Zambo counter-terror unit has new commander

From the Philippine Star (Sep 16): Zambo counter-terror unit has new commander



Col. Andrelino Colina, retired commander of the Task Group Zamboanga, had been instrumental in preventing the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels from taking Zamboanga City during the violent siege in September 2013. Philstar.com/File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) installed a new commander of the counter-terror unit here after its commander, who defended this city from the rebel siege two years ago, formally bowed out of military service Wednesday.

Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the Task Group Zamboanga and a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1983, was replaced by Marine Col. Arthur Biyu as the new commander during an indoor ceremony.

Commodore Premitivo Gopo, chief of the Naval forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), represented the AFP and presided the turnover of command.

Colina, 56, who reached the military mandatory age of retirement, was instrumental for his leadership in preventing 400 rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from taking the city during the violent siege in September 2013.

Prior to the siege, Colina had warned the military about the impending attack but the administration of retired General Rey Ardo downplayed the threat of MNLF leader Nur Misuari.

Colina’s forces, along with other units of the military and police, eventually flushed out the rebels after 21 days.

Only the local government and community recognized Colina’s leadership, who was also instrumental in the prevention of several kidnapping and bombing attempts, including the crackdown of rice smuggling activities in Zamboanga City.

Gopo, who is a ‘mistah’ of Colina in the PMA Class 1983, lauded Colina during the turnover ceremony for leading the multi-tasking counter-terror unit here for more than two years.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/09/16/1500496/zambo-counter-terror-unit-has-new-commander

Accusations of human rights violations a ‘black propaganda’ – military

From MindaNews (Sep 16): Accusations of human rights violations a ‘black propaganda’ – military

Amid allegations of human rights violations committed by some military personnel, the spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) hit militant groups on Wednesday, calling their accusations as “black propaganda” to make the government appear that it is not doing its part in addressing the concerns of the lumads in the hinterlands.

Capt. Alberto Caber, chief of the EastMinCom’s Public Information Office (PIO), said during the AFP/PNP press conference at the Garden by the Bay here that the militants want to derail the operations of the military and the delivery of government services to the far-flung areas where the lumads live.

He called the “black propaganda” initiated by leftists that hype up human rights violations as their “way of life.”

“There is no problem with the entry of the Army to the communities. The problem is when these are infiltrated by the New People’s Army (NPA),” he said.

The presence of the rebel forces in the communities, Caber claimed, hamper government services from reaching the indigenous people.

He said that before the Army enters lumad communities, they hold consultations and get the approval of the local government units (LGUs), including the mayors.

Gabriela-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Mary Ann Sapar said militant groups are not putting down the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but the actions committed by some of their officers.

“Data show how the military abuse the lumads. For example, who raped ‘Tess,’ the 14-year-old lumad in Talaingod? Isn’t the soldiers? How about ‘Jessa’ in Bukidnon?” she asked.

Sapar added that militant groups are there to be watchdogs of the abuses “committed by the AFP so that lumads will live peacefully in their ancestral land away from fear.”

League of Filipino Students (LFS) Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson Joyce Pepetua lamented that the Army calls itself as promoters of peace and development.

“We condemn the AFP’s brutal acts and attack on Lumads. They can’t be called as the Army that promotes ‘peace and development’ but warmongers and chaos-starters,” she said.

Pepetua called on President Benigno Aquino III, as the chief of the AFP, to step down.

She said they are going to White Culaman in Kitaotao, Bukidnon to join the “Help! Kitaotao Bukidnon Humanitarian and Peace Mission” to validate and document human rights violations reported. Pepetua allege that on Aug. 26, the Army’s 8th and 23rd Infantry Battalions ransacked a lumad community and detained civilians.

She claimed there have been 58 lumads killed and 20,000 lumad peasants forcibly evacuated since 2010 due to military operations.

“The AFP could lie through their teeth but beyond statistics, lumads stories of anguish will tell the truth. These are not mere black propaganda but a call to stop the killing and the human rights violations,” Pepetua stressed.

Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Bayan Southern Mindanao Region, said that the military’s denial of the human violations is a move to evade from the issue.

“The militant support groups are in the forefront of exposing human rights violations perpetrated by the military and its paramilitary groups, that is why the AFP is trying to silence and discredit militants in order to confuse and deceive the public. It is a desperate attempt to hide the truth,” she added.

Duazo alleged the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan has displaced lumads from their ancestral domains and even killed some of them to allegedly protect the interests of foreign and large mining companies.

“Aquino’s government through AFP unleashed its monstrous attack against the lumads who are defending their ancestral lands. The exodus of thousands of lumads in Mindanao is a form of resistance, a movement with historical significance as they, the lumads, assert their rights against development aggressions and modern ethnocide,” Duazo added.

Teachers from schools run by lumad organizations in Davao del Norte, during the congressional hearing on human rights last month, demanded for pullout of military forces and disbandment of paramilitary group called “Alamara.”

However, Caber reiterated that their troops assigned in the lumad communities cannot be pulled out because they are there to protect the villagers and government projects from the NPA.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/16/accusations-of-human-rights-violations-a-black-propaganda-military/

USAID, Zamboanga City join hands to promote adoption of e-payment system

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): USAID, Zamboanga City join hands to promote adoption of e-payment system

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Manila and the city government of Zamboanga signed a new partnership that will allow residents to pay government taxes and fees anytime, anywhere using electronic channels.

USAID’s E-PESO Activity will introduce new electronic payment (e-Payment) systems, using innovative technology,to support the city’s goal of increasing revenue generation through an improved and more transparent tax collection process.

The cooperation is part of the two entities' collaboration under the Cities Development Initiative (CDI). A key element of the Partnership for Growth, CDI focuses on strengthening the economic competitiveness and resilience of secondary cities to become engines of growth.

Under the PFG, the U.S. government is working with the Philippine government, the private sector and civil society organizations to put the Philippines on an accelerated growth trajectory that benefits the majority of its population.

Prior to formalizing the cooperation, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco signed Executive Order BC 129-2015 to regulate cooperation on electronic payment systems and make Persons-to-Government payments more accessible. The Executive Order also mandated the creation of a technical working group composed of Zamboanga City local division chiefs and key personnel tasked to work with E-PESO counterparts on the project.

To develop the local electronic payments ecosystem, USAID and the Zamboanga City government will also work with local utility companies and businesses. Members of the private sector represented by the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., Zamboanga Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc., and the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association were on hand to signify their commitment to support the shift to electronic payment systems.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=804667

Gazmin to attend Eastern Mindanao Command's 9th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): Gazmin to attend Eastern Mindanao Command's 9th anniversary

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will be the guest of honor and speaker in the 9th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command on Thursday.

The event will be held at the grandstand of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao headquarters in Panacan, Davao City.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command head, said this year's anniversary theme is: "Team EASTMINCOM: Kaagapay Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

The celebration will start with a thanksgiving mass to be participated in by officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Chapel in the morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804471

Travel agency owner donates books, toys to Western Mindanao Command

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): Travel agency owner donates books, toys to Western Mindanao Command

A travel agency owner formally turned over several boxes of books and educational toys to the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command on Tuesday.

These items are for the use and benefit of the children enrolled at the Camp Navarro Early Childhood Care and Development Center in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City, Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero said.

He added that Jonathan Wee, Ticket 1 proprietor, donated the books and stuffed toys as part of the travel agency’s advocacy, dubbed as the “Give a Book, Share a Toy” project.

Guerrero thanked Wee, saying these items can help in the children's education and development.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804571

19th IB troopers donate blood to PRC

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): 19th IB troopers donate blood to PRC

In line with its National Peace Consciousness Month commemoration, 50 officers and enlisted personnel donated blood to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chapter in Ormoc City last Sept. 12.

Reports forwarded by 8th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Andrew Linao on Wednesday said the donors were briefed by PRC medical technologist Nepthel Remulla on the importance of donating blood.

The 19th Infantry Battalion troopers were joined by personnel from the Ormoc City Police Office, Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, Kananga Municipal Police Station, Finest Guardians International Contingent Inc., civilian organizations and even farmers from nearby barangays of Kananga and Ormoc City.

The unit has been conducting bloodletting activities with Philippine Red Cross-Ormoc City Chapter for over six years already.

“In behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, we thank the 19th Infantry Battalion for spearheading the bloodletting event and for spreading public awareness on its importance,” Remulla said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804601

Paid ad scoring BBL, 2 other treaties part parcel of democratic system-- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): Paid ad scoring BBL, 2 other treaties part parcel of democratic system-- AFP
 

The paid advertisement put up by retired military and police officials denouncing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), was part and parcel of the democratic system, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said Wednesday.

"As in other views expressed by other quarters and civilian organizations, the AFP sees the paid announcement of our former seniors and other retirees as part and parcel of our democratic practices. That is enshrined in our democratic system. Anyone, within the bounds allowed by law, can freely express their opinions, views and stand on matters they deem important to them," Padilla said.

The paid advertisement was asking the Supreme Court to declare as null and void the CAB, FAB, and the BBL as these agreements violate the Constitution.

Padilla said the military respects this and they will work within its constitutional mandate to ensure that this right is safeguarded for benefit of every citizen.

And when asked whether the AFP shared these sentiments of their former commanders, Padilla made this statement:

"As servicemen and women, we set aside our personal biases and work for the common good. The AFP has provided its comments and inputs in the preparation of the BBL and leave it to the collective wisdom of those within the policy and legal branch of government to discern what is best for the nation."

The AFP spokesperson also said the military "supports peace initiatives that will stop violence, silence guns, bring stability and normalcy to our communities, and allow for the economic development of our provinces for the benefit of our citizens. The conversion of the instruments of war into tools for peace is and will always be a welcomed development."

He added that the sentiments of these retired officials would not affect the AFP's support for the BBL, FAB and the CAB.

The “Manifesto of Retired Officers,” which came out in a major daily, was signed by 13 groups, including the Association of General and Flag Officers Inc.; National ROTC Alumni Association, Inc.; Kampilan Peacekeepers Association, Inc.; the Fraternal Organization of ROTC Reservists and Veterans, Inc.; Filipino War Veterans Foundation, Inc.; Philippine National Police Retirees Association, Inc.; Veteran Generals and Flag Officers Federation; Cavaliers 57, Inc.; Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc.; Kapisanan ng Kawal Mindanao; Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache Association; the Last Watering Hole, Inc.; and the Reform the Armed Forces Movement Foundation, Inc, called the CAB, FAB, BBL unconstitutional.

Retired PNP chief Umberto A. Rodriguez also signed the manifesto, together with retired AFP chiefs Efren I. Abu, Dionisio R. Santiago, Generoso S. Sengu and Alexander B. Yano. (

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=804623

MILF: Moro groups stone Sen. Marcos, Rep. Lobregat photos in a rally at Cotabato City

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): Moro groups stone Sen. Marcos, Rep. Lobregat photos in a rally at Cotabato City



Cotabato City- Irritated and disgusted members of Moro groups who are opposed to the substitute bills for Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in both Chambers of Congress staged a rally and stoned photos of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Representative Celso Lobregat on a large tarpaulin hanged in front of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City, Tuesday morning September 15.  

The rallyists called them “demons” causing troubles to the Moros as they are opposed to genuine peace and economic stability of the Bangsamoro people when they deboned the Malacañan-MILF agreed version of the BBL.

“The symbolic stoning of Senator Marcos and Lobregat is showing our disappointment over these two legislators who is sowing chaos to us Moros,” Dats Magon of the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement (SBM).

Magon said, “They are demons, we stoned them because they are peace spoilers”.

“They don’t want that Bangsamoro to live peacefully,” he continued.

Hadji Mushid Mascud of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) recalled the bitterness and sufferings of both Filipinos and the Moro people caused by Martial Law imposed by Bongbong’s father, Ferdinand Marcos several decades ago.

“During that time human rights violations were rampant, we were displaced and became unproductive, so many massacres were committed by the government to the Bangsamoro,” Mascud lamented.

“This Bong-Bong Law (referring to the substitute Senate Bill number 2894) of Senator Marcos is not acceptable to us. It is against the letter and spirit of FAB and CAB thus it will not address the root cause of Bangsamoro problem and their quest for right to self-determination but rather it will worsen the situation,” he pointed out.

Mascud also said that Bangsamoro people are opposed to House Bill 5811.

Some described the photos of Senator Bongbong Marcos, ; his father, Ferdinand, Sr. and Lobregat on the tarpaulin as “Mana sa Ama, Ayaw sa Bangsamoro”; “Mana sa Ama, Kalaban ng Bangsamoro”; “Senator Marcos, Anak ng Utak ng Martial Law”; “Salot sa Bangsamoro, Berdugo ng Moro”; “No to Bong-Bong Law”; “Martial Law, Massacres Never Again”.

The SBM compares this activity as similar to a ritual in Mecca (Makkah), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where pilgrims are throwing stones to get rid of devils during the annual Hajj or pilgrimage.

The SBM and MAP said that there will be a mass mobilization in September 21 in Cotabato City and other areas to support and push for the immediate passage of agreed version of BBL and to denounce Senator Marcos and his flocks’ ‘acts of evil’ that threaten peace and security in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/569-moro-groups-stone-sen-marcos-rep-lobregat-photos-in-a-rally-at-cotabato-city

MILF: House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL



Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in their statement yesterday during the opening of the exhibit of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process at the House of Representatives said that, “They would exert all efforts to pass the BBL before the end of the month.  The bill seeks to create a new region called Bangsamoro that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“A lot of people see this proposed law as solving the persistent and recurring conflict in Mindanao. This is the best solution we have at this time. Despite the fact that time is short, we are giving this our best shot,” Belmonte told reporters.

He appealed to his colleagues to be present during plenary sessions so that the deliberations on the BBL can continue and be voted upon before the end of the month.
“Let’s all vote on it BBL. Even if you’re against it, just vote… but let’s all be there,” he said.

Addressing lawmakers and other concerned sectors, Belmonte said the country is now in “very interesting times and every other critical piece of legislation must be backed by the support of the general public.”

 “Unfortunately, camps who oppose the passage of the BBL sow misinformation to gain unfair public support. Myths are crafted to erode the momentum of the proposed bill, raising questions on constitutionality and distribution of power and resources,” he said.

Rodriguez said the House will ensure that it will not pass a BBL that is not legally sound or unconstitutional, but a version that will be inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all.

Mohaquer Iqbal, Chief Negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said he believes the issue of lack of quorum in the House is just a “fleeting problem.”

“I still trust in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the BBL,” Iqbal said at the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/568-house-leaders-to-exert-efforts-to-pass-the-bbl

MILF: World Bank renews commitment to peace and development

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 15): World Bank renews commitment to peace and development



Axel Van Trotsenburg world Bank Vice Pres. Asian Pacific(left), Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan(between), Chairman Murad Ebrahim(right), 2nd Vice Chairman Pangalian Solaiman(1st right) and Rafael C. Lopa - PBSP Executive Director(last right)

The influential World Bank (WB) reiterated on Monday, September 14, 2015  its continuing support to the peace and development in the Bangsamoro inspite of the challenges being faced in the political aspect of the peace process, particularly in the delay of the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Axel van Trotsenburg, WB Vice-President for East Asia and Pacific, relayed this message to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and several members of the Central Committee who were gathered for a meeting at Camp Darapanan, the administrative base of the revolutionary movement located in the interior of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Trotsenburg emphasized that the World Bank would step up financial support so that “communities can feel some things are moving” while people are waiting for the realization of the BBL.

World Bank is interested in what the MILF wants to do in the interim and how it can assist the latter, Trotsenburg stressed.

He also said that World Bank wants to be proactive and that it would match its words with actions.

Chairman Ebrahim commended the World Bank for its assistance now and in the past.

Even as the MILF chief described the current political setbacks, Chairman Ebrahim asked Trotsenburg to consider the various aspects of the normalization process as possible areas for cooperation and assistance.

“The World Bank and MILF can cooperate in aspects of normalization that are not directly linked to the achievement of political milestones,” suggested Chairman Ebrahim.

He also said that normalization and Bangsamoro Development Plan will have to go together for complementation. Projects that are of immediate benefit to the people can be worked out.

During the meeting, a ceremonial signing for the $1.2 million extension to the Mindanao Trust Fund took place.



The Mindanao Trust Fund, officially the Multi-Donor Facility – PH Mindanao Reconstruction & Development Project, was approved in July 2005 and builds on the comprehensive 2005 Joint Needs Assessment for Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao which was conducted also by the World Bank. The main purpose of the project was to build the capacity of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the development arm of the MILF.

CPP/NDF: Oppose US Military Domination in the Philippines

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Sep 15): Oppose US Military Domination in the Philippines

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Ang Bayan
Sept 7, 2015 issue
English

Aquino and his military and security officials odiously saluted visiting Adm. Harry Harris, recently installed commander of the US military forces in the Pacific. In the course of three days, Aquino and his officials threw away all remaining national dignity and presented themselves as lackeys of high American officials. click here to read more

 http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150915_oppose-us-military-domination-in-the-philippines

CVPP/NDF: CPP Denounces Arrest of 21st JASIG holder

Propaganda press statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 15): CPP Denounces Arrest of 21st JASIG holder

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Press Release
September 8, 2015

CPP denounces arrest of 21st JASIG holder

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the arrest of another consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and demanded his immediate release.

“The arrest of Rene Nuyda Jr., an NDFP consultant for the Bicol region, is another blow of the US-Aquino regime against peace negotiations,” said the CPP.

Nuyda was arrested yesterday in Marikina by combined military and police forces.
“Under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), Nuyda should not have been subjected to surveillance, arrest and prosecution by the GPH,” said the CPP. Nuyda is a holder of a JASIG Document of Identification.

Nyuda is now the 21st JASIG holder currently under detention, pointed out the CPP.

“Apparently, Nuyda’s arrest was carried out yesterday by the Aquino regime in an attempt to offset its political embarrassment over the release of Andrea Rosal on the same day and the global outcry against the Lianga massacre last September 1,” said the CPP. (See the CPP statement on Andrea Rosal’s release.)

“Over the past months, the Aquino regime has stepped up attacks against NDFP personnel involved in peace negotiations further making the resumption of formal talks impossible,” said the CPP. “It has shown total disinterest in peace negotiations with the NDFP.”

“Indeed, there is very little time left to further engage the Aquino regime in any more fruitful negotiations,” added the CPP. “It is the recommendation of the NDFP negotiators to just wait for the next regime.”

“The Aquino regime has caused the total collapse of peace negotiations not only with the arrest of NDFP peace personnel, but with the intensified armed attacks against civilians and widespread violations of human rights and international
humanitarian law.”

“The Filipino people and their revolutionary forces are compelled to step up their mass struggles and armed resistance amid heightened state terrorism,” said the CPP.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150915_cpp-denounces-arrest-of-21st-jasig-holder

Miners accused of funding militias in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 15): Miners accused of funding militias in Surigao Sur

Chamber of Mines issues denial

To demand justice and accountability from big mining companies for the recent Lumad killings in Surigao del Sur, about 100 protesters picketed on Tuesday morning outside the Solaire Casino and Resort along Aseana Avenue in Parañaque City, where the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines held its Mining Philippines 2015 Conference.

Members of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), Katribu and the Defend Patrimony Alliance gathered along Diokno Avenue at the corner of Aseana Avenue, just outside the entertainment complex, and carried with them banners, which slammed the event sponsors whom they tagged as “promoters of pollution, plunder, and militarization.”

Kalikasan PNE national coordinator Clemente Bautista said that the main sponsors of the mining conference, which included Philex Mining, Nickel Asia and Red 5 Limited, have been “the leading sponsors” of paramilitary groups in mine-affected communities in Mindanao.

“These sponsors also have extensive track records of pollution and plunder over the past recent years,” added Bautista.

However, the Chamber of Mines strongly denied having any links to paramilitary groups to weaken the indigenous communities’ resistance to mining in their areas. It pledged to help the police investigate the killings of the lumad in Surigao del Sur.

It issued a statement Tuesday night, which read, as follows:  “The Chamber is not aware of the involvement of any of its member-firms in this case. We condemn the killing and offer our sincerest sympathies to the victims’ loved ones. Among the foundations of responsible mining is respect for human life, for human rights, and for indigenous peoples rights.

We will cooperate with police authorities and be willing to participate in any investigation on the alleged killings.”

The Kalikasan People’s Network, meanwhile, claimed that all these groups have benefited from the  militarization of indigenous Lumad communities in the Caraga region while another mining company, the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) funded paramilitary groups in Lumad communities, which fought mining projects in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

“The recent killings in a Lumad school in the town of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, is part and parcel of the Aquino government’s Oplan Bayanihan inextricably linked to mining and other big business interests in the region. The Andap Valley Complex, in which Lianga, is situated is known to be one of the biggest coal reserves in the country, and the killing rampage that forced more than 3,000 Lumads to evacuate to the city center seems motivated to protect these investments,” explained Bautista.

Lumad school director Emerito Samarca and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Juvello Sinzo were recently killed in Surigao del Sur allegedly by paramilitary forces.
“These big miners are responsible, not only for the pollution they have caused, but also for the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and their paramilitary attack dogs who have transformed mine-affected villages into killing fields. But the serious accountability of large-scale miners is a pipe dream when they have collaborationist public officials, and some of them will be exhibited in the conference itself,” added Bautista.

The green group said they would continue to “demand accountability and justice for the pollution and plunder brought by these large-scale miners.”

“We demand immediate justice for our Lumad brothers and sisters and the pull-out of the butcher mining companies that militarized their communities. We also promise to the collaborationist politicians that aid and abet these onerous mining projects that they will be met with our vigorous opposition,” Bautista said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/722256/mining-firms-accused-of-funding-militia-groups-in-surigao-del-sur

3 Manobo leaders clear military of Lumad killings

From GMA News (Sep 15): 3 Manobo leaders clear military of Lumad killings

Three Lumad leaders on Tuesday cleared the military of being behind the recent killings of indigenous peoples in Mindanao, pinning the blame instead on the communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

"There are no armed government forces in the community," said Datu Malapandaw Nestor Apas, a Manobo from Davao del Norte, at a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

"The NPA rebels are the ones occupying our area to control indigenous peoples and seize ancestral lands," added Apas, who was joined by two other Lumad leaders in the press conference.

Apas was belying the alleged harassment of Lumad communities by the military and military-backed militias in Mindanao, as well as the militarization of Lumad schools as accused by human rights group Karapatan.

"We are not oppressed by the military because they have laws to follow," he said.

Apas, however, admitted they have no evidence to prove their claim that NPA rebels were behind the killing of Lumad leaders.

"For sure there is evidence, but we do not have it right now," he said.

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia of the military's Civil Relations Service said Apas and the two others —  Datu Marcial Belandre and Datu Rico Macat, both of Surigao del Sur — were brought to Manila by Victims of Injustice, Criminality and Terrorism in Mindanao (VICTIM) convenor Art Tariman.

He said VICTIM asked the military to link up the three to the media.

"We just want to ferret out the truth," said Garcia in explaining the military’s role in the media activity.

Apas said they were not asked by the military to appear in the press conference, saying they are "not lapdogs" of the Armed Forces.

"We were not ordered to do this," he said.

Karapatan has tagged the military in the recent killings and other atrocities against the indigenous people in Mindanao, including the Sept. 1 killing of three Lumads in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

The group said the Lianga killings were perpetrated by Magahat/Bagani Force, a paramilitary group allegedly trained and equipped by the Armed Forces.

The AFP said the group is not under its command and control. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537000/news/nation/3-manobo-leaders-clear-military-of-lumad-killings

83,000 veterans owed P17B in disability – PVAO

From GMA News (Sep 16): 83,000 veterans owed P17B in disability – PVAO

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) admitted that the government owed more than P17 billion in disability benefits to more than 83,000 veterans and their spouses.

The PVAO explained that 1994's Republic Act 7696 entitled veterans that reached 70 years of age to a monthly Total Administrative Disability (TAD) benefit of P1,700, besides the P5,000 old age pension.

However, the government only started paying veterans disability in 2010. Thus the government now owes 83,346 veterans P17.53 billion in TAD pension.

Among those owed disability are 21,171 spouses of WWII veterans who have already died. Of these spouses, the PVAO is concentrating on paying 16,237 surviving spouses, those who are aged 80 and above, the P2.72 billion owed them.

PVAO administrator Ernesto Carolina said they are just stating the figures. “We do not want to blame anybody for this (accrued obligation),” Carolina said.

“We just want the truth to come out, just the facts. Ang totoo, there are people, 16,000 souls, 80 years old and above, asawa ng mga nakipaglaban noong giyera, may utang tayo, hindi natin binabayaran,” said Carolina. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537039/news/nation/83-000-veterans-owed-p17b-in-disability-pvao