NPA rebels shot man dead in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): NPA rebels shot man dead in Sorsogon

New People's Army (NPA) members shot a 27-year-old man dead inside his house at Purok 2, Barangay Incarizan, Magallanes, Sorsogon, at about 6 p.m. Sunday.

Victim Roland Jersey, single and jobless, was watching television inside his residence when two armed men arrived and first poked their guns at his father, who was sitting outside.

They then approached Jersey who immediately sensed that something was wrong and ran outside the house.

The rebels went after him and caught up with him inside the comfort room of his neighbor where they gunned him down.

Before the suspects left, they placed a note on Jersey's dead body that reads, "hustisya para kay Rosa Gregory (Justice for Rosa Gregory)."

The police learned that Gregory was a victim of robbery on March 25 in Barangay Pili, Magallanes.

Responding police recovered empty shells of .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene, which the rebels used in killing Jersey.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777395

Army to give P5.6-M reward to informants on ranking NPA leader Parago

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): Army to give P5.6-M reward to informants on ranking NPA leader Parago

The civilians who tipped off the Philippine Army (PA) on the presence of rebel leader Leoncio Pitao alias Ka Parago in Paquibato will get the P5.6-million reward put up for his arrest, capture or mechanization.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año said the bounty is part and parcel of the military operation when the target is of high value like Parago.

The 57-year-old Parago has been wanted by law for several atrocities he was reportedly responsible for that included the abduction of Army General Victor Obillo and Captain Eduardo Montealto.

The Army also accused Parago as responsible for the attack of a religious group in Paquibato that resulted in the death of 11 persons in the mid-'80s; the 1989 massacre of Zabala family in Paquibato; the killing of Mabuhay barangay captain Rogelio Bernal and a certain Cesar Cabungcag in Paquibato; the ransack of Davao penal Colony (Dapecol) in April 2007; and, a string of cases such as arson, illegal establishment of checkpoint, grenade throwing, liquidation, ambush and landmining.

Parago has 17 standing warrants of arrest for a string of cases filed against him.

Declining to name the persons who gave the Army information about Parago’s whereabouts, Año said the civilians cooperated with them and provided the necessary information.

Since December, Año said they have been operating to get Parago dead or alive. He said he even created the special Task Force Minion solely for the purpose. The Task Force were teams from the 69th Infantry Battalion of the 103rd Infantry Brigade; the 6th SBC of the 2nd Scout Rangers; Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); law enforcement operations that have been collaborating since many months ago.

Año said the last two weeks saw encounters with Parago’s Pulang Bagani Command 1 (PBC) in Purok Manga, Paradise Embac in Paquibato on June 9; Purok 7 in Paradise Embac on June 14 in the house of peasant leader Aida Seisa and Purok Manga where two rebels were killed on June 17.

On Sunday, Parago and his medic aid identified as Kyell Hermoso from Zamboanga, was killed in an encounter with the Task Force Minion.

Parago had only two gunshot wounds - one in the stomach and neck that exited to the right side of the head, dismissing speculations that there was overkill.

The Army had been chasing Parago in Paquibato after receiving information of sightings from the civilians since December.

Año lauded his troops, saying the death of Parago would definitely and adversely affect the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command.

Parago hogged headlines in 2009 when his 20-year-old daughter, Rebelyn, was abducted and tortured. Her body was found later in a ditch in Carmen, Davao del Norte. The NPA accused 12 soldiers of having committed the crime.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777511

SOLCOM conducts youth leadership seminar in Quezon province

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): SOLCOM conducts youth leadership seminar in Quezon province

The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Lucena City conducted the Youth Leadership Seminar Workshop Caravan 2015: "Project Management Training” over the weekend (June 27-28) at the Quezon National Agricultural School (QNAS) Silangang Malicboy Village, Pagbilao town in this province.

Members of 50 youth organizations in various places in Southern Tagalog (Regions 4A, 4B and 5) attended the workshop organized by SOLCOM headed by Major General Ricardo Visaya, Philippine Army (PA) in cooperation with the 2nd Community Relations Group of the Philippine Army represented by Major Fernando Engcot, PA and U7 represented by Colonel Domingo Gobway, PA.

The program aimed to provide the youth necessary knowledge on leadership, inter-personal relationship and empowered lifestyle. Likewise, the program aimed to involve the youth in keeping the peace and order in the province and in the country as well.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777571

Tribal leaders urge IPs to leave armed struggle

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): Tribal leaders urge IPs to leave armed struggle

Tribal leaders in Misamis Oriental called on members of the Indigenous People (IP) to return to the tribal community and abandon the armed struggle.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the army’s Fourth Infantry Division, said on Tuesday that the tribal leaders made the call during the formal launching of the “Peace Caravan” in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental last week.

Martinez said that Datu Bruno Lindahay, the tribal chieftain of the village of Kibanban, called on members of the Higaonon tribes who joined the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the tribal community in order to live a peaceful life.

The hinterland village of Kibanban, a farming village in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, is home to the Higa-onon tribe, one of the indigenous people’s communities in the province.

Martinez said that Lindahay was a former rebel under Guerilla Front 4B of the Northern Mindanao Regional Committee based in Balingasag and Lagonglong, all eastern towns in Misamis Oriental.

The tribal leaders and the Higa-onons gathered at the foot of Mt. Balatucan range Saturday last week to show support to the government’s peace caravan led by the Philippine Army and the local government units in Misamis Oriental.

During the meeting, Lindahay urged the fellow Higa-onons who have joined the NPA movement to abandon the armed struggle and come back to “rebuild” the tribal community in order to attain lasting peace.

Martinez said that the peace caravan is a prelude to a series of programs and projects for implementation in rebel infested tribal communities in Misamis Oriental.

Some of these programs include the construction of farm-to-market roads, electrification, medical and dental assistance, and other basic services of the local government, Martinez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777738

Army redeploys brigade out of former MILF camp in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): Army redeploys brigade out of former MILF camp in Maguindanao

Military authorities in Maguindanao have moved out an Army brigade from Camp Abubakar, the former bailiwick of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which fell to government hands in 2000, an indication of normalcy in the northern part of Maguindanao.

The entire Army brigade was moved back Tuesday to its former base in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, folded the 603rd Brigade flag in ceremonies witnessed by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Maguindanao with Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema.

Pangilinan said the redeployment was part of regular military activity, adding that what was moved out of the former MILF camp were offices and command centers.

Col. Ariel Dela Vega, 603rd brigade chief, said the 600-man 37th Infantry Battalion will remain in Camp Abubakar located in the tri-boundaries of Matanog, Barira and Buldon.

Under the 603rd brigade are Army Special Forces Battalion, 37th, 39th and 6th Infantry Battalions.

After the fall of MILF’s biggest camp in June 2000, the 603rd brigade was deployed in the rebels’ former base to prevent MILF from recapturing it.

The camp fell following weeks of air, artillery and ground offensives that completed the “all out war” policy of then President Joseph Estrada.

At least a million residents have been displaced as the armed conflict escalated to North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.

More than 100 government troops, 200 Moro rebels and scores of civilians were believed killed in the all out war offensives.

The symbolic folding of the brigade’s banner was followed by the transport of all brigade’s personnel, equipment, ammunition, artillery and infantrymen’s personal belongings, with local and regional political officials standing as witnesses.

Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr, chair of the GPH ceasefire panel and his counterpart in the MILF, Rashid Ladiasan were also present.

Hataman said the redeployment of an Army brigade was an indication the peace process is succeeding and that soon, real peace will reign in the region.

Pangilinan noted that since 2003, no major Army-MILF encounter has been reported due to religious compliance of both sides to the ceasefire agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777894

MILF insists all Mindanao stakeholders were consulted on BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): MILF insists all Mindanao stakeholders were consulted on BBL

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has insisted the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Sulu Sultanate and Indigenous Peoples were consulted on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before it was finalized and submitted to Malacanang.

In a statement posted on its website luwaran.com, the MILF said those who claimed they were not consulted were not telling the truth.

“Such claim is ‘cheap and outright lies," the MILF said.

“It is very unfortunate that there are so many so-called political leaders and religious personalities, who can lie with heads high, as if they are telling the truth,” it added.

The group maintained that the government, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which drafted the BBL, Civil Society Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, MILF Committee on Information and Political Committee and the Bangsamoro Leaderships and Management Institute (BLMI) have conducted hundreds of consultation with various sectors in Mindanao.

It added the GPH alone has participated in about 553 consultations.

It explained that MNLF is made up of at least five factions of the Nur Misuari-led group, MNLF Committee of 15 led by Chairman Muslimin Sema, the MNLF faction chaired by Abulkhair Alonto, the MNLF-Islamic Command Council spearheaded by Mujahab Hashim, and another MNLF sub-group anchored by Alvarez Isnaji.

The MILF said what is more important was all these factions radiate with the MILF through the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The last meeting which witnessed the fraternal bond and close coordination between and among these groups was held last May 28 where MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim addressed the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Conference in Kuwait.

“On top of these, the OIC has endorsed the BBL as solution to the Moro Question or Problem in Mindanao,” it said.

The MILF has a direct line of communication with Misuari which was eventually cut after the Zamboanga siege in September 2013, the MILF said.

Since Misuari has already reverted to the pursuit of independence instead of autonomy, consultation was no longer necessary, the group added.

“Likewise, the Sultanate of Sulu has nine claimants, some of whom are supporting the peace process. Of these, only the faction led by the late Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III has been intense in their opposition to the BBL,” the MILF said.

For the IPs, the MILF said, the group was part of the negotiations and in crafting of the BBL. The late B’laan lawyer Datu Antonio Kinoc was an alternate member of the MILF Peace panel.

It said BTC have two IP representatives from the Teduray tribe, Melanio Ulama and Froilyn Mendoza. Commissioner Ulama is also an MILF Peace panel consultant on IP affairs.

“Notwithstanding this, consultations with the IPs were so many, in all levels of engagements. As a matter of fact, the provisions on IPs in the BBL were crafted by IPs themselves,” the MILF added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=777928

Modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard, a must - Madrona

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): Modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard, a must - Madrona

China’s current aggressive activities in the West Philippine Sea only highlights the country’s need to modernize its capabilities to guard its 36,000-kilometer coastline and territorial waters.

It was for this reason that Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona filed HB 5112 or “An Act modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard, creating for the purpose the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Trust Fund and appropriating funds therefor.”

“Aside from maintaining presence within out territorial waters, it is equally vital for the country to be able to protect its fishing industry and people traversing the internal waters of the Philippines,” Madrona pointed out.

Unfortunately, the author lamented, the capability of the PCG, compared to coast guards of the country’s neighbors in the ASEAN region, is just below par.

“Admiringly, despite its inadequate capabilities, the PCG has continued to perform its mandates with intensity and enthusiasm,” Madrona stressed.

He added that the dedication and commitment of PCG personnel as rescuers and law-enforcers could be further enhanced if technologically improved material capabilities are introduced and integrated into the coast guard organization and systems.

Under Republic Act No. 9993, also known as the “Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009,” the PCG is tasked primarily to enforce applicable laws within Philippine waters, conduct maritime security operations, safeguard life and property at sea, and protect the marine environment and resources, the author stressed.

Madrona further noted that the PCG is attached to the Department of Transportation and Communications, and currently maintains a presence throughout the archipelago with 12 coast guard (CG) districts, 63 CG stations and 238 CG detachments from Basco, Batanes in the north to Bongo, Tawi-Tawi.in the south.

“The PCG, despite its very limited resources, has continued to discharge its functions,” Madrona noted.

Madrona emphasized that in order to address the concerns of the PCG, there is need for a modernization plan and program that would enhance its capabilities to guard effectively the entire Philippine archipelago, its territorial waters and coastlines.

The modernization program components include: 1) organization development; 2) Professionalization of its human resources; 3) doctrinal development; 4) infrastructure development; and 5) equipment and facilities acquisition and modernization.

The PCG Modernization Trust Fund to be administered by the DOTC Secretary shall be used exclusively for the PCG modernization program, excluding salaries and allowances.

The funds to be appropriated by Congress shall be treated as a distinct and separate budget item from the regular appropriations for the PCG and shall be administered by the DOTC Secretary.

The proposed program shall be based on a ceiling of PHP50-billion for the first five 5 years, and thereafter, may be increased commensurate to the increase in the gross national product (GNP).

A Joint congressional Oversight Committee is also created to monitor and oversee the implementation of the provisions of the proposed Act which is under consideration by the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Cesar V. Sarmiento of Catanduanes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777298

5 newly-promoted generals officially don new ranks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): 5 newly-promoted generals officially don new ranks

Five newly-promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially donned their new ranks during flag-raising ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

The event was headed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin donned the new rank badges to Major Gen. Arnoldo M. Quiapo, Commodore Ernesto C. Enriquez, Brig. Gen. Joel D. Celino, Brig. Gen. Frederick Evans L. Ramos, and Brig. Gen. Librado B. Moog.

During the same ceremony, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) under the leadership of Defense Undersecretary Alexander P. Pama led the kick-off ceremony for National Disaster Consciousness Month which is celebrated every July.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777353

PHL looking for funds to acquire 'spy plane'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 29): PHL looking for funds to acquire 'spy plane'

While desirous to acquire a "spy plane" (surveillance and patrol aircraft in military parlance), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday admitted that the Philippines has no funds to acquire such equipment yet.

"We welcome the opportunity to have this kind of equipment but at the moment, we cannot afford to buy," he said.

Gazmin made this statement in response to queries on whether the DND is planning to acquire such aircraft for the use of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

However, he clarified that should such an opportunity to acquire such aircraft from Japan as excess defense articles present itself, they are "open to accept and procure such equipment."

Earlier reports claimed that Philippines and Japan are in talk about the possible transfer of Lockheed P-3C "Orion" maritime patrol aircraft to the country.

Japan is in the process of replacing its P-3C with the homegrown Kawasaki P-1 maritime aircraft which has twice the range of the "Orion" which is pegged at 2,380 nautical miles.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777416

PAF to operate ultra-modern MRFs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): PAF to operate ultra-modern MRFs

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be joining the ranks of nations operating ultra-modern multi-role fighters (MRFs) by 2021.

This was highlighted by "Flight Plan 2028," a document released by the PAF early this June.

This is the Air Force's strategic acquisition and tactical plan.

Under Flight Plan 2028, the PAF intends to acquire and commission 12 MRFs by 2021 to augment the then existing fleet of South Koren-made F/A-50 jet fighters.

An MRF is a combat aircraft which is capable of conducting strike, surveillance and air-to-air superiority missions.

An example of an MRF is the McDonnell Douglas F-18 "Hornet" strike fighter which is being operated by the US and its allies.

By 2028, as stated in "Flight Plans 2028," the PAF will be able to build up its capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize incursions from "Area Readiness 3 to Area Readiness 1."

"Area Readiness 3" refers to 51 to 74 percent of Philippine territory while "Area Readiness 1" means 100 percent of the country's territory which is estimated to be 40,000 square nautical miles.

The PAF will do it once its modern radar systems, long-range patrol aircraft (LRPAs), airborne early warning and control system (AEWCS), surface-attack aircraft (SAA) , light interim fighter trainers (LIFTs), multi-role fighters (MRFs) and missile defense systems (MDS) get online by 2028.

Detection capability will be provided by modern radar systems, and the LRPAs, identification of the threat will be done by the AEWCS, while interception capabilities will given by the SAA, LIFTs, and MRFs.

While neutralization will be done by the MDS should intruding aircraft intrude over land.

PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said that this is the breakthrough goal of the Air Force.

The decision to made public "Flight Plan is aimed at informing the public of efforts to modernize the PAF and make it more relevant.

"And by 2022, (the PAF) will (have) already build up its capability to detect, identify, intercept and neutralize incursions in the PADIZ and the West Philippine Sea from 'Area Readiness 4' to 'Area Readiness 3'," Flight Plan 2028 stressed.

PADIZ is short for the "Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone and Area Readiness" which was established in 1953.

It covers the entire Luzon region, parts of Visayas, and locations north of Palawan.

"Area Readiness 4" refers to 50 percent of known Philippine territory while "Area Readiness 3" means 51 to 74 percent of Philippine territories (including PADIZ and the West Philippine Sea).

And by 2022, the PAF hopes to have in service 24 SAA and LIFTs, four LRPAs, six ADSRS (air-defense system radar systems) platforms, six ground based air defense systems, two AEWCS units, 12 MRFs, one C2C center, four electronic countermeasure aircraft, one AA (airborne aircraft) refueler, and four medium-to-heavy lift helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777780

DFA is positive Philippines will win in arbitration case vs China’s reclamation of WPS atolls

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): DFA is positive Philippines will win in arbitration case vs China’s reclamation of WPS atolls

With the oral argument next week on the adjudication case the Philippines has filed with the arbitration tribunal over China’s alleged violation of the code of conduct of claimant countries in the West Philippines Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated the national government is positive it will win.

"We are quite confident that we will get a favorable decision both on the issue of jurisdiction and merits of the case," DFA spokesperson Asst. Sec. Charles Jose told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) exclusively on Tuesday at the Multi-Sectoral Forum on the West Philippines Sea Issue held here.

China has reclaimed the vast expanse of the West Philippines Sea, including features the country cover under its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that both countries are signatories.

In 2013, the Philippines lodged the case against China with the UNCLOS arbitral tribunal. It submitted its 4000-page memorial, its written argument, on March 30, 2014, which it supplemented on March 16, 2015.

The arbitral tribunal set the deadline on December 15, 2014 for China to submit its counter-memorial, but failed to do so.

Jose said the Philippines legal team, headed by Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, will set to defend the case from July 7 to 13 at The Netherlands-based UN court.

"It will be more of an elaboration, clarification no'ng dalawang memorial na sinumite natin, but we will be more focusing on the issue of jurisdiction (… of the two memorial we submitte…)," said Jose.

And if China would not heed on the UN court decision, in case it would favor the Philippines, Jose said: "It will be up to the international community to convince China that it would be to its best interest to follow the decision."

Jose furthered that China's shying away from the ruling will be counter-productive to its country as it may affect other foreign policy initiatives it will enter or have entered into.

"Let's say other countries will see China is not following the rules of the game, will they still play the game with someone that does not know how to follow rules? China has very important initiatives – foreign policy initiatives – are they going to allow this issue in the West Philippines Sea to undermine that?” he asked.

Jose said the court decision is expected to be announced between the months of January to April 2016.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=777793

USS Fort Worth Completes Its First CARAT Exercise with Philippines

From the US Naval Institute (Jun 29): USS Fort Worth Completes Its First CARAT Exercise with Philippines

Sailors refuel an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 aboard the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during a maneuvering exercise with Philippine navy ships BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF 15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16) in the South China Sea on June 24, 2015. US Navy photo.

 

The Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) completed its first-ever Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines, ahead of bilateral CARAT engagements with other Asian partners later this year.

Fort Worth and two Philippine ships, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), spent two days exercising in the Sulu Sea, according to a Navy statement. The CARAT event focused on combined operations at sea and maritime domain awareness, and included training events on tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), gunnery exercises, maneuvering in formation, air defense and search and rescue.

The Philippine Navy also used the time together to conduct deck landing qualifications on the LCS’s flight deck.

Fort Worth will refuel in Subic Bay, Philippines, before returning to the South China Sea for routine patrols. In mid-July the LCS will participate in another CARAT exercise with Singapore.

CARAT began in 1995 and comprises a series of annual bilateral exercises with various South and Southeast Asian nations. Later this year, U.S. forces will conduct CARAT exercises with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

Fort Worth departed San Diego for a 16-month deployment in November and has so far performed better than expected in terms of operational availability and maintenance requirements. The ship skipped a maintenance availability to help search for the missing Air Asia Flight 8501 in January.
And it has kept busy with its South China Sea patrols and exercises with Vietnam, South Korea and more.

http://news.usni.org/2015/06/29/uss-fort-worth-completes-its-first-carat-exercise-with-philippines

Volleyball for peace: Stars serve up clinics

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): Volleyball for peace: Stars serve up clinics

ARMED with the popularity it has enjoyed in recent years, volleyball can serve as a tool for peace and development in the countrysides.

Top officials of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. has embarked on a social responsibility program that calls for the country’s volleyball standouts to hold clinics, particularly in strife-prone areas in Mindanao.

Volleyball federation president Joey Romasanta said the project is the association’s contribution for peace and national development.

“History says that sports is a unifying factor: no politics, no religion,” said Romasanta, also the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“If only the other sports will follow suit and do the same, it will help the country in a big way.”

Romasanta said the program has the blessings of the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations, as well as the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Federation managing director Chippy Espiritu said the clinics will be held in Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan, among others.

“We’d like to use sports as an instrument for peace,” said Espiritu. “We will bring players and coaches to these areas. In return, we will bring the kids to watch the games in Manila.”

The clinics will be scheduled in coordination with the Philippine Marines, whose top officers met recently with LVPI officials.

http://sports.inquirer.net/185621/volleyball-for-peace-stars-serve-up-clinics

Opinion: PNoy covering up MILF’s terror links for BBL passage

Opinion piece by Atty. Dodo Dulay in the Manila Times (Jun 29): PNoy covering up MILF’s terror links for BBL passage

OBSESSED with passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as his administration’s so-called “legacy”, PNoy is whitewashing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) links to known terrorists and terror groups, some of whom have pledged allegiance to the notorious jihadist group ISIS.

According to the ISIS Study Group, a website maintained by retired military personnel from the US Special Forces and the US armed forces’ intelligence community, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia has directed senior National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) officials to “tone down” their assessments on linkages between the MILF and Zulkifli bin Hir aka “Marwan,” the Indonesian terrorist killed by SAF commandos during the Mamasapano raid.

“Our sources within NICA have informed us that Garcia has specifically instructed the organization to avoid airing out the truth that Marwan was receiving direct support from the MILF 105th Base Command (BC) out of fear that it would further erode support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Furthermore, our sources have reported that Garcia has been personally editing NICA assessments that were to be delivered to PNoy and members of the Philippine Congress,” the group said.

If Garcia has indeed taken to sanitizing the intelligence agency’s reports, it is treason of the highest order. He is compromising national security for the sake of deodorizing the MILF’s image, obviously with the knowledge of and/or at the behest of PNoy.

While the MILF-Central Committee (MILF-CC) might want to forge a peace deal with the Philippine government, the group says they have absolutely no control over the three MILF units that are providing direct support to the terror groups operating in the country: the 102nd, 105th and 118th Base Commands (BC).

This supposedly became more apparent with the recent death of Abdul Basit Usman, the accomplice of Marwan who managed to escape during the Mamasapano raid.

When the killing of Usman was first reported, military sources said he was killed by a military asset who was purportedly recruited from within the group of the alleged terrorist. The asset allegedly managed to recruit two fellow aides to turn against Usman, who was then targeted in an operation. The military later said the asset died with Usman when the MILF tried to collar the terror suspect.

Another version put forward by Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang was that Usman was killed by his bodyguards who allegedly wanted to claim the $1-million bounty on his head. A week later, the military backtracked on its claim on how Usman was killed.

Echoing the account by MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, the military now says the MILF’s 118th Base Command planned to capture Usman and present him to the group’s Central Committee but he resisted, sparking a firefight that led to his death.

Jaafar claims Usman’s death showed that the MILF was doing its part in maintaining peace and order in areas they controlled as agreed upon in agreements it signed with the government. “Usman’s death is proof that the MILF is sincere in its efforts to strictly abide with the provisions of the ceasefire mechanism,” Jaafar added.

Even though they had nothing to do with it, the MILF’s Central Committee is now exploiting Usman’s death to soften public opposition to the BBL.

“The reason they claimed credit for Usman’s death was to save face after the 25 January 2015 Mamasapano raid that killed Marwan, demonstrate to the [Government of the Philippines] that they’re a viable partner of peace and to further the narrative that they actually control their three ‘problem children’ when in truth they don’t,” the ISIS study group said.

“If it was publicly known that the MILF-CC can’t control the elements within their organization known for providing support to terror groups, then the Philippine Congress and general public would know that the peace deal isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. After all, just how much of a success will the BBL be if the people in charge of the new Bangsamoro government can’t even police themselves?” it added.

While the MILF’s Central Committee supposedly issued an order to its commanders to “expel” terror groups from their territory, the group says this was largely ignored by MILF’s military units. This explains why many terrorists and terrorist organizations are finding a safe haven in MILF enclaves.

In the Sarangani region, the Ansar Khalifa Sarangani (AKS) – a terror group reportedly receiving direct support from Indonesian jihadists – is said to be re-establishing Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)’s training camps. Meanwhile, Singaporean JI operative Lito Ribiyah aka “Muawiyah” is purportedly hiding in the Salvo, Patatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak area controlled by MILF fighters.

Muamar Askali, the leader of the radical wing of the Abu Sayyaf Group which pledged allegiance to ISIS, continues to roam freely in the Jolo-Sulu area.

Legalizing the MILF’s control over the “Bangsamoro territory” through the BBL will only make the region a staging ground for terrorism.

http://www.manilatimes.net/pnoy-covering-up-milfs-terror-links-for-bbl-passage/196234/

Duterte condoles with kin of slain NPA commander

From Rappler (Jun 29): Duterte condoles with kin of slain NPA commander

The Davao City mayor warned of possible retaliation from the New People's Army   



‘MOST WANTED’ NPA LEADER. 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion commander Leoncio 'Ka Parago’ Pitao (R) is seen sharing a light moment with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (L). File photo by Karlos Manlupig/Rappler

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte condoled with the family of fallen top New People's Army (NPA) commander Leoncio Pitao, better known as "Kumander Parago."

"I will help his family in whatever way I can because I know he is a family man," Duterte told reporters on Monday, June 29, before convening the City Peace and Order Council.

"My relationship with Parago is a different one. We are friends. I don't know with the new leader, lets just be ready and we are ready and maybe Kumander Ryan, his son will be the next in line," Duterte added.

The news of Pitao's death reached his wife, Evangeline, through Duterte's executive assistant.

Pitao along with a female companion identified by police sources Kyle Limpas, who is believed to be his medical aide, were killed in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato District Sunday afternoon (READ: NPA commander killed in Davao)

Duterte ordered the transfer of Pitao's remains from the Rivera Funeral Home to the Cosmopolitan funeral parlor.

A more brutal successor?

The Philippine military said the death of Mindanao's oldest and most wanted NPA commander, who had a P5.6-million bounty on his head, will translate to a weaker communist movement in the region.

Duterte disagreed, however. "I asked the military, the police, the government and everyone to be ready. After his death a new leader is expected to shine."

Duterte also warned of a possible retaliation from the NPA rebels.

Pitao's son, whom he said could take his father's place in the movement, is in his early 30s. He is known to be more brutal that than his father.

"Mas isog na siya kaysa iyang papa, ug mas brutal, sya man ang nanimalos pagkamatay sa iya manghud nga si Rebelyn (Ryan is more aggressive than his father, more brutal, he revenged over the death of his younger sister Rebelyn)," said a source.

Still, Duterte assured Davao City residents that peace and order will not be affected by possible retaliation attack from the NPA.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/97863-duterte-condoles-npa-commander-death