NPA sets free captive Army man in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): NPA sets free captive Army man in North Cotabato

Emotions ran high after the family of an Army man met him following his release Tuesday by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village here.

The freed captive, Pfc Eduardo Hilaga Jr. was abducted by members of the NPA Front 72 Far South Mindanao Region on April 21 after the rebels set up an early morning roadblock in adjacent Barangay Malasila, Makilala town.

Efren Aksasado, NPA Front 72 spokesman, said the release was granted after their investigation showed that Hilaga has no record of any abuse and with the extended appeal of several organizations including the Crisis Management Committee of Makilala town.

Hilaga was formally turned over to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a presidential candidate known as having established close contacts with the rebels, after the signing of an NPA release order.

Hilaga's relatives and wife Delia fetched him during the turnover witnessed by hundreds of locals in the area.

Local officials present during the release include Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan, Tulunan Councilor Joan Villamor, and firmer North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol.

Hilaga's release came a day after the NPAs also freed in Davao City five other police officers they earlier held as "prisoners of war" in the boundary of Davao and Bukidnon province.

The NPA said at least five other POWs currently remain under its custody in other parts of Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=879934

Poe vows to crush Abu Sayyaf bandits if elected president

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Poe vows to crush Abu Sayyaf bandits if elected president

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday promised to run after the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group if she will be elected president in the May 9 elections.

”It is important that in our government, we will not tolerate this kind of terrorists in our country. I will make sure that we will run after them and bring them to justice,” Poe said in a media interview after meeting with 3,000 local officials of Ilocos Sur headed by Gov. Ryan Singson at the Vigan Convention Center here.

Poe made her reaction after the dreaded ASG bandits beheaded their Canadian hostage John Ridsdel after no ransom was paid by the deadline set by the terrorist group on April 25.

”I believed that we have to run after these kind of lawless elements so that we can restore peace in Mindanao and the people who wanted to go there will not worry anymore for their safety,” Poe told the media.

Poe said if there was a need to seek the assistance of the Philippines’ allied countries in terms of intelligence gathering, she would not hesitate to ask for help.

”We should accept (their assistance) because we should not pretend that we don’t need help if their assistance is for their betterment of our people,” Poe said.

Poe, however, said while she is pushing for an all-out war against terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf, “we should also pour out an all-out development for Mindanao.

”We should continue the (peace) talks but as we do these promises, we should also start immediately the construction of infrastructures like roads and provide livelihoods for the people of Mindanao,” the lady senator said.

Poe and her running mate Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero assured that the people of Mindanao would not be left out under the “Gobyernong May Puso”.

The Poe-Escudero tandem promised to allot a total of Php 1 trillion from the country’s national budget every year for the development of Mindanao.

Poe said she would particularly focus on the development of agricultural sector where Php300 billion will be allotted for the construction of infrastructures like the free irrigation system.

Poe said she would also pass a law mandating the free lunch for the grade school pupils, free tuition for the college student in public schools and ‘zero’ billing for the poor patients in public hospitals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879822

Roxas expresses outrage over ASG beheading of Canadian, urges MILF, MNLF to help neutralize terrorist group

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Roxas expresses outrage over ASG beheading of Canadian, urges MILF, MNLF to help neutralize terrorist group

Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas expressed outrage on Tuesday over the beheading of a Canadian national by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and strongly urged the government and its peace partners to work together to neutralize once and for all the terrorist group.

"I am outraged by the horrific murder of John Ridsdel at the hands of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf. The full force of the State must be applied to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice," he said as he urged all stakeholders to bolster efforts to save the remaining hostages.

“This horrific murder should steel us to triple our efforts. Let us not give up hope that the others are rescued, and I appeal for the cooperation and support of our fellow citizens in this mission,” the administration bet said.

He strongly urged the government’s peace partners -- the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) -- to give their full support in freeing the remaining hostages and neutralizing the ASG.

“As our peace partners, this is the opportunity for the MILF and the MNLF to show all peace-loving and decent Filipinos that there is no room for the kind of brutality shown by the ASG,” Roxas said.

Roxas, who is in Negros Occidental to rally support for Team Daang Matuwid, condemned the ASG for disguising their terror activities as a political statement.

According to reports, Ridsdel was beheaded by the ASG Monday afternoon after his family failed to give them the ransom money they demanded.

Ridsdel was kidnapped by the ASG from Samal Island in Davao del Norte in September last year along with fellow Canadian Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.

The group earlier demanded a Php300-million ransom for each of the victims by April 25.

“Ang tunay na objective nila ay ransom pero hinaluan kuno ng konting political color. Terrorism is bullying in its most heinous and brutal form as it preys on the weak and defenseless. Where is the courage in hurting, let alone beheading a defenseless person? The ASG must be extinguished,” Roxas said.

In the meantime, Roxas extended his condolences to the family of Ridsdel.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, loved ones, and fellow citizens of John: all Filipinos of good will must be united in the resolve to ensure that not only will Justice be done, but that the terrorist Abu Sayyaf will be neutralized and face the inexorable consequences of their brutality and inhumanity" Roxas stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879787

Palace condoles with Canadian government, family of beheaded hostage

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Palace condoles with Canadian government, family of beheaded hostage
 

Malacañang expressed its condolences on Tuesday to the Canadian government and the family of mining executive John Ridsdel, who was killed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Ridsdel was among the four hostages who were abducted by ASG bandits on Sept. 21 last year from the Holiday Ocean View Resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Also seized were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marithes Flor.

"We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Canadian government and to the family of Mr. John Ridsdel, who died in the hands of the ASG bandits," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

The ASG had threatened to behead one of the hostages on April 25 at 3 p.m. if the government failed to pay the ransom demanded by the bandits. The initial demand was P1 billion each for the hostages but the amount was reduced to P300 million.

Reports said the severed head of Ridsdel, which was inside a plastic bag dropped by two men on a motorcycle, was found by residents in the center of Jolo town, five hours after the expiry of the ransom deadline.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was outraged upon learning of the killing.

Secretary Coloma assured that military and law enforcement operations in Sulu will continue.

"There will be no let-up in the resolute efforts of the joint PNP-AFP task group in pursuing intensive and wide-ranging military and law enforcement operations to neutralize these lawless elements and thwart further threats to peace and security," he said, adding that President Benigno S. Aquino III "has directed the security forces to apply the full force of the law to bring these criminals to justice."

President Aquino on Monday ordered Acting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Ricardo Marquez, to conduct appropriate military and law enforcement operations to rescue the four hostages.

The President also instructed local authorities to cooperate with the AFP-PNP Task Force and ensure the safety of citizens in the affected communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879805

Soldier killed, another wounded in separate clashes with NPAs in ComVal, Davao City

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Soldier killed, another wounded in separate clashes with NPAs in ComVal, Davao City

A soldier was killed while another one was wounded during encounters with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Compostela Valley and Davao City Monday.

The first incident happened around 7:30 a.m. when troops from Charlie Company, 60th Infantry Battalion while checking reports of heavily-armed men in the boundaries of Sitio Cebule and Sitio Taduk, both of Barangay Kapatagan, Laak encountered.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said no losses were incurred in the first clash.

Also recovered were an M-16 automatic rifle, an improvised explosive device, blasting cups and a 25-meter electric wire.

In the second incident which took place 10:30 a.m. when troops from the 84th Infantry Battalion were ambushed by members of the NPA's Guerilla Front 54 at Sitio Colorado, Barangay Sibulan, Toril District, Davao City.

Government troops were aboard four motorcycles when fired upon by the rebels, killing one trooper and wounding another soldier in the right foot.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879815

JS Ise arrives for 3-day port visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): JS Ise arrives for 3-day port visit

JS Ise (DDH-182), one of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF)'s destroyer/helicopter carriers, arrived at the Alava Pier, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Tuesday morning.

This the start of her three-day goodwill visit which will end on Friday, Philippine Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said.

JS Ise and her crew were welcomed by Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) deputy commander Capt. Samuel Z. Felix.

A port briefing related to security and health was conducted aboard the Japanese ship.

JS Ise commanding officer Capt. Masaki Takada, in a press briefing, said his ship carry 11 helicopters and is equipped with the surface-to-air missile, anti-submarine rocket and torpedo systems.

He also noted that it is the second time that JS Ise made a port call to the Philippines, the first one was during the conduct of international disaster relief activity following the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Takada said this visit is merely for crew rest and replenishment purposes.

Officers and enlisted personnel of the JS Ise will also render a courtesy call on NETC commander Rear Admiral Renan C. Suarez.

The visiting navy personnel will engage with their Filipino counterparts, particularly those assigned at NETC in Zambales, through shipboard tour on board the Japanese ship and tour at NETC facilities.

It marked the third time that JMSDF vessels visited the Philippines this year. Previous visits include the arrival of Minesweeper Division 51 on March 2 and the submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511) along with two destroyer ships on April 3.

The visit will further strengthen the already strong relationship between the PN and the JMSDF. It is a demonstration of fostering commitment to the cooperation between the two nations which benefits regional peace and stability.

JS Ise is a Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer. It is the second ship to be named Ise, the first being the Imperial Japanese Navy World War II-era battleship Ise.

The ship was built by IHI Marine United and commissioned into service on March 16, 2011.

She weighs 13,950 tons and can cruise at speed faster than 30 knots.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879824

PNP, AFP jointly working to find, rescue remaining ASG hostages -- DILG

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): PNP, AFP jointly working to find, rescue remaining ASG hostages -- DILG

Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday assured that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to find and rescue the remaining captives of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

This was after Canadian national John Ridsel, one of the four hostages taken by terrorist group last Sept. 21 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte, was beheaded by his captors.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Canadian national John Ridsdel who had been held captive and confirmed killed by Abu Sayyaf militants. It is unfortunate that this had to happen despite our efforts to negotiate for his release along with his fellow captives," Sarmiento said in a statement.

"However, we should not allow ourselves to be terrorized by this gruesome incident. This is what these terrorists want," he added.

Sarmiento also assured that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local government units to find and secure the safety of the remaining captives.

"I join our entire nation and the people of Canada in praying for Ridsdel. May his sacrifice inspire us even more to strive harder to defeat these barbaric zealots and finally let peace take its place in Mindanao," he noted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879772

Rebels seize soldier in Makilala checkpoint

From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 25): Rebels seize soldier in Makilala checkpoint

MEMBERS of the New People's Army (NPA) attacked a military checkpoint and took as prisoner a soldier of the 7th Infantry Battalion-602nd Brigade in Barangay Malasila, Makilala town in North Cotabato province around 4:50 a.m. last April 21, 2016.

In an emailed press release by Dencio Madrigal, identifying himself as spokesperson of the NPA-Far Southern Mindanao Region's Valentin Palamine Command, the soldier was identified as Private First Class Edgardo Hilaga.

The NPA assured that the 24-year-old soldier will be “treated leniently while undergoing investigation for his involvement in war crimes and human rights abuses committed by the 7th IB in North Cotabato”.

In the same statement, the NPA also warned politicians campaigning in areas, which they claimed as part of their territories, not to carry firearms, buy votes, and put out “anti-people propaganda" lest they be taken as captives.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2016/04/25/rebels-seize-soldier-makilala-checkpoint-469854

Aquino to end term failing to crush revolutionary movement

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines publication, The Davao Today (Apr 26): NDF: Aquino to end term failing to crush revolutionary movement



The National Democratic Front said President Benigno Aquino III will be ending his term “frustrated” in defeating the revolutionary movement in Mindanao.

In a statement in celebrating the NDF’s 43rd year anniversary, NDF Mindanao spokesman Jorge Madlos, nom de guerre Ka Oris, said since the Marcos dictatorship in the 1970s, “the NDFP, with its allied organizations, has supported and coordinated closely with the New People’s Army in successfully frustrating all the successive fascist internal security and operational plans until the current Oplan Bayanihan (OPB) of the US-Aquino III regime.”

“Under the OPB of Mr. Aquino, the NDFP has fought against and withstood the brutal attacks and campaigns of the AFP, PNP and paramilitary forces in both cities and the countryside. In Mindanao, there has been an unprecedented surge in the armed struggle despite the 60 percent deployment of AFP troops in the island,” said Madlos.

Madlos said as of April this year the NPAs in Mindanao launched “at least 750” tactical offensives against government troops.

“For the same period, the enemy forces sustained casualties of over 700 killed in action and over 500 wounded in action,” said Madlos.

Madlos said the number of NPA guerrilla fronts in Mindanao has increased from only 40 in 2010 to 46 by the first quarter of 2016.

“In more than 200 cities and municipalities in Mindanao, these guerrilla fronts, from only 1,850 barrios in 2010, presently cover 2,500 barrios, a third of which is consolidated, and many are with standing Organs of Political Power or people’s revolutionary government at barrio and, some, at municipal levels,” he said.

Madlos also claimed that the NPA’s fighting capacity has increased from “a few thousand Red fighters with more or less 10,000 high powered rifles” in 2013, to “more than a hundred formations of squads, platoons and companies” as of March 29, 2016, coinciding with the 44th anniversary of the NPAs.

Belligerent status

The NDF was founded on April 24, 1973.

Madlos said in 1980, the International Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal “recognized the NDFP as a legitimate representative of the Filipino people, which affirmed the revolutionary movement’s status of belligerency.”

Upon its establishment, Madlos said the NDFP put forward a 12-point program that “guided the Filipino people on the path of the new democratic revolution with a socialist perspective for the overthrow of the semi-feudal and semi-colonial system.”

“The NDFP recognizes the political leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). It upholds revolutionary armed struggle led by the New People’s Army as the primary form of struggle,” said Madlos.

“It also upholds genuine land reform as the main content of the new democratic revolution, and, national industrialization as the leading factor towards a self-reliant economy,” he added.

At present Madlos said the struggle for genuine agrarian reform including “free distribution of land to till, reduction in the rent of land, tools, implements and farm animals,  increase in the wages of farm workers, increase in the farm gate prices of agricultural products, reduction of usury, lowering of prices of farm inputs and basic commodities, and the launching of  campaigns to improve cooperative production, self-reliant economy,” have earned support from the people.

“In the whole of Mindanao, the mass base, which covers millions in the populace, has continued to expand, where the number of masses who are direct members of revolutionary mass organizations rose from 130,000 in 2010 to 200,000 at present,” he said.

Madlos added that the NDFP has also established and sustained alliances with Moro revolutionary groups.

Commitment to peace

Since 2010 the peace talks between the NDF and the government have stalled.
However, the NDF said that it has upheld its program of just and lasting peace through peace negotiations with the government despite its “refusal to honor previously signed agreements.”

“Since 2010, the US-Aquino III regime repeatedly sabotaged the peace process through co-optation, imposition of capitulation as a precondition, and infliction of brutal attacks against NDF consultants who are JASIG protected, and, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, the harassment of the NDF’s chief negotiators and consultants and the surveillance and raid of the international office,” said Madlos.

But as its gesture of commitment to continue the peace negotiations, Madlos said they have released 61 prisoners of war in Mindanao.

Currently, there are 11 POWs under the custody of the NPA in Mindanao, which include five police officers captured on April 16 in Paquibato, Davao City.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/ndf-aquino-to-end-term-failing-to-crush-revolutionary-movement/

Military’s dilemma: Balancing territorial, internal defense tasks

From the Business Mirror (Apr 25): Military’s dilemma: Balancing territorial, internal defense tasks



In Photo: In this December 24, 2015, photo, provided by Filipino fisherman Renato Etac, a Chinese Coast Guard boat approaches Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

FOR the past six years, the military has steadily shifted its focus to territorial from internal defense with President Aquino’s modest, but nevertheless, billions of pesos worth acquisition of jet fighters and warships—something that was not accomplished by the previous three administrations combined.

 

The spin toward the territorial defense posture was influenced by two factors: the urgent need for the country to secure its stakes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) in the face of an aggressive and determined China and the “illusion” that the Maoist-inspired insurgency that has pestered and tormented the country for decades is on the retreat and will be over in a couple of years.

 

 The deceiving belief was etched under and buttressed by the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, a counterinsurgency campaign that was crafted by former Military Operations Chief Emmanuel Bautista, who was later catapulted to chief of staff.

 

IPSP Bayanihan is designed to break the three-pronged war that the Armed Forces has been waging against communist rebels, Moro separatists and the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and even other lawless groups.

 

However, just two months before the end of the term of the Aquino administration and Bautista already retired for nearly two years, the whole-of-government approach that is Bayanihan is following the track of the other previously military-initiated operational plan—a failed experiment.

 

At least two reasons were offered by some why the internal security plan Bayanihan—which was supposed to end the country’s domestic threats, more particularly from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NPA)-National Democratic Front—was a failure or is failing.

 

One, because defense and military planners have put too much emphasis on the country’s territorial-defense needs that they have negated or failed to balance the equally pressing need for the country to address its internal security threats, reacting only when the government is attacked by NPA rebels, Abu Sayyaf bandits and even by other lawless groups.

 

Two, because the Armed Forces is already lost in the notion that IPSP Bayanihan is successfully breaking the backbone of all the threat groups and even showing the exit to the rebels and to the terrorists and bandits in Mindanao.

 

While it may be true that the memberships of the NPA and the ASG are on the decline as constantly drumbeated by military apologists—owing to the figures of neutralized personalities and key leaders—both groups, though smaller in number, were, however, bolder and more daring, as shown by their encounters with the government during the past couple of weeks.

 

“The problem with the government is it is totally sold to the idea that Bayanihan is winning. It refuses to reexamine or reevaluate it to the point that it rejects or gloss over facts,” one military observer said.

 

The government has already scored an initial victory against Moro secessionism, archiving it through the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), but its conflict with the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf remains, with the two groups escalating it.

 

From north to south, the rebels tagged by the government as “terrorists” scored successful attacks, even detonating homemade bombs in 11 areas in Masbate on a single day and engaging troops in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Oriental Mindoro, some places in the Bicol region and the rebel-infested areas in Southern Tagalog.

 

On the occasion of the NPA’s 47th anniversary in late March, the rebels put up at least seven checkpoints in broad daylight in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and in Bukidnon, something that the NPA has not done in many years.

 

In February eight policemen were killed and several others were wounded in a series of ambushes and attacks in Cagayan, Bukidnon and Negros, which the military said were part of the rebel group’s extortion activities.

 

On April 16 the rebels also raided a military detachment in Paquibato District, Davao City, taking away several high-powered firearms and five policemen who had the misfortune of passing a checkpoint that they have put up.

 

In a surprise move, the military, which has been calling the NPA for years as a “terrorist group” and does so whenever it encounter its members, branded those behind the Davao City attack as a “lawless group.”

 

The Abu Sayyaf, on the other hand, killed at least 18 soldiers and wounded 57 others in a series of skirmishes just two weeks ago in Basilan, while recently in Tawi-tawi and even Sabah, it has snatched more than a dozen of Malaysian and Indonesian boat crewmen in three separate kidnappings.

 

During the encounter in Basilan, the government killed a Moroccan jihadist, while two months ago, an Indonesian militant was killed in a massive military operation in Lanao del Norte. The operation in Lanao del Norte uncovered the operations and existence of what the military said was a “foreign-affiliated terrorist group” in the country.

 

The deaths of the two foreign jihadists and even the acts of the Abu Sayya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in pledging their allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isil) has confirmed directly or indirectly the presence of the Arab-based terrorist group in the country. 

 

However, for the sake of IPSP Bayanihan, the military refused to acknowledge the presence and existence of Isil in the country, even when reports tell it so. The BIFF broke away from the MILF during the implementation of the “cure all” IPSP Bayanihan.

 

On assets and equipment, most, if not all, of the acquisitions made by the military was for territorial defense, with the exceptions of M-4 carbines, refurbished armored vehicles and seven alleged poorly repaired UH-1D helicopters, one of which even crashed under questionable circumstances.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/militarys-dilemma-balancing-territorial-internal-defense-tasks/

 

NDFP now 43 years old

From the Manila Times (Apr 25): NDFP now 43 years old

The Manila Times rarely runs news and commentary pieces about the Philippine Left. Because of that we presume that most readers, specially the younger professionals, entrepreneurs and other businesspeople who make up the large majority of our readership, have very little exposure to what the “extreme left” – i.e., the Filipino Communists and their allies – are thinking and saying.

We are taking the opportunity of the anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to give readers factual look at this outlook by publishing in full a letter from NDFP leaders in detention greeting the NDFP on the occasion of its 43rd anniversary last Sunday. It is on P5.

The authors describe the NDFP as “a solid and deep alliance of 18 national democratic revolutionary organizations with millions in total membership throughout the country and abroad” which “has consistently been growing and gaining significant inroads through the wide swath of struggles these patriotic and progressive people’s organizations have been waging, in the interest of the mass of the Filipino people, in the country and abroad.”

They add: “The NDFP has been carrying on revolutionary struggles of the Filipino people and its various sectors in the country and abroad. Its revolutionary activities have been ranging from arousing, educating, and organizing the masses; waging of mass struggles for agrarian reform, production, health care, environmental protection; waging of revolutionary armed struggle; and building local organs of political power. It has also been promoting extra-parliamentary struggles, and forging various levels of unities and cooperation with other revolutionary, patriotic and other allied forces in the country.”

The existence of the Communist Party of the Philippines, whose military arm is the New People’s Army, is a significant reality of Philippine life. This is true if only because a very great part of the Philippine national budget devoted to the military is used in the government’s effort to contain or terminate the New People’s Army and with it the armed strength of the Communist Party.

Also an important Philippine reality is the existence of the National Democratic Front, which in various ways contributes leftist thinking in many aspects of Philippine life.

Patriotic Filipinos, including businessmen and professionals, do not really know our country as well as they should if they did not know the National Democratic Front and its member organizations and affiliates.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ndfp-now-43-years-old/258378/

Video showing Duterte praising NPA goes viral

From the Manila Times (Apr 26): Video showing Duterte praising NPA goes viral

A video showing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte cursing Pope Francis and praising the New People’s Army (NPA) went viral after television networks refused to air it.

The video, titled “Pamana ni Duterte,” viewed and shared by thousands in different social media sites, was originally made as an advertisement material but TV networks turned it down because it allegedly did not pass “ethical standards.”

One part of the video shows Duterte cursing and blaming Pope Francis for causing traffic when he visited the Philippines last year.

Another clip shows the mayor threatening workers that he will kill them if they don’t stop organizing unions.

Another clip shows Duterte announcing that it will be bloody if he becomes President.

He was also shown attending a gathering of the New People’s Army and shouting “Mabuhay ang [Long live] NPA!”

The video became controversial as it shows children imitating Duterte’s rude and dirty words.

Some people who watched the video said it should be aired so that voters can assess Duterte as a presidential candidate.

http://www.manilatimes.net/video-showing-duterte-praising-npa-goes-viral/258416/

VIDEO | 5 captive policemen turned over by NPA rebels to Duterte

From InterAksyon (Apr 25): VIDEO | 5 captive policemen turned over by NPA rebels to Duterte



Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (C) is seen walking with security escorts after the release of five abducted police officers in Paquibato District April 25, 2016. TV5 SCREENSHOT

(UPDATED WITH VIDEO) The five police officers abducted by communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels on April 16 in Davao City have been turned by their captors to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday after the presidential candidate facilitated their release.

The five policemen - Paquibato Chief of Police C/Inspector Leonardo Tarungoy, PO3 Rosenie Cabuenas, PO3 Rudolph Pacete, PO2 Neil Arellano, and PO3 Abdul Azis Ali – were released to Duterte at past 4 p.m. Monday in Purok 1, Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato District.

They were released after Duterte on Sunday night sealed the negotiation with the NPA rebels who abducted them following an attack of the 72nd Infantry Battalion CAA (Civilian Armed Auxiliary) detachment on April 16 in Sitio Quimanao, Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District.

Their release also followed a video released by the NPA with PO3 Pacete asking his family not to worry as they had been treated well during their 10-day captivity.

Duterte turned over the five officers to Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 Director Manuel Gaerlan at Camp Quintin M. Merecido in Catitipan, Davao City.

Also present were the officers' family members.

All five are now undergoing medical check-up and debriefing.

This was confirmed by Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, Davao City Police spokesperson, who said that the five police officers "arrived safely at PRO-11 on board a helicopter together with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte from Barangay Lumiad".

At the same time, Duterte emphasized that he is not left-leaning although he could talk the same language as that of the communists.

"I am not (a communist)...I do not subscribe to their armed struggle," he said, in answer to some allegations that he supports the NPA rebel group.

When asked if there was a demand from the rebels in exchange for the release, Duterte implied there was none adding that the rebels owe him a lot.

During the release, the mayor said the rebels admitted to have abducted the policemen because of the belief that they were sent to the place as reinforcement of the Army.

He said he reminded the rebels of their "gentlemen's agreement" to spare the police from any form of armed encounter because they were only fulfilling their task of ensuring the safety of civilian residents against criminality. He added that investigating an incident, such as the attack of the CAA detachment, was part of police work.

"All is well that ends well," Duterte said in his message during the turnover.

Watch a News5 video report:



With this development, the mayor urged the police to continue with their work. "Do not be afraid to go to the mountains," he stressed.

He, however, advised police officers to be extra careful next time. "Armado talaga mga yan (They are really armed). Just introduce that you are there to investigate an incident. Keep calm you are not fighting an appropriate enemy," he said.

Duterte recalled he was also once a victim of NPA atrocity when the rebels drove into a deep ravine a government equipment for road projects in Paquibato during the early years of his term as mayor. He said it cost the city some P2 million. He also cited an incident when he was nearly killed by the rebels.

Meanwhile, PNP Director Gaerlan called the police officers "heroes" because they were abducted while in the performance of their duty. He also thanked Mayor Duterte for facilitating their release.

He condemned the incident and declared they will not be cowed by threats of armed groups to fulfill their duties.

The turnover was capped with the mayor allowing the police officers to go on vacation for needed rest. He also promised them a vacation to Hong Kong with their family after the elections.

Although his lead widened in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of presidential candidates, Duterte said he does not believe in its results.

Asked about Mar Roxas’ challenge for Duterte to withdraw his candidacy if it was proven that PhilHealth helped residents in Davao City, the mayor did not take on the dare.

Duterte called Roxas a “liar”, saying that as chief executive of the city government he signs documents about PhilHealth, and there was no coverage for employees.

http://interaksyon.com/article/126926/5-abducted-police-officers-freed-in-davao-city

Who are Abu Sayyaf, the group apparently behind the death of Canadian John Ridsdel?

From the National Post (Apr 25): Who are Abu Sayyaf, the group apparently behind the death of Canadian John Ridsdel?



A masked Abu Sayyaf gunman and other rebels gather outside the mosque in Bandang in Jolo island. ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images

In a two-minute video filmed somewhere in the southern Philippine jungle, a diminutive militant with a black mask and a childlike voice read out his “ultimatum” to behead a Canadian hostage unless he was paid an $8-million ransom.

“God is Great,” the gunmen around him chanted.

After officials confirmed Monday that hostage John Ridsdel had been killed, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it “an act of cold-blooded murder” by a “terrorist group” and said Canada would “pursue those responsible for this heinous act.”

But Zachary Abuza, a leading scholar on terrorism in Southeast Asia, isn’t convinced the kidnappers should be called terrorists. Although they project that image and wave ISIL flags, he believes that is theatre meant to drive up their demands.

“I’m not even sure they have a political agenda,” said Abuza, a professor at the Naval War College in Washington, D.C., who has written extensively about Abu Sayyaf. “They like to think they do but, I mean, they don’t have a very clear stated political goal.”
Abu Sayyaf was founded in 1991 by Abdurajak Janjalani, a Filipino who had been part of an international brigade that fought the Soviets in Afghanistan. He and his brother, Khaddafy, who replaced him after his death, advocated for the creation of an Islamic state in the Muslim-majority southern Philippines.

The group was financed by a Saudi businessman named Mohammed Jama Khalifa, according to a Council of Foreign Relations report. But kidnapping for ransom eventually became “the main funding mechanism for the group,” said the Australian government’s national security website.

The Canadian government similarly defines Abu Sayyaf largely as a kidnapping racket. “Ostensibly, the group’s goal is the establishment of an Islamic state government by sharia law,” according to the Public Safety Canada website. “In practice, however, the ASG primarily uses terrorism for profit.”

Abu Sayyaf is composed of between 200 and 400 fighters spread across the Sulu Archipelago, most of them young Filipino Muslims, although the Australian government’s listing said that, “ASG membership at times has included foreign jihadists.”

Abuza said Abu Sayyaf’s claim to be a Muslim separatist movement was undermined by its lack of a mass following. The group has done practically nothing to win over the local population and has not demonstrated a grasp of the faith it claims to follow, he said.

“I don’t think they would know a Koran if it fell from the sky and hit them in the head. I really do think that they are a very opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom gang that is constantly able to forge connections with other groups,” the professor said.

Trudeau blasts \'heinous\' killing of Canadian in Philippines

While Abu Sayyaf was once aligned with al-Qaida, it recently pledged allegiance to ISIL. The ISIL flag appeared in the background of the videos it released demanding money to spare Ridsdel, his fellow Canadian Robert Hall, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman.

There is little evidence, however, of meaningful ties between the ASG and ISIL, said Abuza. For example, ASG members have not been turning up in Syria and Iraq, he said. He believes the ASG is exploiting the ISIL brand for shock value.

“I certainly think it’s done to increase the psychological pressure on the captives, their families and their government. They’ve only pulled out the IS imagery when they’ve kidnapped Westerners, never any of the Asians or Filipinos,” he said.

When they haven’t received the ransoms they wanted Abu Sayyaf, which means “Bearers of the Sword,” has beheaded its hostages, including a Malaysian last November. “They’ve done this many times before, this is not the first time,” Abuza said.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/who-are-abu-sayyaf-the-group-apparently-behind-the-death-of-canadian-john-ridsdel

Abu Sayyaf has 25-year record of kidnappings and bombings

CBC News (Apr 25): Abu Sayyaf has 25-year record of kidnappings and bombings

Filipino militant group purports to want Islamic state in southern Philippines



An image released by police shows a top commander of the Abu Sayyaf group, left, who is on the U.S. list of most-wanted terrorists and who once acknowledged receiving al-Qaeda funds to finance local bombings, poses with comrades. (Philippine National Police/Associated Press)


Abu Sayyaf is a militant group whose leadership swore allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014.

Ostensibly their mandate is to establish an Islamic state and sharia law in the  southern Philippines areas of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. But since its inception, the group has carried out a campaign of kidnappings, bombings and extortion as well as conflict with the Filipino military.

Four hostages, including two Canadians, were kidnapped last September and held by the Abu Sayyaf militants. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the killing of one of the hostages — former Calgarian John Ridsdel — on Monday.

Canada, the U.S., Britain, Australian and the Philippines, among many countries, consider Abu Sayyaf to be a terrorist group.

Public Safety Canada says the group was formed in the 1990s and has had links to  al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah.

• John Ridsdel killed in Philippines after being held hostage, Trudeau confirms
• Kidnapping of 2 Canadians and 2 others in Philippines just the latest in string of abductions

Other names it has been known by, according to Canadian authorities, include:

• Al Harakat Al Islamiyya (AHAI).
• Al Harakat-ul Al Islamiyya.
• Al-Harakatul-Islamia.
• Al Harakat Al Aslamiya.
• Abou Sayaf Armed Band (ASAB).
• Mujahideen Commando Freedom Fighters.

Australian security documents about the group say it is not cohesive, but a network of cells that carry out their own operations.

Its original leader, Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani, a Filipino national who studied in Libya and Saudi Arabia, was killed in a gun battle with police in 1998. From the beginning, Abu Sayyaf carried out a campaign of bombings, mainly targeting Filipino nationals and the military.

 

Soldiers head to the mountains to secure the release of two Germans who were held for six months by the Abu Sayyaf militant group on Oct. 17, 2014. (Nickee Butlangan/Associated Press)

 

Next to lead the group was Khaddafy Janjalani, a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front, an earlier separatist group, who had been trained in the Middle East. He was killed in 2006, but since then the leadership of the organization has been scattered, according to the Australians.

In July 2014, a video was posted online of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon along with other masked men pledging allegiance to the caliph of an Islamic State.

"We pledge to obey him on anything which our hearts desire or not and to value him more than anyone else. We will not take any emir [leader] other than him unless we see in him any obvious act of disbelief that could be questioned by Allah in the hereafter," they say on the video.

The group claimed responsibility for the biggest act of terrorism in the history of the Philippines, planting a bomb on a passenger ferry in February 2004 and sinking the vessel, killing more than 100 people.

Much of the violence by Abu Sayyaf has involved bombings and shootouts with Filipino military. It also sought to undermine peace talks between the government and the Moro separatist movements.

The group raises money to fund its operations through kidnappings and extortion. Copying al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Sayyaf often threatened to behead hostages if a ransom was not paid.

Among the group's recent actions:

• December 2011 — Australian national Warren Richard Rodwell was abducted from his residence in Ipil, Mindanao and held for ransom until 2013.
• February 2012 — a Swiss national and a Dutch national were kidnapped near the Tawi-Tawi islands.
• July 2014 — the group killed at least 21 Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadan on the island of Jolo, reportedly in retaliation for their support of a peace process with the Filipino government.
• April 2014 — Kidnapped two Germans from their yacht off the western province of Palawan and threatened to kill them if a ransom was not paid. They were held for six months. 
• May 2015 — A coast guard boat and crew were kidnapped and the captain was found beheaded.
• November 2015 — Abu Sayyaf beheaded Bernard Then, a Malaysian businessman kidnapped from a seafood restaurant inside Malaysia.

About 90 per cent of the population of the Philippines is Christian and most Filipinos condemn the group. But it has a network of supporters among extended families in Mindanao's Jolo and Basilan regions, according a Stanford University study of the group.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/abu-sayyaf-militants-1.3552346