Moro Islamic Liberation Front lauds Senate for adopting House rebel amnesty resolutions

From MindaNews (Mar 7, 2024): Moro Islamic Liberation Front lauds Senate for adopting House rebel amnesty resolutions (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters raise their firearms in jubilation in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao province as soon as their leaders signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang on Oct. 15, 2012. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front  lauded the Senate for adopting three resolutions of the House of Representatives that concur with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s grant of amnesty to former rebels. MindaNews file photo by BONG SARMIENTO

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 7 March) – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front lauded the Senate for adopting three resolutions of the House of Representatives that concur with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s grant of amnesty to former rebels.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, also the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair, said the granting of amnesty for Moro Islamic Liberation Front members is contained in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed in March 2014 after 17 years of peace negotiations.

“We are thankful and happy. Hopefully they could soon establish an office that will start the amnesty process,” Ebrahim said.

Pending the start of the formal amnesty process, he suggested the issuance of a certification for those covered by the amnesty for them to avoid getting arrested.

Murad stressed the Senate’s move is a big relief for Moro Islamic Liberation Front members facing charges in pursuit of their political beliefs who wanted to participate in the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election, which will be held simultaneously with the midterm national and local elections in May 2025.

Last February 17, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s political party, held its first general assembly in Cotabato, with Ebrahim then saying the event “signals the start of their preparation for the party to win parliamentary seats in next year’s regional election.”

He said the grant of amnesty would ease their worries of getting arrested.

Many of the leaders and members of  Moro Islamic Liberation Front have pending cases related to their political beliefs. Those given safe conduct passes, however, freely roam the country without the threats of an arrest.

Last Monday, the Senate adopted three concurrent resolutions favoring Marcos’ grant of amnesty to various insurgent groups in the country, three months after Presidential Proclamations (PP) 403, 405 and 406 were issued last November.

With 19 in favor, no abstention and zero no vote, the Upper House adopted House Concurrent Resolutions (HCR) No. 19, 21, and 22, which concur with PP 403, 405, and 406 respectively.

HCR 19 grants amnesty to former members of the Rebolusyong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolution Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), HCR 21 to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and HCR 22 to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Uniity, noted that despite “the strong desire of members of these revolutionary groups to be productive citizens in their communities, the looming threat of legal repercussions limits them to do so.”

“They are torn between their desire to turn a new leaf on one hand, and be held accountable for their political mistakes on the other,” he said.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said: “We are fully behind the government’s concerted efforts to advance the reconciliation and healing from the armed conflicts that have divided our nation for far too long.”

National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said the amnesty proclamations are a “strong indication of the solidarity of the current administration in pursuit for lasting peace and national security.”

The amnesty is granted to former rebels who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection, sedition, illegal assembly, direct and indirect assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, or explosives.

However, there are exceptions.

The amnesty shall not cover kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in the Revised Penal Code, violation of RA No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights, the Presidential Communications Office said. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/03/moroislamicliberationfront-lauds-senate-for-adopting-house-rebel-amnesty-resolutions/#gsc.tab=0

DSWD DROMIC Report #3 on the Armed Conflict in Iloilo as of 06 March 2024, 6AM

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 6, 2024): DSWD DROMIC Report #3 on the Armed Conflict in Iloilo as of 06 March 2024, 6AM

Format:  Situation Report 

Source: Govt. Philippines 

 Posted: 6 Mar 2024 

 Originally published: 6 Mar 2024 

 Origin: View original

Download Report(PDF | 281.04 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 28 February 2024 at around 3AM, an armed conflict transpired between the troops of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) of Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay in the Municipality of San Joaquin,
Iloilo which resulted in the displacement of affected families / individuals and several reported casualties.

On March 04, 2024 at around 4:40 PM, series of encounter occurred in Brgy. Igsolique, Miagao, Iloilo and Brgy. Igcabito-on during the follow-up operations conducted by the Government troops.

Relative to the incident, the DSWD through its Field Office in Region VI, provided relief assistance to support the immediate needs of the affected families and individuals.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) VI

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 2,762 families or 11,267 persons were affected in 31 barangays in Iloilo (see Annex A).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-3-armed-conflict-iloilo-06-march-2024-6am

DSWD DROMIC Report #7 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 06 March 2024, 6AM

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 6, 2024): DSWD DROMIC Report #7 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 06 March 2024, 6AM

Format: Situation Report 

 Source: Govt. Philippines 

 Posted: 6 Mar 2024 

Originally published: 6 Mar 2024 

 Origin: View original

Download Report(PDF | 319.7 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 16 February 2024, an armed conflict transpired in Brgy. Pantao, Munai, Lanao del Norte between Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group (DI-MG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), resulting in injuries. Two days later, on the 18th of February, another clash occurred in Brgy. Lindongan, Munai, with nine (9) reported dead and seven (7) injured. Following this, on the 21st of February, a military operation targeted the suspected hideout in Brgy. Matampay, Munai, causing casualties among civilians and the terrorist group.

This incident transpired on the border of LGU Tangcal and Munai, prompting affected families to evacuate to nearby municipalities—specifically Tangcal, Bacolod, Kolambugan, and Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte.

In response, the DSWD through its Field Office in Region X, in coordination with the concerned Local Government Unit (LGU), promptly provided relief augmentation to support the immediate needs of the affected families and individuals.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) X

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 770 families or 3,641 persons are affected in eight (8) barangays in Lanao del Norte (see Annex A).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-7-armed-conflict-lanao-del-norte-06-march-2024-6am

DSWD DROMIC Report #4 on the Armed Conflict in Iloilo as of 08 March 2024, 6AM

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 8, 2024): DSWD DROMIC Report #4 on the Armed Conflict in Iloilo as of 08 March 2024, 6AM

Format Situation: Report 

 Source: Govt. Philippines 

 Posted: 8 Mar 2024 

 Originally published: 8 Mar 2024 

 Origin: View original

Download Report(PDF | 177.45 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 28 February 2024 at around 3AM, an armed conflict transpired between the troops of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) of Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay in the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo which resulted in the displacement of affected families / individuals and several reported casualties.

On March 04, 2024 at around 4:40 PM, series of encounter occurred in Brgy. Igsolique, Miagao, Iloilo and Brgy. Igcabito-on during the follow-up operations conducted by the Government troops.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) VI

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 2,772 families or 11,322 persons are affected in 33 barangays in Iloilo (see Annex A).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-4-armed-conflict-iloilo-08-march-2024-6am

DSWD DROMIC Report #8 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 08 March 2024, 6AM

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 8, 2024): DSWD DROMIC Report #8 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 08 March 2024, 6AM

Format: Situation Report 

Source: Govt. Philippines 

 Posted: 8 Mar 2024 

 Originally published: 8 Mar 2024 

 Origin: View original

Download Report(PDF | 346.97 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 16 February 2024, an armed conflict transpired in Brgy. Pantao, Munai, Lanao del Norte between Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group (DI-MG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which resulted in the displacement of families and individuals in the area and the nearby Municipality of Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

Another armed encounter occurred between the two (2) groups in Brgy. Lindongan and Brgy. Matampay in the Municipality of Munai, Lanao del Norte on 18 February 2024 and 21 February 2024, respectively.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) X

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 770 families or 3,641 persons are affected in eight (8) barangays in Lanao del Norte (see Annex A).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-8-armed-conflict-lanao-del-norte-08-march-2024-6am

PBBM sees ‘many benefits’ in conducting war games with Australia

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2024): PBBM sees ‘many benefits’ in conducting war games with Australia (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Filipino and Australian military troops (Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippines should continue conducting joint military drills with Australia because such exercises have “many benefits,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

In a recorded interview while in Melbourne, Australia, Marcos said the war games between the Philippines and Australia would help improve Manila’s defense and security capabilities, as well as disaster preparedness.

“This will benefit the Philippines because we are conducting these exercises so that we are able to work together with our foreign partners. And when I say work together, it is not only for defense and security, it is also for disaster preparedness, disaster assistance that they might bring should there be a disaster,” Marcos said, noting that the Philippines is being pummeled yearly by powerful typhoons that increase in intensity in recent years.

“So, there are many benefits for us and I think that it is something that we should continue and should encourage,” he added.

Marcos, however, said the conduct of joint military exercises with Australia would depend on the situation on the ground and on mutual agreement between parties.

He said the scheduling is really a risk and would be based on “whether or not the threat levels and the tension levels are increasing or decreasing” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“And as to having yearly exercises, well, that’s probably something that we can discuss. But again, we will have to assess the situation at the time and if we need to continue these exercises, then I think we will be able to agree on that,” Marcos said.

READ: PBBM, Australian PM to discuss continuation of military drills

Marcos said he and Australian leaders also discussed the possibility of amending the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and Australia.

He said both countries have expressed openness to amend or upgrade the agreement depending on the need.

Last year, the Philippines and Australia conducted Exercise Alon and the Maritime Cooperative Activity.

Australia has made a commitment to conduct joint military exercises with the Philippines at least once every two years.

Australia is the Philippines’ second largest partner in defense and security and one of only two bilateral partners with a status of VFA, aside from the United States.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220253

PH ops in WPS to continue – Wescom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2024): PH ops in WPS to continue – Wescom chief (By Priam Nepomuceno and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

COLLISION. Two Philippine Coast Guard personnel scramble to place a fender to lessen the impact of collision before BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) and the bigger Chinese Coast Guard vessel 21555 collide on Tuesday (March 5, 2024). The BRP Sindangan suffered minor damage, according to the PCG. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – Operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will continue despite increasing harassment from Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and their maritime militia.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said they are "undeterred" and "will not yield".

"Tuloy-tuloy lang po ang ating operasyon sa WPS, tuloy tuloy po ang ating pag-papatrolya at ang ating pag-exercise po ng ating sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction (Our operations in the WPS will continue, along with our patrols and along with the exercise of our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction)," Carlos said in a radio interview over DZBB on Thursday.

The BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), which is watching over Ayungin Shoal, will remain where it is, he said.

"Gagawin po namin ang lahat upang manatili ang BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal na symbol ng ating sovereign, ng ating, sa soberenya dun sa lugar na 'yun at para makapag-comply po kami sa utos ng Pangulo ay kailangan po namin ang tuloy-tuloy na (rotation and resupply) sa BRP Sierra Madre (We will do everything we can to ensure that BRP Sierra Madre, which is the symbol of our sovereignty, stays there, and to comply with the President's order, we will ensure that the (rotation and resupply) for the BRP Sierra Madre is continuous)," he said.

The statement followed the March 5 incident off Ayungin Shoal where a series of dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannon of the Chinese Coast Guard led to a minor collision and injuries among the resupply team, including Carlos himself who sustained cuts when the glass windows of Unaiza May 4 were shattered.

Legitimate concern

Meanwhile, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) praised the Philippines for having “consistently complied” with the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

“The arbitral award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and Japan strongly hopes that the parties’ compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea,” it said in a statement dated March 6.

Japan, it said, has consistently advocated upholding the rule of law at sea, and would continue to cooperate with the international community such as ASEAN Member States and the United States to protect the free and open international order in the region.

The Japanese MOFA reiterated that the issue concerning the South China Sea is “directly related to the peace and stability of the region” and is a legitimate concern of the international community.

In a separate statement, the embassies of Korea, France and Canada also conveyed their concern over the March 5 Ayungin incident and called for peaceful resolution of disputes.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220270

86% of Filipinos satisfied with AFP's performance – OCTA

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2024): 86% of Filipinos satisfied with AFP's performance – OCTA (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

TOP PERFORMERS. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. with Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and other guests lead the unveiling of the "Symbol of Peace" at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte on Sept. 21, 2023. A recent OCTA Research survey showed that most Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the AFP. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Most Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), results of an OCTA Research survey showed.

According to the results of the Dec. 10-14, 2023 survey released on Thursday, about 86 percent of adult Filipinos are satisfied with the AFP and its overall accomplishments.

Among those who were satisfied, 23 percent said they were "very satisfied" and 63 percent were "somewhat satisfied" with AFP's performance.

Only 2 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the country's military, while the remaining 11 percent said they could not say if they were satisfied or not.

OCTA noted that the AFP's net satisfaction rating is at least +85 across major areas except for Metro Manila with a rating of +73.

Among socio-economic classes, the AFP's net satisfaction rating was highest among adult Filipinos belonging to Class ABC and E at +87 and lowest among those in Class D at +83.

As for the trust score, about 87 percent of the respondents trust the AFP, while only 2 percent distrust it, resulting in a net trust rating of +85.

Across different major areas, the AFP's net trust rating ranges from +77 to +89 with the highest in Mindanao, while its lowest is in Metro Manila.

Regarding socioeconomic classes, the AFP’s net trust rating is highest in Class ABC at +87, which is closely followed by those in Class D and E, at +84 and +85, respectively.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of ±3 percent.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220299

Health station, classroom built in ex-NPA-infested village in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2024): Health station, classroom built in ex-NPA-infested village in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

COMPLETED. The classroom and the health station turned over to local officials of Magsaysay village in Las Navas, Northern Samar. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Northern Samar provincial office and the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict led the turnover of a health station and a classroom in the village costing PHP4 million. (Photo courtesy of DILG Northern Samar)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least two government projects have been completed in Magsaysay village, a remote community in Las Navas, Northern Samar, previously infested by the New People’s Army, the Philippine Army reported on Thursday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Northern Samar provincial office and the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict led the turnover of a health station and a classroom in the village, with a project cost of PHP4 million.

These projects under the Support to the Barangay Development Project (SBDP) have been identified by residents during the retooled community support program, a convergence mechanism for local governments in the village to identify issues and needed government interventions, according to Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, acting commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion.

The projects were funded under the 2021 appropriations.

“This is a result of the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in fostering inclusive progress in Las Navas. These projects are significant in shaping the community's future,” Villaflor said.

Magsaysay village is known for violence perpetrated by the armed rebels.

The last was on June 23, 2023, when two road workers were killed when rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine.

Las Navas is one of the recipients of SBDP, with seven completed projects under the 2022 funding in five villages and a total grant of PHP24 million.

These projects align with the government's whole-of-nation approach seek to foster collaboration among diverse sectors to address insurgency challenges and foster sustainable peace and development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220289

66 ex-rebels get P5.3-M ECLIP aid in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2024): 66 ex-rebels get P5.3-M ECLIP aid in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (3rd from left) and Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel (2nd from left) lead the distribution of PHP5.3 million financial aid to 66 former rebels in Tandag City on Wednesday (March 6, 2024). The former rebels also received PHP660,000 worth of assistance from the different government line agencies. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Ayec Pimentel)

BUTUAN CITY – Sixty-six former combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who separately surrendered to the government last year received PHP5.3 million financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in a ceremony held in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

“ECLIP is an avenue to reach out to communist rebels and to aid their economic, social, and psychological rehabilitation needs,” Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel said in a statement on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Pimentel and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. distributed the ECLIP assistance to the ex-rebels.

In collaboration with various agencies, Pimentel assured the provincial government will continue to assist the former rebels until they are fully rehabilitated and reunited with their families in their respective communities.

The former rebels also received separate assistance worth PHP660,000 from the different government line agencies, particularly from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Labor and Employment, and PhilHealth.

Among those who received assistance was “Benny” who surrendered to the government late last year after nearly five years inside the rebel movement.

“After my surrender, the government helped me rebuild my life through skills training programs. With the assistance I received, I can now start my livelihood in our barangay,” he said in the vernacular during a phone interview on Thursday.

Benny also hoped that other rebels still suffering inside the movement would see the benefits they gained after their surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220274

'Stable' peace, security in Panay eyed

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2024): 'Stable' peace, security in Panay eyed (By Perla Lena)

WEAKENED. The cadavers of three of the four fatalities during a clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in San Joaquin, Iloilo on Feb. 28, 2024. Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office, said in an interview on Thursday (March 7, 2024) that the two fronts of the NPA in Panay are already weakened and they target to dismantle them in the third quarter of the year and eventually declare a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Panay before 2024 ends. (Contributed photo)

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army hopes to declare a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Panay before this year ends by working on dismantling the two already-weakened guerrilla fronts on the island.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said the Central Panay and Southern Panay Fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) no longer have any hold on any of the barangays in these areas after losing their political-military structure in the villages.

“We already have zero-affected barangays. If we dismantled them by the third quarter, then we will facilitate the declaration of SIPS,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

Javines said the declaration of SIPS could boost investor confidence.

Aside from having a stable power supply, the business sector looks at security as a parameter when investing.

He said the Feb. 28 encounter with members of the Southern Panay Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay in San Joaquin town in Iloilo, was a big blow to the communist group.

The encounter left four members of the communist group dead while one was captured. The group also lost several firearms.

“They will have difficulty looking for a replacement if they lose their senior officials,” he said, adding that their operations resulted in the neutralization of their squad leader, finance, and medical officers.

He also credited the support of civilians for providing them with information.

“The popular support of our civilians is a very important indicator. If we can get information from them, it means they are no longer supporting the armed group,” he added.

Meanwhile, the bodies of three of the four fatalities during the encounter had already been claimed by their respective families.

Javines said they are still trying to identify the fourth, earlier identified as Patrick Reovoca, because his family denied that it was him.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220329