Multi-donor trust fund for MILF fighters, camps gains ground

From MindaNews (May 20, 2021): Multi-donor trust fund for MILF fighters, camps gains ground (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

The Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) launched the multi-donor Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) late Wednesday afternoon to accelerate the integration of Moro warriors into mainstream society and their communities into peaceful economic zones.

Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and chair of Moro Islamic Liberation Front. MindaNews file photo by MANMAN DEJETO

The World Bank, which will administer the fund, believed that the BNTF will be instrumental in bringing lasting peace and prosperity not just in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) but also for the rest of Mindanao.

Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, speaking on behalf of the MILF as its chairperson, noted the need to fast-track the normalization process to transform MILF combatants into peaceful and productive citizens.

“Today, we take on another significant milestone that assures the GPH and MILF will continue providing necessary efforts in normalizing our combatants and their respective communities,” Ebrahim said during the online launch.

He admitted that implementing the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is not an easy task.

The CAB is the final peace agreement signed by the GPH and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

The peace agreement’s political track has been accomplished with the creation of the BARMM following the plebiscite ratifying Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM in 2019.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed the members of the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the region’s governing body whose mandate ends on June 30, 2022 when the new set of elected officials shall have taken their oath.

But there have been efforts before Congress to extend the mandate of BTA for three years until 2025. One million signatures have been gathered and submitted to Duterte, urging him to certify the petitions to extend the transition period as a priority legislative measure.

Ebrahim, popularly known by his MILF nom de guerre of Murad Ebrahim, said the efforts on the political track “have been mainstreamed all throughout the transition period” but not so much on the normalization track.

He stressed that the political and normalization tracks “are meant to intertwine with one another to assure the overall success of the peace process.”

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. described the launching of the BNTF as another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.

“The BNTF is a testament of the national government’s steadfast commitment to attain a just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro and throughout the country,” he said in his keynote speech.

Galvez said the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has pushed back the implementation of the normalization track, which includes the decommissioning of MILF fighters and putting their weapons beyond use.

“With the operationalization of the BNTF, we will be able to help address the challenges brought about by the pandemic,” he added.

International donors such as the European Union, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and Japan, among others, pledged to support the BNTF.

Ndiamè Diop, WB Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, said the BNTF is a vehicle where international donors can contribute resources to help MILF combatants and their communities attain peace and prosperity.

“[The fund] will assist the MILF combatants and their communities achieve their desired quality of life in a peaceful and inclusive manner,” he said.

Diop said the BNTF seeks to also develop the six MLF camps previously recognized by the GPH and the MILF into peaceful and productive communities.

According to him, the BNTF will finance, coordinate and oversee the delivery of assistance from international partners and donors in the implementation of the normalization process.

Lauding the launching of the BNTF, Gustavo Gonzales, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, assured the UN’s continued support to the Bangsamoro peace process.

The creation of the BNTF was mutually agreed by the GPH and the MILF in the Annex on Normalization of the CAB, which the parties signed on 25 January 2014.

The BNTF’s Terms of Reference was completed in 2016 while the guidelines for its operationalization came out the next year.

As of last year, at least 12,000 MILF fighters have been deactivated in the second phase of the decommissioning process that began in August 2019. The MILF also turned over 2,100 assorted weapons and more than 500 ammunition to the foreign-led Independent Decommissioning Body.

The third phase of the decommissioning process was slated to commence in 2020 but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head that pushed back targets.

Another 35 percent of the 40,000- strong MILF will be decommissioned during this phase, while the rest of the remaining armaments will be processed until 2022 for the expected signing of the exit agreement between the government and the MILF.

A deactivated MILF fighter is given P100,000 cash and also entitled to receive housing, livelihood and educational assistance, among others, in a package worth at least P1 million, Galvez said earlier. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/05/multi-donor-trust-fund-for-milf-fighters-camps-gains-ground/

NPA claims slay of farm manager

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 20, 2021): NPA claims slay of farm manager (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Roselyn Jean Pelle Command has claimed responsibility for the death of Manalo Porre, farm manager of the Dalayapan Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Brgy. Caduha-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, on May 4.

A statement issued by rebel spokesperson Cecil Estrella said that Porre, 51, who was accused of being a counter-revolutionary traitor, was sentenced to death, based on the decision of the revolutionary people’s court.

Estrella said that similar charges were also lodged against his brother, Larry, who was punished by the revolutionary movement in March.

The rebel group claimed that the Porre brothers were former members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit and active assets of the Philippine Army.

The brothers were accused by the NPA for what they called the “treacherous” raid of the Army against the rebels in 2009, where six of their comrades died and many others injured, in Sitio Aluyan, Brgy. Caduhaan, Cadiz City. Estrella said the work of Manalo at Darco had nothing to do with the charges lodged against him, on which the people’s court had based its decision.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/npa-claims-slay-of-farm-manager/

Insurgency-cleared NegOcc brgys eye 77 BDP projects

From Panay News (May 21, 2021): Insurgency-cleared NegOcc brgys eye 77 BDP projects

Representative photo. AFP

At least 77 subprojects have been proposed by 25 insurgency-cleared villages in Negros Occidental for implementation under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

As of Thursday, data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Negros Occidental showed that these subprojects were being prepared after the list was submitted to the DILG-Western Visayas on March 25, and following the downloading of funds to the implementing local government units (LGUs) on April 19.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the funds intended for villages situated in the municipalities have been released to the provincial government while the allocations for those located in component cities were downloaded directly to the city governments.

“There are processes that they (municipalities) have to go through. I reminded them to get in touch with (the provincial engineer) who will help them with the program of works,” he added.

Each of the 25 insurgency-cleared villages in Negros Occidental and another one in Bacolod City have been allocated a P20 million assistance under the BDP, a hallmark program of the NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities.

The assistance will include a one-kilometer farm-to-market road worth P12 million; classrooms, P3 million; water and sanitation systems, P2 million; health station, P1.5 million; and livelihood projects, P1.5 million.

In Negros Occidental, the 25 recipient villages, which were formerly under the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), are situated in seven LGUs.

These include Escalante City, with 14 barangays; San Carlos City, five; Victorias City, two; Himamaylan City, Cadiz City, E.B. Magalona, and Manapla, one each. (PNA)

https://www.panaynews.net/insurgency-cleared-negocc-brgys-eye-77-bdp-projects/

‘Deliberate falsehood’: Court frees Red-tagged store owner

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 20, 2021): ‘Deliberate falsehood’: Court frees Red-tagged store owner (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Krixia Subingsubing)

Batangas Court orders release of wrongfully accused Lamberto Asinas. PHOTO from PILC

A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge has ordered the release of a Red-tagged “sari-sari” store owner whose house was raided last year by police who submitted inadmissible evidence and used “deliberate falsehood” in applying for a search warrant.

In a 10-page amended order signed on May 6 and released to the media only on May 19, Judge Wilhelmina Go Santiago of RTC Branch 14 in Nasugbu, Batangas, approved Lamberto Asinas’ motion to quash the search warrant and to exclude illegally seized evidence.

Police had described Asinas as a ranking intelligence officer of the communist New People’s Army, but the judge ruled that the raiders had no personal knowledge of him before securing the warrant.

Asinas was arrested on April 16, 2020, after police claimed to have seized firearms in his home on the strength of a search warrant issued by Sta. Cruz Branch 27 Judge Cynthia Ricablanca.

He was freed on May 6 and is now back home in Sitio Alas-as, Barangay Bunducan, Nasugbu, according to his lawyer, Kristina Conti of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC).

But Asinas is “very scared” and his family “traumatized” by his experience, Conti said in a phone interview on Thursday. She said even Asinas’ neighbors were afraid that the police raiders who had swarmed their community would return.

Inconsistencies, falsehood

Judge Santiago found major inconsistencies and even “deliberate falsehood” in the police’s warrant application and their testimonies, and ruled that the warrant itself as well as the evidence, was inadmissible.

An examination of the deposition of Police Senior Master Sergeant Mediavillo Alcantara, who had applied for the warrant, showed that he “apparently has no personal knowledge of the facts upon which the application is based.”

Moreover, police witness Jojo Castillo—whose testimony was used to establish probable cause for the issuance of the warrant and who claimed to have seen Asinas bringing firearms into his house—was revealed not to be a resident of Sitio Alas-as.

“Without this crucial fact, that Castillo lives near the house of Asinas, the whole case of the applicant for the issuance of the search warrant would have no factual basis to stand on,” Santiago said.

Citing jurisprudence, Santiago also noted that Ricablanca should have made a “probing and exhaustive, not merely routine or pro forma, examination of the applicant and the witnesses…”

“If a deliberate falsehood on matters that are essential or necessary to a showing of probable cause is committed, a trial judge’s finding of probable cause may be set aside,” Santiago said.

“Therefore,” she added, “this court is compelled to quash Search Warrant No. 20-3368.”
No solid basis

In a statement, the PILC said Santiago’s ruling proved that the police and military “had no solid, intelligent basis before launching massive operations.”

It said that despite Asinas’ vindication and legal victory, he is still facing grave risks especially after the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict “gloated” over his arrest.

“Red-tagged individuals have little or no recourse even after charges are dismissed,” said the PILC’s Rachel Pastores. “The military and police are not compelled, nor have they volunteered, to retract their malicious statements and, in most cases, have refused to acknowledge the errors in their ways.”

Conti said she had yet to confer with Asinas on whether they would file countercharges against the police officers involved in the raid.

She praised the courage of Asinas’ neighbors, saying: “They are willing to stand up for him. They even traveled to [serve as] witnesses. They are also afraid, but they are determined.”

It was the residents of the area who declared in a joint affidavit that there was no Jojo Castillo, the police witness, living in the neighborhood.

‘Planted evidence’ Cristina Palabay, secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan, issued a statement urging the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the successive court decisions that were “based on planted evidence and inconsistent/perjured testimonies to justify the arrests” of rights defenders and activists.

Palabay called on the high court to “review the roster of cases brought to its attention by various victims and organizations raising concern on similar human rights issues … to effect the release of individuals subjected to similar violations and to hold accountable all those involved and engaged in such practices.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1434585/deliberate-falsehood-court-frees-red-tagged-store-owner

Shun NPA recruiters, ex-rebel tells students

From Panay News (May 21, 2021): Shun NPA recruiters, ex-rebel tells students

Three former rebels (front row) in Sibalom, Antique receive assistance worth P5,000 each on May 18. An additional P5,000 was also extended to them by the provincial government of Antique. PNA PHOTO BY ANNABEL CONSUELO J. PETINGLAY

Recruited into the armed movement while still a public school student in a remote barangay of Sibalom, Antique, a 22-year-old surrenderer advised the youth to finish their studies so as not to experience the hardships of hiding in the mountains.

The former rebel said he joined the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) out of frustration for failing in his Science subject.

“I was not able to finish my Grade 10 because of that failure,” he said.

He momentarily stopped school until he was lured by his friends in Barangay Imparayan to join the rebel movement.

At first, he just wanted to experience the life of a rebel but later on, he realized that he could no longer get out of the communist movement.

“I was with the CPP-NPA for five years based in Igbaras, Iloiloe,” he said, adding that his family tried to find him.

The youngest of nine siblings, he said his older brother tried joining the CPP-NPA last year just to find him.

However, they failed to cross paths as he was assigned in Miag-ao while his brother was in Igbaras.

“I felt so lonely being away from my family for five years and having no contact with them. The hardships I experienced for not being able to sleep well at night made me finally decide to contact my brother who had just gone out of the CPP-NPA last month,” he said.

He was motivated to surrender when he heard of the news about the other former rebels in Antique who yielded through Executive Order 70 or End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

“I surrendered to the Sibalom police station on April 27 this year,” he said, adding it was his brother who coordinated with the Sibalom police for him to yield.

On Tuesday, he and two other surrenderers received assistance from the Antique provincial government and the local government unit of Sibalom.

Sibalom mayor Gian Carlo Occeña welcomed the surrender.

“The local government is giving aid to individuals in a crisis situation (AICS) in the amount of P5,000, a sack of rice and livelihood to the former rebels (FRs),” he said.

Sibalom has already welcomed back 13 former rebels to the fold of law since Oct. 22, 2020.

Through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the Antique provincial government also extended food packs and P5,000 AICS to every surrenderer.

The 13 surrenderers in Sibalom will also receive P20,000 assistance each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Raymund Cervantes, DSWD-SLP Project Development Officer II, said they are now processing the SLP of the three recent surrenderers while they are still waiting for the Joint Philippine National Police-Armed Forces of the Philippines Intelligence Certificate (JPIC) of the 10 others.

“The JPIC is a certification that the FRs (former rebels) have no pending case in the court and is a requirement for them to receive the SLP,” he said.

https://www.panaynews.net/shun-npa-recruiters-ex-rebel-tells-students/

NTF-ELCAC vows to continue legal action against Bakwit School 7

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 20, 2021): NTF-ELCAC vows to continue legal action against Bakwit School 7 (By Jan Vincent Leuterio) 

DAVAO DEL NORTE, May 19 (PIA) – "These are the findings that we do not agree with, and we will look for our remedies, either to file a motion of reconsideration or to refile the case," said Legal Cooperation Cluster spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Atty. Marlon Bosantog during the ‘Press Conference on Case Update of Rescued IP Children’ on May 18, 2021 at the Provincial Pavilion, Tagum City.

Bosantog’s statement comes after the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Davao del Norte recently dismissed Bakwit School 7’s criminal charges for “lack of probable cause, and lack of territorial jurisdiction” as stated in the resolution dated May 5, 2021 and ordered the immediate release of the respondents on May 14, 2021.

Among the charges cleared from the respondents are kidnapping, serious illegal detention, human trafficking, and child abuse.

The seven were arrested during what the authorities call as a “rescue operation” of 19 IP minors from a retreat house inside the University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban campus on Feb. 15, 2021.

NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson Usec. Lorraine Marie T. Badoy echoed Bosantog’s statement, “Huwag silang [Communist Terrorist Group] mag diwang. In fact, mag malungkot sila ngayon kase ready’ng ready ang gobyerno para panalunin ang kaso na ito (They shouldn’t celebrate yet. In fact, they should start to worry since the government is more determined to win this case).”

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Sec. Allen Capuyan said that a case will be filed against the Bakwit School 7 for the violation of the rights of the IPs under the Indigenous People Republic Act (IPRA), or Republic Act 8371.

“Mas sobra pa to sa kidnapping. Kase tinanggal mo sa tribo ang karapatan niya para mabuhay ayon sa kanilang kalooban (This is worse than kidnapping. You removed the rights of the IPs to live how they want to),” he elaborated.

Bosantog echoed that this is a “separate and distinct offense” from the initial case that was dismissed.

Capuyan explained that one cannot simply take a child or youth away from their community without the approval of the parents.

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) Chairman Joel Unad, who translated in Tagalog the account of the IP parents, said that the people from Haran took advantage of the parents’ lack of education and made them sign an acceptance form that they were not able to read, and that they were promised the children will be returned home after 2 months of schooling; however, the children were never returned for years until the said rescue mission in Cebu, to which the parents were surprised to find out since they were not told in the first place that the children would be brought to Cebu.

The parents of the IP minors maintained that they were deceived by the people who took their children from Talaingod to Cebu.

These accounts and statements were made during the ‘Press Conference on Case Update of Rescued IP Children’ on May 18, 2021 at the Provincial Pavilion, Tagum City with Sec. Capuyan and Usec. Badoy attending in person while Atty. Bosantog attended through Zoom. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1075644

Andanar lauds RCPD, TF-ELCAC efforts to combat terrorism

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 20, 2021): Andanar lauds RCPD, TF-ELCAC efforts to combat terrorism (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy) 

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 20 (PIA)--Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar declared that the government is doing everything it can to wrap up local terrorism before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends.

In a statement to peace advocates and reporters during the Regional Conference for Peace and Development (RCPD) on Tuesday, he said “insurgency” is a misused word to describe the so-called “communist” confrontations with the Philippine Armed Forces.

“This fight is against banditry, kidnapping, murder, and destruction in all its ugly and demoralizing forms. Plain and simple, they are terrorists. This is the curse that hounds our nation’s hinterlands for the past 52 years,” Andanar said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar virtually engages with sectoral representatives, peace advocates, reporters, and other stakeholders during the TF-ELCAC’s Regional Conference for Peace and Development on Tuesday at CMU Convention Center, Maramag, Bukidnon. (BGE/PIA Bukidnon)

As part of the government’s counterterrorism measures, he underscored the giant steps made towards achieving peace stability, which include fighting terrorist financing, increasing capabilities of intelligence and security services, and the creation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), among other mechanisms to address the root causes of insurgency.

The Secretary cited the farmers, forest gatherers, and those living in far-flung communities as ideal victims of communist terrorist groups.

“Today, our administration has launched a large and strong offensive to eliminate the threat posed by these terrorists. All the past regional conferences for peace and development, including this one being held today, serves as the precursor to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address this coming July. This event culminates with the collective expressions of solidarity among the line agencies and the political leaders of the nation,” Andanar conveyed to the more than 60 RCPD delegates at Central Mindanao University Convention Center in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Secretary Andanar, the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Northern Mindanao (CORDS X), emphasized that the RCPD, which gathered everyone, is the cumulative effort of the government’s strategy to combat terrorism. (RLRB/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1075787

25 insurgency-cleared NegOcc villages eye 77 BDP projects

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): 25 insurgency-cleared NegOcc villages eye 77 BDP projects (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

At least 77 subprojects have been proposed by the 25 insurgency-cleared villages in Negros Occidental for implementation under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

As of Thursday, data from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Negros Occidental showed that these subprojects are under preparation after the list was submitted to the DILG-Western Visayas on March 25, and following the downloading of funds to the implementing local government units (LGUs) on April 19.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the funds intended for villages situated in the municipalities have been released to the provincial government while the allocations for those located in component cities were downloaded directly to the city governments.

“There are processes that they (municipalities) have to go through. I reminded them to get in touch with (the provincial engineer) who will help them with the program of works,” he added.

Each of the 25 insurgency-cleared villages in Negros Occidental and another one in Bacolod City has been allocated an assistance of PHP20 million each under the BDP, a hallmark program of the NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities.

The assistance will include a one-kilometer farm-to-market road worth PHP12 million; classrooms, PHP3 million; water and sanitation systems, PHP2 million; health station, PHP1.5 million; and livelihood projects, PHP1.5 million.

In Negros Occidental, the 25 recipient villages, which were formerly under the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), are situated in seven LGUs.

These include Escalante City, with 14 barangays; San Carlos City, five; Victorias City, two; Himamaylan City, Cadiz City, E.B. Magalona, and Manapla, one each.

Earlier, San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo said that as “a leader whose place had been a haven of lawless armed groups,” he welcomes the move of the NTF-ELCAC to empower barangay communities.

“Five of our barangays are already recipients of PHP20 million each for development projects,” he added.

Escalante City Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. said the “peace-loving people” of Escalante “highly commend” the efforts of the NTF-ELCAC in the anti-insurgency campaign and the implementation of programs such as the BDP.

“This will pave the way for the construction of roads, water systems, and facilities that will cater to the needs of the people,” he also said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140991

Parents of rescued IP kids hopeful justice will be served

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): Parents of rescued IP kids hopeful justice will be served (By Che Palicte)

SEEKING JUSTICE. Datu Butigon Mandakawan (4th from left), along with the other parents of the Indigenous People's students who were rescued at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City early this year, listens to the government officials who attended a press briefing in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on Tuesday (May 18, 2021). The parents have called on the government to help them obtain justice for their children. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Parents of the rescued Indigenous People (IP) minors in Cebu City on February 15 have entrusted the fate of the case to the government, even as they appeal for justice for their children, whom they said were "victimized and used" by the "Bakwit School" respondents.

This came after the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Davao del Norte dismissed the charges against the seven respondents -- known as "Bakwit School 7"--for “lack of probable cause, and lack of territorial jurisdiction.”

In a resolution dated May 5, the provincial prosecutor also ordered the immediate release of the respondents.

One of the parents, Datu Butigon Mandakawan, expressed optimism that with the help of the government, justice will soon be served to their families.

Appeal for help

“Help us to fight against them. They need to face trial for kidnapping and abducting our children,” he said in vernacular during a press briefing here on Tuesday.

Mandakawan also appealed to the government to file charges against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who are "victimizing" their children.

Mandakawan said he wanted justice not only for his child but also for his wife who died due to anxiety upon knowing that their child was brought to Cebu by the respondents.

“She worried a lot and the loneliness caused her death,” he added.

Government’s response

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Social Media Affairs and Sectoral Concerns, said they will "definitely back the parents" and file for a motion of consideration.

“Despite the result, we’re also very happy that in the resolution it stated that ‘these crimes were committed.’ It’s just that we need to fine-tune it so that we can respond to what the prosecutor has said. At least we are guided with the resolution. We will file it the soonest, huwag natin silang patulugin nang mahimbing. There is no reason for them to celebrate,” Badoy pointed out.

Badoy assured the parents of the government's "one hundred percent support."

“We are going to help the parents file a motion for reconsideration. This is just a start of a fight that we are going to win for sure,” she added.

She also rejected the claims of the communist groups that the cases were dismissed for being baseless.

"It's a big lie. Baseless is a template response of CPP-NPA. They are the ones who committed terrible crimes," Badoy said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Readying charges

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Legal Affairs and IP Concerns, said the government is readying charges against the same respondents for violation of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA).

"This is a separate and distinct offense. Separate special offense from the (original) criminal case," he said in a press release on Wednesday.

The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the kidnapping, serious illegal detention, human trafficking, and child abuse charges against Chad Errol Booc, Segundo Lagatos Melong, Benito Dalim Bay-ao, Moddie Langayed Mansimoy-at, Esmelito Paumba Oribawan, Roshelle Mae C. Porcadilla, and Jomar Benag.

Still, Bosantog maintained that the prosecutors had found "elements of the crimes were actually committed."

“It just so happens that the crimes committed were out of the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte, so the filing of the case is improper," he explained, noting that the alleged crimes were committed while transporting the 19 IP students from Davao del Norte to the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

In December 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the NPA and the CPP as terrorist organizations.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140998

Suga lauds PRRD's stand on arbitral ruling in 75th UNGA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 19, 2021): Suga lauds PRRD's stand on arbitral ruling in 75th UNGA (By Azer Parrocha)

STRONG BILATERAL TIES. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga discuss matters during a phone call at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on May 19, 2021 (Wednesday). Both Leaders reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and build on the achievements of 65 years of normalized relations and 10 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan. (Presidential photo by Richard Madelo)

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has lauded the Philippines’ “principled position” on the 2016 arbitral ruling that President Rodrigo Duterte uttered at the High-Level General Debate of the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September last year.

Suga conveyed his appreciation in a “productive” 20-minute phone conversation with Duterte on Wednesday.

“Prime Minister Suga, meantime, expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ principled position clearly articulated by President Duterte during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,” the Office of the President (OP) said in a statement.

Duterte stressed the need for nations to cooperate on promoting maritime domain awareness, maritime security, and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and maritime connectivity and commerce.

“At the same time, he (Duterte) underlined the need to recognize and work for the peaceful settlement of disputes, stating that the Asia-Pacific region cannot afford conflicts between neighbors,” the OP statement read.

Duterte added that alliances and partnerships must redound to greater stability in the South China Sea and uphold the broader collective interest of the Asia-Pacific region.

“While recognizing the importance of the Arbitral Ruling, Prime Minister Suga also expressed concern over developments in the East and South China Seas,” the OP said.

Both leaders agreed to work closely to ensure security and stability in the region under the rule of law.

To secure the area against piracy, terrorism, and other transnational crimes, Duterte stressed the importance of continuing cooperation in the Sulu and the Celebes Sea.

The two leaders then stated their intent to ramp up cooperation in these waters.

In his maiden speech before the UNGA virtual high-level meeting, Duterte affirmed the Philippines’ commitment on the peaceful settlement of the South China Sea dispute in accordance with the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) ruling that rejected China’s expansive maritime claims in the disputed territory.

Duterte said the PCA ruling “is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish or abandon.”

“We firmly reject attempts to undermine it,” Duterte said.

His speech was praised by current and former Cabinet members and government officials as well as critics.

Covid-19 first

Amid the prevailing health crisis, Suga also conveyed his regrets on the postponement of his official visit to the Philippines due to Japan’s domestic Covid-19 situation.

Last month, Suga announced that he has decided to postpone his visit to the Philippines to focus on a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in his country.

Duterte expressed full support of the decision and stressed that the Philippines stands in solidarity with the Japanese people in facing the pandemic.

He also thanked Japan for its generous Covid-19 assistance to the Philippines, including 20 billion yen approval out of the 50 billion yen Post-Disaster Standby Loan and 1 billion yen more for cold chain development assistance.

Suga recognized and expressed support for the Philippine Government’s efforts to address the pandemic.

Both leaders also reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and build on the achievements of 65 years of normalized relations and 10 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan, two milestones set to be celebrated this year.

Partner for dev’t

In the same phone call, Duterte said Japan’s increased engagement in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is key to revitalizing socio-economic growth and promoting security in the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

He described Japan as an “unrivaled partner for peace and development in Mindanao” and thanked Japan’s support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao transition process, stating further that joint socio-economic development initiatives will benefit peace-loving Mindanaoans.

Duterte also thanked Suga for his support in the Build, Build, Build program which the latter described as “a lasting legacy to be remembered for years to come.”

Suga said Japan will continue this key area of partnership with the Philippines, recognizing Duterte’s assertion that projects such as the first Manila Subway will significantly improve the quality of life and productivity of Filipinos.

Both leaders expressed concern over developments in Myanmar and agreed to work closely together to support efforts to improve the situation in the country.

Duterte and Suga said they looked forward to seeing each other in Manila as soon as circumstances allow to renew and reaffirm the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership and valuable ties of “friends closer than brothers.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140870

AFP lauds ASoG for support on military education

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): AFP lauds ASoG for support on military education (By Priam Nepomuceno)  May 20, 2021, 9:37 am

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Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Ateneo School of Governance academic head Ma. Christina Alikpala (AFP photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday formally recognized the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) for its continuous support to improve military training and education.

ASoG has been assisting the military in the conduct of the Competency and Training Needs Analysis (CTNA) for AFP field grade officers since 2019.

“The military leadership extends its gratitude to the Ateneo School of Government for coming up with a customized training design that will help our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines realize the AFP’s desired competencies,” said AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in a statement.

The CTNA’s primary objective is to identify the competencies essential to the effective and efficient discharge of responsibilities of the military’s Middle Managers with the rank of major to colonel.

The plaque of recognition was received by Ma. Christina Alikpala, MBA, ASoG's academic head, in a ceremony held at the Office of the Chief of Staff in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“This is one of our humble ways that we can contribute to the whole of nation approach to security where civil servants from other government agencies interact with fellow students coming from the AFP in a healthy exchange of ideas and promote meaningful partnership,” Alikpala said.

The Competency Framework for Middle Managers reflecting the proficiency levels was developed from the result of the research. Extrinsic competencies pertain to Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Analysis, Planning, Systems Thinking, Solutions Focused, People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

On the other hand, the intrinsic competencies are People Management, Self-Mastery, and Communication.

The AFP and ASoG sustained the partnership in 2020 and conducted another CTNA Project for junior officers (company-grade officers) now covering the ranks of 2nd lieutenant to captain.

The project became an extension of the AFP-ASoG Middle Managers’ Competency Framework that completes the AFP-ASoG Competency Framework for Officers Continuum.

The project was formally concluded in the first quarter of 2021, and was approved and noted by the AFP chief this April 7.

Currently, the ASoG has 80 AFP scholars enrolled in its post-graduate governance programs.

“The CTNA Projects pave the way for the institutionalization of a progressive learning continuum on leadership and management for the AFP. This is a significant milestone for the organization as we continue to enhance our partnership with our stakeholders as an institution that is neither above nor below the Filipinos rather than beside them in achieving lasting peace and development,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140878

Community pantries should uplift PH, not demean gov’t efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): Community pantries should uplift PH, not demean gov’t efforts (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Undersecretary Severo Catura (PNA file photo)

A spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has lamented that the Filipino “bayanihan” (working together) spirit has been used for political ends and “bastardized” by some groups.

During Wednesday’s hearing of the House Committee on Human Rights on the emergence of community pantries, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, Undersecretary Severo Catura, said that while he welcomes such initiative for people participation in the campaign to uplift the daily struggle of the poor, he lamented that critics chose to show the government on a bad light.

“The government is saddened that the Filipinos’ capacity of overextending kindness and generosity exemplified in the bayanihan has been used for political ends by some groups,” Catura said.

"The reason they're doing this is because they're telling people that our government is palpak (a failure) and is incapable of addressing our people's needs in the time of the pandemic, and questions this government's moral ascendancy to remain in authority.”

He said community pantries may be new, but the concept is not, as similar activities have been organized several times over, like community grocery, feeding programs, kindness kitchens, food banks, parish outreach missions, and social service for the poor that have been in operation long before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Such activities were done without fanfare, in an orderly fashion, without media hype, and “most importantly, without any hint at demeaning government for alleged failure in governance”, Catura said.

“The much-loved Filipino virtue of bayanihan has been so bastardized that, as a serious human rights advocate, I can only deem this act as an affront and insult to Filipino culture,” he said.

He believes that in the context of promoting economic, social, and cultural rights, the community pantry does not contribute at all in promoting the general welfare of society and must be addressed accordingly.

“The Philippine government welcomes all support from all sectors in society in the campaign to uplift the lives of the people in these difficult times, so long as such support reinforces the beauty of the Filipino’s bayanihan spirit, does not use and abuse the same for some political ends, or use the same to blame and shame the government and the Filipinos in general before the international community,” he said.

He said such initiatives should not “foment hatred or distrust” against anyone, any group, or the government.

Catura said the government has been conducting its own version of community pantries in marginalized communities not only in relation to the pandemic, but also because of natural calamities last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140894

Japan opposes 'unilateral attempts' to change status quo in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): Japan opposes 'unilateral attempts' to change status quo in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Japan Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide (Anadolu photo)

The Japanese government expressed its opposition to unilateral attempts that undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea during a summit teleconference with President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday.

In a readout, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide also shared "grave concerns" about recent developments in China, particularly the passage of a Chinese law that permits its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels it deemed infringing on its sovereignty or jurisdiction.

"Japanese Prime Minister Suga expressed his opposition to the continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and shared grave concerns about recent developments in China, including the Coast Guard Law," the embassy said.

"The two leaders concurred to work together closely toward the maintenance of peace and stability in the region under the rule of law such as the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," it added.

Japan is among the first countries to share concern over the swarming of Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef, located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, last March 2021.

Issues surrounding the contested South China Sea are "directly related to peace and stability and a concern for all", it said. It also emphasized its "strong" opposition to any action that heightens tensions in the region.

In light of the 65th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations and a decade-old Strategic Partnership, Duterte and Suga also agreed to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including the Asean Outlook for the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

The two leaders shared the intention to strengthen cooperation in the Sulu and Celebes Seas and surrounding areas, the embassy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140892

PNP gets 17,314 new officers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): PNP gets 17,314 new officers

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will get only “the best and most qualified” as its chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Thursday hailed the recruitment of more than 17,000 new police officers this year by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Napolcom approved the recruitment of 17,314 new officers to enable the PNP to replenish personnel losses, increase strength, enhance visibility, and improve the police-to-population ratio.

"We will only get the best and most qualified people for the PNP,” Eleazar said in a news release posted in the PNP’s official Facebook account

“Gaya ng ipinangako ko sa aking pag-upo bilang CPNP (Chief PNP), gagamitan natin ng quick response o QR codes ang mga application ng mga gustong mag-pulis. Walang pangalan o mukha. Panay QR code, sa buong application process. (Like what I promised when I assumed as CPNP, we will use the quick response or QR codes on the applications of those who want to be police officers. There will be no names or faces. Just QR codes for the entire application process)," Eleazar said.

The QR code system, Eleazar said, will do away with the “padrino” (patronage) system that influences hiring and guarantee the anonymity of applicants, making it difficult for anybody to interfere.

The Napolcom also reminded members of the Screening and Selection Committee to strictly follow rules on the recruitment process as well as the safety guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140889

Duterte eyes meeting with predecessors to discuss WPS dispute

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): Duterte eyes meeting with predecessors to discuss WPS dispute (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed intent to meet with former presidents to discuss issues concerning the highly-contested West Philippine Sea (WPS), Malacañang said on Thursday.

“Iniisip niya (Duterte) imbitahin ang mga dating mga Presidente, ilang mga personalidad para magkaroon ng isang pagpupulong ‘no to discuss the issue (He is considering inviting former presidents, other personalities for a meeting to discuss the issue [on WPS]),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual press conference.

The planned meeting between Duterte and his predecessors is an “alternative” to convening the National Security Council (NSC), Roque said.

Duterte, Roque said, has yet to set the date for his possible meeting with the country’s past chief executives.

“The President is considering the idea of an alternative to convening the National Security Council. Pero ‘yun po (However, that is) still in the process of consideration,” Roque said.

Roque issued the statement after Duterte met with former senator Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday to seek his advice on matters related to the WPS issue.

He also made the remarks, after former senator Rodolfo Biazon urged Duterte to convene NSC to come up with a “clear and united” stance on the Philippines’ long-standing disputes with China in WPS.

Biazon made the call, as he lamented that Philippine officials have “confusing” positions on the WPS issue.

Not confusing

Roque, however, denied the government is issuing “confusing” statements on issues surrounding WPS.

“Sa ngayon po, wala pong confusion. Ang confusion ay dahil pinapasukan ng pulitika ng kritiko ng administrasyon iyong isyu ng West Philippine Sea (As of now, there is no confusion. The confusion comes because critics of the administration are politicizing the West Philippine Sea issue),” he said.

Roque maintained that Duterte made a “clear” stance that he would uphold the country’s sovereign rights over WPS and would not let any country occupy any of the Philippine territories.

“Hinding-hindi tayo mamimigay ng teritoryo at paninindigan at pangangalagaan natin ang pang-nasyunal na soberenya at ang ating mga sovereign rights (We will never give any of our territories and we will fight or and protect our national sovereignty and sovereign rights),” he said.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won its petition against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, after the court invalidated Beijing’s supposed historic rights over nearly the entire South China Sea.

China has repeatedly ignored the 2016 PCA ruling, while the Philippines has sought to resolve the sea dispute through a diplomatic approach.

Filipino fishermen’s interests protected

Despite the Philippines’ warmer ties with China, Duterte told Beijing on May 13 that Manila would “not move an inch backward” from WPS.

On Tuesday, the Philippine government also expressed strong objection to China’s unilateral fishing ban in WPS.

China’s supposed moratorium runs from May 1 to August 16 and covers “waters north of 12 degrees north latitude” which encroaches areas on Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone, including the Bajo de Masinloc.

Roque ensured that the government, through the Philippine Coast Guard, is protecting the interests of Filipino fishermen.

“So diyan lang po kayo sa ating mga tradisyunal na fishing grounds at nandiyan naman po ang ating Coast Guard para pangalagaan din po ang interes ng ating mga mangingisda (So, just stay there in your traditional fishing grounds because our Coast Guard is there to protect the interests of our fishermen,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest against China’s fishing moratorium on May 17.

The DFA said Beijing cannot legally impose or enforce such a ban in WPS, saying it “extends far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and is without basis under international law.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140958

‘3-7-20’ applies in processing of uniformed personnel benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): ‘3-7-20’ applies in processing of uniformed personnel benefits (By Kris Crismundo)

NEW TASK FORCE. The Anti-Red Tape Authority leads the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Streamlining the Processing of Uniformed Services Benefit Claims in a virtual ceremony on Thursday (May 20, 2021). The task force will simplify the processes of claiming benefits of uniformed personnel. (Photo courtesy of ARTA)

The government has simplified the process of claiming benefits of uniformed personnel with the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Streamlining the Processing of Uniformed Services Benefit Claims.

A joint memorandum circular (JMC), signed on Thursday in a virtual ceremony, was initiated by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to simplify and speed up the processing of death benefit claims and other entitlements of legal beneficiaries of uniformed personnel.

The JMC was signed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Police Commission, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

"It's unfortunate that our uniformed personnel spent their time serving and giving their lives for the country subalit ang mga pamilya naman nila ang nahihirapan sa mahabang proseso sa pagkuha ng mga gasinong benepisyo (but their families suffer from long processes in obtaining even the smallest of benefits)," ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said during the signing ceremony.

ARTA Deputy Director General Carlos Quita, who will chair the task force, said the JMC targets to apply the "3-7-20" rule for the entire process of claiming the benefits, not just by the agency.

Prior to the JMC, a benefits claim takes between three and 20 days per agency, depending on the complexity of the process. With the signing of JMC, the entire process shall be streamlined among agencies.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, government agencies shall complete simple transactions within three working days; seven working days for complex transactions; and 20 days for highly technical transactions.

The task force has started to review the existing processes of all the involved agencies and bureaus for initial analysis of standardization of processes.

Quita said they target to implement the streamlined and automated process by end of the year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140946

NPA fighter dies, another yields in Agusan Norte clashes

 From the Philippine News Agency (May 20, 2021): NPA fighter dies, another yields in Agusan Norte clashes (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. Government troops under the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion recover firearms and other personal belongings following the series of clashes with the communist New People’s Army rebels in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, on Wednesday (May 19, 2021) until Thursday. A rebel was killed while another surrendered during the encounters. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

A combatant of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while another one was captured in separate armed encounters with government troops on Wednesday and Thursday morning in the hinterlands of Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), in a statement Thursday said that the first encounter took place in Barangay Sangay, Buenavista, past 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

“Our troops conducted a strike operation after the residents in the area reported the presence of NPA rebels conducting extortion activities,” Paulo said.

Government forces engaged around six NPA rebels in a five-minute encounter upon reaching the area, he added.

“Our troops encountered the remnants of Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) under Jelan Pinakilid, alias Baking,” Paulo said.

The 23IB recovered a motorcycle and other belongings from the encounter site following the rebels' retreat.

A 16-year-old NPA member, identified as Archie C. Penales Jr., also surrendered to the 23IB after the encounter.

Paulo said the surrenderer was later identified as the son of Archie C. Penales, Sr. of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 88.

At around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, troopers of the 23IB clashed anew with around 15 members of GF4A in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista.

“The fresh firefight lasted for about 15 minutes that resulted to the death of an NPA member and the recovery of high-powered firearms,” Paulo said.

Recovered from the encounter site were two AK-47 rifles and three backpacks.

“The recovered NPA cadaver was handed over by our troopers to the barangay officials of Guinabsan for identification and proper disposition,” Paulo said.

No one was hurt from the government side during the encounters, he added.

“As much as possible, we don’t want lives to be wasted, because we don’t want to see families suffered from the loss of their family members and loved ones,” Paulo said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140901