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Government forces encounter NPA in Batangas

March 10, 2017, 9:42 am
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From Update.Ph (Mar 10): Government forces encounter NPA in Batangas


2ID photo

At around 1 pm today, another firefight ensued between the government troops from Philippine Army 2nd Infantry ‘Jungle Fighter’ Division (2ID) and members of NPA at Brgy Toong, Tuy, Batangas. According to 2ID, the encounter was a result of continuing military offensive after the termination of unilateral ceasefire, and the order of Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff to hit the enemy hard.

“While conducting combat operation, the troops of 1st Infantry Battalion and 730th Combat Group all under the control of 2nd Division’s 202nd Brigade encountered an undetermined number of armed rebels,” 2ID said.

No casualty from the government troops was recorded while the number of casualties from enemy side is undetermined. The troops recovered one AK47, one Shotgun, and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

2ID noted that the said engagement is just three days after the encounter in Quezon Province which resulted to the death of 4 NPAs, apprehension of two alleged NPAs, and the recovery of seven high-powered firearms (two AK47, four M16, and one M203).

“The enemies of the government shall expect massive combat operations as we are now more focused in protecting the people from any threat,” 2ID commander Major General Rhoderick Parayno said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/government-forces-encounter-npa-in-batangas/15619
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China invokes ‘freedom of navigation’ in Benham Rise

March 10, 2017, 9:48 am
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From Update.Ph (Mar 10): China invokes ‘freedom of navigation’ in Benham Rise

China’s Foreign Ministry today made a statement regarding revelation of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that a Chinese survey ship was monitored plying the Benham Rise last year for at least three months.

During today’s press briefing, Geng Shuang, a spokesperson in Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that their vessels navigated northeast of Luzon last year. However, he said that they were just exercising freedom of navigation. He added that no other operations were made.

The Chinese spokesperson also said that in 2012, a United Nations body granted Philippine government’s claim that Benham Rise is part of Philippines’ continental shelf.

He said that the award limits the Philippines to explore natural resources beneath Benham Rise but cannot treat it as its sovereign territory.

Article 77 Paragraph 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) says “the coastal State exercises over the continental shelf sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources.”

Further, Article 78 Paragraph says “the exercise of the rights of the coastal State over the continental shelf must not infringe or result in any unjustifiable interference with navigation and other rights and freedoms of other States as provided for in this Convention.”

“I think it was monitored for about three months going there, so I have ordered the Navy that if they see this survey ship this year start to accost them and driving them away also from the eastern side of the Philippines,” Secretary Lorenzana said in a media event March 9.

The National Defense chief added that a report reaching him claims the Chinese could be looking for a spot for its submarines.

Former National Security Adviser and former Philippine Navy officer Roilo Golez is calling on the Philippine government “to file a very strong protest against the presence and the visit of the Chinese survey ship in Benham Rise.”

“They cannot claim innocent passage, because Benham Rise is not part of the traditional sea lanes. Walang dahilan para nandoon iyong survey ship,” Golez said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/china-invokes-freedon-of-navigation-in-benham-rise/15609
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China’s 2nd aircraft carrier now for ‘equipment installation’

March 10, 2017, 9:57 am
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From Update.PH (Mar 10): China’s 2nd aircraft carrier now for ‘equipment installation’

China’s second aircraft carrier is now for ‘equipment installation’, according to Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) Deputy Chief-of-staff Wang Weiming.

“The aircraft carrier’s hull blocks have been joined at the shipyard, and equipment installation is currently underway,” he told Chinese state-media Xinhua at the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress, March 9.

However, Academy of Military Sciences researcher Chen Zhou told Beijing Youth Daily that China will not compete with United States.

United States military now has 10 active nuclear-powered Nimitz-class supercarriers, 1 Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier awaiting commissioning, 1 Ford-class supercarrier under-construction, and 1 planned Ford-class supercarrier. The Ford-class supercarriers will replace 3 Nimitz-class supercarriers.

“The number of China’s future carriers depends on the country’s strategic and military needs. We will not compete with the U.S. to build a fleet of 12 carriers, which is not necessary for China, as the country pursues a national defense policy that is purely defensive in nature,” Chen Zhou said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/chinas-2nd-aircraft-carrier-now-for-equipment-installation/15592
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US Embassy reiterates Philippines not included in restricted country

March 10, 2017, 10:01 am
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From Update.Ph (Mar 10): US Embassy reiterates Philippines not included in restricted country

The United States of America Embassy in the Philippines said that the Philippines is not included in the re-drafted Executive Order on ‘Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Attacks by Foreign Nationals,’ just like in the first order.

“Filipinos who wish to apply for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas may continue to do so, as the U.S. visa application process has not changed for the Philippines,” the US Embassy said.

It added that the new order imposes a temporary pause on the entry of nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen subject to categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers. Iraq which was in the previous order was excluded.

“If you are a national from one of these countries, do not cancel your visa application or your scheduled visa appointment. At this time, we will continue to process visa applications while applying all appropriate screening measures and in accordance with any court order(s),” the US Embassy said.

It also noted that the new Executive Order does not apply to individuals who obtained a valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visa prior to March 16, 2017.
http://www.update.ph/2017/03/us-embassy-reiterates-philippines-not-included-in-restricted-country/15568
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7 NPAs killed in SOLCOM area of responsibility

March 10, 2017, 10:08 am
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From Update.PH (Mar 9): 7 NPAs killed in SOLCOM area of responsibility

Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) reported the death of seven NPA members during follow-up operations in Camarines Sur and Quezon provinces.

“The encounter ensued on March 7, 2017 at around 1:05 PM between 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) and 20 NPAs at Brgy Tabgon, Goa, Camarines Sur and recovered three (3) NPAs killed including three (3) .45 Cal pistol and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with one (1) CAA slightly wounded identified as Solomon Biviro,” SOLCOM said. As troops of 83IB continued the offensive two AK47 rifle, one M16 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, and NPA documents were recovered.

SOLCOM said three NPAs who were killed are yet to be identified. While a wounded CAA is now at Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital for medical assistance.

Meanwhile, four still unidentified NPAs were killed after a 30-minute firefight between troops of 2nd Jungle Fighter Company of 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB) and 20 NPAs on March 7, 2017 at around 2:00 PM at Sitio Umagos, Brgy Camplora, San Andres near the boundary of Brgy. Mabunga, San Francisco, Quezon.
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SOLCOM commander Lieutenant General Ferdinand F. Quidilla said that the AFP will continue to conduct military offensive operation as a punitive action in order to pursue these lawless NPA members who continue to conduct violent attacks against the soldiers and the public.

The AFP appeals to the members of the NPA to engage in a localized peace talks and encourage them to ask for the help of the third party sectors if they decided to negotiate at the grassroots level.

http://www.update.ph/2017/03/7-npas-killed-in-solcom-area-of-responsibility/15531
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PNP Chief Dela Rosa: Peace talks with NPA pointless

March 10, 2017, 10:18 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 9): PNP Chief Dela Rosa:  Peace talks with NPA pointless

'Bato' recalls own brush with death when NPAs placed bomb under crime victim's body in Bansalan in 1991
bato dela rosae

PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa. EDWIN BACASMAS/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa said on Thursday it has become pointless to negotiate with communist rebels for peace.

Dela Rosa made the comment as he took note of how suspected New People’s Army rebels killed PO3 Jayden May Rabor of the Davao del Sur police crime laboratory, and Bansalan police members PO1 Rholly Benelayo, PO1 Joey O Narvaza and PO1 Saro Mangotara during an ambush in Barangay Sibayan here on Wednesday.

“I really pity our slain police officers. They were shot many times in the head,” he said.

“We have long been talking peace with them but nothing happened. Nothing is happening. I would be retiring soon but the talks had not achieved anything,” he said.

Dela Rosa, set to retire in 2018, said President Rodrigo Duterte would have the final say on whether to resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed front New People’s Army, as represented by its political arm, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

“It all depends on the President,” he said.

President Duterte on Thursday afternoon ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to wage an all-out war against the NPA and drop bombs on the rebel guerillas. He also ruled out the resumption of the peace talks with thec CPP, NPA and NDFP at this time.

In blaming the NPA for the ambush, Dela Rosa said no other rebel group operated in Bansalan.

“There’s no Abu Sayyaf or (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) rebels here,” he said, as he cited past experiences, such as the 2009 ambush against the Bansalan police chief, Senior Insp. Emelix Mabalot. Mabalot, two other policemen and a tanod, were all killed in the attack.

Dela Rosa said Mabalot and his men were on their way back to Bansalan after picking up the cadaver of a soldier in Barangay Managa when ambushed by the NPA. The rebels had admitted staging the ambush.

He also shared a personal experience when he was still the Bansalan police chief in 1991.

Dela Rosa said he and his team were to pick up the cadaver of a crime victim in a hinterland village but they found out that the rebels had placed a grenade under the body.

“So they did it in the past,” he added.

Dela Rosa said based on the report to him, the NPA’s Front Committee 51 has been operating in the area.

Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, the Southern Mindanao police chief, said the rebels, numbering about 20, initially tried to set off a landmine but the explosive failed to go off.

He said when the landmine failed to explode, the rebels then trained their guns on the patrol car. The unexploded IED had been recovered near the actual ambush site.

The policemen were there to investigate the killing of two persons (not one as earlier reported) in Sibayan when ambushed, said the Davao del Sur police director, Senior Supt. Samuel Gadingan.

Gaerlan said the rebels took the firearms and personal belongings of the slain policemen before fleeing.

Police investigators said they also recovered a number of empty shells for 7.62-guns near the bodies of Rabor and the two other slain officers. The policemen from Bansalan were armed with Armalite rifles, which used the 5.56-ammunition. The NPA has AK-47s, which use the 7.62-ammunition.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879232/pnp-chief-dela-rosa-peace-talks-with-npa-pointless
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Army: Military ops vs. ASG ‘gaining success’

March 10, 2017, 10:22 am
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From the Davao Today (Mar 10): Army: Military ops vs. ASG ‘gaining success’



COMBAT READY. As part of their Araw ng Dabaw preparations, soldiers of the Task Force Davao display their readiness to respond to emergency scenarios during the combat simulation conducted by the Joint Task Force Haribon at the Task Force Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City on Wednesday, Feb. 8. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)

A ranking army official here said the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group was gaining success following a series of reported encounters and killings of ASG rebels.

“The AFP’s campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terror groups there in the [Western Mindanao Command], particularly in Sulu and Basilan are gaining success. The encounters and and the neutralization of terrorists in those areas) are continuous,” Brig. Gen. Gilbery Gapay, commander of the Joint Task Force Haribon said in a press conference here Wednesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently waging an all out war against the ASG. The AFP recently deployed 8,000 soldiers as augmentation force to Sulu and Basilan, both known to be a bailiwick of the ASG operations.

“What usually happens is that they make some diversionary tactics in other areas to ease up the Armed Forces’ pressure on them,” Gapay said.

He, however, assured the public that they are constantly monitoring for possible threats. Gapay said they already neutralized the leadership of local terror group Ansar al-Khilafah in the Philippines in Saranggani which is within the area of responsibility of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

As for the ASG, the Maute Group, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Forces, Gapay said they “extensive intelligence coverage.”

“Our intelligence coverage of these groups are extensive. [We monitor] their movements, their splinter groups so that we would know firsthand of any attempts to infiltrate Davao City), Gapay said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/army-military-ops-vs-asg-gaining-success/
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4 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan

March 10, 2017, 10:25 am
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From ABS-CBN (Mar 10): 4 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan

Four members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, including a relative of terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon, were killed in a military offensive on Wednesday morning in Basilan province, the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said Thursday.

A 30-minute firefight between 15 Abu Sayyaf members and joint elements of the military and the police resulted in the death of Ustadz Mobin Kulin, alias Mulawin, a cousin of Hapilon, in Tapiantana Island.

Three other Abu Sayyaf members were also killed, based on the bodies recovered in the encounter site.

Government troops also seized several high-powered firearms including a Barrett M82 sniper rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with ammunition, and 12 grenade launcher rifles.

Kulin was an “active and hardcore” Abu Sayyaf member from Lantawan, Basilan who was involved in the Lamitan siege and Dos Palmas incidents in the province, according to the military.

The remains of the slain Abu Sayyaf members will be turned over to the Basilan Provincial Police Office.

“All-out offensives are being conducted by the Joint Task Force Basilan with the support and coordination of the local government, police, and civilians in the province against the Abu Sayyaf bandits who are responsible for the conduct of bombings, extortion activities, and kidnappings in Basilan,” said Wesmincom commander Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.

Authorities are still conducting pursuit operations against other members of the terrorist group.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/09/17/4-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-basilan
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Bayan Muna coordinator killed in Basilan

March 10, 2017, 10:31 am
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From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Mar 9): Bayan Muna coordinator killed in Basilan

Partylist lawmaker Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna condemned the killing of a local coordinator in Basilan yesterday who was tagged as an Abu Sayyaf leader.
In a statement Thursday, Zarate said Hadji Billamin Hassan, also known as Hadji Ben, has just finished praying when “soldiers in plain clothes” arrested him in Tabuan Lasa town in Basilan province.

“He was brought by the naval troops to the Western Mindanao Command. Somewhere along the way, he was shot and killed,” Zarate said.

Moro leader Amirah Lidasan, national chairperson of Suara Bangsamoro said, she would not have confirmed Hassan’s death if not for a news report on television. Lidasan has worked with Hassan in various campaign for human rights.

“Had it not been for the phone interview of TVP Chavacano this afternoon, I would not have confirmed the death of Hadji Ben and the injustice that the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command has done to him and his family,” Lidasan said in her Facebook post on Wednesday.

“According to the news, the military was serving a warrant for cases of arson against Hadji Ben resulting to a firefight. He was identified as an Abu Sayyaf leader. It was not clear whether he died during the firefight or while traveling to the WestMinCom,” said Lidasan.

“But one thing is clear to us, Hadji Ben is not an Abu Sayyaf leader that the WestMinCom presented him to be. I thought that the WestMinCom under the Duterte administration will not resort to the usual parading of terror suspects for the benefit of their masters,” Lidasan said.

Zarate said they will seek a probe on Ben’s killing which could be related to his exposition of the Army’s role in kidnap for ransom cases in 2001.

“It seems that his name is being linked to the Abu Sayyaf due to his role in exposing the AFP-ASG collusion on kidnap for ransom cases in 2001,” Zarate said.

Lidasan added that Hassan “encouraged individuals and families who were victims of the military crackdown to present their cases in the series of congressional and senate investigations in 2002.”

She said the Army should identify him “based on his last involvement.”

“He was a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan, serving as one of the board member or officer of the Bangsamoro Develoment Agency (BDA). He was also involved in keeping the peace between the AFP and MILF in Basilan,” she said.

Zarate also said the victim ran for mayor in Tabuan Lasa in 2004 and has been a member of Bayan Muna since 2001.

“He lost, but he had proof of massive cheating in his area that he presented to the Kontra Daya meeting and press conference in Manila,” he said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/bayan-muna-coordinator-in-basilan/
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Ormoc looks forward to hosting Balikatan in April

March 10, 2017, 11:12 am
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From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9): Ormoc looks forward to hosting Balikatan in April

The Balikatan military exercise between the Philippines and the United States will push through in this city next month, Mayor Richard Gomez said.

Gomez said he is amenable to hosting the exercise since it will help improve the peace and order situation in the city.

Initial talks with a group of American and Filipino soldiers were done in October and finalized last December.

Gomez said the Balikatan will have components such as a medical mission, book donation, and construction and repair of school buildings and health centers.

The exercise is designed to give Philippine and US military forces a chance to exchange combat expertise.

The plan to hold the military exercise here came on the heels of President Duterte’s statement last year asking US military forces to leave Mindanao in the wake of increased security threats as a result of the heightened offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.

Capt. Louis Kalmar, humanitarian and civic assistance planner of the Philippine-US Balikatan program, recently visited the city to discuss the holding of the exercise with local officials.

US soldiers arrived for the Balikatan exercise in 2000. It was the first since the ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement signed by the Philippines and the US.

In 2014, the two countries signed a deal for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and it was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court in 2015.

Balikatan 2017 in Ormoc is the first in the Eastern Visayas region.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/09/ormoc-looks-forward-to-hosting-balikatan-in-april/
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NPA hails heroism of slain comrades in Quezon clash

March 10, 2017, 11:19 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 9): NPA hails heroism of slain comrades in Quezon clash

New People's Army AP FILE PHOTO
New People’s Army AP FILE PHOTO
 
The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in Quezon province hailed the heroism of their four comrades who were slain in an encounter with Army soldiers in San Andres town on Tuesday.

Ka Cleo del Mundo, spokesperson of the NPA-Apolonio Mendoza Command, said they bestowed the highest revolutionary honors to their slain comrades whom she identified as Felicardo Salamat alias “Ka Japson/Ka Jelmon” from Guinayangan Quezon; Paul Aringo – “Ka Arki/Ka Junpio” from Metro Manila; Jomar Resureccion – “Ka Roro” from Cavite province and Jeramie Garcia – “Ka Ash” from Laguna province.

Military report said the Army soldiers engaged the band of an estimated 20 heavily armed rebels in a 30-minute firefight in Barangay Camflora on Tuesday afternoon. No one was hurt among government soldiers during the firefight.

Soldiers recovered five rifles and a grenade launcher from the clash site.

Del Mundo claimed the fatalities were conducting meetings with farmers in the village who have agrarian and animal theft problems when they were attacked by the government forces.

Del Mundo strongly condemned the military for its alleged violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). She said the soldiers staged the attack without considering the safety of civilians living in two houses in the encounter site.

She said the wounded civilian, Jennifer Yuson, just arrived in the village after she collected her cash subsidy from the government 4Ps program.

She claimed that the Army soldiers forcibly took a certain “Teteng” and Cristopher Redota, a civilian.

Del Mundo said the NPA would avenge the heroism of the slain rebels.

Col. Lenard Agustin, commander of the Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade operating in Quezon, denied Del Mundo’s allegations.

“They were all untrue. Those accusations were only for propaganda purpose to counter the debacle that they suffered,” Agustin said in a phone interview.

He called on the NPA rebels to abandon their decades-old armed struggle and return to the comfort of their families.

“Return to the fold of the law and be with your loved ones,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/879307/npa-hails-heroism-of-slain-comrades-in-quezon-clash
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Socialist leader assassinated in the Philippines

March 10, 2017, 11:26 am
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From Red Flag (Mar 10): Socialist leader assassinated in the Philippines

 

Socialist Alternative is immensely saddened and angered to hear of the assassination of Comrade Ruben by Philippines government armed forces on 4 March.

Our deepest solidarity and condolences go to comrades in the Philippines and in the international Marxist movement. We are all diminished by this dreadful loss.

Over the past few years we have been fortunate to have had contact with the comrades of the People’s Revolutionary Army (RPA) and the People’s Revolutionary Party – Mindanao (RPM-M), the Philippines section of the Fourth International. We have benefited from numerous discussions of revolutionary Marxist politics with comrades from the Philippines at international meetings in various countries.

The experiences of veterans of the movement in the Philippines, such as Comrade Ruben, continue to inspire us with their steadfastness and enduring dedication. The fact that Comrade Ruben’s commitment to Marxist politics led him in the 1990s to break from the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army speaks of a life well-lived in the struggle for socialism, regardless of personal cost. Now, his dedicated resistance to capitalism has been repaid by the government with bullets.

Despite our being in the same geographic region as the Philippines, the conditions under which we operate could hardly be more different. Extra-judicial killings in the Philippines have taken the lives of many. Now they have removed Comrade Ruben from the key role that he would have continued to play in the struggle.

It is hard to describe how inspired Australian revolutionaries, both young and old, have been by the bravery of comrades operating under immensely difficult and dangerous conditions in the Philippines. To Comrade Ruben we say: “Red salute!”

Statement issued by the Bureau of the Fourth International, 7 March 2017

On 4 March 2017, Comrade Ruben was killed by the army in the province of Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines.

This was clearly an assassination. Ruben was wanted for his involvement in the People’s Revolutionary Army (RPA) and the People’s Revolutionary Party – Mindanao (RPM-M), the Philippine section of the Fourth International. But he was visiting friends and family. He was not carrying any weapons. He could easily have been arrested; he was executed.

It was not the police (who were also present), but a heavily equipped government infantry battalion that led the operation in Kapatagan. Ruben is the only one to have been killed, a victim of numerous shots.

Ruben was a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), before breaking in 1994 and participating in the founding process of the RPM-M / RPA. A political and military cadre, he made many enemies among local landowners for his activities against drug trafficking; against the purchase of votes by local politicians during the elections; against gangs and henchmen in the service of despotic landowners, whom he disarmed; and for the defence of the peasants and the rural poor.

The popularity of the RPM-M / RPA in north-west Mindanao dates back to the early 1980s (under the then Communist Party, Maoist). After the split in 1994, the new organisation consistently adopted a defensive politico-military posture. It stopped all offensive operations against the army and promptly initiated peace talks, under the Arroyo administration (2001-10).

The current president, Duterte, undertook to relaunch the peace processes in the Philippines and, in particular, in Mindanao. The attack by the police and the army, and the assassination of Ruben, is in contradiction with this commitment. This is in fact a violation of the peace talks previously initiated with the RPM-M / RPA.

We share the grief of Ruben’s comrades and we send them our deepest solidarity.

We call for international solidarity to ensure that all progressive and revolutionary forces in the Philippines are supported, as extra-judicial killings have already created so many victims.

https://redflag.org.au/node/5717
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1 soldier killed, another wounded in Surigao Norte clash

March 10, 2017, 11:32 am
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From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Mar 9): 1 soldier killed, another wounded in Surigao Norte clash

A soldier was killed while another was wounded after a firefight erupted between elements of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the town of Alegria in Surigao del Norte, Wednesday evening, March 8.

A report from the 30IB revealed that around 8 p.m. Wednesday, soldiers were on their way to Budlingin village to check on intelligence reports of the presence of NPA rebels in the Indigenous People’s community.

“Last night, our troops encountered the NPA while they were on their way to the village to secure the area after we received reports of the NPA harassing the community. Then a 30 minute firefight erupted against around 10 to 15 NPAs which lead to the death of a soldier while injuring another,” said Second Lieutenant Jonel Castillo, civil military officer of the 30th IB.

Castillo identified the soldier who was killed in action as Private First Class (PFC) John Francis Rivera, 27, and the wounded as PFC Windyl Daayata, 26.

Rivera and Daayata are both from the province of Bukidnon.

Castillo said that the NPA activity in the area is not new and that the armed group is going back to the IP community to bolster their ranks.

“This group is headed by commander Ricky, and they have been going back to the area to conduct recruitment operations taking advantage on the IP community,” said Castillo.

The NPA is yet to issue a statement regarding the said incident.
 
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Reds claim delay in backchannel talks with gov't

March 10, 2017, 11:36 am
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From ABS-CBN (Mar 10): Reds claim delay in backchannel talks with gov't

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Thursday claimed that the Philippine government has delayed the holding of backchannel talks following the collapse of official negotiations between the two parties.

"Both sides agreed to hold secret backchannel talks as early as the first week of February. For some reason, these have been delayed till now,"Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of the NDFP negotiating panel, said in a statement.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said communist party leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon will lead the rebels' delegation in backchannel talks with the government. 

According to Lorenzana, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza went to Europe with the Tiamzon couple and another communist leader, Vic Ladlad, for the backchannel talks.

Agcaoili's statement follows Dureza's revelation on backchannel talks.

"We have kept our end of the bargain not to reveal the plans or issue any statement that would upset these," Agcaoili said.

Dureza and Agcaoili said the backchannel talks aim to revive negotiations between the two parties.

"The objective of the backchannel is to bring about the continuation of the talks in order to hold the scheduled fourth round in April to discuss important matters, including JASIG, CASER and CAPCR,"Agcaoili said.

He also said soldiers recently taken captive by the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, will be released soon.
He said the release was delayed as arrangements have yet to be worked out.

BANSALAN AMBUSH

Agcaoili said they have yet to verify if the ambush of police officers in Bansalan was perpetrated by the NPA.

"On the Bansalan incident, we still have to confirm if this was done by the NPA command in the area. There are peace spoilers around," he said.

Agcaoili said there is no ongoing ceasefire and claimed that government troops are sometimes at fault.

He said the NPA suffered four casualties in an encounter in San Andres, Quezon on Tuesday.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/09/17/reds-claim-delay-in-backchannel-talks-with-govt
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NPA rebels burn rubber firm's vehicle in Zamboanga Sibugay

March 10, 2017, 11:59 am
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From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 10): NPA rebels burn rubber firm's vehicle in Zamboanga Sibugay
MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned a vehicle of a rubber company in Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday, March 8, authorities said.

Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director Romulo Cleve Taboso said the incident happened around 11 a.m. Wednesday at Purok 3 in the village of Lacnapan, Kabasalan town.

Taboso said the NPA rebels drove the vehicle owned by MJ Rubber Company to a riverbank and torched it there.

The rebels owned up the torching through a letter they left in the area, signed by NPA’s Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Operations Command spokesman Ka Mario Jose.

  No one was reported killed or injured during the incident.

Investigation showed the NPA rebels torched the vehicle as the owners of the land being cultivated by the rubber firm have filed complaint with the NPA’s court, Bagong Hukbong Bayan, against the company.

The NPA rebels fled to the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur, the police said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/03/10/npa-rebels-burn-rubber-firms-vehicle-zamboanga-sibugay-530249
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Peace gab with Reds scrapped

March 10, 2017, 12:08 pm
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From The Standard (Mar 10): Peace gab with Reds scrapped

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte declared Thursday that the government is ready to wage war with the communists for another 50 years after condemning a New People’s Army ambush that killed four policemen and wounded a fifth in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

On Wednesday, hours after the ambush, NPA rebels went on a rampage at a village in Pagadian City, killing three civilians.

“There will be no peace talks for the meantime,” Duterte said in an interview after visiting the wake of the slain policemen. “I will ask the military and the police to wage war against them.”

“I will allow them to use all available assets. Use rockets,” he said.

He said the communists would never gain power because the people did not want them to.

Duterte said he has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to use all its assets, including newly acquired jets, and drop bombs on the rebels.

“Go ahead, flatten the hills,” he added. “Look at what you have done. Look at how the people responded.”

He said it was no longer viable to talk with the rebels because “they’re diverting issues in the talks, they’re muddling the talks” and waging a revolution based on “ideological cannibalism.”

“It’s a question of honor. We fight a war and as the revolutionary ideology would put it, it’s a kind of ideological cannibalism because you devour your own kind. You kill your own brother and sisters on the altar of a revolution ... Because it is a war among Filipinos, your countrymen,” he added.

The Palace on Thursday said that the deaths of four policemen ambushed by the NPA might derail efforts to revive the stalled peace talks even as top National Democratic Front consultants flew to Europe Wednesday night in an attempt to start backchannel talks with the government.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the killing of the four policemen could set back efforts to restart the negotiations.

The slain policemen were identified as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Rolly Benelayo, PO1 Joe Narvaza, PO1 Saro Mangutara, belonging to the Bansalan Municipal Police Station, and PO3 Jayden May Rabor of the Scene of the Crime Operations of Digos City. Another policeman, PO3 Allen Arnado, was wounded.

Duterte earlier opened up the possibility of reviving the stalled peace talks, but has laid down three “requests” before any negotiation can proceed: A genuine ceasefire done in sincerity, the release of all soldiers and civilians being held captive by the NPA, and a stop to NPA extortion activities.



THROWING LIGHT ON. Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella clarifies during a news conference in Malacañang Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte has laid some conditions for the peace talks to resume with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army. Malacañang Photo
“They have to release all policemen, army, everyone from the government. They should release them all. Second, they should stop asking for revolutionary tax. Third, they should stop asking for things. They’re burning a lot of things now and we’ll never meet each other half way if that’s the case,” Duterte said on March 4.

On Tuesday, Duterte said the government was in backchannel talks with the communists after terminating the peace talks in February.

In a news briefing, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that NDF consultants Benito and William Tiamzon and Victor Ladlad were leading the back-channeling efforts with Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, who left the country for Europe Wednesday.

“Last night, we allowed the departure of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon and Mr. Ladlad to do some back-channeling,” Lorenzana said.

Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno condemned the NPA ambush in Bansalan.

Sueno said the policemen were heading to the hinterland village of Barangay Sibayan in Bansalan to investigate a murder when they were fired upon at about 6 a.m.

“I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate and needless incident that took away the lives of our policemen. My heart bleeds for the families of the victims and, as a father, they have my word that I will look after them,” said Sueno.

The Interior secretary said he has already directed the Philippine National Police to give priority to the investigation of the case and ensure that the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.

“I have clear instructions to our chief PNP to respond accordingly and deliver swift action against the suspects who are allegedly members of a lawless armed group. Our police force will get to the bottom of this case,” he said.

He reminded the police to never let their guard down, especially when they are deployed outside of their stations.

In Zamboanga City, Supt. Rogelio Alabata, spokeman for the provincial police office said three civilians, indentified as Alipio Banogon Andus, 39, Ariston Obaran Paroc, 46, and Julieto Bolo Candao, were killed at about 5 p.m.

The NPA claimed responsibility for the killings.

The Philippine National Police condemned the latest attack on police crime scene investigators.

“The trademark of ruthless treachery, patented by the CPP-NPA, has reared its ugly head again in this latest attack against a non-tactical police team of laboratory technicians and technical specialists who, by the nature of their functions, are non-combatants.” said Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesman.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/top-stories/231382/peace-gab-with-reds-scrapped.html
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CPP: Duterte’s aerial bombing order disregards people’s lives—CPP

March 10, 2017, 5:08 pm
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Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Mar 10):
Duterte’s aerial bombing order disregards people’s lives—CPP

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

10 March 2017
Press Release

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced GRP President Rodrigo Duterte for his “total contempt of lives of civilian people’s lives who he callously considers mere ‘collateral damage’ in ordering the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to employ all its assets in an “anything goes” campaign to drop bombs and “flatten the hills” against the New People’s Army (NPA).

Addressing the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP), Duterte declared, “I will allow the police and the military this time to use all available assets. Use them. We have new aircraft, jets. You will see it because I told them to fly them. Use them. Use the rockets. If there are collateral damage, I’m sorry.”

“In ordering the AFP to carry out aerial bombings, Duterte risks indictment for war crimes as he puts thousands of civilians in the line of fire,” said the CPP. “Aerial bombing runs as well as shellings endanger the lives of thousands of people in civilian communities wherever these are conducted by the military.”

“The AFP has never effectively employed aerial bombings and shelling against the guerrilla units of the New People’s Army,” pointed out the CPP. “In dropping bombs, the AFP succeeds only in injuring civilians and causing massive displacement of communities as a form of punishing the people, especially those who are waging mass struggles for land reform and opposing mining and plantations operations.”

“Aerial bombings and shellings also cause massive destruction of agricultural fields and the environment, especially water sources,” added the CPP.

The CPP pointed out that the AFP, “has, in fact, been regularly carrying out aerial bombing runs using its jetfighters and helicopter gunships causing grave hardships against entire communities.” On February 11, the AFP dropped six bombs in Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel, Sarangani forcing 100 Lumad families, mostly B’laan and Kaolo people to evacuate.

On the same day, the AFP shelled Barangays Macopa, Kibagyo and Bullucan in Laak, Compostela Valley forcing 1,000 families to evacuate. The AFP also dropped bombs in barangays in Manay and Lupon, both in Davao Oriental, on February 1 and 14, respectively.

In Maddela, Isabela and Assipulo, Ifugao, the AFP have threatened to drop bombs in civilian communities in order to force the people to evacuate.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170310-dutertes-aerial-bombing-order-disregards-peoples-lives-cpp
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CPP/NPA: Pinakamataas na Pagpupugay at Parangal Para sa mga Tunay na Hukbo at Bayani ng Sambayanan

March 10, 2017, 5:22 pm
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Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Mar 9):
Pinakamataas na Pagpupugay at Parangal Para sa mga Tunay na Hukbo at Bayani ng Sambayanan

Ibaling ang Pamimighati sa Rebolusyunaryong Katapangan!
Labanan at Biguin ang Anti-Mamamayang Oplan Kapayapaan ng AFP!

Pinakamataas na Pagpupugay at Parangal Para sa mga Tunay na Hukbo at Bayani ng Sambayanan!

Ka Cleo del Mundo, Spokesperson
NPA-Quezon (Apolonio Mendoza Command)
9 March 2017

Pinakamataas na Pulang pagpupugay ang ipinaaabot ng Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC-NPA) sa mga bayani ng sambayanan na sina kasamang Felicardo Salamat aka Ka Japson/Jelmon, Paul Aringo aka Ka Arki/Ka Junpio, Jomar Resureccion aka Ka Roro at Jeramie Garcia aka Ka Ash.

Magiting silang lumaban at nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay nang kubkubin ng pasistang pwersa ng 2nd Jungle Fighter Company na nasa ilalim ng kumand ng 85th IBPA, 201st Brigade at direktang pinamumunuan ng isang Captain Zander Khan Usman ang kanilang pansamantalang pahingahan sa sityo Umagos, Brgy. Camplora, San Andres, Quezon ganap na 2:45 ng hapon noong ika-7 ng Marso, 2017. Kasalukuyan noong nagsasagawa sila ng papulong sa mga residenteng magsasaka na may problema sa lupa at mga pagnanakaw ng kanilang hayop.

Pinakamataas na pagkilala at parangal kay Ka Japson, batikang mandirigma at kumander ng BHB sa Timog Katagalugan. Anak ng mga magsasaka sa bayan ng Guinayangan, Quezon, nagpultaym sa kanyang kabataang edad noong 1985 at mula noon ay nagsilbi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan ng wala ni anumang rekord ng pamamahinga. Tatlumpu’t dalawang taon ng kanyang buhay ang walang pag-aaksayang ginugol at ibinuwis niya sa paglilingkod sa masa at pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan para sa pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo.

Kilala bilang matapang na mandirigma at kumander ng BHB si Ka Japson. Nasugatan sa maraming labanan at nagkamit ng maraming matatagumpay na labanan sa harap ng kaaway. Nahuli at ikinulong ng kaaway ng 2 beses ngunit pagkalaya ay kaagad na bumalik sa rebolusyonaryong pagkilos at pagseserbisyo sa Hukbong Bayan ng walang pag-aalinlangan.

Tunay na bayani si Ka Japson, mahal ng mga kasama at masa, bilang kasama, kuya, tatay, kapatid at kaibigan. Inspirasyon sa lahat ang buhay na kanyang tinahak na tiyak na susundan ng libu-libong kabataan at mamamayan sa lalawigan ng Quezon, sa Timog Katagalugan at sa buong bansa.

Pinakamataas ring pulang pagpupugay at parangal ang ibinibigay sa 3 kabataang sina Ka Paul Aringo aka Ka Arki/Ka Junpio ng Metro Manila, Jomar Resureccion aka Ka Roro ng probinsya ng Cavite at Jeramie Garcia aka Ka Ash ng probinsya ng Laguna. Silang mga kabataan na sa maagang panahon ng kanilang buhay ay nagpasyang sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan at ilaan ang kanilang lakas at talino upang paglingkuran ang pambansa-demokratikong interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, laluna ng hirap, api at abang masang magsasaka at manggagawa.

Sila ang mga tunay na Hukbo at bayani ng sambayanang Pilipino. Kahanga-hanga ang kanilang katapangan at kasigasigan. Ang kanilang buhay ay hindi kailanman nasayang at ang tinahak nilang landas ay paparisan ng daang libong kabataan ng kasalukuyang henerasyon.

Sa kabilang banda, mariing kinukundena ng AMC–NPA ang paglabag ng pwersa ng 85th IBPA, 201st Infantry Brigade sa Komprehensibong Kasunduan sa Paggalang sa Karapatang Tao at sa Internasyunal na Makataong Batas o Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Ang nasabing pinaglunsaran ng labanan nina Capt. Zander Khan Usman ay may dalawang bahay ng mga sibilyang magsasaka. Nagpaputok ang mga sundalo kahit kitang-kita nilang may mga bata na nakapaligid sa mga bahay. Katunayan, ang nadala nilang sugatang babae na 22 anyos na si Jennifer Yuson ay isang sibilyan na kagagaling lamang sa pay-out ng 4Ps. Kabilang sa isinama ng militar ang kapamilya ni Jennifer na may-ari ng bahay na si Teteng at isa pang sibilyan na nagngangalang Cristopher Redota.

Pati pinagbentahan ng kalabaw ni Teteng ay tinangay ng mga sundalo.

Mas masahol pa, ang apat na mga namatay na kasama ay pinabayaang nakabilad sa araw nang mahigit 24 oras. Hindi kaagad inilusong ang mga bangkay para madala sa punerarya. Ang mga Quick Reaction Team ng organisasyong nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao at kinatawan ng mga lokal na organisasyong magsasaka ay hindi pinayagang pumasok sa erya ng pinaglabanan para makuha ang mga bangkay at iayos ang mga residente sa lokalidad. Resulta, hindi na halos makilala ang identidad ng mga bangkay ng mga kasama.

Malinaw lamang na walang kinikilalang karapatang tao ang AFP at di rin kumikilala sa makataong batas sa digmaan. Kailangang panagutan ng AFP ang malalaking paglabag sa panuntunan ng makataong digmaan.

Ang ipinamamarali ng AFP na Development Support and Security Plan KAPAYAPAAN ng gubyernong Duterte ay katulad din lang ng nakalipas na Oplan Bayanihan kung saan inihulma sa US Counterinsurgency Guide ng imperyalismong US. Ultimong layunin ng DSSP KAPAYAPAAN na mapanatili ang sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal sa pamamagitan ng pagsupil sa mamamayang naghahangad ng rebolusyunaryong pagbabago.

Tungkulin ng lahat ng mga rebolusyunaryong mamamayan na puspusang isulong ang digmang bayan at labanan ang DSSP KAPAYAPAAN. Parusahan ang mga berdugong kaaway sa mga paglabag sa karapatang tao at makataong batas sa digma.

Nalulungkot tayo sa pagpanaw ng mga mahal na kasama. Ganoonman, ang ating kalungkutan at pamimighati ay mapapalitan at maibabaling sa ibayong rebolusyonaryong katapangan at katatagan. Nagkakamali ang pasistang AFP at ang rehimeng Duterte sa kanilang gising na pangarap na malilipol ang lumalabang mamamayan, laluna ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Ang pagkamartir ng mahal na mga kasama ay nagsisilbing abono sa lupa upang yumabong ang rebolusyonaryong lakas at paglaban ng sambayanan. Papalitan ng libu-libong mga bagong mandirigma at kumander ang mga namartir na kasama. Bubuuin ang bagong mga platun, kumpanya at mga batalyon ng BHB at siyang dudurog sa pwersa ng AFP-PNP na nagpapapahirap sa masa. Lilikha ng daluyong ang kilusan ng sambayanang Pilipino na siyang lulunod sa kapangyarihan ng imperyalismo at lokal na mga naghaharing uri.

Mabuhay ang mga bayani ng sambayanan!
Damputin ang mga armas na nabitiwan at iputok sa kaaway ng mamamayan!
Isulong ang digmang bayan!
Mamamayan, sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170309-pinakamataas-na-pagpupugay-at-parangal-para-sa-mga-tunay-na-hukbo-at-bayani-ng-sambayanan
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NDF/NPA: Bansalan NPA ambush exposes AFP-PNP duplicity, shows justness of people’s war

March 10, 2017, 5:26 pm
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New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Mar 10): Bansalan NPA ambush exposes AFP-PNP duplicity, shows justness of people’s war

New People’s Army
Regional Operations Command
Southern Mindanao Region
Press Statement

March 10, 2017

The New People’s Army Regional Operations Command in Southern Mindanao commends the successful tactical offensive by a squad of Red fighters belonging to the Mt. Apo Subregional Operations Command during a 15-minute ambush, which seized four firearms and subdued a PNP unit engaged in armed operations in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on March 8, 2017.

Humiliated in the face of defeat and supremacy of guerrilla tactics, the enemy desperately attempted to twist the facts of the incident to conceal the bare-faced rottenness of the AFP’s counter-insurgency plan Development Support and Security Plan Oplan Kapayapaan.

The battle report submitted by the Mt. Apo Subregional Operations Command showed the NPA unit’s mastery of terrain, correct reading of the enemy situation and the superb use of guerrilla tactics in a swift tactical offensive directed against a fascist PNP unit that, along with the AFP, had perpetrated and continue to perpetuate the atrocious human rights and international humanitarian law violations in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato provinces.

On March 8, at 2:20 am, the NPA unit carried out an order to exact revolutionary justice against Marlon Lomantas, a former AFP soldier turned active intelligence agent of the 39th IB and a known drug trader and user in Brgy. Sibayan, Bansalan.

An NPA platoon was positioned at the mountainside of Brgy. Sibayan in order to frustrate military and police operations in the area. Another squad took position nearby. The NPA command was in anticipation of police and military operations to be coordinated by the 39th IB. At 6:15 am, heavily armed police personnel aboard two mobile PNP vehicles were dispatched, apparently to reconnoiter and clear the area before deploying its soldiers.

The first police vehicle passed by the NPA ambush position site at 6:35 am. The NPA squad desisted from striking when it saw civilians riding in motorcycles were in close proximity to the moving PNP vehicle. The second police vehicle passed by subsequently. At 7:10 am, the NPA squad, positioned eight meters from the road, proceeded to ambush the passing mobile vehicle. After the initial five-second volley of gunshots, the NPA commander called for the enemy troops to surrender and lay down their arms.

The PNP personnel, however, retaliated with numerous return of fire. A wounded police officer jumped off from the vehicle. It took ten minutes of an exchange of fire before the NPA squad succeeded in subduing the PNP unit before cautiously approaching the PNP mobile vehicle to seize two M16 rifles and two 9mm glock pistols. At 7:25 am, the NPA 14-man squad safely withdrew from the ambush site.

Shamefaced by the aftermath of the successful NPA ambush against its troops, the PNP hierarchy peddled the dubious line and outrageously melodramatic declaration that the PNP unit was a “non-tactical police team” overwhelmed by a superfluous NPA force which seized all six of its total firearms. It is a vain attempt to cover-up the fact that an armed PNP unit on offensive operation was effectively neutralized by a 14-man NPA unit. Seizing the initiative as a matter of principle of guerrilla warfare, the NPA unit was able to induce the enemy into a well-laid ambush and attack the enemy’s weak force by the NPA’s relative superior force. In subduing the PNP unit, the NPA aims to win a battle of quick decision by demobilizing its moving targets and wiping out the enemy swiftly.

In the wake of the Bansalan ambush, the Army’s 73rd IB, PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion, PNP Special Action Force and the 39th IB are now again scouring the countryside. Along with the PNP, these are the same forces that have no qualms whatsoever about their daily bloodbath, victimizing civilians and unarmed suspects alike, under the auspices of Oplan Tokhang and the GRP’s all-out war. The PNP troops in Bansalan are in the thick of the GRP’s counterinsurgency campaign, actively surveilling revolutionary organizations and personalities, harassing unarmed Lumad and peasants and contributing greatly in intelligence to target Red fighters and NPA units.

Mandated to defend the masses as its true army and in strict adherence to the tenets and protocols of war, the NPA will continue to exact revolutionary justice and wage tactical offensives anywhere and anytime in the countryside and areas under the People’s Democratic Government. Tempered in the long running guerrilla warfare in the country, the Red fighters will continue to deliver heavy blows against the enemy, seize arms to increase the number of its full-fighting units and advance the level of people’s war.

Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Mindanao
Regional Operations Command

https://www.ndfp.org/bansalan-npa-ambush-exposes-afp-pnp-duplicity-shows-justness-peoples-war/
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MILF: Editorial -- ‘Convergence’ has two sides

March 10, 2017, 5:33 pm
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Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 8): Editorial -- ‘Convergence’ has two sides

The use of the term “convergence” is more of a government preferred approach in handling the emerging two tracks pursued by the MNLF and MILF and government, respectively.Lately, the MNLF seems inclined to it, which drifts slightly away from the “harmonization” approach being pushed by the Organization of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It is not bad per se; it only requires more appreciation that convergence is more of a process; and this is mainly through the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and more importantly, through the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Surely, the MILF will not make a mountain out of this molehill’s issue. But for all serious and practical purposes, in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which the current Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has started to deliberate on since March 6, the main term of reference would be the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its Four Annexes and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters, and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).But in order to be more inclusive and acceptable to all, all legitimate interests of other stakeholders especially those contained in the GRP-MNLF Final Agreement of September 2, 1996 shall be form part of the new proposed BBL.

To be more circumspect, the MILF is more than willing and happy to accommodate the unimplemented provisions of this agreement that can enhance and improve the proposed BBL suitable and acceptable not just to the MILF and MNLF but more importantly to the Bangsamoro people. After all, the purpose of the GPH-MILF peace process was and still is to solve the Bangsamoro Question or problem.

We are sure that when government first used this term, as clearly illustrated in its proposed roadmap on peace and development, it bears all the marks of best intentions. And we have no single reason to doubt it, because we trust President Rodrigo Roa Duterte very much for so many reasons.

But good intention has to be nurtured with clear path, programs, and consistency. A book in the 70s written by an American author bears the title: “Beyond Good Intentions”. The president only directs and gives guidelines but much of the process is given to those who are implementing it. This, therefore, gives so much weight and prominence to the administration peace team headed by the energetic Secretary Jesus Dureza. In more restrictive sense, government nominees and now commissioners to the BTC should have a full grasp of the realities in crafting the new BBL. There is no room for a second thought to it.

But we are also sure that those chosen by government to the BTC are men and women of outstanding record and commitment to give justice to the age-old problem in Mindanao what President Duterte and earlier President Benigno Aquino III had described as “historical injustices” committed against the Bangsamoro people. We are confident that both the commissioners from the MILF and from government can blend together and work as a team, as what the previous BTC headed by Mohagher Iqbal had achieved. Never in their entire almost four years in office did they decide by division of the house; decisions were always done either by consensus or the commission gave him the authority to decide.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/editorial/24-january-8-15-2016/1103-convergence-has-two-sides
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