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from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Protection Cluster 
Monday, July 2, 2018
Armed Forces of the Philippines vs. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and North Cotabato as of 19 June 2018
Posted to the Relief Web (Jul 2): Armed Forces of the Philippines vs. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao and North Cotabato as of 19 June 2018
IDP Protection Assessment Report - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vs. Pro-ISIS militants in Tubaran and Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur (Issue No. 01; 20 June 2018)
Posted to the Relief Web (Jul 2): IDP Protection Assessment Report - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vs. Pro-ISIS militants in Tubaran and Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur (Issue No. 01; 20 June 2018)
Report from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Protection Cluster
Published on 20 Jun 2018 — View Original
Download PDF (1.66 MB)
INCIDENT BACKGROUND
An airstrike and subsequent armed confrontation occurred in Barangay Guiarong, Tubaran and Barangay Padas, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur when the Armed Forces ofthe Philippines launched a Law Enforcement Operation (LEO) today, 17 June 2018 against an alleged number of people led by Abu Dar considered to be rebuilding a group based on the remnants of the ISIS-inspired group that caused the seven (7) month Marawi conflict in May 2017.
The airstrike was launched between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on Barangay Wago and Dinaigan in Tubaran. This encounter is reported as connected to an earlier armed confrontation between the two groups two days prior to the recently concluded Barangay Elections in Barangay Malaganding in the same town.
The local government units of the two municipalities have responded to the emergency and have opened designated evacuation centers for IDPs to take temporary shelter in.
CURRENT SITUATION
Based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Lanao del Sur, a total of 2,325 families (11,605 individuals) have been displaced from the municipalities of Tubaran and Pagayawan as of 11:36 am of 20 June 2018. Of this total, 1,791 families (8,935 individuals) have evacuated to the homes of friends, family and relatives (home-based), while 534 families (2,670 individuals) have taken shelter in ten (10) designated evacuation centers.
In the municipality of Pagayawan, a total of 255 displaced families have been recorded that are both home-based and in evacuation centers. These IDPs come from seven barangays, namely: Padas, Rangiran, llian, Guiarong, Bangon, Linindingan, Madang and Diampaca. Two evacuation centers are located near the municipal hall and are housing about 57 displaced families.
From the municipality of Tubaran, a total of 1,314 families (6,550 individuals) have been recorded as displaced, with 387 families (1,935 individuals) currently being sheltered in four designated evacuation centers, while 927 families (4,615 individuals) are home-based. The latter are found in Barangay Tangcal, Tubaran, as well as in the municipality of Binidayan.
From the municipality of Pagayawan, a total of1,011 families (5,055 individuals) have been recorded as displaced, with 147 families (735 individuals) currently being sheltered in six (6) designated evacuation centers - one of which is located in the municipality of Ganassi - while 864 families (4,320 individuals) are home-based. The latter are found in five (5) barangays in Pagayawan, as well as in the municipalities of Bayang, Ganassi, Marogong, and Calanogas.
Initial protection monitoring has been separately conducted by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), UNHCR, and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) to determine the access of IDPs to food assistance. Protection issues and concern recorded have been referred to the local government units concerned.
In Pagayawan, the local government unit has acquired blank forms of the Disaster Assistance Family Access Cards (DAFAC) from the DSWD provincial sub-office in Malabang for the immediate registration of IDPs in the municipality.
Published on 20 Jun 2018 — View Original
Download PDF (1.66 MB)INCIDENT BACKGROUND
An airstrike and subsequent armed confrontation occurred in Barangay Guiarong, Tubaran and Barangay Padas, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur when the Armed Forces ofthe Philippines launched a Law Enforcement Operation (LEO) today, 17 June 2018 against an alleged number of people led by Abu Dar considered to be rebuilding a group based on the remnants of the ISIS-inspired group that caused the seven (7) month Marawi conflict in May 2017.
The airstrike was launched between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm on Barangay Wago and Dinaigan in Tubaran. This encounter is reported as connected to an earlier armed confrontation between the two groups two days prior to the recently concluded Barangay Elections in Barangay Malaganding in the same town.
The local government units of the two municipalities have responded to the emergency and have opened designated evacuation centers for IDPs to take temporary shelter in.
CURRENT SITUATION
Based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Lanao del Sur, a total of 2,325 families (11,605 individuals) have been displaced from the municipalities of Tubaran and Pagayawan as of 11:36 am of 20 June 2018. Of this total, 1,791 families (8,935 individuals) have evacuated to the homes of friends, family and relatives (home-based), while 534 families (2,670 individuals) have taken shelter in ten (10) designated evacuation centers.
In the municipality of Pagayawan, a total of 255 displaced families have been recorded that are both home-based and in evacuation centers. These IDPs come from seven barangays, namely: Padas, Rangiran, llian, Guiarong, Bangon, Linindingan, Madang and Diampaca. Two evacuation centers are located near the municipal hall and are housing about 57 displaced families.
From the municipality of Tubaran, a total of 1,314 families (6,550 individuals) have been recorded as displaced, with 387 families (1,935 individuals) currently being sheltered in four designated evacuation centers, while 927 families (4,615 individuals) are home-based. The latter are found in Barangay Tangcal, Tubaran, as well as in the municipality of Binidayan.
From the municipality of Pagayawan, a total of1,011 families (5,055 individuals) have been recorded as displaced, with 147 families (735 individuals) currently being sheltered in six (6) designated evacuation centers - one of which is located in the municipality of Ganassi - while 864 families (4,320 individuals) are home-based. The latter are found in five (5) barangays in Pagayawan, as well as in the municipalities of Bayang, Ganassi, Marogong, and Calanogas.
Initial protection monitoring has been separately conducted by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), UNHCR, and Community and Family Services International (CFSI) to determine the access of IDPs to food assistance. Protection issues and concern recorded have been referred to the local government units concerned.
In Pagayawan, the local government unit has acquired blank forms of the Disaster Assistance Family Access Cards (DAFAC) from the DSWD provincial sub-office in Malabang for the immediate registration of IDPs in the municipality.
DOJ to pursue petition tagging CPP, NPA as terrorist groups
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): DOJ to pursue petition tagging CPP, NPA as terrorist groups
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue the petition filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups.
"We will continue with our petition in the court, unless and until the President and the government peace panel direct us otherwise," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters Monday following the suspension of the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.
Guevarra also revealed that the DOJ has asked the courts to order the arrest of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants and CPP leaders who were granted bail to participate in peace talks which were originally scheduled for last month.
He was referring to the petition filed by the DOJ before the Manila RTC last March seeking to declare communist leaders and their armed members as terrorists.
The DOJ submitted to the court a list of over 600 personalities, including CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni, former lawmaker and leftist leader Satur Ocampo, and Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.
Also in the list are alleged CPP leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Rafael Baylosis, former peace panel chief Luis Jalandoni, human rights lawyer and former Baguio City councilor Jose Molintas and Cordillerans Joanna Carino, Windel Farag-ey Bolinget, Sherwin De Vera, Beverly Sakongan Longid and Jeannette Ribaya Cawiding.
The petition was filed following the termination of the peace talks between the government and the CPP in November last year.
Duterte initiated formal peace talks with the NDF shortly after winning the presidency in 2016 but canceled them in November last year amid continued attacks of the NPA on government forces and civilians.
The President signed a proclamation in December 2017 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terror organization using Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 as basis.
In a 55-page proscription petition, the DOJ asked the Manila RTC to issue an order declaring the CPP and NPA, also known as the Bagong Hukbong Bayan, as terrorist and outlawed organizations, associations or group of persons pursuant to Section 17 of RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.
The petition was basically based on two grounds: that the organization, association or group of persons were organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism; and that even if the organization, association or group of persons was not organized to engage in terrorism, it still commits acts of terrorism, such as murder and arson and other activities, for the purpose of sowing terror.
The petition also said that the CPP-NPA is just buying time by deceiving the government in entering into peace talks while their main purpose is to mobilize their forces in preparation for a “people’s war” to overthrow the duly-constituted authorities, seize control of the government, and impose a totalitarian regime.
It added that the CPP-NPA also committed acts of terrorism, such as murder, kidnapping, arson and other activities, to sow terror and panic.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040100
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue the petition filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), as terrorist groups.
"We will continue with our petition in the court, unless and until the President and the government peace panel direct us otherwise," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters Monday following the suspension of the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.
Guevarra also revealed that the DOJ has asked the courts to order the arrest of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants and CPP leaders who were granted bail to participate in peace talks which were originally scheduled for last month.
He was referring to the petition filed by the DOJ before the Manila RTC last March seeking to declare communist leaders and their armed members as terrorists.
The DOJ submitted to the court a list of over 600 personalities, including CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni, former lawmaker and leftist leader Satur Ocampo, and Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, UN special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.
Also in the list are alleged CPP leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Rafael Baylosis, former peace panel chief Luis Jalandoni, human rights lawyer and former Baguio City councilor Jose Molintas and Cordillerans Joanna Carino, Windel Farag-ey Bolinget, Sherwin De Vera, Beverly Sakongan Longid and Jeannette Ribaya Cawiding.
The petition was filed following the termination of the peace talks between the government and the CPP in November last year.
Duterte initiated formal peace talks with the NDF shortly after winning the presidency in 2016 but canceled them in November last year amid continued attacks of the NPA on government forces and civilians.
The President signed a proclamation in December 2017 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terror organization using Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 as basis.
In a 55-page proscription petition, the DOJ asked the Manila RTC to issue an order declaring the CPP and NPA, also known as the Bagong Hukbong Bayan, as terrorist and outlawed organizations, associations or group of persons pursuant to Section 17 of RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.
The petition was basically based on two grounds: that the organization, association or group of persons were organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism; and that even if the organization, association or group of persons was not organized to engage in terrorism, it still commits acts of terrorism, such as murder and arson and other activities, for the purpose of sowing terror.
The petition also said that the CPP-NPA is just buying time by deceiving the government in entering into peace talks while their main purpose is to mobilize their forces in preparation for a “people’s war” to overthrow the duly-constituted authorities, seize control of the government, and impose a totalitarian regime.
It added that the CPP-NPA also committed acts of terrorism, such as murder, kidnapping, arson and other activities, to sow terror and panic.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040100
PNP gets 45 bomb sniffing dogs
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): PNP gets 45 bomb sniffing dogs
The crime-fighting dogs have been drafted into the Philippine National Police's K-9 unit. (PNA photo by Benjamin Pulta)
Some 45 new crime-fighting dogs have been drafted into the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s K-9 unit.
The dogs underwent training from Nov. 20, 2017 to May 23, 2018 in Alfonso, Cavite.
They will be assigned as explosives detection units along with their handlers.
Police officials said the dogs, mostly Belgian Malinois and Labradors, will greatly assist the PNP in its mission for the prevention and suppression of crimes.
The PNP is short by around 131 dogs for the needs of its K9 national operational support unit.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040140
The crime-fighting dogs have been drafted into the Philippine National Police's K-9 unit. (PNA photo by Benjamin Pulta)
Some 45 new crime-fighting dogs have been drafted into the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s K-9 unit.
The dogs underwent training from Nov. 20, 2017 to May 23, 2018 in Alfonso, Cavite.
They will be assigned as explosives detection units along with their handlers.
Police officials said the dogs, mostly Belgian Malinois and Labradors, will greatly assist the PNP in its mission for the prevention and suppression of crimes.
The PNP is short by around 131 dogs for the needs of its K9 national operational support unit.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040140
PRRD to grace PAF 71st founding anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): PRRD to grace PAF 71st founding anniversary
President Rodrigo Duterte will be the guest-of-honor and speaker at the celebration of the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) 71st founding anniversary Tuesday.
This was bared by Air Force spokesperson Major Aristides Galang in a message Monday afternoon.
The event will be held 3 p.m. at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Galang said this year's theme is "Blue Team @ Top Speed Integrating Efforts in Regaining Air Defense Capabilities for Peace and Resilient Development".
An awarding ceremony will be conducted to recognize deserving personnel and units of the PAF who have shown dedication and hard work throughout the year.
More so, the event will also be attended by other Major Service Commanders, Galang said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040183
President Rodrigo Duterte will be the guest-of-honor and speaker at the celebration of the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) 71st founding anniversary Tuesday.
This was bared by Air Force spokesperson Major Aristides Galang in a message Monday afternoon.
The event will be held 3 p.m. at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Galang said this year's theme is "Blue Team @ Top Speed Integrating Efforts in Regaining Air Defense Capabilities for Peace and Resilient Development".
An awarding ceremony will be conducted to recognize deserving personnel and units of the PAF who have shown dedication and hard work throughout the year.
More so, the event will also be attended by other Major Service Commanders, Galang said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040183
Former NPA rebel surrenders
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Former NPA rebel surrenders
A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Bingawan, Iloilo surrendered to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) last week.
This was confirmed by IPPO director Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba during an interview Monday.
Jerry Glorian, 27, of Brgy. Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz, also gave up his caliber .45 pistol with magazine and live ammunition. He currently lives in Bingawan with his common-law wife.
Tayaba said they are now processing the financial assistance for Glorian through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Glorian joined the NPA when was only 17 years old and they usually stayed in some parts of Calinog, Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz.
Tayaba said that Glorian may have surrendered due to their difficult life in the mountains.
“He is sending a message to others to join him in going back to the fold of the government. I am hoping that more members of the armed group will be encouraged to surrender. Our goal is to bring peace so why not join us and hand and hand, let us solve this problem,” he added.
While IPPO is still receiving reports that there have been ongoing recruitments of NPA in the province, especially among minors, Tayaba assured that they are strengthening the operations to help the Philippine Army in its anti-insurgency drive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040143
A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Bingawan, Iloilo surrendered to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) last week.
This was confirmed by IPPO director Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba during an interview Monday.
Jerry Glorian, 27, of Brgy. Roosevelt, Tapaz, Capiz, also gave up his caliber .45 pistol with magazine and live ammunition. He currently lives in Bingawan with his common-law wife.
Tayaba said they are now processing the financial assistance for Glorian through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Glorian joined the NPA when was only 17 years old and they usually stayed in some parts of Calinog, Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz.
Tayaba said that Glorian may have surrendered due to their difficult life in the mountains.
“He is sending a message to others to join him in going back to the fold of the government. I am hoping that more members of the armed group will be encouraged to surrender. Our goal is to bring peace so why not join us and hand and hand, let us solve this problem,” he added.
While IPPO is still receiving reports that there have been ongoing recruitments of NPA in the province, especially among minors, Tayaba assured that they are strengthening the operations to help the Philippine Army in its anti-insurgency drive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040143
Philippine Army takes in 250 new recruits
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Philippine Army takes in 250 new recruits
CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal– Around 250 Army aspirants took oath during the opening ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course Classes 562 and 563 for 2018 at the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) Training School here (2DTS) last Saturday.
Major General Rhoderick Parayno, the 2ID commander, welcomed the new recruits, composed of 244 males and six females - who would be joining the Philippine Army after passing the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) at the 2nd Army Station Hospital (2ASH).
The soldier-candidates went through medical, psychological and physical examination as requisites to undergo the basic military training.
Parayno also commended the 2ID staff behind the screening and selection process of the new recruits.
“Tinanong ko kayo ng mga mahahalagang katanungan na may kaugnayan sa determinasyon niyo na magsundalo sapagkat tunay na hindi isang biro ang maging isang kawal ng Philippine Army. Ang inyong pagsali sa hanay ng kasundaluhan ay nangangahulugan ng inyong pagtalikod sa buhay na inyong nakagisnan (I asked you (candidate soldiers) of the challenging question pertaining to your determination to become soldiers because truly being a Philippine Army soldier is not a joke. Your entry to the ranks of the military means you have to abandon what your past life was),” Parayno said.
He said that the recruits’ entry into the training ground signals that they voluntarily offer their services, not only for the government, but also for the country.
“Sa kursong ito ay huhubugin ang mga katangian na dapat ninyong taglayin bilang isang sundalo tulad ng patriyotismo, propesyonalismo at higit sa lahat ang maging tunay na disiplinado (In this training course, your traits will be honed like a true soldier imbued with patriotism, professionalism and above all to be disciplined),” he added.
Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office, the new recruits will undergo the five-month basic military training prior to their enlistment in the Army.
Retumban said the formal ceremony culminated in the reception rites, which featured the time-honored military tradition of welcoming the "cream of the crop" among recruits, who have passed the screening and selection process.
He said one of the challenges that would demonstrate the candidate-soldiers’ stamina and agility during the ceremony is the mud challenge, where they perform “log rolling to the left and right” at a mud-packed area at the training site.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040094
CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal– Around 250 Army aspirants took oath during the opening ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course Classes 562 and 563 for 2018 at the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) Training School here (2DTS) last Saturday.
Major General Rhoderick Parayno, the 2ID commander, welcomed the new recruits, composed of 244 males and six females - who would be joining the Philippine Army after passing the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) at the 2nd Army Station Hospital (2ASH).
The soldier-candidates went through medical, psychological and physical examination as requisites to undergo the basic military training.
Parayno also commended the 2ID staff behind the screening and selection process of the new recruits.
“Tinanong ko kayo ng mga mahahalagang katanungan na may kaugnayan sa determinasyon niyo na magsundalo sapagkat tunay na hindi isang biro ang maging isang kawal ng Philippine Army. Ang inyong pagsali sa hanay ng kasundaluhan ay nangangahulugan ng inyong pagtalikod sa buhay na inyong nakagisnan (I asked you (candidate soldiers) of the challenging question pertaining to your determination to become soldiers because truly being a Philippine Army soldier is not a joke. Your entry to the ranks of the military means you have to abandon what your past life was),” Parayno said.
He said that the recruits’ entry into the training ground signals that they voluntarily offer their services, not only for the government, but also for the country.
“Sa kursong ito ay huhubugin ang mga katangian na dapat ninyong taglayin bilang isang sundalo tulad ng patriyotismo, propesyonalismo at higit sa lahat ang maging tunay na disiplinado (In this training course, your traits will be honed like a true soldier imbued with patriotism, professionalism and above all to be disciplined),” he added.
Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office, the new recruits will undergo the five-month basic military training prior to their enlistment in the Army.
Retumban said the formal ceremony culminated in the reception rites, which featured the time-honored military tradition of welcoming the "cream of the crop" among recruits, who have passed the screening and selection process.
He said one of the challenges that would demonstrate the candidate-soldiers’ stamina and agility during the ceremony is the mud challenge, where they perform “log rolling to the left and right” at a mud-packed area at the training site.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040094
Palawan signs pact for establishment of PAF base in Balabac town
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Palawan signs pact for establishment of PAF base in Balabac town
NEW MILITARY BASE IN PALAWAN SOON. Governor Jose Alvarez (left) and Philippine Air Force commanding general Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. shake their hands following their signing of a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a military air base in Balabac town, southern Palawan. (Photo courtesy of PIO)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will establish a military air base in Balabac town in southern Palawan.
This, after Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez and PAF commanding general Lt. General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. inked a memorandum of agreement that would establish the base.
A statement sent Monday by the office of Gil Acosta Jr., information officer of the provincial government, said the "Balabac Air Base" will be set up in a 300-hectare area in Barangay Catagupan, Balabac, southern Palawan.
Quoting Alvarez, the statement said that setting aside the property for the PAF base is the provincial government’s contribution to efforts to secure the West Philippines Sea and the southern border.
“Indeed, this is a big milestone for us, as we impart on securing the future of the West Philippine Sea including our southern borders. Rest assured that we have a government here that is ready anytime,” it quoted Alvarez.
The statement, quoting Kintanar, also said the establishment of the air base will be an important milestone in the history of PAF and the provincial government due to the role it will have in sheltering equipment and personnel.
“This is a significant and historic event giving us 300 hectares of precious land in southern Palawan, in a place where we’ll hopefully call later as the Balabac Air Base of the PAF,” the statement said, quoting Kintanar.
Alvarez's authority to sign the agreement is in accordance with Resolution 13644, series of 2018, approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan members.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040040
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will establish a military air base in Balabac town in southern Palawan.
This, after Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez and PAF commanding general Lt. General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. inked a memorandum of agreement that would establish the base.
A statement sent Monday by the office of Gil Acosta Jr., information officer of the provincial government, said the "Balabac Air Base" will be set up in a 300-hectare area in Barangay Catagupan, Balabac, southern Palawan.
Quoting Alvarez, the statement said that setting aside the property for the PAF base is the provincial government’s contribution to efforts to secure the West Philippines Sea and the southern border.
“Indeed, this is a big milestone for us, as we impart on securing the future of the West Philippine Sea including our southern borders. Rest assured that we have a government here that is ready anytime,” it quoted Alvarez.
The statement, quoting Kintanar, also said the establishment of the air base will be an important milestone in the history of PAF and the provincial government due to the role it will have in sheltering equipment and personnel.
“This is a significant and historic event giving us 300 hectares of precious land in southern Palawan, in a place where we’ll hopefully call later as the Balabac Air Base of the PAF,” the statement said, quoting Kintanar.
Alvarez's authority to sign the agreement is in accordance with Resolution 13644, series of 2018, approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan members.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040040
Suspected NPA killed in Masbate clash with Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Suspected NPA killed in Masbate clash with Army
A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed on Sunday night in a clash with Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in the hinterland village of Milagros town in Masbate, Army Capt. Joash Pramis, PA 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said Monday.
The slain rebel, whose identity has yet to be established, was among the five armed men encountered by a patrolling platoon of soldiers, Pramis added.
The firefight erupted at around 9:30 p.m., lasting for about five minutes. It resulted in the death of one of the rebels and the recovery of a shotgun.
Pramis said Army troops are still scouring areas where the suspected rebels had fled.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040058
A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed on Sunday night in a clash with Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in the hinterland village of Milagros town in Masbate, Army Capt. Joash Pramis, PA 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said Monday.
The slain rebel, whose identity has yet to be established, was among the five armed men encountered by a patrolling platoon of soldiers, Pramis added.
The firefight erupted at around 9:30 p.m., lasting for about five minutes. It resulted in the death of one of the rebels and the recovery of a shotgun.
Pramis said Army troops are still scouring areas where the suspected rebels had fled.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040058
Assorted weapons seized as soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Mindoro
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Assorted weapons seized as soldiers clash with NPA rebels in Mindoro
The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) Commander Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno on Sunday lauded continuing efforts of the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) on their successful operations against the communist New People’s Army terrorist group over the weekend.
Parayno congratulated the 76IB troops after their clash with NPA terrorists around 1:35 p.m. on June 29 in Sitio Kamambugan, Barangay Pinagturilan in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro which left an undetermined number of casualties on the communist rebels, recovering a number of enemies' firearms.
“Now that we are on the track of them, we will run them down until they are totally annihilated in order to stop their threats, extortions and other terroristic activities to the Mangyan Indigenous People (IP),” Parayno said.
The military report also said police checkpoints are beefed up in the area as pursuit operations are ongoing.
The 76IB acting commanding officer Lt. Col. Mario Lito Retirva disclosed the troops were conducting combat operations after receiving a report from concerned IPs regarding the presence of armed group extorting foodstuffs and recruiting IPs in the area.
Retirva said the government troops proceeded to the Mangyan community to confirm the report when they encountered around 40 rebels.
Firefight lasted for 15 minutes, but none of the soldiers was hurt while an undetermined number of wounded were reported on the NPA side as indicated by bloodstains at the clash site.
After the skirmish, the soldiers recovered an M16 upper receiver, 9 mm cal. Pistol, caliber .38 revolver, improvise explosive devices (IEDs), assorted ammunition and magazines, personal belongings and other subversive documents.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Commander of the 203rd Brigade under the 2ID, said the soldiers’ encounter with the terrorist group has preempted the rebels’ plan to bomb construction equipment in the area using the IEDs.
Parlade also urged Rosita Serrano, alias “Ka Bebang”, a known NPA leader in Mindoro, to surrender and return to government fold.
“Sa kasalukuyan matatanda at sakitin na ang mga lider ng NPA sa Mindoro. Ito na marahil ang tamang panahon para kayo ay bumaba, at pag-usapan natin ang katahimikan sa Mindoro (As of now, the NPA leaders in Mindoro are already old and sickly. It is about time that you (rebels) come down and we will talk about peace in Mindoro),” he said.
Capt. Patrick Jay Returmban, chief of the 2ID Public Affairs Office, said the 2ID headquarters received a text message on the progress report on join pursuit operations on Sunday where the troops and the police efforts recovered two more shotguns, a laptop, and two cellphones from the rebels.
Retumban said the troops were able to open a rebel's mobile phone which revealed an SOS message to their comrades saying “kapag hindi dumating ang medic natin baka mamatay na ang 2 na lubhang sugatan dito. Magdala kayo ng blood clot (if our medic would not arrive, our two seriously injured members here may die. You bring blood clot).”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040079
The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) Commander Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno on Sunday lauded continuing efforts of the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) on their successful operations against the communist New People’s Army terrorist group over the weekend.
Parayno congratulated the 76IB troops after their clash with NPA terrorists around 1:35 p.m. on June 29 in Sitio Kamambugan, Barangay Pinagturilan in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro which left an undetermined number of casualties on the communist rebels, recovering a number of enemies' firearms.
“Now that we are on the track of them, we will run them down until they are totally annihilated in order to stop their threats, extortions and other terroristic activities to the Mangyan Indigenous People (IP),” Parayno said.
The military report also said police checkpoints are beefed up in the area as pursuit operations are ongoing.
The 76IB acting commanding officer Lt. Col. Mario Lito Retirva disclosed the troops were conducting combat operations after receiving a report from concerned IPs regarding the presence of armed group extorting foodstuffs and recruiting IPs in the area.
Retirva said the government troops proceeded to the Mangyan community to confirm the report when they encountered around 40 rebels.
Firefight lasted for 15 minutes, but none of the soldiers was hurt while an undetermined number of wounded were reported on the NPA side as indicated by bloodstains at the clash site.
After the skirmish, the soldiers recovered an M16 upper receiver, 9 mm cal. Pistol, caliber .38 revolver, improvise explosive devices (IEDs), assorted ammunition and magazines, personal belongings and other subversive documents.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Commander of the 203rd Brigade under the 2ID, said the soldiers’ encounter with the terrorist group has preempted the rebels’ plan to bomb construction equipment in the area using the IEDs.
Parlade also urged Rosita Serrano, alias “Ka Bebang”, a known NPA leader in Mindoro, to surrender and return to government fold.
“Sa kasalukuyan matatanda at sakitin na ang mga lider ng NPA sa Mindoro. Ito na marahil ang tamang panahon para kayo ay bumaba, at pag-usapan natin ang katahimikan sa Mindoro (As of now, the NPA leaders in Mindoro are already old and sickly. It is about time that you (rebels) come down and we will talk about peace in Mindoro),” he said.
Capt. Patrick Jay Returmban, chief of the 2ID Public Affairs Office, said the 2ID headquarters received a text message on the progress report on join pursuit operations on Sunday where the troops and the police efforts recovered two more shotguns, a laptop, and two cellphones from the rebels.
Retumban said the troops were able to open a rebel's mobile phone which revealed an SOS message to their comrades saying “kapag hindi dumating ang medic natin baka mamatay na ang 2 na lubhang sugatan dito. Magdala kayo ng blood clot (if our medic would not arrive, our two seriously injured members here may die. You bring blood clot).”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040079
Maguindanao clashes leave 2 soldiers hurt
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Maguindanao clashes leave 2 soldiers hurt
Clashes between government forces and Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) erupted Sunday in three adjoining municipalities of Maguindanao and left two soldiers slightly injured.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the injured as Staff Sgt. Alfredo Tambo and Private First Class Ian Cajeta, both of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB).
Encinas said the injured soldiers were part of a team that responded to harassments by the IS-linked BIFF in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, around 2 p.m., where the terrorists attacked the soldiers’ armored personnel carrier. Separate attacks were also noted in far-flung military detachments in Shariff Saydona and Shariff Aguak towns.
“The BIFF attacks that started early Sunday morning triggered the clashes,” Encinas said, adding that the group also set off roadside bombs targeting the soldiers.
On Saturday night, the BIFF set off two improvised bombs that rocked the barangay hall of Barangay Timbangan in Shariff Aguak town. No one was hurt in the incident.
Encinas said troops under the 2nd MIB-1st Company conducted blocking maneuvers against the fleeing BIFF in neighboring Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona town and engaged the extremists in a brief firefight.
No casualty was reported on the government side. Citing reports from villagers, Encinas said the BIFF could have suffered fatalities.
He said the national highway linking Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat remains passable and safe as the skirmishes occurred in the interior portion of the three municipalities.
“Currently, more Army checkpoints were put up along the highway,” Encinas said.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID chief, said the Army will continue to hunt down the BIFF even up to the marshlands of Maguindanao, where the lawless group is reportedly hiding.
At least 200 families from three towns have fled to safer grounds but have returned home when fighting slowed down Monday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040049
Clashes between government forces and Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) erupted Sunday in three adjoining municipalities of Maguindanao and left two soldiers slightly injured.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the injured as Staff Sgt. Alfredo Tambo and Private First Class Ian Cajeta, both of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB).
Encinas said the injured soldiers were part of a team that responded to harassments by the IS-linked BIFF in Barangay Elian, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, around 2 p.m., where the terrorists attacked the soldiers’ armored personnel carrier. Separate attacks were also noted in far-flung military detachments in Shariff Saydona and Shariff Aguak towns.
“The BIFF attacks that started early Sunday morning triggered the clashes,” Encinas said, adding that the group also set off roadside bombs targeting the soldiers.
On Saturday night, the BIFF set off two improvised bombs that rocked the barangay hall of Barangay Timbangan in Shariff Aguak town. No one was hurt in the incident.
Encinas said troops under the 2nd MIB-1st Company conducted blocking maneuvers against the fleeing BIFF in neighboring Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona town and engaged the extremists in a brief firefight.
No casualty was reported on the government side. Citing reports from villagers, Encinas said the BIFF could have suffered fatalities.
He said the national highway linking Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat remains passable and safe as the skirmishes occurred in the interior portion of the three municipalities.
“Currently, more Army checkpoints were put up along the highway,” Encinas said.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID chief, said the Army will continue to hunt down the BIFF even up to the marshlands of Maguindanao, where the lawless group is reportedly hiding.
At least 200 families from three towns have fled to safer grounds but have returned home when fighting slowed down Monday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040049
Warring clans in Maguindanao settle decade-old dispute
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Warring clans in Maguindanao settle decade-old dispute
Military and local officials have successfully settled the animosity between two Moro village officials in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, through a series of peaceful dialogues.
On Friday, June 29, the Army facilitated the peace covenant signing between Datu Saudi Ampatuan village chairpersons Datu Tambungalan and Tamano Mamalapat of Barangays Kitango and Kitapok, respectively.
Brigadier General Deosdado Carreon, the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade (IB) commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Iyog, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion chief, assisted the town government in settling the dispute, said Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“Cordiality highlighted the peace settlement ceremony,” Encinas said in an interview on Saturday, adding that the warring families have been locked in a decade-old “rido” (clan war) but agreed to meet at the headquarters of the 601st IB in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
“Both parties got tired of fighting and finally decided to reconcile their differences,” the Army official said.
Encinas said that Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai Anida Dimaukom was also instrumental in the successful “rido” settlement, as she worked tirelessly to convince both parties to end their dispute.
The Tambungalan and Mamalapat families, who are blood-related, also agreed to work harder for the betterment of their respective communities.
“We have to move forward now and leave the past behind now,” Tambungalan said in the vernacular.
Malapat, for his part, said: “Never again will we go back to our violent past as it is futile to lose more family members in this long-drawn quarrel.”
Kitapok and Kitango are adjacent villages of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and the site of intermittent skirmishes between the two families that had claimed lives from both sides.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040000
Military and local officials have successfully settled the animosity between two Moro village officials in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, through a series of peaceful dialogues.
On Friday, June 29, the Army facilitated the peace covenant signing between Datu Saudi Ampatuan village chairpersons Datu Tambungalan and Tamano Mamalapat of Barangays Kitango and Kitapok, respectively.
Brigadier General Deosdado Carreon, the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade (IB) commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Iyog, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion chief, assisted the town government in settling the dispute, said Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“Cordiality highlighted the peace settlement ceremony,” Encinas said in an interview on Saturday, adding that the warring families have been locked in a decade-old “rido” (clan war) but agreed to meet at the headquarters of the 601st IB in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
“Both parties got tired of fighting and finally decided to reconcile their differences,” the Army official said.
Encinas said that Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Bai Anida Dimaukom was also instrumental in the successful “rido” settlement, as she worked tirelessly to convince both parties to end their dispute.
The Tambungalan and Mamalapat families, who are blood-related, also agreed to work harder for the betterment of their respective communities.
“We have to move forward now and leave the past behind now,” Tambungalan said in the vernacular.
Malapat, for his part, said: “Never again will we go back to our violent past as it is futile to lose more family members in this long-drawn quarrel.”
Kitapok and Kitango are adjacent villages of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and the site of intermittent skirmishes between the two families that had claimed lives from both sides.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040000
Lorenzana backs termination of peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Lorenzana backs termination of peace talks
The rebels' plans to oust President Rodrigo Duterte and use the ceasefire to recover their lost grounds and influence are just two among the eight reasons why the Department of National Defense (DND) has strongly recommended the termination of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).
This was bared by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement late Sunday night.
"We found out that during the last unilateral ceasefire covering the period 2016 until January 2017, the CPP/NDF/ held the largest and the 2nd People’s Congress in October-November 2016 and the Central Committee Plenum on December 2016. During these two occasions they crafted a 3-year plan to advance the revolutionary movement that included the planning for the 'OUST DUTERTE MOVEMENT' if PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) will not agree to a coalition government," he added.
Lorenzana said they also found out that in January 2017, the National Military Commission of the CPP/New People's Army (NPA) reinforced the earlier plenum agenda.
Using the lull provided by the ceasefire, the rebels were able to consolidate, recover their lost ground/mass base and expand their influence.
The DND chief added that in May 2017, the rebels formally launched its "OUST DUTERTE" operation which was to culminate this coming October.
"Based on the foregoing deliberate actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF, it is obvious that they are not sincere to talk peace and end the armed conflict. They are employing the revolutionary dual tactics to show semblance of peace but continually conducting violence and terror acts on the ground," he added.
Lorenzana also added the ongoing review of all peace documents and agreements revealed that it lays down the foundation of power-sharing towards a coalition government.
"In fact, the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) Panel during the Aquino Administration recommended the abrogation of the talks because the panel has come to the conclusion that 'we were just being taken for a ride'. The GRP Panel then made serious studies and they believed the NDF Panel is not truthful, sincere and honest except to get concessions such as: release of high ranking party members and giving their armed components to recover lost grounds and mass base," he added.
Besides this, the DND chief said that majority of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) do not want a ceasefire primarily because it means the NPAs will return to their areas.
Also, the IPs also want the CPP-NPA-NDF to publicly apologize for their act of crimes and terrorism against the ICCs/IPs for almost 50 years where around a thousand IPs were murdered by the rebels and their supporters.
Aside from this, the rebels can't comply with the four pre-conditions set by Duterte which are a requisite for the Commander-in-Chief in going back to the negotiations.
These are no coalition government, no arson attacks and no revolutionary taxes or extortion and NPAs are to stay in a safe area of their choice and no recruitment or mass mobilization.
Lorenzana said these pre-conditions are considered by the President as a sign of sincerity and non-compliance is not an option.
"They (CPP-NPA) have been tagged as a Terrorist Organization locally and internationally. They had their chance to work for peace when President Duterte appointed four of their members to the Cabinet. But they betrayed the government when they used their positions to advance the CPP’s revolutionary movement," the DND chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040047
The rebels' plans to oust President Rodrigo Duterte and use the ceasefire to recover their lost grounds and influence are just two among the eight reasons why the Department of National Defense (DND) has strongly recommended the termination of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).
This was bared by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement late Sunday night.
"We found out that during the last unilateral ceasefire covering the period 2016 until January 2017, the CPP/NDF/ held the largest and the 2nd People’s Congress in October-November 2016 and the Central Committee Plenum on December 2016. During these two occasions they crafted a 3-year plan to advance the revolutionary movement that included the planning for the 'OUST DUTERTE MOVEMENT' if PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) will not agree to a coalition government," he added.
Lorenzana said they also found out that in January 2017, the National Military Commission of the CPP/New People's Army (NPA) reinforced the earlier plenum agenda.
Using the lull provided by the ceasefire, the rebels were able to consolidate, recover their lost ground/mass base and expand their influence.
The DND chief added that in May 2017, the rebels formally launched its "OUST DUTERTE" operation which was to culminate this coming October.
"Based on the foregoing deliberate actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF, it is obvious that they are not sincere to talk peace and end the armed conflict. They are employing the revolutionary dual tactics to show semblance of peace but continually conducting violence and terror acts on the ground," he added.
Lorenzana also added the ongoing review of all peace documents and agreements revealed that it lays down the foundation of power-sharing towards a coalition government.
"In fact, the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) Panel during the Aquino Administration recommended the abrogation of the talks because the panel has come to the conclusion that 'we were just being taken for a ride'. The GRP Panel then made serious studies and they believed the NDF Panel is not truthful, sincere and honest except to get concessions such as: release of high ranking party members and giving their armed components to recover lost grounds and mass base," he added.
Besides this, the DND chief said that majority of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) do not want a ceasefire primarily because it means the NPAs will return to their areas.
Also, the IPs also want the CPP-NPA-NDF to publicly apologize for their act of crimes and terrorism against the ICCs/IPs for almost 50 years where around a thousand IPs were murdered by the rebels and their supporters.
Aside from this, the rebels can't comply with the four pre-conditions set by Duterte which are a requisite for the Commander-in-Chief in going back to the negotiations.
These are no coalition government, no arson attacks and no revolutionary taxes or extortion and NPAs are to stay in a safe area of their choice and no recruitment or mass mobilization.
Lorenzana said these pre-conditions are considered by the President as a sign of sincerity and non-compliance is not an option.
"They (CPP-NPA) have been tagged as a Terrorist Organization locally and internationally. They had their chance to work for peace when President Duterte appointed four of their members to the Cabinet. But they betrayed the government when they used their positions to advance the CPP’s revolutionary movement," the DND chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040047
PH, US Marine units join RIMPAC harbor phase drills
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): PH, US Marine units join RIMPAC harbor phase drills
US and Philippine Marine Corps units conducted a series of exercises as part of this year's "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) harbor phase activities.
This was announced by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata in a statement Monday,
RIMPAC officially started June 28 and will end on August 2.
Zata added the PMC contingent to Naval Task Force 86 RIMPAC quickly disembarked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam upon arrival last June 26, and proceeded to the Boondock Training Site, Marine Corps Base in Hawaii for the above-mentioned exercises.
Part of the harbor phase activities include the amphibious assault vehicle familiarization, a shore-to-shore exercise that aims to enhance the sea-to-land capabilities of the PMC contingent as part of RIMPAC 2018 exercise.
Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps conducted a combat life-saving training that intends to provide intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support and the advanced life support skills.
Zata added that training on military operations in urban terrain was also conducted to enhance the PMC contingent on its urban war-fighting tactics, techniques and procedures.
"The Philippine Navy’s participation to RIMPAC 2018 trumpets the Command’s commitment in promoting multilateral cooperation to strengthen relationship and cooperation among participating navies of the world," the PN spokesperson said.
The country's contingent to RIMPAC 2018 consists of the strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), an AgustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter and around 700 sailors and marines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040064
US and Philippine Marine Corps units conducted a series of exercises as part of this year's "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) harbor phase activities.
This was announced by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata in a statement Monday,
RIMPAC officially started June 28 and will end on August 2.
Zata added the PMC contingent to Naval Task Force 86 RIMPAC quickly disembarked at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam upon arrival last June 26, and proceeded to the Boondock Training Site, Marine Corps Base in Hawaii for the above-mentioned exercises.
Part of the harbor phase activities include the amphibious assault vehicle familiarization, a shore-to-shore exercise that aims to enhance the sea-to-land capabilities of the PMC contingent as part of RIMPAC 2018 exercise.
Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps conducted a combat life-saving training that intends to provide intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support and the advanced life support skills.
Zata added that training on military operations in urban terrain was also conducted to enhance the PMC contingent on its urban war-fighting tactics, techniques and procedures.
"The Philippine Navy’s participation to RIMPAC 2018 trumpets the Command’s commitment in promoting multilateral cooperation to strengthen relationship and cooperation among participating navies of the world," the PN spokesperson said.
The country's contingent to RIMPAC 2018 consists of the strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), an AgustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter and around 700 sailors and marines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040064
Return to PH if you want to help, Palace urges Joma
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): Return to PH if you want to help, Palace urges Joma
Malacañang on Monday urged self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison to come back and help the government’s efforts to build comfortable life for the Filipinos.
“Stop talking. If you really want to help our countrymen, you return here and be part of building a comfortable nation for the Filipino people,” Roque said in a press briefing in Maasin City, Leyte.
Roque said Sison should accept the invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte to conduct peace negotiations in the Philippines and not in other countries.
“It is not the government’s fault that peace talks did not push through. It was Joma who backed out. We are Filipinos. What the President had said, let’s talk peace here,” Roque said.
He said Sison should not worry of his safety since Duterte has assured him that he will not be detained in the country.
“But Joma Sison is really boastful. He thinks he is the savior of the country. He said he will oust the President, the term will not be finished,” Roque said.
“Joma Sison, wake up. You’re dreaming. You cannot oust a government while you are in Europe. You come back and live here in the Philippines so that you will see the condition here. Our economy is in very good condition,” he added.
Roque said while poverty still remains a problem in the country, “many” have been lifted out of poverty.
“Because you live a comfortable life there in other country, you don’t know already what the situation here in the Philippines is,” Roque said.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands after former president Ferdinand Marcos’ two-decade regime ended following a bloodless People’s Power Revolution in 1986.
Last week, Sison has reportedly said that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will no longer negotiate with the Duterte administration and would instead join forces to topple the government.
Duterte has belittled Sison’s threat, saying he finds no problem “if they are not willing to talk to me”.
The President, however, said he would continue to reach out to the enemies of the states, including the Moro rebels in Mindanao, to bring genuine peace in the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040109
Malacañang on Monday urged self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison to come back and help the government’s efforts to build comfortable life for the Filipinos.
“Stop talking. If you really want to help our countrymen, you return here and be part of building a comfortable nation for the Filipino people,” Roque said in a press briefing in Maasin City, Leyte.
Roque said Sison should accept the invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte to conduct peace negotiations in the Philippines and not in other countries.
“It is not the government’s fault that peace talks did not push through. It was Joma who backed out. We are Filipinos. What the President had said, let’s talk peace here,” Roque said.
He said Sison should not worry of his safety since Duterte has assured him that he will not be detained in the country.
“But Joma Sison is really boastful. He thinks he is the savior of the country. He said he will oust the President, the term will not be finished,” Roque said.
“Joma Sison, wake up. You’re dreaming. You cannot oust a government while you are in Europe. You come back and live here in the Philippines so that you will see the condition here. Our economy is in very good condition,” he added.
Roque said while poverty still remains a problem in the country, “many” have been lifted out of poverty.
“Because you live a comfortable life there in other country, you don’t know already what the situation here in the Philippines is,” Roque said.
Sison went into exile in the Netherlands after former president Ferdinand Marcos’ two-decade regime ended following a bloodless People’s Power Revolution in 1986.
Last week, Sison has reportedly said that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will no longer negotiate with the Duterte administration and would instead join forces to topple the government.
Duterte has belittled Sison’s threat, saying he finds no problem “if they are not willing to talk to me”.
The President, however, said he would continue to reach out to the enemies of the states, including the Moro rebels in Mindanao, to bring genuine peace in the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040109
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