1,500 call for end to HR violations

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 11):  1,500 call for end to HR violations



Protestors at the human rights day rally at the Bacolod Public Plaza yesterday.

About 1,500 marched in the streets of Bacolod City yesterday to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the International Human Rights day. The farmers, government employees, service workers, youth, and members of progressive organizations who joined the march asked the government to immediately stop and address the problems of human rights violations.

Fred Caña, secretary general of Karapatan-Negros, said he was dismayed by the statement of Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, that there is zero human rights violations in Negros by the Army. He said Lactao is deceiving the Negrenses when many leaders of progressive organizations have been victims of trumped-up charges and were arrested without due process.

Because of the rampant filing of trumped-up charges, they and the National Union of People’s Lawyers filed a complaint before the Supreme Court last month questioning the judges and fiscals issuing warrants of arrest and orders without due process and proper investigation, Caña also said. Greg Ratin, chairman of BagongAlyansangMakabayan, said they want President Benigno Aquino III to have concrete answers to the call of the people to stop human rights violations. Ratin also gave the judiciary in Negros a rating of 3, claiming that judges and fiscals handling human rights cases were deemed to be biased, especially if the persons involved are leaders of progressive organizations.

At the rally yesterday, Philip Arles, the son of the late Judge Henry Arles who was assassinated in Ilog town in April this year, also supported the call to stop and address the problems of human rights violations.  He said the violations are very rampant in Negros and have been tolerated and supported financially and logistically by people who are in power.

Six members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade were identified as primary suspects in the killing of the judge, that also allegedly involved Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez, his father Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., and Cauayan Vice Mayor Jerry Tabujara. However, they have denied involvement in the crime.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/11/topstory7.htm

Aquino extends military modernization program for 15 years

From InterAksyon (Dec 11): Aquino extends military modernization program for 15 years

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday signed into law the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act extending the program for another 15 years. Republic Act No. 10349 gives the AFP modernization program a budget of P75 million for the first five years. Aquino said the new law will "boost the AFP's capability upgrade program as it shifts from internal to external defense capability." It institutionalizes the defense system of management, which incorporates a collegial and collaborative planning and decision-making process by senior defense and military leaders.

The new law also allows additional funding from public-private partnerships entered into by the Department of Defense as well as multi-year contracts. Aside from this, it exempts from the value added tax and customs duties the sale of weapons, equipment, and ammunition to the AFP. The law exempts from public bidding major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high-powered firearms.

AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos hailed the siging of the law, saying it would "significantly contribute" to the military's development, particularly towards addressing both internal and external security threats. "With this the AFP will be able to push for the acquisition of equipment ... (and) will also provide greater opportunities and enough time for us to finally achieve a minimum credible defense posture which will help us in better fulfilling our mandate to protect the people and the state," Burgos said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50142/aquino-extends-military-modernization-program-for-15-years

Gov’t takes lead in crafting nat’l agenda on human rights

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Gov’t takes lead in crafting nat’l agenda on human rights

The government has set the stage for the crafting of a national agenda on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with the hosting of a multi-sectoral human rights summit in Malacanang on Tuesday. The 2nd National Summit on International Humanitarian Law was organized by the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC), chaired by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., to further strengthen the country’s policies in upholding and protecting human rights, particularly during armed conflict. In a statement read by Deputy Executive Secretary Teofilo S. Pilando Jr. on his behalf, Ochoa said: “We are honored to host this event because it highlights and places great value on strong and productive discourse between government and human rights defenders to identify and collectively resolve critical issues.” “Moreover, it situates human rights and international humanitarian law within the same breadth as the promotion and protection of our people’s overall welfare and well-being, especially in situations of armed conflict,” he added.

According to Ochoa, the Philippine government’s commitment to the IHL further leapt forward under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s administration, citing several key measures and initiatives that it has taken since coming to office. Among these are the ratification of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court in August 2011 and its adoption months later to boost human rights protection in situations of armed conflict; the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2011-2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan: Bayanihan; and the issuance of Administrative Order No. 35, which created an inter-agency committee to probe human rights abuses allegedly committed by state and non-state forces. Other initiatives include the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on October 15, and the signing of the terms of reference that rendered operational the government’s Complaints Monitoring Working Group under the Philippine Government Monitoring Committee to further enhance compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Since the first national summit held in August of 2009, the government has likewise put in place Republic Act No. 9851, which defined and penalized war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.  “Significant as they are, these developments should encourage all of us to revisit the other commitments we made at the first IHL summit some three years ago. These are commitments that deeply relate to our institutional mandates as government instrumentalities, as an independent national human rights institution, as civil society, and as parties to the armed conflicts in the land,” Ochoa said.   “In the end, these commitments – and the challenges that come with them – will be our measure of readiness to craft a National Agenda on International Humanitarian Law that will fuse and further our efforts.” Participants in the human rights national summit, the second since August 2009, include representatives from the government, non-government organizations, civil society groups, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1761355217579

Naval assets deployed to search for missing fishermen

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Naval assets deployed to search for missing fishermen

Vessels and aircraft of the Philippine Navy are deployed to conduct search operations for hundreds of missing fisherman, nearly a week after typhoon Pablo hit a huge area in Southern Mindanao. Captain Robert Empedrad Commander of the Joint Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue, the Philippine Navy has deployed four ships and two islander aircraft for the search of an estimated 300 fishers mostly tuna catchers who remains unaccounted for. Among the vessels are the Patrol Ships BRP Miguel Malvar (PS 19), BRP Iloilo (PS 32) along with patrol crafts BRP Salvador Abcede(PG 114) and BRP Felix Apolinario (PG 395).

Empedrad said that the vessels have covered a wide swath of maritime area as he cited that PS 32 is already patrolling 100 nautical miles from land. The Navy’s two Islander aircraft have conducted four search sorties reaching as far as Indonesian airspace to look for the fishermen. Empedrad said that they have gotten clearance to proceed into Indonesian airspace. Empedrad said that Indonesia has also been helpful in the search with one Indonesian Navy vessel conducting the search within their territorial waters, he said that with clearance from the Indonesian Navy, some Philippine Navy ships will be crossing into Indonesian waters to help look for the missing fishermen who were caught in the huge typhoon.

Another Philippine Navy vessel is also expected to be deployed in the region to reinforce the search and rescue fleet while they are also asking for one more air asset to replace one Navy Islander plane which is due for mandatory check-up. Aside from the Navy, three vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard alongside fishing vessels from General Santos City are assisting in the SAR efforts. So far according to the Philippine Navy figures, as of Dec. 11 they have rescued 13 people and recovered 34 cadavers washed out to sea.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1541355210519

Soldiers activate Task Group Diamond Response

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Soldiers activate Task Group Diamond Response

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division activated the Task Group Diamond Response with its command post at the Division Grandstand on December 3 a day before the typhoon made landfall. All the soldiers at 4ID headquarters were reorganized to act as manpower of the task group to provide disaster response and rescue operation to the affected areas caused by typhoon “Pablo” in the division area of responsibility, particular in Cagayan de Oro City and other nearby cities and municipalities of Misamis Oriental. Lieutenant Colonel Rene R. Cañete headed the Task Group which directly supervised the deployment of disaster response teams to different parts of the city and other nearby cities and municipalities.

To synchronize the efforts of the Division with the city and the province, Captain Christian C. Uy, liaison officer of the Task Group Diamond Response was positioned at the Command Center of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) at the City Tourism Office who relayed the updates on the typhoon upon which deployment were based.

Days before the typhoon, 4ID in coordination with CDRRMC identified critical areas and residents were forced to evacuate to the pre-designated evacuation centers. Among the identified barangays were: Balulang, Carmen, Kauswagan, Macasandig, Nazareth, baraygany 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 7, 18, 23, 25, Isla Cupa, Isla Bugnao, Macabalan, Bulua, Bonbon, Bayabas, Lapasan, Gusa, Cugman, Tablon, Agusan, Puerto, Bugo, FS Catanico, Iponan, Tumpagon, Tuburan, Pigsag-an, Taglimao, Pagalungan, San Simon, Baikingon, Canitoan, Pagatpat, Iponan, and Puntod.

Typhoon Pablo brought heavy rains and winds over Cagayan de Oro City and the whole of Misamis Oriental in the early morning of December 4. Disaster Response Rescue Operation Teams of “TG Diamond Response” were deployed with rubber boats and rescued families trapped by floods at Macasandig, Macanhan and other parts of Cagayan de Oro.

Other teams were also deployed to various floods and landslide-prone areas. One platoon was sent to Barangay Iponan to monitor the rising water level of the river and further gave immediate assistance to the residents trapped by the floods. Another platoon was sent to El Salvador City to provide man power assistance and rescued 61 families trapped by the floods at Zone 1, Barangay Taytay. Other teams rescued the stranded residents at Zone 1, Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City. Other DRRO teams were sent to Valencia City in Bukidnon to augment Division Task Unit “Peacemaker” to provide rescue and retrieval operations to flood survivors.

Major General Nestor A Añonuvo AFP, commander, 4ID said, “As of this time the Task Group Diamond Response is still active and ready to respond as need arises. Your soldiers are here to cater to your needs, we will assist you in any way possible especially during this time that natural calamity hits our area.” “I ordered my troops to be prepared to extend their services to our fellow Filipinos particular to the victims of the typhoon Pablo, rescue operation may have seized but the relief and rehabilitation operation is still on going,” Major General Añonuvo added. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461355210116

Wescom, Ten Moves Foundation dedicate HS classroom in Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Wescom, Ten Moves Foundation dedicate HS classroom in Palawan

The Western Command (Wescom) and Ten Moves Foundation dedicated another pre-fabricated interactive classroom to Bato National High School, Taytay, Palawan recently. As the pre-fabricated interactive classroom was dedicated, Wescom Commander Lt. Gen. Juancho M. Sabban, commended ‘Ten Moves’ for helping the Bayanihang Pampaaralan program, which is aimed to address classroom shortage, a reality.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Sabban thanked the Parents -Teachers Association for actively taking part in the project.  “While government is primarily tasked to provide free and quality education to every Filipino child, Ten Moves reminds us that we are all education stakeholders. And the youth, who ought to be the primary target of initiatives to comprise them as assets in the society, is everybody’s concern,” Lt. Gen. Sabban said.

Ten Moves Representative Angelo Valencia considered the Marines as not only the nation’s force of choice, but also as builders of choice. “The main strategy of Ten Moves is to look for two million Filipinos who will donate ten pesos a day for 10 months. This is about P300 per month or P3,000 for the entire 10 months. If the strategy becomes successful, it will help raise P6 billion, which is enough to build 10,000 classrooms,” states the foundation’s website. According to DepEd-Palawan Schools Division Superintendent Raul M. Marin, the collaboration indeed shows that it takes a village to educate a child.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=721355130617

2 backhoe burned by armed groups in Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): 2 backhoe burned by armed groups in Palawan

Suspected NPA rebels set fire to two backhoe equipment on Sunday in separate incidents in the north and south of Palawan. The first incident occurred Sunday when a small group of armed men burned a backhoe owned by CITI Nickel Mining Corporation in Barangay Punang in Sofronio Española town located some 170 kms south of Puerto Princesa City. After a few hours on the same Sunday in northern Palawan, about 20 armed men set fire to another backhoe in Barangay Pamontolon, Taytay town in the compound of Goldrock Construction Company. A caretaker of the construction company said that 3 men approached him and said that the incident was a warning and a revenge to the company for its “misdeeds”, low pay and often delayed wages to its employees.

In a local radio interview, Col. Antonio Manlapaz, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4 said that they are now conducting investigation and pursuit operation jointly with the local PNP of Taytay. He also asked for the cooperation of the public especially the business community to inform and advise them of any extortion activities so that they can help concerned establishment in securing their property. Meanwhile, Manlapaz assured the public that the incident is no cause for alarm and that they are working doubly hard with the PNP to maintain peace and order in the province.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=711355189396

Rebels, orphans get PhilHealth coverage under new mandate

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11): Rebels, orphans get PhilHealth coverage under new mandate

Under new directions of the state-run health insurance system, all rebel returnees and orphans will be enrolled under PhilHealth coverage, according to Rommel Aranca, Kalinga PhilHealth Field Office chief. He said current mandates from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp say that rebel returnees and orphans who by category belong to the special health insurance target groups will be enrolled under the sponsorship program of PhilHealth. “This is one way of assisting rebel returnees cope from the hardship of starting life anew after rejoining the mainstream society,” Aranca said.

Orphans, on the other hand, can also enjoy the same benefits while under the custody of foster parents. However, he explained that foster parents, even if they are relatives of orphans, have to apply first for formal custody care license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development before orphan PhilHealth enrolment proceeds.

Meanwhile, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Digna Dalutag said a number of former rebels amnestied before and identified under the National Household Targeting System and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps had also been enrolled in PhilHealth. She said they will work closely with PhilHealth to have all rebel returnees and orphans in the province get a coverage.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171355197287

US extends financial assistance to victims of typhoon "Pablo"

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): US extends financial assistance to victims of typhoon "Pablo"

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Lualhati Antonino thanked the United States for extending assistance to the typhoon victims in Davao Oriental and in Compostela Valley. She said the US has always provided aid and support to the Philippines but their “help has become more meaningful given at this time of disaster.”

US Charge’ d’Affaires Brian L. Goldbeck led the team of officials who went to Davao City Monday to announce the additional USD3million aid from the US Agency for International Development Office-US Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/UFDA). He said the US has previously conducted humanitarian assessments to determine where the US can best assist the typhoon-affected areas in Mindanao and Visayas.

The US has previously given USD100,000 to the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and emergency relief commodities, the ambassador said. "However, we realized that the effects of the typhoon were “much more devastating” than they initially thought of that is why the additional support was sent," he said.

Up to five C130 planes landed in Davao City Monday to haul off the relief goods from the US. Three water purification systems were also sent to Davao on Dec. 7 to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in their relief operations efforts. Goldbeck said a team of planning experts, from the Balikatang Planning Conference, who can best make an assessment of the ground situation in disaster areas were also sent to support the relief efforts. “They were immediately asked to set aside the process and shift their focus on the affected regions so they can help expedite the process of providing aid to the people,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479056

President Aquino cites AFP Modernization Act in upholding sovereignty, and defending PHL territorial integrity

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): President Aquino cites AFP Modernization Act in upholding sovereignty, and defending PHL territorial integrity

President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act to equip the armed forces to perform its mandate of upholding the sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times. In his speech at the ceremonial signing of the new AFP Modernization Act otherwise known as Republic Act No.10349 at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, the Chief Executive emphasized the importance of modernizing the armed forces to accelerate the transformation of the Philippines into a truly democratic, stable and progressive nation.

 RA 10349 amends various provisions of RA No. 7898 otherwise known as the AFP Modernization Act. "Taong 1995 nang maisabatas ang Republic Act 7898 o mas kilala sa tawag na AFP Modernization Act. Layon nitong tiyakin na habang umuusad tayo sa mas modernong panahon, hindi napag-iiwanan sa uri ng gamit at armas, at nakakasabay sa antas ng kasanayan ang ating Sandatahang Lakas," the President said. "Subalit makalipas ang labimpitong taon, hindi maikakaila ang malawak na agwat sa pagitan ng mga antigo at pupugak-pugak na kagamitan ng ating kasundaluhan, at sa mga mas makabago’t high-tech na armas ng ibang mga nasyon," he added.

"Nagbago na rin ang mga bantang panseguridad ng ating bansa: Kung dati, labis na nakatutok ang pamahalaan sa pagpigil sa mga rebelde, ngayon, kailangang pagtuunan ng higit na pansin ang kaliwa’t kanang tangka ng mga terorista. Habang bumababa ang bilang ng mga umaanib sa mga grupong komunista, at matapos tayong makapagpanday ng kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), may iba pa ring mga pagsubok na kailangan nating paghandaan, gaya na lamang ng usaping teritoryal na kinakasangkutan rin ng ibang mas malalaking bansa sa rehiyon," the President said.

With the signing of the RA 10349, the AFP can effectively and fully perform its constitutional mandate to uphold the sovereignty and preserve the patrimony of the Republic of the Philippines. The law strengthens the AFP's capability to protect the country's exclusive economic zone from illegal intrusion and exploitation of its resource and secure border areas from smuggling, piracy, drug trafficking, poaching, and other illegal activities.

RA 10349 also strengthens the AFP's capability to help protect the country's natural resources and environment and assist in search and rescue operations during disasters and calamities. "Kaya naman, napapanahon at makabuluhan ang paglalagda natin ng new AFP Modernization Act. Hudyat ito sa pagbubukas ng mas moderno, mas matatag, at mas mapapagkatiwalaang kabanata sa kasaysayan ng Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas," the President said. "Humahakbang tayo pasulong tungo sa isang pambansang tanggulan na may tunay na kakayahan na protektahan ang sambayanan laban sa anumang banta sa ating soberenya’t kaligtasan. Patunay din ito sa dedikasyon ng pamahalaan na itaguyod ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipinong bumubuo ng Sandatahang Lakas," he said.

The new law is a manifestation of the government's unwavering commitment to the AFP. "Kung kayo man ay nagsasaayos ng santambak na papeles sa Camp Aguinaldo; nasa kalagitnaan man kayo ng relief operations sa Compostela Valley; o nakadestino man kayo sa isang liblib na kampo sa Luzon, para sa inyong mga kawal na Pilipino ang new AFP Modernization Act," he said. "Gaya nang binanggit natin sa huling SONA (State of the Nation Address), pitumpu’t limang bilyong piso po ang nakalaang pondo para sa new AFP Modernization Act, na gagamitin para sa susunod na limang taon," he said.  The President urged the Filipinos to remain on the straight and righteous path towards a progressive future. "Samakatuwid, sa paglalagda natin sa new AFP Modernization Act, muli na naman tayong nabibigyan ng dahilan upang ipagdiwang ang pasya ng taumbayan na tahakin ang tuwid na daan at humakbang tungo sa mas makabuluhang kinabukasan," he said.

President Aquino lauded the Department of National Defense, led by Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and the House of Representative and the Senate for their contributions for the passage of the new law. "Tiwala po akong sa mga susunod na buwan, magsisimula nang makita ng sambayanan ang mga kongkretong bunga ng ating mga pagsusumikap, gayundin ang pagtaas ng dangal at moral ng ating buong kasundaluhan," he said.

Also present during the ceremonial signing were Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Senator Panfilo Lacson; Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Edgardo Angara, 2nd District Paranaque Representative Roilo Golez, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief Staff General Jesse Dellosa, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Manuel Mamba, and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma, among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=479090

Gov’t takes lead in crafting nat’l agenda on human rights

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Gov’t takes lead in crafting nat’l agenda on human rights

The government has set the stage for the crafting of a national agenda on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with the hosting of a multi-sectoral human rights summit in Malacanang on Tuesday. The 2nd National Summit on International Humanitarian Law was organized by the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC), chaired by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., to further strengthen the country’s policies in upholding and protecting human rights, particularly during armed conflict.

 In a statement read by Deputy Executive Secretary Teofilo S. Pilando Jr. on his behalf, Ochoa said: “We are honored to host this event because it highlights and places great value on strong and productive discourse between government and human rights defenders to identify and collectively resolve critical issues.” “Moreover, it situates human rights and international humanitarian law within the same breadth as the promotion and protection of our people’s overall welfare and well-being, especially in situations of armed conflict,” he added.  According to Ochoa, the Philippine government’s commitment to the IHL further leapt forward under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s administration, citing several key measures and initiatives that it has taken since coming to office.

Among these are the ratification of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court in August 2011 and its adoption months later to boost human rights protection in situations of armed conflict; the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 2011-2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan: Bayanihan; and the issuance of Administrative Order No. 35, which created an inter-agency committee to probe human rights abuses allegedly committed by state and non-state forces.

Other initiatives include the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on October 15, and the signing of the terms of reference that rendered operational the government’s Complaints Monitoring Working Group under the Philippine Government Monitoring Committee to further enhance compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).  Since the first national summit held in August of 2009, the government has likewise put in place Republic Act No. 9851, which defined and penalized war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

“Significant as they are, these developments should encourage all of us to revisit the other commitments we made at the first IHL summit some three years ago. These are commitments that deeply relate to our institutional mandates as government instrumentalities, as an independent national human rights institution, as civil society, and as parties to the armed conflicts in the land,” Ochoa said. “In the end, these commitments – and the challenges that come with them – will be our measure of readiness to craft a National Agenda on International Humanitarian Law that will fuse and further our efforts.”  Participants in the human rights national summit, the second since August 2009, include representatives from the government, non-government organizations, civil society groups, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=479087

SC orders gov't to explain legality of Bangsamoro framework deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): SC orders gov't to explain legality of Bangsamoro framework deal

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered the government to explain on the petition questioning the legality of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. This was after the SC en banc ruled that the government must file its comment within a period of 10 days. The SC sought to get the explanation of Malacanang as to questions on the legality of the agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The arguments to be presented will serve as the basis for the SC justices whether or not to enjoin the agreement.

 Earlier, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen inhibited himself from handling the petition since he was a former party to the case. Before Leonen was appointed SC Associate Justice, he was the chair of the government negotiating panel in talks with the MILF.

In a 24-page petition for certiorari filed by Atty. Elly Pamatong, president of the International Ministries for Perfect and Party Against Communism and Terrorism, Inc. (IMPPACT, INC.), he asked the SC to declare as unconstitutional the signed agreement. The petitioners, who are also members of IMPPACT, are Rev. Mercidita Redoble and Rev. Vicente Libradores Aquino. The case was raffled off to Leonen who immediately informed the SC that he will inhibit from the case. With this, the petition would be raffled off with a new ponente, or the one tasked to write the decision to the case. The petition accused the Government Peace Panel of allegedly committing grave abuse of discretion when it formulated the Framework Agreement. The petitioners said that the forging of the agreement meant to dissolve the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which was formed via the 1976 Tripoli Agreement. The international treaty, the petitioners said, was recognized by the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

The government has been standing pat on its decision, saying that, the framework would only complement, not disregard, the existing Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA). Then government chief negotiator Leonen had also been expressing confidence that both parties would be able to complete the three annexes of the peace agreement by the end of the year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=479107

Aquino signs into law Revised AFP Modernization Act

From Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Aquino signs into law Revised AFP Modernization Act

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday signed into law the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act extending the program for another 15 years. The President said the new law will "boost the AFP's capability upgrade program as it shifts from internal to external defense capability." "Napapanahon at makabuluhan ang paglalagda natin ng new AFP Modernization Act. Hudyat ito sa pagbubukas ng mas moderno, mas matatag, at mas mapapagkatiwalaang kabanata sa kasaysayan ng Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas," he said. "Humahakbang tayo pasulong tungo sa isang pambansang tanggulan na may tunay na kakayahan na protektahan ang sambayanan laban sa anumang banta sa ating soberenya’t kaligtasan. Patunay din ito sa dedikasyon ng pamahalaan na itaguyod ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipinong bumubuo ng Sandatahang Lakas," he added.

Republic Act No. 10349 amends RA No. 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act. It has a budget of P75 billion for the first five years of implementation subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense (DND) to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management (DSOM). The new law exempts certain major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high-powered firearms from public bidding. It also exempts from value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties the sale and importation of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the AFP which are directly and exclusively used for its projects, undertakings, activities and programs.

RA 10349 also institutionalizes the defense system of management, which incorporates a collegial and collaborative planning and decision-making process by senior defense and military leaders. It also allows additional funding from public-private partnerships entered into by the DND as well as multi-year contracts. "Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga mambabatas, sa mga opisyal ng Department of National Defense, sa pangunguna ni Voltaire Gazmin, gayundin sa mga opisyal ng Sandatahang Lakas na nagtulong-tulong sa pagpapanday ng new AFP Modernization Act. Tiwala po akong sa mga susunod na buwan, magsisimula nang makita ng sambayanan ang mga kongkretong bunga ng ating mga pagsusumikap, gayundin ang pagtaas ng dangal at moral ng ating buong kasundaluhan," the President.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=479023

CPP/NPA: 1 killed, another wounded in a sniping-harassment operation of the NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 10): 1 killed, another wounded in a sniping-harassment operation of the NPA

Jurie Guerrero
Spokesperson
NPA Central Panay (Jose Percival Estocada Command)

A unit of the New People’s Army under the Jose Percival Estocada Jr. Command (JPEC) harassed the 18-man PDT unit of the 61st IB based in Barangay Acuña, Tapaz, Capiz last November 29, 2012. The NPA unit positioned around 4am at an advantage position and conducted the sniping-harassment when a definite target showed himself around 8am. According to the populace, one was killed and was immediately transported out of the area. But in their statement to the media, the military command only admitted that one Pfc Arthur Etiong was wounded.

The PDT detachment is located in a populated area and near civilian houses. The fascists troops intend to use the civilians as a shield against NPA attacks. The red fighters exercised their discipline in firing and ensured that no civilian gets hurt in the assault. This is the second time that this detachment was attacked since May 14, 2012.

After the attack, their force was increased to a 27-man PDT unit to recover the morale of the frightened fascist troops. If we recall, this same PDT unit ran away in fear when a claymore detonated right inside their detachment when they were attacked last May 14 of this same year.
After this action, the NPA then burned the abandoned PDT detachment in Brgy. Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz. The fascist troops were forced to abandon this detachment after they were harassed last September 8, 2012 which left Pfc Macolbacol dead. This military unit is responsible for the killing of 6-year old Rodelyn Aguirre last March 14, 2012.

The tumanduk people are rejoicing in these successive actions of their true army. For them, this is just a start of seeking payment from the lost list of military brutality and violations of human rights. They strongly believe that only through armed struggle can their cry for justice be met.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/1-killed-another-wounded-in-a-sniping-harassment-operation-of-the-npa

CPP: CPP calls on storm victims to rise up against Aquino's mediocre response

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 11): CPP calls on storm victims to rise up against Aquino's mediocre response

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on the hundreds of thousands of victims of recent tropical storm Pablo to rise up in protest against the Aquino regime’s “mediocre and slothful response to the great disaster that has caused resulted in close to a thousand deaths, total destruction of infrastructure and complete displacement of the people’s livelihood.” Among the most devastated areas are the poor agricultural and coastal municipalities of Cateel, New Bataan, and Bagangga. Scores of other towns in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Leyte, the southern part of Negros and other provinces also suffered grave damage. “A great majority of the victims are poor peasants, farm workers, agricultural workers, fishermen and mining workers who have been left without any source of income,” added the CPP.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have no shelter and are suffering from a lack of food supply and other basic commodities and implements. There is almost complete absence of emergency medical care. The nearest health facilities are several hours away. Many of the road systems remain unpassable.” “The Aquino regime has acted indolently in the face of the urgency of the situation. The image of Aquino himself distributing small plastic bags of relief goods is utterly pathetic in the face of the complete destruction of the people’s livelihood.” “People demand much much more from the Aquino regime which continues to rake in billions of pesos of taxes from large-scale mining companies who have plundered the area and caused massive destruction to the environment, leaving the people starkly vulnerable to disasters. More than ten of the biggest mining companies operate in Compostela Valley.”

“The people are utterly dismayed that the Aquino regime is more concerned with controlling looting and imposing price controls when the people are confronted with the more urgent matter of having completely lost their livelihoods, of having no shelter and no means to rebuild their lives.” “In the face of their grave situation, the people denounce the failure of the Aquino regime to carry out immediate and large-scale action to uplift them from disaster.” “The hundreds of thousands of victims of the recent calamity should organize and rise up in protest and collectively assert their demands for immediate relief and long-term economic upliftment.”

“The revolutionary forces, units of the New People’s Army, local Party branches and local mass organizations in the disaster areas should immeditely organize simultaneous cooperative efforts to help each other rebuild homes and resume production as well as launch mass struggles to push their demands for land reform.” “They can carry forward the demand to put under immediate land reform the thousands of hectares of banana plantations in order to use the land to plant food and other crops beneficial to the people.” “At the same time, the people can amplify their demand for the military to put a stop to the Oplan Bayanihan campaign of suppression that has long resulted in killings and widespread violations of human rights in the area and which have caused grave economic hardships on the people.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/cpp-calls-on-storm-victims-to-rise-up-against-aquino-s-mediocre-response