Karapatan runs to Supreme Court

From the Manila Times (Jul 30, 2019): Karapatan runs to Supreme Court

MILITANT groups turned to the Supreme Court on Monday to appeal their case on being tagged as “leftist” after losing in the Court of Appeals (CA).

(From left) Father Wilfredo Ruazol of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Jigs Clamor, Maria Sol, Taule, Christina Palabay, and Jose Mari Callueng show the media their petition filed before the Supreme Court on Monday, July 29, 2019. PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

The groups Karapatan Alliance Philippines Inc., Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Inc., and General Assembly of Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership and Action Inc. filed a petition for review of a certiorari after the CA dismissed their petition for writs of amparo and habeas data.

The groups sought court protection from government “persecution” due to their alleged association with communist rebels.

The appeals court’s 14th Division junked the case on June 28 for lack of merit.

The three groups in their petition named as respondents President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Brig. Gen, Fernando Trinidad, Maj. Gen. Erwin Neri, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., Lt.

Gen. Macairog Sabiniano Alberto, National Intelligence Coordinating Council (NICA) Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo, NICA Deputy Director General Vicente Agdamag, Police Senior Supt. Omega Jireh Fidel, and Undersecretaries Joel Sy Egco, Severo Catura and Lorraine Marie Badoy.

They said the high court should review the CA decision and declare it void “for being an outcome of the CA’s grievous errors, both of judgment and jurisdiction.”

https://www.manilatimes.net/karapatan-runs-to-supreme-court/592035/

Rebels’ training camp in Quezon overrun by gov’t forces

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30, 2019): Rebels’ training camp in Quezon overrun by gov’t forces

CAMP GENERAL NAKAR, Quezon– A training camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Pagsangajan here was overrun by government forces, the military reported.

NPA (FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Troops from the Army’s 80th Infantry Battalion (80thIB) and local police encountered an undetermined number of rebels in Sitio Lagmak Sunday, said Lt. Col. Christopher Diaz, the battalion commander.

The troops had been tipped off that the rebels from the Platoon 4A2 of Kometeng Larangan Girilaya (KLG) Cesar of Sub-Regional Military Area-4A (SRMA-4A) were holding lectures and training in the sitio.

Diaz said the government forces edged closer to the camp while the dissidents having their training exercises.

The rebels sensed the presence of the troops and a firefight erupted that last for an hour, ending only when the rebels retreated.

The camp has 20 huts and two lecture halls.

Colonel Alex Rillera, 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the discovery of the encampment is a sign that the NPA was losing support from the villagers.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/30/rebels-training-camp-in-quezon-overrun-by-govt-forces/

Probe Reds’ recruitment of minors – de la Rosa

From the Manila Times (Jul 31, 2019): Probe Reds’ recruitment of minors – de la Rosa

SEN. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa has called for a Senate inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the case of missing minors who were allegedly recruited by leftist groups to be part of their activities as members and fighters.SEN. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa.

Dela Rosa has introduced Resolution 38, asking the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he heads, and the Committee on National Security and Defense of Sen. Panfilo Lacson to investigate the matter.

“We really wanted to know the real score behind this issue. An investigation of this case could ferret out the truth and, in the end, we could also recommend actions that will ensure the peace in the country, as well as protect and preserve the welfare of our children,” he said.


On July 23, the senator added, parents of the “victims” visited his office to relay their predicament regarding their respective children.

He said the parents reported incidents of alleged indoctrination and recruitment of their missing children by members of left-leaning organizations.

The parents, according to dela Rosa, said their children, all minors, were purportedly induced to leave and abandon their homes permanently.

One of the parents claimed that his 16-year-old daughter left their home for almost a week for a “leadership training” without their consent. Concerned about the safety of his child, he searched for her and found her in a political rally in Quezon City.

Another parent claimed that her child was convinced to leave their home for three days to attend a seminar in a state university. When the mother checked on her child’s whereabouts, she failed to locate her and found out that there was no seminar being held in the university.

“There was an alarming report that communist terrorists are recruiting minors as their fighters as young as 10 years old. Same news report also claimed that the communist group has been doing this for decades, but their recruitment efforts were intensified now because their armed group have been depleted due to frequent clash with government troops,” dela Rosa explained.

Recent statement by Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año claimed that “the Communist Party of the Philippines/New Peoples’ Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) are poisoning the minds of the children to take up arms against the government. They teach the innocent how to use a gun, how to fight in armed combat, how to gain people’s sympathy, to sing a different version of the national anthem and to join rallies calling for the overthrow of government.”

Año further claimed that a 15-year-old child, who was fighting for the NPA, was killed in a clash between government troops and communist rebels.

In efforts to protect the interest and welfare of the children, dela Rosa underscored the urgent need to investigate the disturbing reports of the alleged recruitment of minors as fighters of the CPP/NPA/NDF.

He noted that the allegations against the CPP/NPA/NDF would be detrimental to efforts of the government and concerned groups in achieving lasting peace in the country.

The NDF is an umbrella group, whose members include the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA.

https://www.manilatimes.net/probe-reds-recruitment-of-minors-de-la-rosa/592712/

NPA combatants in Southern Luzon are mostly young – AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 31, 2019): NPA combatants in Southern Luzon are mostly young – AFP



Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) of the AFP.

New People’s Army (NPA) combatants in Southern Luzon are young, most of them in their early 20s, with some coming from universities, according to Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Yung mga quality ng mga nakakalaban natin, mga bata na lang. Konting engkwentro lang they want to go down na. Unlike before, yung mga nakakalaban natin talagang tumatagal,” Gapay said on Monday at a joint press conference at Camp Crame with Southern Luzon police officials. [The quality of those we fight, they’re mostly kids. Even in a brief encounter, they already want to go down. Unlike before, the people we fought with lasted longer.]

According to him, the AFP is enforcing solutions to address this problem, including conducting awareness campaigns on the “modus” of the NPA in recruiting young fighters.

Gapay explained that the NPA had been recruiting students through “extra-curricular organizations” affiliated with communist rebels. He said these students would then be brought to remote areas for “exposure” to the poor situation of residents there.

“Yung mga bata naman unknowingly they are now recruited and they became combatants na, fighters na, NPAs na,” he said. [The children unknowingly are recruited and become combatants, fighters of the NPA.]

Aside from holding awareness campaigns in schools, Gapay said state forces had also been conducting similar activities in communities, emphasizing the importance of parents’ participation in keeping their children away from the insurgency.

According to Gapay, no more than 700 NPA fighters remain in Southern Luzon — a large decline in the rebels’ manpower in recent years.

He said government troops had also been consistently receiving “surrender feelers” from NPA members in various provinces.

Reporting on significant government accomplishments for the first half of 2019, he noted that NPA rebels had fewer weapons and that there were fewer “red-infested” villages.

NPA attacks in Southern Luzon were also reduced from 28 in the first half of 2018 to 21 in the same period this year.

He said most of these attacks were directed at “soft targets” — that is, civilians. In contrast, previous attacks mostly targeted state forces.

“All these indicate that we have weakened the NPAs operating in Southern Luzon,” Gapay said.

The insurgency, he said, would just “die a natural death,” as the government had shifted to addressing its root causes.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1148163/npa-combatants-in-southern-luzon-are-mostly-young-afp

NDF/NPA-Central Negros: More lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 30, 2019): More lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory

Ka Dionesio Magbuelas
Spokesperson
Mt. Cansermon Command
Central Negros Guerilla Front

New People's Army

July 30, 2019

The AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars. Each day, more lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory.

To whitewash their misencounter in Sitio Talaptapan Brgy. Nalundan, Bindoy, Negros Oriental last July 29, the Regional Mobile Force Batallion projected to the public that it was the NPA that they exchanged firefight with. This only proves their desperation and failure to chase the NPA.

In yet another hopeless move, the AFP/PNP once again retaliated on civilians. They illegally arrested two farmers – Rico Oracoy, 39 and Lito Cadusale, 51 – in Sitio Yamot Brgy Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental. The PNP was quick to plant evidence and accuse the farmers as NPA fighters.

No amount of spin stories can misled the toiling masses. The broad masses of the people know that the AFP/PNP are mercenaries for further exploitation and oppression. It is then imperative for the people to link arms and resist the fascist Duterte regime.

In response, the NPA is more than ready to punish the AFP/PNP butchers and defend the people of Negros.

New People’s Army
Ka Dionesio Magbuelas
Spokesperson
Mt. Cansermon Command
Central Negros Guerilla Front

https://www.ndfp.org/more-lies-are-being-spewed-from-the-afp-pnp-factory/

NDF/CPP: Duterte incited Negros killing of civilians with baseless claims against NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 30, 2019): CPP: Duterte incited Negros killing of civilians with baseless claims against NPA

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

July 29, 2019

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said Rodrigo Duterte is “personally responsible for the relentless campaign of killings in Negros” which has already claimed at least eight lives over the past four days.

The CPP said Duterte “incited his armed minions in Negros to carry out the killings by making false claims of that four police officers killed in an NPA ambush last July 18 in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental were tortured.” He announced last July 25 that he will give a P3 million reward to anyone who can “bring the head” of the people behind the ambush.

The killings intensified since then, the CPP pointed out. Most of the victims were previously red-tagged or have been remotely linked to people’s democratic movement in Negros.

The CPP said “Duterte’s military, police and paramilitary death squads are targeting even civic-minded people as communists.”

The CPP dismissed as a fake the spray-painted words “Traidor sa NPA” left on the walls where some of the victims were killed. According to the CPP, those slogans were “obviously left to mislead and cover-up the real identity of the perpetrators.”

The CPP said the PNP is “utterly stupid” if it thinks the people will believe that the NPA is behind the killings based merely on those spray-painted slogans.

https://www.ndfp.org/cpp-duterte-incited-negros-killing-of-civilians-with-baseless-claims-against-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Hinggil sa pamamaslang sa Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Blogsite (Jul 30, 2019): Hinggil sa pamamaslang sa Negros

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

July 30, 2019

Mahigpit na kinokondena ng Leonardo Panaligan Command –New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang 16 lahat na rekord ng pinaslang na sibilyan sa loob lamang ng isang linggo sa lungsod ng Guihulngan, Kanlaon, Ayungon Sta. Catalina, Siaton at Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

Palatandaan ng naagnas na at desperadong rehimeng US-Duterte ang kalakasan ng pamamaslang o paghawak sa pasismo, sa pamamagitan ng pag red-tag ng mga legal na organisasyon, psywar, ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang, tiraniko at militarisasyon sa kanayunan para wasakin at paralisahin ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan na nag-aasam ng makatarungan at mapayang pagmumuhay.

Kinokondena rin ng LPC-NPA ang pakanang paggamit ng pangalan ng rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa pagpaslang sa mga nasabing biktima. Paghuhugas-kamay lamang ito sang mga berdugong tropa ng AFP at PNP sa kanilang mga kalakasan dahil hindi napigilan ang kagaya nitong kaganapan ang pagdeploy ng tropa militar sa ilalim ng Memorandum Order #32. Ngunit sa kabila nito, lalong tumitindi ang kaso ng pamamaslang sa pamamagitan ng mga “riding-in-tandem”, Duterte Death Squad at mga armadong nakabonnet sa nasabing mga lugar.

Ang pagdagdag ng tropa at ang pagmilitarisa ng kanayunan ng mga mersenaryong tropa militar at pulisya ang hindi nangungunang sagot sa malubhang kahirapan at armadong tunggalian sa isla at sa buong bansa. Dapat harapin ng umiiral na papet na rehimen ng demanda sang pumuluyo kag solusyonan ng husto ang nangungunang problema ng mamamayang Pilipino—ang tunay na reporma sa lupa at pambansang industriyalisasyon.

Hindi kailanman makapapahina ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ang pangigipit ng karapatan ng mamamayan na mabuhay. Bagkus, sinisindihan lamang ang damdamin ng bawat mamamayang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan ginahimuslan na tumahak sa landas ng pag-aalsa at pagpapataas ng porma ng pagkikibaka para depensahan ang mga karapatan at mga mithiin ng mapayapa at pantay na pamumuhay.

Malinaw din na malaki itong kabiguan sa kanila ang pagwasak ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kabila ng kaliwa’t kanan na paninira at paghahasik ng mga kasinungalingan para makuha ang simpatiya ng malawak na mamamayan.

Ang LPC-NPA patuloy na nagatataguyod at nagpoprotekta ng interes at kapakanan ng malawak na mamamayan sa iba’t ibang porma ng pakikibaka. Kasama ng malawak na pumuluyo, sinusulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pag-abot ng tunay na hustisya sosyal at depensahan ang kabuhayan at buhay ng mamamayan.

Panagutin at biguin ang pasistang paghari ng rehimeng US-Duterte!

Published by Philippine Revolution Web Central
The official blogsite of the Communist Party of the Philippines Information Bureau 

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/hinggil-sa-pamamaslang-sa-negros/

CPP/NPA: AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars. Each day, more lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory

Propaganda statement posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Blogsite (Jul 30, 2019): AFP and PNP are fascist dogs and liars. Each day, more lies are being spewed from the AFP/PNP factory

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS

SPOKESPERSON

MT. CANSERMON COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

July 30, 2019

To whitewash their misencounter in Sitio Talaptapan Brgy. Nalundan, Bindoy, Negros Oriental last July 29, the Regional Mobile Force Batallion projected to the public that it was the NPA that they exchanged firefight with. This only proves their desperation and failure to chase the NPA.

In yet another hopeless move, the AFP/PNP once again retaliated on civilians. They illegally arrested two farmers – Rico Oracoy, 39 and Lito Cadusale, 51 – in Sitio Yamot Brgy Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental. The PNP was quick to plant evidence and accuse the farmers as NPA fighters.

No amount of spin stories can misled the toiling masses. The broad masses of the people know that the AFP/PNP are mercenaries for further exploitation and oppression. It is then imperative for the people to link arms and resist the fascist Duterte regime.

In response, the NPA is more than ready to punish the AFP/PNP butchers and defend the people of Negros.

Published by Philippine Revolution Web Central
The official blogsite of the Communist Party of the Philippines Information Bureau

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/the-afp-and-pnp-are-fascist-dogs-and-liars-each-day-more-lies-are-being-spewed-from-the-afp-pnp-factory/

CPP: CPP assures HRW that NPA strictly abides by laws of war

Propaganda statement posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Blogsite (Jul 30, 2019): CPP assures HRW that NPA strictly abides by laws of war



We consider as important the attention given by the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) on the spate of killings in Negros island. We agree that the surge of killings and abuses are linked to the issues of land rights, poverty and injustice. Grave abuses have been committed against the peasants masses who have long been demanding for land and justice.

Towards the end of its statement, the HRW said: “Responsibility for the killings remains unclear. But both the government and the NPA should take all necessary measures to end unlawful attacks, either by their forces or armed elements linked to them. Killing civilians and captured combatants are war crimes.”

We assure the HRW that all units of the NPA are well aware of, conscientiously study and abide by the Geneva Conventions and Protocol I, to which the NPA has declared to apply in the conduct of the civil war in the Philippines.

In a previous statement, we have maintained that the four policemen killed in Ayungon town last July 18 died in the course of a legitimate act of war. They died in an NPA ambush and were not tortured as falsely claimed by Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

In fact, in an online news report published that day in Rappler [https://www.rappler.com/nation/235740-policemen-killed-ambush-negros-oriental-july-2019], Major Leo Logronio of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Mobile Force Battalion Region VII was quoted saying that the subject police officers “succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds which caused their instant deaths.” The bodies were recovered at the same area of the ambush.

The CPP and NPA do not have a hand in the successive killings of civilians. The killing of seven civilians last July 25 fall into the pattern of coordinated operations of the police and military. We believe that they are victims of death squads attached to the military and police in Negros island meant to intimidate the people against supporting the armed resistance of the NPA. Many of them have been previously publicly tagged as sympathizers of the NPA.

Published by Philippine Revolution Web Central
The official blogsite of the Communist Party of the Philippines Information Bureau 

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2019/07/30/cpp-assures-hrw-that-npa-strictly-abides-by-laws-of-war/

WESTMINCOM: Regional forum on violent extremism and terrorism held in Zambo City

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jul 31, 2019): Regional forum on violent extremism and terrorism held in Zambo City



Various sectors convened to discuss matters of internal security in Mindanao in a regional forum held in Zamboanga City yesterday, July 30.




Anchored on the theme, “Enhancing Political Dialogue for Inclusive Peace in the Bangsamoro,” the regional peace and security forum was participated in by representatives of the various sectors and stakeholders.




Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Lutera, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations of the Western Mindanao Command, provided a regional security update in the joint area of operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

The said forum was spearheaded by ZaBiDa Paz, led by Dr. Grace Rebollos, at Celebrity Hall 2, Grand Astoria Hotel in this city.

Aleem Mohammad Tahir Salih, the Secretary General of the Ulama Council of Zamboanga City, provided insights and perspective of Islam in relation to the current security situation and their view point on violent extremism and terrorism.

Present were representatives of the academe; religious, private, and security sectors; and other stakeholders.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/regional-forum-on-violent-extremism-and-terrorism-held-in-zambo-city/

PNP to deploy 300 more SAF troopers in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 30, 2019): PNP to deploy 300 more SAF troopers in Negros

More than 300 elite Special Action Force troopers of the Philippine National Police are coming to Negros Island.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday ordered the deployment of more than 300 SAF troops to Negros Island to augment the local police in anti-criminality and internal security operations, following the spate of killings in Negros Oriental.

As Albayalde made the announcement to deploy SAF troopers in Negros, troopers of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 yesterday figured in an encounter with a group of suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Upper Talampakan, Brgy.Nalundan, Bindoy town.

The running gunbattle lasted for about 20 minutes, and prompted the NPA rebels to withdraw in separate directions. None of the police troopers were injured.

SAF troopers, numbering more than 300 which is equivalent to one battalion, will augment the two Army Infantry battalions that returned to Negros from Mindanao, in the past months.

Albayalde said, the SAF troopers will augment local police units in anti-criminality and internal security operations against elements and dissident terrorist groups operating in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

There are now two companies of the SAF deployed in northern Negros, with another company is deployed in Panay.

The death toll in Negros Oriental killings since July 18 rose to 22 on Sunday, as another man was shot dead in Brgy. Panubigan, Canlaon City, where Councilor Ramon Jalandoni and barangay chairman Ernesto Posadas had also been shot and killed, a day earlier.

Albayalde said he was told by Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, regional police director of Central Visayas, that their hot pursuit operations, together with the AFP, are continuing, and that they are looking into all these killings.

He added that the local communist rebels are responsible for the series of killings.

The spate of killings occurred after four RMFB 7intelligence operatives of were tortured and killed in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon town on July 18.

“There is also the possibility that the four police officers were tortured and summarily executed and there is also a scheme on the part of the CPP-NPA where they sacrifice their own and then blame government forces for alleged human rights violation. They are also pointing to government forces for these killings,” he said.

In some of the killings, the gunmen would barge into the house of their target and would leave spray-painted graffiti indicating that the NPA is claiming responsibility, Albayalde said.

"This is part of their propaganda. They execute their own and blame the government for it," he added.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo activated the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

The creation and activation of the task force by Degamo, is in compliance with the Executive Order Number 70 - 2018 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict NTF-ELCAC), as a holistic solution employing a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency to ensure peace and security in the province, following the series of killings last week.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander (covering 1st District Negros Oriental) and Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Brigade Commander (covering 2nd & 3rd Districts Negros Oriental), both expressed their confidence that the newly created task force will boost the campaign against CPP-NPA-NDF and prevent further killings in the province.

The Diocese of Dumaguete is spearheading a multi-sectoral dialog on July 31 at the Marian Priests’ Center at the Cathedral Compound in Dumaguete City, Bishop Julito Ortiz, who was alarmed by the escalating events of senseless violence, killings and horrible deaths in Negros Island recently, said.

“Let us come together to take stock of the spate of killings in our province, to mindfully listen to each other on how these greatly affected us, to reflectively discern and galvanize possible intersectoral collaboration to support our local government in fulfilling its obligations, to conduct prompt investigation on these killings, to bring to justice the perpetrators, and to prevent the recurrence of these violent inhumane acts,” he said.

The Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, a local affiliate of Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, reported having recorded 87 extra-judicial killings in Negros since 2017, under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines- West Visayas Jurisdictional Area also condemned the killings in Negros Oriental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/July/30/topstory3.htm

Defense chief hits China's 'bullying' in Scarborough Shoal takeover

From Rappler (Jul 30, 2019): Defense chief hits China's 'bullying' in Scarborough Shoal takeover

Filipinos would 'naturally' distrust China for 'grabbing' islands in the West Philippine Sea, says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

BULLYING. A Chinese militia vessel identified by the Philippine Coast Guard during a patrol in Scarborough Shoal. PCG photo

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, July 30, criticized China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, and sided with a public opinion survey that showed a sharp decline in China’s trust rating among Filipinos.

China’s aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea contradict its officials’ statements that it wants peace in the region, Lorenzana told reporters in a briefing.

Asked whether those moves qualify as China “bullying” Filipinos, Lorenzana said, “Well, the way they took over Scarborough Shoal, to me that was bullying.”

China has practically wielded full control of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales ever since a standoff between Chinese and Philippine ships from April to May of 2012.

For years, the Chinese Coast Guard chased away Filipino fishing crews who tried to approach the shoal, their ships closely tailing the fishermen's wooden boats, and firing water cannons at those who attempted to enter the main lagoon.

In 2017, as President Rodrigo Duterte sought broader ties with China, then Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, now the House Speaker, said Filipino fishermen have “returned” to Panatag Shoal in exchange for shelving an international arbitral award of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

However, despite the government’s claims, the China Coast Guard still prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the main lagoon, which serves as a shelter from rough seas, and where fishermen can haul in a significantly bigger catch than in any of the surrounding waters.

Filipino fishermen have reported a decline of 30% to 40% in their earnings ever since they were driven away from Panatag Shoal.

The July 12, 2016 international arbitral award based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) declared Panatag Shoal a common fishing ground where no country can claim exclusive ownership or access.

The shoal is nearer to the Philippines than to any other country, and lies within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A Pulse Asia opinion survey conducted last month found that 74% of Filipinos had little or no trust in China at all – a 13-percentage-point drop in China's trust rating in March – following the Recto Bank incident on June 9 in which a Chinese ship hit a Filipino fishing boat and left its 22 crew members marooned.

“Natural (Naturally)!” Lorenzana said of China’s low trust rating.

“The Chinese, since they started grabbing islands there and bullying people around, siyempre magdududa ‘yung tao (of course people will be suspicious [of them]). Until such time masabi ko na (I can say) the behavior of the Chinese will match their rhetoric, then the low trust of the Philippines will continue."

Such actions, and the recent passage of Chinese warships in the Sibutu Strait in the waters of Tawi-tawi without notice to the government, are examples of China’s inconsistency in dealing with the Philippines, the defense chief added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236636-lorenzana-hits-china-bullying-scarborough-shoal-takeover

China to Philippines: 'We won't take the first shot'

From Rappler (Jul 30, 2019): China to Philippines: 'We won't take the first shot'

Ambassador Zhao Jianhua says that Beijing is committed to a peaceful settlement of disputes

'PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT.' China says it is committed to a 'peaceful settlement' of disputes in the South China Sea. Photos from the Chinese Embassy in Manila

Amid criticism of its growing military presence in the South China Sea, China's ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua claimed Beijing would "not take the first shot," as he appealed to claimant countries to "be patient" when settling disputes.

In a speech celebrating the 92nd anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army on Monday night, July 29 in Makati City, Zhao stressed that China was developing its military "entirely" for self-defense. 

(READ: China's new Great Wall)

"China adopts a military strategy of active defense which adheres to the principle of defense, self-defense, and post-strike response. Meaning, we will not take the first shot," Zhao said.

Zhao's words downplay President Rodrigo Duterte's repeated claim that China would wage war on the Philippine if it asserted its rights in the West Philippine Sea. He maintained that China is committed to settling disputes "peacefully" and would adhere to international law such as the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Beijing's words do not match reality.

"They are saying they want peace in the South China Sea. It does not match what they are doing on the ground.... What you are saying is not what you are doing on the ground." Lorenzana told reporters on Tuesday, when asked what he told the China delegation in the recent Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.

Lorenzana said that until China's actions match their words, "doubtful yung mga sinasabi nila (what they say is doubtful)."

"Parang optics lang or narrative lang siguro yan. It's good to be heard just to keep us siguro calm or pampalubag-loob sa atin. But the bottomline is hindi magkatugma yung sinasabi nila sa ginagawa nila sa West Philippine Sea," Lorenzana said. (That's just optics or a narrative. It's good to be heard just to keep us calm or make us relax. But the bottomline is what they say does not match what they do in the West Philippine Sea.)

China's 'wisdom'

Describing the South China Sea dispute as a "sensitive issue," Zhao urged other claimant countries to have "confidence in our wisdom that sooner or later we can settle it peacefully."

"China will continue to work with the Philippines and other states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical fact and in accordance with international law which also includes UNCLOS," he said.

But Filipinos have denounced China for claiming the West Philippine Sea despite a 2016 international ruling affirming the Philippines' rights over this part of the South China Sea.

China has also been criticized for its militarization of the South China Sea, harassment of Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters, and its deployment of maritime militia across the vast marine area. (READ: Philippines loses to China 3 years after Hague ruling)

In February 2019, reports showed China deployed its maritime militia to the vicinity of Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) since at least July 2018, after the Philippines began constructing on the island.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said satellite images captured from mid-December to late January 2019 showed a high of 95 vessels on December 20, 2018, before dropping to 42 by January 26 this year.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236641-china-to-philippines-will-not-take-first-shot

2 suspects in Negros Oriental police slaying arrested

From Rappler (Jul 31, 2019): 2 suspects in Negros Oriental police slaying arrested

The two are arrested at a checkpoint in Ayungon town as part of a weeklong joint operation by the police and military

JOINT OPERATIONS. Brigadier General Debold Sinas (left), Central Visayas' police director tells reporters, says 4 suspected members of the New People's Army were arrested after an 8-day joint police and military operation. Photo by Rappler/Ryan Macasero

Two suspects in the slaying of 4 police officers in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, were arrested on Monday, July 29.

The police announced the arrests during a press conference in Cebu City on Tuesday, July 30. They said the arrests were part of a joint operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Negros Oriental, specifically targeting suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members allegedly involved in the July 18 police ambush.

The two are among 4 total arrests made during the 8-day operations, which took place in the Negros Oriental towns of Ayungon, Bindoy, Mabinay, and Tayasan.

The suspects tagged in the police killings were identified as Rico Oracoy, 39, and Lito Cadusale, 51. Both are farmers and residents of Barangay Mabato, Ayungon town.

According to the police report, they were arrested at a checkpoint on the evening of July 29, while joint combat operations were ongoing in neighboring Bindoy town.

The operation comes after President Rodrigo’s post-State of the Nation Address statement on July 22, where he promised P3 million to anyone who would deliver the "head" of the communists involved in the attack.

He also directed the Central Visayas’ police – who alleged the police were tortured before they were summarily executed – to charge those involved in the killing.

According to police, the suspects possessed two .38 caliber revolvers, a rifle grenade, and two sets of improvised explosive devices.

Oracoy and Cadusale's capture brings the number of suspects charged and arrested to 3 out of a possible 20 or more suspects.

The first suspect arrested and charged was Victoriano Anadon, the slain cops' contact whom they were supposed to meet in the village, but was later found to be allegedly linked to the NPA. He was detained on July 19 and faces multiple murder charges. 

(READ: Village chief tagged in cops' ambush in Negros Oriental dies)

Other suspected rebels arrested

According to police, there were other suspected rebels arrested in the operations, although they are not being linked to the Ayungon ambush.

“Oplan Branstark was launched last July 24 at 1 am,” Philippine National Police Region-7 said in a press statement released on Tuesday afternoon. “The operation was composed of one PNP strike force and one scout platoon of the Philippine Army.”

Sinas told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the operation was launched to “track and neutralize” the suspects in the slaying of the police officers.

A combat operation was launched on July 26 in Barangay Carol-an, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, that led to the arrest of suspected NPA fighters. The operation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Onie Bangala and 25-year-old Nerie "Boy" Bangala.

Both suspects allegedly had weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies confiscated from them when they were apprehended.

"They denied being members of the NPA, but it was later confirmed that they were," Sinas told reporters on Tuesday. Nerie was arrested, but Onie was able to escape.

While the National Democratic Front confirmed the NPA’s involvement in the police’s slayings, they have not yet confirmed if any of the persons arrested in the joint operations are also members. 

(READ: NPA did not torture slain Negros Oriental cops – NDF)

Police said they engaged suspected insurgents in an armed fight in Bindoy town on July 29.

No casualties

"The CTGs (communist terrorist groups) withdrew in the north direction," the police's statement said. There were no casualties or injuries on the government's side, but authorities could not determined if any insurgent fighters were hurt or killed in the firefight.

As of Tuesday, police said the PNP’s striking and blocking forces had withdrawn from operation area for debriefing.

But while police involved in the operation will be withdrawn, Sinas said the Army’s 303rd Infantry Division had been moved to Guihulngan City and he hopes that PNP Director Oscar Albayalde would assign another Special Action Force unit to Negros Oriental to help quell violence in the province.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236688-suspects-negros-oriental-police-slaying-arrested

300 ka mga residente nakapahimulos sa ‘Hatid Serbisyo’ sa Army

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 30, 2019): 300 ka mga residente nakapahimulos sa ‘Hatid Serbisyo’ sa Army

KAPIN 300 ka mga residente ang nakapahimulos sa “Hatid serbisyo caravan para sa kapayapaan (Service for Peace)” bag-ohay pa lang pinaagi sa paghatag sa libreng serbisyo ngadto sa hilit nga barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon.

Midugang ang ka-bibo sa “Hatid Serbisyo” tungod kay dungan usab kini sa “mass surrender” kon dinaghan nga pag-surender sa mga tig-suporta sa mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA diin nanumpa sila nga ila nang undangon ang ilang mga bisan unsa nga pakiglambigit ug hinabang sa mga terorista.

Si Punong Barangay Marissa Bayer, ang kapitan sa barangay Cagawasan nga maoy nag-abi-abi sa mga misurender, nagpasalamat ug midayeg sa Philippine Army tungod sa paningkamot sa kasundaluhan nga magmalinawon ang ilang barangay.

“Salamat Philippine Army, adlaw ug gabii walay undang ang inyong paningkamot aron ma-serbisyohan ang katawhan. Karong adlawa, saksi kitang tanan sa kaligdong sa atong kasundaluhan diha sa pagtutok sa ilang mga misyon. Ayaw kamo og kabalaka kay ang katawhan sa barangay Cagawasan makigtambayayong sa atong mga sundalo aron kanunay kitang luwas sa kahadlok ug mahimo kitang lugar nga pinakanindot puy-an,” matud ni Bayer.

Samtang kamulo ang programa, malipayong nagtapok ug naglinya ang mga residente alang sa libreng serbisyo sama sa pag-ibot sa ngipon, urinalysis, prenatal checkup, immunization, libreng alot, pag-apod-apod sa libreng tambal, family planning, health checkup ug uban pang serbisyo.

Ubay-ubay sa mga kabataan ug kababayen-an ang nasilbihan sa Hatid Serbisyo.

Si LtCol Franklin F. Fabic, commander sa 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion nga maoy nanguna sa kalihukan miingon nga buot sa kagamhanan nga mo-uswag ang kinabuhi sa katawhan labi na kadtong naa sa hilit nga barangay tungod kay ang kauswagan sa katawhan maoy makapahimong malinawon sa usa ka komunidad.

“Kami ang inyong tinuod nga sundalo; nia kami dinhi aron manalipod kaninyo. Ang inyong suporta ug kooperasyon maoy magdala kanato ngadto sa kalinaw ug komportable nga kinabuhi diin dugay na natong gipangandoy,” miingon siya.

Kini nga kalihukan pinasubay usab sa mando ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga undangon na ang armadong panagbangi sa nasud. Naa kini nakalatid sa Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) sa Presidente.

Tumong sa EO 70 nga mahatagan sa pagtagad ug kasulbaran ang mga butang o problema nga maoy hinungdan sa armadong kagubot ug padayonon ang paghatag sa serbisyo ngadto sa lugar nga hilit, apektado sa kasamok, ug dili kaayo kanunay’ng makapahimulos sa serbisyo.(By Capt. Norven Jay Garcia)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/300-ka-mga-residente-nakapahimulos-sa-hatid-serbisyo-sa-army/