Bulatlat: Manilakbayan ng Mindanao | Bringing the people’s struggle to the ‘center’

Posted to the pro-CPP online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Oct 23): Manilakbayan ng Mindanao | Bringing the people’s struggle to the ‘center’

A month-long campaign unites people from Mindanao with those in the Visayas and Luzon, to get the attention of the “center” – Metro Manila – the source of power, policies and indifference.



The Manilakbayan crosses the San Juanico bridge, which joins Leyte and Samar provinces (Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

In a virtual, symbolic ‘bakwet” (evacuation), the Manilakbayan ng Mindanao, a 700-strong protest caravan, kicked off this week from different regions ^[4] of the island to bring the people’s issues to the seat of power: Metro Manila.

Most of the protesters are actual evacuees, Lumáds who have been forced out of their communities by the presence of military troops and paramilitary groups, meant to clear the way for large-scale mining, hydropower projects, or plantations – features of the government’s “development” model.

Many of them are victims of human rights violations – families of the killed or disappeared, or were themselves tortured and detained, or charged with trumped-up criminal cases.

As the “lakbayanis” demand peace and justice in Mindanao, they actually also present an option to many others impoverished and oppresed: to join them in the struggle to assert their rights.

“What is happening in Mindanao is just part of the overall attack against the Filipino people who are waging resistance,” said Kerlan Fanagel, chairperson of Pasaka day Salugpungan Kalimudan (Pasaka), and third nominee of Sulong Katribu partylist.

As the government’s “development model” implements policies that worsen poverty, hunger, and landlessness, the people’s resistance consequently grows in the cities and countryside, with some opting to wage armed struggle and join the New People’s Army (NPA).

This resistance, whether armed or unarmed, is aimed to be put out by a state policy: Oplan Bayanihan.

“There is a policy, because there is an ongoing civil war,” Fanagel said, in an interview with Bulatlat.com. “The state has a big responsibility to the people, but it’s also the one committing grave human rights violations against those it perceives as NPA supporters.”

“And that is why we travelled all the way here to show that resistance, because the political center is here, Malacañang, the source of Oplan Bayanihan,” he said. “We are also here to gather support, not as victims, but to ask people to stand with us in our struggle.”



SALUBUNGAN. Manilakbayan ng Mindanao meets up with activists in Tacloban, Leyte, among them Typhoon Haiyan victims under People’s Surge on Oct. 22 (Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

Thousands of protesters are expected to join the Manilakbayan, with other “lakbayanis” from the northern, central and southern Luzon, as they echo calls against attacks on the people. Fanagel said the presence of the Manilakbayan amplifies various campaigns in the capital, such as those against corruption, militarization, imperialist plunder.

Resistance against the center’s ‘development’

“There is a resistance, and that is what Oplan Bayanihan aims to quell…the difference is, we have no weapons, we are civilian organizations staunchly defending our environment, land, communities and life. Why should they attack us?” said Fanagel.

The Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayang Pilipino (Katribu) said 60 percent of the approved mining applications in the country are in indigenous peoples’ ancestral lands ^[6], covering one million hectares.

In Mindanao, some 500,000 hectares of lands are covered by mining concessions, mostly in Lumád ancestral domains. Another 700,000 hectares are devoted to palm oil, banana and pineapple plantations owned by multinational corporations.

But it is not only in Mindanao, but all over the country, that indigenous and peasant communities are being displaced by mining, agribusiness plantations and mega dam projects. And they are not willing to make more sacrifices “for the sake of development.”

And so, comes “development’s” more evil twin: militarization.

“If government is really sincere, it should address the roots of the conflict, it should go back to the peace negotiations,” Fanagel said. But instead, it opts to use brute force against the people.

Fanagel said at least 55 battalions of the Philippine Army, more than half of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are now deployed in Mindanao, continuing the increasing trend in 2012. Augmenting them are at least 20 Lumád paramilitary groups, armed and organized by the AFP.

The first Manilakbayan in 2012 was a campaign against the attacks on the Lumád and increased human rights violations, now even more brutal in President Aquino’s – and Oplan Bayanihan’s – last year, Fanagel said.

These attacks include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, military encampment in communities, harassment and threats on schools, filing of trumped-up charges, forcible recruitment into paramilitary groups, indiscriminate firing, and, the only way to escape it all, forced evacuation.

Katribu said that during Aquino’s five years, 71 indigenous peoples have been killed, 57 of them were Lumád. Indigenous peoples resisting development aggression make up a quarter of the more than 218 victims of killings in the past five years.

Some 40,000 were temporarily displaced due to intensified military operations.



Students of UP Tacloban raise fists in solidarity, as the Manilakbayan pass through Leyte on Oct. 22 (Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

Presenting an option

Amid indiscrimination and lack of government services, indigenous communities have organized themselves, and thru collective efforts began to carve out their own development model. One such proof is the 146 schools operating in these regions in Mindanao. These schools serve not only as centers for literacy and numeracy, but have helped improve the communities’ agricultural and food production, nurtured indigenous culture, while protecting the ancestral lands.

Their critical way of thinking, strong sense of collective, particularly in protecting their sprawling, resource-rich ancestral lands – put them right in the center of the AFP’s target range. Their schools were called “NPA schools,” their teachers, alleged NPAs.

“Government should be happy about the indigenous initiative to fulfil the millenium target in education, but instead, they are killing those who put up these schools,” Fanagel said, referring to Emerito Samarca, executive director ^[8] of a Lumád boarding school, who was one of the three men killed in Surigao del Sur.

Fanagel himself was included in kidnapping charges filed against those helping in the evacuation center at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran center in Davao City. In Mindanao alone, at least 250 leaders of groups of indigenous, peasant, workers, youth, human rights, health workers and other sectors have been charged with fabricated criminal cases.

Similar forms of harassment were experienced in other regions, such as in Cagayan Valley where 69 regional and community leaders ^[9] were charged with kidnapping with homicide. In Metro Manila, activists are tailed, visited in their homes and threatened by suspected military agents.

Salubungan and Kamayang Bayan. Manilakbayan delegates are joined by Bicol activists in a humble feast in Legazpi city, Albay province on Oct. 23. (Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

 

Bringing hope to the center

In its third year, Manilakbayan doubles its number of “lakbayanis,” from 354 last year, to 700. This is 10 times bigger than the first Manilakbayan in 2012, with 76 participants.

The Manilakbayan will join the People’s Caravan, a protest parallel to the leaders’ summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) on Nov. 18 to 19. The Manilakbayan also coincides with two international conferences in November, which will gather internationalists and activists from countries affected by globalization.

Just as the call to stop Lumád killings was echoed by the international community, such gatherings link up global activists from different countries to amplify common calls: against neoliberal economic policies that favor only “the one percent,” worsening poverty and injustice, and the US War on Terror.

Fanagel said the Manilakbayan also aims to give perspective to those desperate and lost in the confusion of Metro Manila. “Many people here have no homes, jobs, nothing, and are just trying to survive from day to day as individuals,” he said.

The middle class tend to see their role only thru charity work, but everyone must make a stand in problems plaguing the country, Fanagel said.

“But they have the option to be with a community, to join the struggle, the movement to change society,” Fanagel said. More than just bringing Mindanao’s problems to Manila, Manilakbayan serves to show what united communities can do.

http://bulatlat.com/main/2015/10/23/manilakbayan-ng-mindanao-bringing-the-peoples-struggle-to-the-center/

Manilakbayan to mass up thousands in time for Apec

From the Daily Tribune (Oct 24): Manilakbayan to mass up thousands in time for Apec

The government faces a huge potential headache in hosting world leaders in Manila during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Summit on Nov. 18 to 19 when protesters from Mindanao and the Visayas are joined by their city counterparts to complete a one month protest caravan against the Aquino administration.

The march called Manilakbayan started in Mindanao with 700 participants but is targeting to mobilize into tens of thousands of participants when they reach Manila during the Apec week.

The Manilakbayan will join the People’s Caravan, the main group that will hold protests parallel to the Apec event.

Foreign delegates particularly “internationalists and activists from countries affected by globalization” are also expected to be part of the protest action, according to the militant website Bulatlat.

Most of the protesters are actual evacuees, and members of the Lumád tribe who have been forced out of their communities by the presence of military troops and paramilitary groups, meant to clear the way for large-scale mining, hydropower projects, or plantations — features of the government’s “development” model. Many are victims of human rights violations — families of the killed or disappeared, or were themselves tortured and detained, or charged with trumped-up criminal cases, according to the website.

“As the ‘lakbayanis’ demand peace and justice in Mindanao, they actually also present an option to many others impoverished and oppresed: to join them in the struggle to assert their rights,” Bulatlat said.

“What is happening in Mindanao is just part of the overall attack against the Filipino people who are waging resistance,” Kerlan Fanagel, chairman of Pasaka day Salugpungan Kalimudan (Pasaka), and third nominee of Sulong Katribu partylist, said.

Bulatlat said as the government’s “development model” implements policies that worsen poverty, hunger, and landlessness, the people’s resistance consequently grows in the cities and countryside, with some opting to wage armed struggle and join the New People’s Army (NPA).

“This resistance, whether armed or unarmed, is aimed to be put out by a state policy: Oplan Bayanihan,” a military campaign in the provinces to supposedly win the hearts and minds of Filipinos, it said.

Thousands of protesters are expected to join the Manilakbayan, with other “lakbayanis” from the northern, central and southern Luzon.

Fanagel said the presence of the Manilakbayan amplifies various campaigns in the capital, such as those against corruption, militarization, and imperialist plunder.

“There is a resistance, and that is what Oplan Bayanihan aims to quell…the difference is, we have no weapons, we are civilian organizations staunchly defending our environment, land, communities and life. Why should they attack us?” Fanagel said.

The Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayang Pilipino (Katribu) said 60 percent of the approved mining applications in the country are in indigenous peoples’ ancestral lands, covering one million hectares.

In Mindanao, some 500,000 hectares of lands are covered by mining concessions, mostly in Lumád ancestral domains. Another 700,000 hectares are devoted to palm oil, banana and pineapple plantations owned by multinational corporations.

But it is not only in Mindanao, but all over the country, that indigenous and peasant communities are being displaced by mining, agribusiness plantations and mega dam projects. And they are not willing to make more sacrifices “for the sake of development.”

Militarization on the rise

Fanagel said at least 55 battalions of the Philippine Army, more than half of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are now deployed in Mindanao, continuing the increasing trend of militarization in 2012. Augmenting them are at least 20 Lumád paramilitary groups, armed and organized by the AFP.

The first Manilakbayan in 2012 was a campaign against the attacks on the Lumád and increased human rights violations, now even more brutal in President Aquino’s — and Oplan Bayanihan’s — last year, Fanagel said.

These attacks include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, military encampment in communities, harassment and threats on schools, filing of trumped-up charges, forcible recruitment into paramilitary groups, indiscriminate firing, and, the only way to escape it all, forced evacuation.

Katribu said that during Aquino’s five years, 71 indigenous peoples have been killed, 57 of them were Lumád. Indigenous peoples resisting development aggression make up a quarter of the more than 218 victims of killings in the past five years.

Some 40,000 were temporarily displaced due to intensified military operations.

Fanagel was included in kidnapping charges filed against those helping in the evacuation center at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran center in Davao City.

In Mindanao alone, at least 250 leaders of groups of indigenous, peasant, workers, youth, human rights, health workers and other sectors have been charged with fabricated criminal cases.

Similar forms of harassment were experienced in other regions, such as in Cagayan Valley where 69 regional and community leaders were charged with kidnapping with homicide.

In Metro Manila, activists are tailed, visited in their homes and threatened by suspected military agents.

Fanagel said the Manilakbayan also aims to give perspective to those desperate and lost in the confusion of Metro Manila. “Many people here have no homes, jobs, nothing, and are just trying to survive from day to day as individuals,” he said.

The middle class tend to see their role only through charity work, but everyone must make a stand in problems plaguing the country, Fanagel said.

“But they have the option to be with a community, to join the struggle, the movement to change society,” Fanagel said. More than just bringing Mindanao’s problems to Manila, Manilakbayan serves to show what united communities can do.

 http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/manilakbayan-to-mass-up-thousands-in-time-for-apec

MILF commander bars Marines from ferrying refugees home in Sultan Kudarat town

From InterAksyon (Oct 24): MILF commander bars Marines from ferrying refugees home in Sultan Kudarat town



Refugees returning to their village in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat were forced to return to the town gym when the commander of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front unit refused passage to Marines escorting the displaced persons home.

Municipal administrator Zahra Maulana said the 500 residents of the upland village of Napnapon, who had been staying at the town gym for a month, were being ferried home in Marine trucks Friday morning when they were stopped from proceeding to the village by MILF fighters led by Commander Teng Binago.

The refugees, mostly women and children, fled after a land dispute between Binago and another MILF commander led to fighting.

“The refusal of Commander Binago (to let the trucks pass) triggered tension because there was already an arrangement that the military will escort the displaced families back home,” Maulana said, adding that they have sought the intervention of the joint government and MILF ceasefire monitoring panel.

Maulana said Binago would only allow the refugees passage if no soldiers entered Napnapon.

But the town official said the village is not within the identified MILF-controlled territories where the entry of government forces would require coordination.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119355/milf-commander-bars-marines-from-ferrying-refugees-home-in-sultan-kudarat-town

Probe sought into undelivered combat clothing, military equipment

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 24): Probe sought into undelivered combat clothing, military equipment

SENATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed a resolution seeking inquiry into the Commission on Audit (COA) report that combat clothing, equipment and ammunitions remained undelivered to the Philippine Army by the end of 2014.

"The government has a duty to ensure that the armed forces are constantly equipped with the necessary tools to exercise their constitutional mandate, protect the people, the state and national territory and sovereignty," the senator said.

The 2014 COA report stated that requested P231,944,682.19 million for Combat Clothing and Individual Equipment in the Headquarters, Philippine Army and P786,323.35 for common use supplies in 9th Infantry Division remained undelivered, as of year-end.

The report added that out of P569,576,219.44 that was transferred to the Government Arsenal account, only P42,413,972.34 or 7.44 percent of worth of ammunitions were delivered during the year.

State auditors had claimed that due to these failures, the Philippine Army was deprived of the timely use of the procured items.

Santiago said the Congress, through relevant legislation, must ensure the efficient and timely procurement and delivery of modern military equipment to the armed forces.

"Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the state. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory," she added, citing Article 2, Section 3 of the Constitution.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/10/24/probe-sought-undelivered-combat-clothing-military-equipment-437588

Four rebels, Army soldier wounded in Agusan del Sur clash

From InterAksyon (Oct 24): Four rebels, Army soldier wounded in Agusan del Sur clash



Reports reaching Manila indicated that four rebels and one soldier were wounded as pursuing troops of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion encountered a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels Friday morning at Sitio Afga, Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

According to Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division (ID), the band of rebels was suspected to be behind the brutal killing of Loreto Town Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl early this week in Agusan Del Sur.

Captain Martinez said the encounter took place at around 6:45 am. Troops of 23rd IB received information from civilians in the area that the NPA group responsible for the brutal killing of Mayor Otaza and his son were reportedly hiding in their community, prompting troops to proceed to the area and check out the veracity of the information.

Upon their approach to the village, the government troops were fired upon by the suspected rebels even in the presence of civilian non-combatants.

The government soldiers outmaneuvered the suspected NPA rebels, causing them to disengage from the firefight. Some residents in the area saw the retreating rebels dragging four of their wounded comrades away.

Martinez reported that one Army soldier was wounded during the initial burst of fire from the NPA rebels.

Recovered were NPA backpacks containing personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value, Martinez said.

Col. Alexander Macario, Commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, said they were grateful to local residents for providing them timely information on the location of the rebels.

"They are already fed up with the NPA atrocities and exploitation. They are indignant about the brutal killing of Mayor Otaza," Macario said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119372/four-rebels-army-soldier-wounded-in-agusan-del-sur-clash

NPA admits killing Agusan del Sur mayor and son

From Rappler (Oct 24): NPA admits killing Agusan del Sur mayor and son

Slain mayor Dario Otaza is accused of establishing and building intelligence networks within NPA territories in Agusan del Sur for AFP counter-revolutionary operations



ADVOCATE. Malacañang says Agusan del Sur mayor Dario Otaza (2nd from right) was an 'invaluable partner' for peace in the region. Photo from Otaza's Facebook account

The New People's Army claimed responsibility for the death of Loreto town, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl in Butuan City.

Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesman of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command, admitted that guerrilla rebels from the Davao region were behind the daring abduction and execution of father and son on October 19.

"Revolutionary justice prevailed when the Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People's Army authorized the imposition of a Standing Order, and punished warlords GPH mayor Dario Otaza and Daryl Otaza, to give justice to the thousands of indigenous peoples and peasants terrorized by their tyranny in Loreto and surrounding municipalities in Agusan del Sur," Sanchez said.

Sanchez said that the NPA operatives disguised as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation swooped down at Otaza's home in Barangay Baan and overpowered his security personnel.

The rebel leader said they also carted away 4 Bushmaster rifles, an AK-47 rifle, an AK 2000 rifle, and two caliber .45 pistols from the mayor's house.

"The NPA operatives found the Otazas in possesion some P25,000 which had been secured and shall be turned over to their family through a third party at the soonest possible time," Sanchez said.

Crimes against humanity

Sanchez said both the mayor and his son were "found guilty of committing acts constituting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law" such as:

1. Brutal murder and acts of torture of Lumad and ordinary civilians: Benjie Planos of Brgy, Kauswagan, killed on September 13, 2013; Gabriel Alindao of Brgy Kauswagan, killed on October 10, 2013; Romeo Wagas and Willy Gabisan of Brgy Kauswagan, both killed on October 26, 201; and Gerry Villamo of Datu Ampunan killed on September 10, 2014 – all in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

2. Multiple frustrated murder and robbery of some families residing in Km 16, Brgy Datu Davao, Loreto on September 9, 2014, perpetrated by Bukakang Banggaan and a certain Augit and Intoy, members of the Otaza-created Taptap paramilitary group. (The names of the victims have been withheld for their protection).

3. Arson and destruction of the homes of the farmers in Brgy Kauswagan by Otaza’s paramilitary men: Mariel Dioganon, Aki Dioganon, Jordan Dioganon, Abdon Dioganon, Abdon Sinkok, Peping Maambib and Loloy Cedilla in 2013. (The names of the victims have been withheld for their protetction.)

4. Intense military operations jointly conducted by Otaza’s Bagani forces and the 26th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army under Oplan Bayanihan, which resulted in gruesome rights abuses against the Lumad population:

Torture of 4 minors, two of whom have been subjected to illegal arrest and illegal detention, all from Brgy, San Isidro, Loreto.

Hamletting and imposition of food and economic blockade in 5 villages in Brgy Kauswagan, Loreto.

Forced evacuation, which also translated to the economic dislocation of at least 459 indigenous Manobo individuals from Brgy Kauswagan and other villages of Loreto. Many from among the evacuees have not reclaimed their land to this day, as their villages continue to be Otaza’s Bagani war zone.

Divestment and destruction of not less than 100 hectares of agricultural and upland farms which have been rehabilitated and tilled by the evacuees after Typhoon Pablo.

Attacks and closure of two community-based learning centers, which constituted violation of the rights of the children to development and education.

5. Espionage, murder and gross violations of international humanitarian law pertaining to the rights of hors de combat: on September 5, 2009, two of Otaza’s intelligence operatives infiltrated NPA units based in Loreto bearing poisoned food which rendered NPA troops unconscious and defenseless. Otaza operatives then relentlessly fired at the incapacitated NPA troops, resulting in the death of 4 NPA fighters, capture of one NPA fighter and other casualties. This carnage was planned and executed by the elder Otaza, who was acting as NCIP provincial chieftain together with Captain Gusi, officer of the MIG-4th Infantry Division.

The act was part of the AFP's Task Force Gantangan, a major component of the Oplan Bantay Laya 2, the centerpiece of which is the perversion of the Lumad Bagani culture.

Military counter-insurgency and paramilitarism were continued by Otaza when he became mayor of Loreto in 2010 and has since marked his leadership. Otaza's Bagani Force and the 26th IB continued their atrocious reign through forcible arrests, fake NPA surrenders, arbitratry detention, psychological warfare, harassment, threats against the families of the NPAs even after entering an agreement brokered by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with the evacuees that no retaliatory attacks will be waged against them upon their return from evacuation in August 2013.

6. As rabid intelligence handler of the ISAFP, Dario Otaza established and built intelligence networks within NPA territories in Agusan del Sur for purposes of counter-revolutionary operations of the AFP, including developing, maintaining, directing of assets for infiltration, espionage and sabotage.

7. Coercion and forcible recruitment of the Lumad into paramilitary/Bagani groups to serve as counter-revolutionary spies coercing armed actions against the revolutionary movement and unsparingly, against unarmed civilians.

8. Instigation and inductions of revolutionary cadres to abandon and betray the revolutionary cause, gathering of information, including those of intelligence value within NPA territories, constituting acts of espionage as defined in Article 46 of the 1977 Protocol to the Geneva convention in 1949.

"They remained unremorseful, adhered to counter-revolutionary practice and continued to be hostile towards the people, while they engaged in land grabbing and plundered natural resources for their personal wealth, such as engaging in environmental destructive logging operations and mining activities in the already denuded residual forests of Agusan. Dario Otaza was complicit in the sell-out of more than 30,000 hectares of lands in Loreto to a foreign palm oil plantation company," Sanchez said.

Waived rights

By participating in these activities, Sanchez claimed that the Otazas had already "waived" their rights as civilians.

"In refusing to rectify to reform to non-violent civilian governance, they continued to employ and arm paramilitary and Bagani troops to secure and fortify their oppressive and bureaucrat-capitalist rule. Hence, the Otazas de facto waived all their rights as civilians making themselves legitimate military targets by the NPA," Sanchez said.

"Meanwhile, Daryl Otaza, aside from directly participating in the commission of the above-mentioned crimes, was a notorious drug lord, illegally dealing prohibited drugs in Loreto and surroundings areas," Sanchez said.

Captain Patrick Martinez, spokesman of the military's 4th Infantry Division, condemned the attack calling it a "hate crime."

Martinez said Otaza, who was a former rebel, was particularly targeted by the NPA because he "brought development to his community."

"He was successful in encouraging 246 NPA to go back to mainstream society and lead a normal life," Martinez said.

Malacañang had vowed "intensified operations" to bring perpetrators to justice.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/110516-npa-admits-killing-agusan-del-sur-mayor-son

US admiral: Policymakers to decide South China Sea patrols

From the Philippine Star (Oct 23): US admiral: Policymakers to decide South China Sea patrols



U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift speaks during an interview in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Swift says it’s up to policymakers in Washington whether his sailors patrol within 12 nautical miles of newly constructed islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, but they are ready to do so if asked. AP/Audrey McAvoy

The U.S. Navy's top commander in the Pacific says it's up to policymakers in Washington whether his sailors patrol within 12 nautical miles of newly constructed islands claimed by China in the South China Sea.

Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Scott Swift spoke during an interview Thursday amid tensions over Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea and reports the U.S. will sail near the disputed islands to challenge those claims.

Swift told The Associated Press his sailors have the capacity and capability to enter the waters, but he emphasized that the patrols would reinforce international laws and wouldn't be directed at a specific country.

"We're ready," Swift said at his Pearl Harbor office. "We have the resources to support whatever those policy decisions are and whatever policymakers may ask us to do to demonstrate the U.S. resolve with respect to the operations that we conduct in the South China Sea."

China and five other governments lay claim to part or all of the South China Sea, a busy passageway for commercial and military vessels. Washington has a policy of not taking sides in the territorial disputes, but says it's in its national interest to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

Since 2013, China has accelerated the construction of new islands atop reefs and atolls in the South China Sea and is adding buildings and airstrips in apparent attempts to boost its sovereignty claims to the territory.

Swift said under international law, building on an island that's only exposed at low tide but not at higher tide doesn't bolster a territorial claim to the place.

He reiterated the U.S. doesn't support land reclamation efforts, regardless of their scale.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter said during a news conference in Boston last week the U.S. will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits, including in the South China Sea.

The U.S. newspaper Navy Times reported earlier this month the Navy may soon receive approval for a mission to sail close to a Chinese-built island in the Spratly Islands.

Swift said China's construction of the islands hasn't changed the way the Pacific Fleet operates in the area and won't change the way it does going forward.

"We continue to operate in that space, just as if they hadn't been built," he said.

The U.S. last patrolled within 12 nautical miles of the disputed islands in 2012, according to testimony Assistant Defense Secretary David Shear gave to the Senate Armed Services Committee last month.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/10/23/1513969/us-admiral-policymakers-decide-south-china-sea-patrols

2 soldiers, 3 Abu Sayyaf hurt in Sulu clashes

From the Philippine Star (Oct 23): 2 soldiers, 3 Abu Sayyaf hurt in Sulu clashes

Fighting erupted between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf that left two scout rangers and three militants wounded in the mountains of Patikul town, Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the firefight broke when troopers from the 11th and 16th Scout Ranger Company (SRC) encountered 150 Abu Sayyaf members under the group of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan about 2:10 p.m. at Sitio Kaupitan, Barangay Tugas, Patikul town.

The Abu Sayyaf militants were led by Namel Ahajarin, Basaron Arok and Ullah.

The firefight ensued for 45 minutes, forcing the Abu Sayyaf members to retreat and divide into small factions to escape.

Another combined forces of the 10th and 12th SRC clashed with 60 fleeing militants under the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron at the vicinity of Sitio Tubalon, Barangay Kabuntakas still in Patikul.

The military official said the firefight lasted briefly as the militants continued to evade the pursuing Army rangers.

Arrojado said at least three Abu Sayyaf militants were wounded in the encounters. Two of the wounded gunmen were identified as Ben Ahajarin, brother of Namel; Ben Kerino while the other was unidentified.

He said two soldiers, namely Private 1st Class Class Celito S. Carag and Technical Sgt. Nicar M. Escarola, were also slightly wounded.

Arrojado said troops on the ground were mobilized to conduct blocking operation while police and military units conducted checkpoints to prevent Abu Sayyaf members from escaping the operation ground.

The wounded soldiers were brought to the military trauma hospital for treatment.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/10/23/1513978/2-soldiers-3-abu-sayyaf-hurt-sulu-clashes

Five killed in Samar motor boat ambush

From the Manila Times (Oct 24): Five killed in Samar motor boat ambush

Tacloban City: Five persons were killed when the motor boat they were boarding was ambushed along Gandara River on Friday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas Spokesman Chief Insp. Mark Nalda identified the victims as barangay councilors Michael Ocong, 41, Alvin Casaljay 25, 55-year-old Pepe Ocong, a still unidentified minor and the eldest son of Councilor Ocong identified only as RR.

A certain Aquino Ocong, 55, is among the survivors and is in a critical condition at an undisclosed hospital.

It was reported that after the shooting incident, the armed men fled while passengers from other motor boats in the area helped the victims and brought them to the hospital.

Nalda said that RR Ocong died on the spot because of multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, while the four other victims were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Nalda added that the Gandara police is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive and identities of the suspect. He said that they have yet to determine also if the shooting to death of the five victims is politically motivated.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/five-killed-in-samar-motor-boat-ambush/

IP community benefits from Maguindanao medical-dental outreach program

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): IP community benefits from Maguindanao medical-dental outreach program

About 1,000 indigent residents of a remote village in the upland town of Upi in Maguindanao benefited from a day-long medical-dental outreach program of Maguindanao provincial government Friday.

The Peoples Medical Team of the provincial government, led by health action officer Lynette Estandarte, also distributed medicine and vitamins to indigent residents of sub-villages of Teminduro, Kifuyen, Linayen, Kapitao, Kifuyen, Lower and Upper Duka, all in Barangay Kiga.

“The beneficiaries were all members of Indigenous Peoples community who have not seen a doctor since birth,” Estandarte told reporters after the day-long activity.

Accompanying the physicians, nurses and midwives were members of the Philippine Marines medical unit and the Parish Pastoral Council of Upi.

“The communities were so isolated, far flung and reaching the area through several hours of walking and horseback riding was already an accomplishment for us government servants,” Estandarte added.

“As if we were close to heaven,” Estandarte said in jest after reaching upland sub-villages.

Ato Sublig, one of the beneficiaries, said he still could not believe a government medical team could reach his community and extended medical services.

“Malayo itong lugar namin, mahirap ang daan pero narating po ninyo, wala na kami masabi kundi salamat (Our community is very isolated, roads going here are difficult and yet they are here, I cannot say anything more but appreciate the efforts),” Sublig said.

Estandarte said the peoples medical team will also conduct similar activity Monday in the sub-village of Rizal, Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“We do this outreach program in celebration of IP month this October,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=819005

Troops arrest 4 suspected ASG brigands in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Troops arrest 4 suspected ASG brigands in Sulu

The government troops have arrested four suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as offensive continues in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official disclosed Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, identified the suspects as Al-Majir Jajiri, 27; Salip Tamad Sakirin, 31; Bagin Hamsi, 28; and, Pola Jumadil, 49.

Arrojado said the suspects were arrested around 9:45 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Puti Sapah, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the suspects were detained and placed under investigation to ascertain their real identities since Jajiri and Sakirin claimed to be village watchmen (barangay tanods) of Barangay Kabbon Takas, Patikul.

He said the troops have recovered from the possession of Jumadil two identification cards (ID) bearing two different names.

He said an ID issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) indicated her name is Pola Jumadil while a voter’s ID showed she is Ahajani Pula Amilussin.

He noted the suspects were arrested near the clash site between the Scout Rangers and ASG brigands led by Radullan Sahiron on Thursday afternoon in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.

“The presence of same (people) at the operational area especially near ASG harbor and encounter sites and considering the ongoing operations and fire missions and their place of residence is questionable,” Arrojado said.

The government troops have launched focused military operations (FMO) targeting the senior leaders of the ASG brigands as well as their foreign cohorts in Sulu.

Arrojao said they have coordinated with the police for further investigation.

He said the suspects will remain in detention “until such time that their identities are validated.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=819019

Photo: AFP Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Company training for APEC contingency

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook page (Oct 23): AFP Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Company training for APEC contingency



Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Company form a solid wall of resistance against pressure during their regular training on crowd management at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The AFP CMD Company is being readied for duty at the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Manila this November as support to PNP. Photo by Red Reyes (PAO AFP)

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines/photos/a.248199283765.140707.155758863765/10153686114503766/?type=3&theater

Military crowd disturbance unit getting ready for APEC duties

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Military crowd disturbance unit getting ready for APEC duties

The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that its Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Company is now preparing for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Manila this November.

The event will take place Nov. 18 to 19, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Saturday.

The training is to ensure better response in situations requiring CDM service.

The AFP CDM Company will be on standby for the duration of the APEC Meeting as support unit to Philippine National Police personnel who will be on the frontline of keeping the safety and security of the event.

They will be immediately deployed if necessary or when when the peaceful conduct of the event is threatened.

The CDM Company is composed of soldiers under the Security and Escort Group of AFP General Headquarters based in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

They will also be accompanied by AFP K-9 units.

They regularly undergo training on crowd management.

These soldiers were also properly briefed in human rights as part of their training, Detoyato stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=819015

5 Lumad rebels surrender to 10th ID units

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): 5 Lumad rebels surrender to 10th ID units

Five Lumad members of the New People's Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to units of the Davao City-based 10th Infantry Division last Oct. 20 to 23.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, identified the Lumad rebels through their aliases as Idol, Ian, Dindin, John-John and Angie.

Batchar said Idol, a squad leader under the NPA Guerilla Front (GF)-73 from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato surrendered to the troops of 27th Infantry Battalion last Oct. 20.

While Ian, a team leader under the NPA GF-71 from Alabel, Sarangani was accompanied by a barangay kagawad to soldiers of 73IB in Malita, Davao del Sur also on Oct. 20.

Dindin, a resident from Montevista, Compostela Valley province and a squad leader under the NPA GF-25 surrendered to the troops of 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion on Oct. 21 in Tagum City.

John-john, a resident of Malita, Davao Del Sur and a team leader under the NPA GF-73 surrendered to 73rd Infantry Battalion through the efforts of a barangay kagawad in the same municipality.

Anjie from Alabel, Sarangani, who is eight-months pregnant, belongs to a NPA squad under GF-71 and wife of Ian, surrendered to troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion in Malita, Davao Del Sur last Oct. 23 through the efforts of a barangay captain and other barangay officials in the said municipality.

Idol is from the Tiboli tribe while John-john is from the Tagakaulo tribe. Dindin is from the Mandaya tribe while Ian and Anjie are B'laans.

These former NPA rebels returned to the folds of the law due to the hardships they have experienced and unfulfilled promises to them and their families while with the armed group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=819060

4 rebels wounded, soldier hurt in Agusan Del Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): 4 rebels wounded, soldier hurt in Agusan Del Norte clash

Four New People's Army (NPA) fighters were wounded along with one trooper during an encounter at Sitio Afga, Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte Friday morning.

Soldiers from the 23rd Infantry Battalion were pursuing rebel forces behind the abduction and murder of Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl when the clash took place 6:45 a.m. Friday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said civilians reported the rebel presence in their locality prompting the military to conduct an operation.

Upon reaching the area, the rebels fired indiscriminately on the responding troops triggering the clash which wounded four NPA fighters and one soldier.

Recovered from the encounter site were several NPA backpacks containing personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Meanwhile, cases of robbery and kidnapping with murder were already filed before the Butuan City Prosecutor’s office against Rene Catarata, also known as Rene, Dodong and Hector Tindugan and 18 John Does.

Based from the affidavits of witnesses, the 19 men were positively identified as the suspects who posed as NBI agents and abducted the Otazas from their residence in Barangay Baan, Butuan City last Monday.

Identification was further supported by the cartographic sketch of the killers.

Catarata is the Front Secretary of NPA Guerilla Front 34 under North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and one of the responsible for series of Lumad killings, ambuscades, extortion, and illegal recruitment in Eastern Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=819050