Marine killed in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

From InterAksyon (Nov 20): Marine killed in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf



A Marine was killed in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu Tuesday afternoon.

Captain Ryan Lacuesta, 2nd Marine Brigade civil-military operations officer, said the clash broke out around 1:40 p.m. when troops of 26 Marine Company pursuing gunmen who kidnapped Sulu provincial treasurer Jesus Cabelin Monday ran into some 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters led by sub-commanders Asman and Hatib Sawajaan.

The gunmen, who reportedly incurred undetermined casualties, retreated after the hour-long firefight.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75215/marine-killed-in-sulu-clash-with-abu-sayyaf

Condemn destruction of farms, attacks against peasants in Luisita during height of Yolanda tragedy—CPP

From the CPP Website (Nov 19): Condemn destruction of farms, attacks against peasants in Luisita during height of Yolanda tragedy—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the Aquino regime and the Aquino-Cojuangco landlord clan for destroying several hectares of land planted with fruit trees and vegetables in the collective farms being cultivated by peasant masses in Hacienda Luisita.

“The Aquino-Cojuangco clan, through the Tarlac Development Corporation (Tadeco) and Hacienda Luisita Inc., with the support and protection of the police forces of the Aquino regime had the bungkalan areas destroyed using bulldozers manned by armed guards last November 12, at the height of the tragedy wrought by supertyphoon Yolanda in the Visayas” said the CPP, citing field reports.

“While all of the Filipino people’s attention was geared towards extending assistance to the victims of the Yolanda tragedy, the Aquino-Cojuangcos were insiduously carrying out their plan to drive away the several hundred peasant workers from the land they have long been cultivating,” said the CPP.

“According to reports of local residents, the Aquino-Cojuangco clan ordered the uprooting of trees and crops in the 880-hectare land within the scope of Barangay Balete and Barangay Cutcut,” said the CPP. Tadeco has also filed trumped-up charges of trespassing against at least 80 peasant workers in the area.

“The day after, at least 60 armed goons of Tadeco demolished the homes and other structures built by the peasant masses in the area, causing injuries to peasant leader Florida Sibayan, her siblings and their 76-year old mother, when they were violently shoved by the armed goons,” pointed out the CPP. “Aquino’s national police force were behind the Tadeco armed goons all the while they were attacking the peasant workers.”

The peasants of Hacienda Luisita have long been asserting ownership of the 4,500-hectare sugar estate. In 2005, members of the Alyansa ng mga Mabubukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala or Peasant Alliance in Hacienda Luisita) started to collectively cultivate several hundred hectares of land to grow fruit trees and vegetables for their own consumption and to supply the market.

Despite successive land reform laws, Hacienda Luisita has largely remained under the control of the Aquino-Cojuangco landlord clan. The current Philippine reactionary president, Benigno Aquino III, is a scion of the Aquino-Cojuangcos.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131119_condemn-destruction-of-farms-attacks-against-peasants-in-luisita-during-height-of-yolanda-tragedy-cpp

Suspected Sayyafs raid Malaysian resort

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 19): Suspected Sayyafs raid Malaysian resort

Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels shot dead a Taiwanese tourist and seized his wife in a daring cross-border raid into the Malaysian state of Sabah near the Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi.

Malaysian media reported that gunmen raided the island resort of Pom Pom off Semporna town and shot Hsu Li Min, 57, and dragged his wife Chang An Wei, 58, into a waiting boat and fled before security forces could arrive. The raid occurred before dawn on November 15, Malaysia’s online newspaper The Star reported.

It said policemen recovered four bullet casings in room occupied by the Taiwanese couple who was due to leave on November 19. The fate of the woman is still unknown and gunmen have not demanded any ransom from the victim’s family or contacted the resort owner.

“Based on their modus operandi, we believe that there is a link with the Abu Sayyaf group. The initial information we have is that they came in a small group of eight,” said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar in another report by The Star.

Police are also investigating the possible involvement of locals in planning the raid. The gunmen had been to have fled towards Pulau Mataking near Tawi-Tawi.

The Abu Sayyaf has previously raided resorts in Sabah several times over the past decade and kidnapped dozens of Malaysians and foreigners and exchanged them for ransom money which is used to purchase weapons and fund terror attacks in the Philippines.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/suspected-sayyaf-raid-malaysian-resort.html

Army militia shot in Zamboanga town

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 20): Army militia shot in Zamboanga town

Suspected communist rebels shot a pro-government militia inside his store in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, police said Wednesday.

Police said four gunmen attacked and wounded the 49-year old Alfredo Montillano Sr. in the village of Maragang in Tigbao town. The attackers, who were believed to be members of the New People’s Army, escaped after the shooting.

Montillano, who is under the 5th Infantry Battalion, was rushed to hospital, but police did not say his condition.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and the NPA did not say whether it was responsible in the shooting. The NPA has been waging a secessionist war for many decades now.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/army-militia-shot-in-zamboanga-town.html

31st MEU assesses remote sites with Osprey, delivers help

From DVIDS (Nov 19): 31st MEU assesses remote sites with Osprey, delivers help



Col. John E. Merna, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, assists Angel Pana, of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in talking with local leadership and checking the needs of a small village destroyed in Typhoon Haiyan. A bilateral assessment team, composed of U.S. Marines, Philippine DSWD, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, landed in an MV-22B Osprey to determine needs and deliver relief to remote areas in and near Leyte to assess the needs of people isolated by the storm. U.S. military assets have delivered relief supplies provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development since the start of Operation Damayan, in support of the Government of the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

LEYTE, Philippines - A bilateral assessment team traveled to remote areas in and near Leyte using an MV-22B tiltrotor Osprey aircraft to assess the needs of people isolated by Typhoon Haiyan Nov. 18, as part of Operation Damayan.  

U.S. Marine Col. John Merna, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and other U.S. Marines, assisted Angel Pana, of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in checking the needs of three small villages, which were destroyed in the storm.

During the assessment, the team also delivered U.S. Agency for International Development relief supplies.

Elements of the 31st MEU, traveling aboard USS Germantown and USS Ashland, are expected to arrive in a day or so.

The 31st MEU brings approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors to add to the relief efforts in support of the government of the Philippines response to the massive typhoon, which has affected more than 4 million people.

“The assessment team determined requirements for food, water and medical support, basic needs that the 31st MEU, in coordination with USAID and in support of the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government, might be able to assist with,” said Merna. “The team was able to travel quickly to these remote areas because of the speed of the MV-22 Osprey when compared to traditional helicopters.”

The 31st MEU last assisted with a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in 2011, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

The team traveled to Casuguran, on Homonhon Island; Buena Vista, on Mamicami Island; and Pandan, Burawen, on Leyte Island.

At each site, the bilateral team met with local leadership to record needs, take requests, and determine emergent medical requirements.

“The aid is quickly getting to these people in need due to the speed and range of the Osprey,” said Pana. “Most of the remote areas are now being reached through our united efforts.”

Midway through the assessment flight, the Osprey refueled aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. Operation Damayan is the first event where Ospreys have landed on the ship.

The MEU will supplement the ongoing efforts of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as part of Joint Task Force-505, operating in support of the Government of the Philippines in coordination with USAID.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116983/31st-meu-assesses-remote-sites-with-osprey-delivers-help#.UowXmo4o4cA

AFP, US service members evacuate injured people in wake of Haiyan

From DVIDS (Nov 19): AFP, US service members evacuate injured people in wake of Haiyan



Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. service members and medical personnel from Makati Medical Center transport an injured person from a KC-130J Super Hercules Nov. 18 at Villamor Air Base. Since Typhoon Haiyan made landfall, militaries and volunteers from across the world have been assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Government of the Philippines evacuate people looking to depart the disaster area. The role of U.S. military forces during any foreign humanitarian assistance event is to rapidly respond with support to help mitigate human suffering and prevent further loss of life and mitigate greater property damage. The Navy-Marine Corps team has a successful history of working with international relief organizations and host nations to respond to those people affected by natural disasters. The U.S. service members are assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Combined Joint Task Force 505.

The Republic of the Philippines was struck by Typhoon Haiyan Nov. 7, bringing with it some of the most damaging winds and rain in recorded history. The storm impacted millions of people, and left hundreds of thousands homeless in desperate need of assistance.

Since the storm struck, militaries and volunteers from across the world have assisted the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Government of the Philippines to evacuate homeless citizens looking to travel to safety.

The role of U.S. military forces during any foreign humanitarian assistance event is to rapidly respond with support to help mitigate human suffering and prevent further loss of life and mitigate greater property damage. The first stop for the majority of people being evacuated by Marine aircraft during Operation Damayan is Villamor Air Base in the capital city of Manila.

Yet the journey to safety and peace of mind may not end when they arrive at Villamor. Upon arrival, evacuees are triaged to determine their health status and care needs.

Medical staff with the AFP, U.S. Navy and countless volunteers process approximately 2,000 evacuees daily at Villamor, according to Lt. Cmdr. Eduardo M. Jimenez, the medical planner for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, currently in support of Joint Task Force 505.

“Casualty evacuations are part of the most important thing in any type of mission,” said Jimenez, who was born in the Philippines.

It takes both the U.S. personnel and AFP working together to ensure everyone who needs medical attention receives the appropriate care.

The AFP assists people who needed medical attention to the ambulance if necessary and the U.S. service members provided any needed support, according to Jimenez.

“We had multiple (injured people) coming in today, and I was out on the flight line coordinating to get the ambulances to the aircraft,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jay Elliott, the operations chief for 3rd MEB and native of Bellows Falls, Vt.

The crew chief of the ambulance gave one of the injured persons his cell phone so he could call his wife and arrange plans to link up with her after she arrived on a later flight, according to Elliott.

“There have been six different times I have carried people out of planes since arriving here,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher E. Pring, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, assigned to 3rd MEB, currently in support of JTF-505. “I have never been able to help this many people before, and after doing it for the first time, it has been a humbling experience. The ability to see someone smile when you smile, it feels amazing,” said Pring, a native of Tacoma, Wash.

Members of the AFP greatly appreciate the assistance the international community is providing to their country.

“The Marines are able to help us transport all of the people who are in need here,” said Pvt. Lanaque R. Damilo, a security guard with the 1305th Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command, 501st Battalion, 15th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

Working alongside the AFP has also had a significant positive impact on the Marines involved in Operation Damayan.

“Some of the people who come through here have lost everything they have ever known to the typhoon and they come out of the planes with a smile on their face because they are happy to see us willing to help,” said Pring. “I know they would do the same thing for me, and that right there makes it all worth it.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116987/afp-us-service-members-evacuate-injured-people-wake-haiyan#.UowWXY4o4cA

Carpenter-soldiers sent to Leyte

From Tempo (Nov 19): Carpenter-soldiers sent to Leyte



The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has sent one battalion of soldiers to help in the reconstruction and repair of ruined houses typhoon-devastated areas in the Visayas.

Captain Alberto Caber, Eastmincom information chief, said the soldiers under the Joint Task Force Tambayayong (JTFT II) came from the Army’s 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions.

They were deployed along with the Naval forces in eastern Mindanao, soldiers from the Engineering Units, and medical volunteer from Kiwanis International Divisions 7 and 8.

This time, the battle-tested soldiers were called as carpenters who would help in rehabilitation and reconstruction of structures in communities badly hit by super typhoon “Yolanda,” Caber said.

These soldiers, he added, had once been in the frontline of the rehabilitation and repair of more than 700 houses, government facilities, schools and churches in the typhoon-stricken areas in Davao provinces.

These soldiers are armed, not with guns and bullets, but with hammers, crew bars, saws and other light construction equipment, Caber said.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/11/carpenter-soldiers-sent-to-leyte/#.UowV044o4cA

Marines contribute to Operation Damayan with expeditionary refueling point

From DVIDS (Nov 18): Marines contribute to Operation Damayan with expeditionary refueling point


U.S. Marines prepare to refuel a KC-130J Super Hercules at the forward arming and refueling point Nov. 18 at Guiuan, Republic of the Philippines, in support of Operation Damayan. The FARP is an expeditionary refueling station, allowing aircraft a location to refuel locally. The capability allows the aircraft to carry more supplies and evacuate more people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Due to relief efforts, more than 1,200 tons of relief supplies have been delivered and more than 10,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas. The Marines are with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, currently assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Joint Task Force 505.

GUIUAN, Philippines - Marines established a forward .... refueling point in Guiuan, Republic of the Philippines, Nov. 16 to support ongoing relief efforts taking place during Operation Damayan.

Guiuan was heavily impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. Due to the city’s remote location, aircraft refuel there to facilitate the quick delivery of relief supplies and workers to Guiuan and other rural locations.

 The U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines have delivered more than 1,200 tons of relief supplies and evacuated more than 10,000 people throughout the affected area. With the FARP in place, the process will be more efficient.

The expeditionary refueling station provides a location for aircraft to refuel, allowing for the transportation of more supplies and evacuation of more people affected by Typhoon Haiyan, according to U.S. Marine Warrant Officer Daniel Gilyard, the expeditionary airfield emergency services officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, currently assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Joint Task Force 505. Because of the forward location, the aircraft can be refueled closer to where they are needed most.

“It is important to have this system set up in order for the rotor aircraft to fly a full payload from here to the affected areas. It gives them more time here where they are needed instead of flying back and forth between their home station to refuel and the affected area,” said Gilyard.

With large portions of the affected area unreachable by land or sea, the FARP is a critical and unique asset to the relief effort, allowing aircraft to shuttle supplies around the clock, according to U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Colby Heabner, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-172.

“Our mission here at the FARP is to keep the aircraft coming in,” said Heabner. “Today we had about 13,000 gallons of fuel and refueled about 15 to 20 aircraft. The FARP itself only took us about six hours to set up.”

Haiyan impacted more than 4.2 million people from across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The role of the U.S. military forces during any foreign humanitarian assistance event is to rapidly respond with support to help mitigate human suffering, prevent further loss of life, and mitigate great property damage.

“The key to this situation is teamwork,” said Gilyard. “It is impossible to describe the kind of damage and devastation that has occurred in this country. It takes your breath away and makes you step back and think. It makes you want to be right beside those people who are pushing out there to help.”

Army to conduct medical, dental mission in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 19): Army to conduct medical, dental mission in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya

The Philippine Army will be conducting a medical and dental mission in the upland village of Kasibu town tomorrow to bring government services closer to the people.

Lt. Colonel Eugene Mata, commanding officer of the army’s  3rd Infantry Batallion based in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, said the medical and dental mission in barangay Pao in Kasibu town  is in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan called ‘Bayanihan’ Campaign.

‘Bayanihan’ campaign is a process of making and rendering  simple basic services which will have significant value to the community residents .

“This activity will consist of medical and dental services including blood letting and other support  activities for community development in collaboration with various government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders,” Mata explained.

He said the medical and dental mission is needed by the upland residents in barangay Pao where most villagers are members of indigenous peoples.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=491384823348

Military: Abu Sayyaf behind Sulu treasurer’s abduction

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 19): Military: Abu Sayyaf behind Sulu treasurer’s abduction



Authorities said the Abu Sayyaf was behind Monday’s disappearance of Sulu provincial treasurer Jesus Cabelin but were still uncertain as to the motive of the abduction.

“He was taken allegedly by the group of Julli Ikit and Ninok Sappari,” Brig. Gen. Jose Johriel Cenabre, Task Force Sulu commander said.

Sappari is considered as among the notorious Abu Sayyaf members and has been linked to several incidents of abduction in the island-province, including the March 2012 disappearance of Indian national Viju Kolara Veetil and six health workers of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The victims were later freed after ransom had been allegedly paid.

Cenabre said Cabelin was inside his quarters at the Sulu provincial capitol in Barangay (village) Bangkal in Patikul town when the suspects barged in around 6:45 p.m. They dragged him into a waiting vehicle.

Cenabre said responding policemen had caught up with the abductors and engaged them in a firefight but that the suspects managed to flee toward Barangay (village) Danag, also in Patikul, aboard a Tamaraw jeep.

The Sulu police said a pursuit operation was immediately launched and now also involves members of the Jolo Internal Defense Force and Marine soldiers.

 

Cabelin was the fourth kidnap victim in violence-prone Sulu since Oct. 22, when hardware store owner John Archie Hablo Jr. was also snatched.

 

Hablo was forcibly taken by seven armed men as he was going home to Patikul from his store in Jolo town.

 

On Nov. 5, two workers for a telecommunications project of Globe Telecoms were also abducted by armed men in Patikul.

 

Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s corporate communication head, said the two victims were technical staff of QTel, a Globe contractor.

 

The Abu Sayyaf, a ragtag band of self-styled Islamists has become notorious for its kidnapping activities.

 

When in the past it has targeted foreigners, the group now targets mostly locals.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/530039/abu-sayyaf-behind-abduction-of-sulu-treasurer-jesus-cabelin-military

NPA rebels see imperialist motives in US assistance to Yolanda victims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 18): NPA rebels see imperialist motives in US assistance to Yolanda victims
Where hungry, desperate typhoon survivors see benefactors, communists see an insidious ploy by Uncle Sam to plant his troops here.

The Communist Party of the Philippines is sounding an alarm against the deployment of its perennial enemy, the United States, of soldiers and nuclear-powered warships to deliver food and other relief goods to the Visayas, which super typhoon Yolanda battered over a week ago.

In a statement, the CPP said the US was exploiting the Philippines’ vulnerability in the wake of the calamity to further its plan to increase its military presence here.

“The US government is engaged in disaster interventionism, exploiting the supine state of the Philippines after it was struck by super typhoon Yolanda, in order to justify its deployment of armed, nuclear-powered and interventionist military warships and armed troops in the Philippines,” it said.

“The CPP and the Filipino people denounce the Aquino government for shamelessly welcoming the US military troops with open arms,” it added

But Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, whose congressional district includes the heavily damaged Guiuan town, said this was not the time for politics.

 

“Given the magnitude of the problems, the relief distribution could have not improved substantially without our allies. Let us set aside political considerations in these trying times,” Evardone said when he was sought for comment Monday.

 

Evardone acknowledged that the American soldiers were among those who provided invaluable aid to the survivors.

 

“From what I personally saw in Eastern Samar, the efforts and support of the US military and the Australian Royal Air Force were a big help in the distribution of relief goods,” he said.

 

The US was among the many countries that sent food, medicines and personnel to the Philippines in the aftermath of the super typhoon, which killed hundreds and flattened entire communities. It also deployed warships and flew mercy flights to deliver relief goods to devastated provinces, some of which were rendered inaccessible by the heavy volume of debris blocking provincial roads.

 

The CPP, citing media reports, noted that the US had deployed six warships to the Philippines, including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington that has 80 jet fighters, plus war helicopters and 5,000 soldiers. Joining the carrier are the cruisers USS Antietam, USS Cowpens, USS Mustin, USS Lasses and the USS Charles Drew.

 

The communist group also noted that US armed personnel and equipment were in Manila and other parts of the country, which to it indicate that US troops continue to be in the capital. It said there were reports that American soldiers had taken over the Tacloban airport, and that they were also using the tragedy to access the strategically located Mactan airport and seaport in Cebu.

 

It said the US has long been working to increase its presence in the Asia Pacific.

If the United States’ intention was solely to help, the CPP said, it could have coursed aid through civilian agencies involved in disaster relief.

 

“What the disaster victims need urgently are food, water and medical attention, not US warships bringing in emergency rations to justify their armed presence in Philippine sovereign waters,” it said.

 

“If the US government were really interested in providing assistance to countries who have suffered from calamities, then it should increase its funds to civilian agencies that deal in disaster response and emergency relief, not in fattening its international military forces and taking advantage of the people’s miseries to justify their presence,” it said

It warned that the US has a history of “militarizing” disaster response, saying it had done the same when a massive earthquake struck Haiti three years ago.

 

“The high-handed presence of US armed troops in Haiti has been widely renounced. The US government has since maintained its presence in Haiti,” it said.

 

It said that international support for the Philippines was welcome, but the Filipino people would work to keep the country’s sovereignty.

 

“However, though devastated, the Filipino people have preserved their sense of national dignity and will continue to defend their sovereignty against foreign military interventionism,” it said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/529699/npa-rebels-see-imperialist-motives-in-us-assistance-to-yolanda-victims

BDA SouthMin staff told to start gathering relief goods

From the MILF Website (Nov 19): BDA SouthMin staff told to start gathering relief goods



The head of Bangsamoro Development Agency-Southern Mindanao (BDA SouthMin) Regional Management Office told his staff to start gathering relief items prior to the coming of whatever disaster.
  

Mohalikin D. Piang, BDA SouthMin Regional Manager related that during their Management Committee Meeting, held in Cotabato City, BDA Executive Director Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob reminded them to be always ready for whatever calamity that may happen in the regions and that the BDA regional staff should have relief goods ready for distribution.

Yacob hinted the six BDA Regional Managers to spearhead in gathering relief goods such as noodles, rice, sardines and any food that may be shared to disasters victim in their respective regions should calamity happens.

Piang told his BDA staff to start contributing some kilogram of rice from their wages. He said the staff may also ask contributions from relatives or friends and stock it at the BDA regional office.

“If ever there are calamities like flooding, fire or earthquake that may happen in our region, we are ready to send our humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Piang related that BDA has just delivered relief goods to three barangays of Zamboanga on November 6-8, 2013 as a help to the victims of the conflict between the government troops and Moro National Liberation Front fighters loyal to founding Chairman Nur Misuari.

The Zamboanga outreach initiative served more than 700 families. Beneficiaries received rice, noodles, sardines and used clothes.

The humanitarian assistance was supported by United Nations High Commission on the Refugees.

Piang reminded the staff that BDA helps anyone in times of disaster be they are IPs, Muslims or Christians. “This is in adherence inclusivity, one of our core values , BDA does not discriminate any group of people.
”
BDA is an agency established in 2001 tasked to determine, lead and manage relief, rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

Various agencies like World Bank and other countries have been extending support to BDA.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/665-bda-southmin-staff-told-to-start-gathering-relief-goods

MNLF: From the Bangsamoro People of Filipino-Colonized Mindanao--An Open Letter to President Benigno S. Aquino III, Secretary Manuel Rozas II, Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco, and Governor Mujib Hataman

Posted to the MNLF Website (Nov 19): From the Bangsamoro People of Filipino-Colonized Mindanao--An Open Letter to President Benigno S. Aquino III, Secretary Manuel Rozas II, Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco, and Governor Mujib Hataman by RRayhanR



PROLOGUE

In Facebook, the OPEN LETTER of one of the few Bangsamoro intellectual icons of Filipino-colonized Mindanao (never mind the famous name) instantly received enthusiastic approval ('likes'). The OPEN LETTER directly addressed two national Filipino colonialist leaders, President Benigno S. Aquino III and DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II and also two Mindanawan political collaborators, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco and ARMM Governor Mujib Hataman. It involved both an inquiry and appeal surrounding the 19-day September AFP-MNLF war in Zamboanga City that resulted in mass killing and massive humanitarian disaster.

Apparently reflecting the collective sentiments and concerns of the oppressed Bangsamoro people of Mindanao under Philippine colonialism, the OPEN LETTER instantaneously elicited corresponding respose from the other well-known intellectual personalities of Filipino-occupied Mindanao, like Dr. Yolanda O. Stern and Dr. Raden Ikbala, among others.

Thus, due to the importance and controversy of the course of events revolving the Philippines-Bangsamoro war in Mindanao that has been ignited again by the present Aquino government, which have chosen military solution rather than peaceful dialogue as mandated by the September 2, 1996 GRP-OIC-MNLF Jakarta Peace Agreement, it is therefore important to let the global stakeholders of Mindanao peace share, read and judge for themselves the OPEN LETTER and spontaneous response. This is now quite possible thanks to the monitoring systems of global media and digital social networks!

ITEM ONE - READING THE SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE

Dr. Yolanda O. Stern, the famous 'daughter of Mindanao' and globally-known peace laureate, has responded to the OPEN LETTER with a short citation of soul-searching approval. She has always been a keen observer of the consequences of the 4-decade Mindanao war and the untold suffering and misery of the Muslim and Animist Lumad natives as well as the conscious Christian inhabitants of Mindanao. Simply said, she cares. Her symbolic words of concern and advise:

 "These questions need to be answered simply and clearly. Practice truth and fear nothing! All these fragments and evidences about what they saw, when they saw it and what they heard. Rumors and gossips are not accepted as evidence in court. Is there a team doing it?"

Dr. Raden Ikbala is today a noted Tausug intellectual icon whose deep concern for the healthy welfare and holistic well-being of the oppressed Bangsamoro people of Mindanao has truly earned him and few of his kind admiration, pride and tribute from the silent majority of Bangsamoro society. His valuable contribution to the Bangsamoro struggle to achieve peace, tranquility, justice and harmony with all societal groupings, including the oppressive colonizers and the colonized victims, has truly endeared him to the Mindanao peace stakeholders.

He responded to the OPEN LETTER with the following food-for-thought words:

 "WEEK OF PEACE WITHOUT TRUTH AND JUSTICE IS NOT  REAL PEACE."

 "Those who are going to celebrate it this last days of November are turning peace into DAP (Diyurupang Aku/Pakahanungan) Fooling me on the road to peace. DAP as in Dunces Acting Peace.

We love peace. We must all love peace. Especially so that God inspires: "Wa Sulhun Khayr", ('Making peace and reconciliation is better'.) Especially so that Christmas is in the air, with the perennial theme of peace - PEACE ON EARTH, GOODWILL TO MAN. Muslims and Christians must be on in peace.

 Nonetheless, the Holy Scriptures highlight truth. "Ja al Haqq", ('Truth is Love'). Veritas Liberati Vos, (''The Truth Shall Set You Free'). 

Justice is the bridge of truth and peace. Chapter 4, Verse 135 declares: "Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it may be against yourselves or your parents, or your relatives; even if it be against rich or poor."

Hence, to be able to establish genuine peace, the truth about the AVOIDANCE ZAMBOANGA WAR AND DESTRUCTION must be established, such as why Noynoy, Roxas, Hataman and (Mayor) Beng did not accept the ceasefire proposals of (Vice-President Binay, DND Secretary Gazmin, MNLF Chair Nur Misuari, Civil Society Organizations, United Nations (UN) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

 The 'READ (OPEN LETTER) QUESTIONS" of Reynaldo R. Reyes which are similar to the questions of millions of citizens must be answered.

 PEACE WITHOUT TRUTH AND JUSTICE IS MERELY A MIRAGE. Therefore, to be able to give substance, the theme of the 19th Week of Peace, 'Lord, Heal Our Land,' must be amended with the three essences of healing the social maladies, vid., TRUTH as the basis of JUSTICE, yielding PEACE: 'Lord, Heal Our Land With Truth, Justice and Peace'."

ITEM TWO - READING THE OPEN LETTER

"PLEASE GIVE US THE TRUE ANSWERS. We are law-abiding citizens of this country. We pay our taxes regularly from which BILLION PORK BARREL and the controversial DAP, by all scale and measure the government has corrupted.

As such, we strongly believe that it is our constitutional right to air out our grievances in the light of the very tragic and unfortunate man-made and natural calamities that occurred in Zamboanga City since September 9 to date.

On the unwanted 19 days siege that fidgeted untold and catastrophic destruction in terms of lives and properties in Zamboanga City, may we ask President Benigno S. Aquino III, Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco and Governor Mujib Hataman to clearly explain the following to the Filipino people especially to the peace-loving citizens of Mindanao.

(1) Their grounds or justifications for unilaterally refusing to accede to the ceasefire proposal of Vice-President Jejomar Binay, DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari which was reportedly endorsed by the Secretary Generals of the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), five (5) days after the outbreak hostilities. Indeed the wanton destruction and the massive tragedy could have been avoided;

(2) May we ask for a clear explanation on why Secretary Roxas was given the blanket authority to maneuver the conduct of the 19 days siege, even usurping the field functions of the AFP commanding generals, which information has been circulating in the social media;

(3) May we ask for a verified and true account or report on the number of military men casualties, who met their untimely demise because they were dragged into the bloody conflict by the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP who have chosen war not peace. One report has it that after five (5) days of pitch battle in the war zone, more or less five hundred (500) soldiers were killed and quite a big number sustained mortal wounds. Another report in the social media has it that after 19 days war, military lost more than One Thousand (1,000) soldiers, two (2) military tanks and quite a great number of wounded soldiers, who are still confined at the WESTMINCOM hospital, off limit to media;

 (4) May we ask for the reason why up to this point in time Philippine Congress and the Senate have not conducted a thorough investigation or inquiry in aid of legislation on the phenomenal Zamboanga City mayhem. Ironically, when a plate breaks in Luzon our Liberal Party (LP) Stars of the PORK BARREL SCAM would walk a mile across even on bended knees to know the reason why. To us, this is necessary to uncover the truth that is being hidden by you know who?

(5) May we be enlightened on the Malayo-Hataman-Climaco-Roxas-Aquino conspiracy that facilitated the MAKE BELIEVE SURRENDER of 23 fake MNLF freedom fighters from Basilan, the home place of Mujib Hataman. Is it enough that PNP Superintendent Chiquito Malayo should be axed only as Acting City Police Chief? This military operation scandal demoralized honor-deserving PNP officers and bespeaks as well as of the deceitful, disgraceful and undeserving leaders we have in this country.

(6) Why did Aquino, Roxas, Climaco and Hataman allow the BURNING (as part of the military CLEARING OPERATION) of the more than Ten Thousand (10,000) homes, and 13 Muslim mosques in Barangays Sta. Barbara, Lustre, Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Catalina and Talon-Talon by the military, rendering more than Twenty Thousand (20,000) families (mostly Muslims) desperately homeless? Why were the Philippine Naval vessels stationed along the sea coast of Mariki, Arena Blanco and Rio Hondo ordered to indiscriminately fire, using their heavy cannons, at private homes in Talon-Talon, Sta. Catalina and Mampang killing innocent and unarmed helpless civilians? And,

(7) We ask the International Human Rights Commission of the UN, not the Human Rights Commission (HRC) paid by Aqino's DAP, to look seriously into the human rights violations committed numerously against the innocent civilians by the military during the 19 days siege.

If Aquino, Climaco, Roxas and Hataman for one reason or another cannot give us true answers to all these valid and legitimate inquiries there is no wonder why Germany which was ruled by a fascistic homosexual has darkened some pages in world history in the early 1940s. The homo-sadist Emperor of Rome who rejoiced in merriment in his palace when Rome was blazing in fire could be one telling reason for all of us to wonder. Remember the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, God forbids!

My friend once cautioned me to be extra careful with people "nagpapa-cute at nagpapa-angel" look. He told me even 'Satanas' was once an angel! It is from him I learned the newly coined word "BAYOTRY." 

SHORT EPILOGUE 

Seemingly now the die has been cast for Philippine colonialism under the Aquino government to wage all-out war rather than 'all-out peace' against the Bangsamoro freedom fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). 

By clearly undermining the MNLF-launched Bangsamoro freedom struggle by refusing to recognise the historical value and virtue of the September 2, 1996 GRP-OIC-MNLF Jakarta Peace Agreements to achieve 'just and lasting peace' in war-torn Mindanao, the Aquino government have only emulated the colonial duplicity of the Marcos Dictatorship, Cory Aquino government and Arroyo administration to resolve the Mindanao war with military solution. But not with peaceful formula.

Thus, if the 19-day September AFP-MNLF war in Zamboanga City will become the concrete precedent for the embattled Aquino government to put closure to the Philippines-Bangsamoro war in Mindanao, the MNLF freedom fighters can only hold their sacred ground to pursue and to pray for their original objective of regaining independence and national self-determination for the oppressed Muslim and Lumad natives as well as the conscious Christian supporters of Mindanao. So Allah help them! -rrr/bfs      

http://mnlfnet.com/Articles/BYC_19Nov2013_An%20Open%20Letter%20to%20Pres%20Aquino,%20Etc.htm

 

Dramatic US humanitarian effort in Philippines aids Asia 'pivot'

From GMA News (Nov 19): Dramatic US humanitarian effort in Philippines aids Asia 'pivot'



Desperate villagers reach for aid delivered in an emergency drop by crewmen on board a US Navy Seahawk helicopter in San Jose, Leyte on Monday, November 18. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda, which tore across several islands in Central Philippines on Nov. 8, killing close to 4,000 people based on latest government tally. AP/Wally Santana

The U.S. military's response to the devastation wrought by one of the world's most powerful typhoons has been breathtaking.

About 50 U.S. ships and aircraft have been mobilized in the disaster zone, including 10 C-130 transport planes, 12 V-22 Ospreys and 14 Seahawk helicopters air-dropping supplies from an aircraft carrier.

The accelerating relief efforts underscore a fast-expanding U.S.-Philippine military alliance that could grow even stronger in the wake of the catastrophe as the United States pursues its "pivot" towards Asia.

As U.S. ships deliver food, water and medicine, they are also delivering goodwill that could ease the way for the United States to strengthen its often-controversial military presence in one of Southeast Asia's most strategic countries.

"It is not that the United States used assistance to promote rebalancing, but that rebalancing enabled to the U.S. to respond so decisively," said Asia security expert Carl Thayer.

The Philippines is one of Washington's closest allies in Asia and a crucial partner in President Barack Obama's strategy to rebalance U.S. military forces towards the region to counter the rising influence of China.

The United States sent the nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier to lead relief efforts after Typhoon Haiyan killed at least 3,900 people on Nov. 8, leaving many survivors dazed and without food and water for days.

By coincidence, and heavy in symbolism, the carrier is moored off the coast near where U.S. General Douglas MacArthur's forces landed on Oct. 20, 1944, in one of the biggest Allied victories, fulfilling his vow "I shall return".

High-fives all round

The U.S. forces are also using an airfield in Guiuan, one of the worst-hit towns in Eastern Samar province, that was a major base during World War Two and then abandoned.

Now U.S. helicopter crews dump tarpaulins and stacks of food aid, dishing out a round of high-fives to grateful villagers before jumping back into their helicopter and taking off for the next drop.

On Monday, the United States announced an additional $10 million in aid, bringing the total U.S. humanitarian aid to more than $37 million.

The United States and the Philippines are in the middle of negotiations to increase a rotational presence of U.S. forces in the country, deploying aircraft, ships, supplies and troops for humanitarian and maritime security operations.

The widening military cooperation, that includes the use of bases for temporary deployment, signals rapidly warming security relations after Manila closed big U.S. military bases that had operated for decades in 1992. Manila later allowed the return of American troops for training and joint exercises. The new agreement is expected to expand these activities.

A senior Philippine officer said some of the equipment the United States provided had been in place before the typhoon struck.

"But, in the future, we'll be better prepared to deal with disasters if our two governments signed the framework agreement on enhanced defense cooperation and increased presence," he said.

"The humanitarian cooperation we're seeing between the Philippines and the United States makes the new agreement more relevant."

China's response to the disaster was slow off the mark and, some would say, less than generous. The world's second-largest economy initially announced it was giving $200,000 and then raised that by $1.64 million. Only on Sunday, more than a week after the storm struck, did it say it was ready to send rescue and medical teams.

Japan has sent three ships with trucks and engineering equipment, while Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore have sent C-130s.

'China found wanting'

China and the Philippines are locked in a bitter dispute over islands in the South China Sea and many Chinese took to Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, to say the Philippines should not be given anything in aid.

"China has been found wanting in (humanitarian aid) capacity in 2004 and again in 2013," Thayer said, referring to the 2004 Asian tsunami. "If one were looking at a connection between political motivations and humanitarian assistance, Beijing would be a good place to start."

Brigadier General Paul Kennedy, commander of Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanding the U.S. operation, said there was no plan for a permanent presence in the Philippines.

"I've been coming here for 28 years training, much of it done over disasters, obviously," he said. "It's already a tacit agreement that when a disaster happens, we'll do this.

"The United States isn't going to take advantage of the crisis to increase its footprint. It would be taking advantage of someone's appreciation."

Asked how long the U.S. military presence would last in Guiuan, he said: "We'll base it on the demand from the Philippine side."

Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security expert at the Center for a New American Security in Washington, said the United States remained focused on helping survivors of the storm.

"America's response includes our military, civilian disaster and foreign experts, and non-governmental organization, all pulling together to minimize misery and catalyze reconstruction," he said.

"The emergency response opens an opportunity to move forward with long-discussed plans for a modest U.S. rotational military presence in the Philippines."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/336067/news/nation/dramatic-us-humanitarian-effort-in-philippines-aids-asia-pivot

Military official assures all donations will reach 'Yolanda' victims

From the Philippine Star (Nov 18): Military official assures all donations will reach 'Yolanda' victims

A military official on Monday assured that all donations sent by concerned people will reach the victims of super typhoon Yolanda as he announced the deployment of 500 more soldiers to the Visayas.

Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronni Ordoyo, Southern Luzon Command head, said the deployment of extra troops to areas such as Tacloban City, Samar and Leyte was done in coordination with various government agencies, private firms, local government units and non-government organizations.

"This is proof of the overwhelming support and response by our Filipino compatriots to help our fellowmen reeling from the havoc," Ordoyo said.

The additional teams consist of staff from the Naval Forces for Southern Luzon Command, Tactical Operations Group 5 and the medical corps of doctors, nurses and emergency responders.

Ordoyo said the military contingent also includes the service support personnel from the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army who formed the Team Albay and Team Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region.

He said that the 1st Special Forces Battalion and 565th Engineer and Construction Battalion were the first batch of troops deployed to the Visayas.

"Please be assured that every donation you give will reach the Yolanda victims," Ordoyo said.

He said that the various forms of relief assistance now pour in continuously at the different designated “bayanihan” centers in Southern Luzon and Bicol regions since the Task Force Kaagapay was launched.

He also reported that the troops have distributed 13,800 packs of relief goods to the victims.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/18/1258138/military-official-assures-all-donations-will-reach-yolanda-victims