ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Reflections on the GRP-MNLF Interim Agreement of 1995 (1)

Posted to MindaNews (Nov 3, 2020): ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Reflections on the GRP-MNLF Interim Agreement of 1995 (1) (By RUDY BUHAY RODIL)

1st of 2 parts

[Paper delivered on the occasion of the Policy workshop on Peace and Growth Prospects in Mindanao, CASS Audio Visual Room, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, March 25-26, 1996, sponsored by the Department of Sociology of CASS, MSU-IIT, and the International Strategic Research Consultants. I was a Professor of History, Department of History, College of Arts and Social Sciences, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, and Panel Member of the GRP Peace Negotiating Panel in the GRP-MNLF Formal Peace Talks.]

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 3 Nov) – The 1995 Interim Agreement represents the product of two years of formal peace talks. It reflects an honest to goodness attempt on both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines GRP) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to come to an agreement on the implementation of the Tripoli Agreement signed on 23 December 1976.

But it is not complete, it is far from final.

As agreed upon in Par. 14 of the Statement of Understanding between the GRP and the MNLF, signed in Cipanas, Indonesia, on 16 April 1993, “the agenda for the formal talks will focus on the modalities for the full implementation of the Tripoli Agreement in letter and spirit, to include specifically:
a. Those portions of the Agreement left for further or later discussion; and
b.Transitional implementing structure and mechanism.

Of the items covered in (a) only those on national defense and regional security force remain to be fully resolved. The second refers specifically to the establishment of the Provision­al Government which, in turn, will automatically touch off the matter of the plebiscite and the territory of the autonomy.

Before we proceed, let me first discuss an aspect of the talks which is hardly ever talked about, the psychology of the peace process. It will put the talks in a more meaningful perspective.

Psychology of the Process

The Talks, you see, cover highly political matters. It is part of the nationwide effort to heal old wounds. It is an inte­gral part of a bigger peace process and, many are not aware, it is also an intimate interplay between the psychological process and the legal issues. Allow me to relate to you how it was from the GRP Panel’s end, of which I am part.

As early as August 1993, when the GRP Panel was constituted, there was already an informal but unwritten understanding within the Panel that the MNLF people are not enemy; they are our citi­zens. Anyone of us could go across, as it were, and make friends with anyone of the MNLF without fear of being cited for high treason or for fraternizing with the enemy. We were not expected to report what transpired in our conversations. This had the effect of contributing to a positive atmosphere in the talks. It set the tone of goodwill for all of us. This was very much in line with the mandate given by President Ramos, which says in part,

“The conduct of the formal talks shall be in line with the aim of the national comprehensive peace program to seek a principled and peaceful resolution of armed conflict, with neither blame nor surrender, but with honor and dignity for all.”

There was no illusion, however, that things would be easy. The President further said that “the formal talks shall be conducted within the mandates of the Constitution and the laws of the land,” but these are not always in harmony with the Tripoli Agreement, or at least, not clearly so.

So much has transpired since the signing of the Tripoli Agreement: a turnover of presidents from Presidents Marcos to Aquino to Ramos; a change of Constitution; two attempts at government implementation of the Tripoli Agreement. The legal frame of reference within which the Tripoli Agreement was to be imple­mented has changed and the problem which the Agreement sought to resolve is still there.

The present GRP Peace Negotiating Panel has consistently been candid and straightforward in its dealings with the MNLF counterpart. Its posture has been cordial and accommodating, dignified and honorable. If our perception is accurate, this has delivered a positive impression on the MNLF counterpart – in all levels of the talks, from the panel down to the last commit­tee.

At the Sixth Mixed Committee Meeting in General Santos City on July 2-28, 1995, no less than the Chairman of the MNLF, another key commander also of the MNLF, and the OIC Assistant Secretary General affirmed the sincerity of the GRP.

Expanding Participation

At the First Round of Formal Talks, several committees were created to distribute and facilitate the work. These Committees were:

A. Joint Ceasefire Committee

B. Ad Hoc Committee – Setting Up of the Transitional Implementing Structure and Mechanism

C. Mixed Committee:

1. Support Committee 1 – National Defense and Regional Security Force

2. Support Committee 2 – Education

3. Support Committee 3 – Economic and Financial System, Mines and Minerals

4. Support Committee 4 – Administrative System, Representa­tion in National Government, Legisla­tive Assembly and Executive Council.

5. Support Committee 5 – Judiciary and Introduction of Shari’ah Law

The creation of the various committees and the decision for these committees to hold talks in the Philippines opened several fronts, as it were, which allowed the active participation of more people in the process. Mutual confidence building processes took place in all committees. Anyone who has participated in these, whether as active negotiators or merely as witnesses, can speak of new relationships developing from the level of the suspicious to something more cordial and more respectful. In the discussion of the various issues, there was a deepening apprecia­tion and understanding of each other’s position, thus opening the way for more give and take. But where it was not possible to give, at least there was the acceptance that despite honest to goodness efforts, certain problems are presently irresolvable and no ill-will is triggered by disappointments.

Participation of the OIC

The participation of the OIC is two-fold. First, there is the consistent presence of either the Secretary General himself or the Assistant Secretary General in all Rounds of Talks at the Panel level and at the Mixed Committee Level. Second, there is the constant presence of an Indonesian presiding officer in all levels of the talks, from the Panel to the last Support Committee meetings.

A little historical backgrounder here is in order. The Quadripartite Ministerial Committee was established by the OIC in the implementation of Resolution No. 4/4 of the Fourth Islamic Conference of Ministers (ICFM) of Foreign Affairs at Benghazi, Libya, 24-26 March 1973. The Chairman of this Committee was Libya, and members were Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Senegal. Its role was to guarantee the security of the Muslim community in the Philippines and as well as to secure the respect of their basic rights. A decision to expand the number to six was reached at the 19th ICFM on July 31-August 4, 1990. Bangladesh and Indonesia were added. This is now known as the Committee of the Six with Indonesia as the Chair.

The participation of the OIC has been a permanent fixture in all the formal GRP-MNLF negotiations since 1975. We all know that at the height of the MNLF-led Bangsamoro armed struggle in 1973, there was also the Arab-Israeli war in the Middle East. The Arabs discovered at the time that there was political power in oil. They succeeded in influencing the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) founded in 1960. Founding members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela. Joined later in the 1960s: Algeria, Ecuador (left in 1992), Gabon, Indonesia, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, which controlled more than 80% of the world known petroleum resources, to impose an oil embargo on all countries supportive of Israel. The Philippines was one of them. The country only had reportedly three months’ supply of oil; it was said to be 94% dependent on the Middle East for its oil needs; the military had allegedly run out of ammunitions and could not get any replenishment from the United States. The drain on foreign exchange would have been enormous. The country’s survival was clearly at stake. And so, there was the move to negotiate with the Arab leaders to lift the oil embargo. We are told that when the Saudi decision to lift the embargo came, it was with the condition for the Philippine government to negotiate with the MNLF with the participation of the OIC. Perhaps, it was for the better.

For one, it has made us, as a country, realize that we have to decisively harmonize our relationships not only with our Muslim citizens in the country but also with Muslim countries abroad. And this in a manner that is mutually acceptable, based on the acceptance of each other’s identity and dignity.

Further, the OIC had, from the very beginning to the pres­ent, consistently taken the position that the Moro rebellion in southern Philippines was a domestic problem and should be resolved within the realm of the sovereignty and territorial inte­grity of the Republic of the Philippines.

It was the Quadripartite Commission under the chairmanship of Libya that took part in the making of the Tripoli Agreement. Now, it is the Committee of the Six with Indonesia as Chair that is actively pursuing the final stages of the implementation of the same agreement.

The participation of the OIC and Indonesia have contributed immensely to the creation of a positive climate in the GRP-MNLF Talks. Through the guidance of the Indonesian facilitators, the talks in all levels have been able to maintain a high level of cordiality. As hosts of the talks in Jakarta, they ensure that all the amenities and requirements to keep the talks moving forward are in order. As presiding officers, their neutrality has been most admirable.

Tomorrow: Prospects of the Talks

[Si Prof. Rudy Buhay Rodil ay aktibong historyan ng Mindanao, tagapasulong ng kalinaw (Bisaya sa kapayapaan). Kilala siyang espesyalista sa paghusay ng mga gusot sa Mindanao-Sulu. Naging Komisyoner noon ng Regional Consultative Commision sa siyang nagbuo ng draft organic law ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao noong 1988. Dalawang beses siyang naging miyembro ng GRP Peace Negotiating Panel. 1993-1996, pakikipag-usap sa Moro National Liberation (MNLF), at noong 2004-2008 sa pakikipag-negosasyon sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Naging visiting propesor sa Hiroshima University, Oktubre-Disyembre 2011. Nagretiro noong Oktubre 2007.]

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/11/angay-angay-lang-reflections-on-the-grp-mnlf-interim-agreement-of-1995-1/

38 farmers in RCSP-target village in Cotabato Prov receive land titles

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): 38 farmers in RCSP-target village in Cotabato Prov receive land titles (By Danilo E. Doguiles) 

ANTIPAS, Cotabato Province, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Thirty-eight farmers in Barangay Camutan, Antipas, this province are now full owners of the land they have been tilling after receiving certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Thursday, October 29.

The distribution of CLOAs to recipients was part of the Serbisyo Caravan in Camutan as a target area for Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), convergence of local governments and national line agencies under a whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict as mandated by President Duterte's Executive Order No. 70.

Some 54 hectares of landholdings were handed over to their new owners.

"The primary objective of agrarian reform program is social justice, specifically, equitable distribution of land ownership," Engr. Mario Albete, municipal agrarian reform program officer, said.

"It is significant in the peace-building initiatives of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict because agrarian reform empowers farmers to become productive owners of landholdings."

Agrarian reform is important, Engr. Albete emphasized, because this has been a major issue that the communist terrorist group has anchored its recruitment strategies on.

Awardees were former tenants of the land they till. The landholdings were acquired mostly through voluntary offer to sell and direct payment schemes, he added.

Albete told the new land owners that government support does not end with the turnover of land titles because there are more assistance for agrarian reform beneficiaries that they may access from DAR and other partners.

"We encourage the new recipients of land titles to organize themselves into an agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) to further empower themselves because support are only coursed through the ARBOs. This farmer associations serve as conduits of support services and being members of ARBOs increased their chances to develop their landholdings into productive farms," he said.

Support, he added, may include trainings, access to credit and other economic support, infrastructure projects, product development, design and packaging, business and marketing and many others. ARBOs may also access support from other agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture and other institutions.

Since 1972, DAR has already distributed more than 3,000 hectares of landholdings in the municipality of Antipas, Albete said. (DED-PIA XII) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058001

AAR chief lauds 1FAB for suppressing threats in ZamPen

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): AAR chief lauds 1FAB for suppressing threats in ZamPen (By Gideon C. Corgue)

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, Nov. 3 (PIA) – The Officers and men of the 1st Field Artillery (Beat ‘Em) Battalion, Philippine Army were honored for the achievements of their mission in strengthening its capabilities in addressing various threats that Zamboanga Peninsula faces.

Brigadier General Romulo Manuel Jr., commander of the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR), Philippine Army, the guest of honor and speaker during the 46th founding anniversary of the unit held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan said he was extremely honored for the the men and women of the unit for their long 46 years of dedicated service.

“As we celebrate our accomplishments and laudable achievements, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize your contribution in the attainment of the mission of the AAR in the entire Philippine Army,” Manuel said.

He said that the unit was able to deliver 65 successful fire missions in support to the focused military operations of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and Joint Task Force Basilan.

“The 1FAB also contributed 20 displacement and placement of 105mm howitzers to continuously give fire support requirement to maneuver units,” Manuel proudly announced.

He also said that the 1FAB boosted the morale and well-being of the troops by providing awards and recommendations to those who performed their duties in the best possible way.

Meanwhile, the Regiment Commander expressed his profound gratitude to the stakeholders for their unwavering support provided to the unit adding that their support have motivated the soldiers to do their best and achieve their mission of maintaining peace and order in Zamboanga Peninsula.

“With every success achieved by 1FAB it becomes possible because of your love and tireless support,” he said.

He also enjoined the 1FAB personnel to continuously align all their efforts on the envisioned program of the AAR by transforming the “King of Battle” to a more responsive, credible and professional organization.

During the event, awards were given to the outstanding officers, enlisted personnel and stakeholders for their significant contributions for the development of the unit. A historic renewal of stakeholders ’support to the unit was also carried out by signing the MOA between the two parties.

This year’s anniversary celebration carries the theme “Apat Napu’t Anim na Taong Tapat sa Tungkulin, Totoong Maaasahan at Nagkakaisa Laban sa Pandemiya.” (RVC/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

Hiligaynon News: Katapo sang NPA nagsungka sa gobyerno

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): Hiligaynon News: Katapo sang NPA nagsungka sa gobyerno (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.) 

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oktubre 5 (PIA) – Isa ka katapo sang New People’s Army ang nagsungka sa mga awtoridad sining karon lang.

Ang nagsungka nga ginahinago sa ngalan nga "Ka Mel" ang nagpadulong sadtong Oktubre 27 sa Headquarters sang 62IB sa Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental dala ang isa ka M16 rifle kag isa ka malaba nga magazine nga may 29 rounds sang live ammunition agud ipahayag ang iya tuyo nga bayaan ang hubon kag magbalik sa sabak sang gobyerno.

Si Ka Mel katapo sang Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol kag Siquijor (KR-NCBS) sa idalum sang Squad 2, Samahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) Platoon sang Ka Bedam.

Suno kay Philippine Army Captain Raymond Jamisal Civil-Military Operations Officer sang 62nd Infantry Batallion, nagbiya si Ka Mel sa hublag agud mag-upod sa iya nga pamilya.

Sa pahayag ni Ka Mel, tuman nga kasubo, gutom kag kabudlay ang nagtulod sa iya sa pagsungka. Ang programa sang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) sa Guihulngan City naghatag sa iya sang kaisog sa pagbiya sa hublag.

Suno sa iya, hindi lang sya ang luyag maghalin sa armado nga hubon nga yara sa idalum ni Ka Bedam.

Gindayaw ni 62IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores si Ka Mel bangud sang iya kaisog kag kabalaka sa iya pamilya.

“Nagasaludar ako sa imo nga kaisog kag kaayo bangud ginpili mo ang imo pamilya kaysa magpadayon sa hublag,” pahayag ni Col. Flores

Suno kay Col. Flores mangin inspirasyon sa iban nga katapo sang NPA ang ginhimo ni Ka Mel nga pagbalik sa gobyerno kag mangin isa ka huwaran nga Filipino.

Ginsiguro niya nga maka-agum si Ka Mel sang tanan nga benepisyo nga mahatag sang E-CLIP kag sang City Task Force-ELCAC

Ginhangkat ni Col. Flores ang mga kaupod ni Ka Mel nga magpasag-uli man sila sa gobyerno agud maka-upod nila ang ila nga mga pamilya kag kabataan.

“Wala nagasira ang amon ganhaan para sa inyo, apang kon kamo magabato, wala na kami mahimo kundi ipatuman ang laye kaangay sang inyo lideres nga sanday Ka Nona kag Ka Baldo nga yara subong na sa prisuhan bangud sang ila nga mga iligal nga hilikuton,” pahayag ni Flores. (JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058065

Tagalog News: 11 rebelde sumusuko sa pamahalaan sa Bansud

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): Tagalog News: 11 rebelde sumusuko sa pamahalaan sa Bansud (By Dennis Nebrejo) 

Sumuko ang 11 dating rebeldeng katutubong Mangyan sa hanay ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan upang magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan kamakailan sa Brgy. Benli Bulalacao. (kuha ni Dennis Nebrejo/PIA-OrMin)

BANSUD, Oriental Mindoro, Nob. 4 (PIA) --May labingisang kasapi sa Milisyang Bayan (MB) ng CPP-NPA ang nadagdag sa mga rebeldeng sumuko at nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan, matapos isagawa ang pakikipagdayalogo sa pagitan nila at ng mga hanay ng kapulisan at kasundaluhan na bumubuo sa samahang Community Support Program (CSP) Team na nakabase sa Sitio Bailan, Brgy. Benli Bulalacao kamakailan.

Base sa ulat ni LTC Alexander Arbolado, Commanding Officer ng 4th Infantry Battalion, boluntaryong ipinaabot ng grupong MB ang intensiyong sumuko sa CSP dahil umaasa aniya sila sa mga ipinangako ng pamahalaan na sila’y pagkakalooban ng magandang buhay, agarang tulong pinansiyal, edukasyon, tulong pangkabuhayan at iba pa.

Ayon sa team leader ng CSP Team, ang mga dating rebelde ay pawang mga katutubong Mangyan na napapabilang sa tribong Hanunuo kung saan isa dito ay babae. Tinatayang mga nasa edad 24-53 gulang ang mga sumuko.

Batay pa sa nakalap na impormasyon, buo ang kanilang desisyon na magbalik-loob dahil nakita nila ang sinseridad ng gobyerno na handa nilang tulungan at protektahan ang mga kapwa nila katutubo taliwas sa itinuturo sa kanila ng mga pinunong rebelde.

Samantala, ipinaabot ni 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade Commnder Col. Jose Augusto Villareal ang pasasalamat sa CSP Team dahil sa kanilang pakikipagugnayan sa mga katutubo at ipinapaliwanag ang mga magagandang programa para sa kanila ng pamahalaan. Nais ni Villareal na patuloy lamang ang kanilang pakikipagusap sa mga Mangyan upang hindi na sila mahikayat na mamundok ng mga rebeldeng grupo.

Patuloy din ang kanyang panawagan sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa suportahan ang Executive Order No. 70 ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte upang matuldukan na ang insurhensiya dulot ng CPP-NPA.

Sa kasalukuyan, inaayos na ng pamahalaan ang mga dokumento ng mga nagbalik-loob upang agad na makatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal at pangkabuhayan na nakapaloob sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Dahil sa 11 sumuko, umabot na sa 144 ang mga nagbalik-loob ngayong taon lamang at mahigit kalahati dito ay mga katutubo. (DN/PIA-OrMin)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058024

NOLCOM on alert for 'Siony'

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): NOLCOM on alert for 'Siony' (By Gabriela Liana Barela) 

TARLAC CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) remains on alert for the possible effects of Severe Tropical Storm “Siony” within its area of responsibility.

Based on forecast from PAGASA, “Siony” will affect extreme northern luzon.

In his statement, NOLCOM Commander Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. emphasized that despite "Siony" being relatively weaker to Super Typhoon "Rolly,” it is essential to ensure the troops are on alert for service anytime and anywhere.

"There is no substitute to long drawn planning and preparation," he said.

A total of 249 Disaster Response Teams were activated and deployed across Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera as well as in the different maritime areas in West Philippine Sea, Batanes Group of Islands and Philippine Rise in the Pacific Ocean. 

Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command remains on alert for the possible effects of Severe Tropical Storm “Siony” within its area of responsibility. (NOLCOM)

With this, Burgos reminded the troops to remain attentive during their humanitarian operations.

"Remain vigilant against any possible offensive actions from NPA terrorists who, historically speaking, have demonstrated blatant disrespect to internationally-accepted war conventions by attacking unarmed soldiers who were merely performing humanitarian missions in the past,” he advised.

Meanwhile, NOLCOM partnered with local government units and non-governmental organizations in the distribution of relief items to families who evacuated due to “Rolly”.

About 1,000 families from Bataan and Bulacan benefited in the first wave of assistance.

Moreover, NOLCOM’s Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine units assisted in the conduct of Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment in the typhoon-affected areas. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058034

AFP warns public of CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2020): AFP warns public of CPP-NPA’s recruitment modus (By Lucia F. Broñio) 

 

 AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday took to the Senate its genuine concern for celebrities and vulnerable sectors that might be taken advantage of by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay wanted to raise the public’s awareness about the CPP-NPA’s modus of capitalizing on and exploiting the idealism of youth, students and celebrities who have the capability to influence people. It is in line with the military’s peace and development campaign to shield and protect the people, institutions, and vulnerable sectors from the recruitment of communist terrorist groups (CTG).

Senate Resolution No. 559 directed the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations.

Gapay was one of the resource persons in the public hearing initiated by Senator Panfilo Lacson at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. Also present were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Commander of AFP Southern Luzon Command Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. Attorney Maneeka Asistol Sarza on the other hand represented the Makabayan Bloc.

The defense and security officials set the record that there was no red-tagging on their side and that the term was created by the CPP-NPA themselves who acknowledged that Gabriela and other legal front organizations are part of their party building.

In previous statements, Gapay said that the military on many occasions, have encountered in combat operations students who are affiliated with front organizations of the CPP-NPA like Gabriela and others. They started as members of these organizations and eventually joined the armed formation of the NPA to become cadres. Many of them unfortunately died in operations.

One of the resource persons in the senate hearing was former communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz once called “Ka Eric” by his CPP comrades. He attested to the CPP-NPA’s recruitment of minors and also confirmed that there were incidents when the vulnerability of the minors was abused by members of the communist organization.

Other former rebels were virtually present to speak up about their experiences in the communist organization. They told the senate committee that they were recruited by the CPP-NPA at a young age through progressive student organizations. They eventually became key officers who led movements by the CPP’s front organizations before returning to the fold of the government.

Meanwhile, the AFP as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continues to conduct peace and development projects in partnership with other government agencies to prevent recruitment and concentration of communist terrorists in vulnerable areas.

The AFP as the protector of the people and the state will continue its advocacy to put a stop to the deceitful ways of the CPP-NPA and their front organizations.

Beyond its conduct of focused military operations, the military is proactively seeking solutions through continuous dialogues with local leaders, government agencies, and non-government organizations. This is to ensure that the rights of the Filipino people are protected from exploitation and violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA and its front organizations. (PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057969

BIFF leader yields in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): BIFF leader yields in Maguindanao (By Noel Punzalan)

SURRENDER. Alias Nodz (2nd left), the self-proclaimed 'chief-of-staff' of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic freedom Fighters–Karialan faction, turns over an M14 rifle to Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Mayor Marop Ampatuan (3rd left) when he surrendered on Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2020). The former BIFF leader said he is tired of fighting and wants to return to his family. (Photo courtesy of 33IB)

A top leader of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao has surrendered to the military, the chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6ID commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central, said alias Nodz, the self-styled BIFF-Karialan faction chief-of-staff, was presented before him on Tuesday afternoon in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Uy said the surrender of the BIFF leader was facilitated by Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan through the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB).

“I am tired of being a rebel. I want to live in peace,” Nodz said in the vernacular during a brief radio interview. The surrenderer yielded with him his M14 rifle.

"The surrender of Nodz is attributed to the continuous partnership of the 6ID and the local government units in consonance to the peace efforts of the government in this part of the country,” Uy said.

More than 40 BIFF combatants have also surrendered to the military in the last two weeks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120658

3 Abu Sayyaf bandits yield in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): 3 Abu Sayyaf bandits yield in Basilan (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SURRENDER. Three Abu Sayyaf Group bandits (standing, center) surrender to government authorities Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2020), saying they were enticed by the government's offer of livelihood opportunities. They surrendered to the military authorities in Sumisip town, Basilan province. (Photo courtesy of 64th Infantry Battalion)

Saying the government’s livelihood programs enticed them, three Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered to the government Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the three ASG surrenderers on Wednesday as Omar Mingkong, Mammik Mingkong, and Itih Mingkong.

The three are all followers of ASG sub-leader Pasil Bayali alias Abu Kera.

Vinluan said the trio surrendered to Col. Domingo Gobway, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Renante Besa, commander of the 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan.

“This is an upshot of the Westmincom’s sustained conduct of focused, civil-military, and intelligence operations as well as the unwavering support to the implementation of the livelihood programs of the government,” the Army official said.

The ASG surrenderers were brought to headquarters of the 64th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, for custodial debriefing.

“We now have all the reasons to end our baseless fight against the government. They already settled the conflicts emanating from the ridos (blood feud), which forced us to join them (Abu Sayyaf),” Omar was quoted as saying in vernacular.

Meanwhile, Gobway assured they will assist the former Abu Sayyaf members reintegrate into society through the livelihood programs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120725

Makabayan bloc’s no-show in hearing waste of 'democratic space'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): Makabayan bloc’s no-show in hearing waste of 'democratic space' (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., (File photo)

The absence of the lawmakers belonging to the Makabayan bloc in the Senate hearing on alleged red-tagging on Tuesday is a waste of "democratic space" allotted for the free exchange of ideas and opinions.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., made this remark in an online press conference when sought for comments on the progressive bloc's absence at the hearing.

He called the group's absence "unfortunate" as they missed their chance to air their side and face ranking members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) regarding the issue.

Esperon was referring to Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy and Southern Luzon Comand chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., both NTF-ELCAC spokespersons.

"They have an opportunity for a dialogue, to talk, Undersecretary Lorraine (Badoy) will have a chance to speak and so will Gen. Parlade. It is unfortunate that they (Makabayan bloc solons) choose not to attend," he said in Filipino.

Esperon, who is also NTF ELCAC vice chair, found the excuses of the Makabayan bloc for skipping the hearing quite flimsy as one of their members claimed to be visiting departed loved ones at the cemetery and while others claimed to going to Bicol to give relief goods to families affected by Super Typhoon “Rolly”.

"We admire their intentions (in going to Bicol for a relief goods distribution) but we have information that they did not go there," Esperon said in Filipino.

On claims of going to the cemetery during the "Undas" holiday, he said that this is impossible as all cemeteries in the country were closed from October 29 to November 4 as a preventive measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"We are saddened that they did not attend as this is the 'democratic space' given to us to talk among ourselves, to exchange ideas and opinion, and to find out who among us is right," Esperon said.

With their absence from the Senate hearing, Esperon said he is now having suspicions that in a little while, the group will come out and admit who they really are, referring to the Bloc's reported alliance to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Esperon added that the absence of the Makabayan bloc might be attributed to their inability to rebut statements of former NPA field commanders who would testify against them.

"You are always calling us fake news but you, you're not only fake news, you're (also) no show. Which is more difficult, no show or those willing to show up and present. Next time, we better see each other so that we can explain and enlighten our countrymen," he added.

Public awareness

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said its officials attended the hearing to express concern for celebrities and vulnerable sectors that might be taken advantage of by CPP-NPA.

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, in a statement, said he wanted to raise the public’s awareness about the CPP-NPA’s scheme of capitalizing on and exploiting the idealism of youth, students and celebrities who have the capability to influence people.

He added that this is in line with the military’s peace and development campaign to shield and protect the people, institutions, and vulnerable sectors from the recruitment of communist terrorist groups (CTG).

On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson convened the hearing directed to exercise its oversight authority over the defense sector on the issue of red-tagging/red-baiting of certain celebrities, personalities, institutions, and organizations, pursuant to Senate Resolution No. 559

Defense and security officials claimed there was no red-tagging on their side and that the term was created by the CPP-NPA themselves who acknowledged that Gabriela and other legal front organizations are part of their party building.

Gapay earlier said the military, on many occasions, have encountered in combat operations students who are affiliated with front organizations of the CPP-NPA like Gabriela and others.

They started as members of these organizations and eventually joined the armed formation of the NPA to become cadres. Many of them unfortunately died in operations.

One of the resource persons in the Senate hearing, former communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz also known to his comrades as “Ka Eric”, attested to the CPP-NPA’s recruitment of minors and also confirmed that there were incidents when the vulnerability of the minors was abused by members of the communist organization.

Other former rebels were virtually present to speak up about their experiences in the communist organization.

They told the Senate committee that they were recruited by the CPP-NPA at a young age through progressive student organizations.

They eventually became key officers who led movements by the CPP’s front organizations before returning to the government fold.

Meanwhile, the AFP, as a member of the NTF ELCAC, said it will continue to conduct peace and development projects in partnership with other government agencies to prevent recruitment and concentration of communist terrorists in vulnerable areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120742

Help me put NPA rapist to jail, ex-child warrior to Liza, Angel

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): Help me put NPA rapist to jail, ex-child warrior to Liza, Angel (By Marita Moaje)

VICTIM OF ABUSE. 'Shane' (not her real name), 17, a former New People's Army child warrior, speaks to reporters during a press conference in Calubian, Leyte. The victim filed on Thursday (Oct. 29, 2020) a rape complaint against their former commander in the communist terrorist group before the prosecutor’s office. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A former child warrior of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army CPP-(NPA) appealed for help from celebrities Liza Soberano and Angel Locsin to assist her with the rape charges she filed against the terrorist group.

“Kung handa kayong tumulong ay sana tuparin ninyo ang aking hiling, tulungan niyo ako sa aking kaso at hikayatin niyo ang mga kabataan at kababaihan na huwag nang sumuporta sa CPP-NPA-NDF (If you’re willing to help, please help me with my case and encourage the youth and women not to support the CPP-NPA-NDF), “ "Shane" (not her real name), from Hilongos, Leyte, wrote in a letter on Sunday.

Shane urged them to use their influence in informing the youth about the recruitment schemes employed by the terrorist group.

“Gamitin niyo sana ang inyong impluwensiya para magabayan ang mga kabataan at kababaihan kung ano nga ba ang mayroon sa CPP-NPA-NDF. Sabay nating itanggi ang pagsuportsa sa grupo ng mga NPA (Please use your influence to guide young people and the women and tell them what really is the CPP-NPA-NDF. Together let us denounce the NPA group),” Shane said in the open letter written in the vernacular, also addressed to Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago and Gabriela Women’s Party.

Last week, Shane, 17, accompanied by lawyers and Army officials, filed a rape complaint before the prosecutor’s office in Caluban, Leyte against Paterno Opo alias "Dodong", commander of the NPA sub-regional committee operating in Leyte and Biliran provinces.

She said she suffered in the hands of their supposed superior when she was only 15 years old in the mountains of Calubian, Leyte in July 2018.

That incident, she said, haunts her until this time as she cries for justice.

‘You should fight for women, not rebels’

Shane, meanwhile, also accused Gabriela of supporting the CPP-NPA-NDF, and asked them why they are supporting rebels instead of fighting for women and children.

“Sa mga namumuno at miyembro ng Gabriela, hanggang kelan niyo lolokohin ang mga kabataan na pag-asa ng bayan? Wala kayong awa sa mga magulang na nawalan ng mga anak? (To the leaders and members of Gabriela, until when will you deceive the youth who are the hope of our nation? You have no mercy towards parents who lost their children),” she said.

“Sa mga miyembro ng Gabriela, ipakita ninyo dapat sa mga kabataan at mga kababaihan na kayo ay buong pusong tumutulong. Di ba ayaw ninyong may abusuhin na kababaihan? Bakit kayo sumusuporta sa teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF? (To Gabriela members, you should show the youth and women that you are truly helping them. Isn’t it that you are against any form of abuse towards women? Then why are you supporting the terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF?),” she added.

NPA ‘promises'

Shane recently came out in the open with the horrible experiences she faced in the hands of the NPA.

She said she was recruited by the NPA with the promise that they would help her enroll and study in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

She said she was only in Grade 2 at that time.

She said both her parents were NPA members and that they told her that the communist guerillas are good people.

“Gumaan ang aking loob sa kanila dahil noong una mabait ang tingin at ang ipinapakita nila sa akin at ang aking ama ay isang NPA dati, pero nagkamali pala ako, nabastos nila ako (They earned my trust because at first, they treated me and my father who was also a former NPA. But I was wrong, they disrespected me),” her letter reads.

Shane said after she was fetched by the rebels from their house and was brought directly to an NPA base in the mountain, much to her surprise because she thought she will be going to school.

At the NPA base, she was assigned to be a part of the medical team of the group.

After a year, she remained in the mountains serving as a medic and did not continue her studies.

Shane said was raped after that by an NPA commander.

“Dumating yung panahon na ako ay hinalay ng commander ng grupo namin na tinuring ko pang lolo ko. Binaboy nila ako, sobrang hirap ng pinaparanas nila sa akin sa bundok, doon din ako natututong magsinungaling. Pansarili lang ang iniisip ng mga NPA, wala silang awa sa mga kapwa miyembro (One day, I was raped by the commander of our group, whom I even considered as my grandfather. They abused me. They made my life in the mountains difficult. And then I learned to lie. The NPAs were only thinking about their concerns. They do not show any mercy towards their members),” she wrote.

Aside from Shane, her older sister “Ruffa” reportedly suffered the same fate in the hands the terrorist group.

Her sister got pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl who was left to the care of a childless farmer couple who were members of the rebel group in a town in the northwest part of Leyte island.

Ruffa’s wish, Shane said, is to be reunited with her child who is now two years old.

Shane and Ruffa were able to escape when they were asked to collect food in a nearby community.

They voluntarily surrendered on June 12 to the officials of the Army's 14th Infantry Battalion in Kananga, Leyte.

‘Use your influence’

Shane said the intelligence and vast influence of celebrities like Soberano and Locsin should not be wasted in supporting the wrong groups, and instead, use them to help women like her.

She raised the same call to Elago as well as Gabriela members, who all claim to fight for women and children's’ rights.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120746

EU reaffirms support to Mindanao peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): EU reaffirms support to Mindanao peace process (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its commitment to support the Philippines' peace process as it welcomed the designation of Heino Marius as the new chair of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT).

“The European Union is pleased to note that the Peace Implementing Panels of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have designated Heino Marius as Chair of the Third Party Monitoring Team," Thomas Wiersing, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation in Manila said in a statement on November 3.

As he congratulated Marius, Wiersing also reiterated the EU’s commitment to the peace process.

Since 2008, the EU has been one of the biggest supporters of the Mindanao Peace Process through a comprehensive approach.

The EU supported political settlement by providing a Humanitarian and Human Rights Law Expert to the International Monitoring Team.

The EU is currently finding ways to further help vulnerable groups through its programs in Mindanao.

Under the program Peace and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PD BARMM), around PHP1.4 billion have been allocated to improve the social cohesion and resiliency of communities in the region, as well as to address the health, social and economic impact of Covid-19 in the region.

The aid also seeks to consolidate the hard-won peace in Bangsamoro by supporting the new administration, the parliament, the judicial system, and civil society through the transition.

Rise Mindanao, a PHP2-billion EU initiative, meanwhile, focuses on the immediate priority of food security by supporting agro-cooperatives and strengthening the service delivery of local authorities.

In the last five years, the EU Delegation in Manila said it has provided a total of PHP1.4 billion in humanitarian aid operations as life-saving assistance to people affected by armed conflict or natural disasters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120755

PAF transports telco repair equipment to Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2020): PAF transports telco repair equipment to Catanduanes (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RESTORING COMMS. Equipment for the restoration of telecommunications services and other relief supplies are loaded in a C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force which flew to Catanduanes on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2020). On the same day, a PAF C-295 aircraft flew to the province and transported a total of 1,000 sacks of food packs from volunteer non-government organization Go Share. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office)

Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) transport aircraft brought equipment for the restoration of telecommunications services and other relief supplies to the typhoon-hit province of Catanduanes on Wednesday.

In a statement, Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said PLDT-Smart Communications, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PAF, sent equipment to restore telecommunications services in severely-hit communities in the province.

"A PAF C-130 aircraft flew from Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to Catanduanes on November 4, 2020 to perform the mission," he added.

Aboard the same flight were 1,400 boxes of food packs and 82 sets of tents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and seven communications equipment, one roll cable wire, two antennas and one generator set care of the 9th Infantry Division, were also transported to Catanduanes.

A PAF C-295 aircraft also flew to Catanduanes and transported a total of 1,000 sacks of food packs from volunteer non-government organization Go Share.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120748

PCG sends 65 tons of relief goods to Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4. 2020): PCG sends 65 tons of relief goods to Catanduanes (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

RELIEF GOODS. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carrying a corrugated galvanized iron sheet donated by the Philippine Red Cross aboard BRP Gabriela Silang on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2020). The vessel will arrive in Virac, Catanduanes around Thursday noon (Nov. 5, 2020) with 65 tons of relief goods and medical personnel from the PCG. (Photo courtesy of PCG) 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday sent off its newest multi-role vessel with 65 tons of relief goods to Catanduanes as part of the government’s concerted efforts to help those severely affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon "Rolly".

During the vessel’s send-off ceremony, PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said BRP Gabriela Silang’s (OPV-8301) journey to Virac, Catanduanes will be followed by more sorties carrying more relief goods and possibly government personnel and those from private organizations.

“This will be the first sortie of the vessel and there are more goods to be transported from Manila. This vessel can come back and transport again those goods,” Ursabia said.

The vessel’s cargo includes 3,000 boxes of food packs, 3,944 bottles of drinking water, 2,000 boxes of kitchen kits, 1,000 boxes of hygiene kits, 400 gallons of drinking water, 450 sleeping kits, and 450 mosquito nets from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); 830 boxes of food packs, 70 sacks (50 kilograms) of rice, and one portable generator from the PCG; 37 boxes of condensed milk, three boxes of corned beef, and two balikbayan boxes of supplies from the PCG Auxiliary.

It also carries 500 pieces of corrugated galvanized iron sheets from the Philippine Red Cross; 1,150 face shields, 2,180 boxes of face masks, 120 boxes of gloves, and 10,120 bottles of alcohol from the International Organization for Migration (IOM); and several boxes of personal protective equipment from the German Embassy.

Aside from transporting these items, Ursabia said the vessel will also bring a PCG medical team to assist residents of Catanduanes—in addition to almost 500 PCG trainees from Masbate that are currently deployed in Bicol Region.

BRP Gabriela Silang, he said, is also capable of converting seawater to fresh water at 1,200 liters per hour using reverse osmosis to further supplement the province’s needs.

“Alam naman natin na nasira yung water system sa Catanduanes (We know that the water system of Catanduanes has been destroyed by the typhoon). So, this vessel can help provide fresh water,” Ursabia said.

The vessel departed from Port Area in Manila and is expected to arrive at the Port of Virac, Catanduanes on Thursday noon.

Earlier, four trucks filled with sacks of rice and boxes of food packs donated by the GMA Kapuso Foundation were also brought to Naga City in Camarines Sur and eventually to Legazpi, Albay by the PCG.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120779

Commies extort P300-M annually from telcos: ex-NPA member

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4. 2020): Commies extort P300-M annually from telcos: ex-NPA member (By Benjamin Pulta)

Communist terrorist groups (CTG) collect up to PHP300 million annually through extortion from telecommunication companies in the country, a former member said on Tuesday.

“If there is one single (group that has) mafia-style single extortion machinery, it is the CPP NPA NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front). They cannot overthrow the government but they can make Smart and Globe pay PHP200 to PHP300 million,” said Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz, a former NPA cadre who served the movement for 27 years.

Celiz, during Tuesday’s Senate hearing on red-tagging, said aside from telcos, he added that the NPA can also make "triple A" contractors building airports pay protection money.

The payments, he said, were made through bank remittance transacted outside the Philippines.

He added that 40 percent of the protection money goes to CPP central committee while 60 percent goes to regional operations.

Celiz added that the extortion activities “are able to circumvent the Anti-Money Laundering Council” since these funds are coursed through an established network of conduit non-government organizations coming from Belgium and the Netherlands in Europe.

In the same hearing, Senate President Vicente Sotto said the extortion activities by the communist groups could be the reason why telco firms prefer to put up cell sites in military installations.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the extortion activities are an open secret in the country, with local communist terror groups collecting 2 percent of a contract cost.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120786