CPP takes back cooperation in Duterte's drug war, calls for end to 'madness'

From InterAksyon (Aug 13): CPP takes back cooperation in Duterte's drug war, calls for end to 'madness'



New Peoples Army cadre on patrol in the hinterlands.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has taken back its declaration of support for President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, which it said "has rapidly spiraled into a frenzied campaign of extra-judicial killings and vigilante murders perpetrated by the police and by police-linked criminal syndicates."

The CPP statement, released Saturday, also called on "all democratic forces" to "unite and demand justice and an end to the madness of police and vigilante killings" and "to defend human rights."

Nevertheless, it said, "in line with standing orders, the New People's Army will continue to intensify its operations to arrest and disarm drug trade operators and protectors."

"However, these will no longer be considered as cooperative with the Duterte regime's undemocratic and anti-people 'war on drugs'," it added.

At the same time, it assured that the NPA "will continue to exercise due process in dealing with suspects, such as those PNP officers presently in custody in Compostela Valley and Surigao del Sur."

In early July, after Duterte invited their support, the CPP ordered the NPA to assist the new administration's campaign to stamp out the illegal drug trade, a pledge that helped catapult the former Davao City mayor to the presidency.

However, in its latest statement, the CPP noted that "nearly 1,000 people have been killed in just a little more than one month" since Duterte assumed office while "the rights of tens upon thousands of people are being violated as the criminal justice system is upturned."

Estimates of the toll from the administration's anti-drug campaign have deaths climbing well beyond the 900 mark, both from what police describe as shootouts or attempts to resist arrest during operations as vigilante-style summary executions, with the victims often dumped in the streets with signs accusing them of being pushers

But the CPP also accused police officials of carrying out summary killings, including of suspects already in custody.

"Duterte's 'drug war' has clearly become anti-people and anti-democratic," it said, with Duterte's assurance of protection for law enforcers coupled with his "public declarations of contempt against human rights" providing immunity to abuses.

The CPP accused Duterte of becoming "so full of himself and intoxicated with the vast power he is not used to handle that he thinks he can get away with upturning the criminal judicial system and denouncing people for defending human rights," as well as threatening martial law.

It also noted that the "unmitigated violence" has claimed "people at the lowest rungs of the criminal syndicate ladder" even as "suspected big drug lords and their protectors are afforded courtesy calls to Malacanang, accommodations in Camp Crame's guest house and preliminary investigations by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation)," an obvious reference to the government officials and businessmen publicly accused by Duterte of involvement in the drug trade.

"The worst that they have been made to undergo is to suffer the lectures of" Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa, the CPP said.

It also said Duterte's penchant for publicly naming suspects sans proof has turned the principle of presumption innocence on its head.

"What was before the burden of the accuser to prove someone's guilt is now the burden of the accused to prove his innocence," the CPP said, adding that Duterte "could not even tell the people how the lists were drawn. It is a mystery even to the chief intelligence officer and head of the PNP."

However, the CPP predicted that Duterte's war on drugs would fail "because it does not address the socio-economic roots of the problem," citing the experience of other countries such as Mexico and Thailand.

Instead, it said, "the 'drug war' is set to spiral into a war among the criminal drug syndicates, between one narco-politician against another, using the resources of the state and to further entrench themselves in the reactionary state."

"It would be no surprise that the information made public by Duterte about police protectors, narco-politicians and judges were fed to him by rival criminal syndicates," it said.

The CPP said the most effective way of combating drugs "is by rousing the people and mobilizing them to become active participants in social revolution" even as they wage "revolutionary struggle to overthrow the system that perpetuates it as well as other forms of oppression."

http://interaksyon.com/article/131395/cpp-takes-back-cooperation-in-dutertes-drug-war-calls-for-end-to-madness

Army reviewing reservist training

From Malaya (Aug 12): Army reviewing reservist training

THE Army is reviewing the training and discipline of its reservist personnel in the wake of two recent incidents involving its reservists, one of which led to the death of a bike rider in Quiapo, Manila two weeks ago.

The review is meant to “prevent similar incidents,” said Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao.

“The end objective (of the review) is to make sure that our reservists are living up to the tradition of the military. They just want to maintain the discipline of our reservists,” he added.

There are 2,000 reservist officers and 52,000 reservist enlisted personnel throughout the country, organized as members of the Army’s Ready Reserve Force, Hao said. They can be called to active duty during war and emergencies.

Last July 25, bike rider Mark Vincent Garalde was shot dead by Army reservist Pvt. Vhon Tanto during a road traffic altercation. Tanto was arrested days later and is now detained, facing murder charges.

Last Sunday night, Army reservist Sgt. Rodrigo Balza kicked and poked a gun at his nephew in Tondo, Manila. Balza just arrived home when his nephew, a barangay tanod (watchman) who was drinking with friends, called him an arrogant and stupid soldier. Balza claimed his nephew is a drug addict.

Col. Joshua Santiago, commander of the National Capital Region Community Defense Group, said he turned over Balza to barangay officials on Wednesday afternoon, hours after the reservist turned himself in to his superiors.

Santiago said he spoke to the barangay captain who he said described the nephew, Roy Balza, as a “known drug addict in their area.”

Santiago said the military is conducting a separate investigation on Balza to determine if his action warrants his removal from the Army reserve force. The probe is on top of possible criminal charges that may be filed against him before a civilian court.

Citing an initial statement given by Sergeant Balza, Santiago said the reservist claimed he drew his personal gun because Roy and his drinking buddies were planning to attack him.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/army-reviewing-reservist-training

AFP chief willing to work with human rights groups in quest for lasting peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): AFP chief willing to work with human rights groups in quest for lasting peace

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya has said he is willing to work with human rights groups in the quest for lasting peace in the country.

He made the statement during a joint flag-raising and oath-taking ceremonies held Friday as part of the starter for the celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month.

Visaya during the occasion reiterated the AFP’s commitment to Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“We have made significant progress in our HR-based military operations and want the AFP to be fully compliant to the IHL operations and we believe that we can achieve this with stronger and more constructive ties with human rights groups,” he added.

He pointed out that for justice and peace to permeate the minds of all parties, HR groups should also look into and work on the human rights violations committed by the rebel groups.

“We are firm that the use of landmines by the communist armed group violates IHL and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. We also believe that their presence in Indigenous People’s communities violates their rights as a people,” Visaya said.

Meanwhile, the celebration of IHL Day here encouraged various government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP, to join the celebration through activities that promote awareness of Basic Human Rights.

The highlight of the event was the IHL Human Formation headed by the Philippine Red Cross, Quezon City Chapter, at the General Headquarters Grandstand and parade grounds.

This was followed by the 5-km. run for humanity participated in by 1,475 uniformed and civilian personnel.

The event also featured a bloodletting for donors from the AFP, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coastguard.

Starting Aug. 16, workshops will be conducted at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) and a photo exhibit showcasing the different aspects of Human Rights will go on display.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stand solidly behind President Rodrigo Duterte in his pledge to adhere to due process and rule of law,” Visaya added.

“We will ensure that our renewed commitment today will be cascaded to our line units as we continue our rights and IHL-based military operations,” he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913423

PHL Army's 8th Infantry Division to accept applicants for soldier's course on Aug. 15

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): PHL Army's 8th Infantry Division to accept applicants for soldier's course on Aug. 15

The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, based in Catbalogan, Samar, will accept applicants for its Candidate Soldier Course for 2016 and 2017 from Aug. 15 to Sept. 26.

Interested applicants may proceed to the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 and must bring along with them the original copy of the following documents:

Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office with official receipt, Form 137 or Transcript of Records, Diploma (High School or College), one 2x2 picture with name tag and valid identification cards.

This quota is intended only for regular enlistment, and not for special enlistment. Five percent of the quota has been allotted for Indigenous People (IP), 10 percent for female applicants, and 85 percent for male applicants.

The 1st Training Cycle will be held in November, and the 2nd Training Cycle in March 2017.

“If you are 18-26 years of age, single, never been married, never borne or sired a child, emotionally, physically and mentally fit, at least five feet in height (male and female), with no pending cases in court, have passed the AFP Service Aptitude Test examination with a strong desire to serve the country and have all the needed documents for processing, you are all welcome to apply for the Candidate Soldier Course and join the Philippine Army,” the division's assistant chief-of-staff for personnel, Lt. Col. Leonardo C. Dacumos said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913354

PHL Army division hosts 1st Islamic Symposium

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): PHL Army division hosts 1st Islamic Symposium

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The 1st Islamic Symposium, hosted by the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division on Friday, drew more than 200 participants, mostly Muslim soldiers, Capt. Joan Petinglay has said.

The symposium, held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Center, aims to educate Muslim communities in Central Mindanao, through the Muslim religious sector, about the true essence of Islam, Petinglay said.

Present were Ustadzes, Ulamas, Imams, civilian representatives, members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as Muslim and non-Muslim personnel of the 6th Infantry Division.

The speakers were Abuhuraira Udasan and Ustadz Esmail Ebrahim from the Bangsamoro Mufti.

Chief of the 6th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commended the participants and emphasized that correct knowledge of Islam is important to soldiers assigned in Muslim communities in Maguindanao.

Pangilinan said the event also aims to prevent violent extremism from encroaching on the communities. He cited as examples the Islamic State, kidnap-for-ransom gangs, illegal drugs, aggression against the government, and harassment of civilians.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913424

Ranking NPA officer, subordinate surrender in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): Ranking NPA officer, subordinate surrender in Bukidnon

A ranking officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his subordinate have surrendered to local officials in Bukidnon, a police report said Saturday.

Roberto C. Ambe, 43, alias Commander Nick of the NPA’s Front Committee 53, and 27-year-old Tata G. Lino, both from Mawab, Compostela Valley, gave themselves up to Mayor Gregorio Lloren of Quezon, Bukidnon last Thursday.

Chief of the town police, Insp. Donnald Martinez Cordero, said the rebels also gave up their firearms.

The two were turned over to the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion based in Merengeran in Quezon, Bukidnon.

Cordero said that Ambe and Lino could qualify for livelihood assistance from the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913425

Japanese fast craft, two jets to arrive this month: Yasay

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 12): Japanese fast craft, two jets to arrive this month: Yasay

TO STRENGTHEN maritime security and enhance anti-terrorism efforts, the Japanese government will turn over a  fast craft and two aircrafts later this month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said.

 

“This is part of Japan’s assistance in beefing up maritime security and fight terrorism in the country,” Yasay said yesterday in a press conference at Marco Polo Davao Hotel.

 

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida was also in the press conference, which was held before the official’s courtesy meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang of the South in Panacan.

 

He said they intend to provide vessels through official development assistance (ODA) to help in strengthening maritime security especially in guarding the waters. The West Philippine Sea, for instance, has been in dispute with China while Japan and China were also fighting over East China Sea islets.

 

“We will continue to provide support on maritime security,” Kishida said.

 

The Japanese and Philippine governments are also pressing China to value the rule of law.

 

Last month, the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal decided that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. In a statement, “the tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights with the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line.”

 

“In the strongest manner, everyone must respect the rule of law over West Philippine and East China Sea,” Yasay said.

 

Apart from helping to enhance the maritime security of the Philippines, the Japanese government vowed to continue to support the new administration especially on economic development and strengthening of cultural ties.

 

The Japanese government also focused on setting up infrastructure projects and other programs through ODA for Mindanao.

 

“My visit here is very important to step forward on strengthening our relations,” Kishida said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/japanese-fast-craft-two-jets-to-arrive-this-month-yasay/

US releases rare list of concerns under Duterte

From Rappler (Aug 13): US releases rare list of concerns under Duterte



PH-US RELATIONS. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with US Secretary of State John Kerry during a courtesy call at the President's Hall of the Malacanang Palace on July 27, 2016. Photo by King Rodriguez/PPD

The United States on Friday, August 12, released a rare list of concerns involving the president of the Philippines, one of America's strongest allies in the Asia Pacific.

In a 4-paragraph statement, the US Embassy in Manila addressed 3 issues surrounding Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and the US:

• Duterte calling US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg "gay" and a "son of a bitch"

• Duterte saying the US' pledge of $32 million for law enforcement was a way of making amends with the Philippines

• Hundreds being killed through extrajudicial means as Duterte wages a bloody war against illegal drugs

On Goldberg, the US Embassy described comments about the ambassador as "inappropriate and unacceptable."

 

On the US' $32-million pledge, the embassy said this "is not new funding, but rather cumulative funding previously appropriated."

 

The US said this funding is subject to "rigorous vetting" as in the case of other forms of security assistance. The US said all of its security assistance, in turn, "promotes human rights."

 

On extrajudicial killings, the embassy said the US is "concerned by reports regarding extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected to have been involved in drug activity in the Philippines."

 

Still on killings, the embassy said, "We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement efforts are consistent with its human rights obligations."

 

'The test of time'

 

The embassy ended its statement saying: "Our bilateral relationship with the Philippines is broad-ranging from law enforcement to trade and development cooperation, and counts on vibrant and undeniably strong people-to-people and societal ties. The US-Philippine relationship, one of our most important in the Asia Pacific, has withstood the test of time."

 

The US embassy did not mention Duterte’s name in this statement, and neither did it place any heading to describe the context. The statement was plainly titled, "US Embassy Statement."

 

The reference to Duterte was apparent, however, because Duterte recently made headlines for commenting on Goldberg and the US' pledge of $32 million.

 

Duterte made these remarks on August 5, when he recounted the recent visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to the Philippines.

 

"Kausap namin si Kerry. Okay naman siya kasi nag-away kami ng ambassador niya, 'yung ambassador, 'yung bakla. Putang ina, buwisit ako diyan," Duterte told soldiers in an event in Cebu City.

 

(We were talking to Kerry. He's okay, but I had an argument with their ambassador, that homosexual. Son of bitch, he really annoys me.)

 

Duterte was apparently complaining about Goldberg’s criticism of rape jokes when the long-time Davao City mayor joked about the 1989 rape of an Australian missionary during the campaign period.

 

In the same event on August 5, Duterte recalled Kerry promising to give the Philippine government $32 million for law enforcement.

 

The President joked that insulting Americans seems a good way to get money from the US.

 

"Okay ito ah. Bastusin natin ulit para mag-areglo itong buwang na ito. Pera pala ito, pera-pera lang," a chuckling Duterte said.

 

(This is great. Let's insult them again so these fools try to make amends again. They're just about money.)

 

At the same time, Duterte is also the man behind the Philippines’ bloody war on drugs.

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday, August 9, said 513 drug suspects have been killed for resisting arrest. In a separate tally, ABS-CBN News put the death toll at more than 850 to include reported summary executions.

 

US summons PH envoy

 

In another rare move, the US State Department itself earlier criticized Duterte's insult against Goldberg, as well as the recent extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

 

The US also summoned Patrick Chuasoto, the diplomat in charge of the Philippine embassy in Washington DC, to explain Duterte's remarks against Goldberg.

 

The US State Department, which is the equivalent of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, usually comments only on big-picture issues affecting US ties with other countries.

 

Read the US Embassy in Manila’s full statement below:

 

US Embassy Statement

 

Manila, August 12, 2016 – We have seen reports of inappropriate and unacceptable comments made about Ambassador Goldberg, a multi-time ambassador and one of the US Department of State’s most senior diplomats. As stated by Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the Office of Press Relations at US Department of State, the Philippine Chargé was asked to come to the State Department so we could directly convey our view that the comments were inappropriate and unacceptable. We do not go into details of those diplomatic discussions.

 

The US funding of $32 million in question is not new funding, but rather cumulative funding previously appropriated that we are currently implementing. Assistance provided by these funds is subject to the same rigorous vetting as our other security assistance. All of our security assistance promotes human rights through training content and by promoting professionalism, due process, and the rule of law. Our partnership with the Philippines is based on a shared respect for rule of law, and we will continue to ‎emphasize the importance of this fundamental democratic principle.

 

The United States strongly believes in the rule of law, due process, and respect for universal human rights, and that these principles promote long-term security. We are concerned by reports regarding extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected to have been involved in drug activity in the Philippines. We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement efforts are consistent with its human rights obligations.

 

Our bilateral relationship with the Philippines is broad-ranging from law enforcement to trade and development cooperation, and counts on vibrant and undeniably strong people-to-people and societal ties. The US-Philippine relationship, one of our most important in the Asia Pacific, has withstood the test of time.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/142842-us-embassy-philippines-concerns-about-duterte

Japan gives Philippines patrol ships

From Rappler (Aug 12): Japan gives Philippines patrol ships

The new vessels and planes are on top of 10 coast guard ships that Tokyo pledged to the previous Philippine leader Benigno Aquino



TO THE PHILIPPINES. BRP Tubbataha is one of 10 vessels that Japan is building for the Philippines' search and rescue and maritime security and law enforcement operations. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

Japan on Friday, August 12, announced it would give the Philippines two new vessels to boost Manila's capacity to patrol its waters, with the allies facing Chinese aggression in separate maritime disputes.

Japan, the Philippines' top source of aid, said it was also discussing with Manila the lease of surveillance aircraft to help its under-equipped coast guard.

The new vessels and planes are on top of 10 coast guard ships that Tokyo pledged to the previous Philippine leader Benigno Aquino. (LOOK: PH Coast Guard gets new rescue ship from Japan)

Japan and China are locked in a long-running dispute over uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, while Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

"We are talking about big-sized, 90-meter (295-foot) long vessels. We are also discussing the possibility of leasing aircraft designed for training. They are surveillance aircraft," Masato Ohtaka, deputy press secretary for Japan's foreign ministry, told reporters in Manila.

A UN-backed tribunal last month rejected Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea which reach close to the coasts of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations.

Ohtaka said the new ships were among topics discussed by Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday in the southern Philippine city of Davao.

Duterte said Thursday night he told Kishida about his "soft landing" approach to dealing with China following the tribunal's decision.

"(I don't want) to start hostilities at this time of our lives and he said Japan would do the same. They just want dialogue. They do not want further incursions," Duterte said.
Philippine foreign secretary Perfecto Yasay said Thursday Manila and Tokyo shared the same experience of dealing with Beijing's "intimidation" at sea.

He and Kishida urged Beijing to observe the rule of law after China vowed to ignore the ruling.

Beijing has conducted massive reclamation in the South China Sea, with a US-based think tank releasing images this week showing what appears to be China building military aircraft hangars on disputed reefs.

Ohtaka said Duterte and Kishida also discussed Japan's $2.4 billion loan for a new railway aimed at easing Manila's notorious gridlock.

The 38-kilometer (24-mile) elevated commuter line would connect Manila to nearby Bulacan province to decongest the capital and help spur economic activity.

"This is one of the biggest projects Japan has ever embarked upon using the yen loan," said Ohtaka.

Ohtaka added Japan was also open to building a railway in the southern region of Mindanao, a project Duterte previously said China had offered to fund.

Duterte has said reducing traffic congestion and fixing the deteriorating transport system are priorities for his administration.

Manila's traffic problems cost the Philippines an estimated $64 million a day in 2015, a Japanese-funded study found.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/142873-japan-philippines-patrol-ships

PAF pilot who discovered China's 'Mischief' now Centcom chief

From Rappler (Aug 13): PAF pilot who discovered China's 'Mischief' now Centcom chief

Major General Raul del Rosario was the first pilot to take photos of Chinese activity on Mischief Reef in the West Philippine Sea



THE CHIEFS. Outgoing Central Command chief Nicanor Vivar (seated left) retires after 38 years in the military. Seated next to Vivar is AFP Chief Ricardo Visaya and incoming Central Command Chief Raul Del Rosario

Philippine Air Force Major General Raul Del Rosario is the new chief of the Armed Forces' Central Command (Centcom) in Cebu City, the unit responsible for security operations in the Visayas.

He took the helm on Thursday, August 11, to replace Air Force Lieutenant General Nicanor Vivar who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"It's a big responsibility on my shoulders... [the Visayas] has become a center of commerce, trade, and industry. Thus, the importance of keeping it safe, secure, and stable," Del Rosario said.

"The Visayas greatly influences the situation in Luzon and Mindanao. Being in the center, the Visayas absorbs any instability from all directions," Del Rosario added.

Del Rosario was the Air Force pilot who discovered in 1994 the Chinese occupation of Mischief Reef, one of the earlier actions taken by China to claim the West Philippine Sea. The maritime dispute is a source of an on-again off-again tension between the two countries.

He rose through the ranks and was appointed to crucial positions such as the AFP deputy chief of staff for plans (J5), a post he assumed when the government was negotiating the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US.

Del Rosario is expected to oversee increased US military presence following the identification of Mactan-Ebuen Benito Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City as one of the EDCA locations. The military-to-military agreement between the US and the Philippines was forged amid China's aggressiveness in the region.

The military has not revealed its plans on this. "They're still discussing and working on it," Armed Forces chief General Ricardo Visaya told reporters in Cebu.

Del Rosario also takes the helm as President Rodrigo Duterte tags Cebu politicians for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade.


"We will take heed with the President's campaign against drugs, criminality, and corruption, and will contribute our share the soonest," Del Rosario said.

Duterte visited the camp last week to ask the military to allot space in their camps for the rehabilitation of drug dependents.

Visaya said that the AFP was willing to "work with local governments and the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a supporting role" in the campaign against illegal drugs.

According to a report in the Cebu Daily News, the Cebu City Council earlier passed a resolution asking the AFP to help the police with law enforcement operations in certain areas of the city.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, an author of the resolution, clarified that the resolution was not necessarily pushed to militarize the city. He said he was in touch with the AFP, which is willing to assist the city and police in anti-drug operations.

Visaya explained: “Our main objective here is to increase peace and order in our city especially that we are enforcing curfew and anti-illegal drugs operations. We really need the military because the police are busy in running after drug pushers and users. We need them in streets to maintain safety.”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/142765-mischief-reef-pilot-central-command

All systems go for talks; Tiamzons granted bail

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 13): All systems go for talks; Tiamzons granted bail


Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon (left) and his wife, Wilma (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
It’s all systems go for three National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants facing criminal charges to participate in peace talks in Norway later this month, while three others may well be on their way as well.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina granted on Friday the urgent motions for the issuance of a court order allowing Satur Ocampo and Randall Echanis to travel to the Netherlands and Norway “on Aug. 16 to Sept. 4.” The two are facing multiple murder charges in connection with the discovery of a mass grave in Leyte province in 2006.

READ: NDFP consultants granted temporary liberty to join Oslo talks

She also granted coaccused Rafael Baylosis’ petition to participate in the peace talks in Oslo, Norway, on Aug. 20 to 27.

Medina made the decision after she reinstated bail at P150,000 for Baylosis, who surfaced earlier in the day at her court and was finally arraigned on multiple murder charges.

Baylosis had forfeited a P100,000 bail earlier set by the Supreme Court after he skipped his arraignment in July 2015 allegedly due to “intense surveillance and reports of threats to him and his family,” according to Edre Olalia of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers that represents him.

“I subjected myself to the jurisdiction of the Philippine government court to give the peace process a chance to continue and to help in the peace negotiations. That is the reason,” said Baylosis, who did not enter a plea, and subsequently posted bail.

Although Medina also granted the urgent motion for release on bail filed by coaccused Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, and Adelberto Silva, their lawyer Rachel Pastores said they still had urgent motions pending in other courts.

“But we are hoping they will be acted upon soon,” Pastores said.

Medina set bail for the Tiamzons and Silva at P100,000, and allowed them to join the talks in Norway.

No ceasefire

The talks are aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies that began in 1969, left hundreds dead and stunted economic prospects in the countryside. The NDFP is the political arm of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed unit, the New People’s Army (NPA).

The talks have often bogged down in the past with the rebels’ demand to free jailed colleagues, but President Duterte—a former student of CPP founder Jose Maria Sison—initiated the resumption of the negotiations shortly after he won the elections in May.

But the President angrily lifted a unilateral ceasefire just days after it came into effect, after a progovernment militiaman was killed in an NPA attack in the south.

Medina noted in her four-page order that the prosecution had no objection to temporarily free the accused, and stressed that her order was “pursuant to the government’s intent to enter into a peace agreement with the organization they represent.”

She said all six were permitted to travel subject to the conditions imposed by the Department of Justice in an Aug. 9 memorandum that said the release would be only “for the purpose of their attendance and participation in the formal peace negotiations … and until the duration of the peace negotiations.”

The court also ordered the communist peace consultants to provide their complete contact information both in the Philippines and abroad. They were also ordered to return home after the talks and to report to the Philippine Embassy “whenever required.”

“Also, they are ordered to submit to this court within 10 days from their arrival a written report as regards the outcome of said negotiations and discussions,” Medina said.

Medina, however, said she denied the consultants’ request to remove their names from the government watch list, hold-departure order, lookout bulletin order or any similar document “as their travel abroad shall be granted (on a) per request basis.”

She also denied the Tiamzons’ and Silva’s petitions for bail to be applied to other courts where they had pending cases because the court “obviously lacks jurisdiction” over these.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/142716/all-systems-go-for-talks-tiamzons-granted-bail

Farmers decry army’s anti-Communist patrols in Comval

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Aug 12): Farmers decry army’s anti-Communist patrols in Comval

RESIDENTS. Residents of Purok 4, Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley listen closely as leaders of the relief mission explain the rationale of the mission. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)

 

An interior village in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, expressed fear over operation of the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion in the community, following alleged targeting of its residents in anti-Communist patrols.

 

Purok Chairman Lino Inbad said that the Army has been tagging residents of Purok 4, Sitio Tagbaw, Barangay Rizal as members of the rebel group New People’s Army.

ENCOUNTER SITE. Purok 4 Chairman Lino Inbad points to where the encounter between the New People’s Army and the government troops happened last August 4, 2016. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)

 

Inbad said the repeated harassment happened since July 17 when some military soldiers who were roving around community have been telling people that they would be “put inside a caserole.”

When residents know that military will be roving in their community, Inbad said they would no longer go to their farms.

On August 7, Sunday, for instance, Inbad said the soldiers military already prevented them from going to their farms “as there are still soldiers left in the area.”

Farmers were prevented to go to their farmlands after an armed encounter between government troops and the NPA last August 4, Thursday.

The encounter, according to the AFP, resulted to three soldiers and one NPA killed.

DISCUSSION. Human rights activist Jay Apiag of Karapatan discusses with community members of Purok 4, Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, the rationale of the relief mission and on peace process that could solve the conflict between government troops and the New People’s Army. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)

 

Maryjane Masaring, 27 and a mother of two, said that if not for a hill in front of their house, they would have witnessed the encounter 100 meters away and may put them in the line of fire.

They scampered for safety towards the barangay center for safety.

“Hadlok jud kayo, gikalintura ang duha ka anak tungod sa panghitabo (It was really scary. My children even got fever after the incident),” she said.

“I was told by my brother-in-law to bring our children, while he was gathering the corn,” she said.

Masaring’s family depends on the corn they are farming; it serves as their daily consumption for survival.

Together with her children, they rode on motorcycle up to the town center, leaving her in-law and corn plants that is worth two sacks ready for harvest.

Not evacuees

Despite the threats of being tagged as members of the rebel group, Inbad said that they would endure hunger in the town center than be exposed to danger. For survival, community members shared with each other what could be shared such as rice and vegetables. Thirty seven households were affected by the incident.

“We did not evacuate because we do not have a source of livelihood there (in Barangay Rizal),” Inbad said.

“We will endure the Army harassment, but we wish we could talk to them so we could go back to our farms,” Inbad added.

Masaring’s family, who left their house with nothing, has been eating porridge since August 7.

“If we no longer have something to eat, we will ask from the neighbors. The unity is alive here,” Masaring said.

Masaring also said that this is the first time they experience this in her seven years of residency in the community. She said she hope for their community to be peaceful again.

Relief mission

RELIEF MISSION. About 50 delegates of the relief mission, on board two trucks with food aids, travel some 7 kilometers to reach the community of Purok 4, Barangay Rizal in Monkayo, Compostela Valley province. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)

 

On Tuesday, August 9, various groups visited the community of Inbad and Masaring to bring relief goods; rice, canned goods, and easy-to-cook foods.

According to Exodus for Justice and Peace, a church group who led the relief mission, said they have  to provide food to the displaced community.

Pastor Nonoy Cofreros, of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines in North Eastern Davao District Conference, said “we can forward this to the current administration, much more to President Duterte who thinks of the welfare of the farmers, the poor,” Confreros said.

RELIEF DISTRUBUTION. Volunteers from various organizations from Monkayo, Compostela Valley and Davao City distribute 50 packs of relief goods to residents affected by the armed encounter in Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley. (Earl O. Condeza/davaotoday.com)

 

The relief mission was participated by human rights group Karapatan, UCCP, and support groups from Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province. They brought about 50 bags of relief goods giving to the house holds of the community members of Purok 4.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/farmers-decry-armys-anti-communist-patrols-in-comval/

Philippines: Insurgency more pressing problem for banana exporters

From Fresh Plaza: Global Fresh Produce and Banana News (Aug 12): Philippines: Insurgency more pressing problem for banana exporters

Why are government agencies so focused on issues like aerial spraying and land rental when the bigger problem is peace and order, which is driving the investors away?

PBGEA Executive Director Steve Antig wonders why issues on aerial spraying have surfaced again when they were resolved several years back. He said the government should pay more attention to the insurgency problem because “it is driving the present and prospective investors away from Mindanao.”

Dole-Stanfilco, a multinational banana firm operating in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur has shut down its operations indefinitely after it was subjected to a series of attacks by the rebel group of New People’s Army (NPA) for refusing to pay revolutionary taxes.

The NPA has burned 19 container trucks in total and has cost the company P20 million in losses since 2010. Just last week, the rebels escalated their assault by blowing up the company’s truck with bombs.

“The closure of plantations will lead to unemployment and then to poverty,” Antig said.

The closure of the Surigao plantation has severely affected over 1,500 employees on its 400-hectare plantation. The displaced workers are condemning the violence as they asked what would happen to their families now that they have lost their jobs.

“Where now are their claims that they are soldiers of the masses that will look after our welfare? We are here not to fight with arms but to condemn the extortion activities of the NPAs which cost our livelihood,” said Concepcion Jumao-as, a farm worker who spoke at a protest march-rally.

Jumao-as said company officials have feared the NPA’s use of powerful explosives that burned the two trucks carrying the container vans and was the main reason for the company decision to close down its operations.

 

 “Before, they use gasoline in torching the trucks but lately they already use bombs,” she said.

Increased attacks

 

“There will be a domino effect on the economy of the locality unless peace and order is established,” Antig said. “This will create a vicious cycle, thus, should be given priority,” he added.

Farmers, mainly agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are now contract growers for banana and pineapple exporters, have reported increased attacks by the NPA on farms, facilities and equipment.

Eduardo Maningo, a spokesman for the ARBs, said that about a dozen burnings were carried out by the NPA from late January to February this year, almost the same as the total for the whole of 2015.

The attacks, some of which were not reported to the authorities, were in T’boli and Surallah in South Cotabato; Barobo and Lianga in Surigao del Sur; Quezon, Bukidnon; Maco, Compostela Valley; and Maasim, Sarangani.

The attacks on plantations and companies are part of the rebels’ extortion activities.

 

Ultimatum

 

The Surigao NPA bombing came even after President Rodrigo Duterte had issued a unilateral ceasefire in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) and an ultimatum to communist rebels.

The rebels have ignored the declaration of a ceasefire and even ambushed the military in Davao del Norte on July 27 killing one Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member and wounding four others.

The government forces were returning to camp after hearing about the President’s declaration of unilateral truce when they were waylaid by the NPAs.

 

“I went out of my way just to express to you our need for peace. For as long as there is war here, there will be poverty… You thought our government cannot do it, try me,” the President warned.

“So shoot me,” Duterte told the rebels. “I will face you (rebels) someday. I have no problem,” Duterte challenged.

Duterte stressed that he has declared the truce in good faith hoping that the rebels will reciprocate and forge the way to peace negotiations.

“Many days ago, the response of the communists is like a defensive position. Not stand-down. That is not a good response. They don’t need to study it. All they have to do is count the body bags – those who were killed from their ranks, and then the government’s. I was expecting that they would also reciprocate my imploring for peace through the ceasefire on their side. Now, I cannot understand if they are really... for peace or they are trying to embarrass me,” he said.

What is the NPA trying to prove? Are they telling us that they can attack government soldiers at will and get away with it? Or are they telling us that they reject President Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire?” said Ernesto Alcanzare of the group Yes for Peace-Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganahan.

Domingo Alidon, a member of the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group of Yes for Peace asks, “Whose rights are the NPA really fighting for? The Filipino people’s rights or their right to bear arms against a duly elected government?”

The ceasefire has been lifted after his deadline for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to declare their own ceasefire last July 30 lapsed.

Last August 6, Duterte in his visit to the wake of a slain soldier in a clash with the militant armed wing urged the NPA to stop the use of landmines in attacking government military forces, or the peace talks with the left movement would be cancelled.

“Either you stop it or we stop talking. Let’s fight [for] another 45 years,” Duterte said in his speech.

“I am not pleading this time. That’s an ultimatum. [If I] hear another explosion killing people – not only soldiers – killing people, no talks, pasensiya na (I’m sorry),” Duterte strongly said.

http://www.freshplaza.com/article/161869/Philippines-Insurgency-more-pressing-problem-for-banana-exporters

Military, police pursue rebels in Apayao

From the Manila Times (Aug 12): Military, police pursue rebels in Apayao

The Cordillera Regional Police and the military are conducting intensified operations against suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) over the reported burning of construction equipment in Conner town in Apayao province.

Police reports said suspected NPA members burned two dump trucks and one forward truck on August 3, after they allegedly failed to extort money from the Omengan Construction and Development Corporation (OCDC) in Barangay Guinaang.

The OCDC has ongoing construction projects in the Cordillera Administrative Region including roads that will connect Apayao, Kalinga and Cagayan provinces.

The police reports said the suspects are members of the NPA’s Leo Cauilan Command-Kalinga.

 

According to the reports, more than 40 suspected rebels broke into the OCDC compound at about 6 p.m., rounded up its employees and encouraged them to join their group.

 

The suspected rebels confiscated personal belongings of the employees and left a demand letter to the company for “revolutionary” tax.

They used a dump truck and a pick-up truck as getaway vehicles driven by two OCDC employees who were released with the pick-up truck after one hour.

The getaway dump truck was reportedly dropped into a ravine.

http://www.manilatimes.net/military-police-pursue-rebels-in-apayao/279541/

AFTER GPH-MNLF TALKS: Duterte eyes meeting with Nur Misuari in early 2017

From GMA News (Aug 12): AFTER GPH-MNLF TALKS: Duterte eyes meeting with Nur Misuari in early 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is hoping that he could talk to Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari by early 2017, after panels of both the government and the MNLF shall have finalized negotiations.

Duterte made the remark during an ambush interview after meeting the troops at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

"I will meet Misuari for sure kasi pagkatapos ng panel-panel. It goes up to us. Kami na ang mag-usap. Ano adre, 'Okay na ba ito?'" Duterte said. "Sana early next year," he added.

Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges for his involvement in the infamous Zamboanga siege, is believed to be hiding somewhere in Sulu.

Duterte in his previous speeches expressed his intention to talk to Misuari and include MNLF in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Asked if he is going to talk to Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco Salazar regarding Misuari's cases, Duterte just replied, "Iyong mga ganoon, it's better to talk peace than war."

Misuari is facing a warrant of arrest issued in 2013 over the MNLF's 20-day siege in Zamboanga City.

But Duterte earlier hinted that he is willing to give Misuari a safe conduct pass to join the peace talks.

In his press conference Thursday night in Davao City, the President also pointed out that he does not want Misuari detained because of his "fragile age" as well as his important role in the peace talks.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/577408/news/nation/duterte-eyes-meeting-with-nur-misuari-in-early-2017