CPP/NDFP: On the ongoing talks

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Sep 4, 2024): On the ongoing talks

 


Julie de Lima

Chairperson

Negotiating Panel

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

September 04, 2024

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Peace Negotiating Panel firmly reiterates its commitment to the resumption of peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). Our dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace remains steadfast, as we believe the negotiations present an effective means to address the underlying causes of the civil war.

The ongoing talks between the two delegations are meant to come up with an agreed framework for the negotiations towards forging an agreement that will address the root causes of the armed conflict.

In the past few months, we have observed with concern the mixed and contradictory signals emanating from the GRP. On the one hand, General Eduardo Año stated that peace talks are unlikely to proceed. On the other hand, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said they are optimistic that the talks would resume. We hope that the GRP can resolve these contradictory views.

The NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel remains open and ready to engage in meaningful discussions that can lead to comprehensive solutions benefitting the Filipino people including addressing key issues of agrarian reform and national industrialization among other substantive socio-economic concerns.

The path to peace is indeed long and arduous, but it is a path that we must tread with unwavering determination, mutual respect and a genuine commitment from both parties if it is to succeed. We look forward to continuing exploratory talks with the GRP and hopeful to resume formal negotiations to achieve just and lasting peace in the Philippines.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-the-ongoing-talks/

21 Moro Islamic Liberation Front top commanders apply for amnesty

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2024): 21 Moro Islamic Liberation Front top commanders apply for amnesty (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) on Monday said 21 ranking Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders have filed their applications through the Local Amnesty Board in Cotabato City.

In a statement, the NAC said among those who filed for amnesty on Aug. 30 were top ground commanders of the group who are now Members of Parliament (MP) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The ceremonial submission was witnessed by the chairpersons of the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel, retired Gen. Cesar Yano and Minister Mohagher Iqbal.

Also in attendance were BARMM Senior Minister and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) spokesperson Abunawas “Von Alhaq” Maslamama and MP Maryann Arnado.

The grant of amnesty to Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels is part of their agreement with the government under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The NAC said this is a sign of the growing momentum toward peace, noting that Moro Islamic Liberation Front members applying for amnesty have reached 77 since it began accepting applications.

As of Sept. 4, the NAC has received 909 amnesty applications.

These applications include a significant number of former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front and their front organizations, as well as rebels from the Moro National Liberation Front and the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, signaling a notable shift towards unity and reconciliation.

The NAC continues to strengthen its information and education campaign, highlighting the benefits of amnesty in the government’s pursuit of peace and national reconciliation, as well as the amnesty application process.

The deadline for the submission of applications is set for March 2026.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232926

US Marine Corps vows to boost AFP's protection of maritime borders

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2024): US Marine Corps vows to boost AFP's protection of maritime borders (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PARTNERS. AFP vice chief of staff Lt .Gen. Arthur Cordura (right) speaks with USMC commandant Gen. Eric Smith during the latter's courtesy call at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024). The USMC chief has committed to helping the AFP in developing its maritime domain awareness. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has committed to helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in developing its maritime domain awareness (MDA) so it can be more interoperable with its American counterparts.

MDA refers to the capabilities of a country to protect and detect intrusions within its territorial waters.

USMC head Gen. Eric M. Smith made this assurance during his courtesy call with AFP vice chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

"The two leaders also discussed the upcoming Maritime Training Security (MTA) 'Sama-Sama' underscoring a shared commitment to advancing maritime domain awareness and interoperability," the AFP said in a statement late Monday.

The MTA "Sama-Sama" is a multilateral naval exercise between the Philippines and the US first held in October 2022.

In the meeting, Cordura expressed his appreciation of Smith's visit and highlighted the importance of continued partnership between the AFP and the USMC.

Smith's visit reflects the AFP’s initiative to explore avenues for future cooperation anchored in the rules-based international order and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific Region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232988

NSC: Chinese ships swarming WPS rise to 207: PH Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2024): NSC: Chinese ships swarming WPS rise to 207: PH Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Facade of the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila (PNA file photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The number of Chinese ships spotted in features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) continues to rise, the Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday.

The PN's latest monitoring report showed 207 Chinese vessels were spotted in these areas from Sept. 3 to 9, a slight increase from 203 recorded from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2.

Out of this number, 182 are Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), marking a sharp rise from 165 during the Aug. 27 to Sept. 2 monitoring period.

Also spotted during the Sept. 3-9 period were 18 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), six People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, and one Chinese Research and Survey Vessel (CRSV).

The bulk of Chinese ships in the WPS are in the vicinity of the Sabina Shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) stands watch.

A total of 68 Chinese vessels were seen in this area – 55 CMMVs, eight CCGVs, and five PLAN warships.

This was followed by the Iroquois Reef with 59 Chinese vessels – 58 CMMVs and one PLAN ship.

Another 50 Chinese vessels were seen in Pag-asa Islands – 49 CMMVs and one CCGV – while 13 ships were seen in Bajo de Masinloc – 12 CMMVs and one CCGV.

Meanwhile, 10 vessels were spotted in the Ayungin Shoal – eight CCGVs and two CMMVs – followed by Lawak Island with four CMMVs, Likas Island with one CMMV, Panata Island with one CMMV, and Rizal Reef with one CRSV.

Highest so far

PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said this number of Chinese vessel sightings is the highest so far for this year.

"A lot of the (Chinese) maritime militia are focused on Escoda or Sabina Shoal. Sabina and Escoda have been under our attention for the past good number of months because of the reported increase of crushed corals and we have to determine if this is man-made or by force of nature. Hence, the extra patrols given by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources," Trinidad said.

Also, Trinidad said that the number of Chinese ships deployed so far in the WPS is within the "force projection capability of South Sea Fleet, the CCG, and the maritime militia."

"Open sources will tell us that the South Sea Fleet is composed of roughly 80 to 90 ships and submarines. The (China) Coast Guard from 25 to 35, for the maritime militia, we have monitored in the past numbers as high as 250 to 300. These are stationed in their bases, Johnson, Subi, and or Mischief. But what they bring into our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) limits is what we monitor and report," he added.

Trinidad said what can be considered abnormal for China is if it decides to bring in units from other theaters of the PLA.

"So long as these are the forces within theater and they don't bring in other forces from the East Sea Fleet or the North Sea Fleet, then this is still within the normal range of their capability," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232992

Fate of exploratory peace talks depends on Reds' sincerity

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2024): NSC: Fate of exploratory peace talks depends on Reds' sincerity (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NSC spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya (Screengrab from PTV)

MANILA – The National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday said it is fully supportive of the ongoing exploratory peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

NSC Assistant Director General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, however, said the communist movement and its allies must prove their sincerity in completely abandoning the armed struggle against the government.

The NSC issued this comment after NDF negotiating panel chairperson Julieta de Lima-Sison claimed that the government is making contradictory signals on the issue.

"Ms. Julieta de Lima-Sison of the National Democratic Front is mistaken. The government is not making 'contradictory signals' about this issue. We support the exploratory peace talks provided that the CPP-NPA-NDF does not impose their usual preconditions and come to the table with sincerity and a genuine desire to end the more than 50-year-old Communist insurgency that has brought so much pain and suffering to the Filipino people," Malaya said.

He said it is the CPP-NPA-NDF that has made "contradictory statements" about ending the armed struggle.

This was after the CPP-NPA launched its 3rd Rectification Movement last December, aimed at advancing its revolutionary armed struggle, despite signing the Oslo Joint Communiqué in November of last year.

Under the Oslo Joint Communiqué, the Philippine government and the NDF agreed to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict which would pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"Instead of preparing for the NPA's transformation provided in the Oslo Joint Communiqué, the CPP instead called for a rectification movement doubling down on its commitment to carry forward the armed struggle, which it euphemistically calls the 'national democratic revolution' towards 'complete victory'," Malaya said.

While the NSC is hopeful and optimistic of the exploratory talks, Malaya said the government cannot just turn a blind eye to the CPP's renewed call for armed struggle.

"They should settle this issue among themselves once and for all. While we support the exploratory talks, its success will entirely depend on the sincerity, truthfulness, and commitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF towards achieving a peace settlement and ending armed hostilities as soon as possible," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233021

PBBM names retired police general new BCDA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 11, 2024): PBBM names retired police general new BCDA chief (By Darryl John Esguerra)

NEW BCDA CHIEF. Thompson Lantion (center) takes his oath as the new chair of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Monday (Sept. 09, 2024) before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Lantion, a former police general, will replace Delfin Lorenzana as BCDA chief following the latter’s decision to "go to private life." (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Executive Secretary)

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) Secretary-General Thompson Lantion as the new chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed Lantion’s appointment to Palace reporters on Tuesday.

A retired police general, Lantion will replace Delfin Lorenzana as BCDA chief following the latter’s decision to "go to private life."

In a statement, Lorenzana congratulated Lantion, his fellow cavalier of the Philippine Military Academy Class '69, for his appointment.

“With decades of government experience and tested leadership, I am confident that Chairman Lantion will be able to sustain - if not surpass - the progress that we have made in BCDA,” Lorenzana said.

He also thanked Marcos for the opportunity to lead BCDA for last three years.

“Let me also thank BCDA’s key stakeholders from the private sector who have partnered with us in spurring national development,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233092

Found arms caches in Leyte, Samar sign of weakened NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2024): Found arms caches in Leyte, Samar sign of weakened NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

FOUND. Some of the firearms and ammunition discovered in Sogod, Southern Leyte on Sept. 2, 2024. The recent discoveries of arms caches in Leyte and Samar provinces signal the victory of the government’s fight to end insurgency in the region, an official of the Philippine Army said on Monday (Sept. 9). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The recent discoveries of arms caches in Leyte and Samar provinces signal the victory of the government’s fight to end insurgency in the region, an official of the Philippine Army said on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the participation of villagers and former rebels in peace initiatives largely contributed to the unearthing of firearms and an explosive buried by the New People’s Army (NPA).

"The involvement of former rebels has significantly weakened the NPA's capabilities in Samar and Leyte. We expect more discoveries in the coming days as the people and former NPA members are fully cooperating with our peace efforts," Vestuir said in a phone interview.

The Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered the arms storage belonging to the NPA in Barangay Osmeña, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on Sept. 7.

The discovery included two M16 rifles with magazines, 175 rounds of ammunition, a bandoleer, a flash drive, subversive documents, and four anti-personnel mine blasting caps which are banned under international humanitarian law.

Arms caches were likewise found on Sept. 2 in Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte, and in Abuyog, Leyte; and in upland Canca-iyas village in Basey, Samar on Sept. 5.

The Philippine Army is likewise counting on the participation of former rebels for the surrender of the remaining 26 active NPA members hiding in the mountains of Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces.

He urged the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms, assuring them that their families and communities are ready to welcome them back.

"The government is sincere in helping you choose the path of peace," Vestuir said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232910

NPA team leader, medic yield to Army in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2024): NPA team leader, medic yield to Army in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

BACK TO MAINSTREAM. Jeno Maca Montenegro (left), the team leader of the dismantled New People's Army Guerrilla Front-30 Sub-Regional Committee Westland, and Jenalyn Medrano Montenegro (right), the group's medic, surrendered to military forces in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024). They also turned over four high-powered firearms and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Two members of the New People's Army (NPA), including a team leader, surrendered to military forces in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, a military official said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Vincent Viray, commander of the Philippine Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), identified the surrenderers as Jeno Maca Montenegro, the team leader of the dismantled NPA Guerrilla Front-30 (GF-30) Sub-Regional Committee Westland, and Jenalyn Medrano Montenegro, the unit's medic.

"They spoke of the hardships they faced while evading our pursuing forces. Their desire to reunite with their family, which they had left for years, prompted their surrender," Viray said in a statement regarding the duo’s surrender on Monday.

The pair turned over four high-powered firearms and ammunition to military personnel at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Puyat, Carmen town.

Viray said the 36IB is coordinating with the local government and concerned agencies to process support for the surrenderers under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

"We urge the remaining members of the dismantled GF-30 to surrender and take advantage of the government's offer under ECLIP. The 36IB will continue its operations to rid Surigao del Sur of insurgency and promote peace and development," Viray added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232994

BARMM solon calls for calm after SC ruling on Sulu separation

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10, 2024): BARMM solon calls for calm after SC ruling on Sulu separation (By Edwin Fernandez)

BARMM Member of Parliament Laisa Alamia. (Photo from Alamia’s Facebook)

COTABATO CITY – A lawmaker in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) urged political leaders and peace advocates to stay calm and open-minded following the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that severs Sulu from the autonomous region.

“As we move forward, it is essential that all stakeholders remain committed to the peace process. The true measure of success lies not in legal victories or political power but in the lasting peace, prosperity, and dignity of the Bangsamoro people,” BARMM Parliament member Laisa Alamia said in a statement Tuesday.

Alamia emphasized the need for dialogue and inclusivity, noting that the ruling highlighted the importance of strategic thinking in addressing the complex issues ahead.

“There are many complicated questions that require equally complicated answers as we wait for the actual decision of the SC to be published,” Alamia, who is also a lawyer, added.

The Court decision made public Monday declared unconstitutional the interpretation of the provision in the law directing the provinces and cities of ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) to vote as one geographical unit as including provinces that did not vote to be included.

"This violates Article X, Section 18 of the Constitution, which states that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in the plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region," the Court explained.

The ruling stemmed from a petition filed by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan in 2018, asking the SC to declare the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or Republic Act 11054 as unconstitutional.

Tan argued that BOL violates Section 18 and 19 of Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution, which authorized the enactment of only one Organic Act to establish the ARMM.

“Only through an amendment of the Constitution may ARMM be abolished,” the petition stated.

Alamia called for a thorough review of the administrative implications, particularly in relation to existing BARMM agencies, programs, and legislation such as the Bangsamoro Administrative Code and Civil Service Code.

Concerns on regional unity

Naguib Sinarimbo, former BARMM interior minister and a lawyer, expressed concern about the broader impact of the decision.

He warned that it introduces an "opt-out" provision that was not explicitly provided for in the BOL but is now implied by the SC ruling.

“As a result, other provinces and cities may now entertain and pursue the idea of opting out from the autonomous region. This threatens the death of the Bangsamoro idea -- a concept uniting the 13 ethnolinguistic groups of Muslims who have resisted all forms of colonialism over the centuries,” Sinarimbo said in a separate statement.

Disappointment

Meanwhile, Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman expressed mixed feelings about the ruling.

He welcomed the SC’s affirmation of the BOL but lamented Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM.

“The Bangsamoro will not be complete without Sulu. This is a significant blow to our efforts to promote unity and inclusivity across the provinces of the region,” Hataman said in a statement.

The SC’s decision is expected to have far-reaching effects, not only for the administrative structure of BARMM, but also for the region's long-standing efforts to maintain unity and stability as it navigates the challenges of self-governance and self-determination.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233016