Marine officer found shot dead in her car inside Taguig camp

From InterAksyon (Nov 28): Marine officer found shot dead in her car inside Taguig camp



Handout photo of 1st Lt. Shelina Calumay, from Navy Public Affairs Office.

A junior officer of the Philippine Marines was found dead in her car with a gunshot to the face inside Naval Station Jose Francisco in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The slain Philippine Marines junior officer was the Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) of Marine Major General Remigio Valdez, the Inspector General of the Philippine Navy.

1st Lt. Shelina Calumay was found dead with a bullet wound in her face, slumped in her car at 6 a.m. on November 26 parked in front of the Jurado Hall inside the Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Calumay was a native of Batac, Ilocos Norte, and belongs to the Naval Officer Candidate Course Class 2013.

Her assignment as SDO for the Inspector General is a very sensitive one because it involves the disbursement of funds upon orders by her superior.

Lt. Commander Marineth Domingo, acting Philippine Navy Public Affairs Officer, said the Taguig police has yet to release the result of its investigation while the Naval Provost Marshal was still conducting its own parallel probe.

The motive behind the killing remains, so far, unknown.

The victim's husband was also a Marine soldier, Sergeant Jeremy Calumay, who was currently assigned with the 62nd Force Reconnaissance Battalion based in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

The day his wife was found dead and relayed to him, Sgt. Calumay immediately flew to Manila.

"Accordingly, the husband is in deployment when the incident happened," Domingo said.

"No firearm was found in the crime scene. There was a hole on the left window of the car," which was parked in front of the Jurado Hall at the military installation, Domingo said.

She said Calumay's body underwent a paraffin test and was autopsied.

Calumay's death happened just days after the grocery store inside the base was reportedly robbed of millions of pesos in what is suspected could have been an "inside job.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100101/marine-officer-found-shot-dead-in-her-car-inside-taguig-camp

Foreign jihadists set up cell in Bataan - intelligence source

From InterAksyon (Nov 29): Foreign jihadists set up cell in Bataan - intelligence source



File image from a video of Abdul Basit Usman swearing allegiance to the Islamic State

Foreign jihadists, believed to be Syrian, have allegedly established a terror cell in Bataan province, a police intelligence officer said on Saturday.

The source, who is based in Camp Crame and has provided reliable information in the past on condition he not be identified, said the foreigners had just come from training militants in Cotabato in bomb making.

"They have established a cell there in Bataan," the intelligence officer said. "What's important here is to locate the Syrians … where are they now."

If the source’s information is accurate, the Bataan group would be at least the third alleged terrorist cell monitored to have been established ahead of the visit of Pope Francis to the country from January 15 to 19 next year, although the Philippine National Police has repeatedly said it has not monitored any specific threat to the pontiff.

Earlier, the source said members of the Khilafa Islamiya Movement have put up two cells, one each in the Visayas and Luzon.

The source admitted they have scant information about the cell in the Visayas, but said the group in Luzon is headed by a cleric from Bangladesh and includes four other foreigners.

However, he added, "I cannot give you their names since they don't have any derogatory records."

Earlier reports also said Abdul Basit Usman, a Filipino trained in bomb making by the Jemaah Islamiya network and who has since sworn allegiance to the Islamic State, has deployed a 15-man team to Luzon.

Usman has reportedly formed the Bangsamoro Justice Movement from former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The PNP has formed Task Force Papal Visit 2015 to ensure the safety and security of Pope Francis. The unit is headed by Deputy Director Leonardo Espina, the PNP’s operations chief, who once headed the National Capital Region Police Office.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100160/foreign-jihadists-set-up-cell-in-bataan---intelligence-source

AFP to have new spokesman as Tutaan retires

From InterAksyon (Nov 29): AFP to have new spokesman as Tutaan retires



Incoming AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla (center) receiving the Defense Meritorious Service medal and citation from Admiral Samuel J Locklear, chief of US Pacific Command (right) during a meeting with AFP chief General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr (left) on October 14. (AFP photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will have a new spokesman, Air Force Colonel Restituto Padilla Jr., who will replace Major General Domingo Tutaan Jr., who is retiring on December 4.

A member of Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985, Padilla will be coming into his new role from his stint as the Philippine liaison to the United States Pacific Command in Hawaii and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7, the AFP public information office said.

Padilla was recently awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal by US Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Locklear.

A native of Cagayan De Oro City, Padilla was also instrumental in the planning and implementation of Operation Damayan, the US’ relief effort for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda.”

Padilla served as Air Force public information chief in 2006 and as Secretary of Air Staff in 2007.

He was also assigned to the AFP Secretary Joint Staff in 2010; commandant of the Philippine Air Force Flying School from 2007 to 2009; group commander of the Headquarters, Technical Operations Wing from 2006 to 2007; and squadron commander of the 3rd Headquarters Air Wing Support.

In 2002, Padilla completed his Masters in Development Management at the Asian Institute of Management. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering at Don Bosco Technical College in 1981 and completed his Academic Instructor Course at the Air University in Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

From 1999 to 2000, Padilla represented the AFP in military trainings and conference on international and regional defense relations particularly the 42nd Mutual Defense Board Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2000; Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conferences in Hawaii in 1999; and Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific in Thailand in 1999.

He was also a member of the Philippine Panel for the RP-Australia Security Dialogue in Manila in January 2000.

In June 2010, Padilla received the Presidential Citation Badge and Election Duty Badge for his contribution to the country’s first automated national and local elections in 2010 and is also a recipient of three Gold Cross Medals, three Bronze Cross Medals, Distinguished Aviation Cross, numerous Military Merit Medals, Commendations and an EDSA Revolution Badge that he received in 1987.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100168/afp-to-have-new-spokesman-as-tutaan-retires

Used condoms don't bear Pemberton's DNA but Laude's counsel unfazed

From InterAksyon (Nov 28): Used condoms don't bear Pemberton's DNA but Laude's counsel unfazed

Two condoms recovered from the room where Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude and US soldier Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton checked in before Laude was found dead did not yield genetic material that matched the DNA of the Marine.

The non-match in the DNA tests shows simply that Pemberton apparently did not use the condoms that were collected during the investigation, but it does not conclusively affect the prosecution's case that Laude was murdered, and that Pemberton is the main suspect, a lawyer for the Laudes said Friday.

The Chief Prosecutor, meanwhile, Atty. Emilie Fe De Los Santos, acknowledged, among others, that there was no fingerprint that matched and that the DNA test result showed a negative match.

But the prosecution team is unfazed, saying the DNA test result does not hold the key to everything, or even that the case is weak.

"We have plenty of other options," said De los Santos. "Whether the test is positive or negative, it depends on how we will use the evidence to serve our purpose. We can even dispense with the DNA result. We have eyewitnesses."

According to Atty. Suarez, lawyer of the Laudes, their immediate concern now is to get as soon as possible the results of the other pieces of evidence obtained from the crime scene - Room No. 1 at the Celzone Lodge in Olongapo City - such as fingerprints "and other specimens."

The Laude camp remain confident that there is a strong case against Pemberton.

Atty. Suarez, said: "I trust the chief prosecutor."

Laude, whose death has sparked calls in the Senate and among militant groups to revisit the VFA, was found inside the lodge, her neck resting on the side of a toilet bowl, less than an hour after she and Pemberton checked into Celzone, where they went after meeting for the first time inside the Ambyanz bar nearby.
One of the initial theories advanced about the killing was that Pemberton, 19, from South Carolina, had gone ballistic on discovering Laude is a transgender, and physically attacked her.

The decision that will come after the preliminary investigation on whether there is probably cause to indict Pemberton for the crime of murder is expected to come out by December 15.

The prosecution panel anticipates that Pemberton could be arraigned before Christmas, assuming probable cause is established.
GANDA (Gender and Development Advocates) Filipinas executive director Naomi Fontanos, in a text message to InterAksyon.com, said: "It doesn't rule out sexual activity between Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton and Jennifer Laude. We still want to see the complete NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) report that hasn't been shared by the legal team," she added.

With other women's groups, GANDA Filipinas has been holding rallies to call on the government to bring Laude's killer to justice.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/100133/used-condoms-dont-bear-pembertons-dna-but-laudes-counsel-unfazed

Abducted cops’ wives ask gov’t to negotiate release with NPA

From MindaNews (Nov 28): Abducted cops’ wives ask gov’t to negotiate release with NPA

Spouses of two of the three policemen abducted by the New People’s Army in Surigao del Norte earlier this month have asked the government to negotiate with the rebels for the release of their loved ones.

Cristen Q. Amper and Matosalem L. Polvorosa, in separate statements, likewise asked the New People’s Army (NPA), whom they believed were behind the abduction, to release their husbands for their children’s sake.

PO1 Jonry M. Amper was taken in Malimono town last Nov. 12 while PO3 Democrito Polvorosa Jr. was seized in Alegria last Nov. 16.

Amper was driving his XRM Honda motorbike in Barangay Bunyasan in Malimono town at 9:45 a.m. when he was flagged down by at least eight heavily armed men believed to be members of the NPA. He was believed to have been brought to the mountainous part of Barangay Tinago also in Malimono.

Before the rookie cop was abducted, he was conducting discreet surveillance on reports that unidentified armed men were roaming in Bunyasan.

Five days after Amper’s abduction, two policemen in Alegria town were seized by suspected communist rebels. One of them was PO3 Democrito Polvorosa Jr.
Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo were reportedly going to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car for a meeting with personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and residents for the Pantawid Pampailyang Pilipino Program, but were blocked suspected NPAs.

“Ako nanawagan sa gobyerno nga tabangan ang akong bana nga makauli na sa among panimalay tungod kay ang akong mga anak naapektuhan na ug dili na maghingaon ug gani nangasakit na ilabina ang akong kamanghuran,” Cristen Amper said. (“I am calling on the government to help my husband come home because my children are affected. Sometimes they refuse to eat, and even falling ill, especially my youngest.”)

She also asked the government to stop the military operations in Surigao del Norte so her husband may not be put in danger.

Mrs. Amper asked Rep. Guillermo A. Romarate Jr., provincial board member Myrna Romarate and Malimono Mayor Jun Senaca to fast-track negotiations so her husband will be home soonest.

Matosalem Polvorosa, meanwhile, said her kids always ask her where their father is. “I answer them with alibis and I never tell them what really happened to their father,” she added.

“This would be my advanced Christmas gift if they would return my husband,” she appealed.

As of press time, the NPA has not issued any statement on the abduction of the three policemen.

Senior Supt. Julito Diray, Surigao del Norte provincial police director, said they have no updates, too, on the abductions.

Bishop Rhee Timbang, of the Philippine Independent Church in Surigao del Norte who used to chair the Third Party Facilitators that successfully negotiated the release of four policemen abducted by the NPA also in Alegria town last July, told MindaNews that there are no moves on their part yet, not even the formation of a negotiating team.

“So far there are no confirmatory news, too, as to who really abducted the three PNP personnel,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/28/abducted-cops-wives-ask-govt-to-negotiate-release-with-npa/

MOA-AD foes on the BBL: Unconstitutional

From MindaNews (Nov 29): MOA-AD foes on the BBL: Unconstitutional

They have spoken.

Three politicians who led the opposition to the botched Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain or MOA-AD have made known their stand against the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which aims to conclude the on-and-off peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In a public hearing here Friday by the House ad hoc committee on the BBL, Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat and former Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz said the BBL contains provisions that are unconstitutional.

“Like the MOAD-AD in 2008, the proposed Bangsamoro Law is full of unconstitionalities [sic],” Cruz said referring to the failed agreement which the Supreme Court junked as unconstitutional in 2008.

“What will happen now if the Supreme Court will find again the proposed Bangsamoro as unconstitutional? Will the MILF go to war again?” he added.

Some units of the MILF launched attacks in parts of Lanao and Cotabato area after the Supreme Court declared the MOA-AD as unconstitutional.

Cruz said he was questioning the “sticky issues” which could possibly be declared as unconstitutional namely the provisions on exclusive jurisdiction, water resources and disarmament of the MILF.

“Everything is being lost in the technical mumbo jumbo. What will happen if the High Court finds the proposed law as unconstitutional,” he said.

But Cruz said he will not file a case before the Supreme Court questioning the proposed law. “I am afraid for the city of Iligan. We learned our lessons in 2008 when the city was attacked after we led the opposition.”

For his part, Lobregat pointed out some provisions of the draft law like the block grant for the Bangsamoro government that he claimed is unconstitutional.

Lobregat, however, conceded that since the 15th Congress is dominated by allies of President Aquino it will pass the BBL despite its “unconstitutionality”.

“They (Aquino allies) have the numbers. The law will surely be passed but it will face a wave of constitutionality cases in the Supreme Court,” Lobregat said.

The Bangsamoro is envisioned to replace the 25-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by 2016.

Lobregat and Cruz led the opposition to the MOA-AD in 2008 by questioning its constitutionality before the High Court.

After the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the petition against the MOAD-AD, war erupted anew when elements of the MILF who were angered by the decision staged attacks in Lanao and Cotabato areas.

Councilor Moises Dalisay, one of those who petitioned against the MOAD-AD in the Supreme Court, questioned the inclusion of some areas in the proposed Bangsamoro region.

He said the Constitution does not allow any province, city, town and barangay to be divided, merged with or its boundary altered without conforming to the Local Government Code of 1991, which also prohibits this exercise.

“This provision is applicable to Iligan City where eight barangays are classified to participate in the plebiscite,” he said.

Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Mandaluyong City), a member of the House committee, told Lobregat, Cruz and Dalisay that ensuring that the proposed BBL pass constitutional scrutiny is the job of the 15th Congress.

Biazon said it is also the job of the committee to reconcile the conflicting issues facing the bill.

“Our job is to see this law pass scrutiny because I am sure somebody or some group will raise this question before the high court once Congress will pass it,” he said.

Biazon said the worst thing that could happen is another war if the Supreme Court decides to rule against the BBL like it did to the MOAD-AD.

“The condition of unpeace has become a disease in this country. We cannot go back to it and that is the reason we must find some compromised to the conflicting issues,” Biazon, a former Marines general who became chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/29/moa-ad-foes-on-the-bbl-unconstitutional/

Sayyaf man linked to Zamboanga kidnappings captured

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 28): Sayyaf man linked to Zamboanga kidnappings captured



Wahid Pingli's automatic rifle seized by soldiers and policemen in his hideout in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

Security forces raided an island off Zamboanga City early Friday and arrested an Abu Sayyaf militant implicated in several kidnappings here.

Officials said Wahid Pingli was tracked down by soldiers and policemen on a hideout in Sacol Island where he had been arrested.

An automatic rifle was also recovered by the raiders from the hideout in the village called Landang Laum, said Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command.

Pingli, who also goes by the name of Gaffur, was linked to the kidnappings of a local businessman Inocente Bautista in May 27, 2008 and Vicente Barrios on June 17, 2010.

Muyuela said the militant is currently being interrogated by authorities. “Pingli’s arrest was made possible through the joint law enforcement operations of the military and police,” she said.

No other details were released to the press by the military or the police about the militant or whether Pingli’s group was planning an attack or kidnappings in Zamboanga City.

The Abu Sayyaf previously bombed a karaoke bar in Zamboanga City that injured a policeman.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/sayyaf-man-linked-to-zamboanga.html

Indonesian, 2 Filipinos convicted in 2002 bombing - AP

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 29): Indonesian, 2 Filipinos convicted in 2002 bombing - AP

A Philippine court has convicted an Indonesian militant and two Filipino extremists for their role in a 2002 mall bombing that killed at least 12 people and signaled the start of the alliance of two of Southeast Asia’s most violent terrorist groups.

Judge Leili Cruz-Suarez said in her ruling on Thursday that Jul Kifli from Indonesia and Abu Sayyaf militants Ahmad Jekeron and Yacob Basug were “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of staging the April 21, 2002, bombing that also wounded dozens of people at the Fitmart shopping mall in the southern port city of General Santos.

State prosecutor Aristotle Reyes, who initially handled the case, said the convictions would serve as a deterrent to terrorism and complement military actions to defeat the resilient militants.

A former Abu Sayyaf militant and key witness, Abu Hamdie, said the bombing was the first joint attack by the Abu Sayyaf and the Indonesia-based terror network Jemaah Islamiyah.

He said the Abu Sayyaf was looking for a diversion to fend off a military offensive at the time, and Jemaah Islamiyah “wanted to show off their bomb-making prowess.”

With the help of Filipino militants, including notorious bombing suspect Basit Usman, Jul Kifli manufactured the powerful bomb and placed it near the entrance of the mall. The bomb was remotely detonated with a cellphone call made by Jekeron, Hamdie said.

“He uttered a short prayer then dialed the cellphone number given by Jul Kifli,” he said.

Usman, who is also wanted by the U.S. government for several, deadly bombings, remains at large.

Indonesian Ibrahim Ali and Abu Sayyaf militants Arman Ameruddin and Ikram Ameruddin were acquitted in the trial.

The Abu Sayyaf was founded in 1991 in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic country and scene of rebellions for a separate Muslim homeland.

Washington considers the Abu Sayyaf, which currently has about 400 armed fighters split into about six factions, as a terrorist group.

A U.S.-backed offensive has weakened and largely isolated the Abu Sayyaf, but it has endured by turning to ransom kidnappings and extortion. It currently holds about a dozen hostages.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/indonesian-2-filipinos-convicted-in.html

BIFF says plan to bomb Davao City a hoax

Posted to the pro-CPP Davao Today (Nov 26): BIFF says plan to bomb Davao City a hoax

DAVAO CITY—Reacting to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal  to stop the spate of bombings in Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Wednesday denied they plan to bomb Davao city.

“It’s a hoax. There’s no truth to that report. The BIFF has no involvement in the series of bombings in North Cotabato and elsewhere in Mindanao,” said BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama in a phone interview with DavaoToday Wednesday.

“Please stop these attacks. You have to consider the lives of civilians,”  Duterte reportedly said.

But Mama denied all allegations that BIFF were involved in the twin bombings in Kabacan and M’lang towns recently which claimed the lives of innocent civilians and wounded others whom majority of the victims are teenagers.

“We don’t attack civilians. We only target the military,” stressed Mama.

Mama said that Duterte should, instead, appeal to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “stop their terroristic acts in Mindanao” as he recalled in 2003 that it was the military who conducted a series of bomb attacks to sow terror in Mindanao.

Mama was referring to Oplan Greenbase, a top-secret government operation of then Arroyo administration to sow terror in Mindanao by staging series of bomb attacks in an attempt to draw funds from anti-terrorist organizations and pin the blame to Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“So before they will point their finger to us, they should check their facts first. It’s easy to pin the blame to BIFF but the public should never forget the history of the past,” said Mama.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesperson of the Philippine Army ‘s 6th Infantry Division said the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used in Kabacan bombing came from the BIFF.

 http://davaotoday.com/politics/biff-says-plan-bomb-davao-city-hoax/

CPP/NPA: Matagumpay na mga taktikal na opensiba ng BHB-Masbate sa ilalim ng Jose Rapsing Command(JRC)

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Nov 26): Matagumpay na mga taktikal na opensiba ng BHB-Masbate sa ilalim ng Jose Rapsing Command(JRC)

Luz del Mar
Public Information Officer
NPA Masbate Provincial Operations Command (Jose Rapsing Command)

 

Sunod-sunod na mga taktikal na opensiba ang inilunsad sa lalawigan ng Masbate ng mga kasapi ng Jose Rapsing Command, JRC-BHB, Masbate laban sa 93rd DRC, 9th IB, PA, para-militar na grupo at mga masasamang elemento sa mga isla ng Burias at Ticao. Lahat ito ay nasa unang distrito ng Masbate.

Ang nasabing taktikal na opensiba ay nakapagsamsam ng mahigit 22 iba’t-ibang uri ng baril, mga magasin ng bala, at mga kagamitang militar.

Nob. 9, 2014 – Burias Is. – reyd sa mga kabahayan ng pamilya Ballesteros sa Brgy. Mabiton, Claveria. Nakuha dito ang 1 M16, 4 na cal.45, 1 SAS12, isang Shotgun, 2 cal.38, 1 cal.22 long barrel, isang 32 cal. at 2 cal.22 short. Ang mga baril na ito ay ginagamit laban sa mga tao at kilusan.

Nob.19, 2014, 6:30 ng umaga – raid sa bahay ni Brgy. Capt. Benny Capinig ng Brgy. Boca Engano, Claveria. Nasamsam dito ang 1 Shotgun at cal. 45. Ginagamit ni Brgy. Capt. Capinig ang mga baril sa kanyang mga iligal na negosyo, partikular na ang illegal drugs.

Nov. 22, 2014, alas 8:30 ng umaga – hinaras ng isang team ng Jose Rapsing Command, JRC,BHB ang 60 kataong 93rd DRC at 9th IB,PA na halos isang buwan nang nag-ookupa at nag-ooperasyon sa So. Guiwanon, Brgy. Danao, San Jacinto, Masbate at mga karatig barangay. Ang grupong ito ang bumaril at nakasugat sa tatlong katao na kinabibilangan ni Brgy. Kgwd. Maritess Espenilla ng Danao, San Jacinto, Masbate.

Ang haras na ito ay nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng tatlong militar at pagkasugat ng 3 pa na sadyang itinatago ng militar.

Nob. 24, 2014, alas 5:15 ng umaga – raid sa compound ni Nonie Jimenez sa Brgy. Macahoy, San Pascual, Burias Is. Si Jimenez na isang despotikong rantsero sa lugar ay nag-aalaga ng mga armadong grupo na siyang ginagamit laban sa mga tao at kilusan.
Tumagal ng halos 10 minuto ang barilan ng manlaban ang isang tauhan nito habang sumuko naman sa mga kasama ang mga kasamahan nito.

Nakasamsam ang mga kasama ng 1 M16 na may scope, bandolier na may 11 long magasin at mga bala nito, isang M14 na may scope at bandolier na naglalaman ng 15 magasin na puno ng bala, 1 Shotgun at 25 bala, 3 handheld radios, isang cal.22 long barrel na may scope at dalawang magasin at mga bala, 1 cal.38, 1 hammock, 1 backpack, 2 pares ng combat shoes at 2 pares na uniporme ng militar.

Ang lahat ng mga nasamsam ay ginagamit ng grupo ni Nonie Jimenez laban sa mga magsasaka sa paligid ng kanyang rancho at sa kilusan.

Nananawagan ang JRC,BHB-Masbate sa mga Masbatenyo na magkaisa at magtulongan upang labanan ang mga masasamang elemento at mga pang-aabusong militar sa lalawigan ng Masbate na bumibiktima sa mga Masbatenyo. Sa mga may baril naman ay huwag niyong gamitin sa masasamang gawain at lalong huwag niyong gamitin laban sa kilusan, at kung handa naman kayo ay ibigay niyo na lang sa kilusan para magamit sa pagtatanggol sa mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang mga Masbatenyo laban sa mapang-api at mapagsamantalang uri sa lipunan.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141126_matagumpay-na-mga-taktikal-na-opensiba-ng-bhb-masbate-sa-ilalim-ng-jose-rapsing-command-jrc

CPP/NDF: Kundenahin ang pananalasa ng 93rd DRC at 9th IBPA sa mga mamamayan sa isla ng Ticao, Masbate

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Nov 25): Kundenahin ang pananalasa ng 93rd DRC at 9th IBPA sa mga mamamayan sa isla ng Ticao, Masbate

Val Silang
Public Information Officer
NDFP Masbate Chapter

 

Kinikundena ng NDF-Masbate at ng mamamayang masbatenyo ang halos isang buwan na walang puknat na pananalasa ng mga sundalo ng 93rd Division Reconnaisance Company(DRC) at 9th IB,PA sa mga bulubunduking baryo sa isla ng Ticao, Masbate.
Ang tuloy-tuloy na okopasyon at operasyong militar ay nagresulta sa malawakang pagkatakot ng mga tao sa lugar at dislokasyon sa kanilang pang araw-araw na pagsasaka at iba pang hanapbuhay. Tumataas na rin ang bilang ng mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatan pantao na mga militar ang may kagagawan sa ilalim ng pamumuno nila Col Alden Juan Masagca at Major Armando Benito ng Task Force Masbate.

Ang ganitong hakbang ng mga militar ay nagdudulot ng kaguluhan at tuloy-tuloy na pang-aabuso sa mga residente partikular sa So. Guiwanon, Brgy. Danao, San Jacinto, at sa pito pang nakapaligid na mga baryo.

Sa katunayan, ang pinakahuling naging biktima ng mga berdugong sundalo ay ng walang awa nilang pagbabarilin ang isang opisyal sa baryo ng Danao na si Kgwd.Maritess Espenilla at dalawang pang katao na sina Michael Lignes at may apelyidong Domenguiano. Ang tatlo ay nagtamo ng mga sugat sa iba’t-ibang parte ng kanilang katawan.

Maging sa paglulubid ng kasinungalingan sa medya ay nagiging eksperto na rin ang mga opisyal ng 93rd DRC at 9th IB,PA matapos ituro na mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Masbate ang gumawa ng pamamaril. Para sa kaalaman ng mamamayang masbatenyo, hindi mga kasapi ng BHB-Masbate ang namaril sa tatlong sibilyan, at ang totoong bumaril sa tatlong biktima ay mga kasapi ng 93rd DRC at 9th IB,PA.

Ang mga hakbang na ito ng 93rd DRC at 9th IB,PA ay malinaw na paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Samantala, pinapabulaanan din ng NDF-Masbate ang napabalita sa Bombo Radyo-Legaspi na isa di umanong mataas na opisyal ng BHB Masbate ang nahuli ng PNP San Jacinto malapit sa kanilang istasyon sa Poblacion, San Jacinto.

Si Ybonni Victor na taga Brgy. Amutag, Aroroy, Masbate ay di kailanman naging kasapi ng BHB Masbate, bagkus kabilang ito sa mga grupong impostor na binuo at pinopondohan ng mga ahente sa paniktik ng AFP at PNP para sirain sa publiko ang imahe ng BHB Masbate na sa esenya ay bigo silang siraan dahil alam na ng mga Masbatenyo kung sino ang nagsisinungaling.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141125_kundenahin-ang-pananalasa-ng-93rd-drc-at-9th-ibpa-sa-mga-mamamayan-sa-isla-ng-ticao-masbate

MILF: UNYPAD conducts consultation forum on BBL in Iligan City

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 28): UNYPAD conducts consultation forum on BBL in Iligan City



The United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) held One-day Consultation Forum on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on November 24, 2014 at Iligan City for various sectors from six municipalities and contiguous barangays in other municipalities of Lanao Del Norte that may participate during the plebiscite for the proposed Bangsamoro Government.
   

The municipalities of Baloi, Pantar, Tagoloan, Munai, Tangcal and Nunungan, all in Lanao Del Norte voted for inclusion into the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite. Other towns that may possibly join during the plebiscite are the City of Iligan, municipalities of Kauswagan, Bacolod and Poona Piyagapo, also in Lanao Del Norte. Quite a large number of Maranaos are residing in various villages in said municipalities. 
 
Thirty Five (35) individuals comprising traditional and religious leaders, representatives from local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, women and members of the Higaonon tribe (IP) attended the forum.

Mr. Ansary A. Diamoden presented the overview of the program while updates and inputs on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) were discussed by Mr. Camilo M. Bangcola, Provincial Chairman of the UNYPAD-Lanao Del Sur Chapter.

Highlights of the discussions during the open forum that ensued pertain to the rights of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) particularly the Higaonon, including issues and concerns of the LGUs in the affected areas.
Mr. Adinola l. Tomarompong, Sangunian Bayan (council) member of Munai town said that he is assuring his full support for the ratification of the BBL. “I believed that if the BBL is ratified by 2015, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that will replace the ARMM will install good governance, maintain the peace and order in the areas within its jurisdiction.

Bae Wilma W. Bado, President of Higaonon Organization in Coastal areas, who is an IP from Barangay Upper Hinaplanon and Kabaro, Iligan City manifested the support of her tribe to the BBL. 

The consultation was led by the UNYPAD’s newly appointed Vice President for External Affairs Mr. Diamoden.

Mr. Diamaoden has been serving as the Provincial Chairman of UNYPAD Ranao Chapter for several years and involved in peacebuilding works here and abroad. He is one of the outstanding senior leaders of the UNYPAD.

As executive director, he also established the UNYPAD- Relief Assistance Network and Organization, Inc.
operating in Lanao areas.

These series of consultation programs being embark on by UNYPAD all over Mindanao are intended for people in the grassroots level to have a better understanding of the GPH-MILF Peace Process and the BBL.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1368-unypad-conducts-consultation-forum-on-bbl-in-iligan-city

MILF: Moro leaders in Zamboanga City hold seminar-workshops on BBL and Governance

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 28): Moro leaders in Zamboanga City hold seminar-workshops on BBL and Governance

 

Unperturbed by Zamboanga City local officials that recently manifested once again their strong objection to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on the issue of contiguity and the city’s inclusion for the proposed plebiscite, Moro community leaders are tripling their advocacy programs in the city’s various villages.
   

In coordination with the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), organizers conducted a 3-day Seminar-Workshops on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), governance and community organizing with the theme: “Empowering Bangsamoro Community Leaders through Education” on November 21-13, 2014 at a Barangay Madrasah in Cawit, Zamboanga City.

There were 172 individuals who attended the activity comprising community leaders from various barangays, representatives of women’s organizations and youth. The MILF Provincial Political Committee in Zamboanga City and Moro community leaders and other groups organized and sponsored the program.
  
The program was aimed to enhance the knowledge of people in grass-root level regardless of tribal affiliations on BBL, the GPH-MILF Peace process and public governance. They were lectured on basic organizing and on how to conduct advocacy using their native dialect to be easily understood when reaching out to their respective communities.

 Mr. Tirso S. Tahir, a native of Tawi-Tawi and member of the BLMI Steering Committee and its Research Officer lectured on Bangsamoro Governance as stipulated in the BBL, the Fundamentals of Basic Organizing and Advocacy. He emphasized that the BBL were translated into local dialect to enable the participants understand and internalize the 18 Articles of BBL and its corresponding provisions.

“These are your rights as guaranteed by the 1987 Philippines Constitution under Article III- Bill of Rights, Section 8 and Article XIII- Social Justice and Human Rights, Section 15 and 16”, Tahir emphasized.
Mr. Tahir cited the fundamental articles in the Philippines Constitution after some participants expressed apprehension that they may not be able to participate for the ratification of the BBL due to interference by some city officials who are opposed to the BBL and the Bangsamoro.

Brother Zulfhikar Samsaraji, Chairman of UNYPAD-Zamboanga City chapter and Regional Coordinator in Western Mindanao lectured on community organizing by underlining its significance. Some religious leaders presented Islamic point of view on the issue of struggle (Jihad) that every Muslim must be in defensive position when their inherent rights and faith are threatened.
   
The participants as a result vowed to uphold their rights under the law and shall allow no one to dictate them from making legitimate decisions.

Zamboanga City has a large number of Moros than other contiguous areas in Mindanao; dominant in 38 coastal barangays, mostly inhabiting the region much ahead than the Chavacanos/settlers.

The massive influx of people and capitalists from Luzon and Visayas relegated the Moros to a minority and is suppressed in their own native land, hoping that such a situation shall be reverse in their favor under the   Bangsamoro Region, where Mindanao will no longer be an exploited land but with a new dawn of hope for those who were neglected and oppressed.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1367-moro-leaders-in-zamboanga-city-hold-seminar-workshops-on-bbl-and-governance

MILF: House public hearing on BBL in Tawi-Tawi elicits positive responses

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 27): House public hearing on BBL in Tawi-Tawi elicits positive responses



The House Ad Hoc Committee’s public hearing on House Bill No. 4994 or the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law held at Sand-Bar Lepa Convention Center in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on November 13, 2014 elicits positive responses from various sectors that attended.
  

The more or less 500 multi-sectors’ representatives who were eager and excited to listen, express their concerns, doubts and worries on the BBL were surprised to see Congressman Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City among the group of congressmen that came to Bongao for the consultation on BBL.

It can be remembered that Rep. Lobregat was one of those who strongly opposed the aborted MOA-AD in 2008 that the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional. What amused the mostly Sama and Tau Sug participants were the presence of two (2) former protagonists Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who was once the Brigade Commander of the Philippine Marines at the height of the MNLF Rebellion in early 70’s and Congressman Tupay Loong of Sulu, then MNLF Brigade Commander in the province.

Their men fought with each other in the battlefields, but for the sake of peace, they sat side by side, a unique bonding, bewilderment, for the sake of finding peace in Mindanao.

Rep. Biazon saying, “Those that got killed in the battlegrounds were sons of poor farmers and fishermen on the government side, the same was true on the side of the rebels, and worsts he continued, those who were killed in the cross-fires were innocent civilians”.

“That was very tragic experience”, he said further.

 “That is why we are here to look for a solution for the Mindanao Question”. Joining the party of the 16 Representatives, were OPAPP representatives headed by Atty. Joe Lorena, Atty. Akmad Sakkam and Atty. Asani Tammang from the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and Atty. Datu Antonio Kinoc, member of the MILF Peace Panel.

Former Provincial Governor Hji. Sadikul Sahali, father of Congresswoman Hja. Ruby Sahali and father of Governor Nurbert  Sahali told the participants, “Now is your time to voice out your opinions and views, if you feel that BBL is a way of uplifting your general welfare, is it you to decide”
“I gave you the freedom to choose”, he stressed further. “The people of Tawi-Tawi can decide for themselves”, he emphasized.

Regional Assemblyman Sulay Halipa of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) voiced out his sentiments with regard to the fate of 33,000 officials and personnel of ARMM, saying that once BBL is ratified, ARMM is deemed abolished.

 He said that, “That massive dislocations and lay-offs are inevitable.

Chairman Rufus clarified and cited Article XVI, Section 9 of the BBL that the BTA shall schedule a gradual phasing out of offices, that officials holding appointive positions shall continue to perform their functions in accordance with the schedule.

Basilan Rep. Jim Salliman-Hataman reiterated the stand of his brother ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman that he will turn over smoothly the governance and all its assets of ARMM once BBL is ratified by the people.
Mayor Ahmad-Nasiff Abdurahman of Simunul Municipality said that he feared that the MILF will replace them once BBL is ratified.

Chairman Rodriguez responded, that is premature and mere speculations; assured him that as elected official, you will continue to serve and can run in 2016 local elections if you are still qualified. He cited Article VI, Section 7 of the BBL, to state among others that the privileges already enjoyed by the Local Government Units under existing laws shall not be diminished unless otherwise altered, modified or reformed for good governance in accordance with a law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Former RLA Speaker Pochong Abubakar suggested that Zamboanga City be included in the plebiscite but Rep. Lobregat reacted saying that “The Zamboangeños voted twice for exclusion of the City, with that, I have to respect the decision of my people. Nevertheless, I am in favor of the Bangsamoro, because this is an opportunity to restore lasting peace in Mindanao”.

 Sajid Adil of Bongao voiced out his opinion in high tone voice, saying “The BBL is not the solution to resolve the conflict in Mindanao”. He said, “Once Bangsamoro is in place, the Maguindanaons or the Maranaos will dominate the Tausugs”. “Given this scenario, infighting among ethnic tribes is unavoidable”.

Rep. Loong stood up, spoke in Tausug dialect and asked and explained to Adil the content of the BBL on electoral process, “What do you want? Congressman Loong clarified that once Bangsamoro is established a ministerial form of government will follow. Each province will elect their district representatives in the parliament. The Chief Minister will be elected by members of the parliament. So, where is the dominance there?, Rep. Loong said.
 
Prof. Said Alih of Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi said that the government is employing a “double-standard policy, citing the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the Jakarta accord of 1996 in contrast with the BBL that is favorable to the MILF. “It is unfair and unjust to the MNLF”.

Atty, Lorena of OPAP said, “If there is anyone so close to MNLF, it is me”. He presented facts to elaborate his points which humbled Prof. Alih to sit down rather than continue reacting.

Atty. Sakkam representing the BTC and Atty. Tony Kinok from the MILF Peace Panel supported the statement of Att. Lorena.

Other speakers from the settlers and the Badjaos aired some of their sentiments but were responded well by members of the committee.

This writer was the last to speak. “As President of the Bangsamoro Intellectuals for Reforms, I manifest our strong support to the BBL. The BBL contains substantive and comprehensive provisions which uplift the people from underdevelopment, marginalization, etc. and not the Organic act that created ARMM.

 “I was one of the commissioners appointed by then President Corazon Aquino in 1988 to draft the Organic Act. Much of our desire to incorporate substantive powers, we failed, to be honest. In the BBL you find 58 Exclusive Powers transferred by the National Government to the Bangsamoro Government, which cannot be replicated to the non-Bangsamoro areas, with only 9 Reserved Powers retained by the National Government, with another 14 Shared-Powers between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government”, this writer said.

“The Power –sharing scheme, the Addendum of the Bangsamoro Waters, the Block Grants, the Social Development Funds, the ODA, assistance or grant-in-aids from foreign and from local source are something we foresee and happy about. The Shari’ah Justice System is enhanced under the BBL”, this writer further said.
“The Ministerial form of government that is being given to us under the basic law; asymmetric relationship with the national government is a unique model.”

“Along with this context, this writer appealed to the Honorable Congressmen to give the Bangsamoro a chance to reign so that we can prove our strong adherence to the principle of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong”.

As this writer was speaking he sensed that the congressmen were listening attentively and while making his elaborations, someone whispered presumably saying, “This man knows his assignments”.

The consultation ended at around 7:00 PM; the speakers and participants parted ways satisfied and contented, with smiling faces.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1366-house-public-hearing-on-bbl-in-tawi-tawi-elicits-positive-responses

MILF: House Ad Hoc Committee holds public hearing on BBL in Zamboanga Sibugay

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 27): House Ad Hoc Committee holds public hearing on BBL in Zamboanga Sibugay



The House Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) headed by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez held public hearing at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Capitol in Ipil town on November 22, 2014.
  

Nearly 1,300 people from several municipalities of Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay comprising Moro religious leaders, Moro community residents, Lumads, local government officials, women, youth and representatives from the business sector attended the consultation.

Wilter Palma, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor delivered the opening remarks and expressed his appreciation for the conduct of the consultation in his province. He appealed to the members of the Ad Hoc Committee to fast track the consultations and the passage of the BBL.

Rep. Tupay Loong of Sulu, erstwhile MNLF Commander in his opening statement mentioned the purpose and importance of the consultation on BBL. “It is a way of knowing people’s concerns and positions on the basic law that will entrench the new political entity called Bangsamoro”.

Sectors that attended the public hearing submitted 15 position papers to the secretariat of the committee.

The local government of Zamboanga Sibugay expressed support for the enactment of the bill on Bangsamoro law to finally put an end to the decades of conflict in Mindanao.         

In her closing message, Prof. Miriam Coronel- Ferrer, GPH Chief Negotiator expressed her appreciations for the strong support accorded to the committee by officials of Zamboanga Sibugay that she considered a ‘model’ province in terms of public support to the quest for peace in Mindanao.

She was elated on how the participants shared their opinions and concerns on the proposed law and cooperated well during the entire duration of consultation.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1365-house-ad-hoc-committee-holds-public-hearing-on-bbl-in-zamboanga-sibugay