From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7): Lorenzana hails passage of nat'l ID law
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine System Identification Act.
"Based on our experience, armed conflicts and insurgencies are often rooted in poor governance and delivery of basic services. Having a national ID system in place will help government address the gaps in the identification of citizens entitled to receive government services, thereby making things more convenient for law-abiding Filipinos," Lorenzana said in a statement.
He added that a national ID system is beneficial to a country prone to disasters as the system would improve the distribution of aid to legitimate disaster victims.
"Matters such as this can now be better addressed because of the new law," the defense chief said.
While he welcomed the beneficial effects of the measure on law enforcement operations, Lorenzana assured the public that individual privacy will be respected.
Signed into law by Duterte on Monday, the measure seeks to integrate the various government IDs of all citizens and foreign residents in the country.
The President tasked the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to work closely with the National Privacy Commission, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the multi-agency PhilSystem Policy and Coordination Council to address all concerns pertaining to privacy and security.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1044034
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Army pushes Cafgu listup against NPAs
From the Manila Standard (Aug 7): Army pushes Cafgu listup against NPAs
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—The Philippine Army has offered the recruitment of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit or Cafgus to complement the presence of government forces in remote areas.
Lt. Colonel Thomas Dominic Baluga, commanding officer of the Army’s 70 Infantry Battalion based in Nueva Ecija, said Cafgus has been left unsupported but are still serving as guardians of peace and order in areas frequented by the New People’s Army rebels.
“We have Cafgus in Nueva Vizcaya who are being supported with P4,500 monthly subsistence allowance. We are also asking other assistance so that they can continue as frontline armed forces in remote areas especially in remote areas,” he said.
Baluga said over the years, Cafgus have transformed from merely armed force to a multi-disciplinary force that supports the army in its various peacekeeping initiatives in areas being visited by NPA rebels.
He said Cafgus at present are also given proper training, livelihood opportunities and involved in civic-military activities such as rescue operations during disasters and calamities and medical services for the poor, among others.
Baluga said they manage and support Cafgus in their areas of responsibilities through partnerships with concerned local government units and other sectors of the society.
“We continue to provide them with their allowances and food with the help of various sectors of the community. We should do something so that they will continue to provide us additional security on terrorism,” he added.
http://manilastandard.net/lgu/luzon/272437/army-pushes-cafgu-listup-against-npas.html
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—The Philippine Army has offered the recruitment of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit or Cafgus to complement the presence of government forces in remote areas.
Lt. Colonel Thomas Dominic Baluga, commanding officer of the Army’s 70 Infantry Battalion based in Nueva Ecija, said Cafgus has been left unsupported but are still serving as guardians of peace and order in areas frequented by the New People’s Army rebels.
“We have Cafgus in Nueva Vizcaya who are being supported with P4,500 monthly subsistence allowance. We are also asking other assistance so that they can continue as frontline armed forces in remote areas especially in remote areas,” he said.
Baluga said over the years, Cafgus have transformed from merely armed force to a multi-disciplinary force that supports the army in its various peacekeeping initiatives in areas being visited by NPA rebels.
He said Cafgus at present are also given proper training, livelihood opportunities and involved in civic-military activities such as rescue operations during disasters and calamities and medical services for the poor, among others.
Baluga said they manage and support Cafgus in their areas of responsibilities through partnerships with concerned local government units and other sectors of the society.
“We continue to provide them with their allowances and food with the help of various sectors of the community. We should do something so that they will continue to provide us additional security on terrorism,” he added.
http://manilastandard.net/lgu/luzon/272437/army-pushes-cafgu-listup-against-npas.html
PNP, AFP: National ID system will unmask terrorists, criminals
From the Business Mirror (Aug 7): PNP, AFP: National ID system will unmask terrorists, criminals
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Tuesday the signing of the national identification system by President Duterte, saying it will help in the campaign against criminals and beef up national security.
Military Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the new law will unmask criminals and members of lawless groups, thus helping the government identify them, while restricting their movements.
“The national ID [system] is a very important aspect of national security. It removes the insurgents and criminals’ advantage of anonymity,” said Detoyato, noting that it came at a time while the AFP is in the middle of its campaign against the New People’s Army rebels and Moro terrorists.
“It will also restrict their movement and will have an effect on their recruitment and extortion activities,” Detoyato added.
On the other hand, PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the ID system will allow the police to share its crime record with the different agencies of the government.
“With the PhilSys law now in effect, the PNP can look forward to migrating our own National Crime Information System and the National Police Clearance System to a national database for sharing with other government agencies to optimize the operational potential of the entire national ID system,” Albayalde said.
Albayalde said while the National Identification System Act (PhilSys Act) assures access by 106.6 million Filipinos to a wide range of government services and privileges, it would also keep the country at pace with global trends of technology in governance.
“An efficient national ID system offers benefits to practical applications in census, taxation, election registration, banking, travel documentation, social security, social welfare and other transactions with government agencies,” the PNP chief said.
“All these government applications stand to benefit more than the quite limited law enforcement and internal security applications due to privacy and basic rights issues associated with gathering of personal information that need to be observed and upheld,” he added.
Meanwhile, human-rights group Karapatan called the ID system as a “wolf in a sheep’s clothing,” as it feared it could lead to a “wholesale rights violations, primarily of the people’s rights to freedom of movement and privacy, right against surveillance and right to unhampered and nondiscriminatory provision of social services.”
“The national ID system will be an underhanded maneuver to screen and monitor people. This law will be very much prone to abuse, considering that our bureaucracy is already littered with militarists and ex-generals who have proven their contempt for people’s rights,” said Kaparatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay in a news statement.
“With billions already funneled to intelligence funds, this law will further fast-track government monitoring and even harassment of its citizens,” she added.
Beneficiaries
The National ID system project, estimated to cost taxpayers P25-billion, is seen to benefit over seven million Filipinos with no birth certificates.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto on Tuesday said “that should be one of the outcomes” of the multibillion-peso project expected to be carried out soon by the Duterte administration.
“If there will be a mass list-up and registration, then perhaps we can use this activity to end the plight of those without birth certificates,” Recto said.
In a news statement, the Senator suggested that “we should use the national ID platform as an opportunity to solve the quandary of those who do not have birth documents.”
https://businessmirror.com.ph/pnp-afp-national-id-system-will-unmask-terrorists-criminals/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Tuesday the signing of the national identification system by President Duterte, saying it will help in the campaign against criminals and beef up national security.
Military Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the new law will unmask criminals and members of lawless groups, thus helping the government identify them, while restricting their movements.
“The national ID [system] is a very important aspect of national security. It removes the insurgents and criminals’ advantage of anonymity,” said Detoyato, noting that it came at a time while the AFP is in the middle of its campaign against the New People’s Army rebels and Moro terrorists.
“It will also restrict their movement and will have an effect on their recruitment and extortion activities,” Detoyato added.
On the other hand, PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said the ID system will allow the police to share its crime record with the different agencies of the government.
“With the PhilSys law now in effect, the PNP can look forward to migrating our own National Crime Information System and the National Police Clearance System to a national database for sharing with other government agencies to optimize the operational potential of the entire national ID system,” Albayalde said.
Albayalde said while the National Identification System Act (PhilSys Act) assures access by 106.6 million Filipinos to a wide range of government services and privileges, it would also keep the country at pace with global trends of technology in governance.
“An efficient national ID system offers benefits to practical applications in census, taxation, election registration, banking, travel documentation, social security, social welfare and other transactions with government agencies,” the PNP chief said.
“All these government applications stand to benefit more than the quite limited law enforcement and internal security applications due to privacy and basic rights issues associated with gathering of personal information that need to be observed and upheld,” he added.
Meanwhile, human-rights group Karapatan called the ID system as a “wolf in a sheep’s clothing,” as it feared it could lead to a “wholesale rights violations, primarily of the people’s rights to freedom of movement and privacy, right against surveillance and right to unhampered and nondiscriminatory provision of social services.”
“The national ID system will be an underhanded maneuver to screen and monitor people. This law will be very much prone to abuse, considering that our bureaucracy is already littered with militarists and ex-generals who have proven their contempt for people’s rights,” said Kaparatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay in a news statement.
“With billions already funneled to intelligence funds, this law will further fast-track government monitoring and even harassment of its citizens,” she added.
Beneficiaries
The National ID system project, estimated to cost taxpayers P25-billion, is seen to benefit over seven million Filipinos with no birth certificates.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto on Tuesday said “that should be one of the outcomes” of the multibillion-peso project expected to be carried out soon by the Duterte administration.
“If there will be a mass list-up and registration, then perhaps we can use this activity to end the plight of those without birth certificates,” Recto said.
In a news statement, the Senator suggested that “we should use the national ID platform as an opportunity to solve the quandary of those who do not have birth documents.”
https://businessmirror.com.ph/pnp-afp-national-id-system-will-unmask-terrorists-criminals/
MILF refutes Arab news claim regarding Lamitan bombing
From Tempo (Aug 5): MILF refutes Arab news claim regarding Lamitan bombing
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership has vehemently refuted a recent overseas news report, which claimed that the MILF had pointed to a foreign national of German-Arab extraction as behind the July 31 suicide bombing in Basilan that killed at least 11 people, including government forces, a mother and her child.
“It must be false news (because) we have not made any report about the incident,” MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar said Friday during a phone interview.
Jaafar was referring to a report published on August 3 in the Philippine section of the Dubai-based Gulf News gulfnews.com written by a Filipino correspondent identified as Gilbert Felongco citing the MILF as saying in its official luwaran.com website on Aug. 2 that a foreigner of German-Arab extraction was behind in the Lamitan City bombing.
Jaafar said the MILF might have initiated its own investigation on the suicide bombing in Lamitan City but such could still be in progress and no result had been publicized.
“We’re completely surprised about it,” Jaafar said.
Verifications showed the MILF official website carried no such report.
The media, local and international, should observe responsible journalism especially in attributing reports to one or more organizations involved in collective efforts to finally bring peace and development in Mindanao, Jaafar said.
Jaafar headed the 24-member commission that had earlier crafted what the Philippine Congress eventually passed lately as Bangsamoro Organic Law aimed at ending decades of Moro rebellion in Southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) jihadi group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed 11 people in Lamitan City, Basilan province, but the military quickly dismissed the claim as propaganda and instead blamed the local bandit group Abu Sayyaf.
Hours after the Jul 31 bombing that killed a soldier, five government militiamen and four civilians, including a mother and her child, and the suspected bomber himself, the IS Amaq news Agency admitted that IS was responsible for the attack.
The Amaq report said the “martyr” bomber was a Moroccan named “Abu Kathir,” and even posted his photo. The US Site Intelligence Group (SIG) tracking online jihadi organizations’ activities confirmed the report.
But Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who visited Zamboanga City on Wednesday, dismissed the claim.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/05/milf-refutes-arab-news-claim-regarding-lamitan-bombing/
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership has vehemently refuted a recent overseas news report, which claimed that the MILF had pointed to a foreign national of German-Arab extraction as behind the July 31 suicide bombing in Basilan that killed at least 11 people, including government forces, a mother and her child.
“It must be false news (because) we have not made any report about the incident,” MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar said Friday during a phone interview.
Jaafar was referring to a report published on August 3 in the Philippine section of the Dubai-based Gulf News gulfnews.com written by a Filipino correspondent identified as Gilbert Felongco citing the MILF as saying in its official luwaran.com website on Aug. 2 that a foreigner of German-Arab extraction was behind in the Lamitan City bombing.
Jaafar said the MILF might have initiated its own investigation on the suicide bombing in Lamitan City but such could still be in progress and no result had been publicized.
“We’re completely surprised about it,” Jaafar said.
Verifications showed the MILF official website carried no such report.
The media, local and international, should observe responsible journalism especially in attributing reports to one or more organizations involved in collective efforts to finally bring peace and development in Mindanao, Jaafar said.
Jaafar headed the 24-member commission that had earlier crafted what the Philippine Congress eventually passed lately as Bangsamoro Organic Law aimed at ending decades of Moro rebellion in Southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, the Islamic State (IS) jihadi group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed 11 people in Lamitan City, Basilan province, but the military quickly dismissed the claim as propaganda and instead blamed the local bandit group Abu Sayyaf.
Hours after the Jul 31 bombing that killed a soldier, five government militiamen and four civilians, including a mother and her child, and the suspected bomber himself, the IS Amaq news Agency admitted that IS was responsible for the attack.
The Amaq report said the “martyr” bomber was a Moroccan named “Abu Kathir,” and even posted his photo. The US Site Intelligence Group (SIG) tracking online jihadi organizations’ activities confirmed the report.
But Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who visited Zamboanga City on Wednesday, dismissed the claim.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/05/milf-refutes-arab-news-claim-regarding-lamitan-bombing/
Army, Reds clash in Lambunao
From Panay News (Aug 6): Army, Reds clash in Lambunao
Several days after government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Miag-ao, Iloilo, another skirmish happened, this time in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo.
The encounter between soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) and the NPA started at around 5:30 a.m. just over a kilometer away from an Army detachment.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot of the 61IB, the firefight lasted for some 10 minutes before the rebels withdrew.
None from the government troops were injured or died.
Magbalot believed all the rebels managed to flee unharmed, too.
“The rebels have a new strategy. They fire their guns near the detachment. When our troops come out to check what’s happening, the rebels would fire at them. Alam na natin style nila. Our men hindi sasakay sa trap nila,” said Magbalot.
On Aug. 1 soldiers of the 61IB encounter rebels in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo at around 9:30 a.m.
The gunfight lasted for some five minutes then the rebels withdrew. They were believed to be under NPA Panay’s Southern Front Committee.
Magbalot said the armed men left trails of blood in the Miag-o encounter, an indication that they were wounded.
On July 30, rebels fired at an Army detachment in nearby Barangay Pudpud, Miag-ao.
The government troops were verifying intelligence information that rebels were recruiting members and extorting money from villagers when they encountered some armed men.
https://www.panaynews.net/army-reds-clash-in-lambunao/
Several days after government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Miag-ao, Iloilo, another skirmish happened, this time in Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo.
The encounter between soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) and the NPA started at around 5:30 a.m. just over a kilometer away from an Army detachment.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot of the 61IB, the firefight lasted for some 10 minutes before the rebels withdrew.
None from the government troops were injured or died.
Magbalot believed all the rebels managed to flee unharmed, too.
“The rebels have a new strategy. They fire their guns near the detachment. When our troops come out to check what’s happening, the rebels would fire at them. Alam na natin style nila. Our men hindi sasakay sa trap nila,” said Magbalot.
On Aug. 1 soldiers of the 61IB encounter rebels in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo at around 9:30 a.m.
The gunfight lasted for some five minutes then the rebels withdrew. They were believed to be under NPA Panay’s Southern Front Committee.
Magbalot said the armed men left trails of blood in the Miag-o encounter, an indication that they were wounded.
On July 30, rebels fired at an Army detachment in nearby Barangay Pudpud, Miag-ao.
The government troops were verifying intelligence information that rebels were recruiting members and extorting money from villagers when they encountered some armed men.
https://www.panaynews.net/army-reds-clash-in-lambunao/
Moro scholar confirms BIFF, ASG’s aim to build caliphate
From the Business Mirror (Aug 5): Moro scholar confirms BIFF, ASG’s aim to build caliphate
A Moro scholar has confirmed the desire of Moro groups to establish a caliphate, which is more than what two Moro guerrilla fronts have aspired for a self-determining autonomous region in Mindanao.
Mansoor Limba of the Alqalam Institute at the Ateneo de Davao University here said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were expected to mount their self-styled attacks after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would not tread the path of nonviolence to establish the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
This new region would be born out of the recently enacted Bangsamoro Organic Law. The word Bangsamoro literally means Moro nation.
The government armed forces has sounded off a national alarm for vigilance against a repeat of the car bomb explosion in Basilan last week, a signature move of the anti-US militants in the Middle East and central Asia, including those affiliated or followers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis).
But the government military was less convinced of the strategy to be replicated elsewhere, saying that the explosion was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf to demonstrate is anger over a botched extortion attempt rather than an indication of the Isis presence in Mindanao.
Limba admonished, however, against failure by the government to address the “very roots of discontent” by various revolutionary groups and armed formations among the Moro people.
“Failure to give due attention and to give due solution to these concerns would only give reason for them to fan out more violence in Mindanao,” he explained.
Limba would not say, however, if the BIFF and the Abu Sayyaf would step up their attacks to fill in the void left by the MILF, whose armed followers were expected to enter into a phase-by-phase disarmament and decommissioning as part of the later concession in the peace settlement. In a show of gesture of goodwill to the peace settlement with the government, the MILF in 2015 already decommissioned a small portion of its fighters, some 145 of them, and their weapons.
The Moro National Liberation Front, the former main Moro revolutionary group in Mindanao before the MILF broke away in 1981, earlier entered into a peace agreement in 1996, sending some of its fighters into an integration program with the government armed forces and the national police.
Limba spoke in a forum on radicalism and violent extremism in Mindanao held on Friday here. The forum was organized by the Mindanao Institute of Journalism.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/moro-scholar-confirms-biff-asgs-aim-to-build-caliphate/
A Moro scholar has confirmed the desire of Moro groups to establish a caliphate, which is more than what two Moro guerrilla fronts have aspired for a self-determining autonomous region in Mindanao.
Mansoor Limba of the Alqalam Institute at the Ateneo de Davao University here said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were expected to mount their self-styled attacks after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would not tread the path of nonviolence to establish the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
This new region would be born out of the recently enacted Bangsamoro Organic Law. The word Bangsamoro literally means Moro nation.
The government armed forces has sounded off a national alarm for vigilance against a repeat of the car bomb explosion in Basilan last week, a signature move of the anti-US militants in the Middle East and central Asia, including those affiliated or followers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis).
But the government military was less convinced of the strategy to be replicated elsewhere, saying that the explosion was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf to demonstrate is anger over a botched extortion attempt rather than an indication of the Isis presence in Mindanao.
Limba admonished, however, against failure by the government to address the “very roots of discontent” by various revolutionary groups and armed formations among the Moro people.
“Failure to give due attention and to give due solution to these concerns would only give reason for them to fan out more violence in Mindanao,” he explained.
Limba would not say, however, if the BIFF and the Abu Sayyaf would step up their attacks to fill in the void left by the MILF, whose armed followers were expected to enter into a phase-by-phase disarmament and decommissioning as part of the later concession in the peace settlement. In a show of gesture of goodwill to the peace settlement with the government, the MILF in 2015 already decommissioned a small portion of its fighters, some 145 of them, and their weapons.
The Moro National Liberation Front, the former main Moro revolutionary group in Mindanao before the MILF broke away in 1981, earlier entered into a peace agreement in 1996, sending some of its fighters into an integration program with the government armed forces and the national police.
Limba spoke in a forum on radicalism and violent extremism in Mindanao held on Friday here. The forum was organized by the Mindanao Institute of Journalism.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/moro-scholar-confirms-biff-asgs-aim-to-build-caliphate/
AFP denies harassing lumads, peasants
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 5): AFP denies harassing lumads, peasants
DAVAO CITY – The 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied the allegations made by the New People’s Army (NPA) that it was responsible for the massive evacuation of lumads and peasants in its area of operation in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
A lumad couple (Camcer Ordonez Imam|Manila Bulletin File Photo)
The military, instead, accused the NPA of protecting a nearby marijuana plantation.
In an interview with The Manila Bulletin, 10th ID spokesperson Capt. Jerry Lamosao said that the attack on a police vehicle that had three policemen last July 26 was deliberate.
“There was a law enforcement operation in the area,” Lamosao said, adding that the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) coordinated a visit to the site that was allegedly protected by the NPA.
Authorities had already found out about the plantation three days earlier, Lamosao said.
According to Lamosao, combined elements of police, military, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) uprooted and burned P2.04 million worth of 12,000 hills of marijuana in a one-hectare property at Sitio Nagas, Brgy Tomaong, Tarragona, Davao Oriental last July 23.
Residents reported the marijuana plantation to authorities, who responded in force.
“Based on revelation of some of the residents, it’s high time that the plantation was exposed so that NPA would also be held accountable since they are the ones protecting it,” Lamosao said.
Three days later, rebels fired upon the Tagsagaong Bridge being blocked by government forces in Tomoaong, as three police officers were trying to cross on board a black Toyota Avanza, around 4:30 p.m.
On board the vehicle were PO1 Johnny Morales, PCI Marcialito Batingana, and PO1 George Silat.
The incident wounded Morales, while Silat and Batingana returned fire and rescued Morales, leaving the vehicle behind.
In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin August 3, the NPA Comval Davao East Coast Subregional Operations Command Southern Mindanao accused the military of forcing families from the countryside to either flee their homes or “surrendering” as NPA sympathizers.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/05/afp-denies-harassing-lumads-peasants/
DAVAO CITY – The 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied the allegations made by the New People’s Army (NPA) that it was responsible for the massive evacuation of lumads and peasants in its area of operation in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
A lumad couple (Camcer Ordonez Imam|Manila Bulletin File Photo)
The military, instead, accused the NPA of protecting a nearby marijuana plantation.
In an interview with The Manila Bulletin, 10th ID spokesperson Capt. Jerry Lamosao said that the attack on a police vehicle that had three policemen last July 26 was deliberate.
“There was a law enforcement operation in the area,” Lamosao said, adding that the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) coordinated a visit to the site that was allegedly protected by the NPA.
Authorities had already found out about the plantation three days earlier, Lamosao said.
According to Lamosao, combined elements of police, military, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) uprooted and burned P2.04 million worth of 12,000 hills of marijuana in a one-hectare property at Sitio Nagas, Brgy Tomaong, Tarragona, Davao Oriental last July 23.
Residents reported the marijuana plantation to authorities, who responded in force.
“Based on revelation of some of the residents, it’s high time that the plantation was exposed so that NPA would also be held accountable since they are the ones protecting it,” Lamosao said.
Three days later, rebels fired upon the Tagsagaong Bridge being blocked by government forces in Tomoaong, as three police officers were trying to cross on board a black Toyota Avanza, around 4:30 p.m.
On board the vehicle were PO1 Johnny Morales, PCI Marcialito Batingana, and PO1 George Silat.
The incident wounded Morales, while Silat and Batingana returned fire and rescued Morales, leaving the vehicle behind.
In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin August 3, the NPA Comval Davao East Coast Subregional Operations Command Southern Mindanao accused the military of forcing families from the countryside to either flee their homes or “surrendering” as NPA sympathizers.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/05/afp-denies-harassing-lumads-peasants/
Russia to help modernize PH Navy
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 6): Russia to help modernize PH Navy
The Chief of the Russian Navy has assured that his government will support the upgrade program of the Philippine Navy (PN) in terms of training, maintenance, and sustainment of future acquisition particularly its submarine acquisition project.
(Philippines Defense Forces Forum/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Russian Navy Chief Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev made the assurance following the visit of Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad in St. Petersburg, Russia as he represented the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the Russian Navy Day celebration on July 29, 2018.
During their meeting, Korolev also informed Empedrad about the conduct of joint HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) training and regular visits of ships.
The Philippine Navy said it was also during this historic meeting that a draft MOU for deepening security cooperation between the two navies was also discussed.
It was during this meeting that the chief of Russian Navy expressed his appreciation for the upcoming visit of a Philippine Navy ship in Vladivostok, Russia.
It was recalled that three warships from Russia made a port visit in Manila in June 2018.
The PN delegation was also given the opportunity to visit Admiralty Shipyard, the navy’s premier naval shipyard where Russian submarines are built.
The main naval parade at St. Petersburg is a commemoration of over three centuries of Russia’s rich history. This is the day when the Russian federation honors members of the Russian Navy and showcase its strength and capabilities. It is celebrated annually, on the last Sunday of July.
To mark this year’s Navy Day parade, the Russian President and Commander-in-Chief, Vladimir Putin attended the activity.
The commander of the China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy, Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong was also among the Navy chiefs who attended and was met by Empedrad during the event.
The 14 chiefs and representatives of the invited navies were also tendered with a formal dinner by the chief of Russian Navy as the final event for the visiting delegations.
All heads of delegations agreed that the only way to achieve peace at sea is through cooperation among navies of the world.
Empedrad was accompanied by the commander of the Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas and two other PN officers and Philippine defense attaché to Russia, Army Col. Dennis Pastor PA.
The official visit underscores the navy’s diplomacy efforts for increased interaction among other navies.
“These engagements are building blocks for closer cooperation in areas of mutual concern such as combating terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” the Philippine Navy said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/05/russia-to-help-modernize-ph-navy/
The Chief of the Russian Navy has assured that his government will support the upgrade program of the Philippine Navy (PN) in terms of training, maintenance, and sustainment of future acquisition particularly its submarine acquisition project.
(Philippines Defense Forces Forum/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Russian Navy Chief Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Korolev made the assurance following the visit of Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad in St. Petersburg, Russia as he represented the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the Russian Navy Day celebration on July 29, 2018.
During their meeting, Korolev also informed Empedrad about the conduct of joint HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) training and regular visits of ships.
The Philippine Navy said it was also during this historic meeting that a draft MOU for deepening security cooperation between the two navies was also discussed.
It was during this meeting that the chief of Russian Navy expressed his appreciation for the upcoming visit of a Philippine Navy ship in Vladivostok, Russia.
It was recalled that three warships from Russia made a port visit in Manila in June 2018.
The PN delegation was also given the opportunity to visit Admiralty Shipyard, the navy’s premier naval shipyard where Russian submarines are built.
The main naval parade at St. Petersburg is a commemoration of over three centuries of Russia’s rich history. This is the day when the Russian federation honors members of the Russian Navy and showcase its strength and capabilities. It is celebrated annually, on the last Sunday of July.
To mark this year’s Navy Day parade, the Russian President and Commander-in-Chief, Vladimir Putin attended the activity.
The commander of the China’s People’s Liberation Army-Navy, Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong was also among the Navy chiefs who attended and was met by Empedrad during the event.
The 14 chiefs and representatives of the invited navies were also tendered with a formal dinner by the chief of Russian Navy as the final event for the visiting delegations.
All heads of delegations agreed that the only way to achieve peace at sea is through cooperation among navies of the world.
Empedrad was accompanied by the commander of the Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas and two other PN officers and Philippine defense attaché to Russia, Army Col. Dennis Pastor PA.
The official visit underscores the navy’s diplomacy efforts for increased interaction among other navies.
“These engagements are building blocks for closer cooperation in areas of mutual concern such as combating terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes, the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” the Philippine Navy said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/05/russia-to-help-modernize-ph-navy/
MILF faces tremendous challenge on governance, says UP prof
From ABS-CBN (Aug 6): MILF faces tremendous challenge on governance, says UP professor
prof
MANILA - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faces a tremendous challenge in showing its capability to run a government, a professor on Islamic Studies said Monday.
Professor Julkipli Wadi, of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies, said apart from inter-governmental relations, the MILF must have a major shift in psychology.
"Psychologically, I think the intent is to reintegrate or mainstream the MILF, efface or erase its revolutionary character," Wadi told ANC on the day of the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro law.
"In fact, willingly, the MILF would be transformed, according to Iqbal, into a social movement and they will have to form another movement. That's another pressure," he added.
Other challenges the MILF will face are the traditional politicians who remain in control in their respective bailiwicks in Muslim Mindanao, he said.
During the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged stakeholders to participate in the plebiscite for the measure.
The plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law will determine whether the people in the affected areas will accept or reject the measure that will grant wider autonomy to the Bangsamoro region.
The President also asked the stakeholders to "give this law a chance to address the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for genuine autonomy, while preserving our bond as a single nation."
prof
MANILA - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faces a tremendous challenge in showing its capability to run a government, a professor on Islamic Studies said Monday.
Professor Julkipli Wadi, of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies, said apart from inter-governmental relations, the MILF must have a major shift in psychology.
"Psychologically, I think the intent is to reintegrate or mainstream the MILF, efface or erase its revolutionary character," Wadi told ANC on the day of the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro law.
"In fact, willingly, the MILF would be transformed, according to Iqbal, into a social movement and they will have to form another movement. That's another pressure," he added.
Other challenges the MILF will face are the traditional politicians who remain in control in their respective bailiwicks in Muslim Mindanao, he said.
During the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged stakeholders to participate in the plebiscite for the measure.
The plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law will determine whether the people in the affected areas will accept or reject the measure that will grant wider autonomy to the Bangsamoro region.
The President also asked the stakeholders to "give this law a chance to address the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for genuine autonomy, while preserving our bond as a single nation."
2 NPA terrorists killed in Agusan del Sur gunfight
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 6): 2 NPA terrorists killed in Agusan del Sur gunfight
Two Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were killed when a gun battle erupted Sunday with government security forces in Purok 4, Barangay Oro, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province on Monday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The 402nd CMO officer also said the two slain CNTs were turned over to the local government (village) in Barangay Oro, Esperanza town for identification and proper burial.
Seized in the possession of the slain CNTs were one .45 caliber pistol and assorted live ammunitions, Pueblas said.
No one was hurt on the government side during the gun battle, he said.
Combined peace and development forces of the 23rd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Platoon 6th Agusan del Sur Civilian Active Auxiliary Company based at Tandang Sora Patrol Base, Barangay Tandang Sora of that same municipality and province were conducting security patrol when chanced upon undetermined number of CNTs at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Pueblas said.
He said the encountered CNTs were members of Guerilla Front Committee 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
“The rebels dis-engaged in the gunfight after sensing they were outgunned and outnumbered and fled to nearby forested area,” the 402nd CMO officer claimed.
Pueblas said the 402nd “Stingers”Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal expressed gratitude to the local villagers for continuously cooperating with the field troops by reporting the presence of CNTs in their villages.
“The timely and accurate reporting of villagers are the key factors in eliminating the forced taxation activities the CNTs in our areas of jurisdiction,” said the 402nd CMO officer based at Camp Bancasi here.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/06/2-npa-terrorists-killed-in-agusan-del-sur-gunfight/
Two Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were killed when a gun battle erupted Sunday with government security forces in Purok 4, Barangay Oro, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province on Monday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The 402nd CMO officer also said the two slain CNTs were turned over to the local government (village) in Barangay Oro, Esperanza town for identification and proper burial.
Seized in the possession of the slain CNTs were one .45 caliber pistol and assorted live ammunitions, Pueblas said.
No one was hurt on the government side during the gun battle, he said.
Combined peace and development forces of the 23rd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Platoon 6th Agusan del Sur Civilian Active Auxiliary Company based at Tandang Sora Patrol Base, Barangay Tandang Sora of that same municipality and province were conducting security patrol when chanced upon undetermined number of CNTs at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Pueblas said.
He said the encountered CNTs were members of Guerilla Front Committee 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
“The rebels dis-engaged in the gunfight after sensing they were outgunned and outnumbered and fled to nearby forested area,” the 402nd CMO officer claimed.
Pueblas said the 402nd “Stingers”Brigade under the command of Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal expressed gratitude to the local villagers for continuously cooperating with the field troops by reporting the presence of CNTs in their villages.
“The timely and accurate reporting of villagers are the key factors in eliminating the forced taxation activities the CNTs in our areas of jurisdiction,” said the 402nd CMO officer based at Camp Bancasi here.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/06/2-npa-terrorists-killed-in-agusan-del-sur-gunfight/
2 suspected Reds killed in Agusan Sur clash — military
From GMA News (Aug 6): 2 suspected Reds killed in Agusan Sur clash — military
Two suspected New People's Army rebels were killed following a clash with government security forces in Agusan del Sur over the weekend, a regional military officer said Monday.
Captain Anthony Pueblas of the Army's 402nd Brigade's civil military operations, said the encounter erupted around 5 a.m. Sunday at Purol 4 in Barangay Oro in Esperanza town.
Involved in the five-minute clash were elements of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion and rebels belonging to the Guerilla Front 88 of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
The operating troops recovered a 9-mm pistol aside from the bodies of the slain rebels, Pueblas said.
The bodies were brought to the barangay center. There were no reported government casualties.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/663167/2-suspected-reds-killed-in-agusan-sur-clash-military/story/
Two suspected New People's Army rebels were killed following a clash with government security forces in Agusan del Sur over the weekend, a regional military officer said Monday.
Captain Anthony Pueblas of the Army's 402nd Brigade's civil military operations, said the encounter erupted around 5 a.m. Sunday at Purol 4 in Barangay Oro in Esperanza town.
Involved in the five-minute clash were elements of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion and rebels belonging to the Guerilla Front 88 of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
The operating troops recovered a 9-mm pistol aside from the bodies of the slain rebels, Pueblas said.
The bodies were brought to the barangay center. There were no reported government casualties.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/663167/2-suspected-reds-killed-in-agusan-sur-clash-military/story/
NPA platoon commander, younger brother yield to Army in Agusan
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 7): NPA platoon commander, younger brother yield to Army in Agusan
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – An alleged Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) platoon commander and his younger brother voluntarily surrendered to Army authorities and pledged to help the government’s peace and development program, Capt. Al Anthony B. Pueblas, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
For security and safety reasons, identity of the CNT platoon commander and his 18-year-old younger brother are temporarily withheld.
However, the 402nd CMO officer said the commander was under the SDG Platoon 16 of Guerilla Front Committee 16 while his younger brother was formerly under the SPP 16-A, both of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
They brought along with them one M14 rifle with five magazines of live ammunitions and two hand grenades, he said.
They voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battallion (29th IB) operationally controlled by the 402nd Brigade.
They are still under debriefing while preparing to be enrolled to E-CLIP, program that extends livelihood and cash support from the government to rebel returnees, Pueblas said.
“Their main reason why they surrender is that they wanted to live a normal life and to have a stable job in order to help their family,” the 402nd CMO officer claimed.
He said the brothers are also tired in continuously running in the mountains and lack of food.
The brothers are set to see their families after they received E-CLIP program of the government, Pueblas added.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/npa-platoon-commander-younger-brother-yield-to-army-in-agusan/
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – An alleged Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) platoon commander and his younger brother voluntarily surrendered to Army authorities and pledged to help the government’s peace and development program, Capt. Al Anthony B. Pueblas, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)For security and safety reasons, identity of the CNT platoon commander and his 18-year-old younger brother are temporarily withheld.
However, the 402nd CMO officer said the commander was under the SDG Platoon 16 of Guerilla Front Committee 16 while his younger brother was formerly under the SPP 16-A, both of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
They brought along with them one M14 rifle with five magazines of live ammunitions and two hand grenades, he said.
They voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battallion (29th IB) operationally controlled by the 402nd Brigade.
They are still under debriefing while preparing to be enrolled to E-CLIP, program that extends livelihood and cash support from the government to rebel returnees, Pueblas said.
“Their main reason why they surrender is that they wanted to live a normal life and to have a stable job in order to help their family,” the 402nd CMO officer claimed.
He said the brothers are also tired in continuously running in the mountains and lack of food.
The brothers are set to see their families after they received E-CLIP program of the government, Pueblas added.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/npa-platoon-commander-younger-brother-yield-to-army-in-agusan/
Military seizes control of Isabela NPA camp
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 6): Military seizes control of Isabela NPA camp
Government troops captured an encampment of the New People’s Army (NPA) during pursuit operations in the mountainous areas in Barangay Santo Domingo in Jones, Isabela on Saturday.
(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato, spokesperson of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), on Monday said that troops from the Nolcom’s Joint Task Force (JTF) ‘Tala’ seized control of the NPA camp.
Nato said the troops recovered three improvised cooking appliances and fresh vegetables from the site.
Before the discovery of the camp, an encounter broke out between troops from the Philippine Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB) under the 502nd Brigade – 5th Infantry Division (5ID) in Sitio Dibulod, Dicamay 2, Jones, Isabela province on Saturday.
Nato said all troops were accounted for, while several NPA members were reported killed.
Meanwhile, Nato said that 14 members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia (PM) and six supporters surrendered in Sitio Nakatengey, Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao to the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion.
An M-16 rifle was also surrendered by the group which was later brought to the Headquarters of 54IB for safekeeping.
The surrender was made possible through the efforts and initiatives of Community Support Program (CSP) operators of the Army unit in the area.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/06/military-seizes-control-of-isabela-npa-camp/
Government troops captured an encampment of the New People’s Army (NPA) during pursuit operations in the mountainous areas in Barangay Santo Domingo in Jones, Isabela on Saturday.
(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Nato, spokesperson of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), on Monday said that troops from the Nolcom’s Joint Task Force (JTF) ‘Tala’ seized control of the NPA camp.
Nato said the troops recovered three improvised cooking appliances and fresh vegetables from the site.
Before the discovery of the camp, an encounter broke out between troops from the Philippine Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion (86IB) under the 502nd Brigade – 5th Infantry Division (5ID) in Sitio Dibulod, Dicamay 2, Jones, Isabela province on Saturday.
Nato said all troops were accounted for, while several NPA members were reported killed.
Meanwhile, Nato said that 14 members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia (PM) and six supporters surrendered in Sitio Nakatengey, Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao to the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion.
An M-16 rifle was also surrendered by the group which was later brought to the Headquarters of 54IB for safekeeping.
The surrender was made possible through the efforts and initiatives of Community Support Program (CSP) operators of the Army unit in the area.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/06/military-seizes-control-of-isabela-npa-camp/
5,000 Basilan residents displaced
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 7): 5,000 Basilan residents displaced
An estimated 5,000 residents coming from five villages of Hadji Mohammad Ajul town in Basilan province have fled their homes since Tuesday, as the military stepped up operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Abu Sayyaf (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
The intensified operations came after a deadly car bomb hit a military detachment in Lamitan City last July 31 that killed 11 and wounded five persons.
Hadji Mohammad Ajul Mayor Talib G. Pawaki reported yesterday that residents – most of them belonging to the Yakan tribe – of Barangays Tuburan proper, Languyan, Candiis, Langgong, and Buton fled their homes since Tuesday to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
The five villages have been virtually transformed into “ghost villages”, according to Pawaki.
Pawaki said the military stepped up operations against elements of the ASG which may be hiding in the forested areas in his town. These were the same suspects tagged in the Lamitan car bomb attack.
Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay yesterday said some of those that fled their homes in Hadji Mohammad Ajul are now Lamitan, and are staying with their respective relatives.
He said most of those who are residents of Hadji Mohammad Ajul had relatives Lamitan, which just adjacent to the town.
“Or we can simply say that we are just neighbors here,” Furigay said.
But what was important, according to him, was that those who seek refuge in Lamitan “are peace loving people.
“(If that is the case), then we have nothing to worry if they come to stay with their relatives here,” he added.
Furigay said the military operations against the ASG were necessary in order for the community to experience peace and tranquility away from atrocity of the terror group.
Furigay called on his constituents to be calm and alert at all times, and to report to the police and military authorities any suspicious looking persons in their community to prevent any atrocity from happening in their community.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/5000-basilan-residents-displaced/
An estimated 5,000 residents coming from five villages of Hadji Mohammad Ajul town in Basilan province have fled their homes since Tuesday, as the military stepped up operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Abu Sayyaf (Manila Bulletin File Photo)
The intensified operations came after a deadly car bomb hit a military detachment in Lamitan City last July 31 that killed 11 and wounded five persons.
Hadji Mohammad Ajul Mayor Talib G. Pawaki reported yesterday that residents – most of them belonging to the Yakan tribe – of Barangays Tuburan proper, Languyan, Candiis, Langgong, and Buton fled their homes since Tuesday to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
The five villages have been virtually transformed into “ghost villages”, according to Pawaki.
Pawaki said the military stepped up operations against elements of the ASG which may be hiding in the forested areas in his town. These were the same suspects tagged in the Lamitan car bomb attack.
Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay yesterday said some of those that fled their homes in Hadji Mohammad Ajul are now Lamitan, and are staying with their respective relatives.
He said most of those who are residents of Hadji Mohammad Ajul had relatives Lamitan, which just adjacent to the town.
“Or we can simply say that we are just neighbors here,” Furigay said.
But what was important, according to him, was that those who seek refuge in Lamitan “are peace loving people.
“(If that is the case), then we have nothing to worry if they come to stay with their relatives here,” he added.
Furigay said the military operations against the ASG were necessary in order for the community to experience peace and tranquility away from atrocity of the terror group.
Furigay called on his constituents to be calm and alert at all times, and to report to the police and military authorities any suspicious looking persons in their community to prevent any atrocity from happening in their community.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/07/5000-basilan-residents-displaced/
DOJ didn’t verify before seeking terrorist tag for 649 people
From Rappler (Aug 6): DOJ didn’t verify before seeking terrorist tag for 649 people
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra says: 'The DOJ itself did not have any personal verification of any connection by these individuals with the CPP or the NPA'
The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not verify the list of 461 names and 188 aliases the government is seeking to declare as “terrorists” under the Human Security Act of 2007.
DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra admitted this before lawmakers on Monday, August 6, as he defended his department’s proposed P21.353-billion budget for 2019, an increase from its P19.664 billion budget this year.
“The DOJ itself did not have any personal verification of any connection by these individuals with the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) or the NPA (National People’s Army),” said Guevarra.
He added the names and aliases all came from the intelligence units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
“I’d like to clarify the petition for proscription under the Human Security Act was filed by the Department of Justice versus two entities, the National People’s Army and the Communist Party of the Philippines. The inclusion or the fact that several hundreds of individuals who were named in that petition was based on information supplied solely to the department by the intelligence agencies of the government,” said Gueverra.
It was Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate who asked Guevarra if the DOJ had validated every name on the list before including them in the petition before a Manila court seeking to declare the 649 individuals as terrorists.
"Dahil dito sa listahan na ito, sabi nga ng mga human rights organizations, parang virtually it’s a hit-list dahil na-link sila sa isang organization na gusto niyong i-proscribe, and there are 600 names, including the name of our chair sa Bayan Muna, si Satur Ocmapo," said Zarate. (Because of this list, human rights organizations said it’s virtually a hit-list because you’re linking these 600 names with an organization you want to proscribe, including the name of our chair in Bayan Muna, Satur Ocampo.)
The petition was an apparent implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 374 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
It must be noted, however, that the petition to tag the 649 people as terrorists was filed on February 21 during the term of ex-DOJ chief Vitaliano Aguirre II. Aguirre’s resignation was announced by Duterte on April 5, the same day Gueverra was appointed the new DOJ secretary.
Zarate then said the DOJ should “be more prudent” when filing cases against government critics.
“I hope your department will be more prudent in reviewing all of these cases being filed against activists, government critics, and other leaders of the people’s resistance,” said the lawmaker in Filipino.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/208923-doj-did-not-verify-names-people-before-seeking-terrorist-tag
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra says: 'The DOJ itself did not have any personal verification of any connection by these individuals with the CPP or the NPA'
JUSTICE SECRETARY. The DOJ didn'€™t verify names before seeking terrorist tag for 649 people, says DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra. Photo by Mara Cepeda/Rappler
The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not verify the list of 461 names and 188 aliases the government is seeking to declare as “terrorists” under the Human Security Act of 2007.
DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra admitted this before lawmakers on Monday, August 6, as he defended his department’s proposed P21.353-billion budget for 2019, an increase from its P19.664 billion budget this year.
“The DOJ itself did not have any personal verification of any connection by these individuals with the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) or the NPA (National People’s Army),” said Guevarra.
He added the names and aliases all came from the intelligence units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
“I’d like to clarify the petition for proscription under the Human Security Act was filed by the Department of Justice versus two entities, the National People’s Army and the Communist Party of the Philippines. The inclusion or the fact that several hundreds of individuals who were named in that petition was based on information supplied solely to the department by the intelligence agencies of the government,” said Gueverra.
It was Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate who asked Guevarra if the DOJ had validated every name on the list before including them in the petition before a Manila court seeking to declare the 649 individuals as terrorists.
"Dahil dito sa listahan na ito, sabi nga ng mga human rights organizations, parang virtually it’s a hit-list dahil na-link sila sa isang organization na gusto niyong i-proscribe, and there are 600 names, including the name of our chair sa Bayan Muna, si Satur Ocmapo," said Zarate. (Because of this list, human rights organizations said it’s virtually a hit-list because you’re linking these 600 names with an organization you want to proscribe, including the name of our chair in Bayan Muna, Satur Ocampo.)
The petition was an apparent implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's Proclamation No. 374 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.
It must be noted, however, that the petition to tag the 649 people as terrorists was filed on February 21 during the term of ex-DOJ chief Vitaliano Aguirre II. Aguirre’s resignation was announced by Duterte on April 5, the same day Gueverra was appointed the new DOJ secretary.
Zarate then said the DOJ should “be more prudent” when filing cases against government critics.
“I hope your department will be more prudent in reviewing all of these cases being filed against activists, government critics, and other leaders of the people’s resistance,” said the lawmaker in Filipino.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/208923-doj-did-not-verify-names-people-before-seeking-terrorist-tag
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