From InterAksyon (Aug 27): AFP: Up to 15 Abu Sayyaf men killed in Patikul clashes
Reports reaching Manila indicated that up to 15 suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in clashes at two separate places Friday in Patikul, Sulu.
At least 17 soldiers were wounded in the two incidents.
Based on the official report of the Philippine Army's Special Operation Command (SOCOM), the remains of only six ASG fighters were recovered, although a separate news report cited an ASG claim that they suffered 12 fatalities.
Earlier, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman Major Felimon Tan Jr. broke about the news of six casualties which he said included an ASG sub-leader from an encounter that started at around 6:12 a.m. in Sitio Makaita, Barangay Bunkaong.
Tan said the encounter lasted for 45 minutes and one of the casualties was ASG sub-leader Mohammad Said alias Ama Maas.
But in the SOCOM report, the two separate encounters were recorded to have occurred in Sitio Tubig Magkawas in Barangay Langhub and Sitio Pangi in Barangay Bunkaong where the 15 Abu Sayyaf casualties were recorded.
The report said the remains of the six ASG casualties were recovered from the encounter sites, while nine bodies were said to have been taken away by the fleeing bandits. It also confirmed the death of a certain Said, who was suspected to be involved in the September 2015 abduction of John Risdel and Robert Hall, both Canadians; Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian; and Hall's Filipina girlfriend Maritess Flor from a resort in the Island garden City of Samal. The victims were brought to Sulu.
The ASG then beheaded Hall and Ridsdel after their families failed to deliver a P300-million ransom demand for each of the victims for their safe release.
Hall's girlfriend, Maritess Flor, was freed later, while Sekkingstad was still in the hands of the terrorists.
Just this week, the ASG beheaded another kidnap victim, James Almodavar, after his family failed to produce P1 million ransom for his release.
The military report said the terrorists encountered were led by Raddulan Sahiron alias Putol, Kahal Mohammad alias Ama Maas, Haurulla Asbang alias Hai, and a certain Latip Sapie.
http://interaksyon.com/article/131870/afp-up-to-15-abu-sayyaf-men-killed-in-patikul-clashes
Saturday, August 27, 2016
PHOTOS | Lumads rally in front of Army camp in Davao City
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Aug 27): PHOTOS | Lumads rally in front of Army camp in Davao City
The protest coincided with the 10th year anniversary of the EMC where President Rodrigo Duterte delivered a message. The groups also asked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to pull out the military from their ancestral lands and to stop Lumad killings.
A Matigsalug leader somewhere in Compostela Valley province says that the Army stayed in their community, and create fear among farmers in staying long in their farm. He said the Army accuses them of supporting the New Peoples Army (NPA).
Hundreds of Lumad and farmers gathered in front of the headquarters of Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, Davao City on Friday morning, August 26 to present their concern regarding militarization of their communities. The protesters also asked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to pull out the military from their ancestral lands and to stop Lumad killings. (Medel V. Hernani/davaotoday.com)
Hundreds of Lumad and farmers gathered in front of the headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan here, on Friday morning, August 26 to present their concern regarding militarization of their communities.
A Matigsalug leader somewhere in Compostela Valley province says that the Army stayed in their community, and create fear among farmers in staying long in their farm. He said the Army accuses them of supporting the New Peoples Army (NPA).
Pasaka Confederation of Lumad organizations in Southern Mindanao stages a protest in front of the military Camp Panacan in Davao City, condemning militarization, human rights violation and military encampment in schools and communities on Friday morning, August 26, 2016.
Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Southern Mindanao.
Protesters called for the pullout of military troops in communities during a rally held outside the headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
A military truck pass by the rally outside the headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command
Protesters rally at the Eastern Mindanao Command Headquarters.
A tribal woman joins the rally outside the military camp in Panacan, Davao City on Friday morning, August 26.
After GRP-NDF Oslo talks, Duterte says gov’t troops to focus on drugs, ASG
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Aug 26): After GRP-NDF Oslo talks, Duterte says gov’t troops to focus on drugs, ASG
“Wala tayong NPA, MNLF is medyo silent and MILF has agreed to talk. So we have this time to concentrate on the fronts sa drugs pati doon sa extremism. (We do not have the New People’s Army. The Moro National Liberation Front is quite silent and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has agreed to talk. So we have this time to concentrate on the fronts of drugs and extremism),” Duterte said during his speech at the 10th year anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command inside the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, here Friday night, August 26.
Duterte said the present peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines has presented a “window” of opportunity.
He said the government can manage the number of the extremist group, pertaining to the Abu Sayyaf Group. “Definitely the Abu Sayyaf is out of control and there is only one way to do it.”
Duterte said he had the respect for the ASG members who we were “fighting for freedom” but unfortunately lost because of the ideology of terrorism that the group espoused.
“Tama kayo, there was this historical injustice committed against the Moro people (You were right, there was this historical injustice committed against the Moro people),” Duterte said.
“Kayong mga Abu Sayyaf noon, medyo sumasaludo ako. But when you began to slaughter people in front of the camera, and then now you kill an innocent boy, nawala ang respeto ko sa inyo (I somewhat salute Abu Sayyaf members before, but when you began to slaughter people in front of the camera, and then now you kill an innocent boy, you lost my respect),” he said.
The ASG reportedly beheaded 18-year-old Patrick Almodovar on Wednesday, August 24, after his family failed to meet the deadline to pay the ransom amounting to P1 million.
‘Destroy the Abu Sayyaf’
Duterte said he would not hesitate to order both the military and the police to destroy the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“Destroy them because they are criminals,” Duterte said. He added that there will never be peace in the area if the ASG remains.
“Even if we grant them autonomy and they remain to be bandits, we will never have peace in that land. So, useless ang ating peace talks,” he said.
At least 1,000 soldiers from the 10th Infantry Division here were sent to Jolo, Sulu to step up government’s ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.
The 69th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion will be part of some 15 battalions to be deployed in the area of Western Mindanao Command.
In his fight against illegal drugs, Duterte said he has given the government troops all that they need for the anti-drug campaign.
Duterte also agreed for the postponement of the barangay elections to avoid having politicians funded by drug cartels.
“Do you know the reason why I also agreed with congress, some Congressman, to postpone the barangay elections? Do you know why? Because I am afraid that the drug money will seep into the electoral process. You will just be adding to our headache, those that are funded by drug money will win,” Duterte said.
Given the severity of the problem, Duterte said it would entail a declaration of Martial to eliminate all problems. He, however, stressed that he will not invoke such, but instead vowed to solve the problems within the limit of his powers as President.
“At kailangan mo ng mag-Martial Law para to eliminate all. Which I will never do in the first place,” he said.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/after-grp-ndf-oslo-talks-duterte-says-govt-troops-to-focus-on-drugs-asg/
President Rodrigo Duterte speaks before guests and soldiers of the Eastern Mindanao Command during the program held on the 10th year of its founding inside the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City on Friday, August 26, 2016. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
Now that the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines is moving forward, President Rodrigo Duterte said the government troops will focus on dealing with the illegal drugs trade and extremism in the country.
Duterte said the present peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines has presented a “window” of opportunity.
He said the government can manage the number of the extremist group, pertaining to the Abu Sayyaf Group. “Definitely the Abu Sayyaf is out of control and there is only one way to do it.”
Duterte said he had the respect for the ASG members who we were “fighting for freedom” but unfortunately lost because of the ideology of terrorism that the group espoused.
“Tama kayo, there was this historical injustice committed against the Moro people (You were right, there was this historical injustice committed against the Moro people),” Duterte said.
“Kayong mga Abu Sayyaf noon, medyo sumasaludo ako. But when you began to slaughter people in front of the camera, and then now you kill an innocent boy, nawala ang respeto ko sa inyo (I somewhat salute Abu Sayyaf members before, but when you began to slaughter people in front of the camera, and then now you kill an innocent boy, you lost my respect),” he said.
The ASG reportedly beheaded 18-year-old Patrick Almodovar on Wednesday, August 24, after his family failed to meet the deadline to pay the ransom amounting to P1 million.
‘Destroy the Abu Sayyaf’
Duterte said he would not hesitate to order both the military and the police to destroy the Abu Sayyaf Group.
“Destroy them because they are criminals,” Duterte said. He added that there will never be peace in the area if the ASG remains.
“Even if we grant them autonomy and they remain to be bandits, we will never have peace in that land. So, useless ang ating peace talks,” he said.
At least 1,000 soldiers from the 10th Infantry Division here were sent to Jolo, Sulu to step up government’s ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.
The 69th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion will be part of some 15 battalions to be deployed in the area of Western Mindanao Command.
In his fight against illegal drugs, Duterte said he has given the government troops all that they need for the anti-drug campaign.
Duterte also agreed for the postponement of the barangay elections to avoid having politicians funded by drug cartels.
“Do you know the reason why I also agreed with congress, some Congressman, to postpone the barangay elections? Do you know why? Because I am afraid that the drug money will seep into the electoral process. You will just be adding to our headache, those that are funded by drug money will win,” Duterte said.
Given the severity of the problem, Duterte said it would entail a declaration of Martial to eliminate all problems. He, however, stressed that he will not invoke such, but instead vowed to solve the problems within the limit of his powers as President.
“At kailangan mo ng mag-Martial Law para to eliminate all. Which I will never do in the first place,” he said.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/after-grp-ndf-oslo-talks-duterte-says-govt-troops-to-focus-on-drugs-asg/
Abu Sayyaf denies commander among 12 killed by Philippine army
From the Asian Correspondent (Aug 27): Abu Sayyaf denies commander among 12 killed by Philippine army
Abu Sayyaf militants demanding ransom in exchange for hostages. (File photo) Image via Twitter.
THE ABU Sayyaf Group (ASG) has confirmed that at least 12 of its members were killed during the fierce gun battle with Philippine troops yesterday but said high-ranking commander Mohammad Said was not among them.
According to ABS-CBN, Abu Rami, a spokesman for ASG, made the denial today after it was publicly announced by Regional Military Commander Maj Filemon Tan that Mohammad, also known as Ama Maas, was included in the fatalities.
Ama Maas has been linked to the abduction of several hostages, including Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.
The report also quoted Brigadier General Arnel dela Vega, who is the commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, as saying that they were will validating reports that the ASG commander was killed during the fierce encounter in Barangay Bongkaong, Patikul, in Sulu, southern Philippines Friday morning.
During the fight, 17 soldiers were wounded.
SEE ALSO: Philippines army kills 11 Abu Sayyaf members on Duterte’s order
President Rodrigo Duterte had previously ordered the troops to seek and destroy the militants in their jungle bases after the extremists beheaded a Filipino teenager abducted last month.
Tan said Thursday that the militants killed Patrick James Aldovar on Wednesday near southern Sulu province’s Indanan town then later abandoned his head in a neighborhood.
He said Aldovar, who was seized by the militants July 16 in Sulu’s main Jolo town, was decapitated after his family failed to pay ransom.
SEE ALSO: Philippines: 40 Abu Sayyaf members killed in military offensive
After learning about the beheading, Duterte ordered his troops: “Drug dealers, destroy them. Abu Sayyaf, destroy them. Period.”
The Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the Philippines for deadly bombings, kidnappings and beheadings.
According to ABS-CBN, several hostages are still being held in Sulu, including Indonesian sailors, Sekkingstad and Dutchman Ewold Horn who was taken in 2012.
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/08/abu-sayyaf-denies-commander-among-12-killed-philippine-army/
Abu Sayyaf militants demanding ransom in exchange for hostages. (File photo) Image via Twitter.
THE ABU Sayyaf Group (ASG) has confirmed that at least 12 of its members were killed during the fierce gun battle with Philippine troops yesterday but said high-ranking commander Mohammad Said was not among them.
According to ABS-CBN, Abu Rami, a spokesman for ASG, made the denial today after it was publicly announced by Regional Military Commander Maj Filemon Tan that Mohammad, also known as Ama Maas, was included in the fatalities.
Ama Maas has been linked to the abduction of several hostages, including Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.
The report also quoted Brigadier General Arnel dela Vega, who is the commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, as saying that they were will validating reports that the ASG commander was killed during the fierce encounter in Barangay Bongkaong, Patikul, in Sulu, southern Philippines Friday morning.
During the fight, 17 soldiers were wounded.
SEE ALSO: Philippines army kills 11 Abu Sayyaf members on Duterte’s order
President Rodrigo Duterte had previously ordered the troops to seek and destroy the militants in their jungle bases after the extremists beheaded a Filipino teenager abducted last month.
Tan said Thursday that the militants killed Patrick James Aldovar on Wednesday near southern Sulu province’s Indanan town then later abandoned his head in a neighborhood.
He said Aldovar, who was seized by the militants July 16 in Sulu’s main Jolo town, was decapitated after his family failed to pay ransom.
SEE ALSO: Philippines: 40 Abu Sayyaf members killed in military offensive
After learning about the beheading, Duterte ordered his troops: “Drug dealers, destroy them. Abu Sayyaf, destroy them. Period.”
The Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the Philippines for deadly bombings, kidnappings and beheadings.
According to ABS-CBN, several hostages are still being held in Sulu, including Indonesian sailors, Sekkingstad and Dutchman Ewold Horn who was taken in 2012.
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/08/abu-sayyaf-denies-commander-among-12-killed-philippine-army/
15 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clashes
From GMA News (Aug 27): 15 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clashes
[Video report]
At least 15 members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, including a sub-leader, were killed in two separate encounters in Patikul, Sulu on Friday, the Philippine Army said.
In a report released to the media, the PA’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM) said 15 bandits were killed in two separate clashes with the military—one erupted at about 6:15 a.m. Friday in Sitio Tubig Magkawas and another at noon in Sitio Pangi, both areas are situated between Barangay Langhub and Barangay Bungkaong in Patikul town.
The SOCOM said the bodies of six slain Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were recovered at the encounter sites, while nine bodies were hauled away by the fleeing bandits.
According to the SOCOM, the recovered bodies have been turned over to the Sulu Provincial Police Office, including the remains of ASG sub-leader Mohammad Said alias Ama Maas.
Said had standing arrest warrants for the kidnapping and beheading of two Canadians last year. Also, Said was supposedly involved in the kidnappings of Norwegian Kjartan Sikkengstad who is still a captive, and the Filipina Maritess Flor, who was released last June.
Five of the fatalities were identified by the military as: Omar Salih – son of Mohammad Said Harun Salih – son of Mahammad Said Latip Sapie - sub leader of Mohammad Said Aswad (last name unknown) alias Amaun Asmadul (last name unknown).
“Actually, the two encounters inflicted 15 fatalities on the ASG but only six were left behind near the troops and the rest were taken away by the ASG,” the SOCOM said in its report.
A total of 17 PA Scout Rangers were wounded during the encounter, it said.
Moreover, the SOCOM said that the ASG bandits that engaged the security forces in Patikul were led by certain Raddulan Sahiron alias Putol, Kahal Mohammad alias Ama Maas, Haurulla Asbang alias Hai, and a certain Latip Sapie.
Friday's clashes came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to “destroy” the ASG, following the beheading of its 18-year-old Filipino hostage Patrick Almodovar.
Over a dozen hostages are still being held in Sulu by the ASG, which has links to the al Qaeda international terror.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579154/news/regions/15-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-sulu-clashes
[Video report]
At least 15 members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, including a sub-leader, were killed in two separate encounters in Patikul, Sulu on Friday, the Philippine Army said.
In a report released to the media, the PA’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM) said 15 bandits were killed in two separate clashes with the military—one erupted at about 6:15 a.m. Friday in Sitio Tubig Magkawas and another at noon in Sitio Pangi, both areas are situated between Barangay Langhub and Barangay Bungkaong in Patikul town.
The SOCOM said the bodies of six slain Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were recovered at the encounter sites, while nine bodies were hauled away by the fleeing bandits.
According to the SOCOM, the recovered bodies have been turned over to the Sulu Provincial Police Office, including the remains of ASG sub-leader Mohammad Said alias Ama Maas.
Said had standing arrest warrants for the kidnapping and beheading of two Canadians last year. Also, Said was supposedly involved in the kidnappings of Norwegian Kjartan Sikkengstad who is still a captive, and the Filipina Maritess Flor, who was released last June.
Five of the fatalities were identified by the military as: Omar Salih – son of Mohammad Said Harun Salih – son of Mahammad Said Latip Sapie - sub leader of Mohammad Said Aswad (last name unknown) alias Amaun Asmadul (last name unknown).
“Actually, the two encounters inflicted 15 fatalities on the ASG but only six were left behind near the troops and the rest were taken away by the ASG,” the SOCOM said in its report.
A total of 17 PA Scout Rangers were wounded during the encounter, it said.
Moreover, the SOCOM said that the ASG bandits that engaged the security forces in Patikul were led by certain Raddulan Sahiron alias Putol, Kahal Mohammad alias Ama Maas, Haurulla Asbang alias Hai, and a certain Latip Sapie.
Friday's clashes came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to “destroy” the ASG, following the beheading of its 18-year-old Filipino hostage Patrick Almodovar.
Over a dozen hostages are still being held in Sulu by the ASG, which has links to the al Qaeda international terror.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579154/news/regions/15-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-sulu-clashes
MILF: “Be aware of ‘Road Blocks’ in the Bangsamoro Peace Road Map”: Moro CSO leader warns
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 27): “Be aware of ‘Road Blocks’ in the Bangsamoro Peace Road Map”: Moro CSO leader warns
A prominent Moro Civil Society Organization (CSO) leader cautioned the peace process stakeholders to watch for possible “Road Blocks” while traversing the Peace Road Map being pushed by the Duterte Administration in quest for the final resolve to the protracted conflict in Mindanao.
“There shall be barricades, spoilers and saboteurs that will block the road to peace,” Guiamel Alim, Chairman of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) told the participants of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Report Dissemination Orientation in General Santos City last Sunday (Aug 21).
Alim mentioned the Congress, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Kadatuan, church, politicians, Supreme Court, other armed groups of the Philippine Constitution as the possible road blocks in the Bangsamoro peace process.
The government has started reengaging with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the implementation of the peace agreements it signed with the latter.
The peace road map seeks the crafting of a more inclusive enabling law in lieu of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that was not passed by Congress when it adjourned before the national and local elections.
During their meeting held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 13, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF implementing panels agreed to expand the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from 15 to 21.
The new BTC will include representations from the Moro National Liberation Front, Royal House, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other Moro representatives.
“The Peace Road Map must be free from danger,” Alim said and stressed “there has to be protectors, champions, facilitators and supporters.”
Alim suggests that by 2017, the new Bangsamoro bill should be passed and by 2018 it should be approved by Congress.”
“If the bill will be passed before 2019, there will be no election in the ARMM and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be constituted and function,” he explained.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/863-be-aware-of-road-blocks-in-the-bangsamoro-peace-road-map-moro-cso-leader-warns
A prominent Moro Civil Society Organization (CSO) leader cautioned the peace process stakeholders to watch for possible “Road Blocks” while traversing the Peace Road Map being pushed by the Duterte Administration in quest for the final resolve to the protracted conflict in Mindanao.
Alim mentioned the Congress, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Kadatuan, church, politicians, Supreme Court, other armed groups of the Philippine Constitution as the possible road blocks in the Bangsamoro peace process.
The government has started reengaging with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the implementation of the peace agreements it signed with the latter.
The peace road map seeks the crafting of a more inclusive enabling law in lieu of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that was not passed by Congress when it adjourned before the national and local elections.
During their meeting held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 13, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF implementing panels agreed to expand the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from 15 to 21.
The new BTC will include representations from the Moro National Liberation Front, Royal House, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other Moro representatives.
“The Peace Road Map must be free from danger,” Alim said and stressed “there has to be protectors, champions, facilitators and supporters.”
Alim suggests that by 2017, the new Bangsamoro bill should be passed and by 2018 it should be approved by Congress.”
“If the bill will be passed before 2019, there will be no election in the ARMM and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be constituted and function,” he explained.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/863-be-aware-of-road-blocks-in-the-bangsamoro-peace-road-map-moro-cso-leader-warns
NDF: Next round of talks crucial, needed reforms on the agenda
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 26): Next round of talks crucial, needed reforms on the agenda
Press release | OSLO, Norway – “The joint statement that you are about to sign is unprecedented and a step toward just and lasting peace,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, opening the closing ceremonies of the five-day peace talks.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) ended more than half a decade of impasse, resuming the formal talks from August 22 to 26 and coming to an agreement in all six items in the agenda.
“We further welcome the acceleration of the peace negotiations…Norway is committed to assist you in your way to peace. We are happy to welcome you again in October and I can promise you Indian summer in October,” said Brende.
The Panels agreed to meet again on October 8-12, 2016 in Oslo, Norway.
“I am sure that the Filipino people appreciate the work of the two negotiating panels and that they are elated by the results of the formal talks. These advance their struggle for national and social liberation and for a just and lasting peace,” said Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant.
“We cannot achieve this successful and very significant step forward in the peace negotiations without the strong commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the spirit of goodwill and friendliness of our counterparts: the GRP Negotiating Panel, its Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello, the panel members and other members of their delegation,” said Luis Jalandoni, Chair of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, in his closing statement.
The Negotiating Panels signed the “Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Peace Talks in the Peace Negotiations” on August 26, just before 12nn, at the Saga Hall of the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel.
The Panels agreed on six points: reaffirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list, acceleration of the peace negotiations, releases of political prisoners, amnesty proclamation and ceasefire.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NDFP shall declare and issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia, upon the end of their current ceasefire order on August 27, 2016 in response to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire effective indefinitely from August 21.
The parties agreed that the GRP would immediately recommend to President Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of the Philippine Congress. The proclamation shall order the release of all political prisoners and prisoners listed by the NDFP.
“To the political prisoners, we deeply value your unflinching stand for the people. We rely on your invaluable support. We are resolutely committed to join you and many human rights organizations and peace advocates in pressing for your freedom as a matter of justice,” said Jalandoni.
“This resumption of the formal talks has had the unique privilege of having our newly released NDFP consultants,” said Jalandoni.
The Panels also agreed to accelerate the peace negotiations, setting the next meetings and work timelines of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER), and the Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR) and on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWG-EHDF).
The next round of talks in October is crucial because the needed social, economic and political reforms will be on the agenda. Without such agreement on the needed reforms there can be no sustainable and lasting peace.
“To the Filipino people who aspire for a just and lasting peace, based on addressing the roots of the armed conflict, through genuine land reform, national industrialization and other fundamental social, economic and political reforms, we shall work and struggle together to achieve a just and lasting peace,” concluded Jalandoni.
http://www.ndfp.org/next-round-talks-crucial-needed-reforms-agenda/
Press release | OSLO, Norway – “The joint statement that you are about to sign is unprecedented and a step toward just and lasting peace,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, opening the closing ceremonies of the five-day peace talks.
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) ended more than half a decade of impasse, resuming the formal talks from August 22 to 26 and coming to an agreement in all six items in the agenda.
“We further welcome the acceleration of the peace negotiations…Norway is committed to assist you in your way to peace. We are happy to welcome you again in October and I can promise you Indian summer in October,” said Brende.
The Panels agreed to meet again on October 8-12, 2016 in Oslo, Norway.
“I am sure that the Filipino people appreciate the work of the two negotiating panels and that they are elated by the results of the formal talks. These advance their struggle for national and social liberation and for a just and lasting peace,” said Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant.
“We cannot achieve this successful and very significant step forward in the peace negotiations without the strong commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the spirit of goodwill and friendliness of our counterparts: the GRP Negotiating Panel, its Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello, the panel members and other members of their delegation,” said Luis Jalandoni, Chair of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, in his closing statement.
The Negotiating Panels signed the “Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Peace Talks in the Peace Negotiations” on August 26, just before 12nn, at the Saga Hall of the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel.
The Panels agreed on six points: reaffirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list, acceleration of the peace negotiations, releases of political prisoners, amnesty proclamation and ceasefire.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NDFP shall declare and issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia, upon the end of their current ceasefire order on August 27, 2016 in response to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire effective indefinitely from August 21.
Photo NDFP
The parties agreed that the GRP would immediately recommend to President Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of the Philippine Congress. The proclamation shall order the release of all political prisoners and prisoners listed by the NDFP.
“To the political prisoners, we deeply value your unflinching stand for the people. We rely on your invaluable support. We are resolutely committed to join you and many human rights organizations and peace advocates in pressing for your freedom as a matter of justice,” said Jalandoni.
“This resumption of the formal talks has had the unique privilege of having our newly released NDFP consultants,” said Jalandoni.
The Panels also agreed to accelerate the peace negotiations, setting the next meetings and work timelines of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER), and the Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR) and on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWG-EHDF).
The next round of talks in October is crucial because the needed social, economic and political reforms will be on the agenda. Without such agreement on the needed reforms there can be no sustainable and lasting peace.
“To the Filipino people who aspire for a just and lasting peace, based on addressing the roots of the armed conflict, through genuine land reform, national industrialization and other fundamental social, economic and political reforms, we shall work and struggle together to achieve a just and lasting peace,” concluded Jalandoni.
http://www.ndfp.org/next-round-talks-crucial-needed-reforms-agenda/
NDF: Agreement on 6 major issues bodes well for success of peace talks
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 25): Agreement on 6 major issues bodes well for success of peace talks
OSLO, Norway – “Significant, positive developments and friendly atmosphere in the peace talks, with excellent facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government,” said Luis Jalandoni, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel Chair, as the fourth day of the peace talks ended on a positive note.
The Negotiating Panels of the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) have reached a common understanding on the six points in the agenda as agreed upon at the start of the formal meetings.
“Good news to the Filipino people that the political prisoners would be released, and land reform and other social and economic reforms will be seriously undertaken. So, the farmers of Hacienda Luisita and Hacienda Look may be gladdened that these steps are going forward,” Jalandoni conveyed.
The Parties reached agreement on the following:reaffirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of the JASIG list, acceleration of the formal talks in the peace negotiations, release of political prisoners, amnesty proclamation by Pres. Duterte and mode of interim ceasefire.
“But we need the people to continue building their strength to defend their rights and to work with us in bringing about a just and lasting peace in our country,” stressed Jalandoni.
Before the last Panel-to-Panel meeting ended, the NDFP brought to the GRP’s attention the planned demolition of the homes 353 fisherfolk and farmer families in Maragondon, Cavite. Real estate and construction companies, one of which is owned by bourgeois comprador Henry Sy, are claiming control over the 600-hectare beachfront of Patungan Cove.
According to a peasant group, Kasama-TK, some 300 policemen arrived on the night of August 24, on 10 buses and 7 six-by-six trucks.
“The revolutionary spirit of Bonifacio must be revived to intensify the struggle of the people of Maragondon and of the Filipino people,” said Jalandoni.
Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 to end Spanish colonization in the country, was believed to have been betrayed and executed at the foot of Mount Nagpatong and Mount Buntis in Maragondon.
The Joint Statement for this round of the talks will be signed by both Panels on Friday, August 26 at 11am. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brenden would attend the signing of the Joint Statement on the Resumption of the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations.
The Parties decided to hold formal meetings again in the second week of October with different working committees tackling various issues related to the proposed reforms in the social, economic and political fields.
http://www.ndfp.org/agreement-6-major-issues-bodes-well-success-peace-talks/
OSLO, Norway – “Significant, positive developments and friendly atmosphere in the peace talks, with excellent facilitation of the Royal Norwegian Government,” said Luis Jalandoni, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel Chair, as the fourth day of the peace talks ended on a positive note.
The Negotiating Panels of the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) have reached a common understanding on the six points in the agenda as agreed upon at the start of the formal meetings.
“Good news to the Filipino people that the political prisoners would be released, and land reform and other social and economic reforms will be seriously undertaken. So, the farmers of Hacienda Luisita and Hacienda Look may be gladdened that these steps are going forward,” Jalandoni conveyed.
The Parties reached agreement on the following:reaffirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of the JASIG list, acceleration of the formal talks in the peace negotiations, release of political prisoners, amnesty proclamation by Pres. Duterte and mode of interim ceasefire.
“But we need the people to continue building their strength to defend their rights and to work with us in bringing about a just and lasting peace in our country,” stressed Jalandoni.
Before the last Panel-to-Panel meeting ended, the NDFP brought to the GRP’s attention the planned demolition of the homes 353 fisherfolk and farmer families in Maragondon, Cavite. Real estate and construction companies, one of which is owned by bourgeois comprador Henry Sy, are claiming control over the 600-hectare beachfront of Patungan Cove.
According to a peasant group, Kasama-TK, some 300 policemen arrived on the night of August 24, on 10 buses and 7 six-by-six trucks.
“The revolutionary spirit of Bonifacio must be revived to intensify the struggle of the people of Maragondon and of the Filipino people,” said Jalandoni.
Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 to end Spanish colonization in the country, was believed to have been betrayed and executed at the foot of Mount Nagpatong and Mount Buntis in Maragondon.
The Joint Statement for this round of the talks will be signed by both Panels on Friday, August 26 at 11am. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brenden would attend the signing of the Joint Statement on the Resumption of the GRP-NDFP Peace Negotiations.
The Parties decided to hold formal meetings again in the second week of October with different working committees tackling various issues related to the proposed reforms in the social, economic and political fields.
http://www.ndfp.org/agreement-6-major-issues-bodes-well-success-peace-talks/
CPP: Continuing AFP operations, presence in communities undermine GRP ceasefire
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 26): Continuing AFP operations, presence in communities undermine GRP ceasefire
Communist Party of the Philippines
To support the determination of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to engage the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in peace negotiations, units of the New People’s Army (NPA) have strictly complied with the 7-day (August 21-27) ceasefire declaration issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army.
Towards this aim, NPA units are also set to release at least seven prisoners-of-war in Surigao and Compostela Valley. In Northern Mindanao, the NPA command took the initiative of extending the effectivity of the ceasefire to facilitate the safe and orderly release of the said prisoners, all of whom are GRP police officers who were accosted to undergo preliminary investigation.
In light of positive developments in peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway, the leadership of the CPP and command of the NPA are encouraged to issue an extension of the unilateral declaration of ceasefire. The declaration will be issued after the results of the Oslo talks are made public.
We are also encouraged by the statements of GRP President Duterte encouraging soldiers and police to be friendly with the revolutionary forces as well as by recognition of the revolutionary government led by the CPP that exist in large parts of the country.
The CPP, however, must strongly criticize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for maintaining their presence and continuing to make aggressive moves in and around the areas of operations of the NPA which form part of the territories of the people’s democratic government.
There have been persistent reports of continuing presence of armed operating troops of the AFP in barangay centers, occupying barangay halls, community schools and day care centers, senior citizen centers and other civilian structures. They continue to set up detachments or physical bases in the center of civilian population.
Local residents have questioned why armed operating troops of the AFP are entering their barangays, knowing that the Duterte government has declared a ceasefire.
According to our reports, when questioned, field commanders invariably justify their presence with claims of ‘peace and development’, ‘anti-drug’, ‘anti-logging’ and ‘visitations’. To the people, these are nothing but thinly-veiled pretexts to impose their armed presence and to carry out psywar, surveillance and search and combat operations against the NPA.
The presence and operations of the AFP in rural communities undermine the credibility of the Duterte government among the people as it projects an image of disunity within the GRP or refusal of the AFP to abide by the order of its commander-in-chief.
AFP units have maintained their presence in civilian communities in Kalinga, Isabela, Abra, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.
People are made to suffer the oppressive presence of armed operating troops of the AFP which instill fear on civilians. The people’s right to free movement is restricted for fear of being accosted by the soldiers or because of the outright imposition of curfew.
Economic activity is affected as peasants choose not to tend theirfields for fear of being questioned by soldiers. There have been restrictions on commerce, particularly, on the amount of goods that can be purchased by community stores. Community leaders, especially those active in struggles for land and against mining are being summoned or “invited” by the AFP.
Peasants, Lumad and other minority peoples seek the assistance of peace advocates, human rights groups, media and alternative media groups, students, lawyers, church people and others to help draw attention to their plight and amplify their call for the withdrawal of armed troops from their communities.
The AFP must also stop making the stupid counter-demand for the NPA to also withdraw from their communities. These are nothing but empty noise to drown the clamor for their removal. In the first place NPA units do not set up detachments inside the communities or use barangay halls as their barracks.
In light of GRP President’s call, we anticipate him to be sympathetic to the plight of the peasants and Lumad and see the urgency of ordering the withdrawal of AFP troops from civilian communities.
The continuing presence of armed troops of the AFP in rural communities also undermine and endanger the ceasefire declarations separately issued by GRP President Duterte and the CPP.
Operating troops of the AFP have been using the rural communities as base to launch aggressive operations into the interior areas where they believe NPA units are based.
Over the past week, NPA units across the country have reported that they were forced to carry out lateral and counter-encirclement maneuvers to avoid skirmishes with active and aggressive units of the AFP.
If the AFP will insist on maintaining its presence in communities and launching aggressive operations into the interior areas, armed skirmishes are bound to erupt despite the NPA’s effort to maintain the ceasefire.
For the CPP and Duterte ceasefires to persist, the negotiating panels of the GRP and the NDFP can establish more explicit ground rules and systems of monitoring and reporting.
http://www.cpp.ph/continuing-afp-operations-presence-communities-undermine-grp-ceasefire/
Towards this aim, NPA units are also set to release at least seven prisoners-of-war in Surigao and Compostela Valley. In Northern Mindanao, the NPA command took the initiative of extending the effectivity of the ceasefire to facilitate the safe and orderly release of the said prisoners, all of whom are GRP police officers who were accosted to undergo preliminary investigation.
In light of positive developments in peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway, the leadership of the CPP and command of the NPA are encouraged to issue an extension of the unilateral declaration of ceasefire. The declaration will be issued after the results of the Oslo talks are made public.
We are also encouraged by the statements of GRP President Duterte encouraging soldiers and police to be friendly with the revolutionary forces as well as by recognition of the revolutionary government led by the CPP that exist in large parts of the country.
The CPP, however, must strongly criticize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for maintaining their presence and continuing to make aggressive moves in and around the areas of operations of the NPA which form part of the territories of the people’s democratic government.
There have been persistent reports of continuing presence of armed operating troops of the AFP in barangay centers, occupying barangay halls, community schools and day care centers, senior citizen centers and other civilian structures. They continue to set up detachments or physical bases in the center of civilian population.
Local residents have questioned why armed operating troops of the AFP are entering their barangays, knowing that the Duterte government has declared a ceasefire.
According to our reports, when questioned, field commanders invariably justify their presence with claims of ‘peace and development’, ‘anti-drug’, ‘anti-logging’ and ‘visitations’. To the people, these are nothing but thinly-veiled pretexts to impose their armed presence and to carry out psywar, surveillance and search and combat operations against the NPA.
The presence and operations of the AFP in rural communities undermine the credibility of the Duterte government among the people as it projects an image of disunity within the GRP or refusal of the AFP to abide by the order of its commander-in-chief.
AFP units have maintained their presence in civilian communities in Kalinga, Isabela, Abra, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.
People are made to suffer the oppressive presence of armed operating troops of the AFP which instill fear on civilians. The people’s right to free movement is restricted for fear of being accosted by the soldiers or because of the outright imposition of curfew.
Economic activity is affected as peasants choose not to tend theirfields for fear of being questioned by soldiers. There have been restrictions on commerce, particularly, on the amount of goods that can be purchased by community stores. Community leaders, especially those active in struggles for land and against mining are being summoned or “invited” by the AFP.
Peasants, Lumad and other minority peoples seek the assistance of peace advocates, human rights groups, media and alternative media groups, students, lawyers, church people and others to help draw attention to their plight and amplify their call for the withdrawal of armed troops from their communities.
The AFP must also stop making the stupid counter-demand for the NPA to also withdraw from their communities. These are nothing but empty noise to drown the clamor for their removal. In the first place NPA units do not set up detachments inside the communities or use barangay halls as their barracks.
In light of GRP President’s call, we anticipate him to be sympathetic to the plight of the peasants and Lumad and see the urgency of ordering the withdrawal of AFP troops from civilian communities.
The continuing presence of armed troops of the AFP in rural communities also undermine and endanger the ceasefire declarations separately issued by GRP President Duterte and the CPP.
Operating troops of the AFP have been using the rural communities as base to launch aggressive operations into the interior areas where they believe NPA units are based.
Over the past week, NPA units across the country have reported that they were forced to carry out lateral and counter-encirclement maneuvers to avoid skirmishes with active and aggressive units of the AFP.
If the AFP will insist on maintaining its presence in communities and launching aggressive operations into the interior areas, armed skirmishes are bound to erupt despite the NPA’s effort to maintain the ceasefire.
For the CPP and Duterte ceasefires to persist, the negotiating panels of the GRP and the NDFP can establish more explicit ground rules and systems of monitoring and reporting.
http://www.cpp.ph/continuing-afp-operations-presence-communities-undermine-grp-ceasefire/
3 hurt in Masbate boat attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): 3 hurt in Masbate boat attack
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917558
Three of 17 passengers of a motorized boat were injured by a
volley of gunfire after four gunmen attacked the boat they were riding Thursday
morning off Claveria town in the island province of Masbate
Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said
the attackers who were on board a motorized boat and wearing shawls to cover
their faces, flagged down MB Princess AJ as it was off the shorelines of Sitio
(sub-village) Lapus-lapus, Barangay Quezon in Claveria at 10:20 a.m.
She said the victims’ boat was bound for Masbate City
Calubaquib said to force the boat to stop, the gunmen fired
at the stern engine with the bursts of gunfire hitting three passengers.
She identified the injured as Raul Francis Gueta, 28,
boat crew member Rakim Abayata, 23, and Lilian Suplito, 27, all residents
of Claveria town.
Gueta sustained a gunshot wound in the head while the other
victims sustained minor injuries due to bullet wounds.
The victims were rushed to the Claveria
District Hospital
in Masbate and later transferred to the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital
Gueta who had remained in critical condition today was again
transferred to the Aquinas
University Hospital
Police recovered a slug from a 5.56 mm and a slug from a
9 mm caliber firearm in MB Princess AJ.
Calubaquib said they have yet to determine motive of the
attack as investigation is still ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917558
(UPDATE) Number of Abu Sayyaf casualties in Sulu clash rises to 11
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): (UPDATE) Number of Abu Sayyaf casualties in Sulu clash rises to 11
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917670
The number of casualties of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that
clashed with the government troops on Friday has increased to 11 deaths the
initial report of six.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom)
spokesman, said the pursuing troops have received intelligence information that
five more ASG members have died.
Tan said the five who died were among the wounded Abu Sayyaf
bandits dragged by their comrades following a 45-minute firefight.
The clash broke out around 6:12 a.m. Friday when the troops
spotted more or less 100 Abu Sayyaf bandits while scouring Sitio Makaita,
Barangay Bungkaung, Patikul, Sulu.
Tan said one of the 11 killed Abu Sayyaf bandits was
Mohammad Said alias Ama Maas, who has five standing warrants of arrest for
murder.
He said the troops have recovered the remains of Said and
that of other five slain Abu Sayyaf followers at the clash site.
He said Mohammad was involved in the September 21, 2015
kidnapping of three foreigners and a Filipino woman from a resort in the Island
Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits have beheaded two of the three
foreign hostages, both Canadians, on separate occasions and released the
Filipino hostage.
The remaining foreign hostages seized in the Island Garden
City of Samal is a Norwegian.
Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz said some of the soldiers who
were wounded in action are currently undergoing medical treatment in Sulu and
will later be transported to this city for further medication.
Dela Cruz said the others who were slightly wounded opted to
stay and continue the pursuit operations.
“Our troops are extremely motivated, they know that this
fight against terrorism is greater than themselves. Sa totoo lang, 17 ang
sugatan natin pero 10 dun ay slightly wounded lang, nagpaiwan sila para sumama
uli sa operation at ipagpatuloy ang laban,” Dela Cruz said.
“Ganyan katindi ang pagtingin namin sa misyon na ito lalo na
sa utos ng ating Commander-in-Chief. He gave a specific order. The mission is
clear. Seek and destroy the ASG. By all means that’s what we are doing and we
will not stop until it’s done,” Dela Cruz added.
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to
relentlessly pursue the ASG after the bandits beheaded on Wednesday an
18-year-old boy they seized in July this year in Jolo, Sulu.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917670
NPA rebels release abducted police officers
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): NPA rebels release abducted police officers
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917650
As the resumption of peace talks between the GRP and the
National Democratic Front (NDF) comes to a close in Oslo
This was a reaffirmation of showing goodwill to the
resumption of peace talks in Oslo ,
Norway
Released were Gov. Generoso Chief of Police Arnold Ongachen
and Police Officer 2 Michael Grande of the Banaybanay Municipal Police. Both
police officers were in separate custody of the units under the NPA ComVal
Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command.
Both police officers were fetched by Senator Manny Pacquiao,
who presented them to President Rodrigo Duterte during the 10th Eastern
Mindanao Command Anniversary at the Naval Station in Camp Panacan
Another police officer, PO1 Richard Yu from Carmen, Surigao
del Sur was also released.
The release of Ongachen and Grande was welcomed by Police
Regional Office XI director Manuel Gaerlan.
"The whole PNP is grateful to our Almighty for keeping
the two police officers safe and free once again. The two PNP personnel,"
Gaerlan said in a statement.
Gaerlan said the PNP long expected the release.
Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia said the release of the two police
officers is part of confidence building measures.
Hopefully, Valencia
Ongachen and Grande's release also follows the suspension of
their investigation for possible war crimes and violations of people rights. It
is also in deference to appeals of their families and peace advocates.
Ongachen, the police chief of the coastal town of Governor Generoso
President Rodrigo Duterte refused to facilitate the release
of Ongachen following claims by the NPA that a sachet of shabu was taken from
him during the raid. Ongachen was also accused of protecting the illegal drugs
trade in Gov. Generoso.
On the other hand, Grande was taken as custody of the NPA
rebels belonging to the ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command in Lupon,
Davao Oriental on June 19. Grande was accused by the rebels to have mauled,
harassed and intimidated at gunpoint several civilians in Banay-banay. He was also
accused of receiving payoffs from illegal gambling in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917650
GRP, NDF agree on indefinite 'silencing of guns'
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): GRP, NDF agree on indefinite 'silencing of guns'
Bello
Bello
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917653
The GRP and the National Democratic Front (NDF)-Communist
Party of the Philippines (CPP) panels finally sealed an agreement of an
indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People's Army (NPA) and their
people's militia.
The indefinite ceasefire capped the six-day marathon
sessions of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the
communist insurgents in Oslo ,
Norway
The CPP-NDF-New People's Army (NPA) ceasefire will start
Aug. 28 after the seven-day (August 21 - 27) ceasefire declared earlier by the
NDF during the Oslo
It was the highlight of the six agenda agreed by both panels
at the end of the GRP-NDF round of talks
On Thursday, both panels reached agreements on six major
agenda taken up at the resumption of the peace talks brokered by the Royal
Norwegian Government (RNG).
In a statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Jesus Dureza said the Oslo
It is an accomplishment that would be welcomed by the
Filipino people, he said.
“Not only has President Duterte walked the extra mile. He
has also taken a step back to give the NDF space under his democratic and
inclusive government,” Dureza said.
Dureza said they are coming home with a promise of a just
and lasting peace and our soldiers and the combatants of the NDF finally coming
to terms that the war must end.
Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, head of the GRP
negotiating panel, also expressed thanks and appreciation for the patience and
candidness of their counterparts with whom he has been holding formal and
backdoor negotiations for more than 14 years.
According to Bello
The government noted that formal session was the first after
five years and it reaffirmed all previously signed agreements between the GRP
and the NDFP that was started by the The Hague Joint Declaration in 1992 and
proceeded by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) in
1996 and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights And
International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998 which were all signed under
the administration of President Fidel Ramos.
The panels also agreed to reconstitute the JASIG list after
the first document was corrupted. The encrypted list will contain the photos
and identities of NDF consultants who are still underground and will be immune
to arrest while the peace process is undergoing.
The government will issue documents of acknowledgement for
the NDF consultants still in hiding and for the 54 “publicly known NDF
personalities.”
It was also announced that the negotiating parties agreed to
accelerate the peace negotiations and set timelines for the completion of the
remaining substantive agenda.
Still to be discussed are the details of the socio-economic
reforms; political and constitutional reforms; and end of hostilities and
disposition of forces; the amnesty proclamation; joint monitoring committees;
further releases of detained NDF personnel; and the modality and mechanics of
the ceasefire.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=917653
PNP wants to regain supervision on training of police recruits
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): PNP wants to regain supervision on training of police recruits
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=917452
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will try to get back
supervision over the training of police recruits nationwide as inefficiency
were noted in the recruitment system that resulted to some neophyte policemen
being dragged into drug cases.
In the record of the PNP-International Affairs Service
(PNP-IAS), most of those implicated in cases involving illegal drugs have the
ranks of Police Officer 1 (PO1) to PO3.
These cases are now being investigated by the PNP-IAS.
Of these cases, 81 have the ranks of PO1, 48 are PO3 and 42
are PO2.
The training of police recruits is currently under the
supervision of the National Police Training Institute (NPTI) of the Philippine
Public Safety College (PPSC).
PNP Training Service Acting Director Chief Supt. John Sosito
said they would like to properly educate police recruits on the aspects of
skills enhancement, intellectual development and moral transformation.
However, NPTI Director Chief Supt. Jose Erwin Villacorte
reasoned out that in the one year training period of police recruits, only six
months are devoted to academic course.
The next six months, Villacorte said, will be under the
supervision of the PNP Training Service for field training exercise.
In the field training exercise, he added, the police recruits
are merged with policemen where they will be exposed in the streets.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=917452
PN allocates PHP6-M for frigates maintenance
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): PN allocates PHP6-M for frigates maintenance
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=917408
The Philippine Navy (PN) is allocating the sum of
PHP6,095,160 for the acquisition of materials needed for the repairs and
maintenance of the naval guns of frigates BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16).
The two ships are the former Hamilton-class cutters acquired
from the US
They are armed with an Oto Melara 76mm autocannon and a
variety of 25mm and 20mm light cannons.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 45
calendar days.
Pre-bid conference is on Aug. 30, 1 p.m. at the Office of
the PN Bids and Awards Committee, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio ,
Taguig City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=917408
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)