Experts: Leftists should exploit Duterte ‘space’

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 3): Experts: Leftists should exploit Duterte ‘space’

The left of center in the nation’s political spectrum should take advantage of  the space afforded to it by President Duterte to make major inroads in the social mainstream instead of engaging in its traditional revolutionary agenda, political and economic analysts said.

Duterte’s appointment of leftists in his government poses a challenge to the usually underground groups to prove to Filipinos the value of their proposals for the country, analysts said.

With some of the left-wing appointees in posts that go along with their supposed advocacies, London School of Economics fellow and UST Prof. Ernie Gonzales said its about time for militants to shine.

“They shouldn’t waste their time and maximize the opportunity given to them to practice the efficiency they promise all these years,” Gonzales told the Tribune in a phone interview.

“Now that they’re in government, they can do their best to push for the reforms that deserve to materialize instead of taking up arms that has been apparently futile and has been regressive,” he added.

Duterte designated four prominent personalities from the left in his Cabinet, namely, Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod and just recently the National Anti-Poverty Commission chairman Liza Maza.

In fact, the new President’s Secretary to the Cabinet Leoncio Evasco was a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the 1980s.

Duterte himself admitted that he is a socialist, with political beliefs and practices that accordingly belong to the left political spectrum.

“I am a socialist. I belong to the Left dimension or the way we think. That is not my fault. I am a son of a poor man,” the President said in his speech before the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Friday.

Even as Commander-in-Chief, he told members of the military that he does not deny the influence of his professor during his college days, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.

But for political analyst and UST professor Edmund Tayao, the left should avoid their notoriety for “double-talk.”

“The important thing here is trust. Leftists has this reputation to have fronts that deal amicably but they retain their anti-government activities and propaganda on the ground,” Tayao told the Tribune in a separate phone interview.

“The challenge apparent here is whether or not they pursue the peace deals for good without double talk,” he added.

Experiments with the left

After the post-Marcos era, it has been apparent that administrations that followed began adopting leftists in their government which did not stop the communist movement’s 50-year protracted people’s war.

Former President Cory Aquino released political detainees including Sison that paved the way for the regrouping of NPA forces in the late 1980s while peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF) were ongoing.

Former NDF chief negotiator and former Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Satur Ocampo admits that their most productive dealings with the government was during the administration of Duterte’s idol former President Fidel Ramos as it was during the term of Ramos that “meaningful pacts between (both panels) were signed” such as the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for International Humanitarian Laws (CARIHL).

Appointing leftists in the government was also initiated primarily by then President Joseph Estrada, who’s now Manila Mayor, with Boy Morales and Karina David being in his Cabinet while Gloria Arroyo maintained ties with militants after the EDSA people power 2 that toppled Estrada.

Towards the end of her regime, however, she apparently severed her ties with the left and even recommended the placing of the CPP-NPA in the US government’s terror groups list.

Meanwhile, former President Noynoy Aquino was more identified with the social democrats that, for critics, only capitalized on their posts to earn popularity and money.

Actually Kabayan Partylist Rep. Harry Roque, in a separate interview with the Tribune, slammed Aquino’s ties with the “pseudo leftists” belonging to Partylist group Akbayan.

“Akbayan only served as Aquino’s apologists, capitalizing on the posts given to them to gain popularity but never brought change,” he said.

With President Duterte’s attempts to forge peace with communists and the two Moro rebel groups, Roque says that he’s totally supportive of it.

“I could even nominate President Duterte for a Nobel Peace Prize if (the) peace deals (he is pushing) succeed,” Roque quipped.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/experts-leftists-should-exploit-duterte-space

China raps RP for ‘smear’ job

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 3): China raps RP for ‘smear’ job

Arbitral ruling to affect other China conflicts -- Gov't counsel

A word war erupted anew between China and the Philippines yesterday as the ruling by an international tribunal on the South China Sea dispute nears with an American counsel for the Philippines at The Hague, where the hearing is being held, saying the case would have ripples in China’s other territorial claims while China accused the Philippine panel of starting a “smear” campaign against it.

In a report of state news service Xinhua, China called on the Philippines to work with it to use the power of negotiation to solve disputes in the South China Sea.

China said it welcomes remarks made by President Duterte of hopefully starting a “conversation” with China to work out a “win-win relationship.”

China will continue to abide by international law and work with states directly concerned to resolve issues in the South China Sea through negotiation, to help maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, it said.

Paul Reichler, lead counsel for the Philippines in the case challenging China’s sweeping claims in the disputed South China Sea, said the response of other coastal states to the upcoming ruling by an international tribunal would be crucial.

Reichler said the ruling would be binding only on China and the Philippines but would affect other coastal states. He said those states would be unlikely to acquiesce in China’s claims if the court ruled against it.

“If the nine-dash line is unlawful as applied by China against the Philippines, then logically it is equally unlawful as applied by China” against other states, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei,” Reichler said.  He said if China persisted in trying to enforce illegal claims, that would affect relations with its neighbors.

China is not recognizing the arbitration procedure before The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which has announced its verdict will come July 12. The court has previously determined it has jurisdiction in the case.

The Philippines, a US ally, is challenging the validity of the so-called nine-dash line that China uses to demarcate its claims to most of the South China Sea, where tensions have been mounting.

China has built artificial islands in disputed areas and has been angered by periodic U.S. military patrols nearby.

Paul Reichler, counsel for the Philippines, said late he was optimistic that the court would rule in his client’s favor, and that although the court has no enforcement mechanism, international opinion would weigh on China.

“China has made very strong public statements that it does not intend to comply with the judgment of the arbitral tribunal, but that is not the end of the story,” said Reichler, an expert on international litigation and arbitration at the Washington-based private law firm Foley Hoag LLP.

The Xinhua report, however, said as an honest and responsible power, China has always abided by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and will continue to do so in the South China Sea issue while safeguarding its territorial sovereignty.

As the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague will announce the so-called “award” on July 12, a new smear campaign against China has emerged, this time by Reichler, the report said.

It described Reichler as an international lawyer who has “a reputation for representing small countries against big powers.”

“He has no right to depict China as an outlaw state for no reason,” the Xinhua report said.

Reichler had said China risks being seen as an “outlaw state” unless it respects the outcome of the case.

“On the South China Sea arbitration initiated unilaterally by the Philippines, China has reiterated that it does not accept nor is it a participant in the arbitration, and will never recognize the so-called award,” it added.

The Xinhua report said the Arbitral Tribunal has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLoS) and “has abused its power at will by hearing the case and exercising jurisdiction.”

“Under UNCLoS, the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal is limited to disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the convention. Territorial issues are not subject to UNCLOS, but to general international law,” according to the report.

The South China Sea case is in essence about territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation, it added.

Int’l pressure factor

“What China may ultimately do in six months, or a year or two years, may be very different than what it says on July 12 or July 13. I think a lot will depend on the reaction to the award of the international community as a whole, particularly China’s neighbors that have coasts along the South China Sea,” Reichler said.

Reichler declined to comment on how the policy of the new administration of Duterte might shape the aftermath of the ruling. Duterte has shown readiness to mend frosty ties with China.

Southeast Asia’s regional bloc appears to be divided on the issue, with smaller pro-China nations complicating efforts to forge a consensus. China has been stepping up its public messaging as the ruling date approaches and garnering support among far-flung nations, mostly in Africa and Mideast. It asserts that its sovereignty over land features scattered around the South China Sea is indisputable, although several other governments have territorial claims or interests there.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the Philippine case is “an abuse of international law and the international arbitration mechanism” and reaffirmed China would not accept its verdict, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

China contends the case addresses a question of sovereignty and so lies outside mandatory dispute settlement procedures under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, the tribunal determined in October 2015 that the Philippine case was about interpretation of the convention, not sovereignty, and so it had jurisdiction.

Hong Lei repeatedly slammed the administration of former President Aquino claiming that it “went back on the agreement reached between the Philippines and China on resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation through a series of bilateral instruments and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, contravened UNCLoS.”

“The arbitration initiated by the Aquino administration is illegal and invalid,” Hong said.

He said relevant disputes could only be resolved through bilateral negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. declined to comment on Hong’s allegation which was consistent with his earlier stand cautioning against generating provocative statements.

“We will wait for the decision award of the PCA and see what they have to say about that,” he said.

In recent pronouncements, PrDuterte has shown willingness to release the tension with China. “It should be a soft landing for everybody, we don’t taunt or flaunt it,” he said during his first Cabinet meeting on the possibility of favorable tribunal decision.
Not in UNCLoS

China has repeatedly claimed the Arbitral Tribunal circumvented a declaration under UNCLOS that China made in 2006 to exclude third parties from any dispute involving maritime delimitation. Therefore, the tribunal in The Hague has exceeded its jurisdiction by accepting the Philippines’ case.

Through Xinhua, China said UNCLoS stipulates that nothing impairs the right of states to settle a dispute through means of their own choosing. Further procedures will only be applied only where no settlement has been reached between parties.

It said given the fact that China and the Philippines have made a clear choice to settle their dispute through one-on-one negotiations, third-party settlement procedures were unapplicable.

The Philippines has violated an understanding reached with China on solving the disputes through negotiations, and its commitments under the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, it added.

“Pacta sunt servanda” - or maintaining agreements - is a basic principle in international law. However, the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of the arbitration violates its agreement with China, it said.

China said it isn’t the first country in the world to claim that a court lacks jurisdiction.
“In 1986, the International Court of Justice ruled that the United States had violated international law by supporting the Contras rebels against the Nicaraguan government and by mining Nicaragua’s harbors. However, the United States refused to participate in the proceedings after the Court rejected its argument that the Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case,” it said.

The so-called South China Sea arbitration, which is expected to produce a verdict on July 12, is yet another global deformity, another Xinhua report said.

International law is being exploited and distorted to meet the private interest of certain groups or countries, it added.

Glorified slogans surround territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where tensions created in the name of “freedom of navigation” and “international law” provide self-validation for the presence of U.S. military forces and lubricate the profitable arms business, it added.

Meanwhile, tensions or even potential conflict in the Asia-Pacific will bring extra perks to some politicians in Washington and Manila, as it could divert public attention from domestic problems such as gun violence, corruption and poverty, the Xinhua report said.

“Any misjudgment that leads to confrontation in the South China Sea will inevitably hurt the friendly relations and the intertwined business ties among the peoples of China, the United States and the Philippines. Special interest groups would be the sole profiteers at the cost of the peoples’ well being,” it said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-raps-rp-for-smear-job

Dureza willing to talk with ASG for release of Norwegian hostage

From ABS-CBN (Jul 3): Dureza willing to talk with ASG for release of Norwegian hostage



Incoming Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza speaks with Abu Sayyaf hostage Marites Flor, hours after her release on June 24, 2016. Jess Dureza Facebook page

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Sunday said he is willing to talk with the Abu Sayyaf Group for the release of the bandit group's Norwegian hostage.

Peace adviser Jesus Dureza said he has told Abu Sayyaf's Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami that he is ready to talk with anyone from the group for the release of Kjartan Sekkingstad.

"I got word from someone in Zamboanga City this morning that one Abu Rami allegedly from ASG wanted to talk to me directly about the remaining Norwegian hostage," Dureza said in a statement.

"I gave him a secure phone number for him (Askali) to contact me. I am still waiting."

Dureza, however, said he would only talk with the ASG "provided that it would not be about ransom."

The Philippine Star reported onSaturday that Askali said the group would be forced to execute Sekkingstad if they do not hear from the government starting Friday until Saturday next week.

The group is demanding P300 million for Sekkingstad's release.

His fellow captives, Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, were earlier beheaded by the group. The group's Filipina hostage, Marites Flor, has been released.

(READ: We were treated like dogs, says freed Abu Sayyaf hostage)

The four were abducted from a posh resort in Samal Island in September 2015.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/07/03/16/dureza-willing-to-talk-with-asg-for-release-of-norwegian-hostage

MILF: BDA-CenMin with assistance from TDF & IYV distributes food for Iftar

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 1): BDA-CenMin with assistance from TDF & IYV distributes food for Iftar 



The Bangsamoro Development Agency-Central Mindanao (BDA-CenMin) with assistance from Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDF) and Insani Yardim Vakfi (IYV) distributed food for Iftar (breaking the fast) including food packages to selected beneficiaries in Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Carmen, North Cotabato from June 11 – 13, 2016.
    

In an interview with Abdulnasser Akmad, BDA-CenMin Regional Coordinator for Social Welfare Program (SWP) by the Agency’s Communication Group dated June 23, 2016, he said that, “With the assistance from TDF and IYV, we were able to strengthen and expand the planned distribution of food for Iftar including food package to the selected and deserving community stakeholders.”

Akmad also explained that “for Iftar, it catered 800 beneficiaries; and considering the small number of available staff & volunteers and the simultaneous activities to be carried out by the Office during Ramadan (month of fasting for Muslims), our distribution only focused in Cotabato City, particularly in the following areas:

1. Masjid Assahabiah at Mother Kalanganan on June 11,2016;
2. Masjid Ittihad at Bagua 2 on June 11,2016;
3. Masjid Omar ibn Khattab at Mother Bagua on June 11,2016;
4. Masjid Salih alhalafie at MB Tamontaka on June 12,2016;
5. Masjid Assiddique at Poblacion Mother on June 12,2016;
6. RMO Ramadhan Forum at Department of Education Division Office-XII on June 12,2016;
7. Masjid Doton at Poblacion 3 on June 12,2016; and,
8. Masjid Asshuhadah at Poblacion 9 on June 13, 2016.”

With regards to food packages, Akmad stressed that, “These were distributed to the selected Muslim residents of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, particularly in Barangay Katuli, with 100 beneficiaries; and municipality of Carmen, North Cotabato, particularly in Barangay Manarapan with 435 beneficiaries and Sitio Balas, Barangay Tacupan with 435 beneficiaries on June 11, 12 and 13, 2016, respectively.”
Akmad further explained that “the food package contained 10 kilos of rice with grocery items.”

“The basis of selection of the beneficiaries was clear but with appropriate strictness because the assistances that we distributed were exclusively given during the month Ramadan to help the poor and fasting Muslims,” added Akmad.

In his reflection, Mar-uf Edza, Asst. Regional Coordinator for SWP said, “it is a golden opportunity that our plan for this month of Ramadan was strengthened taking into account that the kind of support from IYV and TDF was of great help to the recipients who are poor and oppressed Muslims.

Edza also emphasized, “Statistics shows the fact that we are poor and history always tells us that it is due to the centuries of oppression, colonialism and all other forms of injustices in our homeland that utilizes divide-and-rule tactics so as to destroy and dismantle our strong band of unity and solidarity in this far eastern part of the globe and that they continue with the usurpation of our reach land, exploit our vast natural resources”, Edza also said.

“And for the oppressors, those were not enough. Take a look the history that proves the centuries of injustices perpetrated against the Muslims in the South. Some of those were cases of massacres against the Moros; the American slogan, ‘The only good Moro is a Dead Moro’ (which was also replicated by ousted President Joseph Estrada during his time as Philippine President); and the invention of .45 Caliber Pistol purposely to instantly kill raging Moros which was cited in the book ‘Swish of the Kris’ written by Ref.  Vic Hurley," Edza emotionally explained.

In his message, Sheik Abdulrasheed B. Ambil heartily expressed thanks and gratitude to the two Turkish organizations represented by Sheik Omer Kesme for IYV and Imran Yuzgϋl for TDF.

The distribution of food for iftar and food packages was a golden opportunity because with their assistance, BDA’s plan of activities for this month of Ramadan was strengthened and the number of beneficiaries was multiplied.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/788-bda-cenmin-with-assistance-from-tdf-iyv-distributes-food-for-iftar

MILF: Local Da’wah committee holds Ramadhan Symposium in South Cotabato

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 2): Local Da’wah committee holds Ramadhan Symposium in South Cotabato



Aimed at educating the followers of Islamic faith on the significance of Ramadhan, the Committee on Da’wah and Masaguid Affairs in Southern Mindanao conducted its First Ramadhan Symposium participated by 520 Muslims from General Santos City and provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat held at the Masguid Assiri in Silway 8, Polomolok South Cotabato on June 26, 2016.

A pool of resource persons headed by the Grand Mufti of Bangsamoro Homeland, Sheikh Abu Huraira Udasan, delivered various topics about fasting and Ramadhan. Sheikh Udasan discussed “Ramadhan-the month of fasting, the Holy Qur’an and Victories.”  Other lecturers were Ustadz Abdulgapor Sasugod, Ustadz Hassan Abdullah and Ustadz Mokhtar Alangan.

The lecturers reminded the participants that Ramadhan is an opportune time where good deeds done will earn multiple rewards.

The organizers, headed by the Chair of the Committee on Da’wah Al-Islamiya and Masaguid Affairs Ustadz Abdulsatar Alangan, thanked the sponsor, Sheikh Sultan Ibrahim Assiri for his benevolent support to the activity.

The participants expressed gratitude to the organizers and speakers for the learning opportunity.

Fasting during Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It trains Muslims to practice self-restraint and also test their sincerity in obeying the command of the Almighty.

Muslims who fast abstain from eating, drinking and engaging in sex from dawn till sunset.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/789-local-da-wah-committee-holds-ramadhan-symposium-in-south-cotabato

CPP/NDF: Response to President Duterte’s call for anti-drug cooperation

Communist Party of the Philippines propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 2): Response to President Duterte’s call for anti-drug cooperation  

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) welcomes President Duterte’s call for cooperation with the revolutionary forces against widespread drug trafficking.

Indeed, the revolutionary forces have long been carrying out a campaign against illegal drugs. The New People’s Army (NPA) is guided by the standing order of the CPP Central Committee to disarm and arrest the most notorious criminals including the biggest drug traffickers, in order for them to be subjected to prosecution and just punishment.

The NPA has been assiduously implementing the orders of the CPP. The most recent outstanding case is that of a chief of police in Davao Oriental province who was arrested by the NPA last May 29 and is currently under detention and undergoing investigation for involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The revolutionary forces share in President Duterte’s reprehension of the illegal drug trade and its grave effects on the Filipino people. The proliferation of illegal drugs, especially shabu, and the concommitant rise in incidents of violent crime serves the perpetuation of the ruling system. The biggest and most notorious drug traffickers are those in the top echelons of the AFP and PNP, who are also in cohorts, with key officials in the local and national bureaucracy. It is apparent that President Duterte is fully aware of such.

Historically, the colonizers and ruling classes have deliberately encouraged the propagation of drugs as a means of desensitizing the oppressed and exploited masses. Drug abuse numb them of the acute effects of poverty, hunger and state violence. Drug abuse disunites the people and prevents them from effectively carrying out revolutionary struggle.

The use of drugs as a weapon to oppress the people is starkly clear in areas where the AFP conducts its counter-insurgency operations. Wherever there is heavy military presence in so called “civil-military operations”, illegal drugs are allowed to proliferate together with other anti-social act.

Prior to conducting combat operations, soldiers often take a hit of shabu. Such practice is tolerated if not openly encouraged by field officers believing that drug use give soldiers a false sense of courage in carrying out their mercenary war.

In contrast, in territories where the CPP and the people’s democratic government hold sway and exercise political authority, the illegal drug trade has been effectively put to a stop. Through their organizations, their armed self-defense committees and the NPA, the masses oppose the entry and operations of drug traffickers with utmost vigilance and militance.

The CPP, through its branches and revolutionary mass organizations, have long been carrying out a campaign against drug use and drug trafficking. It carries out a cultural revolution among the masses in order to encourage them to reject drug use and instead wage collective struggle. It employs armed violence against the biggest traffickers of illegal drugs.

In a speech yesterday before the top brass of the military, Duterte addressed the revolutionary forces and sought its cooperation in the campaign against drug trafficking. He said: “Drugs have reached the hinterlands… what if you use your kangaroo courts to kill them to speed up the solution to our problem.”

While the CPP does not accept his reference to the duly constituted people’s courts as “kangaroo courts”, and reiterating the right to due process of criminal suspects, the CPP and the revolutionary forces accept President Duterte’s offer of anti-drug cooperation.

In positive response, the CPP reiterates its standing order for the NPA to carry out operations to disarm and arrest the chieftains of the biggest drug syndicates, as well as other criminal syndicates involved in human rights violations and destruction of the environment. The NPA is ready to give battle to those who will resist arrest with armed violence.

In line with peace talks, the revolutionary forces anticipate the possibility of a mutual ceasefire in the coming weeks as a result of negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Philippine government.

Until then, the NPA can continue to carry out select operations in defense of people’s rights and welfare, especially against the biggest criminal syndicates and their nefarious military and police cohorts.

Communist Party of the Philippines
July 2, 2016

http://www.ndfp.org/response-president-dutertes-call-anti-drug-cooperation/

NDF: Whose mask slips?

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 2): Whose mask slips?  

By Dan Borjal
Political Consultant
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

Based on a few quotations taken out of context from Jose Maria Sison’s interviews in connection with the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Dem Volke Dienen’s piece “The mask slips” makes the outlandish conclusion that the Philippine revolutionary movement has already surrendered and allowed itself to become a mere tail of bourgeois democracy.

It is clear that Dem Volke Dienen knows very little about the revolutionary movement led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and about its founding chairman Jose Maria Sison.

The Filipino revolutionaries have been engaged in a life-and-death struggle against US imperialism and its domestic lackeys for more than 47 years now based on the strategy of protracted people’s war waged in a semi-colonial and semi-feudal country. The revolution has developed in a comprehensive manner with armed struggle in the countryside as the main form of struggle complemented by the legal democratic struggle in the cities, electoral struggle and peace negotiations as secondary forms of struggle.

Through the years, the movement has accumulated victories unparalleled in our country’s revolutionary history in having built a formidable people’s army, organs of self-government and mass support running into millions in both the cities and countryside. To throw away these revolutionary gains would be the height of lunacy! Nay, surrender would be a desecration of the sacrifices of the thousands of our revolutionary heroes and martyrs. The revolutionary movement would rightfully incur the wrath of the masses who have given their best sons and daughters to the struggle and who are demanding the radical transformation of Philippine society.

Dem Volke Dienen quotes the following statement of Sison and makes the baseless assertion that the Filipino revolutionaries and Sison have capitulated simply because they have declared openness to holding peace negotiations with the incoming Philippine president. “Let us take advantage of a new situation in which the worsening crisis of the ruling system, the growing strength of the revolutionary movement of the people and the failure of previous governments have generated a presidency that is bold and proud to say that he [Duterte] is the first left president of the Philippines and willing to accept and implement the necessary reforms for a just and lasting peace. ”

If you are engaged in a real revolution and not just in revolutionary phrase-mongering, a favorite past-time of armchair revolutionaries, you can have a realistic assessment of what is achievable at any given time based on the concrete objective and subjective conditions and the balance of forces between revolution and counter-revolution. The Filipino revolutionaries while taking what is achievable at a given time are not so naive as to stop there as Right opportunists would do in the process abandoning the fight for the ultimate goal.

The movement has simply welcomed the possibility of alliance with a president-elect who has declared himself socialist and the first left president of the Philippines for the purpose of carrying out substantial reforms beneficial to the people. No candidate for the Philippine presidency in the whole history of the country has been so bold as to declare himself a socialist and to propose a coalition government with the Communist Party of the Philippines for fear of earning the ire of the US imperialists and the local reactionaries. This situation has been brought about no less because of the advances in the revolutionary struggle.

It remains to be seen though if such an alliance is even possible. The movement is also acutely aware that the US imperialists and local reactionaries will surely oppose such an alliance for reforms and put up fierce resistance even to the point of organizing a coup against Duterte. Duterte himself tries to be prudent in a reactionary way by including in his cabinet neoliberals and by invoking an “inclusive government” without “class hatred”, to cite expressions from his inaugural speech.

But it is one thing to conclude that Duterte is a fascist or a stooge of imperialism before his unfolding and another thing to test his best claims and self-contradictions by challenging him to heed the people’s agenda for change and testing him through the peace negotiations. If he proves conclusively to be an unmitigated counterrevolutionary, the revolutionary forces can fight him. If he proves to be a genuine patriot and firm anti-imperialist and progressive, he will need the support of stronger revolutionary forces and a well-mobilized people with arms in their hands to avert a fall similar to that of Sukarno and Allende.

In any case, only infantile petty bourgeois revolutionists or Left ” philistines will reject any thought of reforms just because it does not fit into their narrow dogmatic understanding of Marxism as pure storm and thunder without any place for basic reforms before the revolutionary leap. Genuine Marxists, including Maoists, know that bourgeois-democratic reforms of the new type are undertaken in a semicolonial and semifeudal country in the course of the people’s democratic revolution and prior to the socialist revolution. Marx pointed out a long time ago that the revolutionary proletariat must first win the battle for democracy to attain socialism even in a capitalist country.
Well, even if certain reforms are carried out as a result of an alliance with Duterte, it does not mean that the movement will stop half-way and be content with the achievement of partial goals. There is no question that the Filipino revolutionaries will continue holding on to their weapons because they are determined to bring to completion the current stage of the national democratic struggle and thereafter proceed to the socialist revolution.

Dem Volke Dienen quotes the following statement from Sison but completely misses the point focusing only on Sison’s citing Duterte as having been his pupil. “President Duterte did not fall suddenly from heaven. He grew intellectually and politically under the deteriorating conditions on the basis of the chronic crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system. Since his youth he tended to stand on the side of the oppressed and exploited. He was my student in political thought and joined the Kabataang Makabayan (Patriotic Youth), a youth organization close to the Communist Party of the Philippines.”

Dem Volke Dienen fails to grasp the profound insight in the statement that Duterte is a product of the concrete historical circumstances of a Philippine society in deep crisis. That Duterte in his university days was significantly influenced intellectually and politically by the social ferment in the country in the 1960s that produced many student activists who later reestablished the Communist Party of the Philippines on the theoretical foundation of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought and relaunched the armed struggle. One of the progressive youth organizations Duterte joined was Kabataang Makabayan (Patriotic Youth) of which Joma Sison was one of the founding leaders.

Kabataang Makabayan performed an invaluable service to the revolution acting as the vehicle for spreading the revolution nationwide with many of its activists instrumental in establishing the first guerrilla fronts and forming the first units of the New People’s Army (NPA) throughout the country.

It is based on such knowledge of the early background of Duterte, his public pronouncements and his friendly relations with the movement’s branch in his home province of Davao in Mindanao that the revolutionary movement has made an estimation of the possibility of alliance with the incoming president for the purpose of implementing progressive reforms beneficial to the Filipino people.

As matters stand, the only thing that is really unmasked here is the remarkable ignorance of Dem Volke Dienen about concrete Philippine conditions and about the Philippine revolutionary movement, and its audacity in exhibiting its idealist, ahistorical and un-Marxist way of thinking.

http://www.ndfp.org/whose-mask-slips/

NDF: Arrest and detention of Eduardo “Ka Lando” Genelsa — the AFP’s act of sabotage of the upcoming peace talks

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 2): Arrest and detention of Eduardo “Ka Lando” Genelsa — the AFP’s act of sabotage of the upcoming peace talks  

National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Southern Mindanao Region
Press Statement
July 2, 2016

The National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao condemns the AFP’s arrest and detention of NPA Commander Eduardo “KaLando” Genelsa. A combined force of the 10th Infantry Division, the 46th IB, the PNP and operatives of the ISAFP arrested Ka Lando in Sityo Sangi, Brgy. Bongabong, Pantukan, Compostela Valley on the morning of  29 June 2016,  a day before Pres. Duterte was to take oath of office, and barely three weeks before the formal resumption of the peace talks between the NDFP and the GPH.

Ka Lando, a sickly 60-year old revolutionary and well-loved cadre of more than 3 decades of serving the people, was tasked to conduct consultation with the masses on the peace process.  He was in a known NDF territory in Pantukan town specifically to unite the mass base on the upcoming peace talks, and on the proper conduct of our people’s democratic government and revolutionary forces when the proposed ceasefire agreement takes effect. In conjunction with the preparations for the ceasefire, he was thus acting on a special function and was defenseless against the combined force of the enemy when they swooped on him on that day.

Furthermore, Ka Lando has been tasked to conduct investigation of certain druglord operations in the vicinities as per instruction by the NPA higher command in line with the revolutionary movement’s parallel efforts against druglords, and criminal syndicates operating in collusion with some AFP units and officials in the area.

As a dedicated comrade who has been guiding and leading the people’s democratic government, he was also in the area to look into peoples’ complaints against the US – owned mining corporation St Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. which has been encroaching into the small-scale mining and peasant areas of Pantukan.

Ka Lando’s arrest and detention is an attempt by the AFP to sabotage President Duterte and the revolutionary movement’s mutual efforts towards the peace process.  It is a reprehensible, premeditated act designed to preempt the peace negotiations that clearly exposes the innate warmongering character of the AFP which continues to kowtow the AFP-US Aquino’s fascist Oplan Bayanihan.

We condemn in the highest possible terms the AFP’s continuing militarization of practically all guerilla fronts of Southern Mindanao, the extrajudicial killing of four civilians including a Lumad Datu, the torture and summary killing of two NPA hors de combat, the arrest and illegal detention of 17 more hapless civilians, and issuance of trumped up charges against leaders of progressive organizations — all of which happened amidst the efforts of the Duterte administration, the NDFP, and the Filipino people to resume the long-derailed peace negotiations.

The NDF-Southern Mindanao seriously raises these issues and demands concrete and immediate action from the Duterte government.  We demand the unconditional and immediate release of Ka Lando, and the cessation of military operations, and atrocities against the people.

(Sgd.) Rubi del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDF-Southern Mindanao Region

http://www.ndfp.org/arrest-detention-eduardo-ka-lando-genelsa-afps-act-sabotage-upcoming-peace-talks/

Left won't fold flags despite alliance with Duterte

From Rappler (Jul 3): Left won't fold flags despite alliance with Duterte (By Renato Reyes, Jr.)

Will activists still be staunch critics of the government? Bayan explains the Left's alliance with the Duterte administration





















  Renato Reyes, Jr.

On President Rodrigo Duterte's inauguration day, not a few friends from the media asked us what our role would be under the new administration. Will we still be watchdogs and critics? Will there still be rallies from the Left? I already made a previous post answering the latter. In fact, we already told the new President that we will be holding a rally on the day of the SONA and he is fine with it.

Still, there are those who question the Left's current relationship with the Duterte administration. They insinuate that the positive attitude towards Duterte is simply the result of getting positions in government and that the Left has already capitulated. They insist that the Left has swallowed its principles in favor of securing government posts.

They make these claims not because they are genuinely concerned for the Left but because they oppose the alliance and cooperation between the Left and Duterte. They either hate the Left, Duterte, or both. For them, there is no justifying any Left alliance with Duterte. These critics have already made up their minds.

I write this piece not for them but for those who are sincerely seeking answers, to those who want clarification because they see the need for an active mass movement that serves as a watchdog of government. This is for folks who do not hate the Left but have some misgivings or reservations about the Duterte regime. They want to understand where this new situation is headed.

Has the Left capitulated?

Let's get the obvious thing out of the way. Does accepting government posts mean the Left has capitulated? Definitely not. We have not abandoned the struggle. We are not about to fold our banners and streamers. We are more than ever determined to arouse, organize, and mobilize now given the favorable conditions. You will see this in the coming weeks.

We shall continue to oppose anti-people policies and programs wherever they exist. We shall continue to be visible in the streets. A big rally is already being planned for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25.

Government posts in a reactionary state have never been the end goal of the struggle. This is very clear to the mass movement. What may not be clear though to observers, allies, and friends is the context of the offer and acceptance of government posts.

The posts were not originally offered to Bayan or the Makabayan Coalition or any of the legal personalities you may know. The posts were offered to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), to the revolutionary movement. It was an offer in line with the President's thrust of reviving the peace talks towards achieving national unity.

The offer was unprecedented. No Philippine president has ever allowed the Left to have such a huge role in the reactionary state. But if you look at it from the standpoint of creating a favorable climate for the resumption of the peace talks, it makes sense. (READ: Joma: Left welcomes Duterte offers of Cabinet posts)

Now the CPP and the revolutionary forces could not just lay down their arms and join the government without having any meaningful peace agreement, because that would be capitulation. That would mean abandoning the struggle without achieving any meaningful socio-economic, political, and constitutional reforms.

So the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the organization representing the revolutionary forces in peace negotiations, nominated progressives to the government posts even as peace negotiations were still ongoing. That way, the progressives can help in implementing policies that would be beneficial to the people while maintaining a climate that is favorable to peace negotiations.



ACTIVISTS IN MALACAÑANG. Leftist leaders discuss the 'People's Agenda for Change' with President Rodrigo Duterte after his inauguration.

Handling differences with Duterte

Let it be clear that the Left never sought these government posts. These were offered by Duterte. And that's what makes him different from other presidents. He has a 3-decade relationship with the Left, from his time as mayor of Davao City. He recognizes the strength of the revolutionary movement and the necessity of engaging it in peace negotiations. He knows that a purely military solution will not work.

It is this difference in the character and outlook of the President which has also necessitated an adjustment in our approach to his administration. To put it plainly, he is an ally. The alliance and cooperation with Duterte is based on his pro-people and progressive policies and pronouncements and on his track record and long-standing relationship with the revolutionary forces. It is the first time that we have this kind of an alliance with a sitting president.

As in any alliance, there are contradictions. To develop the alliance, there will always be unity and struggle. We have made this clear even in media interviews and public fora. However, the contradictions or differences are handled in a non-antagonistic way. There is a certain amount of restraint. Why? As we said, Duterte is unlike former president Benigno Aquino III. He is considered an ally.

There is really no point in insisting that we criticize Duterte with the same harshness that we criticized Aquino. (The Yellow diehards often insist that we should do to Digong what we did to Noynoy, not because they truly care about an issue but because they want to see the alliance break up. You know this to be true because the Yellows on social media do not mobilize for anything. They just want to see the Left and Duterte slug it out while they eat popcorn and watch their Twitter feeds.)

To be immediately confrontational with no quarters given every time the President said something disagreeable during the past month would have weakened the alliance even before Duterte could sit as president. In struggling out our differences, we will have to be firm, principled, and always conscious of what would be beneficial to the people.

Appreciate the bigger picture

And when we talk of what is beneficial to the people, one of the most important things to consider would be the peace negotiations and the resolution to the roots of the armed conflict. There is a real chance for the peace talks to move forward farther than before. This is more important than any government post. This is about achieving land reform, national industrialization, a self-reliant economy, national sovereignty, and a just peace. Perhaps that is the bigger picture which we hope our friends and allies will be able to appreciate.

This is the context by which we should understand the Cabinet appointments. The new president somehow wants to bring about peace and national unity during his term. This much he told us when we met with him in Malacañang on his inauguration day. We should at least give him a chance. (READ: Jeans-clad Bayan leaders meet Duterte in Malacañang)

The mass movement is treading carefully even as we hope to maximize the new space for reforms. It will not be easy to say the least given that there are indeed policy differences with the new regime. We're keenly aware of the differences when it comes to the K-12 system, neoliberal economic policies, the Marcos hero's burial, and so on.We may have disagreed with some of his pronouncements on media killings, but we should welcome his pro-active stand of creating a task force to address the problem of media killings.

There are also many issues that Duterte and the Left agree on and we hope to highlight those as well. We have been struggling against contractualization, destructive mining, corruption, and for a greater budget for health services, for free irrigation, for the distribution of the coco levy funds, freedom of information and many more.

Duterte's Health Secretary was criticized for her framework on corporatized health services. In his first Cabinet meeting, Duterte announced that the DOH should go to Cuba to study their free health care system.

Wow! Surely it would not be wrong to cooperate with the new administration on these issues.



RAISED FIST. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with leaders of Bayan and other progressive groups at the Osmeña Room of the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang after his inauguration.

A little trust, please

To our friends and allies, we are in uncharted territory and we continue to learn by the day. There may be some rough patches along the way. I suppose that's only normal. Sa aming mga kaibigan at alyado na may pagdududa, hiling ko lang po ay ito.

Kaunting tiwala lang. (To our friends and allies who have doubts, this is my request. A little trust.) We have been struggling for more than 4 decades, and have made great strides in building people's power in many parts of the country. Why would the movement flush all of that down the drain? For Cabinet posts?

Parang hindi nyo naman kami kilala. Pag-ibahin nyo naman po kami sa Akbayan. Nagsisimula pa lang ang bagong kabanata. Natututo tayo sa araw-araw. Tignan natin hanggang saan tayo dadalhin nito. Huwag tayong matakot sa hinaharap. At humusga tayo 'di lamang batay sa salita kundi lalong-lalo na sa gawa. (You know us better than that. We're different from Akbayan. This new chapter has just started. We learn every day. Let's see where this will take us. Let us not fear what is ahead of us. Judge us not merely based on our words but on our actions.)

We will remain an active and militant mass movement and we will continue pushing for change whether we are inside or outside the government.

Salamat po sa inyong pag-unawa. (Thank you for your understanding.)

[Renato Reyes Jr is the secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), a multisectoral alliance of progressive groups struggling for national and social liberation.]

http://www.rappler.com/views/imho/138512-philippines-left-duterte-alliance

Pakistani terror suspect arrested in Subic

From InterAksyon (Jul 3): Pakistani terror suspect arrested in Subic

A Pakistani fugitive wanted for terrorism was arrested Saturday night in a joint operation by law enforcers in Subic, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.

Morente identified the man seized in Subic Bay Freeport Zone as Malik Muhammad Sharif alias Sharif Ahmad.

“The 39-year old Sharif, who was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, is wanted in Islamabad, Pakistan for double murder, attempted murder, terrorism and rioting. According to the Interpol Red Notice, subject carries a sentence of death penalty in Pakistan,” Morente said.

Elements from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Police helped the immigration agents, particularly the BI's Fugitive Search Unit,  in their operation.

According to Morente, the operation, which was coordinated with the Anti-Terrorism Council, is part of the BI’s target-hardening campaign.

Morente earlier declared Friday, when he took office, that the bureau will focus on, among others, tighter border control, considering the intensifying, more frequent terrorist acts around the worldwide.

BI, stressed Morente, must “secure Philippine borders by shoring up border control, especially our anti-terrorism and anti-crime efforts, to guard against the entry of foreign terrorists or criminal elements who may want to hide in the country to escape prosecution in their home country, or who might try to engage in lawless activities.”
He gave assurances such violent elements "will not be able to make our country their safe haven.”

Sharif's arrest is just the start of the stepped-up campaign against lawless foreigners seeking to use the Philippines as sanctuary, Morente said. “More arrests will be done in the coming days and weeks, targeting not only fugitives from justice but also foreigners who are abusing their stay in the country by continuing to engage in unlawful activities or who continue to violate our Immigration laws.” 

http://interaksyon.com/article/129880/pakistani-terror-suspect-arrested-in-subic

Military mum on Lanao ambushers

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 3): Military mum on Lanao ambushers
 

Philippine military officials were silent on who was behind a deadly ambush that killed an army soldier and wounded three more in Marawi City in the southern province of Lanao del Sur.

The Western Mindanao Command has confirmed Saturday’s attack on a military convoy which was heading back to base when about a dozen gunmen detonated a roadside bomb and then opened fire with automatic weapons on their target.

The convoy belongs to the 65th Infantry Battalion and 51st Mechanized Company under the 103^rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the daring attack, but previous assaults on the military had been largely blamed to an extremist group headed by Abdullah Maute, although copycat attacks, mostly launched by armed civilians opposing the presence of troops in the province, are widespread in the region.

Lanao del Sur is one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region where radical groups allied with the Islamic State are actively operating.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-mum-on-lanao-ambushers/

PH officially owns M/V Susitna

From Update.Ph  (Jul 3): PH officially owns M/V Susitna



The Philippine-bound Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough ferry M/V Susitna has successfully passed sea trials June 23, Matanuska-Susitna Borough said. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) officially took the ownership of the said asset June 30.

Representatives of the Philippine Red Cross and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough were aboard M/V Susitna during the sea trials. All engines passed inspection.

“The Philippine Red Cross now owns the ship,” said Matanuska-Susitna Borough Manager John Moosey after signing final documents Thursday, June 30. “We wish them well in their efforts to save and improve lives in the Philippine Islands.”

“It’s unbelievable the amount of paperwork, the number of agencies it takes to do something of this magnitude. I thank the Assembly for their troubleshooting follow-through. Our Borough Auditor James Wilson is the key to the success of selling a U.S. Navy prototype to a foreign entity. The unique vessel will be put to good use,” he added.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon moved for the acquisition of the M/V Susitna, a 195-foot military prototype vessel that was supposed to be turned into a ferry service between Point MacKenzie and Anchorage in Alaska.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been trying to sell the vessel for about three years since plans to build a landing terminal outside of Anchorage fell through. The Mat-Su Assembly unanimously approved the plan to sell the ferry to the PRC for USD 1.75 million, a fraction of what the borough originally hoped to get for it.

“Since it is designed for direct beach landings and to operate and land cargo and passengers on unimproved areas and damaged ports and wharfs, we won’t have to go through what we have experienced during Yolanda again,” Gordon previously said.

http://www.update.ph/2016/07/ph-officially-owns-mv-susitna/6943

Duterte reiterates campaign promise to double salaries of police, military

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 2): Duterte reiterates campaign promise to double salaries of police, military

President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated his campaign promise to double the salaries of the police and military.

During the Philippine National Police assumption of command ceremony, Duterte also reiterated his promise to provide them the equipment necessary to fulfill their missions.

Duterte formally installed Police Chief Superintendent Ronald M. Dela Rosa as the 21st Chief of the Philippine National Police during ceremonies at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Friday.

Dela Rosa assumed command of the 160,000 strong PNP upon the retirement last Tuesday of PNP Chief, Police Director General Ricardo C. Marquez.

Upon his assumption to the post as the highest police official of the land, Duterte approved Dela Rosas’ promotion to Police Director General (4-Star General), the highest rank in the PNP Officer Corps.

As the new PNP chief, dela Rosa immediately ordered police officers involved in illegal drugs to surrender or “become fulltime drug lords and fight a war with us.”

He also vowed to conduct internal cleansing efforts at the PNP organization.

Dela Rosa warned in particular some policemen in Metro Manila who are involved in drugs, giving them 48 hours to voluntarily surrender to him.
He warned, “Change is coming … including your birthday which will be changed to November 2,” referring to All Souls’ Day.

The new PNP chief also asked the public to “be our prayer warriors” and “pray for our victory” and that “we do not abuse human rights.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231467364388/duterte-reiterates-campaign-promise-to-double-salaries-of-police-military

Visaya to rebuild military capability in fighting internal threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Visaya to rebuild military capability in fighting internal threats

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said the military's internal war fighting capability will rebuilt in line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's emphasis on neutralizing internal security threats and crime.

"Our military initiatives will also be re-focused on rebuilding our internal war fighting capabilities to run after internal security threats and support law enforcement operations," he stressed in his assumption speech Friday.

Visaya said the AFP will be unrelenting in its focused military operations against terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and all its allied terrorist cells.

"We will realign military resources to their identified bailiwicks and sanctuaries and apply our military strength to suppress them, hunt them down and finish them," he added.

The newly-appointed AFP chief said the military will continue to apply the full force of the law "24/7" to go after these criminals and profit-seeking elements who operate under the guise of religious fervor and holy war.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=900893

AFP Chief presides PSG turnover of command; rallies protection of President, VP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): AFP Chief presides PSG turnover of command; rallies protection of President, VP

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ricardo R. Visaya on Saturday called on the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to remain steadfast on their sworn duties to secure and protect President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the First Family and Vice President Leni Robredo and her Family.

Visaya presided over the Changing of Guards of the PSG from Rear Admiral Raul Ubando to Colonel Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, both members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sandiwa Class ’85.

“I urge all of you to support your new Commander. Extend your cooperation and exhibit your best performances you are known for. Ensure the safety of our key policymakers and decision makers,” Visaya said.

He added “they toil so much to arrive at crucial decisions to steer our country forward and build the nation. They as much deserve to be protected and secured to freely do their respective jobs. We owe it to them and to the people to guarantee their security and protection from threat and harm.”

Visaya said that with the brand of service the new PSG Commander is known for, he is confident that Bautista will be able to deliver his mandate.

As the new AFP chief of staff congratulated Ubando, who will assume a new post as Inspector General of the Philippine Navy and boost Colonel Bautista, he said “the Philippines had the privilege to accommodate many important events in the course of the past two years. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015, for instance, was a shining moment for the PSG.”

“The defense unit endured and won against threats to the safety of 20 high-level foreign leaders and around 10,000 other members of the delegation. From their cordial welcome to their safe send-off, we credit the success of the two-day international conference to the competence, commitment and professionalism exhibited by every member of the PSG.”

“We trust Colonel Bautista to ably do the share as he will lead this PSG, not only in thwarting all categories of threats, but equally so by continuing the legacy of protecting key figures that our people trust to lead this country and bring this nation to live in an atmosphere of peace, stability and development,” Visaya said.

The turnover ceremonies was held at the Command’s Headquarters in Malacanang Park was also witnessed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea , representatives from the major service commands of the AFP, immediate family of PMA Class ’85.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=900809