9th ID salutes brave soldiers – fallen but not defeated

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 21, 2019): 9th ID salutes brave soldiers – fallen but not defeated



PILI, Camarines Sur – It was in 2016 when Cpl Jojo V. Lim, Cpl Mark Joy C. Belano, Cpl Rocky C. Sasutona and Pvt. Christopher Baylon momentarily left their families to serve and help Marawi City redeem its lost peace and end the 5-month long crisis caused by ISIL fighters.

The province lost Belano, who is from Pili, Lim from Balatan and Sasutona from Ocampo. Baylon is a native of Labo, Camarines Norte. All four are from Bicol and were former members of the 49th Infantry Battalion before they were sent off in a mission to help fight terrorism in Mindanao.

After three years, they returned at the same airport, aboard the Philippine Air Force’s C291 plane, cold and lifeless.

Fallen, yes -- but not defeated.

Maj. Gen. Fernando T Trinidad, Commander of 9th Infantry (Spear) Division and JTF Bicolandia who extended his utmost respect and condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers, said that their sacrifices bespeak of the “soldier’s commitment to country and the people.”

“As we gaze at the national flag that flies at half-mast anew, rest assured that the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers will not be in vain. We will continue to pursue peace in our country" he added.

Trinidad vowed that the fallen soldiers will be given an appropriate burial honors befitting for heroes.

The four soldiers died during a clash with the Daesh-inspired terrorist group led by Owayda Benito Marohombsar alyas “Abu Dar” in Sitio Tagum, Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on March 15.

After receiving the soldiers at the Pili Airport, their remains were brought at the St. Martin of Tours Chapel at Camp Elias Angeles for a necrological service. Tears and silent weeping filled the room but the sense of pride and respect for their heroism were also felt flooding the area.

After the necro rites, the soldiers’ coffins were sent back to their respective families for some privacy.

Col. Ferozaldo Paul T. Regencia, Assistant Division Commander for Reserve Force Development was also present during the ceremony.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020055

Tagalog News: Mga sundalong nasawi sa Mindanao, naiuwi na sa Camarines Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Tagalog News: Mga sundalong nasawi sa Mindanao, naiuwi na sa Camarines Sur

 

LUNGSOD NG NAGA – Sakay ng C291 na eroplano ng Philippine Air Force ang mga labi nina Corporal Jojo V. Lim, Corporal Mark Joy C. Belano, Corporal Rocky C. Sasutona at Private Christopher Baylon noong Marso 20 ng umaga sa Pili Aiport dito sa lalawigan ng Camarines Sur.

Ang 4 na Bicolanong sundalo ay nasawi dahil sa pakikipaglaban sa bahagi ng Mindanao noong nakaraang Byernes, Marso 15 sa mga teroristang grupo mula sa Tubaran, Lanao Del Sur.

Sinalubong ang mga labi ng magigiting na sundalo ng mga opisyal at enlisted personnel ng 9th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army sa Bicol pati na rin ng mga pamilya ng mga nasawi. Binigyan ng full military honors ang mga namatay na sundalo sa naturang paliparan.

Ayon kay 9th ID, Division of Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Capt. Joash Pramis, s mga miyembro ng 49th infantry Battalion ng 9th ID ang mga nasawing sundalo. Si Cpl. Lim ay mula sa bayan ng Balatan, Camarines Sur; Cpl. Belano ay mula sa bayan ng Pili; Cpl. Sasatuna ng bayan ng Ocampo at si Pvt. Baylon naman ay mula sa Labo, Camarines Norte.

Batay sa pamunuan ng 9th ID, sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa malinaw ang detalye ng pagkamatay ng nasabing mga kawal ng gobyerno, maituturing itong bayani dahil sa pagbubuwis ng kanilang buhay upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.

Tiniyak din ng 9ID ang tulong ng gobyerno para sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga nasawing sundalo.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020069

Army seizes BIFF lair in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Army seizes BIFF lair in Maguindanao



FOXHOLE. The abandoned underground lair of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters found by government troopers in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao on Tuesday (March 19). The terror group's hiding place also contained war materials (inset), including components for anti-personnel mines. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao -- Government forces pursuing Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao have seized an abandoned lair of the terror group in Barangay Magaslong here.

In a statement released Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the hideout was discovered on Tuesday by elements of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

“The abandoned lair has running trenches, foxholes and sniper bunkers that can accommodate about 20 persons,” Sobejana said.

Government troopers also recovered one rifle telescope, one antenna, assorted empty shells, wires and nails, one solar panel with battery, one passport, medical supplies, anti-personnel mines components, cellphone, identification cards and assorted documents at the BIFF hideout.

“This is not a victory announcement, but a significant progress in the fight against the BIFF and the Daesh-inspired group,” Sobejana said.

“We do not want to give them the opportunity to gather and create fear in the community, but instead we will sustain our focused military operation to end this amok in the society,” he added.

Since March 11, more than 20 BIFF members had been reported killed during the focused military operations that involved the military’s air and ground assets in Maguindanao’s second district.

The operation also forced some 30,000 individuals from seven affected towns in Maguindanao to seek refuge in nearby safer grounds. The affected towns include Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, and Shariff Aguak.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065178

BARMM inauguration reset to March 29

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): BARMM inauguration reset to March 29

The inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with President Rodrigo Duterte as the special guest of honor has been reset anew to March 29.

“That is the latest advisory we received from Malacañang,” Abdullah Cusain, BARMM deputy executive secretary, said over a local radio station here Thursday.

Cusain said the event’s schedule has so far been moved four times to accommodate the President who has expressed his desire to attend the occasion personally.

Only recently, the BARMM leadership has announced that the event would take place on March 25 from the tentative schedules of March 11 and March 21.

However, Cusain noted that the latest information they have received is that the schedule has been changed to March 29.

“We will just follow what has been given us,” he said.

The forthcoming BARMM inauguration will also mark the inaugural session of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for the newly-established region.

The BTA, comprising 41 Moro Islamic Liberation Front nominees and 39 government representatives, is tasked with governing the BARMM from 2019 up to the assumption of new regional officials elected during the 2022 polls.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065247

Military not engaged in partisan political activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Military not engaged in partisan political activities



Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The Makabayan bloc’s allegations that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with other government agencies, is engaged in partisan political activities are "meant to tarnish the image" of the military, an official said Thursday.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, denied the allegations of the left-leaning group that the AFP, the Philippine National Police and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are into partisan political activities, system vilification, and red-tagging of organizations.

"The AFP will never engage in partisan politics. The sweeping statement of this group is meant to tarnish the image of the AFP, which is at the forefront of ensuring the security and safeguarding the rights of the voters so that they can freely go out and vote this coming mid-term elections," Detoyato said.

Detoyato said the Makabayan bloc should instead convince voters and the public that their group is not part of any violent efforts to topple the government.

"Why don't they just concentrate on convincing the voters that they are not part of the group that wants to bring down the government through violent means instead of concentrating on destroying the image of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Detoyato said.

"The only time the voters will believe them that they are not part of the group that is conspiring to violently bring down the government and change our way of life is when they publicly denounce the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) and its fronts," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065183

Duterte asks Misuari to form negotiating panel

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Duterte asks Misuari to form negotiating panel

 

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has asked Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to form a negotiating panel to address his group's concerns.

Duterte made this response to Misuari when they met in Malacañang on Tuesday and the MNLF leader told the President that he will go to war if the proposed shift to a federal system will not materialize.

“Sabi ni Misuari kagabi (Misuari said last night), ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest: I will go to war.’ Sabi ko (I replied), I understand that Nur. So ganito na lang gawin natin (So here's what we will do). Let’s form a panel because we have to inform the people. We cannot negotiate secretly here," Duterte said in his speech during the campaign rally of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Marikina City on Wednesday night.

“Sabi ko para (I said, so that) day to day they will be briefed kung ano outcome, how gusto mo ma-apply yung federal system sa gusto mo, gaya ba ng BOL o different type. (What the outcome, how you want to apply the federal system the way you want. Would it be like the Bangsamoro Organic Law or a different type),” he added.

The President said Misuari expressed his desire for federalism which was promised to his group since the administration of former President Corazon Aquino.

"Iyan ang inaasahan ng mga Moro para magkaroon naman sila, magkaroon, mabawi nila ‘yung mga lupa na inagaw ng mga pari, mga Español pati Amerikano (That is what Moros expect for them to regain the lands grabbed by the priests, Spaniards, Americans)," he said.

Duterte met with Misuari after the MILF leader returned from an overseas trip.

“Misuari kagabi galing siya abroad, (Misuari returned from abroad last night) I allowed him to go out kasi may kaso siya. Sabi ko (because he is facing charges. I told him) when you come back come here, we’ll talk,” Duterte said.

The President said National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo were present when he met with Misuari.

Duterte earlier said he “admired” Misuari's patience in peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, Panelo said Misuari "was very happy" with the President's response to form a negotiating panel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065207

Anti-communist group calls on voters to reject Makabayan bloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Anti-communist group calls on voters to reject Makabayan bloc



Members of an anti-communist group on Thursday staged a rally at the House of Representatives in Quezon City to denounce members of the Makabayan bloc in Congress for allegedly being a legal front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

The Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIP) members also called on the electorate not to vote for their reelection during the May 13 mid-term polls.
In an interview, Ka Dario Bolivar, LIP's spokesperson, claimed that party-list groups Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Act Teachers and Kabataan are also legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

The LIP's aim is to expose and prevent them from returning to Congress in the next elections, Bolivar said.

“We are campaigning against terrorist groups in the hope that in this coming election, their legal fronts would not be returned in Congress, these partylist groups that they are using to promote the interest of leftist or communist groups in the country,” Bolivar told the Philippine News Agency in Filipino.

The Cordillera native pointed out that the Makabayan bloc seems only bent in opposing the government, no matter who is in the Palace.



“If we look at it, no matter who is sitting in Malacañang, they have no programs supporting the incumbent. They oppose whatever administration is in power,” Bolivar said.

He said that these organizations even opposed foreign powers coming in aid of the Philippines, including the United States and even China.

“Where do they really stand? That’s why they really look like terrorist groups,” he said.

Bolivar said during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the release of the groups' respective priority development assistance funds (PDAF) were suspended over claims that the funds were being funneled to the NPA.

“Their PDAF were removed because they are channeling it to the mountains in the guise of livelihood programs. They are giving it to their NPA allies in the countryside,” he said.

He said it was a good thing that President Rodrigo Duterte declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group.

The President proclaimed the CPP-NPA as a terror group in Dec. 5, 2017 following continued attacks against state forces, despite the government’s efforts to reach out to communist rebels for peace talks.

The US and EU have also tagged the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

Bolivar, a former member of the communist movement, said in the 50 years of CPP-NPA’s existence, the rebel movement had only brought misery in their sphere of influence.

He said their revolutionary tactics have been scaring investors and businessmen in the countryside, leading to an exodus of Filipinos to work abroad.

“As Filipinos, we should be working together to advance the development of our country, so that our economy will grow and there will be jobs and livelihood,” he said.

“So now, before the elections on May 13, every Filipino should bear in mind not to return the representatives of their party-list groups like Gabriela, Act Teachers, Anakpawis, Kabataan and Bayan Muna, or the Makabayan bloc, that is their legal front in the House and the Senate,” Bolivar added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065223

AFP supports localized peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): AFP supports localized peace talks

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is always supportive of localized peace talks in addressing local root causes of insurgency, an official said on Thursday.

"The AFP fully supports the efforts of localized peace talks. It is ongoing and it was never suspended and it is gaining headway. Local peace initiatives address the local (security) problems and local root cause of insurgency," public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato Detoyato said in text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Earlier, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the termination of appointments of members of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panel will pave the way for the creation of an inclusive group that will supervise localized peace engagements.

He said the composition of the new panel will be based on the Colombian model which includes representatives from different sectoral groups, local government units, and the military whose presence is essential to the peace negotiations.

Detoyato earlier said the government is now ensuring the successful integration of surrendered New People's Army (NPA) communist rebels into mainstream society.

"They are given trainings at TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), psycho-social debriefing, housing where appropriate and needed, renumeration of surrendered firearms," he added.

Aside from this, these surrendered NPAs also have the option to join militia and regular military units aside from availing of scholarships to further educate themselves, Detoyato added.

"And they have the option to join the CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit), or the regular army force. In some instances, they apply for scholarships to continue their formal education. Others requests for relocation or return to their places of origin," the AFP official added.

In the first two months of 2019, a total of 608 NPA members and supporters surrendered to government troops. This can be broken down into 107 regular armed rebels, with 137 as "Milisya ng Bayan" and 364 mass supporters.

“We hope to receive more rebels who want to return to the folds of the law rather than the casualties we record daily in the bloody battlefield,” Detoyato said.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065203

PH, Russian navies to sign cooperation deal in July

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): PH, Russian navies to sign cooperation deal in July



Russian and Filipino naval cooperation is expected to get a much-needed boost as both nations are set to sign a naval cooperation agreement in July.

This was bared by Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-commander Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad in an interview with reporters Thursday.

He said the initial agreement is already finalized and that they will forward it to the Department of National Defense (DND) for approval.

Once the DND gives its approval, Empedrad said they will go to Russia to sign the agreement, which is expected to strengthen the relationship of the two countries.

Last Wednesday, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Vladimir I. Korolyov, was accorded arrival honors during his visit to the PN headquarters at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

He was then conferred the Honorary Flag Rank Command Badge and Plaque at the Hall of Flags followed by the PN organizational briefing.

Korolyov and members of his staff arrived in the country last March 18 as official guests of the PN.

His visit officially started with a wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument in Luneta, cultural tour in Intramuros, Manila and a visit to the PN vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601).

Korolyov is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and tour Corregidor Island during his four-day visit.

Empedrad said Korolyov's visit is the reciprocation of his visit to Russia last year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065240

Sayyaf in Sulu standoff undergoes inquest

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Sayyaf in Sulu standoff undergoes inquest

A self-confessed member of the renegade Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who was among those who fought off the military during government operations to rescue Malaysian hostages last March 15 underwent inquest proceedings Thursday at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Karah Musa Salapuddin a.k.a. Cesar, 49, of Tungkil, Jolo, Sulu, was presented by law enforcement officials led by Sgt. Roliver Pascua of Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) before Assistant State Prosecutor Ethel Rea G. Suril at the DOJ.

Charges of frustrated multiple murder and illegal possession were filed against Salapuddin for his alleged involvement in the incident in Banguingui, Sulu.

A preliminary investigation was ordered on the case by the prosecutor on March 28.

Two members of the Philippine Marines were wounded and about 500 residents were forced to flee during operations on the island in Banguingui, Sulu where the ASG, led by sub leader Salip Mura, reportedly held two Malaysian nationals in captivity.

The encounter resulted in the wounding of Marine soldiers Corporal Syruss Valenzuela and Private Jude Louiss B Nabalan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065280

Local peace engagements more productive: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Local peace engagements more productive: Galvez

Local peace engagements are more productive mechanisms to attain peace and address communist insurgency in the country, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Thursday.

"Mas magiging creative and more productive yung localized peace engagements kasi yung mismong NPA at saka yung mismong mga members ng mga party makakausap natin (Localized peace engagements are more creative and more productive because we can talk directly with New People’s Army (NPA) and members of the party,” Galvez said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

Galvez said the government seems having a hard time to deal with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) at the national level due to many demands the communists have been asking from government.

"For almost 32 years that we are doing this (national peace talks), parang ‘di tayo nagsisimula eh (it seems so hard to get started)," Galvez said.

He believed that socio-economic packages and transitional justice will serve as confidence-building measures to address the root causes of the insurgency and will convince NPA rebels to return to the fold of government.

"We will change their mindset from being a revolutionary to become normal people who want justice and peace also to become productive. We will transform their collective desire to have a very productive life in the future," he said.

Galvez said the local government units and stakeholders involved in the handling of problems at the ground level will be consulted and included in the negotiations.

He said the Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018 to institutionalize a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace, will be beneficial in local peace engagements.

"Ang kagandahan nito (The good thing about this) is during the negotiation kasama lahat yung (all) Cabinet members (are part of it)," he said.

Galvez, meanwhile, clarified that the peace talks are not terminated, saying members of the government negotiating panel will be reconstituted after the Joint National Peace and Order Council agreed to pursue localized peace engagements instead.

On Wednesday, Malacañang confirmed the termination of the appointments of government peace negotiators with communist rebels "in view of the termination of the peace negotiations" with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Galvez said Duterte intends to honor previous agreements entered int by the government.

"The President really wanted to honor yung (the) previous commitments natin sa kanila (of the government with rebels). Lagi niyang sinasabi sa amin sa (He always tells us in the) Cabinet meeting that he is honor-bound to uphold what are the agreements that have been settled and signed by the government," he said.

He mentioned the rejectionist faction of the CPP-NPA in the early 2000s as one of the early examples of local peace engagements.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said they are always supportive of localized peace talks in addressing the local root causes of insurgency.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065269

Another NDF consultant, companion nabbed in Cavite raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Another NDF consultant, companion nabbed in Cavite raid

Police and military operatives on Wednesday night arrested another National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant and his companion during a raid in Imus, Cavite.

In a press briefing on Thursday at the Southern Police District in Taguig City, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Renante Gamara, NDFP peace consultant for the National Capital Region and retired priest Arturo Joseph Balagat were arrested in Gen. Bautista St., Poblacion II-A in Imus, Cavite.

Armed with a search warrant, the Regional Special Operations Unit of the NCRPO, Philippine Army and intelligence agents nabbed and brought the two men to Camp General Pantaleon Garcia in Imus, Cavite.

Gamara is a member of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA), authorities said.

Recovered during the raid were a cal. 9mm pistol with magazine, two hand grenades, several electronic devices and gadgets containing subversive information, several subversive documents and cash amounting to PHP90,000.

In 2012, Gamara was apprehended in Las Piñas City by virtue of two warrants of arrest -- one for kidnapping with murder of a soldier in Quezon and the other for frustrated murder.

He was among the 21 NDF consultants who were temporarily released to take part in the peace talks between the government and communist leaders in Oslo, Norway in 2016.

Eleazar said Gamara went into hiding after President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the peace talks on Nov. 23, 2017 and subsequently ordered that they be rearrested.

Gamara will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10915 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and RA 9516 or illegal possession of explosives and violation of the Omnibus Election Code which will be filed before the Department of Justice.

Balagat, on the other hand, will remain under custody of NCRPO for further investigation.

Gamara’s arrest brings to four the number of NDFP peace consultants behind bars.

Adelberto Silva, Vicente Ladlad, and Rey Claro Casambre were arrested in succession late last year after repeated attempts to revive the stalled peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP failed.

Rafael Baylosis was first arrested in January 2019 but was eventually released last January 18 after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court threw out the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives earlier filed against him.

Twelve days later, NDFP peace consultant Randy Felix Malayao was killed inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya last January 30.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065258

Duterte permanently ends peace talks with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2019): Duterte permanently ends peace talks with Reds

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday officially announced the permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).



Duterte made the announcement that drew applause while delivering his speech during the 122nd Philippine Army (PA) founding anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“I am officially announcing the permanent termination of our talks between the Government Panel and the Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte said he will no longer entertain “any interventions or maybe persuasions in this democratic state of the Republic of the Philippines”.

“My sense is that you can maybe talk to the next president of this Republic one day,” said Duterte, whose term will end in 2022.

The President mentioned the government's preference for localized peace engagements.

"It is, indeed, very important to engage stakeholders and communities in combatting insurgency and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies, and I believe that empowering Indigenous Peoples and others in this regard is the key to this fight," he said.

Duterte said the communist rebels' call for land reform is already being done under his administration.

Land reform

“You know I have, to date, distributed something like --- 60,000 hectares to land beneficiaries. I mean the only way to make the issue of communism and you know of commonality of things is that you make them irrelevant,” Duterte said.

“And sinasabi ko naman sa komunista hindi naman kayo ang marunong mag-distribute ng lupa (I tell communists that they do not know how to distribute land). I have been at it actually ever since I became President," he added.

The President said the CPP-NPA, which was declared by the US and European Union as terrorist organization, are also land grabbers.

"It’s not only other people are land grabbers. Communists are. So ‘yung mga asosasyon nila (their associations) amongst the inner group, iyong mga manggagawa na walang ginagawa (those workers doing nothing). Then they try to fish out the lands that they would give to the people. Iyong nangyari doon (What happened there) was they were depriving the original tenants there because they wanted the association to control the distribution," he said.

Army’s gains

Meanwhile, Duterte congratulated the “brave men and women in uniform” for their significant accomplishments in both internal and civil-military operations in many parts of the country.

He described the Army’s accomplishments for the last 122 years as testament of their “unwavering commitment to defend our institutions and our democratic way of life”.

Duterte said through unrelenting efforts of the Filipino soldiers, they have successfully conducted over 550,000 operations resulting in the recovery of almost 6,000 firearms, neutralization of more than 600 families of the enemies, the surrender, and capture and apprehension of over 1,700 lawless elements.

“May these gains inspire you, our valiant soldiers, to never waver in your commitment to perform your duties. Intensify our focused military operations against communist terrorist groups so that, alongside our [civil-military] operations, we may persuade more of their members to surrender and return to the folds of the law,” Duterte said.

His administration, he said, will continue to promote the welfare of the soldiers and their families through decent housing programs.

“We target to complete by June another five condominium buildings for the senior army officers and their families,” Duterte said.

“I assure you that we will continue to pursue these programs as an expression of the Filipino people’s appreciation for all that you have done for our country. Indeed, we are all truly indebted to you for risking life and limb for love of country,” he added.

On Wednesday, Malacañang announced the termination of the appointments of government peace negotiators with communist rebels.

Among those whose appointment papers were terminated include that of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III as chief government negotiator, and government peace panel members Antonio Arellano, Hernani Braganza, Angela Librado-Trinidad and Rene Sarmiento.

On November 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation 360 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the communists, citing the CPP-NPA-NDF’s supposed failure to show sincerity to the peace process.

In December 2018, Duterte issued EO 70 which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in attaining peace and created a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065301

Relief Web: Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 20 March 2019

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 20, 2019): Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 20 March 2019

Infographic

from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published on 20 Mar 2019
 

Download PDF (950.78 KB)

MILITARY OPERATIONS IN MAGUINDANAO
35,200 displaced population

In Maguindanao, fighting between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a faction of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Abu Turaifie displaced 35,235 person from four municipalities in the province. The IDPs are sheltered in schools and madrasas. The BARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Team – rapid emergency response mechanism has responded with food packs. The local municipal authorities from the area have also provided food assistance. UNICEF, UNHCR and NGOs are planning to respond with Shelter materials, Water & Sanitation, School supplies to augment the Government response.

CLASHES IN LANAO DEL SUR
8,900 displaced population

Renewed fighting on 11 and 14 March, between AFP and remnants of the Maute armed group (responsible for the conflict of Marawi City in May 2017) in the province of Lanao del Sur, displaced a total of 8,911 people (1,782 families). The population displaced from two municipalities are sheltered in schools, madrasas and home based with relatives. ICRC carried out rapid assessment of the needs and are planning to provide assistance; food packs, mats, jerrycans, blankets, mosquito nets and hygiene kits. The local authorities have distributed food packs to the displaced families.

CLASHES IN SULU
5,100 displaced population

Fighting between the AFP and the Abu Sayyaf armed group displaced 5,160 persons in Sulu Province on 25 February 2019.

This has affected the municipalities of Patikul and Tongkil where the group is believed to also be holding foreigners as “ Kidnap for Ransom”. Due to high risk of kidnapping, access remains limited.

The Provincial Government of Sulu has provided food packs to the displaced population. UNHCR working with local NGOs has distributed kitchen sets, mats and tarpaulins to the IDPs. The local Red Cross and Women Organization (Matau Katsi) have provided food packs.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION CHEDENG

Tropical Depression “ Chedeng” entered the Philippines Area of Responsibility on 18 March, bringing hope of rains to Southern Mindanao, after threemonths of dry El Niño conditions. Moving at 20 Kph west with winds up to 45 kph it hit mainland Mindanao on Tuesday 19 March. Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of North Cotabato has declared “state of emergency” after 13,000 farmers lost their rice and corn harvest due to the dry conditions.

EL NIÑO IN BARMM AREAS

Recent PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services) climate monitoring and analyses indicate the unusually warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (CEEP) which started since November 2018 is expected to become a moderate El Nino event. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), this has caused an extended dry-spell and affected seven municipalities in Maguindanao (Pagalungan, Barira, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Talitay, South Upi and Upi), and the two in Basilan (Maluso municipality and Lamitan City).

MARAWI CONFLICT
66,000 displaced population

A total of 66,000 people displaced from Marawi conflict are sheltered in evacuation centers, transitory sites and home-based locations. Of these, 4,500 people are in evacuation sites and 8,600 people are in transitory sites. The government plans to transfer 364 families to new Boganga Transitory Site before end of March.

Water and sanitation remain a priority in various sites as water supply is insufficient given the limited actors providing water interventions.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

 

 https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-mindanao-humanitarian-situation-20-march-2019

SWS: Second Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey Special Report: 61% of Pinoys believe in the U.S. defense commitment

Posted to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) Website (Dec 12, 2018): Second Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey Special Report: 61% of Pinoys believe in the U.S. defense commitment




% are aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment is stronger among those previously aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty

Higher awareness of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty among those aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment is stronger among those aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea

SWS Special Report (printer-friendly version here)

In advance of the 67^th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America in August 2018, the Second Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey found that 61% of adult Filipinos believe (strongly plus somewhat believe) the U.S. will defend the Philippines in case of an invasion by another country.

The survey, conducted from June 27-30, 2018, asked, “How much do you believe or not believe that the United States will defend the Philippines in case we are invaded by another country? [Gaano po kayo naniniwala o hindi naniniwala na ipagtatanggol ng Estados Unidos ang Pilipinas kapag sinalakay tayo ng ibang bansa?]”

To this, 61% said they believe the U.S. will defend the Philippines (31% strongly believe, 30% somewhat believe), 9% said they did not (6% somewhat not believe, 3% strongly not believe), and 30% were undecided [Chart 1].

The June 2018 survey also found that 47% were aware of the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty even before the survey, while 53% learned about it only during the interview [Chart 2].

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment is stronger among those previously aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty

Among those aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty even before the survey, 80% believe (48% strongly believe, 32% somewhat believe) that the U.S. will defend the Philippines in case of an invasion [Chart 3].

This is almost twice the 45% who believe (17% strongly believe, 28% somewhat believe) in the U.S. defense commitment among those who became aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty on account of the survey.

Awareness of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty is highest in Metro Manila, urban areas, among the upper classes, and among the more educated groups

The proportion of those previously aware of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty was highest in Metro Manila at 58%, followed by Balance Luzon at 53%, Visayas at 41%, and Mindanao at 31% [Chart 4].

It was 55% in overall urban areas, compared to 38% in overall rural areas.
By class, it was highest in class ABC at 51%, followed by class D at 49%, and class E at 34% [Chart 5].

It was highest among college graduates at 67%, followed by high school graduates at 51%, elementary graduates at 42%, and non-elementary graduates at 27% [Chart 6].

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment strongest in Balance Luzon and urban areas

The proportion of those who believe that the U.S. will defend the Philippines in case of invasion by another country was highest in Balance Luzon at 70%, followed by Metro Manila at 64%, Visayas at 54%, and Mindanao at 48% [Chart 7].

It was higher in overall urban areas at 66%, compared to overall rural areas at 56%.

It hardly varied by class, ranging from 60% to 65% [Chart 8].

It was slightly higher among elementary graduates and above, ranging from 61% to 69%, compared to non-elementary graduates at 53% [Chart 9].

Higher awareness of the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty among those previously aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea

The proportion of those who know about the PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty even before the survey was higher among those who were previously aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea, at 54%, compared to those who learned about the PH-China dispute only during the interview, at 14% [Chart 10].

The survey also found that previous awareness about the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty was highest among those with extensive knowledge about the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea (73%), followed by those with adequate knowledge (57%), those with only a little knowledge (49%), and those with very little knowledge (36%) [Chart 11].

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment is stronger among those previously aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea

The proportion of those who believe that the U.S. will defend the Philippines in case of an invasion by another country was higher among those previously aware of the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea, at 67% (35% strongly believe, 32% somewhat believe), compared to those who became aware of the PH-China dispute only during the survey, at 36% (15% strongly believe, 21% somewhat believe) [Chart 12].

Belief in the U.S. defense commitment was higher among those with extensive knowledge about the PH-China dispute in the West Philippine Sea (82%), compared to those with adequate knowledge (40%), only a little knowledge (49%), and very little knowledge (36%) [Chart 13].

Survey background

The June 2018 Social Weather Survey was conducted from June 27-30, 2018 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao).
The area estimates were weighted by Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2018 to obtain the national estimates.
The Social Weather Survey items on people’s opinion about the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty were non-commissioned. They were included on SWS's own initiative and released as a public service.

Questionnaire

The exact survey questions are as follows:

STATEMENT CARD: Ang Mutual Defense Treaty sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos ay pinirmahan noong Agosto 30, 1951, sa Washington, D.C. ng mga kinatawan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos. Sinasabi ng pangkalahatang kasunduan na ipagtatanggol ng Estados Unidos ang Pilipinas kapag ito ay sinalakay ng ibang bansa, at ipagtatanggol din ng Pilipinas ang Estados Unidos kapag ito ay sinalakay. [The Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States of America was signed on August 30, 1951, in Washington, D.C. by representatives of the Philippines and the United States. The overall treaty stated that the United States will defend the Philippines if it is invaded by another country, and the Philippines will also defend the United States if it is invaded.]

Q130. Dati na po ba ninyong alam ang kasunduang ito sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos, o ngayon lamang ninyo ito narinig? (Dati nang alam; Ngayon lamang narinig) [Were you previously aware about this treaty between the Philippines and the United States of America, or did you know about this only now? (Previously aware; Heard about it only now)]

Q131. Gaano po kayo Naniniwala o Hindi naniniwala na ipagtatanggol ng Estados Unidos ang Pilipinas kapag sinalakay tayo ng ibang bansa?  Masasabi po ba ninyo na kayo ay… (Showcard: Lubos na naniniwala; Medyo naniniwala; Hindi tiyak kung naniniwala o hindi; Medyo hindi naniniwala; Lubos na hindi naniniwala)? [How much do you believe or not believe that the United States will defend the Philippines in case we are invaded by another country?  Would you say that you… (Showcard: Strongly believe; Somewhat believe; Undecided if believe or not; Somewhat not believe; Strongly not believe)?]

SWS employs its own staff for questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork, data-processing, and analysis, and does not outsource any of its survey operations. This report was prepared by Leo S. Laroza and Judith C. Valencia, with special tabulations by Joanne Evangelista.

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 https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20181212104148