Navy eyes BRP Davao del Sur deployment to Middle East

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2020): Navy eyes BRP Davao del Sur deployment to Middle East (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Davao del Sur. (File photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) could deploy one of its two landing dock vessels, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), to help in evacuating overseas Filipino workers should tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

"The PN concept of support in the repatriation of affected OFWs in the Middle East, (is) one landing dock and possibly escorted by one Del Pilar (class offshore patrol vessel) if needed (and) will be taken into consideration as part of the PN planning," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Roxas was responding to questions on what vessels can the Navy deploy should tension between the US and Iran reach a breaking point.

Should there be a pressing need for the ships, Roxas said the PN will recommend the deployment of these two assets.

Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ready all its air and naval assets which could be used in the evacuation of Filipino workers in the Middle East should outright hostilities erupt in the region.

At present, there are two landing dock vessels at the PN inventory and these are the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and its sister ship, the BRP Davao Del Sur, both acquired from Indonesian shipbuilder, PT PAL PERSERO in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

These ships are the largest ships in PN inventory weighing around 7,200 gross tons and measuring 120 meters in length, a width of 21 meters and a draft of five meters. Both landing docks are capable of a cruising speed of 13 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots and can carry 2,800 tons of cargo.

The vessels also have a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles and can transport 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units, and three helicopters.

As this develops, AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the planning and tasking for the possible repatriation of Filipinos in the Middle East are crucial and important for the military as this was personally ordered by the President himself.

"That is an important and crucial task for the AFP. It is more than a transport sortie. It is a humanitarian mission dedicated to take from harm's way our fellow Filipinos and bring them to safety," he added.

"Notwithstanding the challenges we face to carry that out, we are prepared to embark on that mission not only because it’s our mandate, but it is also in pursuit of the Commander-in-Chief’s directive. In both cases, they are because of care and compassion for our 'Kababayans,' " Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090154

Citing alleged NPA attacks, peace adviser casts doubt on rebels' sincerity for formal talks

From the Philippine Star (Jan 6, 2020): Citing alleged NPA attacks, peace adviser casts doubt on rebels' sincerity for formal talks (By Gaea Katreena Cabico)

Communist rebels should “walk the talk” and refrain from violent acts for the stalled peace negotiations to move forward, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday as he accused the rebels of carrying out attacks between December and January.

In a statement, the former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff condemned the three separate attacks reportedly carried out by the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, in Bukidnon, Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley between December 3 and January 4.

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Communists’ sincerity in question when they commit atrocities — Palace

"Clearly, these attacks of terrorism are meant to instill fear, anger and hatred in the hearts and minds of the people, particularly among our Lumad brothers and sisters," Galvez said.

Communist rebels allegedly gunned down Datu Sammy Diwangan in front of his nine-year-old son in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on January 4. The tribal leader was said to be vocal against the NPA recruitment in the community.

On December 30, members of the CPP-NPA allegedly burned an IP livelihood center in Compostela, Compostela Valley.

Early in December, communist insurgents reportedly abducted two Manobos in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Some of the attacks happened during the holiday season truce declared by the communist rebels and the government. Both ceasefire declarations took effect on the midnight of December 23 and will last until 11:59 p.m. on January 7.

The CPP ordered NPA and "people's militia" units to "be on defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels" and to suspend "offensive military operations" against government troops, police personnel "and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the [Government of the Republic of the Philippines]."

Rebels’ sincerity in question

The peace adviser also questioned the communists’ sincerity in pursuing peace.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte announced he was ready to revive the peace talks with the National Democratic Front, two years after he had canceled the negotiations following the continued ambushes, extortion activities and attacks on facilities carried out by the communist rebels.

"The government had already walked the extra mile not once but several times as a sign of goodwill. But we have yet to see this same level of sincerity on the part of the rebels," Galvez said.

He demanded that the rebels stop the killings of civilians and of government troops and cease from carrying out extortion, rape and destruction of public and private facilities.

"For the peace negotiations to happen, there is a need to create a conducive environment where both parties can face each other, confident that each one will keep their word, and most importantly no innocent lives will be lost," Galvez said.

He added: “In short, we must walk our talk.”

In a January 4 statement, NPA spokesman Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos said the rebels "fully support" the ceasefire as a means of creating an atmosphere conducive to the resumption of formal peace talks.

"It should be noted that on the first day of the ceasefire the [Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police-Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit] and other paramilitary units under the supervision of the AFP have violated their own ceasefire in Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Agusan del Sur," he also said.

"There are also still unconfirmed reports of similar violations, as well as build up of military forces in NPA areas, committed by the GRP armed forces in other regions nationwide."
'Safe for Sison to come to Philippines'

The presidential peace adviser added that CPP founder Jose Maria Sison will not be arrested if he comes to the country to discuss peace.

Sison, who has been on self-exile in the Netherlands since 1987, said it would be premature for him to return home pending the mutual approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms. He, however, is willing to meet Duterte “in a country near the Philippines.”

“If the leadership of the communist group cannot reciprocate the sincerity shown by the Duterte administration, then there is no reason for the government to engage Mr. Sison since he himself has no moral high ground to demand such recognition,” Galvez said.

He added: “Too much blood has been spilled in this armed rebellion that has lasted more than five decades, spanned several administrations, and claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.”

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/06/1982564/citing-alleged-npa-attacks-peace-adviser-casts-doubt-rebels-sincerity-formal-talks

NDF/Sison: Tokhang methods of mass murder are being applied against social activists and critics of Duterte regime

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 6, 2020): Tokhang methods of mass murder are being applied against social activists and critics of Duterte regime



It is obvious that the kind of “more active role” that the PNP is asking for under EO 70 is the license to apply Tokhang methods against the social activists and critics of the Duterte regime. In fact, the military and police are already collaborating in the extrajudicial killing of social activists and critics of the regime.

The escalation of bloody attacks by the state terrorists on the more articulate sectors of Philippine society will arouse faster and more widely the outrage of the people against the regime than the mass murder of the less articulate and poor urban slum dwellers labelled as drug users and pushers.

The Duterte regime is extending the mass murder of the poor to the more articulate social activists and critics. Their martyrdom will inflame the people and generate the further growth of their revolutionary forces. Tyranny always unwittingly creates the revolutionary movement that ultimately topples it.

ps://ndfp.org/tokhang-methods-of-mass-murder-are-being-applied-against-social-activists-and-critics-of-duterte-regime/

CPP/NDF-SMR: Lt. Gen. Santos’ ascension as AFP top honcho bodes darker months ahead for peace, human rights

NDF-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 6, 2020): Lt. Gen. Santos’ ascension as AFP top honcho bodes darker months ahead for peace, human rights

RUBI DEL MUNDO

NDFP SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
JANUARY 06, 2020

An alumnus of Southern Mindanao’s fascist coterie has once again ascended to the highest office in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, continuing the long-held tradition of US subservience, fascism and mercenary corruption in the GRP’s main armed state machinery. The appointment of Lt. Gen. Filemon Santos, Jr., erstwhile commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, as chief of staff of the AFP portends to a more difficult path to the achievement of just peace and will exacerbate the already wretched state of human rights in the country.

Lt. Gen. Santos’ steady stellar scaling of the corrupt and brutal ladder of AFP leadership has made him one of the most detested AFP commanders in Southern Mindanao since starting as an officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion, a cabal of mercenaries with a notorious human rights record in the region. Since January 2019, he sat in the highest helm of the EMC when AFP troops victimized children and the youth, including 2 toddlers in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental in January and 2 underaged girls in Kitaotao, Bukidnon in February. He revelled in triumph as his minions murdered 2 civilian youths and later branded them as members of the NPA in Pantukan, Davao de Oro in March, executed a farmer Tokhang-style in Arakan, North Cotabato in September and committed many other grisly crimes.

He deputized paramilitary forces Bagani and Alamara during the overdrawn martial law implementation in Mindanao to sow intrigue and mayhem among Lumad communities in order to force them to surrender as “NPA sympathizers” and perpetrate cold-blooded murder in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, Arakan, North Cotabato and in the hinterland barrios of Davao City.

Lt. Gen. Santos oversaw the EMC’s implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the regions of Southern Mindanao, Soccksargen and Caraga. For the entirety of 2019, he mastered the greedy art of deception of parading civilians as armed combatants, forcing or faking surrenderees, overhyping their “achievements” by coercing barangay and municipal GRP officials to sign persona non-grata declarations, and siphoning millions in public coffers from specious programs under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). He spat on international war protocols in allowing his rabid dogs to summarily execute an hors de combat NPA member early last month.

Lt. Gen Santos has an outright aversion to the peace process and its advances, arresting and jailing peace consultants like Benito and Wilma Tiamzon in 2014, and expressing neither adherence nor support to the formal negotiations. He actively sabotages the peace process, forward deploying troops in NPA areas even during the GRP’s unilateral ceasefire declaration. Up to now, there are operating combat troops in hinterland areas in 5 provinces around Southern Mindanao, with the latest in at least 6 barangays in New Bataan and Compostela towns in Davao de Oro.

Like all AFP chiefs before him, Lt. Gen Santos is a US imperialist lackey to the core, fully indoctrinated in the US counterinsurgency tactics and strategies, and is therefore woefully ignorant of the root causes of the people’s armed revolution. Under his watch, Southern Mindanao became a virtual garrison, with 17 combat battalions of the AFP and the PNP marauding the hinterlands of the region. This show of sheer superior force proved futile, however, as NPA units, with the boundless support of the peasant and Lumad masses, parried enemy forces’ fascist attacks and launched tactical offensives, agrarian campaigns and mass base building.

Lt. Gen. Santos, in assuming his new post, declares an imminent end to the revolutionary armed struggle of the Filipino people. He is not the first one to do so, and neither will be the last to fail miserably in such fruitless, brainless attempt.

https://cpp.ph/statement/lt-gen-santos-ascension-as-afp-top-honcho-bodes-darker-months-ahead-for-peace-human-rights/

AFP ‘ready to deploy anytime’ to evacuate Filipinos in Middle East

From Rappler (Jan 6, 2020): AFP ‘ready to deploy anytime’ to evacuate Filipinos in Middle East (JC Gotinga)

In case violence escalates in the region, the Philippine military says it will deploy aircraft and vessels to take Filipinos out of Iran and Iraq



EMERGENCY MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte summoned security officials on Sunday, January 5, to discuss the security situation in the Middle East. Photo from Alfred Frias/Presidential Photo

In case tensions between Iran and the US escalate, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready with a plan to evacuate Filipinos from Iran and Iraq, newly-installed AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr said on Monday, January 6.

“Right now, we are ready to deploy anytime, when the indicator shows and the decision of the government for us to deploy, we will deploy immediately,” Santos told reporters in a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier summoned the AFP top brass and other security officials to an emergency meeting in Malacañang on Sunday, January 5, to discuss the security situation in the Middle East. He ordered the military to prepare to deploy assets to bring home thousands of Filipinos should fighting break out in the region.

“Ang mga assets na gagamitin natin is of course our air assets na available, the C-130s, and our naval assets na available, ‘yung ating mga bagong frigate na kayang mag-travel in that area,” Santos said. (The assets we would use is of course our available assets, the C-130s, and our available naval assets, our new frigates that are able to travel in that area.)

The Philippine Air Force currently has 3 operational C-130 transport planes in its fleet. The Philippine Navy has two upcoming frigates built in South Korea: the BRP Jose Rizal set to be delivered by April, and the BRP Antonio Luna expected in September. Besides these, the Navy has two landing dock ships, the BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur, that are able to transport hundreds of people at a time.

Santos said they presented plans to Duterte on possible routes, asset capacities, and the “nitty-gritty” of evacuation plans.

“We are improving our plans not only on Iran and Iraq but... the whole Middle East. We don’t know; it might spread to other countries, especially if you know the history of the war, it might spread to Israel. There are probabilities like that,” Santos added.

On January 3, the US launched an air attack on an airport in Baghdad, Iraq, that killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, said to have wielded Iran’s influence over the rest of the Middle East, and a key figure in the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group in the region.

Iran has threatened to retaliate against the US, which in turn threatened to hit back in case of Iranian aggression. The tension has caused fears of yet another war in the Middle East that could spread beyond the region.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248601-afp-says-ready-deploy-anytime-evacuate-filipinos-middle-east

Murder case filed vs alleged gunman in PMA imam killing

From Rappler (Jan 6, 2020): Murder case filed vs alleged gunman in PMA imam killing (By Frank Cimatu)

The Baguio City Prosecutor's Office identifies the gunman as 44-year-old Joselito Fernando Vidad



POPULAR IMAM. 'Doing my daily runs aboard Blacktrekker; my mechanical horse,' Bedejim Abdullah says in his caption to this photo he posted on his Facebook page on November 28, 2018. File photo from Bedejim Abdullah's Facebook page

BAGUIO, Philippines – One of the alleged killers of a well-loved imam in Baguio has been identified and the Baguio City Prosecutor's Office (CPO) has filed a case of murder against him on Monday afternoon, January 6.

The CPO identified the gunman as Joselito Fernando Vidad.

His mugshot matched those taken from the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera at the market and overpass while he and his companions were escaping after shooting Bedejim Abdullah at Kayang St last December 6, 2018.

Abdullah was shot twice in the head and thrice in the body at noon while he was about to enter his office.

He was wearing a black bonnet in one CCTV footage and was seen taking it off in another.

As it turned out, Vidad, 44, is also wanted for another killing in Zamboanga City in February 2018.

He was said to be a resident of Talon-Talon there. Vidad was driving a gray Hyundai car that figured jn an accident that killed a tricycle driver in Barangay Cabaluay. He has been a fugitive in Zamboanga City since.

Abdullah had been a resident of Baguio for decades and had been involved in peace efforts among the growing Muslim population in the city.

He was a former adviser of the Muslim cadets at the Philippine Military Academy and a member of the Regional Advisory Council of the Cordillera Police. He was also an avid biker.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248646-murder-case-filed-alleged-gunman-pma-imam-killing

Holiday truce ends tomorrow

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 6, 2020): Holiday truce ends tomorrow

The holding of a 15-day holiday truce in Negros Occidental, that ends tomorrow, is viewed with optimism by Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, the 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.
Hopefully it will continue, Pasaporte said yesterday, noting the absence of insurgency-related violence during the ceasefire period that started December 23 last year.

On December 26 last year the Communist Party of the Philippines marked its 51st founding anniversary, that was also reportedly celebrated by the different commands of the NPA in Negros island.

Despite the ceasefire, both the government security forces and the NPA did not let their guards down.

During the holiday truce, Pasaporte said they received reports that some NPA members reunited with their respective families in celebrating the yuletide season. Hopefully, they may realize the futility of armed struggle and live peacefully with their families, he added.

Pasaporte reiterated that the government is ready to welcome and help them rejoin the mainstream society, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Pasaporte also reported that they have not recorded any indiscriminate firing by soldiers in Negros Occidental, that indicated the highest form of disciplineamong members of the Philippine Army today, he said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/January/06/topstory3.htm

Blasts prompt Cotabato town to convene MPOC meeting

From MindaNews (Jan 6, 2020): Blasts prompt Cotabato town to convene MPOC meeting (By MALU CADELINA-MANAR)

KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews / 06 January) – Officials in Pikit, Cotabato convened Monday the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) to discuss the explosions that rocked the town recently.

Vice Mayor Muhyryn Sultan-Casi, Sangguniang Bayan presiding officer, said her father, Mayor Sumulong Sultan, called for an MOPC meeting to discuss the town’s security situation.

On Saturday, a 40-millimeter grenade exploded at the compound of Abdulkadir Buda, principal of Datu Embak Magansing Memorial High School in Barangay Fort Pikit.

A report from the Pikit police station said that still unidentified suspects launched the grenade near the principal’s house.

No one was injured in the explosion.

The grenade explosion at Buda’s house was the second in the town since December 2019.

On December 31, a blast also hit the compound of Hayder Manibpal in Barangay Inug-og.

The Pikit police said the explosion was aimed at sowing panic among the villagers.

Mayor Sultan, according to Sultan-Casi, ordered the local police to conduct a thorough investigation of the explosions.

Sultan-Casi said the Sangguniang Bayan will also conduct an investigation into the blasts “in aid of legislation.”

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/01/blasts-prompt-cotabato-town-to-convene-mpoc-meeting/

2 ‘BIFF members’ nabbed in Manila

From the Philippine Star (Jan 7, 2020): 2 ‘BIFF members’ nabbed in Manila (By Rey Galupo)

Police: No terror threat to disrupt Traslacion

Three days before the Traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene, two persons said to be connected to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were apprehended in Manila on Sunday.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, however, said they have not monitored any terror threat to disrupt the celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene on Thursday, which draws thousands of Catholic devotees.

Arrested were alleged BIFF members Remedios Habin, 52, and Alvin Gadin, 32.

Footage from closed-circuit television (CCTV) in Barangay 664-A showed a white van emerging from an alley along United Nations Avenue and blocking the path of a silver Toyota Fortuner (NZO-697) at past 2 p.m.

Witnesses said several persons armed with long firearms alighted from the van, fired shots at the Fortuner and dragged the passengers to the van before speeding away.

The incident caused a commotion and traffic jams in the area.

After several minutes, members of the MPD Station 5 arrived at the scene.

At around 5:30 p.m., a tow truck pulled the Fortuner. Two hours later, police returned to the site and processed the vehicle.

A police official said improvised explosive devices were recovered in the vehicle.

A barangay personnel manning the CCTV said armed men went to the barangay hall after the incident and requested that the footage be erased.

Balba said the incident was a legitimate operation conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office Special Operations Unit.

He said the suspects had been under police surveillance.

“Their arrest was not in any way related to a terror plot during the feast of the Black Nazarene,” Balba told The STAR.

Asked if there were lapses on the processing of the suspects’ vehicle, which took more than six hours, Balba said the scene of the crime operatives initially wanted to bring the vehicle to the MPD Station 5 headquarters in Rizal Park.

“They brought it back to UN Avenue when they saw that the area was crowded with people conducting preparations for the pahalik and the Traslacion,” he said.
Classes, gov’t work suspended

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday ordered the suspension of classes in all levels on Thursday as part of the feast of the Black Nazarene.

Moreno also suspended work in government offices except those involved in maintaining peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction and management and well as sanitation.

The suspension of work in private companies is up to the discretion of their management, he said.
Road closures

The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the MPD will implement road closures and a traffic rerouting scheme on Thursday.

Independence Road, which is one of the main roads of Quirino Grandstand where the pahalik will be held, will be closed to traffic.

The procession will start from the Quirino Grandstand back to the Quiapo Church, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.

Starting at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, the following roads will be closed: southbound lane of Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to Katigbak Drive, north and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak to UN Avenue, P. Burgos from Roxas Boulevard to Jones Bridge, Quezon Bridge, and MacArthur Bridge, north and southbound lanes of Ma. Orosa from TM Kalaw to P. Burgos.

At exactly 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, Taft Avenue from Ayala Boulevard leading to the Quezon and MacArthur Bridges will be closed.

Also affected are the north and southbound lanes of Taft Avenue from TM Kalaw to Ayala Boulevard, San Marcelino from NA Lopez street to UN Avenue, Romualdez from UN Avenue to NA Lopez street, P. Casal from Carlos Palanca to San Rafael, Plaza Lacson to Quiapo Ilalim, southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard from Fugoso to Quezon Bridge and the westbound lane of España Boulevard from P. Campa to Lerma street.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/07/1982593/2-biff-members-nabbed-manila

PNP wants ‘more active role’ in anti-insurgency campaign

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6, 2020): PNP wants ‘more active role’ in anti-insurgency campaign (By Cathrine Gonzales)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will ask the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to give them a “more active role” to end the decades-long insurgency in the country.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said he thinks the contribution of the police in the effort to terminate communist rebellion seems to be lacking.

“We will be actively participating (in the campaign) and probably we will request from the Armed Forces or even from the national task force a more active role of the PNP in ending insurgency,” he said in a press briefing on Monday.

The military is primarily tasked to operate against the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and is being considered as terrorists by state security forces. The PNP, meanwhile, only acts as a support unit.

Gamboa said he wants to give more task to police mobile forces in helping the AFP operate against communist rebels.

But despite this, he admitted that ground officers need more “education” about the NPA, since the police were only accomplishing a “support role” to the military in anti-insurgency operations. He said an “exchange of notes” between the PNP and the AFP should also be put in place.

He added the PNP will “address squarely” the legal fronts of the CPP in different sectors.

“Kung meron silang mga (If they have) organization on the students, labor, industries, then probably dyan ‘yung i-address squarely ng PNP (the PNP will address that squarely), but we haven’t discussed the details of that yet,” said Gamboa.

The PNP is part of the NTF-ELCAC formed by President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order No. 70 in December 2018, which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in attaining “inclusive and sustainable peace” in the country.

READ: Duterte forms nat’l task force to end local communism

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1209473/pnp-wants-more-active-role-in-anti-insurgency-campaign

Asean members get tough with China on South China Sea

From the New Straits Times (Jan 7, 2020): Asean members get tough with China on South China Sea

Indonesian troops are deployed at the Natuna military base in Riau islands on Jan 3. Indonesia has made more strident statements against China over the South China Sea. -AFP

JAKARTA: The future direction of code of conduct (COC) negotiations between Asean members and China is at stake after recent developments saw Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines hardening their stand on the South China Sea issue.

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Al Jazeera voiced the possibility of Asean changing course in the COC negotiations after Indonesia and Malaysia made more strident statements against China on the issue.

SCMP referred to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry’s latest tone when stating that China’s claims in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) which stood on the grounds that Chinese fleets had long fished there had ‘no legal basis’ and ‘were never recognised under the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982’”.

“That statement followed another protest from Jakarta which accused Beijing of illegally sending a coastguard vessel into Indonesian waters at the Natunas.

“The mission marked a ‘violation of sovereignty’, Indonesia said as it summoned the Chinese ambassador to lodge a formal protest,” SCMP said.

A more surprising move was made by Malaysia when Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, in a response to Al Jazeera’s question about the decision to take its case to the United Nations, said:

“For China to claim that the whole of the South China Sea belongs to them, I think that is ridiculous.”

On Dec 12, Malaysia filed a submission to the UN seeking clarity on the limits of its continental shelf beyond the 322km EEZ in the disputed body of water claimed by several Southeast Asian countries.

Another claimant, the Philippines, has accused a Chinese vessel of ramming one of its boats, causing it to sink weeks ago and endangering the lives of 22 fishermen on board.

The fishermen were saved by a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the waters of Recto bank near the Spratly Islands, The Express said.

Filipino Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenza said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly action of the Chinese fishing vessel and its crew for abandoning the Filipino crew.”

Protests erupted in the Philippines as citizens demanded the country defend its sovereignty claims over the Spratly Islands.

Yet another claimant, Vietnam, has change its tune even earlier against China on the issue.

“Last February in an unprecedented move, the government-controlled Vietnamese media referred to China in relation to the 40th anniversary of the China-Vietnam border war as the invader, and the conflict as a war,” Al Jazeera said.

SCMP quoted Derek Grossman, a senior defence analyst at the US-based Rand Corporation think tank, who said: “It is also odd, and perhaps even foolhardy, for Beijing to have pushed the envelope with Indonesia in the same year in which Asean and China are set to conclude lengthy negotiations on a COC in the South China Sea.

“China’s response may have inadvertently pushed Indonesia towards siding with Vietnam in calling for Asean to have discussions on a strict and binding document for dispute settlement.”

The maritime dispute has overshadowed Asean summits but with Vietnam chairing it this year, the COC negotiations with China over the South China Sea is predicted to be a more urgent matter to be concluded.

Under the UN Convention for UNCLOS, coastal states are entitled to an EEZ and beyond that are considered the high seas, common to all nations.

It was on this basis that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected China’s claims in 2016 to almost the entire area, through which an estimated US$3 trillion worth of trade pass each year.

Beijing, however, rejects the ruling and has expanded its presence by building artificial islands with runways and installing an advanced missile systems.

https://www.nst.com.my/world/region/2020/01/553849/asean-members-get-tough-china-south-china-sea

After Soleimani killing, AFP wary of sympathy attacks from PH terror groups

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 6, 2020): After Soleimani killing, AFP wary of sympathy attacks from PH terror groups (By Martin Sadongdong)

Amid heightened tension between Iran and the United States, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday that it has intensified its intelligence gathering and monitoring of local terrorist groups that might launch sympathy attacks in the Philippines.



Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.
(AFP-EastMinCom / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

So far, the military has not come across any local threat group that has openly expressed sympathy to Iran, although the AFP is not letting its guard down, said AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.
Santos, a veteran intelligence officer, said that monitoring local terrorist groups was among the initial plans they thought of when they discussed the situation with President Rodrigo Duterte at an emergency meeting in Malacañang on Sunday afternoon.

“We were called upon by the President yesterday [Sunday] afternoon just to discuss ‘yung impact sa atin ng nangyari sa (the impact of what happened in) Iraq, the killing of one of the Iranian generals [Qassem Soleimani], and of course we presented [what actions were] taken,” he said.

Santos said they are monitoring defense attaches in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and the neighboring countries, and local terrorist groups “that might express sympathy to the Iranian cause.”

“As of now, we have not monitored anything but we will continue monitoring and siyempre (of course) we are looking at the possible targets ng (of) Iran in other countries and to our country, ano ang pwede nilang gawin (what they are capable to do) just to retaliate,” he said.

According to Santos, the military has placed on standby status its air assets including C-130 transport planes, and naval assets in case the need to fetch affected Filipinos in Iran and Iraq arises.

The AFP chief said Duterte “is very concerned” with the welfare of the Filipinos in Iran and Iraq, and in other countries in the Middle East.

“He directed us to prepare and be ready to deploy our assets anytime to evacuate our Filipino countrymen in that area.

“Right now, we are ready to deploy anytime when the indicators show, and the decision of the government, for us to deploy. We will deploy [the assets] immediately,” he said.

An estimated 1,600 Filipinos are living in Iran, mostly are married to Iranians, while there are 6,000 Filipinos in Iraq, the majority of whom are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Santos said.

The tension between Iran and Iraq reached new heights following the killing of Soleimani, commander of Iran military’s Quds Force, in a drone airstrike ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/06/after-soleimani-killing-afp-wary-of-sympathy-attacks-from-ph-terror-groups/

Military ‘intensifies’ intel on terror groups amid Iran-U.S. crisis

From Rappler (Jan 6, 2020): Military ‘intensifies’ intel on terror groups amid Iran-U.S. crisis (By JC Gotinga)

The military says it is looking out for the security of US and Iranian citizens in the Philippines



MONITORING. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has intensified intelligence gathering on groups that might launch sympathy attacks in the wake of the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. File photo by Lito Borras/Rappler

The military has “intensified” intelligence gathering on local groups that might launch attacks in retaliation for the killing of a top Iranian military commander in a US air strike, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr told reporters on Monday, January 6.

“Siyempre, we are looking at the possible targets ng Iranians in other countries and in our country. Ano ba ang mga probable na puwede nilang gawin just to retaliate?” Santos told reporters in a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. (Of course, we are looking at the possible targets of Iranians in other countries and in our country. What are the probable things they could possibly do just to retaliate?)

“We are always on the alert, especially in our intelligence gathering,” added Santos, who was once the AFP’s intelligence chief.

The military is also on the lookout for threats to embassies of Iran and the US as well as their citizens in the Philippines.

No threat has been detected so far, and no local group is known to be affiliated with Iran, Santos said.

On Monday, the Philippine National Police also said it was profiling possible sympathizers of the slain Iranian general.

The Iranian state observes the Shia branch of Islam, which is rarely practiced in the Philippines. This makes ideological ties between Iran and local groups unlikely, the military chief added.

On Friday, January 3, the US launched an air strike on an airport in Baghdad, Iraq, that targeted Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s external Quds Force. Soleimani’s killing sparked outrage in Iran, which threatened to retaliate against the US.

US President Donald Trump, who ordered the attack, shot back with yet another set of threats of attacks on Iran itself. The international community is concerned that the escalating tensions might plunge the Middle East – and beyond – into war.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty only covers the Asia-Pacific region, and could not be invoked to involve Filipino troops should fighting erupt between the US and Iran.

Santos said Philippine defense attachés in different countries in the Middle East are monitoring the situation to see whether a mass evacuation of thousands of Filipinos would be needed.

On Sunday, January 5, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the AFP to be ready to deploy assets – aircraft and vessels – to bring Filipinos home in case the security situation in the Middle East worsens.

There are around 1,600 Filipinos in Iran, and 6,000 in Iraq.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248617-military-intensifies-intelligence-terror-groups-amid-iran-us-crisis

Truce extension possible – Joma Sison

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6, 2020): Truce extension possible – Joma Sison (By Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

Jose Maria Sison. FILE PHOTO / INQUIRER

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines — Communist rebel leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison again said on Sunday that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) may consider an extension of the ceasefire that ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday if the government releases supposed “peace consultants”captured by the government.

“It is possible if Duterte releases on humanitarian grounds the sickly and elderly political prisoners, especially the 11 NDFP consultants who have been detained in violation of [a safe conduct agreement] and on trumped charges with planted evidence,”Sison said on Facebook from Utrecht in The Netherlands. The holiday truce began at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 23 and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 7.

Sison cast doubt on the seriousness of the government in resuming the peace talks that were scuttled because of the communists’ repeated attacks on security forces during agreed truces.
But the rebel leader, who will turn 81 on Feb. 8, said at the same time that the NDFP would continue to press for provisions that have already been included in a draft Interim Peace Agreement (IPA) that was scuttled because of truce violations.

Sison noted that there has been no incident in which one side fired at the other since the government provided the NDFP with copies of its ceasefire orders to security forces.

“The few allegations of ceasefire violations have not disrupted the nationwide implementation of the reciprocal unilateral ceasefire agreement,”Sison said, adding that allegations of violations can be threshed out during negotiations.

Sison said a looming meeting to resume the peace negotiations was meant to reaffirm all previous agreements since The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 and he claimed that would supersede presidential Proclamation No. 360, terminating peace negotiations with the communist movement.

The talks, he said, would set a new agenda for the approval and signing of the IPA, which has three components: 1. the general amnesty and release of all political prisoners; 2. approval of the articles of Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser); and 3. coordinated unilateral ceasefires.

Sison said that all the remaining sections of the Caser can be negotiated, completed and mutually approved by both panels in a relatively short period of time.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1209388/truce-extension-possible-joma-sison

PNP seeks to clarify list of suspects that have links to terror groups in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 5, 2020): PNP seeks to clarify list of suspects that have links to terror groups in Mindanao (By Aaron Recuenc)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to clarify the status of the people whose names appeared in the list of those who must be arrested when martial law was declared in Mindanao in 2017.

Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, said they will seek clarification on the status of the list of persons to be arrested due to links to terrorism and support network to the Maute Group and other groups sympathetic to international terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“We still have to check the validity of that because martial law practically lifted the habeas corpus,” said Gamboa.

More than a hundred people were ordered to be arrested a month after martial law was declared in May 2017 due to the Marawi City siege. More than 60 of them were arrested.

A few months later, nearly 200 others were added to the list– all of them with reported links to terror groups.

With martial law in effect, those in the list could be arrested even without an arrest warrant.

But with the martial law lifted in Mindanao, Gamboa said that the legality of arresting those people must be addressed.

“If that list would still be in effect, what case are you going to file against them?. That is the big question,” said Gamboa.

It would be a different case, according to Gamboa, if those in the list have existing arrest warrant.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/05/pnp-seeks-to-clarify-list-of-suspects-that-have-links-to-terror-groups-in-mindanao/

PRRD, Sen. Go express confidence, support for new AFP chief during Change-of-Command Ceremony

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): PRRD, Sen. Go express confidence, support for new AFP chief during Change-of-Command Ceremony (By OSBG)



MANILA, Jan. 6 -- President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go witnessed the Change-of-Command and Retirement Ceremony for outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Noel Clement at Camp Aguinaldo on Saturday, January 4, where the President also expressed his confidence and full support for the new AFP chief Lieutenant General Felimon Santos, Jr.

"Under the command of General (Felimon) Santos, I am confident that the AFP will achieve more milestones to protect our freedom and democratic values. It is my hope that you will carry out programs that will elevate the competence and integrity of our uniformed personnel," Duterte said during his speech.

"Be assured that this administration will always assist men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as we overcome the challenges we face as a nation. I trust that you will work in unison [with] the incumbent chief of staff Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., as you remain steadfast in protecting our country against lawlessness and terrorism," he added.

In past interviews, Go has also expressed his trust and gratitude to the armed forces for their commitment to ensure peace and stability in the country.

"Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo sa bayan, hindi po magiging matagumpay ang administrasyon ni Presidente Duterte kung wala ang inyong tulong,” Go said.

Meanwhile, Go encouraged the AFP as well as the PNP to continue working hard for the betterment of the country. He also pledged to reciprocate all their efforts with his support in promoting their welfare and in pushing for fast, accessible and quality government services for their families and the rest of the Filipino people.

“Makaaasa po kayo na ako ang magiging kasangga ninyo sa Senado. Kung ano man po ang pwede naming maitulong kahit sa kamag anak ninyo, kung kailangan ng pagpapagamot, do not hesitate to approach me. Huwag po ninyo akong ituring na isang Senador, ituring niyo lang po ako na isang kasamahan ninyo sa pagseserbisyo natin sa kapwa nating Pilipino,” he said. (OSBG)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032300

AgNor town leads indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): AgNor town leads indignation rally vs CPP-NPA-NDF (By DILG Magallanes, Agusan del Norte)

MAGALLANES, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 6 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte joined recently the Philippine National Police (PNP) in spearheading the simultaneous nationwide conduct of indignation rally in condemning the atrocities and illegal activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN).

“There’s no place for terrorism and communism in Magallanes. Sama-sama nating labanan ang terorismo sa pamamagitan nang pakikipagtulungan sa awtoridad at Gobyerno,” said PLt. Tejanne Q. Zarzoso, OIC Chief of Police of the Magallanes Municipal Police Station (MMPS) during the indignation rally conducted at the People’s Park, on the same day the Communist Party of the Philippines celebrated its 51st founding anniversary.

“We, the people of Magallanes have spoken. We want peace as we believe there can only be development if there is peace,” said Mayor Cesar “Bubu” Cumba, Jr., in his message of support for the Whole Of Nation Approach as he condemned the evil ways of the CNN which hampered the development of the town from decades ago.

In a statement, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said the activity was part of the Duterte administration’s effort to end the decades-old insurgency problem in the country by 2020 and to attain sustainable peace and development through multi-stakeholders' active participation. SILG Eduardo M. Año issued a Memorandum Circular which encouraged other members of the society, including the private sector and members of the community, to support peace and development building initiatives of the government. Joining the rail y were at least 300 individuals from the municipal government, barangay units and barangay peacekeeping teams, other national agencies, and private sectors, civil society organizations and transport organizations.

Among the activities during the indignation rally include the following:

- Motorcade / Caravan during the Indignation Rally while showcasing Placards/Tarpaulins re: NO TO CPP/NPA/NDF;

- Messages on expression of support and indignation by the local officials, national agencies, former rebel, and barangay officials;

- Reading of the Municipal Resolution Declaring the CNN and all its legal fronts as Persona Non-Grata in the Municipality of Magallanes by Sangguniang Bayan Member James dela Fuerta, as based on the consolidated Barangay Resolutions of all barangays of Magallanes approved during the barangay assemblies;

- Video presentations depicting the lies and evils of the CNN; and

- Burning of Joma Sison Effigies/NPA Flag during CPP/NPA/NDF Indignation Rally Leaflets distribution re: NO TO CPP/NPA/NDF during CPP/NPA/NDF indignation rally.

Cpl Jovanne Elleso, of the 29IB Philippine Army, said that the CNN continues to thrive on three kinds of support from the people: (1) financial; (2) material; (3) moral. He further explained that in order for the terrorists to cease to exist, this support must be stopped, for the government cannot end the communist insurgency problem alone without the active participation of its partners from the different sectors.

The said rally is a nationwide protest against violence, terrorism, and all forms of atrocities. Said undertaking is also in line with the implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) as part of the Whole Of Nation Approach (WONA). (Arvin Reyes Silvosa, DILG Magallanes, Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032266

With or without martial law, Army to intensify security measures in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): With or without martial law, Army to intensify security measures in Caraga (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) - The Philippine Army assures the public that they are heightening security measures in the Caraga region despite the lifting of the martial law in Mindanao.

This was reiterated by Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, as he stressed the directive of President Rodrigo Dutere on the implementation of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.

He said, there has been a significant number of former rebels who brought along their high-powered firearms as they voluntarily surrendered to the authorities. These former rebels have chosen to live a normal and peaceful life with their families and availed of the assistance from the government for a decent livelihood.

“With or without Martial Law, we can manage. We are intensifying our security measures to preempt any lawless elements from causing any danger to the populace,” cited Licudine.

The official added that Caraga, as well as other regions in Mindanao would become more progressive if peace and order is sustained, and the safety and security of the local populace are ensured. More investments would also come in for Caraganons.

Col. Allan Hambala, commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, also revealed that former rebels have already availed and benefitted from the different programs and services of various government agencies, aside from the financial assistance that they would receive by the time of their surrender through the Enhanced – Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Hambala further bared that a half-way house was built in Agusan del Sur for the former rebels to start a new life.

The troops also continue to pursue the other members of the New People’s Army who are causing violence and abuses to various sectors particularly the indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that Butuan Bishop Most Reverend Cosme Damian Almedilla has also expressed his support to the implementation of the Martial Law in Mindanao. He emphasized that martial law has brought more developments in the region, as it helped in maintaining peace and order in the different areas of the region. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032306

Young NPA vice leader surrenders to AgSur police

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): Young NPA vice leader surrenders to AgSur police (By Police Regional Office 13)

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 -- The vice squad leader of the Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda of the Guerilla Front 19, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered recently to the Agusan del Sur Police in their provincial office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The 20-year-old squad leader, identified as alias “BL” from Brgy. Los Arcos, Prosperidad, has now vowed to renounce terrorism as he yields his Norinco caliber .45 pistol and disclosed some of the personal details of his three-year service to the NPA.

He cited the hardships he has encountered in the armed struggle along with the persistent counterinsurgency drive of both the military and police forces in the region as his motivators to act on his decision to surrender.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga was in full support of his decision and promised to assist him in creating a new life as a law-abiding civilian. As such, he will be granted access to livelihood programs such as the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), firearm remuneration, and immediate cash assistance.

Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Regional Director, commended the now-former rebel's decision and assured him that he had made the right decision. The police official also urged remaining active members of the terrorist groups to abandon terrorist ideologies which will serve as their contribution to the on-going peace development in the country. (DMRosales/PNP13/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032308

CNT member surrenders to Caraga PNP on New Year

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): CNT member surrenders to Caraga PNP on New Year (By Police Regional Office 13)

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 6 -- Another active member of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army terrorist (CNT) group has withdrawn from terrorism by surrendering to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga on January 1.

Jose Capilitan Rivero, Jr, a 20-year-old resident of Purok-2, Barangay Upper Patag, Sison, Surigao del Norte, was a member of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) known with aliases “Ka Diesel” and “Ka Ichigo” surrendered and turned-over a hand-grenade to the Sison Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office after three years of being an active member of the CNT group.
Police Brigadier General Joselito TEsquivel, Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director, further disclosed that a former member of the CNT group, a certain Discoro Tumboc, Jr. alias “Ka Judy” who surrendered to Sison MPS last September 29, 2019, convinced him to surrender to the government and start anew as a law-abiding civilian.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Rivero, Jr. became a CNT member when he was just 17 years old after having been convinced with their propaganda and false promises. As it bore no substantial changes to his life, he decided to change paths and renounce terrorism.

Caraga police view such incident as an example for remaining members of terrorist groups to reflect on and follow. The government has promised to provide support upon their surrender through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which will help them establish their lives as functional members of society. (DMRosales/PNP13/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/categories/security-justice-and-peace-elcac

PNP-8, LGU South Leyte plan site for chopper base

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): PNP-8, LGU South Leyte plan site for chopper base (By Marcelo M. Pedalino)

MAASIN CITY, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas is working closely with the provincial government of Southern Leyte for a sizeable lot where a hangar for air power capability would be built.

This was the main subject of discussion when Police Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, PNP-8 regional director, visited Gov. Damian Mercado in a courtesy call Thursday, January 2.

Present during the meeting at the governor’s office were Police Col. Nelson Eucogco, PNP provincial director, and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

In a follow-up telephone interview, PCol. Eucogco said the PNP regional office was looking for an area to build a structure that will house two helicopter units.

The vicinity of the airport in barangay Panan-awan was considered for its safe location during inclement weather, as well as easy access to respond for calls in neighboring Leyte towns, Eucogco reported.

The two choppers were already procured by the PNP and what is lacking is the sizeable lot where a hangar would be put up, Eucogco disclosed, adding that procurement of the desired lot by the provincial government is now under negotiation.

As soon as the lot shall have been formally purchased, the PNP-8 will then finance the construction of the hangar facility, Eucogco further said.

Meanwhile, Eucogco also revealed that the project for the new administration building of the Southern Leyte police provincial office (SLPPO) was already in the hands of the DPWH-Southern Leyte for implementation.

He was hopeful that work for the new SLPPO building can start anytime this year, inasmuch as almost all stations of the PNP in the field were already new, except the main office. (LDL/MMP/PIA-8, Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032271

PNP presents 70 new rebel returnees in Central Luzon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6, 2020): PNP presents 70 new rebel returnees in Central Luzon (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Police Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia (with microphone) presents the 70 new rebel returnees in Central Luzon (back). (PNP-RPIO)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan.6 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police kicked-off the new year by presenting 70 rebels who officially surrendered to the folds of the government.

“This was made possible through the efforts of members of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Police Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia said in a press briefing Monday.

“33 surrendered last December 2019, 1 is a full-fledged member of the New People’s Army (NPA), 1 is a member of Anakbayan who was supposed to officially become a member of NPA, 1 is a member of Marxist Leninist Party of Philippines-Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan, 20 are regular members of NPA, and 14 are part of the White Area Committee,” Sermonia added.

Some of the rebel returnees likewise voluntarily surrendered five M-16 rifles.

Apart from them, the police also presented 250 former members of Kadamay Group who will be availing livelihood assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“I thank you for surrendering. We can now be assured of not meeting you in an encounter that may result to deaths in either side. With your presence here, we can be assured that there will be little possibility of another grieving child because his mother or father or both were killed,” Sermonia told the returnees.

The official furthered that the approach of the government in addressing the insurgency problem is no longer limited to bullets and guns. It is now working at providing solutions to issues being exploited by the rebels.

Government agencies, local government units and civil society partners are now together in providing jobs, livelihood, healthcare and scholarship among others. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032379

Blast hits school principal’s house in NoCot town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): Blast hits school principal’s house in NoCot town (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Pikit town, North Cotabato.

PIKIT, North Cotabato -- A powerful explosion rocked the house of a school principal in a residential area here on Sunday night, police said.

Nobody was hurt in the blast the damaged the home of Abdulkadir Buda, 35, principal of Datu Embak Mangansing Memorial High School.

The blast site was not far from Fort Pikit where the town hall and municipal police office are located.

Capt. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit town police chief, said initial investigation showed that the 10 p.m. explosion was caused by a rifle grenade fired by still unidentified men from afar.

“Our investigators found shrapnel for an M-79 grenade projectile at the site,” Pangandigan said.

Motive of the attack and the perpetrators remained unknown as of this posting.

Pangandigan said he is yet to speak to Buda about the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090069

EO 70 to end insurgency’s ‘treacherous life cycle’: new AFP Chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): EO 70 to end insurgency’s ‘treacherous life cycle’: new AFP Chief (By Gigie Arcilla)



NEW AFP CHIEF. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (right) hands over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command Saber to newly-installed AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Felimon Santos during the AFP Change of Command ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Jan. 4. (Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo)

Lauding the significant gains of the National Task Force to End Local Communist (lNTF ELCAC), the newly-installed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is confident that the multi-pronged approach of Executive Order 70 will put an end to the treacherous life cycle of the more than five decades of insurgency.

Speaking during the AFP Change of Command ceremony on Jan. 4, Lt. General Felimon Santos, said unlike in the past when local chief executives left the insurgency problem solely to the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deal with, EO involves all government agencies from the national to the barangay level with delineated roles and responsibilities in the whole-of-nation approach.

“Government agencies and their corresponding units at all levels cooperate, interact, support, provide practical solutions and solve problems and issues on the ground that are being exploited by these communist terrorists in order to stir-up our countrymen to fight against our government through armed struggle,” Santos said.

He added that EO 70, which was signed by President R. Duterte in December 2018, created NTF ELCAC that institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in obtaining exclusive and sustainable peace-giving us an effective solution against communist-terrorists.

“This multi-pronged approach addresses the motivation for insurgency and will hopefully put an end to its treacherous life cycle,” he said, adding that by doing so, there will be no reason for the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People's Army, and the National Democratic Front to agitate, organize and mobilize the vulnerable sectors and communities.

Good governance

Santos, who headed the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, said he witnessed what EO provides for as it is being actually done in the provinces of Davao Oriental by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, Davao de Oro by Governor Tyron Uy, Davao del Norte by Governor Edwin Jubahib, and Davao City by Mayor Sara Duterte.

“Good governance practices and the efficient delivery of basic services for their constituents create resilient communities that thwart the return of the communist terrorist groups in their respective provinces and city,” he added.

The AFP, he said, can now focus its resources, manpower, and firepower on the remaining communists who persist with armed struggle despite the government’s goodwill through cash assistance, livelihood training, and housing.

Santos, who is the 53rd AFP Chief of Staff taking the top military post from retired General Noel Clement, vowed to immediately neutralize groups that insist on seizing political power through armed struggle and other local terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf.

“We shall effectively counter their narratives through good governance, build community trust and earn the people’s respect, he said.

He added that vigilance, support, and cooperation in the local populace are needed in order to suppress and prevent any future terroristic plans from occurring and avoiding the unnecessary loss of human lives and damage to property.

“The AFP should always be battle-ready to counteract any threat that confronts our desire for peace,” he said, adding that the AFP remains committed to supporting and working towards a successful implementation of the agreements for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090045

Follow 'highest standards' of excellence, AFP personnel urged

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): Follow 'highest standards' of excellence, AFP personnel urged (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

Newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. urged AFP personnel to adhere to the highest standards of excellence in doing service to the country.

In his first flag-raising ceremony as AFP chief at Camp Aguinaldo Monday morning, Santos told personnel to improve their performance, even as President Rodrigo Duterte expressed full support and confidence to the military.

"Let me reiterate in urging every member of the AFP to live up to our pledge, to adhere to the highest standards of excellence, to abide by the rules of our military discipline, to strive together to turn our motivation into action, and be able to accomplish our mission with the welfare of our men and women of the AFP in mind," he said.

In the new decade, he said the military would take off from the gains and milestones achieved last year.

"Let us gear-up and advance at full speed as we continue our transformation journey," he said.

Santos, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, replaced Gen. Noel S. Clement who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his appointment, Santos was the commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, assuming the post in January 2019.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090047

AFP monitors local terror groups sympathetic to Iran

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): AFP monitors local terror groups sympathetic to Iran (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. on Monday said the military is monitoring local terror groups that might express sympathy to Iran following the killing of its top general.

In an interview with reporters, Santos said President Rodrigo Duterte met with Philippine security officials to discuss actions on the impact of the killing of Qassem Soleimani in a US airstrike on January 3.

"We presented our actions taken. No. 1 is our monitoring (of the situation) with our defense attaché(s) (in the Middle East). No. 2 (is to) intensify our intelligence monitoring on the local terrorist group that might express sympathy to the Iranian cause but as of now (we are still to detect any local terrorist groups) that are affiliated with Iran," he said.

He said plans have been presented to the president should evacuations in the Middle East need to be carried out, including military assets that could be used in evacuating overseas Filipinos and routes that might be taken.

Possible assets that are ready for deployment include the Philippine Air Force's Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft of which there are four to five in its inventory and large transport ships of the Philippine Navy which includes the two strategic sealift vessels, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), and two Bacolod City-class logistic vessels, the BRP Dagupan City (LS-551) and BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) along with smaller cargo ships.

"We are improving our plans just to cover everything just in case but right now we are ready to deploy anytime when the indicators show and the decision of the government for us to deploy, we will deploy immediately," he added.

Following the general's death, tensions escalated in the Middle East as Tehran vowed a fierce retaliation against those responsible for the death of Soleimani.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090055

After killing of Iranian general, PNP ‘profiles’ possible threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): After killing of Iranian general, PNP ‘profiles’ possible threats (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified intelligence operations to foil any possible terror plans following the killing of an Iranian top general in a US airstrike in Baghdad.

Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge (OIC), said police is profiling possible threats of groups who may take advantage or sympathize with the killing of Qassem Soleimani.

“Ang task lang naman ng PNP is local, bantayan namin (PNP's task is local, to be alert) for any retaliatory action on other sectors of society who might be sympathetic to them but as of yet wala naman tayong ganun na threat sa Pilipinas (we don't have such threat here),” Gamboa told reporters on Monday.

“The PNP is profiling possible threats, possible groups who may take advantage or sympathize so our intelligence monitoring will be continuous up until medyo luminaw na 'yung problema doon sa Middle East (such time that the tension eases in the Middle East),” he added.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds force, was killed in a US drone airstrike in Iraq on Friday.

His death marked an escalation of tensions between the US and Iran since US President Donald Trump chose to unilaterally withdraw Washington from a 2015 nuclear pact world powers struck with Tehran.

In the preparations for the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, Gamboa said there are no threats monitored.

“Although we do not expect any serious security issue in this event, we will exercise utmost prudence and readiness in anticipation of perennial public safety scenarios associated with this annual event,” he said.

Gamboa said some adjustments would be implemented this year, including the procession route and security protocol.

“We appeal to the devotees and the public for their continued cooperation with authorities and organizers,” Gamboa said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090059

NPA should walk their talk for peace talks to resume: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2020): NPA should walk their talk for peace talks to resume: Galvez (By Azer Parrocha)



Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. 

Before peace talks can resume, communist rebels should first walk their talk, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday as he condemned the recent attacks made by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) since December despite the ongoing truce.

In a statement, Galvez denounced three separate attacks made by the NPA in Surigao del Sur on Dec. 3 last year, in Compostela Valley on Dec. 30, and in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on Jan. 4 this year.

“Clearly, these acts of terrorism are meant to instill fear, anger, and hatred in the hearts and minds of the people, particularly among our Lumad brothers and sisters,” Galvez said.

“By and large, these attacks run counter to the cessation of hostilities declared between the Reds and government during the holiday season,” he added.

The holiday ceasefire, which took effect on Dec. 23, 2019, will end at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2020.

With the ceasefire agreement, Galvez said President Rodrigo Duterte had opened “a window of opportunity” in which stalled peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), could move forward.

However, he cast doubt on the communist rebels’ sincerity in resuming peace negotiations for their failure to comply with the unilateral and reciprocal holiday ceasefire.

“We cannot talk peace when there is a lack of sincerity from the other party. The government had already walked the extra mile not once but several times as a sign of goodwill,” Galvez said.

“But we have yet to see this same level of sincerity on the part of the rebels. Aside from the yuletide ceasefire they issued, there has to be another concrete sign of reciprocity from their side,” he added.

Galvez asked members of the NPA to stop the killings, lay down their weapons, and cease from performing other acts of lawlessness such as extortion, rape, and destruction of public and private facilities.

He said both parties could not just sit across the negotiating table if civilians and troops continued to be attacked.

“For the peace negotiations to happen, there is a need to create a conducive environment where both parties can face each other, confident that each one will keep their word, and most importantly, no innocent lives will be lost,” Galvez said.

“In short, we must walk our talk,” he added.

Last month, Duterte said he was ready to revive the peace talks with the NDF two years after he had canceled the negotiations.

He later called for a one-on-one meeting with the CPP founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison sans the presence of peace panel from both the national government NDF.

Duterte, who initially had warm relations with the communists, was forced to sign Proclamation 360 on Nov. 23, 2017, which formally shelved the talks between state peace negotiators and NDF consultants, following the NPA's continued attacks against the government forces and civilians.

The President also signed on Dec. 5, 2017 Proclamation 374, which brands the CPP-NPA as a terror organization.

No arrest for Sison

Galvez, meanwhile, reassured Sison that he will enjoy temporary liberty upon return to the Philippines for the possible resumption of peace talks.

Sison has been in self-exile with his wife, Juliet, in the Netherlands since 1987.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already expressed his willingness to talk with CPP-NPA founding chairman Jose Maria Sison here in the country. The ball is now, so to speak, in the hands of Mr. Sison and the rest of the NDF leadership,” Galvez said.

Galvez said that the President’s invitation is an opportunity for Sison to show to his followers his desire to find a peaceful, solution to the communist insurgency.

“Mr. Sison has nothing to fear. The President has given his word that the rebel leader will not be arrested if he decides to return to the Philippines,” Galvez said.

“If the leadership of the communist group cannot reciprocate the sincerity shown by the Duterte Administration, then there is no reason for the government to engage Mr. Sison since he himself has no moral high ground to demand such recognition,” he added,

Sison earlier expressed willingness to meet Duterte “in a country near the Philippines”.

Citing reports, Galvez said members of the NPA seized two Manobos from the village in Sitio Inadan, Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Dec. 3, 2019.

The Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of the municipality of San Miguel has sought the help of the government to locate their missing tribe members.

On December 30, around 30 heavily armed members of the CPP-NPA burned an indigenous peoples’ (IPs) livelihood center in Barangay Panansalan in Compostela, Compostela Valley.

Members of the CPP-NPA gunned down tribal leader Datu Sammy Diwangan in front of his nine-year-old son in Barangay Canangaan in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on Jan. 4.

Based on reports, the Malayag Guerilla Front murdered Datu Sammy due to his vocal stand against the aggressive recruitment being carried out by the CPP-NPA in the community.

The CPP-NPA has been listed as a terror group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090143