From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Army vows continued offensives vs NPA in Davao region
While they called on the communist rebels to return to the fold of the law, top officers of the Philippine Army in the Davao region on Monday vowed to continue the military offensive against the New People’s Army (NPA).
Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, also lauded the efforts of the 25th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 28th IB for quelling the attempts of the rebels to sow fear and atrocities to civilian communities and business establishments in the region.
"Our military offensives will continue to hit the NPA harder until they (will) realize to finally abandon the armed struggle," Valencia said.
Brig. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade, also called on the remaining members of NPA in the region to avail of the government’s integration program.
Alberto said government troopers will intensify their military operations against the rebels in Compostela Valley province, one of the areas of operation of the brigade.
He also assured the people in the province of “unhampered development" as the brigade “will ensure that communities will be peaceful and conflict free.”
On Sunday, elements of 25th IB recovered four high-powered firearms left by fleeing and wounded NPA rebels in Montevista, Compostela Valley.
The recovered firearms include an AK-47 rifle, two M653 baby armalite rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, said 10th ID chief information officer Capt. Rhyan Batchar.
Troopers of 28th IB also recovered backpacks, a handheld radio and shirts marked with BHB after an encounter in Don Salvador, Mati City, Davao Oriental last Saturday.
Batchar also reported that two soldiers were wounded when hit by an improvised explosive devise launched by NPA rebels in Barangay Tagbinunga, Mati City late last week.
The wounded soldiers were identified as PFC Jouie Oliveros and PFC Anatoly Lechoncito.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977130
Monday, April 3, 2017
NPA claims to arrest, judge ex-President Aquino, other officials illegal -- AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): NPA claims to arrest, judge ex-President Aquino, other officials illegal -- AFP
Attempts of the New People's Army (NPA) to arrest and judge former President Benigno Aquino III and other officials are illegal and will not be tolerated.
This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing Monday where he said that only recognized courts of the country are given such powers.
"(Only) courts that are recognized by the Republic of the Philippines and under the Republic of the Philippines that can rightfully render judgement on anyone brought to its sala," he added.
"And the charges that they have brought to the former president and his other officials are baseless, they are illegal and not honored," the AFP spokesperson further revealed.
In the same vein, Padilla said the military only recognizes judgment that comes from recognized courts and will work together with other agencies to provide protection for Aquino and officials who were accused by the NPAs of allegedly ordering the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato which left two dead and more than a dozen protesters wounded.
Aside from Aquino, the rebels also tagged North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977252
Attempts of the New People's Army (NPA) to arrest and judge former President Benigno Aquino III and other officials are illegal and will not be tolerated.
This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing Monday where he said that only recognized courts of the country are given such powers.
"(Only) courts that are recognized by the Republic of the Philippines and under the Republic of the Philippines that can rightfully render judgement on anyone brought to its sala," he added.
"And the charges that they have brought to the former president and his other officials are baseless, they are illegal and not honored," the AFP spokesperson further revealed.
In the same vein, Padilla said the military only recognizes judgment that comes from recognized courts and will work together with other agencies to provide protection for Aquino and officials who were accused by the NPAs of allegedly ordering the violent dispersal of protesting farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato which left two dead and more than a dozen protesters wounded.
Aside from Aquino, the rebels also tagged North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza, Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista, North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977252
AFP doing a commendable job in HADR
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): AFP doing a commendable job in HADR
Aside from its mandate to protect the country from all forms of internal and external threats, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is also doing a creditable job in responding to disasters and calamities.
This can be attributed to its training and posture, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a message to the PNA Tuesday.
In the same vein, the AFP also plays a lead role in the country's search, rescue, retrieval and recovery cluster.
"The AFP is also trained and has a readiness posture in all HADR missions," he added.
As this develops, Defense public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said HADR is also one of the core missions of the AFP.
"It is well trained and equipped for disasters. It is also the most organized compared to other agencies and it has units in disaster prone areas," he added.
The AFP is the among the traditional responders during disasters or calamities that strike the Philippines, with its troops providing the first form of assistance to devastated communities and individuals.
"It also has a long standing institutional memory insofar as disaster response is concerned," Andolong pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977329
Aside from its mandate to protect the country from all forms of internal and external threats, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is also doing a creditable job in responding to disasters and calamities.
This can be attributed to its training and posture, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a message to the PNA Tuesday.
In the same vein, the AFP also plays a lead role in the country's search, rescue, retrieval and recovery cluster.
"The AFP is also trained and has a readiness posture in all HADR missions," he added.
As this develops, Defense public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said HADR is also one of the core missions of the AFP.
"It is well trained and equipped for disasters. It is also the most organized compared to other agencies and it has units in disaster prone areas," he added.
The AFP is the among the traditional responders during disasters or calamities that strike the Philippines, with its troops providing the first form of assistance to devastated communities and individuals.
"It also has a long standing institutional memory insofar as disaster response is concerned," Andolong pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977329
DWDD: Diplomatic Reception held aboard BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17)
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 3): Diplomatic Reception held aboard BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17)
Port Klang, Malaysia–The Office of the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia led by His Excellency J. Eduardo Malaya hosted a diplomatic reception aboard BarkongRepublikangPilipinas BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) while docked at the National Hydrographic Center in Port Klang, Malaysia on March 31, 2017.
Port Klang, Malaysia–The Office of the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia led by His Excellency J. Eduardo Malaya hosted a diplomatic reception aboard BarkongRepublikangPilipinas BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) while docked at the National Hydrographic Center in Port Klang, Malaysia on March 31, 2017.
Ambassador Malaya was joined by his better half Madame Ren Cristina Koa-Malaya, MD. The Guest of Honor (GOH) during the reception was Malaysian Armed Forces Chief of StaffLt Gen Dato’ Abdul Halim bin Hadji Jalal. The Philippine Navy (PN)led by the Head of Contingent, Commo Albert A Mogol AFP, attended the reception.
There were more or less ninety (90)dignitaries from the diplomatic community present during the occasion to include the US Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. (Madam) Kamala ShirinLakhdhirand Ambassador Syed MdHasrinTengkuHussin, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Also present were members of the Filipino community in Kuala Lumpur.
From the words of the Lt Gen Abdul Halim, “I was informed that this is your (FF17) first international voyage. As a Malaysian, I am very proud you have chosen Malaysia as your first destination.”
This reception hosted by Ambassador Malaya aimed to stimulate the sense of pride among Filipinos in Malaysia for our Armed Forces and the Filipino nation. It was also a way of soliciting appreciation and support for the PN’s modernization programs.
“To the Philippine Navy delegation, we are truly proud and deeply honored of your presence here in Malaysia. You made us proud as Filipinos”, said Phil Ambassador Malaya.
DWDD: Top CARAGA NPA surrenders to Army
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 3): Top CARAGA NPA surrenders to Army
Camp Makapandong, Prosperidad – CARAGA NPA’s Estelito Camino Jr @ Ka PUMA surrendered to the 401st Brigade on Sunday, April 2, 2017. He cited hardship and disillusionment with the NPA as reasons for his surrender.
Camp Makapandong, Prosperidad – CARAGA NPA’s Estelito Camino Jr @ Ka PUMA surrendered to the 401st Brigade on Sunday, April 2, 2017. He cited hardship and disillusionment with the NPA as reasons for his surrender.
KA PUMA was the CO of the Sub-Region Sentro de Grabidad of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA operating on the tri-boundaries of Surigao del Sur and Agusan provinces. He wants to be an example to his sub-commanders to pursue with their surrender plan after he has proven that no maltreatment is committed by government forces to those who surrender contrary to the stories told them by their older cadres.
He was with the NPA for 14 years where he earned several Warrants of Arrest including those for Murder Cases for the atrocities they committed. He revealed that his being with the NPAs left him no chance of being with his wife and 3 kids who are also hard-up after the NPAs failed to give their promised monthly support to his family. He also bared that “most of his comrades are already thinking of laying down their arms at an opportune time as they accordingly believe that the Duterte administration is their best chance to have a peaceful life. As top ranking NPA, he accordingly saw how corruption is in the NPA by citing top ranking leaders pocketing extorted money from the businesses and farmers.
Meanwhile, COL CRISTOBAL N ZARAGOZA of the 401st Infantry Brigade also credited the surrender of Ka Puma to the relentless pressure exerted by the 402nd Brigade and PNP in Surigao and Agusan to arrest Ka Puma. He revealed that Ka Puma is willing to face his criminal cases and hopes that his surrender will mitigate his legal cases.
MAJOR GENERAL MADRIGAL of the 4th ID congratulated the two Brigades, the CARAGA PNP and the Intelligence Units of the Army. He instructed them to prepare for the influx of surrenders as Ka Puma has a following in the NPAs in CARAGA.
DWDD: Government troops clash with Abus in Sulu
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 3): Government troops clash with Abus in Sulu
Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- Heavy encounter ensued between operating troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu and about a hundred Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu yesterday (April 2) as the rescue operations for the kidnap victims continue.
Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion were acting on an intelligence information from sources to possibly rescue the Vietnamese kidnap victims who were with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) when the firefight ensued in Barangay Upper Laus, Talipao, Sulu at around 9:30 am yesterday.
Troops were advancing towards their target when M203 rounds were directed towards them, causing shrapnel wounds to the forward flank of the operating troops. However, the soldiers were still able to maneuver and take the advantage, pushing the bandits to scamper to different directions after hours of the firefight.
After the clearing operation, reports from the Joint Task Force Sulu disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf suffered heavy casualties as focused military operations are being intensified. Bloodstains were also seen in the areas where the bandits previously positioned during the encounter.
Troops were also able to find the body of one (1) Abu Sayyaf who was killed during the firefight. His identity is yet to be known.
Meanwhile, two (2) M16 rifles belonging to the fleeing bandits were seized by the 41IB.
Close air support and casualty evacuation were being provided by the Air Force, while clearing operations were subsequently conducted by the engaged troops.
Four soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly airlifted yesterday afternoon to Zamboanga City for further medical attention. Three of the wounded soldiers were brought to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City, while another soldier was brought to a private hospital in the city. The four soldiers, however, are already stable as of press time.
Twenty-eight others suffered slight splinter wounds and are currently recuperating at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
“Our Joint Task Force Sulu continues to exhaust all efforts and means to contain the Abu Sayyaf and constrict its movement. We are continuously intensifying the conduct of focused military operations, in coordination with the local government and the people of Sulu, to rescue the kidnap victims and to neutralize the terrorist group,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.
“We are confident that we can achieve this with the support of the people of Sulu and the local government.”
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/03/government-troops-clash-with-abus-in-sulu/
Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- Heavy encounter ensued between operating troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu and about a hundred Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu yesterday (April 2) as the rescue operations for the kidnap victims continue.
Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion were acting on an intelligence information from sources to possibly rescue the Vietnamese kidnap victims who were with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) when the firefight ensued in Barangay Upper Laus, Talipao, Sulu at around 9:30 am yesterday.
Troops were advancing towards their target when M203 rounds were directed towards them, causing shrapnel wounds to the forward flank of the operating troops. However, the soldiers were still able to maneuver and take the advantage, pushing the bandits to scamper to different directions after hours of the firefight.
After the clearing operation, reports from the Joint Task Force Sulu disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf suffered heavy casualties as focused military operations are being intensified. Bloodstains were also seen in the areas where the bandits previously positioned during the encounter.
Troops were also able to find the body of one (1) Abu Sayyaf who was killed during the firefight. His identity is yet to be known.
Meanwhile, two (2) M16 rifles belonging to the fleeing bandits were seized by the 41IB.
Close air support and casualty evacuation were being provided by the Air Force, while clearing operations were subsequently conducted by the engaged troops.
Four soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly airlifted yesterday afternoon to Zamboanga City for further medical attention. Three of the wounded soldiers were brought to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City, while another soldier was brought to a private hospital in the city. The four soldiers, however, are already stable as of press time.
Twenty-eight others suffered slight splinter wounds and are currently recuperating at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
“Our Joint Task Force Sulu continues to exhaust all efforts and means to contain the Abu Sayyaf and constrict its movement. We are continuously intensifying the conduct of focused military operations, in coordination with the local government and the people of Sulu, to rescue the kidnap victims and to neutralize the terrorist group,” said Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.
“We are confident that we can achieve this with the support of the people of Sulu and the local government.”
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/03/government-troops-clash-with-abus-in-sulu/
DWDD: New Zealand’s Frigate visits the Philippines
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 4): New Zealand’s Frigate visits the Philippines
Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila – Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Te Kaha (F77), the first Anzac class frigate operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and skippered by Commander Stephen John Lenik, arrived here earlier today for a goodwill visit to the Philippines that will conclude on April 7, 2017.
Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila – Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship (HMNZS) Te Kaha (F77), the first Anzac class frigate operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and skippered by Commander Stephen John Lenik, arrived here earlier today for a goodwill visit to the Philippines that will conclude on April 7, 2017.
Philippine Navy (PN) vessel BRP Rajah Humabon (FF11) rendered customary meeting procedures at the vicinity of Corregidor Island and escorted the vessels to its designated berthing area. PN representatives then accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a port briefing related to security and health aboard F77.
The four-day visit will include series of confidence building engagements between PN and RNZN personnel such as courtesy call on the Flag Officer In Command, PN by the Commander of Joint Forces, Major Gen. Tim Gall and Maritime Component Commander, Commodore James Gilmour, wreath laying ceremony at Rizal Monument in Luneta, shipboard tour, reciprocal receptions and goodwill games of basketball, volleyball, football and tug of war.
The engagement between the Philippine and New Zealand navies will cap off with a send-off ceremony and a customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) between F77 and a designated PN vessel in the vicinity of Corregidor Island.
This visit by a foreign navy and the fitting reception bestowed by PN manifest a sustained promotion of peace and stability, and enhancement of maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy and camaraderie.
MILF: BLMI, PAHRODF conduct Training on Administration and Management, visit training facilities’ sites
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 2): BLMI, PAHRODF conduct Training on Administration and Management, visit training facilities’ sites
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in partnership with Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF) has conducted a six -day training on Administration, Management and Benchmarking visit on different training facilities’ sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City from March 23-28. 2017.
The ten (10) trainees who participated were BLMI Officers headed by Executive Director, Sheikh Mahmod S. Ahmad, Unit heads and BLMI Volunteers.
The first two-day activity was held in Bahay Alumni, Brokenshire, Compound, Madapo Hills, Davao city. The two-day sessions focused on BLMI Training Centre Administration and Management as well as orientation on benchmarking visit.
Ms. Ermarie A. Mondejar “Ems”, DAP Vice President/ Managing Director for Conference Center lectured on Module 1 and 2 on the first day. She touched on Planning and Marketing the Training Centre. She presented significant concepts and practices on planning and marketing strategies.
For her part, Ms. Pag-asa Lubag-Dogelio “Page” DAP Program Officer for Conference Center lectured on Module 3 and 4 tackled on Managing the Training Centre and Best Practices. She elucidated the principles and practices of Management of Learning and Facility Management and its processes.
Both resource persons and the facilitators were from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) an institution expert on administrative concepts, organizational management among others. Ms. Theresa Sarona (Maam Inday) from PAHRODF was also present to oversee the flow of activities.
In a bid to acquire more relevant knowledge through in-depth inquiry and observation, the BLMI Trainees made a benchmarking visit to different Training sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City. The first three (3) site visits were in Davao city on March 23 at Brokenshire Alumni Foundation Inc. Another benchmarking visit was in Mindanao Training Resource Centre (MTRC) and Davao Episcopal Training Centre.
On March 26, the BLMI Trainees took an extra mile travel to Tagaytay City where DAP Training Centre and other sites are located. The trainees were warmly welcomed by DAP Officials during their courtesy call and spent their remaining days from March 26-28 at DAP Training Center by making an ocular tour on DAP Conference Centre facilities and engaged in cordial inquiry with its different units’ heads related to administrative and management of DAP Training and Conference Centre.
On the last-day of Benchmarking visit, the BLMI Trainees were also able to meet DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr, exchanged jovial conversation and gained valuable inputs from the DAP Executive.
Dr. Kalaw said that it was a strange to him that his first assignment as DAP executive in 2006 was to help the BLMI getting developed, so BLMI is no longer new to him.
The last Benchmarking visit was made on March 28 at Helena Z. Benitez National Program and Training Centre also in Tagaytay along Calamaba Road. The BLMI Trainees were welcomed by the Administrator and had a conversation and tour of its training facilities.
In his culminating message, Sheikh Ahmad expressed his profoundest gratitude to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through PAHRODF and Maam Inday for the technical assistance extended to BLMI. He also thanked the DAP management, the resource speakers and facilitators who provided viable skills and valuable inputs to BLMI trainees that can be applied in managing the BLMI Training Center.
Mr. Alan S. Cajes, DAP Managing Director and Maam Inday of PAHRODF also expressed their respective message of appreciation to BLMI Management and Trainees for having a high passion of updating to new knowledge and openness to new learning environment for the betterment of BLMI and the Bangsamoro as a whole.
The six-day series of session and Benchmarking visits were facilitated by Ms. Cheng Rasco, Ms. Avon Sinajon, Maam Page” and Ms. Justine Imbag, all employees of DAP Davao City Regional Office and Central Office in Pasig City and Tagaytay City.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1134-blmi-pahrodf-conduct-training-on-administration-and-management-visit-training-facilities-sites-2
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in partnership with Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF) has conducted a six -day training on Administration, Management and Benchmarking visit on different training facilities’ sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City from March 23-28. 2017.
The ten (10) trainees who participated were BLMI Officers headed by Executive Director, Sheikh Mahmod S. Ahmad, Unit heads and BLMI Volunteers.
The first two-day activity was held in Bahay Alumni, Brokenshire, Compound, Madapo Hills, Davao city. The two-day sessions focused on BLMI Training Centre Administration and Management as well as orientation on benchmarking visit.
Ms. Ermarie A. Mondejar “Ems”, DAP Vice President/ Managing Director for Conference Center lectured on Module 1 and 2 on the first day. She touched on Planning and Marketing the Training Centre. She presented significant concepts and practices on planning and marketing strategies.
For her part, Ms. Pag-asa Lubag-Dogelio “Page” DAP Program Officer for Conference Center lectured on Module 3 and 4 tackled on Managing the Training Centre and Best Practices. She elucidated the principles and practices of Management of Learning and Facility Management and its processes.
Both resource persons and the facilitators were from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) an institution expert on administrative concepts, organizational management among others. Ms. Theresa Sarona (Maam Inday) from PAHRODF was also present to oversee the flow of activities.
In a bid to acquire more relevant knowledge through in-depth inquiry and observation, the BLMI Trainees made a benchmarking visit to different Training sites in Davao city and Tagaytay City. The first three (3) site visits were in Davao city on March 23 at Brokenshire Alumni Foundation Inc. Another benchmarking visit was in Mindanao Training Resource Centre (MTRC) and Davao Episcopal Training Centre.
On March 26, the BLMI Trainees took an extra mile travel to Tagaytay City where DAP Training Centre and other sites are located. The trainees were warmly welcomed by DAP Officials during their courtesy call and spent their remaining days from March 26-28 at DAP Training Center by making an ocular tour on DAP Conference Centre facilities and engaged in cordial inquiry with its different units’ heads related to administrative and management of DAP Training and Conference Centre.
On the last-day of Benchmarking visit, the BLMI Trainees were also able to meet DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw, Jr, exchanged jovial conversation and gained valuable inputs from the DAP Executive.
Dr. Kalaw said that it was a strange to him that his first assignment as DAP executive in 2006 was to help the BLMI getting developed, so BLMI is no longer new to him.
The last Benchmarking visit was made on March 28 at Helena Z. Benitez National Program and Training Centre also in Tagaytay along Calamaba Road. The BLMI Trainees were welcomed by the Administrator and had a conversation and tour of its training facilities.
In his culminating message, Sheikh Ahmad expressed his profoundest gratitude to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through PAHRODF and Maam Inday for the technical assistance extended to BLMI. He also thanked the DAP management, the resource speakers and facilitators who provided viable skills and valuable inputs to BLMI trainees that can be applied in managing the BLMI Training Center.
Mr. Alan S. Cajes, DAP Managing Director and Maam Inday of PAHRODF also expressed their respective message of appreciation to BLMI Management and Trainees for having a high passion of updating to new knowledge and openness to new learning environment for the betterment of BLMI and the Bangsamoro as a whole.
The six-day series of session and Benchmarking visits were facilitated by Ms. Cheng Rasco, Ms. Avon Sinajon, Maam Page” and Ms. Justine Imbag, all employees of DAP Davao City Regional Office and Central Office in Pasig City and Tagaytay City.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1134-blmi-pahrodf-conduct-training-on-administration-and-management-visit-training-facilities-sites-2
MILF: KPI holds Focus Group Discussion
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 3): KPI holds Focus Group Discussion
The Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute Inc. (KPI) jointly held Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with a group of Overseas Bangsamoro Workers who are on vacation in the Bangsamoro homeland on the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process on April 1, 2017 at Cotabato City.
Professor Esmael A. Abdula, Executive Director of KPI and BLMI Steering Committee member who served as resource person told the participants that the main agenda of the peace process is ‘How to Solve the Bangsamoro Problem? “The peace process is a political means to achieve the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination”, Abdula stressed.
Abdula explained the stages of the Bangsamoro Struggle for Right to Self Determination, and the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.
He narrated the Bangsamoro armed struggle from 1968-1997 and cited the bloody war during Martial Law, the Estrada – All-out war of April 2000, Gloria Arroyo’s– All-out war of February 11, 2004 and the 2008 offensive launched by Comdr. Bravo and the late Aleem Ameril Umbra at the aftermath of Supreme Court’s junking of the MOA-AD.
Abdula also mentioned the two major signed agreements, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that recognized the legitimate cause of the Bangsamoro people and provided for the creation of a Bangsamoro new political entity in Southern Philippines.
"Last February24, 2017, the government and the MILF launched the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) composed of 21 members. It was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.
The new BTC is composed of 11 members nominated by the MILF and 10 members nominated by the government.
MILF 1st Vice Chair Ghazali Jaafar has been chosen by the MILF Central Committee to chair the
expanded commission.
The 10 members who were nominated by the government panel are lawyers Jose Lorena, Maisara Damdamun-Latiph, Hussin Amin, Atty. Firdausi Abbas and Omar Yasser Sema; Samira Gutoc, Dr. Susana Anayatin, Datu Mussolini Lidasan, Romeo Saliga and Hatimil Hassan. Saliga represents the Indigenous Peoples (IP).
The 11 members nominated by the MILF are Jaafar, Mohagher Iqbal, Abdulraof Macacua, Ibrahim Ali, Atty. Raisa Jajurie, Said Shiek, Hussein Munoz, Timuay MelanioUlama, Gafur Kanain, Ammal Solaiman and Haron Abas.
Iqbal, Ali, Jajurie, Ulama, Munoz and Shiek were members of the previous BTC with Iqbal as the chairman. None of the former members nominated by government has been reappointed.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1135-kpi-holds-focus-group-discussion
The Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute Inc. (KPI) jointly held Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with a group of Overseas Bangsamoro Workers who are on vacation in the Bangsamoro homeland on the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process on April 1, 2017 at Cotabato City.
Professor Esmael A. Abdula, Executive Director of KPI and BLMI Steering Committee member who served as resource person told the participants that the main agenda of the peace process is ‘How to Solve the Bangsamoro Problem? “The peace process is a political means to achieve the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination”, Abdula stressed.
Abdula explained the stages of the Bangsamoro Struggle for Right to Self Determination, and the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.
He narrated the Bangsamoro armed struggle from 1968-1997 and cited the bloody war during Martial Law, the Estrada – All-out war of April 2000, Gloria Arroyo’s– All-out war of February 11, 2004 and the 2008 offensive launched by Comdr. Bravo and the late Aleem Ameril Umbra at the aftermath of Supreme Court’s junking of the MOA-AD.
Abdula also mentioned the two major signed agreements, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that recognized the legitimate cause of the Bangsamoro people and provided for the creation of a Bangsamoro new political entity in Southern Philippines.
"Last February24, 2017, the government and the MILF launched the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) composed of 21 members. It was held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.
The new BTC is composed of 11 members nominated by the MILF and 10 members nominated by the government.
MILF 1st Vice Chair Ghazali Jaafar has been chosen by the MILF Central Committee to chair the
expanded commission.
The 10 members who were nominated by the government panel are lawyers Jose Lorena, Maisara Damdamun-Latiph, Hussin Amin, Atty. Firdausi Abbas and Omar Yasser Sema; Samira Gutoc, Dr. Susana Anayatin, Datu Mussolini Lidasan, Romeo Saliga and Hatimil Hassan. Saliga represents the Indigenous Peoples (IP).
The 11 members nominated by the MILF are Jaafar, Mohagher Iqbal, Abdulraof Macacua, Ibrahim Ali, Atty. Raisa Jajurie, Said Shiek, Hussein Munoz, Timuay MelanioUlama, Gafur Kanain, Ammal Solaiman and Haron Abas.
Iqbal, Ali, Jajurie, Ulama, Munoz and Shiek were members of the previous BTC with Iqbal as the chairman. None of the former members nominated by government has been reappointed.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1135-kpi-holds-focus-group-discussion
MILF: BDA-ZamBas, PO’s pay visit to LARBECO, Basilan
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 3): BDA-ZamBas, PO’s pay visit to LARBECO, Basilan
Bangsamoro Development Agency- Zamboanga-Basilan Region (BDA-ZamBas), Peoples Organizations paid a visit to Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO) on March 27, 2017.
LARBECO, formerly known as Yakan Plantation was bought by former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 1980 and was its owner until 1988. Its major products are coconut, cacao and rubber. It is one of the most successful and lucrative cooperatives in the island.
Darul Hidaya Association (DHA) and United Ulitan Association (UUA), the peoples’ organizations organized by BDA-ZamBas sought to learn from LARBECO’s success story such as management and operation.
Mr. Edilberto S. Martinez, the Coop chairman said, “Trust and support of the members to the leadership of the cooperative is of paramount importance and this has been practiced by our members and employees since the company was turned over by the government to the beneficiaries in 1994. The government bought it from Enrile.
“Yakan Plantation was very successful during Enrile’s ownership. When the government took over from 1988-1994 it went bankrupt. After the cooperative was turned over to the cooperative in 1994, it started to ascend again and got successful”, Martinez said.
However, Martinez admitted that the cooperative inherited some debts”.
Ustadz Abdulaziz Andoang, a PO Officer appreciated the tour and said, “We will apply the knowledge we gained from this visit especially the inter-cropping of cacao and rubber in between coconuts, coffee and abaca”.
Martinez told the PO officers that he is willing to help them in terms of technical know-how and provide seedlings too.
Mr. Tawab S. Kararon, BDAZamBas Manager explained to the Coop officers about BDA as it is a humanitarian and development aspect of the GPH-MILF Agreement signed in Tripoli, Libya in 2001. The coop leadership and management appreciated and acknowledged BDA’s vision and mission and willing to partner with it on development from now on and onward.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1136-bda-zambas-po-s-pay-visit-to-larbeco-basilan
Bangsamoro Development Agency- Zamboanga-Basilan Region (BDA-ZamBas), Peoples Organizations paid a visit to Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO) on March 27, 2017.
LARBECO, formerly known as Yakan Plantation was bought by former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile in 1980 and was its owner until 1988. Its major products are coconut, cacao and rubber. It is one of the most successful and lucrative cooperatives in the island.
Darul Hidaya Association (DHA) and United Ulitan Association (UUA), the peoples’ organizations organized by BDA-ZamBas sought to learn from LARBECO’s success story such as management and operation.
Mr. Edilberto S. Martinez, the Coop chairman said, “Trust and support of the members to the leadership of the cooperative is of paramount importance and this has been practiced by our members and employees since the company was turned over by the government to the beneficiaries in 1994. The government bought it from Enrile.
“Yakan Plantation was very successful during Enrile’s ownership. When the government took over from 1988-1994 it went bankrupt. After the cooperative was turned over to the cooperative in 1994, it started to ascend again and got successful”, Martinez said.
However, Martinez admitted that the cooperative inherited some debts”.
Ustadz Abdulaziz Andoang, a PO Officer appreciated the tour and said, “We will apply the knowledge we gained from this visit especially the inter-cropping of cacao and rubber in between coconuts, coffee and abaca”.
Martinez told the PO officers that he is willing to help them in terms of technical know-how and provide seedlings too.
Mr. Tawab S. Kararon, BDAZamBas Manager explained to the Coop officers about BDA as it is a humanitarian and development aspect of the GPH-MILF Agreement signed in Tripoli, Libya in 2001. The coop leadership and management appreciated and acknowledged BDA’s vision and mission and willing to partner with it on development from now on and onward.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1136-bda-zambas-po-s-pay-visit-to-larbeco-basilan
MILF: BDA- ZamBas Region turns-over Warehouse and Two Solar dryers to Peoples’ Organizations in Basilan
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 4): BDA- ZamBas Region turns-over Warehouse and Two Solar dryers to Peoples’ Organizations in Basilan BDA- ZamBas Region turns-over Warehouse and Two Solar dryers to Peoples’ Organizations in Basilan
BDA ZamBas Region turned-over a warehouse and two solar dryers to peoples’ organization in Barangay Ulitan of Ungkaya Pukan and Guiong of Sumisip, Basilan on March 29.
The projects fall under the Bangsamoro Assistance and Development for Community Empowerment with the acronym BM-ADVANCE is one of MTF-RDP funded by World Bank with the objectives to assist in the economic recovery of the conflict affected communities in Mindanao and support the confidence building measures of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front as provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).
The Sub-Projects were turned over to Ulitan United Association (UUA) of Barangay Ulitan and Darul Hidayah Association (DHA) of Guiong. The keys of the warehouse were given to its presidents by Ustadz Hashim Mantikan, Project Officer-BDA Central Management Office based in Cotabato City and accepted by the two POs’ Presidents Mr. Adzhar Malangka of UUA and Ustadz Musliman D. Usman of DHA.
Mantikayan said in his message “I want to ask an apology for being late due to unpredictable incident and that is part of sabr (sobriety) just like our struggle needs sabr which has been inherited from our forefathers until now we are still in the state of sabr. But it does not mean we are going to stop rather, we should continue until we attain our main objective. Unity is very important to gain our objective and success of this community and the Bangsamoro as a whole”.
Vice Mayor Ramiz Balahim of Ungkaya Pukan informed the community of Ulitan to be united as project is pouring in “as unity is very crucial for its success especially at this time when concreting of its road is underway as a manifestation of your unity, you were heard by the Local government.”
Mr. Tawab S. Kararon, Manager of BDA-ZamBas Region advised the officers and members of the two People organizations’ to take care of the solar dryers as they have been handed over to you now that the responsibilities especially the operation and maintenance are in your hands.
The turn over activities was made at Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan in the morning of March 29, while the one in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip was held in the afternoon of the same day.
Sumisip just like Ungkaya Pukan is an impoverished Moro town where some bloody encounters between the military and the notorious Abu Sayaaf Group (ASG) took place in the past.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1137-bda-zambas-region-turns-over-warehouse-and-two-solar-dryers-to-peoples-organizations-in-basilan
BDA ZamBas Region turned-over a warehouse and two solar dryers to peoples’ organization in Barangay Ulitan of Ungkaya Pukan and Guiong of Sumisip, Basilan on March 29.
The projects fall under the Bangsamoro Assistance and Development for Community Empowerment with the acronym BM-ADVANCE is one of MTF-RDP funded by World Bank with the objectives to assist in the economic recovery of the conflict affected communities in Mindanao and support the confidence building measures of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front as provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).
The Sub-Projects were turned over to Ulitan United Association (UUA) of Barangay Ulitan and Darul Hidayah Association (DHA) of Guiong. The keys of the warehouse were given to its presidents by Ustadz Hashim Mantikan, Project Officer-BDA Central Management Office based in Cotabato City and accepted by the two POs’ Presidents Mr. Adzhar Malangka of UUA and Ustadz Musliman D. Usman of DHA.
Mantikayan said in his message “I want to ask an apology for being late due to unpredictable incident and that is part of sabr (sobriety) just like our struggle needs sabr which has been inherited from our forefathers until now we are still in the state of sabr. But it does not mean we are going to stop rather, we should continue until we attain our main objective. Unity is very important to gain our objective and success of this community and the Bangsamoro as a whole”.
Vice Mayor Ramiz Balahim of Ungkaya Pukan informed the community of Ulitan to be united as project is pouring in “as unity is very crucial for its success especially at this time when concreting of its road is underway as a manifestation of your unity, you were heard by the Local government.”
Mr. Tawab S. Kararon, Manager of BDA-ZamBas Region advised the officers and members of the two People organizations’ to take care of the solar dryers as they have been handed over to you now that the responsibilities especially the operation and maintenance are in your hands.
The turn over activities was made at Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan in the morning of March 29, while the one in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip was held in the afternoon of the same day.
Sumisip just like Ungkaya Pukan is an impoverished Moro town where some bloody encounters between the military and the notorious Abu Sayaaf Group (ASG) took place in the past.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1137-bda-zambas-region-turns-over-warehouse-and-two-solar-dryers-to-peoples-organizations-in-basilan
NDF: NDFP, GRP determined to resolve snags, move talks forward
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 4): NDFP, GRP determined to resolve snags, move talks forward
NDFP Media Office
Press Release
3 April 2017
The fourth round of formal peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) formally opened this morning at Noordwijk, The Netherlands, with both Parties expressing determination to resolve current problems and move the talks forward.
Shaky start
The talks were off to a shaky start, with the formal opening postponed twice–first to give the GRP panel time for internal caucus, and second for the two Parties to hold informal discussions on a bilateral interim ceasefire agreement. The fourth round of talks should have opened yesterday morning, as agreed upon in the
The GRP and NDFP panels last night agreed to go ahead with the formal opening today and continue talks this afternoon on the bilateral ceasefire. At the open forum, both Parties declined to comment on questions regarding the status of the talks on the bilateral interim ceasefire, preferring to wait for the final outcome at the end of this round of talks.
The atmosphere of uncertainty comes in the wake of the impasse last February after GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the talks after the New People’s Army lifted its unilateral ceasefire. Duterte also ordered the rearrest of Philippine-based NDFP consultants released on bail in order to participate in the talks. One of the consultants, Mindanao-based Ariel Arbitrario, was arrested at a checkpoint in Davao City on February 5 following Duterte’s verbal orders. He was released on 29 March and is part of the NDFP delegation for this round.
The talks resumed after backchannel talks were held in Utrecht, The Netherlands last 10-11 March. Both Parties agreed to work on a bilateral ceasefire agreement in the fourth round. Meantime, they agreed to reinstate their respective unilateral ceasefires.
However, the GRP announced last 31 March that it would no longer declare a unilateral ceasefire, saying it would push for a bilateral ceasefire agreement ahead of further talks on other items in the agenda.
Common ground on social and economic reforms
In his opening remarks, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, the NDFP’s chief political consultant, highlighted the importance of the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), observing that the parties’ respective drafts have enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground to be able to forge an agreements by yearend. He stressed, however, that as a matter of principle, CASER must be a step ahead of the joint ceasefire agreement being demanded by the GRP, unless both can be signed at the same time.
NDFP panel chair Fidel Agcaoili shared Professor Sison’s positive views and reiterated the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER ahead of any single joint ceasefire agreement. He noted that ceasefires are just a means to an end, with their main purpose being to create conditions conducive to reaching agreements on basic reforms that are satisfactory to both sides.
Violations of rights accord
Agcaoili moreover raised the NDFP’s concerns over the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed in 1998, citing, among others, the promised release of 19 ailing and elderly political prisoners, the continued detention of six NDFP consultants, the unresolved cases of enforced disappearance and murder of JASIG-protected personnel under the Arroyo regime, and escalating military operations that terrorize communities. He cited statistics from the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, stating that up to 46 farmers have been killed under the Duterte government, half of them after the AFP declared its all-out war policy last February 2.
Agcaoili, however, acknowledged the progress made by the Duterte government in providing compensation to victims of the Marcos dictatorship.
Finally, he expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Royal Norwegian Government as Third Party Facilitator, in helping the parties overcome the obstacles and realize the continuation of the formal talks as scheduled.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-grp-determined-resolve-snags-move-talks-forward/
NDFP Media Office
Press Release
3 April 2017
The fourth round of formal peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) formally opened this morning at Noordwijk, The Netherlands, with both Parties expressing determination to resolve current problems and move the talks forward.
Shaky start
The talks were off to a shaky start, with the formal opening postponed twice–first to give the GRP panel time for internal caucus, and second for the two Parties to hold informal discussions on a bilateral interim ceasefire agreement. The fourth round of talks should have opened yesterday morning, as agreed upon in the
The GRP and NDFP panels last night agreed to go ahead with the formal opening today and continue talks this afternoon on the bilateral ceasefire. At the open forum, both Parties declined to comment on questions regarding the status of the talks on the bilateral interim ceasefire, preferring to wait for the final outcome at the end of this round of talks.
The atmosphere of uncertainty comes in the wake of the impasse last February after GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the talks after the New People’s Army lifted its unilateral ceasefire. Duterte also ordered the rearrest of Philippine-based NDFP consultants released on bail in order to participate in the talks. One of the consultants, Mindanao-based Ariel Arbitrario, was arrested at a checkpoint in Davao City on February 5 following Duterte’s verbal orders. He was released on 29 March and is part of the NDFP delegation for this round.
The talks resumed after backchannel talks were held in Utrecht, The Netherlands last 10-11 March. Both Parties agreed to work on a bilateral ceasefire agreement in the fourth round. Meantime, they agreed to reinstate their respective unilateral ceasefires.
However, the GRP announced last 31 March that it would no longer declare a unilateral ceasefire, saying it would push for a bilateral ceasefire agreement ahead of further talks on other items in the agenda.
Common ground on social and economic reforms
In his opening remarks, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, the NDFP’s chief political consultant, highlighted the importance of the ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), observing that the parties’ respective drafts have enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground to be able to forge an agreements by yearend. He stressed, however, that as a matter of principle, CASER must be a step ahead of the joint ceasefire agreement being demanded by the GRP, unless both can be signed at the same time.
NDFP panel chair Fidel Agcaoili shared Professor Sison’s positive views and reiterated the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER ahead of any single joint ceasefire agreement. He noted that ceasefires are just a means to an end, with their main purpose being to create conditions conducive to reaching agreements on basic reforms that are satisfactory to both sides.
Violations of rights accord
Agcaoili moreover raised the NDFP’s concerns over the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed in 1998, citing, among others, the promised release of 19 ailing and elderly political prisoners, the continued detention of six NDFP consultants, the unresolved cases of enforced disappearance and murder of JASIG-protected personnel under the Arroyo regime, and escalating military operations that terrorize communities. He cited statistics from the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, stating that up to 46 farmers have been killed under the Duterte government, half of them after the AFP declared its all-out war policy last February 2.
Agcaoili, however, acknowledged the progress made by the Duterte government in providing compensation to victims of the Marcos dictatorship.
Finally, he expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Royal Norwegian Government as Third Party Facilitator, in helping the parties overcome the obstacles and realize the continuation of the formal talks as scheduled.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-grp-determined-resolve-snags-move-talks-forward/
NDF: NDFP RWC-SER alarmed with escalating killing of farmers engaged in agrarian struggles
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 3): NDFP RWC-SER alarmed with escalating killing of farmers engaged in agrarian struggles
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) has expressed utmost concern and alarm with the series of extrajudicial killings of farmers and peasant activists actively engaged in agrarian struggles.
The fourth round of talks is underway when reports came in on the killing of farmer-activist Danilo Nadal, 37 years old, a member of Hugpong sa Mag-uuma sa Pantukan (HUMAPAN). Based on initial reports, Nadal was shot and killed while on board his single motorcycle in Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan, Compostela Valley last April 2. Nadal reportedly sustained ten gunshot wounds. He is active in land struggles and campaign against human rights violations and militarization of peasant communities. Perpetrators are suspected agents of the 46th IBPA operating in Compostela Valley.
He is the 11th farmer killed in Compostela Valley, bringing to 47 the number of farmers, indigenous people and workers killed under the Duterte administration.
This latest incident of agrarian-related killing happened days after farmers called the government’s attention on the successive killings of peasant leaders and farmers which escalated after the termination of the unilateral ceasefire agreements and as a direct result of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ all-out war declaration against the CPP-NPA that also indiscriminately targets and harms civilians.
Violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Law (CARHRIHL) including but not limited to political killings, human rights violations and massive evacuation of peasant communities due to intense military operations will be raised as ‘urgent matters of concern’ by the NDFP panel to its GRP counterpart during the formal talks.
RWC-SER Consultant Randall Echanis said there is a need to accelerate discussion on the provisions of CASER’s agrarian reform and rural development to address landlessness and agrarian unrest.
The NDFP RWC-SER will propose the free land distribution of the following: lands targeted by government for distribution, big landholdings and land estates including haciendas that are under the control of private individuals or entities, disputed lands with local agrarian reform and peasant struggles and lands already occupied by farmers through various forms of land cultivation and collective farming activities.
Echanis said the breaking up of land monopolies and free land distribution are just, necessary and urgent corrective measures to the centuries-old social injustices suffered by farmers as a result of exploitative relations of production. During the third round of talks, the GRP agreed on principle to free land distribution but both reciprocal working committees are expected in this round to work intensively to come up with a common agreement.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-rwc-ser-alarmed-escalating-killing-farmers-engaged-agrarian-struggles/
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) has expressed utmost concern and alarm with the series of extrajudicial killings of farmers and peasant activists actively engaged in agrarian struggles.
The fourth round of talks is underway when reports came in on the killing of farmer-activist Danilo Nadal, 37 years old, a member of Hugpong sa Mag-uuma sa Pantukan (HUMAPAN). Based on initial reports, Nadal was shot and killed while on board his single motorcycle in Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan, Compostela Valley last April 2. Nadal reportedly sustained ten gunshot wounds. He is active in land struggles and campaign against human rights violations and militarization of peasant communities. Perpetrators are suspected agents of the 46th IBPA operating in Compostela Valley.
He is the 11th farmer killed in Compostela Valley, bringing to 47 the number of farmers, indigenous people and workers killed under the Duterte administration.
This latest incident of agrarian-related killing happened days after farmers called the government’s attention on the successive killings of peasant leaders and farmers which escalated after the termination of the unilateral ceasefire agreements and as a direct result of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ all-out war declaration against the CPP-NPA that also indiscriminately targets and harms civilians.
Violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Law (CARHRIHL) including but not limited to political killings, human rights violations and massive evacuation of peasant communities due to intense military operations will be raised as ‘urgent matters of concern’ by the NDFP panel to its GRP counterpart during the formal talks.
RWC-SER Consultant Randall Echanis said there is a need to accelerate discussion on the provisions of CASER’s agrarian reform and rural development to address landlessness and agrarian unrest.
The NDFP RWC-SER will propose the free land distribution of the following: lands targeted by government for distribution, big landholdings and land estates including haciendas that are under the control of private individuals or entities, disputed lands with local agrarian reform and peasant struggles and lands already occupied by farmers through various forms of land cultivation and collective farming activities.
Echanis said the breaking up of land monopolies and free land distribution are just, necessary and urgent corrective measures to the centuries-old social injustices suffered by farmers as a result of exploitative relations of production. During the third round of talks, the GRP agreed on principle to free land distribution but both reciprocal working committees are expected in this round to work intensively to come up with a common agreement.
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-rwc-ser-alarmed-escalating-killing-farmers-engaged-agrarian-struggles/
NDF/Agcaoili: Opening speech for the fourth round of talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
Propaganda statement of Fidel V. Agcaoili posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 3): Opening speech for the fourth round of talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
Noordwijk an Zee, The Netherlands 3 April 2017
By Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson Negotiating Panel of the NDF
Your Excellencies from the Royal Norwegian Government, specifically Special Envoy Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum and her team of facilitators,
Compatriots in The Netherlands and the Negotiating Panels and Delegations of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP),
Esteemed guests,
I think it is significant to note that the fourth round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations opens on the heels of the 48th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA). On March 29, just four days ago, the NPA, the armed force of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which is an allied organization of the NDFP, marked its 48th year of revolutionary armed struggle.
Today, we have new generations of Filipinos, spread across the country, taking up arms to address the same basic problems that have hounded our history as a people – poverty, inequity, injustice, oppression. The resilience of the NPA is as much a testament to the inexhaustible participation and support of the people as it is an indictment of the failure of the system and its successive governments to address the socio-economic roots of the armed conflict.
This is why the NDFP Negotiating Panel comes to this fourth round of formal talks determined as ever to push and accelerate the negotiations in the hopes of forging a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms by the end of 2017.
The NDFP’s chief political consultant, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, has already raised key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms or the CASER in rela- tion to a roadmap for the peace process.
I share Professor Sison’s positive views and reiterate the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER ahead of any bilateral ceasefire agreement, unless both agreements can be signed simultaneously. It is important to stress this as the issue of ceasefire should not be pursued as an end in itself.
Ceasefires, whether unilateral or bilateral, are just a means to an end. Its main purpose is to create conditions conducive to reaching agreements on basic re- forms that are satisfactory to both sides.
However, let me note that the NDFP rues the GRP’s sudden announcement not to restore its unilateral ceasefire, which is an unexpected departure from the March 11 backchannel agreement. Yet the NDF Negotiating Panel, in the spirit of flexibility and openness, desirous of fostering a positive climate for continuing the peace talks and building on the gains achieved in the last three rounds, is willing to discuss with its counterpart what kind of bilateral ceasefire agreement is desired by the GRP in place of the unilateral ceasefire.
The NDFP believes it is possible to have a bilateral ceasefire agreement that conforms to the position that simultaneous and reciprocal declarations of unilateral ceasefire can be agreed upon and bound by a Memorandum of Understanding that shall be issued at the end of the fourth round of formal talks.
We trust and hope that our counterparts in the GRP side will be as open and resolute in ad- dressing the long drawn-out issues concerning the implementation of an already existing agreement – the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL.
These outstanding issues concern the promised release of 19 ailing and elderly political prisoners; the continued detention of six NDFP consultants—four arrested under the Arroyo regime and two under the Duterte government; the unresolved cases of enforced disappearance and murder of JASIG-protected NDFP personnel during the Arroyo regime; escalating military operations that terrorize communities under the guise of peace and development projects of Oplan Bayanihan; human rights violations and lack of due process in the anti-drugs campaign; and the political rehabilitation of the Marcos family, among others.
In relation to escalating militarization in the countryside, 46 farmers have already been killed under the Duterte administration, according to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilip- inas. Fifty percent of these killings were perpetrated following the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ implementation of an “all-out war” policy on February 2, or a rate of one farmer killed every two days.
On the other hand, the NDFP welcomes the progress made in the issue of compensation for victims of martial law and hopes that the process of indemnifying the victims can be further accelerated to ensure that justice is rendered to the victims.
Before I end, on behalf of the NDFP Panel, I sincerely thank the Royal Norwegian Govern- ment for its continuing and crucial support to the peace negotiations, especially as these took a difficult turn in the last two months. It was a wrenching experience for the NDFP consultants in the Philippines as they faced intensified harassment and imminent arrest, with one consultant actually being jailed. We commend the RNG for walking the extra mile to push the backchannel talks and put the peace process back on track.
Today, we welcome back arrested NDFP consultant Ariel Arbitrario into our fold, and we hope that no more such arbitrary incidents will recur to obstruct the advance of the peace process under the Duterte administration.
We look forward to fruitful discussions in the next four days in the common effort to find solutions to seal an enduring and just peace for our country through mutually acceptable comprehensive agreements on necessary reforms.
Thank you, and a good morning to all.
https://www.ndfp.org/opening-speech-for-the-fourth-round-of-talks-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
Noordwijk an Zee, The Netherlands 3 April 2017
By Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson Negotiating Panel of the NDF
Your Excellencies from the Royal Norwegian Government, specifically Special Envoy Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum and her team of facilitators,
Compatriots in The Netherlands and the Negotiating Panels and Delegations of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP),
Esteemed guests,
I think it is significant to note that the fourth round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations opens on the heels of the 48th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA). On March 29, just four days ago, the NPA, the armed force of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which is an allied organization of the NDFP, marked its 48th year of revolutionary armed struggle.
Today, we have new generations of Filipinos, spread across the country, taking up arms to address the same basic problems that have hounded our history as a people – poverty, inequity, injustice, oppression. The resilience of the NPA is as much a testament to the inexhaustible participation and support of the people as it is an indictment of the failure of the system and its successive governments to address the socio-economic roots of the armed conflict.
This is why the NDFP Negotiating Panel comes to this fourth round of formal talks determined as ever to push and accelerate the negotiations in the hopes of forging a comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms by the end of 2017.
The NDFP’s chief political consultant, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, has already raised key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms or the CASER in rela- tion to a roadmap for the peace process.
I share Professor Sison’s positive views and reiterate the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER ahead of any bilateral ceasefire agreement, unless both agreements can be signed simultaneously. It is important to stress this as the issue of ceasefire should not be pursued as an end in itself.
Ceasefires, whether unilateral or bilateral, are just a means to an end. Its main purpose is to create conditions conducive to reaching agreements on basic re- forms that are satisfactory to both sides.
However, let me note that the NDFP rues the GRP’s sudden announcement not to restore its unilateral ceasefire, which is an unexpected departure from the March 11 backchannel agreement. Yet the NDF Negotiating Panel, in the spirit of flexibility and openness, desirous of fostering a positive climate for continuing the peace talks and building on the gains achieved in the last three rounds, is willing to discuss with its counterpart what kind of bilateral ceasefire agreement is desired by the GRP in place of the unilateral ceasefire.
The NDFP believes it is possible to have a bilateral ceasefire agreement that conforms to the position that simultaneous and reciprocal declarations of unilateral ceasefire can be agreed upon and bound by a Memorandum of Understanding that shall be issued at the end of the fourth round of formal talks.
We trust and hope that our counterparts in the GRP side will be as open and resolute in ad- dressing the long drawn-out issues concerning the implementation of an already existing agreement – the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL.
These outstanding issues concern the promised release of 19 ailing and elderly political prisoners; the continued detention of six NDFP consultants—four arrested under the Arroyo regime and two under the Duterte government; the unresolved cases of enforced disappearance and murder of JASIG-protected NDFP personnel during the Arroyo regime; escalating military operations that terrorize communities under the guise of peace and development projects of Oplan Bayanihan; human rights violations and lack of due process in the anti-drugs campaign; and the political rehabilitation of the Marcos family, among others.
In relation to escalating militarization in the countryside, 46 farmers have already been killed under the Duterte administration, according to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilip- inas. Fifty percent of these killings were perpetrated following the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ implementation of an “all-out war” policy on February 2, or a rate of one farmer killed every two days.
On the other hand, the NDFP welcomes the progress made in the issue of compensation for victims of martial law and hopes that the process of indemnifying the victims can be further accelerated to ensure that justice is rendered to the victims.
Before I end, on behalf of the NDFP Panel, I sincerely thank the Royal Norwegian Govern- ment for its continuing and crucial support to the peace negotiations, especially as these took a difficult turn in the last two months. It was a wrenching experience for the NDFP consultants in the Philippines as they faced intensified harassment and imminent arrest, with one consultant actually being jailed. We commend the RNG for walking the extra mile to push the backchannel talks and put the peace process back on track.
Today, we welcome back arrested NDFP consultant Ariel Arbitrario into our fold, and we hope that no more such arbitrary incidents will recur to obstruct the advance of the peace process under the Duterte administration.
We look forward to fruitful discussions in the next four days in the common effort to find solutions to seal an enduring and just peace for our country through mutually acceptable comprehensive agreements on necessary reforms.
Thank you, and a good morning to all.
https://www.ndfp.org/opening-speech-for-the-fourth-round-of-talks-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
NDF/Sison: Remarks at the opening ceremonies of the 4th round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
Propaganda statement of Jose Maria Sison posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Apr 3): Remarks at the opening ceremonies of the 4th round of formal talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chief Political Consultant, NDFP Negotiating Panel
Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
03 April 2017
Her Excellency Elisabeth Slattum, Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process,
Hon. Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Hon. Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Chairperson, Negotiating Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)
Comrade Fidel V. Agcaoili, Chairperson, Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)
Dear compatriots in the GRP and NDFP Panels and Delegations
Distinguished guests and friends from various countries,
As Chief Political Consultant of the National Democratic Front in the peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, I welcome you to this opening ceremony of the 4th round of peace talks as agreed upon in the 3rd round of talks in Rome on January 25, 2017. I thank you for your attendance and for your interest in the process to resolve the 48-year long civil war in the Philippines and establish a just and lasting peace.
We all are highly appreciative of both the GRP and NDFP principals and their respective negotiating panels in their determination to pursue the peace negotiations for the benefit of the Filipino people and in accordance with their own demand for peace, national unity and reconciliation. We have therefore been able to overcome some challenges, communication glitches and hitches.
President Duterte has been gracious to let the GRP negotiators go to the backchannel talks of March 10 and 11 in Utrecht and now to the fourth round of formal talks. The NDFP is most interested in the soonest possible forging of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms to respond to the people’s demand for substantive reforms. By its own public pronouncement, the GRP is most interested in obtaining a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the NDFP.
This is soon possible if President Duterte can put forward the amnesty and release of all political prisoners listed by the NDFP. The GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels can validate and bind declarations of unilateral ceasefire as the interim bilateral ceasefire agreement in the Joint Statement to be issued at the end of the fourth round, pending the forging of a single joint ceasefire agreement co-signed by the conflicting parties. This joint ceasefire agreement, more elaborate and more stable than the interim bilateral ceasefire agreement can be immediately consequent to the signing of CASER by the two Negotiating Panels.
We are desirous that through the peace negotiations we can create and develop the conditions to build a strong sovereign and independent nation, with expanded democracy and social justice for the oppressed and exploited people, enjoying the bounty of economic and social development through genuine land reform, national industrialization, ample social services and benefits, and solidarity with all peoples and countries.
The GRP-NDFP peace negotiations are necessary to address the roots of the armed conflict and to agree on the social, economic, political and constitutional reforms in order to lay the basis for a just and lasting peace. We are clearly advancing within the framework set by The Hague Joint Declaration on September 1, 1992. I mention the date to let you anticipate and prepare for the 25th anniversary of this historic document.
The GRP and NDFP have availed of and reaffirmed the major agreements that have been forged within the framework of The Hague Joint Declaration in order to overcome problems and even disruptions and impasses in the peace process.
So far, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as the first item in the substantive agenda had been approved and signed by the GRP and NDFP principals since 1998. It is within the broad framework of international law, especially the International Bill of Rights and the Geneva Conventions.
I continue to be optimistic that within this year, it is possible for the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels to forge and sign the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and the consequent joint ceasefire agreement. I have read and studied the drafts of the proposed agreements from the GRP and NDFP and I have also examined the comparative matrices. I observe that there are enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground for forging the agreements. But I wish to stress as a matter of principle that the people demand that CASER be a step ahead of the joint ceasefire agreement, unless these agreements can be signed at the same time by the panels and then by the principals.
The Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR) can be forged and signed by the panels within three months after CASER because the drafting is already done in advance by the Reciprocal Working Groups on CAPCR. As I stated previously, the NDFP is willing to co-found the Federal Republic of the Philippines with the GRP and cooperate in making the necessary amendments in the 1987 GRP Constitution, provided provisions are retained to prevent dictatorship, dynasties and corruption, uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect human rights, realize social justice and ban foreign military bases, forces and weapons of mass destruction.
The Reciprocal Working Committees on CASER can proceed to unify their respective drafts at an accelerated pace during rounds of formal talks and work meetings of bilateral teams between said rounds. After signing by the panels and principals, the ultimate common draft should be the guide and framework of executive orders and legislation to carry out genuine land reform, lay the foundation of national industrialization, ensure the protection of the environment and wise utilization of natural resources, uphold the people’s rights, improve the wage and living conditions, expand the social services (especially free public education at all levels and free public hospitals and clinics) and develop international economic relations within the context of an independent foreign policy.
All previous land reform programs in the Philippines are bogus because the scope is limited and the landless tillers cannot pay for the redistribution price. It is necessary that this early the negotiating parties find out how much land has been grabbed under various pretexts for so many decades from the indigenous people and poor settlers, especially in logged over areas.
Such land can be returned for free to millions of rightful owners and their successors who also need to be provided with credit, technical assistance and infrastructure support to increase production and cooperation in agriculture and related occupations like handicraft, animal husbandry, poultry, fishing, forestry, horticulture, arboculture and food processing.
Idle or abandoned agricultural lands are almost always the result of violent conflict between the landgrabbers and the dispossessed tillers and must be returned to the latter as the rightful owners. In cases of land expropriation, landlords who did not acquire their lands through land-grabbing can be paid in cash to a certain extent and in larger part in industrial bonds for investing in the industries.
The backbone of feudalism and land-grabbing by bureaucrats and corporations must be broken. It is a matter of social justice that such principle of voluntary sale by the landlord under the 1987 GRP Constitution as well as the equivalence of just compensation to fair market value under EO 228 (July 17, 1987) must be nullified. The stock distribution option in the CARP law must be struck down as a device of corporate swindle, as we have seen in Hacienda Luisita and elsewhere.
With increased agricultural and related production and development in the rural areas, the domestic market for industrial production expands in a self-reliant economy. We can begin in earnest to break the vicious cycle and chronic crisis of underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty. The pattern of exporting raw materials, semi-manufactures and cheap labor, importing finished products and depending on foreign loans and portfolio investments from abroad to cover trade deficits must be broken. We must lay down the foundation for our national industry, process our own natural resources and prevent the extreme and rapid loss of these and the devastation of our environment.
We must reclaim our economic sovereignty, conserve our national patrimony and carry out an independent investment and trade policy, realize the substance of national sovereignty, put in the principal position the combination and cooperation of the public sector and the private sector of Filipino entrepreneurs and managers and put into full play the Filipino scientists, engineers, technologists and mass of workers. We resort to foreign suppliers of capital goods and a minority of foreign investors only to effect needed technology transfer within reasonable periods of time.
The GRP and NDFP must cooperate to achieve the social, economic, political and constitutional reforms that the people need. These require the agencies, documentation and public funding that the GRP can provide. They also require the GRP and NDFP to form a Joint Social and Economic Council to ensure the implementation of CASER. The most important role of the NDFP and its revolutionary components is to avail of their long intimate relations with the people and their ability to further arouse, organize and mobilize the people for the adoption and implementation of reforms, especially against the forces of imperialism and the local reactionaries.
I hope that my remarks can somehow help to illuminate and accelerate the forging of the CASER and CAPCR. If these are indeed signed by the principals soon enough, we might even be able to see their initial two years of implementation before the signing of the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces by the principals.
https://www.ndfp.org/remarks-opening-ceremonies-4th-round-formal-talks-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chief Political Consultant, NDFP Negotiating Panel
Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
03 April 2017
Her Excellency Elisabeth Slattum, Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process,
Hon. Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Hon. Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Chairperson, Negotiating Panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)
Comrade Fidel V. Agcaoili, Chairperson, Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)
Dear compatriots in the GRP and NDFP Panels and Delegations
Distinguished guests and friends from various countries,
As Chief Political Consultant of the National Democratic Front in the peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, I welcome you to this opening ceremony of the 4th round of peace talks as agreed upon in the 3rd round of talks in Rome on January 25, 2017. I thank you for your attendance and for your interest in the process to resolve the 48-year long civil war in the Philippines and establish a just and lasting peace.
We all are highly appreciative of both the GRP and NDFP principals and their respective negotiating panels in their determination to pursue the peace negotiations for the benefit of the Filipino people and in accordance with their own demand for peace, national unity and reconciliation. We have therefore been able to overcome some challenges, communication glitches and hitches.
President Duterte has been gracious to let the GRP negotiators go to the backchannel talks of March 10 and 11 in Utrecht and now to the fourth round of formal talks. The NDFP is most interested in the soonest possible forging of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms to respond to the people’s demand for substantive reforms. By its own public pronouncement, the GRP is most interested in obtaining a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the NDFP.
This is soon possible if President Duterte can put forward the amnesty and release of all political prisoners listed by the NDFP. The GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels can validate and bind declarations of unilateral ceasefire as the interim bilateral ceasefire agreement in the Joint Statement to be issued at the end of the fourth round, pending the forging of a single joint ceasefire agreement co-signed by the conflicting parties. This joint ceasefire agreement, more elaborate and more stable than the interim bilateral ceasefire agreement can be immediately consequent to the signing of CASER by the two Negotiating Panels.
We are desirous that through the peace negotiations we can create and develop the conditions to build a strong sovereign and independent nation, with expanded democracy and social justice for the oppressed and exploited people, enjoying the bounty of economic and social development through genuine land reform, national industrialization, ample social services and benefits, and solidarity with all peoples and countries.
The GRP-NDFP peace negotiations are necessary to address the roots of the armed conflict and to agree on the social, economic, political and constitutional reforms in order to lay the basis for a just and lasting peace. We are clearly advancing within the framework set by The Hague Joint Declaration on September 1, 1992. I mention the date to let you anticipate and prepare for the 25th anniversary of this historic document.
The GRP and NDFP have availed of and reaffirmed the major agreements that have been forged within the framework of The Hague Joint Declaration in order to overcome problems and even disruptions and impasses in the peace process.
So far, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) as the first item in the substantive agenda had been approved and signed by the GRP and NDFP principals since 1998. It is within the broad framework of international law, especially the International Bill of Rights and the Geneva Conventions.
I continue to be optimistic that within this year, it is possible for the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels to forge and sign the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and the consequent joint ceasefire agreement. I have read and studied the drafts of the proposed agreements from the GRP and NDFP and I have also examined the comparative matrices. I observe that there are enough concurrences and similar positions as common ground for forging the agreements. But I wish to stress as a matter of principle that the people demand that CASER be a step ahead of the joint ceasefire agreement, unless these agreements can be signed at the same time by the panels and then by the principals.
The Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR) can be forged and signed by the panels within three months after CASER because the drafting is already done in advance by the Reciprocal Working Groups on CAPCR. As I stated previously, the NDFP is willing to co-found the Federal Republic of the Philippines with the GRP and cooperate in making the necessary amendments in the 1987 GRP Constitution, provided provisions are retained to prevent dictatorship, dynasties and corruption, uphold national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect human rights, realize social justice and ban foreign military bases, forces and weapons of mass destruction.
The Reciprocal Working Committees on CASER can proceed to unify their respective drafts at an accelerated pace during rounds of formal talks and work meetings of bilateral teams between said rounds. After signing by the panels and principals, the ultimate common draft should be the guide and framework of executive orders and legislation to carry out genuine land reform, lay the foundation of national industrialization, ensure the protection of the environment and wise utilization of natural resources, uphold the people’s rights, improve the wage and living conditions, expand the social services (especially free public education at all levels and free public hospitals and clinics) and develop international economic relations within the context of an independent foreign policy.
All previous land reform programs in the Philippines are bogus because the scope is limited and the landless tillers cannot pay for the redistribution price. It is necessary that this early the negotiating parties find out how much land has been grabbed under various pretexts for so many decades from the indigenous people and poor settlers, especially in logged over areas.
Such land can be returned for free to millions of rightful owners and their successors who also need to be provided with credit, technical assistance and infrastructure support to increase production and cooperation in agriculture and related occupations like handicraft, animal husbandry, poultry, fishing, forestry, horticulture, arboculture and food processing.
Idle or abandoned agricultural lands are almost always the result of violent conflict between the landgrabbers and the dispossessed tillers and must be returned to the latter as the rightful owners. In cases of land expropriation, landlords who did not acquire their lands through land-grabbing can be paid in cash to a certain extent and in larger part in industrial bonds for investing in the industries.
The backbone of feudalism and land-grabbing by bureaucrats and corporations must be broken. It is a matter of social justice that such principle of voluntary sale by the landlord under the 1987 GRP Constitution as well as the equivalence of just compensation to fair market value under EO 228 (July 17, 1987) must be nullified. The stock distribution option in the CARP law must be struck down as a device of corporate swindle, as we have seen in Hacienda Luisita and elsewhere.
With increased agricultural and related production and development in the rural areas, the domestic market for industrial production expands in a self-reliant economy. We can begin in earnest to break the vicious cycle and chronic crisis of underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty. The pattern of exporting raw materials, semi-manufactures and cheap labor, importing finished products and depending on foreign loans and portfolio investments from abroad to cover trade deficits must be broken. We must lay down the foundation for our national industry, process our own natural resources and prevent the extreme and rapid loss of these and the devastation of our environment.
We must reclaim our economic sovereignty, conserve our national patrimony and carry out an independent investment and trade policy, realize the substance of national sovereignty, put in the principal position the combination and cooperation of the public sector and the private sector of Filipino entrepreneurs and managers and put into full play the Filipino scientists, engineers, technologists and mass of workers. We resort to foreign suppliers of capital goods and a minority of foreign investors only to effect needed technology transfer within reasonable periods of time.
The GRP and NDFP must cooperate to achieve the social, economic, political and constitutional reforms that the people need. These require the agencies, documentation and public funding that the GRP can provide. They also require the GRP and NDFP to form a Joint Social and Economic Council to ensure the implementation of CASER. The most important role of the NDFP and its revolutionary components is to avail of their long intimate relations with the people and their ability to further arouse, organize and mobilize the people for the adoption and implementation of reforms, especially against the forces of imperialism and the local reactionaries.
I hope that my remarks can somehow help to illuminate and accelerate the forging of the CASER and CAPCR. If these are indeed signed by the principals soon enough, we might even be able to see their initial two years of implementation before the signing of the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces by the principals.
https://www.ndfp.org/remarks-opening-ceremonies-4th-round-formal-talks-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/
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