Friday, February 9, 2018

Army says Reds kill another lumad leader after Davao IP summit

From InterAksyon (Feb 10): Army says Reds kill another lumad leader after Davao IP summit



President Rodrigo Duterte addressing the indigenous peoples' summit in Davao City. (Presidential photos)

The Army accused communist rebels of killing a lumad leader in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on Friday, the second slain after attending a recent indigenous peoples’ summit that was graced by President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.

Dakula Guillermo Tiambong, 58, was allegedly gunned down in front of his family as he tended his farm in Barangay Camp Edward around 2:30 p.m. Friday, 2nd Lieutenant Jonel Castillo, civil-military operations officer of the 30th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement.

The victim was the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative of the Mamanwa in Alegria.

His death follows that of Datu Banadjao Mampaundag of the Langilang-Manobo and his son, Jhonard, who were killed in their home in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Sunday by what the military claimed were New People’s Army guerrillas.

http://www.interaksyon.com/army-says-reds-kill-another-lumad-leader-after-davao-ip-summit/

Opinion: Shifting sands of terrorism in South-east Asia

From The Straits Times (Feb 10): Shifting sands of terrorism in South-east Asia (By Joseph Chinyong Liow)

From Bali to Marawi, the menace posed by militants remains even if the players and methods continue to evolve

In October 2002, bombings on the Indonesian resort island of Bali catapulted terrorism to the top of the list of security priorities for the governments of maritime South-east Asia, and there it has remained.

In the ensuing years, security agencies across the region were seized with the transnational and cross-regional dimensions of this threat. There was good reason for this. Investigation into the Bali bombings uncovered links to the notorious international terrorist group Al-Qaeda.

It also emerged that Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the regional terror group, was attempting to create a Daulah Islamiah, a regional Islamic state, in maritime South-east Asia by means of violence. While its vision failed to materialise, South-east Asian militants have persisted in their pursuit of cross-regional cooperation.

In point of fact, this pursuit has precedents that predate Bali or Daulah Islamiah. It was incubated in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border between 1985 and 2000, when South-east Asian militants crossed paths with each other and also with foreign fighters from other parts of the world while training alongside mujahideen fighters then waging jihad against Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. It was during this time that bonds were built among the South-east Asians who would go on to form the backbone of JI.

Yet while JI did possess a regional footprint by dint of active cells in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, the establishment of an operational cross-regional network proved a difficult proposition for reasons of geography, culture, language and divergent strategic objectives. That much was evident from conflicts such as in Ambon (1999-2005) and Poso (1998-2007), where coordination proved elusive despite the presence of a range of militant groups, most of whom preferred to wage their own "jihad" independent of each other.

Even at the height of Al-Qaeda's interests in South-east Asia, the international terrorist group's priorities were focused on the region more as a base for operational planning and the movement of funds than a key theatre for operations of a cross-regional nature.

THE SYRIAN CATALYST

It is against this backdrop that the outbreak of conflict in Syria in 2011 catalysed a new cycle of terrorist and militant activity in South-east Asia and raised fresh concerns over the prospects for cross-regional cooperation between militant groups.

At the forefront this time stood ISIS, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The fact that at the peak of its powers ISIS started to notice South-east Asia was evident not only from regular coverage of the region in ISIS media such as its Amaq news agency and its English-medium publication, Dabiq, but also in its introduction of Malay-language propaganda, clearly tailored for a regional audience, and its creation in September 2014 of Katibah Nusantara, the South-east Asian fighting unit operating under its umbrella.

Indeed, Katibah Nusantara was an effort by the central administration of ISIS to bring together Malay-and Indonesian-speaking fighters to overcome the language barrier that impeded effective tactical deployment of South-east Asians (most of the Indonesians couldn't speak Arabic or English, while the Malaysians fared slightly better in English but couldn't speak Arabic).

Yet the existence of this South-east Asian unit belied differences that prevailed between the Malaysians and Indonesians in its ranks. Indonesians were dismissive of their Malaysian counterparts based on the perception that their religious knowledge was inferior. Concomitantly, Malaysians were relegated to menial roles in the Indonesian-led Katibah Nusantara. This explains the reluctance on the part of Malaysians to even join Katibah Nusantara in the initial stages of its formation, preferring instead to fight with other militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq (Malaysians did join eventually). In fact, even the Indonesians within Katibah Nusantara could not quite get along: one faction under Abu Jandal eventually split to form Katibah Masyaariq.

Notwithstanding the bickering that beset ISIS' South-east Asian fighters, the reality remains that by virtue of being in a distant land engaged in the selfsame conflict, they were bonded together, however imperfectly. Because of this, the matter of whether these ties will be transplanted back into South-east Asia as some battle-hardened militants return with new skills, renewed ideological commitment, and established international connections is a valid concern that needs to be treated seriously.

Indeed, this was precisely the scenario that Afghanistan presented two decades ago, and it certainly doesn't take too many hardened returnees to create problems.

THE AFGHANISTAN ANALOGY

Researchers at the respected Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict estimate that among Indonesians who returned from foreign conflict zones in the last two decades or so prior to ISIS coming into existence, 42 were veterans of the Afghanistan conflict, 50 were alumni of the Moro struggle in the southern Philippines, and three had fought in Kashmir with the Pakistani group, Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Of the three conflicts, Afghanistan stands out for the fact that, unlike the southern Philippines, which was mostly regional in scope , it was in Afghanistan that South-east Asians came to be acquainted with - and exposed to - not only each other but foreign fighters from all over the world. But we should also consider differences inherent in the Afghanistan-Syria comparison that bear on our assessment of the utility of the Afghan analogy.

First, for Indonesian fighters in Afghanistan, the largest group in the South-east Asian contingent by far, their main objective was not the liberation of Afghanistan from Soviet occupation but preparation for armed struggle back in Indonesia against the Suharto government upon their return.

Most South-east Asian fighters who left for Syria, on the other hand, did so with no intention of returning, although some may well be compelled to after ISIS is eventually vanquished, or perhaps under instruction from ISIS. (The latter scenario would be a cause for much concern.)

Second, South-east Asians in Afghanistan comprised able-bodied males who went alone, whereas a sizeable number of women and children went to Syria with their husbands and fathers to live in the self-styled Islamic state.

Finally, while South-east Asian fighters were funded to go to Afghanistan, many of those who went to Syria, especially in the initial stages, had to raise their own funds. Having liquidated property and cashed out bank accounts to make the trip, not many will be able to afford the return cost on their own.

Afghanistan and Syria invite further comparisons in terms of the motivations behind the decisions of South-east Asians to travel afield. Not all who went to the Middle East went to join ISIS, or for that matter, even to fight. Some joined anti-ISIS militant groups like Ajnad al-Sham, while others went on humanitarian missions, or were simply corralled into going to Syria by their families.

Moreover, while some were doubtless drawn by the desire to live in an "authentic" Islamic state, this does not automatically mean they were prepared to fight for it (not by choice anyway). All this is to say the regional authorities should take care not to paint all returnees with the same broad brushstroke.

CHANGING NATURE OF MILITANCY

The audacious five-month siege of Marawi, the most recent high-profile conflict in the region, suggests that Islamist militancy in South-east Asia is evolving on a number of counts.

First, there has been a discernible shift in militant tactics. Motivated by a desire to prove their credentials to ISIS, which continued to withhold formal recognition of southern Philippines as a "wilayah" (province), Marawi marked the first attempt at seizing and holding urban territory by pro-ISIS militants in South-east Asia. It is not likely to be the last.

Second, recruitment patterns and profiles have changed. Barely a decade ago, militancy in the region mostly revolved around a network of radical groups. While these groups remain active today, a pattern has emerged that sees a new generation of recruits, many educated and from middle-class backgrounds, being drawn to the ideas of a radical transformation of society through the puritanical implementation of Islamic law, yet who do not have any prior affiliation to the known radical groups. In other words, many of these new recruits have been radicalised less via connections to known groups than by exposure through the Internet.

This leads us to the third change: Technology is featuring more prominently. The use of digital and social media as a means of encrypted communication, recruitment and propaganda has been both rampant and crucial. Through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram, militants have managed to capture the imagination and augment the pool of sympathisers and potential recruits.

In prisons, extremist preachers who sow the ideological seeds that militancy reaps continue to enjoy access to their followers via smartphones. Technology has not only been leveraged for the purposes of communication and propaganda. During the Marawi siege, militants used commercially acquired quadcopter drones for surveillance, and advanced heavy firearms to hold off Philippine military units.

The fact that digital media technology enables the creation of a sense of belonging that transcends geography circles us back to the important point about cross-regional cooperation and networks. Marawi is also noteworthy for the fact that it was a devastating example of cooperation on a considerable scale. Evidently the brainchild of the Maute group led by brothers Omarkhayyam and Abdullah, Marawi nevertheless involved other Philippine groups such as Isnilon Hapilon's Basilan faction of the Abu Sayyaf, as well as Malaysians and Indonesians.

The Philippine authorities also reported the presence of fighters from Saudi Arabia, Chechnya, Yemen and Singapore in Marawi, all of whom worked together under an apparent central command. The Malaysian, Mahmud Ahmad, a fund raiser for the Marawi operation, reportedly played an instrumental role in bringing South-east Asia's pro-ISIS groups together in the conflict. Whether this is a harbinger of things to come remains to be seen. But there is already evidence of chatter among South-east Asian militants exhorting unity like that which was in evidence in Marawi.

Indeed the reality is that South-east Asian militants will continue to attempt cross-regional cooperation, notwithstanding the proven difficulties this entails. For this reason alone, regional governments should hasten efforts to widen and deepen their own cooperation.

Indeed, the siege of Marawi may be over and ISIS in its death throes, but only the most foolhardy would dare say the same about the problem of terrorism and militancy in South-east Asia.

[The writer is dean and professor of comparative and international politics at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.]

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/shifting-sands-of-terrorism-in-south-east-asia

U.S. sanctions Filipino, others for supporting Islamic State

From ABS-CBN (Feb 10): U.S. sanctions Filipino, others for supporting Islamic State



Alleged Abu Sayyaf member Abulpatta Abubakar was arrested in Quezon City in 2017.

WASHINGTON - The United States said on Friday it had imposed sanctions on three people and three companies in the Philippines, Turkey and Somalia that supported the Islamic State militant group, including a business that procured parts for unmanned aircraft.
The U.S. Treasury, in a statement, said it had imposed sanctions on Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar for providing financial and material support for Islamic State and its network in the Philippines.


It sanctioned Yunus Emre Sakarya and his Turkey-based firm Profesyoneller Elektronik for procuring parts for unmanned aircraft for Islamic State. And it sanctioned Mohamed Mire Ali Yusuf and his firms Liibaan Trading and Al Mutafaq Commercial Company for activities supporting Islamic State in Somalia.

Abubakar, an alleged Abu Sayyaf member believed to be involved in a kidnapping incident in Sabah, Malaysia 17 years ago and said to have continued funding the terror group, was arrested in Quezon City in 2017.

Alleged Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in QC

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested Abubakar, also known by his alias Kitong Imran, on Oct. 26.

Abubakar was said to be among Abu Sayyaf members involved in a kidnapping incident at the Pulau Sipadan resort in Sabah on April 23, 2000.

The terrorists allegedly brought their victims to Barangay Talom in Jolo, Sulu. Witnesses said they saw Abubakar guarding the Abu Sayyaf camp there.

The suspect stayed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for a long time before his arrest.

Authorities said they monitored Abubakar giving funds to Abu Sayyaf leaders Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon, whose death in Marawi City paved the way for the end of five months of firefights between state forces and Islamic State-linked terrorists.

Immigration officials had first arrested the suspect on Sept. 26 when he came home from Jeddah. He was immediately released due to lack of evidence.

Suspected Filipino terrorist from Saudi intercepted

But the CIDG said they were able to trace calls of known terror leaders to Abubakar, which led to his recent arrest in Quezon City.

The suspected Abu Sayyaf member and financier is facing a case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention before a Metro Manila court.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/10/18/us-sanctions-filipino-others-for-supporting-islamic-state

Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to Marines

From GMA News (Feb 9): Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to Marines

A Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf member turned over his “Uzi” submachine gun as he surrendered to members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 yesterday morning.

Aldimar Tahil, 20 years old and a resident of Barangay Mabahay, Talipao, Sulu, surrendered to the troops under Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cabanlet, commander of the MBLT-1, in Barangay Tuyang, Talipao, Sulu, after he finally decided to leave his former life as an Abu Sayyaf member.

Tahil was formerly with Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Berham Lutian, who is operating in Sulu Province and its waters.

“According to Tahil, he was already tired of hiding from the government forces and he was afraid those who surrendered ahead of him will eventually give his identity to the soldiers, thus his surrender,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu escorted Tahil to the army headquarters in Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu for the medical checkup and documentation procedures.

Tahil is the eighth Abu Sayyaf member to surrender in Sulu this year.

“Since January last year, we already processed 174 Abu Sayyaf surrenderees. Most of them also turned over their firearms to the security forces,” said Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “All of them will be made to undergo the prepared rehabilitation and reintegration programs prepared by the Regional and Provincial Governments in the area,” said Galvez.

“Imagine how difficult it would be for our communities and our people if these 174 bandits/terrorists are still out there, unidentified and very capable of launching criminalities and terroristic acts, such as kidnapping, bombing, and seajacking,” he added.

“We, from the security sector, are very thankful for the recent developments. Rest assured that we will be more than motivated to work hard to get the remaining bandits who are still out there, still undecided and still confused,” Galvez said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/642784/sulu-based-abu-sayyaf-member-surrenders-to-marines/story/

DWDD: EN MASSE | 130 NPA Terrorist and Sympathizers surrenders in Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): EN MASSE  |  130 NPA Terrorist and Sympathizers surrenders in Bukidnon

BUKIDNON (DWDD) – 130 New People’s Army terrorist and sympathizers surrendered en masse in Bukidnon.



According to Captain Norman Tagros, spokesperson, 403rd Infantry Brigade, the latest surrenderees is made up of two (2) regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters from Sumilao, Bukidnon.

They surrendered to local authorities and to the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

The rebel returnees also turned-over 34 assorted high and low powered firearms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Capt Tagros added that the surrender of the terrorist is due to the sustained efforts of the 403rd Infantry Brigade and other operationally controlled units of the 4th Infantry Division under the Community Support Program and their focused military operations in Northern Bukidnon.

In the succeeding surrender ceremony they termed as “Kagsabuwa Para Hu Kalinaw” (Unity for Peace), led by Brigadier General Eric C Vinoya, Commander, 403rd Infantry Brigade, they initiated an “Oath of Allegiance” and afterwards burned a flag of the CPP-NPA. 4DPAO /MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/en-masse-130-npa-terrorist-and-sympathizers-surrenders-in-bukidnon/

DWDD: TI&E | Com PNFC visits NFC

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): TI&E  |  Com PNFC visits NFC



LAPU LAPU CITY, Cebu (DWDD) – The Commander of the Philippine Navy Finance Center, Navy Captain Brendo J Casaclang PN (GSC) visited Naval Forces Central and conducted Talk to Men and Troops Information and Education (TI&E).

These were attended by the personnel of Headquarters Naval Forces Central, Headquarters Naval Installation Facility – Central, and their Operation Control and tenant units.

Discussions and clarifications of issues and concerns regarding pay and allowances were made during the said activity. NFC / MCAG




http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/tie-com-pnfc-visits-nfc/

DWDD: ATROCITIES | NPA Terrorists Force Community to “bakwit”: AFP restoring normalcy

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): ATROCITIES  |  NPA Terrorists Force Community to “bakwit”: AFP restoring normalcy

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – An undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) members reportedly entered Sitio Kaluyapi, Barangay Langgawisan, Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province on February 6, 2018, at about 11:00 AM which forced people to evacuate.

   

Accordingly, the said group who came from Sitio Mandaopan, Barangay Bahi of the same municipality entered the said sitio, threatened the community and held some of its constituents, leaders and teachers for unknown purpose.

The report also said that about 6:30 PM of the same day, an estimated 150 individuals from Sitios Lumad, Maapdo, and Caloyapi all of Barangay Langgawisan evacuated at Barangay Coronobe’s Covered Court and School. They have fled due to the heavy presence and coercion of NPAs in the area.

According to the Municipal Disaster Rescue and Response Council of Maragusan, the number of Displaced Persons in their evacuation centers are estimated to be more than 1,000.

  

In response, the 66th Infantry Battalion under Ltc. Palmer M. Parungao is closely coordinating with Local Government Unit of Maragusan and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of New Bataan under Lynne M. Dollolasa, in connection with the security, distribution of food supplies, and other interventions to the displaced persons at Barangay Talian’s Covered Court, in Maragusan, CVP.

Meanwhile, Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., the Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command condemned the terrorist group’s atrocity and ordered the immediate restoration of normalcy in the area. “We condemn this NPA’s terroristic act as it adds misery to this far flung community. We are taking the necessary action to restore normalcy in the area and coordination with concerned offices are being done to mitigate the misery of the community,” Lt. Gen. Madrigal Jr. said. PIO EASTMINCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/atrocities-npa-terrorists-force-community-to-bakwit-afp-restoring-normalcy/

DWDD: AFPSAT | 7ID Beef up its forces

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): AFPSAT  |  7ID Beef up its forces    

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija (DWDD) – The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division is currently selecting candidates to beef up its forces thru the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) that started last February 6, 2018.

   

The new recruits will be trained to fight CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) and endure and respond to all kinds of conditions and situations that will call on their courage and survival skills.

The Army Recruitment Mobile Team of the Army Recruitment Office, Philippine Army has come to Luzon to conduct the AFPSAT, a qualifying exam for those who would like to apply as soldiers, be it as officers or enlisted personnel. Registration started yesterday at the 7ID Covered Court, when the requirements where checked for validation.

  

Exams are scheduled as follows: February 06-07, 2018 at Officers’ Club House, 7ID, PA, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; and February 8, 2018 at the Headquarters, 702nd Infantry Brigade, Camp Tito B Abat, Manaog, Pangasinan. The second day of exams (February 7) was supposed to be conducted at the 703rd Brigade in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, but it was moved to the 7ID since only a few exam takers registered at the said location.

Applicants who will pass the AFPSAT will be qualified to apply as a Candidate Soldiers if they pass the other mandatory exams necessary, such as Physical Fitness Tests and Neurological Exams, before undergoing the Officer Preparatory Course (OPC), the Officer Candidate Course (OCC), and the Candidate Soldier Course CSC).

According to Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of 7ID, the Division needs more brave and patriotic soldiers who are prepared to go the extra mile to keep the peace and secure the land, for with courage men fight, but it is the passion to serve and love of country that we are driven to win a war. 7DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/afpsat-7id-beef-up-its-forces/

DWDD: CHANGING LIVES | Former rebels to undergo Reintegration Program

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): CHANGING LIVES  |  Former rebels to undergo Reintegration Program

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The 215 rebel-returnees who dined with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanan will be returning to Davao today after spending three (3) days in Manila.

    

In an interview with Brigadier General Reuben Basiao, Commander, 701st Infantry Brigade, this was the first time in Manila for most of the former rebels and the visit was an opportunity for them to renew their view on the history of the Philippines and their commitment to the country.

This batch and the other rebel-returnees will be undergoing re-integration to prepare them to return to their normal and peaceful lives. They have undergone ten (10) days of de-radicalization before they will be processed under a program called “happy home”.

BGen Basiao explained that the “happy home” program usually last three (3) to four (4) months where they would be provided psycho-social counselling, TESDA skills training and livelihood Assistance before they could resume their normal lives and once again join the community.

Gen Basiao also assured the safety of these rebel-returnees from possible retaliation or threat from their former comrades that are still waging a senseless war, once they return to their communities, since they are all under the watch of the local peace and order council and the local security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines. AES

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/changing-lives-former-rebels-to-undergo-reintegration-program/

DWDD: SUSTAINED OPERATIONS | NPA camp discovered in Isabela

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): SUSTAINED OPERATIONS  | NPA camp discovered in Isabela

  

SAN MARIANO, Isabela (DWDD) – Government troops discovered an abandoned Communist Terrorist camp on February 7 in San Mariano, Isabela.

According to reports, a platoon from Bravo Company of the 86th Infantry Battalion, under 2Lt Abuan, while conducting combat patrol operations at the vicinity of Barangay Disulap, San Mariano, Isabela discovered an abandoned camp (Ublagan) of Communist terrorists.

The said camp can accommodate more or less fifty (50) people and it is believed to be left by the enemy one (1) month ago.

Government forces immediately conducted scouring at the immediate vicinity of the enemy temporary encampment. AES

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/sustained-operations-npa-camp-discovered-in-isabela/

DWDD: NEW LIFE | Former rebel turn-over war material in Ilocos Sur

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 8): NEW LIFE  |  Former rebel turn-over war material in Ilocos Sur

   

STA CRUZ, Ilocos Sur (DWDD) – A former member of the terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered last December 2017 turned-over his firearms and ammunition to government forces last February 6 in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur

Rodel Alzate alias Bagwis, a former member of Iskwad Dos, Samahang Yunit Proaganda under the Begnalen Command, KLG MONTES and a resident of Sitio Kasakgudan, Barangay San Ramon East, Manabo, Abra turned over his firearm, one (1) Caliber 30 M1 US Carbine with defaced serial number, one (1) magazine and one (1) live ammo.

The turn-over and custodial debriefing was held at the Battalion Headquarters of the 81st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bugbuga, Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur. AES

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/08/new-life-former-rebel-turn-over-war-material-in-ilocos-sur/

MILF: ‘Together, let us build a stronger nation’: Pres Duterte tells Muslim youth

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): ‘Together, let us build a stronger nation’: Pres Duterte tells Muslim youth


Photo by Gandhi Kinjiyo

“Together, let us build a stronger nation that we can leave behind for the benefit of future generations,” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said in his written message for the participants of 2nd Muslim Youth Leaders Congress (MYLC) and recipients of 14th Sultan Kudarat Awards, an event held in General Santos City from January 20-23, 2018 that gathered around 117 select young Moro leaders from across the country.
The undertaking is part of the Bangsamoro Youth Initiatives for Development (BYID) Project, a venture being implemented by a Moro organization, Katiyakap, Inc with the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Katiyakap is a group of peace advocates from Southern Mindanao whose thrusts includes supporting the Bangsamoro peace processes and promoting Islamic financing for the economic empowerment of the Bangsamoro people.

Commending the organizers of the youth congress, President Duterte said they welcome the efforts that “provide platforms for young people to hone their leadership skills at an early age.”

“I laud BYID for empowering the Bangsamoro youth through social development initiatives that intend to address the challenges we are currently facing, especially in some parts of Mindanao,” the head of the country said.

He further said, “It pleases me that the 2nd Muslim Youth Leaders Congress will focus on timely topics such as the rise of violent extremism and the opportunities presented by the East ASEAN Growth Area and the larger ASEAN Economic Community.”

MYLC concluded the regional Moro youth consultations conducted from November to December last year in the cities General Santos, Davao, Cotabato, Iligan and Zamboanga aimed to gather data on the issues and concerns affecting the young Muslims.

The consultation respondents, Muslim youth leaders, also mapped individuals and organizations that are supportive as well as those not helpful for the development of the Bangsamoro youth,” he said.

The discussions in the consultation were focused in the areas of education, peace-building, socio-economic, governance, and environment.

The results of the regional consultations were presented during the youth congress. Violent extremism, discrimination, historical injustice, poverty, corruption, declining number of enrollees in Madrasah, destructions brought by armed conflict, and teenage pregnancy were the issues confronting the Moro youth identified in the consultations.

As a response, the MYLC delegates crafted an action plan and policy advocacies that would help address the issues and concerns affecting the Muslim youth of the country.

Outstanding Moro youth, individuals and organizations who had made remarkable contributions to the Bangsamoro communities were recognized in the 14th Sultan Kudarat Awards which highlighted the third day of the congress.

Sultan sa Talik Datu Nasser Pendatun, Sultan sa Biwang Datu Salman Sapal, Sultan Dikaya Datu Tungko Saikol of Kabuntalan and Rajah Muda sa Sugoda Buayan Datu Abdulhamid Ingkong witnessed the awarding rites.

President Duterte was invited at the MYLC, but due to hectic schedule, he was not able to attend.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1201/---together--let-us-build-a-stronger-nation-----pres-duterte-tells-muslim-youth

MILF: EU urged to continue intervention in Mindanao whether peace process will succeed or fail

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): EU urged to continue intervention in Mindanao whether peace process will succeed or fail


Photo courtesy of Yusoph Lumambas, UNYPAD

Moro youth leaders called on the European Union (EU) to continue its interventions in Mindanao whether the peace process will succeed or fail.

In a meeting with a 7-man EU delegation held at United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) on January 31, 2018, selected Moro youth leaders pitched the call for EU’s continuous support to the Bangsamoro to usher peace and development in Southern Philippines.

The young Moro leaders also expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of Bangsamoro problem will be reached.

The meeting, organized by UNYPAD, was part of the scoping mission of EU to draw information on the progress of the peace process and learn the issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people including radicalism.

UNYPAD President Dr. Rahib Kudto shared the current peace and development programs in the community and the socio-economic and political context in Mindanao.

He also shared UNYPAD’s programs to help address the rising violent extremism and promotion of Bangsamoro peace process to gain public support.

Young Advocates for Peace and Development Network (YAPDN) President, Morsidin Husain, noted the decisive leadership of President Duterte and hoped that the current administration will be able to deliver the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is the commitment of the government in the signed peace agreement with the MILF.

The enhanced BBL was drafted by the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which includes representatives from the Moro National Liberation Front, Indigenous People and Christian Settlers.

The draft law was already submitted to the Office of the President and the Philippine Congress. At present, the House of Representatives and Senate are conducting public consultations to hear public opinion on the BBL.

If approved, BBL will lay down the foundations for the establishment of new autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more fiscal and political powers. It will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The European visitors acknowledged the important role of the Moro youth in peace and development of the Bangsamoro homeland. They expressed gratitude to UNYPAD for facilitating the meeting.

EU is among the members of international communities that has been supportive to the peace process and has been providing development assistance to Mindanao. (Source: UNYPAD)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1200/eu-urged-to-continue-intervention-in-mindanao-whether-peace-process-will-succeed-or-fail

MILF: SIGNBBL Network Leaders participate in BBL Congressional Hearings

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): SIGNBBL Network Leaders participate in BBL Congressional Hearings



SIGNBBL Chairman Hadji Duma Mascud stressing his points during the Senate Hearing on BBL on February 5, 2018

Quezon City - Six network leaders belonging to the Sustainable Initiatives of Grassroots and Networks for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (SIGNBBL) participated this week in the on-going hearings of the Senate and House of Representatives on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
Speaking for the group at the Monday’s 6th Senate Hearing on BBL, SIGNBBL Chairman Hadji Duma Mascud appealed to senators for consideration of important provisions contained in the Bangsamoro transition Commission-Crafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) now known as Senate Bill 1646 sponsored by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

When enacted into law, the BBL will entrench a new political entity called Bangsamoro Region.

Mr. Mascud underscored others provisions that include asymmetrical relationship, territory, exclusive, and concurrent powers, wali, judicial system, and policing.

Mr. Mascud told the senators that it is the clamor of the people particularly in the six municipalities of Lanao del Norte, and 39 barangays of the North Cotabato to become part of the Bangsamoro as they already voted for inclusion in ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite.

Emphasizing on the need to address the marginalization of the Bangsamoro people for decades, Mr. Mascud believes that the annual block grant should even be 8 percent, and not 6 percent (as proposed) based on the computation of civil society groups.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Chairman of the Senate Sub-committee on BBL told the people inside the senate hall that there was already a caucus among his colleagues to give the proposed block grant. Senators Loren Legarda, and Joel Villanueva shared the same information, and believed and committed “to give fiscal autonomy” to the Bangsamoro.

Mascud explained that “Wali is based on Bangsamoro tradition as a requirement for a government being envisioned by the Bangsamoro has already been the subject of scrutiny by lawmakers in previous hearings.

He reminded the senators that the proposed Sharia’h Judicial System (which only covers the Muslims), exclusive, and concurrent powers are equally important to the Bangsamoro people as they are part of the GPH-MILF peace agreement.

While some groups are lukewarm on granting police power to the Bangsamoro, the CSO leader pointed out that even barangays need augmentation of police forces in order to satisfy the requirement for internal security.

As Sen. Zubiri is forming a Technical Working Group (TWG) to harmonize the points for consideration by the senate, Mr. Mascud suggested for the participation of SIGNBBL which the senator took note.

Mr. Mascud was joined by other five network leaders namely: Dr. Ombra A. Imam, Supreme Council Chairman of the League of Bangsamoro Organization (LBO); Bainon Karon, former Regional Vice Governor, and DSWD Secretary of ARMM who is the President of Federation of Union of Bangsamoro Women (FUBW); Mr. Nasser Pulindao, Vice President of Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations (FBCSO); Ms. Baby Dalgan, Representative of North Cotabato Coalition of People’s Organization(NCCPO); and Mr. Romie Gualil, Board Member of People’s Coalition for ARMM Reform and Transformation (PCART).

Launched on September 19, 2017 in Cotabato City, SIGNBLL is composed of 15 coalitions of coalitions with around 2,000 civil society organizations’ members representing various sectors from all-over the country. It was established primarily to help push for the passage of the BTC-crafted BBL which is compliant to the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 1976 Tripoli Agreement, and 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.

Meanwhile at the lower house on Tuesday, SIGNBBL served as audience only but they were able to get relevant inputs, and issues being raised by House representatives. CSO leaders observed that at least majority of congressmen were supportive of the passage of the substantive features of BBL as proposed except for congressmen Celso Lobregat, Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo, and Prospero Pechay who raised strong oppositions on some important provisions such as territory, rights to self-determination, opt-in and opt-out, use of Bangsamoro, and enhancement of ARMM instead of BBL.

After the hearing at the lower house, the CSO leaders were able to talk to some congressmen. During the exchange of views, Dr. Imam emphasized to Rep. Welter Wee Palma II of Zamboanga Sibugay that the issue of constitutionality in the BBL should be left to the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the law. The LBO leader reminded Cong. Palma the widespread belief that the right moment to pass BBL is now because of the current political climate whereby the president is very popular and influential in both houses of congress, which the congressman well agreed.

In partnership with Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), SIGNBBL started its lobbying at the Senate and House of Representatives in November and December last year and it continued in January this year and was successful to attend this month’s BBL hearing.

It also conducted series of provincial BBL-related activities in ARMM areas, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. It spearheaded the gathering of thousands of Bangsamoro people including students lining on the street with their placards as a show of support to BBL, and Sen. Zubiri who led the BBL public hearing on January 25, 2018 in Cotabato City.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1199/-signbbl-network-leaders-participate-in-bbl-congressional-hearings

MILF: Sulu CSOs call for passage of CAB-Compliant BBL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 9): Sulu CSOs call for passage of CAB-Compliant BBL



Members of various civil society organizations in Sulu are pushing for the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), saying this will answer their long-drawn aspirations for peace in Mindanao.

In an online article posted on Peace.Gov.Ph, the official website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Prof. Sahir Udja of the Mindanao State University said, “We are pushing for the passage of the BBL because we are (longing) for a genuine peace.

Udja’s statement was made during an information and education campaign on the BBL on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

Udja said provisions of the new version of the BBL, drafted by the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), encompasses all the agreed peace agreement between the government and the Moro fronts.

Al-Khalifa Jilah of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society said that the creation of the Bangsamoro government will shore up the economic conditions of the people of Sulu.

“Because peace and order will be addressed especially in the island province,” he said in vernacular.

“We are calling for the members of Congress and Senate to be sincere in the peace process and pass the BBL,” Jilah said.

For her part, Rohana Elias of the Kapatud Bangsamoro said there is a need to pass the BBL for the needed change in Moro-dominated areas in Mindanao.

“This is for the future of the youth,” she said, adding that “we will actively campaign for the passage of the BBL.”

According to Jilah, people in the proposed territories should educate themselves about the proposed law.

“We see the need to do more information and education campaign on the BBL in the grassroots level to help them in the decision-making process,” he said.

Jerry Marrakech of the Sulu Alliance for Peace and Environment said the BBL addresses the perennial problem of encroachment of industrial fishing fleets over their fishing grounds.

“The BBL gives the importance of environmental issues especially in the Bangsamoro waters,” he said.

Both houses of Congress target to pass the BBL by March and conduct the plebiscite mid-year in the proposed territories.

Once enacted into law, the BBL will entrench a new political entity called Bangsamoro Region.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza urged civil society groups to spread the word about the BBL.

“In your own way, help us explain the content of the BBL in your communities,” he said. (Source: Peace.Gov.Ph)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1202/sulu-csos-call-for-passage-of-cab-compliant-bbl

MILF: Editorial - No to grandstanding!

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 8): Editorial - No to grandstanding!

The Senate Sub-Committee on BBL headed by Senator Miguel Zubiri is slated to hold its consultation in Zamboanga City on February 9 after their stints for the same purpose in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan. While this is laudable, because it is part and parcel of a democratic process, but if this is used only by the city’s politicians for grandstanding and to promote their selfish political agenda, then it defeats the very purpose.
To recall, on February 12, 2014 the first Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) decided to jumpstart their consultations in Western Mindanao by trying to pay a courtesy call to Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and the City Council. But instead of getting a warm welcome, they were “booed”” and “snubbed” by pro-Climaco crowd. No one from the authorities including the lady mayor tried to stop the rowdy crowd or to remind them of proper decorum. Even in warfare, emissary of the “enemy” has to be accorded proper protocol. Exceptions were those who were harmed or insulted by the hosts which in many instances resulted in declaration of wars.

To us, there is no use hearing the views of both City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar-Climaco and Congressman Celso Lobregat. It is a waste of time and resources. Their views and stands have always been known as negative against the BBL.

Honestly, however, we do not fault them for opposing the inclusion of Zamboanga City in the future Bangsamoro political entity. It is their prerogative to choose not to be part of it. We fully respect that.

But what we dislike is any deliberate act of suppressing freedom of speech and choice. Zamboanga City is not their exclusive domain. They are just politicians who are both eyeing fiercely for the mayorship of the city in 2019 elections. Both are using the issue of BBL and exclusion of Zamboanga City as their passports – in fact, their most lethal weapons -- to ensure their entry into the city hall. But in the end, only one will snare it. (If there is no other stronger contender).

Frankly speaking, the MILF wants a smaller territory where there is real autonomy granted to it. Zamboanga City, while it was once the capital of the Moro Province, is not in its radar.

But the Moros in Zamboanga City number one third or at least one fourth of the population but they occupied most of the lands especially in the suburbs. Thus, they deserved to be asked. This is their inalienable right. The two politicians must recognize and accede to this constitutional right.

While this decision to hold this hearing is not entirely an idea coming from the Senate, because Lobregat requested for it (Sunstar, February 9), the Senators especially Miguel Zubiri should be appreciated and praised for giving way to it. This is to hear all voices and sides in a debate.

Be that as it may, we still hope that Climaco and Lobregat extend all the necessary courtesies to the Senators and also refrain from repeating the same mistreatment accorded to the previous commissioners of the BTC.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1195/no-to-grandstanding-

NDF/NPA-SCB-SRC: 88th IB PA, nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalti

New People’s Army-South-Central Bukidnon Subregional Command (NPA-SCB-SRC) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Feb 8): 88th IB PA, nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalti

Pamahayag sa Media
Pebrero 8, 2018

Nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalidad ang nag-operasyong mga tropa sa 88th IB kaniadtong Pebrero 6, 2018 sa may alas 3:00 sa hapon human silang gipabusikaran og command detonated explosive (CDX) sa New People’s Army ubos sa South-Central Bukidnon Subregional Command (NPA-SCB-SRC) dungan sa pagpabuto sa tag-as nilang mga armas nga mokabat sa singko minutos,luwas nga miatras ang yunit sa NPA.Nagresulta kini sa 13 ka patay ug unom ka samaron sa kaaway,tulo niini naila nga silang Pfc. Rendon,Pfc. Marquez og Pfc. Villanueva didto sa Sityo Trocat, Brgy. Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Human sa hitabo, nasaksihan sa mga residente sa maong baryo nga gipangkarga sa mga motor ang samaron nga tropa sa 88th IB samtang ang mga patayng sundalo gipatabangan pagdayong sa mga sibilyan ug gikarga sa rescue vehicle nga gikan sa munisipyo.

Sukwahi sa giingon sa tigpamaba sa 4th ID, dili tinuod ang giingong “community support program” sa 88th IB sa maong adlaw. Mag-usa na ka semana ang 88th IB sugod sa hinapos sa Enero nga nag-long range combat operation sa mga baryo sa Palacapao, pasubida sa baryo sa Lipa, Linabo, Sta. Felomina ug Cawayan sa maong lungsod.

Ang tinuod, ginapatuman nila ang ilang panganti nga “puohon” ang NPA sulod lang sa usa ka tuig aron hawanan ang dalan sa ilang plano sa dinagkong mina ug pagpalapad sa plantasyon sa Bukidnon. Sumpay lang kini sa nagsunod-sunod na nilang clearing operations sa bulan pa lang sa Nobyembre ug Disyembre sa milabayng tuig kung asa mokabat sa 320 ka sundalo ug paramilitar ang nag-operation sa maong lugar ug sa kasikbit niining mga lungsod.

Kini nga aksyon sa NPA mao ang tubag sa pipila na ka bulan nga pagpangharas sa bag-ong deploy nga 88th IB sa katawhan sa South-Central Bukidnon. Gamit ang ilang Martial Law, ilang gipahamtang ang mas grabe nga pagpangyatak sa katungod tawo, ang pagpasangil sa sa mga yanong sibilyan ug legal nga organisasyong masa nga mga myembro ug tigsuporta sa New People’s Army, ang pagpangbahad nga patyon kung dili mosurender, ang pagtumo-tumo og mga kaso ug ang peke nga pagpasurender. Pinakangilngig ang nahitabong pagpatay sa usa ka membro sa Philippine Marines kang Anacito Lopez, 55 anyos, kaniadtong Enero 22, 2018 sa may alas 4:30 sa hapon sa Brgy. Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon. Usa siya ka kanhi kagawad sa baryo ug lider-mag-uuma sa maong lungsod.

Pinaagi sa pagpangulo sa Partido, andam ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa nga hiusahon ug pangulohan ang katawhan alang sa nagkalaing-laing porma sa pakigbisog. Wala nay laing kapadulngan ang katawhan kundili ang pagbatok ug pagpakyas sa teroristang binuhatan sa rehimeng US-Duterte.

Ka. Ariel “Inda” Magbanwag
Tigpamabâ
NPA SCB-SRC

https://www.ndfp.org/88th-ib-pa-nakahiagom-og-19-ka-kaswalti/

CPP/NDF-NEMR: Continuing military operations in NEMR accompanied by brutal and deceitful propaganda and activities by the AFP

NDF-North East Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): Continuing military operations in NEMR accompanied by brutal and deceitful propaganda and activities by the AFP

Ka Maria Malaya, Spokesperson
NDFP Northeastern Mindanao

4 February 2018
Press Release

Starting January 7 of this year, the sustained massive military operation launched by AFP forces in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, have gone on for 27 days. It covers the municipalities of Tandag, Tago, San Miguel, Marihatag, San Agustin, Cagwait and Lianga in Surigao del Sur and Bunawan, Rosario, Trento, Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur. This operation is launched by forces from the 75th IB, 36th IB, 3rd SFB, 16th SFcoy, Scout Ranger under the 401st Bde, Philippine Army (PA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Special Action Forces (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Within this period, there were eight (8) incidents of clashes in Surigao and Agusan del Sur. According to reports and as witnessed by the masses themselves, the AFP forces suffered at the minimum, 9 casualties excluding those wounded, because of the brave resistance of the Red fighters. Because of this, the enemy indiscriminately fired canons and launched aerial bombing of mountain areas in San Agustin, Marihatag and Lianga in Surigao del Sur last January 15-18, 2018.

While combat operations continued, the AFP also committed abuses and implemented psychological operations to scare and mislead the people in the region. They released fake information to the mass media and social media in an attempt to damage the revolutionary movement and the New People’s Army (NPA).

Because of the sustained military operations, the livelihood of the Lumad in the area have been paralyzed because of terror, not just of the bombing but because of the threats of retaliation made by the fascist military, if they will be attacked by the NPA. They cannot go to their farms and hunt as they have always done during the amihan season. They were forced to evacuate and suffer hardship in the center of Km. 9 in Brgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur to avoid military abuses. Other communities evacuated to Sitio Luknodon, Brgy. Mahaba, Marihatag and Brgy. Hanipaan, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur since January 10.

In the second week of January, 29th IBPA forces strafed the home of farmer Jinky Asay and fired at and destroyed his passenger motorcycle in Brgy. Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. A few days after the incident, 75th IB PA forces shot and killed farmer Jimmy Notarte while he was leaving his farm in Brgy. Imelda, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur and was falsely accused as a member of the NPA.

In January 29, the AFP spokesperson and the paid Lumad aristocrat leaders released the fake news that the NPA brutally killed a CAFGU member and beheaded and hacked his arm in Brgy. Castillo, San Miguel. This is a big lie and nothing but black propaganda so the AFP can claim that the NPA is a terrorist organization thus rationalize its plan of arming the Lumad they conned, against the revolutionary movement. The truth however, came out, that the bandits in the area backed by the AFP/PNP were the ones responsible for the brutal crime which happened because of infighting for control of the area, especially the gold mines. NDFP-NEMR condemns the brutal killing of the CAFGU member.

On the other hand, the AFP/PNP instigated the forced surrender of former NPA members and ordinary civilians to make it appear that many active Red fighters have surrendered and prove that the New People’s Army-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NPA-NEMR) is weakening.

Aside from this, the reactionary government and the AFP deceived the Lumad by promising millions of money for the supposed livelihood development to push the economic interests of capitalists in the ancestral lands of the Lumad, at the Indigenous People’s Summit in the camp of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Philippine Army in Panacan, Davao City. They were promised admittance as soldiers and police whose salaries have been increased. They were taught how to use computers within a few days for the Lumad to learn how to operate such. This is but another way of belittling the Lumad and an attempt to mislead them so they will easily hand over the riches of their ancestral lands to the mining and plantation capitalists.

Such manner of propaganda and activities are but part of the move implemented by bad people with bad intentions in our society. Because the AFP/PNP and the fascist US-Duterte regime wish to promote the interests of the imperialists and ruling classes in the region, implement the “build build build” program and strengthen their ambitious dictatorial rule at the expense of the people, it is of no wonder that they make such bad moves.

In line with this, the brutal, devious and evil intention of the AFP/PNP and US-Duterte regime must be exposed. Bravely resist and launch more sustained counter-attacks against the continuing psywar and combat operations of the enemy.

(sgd)
Ka Maria Malaya
Spokesperson
NDFP-NEMR

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180204-continuing-military-operations-in-nemr-accompanied-by-brutal-and-deceitful-propaganda-and-a

CPP/NPA-FSMR: Fake surrenders is a ploy to cover up AFP’s vicious transgressions in Daguma

NPA-Far South Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): Fake surrenders is a ploy to cover up AFP’s vicious transgressions in Daguma

Dencio Madrigal, Spokesperson
NPA-Far South Mindanao (Valentin Palamine Command)

5 February 2018
Press Release

The AFP and PNP’s vaunt on the alleged 32 NPA who turned over is an exceedingly bloated lie. The apparent “surrenderees” reportedly received cash assistance from the Sultan Kudarat provincial government while the AFP has promised to compensate those who have surrendered their guns. The AFP further disclosed that there were eight other “surrenderees” they are currently processing.

Such is a pretentious fabrication to shield military transgressions against the people in Daguma. The Dulangan-Manobo and T’boli masses are aware that the apparent “surrenderees” presented by the AFP to the public are their folks who were accused as NPA members and charged with trump up cases. They were relentlessly harassed and threatened by the military, and were gulled by false promises of easy money if they yield.

Fake surrenders become a means of the AFP and PNP officials to earn from the government’s amnesty program. The unaware and vulnerable “surrenderees” become their sources for pocketing the amnesty fund and livelihood assistance for the rebel returnees. Recruiting more “surrenderees” is also an ostensive “achievement” for attaining promotions.

Coercion and fake surrenders is a ploy devised by the AFP to prop up their futile effort to protect Consunji’s monopoly interest in Daguma Range and secure DMCI’s impending large-scale mining operations. They would often brag that the “surrenderees” are proofs of their ostentatious claim that the revolutionary influence in the area is waning and that the armed resistance of the masses is already defeated.

The AFP’s task in Daguma obviously is to disintegrate the staunch struggle of the Lumads for land and self-determination. Under Duterte’s militarist rule, reclaiming the lumad’s land and defending the ancestral domain has become a crime and the land grabber despotic landlord Consunji is the victim all along.

Perhaps only the most vicious and greediest oligarchs like Consunji deserve to be protected by the fascist state forces. He is a powerful terrorist and criminal who imposes crimes and transgressions with impunity such as land grabbing, countless killings, burning of lumad dwellings, looting and destruction of properties, harassments and threats.

A few of the most heinous crimes committed by Consunji’s private armed mercenaries and hired AFP forces includes the murder of Datu Jakang Abag and 23 members of his family (1979), the slaughtering of 8 lumads in Kedakelan, Esperanza (1989), various slaying incidents and massacres that killed more than a hundred persons in Kanalan, Tubak, Esperanza (decade of 1990), the murder of Dulangan-Manobo activist John Calaba (2015), and the massacre of the 8 T’boli-Manobo peasants led by Datu Victor Danyan Sr. in Sityo Datal Bonglangon, Brgy. Ned, Lake Sebu.

In spite of the incessant state attacks, the lumads are determined in advancing their struggle and are firm against the deceptions that seek to weaken their resistance. The reactionary state must be denounced for degrading the legitimacy of the lumad’s struggle for self-determination.

All revolutionary forces and the masses must firmly defy all forms of threats and deceptions. In any event, the people who have a worthy understanding of the social realities and the masses’ struggle are always distrustful of the AFP’s falsehoods and pretentions.

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: 10 Puntong Batayan Bakit Dapat Patalsikin ang Rehimeng US-Duterte

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): 10 Puntong Batayan Bakit Dapat Patalsikin ang Rehimeng US-Duterte



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

8 February 2018

1. Palpak at Madugong Gera Kontra Droga
Bigo si Duterte na panagutin ang mga malalaking druglord, sindikato, at mga protektor ng droga sa loob ng gubyerno kabilang ang 9,000 pulis aniya’y sangkot sa negosyo ng iligal na droga. Lalong napahiya si Duterte nang madawit ang anak na si Paulo at manugang na Maneses Carpio sa pagsa-smuggle ng P6.4 bilyong pisong halaga ng droga sa Bureau of Customs.

Sa halip na parusahan ang maysala, itinuon ni Duterte ang gera kontra droga sa maralita. Higit 14,000 mamamayang pinaghihinalaang tulak at adik ng droga ang pinatay sa ilalim ng Oplan Tokhang at Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded sa loob lamang ng isang taon—lampas pa sa bilang ng mga pinaslang ni Marcos noong Batas Militar.

2. Pagwasak sa Marawi City at Pagsupil sa mga Moro
Wasak ang tirahan at kabuhayan ng higit 400,000 mamamayan sa gera ng gubyerno kontra Maute-Isis sa Marawi. Aabot sa 2,000 sibilyang Moro ang namatay at daang libo ang napilitang lumikas mula sa lungsod, na nagmistulang ground zero matapos ang pambobomba idinerehe ng US.

Nagsilbing babala ang gera sa Marawi sa maaaring mangyari sa mamamayang Moro kung patuloy silang tututol sa Bangsamoro Basic Law at federalismo na isinusulong ni Duterte. Patunay ito na hindi mag-aatubili ang rehimen na pakawalan ang armadong lakas nito upang durugin ang mga sasalungat sa tiranikal na paghahari ni Duterte.

3. Pagpapatupad ng TRAIN at iba pang Dagdag Pahirap sa Mamamayan
Tiyak na lalong magdurusa ang maralita at anakpawis kung magpapatuloy pa ang paghahari ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Paspasang isinabatas ng papet na Kongreso ang TRAIN na magdudulot ng kabi-kabilang pagtataas ng presyo ng mga batayang bilihin gaya ng mga produktong petrolyo. Nakaamba rin ang pagphase-out sa mga jeep na makakaapekto sa milyun-milyong drayber sa bansa.

Dito sa Timog Katalagugan, higit sa kalahating milyong bahayan mula Manila hanggang Sorsogon ang wawasakin para sa Manila South Railway Project.

4. Patuloy na Kontraktwalisasyon at Kawalan ng Trabaho
Sang-ayon sa interes ng Imperyalismong US, panginoong maylupa at burgesya kumprador, pinalala ng rehimen ang pasanin ng manggagawang Pilipino.

Mapanlinlang ang maka-kapitalistang “win-win solution” ng Department of Labor and Employment sa kontraktwalisasyon, na ipinapasa lamang sa mga manpower agency ang pagkokontraktwalisa sa mga manggagawa. Wala ring trabaho ang 4.5 milyong Pilipino nitong 2017.

Sa suma, patuloy ang pagpapasasa ng oligarkiya sa lakas-paggawa ng anakpawis: katumbas na ng yaman ng 15 pamilya ang kabuuang yaman ng 80 milyong pinakamahirap na Pilipino.

5. Lantarang Pagpapakatuta sa Imperyalismong US
Tapat si Duterte sa amo niyang Imperyalistang US, kaya’t pataksil niyang ipinagkaloob ang Pilipinas sa Estados Unidos bilang forward military base nito sa Asya-Pasipiko. Hinayaan rin niyang makalabas-masok sa bansa ang pwersa at kagamitang pang-militar ng US bilang suporta sa interes nito sa rehiyon.

Katuwang ni Duterte sa pagpapakatuta ang mga ahente ng US-CIA na sina Lorenzana, Esperon at Año na kanyang iniluklok sa mga susing pwesto sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Natupad nila ang maka-imperyalistang layunin sa tabing ng gera kontra-terorismo at pagpapatuloy ng mga kasunduang militar gaya ng VFA at EDCA.

6. Pagsuko ng pambansang soberanya sa mga imperyalistang bayan
Pumasok ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga kasunduan sa mga kalapit na kapitalista at imperyalistang bayan kapalit ng bilyun-bilyong pautang, tulong at ayudang militar.

Halimbawa nito ang limos na ibinigay ng China, Russia at Japan para sa kanyang engrandeng proyektong “Build, build, build”na sinuklian ni Duterte ng karapatang ilabas-pasok sa bansa ang kanilang mga barkong pandigma. Sinasagad ng rehimen ang pagpapakatuta sa mga imperyalista sa pamamagitan ng pagratsada sa charter change upang payagan ang 100 porsyentong dayuhang pagmamay-ari ng lupa, imprastraktura at iba pang batayang industriya.

7. Pagkitil sa Kalayaang Magpahayag at Pang-uusig sa mga Kritiko
Kinakasuhan, tinatanggal sa pwesto at ikinukulong ang lahat ng mga kritiko ng gubyernong Duterte, tulad nina Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales at Senator Leila de Lima.

Tinutugis at sinisiraan ni Duterte ang midya, simbahan, at mga international human rights group at advocate gaya ni UN Special Rapporteur on Summary and Extra-judicial Executions Agnes Callamard na tinuligsa ang laganap na pagpatay sa ngalan ng gera kontra droga.

Sabay ng pagpapatahimik sa mga kritiko ay ang tangkang pagkontrol sa daloy ng impormasyon tungkol sa mga isyu gaya ng gera kontra droga, Marawi siege at Martial Law sa Mindanao. Isinusubo ng AFP at PNP sa mainstream media ang mga gawa-gawang datos at fake news upang linlangin ang mamamayan at pabanguhin ang umaalingasaw na pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

8. Lantay-Pasistang Panunupil sa Mamamayang Nakikibaka
Mulat sa di-maawat na pag-abante ng rebolusyon ang rehimeng US-Duterte, kaya’t agad itong nagdeklara ng all-out war laban sa CPP-NPA-NDF at mga progresibong grupo.

Hindi nagtipid sa bomba at bala ang AFP at inatake ang 50 komunidad, kabilang ang baryo ng Mangyan sa Brgy. Benli, Bulalacao, Mindoro Oriental at mga barangay sa paligid ng Mt. Banoy, Batangas City. Napilitan lumikas ang libo-libong mamamayan kabilang ang 10,000 Lumad dahil sa mga banta ng pagbomba sa kanilang komunidad at paaralan.

Laganap ang pamamaslang sa mga lider-magsasaka at progresibo, na sa huling tala ay umabot sa 100—walo ay mula sa Timog Katagalugan. Walang tigil ang samu’t saring paglabag sa karapatang tao sa anyo ng tortyur, iligal na panghuhuli at pag-iimbestiga, panghaharas, at pananakot, na target ang mga progresibo at nakikibakang masa.

9. Pagpapalawig ng Martial Law sa Mindanao
Kadugtong ng all-out war sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagpapalawig ni Duterte ng Martial Law sa Mindanao. Mula sa 100 araw na deklarasyon ay pinahaba ito hanggang isang taon, at nagbanta pa na muling isasailalim ang buong bansa sa Batas Militar.

Bahagi ang Martial Law ng ambisyon ni Duterte na maging ganap na diktador. Gagamitin niya ang Batas Militar upang malawakang makapaghasik ng takot at dahas ang AFP at PNP at patindihin ang pagsupil sa mga rebolusyonaryo. Tiyak na pagtatakpan muli ang mga kalabisan at paglabag sa karapatang tao gaya ng nangyari sa gera kontra droga.

10. Pagtapos sa peace talks at pagdeklarang “terorista” sa CPP-NPA-NDF
Tinalikuran ni Duterte ang pagkakamit ng tunay, makatarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan nang tapusin niya ang peace talks sa CPP-NPA-NDF sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation No. 360. Kasunod nito’y idineklara niyang “terorista” ang CPP-NPA-NDF at inilunsad ang malawakang “crackdown” sa mga progresibo at alyado ng tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan.

Ipinapakita nito na hindi seryoso si Duterte na solusyonan ang ugat ng armadong pakikibaka: ang tumitinding krisis at kahirapan ng mamamayan at ang solusyon ditong libreng pamamahagi ng lupa at pagpapatupad ng pambansang industriyalisasyon. Ang tanging gusto niya ay talunin ang NPA at ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan—handa siyang gumamit ng dahas makamit lamang ito. Malinaw, kung gayon, kung sino ang terorista: ang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Sapat at labis pa ang 10 puntong inilahad upang bigyang-katwiran ang ating panawagan.

Hinahamon tayong kumilos at muling lumikha ng kasaysayan:

Sa harap ng nagbabadyang diktadura, buklurin natin ang pinakamalawak na hanay ng mamamayan sa isang malapad na nagkakaisang prenteng lalaban at magpapabagsak sa rehimeng US-Duterte.

Palawakin natin at palakasin ang lahat ng mga rebolusyonaryo at progresibong organisasyon ng masang magsasaka, manggagawa, estudyante, kababaihan, maralitang lunsod, pambansang minorya, at mga makabayang negosyante na siyang magiging saligan ng kilusang pagpapabagsak sa rehimen.

Yanigin natin ng dambuhala at nag-aalimpuyong kilos protesta ang mga bukirin, pagawaan, paaralan at mga lansangan.

Ibayo pa nating palakasin ang New People’s Army at paramihin ang mga Pulang mandirigma mula sa hanay ng kabataang estudyante, manggagawa, masang magsasaka at mga pambansang minorya.

Kasabay ng malawak na pakikibaka ng sambayanang Pilipino, maglulunsad ang NPA ng malalaki at sunod-sunod na taktikal na opensiba upang pahinain ang pasistang AFP-PNP na kumakanlong at nagtatanggol sa reaksyunaryo, anti-mamamayan at pro-imperyalistang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Sa matibay nating pagkakaisa, tiyak ang pagbagsak ng AFP, PNP at ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ni Rodrigo Duterte.

Patalsikin at ibagsak ang pasista at nagbabadyang diktadurang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Mabuhay ang nakikibakang mamamayan!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180208-10-puntong-batayan-bakit-dapat-patalsikin-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Melito Glor Command holds press conference to oust Duterte

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): Melito Glor Command holds press conference to oust Duterte



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

8 February 2018
Press Release

The Melito Glor Command – New People’s Army Southern Tagalog (MGC-NPA ST) held a press conference today in the Sierra Mountain Ranges, near the outskirts of Metro Manila, discussing ten reasons why Duterte should be ousted from presidency.

Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, spokesperson of the MGC-NPA ST said, “Duterte has committed grave crimes against the Filipino people including mass murder, negligence of responsibility to give the proper social and economic needs of the people and selling out the resources of the country to his imperialist master, the United States and other capitalist and imperialist countries around the world despite the broad masses’ clamor for their democratic rights and national sovereignty.”

Ka Diego added that Duterte worsened his crimes by using state fascism against the uprising masses who are only calling for their legitimate rights.

The 10 points Ka Diego discussed in the said conference are as follows: (1) the ludicrous and bloody war on drugs; (2) destruction of Marawi City and suppression of the Moro’s plight; (3) legalizing the TRAIN Law and other laws and decrees that further oppress the people; (4) ongoing contractualization and joblessness; (5) US’ number one puppet in Asia-Pacific; (6) yielding the national sovereignty to other imperialist countries; (7) repressing the freedom of speech and pursuing his critics; (8) using all-out fascist attacks and terror against militants and masses; (9) re-extending Martial Law declaration in Mindanao; and (10) ending the peace talks and tagging the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as “terrorists”.

At the end of the conference, Ka Diego called, “The people must continue their fight against the fascist US-Duterte regime and broaden their ranks while the NPA will continue to conduct tactical offensives against the mercenary Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other paramilitaries to weaken Duterte’s security forces.”

“With this, the revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog and around the country is steadfast in its campaign to end Duterte’s fascist regime within this year,” Ka Diego concluded.

CPP/NPA-South Central Bukidnon: 88th IB PA, nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalti

NPA-South Central Bukidnon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): 88th IB PA, nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalti



Ka Ariel Magbanua, Spokesperson
NPA-South Central Bukidnon

8 February 2018
Press Release

Nakahiagom og 19 ka kaswalidad ang nag-operasyong mga tropa sa 88th IB kaniadtong Pebrero 6, 2018 sa may alas 3:00 sa hapon human silang gipabusikaran og command detonated explosive (CDX) sa New People’s Army ubos sa South-Central Bukidnon Subregional Command (NPA-SCB-SRC) dungan sa pagpabuto sa tag-as nilang mga armas nga mokabat sa singko minutos,luwas nga miatras ang yunit sa NPA.Nagresulta kini sa 13 ka patay ug unom ka samaron sa kaaway,tulo niini naila nga silang Pfc. Rendon,Pfc. Marquez og Pfc. Villanueva didto sa Sityo Trocat, Brgy. Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Human sa hitabo, nasaksihan sa mga residente sa maong baryo nga gipangkarga sa mga motor ang samaron nga tropa sa 88th IB samtang ang mga patayng sundalo gipatabangan pagdayong sa mga sibilyan ug gikarga sa rescue vehicle nga gikan sa munisipyo.

Sukwahi sa giingon sa tigpamaba sa 4th ID, dili tinuod ang giingong “community support program” sa 88th IB sa maong adlaw. Mag-usa na ka semana ang 88th IB sugod sa hinapos sa Enero nga nag-long range combat operation sa mga baryo sa Palacapao, pasubida sa baryo sa Lipa, Linabo, Sta. Felomina ug Cawayan sa maong lungsod.

Ang tinuod, ginapatuman nila ang ilang panganti nga “puohon” ang NPA sulod lang sa usa ka tuig aron hawanan ang dalan sa ilang plano sa dinagkong mina ug pagpalapad sa plantasyon sa Bukidnon. Sumpay lang kini sa nagsunod-sunod na nilang clearing operations sa bulan pa lang sa Nobyembre ug Disyembre sa milabayng tuig kung asa mokabat sa 320 ka sundalo ug paramilitar ang nag-operation sa maong lugar ug sa kasikbit niining mga lungsod.

Kini nga aksyon sa NPA mao ang tubag sa pipila na ka bulan nga pagpangharas sa bag-ong deploy nga 88th IB sa katawhan sa South-Central Bukidnon. Gamit ang ilang Martial Law, ilang gipahamtang ang mas grabe nga pagpangyatak sa katungod tawo, ang pagpasangil sa sa mga yanong sibilyan ug legal nga organisasyong masa nga mga myembro ug tigsuporta sa New People’s Army, ang pagpangbahad nga patyon kung dili mosurender, ang pagtumo-tumo og mga kaso ug ang peke nga pagpasurender. Pinakangilngig ang nahitabong pagpatay sa usa ka membro sa Philippine Marines kang Anacito Lopez, 55 anyos, kaniadtong Enero 22, 2018 sa may alas 4:30 sa hapon sa Brgy. Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon. Usa siya ka kanhi kagawad sa baryo ug lider-mag-uuma sa maong lungsod.

Pinaagi sa pagpangulo sa Partido, andam ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa nga hiusahon ug pangulohan ang katawhan alang sa nagkalaing-laing porma sa pakigbisog. Wala nay laing kapadulngan ang katawhan kundili ang pagbatok ug pagpakyas sa teroristang binuhatan sa rehimeng US-Duterte.

CPP: On the so-called NPA surrenderees

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (Feb 8): On the so-called NPA surrenderees



Communist Party of the Philippines

8 February 2018
Press Release

The AFP’s PR-machinery is working double-time to turn so-called NPA surrenderees into a media spectacle and mount a propaganda offensive to paint the NPA as a waning force. It has been making more frequent and much bigger claims of “NPA surrenderees” as part of its Oplan Kapayapaan psywar operations.

The public should take these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. It is a well-known fact that the decades-long multi-billion peso “Balik Baril” Program, CLIP (Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and other programs are AFP money-making rackets where field and division commanders recycle “surrendered weapons” and come up with lists of ghost NPA “surrenderees,” typically village-folk falsely accused of being NPA members.

The surrender of a few individuals form part of the realities of war. This, however, does not represent a trend nor does it negate in any way the reasons that compel more and more Filipinos to rise up and resist in various forms of struggle, including the armed struggle.

In fact, while the Duterte regime insists on the NPA to surrender, his burdensome economic policies, clampdown on protests, brutal Oplan Kapayapaan and furious drive to perpetuate itself in power through charter change, give the people compelling reasons to join the NPA. Indeed, just like his idol, the deposed dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, he is becoming the No. 1 recruiter of the NPA.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180208-on-the-so-called-npa-surrenderees

As varying versions of choppers’ use confuses Canada, PH moves to cancel $233-M helicopter deal

From InterAksyon (Feb 9): As varying versions of choppers’ use confuses Canada, PH moves to cancel $233-M helicopter deal

 Duterte in military garb

President Rodrigo Duterte, wearing a military uniform, gestures as he delivers a speech during the 67th founding anniversary of the First Scout Ranger regiment in San Miguel, Bulacan, November 24, 2017. REUTERS / Romeo Ranoco
President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday he has ordered the military to cancel a $233 million agreement to purchase 16 helicopters from Canada, whose government expressed concerns they could be used to fight rebels.

“I want to tell the armed forces to cut the deal, don’t proceed anymore and somehow we will look for another supplier. We respect the stand of Canada,” Duterte said in a televised briefing.

Duterte also directed the military not to buy arms anymore “from Canada or from the United States because there is always a condition attached.”

The Philippines and Canada formally signed the helicopter deal on Tuesday. The following day, the Canadian government ordered a review, in response to comments to Reuters by Philippine Major-General Restituto Padilla that the helicopters would be used for operations against communist and Islamist rebels.

Canadian officials said they were concerned about possible human rights violations and said they had understood the helicopters were intended for non-combat operations.

The Philippine defense minister later clarified that the Bell 412EPI helicopters were mainly for transport, rescue and disaster response.

Duterte, however, said they were to go after Maoist rebels. “The reason I‘m buying helicopters is because I want to finish them off,” he said.

In Ottawa, Canadian Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement that Duterte’s “troubling comments only underscore the confusion and contradictions that have emerged recently on the intended end use of the helicopters”.

The Philippines hit a hurdle in trying to procure for the police some 26,000 M4 assault rifles from the United States. Duterte eventually canceled the plan after several senators threatened to block the sale over human rights concerns.

But Duterte said on Friday he did not blame the United States and that he remains a staunch supporter of its president, Donald Trump, whom he said was misunderstood.

“He is a good president. He is doing it also for his country. People just don’t understand,” he said.

3 more Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol aircrafts from Japan arriving next month: DND

From Update Philippines (Feb 9): 3 more Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol aircrafts from Japan arriving next month: DND

Three more Japanese-donated Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol aircraft will be transferred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by the third week of March.

This was announced by Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong Monday.

The planes will be tentatively delivered to the Naval Air Group headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite City, he added.

The first two TC-90s were delivered to the Philippines last March 27. With the pending arrival of the three planes, the number of Philippine-operated Beechcraft King Air TC-90s will climb to five.

Last January 31, one of the first two delivered planes, with tail number 390, conducted its first maritime air patrol mission off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Zambales.

The Beechcraft King Air TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.



As of this time, the Navy is operating around six Norman Britten “Islander” patrol aircraft, four GAF “Nomad” planes, five AgustaWestland combat utility helicopters and one Robinson R-22 training helicopter.

The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29, 2016.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has operated a total of 40 C90 and C90A King Airs, with deliveries beginning in 1973. These have been given various designations by the JMSDF and consist of 34 TC-90 trainers, five LC-90 transports and a single UC-90 which is configured for a photographic aerial survey.

The TC-90s and the UC-90 comprise the 202nd Naval Air Training Squadron (JMSDF) based at Tokushima Air Base, while the LC-90s are attached to various Lockheed P-3 Kokutai (Squadrons) and an Air Transport Squadron 61 as liaison aircraft.

In late 2005 the JMSDF marked 500,000 accident-free flying hours of the TC-90 trainer fleet. Philippine maintenance staff will also be trained.

The JMSDF made plans to lease at least five Beechcraft King Air TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines to conduct maritime patrols.Two aircraft were transferred free of charge in March 2017.

From November 2016 to November 2017 six Philippine Navy pilots were be trained to fly the aircraft at Tokushima Airport. Maintenance staff is also being trained. There are plans to transfer three more aircraft.

The Beech King Air is the world’s most popular turboprop aircraft. The Beechcraft King Air TC-90 is based on the commercial, twin-turboprop engine, straight wing C90 utility aircraft made by the American company Beechcraft.

The C90 belongs to the Model 90 Series of aircraft with an official name of King Air. It first flew in 1963, and since then over 3,000 of it and its derivatives have been produced and served with various Air Forces and Airlines all over the world.

The TC-90 is the designation given to the Training Aircraft used by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSF) with unique locally made avionics.

3 more Beechcraft King Air TC-90 patrol aircrafts from Japan arriving next month: DND

https://www.update.ph/2018/02/3-patrol-planes-japan-arriving-next-month-dnd/24266

Cops hunt grenade attackers in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): Cops hunt grenade attackers in North Cotabato

Police have launched a manhunt against two men who lob0bed a fragmentation grenade at the town plaza Wednesday night that left eight people injured here.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for North Cotabato police office, said Senior Supt. Jonathan Tangonan, provincial police director, also directed police chiefs of adjoining towns of Alamada, Libungan and Midsayap to help locate the suspects.

The grenade attack happened during the culminating program of the town’s 36th foundation anniversary on Wednesday night. Most of the victims were followers and relatives of Sanny Khadil, chair of Barangay Tinimbacan, Banisilan, according to Senior Inspector Wilson Mangcay, town police chief.

Mangcay said Khadil, a Maguindanaon, is locked in a long standing “rido” (family feud) with another Moro family. He was unharmed in the incident, police said.

Those injured in the incident were Pinggawi Khadil, son of the village chief, Jeffrey Salunayan, Joel Amas, Samrud Mamukaw, Datu Ali Mamukaw, Siraduna Pananggulong, Pedro Labosares and Esmael Canedo.

The victims were inside a makeshift booth of Barangay Tinimbacan at the town plaza when unidentified men tossed a fragmentation grenade inside it. Tayong said several suspects are now being pursued by the poilice.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024632

Firearms seized in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): Firearms seized in Maguindanao



Government troops on Thursday seized high-powered firearms during clearing operations in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

A report from this camp said the firearms were recovered from the house of Tato Silongan, a suspected member of a local private armed group, in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang.

But the suspect managed to elude arrest long before the operation conducted by elements of the Army’s 2nd Mechaized Battalion in the area.

Acting on a tip, the soldiers found in Silongan’s house an M14 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, and assorted ammuntion.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the operation was a result of sustained military operation against local threat groups and loose firearms in Central Mindanao,

He said the 6ID is now coordinating with police authorities to file appropraie charges against the suspect.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024636