Sunday, May 22, 2016

Military seizes NPA camp

From the Manila Bulletin (May 22): Military seizes NPA camp

A squad of soldiers clashed with around 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and eventually seized their encampment in Sitio Baliswang Complex, Barangay Cawayanin, in this town, last Saturday morning.


Army soldiers from the 74th Infantry Battalion, led by a certain “Sergeant Bicaran,” engaged the rebels in a 30-minute gun battle that started at 9:15 a.m. last Saturday.

Subsequently, the rebels were forced to retreat and abandon their camp, which the army troopers overran without a single casualty on the government side.

The camp, which can accommodate up to 30 persons, was marked with blood stains which suggested the rebels suffered casualties.

Troopers also collected at the battle site an improvised explosive device; a long magazine for an M-16; two ammunitions for an M-203; nine bullets for an M-16; electrical wires; and foodstuffs.

Meanwhile, police and military forces were conducting hot pursuit operations against the rebels in Mulanay town as of yesterday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/military-seizes-npa-camp/

NPA members kill farmers despite peace moves – military

From Rappler (May 22): NPA members kill farmers despite peace moves – military

About 20 guerrillas of the New People's Army raided a bunkhouse used by farmers in Negros and killed two of them before fleeing



Communist rebels on Sunday, May 22, killed two farmers in the central Philippines despite peace overtures from incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, the military said.

About 20 guerrillas of the New People's Army raided a bunkhouse used by farmers in Negros and killed two of them before fleeing, said military spokeswoman Second Lieutenant Revekka Roperos.

"They sowed terror as part of their extortion strategy against the farmers," she said. "Because they did not want to pay, to frighten them they did this inhuman act."

Duterte, winner of the May 9 presidential election, has made moves to restart talks with the communists and end one of Asia's longest insurgencies.

In the southern city of Davao, where he is preparing to assume office on June 30, he again reiterated his plan for peace with the communists.

"We share the same vision," he told reporters on Sunday.

Asked if he would grant amnesty to the guerrillas, Duterte said: "It will be depending on the result of the talks, if we can agree together to make this a peaceful country."

Last week Duterte met a communist negotiator about reopening the talks three years after outgoing President Benigno Aquino III ended them.

The insurgency has claimed 30,000 lives over almost half a century, according to military estimates.

Aquino revived talks soon after taking office in 2010 but shelved them in 2013, accusing the rebels of insincerity.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/133917-npa-members-kill-farmers-despite-peace-moves-military

Gov’t-Red ‘interim peace pact’ bared

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 23): Gov’t-Red ‘interim peace pact’ bared

JOSE Ma. Sison at Schiphol airport in The Netherlands: Ready for peace talks and a life of peace for other communist rebels. ARLYN DE LA CRUZ/CONTRIBUTOR

JOSE Ma. Sison at Schiphol airport in The Netherlands: Ready for peace talks and a life of peace for other communist rebels. ARLYN DE LA CRUZ/CONTRIBUTOR
Communist rebels led by Jose Ma. Sison and representatives of the Aquino administration have signed what was described as an “interim peace agreement” that may serve as a stepping stone to a permanent pact with the incoming Duterte administration.

Members of a government delegation, sent by President Aquino in 2014 to The Netherlands to hold back-channel talks with leaders of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), gave the Inquirer a copy of the document, titled “Joint Agreement on the Resumption of the Formal Talks on the Peace Negotiations between the GPH (Government of the Philippines) and the NDFP.”

The document bore the signatures of Sison and top NDFP negotiators Fidel Agcaoili, Vicente Ladlad and Danilo Borja, and members of the “secret” government delegation—Hernani Braganza, Jaime Aristotle Alip, Efren Moncupa and Francisco Lara Jr.

A member of the government delegation said many officials involved in the talks were surprised that Sison signed the document, adding that the acknowledged founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has not signed any document resembling an agreement with the Philippine government following the collapse of peace talks under then President Corazon Aquino.

The delegations said the document, signed on Dec. 8, 2014, was a strong indication that the NDFP was not only willing to enter into a peace agreement but was also ready to embrace a life of peace for communist rebels, both armed and unarmed.

READ: Joma Sison: Duterte victory good for national unity

Framework

According to the document, the parties agreed to:

Reaffirm the 1992 agreement, called The Hague Joint Declaration, between the government and the NDFP, which became the framework for the start of formal peace talks, and specified that no conditions must be imposed on either party to start the talks.

Accelerate the pace of formal peace talks by forming smaller “reciprocal working groups” that would hammer out political and constitutional reforms, end to armed hostilities and what to do with members of the CPP armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Draft and sign an agreement on “truce and cooperation”  that would immediately lead to a cessation of fighting and would last depending on a timetable to be determined by the government and NDFP negotiators.

Give priority, during the duration of the truce, to negotiations on a Comprehensive Agreement on Socioeconomic Reforms, which would list down the measures needed to achieve social justice, like a new land reform program and programs to bring about industrialization.

Immediately convene working committees on social, economic, political and constitutional reforms that would give flesh to general agreements on social justice, economic equality and human rights. According to the document, the NDFP and back-channel negotiators set January 2016 as the target completion date for agreements on these issues.

Virtual pact

Copies of the document have been furnished President Aquino and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The latest recipient of a copy of the document is Rep. Silvestre Bello III, who has been named by presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as head of the peace panel that would negotiate with the NDFP.

According to a delegation member in the 2014 talks, the document is virtually a peace pact which needed only official imprimatur.

“This is it,” said the member, who requested anonymity for lack of authority to disclose details of the 2014 talks.

Another delegation member, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said what set the 2014 interim agreement apart from previous agreements is that NDFP “made a lot of concessions.”

“They were not even calling for the release of all (rebel suspects), only those involved in the peace process,” said the member, who had taken part in talks with the NDFP under previous administrations.

He said that while there was mention about the US government’s classification of the NDFP, CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations during the back-channel talks, this was not even discussed in the drafting of the interim agreement.

“They (NDFP leaders) did not demand it (to be removed from the US terror list),” said the delegation member.

READ: Joma Sison welcomes Dureza, Bello as gov’t peace adviser, negotiator with CPP-NPA

Another breakthrough in the 2014 negotiations, he said, is an agreement to hold marathon discussions to fast-track the peace process. “Like a conclave,” he said, referring to the process of electing a Pope.

He said there would have been a “national, indefinite ceasefire” had the interim agreement been followed quickly by a formal signing.

There was also an agreement to hold discussions by the smaller working groups simultaneously to fast-track the process. “Everything would be tackled in one fell swoop,” he said.

The interim agreement has been shown to military officials, according to the source. “They were OK with it,” he said. “They did not revise anything.”

The 2014 talks were described as a success compared to previous government attempts to restart formal discussions with the communist leaders.

The delegation led by Braganza laid the groundwork for its trip to The Netherlands by talking first with communist leaders in the Philippines, among them NPA leaders based in Mindanao.

Five trips

It took five trips to The Netherlands before the interim peace document was signed, according to the sources.

The back-channel talks took so much time that “so many Marlboros (cigarettes) had been puffed,” said one delegation member referring to how the negotiators spent break times.

While the document signed by Sison and other NDFP leaders may be still a step away from a formal pact, it should be used by the incoming government negotiators as a take-off point. “This is already a good deal,” said one of the delegation members.

“All that is needed is to make this formal,” he said.

READ: CPP-NPA prepares list of nominees to posts in Duterte Cabinet

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/787028/govt-red-interim-peace-pact-bared

Duterte told: Peace pact first before appointing Reds

From the Philippine Star (May 23): Duterte told: Peace pact first before appointing Reds



Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon urged the incoming Duterte administration to be careful in granting the demand of the CPP-NPA-NDF to release some 527 inmates described as political prisoners by the rebels before any talks could start. AP/Bullit Marquez

Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte should first forge a final peace agreement with communist rebels before appointing some of them to key government posts, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said yesterday.

Biazon, who chairs the House committee on national defense and security, was commenting on Duterte’s offer to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) the top posts in the departments of labor and employment, social welfare and development, environment and natural resources and agrarian reform.

“I’ve no problem with leftists but it must be clear how far left the (appointees) are. But with regard to the CPP, it’s clear that they’ve control of the armed rebellion of the NPA,” Biazon told dzBB.

“I believe in the reforms being sought by those rebelling against the government whoever they are, but the difference is that we believe in the rule of law — theirs is through arms, which is not acceptable,” he said.

“Is this an offer to the CPP-NPA that if we have peace as a result of a final peace agreement, we’re giving these positions or we’ll give these to them and then let’s see if there will be peace?” he added.

He also urged the incoming Duterte administration to be careful in granting the demand of the CPP-NPA-NDF to release some 527 inmates described as political prisoners by the rebels before any talks could start.

He said apparently many of the detainees have been charged with heinous or non-bailable crimes.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/23/1586101/duterte-told-peace-pact-first-appointing-reds

Canadian hostage Robert Hall appeals to Filipino government in Abu Sayyaf video

Posted to Global News May 22): Canadian hostage Robert Hall appeals to Filipino government in Abu Sayyaf video

Canadian Robert Hall.

Canadian Robert Hall.

In a new video released Sunday by terrorist group Abu Sayyaf,  Canadian Robert Hall called on the Filipino government to help save him and his two fellow hostages before June 13.

Hall was kidnapped in the Philippines last September along with Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Filipino woman and fellow Canadian John Ridsdel, who was later killed by the terrorist group.

The kidnappers had reportedly previously demanded 300 million pesos ($8.1 million) for each of the foreigners.

READ MORE: What you need to know about Abu Sayyaf, the group that kidnapped John Ridsdel

In the video, Hall addresses President-Elect Rodrigo Duterte and says the Filipino government can communicate with his kidnappers through a woman in the Canadian Embassy.

“I came into your beautiful country in good faith and in peace and here I am,” Hall says in the video.

“We hope that you can work on our behalf as soon as possible to get us out of here, and please, the sooner the better.”

Intelligence group SITE confirmed the video was from Abu Sayyaf, and said the terrorist group is describing it as “the ‘final message’ from its three hostages.


View image on Twitter View image on Twitter View image on Twitter View image on Twitter          
released new vid of Canadian, Norwegian, and Filipina hostages asking Philippine Pres-elect for help
In the message, Sekkingstad says the deadline for a negotiation is June 13, 3 p.m.

Last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Ridsdel was executed by Abu Sayyaf militants after being held hostage for seven months.

READ MORE: Canadian hostage John Ridsdel executed in Philippines after ransom deadline passes

At the time, Trudeau said the government is working with international allies to bring the terrorist to justice, but also reiterated its stance of not paying ransoms.

“Canada does not and will not pay ransom to terrorists. Directly or indirectly, and there are very direct and clear reasons for this,” Trudeau said.

In the end, Hall had a message for his loved ones.

READ MORE: ‘They will execute us’: Ransom deadline set for Canadians held hostage in Philippines

“I also would like to thank my family and friends for the effort you put in to get me out of here,” he said. ”I know you did everything you can, I truly appreciate it. I’m sorry I got you in this mess.

http://globalnews.ca/news/2716543/canadian-hostage-robert-hall-appeals-to-filipino-government-in-abu-sayyaf-video/

Canadian held by Filipino militants: 'My government has abandoned me'

From Al-Bawaba (May 22): Canadian held by Filipino militants: 'My government has abandoned me'

Robert Hall, a Canadian yachtsman, seen pictured in a video uploaded to the YouTube account

Robert Hall, a Canadian yachtsman, seen pictured in a video uploaded to the YouTube account "Aboo Rami" on Sunday. (YouTube/Aboo Rami)

A Filipino militant group released a disturbing video today threatening to murder three hostages on June 13 if its demands are not met.  
 
Abu Sayyaf said that if a ransom of over $6 million is paid before 3 p.m. on June 13, the hostages will be freed. 
 
Abu Sayyaf is a criminal group purporting to be Islamic. They specialize in kidnappings for ransom. In March, Abu Sayyaf pledged allegiance to Daesh, according to Annie Ahronheim, a defense correspondent for i24 News, an Israeli news site. 
 
Abu Sayyaf released a video today showing three hostagesNorwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Filipino Marites Flor, and Canadian Robert Hall—pleading for their lives. The three were reportedly captured in September 2015. 
 
In the video, titled “Ultimatum,” Canadian yachtsman Robert Hall says that he believes his government has “abandoned” him and his family.
 
“We live like this every day, go to bed like this,” he says, raising handcuffed wrists for the camera to see.   
 
“We have a hundred people around us all the time, that dictate to us and talk to us like children,” he says. “We’ve been humiliated in every way possible…we’re three quarters dead right now.” 
 
View image on Twitter View image on Twitter View image on Twitter View image on Twitter        
Abu Sayyaf hostages pleading for help or else executed on 13 Junehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/ZT2qRYOETMI 
British Canadian consultant John Ridsdel was murdered by Abu Sayyaf on April 25
The video, which had been uploaded by an account named "Aboo Rami," but which had no previous uploads, was quickly taken down by YouTube.
 
A message on the site now says the video was removed “for violating the company’s Terms Of Service.”
 
The Philippines and Canadian government have said they will not give in to ransom demands, according to BBC. 
 

New video released of Canadian hostage in Philippines

From CTV News (May 22): New video released of Canadian hostage in Philippines

Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines have released a new video of the three hostages abducted from a resort last fall, including Canadian Robert Hall.

In the footage released Sunday, Hall is dressed in an orange T-shirt with handcuffs around his wrists. Two fellow captives, a man from Norway and a woman from the Philippines, are seated on the ground beside him.

Hall, who was captured last September on an island resort, pleads with Philippine president elect Rodrigo Duterte to “work on our behalf as soon as possible to get us out of here.”

“It appears my government has abandoned me and my family in this endeavour,” he adds.

Hall also addresses his family and friends. “I know you did everything you can. I truly appreciate it. I’m sorry I got you in this mess,” he said.

Global Affairs Canada issued a statement confirming that they are aware of the video.

“The Government’s first priority is the safety and security of its citizens,” the statement went on. “Therefore we will not comment or release any information which may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of the remaining hostages.”

The SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S.-based counterterrorism organization, also noted the new video on their website.

Canadian hostage John Ridsdel, who was kidnapped with the three others, was beheaded on April 25. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the time that the Canadian government does not and will not negotiate with terrorists.

Abu Sayyaf group formed in the early 1990s as an extension of an extremist Muslim separatist rebellion in the country’s south. It has since carried out deadly bombings, kidnappings and beheadings.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/new-video-released-of-canadian-hostage-in-philippines-1.2912858

Filipino kidnap gang Abu Sayyaf is more criminal than Islamic

From Al-Bawaba (May 22): Filipino kidnap gang Abu Sayyaf is more criminal than Islamic

A screenshot of a video showing militant criminal group Abu Sayyaf. (image credit: Abu Sayyaf)

A screenshot of a video showing militant criminal group Abu Sayyaf. (image credit: Abu Sayyaf)
 
A Filipino group calling itself “Abu Sayyaf” released a disturbing video today showing three hostages who it says it will murder by June 13 if its demands are not met. 
But who are Abu Sayyaf, and what do they want? Here are a few facts. 
 
The group is more criminal than Islamic
  
Abu Sayyaf purports to be Islamic, they seem much more focused on earning money through kidnappings than they do on following the Koran. Abu Sayyaf has been kidnapping foreign travelers in the Philippines for over 15 years, but just pledged allegiance to Daesh last year. 
 
Local security experts told the Telegraph that the local economy of the Sulu archipelago, where the group flourishes, is so dependant on “the kidnap business” that it’s become “an engrained way of life.” 
 
Before pledging allegiance to Daesh, Abu Sayyaf was affiliated with Al Qaeda, as news reports from recent years show. 
 
They appear to have grown in size
 
The BBC reported earlier this month that Abu Sayyaf “is believed to have only a few hundred armed followers” but in a video released Saturday by the group, Canadian hostage Robert Hall said he and his fellow hostages “have a hundred people around us all the time” that “dictate to us and talk to us like children.” 
 
BBC notes that despite the group’s relatively small size, that it has managed nevertheless to survive an offensive directed against it by the Philippines national army, who have been helped by US troops and military expertise in the fight to “neutralize” the gang. 
 
They have a taste for targeting tourists 
 
Abu Sayyaf appears to have taken a liking to kidnapping travelers.  
 
Last month, the group beheaded a Canadian consultant named John Ridsdel who they had held hostage since September. In 2011, they kidnapped a 14-year-old American, who later escaped. In 2001, they kidnapped and beheaded a California resident who was on vacation with his Filipina girlfriend. The next year, Graham Burnham, a missionary who’d been abducted with his wife, was killed during an army raid to free them.  

The US State Department warns against all non-essential travel to the Sulu archipelago, where the group is active.  

 

Offensive against militants

From The Star Online (May 23): Offensive against militants

Hundreds of Philippine marines have been sent to Jolo island, raising anticipation of a military offensive against Abu Sayyaf gunmen holding four Malaysians and others captive there.

The personnel arrived three days ago, anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinampo, who is based on the island in the southern Philip­pines, told The Star.

He said that there had been no official statement on the deployment, “but it surely cannot be because of an external threat”.

A major offensive against the terror group has been expected since it has about a dozen captives for ransom, including the Malaysians who were kidnapped from a tugboat off Pulau Ligitan on April 1.
 
Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21, all from Sarawak, were believed to be in the mountainous hinterlands of Patikul on Jolo.

Among the other captives were six Filipinos as well as Canadian Robert Hall and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, taken from a resort on Samal Island, and a Dutch birdwatcher.

The Abu Sayyaf have beheaded their captives when ransom demands were not met.

In a related development, Octavio said the islanders in Jolo and nearby Tawi Tawi blamed the Abu Sayyaf for Malaysia stopping cross-border trading between Sabah and southern Philippines over the abductions.

He said that after barter trading stopped on April 6, the prices of commodities skyrocketed on the Philippine side.

The price of a 25kg bag of rice jumped from 620 pesos to 1,250 pesos (RM54 to RM109), he said, ci­ting an example.

“Everything, from petrol to fish, has gone up in price. The people feel that they are all being punished for the actions of a few criminals,” he said.

The barter trade was a tradition between Sabah and southern Philippines because daily essentials and other goods were more expensive when ferried from Manila.

Octavio said various groups were calling on president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to ask Malaysia to lift the ban.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/05/23/offensive-against-militants-troop-buildup-at-jolo-raising-anticipation-of-a-strike/

DAP graduate school awards 1st batch of dev’t and security certificate graduates

From the Philippine Information Agency (may 22): DAP graduate school awards 1st batch of dev’t and security certificate graduates

Some 41 members of the police and public safety sector were awarded certificates in public management in ceremonies held at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel recently for having completed the foundation and core courses of the Master in Public Management major in Development and Security conducted by the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Graduate School of Public and Development Management.

The first of a two-tier curriculum leading to a master’s degree in the said major, the course was conducted from June 2015 to May 2016 at the National Police College in Silang, Cavite.  Graduates of the course were handed their certificates by DAP President Antonio Kalaw Jr., Senior Vice President and GSPDM Dean Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado and Philippine Public Safety College President Dr. Ricardo de Leon.

Receiving their Certificate in Public Management were Bermar Adlaon, Adolph Almendra, Roger Antonio, Rowena Barredo, Igmedio Bernaldez, Rico Bracamonte, Gaston Cafongtan, Marlo Castillo;

Manuel Chan Jr., Glenn Oliver Cinco, James Cipriano, Maurice Coria-en, Maly Cula, Brendan Fulgencio, Donnabel Gocon, Jaime Gonzales, Segundo Lagundi Jr., Silas Laurio Jr., Joanna Lorono, Mario Malana, Portia Manalad, Fernando Mercado, Janet Nieves, Maria Cristina Nobleza;

Esmeraldo Osia Jr., Gilbert Peremne, Ariel Quilang, Arnell Remigio, Mariano Rodriguez, Renante Rubio, Ma. Coselyn Santos, Norberto Sta. Maria, Jude Tacorda, Jose Taol, Emmanuel Tolentino, Romel Tradio, Roy Valenzuela, Bernard Yang, Joie Yape Jr., Joyce Simplicia Yuchingtat, and Ringo Zarzoso.

De Leon, in his keynote address, congratulated the graduates for having completed the first step towards their earning a master’s degree in public management, major in development and security.  He assured the DAP that the PPSC will continue to partner with the Academy in the pursuit of deepening and strengthening the executive leadership and management capability and competence of senior officers in the public safety services sector.

Kalaw, meanwhile, told members of the class that the program was an offshoot of a similar program that the DAP first offered as part of a twinning program with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  That original program has now graduated more than 600 military officers with a ninth batch of students currently undergoing the course.

The Master in Public Management major in Development and Security, which is managed by both the DAP Graduate School and the PPSC-National Police College, is a 12-month in-campus, intensive course that caters to the mandatory training as well as to the educational requirements for promotion and professional advancement of senior officers of the police, fire, jail and other allied public safety services with the rank of superintendent and its equivalent.

The program is divided into the foundational, core and major courses that cover 12 modules, as well as a two-day course integration and an action plan or project, which is the thesis equivalent of the program.  The foundation courses are equivalent to two units, the core courses 15 units and the major courses 15 units.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141463736224/dap-graduate-school-awards-1st-batch-of-dev-t-and-security-certificate-graduates

2 militiamen slain in NPA attack on Cafgu detachment

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 22): 2 militiamen slain in NPA attack on Cafgu detachment

Two militiamen were killed on Sunday morning when communist rebels raided their detachment and took nine firearms in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Senior Supt. William Senoron, Negros Occidental police director, said at least 40 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked the detachment of the Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) about 5:30 a.m. at Sitio Aliwanay, Barangay General Luna in Sagay.

He said the communist rebels took hostage two militiamen who were initially able to escape during the encounter between the rebels and Army soldiers. The soldiers were pursuing the rebels.

The attack came nine days after communist rebels killed three soldiers and wounded two others in an ambush in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso town.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/786959/2-militiamen-slain-in-npa-rebel-attack-on-cafgu-detachment

No BBL: Next Congress to focus on federalism

From the Philippine Star (May 22): No BBL: Next Congress to focus on federalism



Alvarez, who is the choice for speaker of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, yesterday said the BBL would be subsumed by the planned shift to the federal form of government that the Duterte administration would prioritize. Philstar.com file

The incoming 17th Congress will not tackle the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which outgoing lawmakers have tried but failed to pass, according to Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

Alvarez, who is the choice for speaker of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, yesterday said the BBL would be subsumed by the planned shift to the federal form of government that the Duterte administration would prioritize.

He said the BBL would give way to federalism “because they are the same concept.”

“While waiting for federalism, the Duterte administration can fully implement the Tripoli Agreement,” he said.

The Tripoli accord led to the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Alvarez said ARMM would function better and prosper under a federal system.

“They can manage their own natural resources and economy,” he said.

The draft BBL is the product of peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Alvarez accused the Aquino administration of “taking the MILF for a ride” because it agreed to certain provisions in the draft BBL that “were unconstitutional.”

The bloody encounter in January 2015 between commandos of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and Muslim guerillas mostly belonging to the MILF stalled congressional consideration of the proposed BBL.

However, the MILF has blamed Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the Senate committee on local government, for the failure of Congress to pass the measure.

The MILF claimed that Marcos did not have the time for the draft BBL in the latter part of 2015, as he was already busy preparing for his vice presidential run. Marcos denies the accusation, tossing the blame to the administration and its allies in the House of Representatives.

Reached for comment on Alvarez’s statement that the draft BBL would be shelved, reelected ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said it does not augur well for peace in Mindanao.

“It sends the wrong message to the MILF and those of us who want to resolve the decades-old conflict in Mindanao so that peace and development could finally be attained,” he said.

He said party-list group Anak Mindanao, which his wife heads and which has won two seats in the House, will re-file the proposed BBL at the start of the term of the next Congress.

Hataman also foresees a problem with ARMM under a federal system if regions or states would be entirely autonomous and would be required to generate their own finances.

He said the Muslim region would receive this year about P30 billion in subsidy from the national government.

“The annual income of ARMM is very much less than that. If ARMM will not get subsidy from the central government, it will become poorer. The same will be true with other poor and underdeveloped regions,” he stressed.

In a related development, senator-elect Sherwin Gatchalian urged the incoming administration to study federalism “holistically to be able to come up with the best form.”

Like Hataman, the neophyte senator said a wrong approach would make rich areas richer and poor areas poorer because of uneven income distribution.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/22/1585642/no-bbl-next-congress-focus-federalism

Trillanes: No coup against Duterte

From the Philippine Star (May 21): Trillanes: No coup against Duterte                           

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV belied yesterday the claims of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison that incoming president Rodrigo Duterte could face a coup d’etat and even assassination attempts by disgruntled military officers with the senator’s support

Trillanes said that he has no intention of overthrowing Duterte as president and is not part of any plan to destabilize the new administration as claimed by Sison.

In an earlier statement, Trillanes aired his concerns about the plan of Duterte to recruit members of the CPP in his Cabinet, including Sison, in order to get the communist rebels back to the peace process with the government.

Trillanes said that the government should be cautious in dealing with the communists, who he said have not demonstrated any act of good faith.

“Let me categorically state that I am not part of or even planning any coup d’etat,” Trillanes said.

“Presumptive president Duterte was duly elected by the people and the proper way of removing him from office, in case he violates the Constitution, is through impeachment,” he added.

If ever a coup by disgruntled members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police happens in the future, Trillanes said that “it would only be because they couldn’t stand the sight of Joma Sison and his communist buddies being part of a coalition government after remorselessly killing tens of thousands of soldiers, policemen and innocent civilians in pursuit of their universally discredited ideology.”

http://beta.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/21/1584225/trillanes-no-coup-against-duterte

2 militiamen slain in NPA attack on Cafgu detachment

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 22): 2 militiamen slain in NPA attack on Cafgu detachment
Two militiamen were killed on Sunday morning when communist rebels raided their detachment and took nine firearms in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Senior Supt. William Senoron, Negros Occidental police director, said at least 40 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked the detachment of the Special Civilian Armed Forces
Geographical Unit (Cafgu) about 5:30 a.m. at Sitio Aliwanay, Barangay General Luna in Sagay.

 He said the communist rebels took hostage two militiamen who were initially able to escape during the encounter between the rebels and Army soldiers. The soldiers were pursuing the rebels.

 The attack came nine days after communist rebels killed three soldiers and wounded two others in an ambush in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso town.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/786959/2-militiamen-slain-in-npa-rebel-attack-on-cafgu-detachment

Teodoro: No decision yet on DND post

From Rappler (May 22): Teodoro: No decision yet on DND post

(UPDATED) Gibo Teodoro clarifies he has yet to decide on Rodrigo Duterte's offer after reports quote the president-elect as saying that Teodoro has already declined

STILL DECIDING. Gibo Teodoro is still thinking about Rodrigo Duterte's offer for him to return to the Department of National Defense. File photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

STILL DECIDING. Gibo Teodoro is still thinking about Rodrigo Duterte's offer for him to return to the Department of National Defense. File photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler   

(UPDATED) – Former defense chief Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr denied reports that he has already declined president-elect Rodrigo Duterte's offer for him to again lead the Department of National Defense (DND).

Teodoro told Rappler on Sunday, May 22, that he has yet to decide.

"The importance of the position to the national interest requires no less than serious consultation especially with the President-elect before accepting such, in order to ensure that a prospective Secretary is the right choice," he said.
 
Duterte was himself quoted in other reports as saying that Teodoro had already declined. Rappler is trying to reach the president-elect's camp for comment and clarification.
 
In a video of Duterte's press conference late Saturday night, May 21, he said, "Gibo has begged off. I have in mind a military man although retired. I have to talk to him."
 
Yet Teodoro said, "I have not decided yet."
 
Last May 16, after meeting with Duterte in Davao City, Teodoro had said that he would think about the offer.
 
"He [Duterte] told me earlier he wanted me to consider it and I answered that it's not a decision I can make on my own. I have to consult my family and other commitments I have made," Teodoro told reporters at the time. (READ: List of who's who in the incoming Duterte Cabinet)

The 51-year-old Teodoro served as defense chief under the Arroyo government and ran for president in 2010, a race won by his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III.
 
In August 2015, Teodoro was named board chairman of Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI). The appointment followed the completion of the sale of the majority stake previously held by Glencore International to Filipino-owned Alsons Prime Investment Corporation early this month.
More to follow.
 

WATCH: BUSINESS UNUSUAL | Chinese ease Panatag tension, Pinoy fishers back

From InterAksyon (May 22): WATCH: BUSINESS UNUSUAL | Chinese ease Panatag tension, Pinoy fishers back



Chinese coast guard rubber boats approach but with amiable bearing. Image from News5 broadcast.

The local manlalaot from Masinloc, Zambales were at first somewhat dumbfounded, but the bafflement later gave way to elation.

The group of fishermen who'd come ashore from a sortie out at Bajo de Masinloc, or Kulumpol ng Panatag [Scarborough Shoal] reported cheerfully that they were able to catch a lot of fish this week – with NO HARASSMENT from the Chinese Coast Guard.

According to the one of the fishermen, it seemed like the Chinese had suddenly become nice to them.

News5 managed to interview the group of fishermen of the boat, Ruvina, Thursday morning as soon as they dropped anchor at Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan.

They had gone out to sea on Sunday, hoping they'll be staying there for two weeks like they used to do, but, one of them told News5, in Filipino, "it was not to be ... our two weeks was drastically cut short. Our expedition lasted only four days."

"Apat na araw lang kami sa laot, andami na naming huli eh," said Saldy the señor [master, or leader/foreman] of the group.

According to Saldy, as they were about to cross the boundary of Scarborough, the Chinese Coast Guard ship that was customarily on guard around the shoal, predictably appeared.

Saldy and his men got ready for the cat-and-mouse routine, but, to their surprise the Chinese were in a relaxed, lighthanded mood: "Pagdating nung malaking barko ng Coast Guard nila, may binaba sila na dalawang rubber boat. Tapos lumapit samin, tiningnan lang naman kami. Tapos lumipat sa ibang Bangka pero umikot ikot lang sila (The big ship approached, and launched two rubber boats, which came to us and only encircled our bancas and did nothing else)," Saldy recounted.

'Tiningnan lang kami'

Furthermore, Saldy said, amazingly, when his group proceeded closer to the shoal where the schools of fish were plentiful, the Chinese didn't even bother to follow. "Tiningnan lang kami (They just watched us)."

For Saldy and his crew, the whole thing had become Business Unusual.

The government had previously tried to restrain local fishermen from approaching the contested shoal, to avoid fueling tension with China, which had for some time now dispatched patrols around the area.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources even went to the extent of installing "payaos" [artificial fish aggregating structures] at alternative spots, where they can fish, thus somewhat mitigating their loss of livelihood opportunity. But the payaos could provide only so much, paling in comparison to the natural marine habitat out at the shoal.

"When the moon is high, there is no fish, of course. The rock fish, those that make rock formations and corals their home, andun lahat sa (they're all at) Kalboro [Scarborough]," Billy said, one of the fishermen.

This was the reason they took the risk of facing up to the Chinese rather than return home empty handed.

Sudden change

Another fisherman named Noel, him whose hobby was recording cell phone video footages, has a fairly comprehensive compilation since 2014. Only last January 8, Noel had to try hiding his phone while recording footage of the Chinese Coast Guard chasing them.

This May 2, while the Masinloc fishermen were staying put near but not at Bajo de Masinloc, the Chinese approached their mother boat and shouted "GO! GO!" with matching hand gestures shooing them away.

But the recent video he played back for News5, taken just last Tuesday, showed a sudden change: the Chinese were just passing them by.

Noel reported that another Filipino fishermen's boat entered the shoal directly, but the Chinese just let them be: "Yung isang bangka nga, ang tapang nun. Pumasok talaga, mukhang lalaban nga sa mga coast guard pero hindi naman sila sinita. Hindi rin pinaalis (He just bravely entered the area, seemingly ready for challenge, but they didn't pay him any mind)," said Noel.

How they wish, further, that this development would continue to be beneficial for the locals like them, "Kung ganyan-ganyan sila eh di maganda (If this goes on, then it's good)."

Scarborough shoal does not just provide fish and livelihood for the locals. It also serves as a critical safety net, a sanctuary and protection from ravaging rough seas especially during stormy weather.

The huge blocks of rocks on the shoal can securely shelter their boats, "We would die of hypothermia when the cold winds blow," Noel said.

When the Chinese started constricting access to the area in 2012, they lost the sanctuary of Panatag. "Uuwi ka talaga kahit delikado (You can't take refuge there, you're forced to make your way home at your own risk."

"We really hope this change will be for good."

........................................................

The economic nuts and bolts of fishing at Panatag

It did not used to be like this, but being out at sea for as long as a week or more had become the norm for local fishermen from Masinloc since China "occupied" the area around Panatag.

They now have to spend more time, and the business of catching fish requires a huge amount of capital for the operators or boat owners.

Mrs. Arcilla, one of the few local mother boat owners, explains a typical expedition consists of about five boats: "Yan pong bangka namin, lagi pong may sasampa diyan na apat na baby boat (Each mother boat will have four daughter boats)."

These baby boats are the ones that will roam around the waters, while the mother boat stays put. Before sailing, the mother ship will stock up on about P80,000 to P100,000 for the fuel (diesel, gasoline), ice, food and other fishing supplies and material.

"Pinangungutang po namin yan. Ganun talaga kamahal ma'am full tank niyan nasa 40,000. Tapos yung financer pa may malinis na cut yan na 5 percent (We have to get a loan for this amount. Just the fuel alone can come up to P40,000. The financier expects a 5% cut)," Mrs. Arcilla points out, elaborating that an expedition typically carries with it a crew of 11 to 15 fishermen.

Ten "large," as they call it, is what they refer to as 10 large sized Styrofoam boxes. These have to be filled up for the investment to be recouped.

"At least, pag napuno yan kahit papano mabebenta mo na yan ng 130,000 pesos (The 10 Large Boxes can be expected to fetch around P130,000 at prevailing prices)."

However, the mother boat also has two compartments midship that can hold more catch. "Pag yan puno rin, sigurado na malaki kikitain niyo pati nung mga mangingisda. Pwede ka makabenta ng hanggang P230,000 (If that hold also gets filled up, then you can look at a gross of around P230,000)," says Mrs. Arcilla.

Diego Dimaras, another fisherman, explains how much they earn from all this: "Pag nakapuno lang po ng sampung large, mapupunta lang sa amin diyan minsan tatlong libo (The income from the 10 Large corresponds to about P3,000 in earnings for us)."

But a good sortie can mean going home with thousands of pesos more, "Papalo po ng mga nasa sampung libo pag maganda po huli (We can go home with as much as P10,000 on a good trip)," according to Diego.

China's harassment around Panatag, they say, prevents the local fishermen from earn much. Most of the time, they return to port with only P2,500 to P3,000 after spending three long weeks at sea.

But, these past days, were not quite the same: When Chinese became more amiable, "kumita po kami ng tig 13 thousand dahil nakapag isda kami sa Kalboro. Apat na araw lang kami dun (We earned P13,000 in just four days)", Saldy said, a wide grin on his face.

........................................................

Duterte magic

The Chinese coast guard's relaxed posture surprised the local fishermen, who surmised that, "probably" Beijing is being less adversarial to the local folk in the context of a new incoming administration to be led by Rodrigo Duterte.

Saldy can't help but note: "Hindi ko alam kung bakit sila bumait, baka may pinakain si Duterte sa kanila (I can't put my finger on it. Could it because of Duterte magic?)."

On Monday this past week, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua personally had a meeting with the incoming president Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City, where they figuratively opened the doors for bilateral talks once again.

This was in spite of a prior announcement by Beijing that they are planning to "develop" Scarborough. But, according to the local fishermen, apart from the coast guard vessels of China, there's nothing in there to indicate any new activity. "Pero parang kanila na talaga eh, kasi kontrolado nila (But it's like it's theirs. They control the place)," Diego said.

Regardless of the territorial tension, the local fishermen wish Duterte will be their life saver by recovering "what is rightfully ours."

"Gusto ko talaga mabawi yan. Kasi atin naman yan eh. Hindi kanila yan. Dapat umalis na sila diyan, malaking tulong yan sa aming mga manlalaot (We want to recover Panatag. It's rightfully ours. Not theirs. They should leave. That will be a boon to us fishing folk)," Billy said with conviction....

http://interaksyon.com/article/128094/watch-business-unusual--chinese-ease-panatag-tension-pinoy-fishers-back

Ex-general Esperon is Duterte's pick for National Security Adviser

From InterAksyon (May 22): Ex-general Esperon is Duterte's pick for National Security Adviser

Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has named as his National Security Adviser (NSA) a former Armed Forces chief of staff who was once linked to the "Hello Garci" poll fraud scandal but cleared.

Retired General Hermogenes Esperon was earlier among those also being considered for the defense portfolio, sources said, as Duterte's top choice, ex-Tarlac congressman Gilbert Teodoro, had not confirmed acceptance.

Meanwhile, sources from Duterte's inner circle said Duterte wants Colonel Rolando Bautista to head the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Bautista is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class 1985 and is now commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade based in Basilan.

Retired Gen. Dionisio Santiago, the former anti-illegal drugs agency chief who ran but lost in the last Senate elections, is being "highly considered" to be Senior Military Adviser (SMA), sources added.

Esperon was considered for DND

Esperon confirmed his appointment to the NSA during a phone interview.

“It’s a very challenging job but I’m honored to become part of his Cabinet and he has may things in mind to change and we’ll be focusing , our concern is national security. The job calls for enhancing or maintaining the way of life of the Filipino. It is very broad and it also covers national sovereignty and strengthening of institutions."

Esperon expressed hope his experience in the bureaucracy from the military as well as the Cabinet "could be put to use as we go about nation building.”

 Asked why he was not appointed defense secretary, Esperon said: “I would have been; it would have been a happy occasion. Maganda sana [It would have been good] but I believe I could do more. I have an assignment from President Rody, so dito tayo, o di ba?”

Pressed on who will be the DND secretary, he advised media to simply await the Cabinet announcements, saying "no one can dictate who will be in his Cabinet."

Esperon and Teodoro both served in the administration of former president and recently reelected Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The latter, as then president, named Esperon as the AFP chief military chief after a special commission cleared him of any role in the "Hello Garci" scandal.

Four generals were said to have helped elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano fix 2004 poll results in favor of Mrs. Arroyo.

Teodoro at one time was Arroyo's secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND). In 2010, she endorsed him as her candidate for president in a race won by landslide by Benigno Aquino III.

http://interaksyon.com/article/128095/ex-general-esperon-is-dutertes-pick-for-national-security-adviser

PA participates in Pilipinas Run With Stars 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PA participates in Pilipinas Run With Stars 2016

Around 80 Philippine Army (PA) personnel participated in Sunday's Pilipinas Run with Stars 2016 which aims to show support to children of troopers killed in action.

The event was held at at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.

Proceeds from the four race categories, 3K, 5K, 10K and 16K, will be given to the families of Philippine Army Fallen Heroes.

Finisher shirts will be given to the first 300 finishers of each race category.

Th advocacy race is a joint venture between Streetwise Events Management and Public Relations and HERO Foundation Inc.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=887549

PN in the market for 6,496 40mm high-velocity linked rounds

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PN in the market for 6,496 40mm high-velocity linked rounds

The Philippine Navy (PN) is looking for interested bidders capable of supplying it with 6,496 40mm high-velocity linked rounds.

The latter is used in mounted and crew-served weapons.

Budget for the procurement program is PHP24,645,824 and winning bidders must be able to deliver the munition within 240 calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is on Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. at the Philippine Navy Hall of Justice, NJAG, Naval Station Jose Francisco Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=887557

PN looking for 180 units of 2.75-inch rockets with high-explosive warheads

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PN looking for 180 units of 2.75-inch rockets with high-explosive warheads 

The Philippine Navy (PN) is now looking for capable suppliers of 180 units of 2.75-inch rockets with high-explosive warheads.

Budget for the project is placed at Php25,200,000 and winning bidders are required to provide the items within 240 calendar days.

The 2.75-inch rocket is primarily used for ground attack missions.

The weapon will be utilized by the PN's two attack-versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters.

Pre-bid conference is set on May 25, at 1 p.m. at the Philippine Navy Hall of Justice, Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=887597