Govt, MILF to meet in Malaysia over decommissioning of firearms

From GMA News (Sep 22): Govt, MILF to meet in Malaysia over decommissioning of firearms

The negotiating panels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will meet in Malaysia before the month ends to set parameters for the decommissioning of firearms of MILF combatants.

In a chance interview on the sidelines of a forum on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said members of both panels are set to meet in Kuala Lumpur from September 27 to 29 “to pull everything together.”

Part of the agenda for the three-day meeting is the finalization of the composition of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) as well as the International Decommissioning Body (IDB), Ferrer said.

She said they aim to establish these bodies within the month.

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the MILF last March, the TJRC is tasked “to study and recommend the appropriate mechanisms to address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, correct historical injustices, and address human rights violations through land dispossession.”

Experts

Meanwhile, the IDB, to be composed of three foreign experts and four Filipinos, will validate the inventory of weapons and combatants that the MILF will submit.

Ferrer said they have already invited experts from Brunei, Turkey and Norway in the meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

“Doon na natin sa Kuala Lumpur ifa-finalize who will be members of the IDB,” she said. “But the most important thing, the first order of business, is for the MILF to produce a list of weapons and combatants and submit it to the IDB.”

List

Meanwhile, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said they already have a list of firearms and names of combatants ready for submission to the IDB, but refused to give figures.

He, however, said that “the firearms are combinations of high-powered and light-powered.”

Iqbal said the government peace panel also has its own tally of the MILF firearms to be compared with the list that the MILF will submit.

He said the government has listed 7,500 firearms owned by MILF combatants.

“We have our own figure but I cannot disclose right now,” Iqbal said, adding that before the end of the year, the MILF will have a symbolic turnover of 75 high-powered firearms to the IDB.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/380277/news/nation/govt-milf-to-meet-in-malaysia-over-decommissioning-of-firearms

MILF, govt peace panel execs dismiss reported ISIS recruitment in PHL

From GMA News (Sep 22): MILF, govt peace panel execs dismiss reported ISIS recruitment in PHL

The heads of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels dismissed on Monday the reported recruitment of the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the country, particularly in Mindanao.

“There's is no validity and evidence to that report. We have been on the ground and I have not even heard of any substantive evidence to prove that,” MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said in an interview at the sidelines of a forum on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

 

Speculations on the ISIS' recruitment of fighters from the Philippines came folllowing reports that two Filipinos were among those recently killed in Syria while supposedly fighting on the side of ISIS.

 

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer last week, Abu Misry Mama, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), said his group had pledged allegiance to ISIS and is in constant communication with its leaders, especially with ISIS head Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.

 

“Well, that's a claim, but even in terms of logistics, it's very difficult to send people to Syria and Baghdad. It's better for them to use that money buying ammunition rather than to spend for people to send them to Syria and Bagdhad,” Iqbal said.

 

The BIFF is a splinter group of the MILF.

 

Iqbal maintained that the MILF “do not have any alliance or any strategic conference” with the BIFF nor with another rebel group in Mindanao, the Abu Sayyaf.

No evidence

 

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer likewise doubted the reported ISIS recruitment of people from Mindanao.

 

“It is very unlikely that there are actually people from Mindanao (joining the ISIS). There is a bigger risk that some overseas Filipino workers in Syria or Iraq got entangled with the ISIS, dahil nandun na sila. But coming from Mindanao pupunta sa Syria or Iraq para sumali? We don't have any clear evidence to show that,” Ferrer said.

 

She said the BIFF's statement of close contact with the ISIS leadership does not necessarily mean that ISIS elements have already penetrated the country.

 

“You can be in close contact through the internet and everything. But even that claim of the BIFF is not yet validated with evidence,” Ferrer said.

 

She said the MILF is working closely with the national government in maintaining peace and order in Mindanao.

'Against barbarism'

 

For his part, Iqbal said that with or without the threats of terrorism, the MILF is constantly monitoring areas under its control.

 

“We are against all forms of barbarism, whether it is being committed by a foreign group or even by local group... We see to it that no outside elements are coming into these territories that would create problems. That's how we promote and protect peace and security in areas controlled by the MILF,” Iqbal said.

 

He said in the event that the MILF forces apprehend a member of a foreign terrorist group, the suspect would be directly turned over to an international body and not to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

“We have terms of reference when it comes to that. When somebody is caught committing a crime, usually kidnap for ransom, there is an arrangement that they will be turned over to an international monitoring team, which is led by Malaysia,” Iqbal said.

 

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that it was working closely with the US government to thwart reported recruitment by ISIS. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/380296/news/nation/milf-govt-peace-panel-execs-dismiss-reported-isis-recruitment-in-phl

Soldier shot dead in Bukidnon

From ABS-CBN (Sep 22): Soldier shot dead in Bukidnon

A soldier was shot dead in the town of Dangcagan in Bukidnon on Sunday evening.

Corporal Andrew Dayata, a soldier assigned to the Philippines Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, was shot dead at around 10 p.m.

Dayata was riding a motorcycle with his wife when they were flagged down by armed men in Barangay Osmeña.

Dayata's wife was spared but he was shot in the head.

The couple were on their way home from a fiesta celebration in Barangay Kapalaran in the said town when the shooting occurred.

Dangcagan Police said Dayata had received death threats from suspected New People's Army rebels prior to the incident.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/22/14/soldier-shot-dead-bukidnon

157-man Navy contingent is Haiti-bound

From InterAksyon (Sep 22): 157-man Navy contingent is Haiti-bound



Sending off the 16th contingent in December 2012. Photo from the Philippine Navy.

A quarter of a battalion, or some 157 members of the Philippine Navy are Haiti-bound anew to replace the returning 17th Navy Contingent (155 men) who have finished their United Nations-sanctioned peacekeeping mission.

Navy Public Affairs Chief Lt. Commander Marineth Domingo said the 18th Navy Contingent is expected to arrive at their mission area later this month in the Caribbean country.

The contingent is composed of 12 officers and 145 enlisted personnel led by Commander Aldrin Doctor.

The 17th Navy Contingent, composed of 12 officers and 143 enlisted personnel, was led by Captain Luzviminda Camacho, the first female contingent commander to be sent to Haiti. They are expected to arrive in the country on Sept. 25. They were deployed to Haiti in October last year.

"The 18th Contingent will provide VIP security, and administrative and logistical services, as well as conduct perimeter security to the Force Headquarters of the UN Mission in Haiti. They are expected to serve for six to nine months," Domingo said.

Since 2004, the military has been sending peacekeeping forces to Haiti as part of its commitment to international peace and security and the UN peacekeeping missions.

Haiti suffered political unrest over the past decades and a deadly earthquake that caused 220,000 deaths, further depressing the Haitian economy and infrastructure.

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti was established through Security Council Resolution No 1542 in 2004 to maintain security following a series of armed conflict in Haiti.

"The AFP will continue to support the government in its commitment to peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. As a force provider, it is an honor to train, equip, and deploy members of the military to represent the country to these peacekeeping missions,” military chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/95915/157-man-navy-contingent-is-haiti-bound

Guard against IS militants

From the Daily Express (Sep 22): Guard against IS militants

KOTA KINABALU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said secession proponents should think carefully before carrying out their political agenda so as not to jeopardise the security of Sabah and its people.

He said those fanning the secession sentiments "for their own political agenda" should look at the security threats detected recently, particularly from the Mindanao-based Muslim militants, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf which had pledged allegiance to the struggle of Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria.

Describing the secession group as "those having no other works to do except politics", Hishammuddin said they need to look at Sabah's security from another perspective since "one wrong move could very well mean the end and whatever they are fighting for, including power, will be gone."

He said the existence of Muslim militants supporting the formation of IS in the Middle East is set to change the landscape of the threats and security scope in the East Coast of Sabah.

"This threat is bigger than the current smuggling and kidnapping cases in the East Coast of Sabah," he said when opening the Penampang Umno annual delegates' conference at Beverly Hotel in Karamunsing, here, Sunday.

Speaking to reporters later, Hishammuddin said the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari, Abu Sayyaf and Sulu Sultanate army, which was fighting to create an Islamic government in southern Philippines and claiming Sabah, was found to be using the IS model.

"In fact, based on the intelligence reports, it is believed that the Abu Sayyaf group has trained certain individuals to be sent to Syria and fight with IS," he said.

According to Hishammuddin, up to April this year, 19 Malaysians have been arrested for suspected involvement in IS (including two in Sandakan).

They were believed to have been recruited by four militant cells, namely Khaed Al Waled, Al Jemaah Brigade, Daulah Islamiyah and Arakan Daulah Islamiyah Arakan, before being sent to Syria.

The authorities were also hot on the heels of five more militants believed to be hiding in southern Philippines, said Hishammuddin.

"This is not to create fear among the people of Sabah but this (is based) on the open statement and it is not impossible. The MNLF before this have expressed their intention to create an Islamic Caliphate covering the Southern Philippines, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia," he said.

Towards this end, a split in a country due to the political polemic sentiment to take Sabah out of Malaysia based on racial and religious issues can be easily exploited by certain groups, he said.

"I want to take the opportunity today to remind Umno leaders and the people of Sabah that there are limitations in the way in our politicking in trying to win seats and power," he said.

Even the Nigerian militant, Boko Haram, had also announced its plan to form an Islamic State of Nigeria, he said, adding that these developments should serve as a reminder to the people of Sabah.

To a question, he said based on intelligence reports so far, the threat to the country as a result of BIFF's support to IS has not reached the level like in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Both the UK and Australia had heightened their security to the highest level due to the IS threat.

"Australia has been put on the highest ever security level alert in the country's history and it is not mere coincidence. Therefore, the people of Sabah need to look further.

What message they can get from the action of the Australian government," he said.

Hishammuddin said he had discussed with the Prime Minister on ways to get more funding to be channelled for Sabah's security in the Budget 2015 to be tabled on Oct 10.

"This is among the issues that the people of Sabah and Sarawak have been asking, that the security must not be compromised at all cost, and this is what we are going to give them," he said.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=91249

5,000 Philippine, US troops to hold exercises in Palawan

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22): 5,000 Philippine, US troops to hold exercises in Palawan

Close to 5,000 troops from the Philippines and the United States will soon conduct another round of large-scale military exercises that will enhance their ability to respond jointly to regional issues, humanitarian disasters and maritime-security needs within the Asia-Pacific region.

Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 15) will be staged in Palawan and other parts of Luzon beginning Sept. 29 to Oct. 10.

Approximately 3,500 American troops based in Okinawa, Japan, and the US will be involved in this 31st staging of PHIBLEX .

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on the other hand, is sending about 1,200 Marines, Navy, Army, and Air Force (PAF) personnel to join their US counterparts from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3rd MEB) and Commander, Task Force 76 (CTF 76) in this annual event.

As part of PHIBLEX 15, there will be a command post exercise to practice communications throughout the battle space, field training exercises that include small arms and artillery live-fire training, amphibious operations, ship-to-shore movement, combined arms training, civil-military operations, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects.

Capt. Craig Thomas, Military Public Affairs Liaison at the US Embassy, noted that one of the new training events for this year’s PHIBLEX is the command post exercise, “which focuses on command and control of all the different units involved in the mission.”

This should help increase the AFP’s capability to conduct planning and effective execution of bilateral maritime security and territorial defense operations.

The field training exercises, on the other hand, should provide the Philippine and US Marine units multiple opportunities to continue to improve their skills while sharing best practices and enhancing an already high level of cohesion.

Lt. Cdr. Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy public affairs office (PAO) director, earlier said that actual training on amphibious operations will be conducted in Palawan.

Non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) is slated at the Subic and Clark areas, while mechanized assault operation will be held in Zambales.

Additionally, Philippine and US forces will conduct a series of humanitarian and civic assistance projects to benefit the civilian communities near areas where the exercises will take place.

These benefits include free medical and dental treatment to local citizens while completing engineering and construction projects that will provide additional classrooms and other facilities to the community.

“Bilateral Philippine-US military training opportunities such as PHIBLEX 15 fortify our strong foundation of interoperability and enrich the relationship we have across a range of military operations – from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary maneuvers,” read a statement from the US embassy.

http://www.mb.com.ph/5000-philippine-us-troops-to-hold-exercises-in-palawan/

MILF: Bangsamoro autonomy a ‘way to federalism

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 21): Bangsamoro autonomy a ‘way to federalism



A successful Bangsamoro autonomy through the implementation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could pave the way for a change to a federal form of government.
   

This was the statement made by Secretary Teresita "Ging" Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Oppap) when asked of her reaction on the growing clamor for federalism

Deles said though that it would be impossible for the issue on federalism and the by Mindanao leaders.

(The) issue on Bangsamoro autonomy to go hand in hand as the shift to a federal form of government needs a charter change while the Bangsamoro autonomy only needed an enactment of law.

Deles said though that if the Bangsamoro autonomy becomes successful, then Mindanao leaders could cite it as a reason to go federal.

Deles was with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in an event they both attended in Davao City Thursday night. Duterte told Deles that they would support the BBL and the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Duterte, in turn, reportedly asked Deles if the National Government would also seriously consider the shift to federalism.

Last week, six Mindanao leaders dubbed as the Council of Leaders expressed their desire to have a federal system of government. The group said that with BBL in Congress, it is also time for the government to discuss the possibility of federalism.

The Council of Leaders is composed of Mayor Duterte, former Zamboanga congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri, former Cagayan de Oro City mayor Vicente Emano, former DOTC secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, and Rueben Canoy of the Radio Mindanao Network.

Mayor Duterte said they see the implementation of a federal system of government as the only solution to the Mindanao insurgency problem.

Duterte said they are going to Cebu next month to discuss with other local leaders their plan to push for federalism to raise the awareness of the people.

He assured the Aquino administration though that their desire is for a peaceful process and not to sever ties with the Imperial Manila or dismember the country.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1221-bangsamoro-autonomy-a-‘way-to-federalism

MILF: BDA conducts planning workshop

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 21): BDA conducts planning workshop

The Bangsamoro Development Agency held one day development planning workshop on Sept. 16, 2014 held at Madrasa Bangkerohan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
  

The activity was attended by official of Polcom, BIAf, SWC LGU’s and religious sector from two provinces Moro Province and Zamboanga Sibugay Province.

The program started with reading of a verse of the Quar’an by Ustadz Samy, the welcome address was delivered by Hadji Umbul, Vice Chairman of Sibugay Province Political Committee. The opening massage was made by Mohamadon Taub, Zamboanga Peninsula BDA Regional Manager.

Manager Taub said that a BDA team is going around Mindanao to conduct community validations and determine priority projects needed by the people especially in areas affected by the armed conflict. 

He also added that infrastructure projects and socio-economic livelihood programs are inclusive that both Muslims and non-Muslims can be recipients. The BDA is a development planning agency created under the GPH-MILF Peace Accord.

During the workshops Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay expressed support to BDA programs as well as the upcoming birth of the Bangsamoro Government and hoping for its realization soonest possible time.

The activity ended with a closing remarks by Ipil Municipal Polcom Chairman Salip Uttuh  Cammah.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1220-bda-conducts-planning-workshop

CPP/Ang Bayan: “Lumad manifesto,” pakana ng AFP

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Sep 21): “Lumad manifesto,” pakana ng AFP ["Lumad (indigenous people) manifesto," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) scheme]

Pilit na pinapirma ng AFP, mga paramilitar na Alamara at lokal na gubyerno ng Kapalong, Davao del Norte ang mga lider-Lumad sa mga komunidad sa hangganan ng Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley at Agusan del Sur ng isang bogus na manifesto na nagdedeklara ng “awtonomya ng mamamayang Lumad” laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Noong Setyembre 1-2, inimbitahan sa isang pulong ang mga lider-Lumad sa lugar, subalit hindi sinabi sa kanila kung ano ang pag-uusapan. Nagulat na lamang sila nang biglang maglabas ng isang “computer print-out” na pahayag si Larris Mansaloon, pinuno ng Alamara, na kumukundena sa mga sakahang komunal ng mga Lumad, dahil pilit daw pinagtatanim dito ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ang mga minorya para may pagkain ang mga Pulang mandirigma. Binaluktot ng manipesto ang katotohanan na malaki ang naitulong ng mga komunal na sakahan para maibangon ang produksyon at kabuhayan ng mga Lumad matapos sila masalanta sa bagyong Pablo noong 2012 at maging biktima ng sukdulang kapabayaan ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno.

Nanawagan ang manipesto ng “awtonomya” laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Awtomatikong idineklara na lahat ng mga dumalo sa pulong at pumirma sa manipesto ay mga myembro na ng Alamara. Kabilang sa mga pinapirma ay mga biktima ng militarisasyon na hindi na nakatanggi dahil sa takot na mapag-initan ng Alamara.

Samantala, dahil sa matagalan nang teroristang presensya ng 60th, 68th at 46th IB sa lugar ay malaon na ring hindi naaasikaso ng mga Lumad ang kanilang mga sakahan.

Pilit ngayong pinapawi ng AFP ang pagsusulong ng produksyon sa mga komunidad ng Lumad. Masahol pa, sa pamamagitan ng Alamara ay ginagamit ng AFP ang masang Lumad para wasakin ang kanilang pagkakaisa at labanan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Nanawagan ang National Democratic Front sa Southern Mindanao Region sa masang Lumad at magsasaka na ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga pinaghirapang tagumpay at ang kanilang mga lupang ninuno laban sa pananalasa ng militar at mga kakutsabang Alamara at lokal na reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Paiigtingin din ng BHB ang mga taktikal na opensiba laban sa kaaway upang madala sa mas mataas na antas ang digmang bayan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140921/lumad-manifesto-pakana-ng-afp

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP sa Abra, pinalalayas

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Sep 21): AFP sa Abra, pinalalayas [Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Abra, cast out]

Dumarami ang mga sektor na nananawagan para sa pagpapalayas sa mga pwersa ng 41st IB sa bayan ng Lacub, Abra. Ang brutal na mga operasyon ng 41st IB sa pagpapatupad nito ng Oplan Bayanihan ay nagdudulot ng matinding paghihirap sa mga sibilyan. Tampok sa mga krimen ng 41st IB ang pagpatay sa mga sibilyang sina Engr. Fidela Salvador at Noel Viste.
Si Salvador ay upisyal ng Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CorDisRDS) na nakabase sa Baguio City. Bilang konsultant, sinusubaybayan ni Salvador ang mga proyekto ng Philippine Tropical Cyclone Emergency Response Project (PTCERP) ng Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services sa Lacub. Napatay si Salvador ng mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo noong Setyembre 5. Sa isang pahayag ng AFP noong Setyembre 11, pinalalabas nito na si Salvador ay kasapi ng BHB at mayroon pa umanong sukbit na baril.

Si Viste naman, na taga-Poblacion, Lacub, ay kabilang sa 24 na sibilyan na pinwersang isama ng 41st IB upang gamiting “human shield” sa kanilang operasyon noong Setyembre 5. Malao’y pinakawalan ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyan maliban kina Viste at Nicasio Asbucan. Kinabukasan, natagpuang patay si Viste. Inilitaw naman at isinurender ng mga sundalo si Asbucan sa hepe ng pulis ng Lacub noong Setyembre 7. Ayon kay Asbucan, inutusan siya ng mga sundalo na tukuyin ang pangalan ni Jay-ar Balaoag, kapitan ng barangay Lanag, Lacub, bilang kasapi ng BHB at sabihing siya ang bumaril kay Viste.

Kaliwa’t kanan ang mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao at pang-aabuso ng mga pasistang sundalo sa mamamayan sa lugar. Ang walang habas na mga operasyong militar ay sumisira sa kabuhayan ng mga naninirahan dito.
Noong Setyembre 5, ang mga sundalong nakapwesto sa Sityo Bantugo, Poblacion, Lacub ay nagpaputok sa direksyon ng Talampac Proper, Pacoc. Dahil dito, anim na pamilya sa Sityo Pacoc ang umalis sa kanilang bahay at nakitulog sa ibang bahay. Napwersa ang ilang magsasaka na matulog sa kanilang bukid.

Ang maliliit na minero sa lugar ay tumigil sa paghahanapbuhay mula noong Setyembre 4. Para sa kanilang seguridad, nagpasya ang mga residente ng Barangay Talampak, Poblacion at Guinguinabang na magpataw ng sariling curfew mula alas-9 ng gabi hanggang alas-6 ng umaga.

Dahil sa mga operasyon ng 41st IB, napwersang magsuspinde ng klase noong Setyembre 5 at 8 ang Bantugo Elementary School and High School at ang Our Lady of Guadalupe High School. Kalapit lamang ng mga paaralan ang itinayong kampo ng militar sa Bantugo.

Nananawagan ang mga organisasyong nagtatanggol sa karapatang-tao na kagyat na alisin ang mga pwersa ng 41st IB upang maibalik ang kapayapaan sa lugar at ang regular na buhay ng mga sibilyan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140921/afp-sa-abra-pinalalayas

CPP/Ang Bayan: SOMO, hiniling sa Bukidnon

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Sep 21): SOMO, hiniling sa Bukidnon [Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO), requested in Bukidnon]

Nanawagan ang ilang mga upisyal ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno at taong-simbahan sa rehimeng Aquino at sa AFP na ipag-utos ang suspensyon ng mga opensibong operasyong militar (SOMO) sa prubinsya ng Bukidnon upang bigyang-daan ang pagpapalaya sa mga bihag ng digma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).

Ayon kay Sen. Teofisto Guingona Jr., tagapangulo ng komite ng Senado sa kapayapaan at kaayusan, sumulat na siya kay Aquino at sa kalihim sa depensa na si Voltaire Gazmin upang ilatag ang gayong kahilingan.

Ang dalawang bihag ng digma ng BHB ay sina Pfc. Marnel Tagalugon Cinches at Pfc. Jerrel Hapay Yorong, kapwa mga pwersa ng 8th IB. Nadakip sila ng BHB noong Agosto 22.

Ayon kay Ka Alan Juanito, hindi na nila isasailalim sa normal na imbestigasyon at proseso ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang dalawang bihag bilang pagpapakita ng kagandahang-loob sa layuning itulak ang pagsisimulang muli ng negosasyong pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at ng GPH (Gubyerno ng Pilipinas).

Nanawagan si Juanito na ipatupad ang SOMO sa San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Malaybalay City, Impasug-ong, Manolo Fortich at Malitbog sa Bukidnon; at sa Claveria, Balingasag at Gingoog City sa Misamis Oriental. Kaagad na tutumbasan ng BHB ang magiging SOMO ng AFP at titiyakin ang pagpapalaya sa mga bihag.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140921/somo-hiniling-sa-bukidnon

CPP/Ang Bayan: 9 aksyong militar, inilunsad sa NCMR

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of the CPP online publication Ang Bayan (Sep 21): 9 aksyong militar, inilunsad sa NCMR [9 military actions launched in the North Central Mindanao Region (MCMR)]

Walong armas ang nasamsam, isang sundalo ang napatay at hindi bababa sa pito ang nasugatan sa serye ng mga aksyong militar na inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa North Central Mindanao Region noong Agosto 21-30. Walang kaswalti sa panig ng BHB sa mga labanang ito.

Kabilang sa mga nasamsam na sandata ang tatlong ripleng kal .22, isang kal .45 na pistola at apat na shotgun.

Dalawang sundalo ng 52nd Engineering Brigade ang nasugatan nang pasabugan ng command-detonated explosive o CDX ng isang yunit ng BHB ang sinasakyan nilang dump truck sa Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City noong Agosto 22.

Isang araw bago ito, isang sundalo ang napatay nang paputukan ng isang tim ng BHB ang detatsment ng 8th IB sa Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City.

Noong Agosto 26, hindi bababa sa dalawa ang nasugatan sa mga elemento ng Special Forces ng Philippine Army matapos salakayin ng mga Pulang gerilya ang packing plant ng Del Monte Pineapple Plantation sa Barangay Sil-ipon, Libona, Bukidnon. Ang nasabing yunit-militar ang nagsisilbing protektor ng Del Monte.

Kinabukasan, hinaras ng isang yunit ng BHB ang nagpapatrulyang platun ng paramilitar na Alimaong sa Mamatu, Barangay, Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Nagtamo ng di mabatid na bilang ng kaswalti ang mga paramilitar.

Noong Agosto 28, dinisarmahan ng BHB si Mr. Benhur, isang illegal logger sa Sityo Bugta, Barangay Ginabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Nakumpiska mula sa kanya ang dalawang kal .22 na ripleng may teleskopyo, isang kal. 45 na pistola, mga bala ng M16 at dalawang uniporme ng militar.

Kinabukasan, nagtamo ng di pa malamang bilang ng kaswalti ang militar nang atakehin ng isang tim ng BHB ang detatsment ng Philippine Army-Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA) sa Barangay Comota, La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

Noong Agosto 30, dalawang operasyong disarma ang inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Sa unang operasyong disarma, nasamsam ang tatlong shotgun mula sa mga gwardya ng mangangamkam ng lupa na pamilyang Villarosa, may-ari ng Pineapple Country Home Subdivision sa Barangay San Miguel. Sa pangalawang disarma, isang ripleng kal .22, isang shotgun at tatlong kahon ng iba’t ibang klaseng bala ang nakumpiska mula kay (ret.) Colonel Quaiwit dahil sa paggamit niya ng armas sa pananakot sa mga residente.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140921/9-aksyong-militar-inilunsad-sa-ncmr

CPP/NDF: Ang paghandum sa balaud militar nagkahulogan sa pagsubli sa atong baruganan sa pakigbisog alang sa nasudnong kalingkawasan ug demokrasya

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 21): Ang paghandum sa balaud militar nagkahulogan sa pagsubli sa atong baruganan sa pakigbisog alang sa nasudnong kalingkawasan ug demokrasya

Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao Chapter

 

Ang pagdumdum sa ika-42 nga kasumaran sa pagdeklara ni Marcos sa Balaud Militar usa ka tukmang higayon aron subling palig-onon ang atong baruganan sa pakigbisog alang sa nasudnong kalingkawasan ug demokrasya tungod kay human sa upat ka dekada padayong nahiagom ug naglunang ang katawhang Pilipino sa kawad-on, pandaugdaug ug pagpahimulos.

Atong handumon ug pasidunggan usab ang tanang mga martir, apil kadtong mga biktima nga mipanaw na ug uban nga buhi nga nahimong saksi sa dulom kaayo nga yugto sa kasaysayan sa atong nasud.

Sa ulahing bahin sa Dekada 60 ug sayong bahin sa Dekada 70 paspas nga mikaylap ug mikusog ang rebolusyonaryong kalihokan alang sa nasudnong kalingkawasan ug demokrasya sa tibuok nasud batok sa nagapadayong pagpahimulos ug pandaugdaug sa katawhan sa imperyalista ug lokal nga nagharing hut-ong. Kadungan usab niini ang pag-alsa sa katawhang Moro sa Mindanao.

Aron puohon ang pag-alsa sa katawhan samtang naa pa kini sa sayong yugto, gideklara ang bangis nga Balaud Militar nga misangpot sa kaylap nga kalapasan sa tawhanong katungod sama sa “pagpangsalbeyds”, tortyur, rape, dinaghang papangdakop, pagdetinir ug uban pang dagway sa terorismo sa estado.

Wala nay nakapugong sa mas grabeng pagpahimulos sa mga dagkung agalong yutaan, dagkung burgesyang kumprador ug imperyalista sa mga mag-uuma ug mamumuo, ug pagpangawkaw sa atong kinaiyanhong bahandi ug pagkagun-ob sa atong kinaiyahan.

Apan, dakung pakyas ang Balaud Militar sa pagpuo sa pag-alsa sa katawhan, gani sulod sa 14 ka tuig nga nagtunhay ang Diktaduryang Marcos mikusog ang pagsukol sa katawhan hangtud nga misangpot kini sa pagpalagpot kang Diktador Marcos pinaagi sa pag-alsa sa katawhan sa EDSA.

Ang misunod nga mga reaksyonaryong rehimen gikan kang Cory Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo ug hangtod karon kang Benigno Aquino III, walay dakung kalainan ug sa esensya pareho lang gihapon kini nga papet ug reaksyonaryo sama sa rehimen ni Marcos. Padayong nga naglunsad kini sa mga kontra-rebolusyonaryong pagpanumpo aron pugngan ang padayong pag-abante sa rebolusyon sa katawhan ug panalipdan ang interes sa mga nagharing hut-ong ug sa ilang amo nga imperyalistang US.

Kamatuoran niini, ang kasamtangang rehimeng US-Aquino III nagahimo og mga balaud o dekreto nga nagpabor sa mga dagkung agalong yutaan, dagkung burgesyang kumprador ug imperyalista sama pananglit sa EO 79 nga pabor sa mga multinasyonal nga mga kumpanya sa mina, ang pagimposar sa ekstensyon sa mini nga reporma sa yuta nga, partikular sa Mindanao, nagapabor sa mga dagkung agalong yutaan ug multinasyonal nga mga plantasyon nga grabeng nakadaut sa kinaiyahan, midislokar sa mga mag-uuma ug Lumad ug mipahimulos sa kahago sa mga mamumuo.

Kung sa panahon ni Diktador Marcos nabulahan ang pamilyang Marcos ug mga suod niini, sa kasamtangang rehimeng US-Aquino III, pinaagi sa “daang matuwid” ug DAP, nabulahan usab ang pamilyang Cojuangco-Aquino ug mga kabarilan, kaklase ug mga membro sa kabinete niini ilabi na ang Budget komisyoner nga si Butch Abad.

Sa iyang pagka-itoy, patraydor nga nakigkunsabo kini sa imperyalistang US pinaagi sa kasabutang EDCA nga nagtugot sa pagbase sa mga langyawng tropa, ug pagsulod sa nukleyar nga barko ug eroplanong iggugubat, bisan kung hugot kining gidili sa 1987 Konstitusyong burgis.

Pinaagi sa dili deklaradong balaud militar gipakusog niini ang bangis nga pagpangataki sa katawhan ug sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan. Ang ISO (internal Security Operation) Oplan Bayanihan (OPB) nga gilunsad niini nagtumong nga puohon sulod sa iyang unom ka tuig nga termino ang rebolusyonaryong kalihokan. Apan kapin na lang usa ka tuig ang termino ni Aquino, mas mikusog na hinoon ang rebolusyonaryong kalihokan, ilabi na sa Mindanao. Gani, midugang ang AFP og 7 ka batalyon sa NPA erya sa Mindanao gikan sa Luzon ug Visayas ug gikan sa Moro erya ning unang bahin sa tuig, ug mokabat na sa kapin 45% ang pwersa sa AFP sa Mindanao.

Gipasobsob niini ang sustinidong bangis nga pagpangataki nga miani sa daghang ug kaylap nga kalapasan sa tawhanong katungod. Nahimong kaylap ang pagmilitarisa sa mga komunidad sa kabukiran, apil mga komunidad ug eskwelahan sa kasyudaran. Komon na nga ginahimo sa mga berdugong militar ang pagpatay sa mga ordinaryong mag-uuma, aktibista ug masang lider, apil pagtortyur, rape, pagdaut sa kabtangan sa katawhan, pagpanganyon ug aerial bombing , pag-okupar sa mga komunidad sa bukid o syudad, apil mga eskwelahan sa kabukiran; paglunsad sa mga saywar nga operasyon sama sa RSOT, COPD, PDT; ug, dislokasyon. Busa napugos pagbakwit ang mga komunidad sa mag-uuma ug Lumad, pagmapitol sa mga mamumuo; pagpangkaso sa mga inosenteng mag-uuma, mga lider ug aktibista sa mga organisasyong ligal aron bungkagon ang dayag nga kalihokang masa; pagtukod ug pag-armas sa mga private army ug daghan pang uban.

Kining tanan nagpakita nga way batakang kalainan, gani mas grabe pa ang kasamtangang rehimen kung itandi sa rehimen ni diktador Marcos. Pagdeklara sa balaud militar, mikabat lang sa upat ka dibisyon ang AFP, karon mikabat na kini sa 10 ka dibisyon ug mas grabeng militarisado ang Mindanao karon kung itandi sa panahon sa balaud militar ni Marcos. Dugang pa niini, mas daghan pang taga-mass media ang gipatay karon kun itandi sa panahon ni Diktador Marcos.

Busa, kung gipalagpot man sa pag-alsa sa EDSA si diktador Marcos angayan lang gyud nga palagputon usab si Benigno Aquino III karon NA, aron dili na dugang maglaygay ang pag-antus sa katawhang Pilipino.

Sa paghandum nato sa kasumaran sa Balaud Militar 42 na katuig ang milabay, sa makausa pa atong isinggit ang pagpangita og hustisya sa tanang mga biktima, dili lang diha sa bayad sa indeminipikasyon kun dili labaw sa tanan pinaagi sa pagbungkag sa kasamtangang reaksyonaryong rehimen aron mahatagan sa katumanan ang gimithi ug gipangandoy nga katilingbanong hustisya sa mga biktima sa Balaud Militar.

Busa, himoon natong makahuloganon kini nga adlaw, Setyembre 21, pinaagi sa pagsubli sa atong baruganan sa pagpadayon sa atong pakigbisog alang sa nasudnong kalingkawasan ug demokrasya.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140921_ang-paghandum-sa-balaud-militar-nagkahulogan-sa-pagsubli-sa-atong-baruganan-sa-pakigbisog-alang-sa-nasudnong-kalingkawasan-ug-demokrasya

NPA in Leyte losses high-powered firearms to 8ID troops

From Samar News (Sep 14): NPA in Leyte losses high-powered firearms to 8ID troops

By DPAO, 8ID PA

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Army troops operating in Leyte Province encountered NPA members in a remote area of Barangay Parag-um, Carigara, Leyte early in the morning of September 14, 2014.

Based on the initial report by Lt Col Nedy C Espulgar, Commanding Officer, 19th Infantry Battalion based at Brgy Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte, his troops received information from a concerned citizen regarding the presence of NPA members in the aforesaid barangay who were conducting extortion activities to the local residents.

Immediately, Lt Col Espulgar dispatched a squad from Charlie Company to confirm the veracity of the report. However, while approaching said barangay, the government troops were fired upon by undetermined number of NPA members prompting the troops to fire back. A thirty minute firefight ensued after which the rebels immediately withdrew towards different directions.

The encounter resulted to the recovery from the NPA of two M16 armalite rifles, one M16 rifle with grenade launcher, ammunition and personal belongings. There was no reported casualty on the side of the government troops while undetermined on the enemy side.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the officers and men of 19IB for the successful encounter against the NPAs operating in Carigara, Leyte. The 8ID chief further extended his appreciation to the peace-loving residents of Brgy. Parag-um for reporting the NPA presence in their community.

“I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for the continued support of the communities in our quest for a lasting peace here in the Municipality of Carigara, Leyte. Small as it maybe, your timely information significantly led to the success of our effort in addressing the NPA threat in this part of the region. Rest assured that your Army here in Eastern Visayas will remain and will always be by your side as we pursue genuine peace, nation-building and development in this region”, says MGen. Velarmino.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/sep/d164.htm

Reds torch construction equipment

From the Philippine Star (Sep 21): Reds torch construction equipment

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – Three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas burned two construction equipment in Bongabon town, Nueva Ecija last Wednesday.

The equipment were owned by Israel Reguyal, proprietor of the ICR Contractor, said Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, director of the Nueva Ecija police.

Nieves said the attack occurred at a  quarry site in Barangay Ariendo at around 3:50 p.m.

He said the suspects ordered the operators of the equipment to get down before pouring gasoline on the vehicles and set them on fire.

Nieves said it was not the first time for the construction firm to experience such an attack.

He said the owner might have refused to heed NPA demand to pay revolutionary taxes.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/09/21/1371353/reds-torch-construction-equipment