NPA members surrender with M14, AK47 rifles

From Update Philippines (Dec 11): NPA members surrender with M14, AK47 rifles

Two NPA members surrendered themselves along with their M14 and AK47 rifles to the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Zamboanga Del Sur on December 6.

They presented themselves to 53IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Virgilio C. Hamos Jr at 53IB Headquarters in Camp Sabido, Guipos.


1ID photo

The 1st Infantry Division said based on the interview conducted, the two rebels relented due to physical hardships, dissatisfaction on their organization’s policy and realized the futility of fighting with the government forces.


After proper documentation they will be turned over to government agencies for the facilitation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), a program for the former rebels which include social welfare, livelihood, and health.

“This is a manifestation that the NPA organization is losing their ground,” 1ID commander Brigadier General Roseller G. Murrill said. “Rest assured that the benefits will be facilitated by the CLIP committe for them to start and live a normal life they desire.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/12/npa-members-surrender-with-m14-ak47-rifles/23316 

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar opens for Zamboanguenos

From Update Philippines (Dec 11): BRP Gregorio Del Pilar opens for Zamboanguenos

Philippine Navy’s Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) is currently at Zamboanga City Pier for an open house today, December 11 until 5pm.

The open house which started yesterday aims to “showcase its capability as a Frigate as well as to give opportunity to the populace of Zamboanga City for a guided tour aboard ship,” Naval Forces Western Mindanao said.

“The arrival of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is aimed to promote peace, develop friendly relations and bring the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines closer to the hearts of the Zamboanguenos and of the Filipino people in general,” it added.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) is the first Del Pilar Class ship of the Philippine Navy which was commissioned last December 14, 2011.

It was also the second ship named after the revolutionary general, Gregorio Del Pilar, during the Battle of Tirad Pass.

https://www.update.ph/2017/12/brp-gregorio-del-pilar-opens-for-zamboanguenos/23327

Army completes hanging bridge

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 11): Army completes hanging bridge

The 50-meter hanging foot bridge in Brgy. Mahalang, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, that was constructed by the 542nd Engineering Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army, is now being used by barangay residents and neighboring areas.

It was turned over on Dec. 7 by the 542ECB unit headed by Lt. Col. Meliton Reyes Jr. and Col. Eliezer Losañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to Himamaylan City Mayor Ernesto Agustin, after completion.

Its construction was financed by the city government of Himamaylan for P1.5 million.

The bridge will connect the seven sitios of Himamaylan City, and residents no longer have to wade in the river. It is the second hanging foot bridge in Himamaylan City constructed by the Army engineers.

Aside from the steel hanging bridge, the 542EB is also involved in the construction of several infrastructure projects in Negros and Panay, such as classrooms in hinterland areas.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/11/topstory6.htm

Ka Frank: Duterte regime is the monstrous terrorist

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 11): Ka Frank: Duterte regime is the monstrous terrorist

The elusive Negrense rebel priest Frank Fernandez, who was reported by the military to be the secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, may have been among those who managed to escape during the seizure of two New People's Army training camps in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The possibility was raised yesterday by Lt. Col. Darry Bañes, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, following the recovery of a cap believed to be owned by Fernandez and a rope used in tying a horse.

Bañes said Fernandez usually rides a horse while traveling because of health problems.

The seizure of two rebel camps after a series of encounters in Brgys. Buenavista and Carabalan in Himamaylan City, also led to the injuries of two Army soldiers, recovery of an M-16 assault rifle, three ICOM radios, among other personal belongings.

Bañes said he believes that the two NPA training camps could be the staging areas for rebel tactical offensives, in connection with the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the plenum site for their regional leadership.

He also said that Juanito Magbanua, regional commander of the NPA, may also have been in the company of Fernandez.

The entire Philippine Army and police units in Negros are now in full alert status, in response to a series of NPA attacks all over the country.

Bañes said more troops have been dispatched in the neighboring areas of encounter sites, as they pressed their military operations against the fleeing rebels, who have splintered into small groups.

He acknowledged the support of the residents, especially the family members and relatives of victims of NPA atrocities, in the two hinterland communities of Himamaylan City, who had informed them of the presence of armed rebels in their areas.

Four rifle grenades believed owned and hidden by suspected communist rebels were also surrendered to the police in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

The four rifle grenades were discovered hidden in a nipa plantation Sitio Plarendeng, Brgy. Salamanca,Toboso, by a certain Rolando Tumarse who reported it to barangay officials.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/11/topstory5.htm

Cops file charges vs. 4 alleged NPA assassins

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 11): Cops file charges vs. 4 alleged NPA assassins

The four suspects intercepted at a checkpoint in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, and tagged by an Army official as alleged assassins of the New People's Army, are now facing charges in court, after their arrest and the recovery of firearms from two of them.

Supt. Rhea Santos, Kabankalan City police chief, yesterday said that two of the four suspects identified as Wendell Morales and Ronnie de la Cruz, were charged for violation of RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

The two others identified as Ariel Rivera and Joelito Medes are also facing charges for resistance and disobedience to an agent of a person of authority, for trying to flee and evade the checkpoints, Santos said.

The arrest of Morales, 21, of Brgy. Baclao, Sipalay City; and de la Cruz, 19, of Brgy. Patag, Silay City, yielded a .45 caliber pistol and a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition.

Lt. Col. Darry Banes, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, earlier disclosed that based on testimonies of former rebels, the four arrested suspects are NPA hitmen.

But Santos said they are still digging into their backgrounds as they come from different places, in one company, and travelling with guns at almost midnight on Thursday last week, on board a single motorcycle.

Santos said Morales and dela Cruz are now locked up at the custodial facility of the Kabankalan City Police Station, while Rivera and Medes were released from police custody in compliance with an order issued by the court.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/11/topstory4.htm

Ka Frank manages escape?

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 11): Ka Frank manages escape?

The elusive Negrense rebel priest Frank Fernandez, who was reported by the military to be the secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, may have been among those who managed to escape during the seizure of two New People's Army training camps in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The possibility was raised yesterday by Lt. Col. Darry Bañes, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, following the recovery of a cap believed to be owned by Fernandez and a rope used in tying a horse.

Bañes said Fernandez usually rides a horse while traveling because of health problems.

The seizure of two rebel camps after a series of encounters in Brgys. Buenavista and Carabalan in Himamaylan City, also led to the injuries of two Army soldiers, recovery of an M-16 assault rifle, three ICOM radios, among other personal belongings.

Bañes said he believes that the two NPA training camps could be the staging areas for rebel tactical offensives, in connection with the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the plenum site for their regional leadership.

He also said that Juanito Magbanua, regional commander of the NPA, may also have been in the company of Fernandez.

The entire Philippine Army and police units in Negros are now in full alert status, in response to a series of NPA attacks all over the country.

Bañes said more troops have been dispatched in the neighboring areas of encounter sites, as they pressed their military operations against the fleeing rebels, who have splintered into small groups.

He acknowledged the support of the residents, especially the family members and relatives of victims of NPA atrocities, in the two hinterland communities of Himamaylan City, who had informed them of the presence of armed rebels in their areas.

Four rifle grenades believed owned and hidden by suspected communist rebels were also surrendered to the police in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

The four rifle grenades were discovered hidden in a nipa plantation Sitio Plarendeng, Brgy. Salamanca,Toboso, by a certain Rolando Tumarse who reported it to barangay officials.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/11/topstory3.htm

Lao to business firms: stop paying ‘revolutionary taxes’ or delay peace in Mindanao

From MindaNews (Dec 11): Lao to business firms: stop paying ‘revolutionary taxes’ or delay peace in Mindanao 

The chair of the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) has urged the business sector to stop paying “revolutionary taxes” to the New People’s Army (NPA) as they will only delay the solution to the insurgency problem in Mindanao.

In an interview at the sidelines of the MinBC 2017 Annual General Membership Meeting and Partners Forum Friday night, MinBC chair Vicente Lao urged companies to “put your foot down somewhere because the government feels if you support them, the short-term benefit is (your equipment) don’t get burned. But long-term effect of that is you are dragging the solution or you are making that worse.”

Lao said an “initial setback” may be expected as a result of not paying revolutionary taxes to NPA but refusing to pay will contribute to the overall solution to the insurgency problem.



SHOW OF FORCE. New Peoples Army rebels stand with their AK 47 rifles during a formation during the Communist Party of the Philippines 46th anniversary held in a small rural village in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur last Friday, Dec. 26, 2014. MindaNews file photo by Froilan Gallardo

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier warned he would shut down businesses, most especially mining firms, that are continuously paying “revolutionary taxes” to the NPA.

The NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) had been designated as terrorist organizations with Proclamation No. 374 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 5, pursuant to RA No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2002.

Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre was subsequently directed to file a petition in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) under the provisions of the Human Security Act for its judicial affirmation.

The proclamation said the law “criminalizes the financing of terrorism and dealing with property or funds of designated persons/organizations, and prevents and suppresses the commission of said offenses through freezing and forfeiture of the property or funds of said designations persons/organizations, among others.

The law provides that it is the policy of the State to “protect life, liberty, and property from acts of terrorism, to condemn terrorism and those who support and finance it and to recognize it as inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and the welfare of the people, and to make financing of terrorism a crime against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against the law of nations.”

Lao hopes government would immediately act on addressing the peace and security situation in Mindanao so that the business sector “can channel our finances and resources” to developing Mindanao.

He said some of the companies resorted to paying revolutionary taxes to the NPA to prevent trouble, as they were “left to fend for themselves” by the security sector in the past.

“No military was there to protect them before. The President is correct, if you give, you exacerbate the problem,” Lao said.

“We have to decide once and for all, if I go against the NPAs, the communists, well everybody has to reconfigure your relationship with the NPAs. Because if you continue to support financially, I will close you down,” Duterte said last November 21 in “Ang Huling Tikas Pahinga: Isang Pagpupugay sa mga Bayani ng Marawi” in Taguig.

Duterte issued Proclamation 360 on November 23, ordering the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza and the government peace negotiators to stop all peace talks with the communist group for failing to show “sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peace negotiations as it engaged in acts of violence and hostilities, endangering the lives and properties of innocent people.”

The Proclamation was issued two days before the peace panels of the government and the National Democratic Front would resume a “discreet” fifth round of talks on November 25 to 27, 2017 in Oslo, Norway. 

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/12/lao-to-business-firms-stop-paying-revolutionary-taxes-or-delay-peace-in-mindanao/

Troops hunt down South Cotabato rebels

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 10): Troops hunt down South Cotabato rebels

Government troops continue to hunt down communist insurgents in South Cotabato province where clashes erupted this week that left at least 10 people dead. Soldiers also seized a camp of the New People’s Army in Lake Sebu where clashes occurred between security and rebel forces.

At least 8 alleged rebels and two soldiers were killed in the battle, according to the military. But the NPA accused the military of killing civilians, mostly members if the indigenous T’boli tribe.

Efren Aksasato, a rebel spokesman, said soldiers from the 27th Infantry Battalion allegedly massacred villagers in Lake Sebu on December 3. “The 27th Infantry Battalion massacred civilian residents and not NPA members in a skirmish that took place in on December 3,” he said, adding, the victims were opposing mining operation in their ancestral domain.

The 6th Infantry Division said all those killed were NPA rebels who clashed with soldiers that left 2 infantrymen dead. Aksasato said those killed by soldiers were members of the T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimants Organization, a group fighting for the tribe’s ancestral lands being claimed by the mining firm D.M. Consunji Holdings Inc. (DMCI) through the government’s Integrated Forest Management Agreement program (IFMA).

IFMA is a production sharing contract entered into by and between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the mining firm which grants DMCI the exclusive right to develop, manage, protect and utilize a specified area of forestland and forest resources therein for a period of 25 years and may be renewed for another 25-year period, consistent with the principle of sustainable development and in accordance with an approved Comprehensive Development and Management Plan.

“Reports said that at around 12:25 in the afternoon in December 3, forces of the 27th Infantry Battalion conducting military operations arrive in the community. The soldiers approached the house of the chieftain Datu Victor Danyan and opened fire. This prompted the residents, armed with 12-gauge shotguns and indigenous weapons, to fight back.”

“The firefight resulted to the death of eight individuals namely Datu Victor Danyan Sr., Victor Danyan Jr., Artemio Danyan, Pato Celardo, To Diamante, Bobot Lagase, and Mateng Bantal. A number were also wounded that includes Luben Laod and Teteng Laod, and a minor that was taken to a hospital,” Aksasato said.

He said rebel forces near the area responded to the military atrocities and rescued other civilians and brought them to safety away from government soldiers, but eventually NPA fighters engaged troops in a running gun battle. He said one rebel was killed in the clashes.

NPA Propaganda
But Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, strongly denied Aksasato’s accusations and branded them as propaganda.

“Ayon sa mga spin masters ng CPP-NPA-NDF, namatay daw sa shrapnel ng artillery sina Datu Victor Denyan. Dahil sigurado ako sa kakayahan ng aming forward observers at artillery team na pinamunuan ni 1Lt April Paduganan, isinama ko mismo si Datu Dandee Denian, ang pinsan ni Datu Victor para pasinungalingan ang fake news na kinalat para siraan ang 27th at 33rd Infantry Battalions. Nang nasupalpal ng ebidensya ang mga komunista, binago nila ang paratang at sabi ay minasaker ng tropa ang tribo. Sa muli, nasupalpal sila dahil nabaril at napatay ang dalawang sundalo sa naturang bakbakan. Nag-responde sina Datu Victor dahil inakala nyang namatay ang kanyang anak na miyembro ng Skwad Primera ng Platoon Arabo ni Ka Yoyo.”

“Dahil No Fire Area ang ipinag-uutos ko sa sentro ng komunidad, panay identified targets na okupado ng hukbo ng bandidong NPA ang aming pinatakan ng kanyon. Malayo ito sa bahayan nina Datu Victor. Wala ni isang crater ng 105mm (Howitzer) ang makikita sa paligid ayon sa fake news ng mga komunista. Ito pa, bumulagta sa naturang engkwentro ang isang kalbo na hukbo. Nang pinakuha ko kina Datu Dandee ang mga bangkay, nagtaka sila kung sino si Kalbo dahil hindi ito miyembro ng tribo. Pinakuhanan ko ito ng larawan para ipakita sa mga bagong suko na mga miyembro ng Platoon Arabo. Nang ipinakita ko ang picture ni Kalbo, ayon, tukoy agad nila: Si Ka George yan sir!,” Cabunoc narrated in his Facebook post.

Kalbo, he said, turned out to be the commander of the so-called Platoon My Phone of the rebel group operating in Sultan Kudarat. “Patay ang kilabot na kumander ng Platoon My Phone ng bandidong NPA sa Sultan Kudarat na si Ka George. Ang mga bandidong NPA ay ginawang sangkalan sa bakbakan ang kakaawang lumad na kanilang nalinlang para lumaban sa gobyerno. Mga komunista, di na uubra ang fake news ninyo. Buking na kayo sa mga lumad. Mag-alsa masa na sila kontra sa inyo!,” he said. Some of the wounded enemies who were captured by soldiers were also given emergency medical treatment and brought to hospital, according to Cabunoc.

President Rodrigo Duterte has tagged the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines as a terrorist organization following the collapse of the peace talks due to the rebels’ continued attacks on government and military and even civilian targets.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-hunt-down-south-cotabato-rebels/

Army’s 9th ID in Bicol gets new chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Army’s 9th ID in Bicol gets new chief

Brig. Gen Danilo Chad Isleta is the newly installed commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (ID) in Camp Elias Angeles, Barangay San Jose in Pili town in Camarines Sur.

Isleta took over the command on Friday in a turn-over ceremony at the Army headquarters in Pili town, said Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th ID spokesperson.

Pramis said Isleta replaced Army Maj. Gen Monolito Orense who has reached the mandatory retirement age.

The 9th Infantry Division oversees three Army brigades operating in the six provinces of Bicol.

Before his new designation, he was assistant division commander of the 9ID.

A 1985 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Isleta is also the former commander of the 10th Field Artillery Battalion, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations, chief of Army’s Strategic and Special Studies Office and senior military aid to the Secretary of National Defense.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018519

AFP receives P1-M aid for kin of slain troops in Marawi siege

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): AFP receives P1-M aid for kin of slain troops in Marawi siege

A local charity institution and a beverage company donated PHP1 million for the families of troops who were killed-in-action during the five-month Marawi siege, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday.

AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Melchor Mison Jr., received the PHP1-million cheque in a simple ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last week.

“The foundation and beverage company, who requested to remain anonymous despite the large amount of donation, also pledged to support the AFP’s educational program that will benefit dependents of soldiers, especially those of combat casualties,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

This was the third time that they donated for the beneficiaries of soldiers who were killed-in-action in Marawi, Arevalo said.

The donation has been deposited in the AFP’s Marawi Casualty Landbank account which was opened in June in order to extend assistance to the families of troops who died in the line of duty.

“The Vice Chief of Staff AFP expressed gratitude on behalf of the soldiers and their families who will benefit from the donation,” Arevalo said.

“The AFP is immensely grateful for the gestures of generosity and kindness of these donors and many others who selflessly and silently give their material and monetary support to our soldiers,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018495

Martial law extension a must to curb terror sympathizers: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Martial law extension a must to curb terror sympathizers: DND

The extension of martial law in Mindanao is essential to completely curb threats from sympathizers of the Maute-ISIS, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Sunday.

“It will help us to continue our momentum in our campaign against the Daesh (Arabic word for ISIS) and their sympathizers and not to do so will allow them to regroup again. (And) as you know there have been reports that they are recruiting already in the Lanao area so I think this will help curb their activities on the ground,” DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said in an interview.

“If we dont have martial law, it will be very difficult for the rehabilitation of Marawi and the other war torn areas in the area,” he added.

“We’re going to move logistics ano yung mga equipment, pagka sila’y nakakaikot ng malaya dun, they can hamper yung pagre-rebuild natin di ba, kasi paano natin matutuloy yun eh kung hindi natin ma-secure yung area, papunta pa yung mga engineers natin e baka ma-ambush na yung mga ganun ba,” Andolong said.

When asked whether terror threats remain in Mindanao, Andolong said “there is a threat. In terms of seriousness kasi relative yun sa iba-ibang areas eh, pero meron, it is there, it is credible.”

On July 23, the Congress, voting 261-18, extended martial law in Mindanao until yearend.

In October, Lorenzana announced the end of the five-month long conflict between government forces and Maute terrorists in Marawi City following the death of top terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon.

Andolong, meanwhile, echoed Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s stand saying there would be no holiday ceasefire with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Nagsalita na si Secretary Lorenzana dyan that he is not inclined to declare a suspension of military operations this Christmas because it will give them (NPA) a chance also to continue their attacks on our outpost, they are taking potshots at our troops and policemen and he does not relish that and we will be giving them a chance do all of that during the Christmas season,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018512

AFP vows to uphold transparency in line with HR commitments

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): AFP vows to uphold transparency in line with HR commitments

In line with its commitment to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will continue to be transparent with its operations and expressed willingness to cooperate in verified complaints brought against its personnel.

The military issued this statement in line with the observance of the International Human Rights Day on Sunday.

"The AFP upholds today and everyday the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

This is the reason why the military has established human rights offices from the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to the small units in the frontline, he added.

"It is in pursuit of that advocacy that we have continuing lectures on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law," Arevalo disclosed.

For this reason, the AFP continues to be transparent in its operations and is willing to cooperate in investigations where verified complaints are brought before them, he added.

"To the end that in the conduct of our engagements, from Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to Civil-Military Operations to Combat Operations, We observe the Rules of Engagement which is anchored on Human Rights, Law of Armed Conflict, and the provisions of the 1987 Constitution," Arevalo noted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018535

Military won't give in to holiday truce pleas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Military won't give in to holiday truce pleas

The military is not inclined to give in to a Christmas truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) despite calls by some groups, including the Church.

This, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo late Sunday.

"The AFP supports the wisdom and wise discretion of the CinC (Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte). He has already declared that there will be no unilateral ceasefire this December. The SND (Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana) has made a similar announcement of his position on the matter," he added.

In the wake of continued NPA attacks, Arevalo said they see no difference this Christmas season.

The DND chief earlier said he cannot recommend a "suspension of military operation" against as the CPP-NPA-NDF vowed to intensify attacks against military targets in wake of Proclamation 360 that terminated peace talks and negotiations with the latter.

President Duterte signed the proclamation last November 23.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018537

Karapatan kicks off protests for International Human Rights Day

From the Philippine Star (Dec 9): Karapatan kicks off protests for International Human Rights Day

Masbate farmers joined Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (Peasant Movement of the Philippines) members from around the country in calling for a stop to extrajudicial killings of farmers, in a protest action in Legazpi City, Albay last July 14. VERA Files, Ilang-Ilang Quijano, file 

 

Rights group Karapatan on Saturday held a rally in Mendiola, Manila to protest policies of the Duterte administraton that they described as “recipes” for a “full-blown dictatorship”. 

 

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay called President Rodrigo Duterte a "wannabe dictator" and said "his recipes, composed of fascist policies such as the drug war campaign, counter-insurgency program Oplan Kapayapaan, and martial law in Mindanao, have choked the Filipino people."

 

The group staged a mock cooking showing to depict how the president is supposedly concocting a dictatorship.

 

“Blood is spewn by ordinary citizens as the Duterte regime and his State security forces prepares and forcefully shoves poison down people’s throats,” Palabay said.

 

Karapatan had earlier said that from July 2016 to October 2017, it has documented 104 victims of extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s counter-insurgency program. The group said this is on top of more than 7,000 EJK cases in connection with the administration's war on drugs.

 

The government only acknowledges a little more than 3,900 deaths in anti-drug operations. Other deaths have been blamed on vigilantes and on gang rivalries.

 

“There is widespread condemnation against the intensifying fascist attacks that the Duterte regime and his State forces have instigated. Recent pronouncements by Duterte, including threats to arrest progressive organizations and foisting the anti-terror law to charge activists, have further escalated the violations,” Palabay said.

 

Duterte has said in recent speeches that he has ordered the police and military to shoot armed members of the communist group New People's Army. The President has also signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA as terrorist groups.

 

A court decision is needed to make the declaration official under the Human Security Act.

 

Protests in Manila, provinces

Palabay said their protest rally on Saturday is just a prelude to bigger demonstrations on Sunday, December 10, in celebration of Human Rights Day.

 

Movement Against Tyranny, of which Karapatan is part, and other groups are set to stage protest rallies in various areas in Manila. The rallies will culminate in a torch march from Bonifacio Shrine to Mendiola at 6 p.m.

 

Karapatan said protests will also be held in the provinces especially in Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo and in the Bicol region.

 

The group said provinces in Ilocos Region and Central Luzon are also set to hold protest rallies while Cordillera-based organizations will hold a human chain at Session Road in Baguio City.

 

Karapatan said various organizations in at least 11 areas including Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Canada, Australia, US, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands are also set to hold activities to protest the human rights situation in the Philippines.

 

Meanwhile, international organization Human Rights Watch announced on its website that it has arranged for 24 landmarks across the globe including the Empire State Building in New York City to shine bright blue on December 10 in celebration of Human Rights Day.

 

“This is a crucial time to spotlight the universal principles and values of the human rights movement,” HRW executive director Kenneth Roth said.

 

“When basic freedoms are under threat, this global expression of solidarity is an act of defiance, a call to action to oppose those who want to turn back the clock on human rights,” he added.

 

Since 2013, the New York City’s Empire State Building – home to the HRW global headquarters – has lit its spire in blue lights to commemorate Human Rights Day.

 

Aside from the Empire State, the following buildings will shine blue on December 10:

• The Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida
• San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, California
• 3D Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada
• CN Tower in Toronto
• Jet d’Eau in Geneva, Switzerland
• National Museum of Beirut in Lebanon
• Sydney Opera House in Australia
• Paulskirche in Frankfurt, Germany
• BC Place in Vancouver, Canada
• Taipei 101 and 12 surrounding buildings in Taipei, Taiwan.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/09/1766795/karapatan-kicks-protests-international-human-rights-day

Reds, BIFF ‘alliance’ being monitored

From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): Reds, BIFF ‘alliance’ being monitored

The military is closely monitoring reports of a tactical alliance between communist rebels and the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Military and defense sources disclosed the BIFF and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have forged an alliance in their planned offensive against the government.
Sources, however, stressed the report of the tactical alliance needs further validation.

A security official, on the other hand, said Islamic militants and the NPA are known have maintained an unholy alliance despite their differing religious and political beliefs.

“We are still verifying this but there is logic to the report because it’s normal either for the BIFF terrorists and also the NPAs to look for an ally to avoid a repeat of what happened to the Mautes in Marawi. If true, then I think it’s going to be just a marriage of convenience for the moment,” one of the sources said.

Bolstering the intelligence report was the roadside bombing believed to have been carried out by the NPA where seven Marines, including an officer, were wounded in Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.

The soldiers were headed back to their headquarters after responding to an attack on a police outpost by unidentified gunmen.

Officials said the seven soldiers were hit by an IED that went off while their vehicle was about to cross a bridge in the area.

Extremist groups like the BIFF are known to operate in Maguindanao, but the NPA is now a creeping influence in several areas of the province, particularly in South Cotabato.

Also being looked into is the reported activation of the NPA Sparrow Unit, an already disbanded urban hit squad in line with communist leaderships’ plan to revive its assassination operations against key government and civilian targets.

“Lately, we received an intelligence report that the NPA has activated its Sparrow Units, with government officials as targets of liquidations,” the source said.

In reviving the Sparrow Units, the NPA’s main objective is to drag the country back to the Marcos years, the source said.

The Sparrow Units gained notoriety for assassinations of policemen and government officials, including personalities they perceived to be helping the government.

In August this year, government troops intercepted seven .45 caliber pistols from a passenger in a bus bound for Davao City.

The seized guns were reportedly intended for delivery to Sparrow Unit members already deployed in the city.

The person who was believed to be transporting the handguns managed to escape while the police were lining up each passenger for body search.

Another source said that as far as his unit is concerned, there are no monitored NPA armed activities in urban centers.

“What we are monitoring is an increase in NPA activities outside of these urban centers including Metro Manila,” the official said.

He said the NPA activities could be part of their strategy to establish partisan armed units in places close to their targets.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/10/1766945/reds-biff-alliance-being-monitored