Sunday, May 28, 2017

Half of Marawi controlled by rebels? Not true says AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 29): Half of Marawi controlled by rebels? Not true says AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines denied reports that half of Marawi City is still controlled by the Maute terrorist group.

“We have complete control of the city, contrary to what is coming out of social media,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told Palace reporters.

“It is not true that half of the city is controlled by the rebels. Totally untrue,” he said.

“The Armed Forces and the police are in complete control of the city except for some areas of the city they (Maute group) continue to hold,” he said. “These are the subject of clearing operations that are continually being conducted.”
Padilla said they do not have a timeline for military operations in Marawi but that their “ground commanders have assured them that the end is almost there.”

No exact number of terrorists

However, Padilla said they do not have a number of the remaining rebels in the area.

He described the situation has “very fluid.” He said that while they have received reports that there are around 40 to 50 “armed elements,” the number could go up because of the possibility that some escaped prisoners have joined the group.

“As to the exact number of terrorists remaining, exact figures are not available,” Padilla said.

President Rodrigo Duterte last week declared martial law in Mindanao after the Maute group took over and burned down several establishments, including hospitals and schools. According to Duterte’s report to Congress, the group attacked Marawi City Jail and facilitated the escape of at least 68 inmates.

During the first so-called “Mindanao Hour” briefing in MalacaƱang on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said 61 terrorists, 19 civilians and 18 government security forces have been killed in Marawi as of Sunday.

Factors in lifting martial law

Asked if the AFP will recommend an extension of martial law, Padilla said it has just started and they have yet to give an assessment on the matter.

“What we are trying to do right now, expedite what needs to be done in order to restore law and order in the whole of Mindanao, particularly in Marawi,” he said.

He said among the factors that they will consider in deciding whether to recommend the lifting of martial law is the restoration of law and order and the absence of “remnants of resistance within the city.”

Padilla said the military will turn over control of the city to civil authorities once the military determines that there is no longer resistance from the terrorists within the city.

He explained that the military currently has full control of the city, which means they have “control (of) who comes in and who comes out, who moves around and who doesn’t.”

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/900532/half-of-marawi-controlled-by-rebels-not-true-says-afp

Explainer: how and why Islamic State took over part of a Philippine city

From The Guardian (May 29): Explainer: how and why Islamic State took over part of a Philippine city

Rebels linked to the jihadist have hunkered down in Marawi, with close to 100 dead following six days of clashes

Troops aboard a vehicle as more soldiers reinforce to fight the Maute group in Marawi in southern Philippines.

Troops aboard a vehicle as more soldiers reinforce to fight the Maute group in Marawi in southern Philippines. Photograph: Erik de Castro/Reuters

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/29/explainer-how-and-why-islamic-state-took-over-part-of-a-philippine-city

CPP/NPA-Central Panay: Militar sa Panay naglunsad ng malawakang operasyon kasabay ng deklarasyon ng Martial Law

NPA-Central Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 28): Militar sa Panay naglunsad ng malawakang operasyon kasabay ng deklarasyon ng Martial Law

Jury Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Central Panay (Jose Percival Estocada Jr. Command)

27 May 2017
           
Mula Mayo 23, malawakang operasyon ang inilunsad ng 301st Brigade sa ilalim ng 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa buong isla. Sa inisyal na ulat, saklaw ng operasyon ang sumusunod na mga bayan: Maasin, Alimodian, Leon, Tubungan, Igbaras, Miag-ao sa probinsya ng Iloilo; Sibalom at San Remegio sa probinsya ng Antique; Tapaz sa probinsya ng Aklan. AAbot sa mahigit 200 tropa ng kaaway ang pinakawalan ng kaaway sa mga combat at clearing operations. Pinatotohanan nito ng pahayag ni Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana na bahagi ang NPA sa mga target ng Martial Law na idineklara ni Presidente Duterte.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170527-militar-sa-panay-naglunsad-ng-malawakang-operasyon-kasabay-ng-deklarasyon-ng-martial-law

CPP/CNL: Statement of the Christian for National Liberation On its 8th National Congress April 24-26, 2017

CNL propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 28):
Statement of the Christian for National Liberation On its 8th National Congress April 24-26, 2017



Renmin Malaya, Spokesperson
CNL National Executive Committee

28 May 2017

We the 57 official delegates of the 8th National Congress of CNL uphold and resolve to carry over the theme of the Congress and over-all thrust of the organization to “Persevere in Attaining greater Heights in the National Democratic Revolution with Socialist Perspective; intensify our participation in the people’s armed revolutionary struggle.”

We commend the entire membership of CNL both the living and the deceased for the heroic achievement of maintaining and sustaining the correct line of struggle enthusiastically and even have expanded the sphere of influence in most of the regions despite the ideological attack from within its own sector and state brutal repression from without.

It is in this context of moving forward the current level of the revolution from the middle phase to the advanced sub-stage of the strategic defensive that we re-vitalize the Christian imperative of being in unity/ in close fervent participation in the struggle of our neighbor especially the poor and the oppressed and as solid moral basis for the justness of war of liberation.

It is also at the service of pursuing armed revolutionary vigorousness and growth that we need to acknowledge and repudiate the currents of conservatism, individualism, liberalism and sluggishness in our methods of revolutionary work. We criticize the slow and minimal increase of recruiting subjective forces for the revolution in the last fourteen years. We also need to address the minimal participation and support of the church sector both for armed revolution and open democratic mass movement. Specifically we call on the youth of the sector to revolutionize their ideas and actions and respond to the signs of the times.

In this regard we also place special emphasis on the need to increase our ranks among Roman Catholic lay, priests and nuns which in the past contributed greatly to the advancement of the anti-dictatorship struggle and the fight against fascist terror. We need to develop deeper relations with its church hierarchy by storming their doors together with the poor, deprived and oppressed. Ecumenical partnerships must also be enhanced and CNL members in different denominations have the responsibility to reach out to their counterparts in the Roman Catholic church.

We thus now resolve at this juncture to address our weaknesses by completing the summing-up of our revolutionary work in the past 15 years, identify our errors, derive lessons that will guide our aspiration to attain an expanded and more militant organization.

We take note of the landmark significance of this 8th congress being held at a Moro community being organized by the CPP/New People’s Army. This provides us with a real and visible situation of the struggle of the Moro people for self-determination.
We offer our great resolve and enthusiasm to all the martyrs and heroes of CNL who have sacrificed and gone before us. In their honor we pledge our commitment and allegiance to the moral emancipation of the poor.
Ultimately the 8th Congress reinforces our conviction that earthly salvation is always a collective and participatory endeavor by the toiling and exploited people.

Long live the struggling people!
Long live the Christians for National Liberation

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170528-statement-of-the-christian-for-national-liberation-on-its-8th-national-congress-april-24-26

CPP/CNL: On the Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao and the Burning of a School

CNL propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 28): On the Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao and the Burning of a School



Renmin Malaya, Spokesperson
CNL National Executive Committee

28 May 2017

We, the Christians for National Liberation (CNL) strongly denounces the imposition of martial law in Mindanao. By putting the people in military rule President Duterte has curtailed the civil-democratic rights of the people across Mindanao. Reminiscent of Marcos Martial Law , the detested ASSO (Arrest, Search and Seizure Order), as President Duterte ordered the military to carry out searches and arrests without warrant. He has ordered the AFP to conduct checkpoints, curfew and other restrictions which violate the people’s freedom of movement. By imposing such severe measures, he aims to establish himself as a strongman who will not tolerate challenges to his authority. Few minutes after that declaration, Davao City was placed into “lock down” as her daughter Mayor Sarah Duterte Carpio in a press conference immediately announced the list of anti-democratic measures which seeks to restrict people’s freedoms, particularly the right to assemble, to express grievance and seek redress. Like her father, she also wants to prohibit other acts which she deems as challenges to her authority and power.

Months after his election President Duterte’s continued threatening words that he will be “as harsh” as Marcos, practically he is ordering the military and the police to impose its rule and carry out more human rights abuses and fascists attacks against the people with impunity. The more that the big multinational corporations and capitalists will employ forces from the military and police to suppress the struggle of the workers hot higher wages, the farmers for genuine land reform, better living conditions and environmental protection. He has appointed (26) retired military officials in his cabinet occupying positions in other government agencies. The few progressives in his cabinet have become more marginalized facing threat of non- confirmation by the Commission on Appointment.

Now it is clear that the Duterte administration has intensified its counter-revolutionary “Oplan Kapayapaan “ campaign of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, indiscriminate firing, military occupation of communities, forcible evacuation and hamletting of communities, aerial bombings and a myriad forms of military abuses. In the past few months, his army has committed countless abuses against the people, placing entire communities under military rule. Reminiscent of Martial Law , the detested ASSO (Arrest, Search and Seizure Order) of Marcos, the President ordered the military to carry out searches and arrests without warrant. He has ordered the AFP to conduct checkpoints, curfews and other restrictions which violate the people’s freedom of movement. By imposing such severe measures, he aims to establish himself as a strongman who will not tolerate challenges to his authority.

The martial law imposition was made on the pretext of armed clashes in Marawi City between the AFP and the Maute Group, a bandit group whose leaders have known links with military officials. In the vain hope of justifying the martial law declaration, the fascists are turning Marawi City into a wasteland in the same way that few years ago parts of Zamboanga City was razed to the ground by the AFP with aerial bombardments and heavy gunfire.

With the majority in congress in his control he aims to get support for his martial law declaration and give him the authority to extend it to the entire country, not only in Mindanao. He can easily come up with more pretexts such as “fighting criminality” and so on. With Marcos-like authoritarian powers, he can push for the implementation of large infrastructure projects beyond public scrutiny.

CNL calls on the Duterte administration for the immediate lifting of martial law in Mindanao. Never again to the horrible experiences of military rule as it left bitter memories of abductions, torture, extrajudicial killings, incarceration of many civilians, evictions and forced evacuations as well as confiscation of land and property. No to Martial Rule!
On the Burning of a School.

As collateral damage to the imposition of Martial Law some very important infrastructures especially the Science, Laboratory and Library buildings of Dansalan College of Marawi.

Unfortunately, with this chilling environment the St. Mary’s Cathedral was also burned and its parish priest taken as hostage. The Ninoy Aquino school and the Amai Pakpak Medical Center were also burned.

The church and school contributes to the value formation of the youth and to equip them with skills necessary for nation building. But with this trend it looks as if it is the other way around, as the present dispensation is destroying the institutions that are supposed to be molding the youth. Hence, we at CNL strongly denounces this bastardly act, because as a country we are a signatory to very important documents, the Geneva Conventions and Protocol 2 which ensures that educational institutions, churches and hospitals are not to be destroyed in the course of the internal conflict .

We at CNL view this as a diversionary tactic of the present administration not to address the growing number of Filipinos crying out to fulfill the promise of “change” such as the release of political prisoners, land reform, end to contractualization and higher wages of workers etc. US troops are present within Marawi City due to the Balikatan exercise as in the past , when a Filipino interpreter was found dead inside their barracks, with NO justice for his death up to the present.

Lift Martial Law Now !

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170528-on-the-declaration-of-martial-law-in-mindanao-and-the-burning-of-a-school

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: On GRP’s Cancellation of the 5th Round of Peace Talks

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 28): On GRP’s Cancellation of the 5th Round of Peace Talks

Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Tagalog (Melito Glor Command)

28 May 2017

The GRP panel cancellation of the 5th round of talks in The Netherlands is blatantly one-sided, unjustified and flimsy. It based its reason on illogical ground centering on the New People’s Army’s (NPA) escalating armed offensives while omitting the fact that since the breakdown of the reciprocal interim ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines last February, the Duterte government has given the marching order to launch full-scale offensives against the revolutionary forces. This left the NPA with no option but to defend the people and its own forces by launching counter tactical offensive in self-defense.

In fact, during the informal talks between representatives of the GRP and NDFP panels held on March 10-11, in The GRP-NDFP Joint Statement released, the two parties agreed to “reinstate their respective unilateral ceasefires which shall take effect before the scheduled fourth round of talks in April 2017.” In this regard, upon the announcement of the Communist Party of the Philippines that it will issue a ceasefire order prior to the opening of the peace talks, the NPA suspended its tactical offensives to show respect and goodwill. However, the GRP didn’t reciprocate and proceeded with its all out war that has caused casualties on the side of the NPA.

In Southern Tagalog, the NPA has sustained casualties in numerous defensive actions as a result of standing-down their offensive preparations while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is unrelenting in launching offensive military operations since Duterte’s all out war declaration last February. Some of these are the encounters that occurred in Mindoro, North Quezon, South Quezon, and Palawan.

The GRP panel and the Duterte government have been drumbeating that the NDFP Panel has no control over the NPA and local forces in order to undermine and cast doubt on the integrity as well as discredit the authority and trust given by the Party and the entire revolutionary forces on the NDFP Panel to negotiate peace with the reactionary regime.

It should be clear that the NDFP Panel derives its authority and receives directives from its principal based on the home front with regards to any agreement entered by the NDFP with the GRP in the same way that the GRP Panel receives instructions and order from its principal Duterte. For instance, when Duterte didn’t approve of a ceasefire declaration before the fourth round of peace talks, the GRP Panel had to follow the directive of its principal even though the GRP and NDFP panels agreed to reinstate its respective unilateral ceasefire declarations.

Jesus Dureza and Silvestre Bello III of the GRP Panel are lamenting that the NDFP Panel has no control over the NPA to justify the option of local peace negotiation. They are forgetting that even the GRP Panel has no power and control over the AFP and the PNP. So why should Dureza and Bello make a big fuss over this matter?

The Hawks and the peace spoilers in the Cabinet Cluster E embodied by the likes of Lorenzana and Esperon as well as in the AFP have long been scheming since day one how to scuttle the peace talks. They are only interested in securing the demise of the revolutionary forces through surrender and pacification. They are never interested in addressing the root causes of the armed conflict which are deep-seated in the exploitative and oppressive semicolonial and semifeudal Philippines.

The GRP Panel has been acting on this track since day one also. They are only interested in first securing a permanent cessation of hostilities through prolong ceasefire while setting aside and giving lip-service interest in forging the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms, Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms and using the promise of releasing the more or less 400 political prisoners as bait to secure a ceasefire agreement with the revolutionary forces represented by the NDFP.

After the series of release of NDF consultants last year, the Duterte government has not released a single political prisoner and has even violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. The Duterte regime rearrested NDF Consultant Ariel Arbitrario right after the termination of its unilateral ceasefire. Moreover, the GRP also arrested NDF Consultants Ferdinand Castillo, Promencio Cortez and Rommel Salinas, and other JASIG-protected personnel.

While the GRP Panel has been speaking out against the offensives launched by the NPA, it is mum on the attacks carried out by the AFP against the revolutionary forces and the people. It is excluding the fact that the actions launched by the NPA are self-defense in nature due to the unceasing military operations of the AFP. In Southern Tagalog, one of these incidents was the peace consultation conducted by the NPA in Sityo Pahimuan, Barangay Lumutan in Gen. Nakar, Quezon that was attacked by elements of the 80th Infantry Battalion. In self defense, the NPA had to maneuver and counter the offensive of the AFP.

The revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog has the full confidence and trust on the NDFP Panel and the Chief Political Consultant and fully support them as the sole authority entrusted by the Party and the NPA to negotiate a long and lasting peace with whoever hold the helm of the reactionary government. The revolutionary forces under the leadership of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee will not be enthused by the scheme of the Duterte government to negotiate peace at the local level. This is a divide and rule policy long discredited and frustrated by the revolutionary forces but always dreamed-of by the past reactionary rule.

While the revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog lends its support and wishes for the success of the peace process, the NPA forces are ready and determined to pursue all forms of revolutionary struggle and escalate armed tactical offensives should the Duterte government scuttle the peace talks and put the entire Philippines under Martial Rule.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170528-on-grps-cancellation-of-the-5th-round-of-peace-talks

CPP: Martial Law in Mindanao: Atrocities and fake news

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 24-27): Martial Law in Mindanao: Atrocities and fake news









Communist Party of the Philippines
27 May 2017

On March 23, 10 p.m., officials of the Duterte regime announced GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration placing the entire Mindanao under martial rule while in Moscow at 5 p.m. (Russian time). Since then, progressive organizations, concerned agencies and ordinary individuals have documented increasing cases of atrocities and human rights violations, including aerial bombings of civilian communities. Bearing the brunt of these bombings are the residents of Marawi City which the AFP have overran with armed personnel and tanks. Undemocratic measures, such as checkpoints, searches and arbitrary detentions, are intensified in Davao City and other centers of Mindanao. The violations are as follows:

#NotoMartialLaw #StoptheBombings #LiftMartialLawNow

Day 4, May 27

Tacloban city government put up checkpoints in entry and exit points for arbitrary searches supposedly “in solidarity with the declaration of martial law.” Said checkpoints will stay for the duration of martial law in Mindanao.

AFP carries out “surgical airstrikes” in Marawi using guided rockets fired from helicopters, hitting civilian homes, including that of a lawman

Curfew implemented in Kabacan, Cotabato, requiring citizens to carry “identification cards” at all times.

Elements of 66th IB who occupied the premises of Shin Sun Company in Compostela, Comval Province since May 26, barged into the picketline of the striking workers today (May 27) and threatened the workers that their “illegal” strike will be dispersed tomorrow (May 28) as ordered by their higher command.

KMP reports two peasant leaders arrested by 66th IB, PA in Maragusan, Compostela Valley.

Residents discover bodies of dead civilians inside homes destroyed by military air strikes in Marawi.

Restituto Padilla clarifies that the AFP “will enforce the law uniformly such that all violators of the law, regardless of group affiliations, will be dealt with accordingly.” This is after announcing “peace-inclined groups such as the MILF, MNLF and the NPA will not be affected by the ongoing military operations.”

Day 3, May 26

AFP aerial bombing by MG250 attack helicopters, shelling by 105 Howitzer cannons, firing by .50 cal machine gun in Sitios Pedtobawan, Campo, Apulan, and Centro in Brgy Salat, So. Libpas, Brgy. Tuael, all in President Roxas, and Brgys. Tangkulan and Anggaan in Dumulog, Bukidnon. One civilian killed, 5 wounded, more than 2,000 affected. This is 90 kilometers from Marawi.

Duterte to MLBT2: Trabaho lang kayo, ako na ang bahala… Pagnaka-rape ka ng tatlo, aminin ko na akin ‘yon [Just go to work, I’ll take charge… if you rape three, I’ll take the blame]…During martial law, your commanders, you can arrest any person, search any house, wala nang warrant. Kagaya noon, ASSO lang [no more warrant. Like before, just ASSO (Arrest Search and Seizure Order].

Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, announces AFP will exercise the right to censure (sic), especially in social media. To netizens: control of posts in social media necessary.

Police Regional Office 11: Leaders and organizers of “anti-goverment” rallies will be arrested, more so if this will cause public disturbance. Under Martial Law, the writ of habeas corpus is suspended and they can directly arrest anyone who breaks the law.

News outlet GMA7 clarifies that Amay Pakpak Medical Center was never overrun by the Maute group, contrary to AFP report of a takeover on May 24

Day 2, May 25

Task Force Davao and PNP launched Oplan Bulabog at Brgy. 23-C, Davao City arresting 260 civilians only because they could not present IDs.

Davao City government releases 30-point guidelines for the curtailment of civil liberties.

1,800 families from Marawi who have evacuated since May 22 to the municipality of Sagiuaran, Lanao del Sur are suffering from hunger despite availability of food supply from DSWD because of tight and strict military checkpoints.

30 women composed of Lumad, women, Moro, pastors and churchworkers who gathered for an ecumenical forum were put under interrrogation for an hour by 6th Marine Landing Battalion in Brgy. Domulon, Sulatan Kudarat.

LaSurECo (Lanao del Sur Electric Company) management clarifies that the Lasureco office was never overran by the Maute, contrary to AFP report.

Sr Inspector Romeo Enriquez, Police Chief, Malabang, Lanao del Sur clarifies that he was never beheaded by the Maute, contraty to Duterte declaration

Day 1, May 24

Massive bombing of Marawi City, 1 child killed. Disorganized, massive evacuation of civilians ensue.

Shelling and bombing in Matanao, Davao del Sur, more than 120 kilometers from Marawi.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170527-martial-law-in-mindanao-atrocities-and-fake-news

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/

NDF-Sison: NDFP Negotiating Panel recommends reconsideration of order to intensify attacks vs GRP forces

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 26): NDFP Negotiating Panel recommends reconsideration of order to intensify attacks vs GRP forces 

Statement of Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Poliitcal Consultant
May 26, 2017


NDFP archive

As chief political consultant of the NDFP, I deplore the reported statementof DND Secretary Lorenzana that the NPA is also a target of Mindanao-wide martial law.

The GRP side has clarified that the NPA is not a target. In fact President Duterte himself told Fidel Agcaoili in their recent meeting that the GRP and NDFP should unite against terrorist groups like the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf.

We in the NDFP are together with the GRP in opposing and fighting the ISIS-affiliated and CIA-supported groupslike the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf.

We in the NDFP condemn the attack by Maute group on Marawi City. Earlier NDFP-Mindanao condemned this attack and expressed the deepest concern andsolidariy for the people of Marawi city.
The terrorist act by theMaute group should not be an obstacle to the fifth round of formal talks but should be an incentive to the GRP and NDFP to meet and agree tofight groups that are terrorist because they target, terrorize and harm civilians solely or mainly.

The NDFP Negotiating Panel has recommended to the National Executive Committee of the NDFP andin effect the Central Committee of the CPP to reconsider the order to the NPA to intensify tactical offensives as response to the Lorenzana statement that the NPA is a target of martial law.

https://www.ndfp.org/ndfp-negotiating-panel-recommends-reconsideration-of-order-to-intensify-attacks-vs-grp-forces/

NDF-Agcaoili: Opening speech for the Fifth Round of the Formal Talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 27): Opening speech for the Fifth Round of the Formal Talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations 

[This is the full text of the remarks that should have been delivered at the opening ceremony of the fifth round of peace talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations by Fidel V. Agcaoili, at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk aan Zee on May 27, 2017. Unfortunately, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the GRP Negotiating Panel cancelled the fifth round of talks on short notice.]

Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
27 May 2017

By Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

Your Excellencies of the Royal Norwegian Government, Special Envoy Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum and her team of facilitators,

Compatriots in The Netherlands and the Negotiating Panels and Delegations of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP),

Esteemed guests,

We in the NDFP Negotiating Panel have received a Directive from its Principal, the NDFP National Executive Committee.

Firstly, we have been directed to firmly adhere to The Hague Joint Declaration as the framework agreement for the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. This Declaration sets forth the substantive agenda which aims to result in one comprehensive agreement after another on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The Declaration is reinforced by the Joint Agreement on the Sequence, Formation and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees. Thus, the subject of any prolonged and indefinite ceasefire or cessation of hostilities cannot be negotiated and agreed upon before the GRP and NDFP principals have signed and approved the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR). The proper time to discuss a prolonged and indefinite ceasefire is when we reach the point of negotiating and agreeing on the Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF).

If the NDFP agrees to put the subject of a prolonged and indefinite ceasefire ahead of CASER and CAPCR, it would fall into the trap of capitulation and pacification and it would be abandoning the substantive agenda which are aimed at addressing the roots of the armed conflict through agreements on social, economic and political reforms to lay the basis for a just and lasting peace.

Secondly, the NDFP must demand compliance with Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) – an already existing comprehensive agreement, especially in the face of certain violations. If the GRP does not comply with this comprehensive agreement, there would be no point in making further agreements.

In this regard, the NDFP raises the following prejudicial questions in demanding compliance with CARHRIHL.

1. Why are the political prisoners listed by the NDFP still being kept in prison in violation of the CARHRIHL and its provision on the Hernandez political offense doctrine as well as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG)? There are expeditious remedies to set aright what is wrong.

2. Why is the GRP carrying out an all-out war policy, occupying communities, taking over civilian functions and using aerial bombs and artillery fire, against the people and revolutionary forces in violation of the CARHRIHL? The use of disproportionate force victimizes most the civilian population rather than the highly mobile guerrilla forces of the NPA.

3. Why are the NDFP Panel member and consultants to the peace talks continuously threatened and harassed?

4. Fourth, it must be pointed out that in raising these prejudicial questions, the NDFP is in no way attempting to hinder the peace talks. We must remember that the NDFP has no record of terminating the peace negotiations. A number of times, it was the GRP, under the Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino and Duterte regimes that has scuttled the peace negotiations, sometimes even without bothering to terminate the JASIG with the proper notice of termination given 30 days in advance.

At this point, the NDFP is faced with two possible reactions from the GRP.

One is that President Duterte may terminate the JASIG and the peace negotiations as he did last February 5 even before he could consult with his Negotiating Panel on February 20. In this event, the responsibility for the further escalation of the civil war will rest squarely on the GRP.

In truth, an all-out war has long been waged by the GRP against the revolutionary forces and people, despite the fact that there were unilateral ceasefire declarations.

As to the release of the hundreds of political prisoners, more than a year of negotiating with the Duterte government has thoroughly convinced the NDFP that the regime has no intention of releasing even the very small number of 15 it last mentioned. Instead, it is increasing the number of political prisoners and the concomitant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. As of May 15, 2017 there are 403 political prisoners, 37 of them were arrested under President Duterte. There have been 59 cases of politically-motivated killings under President Duterte. In addition, there are tens of thousands of displaced persons all over the country as a result of military operations.

The recent martial declaration in Mindanao will surely lead to a burgeoning in the number of political prisoners and human rights violations.

The other possibility is that the GRP and NDFP continue to negotiate peace even while fighting continues in the battlefield. If this be the case, the NDFP remains willing to accelerate the peace negotiations and forge at the soonest time possible the comprehensive agreements on social and economic reforms and on political and constitutional reforms before the end of 2017 and early part of 2018, respectively.

Subsequently, the GRP and NDFP can discuss such subjects as the expeditious release of all political prisoners listed by the NDFP and a prolonged and indefinite ceasefire related to the implementation of all comprehensive agreements and the prospective end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

In any case, it is unacceptable to the NDFP for the GRP to insist on putting its demand for any joint or bilateral prolonged and indefinite ceasefire ahead of CASER and CAPCR in order to obtain the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary forces and the people, and lay aside the substantive agenda and the ever urgent demands of the people for social, economic and political reforms necessary for achieving a just and lasting peace.

https://www.ndfp.org/opening-speech-fifth-round-formal-talks-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/

NDF-Sison: Opening remarks at the Fifth Round of Formal Talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations at Noordwijk Aan Zee

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 27): Opening remarks at the Fifth Round of Formal Talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations at Noordwijk Aan Zee 

[This is the full text of the remarks that should have been delivered at the opening ceremony of the fifth round of peace talks in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations by Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk aan Zee on May 27, 2017. Unfortunately, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the GRP Negotiating Panel cancelled the fifth round of talks on short notice.]

By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chief Political Consultant, National Democratic Front of the Philippines
May 27, 2017

Her Excellency Special Envoy Elisabeth Slattum,
Honorable Jesus Dureza of the OPAPP,
Honorable Silvestre Bello III
Comrade Fidel Agcaoili,
Beloved compatriots in the Panels and Delegations of both the GRP and NDFP,
Distinguished guests and friends,

We in the NDFP thank the Royal Norwegian Government and its special envoy for facilitating the Philippine peace process. We thank all of you who are present at this opening ceremony. We heartily welcome each other today with confidence that we shall continue to move forward towards a just and lasting peace in the Philippines.

We are riding on the momentum set by four successful rounds of talks and by unilateral meetings and bilateral consultations between rounds. We in the NDFP appreciate once more that President Duterte recently received and conversed with the Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel Fidel Agcaoili, Panel member Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria.

To stay on course in the peace process, we must firmly adhere to the major agreements that the GRP and NDFP have reaffirmed since the first round in August last year. We must follow the substantive agenda set by The Hague Joint Declaration and the Joint Agreement on the Sequence, Formation and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees.

We must assure all the openly known participants in the peace process of both sides and the holders of documents of identification that they are entitled to, protected by and enjoy safety and immunity guarantees under JASIG. It is highly desirable and necessary that all the participants in the peace process are not subjected to any kind or degree of duress, such as surveillance, harassment or threats of arrest or even worse.

We must resolutely comply with and diligently implement the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). The hundreds of political prisoners listed by the NDFP must be released in the most expeditious manner. Even while in the mode of carrying out its all-out war policy, the GRP and its armed forces, police and paramilitary auxiliaries must be guided and bound by CARHRIHL. Likewise the NPA and the people’s militia must comply with CARHRIHL as they engage in self-defense and counter-offensives.

Frankly speaking, the NDFP is unwilling to engage in any kind of prolonged and indefinite ceasefire agreement before there are substantive agreements on social, economic, political and constitutional reforms which are significantly beneficial to the people. The NDFP does not wish to fall into the trap of capitulation and pacification, betraying the trust of the oppressed and exploited masses of the people. It also does not wish to preoccupy the peace process with accusations and counter-accusations of ceasefire violations and put aside the people’s demands for basic social, economic and political reforms.

The Filipino people and both the GRP and NDFP are aware of the fact that on February 5, 2017 GRP Secretary of National Defense Lorenzana declared an all-out war policy against the NPA. In this connection, President Duterte terminated the JASIG and in effect the entire peace negotiations. He also issued on March 7 the order to the AFP to use artillery fire and aerial bombing against the NPA on a nationwide scale. Despite the March 11 backchannel agreement for the GRP and NDFP to resume peace negotiations and to issue simultaneous and reciprocal unilateral ceasefire declarations, President Duterte did not order the issuance of the GRP declaration of unilateral ceasefire, according to a public statement of Lorenzana. The NPA has had no choice but to engage in self-defense and counter-offensives.

The cause of intensified fighting between the armed forces of the GRP and NDFP is the GRP all-out war policy and threat of martial law. It is wrong for anyone to blame the NPA and claim that it has gone out of the command and control of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NDFP. The NPA maintains high fighting morale and iron discipline under the absolute leadership of the CPP. It is even more absurd to claim that the NDFP negotiating panel has lost its authorization from the NDFP to negotiate with the GRP negotiating panel and to make recommendations to the NDFP principal.

If the objective of the intrigue is to justify the GRP all-out war policy and extract a bilateral or joint ceasefire agreement ahead of any substantive comprehensive agreement on basic reforms, the GRP is practically terminating the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations or daydreaming that it can destroy the NPA by force of arms in the course of the peace negotiations. The NDFP Executive Committee has already informed the NDFP Negotiating Panel that the NPA is intensifying the people’s war under the absolute leadership of the CPP to resist and defeat the all-out war policy of the Duterte regime and the scourge of martial law for Mindanao and possibly for the entire Philippines.

However, in so many examples of successful peace negotiations in various countries, it is possible to negotiate while fighting goes on in the battlefield. We were able to forge the CARHRIHL in only six months in 1998, even as the civil war went on between the belligerent forces. It is possible to continue to accelerate the negotiations and forge the CASER within the current year and the CAPCR within the first quarter of the next year on time for the framing and ratification of a charter founding the Federal Republic of the Philippines.

It is preferable to accelerate the peace process rather than overburden or lay this aside with what the NDFP cannot accept: the negotiation of an interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement in violation of the substantive agenda set by The Hague Joint Declaration and the Joint Agreement on the Sequence, Formation and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees. While the civil war continues, the GRP and the NDFP can demonstrate their respective causes and fighting capabilities within the framework of CARHRIHL. The battles ought to prove that the peace negotiations are necessary.

A prolonged and indefinite interim joint or bilateral ceasefire agreement may be negotiated and drafted in advance but should not be signed and approved by the principals of the GRP and NDFP ahead of any of the substantive agreement even by a split second. We in the NDFP do not wish such a ceasefire agreement to preempt the substantive agreements, especially CASER. The NDFP also considers it desirable and necessary that the basic reforms are being implemented for at least two years before the permanent truce can be formalized in the Comprehensive Agreement on the End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

It might be relatively easy for the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels to forge the CASER as a policy agreement. But it might be more difficult to obtain from GRP as annexes to the agreement the executive orders, legislation and constitutional amendments needed to implement CASER in view of the predominance of pro-imperialist and reactionaries within the different branches of the GRP and in view of their priorities which run counter to genuine land reform and national industrialization and which divert economic and financial resources from these.

The security cluster of the Duterte cabinet is interested only in the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary movement through a combination of all-out war policy, martial law and a lopsided joint interim ceasefire agreement. The economic development cluster of the Duterte government is dominated by the neoliberals who oppose social and economic reforms. We refer to the problems in order to solve them.

If used by the Duterte regime to aggravate its all-out war policy against the revolutionary forces, martial law will increase the power of the pro-imperialists and reactionaries within the regime and will incite the revolutionary force and the broad masses of the people to intensify the people’s war. The only conceivable instance when the NDFP can agree with the Duterte regime on the proper use of martial law is when there is an alliance to combat the armed collaboration between US imperialism and local reactionary forces. Otherwise, the regime has to reckon and contend with a broad united front against a Marcos-type martial rule.

They are peace spoilers within and outside the Duterte regime who wish to impugn the credentials of the NDFP Negotiating Panel and the NDFP Chief Political Consultant. The fact stands that the principal of the NDFP Negotiating Panel is the NDFP National Council and its Executive Committee. These include the representatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army, with the former having command and control over the latter. They make their consensus on whatever policy and course of action to take in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations by relying on the reports and recommendations of the NDFP Negotiating Panel to the NDFP National Council.

The major points that I have presented and stressed in these opening remarks come from the latest appraisal of the situation and the instructions that the National Executive Committee has given to the NDFP Negotiating Panel. The NDFP Negotiating Panel has no command and control over the NPA, just as the GRP Negotiating Panel has no such command and control over the AFP and PNP. But it provides to its principal the reports and recommendations as basis for decision-making.

The NDFP Negotiating Panel through its Chairperson will elucidate to its counterpart the latest instructions that it needs to know.

Thank you.

https://www.ndfp.org/opening-remarks-at-the-fifth-round-of-formal-talks-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations-at-noordwijk-aan-zee/

NDF: GRP unreasonable demands disrupt fifth round of talks

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 27): GRP unreasonable demands disrupt fifth round of talks 



NDFP Panel Chair Fidel Agcaoili answers questions from the media on developments on ongoing 5th round of peace talks in the Netherlands. [Photo: Altermidya]
 
PRESS RELEASE, 27 May 2017
Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
The NDFP and its delegation came to The Netherlands ready and willing to proceed with the fifth round of talks to work on the draft of CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms). Once more, the GRP succeeded in sidelining the substantive agenda on social and economic reforms by raising unreasonable demands.

Even before the fifth round could start, Jesus Dureza told the NDFP panel that the GRP panel would not “participate in the scheduled fifth round of talks unless there were clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving just and sustainable peace in the land through peace negotiations across this table shall prevail.”

This seemingly vague statement was actually an ultimatum served on the NDFP to collapse the talks unless it submitted to the following demands: 1) that the CPP rescind its order to the NPA that was in the main responding to the intensified AFP military operations nation-wide before and after Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao and, 2) that the NDFP immediately sign a joint ceasefire agreement even without the necessary agreements on social, economic and political reforms in place. These unreasonable demands have disrupted the fifth round of formal talks.

The CPP order was in response to the intensified AFP operations and widespread human rights violations preceding and following the declaration of Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao. Duterte justified his action by citing as reason the terrorist actions of the Maute Group in Marawi City. But Lorenzana declared that the NPA was also a target of AFP military operations. Silvestre Bello made a subsequent clarification that Duterte had said that the Mindanao martial law was not aimed against the NPA.

However, the facts on the ground belie the clarification made by Bello. We quote from the NPA report sent to the NDFP panel:

“On May 24, AFP units carried out shellings and indiscriminate firing against peasant communities in Barangay Colon Sabak, Matanao, Davao del Sur.

On May 25, on the second day of Duterte’s Mindanao Martial Law, hundreds of elements of the 39th IBPA dropped bombs, shelled and indiscriminately fired 50 caliber machine guns at dominantly Moro civilian communities in Barangay Salat and Barangay Tuael in President Roxas, North Cotabato and Barangay Tangkulan and Barangay Anggaan in Damulog, Bukidnon.

A resident of Barangay Salat, was killed as a result of the aerial bombardments. Several other residents, Norhamin Dataya, Cocoy Dataya, Nasordin Maman and others suffered severe injuries. At least 1,600 residents of the affected barangays were forced to evacuate their communities.

These areas are at least 100-180 kilometers away from Marawi City.

Just this morning, we have received information from NPA units in South Mindanao, Far South Mindanao and parts of North Central Mindanao that search and destroy operations, strike operations, shellings and occupation of peasant communities are currently being carried out intensively by the AFP against the NPA and the peasant masses in the following provinces: 1) Compostela Valley, 2) Davao City, 3) Davao del Sur, 4) South Cotabato, 5) Saranggani, 6) Sultan Kudarat, 7) North Cotabato, and 8) Bukidnon.

Hundreds of people are being rounded up. People are being detained or stopped from travelling for having no identification cards. The military are threatening people against issuing statements that may be deemed anti-government. Military and bureaucrats have issued guidelines restricting people’s rights to assemble and prohibiting them from staging protest actions.

In light of these out and out attacks against the people and their revolutionary forces, NPA units are left with little choice but to undertake more and more tactical offensives in order to defend the masses and the people’s army by stopping the reactionary state armed forces from carrying out their onslaught.”

The second demand for an immediate ceasefire is unreasonable because there are no agreements on reforms in place but also because it one-sidedly demands from the NPA to stop fighting while the AFP continues its all-out war against the NPA and the people. There is impunity in carrying out atrocities against the masses in the rural areas and the ensuing widespread human rights violations under martial law. The GRP also has to comply with long standing agreements on release of political prisoners.

What is even more objectionable to the GRP demand to rush the NDFP into signing an immediate ceasefire agreement is the fact that it is imposed as a precondition to moving ahead with negotiations on CASER the main item scheduled for the fifth round and considered as the meat of the whole peace negotiations. This, in effect, delays the forging of urgently needed social, economic and political reforms which could provide the most enduring basis for peace and social justice.

The NDFP is ready to resume the fifth round of formal talks on the substantive agenda of social and economic reforms when the other side is willing to do so. #

Reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel
 

NDF/NPA-NCMR: Pwersa sa 4th ID UG CAA giambus, tulo ka armas nasakmit

NPA-North Central Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 27): Pwersa sa 4th ID UG CAA giambus, tulo ka armas nasakmit  

News advisory
Mayo 27, 2017

Sa parsyal nga taho sa NPA-Mt. Kitanglad Sub-Regional Command (SRC), malampusong giambus sa usa ka yunit niini ang pwersa sa 4th Infantry Division ug CAA giambus ganinang buntag, Mayo 27, 2017 sa may alas-7:15 ngadto sa alas 7:25 sa buntag didto sa Sityo Intabas, Brgy. La Fortuna, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Matud sa taho, nasakmit ang tulo ka tag-as og kalibreng mga armas nga gilangkuban sa isa ka M16, ug duha ka Garand ug unom ka military pack. Dunay duha kaswalti sa panig sa kaaway samtang luwas nga nakawidro ang pwersa sa NPA human sa engkwentro. Padayong gipaabot sa NPA-Regional Operations Command, North Central Mindanao Region ang kompletong detalye niini nga hitabo.

KA. MALEM MABINI
Tigpamaba
NPA-NCMR

https://www.ndfp.org/pwersa-sa-4th-id-ug-caa-giambus-tulo-ka-armas-nasakmit/

CPP/NDF: AFP offensives and atrocities in Mindanao heighten since declaration of Martial Law

CPP propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 28): AFP offensives and atrocities in Mindanao heighten since declaration of Martial Law 

Communist Party of the Philippines
May 27, 2017



It would have been good if Bello were telling the truth that Duterte’s Mindanao Martial Law is only aimed against terrorists and not against the NPA or the people in general. The facts on the ground, however, belie Bello’s statements. The burden of proving such claims are heavy on the shoulders of Bello, as well as of key security and military officials of the Duterte government.

Prior to the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, the AFP has been carrying out intense armed offensives against the people and their revolutionary forces following the Duterte-Lorenzana declaration of “all-out war” against the NPA last February. Duterte has not rescinded this order.

Just this morning, we have received partial information from NPA operations commands in South, Far South and parts of North Central Mindanao that search and destroy operations, strike operations, shelling and occupation of peasant communities are being carried out intensively by the AFP against the NPA and the peasant masses in the following provinces:

Compostela Valley
Davao City
Davao del Sur
South Cotabato
Saranggani
Sultan Kudarat
North Cotabato
Bukidnon

These offensive operations have been heightened since the declaration of Martial Law. On May 24, AFP units carried out shelling and indiscriminate firing against peasant communities in Barangay Colon Sabak, Matanao, Davao del Sur. These areas are at least 180 kilometers from Marawi.

On May 25, on the second day of Duterte’s Mindanao martial law, hundreds of elements of the 39th IBPA dropped bombs, shelled and indiscriminately fired 50 caliber machine guns at dominantly Moro civilian communities in barangays Salat and Tuael in President Roxas, North Cotabato and barangays Tangkulan and Anggaan in Damulog, Bukidnon. These areas are at least 100 kilometers away from Marawi City.

Abdullah Pamansag, a resident of Barangay Salat, was killed as a result of the aerial bombardments. Several other residents, Norhamin Dataya, Cocoy Dataya, Alex Dataya, Nasordin Maman and Nor Taligapin have suffered severe injuries. At least 1,600 residents of the affected barangays were forced to evacuate their communities. Human rights organizations and relief workers are being prevented by the military forces from extending assistance to the residents.

The civil and political rights of the people in Mindanao are gravely being curtailed and trampled on by the all-out attacks against the people. Hundreds of people are being rounded up. People are being detained or stopped from travelling for having no identification cards. The military are threatening people against issuing statements or posting information on social media that may be deemed anti-government. Military and bureaucrats have issued guidelines restricting people’s rights to assemble and prohibiting them from staging protest actions. A martial law crackdown hangs over the heads of social activists.

The state of human rights is set to go from dismal to worse as Duterte himself has assured soldier that he has their backs as he urged them to rape and carry out abuses all they want against the people.

In light of these out and out attacks against the people and their revolutionary forces, NPA units are being left with little option but to undertake more and more tactical offensives in order to defend the masses and the people’s army by stopping the reactionary state armed forces from carrying out their onslaught.

It is in this spirit of defending the people’s rights against the AFP’s unmitigated fascist attacks that the CPP issued its May 24 declaration calling on the NPA to carry out more tactical offensives and urging the people to heighten their resistance against the imposition of martial law in Mindanao and demand its immediate lifting.

The Party has long declared its policy of fighting terrorism. The Party has consistently condemned groups that attack civilians. The revolutionary forces have long been against the Abu Sayyaf (and by implication, its supposed breakaway ISIS-linked or -inspired Maute Group) whose leaders collaborate with military officers in criminal activities. These groups use religious symbols to foment bigotry and violence against civilians in order to divide the Moro people and weaken their struggle for self-determination.

We must consider, however, the thick fog of disinformation which blankets the imposition of martial law in Mindanao. The AFP, andeven Duterte himself, has been spreading a lot of false information and fake news. Claims made by the AFP that the Amai Pakpak Hospital and the LaSureco (Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative) were “taken over” by the “Maute Group” were exposed to be false. Even Duterte’s claim that a police officer was decapitated was also exposed as fake news. Information about the so-called Maute Group is largely based on the public speculations by the police, the military and MalacaƱang.

Beyond the information supplied by the AFP fake news mill, people no longer know who the real terrorists in Marawi City are. At this point, it would seem that it is the AFP and its intense aerial bombings and martial law policies are the bigger terrorists in the city, causing the people of Marawi grave sufferings and hardships.

https://www.ndfp.org/afp-offensives-and-atrocities-in-mindanao-heighten-since-declaration-of-martial-law/

NDF: Substantive agreement on social and economic reforms conducive for achievement of peace

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 28): Substantive agreement on social and economic reforms conducive for achievement of peace 

The Reciprocal Working Committee on Social Economic Reforms of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP RWC-SER) said the most “enabling environment conducive for the achievement of a just and sustainable peace” is the presence of much-needed social and economic reforms that is the objective of the discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).



The GRP panel announced today that it has decided not to participate in the fifth round of talks.
“We came prepared and ready for the fifth round of talks. We came here with the sincere intention of finishing the discussions on agrarian reform and rural development (ARRD) and starting deliberations on the next two important sections of the CASER draft — national industrialization and economic development (NIED) and environmental protection, rehabilitation and compensation,” said Randall Echanis, member of the NDFP RWC-SER.



“We consider the bilateral meetings in Manila on ARRD and NIED held between April to May as productive concerning the participation and commitment of both reciprocal working committees on SER to achieve an agreement that will address the long-standing issues of landlessness, poverty and unemployment. In fact, we have reached key unities with regards to the contentious provisions on ARRD,” said RWC-SER member Alan Jazmines.

The recent developments and GRP’s dogged insistence on its unreasonable demands to the NDFP could pose debilitating effects on the negotiations,” Echanis said.
“This undue delay that was single-handedly caused by the GRP will impact the momentum of the discussions on CASER but it will not diminish the clamor of the Filipino people for genuine social and economic reforms,” Echanis said.
According to a statement issued by the NDFP Panel, the GRP has been insisting on its demand that the Communist Party of the Philippines rescind its order to the New People’s Army for intensified tactical offensives which are in fact in response to the AFP’s widespread military operations and aerial bombings targeting peasant communities that intensified after the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao and the signing of a joint ceasefire agreement without reaching a significant agreement on CASER.

Echanis said the NDFP RWC-SER will continue with its scheduled work. “We are ready to resume discussions on CASER as soon as the GRP is committed and ready,” Echanis said.

https://www.ndfp.org/substantive-agreement-social-economic-reforms-conducive-achievement-peace/

NDF: Reply to the Opening Statement of Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza dated May 27, 2017

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 28): Reply to the Opening Statement of Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza dated May 27, 2017 



NDFP Negotiating Panel chair Fidel Agcaoili and Senior Adviser Luis Jalandoni talk to the media after the GRP finalized decision not to participate in the fifth round of talks.

Reply to the Opening Statement of Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza dated May 27, 2017 by the Negotiating Panel, National Democratic Front of the Philippines
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vehemently deplores the GRP Panel’s decision not to participate in the fifth round of formal negotiations.

The GRP’s persistent demand for the immediate signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement as precondition to the continuation of the formal talks is an outright violation of the 1992 Hague Joint Declaration. The NDFP stands by its position, priorly acknowledged and concurred with by the GRP, that the implementation of CARHRIHL and the forging of the CASER should take precedence over the crafting of a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

In what would have been his opening statement, NDFP panel chair Fidel Agcaoili urged for a return to the framework agreement which eloquently defines the proper sequence in forging the comprehensive agreements on human rights, social and economic reforms and political and constitutional reforms as the solid bases for the comprehensive agreement on ending the hostilities. Implementing social, economic and political reforms is the only way to enduring peace.

OPAPP Secretary Dureza’s assertion that the CPP order to the NPA to launch more tactical offensives in response to the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao “puts in great jeopardy” the quest for peace totally obscures the fact that the GRP has been waging an “all-out-war” against the NPA, conducting offensive operations and aerial bombings of communities regardless of “collateral damage” — all on the direct and standing orders of President Duterte.

Contrary to the GRP allegations, the NPA operations cannot be attributed to the failure of the CPP-NPA-NDFP leadership to control their ground forces. Rather, they are defensive and counter-offensive responses to the AFP provocative actions and offensive operations.

Contrary to its declared purpose, the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao, with threats to extend this throughout the archipelago, is bound to further escalate the armed conflict, aggravate the human rights situation and exacerbate the suffering of the people. It bestows a veneer of legality to justify the escalation of warrantless arrests, searches and seizures as well as indefinite detention targeting entire civilian communities suspected of supporting rebel and other armed groups. It further emboldens the AFP, PNP and other state-sponsored armed groups to perpetrate extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests and detention, forced evacuation, filing of trumped-up charges, threats, intimidation and other human rights violations with impunity. The revolutionary movement is therefore completely justified in calling on the people and its forces to defend themselves against these intensifying attacks.

The GRP completely glosses over the fact that undeclared martial law has long been existing in vast areas of the countryside. As of February 2017, at least 500 barangays in 146 towns in 43 provinces have been subjected to various kinds of offensive military operations.

The NDFP has acknowledged the role played by President Rodrigo Duterte in resuming the peace talks, affirming previously signed agreements and bringing the negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) to its current unprecedented level. The NDFP considers these as important confidence-building measures as well as acknowledgement of the GRP’s obligations under previously signed agreements and its duty to uphold human rights, social justice and the people’s welfare.

However, there is no truth to the claim that the GRP has complied with all of its obligations and commitments, especially the release of political prisoners who are unjustly detained.
There is no basis for the GRP’s claim that there is a sudden and perceptible erosion of public support to the peace talks. The marked progress in the talks in the past months has in fact heightened the people’s interest and confidence that the negotiations could lead to social and economic reforms that would improve their lives. President Duterte himself has gained political capital emanating from the people’s support for the peace talks.

There is likewise no basis for the supposed clamor for localized peace talks given its inherent inability and historical failure to achieve overarching reforms. Localized peace talks have been used to fragment revolutionary groups and enable military intelligence and offensive operations. Especially under Martial Law, localized peace talks facilitates tight surveillance, including the use of drones with GPS, and motorcycle-riding death squads.

The GRP’s decision not to participate in the 5th round of formal talks threatens to squander the goodwill and the gains that have already been achieved in the peace negotiations in the past nine months, especially in the crafting of a substantive agreement on social and economic reforms.

The NDFP has pursued the negotiations with the Duterte government in good faith, and in a non-adversarial fashion, likewise presuming the other Party’s good faith. However, it has been continually besieged by conflicting, contradictory, and cross-purpose statements and actions that have beclouded the real intentions of the GRP.

The people’s interest, immediate and long term, is the paramount consideration in the NDFP’s engagement in negotiations to resolve the armed conflict and achieve a just peace.
The NDFP is ready to resume the fifth round of formal talks on the substantive agenda of social and economic reforms when the GRP is willing to do so.

https://www.ndfp.org/reply-opening-statement-peace-adviser-jesus-g-dureza-dated-may-27-2017/

DWDD: AFP Assures Security of Mindanao Residents

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): AFP ASSURES SECURITY OF MINDANAO RESIDENTS

bgen-restituto-padilla

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requests the public to be patient in the measures of the Martial Law implemented for the security of Mindanao region following the Marawi incident.

AFP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla encourages the public to be vigilant and to report the men in uniform if they are caught abusing their power and the AFP vows to provide a swift probe and action to ensure the accountability of the officials.

As the basis for the declaration was to establish law and order and the rule of law, all violators regardless of group affiliations will be dealt with accordingly.

Other possible measures to be included in the law are the establishment of checkpoints in all areas and the possible declaration of curfew hours in certain parts of Mindanao.

Padilla also states that they have not recommended a suspension of the freedom of expression, however, will exercise the right to censure based on the following:

– To ensure the safety of lives

– To ensure operational security and the safety of our own men in uniform who are fighting and for other national security considerations.

When asked, Padilla said the censorship “will cover social media.”

“…because of the things we have been seeing in the operational environment. You yourself have seen that tremendous disinformation clouds or creates a thick fog of war that does not provide a better operational picture of the battlefield, and this is one that creates a lot of collateral damage which we want to avoid,” he explained.

The specific censorship guidelines have yet to be released, however. Padilla said separate sets of guidelines will be released for the general public and the media.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/afp-assures-security-of-mindanao-residents/

DWDD: UNITE | Support our Troops!

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): UNITE | Support our Troops!

 2

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Together with the Philippine Chambers of C ommerce and Industry (PCCI), Junior Chamber Inc. (JCI), Alpha Phi Omega AFP-DND, Yes for Peace Movement, Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo, REACT Philippines Inc., Lights Patrol/I-commute TV, Bantay Bayan,Gawin ang Tama and other partners, the Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines headed by MGEN RONNIE S EVANGELISTA AFP conducted a soft-launching for the Support of our Troops Campaign and Pledge of Support Signing Ceremony at CRS Multipurpose Hall yesterday morning. MCAG

1 3 4 5 6 7

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/unite-support-our-troops-2/

DWDD: CLEARING OPERATIONS | 31 Terrorists killed in Marawi City

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): CLEARING OPERATIONS | 31 Terrorists killed in Marawi City

Maute in Marawi

Headquarters Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Elements of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Brigadier General Rolly Bautista engaged in an armed confrontation with members of the Local Terrorist Group in Marawi City earlier yesterday.

At 9 am yesterday, operating troops while clearing two bridges heading towards Bangulo area encountered an estimated 30 heavily armed terrorist. Thirteen more terrorist were killed after two hours armed confrontation with the same troops. Three high powered firearms were also recovered from the encounter site.

“As of this report, 31 terrorist were already neutralized and 6 HPFAs were recovered by the troops,” says Brigadier General Bautista.

“Our troops are doing deliberate operations in areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorist’s presence. “I specifically ordered our soldiers to locate and destroy these terrorists as soon as possible,” he adds.

In another area of the city, soldiers also on clearing operations were able to rescue 16 civilians upon reaching Brgy Kilala, Marawi City.

Operating units, through the clearing operations they were conducting, afforded safe passage to the said civilians trapped in the areas where they hid during the height of Maute Group’s occupation of the area.

“The skirmishes and clearing operations today resulted to the unfortunate death of 6 soldiers and wounding of 7 others,” says Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that the City will be cleared from terror threat and immediately restore normalcy in this part of Mindanao.” “We once more call on the people in the community to join us fight terrorism. Provide your security forces with information that will contribute to the neutralization of these agents of deaths and destruction .” “We will exhaust all efforts to crush the remaining Maute members so that the people of Marawi City can go back to their homes the soonest,” adds Lieutenant General Galvez. JTF ZAMPELAN PIO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/clearing-operations-31-terrorists-killed-in-marawi-city/

DWDD: OPENING CEREMONY | Inter-operability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” “PAGSASAMA” and “PAGSISIKAP”2017 Opening Ceremony

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): OPENING CEREMONY | Inter-operability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” “PAGSASAMA” and “PAGSISIKAP”2017 Opening Ceremony

PAF Logo  PN Logo


HEADQUARTERS WESTERN COMMAND SOCIAL HALL, Camp General Artemio Ricarte, bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City (DWDD) – The joint annual training exercise between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) dubbed as Interoperability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” incorporated with Exercise “PAGSASAMA” and Exercise “PAGSISIKAP” 2017 is scheduled to kick-off on May 29 until June 9, 2017 in different areas of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan.

Exercise DAGIT is a PN-PAF interoperability exercise to improve interoperability in undertaking joint operations in addressing maritime threats. On the other hand, PAGSISIKAP is a Fleet-Marine interoperability exercise specifically conducted to train the PN’s fleet and marine forces in amphibious operations, while PAGSASAMA aims to enhance the readiness and interoperability between the PN Units and the PN Reserve Units.

The participating assets from the PN are composed of one frigate, 2 patrol crafts, one landing craft utility, one naval helicopter, one rigid hull inflatable boat, and personnel from Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), Naval Air Group (NAG) and PN Reservists.

On the other hand, PAF will be composed of seven aircrafts and personnel from 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) and 300 AISG.

The activities will include subject matter expertise exchanges, airfield seizure, maritime interdiction operations/visit board seize and seizure, amphibious raid/ island defense exercises. NFW PAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/opening-ceremony-inter-operability-exercise-iox-pn-paf-dagit-pagsasama-and-pagsisikap2017-opening-ceremony/