China says US using MDT for intimidation

 From the Philippine Star (Feb 16, 2023): China says US using MDT for intimidation (Pia Lee-Brago)

“The US invokes its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines at every turn in an attempt to intimidate China, but it will not weaken our resolve and will to safeguard China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press conference Tuesday.  CSIS / AMTI via DigitalGlobe

MANILA, Philippines — China has slammed the United States for raising the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines “to intimidate” Beijing as it defended the aggressive actions of its coast guard patrols against Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

“The US invokes its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines at every turn in an attempt to intimidate China, but it will not weaken our resolve and will to safeguard China’s legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press conference Tuesday.

The US State Department said the “US stands with our Philippine allies” in the face of the Chinese Coast Guard’s reported use of a laser device against the crew of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in the South China Sea.

The Philippines had protested China’s dangerous maneuvers and use of military-grade laser against a PCG ship on a resupply mission near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions of China against the PCG and Filipino fishermen.

Despite China’s laser use against a Philippine ship, Beijing described the overall situation in Ayungin Shoal as “calm,” claiming that the CCG’s actions were “professional” and “restrained.”

Wang said the Philippines and China have discussed the incident in Ayungin Shoal.

“Earlier, we shared the facts and actual circumstances of the incident as well as China’s principled position. We would like to stress again that what the China Coast Guard did was professional and restrained,” he said.

But State Department spokesman Ned Price said China’s dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional pace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law and undermines the rules-based international order.

The US reaffirmed that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft, including those of Coast Guard in the South China Sea, would invoke US mutual defense commitments under the MDT.

Wang called the South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines against China a “political drama” orchestrated by the US.

“We would also like to point out that the South China Sea arbitration case brought by the Philippines was pure political drama orchestrated by the US,” Wang said. “Its so-called ruling is illegal, null and void and will have no effect whatsoever on China’s claims to rights in the South China Sea.”

Nations express concern

The United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Australia expressed serious concern over China’s intimidatory actions in the South China Sea, saying the CCG actions are “dangerous” acts in violation of international law.

“The UK supports and joins the Philippines in expressing our serious concern regarding the intimidatory actions towards lawfully operating Philippines vessels in the South China Sea. These dangerous acts are in violation of international law,” the British embassy in Manila said in a statement.

The UK, the embassy said, is unwavering in its position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding.

German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel expressed concern over China’s actions.

She said that all nations must follow the UNCLOS, noting that the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea was final.

“We call to refrain from any conduct that increases tensions. All states must abide by #UNCLOS. The 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding,” Reiffenstuel said.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said all states should observe maritime order, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling.

“We express serious concerns about dangerous behavior against Philippine vessels,” Koshikawa said in a Twitter post.

“Recall that 2016 Arbitral Award is final and legally binding. We firmly oppose any action that increase tensions,” he said.

Australia called CCG’s actions against Philippine ship “unsafe and intimidatory.”

In a Twitter post, Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said Australia continues to “call for peace, stability and respect for international law in the South China Sea, a vital international waterway.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the acts of aggression by China are “disturbing and disappointing” as it came after the President’s state visit to China in early January during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to “manage maritime differences through diplomacy and dialogue, without resorting to force and intimidation.”

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/16/2245337/china-says-us-using-mdt-intimidation

Philippine Army shifts focus to territorial defense amid regional tensions

From BenarNews (Feb 15, 2023): Philippine Army shifts focus to territorial defense amid regional tensions (By Camille Elemia)

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. discusses the military’s shift in focus during a news conference at army headquarters in Manila, Feb. 15, 2023.  Jojo Riñoza/BenarNews

The Philippine Army has shifted its focus to territorial defense from internal security fueled by China’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea, the army’s commanding general said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters that troops required a change of mindset to focus on an external enemy from fighting southern insurgents and communists.

“We are now transitioning from an internal security operations focus to territorial defense,” Brawner told reporters at the army headquarters.

The commander had been asked to comment on the military’s call for Beijing to restrain its forces in the South China Sea after a Chinese Coast Guard ship performed dangerous maneuvers and pointed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship this week.

“There is a common theme among armies around the world: wars will be fought on land so we have to be prepared,” Brawner said.

As part of the military’s modernization program, the army has in recent years acquired more weapons, including an Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS 2000) 155mm self-propelled guns – the biggest in the Army’s arsenal ­– multi-launch rocket systems and land-based missile systems.

“If any invaders come near the land of the Philippines or inland, your [army] is ready to defend the nation,” Brawner said.

Along with the weapons upgrades, training must reflect the changing military landscape, he said.

“It’s really reorganizing our organization and training our troops to address external threats,” Brawner said.

The Philippines is at the center of geopolitical tensions in Asia involving the South China Sea in the west and Taiwan in the north.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea including territories within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Beijing has continued to ignore an international arbitration court’s 2016 ruling in favor the Philippines that invalidated its expansive claims.

Last month, China renewed its threats to invade Taiwan, which it considers a rogue province.

Meanwhile, U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan warned that a war could break out in 2025.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) expresses concern over Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian in Manila, Feb. 14, 2023. [Presidential Communications Office handout]

Improved relations

The Philippines recently granted the United States access to four additional military sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a move seen as central to Washington’s effort in deterring Beijing’s plans to attack Taiwan.

In addition, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was in Tokyo last week, said he was open to entering into a visiting forces agreement with Japan.

China has opposed such plans, with state media warning the Philippines against being used by the U.S. and Japan.

The army supports an improved relationship with Tokyo, Brawner said, as it would allow more soldiers to perform military and human assistance and disaster relief exercises with their Japanese counterparts. He noted that Philippine troops sent to Turkey to help rescue operations following the massive earthquake were “trained and equipped by the Japanese government.”

The army chief also welcomed proposals for the Philippines to enter into similar visiting forces agreements with allies including New Zealand, South Korea and other Southeast Asian countries.

Citing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Brawner emphasized the importance of allied forces working together.

“If we look at what is happening now in the world, interoperability is very important. It has to start with trainings,” he said.

“I think if we are allowed to train with our partners, it would be more beneficial not just for the Philippine government, Armed Forces of the Philippines, I believe also for their armed forces,” he said.

The Philippines and the U.S. plan to hold larger joint army exercises this year, with around 3,000 troops from both nations expected to take part in Exercise Salaknib, up from 2,200 last year.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/military-shift-02152023143300.html

Recent Arrest Puts Jemaah Islamiyah Back in the Spotlight

Posted to The Diplomat (Feb 13, 2023): Recent Arrest Puts Jemaah Islamiyah Back in the Spotlight (By By Rakyan Adibrata and Jasminder Singh)

An arrest last year demonstrates that JI’s network has expanded considerably, despite the extremist group’s recent period of dormancy.



Police escort suspected militants upon arrival at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, Thursday, March 18, 2021. The militants are believed to be connected to the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah extremist group.Credit: AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

The announcement by the Indonesian authorities that Askary Sibghotul Haq, the son of former Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader Para Wijayanto, has been in their custody since April 2022 has put the notorious militant group back into the spotlight. Askary’s arrest in Bandung came at a time when the Indonesian security apparatus was conducting a broad clampdown on JI, during which it conducted raids on JI cells and arrested scores of its members. If convicted under Indonesia’s anti-terrorism laws, Askary faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Who is Askary Sibghotul Haq?

Askary Sibghotul Haq was a prominent leader of JI and the former head of its international relations wing from 2015 to 2019. Late last month, he was put on trial on charges of facilitating the travel of JI members to train in Syria a decade ago. Prior to his arrest, Askary went to Syria in 2013. where, according to BenarNews, he remained for a month and connected with the Free Syria Army (FSA) to train JI members.

In 2015, Askary traveled to India to meet with members of the Pakistani terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). LeT would likely have been in a position to provide him with training and access to LeT networks that could be of assistance in terms of arms procurement and finances. Askary’s links with the LeT could also have facilitated the import of the latter’s radical and violent ideology into Southeast Asia, leading to growing radicalization in the region as well as a possible development of closer ties between radical groups in South Asia, especially Pakistan, and in Southeast Asia. However, Askary was deported from India, where he had been listed as a terrorist.

Back in Indonesia, he was allowed to go free because under the 2003 Anti-Terrorism Law, it was then not illegal under the law to travel to Syria or to facilitate the travel of others. The Anti-Terrorism Law was amended in 2018 to close this loophole.

Askary was subsequently appointed as the head of JI’s international relations wing, a position he held until his father’s arrest in 2019. When he returned to Indonesia after being deported from India in 2015, he reportedly sent five batches of members to Syria for military training with Ahrar Al-Sham. According to some Indonesian prosecutors, JI had also approached the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS, and Jabhat al-Nusra to train JI members, but negotiations with those groups failed. Under the leadership of his father Para Wijayanto, Askary also ventured to Vietnam in 2012 to study the bunker system utilized during the Vietnam war and how to use AK-47 rifles.

Askary’s transnational operations flew under the radar in the mid-2010s, likely due to Indonesia’s concentration of law enforcement resources on the then proliferating threat posed by various emerging IS-affiliated groups in the country. A question worth asking is that given Askary’s combat experience in Syria, was he preparing to lead a violent faction associated with JI? Previously, JI’s violent faction was associated with Hambali, who helped plan and carry out the 2002 Bali bombings, and disagreed with the JI central leadership, which was more focused on dawah (missionary activities).

The Recent Jemaah Islamiyah Arrests

The arrest of several key Jemaah Islamiyah figures has had an extraordinary effect on the organization and its members. Successive arrests have targeted the members of its Shura Council (Advisory Council), and its amir, treasurer, and deputy of intelligence, which are collectively in charge of sending JI members to Syria and in charge of sasana (paramilitary training).

Dating back to the Bali bombings of October 2002, periodic arrests have hampered JI’s development and caused it to fracture. Amongst those detained in the immediate aftermath of the attacks was Abu Rusydan, who was the amir of JI from 2000 to 2003. Internally, it took five years for JI to recover from the post-bombing crackdown, given that individuals in key positions had either been eliminated or arrested, even though after Abu Rusydan was quickly replaced by another amir.

When Para Wijayanto took charge as JI’s amir in 2008, the organization had been nearly wiped out due to government crackdowns since 2000. Para Wijayanto was then arrested in July 2019 and is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence.

The JI also suffered a major setback in 2022 after 120 of its members revoked their pledge of allegiance to the group in Lampung. This event came after the security agencies arrested key JI figures of Jemaah Islamiyah, including Askary. However, unlike the JAD, MIT, or other splinter groups which have been operationally weakened more recently, the JI still retains a strong organizational culture. The group retains a strong foundation in terms of financial resources and organizational doctrines with which to revive itself.

The Quiet JI

While the JI has suffered from the incarceration of its leader, its decentralized structure has created lines of succession. There are two JI-associated figures whose voices can still play a significant role within JI despite the various arrests that have occurred. These individuals are Bambang Sukirno and Ibnu Thoyyib, both of whom are from Solo province in East Java.

Bambang Sukirno, also known as “Bangkir,” was very close to Dr. Sunardi, an alleged JI member who died in a shootout with Densus 88 in Sukoharjo in March of last year, and Dipo Azhari, who was arrested in August 2021 in Tuban. Bambang has been closely associated with the Islamist humanitarian agency Hilal Ahmar Society Indonesia (HASI), which has been operating in many conflict areas, including Syria; HASI has also been identified as a JI charity. Bambang was HASI’s spokesperson as of October 2013 and was also identified as HASI’s secretary general in September 2012. With the death of Dr. Sunardi and the arrest of Dipo, the next generation of JI will likely look to a senior figure such as Bambang for leadership.

Ibnu Thoyyib (alias Abu Fatih) was born in Pacitan and once held a position as JI’s Mantiqi II leader, in charge of Java and Sumatra. Ibnu Thoyyib is the older brother of Ibrahim Thoyyib (alias Abu Husna), who was the JI leader in 2008, and an in-law of Para Wijayanto.

With individuals such as Para Wijayanto and Abu Rusydan now behind bars, JI members will likely look to these individuals, who have the capacity to advise the organization, albeit in an unofficial role.

Conclusion

The investigations surrounding Askary’s arrest provide an insight into how extensive the Jemaah Islamiyah network has grown and the ambitions the group retains despite its current period of dormancy. An added factor also was that Askary had overseas combat experience and that provided added value for the group. He would be able to share this experience and skills with other like-minded members of the group.

A lesson that counterterrorism officials should take from Askary’s overseas stint is that terror returnees from any conflict zone should not be treated lightly. During their time abroad, they can be expected to have amassed a great amount of knowledge and combat experience. The networks forged with overseas groups would also be significant and these individuals would be the go-to people to establish links with other international terror groups should they seek a safe haven from their countries of origin. In the case of JI, it was reported that the group had spent 2.4 billion rupiah ($166,000) to send members to Syria to undergo military training from 2013 to 2018.

Clearly, the JI and its succeeding generation of jihadists and fighters remain relevant. The arrest of key JI leaders, including Para Wijayanto and his son, indicates that JI continues to be a persistent threat. Nonetheless, despite prioritizing the IS threat over JI for a while, Indonesia has refocused its operations on neutering the JI threat. These efforts are reinforced by the decades of experience gained in dealing with the JI. Therefore, the authorities must redeploy personnel experienced in combating the JI tactics and narratives to address the growing threat that it poses.

[Rakyan Adibrata is the Country Director of the International Association for Counter-Terrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP), Indonesia.]

[Jasminder Singh is a senior analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University.]

https://thediplomat.com/2023/02/237678/

Philippines, U.S. to hold biggest war games in years

 From Reuters (Feb 15, 2023): Philippines, U.S. to hold biggest war games in years

Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner speaks during a meeting with the media, at the Philippine Army headquarters, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 15, 2023. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

MANILA, Feb 15 (Reuters) - The Philippines and the United States will this year carry out their biggest joint military drills since 2015, Manila's army chief said on Wednesday, against a backdrop of growing tensions with China in the South China Sea.

The exercises underscore improved ties with the United States under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and come as the Philippines condemns China's "aggressive" actions in the disputed waterway, including its use of a "military-grade laser" against one of Manila's vessels earlier this month.

The annual 'Balikatan' exercises will be conducted in the second quarter and involve more than the previous year's 8,900 troops, army chief Romeo Brawner told reporters.

"All of these exercises that we are doing are in response to all types of threats that we may be facing in the future, both man-made and natural," Brawner said.

President Marcos on Tuesday summoned China's ambassador to express "serious concern" over the intensity and frequency of China's activities in the South China Sea, most of which China claims as its territory.

China's use of a laser against a Philippine vessel on Feb. 6, which its foreign ministry insists was legal, has sparked expressions of concerns and support from Australia, Japan, and the United States.

Washington "will redouble its efforts with our Philippine ally" to bolster the Philippine military and coast guard's defence capabilities "as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to uphold the rules-based international order," Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said on Twitter.
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The Philippines has granted Washington greater access to its military bases as part of the latter's efforts to deter China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and tension over self-ruled Taiwan.

In 2015, more than 11,000 troops from both countries participated in the joint military exercises.

"The exercises will involve a myriad of activities, not just focused on developing the war fighting capability of both armed forces, but also of the other non-traditional roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Brawner said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-us-hold-biggest-war-games-years-2023-02-15/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Karapatan ng dinakip ng PNP sa Cagayan, dapat kilalanin

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Karapatan ng dinakip ng PNP sa Cagayan, dapat kilalanin (Rights of those arrested by the PNP in Cagayan, must be recognized)

 

February 15, 2023

Nanawagan ang mga grupong tagapagtaguyod sa karapatang-tao na igalang ang karapatan ng isang dating estudyante ng De La Salle University (DLSU) na ayon sa ulat ng pulis ay nadakip sa isang labanan sa Baggao, Cagayan noong Pebrero 13 ng hapon.

Ayon sa grupong Karapatan-Cagayan Valley (CV), dapat igalang ng 5th ID at mga pulis ang karapatan ni Orion Yoshida—kombatant man siya o sibilyan—alinsunod sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) at International Humanitarian Law. Si Yoshida ay nagtapos ng kursong AB Political Science sa DLSU.

Ayon sa mga ulat, sumiklab ang labanan sa pagitan ng Armed Forces Philippines at Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Sityo Nangbaggayan, Barangay Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan noong Pebrero 13 ng hapon.

Iginiit ng Karapatan na dapat agarang bigyan ng medikal na atensyon at igalaang ang kanyang karapatan na malayang mabisita at makausap ng pamilya at piniling abugado. Dapat ding tiyakin na ligtas siya sa anumang banta ng harasment, tortyur (sikolohikal at pisikal), at intimidasyon.

Si Yoshida ay kasakuluyang nasa kustodiya ng AFP sa Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz Station Hospital sa Gamu, Isabela.

Nanawagan rin ang Karapatan-CV at ang pamilya sa Commission on Human Rights at International Committee of the Red Cross na agad puntahan at alamin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ni Yoshida sa poder ng militar. “Marami nang insidente ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang 5th Infantry Division sa mga sugatan, wala nang kakayahang lumaban, at mga sibilyan sa mga probinsya ng Cagayan Valley,” diin ng grupo.

Nananawagan ang grupo na alamin ang kalagayan ng mga residente ng apektadong komunidad. Sa paunang ulat, umabot sa 68 pamilya ang nagbakwit sa daycare center ng Barangay Sta. Margarita. Mayroon ding mga ulat ng mga nasirang pananim sa bahaging nilapagan ng helicopter ng militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/karapatan-ng-dinakip-ng-pnp-sa-cagayan-dapat-kilalanin/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagbabalik ng harapang klase sa UP, sinalubong ng protesta

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Pagbabalik ng harapang klase sa UP, sinalubong ng protesta (Return of face-to-face classes in UP, met with protest)

February 15, 2023

Ang muling pagbabalik sa harapang porma ng klase sa mga kampus ng University of the Philippines (UP) sa buong bansa ay sinalubong ng mga kilos-protesta ng mga iskolar ng bayan noong Pebrero 13. Binansagan nila itong ‘First Day Fight.’ Binuksan na ang mga kampus para sa harapang klase matapos ang ilang taong pagkakasara dulot ng pandemyang Covid-19.

Sa UP Diliman, nagmartsa ang mga iskolar ng bayan sa kampus sa pangunguna ng University Student Council (USC)-UP Diliman at mga progresibong organisasyong pangkampus. Ipinanawagan nila ang pagtataguyod ng libre, dekalidad, at pangmasang edukasyon para sa lahat. Liban dito, nagkaisa ang mga estudyante sa pagtataguyod ng kalayaang akademiko sa harap ng bantang panghihimasok ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado sa mga kampus ng UP.

Ipinabatid din ng mga grupo ng kabataan ang pagtutol sa mapanupil at pasistang pakanang ROTC o Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ng rehimeng Marcos. Nagsalita sa programa ang bagong luklok na presidente ng UP na si Atty. Angelo Jimenez.

Sa pahayag ni Latrell Felix, chairperson ng konseho ng mag-aaral, hinamon niya ang pamunuan ng UP na pahigpitin ang pakikipagkaisa sa komunidad nito para sa paglaban sa anumang banta sa kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan mula sa armadong pwersa ng rehimeng Marcos. Kabilang dito ang pagtatanggol sa kalayaang pang-akademiko, pagtitiyak ng tunay na representasyon ng mga mag-aaral at pagbibigay ng batayang serbisyo.

Sa UP Los Baños, nagprotesta ang mga estudyante at organisasyon sa Carabao Park sa loob ng kampus. Nagkaisa sila para sa panawagang dagdag-badyet sa unibersidad at pagtugon ng pamantasan sa kakulangan ng mga klase at pasilidad sa kampus. Matapos ang programa dito, nagmartsa ang ilampung iskolar ng bayan tungong UPLB Freedom Park.

Nagsalita sa programa sa Freedom Park si Siegfred Severino, rehente ng mga mag-aaral ng UP. Ang naturang protesta rin ang nagbukas sa inilulunsad na UP Los Baños February Fair na nagtatampok ng iba’t ibang isyung panlipunan.

Naglunsad din ng mga protesta ang mga kabataan at progresibong organisasyon sa UP Cebu, UP Manila, at UP Mindanao sa parehong araw. Binatikos ng mga kabataan sa mga protestang ito ang panunupil ng estado at walang tigil na red-tagging sa mga progresibo at ang mga neoliberal na patakaran sa edukasyon na nagpapahirap sa mga kabataan.

Nauna nang nagsagawa ng First Day Fight ang mga estudyante ng UP Baguio noong Pebrero 7 nang buksan ang klase sa kanilang kampus.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagbabalik-ng-harapang-klase-sa-up-sinalubong-ng-protesta/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Durog ang puso ng mga guro sa pagpapabaya ng DepEd

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Durog ang puso ng mga guro sa pagpapabaya ng DepEd (The teachers are heartbroken by DepEd's negligence)

 

February 15, 2023

Naglunsad ng protesta ang mga guro sa pangunguna ng kanilang unyon na Alliance of Concerned Teachers-National Capital Region (ACT-NCR) sa pambansang upisina ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa Pasig City kahapon, araw ng mga puso, para ipabatid kung gaanong kadurog ang kanilang puso sa pagbabaya ng ahensya sa kanilang kalagayan.

Hiling ng mga guro sa ahensya na dinggin ang kanilang mga panawagan para sa dagdag na sweldo, mga benepisyo tulad ng Performance Based Bonus para sa 2021 at Overtime Pay para sa nagdaang mga akademikong taon. Liban dito, giit nila ang pagbabawas ng mga trabaho sa pagtuturo at non-teaching na tungkulin ng mga guro sa eskwelahan.

Ayon sa ACT-NCR, ito ang “lagay ng kanilang mga puso” at kagyat nilang hiling ang “makabuluhan at mabilis” na aksyon ni DepEd Secretary VP Sara Duterte. “Tumaas ang presyo ng tinapay kahapon, mayroong inaasahang pagtaas ng pasahe sa LRT, at hindi magawang kontrolin ng gubyerno ang sumisirit na implasyon. Ang kailangan namin ay makabuluhang dagdag sweldo,” pahayag ni ACT NCR Union President Ruby Bernado.

Nagdala ng malalaking plakard na hugis puso ang mga guro sa kanilang protesta. Ipinakita ng mga plakard na ito ang “broken heart” dahil sa nakalulungkot na kalagayan ng sektor. Nagbuo rin sila ng malalaking karakter na hugis “SG15” gamit ang mga bulaklak na kanilang natanggap mula sa kani-kanilang mga estudyante bilang regalo sa araw ng mga puso. Simbolo ito ng panawagan nilang itaas sa Salary Grade 15 na entry-level na sweldo para sa mga bagong guro, mula sa kasalukuyang Salary Grade 11.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/durog-ang-puso-ng-mga-guro-sa-pagpapabaya-ng-deped/

CPP/NDF-KAGUMA: KAGUMA condemns unjust arrest of UP Diliman professor, calls for pushback against intensifying fascist attacks

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2023): KAGUMA condemns unjust arrest of UP Diliman professor, calls for pushback against intensifying fascist attacks

 


Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (Kaguma)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

February 15, 2023

The Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) condemns the unjust arrest of Melania Flores, a professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas and former national president of the All-UP Academic Employees Union. Flores was accosted by Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) last February 6, 2023, Monday late morning, in her own residence inside the premises of the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City.

KAGUMA condemns the concerted campaign of repression orchestrated against Flores, who was charged with “violating the Social Security Law” for allegedly failing to remit social security contributions to her former house helper. We find it to be the height of absurdity for the Social Security System (SSS) on its own initiative to go out of its way to file a court case against Flores while billions worth of non-remittances by labor-violating companies are left unchecked.

The PNP agents entered the campus without coordinating with the UP administration, violating the UP-DILG Accord that prohibits state forces from entering the UP campus without permission from university authorities. The PNP agents even used a ruse, pretending to be DSWD personnel in civilian clothing, to effect the arrest. All the while, Flores had not even received any subpoena or notices since the court order was issued last September 6, 2022.

The NTF-ELCAC has since joined the chorus to discredit and besmirch the name of Flores proving without any doubt the political motivation behind the absurd charges against Flores. It is clear that the brazen trampling of due process and the rights of Prof. Flores is but the latest fascist attack by state forces, in order to harass and intimidate progressive teachers and unionists.

KAGUMA calls on the academic community and the Filipino people to pushback against intensifying fascist attacks on academic freedom and people’s rights. Ultimately, the fascists wish to make an example of the unjust arrest of Flores as a warning that they can with impunity carry out vicious attacks against activists, progressives, and other dissenters.

The fascists intend to terrorize and paralyze patriotic and progressive educators and academic workers to stop them from exposing and teaching on the real oppressed conditions of Philippine society and from linking arms with the wider movement and struggles of workers and peasants across the country.

What these fascists fail to understand is that their machinations are bound to fail as repression pushes more and more people to resist and fight back against tyranny and oppression. State terrorism and fascism, also reminds people of the class character of the big comprador-landlord state and teaches them a lesson on the necessity of revolutionary collective action.

Defeat the fascist attacks of the US-Marcos regime!
Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kaguma-condemns-unjust-arrest-of-up-diliman-professor-calls-for-pushback-against-intensifying-fascist-attacks/

Kalinaw News: LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters

From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 15. 2023): LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters

LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters with the troops of the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Santa Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan on Monday, February 13.

The slain NPA combatants in the said encounters are yet to be identified. Recovered from the encounter site were one M4 Colt Commando Rifle, one Bushmaster Rifle, three pistols, six improvised explosive devices, one rifle grenade, M203 and RPG ammunitions, twelve M14 magazines, sixteen M16 magazines, five bandoliers, one Baofeng radio, one laptop, numerous cellphones, subversive documents, and other personal possessions of the armed group.

17th Infantry Battalion, PA
5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2185253011682706/2185252948349379/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: Salute to fallen hero

 From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 15. 2023): Salute to fallen hero

A valiant officer from the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division, 2LT NICO A MALCAMPO, gave true meaning to heroism and patriotism by fulfilling his avowed mandate up to his last dying breath fighting for peace.

He paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Barangay Ramay, Oas, Albay against the atrocities of the New People's Army.

We render our snappy salute for your faithful service to the nation. May your soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Almighty Father.

#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy

#ARMY125

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/a.449700745237950/2185279141680093/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

From Kalinaw News (Feb 15. 2023): 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – A total of Twenty-Five (25) former rebels received P10,000.00 pesos each of financial assistance from the City Task Force ELCAC, CSWDO and LGU of Himamaylan City in a simple ceremony held at the City Hall of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on February 14, 2023.

The implementation of the Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of DSWD, through the LGU of Himamaylan City intends to provide immediate support to the families affected by the local armed conflict who are displaced from their homes. Through this intervention, the former rebels received P10,000 each as capital in starting a small business to sustain their daily needs while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed. Through its Social Welfare and Development Office, the Himamaylan City government and the City TF-ELCAC also distributed hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping and kitchen kits to 25 FRs.

Himamaylan City Mayor Hon. Rogelio Tongson Jr graced the distribution of aid to FRs.

Members of the City Council, Mr. Wendell John Vallejera Executive Assistant, 303rd Brigade Commander Colonel Edgardo Edralin, 94IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Van Donald Almonte, Himamaylan City Deputy Chief of Police Major Randy Babor, Social Welfare and Development Officer Mrs. Ever Grace T Castro, and Mr Raymund Titong, Anchor Man of 100.5 CPSU Radyo Mascovado Sweet FM were also present during the activity.

In his message, Colonel Edralin lauded the unwavering support of the 94IB to former rebels and congratulated the former rebels for making the right decision in returning to the folds of the law. He stressed that they were just victims of the propaganda lies and deceptive recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The financial assistance extended by the local government unit and the City TF-ELCAC is solid proof that the Himamaylan LGU is sincere in its commitment to allow former rebels to start anew, reintegrate with the community, be able to live normal lives again and be united with their families and love ones. I also urge the former FRs to help us convince the remaining NPAs to return to the law’s folds and be with their families. The awarding of this financial and additional assistance is just one of the many future endeavours of the local government, and I thank the Himamaylan LGU for supporting the whole-of-nation approach to reduce and eradicate the insurgency in Central Negros. The Army strongly supports this initiative, and we welcome those who want to lay down their arms,” Colonel Edralin said.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/25-frs-in-himamaylan-receive-cash-aid-through-city-task-force-elcac/

China downplays envoy’s summoning over laser incident in West PH Sea

From Rappler (Feb 15, 2023): China downplays envoy’s summoning over laser incident in West PH Sea (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

The Chinese embassy says Ambassador Huang Xilian 'met' with President Marcos on how to implement the 'consensus reached' during Marcos' bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping in January, and related issues

MANILA, Philippines – China has downplayed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the China Coast Guard (CCG) deployed a military-grade laser against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement to media on Tuesday, February 14, China referred to Huang’s summoning as a mere meeting with Marcos.

“On February 14, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” the embassy said.

It was the first time for Marcos to summon a foreign envoy since he assumed office on June 30, 2022. The move marked one of the highest levels of protest against a foreign government.

It was also the third time Huang was summoned by the Philippine government since he assumed his post in Manila in December 2019, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) calling him to its headquarters twice, again over incidents related to the West Philippine Sea.

The Chinese embassy said Marcos and Huang discussed how to implement “consensus reached” by Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting in Beijing, as well as ways to strengthen dialogue and “properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines.”

Also present in Malacañang when Huang was summoned were Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The laser incident happened just over a month after Marcos’ state visit to China.

In filing a protest on Tuesday, the DFA pointed out that Marcos and Xi had agreed that the maritime dispute should be handled “through diplomacy and dialogue, without resorting to force and intimidation.”

The DFA, in its strongly-worded protest, had called China’s recent actions as “acts of aggression.”

The CCG’s harassment of the BRP Malapascua near Ayungin Shoal was also “disturbing and disappointing,” following Marcos state visit to China in January, the DFA added.

The February 6 laser incident caused “temporary blindness” to the BRP Malapascua’s crew at her bridge and had been accompanied by unsafe maneuvers against the PCG ship.

The PCG earlier said it was the second time China used a laser against its ships, with the first taking place in June 2022 against the BRP Habagat tugboat.

The CCG’s harassment of the BRP Malapascua has also fueled international backlash, with the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, and Germany calling on Beijing to abide by the 2016 Hague Ruling that struck down China’s expansive nine-dash-line in the South China Sea as illegal.

MUST READ
US backs Philippines in laser dispute with China

Manila has filed at least 75 diplomatic protests against Beijing under the Marcos government.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/china-statement-marcos-jr-summoning-ambassador-laser-incident-west-philippine-sea-february-2023/

China laser incident vs PH fuels international support for 2016 Hague ruling

From Rappler (Feb 15, 2023): China laser incident vs PH fuels international support for 2016 Hague ruling (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

Strengthening international support for the Philippines' landmark arbitral award is crucial in efforts to enforce the award

MANILA, Philippines – China’s recent use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in the West Philippine Sea has prompted foreign governments to renew calls for Beijing to comply with the 2016 landmark arbitral award.

The United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark were among countries which expressed serious concern over China’s “dangerous” and “provocative” actions, the latest of which saw a China Coast Guard ship aim a military-grade laser at the BRP Malapascua.

China’s actions caused “temporary blindness” lasting some 10 to 15 seconds among crew at the BRP Malapascua, and had been accompanied by unsafe maneuvers by the CCG ship, the PCG said.

Foreign governments condemned this, calling China’s actions “intimidatory.” The Philippines, filing a protest, called Beijing’s moves as “acts of aggression.”

MUST READ
Marcos summons China envoy over laser incident

Countries that have spoken out on the issue raised the 2016 Hague ruling filed and won by the Philippines and called on China to comply with the “final and legally binding” award.

“As a party to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), the PRC (Peoples’ Republic of China must comply with its obligations, including notable, the 2-16 SCS (South China Sea) arbitration decision,” Canada said.

The Hague ruling asserted Manila’s rights in waters in the West Philippine Sea and ruled that China’s expansive nine-dash-line had no legal basis.

Despite this, China has continued to ignore the ruling, which had “no effect” on its assertive claims in the disputed waterway.
What countries are saying

Reacting to the incident, the US backed the Philippines and reiterated that its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty covered any attack on Philippine vessels, including PCG ships, in South China Sea.

Japan called on China to respect International law and expressed its opposition to actions that increased tensions in the volatile waterway.

Canada expressed “firm and unwavering” support for the Philippines and called out China’s “coercive” actions.

Germany and the United Kingdom expressed their commitment to UNCLOS and both asserted the finality of the 2016 arbitral award.

Denmark also expressed support for the Philippines, saying “all steps toward militarization of disputes is a threat to regional peace and security.”

Enforcing the ruling

Renewed support for the Philippines’ landmark legal victory is crucial in efforts to enforce the arbitral award.

Experts have often called on countries in both Southeast Asia and other parts of the world to support the Hague ruling, saying international pressure on China to abide by the award was one way of preserving international law in the disputed waters.

Bolstering international support for the award was also essential for the Philippines, after former president Rodrigo Duterte downplayed the ruling during his six-year term in favor of fostering warm ties with China.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier vowed to uphold the ruling and had declared that his government will not give up “even a single square inch of Philippine territory” to any foreign power. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/china-laser-incident-vs-philippines-international-support-2016-hague-ruling-west-philippine-sea/

Classes suspended in all levels in Cotabato town following shooting of school children

Posted to MindaNews (Feb 15, 2023): Classes suspended in all levels in Cotabato town following shooting of school children (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 15 Feb)—Mayor Sumulong K. Sultan of the municipality of Pikit in Cotabato province has suspended classes in all levels in the area following a shooting incident on Wednesday that victimized school children.

Municipality of Pikit, Cotabato Province. Map courtesy of Google

Col. Harold Ramos, provincial police director of Cotabato, said it appears that four gunmen using high-powered firearms were involved in the shooting.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, meanwhile, called for an investigation into the spate of killings in Pikit, worried that some quarters wanted it to appear that there is a feud between Christians and Muslims in the municipality.

Reports circulating on social media said Fahad Dianalan Guintawan, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student of Pikit National High School and a resident of Sitio Tambak Barangay Gli-gli, was killed in a shooting incident around 2 p.m. Two of his companions were reportedly wounded—one was identified only as Jinwar, aged 12; and the other a still unidentified 11-year-old.

The municipal police station, however, mentioned nothing about the killing of a student in its Facebook post titled “Stop the killing” late afternoon Tuesday. The police post only said it “strongly condemn[ed] the shooting incident” at Barangay Gli-Gli in Pikit that victimized two minor students, one suffering fatal injury, and the other non-fatal.

The students were residents of Barangay Macabual in Pikit, police said.

Mayor Sultan, in his post Tuesday evening, said the cancellation of classes will be from Wednesday until Friday in all levels in the elementary, high school and college.

“Bunga ito ng ilang insidenteng naglagay sa panganib sa buhay ng mga inosente at ilang kabataang estudyante (This is due to the incident that endangered the lives of innocent and young students),” he said.

In Sultan’s Executive Order No. 3, series of 2023, the mayor noted the “series of shooting and killing incidents that transpired this month of February, involving innocent civilians and students, which can be construed as retaliation of unknown culprits that resulted in uncertainties to both Muslims and Christians that might be victimized by these senseless killings.”

The municipal police also published another “stop the killing” post hours earlier, involving Jose Neri Gonzales, in another “shooting incident that transpired at Brgy. Inug-ug.”

Ramos told MindaNews over mobile phone Wednesday night that they are still interviewing the wounded students and their relatives.

He said one of the victims was still in the hospital.

Ramos said they are strengthening some more their “Oplan Kapkap Bakal Sita,” which is checking on suspicious characters if they carry firearms. He said that in areas they deem to be critical, they are deploying troops to set up additional checkpoints to prevent similar incidents.

The night before the shooting incident, heavy gun fires could be heard in the downtown area due to clashes near the villages of Calawag and Balong. A day before the incident, a security guard was killed.

Ebrahim, in a press conference Wednesday, said they have already composed a task force to investigate the killings in Pikit.

“It appears that some people want to make this appear as between Muslims and Christians,” he said. “We don’t want this because this was what happened in the 1960s,” Ebrahim added.

Incidents of killings in Pikit peaked before the election last year.

During peace building summits, it was found out that several layers of conflicts were monitored in the said town, including rido (clan war) of rival clans, armed groups and local political rivalry.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has given instruction to security sectors to give importance to the peace and stability in Pikit and the other Special Geographic Areas in the BARMM.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/classes-suspended-in-all-levels-in-cotabato-town-following-shooting-of-school-children/

Marcos summons Chinese envoy over 'military-grade laser' incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2023): Marcos summons Chinese envoy over 'military-grade laser' incident (By Azer Parrocha)

DIALOGUE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian (left) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023). Marcos summoned the Chinese envoy over the latest reported harassment of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel of its Philippine counterpart at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 6. (Courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in Malacañang on Tuesday and discussed the reported harassment made by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship toward a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 6.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos raised his “serious concern” over China’s dangerous activity.

“The President summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian this afternoon to express his serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions by China against the Philippine Coast Guard and our Filipino fishermen in their bancas, the latest of which was the deployment of a military-grade laser against our Coast Guard vessels,” the PCO said.

In a separate statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Marcos and Huang "exchanged views on how to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines."

Defense officer-in-charge Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo were also at the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed its eighth diplomatic protest this year before the Chinese Embassy in Manila, calling on Beijing to “cease and desist” its aggressive activities against Philippine vessels.

The diplomatic note “condemned the shadowing, harassment, dangerous maneuvers, directing of military-grade laser, and illegal radio challenges” by CCG vessel 5205 against the PCG vessel, BRP Malapascua.

The DFA asserted that the CCG’s actions constituted a threat to Philippine sovereignty and security as a state, and are infringements of its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

DFA spokesperson, Ma. Teresita Daza, said the “acts of aggression” are both “disturbing and disappointing” as it closely follows the January bilateral summit between Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders agreeing to manage maritime differences through diplomacy and dialogue.

During Marcos' state visit to China, he and Xi agreed to establish a “direct communications line” on concerns related to the South China Sea in the West Philippine Sea to prevent any miscommunication between the two countries.

However, he said this hotline should not stop them from filing protests or sending notes verbales.

In another statement, Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson, said the “provocative and unsafe” use of military-grade laser light interfered with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Ayungin Shoal.

On Monday, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended China’s action, saying the PCG vessel "intruded” into the waters “without Chinese permission."

Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group, which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as its EEZ and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

It is located about 105 nautical miles off Palawan, Philippines, well within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195226