From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): AFP: Of 31 terrorists killed in Marawi ops, 6 are foreigners
Of the 31 Maute Group members killed by the military in the ongoing clearing operations in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, at least six are foreigners.
"We received certain information that among the 31 killed, of the 12 identified, at least six of them are foreigners, but we are still validating this information," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Friday.
Possible nationalities of the six slain terrorists are Malaysians and Indonesians.
Aside from fighting government forces, these terrorist elements are also helping lawless groups in the country in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices and bombs.
The clash between Maute Group members started 2 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Basak, Malutlut when government security forces learned of the presence of Abu Sayyaf Isnilon Hapilon, who was allied with the lawless element, and his cohorts.
Hapilon was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del Sur early this January.
The former is reportedly the representative of the ISIS terror group in the Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991172
Friday, May 26, 2017
Pres. Duterte vows full support for troops fighting Maute
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Pres. Duterte vows full support for troops fighting Maute
President Rodrigo Duterte has promised full support for government troops fighting the Maute group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.
“May full support kayo sa akin. (You have my full support.) I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel to look for money to see you through,” President Duterte told members of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Maria Cristina, Iligan City Friday.
In his speech before the soldiers, he vowed that his administration will provide everything they need.
“And because we have the weapons and the equipment, and we have the air assets to help you, we will try our very best na magamit lahat (to use all of them) to protect you at the time when you are fighting,” President Duterte said.
The Chief Executive also said he would take full responsibility for the outcome of martial law in Mindanao.
"Sasamahan ko kayo (I will be with you)... If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Trabaho lang kayo. Ako na ang bahala (Just do your job and I will take care of the rest)," he said.
For the wounded soldiers, the President said there is a modernized hospital for them and that he has bought all the equipment needed.
President Duterte later proceeded to the Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital in Iligan City to visit 29 soldiers who were wounded in action, extending each a PHP100,000 check, part of the assistance they would receive.
He then went to St. Peter’s Funeral Homes in Iligan City to pay his last respects to fallen soldiers and policemen.
For the family of each dead policeman and soldier, PHP250,000 will be extended upon completion of requirements.
He also visited the wake of two civilian casualties, an ambulance driver and an ambulance utility personnel.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991344
President Rodrigo Duterte has promised full support for government troops fighting the Maute group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.
“May full support kayo sa akin. (You have my full support.) I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel to look for money to see you through,” President Duterte told members of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Maria Cristina, Iligan City Friday.
In his speech before the soldiers, he vowed that his administration will provide everything they need.
“And because we have the weapons and the equipment, and we have the air assets to help you, we will try our very best na magamit lahat (to use all of them) to protect you at the time when you are fighting,” President Duterte said.
The Chief Executive also said he would take full responsibility for the outcome of martial law in Mindanao.
"Sasamahan ko kayo (I will be with you)... If you go down, I go down. But for this martial law and the consequences of martial law and the ramifications of martial law, I and I alone would be responsible. Trabaho lang kayo. Ako na ang bahala (Just do your job and I will take care of the rest)," he said.
For the wounded soldiers, the President said there is a modernized hospital for them and that he has bought all the equipment needed.
President Duterte later proceeded to the Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital in Iligan City to visit 29 soldiers who were wounded in action, extending each a PHP100,000 check, part of the assistance they would receive.
He then went to St. Peter’s Funeral Homes in Iligan City to pay his last respects to fallen soldiers and policemen.
For the family of each dead policeman and soldier, PHP250,000 will be extended upon completion of requirements.
He also visited the wake of two civilian casualties, an ambulance driver and an ambulance utility personnel.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991344
Russia looking for more engagements with ASEAN nations, says defense chief
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Russia looking for more engagements with ASEAN nations, says defense chief
Russia wants more engagements with ASEAN member states, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said.
"I think they would like to have an engagement with ASEAN and since we are the chairman now, maybe they would like to have a foothold maybe to deal with the other members of the ASEAN," Lorenzana said when asked about the warming of security and defense ties between the Philippines and Russia, during an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia at about 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m. in Manila).
"In fact, they are already dealing with other members of ASEAN, like Vietnam, because they had a close relationship before. In fact, Vietnam has bought from them some military equipment."
Lorenzana was part of President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day visit to Russia, a trip that was cut short by the fighting between Maute Group terrorists and military units in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Earlier, the two nations signed an Agreement on Defense Cooperation that will pave the way for more exchanges between their defense establishments.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991345
Russia wants more engagements with ASEAN member states, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said.
"I think they would like to have an engagement with ASEAN and since we are the chairman now, maybe they would like to have a foothold maybe to deal with the other members of the ASEAN," Lorenzana said when asked about the warming of security and defense ties between the Philippines and Russia, during an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia at about 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m. in Manila).
"In fact, they are already dealing with other members of ASEAN, like Vietnam, because they had a close relationship before. In fact, Vietnam has bought from them some military equipment."
Lorenzana was part of President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day visit to Russia, a trip that was cut short by the fighting between Maute Group terrorists and military units in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Earlier, the two nations signed an Agreement on Defense Cooperation that will pave the way for more exchanges between their defense establishments.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991345
Analyst says Maute Group more terrorist than extremist
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Analyst says Maute Group more terrorist than extremist
There is a difference between religious extremism and terrorism.
This was pointed out by Singaporean political analyst, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna during the “Extremism and Martial Law Forum” aired on the People’s Television Network (PTV4) Friday night.
Gunaratna was interviewed live via Skype during the program and was asked to distinguish ideological or religious extremism from terrorism.
It has been a misconception among non-Islamic people that Islam preaches violence as invoked by radical groups, such as the Islamic State of Lanao formed by the Maute brothers and under the command of Isnilon Hapilon, he said.
Gunaratna explained that there is such a thing as ideological extremism, which can be interpreted as a more conservative practice of religion, such as that imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, where women are not allowed to get an education and are required to be fully covered up in public.
He however noted that the Islamic State of Lanao led by the Mautes, is not an extremist group.
”They are a terrorist group because they have killed civilians. They have burned churches so they have demonstrated that they have gone beyond the phase of extremism into violence and this is now a terrorist organization and the state will have to deal with them in order to contain, isolate and eliminate the threat so they do not pose a future security threat to the Philippines,” Gunaratna emphasized.
During the discussion, it was mentioned that a trademark of terrorist groups around the world is taking action against “soft targets” — civilians and non-military infrastructure. This brings to mind the Davao City Night Market bomb blast in September last year that killed 15 persons and wounded about 69 others. A few weeks after the incident, defense officials presented to the media three members of the Maute Group said to be responsible for the blast.
Gunaratna further said that what happened in Marawi City was not a failure of intelligence, citing that since 2014, there has been information on the existence of the Maute Group.
”Last year, Isnilon Hapilon came from Basilan and he linked up with Omar and Abdullah Maute. So, I believe it is not intelligence failure. It is a failure to appreciate intelligence and government has to double up their capabilities to appreciate intelligence,” he said.
”Unfortunately, the previous government did not acknowledge that ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) was recruiting and even government officials were saying there was no ISIS.”
Since Tuesday, several hostages were reportedly taken by the group, among them a Catholic priest. The Catholic Church in Marawi City was burned down and several structures have been damaged, including a transmission tower, causing power outage in the city.
Two ambulance drivers were killed and their vehicles commandeered by the group. A senior police officer was also killed at a checkpoint manned by the Maute.
The violence has resulted in loss of life of both innocent civilians and government troops and has forced residents to flee to neighboring cities for their safety.
Those in the Muslim faith have professed that Islam is not about violence as some groups would like to portray and besmirch its good name. Native Maranaws from Marawi are saddened by the fact that their beautiful and peaceful city has become a battleground, especially on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Gunaratna said President Rodrigo Duterte’s recognition of ISIS presence in the Philippines is critical to the solution.
The analyst also noted that although the country’s military and police personnel are capable, they need to undergo re-training as they are dealing with terrorism.
They have to upgrade both their skills and equipment in fighting terrorism, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991347
There is a difference between religious extremism and terrorism.
This was pointed out by Singaporean political analyst, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna during the “Extremism and Martial Law Forum” aired on the People’s Television Network (PTV4) Friday night.
Gunaratna was interviewed live via Skype during the program and was asked to distinguish ideological or religious extremism from terrorism.
It has been a misconception among non-Islamic people that Islam preaches violence as invoked by radical groups, such as the Islamic State of Lanao formed by the Maute brothers and under the command of Isnilon Hapilon, he said.
Gunaratna explained that there is such a thing as ideological extremism, which can be interpreted as a more conservative practice of religion, such as that imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan, where women are not allowed to get an education and are required to be fully covered up in public.
He however noted that the Islamic State of Lanao led by the Mautes, is not an extremist group.
”They are a terrorist group because they have killed civilians. They have burned churches so they have demonstrated that they have gone beyond the phase of extremism into violence and this is now a terrorist organization and the state will have to deal with them in order to contain, isolate and eliminate the threat so they do not pose a future security threat to the Philippines,” Gunaratna emphasized.
During the discussion, it was mentioned that a trademark of terrorist groups around the world is taking action against “soft targets” — civilians and non-military infrastructure. This brings to mind the Davao City Night Market bomb blast in September last year that killed 15 persons and wounded about 69 others. A few weeks after the incident, defense officials presented to the media three members of the Maute Group said to be responsible for the blast.
Gunaratna further said that what happened in Marawi City was not a failure of intelligence, citing that since 2014, there has been information on the existence of the Maute Group.
”Last year, Isnilon Hapilon came from Basilan and he linked up with Omar and Abdullah Maute. So, I believe it is not intelligence failure. It is a failure to appreciate intelligence and government has to double up their capabilities to appreciate intelligence,” he said.
”Unfortunately, the previous government did not acknowledge that ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) was recruiting and even government officials were saying there was no ISIS.”
Since Tuesday, several hostages were reportedly taken by the group, among them a Catholic priest. The Catholic Church in Marawi City was burned down and several structures have been damaged, including a transmission tower, causing power outage in the city.
Two ambulance drivers were killed and their vehicles commandeered by the group. A senior police officer was also killed at a checkpoint manned by the Maute.
The violence has resulted in loss of life of both innocent civilians and government troops and has forced residents to flee to neighboring cities for their safety.
Those in the Muslim faith have professed that Islam is not about violence as some groups would like to portray and besmirch its good name. Native Maranaws from Marawi are saddened by the fact that their beautiful and peaceful city has become a battleground, especially on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Gunaratna said President Rodrigo Duterte’s recognition of ISIS presence in the Philippines is critical to the solution.
The analyst also noted that although the country’s military and police personnel are capable, they need to undergo re-training as they are dealing with terrorism.
They have to upgrade both their skills and equipment in fighting terrorism, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991347
MPACs with missile provisions now in Davao City
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): MPACs with missile provisions now in Davao City
The country's first three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC), with provisions for missile armament, finally arrived at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City Friday noon.
This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Capt. Lued Lincuna, to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Saturday.
The MPACs left Naval Base Heracles Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City last Monday for Sasa Wharf where they will be among the highlights of the Navy's 119th founding anniversary on May 31, along with the brand-new BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), the country's second strategic sealift vessel.
Along the way, the MPACs passed several ports to refuel and reprovision, and conducted endurance and speed runs, as well as a series of maneuvers at sea to familiarize the crew with the brand-new equipment, Lincuna said.
The boats were formally turned over and commissioned into the Philippine Fleet during a short ceremony at Naval Base Heracleo Alano last May 22.
These MPACs are the Mark III models and are considerably more advance than the six Mark I and IIs currently in the inventory.
Lincuna said the MPACs, with hull numbers BA-488, BA-489, and BA-491, were commissioned and quickly sent off to Davao City by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Gaudencio Collado, after a ceremony at the Capt. Moya Boat Landing.
The PN spokesperson said the MPACs will form the 3rd Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet's Littoral Combat Force.
These MPACs, constructed by the Subic Bay-based Propmech Corp., will be armed with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.'s Spike ER (extended range) in anti-ship mode.
They are capable of penetrating 1,000 mm. (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and have a maximum range of five miles.
PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, said installation of the missile systems will follow shortly.
"(The MPACs) are only the platforms; installation of the missiles will follow," he told PNA.
These three MPACs are worth PHP270 million, which was sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.
The contract includes mission essential equipment, such as day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system, and seamanship and ship-handling gears.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991348
The country's first three multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC), with provisions for missile armament, finally arrived at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City Friday noon.
This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Capt. Lued Lincuna, to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Saturday.
The MPACs left Naval Base Heracles Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City last Monday for Sasa Wharf where they will be among the highlights of the Navy's 119th founding anniversary on May 31, along with the brand-new BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), the country's second strategic sealift vessel.
Along the way, the MPACs passed several ports to refuel and reprovision, and conducted endurance and speed runs, as well as a series of maneuvers at sea to familiarize the crew with the brand-new equipment, Lincuna said.
The boats were formally turned over and commissioned into the Philippine Fleet during a short ceremony at Naval Base Heracleo Alano last May 22.
These MPACs are the Mark III models and are considerably more advance than the six Mark I and IIs currently in the inventory.
Lincuna said the MPACs, with hull numbers BA-488, BA-489, and BA-491, were commissioned and quickly sent off to Davao City by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Gaudencio Collado, after a ceremony at the Capt. Moya Boat Landing.
The PN spokesperson said the MPACs will form the 3rd Boat Attack Division of the Philippine Fleet's Littoral Combat Force.
These MPACs, constructed by the Subic Bay-based Propmech Corp., will be armed with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.'s Spike ER (extended range) in anti-ship mode.
They are capable of penetrating 1,000 mm. (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and have a maximum range of five miles.
PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, said installation of the missile systems will follow shortly.
"(The MPACs) are only the platforms; installation of the missiles will follow," he told PNA.
These three MPACs are worth PHP270 million, which was sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.
The contract includes mission essential equipment, such as day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system, and seamanship and ship-handling gears.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991348
CPP: Duterte regime’s martial law will further isolate it from the people
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 25): Duterte regime’s martial law will further isolate it from the people
Communist Party of the Philippines
25 May 2017
By imposing martial law and curtailing the civil and political rights, GRP President Duterte is further isolating his regime from the people. In the vain hope of justifying his imposition of martial law in Mindanao and plan to impose it on the entire country, he yesterday described Marcos martial law as “good” in all-out contempt of the Filipino people’s sufferings under the 1972-1986 military dictatorship.
Reminiscent of the detested ASSO (Arrest, Search and Seizure Order) of Marcos, Duterte yesterday ordered the military to carry out searches and arrests without warrant. He has ordered the AFP to conduct checkpoints, curfews and other restrictions which violate the people’s freedom of movement. By imposing such severe measures, he aims to establish himself as a strongman who will not tolerate challenges to his authority.
In Davao City, mini-dictator Sarah Duterte is taking advantage of the martial law declaration by coming up with a long-list of anti-democratic measures which seeks to restrict that people’s freedoms, particularly their right to assemble, to express their grievance and seek redress. Like her father, she also wants to prohibit other acts which she deems as challenges to her authority and power.
Duterte’s assurances yesterday that he will not tolerate abuses is utterly worthless. He wants to highlight the fact that civilian courts remain open, but neglect to point out that these are powerless amid the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus which has given him and the military absolute power to detain anyone indefinitely. He has also constantly threatened the Supreme Court against issuing restraining orders to preventing him from carrying out acts which potentially violate the GRP’s laws.
Prior to the imposition of martial law, soldiers of the AFP are notorious for military abuses against the people. With Duterte’s martial law, the fascist troops of the AFP are bound to carry out greater abuses with even greater impunity as they are no longer restricted by legal niceties.
He has extended the term of office of Gen. Eduardo Año as chief of staff of the AFP and has appointed him as supposed administrator of martial law. He has put a notorious violator of human rights and perpetrator of abductions and other dirty war tactics at the helm of his martial law regime. By giving Año vast powers, Duterte might have succeeded in gaining his favor and preempting him from joining or leading a coup to establish a military junta. However, he also enhanced the influence and power of the US interventionists through its zealots in the AFP’s echelon who are determined to pull his regime back under exclusive US hegemonic power.
Duterte has made a bogeyman of the so-called Maute Group. That the display of the black “ISIS” flag has threatened his powers as GRP president is an overstretch of his imagination. Duterte and the AFP could not even give the public a credible estimate of the strength of this group. There are well-grounded fears that some forces may carry out dirty operations to justify the extension and expansion of Duterte’s martial law to cover the entire country.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-duterte-regimes-martial-law-will-further-isolate-it-from-the-people
Communist Party of the Philippines
25 May 2017
By imposing martial law and curtailing the civil and political rights, GRP President Duterte is further isolating his regime from the people. In the vain hope of justifying his imposition of martial law in Mindanao and plan to impose it on the entire country, he yesterday described Marcos martial law as “good” in all-out contempt of the Filipino people’s sufferings under the 1972-1986 military dictatorship.
Reminiscent of the detested ASSO (Arrest, Search and Seizure Order) of Marcos, Duterte yesterday ordered the military to carry out searches and arrests without warrant. He has ordered the AFP to conduct checkpoints, curfews and other restrictions which violate the people’s freedom of movement. By imposing such severe measures, he aims to establish himself as a strongman who will not tolerate challenges to his authority.
In Davao City, mini-dictator Sarah Duterte is taking advantage of the martial law declaration by coming up with a long-list of anti-democratic measures which seeks to restrict that people’s freedoms, particularly their right to assemble, to express their grievance and seek redress. Like her father, she also wants to prohibit other acts which she deems as challenges to her authority and power.
Duterte’s assurances yesterday that he will not tolerate abuses is utterly worthless. He wants to highlight the fact that civilian courts remain open, but neglect to point out that these are powerless amid the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus which has given him and the military absolute power to detain anyone indefinitely. He has also constantly threatened the Supreme Court against issuing restraining orders to preventing him from carrying out acts which potentially violate the GRP’s laws.
Prior to the imposition of martial law, soldiers of the AFP are notorious for military abuses against the people. With Duterte’s martial law, the fascist troops of the AFP are bound to carry out greater abuses with even greater impunity as they are no longer restricted by legal niceties.
He has extended the term of office of Gen. Eduardo Año as chief of staff of the AFP and has appointed him as supposed administrator of martial law. He has put a notorious violator of human rights and perpetrator of abductions and other dirty war tactics at the helm of his martial law regime. By giving Año vast powers, Duterte might have succeeded in gaining his favor and preempting him from joining or leading a coup to establish a military junta. However, he also enhanced the influence and power of the US interventionists through its zealots in the AFP’s echelon who are determined to pull his regime back under exclusive US hegemonic power.
Duterte has made a bogeyman of the so-called Maute Group. That the display of the black “ISIS” flag has threatened his powers as GRP president is an overstretch of his imagination. Duterte and the AFP could not even give the public a credible estimate of the strength of this group. There are well-grounded fears that some forces may carry out dirty operations to justify the extension and expansion of Duterte’s martial law to cover the entire country.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-duterte-regimes-martial-law-will-further-isolate-it-from-the-people
CPP/NPA-Mindoro: 4IB killed civilian, not NPA, in a ‘misencounter’ in Mindoro
New People's Army-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 23): 4IB killed civilian, not NPA, in a ‘misencounter’ in Mindoro
Ka Madaay Gasic, Spokesperson
NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)
23 May 2017
The New People’s Army-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command) and the revolutionary movement in Mindoro island strongly condemn the recent atrocity committed by elements of 4th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army.
Mario Versosa, 35-40 years old, was killed by 4IBPA troops during a misencounter in Sityo If-if, Barangay Cambunang, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro on May 21.
Versosa is a police asset and a resident of Barangay Purnaga, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, which is located at the southernmost part of the province and adjacent to Bulalacao town. Residents there believe that Versosa visited a relative residing in the town.
Soldiers are quick to release their media stunt to announce victory over a supposed firefight with the NPA.
Soldiers must be desperate after an NPA unit operating in Southern Mindoro successfully attacked a new military detachment being set in the area, afternoon on May 20. Residents there suspect that the camp is intended to secure a coal mining expected to operate in their village.
The NPA team immediately left the area on the same day after their successful operation. Soldiers reportedly conducted security patrol around the camp at 5 a.m. on May 21 and accidentally fired on Versosa resulting to the latter’s death. Soldiers planted a pistol and a hand grenade on Versosa and tagged him a rebel to justify the misencounter as a legitimate operation against the NPA.
The revolutionary movement in Mindoro laments with Versosa’s bereaved family. NPA-Mindoro is up in arms to launch a punitive action against the army troops who committed this vile act. This is an atrocity in the highest magnitude the revolutionary movement can never condone.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170523-4ib-killed-civilian-not-npa-in-a-misencounter-in-mindoro
Ka Madaay Gasic, Spokesperson
NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)
23 May 2017
The New People’s Army-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command) and the revolutionary movement in Mindoro island strongly condemn the recent atrocity committed by elements of 4th Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army.
Mario Versosa, 35-40 years old, was killed by 4IBPA troops during a misencounter in Sityo If-if, Barangay Cambunang, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro on May 21.
Versosa is a police asset and a resident of Barangay Purnaga, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, which is located at the southernmost part of the province and adjacent to Bulalacao town. Residents there believe that Versosa visited a relative residing in the town.
Soldiers are quick to release their media stunt to announce victory over a supposed firefight with the NPA.
Soldiers must be desperate after an NPA unit operating in Southern Mindoro successfully attacked a new military detachment being set in the area, afternoon on May 20. Residents there suspect that the camp is intended to secure a coal mining expected to operate in their village.
The NPA team immediately left the area on the same day after their successful operation. Soldiers reportedly conducted security patrol around the camp at 5 a.m. on May 21 and accidentally fired on Versosa resulting to the latter’s death. Soldiers planted a pistol and a hand grenade on Versosa and tagged him a rebel to justify the misencounter as a legitimate operation against the NPA.
The revolutionary movement in Mindoro laments with Versosa’s bereaved family. NPA-Mindoro is up in arms to launch a punitive action against the army troops who committed this vile act. This is an atrocity in the highest magnitude the revolutionary movement can never condone.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170523-4ib-killed-civilian-not-npa-in-a-misencounter-in-mindoro
CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Hustisya! Singgit sang Pamilya Calago para kay Enric kag Rosalie Calago
New People's Army-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 24): Hustisya! Singgit sang Pamilya Calago para kay Enric kag Rosalie Calago
JB Regalado, Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
24 May 2017
Si Enric kag Rosalie Calago mag-asawa kag lunsay mga Brgy. Officials sa Brgy Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Ang mag-asawa nga Calago brutal nga ginpatay sang mga katapo sang 11th IBPA sadtong Mayo 24, 2015 paagi sa pagmasaker, pagtiro kag pagsunog sang ila kaugalingon nga puluy-an upod ang 2 ka lawas sang biktima, mga alas 10:00 sang kagab-ihon. Halos 2 na ka tuig ang nagligad wala sang hustisya. Subong man ang AFP wala sang nagakaigo nga sabat sa pihak sang ginasinggit kag ginapangayo sang mga pamilya sang biktima nga diin maagum ang tunay nga hustisya sa kamatayon sang mag-asawa nga Enric kag Rosalie Calago.
Sa baylo tuyo pa sang militar nga baliskaron ang mga panghitabo kag ipasibangud pa sa NPA ang ini nga mga kalakasan sang AFP. Si Enric kag Rosalie lunsay mga maayo kag respitado nga mga Brgy Opisyal sa ila kaugalingon nga lugar kag bug-os nga syudad sang Guihulngan. Wala gid sang rason nga himuon sang NPA ang pagpatay sa mag-asawa sa pihak nga ang AFP lang man ang may kapasidad sa pareho sini nga mga kinaiya sang kalakasan.
Preska pa sa huna-huna sang 2 ka anak sang mag-asawa nga Calago ang natabo sa brutal nga pagpatay sa ila mga ginikanan sang 11th IBPA sa sityo Bantayan, Brgy Tacpao sakop sang Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Dugang pa ang pagmasaker man sang 11th IBPA sa pamilya Pableo sa Brgy Panubigan, Canlaon City nga sa subong ang mga biktima amo pa ang nag-antus sa prisohan sa diin sila pa ang ginmasaker, may napatay sa ila katapo sa pamilya kag may mga nasamaran. Amo man ang pamilya ni Toto “Rene” Quirante halos 7 na ka tuig wala gihapon sang hustisya ang ginhimo nga pagpatay sang 11th IBPA sa kay Toto Quirante sadtong October 2010.
Karon Mayo 21, 2017 liwat naman nga naglapta sang ila pasista nga mga kalakasan ang 79th IBPA, 303rd BdePA upod sa wanted criminal nga si Lionel Librado alyas “Dennis” or “Ramsie” sa pagpangransak sa puluy-an ni Bobby Gemodo kag nagtaya sang ila mga armas sa lima ka mga inosente nga mga kabataan sini sa sityo Agpapataw, Brgy Binobohan, Guihulngan City. Kadungan man sini ang ilegal nga pag-aresto sa mag-utod nga sila Vivian Tormis kag Nemesio Tormis sa nasambit gihapon nga lugar. Masubo pa sini kay pilit sang AFP ang pagpaako sa ila nga 2 nga mga katapo sang NPA matapos sang malawig nga interogasyon sa atubang ni Lionel Librado, sa pihak nga lunsay inosente nga mga mangunguma. Pilit man sila nga pasurenderon kag ginapilit pa gid nga pasudlon sa CLIP program sang militar iadalum sa Oplan Kapayapaan. Gina-enganyo sang AFP ang mag-utod nga magsurender para ma-claim sang mag-utod ang kuno P65,000.00 para sa ila nga livelihood nga wala man ginahangyo sang mag-utod nga Tormis upod sa ila pamilya.
Kon indi mahatag ang tunay nga hustisya sang reaksyunaryong gobyerno paagi sa bag-ong rehimeng Duterte ang ginapangayo sang pamilya sang mga biktima, ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan paagi sa CPP/NPA handa maghatag sang nagakaigo nga hustisya sa mga biktima.
Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA idalum sa LPC nga himuon ang tanan nga mga tikang sa paglunsar sang mga aksyon militar tanda sa pagsilot sa AFP kaangot sa ila ginapanghimo nga mga kalakasan sa Central Negros. Ginapanawagan man ang tanan nga rebolusyonaryong masa ilabe na sa mga mangunguma, nahanunga kag demokratikong pwersa nga paslawon ang pasismo nga ginahimo sang militar ilabe na ang 303rd BdePA, 79th IBPA kag 3IDPA. Silotan man si Lionel Librado alyas “Dennis” or “Ramsie”.
Paslawon ang Oplan Kapayapaan sang AFP kag Rehimeng Duterte!
Pamatukan kag paslawon ang Counter-Insurgency sang US-CIA!
Suportahon ang Peacetalks!
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170524-hustisya-singgit-sang-pamilya-calago-para-kay-enric-kag-rosalie-calago
JB Regalado, Spokesperson
NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)
24 May 2017
Si Enric kag Rosalie Calago mag-asawa kag lunsay mga Brgy. Officials sa Brgy Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Ang mag-asawa nga Calago brutal nga ginpatay sang mga katapo sang 11th IBPA sadtong Mayo 24, 2015 paagi sa pagmasaker, pagtiro kag pagsunog sang ila kaugalingon nga puluy-an upod ang 2 ka lawas sang biktima, mga alas 10:00 sang kagab-ihon. Halos 2 na ka tuig ang nagligad wala sang hustisya. Subong man ang AFP wala sang nagakaigo nga sabat sa pihak sang ginasinggit kag ginapangayo sang mga pamilya sang biktima nga diin maagum ang tunay nga hustisya sa kamatayon sang mag-asawa nga Enric kag Rosalie Calago.
Sa baylo tuyo pa sang militar nga baliskaron ang mga panghitabo kag ipasibangud pa sa NPA ang ini nga mga kalakasan sang AFP. Si Enric kag Rosalie lunsay mga maayo kag respitado nga mga Brgy Opisyal sa ila kaugalingon nga lugar kag bug-os nga syudad sang Guihulngan. Wala gid sang rason nga himuon sang NPA ang pagpatay sa mag-asawa sa pihak nga ang AFP lang man ang may kapasidad sa pareho sini nga mga kinaiya sang kalakasan.
Preska pa sa huna-huna sang 2 ka anak sang mag-asawa nga Calago ang natabo sa brutal nga pagpatay sa ila mga ginikanan sang 11th IBPA sa sityo Bantayan, Brgy Tacpao sakop sang Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Dugang pa ang pagmasaker man sang 11th IBPA sa pamilya Pableo sa Brgy Panubigan, Canlaon City nga sa subong ang mga biktima amo pa ang nag-antus sa prisohan sa diin sila pa ang ginmasaker, may napatay sa ila katapo sa pamilya kag may mga nasamaran. Amo man ang pamilya ni Toto “Rene” Quirante halos 7 na ka tuig wala gihapon sang hustisya ang ginhimo nga pagpatay sang 11th IBPA sa kay Toto Quirante sadtong October 2010.
Karon Mayo 21, 2017 liwat naman nga naglapta sang ila pasista nga mga kalakasan ang 79th IBPA, 303rd BdePA upod sa wanted criminal nga si Lionel Librado alyas “Dennis” or “Ramsie” sa pagpangransak sa puluy-an ni Bobby Gemodo kag nagtaya sang ila mga armas sa lima ka mga inosente nga mga kabataan sini sa sityo Agpapataw, Brgy Binobohan, Guihulngan City. Kadungan man sini ang ilegal nga pag-aresto sa mag-utod nga sila Vivian Tormis kag Nemesio Tormis sa nasambit gihapon nga lugar. Masubo pa sini kay pilit sang AFP ang pagpaako sa ila nga 2 nga mga katapo sang NPA matapos sang malawig nga interogasyon sa atubang ni Lionel Librado, sa pihak nga lunsay inosente nga mga mangunguma. Pilit man sila nga pasurenderon kag ginapilit pa gid nga pasudlon sa CLIP program sang militar iadalum sa Oplan Kapayapaan. Gina-enganyo sang AFP ang mag-utod nga magsurender para ma-claim sang mag-utod ang kuno P65,000.00 para sa ila nga livelihood nga wala man ginahangyo sang mag-utod nga Tormis upod sa ila pamilya.
Kon indi mahatag ang tunay nga hustisya sang reaksyunaryong gobyerno paagi sa bag-ong rehimeng Duterte ang ginapangayo sang pamilya sang mga biktima, ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan paagi sa CPP/NPA handa maghatag sang nagakaigo nga hustisya sa mga biktima.
Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA idalum sa LPC nga himuon ang tanan nga mga tikang sa paglunsar sang mga aksyon militar tanda sa pagsilot sa AFP kaangot sa ila ginapanghimo nga mga kalakasan sa Central Negros. Ginapanawagan man ang tanan nga rebolusyonaryong masa ilabe na sa mga mangunguma, nahanunga kag demokratikong pwersa nga paslawon ang pasismo nga ginahimo sang militar ilabe na ang 303rd BdePA, 79th IBPA kag 3IDPA. Silotan man si Lionel Librado alyas “Dennis” or “Ramsie”.
Paslawon ang Oplan Kapayapaan sang AFP kag Rehimeng Duterte!
Pamatukan kag paslawon ang Counter-Insurgency sang US-CIA!
Suportahon ang Peacetalks!
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170524-hustisya-singgit-sang-pamilya-calago-para-kay-enric-kag-rosalie-calago
CPP/NDF-Mindanao: The Filipino people in Mindanao and the country must strongly oppose Martial Law
National Democratic Front-Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 25): The Filipino people in Mindanao and the country must strongly oppose Martial Law
Ka Joaquin Jacinto, Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao
25 May 2017
The NDFP in Mindanao strongly condemns the imposition of Martial Law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, through Presidential Proclamation No. 216, in all 27 provinces and 33 cities in the Mindanao island. We urgently call upon all Filipinos in Mindanao and the rest of the country to unite and rise in militant protest to oppose this draconian edict and push for its immediate lifting.
By placing Mindanao under Martial Rule, the fundamental rights, civil liberties and freedoms of millions of innocent civilians in Mindanao, especially the Moro people, are placed under the threat of abuse by the forces of the AFP, PNP and its paramilitary groups, who are emboldened to commit abuses, such as enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and hamletting among others, with impunity now that they have been given power over and above civilian authority.
Even the so-called “safeguards” in the 1987 Phil. Constitution cannot guarantee that the AFP and the PNP will not overstep in the implementation of Martial Law in the next two months or more because of its notoriously long history of human rights violations. The main implementers of Proclamation 216 under the Duterte government, particularly Gen. Eduardo Año, Delfin Lorenzana, Hermogenes Esperon, etc., are themselves rabid human rights violators and are styled after the Marcosian brand of militarism.
The recent siege in Marawi City by the so-called Maute Group, which is being made to appear as having links with ISIS, was a brutal assault against the people of Marawi. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this attack, which has mercilessly caused the deaths of a number of individuals and the destruction of livelihood and properties in the city.
However, the Maute problem is but a result of the long-standing Moro problem, which, time and again, the GRP has intentionally neglected and worsened the situation through deceptive solutions. For decades, the Moro people in Mindanao have been thrown into a perpetual state of oppression, exploitation and chauvinism, which has only made it possible for groups with extremist ideals to take root among their ranks.
Thus, on one hand, the GRP has only itself to blame for perpetuating and intensifying national oppression against the Moro people, making the Marawi attack and similar acts possible in recent history. On the other hand, the reactionary government has also taken advantage of this fact by either rearing or tolerating groups such as the Maute or the Abu Sayyaf to serve as means to justify any brazen move on their part to help consolidate or perpetuate themselves in power.
It appears that the Maute siege and the subsequent imposition of Martial Law, which is apparently intended to cover not just Mindanao but the entire country, is being used to play into a grand scheme to entrench themselves in power and thwart any and all effort at deposing the Duterte regime by way of coup d’etat or other similar attempts at regime change.
Whether they will admit to this or not, by placing the entire Mindanao island under Martial Law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus, only the Filipino people ultimately stands to gain nothing and lose everything, from their basic rights and freedoms down to their very source of our livelihood.
The NDFP-Mindanao therefore urges all Mindanaoans, all Filipinos, to stand united in our opposition against the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao. Martial law is not and will never be the solution to the basic problems that prevail in the country, in fact, it will only serve to aggravate and worsen it. Mindanao is just the beginning; we must mobilize to stop it from spreading to the Visayas and Luzon, and push for its lifting.
We encourage the people to use all available means, including social media, to express strong, unequivocal denunciation of the resurrection of a reviled Marcosian edict. Join all forms of protests organized in school halls, barangay centers and in the streets to amplify our strong opposition.
Furthermore, the NDFP-Mindanao calls on all revolutionary forces to redouble their effort at defending the people from the onslaught of Martial Law. In the final analysis, strengthening the revolutionary armed struggle is the only effective way to fight against the brutality of Martial Law. The various guerrilla fronts in Mindanao are open, and welcomes all who pass the requisites, especially those who come from the cities and are under threat of capture by enemy forces, to join the ranks of the New People’s Army.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-the-filipino-people-in-mindanao-and-the-country-must-strongly-oppose-martial-law
Ka Joaquin Jacinto, Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao
25 May 2017
The NDFP in Mindanao strongly condemns the imposition of Martial Law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, through Presidential Proclamation No. 216, in all 27 provinces and 33 cities in the Mindanao island. We urgently call upon all Filipinos in Mindanao and the rest of the country to unite and rise in militant protest to oppose this draconian edict and push for its immediate lifting.
By placing Mindanao under Martial Rule, the fundamental rights, civil liberties and freedoms of millions of innocent civilians in Mindanao, especially the Moro people, are placed under the threat of abuse by the forces of the AFP, PNP and its paramilitary groups, who are emboldened to commit abuses, such as enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and hamletting among others, with impunity now that they have been given power over and above civilian authority.
Even the so-called “safeguards” in the 1987 Phil. Constitution cannot guarantee that the AFP and the PNP will not overstep in the implementation of Martial Law in the next two months or more because of its notoriously long history of human rights violations. The main implementers of Proclamation 216 under the Duterte government, particularly Gen. Eduardo Año, Delfin Lorenzana, Hermogenes Esperon, etc., are themselves rabid human rights violators and are styled after the Marcosian brand of militarism.
The recent siege in Marawi City by the so-called Maute Group, which is being made to appear as having links with ISIS, was a brutal assault against the people of Marawi. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this attack, which has mercilessly caused the deaths of a number of individuals and the destruction of livelihood and properties in the city.
However, the Maute problem is but a result of the long-standing Moro problem, which, time and again, the GRP has intentionally neglected and worsened the situation through deceptive solutions. For decades, the Moro people in Mindanao have been thrown into a perpetual state of oppression, exploitation and chauvinism, which has only made it possible for groups with extremist ideals to take root among their ranks.
Thus, on one hand, the GRP has only itself to blame for perpetuating and intensifying national oppression against the Moro people, making the Marawi attack and similar acts possible in recent history. On the other hand, the reactionary government has also taken advantage of this fact by either rearing or tolerating groups such as the Maute or the Abu Sayyaf to serve as means to justify any brazen move on their part to help consolidate or perpetuate themselves in power.
It appears that the Maute siege and the subsequent imposition of Martial Law, which is apparently intended to cover not just Mindanao but the entire country, is being used to play into a grand scheme to entrench themselves in power and thwart any and all effort at deposing the Duterte regime by way of coup d’etat or other similar attempts at regime change.
Whether they will admit to this or not, by placing the entire Mindanao island under Martial Law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus, only the Filipino people ultimately stands to gain nothing and lose everything, from their basic rights and freedoms down to their very source of our livelihood.
The NDFP-Mindanao therefore urges all Mindanaoans, all Filipinos, to stand united in our opposition against the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao. Martial law is not and will never be the solution to the basic problems that prevail in the country, in fact, it will only serve to aggravate and worsen it. Mindanao is just the beginning; we must mobilize to stop it from spreading to the Visayas and Luzon, and push for its lifting.
We encourage the people to use all available means, including social media, to express strong, unequivocal denunciation of the resurrection of a reviled Marcosian edict. Join all forms of protests organized in school halls, barangay centers and in the streets to amplify our strong opposition.
Furthermore, the NDFP-Mindanao calls on all revolutionary forces to redouble their effort at defending the people from the onslaught of Martial Law. In the final analysis, strengthening the revolutionary armed struggle is the only effective way to fight against the brutality of Martial Law. The various guerrilla fronts in Mindanao are open, and welcomes all who pass the requisites, especially those who come from the cities and are under threat of capture by enemy forces, to join the ranks of the New People’s Army.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-the-filipino-people-in-mindanao-and-the-country-must-strongly-oppose-martial-law
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Tutulan at Buong Lakas na Labanan ang Martial Law!
National Democratic Front-Bicol Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 26): Tutulan at Buong Lakas na Labanan ang Martial Law!
Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)
26 May 2017
Lubusan nang hinubad ng rehimeng Duterte ang kanyang maka-mamamayang bihis at lalo pang ilinantad ang kanyang pagsalig sa pandarahas bilang pangunahing armas ng kanyang pamumuno nang idineklara niya ang batas militar sa buong Mindanao. Walang pag-aalangan niyang sinabing ang batas militar sa ilalim ng kanyang administrasyon ay walang ipinagkaiba sa batas militar sa ilalim ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Kasabay nito’y ang pagsuspendi ng writ of habeas corpus na magbibigay matwid sa panghuhuli sa sinuman kahit walang basbas ng husgado. Kalaunan, naglabas din siya ng pahayag na maaring hindi sapat na sa Mindanao lamang magdeklara ng batas militar. Ihinahanda niya ang mamamayan sa higit pang pagpapalawig nito sa buong bansa nang mas matagal pa sa 60 araw.
Sa gitna ng kaliwa’t kanang manipulasyon at destabilisasyon kay Duterte ng naghaharing uri at kanilang mga imperyalistang tagasulsol, nagkukumahog itong panatilihin ang kanyang kapit sa pusisyon. Desperado niyang pinalalakas at kinakabig ang mga militarista sa kanyang panig sa pamamamagitan ng pamumudmod ng mga susing pusisyon sa gabinete sa mga ito. Sa pagtatalaga niya kay Gen. Eduardo Ano, berdugong sangkot sa pagkawala ni Jonas Burgos, bilang pangunahing tagapagpaganap ng batas militar sa Mindanao, binibigyang basbas ni Duterte ang AFP at PNP na gamitin ang kanilang kapangyarihan sa anumang paraan nang walang katatakutang pananagutan. Maaaring nakabig niya ang suporta ng isa sa mga ultra-kanang militarista sa bansa, subalit lalo naman niyang ihinihiwalay ang kanyang sarili sa mamamayang Pilipino.
Ginamit ng rehimeng Duterte ang isang nakadududa’t nakahiwalay na pagsalakay sa Marawi City ng Maute group na kilalang may kaugnayan sa mga upisyal militar at sa palitan ng droga bilang tuntungan ng batas militar. Pilit na idinudugtong ng grupong ito ang kanilang sarili sa internasyunal na teroristang grupong ISIS, isa sa mga armadong grupong inaarmasan at sinasanay ng CIA, para higit na palakihin ang kanilang teroristang postura. Hindi nakakapagtataka kung gayon kung gawing sangkalan ng rehimeng Duterte ang banta ng internasyunal na terorismo para bigyang matwid ang higit pang dayuhang panghihimasok sa bansa upang “sugpuin” ito.
Higit pa rito, lalo rin niyang pinapalakas ang kanyang mga kontra-rebolusyonaryong mekanismo upang padapain ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa hindi lamang sa Mindanao kundi pati sa buong bansa. Nangangarap si Duterteng pagtatagumpayan niya ang pagpapaluhod sa lumalakas na armadong kilusan ng BHB at mga armadong grupo ng mamamayang Moro sa pamamagitan ng malawakan at sustenidong kampanya ng karahasan. Lalo lamang niyang ipinapakitang kailanma’y hindi siya naging seryoso sa makatwiranang pagharap sa ugat ng sigalotupang makamtam ang tunay at makabuluhang kapayapaan sa buong bansa.
Kailangang makiisa ang mamamayang Bikolnon sa pagkundena sa pagpatupad ng batas militar sa Mindanao at pagsaklaw nito sa buong bansa. Marapat itong buong lakas na labanan at tutulan ng mga progresibong organisasyon at indibidwal sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Dapat na manatiling buhay sa puso’t isipan ng mga Bikolano ang pananalasa ng batas militar sa pamamagitan ng tuluy-tuloy na kampanyang propaganda hinggil sa mga pasakit sa ilalim ng pagpapatupad ng batas militar sa rehimeng Marcos at ang implikasyon nito sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kailangang patampukin ang mga demokratikong kahilingan ng iba’t ibang sektor at isulong ang kampanyang edukasyon sa pagtataguyod ng mga demokratiko at pulitikal na karapatan ng mamamayan. Samantalahin ang lahat ng buhay, masigla at matalinong palitan ng opinyon sa midya, sa internet at sa lahat ng paaralan, pagawaan, sakahan, plasa, tambayan at kung saan man mayroong umpukan ng mamamayan upang pagkaisahin at pag-ibayuhin ang mga malawakang pagkilos laban sa pagpapatupad ng batas militar.
Lalong pinagtitibay ng ultra-kanang hakbanging ito ni Duterte na tanging ang armadong pakikibaka ang armas ng mamamayan laban sa estadong nangangayupapa sa dikta ng mga imperyalista at mga militarista. Tuluy-tuloy na ilulunsad ng BHB ang mga atritibo at mga anihilatibong bigwas nito laban sa mga ahente ng pasismo at terorismo ng estado sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Mula sa malawak na kasapian ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, lalong palalakasin ang hanay ng pulang hukbo sa pamamagitan ng mapangahas at masinsing pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos ng mamamayang Bikolnon.
Hindi maiibsan ng kamay na bakal ang patuloy na dinaranas na kahirapan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa gitna ng papasambulat na pandaigdigang krisis. Ito ay aral na ng kasaysayan. Sa panahon ng pinakamalagim na yugto ng kasalukuyang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, sa ilalim ng batas militar ni Marcos, lalong lumakas ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan dahil sa katumpakan ng tangan nitong linya. Ang pasismo’t terorismo ng estado mismo at ang kawalan ng paggalang sa mga demokratiko’t pulitikal na mga karapatan ang nagtulak sa maraming mamamayan para ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili at itaas ang antas ng pakikibaka sa pamamagitan ng laksa-laksang pagtungo sa kabundukan at pagtangan ng armas.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170526-tutulan-at-buong-lakas-na-labanan-ang-martial-law
Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)
26 May 2017
Lubusan nang hinubad ng rehimeng Duterte ang kanyang maka-mamamayang bihis at lalo pang ilinantad ang kanyang pagsalig sa pandarahas bilang pangunahing armas ng kanyang pamumuno nang idineklara niya ang batas militar sa buong Mindanao. Walang pag-aalangan niyang sinabing ang batas militar sa ilalim ng kanyang administrasyon ay walang ipinagkaiba sa batas militar sa ilalim ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Kasabay nito’y ang pagsuspendi ng writ of habeas corpus na magbibigay matwid sa panghuhuli sa sinuman kahit walang basbas ng husgado. Kalaunan, naglabas din siya ng pahayag na maaring hindi sapat na sa Mindanao lamang magdeklara ng batas militar. Ihinahanda niya ang mamamayan sa higit pang pagpapalawig nito sa buong bansa nang mas matagal pa sa 60 araw.
Sa gitna ng kaliwa’t kanang manipulasyon at destabilisasyon kay Duterte ng naghaharing uri at kanilang mga imperyalistang tagasulsol, nagkukumahog itong panatilihin ang kanyang kapit sa pusisyon. Desperado niyang pinalalakas at kinakabig ang mga militarista sa kanyang panig sa pamamamagitan ng pamumudmod ng mga susing pusisyon sa gabinete sa mga ito. Sa pagtatalaga niya kay Gen. Eduardo Ano, berdugong sangkot sa pagkawala ni Jonas Burgos, bilang pangunahing tagapagpaganap ng batas militar sa Mindanao, binibigyang basbas ni Duterte ang AFP at PNP na gamitin ang kanilang kapangyarihan sa anumang paraan nang walang katatakutang pananagutan. Maaaring nakabig niya ang suporta ng isa sa mga ultra-kanang militarista sa bansa, subalit lalo naman niyang ihinihiwalay ang kanyang sarili sa mamamayang Pilipino.
Ginamit ng rehimeng Duterte ang isang nakadududa’t nakahiwalay na pagsalakay sa Marawi City ng Maute group na kilalang may kaugnayan sa mga upisyal militar at sa palitan ng droga bilang tuntungan ng batas militar. Pilit na idinudugtong ng grupong ito ang kanilang sarili sa internasyunal na teroristang grupong ISIS, isa sa mga armadong grupong inaarmasan at sinasanay ng CIA, para higit na palakihin ang kanilang teroristang postura. Hindi nakakapagtataka kung gayon kung gawing sangkalan ng rehimeng Duterte ang banta ng internasyunal na terorismo para bigyang matwid ang higit pang dayuhang panghihimasok sa bansa upang “sugpuin” ito.
Higit pa rito, lalo rin niyang pinapalakas ang kanyang mga kontra-rebolusyonaryong mekanismo upang padapain ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa hindi lamang sa Mindanao kundi pati sa buong bansa. Nangangarap si Duterteng pagtatagumpayan niya ang pagpapaluhod sa lumalakas na armadong kilusan ng BHB at mga armadong grupo ng mamamayang Moro sa pamamagitan ng malawakan at sustenidong kampanya ng karahasan. Lalo lamang niyang ipinapakitang kailanma’y hindi siya naging seryoso sa makatwiranang pagharap sa ugat ng sigalotupang makamtam ang tunay at makabuluhang kapayapaan sa buong bansa.
Kailangang makiisa ang mamamayang Bikolnon sa pagkundena sa pagpatupad ng batas militar sa Mindanao at pagsaklaw nito sa buong bansa. Marapat itong buong lakas na labanan at tutulan ng mga progresibong organisasyon at indibidwal sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Dapat na manatiling buhay sa puso’t isipan ng mga Bikolano ang pananalasa ng batas militar sa pamamagitan ng tuluy-tuloy na kampanyang propaganda hinggil sa mga pasakit sa ilalim ng pagpapatupad ng batas militar sa rehimeng Marcos at ang implikasyon nito sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Kailangang patampukin ang mga demokratikong kahilingan ng iba’t ibang sektor at isulong ang kampanyang edukasyon sa pagtataguyod ng mga demokratiko at pulitikal na karapatan ng mamamayan. Samantalahin ang lahat ng buhay, masigla at matalinong palitan ng opinyon sa midya, sa internet at sa lahat ng paaralan, pagawaan, sakahan, plasa, tambayan at kung saan man mayroong umpukan ng mamamayan upang pagkaisahin at pag-ibayuhin ang mga malawakang pagkilos laban sa pagpapatupad ng batas militar.
Lalong pinagtitibay ng ultra-kanang hakbanging ito ni Duterte na tanging ang armadong pakikibaka ang armas ng mamamayan laban sa estadong nangangayupapa sa dikta ng mga imperyalista at mga militarista. Tuluy-tuloy na ilulunsad ng BHB ang mga atritibo at mga anihilatibong bigwas nito laban sa mga ahente ng pasismo at terorismo ng estado sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Mula sa malawak na kasapian ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, lalong palalakasin ang hanay ng pulang hukbo sa pamamagitan ng mapangahas at masinsing pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos ng mamamayang Bikolnon.
Hindi maiibsan ng kamay na bakal ang patuloy na dinaranas na kahirapan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa gitna ng papasambulat na pandaigdigang krisis. Ito ay aral na ng kasaysayan. Sa panahon ng pinakamalagim na yugto ng kasalukuyang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, sa ilalim ng batas militar ni Marcos, lalong lumakas ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan dahil sa katumpakan ng tangan nitong linya. Ang pasismo’t terorismo ng estado mismo at ang kawalan ng paggalang sa mga demokratiko’t pulitikal na mga karapatan ang nagtulak sa maraming mamamayan para ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili at itaas ang antas ng pakikibaka sa pamamagitan ng laksa-laksang pagtungo sa kabundukan at pagtangan ng armas.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170526-tutulan-at-buong-lakas-na-labanan-ang-martial-law
CPP: Response to Bello’s claim that martial law is not against the NPA
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 25): Response to Bello’s claim that martial law is not against the NPA
Communist Party of the Philippines
25 May 2017
GRP chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III insists that the CPP made an error in calling on the New People’s Army to intensify its tactical offensives against the AFP. He claims the declaration of martial law in Mindanao is not against the NPA.
Not only is Duterte’s martial law against the NPA, it is against the people in general. It curtails the people’s civil and political rights. It curtails their freedom of movement and other freedoms. Martial law transfers these freedoms to the military and subjects the people to abuse. Under martial law, it is the military, these notorious abusers of human rights, who rule.
In Davao City, with its overzealous martial law supporter Mayor Sarah Duterte, people in their communities are being rounded up. Close to three hundred people have already been arbitrarily arrested by the military for failing to comply with the arbitrary rules imposed by the military and the militarist-minded bureaucrats. Duterte’s martial law is bound to be worse than its Oplan Tokhang.
With these stringent policies, Duterte is demonstrating that under his martial law, everyone is a suspect until they can prove otherwise. As every Filipino knows, especially the poor and downtrodden, proving one’s innocence to the military is often impossible.
The GRP must be made to answer for these gross violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). These are in addition to the outstanding issues of close to 500 political prisoners who remain detained under the Duterte government, as well as the growing list of human rights violations perpetrated by the AFP under its Oplan Kapayapaan.
The imposition of martial law in Mindanao will have negative implications in the ongoing NDFP-GRP peace negotiations.
As Duterte’s martial law is against the people, it is imperative for the New People’s Army (NPA) to take action to oppose and fight it in order to defend the people’s rights and interests.
If it was true that martial law in Mindanao is not directed against the NPA, then Bello must inform Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. In announcing the declaration of martial law, it was Lorenzana himself cited the NPA as one of the GRP’s “problems” why the entire Mindanao had to be put under martial law.
Moreover, even before the Duterte regime’s declaration and imposition of martial law in Mindanao, the AFP has been carrying out a dirty war through occupation of civilian communities, extrajudicial killings, abductions and detentions under its Oplan Kapayapaan. Emboldened by Duterte’s order to the military to “flatten the hills,” it has carried out aerial bombardments near civilian communities, sowing terror among the residents and damaging their livelihoods. These attacks have been carried out primarily against the peasant masses who the AFP suspect to be active in the revolutionary cause.
Only by intensifying revolutionary armed struggle can the people defend their rights and interests.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-response-to-bellos-claim-that-martial-law-is-not-against-the-npa
Communist Party of the Philippines
25 May 2017
GRP chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III insists that the CPP made an error in calling on the New People’s Army to intensify its tactical offensives against the AFP. He claims the declaration of martial law in Mindanao is not against the NPA.
Not only is Duterte’s martial law against the NPA, it is against the people in general. It curtails the people’s civil and political rights. It curtails their freedom of movement and other freedoms. Martial law transfers these freedoms to the military and subjects the people to abuse. Under martial law, it is the military, these notorious abusers of human rights, who rule.
In Davao City, with its overzealous martial law supporter Mayor Sarah Duterte, people in their communities are being rounded up. Close to three hundred people have already been arbitrarily arrested by the military for failing to comply with the arbitrary rules imposed by the military and the militarist-minded bureaucrats. Duterte’s martial law is bound to be worse than its Oplan Tokhang.
With these stringent policies, Duterte is demonstrating that under his martial law, everyone is a suspect until they can prove otherwise. As every Filipino knows, especially the poor and downtrodden, proving one’s innocence to the military is often impossible.
The GRP must be made to answer for these gross violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). These are in addition to the outstanding issues of close to 500 political prisoners who remain detained under the Duterte government, as well as the growing list of human rights violations perpetrated by the AFP under its Oplan Kapayapaan.
The imposition of martial law in Mindanao will have negative implications in the ongoing NDFP-GRP peace negotiations.
As Duterte’s martial law is against the people, it is imperative for the New People’s Army (NPA) to take action to oppose and fight it in order to defend the people’s rights and interests.
If it was true that martial law in Mindanao is not directed against the NPA, then Bello must inform Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. In announcing the declaration of martial law, it was Lorenzana himself cited the NPA as one of the GRP’s “problems” why the entire Mindanao had to be put under martial law.
Moreover, even before the Duterte regime’s declaration and imposition of martial law in Mindanao, the AFP has been carrying out a dirty war through occupation of civilian communities, extrajudicial killings, abductions and detentions under its Oplan Kapayapaan. Emboldened by Duterte’s order to the military to “flatten the hills,” it has carried out aerial bombardments near civilian communities, sowing terror among the residents and damaging their livelihoods. These attacks have been carried out primarily against the peasant masses who the AFP suspect to be active in the revolutionary cause.
Only by intensifying revolutionary armed struggle can the people defend their rights and interests.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170525-response-to-bellos-claim-that-martial-law-is-not-against-the-npa
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Maute threatens to behead priest
From the online publication the Davao Today (May 26): Maute threatens to behead priest
THE Maute group called up a Roman Catholic bishop and threatened to behead a priest and 14 church workers unless the military stopped its operations in Marawi City.
Msgr. Elmer Abacahin of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Cagayan de Oro revealed this yesterday even as he expressed fears that the group would make good its threat against Fr. Chito Suganog and other captives.
Abacahin said the Maute group got in touch with Bishop Edwin dela Peña of the Roman Catholic prelature of Marawi City and told him that the hostages would be beheaded one by one unless the government gave in to its demand.
He said the group asked no ransom but was firm in its demand for the military to stop its operations in Marawi.
Fr. Suganog is the parish priest at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City that was seized by the Maute group members as they burned a church and other establishments in the predominantly Muslim city on Tuesday.
Abacahin said Suganog and the church workers were preparing for a feast that was supposed to have been celebrated yesterday.
“Until now, we have not heard anything about Fr. Chito but authorities have said that the Maute group is still trapped in Marawi,” Abacahin said.
Camp Alagar yesterday confirmed that the Maute group has taken hostage the priest and the church workers.
Police however identified only three church workers taken hostage: Ma. Luisa Colina, Wendelyn Mayormita and Crispina Banrang.
Authorities said the group set afire the María Auxiliadora church, Ninoy Aquino College and the Marawi city jail, and then took control of 11 Marawi barangays: Bangon Saber, Tuca Banggolo, Naga, Monkado, Colony, Caloocan, Marinaut, Mapandi, Matampay, Basak, and Malutlot.
Camp Alagar spokesman Supt. Lemwel Gonda said the Maute group also killed two police officials at noon Wednesday. He identified the dead as Senior Insp. Freddie Solar and Senior Insp. Edwin Placido, Marawi’s police chief.
Gonda also identified two wounded officers. They are PO3 Jeffrey Mayos and PO2 Bele Tayaban, members of the National Police’s Special Action Force (SAF).
Meanwhile, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) set up three evacuation centers in Iligan City for thousands of evacuees from Marawi City.
OCD regional director Liza Mazo said the evacuation centers are in Boroon, Maria Cristina and Kabili.
“Daghan na kaayo paingon sa Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, and we prepared kung unsa gyud atong matabang kanila like food packs,” Mazo said.
She said the OCD regional office has been coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Camp Aguinaldo and the coordinating councils of Iligan, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board sent six buses to fetch fleeing civilians along the boundaries of Marawi.
Mazo said they were counting how many families and persons that were displaced.
Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, police director for northen Mindanao, said the police would continue being on full alert and step up security operations to prevent a spillover of violence from Laoan del Sur.
Javier said all entry and exit points in Region 10 are being watched by the police that set up checkpoints.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/maute-threatens-to-behead-priest/
THE Maute group called up a Roman Catholic bishop and threatened to behead a priest and 14 church workers unless the military stopped its operations in Marawi City.
Msgr. Elmer Abacahin of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Cagayan de Oro revealed this yesterday even as he expressed fears that the group would make good its threat against Fr. Chito Suganog and other captives.
Abacahin said the Maute group got in touch with Bishop Edwin dela Peña of the Roman Catholic prelature of Marawi City and told him that the hostages would be beheaded one by one unless the government gave in to its demand.
He said the group asked no ransom but was firm in its demand for the military to stop its operations in Marawi.
Fr. Suganog is the parish priest at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City that was seized by the Maute group members as they burned a church and other establishments in the predominantly Muslim city on Tuesday.
Abacahin said Suganog and the church workers were preparing for a feast that was supposed to have been celebrated yesterday.
“Until now, we have not heard anything about Fr. Chito but authorities have said that the Maute group is still trapped in Marawi,” Abacahin said.
Camp Alagar yesterday confirmed that the Maute group has taken hostage the priest and the church workers.
Police however identified only three church workers taken hostage: Ma. Luisa Colina, Wendelyn Mayormita and Crispina Banrang.
Authorities said the group set afire the María Auxiliadora church, Ninoy Aquino College and the Marawi city jail, and then took control of 11 Marawi barangays: Bangon Saber, Tuca Banggolo, Naga, Monkado, Colony, Caloocan, Marinaut, Mapandi, Matampay, Basak, and Malutlot.
Camp Alagar spokesman Supt. Lemwel Gonda said the Maute group also killed two police officials at noon Wednesday. He identified the dead as Senior Insp. Freddie Solar and Senior Insp. Edwin Placido, Marawi’s police chief.
Gonda also identified two wounded officers. They are PO3 Jeffrey Mayos and PO2 Bele Tayaban, members of the National Police’s Special Action Force (SAF).
Meanwhile, the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) set up three evacuation centers in Iligan City for thousands of evacuees from Marawi City.
OCD regional director Liza Mazo said the evacuation centers are in Boroon, Maria Cristina and Kabili.
“Daghan na kaayo paingon sa Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, and we prepared kung unsa gyud atong matabang kanila like food packs,” Mazo said.
She said the OCD regional office has been coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Camp Aguinaldo and the coordinating councils of Iligan, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board sent six buses to fetch fleeing civilians along the boundaries of Marawi.
Mazo said they were counting how many families and persons that were displaced.
Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, police director for northen Mindanao, said the police would continue being on full alert and step up security operations to prevent a spillover of violence from Laoan del Sur.
Javier said all entry and exit points in Region 10 are being watched by the police that set up checkpoints.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/maute-threatens-to-behead-priest/
'Foreigners fighting' with ISIL-linked Philippine group
From Aljazeera (May 26): 'Foreigners fighting' with ISIL-linked Philippine group
Indonesians and Malaysians among those killed by army in Marawi, where clashes with Maute forces thousands to flee.
Government troops drive past a marker of Marawi city [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
Foreign fighters were among local gunmen clashing with the Philippine army in Mindanao island, authorities said on Friday, in a rare admission that outsiders were collaborating with domestic groups.
Military officials said Malaysians and Indonesians were among six killed on Thursday in battles that have raged for four days in Marawi City, where the army has been trying to flush out rebels of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf armed groups, which are linked to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).
The Philippines has deployed attack helicopters and special forces to drive the gunmen out of the besieged southern city of 200,000 people, with at least 11 soldiers and 31 fighters killed.
"Before it was just a local terrorist group. But now they have subscribed to the ideology of ISIS," Solicitor General Jose Calida told a news conference. "They want to make Mindanao part of the caliphate."
READ MORE: Mindanao - Churchgoers 'taken hostage' amid Marawi siege
The ongoing violence has forced thousands to flee Marawi, located about 816km south of the capital, Manila.
"We are sad to see our children like this. They are just sleeping anywhere," Somaira Aloon, an evacuee, told Al Jazeera. "We can't work, it's a difficult life."
Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan, reporting from Marawi, said: "The Maute has specifically harassed and killed Christians in the area. Since last year, they have been raising ISIL's black flag in government facilities."
She said reports that foreign fighters had joined the group had been circulating since 2012.
Residents proceed to a evacuation center outside of Marawi City [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday delivered on his longstanding threat to impose martial law on Mindanao, the country's second-largest island and home to 22 million people - roughly one-third of the population.
A day later, Duterte said he may impose nationwide martial law.
He recently warned that ISIL was determined to establish a presence in the southern Philippines and the country was at risk of "contamination".
Calida said the Maute group and ISIL wanted to create its own "province" in Mindanao and the government was not the only target of their aggression.
"People they consider as infidels, whether Christians or Muslims, are also targets of opportunity," he said.
"What it worrisome is that the ISIS has radicalised a number of Filipino Muslim youth."
His admission elevates the threat of what experts says are moves by ISIL to exploit the poverty and exclusion of the majority Muslim southern Philippines to establish a base for fighters from Southeast Asia and beyond.
Bae a Labi Alsham Cayongcat, a humanitarian worker, told Al Jazeera: "Children in an evacuation centre, or children in remote areas who may have not felt the basic services that can be afforded to them by the government, they can be vulnerable to any indoctrination."
OPINION: Peace is still possible in Duterte's Philippines
The Maute is a fierce, but little-known group that has been a tricky battlefield opponent for the military.
It was blamed for a bombing in Duterte's home city of Davao in September last year, which killed 14 people and wounded dozens.
The Maute's rise is a source of concern for Mindanao native Duterte, who is familiar with Muslim separatist unrest but alarmed by the prospect of rebels helping ISIL to recruit and establish a presence in the volatile region.
Hostilities erupted after security forces raided a Marawi apartment in a bid to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf.
The operation went wrong after allied Maute fighters called in reinforcements, and then went on a deadly rampage throughout the city.
The government says Hapilon has been the point man for ISIL in the Philippines and has been collaborating with the Maute leaders.
Calida, the solicitor general, said ISIL had declared that Hapilon was "their emir, or leader in the Philippines".
Government soldiers on military vehicles patrol after a continued assault on fighters from the Maute group who have taken over large parts of Marawi City [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
Indonesians and Malaysians among those killed by army in Marawi, where clashes with Maute forces thousands to flee.
Government troops drive past a marker of Marawi city [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
Foreign fighters were among local gunmen clashing with the Philippine army in Mindanao island, authorities said on Friday, in a rare admission that outsiders were collaborating with domestic groups.
Military officials said Malaysians and Indonesians were among six killed on Thursday in battles that have raged for four days in Marawi City, where the army has been trying to flush out rebels of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf armed groups, which are linked to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).
The Philippines has deployed attack helicopters and special forces to drive the gunmen out of the besieged southern city of 200,000 people, with at least 11 soldiers and 31 fighters killed.
"Before it was just a local terrorist group. But now they have subscribed to the ideology of ISIS," Solicitor General Jose Calida told a news conference. "They want to make Mindanao part of the caliphate."
READ MORE: Mindanao - Churchgoers 'taken hostage' amid Marawi siege
The ongoing violence has forced thousands to flee Marawi, located about 816km south of the capital, Manila.
"We are sad to see our children like this. They are just sleeping anywhere," Somaira Aloon, an evacuee, told Al Jazeera. "We can't work, it's a difficult life."
Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan, reporting from Marawi, said: "The Maute has specifically harassed and killed Christians in the area. Since last year, they have been raising ISIL's black flag in government facilities."
She said reports that foreign fighters had joined the group had been circulating since 2012.
Residents proceed to a evacuation center outside of Marawi City [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday delivered on his longstanding threat to impose martial law on Mindanao, the country's second-largest island and home to 22 million people - roughly one-third of the population.
A day later, Duterte said he may impose nationwide martial law.
He recently warned that ISIL was determined to establish a presence in the southern Philippines and the country was at risk of "contamination".
Calida said the Maute group and ISIL wanted to create its own "province" in Mindanao and the government was not the only target of their aggression.
"People they consider as infidels, whether Christians or Muslims, are also targets of opportunity," he said.
"What it worrisome is that the ISIS has radicalised a number of Filipino Muslim youth."
His admission elevates the threat of what experts says are moves by ISIL to exploit the poverty and exclusion of the majority Muslim southern Philippines to establish a base for fighters from Southeast Asia and beyond.
Bae a Labi Alsham Cayongcat, a humanitarian worker, told Al Jazeera: "Children in an evacuation centre, or children in remote areas who may have not felt the basic services that can be afforded to them by the government, they can be vulnerable to any indoctrination."
OPINION: Peace is still possible in Duterte's Philippines
The Maute is a fierce, but little-known group that has been a tricky battlefield opponent for the military.
It was blamed for a bombing in Duterte's home city of Davao in September last year, which killed 14 people and wounded dozens.
The Maute's rise is a source of concern for Mindanao native Duterte, who is familiar with Muslim separatist unrest but alarmed by the prospect of rebels helping ISIL to recruit and establish a presence in the volatile region.
Hostilities erupted after security forces raided a Marawi apartment in a bid to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf.
The operation went wrong after allied Maute fighters called in reinforcements, and then went on a deadly rampage throughout the city.
The government says Hapilon has been the point man for ISIL in the Philippines and has been collaborating with the Maute leaders.
Calida, the solicitor general, said ISIL had declared that Hapilon was "their emir, or leader in the Philippines".
Government soldiers on military vehicles patrol after a continued assault on fighters from the Maute group who have taken over large parts of Marawi City [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
PH eyes Russian submarines, sniper rifles, precision-guided munitions for FA-50PHs
From Update Philippines (May 26): PH eyes Russian submarines, sniper rifles, precision-guided munitions for FA-50PHs
The Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia. This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time).
“Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days,” he added.
Lorenzana was with President Rodrigo Duterte on his official trip to Russia which was cut short by the ongoing clash between government forces and Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.
“If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities,” the DND chief pointed out.
And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.
“We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe,” Lorenzana pointed out.
Another Russian-made weapon being looked by the Philippines is sniper rifles and precision-guided munitions which can be used for the country’s brand-new FA-50 “Fighting Eagle” jet aircraft and AW-109 attack helicopters.
“So one of the things that we are considering is the sniper rifles of the Russians, they have very good sniper rifles. They also have very good precision-guided munition that we can use with our FA-50s, and our attack helicopters. Those are the items. But we have to see more because sometime this year, there will be this defense exhibition that they are going to hold here and we will send some people to look into it,” the DND chief added.
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/ph-eyes-russian-submarines-sniper-rifles-precision-guided-munitions-for-fa-50phs/17743
The Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia. This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview on PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time).
“Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days,” he added.
Lorenzana was with President Rodrigo Duterte on his official trip to Russia which was cut short by the ongoing clash between government forces and Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.
“If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities,” the DND chief pointed out.
And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.
“We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe,” Lorenzana pointed out.
Another Russian-made weapon being looked by the Philippines is sniper rifles and precision-guided munitions which can be used for the country’s brand-new FA-50 “Fighting Eagle” jet aircraft and AW-109 attack helicopters.
“So one of the things that we are considering is the sniper rifles of the Russians, they have very good sniper rifles. They also have very good precision-guided munition that we can use with our FA-50s, and our attack helicopters. Those are the items. But we have to see more because sometime this year, there will be this defense exhibition that they are going to hold here and we will send some people to look into it,” the DND chief added.
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/ph-eyes-russian-submarines-sniper-rifles-precision-guided-munitions-for-fa-50phs/17743
China furious after US warship challenged claim in West PH Sea
From Update Philippines (May 26): China furious after US warship challenged claim in West PH Sea
China is furious after a United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Dewey (DDG 105) challenged its sovereignty claims in West Philippine Sea.
Early Thursday, May 25 the American warship sailed within the 12-nautical-mile waters off Panganiban (Mischief) Reef were an artificial Chinese island was established.
“China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said in a regular press briefing on same day.
“The relevant action of the US vessel undermined China’s sovereignty and security interests and is highly likely to cause untoward incidents in the waters and airspace,” he said.
“The Chinese side respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law, but firmly opposes the undermining of China’s sovereignty and security interests by any country in the name of the freedom of navigation and over-flight,” he added.
Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross said “we are continuing regular FONOPS, as we have routinely done in the past and will continue to do in the future.”
Dewey is part of the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group of US Navy 3rd Fleet. This is the third deploying group to operate within 7th Fleet’s area of operations. 3rd Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets.
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/china-furious-after-us-warship-challenged-claim-in-west-ph-sea/17746
China is furious after a United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Dewey (DDG 105) challenged its sovereignty claims in West Philippine Sea.
Early Thursday, May 25 the American warship sailed within the 12-nautical-mile waters off Panganiban (Mischief) Reef were an artificial Chinese island was established.
“China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said in a regular press briefing on same day.
“The relevant action of the US vessel undermined China’s sovereignty and security interests and is highly likely to cause untoward incidents in the waters and airspace,” he said.
“The Chinese side respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law, but firmly opposes the undermining of China’s sovereignty and security interests by any country in the name of the freedom of navigation and over-flight,” he added.
Pentagon spokesman Gary Ross said “we are continuing regular FONOPS, as we have routinely done in the past and will continue to do in the future.”
Dewey is part of the Sterett-Dewey Surface Action Group of US Navy 3rd Fleet. This is the third deploying group to operate within 7th Fleet’s area of operations. 3rd Fleet operating forward offers additional options to the Pacific Fleet commander by leveraging the capabilities of 3rd and 7th Fleets.
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/china-furious-after-us-warship-challenged-claim-in-west-ph-sea/17746
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