China nearly completes 2 more runways in S. China Sea: U.S. think tank

From ABS-CBN (Jan 16): China nearly completes 2 more runways in S. China Sea: U.S. think tank

China has nearly completed two more runways on artificial islands in a disputed area in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank said Friday, adding that Beijing appears to be speeding up construction work to claim sovereignty in the area.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a major think tank in Washington, revealed the finding after China conducted a first series of test flights earlier this month on a runway it already built in the Spratly Islands.

The United States believes China has built or is building airstrips on artificial islands on at least three reefs through massive reclamation in the Spratlys, where China is involved in territorial disputes with other claimants such as the Philippines and Vietnam.

According to the CSIS, in addition to an airstrip on Fiery Cross Reef, where China did the test flights, China has almost finished the construction of an airstrip with a 2,644-meter runway on Mischief Reef and another with a 3,250-meter runway on Subi Reef.

The airstrip on Fiery Cross Reef took at least seven months to construct, but "at Mischief, where grading began in September or October, construction is already approaching completion just three to four months later," the think tank said.

The Philippines says Mischief Reef lies within its exclusive economic zone.

China has also constructed various facilities on Subi Reef, including a seawall, docks and a tower reaching some 30 meters high, the CSIS said.

The United States has said that under a U.N. convention, no territorial claim can be recognized to artificial islands built on submerged reefs, and has urged China to refrain from any acts that could raise tension in the area.

All three reefs were submerged before China began reclamation.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/01/16/16/china-nearly-completes-2-more-runways-in-s-china-sea-us-think-tank

PH policies help hinder terrorism, says expert

From ABS-CBN (Jan 15): PH policies help hinder terrorism, says expert

An expert on terrorism explained how Philippine law enforcement policies have helped prevent large-scale terror attacks in the country, similar to those that happened in Paris, France and more recently in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking to ANC, Professor Rommel Banlaoi of the Philippine Institute For Peace, Violence and Terrorism, said terrorism and extremism in the Philippines are being hindered by laws like the Anti-Money Laundering Law and the existence of the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

"We already have an established institution that aims to counter the financing of terrorism in the Philippines. We have the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Anti-Money Laundering Law that aims to really counter the financing of terrorism in the Philippines, and that is why the transfer of funds from ISIS is very difficult to reach the Philippines right now. But terrorist groups and ISIS have a new innovative way to transfer their resources...For example, one area that they are trying to use is the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)," Banlaoi said.

For Banlaoi, it is more difficult for ISIS to send large resources to the Philippines via remittances.

"ISIS followers in the Philippines, particularly those associated with Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other self-proclaimed ISIS followers, they have relatives and friends working, Filipino workers overseas, they can just use them to remit those money, and they have done that already but in a small scale. But if the delivery of large-scale amount will be involved, then it would be very difficult to do that through OFWs," he said.

He, however, did not deny the existence of self-proclaimed ISIS followers in the Philippines, adding that there are some groups here who are engaged in training fighters on bomb-making.

"Bomb-training is already happening, there are already ISIS followers who are giving training to the Abu Sayyaf Group. For example, the five Malaysian terror suspects wanted by the Malaysian government, they are already operating in Basilan. They conduct not only Islamic propagation activities, but also bomb-making activities," Banlaoi said.

"There are no intelligence reports, but it doesn't mean that there are no activities happening. There is just no intelligence report. The intelligence is not just monitoring them, the intelligence is not just recognizing them or they are not just identifying them, but it doesn't mean the absence of a threat, absence of activity, or absence of any imminent threat," he also said.

'NO IMMINENT THREAT' 

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday said there is no credible and imminent terror threat in the Philippines.

In an interview, Aquino said that while there were Filipinos who have identified themselves on social media as members of the terror group Islamic State, these people never lived in the country.

"One was in Saudi Arabia and another in Lebanon but they have never lived in the Philippines," he said.

The President said government intelligence agencies are monitoring the possible entry of ISIS militants in the Philippines and coordinating with other intelligence agencies.

OUTSMARTING TERRORISTS 

According to Banlaoi, Philippine law enforcement authorities have been able to deny terrorist groups an opportunity to launch large-scale terror activities.

"As far as I am concerned, I've been observing terrorism activities in the Philippines for the past 15 years. The intent is there, the capabilities of the group are there, they are just waiting for the right opportunities, and I'm very happy that law enforcement authorities have denied them the opportunities to carry out large-scale terrorist activities in the country, similar to the Jakarta bombing and the Paris bombing," he said.

He also explained that terrorists in Indonesia are better trained and are more committed to the cause than those in the Philippines. They were also able to find an opening, making it easier for them to launch the attack in Jakarta.

"They found an opportunity in Jakarta. In this particular case in Jakarta, the terrorist group linked with ISIS just outsmarted the law enforcement authorities. I have been saying this, these terrorist groups are really composed of smart individuals, so the challenge for law enforcement authorities worldwide is to really outsmart them," Banlaoi said.

"There are extremists there (in Indonesia), they are well-trained, they are highly committed, and the level of their commitment to advance the extremist cause of Islam is higher compared to the Muslim followers in the Philippines because the vast majority of Muslim followers in the Philippines remain to be predominantly moderate and secular in outlook, and those few individuals claiming to be followers of ISIS, their level of extremism is still not that extreme compared to the followers in Indonesia and Malaysia," he added.

For Banlaoi, having a stronger foothold in the Philippines is also essential for the propagation of extremism.

"They want the Philippines to be the center of jihadist training because they want to take advantage of the local grievances and they want to really push to strong Islamic propagation to really intensify their commitment to this brand of Islam," he said.

LINKS TO ISIS

Banlaoi also cannot confirm whether Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon has been recognized by ISIS.

"Well, that is the intention of ISIS, or ISIL, to have a strong foothold in Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of the growing number of self-proclaimed followers in the region. And the only thing that followers are waiting from ISIS is to recognize their overall leaders in Southeast Asia, and apparently from the recent video that was released last week, Isnilon Hapilon, who is a commander of Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, has been reportedly recognized by ISIS as the overall leader of four battalions operating in Mindanao. But whether or not Isnilon Hapilon is a recognized leader in Southeast Asia, that is yet to be confirmed and officially recognized by ISIS itself," Banlaoi said.

"If there will be an official recognition from ISIS that the one proclaimed in Basilan is the ISIS branch in Southeast Asia, then that would imply delivery of resources to sustain that ISIS branch. And I hope that kind of scenario will be prevented by our law enforcement authorities from happening," he also said.

Following the attack on the Indonesian capital, experts agree that there is a growing threat from radicalized Muslims inspired by Islamic State, some of whom may have fought with the group in Syria.

However, they said the low death toll in Jakarta on Thursday pointed to the involvement of poorly trained local militants whose weapons were crude.

Seven people were killed in the three-hour siege near a busy shopping despite multiple blasts and a gunfight, and five of them were the attackers themselves.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/01/15/16/ph-policies-help-hinder-terrorism-says-expert

Video: PANOORIN: 'Oath-taking' ng ilang miyembro ng Abu Sayyaf sa ISIS

From ABS-CBN (Jan 15): PANOORIN: 'Oath-taking' ng ilang miyembro ng Abu Sayyaf sa ISIS

Watch the latest episode of TV Patrol also in iWantv or TFC.tv

Kinikilala na ng ISIS si Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon bilang pinuno ng ISIS sa Pilipinas base sa intel report. Dahil dito, nagbabala ang mga eksperto sa posibleng pag-igting ng banta ng terorismo sa bansa. Exclusive, nagpa-Patrol, Maan Macapagal. TV Patrol, Biyernes, Enero 15, 2016

http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/nation/regions/v3/01/15/16/panoorin-oath-taking-ng-ilang-miyembro-ng-abu-sayyaf-sa-isis

Of General Intel Interest: Malaysian officials nab four suspected IS-linked militants: police

From ABS-CBN (Jan 16): Malaysian officials nab four suspected IS-linked militants: police

Malaysian authorities have arrested four suspected militants and confiscated a weapon along with Islamic State group (IS) documents, national police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said Saturday.

Security forces have been on high alert in the predominantly-Muslim country in the wake of deadly coordinated attacks in neighbouring Indonesia earlier this week that were claimed by IS. Seven people, including five assailants, were killed during the incident.

"Congratulations E8 CK (anti-terror unit) for arresting one male suspect on Friday at a train station.... Weapon and IS documents were confiscated (from the suspect)," the police chief said on his Twitter account.

The train station is located near the iconic Petronas Towers in the heart of the capital Kuala Lumpur and houses a huge shopping mall frequented by foreigners.

The country's counter-terrorism assistant director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay later confirmed to AFP that a knife and IS documents were confiscated at the suspect's house.

In a statement, Khalid said the 28-year old Malaysian admitted that he was planning to be a suicide bomber.

"The suspect admitted that he had planned a suicide attack in Malaysia and was awaiting instructions from a member of IS in Syria," he said.

The police chief added that on January 11, three Malaysian IS suspects were arrested by security forces after being deported from Turkey.

"They were first detained in Turkey while attempting to sneak into Syria to join IS fighters," Khalid said.

Earlier this week, local media reported that a 16-year-old boy clad in militant attire held a woman at knife-point at a supermarket in northwestern Malaysia.

"Investigations revealed that he was influenced by the IS movement through social media and wanted to prove that he was capable of such acts by threatening the woman," Khalid said.

The teenager was later arrested and is being held in police custody.

Muslim-majority Malaysia practices a moderate brand of Islam and has not seen any notable terror attacks in recent years.

But concern has risen in the multi-faith nation over growing hardline Islamic views and the country's potential as a militant breeding ground.

Authorities say dozens of Malaysians have traveled to Syria to fight for the radical IS group and warn they may seek to return home and import its ideology.

Since 2015, police have arrested numerous suspects whom they say were IS sympathizers plotting attacks.

Opposition lawmakers, however, say the terror arrests have been shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult to gauge the actual threat level.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/global-filipino/world/01/16/16/malaysian-officials-nab-four-suspected-is-linked-militants-police

Of General Intel Interest: Indonesia identifies militants, arrests others over attack

From ABS-CBN (Jan 16): Indonesia identifies militants, arrests others over attack

Indonesian police on Saturday named the five men they suspect launched this week's gun and bomb attack in the heart of Jakarta and said they had arrested 12 others linked to the plot, which was claimed by Islamic State.

As investigators pieced together clues from the radical group's first strike on Indonesia, neighboring Malaysia said it had arrested a man in Kuala Lumpur who had confessed to planning a suicide attack in the country.

"We ... have carried out acts of force. We have done searches, we have made arrests and we have obtained evidence connected with the terrorist bombing at Sarinah," Jakarta police spokesman Mohammad Iqbal told a news conference.

"We will not say how many people or what sort of evidence we have as it will upset out strategy. Be patient, when the case is closed and things are clear we will disclose them."

Seven people, including the team of militants, were killed in Thursday's attack near the Sarinah department store in the Indonesian capital's commercial district. About 30 people were wounded.

Police held up pictures of the dead and wounded at the news conference, including a man who kicked off the siege by blowing himself up in a Starbucks cafe.

Another attacker, who opened fire with a gun outside the cafe, was named as Afif. A National Counter-Terrorism Agency spokesman said Afif had served seven years in prison, where he refused to cooperate with a de-radicalization program.

The brazenness of the Jakarta assault, which had echoes of marauding gun and bomb attacks such as the Paris siege in November, suggested a new brand of militancy in a country where extremists typically launch low-level strikes on police.

MALAYSIAN PLANNED SUICIDE ATTACK

In Malaysia, the country's police chief said that a suspected militant who was arrested in a metro station in Kuala Lumpur on Friday had confessed to planning a suicide attack.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement that the 28-year-old Malaysian confessed to planning a suicide attack in the country after receiving orders from a foreign member of Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

"The suspect is also responsible for hanging IS flags at several locations ... to warn the government to stop arresting IS members in Malaysia," Khalid said.

No details were given on where and how he planned to attack.

Khalid said three other people suspected of being supporters of Islamic State were arrested this week at Kuala Lumpur airport after they returned from Turkey.

Malaysia has been on high alert since Thursday's siege in Jakarta. Security has been beefed up in public areas and borders have been tightened to prevent jihadis getting into the country.

Earlier on Saturday, Indonesia said it had shut down at least 11 radical websites and several social media accounts, including several on Facebook that expressed support for the Jakarta attack.

"We are monitoring many websites and public complaints about this," said Ismail Cawidu, a public relations official at the communications ministry.

The government had also sent letters to social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Telegram requesting that radical material be immediately blocked or taken down, Cawidu said.

The alleged mastermind behind the Jakarta attack, an Indonesian citizen fighting with Islamic State in Syria, is believed to have used social media extensively to share his beliefs about the group and communicate with contacts in Indonesia using blog posts and mobile messaging apps.

Authorities believe there are at least 1,000 Islamic State sympathizers in Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/global-filipino/world/01/16/16/indonesia-identifies-militants-arrests-others-over-attack

2 alleged IS supporters, 2 civilians killed in Lanao clashes

From GMA News (Jan 16): 2 alleged IS supporters, 2 civilians killed in Lanao clashes

Two suspected Islamic State (IS) supporters and two civilians were killed in armed clashes in Lanao del Sur on Friday.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, identified the two slain civilians as Alexander Sultan and Aiman Sultan.

Murillo said residents saw armed men wearing black jackets and head bands with ISIS flags roaming around Barangay Gata in Buadipuso Buntong town at around 6 a.m.

The residents reported the armed men's presence to a local leader identified as Panundi Sultan.

Armed members of the Sultan family and other residents were checking the report when they were fired upon by the suspected IS supporters. Murillo said one of the alleged IS supporters was killed in the clash with the Sultan clan.

Another member of the group was killed in a separate clash with government troops in Barangay Lilod, Maguing town at around 11:20 a.m.

 Both slain gunmen have yet to be identified. Murillo said local security forces around the province have been alerted against the armed group.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/551487/news/regions/2-alleged-is-supporters-2-civilians-killed-in-lanao-clashes

Defense delays ordnance bidding

From The Standard (Jan 16): Defense delays ordnance bidding

A bids and awards committee of the Department of National Defense suspended the pre-bid conference for the purchase of P94 million worth of ammunition after army officials could not answer questions from participating bidders.

The BAC chairman, Assistant Defense Secretary Ernesto Boac, suspended the meet after members of an army technical working group in charge of the procurement of caliber 25mm and 105mm high explosive ammunition failed to answer questions about the project’s specifications.

Boac was irked by the inability of the army officials to answer questions about the project, particularly about the export license of the United States State Department for the fuses of the 105mm ordnance.

The DND official scolded the army TWG and ordered army officials to do their homework, especially the technical specifications of the contract, before presenting the procurement for public bidding.

Boac also asked the two bidders present­—Expal System of Spain and US-based ATK Corp. —to put all their comments and clarifications in writing so that the committee could answer their questions properly.

ATK has been a long-time player in defense contracts while this is the first time Expal will be participating in the military’s modernization program. Expal is the leader in the ammunition and explosives sector in Spain.

Expal is among the first Spanish companies to express interest in the country’s modernization program after the Spanish government expressed its support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its willingness to provide equipment to boost the military’s capabilities.

Madrid had earlier said that it would be willing to give second-hand defense articles if requested by the Philippine government.

During Aquino’s visit to Spain in 2014, several Spanish companies have expressed interest in doing business in the Philippines in a variety of fields, including defense contracts.

Aquino also presented to Spanish officials the country’s “triple action plan” in resolving maritime disputes, particularly in the South China Sea. Under the plan, Manila wants claimant countries to avoid activities that would raise tensions. The plan calls for a binding code of conduct in the disputed areas.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/top-stories/196909/defense-delays-ordnance-bidding.html

New 79th IB head dared to excel in peace efforts

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 16): New 79th IB head dared to excel in peace efforts

Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros, the commanding general of the 3 rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, yesterday challenged Lt. Col. Roderick Garcia, the newly-installed commander of the 79 th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion to surpass the performance of his predecessor, in efforts to achieve lasting peace in Negros.

Cabreros was the guest of honor and speaker during the turnover of command of the 79th IB, from Col. Harold Anthony Pascua to Garcia, held at the battalion headquarters in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental.

Cabreros lauded and thanked Pascua for his excellent performance as battalion commander, citing his unit's achievements that have contributed to making Negros Oriental almost free from the problem of insurgency.

He expressed confidence that Garcia will perform just as well, what with the experience, training and other credentials that the latter possessed.

The first order of the day for Garcia is to continue what his predecessor had started, more importantly pursuing efforts under the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, Cabreros said.

Cabreros highlighted the importance of the Army being able to foster good relations with local government units, non-government organizations and the people who are their partners in the Bayanihan program of attaining lasting peace.

He urged the 79th IB troopers to give their all-out support to Garcia, adding that as he met with them, he gave them one word as a reminder for them to carry on each day.

That word is obedience, Cabreros said. “Observe obedience to the oath you took when you entered the military service to selflessly serve our country and our people,” he added.

Also, observe obedience to the laws of the land, to rules, regulations, directives and policies of the military organization, to the commitment and obligation to your families, and to the word of God, Cabreros added.

He emphasized the role of the Army's partners, especially in the IPSP Bayanihan, as he called on them to continue their support for peace to prosper.

Cabreros stressed there is still much work to be done and “we are still in the midst of winning the peace in Central and Western Visayas”.

“There is still much ahead of us…and this entails strengthening and intensifying our partnership and collaboration with all our stakeholders, and advancing our skills and programs complementary to the IPSP Bayanihan,” he added.

Cabreros officiated in the turnover of command of the 79th IB, that was also highlighted by the promotion of Pascua to colonel.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/January/16/negor1.htm

PN vows to keep up with US Navy in joint maritime patrol missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16): PN vows to keep up with US Navy in joint maritime patrol missions

Should the country's call for a joint maritime patrol agreement in disputed portions of the South China Sea be honored by the United States, the Philippine Navy (PN) has the necessary ships and training to keep up with their American counterparts.

"Yes, the Navy does. The joint maritime patrol, if and when finalized, by the two Navies, will in fact be the application and execution of the many opportunities in the past that they were conducting joint maritime and interoperability exercises," PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to the PNA.

"These collaborative activities even before the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (and the SC's upholding of its constitutionality) will surely benefit both countries that are both committed in that part of the sea," he added.

The country's interest for a joint-patrol agreement come out during the Philippine-US 2+2 ministerial meeting held in Washington D.C. last Jan. 12.

"The 2+2 meeting extensively discussed the South China Sea issue, with the US side reiterating the US ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines while the Philippines batting for joint patrols. The US also conveyed that it remains committed to the AFP's modernization program," Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez earlier said.

During the meeting, the US emphasized that it would not allow China to control the South China Sea and act to ensure that freedom of navigation was respected.

It also stressed that they would continue to fly and sail whenever and wherever international law allows.

The US also committed to maintain presence in the South China Sea to include naval, sub-sea, air and special forces.

In addition, the US urged the Philippines to stay closely coordinated with respect to the developments in the South China Sea.

Noting China’s claim that it will not militarize the area, the US suggested the need for parties in the South China Sea to have a common and shared understanding of the term "militarization" to avoid growing tensions.

A common sense among the other parties would put pressure on China.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847283

MILF: CBCS lauded for its help in bringing the Bangsamoro sentiments to public

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 15): CBCS lauded for its help in bringing the Bangsamoro sentiments to public



Sectoral leaders of Bangsamoro from Southern Mindanao lauded the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) for its key role of bringing the Bangsamoro people’s sentiments to public consciousness.

During a project evaluation held at General Santos City on January 13 participated by Muslim women, religious, and youth leaders, the participants commended the CBCS for providing the avenue for ordinary Bangsamoro people to air their grievances and desire for self-determination.

“CBCS gave us a neutral ground for our advocacy for peace and development,” said Datu Yassin from South Cotabato. He added that CBCS provided neutral grounds where issues and concerns of the Bangsamoro people are discussed.

He related further that through CBCS, the Local Government Units are able to collaborate with the local Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in peace advocacy activities to help disseminate information about the on-going peace process between the government and the MILF.

CBCS took the front line in organizing peace advocacy activities with local partners to popularize the status of the peace process and let the public understand the sentiments of the Bangsamoro people.

Peace forums were conducted to educate the public the need to support the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law which is pushed by the Aquino administration and the MILF.
CBCS also initiated the Mindanao Solidarity Project which aimed to unite the Moro fronts, Kadatuan, and Ulama towards achieving the common goal, a peaceful and progressive Mindanao.

The assessment participants noted that the CBCS opened the opportunity for the Moro National Liberation Front, MILF and traditional leaders to talk to each other discuss how they can help one another to advance the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people through peaceful means.

Tommy Nawa, an active peace advocate from Sarangani province, said more Christians now have learned what the Bangsamoro people have been fighting for after the advocacy activities.

Ridzki Domato from the religious groups noted the presence of barrier between the Muslims and non-Muslims before, however after the CBCS-assisted peace advocacies, the wall between the two faiths is gone.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/789-cbcs-lauded-for-its-help-in-bringing-the-bangsamoro-sentiments-to-public

MILF: BDA-CenMin holds 1st Trainers Regional Assembly

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 14): BDA-CenMin holds 1st Trainers Regional Assembly



In line with the continuing development interventions of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) on capability building for the Bangsamoro and other stakeholders in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the BDA-Central Mindanao Region held its 1st Trainers' Regional Assembly (TRA) at BDA-CenMin Regional Management Office (RMO) on January 1-2, 2016.

The 1st TRA was participated by over 200 trainers of BDA from different provinces of CenMin.

The purpose of the activity was to establish a strong band of dedicated and committed trainers that will continue to perform Da'wah (education and advocacy) by facilitating and working on massive transformation through efficient and effective trainings for a better if not the best Bangsamoro.

Specifically, Engr. Abdulwahid Sendad, Regional Training Head of BDA-CenMin said, the activity also aims to:

a. Validate the actual number of trainers;

b.Set standard guidelines in conducting Values Transformation Training (VTT) and other relevant activities;

c.Assess and present the number of trainings conducted for the year 2015;

d.Remind the trainers of their important tasks in continuously developing the Bangsamoro;

e.Refresh and strengthen their commitment to sustain their volunteerism in serving the Bangsamoro in line with the mantra of the agency, ' building people who will build the nation.'

f.Give special awards such as Certificate of Recognition to all pioneer trainers.

Further, Sendad also said that, “The activities carried out in the TRA are combination of inputs, workshop, reporting, plenary discussions and expression of continued commitment of support”.

During the assembly, the group of trainers from every province of CenMin was given the chance to present their accomplishment report for the year 2015.  

Among the very important part of the activity was the presence of Sheikh Abuhuraira Udasan, Grand Mufti of Bangsamoro who gave inputs on the role of Da'wah in the Bangsamoro struggle for Right self-determination (RSD).



The inputs given by Mufti Udasan on the role of da'wah in the Bangsamoro struggle were so important and inspiring.

He also explained various steps and strategies that are very much useful for the trainers to become efficient and effective in the field of capacitating the Bangsamoro and other stakeholders.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/788-bda-cenmin-holds-1st-trainers-regional-assembly

MILF: Bangsamoro Development Agency appoints New Division Heads

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 14): Bangsamoro Development Agency appoints New Division Heads



As part of its institutionalization process, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) appointed new division heads effective this January 2016.

They are Marifah Agar for the administrative division; Hamodi Tiboron for finance; Rhadzni Taalim for planning, monitoring and evaluation; Hashim Manticayan for program operation and; Abdulmaguid Salidatan for human resource division.

Agar and Tiboron were formerly in the same divisions while Taalim was a former member of the BDA board of directors (BOD), Manticayan was a regional manager for Central Mindanao Region, and Salidatan was a M&E officer under the Tahderiyyah Program.

The new division heads will also compose the Management Support Team (MST) of BDA which task is to provide support to the management and operation of the agency at the Central Management Office (CMO) level headed by the executive director.

Mohammad S. Yacob, exec. Dir. formally announced this news yesterday January 13, 2016 during the general staff meeting held at Bangsamoro Development Center in Cotabato City, Inc. (BDCCCI), a training center near BDA-CMO in Cotabato City.

In his statement, Dir. Yacob enjoined staff to welcome the new heads and that any support and assistance to them will be highly appreciated.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/787-bangsamoro-development-agency-appoints-new-division-heads

MILF: Editorial -- ‘ASG pledged allegiance to ISIS’

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 12): Editorial -- ‘ASG pledged allegiance to ISIS’

The Manila Times has carried a report that the faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) based in Basilan had officially affiliated with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The article was based on a video released by the group, showing more than 30 armed militants led by Isnilon Hapilon, also known as Abu Abdullah, declaring their loyalty to the ISIS.
  

Substantially, there is nothing very threatening in this developing story, because they have been claiming this for months. There is nothing fresh either in it except, if true, that so-called four Malaysian fugitives namely, Mahmud Ahmad, Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, Amin Baco and Jeknal Adil, are with them. These foreign elements give the situation more coloration and complexity. But the ASG has been with us for almost 25 years and the report that Indonesians, Arabs, and Malaysians are with them is no news at all.

However, what cannot be ignored is its long-term impact on the peace and order situation in the region. If the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) does not pass Congress, the equation in Mindanao will change radically. There will be widespread frustration, which is a fertile reason to recruit people especially the youths to fight the state. The MILF, as a consequence, will lose much of its popular appeal or legitimacy and maybe even some of the debates. Those who promote the use of brute force or terror to solve the conflict in Mindanao or simply to advance their questionable “Islamic” agenda will be afforded wider latitude in their advocacy.

Consequently, with the MILF fallout, the government will lose a very reliable partner, which even the international community openly admits and declares. It is a trust and confidence that was not built overnight but for 17 long years since 1997.

The MILF has many plus factors to bring into this partnership with the government. It is like organizing a corporation wherein the parties have to infuse-in capitals including assets; and in this case, the MILF has the following: A popular organization and vast manpower resources, a functional political and military organs, and the full support and backing of most of the ulamas (learned persons in Islam) in this country. The truth is that from ISIS to the ASG and to other so-called Islamic radical groups in Mindanao, including the BIFF, they use Quranic verses and symbols to give legitimacy to their so-called jihadic struggles. But the MILF is singularly blessed with most of these learned men affiliated to its fold. The most prominent and influential figures in the list were the late Sheikh Salamat Hashim, the main founder of the MILF, who provided clear ideological lines and direction to the MILF-led struggle; Sheikh Abdulazis Mimbantas, a full-blooded Maranao; Sheikh Abukhalil Yahya, a full-blooded Tiduray; and Sheikh Abdulrahman Bides, a half-blooded Ilocano and Maguindanao.

Of course, even without the BBL, the MILF will still pursue the pacific ways for the settlement of the conflict in Mindanao. But the fervour and intensity might change in many aspects. More concretely, it depends largely on who is the next president and administration. But surely, we will continue to assert and tell government to fully comply with its obligations pursuant to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by enacting a law, now called BBL, to establish a genuine autonomous entity for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.

In short, there will still be life even after the non-passage of the BBL, but perchance that life is one of survival in a harsh and hard situation.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/783-asg-pledged-allegiance-to-isis

NDF: Tribute to Ka Eduardo Serrano, revolutionary martyr and hero of the people

Posted to the NDF Website (Jan 8) Tribute to Ka Eduardo Serrano, revolutionary martyr and hero of the people

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) National Executive Committee and the NDFP Negotiating Panel deeply mourn the untimely death of Ka Eduardo Serrano. We convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, comrades and numerous friends.

Ka Eduardo Serrano served the Filipino people with his whole heart and soul as a revolutionary educator and organizer for many years. As an agriculture graduate of the University of the Philippines – Los Banos, he shared his agricultural expertise with the peasants in different regions of the country.

Ka Eduardo Serrano was a peace consultant covered by the safety and immunity guarantees under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). He was consulted by NDFP Negotiating Panel Member Fidel Agcaoili in 2004. Shortly after that consultation, he was arrested. The JASIG was forged by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in 1995.

However, the GRP under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the current Aquino regime have illegally denied him the safety and immunity guaranteed by the JASIG and detained him for a total of almost 12 years.

He struggled valiantly against his illegal detention. Assisted by his dedicated lawyers of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), he won the dismissal of trumped up charges in two criminal cases filed against him. He was in the process of securing the dismissal of two other cases filed against him, when he suffered a heart attack on December 16, 2015. Still another heart attack on January 8, 2016 caused his untimely death.

During his many years of illegal detention, he maintained his revolutonary spirit. He kept uplifting the spirit of his family. He creatively made oregame for grandchildren and nephews and gave these also to kasama. He wrote poems to honor comrades who died. He cross-stitched in beautiful colors a piece of cloth with the word “freedom” in different languages, which was deeply appreciated by international friends. He wrote to his classmates at the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB) and communicated with solidarity friends abroad.

Everytime we in the NDFP Negotiating Panel visited him, he impressed us with his revolutionary optimism and conviction in the future of the Philippine liberation struggle. He was always a cheerful and caring kasama.

No wonder therefore that during his court hearings, numerous supporters from the provinces came to show support for him. When he was confined in hospital after his heart attack last month, friends and comrades came. They held protest actions in front of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), demanding his immediate release.

In stark contrast to Ka Eduardo Serrano’s caring spirit, the Aquino regime has been heartless. The NDFP Negotiating Panel’s strong proposal for the release of Ka Eduardo Serrano so that he could recuperate at home in the care of his family was ignored by the Aquino regime. Calls for his release and not be brought back to the harsh conditions of prison fell on deaf ears. At the hospital, four fully armed soldiers were put on guard just outside the Intensive Care Unit. At a later time, one of the soldiers even stayed inside the ICU.

The NDFP Executive Committee and Negotiating Panel render the highest tribute to Ka Eduardo Serrano as a revolutionary martyr and hero of the people. May his revolutionary spirit be a lasting source of inspiration and strength to all who fight and struggle for freedom, independence, and a just and lasting peace in our country.

Mabuhay and rebolusyonaryong diwa ni Ka Eduardo Serrano!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyong Pilipino!
Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!


LUIS G. JALANDONI
Member, NDFP National Executive Committee
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

http://www.ndfp.org/tribute-to-ka-eduardo-serrano-revolutionary-martyr-and-hero-of-the-people/

CPP/NDF: Samidoun salutes Philippines peasant leader, martyred political prisoner Eduardo Serrano

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jan 14): Samidoun salutes Philippines peasant leader, martyred political prisoner Eduardo Serrano

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

 

 

Serrano, a peasant leader and a peace consultant to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a coalition of revolutionary leftist unions, organizations and alliances, died shortly before he was expected to be released. He had served 11 years in prison, accused of being a commander in the New People’s Army, the rebel armed force of the Communist Party of the Philippines. However, he was finally cleared of various charges against him last year, and one court ordered his “:immediate release.”

 

He was one of 561 political prisoners in the Philippines, and among 19 imprisoned peace consultants to the NDF, in violation of agreements between the government of the Philippines and the NDF.

 

KARAPATAN, the Alliance for Advancement of People’s Rights, which struggles to free political prisoners in the Philippines, wrote that “While in jail, as a true servant of the people, he assisted inmates with their ailments through acupuncture. He initiated a number of prison reforms and established a cooperative store. He gave paralegal advice to inmates and jail guards alike…With high respect, Karapatan salutes Ka Eddik for standing up for the rights of the farmers and Mangyan tribe in Southern Tagalog, specifically in the island of Mindoro and in the Quezon-Bicol regions. The Government of the Philippines robbed 11 years of Eduardo Serrano’s life with them.”

 

Political Prisoners at the Special Intensive Care Area 1, Camp Bajong Diwa; Taguig City Jail; and New Bilibid Prisons Maximum Security started a five-day hunger strike in protest of the imprisonment of Eduardo Serrano and the 11 years of injustice against him. At least other imprisoned NDF peace consltants are joining the strikes, and more actions inside the jails are expected in the next days to honor and call for justice for Serrano.

 

In Palestine and the Philippines, political prisoners are on the front lines of struggle for justice and liberation for their people, confronting imperialism, exploitation and occupation. And in both countries, imprisoned strugglers suffer medical neglect and crisis while being imprisoned for struggling for the freedom of their people. From Maysara Abu Hamdieh to Ja’afar Awad, from Eduardo Serrano to Alison Alcantara, their lives were taken by imprisonment and medical neglect.

 

Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network reiterates the call to free all political prisoners, from Palestine to the Philippines, and joins the call for justice for Eduardo Serrano. We salute the memory and the struggle of Eduardo Serrano, who joins the long list of martyrs for liberation whose lives were taken inside the jails of the oppressor.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20160114_samidoun-salutes-philippines-peasant-leader-martyred-political-prisoner-eduardo-serrano