CPP: Negotiations for bilateral ceasefire can proceed

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Feb 19):
Negotiations for bilateral ceasefire can proceed

Communist Party of the Philippines19 February 2017

If GRP President Durterte decides to send his negotiating panel and emissaries to the upcoming scheduled talks between the ceasefire committees, negotiations for a bilateral ceasefire agreement can proceed as scheduled on February 22-27 in The Netherlands. To ensure success of the negotiations, the GRP can help facilitate the travel of the NDFP’s ceasefire committee member and consultants.

The Party and the New People’s Army (NPA) reiterate their support for efforts to forge a bilateral ceasefire agreement. The revolutionary forces are encouraged by the previous statements of GRP President Duterte that all political prisoners will be released within 48 hours once the bilateral ceasefire agreement is signed.

We anticipate that negotiations concerning the terms of reference of a bilateral ceasefire agreement will be most difficult. The revolutionary forces are bound
by principle to assert the withdrawal of the AFP’s operating troops from areas under the sway of the revolutionary government.

However difficult, the revolutionary forces are willing to work with the GRP negotiators to hammer out a bilateral ceasefire agreement that will be mutually
acceptable and enforceable.

As a positive gesture, the Party calls on all concerned NPA units to expedite the release of the six prisoners of war (POWs) captured over the past days. (See list below.) The NPA commands in charge of the custodial units can work closely with third party facilitators. The AFP can cooperate by withdrawing all troops in and around the area where the POWs will be released to pave the way for their safe and orderly release.

Assuming the cooperation of local AFP commands, all POWs can return to their families before or during the scheduled negotiations in The Netherlands.

According to the GRP peace panel chair, GRP President Duterte is “obsessed with peace”. If so, he can heed the people’s clamor and reverse his earlier pronouncements terminating peace negotiations.

The CPP earnestly encourages him to do so. He would surely not want to set aside the achievements attained during the first three rounds of GRP-NDFP peace talks
and waste the opportunity to leave a legacy of peace.

———————————————————————————-
Prisoners of war currently under NPA custody:

1. PFC Edwin Salan, captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29

2. Sgt. Solaiman Calucop and

3. Pfc Samuel Garay, captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2

4. PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9

5. Paramilitary Rene Doller and

6. Paramilitary Carl Mark, captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on February 14

 

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170219-negotiations-for-bilateral-ceasefire-can-proceed

Solgen wants NDF consultants arrested, jailed again

From the Philippine Star (Feb 19): Solgen wants NDF consultants arrested, jailed again



Solicitor General Jose Calida said the NDF consultants are now considered fugitives after their bail for provisional liberty was cancelled upon the order of the Supreme Court (SC). File photo

The consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF) who were given temporary liberty to participate in the peace talks in Norway should go back to jail after President Duterte terminated the negotiations with the rebels.

Solicitor General Jose Calida said the NDF consultants are now considered fugitives after their bail for provisional liberty was cancelled upon the order of the Supreme Court (SC).

In the first of the four conditions set by the SC for the temporary liberty of the NDF consultants, Calida noted their bonds were automatically cancelled after Duterte ordered the peace talks terminated.

The rebel leaders who were detained were allowed to attend the peace talks in Norway as consultants of the NDF.

The NDF is the umbrella organization representing the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the peace talks with the government.

Duterte called off earlier this month the government’s unilateral ceasefire, reciprocating the move of the CPP-NPA-NDF in dropping their self-declared truce.

Duterte said the peace talks brokered by Norway will remain suspended unless there is a compelling reason to restart them that benefits the nation.

“President Duterte said that the peace negotiations are terminated, then the provisional liberty through their respective bonds automatically cancelled. And what is the effect of that? There is no more provisional liberty,” Calida said.

“Therefore they should be recommitted to the detention facilities because if they are not placed in their detention cells they are considered fugitives from justice,” he added.

Calida said even ordinary citizens could arrest the NDF consultants, as they are fugitives from justice, but said that it would now depend on the law enforcers to do the arrest.

The SC issued a resolution on Aug. 2, 2016 that granted provisional liberty to the NDF consultants who joined the peace talks.

Calida said the SC’s order should be obeyed by the NDF, citing its judicial effect.

Not properly terminated
But as far as the NDF is concerned, the peace talks were not properly terminated by a mere declaration of the President and without a written notice.

The NDF has also emphasized that the consultants should not be arrested, citing the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) signed by the government and the rebel group on Feb. 24, 1995.

Under the JASIG, the rebel leaders who are attending peace negotiations with the government are immune from arrest.

Calida, however, said JASIG has no effect as it has already served its purpose, which means the SC order should prevail.

“The JASIG is a defunct 1995 agreement. It has served its purpose already,” he said.

Militant groups, however, pressed for the resumption of the peace talks with the rebels.

“It would be better if the government returns to the negotiating table and continue the scheduled talks that aim to address the root causes of the armed conflict. Serious peace negotiations on socio-economic, political and constitutional reforms have a better chance of ending the armed conflict than waging all-out war,” said Renato Reyes of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/19/1673760/solgen-wants-ndf-consultants-arrested-jailed-again

Duterte help sought for release of NGO worker suspected as NPA rebel

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Feb 18): Duterte help sought for release of NGO worker suspected as NPA rebel
THE associates of detained development worker Rogina Quilop, a suspected member/leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) arrested early last week in Bacolod City, are seeking assistance from President Rodrigo Duterte for her immediate release.

Her colleagues at the Center for People’s Resources and Services (CPRS) and the Negros Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NFMPC) said her arrest has affected the activities of both organizations.

Quilop is the finance officer of CPRS, a Negros-based non-government organization (NGO) conducting relief missions, and the manager of NFMPC.

She is jailed at the Metro Bacolod District Jail-Female Dormitory in Barangay Handumanan.

Quilop, 49, was on her way home when she was arrested at Barangay 10 last February 7. She was served with warrant for murder issued on September 11, 2011 by Cadiz City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Renato Muñez after she was tagged in the killing of a soldier in 2010.

In a press conference held Friday at the Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Occidental Livelihood Center in Bacolod City, Quilop’s family and associates, who were clad in black t-shirts with message #FreeRoginaQuilop, condemned her “illegal and unlawful” arrest.

Rodolfo Navarro, Quilop’s father, strongly denied the accusations that his daughter is a leader of the NPA in Negros, saying that she is a peace advocate and a development worker.

Fr. Armando Onion, chairman of the NFMPC board, said they couldn’t understand why Quilop was arrested because she’s doing government work. With Quilop in prison, the work of the NGO in terms of service delivery and management has been affected, he said.

Susie Tapi-on, CPRS executive director, said that more than a thousand beneficiaries from various localities in the province were affected due to Quilop’s arrest. She said that Quilop, as finance officer of CPRS, is in-charge of the financial reports and projects of their group.

Moreover, Tapi-on said the CPRS “strongly attests” that Quilop is not a communist rebel.

She added that they are drafting a letter addressed to President Duterte, demanding for Quilop’s immediate release.

They will also hold a signature campaign and protest actions calling for her release, Tapi-on added.

Quilop’s arraignment set yesterday before RTC Branch 46 Judge Edgar Tupas in Bacolod has been rescheduled due to the unavailability of a state lawyer.

Captain Eduardo Precioso, public information officer of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, had earlier said Quilop, or Rowena Navarro, is believed to be the deputy secretary of the regional finance bureau of Komiteng Rehiyong-Negros.

He said Quilop’s arrest has affected the operations of the NPA in the region since she holds a vital role in the rebel movement as an alleged collector of extortion money.

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2017/02/18/duterte-help-sought-release-ngo-worker-suspected-npa-rebel-526523

Army tallies 30 clashes with NPA since end of ceasefire

From ABS-CBN (Feb 19): Army tallies 30 clashes with NPA since end of ceasefire

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has tallied at least 30 skirmishes with the New People's Army since President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the government's ceasefire with communist rebels on February 4.

"Since Feb. 4 to date, Feb. 18, there are about 30 encounters already so if you compute it's like having 2 encounters a day," AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año told reporters at the sidelines of the Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming on Saturday.

Troops have neutralized 44 NPA fighters -- 12 of whom were killed, 15 were captured and 17 surrendered, Año added.

The government and rebel sides scrapped their unilateral ceasefires this month, after negotiations hit a snag on the insurgents' demand to release political detainees.

Duterte said he was also suspending negotiations to end one of the world's longest-running Maoist campaigns. He also branded the rebels as "terrorists."

• TIMELINE: Gov't, CPP-NPA ceasefire breakdown

The AFP is willing to support the resumption of peace talks, but will continue operations against the NPA in the meantime, said Año.

"Hindi naman kami nakasara sa peace negotiation. The Armed Forces, siguro more than anyone, 'yung may gusto ng peace. But we will not allow the CPP-NPA to conduct atrocities and similar activities and imperil the lives of the ordinary people in the community," he said.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/19/17/army-tallies-30-clashes-with-npa-since-end-of-ceasefire

CPP open to crafting, signing joint ceasefire accord

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 19): CPP open to crafting, signing joint ceasefire accord
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday expressed openness to crafting and signing  a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

The CPP, in a statement, said the originally scheduled meeting to discuss the details of a bilateral ceasefire agreement in The Netherlands on February 22 to 27 can proceed if President Rodrigo Duterte would decide to send the government negotiating panel.
“The Party and the New People’s Army (NPA) reiterate their support for efforts to forge a bilateral ceasefire agreement. The revolutionary forces are encouraged by the previous statements of GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) President Duterte that all political prisoners will be released within 48 hours once the bilateral ceasefire agreement is signed,” the CPP said.

 

The CPP admitted that negotiating the details of the ceasefire agreement will be challenging.

“We anticipate that negotiations concerning the terms of reference of a bilateral ceasefire agreement will be most difficult. The revolutionary forces are bound by principle to assert the withdrawal of the AFP’s (Armed Forces of the Philippines) operating troops from areas under the sway of the revolutionary government,” the CPP said.

But the communist movement expressed optimism  that it is something that can be achieved.

“However difficult, the revolutionary forces are willing to work with the GRP negotiators to hammer out a bilateral ceasefire agreement that will be mutually acceptable and enforceable,” the CPP said.

Expressing it as a positive gesture, the CPP directed the New People’s Army to facilitate the immediate release of soldiers and police officers captured by different guerrilla units.

“As a positive gesture, the Party calls on all concerned NPA units to expedite the release of the six prisoners of war (POWs) captured over the past days. The NPA commands in charge of the custodial units can work closely with third party facilitators,” the CPP said.

Meanwhile, the CPP appealed to the government to also help ensure the safe travel of NDF consultants for the bilateral ceasefire agreement negotiations.

“To ensure success of the negotiations, the GRP can help facilitate the travel of the NDFP’s (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) ceasefire committee member and consultants,” the CPP said.

President Duterte earlier withdrew the government’s indefinite unilateral ceasefire and unilaterally cancelled the negotiations following the announcement of the NPA to end its own ceasefire effective February 10.

READ: After attacks, NPA ending ceasefire — rebel official

The NPA cited the alleged non-release of political prisoners and the continuing presence of government forces in the communities as reasons why the revolutionary movement decided to terminate its ceasefire.

READ: Duterte rejects NDF’s plea to free 130 political prisoners

Over 30 armed hostilities have been reported since then, leaving several combatants dead and wounded.

The NDF and President Duterte recently hinted at the possibility of resuming peace negotiations after back channel talks.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/872983/cpp-open-to-crafting-signing-of-joint-ceasefire-accord

CPP dangles release of 6 captives ahead of Feb. 22-27 bilateral cease-fire negotiations

From InterAksyon (Feb 19): CPP dangles release of 6 captives ahead of Feb. 22-27 bilateral cease-fire negotiations



NPA cadres simulate a firefight in file photo of the CPP's anniversary on Dec. 26, 2016. INTERAKSYON.COM FILE

Six captives of the New People's Army may be released " before or during" negotiations for a bilateral ceasefire agreement, assuming these proceed as scheduled on February 22-27 in The Netherlands, the Communist Party of the Philippines signalled on Sunday. The CPP issued the statement as pressure mounted for both sides to avert the slide to all-out war following President Duterte's move to scuttle peace talks.

The CPP identified the "prisoners of war" currently under NPA custody as:

1. PFC Edwin Salan, captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29

2. Sgt.  Solaiman Calucop and

3. Pfc Samuel Garay, captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2

4. PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9

5. Paramilitary Rene Doller and

6. Paramilitary Carl Mark, captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on February 14.

"As a positive gesture, the Party calls on all concerned NPA units to expedite the release of the six prisoners of war (POWs) captured over the past days. The NPA commands in charge of the custodial units can work closely with third party facilitators. The AFP can cooperate by withdrawing all troops in and around the area where the POWs will be released to pave the way for their safe and orderly release," said the CPP statement.

The fate of the Feb. 22-27 talks in The Netherlands remained uncertain, having been scheduled right after the third round of talks in Rome, and before President Duterte, angered by the killing of three soldiers in Bukidnon by NPA rebels, lifted the government's unilateral cease-fire. The day before, the Left also lifted its own unilateral cease-fire.

The lifting of the two camps' respective unilateral ceasefire declarations was quickly followed by an order by Duterte for all government negotiators to "pack up their tents" and return home; and the cancellation of the immunity guarantees for the negotiators from the Left.

Skirmishes in various parts of the country have since ensued, but several groups have been working overtime to get the peace talks back on track, especially since the Feb. 22-27 sessions had long been scheduled.

If Duterte decides to send his negotiating panel and emissaries to the upcoming scheduled talks between the ceasefire committees, negotiations for a bilateral ceasefire agreement can proceed as scheduled on February 22-27 in The Netherlands, the CPP said Sunday.

"To ensure success of the negotiations, the GRP can help facilitate the travel of the NDFP's ceasefire committee member and consultants," added the CPP statement.

"The Party and the New People's Army (NPA) reiterate their support for efforts to forge a bilateral ceasefire agreement. The revolutionary forces are encouraged by the previous statements of GRP President Duterte that all political prisoners will be released within 48 hours once the bilateral ceasefire agreement is signed.

"We anticipate that negotiations concerning the terms of reference of a bilateral ceasefire agreement will be most difficult. The revolutionary forces are bound by principle to assert the withdrawal of the AFP's operating troops from areas under the sway of the revolutionary government,"  said the CPP.

"However difficult, the revolutionary forces are willing to work with the GRPnegotiators to hammer out a bilateral ceasefire agreement that will be mutually acceptable and enforceable," it concluded.

"Assuming the cooperation of local AFP commands, all POWs can return to their families before or during the scheduled negotiations in The Netherlands," said the CPP.

The leftists quoted the government peace panel chair as saying Duterte is "obsessed with peace". If so, said CPP, "he can heed the people's clamor and reverse his earlier pronouncements terminating peace negotiations. The CPP earnestly encourages him to do so. He would surely not want to set aside the achievements attained during the first three rounds of GRP-NDFP peace talks and waste the opportunity to leave a legacy of peace."  

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/137151/cpp-dangles-release-of-6-captives-ahead-of-feb--22-27-bilateral-cease-fire-negotiations

Ilocos group sees rise in rights abuses

From the Manila Times (Feb 18): Ilocos group sees rise in rights abuses

The human rights group in Ilocos region is apprehensive that more abuses will be experienced with the military operations in Northern and Central Luzon declared by the Philippine Army in pursuit of the government’s all out war against members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a media statement, Ilocos Human Rights Advocates (IHRA) deputy secretary general Mary Ann Gabayan said “with the government’s all-out war policy, the unit’s operating troops in Ilocos will no doubt release their pent-up itch to terrorize peasant communities and harass political activists

The Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) reportedly took over Ilocos region from the 5th ID in 2010. Its 81st Infantry Battalion has jurisdiction over the Ilocos provinces and some parts of Abra.

The group said that just a few months after the 81st IB’s deployment in 2012, its troops were immediately involved in alleged atrocities against farmers.

Zoilo Baladad, IHRA Secretary General said that on October 29, 2012 soldiers from 81st IB figured in an operation at Barangay Cabuusan, Currimao in Ilocos Norte where five farmers were fired at killing Carlo Magbulos and critically wounding Ronald Sadaba.

Baladad also criticized the 81st IB’s occupation of eight villages in Santa Lucia town and five in Salcedo even during the AFP’s unilateral ceasefire declaration and despite the protest of the residents. She added that in 2016, IHRA recorded 101 cases of human rights violations in Ilocos Sur with 17,505 victims, most of which were perpetrated by the 81st IB.

“With this kind of record, all-out war will only embolden members of the 81st IB to violate human rights and international humanitarian laws, and civilians will bear the brunt of this militarist policy,” said Baladad.

Military combat operations are currently taking place in Salcedo, Santa Lucia, Sigay, Del Pilar and Quirino towns.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ilocos-group-sees-rise-rights-abuses/312956/

DILG complete P15-M Pamana housing project

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Feb 18): DILG complete P15-M Pamana housing project

THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program has completed the construction of 150 housing units for the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Engineer Venancio Ferrer, III, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) said the housing project worth P15 million was constructed in the municipality of Tungawan through his office.

Ferrer said the housing units were built in the following villages: Taglibas, 50 units; Looc Laboan, 50 units; and, Linguisan, 50 units. Zamboanga Sibugay Governo Wilter Palma said the housing project will be a big help to the beneficiary-MNLF members who are into farming and fishing as the way of livelihood.

Palma noted that the identified beneficiaries live along the coastal area “that seems to threaten the life of their family.”

“With the housing project, they can live safely, comfortably, peacefully and harmoniously,” Palma added.

The completed housing projects are soon to be turned over to the identified beneficiaries.

Pamana is the national government's convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/02/18/dilg-complete-p15-m-pamana-housing-project-526535

The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) publishes guidance on Sulu Sea attacks

Posted to the Hellenic Shipping News (Feb 12): The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) publishes guidance on Sulu Sea attacks

The IFC in Singapore has released a commentary on the recent spate of attacks in the Sulu Sea, in particular, the Sibutu Passage.

The IFC reports that there were 33 incidents observed in the Sulu Sea over the last 12 months. Of these 33 incidents, 19 involved abductions.

Most of the attacks have been directed at smaller boats, such as tugboats and fishing vessels. However, two large merchant ships have also been attacked.

The IFC recommends the following measures be implemented while transiting in the affected area to mitigate the threat of getting attacked:

• Maintaining good communications via VHF Channels 08 and 16 with littoral law enforcement agencies and the IFC;
• Activate ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS);
• Increase vigilance in watch-keeping and deploy additional lookouts;
• Use CCTV cameras for coverage of vulnerable areas (if available);
• Keep ship’s whistle and fog horn ready for immediate use;
• Secure or lift external ladders to prevent their use and to restrict external access to the bridge;
• Deploy Self-Protection Measures (SPM) e.g. rig the water spray hoses and foam monitors in a fixed position. Evasive manoeuvres have also been proven to deter perpetrators in the reported incidents in this specific area;
• Firmly secure all doors and hatches providing access to the accommodation and machinery spaces; and
• Consider restricting personnel access to upper decks and bridge wings during Sibutu Passage transits, so as to not present a target for potential small-arms fire. All non-essential personnel should be located in a secure part of the ship where practicable.

 Source: The Standard Club

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/the-information-fusion-centre-ifc-publishes-guidance-on-sulu-sea-attacks/

NPA, army clash anew in Bukidnon

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 18): NPA, army clash anew in Bukidnon
A FIREFIGHT between the government troops and unidentified armed men believed to be communist rebels, ensued Friday, February 17, at 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon.

Captain Krisnen Peter Sarsagat, acting spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the firefight lasted for some five minutes.

Sarsagat also said government troops were conducting combat (cl)earing operations in the said barangay due to reported presence of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Sarsagat added that there were no injured or recorded casualties on the government side but in a news advisory from Ka Allan Janito, spokesman of the New People's Army's North Central Mindanao Regional Command, claimed that two government troopers were wounded while a red fighter was also wounded.

The army is still gathering more information to verify the claim.

"Nagkataon lang na nagkasugat lang gyud sila (It’s a coincidence that they met) while our soldiers were conducting the operations, so may (there’s a) retaliation talagang naganap (that happened)," Sarsagat added.

In a news advisory from Ka Allan Janito, spokesman of the New People's Army's North Central Mindanao Regional Command, claimed that two government troopers were wounded while a red fighter was also wounded.

It noted that the NPA squad under the Julito Tiro Command harassed the soldiers under the 8th Infantry Battalion.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2017/02/18/npa-army-clash-anew-bukidnon-526485

Photo: Students call for junking EDCA

From ABS-CBN (Feb 18): Photo: Students call for junking EDCA



Students led by League of Filipino Students (LFS) burn the US flag during a protest, denouncing the construction of US bases in the Philippines, in front of the USA Embassy on Saturday. The protesters demanded the junking of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the USA.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/02/18/17/students-call-for-junking-edca

MILF releases child soldiers, youth who helped in armed conflict

From ABS-CBN/ANC (Feb 18): MILF releases child soldiers, youth who helped in armed conflict

 

MAGUINDANAO — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) showed its sincerity in adhering to an agreement it entered with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on child soldiers when the rebel group released on Saturday children who fought for or helped the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and the Women Auxiliary Brigade of the MILF.

The children were released near the MILF's Camp Darapanan in a ceremony in which government officials, the MILF, and the UNICEF took part.

According to Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF's country representative, the release became possible when the MILF agreed to identify and separate the children who had associated themselves with the MILF-BIAF.

They have come up with a UN-MILF action plan on recruitment and the use of children.

The release is part of a series of ceremonies that will eventually disengage about 1,858 individuals associated with the military wing, may it be a child involved in actual firefighting or who served as a messenger or assigned to cook food for MILF rebels.

Sylwander said children are vulnerable to an environment where they experience conflict and, worse, become part of it.

The action plan was signed in 2009 between the UN, through its children's agency, and the MILF to put and end to the recruitment and use of children in war or in any way their welfare is put at risk.

Both the UNICEF and the MILF said it took a while to reap the fruits of the action plan because they had to discuss the issue with base commanders, parents and the children.

"This is taken a long time because it entails convincing not just the base commanders but also the community. They need to understand," Sylwander said.

Eduard Guerra, chairman of the UN-MILF Action Plan Panel, said the MILF was in a difficult situation following Islamic customs and traditions just to fit with the UN's mandate of not recruiting children younger than 18 years old to be part of the MILF's military wing.

"It didn't take off easily. There should be a correct approach," Guerra said.

Brothers Daud and Saad, not their real names, are among the children who received a "certificate of disengagement" in Saturday's ceremony.

They joined the MILF-BIAF 2 years ago.

The brothers were enticed to take up arms for the MILF, because their father acts as brigade commander of the MILF-BIAF stationed inside Camp Darapanan.

They were not pushed to enter the BIAF, one of the brothers said.

"Nag-stop ako kasi mas gusto ko mag-aral kasi para yun sa kinabukasan ko (I quit because I'd rather go to school for my future)," elder Daud said.

The government has thrown its support behind the UN-MILF action plan.

Jesus Dureza, the presidential adviser on the peace process,
was present during the release of the child soldiers. He said the government will immediately talk with the UNICEF and the MILF on their subsequent plans to know what sort of programs can be put together to help rehabilitate the children.

He also said that this engagement of children in the armed conflict will be totally eradicated or stopped once an ideal, enabling environment can be provided to them.

Meanwhile, Sylwander said the UNICEF plans to get the children involved in activities that will help them reintegrate in a normal society.

The MILF is bound to institute safeguards, such as strictly monitoring and screening its troops, to prevent children from associating with its military wing or picking up arms again.

Sammy Al-Mansor, chief of staff of the MILF-BIAF, has assured the government and the UNICEF that his group does not recruit children or teenagers, as doing so violates the MILF-BIAF's Code of Conduct.

Defense chief: NPA rebels are people’s true enemies

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 18): Defense chief: NPA rebels are people’s true enemies

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday branded the New People’s Army (NPA) as the true enemies of the people as he called to public to rise up against the communist group’s oppression and terror tactics.

This, as four — two government troops and two rebels, were killed while 10 other soldiers were wounded following a clash with NPA rebels in Davao City on Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, Lorenzana said that while the Duterte administration is very much committed to attaining lasting peace in the country, the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), continued to sow chaos and violence.

“They rely on treachery and guile to trick the innocent into joining their misguided cause, and killing those who oppose them,” Lorenzana said.

“I am one with the President in condemning the atrocities committed by the NPA, and in rightfully labeling them as terrorists.

 I call on the Filipino people to rise up against these criminals and terrorists,” he added.

At around 4:20 p.m. on Thursday, elements of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion (IB), aboard five military trucks, encountered members of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command-1 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee along the boundary of barangays Lacson lamanan in Calinan District, Davao City.

As a result, two soldiers were killed in action while 10 others were wounded.

On the other hand, two NPA rebels were also killed and their bodies were recovered in the encounter site.

Lorenzana urged the public to deny the communist of refuge to their communities and coordinate with government authorities.

“We must intensify our fight against all forms of oppression and exploitation but we must open our eyes wide to see who our real enemies are. We must frustrate them at every turn by denying them foothold in our communities and by reporting all illegal and criminal activities to the proper authorities,” Lorenzana said.

“This fight our fight — the fight of every Filipino — and we will not stop until our country is free of those who want to rule through terror and oppression,” he added.

Peace negotiations between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF were suspended indefinitely by Duterte after the both panels failed to come up with a bilateral ceasefire agreement during the last round of talks in Rome.

The communist group insisted on the release of 400 political prisoners which Duterte rejected and subsequently called off the talks when the NPA launched series of atrocities in various parts of the country while a unilateral ceasefire was in effect.

Relatedly, the CPP yesterday branded as “highly dubious” military claims that NPA rebels ambushed a convoy of government forces and members of a private organization involved in relief operations in earthquake-stricken Surigao del Norte province.

“The reports coming from the AFP are highly dubious. The spokesmen of the AFP are weaving such false reports to deceive the public and disparage the NPA which had earlier unilaterally declared a ceasefire in the areas which were hardest hit by the February 10 earthquake,” the CPP said.

“The AFP wishes to discredit the NPA by making it appear that it is preventing relief operations in the revolutionary areas,” it added.

The CPP, instead turned the tables against the military, claiming the masses in the disaster areas are gravely concerned that the AFP is exploiting relief operations for counterinsurgency aims.

“The military offers to escort relief operations in order to allow its armed units entry into the areas and establish its oppressive presence in the midst of civilian communities to conduct intelligence and psywar operations,” the CPP said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/defense-chief-npa-rebels-are-people-s-true-enemies

Duterte to send troops to Russia for training

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 19): Duterte to send troops to Russia for training

To boost military ties between the Philippines and Russia, President Duterte late Friday night said that he is going to send a handful of troops to Moscow for training.

Talking to the alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1967 over dinner, the Commander in Chief reiterated his desire to seek Russian help for the country’s state security forces after a closed door meeting with Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev in Davao City last Thursday.

“The Russian delegation talked to me. And we discussed so many matters and they want to train our soldiers also and initially last night, I committed to send 10 Philippine National Police (PNP) members and 10 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Duterte said.

“We have to connect with Russia because not only about weapons but the critical mass of information that we can share with them. We cannot just afford to just wait for something out of this generosity,” he added.

Aware that most of the AFP’s top honchos were trained in the United States, the Commander in Chief explained to the band of retired generals that the US has not helped the Philippines.

“I know that most of you went to the United States to study after you graduated from the academy, along the way in your career. I know how you feel about it,” Duterte said, addressing the PMA alumni attended the academy’s annual alumni homecoming here.

“But, as usual, there’s always a double talk there and in our relations with other countries, particularly the US, but they are not helping us,” he said.

Duterte also feels bullied by Washington due to his assertion of his so-called independent foreign policy.

“Sometimes, if you were told, ‘you know, you’re about to lose your assistance and everything if you don’t behave.’ So I took that as a very serious offense against the people,” the President explained.

In most of his speeches last year, the Chief Executive keeps on harping that he is “separating” in military and economic terms from the Philippines’ traditional ally, the US, as a part of his independent foreign policy.

Through the course of his foreign policy, Duterte was able to make friends with America’s cold war rivals Russia and China.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/duterte-to-send-troops-to-russia-for-training

While assuring US, Palace calls Russia deal an 'alliance'

From the Philippine Star (Feb 17): While assuring US, Palace calls Russia deal an 'alliance'



Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella answers questions from reporters in this Feb. 9, 2017 photo. PPD

Malacañang on Friday sought to assure the United States that it will remain the Philippines' ally under the Duterte administration, but it also loosely described the upcoming security agreement with Russia as a "new alliance."

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the "decision to pivot with Russia" is part of Duterte's "independent foreign policy."

The term has been used by Duterte's officials as a way to distinguish a policy direction that shifts away from the United States and closer to Russia and China and regional neighbors.

"This new alliance will not exclude other relationships. The United States will remain an ally," Abella said in a statement.

Duterte has recently met with Russian security officials led by Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev to discuss a cooperation agreement covering security, intelligence, terrorism, crime and law enforcement.

Abella said the meeting is a "concrete example of improving ties between the two nations."

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said in a statement Friday that a memorandum of understanding with Russia is being drafted for signing during President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Moscow.

A memorandum of understanding, however, does not constitute a formal alliance on the same level as the Philippines' Mutual Defense Treaty with the US signed in 1951. The longstanding accord dictates a commitment that the two nations will come to each other's defense if attacked by an external party. An MOU, on the other hand, is not legally binding.

Esperon said in another report that there are no discussions to have visiting Russian forces as of the moment.

Abella said in January when Russian navy ships visited Manila that the Memorandum of Understanding will provide the framework for future engagement between Filipino and Russian troops.

"[That will include] military to military, visiting students, mutual exchanges, and joint military exercises," Abella said then.

'New partners, old allies not interchangeable'

Foreign policy analyst Angelica Mangahas of the think tank ADRI Institute said the country's cooperation with Russia may be mutually beneficial as Russia makes sales for the Armed Forces to have a ready source of arms.

She warned, however, that new partners like Russia are not easily interchangeable with old ones in the support they provide to the Philippines.

"We can't say that any of these countries are not the Philippines' protectors, nor can we assume that partnerships in one domain will translate into other areas. Russia's offer of arms does not mean that Russia is interested in or able to provide support toward the peace process in Mindanao," Mangahas said, writing for Philstar.com.

"Rather than playing fast and loose with labels like 'ally,' it makes more sense to talk about how the countries involved either have mutual obligations, shared goals or individually benefit from cooperation," she added.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/17/1673232/while-assuring-us-palace-calls-russia-deal-alliance