Duterte counting the days US troops ‘pack up and go’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10, 2020): Duterte counting the days US troops ‘pack up and go’ (By Azer Parrocha)



President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Donald Trump (Presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he is beginning to count the “180 days” until US troops “pack up and go”.

Duterte made this remark refusing to change his decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US even after some senators asked the Supreme Court to compel him to seek Senate concurrence in terminating the military pact.

“They cannot compel me. I refuse to be compelled. I have terminated it. Tapos ang problema ko. Wala na akong problema diyan (My problems are over. I don’t have any problems with it anymore),” he said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

He was firm in his decision to scrap the VFA but stressed that he had high respect for US President Donald Trump.

“I am not reneging on the VFA and I am not going to America to discuss this with anybody though I respect highly of Trump,” he said.

On Monday, some senators filed a petition before the high court asking the tribunal to uphold the Senate's authority in the withdrawal or termination of treaties and international agreements such as the VFA.

In the petition, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Minority Floor Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, and Richard Gordon filed the 56-page petition asking the high court to declare that the withdrawal from or termination of a treaty previously concurred by the Senate should require the concurrence of two-thirds of its members for it to be valid and effective.

It also asked the high court to issue an order referring the notice of withdrawal of international agreements to the Senate for its concurrence

Late in January, Duterte ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancelation of the US visa of the retired national police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of the lead implementers of the government's anti-drug campaign.

Duterte earlier warned the US government that he would scrap the agreement if the cancelation of the visa of dela Rosa is not rectified within a month.

The Philippines sent a formal notice of termination of VFA to the US on February 11. The military pact is deemed revoked 180 days after the receipt of the termination notice.

The VFA, signed by the Philippines and the US in 1998, is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Aside from exempting US forces from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines. The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.

It also allows Washington DC to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.

Best deal

Duterte, meanwhile, urged Filipinos in the US to vote for Trump’s re-election in the upcoming 2020 presidential elections.

“And if that was a political move by the senators to win the Filipino votes there, I’m telling the Filipino now, you are getting the best of deal with Trump. Obama was a leftist,” he said, stressing that he would not deny if he would be accused of “interfering”.

“To the Filipinos, if you perchance eh lumabas ito, bumoto kayo kay Trump (this comes out, vote for Trump). And they say that I am interfering, of course, I am interfering. Tell that to the Americans that Duterte is insisting on interfering,” he said.

He said he was interfering because the US government, under the previous administration, had been criticizing his aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs.

Last month, Malacañang denied that Duterte was campaigning for Trump when he praised the latter for being a “good" leader by respecting the Philippines’ decision to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“He (Duterte) is expressing his sentiment about it, not necessarily campaigning and he explained it,” Panelo said in a briefing on Monday.

Duterte explained that Trump’s principle and “judicious remarks on the termination of the VFA” made him deserving of another four-year term in the upcoming November US presidential elections.

“Sabi ni Presidente (The President said), if I were in his shoes, I would be doing the same and I’m sure he would have done the same kung siya ‘yung (if he were) Filipino President kaya that makes him a good president and he deserves to be reelected,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096059

DND, attached bureaus ready to help contain Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10, 2020): DND, attached bureaus ready to help contain Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) and all of its attached bureaus are ready to help in ongoing efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country.

"The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on (Emerging) Infectious Diseases in which I am a member and chaired by (Health) Secretary (Francisco) Duque (III) is the one orchestrating everything related to (Covid-19). The IATF has already met nine times. The NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) is ready to support the TF. The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) stands ready to help if needed," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday morning.

Covid-19 which was first detected in Wuhan City in Hubei province, China has so far infected 110,000 people with the global death toll placed at more than 3,800.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the Army is ready to respond with its medical facilities and personnel if called to assist health authorities in containing Covid-19.

"We will be on call to assist within our capability when tapped. We can provide manpower, mobility, security and possible, facilities. We can assist with medical facilities and personnel if tapped to do so by pertinent authorities," he said in a message.

Zagala said the PA is closely monitoring its personnel and civilian human resources, dependents and their guests as part of their pre-emptive efforts against the disease.

"For now, we are closely monitoring personnel, civilian Human resources and dependents, and other guests. Those found to have high temperatures will be referred to the PA hospital while civilian guests will be informed of their temperature and will not be allowed to enter the camp," he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all Metro Manila Mayors and their respective barangay chairpersons as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) to keep all students away from malls, movie houses, public markets and other crowded places to stop and contain the spread of Covid-19 in the communities.

“The President has directed all local officials in NCR from Mayor down to Punong Barangays as well as all units of the Philippine National Police to ensure that no children are seen loitering around and, if they are seen, they are to be immediately sent home to do their homework,” DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said in a statement.

He requested the cooperation of all parents to discipline and closely supervise their children and ensure that they stay home and do their homework.

“In the Task Force meeting last night in Malacañang, the DepEd (Department of Education) said that they will give home assignments or performance tasks to all students so that they will have something productive to do during this period,” Año said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096060

China not interfering with Pag-asa rehab: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10, 2020): China not interfering with Pag-asa rehab: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PAG-ASA ISLAND REHAB. A C-130 cargo plane at rest at the Rancudo Airfield in Pag-asa Island in April 2017. Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied reports that rehabilitation works at the island were delayed by the constant presence of Chinese ships in the area. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed reports claiming that rehabilitation works at the Pag-asa Island were delayed by the constant presence of Chinese ships in the area.

"Although there are always Chinese ships in the vicinity of Pag-asa (remember Subi Reef is within seeing distance away by the naked eye) they have never in any way interfered with the rehab of the island," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters late Monday.

Lorenzana said the delay was caused by a problem encountered during the initial stage of the rehabilitation as contractors found out that seabed, where the beaching ramp was to constructed, was found to be hard, prompting the contractor to bring in appropriate drilling equipment.

"When work finally started it was slow because of this problem. Second, all equipment and materials are shipped from Puerto Princesa (Palawan) The seas in the (Spratlys) are usually rough that the contractor's barges can only transport materials within a small window of time from January to April (and) May," he added.

Rehabilitation works at the island started sometime in 2018.

After those months, Lorenzana said everything is dependent on the weather and added that repairs could be made in the Pag-asa runway until the beaching ramp is built.

The beaching ramp is essential for the rehabilitation of the island as it will be used to bring in the heavy equipment, cement, steel bars, sand, and gravel.

Without it, Lorenzana said the rehabilitation of Pag-asa cannot proceed.

Meanwhile, he added that the fishermen's shelter, which is a project of the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is more than halfway done based on the latest aerial photos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096067

Suspected NPA leader slain in Catarman encounter with gov’t forces

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 7, 2020): Suspected NPA leader slain in Catarman encounter with gov’t forces (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a joint operation of the 803rd Infantry Brigade and Northern Samar Provincial Police Office in Barangay Guba, Catarman, Northern Samar, Friday, March 6.

The joint military-police operation was conducted to arrest the alleged “notorious and extortionist NPA leader” identified as Salvador Nordan, also known as Ka Badok, who was the vice-commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Operation Command (SROC) of SRC Emporium.

The authorities recovered a caliber .45 pistol which he attempted to use against the apprehending officers.

The government forces had with them at least nine warrants for the arrest of Nordan that were issued by Catarman Regional Trial Court Branch 19 and Allen Regional Trial Court Branch 23 for multiple and frustrated murders, robbery, and homicide.

Col. Zosimo Oliveros, commander of the 803rd IB, said Ka Badok, as he is known by the common Nortehanon, was the mastermind of various atrocities perpetrated by the NPAs in Northern Samar province, particularly in the first district where he regularly operates.

“Just recently, civilians reported to the authorities when Nordan and his companions indiscriminately fired against innocent civilians of Brgy Malvar, Catarman, Northern Samar,” the official reported.

He expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence of the communities for the information to locate the safe houses of Nordan in Brgy. Malvar, Brgy. Salvacion, Guba, and San Julian, all of Catarman, Northern Samar.

“This only shows that they were already tired of the terroristic activities these NPAs have caused not only to the military but also to the helpless civilians,” he stressed.

According to him, Brgy. Guba and its neighboring barangays have expressed their frustration against the CPP-NPA-NDF as they issued barangay resolutions denouncing the said terrorist group as Persona-Non-Grata in the area.

“Again, this incident could have been avoided if only these Communist-NPA Terrorist members heed to the call of the government to peacefully return to the folds of the law and avail the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Your Army here in Northern Samar will not rest until this terrorist realized the futility of their false revolution that has been dragging the economic progress of the province. It is a reminder also that the hands of the law will reach them, no matter where they are hiding,” Oliveros added.

The remains of the NPA leader will be turned over to the local government unit of Catarman, Northern Samar for a proper burial and other assistance.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/07/suspected-npa-leader-slain-in-catarman-encounter-with-govt-forces/

Commentary: NPA kills soldier in insurgency-free Bohol

From the Manila Times (Mar 9, 2020): NPA kills soldier in insurgency-free Bohol (By Marit Stinus-Cabugon)

THE February 29 encounter in Bilar between troops from the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion and an estimated 15 members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was more bad news for a Bohol hard hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The provincial government has been putting up a brave face to preserve Bohol’s image as a peaceful tropical paradise, maintaining that Bohol remains insurgency-free.

Insurgency-free the province may be — based on official parameters. Indeed, the number of incidents involving the NPA is modest. As far as military and civilian government authorities at regional level are concerned, in Central Visayas only Negros Oriental is “conflict-affected”: “Currently, there are 16 identified conflict-affected and vulnerable barangays in Region 7, which are all located in Negros Oriental,” said Secretary Michael Dino, presidential assistant for the Visayas, as he welcomed proposals for projects that would address insurgency in the Central Visayas (Philippine News Agency, Feb. 20, 2020).

In other words, not a single barangay in Bohol is considered “conflict-affected and vulnerable.”

Yet, on February 29, a soldier and a rebel were killed as the army clashed with the NPA in Bilar. When was a soldier last killed by communist rebels in Bohol? I can’t recall. The province was formally declared insurgency-free in February 2010. In April 2017, three soldiers and one policeman were killed in an encounter with elements of the Abu Sayyaf Group who had found their way from Sulu to Inabanga. This “freak” security threat, however, was eliminated within a month.

The February 29 encounter didn’t come out of nowhere. A quick check of incidents in Bohol involving the NPA since May 2017 reveals three encounters, two harassments, and four liquidations. Most of the incidents happened in Bilar or adjacent Batuan. At least four NPA camps have been discovered since 2017. At least six suspected NPA leaders have been arrested in Bohol since June 2018. While some arrests had to do with bloody ambushes in 2000 and 2003, arrests were also made in connection with two liquidations carried out in 2018, one in Bilar, one in Batuan. On March 4, 2019 the police arrested Alvin Fortaliza of Anakpawis Bohol. He is alleged to be be the head of the three-man “Sparu” team that killed Paulino Banga (Cafgu) and Edwin Bugahod (former military intel asset). In June 2018, NPA commander Pedro Lumantas was arrested in a hospital in Tagbilaran City where he was being treated for gunshot wounds sustained during the May 15, 2018 encounter in Bilar. Lumantas, too, has been charged with the murders of Banga and Bugahod.

Isn’t last month’s encounter in Bilar evidence of the escalation of the level of activity of insurgents in Bohol since May 2017? This was the second encounter since October. In November, the newly opened army jungle training base in Batuan was harassed and a Cafgu member was liquidated a few weeks later — in Bilar. The police even suspected that the NPA to have been behind the November 26 attempted murder of a barangay councilor in Batuan. The NPA, however, denies having anything to do with the attack.

Following the October 24 encounter, a camp with 20 bunkers was discovered in the boundary of Sevilla, Bilar, Batuan and Balilihan. Also sometime in October, a group of about 20 persons armed with long firearms, including more than a dozen AK-47s, was reportedly spotted in the area. My guess is that the AK-47s had been used by the enemy in the February 29 encounter as AK-47s have been used in all NPA-related incidents in Bohol since 2017.

Bohol may be “insurgency-free” as per the national government’s standards, but obviously it isn’t insurgent-free. Unfortunately, the official “insurgency-free” tag means that Bohol is denied the support it needs and despite having declared the NPA personae non grata. The presence and operations of the NPA have so far been confined to a corner of the province with Batuan and Bilar towns having seen most of the action. Unfortunately, the police — according to a local source — have made it clear that they will not respond to calls for assistance immediately as they fear being ambushed. People are afraid as there are no policemen or soldiers there to protect them.

The few NPA rebels who are responsible for the liquidations, harassments, camps and encounters are believed to be mostly “old” commanders who hail from that part of Bohol. There they have relatives and they are familiar with the terrain which includes a large area of timberland. There are few people, no roads, no policemen and few soldiers.

While there are no serious social injustice issues enticing people to support or join the NPA; some of the affected barangays need basic infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems. As for the insurgents and other armed criminals, they could quickly be neutralized through consistent intelligence-gathering and sustained military operations. What are we waiting for?

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/09/opinion/columnists/npa-kills-soldier-in-insurgency-free-bohol/701341/

Docu film on Marawi Siege aftermath premieres on March 20

From MindaNews (Mar 8, 2020): Docu film on Marawi Siege aftermath premieres on March 20

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 08 March) — The documentary film A House in Pieces will make its world premiere on March 20 during the inaugural edition of the DaangDokyu Film Festival.

The world premiere will be held on Friday, March 20, at 8:30 p.m. at Cine Adarna, UPFI Film Center at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

A House in Pieces portrays the struggle of displaced Meranaws trying to rebuild their lives and homes in war-ravaged Marawi. The five-month long war between government forces and the Islamic-State inspired Maute Group and its allies started on May 23, 2017 and all combat operations were terminated on October 23, 2017.

President Rodrigo Duterte, the first Mindanawon to lead the nation and the first who calims to have Meranaw roots, declared Marawi “liberated from the terrorist influence” on October 17, 2017.

Thirty-four months after they fled their villages, residents of the 250-hectare 24-barangay ‘Ground Zero,’ the main battle area in 2017, now referred to as Most Affected Area (MAA), have yet to return home.

With only 27 months left until the end of his six-year term, Duterte last Wednesday vowed to oversee the rehabilitation of Marawi and pay monthly visits to the country’s lone Islamic City to monitor the progress of the rehabilitation efforts.

The first feature-length film of Jean Claire Dy of Cagayan de Oro and Manuel Domes of Germany, A House in Pieces unfolds as an emotional journey weaving together the stories of its protagonists over a period of two years, among them, a displaced couple and their children yearning for freedom, income, and comfort after returning to their city and how returning to normalcy is “already a struggle.”

Dy and Domes said their documentery, an independent Philippine-German co-production, tell the aftermath of the war “as a universally relatable story about the loss and recovery of home.””

“The war-time destruction was not just the loss of physical structures: it also unraveled communities and disrupted lives and culture of a city considered as a historical center of Islam in the Philippines,” the filmmakers said.

DaangDokyu is a new documentary film festival celebrating 100 years of documentary filmmaking in the Philippines. The festival selected A House in Pieces for its world premiere.

After the screening of their film, Dy and Domes will join a Q&A session moderated by documentary filmmaker Adjani Arumpac.

Dy and Domes said they hope to spark conversations about the human consequences of the war in Marawi. The world premier of the film during the DaangDokyu festival is “to take stock of how we are as a nation and where we are headed” and is a “timely moment to begin these conversations.”

The trailer of A House in Pieces can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rffs4ztEOr8 (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/arts-culture/2020/03/docu-film-on-marawi-siege-aftermath-premieres-on-march-20/

Water for all: For displaced and evacuees in Patikul, Sulu

From the Business Mirror (Mar 9): Water for all: For displaced and evacuees in Patikul, Sulu



A round 30 displaced and evacuee families in Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu, receive Tulip Table Top water purifiers from Southlight Technology and Distributors Inc. and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

The purifiers were distributed in partnership with the 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment of the Philippine Army. The Tulip Table Top water purifiers are exclusively distributed by Southlight Technology and Distributors Inc. in the Philippines. It purifies water, making it safe for drinking and can efficiently remove 99.99 percent of E.coli bacteria and protozoa, and remove 99 percent of turbidity. The initiative supports the Army’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism efforts in Sulu, which aims to address the delivery of basic needs of the communities.

This is also in line with PBSP and the Water Alliance’s goal to provide water for waterless communities. In photo are soldiers distributing the water purifiers to the families in Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/09/water-for-all-for-displaced-and-evacuees-in-patikul-sulu/

Duterte wants another Army camp in Marawi//Plan allows gov’t to take a ‘good security footing’ in war-torn city

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 10, 2020): Duterte wants another Army camp in Marawi
Plan allows gov’t to take a ‘good security footing’ in war-torn city (By: Divina M. Suson, Jeoffrey Maitem)

GUARDED The old capitol building in Kapantaran (Maranao term for flat) in Marawi City, the site of a proposed Army camp. —RICHEL V. UMEL

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has emphasized the need to establish another military camp in Marawi City to deter a similar incident in 2017 when local Islamic State (IS) militants were able to build strength and launch a five-month siege, leaving its main commercial district in ruins.

“It’s the age of terrorism so we will just have to do something about it. Come up with something that can mitigate,” Duterte told a briefing last week on the progress of Marawi’s rehabilitation.

“Anyway, when it is peaceful, then it’s about time that the military will go out. My decision to build a military camp there will remain,” he said.

He added: “Now, if you are bothered by my explanation to you, just look at what happened to the Middle East.”

At present, the city hosts Kampo Ranao, about 5 kilometers from the proposed second camp.

Duterte met in Malacañang with some lawmakers, heads of national government agencies involved in Marawi rehabilitation, local government officials and leaders of internally displaced persons.

The meeting was called to thresh out issues on rebuilding the city and the inability of many families to return to their homes and communities.
Deter extremists

Duterte noted that apart from Islamic extremists, communist rebels also posed a threat to the country’s security. He appealed to Maranao leaders to support his decision, stressing the need for the government to take a good security footing in the area.

He said the presence of soldiers was not intended to control people’s lives but to fend off extremists that threatened order.

He also said the government would consider the local community’s sensitivities, religion and culture. He said he would favor Muslim members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be deployed in Marawi City.

Distrust

Amirah Ali Lidasan, spokesperson for Suara Bangsamoro, said establishing a military camp “is a far cry from promoting healing and recovery of the Maranaos who suffered from the tragic loss of their land, homes and culture.”
“It will only further breed distrust from the Bangsamoro toward a government that destroyed our community, killed and wounded several civilians and forced thousands to evacuate due to incessant bombings of the city,” Lidasan said.

The military earlier said that while it defeated the IS militants who joined foreign fighters in attacking Marawi in May 2017, those who survived and escaped had spread out to join other extremist groups across Mindanao.

The siege was spearheaded by Isnilon Hapilon, the IS leader in Southeast Asia. He was killed in the last days of the fighting.

The rebel force under his command took the city by storm, destroyed Marawi’s only Catholic Church, beheaded some members of the Christian minority and held dozens of people hostage, including teachers and students at a local university.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1238547/duterte-wants-another-army-camp-in-marawi

Bangsamoro School of Peace and Democracy launched

From MindaNews (Mar 9, 2020): Bangsamoro School of Peace and Democracy launched (By PRESS RELEASE)

DAVAO CITY – Representatives from the base commands of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF/MILF), development partners, and representatives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) joined the Embassy of Australia, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in launching the Bangsamoro School of Peace and Democracy (SPD)—a virtual academy developed to equip the MILF and other Moro combatants with necessary tools and skills for their transition to civilian roles and leadership positions in the new government.

Established to support MILF during its post-conflict transition, the SPD focuses on two key areas—building the governance and administration capabilities of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) under the vision of moral governance, and guiding the former combatants as they transition to civilian life.

The SPD initiative, implemented under the Stabilization, Recovery and Transformation for Peace (START-PEACE) Project by the UNDP with support from the Australian Government, is a key factor to Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s vision for a Bangsamoro built on moral governance.

“From day 1, we have made moral governance as our foundation in leading the Bangsamoro government. Still, the past year has been quite a challenge for the Bangsamoro government and for the region as a whole. The task ahead is even greater. Efforts to establish an appropriate bureaucracy for the Bangsamoro government continues. There is no doubt that the Bangsamoro School of Peace and Democracy could contribute to our effort in governing and laying down the foundation for the Bangsamoro Autonomous region by capacitating our leaders both inside and outside bureaucracy,” noted the BARMM Interim Chief Minister and the Chair of the MILF in a message delivered by Assistant Secretary Atty. Aying Asis on his behalf.

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO reiterated that “Australia is a longstanding supporter of peace in Mindanao. This school will help ensure that the gains of the past few years are translated into long-lasting stability, through good governance and an engaged population. I’m proud that we have been able to support the Bangsamoro School for Peace and Democracy through our broader support to UNDP’s work in Mindanao.”

The SPD curriculum for the cabinet and the former combatants has been developed by a consortium comprised of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, Bangsamoro Development Agency, Development Academy of the Bangsamoro, Asian Institute of Management, the Development Academy of the Philippines, Local Government Academy of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Galing Pook, with the technical oversight of the UNDP in the Philippines. While virtual, the curriculum will be institutionalized as a program within the newly-formed Development Academy of Bangsamoro.

At the launch, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Titon Mitra highlighted the importance of capacity building in post-conflict transitions by noting that “short-term wins through quick peace dividends have to be backed by a long-term vision and commitment to a people-centered government.” (United Nations Development Programme)

https://www.mindanews.com/press-release/2020/03/bangsamoro-school-of-peace-and-democracy-launched/

MILF: Former MILF combatants undergo training on leadership and good governance

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Facebook Page (Mar 9, 2020): Former MILF combatants undergo training on leadership and good governance



SARANGANI PROVINCE (March 06, 2020)— As the second phase of the decommissioning process for the more than 3,100 Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) members continues, another key component of the normalization track has shifted to high gear.

The Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT) recently concluded here a one-week capacity development training and exposure program on good governance and leadership attended by former MILF-BIAF combatants coming from the six government-acknowledged camps in the Bangsamoro region.

As contained in the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the MILF members shall undergo the process of decommissioning and return to mainstream society, as their camps are transformed into peaceful, productive and resilient communities.

The 60 MILF participants included base and brigade commanders, political committee representatives, Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) members, and other community representatives from camps Abubakar, Rajamuda, Omar, Badre, Bilal, and Bushra.

Sarangani: A model for inclusive governance

The training-cum-exposure program featured lectures and discussions on key values, principles, and methodologies that will help the MILF leaders in the camp’s transformation process.

The participants met with Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon who presented his province’s key programs and projects which are all anchored on inclusive and participatory governance.

“Try as much as possible to get the community involved. We can talk about peace, we can talk about security, but if our constituents don’t have income, it will be hard for us to develop,” Solon said.

The Province of Saranggani is a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee, aside from receiving a host of other awards for its outstanding good governance practices.

According to Solon, the provincial government of Saranggani is focussed on implementing initiatives which aim to actively engage the community’s tri-people — Muslims, Christians and Lumads.

“You really have to be inclusive because we are all brothers and sisters no matter what,” he added.

Sheikh Bashir Abdulbayan, JTFCT camp coordinator for Camp Badre, shared his observations on the good governance practices of the province.

“We are thankful for being here. We have learned much from your programs here and from the governor, which we can bring home and use for the development of our camp. We may be far apart but our hearts are closer because our goals are the same,” Abdulbayan said in the vernacular.

The participants also joined an experiential learning session on barangay administration and management at Sapu Masla in Malapatan, Saranggani led by Brgy. Chairman Moner Calulong.

During the discussions, Calulong presented the municipal government’s programs for indigenous peoples (IPs) and support to provincial programs such as the Sulong Kapayapaan.

Malapatan is known for being a melting pot of various tribes, cultures and religions. But despite this multi-ethnic setting, its people live in peaceful co-existence.

Calulong recalled that the area used to be conflict-stricken, but it has gradually developed into one of the most peaceful and progressive municipalities in the province.

Sarangani prides itself for adopting its own Local IP Code. The provincial government is also constructing a Moro Resource Center for its Muslim residents.

Good governance, key to camps transformation

Maguindanaon Development Foundation, Inc (MDFI) Executive Director Dausay Daulog Al Haj, said that they see a promising future for the Bangsamoro region, especially with the milestones achieved in the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Now that we are witnessing the establishment of structures and mechanisms, we see very promising developments in the BARMM. We hope that all of these will push through leading to the realization of plans,” Daulog said.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1298458727026583&id=428974773974987&__tn__=K-R

https://www.facebook.com/Luwaran-Mindanao-Philippines-428974773974987/

NDF/Agcoili: Threats against Prof. Sison are threats against the resumption of the peace talks

Fidel A. Agcoili propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 9, 2020): Threats against Prof. Sison are threats against the resumption of the peace talks

NDFP Panel Chair Fidel V. Agcaoili

Press Statement 

NDFP Negotiating Panel

The reported threats against Prof. Jose Ma. ‘Joma’ Sison, who is the NDFP chief political consultant threaten any possible resumption of the peace talks.

That the Dutch police went to visit ‘Joma’ last week and warn him to take precautionary measures indicates that the Dutch authorities have become aware of and are taking seriously the threats against ‘Joma’. They presumably know who are behind the threats.

Any threat against Professor Sison or any member of the NDFP peace panel is certain to derail any resumption of the peace talks.

The Duterte regime is engaging in its vintage ‘doble-kara’ (double faced) tactic in dealing with the revolutionary movement – on the one hand reaching out to talk peace, while the other hand is viciously attacking the people and the revolutionary movement.

Those in the GRP who are for resuming the peace talks should set the record straight with the other minions of the Duterte regime that the NDFP is determined to negotiate and forge agreements on basic social, economic and political reforms in order to address the roots of the armed conflict and pave the way for a just and lasting peace in the country###

For reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili, Chairperson NDFP Negotiating Panel

https://ndfp.org/threats-against-prof-sison-are-threats-against-the-resumption-of-the-peace-talks/

Kalinaw News: Women lead the Diamond troopers in Flag Raising Ceremony

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 9, 2020): Women lead the Diamond troopers in Flag Raising Ceremony (By 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army joins the celebration of International Women’s Day with the international theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”, as female officers and enlisted women led the troops in today’s Monday flag raising ceremony held at Headquarters 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Evangelista, Brgy Patag, Cagayan de Oro City around 7:30 o’clock in the morning, March 9, 2020.

In line with this, the Philippine Commission for Women celebrates this with the theme “We make change work for women”. The Diamond troopers adheres to the government’s international commitments on gender development and as well as promote and advocate women’s rights.

The 4ID leadership recognizes the importance and contribution of the female soldiers in a male-dominated organization. As such, the female officers and enlisted women led the troops during the regular Monday flag raising ceremony. This activity reflects how women of this Command are also equally capable of leading, as men do.

“The essence of Gender Development and Women Empowerment, means we are ensuring that we give equal opportunity to everyone, to make them lead and excel in their respective fields. We make our women here in 4ID as agents for change,” MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP stated.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/women-lead-the-diamond-troopers-in-flag-raising-ceremony/

Kalinaw News: New breed of soldiers, now deployment-ready

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 9, 2020): New breed of soldiers, now deployment-ready (By 1st infantry division philippine army)



CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, ZDS – Three hundred eighty-one privates are now ready to be deployed after historically completing the 1st class of Infantry Operations Course (INFOC) 9:00 a.m. held here today, March 9, 2020.

The INFOC was formerlly known as Jungle Warfare Mountain Operations Course intended for the newly graduated Candidate Soldiers.

The training was conceptualized to add and revised subjects in order hone their skills and improve the knowledge they’ve acquired in the basic military training.

The students also demonstrated Pikiti Tersia and Close Quarter Battle, a very significant part of their training that employs a military operations in Urban setting.

Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, the 1st Infantry Division Commander and the keynote speaker, congratulated the students and thanked the parents, relatives and loveones who continuously inspire and strengthen the privates.

“This is a very historical event in 1ID. We transformed a world-class soldiers and molded them as professionals”, said Ponio.

“We will continuously train a more disciplined and patriot soldiers to serve the constituents of Western Mindanao”, added Ponio.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/new-breed-of-soldiers-now-deployment-ready/

Kalinaw News: 2 Civilians hurt in another CTG’s desperate attack in Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 9, 2020): 2 Civilians hurt in another CTG’s desperate attack in Sorsogon (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Two innocent civilians were hurt in the recent desperate attack of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) against the government troops and the peace-loving community in Barcelona town in Sorsogon province, Saturday, March 7.

According to the report, communist terrorists fired upon the Community Support Program (CSP) team from the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) based in Barangay Santa Lourdes around 8:00 in the evening which prompted the troops to retaliate.

The indiscriminate firing made by the CTG stirs up the residents and left wounded casualties Giselle Emberga,18 and a certain minor due to shrapnel of CTG’s grenade-launcher blast. The identified wounded civilians were immediately transported to the nearest hospital by CSP team for necessary treatments.

The dastard act of terror launched by the CTG placed the community in peril and danger while disturbing the resident’s tranquility by attacking at wee hours. Residents of the community strongly expressed their dismay and anger over this violent action by the CTG members for this is a clear attack on the lives of the people living peacefully in the community which is considered as human rights violation.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Eric Culvera, Battalion Commander of 31IB assured the public that government troops is not putting its guard down and will continue to strengthen the security measures in the area to prevent the CTGs from hurling the same atrocities which he said, is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Aside from CARHIHL, CTGs also violated RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes Against Humanity. Under Chapter III, Section 4 (c) (5) of the said law, “launching attack in the knowledge that such attack will cause incidental loss of life or injury to civilians” is strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP strongly condemned the incident which is another proof of the CTG’s intention to sow fear and hinder the people’s aspiration for lasting peace.

JTFB believes that these kind of crimes are staged only by CTG members who no longer care for humanity. Nevertheless, JTFB firmly convince that there are some CTG members who condemned this kind of inhumane attacks.

Hence, Gen. Trinidad once again underscored the call for all armed insurgents especially those members who are enlightened and personally denounce this kind of terrorist’s acts to surrender, lay down their arms, join their families and to cooperate in attaining a genuine peace and order in whole Bicol Region.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-civilians-hurt-in-another-ctgs-desperate-attack-in-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: RDC-X Advisory Committee pushes for the PhP47.8B-worth of CAPDev programs in the proposed budget FY2021

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 9, 2020): RDC-X Advisory Committee pushes for the PhP47.8B-worth of CAPDev programs in the proposed budget FY2021 (By 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Development Council –Northern Mindanao Advisory Committee committed its full support for the proposed budget FY2021 to the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) socio-economic priority projects amounting to PhP47.8 billion during the 1st Quarter Meeting held at the Palladium Hall, Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City last Friday, March 6, 2020.

The RDC-X Advisory Committee held its 1st Quarter meeting attended by the district representatives of Northern Mindanao, heads of regional line agencies, presidents of SUCs, and other key leaders of Northern Mindanao. The meeting was chaired by Hon Philip T Tan, Governor of Misamis Occidental and Chairperson of RDC-X, together with Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B Cariňo of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – X and Vice Chairperson of RDC-X, and Hon Rufus B Rodriguez, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Representative and RDC-X Advisory Committee Convenor.

Director Cariňo emphasized to the body, “we have established the policy criteria during the review of the budget proposal from the different regional line agencies and it is important for the region to prioritize and harmonize its development interventions in order to achieve our local goal and aspirations.”

Of the 10 policy criteria, one of which is to review the budget proposals and to prioritize programs, activities, projects (PAPs) thru Geographic Focused Budgeting Approach wherein different regional line agencies are to focus their efforts in CAPDev areas particularly CAPDev ready barangays. Northern Mindanao considers three focus areas in its CAPDev: focus area A those areas considered geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), conflict affected areas (ConAAs) or conflict vulnerable areas (CVAs), and areas with 30% poverty incidence; focus area B ConAAs or CVAs, and poverty-stricken areas; focus area C – GIDAs and poverty stricken areas. Most of the PhP47.8 billion programs and projects endorsed are for social development sector amounting to PhP27.9 billion and infrastructure and utilities development sector amounting to PhP16.6 billion.

Meanwhile, MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, Commander of 4ID, said, “we are very grateful for the overwhelming support of the members of the RDC-X Advisory Committee because these socio-economic development and infrastructure projects are vital in resolving issues and root causes of insurgency here in the region.” “The prompt action and support of the lawmakers, line agency heads, and other key leaders motivates us, your soldiers, to perform with excellence and accomplish the mission of ending the local communist armed conflict for us to achieve a durable peace and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao region,” Gacal ended.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/rdc-x-advisory-committee-pushes-for-the-php47-8b-worth-of-capdev-programs-in-the-proposed-budget-fy2021/