Burned bus was on its second day of plying Marbel-Tacurong-Davao route (Photos)

From MindaNews (Mar 14): Burned bus was on its second day of plying Marbel-Tacurong-Davao route

A newly-acquired passenger bus on its second day of plying the Marbel-Tacurong-Davao route was burned by suspected communist rebels at Purok 6 here at around 8:30 a.m. Monday, after asking its passengers and drivers to disembark, police said.

The burning came a day after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced from Utrecht, The Netherlands that the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) at the end of the March 10 and 11 backchannel talks, had agreed to put the peace process back on track after month-long skirmishes and that they would each restore the unilateral ceasefire they lifted last month, before the fourth round of formal peace talks in Oslo first week of April.



Suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) torched a bus of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) in Purok 6, Barangay Taluntalunan, Makilala, North at around 8:30 a.m. 13 March 2017. The bus was bound for Davao City from Koronadal City via Tacurong. MINDANEWS PHOTO

In a report to Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan, Police Chief Inspector Elias Colonia said the Yellow Bus Line unit driven by Victor Bernabat Serondo was moving along the Tacurong-Makilala highway when six suspects who were among the passengers “pointed their guns towards the driver” upon reaching Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay San Vicente, and ordered him to turn right towards Purok 6, Barangay Taluntalunan.

From the highway, the bus was burned about a hundred meters along the one-way road.

Colonia’s report said that upon reaching Purok 6, armed men, suspected to be members of Guerrilla 72 of the New People’s Army, ordered the passengers, conductor, inspector and driver to disembark, poured gasoline inside the bus and set it on fire.

An official of the Yellow Bus company who had just arrived at the site from Koronadal City told MindaNews that the newly-acquired airconditioned bus was on its second day of operations along that route. He requested not to be named.

Farmer Jack Sunico, 27, said he was attending to his coffee trees nearby when he heard a loud explosion, apparently from the tires that burst when the bus was burning. He said he saw men wearing masks on five motorcycles — four with driver and passengers) headed to the interiors of the barangay immediately after.

As of 9 p.m., the NPA had yet to issue a statement confirming or denying responsibility behind the bus burning.

“Not yet effective”

In a statement from Amsterdam, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said he was getting “disturbing reports of alleged atrocities by the NPA” like the bus burning in Makilala.



Inside the Yellow Bus Line unit that was burned by suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Purok 6, Barangay Taluntalunan, Makilala, North at around 8:30 a.m. 13 March 2017. The bus, bound for Davao City from Koronadal City via Tacurong, was on its second day of plying that route. MINDANEWS PHOTO

Dureza said the restoration of unilateral ceasefire that he announced Sunday is “not yet effective as of today as there is still a need to allow the government and the communist leaders to inform their respective ground forces accordingly.”

“Except for the government forces where there is a tight command and control structure in place and directives from higher headquarters are downloaded expeditiously, the same is NOT true with the NPAs, for obvious reasons,” Durea said.

He explained that the ceasefire shall take effect “as soon as both sides agree to a date specific” which he said “should be anytime before the first week of April 2017,” the fourth round of formal peace talks.

He said he had “informally raised” during the two-day backchannel talks that ended March 11 in Utrecht, The Netherlands, the possibility of “eruption of incidents” hence “the urgency of an early effectivity announcement considering my previous experience of similar situations in my earlier ceasefire negotiations with other groups (e.g. Bangsamoro) with some factions creating disturbances just to show defiance or merely as an attempt of projection of eminence by some of their elements.”

Dureza said these incidents “affect the over-all sentiments of peace- loving citizens who may even raise issues of good faith and may lead to questions as to whether or not rebel groups we are engaging in the peace tables are sincere or have control over their ground forces.”

He added that public acceptance to the ongoing peace process is “critical, given the indispensable need of over-all stakeholders’ support to ensure success of our peace efforts.”

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/03/burned-bus-was-on-its-second-day-of-plying-marbel-tacurong-davao-route/

Army continues attacks on suspected BIFF lairs

From MindaNews (Mar 14): Army continues attacks on suspected BIFF lairs

Ground and air attacks on suspected positions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao said to be harboring a foreign bomb expert entered its second day on Tuesday.

Colonel Diosdado Carreon, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said their target is the BIFF unit under Commander Bongos.

Carreon said Bongos was confirmed to be protecting Mohammad Ali aka “Mauwiyah,” a Singaporean and alleged member of Jemaah Islamiya.

Ali has been training the BIFF in bomb making, the Army official said.

On Monday dawn, two FA50 fighter jets dropped bombs on the villages of Gawang, Tee and Andabit in Datu Salibo town.

Hours after, two MG-520 attack helicopters and 105 howitzers provided support to ground troops that entered the villages.

The soldiers reportedly found four improvised explosive devices (IEDS) along a road leading to the target area. Bomb experts one IED and detonated the three others.

“There’s no letup in our operation. Our mission is to neutralize the group that has been threatening our people,” Carreon said in Filipino.

But BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama insisted they had no fighters in the three villages.

“Who are they hitting? We have no troops there,” he said over the phone.

Citing intelligence information, Carreon said Mauwiyah has been training BIFF members in bomb making and other terror tactics inside Maguindanao’s SPMS box.

SPMS refers to the towns of [Datu] Salibo, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak.

Carreon said before the offensive started on Monday that the BIFF had been harassing government forces in Datu Salibo and Shariff Aguak. In fact, he said, two soldiers were hurt in bomb attacks by the group.

“We could not say how many BIFF fighters were killed or injured, we are still evaluating the situation,” he said.

At least 200 families from Andavit and Gawang and in nearby areas have fled to safer grounds, according to a report from the local government.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/03/army-continues-attacks-on-suspected-biff-lairs/

Photo: Anti-NPA poster

Posted to MindaNews (Mar 14): Photo: Anti-NPA poster



http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/03/anti-npa-poster/

NPA rebels torch bus in Mindanao despite resumption of stalled peace talks

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 13): NPA rebels torch bus in Mindanao despite resumption of stalled peace talks

Communist insurgents torched a provincial bus in a daring attack Monday in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said at 5 gunmen, who were among four dozen passengers, stopped the bus in the village of Bagong Silang in North Cotabato’s Makilala town and introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army and ordered everyone out of the vehicle.

As soon as everybody stepped out of the bus, the gunmen quickly set the vehicle in fire as horrified passengers looked on. The rebels told them they would not be hurt and then fled on foot.

Officials said the bus is one of many fleets owned and operated by the Yellow Bus Line Incorporated, one of the largest commuter companies in the restive region where the NPA is actively waging a secessionist war for many decades now.

Company executives did not give any statement, but it was not the first time the rebels carried out such attack on provincial buses in Mindanao with the military and police both saying that extortion was likely motive for the arson.

The attack occurred just a day after Jesus Dureza, the chief government peace negotiator, announced that Manila is resuming stalled peace talks with rebels and that a truce had been agreed upon by both sides over the weekend.

Dureza said the negotiations may start as early as next month after both sides finally to restart the peace talks after President Rodrigo Duterte scrapped the negotiations in February following a series of deadly attacks by rebels who abandoned their own truce following the government’s rejection of their demand to free more than 400 rebels languishing in jails across the country.

Duterte wanted the rebels to agree on a bilateral ceasefire before releasing the prisoners, although he had freed about 2 dozen communist leaders so they can join the peace talks.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-rebels-torch-bus-in-mindanao-despite-resumption-of-stalled-peace-talks/

ARMM celebrates Bangsamoro Week of Peace

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 14): ARMM celebrates Bangsamoro Week of Peace

Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led the commemoration of the Bangsamoro Week of Peace in Cotabato City.

The theme of the commemoration, now on its 6th year, is “Bangsamoro: Revisiting the Past, Continuing the Cause.”

Hataman said it is only through remembering the previous struggles of the Bangsamoro can today’s generation be empowered to continue the cause and achieve lasting peace in this part of the country. “Mahalaga na alalahanin natin at ipagpatuloy natin ito hanggang sa magkaroon ng ganap ng kapayapaan,” the ARMM governor said.

Hataman also called for unity and cooperation among the different sectors in the region to continue the reforms and changes that the regional government has introduced and implemented during his years of governance.

The tri-people of the Bangsamoro must continue the fight against poverty and terrorism, Gov. Hataman added. “Wala man tayo sa gitna ng giyera ngayon, hindi ibig sabihin na hindi na tayo nakikibaka. Patuloy ang ating pakikibaka laban sa kahirapan at terorismo,” he said.

The regional governor also pointed out how technology is a double-edged sword, with the youth becoming more vulnerable to misinformation as they gain access to the internet.

Amir Mawallil, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (BYA), also echoed the government’s point, and said that ensuring the youth learns about the history of the Bangsamoro is crucial in developing the youth’s consciousness. Aside from this, an awareness of Bangsamoro history is also crucial to the success of the long-standing peace efforts involving the Bangsamoro.

This is why, Mawallil said, the regional government will exert efforts on mainstreaming the discussion of Bangsamoro history among youth in the region through the OBYA. “We have to look at different platforms and exhaust all means. Our approach must succeed in being pervasive, ‘yung kahit saan sila lumingon nandoon ang narrative ng Bangsamoro” said Director Mawallil.

He added that the youth can be an instrument of peace simply by knowing their history. “Their every action must be rooted in something bigger than themselves; dapat may hugot, at sana nakaugat ‘yun sa pagkilala nila sa tunay na kasaysayan ng Bangsamoro,” he said.

Among the activities lined up for this week’s commemoration are a photo exhibit, a stage play, and a range of conferences and panel discussions including a forum on the Bangsamoro history conducted simultaneously in all provinces of the ARMM.

The Bangsamoro Week of Peace is celebrated every second week of March to commemorate the Jabidah Massacre which is considered a pivotal point of the Bangsamoro struggle.
“Alam kong masakit sa ating lahat na ito’y alalahanin, ngunit ito ang nag-udyok sa atin na ipaglaban ang ating mga karapatan at ipaglaban ang ating identihiya,” Hataman said, referring to the said massacre.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/armm-celebrates-bangsamoro-week-of-peace/

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Tawi-Tawi

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 14): Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Tawi-Tawi

Security forces on Tuesday shot dead an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader linked to the spate of ransom kidnappings in Sabah in Malaysia following a firefight in the southern Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said.

Officials said the 48-year old Buchoy Hassan, who was known for his aliases Black and Bocoi, had been implicated by Philippine and Malaysian authorities to November 2013 kidnapping of Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei Chang, 58, – and freed 2 months later in Sulu province after paying huge ransom – at Pulau Pom Pom off Sabah’s Semporna town. Chang’s 57-year old husband Hsu Li Min was killed during the kidnapping.

“Buchoy Hassan or Bocoi was neutralized following a successful law enforcement operation launched by the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the police at his residence in Barangay Panglima Alari in Sitangkai town,” said Army Major Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command. “Hassan was one of the wanted personalities in Malaysia for his involvement in the abduction of Taiwanese national Chang An Wei at the Pom Pom Island Resort in Sabah in November 2013.”

She said soldiers and policemen recovered Hassan’s M16 automatic rifle and security forces seized 5 speedboats and several outboard engines, believed being used by the Abu Sayyaf in cross-border raids in Sabah.

Petinglay, quoting a military report, said that aside from kidnappings, Hassan – using his share of the ransoms to buy crystal meth, also controlled the illegal drug trade in Tawi-Tawi, and recruited members for his nefarious activities. “Hassan recruited cohorts and acquired several speedboats to sustain his illegal activities and became the key facilitator in the illegal drugs trade in Tawi-Tawi,” she said.

Major General Carlito Galvez, the regional military commander, said the operations against the Abu Sayyaf were continuing in Tawi-Tawi, just several hours by boat from Sabah, to prevent future kidnappings in the oil-rich Malaysian state.

“We are continuously conducting law enforcement support operations to assist the police and other law enforcement agencies in expediting the arrest of notorious members of the kidnap for ransom group and in pre-empting kidnapping attempts in the province,” he said.

Just recently, five Filipinos with alleged links to both the Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State, had been arrested in Sabah and Kuala Lumpur and were being investigated in Malaysia.

Two other Malaysians were also arrested by the police from March 8 to 12, according to a report by Malaysian newspaper The Star. The identities of the Filipinos were not immediately known, but all of them are with permanent resident status and ages 18, 27, 31 and 53.

The report said two of the Filipinos were believed to have collected funds from Malaysian terror suspects Mohamad Joraimee Awang Raimee and Dr Mahmud Ahmad. And the third Filipino was said to have sworn allegiance to Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon, who is also the head of the local Islamic State in the Philippines. While the other planned to join the Islamic State and fight in Syria.

Filipino security and foreign affairs officials did not give any statement over the arrest of the Filipinos, although they previously said that the Abu Sayyaf is sheltering not only Indonesian militants, but also Malaysian and Middle Eastern terrorists with some of them killed while fighting alongside local jihadists in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.

President Duterte has ordered security forces to crush the Abu Sayyaf and other jihadist groups operating in the region and largely blamed by authorities for the spate of terror attacks and beheadings, including ransom kidnappings.

The Abu Sayyaf, which is actively operating in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, is still holding over 2 dozen mostly Asian sailors and recently beheaded the 70-year old German yachter Jurgen Kantner after his family failed to raise P30 million ransom demanded by the small, but the mostly notorious jihadist group in the Philippines.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-killed-in-tawi-tawi/

Another NPA rebel yields to Army troopers in Ilocos

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 14): Another NPA rebel yields to Army troopers in Ilocos

Another member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered last week after fruitful negotiations were initiated by the operatives of the army’s 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion based here.

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, the commander of the army’s 81st Infantry Batallion, said Monday that the new surrenderer was identified only as “Ka Yumi.”

“The true name of the newly- surrendered rebel was withheld for security reasons pending the processing of his status,” Osias said.

He said that Ka Yumi was the assistant squad leader of Squad Uno, SDG (Sentro de Gravidad) of NPA group operating in the tri-boundaries of Abra, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur.

“Ka Yumi surrendered one Caliber 30 Springfield M1 Garand Rifle,” he said.

Ka Yumi claimed that he was encouraged to surrender to authorities due to the serious initiatives of the national government through the Philippine Army to bring peace and development in the countryside.

For the first quarter of 2017, four former NPA rebels surrendered to the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion.

The rebels surrendered a month after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire with NPA.

Osias assured that his command will continue to advocate peaceful resolution of the internal security problem in the country.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381489398242/another-npa-rebel-yields-to-army-troopers-in-ilocos

14th IB conducts recruitment forum in E.Samar school

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 14): 14th IB conducts recruitment forum in E.Samar school 

Some 200 students from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Maydolong Campus recently attended a forum initiated by the 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion, Philippine Army (PA).

The purpose of the said forum was to bring government forces closer to the members of the academe, specifically the youth as the youth plays a vital role in nation-building.

In his message during the forum, Lt. Col. Manuel Leo Gador, Commanding Officer of the 14th IB said, "we hope from our partners from the academe follow suit and be our active partners in moulding the youth as agents of peace and development of our country."

Also discussed was on the career guidance on how to apply to become an officer and a  soldier  in the PA.

Meanwhile, 2nd Lt. Dennis Carig, Civilian Military Officer (CMO) of 14th IB also emphasized that, “being a soldier is a noble profession, that each individual dedicates his life for his/her love of the country.”
 
Leaflets about the Army recruitment were also distributed to the youths for their reference.

This information awareness drive was initiated by the 14th IB to encourage more applicants to join the profession of arms to supplement the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1251489442555/14th-ib-conducts-recruitment-forum-in-e-samar-school-

DWDD: AFP Statement on Sec Dureza’s Recent Announcement on the Resumption of Formal Peace Talks

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 13): AFP Statement on Sec Dureza’s Recent Announcement on the Resumption of Formal Peace Talks

The AFP has time and again expressed its unequivocal support to all peace initiatives undertaken by our government past and present. We also have a proven track record of being an able and reliable partner in all the peace talks undertaken by our country. We share the Commander-in-Chief’s aspiration to attain a just and lasting peace for our country and will do all we can to deliver on this for the benefit of all our citizens especially in conflict-affected areas.

We will anxiously await the official message of our panel and the instructions of our Commander-in-Chief. Pending this, all military operations will continue and remain at current state.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/03/13/afp-statement-on-sec-durezas-recent-announcement-on-the-resumption-of-formal-peace-talks/

DWDD: Philippine Navy participates in LIMA 2017

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 14): Philippine Navy participates in LIMA 2017



Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila–The Philippine Navy (PN) will send-off Naval Task Group 80.5 (NTG 80.5) on board BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17)to participate in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2017) in Langkawi, Malaysia from March 21-26, 2017.

After the exhibition, NTG 80.5 will undertake goodwill visits to Lumut and Klang, also in Malaysia, prior to its return to the Philippines on April 6, 2017.The Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, REAR ADMIRAL RAFAEL G MARIANO AFP, will preside over the Send-Off Ceremony for the 208 members of the PN contingent on board FF17, the Navy’s newest acquisition.

This International Defense and Security Engagement will be highlighted by the attendance of the Flag Officer in Command, PN (FOIC, PN) in the Chief of Navy Roundtable Talks (CNRT) and the participation of FF17 in the LIMA Sea Exercise (LSX), a half-day Multinational Naval Exercise among participating countries.

The goodwill visits to Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) bases in Lumut and Klang shall serve to strengthen the friendly relationship between the PN and the RMN.  They are also intended to “show the flag” to inspire Filipino communities in Malaysia to support the endeavors of the PN and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole.

LIMA is one of the most influential exhibitions in Asia since this is a dedicated maritime and aerospace exhibition for defense, civil and commercial aviation, shipbuilding and ship repair.  As such, the occasion provides a great opportunity for the PN to widen its perspective as a modernizing Navy in the various avenues of an upgrade, especially that this event includes the exhibit of modern naval platforms.

The PN’s last participation was in the 2011 edition of the LIMA Exhibition.

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/03/14/philippine-navy-participates-in-lima-2017/

MNLF-Ibrahim: 49th MNLF Founding Anniversary and Declaration of Bangsamoro Freedom Day

Posted to the Facebook page of Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim, Secretary General, Central Committee, MNLF (Mar 14): 49th MNLF Founding Anniversary and Declaration of Bangsamoro Freedom Day

In the spirit of peace, brotherhood and friendship, we may humbly and cordially request all our friends, bothers and sisters in the Facebooks in MINSUPALA, in the Philippines, and all over the Globe to join us physically, or in your prayer for the success of our libertarian and peaceful endeavor to celebrate the 49th MNLF Founding Anniversary and declaration of Bangsamoro Freedom Day on March 18, 2017 in the name of peace, in the way of peace and for the sake of peace. And ...to achieve lasting peace, with dignity and honor, has been the universal aspirations, dreams and hankerings of Mankind, especially the oppressed Bangsamoro Nation.

Friends, brothers and sisters, kindly accept our greetings of Peace, Love and Care.

Respectfully yours, Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim, Astana', MT. Dragon, Indanan, Sulu/14 March 2017.

https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?fref=nf&pnref=story

MNLF-Ibrahim: Advisory for all MNLF Leaders, officials, BAF officers, commanders, and members/03/12/17

Posted to the Facebook page of Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim, Secretary General, Central Committee, MNLF (Mar 12): Advisory for all MNLF Leaders, officials, BAF officers, commanders, and members/03/12/17
Peace be upon you all.

By the authority of H.E. Prof/Dr. Nur P. Misuari, MNLF Founding Chairman and President of the Bangsamoro Republik (BMR), you are hereby instructed to join us in celebrating/commemorating the upcoming 49th Birth Anniversary of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Declaration of the Bangsamoro National Freedom Day to be held in the historic town of Jolo as s...cheduled at 7 o'clock in the morning until 1 o'clock in the afternoon on March 18, 2017. The anniversary will be highlighted with the parade in the heart of Jolo and to be participated by MNLF's adherents, supporters and sympathisers from different parts of MINSUPALA.

Afterwards, all the participants will proceed to the Astana' on MT. Dragon to participate
in the final affairs of the 49th Founding Anniversary's celebration of the MNLF as set at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the same day.

Your attendance in the occasion is highly enjoined.

Ustadz Murshi D. Ibrahim, Secretary General, Central Committee, MNLF/Astana'.

https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?fref=nf&pnref=story

MILF: UNFPA turns-over Birthing Facilities to Amanah Clinic at MILF Administrative Base

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 13): UNFPA turns-over Birthing Facilities to Amanah Clinic at MILF Administrative Base



A collaboration agreement signed in August 26, 2015 by and between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) represented by UNFPA Country Representative Mr. Klaus Beck and BDA Executive Director Mohammad S. Yacob, had finally materialized with the turn-over of medical and birthing equipment during a ceremony held at the MILF Administrative Base of Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on March 8.

The turn-over of medical and birthing equipment are part of UNFPA program on Strengthening Capacities for Reproductive Health Delivery and Advocacy in the Bangsamoro.

The handing over ceremony was attended by MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, Dr. Danda N. Juanday, President of the Bangsamoro Medical Society and witnessed by officers and staff of UNFPA-Philippines. Local residents and some clinic’s patients were also present.

The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities is a UN agency whose work involves the improvement of reproductive health and providing supplies and services.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1107-unfpa-turns-over-birthing-facilities-to-amanah-clinic-at-milf-administrative-base

MILF: ICRC visits MILF Leadership, says MILF wisdom rarely seen in the world today

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 13): ICRC visits MILF Leadership, says MILF wisdom rarely seen in the world today



International Committee of the Red Cross officers, Mr. Pascal M. Porchet, Head of Delegation, ICRC Philippines, Mr. Antoine Grand, Deputy Director of Operations, Ms. Tomoko Matsuzawa, Head of ICRC Cotabato and Staff made a courtesy call to the MILF Leadership at the Administrative Camp of the Moro Front in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat Maguindanao, Thursday, March 9.

Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and the visiting humanitarian group had lengthy discussion on wide topics relevant to the peace process.

ICRC has been in the Philippines since 1945 after World War II, and more so in the 70’s. Mr. Porchet said, as part of their visitations in the conflict affected areas which the ICRC is serving, it is deemed important for them to make the courtesy call in the front’s leadership, and other contacts in operations, in keeping a close eye on the context, and status of the peace process..

Further, they inquired about the population security in terms of humanitarian consequence, and how they can best adapt and response to the population needs. It was also an opportunity to thank the MILF for the quite impressive way of helping ICRC in facilitating delivery of services.

Chairman Ebrahim expressed gratitude for the visit and for the continuing engagement since 1980’s. He was delighted to share with the delegation the present status of the peace process.

Similar to what the MILF Chairman had told previous dignitaries who came for a visit he said, “Leadership sees some opportunities achieved in the peace process, although on the other hand there are many challenges too.” “But we will try to maximize opportunities, in order to move forward, struggle to go on with it, and try to neutralize challenges”, he added.

Some challenges mentioned were the delay of BTC to take off, for it to submit the BBL in July time table; asked why there is a so tight schedule?, Chairman Ebrahim answered “President Duterte wants to pass it in Congress in his early term, so that we can cope up with the Road Map”.

Chairman Ebrahim further explained about the road map.

The issue on the convergence and participation of International Community were also taken up in the conversation, and so with the maintaining of a facilitator.

Problem on extremism did not escape the subjects of the meeting. Its presence in some areas of Lanao and Island province poses great challenge hence, advocacy to work as one people is necessary in order to achieve the goal.

“Those radical elements are capitalizing on the non-passage of BBL. We see that putting in place a political solution will eventually solve the problem, Chairman Ebrahim said.

The MILF leadership believes in “inclusivity and protection of the population, for whom to govern when the peace process succeeds, if not the people?” These lines made Mr. Grand say “MILF has the wisdom that we rarely see in the world today”.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1108-icrc-visits-milf-leadership-says-milf-wisdom-rarely-seen-in-the-world-today

CPP/NPA-Ilocos: Reyd ng NPA sa police station ng Malibcong, Abra, matagumpay

New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Mar 12): Reyd ng NPA sa police station ng Malibcong, Abra, matagumpay

Martin Montana, Spokesperson
NPA-Ilocos Region (Region I)

13 March 2017

Binabati ng Chadli Molintas Command (CMC) ang mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng Agustin Begnalen Command ng NPA-Abra sa matagumpay na reyd sa Malibcong Police Station na isinagawa 7:30 ng gabi noong March 12, 2017. Tumagal ng isang oras ang kontrol ng NPA sa police station kung saan nakumpiska ang 10 baril na kinabibilangan ng anim (6) na M16, isang (1) M203, dalawang (2) 9mm at isang (1) .45 na pistola.

 Nasamsam din ang maraming bala, magasin, dalawang (2) rifle grenades, ammo vests at mga uniporme. Ligtas na nakaatras ang yunit ng BHB pagkatapos ng operasyon.

 Ang pagsalakay sa Malibcong Police Station ay pagtalima sa atas ng Komite Sentral ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) at ng National Operational Command (NOC) ng BHB na magsagawa ng mga taktikal na opensiba laban sa armadong pwersa ng reaksyonaryong estado, ipagtanggol ang kapakanan ng mamamayan at isulong ang kanilang mga interes laluna sa harap ng deklarasyon ng all-out war ng rehimeng Duterte laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Pagtugon din ito ng yunit ng BHB sa maraming reklamo ng mga residente sa Malibcong hinggil sa mga paglabag ng mga pulis sa kanilang karapatan habang ipinapatupad ang Oplan Tokhang at ang kawalang-respeto sa katutubong istrukturang sosyo-politikal.

Para sa mayorya ng mga mamamayan ng Malibcong, hindi nila makakalimutan ang makasaysayang pinapel ng lokal na istasyon ng kapulisan na masugid na nagtanggol sa interes ng warlords at Cellophil Resources Corporation na nang-api, nandambong ng kanilang likas na yaman, nangamkam ng kanilang lupaing ninuno, at walang pakundangang lumabag sa kanilang mga karapatan mula noon hanggang ngayon. Hindi lang sa Malibcong, kundi sa halos sa lahat ng bayan ng Abra ay ganito ang papel ng kapulisan.

Pumasok sa unilateral na tigil-putukan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na tumagal ng mahigit limang buwan dahil tapat itong mabigyan ng pagkakataon na mapag-usapan ang ugat ng gera sibil sa usapang pangkayapaan. Sa loob ng panahong ito, walang humpay ang opensibang operasyon ng AFP at kapulisan laban sa rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayan sa ngalan ng mga huwad na Development and Support Services Program, kampanyang kontra-droga at kontra-kriminalidad. Samantala, tuloy-tuloy na tumitindi ang pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ng naghaharing uri sa mga mamamayan. Dahil nagtimpi at umiwas ang BHB na malabag ang deklarasyon sa tigil-putukan, hindi nito epektibong na ipagtanggol ang mamamayan. Kaya, mahigpit na tumutugon ang CMC sa pasya ng pambansang pamunuan ng CPP-NPA na tapusin ang unilateral na deklarasyon ng tigil-putukan.

Habang ang buong rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mga masa ng Cordillera ay nag-aantabay sa pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan sa susunod na buwan, lagi kaming nakahandang harapin at biguin ang anumang kontra-rebolusyonaryong pakana at panunupil ng rehimeng Duterte dito sa Cordillera habang tuso nitong itinutulak ang mga kontra-mamamayan at maka-dayuhang programa at proyekto.

Habang ang mga batayang problema ng mamamayang Pilipino at ang pambansang pang-aapi laban sa mga katutubo ng Cordillera ay hindi tunay na nalulutas, ang rebolusyonaryong hukbo ay hindi magluluwag sa paghawak sa kanyang sentral na tungkulin sa unti-unting pagdurog sa armadong haligi ng pampulitikang kapangyarihan ng bulok na sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal. Sa pamumuno ng PKP, determinado itong lubusin ang pagwawasto upang pasiglahin ang mga taktikal na opensiba, isulong ang agraryong rebolusyon at ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayang Cordillera para palawakin at palakasin ang tunay na rebolusyonaryong awtonomong gobyerno ng Cordillera sa balangkas ng pambansang demokratikong pakikibaka na may sosyalistang perspektiba.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170313-reyd-ng-npa-sa-police-station-ng-malibcong-abra-matagumpay