers.

“What they should probably stop is brainwash our students. You are a teacher, you act like a teacher,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of the national summit on crime prevention at the Manila Hotel.

“We strongly condemn the witch hunt at the Senate hearing where the Philippine National Police vowed to file child abuse cases against the teachers of youth activists tagged as missing,” Castro said earlier in a statement.

CHR reminder

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reminded the administration that activism should not be linked to efforts to oust the government.

“Activism as a means to bring about social change is a crucial facet of a democracy,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It can be manifested through demonstrations and protests to contest an issue or advocate for a cause. It is a constitutionally-protected right, especially when used to petition the government for redress of grievances,” she added.

De Guia also warned against the grave implications of red tagging, or labeling groups and individuals as left-learning, subversive or communist-terrorists for merely expressing dissent.

“We remind the government that mere association – in this case, to any leftist organization – is not a crime,” she said.

“Being part of an organization and believing in the principles they espouse is an exercise of the right to freedom of thought, assembly and association and may affect all other rights when curtailed, such as the right to free speech, expression, and movement among others,” she added.

The CHR official said there are already laws in place that penalize any illegal acts committed in furtherance of these beliefs.

De Guia cited a Supreme Court resolution stating that the freedom to believe is absolute, unlike the freedom to act which can be a subjected to regulation, especially for the protection of society.

“In this case, the participation of the youth in protests fall within the protection of the Constitution,” she said.

“Even the Convention on the Rights of Child, urges the State to protect those capable of forming their own views in expressing them, including the right to seek, receive and impart information for as long as they are within bounds of law and continue to be respectful of the rights or reputations of others,” De Guia added.

The CHR official said the best response to dissent is to effectively address legitimate grievances.

“We cannot have a government that operates merely on suspicion and disadvantages its citizen for exercising a right that they are entitled to,” she said.

“There must always a balance between upholding national security and respecting human rights. Laws are set to protect our rights—not violate them,” she added.

The CPP, for its part, said it expects its ranks to swell further on account of the administration’s repressive policies and actions. Reviving the anti-subversion law, it said, “will only foment greater dissent.” 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/08/16/1943881/dnd-seeks-broader-wiretapping-powers

PH Army: 5 rebels wounded in Camarines Sur clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 14, 2019): PH Army: 5 rebels wounded in Camarines Sur clash

Five suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were wounded in an encounter with Army soldiers at a remote village in Caramoan town in Camarines Sur on Tuesday.

Major Ricky Aguilar, public affairs chief of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the soldiers were on patrol when they had a five-hour gun battle with some 50 rebels in Barangay Lidong that started around 2 p.m.

He said the clash led to the wounding of five rebels, who were brought by their companions while fleeing.
Earlier that day, Army soldiers also encountered about 30 rebels in Barangay Itangon, Bula, Camarines Sur town at around 6:30 a.m.

The fleeing rebels left behind three backpacks with personal belongings during the 30-minute firefight.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1153652/ph-army-5-rebels-wounded-in-camarines-sur-clash

Philippines: Humanitarian Snapshot (as of 15 August 2019)

Posted to Relief Web (Aug 15, 2019): Philippines: Humanitarian Snapshot (as of 15 August 2019)

INFOGRAPHICfrom UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published on 15 Aug 2019

Download PDF (3.72 MB)


DENGUE

Philippines Department of Health declared a National Dengue Epidemic on 06 August 2019. The declaration was aimed to identify areas for more intensive response and for local government units to use their Quick Response Fund to address the epidemic.

167,600 CASES

720 DEATHS

SOUTHWEST MONSOON

Typhoon Lekima (Hanna) entered the Philippines Area of Responsibility from 03 August to 09 August. It did not made landfall but enhanced the Southwest Monsoon that brought moderate to heavy rainfall to the country causing flooding and landslides.

163,000 AFFECTED POPULATION

1,900 PEOPLE IN EVACUATION CENTERS

MINDANAO CONFLICT
Ongoing operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against non-state armed groups in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte in July 2019 has resulted in displacement of people.

11,160 DISPLACED POPULATION

DISPLACED POPULATION BY PROVINCE

Maguindanao: 8,445

North Cotabato: 2,070

Lanao del Norte: 649

EARTHQUAKE

Three consecutive earthquakes occurred near Itbayat Island municipality in Batanes province with 5.4, 5.9 and 5.8 magnitude in the early morning of 27 July 2019.

3,000 DISPLACED POPULATION

200 DAMAGED HOUSES

210 PEOPLE IN EVACUATION CENTERS

47 INJURED

9 DEATHS

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-humanitarian-snapshot-15-august-2019

NDF/Sison: Fundamental cause of armed revolution not CPP, communist ideas, but the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people

Jose Maria Sison article published in the Manila Today posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 15, 2019): Fundamental cause of armed revolution not CPP, communist ideas, but the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people




By Manila Today
Aug 14, 2019

Communist Party in the Philippines (CPP) Founding Chairperson Jose Maria Sison in a statement today that the proposal to revive the anti-subversion law is part of a frenzied drive of the tyrannical Duterte regime to impose a thoroughgoing fascist dictatorship on the people.

Sison said it is part of “a vain attempt to end the armed revolutionary movement as well as the broad legal opposition through red-tagging, harassment, threats, abductions and murders.”

“Contrary to the view of the chief suspect in the abduction and forced disappearance of the young activist Jonas Burgos, the revival of the Anti-Subversion Law will not eliminate the Communist Party of the Philippines and the people’s democratic revolution,” Sison said.

Sison said that the CPP and communist ideas are not the fundamental cause of the 50-year old armed revolution in the country.

“The fundamental cause of the armed revolution in the Philippines is neither the existence of the [CPP] nor the communist ideas of Marxism-Leninism but the exploitation and oppression of the Filipino people by imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism in a semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system now lorded over by the tyrant and plunderer Duterte,” said Sison.

Sison said violations of democratic rights under the Anti-Subversion Law will drive more people to further oppose the regime and rise up in arms against it.

The law, Sison said, may also be used as license to violate human rights and can further embolden them to witch hunt, harass, threaten and kill those that they arbitrarily list as “communists” among the critics of the regime and the people in general.

“Such law can result in bigger mass murders than those perpetrated under Oplan Tokhang and Oplan Kapanatagan,” Sison said.

Communist witch hunt also did not also deter Sison and the youth in his time from studying communist ideas.

“Whenever the great anti-imperialist and patriot Senator Claro Mayo Recto was castigated as a communist, I became even more inspired to study the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism and learn how to apply the theory on the concrete conditions of the Philippines,” Sison recounted.

“When the anti-communist witch hunt was carried out by the Committee on Anti-Filipino Activities (CAFA) from 1959 to 1961 in order to suppress academic freedom with the use of the Anti-Subversion Law, we the students and teachers of the University of the Philippines stood up for academic freedom and all democratic rights,” said Sison.

Sison recounted they organized 5,000 protesters that scuttled the anti-communist witch hunt on March 15, 1961. A major part of the demonstrators flooded into the CAFA hearing hall and put a stop to the proceedings.

The CPP Information Bureau also believed that the revival of anti-subversion law will only foment dissent.

“Given the propensity of Duterte and his military officers to accuse people of being communists or associated with the Communist Party of the Philippines, the revival of the anti-subversion law, as proposed by DILG Sec. Eduardo Año, will only result in military and police abuses and violations of democratic rights far worse than what we have already experienced in the past three years,” said the CPP in a statement.

The group said the law previously “proved inutile in stopping the growth of the [CPP] and the revolutionary armed struggle, because it merely masks the basic issues of oppression and exploitation which impel thousands of people to join the Party and the revolutionary struggle.”

https://www.ndfp.org/fundamental-cause-of-armed-revolution-not-cpp-communist-ideas-but-the-exploitation-and-oppression-of-the-filipino-people/

CPP: Lorenzana’s “more security and less rights” is perverted Hitlerite logic

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 15, 2019): Lorenzana’s “more security and less rights” is perverted Hitlerite logic



The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the perverted Hitlerite logic of Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana asserting there should be “more security and less human rights” in his and the AFP’s pitch for amending the Human Security Act “to give it more teeth.”

The HSA is misnomered the “anti-terrorist law.” In fact, it promotes state terrorism in the name of fighting terrorism. The HSA has given the military and police extra powers of surveillance, warrantless arrests, indefinite detention of up to three days or more (from 36 hours under the Revised Penal Code) and seizure of bank deposits or property. It is more appropriate to call the HSA the state terror law.

The HSA provides an overly broad definition of “terrorism” which enables the reactionary Philippine government to suppress any form of dissent or resistance against state oppression. Under the HSA, “terrorism” includes acts such as piracy, rebellion or insurrection, coup d’etat, murder, kidnapping, serious illegal detention, destruction of property, arson, hijacking and illegal possession of firearms “to sow and create conditions of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace, in order to coerce the government to give in to an unlawful demand.” Those found guilty will be meted life sentences without parole.

Lorenzana and the AFP want to amend the HSA to remove the provision requiring the state to pay P500,000 to those proven innocent for every day of unjust detention. They also want to extend the allowed period of indefinite detention of suspects from three days to 30 or 60 days. These amendments will further embolden the military and police forces to carry out more acts of suppression against the anti-tyranny and all democratic forces.

Lorenzana uses his perverted Hitlerite logic of “more security, less human rights” to justify his push for more coercive powers for state forces. He echoes Duterte’s “human lives over human rights” which has been used to justify his campaign of mass killings and undermine the people’s civil and democratic rights. The fascists logic obscures the fact that, over the past three years, the biggest threat to the security of every Filipino life has been Duterte himself.

Lorenzana is oblivious to history which shows that less human rights means more military and police abuse which in turn means more resistance against tyranny and oppression.

The Party calls on all democratic forces to vigorously resist proposals to amend the HSA which will further strengthen the Duterte regime’s martial law rule in Mindanao and undeclared nationwide martial law. The CPP reiterates the call of the broad democratic sectors demanding the abrogation of the HSA. In the face of widespread grave abuses of power by Duterte’s military and police, what the Filipino people urgently need, in fact, is more protection for their democratic rights.

https://cpp.ph/2019/08/15/lorenzanas-more-security-and-less-rights-is-perverted-hitlerite-logic/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Rebolusyong Pilipino: Wasto, Makatarungan at Karapatan ng Mamamayan

NDF-Bicol Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 15, 2019): Rebolusyong Pilipino: Wasto, Makatarungan at Karapatan ng Mamamayan

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 15, 2019

Pinuprotektahan at kinikilala ng mga pandaigdigang batas ang lakas at kapasyahan ng mamamayang pabagsakin ang isang tiraniko’t mapanupil na estado. Sa pagtindi ng pasistang atake ng rehimeng US-Duterte, lubos na yinuyurakan ang demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan na buong lakas na lumalaban at papanagutin ang isang reaksyunaryong estado. Samantalang nagpapasasa ang mga nasa poder sa pangungurakot sa kabang-bayan, pagbebenta ng patrimonya ng bansa at sindikato ng iligal na droga at produkto, patuloy na nalulunod ang taumbayan sa paghihirap.

Sa ganitong sistema ng lipunan, sinong hindi magnanais na pumiglas at lumaban?

Ipinipinta ng sibilyang junta ni Duterte na mali, kriminal at walang katuturan ang anumang porma ng paglaban – parlamentaryo man o armado. Agresibong ilinunsad nito ang papatinding crackdown sa mga makabayan at progresibong organisasyon tulad ng Anakbayan, College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), Ibon Foundation, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of Human Rights (Karapatan), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) at mga progresibong partylist tulad ng Bayan Muna, Gabriela at Kabataan. Nagbabadya ang pagsasa-iligal ng mga organisasyong ito. Itinuturing na terorista ang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyon sa ilalim ng CPP-NPA-NDF at mga indibidwal na inuugnay dito. Ito rin ang mga naging hakbangin ng diktadurang Marcos sa ilalim ng higit isang dekadang Batas Militar sa bansa.

Ngunit huli na para piringan ang mamamayang Pilipinong mulat sa mga aral ng kasasaysayan at sariling karanasan ng kalupitan sa kamay ng reaksyunaryong estado. Sa gitna ng pagrerebolusyon ng mamamayang Pilipino, nabibigkis ang pinakamalawak na hanay ng mga kabataan, magsasaka, manggagawa, at iba pang aping sektor ng lipunan. Dito, sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan, ibayong napatitibay ng mamamayan ang kanilang kapasyahang aktibong kumilos para sa tunay na pagbabago ng lipunan.

Pinagpupugayan ng NDF-Bikol ang lahat ng mamamayang Pilipinong mapagpasyang tumahak at naninindigan sa kawastuhan ng pagrerebolusyon. Hindi kailanman bibitawan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagkakaisa ng mga nagnanais magsulong at magpatuloy sa pakikibaka ng mamamayan para pabagsakin ang sistema ng pang-aapi at pagsasamantala sa lipunang Pilipino.

Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Pagpupugay sa rebolusyong Pilipino!
Isulong ang digmang bayan hanggang ganap na tagumpay!

Ayon sa Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, “it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny & oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law. ” [GA. Res. 217A, at 135, U. N. Doc. A/810 (1948). ]

Ayon pa sa Declaration Of The Independence Of Colonial Nations & Peoples” (Resolution 1514, XV, December 14, 1960:
“2. All peoples have the right of self-determination. They are free to politically determine the force of this right & to freely struggle for economic, social, & cultural development.

3. All armed actions & measures of repression, of any type whatsoever, against dependent peoples are to be halted in order to make it possible for them to peacefully & freely enjoy their right to full independence. “

https://cpp.ph/statement/rebolusyong-pilipino-wasto-makatarungan-at-karapatan-ng-mamamayan/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Aerial Bombing at Strafing sa Komunidad at mga Orkestradong Engkwentro, Bahagi ng Papasahol na Atake ng JTFB sa Masang Bikolano

NDF-Bicol Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 15, 2019): Aerial Bombing at Strafing sa Komunidad at mga Orkestradong Engkwentro, Bahagi ng Papasahol na Atake ng JTFB sa Masang Bikolano

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON 

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 15, 2019

Hindi maaaring palampasin ang papasahol na pang-aatake ng pwersa ng 83rd IBPA at Philippine Air Force sa ilalim ng 9th IDPA, katuwang ang iba pang ahensya sa ilalim ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia, laban sa masang Bikolano. Kahapon, napabalita naman ang kaso ng aerial bombing at strafing sa mga komunidad ng Brgy. Lidong, Caramoan na nagresulta sa pagkabulabog at sapilitang paglikas ng humigit-kumulang 200 pamilya. Muli nilang pinalalabas na mayroong engkwentro sa pagitan ng kanilang pwersa at yunit ng NPA gayong wala namang yunit ng NPA sa pinagbobomba at pinaulanan ng balang lugar.

Ito ang sadyang nakababahala sa mga operasyong militar ng 9th IDPA at JTFB sa kanilang pagpapatupad ng MO 32 at EO 70. Desperado na sila sa pagwawasiwas ng karahasan upang maging tuntungan ng militaristang paghahari at brasuhin ang mga lokal na gubyerno na sumunod sa balangkas ng pasistang diktadura sukat ang kasuhan at tugisin ang mga sibilyang walang kinalaman sa CPP-NPA-NDF. Handa silang pagbanggain maging ang kanilang sariling pwersa para lamang palabasing may ibinubunga ang kanilang kampanya laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at gatungan ang kanilang linilikhang larawan ng kaguluhan sa rehiyon.

Ngayon naman, sa kanilang paghahanda para sa engrandeng pagsalubong sa pulong ng Regional Development Council at Regional Peace and Order Council upang buuhin ang Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict sa Agosto 19-20, gumagamit na sila ng mga sadyang mapangwasak na pamamaraan na walang pagtatangi sa sinuman ang maging biktima at palabasing NPA ang sanhi ng mga kaguluhan. Nagngangalit ang masang Bikolano sa kaliwa’t kanang kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao at ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang ng mga elemento ng estado. Sukdulan na ang laglagan ng bomba at walang habas na paulanan ng bala ng masinggan mula sa helikopter, ganoon din ang pagpapasabog ng mga granada ng mga M203 at sadyang pagpapaputok ng mga armalite ng isang kumpanya ng 83rd IB sa naturang lugar na hindi kalayuan sa isang komunidad na wala namang yunit ng NPA. Matapos nito, nais pa nilang pagmukhaing mangmang ang masa sa pagpapalabas na magbibigay sila ng mabilis na ayuda na para bang sila pa ang tagapagligtas at dakila sa mata ng mga binomba nilang residente at diumano’y limang sugatan sa panig ng BHB.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mga lokal na yunit ng gubyerno, kagawad ng midya, tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-tao, taong-simbahan, internasyunal na komunidad at lahat ng progresibo at makabayang pwersa na magkaisa at labanan ang papasahol na pang-aatake ng JTFB sa rehiyon. Hindi maaaring ipagkibit-balikat ang naturang insidente ng pambobomba sa tabing ng mga orkestradong engkwentro dahil magsisilbi itong sukatan ng militar kung hanggang saan nila maaaring isagad ang kanilang pasismo at terorismo laban sa mamamayan. Napakadali na para sa kanila na gawin atrasan ang ganitong kasinungalingan at palabasin na lamang na mayroong nakasagupang NPA bilang pagbibigay-matwid sa anumang tindi ng pandarahas nila sa masang Bikolano. Dapat gawin ng masang Bikolano ang lahat upang matuldukan na ang pananalasa ng JTFB at biguin ang kontra-mamamayang gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/statement/aerial-bombing-at-strafing-sa-komunidad-at-mga-orkestradong-engkwentro-bahagi-ng-papasahol-na-atake-ng-jtfb-sa-masang-bikolano/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Si Duterte at ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU Ang Dapat na Usigin at Papanagutin

NDF-Bicol Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 15, 2019): Si Duterte at ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU Ang Dapat na Usigin at Papanagutin

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON | NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 15, 2019

Sa halip na tugisin ang mga kabataan mapagpasya’t aktibong lumilikha ng pagbabago, marapat na usigin at papanagutin ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU at ang amo nitong rehimeng US-Duterte sa patung-patong na pasistang krimen laban sa mamamayan. Walang pagtatangi sa edad, propesyon, relihiyon at sektor na kinabibilangan ang mga biktima ng gera kontra-mamayan ng pasista’t tiranikong estado.

Pinatay ng marahas at malupit na estado ang pangarap ng mga kabataan at kanilang magulang para sa isang malaya at magandang kinabukasan. May kaugnayan man o wala sa progresibong organisasyon, biktima ang kabataang sina Ryan Hubilla, tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang tao at Kian Delos Santos, naglalakad sa kalsada, ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang. Sino ang dapat managot sa puu-puong buhay na hinusgahan at tinapos ng Oplan Tokhang? Sino ang kabi-kabilang tumatangging managot sa mga internasyunal na batas sa karapatang-tao at sa halip ay itinutulak ang kultura ng karahasan at kalupitan at pagtalikod sa mga batayang moralidad ng pagiging isang tao?

Kamakailan, ilininaw ni Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago na nangangamba para sa kanilang seguridad at buhay ang ilang kasapi ng Anakbayan dahil sa agresibong paniniktik ng mga ahente ng estado sa kanilang kaanak at kaibigan. Sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso ang ilang personalidad ng progresibong organisasyon sa rehiyon at pilit inuugnay sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Sa ganitong kalagayan, wasto, mulat at buong pasyang sumasalig ang mamamayan sa kanilang pinagkaisang lakas. Hindi mapipigilan ng panunupil at paninindak ng estado ang paghawan at pagtahak ng mga makabayan sa landas ng buong buhay na pakikibaka para sa katuparan hindi lang ng pangarap ng kani-kanilang mga pamilya, kundi ng libu-libo pang pamilyang naghahangad ng isang malaya at magandang bukas.

https://cpp.ph/statement/si-duterte-at-ang-afp-pnp-cafgu-ang-dapat-na-usigin-at-papanagutin/

'Umuwi na kayo,' Bato dela Rosa tells minors who joined the Left

From Rappler (Aug 15, 2019): 'Umuwi na kayo,' Bato dela Rosa tells minors who joined the Left

Senator Ronald dela Rosa also denies allegations that he is using parents to advance the government's anti-Left agenda



MISSING? Senator Ronald dela Rosa presides the Senate inquiry on the 'missing' children recruited by the leftist groups. File photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

"Umuwi na kayo. (Go home)."

This was Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's message to minors who left their families to allegedly join the New People's Army (NPA).

Dela Rosa, who led the Senate panel to investigate the matter, said on Thursday, August 15, that leaving home to join the Left is "not the right solution" to help solve the country's problems.

"Baka nga tinatakot lang sila na may warrant of arrest. As far as the government is concerned, kayo, my dear [children], umuwi na kayo. Darating din ang panahon na magsisisi kayo sa ginawa n'yo. Maawa kayo sa pamilya n'yo," Dela Rosa told reporters in a media interview. (Maybe they were being threatened that they have warrants of arrest. As far as the government is concerned, you, my dear children, should go home. The time will come when you will regret your actions. Have pity on your family.)

Dela Rosa also chided Kabataan Party List Representative Sarah Elago and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate for "allowing" the children to run away from home.

The Makabayan bloc, including Zarate and Elago, held a press conference on Wednesday, August 14 with the allegedly missing youth activist Alicia Lucena at the House of Representatives.

If Elago and Zarate were "responsible" lawmakers, he said, they should've brought back the minors to their parents. Both were invited to the Senate probe but did not attend.

The ertswhile top cop said that Elago might one day become a parent. His message? "Sabihan ko siya na, 'Magiging ina ka rin. Magiging parent ka rin, and you will discover gaano kasama ang ginawa mo ngayon sa kabataan.'" (I will tell her that, 'She will become a mother too. You will become a parent too, and you will discover that what you did to these children was evil.)

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa asked Zarate if he had even pitied the "grieving" mother as a parent himself: "Anong klaseng parent ka? Nakikita mo hirap ng nanay. Tapos ikaw presscon presscon mo pa ang isang bata sa loob ng Congress pa." (What kind of a parent are you? You see the mother's suffering. And then you hold a press conference with the child inside Congress.)

Lucena, the daughter of one of the parents Dela Rosa invited to the probe, already denied that she was missing. She said that she simply did not want to come home as her mother, Relissa, brought her to the police earlier this year to free her of indoctrination.

During the Senate hearing on Wednesday, Dela Rosa had asked the cops to "rescue" the student. The younger Lucena attended the hearing but left for a later press conference with the Makabayan bloc.

Lucena said that the police and the military are just "using" her family's problems to advance the government's anti-Left agenda.

Dela Rosa on Thursday denied Lucena's allegations and said that it was her mother who went to his office.

"Wow. Sino nanggagamit ngayon? Ako ang ginagamit ng parents nila para ma-solve ang problema nila. Hindi ako ang nanggagamit sa parents nila. Sino nagpunta sa opisina ko? Baka siya ang ginagamit ng makakaliwa," Dela Rosa said. (Wow. Who is the user now? I am the one being used by their parents to solve their problems. I am not using their parents. Who went to my office? Maybe they are being used by the Leftists.)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/237847-bato-dela-rosa-message-minors-leftist-groups

Military pushes proposal to amend 'weak' anti-terrorism law

From Rappler (Aug 15, 2019): Military pushes proposal to amend 'weak' anti-terrorism law

The Armed Forces of the Philippines calls for more drastic powers against terror suspects as Congress moves forward with amending the Human Security Act of 2007



TOUGHER LAW. AFP Spokeperson BGEN. Edgar Arevalo at a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday, November 29, 2018. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

The military wants a tougher law against terrorism, and it reiterated its support for a proposal to amend the Human Security Act that could allow it to take more drastic action against terror suspects.

"We need this badly for us to be able to deter terrorism," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Thursday, August 15.

Top of mind for the military is to remove a P500,000-fine for every day they detain a terror suspect who eventually gets acquitted by a judicial court.

They want to be able to detain terror suspects without an arrest warrant for 30 days instead of just 3, to give them more time to gather evidence and build cases to "secure convictions."

The Human Security Act of 2007 only allows groups, not individual persons, to be officially identified as terrorists. Arevalo said it should also be possible to tag individuals as terrorists based on their own offenses, whether or not they are linked to known terror groups.

"Glorifying" and "inciting" terrorism in public or on social media should also be penalized, Arevalo said, as well as recruiting members and providing "material support" to terrorists.

The current version of the law makes it difficult for the police and military to prosecute terror suspects, and is "more restrictive than empowering to security forces," Arevalo added.

The Senate on Tuesday, August 13, reopened deliberations on proposals to amend the Human Security Act of 2017.

The provisions lawmakers look to revise are similar to what the AFP has suggested, although Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has pushed for 60 days of warrantless detention of suspected terrorists.

Senators Panfilo Lacson, Imee Marcos, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III have each filed a version of the amended measure, with different provisions on the length of warrantless detention and authorized wiretapping of suspects, but all 3 do away with the P500,000-daily fine on detaining suspects who get acquitted of terror charges.

Three instances of suicide bombings in parts of Mindanao between July 2018 and June 2019, including one carried out by a Filipino, show that terrorism is an increasingly insidious threat to the country, Arevalo said, and it calls for a more stringent law.

"We are facing an exceptional risk to our security, that's why we require an uncommon solution," the military spokesman said, addressing concerns that the proposed amendments may infringe suspects' constitutional rights.

"We understand the apprehensions of our people especially on issues of human rights but we assure our people that your Armed Forces is a professional institution that adheres to the tenets of human rights and international law…. Trust your AFP," Arevalo said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/237854-military-pushes-proposal-amend-weak-anti-terrorism-law

5 ex-Reds to get P254K for surrendering firearms

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 15, 2019): 5 ex-Reds to get P254K for surrendering firearms



Five former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) are set to receive P254,000 as payment for five firearms that they have surrendered to the military.

The rebels gave up their firearms to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

According to the military, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office made the valuation of the yielded firearms, such as M16A1, two M1 Garrand, M1 Carbine and cal .45.

Cost valuation is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP by the government intended for the NPA members who want to surrender.

Apart from the payment of the weapons, the former rebels will also receive additional P65,000-worth of assistance and they are also qualified to avail of the housing project from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/5-ex-reds-to-get-p254k-for-surrendering-firearms/

Zamboanga City orphans receive gifts from military

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 15, 2019): Zamboanga City orphans receive gifts from military



Officials of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) have distributed gifts to some orphan children in Zamboanga City.

Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Westmincom Deputy Commander for Operations, led the handover of food stuff, toys, and toiletries to 45 orphans in Barangay Talon-Talon Tuesday, August 13.

“This is one way of giving back and helping the less privileged without expecting something in return. We are glad to help children in whatever means we can,” he said.

Also present in the event were Col. Leonardo Peña, Westmincom’s Chief of Unified Command Staff; Col. Gerry Besana, Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations; and other members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

“We want to reach out to the less privileged and make a difference in our lives as public servants and soldiers. We also want to enliven the hopes of less fortunate children so they will strive for a better future,” said Westmincom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/zamboanga-city-orphans-receive-gifts-from-military/

OPAPP hopes other armed groups in Mindanao to follow MILF’s decommissioning

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 15, 2019): OPAPP hopes other armed groups in Mindanao to follow MILF’s decommissioning



The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has expressed hope that the successful decommissioning of 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants could encourage other armed groups in Mindanao to turn in their weapons and return to the folds of the law.

“We will ensure that the MILF combatants who will undergo the decommissioning process will receive a decent comprehensive and sustainable socio-economic package,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez said during the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) meeting in Malacañang Tuesday, August 13.

“Now, if the other armed groups will see the fruits of this process, I believe they will be encouraged to join in the decommissioning process,” he said.

Aside from the various Moro fronts whose members still bear weapons, there are still other armed groups operating in Mindanao such as private armies, communist insurgents, and extremist organizations.

Galvez said the main goal of the government is for non-state armed groups to become irrelevant in the country.

He said that based on his informal conversations with representatives of these armed groups, some of them have already expressed their desire to be part of the decommissioning process.

“The willingness to give up their firearms is already a sign that they want to change their lives,” he said.

For this year, at least 30% or 12,000 MILF combatants will be decommissioned and their weapons put beyond use. Another 35% of the MILF forces will undergo the same procedure next year, while the rest will undergo the process until 2022 in time for the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/opapp-hopes-other-armed-groups-in-mindanao-to-follow-milfs-decommissioning

Army extends aid to family of slain NPA rebel in Bukidnon

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 15, 2019): Army extends aid to family of slain NPA rebel in Bukidnon

The military has extended assistance to the family of slain member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon.

The army troopers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) provided security during the wake and burial of Jenos Bade, a rebel who died in the recent encounter of the soldiers against the NPA in Talakag, Bukidnon on August 13.

The military troops also brought sack of rice and coffee during the vigil for Bade.

They also facilitated the burial assistance coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) amounting to P8,000.00.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, the Commanding Officer of the 8th IB, expressed his sadness and extended his condolences to the family.

“We are saddened by what happened and we pray that may his soul to rest in peace. This could not have happened if he heeded our call to surrender,” he said.

Illana urged the other NPA rebels to surrender as the government would help them.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/army-extends-aid-to-family-of-slain-npa-rebel-in-bukidnon/

40-year rido in Lanao Sur settled

From MindaNews (Aug 15, 2019): 40-year rido in Lanao Sur settled

MARAWI CITY (MindaNews / 15 Aug) – A rido, or clan war, that had been going on for 40 years in the municipalities of Poona Bayabao and Masiu in Lanao del Sur was finally settled with the help of the military and the local government units of both towns during ceremonies at headquarters of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) witnesses settlement of the rido at the 103rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Marawi City on Wednesday (14 August 2019). Photo from the Philippine Army’s KalinawNews

Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion, said the warring camps belong to the Baraontong, Macud, Rangeris and Magandia families on one hand, against Ditopor and Faisal Lumamba, mainly due to political rivalry and land dispute.

“Our campaign to settle ridos is ongoing. The local government units give us information as to existing ridos in their areas, then we initiate dialogues between the opposing camps to help settle the feud,” Villanueva said.

Both parties yielded two M16 rifles, magazines and ammunitions; signed an agreement to end the feud and pledged to the Qur’an to show their sincerity in ending the clan war.

Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu and Mayor Lampa Pandi of Poona Bayabao facilitated the settlement of the rido.

“They are now free to move around after the family feud was settled,” said Pandi.

Clan members involved in a rido usually limit their movement so as not to cross paths with the opposing camps.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 103IB commander, shared that in his hometown in the Cordillera, their equivalent to the rido is intense. “When one camp gets hold of a member of the other clan, he will be beheaded,” he said.

“We are all Filipinos and brothers in blood. We must unite and we should not allow our younger generations to inherit the grudges and the rages we’ve had in our past,” said Brawner.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and head of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces), lauded the troops and the local governments for the successful settlement of the feud.

“Our troops and your Army are sincere and ready to mediate, assist and facilitate settlement of clan wars in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in our communities,” he said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/08/40-year-rido-in-lanao-sur-settled/

OPAPP to adopt “Human Fraternity” as “primordial document” for peace

From MindaNews (Aug 15, 2019): OPAPP to adopt “Human Fraternity” as “primordial document” for peace

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 15 August) – The Presidential Peace Adviser on Wednesday declared before an audience of Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Mindanao that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will adopt “as our primordial document for our peace agenda” the document on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” that Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb issued on February 4 this year in Abu Dhabi, during the Pope’s visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Galvez, who served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) prior to his appointment as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, also vowed before the leaders who gathered at the Ateneo de Davao University for a conference on “Walking and Working Together for Healing and Reconciliation,” that he would present and give copies of the document to the Cabinet and push for its adoption in the Security Cluster and Inter-Cabinet Cluster Meeting on Normalization and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Secretary Carlito Galvez, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (center) with Fr. Joel Tabora and Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma (L) and Ariel Hernandez, member of the government’s peace implementing panel and chair of the governemnt panel in the Joint Normalization Committee with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and Davai Archbishop Romulo Valles, President of the Catholic Bishiops COnference of the Philippines (R) during the conference on “Walking and Working Together for Reconciliation and Unity” at the Ateneo de Davao Univesity on 14 August. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

He said he would also ask the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support the document which raised points that “are all very, very, very important.”

“I will make an appeal to the AFP and the PNP to support this document because I believe this document really says everything for us to live in social harmony and understanding,” he said.

Gift of God to the world, to Mindanao

Religious leaders also vowed to popularize the historic document which Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Davao University, described as “a gift of God to the world, but especially to us here in Mindanao.” (Read Tabora’s presentation)

“For centuries our prayer here has been for lasting peace and a way for our diverse peoples to live together. The document suggests that peace and living together can be found in a deeper appreciation of our shared fraternity,” Tabora said.

Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Davao University and President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, at the conference on “Walking and Working Together for Healing and Reconciliation” on 14 August 2019 at the Ateneo de Davao University. Tabora said the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together is “a gift to the world” and “especially to Mindanao.” Photo courtesy of OPAPP

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recalled that while copies were available through the internet, the document “was formally given to us in our second and last meeting of the year that was June-July” as their earlier meeting was in January.

“We have the document,” Valles said, adding “I hope everybody read the document.”

Valles narrated he was struck by Tabora’s presentation on looking at the document as code of conduct.

“Not only principles, but code of conduct, forceful and beautiful code of conduct,” he said.

The Pope and the Grand Imam pointed to the “culture of dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard.”

“As head of the Conference, I am going to re-introduce that to the CBCP. That’s a promise,” Valles said, as he named various commissions in the CBCP such as Youth, Education, Clergy, Inter-Religious Dialogue, Ecumenism.

He said he is not sure about the other areas but “I am proud to say … (that) among the Mindanao bishops, the Commissions in the national level are replicated in Mindanao.”

“I’ll try my best to reintroduce the document and hoping that the reaction will be (that) we will adopt it as our own code of conduct,” Valles said.

Gift of Mindanao to the world

While the document is “a gift to Mindanao” as Tabora said, many of the things mentioned there have actually been done and are being done in Mindanao.

The document upholds, among others, that “dialogue, understanding and the widespread promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and of living together peacefully would contribute significantly to reducing many economic, social, political and environmental problems that weigh so heavily on a large part of humanity.”

It added that “dialogue among believers means coming together in the vast space of spiritual, human and shared social values and, from here, transmitting the highest moral virtues that religions aim for. It also means avoiding unproductive discussions.”

Praising the presentation of Fr. Roberto Layson on the dialogues of life, action, words and religious experience at the grassroots level, Valles noted that in Mindanao, “we still have the fortune of good memories” and “the beautiful actual programs or actions of what Fr. Bert said, would create good memories.”

“What a miserable thing to work in a dialogue when people have no positive memories, all they have is hatred and biases. But in the Philippines, we continue to work on good memories,” he said.

Layson, head of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate’s Inter-Religious Dialogue ministry, experienced four wars between 1997 and 2003 in Pikit, North Cotabato, has written two books — “In war, the real enemy is war itself” and “Fields of Hope: Stories of Inter-religious Dialogue and Peace-building.”

The first book features stories during the wars and mass evacuations in Pikit; while the second features everyday experiences of grassroots interfaith dialogues in the areas he had been assigned to since he was ordained priest in 1988: in the predominantly Muslim towns of Jolo in Sulu, Bongao in Tawi-tawi, Pikit in North Cotabato, and Datu Piang in Maguindanao. He was also assigned in Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat with a Lumad (Indigenous Peoples) population.

Layson repeatedly said during his presentation that “religion is not a stumbling block; it is a bridge.”

Valles also shared how three of his seminarians who are about to be ordained have good memories of their living with Muslim families in Tibungco district here and how they visited their foster families to announce that they would soon be ordained.

“Good memories, not lectures in seminaries,” he said, adding, “there must something good happening on the ground.”

“Pro-existence”

Prof. Moner Bajunaid, Secretary-General of the National Ulama Cooperation of the Philppines (NUCP), assured the participants that as Secretary-General of the NUCP, “I will raise the tissue of adopting this document and making it as a matter of policy and guide.”

Bajunaid was among those who attended the Abu Dhabi conference in February where the historic document was signed.

The NUCP, he said, has a membership of at least 200 ulama nationwide. The Ulama Summit will be held in November this year.

Bajunaid said dialogue must be dynamic as sometimes it can be boring.

“We have to come up with something new and innovative but always bearing in mind that we are dealing with two religions and bearing in mind na may mga sensibilities ang bawat isa” (that each has its own sensibilities).

Bajunaid expressed hope that people will refrain from using “co-existence” in favor of “pro-existence” because while co-existence sounds good, “when we say co-existence, we don’t necessarily use the word cooperation.” He said it is more of “live and let live” while “pro-existence” connotes concern for the other.

Peace agenda 5 and 6

“I’m so happy we have this kind of dialogue wherein we can put a venue on how we could solve our problem. I am very happy that I will commit myself that the document on ‘Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.’ The OPAPP will adopt it as our primordial document for our peace agenda 5 and 6. This will be our main covenant that we will use in solving horizontal problems,” Galvez said.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity announced at the conference on “Walking and Working Together for Healing and Reconciliation” on 14 August 2019 at the Ateneo de Davao University that decommissionin of 12,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will begin on September 7, 2019 in ceremonies to be attended by Preisdent Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

Number 5 of the Duterte Administration’s Peace and Development Agenda is “Conflict Prevention and Management and implementation of peace-promoting catch-up socio-economic development in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas” while 6 is “Building a Culture of Peace and Sensitivity towards positive peace and sustainable human development.”

Layson described two kinds of peace processes: the vertical and the horizontal. He cited the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace process as vertical and the horizontal peace process as the grassroots level or person to person level that involves healing broken relationships.

“The Bangsamoro Organic Law Is the solution of the vertical conflict but now I know the solution for personal conflict is the document on human fraternity,” Galvez said.

“I am looking forward to the document on human fraternity that will be our document in order to solve horizontal conflicts,” Galvez said, adding Layson’s presentation “is an eye opener for us that while we are concentrating on the transition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, we should also concentrate on the horizontal (peace process).”

“Though we are having a good transition in the BARMM, we still have … delicate situations on the different feuds of the politicians and also the different conflicts especially on land,” Galvez said.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2019/08/opapp-to-adopt-human-fraternity-as-primordial-document-for-peace/