Government to give free services in conflict areas

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 6, 2019): Government to give free services in conflict areas

At least 16 national government agencies (NGAs) will participate in the “Gobyernong Serbisyo Para sa Bayan” caravan next week to deliver their basic services to residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The caravan is part of a two-day activity of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) with Guihulngan City as the pilot area in the province to be served by the 12-cluster task force.

The first activity is slated on Sept. 10 at the Guihulngan City gymnasium where the “Dagyawan sa Barangay” will be held.

The following day, the NOTF-ELCAC will be in Barangay Trinidad for the "Gobyernong Serbisyo" caravan where the NGAs are expected to offer their respective services to some 150 beneficiaries, Jennifer Catan Tilos, Information Center manager of the Philippine Information Agency here, who heads the Strategic Communication Cluster of the NOTF-ELCAC, said.

Tilos said the number of NGAs could still change as Task Force chair, Governor Roel Degamo, is calling for a meeting on Sept. 9 to finalize which agencies are participating and what services are to be provided.

Initially, the list of NGAs and their services include the Department of Agriculture (livestock, seedlings, farm materials distribution); National Food Authority (selling of NFA rice); Department of Education (dental services/dental van); Department of Health (Libreng Gamot/medical and dental mission/dental van); Department of Labor and Employment (job fair); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (free haircut, massage, manicure and pedicure, scholarship program); Philippine Statistics Authority (live birth/certificate of no marriage registration); Philippine National Police (medical/dental services, License To Own and Possess Firearm or LTOPF);

Armed Forces of the Philippines (medical and dental services/dental van/free haircut); Philippine Navy (free hair cut/massage/medical and dental services); Social Security System (issuance of SSS number, verification of SSS contributions, filing of funeral death claim, retirement, sickness, disability, maternity leave, employer’s registration, member data change request, salary loan, and loan verification); Land Transportation Office (mobile registration/renewal of license); PhilPost (Postal I.D.); Department of Trade and Industry (Diskwento Caravan); PhilHealth (new member registration); and Provincial Attorney’s Office (legal advice).

Other agencies listed, but whose services have yet to be identified, are the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

On the same day, Degamo will lead the groundbreaking for the province-funded PHP380-million farm-to-market road linking Barangay Hilaitan to Barangay Trinidad also in Guihulngan.

Trinidad is among the 16 barangays in the province’s seven cities and municipalities that the military has identified as conflict areas being affected by the insurgency problem due to the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels.

The NOTF-ELCAC was created last month in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s Whole of Nation approach in ending armed conflict and attaining peace and sustainable development.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/September/06/topstory10.htm

DNA tests confirm Indonesian couple behind Jolo Cathedral bombing

From Rappler (Sep 5, 2019): DNA tests confirm Indonesian couple behind Jolo Cathedral bombing

'They shared DNA with their parents so it's them,' says Indonesian national police spokesperson Dedi Prasetyo



CONFIRMED. In this file photo, policemen and soldiers are seen in front of a Catholic Church, where the bombing took place in Jolo, Sulu province on the southern island of Mindanao. Photo by Nickee Butlangan/AFP

JAKARTA, Indonesia – An Indonesian militant and his wife carried out January suicide bombings at a Catholic cathedral in the Philippines that killed at least 21 people, Jakarta said Thursday, September 5, citing DNA tests.

Indonesian police said testing performed on the couple's remains confirmed their involvement – after announcing in July that they believed the attackers were married couple Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfah Handayani Saleh.

"They shared DNA with their parents so it's them," Indonesian national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters Thursday.

The couple had earlier tried to go to Syria to join the Islamic State group (IS, formerly known as ISIS or the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq) and subsequently underwent an Indonesian government deradicalization program.

They were initially identified as suspects in the Philippines church attack by two militants linked to Indonesian terror network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

Members of JAD staged a wave of suicide bombings at churches in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya last year, killing a dozen congregants.

In January, two explosions ripped through a cathedral on the Philippines' Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces – raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts.

The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines.

The church attack happened as the southern Philippines was put under martial rule after pro-ISIS militants seized the southern city of Marawi in May 2017.

Several months after the Philippines attack, Easter suicide bombings by Islamist extremists killed 258 people in Sri Lanka.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239451-dna-tests-confirm-indonesian-couple-behind-jolo-cathedral-bombing

Mindanao closer to peace as MILF decommissions 12,000 fighters – gov't

From Rappler (Sep 6, 2019): Mindanao closer to peace as MILF decommissions 12,000 fighters – gov't

President Rodrigo Duterte will lead a ceremony in Maguindanao on Saturday, September 7, as former rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front begin their transition to civilian life



DECOMMISSIONING. More than 1,000 soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will begin their transition to civilian life on September 7. File photo by Adrian Portugal/Rappler

What the people in charge did not realize was they were going to need many wheelchairs when the former rebels descended on Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, to be decommissioned as soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Because the process of transitioning the 40,000-strong Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) back to civilian life is spread out over several years, the MILF decided to put their older fighters ahead of the queue, because if they waited longer, they might not live to see the end of their struggle.

On Saturday, September 7, a ceremony to be led by President Rodrigo Duterte at Maguindanao’s old provincial capitol will herald the decommissioning of 12,000 MILF fighters – 30% of the BIAF – premised on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law last January.

This second phase of the MILF’s normalization process began on August 26 with the decommissioning of 30 of its combatants who were so advanced in age that the facilitators from the foreign-led Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) realized the need for wheelchairs.

Now in their twilight, these former rebels have spent much of their lives fighting the government for self-determination as the Moro people, fortunate not to have been killed in the armed conflict that began in the 1970s.

BIAF soldiers will be decommissioned in batches, including 1,060 on Saturday itself, until the 12,000 requirement is fulfilled by early 2020, after which the third phase of the process is expected to begin.

All 40,000 combatants are expected to be decommissioned by 2022.

The MILF has prepared a list of every single soldier who will be decommissioned, who will present themselves on scheduled dates before the IDB panel, who will verify their identity, and issue them a card certifying that they have been decommissioned and have subscribed to the government’s normalization program for them.

On top of other forms of aid from the government, each decommissioned former rebel will receive P100,000 in cash and livelihood assistance, while their families will get P500,000 to P1,000,000 in housing, scholarships, healthcare aid. Such help is to set them on the path to normal, post-conflict lives, Chief Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr told reporters earlier this week.

“Ipapakita natin ‘yung sincerity ng MILF eh. Napaka-importante ng decommissioning kasi ito ang magrerepresent na talagang they are ready to change their lives (We will show the sincerity of the MILF. Decommissioning is very important because this will represent that they really are ready to change their lives)," Galvez said.

The MILF will reportedly also put forward some 900 firearms for decommissioning on Saturday.

The first phase of the MILF’s decommissioning happened in June 2015, when 145 of its soldiers laid down their arms, symbolized by 75 firearms handed over to the IDB.

This definitive chapter of the long-drawn-out peace process between the government and Moro rebels – first with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996 and now with the MILF – came to a head with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March 2014, under President Benigno Aquino III.

The process hit a snag in January 2015, when a police operation to arrest Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, led to an armed encounter between the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and MILF troops. Forty-four PNP-SAF commandos, at least 17 MILF fighters, and 5 civilians were killed.

As the peace process tarried, splinter groups from the MNLF and the MILF, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Bangsamoro Islamic Freeedom Fighters (BIFF), and the Maute Group launched their own attacks on civilian communities and government forces, some resorting to banditry and terrorism.

In May 2017, the Islamic State or ISIS-linked Maute Group laid siege to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. More than 1,000 people were killed in 5 months of fighting, of which around 900 were terrorists, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The battle for Marawi alerted the government to the need for the implementation of the 2014 peace deal with the MILF to hopefully rein in the different armed groups in Mindanao and gradually end the conflict.

Galvez said that as the MILF takes over full governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the other armed groups may be expected to follow suit or be rendered irrelevant.

“Because when we talked with the MILF, nakita namin, pati ‘yung mga BIFF at saka mga Abu Sayyaf, 'pagka nakita nila na naging maganda ang kinalabasan ng normalisasyon at saka ng decommissioning, ay talagang magbababa na rin sila ng mga baril,” Galvez added.

(Because when we talked with the MILF, we saw that even the BIFF and the Abu Sayyaf, when they see the good outcome of the normalization and decommissioning, they will really lay down their arms, too.)

Last June, an attack on an Army camp in Indanan, Sulu, by two suicide bombers – one a Filipino – marked an escalation in terror tactics by local insurgents. The AFP afterwards reported the presence in Sulu of foreign terrorists with links to ISIS, suspected to be working with the ASG.

Meanwhile, MNLF leader Nur Misuari has been pressing the government to deliver on unfulfilled items on the government's 1996 Peace Agreement with the MNLF.

As the government sorts this out with the MNLF, Galvez said the group might be enlisted to help fight the ASG in Sulu, which is the MNLF’s turf.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239462-government-says-mindanao-closer-peace-milf-soldiers

Manila court orders arrest of Joma Sison, Jalandoni over Leyte mass grave

From Rappler (Sep 6, 2019): Manila court orders arrest of Joma Sison, Jalandoni over Leyte mass grave

(UPDATED) Satur Ocampo, a co-accused, is excluded in the warrant because of an earlier bail grant by the Supreme Court


WARRANT. CPP Founding Chairman Joma Sison and NDF senior adviser Luis Jalandoni are ordered arrested by a Manila court. Photo of Sison by Rappler, photo of Jalandoni by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, his wife Juliet, National Democratic Front (NDF) senior adviser Luis Jalandoni, and 35 others over a 12-year-old case involving an alleged mass grave in Leyte.

Manila RTC Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina issued the warrant of arrest on August 28.

The warrant includes other key figures of the CPP-NDF like Rodolfo Salas and Eduardo Sarmiento.

"No bail recommended," said Medina's warrant.

This is for multiple counts of murder filed in 2007 related to the alleged purge of communists. The military claims to have discovered a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte in 2006 that contained alleged skeletal remains of at least 100 people executed from 1985 to 1992.

This case has reached the Supreme Court, which granted activist Satur Ocampo bail. The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier moved for the rearrest of Ocampo, but it was denied by the same court on lack of authority to supersede the Supreme Court bail.

The warrant also excluded other co-accused Rafael Baylosis and Randall Echanis who were also earlier granted bail by the Supreme Court.

The Public Interest Law Center (PILC) said the Department of Justice (DOJ) moved for the issuance of a warrant on the basis of a 2014 amendment to the charges, which changed the information from multiple murder to 15 counts of murder.

"The motion came as a belated maneuver, filed when the cases are now at the trial stage and after the presentation of more than 25 witnesses," said PILC managing counsel Rachel Pastores.

Malacañang called on Sison to heed the warrant. Sison is in exile in The Netherlands.

"Mr. Sison should unchain himself from his exile and face the music. His illusive if not illusory dream of wresting political from the present dispensation should give way to a principled and courageous stand to face trial. He is welcome to come home to avail of his constitutional right to confront his accusers and prepare for his defense," said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement on Friday, September 6.

Pastores called the move to rearrest "an attempt to have critics of the Duterte administration jailed."

"It has become all too obvious that the prosecution is desperate and hell-bent on putting all accused in jail," said Pastores.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government is pushing for the restoration of the anti-subversion law which would make it illegal to be a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The DOJ is also seeking to tag Sison and 7 others as terrorists. The others covered by the warrant are:

1. Leo Velasco
2. Jose Luneta
3. Prudencio Calubid
4. Geronimo Pasetes
5. Francisco Pascual Jr
6. Mil Lominion
7. Fortunato Felicilda
8. Benjamin Beringel
9. Quirino Quinawayan
10. Fernando Rachel
11. Pecario Sonana
12. Jesus Solayao
13. Lino Salazar
14. Alfredo Taladro
15. Tito Gabar
16. Muco Lubong
17. Felix Dumali
18. Ciriaca Malimot
19. Luzviminda Orillo
20. Anselmo Balduhesa
21. Alfredo Mabingay
22. Bertino Oroza
23. Bonifacio Padoc
24. Rodrigo Paplona
25. Prescillono Beringel
26. Anastacio Dorias
27. Nick Ruiz
28. Sammy Labarda
29. Charlie Fortaliza
30. Luis Villena
31. Rolando Caballera
32. Donata Lumbrento
33. Luz Abejo

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239496-manila-court-orders-arrest-joma-sison-jalandoni-over-leyte-mass-grave

'There is another life coming,’ Murad tells MILF fighters before disarming

From Rappler (Sep 6, 2019):  'There is another life coming,’ Murad tells MILF fighters before disarming

Over a thousand MILF combatants will disarm in a ceremony to be led by President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, September 7



COMMITMENT. BARMM chief minister Ahod Ebrahim promises to ensure transition of 40,000 fighters to civilian life. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – BARMM chief minister Murad Ebrahim promised thousands of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters that the leadership will support their transition to civilian lives.

“There is another life coming,” the MILF chairman said in an interview on Thursday, September 5. He said they will make sure socioeconomic packages they were promised will be delivered.

Murad said the country’s dominant Muslim rebel group will also retain its organizational structure even as it ceases to be a military organization The fighters will become automatic members of the civilian organization.

A little over a thousand hardened combatants will disarm in a decommissioning ceremony to be led by President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, September 7. It is the first big batch out of an envisioned total of 40,000 fighters expected to decommission. (READ: Mindanao closer to peace as MILF decommissions 12,000 fighters – gov't)

Murad said the transition to civilian life will not be easy for rebels who have been fighting most of their lives. Many of them did not have the opportunity to get better education or pursue stable professions.

“When we started the organization, we capacitated our people as revolutionaries. Now we are starting a government, we need again to train our people, educate our people, and let them understand that there is another life that is coming,” Murad said.

“They have been, most of them have been in the jungles, since they were very young. We need to prepare for the normal life, even the old ones,” Murad said.

Murad said the fighters have been encouraged by promises of socioeconomic assistance.

Skills training



OPAPP and TESDA sign a memorandum of agreement to assist MILF combatants. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

On Friday, September 6, on the eve of the ceremony, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to help provide socioeconomic assistance for the combatants.

TESDA will focus on developing skills training programs and providing scholarship grants to former combatants to allow them to earn a living and support their families.

“All these interventions, which are anchored on the normalization track, aim to assist MILF combatants in making the smooth transition from revolutionary combatants to a peaceful and productive civilian life,” said Chief Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

The MILF dropped its bid for independence in favor of wider autonomy. Under a political settlement with the government, the MILF will disarm 40,000 fighters in the next 3 years in exchange for the successful establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The new autonomous region is now under the leadership of the MILF, with Murad as chief minister. Its primary role is to set up mechanisms and enact the first laws of the new region.

Expectations are high that the new autonomous region will usher in development and stamp out widespread poverty in the region.

“There have been offers many times for us na pamunuan ang (to lead) ARMM. Sabi namin hindi kami papasok sa gobyerno (We maintined we will not get involved) unless we have the weapon in order to correct the system or to change the system,” he said.

Murad said good governance is key in ensuring the success of the peace process. He said it is also criticial that thousands of its fighters embrace civilian life and will not be recruited to join other armed groups that continue to threaten the region.

“We need to make sure that all these commitments will be delivered,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239494-new-life-murad-statement-milf-fighters

Army uncovers NPA rebels' food supplies in Lanao Sur

Posted to the Mindanao Daily News (Sep 6, 2019): Army uncovers NPA rebels' food supplies in Lanao Sur

NPA FOOD SUPPLIES. The military recover containers filled with rice based on a tip from a civilian. The containers were kept in the outskirts of Lanao del Sur Province. Photo credit to the military.

The military on Wednesday recovered the food supplies kept by New People's Army rebels in the outskirts of Tagaloan II in Lanao del Sur. 

Based on the military's account, a civilian discovered black containers and then reported it to the military.

Ltc Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander said “reported by a concerned civilian, eight 24-Liter black containers buried and filled with one hundred sixty (160) kilograms of rice were discovered and sized by our troops.” said

Also in April 2019, the military reported that troops of 82IB discovered twenty one (21) black containers also filled with rice in Brgy Sigayan of the same municipality.

“Our focused military operation in Lanao del Sur is relentless, and we will not allow these CNTs to sow terror in the hinterland communities”.
“We urged them to surrender and return into the mainstream society. The discovery of the food reserves will made them hungry in the hinterlands,” Brawner said.

MGen Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) thanked the efforts made by a civilian which lead to the discovery of the rebel's food supplies.

“We recognized the courageous action of the resident. We are just one text away, your Army is ready to respond and quell all threat groups in our area of responsibility,” Ancan concluded. ###

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/front-page/todays-top-stories/army-uncovers-npa-rebels-food-supplies-in-lanao-sur

Indonesia police identify couple behind Philippines church blast

Posted to Politiko Mindanao (Sep 5, 2019): Indonesia police identify couple behind Philippines church blast



An Indonesian militant and his wife carried out January suicide bombings at a Catholic cathedral in the Philippines that killed 21 people, Jakarta said Thursday, citing DNA tests.

Indonesian police said testing performed on the couple’s remains confirmed their involvement — after announcing in July that they believed the attackers were married couple Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfah Handayani Saleh.
“They shared DNA with their parents so it’s them,” Indonesian national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told reporters Thursday.

The couple had earlier tried to go to Syria to join the Islamic State group (IS) and subsequently underwent an Indonesian government deradicalisation programme.

They were initially identified as suspects in the Philippines church attack by two militants linked to Indonesian terror network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

Members of JAD staged a wave of suicide bombings at churches in Indonesia’s second-biggest city Surabaya last year, killing a dozen congregants.

In January, two explosions ripped through a cathedral on the Philippines’ Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces — raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia.

IS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts.

The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines.

The church attack happened as the southern Philippines was put under martial rule after pro-IS militants seized the southern city of Marawi in May 2017.

Several months after the Philippines attack, Easter suicide bombings by Islamist extremists killed 258 people in Sri Lanka.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/indonesia-police-identify-couple-behind-philippines-church-blast/

Reds’ food cache found in Lanao Sur

Posted to Politiko Mindanao (Sep 6, 2019): Reds’ food cache found in Lanao Sur



The government troops have seized a food cache of alleged communist New People’s Army (NPA) following operations in Lanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion Commander, said the soldiers discovered eight containers of rice in Tagoloan II Wednesday, September 4.

Soldiers found said cache after being tipped off by civilians in the area, he said.

“Our focused military operation in Lanao del Sur is relentless, and we will not allow these rebels to sow terror in the community,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade.

In April 2019, the 82IB troops found 21 black containers of rice in Barangay Sigayan, Tagoloan II.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/reds-food-cache-found-in-lanao-sur/

5 drug suspects yield to military in Lanao Sur

Posted to Politiko Mindanao (Sep 6, 2019): 5 drug suspects yield to military in Lanao Sur



Five drug suspects have surrendered to the military in Lanao del Sur.

Ambayan Macapanton, 55; Binnor Macapanton, 22; Jamail Pangandaman, aliascJimmy, 52; Salma Palawan-Pangandaman, 32; and Haron Macabangkit, 34, yielded to the troops of the Alpha Company of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Masiu, Lanao del Sur Thursday, September 5, said Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 103rd Brigade.

They also turned over one improvised rifle grenade launcher, one caliber 45 Colt 1911 pistol, one caliber 45 Colt MKIV pistol, one caliber 38 revolver, five caliber 45 ammunitions, and one steel magazine for caliber 45 pistol.

The successful surrender of said drug suspects was facilitated by the joint efforts of the military, police, and local government unit of Masiu led by Mayor Nasser Pangandaman.

“This recent success is attributed to our partners who actively participate in the whole-of-nation campaign of the government,” Brawner said.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/5-drug-suspects-yield-to-military-in-lanao-sur/

Army battles ‘fake news’ with truth

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 6, 2019): Army battles ‘fake news’ with truth

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Duterte government has stepped up efforts to fight black propaganda and fake news being peddled by communist insurgents who have resorted to spreading false information and lies and deceit following the steady flow of surrenderees to main stream society.

The Regional Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) also said it will fight black propaganda by swamping fake news with the truth, instead of attacking the story.
Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the government will counter black propaganda by the New People’s Army and the Communist Party of the Philippines and its fronts through constant information dissemination and fighting disinformation. Such a strategy, he said, will allow the public to have access to more context that will enable themselves to identify fake news.

“To counter communist propaganda, we do not have to always demonize them. We just have to tell the truth and focus the battle on fighting disinformation,” De Leon said.

“We in the government do not have a penchant for lifting our own chair, for boasting about the good things that we have done. But our silence has been taken advantage of by other interest groups that use it as an opportunity to distort the picture, malign our image, and portray us negatively to the people,” he added.

De Leon said the deceptive communications strategies of the communists have long existed to entice the masses to join them such as marginalized farmers, women, and the youth, in exchange for empty promises. “Matagal na pong inumpisahan ni Joma (Jose Maria) Sison (founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines) ‘yung whole-of-nation revolution,” he said, adding that the Duterte administration has likewise embarked on a whole-of-government approach in fighting communist terrorists through the RTF-ELCAC. (With a report from Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/army-battles-fake-news-with-truth/

Misuari, suportado ng mga Moro!

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 6, 2019): Misuari, suportado ng mga Moro!

MALAKI PA RIN ang suportang nakukuha ni Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari mula sa mga Muslim sa Mindanao, at lalo pa itong lumakas dahil na rin sa pagiging malapit ng dating rebelde kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Kilalang kaibigan ni Misuari si Duterte kung kaya’t muling binubuhay ng Pangulo ang peace talks sa MNLF, at ilang beses na rin nag-usap ng masinsinan ang dalawa ukol sa muling pagbubukas ng peace talks upang matuldukan na ang kaguluhan sa Mindanao.



Nur Misuari (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Nais ni Duterte na tumulong ang MNLF sa pagpapatupad ng kapayapaan sa rehiyon, partikular sa lalawigan ng Sulu na kung saan ay na-impluwensyahan ng ISIS ang teroristang grupo ng Abu Sayyaf.

Hindi pa malinaw mula sa Malakanyang kung ano ang magiging papel ni Misuari sa plano ni Duterte, subali’t ilang ulit na sinabi ng Pangulo na nais nitong bigyan ng malawak na responsibilidad ang MNLF.

Lumagda ng peace accord ang MNLF sa pamahalaan noong Setyembre 1996 at umupo si Misuari bilang gobernador ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), ngunit maiksing panahon lamang ang pagsisilbi nito.

Natalo si Misuari sa halalan sa ARMM at inakusahan nito ang pamahalaan ng paglabag sa peace agreement na suportado ng Organization of Islamic Countries na ngayon ay kilala bilang Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Sa ilalim ng peace accord, dapat ay nakapaglaan ang pamahalaan ng sapat na pondo para mabigyan ng hanap-buhay at pabahay ang mga dating rebelde sa kanilang panunumbalik sa lipunan, at maitatag ng gobyerno ang isang mini-Marshal Plan sa Mindanao upang maisulong ang ekonomiya sa magulong rehiyon.

Dahil sa kabiguan ng pamahalaan, umalma si Misuari at ang maraming miyembro ng MNLF at nag-resulta ito sa rebelyon at pag-atake ng grupo sa isang kampo ng militar sa bayan ng Jolo sa lalawigan ng Sulu; at maging sa Zamboanga City noong Nobyembre 2001 na ikinamatay ng marami. At naulit ang atake sa Zamboanga City noong Setyembre 2013 at mas madugo ito dahil inabot ng 3 linggo ang labanan at nag-iwan ng malaking pinsala.

Bagama’t nasampahan ng kaso si Misuari, nanatili itong malaya sa kautusan ni Duterte na huwag aarestuhin ang dating rebelde dahil sa napipintong pagbubukas ng peace talks.

Sa katunayan, sinabi ni Duterte na nais nitong bigyan ang MNLF ng kahintulad ng peace deal ng pamahalaan sa karibal nitong Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Murad Ebrahim na ngayon ay Chief Minister ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Ipinag-utos rin ni Duterte kay Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez na agad bumuo ng coordinating committee sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at MNLF bilang panimula ng peace talks. Isinusulong rin ni Misuari ang pagtatatag ng federal form of government at tulad ni Duterte, matibay ang adbokasiya ng dalawa ukol dito.

“We will look into this because we see that the BARMM is subdivided. We have what we call a deputy for the mainland, and then a deputy for Lanao, and then deputy for the BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) area. And I believe the MNLF-Misuari group is more predominant in the BASULTA area,” ani Galvez.

Malakas ang puwersa ni Misuari sa Sulu na kung saan ay matataas na kalibre ng armas ang bitbit ng libo-libong miyembro nito at daig pa ang mga sundalo ng militar sa kalidad ng kanilang mga baril.

Ngunit sa kabila nito ay disiplinado pa rin ang mga miyembro ng MNLF sa Sulu at ibang bahagi ng Mindanao at nasa kani-kanilang mga kampo pa rin at naghihintay sa pagbubukas ng peace talks sa pamahalaang Duterte. (Mindanao Examiner. May karagdagang ulat mula sa Zamboanga Post.)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/misuari-suportado-ng-mga-moro/

Remembering ‘Zamboanga siege’

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 6, 2019): Remembering ‘Zamboanga siege’

SIX YEARS AFTER the deadly siege of Zamboanga by hundreds of armed Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members, residents here are still crying for justice which remains elusive for the victims of the September 9, 2013 attack.

Mayor Beng Climaco set September 9 as a “Special Day of Remembrance” in honor of all those who perished in the siege that lasted for 3 weeks.









Supporters of Nur Misuari, the MNLF chairman, attacked Zamboanga after declaring independence and their failed attempt to raise the Bangsamoro Republik flag at City Hall. The siege displaced over 100,000 people and affected the economies of Basilan and Sulu which are dependent on Zamboanga for their trades and goods.

Misuari has publicly denied involvement in the siege of Zamboanga.

In 2016, Climaco – who stood firm against the MNLF during the entire period of the crisis – has banned any so-called peace rally or gathering of the MNLF members in Zamboanga City.

She said such rallies will not be allowed in the as this might disturb Zamboanga anew. “I am giving you a categorical no; you must not disturb Zamboanga anymore. If you want to come up with your rally, make it in your area, Zamboanga will not welcome a rally by MNLF, not at this time because you still have to be accountable with the killings and devastations we are suffering from,” Climaco said in the past.

“The destruction wrought by the 2013 siege continues to linger, as internally displaced persons – both Muslims, Christians and Lumads, most of whom are those who eluded the conflicts in Sulu and Basilan – have suffered the brunt of the MNLF attack in Zamboanga,” she said.









The siege of Zamboanga. (Photos courtesy of the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper)

Misuari signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, he said there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

It was the second attack by MNLF in the past decade. In November 2001, hundreds of MNLF members occupied the Cabatangan Complex and held hostage dozens of civilians, including children; and another group also attacked a military base in Sulu province in an effort to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region after Misuari was ousted as governor.

More than 100 people were killed in the fighting and in the end, then Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat allowed the attackers to leave Zamboanga in exchange for the hostages.

Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, where he had been arrested and deported to the Philippines and was eventually pardoned and released by President Gloria Arroyo in exchange for MNLF support to her election bid as well as her allies in the Senate and Congress in 2004.

He also ran several times for governor in Sulu even while under detention, but lost. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted to resume the peace process with Misuari and ordered police and military not to arrest the MNLF chieftain. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/remembering-zamboanga-siege/

Army intensifies security awareness in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Army intensifies security awareness in Surigao Norte (By 30IB, Philippine Army)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army recently conducted a Security Awareness Symposium to the Civic Welfare Training Services (CWTS), Literacy Training Services (LTS) and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) students of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) held at the SSCT Main Campus, this city.

The one-day activity is in partnership with the SSCT and 1503rd (Surigao del Norte) Community Defense Center, 15th (Caraga) Regional Community Defense Center Group (15RCDG), Army Reserve Command.

This was conducted to the incoming freshmen students during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) General Orientation and Registration, as part of the school's curriculum.
Civil-Military Operations Acting Officer 1Lt. Wilfredo F. Quilang of 30IB enlightened the students regarding the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) infiltration in the schools.

He emphasized the CNTs deceptive tactics and how they use deceit and lies to organize the folks in the barrios and the students in school campuses.

He also said that one of the duties of the Philippine Army is to educate and inform the young people regarding the nature of the CNTs and their deceptive and manipulative recruitment strategy.

“The youth is among the target sectors for radicalization to pursue the CNTs' agenda. We must protect them from being used by the terrorists, please bear in mind that the CNTs do not believe that there is an Almighty God that's why they are not afraid of their evil acts. Love of God must be our priority so that we will not be swayed by their deceptions and lies, “ Lt. Quilang said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Villarosa, commanding officer of 30IB said that "the youth is the hope of the nation, and in partnership with key stakeholders, we must help enlighten the minds of the young people so that they will not be easily swayed by the sweet promises of the terrorist groups."

Lt. Col. Villarosa added that the national security awareness campaign of the Philippine Army is part of the symposium where participants will be informed and be made aware of the local terrorists groups that exist in the country. (30IB-Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026420

61IB hosts assembly of former rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 6, 2019): 61IB hosts assembly of former rebels (By 61IB CMO-Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo - At least 50 Former Rebels (FRs) attended the 4th General Assembly of Federation for Reforms, Initiatives, Empowerment, Nation-Building and Development (FRIENDs) here.

The event for the former rebels, who are members of different FR associations from the six towns of the first district of Iloilo including Leon in the 2nd district of the province, was held at the Headquarters of 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army on August 31, 2019.



The assembly was highlighted by the lectures about government programs, specifically of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), that could be availed of by former rebels.

“This is our way of helping our former rebels to have a normal life by connecting them to the right agencies,” said 61st IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara.

Batara added that “They started their programs before I assumed as Commanding Officer of the 61IB, so I am continuing the efforts and will support them on whatever assistance the unit may provide.”

The activity is an annual event of the former rebels to come together and update on their programs and projects, as well as elect the new set of officers of the federation.

Present during the activity include Miagao mayor Macario Napulan, former Congressman Richard Garin, who actively supported various programs and projects of the FRs; Tubungan, Iloilo Sangguniang Bayan member Medalla Balandra, who represented the municipal mayor of the said town, and Miagao Public Employment Service Officer Emelyn Tano. (JBG/1Lt Hazel Joy M. Durotan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026963

Army updates ex-rebels on gov’t programs, projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Army updates ex-rebels on gov’t programs, projects



SUPPORTING EX-REBELS. Former rebels receive lectures and orientation on government programs during the fourth general assembly of the Federation for Reforms, Initiatives, Empowerment, Nation-Building and Development (FRIENDs) at Camp Monteclaro on Aug. 31, 2019. The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion assured that ex-rebels are updated on the government programs that they can avail of. (Photo courtesy of 61st IB)

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) regularly gathers rebel returnees to hear their concerns and update them about government projects and programs.

Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that they hosted the fourth general assembly of the Federation for Reforms, Initiatives, Empowerment, Nation-Building and Development (FRIENDs) composed of former rebels, at the 61st IB headquarters in Camp Monteclaro, Miag-ao town.

The Army regularly updates the rebel returnees every month and holds a general assembly once a year.

About 50 rebel returnees received lectures and orientation from the Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We are coordinating with them to assist them with the current programs and activities. We have concerned agencies and had the presence of Miag-ao Mayor Macario Napulan and former Iloilo 1st District congressman Richard Garin who were there to support them,” Batara said.

The attendees of the gathering were from San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Igbaras, Tubungan, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Oton, and Leon towns.

Batara said the organized group of former rebels from these towns consisted of about 200 members.

The rebel returnees raised their concerns on some delays in project implementation. Batara said they were made to understand that the delay was caused by some unliquidated documents of villages.

“I checked on the projects that were given to them and most of it concern livelihood. It includes projects and programs on cattle raising, crop production, among others,” he said.

He said the organized group of former rebels helped the Army to easily reach out to them and for their members to easily request projects from the government.

Although the former rebels said there were times when the members of the communist group tried to convince them to return to the armed struggle, Batara assured that they will not be swayed as they witnessed how the government had extended assistance to them.

Some of the members, who surrendered in the 1990s, are now of old age.

“Some of them are now 60 years old and they also help the Army in spreading information to end the insurgency.

The elders have influence and some of them live in the upland villages, helping us promote peace,” Batara said.

The effort of the former rebels in spreading peace will be a significant help for those who are still in the rebel group to also return to the government fold, he added.

Rebel returnees are entitled to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) to assist them in starting their lives away from the rebel group.

From 2016, E-Clip enrolled beneficiaries from Iloilo and Capiz provinces had reached a total of 79, said 1Lt. Hazel Joy Durotan, information officer of the 61IB.

A total of 21 regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) had surrendered in 2016; three in 2017; and seven in 2018 in Iloilo and Capiz.

In 2018, one member of the Militia ng Bayan from Iloilo and 47 in Capiz returned to the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079729

Quezon declares CPP-NPA 'persona non-grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Quezon declares CPP-NPA 'persona non-grata'



NO TO CPP-NPA IN QUEZON. Gov. Danilo E. Suarez thanked members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), who adopted the joint resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) “persona non-grata”, during the joint council meeting at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Barangay Domoit, Lucena City, Quezon on Sept. 4, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Quezon PIO)

The provincial government has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as “persona non-grata”, amid the denouncing by Quezon officials of the insurgents’ terroristic activities, violence, and harassments.

Gov. Danilo E. Suarez endorsed the joint resolution, which was approved during the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Barangay Domoit here last Wednesday.

“The joint resolution adopted by the joint councils is part of our program to strengthen the peace and order of the province and aims to thwart any form of violence perpetrated by the rebel movement,” Suarez said.

He also thanked members of both councils, mayors, officials of the Quezon Provincial Police Office (QPPO), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and representatives from other government agencies.

The conference also tackled issues on crime and peace and order situation, internal security and the province’s anti-drug campaign.

The AFP’s 201st, 202nd, and 902nd Infantry Brigades also briefed the attendees on their internal security operation and their anti-insurgency campaign, in line with the objectives of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

The military officials also reported on their focused operations, which led to the reduction in insurgency cases in the province's 1st and 2nd districts.

The governor also hailed the Quezon PPO through Provincial Director Col. Audie Madrideo for the decline in crime rate in the province.

PDEA representatives also reported on their anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Meanwhile, Tiaong, Quezon mayor Ramon Preza, who also heads Quezon’s League of Mayors, also proposed a resolution in support of the DILG Memorandum No. 2019-121, pertaining to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to clear public roads of illegal structures and construction.

Suarez endorsed the resolution to expedite clearing operations within the 60-day period as the DILG is monitoring the local government units’ (LGUs) compliance.

He also expressed appreciation to the local chief executives for their participation and support in making the Niyogyugan Festival held last month a success.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079737

Dawlah Islamiya member surrenders in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Dawlah Islamiya member surrenders in Lanao

A member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), formerly known as the Maute group, has surrendered to military authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, officials announced Friday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the Dawlah Islamiya member, whose name was being withheld for security reasons, surrendered around 3 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Bubong Madanding, Marantao, Lanao del Sur.

Altre said the Dawlah Islamiya surrenderer has turned over a cal.45 pistol and a shotgun.

“Based on our initial custodial debriefing, the surrenderer revealed that he was recruited by a certain Abu Anas, a Dawlah Islamiyah member,” Altre said.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the focused military operations against the Dawlah Islamiya will continue without let-up.

“We encourage local terrorist groups and their supporters to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law in order to make their community peaceful,” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079761

Palace to Sison: 'Face the music' in ‘80s purging case

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Palace to Sison: 'Face the music' in ‘80s purging case

Malacañang on Friday urged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison to come home and "face the music" after a Manila court ordered his arrest and 37 others for their involvement in the so-called Inopacan Massacre in the 1980s.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sison is welcome to return to the country to "avail of his constitutional right to confront his accusers and prepare for his defense."

"Mr. Sison should unchain himself from his exile and face the music. His illusive if not illusory dream of wresting political power from the present dispensation should give way to a principled and courageous stand to face trial," Panelo said.

The CPP founder has been staying in the Netherlands as a political refugee.

Panelo said the Palace respects the decision of Presiding Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila, to issue a warrant of arrest against Sison and 37 other people in relation to the mass purging by the armed wing of the CPP, the New People’s Army (NPA), in Leyte.

"The law is no respecter of any transgressor and prosecution, therefore, must proceed in accordance thereof. Mr. Sison, et al. will have their day in court," he said.

"We are one with the families and loved ones of the victims in calling for justice, the warrant of arrest shall be served as directed upon us by the Judiciary," Panelo added.

Based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives, the Inopacan massacre or mass purging, dubbed by the NPA as “Oplan Venereal Disease”, killed about 300 residents in Leyte.

Families of purging victims, during the 12th commemoration of the massacre on September 2, continue to cry for justice for their loved ones who were summarily executed by communist rebels on suspicion of ties with the military.

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/1079771

Red-tagging not policy of PCOO, attached agencies: Andanar

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6, 2019): Red-tagging not policy of PCOO, attached agencies: Andanar



Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (PCOO photo by Bhen Tecson)

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Friday assured lawmakers that it is not the policy of the department, nor any of its attached agencies and offices, to red-tag any progressive organization or party-list group.

The assurance was made by Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and News and Information Bureau (NIB) Director Virginia Arcilla-Agtay during the budget presentation of the PCOO’s proposed 2020 budget before the House Committee on Appropriations.

The issue on red-tagging was brought up by ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas who manifested that their groups were victims of supposedly unfair and one-sided reporting from the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The PNA is a division of NIB, which is under the PCOO.

Castro asked if it is the “official policy” of the PNA and the PCOO to vilify and "make illegal" leftists like them.

In response, Agtay said the PNA is a wire agency whose mandate is to produce news and information materials about the government, its programs and its impact on the people, and the Presidency.

She said the PNA does not deviate from this mandate.

“Tungkol sa mga storya na sinsabi nyo na lumalabas na (Regarding the stories that you cited, which supposedly) that vilifies groups that you belong to, we are just narrating the quotes, the statements of our sources,” she said.

“Walang opinion po na mga nasasaad dun sa mga articles (There were no opinions proffered in the articles). These are all quotes from the sources of the government,” Agtay said.

Andanar also affirmed that red-tagging is not a policy of the PCOO.

“It is not our policy to red-tag any organization. As mentioned by the director of the NIB, we do our best -- and I point out to all the media agencies of the government -- to be as objective as possible, to report both sides,” he told the lawmakers.

“Whether you are with the government or you are with the opposition, or you have a story that is of public interest, kailangan po talaga patas (there should be balance). Pero hindi po policy ng PCOO ang mag red-tag (But it is not the policy of the PCOO to red-tag),” Andanar said.

Castro noted that she was not being interviewed by government reporters on the issues involving her.

“The representative of ACT-Teachers party-list is more than welcome to have her own program on PTV (People’s Television Network), Radyo Pilipinas or any of our platforms, as the President did mention during the opening of PTV-Cordillera,” Andanar said.

Meanwhile, Brosas cited a story published in the PNA website about a supposed “failed fact-finding mission” that she and her group undertook in Isabela.

Brosas contended that the caption’s content, and the accompanying photo, was contrary to what really transpired and that Gabriela was unfairly vilified and red-tagged in the said article.

“Again, we assure the congresswoman of Gabriela that it is not our policy to red-tag, especially in our media platforms,” Andanar said.

Agtay, meanwhile, reiterated that the photo and article came from a “legitimate source,” like all other agencies and groups that provide the PNA with documentation of their activities and the like.

She also assured the lawmakers that the PNA is always open for any clarifications or comments on articles that the agency publishes on its website.

“You could always call us, our phone number is on the website. Ie-entertain po namin (We will entertain you),” she said.

“Meron kayong gustong i-clarify, at kung anuman, may sama ng loob, pwede po kayong tumawag. Open ang communication line ng PNA para dun sa mga may mga sentiments on whatever that is published (If you want to clarify something, or are dissatisfied, or anything else, you can call us. The communication line of PNA is open for anyone who has any sentiment to whatever that is published),” she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079800