From GMA News (Aug 24): DON'T JOIN KMU // Duterte tells rebel returnees: Communism an obsolete ideology
President Rodrigo Duterte maintained on Thursday that communism is obsolete, and urged rebel returnees also not to join left-leaning labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno, which he accused of disrupting business through rallies and strikes.
Speaking before soldiers in Davao City, Duterte repeated his pronouncement last February that communism is no longer relevant because Russia and China, with their self-styled socialism, have already embraced capitalism and become successful.
He vowed to send some rebel returnees to Hong Kong and mainland China to “see what kind of communism it is.”
“Their buildings are really tall, while ours is (sic) just short. But don’t try to analyze the economy anymore. It’s difficult to understand. Even I don’t understand it. But see how good and how modern those communists are,” Duterte said in his native Cebuano.
The President also urged the former New People’s Army members not to join the KMU.
“They will have a strike and if the business closes down, they leave. You’re left with no jobs. So who made money from that? The KMU leaders. They’ll ask you to pay for membership and then extort from a store,” Duterte said.
But in response, KMU secretary general Jerome Adonis called the President’s remarks “malicious.”
“Malisyoso at paninira po ang pahayag na ‘yan ni Duterte laban sa KMU. Matagal na po kaming lumalaban para sa ibasura ang kontraktwalisasyon at pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa,” Adonis told GMA News Online.
Adonis said holding rallies and strikes is constitutional and an exercise of labor rights.
The KMU official said added Duterte’s pronouncements only exposed the chief executive’s anti-labor and pro-capitalist stance.
Adonis also advised Duterte to focus on addressing the inflationary impact of the new tax reform law instead of attacking the militant labor organizations.
In his speech, Duterte reiterated his call for peace with communist rebels.
“Why do you need to kill in order for your movement to progress? A movement that has no hope of progressing. The world is moving constantly and it will not stop for you, not even for a second to listen to the grievances you hold against the world,” he said.
“What we can do is talk. And maybe we can lessen the pain if there is any.”
The formal resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was supposed to take place last June 28 in Oslo, Norway. But Duterte called it off to give way to public consultations and review of existing agreements.
The postponement infuriated CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison who said the Duterte regime is not serious in pursuing peace with the communist rebels.
Duterte, meanwhile, urged the rebels not to believe Sison, who recently claimed the President was in coma.
“Sison’s bible is his brain. Don’t believe him. He’s old,” the President said.
“Look at him now, instead of talking about an ideology, if there is one at all, he’s saying that I’m comatose, that I’m dead, or that my thing that’s dangling there can’t get hard anymore.”
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/665333/duterte-tells-rebel-returnees-communism-an-obsolete-ideology/story/
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Rody tells US: Return Balangiga bells first or no arms buy talks
From the Manila Standard (Aug 25): Rody tells US: Return Balangiga bells first or no arms buy talks
President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday there would be no discussion with high-ranking officials of the United States to buy arms and vehicles from the Philippines’ longtime ally unless the US returns the historic Balangiga bells to the country.
“If they did not return the Balangiga bells, there is nothing to talk about,” the President stressed in a speech to soldiers in Davao City.
He reiterated that the Philippines “would not forget” the massacre committed by American soldiers against Filipinos fighters in Balangiga, a town in Eastern Samar, over a century ago.
“Now you say, ‘Ah, Duterte, that was a long time ago.’ Why? Can the passage of time cure an injustice? Just because it was 100 years [ago] so it is erased? Then, the bells are there. And the memory still haunts everybody here because it was taken with blood and lives of our brothers and sisters,” said the President.
The President made this statement in response to a letter signed by three US officials―Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis―who all want to meet Duterte to discuss the country’s military’s modernization program.
The President read the letter out loud during the 12th anniversary of the Davao-based Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command anniversary.
This was after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday confirmed that the Philippines was eyeing to purchase submarines and other weapons from Russia as discussed during his recent visit to the country.
Lorenzana told reporters there were “discussions” with the Russians, “but they know that we are shopping and we have yet to decide where to buy,” noting that South Korea was also a possible supplier.
Duterte, meanwhile, said he is not interested in acquiring M16 rifles from the US, and was more interested in acquiring propeller planes for the anti-insurgency campaign.
In the first place, Duterte said he was unsure US Congress would approve the arms deal to the Philippines.
“How sure are you that I will get what I ordered? If I bought a dozen M16 rifles, will they deliver them?” Duterte asked, directing his questions to Pompeo, Mattis, and Ross.
He reiterated that the country needs more propeller-driven planes for anti-insurgency operations.
“We don’t have any other enemies. NPA [New People’s Army], the ISIS, Abu Sayyaf. We don’t need the M16. And yet they dangled before us after they insulted us,” said Duterte.
“I have said my piece about America. We do not need any M16s. It would be utterly useless to buy it. But I need attack helicopters and small planes for the counterinsurgency,” he ended.
He also revealed that US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim appealed to his office, asking to strengthen the security and trade cooperation between the two countries through talks.
According to Duterte, the American officials highlighted the track record of the US in supplying defense equipment to the Philippines.
“We are writing you to reaffirm this administration’s strongest support for your efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” they said.
“We know however that our nations can do even more to integrate our economic and security concerns,” the letter stated as read by Duterte.
The US hopes to help the country’s defense through the procurement of Lockheed Martin F-16 multi-role fighter platform and other attack helicopter platform.
“The United States is peerless, unparalleled, a supplier of state-of-the-art technology with a proven track record and a long-term reliable partner,” it added.
Duterte, however, mentioned the three crashed “refurbished” helicopters the country bought from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“We bought it. We bought six. Three of those helicopters crashed killing all my soldiers. Failed. Then you will tell me that procurement? Prove to me first that you are in utter good faith,” Duterte said, adding that he would never set foot on America.
The President also expressed willingness to face the officials and debate them, pointing out that the country and the US only gained their friendship when the Americans colonized the country years ago.
“Don’t tell me we’re friends because it was not a friendship agreed upon [and] mutually satisfying,” he bared. “It was a friendship imposed on us because when you won in the Spanish-American War, the Philippines was handed to you, America, like a chattel.”
In 1901, the Americans took the bells from the church of Balangiga as war trophies. Two of the three bells are preserved at the US Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, while the third is with a traveling museum.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/273881/rody-tells-us-return-balangiga-bells-first-or-no-arms-buy-talks-.html
President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday there would be no discussion with high-ranking officials of the United States to buy arms and vehicles from the Philippines’ longtime ally unless the US returns the historic Balangiga bells to the country.
“If they did not return the Balangiga bells, there is nothing to talk about,” the President stressed in a speech to soldiers in Davao City.
He reiterated that the Philippines “would not forget” the massacre committed by American soldiers against Filipinos fighters in Balangiga, a town in Eastern Samar, over a century ago.
“Now you say, ‘Ah, Duterte, that was a long time ago.’ Why? Can the passage of time cure an injustice? Just because it was 100 years [ago] so it is erased? Then, the bells are there. And the memory still haunts everybody here because it was taken with blood and lives of our brothers and sisters,” said the President.
The President made this statement in response to a letter signed by three US officials―Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis―who all want to meet Duterte to discuss the country’s military’s modernization program.
The President read the letter out loud during the 12th anniversary of the Davao-based Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command anniversary.
This was after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday confirmed that the Philippines was eyeing to purchase submarines and other weapons from Russia as discussed during his recent visit to the country.
Lorenzana told reporters there were “discussions” with the Russians, “but they know that we are shopping and we have yet to decide where to buy,” noting that South Korea was also a possible supplier.
Duterte, meanwhile, said he is not interested in acquiring M16 rifles from the US, and was more interested in acquiring propeller planes for the anti-insurgency campaign.
In the first place, Duterte said he was unsure US Congress would approve the arms deal to the Philippines.
“How sure are you that I will get what I ordered? If I bought a dozen M16 rifles, will they deliver them?” Duterte asked, directing his questions to Pompeo, Mattis, and Ross.
He reiterated that the country needs more propeller-driven planes for anti-insurgency operations.
“We don’t have any other enemies. NPA [New People’s Army], the ISIS, Abu Sayyaf. We don’t need the M16. And yet they dangled before us after they insulted us,” said Duterte.
He also revealed that US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim appealed to his office, asking to strengthen the security and trade cooperation between the two countries through talks.
According to Duterte, the American officials highlighted the track record of the US in supplying defense equipment to the Philippines.
“We are writing you to reaffirm this administration’s strongest support for your efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” they said.
“We know however that our nations can do even more to integrate our economic and security concerns,” the letter stated as read by Duterte.
The US hopes to help the country’s defense through the procurement of Lockheed Martin F-16 multi-role fighter platform and other attack helicopter platform.
“The United States is peerless, unparalleled, a supplier of state-of-the-art technology with a proven track record and a long-term reliable partner,” it added.
Duterte, however, mentioned the three crashed “refurbished” helicopters the country bought from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“We bought it. We bought six. Three of those helicopters crashed killing all my soldiers. Failed. Then you will tell me that procurement? Prove to me first that you are in utter good faith,” Duterte said, adding that he would never set foot on America.
The President also expressed willingness to face the officials and debate them, pointing out that the country and the US only gained their friendship when the Americans colonized the country years ago.
“Don’t tell me we’re friends because it was not a friendship agreed upon [and] mutually satisfying,” he bared. “It was a friendship imposed on us because when you won in the Spanish-American War, the Philippines was handed to you, America, like a chattel.”
In 1901, the Americans took the bells from the church of Balangiga as war trophies. Two of the three bells are preserved at the US Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, while the third is with a traveling museum.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/273881/rody-tells-us-return-balangiga-bells-first-or-no-arms-buy-talks-.html
A closer look inside an MILF detention facility
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 24): A closer look inside an MILF detention facility
PIKIT, North Cotabato — Situated in the plains of this marshy town, heavily armed men are stationed around a fortified structure that serves as detention facility for erring villagers.
But this is not a government-ran facility. Instead, it is being maintained by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
JUSTICE MILF-STYLE – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters guard one of the cells inside the Reformatory Center of the MILF in Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, North Cotabato. (Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN)
The cell, which sits inside a barb wire-fenced compound, is called the Eastern Mindanao Reformation Center, which is, itself, located inside the sprawling Camp Rajamuda of the MILF.
MILF Eastern Mindanao Front Commander Jack Abbas told The Manila Bulletin that the Reformation Center serves not just as detention facility for criminals, but as a rehabilitation center for drug dependents as well.
Abbas pointed out that the punishment for pushers are different than users. “Drug pushers are detained as criminals while users undergo rehabilitation,” he said.
“(Drug dependents) undergo not just physical rehabilitation, but spiritual renewal, as well,” he added saying that an Ustadz visits the facility every week to teach them Islamic values.
Every month, the MILF official added, a physician examines the health condition of the detainees.
Abbas, one of the veteran MILF commanders, added that the number of drug dependent detainees have already dropped following the government’s relentless war on drugs.
On August 21, the MILF gave Manila Bulletin an exclusive first look of the detention facility. During the visit, there were only three detainees sharing one of the three cells, with an estimated size of about 16 square meters each.
The facility has a common kitchen and a restroom.
Right at the gate of the compound stands a mosque where the detainees are allowed to say their noontime prayer along with their guards and villagers.
Yusoph Mohammad, the MILF jail warden, told The Manila Bulletin that many have already been released after they have completed the maximum four-month detention.
“But for high profile or criminal cases, they are transferred to another facility in Camp Darapanan. This Reformation Center mainly functions as rehabilitation or disciplinary actions to drug dependents,” Mohammad explained.
Camp Darapanan is the MILF’s main headquarters located at Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.
Mohammad added that the facility could accommodate up to 30 persons. However, at the height of MILF’s anti-drug campaign in 2016 to 2017, the detainees cramped in the cells ballooned to 60.
Since they could not be accommodated inside the facility, he bared that some were allowed to sleep in the nearby madrasah and sentry huts. “They could not just slip away, the are a lot of heavily-armed guards around.”
One of the detainees, who asked not to be named, told The Manila Bulletin that his parents turned him in to the MILF due to excessive drug use.
He has been detained for over four months already. He admitted that he was comfortable in the Reformation Center because he has learned a lot on the teachings of Islam.
“Mas maganda dito dahil nakapagdasal pa ako at mas komportable dito dahil hindi masikip at mainit,” the 38-year old father of seven told Manila Bulletin.
Mohammad explained that some detainees’ term needed to be extended because their parents have refused to take them back.
Established in 2009, the facility was gradually built through contributions from the local community. “Even some of the food supplies for the guards and detainees sometimes come from the pockets of ordinary villagers,” a ranking MILF political officer said.
Aside from the perimeter fence of the compound, a seven-foot high concrete wall surrounds the facility with an estimated perimeter of about 200 meters.
“Now we only have three detainees left. This could mean a good news because it may be an indicator that many may have already stopped their bad deeds,” Mohammad concluded.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/23/a-closer-look-inside-an-milf-detention-facility/
PIKIT, North Cotabato — Situated in the plains of this marshy town, heavily armed men are stationed around a fortified structure that serves as detention facility for erring villagers.
But this is not a government-ran facility. Instead, it is being maintained by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
JUSTICE MILF-STYLE – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters guard one of the cells inside the Reformatory Center of the MILF in Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, North Cotabato. (Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN)
The cell, which sits inside a barb wire-fenced compound, is called the Eastern Mindanao Reformation Center, which is, itself, located inside the sprawling Camp Rajamuda of the MILF.
MILF Eastern Mindanao Front Commander Jack Abbas told The Manila Bulletin that the Reformation Center serves not just as detention facility for criminals, but as a rehabilitation center for drug dependents as well.
Abbas pointed out that the punishment for pushers are different than users. “Drug pushers are detained as criminals while users undergo rehabilitation,” he said.
“(Drug dependents) undergo not just physical rehabilitation, but spiritual renewal, as well,” he added saying that an Ustadz visits the facility every week to teach them Islamic values.
Every month, the MILF official added, a physician examines the health condition of the detainees.
Abbas, one of the veteran MILF commanders, added that the number of drug dependent detainees have already dropped following the government’s relentless war on drugs.
On August 21, the MILF gave Manila Bulletin an exclusive first look of the detention facility. During the visit, there were only three detainees sharing one of the three cells, with an estimated size of about 16 square meters each.
The facility has a common kitchen and a restroom.
Right at the gate of the compound stands a mosque where the detainees are allowed to say their noontime prayer along with their guards and villagers.
Yusoph Mohammad, the MILF jail warden, told The Manila Bulletin that many have already been released after they have completed the maximum four-month detention.
“But for high profile or criminal cases, they are transferred to another facility in Camp Darapanan. This Reformation Center mainly functions as rehabilitation or disciplinary actions to drug dependents,” Mohammad explained.
Camp Darapanan is the MILF’s main headquarters located at Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.
Mohammad added that the facility could accommodate up to 30 persons. However, at the height of MILF’s anti-drug campaign in 2016 to 2017, the detainees cramped in the cells ballooned to 60.
Since they could not be accommodated inside the facility, he bared that some were allowed to sleep in the nearby madrasah and sentry huts. “They could not just slip away, the are a lot of heavily-armed guards around.”
One of the detainees, who asked not to be named, told The Manila Bulletin that his parents turned him in to the MILF due to excessive drug use.
He has been detained for over four months already. He admitted that he was comfortable in the Reformation Center because he has learned a lot on the teachings of Islam.
“Mas maganda dito dahil nakapagdasal pa ako at mas komportable dito dahil hindi masikip at mainit,” the 38-year old father of seven told Manila Bulletin.
Mohammad explained that some detainees’ term needed to be extended because their parents have refused to take them back.
Established in 2009, the facility was gradually built through contributions from the local community. “Even some of the food supplies for the guards and detainees sometimes come from the pockets of ordinary villagers,” a ranking MILF political officer said.
Aside from the perimeter fence of the compound, a seven-foot high concrete wall surrounds the facility with an estimated perimeter of about 200 meters.
“Now we only have three detainees left. This could mean a good news because it may be an indicator that many may have already stopped their bad deeds,” Mohammad concluded.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/23/a-closer-look-inside-an-milf-detention-facility/
US Sanctions Senior IS Recruiters From Southeast Asia
From the Voice of America (Aug 24): US Sanctions Senior IS Recruiters From Southeast Asia
FILE - Islamic State group militants hold up their flag as they patrol in a commandeered Iraqi military vehicle in Fallujah, Iraq, March 30, 2014. The United States Friday sanctioned three members of the Islamic State who were featured in a beheading video distributed by the group and accused of luring recruits in Southeast Asia.
The United States on Friday designated three individuals from Southeast Asia as terrorists for allegedly recruiting people to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
A statement from the U.S. Treasury Department said Mohamad Rafi Udin, a Malaysian, Mohammed Karim Yusop Faiz, an Indonesian, and Mohammad Reza Lahaman Kiram, a Philippine, were also featured in a June 2016 IS video, in which they beheaded three prisoners held by the terror group.
“Treasury is targeting ISIS recruiters who have engaged in a beheading video and other brutal acts as part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker, using another acronym for IS.
“We are sanctioning these terrorists along with our U.N. and international partners as part of a coordinated effort to counter ISIS’s global networks that enable the group to recruit foreign fighters to conduct international terrorist attacks,” she said.
Sigal P. Mandelker, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the U.S. Treasury, talks to journalists at a press briefing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 12, 2018.
Udin, a former taxi driver turned Islamist militant since 1998, traveled to Syria in 2014 and used IS propaganda material to urge sympathizers to join the group and conduct terrorist attacks. He worked to unite jihadists in the Philippines under Isnilon Hapilon, the former leader of Abu Sayyaf Group, who pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakir al-Baghdadi in July 2014.
The second blacklisted man, Faiz, was jailed in the Philippines for nine years on charges of illegal possession of explosives and weapons. He also joined IS in Syria in 2014 and helped recruit people from Southeast Asia to join IS-linked Abu Sayyaf Group, also known as IS-Philippines Province.
The third man, Kiram, is accused by the Philippines police of being responsible for a 2012 bus bombing in the city of Zamboanga. He reportedly trained IS-linked Ansar Khalifa group recruits in 2014, before traveling to Syria with his wife and daughter in 2015.
All three individuals will be added to the U.S. list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists, which targets terrorists and their financing.
The United Nations Security Council designated Udin, Faiz, and Kiram Thursday on similar charges, obliging all UNmember countries to prohibit their travel, freeze their assets, and deny their access to the international financial system.
FILE - Islamic State group militants hold up their flag as they patrol in a commandeered Iraqi military vehicle in Fallujah, Iraq, March 30, 2014. The United States Friday sanctioned three members of the Islamic State who were featured in a beheading video distributed by the group and accused of luring recruits in Southeast Asia.
The United States on Friday designated three individuals from Southeast Asia as terrorists for allegedly recruiting people to join the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
A statement from the U.S. Treasury Department said Mohamad Rafi Udin, a Malaysian, Mohammed Karim Yusop Faiz, an Indonesian, and Mohammad Reza Lahaman Kiram, a Philippine, were also featured in a June 2016 IS video, in which they beheaded three prisoners held by the terror group.
“Treasury is targeting ISIS recruiters who have engaged in a beheading video and other brutal acts as part of a propaganda campaign to attract radicals to join militant terrorist groups in Southeast Asia,” said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker, using another acronym for IS.
“We are sanctioning these terrorists along with our U.N. and international partners as part of a coordinated effort to counter ISIS’s global networks that enable the group to recruit foreign fighters to conduct international terrorist attacks,” she said.
Sigal P. Mandelker, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the U.S. Treasury, talks to journalists at a press briefing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 12, 2018.
Udin, a former taxi driver turned Islamist militant since 1998, traveled to Syria in 2014 and used IS propaganda material to urge sympathizers to join the group and conduct terrorist attacks. He worked to unite jihadists in the Philippines under Isnilon Hapilon, the former leader of Abu Sayyaf Group, who pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakir al-Baghdadi in July 2014.
The second blacklisted man, Faiz, was jailed in the Philippines for nine years on charges of illegal possession of explosives and weapons. He also joined IS in Syria in 2014 and helped recruit people from Southeast Asia to join IS-linked Abu Sayyaf Group, also known as IS-Philippines Province.
The third man, Kiram, is accused by the Philippines police of being responsible for a 2012 bus bombing in the city of Zamboanga. He reportedly trained IS-linked Ansar Khalifa group recruits in 2014, before traveling to Syria with his wife and daughter in 2015.
All three individuals will be added to the U.S. list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists, which targets terrorists and their financing.
The United Nations Security Council designated Udin, Faiz, and Kiram Thursday on similar charges, obliging all UNmember countries to prohibit their travel, freeze their assets, and deny their access to the international financial system.
Misuari to enter plea on Sept. 21 on malversation, graft charges
From the Manila Standard (Aug 24): Misuari to enter plea on Sept. 21 on malversation, graft charges
Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari is expected to enter his plea on the scheduled Sept. 21 arraignment in connection with the graft and malversation cases filed against him at the Sandiganbayan.
A minute resolution released to the media by the anti-graft court’s Third Division Thursday said Misuari’s arraignment will be followed by a pre-trial proceeding at 8:30 am on Sept. 21.
The resolution was signed by presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez and Bernelito Fernandez.
Misuari, the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, is facing two counts each of graft and malversation by falsification owing to the alleged anomalous procurement of educational materials worth P115.2 million during his term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Misuari and his co-accused allegedly conspired to give “unwarranted benefits, advantage and privilege” to MBJ Learning Tools, CPR Publishing, and White Orchids Printing.
But Ombudsman investigators said “no such materials were delivered” by the three companies.
Misuari posted a P460,000 bail in September last year for his provisional liberty.
http://manilastandard.net/news/national/273862/misuari-to-enter-plea-on-sept-21-on-malversation-graft-charges.html
Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari is expected to enter his plea on the scheduled Sept. 21 arraignment in connection with the graft and malversation cases filed against him at the Sandiganbayan.
A minute resolution released to the media by the anti-graft court’s Third Division Thursday said Misuari’s arraignment will be followed by a pre-trial proceeding at 8:30 am on Sept. 21.
The resolution was signed by presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justices Sarah Jane Fernandez and Bernelito Fernandez.
Misuari, the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao governor, is facing two counts each of graft and malversation by falsification owing to the alleged anomalous procurement of educational materials worth P115.2 million during his term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Misuari and his co-accused allegedly conspired to give “unwarranted benefits, advantage and privilege” to MBJ Learning Tools, CPR Publishing, and White Orchids Printing.
But Ombudsman investigators said “no such materials were delivered” by the three companies.
Misuari posted a P460,000 bail in September last year for his provisional liberty.
http://manilastandard.net/news/national/273862/misuari-to-enter-plea-on-sept-21-on-malversation-graft-charges.html
Court orders trial of Moro leader for corruption
From the Gulf Today (Aug 25): Court orders trial of Moro leader for corruption
A special court called the Sandiganbayan stood firm on its decision to try Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari for the allegedly anomalous purchase of educational materials totalling more than $1 million when he was the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The Sandiganbayan set the arraignment of Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Sept. 17 for two counts of graft and another two counts of malversation of public funds.
Aside from Misuari, also indicted were regional officials of the Department of Education in ARMM, composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as well as Marawi City.
The office of the Ombudsman indicted Misuari before the Sandiganbayan for the alleged misuse of more than $1 million in public funds in the anomalous purchase of educational materials for public schools from three private suppliers when he was the ARMM governor from 2000 to 2001
Prosecutors said during their field inquiries, Ombudsman investigators discovered there were alleged “ghost purchases” or that the educational materials were not delivered by the private suppliers.
Also in Mindanao, the military reported that a member of the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group was killed while at least 20 soldiers were wounded in an encounter in the town of Patikul, Sulu.
Lieutenant General Gerry Basana, the spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the soldiers were on security patrol on Thursday morning in a remote “barangay” (village)in Patikul when they clashed with about 40 terrorists.
Besana said the terrorists left behind their dead comrade when the fled after the encounter that also saw at least 18 soldiers wounded from blasts from rifle grenades and two others from gunshots.
The Abu Sayyaf, meaning “bearer of the sword,” gained notoriety through a spate of kidnap-for-ransom cases that have often been marred by the beheading of their foreign and Filipino hostages.
The military also blamed the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group that both pledged allegiance to the Daesh extremists in the Middle East for the siege on Marawi, the capital city of Lanao del Sur that prompted President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to declare martial law over the whole of Mindanao, which is still in effect from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ca4ed080-98bc-4894-aff4-ec2654a14494.aspx
A special court called the Sandiganbayan stood firm on its decision to try Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari for the allegedly anomalous purchase of educational materials totalling more than $1 million when he was the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The Sandiganbayan set the arraignment of Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Sept. 17 for two counts of graft and another two counts of malversation of public funds.
Aside from Misuari, also indicted were regional officials of the Department of Education in ARMM, composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as well as Marawi City.
The office of the Ombudsman indicted Misuari before the Sandiganbayan for the alleged misuse of more than $1 million in public funds in the anomalous purchase of educational materials for public schools from three private suppliers when he was the ARMM governor from 2000 to 2001
Prosecutors said during their field inquiries, Ombudsman investigators discovered there were alleged “ghost purchases” or that the educational materials were not delivered by the private suppliers.
Also in Mindanao, the military reported that a member of the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group was killed while at least 20 soldiers were wounded in an encounter in the town of Patikul, Sulu.
Lieutenant General Gerry Basana, the spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the soldiers were on security patrol on Thursday morning in a remote “barangay” (village)in Patikul when they clashed with about 40 terrorists.
Besana said the terrorists left behind their dead comrade when the fled after the encounter that also saw at least 18 soldiers wounded from blasts from rifle grenades and two others from gunshots.
The Abu Sayyaf, meaning “bearer of the sword,” gained notoriety through a spate of kidnap-for-ransom cases that have often been marred by the beheading of their foreign and Filipino hostages.
The military also blamed the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group that both pledged allegiance to the Daesh extremists in the Middle East for the siege on Marawi, the capital city of Lanao del Sur that prompted President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte to declare martial law over the whole of Mindanao, which is still in effect from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ca4ed080-98bc-4894-aff4-ec2654a14494.aspx
Soldiers Kill 7 IS-Linked Militants in Southern Philippines
From BenarNews (Aug 23): Soldiers Kill 7 IS-Linked Militants in Southern Philippines
Troops from the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division launch artillery strikes against suspected Islamic State-linked militants in the southern Philippine town of Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao province, Aug. 20, 2018. Mark Navales/ BenarNews
Philippine security forces killed seven pro-Islamic State militants on the eve of the observance of Eid-ul-Adha, the Islamic feast of sacrifice, on the insurgency-wracked southern island of Mindanao, a military official said Thursday.
Troops launched an artillery attack Monday in a marshy area near Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao province, about 1,680 kilometers (1,050 miles) southeast of Manila, after authorities received information that forces of the militant group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hiding in the area, regional military spokesman Capt. Arvin John Encinas told BenarNews.
“There was no ground encounter,” he said. “Based on the information provided to us by locals seven military died in our shelling that started in the afternoon until evening of Aug. 20.”
The BIFF is a splinter group of the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s main separatist force that signed a peace deal with Manila and is now helping the government battle IS-linked militants.
Encinas said they received information that BIFF commander Abu Turaife was among the enemy fighters in the area, prompting security forces to launch the attack. It was not immediately clear if Turaife was injured in the government offensive.
Turaife’s faction had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, but did not join in the Marawi city siege last year.
About 1,200 people were killed, most of them militants, in five months of vicious fighting that began in May 2017 when Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged IS leader in the country, captured parts of Marawi. The gunbattles ended after the Philippine military killed Hapilon and several foreign and local pro-IS militants.
Encinas also reported a soldier was wounded Wednesday morning when suspects believed to be Turaife’s men detonated a homemade bomb they planted along the road in the nearby town of Datu Hoffer.
“Soldiers were patrolling when the bomb exploded,” he said.
Abu Misri Mama, spokesman for the BIFF, confirmed their forces were in the village for the observance of Eid-ul-Adha when the military began firing mortars, but denied that they suffered casualties as reported by the government.
“We only have one wounded. They immediately abandoned the area as soon as the military started their artillery fires,” Mama said.
The assault was carried out on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, an Islamic holiday that marks the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham to Christian and Jews, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. It also marks the culmination of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca.
Troops from the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division launch artillery strikes against suspected Islamic State-linked militants in the southern Philippine town of Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao province, Aug. 20, 2018. Mark Navales/ BenarNews
Philippine security forces killed seven pro-Islamic State militants on the eve of the observance of Eid-ul-Adha, the Islamic feast of sacrifice, on the insurgency-wracked southern island of Mindanao, a military official said Thursday.
Troops launched an artillery attack Monday in a marshy area near Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao province, about 1,680 kilometers (1,050 miles) southeast of Manila, after authorities received information that forces of the militant group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hiding in the area, regional military spokesman Capt. Arvin John Encinas told BenarNews.
“There was no ground encounter,” he said. “Based on the information provided to us by locals seven military died in our shelling that started in the afternoon until evening of Aug. 20.”
The BIFF is a splinter group of the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s main separatist force that signed a peace deal with Manila and is now helping the government battle IS-linked militants.
Encinas said they received information that BIFF commander Abu Turaife was among the enemy fighters in the area, prompting security forces to launch the attack. It was not immediately clear if Turaife was injured in the government offensive.
Turaife’s faction had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, but did not join in the Marawi city siege last year.
About 1,200 people were killed, most of them militants, in five months of vicious fighting that began in May 2017 when Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged IS leader in the country, captured parts of Marawi. The gunbattles ended after the Philippine military killed Hapilon and several foreign and local pro-IS militants.
Encinas also reported a soldier was wounded Wednesday morning when suspects believed to be Turaife’s men detonated a homemade bomb they planted along the road in the nearby town of Datu Hoffer.
“Soldiers were patrolling when the bomb exploded,” he said.
Abu Misri Mama, spokesman for the BIFF, confirmed their forces were in the village for the observance of Eid-ul-Adha when the military began firing mortars, but denied that they suffered casualties as reported by the government.
“We only have one wounded. They immediately abandoned the area as soon as the military started their artillery fires,” Mama said.
The assault was carried out on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, an Islamic holiday that marks the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham to Christian and Jews, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. It also marks the culmination of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
3 farmer activists gunned down in Comval
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Aug 24): 3 farmer activists gunned down in Comval
Three farmer-activists who are members of Compostela Famers Association (CFA) were shot dead in Compostela Valley by an unidentified assailant last August 21, a local farmers group reported on Friday.
Noli Villanueva, chairperson of Compostela Valley Farmers Association, identified the victims as Rolly Panebio and couple Gilbert and Jane Labial.
Rolly Panebio, 46, security staff of Salugpungan Learning Center Campus in Bango,Compostela Valley was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding gunmen at 10:30pm in Purok 24 in Bango, Compostela Valley while on his way home after his shift in the school last Saturday night.
Panebio was declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
After visiting Panebio’s wake at Alar Funeral Parlor the next day, Gilbert and Jane Labial were also shot dead by unidentified gunmen.
A barangay councilor who were with the victims at the time of the incident said that Gilbert Labial saw the assailant on their way home but were trapped and repeatedly shot by the assasins.
“The three farmers between February to March surrendered to the 66th IB detachment to ensure their safety as they were tagged as members of the NPA. They were active in the campaign against mining and militarization,” Villanueva said.
“Farmers and lumads were actively defending their lands against the entry of mining company Agusan Petroleum,” he said. “We do not have firearms. We are not NPA. Even without Martial Law, at least 10 members of the organization are in imprisoned in the provincial jail and 6 members were killed under the Duterte administration.”
Meanwhile, Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region said that there are now 87 victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/3-farmer-activists-gunned-down-in-comval/
Three farmer-activists who are members of Compostela Famers Association (CFA) were shot dead in Compostela Valley by an unidentified assailant last August 21, a local farmers group reported on Friday.
Noli Villanueva, chairperson of Compostela Valley Farmers Association, identified the victims as Rolly Panebio and couple Gilbert and Jane Labial.
Rolly Panebio, 46, security staff of Salugpungan Learning Center Campus in Bango,Compostela Valley was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding gunmen at 10:30pm in Purok 24 in Bango, Compostela Valley while on his way home after his shift in the school last Saturday night.
Panebio was declared dead on arrival in the hospital.
After visiting Panebio’s wake at Alar Funeral Parlor the next day, Gilbert and Jane Labial were also shot dead by unidentified gunmen.
A barangay councilor who were with the victims at the time of the incident said that Gilbert Labial saw the assailant on their way home but were trapped and repeatedly shot by the assasins.
“The three farmers between February to March surrendered to the 66th IB detachment to ensure their safety as they were tagged as members of the NPA. They were active in the campaign against mining and militarization,” Villanueva said.
“Farmers and lumads were actively defending their lands against the entry of mining company Agusan Petroleum,” he said. “We do not have firearms. We are not NPA. Even without Martial Law, at least 10 members of the organization are in imprisoned in the provincial jail and 6 members were killed under the Duterte administration.”
Meanwhile, Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region said that there are now 87 victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/3-farmer-activists-gunned-down-in-comval/
Wounded rebel surrenders to military in Misamis Occidental
From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 24): Wounded rebel surrenders to military in Misamis Occidental
PAGADIAN CITY – A 17-year old communist rebel wounded in a recent firefight with government soldiers has surrendered Friday to the army in the town of Bonifacio in Misamis Occidental province in southern Philippines, officials said.
Maj. Ronald Suscano, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the rebel is currently being treated in hospital for a gunshot wound he sustained during a clash with troops August 11 in Tangub City.
“He personally disclosed that he sustained one gunshot wound in his left knee during the clash and was abandoned by his comrades while fleeing. He is still a minor, 17 years old, and presently recuperating at the hospital,” Suscano said.
Suscano, quoting Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, said the young New People’s Army rebel will receive P15,000 cash assistance and another P50,000 as livelihood aid from the government as part of the amnesty program launched by President Rodrigo Duterte in an effort to convince insurgents to abandon their armed struggle and return to the fold of law.
He said aside from the monetary assistance, the rebel could also avail psychosocial debriefing from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and livelihood skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, including employment and capacity building from different government institutions and even security from the military and police as part of the amnesty program.
Just recently, 18 rebels also surrendered to the 10th Infantry Battalion in Oroquieta City.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/08/wounded-rebel-surrenders-to-military-in.html
PAGADIAN CITY – A 17-year old communist rebel wounded in a recent firefight with government soldiers has surrendered Friday to the army in the town of Bonifacio in Misamis Occidental province in southern Philippines, officials said.
Maj. Ronald Suscano, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the rebel is currently being treated in hospital for a gunshot wound he sustained during a clash with troops August 11 in Tangub City.
“He personally disclosed that he sustained one gunshot wound in his left knee during the clash and was abandoned by his comrades while fleeing. He is still a minor, 17 years old, and presently recuperating at the hospital,” Suscano said.
Suscano, quoting Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, said the young New People’s Army rebel will receive P15,000 cash assistance and another P50,000 as livelihood aid from the government as part of the amnesty program launched by President Rodrigo Duterte in an effort to convince insurgents to abandon their armed struggle and return to the fold of law.
He said aside from the monetary assistance, the rebel could also avail psychosocial debriefing from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and livelihood skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, including employment and capacity building from different government institutions and even security from the military and police as part of the amnesty program.
Just recently, 18 rebels also surrendered to the 10th Infantry Battalion in Oroquieta City.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/08/wounded-rebel-surrenders-to-military-in.html
Troops clash anew with Sayyafs in Sulu
From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 24): Troops clash anew with Sayyafs in Sulu
Troops clashed Friday with pro-ISIS militant group Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines, but security officials said no casualties were reported on the government side.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted in two areas in Maligay village in Patikul town where soldiers clashed with about 30 militants under Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Almujer Yadah.
It was unknown if there were Abu Sayyaf members killed in the fighting, Besana said.
Soldiers also clashed Thursday with militants led by sub-leaders Iddang Susukan and Ben Tattoo in Patikul’s Langhub village. Besana said 20 soldiers were wounded in the battle after militants fired M203 grenades on security forces.
He said security forces were still pursuing the Abu Sayyaf group in the town’s hinterlands. The Abu Sayyaf has been fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled region.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/08/troops-clash-anew-with-sayyafs-in-sulu.html
Troops clashed Friday with pro-ISIS militant group Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines, but security officials said no casualties were reported on the government side.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted in two areas in Maligay village in Patikul town where soldiers clashed with about 30 militants under Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Almujer Yadah.
It was unknown if there were Abu Sayyaf members killed in the fighting, Besana said.
Soldiers also clashed Thursday with militants led by sub-leaders Iddang Susukan and Ben Tattoo in Patikul’s Langhub village. Besana said 20 soldiers were wounded in the battle after militants fired M203 grenades on security forces.
He said security forces were still pursuing the Abu Sayyaf group in the town’s hinterlands. The Abu Sayyaf has been fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the troubled region.
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2018/08/troops-clash-anew-with-sayyafs-in-sulu.html
PN operates at par with modern 'RIMPAC' counterparts
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): PN operates at par with modern 'RIMPAC' counterparts
Despite lacking modern ships and weapons, the Philippine Navy (PN) has proven itself capable of operating at par with more modern partners during the recently-concluded "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) exercises in Hawaii.
"It (the exercise) also validated the age-old principle that it's always the men behind the guns that will ultimately make the difference. That in spite of the current capabilities of the Navy, we were still able to perform very well and at par with our more modern partners," PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said Friday when asked what lessons the Navy has learned in such maneuvers.
Zata added that many lessons can still be gleaned once the after-mission report of the PN contingent is submitted and evaluated.
"Those are just some of the observations. Further details of the many lessons learned still have to be gleaned from the after-mission report to be submitted by the contingent," he said.
The PN deployed the strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), an AgustaWestland naval helicopter, and 700 sailors and marines for the exercises, which began June 27 and ended on Aug. 2.
The assets participated in several RIMPAC exercises, such as helicopter cross-decking, live-fire exercises, a special operations training, ground-air integration, and replenishment-at-sea.
"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 earlier said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045968
Despite lacking modern ships and weapons, the Philippine Navy (PN) has proven itself capable of operating at par with more modern partners during the recently-concluded "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) exercises in Hawaii.
"It (the exercise) also validated the age-old principle that it's always the men behind the guns that will ultimately make the difference. That in spite of the current capabilities of the Navy, we were still able to perform very well and at par with our more modern partners," PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said Friday when asked what lessons the Navy has learned in such maneuvers.
Zata added that many lessons can still be gleaned once the after-mission report of the PN contingent is submitted and evaluated.
"Those are just some of the observations. Further details of the many lessons learned still have to be gleaned from the after-mission report to be submitted by the contingent," he said.
The PN deployed the strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), an AgustaWestland naval helicopter, and 700 sailors and marines for the exercises, which began June 27 and ended on Aug. 2.
The assets participated in several RIMPAC exercises, such as helicopter cross-decking, live-fire exercises, a special operations training, ground-air integration, and replenishment-at-sea.
"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 earlier said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045968
China's Xi Jinping to visit PH in Nov
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): China's Xi Jinping to visit PH in Nov
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the Philippines in November as a follow-up to the recently held high-level economic meetings between Philippine and Chinese economic and infrastructure managers in Beijing, the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) said in a statement on Friday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Philippine government officials led by economic and infrastructure managers met Thursday with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), led by Minister Zhong Shan, to discuss economic and trade ties between the Philippines and China.
The bilateral meeting stressed the need to deepen cooperation in commercial and infrastructure development, specifically under the Philippine government's "Build, Build, Build" program.
The Philippine delegation gave updates on the progress of China-financed infrastructure projects and projects pitched for feasibility study assistance by the Chinese government.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthen economic ties and work together for the timely completion of the infrastructure projects.
Some of the projects discussed in the meeting were the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the Kaliwa Dam Project, the North-South Railway Project-South Line (Long Haul), the Subic-Clark Railway Project, and the Safe Philippines Project Phase 1.
"We came to China to coordinate with our counterparts and ensure that our priority projects will be rolled out and completed as planned," said Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. "We appreciate all the help we can get with our ambitious Build Build Build program."
The MOFCOM meeting is part of the high-level meetings between the Philippines and China held in Beijing on August 22-24.
The Philippine delegation will also meet with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, and the Export-Import Bank of China to explore additional avenues of cooperation, economic aid, and investments.
The Philippine delegation is headed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Diokno and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. The infrastructure managers included Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano also accompanied the group in the series of meetings with the Chinese government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045979
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the Philippines in November as a follow-up to the recently held high-level economic meetings between Philippine and Chinese economic and infrastructure managers in Beijing, the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) said in a statement on Friday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Philippine government officials led by economic and infrastructure managers met Thursday with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), led by Minister Zhong Shan, to discuss economic and trade ties between the Philippines and China.
The bilateral meeting stressed the need to deepen cooperation in commercial and infrastructure development, specifically under the Philippine government's "Build, Build, Build" program.
The Philippine delegation gave updates on the progress of China-financed infrastructure projects and projects pitched for feasibility study assistance by the Chinese government.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to strengthen economic ties and work together for the timely completion of the infrastructure projects.
Some of the projects discussed in the meeting were the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, the Kaliwa Dam Project, the North-South Railway Project-South Line (Long Haul), the Subic-Clark Railway Project, and the Safe Philippines Project Phase 1.
"We came to China to coordinate with our counterparts and ensure that our priority projects will be rolled out and completed as planned," said Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno. "We appreciate all the help we can get with our ambitious Build Build Build program."
The MOFCOM meeting is part of the high-level meetings between the Philippines and China held in Beijing on August 22-24.
The Philippine delegation will also meet with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, and the Export-Import Bank of China to explore additional avenues of cooperation, economic aid, and investments.
The Philippine delegation is headed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Diokno and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. The infrastructure managers included Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano also accompanied the group in the series of meetings with the Chinese government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045979
5 Maguindanao towns surrender more loose firearms
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): 5 Maguindanao towns surrender more loose firearms
MORE GUNS YIELDED. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana checks on one of 35 firearms surrendered by the civilians in five Maguindanao towns during a turnover ceremony held at the headquarters of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Five Maguindanao towns on Friday turned over 35 additional loose firearms to military authorities.
Brigadier Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, received the surrendered firearms in a simple turnover ceremony held at the headquarters of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan town.
Sobejana said the firearms were surrendered by civilians from the municipalities of Rajah Buayan, Sultan sa Barongis, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Mamasapano, as part of the military’s firearms reduction program of the government.
The surrendered firearms consisted of six Garand rifles, eight M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M79 rifle, one rocket-propelled grenade, one K3 rifle, one 60-mm. mortar projectile, eight shotguns, five Barrett sniper rifles, two KG9 machine pistols, and one Grease gun.
“To prevent terrorism in Maguindanao, we need to work together to address the security challenges in the region,” Sobejana said during the ceremony.
“It is really a challenge for us to fight terrorism as 70 percent is needed to be addressed by the local government units (LGUs) while 30 percent is addressed by the military if the people will resort to becoming armed,” he added.
To date, a total of 1,948 loose firearms had been surrendered to the 6ID by local governments in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045966
MORE GUNS YIELDED. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana checks on one of 35 firearms surrendered by the civilians in five Maguindanao towns during a turnover ceremony held at the headquarters of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Five Maguindanao towns on Friday turned over 35 additional loose firearms to military authorities.
Brigadier Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, received the surrendered firearms in a simple turnover ceremony held at the headquarters of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan town.
Sobejana said the firearms were surrendered by civilians from the municipalities of Rajah Buayan, Sultan sa Barongis, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Mamasapano, as part of the military’s firearms reduction program of the government.
The surrendered firearms consisted of six Garand rifles, eight M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M79 rifle, one rocket-propelled grenade, one K3 rifle, one 60-mm. mortar projectile, eight shotguns, five Barrett sniper rifles, two KG9 machine pistols, and one Grease gun.
“To prevent terrorism in Maguindanao, we need to work together to address the security challenges in the region,” Sobejana said during the ceremony.
“It is really a challenge for us to fight terrorism as 70 percent is needed to be addressed by the local government units (LGUs) while 30 percent is addressed by the military if the people will resort to becoming armed,” he added.
To date, a total of 1,948 loose firearms had been surrendered to the 6ID by local governments in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045966
Gov't aid assured for 6 NPA surrenderers in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): Gov't aid assured for 6 NPA surrenderers in Bukidnon
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered separately this week will be provided the appropriate government economic assistance as they start their new life, an Army official said Friday.
Brigadier Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB), said the surrenderers will receive livelihood assistance and other aid packages under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They will receive firearms remuneration, as well as cash, livelihood, employment, housing, and health assistance,” Vinoya said, as he called on the remaining rebels and their supporters "to embrace peace, go back to the folds of the law."
Capt. Norman M. Tagros, 403 IB civil-military operations officer, identified one of the surrenderers as a certain Alias Lito, vice commanding officer of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan under NPA’s Section Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC).
Lito brought along with him a .45-caliber pistol when he surrendered to the elements of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon on Thursday, Tagros said. Impasug-ong, a first-class municipality, is located on the northern part of the province.
Tagros said that on Wednesday, five members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 68 also surrendered to the elements of the Army's First Special Forces Battalion in Pangantucan town. He said Alias Gorio, Alias Bryan, Alias Roskie, Alias Benjie, and Alias Ryan surrendered at about 8 a.m.
The NPA's Guerrilla Front operates in the hinterland areas of Lantapan, Pangantucan, Baungon, Talakag, all located within the Kitanglad Mountain range.
During the custodial debriefing, Tagros said the surrenderers revealed the hardships they had experienced in their stay with the communist organization.
He said the surrenderers felt betrayed by the NPA's "false promises, particularly the assurance of support for their respective families that was never been given."
Lt. Col. Ronald M, Illana, the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, noted that the NPA usually dangles promises of support for potential recruits, but that these are nothing but "deception and lies."
Illana said the NPA -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines -- "is losing its grasp on its members. Most of them already realized that they have all been deceived and are now looking for ways to make peace with the government."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045969
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered separately this week will be provided the appropriate government economic assistance as they start their new life, an Army official said Friday.
Brigadier Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB), said the surrenderers will receive livelihood assistance and other aid packages under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They will receive firearms remuneration, as well as cash, livelihood, employment, housing, and health assistance,” Vinoya said, as he called on the remaining rebels and their supporters "to embrace peace, go back to the folds of the law."
Capt. Norman M. Tagros, 403 IB civil-military operations officer, identified one of the surrenderers as a certain Alias Lito, vice commanding officer of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan under NPA’s Section Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC).
Lito brought along with him a .45-caliber pistol when he surrendered to the elements of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon on Thursday, Tagros said. Impasug-ong, a first-class municipality, is located on the northern part of the province.
Tagros said that on Wednesday, five members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 68 also surrendered to the elements of the Army's First Special Forces Battalion in Pangantucan town. He said Alias Gorio, Alias Bryan, Alias Roskie, Alias Benjie, and Alias Ryan surrendered at about 8 a.m.
The NPA's Guerrilla Front operates in the hinterland areas of Lantapan, Pangantucan, Baungon, Talakag, all located within the Kitanglad Mountain range.
During the custodial debriefing, Tagros said the surrenderers revealed the hardships they had experienced in their stay with the communist organization.
He said the surrenderers felt betrayed by the NPA's "false promises, particularly the assurance of support for their respective families that was never been given."
Lt. Col. Ronald M, Illana, the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, noted that the NPA usually dangles promises of support for potential recruits, but that these are nothing but "deception and lies."
Illana said the NPA -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines -- "is losing its grasp on its members. Most of them already realized that they have all been deceived and are now looking for ways to make peace with the government."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045969
Injured NPA rebel surrenders in Misamis Occidental
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): Injured NPA rebel surrenders in Misamis Occidental
The government will extend cash and livelihood assistance to a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who surrendered in Misamis Occidental, military officials said Saturday.
The injured NPA rebel, Jemar Labito Salayon alias Ka Edward, surrendered at 9 a.m. Friday to the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the town of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, said Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, 10th IB commanding officer.
Severo said Salayon will receive PHP15,000 in immediate cash assistance and PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.
He said Salayon can also avail of the services of other government agencies, such as psycho-social debriefing from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); employment and capacity building from the different institutions of the government; and security as guaranteed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.
Major Ronald Suscano, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said Salayon was among the NPA rebels who figured in a clash with the 10th IB troops in Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City last August 11.
According to Suscano, Salayon said he was hit in the left knee during the clash and was abandoned by his comrades as they retreated.
He said Salayon, who is 17 years old, is recuperating at a hospital in Ozamis City.
Salayon's surrender came five days after 18 members of the NPA’s Sanga ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to the 10th IB in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
“The surrender of this rebel and many other supporters is a welcome development in our ongoing effort in supporting the peace and development agenda of the government. We would like to transform Misamis Occidental into a conflict-free area that would bring peace and prosperity for the local folks of the province,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the troops who facilitated the surrender of the NPA rebels “for a job well-done.”
“Our efforts are relentless as we are tirelessly urging the remaining members of the New People’s Army and their supporters here in Western Mindanao to just lay down their arms, surrender and return to the folds of the law. We will help you start a new life,” Murillo said.
“As we expressed our support for the localized peace talk, we will likewise unrelentingly pursue the remaining enemies of the Filipino people – the NPA -- until they voluntarily surrender or the hands of justice will be served to them,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045972
The government will extend cash and livelihood assistance to a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who surrendered in Misamis Occidental, military officials said Saturday.
The injured NPA rebel, Jemar Labito Salayon alias Ka Edward, surrendered at 9 a.m. Friday to the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the town of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, said Lt. Col. Ryan Severo, 10th IB commanding officer.
Severo said Salayon will receive PHP15,000 in immediate cash assistance and PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.
He said Salayon can also avail of the services of other government agencies, such as psycho-social debriefing from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); employment and capacity building from the different institutions of the government; and security as guaranteed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.
Major Ronald Suscano, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division information officer, said Salayon was among the NPA rebels who figured in a clash with the 10th IB troops in Barangay Hoyohoy, Tangub City last August 11.
According to Suscano, Salayon said he was hit in the left knee during the clash and was abandoned by his comrades as they retreated.
He said Salayon, who is 17 years old, is recuperating at a hospital in Ozamis City.
Salayon's surrender came five days after 18 members of the NPA’s Sanga ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and Militia ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to the 10th IB in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
“The surrender of this rebel and many other supporters is a welcome development in our ongoing effort in supporting the peace and development agenda of the government. We would like to transform Misamis Occidental into a conflict-free area that would bring peace and prosperity for the local folks of the province,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the troops who facilitated the surrender of the NPA rebels “for a job well-done.”
“Our efforts are relentless as we are tirelessly urging the remaining members of the New People’s Army and their supporters here in Western Mindanao to just lay down their arms, surrender and return to the folds of the law. We will help you start a new life,” Murillo said.
“As we expressed our support for the localized peace talk, we will likewise unrelentingly pursue the remaining enemies of the Filipino people – the NPA -- until they voluntarily surrender or the hands of justice will be served to them,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045972
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