From InterAksyon (Nov 3): US use of PH as major spy hub is reason enough to abrogate VFA, say critics
The Philippine government should immediately abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and other military pacts with the United States (US) after reports confirmed that Washington has been using Manila as major spy hub in the region, the militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said in a statement Sunday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense have yet to verify reports of the Australian media that exposed that the Philippines has been used by Washington's National Security Agency (NSA) for US intelligence units tracking communications networks in Asia.
"President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and officials of the defense and foreign affairs department are well informed about the covert operations of Washington DC in the Philippines, including these intelligence-gathering escapades of NSA and therefore they are crime partners of imperial America in Asia. They should all be held accountable for rated A violation of people's sovereignty. But for the meantime, the most immediate thing to do is to abrogate the VFA and nullify other existing military pacts with Washington DC," said Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France.
The Pamalakaya official said the Philippine Senate's committees on defense and foreign affairs should conduct parallel investigation on the report that NSA is using the Philippines as a major spy hub in Asia to monitor political forces and entities friendly or adversarial to Washington DC.
"When these reports about US spying and the use of Philippines as well staffed spy hub in Asia first came out to the media, the Philippine Senate should have come into the picture and declare at least an indefinite suspension of VFA and other military agreements with US and pursue a thorough investigation in aid of legislation. But the senators did not do their assignment and they refused to engage the puppetry of Aquino and the increasing military aggression of Washington in PH to a national debate," France said.
According to an article posted on the website of Australia's ABC News, the US maintains a secret map where surveillance facilities in their embassies and consulates in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Yangon, Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, and Beijing.
According to ABC News, the map was apparently the same map Snowden released to the German news magazine Der Spiegel, which initially it posted but has since censored, showing 90 listening posts around the world with Manila described as one of 74 "staffed" locations.
A copy of the original map that appeared in Der Spiegel is archived on Cryptome, a digital library host created by American architects and independent scholars John Young and Deobrah Natsias that "are prohibited by governments worldwide, in particular material on freedom of expression, privacy, cryptology, dual-use technologies, national security, intelligence, and secret governance -- open, secret and classified documents -- but not limited to those."
Pamalakaya said the ongoing construction of a mini-Subic Naval Base in Oyster Bay southwest of Manila will be used as one of the command posts of the US Marines and will be also be used by the US for spying operations.
The militant group said command and listening posts for US spy operations will also be constructed inside the 246-hectare Philippine Marine Corps reservation in Samariniana town in Palawan. He said the US will also develop Ulugan Bay, Macarascas, Puerto Princesa, and Tarumpitao Point in Rizal and San Vicente into US command and spy posts.
Pamalakaya said the Oyster Bay mini-naval base project is part of the US agenda to increase its military presence in the Philippines on rotational basis. The group said the mini naval base is also designed to host military warships of Washington not only to check the disturbing presence of Chinese military in West Philippine Sea but to preserve the military hegemony of the US in East Asia and the Pacific in the name of military program known as US Pivot in the region.
This automatically falls under full-pledged US military basing and as such represents wholesale violation of sovereignty, it said.
The group said the impact of Oyster Bay naval base project to the livelihood of fishing folks and marine environment is far reaching, extremely dangerous, and totally catastrophic.
Pamalakaya lamented that taxpayers' money had been used to develop the naval base for US marines. It said a total of P 500 million will be released for the construction of 12-kilometer road as enabling structure for the Oyster Bay naval base.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74044/us-use-of-ph-as-major-spy-hub-is-reason-enough-to-abrogate-vfa-say-critics
Sunday, November 3, 2013
BRP Ramon Alcaraz commissioning rites to be held in SBMA
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): BRP Ramon Alcaraz commissioning rites to be held in SBMA
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter in the country's service, will be commissioned at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority SBMA)on the third week of November, the Philippine Navy PN) announced on Sunday.
"Repainting and dry-docking completed already. Only rites finishing touches remain. Commissioning and blessing are scheduled for the third week of November," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
He added that the ceremonies will be held at the SBMA, home port of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the sister-ship of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Fabic also said that all items, including additional weapons, communications and sensor equipment, were all installed during the dry-dock period which began in August, shortly after the ship's two-month voyage from the United States to the Philippines.
This took place at the Keppel Shipyard in Batangas.
Earlier reports said that the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 2 25mm "Bushmasters" auto cannons and four to six light machine guns will be fitted during the dry-docking period.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=582619
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter in the country's service, will be commissioned at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority SBMA)on the third week of November, the Philippine Navy PN) announced on Sunday.
"Repainting and dry-docking completed already. Only rites finishing touches remain. Commissioning and blessing are scheduled for the third week of November," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
He added that the ceremonies will be held at the SBMA, home port of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the sister-ship of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Fabic also said that all items, including additional weapons, communications and sensor equipment, were all installed during the dry-dock period which began in August, shortly after the ship's two-month voyage from the United States to the Philippines.
This took place at the Keppel Shipyard in Batangas.
Earlier reports said that the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 2 25mm "Bushmasters" auto cannons and four to six light machine guns will be fitted during the dry-docking period.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=582619
Pursuing soldiers kill 2 rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): Pursuing soldiers kill 2 rebels
Philippine Army soldiers killed two rebels while they were on pursuit of a band of New People's Army at 1:00 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Talahib, Binisitahan in nearby Daraga town, a top Army official in Albay said Sunday.
The NPA rebels wounded four soldiers in an earlier encounter during the day.
Army Col. Raul Farnacio, 901st Infantry Brigade commander, said the Army troopers going after the escaping rebels who had engaged them in a clash at about 5:30 a.m., Saturday, caught up with the enemies, resulting in the death of the two NPA guerrillas.
The two dead rebels are yet to to be identified, as their bodies are now in the custody of the Army troopers, Farnacio said.
During the earlier encounter at the boundary of Barangay Mariawa,Legazpi City
Farnacio said the rebels were under the leadership of Antonio Abadiza of the Guerrilla Front Larangan 78.
Recovered from the scene were an M16 and an M14 rifles.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=582608
Philippine Army soldiers killed two rebels while they were on pursuit of a band of New People's Army at 1:00 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Talahib, Binisitahan in nearby Daraga town, a top Army official in Albay said Sunday.
The NPA rebels wounded four soldiers in an earlier encounter during the day.
Army Col. Raul Farnacio, 901st Infantry Brigade commander, said the Army troopers going after the escaping rebels who had engaged them in a clash at about 5:30 a.m., Saturday, caught up with the enemies, resulting in the death of the two NPA guerrillas.
The two dead rebels are yet to to be identified, as their bodies are now in the custody of the Army troopers, Farnacio said.
During the earlier encounter at the boundary of Barangay Mariawa,
Farnacio said the rebels were under the leadership of Antonio Abadiza of the Guerrilla Front Larangan 78.
Recovered from the scene were an M16 and an M14 rifles.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=582608
Saturday, November 2, 2013
AFP releases P1.2-M for 36 rebel returnees
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Nov 2): AFP releases P1.2-M for 36 rebel returnees
Half of the rebels came from Agusan del Sur, others from Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
Lieutenant Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, Eastmincom chief, personally handed over the checks.
In his talk during the turnover ceremony, Cruz assured that the war in Agusan del Sur is ending soon citing that the number of rebel returnees and the 42 high-powered firearms laid had been the biggest in the history of the 4ID.
NPA not the state’s enemy
Cruz emphasized that the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed group of the Maoist revolutionaries, is not the enemy of the state but the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) which directs the rebel commanders to execute their “tactical offensives and terroristic acts against the communities.”
“Lilinawin ko lang po. Sana maintindihan natin na ang ginagawa ng NPA, kasi ang totoong nag-uutos sa kanila na gumawa ng karahasan ay ang kanilang partido, ang CPP na nandoon mismo sa loob ng barangay. Tatanggapin ng NPA ang order at sila lang ang nag-iimplement. Ang tunay na kalaban ay ang CPP. Sila ang nag-uutos na putulin ang rubber trees sa Agusan, patayin ang mga baboy, maghagis ng granada at iba pang tactical offensives at terroristic attacks,” Cruz said.
“Kasi may hukumang-bayan sila, kangaroo court. Kung ano man ang gusto nilang i-implement ng NPA, ‘yon ang susundin ng NPA. Hindi nga nila (NPA) alam bakit nila ginawa ,” he said.
‘Mainit na ulo ni Ka Oris’
To dismantle the CPP, Cruz said, the government would need to execute legal actions against the communist group.
He lauded the returnees for deciding in favor of the government, their families and themselves.
He also hoped that there would be more surrender ceremonies in the future.
Cruz also hopes that the cash assistance would help the former rebels to start a new beginning.
He said with the surrender of 36 rebels, “I’m sure, mainit na ang ulo ni Ka Oris (Ka Oris must be cranky now).”
“Kasi watak-watak na sila. Sira na ang kanilang formation (Because they’re fragmented now. Their formation is crushed),” he added.
War won without fighting
4ID Commanding General Ricardo R. Visaya said the “Pagbabalik-Loob Ceremony” marked another milestone in the military’s quest for peace.
“This event where 36 regular members of the NPA with 42 firearms is one of the most significant activities we have ever had at 4ID. A true manifestation that war can really be won even without fighting. This is what we call winning the peace, the essence of Bayanihan. Beyond doubt, it takes cooperation of all to make a difference, to make things happen. This we owe to our Bayanihan teams that are deployed in the barangays,” Visaya said.
Visaya said the laying down the high-powered firearms has been a sign of the rebels’ submission to the government. They also vowed to support the government’s effort to convince their comrades who are actively participating with the NPA in the mountains and “being persuaded by sweet promises of the rebel organization.”
Buried knee-deep
A certain “Reynard” who gave his testimonies before high-ranking officials of the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government executives Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Agusan del Sur Governor Adolf Edward Plaza and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, said he never experienced a good life in the struggle.
The families, Reynard said, could not easily visit them or for them to visit their families in their communities.
“Whenever our families could visit us, the movement would tell sweet promises who eventually were persuaded to join,” Reynard said.
He is also disgusted with their commanders who would only bury dead rebels in knee-deep in the ground.
“Katong samaran nga kaya pa madala, dalhon namo. Pero gikasakit nako kay kung mamatay mi, ilubong lang mi tuhod lang ka lawom,” Reynard said.
Behind all the hardships in the mountains, they were also told to remain patient as the movement’s goal to changing the government into a communist-run state where everyone will be equal is almost near.
Reynard surrendered in November 2012. He married a comrade and was blessed with a child. Now, he would be using the cash assistance to begin life anew.
Peace to boost tourism
Emano, for his part, said achieving peace and order in the two regions would be very beneficial for the people. It would be very beneficial for Misamis Oriental which flagship project is eco-tourism.
Emano said he would not have attended the ceremony due to another important occasion, but when he noted that it relates to peace and order, he cancelled all his appointments that day.
Moreno, for his part, also lauded the former rebels for laying down their arms and return to the folds of law.
“Congratulations to the former rebels for their decision to come back to the mainstream community. Congratulations also to the police and the AFP for reaching out. They could certainly have a better future in joining the mainstream society,” he said in his speech.
Moreno looks forward to an insurgency-free Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
Plaza hopes for a partnership with the former rebels and the government to develop the province. “Insurgency is not the key to development.”
Captain Christian Uy, 4ID spokesperson, said the former rebels would likely become regular soldiers if they would be qualified.
THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) released
checks worth P1.169-million for distribution to the 36 rebel returnees from
Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in a ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division
(4ID) in Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag Thursday.
Half of the rebels came from Agusan del Sur, others from Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
Lieutenant Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, Eastmincom chief, personally handed over the checks.
In his talk during the turnover ceremony, Cruz assured that the war in Agusan del Sur is ending soon citing that the number of rebel returnees and the 42 high-powered firearms laid had been the biggest in the history of the 4ID.
NPA not the state’s enemy
Cruz emphasized that the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed group of the Maoist revolutionaries, is not the enemy of the state but the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) which directs the rebel commanders to execute their “tactical offensives and terroristic acts against the communities.”
“Lilinawin ko lang po. Sana maintindihan natin na ang ginagawa ng NPA, kasi ang totoong nag-uutos sa kanila na gumawa ng karahasan ay ang kanilang partido, ang CPP na nandoon mismo sa loob ng barangay. Tatanggapin ng NPA ang order at sila lang ang nag-iimplement. Ang tunay na kalaban ay ang CPP. Sila ang nag-uutos na putulin ang rubber trees sa Agusan, patayin ang mga baboy, maghagis ng granada at iba pang tactical offensives at terroristic attacks,” Cruz said.
“Kasi may hukumang-bayan sila, kangaroo court. Kung ano man ang gusto nilang i-implement ng NPA, ‘yon ang susundin ng NPA. Hindi nga nila (NPA) alam bakit nila ginawa ,” he said.
‘Mainit na ulo ni Ka Oris’
To dismantle the CPP, Cruz said, the government would need to execute legal actions against the communist group.
He lauded the returnees for deciding in favor of the government, their families and themselves.
He also hoped that there would be more surrender ceremonies in the future.
Cruz also hopes that the cash assistance would help the former rebels to start a new beginning.
He said with the surrender of 36 rebels, “I’m sure, mainit na ang ulo ni Ka Oris (Ka Oris must be cranky now).”
“Kasi watak-watak na sila. Sira na ang kanilang formation (Because they’re fragmented now. Their formation is crushed),” he added.
War won without fighting
4ID Commanding General Ricardo R. Visaya said the “Pagbabalik-Loob Ceremony” marked another milestone in the military’s quest for peace.
“This event where 36 regular members of the NPA with 42 firearms is one of the most significant activities we have ever had at 4ID. A true manifestation that war can really be won even without fighting. This is what we call winning the peace, the essence of Bayanihan. Beyond doubt, it takes cooperation of all to make a difference, to make things happen. This we owe to our Bayanihan teams that are deployed in the barangays,” Visaya said.
Visaya said the laying down the high-powered firearms has been a sign of the rebels’ submission to the government. They also vowed to support the government’s effort to convince their comrades who are actively participating with the NPA in the mountains and “being persuaded by sweet promises of the rebel organization.”
Buried knee-deep
A certain “Reynard” who gave his testimonies before high-ranking officials of the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government executives Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Agusan del Sur Governor Adolf Edward Plaza and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, said he never experienced a good life in the struggle.
The families, Reynard said, could not easily visit them or for them to visit their families in their communities.
“Whenever our families could visit us, the movement would tell sweet promises who eventually were persuaded to join,” Reynard said.
He is also disgusted with their commanders who would only bury dead rebels in knee-deep in the ground.
“Katong samaran nga kaya pa madala, dalhon namo. Pero gikasakit nako kay kung mamatay mi, ilubong lang mi tuhod lang ka lawom,” Reynard said.
Behind all the hardships in the mountains, they were also told to remain patient as the movement’s goal to changing the government into a communist-run state where everyone will be equal is almost near.
Reynard surrendered in November 2012. He married a comrade and was blessed with a child. Now, he would be using the cash assistance to begin life anew.
Peace to boost tourism
Emano, for his part, said achieving peace and order in the two regions would be very beneficial for the people. It would be very beneficial for Misamis Oriental which flagship project is eco-tourism.
Emano said he would not have attended the ceremony due to another important occasion, but when he noted that it relates to peace and order, he cancelled all his appointments that day.
Moreno, for his part, also lauded the former rebels for laying down their arms and return to the folds of law.
“Congratulations to the former rebels for their decision to come back to the mainstream community. Congratulations also to the police and the AFP for reaching out. They could certainly have a better future in joining the mainstream society,” he said in his speech.
Moreno looks forward to an insurgency-free Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
Plaza hopes for a partnership with the former rebels and the government to develop the province. “Insurgency is not the key to development.”
Captain Christian Uy, 4ID spokesperson, said the former rebels would likely become regular soldiers if they would be qualified.
"They can also become members of the Citizens Armed
Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in their communities."
Abducted barangay leaders win in polls
From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 2): Abducted barangay leaders win in polls
Barangay chair Lito Andalique, village council members Reynaldo Piodos, Balaba Andalique, and Marvin Bantuasan; and Pepe Subla, a CVO, all of Sabud, were taken hostage by rebels of Guerilla Front 34 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The rebels also attacked a team of soldiers stationed at a temporary patrol base in Sabud last October 24.
"This is a manifestation that democracy has gained ground in the said
barangay and that the NPA is losing the support of the people," Cayetano
said.
He added Sabud sits in a rebel base until the arrival of the Peace and
Development Teams who were tasked to carry out humanitarian mission and secure
government projects like Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana).
Cayetano said the persistence of the soldiers to bring peace and development
in the barangay helped the people realized that the NPA "is not the people's
army but in contrary, the oppressors who continuously create havoc thru
harassments, liquidations and extortions."
"It became clear to the people that the NPA has evolved as human rights
violators, terrorists and criminals who give no regards on the rights of their
victims who are supposed to be protected under the articles of the Comprehensive
Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) and
Geneva Convention," Cayetano said.
THE barangay chair of Sabud in Loreto, Agusan Del
Sur and his three council members, who were among the five people being held
hostage by suspected communist rebels, won in the October 28 barangay
elections.
Barangay chair Lito Andalique, village council members Reynaldo Piodos, Balaba Andalique, and Marvin Bantuasan; and Pepe Subla, a CVO, all of Sabud, were taken hostage by rebels of Guerilla Front 34 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The rebels also attacked a team of soldiers stationed at a temporary patrol base in Sabud last October 24.
Colonel Gregory Cayetano, chief of the Army's 401ST
Infantry Brigade, said the victory of the hostages, despite their absence,
indicates that they are well loved by their constituents.
He said residents in the barangay have shown that
"no amount of NPA threats and intimidations will stop them from imposing their
will."
"We will pursue the rebels and explore all
possibilities to free the barangay leaders while, at the same time, offer the
hand of peace to the rebels to join us work for development in the area," he
added.
3 rebels killed in Albay in separate encounters
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): 3 rebels killed in Albay in separate encounters
Three New People's Army rebels were killed in a separate encounters in Albay on Saturday, the military reported.
Latest fatality was reported when troopers from the 901st Infantry Brigade killed a member of the NPA during an encounter in Barangay Sinagaran, Jovellar town, Albay Saturday afternoon.
Col. Generoso Bolina, 901st Infantry Brigade deputy commander, said the clash took place around 3:15 p.m.
He identified the slain rebel as Alexander Lorelia, a resident of Kagbacong,Legazpi City
No losses were sustained by the government troopers.
Bolina said the clash that took place is the third for the day as government troopers were tightening the cordon on the rebel band.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier announced that two NPA members were killed in an encounter with government troops in Albay Saturday.
Major Angelo Guzman, AFP deputy public affairs office chief, said the bodies were discovered by K-9 tracking teams.
"K-9 tracking teams led to the discovery of two bodies of NPAs killed in this (Saturday) morning's clash with AFP in Albay," Guzman said.
Initially four soldiers were wounded in a predawn clash with the suspected NPAs.
He said the encounter occurred in Barangay Mariyawa inLegazpi City
At the time, Guzman said the soldiers were providing security for people going to the cemeteries for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
The AFP is working with the Philippine National Police to ensure a peaceful observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Meanwhile, Guzman on Sunday said government troops recovered two improvised explosive devices following a clash with NPAs in Jovellar town in Albay Saturday afternoon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=582548
Three New People's Army rebels were killed in a separate encounters in Albay on Saturday, the military reported.
Latest fatality was reported when troopers from the 901st Infantry Brigade killed a member of the NPA during an encounter in Barangay Sinagaran, Jovellar town, Albay Saturday afternoon.
Col. Generoso Bolina, 901st Infantry Brigade deputy commander, said the clash took place around 3:15 p.m.
He identified the slain rebel as Alexander Lorelia, a resident of Kagbacong,
No losses were sustained by the government troopers.
Bolina said the clash that took place is the third for the day as government troopers were tightening the cordon on the rebel band.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier announced that two NPA members were killed in an encounter with government troops in Albay Saturday.
Major Angelo Guzman, AFP deputy public affairs office chief, said the bodies were discovered by K-9 tracking teams.
"K-9 tracking teams led to the discovery of two bodies of NPAs killed in this (Saturday) morning's clash with AFP in Albay," Guzman said.
Initially four soldiers were wounded in a predawn clash with the suspected NPAs.
He said the encounter occurred in Barangay Mariyawa in
At the time, Guzman said the soldiers were providing security for people going to the cemeteries for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
The AFP is working with the Philippine National Police to ensure a peaceful observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Meanwhile, Guzman on Sunday said government troops recovered two improvised explosive devices following a clash with NPAs in Jovellar town in Albay Saturday afternoon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=582548
Malaysian national held for alleged link to MNLF attack on Zamboanga
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 2): Malaysian national held for alleged link to MNLF attack on Zamboanga
A Malaysian national was arrested last month by Philippine authorities in Zamboanga City for suspected involvement with the Moro National Liberation Front, Malaysia and Philippine authorities confirmed.
“The arrest of the Malaysian man followed the action taken by the Philippine security forces against individuals suspected of being involved in the armed attacks launched by MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City on Sept 9,” the Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported, on Wednesday quoting Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general, Datuk Mohammad Mantek.
The Bernama report said Mantek refused to give further details as the matter is still under investigation by Philippines authorities.
Mantek also declined to comment if the arrested 55-year-old man was involved with the three-week Zamboanga siege last September which killed at least 200 people.
In the gunbattle that lasted for almost a month, MNLF forces attacked the city to build their independent “Bangsamoro Republik”.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Wisma Putra said he was told by Philippine authorities that the man admitted he was a member of the MNLF, a separate report from Bernama said.
Zamboanga Peninsula police information officer Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca confirmed to INQUIRER.net on Saturday that they arrested a Malaysian national last month during the house raid of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari by government forces.
“He was arrested because he was near our area of operation. The area was cordoned and he was with an MNLF member,” he said.
He clarified, however, that the Malaysian national was only across the house of Misuari when he was arrested.
Huesca said they already turned over the Malaysian national to the Bureau of Immigration, which is the lead agency investigating the matter.
The Zamboanga siege prompted Malaysia to tighten its security along eastern Sabah’s territorial waters to prevent the rebels from entering the state due to Sabah’s close proximity to Mindanao.
“So far, no security threats to Sabah have been detected but we are intensifying security measures along eastern Sabah’s border waters nevertheless,” Mohammad told Bernama.
He said Malaysian security forces would collaborate with their Philippine counterparts if the need arose.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/89369/malaysian-national-held-for-alleged-link-to-mnlf-attack-on-zamboanga
A Malaysian national was arrested last month by Philippine authorities in Zamboanga City for suspected involvement with the Moro National Liberation Front, Malaysia and Philippine authorities confirmed.
“The arrest of the Malaysian man followed the action taken by the Philippine security forces against individuals suspected of being involved in the armed attacks launched by MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City on Sept 9,” the Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported, on Wednesday quoting Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general, Datuk Mohammad Mantek.
The Bernama report said Mantek refused to give further details as the matter is still under investigation by Philippines authorities.
Mantek also declined to comment if the arrested 55-year-old man was involved with the three-week Zamboanga siege last September which killed at least 200 people.
In the gunbattle that lasted for almost a month, MNLF forces attacked the city to build their independent “Bangsamoro Republik”.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Wisma Putra said he was told by Philippine authorities that the man admitted he was a member of the MNLF, a separate report from Bernama said.
Zamboanga Peninsula police information officer Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca confirmed to INQUIRER.net on Saturday that they arrested a Malaysian national last month during the house raid of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari by government forces.
“He was arrested because he was near our area of operation. The area was cordoned and he was with an MNLF member,” he said.
He clarified, however, that the Malaysian national was only across the house of Misuari when he was arrested.
Huesca said they already turned over the Malaysian national to the Bureau of Immigration, which is the lead agency investigating the matter.
The Zamboanga siege prompted Malaysia to tighten its security along eastern Sabah’s territorial waters to prevent the rebels from entering the state due to Sabah’s close proximity to Mindanao.
“So far, no security threats to Sabah have been detected but we are intensifying security measures along eastern Sabah’s border waters nevertheless,” Mohammad told Bernama.
He said Malaysian security forces would collaborate with their Philippine counterparts if the need arose.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/89369/malaysian-national-held-for-alleged-link-to-mnlf-attack-on-zamboanga
Sultan’s son faces death penalty
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 2): Sultan’s son faces death penalty
Sabah trial set for intruders
The son of the newly crowned sultan of Sulu and 26 other Filipinos who are facing the death penalty in Sabah will stand trial before a Malaysian court on January 6, 2014 for their alleged intrusion into Malaysian territory last February.
High Court Justice Stephen Chung, who set a Nov. 1 hearing, has moved the proceedings next year, following another appeal for postponement filed by the Malaysian lawyer of the 27 Filipino suspects, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama.
The hearings on January 6-10, 15-17, 27-30 and Feb 10-14 will be held at the Sabah Prisons Department, which will be designated an open court.
Datu Amilbahar Hussin Kiram, the Sabah-based son of new Sultan Esmail Kiram II of the Sulu Sultanate, along with 26 alleged followers, had pleaded not guilty to charges of Waging War against Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong and sheltering or recruiting individuals to become members of a terrorist group during their arraignment on June 27.
The young Kiram was said to have the rank of “general” in the Sulu Sultanate’s Royal Security Forces, and was charged with taking an active part in the intrusion.
In Taguig City, sultanate spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, said the new sultan is set to announce next week his first royal decree on the Sabah claim.
Kiram II has succeeded his elder brother Jamalul Kiram III who died on Oct. 23, 2013.
“The matters on the January 2014 trial will be part of the new decrees and the Kingdom’s policies,” Idjirani told Manila Standard.
The sultanate earlier called on the Philippine government to assist the detained Filipinos.
On May 15, eight Filipinos were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Malaysian court for allegedly taking part in the intrusion.
The Sabah conflict started on February 9 when 235 followers of Kiram III sailed to Lahad Datu, Sabah, to revive the sultanate’s claim over the disputed territory.
The so-called Sulu Royal Security Force was led by the sultan’s brother, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram.
The Malaysian government gave the Sulu gunmen until March 1 to surrender despite President Aquino’s appeal for “maximum tolerance”.
The next day, the Malaysian armed forces launched an offensive resulting in the death of 68 Filipinos and 10 Malaysian soldiers and policemen.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/02/sultans-son-faces-death-penalty-sabah-trial-set-for-intruders/
Sabah trial set for intruders
The son of the newly crowned sultan of Sulu and 26 other Filipinos who are facing the death penalty in Sabah will stand trial before a Malaysian court on January 6, 2014 for their alleged intrusion into Malaysian territory last February.
High Court Justice Stephen Chung, who set a Nov. 1 hearing, has moved the proceedings next year, following another appeal for postponement filed by the Malaysian lawyer of the 27 Filipino suspects, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama.
The hearings on January 6-10, 15-17, 27-30 and Feb 10-14 will be held at the Sabah Prisons Department, which will be designated an open court.
Datu Amilbahar Hussin Kiram, the Sabah-based son of new Sultan Esmail Kiram II of the Sulu Sultanate, along with 26 alleged followers, had pleaded not guilty to charges of Waging War against Malaysian King Yang di-Pertuan Agong and sheltering or recruiting individuals to become members of a terrorist group during their arraignment on June 27.
The young Kiram was said to have the rank of “general” in the Sulu Sultanate’s Royal Security Forces, and was charged with taking an active part in the intrusion.
In Taguig City, sultanate spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, said the new sultan is set to announce next week his first royal decree on the Sabah claim.
Kiram II has succeeded his elder brother Jamalul Kiram III who died on Oct. 23, 2013.
“The matters on the January 2014 trial will be part of the new decrees and the Kingdom’s policies,” Idjirani told Manila Standard.
The sultanate earlier called on the Philippine government to assist the detained Filipinos.
On May 15, eight Filipinos were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Malaysian court for allegedly taking part in the intrusion.
The Sabah conflict started on February 9 when 235 followers of Kiram III sailed to Lahad Datu, Sabah, to revive the sultanate’s claim over the disputed territory.
The so-called Sulu Royal Security Force was led by the sultan’s brother, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram.
The Malaysian government gave the Sulu gunmen until March 1 to surrender despite President Aquino’s appeal for “maximum tolerance”.
The next day, the Malaysian armed forces launched an offensive resulting in the death of 68 Filipinos and 10 Malaysian soldiers and policemen.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/02/sultans-son-faces-death-penalty-sabah-trial-set-for-intruders/
Peace projects
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 2): Peace projects
At least seven projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) were completed in the conflict-affected towns of Maguindanao.
The projects include the newly-built multi-purpose building in the villages of Bugasan-Norte in Matanog, and Datu Anggal in Midtimbang, the bailey bridge and an agricultural warehouse with solar dryer in Barangay Kabuling in Pandag, and the farm-to-market road in Barangay Bugasan Norte of Matanog.
The Maguindanao provincial government, in partnership with OPAPP, is also constructing a two-storey Women’s Center in Poblacion, Buluan.
OPAPP records show that these villages are all communities of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) identified under the Government of the Philippines-MNLF final peace accord signed in September, 1996.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said the PAMANA projects are aimed at helping communities cope with poverty and underdevelopment.
The OPAPP data also showed that the PAMANA projects in the Maguindanao towns are not only benefiting the MNLF communities, but also combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
http://www.mb.com.ph/peace-projects-2/
At least seven projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) were completed in the conflict-affected towns of Maguindanao.
The projects include the newly-built multi-purpose building in the villages of Bugasan-Norte in Matanog, and Datu Anggal in Midtimbang, the bailey bridge and an agricultural warehouse with solar dryer in Barangay Kabuling in Pandag, and the farm-to-market road in Barangay Bugasan Norte of Matanog.
The Maguindanao provincial government, in partnership with OPAPP, is also constructing a two-storey Women’s Center in Poblacion, Buluan.
OPAPP records show that these villages are all communities of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) identified under the Government of the Philippines-MNLF final peace accord signed in September, 1996.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said the PAMANA projects are aimed at helping communities cope with poverty and underdevelopment.
The OPAPP data also showed that the PAMANA projects in the Maguindanao towns are not only benefiting the MNLF communities, but also combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
http://www.mb.com.ph/peace-projects-2/
2 NPA rebels killed, 4 soldiers wounded in Albay encounter
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 3): 2 NPA rebels killed, 4 soldiers wounded in Albay encounter
Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while four soldiers were wounded during clashes in Legazpi City yesterday morning.
Col. Raul Farnacio, commander of the Army’s 901st Brigade, said that elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and 91st Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) clashed with more or less 10 NPA rebels along Sitio Binicitahan, Barangay Mariawa at around 5:30 a.m.
Farnacio said that the encountered NPA band was led by one Antonio Abadiza, alias Flatop.
Four soldiers were wounded during the clash, sustaining shrapnel wounded.
“The wounded personnel were extricated in the area through helicopters and were immediately brought to Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital for medical treatment,” Farnacio said.
On the other hand, two NPA rebels were reportedly wounded during the clash.
Recovered from the scene were one caliber .45 pistol, three backpacks, personal belongings, six hammocks, a magazine pouch for K3-SAW, a bandoleer for M14 rifle with six magazines loaded with ammunition, a cellular phone with four simpacks and various subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Farnacio said that at around 1 p.m., pursuing troops, aided by K9 unit, clashed with the same NPA band within the vicinity that resulted in two rebels killed, whose bodies were recovered from the scene.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle and M14 rifle.
“This is the result of the renewed cooperation by residents to the military after we intensified our safety and security awareness program in the area,” Farnacio said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/2-npa-rebels-killed-4-soldiers-wounded-in-albay-encounter
Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while four soldiers were wounded during clashes in Legazpi City yesterday morning.
Col. Raul Farnacio, commander of the Army’s 901st Brigade, said that elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and 91st Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) clashed with more or less 10 NPA rebels along Sitio Binicitahan, Barangay Mariawa at around 5:30 a.m.
Farnacio said that the encountered NPA band was led by one Antonio Abadiza, alias Flatop.
Four soldiers were wounded during the clash, sustaining shrapnel wounded.
“The wounded personnel were extricated in the area through helicopters and were immediately brought to Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital for medical treatment,” Farnacio said.
On the other hand, two NPA rebels were reportedly wounded during the clash.
Recovered from the scene were one caliber .45 pistol, three backpacks, personal belongings, six hammocks, a magazine pouch for K3-SAW, a bandoleer for M14 rifle with six magazines loaded with ammunition, a cellular phone with four simpacks and various subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Farnacio said that at around 1 p.m., pursuing troops, aided by K9 unit, clashed with the same NPA band within the vicinity that resulted in two rebels killed, whose bodies were recovered from the scene.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle and M14 rifle.
“This is the result of the renewed cooperation by residents to the military after we intensified our safety and security awareness program in the area,” Farnacio said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/2-npa-rebels-killed-4-soldiers-wounded-in-albay-encounter
China’s ‘cabbage strategy’ not a healthy topic — Palace
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 3): China’s ‘cabbage strategy’ not a healthy topic — Palace
The Palace refused to bite into the “cabbage strategy” that a Chinese military official was quoted by New York Times as saying as being employed in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in a news article on the territorial dispute.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte opted to keep mum on the alleged Chinese naval strategy in the article titled “A Game of Shark and Minnow.”
Valte considered the statement, despite being made by a top Chinese military officer as not representative of the official position of the Chinese government.
The strategy supposedly involved the deployment of layers of civilian, government and military ships to maintain Chinese claim on the contested shoal.
“I did also see that particular (issue) in the New York Times article, but at this point, we won’t comment on that yet, primarily because while a Chinese General may have indeed said that, we don’t want to automatically attribute that to the Chinese government immediately. It would be better for us to not comment on that matter yet,” Valte said.
China’s military Major General Zhang Zhaozhong told New York Times that since April 2012, the Chinese navy had taken measures to seal and control the areas around the shoal which it Chinese government calls as the Huangyan Island, a report in the China Daily Mail said.
“The fishermen conduct normal production there. In the area around the island, fishing administration ships and marine surveillance ships are conducting normal patrols while in the outer ring there are navy warships. The island is thus wrapped layer by layer like a cabbage. As a result, a cabbage strategy has taken shape,” Zhang said.
Zhang said: “If the Philippines wants to go in, in the outermost area, it has first to ask whether our navy will allow it. Then it has to ask whether our fishery administration ships and marine surveillance ships will allow it. Therefore, our fishermen can carry out their production safely while our country’s marine rights and interests as well as sovereignty are safeguarded,” Zhang added.
Zhang further described the “cabbage strategy” as entailing surrounding a contested area with so many boats — fishermen, fishing administration ships, marine surveillance ships, navy warships — that “the island is thus wrapped layer by layer like a cabbage.”
According to the NY Times article, “there can be no question that the cabbage strategy is in effect now at Ayungin (Scarborough) and has been at least since May. General Zhang, in his interview several months ago, listed Ren’ai Shoal (the Chinese name for Ayungin) in the P.L.A.’s “series of achievements” in the South China Sea,” he said.
He had already put it in the win column, even though eight Filipino marines (in a grounded Philippine navy ship) still live there. He also seemed to take some pleasure in the strategy, it added.
Of taking territory from the Philippines, he said: “We should do more such things in the future. For those small islands, only a few troopers are able to station on each of them, but there is no food or even drinking water there. If we carry out the cabbage strategy, you will not be able to send food and drinking water onto the islands. Without the supply for one or two weeks, the troopers stationed there will leave the islands on their own. Once they have left, they will never be able to come back.”
“It would be more proper for us to take the course of prudence rather than to react to every single thing that may cause tension in an already sensitive issue,” Valte said.
Valte also refused to comment on the impending military exercises between Malaysia and China.
“You know, we’d rather not comment on that now because normally there is a bilateral relationship among the countries, with our neighbors and we don’t interfere in those things,” Valte said.
Malaysia and China have scheduled joint military exercises beginning next year, nine years after having signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, Bernama National News Agency said.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who is on his maiden visit to Beijing following his appointment to the post last May, said the exercises would encompass the three disciplines of land, sea and air.
He said the holding of the exercises was one of the matters agreed to during his meeting with China’s Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan to forge a more comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“Both sides agreed to foster greater cooperation in defense, particularly in holding joint exercises, exchange of military personnel, establishing cooperation in the defense industry and fighting terrorism and transnational crime,” he said in a statement sent to Bernama from Beijing.
Hishammuddin’s visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral defence relations besides following up on the state visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to Malaysia from Oct 3 to 5.
Malaysia had officially established defense cooperation with China in 2005 but it had been confined to the exchange of visits and education.
Hishammuddin said his visit also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, which would be celebrated next year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-s-cabbage-strategy-not-a-healthy-topic-palace
The Palace refused to bite into the “cabbage strategy” that a Chinese military official was quoted by New York Times as saying as being employed in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in a news article on the territorial dispute.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte opted to keep mum on the alleged Chinese naval strategy in the article titled “A Game of Shark and Minnow.”
Valte considered the statement, despite being made by a top Chinese military officer as not representative of the official position of the Chinese government.
The strategy supposedly involved the deployment of layers of civilian, government and military ships to maintain Chinese claim on the contested shoal.
“I did also see that particular (issue) in the New York Times article, but at this point, we won’t comment on that yet, primarily because while a Chinese General may have indeed said that, we don’t want to automatically attribute that to the Chinese government immediately. It would be better for us to not comment on that matter yet,” Valte said.
China’s military Major General Zhang Zhaozhong told New York Times that since April 2012, the Chinese navy had taken measures to seal and control the areas around the shoal which it Chinese government calls as the Huangyan Island, a report in the China Daily Mail said.
“The fishermen conduct normal production there. In the area around the island, fishing administration ships and marine surveillance ships are conducting normal patrols while in the outer ring there are navy warships. The island is thus wrapped layer by layer like a cabbage. As a result, a cabbage strategy has taken shape,” Zhang said.
Zhang said: “If the Philippines wants to go in, in the outermost area, it has first to ask whether our navy will allow it. Then it has to ask whether our fishery administration ships and marine surveillance ships will allow it. Therefore, our fishermen can carry out their production safely while our country’s marine rights and interests as well as sovereignty are safeguarded,” Zhang added.
Zhang further described the “cabbage strategy” as entailing surrounding a contested area with so many boats — fishermen, fishing administration ships, marine surveillance ships, navy warships — that “the island is thus wrapped layer by layer like a cabbage.”
According to the NY Times article, “there can be no question that the cabbage strategy is in effect now at Ayungin (Scarborough) and has been at least since May. General Zhang, in his interview several months ago, listed Ren’ai Shoal (the Chinese name for Ayungin) in the P.L.A.’s “series of achievements” in the South China Sea,” he said.
He had already put it in the win column, even though eight Filipino marines (in a grounded Philippine navy ship) still live there. He also seemed to take some pleasure in the strategy, it added.
Of taking territory from the Philippines, he said: “We should do more such things in the future. For those small islands, only a few troopers are able to station on each of them, but there is no food or even drinking water there. If we carry out the cabbage strategy, you will not be able to send food and drinking water onto the islands. Without the supply for one or two weeks, the troopers stationed there will leave the islands on their own. Once they have left, they will never be able to come back.”
“It would be more proper for us to take the course of prudence rather than to react to every single thing that may cause tension in an already sensitive issue,” Valte said.
Valte also refused to comment on the impending military exercises between Malaysia and China.
“You know, we’d rather not comment on that now because normally there is a bilateral relationship among the countries, with our neighbors and we don’t interfere in those things,” Valte said.
Malaysia and China have scheduled joint military exercises beginning next year, nine years after having signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, Bernama National News Agency said.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, who is on his maiden visit to Beijing following his appointment to the post last May, said the exercises would encompass the three disciplines of land, sea and air.
He said the holding of the exercises was one of the matters agreed to during his meeting with China’s Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan to forge a more comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“Both sides agreed to foster greater cooperation in defense, particularly in holding joint exercises, exchange of military personnel, establishing cooperation in the defense industry and fighting terrorism and transnational crime,” he said in a statement sent to Bernama from Beijing.
Hishammuddin’s visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral defence relations besides following up on the state visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to Malaysia from Oct 3 to 5.
Malaysia had officially established defense cooperation with China in 2005 but it had been confined to the exchange of visits and education.
Hishammuddin said his visit also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, which would be celebrated next year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-s-cabbage-strategy-not-a-healthy-topic-palace
Terror not land ownership reigns in Noynoy’s Luisita
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 3): Terror not land ownership reigns in Noynoy’s Luisita
A farmers’ group protested yesterday what it termed as a reign of terror inside the Hacienda Luisita owned by President Aquino’s family despite the government announcement last month that it completed the distribution of land titles to farm workers in compliance with the agrarian reform law.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said last Oct. 20 that it had successfully completed the series of distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to farmer beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita.
“The land in Hacienda Luisita is now theirs,” said DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes, referring to the about 663 out of 745 farmworker-beneficiaries of Barangay Mapalacsiao.
Mapalacsiao was the last barangay scheduled for CLOAs distribution in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac City that started last September 30 in Barangay Pando, according to De los Reyes.
The regional farmers’ group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL, Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon), however, said in a statement that an intensified assault against its chapter in Hacienda Luisita, the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala, Farm Workers’ Alliance in Hacienda Luisita) is being undertaken by the Cojuangco-Aquino family, particularly its controlled firm, the Tarlac Dev’t Corp. (Tadeco).
“It has been reported that when the Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) commenced with the raffle-distribution of CLOAs since October, Tadeco and another Cojuangco corporation, Luisita
Realty Corp. have put up fences around a 100-hectare land in barangay Cutcut and about 400 hectares in barangay Balete and recently last October 31, Dennis Dela Cruz, a leader of Ambala was murdered in barangay Balete. Dela Cruz was actively working at a ‘bungkalan’ cultivation site, AMGL said.
“Hacienda Luisita is under a reign of terror, perpetrated by the Aquino government and the Cojuangco-Aquino family. They have sabotaged the Supreme Court decision to distribute the lands using the partial schemes implemented by DAR, and now a leader of Ambala was mercilessly killed,” AMGL chairman Joseph Canlas said.
Ambala stated that it believed the murder of Dela Cruz is connected to the land issue as he was a staunch activist working with the bungkalan campaign, and was threatened by Tadeco security guards last September.
The group said that the killing was done to terrorize farm workers who are fighting for their rights to land against the plot of the Cojuangco-Aquino family.
In addition, Ambala reported that military deployment in Hacienda Luisita is intensifying with at least four military tanks seen entering the estate.
“The Aquino government deployed many elements of the police and military during the so-called CLOA distribution by DAR, to subvert the protest of the farm workers. Now they are actually sending in more forces to intimidate the unarmed farm workers led by Ambala,” Canlas said.
AMGL said the Cojuangco-Aquino family is firm in keeping their control over the vast lands of Hacienda Luisita expecting billions of profit due to recent road developments in the area.
Agricultural land valuation around the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) ranges from P1 million to P6 million per hectare or P100 per square meter to P600 per square meter, AMGL said.
It added reclassifying these lands, as the Cojuangco-Aquino family has prepared in the land use plan furnished by the Luisita Realty Corp. in 1998, will obviously bring in unimaginable profit.
“The Cojuangco-Aquinos are notorious in violently attacking the farm workers. It was under martial law during the Marcos dictatorship, de-facto martial law during Hacienda Luisita massacre and Oplan Bantay Laya, they are now again waging terror against the farm workers,” Canlas said.
Amgl said it is reiterating its call for genuine land reform in Hacienda Luisita, immediate and free land distribution to the farm workers and halt to terror tactics launched by the Cojuangco-Aquinos.
“Inside Hacienda Luisita is like a time-space warp where you would think that it is still during the Spanish colonization where hacienderos rule with iron-fist and slaughtering those who oppose them. The Cojuangco-Aquinos are social parasites who fed from the sweat and blood of the farm workers. It is long overdure to overthrow their feudal control over the lands and we call on different sectors to struggle for national democracy,” Canlas added.
Based on DAR data, the government claimed a total of 5,718 CLOAs were distributed to farmers out of a total of 6,189 ready for distribution, or 92.39 percent of the CLOAs registered to date.
According to De los Reyes, the CLOAs of other beneficiaries are still being registered with the Registry of Deeds.
Others are still not generated or pending because some FWBs who are out of the country have not yet signed their Application to Purchase and Farmers Undertaking (APFU).
De los Reyes said that those who were not able to receive their CLOAs during the scheduled distribution activities in the barangays can proceed to the DAR provincial office to get their certified true copies.
He said that after the distribution of certified true copies of the CLOAs, the DAR is preparing to install the farm worker beneficiaries in their lots.
“We will be installing them in their lots as we progress with the ‘monumenting’,” de los Reyes said.
He explained that it is quite impossible to do this at this time when many of the lots are still planted with sugarcane.
However, he assured the farm workers that monumenting will be done when harvesting starts this month so that they will be able to clear the area where the ‘mohons’ will be placed.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/terror-not-land-ownership-reigns-in-noynoy-s-luisita
A farmers’ group protested yesterday what it termed as a reign of terror inside the Hacienda Luisita owned by President Aquino’s family despite the government announcement last month that it completed the distribution of land titles to farm workers in compliance with the agrarian reform law.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said last Oct. 20 that it had successfully completed the series of distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to farmer beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita.
“The land in Hacienda Luisita is now theirs,” said DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes, referring to the about 663 out of 745 farmworker-beneficiaries of Barangay Mapalacsiao.
Mapalacsiao was the last barangay scheduled for CLOAs distribution in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac City that started last September 30 in Barangay Pando, according to De los Reyes.
The regional farmers’ group Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL, Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon), however, said in a statement that an intensified assault against its chapter in Hacienda Luisita, the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (Ambala, Farm Workers’ Alliance in Hacienda Luisita) is being undertaken by the Cojuangco-Aquino family, particularly its controlled firm, the Tarlac Dev’t Corp. (Tadeco).
“It has been reported that when the Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) commenced with the raffle-distribution of CLOAs since October, Tadeco and another Cojuangco corporation, Luisita
Realty Corp. have put up fences around a 100-hectare land in barangay Cutcut and about 400 hectares in barangay Balete and recently last October 31, Dennis Dela Cruz, a leader of Ambala was murdered in barangay Balete. Dela Cruz was actively working at a ‘bungkalan’ cultivation site, AMGL said.
“Hacienda Luisita is under a reign of terror, perpetrated by the Aquino government and the Cojuangco-Aquino family. They have sabotaged the Supreme Court decision to distribute the lands using the partial schemes implemented by DAR, and now a leader of Ambala was mercilessly killed,” AMGL chairman Joseph Canlas said.
Ambala stated that it believed the murder of Dela Cruz is connected to the land issue as he was a staunch activist working with the bungkalan campaign, and was threatened by Tadeco security guards last September.
The group said that the killing was done to terrorize farm workers who are fighting for their rights to land against the plot of the Cojuangco-Aquino family.
In addition, Ambala reported that military deployment in Hacienda Luisita is intensifying with at least four military tanks seen entering the estate.
“The Aquino government deployed many elements of the police and military during the so-called CLOA distribution by DAR, to subvert the protest of the farm workers. Now they are actually sending in more forces to intimidate the unarmed farm workers led by Ambala,” Canlas said.
AMGL said the Cojuangco-Aquino family is firm in keeping their control over the vast lands of Hacienda Luisita expecting billions of profit due to recent road developments in the area.
Agricultural land valuation around the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) ranges from P1 million to P6 million per hectare or P100 per square meter to P600 per square meter, AMGL said.
It added reclassifying these lands, as the Cojuangco-Aquino family has prepared in the land use plan furnished by the Luisita Realty Corp. in 1998, will obviously bring in unimaginable profit.
“The Cojuangco-Aquinos are notorious in violently attacking the farm workers. It was under martial law during the Marcos dictatorship, de-facto martial law during Hacienda Luisita massacre and Oplan Bantay Laya, they are now again waging terror against the farm workers,” Canlas said.
Amgl said it is reiterating its call for genuine land reform in Hacienda Luisita, immediate and free land distribution to the farm workers and halt to terror tactics launched by the Cojuangco-Aquinos.
“Inside Hacienda Luisita is like a time-space warp where you would think that it is still during the Spanish colonization where hacienderos rule with iron-fist and slaughtering those who oppose them. The Cojuangco-Aquinos are social parasites who fed from the sweat and blood of the farm workers. It is long overdure to overthrow their feudal control over the lands and we call on different sectors to struggle for national democracy,” Canlas added.
Based on DAR data, the government claimed a total of 5,718 CLOAs were distributed to farmers out of a total of 6,189 ready for distribution, or 92.39 percent of the CLOAs registered to date.
According to De los Reyes, the CLOAs of other beneficiaries are still being registered with the Registry of Deeds.
Others are still not generated or pending because some FWBs who are out of the country have not yet signed their Application to Purchase and Farmers Undertaking (APFU).
De los Reyes said that those who were not able to receive their CLOAs during the scheduled distribution activities in the barangays can proceed to the DAR provincial office to get their certified true copies.
He said that after the distribution of certified true copies of the CLOAs, the DAR is preparing to install the farm worker beneficiaries in their lots.
“We will be installing them in their lots as we progress with the ‘monumenting’,” de los Reyes said.
He explained that it is quite impossible to do this at this time when many of the lots are still planted with sugarcane.
However, he assured the farm workers that monumenting will be done when harvesting starts this month so that they will be able to clear the area where the ‘mohons’ will be placed.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/terror-not-land-ownership-reigns-in-noynoy-s-luisita
CPP: CPP condemns murder of peasant leader in Hacienda Luisita
From the CPP Website (Nov 2): CPP condemns murder of peasant leader in Hacienda Luisita
Police, military up forces in Zambo to strengthen security
From the Business Mirror (Nov 2): Police, military up forces in Zambo to strengthen security
To prevent a recurrence of the September urban warfare happening again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police said they have beefed up forces in the city.
To prevent a recurrence of the September urban warfare happening again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police said they have beefed up forces in the city.
The exchange of gunfire that lasted three weeks resulted in the death of some 300 people.
Most of them are followers of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of founding Chairman Nur Misuari. Some of the dead, however, included military and police personnel, and civilians in the coastal and semi-urban villages.
Houses and properties were heavily damaged in the villages of Santa Catalina, Rio Hondo, Santa Barbara, Mampang, Talon-Talon, Mariki and Kasanyangan.
The military and the police said last week they have withdrawn from these villages and other affected areas after nearly a month of clearing operations.
Recently installed Zamboanga City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Dennis Busngi said he has created a special task force to replace these troops.
The existence of the Task Force is stipulated in Memorandum Circular 24-2013. The document outlines the procedures and guidelines to be undertaken by local police after the withdrawal of military personnel who were airlifted here at the height of the gunfight.
Members of the police task force were deployed in the affected areas which were divided into 11 zones with each zone manned by eight to 10 PNP men, Busngi said.
He added that policemen will work with members of the Army’s Task Force Zamboanga “to ensure a sound security plan within the conflict areas.”
Meanwhile, Task Force Commander Col. Andrelino Colina said security forces at the nearby San Ramon Penal Colony, where some 200 captured and surrendered MNLF rebels are currently detained, have been fortified with more troops from the Philippine Marines.
The move is designed to strengthen the prison security until the detained rebels could be transferred to a city in Metro Manila for trial.
Earlier, through the advice of Justice Secretary Leila M. Delima, State Prosecutor General Claro Arellano sought a copy of a resolution from the Supreme court directing the transfer from the Regional Trial Court in Zamboanga City to the RTC in Taguig City for the hearing of the case of rebellion and violation of International Humanitarian Law filed against Misuari, his top field Commander Ustadz Habier Malik and other respondents.
The High Court ultimately granted Arellano’s request for the transfer of venue of the hearing of the controversial case for the security of the witnesses and others who will attend the hearing.
Government militia killed in ambush
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 2): Government militia killed in ambush
Two masked gunmen shot dead a pro-government militia in an attack in the town of Naga in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, police said Saturday.
Police said the 26-year old Bryan Talas died instantly from the ambush which occurred in Purok 3 in Baluno village. The attackers, one of them wearing a black bonnet and a pair of military short pants, escaped after the ambush.
Talas was assigned with the army’s 16th Special Forces under Captain Nocky Siao. Police investigators said they recovered bullet shells of M16 automatic rifle used in the killing of Talas.
Police said the militia was shot at least 5 times. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack which was just 100 meters away from the army barracks.
The motive of the attack is still unknown.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/government-militia-killed-in-ambush.html
Two masked gunmen shot dead a pro-government militia in an attack in the town of Naga in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, police said Saturday.
Police said the 26-year old Bryan Talas died instantly from the ambush which occurred in Purok 3 in Baluno village. The attackers, one of them wearing a black bonnet and a pair of military short pants, escaped after the ambush.
Talas was assigned with the army’s 16th Special Forces under Captain Nocky Siao. Police investigators said they recovered bullet shells of M16 automatic rifle used in the killing of Talas.
Police said the militia was shot at least 5 times. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack which was just 100 meters away from the army barracks.
The motive of the attack is still unknown.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/government-militia-killed-in-ambush.html
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