Sunday, August 14, 2016

MILF on alert, probes possible ISIS infiltration

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 14): MILF on alert, probes possible ISIS infiltration

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed alarm over the possible infiltration of the  international terrorist group Islamic State in its ranks.

“We have formed a special MILF group that is probing the possible penetration and inspiration of some MILF members by ISIS (or IS),” MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told reporters in a press conference alongside Malacañang’s top representative Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza.

Verifying what President Rodrigo Duterte previously spilled in one of his Army camp visits, Ebrahim said there are already ISIS-inspired groups operating in Mindanao but clarified that these organizations are not ISIS per se.

“There are groups that are inspired by ISIS. But as far as we’re concerned, there is still no ISIS organization in Mindanao,” the MILF leader said.

Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, Malaysian third party representative in the GRP-MILF talks, for his part, suggested that once the insurgency issues are resolved soon, the ISIS threat will eventually be toned down.

“Peace in Mindanao will deter radicalization of people. We call on all groups in Mindanao to reject extremism,” Dato Tengku said.

Relatedly, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be coordinating with law enforcement and security agencies in connection with the President’s order to arrest and deport alleged ISIS indoctrinators in Mindanao.

“Given the pronouncement of the President we coordinate with law enforcement and security agencies such as if they want us to identify a certain person,” said BI spokesman Antonette Mangrobang.

“We coordinate with law enforcement and intelligence when it comes to anti-crime,” she added.

Mangrobang noted that the bureau remains committed to enforce its mandate against undesirable aliens especially terrorists.

With this, the BI official called on the people to report to them any suspicious individuals in their areas.

“We are asking the public if they see any suspicious presence in their area to inform the BI,” she added.

On Thursday, Duterte ordered the military to validate reports about the presence of Arab-looking missionaries in the southern part of the country.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-on-alert-probes-possible-isis-infiltration

2 more communist leaders to be released to join peace talks—Dureza

From GMA News (Aug 14): 2 more communist leaders to be released to join peace talks—Dureza

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced Sunday that two more members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) will soon be released to join the peace talks.

Dureza said CPP-NPA members Ariel Arbitrario and Porferio Tuna are set to be temporarily released. Dureza: Two members CPP members who will be released soon, Ariel Arbitrario and Porferio Tuna @gmanews — Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 14, 2016

Dureza is currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the resumption of negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Arbitratio, together with his brother Crispolo, was arrested last February 2016 in Tagum City, during a joint police and military operation by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder.

Tuna alias Ka Simon, meanwhile, was nabbed in Tagum City last October 2015 on kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges. Tuna is reportedly the spokesman of the NPA in Mindanao.

The impending release of Arbitratio and Tuna follows the release of communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and Adelberto Silva last Friday.

The Tiamzon couple and Silva posted a P100,000-bail each for their temporary liberty to join the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the CPP-NPA late this month. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/577594/news/nation/2-more-communist-leaders-to-be-released-to-join-peace-talks-dureza

Hangars prove China plan to 'militarize' islands

From Rappler (Aug 14): Hangars prove China plan to 'militarize' islands

'China wants to establish effective control over the sea and airspace in the South China Sea,' analyst Gregory Poling tells Rappler

FIERY CROSS REEF. Construction of fighter-jet hangars appears complete at the southern end of the runway and is well-advanced along the middle of the airstrip,€™ the AMTI says of this satellite image dated June 3. Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI and DigitalGlobe

FIERY CROSS REEF. Construction of fighter-jet hangars appears complete at the southern end of the runway and is well-advanced along the middle of the airstrip,€™ the AMTI says of this satellite image dated June 3. Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI and DigitalGlobe

The Chinese hangars being constructed in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) prove that China is planning to "militarize" its artificial islands there, an expert told Rappler.

Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), said constructing hangars "was likely the plan" since different forms of construction there began.
 
"This is just the smoking gun that proves what we already knew – that China always intended to 'militarize' these artificial islands," Poling said in an email to Rappler on Wednesday, August 10.
After all, he said, "China didn't build 3,000-meter reinforced runways tailored to military aircraft if it didn’t plan to deploy them."
 
Poling made these remarks after AMTI, part of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), released photos that show China building hangars on its artificial islands.
 
The AMTI's images, the latest of which was dated July 24, show hangars under construction on Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), and Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef).
 
Many of these photos had been taken after an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, struck down China’s expansive claim over the West Philippine Sea on July 12.
 
Poling explained why he thinks China is constructing these hangars.
 
"China wants to establish effective control over the sea and airspace in the South China Sea. Being able to project air power throughout the nine-dash line is a key part of that," he said.
 
'Part of development plan'
 
"Combined with the increase in Chinese naval, coast guard, and fishing militia presence that is being allowed by these bases, it is going to make it very difficult for Southeast Asian claimants like the Philippines to maintain access to contested waters and airspace," he added.
 
Poling also said China’s facilities on these artificial islands "make it clear that China wants de facto control, even if it can't have legal control, over the South China Sea."
 
"It is key that Southeast Asian states and their partners, including the United States, continue to assert their rights to access these waters and airspace despite the increase in Chinese military and law enforcement presence we will soon see," he said.
 
M. Taylor Fravel, political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the construction of the hangars "probably began at least 6 months ago, and photos from May and June show completed hangars on Fiery Cross Reef."
 
Fravel, an international relations expert who studies China and East Asia, told Rappler that the construction of the hangars "is part of the overall development plan for the islands."
 
"The real question concerns whether China decides to use these facilities for military purposes, as forward bases for Chinese airpower that could directly threaten the other states that occupy land features in the South China Sea," Fravel said.
 

Tagum court OKs temporary release of NDF members

From Rappler (Aug 14): Tagum court OKs temporary release of NDF members

Two more members of the NDF are set to be given temporary liberty as the government readies for the resumption of peace talks

NDF CONSULTANTS. A rally outside the Quezon City Hall of Justice calling for the release of the Tiamzons. Rappler file photo

NDF CONSULTANTS. A rally outside the Quezon City Hall of Justice calling for the release of the Tiamzons. Rappler file photo

At least two more members of the National Democratic Front (NDF) are “set to be released” by Monday, August 15, as peace talks between the government and the Communist rebels are set to begin on August 22 in Oslo, Norway.

The two are part of the 11-member NDF delegation that will be part of the peace talks, according to the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said in a release to media on Sunday, August 14.

Based on a list of 22 NDF consultants whose temporarily liberties are being sought for the peace talks, there are two members with cases pending before the Tagum City Regional Trial Court. One is facing serious illegal detention charges while the other faces raps for the illegal possession of firearms.

Both are supposedly protected under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which guarantees NDF negotiators “immunity from surveillance, harassment, search, arrest, detention, prosecution and interrogation or any other similar punitive actions due to any involvement or participation in the peace negotiations.”

More releases

Earlier, a Manila court granted Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, and Adelberto Silva the same temporary liberty to join the peace talks.

Dureza’s office noted that “3 local courts in Visayas” granted the same motion for another consultant, but they did not say which court granted the motion and for whom it was filed.

The government panel welcomed these developments, with panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad noting the importance for the NDF panel to be completed once peace talks begin.

Labor Secretary and chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III urged the public “not to be swayed by the sharp exchanges” between President Rodrigo Duterte and members of the NDF.

Recently, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), announced its withdrawal of support for Duterte’s war on illegal drugs. Duterte and CPP founder Jose Maria Sison traded barbs over the media, after the breakdown of a unilateral ceasefire that Duterte announced during his first State of the Nation Address.

The NDF is the political umbrella of the CPP and the New People’s Army. Sison, who is in exile in the Netherlands, is currently the NDF’s chief political adviser.

“We have no doubt in our mind that the president is determined to pursue peace negotiations with the NDF. We have to understand that both parties will try to come to the peace table with our own and respective agenda and formula,” added Bello.

The Supreme Court had earlier thumbed down the Duterte’s administration’s appeal for the release of the NDF members, but only because it said it did not have jurisdiction over the cases, which were still being heard by lower courts.

The SC directed Solicitor General Jose Calida to file the motions before the lower courts. Calida’s office has since been present during bail hearings, “vigorously representing the government peace panel to underscore the immediacy of the peace process,” a release from the government peace panel noted.

More motions are expected to be granted this week.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/143028-peace-talks-release-ndf-negotiators

PH gov't, MILF to expand Bangsamoro Transition Council

From the Rappler (Aug 14): PH gov't, MILF to expand Bangsamoro Transition Council

The expanded BTC, which is tasked to draft a new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), will now have 21 members, the two sides say after talks in Malaysia

TALKS. Gov't implementing panel chair Irene Santiago (L) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (R) hold up copies of the joint statement after talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 14, 2016. Rappler photo

TALKS. Gov't implementing panel chair Irene Santiago (L) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (R) hold up copies of the joint statement after talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 14, 2016. Rappler photo
 
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels on Sunday, August 14, agreed on "substantive aspects" on the peace roadmap, including an expanded Bangsamoro Transition Council (BTC).
 
The expanded BTC, which is tasked to draft a new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), will now have 21 members, according to a joint statement of the government and MILF panels, released at the end of the meetings marking the start of the implementation phase of the peace process

In the expanded BTC, 11 members will come from the MILF while 10 will be from the government, the statement read. At present, the BTC has 15 members – 8 coming from the MILF and 7 chosen by the government – following the 2015 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

In addition, the statement said "the Parties committed to work collaboratively and cooperatively to ensure efficient and inclusive implementation of the GPH-MILF signed agreements" to sustain the gains of the ongoing peace talks.

The two sides also committed to "sustain trust and confidence" by pushing through with the implementation of deliverables stated under the Program for Normalization.
There will also be regular meetings in the Philippines, the statement added, in a bid to speed up the peace process.

"We are now going into a problem-solving mode," said Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) implementation panel chair Irene Santiago, referring to the implementation phase of the peace talks.

"I can only look forward with optimism," she added.

Expanded BTC 'inclusive'

Prior to the release of the joint statement, OPAPP's Santiago told Rappler that increasing the members of the BTC is one way of making the peace talks "inclusive."

Santiago said they are eyeing participation of indigenous peoples (IP) communities, local governments, sultanates, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and other groups in the talks.

"As a positive gesture, the MILF agreed to increasing the number of the BTC to 21," Presidential Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said during a question and answer session with journalists after the meetings.

SEALED. Members of the government and MILF peace panels at the end of the negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 14, 2016. Rappler photo

SEALED. Members of the government and MILF peace panels at the end of the negotiations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 14, 2016. Rappler photo

"We are now in a problem-solving process," also said MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal.

Expanding the BTC "is not a violation" of the process, Iqbal said, adding that they agreed on it as an "improvement" in the process.

As for the members of the expanded BTC, the current members are considered resigned as of July 21.

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said they might retain some members and include "new faces," but the final names have yet to be settled.

While political aspects of the talks don't need legislation, most aspects of normalization would be tied to the proposed law, especially decommissioning, said Murad.

The panels will meet in the Philippines this coming week, and Dureza said there will be a "very hectic schedule ahead" for the peace talks.

Details of the meeting will be released soon, he added. "There's no time to waste."

Long road to peace

The 12,000-strong MILF has waged a bloody insurgency in the mainly Muslim southern Philippines since the 1970s but the 2014 accord had raised hopes of a lasting peace.

Under the accord, the rebels would have only given up their arms after a law was passed creating an autonomous homeland in Mindanao and a regional government was elected.

The vote was meant to take place alongside the May 2016 general election.

However, a bungled raid into MILF territory that killed 44 police commandos in 2015 derailed the passage of the law and stalled the peace process with the rebels.

Armed Muslim groups have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent Islamic state or autonomous rule in the south, which they regard as their ancestral home. The conflict has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

The conflict has condemned millions of people across Mindanao to brutal poverty and created fertile conditions for Islamic extremism, with the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and other hardline militants making remote areas their strongholds.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/143026-gph-milf-joint-statement-kuala-lumpur-peace-talks

Samar army camp eyed as drug rehab center

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Samar army camp eyed as drug rehab center

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) based here is eyeing a military camp in Hinabangan, Samar as rehabilitation center for self-confessed drug dependents.

The identification of the 801st Infantry Brigade camp in Fatima village, Hinabangan town as rehabilitation center heeds the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte in his first State of the Nation Address on July 25.

Brigadier General Cesar Idio, 8th ID assistant division commander said the plan was presented to Duterte during the Chief Executive’s visit to their headquarters on Aug. 8.

Prior to the presidential visit, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to identify camps that can be used as rehabilitation facility.

“The camp is big and no mobile phone signal there. Hence, drug dependents will not be distracted during the rehabilitation process,” said Brig. Gen Idio.

The camp is situated in the upland village of Fatima, more than an hour away from the national highway. The camp also serves as training camp for aspiring soldiers.

The Philippine National Police reported this week that more than 16,000 drug pushers and users in the region have surrendered to authorities since Duterte assumed the presidency.

The enormous number of self-confessed drug users has raised rehabilitation-related concerns.

Saving Lives at a Common Ground in Dulag town is the only rehabilitation facility in Eastern Visayas. It can only accommodate 100 male drug users. The treatment facility uses therapeutic community modality.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla hopes that the national government will step up support for local government units in building rehabilitation facilities.

Petilla tagged funding as a major setback especially that running a center requires expertise.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Restituto Macuto urged the central government to look into the future of rehabilitated drug users.

“They need to be provided with the source of livelihood for them not to return to involvement of illegal drugs,” said Macuto.

Macuto instructed social workers in the region to profile all self-confessed drug personalities to find out what kind of interventions the government will provide.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913547

8 killed, 8 hurt in North Cotabato anti-drug operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): 8 killed, 8 hurt in North Cotabato anti-drug operations

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- At least eight persons were killed and eight soldiers were wounded during anti-drug operations before dawn Sunday in a remote village here, authorities said.

According to Col. Noly Samarita, commander of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, a fire fight erupted when joint government forces were to serve warrants of arrest against a certain Commander Mabrook, leader of armed lawless elements in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato at 4:30 a.m. Sunday.

An Army report identified four of the fatalities as PO3 Darwin Espallardo of the North Cotabato PNP, Cpl. Jose Miravalles, Pfc. Jaypee Duran, both of Division Reconnaissance Company, and an unidentified military guide.

Four followers of Commander Mabrook, including his brother, were also killed in the six-hour fighting.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said eight government forces sustained minor injuries and are undergoing medication at Camp Siongco hospital.

She said that Mabrook and his followers were engaged in illegal drug activities in the boundary of North Cotabato and Maguindanao. It was not clear if Commander Mabrook was among those killed or arrested.

Samarita said elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), North Cotabato police, military and the 6th Infantry Division Recon Company were approaching the village when they were fired upon by armed men, triggering a fire fight.

A military report identified five of the eight wounded in action (WIA) as Sgt. Arinio Grafil, Cpl. Diocesar Espanola, Pfc. Romnick Clerigo, Privates Normel Grande and Edgar Gegone, all of the 6th Division Reconnaissance Company.

Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, chief of the Cotabato provincial police, said the target of operations was Moks Masgal alias “Commander Mabrook,” a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sub-leader with about 50 armed followers.

Peralta said Masgal was believed to be distributing shabu in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

A civilian, identified as Daib Malimbas, a resident of Nabalawag, was killed during the shootout.

Two MG-520 attack helicopters provided air support, forcing Commander Mabrook and his men to flee deep into the Maguindanao marshland.

Several packs of methamphetamine hydrochloride were seized from the village.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913697

Inter-agency exercise boosts security of maritime domain in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Inter-agency exercise boosts security of maritime domain in Davao Region

The one-day Inter-Agency Maritime Exercise that was facilitated on Friday is seen to improve the law enforcement and security operations of various government agencies in the maritime domain of Davao Region.

Hosted by the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the maritime exercise held at the seaside of Panacan in Davao City was participated in by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Tactical Operations Group XI (TOG-11); Philippine National Police in Davao Region (PNP PRO-11); PNP Maritime Group; Davao City Central 911; 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army; Task Force Davao and the EMC.

Major Ezra Balagtey, the acting spokesperson of EMC, said the exercise was based on probable scenarios that covered five major aspects that include communications interoperability, reconnaissance, interdiction, rescue operations and scene of the crime operations.

“The activity was primarily meant to strengthen the inter-operability of the different law enforcement agencies in securing the maritime domain of Davao Region and its environs,” Balagtey said.

He added that the exercise was also conducted as part of security preparation for the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City slated from Aug. 15 to 21.

“The activity was also aimed to showcase and develop the capabilities of each agency to gain the support of the stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector and the concerned local government units (LGUs),” he added.

The activity was witnessed by Councilor Nilo Abellera, the chairperson of the Peace and Order Committee of the City Council of Davao City; Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, commander of EMC; and Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, director of PNP PRO XI.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913686

One of PAF Bell-412 up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): One of PAF Bell-412 up for repairs

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has allocated the sum of PHP3,692,000 for the acquisition of spare parts and services needed for the repairs of one of its Bell-412 twin-engine utility helicopter.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled on Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

While submission and opening of bids is on Aug. 30, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.

The Bell-412 is a twin-engine utility helicopter of the Huey family manufactured by Bell Helicopter.

It is a development of the Bell 212, with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.

The PAF has around 10 units of these aircraft in its fleet.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913577

Philippine Army Nursing Service to celebrate 53rd anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Philippine Army Nursing Service to celebrate 53rd anniversary

In line with its 53rd founding anniversary this coming September, the Philippine Army Nursing Service will undertake various community activities as part of their celebrations.

Activities include tree planting at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City on Aug. 18; fun run at Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA) ground on Aug. 25; visit to orphanage at Bahay Maria Orphanage in Bel-Air Village, Makati City on Aug. 27; health care fair and bloodletting at HPA Grandstand on Aug. 29; and the wreath-laying ceremony at Libingan ng mga Bayani on Aug. 30.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said this year's anniversary theme is “Philippine Army Nursing Service on its 53rd year of Commitment in Achieving Relevant and Excellent (CARE) quality health care services.”

“Our 53rd founding anniversary will be highlighted by various community events in partnership with various stakeholders,” PA chief nurse Col. Nilda L. Nesperos said.

“Proceeds of the fun run will be used for the procurement of hygiene kit, school supplies and lunch to be given to the children of Bahay Maria Orphanage at Bel-Air Village in Makati City,” she added.

The Army Nursing Service is also encouraging all running enthusiasts to participate in the fun run, with three categories - the 3k, 5k and 10k running events.

Registration fee is PHP450 for the 3k, PHP550 for the 5k and PHP750 for the 10k. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 winners in all categories.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913578

Lopez optimistic about military, police's new role as environment protectors

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Lopez optimistic about military, police's new role as environment protectors

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez hopes to put the image of the military and the police on a more positive light with their new role as "protectors of the environment."

Lopez said the country's security forces play a crucial role in the newly created anti-environmental crime task force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which will go after environmental offenders and ensure strict implementation of environmental laws and regulations.

The DENR recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with other key government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, for the creation of the task force called "A-TEAM Kalikasan."

Lopez said their new role in environmental protection will help erase the bad image of soldiers and policemen as bodyguards of influential politicians and businessmen and make them guardians of the nation's wealth and the environment.

"The [military and the police] were being used as bodyguards for big business interests. I want to shift that and work together with them, to work with the farmers, to work with the indigenous people, because my experience with the military has been only very good and we need to shape that," Lopez said.

Lopez said she views the military and the police as partners in development. "I think of we do that and we all work together with the civil society, I don't see why we can't make a difference."

Other parties to the MOA are the Department of National Defense, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Transportation, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The task force aims to respond to the clamor for social justice, especially among the indigenous peoples who complain about land grabbing and the negative impacts of mining and illegal logging to the environment and their livelihoods.

Lopez expressed high optimism and expectation that the task force will succeed in its mission. "I am counting on three things from you -- will, heart and integrity," Lopez told the members of the task force.

"Yes, we will make things happen. In the immediate future we will see a much, much better Philippines because enforcing is really number one and let’s make it good," she added.
 

Insurgency more pressing problem of banana exporters

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Insurgency more pressing problem of banana exporters

The banana industry reiterated its call to dolve insurgency problem which is driving investors away.

"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," said Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Executive Director Stephen Antig.

Antig lamented that the issue on aerial spraying has been resolved several years back.

The government should pay more attention to the insurgency problem because "it is driving the present and prospective investors away from Mindanao," he noted.

Dole-Stanfilco, a multi-national banana firm operating in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur has shut down its operations indefinitely after it has been subjected to a series of attacks by the rebel group 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 PHP20 million in losses since 2010.

Just last week, the rebels have escalated their assault by blowing up the company’s truck with bombs.

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

Earlier reports stated that 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 (NPAs) 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 lamented.

Jumao-as said company officials have feared the NPA’s use of powerful explosives that burned the two trucks carrying the container vans 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

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, in a statement disclosed 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.

"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.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in his State of the Nation Address last month, declared a unilateral ceasefire but has revoked it days after the NPAs failed to issue a reciprocal ceasefire.

On July 27, the rebels ambushed the military in Davao del Norte 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.

President Duterte stressed he 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. 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.

The President warned the NPAs to stop the use of landmines in attacking government military forces, or else the peace talks with the left movement is cancelled.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913580

Lacson bill levels playing field to join Air Force with PAF Academy

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Lacson bill levels playing field to join Air Force with PAF Academy

Poverty may no longer be a stumbling block for gifted Filipinos to join the Philippine Air Force (PAF), as a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson seeks to establish a PAF Academy (PAFA).

Lacson said the PAFA will fulfill the constitutional mandate of guaranteeing equal access of opportunity for public service, while professionalizing other career areas of the PAF such as aircraft maintenance, avionics and air logistics.

“The PAF Academy as conceptualized, is geared towards making available an adequate and dedicated corps of professional Air Force officers with the proper education, training and orientation to lead and manage the complex technologies inherent in the field of aviation,” he said in Senate Bill 259.

He noted there are highly specialized career fields in the PAF that could not be provided adequately by a traditional military academy such as the Philippine Military Academy.

Also, Lacson noted the PAF Flying Schools (PAFFS), presently the main source of regular PAF officers, could no longer provide the required number and proper training of officer pilots due to inadequate facilities and logistical support. It also requires a college degree, keeping poor Filipinos from serving in the PAF.

Lacson also stressed the need to prevent an unwanted relationship among officers often called "regular officer homogeneity," which may lead to a potentially explosive political situation.

Under the bill, the PAFA shall be organized and administered by the PAF Commanding General, and be placed under the general supervision and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff. It will have an academic board composed of the Superintendent, the Dean of the Corps of Professors, the Commandant of Cadets and heads of departments

Cadets shall be appointed by the President. To be eligible for admission, a candidate cadet must be single, a natural born citizen of the Philippines, between 17 and 22 on April 1 of the year of admission, and at least a high school graduate.<>The candidate must also have passed the prescribed physical and mental examination and the National Secondary Assessment Test.

Cadets’ pay and allowances shall be fixed by the President. They shall sign an agreement to complete the course of instruction at the Academy; and accept an appointment and serve as a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for at least eight years immediately after graduation from the Academy.

A cadet who is found physically and mentally unfit for military assignment due to injury or disease incident to the service, shall be retired with the rank of second lieutenant of the AFP.

Meanwhile, the bill also mandates rules preventing hazing, including punishments for violations such as dismissal and suspension.

Cadets dismissed from the PAFA for hazing shall not be reappointed as an Air Force Cadet and shall be ineligible for appointment as a commissioned officer in the AFP unit after two years from the graduation of the class.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913614

OPAPP: Press Statement of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on the Launching of the Implementing Phase of the Bangsamoro Peace Accords

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) (Aug 13): Press Statement of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on the Launching of the Implementing Phase of the Bangsamoro Peace Accords

 

PRESS STATEMENT OF SECRETARY JESUS G. DUREZA
August 13, 2016, Palace of the Golden Horses, Mines, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
On the Launching of the Implementing Phase of the Bangsamoro Peace Accords


We are pleased to be back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to launch a crucial phase of the Bangsamoro peace process -- the implementing phase. We have agreed that the negotiations phase is over and now it is time to implement what we have agreed we will do. So today we are officially launching the implementing phase of the Bangsamoro peace agreements between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Philippine government has come here in full force to demonstrate how serious we are in implementing all the peace agreements we have signed so far.

We have no less than the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, and the Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, here with us as a testament that this Congress is a strong partner for peace not just for the Bangsamoro and Mindanao, but for the entire Philippines. By being present on day one, we are assured that the executive and the legislative branches are both on the same page as we implement our peace agreements. These congressional leaders will also make sure that the Bangsamoro enabling law will be in sync with the proposed shift to a federal system of government. In fact, we are envisioning that the new Bangsamoro government entity can be the pilot of a federal state that embodies meaningful autonomy. With their support, we have no doubt we will see an early enactment of an inclusive Bangsamoro enabling law.

We also have key members of the President's Cabinet today -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr., Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. -- to show how committed this administration is to implement all government programs using the peace lens so peace dividends can be felt on the ground immediately.

We are also inspired by the presence of the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gov. Mujiv Hataman, which signifies ARMM’s commitment to work for the convergence of all the Bangsamoro peace agreements to make it truly inclusive with no group or sector left behind.

This implementing phase of the Bangsamoro peace process also marks the transition of the role of the Malaysian government as Third Party Facilitator of the successful peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF towards that of a supporter of Bangsamoro development. This ceremony today is also a public recognition of the significant contribution of Malaysia to the Bangsamoro peace process. We sincerely thank them and invite them now to become one of our Global Partners for Peace, joining the rest of our international development partners here present.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the first ever Mindanawon president of the Philippines, has given us a clear directive -- no more waiting, start implementing what can be done now while we are crafting a more inclusive enabling law. He also emphasized how it is important to make this implementing stage primarily an all-Filipino process consistent with the principles of self-determination and autonomy.

Because this government takes women seriously, the government implementing panel is being led by Ms. Irene “Inday” M. Santiago, who has been involved in the Bangsamoro peace process for almost 40 years. With her leadership, we are assured that it will be an inclusive and transparent and, I believe, very fast implementing process. She is joined in the panel by our OPAPP executive team -- Undersecretary Diosita “Jojo” Andot, Undersecretary Nabil Tan, Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso, and Assistant Secretary Rolando Asuncion.

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/press-statement-secretary-jesus-g-dureza-launching-implementing-phase-bangsamoro-peace

OPAPP: OPAPP-GPH confident heading towards Oslo talks

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) (Aug 14): GPH confident heading towards Oslo talks

The government panel (GPH), which resumes peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Oslo in Norway, said it is confident most of the detained rebel leaders will be released in time for the formal opening on August 22. Panel chairperson Silvestre Bello said it is important that the NDF panel is already constituted when the peace negotiations are resumed in Oslo. He said the decision of the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City on Thursday, August 11, to grant the petition for bail for couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and Adelberto Silva augurs well for the temporary liberty of other NDF consultants who are named by the NDF for the Oslo talks.

GPH panel member Rene Sarmiento attended the petition for bail filed by the Tiamzon to underscore the importance of the peace process. The Tiamzons were arrested in Cebu City in March last year. At the time of his arrest, Benito Tiamzon was reportedly the chairman of CPP; while, his wife was head of its finance committee.

The NDF has listed 22 NDF consultants who are now detained as crucial to the peace talks.

Bello also earlier said the government will not pose objections for their temporary liberties after the Supreme Court urged the lower courts handling their cases to act expeditiously on the petitions for bail of detained rebel leaders for the purpose of joining the peace talks. Panel member Angela Librado cited the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the government prosecutors from the Department of Justice for their indispensable cooperation in the temporary release of the NDF consultants via the motions for bail.

The OSG has been entering court appearances during bail hearings and vigorously representing the government peace panel to underscore the immediacy of the peace process.

Librado, however, added that their release should follow regular court proceedings. She expects more detained rebel leaders will be released this week. Peace negotiations with the NDF are being revived upon orders of President Rodrigo Duterte who wants to end armed hostilities between the government and communist-led New People’s Army (NPA), the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The NDF is the political umbrella of the CPP and the NPA.

“The sooner we are able to sit down and commence the peace negotiations the better is the prospect for the cessation of armed hostilities,” the government panel said in a statement.

Two more detained leaders who are named as NDF consultants were already released but the panel however declined to name the rebel leaders for security purposes. Meanwhile, Bello urged the people to support the peace talks and not be swayed by sharp exchanges between President Duterte and the leaders of the NDF.

“We have no doubt in our mind that the President is determined to pursue peace negotiations with the NDF,” the Labor secretary said.

“We have to understand,” he added, “that both parties will try to come to the peace table with our own and respective agenda and formula.”

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/cpp-npa-ndf/news/gph-confident-heading-towards-oslo-talks