10 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): 10 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid

A total of 10 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani province received some PHP520,000 worth of financial assistance under the national government’s reintegration program.

Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said Wednesday the beneficiaries are qualified for the firearms remuneration and livelihood grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Solon said seven of the former rebels received PHP25,000 to PHP50,000 in remuneration for the surrendered firearms while three others got PHP65,000 each as livelihood assistance.

The governor said the recipients comprise the latest batch of returnees, who mostly surrendered last year, and were approved for inclusion into the E-CLIP.

He said nine of them are from Malapatan town while one is from Malungon, where the military said the NPA’s Guerilla Front 71 operates.

“We will not fail you. We will develop your areas to open up more opportunities for you and convince your former comrades to also join us,” he said in a statement.

He urged other NPA rebels from the area to surrender and avail of various benefits under the E-CLIP.

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels stand to receive housing assistance, skills training, health insurance coverage, and other related interventions.

Last June, a total of eight former NPA rebels from the province also received PHP25,000 to PHP65,000 in livelihood assistance and remuneration for surrendered firearms under the program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082061

8 ex-NPA rebels get P1-M for surrendered firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): 8 ex-NPA rebels get P1-M for surrendered firearms



FIREARMS REMUNERATION. Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang (6th from right) leads the awarding of checks amounting to over PHP1 million to eight former members of the New People's Army (NPA) at the Provincial Capitol in Mati City on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2019). Aside from the firearms remuneration, the ex-NPAs also received benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Contributed Photo)

Eight former New People's Army (NPA) rebels who turned in their firearms to the provincial government of Davao Oriental received checks on Tuesday as part of the government's firearms remuneration program.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang personally handed over the checks amounting to PHP1.04 million in a ceremony at the Provincial Capitol in Mati City.

Aside from the firearms remuneration, the former rebels also received benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), amounting to PHP65,000 for each surrenderer.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also handed out PHP20,000 for each surrenderer.

Dayanghirang reminded the former rebels to invest their money wisely "in a way that would help them sustain their income and improve their lives."

Orle Cabaobao, provincial director of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said the former rebels received twice the amount of their weapons’ assessed cash value.

Funded by the DILG, the remuneration of firearms undergoes a process being facilitated by the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Intelligence Committee (JAPIC), a special body which validates whether the surrenderers are authentic members of the NPA or Militia ng Bayan while also verifying the weapons being turned in.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Sequitin, the Army 701st Brigade commander, hopes that with the firearms remuneration, more rebels will be enticed to yield to the government and "take advantage of the many benefits that await them upon their surrender."

“In our statistics, more firearms are being recovered as to its ratio with the NPA rebels,” Sequitin said, adding that, “this indicates that the NPA recruitment for new members is already weakening.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082072

Duterte admits hazing in PH can’t be eliminated

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): Duterte admits hazing in PH can’t be eliminated



President Rodrigo R. Duterte (Presidential Photo)

Hazing in the Philippines cannot be totally eliminated, President Rodrigo R. Duterte admitted on Tuesday night in the wake of the recent death of a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) plebe.

Despite having signed the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11053) banning all forms of hazing last year, Duterte said the violent form of initiation rites cannot be wiped out unless fraternities, sororities, and other similar organizations in schools are banned.

“Hindi mo talaga matanggal ‘yan (You really can’t eliminate that) Unless you ban fraternity for all time. Make it a criminal offense by joining a fraternity,” Duterte said in a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport before departing for his trip to Russia.

He, however, said that making the act of joining a fraternity a criminal offense could “raise so many constitutional issues.”

Duterte recalled how he himself experienced hazing in his youth and even got hospitalized for three days due to massive hematoma.

He said that he and law school classmates, including former Supreme Court Justice Bambit Mendoza, wrote San Beda’s Lex Talionis Fraternity to ban hazing but to no avail.

“We wrote our fraternity and asked earnestly to do away with the physical. Wala rin eh. Hindi mo talaga maalis ‘yan (No avail. You can’t eliminate it),” Duterte said.

Duterte also said that he is against hazing, describing it as an act “carried too far.”

He discouraged severe initiation rites, stressing the importance of being able to bring a person to the hospital before it is too late.

“Ang tingin mo pagka ma-brod mo na, anong tingin mo sa kanya? Anong tingin niya sa iyo (What do you think about your brotherhood, what do you think of him? What does he think of you)? That will create a lifetime animosity. ‘Yang tamang-tama lang. ‘Yang ‘pag madala sa ospital, mabuhay. ‘Wag naman ‘yung mamatay (It should be just enough. Enough to bring a person to the hospital. Not one that would lead to their death),” Duterte said.

Await probe results

Meanwhile, Duterte said he would await results of the investigation into the death of PMA cadet fourth class Darwin Dormitorio, who died last Sept. 18 due to hazing.

“This is a subject of so many investigations --- the police and the PMA hierarchy itself. Patapusin mo muna (Let’s let them finish first),” Duterte said.

Duterte said it would be “prudent” to keep what he knows to himself until after investigation results are out.

"‘Wag mo akong tanungin kasi (Don’t ask me because) eventually the administrative case pupunta ‘yan sa akin (will reach me) for final. Kung (If there will be a) mag-reconsider --- motion for reconsideration, the final appeal administratively is to the Commander-in-Chief, ako (me),” Duterte said.

The Baguio City Police Office said it is ready to file criminal charges against seven PMA cadets and two doctors of the PMA Station Hospital, who were tagged in Dormitorio’s death.

Last year, Duterte signed RA 11053, which prohibits all forms of hazing in fraternities, sororities, and organizations in schools, including citizens’ military training and citizens’ army training.

Penalties as grave as reclusion perpetua and a PHP3-million fine will be imposed upon those who planned or participated in hazing activities.

There are also penalties for officers, advisers of the fraternity, sorority, or organizations, who are present during hazing; and even non-resident members or alumni who tried to hide, conceal, hamper, or obstruct any investigation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081991

2 PMA execs took 'high ground' in quitting posts: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): 2 PMA execs took 'high ground' in quitting posts: AFP chief



MORALLY UPRIGHT. AFP Chief-of-Staff ,Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, in his speech at the change of command ceremony at the Philippine Military Academy on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2019), says PMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, and Corps of Cadets Commandant, Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, took the moral high ground when they opted to resign in the wake of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio's death. Evangelista was replaced as PMA Superintendent in an acting capacity by Rear Admiral Allan Cusi while Bacarro was replaced by Marawi crisis veteran Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner last week. (PNA file photo by Joey Razon)

The two ranking officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) took the moral high ground when they opted to quit their posts in the wake of the alleged maltreatment of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio that resulted in his death last month, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief said Tuesday.

"And to be candid about it, one of the reasons we are gathered this morning to witness the change-of-command of our dear alma mater is not because we have failed as an education and training institution but because our outgoing Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Sexon Evangelista, took the high ground of taking full command responsibility, one of the leadership traits he has learned from this sacred ground, to protect not only the academy but the AFP as a whole," AFP Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said in his speech, during the PMA Change-of-Command Ceremony held in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City, which was forwarded to reporters.

Aside from Evangelista, Clement also lauded former Cadet Corps Commandant Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, who also stepped down in wake of the incident in order to protect the PMA from criticism.

Evangelista was replaced as PMA Superintendent in an acting capacity by Rear Admiral Allan Cusi while Bacarro was replaced by Marawi crisis veteran Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner last week.

Stressing that wrongdoings in any institution should be immediately corrected, Clement said maltreatment is never right and will never be right in any circumstances.

"And as we find ourselves grappling with the unfortunate incident of a cadet's passing, while attempting to move forward with the mission to ensure that such devastating loss will not happen again. We should be able to reflect and learn from past mistakes, and make good on the vow that the military as an institution has made - to serve and protect the country and its people," he added.

"For this promise then to be fulfilled, we must pledge to protect the lives and well-being our cadets, the future protectors of our nation," he said.

Earlier, AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said Clement is expecting positive impacts from Cusi during his stint as acting PMA Superintendent. Clement also expects Cusi will succeed given his known competence as a trainer, mentor, leader, and commander in various levels of command and staff positions, he added.

"Lt. Gen. Clement is aware that Rear Admiral Cusi faces a complex and daunting task of curbing, and ultimately, eliminating the malady brought by maltreatment in the soonest possible time," Arevalo stressed.

Arevalo said Cusi’s former assignment at the PMA’s Tactics Group, which directly deals with cadet leadership development and training, and his recent stint as head of the Philippine Navy's Naval Education, Training, and Doctrines Command will be of great value to his new position.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082006

DFA to protest presence of Chinese ships near Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): DFA to protest presence of Chinese ships near Ayungin Shoal



Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (File photo)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday ordered the filing of a diplomatic protest against the reported presence of Chinese vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, a feature within the country's Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea.

"I'm in Moscow. Do I have to fly home to file the goddamned diplomatic protest myself? File now!" Locsin said on his official Twitter account.

The order comes following the Philippine military's report that some Chinese vessels sailed near Second Thomas Shoal or the Ayungin Shoal, an area being manned by Filipino soldiers aboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Noel Clement was quoted as saying that "the mere presence there, if there is no request for passage prior to that, will have to be reported.”

But whether it is a violation or not "will be up to our Department of Foreign Affairs," Clement said.

Last May, a Chinese vessel also blocked three Philippine civilian ships that were on a resupply mission to the BRP Siera Madre, an "objectionable" action recently flagged by Malacañang.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082011

I won’t risk my life for lies: tribal leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): I won’t risk my life for lies: tribal leader



ORDEAL. Bae Chiary Balinan (middle) cries as she recounts her ordeal under the CPP-NPA, in a forum in Paris France on Sept. 30, 2019. Balinan and other tribal leaders are making their way across Europe to rally the international community to resist the narratives of the CPP-NPA. (Contributed photo)

An indigenous peoples (IP) leader from Mindanao lambasted communist groups as she called for support from Filipinos in France to raise awareness on the atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"Hindi ko ipapahamak sarili ko kung 'di totoo ang sinasabi ko. Hindi lang kami tumatayo sa tribo namin, para rin sa ating bayan. 'Yung pamilya niyo sa Pilipinas sana sabihan niyo (I won't put my life in danger if all that I'm saying are all lies. We're not here just for our tribe, but also for our country)," said Bae Magdalina Iligan, of the Mamanwa Manobo Tribe, during an engagement with members of the Filipino community in Paris, France on Sept. 30.

Iligan said she witnessed how the rebel group executed members of her family, and recalled how her father, throughout her life, told her to stay silent after the deaths of some of their family members.

"Apat na uncle ko ang pinatay (Four of my uncles were killed)," she said. "Ganyan sila kaberdugo, kahit kamag-anak mo pa. 'Pag sinabi nilang may kasalanan sa kanila, ipapapatay (That's how cruel they are, even if the concerned is your relative. If they say that person wronged them, they kill them)."

For Iligan, her fervent wish is to take back what's truly theirs -- their traditions and ancestral domain.

"Ang gusto lang namin ay ipreserba ang maganda naming kultura, pero paano kung pinapatay na po kami ng CPP-NPA, na hanggang ngayon nandiyan pa rin sa amin (What we want is to preserve our beautiful culture, but how can we do that if the CPP-NPAs are killing us, that until they are still here?)," she said. 

PINOYS LISTEN. Members of the Filipino community listen to the confessions of tribal leaders who personally witnessed the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA, in a forum in Paris France on Sept. 30, 2019. The indigenous peoples leaders urged Filipinos to help them disseminate their stories. (Contributed photo)

Another tribal leader, Bae Chiary Balinan, also shared her struggles in the hands of the CPP-NPA, as she appealed to international groups to back them in their campaign against communist insurgency in the Philippines.

"Sana po suportahan niyo kami, hindi po kami pumunta para manghingi ng pera dito. Alam niyo po ang hirap pumunta dito, maraming adjustment dahil hindi naman puwedeng ang Amerikano bisayain mo. Sobrang hirap po pero tiniis namin dahil ang pinangarap lang po namin ay ang kapayapaan po ng aming community (I hope that you support us, we did not come here to ask for money. It's difficult to be in a foreign place, there are a lot of adjustments, we can't use our language to talk to the foreigners, but we endure this because our hope is to attain peace in our community)," she said.

‘Duterte gave us hope’

While able to visit places abroad to tell their stories, Balinan said it also pains her to see President Rodrigo Duterte get criticized.

"'Pag nagpupunta sa ibang lugar, ang sinasabi sa Pilipinas ay mamamatay-tao si Duterte, pero kami kaya kami naglakas-loob na pumunta dito dahil naramdaman namin na minahal kami ng presidente na 'yan, kasi taga-Davao kami (When we go to places, what they say about the Philippines is that (President Rodrigo) Duterte is a killer, but he's the one who gave us the will to tell our story because we feel that he loves us)," she said.

Datu Nestor Apas of the Langilan Manobo Tribe of Davao Del Norte, for his part, said he sees the visible implementation of development projects in their community, expressing his hopes that government efforts won't go to waste.

Apas said some elders in their community highly appreciated the initiatives led by the administration.

"Nainspire kami sa presidente pati sa community namin. Yong nakatanggap, nahiya na ngayon lang kami nakatanggap ng ganitong proyekto. Ito lang ang pag-asa para makatanim kami (We are inspired by our President and the community. We feel humbled that we have only received these projects now. These are our hope for us to plant),” he added. 

STOP CPP-NPA SUPPORT. Filipinos raise placards as they denounce the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA, in a forum in Paris, France on Sept. 30, 2019. They also called for CPP founder Jose Maria Sison to be accountable from the acts done by the rebel group. (Contributed photo)
Halt foreign funding
Datu James Binayao, a leader of the Manobo-Talaandig Tribe in Maramag, Bukidnon, underscored that existing issues with the communist armed movement will continue so long as groups linked to it are supported and funded by development agencies abroad.

He then requested Filipinos present at the gathering to help them raise awareness against the deception of the communist armed movement.

"Isa po talaga sa pinakaproblema namin ay patuloy pa rin ang mga CPP-NPA sa community, hindi sila mapuksa ng gobyerno, dahil ito sa mga pondo na naggagaling sa ibang bansa papunta sa aming community (One of our problems is the foreign funding for our communities funneled to the CPP-NPA)," he said.

"Sana masabi niyo sa kasamahan niyo sa Europa na ito ang nagyayari, na sana tingnan ang mga tulong na ibinibigay sa IP (I hope that you could help tell our fellow Filipinos here about the situation on the ground, tell them to look carefully on what they donate)," he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081942

French submarine ‘fits’ PH Navy requirement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): French submarine ‘fits’ PH Navy requirement



SUBMARINE ACQUISITION. Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad says the French-made diesel-electric submersible, the Scorpène, is very ideal for the Philippine Navy's submarine requirement, in an interview on Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2019). Empedrad said this is because the proposal of the company building the submarine fits the requirement of the PN due to its stealthy design and good weapon and sonar capabilities. (File photo)

The French-made diesel-electric submersible, the Scorpène, is very ideal for the Philippine Navy's submarine requirement, PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said Wednesday.

This is because the proposal of the company building the submarine fits the requirement of the PN due to its stealthy design, and good weapon and sonar capabilities.

While these characteristics are also found in comparable submarines like Russia's Kilo-class, Empedrad said the Russian model is very large and expensive for the PN to acquire and operate.

"We are continuously studying this and then hopefully we finalized what is our preference and then the budget will come out so we can bid it," the PN chief emphasized in an interview with reporters.

It is also possible that the project will be funded through government-to-government procurement, Empedrad stressed.

The Navy chief, however, clarified that the French-made submersible is not yet the preferred platform even if it fits the PN's requirements.

"Hindi ko sinabing preferred pero sa ngayon yung requirements namin, 'yung proposal nila (It does not mean that we prefer it but for now, as for our requirements, it) fits the requirements of the PN. But we continue to request for proposals from other company as well. So merong proposal ang (South) Korea, I think may proposal 'yung Germany (South Korea has a proposal. I think Germany has a proposal too)," Empedrad said.

He also added that they are still processing the requirements for the project.

"Hopefully, makapagbigay ang Congress ng budget para mabili na (the Congress can provide the budget so we can buy immediately). I think kung mabili namin 'yung (if we are able to buy the) submarine, it serves as a strategic, psychological deterrence (against enemies)," the PN chief said.

Initially, Empedrad said the PN is planning to acquire two but pointed out that ideal numbers for these undersea vessels are six in a fleet.
The Scorpène-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines jointly developed by the French Direction des Constructions Navales and the Spanish company Navantia, and now by Naval Group. It features diesel propulsion and additional air-independent propulsion.

The Scorpène can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles and mines and it has range of 6,500 nautical miles and is capable of speeds of 12 to 20 knots.

Earlier, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that should the PN submarine acquisition program push through, it will be acquired via government-to-government procurement.

"The submarine, if we finally decide to buy them, will be on a government-to-government procurement and under a loan so that we do not need a large upfront capital outlay," he added.

The DND chief also said they are looking at proposals made by Russia, South Korea, Germany and France for the PN submarine acquisition program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082055

Albayalde won't quit as PNP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2, 2019): Albayalde won't quit as PNP chief



NO REASON TO QUIT. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday (Oct. 2, 2019) said he has no intention to resign from his post amid allegations dragging him to the issue of rogue police officers involved in recycling seized illegal drugs. Albayalde was relieved as Pampanga provincial police chief in 2014 over irregularities in anti-drug operation in Mexico town involving his subordinates. (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday said he has no intention to resign from his post, noting that he still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte despite allegations dragging him to the “ninja cops” issue.

“Abogado ang ating President hindi po yan nagde-decide based on accusation at naging piskal yan. (Our President is a lawyer. He is not the type to decide based only on accusations as he also served as a fiscal.) He acts on the basis of evidence, kaya sabi niya (that's why he said) he will leave that up to Secretary (Eduardo Año) of DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government). Alam nyo naman ang ugali ng ating Pangulo pag talagang ayaw ka na niya, ayaw ka na niya (You know the President's attitude. If he doesn't like you, he really doesn't like you),” Albayalde said in a radio interview.

Albayalde, who served as Pampanga provincial police chief at the time of the assailed anti-drug raid, was relieved from his post due to command responsibility.

The 13 erring cops were ordered dismissed but the penalty was reduced to demotion after a motion for reconsideration was filed on March 14, 2016.

Albayalde, who is up for mandatory retirement on November 8, said it would be up to the President to decide his fate.

“I will wait for the President’s decision and I will wait for (Interior) Secretary (Eduardo) Ano’s decision,” Albayalde said in a separate television interview.

“Whatever they say, as I have said, I am expendable,” he added.

He said this attack against him affects the PNP as a whole, including the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“It also affects the campaign against crimes and corruption. These attacks are directed against our reputation, including me, who leads the war on drugs. You be the judge. See it for yourselves,” the PNP chief said.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said there is no need for a loyalty check among their ranks.

“We do not see the need for a loyalty check for now. The whole PNP is in full support of the leadership and we are supporting our President as the Commander-in-Chief,” he told a press briefing on Wednesday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Banac said while many police officers are saddened by the recent events, they continue to fulfill their mandate.

On Tuesday, President Duterte said he will await results of investigations by the Senate and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año before deciding on whether or not to fire Albayalde over his alleged involvement in the ninja cops issue.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082082

AFP urged to ensure ex-RPA-ABB members’ safety

From the Panay News (Oct 1, 2019): AFP urged to ensure ex-RPA-ABB members’ safety

KALIBO, Aklan – Gov. Florencio Miraflores urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the safety of former members of the Revolutionary Proletariat Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB).

It could be recalled that around 700 former RPA-ABB members across the country met with President Rodrigo Duterte recently at the Philippine Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz. Around 200 of them were Aklanons.

“The former RPA-ABB members have no firearms right now to defend themselves. They have been decommissioned by the government, thus, they are wary of their personal security,” said Miraflores during the third quarter of the Aklan Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here on Monday.

In 1990s, the RPA-ABB, which served as the sparrow unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, decided to separate from the latter.

In 2000, the RPA-ABB locally known as the “Kapatiran” forged alliance with the government.

“It was the start of the peace process through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,” Miraflores added.

“The Ibajay town in Aklan is now known all over the country to have a most modern and advanced peace agreement with the RPA-ABB. They now have livelihood, concrete roads and soon a house promised by President Duterte,” said Miraflores.

https://www.panaynews.net/afp-urged-to-ensure-ex-rpa-abb-members-safety/

Teacher’s is Zambo’s first kidnapping case in 6 years

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 1, 2019): Teacher’s is Zambo’s first kidnapping case in 6 years

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A teacher first reported missing was confirmed to have been kidnapped, the city’s first kidnapping case in six years.

Maj. Chester Natividad, chief of the city’s police station 4, confirmed the kidnapping after talking with the teacher’s family.

The teacher, Rosina Ejansantos Singua, 58, a public elementary school teachers at the village of Culianan, where she also lives with her family, was first reported missing on Friday, Sept. 27, after her relatives lost contact with her.

On that day, Singua was picked up by a friend, identified only as Ems, to attend a wedding ceremony in Dipolog City, which was eight hours away by bus.

In the evening of Sept. 28, Singua called Sherwin past 9 p.m. to say she had been kidnapped outside a church after attending Mass, according to Major Natividad.

The police officer added that during the call, Singua sought help as her captors were demanding ransom.

After Singua spoke, an unidentified man picked up the phone and warned the family against seeking help from police, according to Natividad’s account of Sherwin’s narration.

The man said another call would be made in four days.

The information provided by the family prompted police to reclassify Singua’s case as kidnapping.

Sherwin reported the case to police despite the warning given by the unidentified man.

Natividad said police are checking passenger manifests of vessels that left for Jolo on Friday and Saturday to determine if Singua had been aboard and possibly brought by her kidnappers to Jolo, a known lair of Abu Sayyaf.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said all military units in the area had been put on alert for sightings of Singua and her captors.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1172174/teachers-is-zambos-first-kidnapping-case-in-6-years

AFP sets P12.5-billion Russian arms deal

From the Manila Standard (Oct 1, 2019): AFP sets P12.5-billion Russian arms deal

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is reportedly set to buy 16 Mi-17 medium-lift Russian helicopters worth $14.7 million each as part of its modernization program.

That would be P779 million each at the exchange rate of P53 to $1, or a total of $235.3 million or P12.5 billion.

The purchase will be made to coincide with the scheduled state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Moscow this week.

“I am hoping and praying that before my remaining three years expire, that all of these things, especially the labeled ‘Horizon Projects’ of yours, will be completed during my term, President Duterte said during the 72nd anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base in July.

The President has vowed a full completion of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the balance of his term.

Duterte was not just referring to the modernization of the Air Force. He meant the modernization of the entire Armed Forces including every service and every unit.

The Second Horizon phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program involves P139 billion worth of projects, including the procurement of utility vehicles, drones and other command and control fixed-wing aircraft.

Russia exported over 800 Mi-17s in 2006–2016, according to reports.

The Mi-17 is being marketed by Rosoboron, the marketing arm of the Russian Defense Industry and is being offered to the PAF through a third company, according to sources.

The offer includes not only the 16 units of helicopters but an additional chopper, free-of-charge for a VVIP (very, very important person), the source said.

However, sources within the AFP are concerned about the speed with which the contract is to be closed on the multi-billion-peso contract.

http://manilastandard.net/news/national/306315/afp-sets-p12-5-billion-russian-arms-deal.html

PH poised to buy 16 Russian choppers; Duterte all set for Moscow visit

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 30, 2019): PH poised to buy 16 Russian choppers; Duterte all set for Moscow visit

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is poised to buy 16 units of Mi-17 medium-lift Russian helicopters worth $14.7 million each (approximately P779 million) or a total of US$235 million (P12.5 billion) as part of its modernization program as Moscow seeks better trade and defense ties with Manila.



President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin
(AP / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

This development is in time with President Duterte’s visit to the Russian capital this week in which he is set to meet with his “hero” and counterpart, President Vladimir Putin.

As one of the top priorities of his administration, President Duterte has vowed for the full completion of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the remaining balance of his term.

“I am hoping and praying that before my remaining three years expire, that all of these things, especially the labeled ‘Horizon Projects’ of yours, will be completed during my term,” Duterte said during the 72nd anniversary of the Air Force (PAF) at Villamor Air Base last July.

Duterte was obviously not just referring to the modernization of the PAF but even more on the modernization of the entire armed forces of the country, which includes all the services and units of the AFP.

The so-called Second Horizon phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program involves P139 billion worth of projects, including the procurement of utility vehicles, drones, and other command and control fixed-wing aircraft, among others.

Russia has already exported over 800 Mi-17s for almost a decade, between 2006 to 2016, according to reports.

Sources said the Mi-17 is being marketed by Rosoboron, the marketing arm of the Russian Defense Industry and is being offered to the PAF through a third company.

The package reportedly includes not only the 16 units of choppers but also an additional chopper, free-of-charge, for “VVIP” (very, very important person), the source added.

However, sources within the AFP are concerned about the speed with which the close to P13-billion project is being rushed.

While on an official visit in Russia, Duterte will also speak at the plenary session of the Valdai Forum, the first for a Philippine president on the invitation of the Valdai Discussion Club, a prominent think tank and discussion club in the said country.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine leader will “give his perspective or vision of the world order as it is emerging right now and how this relates to Philippine foreign policy.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/09/30/ph-poised-to-buy-16-russian-choppers-duterte-all-set-for-moscow-visit/

OPAPP: Former revolutionary leaders express solidarity and commitment to peace process as OPAPP celebrates 26th anniversary

Posted to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep 30, 2019): Former revolutionary leaders express solidarity and commitment to peace process as OPAPP celebrates 26th anniversary

PASAY CITY -- In a historic moment, former revolutionary leaders, active and retired military officials, along with members of the diplomatic corp and peace advocates gathered here to make a collective call for enduring and sustainable peace throughout the country during the culmination of the National Peace Month celebration and the 26th Anniversary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday.

The celebration’s highlight was the warm exchange among Moro leaders who had distanced themselves from each other for many decades. Everyone was elated as the distinguished men went up the stage and embraced each other.

History unfolding

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Founding Chairman Nur Misuari, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chair Murad Ebrahim, and former MNLF Chair and Chair of the Bangsamoro People’s National Congress Muslimin Sema shook hands.

“The meeting was indeed historic. What we are seeing here is a reflection of the collective desire of all revolutionary leaders and the government to attain lasting peace in the country. In line with the peace commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we at the OPAPP will continue to do our best to bridge people, promote understanding and unity all in the name of peace,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr.

“It’s a wonderful night that gave us the sign that it is now the time for our deep wounds from all conflicts to heal,” he said.

“Congratulations to everybody, to team OPAPP, and all peacemakers for making the impossible possible,” Galvez added.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was instrumental in the passage and ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, recognized the agency’s key role in pushing forward the Bangsamoro peace process.



“OPAPP has been an invaluable instrument for peace in the nation. In particular, OPAPP has served and continues to serve a vital purpose in our journey towards genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao,” noted Zubiri, who was the event’s guest of honor.

Meanwhile, MNLF Founding Chair Nur Misuari lauded President Duterte’s strong political will and unwavering commitment to resolve the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao.

“I look forward to the success of our peace process … The President knows how to totally achieve peace. I do believe this is a very opportune time for all of us to join hands to concretize what the President wants to happen very soon (in the peace process),” Misuari said.

For his part, Ebrahim extended his message of peace to the other Moro fronts in Mindanao, a gesture of goodwill that could invaluably contribute to achieving sustainable peace in the island-region.

“We are open, open arms kami, lahat ng grupo iniimbita namin (we are inviting all groups). We also believe that the real success of the peace process is the collective effort of everybody. So kailangan namin ang lahat. We cannot afford to isolate anybody. We need everybody,” Ebrahim said, referring to the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which paved the way for the establishment of the BARMM.

Commitment to peace process

Zubiri also praised the resolve of the former combatants to undergo the decommissioning process, acknowledging their difficult decision to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society as peaceful and productive civilians.

“It takes a noble depth of courage to relinquish one’s arms, especially when it might feel tantamount to relinquishing the fight altogether. But it is an act of bravery, to lay down one’s arms in victorious acknowledgement that the future can only be claimed through peaceful cooperation,” Zubiri said.

Leaders of former revolutionary groups in Northern Luzon and in the Visayas also expressed their solidarity with their Moro brothers and sisters, as they reaffirmed their commitment to the peace agreements in their respective organizations signed with the Philippine Government.

Veronica Tabara, leader of the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/ Revolutionary Proletarian Army/ Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group, or KAPATIRAN, highlighted the significance of the gathering not only for their group but for all peace stakeholders across the nation.

“Napakahalaga (ng pagtitipon na ito) kasi nakikita ng KAPATIRAN na maganda ang efforts din sa ibang (peace tables) na isulong ang kapayapaan. Very inspiring din, nakakapagbigay-lakas para tuloy-tuloy na itulak iyong gawain para sa kapayapaan,” Tabara said.



(This gathering is very important, because KAPATIRAN is also seeing the good efforts of other peace tables in pursuing peace. It’s also very inspiring, invigorating to continue to push the work for peace.)

In the meantime, Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army elder Leonardo Bon-as was grateful for the major gains achieved in the peace process, while recognizing the tangible results of the peace deal they forged with the government.

“Salamat po sa administration ni President Duterte kasi nakita namin na sincere ang gobyerno katulad ng nangyari sa South,” Bon-as said.

(Thanks to the administration of President Duterte because we saw that the government is sincere, like what happened in the South.)

A call for unity

According to Galvez, the Duterte administration’s goal is to unify the Filipino people and lay the foundations of enduring peace in the country by implementing all signed peace agreement with all revolutionary groups.

“This is our promise; that we will work together as one,” he said.

“From here, it is clear that peace is ultimately about justice, equity, tolerance, harmonious pluralism, and full respect of human life and humanity. It is for all of us and, thus, requires a shared commitment from all of us, as well,” Galvez said.

The peace adviser also enjoined everyone to adhere to the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” which was signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb as they “hope and seek to achieve the aim of finding a universal peace that all can enjoy in this life.”

“We affirm the belief that all human beings are equal in rights, duties and dignity and commit ourselves to working for God’s call to ‘live together as brothers and sisters’ and ‘to fill the earth and make known the values of goodness, love and peace,” he added.

Among the personalities who attended the event were: His Excellency Koji Haneda, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines; Her Excellency Artemiz Summer, Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines; William Hovland, Deputy Chief of Staff, Independent Decommissioning Body; Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, National Security Adviser; Secretary Rolando Bautista, Department of Social Welfare and Development; Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., former Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Undersecretary Cesar B. Yano, Defense Operations, Department of National Defense; Emmanuel Herbosa, Chief Executive Officer, Development Bank of the Philippines; Brigadier General Cesar De Mesa, Chief, Peace and Development Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines; Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Undersecretary Yusop Jimlani, Presidential Adviser on Local Extremist Group Concerns; Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs, and; Undersecretary Carim Panumpang, Department of Agrarian Reform.###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/10/former-revolutionary-leaders-express-solidarity-and-commitment-to-peace-process-as-opapp-celebrates-26th-anniversary/

OPAPP: Civic groups, LGUs vow to pursue sustainable peace in Mindanao

Posted to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep 30, 2019): Civic groups, LGUs vow to pursue sustainable peace in Mindanao



CAGAYAN DE ORO -- Sustaining peace is a shared responsibility.

This was the central theme during the “Mindanao Peace Forum” organized by the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro East Urban and Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines in line with the celebration of International Day of Peace on Friday.

“[The] peace problem is man-made. Therefore, it can be solved by man. Enough of war and oppression,” Dufel M. Lagrosas, district chairman for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention of the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro, declared during the forum, which was attended by students, professors, and members of civil society.

Lagrosas said their club will continue to contribute to collective efforts to promote non-violence and sustainable peace initiatives in the country.

He shared Rotary Club members have been providing funding support to peace centers that are carrying out peacebuilding efforts throughout the globe.

Invest in Peace, invest in Mindanao.

Ewin Toh, an Eisenhower Fellow, and past president of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the need for Mindanao business leaders to invest in peace.

Toh, who talked about the challenges that were confronted by the business community after the 2013 Zamboanga Siege, urged business leaders to be more resilient.

“We have to take a risk. Help bring peace in Mindanao through economic development,” he said.

According to Toh, the economy of Zamboanga was badly hurt following the three-week siege. However, the business community remained steadfast and helped bring the local economy back to its feet.

For Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, all stakeholders in the community must contribute in efforts to bring enduring peace.

“Not just a village, not just a community, the requirement must be deeper and wider,” Moreno said

Gains in the peace process.

In his presentation during the forum, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez said the Duterte Administration is working hard to implement all signed peace agreements with the different revolutionary groups in the country.

Galvez stressed the current leadership would not like to pass on the country’s security problems to the next administration and succeeding generations.

“Truly, we have entered an era where we can achieve meaningful peace that is anchored on sustainable development,” he said.

“After decades of negotiations, the peace agreements we have signed with various fronts are now finally reaching fruition,” Galvez said, noting the recent decommissioning of MILF forces in Mindanao and the Kapatiran, a communist rejectionist group based in the Visayas region.

“These are being realized through the sheer determination and political will of the Duterte Administration to bring about genuine peace and sustainable development across our nation,” Galvez said.



The Presidential Peace Adviser said the country needs more leaders in the key sectors of society such as business, academe, government, youth, and women who will passionately own the peacebuilding efforts as this is a long journey to build the foundation of durable peace in Mindanao.

Galvez said the role of local chief executives is very important in setting up the local environment conducive to dialogue and conflict resolution.

“On our part, we will make sure the platforms will be available for everyone and for every stakeholder who wants to build peace,” he said.

The forum was attended by a total of 225 professionals, businessmen, rotarians, youth leaders, and local chief executives.

Other resource persons include Lt Col Harold Cabunoc, who talked about peacebuilding measures that the military initiated in communinist and Islamic radical infested areas, while Dr. Martin Macasalong of the Office of Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA), discussed the crucial role of the youth in advancing the further peace process in Mindanao. The OBYA is poised to become Bangsamoro Youth Commission leading to the creation of Ministry of Youth Affairs in the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/09/civic-groups-lgus-vow-to-pursue-sustainable-peace-in-mindanao/

CPP: Commemorate the 70th year of the 1949 victory of the Chinese revolution

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 1, 2019): Commemorate the 70th year of the 1949 victory of the Chinese revolution



The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the proletariat across the world in marking today the 70th year of the 1949 victory of the Chinese revolution. Seventy years ago to this day, Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party of China (CPC) declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Today, the CPP celebrates the victories of the new democratic and socialist revolution in China from 1949-1976. At the same time, it denounces the bourgeoisification of the CPC since 1976 under revisionist betrayal of the proletariat resulting in the restoration of capitalism in China and leading to the emergence of China as an imperialist power causing grave hardship and oppression to the workers and peasants of China and across the world.

The CPP and the Filipino revolutionary masses have long been inspired by the victories of the Chinese people, especially their valor and glorious victory in their epic protracted people’s war to win national and social liberation against the imperialist powers and their puppet reactionary forces. Equally inspiring are the struggles of the Chinese proletariat and people to carry out and complete land reform (1949-1953) across the vastness of China, as well as their endeavor to wage socialist revolution and build a modern and socialist system from 1953 onwards, and their struggle through cultural revolution (1966-1976) to parry the attempts of the bourgeoisie to seize power within the communist party and state in order to restore the old exploitative and oppressive capitalist system.

The CPP continues to study and draw both positive and negative lessons from the successive people’s democratic and socialist revolutions in China, as well as from the subsequent strategic setbacks suffered by the proletariat and people under the revisionist leadership of Deng Xiaoping (1977-1989) and the retinue of Dengist leadership which led China back to the path of capitalism and eventually monopoly capitalism.

The Party has drawn lessons in waging protracted people’s war in order to build an army from weak and small to big and powerful in order to defeat the imperialist-financed reactionary army. Applying these lessons on the concrete conditions of the country, the CPP has successfully built the New People’s Army (NPA) with a few scores of guerrilla forces in 1969 to a nationwide army of several thousand Red fighters highly-skilled in waging guerrilla warfare. Under the leadership of the CPP, democratic people’s power has been built at the village and higher levels, serving as foundations of the People’s Democratic Government (PDG). The CPP has also successfully established the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) tasked to unite the Filipino people and represent the PDG until its nationwide establishment. Two governments now exist side by side in the Philippines, one more powerful but moribund and reactionary, and the other, now less powerful but increasingly strong and vibrant revolutionary state.

The brilliant victories in transforming China from a backward country to a modern and progressive socialist system inspire the CPP and the Filipino people to determinedly wage revolution in order to end the semicolonial and semifeudal system which has brought grave sufferings to the broad masses of workers, peasants and semiproletariat, and hardships to the petty and national bourgeoisie. Taking agriculture as foundation and industry as the leading factor, China embarked on its first Five Year Program in 1953. The Chinese people heroically unleashed their full power to change the landscape of China. In a few years time, they developed basic industries with steel as the most important branch, built roads, bridges, dams and irrigation facilities, modern agricultural machineries, as well as other machines for mass commodity production. By 1958, China surpassed the most advanced capitalist countries in different fields of industry, as well as in grain production. It was able to produce enough to feed and cloth hundreds of millions of Chinese. Public education and health services were provided free.

The Chinese people became masters of their socialist destiny. Workers became managers of production and carried out scientific experiment and research to improve production. The masses carried out the collectivization of agriculture and built communes where they integrated socialist industry and agriculture, built hospitals and schools, provided food in public kitchens, and provided other services to address the needs of the people and contribute to the overall effort to build socialism. They extended their hand of international proletarian solidarity across the world.

These victories in socialist revolution and construction steeled the determination of the Chinese people to wage even bigger political and economic struggles. For ten years, they waged the great proletarian cultural revolution as a mass democratic undertaking to oppose the ideas and policies which sought to weaken their socialist resolve and cause them to bring down their revolutionary guards.

The CPP considers Mao’s theory of continuing revolution under proletarian dictatorship to consolidate the victories of socialism and prevent the restoration of capitalism, as one of the key contributions to the treasure trove of Marxism-Leninism. This was proven positively by the Chinese people in their ten-year cultural revolution during which China continued to advance and build socialism, and negatively by the subsequent seizure of political power by the revisionist leading to the reversal of socialist policies, and the restoration of capitalism in China. This theory will serve to guide the practice of socialist revolution and construction in the future.

Four decades have passed since the setbacks suffered by the revolutionary proletariat in China. During these years, the masses of workers and peasants suffered from massive capitalist dispossession, their communes and collective farms broken up, their democratic power taken away by the bourgeois state managers, the public schools dismantled to favor private institutions, and other social ills that commonly plague capitalist societies. Bureaucrat capitalists emerged and thrived under the system of state monopoly capitalism, appropriating for themselves the wealth produced by the proletariat and people through years of socialist revolution.

Today, China is one of the leading imperialist powers in the world. It is engaged in export of capital in the form of onerous loans and capital investments. It is engaged in accumulating new spheres of investment and influence and claiming territories for itself. It has built military bases in Africa and in the South China Sea. It is accelerating its production of new aircraft carriers and modern weaponry in preparation for new inter-imperialist wars to redivide the world among themselves as they face extended global capitalist depression.

China is now under the sway of the monopoly capitalists who seek to erase the memories of socialist revolution. In the face of the CPC’s attempt to revise history and distort Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, the CPP considers it a crucial task for the revolutionary proletariat across the world to study the victories of the Chinese people in their national democratic and socialist revolutions, draw lessons and apply these in waging revolutionary struggles in the era of resurgence of socialist revolution.

Long live the 1949 victory of the Chinese people’s revolution! Raise high the banner of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism! Wage national democratic and socialist revolution across the world!

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/01/commemorate-the-70th-year-of-the-1949-victory-of-the-chinese-revolution/