NPA patay sa Cagayan encounter

From Bombo Radyo News (Mar 29): NPA patay sa Cagayan encounter

Patay ang isang hinihinalang miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) matapos makaenkwentro ang tropa ng militar sa bayan ng Rizal Cagayan.

 

Kinilala ang nasawi  na si Ronald Beran, 42,  residente ng Brgy. Masi sa nasabi ring bayan.

 

Nakaengkwentro ng 5th ID Philippine Army sa pangunguna ni 2nd Lt. Lyndolph Ranola ang 10 hinihinalang kaanib ng  makakaliwang pangkat sa naturang Brgy. habang sila ay nagpapatrolya.

 

Nauna umanong nagpaputok ang mga rebelde kung kayat gumanti ang mga sundalo na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ni Beran.

 

Wala naman nasugatan o namatay sa panig ng militar.

http://www.bomboradyo.com/news/latest-news/item/51942-npa-patay-sa-cagayan-encounter

20 'NPA guerrillas' forcibly enter ex-barangay chairman's house in Isabela — report

From GMA News (Mar 30): 20 'NPA guerrillas' forcibly enter ex-barangay chairman's house in Isabela — report

At least 20 suspected communist New People's Army rebels forced their way into the house of a former barangay chief in Isabela province, a radio report said Sunday.

The armed men entered the house of Reynaldo Edrada in Barangay San Antonio in Ilagan City, according to a report on Bombo Radyo.

However, they failed to find their target. The report said no one was reported hurt in the incident.

Citing initial information, the report said the men had cal-.45 pistols and were believed to be under the NPA's Reynaldo Pinion Command.

While the armed men failed to find Edrada, they left a letter accusing the Edrad of abusing his power and harassing farmers.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354739/news/regions/20-npa-guerrillas-forcibly-enter-ex-barangay-chairman-s-house-in-isabela-report

NPA guerrillas mainly concentrated in north-eastern, southern Mindanao — AFP

From GMA News (Mar 29): NPA guerrillas mainly concentrated in north-eastern, southern Mindanao — AFP

The New People's Army forces are now mainly concentrated in some areas in Mindanao and have resorted to banditry, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Saturday during the 45th founding anniversary of the NPA.

AFP spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala also told GMA News Online "[the communist rebels] have lost their ideological mooring and now engaged in extortion [activities]."

With around 4,000 fighters in the whole country, they are now mostly concentrated in north-eastern and southern Mindanao, he said.

When asked if the communist insurgency is still a long-term threat, he said: "They are more of a criminal group now."

Earlier reports indicated the NPA guerrillas have been doing extortion activities targeting politicians, especially during election season.

They also collect "revolutionary taxes" from construction companies and other businesses operating in the countryside.

21-gun salute

In an earlier report, the Communist Party of the Philippines said they will mark NPA's 45th anniversary with a 21-gun salute in their respective "territories."

It said the 21-gun salute is for "the heroes of the New People’s Army and the people’s democratic revolution."

"At high noon, prior to the general public singing of the Internationale (the communist anthem), NPA commands and people’s militia units in formation will give a 21-gun salute. Depending on prevailing military and security conditions, different NPA commands and people’s militias can modify this plan by either extending, abbreviating or rendering an alternative gun salute," the CPP said in a statement.

It added all NPA commands will parade the flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the People’s Democratic Government.

The CPP lauded the "eminent proletarian revolutionaries" who it said continue to help lead and guide the revolution as it sets its sights on the "next higher phase of the people’s war."

It said the 45th anniversary of the NPA should "celebrate the people’s victories in waging revolutionary armed struggle, carrying out agrarian revolution to smash land monopolies and improve the conditions of the peasant masses and building the organs of the people’s democratic government from the ground up."

Potent force

In January, a report on the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan as saying the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia remains the “most potent internal security challenge.”

Tutaan said this at a command conference to assess the military's performance last in 2013.

The conference is a regular venue where senior military officers discuss the AFP’s gains in its internal peace and security operations.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354670/news/nation/npa-guerrillas-mainly-concentrated-in-north-eastern-southern-mindanao-afp

RPM-P optimistic on peace pact

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 29): RPM-P optimistic on peace pact

The Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade has more reason to believe in the sincerity and commitment of the Aquino administration to also sign a closure agreement with them, after inking a final peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, RPM-P chairperson Veronica Tabara said yesterday.

On Thursday afternoon, President Benigno Aquino III led the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang.

Tabara said she is optimistic that the signing of their own closure agreement with the government will follow soon.

“It will follow the government-MILF signing. We will have an agreed date with the government that will be announced by our information arm that is with OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)", Tabara told the DAILY STAR.

"We have more reason to believe in the sincerity and commitment of the Aquino administration to sign the closure agreement with the RPMP/RPA/ABB after it signed the final peace agreement with the MILF, through the CAB, " she said.

“In fact, we have been continuously undertaking joint activities that are preparatory to the implementation of the provisions of the closure agreement document, on which we already have a consensus, but it still has to be finalized and signed,” Tabara said.

CAB SALUTED

It is with high hopes for a bright path of reconciliation and collaboration between the government and the MILF for the interest of peace, justice and progress of the Muslim people, and the broad masses in Mindanao, that the RPMP/RPA/ABB salutes the signing of their peace
agreement Thursday, Tabara said.

The commitment that the government and the MILF forged in this agreement to end armed hostilities and undertake measures under mutually agreed terms to address the legitimate issues and demands of the Bangsamoro, manifest their genuine and shared interest to uphold and work for the interest of the people, she noted.

"We extend our highest commendation to the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, and the leaders of the MILF on this achievement," Tabara said.

This signing heralds a historic step that will undertake the immense task of healing wounds of a decades-long armed conflict rooted in the centuries-old social injustice wrought by colonization on the early peoples of our country, that still resonates and affects Mindanao and the whole Philippines, she also said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/29/topstory5.htm

Child warriors among NPA surrenderees

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 30): Child warriors among NPA surrenderees

Thirteen of the 72 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered to the military in Cagayan de Oro City were children, while a number of them were minors when they joined the insurgency, the military said, adding that this showed the communists were fielding child soldiers in its war to establish a Maoist government in the Philippines.

Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, who flew in for the surrender ceremony Friday, said the recruitment of child warriors was a violation of the rules of war, and was clearly prohibited under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The event was held a day before the NPA celebrated its 45th anniversary and barely a week after the capture of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Top 2 leaders, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

‘Militia ng Bayan’

According to the military, most of those who surrendered were regular NPA members while the others belonged to the so-called Militia ng Bayan operating in the hinterlands of Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

Forty-eight of them were from Bukidnon, 18 from Agusan del Sur, three from Surigao del Sur, one from Agusan del Norte and two from Misamis Oriental.

“Thirteen of those who surrendered were minors and most of them were from the indigenous communities in the hinterlands of Bukidnon, Agusan and Surigao in the Caraga region,” Bautista said.

Among those who were minors when they joined the NPA was Ronjie Salintao.  He said he was only 14 when he joined the rebel army in his hometown of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, four years ago.

Another child warrior, Jong Manlantagan, said he was also 14 when he joined the NPA in San Fernando,  Bukidnon, a known NPA lair.

“(We) do not see any government (presence) in the hinterlands and there are no services there,” he told reporters.
 

Manlatagan, a Manobo, said he grew tired of being with the rebels and decided to surrender.

No to child soldiers

Bautista said the NPA should stop using children as warriors. “These are just 13 child warriors who, after years of being with the NPA, decided to lay down their arms and try to live a normal life. There could be more (child warriors) out there in the mountains,” Bautista said.

The returnees received compensation for the guns they yielded. In addition to financial assistance, the rebel returnees will also be placed in the Social Integration and Livelihood Program, under which they will be given farms to tend.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/590228/child-warriors-among-npa-surrenderees

AFP ready to face members of BIFF, but asks them to join peace process

From GMA News (Mar 30): AFP ready to face members of BIFF, but asks them to join peace process

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is prepared deal with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) if the breakaway group pushes through with its violent threats, said a military spokesperson on Sunday.

However, AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the group, which broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2008, may join the process of creating their dream state, if its members choose to abandon their arms.

He was referring to the Bangsamoro Political Entity that would soon replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as a result of the newly-signed comprehensive peace pact.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Zagala also hinted that the BIFF cannot push through with their threats of armed struggle against the current peace process.

"Currently, the BIFF is scattered and has very limited capabilities to stage significant offensives that could spoil the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro)."

But given the BIFF's unpreparedness, Zagala said,  the AFP will remain vigilant to "prevent (the group) from doing such acts."

Also, he said clearing operations against the rebel group continue after the destruction of BIFF's camps.

BIFF's threats came a day after CAB was signed by the government and the MILF.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354748/news/nation/afp-ready-to-face-members-of-biff-but-asks-them-to-join-peace-process

DND looking at improved and enhanced versions of HAWK surface-to-air missiles

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): DND looking at improved and enhanced versions of HAWK surface-to-air missiles

The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of acquiring improved and enhanced versions of the Raytheon MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) surface-to-air missiles (SAMs).

The HAWK is a US medium range SAM.

The DND stated that acquisition of this weapon aims to protect the country from air threats its shore-to-ship missile (SSM) launchers which it is planning to acquire for the Philippine Army at P6.5 billion.

The SSM project consists of 12 launchers, trailers and tracking systems and missiles that could be fired to hit naval or sea targets.

It will be carried out through “limited source bidding", a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for the program.

The HAWK is capable of intercepting and destroying any hostile aircraft, drone, or rocket that may be sent to incapacitate or disabled the Army's SSM system.

It was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight.

The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete.

Israel, one of the operators of the HAWK missile, have upgraded the Phase 2 standard with the addition of a Super Eye electro-optical TV system for detection of aircraft at 30 to 40 kilometers and identification at 17 to 25 kilometers.

They have also modified their system for engagements at altitudes up to 24,000 meters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=630755

PHL files ‘memorial’ vs China before int’l court

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): PHL files ‘memorial’ vs China before int’l court

The Philippines’ arbitration case against China took another leap forward after Manila submitted a crucial document containing volumes of evidence and maps seeking to nullify Beijing’s sweeping claim over the resource-rich South China Sea.

Manila said the document, called the “memorial,” was transmitted electronically to the The Hague-based tribunal, where a five-man panel will review and hear the Philippine complaint, which was first initiated in January 2013.

“Today, the Philippines submitted its memorial to the arbitral tribunal that is hearing the case it brought against the People’s Republic of China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told a press conference.

The memorial will determine if the tribunal has jurisdiction over the Philippine case or if the complaint has legal basis. The hard copy of the document will be forwarded to the tribunal on Monday.

“With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of our memorial is our national interest,” Del Rosario said, adding “it is about defending what is legitimately ours, securing our children’s future, guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all nations and helping preserve regional peace, security and stability.”

“It is about seeking not just any kind of resolution but a just and durable solution grounded on international law,” Del Rosario said.

Philippine officials declined to discuss details of the memorial nor provide a copy pending a review by the tribunal.

Del Rosario said the memorial contains “ten volumes with maps,” has “nearly 4,000 pages,” and will strengthen the Philippines’ case.

“(It) contains the Philippine analysis of the applicable law and the relevant evidence, and demonstrates that the arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction over all the claims made by the Philippines,” he said.

Del Rosario stressed that “every claim is meritorious.”“It sets out the specific relief sought by the Philippines in regard to each of its claims, and shows why it is entitled to such relief.”

Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza said the incidents of harassment in Ayungin Shoal, a feature off Manila’s western coast facing the South China Sea, was included in the Philippine case.

“The Philippines amended its statement of claim including Ayungin as part of the arbitration,” Jardeleza said.Tensions over Ayungin Shoal - called Ren’ai Reef by China and known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal – ratcheted three weeks ago when Chinese government ships prevented two Philippine civilian vessels which was sailing toward the disputed rocky outcrop.

Another incident of harassment occurred over the weekend, according to the Philippine military, when its naval vessels transporting food, supplies and fresh Filipino troops to a grounded Philippine Navy ship manned by about a dozen Marines were blocked anew by Chinese Coast Guard ships.

The decaying Filipino vessel served as a military outpost and a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory.

Del Rosario said it is not known if China will file a counter-memorial, which is the usual practice in arbitration. Beijing has declared that it does not recognize the process.

The arbitral panel will decide on its next course of action upon receipt of the Philippine memorial.China insists indisputable sovereignty over the waters, citing history and ancient maps as the basis of its sprawling claim.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the South China Sea, of which some parts included in Manila’s territory have been re-named West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630791

Ayungin Shoal resupply mission an assertion of PHL sovereignty

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Ayungin Shoal resupply mission an assertion of PHL sovereignty

The successful mission to resupply and rotate the Marine contingent standing watch over Ayungin Shoal is an assertion of Philippine claim and sovereignty to the area.

This was revealed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan, Jr,.

"It's an assertion of our claim to that territory and the mission to resupply the troops in the area," he added.

This, despite efforts of the Chinese Coast Guard to block the resupply mission, he said.

The Philippine civilian ship was able to evade Chinese Coast Guard vessels by maneuvering in the shallow part of Ayungin Shoal.

The Marine unit was based at the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), an old Navy landing ship, placed near Ayungin Shoal to shelter Filipino forces in the area.

"At about 3 p.m. Saturday, the AFP on board a civilian vessel was able to resupply/reprovision and rotate troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala earlier said.

The ship was carrying rice, water, and canned goods which were immediately transferred to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Zagala did not comment on reports that two Chinese Coast Guard ships tried to prevent the Filipino ship from entering the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

An earlier attempt was blocked by Chinese law enforcement vessels sometime this month.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630833

Army, PNP remain on alert after NPAs marked its founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Army, PNP remain on alert after NPAs marked its founding anniversary

Police and military authorities in North Cotabato remained on alert a day after the National Democratic Front and its military arm the communist New Peoples Army (NPA) celerated its 45th foundation anniversary Saturday.

"No untoward incident related to the communist guerillas in North Cotabato," a statement from the 6th Infantry Division based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said Sunday.

"Everything appears to be quite," the Army said, adding that government forces remained on alert and will not lower its guard for possible "post-celebration attacks."

The 6th ID covers the provinces of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, two provinces known to have communist-infiltrated villages. Maguindanao, the bailiwick of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is also under the operational control of 6ID.

Police and military authorities in these areas have been placed on heightened alert for possible “disturbances” as the rebels marked (their) founding anniversary.

Mobile checkpoints and stationary choking points were set up on major highways and government forces checked all vehicles traveling at night time.

Communist guerrillas normally attack police outposts and military installations at dawn or shortly after midnight.

In North Cotabato, polic provincial director Senior Supt. Danilo Peralta told reporters that its units remained on alert.

“Normally, the communist guerrillas make moves and harass civilian and military installations before, during, and after (their) founding anniversary,” Peralta told reporters in the vernacular.

As of Sunday night, communities known to be the area of operation of the NPAs are Makilala, Magpet, Tulunan, Arakan, Antipas, Matalam, Mlang, Carment, President Roxas, and the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630817

Philippine Navy intercepts boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 30): Philippine Navy intercepts boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice





A Philippine Navy photo shows soldiers inspecting an intercepted boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice in the middle of the sea off Zamboanga City.

A small boat suspected of carrying a cargo of smuggled rice was intercepted by a Philippine Navy patrol ship off the southern port city of Zamboanga, officials said.

Officials said the boat was loaded with 8,000 bags of Malaysian rice when intercepted by the navy patrol.

Rear Admiral Jesus Millan said the cargo, estimated to be worth over P7 million, was handed over to the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

“This new apprehension is again part of the intensified conduct of law enforcement and maritime security operations by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao as part of our assistance to the Bureau of Customs in curbing smuggling in Zamboanga City,” he said.

The navy has seized many smuggled cargos, mostly rice and fuel, in southern Philippines the past years, despite the lack of patrol ships and modern equipment to monitor and secured the long coastal areas in the region.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/03/philippine-navy-intercepts-boat-loaded.html

2 cops killed, 2 injured in Mt. Province clash on NPA anniversary

From InterAksyon (Mar 30): 2 cops killed, 2 injured in Mt. Province clash on NPA anniversary

Two policemen were killed and two others wounded in an encounter with communist rebels in Bandong Hill in Barangay Dalican, Bontoc, Mt. Province on Saturday, the 45th anniversary of the New People’s Army.

Policemen from the Regional Public Safety Battalion and Company and soldiers of the 54th Infantry Battalion were conducting a tactical operation around 3:30 p.m. “in the vicinity of Bandong Hill to check on the reported camps there of the New People’s Army when fired upon by the rebels,” said Supt. Davy Vicente Limmong, spokesman of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera.

Police Officer 1 Jefferson Sari of the RPSB and PO1 Marcelo A. Kilasen of PPSC were killed in the ensuing encounter.

Wounded and taken to the Bontoc General Hospital were PO1 Romeo Fakat Jr. of PPSC and PO1 Benido Magan from the RPSB.

Security forces had said earlier the government was ready for possible attacks by the NPA either in relation to their March 29 anniversary—traditionally marked with high-profile attacks---or in retaliation for the March 22 arrest of Benito Tiamzon, alleged chairman of the CPP-NPA, and his wife Wilma Austria, the alleged secretary general, in Carcar, Cebu.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83781/2-cops-killed-2-injured-in-mt--province-clash-on-npa-anniversary

'Communist army irrelevant in 5 years'

From Rappler (Mar 29): 'Communist army irrelevant in 5 years'

The New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), marks its 45^th anniversary on Saturday, March 29, in the wake of the arrest of its chairman Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma Austria.

In spite of the setback, the NPA commands nationwide are scheduled to fall in formation and parade the flags of the CPP, NPA, and its political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). They will give a 21-gun salute to honor fallen comrades.

"Let us make use of the upcoming 45th anniversary of the NPA’s establishment to celebrate the people’s victories in waging revolutionary armed struggle," the CPP said in a statment posted on its website on the eve of its anniversary.

The military, however, predicts that the arrest of the Tiamzons will signal that Asia’s longest communist insurgency is about to end.

“After 5 years, they will be irrelevant. Hindi aabutin ng 5 years. (They won’t last another 5 years),” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters on Friday.

The CPP seeks to overthrow the government to establish a people's democratic state to that will work to institute land reform, industrialize the country, develop socialist industry, and agricultural cooperation.

But Bautista dismissed the NPA, its armed wing, as a “bandit group without any ideological mooring.” He said they are focused on extortion activities, referring to the revolutionary tax that it is collecting in areas it control.



[Video: AFP chief says NPA will be irrelevant in 5 years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGo_QLyGEjs]

Vacuum of leadership?

The communist party, supported by various militant organizations, have slammed the arrest of the Tiamzon couple as a sign of the government abandoning the peace process. The party leaders are supposed to be immune from arrest as NDFP consultants under the Joint Agreement for Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

The government of President Benigno Aquino III is not budging, however. It maintains that the couple is not covered by immunities because the verification process failed in July 2012. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the indictment of the Tiamzons for illegal possesion of explosives.

Rey Casambre of the Philippine Peace Center said it is "more evident from government actions that it has no interest in resuming genuine peace talks with the NDFP."

Tiamzon, who the military says e-mails his orders to the different NPA commands nationwide, is supposed to be responsible for the "landmining, the killings, and the violence of the NPA."

Rights group Karapatan slammed the military rhetoric against the NPA and the Tiamzons. "Demonification is the approach of the government. Kung walang kuwenta ang kakausapin bakit kailangan pang kausapin?," said Karapatan secretary-general Marie Hilao Enriquez. (If the other party is not sincere, why even talk to them?)

The military believes the arrest of the Tiamzon couple will result in a "vacuum of leadership." The CPP taunts this statement as "hallucination" – the party has a "deep bench" of leaders, it says.

SURRENDER: Jong Manlantagan, 17, receives from AFP Chief General Emmanuel Bautista compensation for the firearm he surrendered to the Philippine Army. Photo by Bobby Lagsa

The AFP considers the NPA the biggest threat to internal security and aims to make it irrelevant by 2016, the end of President Aquino's term. As territorial disputes escalate in Southeast Asia, the AFP highlights the need to focus on external defense. (READ: Finish insurgency, AFP chief tells commanders)

The AFP also hopes that the signing of the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will signal the end of the Muslim rebellion in Mindanao.

The communist underground reached its peak under the regime of President Corazon Aquino, with close to 25,000 armed regulars, according to the military. But the fall of communism, factionalism, as well as strategic and battlefield blunders have reduced communist strength and influenced over the years. Government estimates put the NPA down to about 4,000 armed regulars.

The Tiamzon couple's arrest on March 22 was followed by the arrest on March 27 of another alleged NPA ranking leader Andrea Rosal, the pregnant daughter of the late NPA spokesperson "Ka Roger" Rosal.

On Friday, the military also announced the supposed surrender of 72 former NPA rebels based in Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao, one of the remaining strongholds of the NPA.

Collapse of the peace talks

The administration of Benigno Aquino III revived the peace talks in 2010. There was a high moment when the government claimed CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison agreed to a "special track" that would have sped up the process. A ceasefire would be immediately in place and the panels would discuss the reforms that CPP wanted.

The talks collapsed, however, when Sison reneged on his commitment and brought back the "regular track," former government chief negotiator Alex Padilla said. Sison wanted the government to first put in place the necessary reforms and then the NPA would lay down their arms. The government declared this is unrealistic.

In February 2013, talks hit an impasse and the word war began.

Government representatives declared they had lost interest in the peace talks unless the CPP agreed to a new framework.

The NDFP denied the government narration. It said the "special track" and the "regular track" are complementary. NDFP spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili said it was the government that abandoned the peace talks when it walked out of the talks in February 2013. (READ: Joma wants peace, the 'ground' doesn't — Padilla and NDF exec in PH to get Aquino's 'real sentiments' on peace talks)

In December 2013, the CPP also announced it was abandoning the peace talks under the Aquino administration. These statements by the government and the CPP were never formalized, however.

Malacañang stressed that the continuation of peace talks will depend on CPP's intentions.

"On the side of government, we have always expressed willingness to sit down and to talk. In the words of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Teresita Deles, we have always asked the CPP-NPA-NDF to come up with a clear-cut agenda for the talks," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run radio dzRB on Saturday.

"This is a formula that has worked for us in several other negotiating tables and I think we've proven that the government can be trusted when it comes to negotiations," Valte added.

In February 2014, Norway sought to intervene to resume the talks, but to no avail. And then the Tiamzon couple was arrested.

Carol Araullo of the leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) slammed the government's "unilateral" move to remove their immunities as a sign they are insincere in pursuing peace negotiations. "They think they can impose all sorts of unilateral preconditions on the NDFP, including literally revising bilaterally agreed upon agreements like the JASIG, the Hague Joint Declaration, and other agreements," she said.

Debate on JASIG

Both camps have accused each other of insincerity. The government scored the continuing violence perpetrated by the NPA. The CPP scored the government's continued refusal, even before the arrest of the Tiamzon couple, to release arrested leaders that they say are covered by the JASIG.

The JASIG is an issue that continues to hamper the peace talks. It was put in place to protect the "underground" members who are tasked to cascade the negotiations down to its members on the ground.

The Tiamzon couple, being the top leaders of the party, have the power to sway its members to either support or oppose the talks.

Padilla said the government would have given the Tiamzon couple protection under the JASIG when the talks were ongoing. But he blames the NDFP for failing to open the file that would have listed the aliases and attached the photos of underground members that needed protection under the JASIG.

But Casambre said there are other ways to verify people who should be covered by the JASIG.

"It may be true that the verification has temporarily failed those with aliases but, certainly, those who are publicly known to be involved in the peace process [should be covered]. There may be other ways of verification," Casambre said.

Ed Olalia, counsel for the Tiamzon couple, claimed that the government deliberately filed false charges against them to "undermine and remove them from the protection of the JASIG." He said the firearms and explosive confiscated inside the vehicle of the Tiamzons were planted.



[Video: Tiamzon counsel Ed Olalia details government violations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wffC8BnTR0Y]

The government doesn't think the Tiamzon couple is helping the peace talks, however. On the contrary, it believes they are the ones who supposedly prevailed on Sison to renege on the special track. It's a claim that Sison has dismissed as an "intrigue."

Casambre is calling on the government to respect the JASIG, release the Tiamzon couple, and go back to the negotiating table. He said their release is not a precondition to the peace talks but a mere implementation of existing agreements.

Padilla doesn't think so. "Even if peace talks resume, the release of [Benito] Tiamzon and Wilma is completely separate. Only upon the conclusion of a final peace agreement would, possibly, personalities of this stature be released," he said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/54154-new-peoples-army-45th-anniversary

PH strikes back, files pleading vs China

From Rappler (Mar 30): PH strikes back, files pleading vs China

DAVID VS GOLIATH. A Chinese coast guard ship (top) and a Philippine supply boat engage in a standoff as the Philippine boat attempts to reach Ayungin Shoal, a reef claimed by both countries, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP

The Philippines struck back at its Goliath on Sunday, March 30, as it filed a historic pleading against China's claims over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Dwarfed by China in terms of military strength, the Philippines submitted the nearly 4,000-page document, called a memorial, to end decades of alleged bullying by the rising superpower. It sent the memorial to a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal incidentally after China on Saturday, March 29, harassed a Filipino ship again.

"With firm conviction, the ultimate purpose of the memorial is our national interest. It is about defending what is legitimately ours. It is about securing our children's future. It is about guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all nations. It is about helping to preserve regional peace, security, and stability," Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said in a media briefing Sunday.

"And finally," Del Rosario said, "it is about seeking not just any kind of resolution but a just and durable solution grounded on international law."

The Philippines cannot publicize the memorial, however, until the arbitral tribunal gives its go-signal.

It filed the memorial in the face of incentives from China, as well as possible sanctions from one of the Philippines' biggest trading partners.



CHALLENGING CHINA. A much smaller Philippine ship arrives at the disputed Ayungin Shoal. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP

10 volumes long

Del Rosario said the memorial is composed of 10 volumes.

He said Volume I, which is 270 pages long, analyzes laws and evidence in relation to the case.

It also shows that the arbitral tribunal “has jurisdiction” over the case – a major question that the Philippines needs to address. It proves the merits of the Philippines' every claim.

Volumes II to X, on the other hand, contain “the documentary evidence and maps that support the Philippines' claims.” These comprise the longest part of the memorial – more than 3,700 pages.

The memorial comes with “all documentary, witness, expert, and other evidence” that the Philippines intends to rely on, according to the Rules of Procedure set by the designated arbitral tribunal supported by the United Nations.

It also has as attachments the “legal authorities (such as treaties, laws, decrees, or judicial decisions) cited in their submissions.”



PHILIPPINES' GUARDIAN. An aerial view shows a Philippine Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert their nation's sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef also claimed by China, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP

No escape for China

While Beijing has rejected the arbitral proceedings, it has no escape from Manila's pleading. China will receive it in any case.

Like the arbitral tribunal, China will find the memorial on its doorstep through e-mail and courier. The hard copies should come with “a complete electronic copy” in a USB flash drive or another electronic device, “if possible in searchable Adobe PDF.”

Protested in the Philippines' memorial, China's claims encroach on the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This is an area 200 nautical miles from a country's baselines within which a state has the sovereign rights to explore and exploit, and conserve and manage natural resources, among others. (READ: What's at stake in our case vs China)

Included in the document is the Philippines' claim over Ayungin Shoal.

This is a disputed area that has seen China harassing Philippine vessels for at least 11 times since 2013. Such incidents include a case of harassment on Saturday.

On that day, China tried to drive away a Philippine contingent that aimed to resupply provisions and personnel onboard the BRP Sierra Madre, the Philippines' grounded ship in Ayungin.

In the face of bigger Chinese ships, the Filipinos succeeded.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/54259-philippines-files-memorial-china-case

US gun smuggling: Who is Dr Wilson S. Lim?

From Rappler/Newsbreak (Mar 29): US gun smuggling: Who is Dr Wilson S. Lim?

THE BIG 4. (From top left to right) alleged Chinatown gang leader Raymond Chow, former San Francisco School Board member Keith Jackson, California State Senator Leland Yee, and Dr Wilson Lim are indicted on federal corruption and conspiracy to smuggle weapons to the United States. Photo from Chow's Facebook, Lowell High School in San Francisco and Agence France-Presse

Who is Wilson Lim? And how is he connected to arrested California State Senator Leland Yee, the lawmaker with thousands of loyal Filipino-American constituents who helped him get elected to office?

According to a complaint affidavit submitted by US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent Emmanuel V Pascua – following a 5-year undercover investigation – at least two Filipinos are involved in a scheme to smuggle illegal firearms allegedly worth $2 million. One of them is named Dr Wilson Sy Lim.

The affidavit detailed an ambitious scheme to purchase illegal weapons in the southern Philippines and smuggle them to ports in the US then on to Italy and North Africa. Lim, it turns out, was a key link of Yee to rebel groups and other illegal arms dealers in the Philippines.

Among 26 defendants, Lim – with the exception of 8 – has been arrested for "Conspiracy to Traffic in Firearms Without a License, and to Illegally Import Firearms."

Yee was known to be a progressive Democrat who pushed for gun control bills. He was also an ally of Filipino-Americans who wanted equal benefits for Filipino World War II veterans and who sought better working conditions for themselves.

Invisible, wealthy dentist

The California Board of Dentistry shows that Lim is a legitimate dentist, but the reviews on popular website yelp.com show that many of his customers are less-than-happy with his practice. “If there was a zero star, this guy will get it,” Richard W’s review read. “Wilson Lim is a fraud,” he added. “And his accountant will bill your insurance for everything and things that you never knew about.”

Several sources told Rappler Dr Lim is a mysterious personality in Filipino-American community circles. He would often show up at community events and not say much. Despite being a dentist, an appointed county commissioner and one of the 4 main suspects named in the Yee investigation – along with Keith Jackson (former San Francisco School Board member) and alleged Chinatown gang leader Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow – his online footprint is minuscule.

Lim was a member of several Filipino associations in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce in San Mateo County. Several sources who have encountered Lim before told Rappler they believe that he was “all talk” and was as desperate for money as his friend Yee.

But property records reveal that the Lim couple used lived a more luxurious lifestyle. In 2005 owned at least 2 multi-million dollar properties in the wealthy Bay Area community of Hillsborough, California.

He and his wife Wilma were listed as property owners of a home at 542 Craig Road worth $1.6 million (or about P71.7 million) and another property on 308 Darrell Road worth $2,338,000 (or P104,906,600) at the time of sale in 2005.

Northern California court documents show that the mysterious dentist was going through some money problems with his business.

US sources told Rappler Lim suffered a major heart attack in 2011.

 

According to the San Jose Mercury News, Lim was in a coma for a month, and couldn’t make mortgage payments on his house. He initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2013 and settled it earlier this March, coinciding with the time Lim, Yee, and Jackson met at a San Francisco restaurant to discuss their plans to smuggle the rifles outside of the Philippines.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is normally filed when a business is unable to pay its debtors, but allows owners to continue to operate their business and pay back their debtors over time.

Gun trail

Lim was quoted in the affidavit as saying that it was his nephew, whom he did not identify, who would help obtain the weapons. Lim also said an unnamed Philippine military captain would provide the weapons to his nephew.

In the affidavit, Yee described Lim as being "originally from the Mindanao region of the Philippines." He also said that "Mindanao was largely populated by Muslim rebel groups who were fighting the federal government" and that Muslim rebels had no problem "kidnapping individuals, killing individuals and extorting them for ransom." He visited Mindanao about two years ago upon the invitiation of "the Mindanao government." When he arrived, he was "surrounded by numerous armed guards carrying automatic rifles."

Previously, Lim's contact for weapons, a "Philippine citizen," sold guns to individuals from Florida. That same contact delivered a shipment of weapons to the port of Cagayan de Oro, the largest port in Mindanao.

 

Unidentified individuals from Florida picked up these weapons and shipped them to an unknown location, the affidavit said. This arrangement, according to Yee, was the "ideal way of handling" the guns that would be smuggled.

An undercover agent told Yee he had holding companies in the Port of Newark in New Jersey. He said he would pick up the weapons in the Philippines and ship them back to Newark. From there, some of the weapons would be shipped to Sicily and then on to North Africa.

The agent – only referred to as "UCE 4599" in the affidavit – asked Yee what type of weapons Lim's contact in the Philippines had access to. He specifically asked about shoulder-fired automatic weapons. Yee replied, saying that the automatic weapons are the equivalent of the "M16" automatic service weapon. The agent later asked to speak directly with Lim, whom Yee described as a "gun lover" who had "no moral arguments" about selling weapons.

A meeting was arranged in a San Francisco restaurant on March 11 with Keith Jackson, Yee, Lim and the agent to discuss an arms trafficking transaction.

When asked what kinds of weapons he had access to, Lim replied, "All kinds of things, we just have to look for it." The undercover agent, who was posing as the buyer of the weapons, would furnish a list of weapons he wanted to Jackson, Yee's longtime campaign adviser and school board member. Jackson was also arrested last week.

Lim would not go to the Philippines without Yee, and Yee said he would not go until after the 2014 midterm elections in November.

Yee and Lim told the agent they needed time to "set up the infrastructure necessary to complete the weapons deal." Yee said, "I want to protect the entire enterprise" and needed to shield Lim, his contact, and anyone else involved in the weapons deal. He wanted to build in "several layers of protection to shield Lim and anyone else who may be involved with the weapons deal," Yee was quoted as saying in the affidavit.

When asked about major Muslim organizations in Mindanao, Yee mentioned the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the affidavit, and explained there were several factions within it. Lim said he would meet with “the head of a Muslim group” without specifying if it was a member of the MILF or some other Muslim group. Neither was the MILF directly linked to the arms deal during their conversations.

On March 14, 2014, Yee met with 3 men in another restaurant in San Francisco – Jackson, Jackson’s associate and the same undercover agent – to discuss how they would break up the money paid by the agent into "legitimate campaign donations.”

Instead of smuggling all $2 million worth of weapons to the US, Yee advised that the weapons be imported in “smaller amounts” so as not to attract any attention.

Yee’s lawyer said he plans to plead not guilty on 6 counts of defrauding the public of honest services, and one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms.

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday, March 29, that she would ask Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to check whether Yee had actually visited the Philippines in 2012, as mentioned in the affidavit. The Bureau of Immigration is under De Lima and can confirm if Yee actually entered the country at that time.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/54156-us-gun-smuggling-wilson-lim