Military troops clash with ASGs in efforts at flushing out lawlessness in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): Military troops clash with ASGs in efforts at flushing out lawlessness in Basilan

Military troops conducting combat operations have encountered early Friday morning an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group led by Furuji Indama at Unkaya Pukan town in Basilan.

The Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City said that as per report from the operating units on the ground, there were undetermined number of casualties from the enemy side while eighteen  wounded in action from the government side, who were immediately brought to Zamboanga City for medication via military aircraft.

The clash occurred at around 2:25 a.m.

Capt. Maria Rowena A Muyuela PN(M), WesMinCom Public Information Officer said in a press release that the launching of the said combat operation has been coordinated with the AHJAG, CCCH and the PNP in pursuit of the lawless elements, primarily the ASG, which is believed to be responsible for several extortions and kidnapping cases in Mindanao.

According to 104thBde BGen Calrlito Galvez, the ASG has occupied a school building in Barangay Baguindan.

Galvez said that the operation was intended to seize Furuji Indama and his group who tried to threaten and extort money from the ongoing construction of the Magkawa-Albarka Road.

The said operation was conducted purposely to clear Tipo-Tipo and Albarka of ASG influence to pave the way for the normalization and development of these depressed areas.

Muyuela said the Western Mindanao Command will commit all available air and naval assets in support of the operations in order to immediately seize this group of criminals and bandits.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1421397547562

NPA fired at CAFGU camp in Samar, says Army

From GMA News (Apr 17): NPA fired at CAFGU camp in Samar, says Army

The New People’s Army (NPA) recently attacked a detachment of the Citizen Armed Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Brgy. San Pascual, Catarman, Northern Samar, the Philippine Army (PA) reported on Thursday.

According to the PA’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, about 10 of the attackers positioned themselves 200 to 300 kilometers from the CAFGU camp and started firing at around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 14.

The CAFGU is the auxiliary force of the Philippine Army in fighting insurgents.

“The CAFGU and military personnel assigned in the detachment did not return fire as the rebels immediately ran away after firing few rounds,” Captain Amado Gutierrez, spokesperson of the PA 8th Infantry Division in Camp General Vicente, said in a press statement.

No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Gutierrez said troops from the 803rd Infantry Brigade were immediately dispatched after the incident and are currently conducting pursuit operation against the NPA rebels.

“The action of the NPAs in Northern Samar is an act of desperation since they were not able to launch any significant tactical offensives in Northern Samar before, during or after their 45th anniversary on March 29, 2014,” Colonel Herminigildo Aquino, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement.

Based on the military estimate, the CPP-NPA was responsible for the deaths of about 30,000 individuals since it was founded in 1969.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the CPP-NPA is now down to 4,347 members from more than 26,000 in the late 1980s, with their operations mostly directed against small military and police units and extortion activities against rural businesses.

 http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/357356/news/regions/npa-fired-at-cafgu-camp-in-samar-says-army

Military operations in Basilan continue but fighting has subsided

From Business World (Apr 16): Military operations in Basilan continue but fighting has subsided

Military operations against members of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan are continuing but active hostilities have subsided, said Capt. Ma. Rowena A. Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesperson.

“No firefight has been reported, but the operation is still ongoing,” she told BusinessWorld.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S.C. Aquino III yesterday said the deaths of four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the military encounter in Basilan will not affect the recently sealed peace pact between the government and the MILF.

“We don’t see this as a big problem or obstacle to the Comprehensive Agreement we signed,” he added.

In an ambush interview Wednesday, Mr. Aquino told reporters that the military did its duty of informing the MILF about the former’s operation against the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG).

Four members of the MILF were among those killed in a firefight between the government forces and the ASG in Basilan last Friday.

A fierce firefight erupted last weekend in Basilan after government troops raided an Abu Sayyaf lair in the town of Tipo-Tipo. The operation was intended to seize Fujiri Indama, one of the leaders of a group that tried to extort money from the contractor of the Magkawa-Albarka Road. The group is also responsible for a spate of violence and kidnappings in Basilan and other parts of this region.

Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) spokesperson, said on Tuesday that the number of soldiers wounded in action in the Basilan clash has climbed to 31. Two soldiers have been killed. On the Abu Sayyaf’s side, 14 were wounded and 18 were killed. The MILF acknowledged four of its members were among those killed.

The fighting between the military and the ASG took place just two weeks after the 10,000-member MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the government -- a deal expected to end the decades-old rebellion in Mindanao.

A ranking leader of the MILF -- Ghazali Jaafar, vice-chairman for political affairs of the MILF -- expressed disappointment over the bloody encounter, saying that what happened in Basilan last week was unfortunate. “This is a moment where we are in a honeymoon with the agreement on the Bangsamoro,” he told BusinessWorld. “This honeymoon should not be disturbed,” he added.

Mr. Aquino said the MILF members killed in the fighting were there as relatives of ASG members and not as members of the MILF. “Those members of theirs [MILF] who were killed were not there as members of the MILF but as relatives of the Abu Sayyaf who were being pursued. So [it was more] personal rather than political or ideological,” he said.

Mr. Jaafar confirmed that there are some MILF members with relatives in the Abu Sayyaf but denied their participation in the battle with the military. “The issue of MILF members helping the Abu Sayyaf is not true. But as to the information that MILF members have relatives from that group is correct,” he said.

On Tuesday, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista visited the Camp Navarro General Hospital where the wounded soldiers are being treated. He also awarded gold cross medals to the relatives of the two soldiers who died in action: 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Fernando Reyeg and Cpl. Loui Orinia.

A report on Tuesday said the Abu Sayyaf members deliberately targeted a military ambulance during the encounter with the government forces in Basilan on April 11.

Ms. Muyuela said ambulance driver Sgt. Rolando Noble was wounded in the attack. “The 104th Army Infantry Brigade has been investigating the incident for appropriate filing of cases against the perpetrators,” she noted.

Earlier, Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles also expressed confidence that the incident “will not affect the entire process.”

The MILF fighters killed were reportedly helping Abu Sayyaf fighters battling government troops but did so without their leadership’s permission, Ms. Deles said.

“We are still confident that the MILF leadership can bring a huge bulk of their fighters into the fold of the law ... a small number of the rebel force may opt to ignore the peace deal, [but] any such faction would be subjected to law enforcement activities,” she said.

The government panel and the MILF signed the CAB (which contains the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, its four annexes, and one addendum) on March 27.

The agreement outlines the milestones over the next two years that will put in place the Bangsamoro political entity (replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where Basilan is found), the expanded powers of autonomy to be granted to the new political entity, the detailed process of decommissioning the armed component of the MILF, and the mechanisms for increased security in the area.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission recently submitted to the President the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is seen to speed up the process of creating the autonomous region as part of a peace process to end decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Meanwhile, the President is leaving it up to the military to decide whether to declare a Lenten ceasefire with the New People’s Army.

“That’s a tactical decision which I leave to the Chief of Staff, and I await their recommendation,” he said.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Military-operations-in-Basilan-continue-but-fighting-has-subsided&id=86222

Army's 87th Infantry Battalion hands over Philippine Hawk Eagle to DENR

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 17): Army's 87th Infantry Battalion hands over Philippine Hawk Eagle to DENR

In line with its ecological preservation missions, the Calbiga town-based 87th Infantry Battalion on Thursday formally handed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Samar Philippine Hawk Eagle it had rescued shortly after the onslaught of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

The bird was formally handed by 8th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jet B Velarmino and 87th Infantry Battalion head Lt. Col. Antonio B. Dulnuan to DENR technical director protected area, wildlife and coastal zone management service director Danilo Javier.

The Philippine Hawk Eagle was estimated to be five months old when found wounded in the legs by the troops conducting assessment at the hinterlands of Pinabacdao-Sta Rita, Samar on the effects of "Yolanda".

The troops named the bird “Murayaw”, a Waray-Waray word which means “Peace” and nursed it until it healed.

After the bird regained its strength, Dulnuan directed his troops to contact DENR and arrange for the bird’s turn over for its eventual return to the wild where it belongs.

“While our primary mandate is to protect the people from threat groups, we are fully aware of the national government on its environmental conservation programs and as such, we always provide necessary assistance to DENR. The handing over of the Philippine Hawk Eagle to DENR that was nursed by the 87th Infantry Battalion is a manifestation of our support to the environment conservation program of the government,” Velarmino concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=636084

Obama looks to salvage Asia 'pivot' as allies fret about China

Posted to InterAksyon (Apr 17): Obama looks to salvage Asia 'pivot' as allies fret about China

When a Philippine government ship evaded a Chinese blockade in disputed waters of the South China Sea last month, a US Navy plane swooped in to witness the dramatic encounter.

The flyover was a vivid illustration of the expanding significance of one of Asia's most strategic regions and underscored a message that senior US officials say President Barack Obama will make in Asia next week: The "pivot" of US military and diplomatic assets toward the Asia-Pacific region is real.

Washington's Asian allies, however, appear unconvinced.

During Obama's four-nation tour of Asia that begins on April 23, his toughest challenge will be to reassure skeptical leaders that the United States intends to be more than just a casual observer and instead is genuinely committed to countering an increasingly assertive China in the region.

Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula - and perceptions of limited US options to get Moscow to back down - has heightened unease in Japan, the Philippines and elsewhere about whether Beijing might feel emboldened to use force to pursue its territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.

There is also suspicion among some Asian allies that if they come under threat from China, the United States - despite treaty obligations to come to their aid - might craft a response aimed more at controlling damage to its own vital relationship with China, the world's second-biggest economic power.

For Obama, the tricky part of the trip, which will include stops in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines, will be deciding how to set limits on China in a way that soothes US allies in Asia but avoids stoking tensions with Beijing.

"Obama's upcoming visit will be the most critical test of this administration's Asia policy," said Richard Jacobson, a Manila-based analyst with TD International, a business risk and strategic consulting firm.

US officials say the Obama administration's long-promised "rebalancing" of America's economic, diplomatic and security policy toward Asia is on track, largely unaffected by the attention demanded by the crisis in Ukraine or persistent troubles in the Middle East.

The Asia "pivot" - as the White House initially dubbed it - represented a strategy to refocus on the region's dynamic economies as the United States disentangled itself from costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But doubts about Washington's commitment to Asia are simmering in some allied capitals.

"It was a welcome policy change, but will they do it?" Yukio Okamoto, a former Japanese government adviser on foreign affairs said of the strategic shift toward Asia that Obama announced in 2011. "We do not see any actual sign" of its implementation.

When Obama announced the eastward shift, the most dramatic symbol of the new policy was the planned deployment of 2,500 US Marines in northern Australia, where they would be primed to respond to regional conflicts. It took until this month to build up forces to 1,150 Marines based in Darwin, and the full contingent is not due to be in place until 2017.

"The US pivot towards Asia has had very few tangible, concrete outcomes so far," said Adam Lockyer, a foreign policy and defense analyst at the University of New South Wales.

A sign of anxiety

Obama will try to put those concerns to rest while in Manila, where Philippine officials say he is expected to sign a security pact that will allow for increased use of Philippine bases by US ships, aircraft and troops.

Manila's acceptance of a beefed-up US military presence, a politically sensitive issue in the independent-minded archipelago nation, would reveal the scale of Philippine anxiety over China.

The Philippine Senate voted to evict the US military from their bases in 1991, ending 94 years of American military presence in the Philippines, and has only gradually allowed the return of US forces for limited operations during the past decade.

The Philippine government is struggling to keep control of Second Thomas (local name: Ayungin) Shoal, where it has a military outpost on a reef surrounded by Chinese coastguard ships. The outpost itself is a huge, rusting World War Two transport vessel that the Philippine navy intentionally ran aground in 1999 to mark its claim.

Eight or so Filipino soldiers live there for three months at a time in harsh conditions on a reef that Manila says is within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. China, which claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, says the shoal is part of its territory.

Last month, a US surveillance plane was spotted overhead as a Philippine vessel dodged Chinese coastguard vessels to deliver supplies and fresh troops to the outpost.

Such US aircraft normally conduct their missions at higher altitudes, so the fact that its flyover was in full view of journalists monitoring the incident on the surface below suggested that the United States wanted to make its presence known. A Chinese plane and a Philippine military aircraft also flew above the area at different intervals.

The Obama administration has promised that the United States will reposition naval forces so that 60 percent of its warships are based in Asia-Pacific by the end of the decade, up from about 50 percent now. But as the US military budget contracts, that likely would represent part of a shrinking US defense pie.

Obama's aides brush aside complaints about the US follow-through on the pivot strategy, saying that no matter how much attention Washington devotes to friends and partners in the region, the allies will always want more from their superpower friend.

"Questions by Asia-Pacific allies about the degree of American commitment has been a constant component of our relationship for 60-plus years. It's not new," said a senior US official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to comment publicly. "It doesn't mean the US won't do more to work with them."

Making up for Obama's no-show

Obama himself helped to fuel some of the skepticism about the United States' commitment to Asia when he abruptly canceled a long-planned trip to Asia to attend two regional summits last fall and stayed home to deal with a US government shutdown.

Since then, negotiations have dragged on over a proposed US-led trans-Pacific trade pact that is widely seen as the economic centerpiece of Obama's pivot strategy.

In this tense regional climate, Obama can be expected to appeal directly to Asian leaders to have faith in America's resolve to keep China in check and discourage any notion that Beijing could emulate Russia's takeover of Crimea by seizing contested islands and shoals from its neighbors.

"Among countries in Asia, there has been an increase in the level of anxiety about what lessons China may be drawing from Russia and Ukraine," the senior US official said.

While sticking to a US refusal to take sides in the maritime disputes, Obama will seek to reassure South Korea, Japan and the Philippines that Washington is "fully committed to our defense treaties" with them, the official said.

Obama's Japanese hosts likely will only be satisfied if the president takes a tough stand against China and in solidarity with Japan amid growing concern that Washington's defense commitment may be wavering.

Tokyo and Beijing are locked in a bitter row in the East China Sea over tiny, uninhabited isles administered by Japan, especially since China announced the creation of a controversial new air defense zone covering the area, which the Japanese call Senkaku and the Chinese call Diaoyu.

Relations between Japan and China have been further poisoned by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to a controversial shrine for war dead seen as a symbol of Japan's past militarism - a move that drew US criticism as well.

Obama, the US official said, will send a message during his Asian tour to China that "it should not use intimidation or coercion" against its neighbors.

That is not likely to go down well in Beijing, where visiting US Secretary of State Chuck Hagel faced harsh accusations last week from Chinese officials who claimed that Washington's regional agenda was aimed at blocking China's rise.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/84971/obama-looks-to-salvage-asia-pivot-as-allies-fret-about-china

5 Abu Sayyaf killed, teenage rebel nabbed in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Apr 16): 5 Abu Sayyaf killed, teenage rebel nabbed in Philippines

Five Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed following a firefight with government soldiers in Patikul town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials announced on Wednesday.

Officials said the rebels were onboard a vehicle when they opened fire on marines manning a checkpoint in the village of Bangkal on the night of April 13. The soldiers pursued the attackers and engaged them in a running gunbattle that left 5 rebels dead.

“According to an official report received from the ground units, the incident transpired when the Marine troops conducting checkpoint signaled and tried to stop the approaching vehicle (Tamaraw FX), but instead, they were fired upon by the passengers aboard said vehicle. The troops then immediately reacted and retaliated while the vehicle speeds up.”

“The marines immediately conducted pursuit operation which led them to recover the vehicle and one cadaver which was positively identified as an Abu Sayyaf member, and it was also disclosed that the other four Abu Sayyafs were seriously wounded and later died in an undisclosed area,” said Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command.

She said the vehicle and the cadaver were handed over to the local municipal government and police authorities.

Muyuela said the operations against the Abu Sayyaf are continuing in Sulu and she also appealed to the public to help in the campaign against kidnappings and terrorism by providing authorities with information about lawless elements or suspicious persons in their communities.

“The military is continuously intensifying efforts to address the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf in the Sulu province,” she said.

Just recently, a 17-year old member of the Abu Sayyaf, Jelam Elah alias Jihad and Jers, was also arrested at a marine checkpoint in the village of Bungkaung in Patikul town following a tip off from local villagers.

Elah, a resident of Budkaha in the town’s Maligay village, was travelling on a motorcycle when he was stopped at the checkpoint. During interrogation, Elah admitted to be a member of the so-called Lucky 9 group under Abu Sayyaf leader Ninok Sapari, whose members are mostly young men, tagged as behind the recent kidnappings in the province and the attacks on military targets in Patikul.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/5-abu-sayyaf-killed-teenage-rebel.html

PMA to showcase military tradition in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Apr 16): PMA to showcase military tradition in Zamboanga City

The public is up for a rare public performance by cadets from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy who will hold a silent drill exhibition in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the cadets will hold their exhibition at Paseo del Mar, Naval Forces Western Mindanao and in Western Mindanao Command Grandstand on April 21, 22 and 23, respectively. 

She said this exhibition is part of their annual Southern Cruise. “The silent drill exhibition will be performed by the third class cadets of PMA Class 2017 which will showcase the finest movements in military marching and formation. The main highlight of the Southern Cruise is to promote PMA in the different areas in order to recruit the best, brightest and the fittest applicants for the military service,” Muyuela said.

She said in this activity, cadets will also be oriented in the different units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that will help them choose which branch of service they will serve — the Army, the Navy or the Air Force - after graduating from the academy located in Baguio City.

“This is a continuing activity, after the successful conduct of the Southern Cruises for PMA classes 2014 and 2015 in the past two years — a revival after 20 years,” she said.

The cadets have recently visited the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City. Also in the list of their visitation are Cebu City, Cavite, Corregidor Island and Puerto Princesa in Palawan province.

Cadets follow very unique customs and traditions that are premised on the principle that "no one is fit to command who has not learned to obey. To build the desirable character traits expected of cadets, they live under an atmosphere of restraint prescribed by rules and regulations.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/pma-to-showcase-military-tradition-in.html

MILF accuses Philippine military of attacking rebel forces

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Apr 17): MILF accuses Philippine military of attacking rebel forces

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has accused the Philippine military of attacking its forces in the southern province of Basilan and said three of its fighters had been killed by soldiers.

It said one civilian, Julamri Bapakil was also killed and three others wounded - Adzmar Abdurahim, 14; Hudri Julamri, 16; and Basri Pamasad, 17; and Jihad Abdurajim, 17 - by the military assault in the towns of Ungkaya Pukan and Tipo-Tipo.

The MILF identified its slain members as Basir Kerok, Soy Tarung and Mohammad Soh. Two other fighters, Totong Ausal and Muthim Imam, were also wounded in the fighting. It said the military violated the cease-fire agreement between the MILF and the government.

Abu Sayyaf

The military’s Western Mindanao Command said it launched the operation on April 11 against the Abu Sayyaf which is being blamed for the spate of terrorism and ransom kidnappings in Basilan and other parts of western Mindanao. The clashes also killed two soldiers and wounded 29 more.

Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the military assault targeted Abu Sayyaf leaders Puruji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri, who have been harassing workers at a government road project there.

She said the military operation was coordinated with the MILF in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and is also a known stronghold of the rebel group.

“The launching of the combat operation has been coordinated with the AHJAG, CCCH and the PNP in pursuit of the lawless elements, primarily the Abu Sayyaf, which is believed to be responsible in several extortion and kidnapping cases here in the Mindanao area,” Myuela said.

AHJAG refers to the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group and the CCCH is the abbreviation for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities which is part of the peace panels of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that ensures the mechanism of the cease-fire agreement is not violated.

Truce violated

But the MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group which recently signed a peace deal with Manila, denied the military report, saying the assault was launched without any coordination and this sparked fierce gun battle between its forces and government troops after security forced encroached into its territories.

“The movement of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) soldiers was not in any way coordinated with CCCH neither the military informed the AHJAG. The encounter could had been avoided had the military coordinated with the GPH-MILF CCCH and the International Monitoring Team,” the MILF said.

It said the military assault against the Abu Sayyaf in the village of Kurellem lasted only for two hours, the exchanged of gun fire between the aggressed MILF forces and the government troops took several hours.

“Heavy damages were also reported on a school building, madrasah, mosque and agricultural crops due to relentless artillery shelling and helicopter machinegun fire,” it said.

MILF rebels aided Abu Sayyaf

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said they have reports that MILF rebels fought alongside Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan.

“We were running after the ASG, yun MILF kinausap sila through our mechanisms that we are going to launch enforcement operations and they supported that.  Kung saan ay mayroon silang mga members that they cannot control, may mga kamag-anak sila sa Abu Sayyaf (and) they probably joined (the fighting) in their individual capacity (and) not as MILF (as an organization), as relatives...naguusap yun MILF and AFP so it’s very clear yun,” Bautista told reporters while visiting wounded troops in Zamboanga City.

Bautista said some MILF members who have relatives with the Abu Sayyaf were involved in the fighting.

“There is no participation of the MILF in the operations. May usapan tayo with the MILF and it is working and kausap natin yun mga commander nila during the operations and they support our operations. Ngayon alam naman natin na ang MILF ay irregular force yan, minsan mayroong kamag-anak ang ASG doon, Ganoon ang nangyari,” he said.

Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said they are still verifying reports that as many as 32 rebels were killed and wounded in the fighting. “We are checking this report that at least 18 rebels were killed and 14 others were wounded in the clashes. All these (reports) came from the grounds,” Tutaan told The Manila Times.

Despite the massive military assault, the militants escaped, but the military said the operation against the Abu Sayyaf will not stop. Some 200 soldiers under the command of Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez had taken part in the offensive.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/milf-accuses-philippine-military-of.html

Notorious kidnappers arrested in Zamboanga province

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Apr 17): Notorious kidnappers arrested in Zamboanga province

Philippines authorities are holding three men implicated in the series of kidnappings in Western Mindanao region.

The trio Abral Abdusalam, Rating Hadjirul and Kismir Hadjurul were arrested by police and military units in a house in the village of Timbang-Timbang in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Alicia town and are currently being interrogated.

They were tracked down in the house of Hadjirul where authorities also seized an M16 automatic rifle and a magazine, one fragmentation grenade, police and military uniforms and two mobile phones.

Police said Abral Abdusalam, a brother of a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Waning Abdusalam, has a string of criminal cases and is long wanted by authorities for his involvement in many ransom kidnappings in the region.

It said the police operation was conducted in the presence of village chieftain Hussein Abdulasalam.

There was no report about Waning or if was in the area when police arrested the trio. Waning was also linked to the kidnapping of Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Ipil town on December 2011 and freed in June 2013 after his brother and sister paid $94,600 ransom.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/04/notorious-kidnappers-arrested-in.html

Int’l forum calls: Spare civilians from military ops

From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 16): Int’l forum calls: Spare civilians from military ops

PEACE ADVOCATES urged the administration of President Benigno Aquino III to interfere in armed conflicts and address the issues that affect innocent civilians, to attain the just and lasting peace over the land.

Evacuees of the Ata-Manobo tribe who have sought safe haven in Davao City since April 2 from their villages in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, said they will not return to their homes for as long as the military continues to operate there.

In a live stream “Online Forum and Webinar” at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran in Davao City, the international and national church and civil society groups, focused on the Ata-Manobo evacuees of Talaingod town, called on the government to uphold the safety and dignity of every person even in armed conflict.

Among the groups are the Union del Barrio, the Union of Progressive Iranian, the International Action Center, Bayan Southern California, Ministries of the United Methodist Church California-Pacific Conference and other member organizations of Panaghiusa (a network for peace and justice in Mindanao).

Church and civil society groups held the online forum to show solidarity with over a thousand Talaingod Manobos who have evacuated their homes in Talaingod in Davao del Norte since April 2.

The gunbattle between the government forces and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in some areas in Talaingod in Davao del Norte forced 206 families or 927 individuals, of which 503 are children, to flee and leave their hometown earlier this month.

Delegates of East Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference (EMPAC) Board of Church and Society Committee on Ethnic Concerns, in their pastoral statement in support to the call to stop the ongoing militarization herein Mindanao, said the government must ensure the humanitarian protection and basic needs of those affected.

The delegates in the statement are as follows: Vilma Ariola, EMPAC chairperson of Committee on Resolution; Rev. Camilo Balgona, EMPAC chairperson of Committee on Ethnic Concern; Bishop Ciriaco Francisco, of Davao Episcopal; Rev. Israel Paint, of EMPAC church and society; and Rev. Abraham Perasol, of Northeast–Davao.

"We are also calling the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and National Democratic Front (NDF) to resume the stalled peace talks to address these problems that affects the populace, especially this indigenous people. We call for an immediate indemnification, restitution and rehabilitation for affected civilians," delegates said.

The delegates added that the government has the primary obligation to undertake rehabilitation to bring the displaced families back to normalcy and security.

It also said that instead of spending billions on the war, they are appealing to provide basic services and implement asset and social justice reforms that is due to citizens.

ALSO READ: Militants, evacuees call for military pull-out

"We call the entire church to support and advocate the peace process in general. Articulate the people's ante in the peace process, heeding their clamor for basic social reform, transformation and national development.
Only social justice can solve a social problem, not calls for war," delegates said.

The peace negotiation between the GPH and NDF had been on and off for the past 27 years. For these years, both parties only agreed on the human rights issue through signing a Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl).

NDFP Panel chair Luis Jalandoni, in a video talk on Talaingod, Civil War and Peace Talk for Community leaders of the United Methodist Church and Bayan–USA, said because of some violations by the Aquino regime of the peace agreements, the peace talks are stalled.

Jalandoni added that they had been disappointed by the statements of the Philippine president and others in his administration regarding the peace talks, including the ceasefire pre-condition and a new deadline set by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to eliminate the insurgency.

However, Jalandoni said the NDFP supports the Norwegian Government's proposal for holding informal talks in Oslo in late May 2014. He added that the peace advocate organizations in the Philippines and abroad also support the holding of such talks, though the Aquino regime has not responded.

"You can continue your strong campaign of solidarity for the Ata-Manobos and other indigenous people struggling for their ancestral domain and resisting militarization. You can also help in campaigning for the release of Tiamzon and Austria and other NDFP consultants," Jalandoni said.

"You can also campaign for the release of Andrea Rosal and demand for the resumption of peace negotiation between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and Aquino government based on the binding past peace agreements," Jalandoni added.

Jalandoni said despite all the negative indications on the government side regarding the peace talks, the NDF is ready to resume peace talks.

He added that suggested action of “No US taxes for human rights violation” is very timely and will be effective in supporting the Filipino people's struggle for a just and lasting peace.

The Ata-Manobo evacuees have called for a pullout of military operations in their villages.

“Kami nanawagan na ipa-pull out ang sundalo sa kabukiran kay kining among mga lumad, wala mi naanad dire sa syudad. Didto mi naanad sa among lugar sa kabukiran (We are asking the government to pull out the military from Talaingod because we are not used to the lifestyle here in the city. We are used to living in our place),” said Datu Duloman Dawsay.

Datu Duloman, spokesperson of Salugpongan ‘Ta Tanu Igkanogon, said that while they long to go home after weeks of staying at the Haran House, they will not do so if the military continues to operate in their area.

The evacuees claim aerial bombing, massive harassment, and encampment in places where the soldiers are not supposed to put up camps. There are those from their tribe who have sought refuge in Bukidnon.

The Lumads are still in fear of what was done to an elderly tribe member named Ubonay Botod Manlaon, who was held by soldiers for seven days and forced to guide the military in their counter-insurgency operations.

The Ata-Manobos, led by Datu Duloman Dawsay, are asking the government to listen to their call of pulling out the military from Talaingod so that they can return to their homes and live in peace with their families.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/04/16/int-l-forum-calls-spare-civilians-military-ops-338680

MILF-BIAF 116th Base Command in Lanao holds thanksgiving for the signing of CAB

From the MILF Website (Apr 16): MILF-BIAF 116th Base Command in Lanao holds thanksgiving for the signing of CAB



The historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014 at Malacanang ground after a tumultuous 17-year peace negotiations were hailed not only by the Bangsamoro people but also local, regional, national and world leaders and even Non- Muslims or non-Moros in Mindanao. Local and international peace and development partners also expressed the same tone of appreciation and thanked the Philippines Government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the very significant progress in the peace talks.

Fulfilled and elated with the inking of the CAB seen by many as the ultimate solution to the four decades of Moro struggle for peace and self-determination, the 116th Base Command based in Butig, Lanao del Sur held a thanksgiving or “kendure” in the vernacular on April 12-13, 2014 at its headquarters as a celebration and expression of gratitude first, to the Almighty Allah and to the GPH-MILF and all local and international peace partners that supported the peace process. The theme of the program-celebration was “Working together for Peace and Development in Bangsamoro”.

The CAB is viewed by both patricians and laymen as the first step towards achieving lasting peace and comprehensive solution to the Mindanao question and they are fully cognizant of its daunting tasks ahead particularly during implementation stages of the agreement.

The two –day program was attended by BIAF top brass officers, base commanders and their ground forces that manifested their unwavering support for the smooth and full implementation of CAB.

Some BIAF officers from the MILF main camp at Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, members of the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH – MILF), members of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) were among the invited guests who witnessed the affair.

Messages from different sectors were also delivered such as:  
“I am hoping that in the Bangsamoro Government the living condition of the farmers and their families will be improved and the problems on land disputes will be addressed”, a farmer sector’s head said.

“It is prudent that the two Moro Fronts, MNLF & MILF must unite since both have been struggling for the same cause and  their unity can pave the way for the realization of the Moro dream for long lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region”, one youth leader said.















Shari’ah Lawyer and fiscal in Butig Municipality explained in summation the contexts of Ministerial form of Government and the impact of graft and corruption that have menaced the region of Mindanao.

“The CAB is our last chance to address the Bangsamoro problem”, the local government of Butig is fully supportive of the CAB”, he stressed.

Official guest from the Office of the General Staff in Darapanan elucidated the salient points of the CAB and other updates particularly on the Annex on Normalization.

Other guests shared their hopes and supports to CAB and expressed their optimism that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may pass the scrutiny of Philippines Congress when it is forwarded to it by the Office of the President.

After the program, Maranaw foods and delicacies were served and enjoyed by everyone at the program venue.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/926-milf-biaf-116th-base-command-in-lanao-holds-thanksgiving-for-the-signing-of-cab

MILF: Heavy skirmishes between Government soldiers and rebel forces rage in Basilan

From the MILF Website (Apr 16): Heavy skirmishes between Government soldiers and rebel forces rage in Basilan




Heavy skirmishes took place about 2AM of Friday, April 11 in the town of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan when combined members of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers and 18th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raided Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) lair headed by Puruji Indama at Barangay Silangkum, Tipo-Tipo. 
  

In an early report by the military however said that the encounter took place at Kurellem, Ungkaya Pukan town about 2.5 Kms. from Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo that resulted to the death of three ASG members and wounding of 19 soldiers. Reliable source said that the wounded soldiers are confined and recuperating in a military hospital in Zamboanga City.

The raid at the village of Kurellem lasted about two hours when the bandits scrambled to safety and ran away towards different directions after the death of their comrades. Pursuing soldiers supported by two jetfighter planes, four MG 520 Helicopter Gunships and artillery encroached on an MILF perimeter defence at Baguindan under Chairman Hamsa Sapatun of the Basilan Political Committee is located.

At 9AM the same day a fierce gun battle ensued between government troops and MILF Forces with the soldiers aided by more truckloads of reinforcements and Simba Tanks.  The exchange of fire halted at around 11PM. Unconfirmed reports said that civilians saw a number of government fatalities at Tabian Brigade at Isabela City due to the skirmishes at Baguindan.

Reports from the ground said the MILF suffered three martyrs namely; Basir or Buka Kerok, Soy Tarung & Mohammad Soh. Slightly wounded were Totong Ausal and Muthim Imam. One civilian was also killed identified as Julamri Bapakil and wounded were Adzmar Abdurahim, 14 years old, Hudri Julamri, 16 years old, Basri Pamasad and Jihad Abdurajim, 17 years old. The movement of the AFP soldiers was not in any way coordinated with CCCH neither the military informed the AHJAG. The encounter could had been avoided had the military coordinated with the GPH-MILF CCCH and the International Monitoring Team. The raid at Kurellem against the Abu Sayyaf lasted only for two hours as they ran away but the exchanged of gun fires between the aggressed MILF Forces and the government troops took several hours.

Heavy damages were also reported on a school building, madrasah, mosque and agricultural crops due to relentless artillery shelling and helicopter gunship machinegun fire.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/925-heavy-skirmishes-between-government-soldiers-and-rebel-forces-rage-in-basilan

MILF: LGU’s North Upi and South Upi hold joint meeting for peace in Bangsamoro

From the MILF Website (Apr 16): LGU’s North Upi and South Upi hold joint meeting for peace in Bangsamoro



The local government units of North Upi and South Upi held a joint meeting for the prevalence of peace in the localities in the light of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) last April 12 at the conference hall of the capitol building of Upi town.
  

 The joint meeting for peace was the first of its kind between the two LGU’s initiated by Upi Mayor Ramon Piang. The meeting was attended by Mayor Piang and Mayor Abdullah Campong of South Upi and other LGU officials. 

Also in attendance were invited guests from the MILF- BIAF headed by Mohammad Nassif, Chief for Operations of the MILF-BIAF and head of the MILF-TWG on Normalization, members of MILF Political Committees of Upi, business groups, farmers,  members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), Office for Southern Cultural Communities-ARMM,  Philippine Marines, Philippine National Police (PNP), the media and barangay officials of North Upi and the South Upi.

Maintenance of peace and order, the future Bangsamoro government, and others issues concerning IP's and settlers from Luzon and Visayas were the agenda of the meeting set by the organizers.

In his message, Mohammad Nassif assured that members of BIAF who are assigned or native inhabitants in the area are ready and willing to assist the LGU’s and their counterparts in the AFP in the maintenance of peace and order should the need arises.

“Kaya kasama ko ngayon ang mga opisyales ng BIAF at ng AFP para makilala ninyo sila” (That is why they are here so that you will be familiarized with them)    Nassif said.

Captain Azhar Adam of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and member of the IMT-Mission 9 clarified the IMT mandates and the reasons for their presence in Mindanao.

The tour of duty of the IMT which monitors the ceasefire agreement, civilian protection, rehabilitation and development, and socio-economic components of the agreement between the GPH and the MILF is extended until March 2015.

The GPH and MILF also agreed to reduce the number of IMT members to 36, 14 from Malaysia, nine each from Brunei and Indonesia, and two each from Japan and Norway.

Also present was Takayuki Nakagawa of Japan, a member of IMT for Socio-Economic Assistance Component.

BGen. Romeo Gan, Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division, has been designated by the AFP hierarchy as the new head of the GPH Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), following the retirement of MGen. Leo Cresente Ferrer last December 2013.

In 2002, AHJAG was formed through joint efforts of the GPH and the MILF Peace Panels in 2002 that seeks to interdict and isolate lawless elements. It coordinates, monitors, and disseminates information between and among the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the MILF to undertake smooth and careful law enforcement operations without jeopardizing the GPH-MILF peace process.

The AHJAG is comprised of representatives from the MILF, the AFP and the PNP that operate on a yearly GPH-MILF bilateral mandate and is supervised by the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The group will serve as a crime prevention mechanism to help security authorities maintain law and order in far-flung areas.

The AHJAG has resolved dozens of domestic peace and security issues in areas covered by the ceasefire agreement and had managed to secure the release without any ransom of several kidnap victims in Central Mindanao and surrounding regions in recent years.


Colonel Arturo M.  Beo, Deputy Commander of 1st Marine Battalion who represented the Philippine Marines assured the support of the Marines in the peace process.

Director Fatima Kanakan, a Teduray Muslim, of the Office for Southern Cultural Communities-ARMM, clarified the issue on delineation of the ancestral domain of the Indigenous People (IP’s) particularly of the Teduray, by the National Commission Indigenous People –Region 12 (NCIP).  She explained that the IPRA shall be superseded by the BBL once it becomes a law. The law includes ancestral domain, basic rights, customs and tradition of the IP’s.

After the signing of the CAB, a lot of adjustments shall be undertaken by different agencies of the government particularly in the implementation of programs.

Kanakan   also asked his brethren Tedurays to give chance to the MILF and the Bangsamoro Government to uplift the conditions of the Bangsamoro people and the IP’s.

Mayor Piang also explained that the IPRA Law is also incorporated in recently signed CAB and to be included in the BBL with more benefits for the IP’s compared to the IPRA law.

In the open forum facilitated by Major Carlos Sol Jr. of GPH-CCCH it was suggested   that members of the local committee members of MILF shall be invited during the Municipal Peace Order Council (MPOC) meeting of the LGU.

Mayor Piang bought the idea and announced that in the next meeting of the MPOC he will invite members of the MILF political committee in the municipality and ask them to be the LGU partners in maintaining peace and order.

Cattle rustlings in villages are one of the serious problems mentioned by the LGU’s that shall be put on the table during the executive session.

Another issue raised during the open forum is the alleged recruitment of prospective members of Police Force for the Bangsamoro which Nassif denied. He said that the GPH-MILF Peace Panels are still waiting for the   recommendations of the National Police Commission tasked to study the structure and guidelines of the proposed police force for Bangsamoro.

After the meeting, an executive session was held with the two mayors, and the security sectors: IMT, AHJAG (MILF-GPH), CCCH (GPH-MILF), PNP, Philippine Marines to discussed the implementation of all issues relative to peace and order affecting the adjacent  municipalities.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/924-lgu’s-north-upi-and-south-upi-hold-joint-meeting-for-peace-in-bangsamoro

CPP: On the GPH-MILF peace process

Propaganda statement from Sison posted to the CPP Website (Apr 17): On the GPH-MILF peace process

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman
Communist Party of the Philippines

 

From a previous position of exercising the right to national self-determination, to the extent of fighting to secede from the Philippine state, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has surrendered itself to the sovereignty, constitution and constitutional processes of said state and has opted for regional autonomy under the Philippine state. Is that true?
Jose Maria Sison (JMS): The leaders of the MILF themselves have confirmed the fact by their own words and deeds. The Bangsamoro Basic Law and all the agreements and annexes covered by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) are subject to the 1987 Constitution and constitutional processes of the Philippine state. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) has publicly assured the MILF that the Philippine constitution can accommodate the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the Bangsamoro political entity without resorting to constitutional amendment.

The MILF has allowed said assurance of GPH to pass, or has not objected to it, from the signing of the FAB in 2012 to the further signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014. The MILF has also agreed that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission ceases to offer constitutional amendments when it ceases to exist upon the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The GPH-MILF negotiations have also ended upon the signing of the CAB.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission, which is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), has already submitted the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Aquino administration for processing and approval before submission to Congress for the process of legislation. Subsequently, it would still be possible for constitutional issues to be raised before the Supreme Court.

2. Is the Aquino administration determined to push the enactment of the BBL? Why? What makes the Aquino administration and its agents in Congress and the Supreme Court so confident that they can keep the BBL within the four corners of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines state and override constitutional issues that have been raised by certain political leaders, legal experts and media pundits?

JMS: The Aquino administration is determined to push the enactment of the BBL and the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity because behind him are the US, the European Community, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and other countries which are interested in the exploitation of the natural resources of the Bangsamoro areas. The administration has enough time and numbers in both houses of Congress to ram through the BBL, not to mention the pork barrel for persuading possible oppositionists. It is a bit of balderdash that Aquino wants to have a legacy of making peace in the Bangsamoro areas.

The GPH executive and legislative branches are obviously using the provision in the 1987 constitution that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in order to give a constitutional grounding to the Bangsamoro political entity, and present this new entity as a replacement of the existing ARMM political organ which shall be abolished upon the promulgation and ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In this connection, all other constitutional issues can be fixed by further “language engineering” by the GPH, with the MILF predisposed to consent.
It is reasonable to estimate that the Aquino regime is taking the MILF for a ride, if only to cause the dissolution of the MILF as a revolutionary organization. But most likely, the ride is not shorter than going all the way to the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity. The US and GPH strategists are known to calculate that the MILF will go the way of the MNLF.

3. Is not the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) or its Sema and Misuari factions still in a position to complain and raise a constitutional issue about the continuing validity of the ARMM Organic Law and the 1996 peace agreement? And would not the Misuari faction go back to armed struggle for the purpose seceding from the Philippine state or demanding respect for the 1996 peace agreement?

JMS: If the Bangsamoro Basic Law as envisioned would repeal and not merely amend Republic Act 9054 (which amended RA 6734, the original ARMM Organic Law, and which incorporated the provisions of the 1996 MNLF-GRP Final Peace Agreement), there is a high probability for the MNLF or any other interested party to raise a constitutional issue before the Supreme Court on the ground that the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, which is supposed to be the full implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, has continuing validity and cannot be terminated or abrogated unilaterally by the GPH.

The Aquino administration is confident that it has enough numbers in the Sereno Supreme Court, including Marvic Leonen. Together with the MILF, the administration is also trying to appease the opposition of the MNLF and other groups with accommodation in the Bangsamoro political entity and threaten those who resist with fatwa under shariah law and condemnation as peace spoilers. But the resisting Moro organizations, like the Misuari faction of the MNLF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), can also issue a counter-fatwa and appeal for support from the Moro people and the Organization of Islamic Countries which gave its blessings to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

4. Aside from the contradictions in the application of the constitutional provision on the ARMM, what are the other constitutional issues that need to be fixed by the Aquino administration and Congress?

JMS: Senator Miriam Defensor, the chair of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, has publicly complained that a Bangsamoro substate is being established and has raised a number of constitutional questions:

1. Why should executive agreements with the MILF determine and diminish the powers of the central government, in violation of the supremacy of the Philippine constitution by dividing the so-called reserved powers of the central government and the so-called exclusive powers of the Bangsamoro political entity?
2. How can the ARMM provision in the 1987 constitution be practically dissolved by mere agreement with the MILF?
3. Why should the powers exercised by the national government over local government units be yielded to, or become the exclusive powers of, the Bangsamoro political entity?
4. Natural resources belong to the Philippine state, but how come they shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro political entity?
5. What exclusive powers can belong to the Bangsamoro political entity in a unitary state like the Philippines?
6. How will the ministerial form of Bangsamoro government jibe with the presidential form of government for most of the country? and
7. How can the Bangsamoro Transition Commission be tasked to work on proposals to amend the constitution for the purpose of amending and entrenching in the Constitution the agreements whenever necessary, without derogating from any prior peace agreement?

Other contentious issues have been raised by those who adhere to the 1987 constitution. They include the following:

1. Why subject the people of the five provinces claimed by Bangsamoro to one more plebiscite, when in fact they said yes to autonomy twice already in the past?
2. Why should the Philippine state cede or concede a part of its internal waters and territorial sea to become Bangsamoro waters under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro political entity?
3. Why the extraordinary high shares of Bangsamoro in the division of government revenues, which are discriminatory to other regions? and
4. Why should there be a Bangsamoro police without a clear frame or line of subordination to the Philippine National Police, which is mandated by the 1987 constitution as the sole police force?

5. How are these constitutional issues possibly being addressed by the GPH and the MILF?

JMS: I presume that both the GPH and MILF are aware of these issues and they must have discussed these within the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, especially upon the initiative of the GPH agents. It is possible that the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law has been watered down and toned down by the commission and brought down to a level much lower than the earlier high expectations of the MILF.

To update ourselves on the constitutional issues, we have to get a copy of the draft basic law recently submitted to the GPH executive branch. After submission of the draft, the GPH executive branch can amend the draft. And this can be further amended by Congress. As soon as the draft of the BBL reaches Congress, it should be available to the public for scrutiny and opposition to objectionable provisions.

6. Will the MILF be able to protest or withdraw from the entire deal if it gets far less than its expectations, or if it considers itself swindled by the GPH?

JMS: The MILF has already declared and agreed that it will decommission its weapons and dismantle its army only after the implementation of all the agreements. The implication of this is that the MILF can withdraw from the deal if it is swindled. But in the first place, it has already submitted itself to the constitution and constitutional processes of the GPH. The MILF leaders seem to be satisfied with prospective appointments to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, with elections to the Bangsamoro political organs, and with the absorption of most of the MILF fighters in the Bangsamoro police.

7. Behind the scenes Aquino and his political agents are known to laugh at the MILF for believing that the Bangsamoro political entity will have exclusive powers, independent of the central or national government, and for supposedly expecting to have extraordinary shares of revenues and opportunities for bureaucratic corruption and personal enrichment, when more than US$ 300 billion of US and other foreign investments are supposed to pour in to exploit the natural resources in Bangsamoro. Would imperial Manila actually allow the Bangsamoro bureaucrats to grab the lion’s share from the opportunities of bureaucratic corruption?

JMS: Despite all the promises that the Bangsamoro political entity will have for more powers and financial resources than the ARMM, I think that the GPH president and the central government in Manila will put in all the caveats and make sure that the Bangsamoro political entity will be something like the existing ARMM, a bureaucratic layer, between the presidential office and the local governments still operating according to the current code on local governments. The high bureaucrats and big compradors of Manila and the Moro political dynasties will still take the lion’s share of whatever bureaucratic loot can arise from investments of the US and other multinational firms exploiting the natural resources in the Bangsamoro.

8. Assuming that the Bangsamoro political entity will replace the ARMM, what will become of the MILF in the short term and long run? Will there really be a durable peace in the areas of the Bangsamoro?

JMS: The MILF itself has indicated that it shall liquidate itself, become an Islamic movement and form a political party for electoral purposes. The highest MILF official Brother Ebrahim Murad is expected to become the Chief Minister. I presume that the other MILF officials will also assume high offices in the Bangsamoro political organs.

If we go by the historical example of the MNLF, the MILF has to be vigilant against ceaseless attempts of the Manila-based bureaucrats and the military officers of the reactionary government to subordinate, corrupt and split the MILF officials. The electoral process will also be a way to weaken the former cohesiveness of the MILF and will allow the traditional ruling families and favorites of any current president to take over the Bangsamoro political entity. Remember how the MNLF split and the ARRM eventually fell into the hands of the Ampatuan family.

The GPH-MILF peace agreement and establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity will not necessarily result in a just and lasting peace. There are armed clans and armed political forces like the MNLF of Misuari and the BIFF. It remains to be seen how they can be appeased or outraged.

The exploited masses of workers and peasants have a high potential for waging an armed revolution against their exploiters and oppressors in the Bangsamoro areas. The agreements made by the GPH and MILF are not concerned about national independence vis a vis the imperialist powers, democracy for the workers and peasants, social justice and development through land reform and national industrialization.

9. What are the prospects of the Bangsamoro people and Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization in the Bangsamoro areas?
JMS: The Moro people will continue to wage various forms of struggle in order to assert and realize their right to national self-determination and ancestral domain. The Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization (MRLO), the revolutionary masses and allies can take more initiative in carrying forward the people’s democratic revolution through protracted people’s war. The imperialists and the Manila puppet government will not satisfy the basic demands of the Moro people. The MRLO is in a position more than ever to arouse, organize and mobilize the Moro people to fight for national and social liberation.

10. What is the consequence of the peace settlement between the MILF and the Manila government to the revolutionary movement led by the Communist Party of the Philippines? Will such peace settlement strengthen the reactionary government in waging a campaign of military suppression against the revolutionary? If not, why and how?

JMS: The MNLF and MILF have had long ceasefire agreements with the Manila government since a long time ago. Meanwhile, the New People’s Army, the people’s militia and the self-defense units of the mass organizations have grown in strength nationwide, together with the Communist Party, the National Democratic Front, the mass organizations and the people’s democratic government.

According to reports, sixty per cent of the reactionary forces are now deployed in Mindanao. Most of them are tasked to attack the rapidly growing forces of the NPA. But some continue to be posted in the Bangsamoro areas in order to contain and attack the BIFF and the MNLF-Misuari, not to mention the infamous Abu Sayyaf. The concentration of the reactionary troops in NPA areas in Mindanao will give the NPA a chance to seize more weapons and encourage the NPA to attack and seize arms from the weaker enemy forces in Luzon and the Visayas.


The CPP, NPA and NDFP are resolutely and militantly carrying out the plan to advance from the strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate in the people’s war nationwide. For more information on the progress of the people’s revolutionary struggle, I refer everyone to the www.philippinerevolution.com to read the long message of the CPP to NPA on the latter’s 45th founding anniversary and the latest battle reports of the NPA in various parts of the Philippines.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140417_on-the-gph-milf-peace-process

CPP/NDF: On Talaingod, Civil War and Peace Talks

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 16): On Talaingod, Civil War and Peace Talks

Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

 

 Good evening, Friends and Kababayan, Community and Faith leaders of the United Methodist Church, and members of mass organizations of BAYAN.

I extend warmest greetings to the great indigenous people of Talaingod, Davao del Norte, for their persistent fighting spirit, opposing the landgrabbing of Alcantara and Sons since the 1990s and up to now, and their resistance to destructive mining. They are now subjected to the most brutal militarization causing their renewed uprooting. They indeed deserve our strong solidarity.

This flagrant human rights violation by the military and the Aquino regime is repeated in many parts of the Philippines. As the Ata-Manobos in Talaingod accuse the 60thInfantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the 4th Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Cordillera people condemn the brutal massacre of the Ligiw family in Abra and demand the pull-out of the 47thInfantry Battalion, Philippine Army, whom they accuse of many human rights violations.

Similar militarization and uprooting are caused in Bicol, other parts of Luzon, and the Visayas. The policy of the Aquino regime to favor foreign destructive mining is carried out with brutal militarization.

In addition, the neoliberal policies of the regime, of privatization, deregulation, liberalization and denationalization, are causing great havoc on the lives of the workers, peasants, indigenous people, urban poor, fisherfolk, women and youth, and other sectors of the population.

Because of the intolerable exploitation and oppression of the ruling system of big landlords and compradors backed by the US, there has been a civil war in the Philippines since 1969. The liberation forces upholding and defending the rights of the exploited and oppressed are waging a war for national and social liberation. The New People’s Army led by the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the forces of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, through 45 years of heroic struggle, have established people’s organs of democratic power in substantial portions of 71 out of the total 81 provinces in the country.

The NDFP has held peace negotiations with the Manila government and has signed more than ten agreements since 1992. The aim of the NDFP is to address the roots of the armed conflict, such as land reform and national industrialization, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The Aquino government, however, has refused to comply with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). It has declared the Framework Agreement, The Hague Joint Declaration, “a document of perpetual division.”

It arrested NDFP consultants Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria on 22 March 2014. It refuses to honor the JASIG. It detains them and 13 other NDFP consultants.

It keeps in jail 470 political prisoners, charging them with criminal offenses, in violation of the CARHRIHL.

On 27 March 2014, it arrested Andrea Rosal who is due to give birth next month. She is the daughter of the late NPA Commander Gregorio “Ka Roger” Rosal. When she was three years old in 1989, she was snatched from her grandmother’s arms to pressure Ka Roger to surrender. A powerful campaign by Ka Roger and supporters compelled the military to release her.

Extrajudicial killings under Aquino have reached 188 cases, an average of almost one each week.

The NDFP demands the release of the 15 NDFP peace consultants and the political prisoners. We demand a stop to the militarization of civilian communities.

Because of the violations by the Aquino regime of the peace agreements, the peace talks are stalled. However, the NDFP supports the Royal Norwegian Government’s proposal for holding informal talks in Oslo in late May 2014. Peace advocate organizations in the Philippines and abroad also support the holding of such talks. The Aquino regime has not responded.

You can continue your strong campaign of solidarity for the Ata-Manobos and other indigenous people struggling for their ancestral domain and resisting militarization.

You can also help in campaigning for the release of Tiamzon and Austria, and the other NDFP consultants.

You could also campaign for the release of Andrea Rosal.

You can demand the resumption of peace talks between the NDFP and the Aquino government based on the binding past peace agreements.

Your suggested action of “No US Taxes for human rights violations!” is very timely and will be effective in supporting the Filipino people’s struggle for a just and lasting peace.
Thank you!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140416_on-talaingod-civil-war-and-peace-talks