From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 28): BATTLE RAGES | 93Ib encounters NPA rebels in Ormoc City, Leyte
CAMP JORGE DOWNES, Ormoc City, Leyte (DWDD) – An encounter with members of the lawless Communist Terrorist Group, locally known as the Front Committee Leyte, New People’s Army and units under this command, took place in Brgy Mahayahay, Ormoc City, Leyte wounding one (1) soldier, during the firefight on Tuesday morning June 26, 2018.
According to Capt Salvacion C Evangelista – CMO Officer, 802nd Infantry “Peerless” Brigade, First Lieutenant Sheenan D. Kub-Aron, Platoon Leader of the Alpha Company,93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion, operationally under 802ndBrigade Philippine Army under the command of Brigadier General Lope C. Dagoy, responded to an information regarding the presence of communist rebels in Brgy Mahayahay, Ormoc City, Leyte.
Around 7 a.m. the NPA members allegedly fired upon the approaching government troops. During the exchange of fire, the communist rebels allegedly detonated an improvised landmine wounding a soldier.
Following are the recovered items during the encounter:
ü One (1) M16A1 Rifle with SN RPA 82287
ü Three (3) bandoleer;
ü Twenty-eight (28) magazines with ammo;
ü Thirty (30) rounds of Cal .9mm ammo;
ü One (1) Air gun;
ü Four (4) IEDs;
ü Sixteen (16) blasting caps;
ü One (1) laptop computer;
ü Two (2) USB drive;
ü Two (2) card reader;
ü One (1) tablet phone;
ü Fourteen (14) cellular phones;
ü Two (2) transistor radios;
ü One (1) solar charger;
ü One (1) tear gas;
ü One (1) flashlight;
ü Five (5) sword (bolo);
ü Three (3) wristwatch;
ü Subversive documents;
ü Personal belongings;
ü Assorted can goods and rice;
ü Two (2) cooking pot;
Medical equipment
ü 1-stethoscope,
ü 1-blood pressure kit,
ü 14-assorted medicine,
ü 2-dextrose,
ü 1-acupuncture kit
Discovered an enemy encampment with the following description:
ü Sixteen (16) bunkers;
ü One (1) Kitchen; and
ü One (1) Comfort Room
Ammunition Expenditures:
ü Two thousand six hundred six (2606) rounds caliber 5.56mm ball,
ü Six hundred thirty-seven (637) rounds caliber 5.56mm linked, and
ü Twelve (12) rounds .40mm grenade launcher.
Brigadier General Lope Cellona Dagoy, 802nd Brigade Commander, expressed his concern on the wounded soldier and vowed to continue to pursue the terrorist communist elements in the area, and promise that more intense operations will be conducted until the communist terrorist will vanish in the Leyte and Biliran Islands.
“Meanwhile, we will actively support the program of the government to peacefully resolve all armed conflicts against peace loving people of Leyte and Biliran Let us condemn those who advocate violence and use arms,” he said. 93IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/battle-rages-93ib-encounters-npa-rebels-in-ormoc-city-leyte/
Thursday, June 28, 2018
DWDD: FAILED PROMISES | NPA surrenders to 75IB in AgusanDelSur
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 28): FAILED PROMISES | NPA surrenders to 75IB in AgusanDelSur
CAMP JAIME N FERRER SR, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (DWDD) – Another member of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) surrenders to Charlie Company of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), on June 24, 2018 at Sitio Kalingayan, Brgy Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Romelito Limpot Pontas Also Known As Jocem
The surrenderee was identified as Romelito Limpot Pontas Also Known As Jocem, a Squad Leader of Guerrilla Front Committee 14 (GFC14). He is 21 years old, single and resident of Purok 14 Salcedo, Brgy Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
“Hagbay ra ko nga gusto musurender ug muhawa sa kalihukan. Daghan sila ug pasalig na hatagan ug supporta ang among pamilya kada bulan, apan wala kini, maski kausa man lang gituman. (I already wanted to surrender. They have failed to fulfill the promise to give monthly financial support that was supposed to be for my family left at home.)”
Pontas said. Since the start of the 4ID Campaign in January 2018, Pontas is the 19th regular NPA surrenderee of 75IB. “Marauder Battalion continues to protect the community from threats and atrocities of CPPNPA terrorists (CNTs) in order to create a safer and more secured environment for the populace in our area.“ Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB said.
Brigadier General Andres Centino, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander commended the Marauder troopers for another job well done.
“To the Marauder troops, I commend you for exerting efforts to sustain your gains in your area of responsibility. The series of surrenders prove that you are working hard in order to contribute to the over-all accomplishment of our mission.”
Centino said. On the other hand, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) is a complete package of assistance to former rebels once they decide to surrender and go back to the mainstream society.
“I would like to remind the members of the NPA who wanted to abandon their failed armed struggle, our government is willing to help you. Under ECLIP, a regular NPA who decides to surrender and be an active member of the society, will receive immediate cash assistance of ₱15,000.00, livelihood assistance of ₱50,000.00 aside from the amount equivalent to the firearms surrendered depending on the serviceability and its caliber. I know many of you have been planning to surrender, we will wait for you. We will assist your reintegration to our society.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said. 75IB Marauder / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/failed-promises-npa-surrenders-to-75ib-in-agusandelsur/
CAMP JAIME N FERRER SR, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (DWDD) – Another member of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) surrenders to Charlie Company of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion (75IB), on June 24, 2018 at Sitio Kalingayan, Brgy Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
The surrenderee was identified as Romelito Limpot Pontas Also Known As Jocem, a Squad Leader of Guerrilla Front Committee 14 (GFC14). He is 21 years old, single and resident of Purok 14 Salcedo, Brgy Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
“Hagbay ra ko nga gusto musurender ug muhawa sa kalihukan. Daghan sila ug pasalig na hatagan ug supporta ang among pamilya kada bulan, apan wala kini, maski kausa man lang gituman. (I already wanted to surrender. They have failed to fulfill the promise to give monthly financial support that was supposed to be for my family left at home.)”
Pontas said. Since the start of the 4ID Campaign in January 2018, Pontas is the 19th regular NPA surrenderee of 75IB. “Marauder Battalion continues to protect the community from threats and atrocities of CPPNPA terrorists (CNTs) in order to create a safer and more secured environment for the populace in our area.“ Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Datuin, Commanding Officer of 75IB said.
Brigadier General Andres Centino, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander commended the Marauder troopers for another job well done.
“To the Marauder troops, I commend you for exerting efforts to sustain your gains in your area of responsibility. The series of surrenders prove that you are working hard in order to contribute to the over-all accomplishment of our mission.”
Centino said. On the other hand, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) is a complete package of assistance to former rebels once they decide to surrender and go back to the mainstream society.
“I would like to remind the members of the NPA who wanted to abandon their failed armed struggle, our government is willing to help you. Under ECLIP, a regular NPA who decides to surrender and be an active member of the society, will receive immediate cash assistance of ₱15,000.00, livelihood assistance of ₱50,000.00 aside from the amount equivalent to the firearms surrendered depending on the serviceability and its caliber. I know many of you have been planning to surrender, we will wait for you. We will assist your reintegration to our society.” Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said. 75IB Marauder / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/failed-promises-npa-surrenders-to-75ib-in-agusandelsur/
DWDD: EXCHANGE OF VIEWS | 2018 Southeast Asia Special Forces (SOF) Commanders Conference
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 28): EXCHANGE OF VIEWS | 2018 Southeast Asia Special Forces (SOF) Commanders Conference
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, posed for a group photo together with the Southeast Asia Special Operations Forces (SOF) Commanders during the 2018 Southeast Asia Operations Forces Commanders’ Conference on 26 June 2018 at Shangri-La Hotel Makati.
The said conference was attended by SOF Commanders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
The SOF Commanders Conference aims to privately exchange views on common security challenges, discuss ways to enhance multilateral SOF cooperation, and to share ideas for more regular senior-level engagement among regional armies.
This event also serves as an opportunity for regional SOF Commanders to further promote closer understanding, develop friendships, and build trust amidst the changing strategic circumstances within our shared region. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/exchange-of-views-2018-southeast-asia-special-forces-sof-commanders-conference/
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, posed for a group photo together with the Southeast Asia Special Operations Forces (SOF) Commanders during the 2018 Southeast Asia Operations Forces Commanders’ Conference on 26 June 2018 at Shangri-La Hotel Makati.
The said conference was attended by SOF Commanders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
The SOF Commanders Conference aims to privately exchange views on common security challenges, discuss ways to enhance multilateral SOF cooperation, and to share ideas for more regular senior-level engagement among regional armies.
This event also serves as an opportunity for regional SOF Commanders to further promote closer understanding, develop friendships, and build trust amidst the changing strategic circumstances within our shared region. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/exchange-of-views-2018-southeast-asia-special-forces-sof-commanders-conference/
DWDD: ANNIVERSARY | 56th Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Celebration
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 28): ANNIVERSARY | 56th Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Celebration
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, delivers his message as the Guest of Honor during the 56th Founding Anniversary Celebration of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) at HSFR (A), Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on June 25, 2018.
Some prominent Special Forces Alumni were also present during the celebration such as, General Alexander B Yano AFP (Ret), Chairman of the Board, Special Forces Alumni Association Incorporated (SFAAI) and Lieutenant General Arturo B Ortiz AFP (Ret), Alumni President, (SFAAI).
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration is the awarding of deserving personnel of the unit. Likewise HPA and SFRA Fun Shoot were also organized as part of the anniversary activities. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/anniversary-56th-special-forces-regiment-airborne-celebration/
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, delivers his message as the Guest of Honor during the 56th Founding Anniversary Celebration of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) at HSFR (A), Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on June 25, 2018.
Some prominent Special Forces Alumni were also present during the celebration such as, General Alexander B Yano AFP (Ret), Chairman of the Board, Special Forces Alumni Association Incorporated (SFAAI) and Lieutenant General Arturo B Ortiz AFP (Ret), Alumni President, (SFAAI).
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration is the awarding of deserving personnel of the unit. Likewise HPA and SFRA Fun Shoot were also organized as part of the anniversary activities. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/28/anniversary-56th-special-forces-regiment-airborne-celebration/
MILF: Editorial - President Duterte on Misuari!
Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 28): Editorial - President Duterte on Misuari!
On June 16, during the Eid’l Fitr celebration at SMX, Lanang, Davao City, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a kind of advice to Brother Nur Misuari, the main founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
"We will try to pass the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law). I hope Chairman Misuari can be convinced to join the talks so that if there are corrections or maybe additions or provisions that could not sit well with the Tausug and the rest of the southern part of Mindanao then maybe we can realize altogether the friction of MI, MN and the rest of Mindanao."
The meaning of the statement of the President is outstandingly clear. It leaves no other meanings in the mind of readers.
In the same speech, he added these lines:
"Pero kung sabihan mo na, if you do not think about it, if you kind of adopt intransigence behavior, magpatigasan, it will result in war. Kindly, if you want, do not do it on my term. 'Pag di tayo magka-aregulan, ako nasa gitna mahirapan ako. Sino'ng barilin ko? Sundalo ng republika or sundalo ng MI pati MN?"
During the celebration, all the leaders of Moros were practically all there, from the revolutionaries, the traditional, professionals, and business, to politicians. During the photo sessions, the leaders of the MNLF, all factions, posed photo with the President, including Abdulkarim Misuari, the heir-apparent of the father. In fact, he was already appointed as MNLF vice chairman.
The President needs to be heard. There were good presidents before, who had the hearts to address the Moro Problem or Question, like Diosdado Macapagal, Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III. But none have the passion to solve this problem like Duterte; he is not only from Mindanao, a Moro blood in his vein, and he feels – or suffers – from the conflict, but, moreover, he has the time to do it, unlike Ramos and Benigno Aquino III.
Brother Nur Misuari, to us, is like an institution. Among others, he put in the consciousness of people the name MNLF and popularized the Bangsamoro struggle for right to self-determination. He signed milestone agreements such as the Tripoli Agreement of 1976, the Jeddah Accord in 1987, and the GRP-MNLF Final Agreement of 1996. WE and the MILF recognized all these achievements – and credit him mainly for these.
He is a leader, period! There is no doubt about that!
But is he a statesman?
A statesman is a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues. But more than that, he is selfless; and when a choice is made between what is good for himself and what is good for the greater majority, HE CHOOSE THE LATTER – AND IS WILLING TO SUFFER FOR IT.
The other thing is: One must realize that all of us are mortals, we die any time soon or later. In the same vein, leaders come and go! There were great, nay capable leaders, who wanted to preserve their good names but in do so they ruined their future and themselves.
Good men and women from dynastic clans and families are good. They should not be barred from holding government positions or run in elections, but if we limit our choices from these clans and families, through brute power and use of resources to muscle obedience, then we are defeating the real essence of democracy. Within the MNLF, there are wide array of leaders who are as capable.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1380/president_duterte_on_misuari_
On June 16, during the Eid’l Fitr celebration at SMX, Lanang, Davao City, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had a kind of advice to Brother Nur Misuari, the main founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
"We will try to pass the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law). I hope Chairman Misuari can be convinced to join the talks so that if there are corrections or maybe additions or provisions that could not sit well with the Tausug and the rest of the southern part of Mindanao then maybe we can realize altogether the friction of MI, MN and the rest of Mindanao."
The meaning of the statement of the President is outstandingly clear. It leaves no other meanings in the mind of readers.
In the same speech, he added these lines:
"Pero kung sabihan mo na, if you do not think about it, if you kind of adopt intransigence behavior, magpatigasan, it will result in war. Kindly, if you want, do not do it on my term. 'Pag di tayo magka-aregulan, ako nasa gitna mahirapan ako. Sino'ng barilin ko? Sundalo ng republika or sundalo ng MI pati MN?"
During the celebration, all the leaders of Moros were practically all there, from the revolutionaries, the traditional, professionals, and business, to politicians. During the photo sessions, the leaders of the MNLF, all factions, posed photo with the President, including Abdulkarim Misuari, the heir-apparent of the father. In fact, he was already appointed as MNLF vice chairman.
The President needs to be heard. There were good presidents before, who had the hearts to address the Moro Problem or Question, like Diosdado Macapagal, Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III. But none have the passion to solve this problem like Duterte; he is not only from Mindanao, a Moro blood in his vein, and he feels – or suffers – from the conflict, but, moreover, he has the time to do it, unlike Ramos and Benigno Aquino III.
Brother Nur Misuari, to us, is like an institution. Among others, he put in the consciousness of people the name MNLF and popularized the Bangsamoro struggle for right to self-determination. He signed milestone agreements such as the Tripoli Agreement of 1976, the Jeddah Accord in 1987, and the GRP-MNLF Final Agreement of 1996. WE and the MILF recognized all these achievements – and credit him mainly for these.
He is a leader, period! There is no doubt about that!
But is he a statesman?
A statesman is a person who exhibits great wisdom and ability in directing the affairs of a government or in dealing with important public issues. But more than that, he is selfless; and when a choice is made between what is good for himself and what is good for the greater majority, HE CHOOSE THE LATTER – AND IS WILLING TO SUFFER FOR IT.
The other thing is: One must realize that all of us are mortals, we die any time soon or later. In the same vein, leaders come and go! There were great, nay capable leaders, who wanted to preserve their good names but in do so they ruined their future and themselves.
Good men and women from dynastic clans and families are good. They should not be barred from holding government positions or run in elections, but if we limit our choices from these clans and families, through brute power and use of resources to muscle obedience, then we are defeating the real essence of democracy. Within the MNLF, there are wide array of leaders who are as capable.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1380/president_duterte_on_misuari_
MILF: MILF - BIAF, Polcom, Bangsamoro Professionals Holds Solidarity Conference in Sulu
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 28): MILF - BIAF, Polcom, Bangsamoro Professionals Holds Solidarity Conference in Sulu
The Bangsamoro Professionals Sulu Chapter sponsored a solidarity conference of senior and bonafide members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front ( MILF) held at the residence of Judge Mugusar Amil, San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu today June 28, 2018.
The said conference were attended by almost 150 participants mostly from professional group, MILF Municipal Political Committee Chairmen of Patikul, Jolo, Luuk, Panamao, Tongkil, Omar, Maimbung, Parang, Indanan, Panglima Tahil and Pangvaran.
Also present in the activity were Judge Mugusar Amil, Judge Remee Raida Tanjili, Ajan Sarajan, Engr. Munrad Amil, Engr. Alhakim Anilong, MILF Provincial Committee Acting Chairman Abdulmotalib Ismi, SWC Provincial Chairperson Sitti Ruaida Ismi, BDA Manager Nurkadri Hamsali, Matarul Estino, POLCOM Provincial Police Force (PPF), Officers and Men of MILF - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
The highlight of the conference was the signature campaign and signing of Manifesto supporting the BTC-crafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the restoration of deleted provisions that culled out from Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB ) to be submitted during the Bicameral Conference on July 9 - 13.
During the conference, Ustads Mansul Esmael reminded the participants on unity and solidarity anchored to the teachings (Sunnah) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and primarily the Noble Qu'ran.
Acting Provincial Chairman of Northern Sulu Abdulmotalib Ismi explained the details of CT4T (Coordination Team for Transition) as embodied in the Terms of Reference of GPH - MILF Peace Agreement and the status of BBL in Congress.
SWC Provincial Chairperson of Northern Sulu Sitti Ruaida Ismi talked about Jihad Fi Sabi'lillah (struggle in the way of Allah) and update on the forthcoming Bicameral Conference Committee deliberation on BBL.
Participants to the solidarity conference vowed to support the BBL without reservation and campaign wholeheartedly if and when the plebiscite comes once the Bangsamoro people accept the outcome of the BiCam Conference.
They also expressed support to the MILF leadership so that peace shall finally reign in Moro Homeland.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1388/milf---biaf--polcom--bangsamoro-professionals-holds-solidarity-conference-in-sulu
The Bangsamoro Professionals Sulu Chapter sponsored a solidarity conference of senior and bonafide members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front ( MILF) held at the residence of Judge Mugusar Amil, San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu today June 28, 2018.
The said conference were attended by almost 150 participants mostly from professional group, MILF Municipal Political Committee Chairmen of Patikul, Jolo, Luuk, Panamao, Tongkil, Omar, Maimbung, Parang, Indanan, Panglima Tahil and Pangvaran.
Also present in the activity were Judge Mugusar Amil, Judge Remee Raida Tanjili, Ajan Sarajan, Engr. Munrad Amil, Engr. Alhakim Anilong, MILF Provincial Committee Acting Chairman Abdulmotalib Ismi, SWC Provincial Chairperson Sitti Ruaida Ismi, BDA Manager Nurkadri Hamsali, Matarul Estino, POLCOM Provincial Police Force (PPF), Officers and Men of MILF - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
The highlight of the conference was the signature campaign and signing of Manifesto supporting the BTC-crafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the restoration of deleted provisions that culled out from Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB ) to be submitted during the Bicameral Conference on July 9 - 13.
During the conference, Ustads Mansul Esmael reminded the participants on unity and solidarity anchored to the teachings (Sunnah) of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and primarily the Noble Qu'ran.
Acting Provincial Chairman of Northern Sulu Abdulmotalib Ismi explained the details of CT4T (Coordination Team for Transition) as embodied in the Terms of Reference of GPH - MILF Peace Agreement and the status of BBL in Congress.
SWC Provincial Chairperson of Northern Sulu Sitti Ruaida Ismi talked about Jihad Fi Sabi'lillah (struggle in the way of Allah) and update on the forthcoming Bicameral Conference Committee deliberation on BBL.
Participants to the solidarity conference vowed to support the BBL without reservation and campaign wholeheartedly if and when the plebiscite comes once the Bangsamoro people accept the outcome of the BiCam Conference.
They also expressed support to the MILF leadership so that peace shall finally reign in Moro Homeland.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1388/milf---biaf--polcom--bangsamoro-professionals-holds-solidarity-conference-in-sulu
MILF: Bangsamoro CSO’s to stage big day as final push for BBL
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 27): Bangsamoro CSO’s to stage big day as final push for BBL
Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations led by League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO) is set to stage a mass assembly in Cotabato City dubbed as Bangsamoro Peoples’ Peace Rally: A Final Push for BBL slated on July 6. The rally will start at 4PM at Cotabato City Plaza.
According to an announcement circulating on social media, the rally is the final salvo of all intensified efforts towards pushing an acceptable BBL that truly embodies the aspirations of the Bangsamoro People for their rights to self-determination.
Two weeks from now, the Bicameral Conference Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) Senate Bill No. 1717, and Substituted House Bill No. 6475 will reconcile their respective versions of the BBL.
Last May 30, both Chambers of Congress passed in 3rd and final readings Senate Bill No 1717, and Substituted House Bill No. 6474 that some observers, nay members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) say are far different from BTC-drafted version with major deletions and amendments made by lawmakers.
“What they passed is not acceptable to us,” one CSO leader who refused to be named said. It is far different from what we are pushing for,” he added.
One leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said that the versions passed by both Houses of Congress are not in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), the Final Peace Agreement of GPH and MILF that ought to be respected and honored by both parties.
Under the two versions passed by congress (Senate and House), the powers that are already granted to ARMM in RA 9054 were also deleted or diminished that the BBL becomes diluted, hence the true spirit and intention of the law did not correspond to the Bangsamoro aspiration.
During a forum organized by OPAPP recently in Cotabato City, BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar made a strong statement that says, “the MILF did not ask for the peace negotiation. It was the government who requested for the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro question which they agreed in good faith.”
For his part, the Chair of MILF Peace Implementing Panel Mohagher Iqbal is consistent in his assertion that BTC-drafted BBL may not be a perfect law but it answers most of the Bangsamoro issues and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his previous statements had always reminded the Legislative Branch that the passage of a good BBL will correct the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.
What is left now for the Bangsamoro people is their fervent hope, and prayers that everything that was lost will be regained in the upcoming Bicameral Conference.
No less than MILF Chairman Al haj Murad Ebrahim in a statement said that, " the BBL passed by both chambers are " very diluted " and may create a Bangsamoro political entity that will be less autonomous than the ARMM but hope to regain those provisions we had lost this coming Bicameral deliberations scheduled on July 9 - 13."
The moment of truth comes during the Bicameral Conference wherein committee members will deliberate to settle, reconcile or thresh out differences or disagreements on any provisions of BBL that both chambers approved.
The question is the legislative process wherein the general rule of the bicameral conference is they cannot deliberate other than what was already approved and passed by both chambers.
But there is another view and has already a precedence that bicameral conference is considered " third chamber " wherein the members of the BiCam Committee could agree among themselves to deliberate on matters not part of the approved versions hence, could enhance or improve or restore whatever provisions they deleted as long as it is for the general welfare and does not violates the constitution.
The future of the Bangsamoro people is now in the hands BiCam Conference Committee to make or unmake, to put an end to Bangsamoro Question. It is now their best opportunity to leave a landmark legacy to the Bangsamoro people that cannot be forgotten in the history of the country, and the Moro People.
The CSOs and the Moro people count on the wisdom of members of the BiCam Conference Committee, and Pres. Duterte.
For the Bangsamoro people, it is enough to say, " Hasbi Allah wa nemal wakeel " (Allah is sufficient to us).
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1387/bangsamoro-cso---s-to-stage-big-day-as-final-push-for-bbl
Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations led by League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO) is set to stage a mass assembly in Cotabato City dubbed as Bangsamoro Peoples’ Peace Rally: A Final Push for BBL slated on July 6. The rally will start at 4PM at Cotabato City Plaza.
According to an announcement circulating on social media, the rally is the final salvo of all intensified efforts towards pushing an acceptable BBL that truly embodies the aspirations of the Bangsamoro People for their rights to self-determination.
Two weeks from now, the Bicameral Conference Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) Senate Bill No. 1717, and Substituted House Bill No. 6475 will reconcile their respective versions of the BBL.
Last May 30, both Chambers of Congress passed in 3rd and final readings Senate Bill No 1717, and Substituted House Bill No. 6474 that some observers, nay members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) say are far different from BTC-drafted version with major deletions and amendments made by lawmakers.
“What they passed is not acceptable to us,” one CSO leader who refused to be named said. It is far different from what we are pushing for,” he added.
One leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said that the versions passed by both Houses of Congress are not in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), the Final Peace Agreement of GPH and MILF that ought to be respected and honored by both parties.
Under the two versions passed by congress (Senate and House), the powers that are already granted to ARMM in RA 9054 were also deleted or diminished that the BBL becomes diluted, hence the true spirit and intention of the law did not correspond to the Bangsamoro aspiration.
During a forum organized by OPAPP recently in Cotabato City, BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar made a strong statement that says, “the MILF did not ask for the peace negotiation. It was the government who requested for the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro question which they agreed in good faith.”
For his part, the Chair of MILF Peace Implementing Panel Mohagher Iqbal is consistent in his assertion that BTC-drafted BBL may not be a perfect law but it answers most of the Bangsamoro issues and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his previous statements had always reminded the Legislative Branch that the passage of a good BBL will correct the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.
What is left now for the Bangsamoro people is their fervent hope, and prayers that everything that was lost will be regained in the upcoming Bicameral Conference.
No less than MILF Chairman Al haj Murad Ebrahim in a statement said that, " the BBL passed by both chambers are " very diluted " and may create a Bangsamoro political entity that will be less autonomous than the ARMM but hope to regain those provisions we had lost this coming Bicameral deliberations scheduled on July 9 - 13."
The moment of truth comes during the Bicameral Conference wherein committee members will deliberate to settle, reconcile or thresh out differences or disagreements on any provisions of BBL that both chambers approved.
The question is the legislative process wherein the general rule of the bicameral conference is they cannot deliberate other than what was already approved and passed by both chambers.
But there is another view and has already a precedence that bicameral conference is considered " third chamber " wherein the members of the BiCam Committee could agree among themselves to deliberate on matters not part of the approved versions hence, could enhance or improve or restore whatever provisions they deleted as long as it is for the general welfare and does not violates the constitution.
The future of the Bangsamoro people is now in the hands BiCam Conference Committee to make or unmake, to put an end to Bangsamoro Question. It is now their best opportunity to leave a landmark legacy to the Bangsamoro people that cannot be forgotten in the history of the country, and the Moro People.
The CSOs and the Moro people count on the wisdom of members of the BiCam Conference Committee, and Pres. Duterte.
For the Bangsamoro people, it is enough to say, " Hasbi Allah wa nemal wakeel " (Allah is sufficient to us).
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1387/bangsamoro-cso---s-to-stage-big-day-as-final-push-for-bbl
NDF/Sison: Duterte’s diabolic scheme: Tactics of mass intimidation, extortion, torture and murder
Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jun 28): Duterte’s diabolic scheme: Tactics of mass intimidation, extortion, torture and murder
Statement by Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 27, 2018
‘Duterte has openly boasted that he does not have to declare martial law nationwide because he has all the tricks and methods of mass intimidation, especially those available under the Anti-Terrorism Act as now being amended, to get rid of every opposition to his rule.’ – JMS
Duterte leads and orchestrates his political followers, military, police and paramilitary agents, electronic broadcasters and troll armies in using abusive and violent language against his critics and opponents to create a climate of mass intimidation.
At the grass roots level, he deploys police, military and paramilitary to compel barangay captains, council and tanods for mass intimidation to list down so-called drug suspects, criminal suspects, loafers (tambay) or ¨terrorists¨.
To make the lists, the local barangay officials deceive people into ¨surrendering¨ themselves or volunteering to be listed for the supposed purpose of clearing themselves and receiving benefits from the reactionary government. But these lists are used for extortion and fulfilling kill quotas imposed on lower police and military officers by their superiors.
Duterte has turned the police and military into his criminal tools and accomplices by emboldening them to commit extrajudicial killings, publicly advising them how to frame up and murder suspects and giving presidential assurances of impunity, his personal protection and rewards in cash and promotions in rank.
What is the latest and worst of the legal devices to be used for mass intimidation is the Human Security Act (Anti “Terrorism” Act). It is specially directed against critics of the Duterte regime, social activists and so-called NPA suspects in urban and rural barangays.
To target so-called terrorists, the Human Security Act (Anti Terrorism Act) is being amended in Congress to allow police authorities to arrest people on mere suspicion of terrorism and detain a terrorist suspect for 60 days instead of 3 days without charge. The fine for illegal detention of a terrorist suspect by a police officer at 500,000 pesos per day is being deleted.
Duterte expects the use of the anti-terrorism label to be his most effective weapon against those whom he consider as the most resistant to his regime. The sixty-day allowance for detaining so-called terrorist suspects gives the police and the military plenty of latitude for abducting, torturing and murdering them as well as destroying corpus delicti and other evidence.
Duterte has openly boasted that he does not have to declare martial law nationwide because he has all the tricks and methods of mass intimidation, especially those available under the Anti-Terrorism Act as now being amended, to get rid of every opposition to his rule.
https://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-diabolic-scheme-tactics-of-mass-intimidation-extortion-torture-and-murder/
Statement by Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 27, 2018
‘Duterte has openly boasted that he does not have to declare martial law nationwide because he has all the tricks and methods of mass intimidation, especially those available under the Anti-Terrorism Act as now being amended, to get rid of every opposition to his rule.’ – JMS
Duterte leads and orchestrates his political followers, military, police and paramilitary agents, electronic broadcasters and troll armies in using abusive and violent language against his critics and opponents to create a climate of mass intimidation.
At the grass roots level, he deploys police, military and paramilitary to compel barangay captains, council and tanods for mass intimidation to list down so-called drug suspects, criminal suspects, loafers (tambay) or ¨terrorists¨.
To make the lists, the local barangay officials deceive people into ¨surrendering¨ themselves or volunteering to be listed for the supposed purpose of clearing themselves and receiving benefits from the reactionary government. But these lists are used for extortion and fulfilling kill quotas imposed on lower police and military officers by their superiors.
Duterte has turned the police and military into his criminal tools and accomplices by emboldening them to commit extrajudicial killings, publicly advising them how to frame up and murder suspects and giving presidential assurances of impunity, his personal protection and rewards in cash and promotions in rank.
What is the latest and worst of the legal devices to be used for mass intimidation is the Human Security Act (Anti “Terrorism” Act). It is specially directed against critics of the Duterte regime, social activists and so-called NPA suspects in urban and rural barangays.
To target so-called terrorists, the Human Security Act (Anti Terrorism Act) is being amended in Congress to allow police authorities to arrest people on mere suspicion of terrorism and detain a terrorist suspect for 60 days instead of 3 days without charge. The fine for illegal detention of a terrorist suspect by a police officer at 500,000 pesos per day is being deleted.
Duterte expects the use of the anti-terrorism label to be his most effective weapon against those whom he consider as the most resistant to his regime. The sixty-day allowance for detaining so-called terrorist suspects gives the police and the military plenty of latitude for abducting, torturing and murdering them as well as destroying corpus delicti and other evidence.
Duterte has openly boasted that he does not have to declare martial law nationwide because he has all the tricks and methods of mass intimidation, especially those available under the Anti-Terrorism Act as now being amended, to get rid of every opposition to his rule.
https://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-diabolic-scheme-tactics-of-mass-intimidation-extortion-torture-and-murder/
NDF-Sison: Political implications of the current impasse and prospects of GRP-NDFP peace talks
Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jun 28): Political implications of the current impasse and prospects of GRP-NDFP peace talks
Presentation to Forum on Peace under Siege
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 28, 2018
I. POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT IMPASSE
1. The promise of Duterte on May16, 2016 to amnesty and release all political prisoners even before the start of peace talks is a long and repeatedly proven lie.
2. His strategic obsession has always been to seek the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary forces and people and has no interest in addressing the roots of the armed conflict through social, economic and political reforms.
3. His main objective is to obtain a bilateral ceasefire of protracted and indefinite duration without any preceding comprehensive agreement on basic reforms as required by The Hague Joint Declaration. He merely wants to paralyze the revolutionary movement and erode its strength through some dole-out schemes to the revolutionaries and communities in focus areas under his military control, surveillance and psywar operations.
4. He has no economic program different from that of his reactionary predecessors: retention of the semifeudal character of the economy along the neoliberal line. He emulates the Marcos line of build, build, build infrastructure, borrow, borrow, borrow and steal, steal, steal. The making of CASER would have supplied him with an economic program of national industrialization, genuine land reform and wise utilization of the rich natural resources of the Philippines but he has no real interest in these.
5. He has practically declined the offer to agree on a federal system of government that is not merely a vehicle of Duterte´s scheme of fascist dictatorship emulative of Marcos. He wants an overcostly and turbulent federal system of exploiting classes, regional dynasties and warlords.
6. He is not interested in an independent foreign policy. He retains the treaties, agreements and arrangements that make the Philippines subservient to US imperialism. At the same time , he is enamored of private gains for his family and cronies from the traitorous sell-out of the West Philippine Sea and its rich mineral and marine resources, from high interest loans from China and overpriced infrastructure projects with Chinese corporations and even from the China-based illegal drug trade.
7. Since May 2017, he has terminated the peace negotiations with the NDFP three times and fouled up every attempt to resume these through back channel talks. At the third termination in November and December 2017, he issued Proclamation 360 to terminate the peace negotiations and Proclamation 374 to designate the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations and filed a case before the Manila regional trial court (RTC) to seek the proscription of the CPP,NPA and 600 individuals as terrorists. These are definitely obstacles to the resumption of peace negotiations with Duterte regime.
8. The aforesaid actions of Duterte would have been enough basis for the NDFP to conclude that he is not at all interested in peace negotiations. But in response to the demands of peace advocates, the NDFP persevered and worked out a number of agreements with GRP representatives in back channel talks from March to June 2018. The most important of these would have constituted the Interim Peace Agreement at the resumption of formal talks in Oslo from June 28 to 30.
9. The real reasons why Duterte has canceled the resumption of peace talks in Oslo are:
the AFP and PNP wish to carry out to the end of 2018 their campaign plan to supposedly to finish off the NPA and; to change the venue of peace talks to Manila so that these can come under the control, surveillance duress and manipulation by Duterte and the military.
10. By his pronouncements. Ðuterte pretends to review in three months the entire process and all agreements in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations since 1992. By all indications, he will try to change the entire peace process and waste previous agreements. At any rate, he will try to impose on the NDFP changes that the NDFP will certainly reject.
II. Prospects of the GRP-NDFP Peace Talks
1. Based on the implications drawn from the current impasse, the NDFP can no longer negotiate with a GRP that is headed by Duterte. So long as he heads the GRP, the Filipino people, especially the oppressed and exploited, cannot expect any benefit from negotiating with the Duterte regime.
2. It is relatively easier and more productive for the NDFP to participate in the Oust-Duterte movement and to prepare for peace negotitions with the prospective administration that replaces the Duterte regime.
3. The broad united front of patriotic and democratic forces has become strong enough to call for and cause the ouster of Duterte. While the urban-based Oust Duterte movement is growing, the CPP, NPA and the people have to fight and defeat the offensives of the AFP and PNP being unleashed by the Duterte regime.
4. Nothing goes to waste in the work and drafts of agreements already done by the NDFP. They can be carried over to the negotiation with GRP under a new administration. The room is open for the further improvement of the drafts in the meantime .
5. The agreements and drafts already produced in the GRP-NDFP peace talks can be used by peace advocates and people´s organizations for information and education campaigns among the people and for consultations with them. Many of the reforms can be promoted and developed even without peace negotiations,
6. In a desperate effort to retain power and establish his fascist dictatorship, Duterte will threaten or actually use bloody campaigns of suppression against the people in the urban and rural areas. The broad masses of the people and the revolutionary forces must be prepared to fight the Duterte regime in various forms of struggle.
7. Despite claims of everlasting popularity, the Duterte regime is already isolated and hated by the people because of its brutality, corruption, involvement in the drug traffic, the rising prices of basic goods and services, continuance of contractualization, rising unemployment and low/inadequate incomes the treasonous sell-out of Philippine territory and sovereign rights to China, disrespect for the religious beliefs of Catholics and Christians, and so on.
8. The Duterte regime is on record as having terminated the peace talks so many times. It is indubitably responsible for the termination of peace negotiations. It is therefore just for the revolutionary forces and the people to wage people´s war for national liberation and democracy.
9. It is well and good if Duterte withdraws finally from the peace negotiations with the NDFP. Thus, he deprives himself of the opportunity of creating false illusions that he is for peace. He stands isolated and ripe for ouster by the broad united front of patriotic and democratic forces.
10. By trying to destroy the NPA in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon all at once, the Duterte regime is practically debilitating and destroying itself. The deployment of his military and police forces for offensives are extremely costly, overextended and overstraining. His troops have been overworked and and exhausted by fighting on the rough terrain of the indigenous peoples and the Bangsamoro. Many of his officers and troops curse him for their rising casualties and hardship.
https://www.ndfp.org/political-implications-of-the-current-impasse-and-prospects-of-grp-ndfp-peace-talks/
Presentation to Forum on Peace under Siege
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 28, 2018
I. POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT IMPASSE
1. The promise of Duterte on May16, 2016 to amnesty and release all political prisoners even before the start of peace talks is a long and repeatedly proven lie.
2. His strategic obsession has always been to seek the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary forces and people and has no interest in addressing the roots of the armed conflict through social, economic and political reforms.
3. His main objective is to obtain a bilateral ceasefire of protracted and indefinite duration without any preceding comprehensive agreement on basic reforms as required by The Hague Joint Declaration. He merely wants to paralyze the revolutionary movement and erode its strength through some dole-out schemes to the revolutionaries and communities in focus areas under his military control, surveillance and psywar operations.
4. He has no economic program different from that of his reactionary predecessors: retention of the semifeudal character of the economy along the neoliberal line. He emulates the Marcos line of build, build, build infrastructure, borrow, borrow, borrow and steal, steal, steal. The making of CASER would have supplied him with an economic program of national industrialization, genuine land reform and wise utilization of the rich natural resources of the Philippines but he has no real interest in these.
5. He has practically declined the offer to agree on a federal system of government that is not merely a vehicle of Duterte´s scheme of fascist dictatorship emulative of Marcos. He wants an overcostly and turbulent federal system of exploiting classes, regional dynasties and warlords.
6. He is not interested in an independent foreign policy. He retains the treaties, agreements and arrangements that make the Philippines subservient to US imperialism. At the same time , he is enamored of private gains for his family and cronies from the traitorous sell-out of the West Philippine Sea and its rich mineral and marine resources, from high interest loans from China and overpriced infrastructure projects with Chinese corporations and even from the China-based illegal drug trade.
7. Since May 2017, he has terminated the peace negotiations with the NDFP three times and fouled up every attempt to resume these through back channel talks. At the third termination in November and December 2017, he issued Proclamation 360 to terminate the peace negotiations and Proclamation 374 to designate the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations and filed a case before the Manila regional trial court (RTC) to seek the proscription of the CPP,NPA and 600 individuals as terrorists. These are definitely obstacles to the resumption of peace negotiations with Duterte regime.
8. The aforesaid actions of Duterte would have been enough basis for the NDFP to conclude that he is not at all interested in peace negotiations. But in response to the demands of peace advocates, the NDFP persevered and worked out a number of agreements with GRP representatives in back channel talks from March to June 2018. The most important of these would have constituted the Interim Peace Agreement at the resumption of formal talks in Oslo from June 28 to 30.
9. The real reasons why Duterte has canceled the resumption of peace talks in Oslo are:
the AFP and PNP wish to carry out to the end of 2018 their campaign plan to supposedly to finish off the NPA and; to change the venue of peace talks to Manila so that these can come under the control, surveillance duress and manipulation by Duterte and the military.
10. By his pronouncements. Ðuterte pretends to review in three months the entire process and all agreements in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations since 1992. By all indications, he will try to change the entire peace process and waste previous agreements. At any rate, he will try to impose on the NDFP changes that the NDFP will certainly reject.
II. Prospects of the GRP-NDFP Peace Talks
1. Based on the implications drawn from the current impasse, the NDFP can no longer negotiate with a GRP that is headed by Duterte. So long as he heads the GRP, the Filipino people, especially the oppressed and exploited, cannot expect any benefit from negotiating with the Duterte regime.
2. It is relatively easier and more productive for the NDFP to participate in the Oust-Duterte movement and to prepare for peace negotitions with the prospective administration that replaces the Duterte regime.
3. The broad united front of patriotic and democratic forces has become strong enough to call for and cause the ouster of Duterte. While the urban-based Oust Duterte movement is growing, the CPP, NPA and the people have to fight and defeat the offensives of the AFP and PNP being unleashed by the Duterte regime.
4. Nothing goes to waste in the work and drafts of agreements already done by the NDFP. They can be carried over to the negotiation with GRP under a new administration. The room is open for the further improvement of the drafts in the meantime .
5. The agreements and drafts already produced in the GRP-NDFP peace talks can be used by peace advocates and people´s organizations for information and education campaigns among the people and for consultations with them. Many of the reforms can be promoted and developed even without peace negotiations,
6. In a desperate effort to retain power and establish his fascist dictatorship, Duterte will threaten or actually use bloody campaigns of suppression against the people in the urban and rural areas. The broad masses of the people and the revolutionary forces must be prepared to fight the Duterte regime in various forms of struggle.
7. Despite claims of everlasting popularity, the Duterte regime is already isolated and hated by the people because of its brutality, corruption, involvement in the drug traffic, the rising prices of basic goods and services, continuance of contractualization, rising unemployment and low/inadequate incomes the treasonous sell-out of Philippine territory and sovereign rights to China, disrespect for the religious beliefs of Catholics and Christians, and so on.
8. The Duterte regime is on record as having terminated the peace talks so many times. It is indubitably responsible for the termination of peace negotiations. It is therefore just for the revolutionary forces and the people to wage people´s war for national liberation and democracy.
9. It is well and good if Duterte withdraws finally from the peace negotiations with the NDFP. Thus, he deprives himself of the opportunity of creating false illusions that he is for peace. He stands isolated and ripe for ouster by the broad united front of patriotic and democratic forces.
10. By trying to destroy the NPA in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon all at once, the Duterte regime is practically debilitating and destroying itself. The deployment of his military and police forces for offensives are extremely costly, overextended and overstraining. His troops have been overworked and and exhausted by fighting on the rough terrain of the indigenous peoples and the Bangsamoro. Many of his officers and troops curse him for their rising casualties and hardship.
https://www.ndfp.org/political-implications-of-the-current-impasse-and-prospects-of-grp-ndfp-peace-talks/
NDF/Sison: Clarification of the NDFP position in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jun 29): Clarification of the NDFP position in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 29, 2018
Some news reports claim that I have canceled or terminated the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. Only the National Council of the NDFP can make the decision to suspend, cancel or terminate the peace negotiations with GR and has not yet made such a decision. I can only make the pertinent advice to the Council in my capacity as Chief Political Consultant.
In the Forum on Peace Under Siege, I made a critical review of the behavior of Duterte in relation to the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. And I deplored among other things his failure to fulfill his promise to amnesty and release all political prisoners and his repeated whimsical termination of the negotiations as many as three times. It is very likely that he will convert his three-month suspension of the formal talks to one more termination.
In discussing the prospects of resuming the peace negotiations. I made the estimate that Duterte will render the resumption impossible by imposing on the NDFP the demand that the venue be shifted to Manila. The NDFP will not agree to such a demand because it violates the JASIG provision for a neutral venue abroad and because NDFP does not want to put its negotiating panel and related personnel under the control, surveillance and duress by Duterte and the military.
I let Duterte have the singular dishonor of repeatedly terminating the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations within so short a time. As I have repeatedly pointed out, Duterte is not interested in the peace negotiations but in scapegoating the CPP and NPA for the purpose of declaring martial law nationwide or a state of emergency in his mad drive to establish a fascist dictatorship under the guise of charter change to federalism. In this regard, I have observed that it would be easier to cause the ouster of Duterte than to expect a just and honorable peace agreement with GRP under his command.
https://www.ndfp.org/clarification-of-the-ndfp-position-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
June 29, 2018
Some news reports claim that I have canceled or terminated the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. Only the National Council of the NDFP can make the decision to suspend, cancel or terminate the peace negotiations with GR and has not yet made such a decision. I can only make the pertinent advice to the Council in my capacity as Chief Political Consultant.
In the Forum on Peace Under Siege, I made a critical review of the behavior of Duterte in relation to the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. And I deplored among other things his failure to fulfill his promise to amnesty and release all political prisoners and his repeated whimsical termination of the negotiations as many as three times. It is very likely that he will convert his three-month suspension of the formal talks to one more termination.
In discussing the prospects of resuming the peace negotiations. I made the estimate that Duterte will render the resumption impossible by imposing on the NDFP the demand that the venue be shifted to Manila. The NDFP will not agree to such a demand because it violates the JASIG provision for a neutral venue abroad and because NDFP does not want to put its negotiating panel and related personnel under the control, surveillance and duress by Duterte and the military.
I let Duterte have the singular dishonor of repeatedly terminating the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations within so short a time. As I have repeatedly pointed out, Duterte is not interested in the peace negotiations but in scapegoating the CPP and NPA for the purpose of declaring martial law nationwide or a state of emergency in his mad drive to establish a fascist dictatorship under the guise of charter change to federalism. In this regard, I have observed that it would be easier to cause the ouster of Duterte than to expect a just and honorable peace agreement with GRP under his command.
https://www.ndfp.org/clarification-of-the-ndfp-position-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
CPP-Information Bureau: Denounce plans to sharpen fangs of anti-terror law
CPP-Information Bureau statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 28): Denounce plans to sharpen fangs of anti-terror law
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
27 June 2018
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) assails proposals by fascists in Congress to sharpen the fangs of the reviled Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007. If such proposals are passed, these would expressly serve to reinforce the repressive regime in the face of the increasing insecurity of Duterte’s rule.
Passed under the Arroyo regime, the HSA was patterned after the anti-terror US Patriot Act. It was then heavily lobbied by the US imperialists in line with its “war on terror.” Authored by Marcos martial law-era defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, the HSA contains overly broad and ambigous provisions that can be utilized to easily tag and proscribe democratic people’s organizations as terrorist groups, and arbitrarily criminalize any and all critics and political opponents of the regime.
With the proposed amendments, the HSA’s fangs will be further sharpened, further broaden Duterte’s autocratic powers and serve his plan to strengthen his tyrannical rule.
Under the proposed amendments pushed by militarist-minded solons Amado Espino Jr., Gary Alejano, and Leopoldo Bataoil—all former police and military officials—a redefinition of terrorism will make it further encompassing and allow the reactionary state to arbitrarily and almost automatically tag any act of resistance or political dissent as terrorism. It will consider terrorists those who commit felonies “to intimidate a population, or to compel a government, an international organization, or any person or entity, to do or to abstain from doing any act.”
The proposed amendments also empower the state to conduct electronic or physical surveillance on anyone based on mere suspicion. The draft bill also intensifies the punishments and even encourages the use of torture and other inhuman acts against individuals held in custody.
Duterte is the first president to employ the HSA when he issued proclamation 374 declaring the CPP and NPA as “terrorists.” He also threatened to outlaw legal progressive and democratic organizations under the Terrorism Finance Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Subsequently, the Department of Justice filed a case last February that seeks to proscribe the CPP and the New People’s Army as terrorist organizations, naming at least 657 activists, political personalities, National Democratic Front (NDF) peace consultants and other individuals as supposed leaders and members of the CPP and NPA, drawing widespread domestic and international denunciation.
The proposed amendments to the HSA will provide Duterte legal cover for his rising dictatorial rule. Accordingly, if the amendments aiming to further strengthen HSA are passed, there will be no more need to formally declare martial law, as this patently fascist measure will already suffice.
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
27 June 2018
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) assails proposals by fascists in Congress to sharpen the fangs of the reviled Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007. If such proposals are passed, these would expressly serve to reinforce the repressive regime in the face of the increasing insecurity of Duterte’s rule.
Passed under the Arroyo regime, the HSA was patterned after the anti-terror US Patriot Act. It was then heavily lobbied by the US imperialists in line with its “war on terror.” Authored by Marcos martial law-era defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, the HSA contains overly broad and ambigous provisions that can be utilized to easily tag and proscribe democratic people’s organizations as terrorist groups, and arbitrarily criminalize any and all critics and political opponents of the regime.
With the proposed amendments, the HSA’s fangs will be further sharpened, further broaden Duterte’s autocratic powers and serve his plan to strengthen his tyrannical rule.
Under the proposed amendments pushed by militarist-minded solons Amado Espino Jr., Gary Alejano, and Leopoldo Bataoil—all former police and military officials—a redefinition of terrorism will make it further encompassing and allow the reactionary state to arbitrarily and almost automatically tag any act of resistance or political dissent as terrorism. It will consider terrorists those who commit felonies “to intimidate a population, or to compel a government, an international organization, or any person or entity, to do or to abstain from doing any act.”
The proposed amendments also empower the state to conduct electronic or physical surveillance on anyone based on mere suspicion. The draft bill also intensifies the punishments and even encourages the use of torture and other inhuman acts against individuals held in custody.
Duterte is the first president to employ the HSA when he issued proclamation 374 declaring the CPP and NPA as “terrorists.” He also threatened to outlaw legal progressive and democratic organizations under the Terrorism Finance Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Subsequently, the Department of Justice filed a case last February that seeks to proscribe the CPP and the New People’s Army as terrorist organizations, naming at least 657 activists, political personalities, National Democratic Front (NDF) peace consultants and other individuals as supposed leaders and members of the CPP and NPA, drawing widespread domestic and international denunciation.
The proposed amendments to the HSA will provide Duterte legal cover for his rising dictatorial rule. Accordingly, if the amendments aiming to further strengthen HSA are passed, there will be no more need to formally declare martial law, as this patently fascist measure will already suffice.
CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Pagpaparusa kay Angelito “Bong” Tobias, Ipinagbubunyi ng Mamamayang Sorsoganon!
NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 28): Pagpaparusa kay Angelito “Bong” Tobias, Ipinagbubunyi ng Mamamayang Sorsoganon!
Ka Samuel Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)
28 June 2018
Press Release
Ipinagbubunyi ng buong mamamayan ng Sorsogon ang pagpaparusa ng yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan o BHB kay Angelito “Bong” Tobias, mahigit 50 taong gulang, residente ng Brgy. Binalyuhan, Caditaan, Magallanes Sorsogon, nitong Hunyo 27, bandang alas-11 ng umaga.
Si Tobias ay mayroong mabibigat na kaso laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sa hanay ng mamamayan. Pinakamatingkad na kaso nito ang mga sumusunod:
1. Ang pagpapa-strike nito ng tatlong beses sa yunit ng BHB sa erya.
2. Pagiging aktibo at masigasig nitong impostor noong taong 2007 na nagresulta ng tatlong beses na pag-strike.
3. At taong 2011, ginamit ang pangalan ng BHB matapos na magnakaw ng isang tricycle at makinang pandagat na pag-aari ng masa.
Ang pagpaparusa kay Tobias ng mga pulang mandirigma ng Celso Minguez Command o CMC ay pagtugon sa malaon nang hiling ng mamamayang Sorsoganon.
Dapat lamang na higit pang pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan upang ilantad, tutulan at labanan ang mga anti-mamamayang aktibidad ng mga elemento ng 31st Infantry Battalion sa ilalim ng 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army. Higit lalong dapat na maging mapagbantay ang mga Sorsoganon sa mga papahabang listahan ng mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng mga berdugong militar na bahagi ng Oplan Kapayapaan nito. Dapat na ihanda ng mamamayan ang kanilang nagkakaisang lakas upang harapin ang desperadong aksyon ng mga tropa ng AFP-PNP na naglalayong sagkaan ang pagdaluyong ng pakikibaka ng mamamayan laban sa lumalalang krisis at kriminalidad sa lipunan.
Muling bibiguin ng CMC-BHB, kaisa ng mamamayang Sorsoganon, ang pinasahol na Oplan Kapayapaan sa buong probinsya. Isusulong nito ang Demokratikong Rebolusyon tungo sa mas mataas pang yugto.
Mamamayan, Biguin ang Oplan Kapayaan!
Ilantad ang mga Anti-mamamayang Aktibidad ng 31st IBPA!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Samuel Guerrero
Tagapagsalita
BHB-Sorsogon
Ka Samuel Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)
28 June 2018
Press Release
Ipinagbubunyi ng buong mamamayan ng Sorsogon ang pagpaparusa ng yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan o BHB kay Angelito “Bong” Tobias, mahigit 50 taong gulang, residente ng Brgy. Binalyuhan, Caditaan, Magallanes Sorsogon, nitong Hunyo 27, bandang alas-11 ng umaga.
Si Tobias ay mayroong mabibigat na kaso laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sa hanay ng mamamayan. Pinakamatingkad na kaso nito ang mga sumusunod:
1. Ang pagpapa-strike nito ng tatlong beses sa yunit ng BHB sa erya.
2. Pagiging aktibo at masigasig nitong impostor noong taong 2007 na nagresulta ng tatlong beses na pag-strike.
3. At taong 2011, ginamit ang pangalan ng BHB matapos na magnakaw ng isang tricycle at makinang pandagat na pag-aari ng masa.
Ang pagpaparusa kay Tobias ng mga pulang mandirigma ng Celso Minguez Command o CMC ay pagtugon sa malaon nang hiling ng mamamayang Sorsoganon.
Dapat lamang na higit pang pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan upang ilantad, tutulan at labanan ang mga anti-mamamayang aktibidad ng mga elemento ng 31st Infantry Battalion sa ilalim ng 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army. Higit lalong dapat na maging mapagbantay ang mga Sorsoganon sa mga papahabang listahan ng mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng mga berdugong militar na bahagi ng Oplan Kapayapaan nito. Dapat na ihanda ng mamamayan ang kanilang nagkakaisang lakas upang harapin ang desperadong aksyon ng mga tropa ng AFP-PNP na naglalayong sagkaan ang pagdaluyong ng pakikibaka ng mamamayan laban sa lumalalang krisis at kriminalidad sa lipunan.
Muling bibiguin ng CMC-BHB, kaisa ng mamamayang Sorsoganon, ang pinasahol na Oplan Kapayapaan sa buong probinsya. Isusulong nito ang Demokratikong Rebolusyon tungo sa mas mataas pang yugto.
Mamamayan, Biguin ang Oplan Kapayaan!
Ilantad ang mga Anti-mamamayang Aktibidad ng 31st IBPA!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Samuel Guerrero
Tagapagsalita
BHB-Sorsogon
CPP/Information Bureau: Condemn entry of nuclear-capable supercarrier in PH waters
CPP-Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 28): Condemn entry of nuclear-capable supercarrier in PH waters
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
28 June 2018
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
28 June 2018
Press Release
The Communist Party of the Philippines and the Filipino people condemn the entry and the docking in Manila of nuclear-powered super-aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, along with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville last June 26 for a supposed four-day “regularly scheduled port visit.”
The CPP denounces the Duterte regime for conniving with the US military and allowing it to use the Philippines as a foothold in its push to defend its hegemonic power in the Asia-Pacific. The Duterte regime could not even ensure compliance with the 1987 constitutional ban against nuclear weapons in the country.
The USS Ronald Reagan arrived in the Philippines after sailing through the South China Sea. Prior to proceeding to Manila, warships belonging to the aircraft fleet sailed near the contentious waters this year provoking Chinese military forces in the area. Some of the other US port visits made this year include:
Besides regular port visits, the US is strengthening its military foothold on the Philippines by constructing its own military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), including seaports, airports and hangars and warehouses for weapons stockpiling.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180628-condemn-entry-of-nuclear-capable-supercarrier-in-ph-watersrn
The CPP denounces the Duterte regime for conniving with the US military and allowing it to use the Philippines as a foothold in its push to defend its hegemonic power in the Asia-Pacific. The Duterte regime could not even ensure compliance with the 1987 constitutional ban against nuclear weapons in the country.
The USS Ronald Reagan arrived in the Philippines after sailing through the South China Sea. Prior to proceeding to Manila, warships belonging to the aircraft fleet sailed near the contentious waters this year provoking Chinese military forces in the area. Some of the other US port visits made this year include:
- February 16 – Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy arrived in Manila carrying more than 5,500 US sailors
- March 1 – Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport
- March 4 – Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, with embarked 3d Marine Division Marines, arrived in Manila, carrying more than 2,500 US sailors
- April 11 – Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its 65 supersonic F18 jets, spy planes and helicopters, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing 17, and guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill arrived in Manila
Besides regular port visits, the US is strengthening its military foothold on the Philippines by constructing its own military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), including seaports, airports and hangars and warehouses for weapons stockpiling.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180628-condemn-entry-of-nuclear-capable-supercarrier-in-ph-watersrn
Army: Rebels having hard time to occupy anew former stronghold territories in city
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 29): Army: Rebels having hard time to occupy anew former stronghold territories in city
DESPITE the installation of a new commander, the New People Army (NPA) will be having a hard time in occupying some barangays they once held in the hinterlands of city, the military said.
Lt. Col. Darren Comia, the commander of 16th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Company 1 is already operating far away from the areas under his command.
“(They are) away from Davao City,” Comia told reporters during the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday.
The 16th IB operates in the boondocks of the city, particularly in the district of Paquibato and upper barangays of Calinan district.
He said barangay officials are apparently jubilant that armed rebels are no longer roaming around their areas “for quite some time.”
“I don’t think they will come back,” Comia said.
The NPA operation in the area was hampered following the arrest of Ka Jinggoy (real name Elizalde Tormis Canete), the erstwhile commander, last month.
A certain Ka Raymund reportedly assumed Ka Jinggoy’s post based on the report from two rebels who recently surrendered.
On June 23, two PBC 1 members, identified as Ka Anes and Ka Renzo, surrendered to the 16th IB troopers in Barangay Paquibato Proper. They surrendered two landmines and a .45 caliber pistol.
“They (the surrenderers) slowly felt the hardship,” Comia said.
First, the army officer pointed out, the NPAs are no longer operating in their traditional guerilla base because they are already shooed far away.
Secondly, Comia said the effort of the military, with the coordination of other government agencies, in crashing the insurgency is successful.
He said they are doing much effort to entice the remaining rebels to surrender.
“We need to end the NPA,” he added.
The two rebel returnees, just like other previous surrenderers, will be receiving financial aided through the Enhance-Comprehensive Local Integrated program (E-CLIP).
The PBC 1 of the NPA’s Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) primarily operates in the hinterlands of city and parts of Davao region and the province of Bukidnon.
Ka Jinggoy was arrested on May 28 in a private hospital in Don Carlos, Bukidnon where he was operated and recuperated for almost three weeks following an encounter. He is currently detained at the Davao City Jail in Barangay Ma-a as he is facing at 12 various criminal cases, some non-bailable offenses, in the different trial courts in Davao.
Jinggoy took over the top PBC 1 post following the death of Ka Parago (real name: Leoncio Pitao) in 2015.
Parago was a close friend then of former Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte.
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-rebels-having-hard-time-to-occupy-anew-former-stronghold-territories-in-city/
DESPITE the installation of a new commander, the New People Army (NPA) will be having a hard time in occupying some barangays they once held in the hinterlands of city, the military said.
Lt. Col. Darren Comia, the commander of 16th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Company 1 is already operating far away from the areas under his command.
“(They are) away from Davao City,” Comia told reporters during the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday.
The 16th IB operates in the boondocks of the city, particularly in the district of Paquibato and upper barangays of Calinan district.
He said barangay officials are apparently jubilant that armed rebels are no longer roaming around their areas “for quite some time.”
“I don’t think they will come back,” Comia said.
The NPA operation in the area was hampered following the arrest of Ka Jinggoy (real name Elizalde Tormis Canete), the erstwhile commander, last month.
A certain Ka Raymund reportedly assumed Ka Jinggoy’s post based on the report from two rebels who recently surrendered.
On June 23, two PBC 1 members, identified as Ka Anes and Ka Renzo, surrendered to the 16th IB troopers in Barangay Paquibato Proper. They surrendered two landmines and a .45 caliber pistol.
“They (the surrenderers) slowly felt the hardship,” Comia said.
First, the army officer pointed out, the NPAs are no longer operating in their traditional guerilla base because they are already shooed far away.
Secondly, Comia said the effort of the military, with the coordination of other government agencies, in crashing the insurgency is successful.
He said they are doing much effort to entice the remaining rebels to surrender.
“We need to end the NPA,” he added.
The two rebel returnees, just like other previous surrenderers, will be receiving financial aided through the Enhance-Comprehensive Local Integrated program (E-CLIP).
The PBC 1 of the NPA’s Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) primarily operates in the hinterlands of city and parts of Davao region and the province of Bukidnon.
Ka Jinggoy was arrested on May 28 in a private hospital in Don Carlos, Bukidnon where he was operated and recuperated for almost three weeks following an encounter. He is currently detained at the Davao City Jail in Barangay Ma-a as he is facing at 12 various criminal cases, some non-bailable offenses, in the different trial courts in Davao.
Jinggoy took over the top PBC 1 post following the death of Ka Parago (real name: Leoncio Pitao) in 2015.
Parago was a close friend then of former Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte.
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-rebels-having-hard-time-to-occupy-anew-former-stronghold-territories-in-city/
2 bodies in Maco ex-NPAs
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 29): 2 bodies in Maco ex-NPAs
THE TWO bodies found on Wednesday at the national highway in Purok 4 , Anislagan, Maco, Compostela valley were identified as a militia and former rebel.
Chief Insp Milgrace Driz, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI identified, them as Jessie Golis, an active CAA assigned in 72IB stationed in Barangay Don Enrique Lopez, Mati City and Juniel Bañez, a former rebel.
According to the report, around 5:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the Maco Municipal Police Station received a phone call from Romel Lubiano, barangay chairman of Barangay Anislagan, informing them of the two bodies.
PNP personnel, led by Chief Insp. Gomersendo Diwata, verified the report and called the Scene of the Crime Operatives to process the site. The two victims succumbed to the gunshot wounds to their heads. They were killed somewhere else and dumped in the area.
Residents claimed that they heard a vehicle pass by the area around1 a.m.
The Maco police are trying to determine if the killing has something to do with the previous shooting incident in Barangay Binuangan on June 26.
Recovered pieces of physical evidence from the crime scene were: P3,000, two cellular phone batteries, one charger, and one bullet from a .45 caliber pistol. The bodies are now in Maco Funeral Parlor in Anislagan, Maco.
http://mindanaotimes.net/2-bodies-in-maco-ex-npas/
THE TWO bodies found on Wednesday at the national highway in Purok 4 , Anislagan, Maco, Compostela valley were identified as a militia and former rebel.
Chief Insp Milgrace Driz, the spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI identified, them as Jessie Golis, an active CAA assigned in 72IB stationed in Barangay Don Enrique Lopez, Mati City and Juniel Bañez, a former rebel.
According to the report, around 5:20 a.m. on Wednesday, the Maco Municipal Police Station received a phone call from Romel Lubiano, barangay chairman of Barangay Anislagan, informing them of the two bodies.
PNP personnel, led by Chief Insp. Gomersendo Diwata, verified the report and called the Scene of the Crime Operatives to process the site. The two victims succumbed to the gunshot wounds to their heads. They were killed somewhere else and dumped in the area.
Residents claimed that they heard a vehicle pass by the area around1 a.m.
The Maco police are trying to determine if the killing has something to do with the previous shooting incident in Barangay Binuangan on June 26.
Recovered pieces of physical evidence from the crime scene were: P3,000, two cellular phone batteries, one charger, and one bullet from a .45 caliber pistol. The bodies are now in Maco Funeral Parlor in Anislagan, Maco.
http://mindanaotimes.net/2-bodies-in-maco-ex-npas/
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