MNLF denies Misuari is behind Sabah kidnappings

From ABS-CBN (Jul 18): MNLF denies Misuari is behind Sabah kidnappings

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesperson Absalom Cerveza denied that the group's founding chairman, Nur Misuari, is behind the spate of abductions in Malaysia.

Cerveza was responding to an accusation by Malaysia's Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that Misuari ordered the abductions in order to gather funds for the revival of the MNLF's military wing.

''That is hallunication on the part of Malaysia. It does not deserve our response because we know they are not telling the truth. They are speculating, inventing stories,'' Cerveza told dzMM.

''First of all, the military contingent of the MNLF is very much alive."

The Malaysian minister was also quoted as saying in reports that Misuari and the MNLF is working with members of the Sulu Sultanate in recapturing Sabah.

Cerveza said that while Misuari and the MNLF support the sultanate's cause, the MNLF is not involved in the recent abductions in Sabah.

Malaysia's former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor was also quoted in a Bernama report as saying that Misuari is exacting revenge against Malaysia for supporting the peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Misuari, who once served as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is currently wanted for his alleged role in the bloody Zamboanga siege.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/18/14/mnlf-denies-misuari-behind-sabah-kidnappings

MILF: ACBWD holds Nadwah Islami’yyah with advocacy

From the MILF Website (Jul 18): ACBWD holds Nadwah Islami’yyah with advocacy



The Alliance of Concern Bangsamoro Women for Development (ACBWD) in partnership with the Institute of Middle East and Arabic Studies of the University of Southern Mindanao.
  

Kabacan, North Cotabato held a one-day Nadwah Islamie (forum) with Advocacy on the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Theme: “Strengthening Aquidah Isla’miyyah” on July 13, 2014 at the IMIEAS’ Salipada K. Pendatun Hall.

The gathering was attended by about 200 participants both men and women comprising faculty, staff and students of IMEAS. Some local residents also participated.

The program started with a recital of some verses of the Holy Quran by Dr. Ali Delengalen, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Badrodin S. Abdulkadir, Dean of IMEAS. Bai Norma D. Pasandalan, Al-hadja, President of ACBWD delivered the opening remarks.

Professor Esmael A. Abdula delved on the peace process; expounded on the highlights of CAB and the FAB four annexes and the current status of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).  Abdula is currently the Chairman of the Campaign and Mass Mobilization, Sub Committee on Information, Committee on Information and member of the Steering Committee of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) at the same time the institute’s training officer.

Abdula pointed out that the root cause of the Mindanao conflict were foreign and local colonization of the Moro homeland that marginalized our people and devastated the region. “This isn’t a conflict between Muslims and Non-Muslims; it’s a fight against oppression,” Abdula said further.

Abdula encouraged the participant especially the academe to be active and vigilant in supporting the peace process to be able to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao Region.

With Abdula were Datuan Magon of UNYPAD, Ustadza Aida M. Said, Sheik Adbulgani T. Tumalaw and Sheik Abdulfatah Delna Sheikh Delna explained the significance of Ramadan but focused mainly on the Theme: “Strengthening Aquidah Isla’miyyah”

After the closing program, some participants were overheard saying that they hope to participate similar forum in the future.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1093-acbwd-holds-nadwah-islami’yyah-with-advocacy

CPP/NDF: The New People’s Army in NEMR simultaneously attacks three private armies

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 16): The New People’s Army in NEMR simultaneously attacks three private armies

Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP Northeast Mindanao Chapter

 

Within only a day, the New People’s Army in the North East Mindanao Region simultaneously attacked on July 15 three private armed groups to dismantle and stop it from continuing its brutal and anti-people criminal activities. First is the armed Lumad group of Calpet Egua based in Sta. Irene, Posperidad, Agusan del Sur; second is another armed Lumad group based in Sitio Inagawan, La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, also armed by Calpet himself; and third, the bandit group in Bitan-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Calpet’s private army was formed with the aid of the army, PNP and LGU officials so that he can control the profit from the mining operations in the Manhulayan area. When Calpet rose to power as a warlord, he grabbed the lands of other Lumads as well as that of businessmen who owned mining concessions in the area. This allowed him to accumulate wealth and gave him the leverage to expand and strengthen his private army up to more than 60 armed elements, widening and solidifying his control over the mining and logging area in the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

Calpet’s private army has committed vile criminal acts of massacre, summary executions, rape and ambush even of his Lumad relatives. His “handlers” in the military have not only used this to make a profit but also for counter-revolutionary activities. The attack against Calpet is a revolutionary exaction of justice.

According to partial reports, at around 5:50AM, an NPA platoon staged an attack on Calpet’s compound, which also serves as the base for his private army. This NPA-initiated attack, as stated by initial reports from the field, did not, however, succeed and resulted in the demise of 10 Red fighters and the wounding of a few others. On the part of the enemy, four elements of Calpet’s dreaded private army were killed-in-action, including his brother who is armed and is as ruthless as he is. A civilian driver was also killed during the battle.

Another NPA Red fighter was martyred when military forces attacked the NPA blocking force in Brgy. Hamugaway, Bayugan City. The military also attacked the blocking force of the NPA in San Salvador, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, but there were no casualties among the Red fighters. According to the AFP, one of their personnel died and another was wounded in the course of this incident.

In yet another daring tactical offensive, during the same time in the dawn of July the 15th, another NPA unit raided another Calpet-sponsored Lumad private armed group based in Sitio Inagwan, La Purisima, Prospersida, Agusan del Sur, which has in their possession more or less 20 firearms. The raid was a success, allowing the NPA to confiscate 7 M16s, 1 M14 and 2 handguns. While a few other armed elements fled, one was able to gun down and kill a Red fighter.

On the same day, yet another NPA platoon attacked another private army of bandits based in Brgy. Bitan-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. According to reports, the leader of the bandits, Renato Villaverde, was killed and, from him, a carbine rifle, a .45 calibre pistol and a 9mm KG were confiscated. The battle resulted in the wounding of a Red fighter. The other members of the bandit group bolted. This group is responsible for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs in the area, robbery, gun-for-hire and a host of other criminal acts. This notorious bandit group is also responsible for numerous armed robberies along the highway and in nearby towns.

These simultaneous attacks against three private armed groups in Agusan del Sur form part of the NPA’s firm resolve to dismantle brutal private armies in order to defend the interests of the broad masses. We are well aware that the reactionary government encourages the existence of these private armies to cater to their interests and for use in counter-revolutionary activities. Fourteen Red fighters have courageously offered up their lives, including a civilian driver, to carry out this latest effort of the NPA to destroy fascist private armed groups. Their passing, though unfortunate, shall never weaken the unflinching determination of the NPA to crush private armies that have become a threat to the interest of the people.

The foremost task of the NPA is to smash all armed apparatus of the reactionary state, which are used to protect the interests of big landlords, big bourgeois comprador and US imperialism. Private armies are part of these armed apparatus that serve the interest of the ruling classes.

The call of PNP and military officials to end the armed conflict is nothing but a devious call for peace because they have taken no sincere steps in dismantling private armies that are the very threats to peace itself. Above all, as long as the AFP-PNP-Cafgu exist as the very apparatus of the ruling classes to oppress and exploit the people, to smash it completely is only right and to have the real people’s army rise in its stead is the only way to liberate the people totally from its fascist grip.

We are grateful for the offer to have our wounded brought to you for medical treatment however, we know that behind this seeming act of benevolence is a trap ready to spring on our Red fighters to surrender. Once under your custody, your courts and prisons will never release them. Instead of accepting your offer, we will try our very best with whatever medical resources we have within our revolutionary medical team’s reach to treat our wounded and get them out of harm’s way.

We ask the responsible government agencies to ensure that the process of embalming should take, at the minimum, a week in order to allow us to reach and inform the families of the Red fighters who have heroically offered their lives in the service of the people. We will defray funeral costs. We are in debt of gratitude should you consider our request.

To the family of the driver who unfortunately perished in this incident, we only ask for your understanding and pardon; we shall exert every effort to provide financial help.

To the owner of the vehicle the NPA rented for this operation, we deeply regret the inconvenience it has brought you. We shall find ways to pay for the damages.

To the public, we humbly ask for your kind consideration with whatever inconvenience this NPA-initiated operation has brought you. We are in the middle of a civil war where the people’s army – the NPA – is launching tactical offensives in order to smash the armed apparatus of exploitation and oppression, and is gradually strengthening itself to gain greater capability to totally destroy the armed forces of the ruling classes. We strive, now and in the future, to make sure that no civilians ever get caught in the cross fire and that we bring to a minimum any inconvenience or delay brought on by these legitimate operations of the NPA.

To the martyred Red fighters in these simultaneous operations, their deaths deserve praise as heroes because they willingly offered their lives for the liberation of the long suffering people from exploitation and oppression. To their relatives, friends and comrade Red fighters, the entire people joins you in your mourning. Let us transform our collective grief into revolutionary courage in order to continue the cause begun and left for us to carry forward by our Revolutionary Martyrs.

Long live the inspiration of the Revolutionary Martyrs!
Social Justice for the people!
Advance the People’s War!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140716_the-new-people-s-army-in-nemr-simultaneously-attacks-three-private-armies

CPP: CPP commiserates with typhoon victims

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 17): CPP commiserates with typhoon victims

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines commiserates with the broad masses of workers, peasants, fisherfolk, minority people, ordinary income earners and other toiling people, who bore the brunt of typhoon Glenda over the past several days. The typhoon dealt widespread destruction especially in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Visayas, Central Luzon and the National Capital Region.

Strong winds and torrential rain damaged thousands upon thousands of small peasant houses and urban poor shanties, as well as rice fields, vegetable farms, coconut trees, fish ponds as well as other sources of livelihood.

As a matter of revolutionary duty, all branches of the CPP, units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and local revolutionary mass organizations in the affected areas, have been mobilized to shoulder all the necessary tasks to help those needing assistance to repair their houses and resume their livelihood.

Revolutionary authorities are exerting all efforts to mobilize volunteers and coordinate with local and international aid agencies to ensure that emergency services and relief materials reach the intended people the soonest.

The CPP calls on the people in the affected areas to stand alert against the continuing offensive and surveillance operations being carries out by the Aquino regime and its armed forces. These operations aim to impede NPA units as well as people’s organizations from carrying-out their duty to assist the people.

Recall that after typhoon Yolanda, AFP units launched massive offensive operations in Eastern Visayas, Panay and Negros, against NPA units doing rehabilitation work. The Aquino regime’s policy of intensifying offensive military operations in calamity-stricken areas is a manifestation of its deep contempt of the people.

It is the broad masses of the oppressed and exploited classes who are always vulnerable to storms and other natural calamities. The disasters they experience, however, are invariably man-made as the reactionary government is completely negligent of the welfare of the toiling people.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140717_cpp-commiserates-with-typhoon-victims

CPP/NPA: NPA seizes 17 firearms in raid against Del Monte plantation in Quezon, Bukidnon

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 18): NPA seizes 17 firearms in raid against Del Monte plantation in Quezon, Bukidnon

Alan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Julito Tiro Command)

 

The New People’s Army under the South-Central Bukidnon (NPA-SCB) Sub-Regional Command successfully raided the compound of Del Monte Phils. Pineapple Plantation in Sitio Kiantig, Brgy. San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon, July 15, 2014, around 10:30 AM. The NPA unit seized 17 firearms in the tactical offensive.

The NPA confiscated from the security guards of Del Monte’s satellite plant 10 high power rifles, including six M16 rifles, three carbines and a Garand rifle. They also seized six shotguns, one pistol, five VHF Radios and some live ammunition. Meanwhile, the Red fighters also destroyed their chemical warehouse, security bunker and plant machineries including a tractor, four motorcycles and others.

Riding a forward truck and a ten-wheeler, an NPA company raided Del Monte compound despite its proximity to the battalion headquarters of the 23rd IB in Maramag, the police station in Quezon town and the command post of the 1st Special Forces in Salawagan, Quezon. The reactionary armed forces and police failed to respond to the quick, secret and surprise NPA operation.

During the attack, a few of the company guards resisted, resulting in a few minutes of firefight during which two guards, Rey Balon and Reynald Pangkat, were killed. On the other hand, the NPA suffered no casualties and safely withdrew after the raid. Nevertheless, we offer our condolences to the relatives and friends of those killed in the incident. We reiterate that punishing such companies and seizing their firearms are the NPA’s only aim. We do not intend to hurt their security guards as long as they offer no resistance.

Del Monte is being punished for its massive criminal culpability. Firstly, its outgrower, Poling Lorenzo, who aggressively seeks to expand the plantation, is a landgrabber. Using his armed guards, he harassed the legitimate claimants of the land he targets for expansion. Even nuns, students and supporters of the peasant claimants had a taste of strafing from Lorenzo’s rabid guards.

Secondly, its violations of labor regulations. Almost all of its workers are not regular owing to the labor cooperative scheme under the Kiantig Services Multi-purpose Cooperative (KISMUCO) under Poling Lorenzo’s control. With Lorenzo’s control on the workers cooperative, wages remain low and workers are subjected to oppressive quota and piece-rate systems before being paid; they receive no benefits, suffer from countless deductions, and their SSS and Philhealth funds are not regularly remitted. In 2011, the company also fired workers on protest without even addressing their complaints.

And thirdly, ever since the Del Monte plantation started to operate in the area, San Jose and its adjacent barrios have experienced more frequent flooding which have inundated several houses. Chemicals from the company also poison Luwan-luwan Spring, which serves as the town’s freshwater source.

Once more, we warn multinational companies like Del Monte, Dole and Sumifru to cease their aggressive and destructive expansion. They should stop landrabbing and pay those already dispossessed of their land. They should also respect the rights of the workers who have given them their billions worth of superprofit. The revolutionary movement will continue to launch punitive actions such as this for as long as the concerned companies do not heed these demands.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140717_npa-seizes-17-firearms-in-raid-against-del-monte-plantation-in-quezon-bukidnon

79th IB leaving NegOr today

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 18): 79th IB leaving NegOr today

The 500-plus men of the 79th  Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion of the Philippine Army will leave Negros Oriental today for a three-month Battalion of Excellence training in Nueva Ecija.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, 79th  IB commander, said yesterday that the battalion will pull out from its headquarters in Siaton, Negros Oriental, and board a C-130 cargo plane of the Philippine Air Force from the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport.

The 79th  IB, that arrived in Negros Oriental in February 2008 from Bohol, will undergo the training that aims to improve the fighting capability of the 79th  IB at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The battalion's “move, shoot and communicate” capabilities will be enhanced, to include the provision of more vehicles, firearms, radio communications equipment and the like, Pascua said.

The 20th  IB will replace the 79th  IB in all its vacated posts and take over responsibilities of areas it had controlled or occupied, he also said.

He assured there shall be no vacuum left with the pullout of the 79th  IB, that is expected to return to Negros Oriental in October.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/18/negor2.htm

Suspected NPA rebels kill 2 soldiers in Negros Occ.

From InterAksyon (Jul 18): Suspected NPA rebels kill 2 soldiers in Negros Occ.



Reports from the field indicated that at least two soldiers were killed and another was wounded in a gunbattle Thursday against an estimated 30 suspected fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) at Sitio Madaha, Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

A report released by the Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said the soldiers from the 47th Infantry Battalion conducted combat operation against the rebels' lair and engaged them at around 2:15 p.m.

According the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Ariel Reyes, the rebels were believed to be members of the Central Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (CNF, KR-N).

"We engaged the NPA rebels for about 30 minutes, during which time two soldiers died and one was wounded," Reyes said.

He identified the slain troops as Corporal Napoleon Supresencia and Private First Class Henry Lumio Jr. The wounded soldier was Private First Class Leland Sucatre.

Reyes said the rebels also carted away two M16 rifles from the slain soldiers.

He said that, prior to encounter, residents of the village reported to them about the presence of the rebels in the area "planning to disrupt the peace and development efforts of the Army and the local government unit".

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/91469/suspected-npa-rebels-kill-2-soldiers-in-negros-occ-

Peace dialogue

From Mindanao Newsbits in the Manila Bulletin (Jul 18): Peace dialogue

Quirino, Sultan Kudarat – Government forces called a dialogue between Christian farmers and a group of Moro armed men who recently figured in a firefight that stemmed from a land conflict.

Lt. Col. Markton Abo, 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the dialogue was called purportedly to avert the possible escalation of the tension in the boundary of Quirino town and General SK Pendatun in Maguindanao.

At least 20 alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by one Commander Magnum attacked a group of farmers who were harvesting rice in Barangay Katico here over the weekend.

Abo said the conflict was triggered by the land dispute involving the family of Katico village chieftain Sancho Salamanca, and Moro claimants from nearby villages of General SK Pendatun town.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mindanao-newsbits-for-july-18-2014/

New AFP chief Catapang assumes post

From GMA News (Jul 18): New AFP chief Catapang assumes post



President Benigno Aquino III presides over the change of command between outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, July 18. GMA News

A former rebel soldier who previously supported a coup attempt against President Benigno Aquino III's mother assumed the top military post on Friday.

 

Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. formally replaced Gen. Emmanuel Bautista as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff during a change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday morning.

 

President Aquino, AFP commander-in-chief, attended the event.

 

Bautista relinquished the military leadership two days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

 

Catapang was AFP vice chief of staff before being named military chief. He also was commander of the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command and of the Army's 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

 

When he was still a junior military officer, Catapang joined the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), a group instrumental in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which toppled the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

 

A former RAM officer also told GMA News Online that Catapang was supportive of the 1987 coup attempt against President Aquino's mother, the late President Corazon Aquino.

"He (Catapang) was with us in PMA (Philippine Military Academy) back in 1987 when he and his classmate raised the inverted Philippine flag in support of (then-Col. now Senator Gregorio) Honasan," the source said.

Honasan served as one of the leaders of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa which attempted to overthrow the government of Mrs. Aquino. 

 

The same source said Catapang was not involved in succeeding coup attempts against MRs. Aquino.

 

Both Catapang and Bautista belong to the Philippine Military Academy "Dimalupig" Class of 1981.

 

To continue fight vs. insurgents

Meanwhile, in his assumption speech, Catapang vowed to continue the governments's counter-insurgency program — the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

"Since the start of IPSP Bayanihan in 2011, 44 out of the 75 provinces have been declared peaceful and ready for further development," he said.

"As regards to the ASG, they have been contained in the specific areas of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu," he added, referring to the Abu Sayyaf group.

Catapang also asked the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to remain committed to peace while waiting for the Congress to pass the final agreement.

He also urged those involved in the armed struggle to give up their fight in order to allow the country to move forward.

"I also ask the remaining NPA remnants who from a high of 24,000 members in the late 1980s have now dwindled and many of them have been returning back to the national mainstream," Catapang said.

Meanwhile, Catapang also vowed to continue the implementation of the AFP's 15-year Transformation Roadmap that seeks to professionalize and further improve the capabilities of the military institution.

"The AFP Transformation Roadmap is intended to prepare the AFP to confront the new and more complex security challenges of the 21st century," he said.

"These global challenges include global terrorism, climate change and global warming, global transnational crime that include human smuggling, drug trafficking, arms smuggling and cyber crime," he added. "These also include regional maritime concerns, territorial disputes, the protection of our Exclusive Economic Zone and the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/370877/news/nation/new-afp-chief-catapang-assumes-post

Abu Sayyaf bandits seize 3 DSWD workers in Sulu

From MindaNews (Jul 18): Abu Sayyaf bandits seize 3 DSWD workers in Sulu

Gunmen suspected to be Abu Sayyaf bandits abducted Thursday three government workers in the province of Sulu, a police official said.

Senior Supt. Abraham Orbita, Sulu police director, said the victims are workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) but withheld their identities upon request of the families.

Orbita said they were seized around 2 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao town.

He said the victims were conducting a survey for the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program when the bandits seized them.

He said policemen in coordination with the military were deployed to track down the whereabouts of the victims.

 

The official said the bandits have not contacted yet the victims’ families.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding captive kidnap victims, some of whom are believed to be foreigners.

Two of the captives are Zamboangueños who were seized last June 4 while working on a government water system project in Sulu.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/18/abu-sayyaf-bandits-seize-3-dswd-workers-in-sulu/

Is outgoing AFP chief a success or a failure?

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 18): Is outgoing AFP chief a success or a failure?



Outgoing Armed Forces Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. PHOTO from AFP Public Affairs Office

General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, is set to bow out of service on Friday as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He will be replaced by Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang, the military vice chief.

 Both are from the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981.

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the change of command ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo.

Bautista was a freshman cadet at the PMA when his father, Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista, and 33 others were gunned down by Moro National Liberation Front rebels in Sulu in 1977.

But did Bautista succeed as AFP chief? Or did he fail during his mandate?

During his leadership of 18 months, his leadership was challenged by the Zamboanga crisis, Bohol earthquake, Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) and intrusions by the Chinese in the Philippine waters at the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

It was also during his time that the Philippine military, one of the weakest in Asia, pursued military modernization to build a minimum credible defense.

Bautista, the 44th AFP chief of staff, led the formulation of the anti-insurgency campaign, the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan when he was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (J3).

The IPSP Bayanihan shifts focus from traditional combat operations to “developmental activities.” The campaign aims to make the communist rebels irrelevant by 2016.

It was during his leadership when top communist leaders, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, were arrested by authorities last March. The couple is believed to have taken over the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines from Jose Ma. Sison, who is on exile in the Netherlands.

As he steps down from the military leadership, the strength of the New People’s Army remains vague. Early this month, the military said they are still assessing the number of communist rebels, although they have announced that for this year, 431 NPA returned to the government fold, which is more than half of last year’s 701.

In 2013, the AFP said the NPA were at “a little over 4,000,” which is not a significant decline from the previous years.

The CPP, in a statement last week, said the Bayanihan is “a complete failure” and its forces also continue to grow.

“The AFP has failed, not only in its declared objective of decimating the NPA in three years’ time, but also in putting a stop to the nationwide growth and strengthening of the NPA,” it added.

“What the AFP failed to achieve in the battlefield, it now is trying to gain in terms of media and publicity by carrying out successive ‘surrender’ ceremonies, intimidating and rounding-up civilians and presenting them as surrenderees, if only to let military officials pocket millions of pesos in reward money,” the CPP said.

The Abu Sayyaf has also been aggressive in Mindanao. Only last month, seven soldiers were killed and dozens were wounded in clashes in Sulu.
Bautista’s successor, Catapang, is described as “instrumental in the normalization of Northern and Central Luzon.”

He will be the fifth AFP chief under the Aquino administration.

Before he was appointed as vice chief in May, he headed the Northern Luzon Command and the Army’s 7th Infantry Division. At that time, he envisioned the Army’s shift from internal security to territorial defense.
Catapang is also known for recognizing the other ‘enemy on the horizon’ which is climate change.

When he was a junior officer, he was part of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement that plotted the revolt against then President Ferdinand Marcos.
He has barely a year left in service as he is scheduled to retire on July 11, 2015, when he reaches the mandatory retirement of 56.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/621097/is-outgoing-afp-chief-a-success-or-a-failure

P4-B seal for Navy's strategic sealift vessels inked

From the Philippine Star (Jul 18): P4-B seal for Navy's strategic sealift vessels inked



A sketch of a strategic sealift vessel for the Philippine Navy.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL confirmed Friday that it has signed the contract to supply two strategic sealifts vessel to the Philippine Navy.

PT PAL's executive Edy Andarto told British defense publication IHS Jane's that the Philippine government has granted a $92 million contract for the vessels, to be delivered starting next year.

PT PAL was the only bidder left for the program.

The strategic sealift vessels, also known as landing platform docks, can be used for civil-military operations and for transporting large number of soldiers, logistics and supplies. Each of the vessels can also accommodate three helicopters.

Nine companies bought bid documents for the project but only two of them submitted offers.

The other bidder, Daewoo International, was declared by the Bids and Awards Committee as ineligible due to its failure to meet certain technical requirements.

The sealift vessels top the list of 18 priority projects under the modernization program for the armed forces.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/07/18/1347645/p4-b-seal-navys-strategic-sealift-vessels-inked

Brunei urged to help decommission MILF men

From the Philippine Star (Jul 18): Brunei urged to help decommission MILF men

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have urged Brunei to help in the decommissioning of Moro guerrillas as part of the normalization process under the peace pact.

Since late 2003, Brunei has had representatives in the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team that has been helping oversee the enforcement of the government-MILF July 1997 agreement on the general cessation of hostilities.

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told journalists that Brunei was asked to join the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) when Maj. Gen. Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces visited Camp Darapanan last week.

Murad and Abdullah discussed the prospects of the Mindanao peace process during their meeting at Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main bastion located in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

“Brunei is honored with the invitation to join the IDB and the Brunei Armed Forces is optimistic about this invitation,” the MILF quoted Abdullah as saying.

The IDB will help the government and the MILF decommission guerrillas to gradually integrate them into the mainstream and lead normal lives under a Bangsamoro political entity.

While in Cotabato City, Abdullah also met with IMT officials who briefed him on the security situation in areas covered by the government-MILF ceasefire.

The government and the MILF have also invited Norway and Turkey to join the IDB, according to sources from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

A team of soldiers from Brunei has been helping monitor since 2003 the 1997 ceasefire accord under the IMT, also composed of military and police personnel from Malaysia, Libya, and Indonesia, and non-uniformed conflict resolution and socio-economic experts from Norway, Japan and the European Union.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/18/1347344/brunei-urged-help-decommission-milf-men

Rebels kill 2 Del Monte workers in Bukidnon raid

From Rappler (Jul 18): Rebels kill 2 Del Monte workers in Bukidnon raid

Members of the New People's Army kill a security guard and a warehouse caretaker, and burn farm equipment, workers' motorcycles and their bunkhouses during the raid



NPA RAID. The New People’s Army has been raiding plantations in Bukidnon as ‘punishment’ for the growers. File photo my Karlos Manlupig

Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed two civilians during a raid on a plantation of Del Monte Philippines Incorporated (DMPI) in Quezon, Bukidnon, military officials said.

The NPA under the South-Central Bukidnon (NPA-SCB) Sub-Regional Command raided the compound of Kiantig Development Corporation (KDC) – a Del Monte pineapple grower – in Sitio Kiantig, Barangay San Jose on Tuesday, July 15.

The military said the NPA killed two civilians – security guard Rey Baylon and warehouse caretaker Reynald Pangkat. They allegedly took 17 firearms, and burned a tractor and 4 motorcycles belonging to farm workers.

Major Christian Uy, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the rebels also burned down the plantation’s chemical warehouse and workers' bunkhouses.

Uy said that the 10th Infantry Division is conducting clearing operations in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Allan Juanito of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Regional Command said in a statement that the rebel group is punishing Del Monte for its alleged “massive criminal culpability.”

“Firstly, its outgrower, Poling Lorenzo, who aggressively seeks to expand the plantation, is a land grabber. Using his armed guards, he harassed the legitimate claimants of the land he targets for expansion. Even nuns, students and supporters of the peasant claimants had a taste of strafing from Lorenzo rabid guards,” Juanito claimed.

He also accused DMPI of violating labor laws.

The attack took place hours after more than 100 NPA rebels simultaneously attacked targets in Agusan del Sur province.

On February 19, 2013, the NPA stormed the DMPI motor pool garage in Manolo Fortich town, the Del Monte fertilizer warehouse and logistics office in Sumilao town, and the Dole Philippines office in Impasug-ong – all in Bukidnon. (READ: NPA raid a warning to plantations – NDF)

The 2013 plantation attacks killed one security guard and wounded two others.

DMPI, a leading producer of pineapple and other food products, prides itself as having “the largest integrated pineapple operation in the world.”

According to its official website, DMPI has 20,000 hectares of pineapple plantations in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63658-rebels-kill-civilians-del-monte-bukidnon

New gov't post for retired AFP chief General Bautista

From Rappler (Jul 18): New gov't post for retired AFP chief General Bautista

'After one month, he will return to government service,' the President says in his speech during the change of command ceremony for the AFP chief


  

NEW POST. File photo of retired AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista

If the President likes you, it means more job for you.

Just a few minutes after Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista relinquished his post on Friday, July 18, President Benigno Aquino III announced his return to government service.

"Doon po sa mga nanghihinayang sa pag-alis ni Manny Sundalo sa AFP, huwag po kayong mag-alala. Pagkatapos ng napakahabang bakasyon—mga isang buwan—ay magbabalik siya para ipagpatuloy ang paglilingkod bilang sibilyan," Aquino said in his speech during the change of command ceremony for the AFP chief in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

(To those who regret that "Manny Sundalo" is retiring, do not worry. After a long vacation – around a month – he will return to public service as a civilian.)

The President did not identify the post.

There have been talks that Bautista will replace Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. A Cabinet official told Rappler after the retirement ceremony that Bautista will be given another post, however.

Aquino spoke hightly of Bautista's service in the military. "Ngayon nga pong siya naman ang bababa na sa puwesto, talaga naman pong magkahalong saya at lungkot ang nararamdaman natin. (Now that he is relinquishing the post, we feel mixed emotions of happiness and sadness.)

Bautista's term has been difficult. He had to deal with the Sabah crisis shortly after he assumed the post in January 2013; the March 2013 kidnapping of peacekeepers in Golan Heights; the September 2013 siege in Zamboanga City; the October 2013 earthquake in Bohol and Cebu; and Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas in November 2013.

The President and Bautista worked closely together during these crises. (READ: Son of slain general is new AFP chief)

"Tinimbang siya nang paulit-ulit; sinubok ang kanyang kakayahan at dedikasyon. At ngayon, walang makapagsasabing hindi siya nagtagumpay," Aquino said. (He has been weighed many times. His capabilities and dedication were tested. No one could say he did not succeed.)

Bautista, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Sunday, July 20, was replaced by Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr, his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63681-bautista-new-government-post