CPP/NDF-EV: End the Balikatan and the mercenary tradition of the AFP

National Democratic Front propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 12): End the Balikatan and the mercenary tradition of the AFP



Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas, Spokesperson
NDFP Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
 12 May 2017

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today called for the ending of the Balikatan annual joint military exercises of US and Philippine troops, currently in Eastern Visayas, as well as the mercenary tradition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “The Balikatan does not live up to its name of ‘shoulder to shoulder’ when it should be called ‘under the US,’” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas. “The Filipino troops pay lip service to their country but are in reality subordinated to the US in indocrination, training, equipment and disposition. Their divided loyalties reflect the mercenary tradition of the AFP dating back to the Macabebes and Philippine Scouts that were used by the US to brutally colonize the Philippines.”

Fr. Salas said the Balikatan and the slew of unequal military treaties such as the VFA and EDCA continue to legitimize a foreign aggressor, the US, within the Philippines. “US imperialism relies on the AFP as its most effective instrument to retain control over the Philippines since nominal independence in 1946. The AFP troops are taught to have an unreasoning hatred for “communist terrorists” and to preserve the status quo by suppressing the people’s struggle for national sovereignty and social justice. The US has used the AFP not only against the revolutionary struggles of Filipinos but also abroad in its wars of aggression in Korea, Vietnam and other countries. The US also maintains extra-territorial rights over its military bases and installations formally under the AFP but where even a Filipino general has no genuine say.”

The NDF-EV spokesperson also slammed the pervasive US influence over the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and condemned the appointment of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año as interior secretary, and his predecessor retired Gen. Roy Cimatu, as environment secretary. “The US watches out for its interests through its vast influence in the fascization of the civilian government, not to mention the direct use of the AFP for regime change when necessary as shown in 1986. Patriotic Filipinos are once again aghast at the militarism firmly entrenched in the civilian government since the Marcos dictatorship, with the continuing appointment of Amboy generals from the military to civilian posts. This has come to the fore with the appointment of AFP chief Año as interior and local government secretary and in control of the Philippine National Police, a civilian force. Earlier, another ex-AFP chief, Roy Cimatu, was also appointed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“It goes to show the top AFP officials are also the majordomos of the US who do their master’s bidding to ensure the continuing servility of the Philippine government and ‘business as usual’ for US big business and military suppliers. Moreover, Gen. Año along with Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon have consistently pushed US interests in the Duterte regime and do their utmost to sabotage the NDFP-GRP peace talks.”

Fr. Salas called on the Filipino people as well as patriotic elements in the military to demand the ending of the Balikatan and the mercenary tradition of the AFP. “It is the patriotic duty of the Filipino people to assert national sovereignty and demand the end of the Balikatan and the abrogation of all unequal military treaties with the US. The officers and troops in the AFP should also seriously question their orientation and current conditions, reject their mercenary status and move over to the side of the people. Even while it is impossible to assume the entire AFP will be motivated to make such an about-face, those who do so will surely help hasten the victory of the national democratic struggle of the Filipino people.”

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170512-end-the-balikatan-and-the-mercenary-tradition-of-the-afp

10th Infantry Division dares Karapatan to file formal charges

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14): 10th Infantry Division dares Karapatan to file formal charges



The military has urged human rights group Karapatan to file court cases against soldiers who committed human rights violations.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army, said on Sunday that Karapatan should not resort to "trial by publicity" but file formal complaints if they have evidence against erring soldiers.

Karapatan earlier accused elements of the 3rd Infantry Battalion and Task Force Haribon of harassment in the area.

One particular incident pointed out by the group was the alleged prevention of residents of Sitio Cabagkutan, Barangay Dominga to evacuate during an armed confrontation between government forces and the New People's Army (NPA) rebels and the interrogation of Kagawad Dennis Epal, who was accused of being a member of the NPA.

Karapatan also cited the killing of a certain Rodolfo Dagahuya, Jr., a 33-year-old farmer in Barangay Dominga, and the illegal search of the residence and the mauling of a civilian identified only as Lascuña in Sitio Kibaton in the same village.

Batchar said that a series of military offensives were carried out in the area as part of the pursuit operations against the NPA rebels who were responsible for the series of attacks in Davao City and Panabo City late last month. Two rebels and a soldier were killed and nine other government troopers were wounded during skirmishes that took place from May 6 to 11, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987548

'Ulamas' can foil ISIS recruitment efforts -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14): 'Ulamas' can foil ISIS recruitment efforts -- AFP

 Muslim religious leaders also known as the "Ulamas" can help in preventing Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorists and sympathizers from settling in Mindanao.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Sunday.

Earlier, community leaders in Mindanao said they need the help of the "Ulamas" to counter recruitment efforts of ISIS and other terror groups.

This can be done by giving the Muslim youth proper spiritual guidance as there are some efforts to recruit the former.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987597

NPA medical officer surrenders to authorities in Mt. Province

From the Philippine Star (May 13): NPA medical officer surrenders to authorities in Mt. Province             



In this Nov. 23, 2016 photo, a red ribbon is tied to a firearm of a New People's Army guerrilla at a rebel encampment tucked in the harsh wilderness of the Sierra Madre mountains. AP/Aaron Favila, File photo

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Authorities gladly welcomed into the government fold a female medical officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) in Mt. Province.

Catherine Cebuma Cortez, with aliases “Ka Lora, Ka Apple and Ka Joey,” claimed she was a medical officer of the “Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Montes” under the Mt. Province-based Leonardo Pacsi Command of the CPP-NPA.

She voluntarily surrendered and was welcomed by the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion on May 8 at Barangay Layugan, Bucay, Abra.

Cortez also gave up her M16A1 assault rifle with serial number 179618, a rifle grenade, two magazines and sixty bullets for the said assault rifle.

Government’s Joint Task “Tala” commander Major Gen. Paul Atal, the commanding general of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army welcomed the development.

“We are all Filipinos and killing each other will not solve our problems,” Atal said. 

He encouraged rebels to take advantage of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP, citing that the program will provide rebels an opportunity to return back to their families and communities.

"Together we shall solve our problems the peaceful way," Atal added.

Last week, a communist guerilla also in the Mt. Province surrendered, citing he could no longer endure terror actions his group had been doing to indigenous communities in the Cordillera region.

Matthew Baluwag, alias “Ka Eddie,” also turned in a caliber 30 US carbine rifle with magazine and nine bullets to Col. Leopoldo Imbang, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Abra.

Baluwag, Imbang claimed, was active with the “Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Marco,” the group operating in the Mt. Province.

“Ka Eddie” finally decided to surrender due to frustration on what they are doing, Imbang said. “Haan metten a makatao ti ubraenmi a panangbutbuteng kadagiti umili ti Mt. Province (Our activities have become inhumane),” he said in Ilocano language.

Baluwag was also assured he will receive all the benefits under the CLIP.

Major General Atal also hailed Baluwag for his “decision to renew your life is a manifestation that the communist terrorists bring nothing but misery to the lives of their members and the community.”

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/05/13/1699584/npa-medical-officer-surrenders-authorities-mt.-province

LOOK: Armed Forces heightens security in Palawan

From Update Philippines (May 13): LOOK: Armed Forces heightens security in Palawan


WESCOM photo

The Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have stepped up presence with other government force in Sabang Wharf, and nearby places particularly those the tourists go to. Tours to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan remains fully booked, according to WESCOM.

This is amid travel advisory issued by number of foreign governments due to threat of abduction by local terrorist group.

WESCOM photo

WESCOM said security forces also conducted seaborne patrol up to Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR). A long line of guests were seen waiting for their turn.

WESCOM

WESCOM photo

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/look-armed-forces-heightens-security-in-palawan/17493

LOOK: Japan coast guard aircraft conduct exercise in Philippines

From Update Philippines (May 14): LOOK: Japan coast guard aircraft conduct exercise in Philippines


PCG photo

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia-Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP-ISC) have conducted a communications and surveillance exercise on May 13.

JCG’s airborne plane Falcon 900 (JA 8571) with PCG, JCG, ReCAAP-ISC onboard serves as observers.

“Falcon 900 together with PCG’s deployed patrol vessels, BRP Romblon (SARV-3503) and BRP Malapascua (MRRV 4403) and PCG manned-Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) 3007 of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were deployed for the said simulation of a cargo vessel under piracy attack between Jolo Island and Tawi-Tawi upon receipt of piracy incident from ReCAAP-ISC,” PCG said.

“The exercise helped us build good working relationship and interoperability between the PCG, JCG and ReCAAP which is based in Singapore. We have had lots of piracy exercises with the Japan Coast Guard. However, it is mostly in the conduct of anti-piracy exercise,” Commander of Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Commodore Leopoldo V. Laroya.

“We utilize a plane from the JCG for the conduct of communications exercise in order to present the capability to respond and share information quickly about piracy,” he added.


PCG photo

PCG photo

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/look-japan-coast-guard-aircraft-conduct-exercise-in-philippines/17506

First PH-China talks on sea row seek ‘bridge of understanding’

From Rappler (May 13): First PH-China talks on sea row seek ‘bridge of understanding’

The inaugural bilateral talks on the divisive South China Sea dispute will take place on the week of May 15 in southwestern China



BRIDGING THE GAP. Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta Romana looks forward to participating in the first bilateral talks between Philippines and China on the South China Sea dispute under the Duterte administration. Screenshot from Rappler FB Live

The first bilateral talks between the Philippines and China on the maritime dispute under the Duterte administration will take place on the week of May 15 in southwestern China, said Philippine Ambassador to China Jose "Chito" Sta Romana.

The talks, the first after several years, will be the start of a long journey, as Beijing and Manila seek to “manage” the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) dispute, a conflict that froze relations between the two countries during the previous Philippine administration.

“The first session will be the first step in a long journey…That is the first step to resolve what seems to be an unbridgeable gap,” said Sta Romana on Saturday, May 13, during a media interview in Beijing.

The first meeting will take place on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) event with China in southwestern China.

He, as well as Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, are expected to participate. Other participants will include Philippine and Chinese foreign minister officials at the deputy minister and undersecretary levels.

'Exchange of views'

The half-day meeting seeks to establish a platform on which to build future sessions, which Sta Romana expects to take place twice a year.

“The first session will really cover the terms of reference, the basics, try to draw out an agenda,” he told reporters.

Given the years of conflict and tense relations, it is necessary to first have an exchange of views before the more substantial and divisive aspects of the dispute can be tackled.

“We have to clarify what is our position on the issue, and for the Chinese to clarify their position on a certain issue is at least a first step in trying to understand where the difference lies,” said Duterte’s appointed ambassador.

“It will be an exchange of views. At least, you are able to communicate, not through a megaphone but in a room where the two sides will meet, not open to the media but at least where they can speak directly to each other and try to understand,” he said.

Separate tracks

The inaugural bilateral meeting on the dispute will take place a week after the Belt and Road Forum on International Cooperation organized by China and to be attended by Duterte and 28 other country leaders.

Duterte’s attendance at the forum is seen by analysts as an affirmation of the Philippines’ desire to pursue economic cooperation with China despite the maritime dispute. (READ: Duterte in Belt and Road Forum affirms PH back in China's embrace)

Sta Romana explained that this strategy of separating economic cooperation and the dispute is a way for the Philippines to reap more benefits from its ties with China, an emerging world power.

“If you put the disputes in the front and center, the result is the relations will be frozen because the disputes cannot be solved overnight…The basic approach of the Duterte administration is to use it in separate tracks, open an area where there are no disputes, promoting economics, trade, commerce, cultural exchange,” he said.

For Sta Romana, separating the Philippines’ pursuit of its claim of the West Philippine Sea is not the same as abandoning the claim.

“Putting it in a separate track is not to abandon it, but it’s compartmentalizing,” he explained.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169709-first-philippines-china-bilateral-talks-south-china-sea-dispute-bridge-understanding

Abu Sayyaf temporary camp in Basilan captured

From Rappler (May 13): Abu Sayyaf temporary camp in Basilan captured

Colonel Juvymax Uy of the Joint Task Force Basilan says it is only a matter of time before the Abu Sayyaf group succumbs as government forces continue to be on the offensive



CAPTURED. A military battalion captures an encampment of Abu Sayyaf. Sourced photo

SUMISIP, Basilan – The Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel Juvymax R. Uy consisting of the 4th Special Forces Battalion and 3rd Scout Ranger Regiment scored anew after engaging the scampering Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Thursday, May 11.

Armed with intelligence reports from ASG surrenderers, the local populace, and local government units, the brigade was able to track down the ASG's temporary encampment.

Just before dawn, operating troops under the 4th Special Forces Battalion managed to close in on the enemy's temporary camp in Bgy Pamatsaken, Sumisip municipality, which is believed to be harboring ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama.

“Equipped with night fighting capabilities, our troops were able to inch within a hundred meters of the enemy under the cover of darkness,” Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Bacala Jr, commanding officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, said.

Evading several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid out by the bandits, the Special Forces troops managed to seize completely the encampment before 10 in the morning last Thursday.

Sourced photo by Richard Falcatan
Seizure of the site yielded 12 makeshift tents capable of accommodating at least 30 to 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits across 150 meters. Blood stains were found in the vicinity, with intel reports estimating no less than 20 ASG fatalities from the combined airstrikes and indirect fires.

The troops also recovered food stuff and explosive components for about 30 IEDs. Three live IEDs were also recovered by Special Forces demolition specialists. One IED, however, was detonated, inflicting minor injuries on two troopers. None were reported to be in critical condition.

Successive firefight followed as the Rangers from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion caught up with the fleeing bandits some 300 meters from the seized encampment.

“Our troops were able to cordon the enemy due to the accurate and timely indirect fires and close air support delivered by our artillery and the Philippine air force,” Uy said.

“Also, the information being volunteered by the populace and LGUs provided critical details to validate the intelligence we have on hand,” he added.

Naval Task Group Basilan also conducted maritime interdiction operations to prevent the bandits from escaping by sea.

Shock and awe

The bandits also got a taste of the air force’s F/A 50 after the jet fighters delivered their deadly payload, inflicting immediate fatalities on the ASG.

“The ASGs were so shocked they left most of their personal belongings and unfinished meal at their encampment,” a team leader from the Special Forces who cleared the site said.

The airstrikes were immediately followed with artillery and mortar fires, inflicting additional damage on the bandits.

Resources dwindling, members getting desperate

Unlike previous engagements, the ASGs have now resorted to evading government forces as their resources run low.

“We no longer experience the prolonged firefights with the ASGs. This suggests that they have run out of ammunition and other supplies necessary to engage government forces," Uy explained. "More than just resources, they no longer have the mass base they once enjoyed."

Debriefing from ASG surrenderers revealed that most of their members “have lost the will to fight due to the intensified military operations and no longer believe in the promises of a better life with the terrorist group,” Uy said.
“It will only take a matter of time before the ASG succumbs and their dream of establishing a folly caliphate will finally come to an end," Uy continued. "With the string of victories we are attaining, it will not take long before the ASG's threats are downgraded to no more than that of an ordinary criminal.”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169748-abu-sayyaf-camp-captured-philippine-military

Duterte says he freed 14 convicted communists

From Rappler (May 13): Duterte says he freed 14 convicted communists

'I am a president for peace. I cannot be a wartime president,' President Rodrigo Duterte says, stressing the need for peace talks with the Left



PEACE TALKS. President Rodrigo Duterte stresses the need for peace talks with communist rebels during his meeting with the Filipino community in Hong Kong on May 13, 2017. Screenshot from Malacañang video

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, May 13, said he has released 14 convicted communists from the national penitentiary, the New Bilibid Prison, as a way of showing openness toward the Left.

"I just released about 14 prisoners from Bilibid, 'yung mga komunista na convicted na (the communists who have been convicted)," Duterte said in a speech before the Filipino community in Hong Kong.

Duterte explained: "I am a president for peace. I cannot be a wartime president. I cannot afford to fight with anybody, especially to wage war against my own people."

Duterte said it is better to talk even if there can be some "irritation" or "exchange of words" along the way.

The President talked about this as he introduced to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong the so-called Leftists in his government. The ones he introduced in Hong Kong were Liza Maza, lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission and Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano.

Duterte's remarks come as peace talks between the government and communist rivals have seen a revival under his administration.

 

The communist insurgency in the Philippines began in 1968 and is one of the longest running in the world. It has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives, according to the military.

 

Peace talks have been conducted on and off for 30 years.

 

Duterte, a self-described socialist, has made a peace deal with the rebels a top priority. The negotiators agreed that the next round of peace talks would be held between May 27 and June 1, although a venue has yet to be agreed upon.

 

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/169755-duterte-release-convicted-communists

WATCH | Exclusive: ‘Abu Sayyaf’ clan turns away from the outlaw life

From InterAksyon (May 12): WATCH | Exclusive: ‘Abu Sayyaf’ clan turns away from the outlaw life

 

An entire clan of Abu Sayyaf supporters in Tawi Tawi surrenders, returns to the fold of the law.

Life is slowly reverting to “normal” for a family that counts followers of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) among its members, including the head of the family and a few of the clan’s offspring.

Berrong Sariol is the head of the clan. He is considered by the military as a sub-leader of the ASG.

He has sons and grandsons who have likewise joined ASG.

According to information from the military, Berrong’s clan assisted the ASG in raids to pluck kidnap victims in the high seas, and that they have venture toward Malaysian territory to snare potential kidnap victims, which explains why they have apparently piled up quite a record in that country.

But, Berrong maintains, there is no truth to the military’s narrative. He insists that the most they have to do with the Abu Sayyaf is to allow elements of the bandit group to occasionally spend the night at his house.

This is because one of Berrong’s cousins is ASG sub-leader Udon Hassan, under high-ranking ASG leader Radulan Sahiron.“Yung ginagawa lang namin, alaagan sila, dahil wala naman silang ibang lugar na pupuntahan, pinapatuloy namin sila sa bahay namin. Yun lang, kamag anak ko kasi si Udon Hassan, kaya kinukupkop namin (What we do is just to take care of their needs, give them shelter, because they have nowhere to go).”

But, Berrong insists, his family never joined any raids to capture kidnap victims.

“Kasama kami kapag nag paplano sila na pagdukot ng mga biktima, tapos pinapakinggan namin ang paligid, kung ano nangyayari … sa dadaanan nila sinasabi namin sa kanila para di sila mahuli … pagkain, binibigyan din namin sila (Sometimes we are into the planning of abductions, then we keep them informed about the situation along the routes that they take, to avoid being caught … We provide food for them).”

In return for their hospitality, the ASG would give them cash assistance, PhP50,000 one time.

Still, Berrong’s family, ultimately decided to turn their backs on the shadowy life, to surrender and make a new life under the fold of the law.

“Inisip ko yung pamilya ko, kaya kami sumuko. Gusto ko rin mapaaral yung mga anak at apo ko. Hindi kami makalabas. Palagi na lang kaming nasa bundok. Ang hirap din ng buhay (I think of my family, that’s why we yielded. I also want my sons and their sons’ sons to get an education. We cannot get out of the mountains. Life is hard).”

This turnabout has brought joy to the 18-year old grandson of Berrong, Arhan, who sees this as the opportunity to pursue his dream to be a soldier: “Even my brothers want to become soldiers. Now we can study, and I can help my siblings get an education.”

After Berrong’s clan surrendered to authorities, his cousin Udon Hassan followed suit, and it seems that even Radulan Sahiron is reportedly considering the possibility of surrendering, after seeing that his followers are doing well after giving themselves up.

Click and watch the exclusive video report below:

[Video Report: Sumukong pamilya na dating miyembro ng ASG, balik na sa normal ang buhay  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F1ZLdH74sc]

http://beta.interaksyon.com/watch-exclusive-life-normalizes-for-abu-sayyaf-clan/

Cordillera rebels, Pangasinan cops share dilemma – extortionists posing as NPA

From InterAksyon (May 13): Cordillera rebels, Pangasinan cops share dilemma – extortionists posing as NPA

Strange but true. The New People’s Army and the Pangasinan police are facing a common problem — extortionists posing as communist rebels.
The NPA’s Leonardo Pacsi Command in the Mountain Province warned against poseurs it said introduce themselves as representatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines/Cordillera People’s Democratic Front.

It was the second warning from a rebel unit in the region following that issued last month by the Antonio Licawen Front Operations Command, which operates in Benguet, Abra, Mountai Province and Ilocos Sur.

Leonardo Pacsi command spokesman Magno Udyaw said some of the extortionists, who the rebels suspect include state agents, would drop the name of or pretend to be CPDF spokesman Simon “Ka Filiw” Naogsan.

He warned another extortionist who goes by the name “Commander Soriano” of the “Red Arrow Command”: “Do not wait until you are apprehended and proper revolutionary justice is served against your self-seeking criminal acts.”

Pangasinan police director Senior Superintendent Ronald Oliver Lee, for his part, said the NPA could not be extorting from people in a province that has long been insurgency-free. “These are not actually NPA rebels but just plain extortionists using the name of the NPA,” he told reporters.

In fact, Lee said, in one case they investigated the source of a text message demanding a payoff was traced to Mindanao.

Typically, he said, the extortionists either used courier services to collect the money from their victims or give them an address to wire the funds through remittance companies.

Udyaw, for his part, said the rebels source their funds from “revolutionary taxes” levied on big businesses operating within guerrilla zones and from direct contributions from supporters. These funds, in turn, are used for the services and programs they make available to communities they operate in.

The rebel and the police officer aired similar calls for the public not to fall for the extortionists’ ploy but to report this immediately so action could be taken.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/cordillera-rebels-pangasinan-cops-share-dilemma-extortionists-posing-as-npa/

PH envoy: Mechanism for South China Sea bilateral consultation to get going after mid-May

From InterAksyon (May 14): PH envoy: Mechanism for South China Sea bilateral consultation to get going after mid-May



Reuters infograph depicts the contested territories between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana told journalists at the weekend that the bilateral consultative mechanism for addressing the issues in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea territorial dispute will be discussed next week, or after mid-May.

The disclosure by Ambassador Sta. Romana came as President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Beijing Saturday evening to attend the People’s Republic of China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) summit.

The first of the serial consultative meetings will be taking place at the sidelines of the ASEAN-China Summit to be held in Southwest China, to be graced by the foreign affairs officials of both sides.

According to Sta. Romana, the initial session will tackle the terms of reference, as well as lay down the agenda of the meetings, to firm up the process to be followed for succeeding meetings.

The consultative meetings are to be held, prospectively, twice a year.

This development fulfills one of the 13 agreements between the Philippines and China that were forged when President Duterte visited China late last year.

Ambassador Sta. Romana said the maritime talks will not affect Duterte’s attendance in the OBOR summit from Sunday to Monday.

The Philippine tact is to separate the South China Sea dispute from other issues, such as trade and commerce, in order not to unduly affect the economic roadmap of the country and to keep relations between the Philippines and China from losing steam.

Incoming Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano shuns from using so-called megaphone diplomacy in this situation: “This is precisely the mechanism where you don’t use megaphone diplomacy.

“You talk to each other directly. You come up with issues and, sometimes, to understand the other side’s position, even though you don’t agree with each other, is the first step to build the bridge of understanding.”

“If you put the dispute in front,” Sta Romana pointed out, “on the center of bilateral relations, then you’d have to resolve that first before you can have trade, before cultural links. The result is the relation will be frozen, because it can’t be resolved overnight.

“To put it on a separate track is not to abandon or give up, but rather to prevent it from getting compartmentalized, so as not to affect the other aspects where there are no disputes.”

http://beta.interaksyon.com/ph-envoy-south-china-sea-bilateral-consultation-mechanism-set-after-mid-may/

NDFP demands release of consultant, Aglipayan bishop nabbed in Ozamiz

From InterAksyon (May 13): NDFP demands release of consultant, Aglipayan bishop nabbed in Ozamiz



A sign demanding the release of IFI Bishop Carlo Morales at a vigil in Ozamiz City. (contributed photo)

(UPDATE – 12:26 p.m.) The National Democratic Front of the Philippines is demanding the immediate release of one of its peace consultants and a bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente who were arrested in Ozamiz City this week.

Fidel Agcaoili, chairman of the NDFP peace negotiating panel, confirmed to InterAksyon that Rommel Salinas, who authorities described as the “most wanted” New People’s Army commander in Western Mindanao, “is a duly accredited person under the JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees). He is the Holder of Document of Identification No. ND978453 under the name of Hermie Abella.”

The JASIG grants protection from surveillance, arrest and prosecution to the members, consultants, staff and security personnel of both parties’ negotiating panels for the duration of the talks.

Salinas was with Bishop Carlo Morales, the cleric’s wife Maria Teofilina, and their driver Isadome Dalid when they were stopped and apprehended at a checkpoint in Barangay Gango Thursday evening. The military claimed a hand grenade was seized from Salinas.


Bishop Morales (contributed photo)

Morales’ wife and driver have since been released but the bishop and Salinas remain detained and will likely be charged with illegal possession of explosives.

“We strongly condemn (Salinas’) arrest as well as those of his companions,” Agcaoili said. “It is obvious from the narration of events that Salinas had been conducting consultations with various sectors, including the religious, when he was arrested.”

Accounts from the IFI, which is also known as the Aglipayan church, quoting Morales said Salinas did, indeed, “presented his ID as an NDFP consultant and JASIG holder” and informed the soldiers and police who stopped them that “the purpose of his travel is to campaign for the fith round of the formal talks between (the government) and NDFP.”

Agcaoili said the next round of negotiations is scheduled for May 27 to June 1.

He said Salinas’ arrest and the continued detention of other NDFP consultants and JASIG holders would not affect the holding of the fifth round but stressed that they would continue to press government on their release under the terms of the security agreement.


Members of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente keep vigil at the police headquarters in Ozamiz City where Bishop Morales and Salninas are detained. (contributed photo)

Members of the IFI have been keeping vigil at the Ozamiz police station, where Salinas and Morales are detained.

The IFI has condemned the bishop’s arrest, and the National Council of Churches of the Philippines has called the incident an “act of harassment to God’s workers who earnestly work for peace and justice in our land.”

The NCCP said Morales’ wife “is a public school teacher of good standing, a Vacation Church School writer of NCCP and an active member of the Teatro Ekyumenikal, a cultural-liturgical ministry of the NCCP.”

In a separate statement, the NDFP peace panel slammed “a series of incidents involving a number of its consultants” that it called “flagrant violations” of the JASIG.

Among the incidents Agcaoili cited in the statement was the tailing of his fellow NDFP peace panel member Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma, a political consultant, in Manila Tuesday night after meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang and visiting protesting farmers from Mindanao camping out at Mendiola. After vainly trying to shake the two men on a motorcycle who followed them, the Tiamzons decided to return to the protest camp where they found help evading their pursuers.

It was the third time the Tiamzons reported being the subject of JASIG violations. In March, they were also tailed on arrival from backchannel talks in The Netherlands while in January, suspected military agents questioned the driver of a rental car they had used on returning to the country from the third round of talks.

“Other NDFP consultants who have also complained of surveillance include Ruben Saluta, Concha Araneta, Tirso Alcantara, Ernesto Lorenzo and Kennedy Bangibang,” Agcaoili said as he urged the government to “look seriously into these incidents and take whatever measures are necessary, saying that they may have severe repercussions on the ongoing peace negotiations.”

The NDFP peace panel chair also expressed “grave concern” over reported military “shoot-to-kill” orders against Northern Mindanao NDFP consultant Pedro Codaste and supposed plans to abduct another Mindanao-based consultant, Porferio Tuna.
http://beta.interaksyon.com/ndfp-demands-release-of-consultant-aglipayan-bishop-nabbed-in-ozamiz/

EastMinCom: Terror groups may divert ops to East Mindanao

From the Mindanao Times (May 13): EastMinCom: Terror groups may divert ops to East Mindanao

THE ARMY’S Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) raised the alert level on Thursday following the travel advisory of the United States to its citizens to avoid Palawan because of the possibility of kidnappings.

Major Ezra Balagtey, EastMinCom spokesperson, said while the travel advisory is specific to Palawan, the Command raised the alert level in its area because of the possibility that terrorist groups may shift or divert operations to Eastern Mindanao.

 

“The EastMinCom in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units and other law enforcement agencies are taking the necessary measures to secure the maritime, coastal and land areas against a terrorist attack,” Balagtey said.

The EastMinCom enjoins the public to be vigilant but calm and to immediately report to law enforcement units any suspicious-looking individual or activity in their vicinity.

Early Thursday morning, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao conducted drills and simulation exercises to test and evaluate their capability in responding to terrorism.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/eastmincom-terror-groups-may-divert-ops-to-east-mindanao/

Philippine troops clash with NPA rebels, recover IEDs

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 13): Philippine troops clash with NPA rebels, recover IEDs

Government troops clashed with communist rebels on Saturday in the southern Filipino province of Sultan Kudarat, but there were no reports of casualties on both sides.

The fighting erupted in the hinterland village of Hinalaan in Kalamansig town after villagers reportedly tipped off the military on the presence of New People’s Army rebels in the area.

The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the clashes and said troops recovered an M16 automatic rifle and four improvised explosives left behind by rebels. It said the fighting lasted about 20 minutes.

The gun battle broke out barely 2 days after security forces captured four people, including a communist rebel leader Rommel Salinas, and Bishop Carlo Morales, of the Philippine Independent Church, and his wife Teofina, and their driver Sadome Dalid at military checkpoint in Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental province.

Salinas is wanted by authorities for a string of murder cases and other high-profile crimes in western Mindanao. A grenade was also recovered by security forces from Salinas’ possession. The group was in a van when security forces flagged down the vehicle following intelligence report that it was transporting a senior rebel leader.

All four did not resist arrest and are being investigated separately by the police. It was not immediately known why Morales and his wife were with the NPA leader or if they were protecting Salinas.

Human rights group Barug Katungod Mindanao accused the military and police of planting the grenade and fabricated charges against Morales and Salinas, who is allegedly a consultant of the National Democratic Front negotiating peace with Manila.

The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-troops-clash-with-npa-rebels-recover-ieds/