Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Friday, March 22, 2019

Gov't must be superior in peace talks with Reds: ex-rebel group

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2019): Gov't must be superior in peace talks with Reds: ex-rebel group

A peace advocacy group on Friday called on the national government to take control of the discussion regarding peace agreements with local communists.

"Ang GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) panel ang may matibay na posisyon to negotiate on a superior strength. Tayo ang lehitimong republika (The GRP panel has the stronger position to negotiate on a superior strength. We are the legitimate republic)," La Independecia spokesperson Ka Mario Laudades said .

The group, whose members are former rebels turned peace advocates, staged a rally in front of the central office of the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila to show their support for President Rodrigo Duterte's localized peace negotiations with the communist group.

"Positibo ang magiging pagtanggap ng regional commands ng CPP/NPA (New People's Army) sa ganitong mungkahi dahil nagsimula ang rebelyon dahil sa lokal na kapabayaan (This [localized peace talks] would be positively received by the regional commands of the CPP-NPA because the rebellion started with the neglect in the local level) ," said Laudades, who is also an indigenous people (IP) leader from Ifugao and former communist cadre.

Laudades said President Duterte has long recognized that the insurgency in the country would not be solved by military solution but with a holistic program that would address the concerns of the communities and pushes for the genuine development in the countryside.

Laudades added that the lawyer of the rebels, Fidel Agcaoli, has always wanted to hold exploratory talks in a foreign land.

"Nakakatawa dito, ang GRP ang sunod sunuran sa gusto ng CPP. Mula sa pag release ng political detainees, agenda na paguusapan, venue etc. (Funny thing here was the GRP has been subservient to the CPP's demands. From releasing political detainees, setting the agenda for the meetings, venue and etc.)," Laudades said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065328

DOJ hears raps vs. NDF consultant, priest

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2019): DOJ hears raps vs. NDF consultant, priest

Prosecutors will resolve soon whether to file before the courts charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives lodged against National Democratic Front (NDF) peace consultant Renante Gamara and retired priest Arturo Joseph Balagat.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday presented Gamara and Balagat before Assistant State Prosecutor Florencio dela Cruz for inquest.

The respondents waived their rights to a preliminary investigation.

Last Thursday, the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raided the house of Balagat in Brgy, Poblacion 2, Imus, Cavite after receiving reports of the priest keeping weapons and harboring individuals.

Recovered were a 9mm pistol, two hand grenades and gadgets containing subversive information and PHP90,000 cash.

In 2012, Gamara was arrested in connection with the death of Pfc. Eriberto Eclavea in Mauban, Quezon and the murder attempt on a rebel returnee.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065381

Peace talks, CPP’s deceptive ploy to overthrow gov’t: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2019): Peace talks, CPP’s deceptive ploy to overthrow gov’t: AFP

AFP spokesman, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo (left); and AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. (PNA file photo)

It’s just right that President Rodrigo Duterte permanently terminated the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as the Reds are just using the talks as a “deceptive ploy” to replace "the government with a proletarian dictatorship,” a ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., welcomed President Duterte’s announcement on permanent termination of talks with the communists and the latter’s preference for localized peace engagements.

Parlade said the CPP and its founder, Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, were just using the the peace talks not to really attain peace but to gain international publicity, raise funds and increase their strength.

“Thirty-one years of deceptive ploys using peace talks, across five administrations, only resulted to more terrorist NPAs (New People’s Army) being released, an opportunity for the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to recruit and recover lost areas of influence, publicity for Joma in the international arena as a 'dove', wasted government funds spent for negotiations and junket, opportunity losses for investments and development because of prolonged and intermittent fighting,” Parlade said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The CPP and its affiliates, he said, have badly handled what probably was their best chance for peace when President Duterte offered them the proverbial olive branch on the very first days of his term, pointing out that the Chief Executive even appointed their nominees to his Cabinet as a sign of good faith.

Duterte has appointed UP professor Judy Taguiwalo and former Anakpawis party-list Rep Rafael Mariano to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Agrarian Reform, respectively. He also appointed former Gabriela party-list Rep. Liza Maza as secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

Taguiwalo and Mariano were both rejected by the Commission on Appointments while Maza resigned from her post.

“But they blew it by attacking projects, killing security forces, and even innocent civilians,” Parlade said.

The President scrapped the peace negotiations in early 2017 after the CPP-NPA carried out consecutive attacks on security forces and civilians despite existing unilateral ceasefires announced by both the government and the communist movement.

Parlade also derided recent attempts of the CPP to resume the peace talks, saying these were made due to the movement's diminishing resources and field strength.

“Now that their foreign sources of funding are threatened and droves of regular NPAs are surrendering with our E-CLIP ( Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program), they again attempted to reach out to the President,” Parlade said.

The E-CLIP, which was institutionalized by President Duterte on Apr. 3, 2018, provides a complete package of assistance and interventions to former communist rebels and their immediate families to prepare them for integration to mainstream society.

These include skills development training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, PhilHealth enrolment, housing, livelihood and legal assistance, among others.

Nevertheless, Parlade doubted that a resumption of talks with the Reds would yield better results.

“We can’t expect a better result with another round of talks without Joma changing his end state - which is still a national democratic revolution and supplanting our government with a proletarian dictatorship. Read the CPP Constitution and Programs, series 2018, and it is still there" he said.

Parlade said the government is ready to finally end the communist threat through Executive Order No. 70 that President Duterte signed on Dec. 4, 2018.

EO 70 provides for a whole-of-nation approach in defeating the local communist terrorist groups.

The EO created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), chaired by the President, “to synchronize the utilization of the government's instrumentalities of power with the capabilities of private sector stakeholders to finally end the 50-year long deceit, lies and atrocities committed by the communist terrorists against the people.”

“The NTF-ELCAC will finish this terrorist menace once and for all, and with that comes real government service, not tokenism, livelihood for the poorest especially in conflict affected areas, legal action for those who support these terrorist group, an entire bureaucratic convergence to address issues exploited by dissidents and a determined leadership. With President Duterte himself leading the charge, how can we go wrong?” Parlade said.

Parlade also lambasted Karapatan and Ibon Foundation for their consistent lies.

“How can they sell their fabricated stories of killings, worsening cases of alleged human rights violations when apparently Filipinos are happier with current policies of the government? We just climbed 2 notches higher in the World Happiness Report. They just have to work harder with their lies,” he added.

Gains of localized peace talks

Meanwhile, AFP spokesman, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, slammed Sison for calling President Duterte “stupid” for pursuing localized peace talks with the NPA instead of re-engaging with the Utrecht.

“Mr. Sison has the temerity to call President Duterte ‘stupid’ for thinking that government will be successful in attaining peace by engaging NPA commanders and fighters on the ground instead of the CPP-NPA’s national leadership,” Arevalo said in a statement.

“Mr. Sison speaks like a smart aleck to conceal his panic. He is of course aware that localized peace engagement has been immensely successful,” he added.

He said since January 2018, localized peace talks have resulted in the surrender of more than 11,000 NPA regulars and supporters who have realized the deception made on them by the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) leadership that are mostly based in Utrecht, Netherlands.

“They have realized that they have been deceived and have descended from their mountain hideouts to rejoin their families, avail of government benefits, and live normal lives,” Arevalo said.

He said Sison, whom he described as an old man enjoying life in the Netherlands, is doing everything to prevent localized peace talks because it will further relegate him and his ilk to insignificance.

“Mr. Sison consistently calls localized peace talks as a waste of people’s money, cheap trick, absurd and stupid, and by other deriding terms. But enough is enough,” Arevalo said.

He added that 50 years of duplicity, deceit, and murder of thousands of his comrades on mere suspicion of being military informants or have expressed desire to go back to mainstream society must stop, not tomorrow but today.

“They should follow the lead of their comrades who stopped being a menace to society and are now experiencing a life free from hunger, fear, and uncalled for perils fighting the government,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065401

Thursday, March 21, 2019

PADC moved to Defense dep’t

From Tempo (Mar 21, 2019): PADC moved to Defense dep’t

The Department of National Defense will now have supervision over the State-run Philippine Aerospace Development Corp. based on a new order by President Duterte.

In Executive Order No. 78, the President transferred PADC to the Defense department amid government efforts to further develop the country’s aviation industry.

“There is a need to address emerging internal and external threats, achieve self-reliance as regards defense equipment, and promote the transfer of technology from neighboring countries,” Duterte said in the order. “The PADC is hereby transferred to and placed under the administrative supervision of the DND.”

To ensure the attainment of the relevant objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry, the EO stated that the policies, programs, and activities of the PADC shall be coordinated with the DND.

The order noted that the aerospace sector is considered one of the industry priorities under government’s development plan. It cited its emerging local industry and its capability to leverage on the competitive advantages of Philippine industries.

The order, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on behalf of the President last March 15, took effect immediately.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/03/21/padc-moved-to-defense-dept/

The Forgotten Key to Maritime Security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas

From The Diplomat (Mar 21, 2019): The Forgotten Key to Maritime Security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas (By Jay Benson)

Economic development in coastal communities will help stem the flow of illegal behavior.

The Forgotten Key to Maritime Security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas

From left to right, Indonesia's Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, Malaysia's then Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Philippines' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana join their hand for a group photo after the launch of the countries' joint air patrols at Subang military airbase in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, Oct. 12, 2017. Image Credit: AP Photo/Vincent Thian

Maritime insecurity in the Sulu and Celebes Seas is a persistent challenge. These waterways have recently been used to conduct incursions into Lahad Datu, orchestrate kidnap for ransom activities by militant groups such as Abu Sayyaf, and facilitate illegal wildlife trafficking. Governments in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have responded with increased maritime enforcement capacity and presence, as well as enhanced international coordination. Although these are important efforts that need to be maintained, an exclusive focus on enforcement capacity risks ignoring an equally important facet of maritime insecurity: economic exclusion and inequality in coastal communities.

Economic Exclusion Sustains Maritime Insecurity

Coastal communities around the Sulu and Celebes Seas generally have lower levels of economic development than national economic hubs. A recently-released report by Stable Seas, a global maritime security organization, indicates coastal poverty can cultivate feelings of economic exclusion, undermine the rule of law, and generate a fertile recruiting ground for illicit actors.Enjoying this article? Click here to subscribe for full access. Just $5 a month.

In the Malaysian state of Sabah, for example, hundreds of thousands of Filipino migrants and refugees are often restricted to informal or low-paying work and lack access to government services such as education, sanitation, and healthcare. This relative economic dislocation creates a community at severe risk of turning to illegal markets and illicit groups for survival.

On Borneo, Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province has witnessed significant economic development in sectors such as coal production. However, North Kalimantan has significantly lower levels of public service provision. This relative deprivation of social services is particularly stark in indigenous communities, whose way of life is also threatened by deforestation and shrinking access to land. Though this has historically been one of the wealthier areas in Indonesia, stagnant economies and declining oil production risk an increase in the same illicit economic activity that threatens less developed coastal regions.

Along the southern rim of the Celebes Sea, in Sulawesi and North Maluku, poverty rates are in decline, but economic inequality is on the rise. Research demonstrates that relative deprivation is an important driver of conflict, as it can drive socioeconomic groups at the nexus of identity and economic exclusion toward illicit maritime activity and political violence. This risk is especially acute if the region’s new economic gains are not perceived to be shared equally among the area’s many ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities.

In the Philippines, residents of Mindanao generally suffer from relatively poor access to government services and public goods. Education services are limited in comparison to other parts of the country. This lack of access to social services has generated significant economic exclusion as, regional incomes remain below national averages and rates of poverty and unemployment are notably higher, with per capita GRDP in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao being roughly one-fifteenth of that in Manilla. When combined, these factors can undermine trust in national institutions. Public distrust can then contribute to militancy onshore, which often translates into maritime insecurity when coupled with the weak capacity to project law enforcement and governance at sea. This economic exclusion and unequal service provision enable illicit economies and armed groups.

A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security

To tackle insecurity in the region, the governments of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia have tried to bolster their ability to counter security threats at sea. One example is through mechanisms such as the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement, which provides a framework for coordinated patrols and expanded information sharing. Maritime enforcement is clearly important to mitigate security threats. However, even modest naval procurement efforts can be extremely expensive and these costs need to be balanced with other priorities to maintain a comprehensive maritime security strategy.

When enforcing maritime security in the Sulu and Celebes Seas, building the capacity of local maritime law enforcement agencies is extremely critical. Unlike navies, maritime law enforcement agencies have the mission and training to address specific nontraditional security threats that are prominent in the area. Additionally, their vessels tend to be considerably less costly than naval infrastructure. The further development of maritime domain awareness in the Sulu and Celebes region through increased community engagement efforts is also needed to establish normal patterns of maritime activity and detect emerging threats.

Beyond enforcement, more effort is needed to ensure that the economic interests of marginalized coastal communities are protected. Progress has been made in this area, but more needs to be done. Ensuring equitable provision of public goods and services to coastal communities that are isolated by geography would reduce sentiments of exclusion and reduce the risk of militancy. Additionally, more investment in the sustainable development of blue economy industries like fisheries and tourism will provide alternative livelihoods for those at risk of turning to illicit maritime activity.

[Jay Benson is a Senior Researcher with OEF Research, a nonprofit research organization focused on issues of international conflict and governance. His work concentrates on maritime security, peacekeeping operations, and civilian protection. This article is derived from his research with Stable Seas, a program of OEF that provides novel research on maritime security issues.]

https://thediplomat.com/2019/03/the-forgotten-key-to-maritime-security-in-the-sulu-celebes-seas/

Marines seize getaway speedboat of Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu

From GMA News Online (Mar 22): Marines seize getaway speedboat of Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu

A speedboat of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was seized by members of the Philippine Marines in Banguingui, Sulu on Wednesday.

Authorities on Thursday said the focused military operations led to the confiscation of the vessel in Simisa Island.

The bandits were believed to be trapped on the island after the soldiers got hold of their getaway vehicle.

There was an undetermined number of casualties among the ASG while a soldier died in the said operation, according to the military.

Aside from the speedboat, rifle magazines, ammunition, and subversive documents were recovered.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines vowed to continue neutralizing the terrorists in Sulu province.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/688801/marines-seize-getaway-speedboat-of-asg-in-sulu/story/

Photo: 561st Eng. Construction Co., 84th Eng. Bn. begins construction project at Pagasa Elementary, Balikatan

From the Hawai'i Army Weekly (Mar 21, 2019): Photo: 561st Eng. Construction Co., 84th Eng. Bn. begins construction project at Pagasa Elementary, Balikatan

Airmen from the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing, Armed Forces of the Philippines and soldiers from the 561st Engineer Construction Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command and 405th Civil Affairs Battalion, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, 351st Civil Affairs Command, take part in a catered lunch during the Engineering Civic Action Project 4 opening ceremony as part of Exercise Balikatan, March 12, 2019. The military relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is strong and based on mutual respect and cooperation. Exercise Balikatan, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and other combined military operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scott Vargas)

Soldiers from the 561st Engineer Construction Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command and 405th Civil Affairs Battalion, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, 351st Civil Affairs Command, plus Airmen from the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing, Armed Forces of the Philippines take part in a catered lunch during the Engineering Civic Action Project 4 opening ceremony as part of Exercise Balikatan, March 12, 2019. The military relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is strong and based on mutual respect and cooperation. Exercise Balikatan, in its 35th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and other combined military operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Scott Vargas)

http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/2019/03/21/561st-eng-construction-co-84th-eng-bn-begins-construction-project-at-pagasa-elementary-balikatan/

Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

From Politiko (Mar 21, 2019): Army uncovers NPA’s plan to plant landmines in Antique

The Philippine Army has foiled another attempt by the communist New People’s Army to plant land mines in Antique province, following a clash there last Tuesday.

According to the Army, its 61st Infantry Battalion encountered the NPAs at 6 a.m. of March 19 at Barangay Osorio 1 in San Remigio, Antique.

“We believe they have plans to set up landmines and ambush government troops,” said Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander (https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-says-it-foiled-rebels-landmine-planting-plot/).

Magbalot said they expect more attacks by the NPA, which will mark its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

According to Magbalot, a five-minute firefight occurred between sldiers from the 61st IB and CAFGU Active Auxiliary.

No one was killed or wounded among the government troopers.

Recovered from the area were materials used for making improvised explosive device (IED) and empty shells of various firearms.

But Magbalot expressed alarm over the perceived “mass production” of IEDs by the NPA.

Government troops had seized nine IEDs, weighing around nine kilos each, after an encounter March 17 at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.

Also recovered were 40 cal-5.56 mm ammunition shells, nine cal-7.62 mm cartriges, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and a black pistol holster.

https://visayas.politics.com.ph/army-uncovers-npas-plan-to-plant-landmines-in-antique/

AFP coordinates with counterparts over ‘entry’ of foreign terrorists in PH

From UNTV News & Rescue (Mar 22, 2019): AFP coordinates with counterparts over ‘entry’ of foreign terrorists in PH

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed it is closely coordinating with its foreign counterparts over the possible entry of foreign terrorists in the country through its airports and backdoor channels.

AFP Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) Spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana said this is following reports that some foreign terrorists are attempting to enter the country amid the strict security measures being implemented in the tri-boundary of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“We do not discount the possibility that they might use our airport here. How will you know that people sitting or standing beside you is a terrorist?Not unless he is holding a gun, carrying explosives or anything that will also indicate that he is a terrorist,” Besana said.

The AFP official also revealed that eight out of ten foreign terrorists who were monitored to have entered the Philippines have been tracked in Central Mindanao.

Five of these persons have been identified, including Iraqi Abdul Rahman who allegedly brought an Islamic State flag in the country, two Indonesian nationals, and a Singaporean named Mauwiya.

Mauwiya is believed to be a remnant of Zulkilfli Binhir alias Marwan, the Indonesian terrorist killed by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) during a controversial operation, dubbed as the “Mamasapano Encounter” in January 2015.

“We’ve been trying to account all of them, but, of course, [as I’ve] said it is so hard. Nobody can tell who the terrorist is if they simply pose as ordinary people, not unless those are high-value targets reported by our foreign counterparts,” Besana said.

The military assures to continue monitoring and patrolling the country’s borders with the help of other countries, which promised to assist the Philippines in its fight against terrorism.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/afp-coordinates-with-counterparts-over-entry-of-foreign-terrorists-in-ph/