From the Philippine News Agency (May 1): ASG bandits free two abducted drivers in Sulu
Focused military operations by goverment troopers from Joint Task Force Sulu prompted suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits to free two drivers Sunday night or just a day after their abduction.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the victims, identified as Alriznor M. Halis, from Luuk town and Alijar Ahari, a resident of Indanan and both contractual employees of the DPWH-ARMM were earlier abducted 2: 30 p.m. at Sitio Bsunoh Bangkal, Barangay Bangkal last Saturday.
The two were freed by their captors around 8: 30 p.m. Sunday in an area near Patikul.
Initial debriefing from the two men indicated that the suspects wanted to use them as human shields against the constant military pressure.
However, the bandits got tired of guarding and accompanying the victims and decided to free them.
Sobejana added that there were also reports that the brigands tried to have the two ransomed for Php 2 million but this came to naught as the victims' families do not have that kind of money, prompting the suspects to release the two unharmed.
Pursuit operations are still ongoing as this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/984079
Monday, May 1, 2017
Cordi Day delegates push for 503rd IB’s pull out
Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Northern Dispatch Weekly (NORDIS) (Apr 30): Cordi Day delegates push for 503rd IB’s pull out
Kalinga folk, with other delegates to Cordillera Day 2017 stormed the gates of the head quarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in this city calling for the pull out of army troops in the province on April 25.
PULL OUT. Kalinga folks accompanied by hundreds of Cordillera Day 2017 delegates staged a protest action at the gates of the 503rd Brigade in Kalanan, Tabuk City and told them to leave Kalinga. Photo by Olga Lauzon
The protesters demanded the pullout of army troops in Kalinga for committing various human rights violations. The protest action against militarization concluded the Cordillera Day 2017 events.
David Agulin, chairperson of the Kalinga Agkaykaysa Salakniban Aglawlaw ken Gammeng (Kalasag) who spoke during the protest action, condemned soldiers of the 503rd brigade for the human rights violations they committed against his people.
“Stop violating the people’s rights,” Agulin said.
Kalasag is a municipal wide organization of Balbalan folk and the local chapter of CPA in the said town.
Agulin slammed soldiers for entering their communities with out the people’s consent. He added that soldiers have also been disrespectful of their customs and traditions.
“They barge into our communities without our consent and act as if we are the outsiders inside our own villages,” Agulin said.
Agulin reiterated that by Kalinga customs visitors to the community are expected to respect and follow the community’s custom and traditions.
According to Agulin his organization has documented cases where soldiers have used civilians as “guides and shields” during their operations. He said that the soldiers have sown terror in their communities.
Agulin said that the soldiers have also harassed the people of Bolo village during their preparations for the hosting of Cordillera Day 2017. He said that the soldiers have terrorized three minors from Bolo and used them as guides in their operations.
Click here to visit Protest at 503rd IB photo gallery
Juan Dammay of the Tignayan dagiti Mannalon ti Kalinga (TMK) who also spoke at the rally slammed the 503rd brigade for stooping so low as scattering spikes along the provincial road in an attempt to bar the delegates from holding their protest action.
“The army was not contented with setting up checkpoints along the way that they even scattered spikes to deflate the tires of our vehicles, but they did not succeed,” Dammay said.
Dammay also said that earlier in April 23, soldiers held and illegally searched Cordillera delegates in Balantoy village.
Windel Bolinget, chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) said that the 503rd brigade also has a bloody record in Abra. He said that this army brigade was responsible for the massacre of the Ligiw father and sons in March 2014 when it was stationed in Lagangilang, Abra.
Bolinget further said that vehicles of the delegates to Cordillera Day 2011 held in Baay-Licuan town in Abra were also spiked. He said that it was the 503rd brigade that was stationed in Abra at that time.
Bolinget also said that the 503rd brigade was responsible for bombing runs that terrorized villages in Malibcong town in 2013.
“The bloody record of these state security forces is more than enough reason to drive them out of our communities, they should be held accountable and punished for disrupting the peace in our villages,” Bolinget said.
Ama Banag Sinumlag, an elder of the Butbut tribe and member of the Binodngan People’s Organization appealed to government soldiers and police officers who are from the Cordillera to refuse to become instruments in violating the rights of their fellow Cordillerans.
“To the police officers and government soldiers who are indigenous people, we understand that because of poverty you are forced to join the state security force to feed your families and we do not blame you, but please do not violate the rights of you own people,” Ama Banag said.
Ama Banag asked indigenous peoples who are in the state security force to spare civilians in disposing of their orders to deal with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
“As police officers and agents of government, you are supposed to safeguard the people and ensure that their rights are respected, but why are you doing the opposite, you are actually violating the peoples’ rights,” Ama Banag reiterated.
Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan who joined Cordillera Day 2017 and the protest at the army head quarters in Kalinga said that Filipinos should not fight each other, they should instead unite and fight poverty and the rotten system that perpetuates social injustice.
Reyes said that violence and militarization will not put an end to the armed revolution in the country. He said that the government should instead focus on the peace negotiation with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and address the roots of the armed conflict. # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/2017/04/cordi-day-delegates-push-for-503rd-ibs-pull-out/
Kalinga folk, with other delegates to Cordillera Day 2017 stormed the gates of the head quarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in this city calling for the pull out of army troops in the province on April 25.
PULL OUT. Kalinga folks accompanied by hundreds of Cordillera Day 2017 delegates staged a protest action at the gates of the 503rd Brigade in Kalanan, Tabuk City and told them to leave Kalinga. Photo by Olga Lauzon
The protesters demanded the pullout of army troops in Kalinga for committing various human rights violations. The protest action against militarization concluded the Cordillera Day 2017 events.
David Agulin, chairperson of the Kalinga Agkaykaysa Salakniban Aglawlaw ken Gammeng (Kalasag) who spoke during the protest action, condemned soldiers of the 503rd brigade for the human rights violations they committed against his people.
“Stop violating the people’s rights,” Agulin said.
Kalasag is a municipal wide organization of Balbalan folk and the local chapter of CPA in the said town.
Agulin slammed soldiers for entering their communities with out the people’s consent. He added that soldiers have also been disrespectful of their customs and traditions.
“They barge into our communities without our consent and act as if we are the outsiders inside our own villages,” Agulin said.
Agulin reiterated that by Kalinga customs visitors to the community are expected to respect and follow the community’s custom and traditions.
According to Agulin his organization has documented cases where soldiers have used civilians as “guides and shields” during their operations. He said that the soldiers have sown terror in their communities.
Agulin said that the soldiers have also harassed the people of Bolo village during their preparations for the hosting of Cordillera Day 2017. He said that the soldiers have terrorized three minors from Bolo and used them as guides in their operations.
Click here to visit Protest at 503rd IB photo gallery
Juan Dammay of the Tignayan dagiti Mannalon ti Kalinga (TMK) who also spoke at the rally slammed the 503rd brigade for stooping so low as scattering spikes along the provincial road in an attempt to bar the delegates from holding their protest action.
“The army was not contented with setting up checkpoints along the way that they even scattered spikes to deflate the tires of our vehicles, but they did not succeed,” Dammay said.
Dammay also said that earlier in April 23, soldiers held and illegally searched Cordillera delegates in Balantoy village.
Windel Bolinget, chairperson of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) said that the 503rd brigade also has a bloody record in Abra. He said that this army brigade was responsible for the massacre of the Ligiw father and sons in March 2014 when it was stationed in Lagangilang, Abra.
Bolinget further said that vehicles of the delegates to Cordillera Day 2011 held in Baay-Licuan town in Abra were also spiked. He said that it was the 503rd brigade that was stationed in Abra at that time.
Bolinget also said that the 503rd brigade was responsible for bombing runs that terrorized villages in Malibcong town in 2013.
“The bloody record of these state security forces is more than enough reason to drive them out of our communities, they should be held accountable and punished for disrupting the peace in our villages,” Bolinget said.
Ama Banag Sinumlag, an elder of the Butbut tribe and member of the Binodngan People’s Organization appealed to government soldiers and police officers who are from the Cordillera to refuse to become instruments in violating the rights of their fellow Cordillerans.
“To the police officers and government soldiers who are indigenous people, we understand that because of poverty you are forced to join the state security force to feed your families and we do not blame you, but please do not violate the rights of you own people,” Ama Banag said.
Ama Banag asked indigenous peoples who are in the state security force to spare civilians in disposing of their orders to deal with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
“As police officers and agents of government, you are supposed to safeguard the people and ensure that their rights are respected, but why are you doing the opposite, you are actually violating the peoples’ rights,” Ama Banag reiterated.
Renato Reyes, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan who joined Cordillera Day 2017 and the protest at the army head quarters in Kalinga said that Filipinos should not fight each other, they should instead unite and fight poverty and the rotten system that perpetuates social injustice.
Reyes said that violence and militarization will not put an end to the armed revolution in the country. He said that the government should instead focus on the peace negotiation with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and address the roots of the armed conflict. # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/2017/04/cordi-day-delegates-push-for-503rd-ibs-pull-out/
Sunday, April 30, 2017
OPAPP is lying — CPA
Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Northern Dispatch Weekly (NORDIS) (Apr 30): OPAPP is lying — CPA
The Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) slammed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for “lying” and “insulting the Cordillera martyrs and heroes”.
Windel Bolinget, CPA chairperson, speaks during the Cordillera Day last April 24 at Bolo, Balantoy, Balbalan, Kalinga. Photo by Candice Mangili
Windel Bolinget, CPA chairperson said that the event in Mt. Data is part of the government’s efforts to distort history and highjack the victories of the Cordillera people’s movement. He said that April 24 is sacred to the Cordillera people’s movement, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Ama Macliing Dulag. He said that it is a day to remember the martyrs and heroes and celebrate the victories of the Cordillera struggle in the defense of land, life and honor.
“It was an outright lie, for OPAPP to say that the CPA was part of their forum in their recent forum on autonomy at Mt. Data, Bauko, Mountain Province last April 24,” Bolinget said.
In a recent press release, OPAPP claimed that representatives of CPA attended their autonomy forum and agreed to “unify” with other groups, particularly the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army “towards healing and reconciliation, as they strongly pushed for Cordillera autonomy as a step towards federalism.”
OPAPP, in the said press release claimed that “five major rebel factions and groups in Cordillera,” including the CPA, met at a forum on regional autonomy and “jointly called on all Cordillerans to unite and rally behind efforts to establish the constitutionally mandated Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.”
CPA Secretary General Abigail Anongos said the CPA would never agree to working with the CPLA, which she accused of atrocities and “persecuting” their leaders and members.
The CPLA is an armed group that broke away from the New People’s Army shortly after the 1986 People Power uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
Anongos said the CPLA was responsible for the murders of CPA leaders among them were CPA vice chairman Daniel Ngayaan, CPA Abra coordinator Romy Gardo and Danny Tismo of Kalinga in 1987; Santos Gunayon on January 24, 1988, Quirino Ambasing, on September 28, 1988, Antonio Laguinday on July 29, 1989, Cornelio Longan on November 28, 1989, Martin Agnas on August 30, 1990, and the Sabangan massacre which killed three children and wounded four others on May 26, 1989.
A People’s Tribunal composed of various people’s organizations and human rights lawyers held here in Baguio City in 1988 found the CPLA guilty of various crimes and human rights violations including the murder of CPA leaders and terrorizing Cordillera communities.
Bolinget said that even the CPLA openly admitted to the abduction and murder of Ama Daniel and other CPA leaders.
“But despite the CPLA admitting to their crimes and the People’s Tribunal finding them guilty, the Corazon Aquino government instead of punishing them for their crimes coddled them and forged a bogus sipat,” Balinget said.
Bolinget said that under the administration of Benigno Simeon Aquino, the CPLA was given billions of funds for supposed development projects that has not really served its purpose.
“How can we reconcile with the CPLA when justice has not been served to our colleagues and to the communities they have terrorized? How can we work with OPAPP when it does not recognize the accountability and culpability of the CPLA to crimes they have committed against the Cordillera people?” Bolinget said.
Bolinget said that the CPA was in sitio Bolo, Barangay Balantoy, in Balbalan town of Kalinga with more than 3,000 delegates from all over the country and abroad for the staging the 33rd Cordillera Day on April 24.
The CPA has been staging Cordillera Day for 33 years now. The said activity traces its roots to the Macliing memorial that aimed to pay tribute to Macliing Dulag, a Kalinga pangat who was murdered on April 24, 1980 by government troops for leading his people’s opposition to the Marcos regime’s Chico Dam project.
Bolinget said that the CPLA and the government are even trying to deceive people by holding activities simultaneous with the Cordillera Day. He said that this 2017, the CPLA held a Bodong conference in Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga on April 24 in an effort to mislead the people. He said that the government on the other hand has been commemorating the sipat between the CPLA and the Aquino administration.
“What are they celebrating when it was the government’s armed forces who killed Ama Macliing, when the Cordillera people were up against destructive government projects?” Bolinget asked.
“They must be celebrating their success in killing Ama Macliing and highjacking the Cordillera people’s victory over martial law and government destructive projects,” he added.
Bolinget reiterated that only when justice has been served and the CPLA ring leaders are arrested and jailed for their decades-long atrocities will the healing and reconciliation start.
“It is the responsibility of government to dismantle and punish the CPLA but what is government doing, it is even protecting the CPLA,” Bolinget said. # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/2017/04/opapp-is-lying-cpa/
The Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) slammed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) for “lying” and “insulting the Cordillera martyrs and heroes”.
Windel Bolinget, CPA chairperson, speaks during the Cordillera Day last April 24 at Bolo, Balantoy, Balbalan, Kalinga. Photo by Candice Mangili
Windel Bolinget, CPA chairperson said that the event in Mt. Data is part of the government’s efforts to distort history and highjack the victories of the Cordillera people’s movement. He said that April 24 is sacred to the Cordillera people’s movement, the anniversary of the martyrdom of Ama Macliing Dulag. He said that it is a day to remember the martyrs and heroes and celebrate the victories of the Cordillera struggle in the defense of land, life and honor.
“It was an outright lie, for OPAPP to say that the CPA was part of their forum in their recent forum on autonomy at Mt. Data, Bauko, Mountain Province last April 24,” Bolinget said.
In a recent press release, OPAPP claimed that representatives of CPA attended their autonomy forum and agreed to “unify” with other groups, particularly the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army “towards healing and reconciliation, as they strongly pushed for Cordillera autonomy as a step towards federalism.”
OPAPP, in the said press release claimed that “five major rebel factions and groups in Cordillera,” including the CPA, met at a forum on regional autonomy and “jointly called on all Cordillerans to unite and rally behind efforts to establish the constitutionally mandated Autonomous Region of the Cordillera.”
CPA Secretary General Abigail Anongos said the CPA would never agree to working with the CPLA, which she accused of atrocities and “persecuting” their leaders and members.
The CPLA is an armed group that broke away from the New People’s Army shortly after the 1986 People Power uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
Anongos said the CPLA was responsible for the murders of CPA leaders among them were CPA vice chairman Daniel Ngayaan, CPA Abra coordinator Romy Gardo and Danny Tismo of Kalinga in 1987; Santos Gunayon on January 24, 1988, Quirino Ambasing, on September 28, 1988, Antonio Laguinday on July 29, 1989, Cornelio Longan on November 28, 1989, Martin Agnas on August 30, 1990, and the Sabangan massacre which killed three children and wounded four others on May 26, 1989.
A People’s Tribunal composed of various people’s organizations and human rights lawyers held here in Baguio City in 1988 found the CPLA guilty of various crimes and human rights violations including the murder of CPA leaders and terrorizing Cordillera communities.
Bolinget said that even the CPLA openly admitted to the abduction and murder of Ama Daniel and other CPA leaders.
“But despite the CPLA admitting to their crimes and the People’s Tribunal finding them guilty, the Corazon Aquino government instead of punishing them for their crimes coddled them and forged a bogus sipat,” Balinget said.
Bolinget said that under the administration of Benigno Simeon Aquino, the CPLA was given billions of funds for supposed development projects that has not really served its purpose.
“How can we reconcile with the CPLA when justice has not been served to our colleagues and to the communities they have terrorized? How can we work with OPAPP when it does not recognize the accountability and culpability of the CPLA to crimes they have committed against the Cordillera people?” Bolinget said.
Bolinget said that the CPA was in sitio Bolo, Barangay Balantoy, in Balbalan town of Kalinga with more than 3,000 delegates from all over the country and abroad for the staging the 33rd Cordillera Day on April 24.
The CPA has been staging Cordillera Day for 33 years now. The said activity traces its roots to the Macliing memorial that aimed to pay tribute to Macliing Dulag, a Kalinga pangat who was murdered on April 24, 1980 by government troops for leading his people’s opposition to the Marcos regime’s Chico Dam project.
Bolinget said that the CPLA and the government are even trying to deceive people by holding activities simultaneous with the Cordillera Day. He said that this 2017, the CPLA held a Bodong conference in Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga on April 24 in an effort to mislead the people. He said that the government on the other hand has been commemorating the sipat between the CPLA and the Aquino administration.
“What are they celebrating when it was the government’s armed forces who killed Ama Macliing, when the Cordillera people were up against destructive government projects?” Bolinget asked.
“They must be celebrating their success in killing Ama Macliing and highjacking the Cordillera people’s victory over martial law and government destructive projects,” he added.
Bolinget reiterated that only when justice has been served and the CPLA ring leaders are arrested and jailed for their decades-long atrocities will the healing and reconciliation start.
“It is the responsibility of government to dismantle and punish the CPLA but what is government doing, it is even protecting the CPLA,” Bolinget said. # nordis.net
http://www.nordis.net/2017/04/opapp-is-lying-cpa/
Photos: Special Unit na nasa Camp Astana Bakud Kagay Indanan Sulu
Photos posted to the MNLF Never Die Facebook page of Makin Abduhajan (Apr 29): Special Unit na nasa Camp Astana Bakud Kagay Indanan Sulu
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1476710029059732&set=pcb.1476716662392402&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1476710109059724&set=pcb.1476716662392402&type=3&theater
Special Unit na nasa Camp Astana Bakud Kagay Indanan Sulu at iba pa ang wala jan na nasa kani kanilang Camp nasa Sulu. Ayon sa Chief of Staff ng Bangsamoro Armed Forces Lt. Gen. ABRAHAM JOEL nakahanda na ang mga ito kong ano ang ipag uutos ng Commander in-Chief BAF-MNLF Chairman NUR P. MISUARI
Allahu Akbar
#Longlivemnlf
April 29, 2017
Photo by....
Secretariat CC
https://www.facebook.com/makin.abduhajan?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1476710029059732&set=pcb.1476716662392402&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1476710109059724&set=pcb.1476716662392402&type=3&theater
Special Unit na nasa Camp Astana Bakud Kagay Indanan Sulu at iba pa ang wala jan na nasa kani kanilang Camp nasa Sulu. Ayon sa Chief of Staff ng Bangsamoro Armed Forces Lt. Gen. ABRAHAM JOEL nakahanda na ang mga ito kong ano ang ipag uutos ng Commander in-Chief BAF-MNLF Chairman NUR P. MISUARI
Allahu Akbar
#Longlivemnlf
April 29, 2017
Photo by....
Secretariat CC
https://www.facebook.com/makin.abduhajan?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
MNLF-IIO: Photo -- Special Unit " Nakahanda kong ano ang ipag uutos ng mahal na Chairman H.E. Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari BMRP
Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front-International Information Office Facebook page (Apr 29): Photo: Special Unit " Nakahanda kong ano ang ipag uutos ng mahal na Chairman H.E. Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari BMRP
Camp Astana, Bakud Kagay, Indanan, Sulu
April 29, 2017
Special Unit " Nakahanda kong ano ang ipag uutos ng mahal na Chairman H.E. Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari BMRP
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/a.1014067655330137.1073741829.404979842905591/1475271862543045/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/
Camp Astana, Bakud Kagay, Indanan, Sulu
April 29, 2017
Special Unit " Nakahanda kong ano ang ipag uutos ng mahal na Chairman H.E. Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari BMRP
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/a.1014067655330137.1073741829.404979842905591/1475271862543045/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/
MILF: Women Leaders from Region 12, ARMMM vow to actively support the passage of new Bangsamoro bill
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 29): Women Leaders from Region 12, ARMMM vow to actively support the passage of new Bangsamoro bill
Fifty key women leaders from Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have committed to actively support the passage of the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), said a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) on April 28.
During a two-day Women Peace Conversation held on April 27 at Seda Hotel, Davao City, women leaders representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Indigenous People’s crafted an action plan in support to the passage of the new BBL aimed to draw support for the new law leading to its ratification.
PNA quoted Irene Santiago, government peace panel implementing chair, saying that the drafting of the new BBL by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is almost complete. It is targeted for submission to President Rodrigo Duterte before the start of Ramadan in May. Once the new BBL is ratified and a successful plebiscite is held, Santiago sees a Bangsamoro government in place by 2022.
The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), through the GRP Implementing Panel, is already conducting consultations and peace tables to build a constituency that will support the peace process, while the BTC is still crafting a draft Bangsamoro bill.
People’s support is needed in order for the new BBL to succeed and not suffer the same fate of the previous bill on questions of constitutionality, Santiago said.
Santiago said the holding of the women peace table is a manifestation that the government realizes the crucial role that women play in the peace process, particularly in the normalization process.
”The BBL is important to establish the Bangsamoro government,” Santiago said, adding that BBL "is tied to the normalization process."
Santiago said the normalization process is more complicated and needs longer work because this involves how to bring the decommissioned MILF forces to live normal lives.
She said the MNLF faction under Yusoph Jikiri and Misuari group, are also involved. The Jikiri group has three members in the BTC while OPAPP Undersecretary Nabil Tan is working with the group of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1165-women-leaders-from-region-12-armmm-vow-to-actively-support-the-passage-of-new-bangsamoro-bill
Fifty key women leaders from Region 12 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have committed to actively support the passage of the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), said a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) on April 28.
During a two-day Women Peace Conversation held on April 27 at Seda Hotel, Davao City, women leaders representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Indigenous People’s crafted an action plan in support to the passage of the new BBL aimed to draw support for the new law leading to its ratification.
PNA quoted Irene Santiago, government peace panel implementing chair, saying that the drafting of the new BBL by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is almost complete. It is targeted for submission to President Rodrigo Duterte before the start of Ramadan in May. Once the new BBL is ratified and a successful plebiscite is held, Santiago sees a Bangsamoro government in place by 2022.
The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), through the GRP Implementing Panel, is already conducting consultations and peace tables to build a constituency that will support the peace process, while the BTC is still crafting a draft Bangsamoro bill.
People’s support is needed in order for the new BBL to succeed and not suffer the same fate of the previous bill on questions of constitutionality, Santiago said.
Santiago said the holding of the women peace table is a manifestation that the government realizes the crucial role that women play in the peace process, particularly in the normalization process.
”The BBL is important to establish the Bangsamoro government,” Santiago said, adding that BBL "is tied to the normalization process."
Santiago said the normalization process is more complicated and needs longer work because this involves how to bring the decommissioned MILF forces to live normal lives.
She said the MNLF faction under Yusoph Jikiri and Misuari group, are also involved. The Jikiri group has three members in the BTC while OPAPP Undersecretary Nabil Tan is working with the group of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1165-women-leaders-from-region-12-armmm-vow-to-actively-support-the-passage-of-new-bangsamoro-bill
MILF: 'Fast track CAB-based BBL to put an end to Mindanao conflict': BDA Chair
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 30): 'Fast track CAB-based BBL to put an end to Mindanao conflict': BDA Chair
The chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) said the Government of the Philippines (GPH) must fast track the enactment of a CAB (Comprehensive Agreemen on the Bangsamoro)-based Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in able to put an end to Mindanao conflict.
“So if we want to really put an end to this Mindanao conflict, the government must fast track the immediate enactment of a CAB-based BBL and followed immediately by the shift to a federal form of government where the Bangsamoro State will become a component state of the Federal Republic of the Philippines,” Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, BDA Chairman, said in his speech during the Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) Closing on April 18, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City.
The GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had been engaged in peace talks from 1997 to 2014 seeking for the lasting solution to the decades of armed conflict in Southern Philipppines.
The CAB is the major output of the peace process which provides the passage of the BBL by the Philippine Congress that will lay down the foundations for the establishment of the Bangsamoro autonomous political entity with more fiscal and political powers.
Dipatuan said the Bangsamoro peace process is being faced by challenges brought by violent extremist groups like the Abu Sayaaf and the ISIS-leaning Maute Group from Lanao.
The BDA head believes that the ASG is the “product of the haphazard implementation of the GRP-MNLF peace agreements in 1976 and 1996” while the Maute came into being “due to the environment created by the failure of the 16th Congress of the Philippines to enact the BBL into law.”
“MTF-RDP helped us show the world that we are not a band of violent and war-freak individuals but a group of people committed to the attainment of durable peace and sustainable development of our communities ravaged by several decades of bloody armed conflict,” he stressed.
For more than a decade, MTF-RDP and had been partners in implementing various development projects in conflict affected and conflict vulnerable communities in Mindanao and the island provinces.
BDA, the economic arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was created une 2002 in pursuance of the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of the GPH-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of June 22, 2001.
The MTF-RDP, under the World Bank administered multi-donor fund ,was launched on March 27, 2006 with the aim to assist economic and social recovery in the conflict-affected and vulnerable areas of Mindanao.
It is supported by Australian Aid for International Development(AusAID), New Zealand Aid for International Development (NZAID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), United States Aid for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, and the European Union (EU).
Dignitaries and representatives from the donor agencies were present in the event. Edward Guerra represented the MILF Chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1167-fast-track-cab-based-bbl-to-put-an-end-to-mindanao-conflict-bda-chair
The chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) said the Government of the Philippines (GPH) must fast track the enactment of a CAB (Comprehensive Agreemen on the Bangsamoro)-based Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in able to put an end to Mindanao conflict.
The GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had been engaged in peace talks from 1997 to 2014 seeking for the lasting solution to the decades of armed conflict in Southern Philipppines.
The CAB is the major output of the peace process which provides the passage of the BBL by the Philippine Congress that will lay down the foundations for the establishment of the Bangsamoro autonomous political entity with more fiscal and political powers.
Dipatuan said the Bangsamoro peace process is being faced by challenges brought by violent extremist groups like the Abu Sayaaf and the ISIS-leaning Maute Group from Lanao.
The BDA head believes that the ASG is the “product of the haphazard implementation of the GRP-MNLF peace agreements in 1976 and 1996” while the Maute came into being “due to the environment created by the failure of the 16th Congress of the Philippines to enact the BBL into law.”
“MTF-RDP helped us show the world that we are not a band of violent and war-freak individuals but a group of people committed to the attainment of durable peace and sustainable development of our communities ravaged by several decades of bloody armed conflict,” he stressed.
For more than a decade, MTF-RDP and had been partners in implementing various development projects in conflict affected and conflict vulnerable communities in Mindanao and the island provinces.
BDA, the economic arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was created une 2002 in pursuance of the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of the GPH-MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of June 22, 2001.
The MTF-RDP, under the World Bank administered multi-donor fund ,was launched on March 27, 2006 with the aim to assist economic and social recovery in the conflict-affected and vulnerable areas of Mindanao.
It is supported by Australian Aid for International Development(AusAID), New Zealand Aid for International Development (NZAID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), United States Aid for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, and the European Union (EU).
Dignitaries and representatives from the donor agencies were present in the event. Edward Guerra represented the MILF Chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1167-fast-track-cab-based-bbl-to-put-an-end-to-mindanao-conflict-bda-chair
MILF: MNLF offers to help address problem with Abu Sayaaf
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 30): MNLF offers to help address problem with Abu Sayaaf
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has offered to help the Duterte administration address the problem with Abu Sayyaf bandits, said an online report by Philstar on April 29.
“We are willing to share information on the involvement of some law enforces and government officials in the illegal activities of Abu Sayaaf”, said MNLF Spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla.
“Police and military action against Abu Sayyaf bandits will not address kidnapping…unless their protectors are exposed,” Fontanilla also said.
Fontanilla added that, “Kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits involves government assets who pinpoint target areas and personalities”.
“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business because the victims, particularly foreigners, pay ransom for the release of their relatives. The ransom runs to millions of dollars,” Fontanilla said. “Everyone who kidnaps, shelters and negotiates for ransom gets his share.”
“Police Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza could be the key to identifying government officials with links to the Abu Sayyaf”, Fontanilla said.
“The arrest of Nobleza and her alleged Abu Sayyaf lover Reneer Lou Dongon confirmed rumors in Sulu and Basilan on the alleged collusion of the Abu Sayyaf with some people in government”, Philstar quoted Fontanila saying.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1168-mnlf-offers-to-help-address-problem-with-abu-sayaaf
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has offered to help the Duterte administration address the problem with Abu Sayyaf bandits, said an online report by Philstar on April 29.
“Police and military action against Abu Sayyaf bandits will not address kidnapping…unless their protectors are exposed,” Fontanilla also said.
Fontanilla added that, “Kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits involves government assets who pinpoint target areas and personalities”.
“Kidnapping has become a lucrative business because the victims, particularly foreigners, pay ransom for the release of their relatives. The ransom runs to millions of dollars,” Fontanilla said. “Everyone who kidnaps, shelters and negotiates for ransom gets his share.”
“Police Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza could be the key to identifying government officials with links to the Abu Sayyaf”, Fontanilla said.
“The arrest of Nobleza and her alleged Abu Sayyaf lover Reneer Lou Dongon confirmed rumors in Sulu and Basilan on the alleged collusion of the Abu Sayyaf with some people in government”, Philstar quoted Fontanila saying.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/1168-mnlf-offers-to-help-address-problem-with-abu-sayaaf
MILF: OPAPP Sec. Dureza, PNP Chief Bato urge police officers to coordinate with ceasefire mechanisms
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (May 1): OPAPP Sec. Dureza, PNP Chief Bato urge police officers to coordinate with ceasefire mechanisms
Sec. Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa have urged police officers to coordinate with the ceasefire mechanisms when they conduct law enforcement operations in conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro, an online report by Mindanews said on April 27.
During a Forum on GPH-MILF Peace Process in Davao City on April 26, both leaders said that coordination is a way to uphold and ensure the primacy of the peace process.
In the same forum Dureza urged top police officials from the conflict areas in the Bangsamoro and neighboring regions to always remember “the bigger goal” which is to “build peace in the land”.
“Yes we have operational targets, but hopefully we don’t run roughshod over the gains we have already achieved in the peace process,” he said.
Gen Bato on his part said, “Consult, consult, seek advice, seek advice. In case of doubt, you ask questions. Even if coordination will affect the success of the law enforcement operations (LEO) what is important is that we will not be blamed in the end.
Dureza said the forum, initiated by the PNP and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) was proposed by GPH Peace Implementitng Panel Chair Irene Santiago “to re-emphasize that as we engage the bad guys on the ground, there is a bigger higher consideration which is seeing to it that our engagement with those on the ground especially in the community level is the one given importance and priority.”
“I wanted an institutional response so that we don’t have a micro or macro Mamasapano again,” Santiago told MindaNews.
A major lesson in non-coordination was the Mamasapano Tragedy of January 25, 2015 when the PNP’s Special Action Forces (SAF) conducted a LEO in Mamasapano without coordinating with the ceasefire mechanisms or the Army in the area and left 66 persons dead, 44 of them from the SAF, 17 from the MILF and five civilians.
According to the Mindanews report, Santiago gave updates on the GPH-MILF peace process, Brig. Gen. Earl Baliao, chair of the GPH-CCCH presented an overview of the CCCH mechanism while Police Chief Supt. Pierre Bucsit, GPH-AHJAG chair, talked about the AHJAg mechanism.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Western Mindanao Chief, Brig. Gen. Ariel dela Vega Commander of the 6th Infantry Division, and Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for GPH CCCH and AHJAG shared their experiences on the benefits of coordination.
Galvez, a member and later chief of the government peace panel’s CCCH before he became 6th Infantry Division chief and eventually the WestMinCom chief, also stressed the need for soldiers and the police to understand the historical and cultural contexts of the conflict.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1169-opapp-sec-dureza-pnp-chief-bato-urge-police-officers-to-coordinate-with-ceasefire-mechanisms
Sec. Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa have urged police officers to coordinate with the ceasefire mechanisms when they conduct law enforcement operations in conflict-affected areas in the Bangsamoro, an online report by Mindanews said on April 27.
In the same forum Dureza urged top police officials from the conflict areas in the Bangsamoro and neighboring regions to always remember “the bigger goal” which is to “build peace in the land”.
“Yes we have operational targets, but hopefully we don’t run roughshod over the gains we have already achieved in the peace process,” he said.
Gen Bato on his part said, “Consult, consult, seek advice, seek advice. In case of doubt, you ask questions. Even if coordination will affect the success of the law enforcement operations (LEO) what is important is that we will not be blamed in the end.
Dureza said the forum, initiated by the PNP and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) was proposed by GPH Peace Implementitng Panel Chair Irene Santiago “to re-emphasize that as we engage the bad guys on the ground, there is a bigger higher consideration which is seeing to it that our engagement with those on the ground especially in the community level is the one given importance and priority.”
“I wanted an institutional response so that we don’t have a micro or macro Mamasapano again,” Santiago told MindaNews.
A major lesson in non-coordination was the Mamasapano Tragedy of January 25, 2015 when the PNP’s Special Action Forces (SAF) conducted a LEO in Mamasapano without coordinating with the ceasefire mechanisms or the Army in the area and left 66 persons dead, 44 of them from the SAF, 17 from the MILF and five civilians.
According to the Mindanews report, Santiago gave updates on the GPH-MILF peace process, Brig. Gen. Earl Baliao, chair of the GPH-CCCH presented an overview of the CCCH mechanism while Police Chief Supt. Pierre Bucsit, GPH-AHJAG chair, talked about the AHJAg mechanism.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Western Mindanao Chief, Brig. Gen. Ariel dela Vega Commander of the 6th Infantry Division, and Director Carlos Sol of the Combined Secretariat for GPH CCCH and AHJAG shared their experiences on the benefits of coordination.
Galvez, a member and later chief of the government peace panel’s CCCH before he became 6th Infantry Division chief and eventually the WestMinCom chief, also stressed the need for soldiers and the police to understand the historical and cultural contexts of the conflict.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1169-opapp-sec-dureza-pnp-chief-bato-urge-police-officers-to-coordinate-with-ceasefire-mechanisms
CPP: Mga hamon sa Partido at sa uring manggagawang Pilipino
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 1):
Mga hamon sa Partido at sa uring manggagawang Pilipino
Mensahe ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa uring manggagawang Pilipino sa Mayo 1, 2017
Mga hamon sa Partido at sa uring manggagawang Pilipino
Communist Party of the Philippines
1 May 2017
Bilang taliba ng uring manggagawang Pilipino, nakikiisa ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) sa paggunita sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Manggagawa. Sa araw na ito, marapat magbalik-tanaw at humalaw ng mga aral sa mahigit isandaantaon ng mga pakikibakang manggagawa upang bigyang-liwanag ang daan ng mga pakikibakang
manggagawa sa mga darating na panahon.
Walang katapusan ang pagdurusa ng masang anakpawis sa ilalim ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema sa Pilipinas at pandaigdigang sistemang kapitalista.
Pasan-pasan nila ang mababang sahod, malawakang disempleyo, tagibang na mga kontrata at mapang-aping kalagayan sa pagtatrabaho. Sa kanayunan, pinagdurusahan
nila ang iba’t ibang anyo ng pyudal at malapyudal na pagsasamantala, kawalan ng lupa at pang-aagaw ng malalaking asendero, plantasyon at mga minahan.
Sumasadsad ang kabuhayan ng masang anakpawis sa harap ng mabilis na pagpaimbulog ng presyo ng pagkain, pamasahe, gamot, matrikula, serbisyong pangkalusugan,
komunikasyon at iba pang pangangailangan. Dumaranas sila ng kahirapan at gutom, kawalan ng disenteng pabahay at kuryente, kakulangan ng malinis na tubig,
laganap na mga sakit at mga epidemya.
Ang masang manggagawang Pilipino ay hinambalos ng apat na dekada ng mga patakarang neoliberal. Upang akitin ang mga dayuhang kapitalistang mamumuhunan, pinigilan ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa, sinupil ang kanilang karapatang mag-unyon at magwelga, pinahahaba ang oras ng paggawa lampas sa dating nakatakdang walong oras kada araw at binaklas ang iba pang mga regulasyon para pangalagaan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga manggagawa.
Ginamit laban sa mga manggagawa ang Herrera Law, ang Wage Rationalization Act at iba pang mga batas at kautusan na nagbigay-daan sa rehiyunalisasyon ng pagtakda ng sahod (mula sa dating pambansang minimum na sahod), ang sistema ng kontraktwal na paggawa, ang “two-tier” na sistemang pasahod, at maraming iba pa
hakbanging anti-manggagawa.
Lahat ng anti-manggagawang mga hakbanging ito ay pabor sa layunin ng malalaking burgesyang komprador at kanilang mga kasabwat na dayong malalaking kapitalista
na humuthot at magkamal ng tubo mula sa lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawa. Habang lumaki nang lumaki ang yaman ng mga kapitalista, dumarami naman nang dumarami
ang mga manggagawa at anakpawis na nasadlak sa kahirapan.
Ang lahat ng pangakong pagbabago at kaunlaran ng sunud-sunod na mga rehimen, mula kay Marcos hanggang sa nagdaang rehimeng Aquino, ay pawang mga salitang
pampalubag-loob lamang sa masang anakpawis. Wala pang ipinakikita ang kasalukuyang rehimeng Duterte na naiiba ito sa mga nakaraang rehimen.
Ang sumasahol nang sumasahol na kalagayan ng mga manggagawa sa ilalim ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema ay nagdidiin sa kawastuhan at pangangailangan para sa pambansa-demokratikong pagbabago sa lipunang Pilipino.
IKINALULUGOD NG PARTIDO na iulat sa masang manggagawang Pilipino ang matagumpay na pagdaraos ng Ikalawang Kongreso ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas noong huling kwarto ng 2016. Sa pamamagitan ng Ikalawang Kongreso, ibayong napatatag ang Partido bilang instrumento ng uring manggagawa para sa pamumuno sa rebolusyong Pilipino.
Sa pamamagitan ng Ikalawang Kongreso nito, higit na pinatatag ang Partido at lalong pinanday ang determinasyon at kakayahan nitong pamunuan ang masang
manggagawa at buong sambayanang Pilipino sa landas ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa pamamagitan ng matagalang digmang bayan.
Umiiral ang obhetibong kundisyon para ilang ulit na palakasin ng uring manggagawang Pilipino ang kanilang organisadong hanay at paigtingin ang kanilang mga pakikibaka. Madali silang napupukaw sa pangangailangang manindigan at kumilos para isulong ang kanilang interes at ang pambansa-demokratikong layunin ng buong bayan. Handa nilang harapin ang mga sakripisyo at kahirapan sa pagsisikap na ibalik at higitan ang dating lakas at labanan ang papalalang anyo
ng pagsasamantala at pang-aapi.
Sa tanglaw at inspirasyon ng Ikalawang Kongreso, puspusan nating isulong ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang manggagawa. Hamon sa buong Partido at sa lahat ng mga
manggagawang Pilipino ang sumusunod na tungkulin:
1. Pakilusin ang milyun-milyong manggagawa sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon para wakasan ang mapang-api at mapagsamantalang malakolonyal at malapyudal na
lipunan at ihanda ang kundisyon para sa sosyalistang kinabukasan. Buklurin ang uring manggagawa sa likod ng programa ng Partido para sa pambansang paglaya mula
sa imperyalismong US at para sa panlipunang paglaya sa pamamagitan ng tunay na reporma sa lupa.
2. Puspusang mag-aral ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, ang ideolohiya ng uring manggagawa na nagtuturo ng maka-uring paninindigan, pananaw at pamamaraan.
Palaganapin ang mga sulating Marxista-Leninista tulad ng Manipestong Komunista at Sahod, Presyo at Tubo para malawakang pag-aralan ng mga manggagawa. Ilunsad
ang mga seminar at grupong talakayan para sa pag-aaral ng proletaryong ideolohiya. Isulong ang kilusang pag-aaral tungkol sa sosyalistang rebolusyon sa
okasyon ng ika-100 taon ng tagumpay ng Rebolusyong Bolshevik sa Russia ngayong Oktubre 24-Nobyembre 7 at kaakibat ng paggunita sa ika-200 taon ng kapanganakan
ni Karl Marx sa Mayo 5, 2018.
3. Malawakang rekrutin ang mga aktibistang manggagawa sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Kailangang madagdagan ng ilampung libong manggagawa ang kasapian ng Partido sa mga darating na taon upang gampanan ang papabigat na mga responsibilidad sa pamumuno sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.
4. Malawak na organisahin ang masang manggagawa, maging ang mga kontraktwal na manggagawa sa mga unyon bilang pangunahing sandata para ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga interes. Buuin ang samahan ng libu-libong mga manggagawa sa mga engklabo at mga pamayanang manggagawa. Isagawa ang mga imbestigasyon sa kalagayan ng mga manggagawa sa mga engklabo at iba pang empresa, ilantad ang iba’t ibang anyo ng pagsasamantala upang pag-alabin ang diwang mapanlaban.
5. Ilunsad ang mga pakikibakang manggagawa sa daan-daang mga pabrika, empresa, mga plantasyon at minahan para sa umento sa sahod at para igiit na gawing
regular ang mga manggagawang kontraktwal. Malawakang ilunsad ang mga welga at iba’t ibang anyo ng pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa para labanan ang iba’t ibang anyo ng papatinding pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa mga manggagawa.
6. Palakasin ang sama-samang pakikibaka ng masang manggagawa para ibasura ang Herrera Law at iba pang mga batas at kautusang anti-manggagawa. Isigaw ang
pagbabasura sa kontraktwalisasyon. Ipaglaban ang pambansang minimum na sahod at igiit ang umento sa sahod. Labanan ang patakaran ng pagluluwas ng mga
manggagawa. Itaguyod ang karapatan at kagalingan ng mga migranteng manggagawang Pilipino. Singilin ang obligasyon ng estado na tiyaking lahat ay may trabaho.
7. Pag-alabin ang patriyotismo ng masang manggagawa. Ilantad ang dominasyon ng imperyalismong US sa pulitika, militar at dayuhang patakarang panlabas. Ilantad at labanan ang mga base militar at presensya ng mga sundalong Amerikano sa Pilipinas at igiit ang pagbabasura sa mga tagibang na tratadong militar. Ilantad ang kontrol at pagkasangkapan nito sa AFP sa “counter-insurgency” upang supilin ang mga pwersang anti-imperyalista at gamitin ang mga kagamitang pandigmang angkat mula sa US.
8. Itaas ang kamulatang anti-imperyalista ng masang manggagawa. Ilantad at batikusin ang dominasyon ng imperyalismo sa ekonomya, sa pamumuhunan at kalakalan, at sa pagpigil nito ng kaunlaran at pagsulong. Ilantad at batikusin ang dominasyon at kontrol ng mga dayuhang malalaking kapitalista sa mga kasangkapan sa produksyon na gamit para kamkamin ang yaman ng bansa at huthutin ang supertubo mula sa lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawa.
9. Mahigpit na makipagkaisa sa mga pakikibakang magsasaka. Dapat maging bahagi ng araw-araw na kamulatan ng mga unyon at samahang manggagawa ang pagsuporta sa mga pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa at laban sa iba’t ibang anyo ng pang-aapi sa masang magsasaka. Pakilusin ang libu-libong manggagawa para magtungo sa kanayunan para tumulong sa mga pakikibakang magsasaka. Dapat tuluy-tuloy na ilantad at labanan ang militarisasyon at digmang mapanupil ng AFP laban sa masang magsasaka.
10. Magrekrut ng libu-libong manggagawa para sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ang pinakakonsentradong anyo ng batayang alyansa ng mga uring manggagawa at magsasaka. Kailangang kailangan ng lumalaki at lumalawak na BHB ang bagong mga kumander at mandirigma mula sa uring manggagawa (at petiburgesyang lungsod) upang mamuno sa papalaking mga tungkulin sa pagsulong ng digmang bayan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170501-mga-hamon-sa-partido-at-sa-uring-manggagawang-pilipino
Mga hamon sa Partido at sa uring manggagawang Pilipino
Mensahe ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa uring manggagawang Pilipino sa Mayo 1, 2017
Mga hamon sa Partido at sa uring manggagawang Pilipino
Communist Party of the Philippines
1 May 2017
Bilang taliba ng uring manggagawang Pilipino, nakikiisa ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) sa paggunita sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Manggagawa. Sa araw na ito, marapat magbalik-tanaw at humalaw ng mga aral sa mahigit isandaantaon ng mga pakikibakang manggagawa upang bigyang-liwanag ang daan ng mga pakikibakang
manggagawa sa mga darating na panahon.
Walang katapusan ang pagdurusa ng masang anakpawis sa ilalim ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema sa Pilipinas at pandaigdigang sistemang kapitalista.
Pasan-pasan nila ang mababang sahod, malawakang disempleyo, tagibang na mga kontrata at mapang-aping kalagayan sa pagtatrabaho. Sa kanayunan, pinagdurusahan
nila ang iba’t ibang anyo ng pyudal at malapyudal na pagsasamantala, kawalan ng lupa at pang-aagaw ng malalaking asendero, plantasyon at mga minahan.
Sumasadsad ang kabuhayan ng masang anakpawis sa harap ng mabilis na pagpaimbulog ng presyo ng pagkain, pamasahe, gamot, matrikula, serbisyong pangkalusugan,
komunikasyon at iba pang pangangailangan. Dumaranas sila ng kahirapan at gutom, kawalan ng disenteng pabahay at kuryente, kakulangan ng malinis na tubig,
laganap na mga sakit at mga epidemya.
Ang masang manggagawang Pilipino ay hinambalos ng apat na dekada ng mga patakarang neoliberal. Upang akitin ang mga dayuhang kapitalistang mamumuhunan, pinigilan ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa, sinupil ang kanilang karapatang mag-unyon at magwelga, pinahahaba ang oras ng paggawa lampas sa dating nakatakdang walong oras kada araw at binaklas ang iba pang mga regulasyon para pangalagaan ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga manggagawa.
Ginamit laban sa mga manggagawa ang Herrera Law, ang Wage Rationalization Act at iba pang mga batas at kautusan na nagbigay-daan sa rehiyunalisasyon ng pagtakda ng sahod (mula sa dating pambansang minimum na sahod), ang sistema ng kontraktwal na paggawa, ang “two-tier” na sistemang pasahod, at maraming iba pa
hakbanging anti-manggagawa.
Lahat ng anti-manggagawang mga hakbanging ito ay pabor sa layunin ng malalaking burgesyang komprador at kanilang mga kasabwat na dayong malalaking kapitalista
na humuthot at magkamal ng tubo mula sa lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawa. Habang lumaki nang lumaki ang yaman ng mga kapitalista, dumarami naman nang dumarami
ang mga manggagawa at anakpawis na nasadlak sa kahirapan.
Ang lahat ng pangakong pagbabago at kaunlaran ng sunud-sunod na mga rehimen, mula kay Marcos hanggang sa nagdaang rehimeng Aquino, ay pawang mga salitang
pampalubag-loob lamang sa masang anakpawis. Wala pang ipinakikita ang kasalukuyang rehimeng Duterte na naiiba ito sa mga nakaraang rehimen.
Ang sumasahol nang sumasahol na kalagayan ng mga manggagawa sa ilalim ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema ay nagdidiin sa kawastuhan at pangangailangan para sa pambansa-demokratikong pagbabago sa lipunang Pilipino.
IKINALULUGOD NG PARTIDO na iulat sa masang manggagawang Pilipino ang matagumpay na pagdaraos ng Ikalawang Kongreso ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas noong huling kwarto ng 2016. Sa pamamagitan ng Ikalawang Kongreso, ibayong napatatag ang Partido bilang instrumento ng uring manggagawa para sa pamumuno sa rebolusyong Pilipino.
Sa pamamagitan ng Ikalawang Kongreso nito, higit na pinatatag ang Partido at lalong pinanday ang determinasyon at kakayahan nitong pamunuan ang masang
manggagawa at buong sambayanang Pilipino sa landas ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa pamamagitan ng matagalang digmang bayan.
Umiiral ang obhetibong kundisyon para ilang ulit na palakasin ng uring manggagawang Pilipino ang kanilang organisadong hanay at paigtingin ang kanilang mga pakikibaka. Madali silang napupukaw sa pangangailangang manindigan at kumilos para isulong ang kanilang interes at ang pambansa-demokratikong layunin ng buong bayan. Handa nilang harapin ang mga sakripisyo at kahirapan sa pagsisikap na ibalik at higitan ang dating lakas at labanan ang papalalang anyo
ng pagsasamantala at pang-aapi.
Sa tanglaw at inspirasyon ng Ikalawang Kongreso, puspusan nating isulong ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang manggagawa. Hamon sa buong Partido at sa lahat ng mga
manggagawang Pilipino ang sumusunod na tungkulin:
1. Pakilusin ang milyun-milyong manggagawa sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon para wakasan ang mapang-api at mapagsamantalang malakolonyal at malapyudal na
lipunan at ihanda ang kundisyon para sa sosyalistang kinabukasan. Buklurin ang uring manggagawa sa likod ng programa ng Partido para sa pambansang paglaya mula
sa imperyalismong US at para sa panlipunang paglaya sa pamamagitan ng tunay na reporma sa lupa.
2. Puspusang mag-aral ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, ang ideolohiya ng uring manggagawa na nagtuturo ng maka-uring paninindigan, pananaw at pamamaraan.
Palaganapin ang mga sulating Marxista-Leninista tulad ng Manipestong Komunista at Sahod, Presyo at Tubo para malawakang pag-aralan ng mga manggagawa. Ilunsad
ang mga seminar at grupong talakayan para sa pag-aaral ng proletaryong ideolohiya. Isulong ang kilusang pag-aaral tungkol sa sosyalistang rebolusyon sa
okasyon ng ika-100 taon ng tagumpay ng Rebolusyong Bolshevik sa Russia ngayong Oktubre 24-Nobyembre 7 at kaakibat ng paggunita sa ika-200 taon ng kapanganakan
ni Karl Marx sa Mayo 5, 2018.
3. Malawakang rekrutin ang mga aktibistang manggagawa sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Kailangang madagdagan ng ilampung libong manggagawa ang kasapian ng Partido sa mga darating na taon upang gampanan ang papabigat na mga responsibilidad sa pamumuno sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.
4. Malawak na organisahin ang masang manggagawa, maging ang mga kontraktwal na manggagawa sa mga unyon bilang pangunahing sandata para ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga interes. Buuin ang samahan ng libu-libong mga manggagawa sa mga engklabo at mga pamayanang manggagawa. Isagawa ang mga imbestigasyon sa kalagayan ng mga manggagawa sa mga engklabo at iba pang empresa, ilantad ang iba’t ibang anyo ng pagsasamantala upang pag-alabin ang diwang mapanlaban.
5. Ilunsad ang mga pakikibakang manggagawa sa daan-daang mga pabrika, empresa, mga plantasyon at minahan para sa umento sa sahod at para igiit na gawing
regular ang mga manggagawang kontraktwal. Malawakang ilunsad ang mga welga at iba’t ibang anyo ng pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa para labanan ang iba’t ibang anyo ng papatinding pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa mga manggagawa.
6. Palakasin ang sama-samang pakikibaka ng masang manggagawa para ibasura ang Herrera Law at iba pang mga batas at kautusang anti-manggagawa. Isigaw ang
pagbabasura sa kontraktwalisasyon. Ipaglaban ang pambansang minimum na sahod at igiit ang umento sa sahod. Labanan ang patakaran ng pagluluwas ng mga
manggagawa. Itaguyod ang karapatan at kagalingan ng mga migranteng manggagawang Pilipino. Singilin ang obligasyon ng estado na tiyaking lahat ay may trabaho.
7. Pag-alabin ang patriyotismo ng masang manggagawa. Ilantad ang dominasyon ng imperyalismong US sa pulitika, militar at dayuhang patakarang panlabas. Ilantad at labanan ang mga base militar at presensya ng mga sundalong Amerikano sa Pilipinas at igiit ang pagbabasura sa mga tagibang na tratadong militar. Ilantad ang kontrol at pagkasangkapan nito sa AFP sa “counter-insurgency” upang supilin ang mga pwersang anti-imperyalista at gamitin ang mga kagamitang pandigmang angkat mula sa US.
8. Itaas ang kamulatang anti-imperyalista ng masang manggagawa. Ilantad at batikusin ang dominasyon ng imperyalismo sa ekonomya, sa pamumuhunan at kalakalan, at sa pagpigil nito ng kaunlaran at pagsulong. Ilantad at batikusin ang dominasyon at kontrol ng mga dayuhang malalaking kapitalista sa mga kasangkapan sa produksyon na gamit para kamkamin ang yaman ng bansa at huthutin ang supertubo mula sa lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawa.
9. Mahigpit na makipagkaisa sa mga pakikibakang magsasaka. Dapat maging bahagi ng araw-araw na kamulatan ng mga unyon at samahang manggagawa ang pagsuporta sa mga pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa at laban sa iba’t ibang anyo ng pang-aapi sa masang magsasaka. Pakilusin ang libu-libong manggagawa para magtungo sa kanayunan para tumulong sa mga pakikibakang magsasaka. Dapat tuluy-tuloy na ilantad at labanan ang militarisasyon at digmang mapanupil ng AFP laban sa masang magsasaka.
10. Magrekrut ng libu-libong manggagawa para sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ang pinakakonsentradong anyo ng batayang alyansa ng mga uring manggagawa at magsasaka. Kailangang kailangan ng lumalaki at lumalawak na BHB ang bagong mga kumander at mandirigma mula sa uring manggagawa (at petiburgesyang lungsod) upang mamuno sa papalaking mga tungkulin sa pagsulong ng digmang bayan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170501-mga-hamon-sa-partido-at-sa-uring-manggagawang-pilipino
Daesh claims Manila carnival blast
From The Gulf News (Apr 30): Daesh claims Manila carnival blast
Authorities dismiss it as a fight between two groups and that the terror group is trying to use the incident to its advantage
Suspected local agents of Daesh have claimed responsibility for the Friday attack in downtown Manila that wounded 14 people. Authorities, however, dismiss the claim saying that the group is exploiting the incident for its own purposes.
The SITE Intelligence Group, citing a report by the Amaq News Agency, said Daesh has claimed responsibility for the Friday attack at a travelling carnival in Quiapo district.
“The so-called Islamic State [Daesh] has claimed the bombing in a busy Manila district on Friday night, the group’s news agency reported, contradicting police statements that it was not connected to terrorism,” SITE said.
Amaq News Agency is a suspected propaganda mouthpiece of the Middle East and North Africa-based terror group.
Initial reports issued by Philippine officials said a pipe bomb was used in the blast. Videos and photographs on the incident and the damage and injuries it caused were circulated in local sharing sites.
The explosion took place in front of the Tower Lodging House in Soler Street and Quezon Boulevard.
The incident also occurred as the Philippines capital was hosting the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc.
But Police Director Oscar Albayalde, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the incident is not related to the Philippines’ hosting of the international event. He said initial investigations indicate it was a fight between two warring street gangs.
“The fight happened when a 14-year-old boy was mauled by three youngsters the night before. The father of the boy retaliated by throwing a pipe bomb at a group of youngsters in the area,” Albayalde said.
He added the police are already hunting down the person responsible for the blast. he said the bomb was made out of crude materials such as a galvanised iron pipe and gunpowder from readily accessible firecrackers.
Albayalde said Daesh are militants are “taking advantage of the incident to promote their cause”.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana likewise shrugged off claims that Daesh had a hand in the blast.
Several terror incidents in the Philippines had been attributed to the Daesh through the Maute group, which operates in Lanao, the Western Mindanao-based Abu Sayyaf as well as the Rajah Soliman Group, an organisation of Muslim converts.
During the Asean meeting, Manila has placed on alert some 40,000 members of the police and the armed forces to secure the summit site.
Quiapo is located at an area known to Christians as well as Muslims. It is where the Quiapo Church and the Golden Mosque is situated.
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/daesh-claims-manila-carnival-blast-1.2019551
Authorities dismiss it as a fight between two groups and that the terror group is trying to use the incident to its advantage
Suspected local agents of Daesh have claimed responsibility for the Friday attack in downtown Manila that wounded 14 people. Authorities, however, dismiss the claim saying that the group is exploiting the incident for its own purposes.
The SITE Intelligence Group, citing a report by the Amaq News Agency, said Daesh has claimed responsibility for the Friday attack at a travelling carnival in Quiapo district.
“The so-called Islamic State [Daesh] has claimed the bombing in a busy Manila district on Friday night, the group’s news agency reported, contradicting police statements that it was not connected to terrorism,” SITE said.
Amaq News Agency is a suspected propaganda mouthpiece of the Middle East and North Africa-based terror group.
Initial reports issued by Philippine officials said a pipe bomb was used in the blast. Videos and photographs on the incident and the damage and injuries it caused were circulated in local sharing sites.
The explosion took place in front of the Tower Lodging House in Soler Street and Quezon Boulevard.
The incident also occurred as the Philippines capital was hosting the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional bloc.
But Police Director Oscar Albayalde, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the incident is not related to the Philippines’ hosting of the international event. He said initial investigations indicate it was a fight between two warring street gangs.
“The fight happened when a 14-year-old boy was mauled by three youngsters the night before. The father of the boy retaliated by throwing a pipe bomb at a group of youngsters in the area,” Albayalde said.
He added the police are already hunting down the person responsible for the blast. he said the bomb was made out of crude materials such as a galvanised iron pipe and gunpowder from readily accessible firecrackers.
Albayalde said Daesh are militants are “taking advantage of the incident to promote their cause”.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana likewise shrugged off claims that Daesh had a hand in the blast.
Several terror incidents in the Philippines had been attributed to the Daesh through the Maute group, which operates in Lanao, the Western Mindanao-based Abu Sayyaf as well as the Rajah Soliman Group, an organisation of Muslim converts.
During the Asean meeting, Manila has placed on alert some 40,000 members of the police and the armed forces to secure the summit site.
Quiapo is located at an area known to Christians as well as Muslims. It is where the Quiapo Church and the Golden Mosque is situated.
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/daesh-claims-manila-carnival-blast-1.2019551
NPAs free captive Army soldier in Surigao del Norte
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 30): NPAs free captive Army soldier in Surigao del Norte
The New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Saturday afternoon finally freed an Army soldier held captive for three months in Surigao del Norte province.
Surigao del Norte | credit wikipedia | Manila Bulletin
Released was Private First Class Erwin Salan of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battallion (30th IB).
He was freed at around 3 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Caman-an, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte province.
Before the turn-over event, Salan underwent a medical checkup that found him in good physical condition.
Salan was received by third-party facilitator led by Bishop Rey Timbang and provincial government officials from the custodial force of guerilla-Front Committee 16 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Certain “Ka Oto” spokesperson of guerilla-Front Committee 16 said Salan’s release was in support of the resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and CPP-NDF.
Salan’s immediate kin was there to welcome him back.
He was reunited with his family in a simple turnover ceremony that turned emotional for the soldier’s kin.
In his brief remark, Salan said he was thankful to local crisis management committee, local officials and religious group and all those who helped in facilitating his release.
He said the rebels treated him well and he was looking forward to reporting back to work at his mother unit, the 30th IB.
Salan was abducted by some 15 armed NPAs while conducting forest clean up drive, along with youth volunteers within the vicinity of Lumondo Falls, in Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29, 2017.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/30/npas-free-captive-army-soldier-in-surigao-del-norte/
The New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Saturday afternoon finally freed an Army soldier held captive for three months in Surigao del Norte province.
Surigao del Norte | credit wikipedia | Manila Bulletin
Released was Private First Class Erwin Salan of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battallion (30th IB).
He was freed at around 3 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Caman-an, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte province.
Before the turn-over event, Salan underwent a medical checkup that found him in good physical condition.
Salan was received by third-party facilitator led by Bishop Rey Timbang and provincial government officials from the custodial force of guerilla-Front Committee 16 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Certain “Ka Oto” spokesperson of guerilla-Front Committee 16 said Salan’s release was in support of the resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and CPP-NDF.
Salan’s immediate kin was there to welcome him back.
He was reunited with his family in a simple turnover ceremony that turned emotional for the soldier’s kin.
In his brief remark, Salan said he was thankful to local crisis management committee, local officials and religious group and all those who helped in facilitating his release.
He said the rebels treated him well and he was looking forward to reporting back to work at his mother unit, the 30th IB.
Salan was abducted by some 15 armed NPAs while conducting forest clean up drive, along with youth volunteers within the vicinity of Lumondo Falls, in Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29, 2017.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/30/npas-free-captive-army-soldier-in-surigao-del-norte/
Philippines govt distributes farming tools among separatist rebels as part of peace building programme
From the International Business Times (Apr 30): Philippines govt distributes farming tools among separatist rebels as part of peace building programme
Philippine government peace negotiator, Irene Santiago, turned over sets of farming equipment to a group of separatist rebels, this month, during a simple ceremony held in Butig in the province of Lanao del Sur - one of Philippine's stronghold of separatist rebels. Santiago, during the turnover ceremony, said that we have to do everything we can to attain development in this community.
There have been few projects launched recently for the separatist rebels. This includes water system, solar dryer, warehouse, rice mill, concrete pathways, box culverts and alternative learning systems in rebel-controlled villages.
Government assistance
The project assistance was part of the peace building programmes between the Philippine government and the 15,000-member organisation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in compliance to the Annex on Normalisation of the Comprehensive agreement on the Bansamoro. The assistance was made possible through the support of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development program.
Effects
Early last month, 126 MILF combatants also begun to surrender their firearms to the government in exchange for farm tools and farm animals as part of the peace building process between the Duterte government and the MILF.
The decommissioning of the firearms ceremony, which is also a part of 2014 peace agreement, was held in a MILF camp. However, the positives impact did not happen overnight. The negotiation started as early as 2001 when the Philippine government initiated the peace talks and invited the Malaysian government to serve as a third party facilitator, as a part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
Veteran MILF fighter Jacob Palao, 56, was fighting Philippine soldiers three times a week, but later tearfully gave up his firearms to the government and got farm implements in return to start a productive farming life. "I thought about it but I didn't expect it to come too soon," Palao was quoted by the Philippine Star.
125 other MILF combatants also joined Palao and gave away their firearms to the Philippine government in a ceremony held at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat this month.
Earlier, hundreds of MILF fighters also turned some high-powered firearms to the government to prove the MILF's sincerity in cooperating with the Philippine government to achieve lasting security in the country.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has put the peace process with the MILF as his priority program and said that he would like to attain the lasting peace before his constitutional term ends in 2022.
Who were the MILF?
The MILF was a revolutionary organisation, which broke away from its umbrella organization, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977 when the latter was granted a semi-autonomy government, brokered by then Libya leader Maumar Gaddafi.
Since the 1970s, the clashed with the rebels claimed more than 150,000 lives from both sides. In September 1996, the MNLF struck a peace deal with the Philippine government but the MILF continued their struggle until 2001 when the Philippine government started to initiate another peace talks.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/philippines-govt-distributes-farming-tools-among-separatist-rebels-part-peace-building-programme-9647
Philippine government peace negotiator, Irene Santiago, turned over sets of farming equipment to a group of separatist rebels, this month, during a simple ceremony held in Butig in the province of Lanao del Sur - one of Philippine's stronghold of separatist rebels. Santiago, during the turnover ceremony, said that we have to do everything we can to attain development in this community.
There have been few projects launched recently for the separatist rebels. This includes water system, solar dryer, warehouse, rice mill, concrete pathways, box culverts and alternative learning systems in rebel-controlled villages.
Government assistance
The project assistance was part of the peace building programmes between the Philippine government and the 15,000-member organisation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in compliance to the Annex on Normalisation of the Comprehensive agreement on the Bansamoro. The assistance was made possible through the support of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development program.
Effects
Early last month, 126 MILF combatants also begun to surrender their firearms to the government in exchange for farm tools and farm animals as part of the peace building process between the Duterte government and the MILF.
The decommissioning of the firearms ceremony, which is also a part of 2014 peace agreement, was held in a MILF camp. However, the positives impact did not happen overnight. The negotiation started as early as 2001 when the Philippine government initiated the peace talks and invited the Malaysian government to serve as a third party facilitator, as a part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
Veteran MILF fighter Jacob Palao, 56, was fighting Philippine soldiers three times a week, but later tearfully gave up his firearms to the government and got farm implements in return to start a productive farming life. "I thought about it but I didn't expect it to come too soon," Palao was quoted by the Philippine Star.
125 other MILF combatants also joined Palao and gave away their firearms to the Philippine government in a ceremony held at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat this month.
Earlier, hundreds of MILF fighters also turned some high-powered firearms to the government to prove the MILF's sincerity in cooperating with the Philippine government to achieve lasting security in the country.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has put the peace process with the MILF as his priority program and said that he would like to attain the lasting peace before his constitutional term ends in 2022.
Who were the MILF?
The MILF was a revolutionary organisation, which broke away from its umbrella organization, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1977 when the latter was granted a semi-autonomy government, brokered by then Libya leader Maumar Gaddafi.
Since the 1970s, the clashed with the rebels claimed more than 150,000 lives from both sides. In September 1996, the MNLF struck a peace deal with the Philippine government but the MILF continued their struggle until 2001 when the Philippine government started to initiate another peace talks.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/philippines-govt-distributes-farming-tools-among-separatist-rebels-part-peace-building-programme-9647
Philippines, US troops to hold drills near Benham
From the Philippine Star (Apr 30): Philippines, US troops to hold drills near Benham
Filipino and American troops will launch a naval disaster drill off Casiguran, Aurora near Benham Rise during this year’s joint Balikatan military exercises. US Defense Department/Released
Filipino and American troops will launch a naval disaster drill off Casiguran, Aurora near Benham Rise during this year’s joint Balikatan military exercises.
Officials said the joint military exercises would now focus on humanitarian response drills.
Filipino and American troops will launch a naval disaster drill off Casiguran, Aurora near Benham Rise during this year’s joint Balikatan military exercises.
Officials said the joint military exercises would now focus on humanitarian response drills.
Dubbed as Civil-Military Activities from the Sea (CMA-S), the joint naval disaster maneuver will be conducted off the coastal areas of the country’s eastern seaboard.
This year’s Balikatan will involve units of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Our ships with the US and the PCG will navigate from Subic Bay and they will be passing by the waters off Zambales, Cagayan Valley on their way to Casiguran, Aurora for launching of the sea-based disaster response scenario,” Balikatan spokesman for the Philippines Maj. Frank Sayson said.
Sayson said the joint disaster naval exercise along the Pacific coastline from Subic is expected to start on May 7 and be completed with a week.
Culminating event for the CMA-S drills is the landing of relief items and supplies in the coastal area of Casiguran on May 15.
“I cannot tell you yet how many assets will be committed by the participants but definitely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be fielding many for this activity,” Sayson said.
Casiguran is among the remotest towns in the eastern seaboard nearest to Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean. The town is often in the path of the powerful storms blowing in from the Pacific.
This year’s Balikatan will involve units of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Our ships with the US and the PCG will navigate from Subic Bay and they will be passing by the waters off Zambales, Cagayan Valley on their way to Casiguran, Aurora for launching of the sea-based disaster response scenario,” Balikatan spokesman for the Philippines Maj. Frank Sayson said.
Sayson said the joint disaster naval exercise along the Pacific coastline from Subic is expected to start on May 7 and be completed with a week.
Culminating event for the CMA-S drills is the landing of relief items and supplies in the coastal area of Casiguran on May 15.
“I cannot tell you yet how many assets will be committed by the participants but definitely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be fielding many for this activity,” Sayson said.
Casiguran is among the remotest towns in the eastern seaboard nearest to Benham Rise in the Pacific Ocean. The town is often in the path of the powerful storms blowing in from the Pacific.
A separate joint quake disaster response drill in an urban setting will also be undertaken by combined Filipino and American troops at the headquarters of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
Foreign and local observers were invited to the event on May 12.
Sayson said the planners of this year’s Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder) agreed that both Filipino and US forces must harness not only their fighting skills but also their disaster response capabilities.
Sayson said the joint quake disaster response drill is most important to Filipino troops as the Philippines is prone to earthquakes, being situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The AFP has committed several of its engineering units to join the quake disaster response drill.
President Duterte has ordered this year’s Balikatan to focus more on humanitarian and disaster response activities instead of the usual war games.
Balikatan is scheduled for launching on May 8 and will end on May 16.
Foreign and local observers were invited to the event on May 12.
Sayson said the planners of this year’s Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder) agreed that both Filipino and US forces must harness not only their fighting skills but also their disaster response capabilities.
Sayson said the joint quake disaster response drill is most important to Filipino troops as the Philippines is prone to earthquakes, being situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The AFP has committed several of its engineering units to join the quake disaster response drill.
President Duterte has ordered this year’s Balikatan to focus more on humanitarian and disaster response activities instead of the usual war games.
Balikatan is scheduled for launching on May 8 and will end on May 16.
Troops deliver ‘devastating blow’ to Sayyaf after leader’s killing
From the Daily Tribune (May 1): Troops deliver ‘devastating blow’ to Sayyaf after leader’s killing
The military yesterday branded as a “devastating blow” to the Abu Sayyaf group the killing of terrorist sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya – tagged as “ruthless” and the second high-profile commanders of the ASG neutralized in more than two weeks.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año noted Misaya’s ability to entice young Tausugs to join the ranks of Abu Sayyaf.
He also described Misaya as among the up and coming terrorist leaders in Sulu.
“It is a devastating blow to the ASG. Misaya is also like Abu Rami considered as a young bold and ruthless ASG leader in charge of kidnapping foreigners and known to be daring ASG terrorist fighter,” Año said.
“His recruitment ability also contributed in radicalizing young
Tausugs. His death will surely diminished ASG’s capability to conduct terrorism particularly kidnapping, stop the recruitment and would lead to the eventual defeat of the whole ASG organization,” he added.
Misaya was killed on Saturday during an encounter with the Marines somewhere in Indanan, Sulu.
He was the second ASG leader killed in the past three weeks.
Abu Rami, also known as Muamar Askali, was killed in Inabanga, Bohol last April 12 during a clash with government forces. Askali’s group allegedly plotted to conduct kidnapping in Bohol – a known tourist destination in Central Visayas.
Both Misaya and Askali have gained notoriety in recent years for staging in daring kidnapping of foreign hostages.
Tagged by the military as a bomb expert, Misaya was involved in many celebrated kidnapping and bombing incidents such as the October 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed American serviceman Sgt. Mark Jackson and the wounding of 23 others, including another US serviceman; the January 2009 bombing of the Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu, and the March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop at the vicinity of Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu, which killed four civilians and wounded 11 others.
He was the subject of warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Misaya was a native of Barangay Bunot, Indanan in Sulu where was considered among the sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group.
According to Año, the military is continuously receiving surrender feelers from the ASG side but he stressed that government troops will proceed with its relentless efforts against the terrorists.
“We have received many surrender feelers from remaining ASG members. And we shall continue our relentless efforts until we neutralize the last ASG terrorist,” he said.
Among those supposedly sending feelers is ASG top leader Radullan Sahiron, one of the remaining senior commanders of the Abu Sayyaf. He is wanted by the United States with $1-million reward.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said Misaya’s killing will bring people-loving people of Sulu closer to security development and would send a stern warning against his followers.
“The neutralization of Misaya adds a big plus on the AFP’s timeline and brings the community a step closer to peace, progress and sustainable security. His followers hopefully get the message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them and hence, motivate them to turn a new leaf and seriously consider surrendering,” said Padilla.
“It also sends a clear message to the community that supporting criminals will not bring them a better life but only greater misery if they insist on providing them safe havens. The AFP, without doubt, communicated its serious intent in addressing the threat posed by this group and its dedication to serve and secure the people,” he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/troops-deliver-devastating-blow-to-sayyaf-after-leader-s-killing
The military yesterday branded as a “devastating blow” to the Abu Sayyaf group the killing of terrorist sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya – tagged as “ruthless” and the second high-profile commanders of the ASG neutralized in more than two weeks.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año noted Misaya’s ability to entice young Tausugs to join the ranks of Abu Sayyaf.
He also described Misaya as among the up and coming terrorist leaders in Sulu.
“It is a devastating blow to the ASG. Misaya is also like Abu Rami considered as a young bold and ruthless ASG leader in charge of kidnapping foreigners and known to be daring ASG terrorist fighter,” Año said.
“His recruitment ability also contributed in radicalizing young
Tausugs. His death will surely diminished ASG’s capability to conduct terrorism particularly kidnapping, stop the recruitment and would lead to the eventual defeat of the whole ASG organization,” he added.
Misaya was killed on Saturday during an encounter with the Marines somewhere in Indanan, Sulu.
He was the second ASG leader killed in the past three weeks.
Abu Rami, also known as Muamar Askali, was killed in Inabanga, Bohol last April 12 during a clash with government forces. Askali’s group allegedly plotted to conduct kidnapping in Bohol – a known tourist destination in Central Visayas.
Both Misaya and Askali have gained notoriety in recent years for staging in daring kidnapping of foreign hostages.
Tagged by the military as a bomb expert, Misaya was involved in many celebrated kidnapping and bombing incidents such as the October 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed American serviceman Sgt. Mark Jackson and the wounding of 23 others, including another US serviceman; the January 2009 bombing of the Salaam Bridge in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu, and the March 2011 bombing of Dennis Coffee Shop at the vicinity of Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu, which killed four civilians and wounded 11 others.
He was the subject of warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Misaya was a native of Barangay Bunot, Indanan in Sulu where was considered among the sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group.
According to Año, the military is continuously receiving surrender feelers from the ASG side but he stressed that government troops will proceed with its relentless efforts against the terrorists.
“We have received many surrender feelers from remaining ASG members. And we shall continue our relentless efforts until we neutralize the last ASG terrorist,” he said.
Among those supposedly sending feelers is ASG top leader Radullan Sahiron, one of the remaining senior commanders of the Abu Sayyaf. He is wanted by the United States with $1-million reward.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said Misaya’s killing will bring people-loving people of Sulu closer to security development and would send a stern warning against his followers.
“The neutralization of Misaya adds a big plus on the AFP’s timeline and brings the community a step closer to peace, progress and sustainable security. His followers hopefully get the message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them and hence, motivate them to turn a new leaf and seriously consider surrendering,” said Padilla.
“It also sends a clear message to the community that supporting criminals will not bring them a better life but only greater misery if they insist on providing them safe havens. The AFP, without doubt, communicated its serious intent in addressing the threat posed by this group and its dedication to serve and secure the people,” he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/troops-deliver-devastating-blow-to-sayyaf-after-leader-s-killing
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