AFP taking measures to counter possible ISIS threats to upcoming Miss Universe Pageant

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): AFP taking measures to counter possible ISIS threats to upcoming Miss Universe Pageant

While it is still trying to verify the authenticity of the ISIS video threatening to sabotage the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant in the country next January, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday it is already taking measures to counter the threat.

 

"That notwithstanding, we are taking the threat seriously. As in any threats, whether verified or not, it behooves the AFP -- in coordination with the PNP and other counterpart agencies -- to take appropriate measures to counter the threats," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo told the Philippines News Agency.

With this development, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya is calling on all Filipino citizens to remain calm, he said.

"Threats that are intended to cause panic and chaos are the ends of terrorist groups like ISIS," Arevalo stressed.

The military official also reiterated that there are no ISIS cells in the country and instead what the Philippines has are groups claiming affiliation with the terrorist group in a bid to draw funds.

Arevalo also said it is not farfetched for ISIS to claim to have cells in the Philippines to show global membership.

"General Visaya nonetheless calls on our people to be vigilant, not only because of the threat, but more so because security is a concern for everybody not only of the security forces. (As the old adage goes), it's better to err at the side of caution," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913082

China and Philippines "look forward" to talks on disputes: Ramos

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): China and Philippines "look forward" to talks on disputes: Ramos

Former Philippine president and special envoy Fidel Ramos said Friday, following rounds of unofficial meeting with Chinese officials this week, that both Beijing and Manila want to hold formal discussions over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

According to a joint press statement signed by Ramos and Fu Ying, China's vice foreign minister, both sides agreed on the "need to engage in further talks to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions," while China welcomed Ramos to visit Beijing as special envoy and Ramos expressed the Philippines' desire to hold formal discussions with China at "the appropriate time".

"They reiterated that they were pleased with the discussions and looked forward to the beginning of a process of formal discussions which will be continued in Beijing and Manila and other possible venues," the statement read.

The Philippine delegation met with Fu and Wu Shicun, president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, whom Ramos said he wanted to meet, in Hong Kong on Wednesday and Thursday.

"I hope that there is a phase two coming up," Ramos, 88, told the press at the Philippine consulate general office. "As to where this will take place, we don't know yet. We have to go back to Manila to find out what are the latest developments on the official side. There is some current activity ongoing at that level."

Both sides have explored issues, including maritime preservation, avoiding tension, promoting fishing cooperation, tourism opportunities and anti-crime cooperation, the statement read.

In a case brought by the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on July 12 rejected China's expansive claim to much of the South China Sea as having no legal basis.

It also said China has violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in the latter's exclusive economic zone, in part by pursuing large-scale land reclamation and the construction of artificial islands.

China rejected the ruling as invalid and demanded that the Philippines not make it a precondition for bilateral talks.

"There was no mention of the ruling, but that is, I suppose, something for the future," Ramos said.

"There was no discussion on that particular aspect, except to mention equal fishing rights," he added, regarding the sovereignty of disputed territory.

Ramos added that President Rodrigo Duterte will decide on whether to send other envoys to future meetings with Beijing, because his appointment was on a "one time basis", and the appropriate time to meet with China could be during upcoming ministerial meetings or leadership summits.

Commenting on what he described as an "ice-breaking" mission, Ramos said it is "not really a breakthrough, in the sense that there is no ice here in Hong Kong to break."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913116

PA formally receives order on Marcos interment at LNMB

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): PA formally receives order on Marcos interment at LNMB

The Philippine Army (PA), in a statement Friday, announced that it has formally received on Wednesday (Aug. 10) the directive for the interment of the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the "Libingan Ng Mga Bayani" (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Issued date of the order was on Aug. 9, said PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao.

The directive instructs the PA to provide all necessary military honors as befitting a former president.

The order is signed by Rear Admiral Ernesto C. Enriquez, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for reservists and retiree affairs, by command of AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

"Based on the directive, the Army is required to provide vigil, bugler/drummer, firing party, military host/pallbearers, escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors," Hao said.

He added that the PA has designated a protocol officer to make lateral coordination with the family of the former president on the details of the interment plan.

Hao earlier said Marcos representatives are now making initial preparations at the regulated 100 square meter plot former presidents are alloted in the LNMB's 5,000 square meter Presidential Section.

At present, the remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino are interred there.

Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913121

Palace welcomes court ruling allowing jailed communist leaders to participate in peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Palace welcomes court ruling allowing jailed communist leaders to participate in peace talks

Malacanang welcomed on Friday a court ruling that allowed communist leaders to post bail in order for them to participate in the resumption of the formal peace talks with the Philippine government in Oslo, Norway on Aug. 20-27 this year.

”That’s a welcome development,” Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in an interview with Malacamang media.

On Friday, the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 32 reportedly allowed rebel leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and Aldelberto Silva to post Php100,000 bail for their temporary freedom on the charges they are facing in connection with the 1980s mass killings.

The court also allowed former Bayan Muna Rep. Saturino Ocampo, Randal Echanis and Rafael Baylosis to travel to participate in the Norway peace talks.

Panelo believed that they should be allowed to join the peace negotiations since “apparently they are the ones being listened to by the rebels on the grounds.”

”Dapat sila talaga ang nandoon sa negotiation table para magkausap both sides,” Panelo ssaid.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza also welcomed the court’s ruling, saying, " it will enable the Tiamzons to participate in the peace negotiations.”

”The couple occupies a strategic leadership role in the talks as high ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Dureza said in a press statement.

Dureza added that the participation of the communist leaders would ensure an inclusive outcome of the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front-CPP-NPA.

”Hopefully to end conflict and bring about comprehensive and sustainable peace throughout the land, as envisioned by President Duterte and his administration,” he said.

Dureza on Friday left for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913163

Manila court grants NDF consultants’ motion for bail

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Manila court grants NDF consultants’ motion for bail

Manila’s Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday granted the urgent motion for release on bail for three consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The petition, filed by spouses Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, and Adel Silva before the sala of Manila RTC Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, was granted as the prosecution, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), did not show any opposition to the urgent motion.

The Manila RTC granted the temporary liberty on the condition that the three petitioners participate in the peace talks in Oslo, Norway this month; that they will remain free only until the termination of the peace talks; that they post a bail bond of PHP100,000 each, to be cancelled upon the termination of the peace talks; that they submit to the court all their contact numbers; and that they report to the Philippine Embassy in Oslo when necessary.

The three petitioners are members of the NDF's peace panel who need to join the talks in Oslo on August 20.

They are facing charges of multiple murder before the Manila RTC over the discovery of an alleged “mass grave” in the province of Leyte in 2006.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913159

Aussie submarine visits PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Aussie submarine visits PHL

One of the Royal Australian Navy's six Collin-class diesel electric submarines, HMAS Sheean (SSG-77), has arrived at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo Friday morning.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said the Australian submarine arrived 9 a.m. for a port visit until Aug. 27.

PN delegates rendered the customary welcome ceremony upon on the ship and crew, headed by Cmdr. Jason Cupples.

This was followed by a port briefing on health and security aboard HMAS Sheean.

Lincuna said the officers and crew of the Australian submarine were set to conduct subject matter expert exchanges and workshop training to be participated by PN personnel.

The visit of RAN submarine and the personnel interaction with their Filipino counterparts are in accordance with the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement which provides for a comprehensive legal framework to support defense personnel who are engaged in joint training and other related activities conducted in the Philippines or in Australia.

The visit is expected to strengthen the longstanding partnership of the two nations which paves way for an enhanced cooperation in capacity-building and interoperability to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Named for ordinary seaman Edward Sheean, the only submarine of the class to be named for an enlisted sailor— the ship was laid down in 1994 and launched in 1999.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913255

NPA band torches Del Monte equipment in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): NPA band torches Del Monte equipment in Bukidnon

Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) units are now in hot pursuit operation against the New People's Army (NPA) band who torched the equipment of Del Monte Philippines at Purok 3, Barangay Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.

The incident caused Php 6 million worth of damage and suspended works in the area, said EMC spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey.

"The company is a civilian entity and not party to the conflict and should be spared from attacks as stipulated in the International Humanitarian Law," he added.

Balagtey said this latest NPA atrocity designed to create a massive unemployment just like what they did in DOLE Philippines in Barobo and Tago Surigao del Sur which forced the stoppage of company operations in the areas due to severe losses.

"This NPA atrocities project a bad image before the international community which affects the investment and tourism potential of the region and the country's economy as a whole," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913270

President Duterte appeals to Moro rebels to end war in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): President Duterte appeals to Moro rebels to end war in Mindanao

Saying his job as leader of the country is to seek peace and not war, President Rodrigo Duterte has reiterated his appeal to the Moro rebels to end the four decades-long war in Mindanao.

”I would like to appeal to all that we should stop this war and bleeding. I will bring the Arab investors here so that you will have no so much dynamics. Just guarantee me that you want to end this fight and let’s talk,” Duterte said in his speech before the government soldiers at the Camp General Teodolfo Bautista in Bgy. Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

President Duterte particularly addressed his appeal to the Sulu-based Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels headed by Nur Misuari.

”So my job when I became president was really to seek peace, not war and I will start immediately the peace and also the people here, and also to Nur, we knew each other long time ago. I’ve been telling Nur, can we just talk and then, let’s find the way how,” the President said.

If he would be able to bring peace in Mindanao, Duterte promised that development would follow. particularly in Sulu which has over 800,000 population based on 2015 National Statistics Office (NSO) data.

”If you agree for peace, I will lengthen the runway and make it operational day and night. I’m tell you that,” Duterte said.

”I reiterated my commitment for the Moro people and the Tausug that I want to end this war so that our soldiers can go home because they have also their own family to take care,” he added.

Aside from the MNLF, President Duterte said he also pushing peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

”Secretary (Jesus) Dureza and the guys in the government panel will talk to Nur and kung maari isaabay ko na lang dahil magastos yang isa’t isa. Half of the discussion with Nur, and half of the discussion with the MILF,” the President said.

While he is pursuing peace with the Moro rebels, the President said the government troops would continue to fight the criminals like the kidnap for ransom Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao.

”Those who want to destroy us, then you have to destroy, not only fight, we destroy because if not, nothing will happen,” President Duterte advised the soldiers.

With regards to the Communist Party of the Philippines, President Duterte said his government would continue to pursue the peace negotiation with the communist rebels with or without CPP-National People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) founding leader Jose Ma. Sison.

”We are still pursing the talks with or without Sison. Here we are ready but I don’t know it if would come within this month,” Duterte said.

Duterte explained to the government troops that he declared unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels in his first state of the nation address (SONA) last July 25 to show good faith that government wanted to talk peace with them.

The President added that he decided to lift the ceasefire five days later after the NPA failed to meet the deadline to reciprocate. The NPA rebels even ambushed the government militiamen, killing one militiamen and injuring four others while President Duterte was waiting for CPP’s response.

”I decided to lift and then they came out with statement in the evening that they are supposed to cease fire. I said don’t fool me. But we are still pursuing the talks,” the President said.

For the government troops, President Duterte reiterated his promised to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

”You have to be very vigilant. Everything you need to win, I will give it to you. Under my watch there will be no problem. You will have state of the art hospitals. I will give for your use as ambulance my (presidential) jet. I will just take commercial flights. Let’s just work for this republic,” the President told the government troops.

The Camp General Bautista was the 11th military camp that Duterte visited since his inauguration as the country's 16th President last June 30.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913299

Philippines invites China to 'formal discussions'

From Rappler (Aug 12): Philippines invites China to 'formal discussions'

Former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos, special envoy of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, invited China to "formal discussions" after Beijing lost in a case filed by Manila over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Ramos extended this invitation during his informal talks in Hong Kong with former Chinese ambassador to Manila Fu Ying and Professor Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

 

Ramos, Fu, and Wu issued a joint statement on Friday, August 12, about their meeting from Wednesday to Thursday, August 10 to 11.

 

"Former President Ramos, as an ice breaker, expressed the Philippine government’s desire to hold formal discussions with the Chinese government on issues of mutual concern and interest at the appropriate time to explore pathways to peace and cooperation," said Ramos, Fu, and Wu in their joint statement.

 

They also said, "China has welcomed former President Ramos to come to Beijing as special envoy of Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte."

 

Ramos, Fu, and Wu said they held discussions from Wednesday to Thursday "in a friendly atmosphere." The 3 of them discussed, in their private capacity, "the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation."

 

"They expressed the hope to find common ground for mutual benefit, especially for the poverty-stricken sectors of their societies," their statement said.

 

Talks eyed in Manila, Beijing

 

They said possible points of cooperation include the following:

• encouraging marine preservation
• avoiding tension and promoting fishing cooperation
• anti-drug and anti-smuggling cooperation
• anti-crime and anti-corruption cooperation
• improving tourism opportunities
• encouraging trade and investment facilitation
• encouraging track II (think tank) exchanges on relevant issues of mutual concern and interest

Ramos, Wu, and Fu "stressed that building trust is very important to the long-term beneficial relationship between the Philippines and China." They also said they "value the long history of friendship" between the two countries.

 

The 3 of them said they "looked forward to the beginning of a process of formal discussions which will be continued in Beijing and Manila and other possible venues."

Their statement was also signed by former Philippine interior secretary Rafael Alunan III and Filipino journalist Chito Sta. Romana.

 

Alunan was eyed as envoy to China if Ramos refused the position, while Sta. Romana was the former Beijing bureau chief of the US news group ABC News.

 

Ramos earlier said he is "just the icebreaker to rekindle, to warm up again our good, friendly, neighborly relations with China."

 

The talks in Hong Kong come after the Philippines won a historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea. Duterte refuses to "flaunt" this ruling as he aims to boost ties with Beijing for practical reasons, including China’s offer to build a railway in two years.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/142808-philippines-china-formal-discussions-ramos

Duterte on 'fragile' Misuari: 'I don’t want him detained'

From Rappler (Aug 12): Duterte on 'fragile' Misuari: 'I don’t want him detained'

President Rodrigo Duterte says there will be a big problem if something happens to Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari while under government custody



OLD AGE. President Rodrigo Duterte says there will be a big problem if something bad happens to Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari under government custody.

President Rodrigo Duterte said Thursday night, August 11, that he does not want Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari to be pursued and detained anymore due to his “fragile condition.”

“Misuari is getting old and I’m not saying he’s sick,” he explained during a press conference. “But with his fragile condition, he does not need to be pursued. I don’t want him detained.”

 

Duterte said that 77-year-old Misuari, who has a warrant of arrest in relation to the Zamboanga siege in 2013, knows that “he’s supposed to stay there.”

 

Misuari has been charged with inciting rebellion and crimes against humanity for his key role in the Zamboanga siege that claimed nearly 200 casualties and displaced thousands of families.

 

It will be a problem, he added, if something bad happens to the former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while under government custody.

 

“If something happens to Misuari while he’s under our control or detained by us, you can never have talks again,” Duterte said. “Kapag may nangyari sa kanya, malaking problema yan (If something happens to him, it will be a big problem).”

 

Aside from Misuari, Duterte also does not want anything bad to happen to Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.

 

“You lose the chance, even if it is a small one, to have peace talks with anybody there so delikado iyan (it’s dangerous),” he said. “And even Sison, ayoko na may mangyari (I don’t want something to happen).”

 

Duterte made the comment on Sison a week after they exchanged tirades sparked by the government's unreciprocated unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels. (READ: Duterte calls Joma Sison 'arrogant')

 

Leadership of ‘good number of Filipinos’

 

Misuari and Sison, according to Duterte, lead “a good number of Filipinos” pursuing an ideology.

 

“They might not really be a big number but still, they command respect for what they believe in,” he said. “They’re fighting because they want a better chance for the people. That’s what they believe.”

 

The problem Duterte sees is that they want to achieve their goals through armed struggle, which has already claimed a lot of lives from both sides throughout the years.

 

“When the guy is driven by a purified principle to do better or to give a better set of things than what they are experiencing now, somehow it invites respect,” he said. “But they want to take over through force of arms and that is the problem.”

 

The peace road map approved by Duterte seeks to finally end armed struggle in the Philippines.

 

According to Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, the roadmap aims to provide peace and development by addressing the issue on the Bangsamoro and resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government are set to “relaunch” formal meetings as they enter the implementation phase of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on August 13 to 14.

 

Meanwhile, the peace negotiations between the government and communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) are scheduled on August 20 to 27.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/142812-nur-misuari-fragile-not-detain-duterte

Jihadists targetting more beauty pageants

From the Manila Times (Aug 11): Jihadists targetting more beauty pageants

LOCAL affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) group are eyeing more targets in Min­danao to “cast fear” in the heart of their enemies, aside from the 2017 Miss Universe pageant to be held in the Philippines.

In their online fora, the jihadists said they are gathering information on schedules of “beauty pageants in the country” that they apparently plan to attack.

Among the other targets that they cited are this year’s festivals in the region, including Kada­yawan and Kalivungan held in the cities of Davao and Kidapawan, respectively.

The Mutya ng Cotabato pageant in Kidapawan City for the Kalivungan Festival will highlight the 102nd founding anniversary celebrations of North Cotabato province.

There are no scheduled beauty contests for this month’s Kada­yawan Festival but Davao is among the proposed cities that candidates of the 2017 Miss Universe contest would be visiting for their pre-pageant activities.

The others are the cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Vigan, and tourist spots in the Visayas such as Palawan and Boracay, the Department of Tourism department had said.

The international beauty pa­geant is scheduled to begin on January 30, 2017 but organizers are yet to determine the venue for the event.

Authorities said security measures are being prepared for the pageant while imminent threats from radicals are being monitored.

SITE Intel Group, an international agency that tracks online activities of jihadist organizations, recently named those behind the online fora as “IS Philippines supporters” and the fora as a platform for “Commentary of the Ummah.” Ummah are Muslim clerics.

The fora were carried by a Telegram app where audiences are asked to create home-made bombs—through the help of video and manual tutorials—that will be lobbed at beauty pageants.

The intelligence group said the online materials are “old production of Sawt al-Jihad (Voice of Jihad) showing the preparation and demonstration of an explosive belt for suicide operations.

The timed hand grenade manual is from Issue 14 of Inspired magazine of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), according to the group.

The jihadists said lone wolf attacks were ordered by a certain Abdul Rahman, who is in Al-Raqqah province in Syria and fighting alongside the IS.

“Cast fear in their heart,” Abdul Rahman was quoted by the group as saying.

The only identified Filipino in Syria with the name Abdul Rahman was the one who ordered last month all IS supporters in the Philippines and nearby countries—Malaysia and Indonesia—to wage war in the Philippines if they could not travel to Syria.

Abdul Rahman, known to Phi­lippine authorities as among the remnant senior leaders of the Khilafah Islamiyah Movement (KIM), remains at large.

His order came a few days after the IS official media outlet called Dabiq distributed its 15th issue naming the Philippines as among their “wilayat” or provinces.

In the recent issue, the magazine recalled their “successful operations” in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Lanao del Sur.

Last Monday, the group claimed to have “hit” a warplane in ongoing clashes with government troops in Basilan.

http://www.manilatimes.net/jihadists-targetting-more-beauty-pageants/279325/

PH military: Most Abu Sayyaf bandits are drug users

From Coconuts Manila (Aug 12): PH military: Most Abu Sayyaf bandits are drug users

How many of them are allegedly addicted to shabu? PHOTO: YouTube screengrab

News flash: Most Abu Sayyaf bandits are drug users.

That's according to military commanders who have been dealing with the terrorist group for years. In fact, they recently caught the man who is said to be the shabu supplier of the terrorist group.

Sidimar Abduhadi, the man who is allegedly the provider of shabu to Abu Sayyaf bandits,  was arrested in Talipao, Sulu, last week. He was collared after a shootout with military and police operatives.

According to Maj. Filemon Tan Jr, spokesman for Philippine Army's Western Mindanao Command, a police officer was wounded in the encounter.

"Abduhadi was carrying seven sachets of shabu, a .38-caliber revolver, and drug paraphernalia," reports Roel Pareño in The Philippine Star.

In light of this detail, doesn't this make the Abu Sayyaf Group prime targets in President Rodrigo Duterte's war against drugs?

http://manila.coconuts.co/2016/08/12/ph-military-most-abu-sayyaf-bandits-drug-users

REPLY TO DUTERT: Leftist party-list solon admits funding ‘NPA’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 12): REPLY TO DUTERT: Leftist party-list solon admits funding ‘NPA’

Yes, we fund the NPA, a militant party-list group admitted on Thursday, “the No Permanent Address folks.”

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said President Duterte’s accusation the other night that militant party-list groups were giving financial aid to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was an “old” one meant to discredit the progressive bloc in Congress.

Zarate said the bloc—dubbed Makabayan and composed of activist party-list groups—indeed supported the NPA but these were those with “no permanent address” or the homeless.

Zarate pointed to the fact that the Commission on Audit (COA) had never taken issue with any member of the Makabayan bloc over the use of their Priority Development Allocation Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel since the party-list groups took part in elections in 2001.

He said that after the PDAF was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013, they relied on their office funds to help the homeless.

“During the time we had the PDAF, we used it for the NPA, the no permanent address people. These are the homeless whom we provide care for through health facilities and education in schools,” Zarate said.

“Without the PDAF, the fund our offices receive [for expenses] is what we use to fund projects for our chapters. We do not fund rebel groups. This accusation is just the military and antipeace groups trying to malign us,” he said.

“We call on President Duterte not to believe such accusations. Since we were elected we have never misused a single centavo,” he added. “We have always been transparent with our funds, we are not funding the New People’s Army.”

Mr. Duterte on Wednesday, addressing the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, told the soldiers that militant party-list groups were funneling government funds to the communist rebels.

His tirade came after he threatened to call off the scheduled peace talks with the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines if the NPA, the rebels’ armed wing, continued to use land mines in its war with the government.

The President said the use of land mines violated the Geneva Convention and caused death and injury not only to soldiers but to civilians as well.

He also said he wanted the party-list system abolished because it had been taken over by militant groups funding rebels and political clans representing groups they had no real connection to, like tricycle drivers and security guards.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/805490/leftist-party-list-solon-admits-funding-npa

Court grants NDF consultant bail to join peace talks

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 12): Court grants NDF consultant bail to join peace talks
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Rafael Baylosis  accused of multiple murder over the discovery of a mass grave in Leyte on Friday “surfaced” at the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 32 and was granted bail.

He appeared before the court a few days before the start of the formal peace talks in Oslo, Norway on Aug. 20.

The high court earlier revoked his P100,000 bail posted in 2007 after he jumped bail.

National Union of People’s Lawyers secretary general Edre Olalia, in a text message said Judge Thelma Bunyi-Media has allowed Baylosis to post P150,000 bail.

READ: Reds want more comrades freed for talks

Olalia said Baylosis was assisted by NDFP Legal Consultant Atty. Rache Pastores from the Public Interest Law Center.

Baylosis is part of the Reciprocal Working Committee on Socio-Economic Reforms of the NDFP.

Baylosis is one of the 50 accused with multiple murder following the discovery of a mass grave in Leyte containing remains of those believed to be victims of “Operation Venereal Disease” to purge the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army of suspected military informers.

His co-accused former partylist Representative Satur Ocampo, Randall Echanis and Vicente Ladlad have been allowed by the Supreme Court to attend the peace talks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/805546/court-grants-ndf-consultant-bail-to-join-peace-talks

Here’s how the South China Sea ruling affects U.S. interests

From the Washington Post (Aug 11): Here’s how the South China Sea ruling affects U.S. interests (By Eric Hyer)



Former president Fidel Ramos, 88, the Philippines’ envoy for talks with Beijing, speaks to the press after his arrival in Hong Kong on Monday. Ramos hopes to improve ties with Beijing that have soured over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty

On July 12, an International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) ruling dismissed much of China’s claim to the South China Sea. Since then, there has been a great deal of discussion on the legal ramifications, China’s response and public opinion.

But where does this ruling leave the U.S. alliance with the Philippines — the country that challenged China’s claims in the first place?

[Here’s what China’s people really think about the South China Sea]

 

The United States signed a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines in 1951, making a commitment to come to Manila’s aid if the Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft are attacked. The treaty excludes the shoals and rocks of the South China Sea, specifically mentioning only help to defend the “metropolitan territory” of the Philippines and the “Pacific Area” — but the July ruling leaves the United States with an alliance security dilemma.

Specifically, the dilemma is how resolutely a state should commit to an ally and the cost this incurs with adversaries. A strong commitment can result in entrapment in an unwanted conflict with an alliance adversary, but a weak commitment engenders feelings of abandonment on the part of the ally and a weakened alliance. In this case, a stronger U.S. commitment to Manila angers Beijing, but a weaker commitment leaves Manila feeling unsupported.

Alliances leave both partners with less room to maneuver

The problem is that alliances can be costly. If the United States shows a strong commitment to the Philippines, there’s a risk of being drawn into an unwanted conflict with China. If the Philippines feels overly confident about the U.S. commitment to the alliance, Manila may be more intransigent in its relations with China — and more willing to engage in riskier behavior, which could lead to a militarized conflict in the South China Sea. The U.S.-Japan alliance and the Japan-China dispute over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea presents a similar alliance dilemma, but in this case Washington has clearly stated its support for Japan.

Conversely, if Manila doubts the U.S. commitment to the alliance, the Philippines may feel abandoned by the United States. But this might constrain any risky behavior by Manila and encourage compromise — and this would reduce Washington’s concerns about becoming trapped in a South China Sea conflict.

The United States has been reticent to militarily support the Philippines

Here’s how the U.S. willingness to support the Philippines militarily in its territorial dispute with China has been playing out:

1) In 2010, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted, “While the United States does not take sides on the competing territorial disputes over land features in the South China Sea, we believe claimants should pursue their territorial claims and accompanying rights to maritime space in accordance with the UN convention on the law of the sea.”

2) In 2011, Clinton did make a reference to U.S. treaty obligations when she underlined the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, saying, “We are making sure that our collective defense capabilities and communications infrastructure are operationally and materially capable of deterring provocation from the full spectrum of state and non-state actors.”

3) As tensions began to spike in 2012 over Scarborough Shoal, the State Department declared, “We are concerned by the increase in tensions in the South China Sea and are monitoring the situation closely. . . .The United States urges all parties to take steps to lower tensions in keeping with the spirit of the 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”

Washington again showed a clear reluctance to invoke the mutual security treaty and risk being entrapped in a China-Philippines militarized conflict over rocks and shoals in the South China Sea. In 2012, a senior U.S. military official spoke frankly. He said, “I don’t think that we’d allow the U.S. to get dragged into a conflict over fish or over a rock. Having allies that we have defense treaties with, not allowing them to drag us into a situation over a rock dispute, is something I think we’re pretty all well-aligned on.”

[Why the South China Sea ruling matters]

 

Philippine officials view the alliance somewhat differently

Manila hoped to explicitly include the disputed South China Sea features in the Mutual Defense Treaty, but the April 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement left this ambiguous.

The agreement enhances the defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States and aids the Philippines in developing its defense capacities and strengthening its maritime domain awareness. The agreement allows the rotation of U.S. armed forces to the Philippines to facilitate the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific. But there is no menion of the South China Sea.

Nevertheless, the Philippines’ then-president, Benigno Aquino III, asserted in May 2016 that the United States “has to maintain . . . the confidence of one of its allies” and “would be obligated to take military action in the South China Sea if China moved to reclaim a hotly contested reef directly off the Philippine shore.”

Although no U.S. official has explicitly committed to come to the Philippines’ defense if it is embroiled in a militarized conflict over disputed islands, some analysts suggest that Washington should strengthen the alliance with the Philippines by making clear that the Mutual Defense Treaty includes features in the South China Sea.

The U.S. response to the July ruling has been low-key and cautious, taking no victory lap despite the welcome outcome of the tribunal. The ruling pleases the United States, especially because of its concerns over freedom of navigation in this strategic waterway. But some are unhappy with what they characterize as an “anemic” response and call for a more assertive policy by Washington.

So here is Washington’s strategic dilemma. The tribunal’s ruling provides Manila legal and political leverage to press for more resolute U.S. support if the Philippines seeks to enforce the tribunal’s decision by confronting the Chinese at Scarborough Shoal or other features occupied by China. But this is just what the United States does not want: being forced to take a stand and possibly becoming embroiled in a military conflict over a “rock dispute.”

If Washington makes a clearer commitment to Manila, does that encourage the Philippines to stand tall against China? In this scenario, it’s possible the United States would be at risk of becoming entrapped in a Philippines-China militarized conflict in the South China Sea. At the same time, a stronger U.S. commitment to the Philippines would do little for U.S.-China relations but may encourage Beijing to seek a compromise solution with the Philippines.

Research has shown that conditional deterrent alliances — which means only promising assistance in case of an attack — reduce the likelihood that a minor power allied to a major power will provoke a conflict. Mindful of Washington’s reluctance to get dragged into a military conflict with China, newly installed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken a conciliatory position, expressing a desire to seek negotiations with Beijing, despite the favorable decision by the tribunal.

Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos was dispatched to Hong Kong earlier this week to break the ice and hopefully set the state for negotiations.  Although China rejected the tribunal’s decision, Beijing has also expressed a willingness to negotiate. Washington will welcome this because it reduces the chances of becoming entrapped in a Beijing-Manila conflict. But closer Philippines-China relations may introduce new tensions in the U.S.-Philippines alliance if it appears that Manila is distancing itself from Washington.

[Eric Hyer is an associate professor of political science and the coordinator for Asian studies at Brigham Young University. His most recent book is “The Pragmatic Dragon: China’s Grand Strategy and Boundary Settlements.”]
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/08/11/heres-how-the-south-china-sea-ruling-affects-u-s-interests/