From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7): Aguirre wants CPP-NPA legally tagged as terror group
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) to file a formal petition before the regional trial court (RTC) to legally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) a terrorist group.
“The Office of Prosecutor General is directed to file necessary application or petition organization with appropriate court for the proscription or declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as a terrorist organization pursuant to Republic Act (RA) NO. 9372, otherwise known as “Human Security Act of 2007”,” Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in his Department Order no. 779 dated December 6, 2017.
Under Section 17 of Republic Act No. 9372, or the Human Security Act of 2007, the DOJ must first seek clearance from the court before an organization, association or group of persons could be declared a terrorist and outlawed group.
The OPG will also request assistance from the concerned agencies and to submit regular reports of the actions taken in the implementation of the order.
Aguirre expressed confidence that the lower court would grant the government’s request following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation naming the CPP and NPA as terror organizations on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that the President has signed a proclamation formally tagging the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
The Palace spokesperson said the President signed the proclamation pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Human Security Act.
Roque said that under the law, affiliate revolutionary groups of the CPP-NPA would now also be considered terrorist groups, and anyone proven to be financing them would be held liable.
Citing the pertinent provisions of RA 10168, Roque said that a designated person is “any person or entity designated or identified as a terrorist, as one who finances terrorism or a terrorist organization or group under the applicable United Nations Security Council resolution or by another jurisdiction or supranational jurisdiction and pursuant to the proclamation which implements the Human Security Act.”
In his proclamation, Duterte directed the Department of Foreign Affairs “to publish the foregoing designation of CPP-NPA and other designated persons, organizations, in accordance with Sections 3 and 15 of RA 10168 and its implementing rules and regulations.”
The proclamation was issued two weeks after the Philippine government terminated peace talks with the CPP-NPA after a series of violent attacks that the President said is against humanitarian law.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea had already issued a memorandum to Aguirre to immediately file the necessary application for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization with the appropriate RTC.
He said this is because a proper petition must be filed by the DOJ in court to classify the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group under the Human Security Act for the group to be considered as such under domestic laws and under relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Meanwhile, the DOJ has petitioned Manila RTC Branch 32 to void the temporary liberty granted to alleged CPP leaders Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma and Edilberto Silva.
Duterte earlier said he considered the CPP-NPA as criminals after the death of a four-month old baby and two other civilians in an ambush that targeted a police convoy in Bukidnon province last month.
The CPP-NPA has been in the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2002.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018201
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Duterte signs proclamation labeling CPP-NPA as terrorist group
From Rappler (Dec 7): Duterte signs proclamation labeling CPP-NPA as terrorist group
(UPDATED) Malacañang says this is due to the 'continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace'
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, December 5, during a press briefing.
"It's a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army a designated, identified terrorist organization under Republic Act (RA) No. 10168," he said in Malacañang.
This, Roque said, is due to the "continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."
After Duterte signed the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a memorandum, directed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to file a petition with the appropriate regional trial court for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
A court decision is necessary since a proclamation from the President is not enough to classify the communists as terrorists. (READ: Military agrees NPA should get 'terrorist' tag)
The proclamation would have an impact on United Nations Security Council resolutions, aside from domestic policies, said Roque.
He added that the classification would also mean authorities can arrest members of communist "legal fronts" found to be financing the CPP-NPA, based on RA No. 10168 which defines the crime of financing terrorism.
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said that following the declaration, the military will "fully execute and perform its mandate without reservation and restrictions."
"This proclamation clearly classifies and labels the group for what they really are.... We can now address without any hesitation and with all the means and resources available to us the increasing criminal and economic sabotage activities of these terrorists," he said.
Padilla added that despite government efforts to pursue negotiations, the communists "never aspired for peace.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190457-duterte-proclamation-communist-party-philippines-new-peoples-army-terrorist-group
(UPDATED) Malacañang says this is due to the 'continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace'
'TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.' President Rodrigo Duterte signs a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army as a terrorist organization. File photo
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terrorist organization.
This was announced by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday, December 5, during a press briefing.
This, Roque said, is due to the "continued violent acts of the CPP-NPA which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."
After Duterte signed the proclamation, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, through a memorandum, directed Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to file a petition with the appropriate regional trial court for the declaration of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
A court decision is necessary since a proclamation from the President is not enough to classify the communists as terrorists. (READ: Military agrees NPA should get 'terrorist' tag)
The proclamation would have an impact on United Nations Security Council resolutions, aside from domestic policies, said Roque.
He added that the classification would also mean authorities can arrest members of communist "legal fronts" found to be financing the CPP-NPA, based on RA No. 10168 which defines the crime of financing terrorism.
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said that following the declaration, the military will "fully execute and perform its mandate without reservation and restrictions."
"This proclamation clearly classifies and labels the group for what they really are.... We can now address without any hesitation and with all the means and resources available to us the increasing criminal and economic sabotage activities of these terrorists," he said.
Padilla added that despite government efforts to pursue negotiations, the communists "never aspired for peace.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190457-duterte-proclamation-communist-party-philippines-new-peoples-army-terrorist-group
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Captive cop released by NPA in North Cotabato
From News 5/InterAksyon (Dec 4): Captive cop released by NPA in North Cotabato
PO1 Catalan hugs daughter Karen at the release ceremony in Magpet, North Cotabato. (Bhong del Rosario/Kilab Multimedia)
The rebel New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday released a police officer whom it considered a prisoner of war in Magpet, North Cotabato.
The release comes amid intensified military operations in many parts of the archipelago following President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat of an all-out war and unilateral termination of the peace talks.
Arrested in August by the NPA’s Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Command, Makilala Police Station Police Officer 1 Bristol B. Catalan Jr was turned over to Rev Hipolito Parach of the Exodus for Justice and Peace, Magpet Vice Mayor Bernardo Piñol, Magpet Councilors Ruby Padilla-Sison, and Kidapawan City Councilor Francis Palmones at Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, Davao Today reported.
Catalan’s wife Geisha, children Karen and Jaspher, and cousin Ating Delgado were present at the turnover ceremony.
Catalan, who looked healthy despite his ordeal, had positive words about his captors and custodians during the ceremony.
“I enjoyed my experience. We’ve been to exciting places until they (NPA) built a house for me,” Catalan told Davao Today.
Catalan’s release order was signed by National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Southern Mindanao representative Rubi Del Mundo.
Catalan’s “acts and conduct while under the detention and during the investigation and judicial proceedings have been observed as exhibiting remorse for his offenses and voluntary desistance from committing further crimes against the people and the revolutionary forces,” the order read.
Catalan expressed gratitude to the NPA during the ceremony.
“I’ll be with my family before Christmas,” he said.
PO1 Catalan hugs daughter Karen at the release ceremony in Magpet, North Cotabato. (Bhong del Rosario/Kilab Multimedia)
The rebel New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday released a police officer whom it considered a prisoner of war in Magpet, North Cotabato.
The release comes amid intensified military operations in many parts of the archipelago following President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat of an all-out war and unilateral termination of the peace talks.
Arrested in August by the NPA’s Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Command, Makilala Police Station Police Officer 1 Bristol B. Catalan Jr was turned over to Rev Hipolito Parach of the Exodus for Justice and Peace, Magpet Vice Mayor Bernardo Piñol, Magpet Councilors Ruby Padilla-Sison, and Kidapawan City Councilor Francis Palmones at Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, Davao Today reported.
Catalan’s wife Geisha, children Karen and Jaspher, and cousin Ating Delgado were present at the turnover ceremony.
Catalan, who looked healthy despite his ordeal, had positive words about his captors and custodians during the ceremony.
“I enjoyed my experience. We’ve been to exciting places until they (NPA) built a house for me,” Catalan told Davao Today.
Catalan’s release order was signed by National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Southern Mindanao representative Rubi Del Mundo.
Catalan’s “acts and conduct while under the detention and during the investigation and judicial proceedings have been observed as exhibiting remorse for his offenses and voluntary desistance from committing further crimes against the people and the revolutionary forces,” the order read.
Catalan expressed gratitude to the NPA during the ceremony.
“I’ll be with my family before Christmas,” he said.
UN officials hail MILF for completing disengagement of children from its ranks
From News 5/InterAksyon (Dec 4): UN officials hail MILF for completing disengagement of children from its ranks
From left: Andrew Morris, head of UNICEF Cotabato; Julia Rees, UNICEF Deputy Representative; Ola Almgren, UN Resident Coordinator; Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Central Committee Chairman; and USEC Ronald Flores, OPAPP Undersecretary. HANDOUT PHOTO
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and UNICEF Philippines held a formal ceremony Monday marking the removal of the MILF from a UN list of armed groups recruiting and using children.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Ola Almgren congratulated the MILF for promoting and protecting the rights of children.
“Today, we mark an important milestone for the boys and girls of the Philippines. The Joint Action Plan between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the United Nations on the issue of recruitment and use of children has now been fully implemented. As a result I am very happy to announce that the MILF has been delisted from the annexes of the Secretary General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict. I would like to congratulate the MILF for completing the action plan with the support of the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting. This achievement is the result of a sustained commitment by the MILF with United Nations support”, Gamba said in her congratulatory message.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict serves as the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.
The UN-MILF began working together by signing of an Action Plan between the United Nations and the MILF in 2009. It was completed at the beginning of 2017 upon the fulfilment of a six-point roadmap, resulting in the disengagement 1,869 children from the ranks of the MILF. The disengagement of children will facilitate their access to appropriate support and services from government and development partners to enjoy all their rights to health, education and protection.
“The United Nations country team in the Philippines welcomes this important milestone achieved by the MILF, in demonstrating its commitment to the protection and welfare of children,” the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Almgren shared in his message. “In line with the UN package of existing programmes to support the normalization track of the peace negotiations between the Government and the MILF, the UN stands ready to support the relevant plans for the disengaged children and their communities,” he added.
UN children’s agency UNICEF facilitated the completion of the UN-MILF Action Plan which involved training programs, systematic sensitization and awareness-raising initiatives for the MILF and its communities.
“We congratulate the MILF as they reach this important milestone. Children are zones of peace and their rights must be promoted and protected at all times. UNICEF’s support to the MILF continues to ensure that disengaged children and their communities live in safe environments, by facilitating access to psychosocial support and other protection, social welfare, education and health services. In addition, UNICEF supports parents in providing family based guidance and care, ” said UNICEF Philippines Representative, Officer-in-Charge, Julia Rees.
In response, the MILF reiterated its commitment to protect and promote the rights of children in their communities.
“MILF has worked for years in partnership with the UN and we are pleased at being delisted in the 2017 Secretary General’s report and to be recognized here today by our UN country partners,” said Eduard Guerra, former Chair of UN-MILF Action Plan Panel and currently the Co-chair of Joint Normalization Committee – MILF.
“MILF will keep up the commitment and the work to protect and promote the inherent rights of every child in our community. Together we will work toward ensuring a peaceful environment and a fair chance for children to enjoy their childhood while having access to education and other essential social services critical for their growth and wellbeing,” added Mr. Guerra.
From left: Andrew Morris, head of UNICEF Cotabato; Julia Rees, UNICEF Deputy Representative; Ola Almgren, UN Resident Coordinator; Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Central Committee Chairman; and USEC Ronald Flores, OPAPP Undersecretary. HANDOUT PHOTO
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and UNICEF Philippines held a formal ceremony Monday marking the removal of the MILF from a UN list of armed groups recruiting and using children.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Ola Almgren congratulated the MILF for promoting and protecting the rights of children.
“Today, we mark an important milestone for the boys and girls of the Philippines. The Joint Action Plan between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the United Nations on the issue of recruitment and use of children has now been fully implemented. As a result I am very happy to announce that the MILF has been delisted from the annexes of the Secretary General Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict. I would like to congratulate the MILF for completing the action plan with the support of the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting. This achievement is the result of a sustained commitment by the MILF with United Nations support”, Gamba said in her congratulatory message.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict serves as the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.
The UN-MILF began working together by signing of an Action Plan between the United Nations and the MILF in 2009. It was completed at the beginning of 2017 upon the fulfilment of a six-point roadmap, resulting in the disengagement 1,869 children from the ranks of the MILF. The disengagement of children will facilitate their access to appropriate support and services from government and development partners to enjoy all their rights to health, education and protection.
“The United Nations country team in the Philippines welcomes this important milestone achieved by the MILF, in demonstrating its commitment to the protection and welfare of children,” the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Almgren shared in his message. “In line with the UN package of existing programmes to support the normalization track of the peace negotiations between the Government and the MILF, the UN stands ready to support the relevant plans for the disengaged children and their communities,” he added.
UN children’s agency UNICEF facilitated the completion of the UN-MILF Action Plan which involved training programs, systematic sensitization and awareness-raising initiatives for the MILF and its communities.
“We congratulate the MILF as they reach this important milestone. Children are zones of peace and their rights must be promoted and protected at all times. UNICEF’s support to the MILF continues to ensure that disengaged children and their communities live in safe environments, by facilitating access to psychosocial support and other protection, social welfare, education and health services. In addition, UNICEF supports parents in providing family based guidance and care, ” said UNICEF Philippines Representative, Officer-in-Charge, Julia Rees.
In response, the MILF reiterated its commitment to protect and promote the rights of children in their communities.
“MILF has worked for years in partnership with the UN and we are pleased at being delisted in the 2017 Secretary General’s report and to be recognized here today by our UN country partners,” said Eduard Guerra, former Chair of UN-MILF Action Plan Panel and currently the Co-chair of Joint Normalization Committee – MILF.
“MILF will keep up the commitment and the work to protect and promote the inherent rights of every child in our community. Together we will work toward ensuring a peaceful environment and a fair chance for children to enjoy their childhood while having access to education and other essential social services critical for their growth and wellbeing,” added Mr. Guerra.
SOUTH CHINA SEA | PH envoy sees no Chinese withdrawal from Scarborough despite improved relations with Beijing
Posted to InterAksyon (Dec 5): SOUTH CHINA SEA | PH envoy sees no Chinese withdrawal from Scarborough despite improved relations with Beijing
Map shows the delineation of the Chinese claims and respective Exclusive Economic Zones at the South China Sea. REUTERS
Ambassador to China Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana does not see Chinese leader Xi Jinping ordering the withdrawal of Chinese Coast Guard ships from Scarborough shoal and returning to the pre-April 8, 2012 situation, when the area was under the control of the Philippines, despite Beijing’s improved relations with the Rodrigo Duterte administration.
At best, it remains an “aspiration” that would take a long time, the Filipino diplomat said in an interview on the sidelines of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies Conference in Mandaluyong City December. 2.
China “is still claiming all of Spratlys,” said Sta. Romana, noting that Xi would insist during talks that Scarborough Shoal is China’s territory, and its government would lose face if it were to withdraw its vessels from the shoal.
Flashing the peace sign at the Chinese Coast Guard off Scarborough Shoal. REUTERS
“Given that, you really have to maneuver slowly, carefully,” he added.
Arbitral tribunal award
“If we want to go back to pre-2012 situation, the condition is that China will also say drop your Arbitral Tribunal award, which is impossible,” Sta Romana said in Filipino.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag shoal, is a 90-square-kilometer triangular-shaped coral reef, which has several rocks encircling a lagoon 124 nautical miles from the town of Masinloc, Zambales in central Luzon.
It is called Huangyan Dao by China, which also claims it under its all-encompassing nine-dash line map.
As part of its economic exclusive zone, the Philippines had control over Scarborough Shoal until April 8, 2012 when a Philippine warship arrested Chinese fishing vessels, which led to a three-month standoff between the two claimant countries, and the Aquino government filing a complaint against China before the Arbitral Court in The Hague.
The Arbitral Court declared China’s nine-dash line map invalid, but said Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese (including Taiwanese) and Vietnamese fishermen.
China remains in control of Scarborough Shoal with three surveillance ships permanently stationed in the area.
Since November last year, China has allowed Filipino fishermen to fish in the surrounding waters of Scarborough shoal.
Strategic cooperation
“Disputes remain, the challenges remain, but now we have found a method, a mechanism, and part of this is importance of strategic cooperation,” Sta. Romana said in a speech at the conference.
“A key component of this is not to put the disputes at the center or at the focus of your foreign policy,” he said, adding that the adversarial approach that the Benigno Aquino III administration took is all “water down the bridge.”
“The thinking before, what’s ours is ours, we should assert,” Sta. Romana said. “We were hoping that the (United States) would help. That’s the wrong assumption.”
As opposed to the previously used legalistic approach, the current administration employs both bilateral and multilateral approaches in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. “You have this deck of cards, and the question is how you will improve relations,” Sta. Romana added, saying, “We have great progress on the deck of cards that we have dealt with.”
He said the goal of the Duterte administration is to prevent more losses and regain what have been lost.
Yet Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, had warned in a Nov. 24 forum that cooperation with China must be taken with a grain of salt, noting the reality of what happens between legal right and raw power.
‘Too much cooperation’
He said too much cooperation may lead to “national economic bondage and political dependence,” and could translate into China’s unwarranted influence over the Philippines’ policy and decision-making.
More, if the Arbitral Tribunal award were to be finally raised, “will it really be just a piece of paper?” Batongbacal asked.
“We maintain our position, but it will not reverse the situation. But it will help ease the tensions further” Sta Romana pointed out, adding that other options remain for Manila.
The Philippines, he said, keeps a “friend to all, enemy to none” attitude, which means that it continues to foster good ties with the US and other nations like Japan and India, for instance.
Other countries that claim the South China Sea in part or in whole are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
The problem is that people think there should be an alliance against one country, but it would only escalate tensions, he explained.
Good relations with all
Instead, the Philippines tries to place itself in a situation wherein it has good relations with all other countries. “It doesn’t have to be in the same scale,” Sta. Romana said.
The foundation to be able to maintain these, he said, remains in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he added.
“The destiny of the Philippines lies in Asia and our immediate neighbors.”
ASEAN and China have agreed on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, but details will be negotiated only starting next year. The COC, however, will not cover bilaterally disputed areas like the Scarborough shoal.
Map shows the delineation of the Chinese claims and respective Exclusive Economic Zones at the South China Sea. REUTERS
Ambassador to China Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana does not see Chinese leader Xi Jinping ordering the withdrawal of Chinese Coast Guard ships from Scarborough shoal and returning to the pre-April 8, 2012 situation, when the area was under the control of the Philippines, despite Beijing’s improved relations with the Rodrigo Duterte administration.
At best, it remains an “aspiration” that would take a long time, the Filipino diplomat said in an interview on the sidelines of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies Conference in Mandaluyong City December. 2.
China “is still claiming all of Spratlys,” said Sta. Romana, noting that Xi would insist during talks that Scarborough Shoal is China’s territory, and its government would lose face if it were to withdraw its vessels from the shoal.
Flashing the peace sign at the Chinese Coast Guard off Scarborough Shoal. REUTERS
“Given that, you really have to maneuver slowly, carefully,” he added.
Arbitral tribunal award
“If we want to go back to pre-2012 situation, the condition is that China will also say drop your Arbitral Tribunal award, which is impossible,” Sta Romana said in Filipino.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag shoal, is a 90-square-kilometer triangular-shaped coral reef, which has several rocks encircling a lagoon 124 nautical miles from the town of Masinloc, Zambales in central Luzon.
It is called Huangyan Dao by China, which also claims it under its all-encompassing nine-dash line map.
As part of its economic exclusive zone, the Philippines had control over Scarborough Shoal until April 8, 2012 when a Philippine warship arrested Chinese fishing vessels, which led to a three-month standoff between the two claimant countries, and the Aquino government filing a complaint against China before the Arbitral Court in The Hague.
The Arbitral Court declared China’s nine-dash line map invalid, but said Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese (including Taiwanese) and Vietnamese fishermen.
China remains in control of Scarborough Shoal with three surveillance ships permanently stationed in the area.
Since November last year, China has allowed Filipino fishermen to fish in the surrounding waters of Scarborough shoal.
Strategic cooperation
“Disputes remain, the challenges remain, but now we have found a method, a mechanism, and part of this is importance of strategic cooperation,” Sta. Romana said in a speech at the conference.
“A key component of this is not to put the disputes at the center or at the focus of your foreign policy,” he said, adding that the adversarial approach that the Benigno Aquino III administration took is all “water down the bridge.”
“The thinking before, what’s ours is ours, we should assert,” Sta. Romana said. “We were hoping that the (United States) would help. That’s the wrong assumption.”
As opposed to the previously used legalistic approach, the current administration employs both bilateral and multilateral approaches in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. “You have this deck of cards, and the question is how you will improve relations,” Sta. Romana added, saying, “We have great progress on the deck of cards that we have dealt with.”
He said the goal of the Duterte administration is to prevent more losses and regain what have been lost.
Yet Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, had warned in a Nov. 24 forum that cooperation with China must be taken with a grain of salt, noting the reality of what happens between legal right and raw power.
‘Too much cooperation’
He said too much cooperation may lead to “national economic bondage and political dependence,” and could translate into China’s unwarranted influence over the Philippines’ policy and decision-making.
More, if the Arbitral Tribunal award were to be finally raised, “will it really be just a piece of paper?” Batongbacal asked.
“We maintain our position, but it will not reverse the situation. But it will help ease the tensions further” Sta Romana pointed out, adding that other options remain for Manila.
The Philippines, he said, keeps a “friend to all, enemy to none” attitude, which means that it continues to foster good ties with the US and other nations like Japan and India, for instance.
Other countries that claim the South China Sea in part or in whole are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
The problem is that people think there should be an alliance against one country, but it would only escalate tensions, he explained.
Good relations with all
Instead, the Philippines tries to place itself in a situation wherein it has good relations with all other countries. “It doesn’t have to be in the same scale,” Sta. Romana said.
The foundation to be able to maintain these, he said, remains in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he added.
“The destiny of the Philippines lies in Asia and our immediate neighbors.”
ASEAN and China have agreed on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, but details will be negotiated only starting next year. The COC, however, will not cover bilaterally disputed areas like the Scarborough shoal.
Filipino soldiers given access to Singapore urban training facility
From Update Philippines (Dec 5): Filipino soldiers given access to Singapore urban training facility
Forty members of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) of Philippine Army (PA) are now in Singapore for a professional exchange training program with Singapore Army. The program started December 4 and will end on the 15th.
The training program will focus on urban warfare training which gives visiting Filipino soldiers access to Murai Urban Training Facility of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The said facility was created to hone the urban operations capability of SAF soldiers.
MUTF was built to resemble a typical town, and has features such as single-level houses; a commercial district comprising multi-function, multi-storey buildings; a residential district; as well as an industrial district. To provide added realism, the training facility also has bus-stops, traffic lights and over-head bridges.
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said they offered to host 40 Filipino soldiers and use the MUTF because “if extremists gain a foothold in any country around us, they will launch attacks against all ASEAN cities.”
“These groups can be defeated, but we will be stronger and that much more effective if we do it together,” he said.
“This professional exchange is mutually beneficial to SAF soldiers who would also be able to learn from their counter-terrorism fight in Marawi,” he added.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/filipino-soldiers-given-access-to-singapore-urban-training-facility/23111
Forty members of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) of Philippine Army (PA) are now in Singapore for a professional exchange training program with Singapore Army. The program started December 4 and will end on the 15th.
The training program will focus on urban warfare training which gives visiting Filipino soldiers access to Murai Urban Training Facility of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The said facility was created to hone the urban operations capability of SAF soldiers.
MUTF was built to resemble a typical town, and has features such as single-level houses; a commercial district comprising multi-function, multi-storey buildings; a residential district; as well as an industrial district. To provide added realism, the training facility also has bus-stops, traffic lights and over-head bridges.
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said they offered to host 40 Filipino soldiers and use the MUTF because “if extremists gain a foothold in any country around us, they will launch attacks against all ASEAN cities.”
“These groups can be defeated, but we will be stronger and that much more effective if we do it together,” he said.
“This professional exchange is mutually beneficial to SAF soldiers who would also be able to learn from their counter-terrorism fight in Marawi,” he added.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/filipino-soldiers-given-access-to-singapore-urban-training-facility/23111
PH getting 5 new French-made vessels starting June 2018
From Update Philippines (Dec 5): PH getting 5 new French-made vessels starting June 2018
The Philippines will be getting four 24-meter fast patrol boats (FPV 72 MKII) in June 2018 and one 82-meter offshore patrol vessel (OPV 270 MKII) in August 2019 from French shipbuilder OCEA, this was confirmed by OCEA officials to the inspection team of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
These vessels are being acquired for Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through the Philippine Ports and Coast Guard Capability Development Project between the governments of the Philippines and France.
The shipbuilding contract was signed in September 2014 by the then Department of Transportation and Communication (D0TC) and OCEA.
DOTr photo
The contract includes five-year preventive maintenance for all five boats, spare parts for five years, and technical assistance and training for the crew.
DOTr photo
DOTr photo
On September 6, 2017, the DOTr and OCEA signed the contract effectiveness agreement the means certain conditions precedent for the coming into full force and effect of the contract has already been completed.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/ph-getting-5-new-french-made-vessels-starting-june-2018/23115
The Philippines will be getting four 24-meter fast patrol boats (FPV 72 MKII) in June 2018 and one 82-meter offshore patrol vessel (OPV 270 MKII) in August 2019 from French shipbuilder OCEA, this was confirmed by OCEA officials to the inspection team of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
These vessels are being acquired for Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through the Philippine Ports and Coast Guard Capability Development Project between the governments of the Philippines and France.
The shipbuilding contract was signed in September 2014 by the then Department of Transportation and Communication (D0TC) and OCEA.
DOTr photo
The contract includes five-year preventive maintenance for all five boats, spare parts for five years, and technical assistance and training for the crew.
DOTr photo
DOTr photo
On September 6, 2017, the DOTr and OCEA signed the contract effectiveness agreement the means certain conditions precedent for the coming into full force and effect of the contract has already been completed.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/ph-getting-5-new-french-made-vessels-starting-june-2018/23115
FF-17 conducts first voyage to northern Philippines
From Update Philippines (Dec 5): FF-17 conducts first voyage to northern Philippines
For the first time in her Philippine Navy service, third Gregorio del Pilar-class frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) sailed to the northern waters of the country.
Naval Forces Northern Luzon released photos of the All-In-One Bayanihan in Basco, Batanes conducted on November 24 in which BRP Andres Bonifacio participated.
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
The event included gift giving, medical, and dental mission. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) training was also provided.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/ff-17-conducts-first-voyage-to-northern-philippines/23130
For the first time in her Philippine Navy service, third Gregorio del Pilar-class frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) sailed to the northern waters of the country.
Naval Forces Northern Luzon released photos of the All-In-One Bayanihan in Basco, Batanes conducted on November 24 in which BRP Andres Bonifacio participated.
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
Naval Forces Northern Luzon photo
The event included gift giving, medical, and dental mission. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) training was also provided.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/ff-17-conducts-first-voyage-to-northern-philippines/23130
754 Candidate Soldiers start training
From Update Philippines (Dec 6): 754 Candidate Soldiers start training
Training of 754 Candidate Soldiers (CS) were admitted by the 1st Infantry ‘Tabak’ Division, Philippine Army on December 4.
Tabak Division is headquartered at Camp Major L. Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur. It specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.
1ID photo
The qualified applicants will undergo 16-week Candidate Soldier Course divided into Classes 506, 507, 518, 519, and 520 of 2017.
Tabak Division commander Brigadier General Roseller G. Murillo led the said event.
“I hope that all of the 754-strong candidate soldiers will be able to finish their training course. The objective of this training is for you to have the strength and discipline befitting a soldier, and transform you into fighters that can defend the country,” Brigadier General Murillo said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/754-candidate-soldiers-start-training/23146
Training of 754 Candidate Soldiers (CS) were admitted by the 1st Infantry ‘Tabak’ Division, Philippine Army on December 4.
Tabak Division is headquartered at Camp Major L. Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur. It specializes in anti-guerrilla warfare.
1ID photo
The qualified applicants will undergo 16-week Candidate Soldier Course divided into Classes 506, 507, 518, 519, and 520 of 2017.
Tabak Division commander Brigadier General Roseller G. Murillo led the said event.
“I hope that all of the 754-strong candidate soldiers will be able to finish their training course. The objective of this training is for you to have the strength and discipline befitting a soldier, and transform you into fighters that can defend the country,” Brigadier General Murillo said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/754-candidate-soldiers-start-training/23146
Lorenzana tells public: Be vigilant as NPAs now terrorists
From Update Philippines (Dec 6): Lorenzana tells public: Be vigilant as NPAs now terrorists
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is urging the Filipino people to safeguard their respective communities from possible violent and treacherous acts perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Lorenzana made this appeal following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation of the CPP-NPA-NDF as terror group Tuesday.
“We enjoin the Filipino people to work closely with the military, police and local officials to safeguard our communities from the violence, treachery, and opportunism that the CPP-NPA are known for,” he added.
Lorenzana also said the declaration of the rebels as a terror group is in accordance with the Human Security Act and international laws.
“We have long since maintained that the CPP-NPA is a blight to the Filipino people, with its members engaging in constant criminal activities and wanton acts of terror,” the defense chief stressed.
He also added that the government had walked the extra mile to accommodate them by resuming the peace talks but the group ignored this and continued committing atrocities.
“But they have imposed unreasonable conditions and continued their criminal acts such as kidnappings, attacks on the military and the police, destruction of property, and extortion. Clearly their aim is not the welfare of the Filipino but the pursuit of their selfish agenda. Henceforth, they will be called Communist Terrorists,” Lorenzana concluded.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/lorenzana-tells-public-be-vigilant-as-npas-now-terrorists/23149
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is urging the Filipino people to safeguard their respective communities from possible violent and treacherous acts perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Lorenzana made this appeal following President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation of the CPP-NPA-NDF as terror group Tuesday.
“We enjoin the Filipino people to work closely with the military, police and local officials to safeguard our communities from the violence, treachery, and opportunism that the CPP-NPA are known for,” he added.
Lorenzana also said the declaration of the rebels as a terror group is in accordance with the Human Security Act and international laws.
“We have long since maintained that the CPP-NPA is a blight to the Filipino people, with its members engaging in constant criminal activities and wanton acts of terror,” the defense chief stressed.
He also added that the government had walked the extra mile to accommodate them by resuming the peace talks but the group ignored this and continued committing atrocities.
“But they have imposed unreasonable conditions and continued their criminal acts such as kidnappings, attacks on the military and the police, destruction of property, and extortion. Clearly their aim is not the welfare of the Filipino but the pursuit of their selfish agenda. Henceforth, they will be called Communist Terrorists,” Lorenzana concluded.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/lorenzana-tells-public-be-vigilant-as-npas-now-terrorists/23149
‘Agaw Armas' alert up
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 5): ‘Agaw Armas' alert up
The series of “agaw armas” operations in the cities of Talisay and Bacolod is being looked into by the police as the handiwork of the “enemies of the state”.
Six unidentified armed men disarmed three security guards of two .38 caliber revolvers and a 12 gauge shotgun in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, yesterday.
Supt. Adonis Rosales, Talisay City police chief, said the unidentified suspects, who were also armed with revolvers and shotguns, left the security guards unharmed, after taking their guns.
Rosales said he cannot speculate on the affiliation of the suspects, who were only interested in the guns.
Similar incidents of “agaw armas” were also reported in Bacolod City.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said yesterday that they are looking into the involvement of the New People's Army, among other lawless elements, although they have no evidence yet.
Castil ordered police chiefs to remind private security guards to be responsible in securing their service firearms.
Capt. Ruel Llanes, 303 rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, yesterday said that they are anticipating NPA attacks on undermanned PNP stations and CAFGU detachments and other soft targets, as well as agaw armas operations.
Last week, the NPA Armando Sumayang Command claimed responsibility for the raid of a quarry site and the bombing of its heavy equipment in Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Castil said the raid of the quarry site and destruction of the heavy equipment is part of the NPA extortion activities.
As a precautionary measures, Llanes said they are intensifying their combat operations and conducting joint checkpoints with the PNP, to prevent the NPA from initiating more terroristic activities.
Police commanders have been reminded anew to verify first any reported incident, before taking any action, in the wake of series of attacks made by the New People's Army, with policemen as targets, nationwide.
Castil said they are tapping barangay officials to check any incident that may take place in their areas, before the police responds to it.
Last month, five policemen survived an ambush staged by about 30 NPA rebels in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. But two foreigners and their Filipino driver were injured.
Similar incidents also took place in Iloilo, Antique, Camarines Norte and Misamis Oriental, where two policemen were killed, and more than 20 others were wounded.
Castil admitted that policemen are vulnerable to rebel attacks, because of the nature of their job.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/05/topstory8.htm
The series of “agaw armas” operations in the cities of Talisay and Bacolod is being looked into by the police as the handiwork of the “enemies of the state”.
Six unidentified armed men disarmed three security guards of two .38 caliber revolvers and a 12 gauge shotgun in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, yesterday.
Supt. Adonis Rosales, Talisay City police chief, said the unidentified suspects, who were also armed with revolvers and shotguns, left the security guards unharmed, after taking their guns.
Rosales said he cannot speculate on the affiliation of the suspects, who were only interested in the guns.
Similar incidents of “agaw armas” were also reported in Bacolod City.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said yesterday that they are looking into the involvement of the New People's Army, among other lawless elements, although they have no evidence yet.
Castil ordered police chiefs to remind private security guards to be responsible in securing their service firearms.
Capt. Ruel Llanes, 303 rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, yesterday said that they are anticipating NPA attacks on undermanned PNP stations and CAFGU detachments and other soft targets, as well as agaw armas operations.
Last week, the NPA Armando Sumayang Command claimed responsibility for the raid of a quarry site and the bombing of its heavy equipment in Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Castil said the raid of the quarry site and destruction of the heavy equipment is part of the NPA extortion activities.
As a precautionary measures, Llanes said they are intensifying their combat operations and conducting joint checkpoints with the PNP, to prevent the NPA from initiating more terroristic activities.
Police commanders have been reminded anew to verify first any reported incident, before taking any action, in the wake of series of attacks made by the New People's Army, with policemen as targets, nationwide.
Castil said they are tapping barangay officials to check any incident that may take place in their areas, before the police responds to it.
Last month, five policemen survived an ambush staged by about 30 NPA rebels in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. But two foreigners and their Filipino driver were injured.
Similar incidents also took place in Iloilo, Antique, Camarines Norte and Misamis Oriental, where two policemen were killed, and more than 20 others were wounded.
Castil admitted that policemen are vulnerable to rebel attacks, because of the nature of their job.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/05/topstory8.htm
Talk about revolutionary gov't not doing PH any good – AFP Chief
From Rappler (Dec 5): Talk about revolutionary gov't not doing PH any good – AFP Chief
'We'd rather just focus on our mandate that is to make sure that all security threats are being addressed,' says Philippine military chief General Rey Guerrero
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Rey Guerrero reiterated the military position against calls for a revolutionary government that will give President Rodrigo Duterte powers to suspend the Constitution.
"The talk about revolutionary government is not doing the country any good," Guerrero said on Tuesday, December 5.
Those talks should be ignored, Guerrero said, saying the military has other things more important to focus on.
"Hayaan na lang natin yan (We should just ignore it). Anyway, the President has explained and even the press secretary, the spokesman, they've explained all this talk about revolutionary government. So for out part we'd rather just focus on our mandate that is to make sure that all security threats are being addressed," Guerrero said.
The statement comes after nationwide rallies launched by Duterte's supporters on November 30, coinciding with the commeration of Filipino revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.
Duterte's supporters argue that only under a revolutionary government can he implement reforms in the country.
Duterte's recent statements dismissing revolutionary government have not comforted his critics given his record of flip-flopping on major policy issues.
But statements from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Guerrero indicate where the government's security agencies stand on the issue.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190393-afp-guerrero-revgov-not-doing-ph-any-good
'We'd rather just focus on our mandate that is to make sure that all security threats are being addressed,' says Philippine military chief General Rey Guerrero
"The talk about revolutionary government is not doing the country any good," Guerrero said on Tuesday, December 5.
Those talks should be ignored, Guerrero said, saying the military has other things more important to focus on.
"Hayaan na lang natin yan (We should just ignore it). Anyway, the President has explained and even the press secretary, the spokesman, they've explained all this talk about revolutionary government. So for out part we'd rather just focus on our mandate that is to make sure that all security threats are being addressed," Guerrero said.
The statement comes after nationwide rallies launched by Duterte's supporters on November 30, coinciding with the commeration of Filipino revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.
Duterte's supporters argue that only under a revolutionary government can he implement reforms in the country.
Duterte's recent statements dismissing revolutionary government have not comforted his critics given his record of flip-flopping on major policy issues.
But statements from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Guerrero indicate where the government's security agencies stand on the issue.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/190393-afp-guerrero-revgov-not-doing-ph-any-good
14 rebels surrender
From the Mindanao Times (Dec 6): 14 rebels surrender
FOURTEEN reported members of the New People’s Army (NPA)s surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on Monday.
2Lt. Romel Arnado, the Civil-military operations (CMO) officer of battalion, said the rebels also brought with them 16 firearms of different calibers.
According to the accounts of one of the rebel returnees, alias Jim, they were already scared for their lives due to the increased military offensives. He also claimed that they don’t want to suffer the same fate as their comrades who died in clashes.
In his statement, Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, commander of 26th IB, said they are hopeful that more NPA rebels will realize the futility of their struggle. “The 26th IB is committed to preventing the NPA terrorists’ criminal activities against our people and the communities,” Pagayon said.
On the other hand, Col. Andres Centino, the 401st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the efforts of 26IB. “Options are open to them to live normal lives,” Centino said, as he called on the remaining rebels to surrender. “Be part of a peaceful community, Be among us,” he added.
11 surrenderees get assistance from LGU
Meanwhile, 11 former NPA rebels who surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion in Davao del Norte received their assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in a ceremony held at the Davao del Norte Provincial Government Center, Tagum City last Dec. 1.
According to the accounts of one of the rebel returnees, alias Jim, they were already scared for their lives due to the increased military offensives. He also claimed that they don’t want to suffer the same fate as their comrades who died in clashes.
In his statement, Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, commander of 26th IB, said they are hopeful that more NPA rebels will realize the futility of their struggle. “The 26th IB is committed to preventing the NPA terrorists’ criminal activities against our people and the communities,” Pagayon said.
On the other hand, Col. Andres Centino, the 401st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the efforts of 26IB. “Options are open to them to live normal lives,” Centino said, as he called on the remaining rebels to surrender. “Be part of a peaceful community, Be among us,” he added.
11 surrenderees get assistance from LGU
Meanwhile, 11 former NPA rebels who surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion in Davao del Norte received their assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in a ceremony held at the Davao del Norte Provincial Government Center, Tagum City last Dec. 1.
2Lt. Amadeuz Vincent John Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of 60th IB, said each of them received P15,000 immediate cash assistance and another P50,000 livelihood assistance.
Alex Roldan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, personally spearheaded the distribution with a total amount of P715,000. Also present were Sr. Supt. Alan Manibog, director of Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office; 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri; and 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., both under the 10th Infantry Division.
The distribution was preceded by the regular Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting (PPOC) of Davao del Norte presided by Governor Anthony Del Rosario.
Two weeks earlier, four NPA members–two of whom were also militiang bayan leaders–surrendered to 60IB bringing with them their firearms.
He said it was also preceded by the surrender of over 70 other former NPA members since the breaking of the ceasefire last February.
Alex Roldan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, personally spearheaded the distribution with a total amount of P715,000. Also present were Sr. Supt. Alan Manibog, director of Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office; 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri; and 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr., both under the 10th Infantry Division.
The distribution was preceded by the regular Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting (PPOC) of Davao del Norte presided by Governor Anthony Del Rosario.
Two weeks earlier, four NPA members–two of whom were also militiang bayan leaders–surrendered to 60IB bringing with them their firearms.
He said it was also preceded by the surrender of over 70 other former NPA members since the breaking of the ceasefire last February.
Groups say tribal leader killed in SouthCot was no NPA member
From MindaNews (Dec 5): Groups say tribal leader killed in SouthCot was no NPA member
Leaders of church, militant and environmental groups condemned the killing of a tribal chieftain and three other family members in an alleged encounter between communist rebels and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Sunday afternoon, claiming the four were civilians and not members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as alleged by the military.
The military claimed Datu Victor Danyan of Sitio Datal, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, chair of the T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimant Organization (TAMASCO), his sons Tantan, Jr., and Artemio, and son-in-law Dodoy, were NPA members.
TAMASCO has been opposing coal mining and coffee plantation ventures in their village.
Datu Victor Danyan of Datal, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, chair of the T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimant Organization (TAMASCO). File photo taken in 2007, courtesy of LRC-KSK
“The fatalities were all NPA members killed during the encounter with our troops,” 2Lt. Ranjan Palacio, spokesperson of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said in a radio interview.
Palacio said three other dead bodies were recovered on Monday.
Two soldiers were also killed — PFC Jovanie P. Tagactac and PFC Max Jay Lord Fernando – and three soldiers were injured during the firefight.
“We mourn what happened to Datu Victor,” said Fr. Ariel Destora, Social Action Center director of the Diocese of Marbel.
Destora said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez has requested a meeting with officials of the 27th IB to clarify the matter.
The priest said the diocese is concerned about what’s happening in Ned, where an estimated 211 million metric tons of coal are believed to sit.
Recently, the diocesan clergy wrote a letter to provincial legislators who are currently discussing the application of the proponents, to reject the project.
The Department of Energy issued in 1999 the coal operating contracts to Daguma Agro-Minerals, Inc. and Sultan Energy Philippines Corp., the letter said.
Chinkie Peliño-Golle, executive director of environment group Interface Development Interventions, described the slain tribal leader “as a man of integrity.”
“He is one of the IP (indigenous peoples) leaders who inspired me to work on upholding environmental and social justice. I’ve never heard him ask for anything but only to own back and manage their lands,” she said on social media.
“Datu Vic is not a NPA member. There was even an assurance that their community will not be touched because he is not part or a member of the NPA,” Golle said.
Golle said the military had earlier assured Sister Susan Bolanio, executive director of OND HESED Foundation, Inc. and member of the Regional Peace and Order Council, that they would not touch Datu Vic as they were convinced he was not a member of the NPA.
Ryan Lariba, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Mindanao coordinator, said what happened Sunday was a “massacre that should be blamed on President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to wage an all-out war against the communist rebels.”
Duterte issued the order after terminating the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army.
Lariba said the victims were “civilians opposing the coal mining and coffee plantation venture in Barangay Ned.”
“There are NPA rebels operating in the area but those killed were not communist rebels but civilians,” Lariba said.
A press release issued by Capt. Gary Dida, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade said troops from the 27th IB were verifying reports from residents in Barangay Ned about the alleged presence of armed men when they “encountered undetermined number of armed NPA terrorist (sic)” Sunday afternoon that led to the killing of “four NPA terrorists” and the recovery of one carbine, two homemade shotguns, one locally made 9-mm machine pistol.
“The NPA’s who are terrorizing our country shall be dealt with according to the provisions of the Law,” Dida quoted Colonel Roberto Ancan, chief of the 1002nd Brigade as saying.
Dida’s press release also quoted Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th IB chief, as having urged the wounded NPA and those in hiding to “peacefully surrender to the folds of law” and avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the local government.
In a telephone interview Monday, Dida said military operations have been intensified to thwart possible NPA attacks even before President Rodrigo Duterte branded the communist group as terrorists and later terminated the peace talks.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/12/groups-say-tribal-leader-killed-in-southcot-was-no-npa-member/
Leaders of church, militant and environmental groups condemned the killing of a tribal chieftain and three other family members in an alleged encounter between communist rebels and the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Sunday afternoon, claiming the four were civilians and not members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as alleged by the military.
The military claimed Datu Victor Danyan of Sitio Datal, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu, chair of the T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimant Organization (TAMASCO), his sons Tantan, Jr., and Artemio, and son-in-law Dodoy, were NPA members.
TAMASCO has been opposing coal mining and coffee plantation ventures in their village.
Datu Victor Danyan of Datal, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, chair of the T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimant Organization (TAMASCO). File photo taken in 2007, courtesy of LRC-KSK
“The fatalities were all NPA members killed during the encounter with our troops,” 2Lt. Ranjan Palacio, spokesperson of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said in a radio interview.
Palacio said three other dead bodies were recovered on Monday.
Two soldiers were also killed — PFC Jovanie P. Tagactac and PFC Max Jay Lord Fernando – and three soldiers were injured during the firefight.
“We mourn what happened to Datu Victor,” said Fr. Ariel Destora, Social Action Center director of the Diocese of Marbel.
Destora said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez has requested a meeting with officials of the 27th IB to clarify the matter.
The priest said the diocese is concerned about what’s happening in Ned, where an estimated 211 million metric tons of coal are believed to sit.
Recently, the diocesan clergy wrote a letter to provincial legislators who are currently discussing the application of the proponents, to reject the project.
The Department of Energy issued in 1999 the coal operating contracts to Daguma Agro-Minerals, Inc. and Sultan Energy Philippines Corp., the letter said.
Chinkie Peliño-Golle, executive director of environment group Interface Development Interventions, described the slain tribal leader “as a man of integrity.”
“He is one of the IP (indigenous peoples) leaders who inspired me to work on upholding environmental and social justice. I’ve never heard him ask for anything but only to own back and manage their lands,” she said on social media.
“Datu Vic is not a NPA member. There was even an assurance that their community will not be touched because he is not part or a member of the NPA,” Golle said.
Golle said the military had earlier assured Sister Susan Bolanio, executive director of OND HESED Foundation, Inc. and member of the Regional Peace and Order Council, that they would not touch Datu Vic as they were convinced he was not a member of the NPA.
Ryan Lariba, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Mindanao coordinator, said what happened Sunday was a “massacre that should be blamed on President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to wage an all-out war against the communist rebels.”
Duterte issued the order after terminating the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army.
Lariba said the victims were “civilians opposing the coal mining and coffee plantation venture in Barangay Ned.”
“There are NPA rebels operating in the area but those killed were not communist rebels but civilians,” Lariba said.
A press release issued by Capt. Gary Dida, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade said troops from the 27th IB were verifying reports from residents in Barangay Ned about the alleged presence of armed men when they “encountered undetermined number of armed NPA terrorist (sic)” Sunday afternoon that led to the killing of “four NPA terrorists” and the recovery of one carbine, two homemade shotguns, one locally made 9-mm machine pistol.
“The NPA’s who are terrorizing our country shall be dealt with according to the provisions of the Law,” Dida quoted Colonel Roberto Ancan, chief of the 1002nd Brigade as saying.
Dida’s press release also quoted Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th IB chief, as having urged the wounded NPA and those in hiding to “peacefully surrender to the folds of law” and avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the local government.
In a telephone interview Monday, Dida said military operations have been intensified to thwart possible NPA attacks even before President Rodrigo Duterte branded the communist group as terrorists and later terminated the peace talks.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/12/groups-say-tribal-leader-killed-in-southcot-was-no-npa-member/
Troops recover NPA camp, but 2 soldiers die
From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 5): Troops recover NPA camp, but 2 soldiers die
The Philippine military announced Tuesday the capture of a communist rebel stronghold in Mindanao, but also said that 2 soldiers had died from the mission following fierce clashes with the New People’s Army.
Captain Arvin Encinas, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said two battalions mounted the mission in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato province and eventually captured the rebel camp. The weekend fighting also killed 2 soldiers from the 27th Infantry Battalion, but Encinas did not release the identities of the military casualties.
He also insisted that 7 rebels had died in the fighting, but did not say whether troops recovered the cadavers or not, or if the information was based only on intelligence report.
Ensina said fighting erupted in a cave in Sitio Datal Bonglangon in the village of Ned where rebels had maintained a camp. Troops also recovered weapons – a Carbine rifle, an Ingram machine pistol and four shotguns, including anti-government propaganda left behind by rebels.
Military operation continued on Tuesday, but there was no fresh report of armed clashes between security and rebel forces in the town. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to put up its own Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-recover-npa-camp-but-2-soldiers-die/
The Philippine military announced Tuesday the capture of a communist rebel stronghold in Mindanao, but also said that 2 soldiers had died from the mission following fierce clashes with the New People’s Army.
Captain Arvin Encinas, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said two battalions mounted the mission in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato province and eventually captured the rebel camp. The weekend fighting also killed 2 soldiers from the 27th Infantry Battalion, but Encinas did not release the identities of the military casualties.
He also insisted that 7 rebels had died in the fighting, but did not say whether troops recovered the cadavers or not, or if the information was based only on intelligence report.
Ensina said fighting erupted in a cave in Sitio Datal Bonglangon in the village of Ned where rebels had maintained a camp. Troops also recovered weapons – a Carbine rifle, an Ingram machine pistol and four shotguns, including anti-government propaganda left behind by rebels.
Military operation continued on Tuesday, but there was no fresh report of armed clashes between security and rebel forces in the town. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to put up its own Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-recover-npa-camp-but-2-soldiers-die/
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