From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): USS Louisville arrives in Subic
The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Louisville (SSN 724) on Tuesday arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call that highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States, the US Embassy in Manila said.
The Louisville crew will participate in a series of community service projects and sporting events during the crew’s visit to the Philippines.
The ship will also use the stop to conduct some minor maintenance with the assistance of Filipino companies.
The Philippines is a longstanding treaty ally of the United States with a history of partnership of more than 70 years.
The American and Philippine militaries have worked closely together on areas of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter terrorism, cybersecurity and maritime security.
Louisville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=963952
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
PHL shares accomplishments on Humanitarian Civil-Military coordination
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): PHL shares accomplishments on Humanitarian Civil-Military coordination
As outgoing Chair of the Regional Consultative Group (RCG) on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord) for Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines shared its accomplishments at the annual meeting of the Consultative Group on UN-Civil-Military Coordination (UNCMCoord CG) in Geneva, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.
“The Philippines has seriously taken the commitments it made as Chair of the Platform,” said Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Under the Philippines’ Chairmanship, the RCG developed and continued the implementation of work plans to strengthen the coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors in each of the RCG focus countries, namely, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
The RCG on February 9 also strengthened its linkages with the UN-CMCoord Global Consultative Group to allow information sharing between the two platforms.
Also realized under the Philippine Chairmanship was the establishment of the RCG Logistics Working Group (RCG-LWG), given the complexity and the relevance of logistics in the coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors.
The RCG addressed the issue of predictability of civil-military coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors and developed a publication that outlines the operational civil-military platforms during disaster response operations in the RCG five priority countries.
The RCG was formed in 2014 to act as a regional forum that brings together humanitarian, civilian and military actors involved in disaster response preparedness planning and disaster response, including aspects related to the field of humanitarian civil-military coordination and the use of foreign military assets.
The Philippines turned over the Chairmanship of the RCG to the Government of Singapore at the RCG’s Second Session in October 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=963967
As outgoing Chair of the Regional Consultative Group (RCG) on Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CMCoord) for Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines shared its accomplishments at the annual meeting of the Consultative Group on UN-Civil-Military Coordination (UNCMCoord CG) in Geneva, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.
“The Philippines has seriously taken the commitments it made as Chair of the Platform,” said Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Under the Philippines’ Chairmanship, the RCG developed and continued the implementation of work plans to strengthen the coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors in each of the RCG focus countries, namely, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
The RCG on February 9 also strengthened its linkages with the UN-CMCoord Global Consultative Group to allow information sharing between the two platforms.
Also realized under the Philippine Chairmanship was the establishment of the RCG Logistics Working Group (RCG-LWG), given the complexity and the relevance of logistics in the coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors.
The RCG addressed the issue of predictability of civil-military coordination of operational planning between civilian and military actors and developed a publication that outlines the operational civil-military platforms during disaster response operations in the RCG five priority countries.
The RCG was formed in 2014 to act as a regional forum that brings together humanitarian, civilian and military actors involved in disaster response preparedness planning and disaster response, including aspects related to the field of humanitarian civil-military coordination and the use of foreign military assets.
The Philippines turned over the Chairmanship of the RCG to the Government of Singapore at the RCG’s Second Session in October 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=963967
Troops capture 8 NPA rebels, one yields in Sarangani clashes
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Troops capture 8 NPA rebels, one yields in Sarangani clashes
Government troops captured eight alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while another has surrendered in a series of operations in the hinterlands of Alabel town in Sarangani Province.
Col. Tyne Bañas, commanding officer of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said the rebels were separately arrested following clashes between troops under the 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB) and the NPA’s Front 71 on February 6, 8 and 11 in Sitios Tangis and Silutan, Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel.
Six of the captured rebels were formally presented to media late Monday afternoon in a press conference at the Kasfala Hall in Alabel.
They were identified as Simeon Salda, Jun Moda, Claude Palbe, Garzon Palbe, Rene Ompao and Sabelo Colano. The two others were identified as Nonoy and Moreno Salaman.
Seized from the rebels were five Garand rifles, two M-16 Armalite rifles and a Carbine rifle.
Also presented was a surrenderer identified only as an alias Kaloy, who reportedly served as spokesperson in the NPA’s recruitment activities among the Tagakaolo tribe in parts of Sarangani.
Bañas said the 73IB launched the combat operations based on a directive from the Armed Forces of the Philippines following the termination of the unilateral ceasefire with the NPA by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
He said they were also in response to an attack staged by NPA rebels last Jan. 29 on troops securing a government road project in the outskirts of Alabel.
Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, 73IB commanding officer, said they don’t consider the captured rebels as enemies but “victims of the NPA.”
He said most of them were new recruits of the NPA and were only duped into joining the group due to promises of monetary benefits.
Following the declaration of the government’s unilateral ceasefire in July last year and the opening of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, he said they monitored “heavy recruitment activities” of the NPA in the area.
“Kung tutuusin, sila, wala talagang kasalanan (In truth, they did not commit any wrongdoing). They were victims of the deception by the enemy. That’s why they are being treated well,” Angcao said.
In the three encounters with the NPA, he confirmed that one trooper was wounded but is now in stable condition at a hospital in Davao City.
He said they are currently verifying reports of casualties on the side of the rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=963775
Government troops captured eight alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) while another has surrendered in a series of operations in the hinterlands of Alabel town in Sarangani Province.
Col. Tyne Bañas, commanding officer of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said the rebels were separately arrested following clashes between troops under the 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB) and the NPA’s Front 71 on February 6, 8 and 11 in Sitios Tangis and Silutan, Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel.
Six of the captured rebels were formally presented to media late Monday afternoon in a press conference at the Kasfala Hall in Alabel.
They were identified as Simeon Salda, Jun Moda, Claude Palbe, Garzon Palbe, Rene Ompao and Sabelo Colano. The two others were identified as Nonoy and Moreno Salaman.
Seized from the rebels were five Garand rifles, two M-16 Armalite rifles and a Carbine rifle.
Also presented was a surrenderer identified only as an alias Kaloy, who reportedly served as spokesperson in the NPA’s recruitment activities among the Tagakaolo tribe in parts of Sarangani.
Bañas said the 73IB launched the combat operations based on a directive from the Armed Forces of the Philippines following the termination of the unilateral ceasefire with the NPA by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
He said they were also in response to an attack staged by NPA rebels last Jan. 29 on troops securing a government road project in the outskirts of Alabel.
Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, 73IB commanding officer, said they don’t consider the captured rebels as enemies but “victims of the NPA.”
He said most of them were new recruits of the NPA and were only duped into joining the group due to promises of monetary benefits.
Following the declaration of the government’s unilateral ceasefire in July last year and the opening of the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, he said they monitored “heavy recruitment activities” of the NPA in the area.
“Kung tutuusin, sila, wala talagang kasalanan (In truth, they did not commit any wrongdoing). They were victims of the deception by the enemy. That’s why they are being treated well,” Angcao said.
In the three encounters with the NPA, he confirmed that one trooper was wounded but is now in stable condition at a hospital in Davao City.
He said they are currently verifying reports of casualties on the side of the rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=963775
Monday, February 13, 2017
MNLF: Government, MNLF to resume talks
Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front Facebook Page (Feb 13): Government, MNLF to resume talks
MNLF - International Information Office·Monday, February 13, 2017
MNLF - International Information Office·Monday, February 13, 2017
Posted on Monday Feb 13th at 5:00am
By Perseus Echeminada
MANILA, Philippines – The government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are set to resume their talks on the final implementation of the 1996 peace agreement.
Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesman and member of the peace panel, said yesterday they were just waiting for the composition of the government panel for the resumption of talks.
He said the MNLF would not be part of the newly formed Bangsamoro Transition Commission that would discuss peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front because the MILF would have separate talks with the government.
“The MNLF (members) in the transition commission belong to a breakaway group, they do not represent MNLF,” Fontanilla said.
He said the resumption of talks with the government would be confined to three remaining unresolved issues for the final implementation of the 1996 peace accord, which was brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
These issues are governance, wealth sharing and territory.
Fontanilla said it would be up to Congress to consolidate a law that would synchronize the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF and peace accord to be forged with the MILF.
The OIC, in a resolution, has urged the government to link up the two peace accords to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.
The 1996 final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF, represented by its founding chairman, Nur Misuari, was signed on Sept. 2, 1996 under the administration of then president Fidel Ramos.
That same year, the MILF, which had broken away from the MNLF in 1977, began informal talks with the Ramos-led government.
But a final peace accord has yet to be reached with the MILF. The current administration is continuing the peace negotiations with the MILF with the creation of the BTC.
President Duterte has also met with Misuari, who surfaced recently after going into hiding as he was ordered arrested by the court for the 2013 Zamboanga City siege.
The MNLF has been originally demanding the inclusion of 13 provinces in an autonomous region in Mindanao since it started peace negotiations with the government since the Marcos administration.
Then president Ferdinand Marcos did not agree to it despite the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
In 1989, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was created under then president Corazon Aquino, who also refused to give in to the MNLF’s demand.
Misuari eventually became governor of ARMM from 1996 to 2001.
Former president Benigno Aquino III pushed for the creation of a more inclusive autonomous region as he described the ARMM as a failed experiment.
MILF: DIPMC Faculty, Students visit BIAF 1O9th Base Command’s Reformatory and Da’wah Center
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 13): DIPMC Faculty, Students visit BIAF 1O9th Base Command’s Reformatory and Da’wah Center
CAMP BUNAWAN, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat ----Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College (DIPMC) faculty members and students visited the Reformatory and Da’wah Center at BIAF 109th Base Command last February 7, 2017.
The purpose of the visit was to learn and become aware of the existing rules and regulations of the Reformatory and Da’wah Center.
“This Center is one of the programs of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its campaign against illegal drugs”, said Mike Andang, Chief Warden of Reformatory and Da’wah Center.
“Even before the declaration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to launch an all-out campaign against illegal drugs, the MILF had already adopted a resolution prohibiting the sale, use and manufacture of shabu in the Bangsamoro communities.
MILF campaign against illegal drug was launched in 1994. The Bangsamoro Darul Iftah (House of Opinion) declared “Shabu as the root cause of all evils”, Andang added.
“This Center only caters to Bangsamoro from the municipalities of Datu Paglas,Maguindanao, Colombio, Sultan Kudarat,Tulunan, North Cotabato,Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat,Buluan,Maguindanao,Paglat,Maguindanao, Pandag, Maguindanao, Mangudadatu, Maguindanao, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat and General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao who will surrender to us”, Andang stressed.
“While inside the reformatory and Daw’ah center, they will be taught how to read the Qur-an, perform obligatory prayers, teach how to advocate peace and development, learn the essence of life and become productive and law-abiding citizens before they will be allowed to return to their communities”, he further said.
“We are also against extra judicial killings because lives of people are precious. We embark on rehabilitation and reformation of Moro addicts or those that push illegal drugs. If we caught non-Bangsamoro or Christians using, selling or manufacturing illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro communities, we would turnover them to the Philippine National Police for appropriate action. The Philippine Government and the MILF are jointly campaigning against illegal drugs”, the chief warden emphasized.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1070-dipmc-faculty-students-visit-biaf-1o9th-base-command-s-reformatory-and-da-wah-center
CAMP BUNAWAN, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat ----Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College (DIPMC) faculty members and students visited the Reformatory and Da’wah Center at BIAF 109th Base Command last February 7, 2017.
“This Center is one of the programs of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its campaign against illegal drugs”, said Mike Andang, Chief Warden of Reformatory and Da’wah Center.
“Even before the declaration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to launch an all-out campaign against illegal drugs, the MILF had already adopted a resolution prohibiting the sale, use and manufacture of shabu in the Bangsamoro communities.
MILF campaign against illegal drug was launched in 1994. The Bangsamoro Darul Iftah (House of Opinion) declared “Shabu as the root cause of all evils”, Andang added.
“This Center only caters to Bangsamoro from the municipalities of Datu Paglas,Maguindanao, Colombio, Sultan Kudarat,Tulunan, North Cotabato,Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat,Buluan,Maguindanao,Paglat,Maguindanao, Pandag, Maguindanao, Mangudadatu, Maguindanao, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat and General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao who will surrender to us”, Andang stressed.
“While inside the reformatory and Daw’ah center, they will be taught how to read the Qur-an, perform obligatory prayers, teach how to advocate peace and development, learn the essence of life and become productive and law-abiding citizens before they will be allowed to return to their communities”, he further said.
“We are also against extra judicial killings because lives of people are precious. We embark on rehabilitation and reformation of Moro addicts or those that push illegal drugs. If we caught non-Bangsamoro or Christians using, selling or manufacturing illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro communities, we would turnover them to the Philippine National Police for appropriate action. The Philippine Government and the MILF are jointly campaigning against illegal drugs”, the chief warden emphasized.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1070-dipmc-faculty-students-visit-biaf-1o9th-base-command-s-reformatory-and-da-wah-center
MILF: Moro fronts hold dialogue for unity
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 13): Moro fronts hold dialogue for unity
Top leaders of the MILF and MNLF were gathered again on February 10 to 11 in Pagadian City to continue the series of dialogues for mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, explained to the MNLF contingent that the objective of the two-day conference was to search for commonalities between the two revolutionary organizations.
“Islam, homeland, our people and identity are the ideas common to all of us … these is where we can draw our unity,” Iqbal told the participants most of whom came from the island-provinces and Zamboanga peninsula.
Iqbal also urged the MNLF cadre officers who composed the latter’s contingent to help in preserving the gains of the struggle such as the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, 1987 Jeddah Accords, 1996 Final Peace Agreement, 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Iqbal explained these agreements would be harmonized in the new Bangsamoro Basic Law that would be drafted by the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). Iqbal was appointed anew to the expanded BTC as commissioner with MILF First Vice-Chairman Ghazali Jaafar as the new BTC Chairman.
The dialogue led the participants to commit to “continue working together through special mechanisms, such as the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) that was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to discuss important issues faced by Bangsamoro communities, and find concrete and feasible solutions to address these concerns.”
They also agreed to continue to organize and participate in various dialogues and conversations that would foster respect and strengthen the bonds of their brotherhood.
It was also agreed that both Fronts would engage the young men and women of the Bangsamoro to make them learn and appreciate the lessons of the struggle and utilize them to pursue peace, development and justice in the region.
Iqbal was joined by other members of the MILF Peace Implementing Panels such as Abdulla Camlian and Abhoud Syed Lingga as well as by its special advisor Ustadz Ibrahim Ali.
The MNLF contingent was led by Habib Sabrie Jul and Ustadz Mahmur Hasanul.
Last January 14, a similar dialogue between key leaders of the two Moro revolutionary fronts was also held in Davao City.
These dialogues were organized by the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1071-moro-fronts-hold-dialogue-for-unity
Top leaders of the MILF and MNLF were gathered again on February 10 to 11 in Pagadian City to continue the series of dialogues for mutual understanding and unity of purpose.
“Islam, homeland, our people and identity are the ideas common to all of us … these is where we can draw our unity,” Iqbal told the participants most of whom came from the island-provinces and Zamboanga peninsula.
Iqbal also urged the MNLF cadre officers who composed the latter’s contingent to help in preserving the gains of the struggle such as the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, 1987 Jeddah Accords, 1996 Final Peace Agreement, 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Iqbal explained these agreements would be harmonized in the new Bangsamoro Basic Law that would be drafted by the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). Iqbal was appointed anew to the expanded BTC as commissioner with MILF First Vice-Chairman Ghazali Jaafar as the new BTC Chairman.
The dialogue led the participants to commit to “continue working together through special mechanisms, such as the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) that was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to discuss important issues faced by Bangsamoro communities, and find concrete and feasible solutions to address these concerns.”
They also agreed to continue to organize and participate in various dialogues and conversations that would foster respect and strengthen the bonds of their brotherhood.
It was also agreed that both Fronts would engage the young men and women of the Bangsamoro to make them learn and appreciate the lessons of the struggle and utilize them to pursue peace, development and justice in the region.
Iqbal was joined by other members of the MILF Peace Implementing Panels such as Abdulla Camlian and Abhoud Syed Lingga as well as by its special advisor Ustadz Ibrahim Ali.
The MNLF contingent was led by Habib Sabrie Jul and Ustadz Mahmur Hasanul.
Last January 14, a similar dialogue between key leaders of the two Moro revolutionary fronts was also held in Davao City.
These dialogues were organized by the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1071-moro-fronts-hold-dialogue-for-unity
NDF: NDFP Renders High Tribute to Jan Beentjes, an Exemplary Comrade
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 13): NDFP Renders High Tribute to Jan Beentjes, an Exemplary Comrade
February 13, 2017
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) renders high tribute to Johannes Jacobus “Jan” Beentjes, an exemplary comrade. We are deeply saddened by his passing away. We convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
We have very fond memories of Comrade Jan Beentjes, his devotion and determination to pursue the cause of liberation and democracy. We recall his kindness and generosity, his keen and serious mind and his humor. For all these, we love him and feel inspired by him in continuing the tasks we, together with him and other comrades, have set for ourselves to accomplish.
Jan was deeply dedicated to serve the struggle of the Filipino people for national and social liberation. He keenly followed the growth of the people’s revolution in building organs of democratic power all over the country, their fight for genuine land reform and national industrialization and their struggle against US imperialism and the local reactionaries of big landlords and compradors.
Jan offered his skills for the international solidarity work. He was a stalwart of the International DEFEND Committee in support of Filipino refugees and managed the Defend Jose Maria Sison website. He prepared video presentations on the Philippine situation and the just struggles of the Filipino people to provide meaningful information for international audiences.
He generously gave much of his time and his financial resources to help develop the solidarity work abroad. He developed his skill in music, joining his longstanding partner and soulmate and other anti-imperialist musicians to perform in solidarity activities.
Jan was a keen student of revolutionary movements. He made use of his rich experiences in the Soviet Union and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) to enrich educational efforts in solidarity work. He studied and discussed with other comrades the fundamental topics of imperialism, dialectical and historical materialism, political economy and basic documents of the Philippine Revolution.
We shall miss Comrade Jan Beentjes. His revolutionary spirit and service to the Filipino people and the world revoluton will continue to inspire us.
Long live the revolutionary spirit and legacy of Comrade Jan Beentjes!
Long live the Filipino people's struggle for national and social liberation!
Long live international anti-imperialist solidarity and the struggle for socialism!
Luis G. Jalandoni
NDFP Chief International Representative
Member, NDFP National Executive Committee
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-renders-high-tribute-jan-beentjes-exemplary-comrade/
February 13, 2017
Jan Beentjes
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) renders high tribute to Johannes Jacobus “Jan” Beentjes, an exemplary comrade. We are deeply saddened by his passing away. We convey our most heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.
We have very fond memories of Comrade Jan Beentjes, his devotion and determination to pursue the cause of liberation and democracy. We recall his kindness and generosity, his keen and serious mind and his humor. For all these, we love him and feel inspired by him in continuing the tasks we, together with him and other comrades, have set for ourselves to accomplish.
Jan was deeply dedicated to serve the struggle of the Filipino people for national and social liberation. He keenly followed the growth of the people’s revolution in building organs of democratic power all over the country, their fight for genuine land reform and national industrialization and their struggle against US imperialism and the local reactionaries of big landlords and compradors.
Jan offered his skills for the international solidarity work. He was a stalwart of the International DEFEND Committee in support of Filipino refugees and managed the Defend Jose Maria Sison website. He prepared video presentations on the Philippine situation and the just struggles of the Filipino people to provide meaningful information for international audiences.
He generously gave much of his time and his financial resources to help develop the solidarity work abroad. He developed his skill in music, joining his longstanding partner and soulmate and other anti-imperialist musicians to perform in solidarity activities.
Jan was a keen student of revolutionary movements. He made use of his rich experiences in the Soviet Union and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) to enrich educational efforts in solidarity work. He studied and discussed with other comrades the fundamental topics of imperialism, dialectical and historical materialism, political economy and basic documents of the Philippine Revolution.
We shall miss Comrade Jan Beentjes. His revolutionary spirit and service to the Filipino people and the world revoluton will continue to inspire us.
Long live the revolutionary spirit and legacy of Comrade Jan Beentjes!
Long live the Filipino people's struggle for national and social liberation!
Long live international anti-imperialist solidarity and the struggle for socialism!
Luis G. Jalandoni
NDFP Chief International Representative
Member, NDFP National Executive Committee
https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-renders-high-tribute-jan-beentjes-exemplary-comrade/
NDF/NPA: Declaration of Unilateral Ceasefire of NPA Front 16-NEMR
NPA propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 12): Declaration of Unilateral Ceasefire of NPA Front 16-NEMR
Statement
February 12, 2017
The Regional Command of the New People’s Army in North Eastern Mindanao Region (ROC-NPA-NEMR) declares a unilateral ceasefire in Surigao del Norte and the municipalities of Cabadbaran, Tubay, Jabonga and Santiago in Agusan del Norte. This temporary ceasefire in areas covered by NPA Front 16, which started last February 11, 2017 and will end at 11:55 in the evening of February 20, 2017, is being declared because of the intensity 6.7 earthquake on the night of February 10, 2017.
The severe damage which affected the city and neighboring municipalities was reported in the news.
At present there have been 6 reported killed in the city as a result of the earthquake while hundreds were injured. Several large buildings were damaged and cracked which may result in its collapse amidst the aftershocks after the strong earthquake last February 10, 2017. The bridge connecting Brgy. Ipil, Surigao City to San Francisco was destroyed and many roads have cracks or bulges. It was also reported that all flights to the city have been cancelled because of the damage of the airport runway. Many houses were damaged along with belongings. Some parts of the city have no electricity and there is no water in the whole city.
This ceasefire is being declared to give the Red fighters of the NPA in Front 16, all government agencies, including the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and non-government organizations, the opportunity to inspect the areas affected, especially the mountain areas, for damages resulting from the earthquake.
Above all, this declaration of ceasefire is to enable the delivery of immediate aid to the masses and for them to be given assistance towards the rehabilitation of their damaged properties and livelihood.
On our part, the NPA in Front 16 has been on active defense posture since 6 o’clock in the morning of February 11, 2017 to assess and help the masses in the far-flung areas affected by the earthquake.
We hope that this ceasefire declaration will be reciprocated by the 30th IBPA and other concerned AFP troops and the Philippine National Police in Surigao del Norte.
(sgd)
Ka Ariel Montero
Spokesperson
Regional Operational Command
New People’s Army
North Eastern Mindanao Region (ROC-NPA-NEMR)
https://www.ndfp.org/declaration-unilateral-ceasefire-npa-front-16-nemr/
Statement
February 12, 2017
The Regional Command of the New People’s Army in North Eastern Mindanao Region (ROC-NPA-NEMR) declares a unilateral ceasefire in Surigao del Norte and the municipalities of Cabadbaran, Tubay, Jabonga and Santiago in Agusan del Norte. This temporary ceasefire in areas covered by NPA Front 16, which started last February 11, 2017 and will end at 11:55 in the evening of February 20, 2017, is being declared because of the intensity 6.7 earthquake on the night of February 10, 2017.
The severe damage which affected the city and neighboring municipalities was reported in the news.
At present there have been 6 reported killed in the city as a result of the earthquake while hundreds were injured. Several large buildings were damaged and cracked which may result in its collapse amidst the aftershocks after the strong earthquake last February 10, 2017. The bridge connecting Brgy. Ipil, Surigao City to San Francisco was destroyed and many roads have cracks or bulges. It was also reported that all flights to the city have been cancelled because of the damage of the airport runway. Many houses were damaged along with belongings. Some parts of the city have no electricity and there is no water in the whole city.
This ceasefire is being declared to give the Red fighters of the NPA in Front 16, all government agencies, including the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and non-government organizations, the opportunity to inspect the areas affected, especially the mountain areas, for damages resulting from the earthquake.
Above all, this declaration of ceasefire is to enable the delivery of immediate aid to the masses and for them to be given assistance towards the rehabilitation of their damaged properties and livelihood.
On our part, the NPA in Front 16 has been on active defense posture since 6 o’clock in the morning of February 11, 2017 to assess and help the masses in the far-flung areas affected by the earthquake.
We hope that this ceasefire declaration will be reciprocated by the 30th IBPA and other concerned AFP troops and the Philippine National Police in Surigao del Norte.
(sgd)
Ka Ariel Montero
Spokesperson
Regional Operational Command
New People’s Army
North Eastern Mindanao Region (ROC-NPA-NEMR)
https://www.ndfp.org/declaration-unilateral-ceasefire-npa-front-16-nemr/
16-year jail term vs AFP engineer affirmed
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 13): 16-year jail term vs AFP engineer affirmed
THE Sandiganbayan Third Division has affirmed the 16-year jail sentence meted out against engineer Dante Senen, supply accountable officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Military Supply Unit in Cebu City on his conviction for graft and malversation of public property concerning the anomalous sale of four power generators to a private individual in 2002.
Senen failed to convince the anti-graft court to reverse its decision dated November 29, 2016 that found him guilty of conspiracy with former Philippine Air Force (PAF) Brig. Gen. Vladimir delos Trino, Major Antonio Jason Garcia, and private defendant Antonio Ularte of Eduard Enterprises for the unlawful transaction.
Delos Trino and Garcia were convicted of both charges in May 2011 but their co-accused, Senen and Ularte, remained at large. Senen was arrested only on November 21, 2011 inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
All three were collectively ordered to pay the government the sum of P1.2 million as indemnity for the loss sustained on the sale on top of a P1.2 million fine.
The court found the three AFP officials liable for selling the power generators to Ularte for only P800,000.00 without holding the required public bidding that tended to favor Ularte’s firm.
In his appeal, Senen argued that there was no evidence that he colluded with Delos Trino and Garcia.
The court, however, declared otherwise, noting that it was Senen who had official custody of the power generators but the accused failed to inform his commanding officer about their transfer and did not include them in his inventory and inspection report that he submitted to the headquarters.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/16-year-jail-term-vs-afp-engineer-affirmed
THE Sandiganbayan Third Division has affirmed the 16-year jail sentence meted out against engineer Dante Senen, supply accountable officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Military Supply Unit in Cebu City on his conviction for graft and malversation of public property concerning the anomalous sale of four power generators to a private individual in 2002.
Senen failed to convince the anti-graft court to reverse its decision dated November 29, 2016 that found him guilty of conspiracy with former Philippine Air Force (PAF) Brig. Gen. Vladimir delos Trino, Major Antonio Jason Garcia, and private defendant Antonio Ularte of Eduard Enterprises for the unlawful transaction.
Delos Trino and Garcia were convicted of both charges in May 2011 but their co-accused, Senen and Ularte, remained at large. Senen was arrested only on November 21, 2011 inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
All three were collectively ordered to pay the government the sum of P1.2 million as indemnity for the loss sustained on the sale on top of a P1.2 million fine.
The court found the three AFP officials liable for selling the power generators to Ularte for only P800,000.00 without holding the required public bidding that tended to favor Ularte’s firm.
In his appeal, Senen argued that there was no evidence that he colluded with Delos Trino and Garcia.
The court, however, declared otherwise, noting that it was Senen who had official custody of the power generators but the accused failed to inform his commanding officer about their transfer and did not include them in his inventory and inspection report that he submitted to the headquarters.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/16-year-jail-term-vs-afp-engineer-affirmed
AFP: Basilan, Sulu for heroes, not for misfits, rogues, scalawags
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 13): AFP: Basilan, Sulu for heroes, not for misfits, rogues, scalawags
THE Armed Forces yesterday said it does not treat Basilan and Sulu, bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf, as a dumping ground for misfit and scalawags, but as “a breeding ground for heroes and military leaders who thrive in adversities.”
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said that “for soldiers and Marines, sailors and airmen, being deployed in Basilan – or in Sulu for that matter – is a source of pride. Because only the warriors, professionals, and those who excel in their fields are sent to Basilan.”
Arevalo issued the statement “so that our soldiers assigned there and would be assigned there will not feel they are misfits or errant.
“Some people resent that Basilan would be the destination for some erring members of the security forces, especially the ones who have gone astray or failed to measure up to standards,” said Arevalo.
President Duterte last week ordered hundreds of rogue cops to be deployed to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi or resign from the force.
Arevalo said many young officers and enlisted personnel are even volunteering to be assigned to the war-torn island provinces” of Basilan and Sulu “for their baptism of fire.”
“It’s a choice assignment. Because such deployments offer them a wealth of experience, innumerable lessons, opportunities to excel, and yes, earn ‘trophy points.’ For the military, it is a big deal to be deployed in Basilan or Sulu for that translates to a distinction,” said Arevalo.
Arevalo cited a Marine junior officer, now a colonel, who volunteered to be assigned to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 in Basilan after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in early 1990s.
“The Basileños specifically abhor the announcement that ‘scalawags and misfits in the service’ are bound to that island province,” Arevalo said.
Last Thursday, AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año said cops should welcome an assignment to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. He said soldiers take the assignment to these areas as an opportunity to earn a Medal of Valor, the highest military decoration in combat.
A soldier conferred with the medal receives a monthly gratuity of P75,000, free education, hospitalization for his families. The lifetime gratuity is on top of the salary or pension they receive.
“What’s wrong (with) being assigned in Basilan and Sulu. If you want to serve the country and the people, that’s the best way. Now, if they are complaining, then you can see the quality of these people that you do not need in the organization,” said Año.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-basilan-sulu-heroes-not-misfits-rogues-scalawags
THE Armed Forces yesterday said it does not treat Basilan and Sulu, bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf, as a dumping ground for misfit and scalawags, but as “a breeding ground for heroes and military leaders who thrive in adversities.”
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said that “for soldiers and Marines, sailors and airmen, being deployed in Basilan – or in Sulu for that matter – is a source of pride. Because only the warriors, professionals, and those who excel in their fields are sent to Basilan.”
Arevalo issued the statement “so that our soldiers assigned there and would be assigned there will not feel they are misfits or errant.
“Some people resent that Basilan would be the destination for some erring members of the security forces, especially the ones who have gone astray or failed to measure up to standards,” said Arevalo.
President Duterte last week ordered hundreds of rogue cops to be deployed to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi or resign from the force.
Arevalo said many young officers and enlisted personnel are even volunteering to be assigned to the war-torn island provinces” of Basilan and Sulu “for their baptism of fire.”
“It’s a choice assignment. Because such deployments offer them a wealth of experience, innumerable lessons, opportunities to excel, and yes, earn ‘trophy points.’ For the military, it is a big deal to be deployed in Basilan or Sulu for that translates to a distinction,” said Arevalo.
Arevalo cited a Marine junior officer, now a colonel, who volunteered to be assigned to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 in Basilan after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in early 1990s.
“The Basileños specifically abhor the announcement that ‘scalawags and misfits in the service’ are bound to that island province,” Arevalo said.
Last Thursday, AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año said cops should welcome an assignment to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. He said soldiers take the assignment to these areas as an opportunity to earn a Medal of Valor, the highest military decoration in combat.
A soldier conferred with the medal receives a monthly gratuity of P75,000, free education, hospitalization for his families. The lifetime gratuity is on top of the salary or pension they receive.
“What’s wrong (with) being assigned in Basilan and Sulu. If you want to serve the country and the people, that’s the best way. Now, if they are complaining, then you can see the quality of these people that you do not need in the organization,” said Año.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-basilan-sulu-heroes-not-misfits-rogues-scalawags
Israel to provide equipment to Philippine special forces
From Update.Ph (Feb 13): Israel to provide equipment to Philippine special forces
1,190 Sets of force protection equipment (FPE) worth PhP53.5 million from Israeli company MAROM Dolphin Ltd. is set to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017. These equipment will be for the use of Joint Special Operations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The winning company, MAROM Dolphin, supplies force protection equipment to the Israel Defense Force. The mode of procurement is government-to-government pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation and the Implementing Arrangement for Procurement of Defense Materials between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Israel Ministry of Defense (ISRAEL-MOD).
JSOG is at the forefront of the current intensified anti-terrorism campaign. It is composed of specialized units from the various major services of the AFP, including the Philippine Army’s Light Reaction Regiment, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Group, and a Special Operations Wing from the Philippine Air Force.
The Department of National Defense said this procurement is part of various equipment acquisitions that the Department is pursuing in order to upgrade the capability of the AFP in combating terrorist groups and terrorist cells.
“We have prioritized the procurement of these specialized vests for our defenders to enhance their survivability in encounters and battles against terrorists and lawless elements. Kahit saang lupalop sila magtago, hahanapin sila ng ating mga tropa!” Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said.
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/israel-to-provide-equipment-to-philippine-special-forces/14357
1,190 Sets of force protection equipment (FPE) worth PhP53.5 million from Israeli company MAROM Dolphin Ltd. is set to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017. These equipment will be for the use of Joint Special Operations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The winning company, MAROM Dolphin, supplies force protection equipment to the Israel Defense Force. The mode of procurement is government-to-government pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding on Logistics and Defense Industry Cooperation and the Implementing Arrangement for Procurement of Defense Materials between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Israel Ministry of Defense (ISRAEL-MOD).
JSOG is at the forefront of the current intensified anti-terrorism campaign. It is composed of specialized units from the various major services of the AFP, including the Philippine Army’s Light Reaction Regiment, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Group, and a Special Operations Wing from the Philippine Air Force.
The Department of National Defense said this procurement is part of various equipment acquisitions that the Department is pursuing in order to upgrade the capability of the AFP in combating terrorist groups and terrorist cells.
“We have prioritized the procurement of these specialized vests for our defenders to enhance their survivability in encounters and battles against terrorists and lawless elements. Kahit saang lupalop sila magtago, hahanapin sila ng ating mga tropa!” Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said.
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/israel-to-provide-equipment-to-philippine-special-forces/14357
NPA now suffering tactical defeat – AFP
From Update.Ph (Feb 13): NPA now suffering tactical defeat – AFP
The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA is now suffering “tactical defeat”, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nine days after an “all-out war” or focused military offensive against the armed communists was declared.
“It has been nine days since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched an “All-Out War” against the New People’s Army (NPA) as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. And since then, the communist rebels had suffered several tactical defeats and the support of some frightened citizens continues to erode,” the AFP said in a statement.
The military success was due to “deliberate, surgical, focused, and well-planned combat, intelligence and civil-military operations conducted by the AFP in various areas around the country.”
The AFP said that the National Democratic Front (NDF), which is pushing for peace talks is “losing hold of their men on the ground.”
The military added that members of NPA is now either attacking innocent civilians and business establishments; or surrendering to the government fold.
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/npa-now-suffering-tactical-defeat-afp/14388
The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA is now suffering “tactical defeat”, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nine days after an “all-out war” or focused military offensive against the armed communists was declared.
“It has been nine days since the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched an “All-Out War” against the New People’s Army (NPA) as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. And since then, the communist rebels had suffered several tactical defeats and the support of some frightened citizens continues to erode,” the AFP said in a statement.
The military success was due to “deliberate, surgical, focused, and well-planned combat, intelligence and civil-military operations conducted by the AFP in various areas around the country.”
The AFP said that the National Democratic Front (NDF), which is pushing for peace talks is “losing hold of their men on the ground.”
The military added that members of NPA is now either attacking innocent civilians and business establishments; or surrendering to the government fold.
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/npa-now-suffering-tactical-defeat-afp/14388
Army, PNP defenses up vs. rebels attacks
From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 13): Army, PNP defenses up vs. rebels attacks
Increasing New People's Army attacks in various areas of the country, have been noted in the past several days and both the Philippine Army and National Police in Negros Island Region are not taking chances by re-visiting their offensive and defensive strategies.
Senior Supt. William Senoron, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, also said yesterday that he reconvened the Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council to review their security contingencies, after the unilateral ceasefire was lifted.
The JPSCC meeting Friday attended by commanders of the 6th Special Action Battalion, Regional Public Safety Battalion 18, 62nd Infantry Battalion, Public Safety companies, and other law enforcement agencies, also focused on the realignment of security forces, in anticipation of possible NPA tactical offensives.
Senoron said the PNP will be actively supporting the internal security operations of the Philippine Army, especially in intelligence gathering.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is also consolidating its public safety units that are deployed in others areas of the province.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, maintained that liivelihood in the countryside is the “key” in the fight against insurgency.
“With the support of the government, the non-government organizations, the military and the people themselves, we will work hard to make such efforts bear fruit,” Aying said.
Brig.Gen. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, meanwhile, encourages localized peace talks.
“There have been precedents of localized peace talks, although these were hidden, since the focus was on the peace talks at the national level,” Delfin said.
He said that in the past six months, “NIR experienced a peaceful environment, in the absence of insurgency-related incidents, because of the unilateral ceasefire observed by both the CPP-NPA and the Philippine Army.”
Priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Negros, has repeatedly turned down offers for a localized ceasefire.
After the unilateral ceasefire was lifted, Army soldiers stationed in Negros island went on combat mode in anticipation of NPA attacks following clashes in Iloilo and other areas of the country.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/February/13/topstory7.htm
Increasing New People's Army attacks in various areas of the country, have been noted in the past several days and both the Philippine Army and National Police in Negros Island Region are not taking chances by re-visiting their offensive and defensive strategies.
Senior Supt. William Senoron, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, also said yesterday that he reconvened the Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council to review their security contingencies, after the unilateral ceasefire was lifted.
The JPSCC meeting Friday attended by commanders of the 6th Special Action Battalion, Regional Public Safety Battalion 18, 62nd Infantry Battalion, Public Safety companies, and other law enforcement agencies, also focused on the realignment of security forces, in anticipation of possible NPA tactical offensives.
Senoron said the PNP will be actively supporting the internal security operations of the Philippine Army, especially in intelligence gathering.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office is also consolidating its public safety units that are deployed in others areas of the province.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, maintained that liivelihood in the countryside is the “key” in the fight against insurgency.
“With the support of the government, the non-government organizations, the military and the people themselves, we will work hard to make such efforts bear fruit,” Aying said.
Brig.Gen. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, meanwhile, encourages localized peace talks.
“There have been precedents of localized peace talks, although these were hidden, since the focus was on the peace talks at the national level,” Delfin said.
He said that in the past six months, “NIR experienced a peaceful environment, in the absence of insurgency-related incidents, because of the unilateral ceasefire observed by both the CPP-NPA and the Philippine Army.”
Priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, spokesman of the National Democratic Front in Negros, has repeatedly turned down offers for a localized ceasefire.
After the unilateral ceasefire was lifted, Army soldiers stationed in Negros island went on combat mode in anticipation of NPA attacks following clashes in Iloilo and other areas of the country.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/February/13/topstory7.htm
Army suspends pursuit vs NPA to help quake victims
From the Mindanao Times (Feb 13): Army suspends pursuit vs NPA to help quake victims
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-suspends-pursuit-vs-npa-to-help-quake-victims/
TROOPS of 30th Infantry Battalion conducting operations against communist rebels immediately shifted to humanitarian assistance in badly hit areas following the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Surigao del Norte on Friday, Feb. 10.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said around 11 p.m., Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, the commanding officer of 30th IB, directed his troops to immediately respond and assist the communities within the unit’s area of responsibility.
Soldiers under Alpha Company were able to assist the communities in San Francisco, Surigao del Norte. Three severely injured residents were brought to the Caraga Medical Hospital.
Meanwhile, one person reportedly died after the third floor of one building collapsed in Surigao City.
Troops under the Charlie Company are leading the retrieval operation. They were able to recover a body at around 1 a.m.
Meanwhile, the San Nicolas Bridge that connects Surigao City and San Francisco, Surigao del Norte has collapsed. Surigao Airport is non-operational due to the damages in the runway. There were structures that collapsed and others were severely damaged.
“We assure the Surigaonons that the 30IB will be providing all the necessary assistance that will help the local government units bring back the normal situation in the whole province especially the devastated part of Surigao City,” Amaro said.
“As we conduct our humanitarian assistance and disaster response operation in the area, we remain vigilant on the terrorist NPAs that are still causing havoc in the entire region,” he said.
Troops under the Charlie Company are leading the retrieval operation. They were able to recover a body at around 1 a.m.
Meanwhile, the San Nicolas Bridge that connects Surigao City and San Francisco, Surigao del Norte has collapsed. Surigao Airport is non-operational due to the damages in the runway. There were structures that collapsed and others were severely damaged.
“We assure the Surigaonons that the 30IB will be providing all the necessary assistance that will help the local government units bring back the normal situation in the whole province especially the devastated part of Surigao City,” Amaro said.
“As we conduct our humanitarian assistance and disaster response operation in the area, we remain vigilant on the terrorist NPAs that are still causing havoc in the entire region,” he said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/army-suspends-pursuit-vs-npa-to-help-quake-victims/
Soldier, 2 civilians killed in NPA attack
From the Mindanao Times (Feb 13): Soldier, 2 civilians killed in NPA attack
http://mindanaotimes.net/soldier-2-civilians-killed-in-npa-attack/
THE ARMY has condemned the rebels’ attack in Agusan del Sur that killed two civilians and wounded three other non-combatants on Saturday.
The attack that also killed a soldier is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which the communist group agreed with the Philippine government in 1998 in The Hague, Netherlands, said Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, the commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Guerillas attacked Sitio Sarog, Barangay San Isidro of Santiago, Agusan del Norte on Saturday at 5 a.m., seven hours after an earthquake hit the area.
Aynera said he sent his soldiers to the barangay after receiving reports that there were armed men conducting extortion activity in the area.
“There was a situation in that community that needed to be addressed,” Ayner said. “That’s why I have sent my soldiers to secure the people against these NPAs.”
Upon reaching the community at around 4:30 a.m., the troopers were able to talk with some locals to confirm the report.
But around 10 fully-armed NPAs, unmindful of the civilians in the area, indiscriminately opened fire.
Two civilians and one soldier were instantly killed and three other civilians were wounded in a 10-minute attack.
Guerillas attacked Sitio Sarog, Barangay San Isidro of Santiago, Agusan del Norte on Saturday at 5 a.m., seven hours after an earthquake hit the area.
Aynera said he sent his soldiers to the barangay after receiving reports that there were armed men conducting extortion activity in the area.
“There was a situation in that community that needed to be addressed,” Ayner said. “That’s why I have sent my soldiers to secure the people against these NPAs.”
Upon reaching the community at around 4:30 a.m., the troopers were able to talk with some locals to confirm the report.
But around 10 fully-armed NPAs, unmindful of the civilians in the area, indiscriminately opened fire.
Two civilians and one soldier were instantly killed and three other civilians were wounded in a 10-minute attack.
“We condemn their atrocious act that claimed the lives of two innocent civilians, and seriously wounding three others. We are also deeply saddened for the loss of one of our comrades,” he further said.
The communist groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), including the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA, signed the CARHRIHL, in which they agreed “to affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians.”
Aynera said the agreement calls that “civilian population and civilians shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack.”
“They shall likewise be protected against indiscriminate strafing,” he said.
Aynera assured the public that they will “always continue to conduct peace and security operations to ensure the safety and security of the people in Agusan del Norte.”
Pursuit operation is ongoing to capture the perpetrators of the attack.
The NPA declared a ceasefire in the earthquake-hit Surigao del Sur and three towns of Agusan del Norte.
Santiago is not among the three towns but is in the boundary of Tubay and Jabonga, two of the three municipalities.
Another attack
In Laak, Compostela Valley on the same day, 60th IB troopers engaged undetermined number of NPAs guerillas in a 30-minute gunfight.
The communist groups under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), including the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA, signed the CARHRIHL, in which they agreed “to affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians.”
Aynera said the agreement calls that “civilian population and civilians shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack.”
“They shall likewise be protected against indiscriminate strafing,” he said.
Aynera assured the public that they will “always continue to conduct peace and security operations to ensure the safety and security of the people in Agusan del Norte.”
Pursuit operation is ongoing to capture the perpetrators of the attack.
The NPA declared a ceasefire in the earthquake-hit Surigao del Sur and three towns of Agusan del Norte.
Santiago is not among the three towns but is in the boundary of Tubay and Jabonga, two of the three municipalities.
Another attack
In Laak, Compostela Valley on the same day, 60th IB troopers engaged undetermined number of NPAs guerillas in a 30-minute gunfight.
No soldier was hurt.
The attackers belong to the NPA’s Guerilla Front 34 and Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) 4.
The attackers belong to the NPA’s Guerilla Front 34 and Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) 4.
Meanwhile, two NPA amazons returned to the folds of the law after a community dialogue conducted by the troopers of 67th IB in Caraga, Davao Oriental on Friday.
Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, identified the two amazons as Ka Joy, 20, and Ka Rose, 17, and both members of Guerilla Front 15.
Soldiers of 67th IB were consulting with 150 displaced families temporarily housed in Caraga Municipal Gymnasium when the two NPA amazons surrendered.
The displaced families from Barangays Don Leon Balante and PM Sobrecarey of Caraga reportedly left their homes due to NPA presence in their communities.
Earlier, six NPA members returned to the folds of the law in Davao Oriental through the 67IB while two others submitted to the 73IB in Davao Occidental.
The displaced families from Barangays Don Leon Balante and PM Sobrecarey of Caraga reportedly left their homes due to NPA presence in their communities.
Earlier, six NPA members returned to the folds of the law in Davao Oriental through the 67IB while two others submitted to the 73IB in Davao Occidental.
The latest surrender count is now 10.
Maj. Gen Rafael Valencia, 10th ID commander, encouraged the NPA members to leave their group before the full brunt of military capabilities will catch up with them.
“The NPA members are just victims of the manipulation of their communist leaders,” he said.
Maj. Gen Rafael Valencia, 10th ID commander, encouraged the NPA members to leave their group before the full brunt of military capabilities will catch up with them.
“The NPA members are just victims of the manipulation of their communist leaders,” he said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/soldier-2-civilians-killed-in-npa-attack/
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