Apparent BIFF split revealed as new faction spokesman emerges

From InterAksyon (Jul 22): Apparent BIFF split revealed as new faction spokesman emerges



A contributed file photo shows BIFF commander Ustadz Karialan lecturing to followers.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters appears to have split into two over disagreements about pledging loyalty to the Islamic State.

The rift within the armed group, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front some eight years ago, was revealed after Abu Amir, the new faction’s spokesman, spoke over local radio stations Friday.

"We are not to be swayed by the (IS) ideology because we adhere to the cause of the Moro struggle and teachings of the Koran," Amir said, explaining why they broke away from the leadership of Imam Bongos and long-time BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama.

Amir said their faction recognizes the leadership of Imam Minimbang, also known as Ustadz Karialan.

Both Bongos and Karialan are wanted for multiple murder, harassment, and extortion.

The BIFF, whose operations are limited to the peripheries of Maguindanao province, split from the MILF after its late founder, Ameril Umbra Kato, refused to give up the cause of establishing an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

The group is believed to have at most 500 fighters.

However, Misry, in a separate interview, denied the split and accused the military of concocting the scenario of a power struggle within their organization. Misry did not elaborate on the matter.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130646/apparent-biff-split-revealed-as-new-faction-spokesman-emerges

Heavy equipment ng gobyerno sinunog ng mga NPA

Posted to the 6th Civil Relations Group Facebook page (Jul 21): Heavy equipment ng gobyerno sinunog ng mga NPA (Government heavy equipment burned by the NPA)

Sa kabila ng pagsusumikap ng pamahalaang national na isulong ang usaping pangkapayapaan, sinunog ng mga New People’s Army (NPA) ang Dalawang heavy equipment ng provincial government na kinabibilangan ng isang dump Truck at Isang Bulldozer sa Pulot Interior, Espanola, Palawan noong ika 13 ng July 2016.

Ang dalawang heavy equipment ay ilan lamang sa mga kagamitan ng Provincial Government para sa construction ng potable water syste...m ng bayan ng Espanola na maaring maantala dahil sa insidente.

Patunay lamang na ayaw ng mga NPA na umunlad ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na yung mga nakatira sa liblib na lugar kagaya ng Pulot interior sa bayan ng Sofronio Espanola, Palawan.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=969634586468846&set=a.820666901365616.1073741827.100002669421883&type=3&theater

Military tackles release of political prisoners

From the Philippine Star (Jul 21): Military tackles release of political prisoners

In line with the coming resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels, the military is now discussing the release of political prisoners in support of the Duterte administration’s peace initiative.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya met Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año and other top Army officers during his visit to the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City yesterday morning.

“The AFP chief reiterated the guidance of the President on the government peace program. He talked about the pending release of political detainees,” said Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao.

The top communist leaders currently under police and military custody and facing various criminal charges include Benito Tiamzon, head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) military arm, the New People’s Army and his wife Wilma, and Celso Alcantara, commander of the NPA in Southern Tagalog.

The Tiamzons are detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, while Alcantara is at the Army’s detention facility in Fort Bonifacio.

Visaya also emphasized to the troops the government’s anti-drug drive, an effort continuously being conducted by the Army leadership to cleanse its ranks of illegal drug users.

“The chief of staff also explained the importance of the anti-drug campaign of the government as well as our efforts in getting rid of illegal drug users in the service,” Hao said.

Joining the soldiers in a boodle fight at lunchtime, Visaya also told the troops that they would subsequently get their most awaited pay increase.

“Have patience. What the President says, he always makes it happen,” Hao quoted Visaya as saying.

During the campaign period, the President promised soldiers that once he gets elected, he would double their pay.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno had earlier said that the increase in the soldiers’ salaries is not possible to implement immediately because it’s not included in this year’s national budget.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/07/21/1605083/military-tackles-release-political-prisoners

Militiamen reinforce troops in Basilan

From the Philippine Star (Jul 21): Militiamen reinforce troops in Basilan

Militiamen have been deployed to Basilan to reinforce government troops fighting Abu Sayyaf bandits.

An official, who has know-ledge of the military operations but refused to be identified, said government forces sealed the area to prevent Abu Sayyaf supporters from slipping in food or logistics.

Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Saliman requested mayors and other local government officials to send members of their Citizens Armed Force Geographical Units to assist the military in the offensive.

Marines were also deployed in the coastal areas to prevent the bandits from escaping.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the troops have to deal with sniper attacks aside from improvised explosive devices planted on the routes leading to the Abu Sayyaf stronghold.

Tan gave assurance that government troops are doing their best to ensure the hostilities will not affect more civilian communities.

The provincial government said at least 2,913 families or about 14,000 individuals in Tipo-Tipo, Al-Barka and Ungkaya Pukan towns have been displaced in the encounter, which started two weeks ago.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/07/21/1604893/militiamen-reinforce-troops-basilan

DWDD: Be patient on salary increase—AFP Chief

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): Be patient on salary increase—AFP Chief



QUEZON CITY—Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Ricardo Visaya told the soldiers to be patient on their salary increase, as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte during his campaign.

Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said Gen. Visaya assured Army soldiers that “what the President says, he always makes it happen,” adding up soldiers should be patient on the pending salary increase.

Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno said military and police salary increase were not included in the 2017 budget.

Duterte administration’s first national budget proposal focused on education, infrastructure, and health. Reports said it may take 5 years to amend the amount of salary for military and police officers, according to the budget department.

Duterte has promised the salary increase on security forces, as higher wage may help prevent military and police officers to accept bribes and conduct illegal activities that would generate additional income for them.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/53333-2/

DWDD: HEALING AND UNITY | CSAFP Visits the Philippines Army

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 20): HEALING AND UNITY | CSAFP Visits the Philippines Army



FT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Ricardo R Visaya yesterday visited the Philippine Army and addressed its Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Employees.

Gen Visaya was accorded full military honors conplete with a 19 gun salute.

In his speech, Gen Visaya urged men and women of the army to heed the call for healing and unity of President Rodrigo Duterte. He echoed the thrust the commander-in-chief to help rid illegal drugs, criminallity, and corruption.

The 47^th Chief of Staff of the AFP stressed the Commander in Chief’s willingness to be “called for help in times of extreme need for money” because the chief executive understands the situation even if he is reminded of the difference between “extreme need as opposed to extreme greed”.

Gen Visaya likewise echoed the president’s stern warning against any military personnel engaging in gambling. He also called to mind the first instruction of the then incoming President Mayor Rodrigo Duterte when the latter summoned him to Davao City a week after elections to remain professional and observe the rule of law in the performance of their duties.



“I exhort you to give your level best in every task given to you. Let not the constraints and limitations of the service deter you from attaining your mission. Not even personal considerations should dampen your spirit to achieve the objective. And you will get the reward you may not be expecting for.” AES / MCAG / Photo by COL EDGARD A AREVALO

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/healing-and-unity-csafp-visits-the-philippines-army/

DWDD: GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY | MCAG building new hope

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY | MCAG building new hope



Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City — A Ground Breaking Ceremony was conducted by the Media and Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) and Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the new building of MCAG and DWDD Katropa Radio, at AFP Civil-Military Operations School, 21st of July 2016.

The 5 million budget for the construction of the new building was funded by Sen. Antonio Trillanes III. Manuel Cabochan represented Sen. Trillanes in the said event.

The MCAG and CRS staffs, military officers and all the partners from PNP counterpart and stockholders attended to witness the said ceremony. It started with the invocation led by Chief Chaplain Brigadier General Tirso Dolina, followed by the welcome remarks conveyed by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino and also some remarks from Brigadier General Rhoderick Parayno.

As the representative of the Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya, Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda congratulated the personalities who have made the project possible. The delivered speech also emphazised that this project will strengthen military’s passion for public service.

“We did realize that it’s not entirely on a military dimension, not entirely on tactical dimension… It’s not entirely doon sa tapang namin in being a ranger, sipag at tiyaga sa pakikipag-digma, pagpasok sa mga kagubatan. Later did we realize that indeed, it is more of a social dimension,” said LTGEN Miranda.

He added, CMO has been “a primary pillar” in the development of AFP, and is worthy to be commended.

Consequently, the Ground Breaking ceremony was officially performed by LTC Michael Aquino, BGEN Rhoderick Parayno, and LTGEN Glorioso Miranda. The entire ceremony lasted for approximately an hour.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/53326-2/

MILF: Speech by Mohagher Iqbal: MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 20): Speech by Mohagher Iqbal: MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms

The peace process in Mindanao, and perhaps elsewhere in the world, has been likened already to a journey. Prof. Paul D. Hutchcroft’s book, titled as “Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity”, is obviously a work that also subscribes to that metaphor.

In 2007, Mr. Salah Jubair (perhaps he may be known personally to some of you) also came up with a book of quite similar title as the one we are launching today. His book was entitled “The Long Road to Peace: Inside the GRP-MILF Peace Process.”

Journey. Road. Undoubtedly these two words are most fitting descriptions to our aspiration and endeavor we call peace, and the process we undertake to achieve that.
For those who have journeyed this road for more than 40 years, like myself and countless others, we have come to mark the milestones by the advent and exit of Philippine presidents – from Marcos, Aquino the mother, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino III and the new President Rodrigo Duterte.

Each of them has made indelible marks on the peace process, with the exception yet of Pres. Duterte with whose administration the MILF has yet to engage FORMALLY in the continuation of the peace process.

By FORMALLY, I mean the engagements must be done by the Peace Panels of the MILF and the GPH. The MILF Peace Panel remains constituted as to its authority and membership. We are waiting for our counterparts in the GPH side.

Of course, there were already non-official, informal, backchannel dialogues made by and between the new President and MILF key officials, including our Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.  These low-key talks are, as in the past, proving to be very useful in establishing mutual confidence and hastening continuity of the process.

As may be clear already to all, the MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms established by signed agreements. The continuity of the peace process will, in great respect, proceed along lines already mutually agreed upon, most essentially those stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

We are aware though of the lessons of history and experience. Almost every administration from Marcos onwards had peculiar approaches towards the Bangsamoro Problem or Question. With the exception of Marcos and Estrada, and Arroyo to a certain extent, everyone else showed concrete measures to achieve negotiated political settlement rather than going to war as a national policy. Even then, it was during Marcos’ time that the 1976 Tripoli Agreement was signed; it was in Estrada’s time that MILF camps were officially acknowledged and recognized by the government; and it was to Arroyo’s credit that we signed with government the Tripoli Agreement on Peace in 2001, considered the mother of all agreements signed with government by the MILF.

We are fortunate that under the leadership of former Pres. Benigno Aquino III, the peace negotiations between the MILF and GPH that started in 1997 were technically completed with the signing of the CAB on March 27, 2014.

The implementation though of the signed agreements is proving to be as difficult, or more difficult, than the negotiations.

I would surmise this new book by Prof. Hutchcroft has delved on issues related to the under-achievement of the projected stages of implementation mechanisms we all commonly and conveniently referred to as the roadmap. I say under-achievement because we have yet to have a Bangsamoro Basic Law, a plebiscite for that, the establishment of Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the regular Bangsamoro government and finally the conclusion of the Exit Agreement.

Of course, we in the MILF are also aware that the new President is embarking on a shift to a federal form of government for the entire Philippines. The implications of this policy towards the implementation of the CAB are already being studied carefully by the MILF. Even this early, however, we already know that the shift to federalism, WHILE WE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF IT, is not one of easy picking. The powers of the status quo and those enjoying by it will always have a hard stare at it. Anent this, it is our firm view that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) should be passed first, as promised by the President during his campaign for the presidency and make it as template for federalism in this country. I am upbeat that the President can do it smoothly for several reasons. He is extremely popular, the time factor is on his side, and he is not anti-Moro; in fact, he has a Moro blood running in his veins; and finally he has shown so far that he is a decisive leader. As the old adage says, “there is no rocky hill for an iron will.”

Truly, the peace process is once again in an interesting time and on the spotlight.
It is thus opportune that a new book on this old topic is coming off the press.

As Mindanao, in particular, continues on its hard and winding journey to peace and prosperity, there would always be events that would pose as issues and challenges. Sometimes they are so surprising and overwhelming that we are momentarily lost for explanations, such as what transpired in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

There are confluences, nay divergences, of interests, forces and events that call for sober, methodical, and dispassionate analysis that oftentimes are within the luxury of those in the academe. The direct actors or participants in this unfolding of events would do so well as to reflect on the works and contributions of those in the academe.
I believe this book of Prof. Hutchcroft would be another useful volume towards a better and objective grasp and understanding of the Bangsamoro Problem or Question.

Certainly, we in Mindanao have a long journey to take. We don’t know when and where it ends. But as the same Salah Jubair also wrote in his book, “Success, including that in the peace talks, always takes the long and winding road: this is the only way.”

In closing, I congratulate Prof. Hutchcroft and the other contributors for coming out with this book. We appreciate the interest you’ve taken on a subject that is so close to our hearts.

Thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohagher Iqbal Message during the book launch of "Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity" on 19 June 2016 at Discovery Primea, Makati City.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/documents/58-speech/816-milf-will-always-be-guided-by-protocols-and-mechanisms

MILF: Signed agreements would be MILF’s guide for peace process continuity

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 22): Signed agreements would be MILF’s guide for peace process continuity



Protocols and mechanisms established by signed agreements will remain to be the guide of the MILF in the continuity of the peace process, according to its Chief Peace Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.

Speaking during a book launch in Makati City on Tuesday (July 19), Iqbal stressed that the “continuity of the peace process will, in great respect, proceed along lines already mutually agreed upon, most essentially those stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).”

Iqbal said that the MILF has not yet engaged the Government of the Philippines (GPH) “formally” as they still await their counterparts in the GPH Peace Panel.

As of now, the peace panel of the government in talks with the MILF has not yet been reconstituted by the Duterte administration.

Formal engagements between the two parties can only be done by the peace panels, Iqbal said.

A day earlier, Malacanan announced the approval of a “peace road map” by Pres. Duterte which will “address the Bangsamoro issue, the impending resumption of peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), and the implementation of closure agreements with other rebel groups in the country.”

OPAPP Undersecretary for Operations Diosita T. Andot, who represented Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Jesus G. Dureza during the book launching, mentioned in her speech that “the new proposed Bangsamoro enabling law will be done simultaneous with the moves to shift to a federal set-up,” with the latter “expected to come later in the planned time line.”

Andot also said that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) will be reconstituted and strengthened to make it “more inclusive”. It will also be mandated to propose amendments to the Philippine Constitution that are pertinent to the Bangsamoro as inputs towards eventual federalism in the country.

New book on the peace process

Iqbal and Andot were the invited speakers during the launching of “Mindanao:The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity”, a collection of essays edited by Australian National University (ANU) Prof. Paul D. Hutchcroft.

Former GPH Peace Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorley also gave messages for the event.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/19-national/817-signed-agreements-would-be-milf-s-guide-for-peace-process-continuity

MILF: OPAPP Sec. Dureza meets MILF Chair Al Haj Murad at Camp Darapanan

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Jul 22): OPAPP Sec. Dureza meets MILF Chair Al Haj Murad at Camp Darapanan



Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front met yesterday (July 21) at the MILF’s Function Hall in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. The meeting is considered as their first ever engagement after the assumption to the presidency by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, who himself a Mindanaoan.

During their meeting, Dureza and Murad talked about the prospects of the government and MILF’s bilateral peacebuilding efforts under a Duterte presidency, Philstar said in its report.

Dureza and Al Haj Murad agreed to help each other protect the dividends of the peace process.

Also present at the meeting were Dureza’s deputy, the now retiring Army Col. Dickson Hermoso, who was former inspector general of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and other senior MILF officials, Philstar also said in its report.

In their two-hour dialogue, Dureza reassured Murad of Duterte’s commitment to abide by agreements signed between the past administrations and the MILF particularly the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed on March 27, 2014.

“We will continue what had been started and we will have open communication lines to ensure the success of this peace process,” Dureza said as quoted by Philstar.

“We were elated by Dureza’s visit, and we are always ready to work with Pres. Duterte in finding a negotiated solution to the Bangsamoro Question, Al Haj Murad said.

He said the MILF is always ready to work with Duterte in seeking a lasting negotiated solution to the Mindanao Moro issue.

“We in the MILF are always for a peaceful resolution of the problem,” the Philstar quoted Murad saying.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/818-opapp-sec-dureza-meets-milf-chair-al-haj-murad-at-camp-darapanan

Bayan Muna awaits release of political prisoners

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 22): Bayan Muna awaits release of political prisoners

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has lauded incoming House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez for signing House Resolution 17 that seeks the release of 519 political prisoners languishing in various jails nationwide.

“Speaker Bebot’s support is most welcome. This is definitely a boost in fast-tracking the release of all political prisoners and augurs well for the scheduled resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP),” Zarate said.

“A number of these political prisoners are already old and ailing and they were slapped with charges for crimes they did not commit. They should be freed immediately,” added the progressive solon.

Last week, Zarate also thanked Alvarez for co-authoring House Resolution 16 that calls for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDF and for the release of NDF consultants participating in the talks.

“With the support shown by the incoming Speaker, we hope that more of our colleagues in Congress would also support the resolution as our share in the quest to finally address the roots of the armed conflict and for the attainment of a  just and lasting peace in our country,” Zarate said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/bayan-muna-awaits-release-of-political-prisoners

China taunts RP, US on maritime ruling

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 22): China taunts RP, US on maritime ruling

China thumbed its nose on its rivals at the South China Sea dispute saying that despite the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that largely favored the Philippines, nothing had changed in the contested area.

One of China’s English mouthpiece Global Times said the South China sea has kept its tranquility one week after the arbitration award was issued.

“China is continuing with its island construction activities. It has conducted trial test flights at two newly established airports in the Nansha Islands and carried out a combat air patrol over Huangyan Island. On Wednesday, eight Taiwanese lawmakers visited Taiping Island in a move to reassert sovereignty,” it said.

“Despite all this, there has yet to be any strong backlash by the US, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. The arbitration result, which is merely a piece of paper, failed to yield any actual effects,” it noted.

The opinion article, however, said the US and Japan have engaged in some petty tricks.
 
“US Vice President Joe Biden has won over endorsement of the arbitration result from his Australian host during a recent visit. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tried to make an issue of the award at the just concluded Asia-Europe Meeting, to no avail,” it said.

It added that in a statement on its official website, the Vietnamese government denied that Vietnam’s top leader agreed on China’s position on the South China Sea arbitration award.

Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay said last Tuesday, the government has turned down a Chinese proposal to start bilateral talks on the South China Sea dispute because of Beijing’s pre-condition of not discussing the arbitration result.

“The stance of Vietnam and the Philippines is not unexpected, nor is it provocative. This is not an indication that the pressure on China over the South China Sea is mounting. Other external powers, save the US and Japan, have no interest in stirring up the South China Sea arbitration. The US interferes in the South China Sea out of its hegemonic ambitions, while Japan can’t accept a rising China,” it added.

“Even though (Vietnam and the Philippines) are unwilling to admit it’s (PCA Award) just a piece of paper, they understand the award is only an illusion created by the US and Japan. They also clearly know that the US and Japan use them as pawns. Solving disputes through peace talks falls in line with their genuine interests,” it said.

“The US presidential campaign is in full swing. Will President Barack Obama take the plunge of a showdown with China in the South China Sea? Probably not. China believes the US can abide by the bottom line of rationality. Democracy is supposed to prevent silly decisions. But it’s believed the Chinese government will make contingency plans,” the article added.

China warns GOP

China also warned the Donald Trump-fronted US Republican Party against making “groundless accusations” after it accused Beijing of cultural genocide and said its economy was based on piracy.

The GOP (Grand Old Party) said in its 2016 platform that Beijing made “a preposterous claim to the entire South China Sea”, adding that “cultural genocide continues” in the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang.

“The currency is manipulated, our technology is stolen and intellectual property and copyrights are mocked in an economy based on piracy,” it added.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang called on the party to “stop their groundless accusations against China and interference in China’s domestic affairs”, in a statement carried by the official Xinhua news agency.

“All political parties in the United States should view China’s development in an objective and rational manner,” he added, in Beijing’s first comments on the Republican Party since Donald Trump’s nomination as its presidential candidate on Wednesday.     

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-taunts-rp-us-on-maritime-ruling

Chinese Coast Guard drives away Pinoy fishermen from Panatag Shoal

From GMA News (Jul 22): Chinese Coast Guard drives away Pinoy fishermen from Panatag Shoal

The Chinese Coast Guard keeping watch over the disputed waters of West Philippine Sea are still driving away Filipinos headed to fishing grounds in Panatag Shoal (international name: Scarborough Shoal), a report of Bam Alegre on GMA News said on Friday.

The GMA News team, at around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, accompanied some Filipino fishermen aboard a fishing vessel to Panatag Shoal, called Huangyan Island by the Chinese. Its old name was Bajo de Masinloc, a Spanish name meaning "lower Masinloc."

Bajo de Masinloc is part of the municipality of Masinloc, Zambales. It is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, within the Philippine Continental Shelf.

About three nautical miles away from Bajo De Masinloc, the GMA News team observed that the Chinese Coast Guard had three vessels in the area.

[Video report]

When the Filipino fishing vessels decided to maneuver back to Masinloc in Zambales, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel tailed them and activated its Long Range Acoustic Device, a siren used for crowd dispersal.

Using a megaphone, the Chinese guards told the Filipino fishermen, “Go back, go back!”

The Filipino vessels were also pursued by two speedboats. One had Chinese guards taking photos of the Filipino fishermen.

The Filipino fishermen told GMA News that there has been Chinese presence over the area as early as 2012.

The fishermen claimed that since July 12, when the international arbritration tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in the maritime case it filed against China, the Chinese have allegedly been more aggressive in driving away Filipino fishermen.

Earlier reports said the China also flaunted a picture of its nuclear-capable bomber plane flying over the disputed Panatag Shoal, three days after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) released the ruling on the maritime case the Philippines filed against China.

The official account of People’s Liberation Army Air Force posted photos of the H-6K long range nuclear-capable bomber on a Chinese social media site Weibo.

In a news release posted on its website on July 12, the PCA said, "The  Tribunal  concluded that  there  was  no  legal  basis  for  China  to claim  historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.’"

The ruling was handed down more than three years after the case was filed by the Philippines in January 2013.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/574674/news/nation/chinese-coast-guard-drives-away-pinoy-fishermen-from-panatag-shoal/just_in

NDF calls for DAR action on Neg. Occ. land

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 22): NDF calls for DAR action on Neg. Occ. land

The NDF-Negros Island welcomed in its press statement yesterday the “order of business” set by newly installed Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano for his 100 days in the DAR.

The NDF-Negros Island called on the masses and farm workers to actively support and participate in the “Duterte government's rough journey of realizing genuine agrarian reform in the island.”

“The stark reality of disparate land distribution in the island among its citizens is a century-old problem. Negros Island is one of the strongholds of landlordism in the country. The harsh everyday experience of hunger and deprivation of the majority of the population of Negros who are peasants and farm workers must again be brought to the door of the social conscience of the landed elite in Negros Island,” it said.

The NDF also called on the “landed elites of Negros Island, the sugar barons and the neo-liberalists to refrain from resisting or sabotaging the implementation of a genuine agrarian reform program of the government.”

It asked the DAR look into the 3,773.5 hectare Cojuangco landholdings in Negros Occidental covered by Certificate of Land Ownership Awards that has been subjected to a joint venture agreement/corporative scheme through the Voluntary Land Transfer scheme of the DAR in October 1998.

The farm workers identified as beneficiaries of the land have become sham owners of the Cojuangco property in the towns of La Castellana, Isabela and Hinigaran in Central Negros, the NDF said.

The NDF also asked the DAR to look into what it called the forcible eviction of 66 farmer-beneficiaris of the CARP in the 155 hectares in Hacienda Ilimnan and Hacienda Arlocs, in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental purchased by the provincial government.

It also asked for an investigation into the alleged massive reclassification and conversion of lands in Kabankalan City covering 5 barangays and victimizing farmer beneficiaries.

In other areas of Negros Island, widespread land use conversions and cancellations of CLOAs are victimizing farmer-beneficiaries, the DAR said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/July/22/topstory8.htm

US guided-missile destroyer in Philippines

From Update.Ph (Jul 22): US guided-missile destroyer in Philippines

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) arrived in Manila on July 20 for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.

During the visit, service members from the American ship will participate in a series of community relations projects and sporting events, while experiencing Filipino culture.

Although some USS Curtis Wilbur sailors will be experiencing the Philippines for the first time, some of its crewmen, such as Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Fitz Dasal, are looking forward to seeing the country again because they are Filipino-American.

“I was born in Bacolod, Philippines, which is south of Manila,” Dasal said.

“My wife and children are all US citizens, but they currently live in Bacolod. I’m very excited and grateful to see them. I’m thankful that the Navy granted me the opportunity to see my loved ones. The Philippines is a great country and I encourage everyone to get out and experience the culture to the fullest,” he added.

The Philippines is a longstanding treaty ally of the United States and became a major non-NATO ally in 2003.

With a partnership spanning more than 70 years, the American and Philippine militaries have worked closely in regional security, counter-terrorism, and combating transnational crime.

USS Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 in the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

http://www.update.ph/2016/07/us-guided-missile-destroyer-in-philippines/7877