Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 18): The Bangsamoro must never, under any circumstance, give up its armed resistance against the Duterte regime
Press Statement
18 March 2018
In the 50th year commemoration of the Jabidah massacre:
THE BANGSAMORO MUST NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, GIVE UP ITS ARMED RESISTANCE AGAINST THE US-DUTERTE REGIME
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Mindanao joins the Bangsamoro in remembering the sixty-eight young Moro soldiers who, five decades ago, were conscripted by the AFP to train as operatives for Operation Merdeka, a diabolical Marcos-instigated adventure to invade Sabah. On March 18, 1968, they fell as victims to a horrific mass slaughter perpetrated by the US-Marcos regime and the AFP, which is now infamously known as the Jabidah massacre.
When the young Moro trainees found out that they were secretly training in Corregidor to invade Sabah and inflict harm to other Muslims in the said island, they stood their ground to vehemently defy Marcos’s directive. Sensing that the plan of invasion was about to crash, Marcos ordered the AFP to murder the young Moro trainees to avoid the operation from being exposed. All of the young Moro died, save for one, Joven Arula, who managed to escape to tell his story.
The Jabidah massacre has taught the Filipino people that under a semifeudal, semicolonial social system that is perpetuated by a state, which was then held by the iron grip of the dictator Marcos, under the aegis of the ruling classes of landlords, big comprador bourgeoisie and US imperialism, the Moro people’s general welfare and their genuine right to self-determination is completely disregarded. In the long history of Bangsamoro oppression, the state employs low-intensity conflict to keep the Moro people divided and prevent them from uniting in the name of their right to self-determination.
The systemic oppression of the Bangsamoro continues to this day, fifty years after the Marcos-instigated Jabidah massacre, under the reign of the US-Duterte regime. The most devastating manifestation of the oppression of the Bangsamoro to date is the US-Duterte-instigated Marawi seige, where hundreds of thousands of Moro civilians evacuated from their homes as livelihood and businesses were flattened by incessant bombings and shelling for five months.
Duterte conveniently used “terrorism” as a pretext and painted the Maute family, which was locked in a rido against the ruling Gandamra clan, as “terrorists” to justify not just his horrendous attacks against Marawi but also his declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao in order to extend his suppression against the Moro outside of Marawi.
Any Moro who does not prostrate himself to the plans of Duterte are persecuted and labeled as “terrorists.” Duterte also dangles as a tool to pacify the Moro people the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which he promised to be passed by January this year. But the BBL, for which the version pending before Congress is highly diluted, is clearly not a priority of Duterte’s supermajority in Congress and appears headed towards the backburner.
Should the BBL fail to be enacted into law, many among the MILF, the BIAF and other Moro armed groups professed that they will resume the armed resistance against the reactionary government. Thus, a resurgence of a Bangsamoro armed struggle of an even wider scale is in the offing. However, even if the BBL is enacted into law, it will entail an even worse impact on the Moro people as it will make the Bangsamoro completely beholden to the powers, whims and continued oppression of the ruling classes and the reactionary government.
Despite bragging about his Moro blood, Duterte is virtually at war against the Moro people by way of Martial Law in Mindanao. After the devastation of Marawi City, part of Duterte’ continuing war is targeting the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other Moro armed groups, as well as legitimate progressive Moro groups that mount protests against Duterte’s intrinsically anti-Moro schemes.
Duterte’s spin doctors also flood the media with deceptive news of BIFF members “surrendering and laying down their arms,” which are obviously meant to confuse and further divide the Moro people.
These continuing combat and deceptive schemes are meant to take control of the ancestral lands of the Moro on Mindanao, which are known to be rich sources of energy and minerals, such as the Liguasan Marsh in the Cotabato basin.
The intensified war against the Bangsamoro is part of the Asia-pivot design of US imperialism to buttress its hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region, where China is also increasing its hold. The US Armed Forces has launched Operation Pacific Eagle–Philippines, an all-out US counterinsurgency operation in the country that allows them to directly operate against “terrorists,” establish new military bases of which 6,000 hectares of land is granted to them as military reservation, and, use it as springboard for its war against China and North Korea, and establish its claim over the South China Sea.
In this context, The NDFP-Mindanao calls on the Moro people to remain steadfast in their unity and press the Duterte regime to end the long-standing oppression of the Bangsamoro and truly respect their right to self-determination.
In the face of the AFP’s/PNP’s continuing attacks, the Bangsamoro must steel its resolve to further strengthen its armed resistance and never under any circumstance, must Moro fighters lay down their arms and surrender before a rampaging common enemy. It is only by way of armed revolution can oppression such as the Jabidah massacre end, and the most basic problems of the Moro people be resolved.
The NDFP-Mindanao, together with its allied organization, the Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization (MRLO), is one with you in your continuing struggle for your genuine right for self-determination, and just and lasting peace for Mindanao and the country.#
Ka Joaquin Jacinto
Spokesperson
NDFP-Mindanao
https://www.ndfp.org/the-bangsamoro-must-never-under-any-circumstance-give-up-its-armed-resistance-against-the-duterte-regime/
Friday, March 23, 2018
NDF: NDFP Renders Highest Honors to Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 22): NDFP Renders Highest Honors to Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos
An outstanding revolutionary cadre who served the Filipino people with boundless warmheartedness, Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos advanced the Philippine revolution since the time of the Marcos dictatorship until the Duterte regime’s troops murdered him a few days ago.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering, he passed the Board Exams. Lucratic job opportunities did not entice him. He decided to work as a fulltime organizer in schools and communities. After a few years, he decided to toil and build among the masses in the countryside as a Red fighter.
He became a valuable party cadre in the Regional Instruction Bureau, using his talents for ensuring the political development of Red fighters and commanders. His humor helped make the regional party publication, Silyab, acquire an effective and youthful character.
Through the years, his cadre quality saw him rise to higher responsibilities, until he was elected a regular member of the Regional Party Executive Committee. He attended the Second Party National Congress in 2016 and was elected a regular member of the Central Committee.
His extensive experience in party building, troop leadership and immersing himself with the basic masses enabled him to understand their needs and deepest aspirations. This made him a veritable fountain of practical guide for the next generation of party cadres.
We render the highest honors to Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos!
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and kin, his comrades and the masses whose hearts he touched. We grieve his untimely martyrdom, but we turn our grief into revolutionary courage.
We strongly condemn the Duterte regime and its fascist troopers for the murder of Comrade Bendoy and their many crimes against the people!
Long live the inspiration and revolutionary legacy of Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos!
Long live People’s Democratic Revolution!
Luis G. Jalandoni
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-renders-highest-honors-to-comrade-alfredo-ka-bendoy-merilos/
An outstanding revolutionary cadre who served the Filipino people with boundless warmheartedness, Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos advanced the Philippine revolution since the time of the Marcos dictatorship until the Duterte regime’s troops murdered him a few days ago.
A graduate of Mechanical Engineering, he passed the Board Exams. Lucratic job opportunities did not entice him. He decided to work as a fulltime organizer in schools and communities. After a few years, he decided to toil and build among the masses in the countryside as a Red fighter.
He became a valuable party cadre in the Regional Instruction Bureau, using his talents for ensuring the political development of Red fighters and commanders. His humor helped make the regional party publication, Silyab, acquire an effective and youthful character.
Through the years, his cadre quality saw him rise to higher responsibilities, until he was elected a regular member of the Regional Party Executive Committee. He attended the Second Party National Congress in 2016 and was elected a regular member of the Central Committee.
His extensive experience in party building, troop leadership and immersing himself with the basic masses enabled him to understand their needs and deepest aspirations. This made him a veritable fountain of practical guide for the next generation of party cadres.
We render the highest honors to Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos!
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and kin, his comrades and the masses whose hearts he touched. We grieve his untimely martyrdom, but we turn our grief into revolutionary courage.
We strongly condemn the Duterte regime and its fascist troopers for the murder of Comrade Bendoy and their many crimes against the people!
Long live the inspiration and revolutionary legacy of Comrade Alfredo “Ka Bendoy” Merilos!
Long live People’s Democratic Revolution!
Luis G. Jalandoni
Member, National Executive Committee
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-renders-highest-honors-to-comrade-alfredo-ka-bendoy-merilos/
MILF: Editorial -- CAB’s 4th Anniversary
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 23): Editorial -- CAB’s 4th Anniversary
On 27 March 2018, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as well as countless peace advocates, citizens closely following the peace process and Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro homeland, will commemorate the 4th year anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed in 2014.
A product of more than seventeen (17) years of hard and harsh peace negotiations, the CAB covers all agreements signed by the parties, from the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities in 18 July 1997, which was instrumental in jumpstarting the peace negotiations, to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro of 15 October 2012, which defined the crucial elements and mechanisms that would facilitate the establishment of a new autonomous political entity referred to as Bangsamoro.
It is understood that peace processes, which often entails a series of activities that aims to solve a conflict through peaceful means, do not reach their goals overnight.
Nevertheless, stakeholders of the process anticipated that an important milestone in the post-CAB scenario would have been already achieved by now: the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the legal instrument that would create the envisioned Bangsamoro government. Tied to the peace process, the BBL is no ordinary piece of legislation as it carries the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people enshrined in the negotiated peace agreements. It is meant to solve an enduring problem: the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination, defined by MILF peace implementing panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal as the Bangsamoro’s capability to “freely establish their political status and pursue their economic, cultural and social development.” And with the creation of new political institutions, the BBL hopes to create an enabling environment for overdue structural reforms and socio-economic development in conflict-affected areas.
The BBL did not make it during the 16th Congress. The main reason probably was the Mamasapano incident on January 25, 2015 where 44 Police Special Action Force (SAF), 17 MILF fighters, and five civilians died. Truly, a game changer that outright snuffed out the life of the proposed law.
At present, the BBL remains in the 17th Philippine Congress wherein the upper and lower chambers have their respective versions and in different phase of the legislative process. The Senate committee tasked to deliberate on the BBL has finalized its report.
The result was Senate Bill 1717, filed by its main author, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Meanwhile, the House of Representative BBL sub-committee has concluded its public consultations and is expected to finish its own committee report in due time.
Congress hopes to pass the law by May, well before President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address. Congress should have a sense of urgency vis-à-vis the BBL. For outstanding questions on the law, the GPH and the MILF, through the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, are more than willing to engage in constructive dialogue to help move the process forward. While peace process can be political, supporters of the BBL call upon bureaucrats and legislators to set-aside personal interests to give way to a higher purpose of improving the lives of the Bangsamoro who have long been marginalized in their own homeland.
The Bangsamoro peace process is not happening in a vacuum and is affected by Mindanao’s security situation, now exacerbated by the presence of ISIS followers with their intolerance for others’ beliefs and penchant for unrestrained violence. The delays in the implementation of the CAB has unfortunately provided an opening for these extremist groups, allowing them to feed on Bangsamoro people’s frustrations over the BBL’s current state. ISIS sympathizers were able to brazenly push their agenda in the City of Marawi, which has trodden the dignity of its residents and caused significant damages to a once vibrant city.
The Marawi crisis was indeed a challenge for both government and the MILF, whose own brethren were severely affected by the fighting and the airstrikes. But the partnership between government and MILF was further strengthened with the creation of a peace corridor, now called Joint Coordinating, Monitoring and Assistance Centers (JCMAC), to assist fleeing civilians at the height of the hostilities, eventually saving 255 lives. While it remains as a revolutionary organization, the MILF respects the principles of international humanitarian law and safeguard of noncombatants and vulnerable groups is paramount in times of crisis.
For the CAB’s 4th anniversary, the MILF leadership and supporters of the Bangsamoro peace process hope for the passage of the BBL in Congress. A breakthrough in the peace process is long overdue and seriously needed, especially by Bangsamoro communities growing weary of waiting. Deferments in completing what the Bangsamoro peace process set to do, as well as the complications in Marawi’s reconstruction and rehabilitation, would create new cycle of grievances that can be manipulated by spoilers. The government, MILF and other key actors have come so far, and it would be a disservice to the Bangsamoro people and the Philippines to allow another four years pass by before the commitments in the negotiated peace settlement are fully implemented.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1262/cab---s-4th-anniversary
On 27 March 2018, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as well as countless peace advocates, citizens closely following the peace process and Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro homeland, will commemorate the 4th year anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed in 2014.
A product of more than seventeen (17) years of hard and harsh peace negotiations, the CAB covers all agreements signed by the parties, from the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities in 18 July 1997, which was instrumental in jumpstarting the peace negotiations, to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro of 15 October 2012, which defined the crucial elements and mechanisms that would facilitate the establishment of a new autonomous political entity referred to as Bangsamoro.
It is understood that peace processes, which often entails a series of activities that aims to solve a conflict through peaceful means, do not reach their goals overnight.
Nevertheless, stakeholders of the process anticipated that an important milestone in the post-CAB scenario would have been already achieved by now: the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the legal instrument that would create the envisioned Bangsamoro government. Tied to the peace process, the BBL is no ordinary piece of legislation as it carries the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people enshrined in the negotiated peace agreements. It is meant to solve an enduring problem: the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination, defined by MILF peace implementing panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal as the Bangsamoro’s capability to “freely establish their political status and pursue their economic, cultural and social development.” And with the creation of new political institutions, the BBL hopes to create an enabling environment for overdue structural reforms and socio-economic development in conflict-affected areas.
The BBL did not make it during the 16th Congress. The main reason probably was the Mamasapano incident on January 25, 2015 where 44 Police Special Action Force (SAF), 17 MILF fighters, and five civilians died. Truly, a game changer that outright snuffed out the life of the proposed law.
At present, the BBL remains in the 17th Philippine Congress wherein the upper and lower chambers have their respective versions and in different phase of the legislative process. The Senate committee tasked to deliberate on the BBL has finalized its report.
The result was Senate Bill 1717, filed by its main author, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Meanwhile, the House of Representative BBL sub-committee has concluded its public consultations and is expected to finish its own committee report in due time.
Congress hopes to pass the law by May, well before President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address. Congress should have a sense of urgency vis-à-vis the BBL. For outstanding questions on the law, the GPH and the MILF, through the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, are more than willing to engage in constructive dialogue to help move the process forward. While peace process can be political, supporters of the BBL call upon bureaucrats and legislators to set-aside personal interests to give way to a higher purpose of improving the lives of the Bangsamoro who have long been marginalized in their own homeland.
The Bangsamoro peace process is not happening in a vacuum and is affected by Mindanao’s security situation, now exacerbated by the presence of ISIS followers with their intolerance for others’ beliefs and penchant for unrestrained violence. The delays in the implementation of the CAB has unfortunately provided an opening for these extremist groups, allowing them to feed on Bangsamoro people’s frustrations over the BBL’s current state. ISIS sympathizers were able to brazenly push their agenda in the City of Marawi, which has trodden the dignity of its residents and caused significant damages to a once vibrant city.
The Marawi crisis was indeed a challenge for both government and the MILF, whose own brethren were severely affected by the fighting and the airstrikes. But the partnership between government and MILF was further strengthened with the creation of a peace corridor, now called Joint Coordinating, Monitoring and Assistance Centers (JCMAC), to assist fleeing civilians at the height of the hostilities, eventually saving 255 lives. While it remains as a revolutionary organization, the MILF respects the principles of international humanitarian law and safeguard of noncombatants and vulnerable groups is paramount in times of crisis.
For the CAB’s 4th anniversary, the MILF leadership and supporters of the Bangsamoro peace process hope for the passage of the BBL in Congress. A breakthrough in the peace process is long overdue and seriously needed, especially by Bangsamoro communities growing weary of waiting. Deferments in completing what the Bangsamoro peace process set to do, as well as the complications in Marawi’s reconstruction and rehabilitation, would create new cycle of grievances that can be manipulated by spoilers. The government, MILF and other key actors have come so far, and it would be a disservice to the Bangsamoro people and the Philippines to allow another four years pass by before the commitments in the negotiated peace settlement are fully implemented.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1262/cab---s-4th-anniversary
MILF: Passing the BBL is easier than shifting to federalism: Iqbal
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 22): Passing the BBL is easier than shifting to federalism: Iqbal
Photo: Screenshot from ANC Early Edition Facebook page
“It’s easier really to pass the BBL rather than the shift of the system of government from unitary to federalism,” said Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel during an interview at the Early Edition TV program of ANC on Tuesday (March 20).
Iqbal reiterated the position of the MILF that BBL should be passed first before federalism considering that the Bangsamoro law is a commitment of the government in the signed peace agreement while federalism is not.
In 2014, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which stipulates that the state will deliver the BBL to provide the Bangsamoro people an autonomous political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The said agreement was inked during the stint of President Benigno Aquino III who stated that the ARMM is a failed experiment.
Iqbal further said in the interview that the President Rodrigo Duterte before, during and even after the elections has committed to deliver the BBL and make it as a template for federalism.
He explained further that federalism is designed to address a national concern while the BBL is designed to address the Bangsamoro problem.
The new BBL which was already submitted to the Philippine Congress was drafted by the 21-man members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) inclusive of representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front, Indigenous Peoples and Christian Settlers.
The Senate and the House of Representatives had already conducted their respective public hearings and consultations for the draft Bangsamoro law in different regions of Mindanao and the island provinces.
During the said gatherings, various peace advocate groups reiterated the need to pass the BBL that adheres to the signed peace accord.
The MILF leadership, which believes that the BBL is constitutional, is confident that the lawmakers will pass a Bangsamoro law that is compliant with the CAB for it is designed to address the Bangsamoro quest for self-determination and current major concerns.
The Front is hopeful for a swift passage of the Bangsamoro law. It had warned that some extremist groups may use the non-passage of the BBL to draw frustrated Moro youth to join them.
[Video: Iqbal: Problems that will arise if BBL will be passed post-federalism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5za2lUyS9ds]
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1260/passing-the-bbl-is-easier-than-shifting-to-federalism--iqbal
Photo: Screenshot from ANC Early Edition Facebook page
“It’s easier really to pass the BBL rather than the shift of the system of government from unitary to federalism,” said Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel during an interview at the Early Edition TV program of ANC on Tuesday (March 20).
Iqbal reiterated the position of the MILF that BBL should be passed first before federalism considering that the Bangsamoro law is a commitment of the government in the signed peace agreement while federalism is not.
In 2014, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which stipulates that the state will deliver the BBL to provide the Bangsamoro people an autonomous political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The said agreement was inked during the stint of President Benigno Aquino III who stated that the ARMM is a failed experiment.
Iqbal further said in the interview that the President Rodrigo Duterte before, during and even after the elections has committed to deliver the BBL and make it as a template for federalism.
He explained further that federalism is designed to address a national concern while the BBL is designed to address the Bangsamoro problem.
The new BBL which was already submitted to the Philippine Congress was drafted by the 21-man members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) inclusive of representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front, Indigenous Peoples and Christian Settlers.
The Senate and the House of Representatives had already conducted their respective public hearings and consultations for the draft Bangsamoro law in different regions of Mindanao and the island provinces.
During the said gatherings, various peace advocate groups reiterated the need to pass the BBL that adheres to the signed peace accord.
The MILF leadership, which believes that the BBL is constitutional, is confident that the lawmakers will pass a Bangsamoro law that is compliant with the CAB for it is designed to address the Bangsamoro quest for self-determination and current major concerns.
The Front is hopeful for a swift passage of the Bangsamoro law. It had warned that some extremist groups may use the non-passage of the BBL to draw frustrated Moro youth to join them.
[Video: Iqbal: Problems that will arise if BBL will be passed post-federalism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5za2lUyS9ds]
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1260/passing-the-bbl-is-easier-than-shifting-to-federalism--iqbal
MILF: Jaafar enlightens University of Mindanao’s Students on BBL, Extremism
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 23): Jaafar enlightens University of Mindanao’s Students on BBL, Extremism
Photo by Margany R. Gumander
“There’s no extremists group in Mindanao because they are fighting for a cause,” and principles.
This was the opening statement of Ghazali Jaafar, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman, and 1ST Vice Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the First Public Forum on BBL, and Islamic Social Awareness held at the University of Mindanao (UM) Campus, Bolton Street, Davao City on March 21, 2018.
Jaafar stressed that the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the late Ustadz Umbra Kato was the former Commander of 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF), but due to his frustrations on the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), he bolted from the mainstream MILF.
In can be recalled that when some unscrupulous political leaders questioned the legality of the MOA-AD, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional due to lack of consultations.
“The MILF then was still honoring the signed peace agreement with the government, and they continued to resolve the Bangsamoro issues through the peace process, but Ustadz Kato rather chose to separate from the MILF, and they continued fighting against the government to establish an independent state,” Jaafar emphasized.
“The Maute Brothers who laid siege on Marawi City were also former members of the MILF in Lanao del Sur. But due to the failure of the Philippine’s 16th Congress to pass the previous BBL, they become frustrated, and totally lost their trust and confidence on the government, thus, they continued fighting to establish their own government to govern themselves,” Jaafar added.
“There’s no existing extremism in Mindanao. It is a product of big frustration of some members of the Moro Front who negotiated for almost 40 years, and the political solutions was already identified but remained in deaf ears,” lamented Jaafar.
Some 40 Muslims students, 18 non-Muslim students, and youth leaders, members of the University of Mindanao Muslim Association for Regency attended the forum.
The youth participants were enlightened on the salient provisions of the BBL, and its inclusivity.
After the enactment of BBL by congress, a plebiscite will be held in the core territory, and the localities in Lanao Del Norte, and said villages in North Cotabato to determine the coverage of the new political entity Bangsamoro.
Once the Bangsamoro Region is established, infrastructure projects, livelihood assistance, other forms of development programs, and educational scholarships will be enjoyed by residents of Bangsamoro communities, inside, and outside of the region where Moro people reside.
Aside from Jaafar, three (3) well-known experts on Islamic Theology gave clear insights on what is extremism, and how to counter radical extremism.
The non-Muslim students were also given an opportunity to share their ideas how they understand the issue on extremism before, and after they heard the fruitful explanation of the resource speakers.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1263/jaafar-enlightens-university-of-mindanao---s-students-on-bbl--extremism
Photo by Margany R. Gumander
“There’s no extremists group in Mindanao because they are fighting for a cause,” and principles.
This was the opening statement of Ghazali Jaafar, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman, and 1ST Vice Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the First Public Forum on BBL, and Islamic Social Awareness held at the University of Mindanao (UM) Campus, Bolton Street, Davao City on March 21, 2018.
Jaafar stressed that the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the late Ustadz Umbra Kato was the former Commander of 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF-MILF), but due to his frustrations on the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), he bolted from the mainstream MILF.
In can be recalled that when some unscrupulous political leaders questioned the legality of the MOA-AD, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional due to lack of consultations.
“The MILF then was still honoring the signed peace agreement with the government, and they continued to resolve the Bangsamoro issues through the peace process, but Ustadz Kato rather chose to separate from the MILF, and they continued fighting against the government to establish an independent state,” Jaafar emphasized.
“The Maute Brothers who laid siege on Marawi City were also former members of the MILF in Lanao del Sur. But due to the failure of the Philippine’s 16th Congress to pass the previous BBL, they become frustrated, and totally lost their trust and confidence on the government, thus, they continued fighting to establish their own government to govern themselves,” Jaafar added.
“There’s no existing extremism in Mindanao. It is a product of big frustration of some members of the Moro Front who negotiated for almost 40 years, and the political solutions was already identified but remained in deaf ears,” lamented Jaafar.
Some 40 Muslims students, 18 non-Muslim students, and youth leaders, members of the University of Mindanao Muslim Association for Regency attended the forum.
The youth participants were enlightened on the salient provisions of the BBL, and its inclusivity.
After the enactment of BBL by congress, a plebiscite will be held in the core territory, and the localities in Lanao Del Norte, and said villages in North Cotabato to determine the coverage of the new political entity Bangsamoro.
Once the Bangsamoro Region is established, infrastructure projects, livelihood assistance, other forms of development programs, and educational scholarships will be enjoyed by residents of Bangsamoro communities, inside, and outside of the region where Moro people reside.
Aside from Jaafar, three (3) well-known experts on Islamic Theology gave clear insights on what is extremism, and how to counter radical extremism.
The non-Muslim students were also given an opportunity to share their ideas how they understand the issue on extremism before, and after they heard the fruitful explanation of the resource speakers.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1263/jaafar-enlightens-university-of-mindanao---s-students-on-bbl--extremism
DWDD: MASSIVE SURRENDER | 4,356 NPA, supporters yield to government
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 23): MASSIVE SURRENDER | 4,356 NPA, supporters yield to government
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recorded 4,356 regular members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered nationwide from 01 January to 15 March 2018.
The figure is composed of 626 NPA regulars and Sangay sa Partido Lokal (SPL) or local party members and 3,730 Militia ng Bayan (MB), Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members and mass supporters. Majority of surrenders happened in eastern Mindanao particularly in the regions of Davao and CARAGA totalling 96% or 4,194.
This includes the 1,265 NPA supporters and residents of nine barangays of Monkayo town in Compostela Valley on 07 March 2018 and the recent defection of 115 supporters in Trento, Agusan del Sur.
The massive surrenders of NPAs and their supporters were attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, re-integration efforts, peace and development programs of the AFP and PNP; and the intense campaign of Local Government Units in convincing their constituents who are members and supporters of the NPA to go back to mainstream society.
The AFP expects more surrenders as former rebels and supporters divulge corruption and deception inside the CPP-NPA. Revelations from former rebels disclosed that most of them were deceived into believing the propaganda and false promises of their leaders.
The former rebels warn would be recruits not to fall on the pattern of deception being done by the NPA terrorists and call on their former comrades to take the peaceful path to change.
The AFP assures the public that focused military operations against communist terrorists will continue to protect the people and vulnerable communities from terrorist atrocities. AFP PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/03/23/massive-surrender-4356-npa-supporters-yield-to-government/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recorded 4,356 regular members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered nationwide from 01 January to 15 March 2018.
The figure is composed of 626 NPA regulars and Sangay sa Partido Lokal (SPL) or local party members and 3,730 Militia ng Bayan (MB), Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members and mass supporters. Majority of surrenders happened in eastern Mindanao particularly in the regions of Davao and CARAGA totalling 96% or 4,194.
This includes the 1,265 NPA supporters and residents of nine barangays of Monkayo town in Compostela Valley on 07 March 2018 and the recent defection of 115 supporters in Trento, Agusan del Sur.
The massive surrenders of NPAs and their supporters were attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, re-integration efforts, peace and development programs of the AFP and PNP; and the intense campaign of Local Government Units in convincing their constituents who are members and supporters of the NPA to go back to mainstream society.
The AFP expects more surrenders as former rebels and supporters divulge corruption and deception inside the CPP-NPA. Revelations from former rebels disclosed that most of them were deceived into believing the propaganda and false promises of their leaders.
The former rebels warn would be recruits not to fall on the pattern of deception being done by the NPA terrorists and call on their former comrades to take the peaceful path to change.
The AFP assures the public that focused military operations against communist terrorists will continue to protect the people and vulnerable communities from terrorist atrocities. AFP PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/03/23/massive-surrender-4356-npa-supporters-yield-to-government/
PH, China agree on 'prudent' cooperation on joint sea exploration
From Rappler (Mar 22): PH, China agree on 'prudent' cooperation on joint sea exploration
The countries will 'in a prudent and steady way advance cooperation on offshore oil and gas exploration,' says Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi
LETTER. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (L) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Counselor Wang Yi after he passed on a hand-written letter from President Rodrigo Duterte to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 21, 2018. Photo by Parker Song/AFP
Philippines and China said Wednesday, March 21, they will cautiously proceed with discussions on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, further reversing years of tensions over their competing claims to the region.
The two states have long been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the waterway – with China claiming nearly the entire sea – but Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has in recent years softened his predecessors' policy of opposing Beijing's claims.
The countries will "in a prudent and steady way advance cooperation on offshore oil and gas exploration", Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
"The South China Sea disputes will no longer be a source of negative energy blocking the development of bilateral ties," he added.
The Philippines said earlier this month it was in talks with a Chinese state firm over joint exploration and extraction in the strategic and supposedly resource-rich sea.
Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim all or part of the sea, and proposed cooperation between Manila and Beijing has caused alarm among neighboring Southeast Asian countries in the past.
Cayetano said at the press conference that China and the Philippines "are finding a common legal framework to conduct joint exploration and surveys".
"Our relationship... is in a golden period, and with very positive momentum," he said, adding that the countries "are now ready to face more challenges together".
However no further details on the nature of the agreed cooperation were given.
Cayetano said last month that Manila would consult legal experts to make sure any accord would not infringe Philippine sovereign rights.
Duterte has described a proposed deal as akin to "co-ownership" of contested areas, saying this was preferable to the "massacre" of Filipino troops in a war with China.
Duterte's willingness to cooperate with China marks a turnaround from the stance of predecessor Benigno Aquino III who accused Beijing of encroaching, occupying, and building structures on reefs and rocks that Manila claims as part of its exclusive economic zone.
Aquino won an international arbitration tribunal ruling in 2016 invalidating Beijing's claims, but Duterte set aside the ruling while courting investments and trade from the Philippines' giant neighbor, the world's second-largest economy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198708-philippines-china-agree-cooperation-joint-sea-exploration
The countries will 'in a prudent and steady way advance cooperation on offshore oil and gas exploration,' says Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi
LETTER. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano (L) shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister and State Counselor Wang Yi after he passed on a hand-written letter from President Rodrigo Duterte to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on March 21, 2018. Photo by Parker Song/AFP
Philippines and China said Wednesday, March 21, they will cautiously proceed with discussions on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, further reversing years of tensions over their competing claims to the region.
The two states have long been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the waterway – with China claiming nearly the entire sea – but Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has in recent years softened his predecessors' policy of opposing Beijing's claims.
The countries will "in a prudent and steady way advance cooperation on offshore oil and gas exploration", Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
"The South China Sea disputes will no longer be a source of negative energy blocking the development of bilateral ties," he added.
The Philippines said earlier this month it was in talks with a Chinese state firm over joint exploration and extraction in the strategic and supposedly resource-rich sea.
Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also claim all or part of the sea, and proposed cooperation between Manila and Beijing has caused alarm among neighboring Southeast Asian countries in the past.
Cayetano said at the press conference that China and the Philippines "are finding a common legal framework to conduct joint exploration and surveys".
"Our relationship... is in a golden period, and with very positive momentum," he said, adding that the countries "are now ready to face more challenges together".
However no further details on the nature of the agreed cooperation were given.
Cayetano said last month that Manila would consult legal experts to make sure any accord would not infringe Philippine sovereign rights.
Duterte has described a proposed deal as akin to "co-ownership" of contested areas, saying this was preferable to the "massacre" of Filipino troops in a war with China.
Duterte's willingness to cooperate with China marks a turnaround from the stance of predecessor Benigno Aquino III who accused Beijing of encroaching, occupying, and building structures on reefs and rocks that Manila claims as part of its exclusive economic zone.
Aquino won an international arbitration tribunal ruling in 2016 invalidating Beijing's claims, but Duterte set aside the ruling while courting investments and trade from the Philippines' giant neighbor, the world's second-largest economy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198708-philippines-china-agree-cooperation-joint-sea-exploration
Lorenzana gives top PH economists security briefing
From Rappler (Mar 22): Lorenzana gives top PH economists security briefing
Former finance secretary Roberto de Ocampo gives a glowing assessment of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's performance as defense chief
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana briefed some of the country's top economists on the national security situation on Wednesday night, March 21.
Lorenzana gave an off-the-record security briefing to members of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, a group of economists chaired by former finance secretary Roberto de Ocampo, and boasted about the military's successes on the ground.
Lorenzana discussed the threat of terrorism and the communist insurgency, giving them a broad view of the status of military operations against these threats.
He also discussed the situation in Mindanao, where martial law was declared.
PH Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday night spoke with members of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) about the national security situation. FEF is composed of the country's top economists. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/95QHQjkb5N— Carmela Fonbuena (@carmelafonbuena) March 22, 2018
De Ocampo, who gave a glowing assessment of Lorenzana's performance as defense chief, said the FEF members welcomed the briefing especially as they look into the administration's economic policies.
"How can you pursue a Build Build Build, for example, if there is instability. This, I think, is a major part of looking at the overall situation, both locally and globally," De Ocampo told Rappler.
De Ocampo stressed the importance of Lorenzana's job. "National defense usually commands a very large part of the budget of an economy for the simple reason that without the stability that national defense is supposed to introduce, then economics becomes largely theoretical," he said.
"We were happy to be able to listen. I think many issues such as those that were brought out today including the South China Sea strategy, the military strategy in Mindanao, and NPAs are all very important to the economy," he added.
Ocampo served as finance secretary during the Ramos administration. Former National Economic and Development Authority chief Romulo Neri was also present at the briefing.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198742-lorenzana-top-ph-economists-security-briefing
Former finance secretary Roberto de Ocampo gives a glowing assessment of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's performance as defense chief
BRIEFING ECONOMISTS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gives the Foundation for Economic Freedom a briefing on the national security situation. Rappler photo
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana briefed some of the country's top economists on the national security situation on Wednesday night, March 21.
Lorenzana gave an off-the-record security briefing to members of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, a group of economists chaired by former finance secretary Roberto de Ocampo, and boasted about the military's successes on the ground.
Lorenzana discussed the threat of terrorism and the communist insurgency, giving them a broad view of the status of military operations against these threats.
He also discussed the situation in Mindanao, where martial law was declared.
PH Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday night spoke with members of the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) about the national security situation. FEF is composed of the country's top economists. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/95QHQjkb5N— Carmela Fonbuena (@carmelafonbuena) March 22, 2018
De Ocampo, who gave a glowing assessment of Lorenzana's performance as defense chief, said the FEF members welcomed the briefing especially as they look into the administration's economic policies.
"How can you pursue a Build Build Build, for example, if there is instability. This, I think, is a major part of looking at the overall situation, both locally and globally," De Ocampo told Rappler.
De Ocampo stressed the importance of Lorenzana's job. "National defense usually commands a very large part of the budget of an economy for the simple reason that without the stability that national defense is supposed to introduce, then economics becomes largely theoretical," he said.
"We were happy to be able to listen. I think many issues such as those that were brought out today including the South China Sea strategy, the military strategy in Mindanao, and NPAs are all very important to the economy," he added.
Ocampo served as finance secretary during the Ramos administration. Former National Economic and Development Authority chief Romulo Neri was also present at the briefing.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198742-lorenzana-top-ph-economists-security-briefing
CPP slams AFP for parading hoax NPA surrenderees
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Mar 23): CPP slams AFP for parading hoax NPA surrenderees
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-slams-afp-for-parading-hoax-npa-surrenderees/
The New People’s Army (FILE PHOTO by Medel V. Hernani / davaotoday.com)
The military’s latest number of surrendered persons from the New Peoples Army is “a complete hoax.”
In a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines said 99% of the so-called “NPA surrenderees” were not actually NPA fighters but were victims of the series of red tagging and psywar activities launched by the AFP-PNP.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that 4,356 NPA regular members and supporters surrendered to them from January 1 to March 15 this year. Around 626 NPA regulars and Sangay sa Partido Lokal and 3,730 Militia ng Bayan, UGMO members and mass supporters surrendered, 97% of which came from Caraga and Davao regions in Mindanao.
The state forces attributed the surrenders due to the combined focused military, civil-military, re-integration and peace and development programs.
The CPP cited incidents reported by human rights groups such as the forced surrender of a teacher and of the MISFI Academy, an institution operating several schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao. The teacher was brought together with 70 other members of the community in Trento, Agusan del Sur on March 12 where they were forced to sign a blank sheet of paper.
The victims were also said to be threatened with detention and forced to speak in front of a camera that they have voluntarily surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The military’s latest number of surrendered persons from the New Peoples Army is “a complete hoax.”
In a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines said 99% of the so-called “NPA surrenderees” were not actually NPA fighters but were victims of the series of red tagging and psywar activities launched by the AFP-PNP.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that 4,356 NPA regular members and supporters surrendered to them from January 1 to March 15 this year. Around 626 NPA regulars and Sangay sa Partido Lokal and 3,730 Militia ng Bayan, UGMO members and mass supporters surrendered, 97% of which came from Caraga and Davao regions in Mindanao.
The state forces attributed the surrenders due to the combined focused military, civil-military, re-integration and peace and development programs.
The CPP cited incidents reported by human rights groups such as the forced surrender of a teacher and of the MISFI Academy, an institution operating several schools for indigenous peoples in Mindanao. The teacher was brought together with 70 other members of the community in Trento, Agusan del Sur on March 12 where they were forced to sign a blank sheet of paper.
The victims were also said to be threatened with detention and forced to speak in front of a camera that they have voluntarily surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The CPP added that among the surrenderee statistics included AFP paramilitaries like the 16 members of the Magahat-Bagani, who were presented by the 4th ID. The Magahat-bagani members were responsible for the massacre of Emerito Samarca, executive director of Alcadev school, and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Juvello Sinzo in Lianga, Surigao del Sur in 2015.
The CPP also slammed the use of the discretionary and intelligence funds which were automatically handed over to the bank accounts of brigade and battalion commanders.
The CPP challenged the AFP to make a public apology for forcing people to pose as NPA surrenderees.
The CPP slammed the AFP report saying this just beyond credible propaganda and a deception that the Duterte government has succeeded in defeating the NPA.
The CPP also slammed the use of the discretionary and intelligence funds which were automatically handed over to the bank accounts of brigade and battalion commanders.
The CPP challenged the AFP to make a public apology for forcing people to pose as NPA surrenderees.
The CPP slammed the AFP report saying this just beyond credible propaganda and a deception that the Duterte government has succeeded in defeating the NPA.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-slams-afp-for-parading-hoax-npa-surrenderees/
PEACETALK: The Bangsamoro struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved
Posted to MindaNews (Mar 18): PEACETALK: The Bangsamoro struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved (By Al Haj Murad Ibrahim)
Reflecting on the 50 years of the Jabidah Massacre and the series of massacres since the late 1960’s against the innocent Bangsamoro people, culminating in the revival of the struggle of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination, we are confident that despite the many challenges we are facing, the Bangsamoro struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved.
Yes, it is true that after more than 50 years, there is no conclusive result achieved. However, as the late MILF Chairman Shiekh Salamat Hashim has always been emphasizing, the leadership of the Bangsamoro Struggle has successfully planted the seed of the struggle and therefore the struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved.
Today, we do not only say the seeds are planted but the Bangsamoro struggle already bears fruits.
The Political Agreements from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro(CAB), which are signed agreements between the Philippine Government and the Bangsamoro people represented by the organized fronts and witnessed by the international community are clear fruits of the struggle which must be preserved and implemented.
Our generation may not be able to fully enjoy the fruits of the struggle. However, we are confident that succeeding generations will continue to carry on the struggle until finally the objective is fully achieved. Therefore, after the seed is planted, it grew and reached the stage of fruition, and undoubtedly it will continue to produce more and more seeds to be planted.
This is my personal perception of the current stage of the Bangsamoro struggle. We have not fully achieved our objective but the struggle, God willing, will survive and continue to progress.
[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. PeaceTalk is open to anyone who wishes to share his/her thoughts on peace in Mindanao. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was an Engineering student at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City when he joined the struggle for liberation of the Bangsamoro, first with the Moro National Liberation Front and later with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He served MILF Vice Chair for Military Affairs under MILF chair Salamat Hashim in 2000, concurrently served as chair of the MILF peace panel until he assumed the chairmanship when Hashim passed away in 2003]
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2018/03/peacetalk-bangsamoro-struggle-will-continue-objective-finally-achieved/
Reflecting on the 50 years of the Jabidah Massacre and the series of massacres since the late 1960’s against the innocent Bangsamoro people, culminating in the revival of the struggle of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination, we are confident that despite the many challenges we are facing, the Bangsamoro struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved.
Yes, it is true that after more than 50 years, there is no conclusive result achieved. However, as the late MILF Chairman Shiekh Salamat Hashim has always been emphasizing, the leadership of the Bangsamoro Struggle has successfully planted the seed of the struggle and therefore the struggle will continue until the objective is finally achieved.
Today, we do not only say the seeds are planted but the Bangsamoro struggle already bears fruits.
The Political Agreements from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro(CAB), which are signed agreements between the Philippine Government and the Bangsamoro people represented by the organized fronts and witnessed by the international community are clear fruits of the struggle which must be preserved and implemented.
Our generation may not be able to fully enjoy the fruits of the struggle. However, we are confident that succeeding generations will continue to carry on the struggle until finally the objective is fully achieved. Therefore, after the seed is planted, it grew and reached the stage of fruition, and undoubtedly it will continue to produce more and more seeds to be planted.
This is my personal perception of the current stage of the Bangsamoro struggle. We have not fully achieved our objective but the struggle, God willing, will survive and continue to progress.
[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. PeaceTalk is open to anyone who wishes to share his/her thoughts on peace in Mindanao. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was an Engineering student at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City when he joined the struggle for liberation of the Bangsamoro, first with the Moro National Liberation Front and later with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He served MILF Vice Chair for Military Affairs under MILF chair Salamat Hashim in 2000, concurrently served as chair of the MILF peace panel until he assumed the chairmanship when Hashim passed away in 2003]
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2018/03/peacetalk-bangsamoro-struggle-will-continue-objective-finally-achieved/
2 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA in Cotabato town
From MindaNews (Mar 23): 2 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA in Cotabato town
Two soldiers were wounded in a clash with a still undetermined number of New People’s Army rebels in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato Thursday, the military said.
Capt. Randy Llunar, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, said wounded soldiers from the 19th Infantry Battalion were airlifted to Davao City for treatment.
One of the soldiers was hit on his head and the other sustained injuries on his arm, Llunar said.
Llunar said the troops rushed to Magpet after they confirmed reports that guerillas were sighted in Barangay Manobo.
“This was part of our focused military operations… to secure our residents in the area. So we’re here to provide the people peace and security,” said the military officer.
Llunar said he has yet to determine the leader of the NPA that clashed with his men along the boundary of Barangays Bangkal and Manobo.
The encounter, which started 1030 a.m. on Thursday, lasted for two hours, the military official said.
The area, according to the military’s intelligence reports, is under the NPA Front 53 whose leaders include a certain Commander Joel.
The 19IB, although new to the terrain, climbed as far as Barangay Manobo to verify the reported sightings, Llunar explained.
“While on their way to the area, they were fired upon by the NPAs. Our troops, however, were ready to fire back which led the rebels to withdraw to the mountains,” he said, claiming that his men saw bloodstains which may indicate that some of the rebels may have been wounded in the clash.
The 901IB, originally from Luzon, is the latest addition to the military troops operating in North Cotabato, deployed earlier this month. It covers Kidapawan City and the towns of Antipas, Arakan, President Roxas, and Magpet.
Also operating in the province are the 602nd Infantry Brigade, which is based in Carmen; and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, whose area of operations includes the town of Makilala.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/03/2-soldiers-hurt-clash-npa-cotabato-town/
Two soldiers were wounded in a clash with a still undetermined number of New People’s Army rebels in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato Thursday, the military said.
Capt. Randy Llunar, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, said wounded soldiers from the 19th Infantry Battalion were airlifted to Davao City for treatment.
One of the soldiers was hit on his head and the other sustained injuries on his arm, Llunar said.
Llunar said the troops rushed to Magpet after they confirmed reports that guerillas were sighted in Barangay Manobo.
“This was part of our focused military operations… to secure our residents in the area. So we’re here to provide the people peace and security,” said the military officer.
Llunar said he has yet to determine the leader of the NPA that clashed with his men along the boundary of Barangays Bangkal and Manobo.
The encounter, which started 1030 a.m. on Thursday, lasted for two hours, the military official said.
The area, according to the military’s intelligence reports, is under the NPA Front 53 whose leaders include a certain Commander Joel.
The 19IB, although new to the terrain, climbed as far as Barangay Manobo to verify the reported sightings, Llunar explained.
“While on their way to the area, they were fired upon by the NPAs. Our troops, however, were ready to fire back which led the rebels to withdraw to the mountains,” he said, claiming that his men saw bloodstains which may indicate that some of the rebels may have been wounded in the clash.
The 901IB, originally from Luzon, is the latest addition to the military troops operating in North Cotabato, deployed earlier this month. It covers Kidapawan City and the towns of Antipas, Arakan, President Roxas, and Magpet.
Also operating in the province are the 602nd Infantry Brigade, which is based in Carmen; and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, whose area of operations includes the town of Makilala.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/03/2-soldiers-hurt-clash-npa-cotabato-town/
Thousands of NPA rebels yield in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 23): Thousands of NPA rebels yield in Mindanao
Thousands of communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the military in the first quarter of this year in southern Philippines and more are expected to yield in the coming months to take advantage of the government’s amnesty offer, officials said Friday.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Garcia, chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Public Affairs Office, said more than 4,350 New People’s Army rebels and communist supporters have actually surrendered to the military and that majority of those who yielded were from the regions of Davao and CARAGA, which are all known NPA strongholds in Mindanao.
“The massive surrenders of NPAs and their supporters were attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, re-integration efforts, peace and development programs of the military and police; and the intense campaign of local governments in convincing their constituents who are members and supporters of the NPA to go back to mainstream society,” Garcia said.
“The AFP expects more surrenders as former rebels and supporters divulge corruption and deception inside the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA. Revelations from former rebels during investigations disclosed that most of them were deceived into believing the propaganda and false promises of their leaders,” he added.
Major Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City, said over 300 rebels, including 17 commanders, had surrendered to them during the first quarter as the government continues its campaign to lure insurgents to return to the fold of the law. Aside from those who yielded to the military, at least three dozen New People’s Army leaders and fighters have also been arrested in separate operations.
He said some 240 assorted rebel weapons were also recovered by soldiers in the first three months of the year. “We are expecting more to surrender in the region,” Balagtey said.
Army Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, the regional military commander, has attributed the mass surrender of rebels to the extensive combat operations and intensified community support programs, and also the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for insurgents to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their family.
“We attribute this to the extensive security operations being conducted by our units to protect the communities. Furthermore, being popular in all strata and sectors of the country, the call of the President for the NPA to surrender reverberates and continuously sinks into the minds of the rebels which greatly contributes to the snowball of surrender including some of their leaders," he said.
The NPA has been fighting for nearly 5 decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/03/thousands-of-npa-rebels-yield-in.html
Thousands of communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the military in the first quarter of this year in southern Philippines and more are expected to yield in the coming months to take advantage of the government’s amnesty offer, officials said Friday.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Garcia, chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Public Affairs Office, said more than 4,350 New People’s Army rebels and communist supporters have actually surrendered to the military and that majority of those who yielded were from the regions of Davao and CARAGA, which are all known NPA strongholds in Mindanao.
“The massive surrenders of NPAs and their supporters were attributed to the combined focused military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, re-integration efforts, peace and development programs of the military and police; and the intense campaign of local governments in convincing their constituents who are members and supporters of the NPA to go back to mainstream society,” Garcia said.
“The AFP expects more surrenders as former rebels and supporters divulge corruption and deception inside the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA. Revelations from former rebels during investigations disclosed that most of them were deceived into believing the propaganda and false promises of their leaders,” he added.
Major Ezra Balagtey, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City, said over 300 rebels, including 17 commanders, had surrendered to them during the first quarter as the government continues its campaign to lure insurgents to return to the fold of the law. Aside from those who yielded to the military, at least three dozen New People’s Army leaders and fighters have also been arrested in separate operations.
He said some 240 assorted rebel weapons were also recovered by soldiers in the first three months of the year. “We are expecting more to surrender in the region,” Balagtey said.
Army Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, the regional military commander, has attributed the mass surrender of rebels to the extensive combat operations and intensified community support programs, and also the call of President Rodrigo Duterte for insurgents to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their family.
“We attribute this to the extensive security operations being conducted by our units to protect the communities. Furthermore, being popular in all strata and sectors of the country, the call of the President for the NPA to surrender reverberates and continuously sinks into the minds of the rebels which greatly contributes to the snowball of surrender including some of their leaders," he said.
The NPA has been fighting for nearly 5 decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/03/thousands-of-npa-rebels-yield-in.html
Farmer killed, 3 others hurt in BIFF attack in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23): Farmer killed, 3 others hurt in BIFF attack in North Cotabato
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Police and military forces here have launched a manhunt against a sub-leader of the ISIS linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters tagged in the killing of a farmer and wounding of his family of three on Thursday night.
Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said the manhunt against Haron Mama Guimalo has been launched by the Midsayap police and Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Tuzon said the BIFF, armed with assault rifles, attacked the house of Franco Mantikayan in the village of Tumbras at around 8 p.m. while the family was watching television.
Mantikayan died on the spot while his wife Badria, 42, and his two female children, aged 7 and 3 years old, were injured. The survivors are now recuperating at a private hospital here.
Tuzon and 1Lt. Marjon Guadalquiver, Alpha company commander of 34th IB, led government forces in conducting the post-crime investigation.
Quoting a witness, Tuzon said Guiamalo and about 10 of his followers arrived in the village on separate motorbikes and subsequentlly strafed Mantikayan’s house.
Tuzon said the slain Mantikayan was a trusted aide of the late Barangay Tumbras chairperson Mama Taha, an arch-enemy of Guimalo.
“The motive was personal grudge between the suspects and the victim,” Tuzon said.
Police investigators recovered 30 empty shells for M-16 Armalite rifle at the crime scene.
Tuzon said charges of murder and frustrated murder are to be filed against the suspects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1029810
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Police and military forces here have launched a manhunt against a sub-leader of the ISIS linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters tagged in the killing of a farmer and wounding of his family of three on Thursday night.
Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said the manhunt against Haron Mama Guimalo has been launched by the Midsayap police and Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Tuzon said the BIFF, armed with assault rifles, attacked the house of Franco Mantikayan in the village of Tumbras at around 8 p.m. while the family was watching television.
Mantikayan died on the spot while his wife Badria, 42, and his two female children, aged 7 and 3 years old, were injured. The survivors are now recuperating at a private hospital here.
Tuzon and 1Lt. Marjon Guadalquiver, Alpha company commander of 34th IB, led government forces in conducting the post-crime investigation.
Quoting a witness, Tuzon said Guiamalo and about 10 of his followers arrived in the village on separate motorbikes and subsequentlly strafed Mantikayan’s house.
Tuzon said the slain Mantikayan was a trusted aide of the late Barangay Tumbras chairperson Mama Taha, an arch-enemy of Guimalo.
“The motive was personal grudge between the suspects and the victim,” Tuzon said.
Police investigators recovered 30 empty shells for M-16 Armalite rifle at the crime scene.
Tuzon said charges of murder and frustrated murder are to be filed against the suspects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1029810
Mavulis island facility to boost security, enforce maritime law
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23): Mavulis island facility to boost security, enforce maritime law
An official of the military's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said there is a need to secure and build a facility in the uninhabited Mavulis Island off Itbayat, Batanes province.
In an interview, Nolcom spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato said Thursday the proposed facility's construction, which will begin next month, will boost security and enforce maritime law in the area.
Aside from enhancing information gathering around the northern maritime area, the facility will also serve as fishermen's shelter once it is completed.
"The structure will serve as a multi-purpose shelter for locals fishing in the vicinity double up as shelter for Nolcom troops visiting the island to guard our maritime domain in that isolated area during poaching season. Also, amenities will be provided to cater the needs of the recipients considering the proximity of the place to the nearest island town," Nato said.
Nolcom is conducting regular patrols and troop visit in Mavulis to ensure that no poachers or intruders enter the country's maritime domain.
Navy and Marine units also check to see if the Philippine tricolor, raised there last year, is dilapidated and in need of replacement, Nato added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1029785
An official of the military's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said there is a need to secure and build a facility in the uninhabited Mavulis Island off Itbayat, Batanes province.
In an interview, Nolcom spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato said Thursday the proposed facility's construction, which will begin next month, will boost security and enforce maritime law in the area.
Aside from enhancing information gathering around the northern maritime area, the facility will also serve as fishermen's shelter once it is completed.
"The structure will serve as a multi-purpose shelter for locals fishing in the vicinity double up as shelter for Nolcom troops visiting the island to guard our maritime domain in that isolated area during poaching season. Also, amenities will be provided to cater the needs of the recipients considering the proximity of the place to the nearest island town," Nato said.
Nolcom is conducting regular patrols and troop visit in Mavulis to ensure that no poachers or intruders enter the country's maritime domain.
Navy and Marine units also check to see if the Philippine tricolor, raised there last year, is dilapidated and in need of replacement, Nato added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1029785
DND reboots procurement for combat helicopters
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 23): DND reboots procurement for combat helicopters
Following the cancellation of the PHP12-billion Bell 212EPI helicopter contract with Canadian Commercial Corp. (CCC), the Department of National Defense (DND) has rebooted the procurement process for its combat utility helicopters (CUHs) requirement.
"The project has been cancelled and CCC received the notification regarding the cancellation. We will reboot the procurement of the CUHs and we are currently studying other possible sources of the units," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said they are checking out helicopter suppliers from South Korea, Russia, China, Turkey and other nations for medium lift helicopters in lieu of the Bell 412.
The PHP12-billion contract is supposedly for CCC to deliver 12 units of Bell 412EPI helicopters by 2019 up to 2020.
The cancellation of the contract comes after the Canadian government ordered the review of the deal between the DND and CCC after receiving reports that the Philippines is planning to use the helicopters against rebel forces.
"While the combat utility helicopters being purchased are primarily for the purpose of transporting personnel 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," Andolong earlier said.
He also stressed that the DND will continue to pursue the modernization program, and will look into the procurement of combat utility helicopters from other countries in lieu of the Bell 412.
Following the cancellation of the PHP12-billion Bell 212EPI helicopter contract with Canadian Commercial Corp. (CCC), the Department of National Defense (DND) has rebooted the procurement process for its combat utility helicopters (CUHs) requirement.
"The project has been cancelled and CCC received the notification regarding the cancellation. We will reboot the procurement of the CUHs and we are currently studying other possible sources of the units," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said they are checking out helicopter suppliers from South Korea, Russia, China, Turkey and other nations for medium lift helicopters in lieu of the Bell 412.
The PHP12-billion contract is supposedly for CCC to deliver 12 units of Bell 412EPI helicopters by 2019 up to 2020.
The cancellation of the contract comes after the Canadian government ordered the review of the deal between the DND and CCC after receiving reports that the Philippines is planning to use the helicopters against rebel forces.
"While the combat utility helicopters being purchased are primarily for the purpose of transporting personnel 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," Andolong earlier said.
He also stressed that the DND will continue to pursue the modernization program, and will look into the procurement of combat utility helicopters from other countries in lieu of the Bell 412.
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