NPA releases military, police captives in ComVal

From the pro-CPP Davao Today (May 11): NPA releases military, police captives in ComVal



COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Philippines – The New People’s Army (NPA) has simultaneously released its Prisoner of wars (POWs) Senior Police Officer 2 Allan Mariquit Pansoy and 71st Infantry Battalion’s Pfc. Jesus Tomas in two separate areas in this province, Saturday afternoon.

Two days ago, the National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao has ordered their release “in response to the humanitarian appeal by the prisoners’ families, representatives from local government units, and peace advocates.”

Pansoy, armed escort of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy, was arrested in a checkpoint mounted by the NPA Guerilla Front 2 last April 28 in Sitio Malamudaw, Maco town.  He was turned over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, local government officials and peace advocacy group Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Tomas was accosted last April 24 in Elizalde village, also in Maco town.  He was turned over to Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who arrived via his private chopper.

The NDF said the arrest of Pansoy “reflected the NPA’s consistent compliance to the people’s defense guidelines banning armed politicians and campaigners in revolutionary territories,” while the arrest of Tomas “demonstrated the NPA’s commitment in exacting revolutionary justice against a fascist AFP unit responsible for killing and wounding of children under the pretext of “legitimate encounter” with the NPA.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/2013/05/11/npa-releases-military-police-captives-in-comval/

GPH-MILF body for Sajahatra Bangsamoro OKs guidelines

From the Business World (May 10): GPH-MILF body for Sajahatra Bangsamoro OKs guidelines

A joint committee of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has agreed on the implementing guidelines of the social welfare package aimed at uplifting health, education and livelihood conditions of Moro communities.

The joint committee met for the first time on Thursday, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene D. Almendras said in a statement, as part of a commitment forged under the Framework Agreement between the government and the MILF.

 

“We are excited, happy that this joint panel is now in place,” Mr. Almendras said.

Under Administrative Order (AO) 37 signed on Feb. 13, the Task Force Bangsamoro Development is responsible for continuing the “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” that was launched in January in Sultan Kudarat, near the main camp of MILF.

 

Sajahatra, which means peace, blessing and prosperity, was a social welfare package that included scholarship programs, cash-for-work project and upgrading of health facilities in the community. The launch was attended by President Benigno S.C. Aquino III himself to show the government’s seriousness in its commitment to end the decades-long conflict in Mindanao.

The coordinating committee agreed on program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, communications, security, and confidentiality arrangements as well as provincial launches of Sajahatra that will begin in June.

The government Task Force on Bangsamoro Development is led by the Office of the Cabinet Secretary in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), among others.

The MILF has been working with the government in identifying areas for intervention, Mr. Almendras said.

“We are here to work together to deliver much needed basic services that our brothers and sisters need,” he added. “This is only the beginning. I know there will be challenges and obstacles.”

Sajahatra was launched as part of the commitment under the Framework Agreement signed in October last year. Among others, it aims to create the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The comprehensive peace pact, however, has yet to be signed by both parties after sorting of details -- the annexes of the Framework Agreement -- took longer than expected.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=GPH-MILF-body-for-Sajahatra-Bangsamoro-OKs-guidelines&id=70042

MILF: GPH, MILF peace panels urged to finish negotiations

From the MILF Web page (May 11): GPH, MILF peace panels urged to finish negotiations



The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) expressed strong frustration over the results of the 37th Exploratory Talks of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in which signing of the power-sharing and wealth-sharing did not take place given the fact that annex on wealth-sharing was  already initialed by the parties last February 27.
  

“The results of that meeting are seen to have shaken the momentum of the entire peace process and smacked the overwhelming hope for peace of the rural people, the UNYPAD in a statement said.

The statement said that one month was given to the principals of both panels to study the document but the GPH peace panel still came back with a change of position.

“Isn’t one month not ample time for the principals to study it and come up with a decision? Why waited for after elections and what its connection? Isn’t it unprincipled and bad attitude to have initialed the document and then suddenly make major alterations? UNYPAD asked.

UNYPAD stressed that the resolution of the Bangsamoro question is the only way to rebuilding the shattered Filipino-Moro relationship, which will put into end bloodlettings in Mindanao, salvage the Philippine shrinking moral image, and get rid of its drowning economy due to the effect of the armed conflict in Mindanao and in the country in general.

It also said that the oppressed and marginalized Bangsamoro and the Filipinos who are not gaining profits out of the conflict in the country have common outcry; i.e., to settle the Bangsamoro question immediately because delaying it further is tantamount to giving space again to bloodshed to take place, and giving chance to peace spoilers, carpetbaggers and unscrupulous individuals or a ruthless clique to sabotage the whole process for their personal gains and lust to rise into power.

“It is seriously wrong to believe that if the government successfully brings the present negotiation into different way it will stall the strife in Mindanao,” it said further.

The UNYPAD called on the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, to be more determined and stand pat in finishing the GPH-MILF peace process the soonest possible time and be not influenced by the ominous plans of unscrupulous individuals to sabotage the peace talks.

It also reiterated its all-out support to the GPH-MILF peace process and called on all sectors of the society to support it so that peace and progress will finally be achieved in the country.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/346-gph-milf-peace-panels-urged-to-finish-negotiations

MILF: Sarangani holds Forum on Responsible Voting and Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro Orientation

From the MILF Website (May 10): Sarangani holds Forum on Responsible Voting and Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro Orientation



More than 600 constituents of Maasim, Sarangani Province attended the Forum on Responsible Voting and Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro Orientation at the Municipal Gymnasium, Maasim, Sarangani Province on April 30, 2013.
  

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Panel Members Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga and Datu Antonio Kinoc and Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel Member Prof. Yasmin Busran-Lao.

The activity, attended by Moro, IPs and Christian settlers, was conducted in a bid to promote responsible voting and educate the public on the importance of the FAB and updates on the GPH-MILF peace negotiations.



Christopher Penales from Family Planning Organization of the Philippines discussed the importance of choosing the right candidate in the upcoming May 13 national and local elections. He also hinted the voters on the good qualities of candidates to vote. Filipino citizens all over the country will elect leaders from the municipal councillors to the senate.

Lao presented and audio-video presentation on the FAB highlighting the salient points of the agreement which include Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, Territory, Basic Rights, Transition and Normalization and the important roles of the third party monitors coming from the international communities.

She said the Transition Commission (TC) was already formed and recently held their maiden en banc session in Manila. TC is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law and recommend amendment to the constitution.

Lao added that the Term of Reference of the third party monitoring team was already done. “The government has also launched the Sajahatra Bangsamoro at Crossing Simuay that will implement economic and social development initiatives for the Bangsamoro communities,” she disclosed.

The government panel member hoped the comprehensive peace pact agreement will be signed soon and that the Bangsamoro Government will be in place by 2016.

In his presentation, Lingga explained that the FAB is the compromise between the incompatible assertions of GPH and MILF, “while the Bangsamoro asserts for self-determination, the government asserts for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“The conflict is between the Bangsamoro People and the Philippine Government,’ he pointed out.

Should the Bangsamoro government be established, replacing the ARMM, he elaborated that, “the relationship with the central government will be asymmetric and the state will have reserve powers while the Bangsamoro will have exclusive powers and there will also be concurrent powers.”

Lingga added that the identity of the Moro people will be Bangsamoro but they will remain Filipino citizens. He said all constituents of the Bangsamoro territory, regardless of ethnicity or belief will enjoy Basic Rights enshrined in the Philippine constitution.

He stressed the Bangsamoro Government will not be exclusive for the MILF and anybody can join the elections.

Kinoc said the rights of the IPs will be respected. He lamented that conflict in Mindanao remains because the government does not want to end it.

Lingga is optimistic that the FAB will realize the Bangsamoro aspiration with the presence of International monitors and the commitment of the parties to implement the agreement before the end of the present administration.

The panellists also answered questions from the audience during the open forum.

The activity was realized with the collaboration of International Monitoring Team-Conflict Prevention Program, Non-Violent Peace Force, and Kalinaw Sarangani Unit-Office of the Governor in partnership with MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and supported by other local committees of MILF, and Municipal Government of Maasim.

The Local Monitoring Teams from Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat and CCCH members were also present.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/345-sarangani-holds-forum-on-responsible-voting-and-framework-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro-orientation

Photo: Army 303rd Infantry Battalion commander Col. Jon Aying

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (May 11): Photo: Army 303rd Infantry Battalion commander Col. Jon Aying



Army 303rd Infantry Battalion commander Col. Jon Aying says they are ready to serve and protect the people especially during the election and to ensure peaceful May 13.* (Owen S. Bayog photo)

http://ndb-online.com/051113/local-news/local-news-army-303rd-infantry-battalion-commander-col-jon-aying

Sajahatra Bangsamoro gets initial budget of P600M

From MindaNews (May 10): Sajahatra Bangsamoro gets initial budget of P600M

The government has initially earmarked P600 million for the implementation of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro (Peace Bangsamoro), Secretary Rene Almendras told reporters on Thursday.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a socio-economic initiative for Moro communities that focuses on education, health and livelihood through scholarship grants, assistance to madaris, issuance of Philhealth cards, basic health care services, livelihood projects and cash for work.

But Almendras, who chairs the government’s Joint Coordination Committee for Sajahatra Bangsamoro, clarified that they have yet to determine the allocation of the fund for every program.

The initiative, he added, is not an exclusive program for Moro communities. “It is an inclusive program. This is not just for one sector but it’s really reaching out others.”

Almendras further explained that once the Bangsamoro government is established, it will cover not just Moro communities but settlers and indigenous peoples as well.

 

“Even if we haven’t fully established this to the basic law, we are already doing the right thing, which is not just for one group but acknowledging the fact that running that autonomous government includes providing services for everyone,” he said.

For his part, Ustadz Muhammad Swaib Yacub, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s JCC for Sajahatra Bangsamoro, said they are glad that they have been given a chance to participate in delivering services to their people.

“We are now working as a partner to reach out the real beneficiaries. So that critics will have nothing to say that we are manipulating the assistance from the government,” Yacub added.

Almendraz cited that one of the components being prioritized now is the allocation for the scholarship grants for incoming college students in June.

The scholarship grants are not just offered exclusively for Moro college students but to Christians and indigenous peoples as well.

“Originally we were just looking at 500 scholars from over a thousand nominees from the MILF and took the exam. But it was increased from 500 to 639,” Almendras disclosed.

He clarified that the scholarship grant is the same as the scholarship program of the Commission on Higher Education. The government has provided a list of courses under the grant, he said.

The only difference is that most of the slots are offered to Moro students, he added.
But Almendras said the MILF has recommended some courses which they think are needed in their respective areas.

“The nice part here is, while you are producing graduates, we agreed that they will be given jobs inside the communities. For example, those who will take up education, when they graduate, they will be brought back to the communities. They will become the teachers of the schools that will be built,” he explained.

Yacub added that they would be giving 50 scholarship grants for Christian settlers and another 50 for indigenous peoples.

The rest would be given to the Moro communities, said Yacub, who is also the executive director of the Bangsamoro Development Authority.

“The scholars will be enrolling in the nearest state universities and colleges,” he said.
Aside from the college scholarship grants, Almendras said they are also discussing 500 scholarship grants under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The JCCs of both panels are in the city for a two-day meeting to iron out plans for the implementation of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

Launched in February, Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a product of the “one-on-one” talks in Malacanang between President Aquino and Murad immediately after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Almendras stressed that the Sajahatra Bangsamoro is not a short-term approach, saying that part of the implementation process is to conduct a needs assessment among the communities in order to identify the appropriate and sustainable livelihood program intervention.

Moreover, he disclosed that the initiative includes the construction of health centers, day care centers and enhancement of madaris.

But Yacub said the initiative does not include salaries for the ustadz who are teaching in the madaris.

“The form of assistance will depend on what they want. Could be infrastructure or anything that need in running the madrasah,” he told MindaNews in a separate interview.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/10/sajahatra-bangsamoro-gets-initial-budget-of-p600m/

Elders step in to patch up Muslim rebels’ rift

From the Manila Standard Today (May 10): Elders step in to patch up Muslim rebels’ rift

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front have opened communication lines in a bid to prevent the tensions in Bgy. Marbel, Matalam, North Cotabato from degenerating into a rido or clan war.

“There is now discussions on the ground among our elders. There is also high-level talks between the leadership of the MILF and MNLF,” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said on Thursday.

“While the situation is now pacified, we have to prevent a rido because an MILF member died in the clash,” Iqbal added.

A dialogue will be held among police and military officials, executives from the Commission on elections, tribal leaders,  elders, representatives from the MILF and MNLF to thresh out the prevailing situation relative to the conduct of Monday’s elections.

North Cotabato Police Senior Supt. Sergio Dimandal, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, confirmed the meeting.

“We will be having an emergency meeting with Comelec officials to thresh out the prevailing problem affecting the holding of elections on Monday,” Dimandal said.

The military said it was also closely monitoring the “precarious” situation in Brgy. Marbel to prevent the MILF from retaliating.

“The situation is now under control and relatively stable, but we want to make sure it does not graduate into a rido,” said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Fighting erupted between the two Muslim rebel groups on Sunday after some MILF commanders pushed through with their peace caravan in the MNLF-dominated area.
But Hermoso said the MILF commanders have already left the area, except for Ali Mashur and his troops who live in Brgy. Marbel.

“There was a directive from the MILF leadership for the other units to pull out and they complied,” he said.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer confirmed the pullout, adding that the clash will not impact on the ongoing peace talks with the MILF.

“As of Monday afternoon, the hostilities have already been contained.

The peace process will not be derailed because of this,” Ferrer said in a separate phone interview.

Iqbal also denied the claim of the MNLF that MILF forces were extorting from pineapple farmers in Brgy. Marbel.

“Our members only wanted to do a peace caravan. Hindi lang siguro nagkaintindihan,” Iqbal said.

An MILF commander who asked not to be named accused MNLF commander Dima Ambel of being trigger-happy.

“He is the same MNLF commander who was responsible for past clashes in Carmen and in other neighboring towns in North Cotabato,” the source said.

Hermoso admitted that residents of Brgy. Marbel have yet to return to their houses.

“There are no more clashes, but from time to time there are gun shots being fired,” Hermoso said.

Meanwhile, an MNLF commander warned the MILF to desist from taking provocative actions that may complicate the tense situation in the area.

The MNLF leader said they had taken “defensive positions” but vowed to repulse violently any MILF attacks.

“We will defend ourselves in any worst eventuality,” the commander said.

Another MNLF commander, a certain Bensali, said they have strengthened their positions for any MILF attacks.

“We are ready for any MILF incursions.”

Bensali blamed the MILF for attacking the MNLF community “for no apparent reason”  prompting MNLF forces to retaliate that forced residents to evacuate.

“As of now the fighting had subsided but we are monitoring the situation,” Bensali said.

Dumandal, meanwhile, said they were trying their best to secure the civilians trapped in the standoff.

Bgy. Marbel is bounded by different sitios whose residents are either members of the MILF or the MNLF and their supporters.

The residents depend mostly in sugarcane farming.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/10/elders-step-in-to-patch-up-muslim-rebels-rift/

CPP/NDF: Oppose the US-Aquino Regime’s Localization Scheme to Sabotage the Peace Talks with the NDFP

Posted to the CPP Website (May 10): Oppose the US-Aquino Regime’s Localization Scheme to Sabotage the Peace Talks with the NDFP

Simon Naogsan (Ka Filiw)
Spokesperson
Cordillera People's Democratic Front

Half-way through its term, the US-Aquino regime has bared its true colors and abandoned altogether the national peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to end the four-decade old armed conflict through a negotiated political settlement. While the peace panel of the NDFP has bent backwards several times so that the peace talks can move forward to the next substantive agenda on social and economic reforms towards the remaining two issues, the reactionary Government of the Philippines (GPH) can not even simply honor and implement previously signed agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).The GPH’s only desired outcome for the peace negotiation with the NDFP is not the resolution of the armed conflict but rather the capitulation of the revolutionary armed units.

 For the nth time and immediately after its official declaration of shutting the door for peace negotiations, the GPH has again shifted its psy-war machinations to calling for localized peace negotiations. Failing in its sinister scheme to achieve the capitulation of the NDFP and its allied organizations, and realizing that it cannot achieve a semblance of stability through a bilateral ceasefire before the May 13 elections, or even before the annual State of the Nation Address, the Aquino regime has sought desperately to project political stability by presenting a facade of local peace talks.

Malacañang and the Department of Interior and Local Government trumpets the same failed formula undertaken over two decades ago that seeks to sabotage national peace negotiations by attempting to split the ranks of the revolutionaries, spread innuendos and deceive the general public and the broad masses. Then and now, Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process relegated the stalled national level peace talks to the freezer and attempted to initiate “dialogue” with non-existent or fake local revolutionaries by introducing the murky concept of “peace zones”.

Malacañang, like before, will eventually find itself talking only to itself, as its withdrawal from the national level peace negotiations only exposes its duplicity and reactionary character.

 The Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (CPDF), acting as NDF-Cordillera, asserts the following:

 1. That it is one with the CPP-NPA-NDFP in supporting the national level peace talks and reject any local peace talks with any of its allied revolutionary organization;

 2. That the national level peace talks must address the root causes of the armed conflict in order to achieve genuine and lasting peace;

 3. That it condemns the divisive tactics of the GPH and the resulting abandonment of the national level peace process for a political settlement of the armed conflict.

 The CPDF reiterates its call for all the national minorities throughout the land to persevere and accelerate the mass struggle to defend ancestral land, livelihood, rights and resources, and all-roundedly mobilize its ranks to advance the people’s war towards a higher stage of struggle until final victory where genuine and lasting peace, freedom, democracy and justice prevail.

 Rebolusyon kayet!#

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130510_oppose-the-us-aquino-regime-s-localization-scheme-to-sabotage-the-peace-talks-with-the-ndfp

CPP/NPA: 17th IB suffers early punishment in Kalinga; 5ID spokesperson and 17th IB lied to save face

Posted to the CPP Website (May 10): 17th IB suffers early punishment in Kalinga; 5ID spokesperson and 17th IB lied to save face

Tipon Gil-ayab
Spokesperson
NPA Kalinga Provincial Operations Command (Lejo Cawilan Command)

The newly-transferred 17th IB was ambushed by a unit of NPA-Kalinga on the evening of May 8, 2013. Initial field reports received by the Lejo Cawilan Command indicate that the incident took place at the roadside of Sitio Patiking, Bagumbayan, Tabuk, when Red Fighters fired upon a lone army vehicle. Two (2) soldiers were killed, six (6) were wounded, and the NPA unit carted away 1 M16 rifle, along with other logistics. The Philippine Army unit included an Intelligence Officer of the 5ID, who were among those killed.

Philippine Army units in Kalinga were dispatched in areas believed to be strongholds of the NPA, as part of the Aquino Government’s campaign to malign and defeat legal and progressive party lists, in clear violation of COMELEC guidelines. These Philippine Army units have been destroying campaign paraphernalia of these partylists, and are posting materials against the same. As always, the AFP makes a mockery of supposed democratic processes. Since May 4, Philippine Army units were deployed in Lubuagan; and since May 8 in barangays Balantoy, Poblacion, and Mabaca of Balbalan; Asibanglan, Pinukpuk; Guinaang and Bagtayan, Pasil, among others.

5ID Spokesperson Col. Magundayao is a big liar, claiming that the ambush took place on the morning of May 9, 2013, and that the army unit was part of a convoy of PNP and COMELEC delegation, dispatched to deliver PCOS machines in Lubuagan. The AFP is covering-up a tactical error, and is using the May 13 elections to villify the NPA, depicting the real people’s army as “enemies of democracy”. Malacanang was quick to believe it’s running dogs in the AFP, and condemned the NPA declaring, as always, that they “will pursue and punish the perpetrators.” The 17th IB is also spreading lies in Kalinga that the ambush was planned by progressive partylists, and a vice-gubernatorial candidate.

Philippine Army units have long been conducting special operations team-type (SOT) internal security operations (ISO), now called “Peace and Development Team” (PDT) operations, under Oplan Bayanihan. The AFP claims that troops involved in these operations are non-combatants, claiming that they only implement projects; but in fact, these PDTs are deodorized SOT units, implementing triad operations that include combat, intelligence and civil-military components, and as such, are regular targets of all NPA units. These PDTs have long been violating the International Humanitarian Laws (IHL), Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws (CAHRIHL), and certain provisions of the Indigenous People’s Rights Law. PDTs are based in barangay halls, day care centers, or in houses at the center of the barrio. They use civilian vehicles and force civilians to procure and/or deliver supplies, logistics, and communications.

The NPA will continue to launch tactical offensives against the AFP and PNP, the primary instruments of the Aquino Regime in mocking so-called democratic processes such as elections, the main culprits in perpetrating human rights violations, and the security forces of big business interests in the province such as corporate mining, and geothermal and hydro-electric projects. We will intensify attacks because of the Aquino Regime’s junking of the peace talks between the NDFP and the GPH. And surely, the NPA, along with the entire revolutionary movement and the broad Filipino masses, will deafeat Oplan Bayanihan, and carry forward the national democratic revolution to strategic stalemate until final victory!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130510_17th-ib-suffers-early-punishment-in-kalinga-5id-spokesperson-and-17th-ib-lied-to-save-face

Coast Guard admits killing Taiwanese fisherman, claims self-defense

From InterAksyon (May 10): Coast Guard admits killing Taiwanese fisherman, claims self-defense



Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chief Atty. Asis Perez points to the exact location where the Coast Guard intercepted 4 Taiwanese fishing vessels at 43 NM East of Balintang Island, Luzon Strait. A Taiwanese fisherman was killed as the PCG fired warning shots when one of the boats moved to ram the BFAR boat. PHOTO BY PAULO VECINA

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday admitted to shooting at a Taiwanese vessel off Batanes, which led to the death of a 65-year old fishermen. But it stressed its personnel did so in self-defense as the foreign vessel tried to ram the PCG ship.

Nevertheless, PCG Commandant Admiral Rodolfo Isorena vowed a thorough investigation into the incident and has already relieved 11 PCG personnel. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also relieved two of its personnel.

The PCG reported that the BFAR MCS 3001 fired at the Taiwanese fishing vessel Guang Ta Hsin 28 at 164 nautical miles off Balintang Channel 10 a.m. Thursday.

It said the PCG ship was attempting to accost the Guang Ta Hsin 28 and two other Taiwanese vessels. However, the Guang Ta Hsin 28 reportedly headed for the PCG vessel to ram it, prompting its crew to open fire.

The incident led to the death of 65-year old Hung Shih Cheng.

Isorena explained that Coast Guard personnel had just tried to board the fishing vessel but it "maneuvered," evading the Coast Guard ship. This prompted PCG personnel to fire a warning shot, and then fired at the fishing vessel's machinery. The foreign vessel then withdrew from the area.

"We now have information that one of the fishermen died. This incident is very unfortunate,” he added, and said efforts will be exerted to prevent similar occurrences.

Isorena vowed that the Coast Guard will strengthen its presence in the area to prevent intrusion of foreign vessels in Philippine territory.

Earlier, Chinese media reported the incident involved the Philippine Navy.

The Navy denied any involvement and said all vessels of Naval Forces Northern Luzon were in port at Subic or in Sual, Pangasinan.

"The Philippine Navy denies any involvement in, much as we were saddened by, the news about an incident where a Taiwanese fisherman was reportedly shot and the wound led to his death," Navy spokesman on the West Philippine Sea, Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said.

A report run by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, quoted Tsay Tzu-yaw, deputy head of Taiwan's fishery administration, as saying a Philippine military ship opened fire on the fishing boat some 180 nautical miles off Erluanbi, the southernmost tip of Taiwan.

The Xinhua report also said the Filipino ship continued to chase and fire at the fleeing Taiwanese vessel, which sustained heavy damage.

“We strongly protest and condemn that a Philippine government boat attacked our fishing boat and demand the Philippines formally apologize, apprehend the murderer and compensate,” a statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

China also condemned the incident and called it "barbaric."

Asked about the report, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said: "We cannot confirm it. We will check that."

The Philippines and Taiwan, along with Brunei, China and Malaysia, have conflicting claims to parts of the South China Sea.

China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, although Beijing claims the island. The Philippines has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan but maintains economic and cultural links.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61427/coast-guard-admits-killing-taiwanese-fisherman-claims-self-defense

Standoff: MILF rebs won’t leave MNLF area

From the Manila Standard Today (May 9): Standoff: MILF rebs won’t leave MNLF area

Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front forces remained locked in a standoff in Barangay Marbel, Matalam, North Cotabato on Wednesday, triggering fears of a bloody clash which could seriously affect the holding of the mid-term elections in the area.

Military reports said that 4,000 MNLF fighters had surrounded the position of hundreds of the MILF rebels in Barangay Marbel.

The MILF rebels had refused to vacate the MNLF territory since Tuesday despite being told by MNLF rebels to vacate the area.

The incident had already left one person dead in the ensuing firefight and had displaced nearly 3,000 residents in the area.

Commission on Elections officials in North Cotabato is reportedly coordinating with Philippine National Police and military officials on the possible relocation of polling precincts in the area in anticipation of a possible clash between the two Muslim groups.

“Should the MILF forces refuse to withdraw from the MNLF controlled area, fighting could erupt as they are now fully surrounded by heavily armed MNLF fighters,” said MNLF Peace Panel Member Absalom Cerveza.

The MILF forces, together with some government peace advocates entered Brgy. Marbel early morning Tuesday to conduct a peace dialogue among residents in the area as part of a peace caravan for the framework agreement between the government and the MILF.

But the residents, most of whom support the MNLF, ignored the presence of the peace caravan and instead left their homes for fear of harassment.

Fighting between the MILF forces led by commander Hadji Ali Mashur and Datu Demat Pedtamanan and the MNLF group led by Datu Dima Ambel erupted after the MNLF accused the MILF of “pressuring” the residents to join the peace caravan.

Police forces have already been mobilized in Brgy Marbel and parts of Matalam town to secure the residents and prevent the violence from escalating.

Amy 6th Infantry Division Spokesman Colonel Dixon Hermoso said army troopers were also deployed at the outskirts of Brgy Marbel but added that their troops would not interfere in the stand-off.

North Cotabato provincial Police Director Supt. Danilo Peralta said the lack of proper coordination by the MILF and peace advocates had triggered the fighting.

Cerveza said Brgy Marbel town has been turned into a no-man’s land since the residents had already left their homes.

Meanwhile, Cerveza noted that that MNLF Commander Datu Dima Ambel is a tested fighter who was originally a member of the group of 90 also known as “black shirts” who figured in the Mindanao rebellion in the 70s.

Ambel was also a part of the Mindanao Independent Movement under the command of Untog Matalam, together with former MNLF commanders Jerry Salapuddin, Alonto and several others, Cerveza added.

“Datu Dima Ambel belongs to the council of 15 under self proclaimed MNLF chieftain Muslimin Sema, but he also has good relations with MNLF commanders,” he said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/09/standoff-milf-rebs-wont-leave-mnlf-area/

Army, rebels clash in Gingoog

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (May 9): Army, rebels clash in Gingoog

MARINES securing the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines encountered members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Samay in Gingoog City on Thursday morning.

Major Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division (4th IB) of the Philippine Army, said the marines encountered the NPA rebels while they were on foot patrol coming in from behind the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) for Barangay Samay.

Bongosia said the NPA withdrew after the encounter, but it left one marine wounded.
Bongosia said the marines are now securing the perimeter of the polling centers in the hinterland barangays of Gingoog City, while another troops are pursuing the fleeing rebels.

Bongosia added the 500 marines coming from the Marine Landing Battalion 3 have secured remote barangays in Misamis Oriental, Gingoog City, and Agusan provinces.

Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) also encountered rebels in Barangay Sigundanon in Kitaotao town on Thursday morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Romualdo Landingan, commanding officer of the 8th IB, said the army was securing the route for the BEIs leading toward Sigundahon when they soldiers clashed with the NPA rebels.

Landingan said the rebels were spotted by the army and an encounter ensued. The firefight lasted for several minutes before the rebels withdrew.

Landingan added that at the time of the encounter, the BEIs, PCOS machines and election paraphernalia were still on their way for distribution to the polling centers in the areas.

“The soldiers were able to clear the area and the BEIs passed safely,” Landingan said.
Landingan added the soldiers are there to ensure the security and protection of the BEIs in polling centers and to guarantee peaceful and fair elections, “where our people are unhampered to exercise their right to vote,” Landingan said.

In Barangay Pagan in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, soldiers who were patrolling in the area clashed with about 20 rebels. The firefight lasted for five minutes, but there was no casualty or injured from both sides in the encounter, Bongosia told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Bongosia said the encounter resulted to the delay in the delivery of PCOS machines intended for three villages in Pagan, Kulaman, and Sigundanon.

The army advised the police of delay of the delivery of the machines until the areas were secured and no single NPA member is sighted.

Bongosia said the encounter could possibly be considered as election-related violence since the army has received reports that the rebels intend to disturb the delivery of the PCOS machines.

“This could be considered as election-related since the NPAs would want to create trouble to disrupt the upcoming elections,” he said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/05/10/army-rebels-clash-gingoog-281713

NPAs clash with Marines escorting teachers carrying PCOS machines in Gingoog

From MindaNews (May 9): NPAs clash with Marines escorting teachers carrying PCOS machines in Gingoog

Suspected communist rebels clashed today with a team of Philippine Marines escorting a group of teachers carrying precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines in a hinterland village just two kilometers away from where Mayor Ruthie Guingona was ambushed recently in Gingoog City, the military said.

Meanwhile, in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, an Army team that went ahead of the teachers carrying several PCOS machines engaged suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a 15-minute firefight in Barangay Pagan also Thursday morning.

Maj. Leo Bongosia, public information officer of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the two incidents came as the 4ID prepares for providing the security of teachers who will be manning the polling places on election day on Monday.

“Our troops were doing their election duties in bringing the BEIs (board of election inspectors) and PCOS machines to their respective polling places when these incidents happened,” he said.

Bongosia said the Gingoog clash took place in Barangay Samay. “The rebels just allowed the BEIs and teachers to pass before they engaged the Marines, who were right behind,” Bongosia said.

 

Barangay Samay is located just two kilometers from Barangay Capitulangan, where Mayor Guingona’s party was ambushed last April 20. Two of her aides died in the ambush.

The ambush of the mayor, wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, prompted President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to deploy a battalion of the elite Philippine Marines in Gingoog to run after the NPA rebels.

In the Kitaotao clash, Bongosia said no one was hurt but because of the incident, the PCOS machines were not delivered to Barangay Pagan.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/09/npas-clash-with-marines-escorting-teachers-carrying-pcos-machines-in-gingoog/

Military said ‘abducted’ rural worker is a ranking NPA

From Malaya (May 10): Military said ‘abducted’ rural worker is a ranking NPA
 
THE commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Mindanao yesterday denied claims by Karapatan that 60-year-old Estelita Tacalan, a community organizer and health worker, was abducted by government forces.

Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya criticized Karapatan for blaming him and the military.
“There is no truth to pronouncements that she was abducted and that I was the one who ordered the abduction…They (Karapatan) should not just make an accusation, they have to find out first (the circumstances), they can always ask the PNP,” he said.

Visaya said Tacalan alias “Elsa Rentong” and “Nanay Neneng,” is the second deputy secretary of the communist movement’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

“She was actually arrested (by) combined military and PNP forces,” said Visaya.

The 4th ID commander said Tacalan was apprehended in Cogon, Cagayan de Oro City by virtue of arrest warrants for murder, frustrated murder and arson.

Karapatan officials said Tacalan, a widow with three children, is a community organizer and health worker of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and Anakpawis party list in Northern Mindanao.

Fr. Christopher Ablon, Karapatan secretary general in the region, said Tacalan was snatched by suspected state agents around 9 a.m. last April 27 in Cagayan de Oro City while on her way to Misamis Oriental.

Karapatan had denounced the appointment of Visaya saying he is a protégé of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, who has been tagged as a human rights violator, and is now a fugitive.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/30673-military-said-abducted-rural-worker-is-a-ranking-npa

NDF orders release of Comval Gov's police escort, 71st IB soldier

Posted to the CPP Website (May 9): NDF orders release of Comval Gov's police escort, 71st IB soldier

Rubi Del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao Chapter

The National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao has ordered the Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command New People’s Army to undertake the release of its two Prisoners of War (POWs) in response to the humanitarian appeal by the prisoners’ families, representatives from the local GPH units, and peace advocates.

To expedite the implementation of this release order of POWs 71st Infantry Battalion member Private First Class Jesus Tomas and Senior Police Officer 2 Allan Mariquit Pansoy, the 10th ID-AFP must reciprocate by immediately effecting a suspension of all offensive military and police operations in Maco, Mabini, Nabunturan, Mawab and Pantukan towns that are being considered by the NPA custodial unit as possible release site.

A SOMO and a SOPO are requisites to ensure the safe and orderly process of the release of the POWs to the ICRC and concerned members of GPH provincial officials and church leaders who shall then turn over the POWs to their respective families.
The NDF reiterates that the NPA will remain in active defense to protect itself from treacherous military operations, as in the case of the NPA’s killing of two soldiers in Kitaotao, Bukidnon yesterday May 8 that attempted to disrupt the release of Prisoner of War Arakan policeman PO3 Maula Tato Ali in North Cotabato.

The GPH SOMO and SOPO in selected areas in Compostela Valley should include the AFP’s combat support and special operations bearing the facade of “peace and development” operations.

If and when the GPH orders a SOMO/SOPO, the POWs custodial unit shall undertake the release procedures after it has verified the AFP and the PNP’s compliance on the ground.

The impending release of the POWs is an act of political authority and gesture of goodwill in direct contrast to the GPH’s recent obstinate and arrogant repudiation of the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.

It is idiotic for Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles to say that the NDF, NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines “should have a clear agenda for ending violence and bringing peace to the people.”

The arrest of POW Police officer Pansoy in an NPA checkpoint, April 28, reflected the NPA’s consistent compliance to the people’s defense guidelines banning armed politicians and campaigners in revolutionary territories. On the other hand, the arrest of POW Army soldier Tomas, April 24, demonstrated the NPA’s commitment in exacting revolutionary justice against a fascist AFP unit responsible for killing and wounding of children under the pretext of “legitimate encounter” with the NPA. The NDF had also suspended criminal proceedings against Tomas even as it remains committed to pursue revolutionary justice for slain peasant child Roque Antivo.

Both arrests of the POW and now with the forthcoming unconditional release of these two members of the AFP/PNP are acts that were clearly committed in the interest of civilians, forge peace and order in guerrilla bases and guerrilla zones, and tackle the issue of justice and retribution.

For Deles to say that the peace process requires the cessation of hostilities is merely to echo the rotten line peddled by her predecessors and the GPH itself. The NPA’s punitive actions, tactical offensives and special operations bring justice in a society ruled with injustice. These acts address the roots of the armed conflict and reflect the NDF’s application of the principles and laws of human rights and international humanitarian law in the course of the country’s long-running civil war.

It is Deles who is in a “disconnect” to the very issues that the peace process seek to address to. By “advising” to abandon negotiations at the national level and by absurdly campaigning for a “new approach” through “localized peace process,” Deles has shown that indeed, she is very much disconnected with the aspirations of ordinary Filipinos: an escape from the clutches of fascism, exploitation and oppression of the ruling system.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130509_ndf-orders-release-of-comval-gov-s-police-escort-71st-ib-soldier