Sunday, March 12, 2017

Malaysia arrests immigration officer and six others with ISIS links

From the Straits Times (Mar 13): Malaysia arrests immigration officer and six others with ISIS links

Malaysia's Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division officers detaining one of the seven suspects.

Malaysia's Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division officers detaining one of the seven suspects. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

An immigration officer was among seven Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) suspects who were arrested in Sabah and at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from last Wednesday to Sunday (March 8-12).

The woman officer is alleged to have arranged for militants to travel without valid documents to Sabah before heading to southern Philippines.

The other suspects include three Filipinos with permanent resident (PR) status.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the first arrest was made on a 27-year-old Filipino with PR status and an 18-year-old Filipino in Kota Kinabalu last Wednesday.

"The suspect with the PR status is believed to have secured funds for Malaysian fugitives Dr Mahmud Ahmad and Mohamad Joraimee Awang Raimee.

"The second suspect is an IS militant who has sworn allegiance to Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon," the IGP said in a statement on Monday (March 13).

The second series of arrests involved a 53-year-old ferry ticket seller and a labourer (both Filipinos with PR status) and the 31-year-old female immigration officer in Sandakan, Sabah, on Thursday.

"The two suspects with PR status are believed to have assisted in the transit of three Indonesian IS militants to southern Philippines through Sabah.

"The Immigration officer had arranged for the entry of people without valid travel documents, including IS militants from Indonesia and Malaysia, into Sabah before heading to southern Philippines," he said.

The sixth suspect - a 36-year-old Filipino man - was detained in Sandakan last Thursday.

The seventh suspect, a 36-year-old Malaysian man who was a former medical assistant at Jerantut hospital , was arrested at KLIA on Sunday.

The IGP said the suspect went to Turkey in October last year and was trying to enter Syria with the help of Indonesian militant Abu Fateh from Sulawesi, but was caught by Turkish authorities on Jan 16 along with other Indonesian militants, and deported.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-arrests-immigration-officer-and-six-others-with-isis-links

Five Filipinos, two Malaysians arrested for suspected IS links

From the Malay Mail Online (Mar 13): Five Filipinos, two Malaysians arrested for suspected IS links

Malaysian police said today they had arrested seven people, including five Filipinos, for suspected links to the Islamic State militant group.

The South-east Asian nation has been on high alert since armed gunmen linked to the Islamic State launched multiple attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighbouring Indonesia, in January 2016.

Muslim-majority Malaysia arrested more than 250 people between 2013 and 2016 over suspected militant activities linked to Islamic State.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement most of the arrests were made during an operation in Sabah, on Borneo island, earlier this month.

A Philippine suspect with permanent residency in Malaysia was detained on suspicion of raising funds and channelling them to Mahmud Ahmad and Mohamad Joraimee Awang Raimee, two Malaysians who had joined up with the Islamic State in the southern Philippines, Khalid said.

One Philippine man was planning to travel to Syria to join up with the Islamic State there, while another was found to have pledged allegiance to Isnilon Hapilon, the Philippines' most-wanted man and leader of the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

Last June, militants who claimed to be fighting for Islamic State said in a video they had chosen Hapilon to lead their South-east Asian faction.

Two other Philippine suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested for smuggling three Islamic State members from Malaysia and Indonesia to the southern Philippines through Sabah, Khalid said.

Police also arrested a Malaysian woman, who worked as an airport immigration official, on suspicion of helping individuals without valid travel documents, including Malaysian and Indonesian Islamic State followers, to enter and exit the Philippines through Sabah.

Meanwhile, a Malaysian man was arrested at Kuala Lumpur's main airport yesterday after being deported from Turkey, Khalid said.

The suspect had travelled to Istanbul in October with plans to enter Syria with the help of an Islamic State member from Sulawesi, Indonesia.

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/five-filipinos-two-malaysians-arrested-for-suspected-is-links

Malaysian police arrest 7 Islamic State suspects

From Channel News Asia (Mar 13): Malaysian police arrest 7 Islamic State suspects

Malaysian counter-terrorism police arrested seven Islamic State (IS) suspects comprising two Malaysians and five Filipinos in a sting operation conducted between Mar 8 and 12 in Sabah and Selangor states, according Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar.
Two of the suspects are women.
In the first arrest, two Filipino suspects, aged 27 and 18,  are believed to have been collecting funds for two Malaysian IS members,  Mahmud Ahmad and Mohamad Joraimee Awang Raimee, who were based in southern Philippines since 2014, according to Khalid in a press release

Two other Filipino suspects, a man and one woman,  were allegedly involved in smuggling Indonesian IS members into southern Philippines via Sabah state.
One female Malaysian suspect, an immigration officer, was also accused of smuggling IS militants, from Indonesia and Malaysia, into southern Philippines via Sabah.
Another Filipino suspect, who worked as a car mechanic in Sandakan, Sabah, was arrested for planning to go to Syria to join IS.
The last Malaysian suspect was deported back to Malaysia after he was arrested by Turkish authorities on Jan 16 for trying to enter Syria to join IS.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysian-police-arrest-7-islamic-state-suspects/3590796.html

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysian-police-arrest-7-islamic-state-suspects/3590796.html

Malaysia arrests five Filipinos in connection with IS-linked terror activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Malaysia arrests five Filipinos in connection with IS-linked terror activities

The Malaysian police said on Monday they have arrested seven suspects, including five Filipinos and one Malaysian immigration officer, in connection with the Islamic State (IS).

The first Filipino suspect, who has permanent residence in Malaysia, was found to have provided funds for Malaysian fugitives "Dr. Mahmud Ahmad" and Mohamad Joraimee Awang Raimee, who joined the IS in southern Philippines as recruiters for the terror group, said Khalid Abu Bakar, Inspector-General of the police in a statement.
Another two are believed to have assisted the transit of three Indonesian IS militants to southern Philippines via the Malaysian state of Sabah, said Khalid.


The police believed the arrested Malaysian immigration officer helped arrange the travel for several terror suspects to southern Philippines without valid documents.

The suspects were arrested in a series of counter-terrorism operations between Wednesday and Sunday in Sabah and Selangor, said Khalid.

It is not the first time the police uncovered links between Sabah and southern Philippines, where the Philippine government exert loose control over the Abu Sayyaf, a Jihadist rebel group.

The Malaysian police busted a four-member terror cell in Sabah in January, in which the police found the cell helped new recruits of IS-linked militant from Malaysia, Indonesia, ethnic Rohingya community in Bangladesh to transit via Sabah to Marawi city in Mindanao of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=971172

2 kids among 4 civilians killed in Basilan operations

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 12): 2 kids among 4 civilians killed in Basilan operations

JEOFFREY MAITEM/INQUIRER FILE MINDANAO

Government soldiers in Mindanao (FILE PHOTO BY JEOFFREY MAITEM/INQUIRER MINDANAO)

Two children were killed in a joint police and military operation on Tapiantana Island in Tabuan Lasa town in Basilan on March 8.

This is contrary to the military’s claim that four bandits were killed in the clash.

Dr. Arlyn Jumao-as, executive director of the Save the Children from Armed Conflict in Basilan, said two children were among the four civilians who were killed in Tapiantana Island. Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Basilan police chief, confirmed to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the deaths of the two children.

Jumao-as identified the children as Nurmida Alha Abbi, 7, and Ashab Tawallah Abuhaip, 12.

Jumao-as said Abbi suffered bullet wounds in the head and died instantly, while Abuhaip died while being rushed to the hospital.

Also killed were village leader Billamin Hassan, 59, and fisherman Nuruddin Musaddul Muhlis, 24.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, earlier said four members of the Abu Sayyaf group, including a relative of top leader Isnilon Hapilon, were killed in an operation conducted by the Joint Task Force Basilan and the police.

Petinglay said “reports from the ground units” revealed that the government forces engaged the Abu Sayyaf bandits, led by Ustadz Mobin Kulin alias Mulawin in a 30-minute firefight.

Kulin was Hapilon’s cousin.,,“The encounter resulted in the death of Kulin and three of his members,” Petinglay said, adding that the bodies were recovered from the encounter site.

But Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Basilan police chief, earlier said initial reports showed that only one person — Hadji Billamin Hassan, a resident of Tung-Umos, Tabuan Lasa –-was killed.

Muksan said Kulin had a P600,000-reward on his head.

Hassan, on the other hand, was a wanted man facing arson charges.

Muksan later confirmed to the Philippine Daily Inquirer Inquirer the deaths of the two children. He said they were not immediately informed about the deaths of the children, saying the operation was conducted by the military and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region.

Muksan said they were still investigating the case.

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879942/2-kids-among-4-civilians-killed-in-basilan-operations-ngo-police

Suspected rebel slain, 5 guns recovered in Camarines Sur clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 12): Suspected rebel slain, 5 guns recovered in Camarines Sur clash

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and five high-powered rifles were seized in a clash with Army soldiers in a hinterland village of Lagonoy town in Camarines Sur Sunday, an Army officer said.

The still unidentified slain rebel was among a group of NPA rebels who engaged a platoon of Army soldiers from the 83rd Infantry Battalion and the 9th Infantry Division in a fierce firefight at around 11 a.m. in Barangay (village) Pinamihagan, Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th ID spokesperson said.

Pramis, quoting a report from Lt. Col Eduardo Monjardin, commander of the 83rd IB, said villagers tipped off the Army on the presence of a group of NPA rebels extorting money from villagers.

A 10-minute firefight ensued that led to the death of a rebel while Army soldiers recovered a machine gun, three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, a grenade and documents left by the fleeing NPA group, Prames said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879986/suspected-rebel-slain-5-guns-recovered-in-camarines-sur-clash

5 cops, 3 civilians hurt in accident as witness vs NPA goes berserk

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 12): 5 cops, 3 civilians hurt in accident as witness vs NPA goes berserk

pagbilao quezon map


Five policemen and three civilians were injured in a road accident in Pagbilao town in Quezon province on Saturday afternoon, police said Sunday.
Reports said a Toyota Hilux police patrol vehicle being driven by Police Officer 2 Khemar Barquiles was traveling along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay (village) Binahaan around 2 p.m. when civilian passenger Jose Yuson allegedly grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle.

The police vehicle turned wayward and occupied the opposite lane and eventually sideswiped the incoming Toyota Fortuner being driven by Carlos Pastorpide.

Aside from Barquiles and Yuson, the other passengers of the police vehicle – Senior Insp. Reynaldo Dalumpienes, San Andres chief of police; Police Officers 1 Rodel Minchero, Fernando Postelos Jr. and Bien Care; and two civilians Yessa Banquiles and Florida Jumao, residents of Barangay Camflora in San Andres, Quezon — sustained injuries and were rushed at the MMG Hospital in Lucena City.

The police vehicle was headed to San Andres town to bring Yuson home to Barangay Camflora. Barangay Camflora was where four rebels were slain on Tuesday in a 30-minute clash between New People’s Army rebels and Army soldiers.

The soldiers arrested a suspected rebel, Christopher Redota after the firefight. The soldiers also found Jennifer Yuson, Jose Yuson’s daughter who sustained a bullet wound in her left arm. Jennifer is confined in a military hospital in Metro Manila while Redota and JoseYuson were brought to the police headquarters in Camp Nakar in Lucena City.

Senior Supt. Rhoderick Armamento, Quezon police provincial director, said Jose was earlier freed on Saturday morning to the barangay officials of Camflora.

“He (Jose) will serve as a witness against the NPA. But he is afraid. It seems his mind is disturbed,” Armamento said in a phone interview on Saturday.

“He showed signs of trauma from the encounter. I suggested to the barangay officials to seek medical and psychological intervention for him,” Edgar de Luna, Commission on Human Rights-Region IV chief investigator, said.

Jose even attempted to escape from the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group inside Camp Nakar early evening Friday, De Luna said.

He added Jose was not detained at the CIDG jail and could freely move around. “But he was immediately accosted by the guards at the gate for his suspicious demeanor,” he said.

“He really wants to go home. He was extremely worried about his wounded daughter and his three grandchildren,” he said.

According to the military, Jennifer’s three small children are under the custody of Department of Social Welfare and Development in Quezon province.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879955/5-cops-3-civilians-hurt-in-accident-as-witness-vs-npa-goes-berserk

NPA recruitment in Negros Region down-Army official

From the Manila Times (Mar 12): NPA recruitment in Negros Region down-Army official

The division commander of the 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division of the Philippine Army believes that the recruitment of new members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) is “declining.”

“The decline of their recruitment activities is a result of the enlightenment of the people that war is not the solution to their grievances toward government,” Maj. Gen. Jon Aying said.

He pointed out that often the rebels resort to threatening the people “but they fail to convince them to join the armed struggle.”

Aying said there are only about 200 rebels based on Negros island “as many have already surrendered.”

“They are intensifying their recruitment activities to augment their dwindling forces,’ he added.

Aying expressed optimism that in 10 years, the island will be peaceful with insurgency weakening.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. offered P300,000 to communist rebels who will surrender to authorities.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-recruitment-negros-region-army-official/316847/

AFP: Normal operations to continue pending formal orders from Duterte

From GMA News (Mar 12): AFP: Normal operations to continue pending formal orders from Duterte
While peace negotiations between the Philippine government and rebel forces are back on the table, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said normal operations will continue pending formal orders from President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"We will anxiously await the official message of our panel and the instructions of our commander-in-chief. Pending this, all military operations will continue and remain at current state," AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend."

This comes after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said the fourth round of peace talks will resume in April, following backchannel talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel.

"I am pleased to announce that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)... are now back on track again," he said.

According to AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, the military is ready to follow orders of the President. "You see, we are always prepared to follow the orders of our Commander-in-Chief," he said.

For his part, Labor Secretary Silvestre F. Bello III expressed hopes that both parties will be able to agree to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement during negotiations. "Ibabalik na 'yung pag-uusap tungkol sa kapayapaan at pipilitin namin na magkakaroon na ng signed, bilateral ceasefire agreement," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/602918/news/nation/afp-normal-operations-to-continue-pending-formal-orders-from-duterte

Farmers’ group to hold protest against former military chief

From the Gulf Times (Mar 12): Farmers’ group to hold protest against former military chief

*

Joseph Canlas (centre) of the militant group, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas will lead the protest rally today at the National Irrigation Administration central office in Quezon City.

Thousands of peasants and farmers from Central Luzon are set to block the retired Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Lt Gen. Ricardo Visaya, from taking charge as head of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) today for his alleged role in the killing of their leaders from 2005 to 2007.

 It was the time, they said over the weekend, when Visaya served as the alleged henchman of now detained Jovito Palparan, then the chief of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

 The peasants, who will reportedly surround the NIA central office in Quezon City today, said Visaya has no moral authority to lead an agriculture-oriented agency because “he was instrumental in stopping the Central Luzon farmers in their pursuit of freedom to produce the food that the nation needed,” Joseph Canlas, Central Luzon chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), said.

 Visaya, with the consent of Palparan, according to Canlas, was the one to blame for the death of at least eight peasant leaders in the region, namely, Jhon Facunla Gado of Guimba, Nueva Ecija; Perla Torno Rodriguez of Mexico, Pampanga; Tirzo Cruz, a Hacienda Luisita worker; Ricardo Ramos, a farmer-leader in Hacienda Luisita; Federico de Leon, Bulacan co-ordinator of Anak Pawis; William Tadena, a parish priest in Pampanga and Bishop Alberto Ravento, a pastor of Iglesia Filipina Independiente; and Francisco “Tatang” Rivera, of Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Our members were accused of being sympathisers of the New People’s Army (NPA). But they were actually leaders of the poor masses, plain farmers, fighting for our rights as underpaid labourers to till the land and for justice for all their members,” he said.

 Canlas also led a protest-rally recently at the Curva village gymnasium in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija during the celebration of International Women’s Day to protect its members’ rights including the women’s right against abusive and unscrupulous onion and palay rice traders who connive with local officials to put in place a price monopoly.

 Interviewed by local media here last Wednesday, he alleged that Visaya was an “executioner” and said the KMP and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon are set on staging a mass protest against the appointment of Visaya as NIA administrator.

 Canals claimed that the former military chief was responsible for the abduction and torture of brothers Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan and the militarisation of urban poor communities during then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya.

 He said Visaya is accused in the killing, torture, abduction and disappearance of farming activists in Mindanao, where he served as commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

 This Army division was said to be responsible for the killing and forcible evacuation of farmers and lumad (indigenous peoples) from their communities in the Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

During the start of Oplan Bayanihan under the previous Aquino administration, the Philippine Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion, which Visaya personally trained, was deployed to Davao City where it allegedly unleashed terror on the civilian population.
 

The soft-hand approach: Guns to play second fiddle in fight versus Mindanao terror groups

From the Business Mirror (Mar 12): The soft-hand approach: Guns to play second fiddle in fight versus Mindanao terror groups

A host of government and security officials, led by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, met and huddled with provincial officials of Sulu in the middle of this week, in an effort to gain the support of local executives in the military’s ongoing campaign to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).



In Photo: Lorenzana:“The government needs the help of all [in ending terrorism in Mindanao].”
There is a lingering doubt, however, as to whether the dialogue with the representatives of impoverished residents of Sulu directly affected by the conflict—and even with the other upcoming dialogues with other peace stakeholders—will serve as the long-sought antidote to resolve Mindanao’s terrorism problem.

For one, there are about 400 terrorists reportedly operating in Sulu and the adjoining provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. But for Lorenzana, directly engaging the people of Sulu and the residents of the other provinces, who have been bearing the brunt of the conflict, could be the better part of a holistic approach in ending Mindanao’s security problem.

In holding the dialogue, Lorenzana was laying down what could be the template—and the “missing link”—in the military’s overall strategy in carrying out its antiterrorism war under the bigger internal-security operations (ISO) campaign. He knows this, being a retired dyed-in-the-wool commander of the Army’s Special Operations Command, and having been born and raised in the war-torn province of North Cotabato.


Missing strategy


President Duterte, wearing a pilot’s jacket, gestures with Defense Chief Delfin N. Lorenzana (second from right) and Armed Forces Chief Ricardo R. Visaya (left) at the anniversary of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing on September 13, 2016, at the Philippine Air Force headquarters in Pasay City.

For decades, the military has dealt squarely and heavily with national security threat groups, opting to use the strong-hand approach in dealing with them by utilizing and employing the combination of its air, land and sea power—its full might.

Yet, the Moro rebellion, the communist-inspired insurgency and the terrorism in the South have survived this strategy of the Armed Forces that is focused on heavy and continued operations, or what they called “all-out war”, under changing and succeeding administrations.

Even with the overwhelming might at its disposal, the military did not only struggle against these threats, but the players have even multiplied, where Mindanao now has its Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Maute Group, an aggrupation of ISIS-inspired group and, before that, Jemaah Islamiyah and al-Qaeda fanatics.

Still, the Armed Forces has failed to rethink or recast its strategy, as shown by its previous ISO plans—the Oplan Bantay Laya I and II and the IPSP Bayanihan, which are all unsuccessful—by failing to tap the power of the soft-hand approach, or its combination with heavy operations.

The soft-hand approach basically employs sociodevelopment projects or, in military practice, civil-military operations, where peace engagements are an integral part.

The Armed Forces has its Civil-Military Operations battalions that were formed a couple of years back, but their activities and engagements were not only limited, but were even considered as undercover military operations, rather than an honest-to-goodness development drive.

While the IPSP Bayanihan has made the first attempt toward the use of the soft-hand approach in the implementation of the ISO, as it was crafted as a “whole of nation approach”, it failed in the undertaking, as its implementation has solely rested on the Armed Forces.

The weakness of the IPSP Bayanihan is now what Lorenzana is perfecting by pushing for and initializing the peace engagements of the military, directly with those affected by the conflict on the ground, courting them as partners, while the government aims for development projects.

There were peace negotiations by the government, but these were in the national level and only involved top leaders of threat groups.

During the dialogue with local officials in Sulu, Lorenzana was joined by health and transportation officials from the national government for the softer side of the Duterte administration’s six-year internal security operations DSSP Kapayapaan.

During the same engagement, local chief executives accused of having been involved with the ASG have expressed their readiness to be investigated by the government for their supposed activities.

Help us

The dialogue in Sulu on Tuesday followed a summit held three days earlier with the descendants of sultanates and royal clans of Mindanao in Davao City, wherein influential Moro leaders came up with an agreement pledging their “unequivocal and categorical commitment” to the government’s peace initiatives.

The “Davao Declaration”, a product of the three-day “Mindanaw Sultanate Summit on Peace and Security”, was signed by the Moro leaders before Lorenzana in response to his impassionate plea for all Mindanaoans to help in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism in the region.

“The government needs the help of all,” the defense secretary said, adding that the summit was just the start of the military’s engagement with all peace stakeholders.

The influential traditional Moro leaders all agreed that the “struggle against violent extremism and terrorism should not solely be borne by the government but should involve the whole of nation, including the sultanate and traditional institutions and leadership in Mindanao.”

The three-day engagement was attended by around 500 participants, including from the Sultanate of Maguindanao and Sultans, Datus and Bais from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao region, Southern Mindanao, Iranun, Biwang, Bagoinged, Lanao, Buayan and Kabuntalan.

Other government agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Security Administration, National Anti-Poverty Commission, the military and the Philippine National Police, also attended the summit.

They tackled the plans of the government in bringing its services to the people of Mindanao, which, in turn, solicited inputs from the participants that could help the government in its campaign against terrorism.

Sociodevelopment projects

While the government knows that the impoverished and hungry people of Mindanao cannot be fed by mere words, or too much talk, it took years for the current administration to realize the urgency to address the factors that drive terrorism and violent extremism.

Prominent of these causes were the lack of basic social services, education and development projects.

While previous administrations knew these reasons, they did not move to plug the problem, or even if they did, the amount of projects that were carried out and implemented were wanting.

In the book The War on Terror, Two American Victims and Letters from Terrorists authored by this writer that is about to be published, veterans of the Mindanao conflict from the military admitted that the security problem in the south can never be addressed by the strong-hand approach.

The book, which covered the more than 10 years that the military has dealt with terrorism and extremism, and partly traced the growth and activities of the ASG, said heavy operations or the strong-hand approach have been tried, tested and implemented since the security problem in Mindanao came into being, and yet, the military is still dealing with a conflict, fighting an even bigger war.

“Instead, the government should build more roads, bridges, hospitals and health centers and send children to school, this is the best way to deal with the Mindanao problem, the soft-hand approach, said a former military commander interviewed for the book.
“This does not fall within the expertise of the military,” he added.

A Moro commander, when asked by a military commander why he had joined his secessionist group, exclaimed: “You know colonel, I did not go to school and so what is my option? Join the rebel group.”

“Because they were not in school, Moro children began by cleaning the guns of their elders until they become fighters themselves and this legacy is passed on the succeeding generations. The tale is not different from the stories of other children,” the retired military commander said.

During the summit in Davao, Lorenzana stressed that violent extremism leads to underdevelopment and poverty.

“Nakikita namin na ang violence dito sa Mindanao ay hindi kaya lang ng sundalo. Kailangan makialam tayo,” he said in the vernacular.

The defense secretary said it is the children who suffered the most in conflict-stricken areas, admitting that their exposure to a cycle of violence makes it easier for extremist groups to recruit them.

“So, what we are going to do is bring in development,” Lorenzana said.

Image Credits: Imparoimparo | Dreamstime.com, Wong Maye-E/AP, AP/Bullit Marquez

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/the-soft-hand-approach-guns-to-play-second-fiddle-in-fight-versus-mindanao-terror-groups/

NDF: Utrecht Joint Statement

Posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 11): Utrecht Joint Statement

11 March 2017

We, representatives from the GRP Negotiating Panel and the NDFP Negotiating Panel held informal talks on 10-11 March 2017, in Utrecht, The Netherlands, with the Royal Norwegian Government acting as host and Third Party Facilitator, and agreed as follows:
  1. The Parties shall continue the formal peace talks and reiterate their reaffirmation of all bilateral agreements and statements made in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, including The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
  2. The Parties agree to forge an interim bilateral ceasefire agreement which shall take effect after the terms of reference and other considerations shall have been settled. In forging the interim bilateral ceasefire agreement, the Parties shall take due consideration of the issues and concerns raised by each Party in relation to the previous 6-month (August 2016 to February 2017) unilateral ceasefire of the other Party. In the meantime, the Parties agree to reinstate their respective unilateral ceasefires which shall take effect before the scheduled fourth round of talks in April 2017 as soon as their respective forces shall have been informed.
  3. In accordance with the reactivated JASIG and in order to ensure the continuous participation in the peace negotiations of the 19 NDFP consultants and staff who were released in August 2016, the GRP shall release a rearrested consultant, ensure the safety and liberty of all the consultants, as well as undertake the necessary measures including the extension or reinstatement of their bail, as the case may be, and other legal remedies to enable their free and unhindered movement.
  4. The GRP reiterates its commitment in the Rome Joint Statement of January 25, 2017 with respect to the release of NDFP consultants and political prisoners listed by the NDFP. The GRP shall ensure the participation of the four (4) detained consultants in the fourth round of the peace talks and thereafter. The GRP shall exert best efforts to release them before the start of the said round. The GRP shall also work for the release of nineteen (19) political prisoners based on humanitarian or other grounds on or before the said round of talks.
  5. The Parties have scheduled the deposit and safekeeping of the reconstituted list and pictures of JASIG holders of NDFP documents of identification on March 14, 2017, pursuant to the agreement on Additional Implementing Rules Pertaining to the Documents of Identification dated June 26, 1996.
  6. The fourth round of the formal peace talks shall be held in the first week of April 2017 while the fifth round shall be held in June 2017.
Signed in Utrecht, The Netherlands, 11 March 2017.


Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III
Chairperson of the GRP Panel
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson of the NDFP Panel

Hernani A. Braganza
Member, GRP Panel

Benito E. Tiamzon
Member, NDFP Panel
 
 
WITNESSES:

Sec. Jesus G. Dureza
GRP Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

Atty. Efren C. Moncupa
Wilma Austria Tiamzon
Chairperson, NDFP RWG-EHDF

Franciso J. Lara, Jr.

Vicente P. Ladlad
NDFP Political Consultant
 
Elisabeth Slattum
Third Party Facilitator
For the Royal Norwegian Government

https://www.ndfp.org/utrecht-joint-statement/

China has no business going to Benham Rise – PH Defense Chief

From Update.Ph (Mar 12): China has no business going to Benham Rise – PH Defense Chief



National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that China has no business of going to Benham Rise as China invokes right to innocent passage and freedom of navigation. “As far as we are concerned, they have no business going there kasi kung innocent passage–alam mo naman ang innocent passage–from point A to point B, dirediretso lang iyan at constant and steaming speed,” the defense chief told media reporters during the graduation ceremony of Philippine Military Academy Salaknib Class of 2017 as quoted by GMA News Online.

“Ang nakita nating survey ship nila napakabagal eh tapos tumitigil sa isang lugar, nagtatagal doon ng ilang araw, lipat naman sa kabilang lugar so that is not innocent passage but we will accept the explanation of the Chinese,” Secretary Lorenzana said.

However, the Defense Chief said the government will trust what China says.

“Eh sabi nila innocent, mga innocent passage lang naman iyon at saka wala naman daw silang masamang tangkain doon. We will leave it at that. We will trust what they say. But at the same time we will keep patrolling our area and find out kung pumupunta pa rin sila doon,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed that Chinese vessels sailed in the said region, however, he denied conducting any other operations.

“Chinese vessels for marine research did sail across relevant waters to the northeast of Luzon, the Philippines last year, exercising navigation freedoms and the right to innocent passage only, without conducting any other activities or operations. The remarks by some individuals from the Philippines are not consistent with the facts,” Geng said during March 10 press conference.

He also said “according to international law including UNCLOS, a coastal state’s rights over the continental shelf do not affect the legal status of the superjacent waters or of the air space above those waters, nor do they affect foreign ships’ navigation freedom in the coastal state’s EEZ and on the high seas, or their innocent passage through the coastal state’s territorial sea as supported by international law.”

The Chinese spokesperson also said the award of UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding Benham Rise “does not mean that the Philippines can take it as its own territory.” He said the Philippines can only “carry out exploration and development of natural resources in this region.”

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/china-has-no-business-going-to-benham-rise-ph-defense-chief/15681

PMA Salaknib Class of 2017 graduation rites

From Rappler (Mar 12): PMA Salaknib Class of 2017 graduation rites
 

A total of 167 cadets graduate this year, led by female valedictorian Rovi Mairel Martinez

It was a very special day for 167 cadets as they graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Sunday, March 12.

Female cadet Rovi Mairel Martinez led the Salaknib Class of 2017, graduating as valedictorian of the country's premier military institution. (READ: PMA's woman topnotcher ran slowly, but took big strides)

President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana graced the commencement exercises. This was Duterte's first PMA graduation as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (READ: Duterte to PMA grads: Stay true to your oath)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/163993-in-photos-pma-salaknib-class-2017-graduation

Pres. Duterte rells new PMA graduates to be vaguards of hope; catalyst of change

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12): Pres. Duterte rells new PMA graduates to be vaguards of hope; catalyst of change

President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Philippine Military Academy Class “SALAKNIB” of 2017 to be vaguards of hope and catalyst of change.

The President who was the guest of honor and speaker in the PMA commencement exercises today at the Borromeo Field in Fort del Pilar here, also urged the graduates to stay true to their class name and defend the country with all their honor and might.

SALAKNIB stands for Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay Para sa Kalayaan Ng Inang Bayan. In Ilocano, salaknib means defend.

As the graduates move to their new journey as military officers, the President said there are challenges that will not only require intellectual and physical capabilities but sound moral and judgment as well.

“It is not only your enemies but the entire world that will test, tempt, corrupt and pressure you. But as long as your heart and mind remain in the right place whom you have pledge to serve, remember your roots and remember the people”, he told them.

He expressed hope that the values of learnings from the PMA be engrained in their hearts and guide them wherever life leads them.

“You have been trained and molded like all other cavaliers but your true self make the officer-soldier and leader in you”, the President added.

The President acknowledged the 167-strong Class of 2017 for making record as the first in PMA history to have 8 women in the Top 10 of the graduating class and for having the most number of female members (63). This breakthrough he said is a fitting tribute to mothers, daughters and sisters as the world celebrates Women’s Month.

The class is led by Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez of Cabanatuan City who received the Presidential Saber from the President.

Aside from Martinez, 43 other newly commissioned officers are joining the Philippine Navy, 33 to the Philippine Air Force and 90 to the Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, the President assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines that the government will provide proper equipment, weapons and firearms in to make them more effective in pursuing its mandate of assisting other law enforcement agencies in battling crimes illegal drugs and in undertaking relief efforts during disasters.

He also assured the support of government to all soldiers for their valor and unwavering courage in defending the country.

The President earlier in his speech expressed sympathy to the bereaved families of soldiers killed by the enemies and assured them that the sacrifices of their loved ones will not be in vain. He committed that the government will look after their needs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/21489308833/pres-duterte-rells-new-pma-graduates-to-be-vaguards-of-hope-catalyst-of-change-

Palace welcomes announcement of resumption of formal peace talks between GOP and CPP/NPA/NDF

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13): Palace welcomes announcement of resumption of formal peace talks between GOP and CPP/NPA/NDF

Malacanang official said the Palace welcomes the announcement on the resumption of formal peace talks between the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said "The Palace welcomes the announcement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza in Utrecht, The Netherlands, on the resumption of formal peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People's Army / National Democratic Front ( CPP/NPA/ NDF)."

Abella added, "We remain hopeful that the leadership of the CPP/NPA/NDF can rein in its forces on the ground in reciprocating the efforts of the Duterte administration to move the peace process forward."

The Spokesperson said, "Peace-building, after all, is not the exclusive responsibility of the government. The burden is also shared by those who claim to speak for the underserved."

"The resumption of the Peace Talks is a welcome sign that both sides are in agreement about the common good of the Filipino people," the statement concluded.

The peace process between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) is back on track, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced Sunday from Utrecht, The Netherlands, where backchannel talks were held March 10 and 11.

“I am pleased to announce that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/ New People’s Army / National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/ NDF) which broke down weeks ago, are now back on track again,” Dureza said in a five-paragraph statement he posted on his Facebook wall.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141489324420/palace-welcomes-announcement-of-resumption-of-formal-peace-talks-between-gop-and-cpp-npa-ndf

Gov't, Reds agree to resume peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Gov't, Reds agree to resume peace talks

The government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) have agreed to resume the stalled peace talks in April following a two-day backdoor channeling negotiations in Utrecht, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said on Sunday.

“I am pleased to announce that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front ( CPP-NPA-NDF), which broke down weeks ago, are now back on track again,” Dureza said in a statement.

“At the same time, a unilateral ceasefire that was also earlier terminated is deemed restored and reinstated but will be made effective only as soon as the respective forces of both sides are duly informed but definitely before the next round of talks in April 2017,” he added.

Both the government and CPP-NPA-NDF terminated last month their unilateral ceasefires following accusations of insincerity and atrocities.

President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the ceasefire after the communist rebels launched a series of attack against soldiers in Mindanao--a move seen to pressure the government to release at least 400 political prisoners.

The CPP-NPA-NDF also terminated its own declaration of ceasefire on February 10.

Dureza said the restored unilateral ceasefire "is a prelude to an interim bilateral ceasefire that needs further meetings between the two sides to determine and agree on rules, necessary guidelines and mechanisms."

Dureza said the effectivity of the joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees (JASIG) that was also ordered terminated by the President has been restored to enable the NDF consultants and their staff who were in jail or otherwise constrained, to physically surface and join in the peace work.

Dureza said the President is fully aware of the development of the informal talks.

“President Duterte himself closely monitored the efforts taken by the negotiators while in Utrecht in the Netherlands in bringing about an early breakthrough in the talks with the facilitation by the Royal Norwegian Government,” he said. The informal talks took place on March 10 to 11.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, vice-chair of the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, welcomed the breakthrough in the peace talks between the GRP and the communist rebels.

“This is a very welcome positive development and we hope this will further advance the concrete gains achieved in the last three rounds of talks, particularly in the socio-economic, political and constitutional reforms that aim to address the root causes of the five-decade old armed conflict in our country,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

Earlier, the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, Unity had approved House Resolution 769 for the formal resumption of the peace negotiations with at least 140 solons signing it.

“Indeed, our peoples' long quest for a just and lasting peace in our country should always be a compelling reason to forge ahead with the peace negotiations; it should trump any and all attempts by the saboteurs and militarists in the government to derail our peoples' aspirations,”Zarate added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=970968

CHR-11 slams ambush of police officers in Davao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): CHR-11 slams ambush of police officers in Davao Sur

The Commission on Human Rights in the Davao region has condemned the ambush of police officers in Bansalan, Davao del Sur staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) last week that killed four cops and injured another.

In a press statement, CHR-11 also expressed sympathies to the families of the victims.

“We will continue to work with the authorities so that the full force of the law will be applied against the persons responsible for these human rights violations,” the CHR-11 said.

The agency added that it is currently conducting its own investigation and is continuously monitoring the development related to the incident.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa paid a visit to the families of the victims in Bansalan on Thursday.

The President also awarded the Medalya ng Kagalingan, a PNP merit medal, to the victims for their “acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action rendered to the PNP while responding in the report of shooting incident at Barangay Sibayan, Bansalan.”

“I’m sorry that this gory incident had to happen,” the President told reporters.

He also ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP to go on with the military offensives.

“Go ahead, wage a war against them. Anything goes. I will allow the military and the police this time to use all available assets,” President Duterte stressed.

Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas was also present during the President’s visit and condemned the killing of four police officers.

The provincial government and the local government unit of Bansalan also provided financial support to the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, the Regional Operations Command of the NPA in Southern Mindanao Region owned the ambush-slaying of four cops in Bansalan.

Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of NPA-Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command, admitted the responsibility of the communist rebels in the ambush in a press statement on Friday.

The ambush, Sanchez added, was carried out by the NPA’s Mt. Apo Sub-regional Operations Command.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=971012

NPA guerrilla slain, 5 firearms recovered in Camarines Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): NPA guerrilla slain, 5 firearms recovered in Camarines Sur clash

A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with government troopers in a hinterland village in Lagonoy town in Camarines Sur around noontime Sunday, said a ranking official of the 9th Infantry Division.

Capt. Joash Prames, spokesperson of the 9th ID, said the slain rebel, who has yet to be identified, was among a group of communist rebels who engaged a platoon of soldiers from the 83rd Infantry Battalion in a fierce firefight around 12:11 p.m. in Barangay Pinamihagan, Lagonoy.

He said five high powered rifles that included a M-60 machine gun, 3 M-16 rifles and a M-14 rifle were seized during the encounter.

Prames, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Eduardo Monjardin, commander of the 83IB, said villagers had tipped off the Army camp on the presence of a group of NPA rebels.

“A 10--minute firefight ensued that led to the death of a rebel while Army soldiers also recovered improvised explosives, grenades, communist propaganda materials and personal belongings left by the fleeing NPA rebels,” Prames said.

He said it was the second firefight between government troops and the communist guerrillas in Camarines Sur this month.

“On March 7, three NPA rebels were killed in a clash between troops from the 83rd IB and 20 rebels in Barangay Tabgon in Goa town,” Prames said.

Recovered were three .45-caliber pistols and materials for making improvised explosive devices.

A member of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) identified as Simon Bivira was wounded in the encounter and brought to Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital inside the 9th ID headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur for emergency treatment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=971015

PRRD commits to reciprocate Filipino soldiers’ valiant sacrifices

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): PRRD commits to reciprocate Filipino soldiers’ valiant sacrifices

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, on Sunday assured bereaved families of Filipino soldiers that the valiant sacrifices of their loved ones will not be in vain.

"To those who risked their lives and limbs to defend the country’s sovereignty and those who continue to offer their sweat and blood to fortify the pillars of a great nation, rest assured that this administration will give you and your families the services, benefits and entitlements that you rightfully deserve," the President said in his speech to the graduating Philippine Military Academy – Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay na Alay sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan (PMA-SALAKNIB) Class of 2017.

“Taos puso akong nakikiramay sa mga naiwan ng mga nasawi sa kamay ng kalaban” (I send my wholehearted condolences to the bereaved family of those who perished in the hands of the enemy), the government will make sure that your needs will be taken cared of,” he added. .

President Duterte thanked all Filipino soldiers for their loyalty to the Philippine Flag and assured them all necessary support and incentive for their valor and unwavering courage.

He said the soldiers will be provided with proper equipment and weapons to defend themselves even when they are off-duty.

Duterte said that in the next two or three years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will have simulators, radar and other related mechanisms which will help the military to be more effective to pursue its mandate in assisting law enforcement agencies in battling crime and illegal drugs and in undertaking relief and rescue efforts during disasters and calamities.

“With the people’s continued support, we will have an AFP we can truly be proud of, an AFP that is at par with the rest of the world,” the President said.

Duterte advised the graduating class to be true to their oath of office and to pledge loyalty only to the Philippine flag and the Constitution.

“Never propagate or nurture loyalty to a fellow government worker like you because we are all on the same boat, we work for the Filipino people,” Duterte said.

Duterte acknowledged the graduating class of 167 for having 63 women, the highest number of graduating women in the history of the academy.

“This breakthrough is a fitting tribute to mothers, daughters and sisters in the observation of Women’s Month,” the President said.

Duterte hoped that the graduates will be true to their class name “SALAKNIB – Sanggalang ay Lakas at Buhay Para sa Kalayaan ng Inang Bayan”, and defend the motherland with all honor and life.

“Your training and education in the academy are just part and parcel of the kind of soldier that all of you will become, but your true self will make the officer, soldier and leader in you,” Duterte said.

“May the values imparted during your years in the academy be engraved in your hearts and guide you wherever your life leads you”, he added.

Duterte encouraged the graduates to proceed with their heads up high, knowing that the government and the Filipino people are with them in every step of the way.

“Powered by strong convictions and shielded with faith in the Filipino people, let us overcome the challenges that are ahead and usher in a great future for our nation,” the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=971016

President Duterte tells PMA graduates to serve nation with utmost dedication

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): President Duterte tells PMA graduates to serve nation with utmost dedication

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- President Rodrigo Duterte attended on Sunday the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Salaknib Class of 2017 encouraging the newly-minted officers to serve the Filipino people with utmost dedication and remain true to their oath of defending the country.

"To the Salaknib Class of 2017, may you always stay true to your class name and defend the motherland with all your honor and might," the President said in his speech before the 167 fresh graduates who were commissioned second lieutenants and ensigns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).



"I have no doubt that you will do this because you are the cream of the crop. You belong to the batch who has successfully hurdled the rigors of the PMA from over 22,000 applicants," he added.



The President warned them of temptations and pressures that they might encounter in performing their duties.



When facing hurdles, Duterte advised the graduates to just remember their roots and the people whom they have pledged to serve and always put their hearts and minds in the right place.

"Be vanguards of hope; be catalysts of change," he stressed.



President Duterte also took the opportunity to thank all Filipino soldiers for their loyalty to the Philippine flag particularly those who have risked their lives to defend the country’s sovereignty as well as those who continue to work to build the nation.


"Rest assured that the government will reciprocate your valor and your unwavering courage by providing you with all the necessary support and incentives," he said.



"This administration will give you and your families the services, benefits and entitlements that you rightfully deserve," he added.



He said the government will provide the AFP with the proper equipment and weapons, particularly body armors, helmets and rifles as well as short firearms so soldiers could defend themselves even when off-duty.

Duterte also pledged to provide flight simulators, radars, support patrol and assault vehicles as well as new surveillance and fighter aircraft in the next two to three years to be used to guard the country's borders.



He said these initiatives are aimed to make AFP more effective in pursuing its mandate and improve capabilities of law enforcement agencies in battling crime and illegal drugs and in undertaking relief and rescue efforts during disasters and calamities.



"With our people’s continued support, we will have an AFP that we can truly be proud of -- an AFP that will be at par with the rest of the world," he noted.


The President also told the graduates to do their work with great pride, knowing that the government and the Filipino people are with them in every step of the way.

Powered by strong convictions and an unshakable faith in the Filipino, he encouraged them to overcome the challenges that lie ahead and usher in a great future for the nation.



At the same time, the President said the PMA has made history for having eight female cadets in the Top 10 of the academy's graduating class for the first time including class valedictorian Rovi Mairel Martinez.

"With the highest number of graduating women in PMA’s history, this breakthrough is a fitting tribute to our mothers, sisters [and] daughters as we celebrate Women’s Month," he said.



The President, meanwhile, pardoned all outstanding punishments of the Cadet Corps as part of the tradition when a batch graduates. The pardon will take effect today, Sunday.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=971018




Insurgency in parts of Central, Northern Luzon now manageable -- Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Insurgency in parts of Central, Northern Luzon now manageable -- Army official

The insurgency problem in portions of Central and Northern Luzon is now manageable following the conduct of counter-insurgency operations and the surrender of armed rebels over the past months.

Major General Angelito M. De Leon, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, said the New People's Army (NPA) has been crippled due to the series of operations by the division which covers 14 provinces in Regions 1, 2 and 3 and two towns in Mt. Province.
De Leon particularly cited Bataan province which has been declared insurgency-free last September.

"Parts of Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that include two municipalities of Mountain Province although with NPA presence have been declared to be peaceful," he said.

In 2016 alone, he said that 24 NPA rebels and 47 members of the Marxista Leninista Partido ng Pilipinas/Rebolusyong Hukbong Bayan (MLPP/RHB) surrendered to authorities while two of the rebels were killed and one arrested in three major tactical encounters.

The government troops also recovered 29 firearms, he added.

De Leon said that they continuously convinced our brothers in the mountains to return to the mainstream of society.

He added that in Ilocos Sur, 10 communist rebels who returned to the folds of the law late last year received livelihood assistance from the comprehensive local integration program of the provincial government (CLIP).

Lt. Col. Eugenio C. Osias IV, commander of the 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion based in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, said that Gov. Ryan Singson extended PHP807,000 in financial aid to the rebel returnees.

Osias also said that only last Wednesday, a squad leader identified as Ka Yumu of the NPA’s Squad Uno surrendered to them.

“Ka Yumi” whose group operates in the tri-boundaries of Abra, Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur, turned over a calibre 30 Garand rifle.

Menwhile, Col. Milfredo Melegrito, commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, said that the growing number of surrenderers is a good indicator that the NPA has no more reason to rebel against the government since the latter provided much for their reintegration to the mainstream of society.

Lt. Col Louie DS. Villanueva, 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion, Philippine Army said that when he took over the command in this province only one incident related to insurgency was reported in the mountainous area in San Luis town.

The encounter happened in August last year between the “Tatag” army troopers and the NPA rebels that resulted to the recovery of two high- powered firearms, one AK47 and one M16 rifle.

The Tatag Battalion discovered an abandoned enemy encampment composed of nine bunkers, seven enemy posts, a lecture hall and kitchen.

The army seized numerous assorted ammunitions, NPA’s personal belongings, foodstuff and subversive documents.

In Aurora alone, there are 28 regular NPA rebels listed in the police and army. Of the 28 NPA guerrillas, five are amazon fighters.

In Nueva Ecija, there are 22 regular NPA fighters monitored by the authorities.

Gov't troopers seize arms, explosives in Batangas clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Gov't troopers seize arms, explosives in Batangas clash

Government troopers thwarted anew New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during their intensified military operations and recovered two high-powered firearms (HFAs) and an improvised explosive device (IED) in a firefight at Toong, Tuy, Batangas, a military report said Sunday.

According to 1st Lieutenant Xy-Zon Meneses, chief, Public Affairs Office of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed here, combined forces the 1st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) and 730th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) neutralized the insurgents in combat operations which started on Friday.

Meneses said the troopers recovered an AK47 rifle, a Shotgun, and an improvised explosive device (IED) left by the fleeing rebels at the encounter site.

No casualties were reported on the military side but assessments over the weekend continued to determine rebel casualties, the report said.

He said that the military offensives happened three days after their recent encounter in Quezon province where four NPA rebels killed and seven high-powered firearms including two AK47 rifles, four M16 Armalite rifles and an M203 grenade launcher were recovered.

Major General Rhoderick Parayno, 2ID commander has declared to sustain combat operations to achieve peace and development in their area of responsibility.

"The enemies of the government shall expect massive combat operations as we are now more focused in protecting the people from any threat," stressed Parayno.

Parayno also warned terrorists to stop their extortion activities and stop burning equipment.

”We will come after them with all our might if they don't stop derailing development of communities," he challenged.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=971003

Formulation of Benham Rise protection strategy urged

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Formulation of Benham Rise protection strategy urged

To prevent another Chinese incursion in the Benham Rise, a senator on Sunday called on the Executive Department to craft a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting the 13-million-hectare underwater plateau.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto made the statement following reports that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has sent a note verbale to the Chinese Embassy to clarify the reported presence of a Chinese survey ship near Benham Rise.

The Department of National Defense (DND) also reported the Chinese survey ship was seen plying the waters of Benham Rise for around three months last year.

Chinese Embassy, however, denied that it intentionally sailed to Benham Rise and simply passed by international sea noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.

Recto said that without a protection strategy, the Benham Rise may easily “fall prey” not only to poachers but foreign countries interested in exploring the plateau's marine and mineral resources.

"No ifs or buts. The government must have a 'Benham Rise Protection Strategy'. A comprehensive strategy - military, diplomatic, economic - in holding on to and developing Benham Rise," Recto said.

"We have practically lost the seas west and north of us. We cannot be encircled. The Eastern side of the country should be defended as well," he added.

He, however, said that he was not referring to just “one country.”

"I am not singling out China. But this goes out to all countries who might be tempted by the riches underneath the Benham Rise," Recto said.

The senator said the government should also focus its attention not only on Benham Rise, but other areas on the Pacific side of the country.

He noted that the Benham Rise is also believed to be a rich source of manganese and natural gas aside from its diverse marine life.

"The Pacific side has always been the unattended portion of our archipelago. There are many places there that are underdeveloped. It is time for us to pivot," he further said.

He stressed that the Philippine government should not be caught “unware.”

"We should not allow that area to be partitioned like a frontier homestead. Or cut up into blocks to be controlled and exploited by others," Recto said.

Recto also urged the Senate to should consider expediting a bill filed by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara providing for the creation of a Benham Rise Development Authority - the lead agency that will be mandated to conduct scientific research and exploration in the plateau.

Under Angara’s measure, BRDA is meant to take the lead in formulating and implementing a development roadmap for Benham Rise, ensuring that it is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan.

On Saturday, neophyte Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the government to take “immediate action” to defend exclusive sovereignty over the Benham Rise to ensure that its potential will be developed and utilized to benefit the Filipino people.

He said that the country is only beginning to discover the true potential of the Benham Rise to contribute to the Philippines’ ecological and economic prospects.

Benham Rise is a 13 million-hectare underwater landmass that is about 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province.

It officially became part of the Philippines in 2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the Benham Rise area was fell under its exclusive economic zone.

AFP always supportive of peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): AFP always supportive of peace process

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is always strongly behind the government's various initiatives.

This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Sunday when sought for a comment after the Government of the Philippine negotiating panel and the National Democratic Front (NDF) agreed to a resumption of the peace talks in the Netherlands.

"The AFP has time and again expressed its unequivocal support to all peace initiatives undertaken by our government past and present. We also have a proven track record of being an able and reliable partner in all the peace talks undertaken by our country," he added.

Informal talks between the government and the NDF were held in Utrecht on March 10 and 11.

The meeting was hosted by third party and facilitator Royal Norwegian Government led by Elizabeth Stattum.

"We share the Commander-in-Chief's (President Rodrigo Duterte) aspiration to attain a just and lasting peace for our country and will do all we can to deliver on this for the benefit of all our citizens specially in conflict affected areas," Padilla stressed.

However, pending the official message and instruction from the Chief Executive, all military operations against New People's Army units will continue.

"We will anxiously await the official message of our panel and the instructions of our Commander-in-Chief. Pending this, all military operations will continue and remain at current state," the AFP spokesperson further said.

Duterte ordered the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire against the rebels last Feb. 4 in wake of the NPA's series of unprovoked attacks against government troops which resulted in the death of six and abduction of three others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970993

DND wants more night-capable attack helis, other equipment for Second Horizon

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): DND wants more night-capable attack helis, other equipment for Second Horizon

The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of including more night-capable attack helicopters, precision guided missiles, drones and fast boats in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program's Second Horizon.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that they are studying the possibility of including these platforms and weapons in the existing list of equipment which will be acquired in the Second Horizon.

"We are still studying this as (Second Horizon) has already existing list," he added.

The study gained further impetus when President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that he wants the AFP to have more night-capable attack helicopters and fast boats to expedite the elimination of threats from the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless elements in Mindanao.

The AFP Modernization Program is divided into three horizons, with the first lasting from 2013 to 2017, the second from 2018 to 2022 and third 2023 to 2028.

The Second Horizon calls for the acquisition of equipment more attuned to external defense missions and has a programmed funding of around PHP100 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=970951

IN PHOTOS: PMA Class '17 Recognition Day and Dunking Ceremony

From Rappler (Mar 12): IN PHOTOS: PMA Class '17 Recognition Day and Dunking Ceremony


 

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – On the eve of graduation day, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led a recognition ceremony Saturday morning, March 11, for Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Salaknib Class of 2017.

The class sets itself apart for having 8 women in the Top 10, including valedictorian Rovi Martinez.

The traditional dunking ceremony was held after the morning event. The graduating cadets were tickled, punched lightly, and thrown into the pool by underclassmen.

The dunking ceremony allows the underclassmen to symbolically "get even" for the physical tests that the graduating cadets subjected them to. The more underclassmen tickled a graduating a cadet, explained the alumni, the more appreciation they wanted to show for the training they received from the cadet.

The formal graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 12. President Rodrigo Duterte will be the keynote speaker. Vice President Leni Robredo is also expected to attend.

Here are photos taken at Fort Del Pilar Saturday.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/163898-in-photos-pma-class-2017-recognition-day-dunking-ceremony

Duterte: PTV4 won't be used for propaganda, personal gain

From Rappler (Mar 12): Duterte: PTV4 won't be used for propaganda, personal gain

Even communists can use the state-run TV channel to discuss their agenda, says the President   

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the inauguration of PTV4 Cordillera Hub in baguio City on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Image from PTV4 screengrab

President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the inauguration of PTV4 Cordillera Hub in baguio City on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Image from PTV4 screengrab

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte said that state-run television channel PTV4 will not be used by him or other government officials for propaganda or personal gain.
 
"What I can assure you during my time is this: There will never be a time that I will use PTV4 or its allied services there for my personal [use]. Hindi ko na kailangan (I don't need it)," Duterte said after the inauguration of PTV4 Cordillera Hub in Baguio City.

The President added that he doesn't want government officials to think of PTV4 as a "cannon" to lambast political enemies or a propaganda tool to cover up wrongdoing. "That is the least of what we expect of this."

Duterte said, "I won't allow it to anybody. Maybe if you want to issue a statement in connection with what you do, especially if you're about to be criticized or being criticized or having been criticized, and you want to answer. Fair chance, the right to be heard."

The President also said that he is ready to grant government communications facilities like PTV4 the degree of freedom. "Bitawan namin kayo (We will let you go), and act just like a private [corporation]."

"And your template is BBC," said the President, referring to the public service broadcaster British Broadcasting Corporation which enjoys editorial independence even if it is funded by fees that the UK government collects from citizens and corporations.

He emphasized that public funds are used to run PTV4. "The people just like to see what's happening in this planet. They want to hear their countrymen," Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He even invited members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA) to use PTV4 to discuss their agenda.

"The NPA? We'll give you the space. To the Cordillera guys [rebels], well, come down. No need really to fight," he said. "Use it [PTV4]. It's the people's money. And the people would gladly hear you."

In the same speech, he condemned the NPA's attack in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, where 4 policemen were killed.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/163909-duterte-ptv4-not-propaganda-tool