3 more NPA members yield in Sarangani

From the Sun Star-Davao (Feb 16): 3 more NPA members yield in Sarangani

THREE more guerilla fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) laid down their arms on Thursday afternoon at Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province.

Captain Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division (ID) Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief said these former NPA combatants felt "hopeless" prompting them to decide to surrender.

Lamosao further identified the surrenderers as Arnold SawalBudiong alias Mateo, 24, resident of Purok 8A Barangay, Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani Province; Runjie Lagon alias Levi, 39, resident of Ulutangga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Eddie Maranga Ani alias Junie, 25, resident of sitio Kidalagan, Barangay DatuDanwata, Malita, Davao Occidental.

They brought with them their two M16 rifles and one AK47 rifle when they surrendered to the security forces.

These rebel returnees belong to Guerrilla Front 71, Far South Mindanao Regional (FSMR).

They surrendered to the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province on February 15, 2018.

 

"Gikapoy na mi sa mga pasalig sa NPA nga wala natuman, ingon sila nga naa mi madawat nga suportang pinansyal para sa amoang pamilya pero sukad sa karon wala kami makadawat (We are tired of the false promises made by the NPAs, they promised to give financial support to our family, but until now we haven't received any)," Lagon said.

 

Hardships in the hinterland were also their reason for leaving the group. They also felt the pressure of continuous combat operations of the soldiers against the NPA wherein they opted to keep on hiding.

 

Their surrender was facilitated by the Barangay official of Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province.

 

"With our intensive security operations and continuous collaborations to our Barangay Officials, we can gear our efforts towards the attainment of peace in our communities," Lieutrnant Colonel Marion Ancao, 73IB commander, said.

 

He said that the former rebels will be presented to the local government unit of Sarangani for immediate assistance and enrollment to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

 

They will be provided with a livelihood assistance and remuneration for their surrendered firearms to help them to start a new and peaceful life.

 

The army continues to call on other rebels who are still in the movement to come down and seek for a reformed life and avail the government services intended for them.

 

For his part, Major General Noel Clement, 10ID Commander, said more NPA surrenderers are expected to yield in different military units with their relentless effort to entice the lawless armed groups.

 

"Our forces will conduct continuous intensified Focused Military Operation (FMO), Community Support Program (CSP), information gathering and collaboration with the stakeholders in its Area of Operation to thwart the atrocities planned by the NPA terrorist. We expect more surrenderers as LGUs are in active cooperation in encouraging their constituents who belonged to CPP-NPA terrorist group to go back to the folds of the law. NPAs who remained loyal to their terroristic ideology will be dealt with accordingly," Clement said.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2018/02/16/3-more-npa-members-yield-sarangani-589341

DILG probes village officials supporting NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 16): DILG probes village officials supporting NPA

Some 10 to 15 village leaders in Compostela Valley Province suspected to be members or supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are under investigation by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Those who are on the list are being verified, according to Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy. If proven true, the said officials can be expelled from office.

Uy confirmed there are some barangay officials in the province who are engaged or included in the underground organization.

The governor, however, was not at liberty to disclose the names of the officials on the list submitted to the DILG.

He learned this in a meeting with Local Government’s Secretary Eduardo Año three weeks ago.

This was also taken up during an executive meeting of the provincial peace and order council recently. The information was also based on the report of the military brigades operating in the Davao area.

According to Uy, the names of the officials are on the list of only one brigade. He said there are others on the list of other Army units operating in the area of Compostela Valley.

Uy said he is also verifying the information. The governor was concerned about the repercussions if officials are supporting the other side.

He said there may be some officials who are in the know of the NPA activities but remained deaf and blind.

“Ang DILG dili gusto niana no. So the investigation is going on (DILG does not like that. So the investigation is going on),” he said.

Meanwhile, Uy said the provincial government continues to engage stakeholders to keep the province safe.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/16/dilg-probes-village-officials-supporting-npa/

Joma: We’re ‘ever ready’ to resume talks

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 16): Joma: We’re ‘ever ready’ to resume talks


 Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison on Friday said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) was “ever ready” to resume peace talks with the Philippine government.

Sison issued this statement after President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines remained committed to achieving peace following his meeting with Idun Tvedt, Norwegian special envoy for the peace process between the Philippine government and the NDFP.

“The NDFP is ever ready to negotiate with the GRP as soon as the GRP [or GPH, meaning government of the Philippines] ceases to terminate the peace negotiations and allows its negotiating panel to negotiate with its NDFP counterpart,’ Sison said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net.
During the meeting, Tvedt “reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian government to assist the Philippines in its peace process” with the communist rebels.

 “The NDFP is ever grateful to the Royal Norwegian Government for its commitment and efforts to facilitate the peace negotiations between the GRP and NDFP,” Sison said.

Sison said “the two panels have achieved so much in four rounds of formal talks and in their work last October and November to prepare for the fifth round of formal talks.”

“The positive results of their work should not go to waste,” he said.

For both the GRP and NDFP, he said “it is easier and more economical to seek lasting peace through negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict and forge comprehensive agreements on social, economic and political reforms than to rely solely on the use of military force.”

“It would be politically and financially costly at the expense of the people if the Duterte regime relies solely on its all-out war policy, Oplan Kapayapaan and Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines and tries to bribe the AFP, PNP and paramilitaries to go on a rampage of mass murder with 25,000 pesos for the killing of every suspected or maliciously listed NPA member,” he said.

On November 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation No. 360, formally terminating the peace talks with the communist rebels.

He also signed a proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/969325/joma-were-ever-ready-to-resume-talks

Reds looking to ‘sane’ govt people to override Duterte refusal to resume talks – Sison

From InterAksyon (Feb 17): Reds looking to ‘sane’ govt people to override Duterte refusal to resume talks – Sison



File photos of communist leader Jose Maria Sison (from josemariasison.org) and President Rodrigo Duterte (from Malacanang) INTERAKSYON COMBO IMAGE

Communist rebels are banking on “sane and reasonable sections” of government to” prevail over “the mad drive of (President Rodrigo) Duterte to terminate the peace negotiations.”

Jose Ma. Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said Duterte’s refusal to resume negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents the rebels, was mean to “justify martial law and fascist dictatorship.”

Stressing the rebels were “always willing to negotiate peace” with Duterte or someone else, Sison, who is now chief political consultant of the NDFP, said: “It takes two sides in the current civil war in the Philippines to agree to negotiate with each other and arrive at comprehensive agreements on social, economic and political reforms to lay the basis of a just and lasting peace.”

At the moment, he said, “there is nothing the NDFP can do but to pursue the people´s democratic revolution through protracted people´s war which is now accelerated by the escalation of oppression and exploitation under the US-Duterte regime.”

Sison’s statement followed Malacañang’s announcement that Duterte was not inclined to resume talks despite a visit from Idun Tvedt, a special envoy of Norway, which has acted as third-party facilitator to the peace negotiations.

Presidential spokesman, Harry Roque, told reporters that while Duterte remained “committed to peace,” he saw no reason to resume negotiations with the communists because they “have no sincerity.”

But Sison said it was Duterte who “kept on terminating the peace negotiations (three times!) “by raising to the press complaints which he should have submitted through his panel to the Joint Monitoring Committee in the same manner that the NDFP had submitted to this body bigger and more serious complaints” of government ceasefire violations, including the “bombing of communities.”

Sison also noted that the last time Duterte scrapped the talks, both sides “were making significant progress” on discussions of socio-economic reforms.

Duterte, who once styled himself the country’s first “leftist” president and claimed to have close relations with the communists, broke off talks with the rebels and has vowed to crush them and groups he accuses of being “legal fronts” of the underground movement.

http://www.interaksyon.com/reds-looking-to-sane-govt-people-to-override-duterte-refusal-to-resume-talks-sison/

Clash sends hundreds fleeing in Maguindanao town

From InterAksyon (Feb 17): Clash sends hundreds fleeing in Maguindanao town



Hundreds of families were reported to have fled their homes in two villages of Datu Abdullah Sangki after fighting broke out between followers of two Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders.

Authorities said the fighting between the men of the commanders identified as “Bags” and “Datu Kob” appeared to have worsened following reports that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters had joined the fray in Sitio Kalandagan, Barangay Kaya-Kaya and Old Maganoy Area.

The initial investigation indicated that a land conflict triggered the hostilities.

The town has been gripped by tension over controversies involving Delinanas Banana Plantation, a contractor of food giant Del Monte, which has been attacked several times over issues such as its failure to pay rent to landowners.

The plantation has been temporarily shut down until the problems besetting it have been resolved.

Odjie Balayman, the town administrator, said they are still working to find out if there have been casualties in the fighting.

http://www.interaksyon.com/clash-sends-hundreds-fleeing-in-maguindanao-town/

Editorial: Helicopters for our modernizing AFP

Editorial from the Manila Bulletin (Feb 17): Editorial: Helicopters for our modernizing AFP



The dispute that arose over our planned purchase of helicopters from Canada will not affect our ongoing program of modernizing our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The biggest item of this program was the acquisition of a squadron of South Korean FA jet fighters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at a cost of P18.9 billion, followed by the purchase of two new frigates also from South Korea for our Philippine Navy at a cost of P15 billion.

The 16 Bell 412 helicopters from Canada for P12 billion would have been the third biggest item in this long-delayed modernization program of the AFP, which for so long has been depending on hand-me-downs from the United States.

Last February 8, a day after the signing of a $233-million (P12-billion) agreement on the helicopters, the Canadian government, through Trade Minister Philippe Champagne, said it had ordered a review of the deal in view of concerns that the helicopters would be used to fight rebels. He said the understanding was that they would be used for search and rescue operations.

Did the Canadians really expect that the helicopters they were selling for the use of the Philippine Air Force were to be used only for non-military operations like transporting officials, rescuing victims of natural calamities, joining surveillance missions along our borders, and flying above Independence Day parades at the Luneta?

The Department of National Defense (DND) said Tuesday that in view of this announcement from the Canadian government, it has informed the Canadian Commercial Corporation that it is cancelling its order in compliance with an order from President Duterte.

DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said, “While the combat utility helicopters being purchased are primarily for the purpose of transporting persons and supplies, the department believes that it does not owe the Canadian government any justification for an outright purchase of equipment from a privately owned company.” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines is now considering deals with at least four countries – South Korea, Russia, China, and Turkley.

The Philippines has just been through a five-month battle with ISIS-inspired Maute rebels who seized Marawi City last May and were ousted only after considerable loss of lives on both sides and destruction and loss of properties. The threat continues as there are other groups of rebel forces in Mindanao – the New People’s Army, the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Maute remnants, to name a few.

Mostly for internal security, rather than a defense against some invading force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is now building up its strength and capability. President Duterte has announced that the AFP plans to add 20,000 to its ranks. And it is now acquiring planes and helicopters, frigates, weapons and ammunition. If Canada does not want its helicopters used for the Philippines’ security needs, we simply have to look elsewhere.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/17/helicopters-for-our-modernizing-afp/

NPA rebel nabbed, explosives seized in Maddela, Quirino

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16): NPA rebel nabbed, explosives seized in Maddela, Quirino



An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) is now under custody of the authorities here after he was arrested in Maddela, Quirino province on Thursday.

Police Regional Office-2 (PRO-2) regional director, Chief Superintendent Jose Mario M. Espino, identified the arrested suspect as Kevin Bulayo Nilo alias Glen, a resident of Barangay Jose Ancheta in Maddela.
According to Espino, a joint team from the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army conducted a law enforcement support operation to serve a search warrant on Nilo in his house, which led to the arrest of the suspected NPA member.

Recovered from Nilo, was a .45 caliber pistol, two magazines, assorted explosive devices, laptop and a cellphone.

Espino said Nilo is a high profile member of the NPA who was trained in Mindanao and one of the rebels who raided the Maddela Police Station last year.

“This arrest is a result of the cooperation of the whole community and the different law enforcement agencies. It also proves that the terrorists cannot run away from the long arm of the law,” the police official added.

Nilo is now facing charges of violation of Republic Act 10591, the law against Illegal Possession of Firearms and RA 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives Act.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025478

Another Abu Sayyaf man linked to plantation attack arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16): Another Abu Sayyaf man linked to plantation attack arrested

 

Another Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member tagged in the kidnapping of plantation workers 16 years ago was arrested by government security forces in Basilan province, a top police official reported Friday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested ASG member as Said Arik alias Amlah, 48, a resident of Barangay Balatanay, Isabela City, Basilan.

Beltran said Arik was arrested at around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday in a law enforcement operations by joint police and military operatives in Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City.

Beltran said Arik has standing warrant of arrest for seven-count kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 15 workers on June 11, 2001 in the Golden Harvest Plantation, Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan.

The ASG executed by beheading five of the 15 workers while remaining 10 have either escaped or rescued by pursuing military forces.

The suspect was the 11th ASG member involved in the plantation attack apprehended since January 1 this year by government operatives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025521

Bangsamoro forum seen to boost Mindanao peace process: Dureza

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16): Bangsamoro forum seen to boost Mindanao peace process: Dureza

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Jesus Dureza has commended organizers of Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment (DELACSE) Bangsamoro for working hard to empower Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.

Dureza made his commendation during Thursday’s culminating event of the DELACSE Bangsamoro, a 13-month project funded by the European Union aimed at empowering decision-makers and civil society leaders for active engagement in the proposed new Bangsamoro political entity.

“We are truly grateful to all your efforts and for being our partner in making the Bangsamoro people, the civil society organizations further understand and strengthen their capacities as decision-makers that will bring positive change in their homeland,” Dureza said in his message read by OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso.

He said the tedious work towards achieving genuine peace in Mindanao does not end in the signing of peace agreements.

“It is a never ending work of engaging, involving, hearing out the people across all races, tribes, class and location,” Dureza said.

Dureza encouraged the DELACSE Bangsamoro Project organizers to continue to be at the forefront in promoting genuine, dignified and sustainable peace for the Bangsamoro and the rest of the country.

“All of us gathered here today don’t just want to talk, write agreements, or create development projects for the Bangsamoro people. We have come a long way in making it tangible,” he said.

Despite the five-month conflict in Marawi City last year, the DELACSE Bangsamoro Project has accomplished a lot in empowering over 1,000 participants through seminars, trainings and meetings here and abroad for the last 13 months.

“The results of the project were we were able to train politicians and civil society groups and members of the target group are capacitated to formulate and articulate comprehensive policy inputs vis-à-vis the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and actors that shape current reform efforts,” Benedicto Bacani, executive director of Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), said.

Bacani said project was able to engage with more women from Muslim Mindanao, accounting 55 percent of the total participants.

DELACSE Bangsamoro Project, implemented by the consortium Konrad-Adeneuer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines and IAG, had established partnerships with 55 civil society organizations in Muslim Mindanao.

Naguib Sinarimbo, deputy secretary general of United Bangsamoro Justice Party, said local leaders and Bangsamoro people empowerment will be nothing without changing the structure of government.

“We cannot just empower the local leaders and the people of the Bangsamoro without changing the structure of government. Parliamentary system is closer to the Bangsamoro system,” Sinarimbo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025513

More air, naval platforms to patrol PH Rise

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): More air, naval platforms to patrol PH Rise



The military will deploy additional air and sea assets to safeguard the Philippine Rise from incursions, said Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat.

"Not only troops. We are privileged to have additional platforms that include air and sea assets to be able to ensure our regular maritime patrol in the Philippine Rise," Salamat said in an interview Friday.

He said this is in line with the marching order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which is to protect the country's maritime interests in the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise.

Earlier Friday, a marine battalion, fresh from deployment to the southernmost islands of Mindanao, was formally assigned to NOLCOM.

Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, NOLCOM spokesperson, said Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 8 arrived at Port Irene, Cagayan province on board the BRP Tarlac (LD-601).

Nato said MBLT-8 will be integrated into the Joint Task Force “Tala" for intensified internal security operations.

The Marine unit, he said, will operate in the municipalities of Sta. Ana, Gonzaga, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Sta. Teresita, Lal-lo and Aparri, all in Cagayan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025560

PH frigate deal 'unaffected' by SoKor firm’s woes

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): PH frigate deal 'unaffected' by SoKor firm’s woes

A South Korean shipbuilder that won the Philippine Navy’s frigate project has assured the Philippine government that it will “continue its utmost effort” to support the implementation of the Navy’s fleet modernization, after the South Korean Supreme Court barred the former from joining state-led bids over bribery issues.

In a letter dated Jan. 30 to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sang Hoon Nam assured the Philippine government that the issue “is not a matter to be concerned with, as it is totally unrelated to the Philippine Frigate Acquisition Program” (FAP).

The South Korean Supreme Court earlier decided to ban HHI from participating in any state-led tender in South Korea after some of its employees were found guilty of offering bribes to win the bid to supply parts for four nuclear reactors to be constructed at the United Arab Emirates. HHI was convicted and penalized with a two-year ban.

Sang noted that the restriction is only effective to Korean government biddings and is not a blacklist action that restricts private contracts, special appointment contracts or other forms of business participation.

"We have confidence that there is no impediment to sign and implement the contract with your esteemed government for the construction of (the) frigate(s)," he added.

The FAP is one of the key pieces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization program as it seeks to provide the country with the capability to deal with air, surface and sub-surface threats.

It has a contract of about PHP16 billion, excluding the weapon systems and munitions.

Magdalo partylist Rep. Gary Alejano earlier claimed of impropriety surrounding the FAP deal.

This included the alleged preference for the Hanwha Combat Management System, the lawmaker said.

However, the contract was awarded under the watch of then defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin during the administration of former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

A Senate hearing on the allegations surrounding the purchase of warships will be held on Feb. 19 where Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go are expected to attend.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025495

Bangsamoro commission's BBL version gets 90% approval

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): Bangsamoro commission's BBL version gets 90% approval

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission's (BTC) version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been gaining tremendous support with at least 90 percent of the people on the ground approving its passage, an official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

“I will report that the reception on the ground is about 90 percent said yes for the BTC version of the BBL,” said OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso in his talk during the culminating event of the DELACSE Bangsamoro project in Makati City on Feb. 16.

Hermoso said he based his assessment from the consultations conducted by OPAPP and other non-government and civil society organizations alongside Congress in the Bangsamoro areas in Mindanao.

“We went out and the reception of the people on the ground, those will be affected by the new law, is tremendously supporting the BTC version of the BBL,” Hermoso, himself a native of Cotabato, said.

Hermoso said he was elated by the remarks of former Chief Justice Hilario David Jr. and Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna that “when they studied deeply the BTC version, they cannot find constitutional infirmities.”

“I’m one of the most affected. There is good in it. The political aspect is going smoothly. I hope there is no more Marawi or Mamasapano forthcoming. We are watching it closely,” he said.

He was referring to the five-month siege in Marawi City last year and the botched Mamasapano police operation designed to arrest international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in January 2015.

The Mamasapano incident, which left 57 people including 44 police elite forces dead, had hampered the passage of the proposed BBL bill.

Hermoso admitted that the normalization process in achieving peace and development in Mindanao is tedious but “we can move forward and hit the ground running” once the BBL becomes a law.

He assured Bangsamoro groups that all their varying interests will be accounted for in the final version of the BBL as a means to deliver lasting peace in the region.

“Walang maiiwan sa BBL (Nobody will be left behind in BBL) – those are the President’s marching orders to OPAPP and BBL,” Hermoso told the audience of the Bangsamoro stakeholders conference held by the DELACSE (Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment) Bangsamoro.

OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza said President Rodrigo Duterte, the prime mover of the BBL, is aware that the work for peace goes beyond signing of peace agreements, and achieving genuine peace warrants commitment in ensuring that all voices are recognized and heard.

“It is a never ending work of engaging, involving, hearing out the people across all races, tribes, class, and location,” Dureza said in his message read by Hermoso.

Dureza urged organizers and stakeholders of DELACSE Bangsamoro to be more active in a meaningful autonomous governance, emphasizing that the success of the Bangsamoro is a collective effort.

DELACSE Bangsamoro is a 13-month capacity-building project funded by the European Union (EU) and launched in April 2017 intended to prepare decision-makers and civil society leaders to be actively engaged in designing the new Bangsamoro political framework.

The civil society organizations leaders in the final conference have undergone seminars, workshops, and lecture series so they can contribute to comprehensive policy inputs in the proposed BBL and Charter Change.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025567

All aircraft carriers entitled to freedom of navigation: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): All aircraft carriers entitled to freedom of navigation: Palace

Malacañang has assured anew that all aircraft carriers, including the US Navy carrier, USS Carl Vinson, are entitled to freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“All vessels, including aircraft carriers, are entitled to freedom of navigation in the WPS,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said in a statement.

Roque made the remark after the USS Carl Vinson arrived in Manila Friday to begin “routine maritime operations".

The aircraft carrier is also in Manila to promote freedom of navigation, as well as work with partners and allies to enhance regional security and stability.

Roque, meanwhile, expressed hope that routine maritime operations would run smoothly and that there would be no untoward incident.

“We hope there will be no untoward incident on the occasion of the visit of USS Carl Vinson in our region,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, former Philippine National Police chief, for his part, welcomed the aircraft carrier’s visit, describing it as a “breath of fresh air”.

“Not being pro-USA and anti-China, the presence of USS Carl Vinson in the West Philippine Sea is a breath of fresh air for those of us, pro-Philippines,” Lacson posted on Twitter.

The arrival of the USS Carl Vinson comes after the Philippines protested China’s reported naming of five undersea features in the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025577

Lorenzana rebukes HRW for 'war crimes' comment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): Lorenzana rebukes HRW for 'war crimes' comment

The Department of National Defense has lambasted the international group Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) assessment that President Rodrigo R. Duterte's offer to give monetary rewards for every communist rebel killed encourages "war crimes".

"We disagree with the assessment of HRW that President Rodrigo Duterte’s reward offer of PHP20,000 for every NPA (New People’s Army) member killed 'encourages war crimes'," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement Saturday.

He added that eliminating rebels and terrorists is a legitimate law enforcement function, and the government is not precluded from offering rewards under Philippine laws.

"Furthermore, our Defenders are under strict orders to adhere to the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law when they operate in the field. They know only too well that anyone of them who is found guilty of abuse will be sanctioned accordingly," Lorenzana added.

The defense chief also said the HRW has always been unreasonably critical and biased against the military and police.

"It stays silent even when the NPA goes on a killing rampage while quick to accuse Philippine law enforcement agencies of trumped up or unconfirmed violations. When Jose Maria Sison ordered the CPP-NPA to kill one soldier per region every day, not a pip was heard from the HRW," he added.

"When the NPA beheaded a former comrade of theirs who had just returned to the fold of the law, the HRW was silent. Why did the HRW not say anything when the NPA killed a father and his son—Lumad leaders who attended a Lumad Summit with the President? Where was the HRW when the NPA was burning left and right the equipment of public companies for not acceding to their extortion demands? It is obvious that the HRW is acting as the spokesperson of the CPP-NPA," Lorenzana added.

Lorenzana said the Chief Executive's pronouncement that he will pay for every communist rebel killed came after the killings of “lumads” and Sison's directive to kill one soldier or policeman per region a day.

"In the interest of neutrality, objectivity, and the truth, we strongly urge the HRW to stop its hypocrisy and, instead, do the right thing by acknowledging and investigating these glaring atrocities being committed by the NPA. including the murder of innocent civilians, who resist their aggressive exploitation, and the deceptive recruitment of our indigenous population," he said.

Lorenzana assured that the government will do everything in its power to protect communities and uphold the rule of law.

CPP is the Communist Party of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025565

Duterte says PH committed to peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): Duterte says PH committed to peace

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has assured Norway that the Philippines remains committed to peace despite his refusal to resume peace talks with communist rebels, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Duterte on Thursday (February 15) met with Idun Tvedt, Norwegian special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Tvedt made a courtesy call at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City.

Roque said that during the more than an hour meeting, Duterte renewed his commitment to achieve just and lasting peace in the country, especially in Mindanao.

He said Duterte welcomed Norway's expression of commitment and stressed that the goal of peace must be achieved with due regard for the national interest of the Philippines.

The spokesperson also described the discussion between Duterte and Tvedt as “warm and open.”

On the other hand, Tvedt reiterated the commitment of the Norwegian Government to assist the Philippines in its peace process with communist rebels.

Tvedt described the courtesy call as "productive."

Tvedt was accompanied by Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner, Deputy Chief of Mission Kristian Netland and Senior Advisor William Hovland.

On the Philippine side, in attendance were Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza and Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer.....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025585