1 hurt in Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): 1 hurt in Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

GRENADE BLAST. Police closed off the main entrance of the Husky Bus private terminal in Cotabato City after unidentified men threw a hand grenade at 5 a.m. on July 31, 2023. A barker at the terminal was hurt in the incident. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radio Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – A “barker” was hurt after unidentified men on board a motorbike tossed a hand grenade at the main entrance of a bus terminal here Monday morning, police said.

Maj. John Vincent Bravo, police station 2 chief, said the blast occurred at about 5 a.m. at the gate of Husky Bus terminal on the national highway in Esteros District here.

Grenade shrapnel also damaged a passenger van parked outside the terminal compound.

Witnesses said they heard a motorbike speeding away from the bus terminal followed by a loud explosion.

No one has claimed responsibility, but investigators believed the grenade attack was not meant to hurt but to threaten the bus firm that had been receiving extortion demands from lawless elements.

The victim, whose name was withheld pending investigation, was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for minor injuries.

On May 31, three improvised explosive devices were planted at the same bus terminal that bomb experts safely detonated while the city was hosting the Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s sports competition.

On April 17 this year, at least six passengers were hurt after an improvised explosive device went off inside a new double-decker bus at the public terminal in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Police have filed charges for frustrated murder against about 15 men, mostly from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in nearby Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces, in connection with the Isulan bus bomb attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206810

Suspected NPA rebel falls in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Suspected NPA rebel falls in MisOr (By Nef Luczon)

DETAINED. A suspected communist rebel, Rubin Paylares Bago, is currently detained at the Gingoog City Police Office in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental. Bago was captured after a pursuit operation by the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (July 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Gingoog CPO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Government troops captured a suspected communist rebel in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, over the weekend, an Army official said Monday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Christian Uy, the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the suspect as Rubin Palyares Bago, an alleged member of the New People’s Army Regional Operations Command of the Northern Central Mindanao Committee (NCMRC).

Bago, of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, was nabbed Sunday night in Sitio Minlanag, Barangay Lawaan while in possession of anti-personnel mines inside his backpack.

Following his capture, Bago was brought to the Gingoog City Police Office for the filing of rebellion-related charges and other violations of the law against him.

Uy said Bago was captured with the help of the community in the sitio through a concerned citizen.

"We reiterate our call to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender before it is too late or else end up with the same fate as Dionesio Micabalo who was killed in a recent encounter with our troops,” he said.

Uy was referring to the recent death of Micabalo, the NCMRC secretary, in a July 26 encounter with the 58IB in Barangay Libertad.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206780

Viscom targets ranking NPAs to support PBBM amnesty offer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Viscom targets ranking NPAs to support PBBM amnesty offer (By John Rey Saavedra)

The Headquarters of the Visayas Command in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. (PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY - The Visayas Command (Viscom) on Monday vowed to sustain focused military operations against officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in the central Philippines to support the amnesty offered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, said while soldiers in the Visayas sustain the momentum in neutralizing communist rebels, they find the need to pressure ranking CPP-NPA members to surrender and avail of the amnesty.

"With the pronouncement of our President to grant amnesty to former rebels, we will sustain our relentless focused military operations to pressure the ranks of the CPP-NPA for them to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law," Arevalo said in a statement.

Viscom's public information officer, Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, said these ranking officials operate under one remaining guerrilla front active in Northern Samar.

"What we are sure about is that the members of this guerrilla front are in low morale, considering the fall of the two of their leaders in recent security operations," Galorio told the Philippine News Agency.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said his administration is dedicated to implementing reintegration programs for former combatants.

The President said he would issue a Proclamation to complete the reintegration process and asked Congress for their support.

Arevalo, meanwhile, said they remain committed to the mandate of ending the local communist armed conflict as soon as possible.

He urged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in the Visayas to heed the call of the national government for peace, unity, and reconciliation.

He said a wide array of assistance is waiting for the rebels who would lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law via the whole-of-government approach to addressing local communist armed conflict.

The Army official also said military personnel in the Visayas are busy collaborating with the public and private stakeholders, especially the Commission on Elections as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) nears.

"This is also our way of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the upcoming BSKE in the region by preventing the CPP-NPA from sowing terror and threat to our people to generate funds and install individuals affiliated with the terrorist group," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206823

State troopers kill NPA leader in Quezon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30, 2023): State troopers kill NPA leader in Quezon (By DANNY ESTACIO)

SARIAYA, Quezon – A New People’s Army leader was gunned down when he opened fire at government forces serving warrants of arrest on Sunday morning, July 30, in Barangay Lutucan Malabag, this town.

Sariaya police chief Police Major Romar Pacis identified the communist rebel as Isagani Isita, alias “Alkin,” “Sid,” “Gani,” and “Shoge,” 42, a resident of Barangay Banana, Padre Garcia, Batangas.

Pacis said the police and military arrived in the area to implement five warrants of arrest against the suspect for various criminal cases issued by the courts in Occidental Mindoro, Rosario, Batangas; Tanauan City, Batangas, and Batangas City.

Pacis said Isita fired at lawmen who retaliated and wounded him.

Isita was taken to a hospital in Candelaria, this province, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authotiries said the suspect is a vice platoon leader of Sinag 2, team leader of Tax Implementing Unit, Sub-Regional Military Area 4C, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (SRMA4C-STRPC), affiliated with Bayan Batangas, leader of Bayan Muna-Batangas, acting secretary general and spokesperson of Defend-Batangas, and member, Wacom-Batangas, in 2008.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/29/state-troopers-kill-npa-leader-in-quezon

Army troops encounter rebels in Cagayan amid typhoon relief op

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30, 2023): Army troops encounter rebels in Cagayan amid typhoon relief op (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

Philippine Army (PA) personnel from the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) have figured in an armed encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while they were conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation in Lasam, Cagayan amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Egay”, the NolCom revealed on Sunday, July 30.

Troops from the Philippine Army's 17th Infantry Battalion recover various firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings after an encounter with alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Sicalao, Lasam, Cagayan on July 27, 2023. (Courtesy of Northern Luzon Command)

Maj. Al Anthony Pueblas, acting chief of NolCom public information office, said members of the 17th Infantry Battalion were on an HADR deployment in Barangay Sicalao last July 27 when one villager spotted at least 15 armed men in a mountainous area of the community.

The 17th IB then deployed personnel to initiate security operations and cover their comrades who were conducting HADR operation. This triggered a 20-minute gunbattle, Pueblas said.

Pueblas identified the armed men as members of the NPA’s Cagayan Provincial Committee (KomProb Cagayan) and Cagayan Valley Regional Committee (Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley) led by a certain Edgar Bautista alias “Ka Simoy,” the alleged secretary of the West Front Committee of KomProb Cagayan.

No casualty was recorded on both sides but Pueblas noted that stains of blood were left on the trail where the rebels escaped.

The troops also recovered an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, two shotgun ammunitions, two rifle grenades, 40 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, three backpacks, three claymore mines, four magazines, one hand grenade, and commercial radio at the encounter site.

Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, NolCom commander, thanked the concerned citizen who reported the sighting to the military.

“The willingness and active cooperation of the residents and the community to end the local communist armed conflict led to the success of this operation,” he said.

He also commended the troops and reaffirmed his commitment to continue the HADR operations for the victims of Egay in Cagayan.

“No compromises will be made in addressing security challenges. The gains scored against the CTG [communist terrorist group] manifest the military's intensified efforts in pursuit of peace, security and development in Northern Luzon,” Buca said.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/30/army-troops-encounter-rebels-in-cagayan-amid-typhoon-relief-op

Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack leaves barker injured

From NDBC News (Jul 31, 2023): Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack leaves barker injured (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)

GRENADE BLAST. Police cordoned off the main entrance of Husky Bus private terminal in Cotabato City after unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at about 5 a.m. on Monday, July 31. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida)

COTABATO CITY – Unidentified men on board a motorbike tossed a hand grenade at the main entrance of bus terminal here that injured a barker, police said.

Maj. John Vincent Bravo, police station 2 chief, said The blast occurred at about 5 a.m. at the gate of Husky Bus terminal along national highway, Esteros district, Cotabato City.

Grenade shrapnel also damaged a passenger van parked outside the terminal compound.

Witnesses said they heard a speeding motorbike away from the bus terminal followed by a loud explosion.

No one has claimed responsibility but investigators believed the grenade attack was not meant to hurt but to threaten the bus firm that had been receiving extortion demands from lawless elements.

The wounded barker was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for minor injuries.

Due to today’s blast, the bus first trip that was supposed to leave for Gen. Santos City before 6 a.m. was delayed while the bomb experts conduct post blast probe.

Last May 31, three improvised explosive devices were planted in the same bus terminal here that bomb experts safely detonated while the city was hosting Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s (BARMMAA) sports regional competition.

On April 17 this year, at least six passengers were hurt after an improvised explosive went off inside a new double-decker bus at the public terminal in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Police have filed charges for frustrated murder against about 15 men, mostly from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao provinces.

https://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/cotabato-bus-terminal-grenade-attack-leaves-barker-injured

Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao

From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 31, 2023): Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao (By Victor Reyes)

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr yesterday said the military is optimistic it will achieve “total victory” in the fight against terrorist groups in Mindanao this year.

In a radio interview, Brawner said there had been kidnap-for-ransom activity in the past two years due to intensified military operations against these terrorist organizations.

Brawner also said terrorists in Mindanao are no longer that many. He did not give figures but sources said the number could be in the range of 100 to 200.

“That’s why, as you can see, especially in the areas of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, it’s been more than two years now that we’ve not heard of any kidnap-for-ransom (incident),” said Brawner.

Several terrorist groups are operating in Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a number of kidnapping cases and even beheading of kidnap victims.

“There were many kidnap-for-ransom cases reported before. “In fact, many foreigners fell victim,” said Brawner.

“But for more than two years now, there are no more such incidents because of the military operations we are conducting. Many of them were neutralized. Many of them died but more of them surrendered,” said Brawner.

“That is why we are very optimistic that by the end of the year, we are going to defeat them, we will achieve total victory against all of these terrorist groups,” he said.

Last week, President Marcos Jr lifted the state of emergency national emergency in Mindanao. Former President Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of emergency in 2016 due to a spate of violent and lawless acts, including kidnappings and bombings, committed by different terrorist groups.

Brawner said soldiers will maintain presence in key areas in Mindanao to attain “sustainable peace.”

“We are not going to be satisfied with the neutralization of these threat groups. We have to sustain our gains. So what will happen is that soldiers will continue their presence in these area and contribute to the whole of nation approach (in achieving peace),” he said.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/military-sees-total-victory-vs-terrorists-in-mindanao/

Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of farmer captured

From the Manila Times (Jul 31, 2023): Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of farmer captured (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Police are holding a suspected Abu Sayyaf man linked to the kidnap-slay of a farmer here in April 2009 with officials saying the suspect is a relative of an Abu Sayyaf commander in the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokesman, confirmed on Saturday, July 29, 2023, the capture of Muhamad Akbar Bakil in the village of Buenavista. She said the 63-year-old Bakil is a relative of Wahab Bakil, an Abu Sayyaf subleader in Basilan's Sumisip town; and Ben Mungkay, also an Abu Sayyaf member whose group is operating in Zamboanga City.

Chang added that joint Zamboanga and Basilan police forces armed with warrants swooped down on Friday, July 28, on Bakil's hideout and arrested him. Policemen also seized a.45-caliber pistol and ammunition from Bakil.

"The search warrant was served in the presence of two village officials from Buenavista. The subject person is allegedly involved in a kidnapping that transpired on April 25, 2009 in Buenavista," she said, referring to the kidnapping of Doroteo Gonzales, then 61.

Gonzales' captors spirited him to Basilan where he was beheaded a month after his kidnapping in the town of Akbar when his family failed to pay P25-million ransom. Since then, several of Bakil's cohorts had been captured separately in Zamboanga and Basilan. There was no immediate statement from Gonzales' family over this latest development.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/31/regions/sayyaf-in-kidnap-slay-of-farmer-captured/1903198

Exercise Pagsasama 2023 enhances interagency operations, reserve force

From Palawan News (Jul 31, 2023): Exercise Pagsasama 2023 enhances interagency operations, reserve force (By Gerald Ticke)

The country continues to hone the skills of its reserve units as the Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces West, hosts Exercise Pagsasama 2023, with the focus on utilizing its reservists and other auxiliary reserve units as force multipliers in maritime security and interagency operations.

Exercise Pagsasama 2023, which started last Saturday, July 29, aims to continually evaluate the extent of the navy’s interoperability with the reserve force and has the objective of enhancing their capability and testing their integration with the regular force for conducting amphibious operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), and other duties and missions.

This year’s Exercise Pagsasama, which will run until August 4, will focus on Maritime Security Operations (MARSEC), HADR, and Civil-Military Operations (CMO).

During the opening ceremony, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, Brig. Gen. Doroteo Jose Jalandoni, emphasized the need for further development of the AFP reserve corps to stand alongside the regular force in addressing the actual security and defense needs of the country.

“The concept of an AFP total force shall be a capable professional regular force supported by an operationally ready and responsive AFP reserve. That’s why naval and joint exercises that involve the reserve force is very important for developing the AFP,” Jalandoni said.

He further stated that the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Retirees and Reservist Affairs (OJ9) is currently designing a progressive six-year reserve force development plan from 2023 to 2028 that will pursue a more propulsive reserve force development.

Jalandoni explained that, with the development plan, the AFP aims to conduct more mobilization exercises for reservists to be incorporated with regular forces in order to prepare them in case the need arises for them to join active duties.

“Aside from the plans and policy development efforts, we also facilitate the conduct of mobilization exercise that will evolve into a joint training exercise to improve the readiness and capabilities of our ready reserve and affiliated reserve units,” he said.

“Thus, this undertaking is timely and fundamental as it will test and constantly improve the operational readiness and interoperability of our naval reservists with the regular force,” he added.

Furthermore, he said that the conduct of regular mobilization exercises will also familiarize reservists and allow them to engage in various scenarios resembling emerging challenges in the country’s maritime domain. This provides them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, learning and progressing from past training activities and exercises.

“Moreover, this will develop the needed capabilities to ensure the interoperability and seamless integration of the reservists into the regular force when the need arises,” he said.

Meanwhile, Navforwest commander Commodore Allan Javier said Exercise Pagsasama will involve a series of trainings on shipboard operations where reservists will be boarding navy vessels to train them in navigational duties.

This is to familiarize them and then when time comes that there will be a calamity that we will need to land our regular force and it is augmented by our reserve force where we will be conducting medical procedures using our assets in order to deploy navy, marines and reservists in a literal environment to be able to relieve our citizenry,” Javier said.

https://palawan-news.com/exercise-pagsasama-2023-enhances-interagency-operations-reserve-force/#google_vignette

Grenade explodes outside Cotabato terminal

From Rappler (Jul 31, 2023): Grenade explodes outside Cotabato terminal (By FERDINANDH CABRERA)

Police suspect an extremist group into extortion is behind the explosion in BARMM's regional capital

COTABATO, Philippines – A grenade went off outside a bus terminal in Cotabato City, before 6 am on Monday, July 31.

Police said a man who works as a barker was wounded after being hit by a splinter.

In May, bomb experts detonated at least three crude bombs at the bus terminal hours before the start of the Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s (BARMMAA) fourth regional competitions in the city.

Major John Vincent Bravo, a police precinct chief, said the explosion at the main gate of the Husky Bus Terminal delayed the first bus trip from Cotabato to General Santos City.

The passengers are all safe, said Bravo.

In recent months, police said the company’s buses and terminal have been targeted by an extremist group that has resorted to extortion to raise funds for their causes.

Police suspected that Monday’s explosion was part of attempts to pressure the bus company to give in to the group’s demands.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/grenade-explodes-cotabato-city-terminal-july-31-2023/

2 rebels killed in Leon encounter

From Panay News (Jul 31, 2023): 2 rebels killed in Leon encounter (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a gun battle with government troops on Saturday, July 29, in Sitio Pagas, Barangay Ayabang, Leon, Iloilo.

John Eric “Blue” Talibo of Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo and Jennifer “Hope” Fariolan of Barangay Cabala-unan, Miag-ao, Iloilo were allegedly the squad leader and finance taxation implementor, respectively, of the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, KR-Panay.

Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said the encounter occurred around 6:20 a.m. and lasted five minutes.

An improvised M16 rifle, two shotguns, one .45 pistol, anti-personnel mines, six blasting caps, one detonating switch, one NPA flag and four backpacks containing extortion letters and valuable subversive documents were recovered.

“This encounter served as a resounding confirmation that ending the decades-long insurgency is a collective responsibility. The support and cooperation of the people have thwarted the NPA’s extortion activities,” said Samson./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/2-rebels-killed-in-leon-encounter/

NPA unit head nabbed in Himamaylan City

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31, 2023): NPA unit head nabbed in Himamaylan City (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An alleged commanding officer of the New People’s Army Yunit Militia was apprehended on July 28 in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, during a Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation (JEMPO) of the police and military, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Walter Zorilla.

The arrested suspect identified as Lodorico But-ay, alias Jude, was tagged by the police and military as the commanding officer of Yunit Militia in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

According to the 94th Infantry Battalion, But-ay was denied bail by Judge Zorilla, the presiding judge of Himamaylan Regional Trial Curt Branch 55, due to being charged with rape.

Troopers of the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company also apprehended Jesus Mahinay, with aliases of Kit, Suli and Jose, by virtue of an arrest warrant for the crime of homicide, at Purok 4 in Brgy. San Antonio, also in Himamaylan City.

The apprehension of Mahinay, 43, of Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, also yielded a hand grenade, according to a report of the Himamaylan City Police Station.

The court recommended P120,000 bail for his temporarily release from jail.

Troopers of the 2nd NOCPMFC were assisted by the 94IB, 604th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and other law enforcement agencies in the serving of arrest warrant issued to Mahinay.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said the successful operations serves as a testament to the continuous commitment of law enforcement agencies and the military in ensuring public safety and upholding the law.*

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-unit-head-nabbed-in-himamaylan-city/

Former NPA rebel inches way to becoming soldier

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31, 2023): Former NPA rebel inches way to becoming soldier (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Former rebel-turned CAFGU member James Durimon with 1Lt. Analyn Lonjawon, who attended his graduation on July 28 in Escalante City.* PA photo

Former rebel James “Ka Joros” Durimon is on his way to his dream of becoming a member of the Philippine Army, as he completed on July 28 his Basic Education, through the efforts of the 79th Infantry Battalion and the Department of Education.

Ka Joros was among the 212 K-to-12 graduates from 21 barangays of Escalante City, who attended the graduation rites and completion ceremony held at a coliseum in Hacienda Fe, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Now serving as a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, the achievement of Ka Joros, who previously surrendered to the 79IB, serves a stepping stone for him to continue serving his country, in order to become a qualified enlistment in the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, according to 1Lt. Analyn Lonjawon, the battalion Civil Military Operations officer.

The former rebel expressed his gratitude to the continued support of 79IB and his “Ate Glen,” also a former rebel, who is now a regular member of the Philippine Army, whom he described as his “mentor and adviser.”

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commanding officer, also congratulated Ka Joros, whose perseverance and sacrifices to secure a better future for himself and his family, will serve as a “call” to the remaining rebels to surrender, lay down their arms, and pursue their education to secure brighter future as they return to the mainstream of society.*

https://visayandailystar.com/former-npa-rebel-inches-way-to-becoming-soldier/

Grant of amnesty to former rebels: a long wait from Duterte to Marcos

From MindaNews (Jul 31, 2023): Grant of amnesty to former rebels: a long wait from Duterte to Marcos (By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 July) – In his State of the Nation (SONA) last Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, a move that is long overdue because the year-long period for application in the amnesty proclamations of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had lapsed in January this year.

“For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views known and felt. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development,” Marcos said during his SONA.

He said his administration has incorporated capacity-building and social protection into its reintegration programs to guarantee full decommissioning of former combatants. Community development and livelihood programs, the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs “have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside,” he added.

To complete the reintegration process, Marcos vowed to “issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. Malacanang Photo

Marcos has not issued the Proclamation as of Sunday, July 30. “It might be out this August,” Galvez told MindaNews on Sunday, adding that “language is being finalized.”

“What is good is that we have already the guidance from the President and we have now a working National Amnesty Commission,” he said.

Long wait

For members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other revolutionary groups, it has been a long wait for amnesty, from the Duterte administration to Marcos Jr. administration.

On February 5, 2021, President Duterte signed Proclamations 1090, 1091, 1092 and 1093, granting amnesty to members of the MILF (1090) and MNLF (1091), the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa – Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (1092) and the “communist terrorist group” (1093), “who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws” such as rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, among others.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in a military formation at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Applications for the grant of amnesty in the four proclamations, however, were to be filed with the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) within one year from the effectivity of the Proclamations. The Proclamations took effect on January 24, 2022. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives concurred on Proclamations 1090, 1091 and 1092. Only the House of Representatives concurred on Proclamation 1093.

Under Article VII, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, a presidential amnesty proclamation takes effect only upon the concurrence of a majority of all the members of Congress.

Duterte issued Executive Order 125 creating the NAC on the same day he signed the four amnesty proclamations. The NAC is tasked with receiving and processing applications for amnesty and determining whether the applicants are entitled to amnesty under the four proclamations.

But Duterte, the first Mindanawon to rule the nation, stepped down as President on June 30, 2022 without constituting the NAC.

Marcos constituted the NAC only in February 2023, when the year-long period for amnesty application had already lapsed a month earlier.

The NAC is chaired by Atty. Leah Tanodra-Armamento with Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic and Atty. Jamar Kulayan as commissioners. Armamento was a former member of the legal team of the government peace panel in the negotiations with the MILF.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. thanked the President for his unwavering support to the Bangsamoro and for helping former rebels in their transformation process.

“What we have witnessed in today’s SONA is President Marcos’ genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation,” Galvez said after the SONA.

In a press statement, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps partylist, said Marcos’ amnesty plan is “an act of grace that will help heal the nation.”

“Forgiveness is necessary in conflict resolution. We are in full favor of the President’s amnesty plan. It is an act of grace that will help heal the nation,” Libanan said.

Extend application period

On July 18, six days before Marcos’ SONA, several members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) called on the President to extend the application period for the grant of amnesty to the MILF and MNLF as the deadline was last January 24.

He said they hope Marcos will grant a blanket amnesty to qualified applicants

“We are asking the President to extend the application for amnesty for MILF and MNLF members. The granting of amnesty will help sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Deputy Parliament Speaker Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. said in a hybrid press conference livestreamed from Cotabato City.

“We appeal to President Marcos to extend and fully complete the amnesty program in the spirit of unity,” Deputy Floor Leader Mary Ann Arnado said.

Arnado noted that amnesty is part of the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement signed by government and the MILF in 2014.

The Annex on Normalization provides that in order to “facilitate the healing of the wounds of conflict and the return to normal life,” Government shall take “immediate steps through amnesty, pardon and other available processes towards the resolution of cases of persons charged with or convicted of crimes and offenses connected to the armed conflict in Mindanao.”

“By granting them blanket amnesty (for waging an armed revolution against the government), you remove the sword hanging over their heads that they can be arrested anytime. Amnesty is about forgiveness,” Arnado said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, 2023. According to the 1987 Constitution, Presidential proclamations granting amnesty require the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Malacanang Photo

In response, the NAC welcomed the recommendation of the BTA members on the extension of the application period but noted that the amnesty proclamations enumerated the specific crimes that are the subject of amnesty.

“Blanket amnesty… will obliterate criminal liabilities for crimes committed by private individuals with self-serving interests. Consequently, this will have an adverse impact on the nation’s quest for justice,” Armamento said.

Armamento and Commissioner Kulayan attended the Stakeholders’ Forum on the Bangsamoro Amnesty in the MILF’s Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao del Norte last Thursday, three days after Marcos’ SONA. The Commission touched base with MILF base commanders and BTA members.

According to the Proclamations, amnesty shall not be granted to those who have already been proscribed or those charged under RA 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007) or RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Amnesty, according to the Proclamations, “shall not cover kidnap for ransom massacre, rape, terrorism, and other rimes committcd against chastity .. crimes committed for personal ends, violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be amnestied such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances and other gross violations of human rights.”

Before the NAC was constituted, the Action for Advancement and Development of Mindanao (AFADMin, Inc.), a Cotabato City-based Moro youth-led organization submitted to the MILF’s Peace Implementing Panel on October 4, 2022 in Cotabato City, a total of 523 application folders for amnesty, mostly from within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The applicants filled out forms “that contain validation from the chain of commands of the MILF. This is for purposes of making sure that only bona fide members can be granted under 1090,” the AFADMIN said.

The folders were turned over to the MILF Peace Implementing Panel “for further processing” and later for submission to the NAC. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2023/07/grant-of-amnesty-to-former-rebels-a-long-wait-from-duterte-to-marcos/

96 families flee as armed group burns tribal worship hall in Maguindanao Sur

From MindaNews (Jul 30, 2023): 96 families flee as armed group burns tribal worship hall in Maguindanao Sur (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (July 30) — At least 96 Teduray families in Sitio Nunagen, Barangay Blanting in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur fled their homes Wednesday night after armed men stormed their village and burned a tribal worship hall.

“Their tenines or Tribal Worship Hall was burned, the people left the area for fear of their lives,” Member of the Parliament Froilyn Mendoza, a Teduray who represents the Non-Moro Indigenous Groups in the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said.

Displaced residents sought shelter in Barangay Biarong, South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur.

Some of the 96 Teduray families who fled their homes in Barangay Blanting in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur Wednesday night after armed men stormed their village and burned a tribal worship hall. They sought shelter in Barangay Biarong, South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur. Photo courtesy of MP Froilyn Mendoza

Mendoza, who also serves as women empowerment and tribal rights leader for the Teduray and Lambangian Indigenous Peoples said the reason behind the attack was that “the armed men don’t like the new installed leader in the area.”

MindaNews asked the provincial police command for details but it has not responded as of 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency on Disaster Incidence (READi) immediately sent food and relief assistance to the affected families. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/07/96-families-flee-as-armed-group-burns-tribal-worship-hall-in-maguindanao-sur/