MILF: Bangsamoro Youth discuss challenges of GPH – MILF CAB

From the MILF Website (Apr 28): Bangsamoro Youth discuss challenges of GPH – MILF CAB



A Bangsamoro Youth Round Table Discussion on the Challenges of the GPH-MILF Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) was held last week at the Alnor’s Nadis Hall in Cotabato City.
  

Some 30 dynamic student and youth leaders from both the academe and non-government organizations in Central Mindanao graced the round table discussion organized by the Association of Bangsamoro Advocates Incorporated (ABAI).

Key personalities of the peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) such as Professor Aboud Sayyed Lingga, Executive Director of the Institute of the Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Bangsamoro Study Group (BSG), and Von Al-Haq, MILF Commissioner to the 7-man Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) were the resource speakers. Brig. Gen. Roshaini Zacaria, Head of Mission and Capt. Azhar Adam of the International Monitoring Team 9 (IMT) attended as observers.

An amazing reading of the noble Qur’an by young Kamarudin Zaid opened the momentous activity, followed by opening remarks given by Norodin Salam, Ph.D., President of ABAI and a Professor from Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) and at the same time a Project Manager for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) development programs.

Professor Lingga stressed the CAB is all about a system change and institutional building, further emphasizing that the Bangsamoro youth must be fully aware of the CAB and thereby take responsibility in continuing the ultimate attainment of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro for genuine self-governance and right to self-determination.

Atty. Sinarimbo, the assigned Reactor for the discussions, made substantial explanations on the gains and challenges of the CAB, stemming from the transformation of the CAB from a political to legal document to the implementation processes and the implications to unresolved issues.

IMT 9 Head of Mission Brig. Gen. Zacaria thanked and commended ABAI and the participants even as he cited the importance of coordination for the various programs and development undertakings of the various organizations and donor institutions being implemented as dividends of the CAB.

The RTD was capped by strong recommendations to include forming a federation of all youth organizations, conduct of training of trainers for the CAB, radio and television advocacy for the CAB, and replicating the activity in their respective communities.

ABAI is a local non-government organization based in Cotabato City and the conduct of round table discussions is its kick off program in cooperation with the Institute of the Bangsamoro Studies.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/951-bangsamoro-youth-discuss-challenges-of-gph-–-milf-cab

MNLF leaders ask Obama for help

From MindaNews (Apr 29): MNLF leaders ask Obama for help

While anti-US protesters are marching on the streets of Mendiola in Manila, regional leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are welcoming United States President Barack Obama with open arms.

They even adopted him as the “son of the Bangsamoro nation.”

In a statement printed on a 4×4 feet tarpaulin, the MNLF leaders invoked their right to self-determination as they gathered at the Muslim Village in Bangkal in this city for a meeting Monday to discuss the loyalty of some of its members.

Rolando Olamit, chair of the MNLF’s Davao City State Revolutionary Committee, appealed to Obama to intervene on the Bangsamoro problem.

Olamit, however, clarified that they do not want military intervention.

 

“The Bangsamoro’s problem isn’t military, so we ask that they don’t provide a military solution. The issue here is poverty, so we’re appealing that they help us in this regard,” he said.

“We are appealing to President Obama to listen to Chairman Misuari, that he be given a safe conduct pass because he’s the only one who can unite the Bangsamoro,” Olamit added.

MNLF chairman Nur Misuari is currently facing rebellion charges for allegedly masterminding the siege in Zamboanga City September last year that displaced thousands of residents and the killing of more than a hundred.

Asked why they are asking the same government who massacred Moro women and children in Bud Daju, Sulu more than a century ago, Olamit claims that the US president is a Muslim and that he is willing to forgive if Obama can unite the Bangsamoro. The massacre, he said, happened a long time ago anyway.

His statement, however, drew mixed reactions from the other members.
Forty-year old Farida believes that Obama and his government cannot resolve the Bangsamoro problem.

“America’s human rights violations have worsened, and we want them to come here? Only us Filipinos can solve our own problems,” she stressed.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/04/29/mnlf-leaders-ask-obama-for-help/

CHR recommends charges vs Cudia's peers

From the Philippine Star (Apr 30): CHR recommends charges vs Cudia's peers



Philippine Military Academy Cadet 1st Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia. STAR file

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) defended dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet 1st Class Jeff Aldrin Cudia as it recommended criminal and administrative charges against the school's Honor Committee.

In a radio report on Wednesday, CHR chairperson Loretta Ann "Etta" Rosales said that the high-performing cadet was "not guilty" of PMA honor violations as he did not intend to deceive his instructors in stating his reason for tardiness in class.

Cudia was accused of lying, a breach of the PMA Honor Code subjecting him to a penalty of dismissal. The decision was made by the academy's Honor Committee consisting of Cudia's co-cadets, who are now members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines after graduating last March.

Rosales, who presented the agency's final report to the media, said that members of the committee should be sued for perjury.

The human rights advocate also criticized PMA's handling of Cudia's case and subsequent discharging for compromising the cadet's future as well as failing to execute due process.

Cudia was similarly recommended to be declared an alumnus of the academy and be confirmed as graduate.

 

The case of Cudia, who ranked second in the PMA "Siklab Diwa" Class of 2014, broke out in social media after his sister posted his story on her Facebook timeline.

Anavee Cudia protested PMA's unfair treatment of her brother when it decided to force him out of the academy for being two minutes tardy in a class and purportedly "lying" about it.

Cudia's status of being "dismissed" was changed to being "on leave" after an appeal of CHR.

His family also filed a petition before the Supreme Court pleading for a status quo ante order to stop the PMA Honor Committee's resolution to kick out Cudia from the Baguio City-based institution.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/30/1317812/chr-recommends-charges-vs-cudias-peers

What does the new PH-US defense pact say?

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 30): What does the new PH-US defense pact say?
After being kept under wraps for weeks leading to its signing, a copy of the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) has finally been released by the government.

A soft copy of the 10-page document was posted in the Official Gazette website on Tuesday afternoon.

EDCA grants the United States forces access to Philippine military facilities for the next 10 years.

It includes the following provisions:

1. It clearly states that the United States will not establish permanent military presence and bases in the Philippines.

 2. The agreement is meant to promote the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization while “helping maintain and develop additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”

3. It gives US forces access to “agreed locations” on a rotational basis for “security cooperation exercises; joint and combined training activities; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.” The activities may include “training; transit; support and related activities; refueling of aircraft; bunkering of vessels; temporary maintenance of vehicles, vessels and aircraft; temporary accommodation of personnel; communications; prepositioning of equipment, supplies and materiel; deploying forces and materiel; and other such other activities.”

4. Agreed locations will be made available without rental or similar costs. However, payment for the use of water, electricity and other public utilities will be shared prorate.

 5. US is allowed to have “operational control” of agreed location “to make alterations and improvements.” But they shall consult with the other Party on the said issues.

 6. US is authorized to store defense equipment, supplies and prepositioned materiel at agreed locations. They shall notify the AFP in advance on the quantity and delivery schedules. US forces and US contractors “shall have unimpeded access to agreed locations for all matters relating to the prepositioning and storage” of defense equipment, etc.

 7. Prepositioned materiel will be for exclusive use of the US forces.

 8. The prepositioned materiel shall not include nuclear weapons.

 9. The Philippines shall retain ownership of Agreed Locations.

 10. US shall return agreed locations to the Philippines once no longer required. “The Parties of the Designated Authorities shall consult regarding the terms of return of any Agreed Locations, including possible compensation for improvements or construction. Permanent buildings constructed by US forces become property of the Philippines but shall be used by US “until no longer required by United States forces.” US will retain title to moveable properties imported or acquired by US in the Philippines.

 11. The Philippines will retain primary responsibility for security of agreed locations but US forces may exercise “all rights and authorities” in agreed locations for their operational control or defense.

 12. Resolution of disputes on the EDCA shall be resolved between the two countries. It “shall not be referred to any national or international court, tribunal, or other similar body, or to any third party for settlement, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/598326/what-does-the-new-ph-us-defense-pact-say

29th IBPA namakak na usab! Nagpatay og sibilyan, gipasangil nga membro sa BHB!

NDF NE Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 29): 29th IBPA namakak na usab! Nagpatay og sibilyan, gipasangil nga membro sa BHB!

Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP Northeast Mindanao Chapter

 

Sa buntag sa April 28, 2014 namahayag sa radyo ang spokesperson sa army nga nakapatay na usab sila og membro sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). DAKUNG BAKAK KINI! Dili membro sa BHB, kundili usa ka sibilyan nga ginganlan og Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon ang gipusil-patay sa tropa sa nag-operisyon nga 29th IBPA didto sa bukid sa Butuan City.

Abril 27, dunay combat operation sa mga tropa sa 29th IBPA sa bukid sa Dogyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City. Sa mao nga adlaw ang mag-ama nga Ricardo ug Junior Tuazon uban ang usa ka Jesan Aparelya nangati o nangdakop og langgam alimokon sa bukid sa Nakabdong nga sakop sa Dogyaman, Brgy. Anticala, Butuan City. Naabtan ang tulo (3) sa may alas 3:00 kapin sa hapon, sa mga nag-operisyong militar nga gikan sa San Antonio, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Sa walay pagsusi gipamusil sila ug igo-patay si Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon. Ang duha (2) niya nga kauban sa pagpangdakop og langgam nakadagan ug nakauli sa ilang sityo. Karong buntag giadtoan sa mga paryente ug mga silingan ang nahitaboan ug nakita nila ang patay’ng lawas ni Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon nga gibiyaan sa mga militar.

Ang mga paryente ug silingan magpamatuod nga dili membro sa BHB ang gipusil sa militar nga si Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon. Sibilyan kini nga walay ikasukol, nga igo lang nanakop ug langgam alimokon.

Sa laing paghitabo niadtong Abril 27, 2014, sa may alas 7:30 sa buntag, gi-isnayp/harass sa mga membro sa Platun Cabadbaran-BHB sa F21 ang mga militar nga sakop sa 3rd Special Forces (SF) Batallion ug 29th IBPA.

Napatyan og usa ka elemento sa SF nga nagduyan-duyan panahon sa pagbanat sa BHB. Ang maong mga pwersa dugay ng nagpondo sa Sityo Lusong, Puting Bato, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte. Kining ilang operasyon militar sa kabukiran sa Agusan del Norte nagsugod pa niadtong Marso 30, 2014. Nagkampo ang mga nag-operisyong militar duol sa kabalayan sa Sityo Lusong, Ansili ug bukid sa Dagnasay.

Sa mao gihapon nga adlaw sa may alas 10:00 sa buntag, na-isnayp na usab sa mga BHB ang laing grupo sa army didto sa bukid sa Kamalig tabok sa Cabadbaran River ug atbang sa Sityo Lusong. Duha (2) ang nasamdan sa mga army.

Mahinumduman nga April 5 niini nga tuig nasilotan usab sa BHB ang minahan sa Asia Alston taliwala sa operisyong militar sa kabukiran sa Agusan del Norte nga nagsugod niadtong Marso 30, 2014. Ang pagsilot sa Asia Alston gikalipay sa mga tag-iya sa yuta ilabina ang mga nailogan sa ilang mga umahan sa abaka kay minahon sa langyaw’ng kompanya. Naguba sa mga kauban ang mosunod nga makinarya: duha (2) ka backhoe, duha (2) ka buldozer, tulo (3) ka dumptruck, usa ka motor ug naguba ang opisina. Nakompiska ang duha (2) ka .45 pistola, duha (2) ka 38 rebolber, usa (1) ka shotgun, duha (2) ka laptop computer ug desisayes (16) ka VHF radio. Kini nga kompanya gawas nga langyaw nga nagpahimulos ug maghakot sa atong mga minerales, isog kaayong nangilog sa mga yuta sa mga kabus nga Pilipinong mag-uuma. Magguba na usab kini nga minahan sa atong kabukiran ug kay langyaw man, wala kini hunahuna sa pag-amping sa kabukiran.

Padayon nga silotan sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa North Eastern Mindanao Region (BHB-NEMR) ang mga nagguba sa atong kabukiran ug kinaiyahan! Kini nga mga negosyo dili tinuod nga nakatabang sa panginabuhian sa katawhan kay barato kaayo ang sweldo sa mga mamumuo, lisod ang kahimtang sa panarbaho ug mga kontrakwal ang mga trabahante ug nagguba sa kinaiyahan nga tinubdan sa panginabuhian sa katawhan. Mamugnaon ug mapangahasong banatan usab sa BHB ang militar nga sustinidong naglunsad sa mga operasyon militar aron depensahan ang mga minahan ug uban pang langyawng negosyo ug plantasyon.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140429_29th-ibpa-namakak-na-usab-nagpatay-og-sibilyan-gipasangil-nga-membro-sa-bhb

CPP: Statement on the US-RP Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Apr 30): Statement on the US-RP Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) roundly condemns the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) by the officials of the US and Philippine governments last Monday. The signing of the agreement was an act of extreme servility by the puppet Aquino regime.
Aquino rushed the signing of the agreement in order to offer it as a gift to the visiting US imperialist chieftain Barack Obama, even if it had yet to show the Filipino people the final text of the document. Indeed, Aquino’s master, Obama, is very pleased with the agreement.

Officials of the US and Aquino regimes have gone the lengths to make it appear that the EDCA is neither a military bases agreement, nor does it violate the 1987 Philippine constitution. Their carefully worded statements, however, merely seek to deceive the Filipino people in order not to arouse their sense of patriotism and provoke resistance.

But no amount of deceptive propaganda can conceal the basic fact that the US military forces will have access to so-called “Agreed Locations” within the camps of the Philippine armed forces where they can build and make use of necessary facilities, dock their warships, land their jetfighters, operate their drones and preposition their war materiél.

The EDCA merely formalizes the military basing arrangement where US military forces under the 700-strong Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) have maintained their exclusive headquarters within Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City since 2003. While the JSOTF-P headquarters formally remain under the authority of the AFP, these have, in practice, been inaccessible to Philippine military officials. That the EDCA-specified “Agreed Locations” will remain under the jurisdiction of Philippine officials is mere tokenism.

The Aquino regime and the US embassy are engaging in a play of words when they claim that the EDCA will not pave the way for permanent US military presence, and that US soldiers in the Philippines are merely on rotation. The fact is, there has been an endless inflow and outflow of US soldiers and vessels “on rotation” for joint military exercises and so-called “routine port calls.”

It is estimated that as many as 3,000-4,000 US troops are being “rotated” in the Philippines, either on land or sailing within Philippine territorial waters. While US troops and their vessels are “on rotation,” the presence of the US military in the Philippines has been, in fact, permanent.

The Aquino regime hopes to generate support for the EDCA by claiming that it will help strengthen its claims in the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The US government, however, has made it clear that it does not and will not take sides on the conflicting claims between the Philippines and China.

At this point of its strategic relations with China, the US has chosen to avoid antagonizing China and is more interested in pushing China to allow bigger freedom for US investors in that country. The US maintains its presence in the South China Sea, not so much to help the Philippines in its claims, but to ensure the passage of US surplus goods and project power in order to dissuade and contain China’s growth as a military power.

Aquino claims that the EDCA will help the Philippines assert its territorial claims. The EDCA claims it will help modernize the AFP. The fact is, the AFP will be “modernized” only to the extent that the US needs it to be upgraded in order to serve “interoperability” with the US military. The US needs upgraded AFP facilities to enable the latter to host large US aircraft carriers, Ospreys, drones and the like.

US national interests are completely different from those of the Philippines. The US military will act in accordance with, and in pursuit of, US national interests, not in defense of Philippine national interests.

In signing the agreement, the Aquino regime has practically surrendered Philippine national interests by further binding Philippine foreign policy to US foreign policy. The EDCA further reinforces the international status of the Philippines as a mere pawn of the US military. As such, it is less able to exercise independence in forging international diplomatic and economic relations in accordance with its national interests.

Because the Aquino regime has chosen to become a pawn of the US military, it is incable of expanding and enhancing its relations with countries which are not allied with the US imperialist camp. The potential for expanding Philippine economic relations with other countries has become further limited with the signing of the EDCA.

The claims by Aquino’s economic officials and local big business that military ties with the US are crucial to Philippine economic growth is a big lie. On the contrary, over a century of serving US military interests has perpetuated economic backwardness and dependence on foreign debt and capital and subjected the country to foreign economic plunder.

It is the US government and military that benefit from the EDCA. It serves the US government’s strategic “Asia pivot” plan declared in 2011 which involves the deployment of up to 60% of US overseas naval and other military forces to the Asia-Pacific region. The Obama government’s plan to increase US economic and military presence in the region is crucial in its effort to overcome the prolonged economic recession which started in 2008.
The Filipino people will not benefit from the EDCA. It is a further mockery of Philippine national independence and perpetuates the status of the Philippines as a US semicolony.

The Filipino people must stand up and raise high the banner of national freedom. They must vigorously oppose the EDCA and demand its abrogation. They must also demand the abrogation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement and demand the pullout of all US troops from the Philippines.

The struggle against the EDCA must be carried out in line with the overall struggle to achieve national and social liberation. Only by overthrowing the US puppets that perpetuate US neocolonial rule can the Philippines effectively assert national independence, defend its land and sea territories, advance an independent foreign policy and achieve economic modernization, genuine democracy and social justice.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140430_statement-on-the-us-rp-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement-edca

Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 29): Battalions hold change of command in DavOr

Newly-installed battalion commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalion assigned here in the province vowed to continue the Philippine Army’s efforts in peace and development as their immediate predecessor passed the torch of command to them Friday, April 25.

Lt. Col. Micheal Banua and Lt. Col. Benjamin Daniel Tianco assumed command of the 67th and 28th IB respectively, vowing to preserve and uphold the peace and development in the province for which they were entrusted to protect.

Officiated by Major General Ariel Bernardo, the change of command ceremony relinquished outgoing commanders of the 67th and 28th Infantry Battalions, Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela and Lt. Col. Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. respectively, culminating their stint as commanding officers for one year and nine months.

While saddened by the exit of the battalion commanders, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said she is also happy as the two commanders will step up the ladder of their professional careers and would embark on another challenging mission.

“Let us be consoled by the thought that we need to share leaders like them to benefit more. They have done their part for Davao Oriental, and now both have to move on to be of service to others,” she said.

Both outgoing commanders have exhibited excellence in their service, contributing a great deal to the welfare of the people as far as peace and order is concerned.

Major General Bernardo commended LTC Mortela, whose career highlights have included taking over command of the Incident Command Post in Baganga at the height of the emergency relief operations up to the rehabilitation after typhoon Pablo severely hit the three municipalities of the province.

“The most fulfilling part of my journey here [in the province] is my ‘Pablo’ experience,” he said saying it allowed him to rise in whatever way he can to help communities. He said his actions were prompted not only by his responsibility as a leader but also his moral obligations as a human being in serving another.

Aside from that, highlighting his stint as battalion commander is the clearing of all barangays under his watch from enemy influence along with the surrender of a number of rebels, which had helped led the province to be declared as insurgency-free.

“To me, I did my best to be there to where and when I was needed. I shall bring all these learning with me,” he said while vowed to continue supporting the province in to whatever way he can to preserve the peace in the province.

Meanwhile, LTC Francisco Lorenzo, Jr. thanked his troop in the 28th IB who helped him fulfill his duties at the time of his tenure as the battalion’s chief officer.

Like his counterpart in 67th infantry battalion, LTC Lorenzo is a staunch advocate of the Internal Peace and Security-Bayanihan Program of the Philippine Army locally implemented as the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP). Under his watch, the battalion successfully stopped many enemy operations as well as added more number to the list of rebel returnees.

Through the PDOP, the Philippine Army immerse into communities not only to guard them against enemy influences but to be part of these communities’ development through the implementation of different programs such as agriculture and livelihood, health, infrastructure, among many others.

Meanwhile, as Governor Malanyaon thanked the outgoing officers for their major contributions to the peace and development of her province, she also assured the new officials that the province will extend the same courtesy and support it had accorded their predecessor.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591398746547

Duterte calls on Army to pull out from Talaingod hotspot

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 30): Duterte calls on Army to pull out from Talaingod hotspot

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged government troops to pull out from the hinterlands of Talaingod, Davao del Norte to give a semblance of normalcy for the indigenous peoples especially those who evacuated from the area to return to their homes.

He issued the call in an interaction with the affected communities in the presence of Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council 11and top military commanders in the area.

Duterte stressed that normalcy must be attained as soon as possible.

He said that in Talaingod, the soldiers must stay at a distance so that the evacuees can go back to their homes.

Duterte assured food and transportation to the 39 families of indigenous peoples who are returning back to Talaingod.

He also revealed that the rebels also asked him to intervene due to the evacuation of residents.

Duterte said he also prodded the rebels to also leave the hinterlands of Talaingod to ease the lives of the indigenous peoples and speed up the return to normalcy.

He said that in Paquibato District, the soldiers can stay but must avoid using schools and barangay halls as their quarters.

Duterte said it is improper for soldiers to use schools and barangay halls as their dwelling especially many houses are situated near public buildings and children and residents might be hit by the crossfire during encounters.

“Soldiers must stay at a safe distance.  It is common sense,” he said.

Duterte said he will a call a dialogue between the military and the barangay chairs in Paquibato District to come up with the modalities in handling the security situation in the area.

He explained that the soldiers are still needed in Paquibato District to prevent the entry of illegal activities like mining and logging.

However, Duterte discouraged the soldiers from conducting activities without the coordination with the barangay chairs to avoid suspicion and fear among the residents.

“Stop accosting people,” he said.

Duterte said that with the ongoing conflict in the countryside, soldiers are also present whenever the rebels are around.

He said the soldiers also have the mission to protect the people.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381398825108

U.S. to help Philippines set up coast watch center to enhance maritime security

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 30): U.S. to help Philippines set up coast watch center to enhance maritime security

The US government will help the Philippines establish a coast watch center to enhance its maritime border security and maritime domain, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Tuesday.

Coloma, who was present during the bilateral meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and US President Barack Obama on Monday, said the US leader vowed to assist the Philippines in creating the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC).

The NCWC is an inter-agency mechanism which aims to enhance maritime border security, as well as in governing the country’s maritime domain, pursuant to Executive Order 57 issued in September 2011.

Coloma said Obama likewise expressed his desire to promote enhanced maritime information-sharing with its allies—the Philippines, Japan, and Australia -- to easily manage maritime conflicts and disputes.

Obama, who arrived in the Philippines for a two-day state visit, said the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US will benefit the two countries, particularly on military readiness and response to calamities.

The goal of the agreement is to build Philippine capacity in training and in coordination, he said in a joint press conference with President Aquino in Malacanang on Monday.

He added that the EDCA not only concentrates on maritime security, but also on enhancing the two countries’ capabilities in responding to natural disasters.

Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Monday morning signed the 10-year  agreement that will  allow for the enhanced rotational presence of U.S. forces at agreed locations in the Philippines, subject to the mutual agreement of the parties.
.
Manila was the final leg of Obama’s Asian trip that also took him to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1781398766990

Palace ready to defend constitutionality of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with U.S.

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Palace ready to defend constitutionality of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with U.S.

Malacanang is ready to defend the constitutionality of the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippine governments, a Palace official said Wednesday.

“If some people choose to avail of judicial processes to question the agreement’s constitutionality, the government is prepared to defend the EDCA,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a press briefing.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has criticized President Benigno S. Aquino III for allowing the signing of the agreement, saying the Senate and the Executive Branch are supposed to share the power to make treaties.

Santiago was also quoted by press reports as saying that the signing of EDCA will strain Philippine-Chinese relations.

According to news reports, former Senator Joker Arroyo said the Senate should have been consulted before the signing of the EDCA.

Arroyo further commented that the Philippines has nothing to gain from the agreement.

“We defer in the opinion with Senator Joker Arroyo,” Lacierda said, adding that the country stands to gain a lot from the EDCA.

He said among the benefits is the modernization of the military hardware of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“An enhanced feature of the EDCA is the emphasis on humanitarian assistance on disaster response, which we saw very, very clearly in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda,” explained Lacierda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=639395

Negros Oriental prepares for declaration as 'conflict manageable and development ready

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Negros Oriental prepares for declaration as 'conflict manageable and development ready

The province of Negros Oriental is ready.

This was the shared statement of key officials of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the provincial government during a press conference Wednesday at the Capitol, days ahead of the May 7 grand affair at which Negros Oriental shall be officially declared “conflict manageable and development ready.”

The term “conflict manageable and development ready” has been coined in reference to the reduction of the insurgency problem in the province to an insignificant level such that the civilian government will now take the lead in addressing issues and concerns related to it.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., OIC PNP provincial commander, and Atty. Richard Enojo, provincial administrator and representing Governor Roel Degamo, were present at the press conference to enlighten the media on their respective roles once the resolution declaring the province as conflict manageable and development ready will take effect.

Brig. Gen. Patrimonio clarified that Negros Oriental is not insurgency-free although the number of members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA), the armed component of the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is dwindling.

According to him, there are less than 100 NPA members now operating in the province and only five barangays, two in Guihulngan City and three in Guihulngan City, remain to be affected by insurgency.

Patrimonio went on to say that the AFP, more particularly the Philippine Army, will not pull out from Negros Oriental but will see a shift in their roles once the province becomes officially conflict manageable and development ready.

This means that Army troops will concentrate their deployment in insurgency-affected areas while the PNP will be gradually introduced to villages that are now safe for the non-combat oriented policemen to manage.

Also, there will be no turn-over of the internal peace and security operations from the AFP to the PNP except for changes in the operational structure, Patrimonio added.

Sr. Supt. Natuel admitted that it will be a big challenge on the part of the PNP to take on such responsibility, considering the organization’s limitations in terms of capability, logistics and other resources.

Natuel stressed that policemen are not as highly trained on combat operations and are more inclined towards crime fighting and maintaining peace and order. Other limitations include firearms and other weapons as well as transportation, to name a few.

But, Natuel said the PNP is ready to take over the areas to be assigned them by the military in what he describes as an additional task to the police personnel.

Natuel also placed emphasis on the role of the civilian sector and other stakeholders in attaining lasting peace that will usher in potential investors and boost the economic climate of the province.

On the part of the provincial government, Atty. Enojo announced that the provincial government is fully prepared to take on the responsibilities in addressing concerns and issues complementary to efforts to declare it conflict manageable and development ready.

Enojo said the declaration of the province as conflict manageable and development ready is a way of informing the people of the real score and status of the peace and order condition of Negros Oriental.

The lawyer said this is also a way of enticing tourists, guests, visitors and investors to come to the province.

A peaceful setting would now present an image of Negros Oriental as conducive for business, investments and social visits as well as give peace of mind to everybody, he added.

Governor Degamo, who has repeatedly said his administration is fully supportive of efforts towards lasting peace in the province, was unable to attend the press conference due to a pressing appointment, Enojo said.

On May 7, Sec. Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, General Emmanuel T. Bautista, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Police Director General Alan L. Purisima, PNP Chief will lead other important guests in Dumaguete City for the signing of a resolution declaring Negros Oriental conflict manageable and development ready.

Another highlight of the day will be the signing of a joint letter directive for the implementation of the normalization process by officials representing the AFP, the PNP and the local government.

An array of activities has been lined up on May 7 to include sky-diving, biking, band drill exhibition, unity dance, dragon and lion dance, kite flying competition, “Magdula Ta” featuring Filipino games, a medical mission, and unveiling of the Bayanihan mural painting, among others.

The process includes the slow but continuous turn-over of the internal peace and security operations from the AFP to the PNP, Brig. Gen. Patrimonio explained.

Negros Oriental is the only province in Central Visayas or Region 7 which still faces the insurgency problem while Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor are all insurgency-free.

The government, meanwhile, is targeting to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free in another two years or so, according to Brig. Gen. Patrimonio.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=639372

Suspected NPA rebels clash with Army troopers in northern Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Suspected NPA rebels clash with Army troopers in northern Negros Oriental

Seven suspected members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA), including one female, clashed with government forces at Barangay Tanlad, Tayasan town in northern Negros Oriental early Wednesday morning.

An initial report disclosed that members of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Philippine Army, while conducting security patrol around 2:15 a.m. some 300 meters from their detachment in Sitio Bulabog 2, Barangay Tanlad, came across the alleged NPA group.

The CAAs, led by a certain Corporal Galapin, exchanged fire with the suspected rebels for about 20 minutes before the latter splintered into two groups as they withdrew towards Sitio Pagatanan, also in Barangay Tanlad.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Recovered from the site of the encounter were one calilber .45 pistol with Serial Number 3093040 and one magazine with six rounds of live ammunition.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, disclosed that based on intelligence reports, the NPA had allegedly long been planning to launch a tactical offensive at the CAA detachment in Tayasan.

However, the suspected rebels could not come any closer to the well-secured detachment, he added.

Brig. Gen. Patrimonio described Wednesday’s encounter as a show of force by the NPA which is now feeling the pressure of the government in obtaining lasting peace in Negros Oriental.

Patrimonio said the NPA’s Larangan Guerilla-1 operating in northern Negros Oriental now has only about 40 members from 74 as many have already transferred to Negros Occidental.

According to Patrimonio, while Negros Oriental is soon to be declared conflict manageable and development ready by early May, there is still a risk that NPAs from the Negros Occidental side would cross boundaries and undertake harassment activities in Negros Oriental.

But, despite such risks, the military is ready to take them on any time, Patrimonio added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=639387

15 killed as military, ASG brigands clash in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 15 killed as military, ASG brigands clash in Sulu

Fourteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands and a Marine soldier were killed in a three-hour clash in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday, the military reported.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, 2nd Marine Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer, said 19 other soldiers were wounded in the fighting.

The encounter between the two groups started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m., Lacuesta added.

Marine troopers, aided by two MG-520 attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), fought an estimated 100 ASG members led by Yasser Igasan, Idan Susukan, Ninok Sappari, and Radullan Sahiron, Lacuesta said.

The clash occurred near a one-hectare ASG camp in Sitio Kan Jimao, Barangay Buhanginan, which the troops seized after an assault on Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639214

Attack against PHL on WPS part of 1951 PHL-U.S. treaty -- Del Rosario

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): Attack against PHL on WPS part of 1951 PHL-U.S. treaty -- Del Rosario

The United States has officially declared that it would come to the Philippines’ defense under a 1951 treaty if it comes under attack even in the disputed South China Sea, where Manila and China are locked in a long-running territorial row, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Wednesday.

Del Rosario cited a May 24, 1999 letter by former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Hubbard to then Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon of this commitment.

In that letter, Hubbard mentioned ex-U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen's statement that “the U.S. considers the South China Sea to be part of the Pacific Area.”

“Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States will come to the assistance of the Philippines if our metropolitan territory is attacked or if our Armed Forces are attacked in the Pacific area,” said Del Rosario, in a statement issued a day after visiting U.S. President Barack Obama affirmed U.S. military support for the Philippines against any foreign aggression.

“In 1999, in a diplomatic letter, the United States affirmed that the South China Sea is considered as part of the Pacific area,” Del Rosario noted.

The U.S. President as Commander-in-Chief may commit its armed forces into action overseas, but must notify the U.S. Congress within 48 hours of such action, as provided for under the U.S. War Powers Resolution of 1973.

Without U.S. congressional authorization, the U.S. President can deploy its armed forces only within 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period.

However, U.S. congressional authorization is needed if the engagement of U.S. armed forces abroad would go beyond 60 days.

China is claiming ownership of virtually the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, a major international trade route where huge gas and oil deposits have been discovered.

Overlapping claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan over the resource-rich waters have sparked occasional violence and now regarded as a potential regional flashpoint for armed conflict.

The Philippines and Vietnam have separately accused China of incursions and harassing their fishermen in areas they say are within its sovereign territories.

Manila brought China before an international tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands to try to declare its massive claim illegal.

The Philippines, whose ill-equipped military is no match to China’s, had sought assistance from the U.S. to bolster its defense capability.

Both allies have signed on Monday a 10-year defense accord that will enhance their military engagement while giving greater access to American forces in the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639243

3 NPAs killed in Compostela Valley encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): 3 NPAs killed in Compostela Valley encounter

Troopers from the 25th Infantry Battalion killed three New People's Army (NPA) fighters during an encounter in Montevista, Compostela Valley Wednesday morning.

The encounter took place in Sitio Tibungco, Barangay Poblacion in Montevista town in an abandoned NPA base.

Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the clash took place around 9:30 a.m.

He added that their soldiers were conducting search and patrol operations in the above-mentioned area when they encountered 20 NPA fighters, triggering a 10-minute firefight.

Three of the rebels were immediately killed while an undetermined number wounded.

Carolina said that the remaining NPAs quickly retreated leaving behind three backpacks and one 9-mm pistol.

No casualty was sustained by government forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=639234