Another lumad activist murdered, this time in Agusan del Sur

From InterAksyon (Oct 1): Another lumad activist murdered, this time in Agusan del Sur



A Banwaon activist was murdered in Agusan del Sur early this week, the latest victim in a spate of atrocities committed against indigenous people in Mindanao over the past few months.

An alert from the Healing the Hurt Project said Lito Abion, 44, a member of the lumad organization Tagdumahan, was gunned down around noon on Monday, September 28, in Dona Flavia, San Luis town, by three gunmen on a motorcycle.

The alert quoted a witness as saying the motorcycle was the same one used by the killers of Barangay Balit chairman Necasio “Agnis” Precioso in December last year.

Precioso’s murder, which has been blamed on troops of the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion based in San Luis, was one of the reasons for the evacuation of some 200 families in Balit earlier this year.

Throughout eastern, southern and northern Mindanao, lumad communities openly accused by the military of supporting communist rebels have been subjected to worsening atrocities, either committed by soldiers or, increasingly, paramilitary groups used as “force multipliers” in counterinsurgency.

In Davao City, hundreds of Manobo, mostly from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, have been sheltering at a church compound for several months now after soldiers and militias occupied their communities and tribal schools tagged as advocating support for the rebels.

In Surigao del Sur, more than 3,000 refugees have been staying at the sports center in the provincial capital Tandag City after the September 1 murders of Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, an award-winning tribal school, and Manobo leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo by the Magahat militia in Sitio Han-ayan, Lianga town as Army troops, who had occupied the community earlier, looked on from nearby hills.

In Bukidnon, five Manobo -- a blind 70-year old, his two sons and two nephews, the last two both minors -- kinsmen massacred in Pangantucan town in August were initially identified as communist rebels slain by Army forces in a “legitimate encounter” until a 15-year old survivor, another son of the slain elder, surfaced and recounted how his relatives were executed one by one.

And in another Bukidnon town, Kitao-tao, human rights advocates say the village of White Culaman, where the Army had recently arrested 13 Manobo accused of being rebels but who have since been ordered released by a court, as occupied by the military in conditions described as akin to “martial law.”

Healing the Hurt is a project funded by the European Union, through its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and its local implementing organization, the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Sub-Region, to combat discrimination and human rights violations against the lumad.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118274/another-lumad-activist-murdered-this-time-in-agusan-del-sur

VIDEO | Makabayan endorses Poe-Chiz tandem, duo and Erap back Colmenares

From InterAksyon (Sep 30): VIDEO | Makabayan endorses Poe-Chiz tandem, duo and Erap back Colmenares



Senators Francis Escudero and Grace Poe, who are running as a tandem next year, flank Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, whose senatorial bid they will support, at the Makabayan congress in Manila. (photo by Lester Lopez, InterAksyon.com)

(UPDATED WIH VIDEO) The Makabayan coalition has “technically” endorsed the tandem of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who the activist bloc is fielding in the senatorial elections next year, said Wednesday.

In turn, Poe and Escudero backed Colmenares’ bid, as did Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. All of them attended Makabayan’s third national convention at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

"Technically, the Makabayan bloc has endorsed Senator Grace Poe and Senator Chiz (although) the formal endorsement will have to go through the proper convention process," Colmenares said. "Pero patungo na rin doon ‘yun (But it is headed there)."

Colmenares’ Senate bid was formally approved by a resolution passed at the Makabayan congress.

Aside from Bayan Muna, Makabayan also counts the party-lists Kabataan, Gabriela Women, ACT Teachers, Anakpawis, Piston, Katribu, among others.

Colmenares is the first politician to be included in the senatorial line-up of the Poe-Escudero tandem since the two are still in the process of selecting candidates for their senatorial slate.

Poe said their list of 12 possible senatorial candidates may not be completed but whoever they choose should have the same advocacies and contribute to the betterment of the country.

Here’s a News5 video report:

[Video report]

"Sama-sama natin ihatid si Representative Colmenares sa Senado (Together let us bring Representative Colmenares to the Senate)," Escudero said in his speech.

Colmenares said he would push for nationalist industrialization, a vision he said Poe shares.

"Sinabi nga ni Senator Grace Poe, kailangan dumami ang produktong made in the Philippines, kaya isusulong natin ang makabayan at progresibomg industriyalisasyon (As Senator Grace Poe said, there has to be more products made in the Philippines, which is why we will push progressive industrialization)," Colmenares said.

In her speech, Poe outlined her platform of government, which includes increasing the budget for education and plans for inclusive growth.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118256/video--makabayan-endorses-poe-chiz-tandem-duo-and-erap-back-colmenares

(UPDATE): 3 killed, 5 hurt in bomb explosion; Isabela City vice mayor unscathed (with photo)

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): (UPDATE): 3 killed, 5 hurt in bomb explosion; Isabela City vice mayor unscathed (with photo)



ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Three people were killed and five others were wounded while a city vice mayor escaped unscathed in a roadside bombing Thursday in this city, the police said.

Supt. Albert Larubis, local police chief, disclosed the incident took place around 1:10 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Sunrise, this city.

The bomb exploded just outside the main gate of the compound of Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar.

Larubis said investigation showed the bomb exploded while the two-vehicle convoy of Vice-Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon has passed by the area.

The blast killed two of Ajibon’s staffs who were aboard in one of the two vehicles in the convoy. The pick-up type vehicle was destroyed.

Larubis identified the third fatality as Gregorio Heneral Delgado, a city government employee. Ajibon’s staffs remained unidentified.

He said the identities of the wounded victims, who were Ajibun’s companions on the other vehicle, were not immediately available. They were rushed to the hospitals for treatment.

He said the bomb could have been placed in a tricycle, which was in total wreck, parked along the roadside.

The bomb blast has shattered glasses of windows of the nearby houses, including that of Akbar.

Larubis said investigation continuesly aimed to unmask the suspects behind the bombing incident.

Thursday’s bombing incident was the second on the convoy of Ajibun at the same place.

The first was on May 31, 2012 wherein Ajibun and a Philippine Red Cross (PRC) staff were slightly wounded.

Ajibun and the PRC staff were aboard on separate vehicle traveling on opposite directions when a bomb, placed at a parked motorcycle, exploded.

Ajibun just came at that time from the session of the City Council and was on the way home.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810375

MILF helping gov't locate 3 kidnapped foreigners in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): MILF helping gov't locate 3 kidnapped foreigners in Mindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is helping the government search and possibly rescue the three foreign nationals and Filipina abducted in a resort in Samal Island more than 10 days ago, a ranking MILF official on Thursday said.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF first vice chairman, said the 1997 ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF provides a mechanism for the MILF and the government to coordinate to go after and “isolate” kidnap and ransom groups, criminals and terrorists.

Jaafar explained that this mechanism is under the group called the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

He added the MILF field commanders, in compliance with the existing ceasefire agreement, have been advised to “watch out” for the abductors of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians Ridsdel and Robert Hall and Hall’s Filipina girlfriend Maritess Flor.

There have been reports that they were taken by the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group and brought to Sulu.

Absalom Cervesa, speaking for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has said that MNLF chair Nur Misuari knew where the kidnappers and the victims are in Sulu.

He refused to give details since Misuari is wanted by Philippine government for the Zamboanga siege.

Jaafar said the MILF has forces in Davao Oriental, Saranggani and Davao Occidental where the kidnap victims, taken from Ocean View resort in Garden City of Samal on Sept. 21, could have been kept.

Government forces have launched air, ground and sea search and rescue operations but so far no solid proof where the victims were actually taken.

Informed sources said foreigners were taken by the group of Al Habsi Misaya, a former member of the Abu Sayyaf Group who formed his owned group of kidnappers.

Misaya led in a series of kidnappings in Zamboanga Sibugay area, including the kidnapping of Malaysian resort owner in Sabah last year and Filipino factory workers eight years ago.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810158

North Cotabato town officials settle clan wars during town anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): North Cotabato town officials settle clan wars during town anniversary

PIKIT, North Cotabato -- The local government here celebrated its 66th foundation anniversary with added ingredients never been done by previous local governments – settling Muslim clan wars.

Mayor Muhyryn D. Sultan and Vice Mayor Don Mangansakan spearheaded a sideline event of the foundation anniversary by bringing warring Kaliudin at Macalugie families who have been at odds for decades.

Leaders of warring clans signed a peace covenant in the presence of Sultan and Mangansakan as well as local police and military officials.

The Kaliudin and Macaluguie families have been fighting each other for the past 30 years and both sides suffered fatalities.

Mayor Sultan and North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza provided a conducive venue for the warring families, both identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), to shake hands, bury the hatchet and work together for the benefit of clan members.

”I am happy the warring families listen to our call for peace,” Mayor Sultan said after leaders of Kaliudin and Macalugie families swore before the Holy Quran not to engage in armed skirmishes anymore.

The Macalugie clan resides in Barangay Balibet while the Kaliudin family lives in adjacent village of Bulol, both in the outskirts of Pikit.

North Cotabato Board Member Dulia Sultan, mother of the town mayor, lauded the former enemies, now allies, for showing peace can be attained in Pikit, known in Mindanao as one of the most troubled town next to Jolo.

Also involved in the peace efforts are members and officials of United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD).

”We armed ourselves because the other clan was armed,” Sultan Macalugie told reporters after the signing of peace covenant. “In the process, many of our relative were killed or wounded every time clashes occur in our village.”

”With this agreement, this conflict has ended and we promised to work together for the betterment of our communities,” Kagi Kaliudin, leader of Kaliudin clan, said.

Kaliudin admitted that the community they live remained poor and underdeveloped due to armed conflict.

“We lack government service because government workers do not come to us for fear shooting will erupt,” he said, hoping the peace covenant and reunification of warring families will pave the way for government basic services to reach their communities.

”It will surely happen, you will receive government basic services such as health, education, infrastructure and electrification,” Mayor Sultan told the reunited clans.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810235

3 killed in bomb explosion; Isabela City vice mayor unscathed

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): 3 killed in bomb explosion; Isabela City vice mayor unscathed

Three people were killed while the city's vice mayor escaped unhurt in a roadside bombing in the city on Thursday, the police said.

Supt. Albert Larubis, local police chief, disclosed the incident took place around 1:10 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Sunrise in the city.

Larubis said initial investigation showed that the bomb exploded while the two-vehicle convoy of Vice Mayor Abdulbaki Ajibon has passed by the place.

The bomb exploded just outside the main gate of the compound of Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar.

The blast killed two of Ajibon’s staffs who were aboard in one of the two vehicles in the convoy. The pick-up type vehicle was destroyed.

Larubis identified the third fatality as Gregorio Heneral Delgado, a bystander while Ajibon’s staffs remained unidentified.

He said the bomb could have been placed in a tricycle, which was in total wreck, parked along the roadside.

He said the continuing investigation aimed to unmask the suspects behind the blast.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810327

18 hurt in South Cotabato bus bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): 18 hurt in South Cotabato bus bombing

At least 18 persons were injured, including a 7-day-old baby, when an improvised explosive device exploded inside a unit of Yellow Bus Lines in Polomolok, South Cotabato at about 12 noon Thursday, police said.

Senior Supt. Jose Biones, South Cotabato police provincial director, said scene of the crime operatives and police bomb disposal unit personnel are still conducting post blast investigation in the blast site.

According to Samuel Batol, bus conductor of YBL unit with license plate MWD-296, said they had just left Polomolok bus terminal heading for Gen. Santos City when a loud explosion rocked the moving vehicle.

The bus was already in Barangay Glammang, Polomolok, when the explosion occured, police said.

Initial reports said the explosive was planted under a seat in the 7th row. It left Koronadal City at past 11 and had two stopovers, in Tupi and Polomolok terminals, before heading to Gen. Santos City.

Rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gen. Santos City were Jerryl Cabuyao, 28, his wife Abigail, 24 and their 7-day old baby Akisha Gale Cabuyao, all residents of Apopong, Gen. Santos City.

Also rushed to the General Santos Doctors Hospital were Francis Eric Respecia, 32, Angel Ayoc, 9, Canwa Younna, 36, Moises Fajartan, 50, Mark Anthony dela Cruz, 23, Erica Maulin, 18, Mary Grace Villaceran, 17, Rose Via Taluge, 18, Omar Sulani, 59, Cecile Amillen, 9, Princes Amillen, 2, Twinkle Olarte, 36, Marilou Yamot, 50, Vivina Duran, 43 and Sandra Vein Amor Pedregoza, 2.

Police said the bomb could be cellphone detonated.

Following the incident, police officers were deployed in all bus and public terminals in South Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810360

Military to give way for the release of captive soldier

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): Military to give way for the release of captive soldier

The military has expressed its willingness to “stand down” in the area where the release of the captive army soldier might take place, a member of the third party negotiator said Thursday.

Bishop Felixberto Calang, of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and head of the third party negotiator, said that it is now up to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) when to release the captive army soldier.

The NPA rebels seized PFC. Adonis Jess Maghanoy Lupeba, 26, of Iponan, Cagayan De Oro City, and a member of the army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, during a raid of the village of Alagatan in Gingoog City last July 11, 2015.

The NPA issued a statement that the communist guerillas would release Lupeba unconditionally as a gesture of goodwill to pave the way the resumption of peace talk with the national government.

Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano of Misamis Oriental has created a “crisis committee” with Calang as one of the members representing the third party negotiator, after the family of Lupeba sought assistance from the governor.

Calang said that the military has initially denied the request of the NPA for a 10-day ceasefire to pave the way for the safe release of the captive soldier.

“With the constant negotiation with the military and the Department of National Defense (DND), there is now a possibility that the military would cease operations in the surrounding areas where the possible release of Lupeba might take place,” Calang said.

However, Calang said, it is now up to the NPA rebels to decide where and when to release the army soldier being taken cared of by the NPA’s custodial unit elsewhere.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=810359

Trooper, civilian driver killed in Compostela Valley ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): Trooper, civilian driver killed in Compostela Valley ambush

A soldier and a civilian driver were killed during a New People's Army (NPA) ambush in Pantukan, Compostela Valley Wednesday morning.

The incident took place around 8 a.m., 10th Infantry Battalion public affairs office chief 1st Lt. Alexandre Cabales said.

He added the slain trooper is a member of the 71st Infantry Battalion's peace and development team deployed in Sitio Panganason.

Cabales said the victims along with another soldier -- who survived the ambush unscathed -- were aboard a "habal-habal" headed for Sitio Lumanggang, Barangay Kingking when fired upon by an undetermined number of rebels affiliated with the NPA's Guerilla Front 2.

The soldier and the civilian driver died on the spot while the other trooper was saved by the timely arrival of reinforcing military units.

Pursuit operations against the fleeing rebel band are now ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810105

5 mechanized battalions available to repel possible security threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): 5 mechanized battalions available to repel possible security threats

Should the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) be called into action to repel any hostile threats, it has five mechanized battalions at its disposal to repel or neutralize these intruders.

This was disclosed by MID public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan in a message to the PNA Wednesday.

"We are capable of deploying five mechanized battalions (for these eventualities," he addded.

A Filipino mechanized battalion is equipped with 36 to 40 armored fighting vehicles (AFVs).

And depending on the armored platforms, these AFVs can be armed with .50 caliber machineguns, 25mm and 76mm autocannons and grenade launchers.

Tan said these five armored battalions can be supported by other MID formations which includes two cavalry squadrons, seven light armored troops, one aviation battalion for reconnaissance and resupply and one maintenance support battalion and repairs.

Cavalry squadrons (also known as mechanized companies) consists of 12 to 14 AFVs.

On the other hand, armored troops consist of six to eight armored vehicles.

"All of these forces consist of our current/actual strength," Tan added.

The MID public affairs office chief said he expects their forces to be more capable and mobile with the arrival of 114 additional AFVs from the US and completion of the 28 upgraded armored vehicles coming from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd.

"Things will get better as we strengthen in numbers and firepower," he stressed.

p>The MID operates around 343 AFVs and armored personnel carriers.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair)

150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companies for deployment with regular units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810249

PHILBLEX 16 officially starts Thursday

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): PHILBLEX 16 officially starts Thursday

The Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 16) formally opened Thursday at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Naval Station Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Opening ceremonies took place at 9 a.m. at the facility's Acero Hall. It will last until Oct. 9.

Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) spokesperson Capt. Jerber Belonio said PHIBLEX 16 is the 32nd iteration of the bilateral exercise participated by Filipino and American Marine units.

Present during opening ceremonies were Naval Inspector General, Major Gen. Alexander F. Balutan, Philippine Marine Ready Force head Col. Nathaniel Y. Casem and U.S. 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Paul J. Kennedy.

Belonio said PHIBLEX 16 training exercises will be conducted in Ternate, Cavite, Crow Valley, Tarlac and in San Antonio, Zambales.

"These exercises will seek to advance the Philippines and United States’ military to military relationship and improve the interoperability capability of our troops together with their American counterparts," Belonio added.

Another goal of this bilateral exercise is also to enhance the readiness of allied troops when it comes to humanitarian assistance and disaster response especially during calamities.

"And with the formation of an Amphibious Marine Brigade, this exercise will further enhance the capabilities of our troops in amphibious operations and develop the amphibious component of the national maneuver force," Belonio concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810317

Joint training between US, Filipino Marines instrumental in saving lives during calamities

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): Joint training between US, Filipino Marines instrumental in saving lives during calamities

As the 32nd Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 16) formally opened Thursday, US Marine Expeditionary Brigade head Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy said the joint exercises between Filipino and American military units is instrumental in saving lives during times of calamities.

Around 860 US Marines and 748 of their Filipino counterparts will be taking part in the annual military maneuvers.

This was demonstrated during the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda" in November 2013 when US forces responded to Philippine calls for help within hours, the American official said. "

Two years ago we concluded PHIBLEX 29 and we shook hands with our Filipino partners and we wished them the best of another year and (we'll) meet again the following year and unfortunately nature intervened and as Typhoon Yolanda bore down on the central part of the Philippines to the Visayas, you know what happened within your country," Kennedy narrated.

"And our response occurred within a matter of hours and our interoperability happened almost instantly because we had just trained together over the course of the preceding exercise and we understood each others’ capability, and understood each others’ shortfalls and we’re able to work together as a true team on the behalf of the people in Samar, in Leyte, in Roxas and the other portions of the stricken area and in general I think that we saved lives, I think that the worthiness of this exercise bore fruit in the lives that were saved following the disaster," he added.

And despite the Philippine and US Marines having a rock-solid partnership and really does need that intensive training, Kennedy said the increasingly complex security situation makes the annual exercise vital.

"Thirty two times of attempting the same exercise you think that we would have this down pat and we wouldn’t need to train anymore, but I would tell you every year we get together we learn new lessons, and in this ever increasingly complex security environment these lessons are becoming more and more acute and remind us of the seriousness of the business that we have at hand," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810343

US forces ready to respond to any threat to PHL sovereignty

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): US forces ready to respond to any threat to PHL sovereignty

Should the Philippines sovereignty be challenged or threatened by any power, the US military is more than prepared to respond "in a matter of hours."

This was stressed by US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy during the opening ceremonies of 32nd Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 16) at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Naval Station Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Thursday.

Kennedy was referring to the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 by the US and the Philippines.

"Sixty-four years, this alliance (has) held, our mutual security has been upheld to the close working relationship that we have forged in that time, and I would tell anybody, I would tell you that if anybody would challenge the sovereignty of this country, their best friends within this region would respond within a matter of hours and generally I assure you that is not a hollow promise," he added.

Kennedy stressed that the nine-day PHIBLEX 16, which has a modest budget and prepared within a minimum time, will accomplish more than what the US 3rd Marine Expedition Brigade participated throughout the region.

"Not only will we work on a higher end of the range of military operations, we’re doing staff exercises down in Palawan, we’ll be honing our interoperability and our procedures in getting to know each other should we be called upon to operate as a military force, but likewise we’re participating in humanitarian activities, there are joint combined engineering projects taking place down in Palawan that I think really are the highlight of this exercise," he added.

"It's an opportunity for marines and sailors of both the United States and the Philippine Armed Forces to interact with their people and when you inspire confidence in the people that those under right are way of, our vocation, our way of existence, that you truly have won their hearts and minds and I think that will be accomplished," Kennedy stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810364

AFP condemns NPAs endless use of landmines

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30): AFP condemns NPAs endless use of landmines

KITAOTAO, Bukidnon, September 29 — After the latest bomb attack that wounded five soldiers in Bukidnon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the communist New People’s Army’s (NPA) non-stop use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or landmines.

“We condemn, to the highest degree, the NPA’s continuous use of landmines despite their being a signatory to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), especially that these explosives are being planted along residents’ trails,” said Ltc. Lennon G. Babilonia, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion.

In the recent attack in Barangay Pagan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, he said, the troops were conducting security and pursuit operation when hit by the IED planted by communist New People’s Army (NPA) under Guerilla Front 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who are believed to be responsible in the aborted liquidation attempt of Barangay Captain of White Kulaman—the neighboring village of Barangay Pagan.

It can be recalled that the day before the blast, the army’s 8thIB thwarted the NPAs plot to kill the village chief.

The troops encountered 15 heavily armed NPA rebels while White Kulaman Barangay Captain Felipe S. Cabugnason and his Council members were on a community dialogue on the outskirts.

In a statement, Ltc. Babilonia said the NPA has betrayed people’s trust and defied humanitarian law, and it is very disappointing because the explosion happened on September 20, the day before the celebration of the “International Day of Peace” which is set to be celebrated on the 21st of September.“In the spirit of peace, the NPA has violated their commitment on respect for human rights. It only proves that they are not sincere in bringing peace and development to the rural areas,” Ltc. Babilonia said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501443508622/afp-condemns-npas-endless-use-of-landmines

Lumad from Agusan: NPA, not military, responsible for killings

From Rappler (Sep 30): Lumad from Agusan: NPA, not military, responsible for killings

The other side of the story: Lumad leaders from Agusan del Sur talk about the abuses by the National People's Army



(L-R) Jesse Acevedo, former NPA rebel Marcial Belandres, and Datu Martin Acevedo talk about the abuses done by NPA rebels to lumads in some parts of Mindanao. Photo by David Lozada/ Rappler

Amid reports of the Philippine military’s alleged killings and abuses of the Lumad, the indigenous people of Mindanao, a group of Lumad leaders from Agusan del Sur claimed that it is the New People’s Army (NPA), not the military, who is responsible for the killings.

In an exclusive interview with Rappler on Wednesday, September 30, Martin Acevedo, a datu from Prosperidad, La Purisima in Agusan del Sur province, said that in their area it is the NPA who make trouble and kill Lumad.

 

“The NPA imposes taxes on civilians. They charge each family a monthly tax of P10. Say you have 4 children, you'd have to pay P20 monthly – P5 per head. If the civilian can't pay, they compute the price for their life,” Acevedo said. (READ: TIMELINE: Attacks on the Lumad of Mindanao)

 

He added: “Once they finish computing – and the farmers still can’t pay – the NPA will catch them and kill them in the mountain, where the graves can’t be found. That’s what they did in our area.”

 

Martin, whose father and two siblings were allegedly killed by the rebels in 1992, said no Lumad in their area has joined the NPA, mainly due to the military’s presence.

 

“Despite the NPA’s aggressive recruitment, nobody from our place went with them because we made the people in our area understand what would happen to them there,” he added.

 

Military as friends

 

“The military are our friends because they give us ways to improve our livelihood, while the NPA only imposes taxes,” said Jesse Acevedo, younger brother of Datu Martin.

 

According to Jesse, the NPA has given the Lumad nothing but pain and hardships. He claimed that in January 2014, NPA rebels burned the Lumad's rubber plants and livelihood materials because of their insubordination.

 

“Why did the NPA burn the plants we need for our livelihood? Understand that the goals of the NPA are not to promote our welfare but to take advantage of the Lumad. If we continue to be recruited by them, it will come back to haunt us,” Jesse said.

 

Farmers who do not pay the “revolutionary taxes” imposed by the rebels, according to Jesse, are either kicked out of their land or killed.

 

“So we'd rather just pay because we have nowhere else to go. In some areas, like in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, if we are unable to pay the tax, the NPA will kill us. On the government's end, their only instruction to us is to let our children go to school and to continue to protect our children’s future,” Jesse said.

 

He added: “I can promise you that it is not the military who cause the problems because they give us help with livelihood and education for our children.”

 

Opposing sides

 

The statements of the two datus contradict reports that Lumad in Surigao del Sur are being killed and displaced by paramilitary and military personnel.

 

 

PROTEST. A multisectoral group holds a protest outside the House of Representatives to protest the Lumad killings. Photo by Vincent Go/Rappler

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has repeatedly denied the military’s involvement in the incidents. AFP Chief General Hernando Iriberri, during the budget hearing for the Department of National Defense (DND) on September 8, denied that the Magahat Bagani Force paramilitary group, mainly accused of the killings, is working with the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

 

Rights groups like Karapatan and Kalumaran have repeatedly accused and condemned the government for allegedly perpetrating the killings.

 

UP Professor Winnie Monsod earlier accused leftist groups of using the Lumad to their advantage, for which she was slammed by Lumad and rights groups.

 

Two United Nations special rapporteurs Victoria Tauli-Corpuz and Michel Forst already urged the Aquino government to investigate the killings in Mindanao, calling the issue “unacceptable, deplorable.”

 

The Senate Subcommittee on Justice, led by Senator Teofisto Guingona III, has already scheduled a hearing on the Lumad killings on Thursday, October 1, in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

 

Marcial Belandres, a member of the NPA for 25 years before surrendering to the government, told Rappler that the abuses reported by the Acevedos continue till now.

 

“There are still a lot of CPP-NPA in Surigao. They have rights groups there that they call legal but the backing are actually illegal. I witnessed, and sometimes participated, in the wrongdoings of the NPA,” Belandres said.”

 

He added that he surrendered to government forces because he wanted a better life for his family.

 

“Now that I am on the government’s side, I am being treated well. I am given food and help to send my child to a proper school,” said Belandres, who is being hunted by the NPA.

‘We need to understand Lumad culture’

 

Lawyer Levito Baligod, who brought the Lumad to Manila, said the government needs to understand the Lumad culture better before making any drastic decisions. (READ: Is the military innocent in Lumad killings?)

 

“The problem is that the government is lost on how to understand the situation. If the government will render their support to the Lumad datus, who signed a manifesto against the NPA, we can solve the problem. The datus themselves are already asking help from the government,” Baligod, who rose to fame during the pork barrel scam, said.

 

Baligod pointed to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) statement a few days back which said that the baganis were responsible for the Lumad killings.

 

“The baganis are the Lumad's warrior class, next to datus (chieftains) and baylans (priests). They are cultural guards. There are baganis who sided with the NPA and there are those who were assigned to defend their tribes. We cannot generalize,” he added.

 

The lawyer added that he is trying to link with the government the Lumad who came to him for help.

“We will try to ask the government to provide protection for the Lumad people because if the government is not present in their areas, the CPP-NPA would easily be able to enter, infiltrate and impose their will,” he said.

 

Call out

 

The Acevedos and Belandres are calling on other Lumad tribes to veer away from the NPA.

“I can say from my heart that it is not true that it’s the soldiers killing Lumad. The true killers are the CPP-NPA. Even if we'd live in the forest for one year, we’ll be fine as long as we're able to have our livelihoods. But with the NPA there, finding a livelihood is problematic,” Belandres said.

 

Jesse added: “I'm calling out to my Lumad brothers who are living in the mountain: I plead that if there is someone who recruits you from the CPP-NPA do not go with them because they are the ones causing havoc in our tribes.”

 

As the government and various rights groups continue to investigate the cases, the Lumad continue to be caught in the middle of the war between the government and the communist rebels.

 

"I'm calling on those Lumad who are still in the mountain to surrender so we can live a normal life and be given a livelihood by the government," Jesse said.

 

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/107628-lumad-agusan-npa-responsible-killings