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MILF: UPI Mayor Piang and Chairman Iqbal of MILF PIP sign Peace Covenant

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Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 13): UPI Mayor Piang and Chairman Iqbal of MILF PIP sign Peace Covenant



Mayor Ramon A. Piang, Sr of Upi, Maguindanao and Chair Mohagher Iqbal of MILF Peace Implementing Panel led the covenant signing of Re - affirmation of Kinship and Promotion of Traditional Peace Pact held during the Forum on IP's Rights / Concerns in the Context of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on September 11, 2017 at the Municipal Gymnasium, Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao.
The forum was organized by the Confederated Descendants of Rajah Mamalu , Inc. ( C - DORM ) and Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization , Inc. ( FBCSO ) in coordination with LGU - UPI and Center for Human Dialogue-European Union (CHD-EU).

The indigenous peoples of the Bangsamoro core area are divided in the assertion of their rights contained in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with the Islamized IP's supports in toto the provisions of the BBL, while some non - Islamized IP's are apprehensive in supporting the same unless the whole provisions of IPRA LAW is incorporated into the new BBL.

But the BTC under the Chairmanship of Ghazali Jaafar remains firm in their argument that the issue had already been settled during the crafting of the new BBL and approved en banc by members of the Commission including the 2 IP Commissioners representing the GPH and MILF.

In their covenant, the Descendants of Rajah Tabunaway and Rajah Mamalu pledged their support and commitment for the co - existence and harmonious relationship of MORO - IP regardless of political, cultural belief and faith.

They said that the separation of the brothers Rajah Tabunaway and Rajah Mamalu Descendants was mere political and geographical which does not affect blood relationship as brothers instead it defines the socio - economic relationship which was embodied in their oral argument known as " SAFA ", taking into consideration the passage of times and events and its consequences and the recent mutual efforts undertaken by their descendants for the restoration of brotherhood.

The Descendants also manifested their full and unconditional support to the provision of the Bangsamoro Basic Law especially on the IP provisions.

They called on the House of Representatives for the immediate passage of the new BBL drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission as one way to address and to correct the historical injustices committed against the Moro People, including the IP’s..

Mayor Ramon A. Piang Sr, an ethnic Te'duray and Chair Mohagher Iqbal , an ethnic Maguindanaoan are optimistic that the covenant reflects the aspirations of MORO - IP in the Bangsamoro Homeland.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/997/upi_mayor_piang_and_chairman_iqbal_of_milf_pip_sign_peace_covenant_

MILF: MILF helps Marawi residents through humanitarian intervention

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Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 13): MILF helps Marawi residents through humanitarian intervention



The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is committed in continuing its humanitarian efforts to provide assistance for residents displaced by the fighting in Marawi City.

MILF implementing peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal disclosed that the support of the MILF is focused on humanitarian intervention through the established peace corridor and relief operations.

“When the fighting in Marawi City erupted, many groups in Mindanao including the MILF were really worried about its impacts. The initial decision of the MILF was to coordinate with the government of the Philippines to consult on what we can contribute,” Iqbal said.

The MILF leadership immediately convened a meeting to discuss the possible assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), trapped civilians and hostages of the Maute group.

In the meeting, the MILF agreed to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte and military generals in Davao City last May 29, Iqbal said.

“The MILF presented a proposal on humanitarian intervention during the meeting which government had “graciously welcomed,” Iqbal said.

“We agreed that the most logical response from the MILF was through humanitarian intervention and this led to the creation of the peace corridor. The principal objective of the peace corridor is to help rescue civilians trapped in Marawi City,” Iqbal said.

This cooperation between the MILF and the government helped create safe passages from Marawi to Iligan City and Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

The corridor was also utilized to safely deliver relief services for the displaced residents.

The MILF effectively pooled volunteers and tapped the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostiles (MILF-CCCH) to create the peace corridor.

Iqbal said that the United Bangsamoro Humanitarian Assistance (UBHA), chaired by the Bangsamoro Development Agency, was also created which is continuously collecting and delivering at least P2-million worth of food and non-food items to Marawi City, Iligan City and other parts of Lanao.

The peace corridor is still active and MILF volunteers are presently providing aid in the area, Iqbal added.

He disclosed that the MILF is now eyeing to extend and expand its assistance including the rehabilitation of Marawi.

“We are looking at a role that the MILF can play, a modest role. The MILF is a modest organization so we can only share something based on our capability,” Iqbal explained.

But Iqbal commented that the government has the bigger responsibility in helping and rebuilding the City of Marawi.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/998/milf-helps-marawi-residents-through-humanitarian-intervention

MILF: Injustice to Moro people lures young Muslims to violent extremism

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Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 13): Injustice to Moro people lures young Muslims to violent extremism



Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the standing injustices committed globally and domestically against the Moro people are luring the young Muslims to embrace violent extremism, a report posted online by DavaoToday said.
“There is a continuing risk of youths being enticed by violent and extremist ideologies and join local ISIS-inspired groups as a result of existing global and domestic injustices,” Iqbal, Chairperson of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel in a statement on Sunday, September 10.

The lack of political settlement to address the clamor of the Moro people for autonomy is one reason which the MILF sees as fuel for discontent among young Muslims, the report added.

“The passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the implementation of the signed peace agreements are examples of concrete steps that can provide long-term solutions against violent extremism,” Iqbal further said.

The BBL was not included among the list of priority bills agreed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), although the government assured that the BBL is still a priority of the government.

In the same statement, Iqbal stressed that violent extremism is unaccepted in Islam. But he clarified that an armed approach is not the only solution to address the problem.

The deaths of several MILF’s emissaries sent by the MILF for a peace negotiation” in Barangay Pusaw, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao for peace negotiation with Abu Toraife’s Jamaatul Mujahiren Wal-Ansar on August 2 prompted the MILF to defend its communities against violent extremism, Iqbal said.

The Task Force ittihad composed of several hundreds of MILF Fighters are pursuing members of Abu Toraife’s terror group in Datu salibo town in Maguindanao.

In one encounter, Hamid allegedly a son of Abu Toraife was killed in a clash with MILF fighters.



http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/995/injustice-to-moro-people-lures-young-muslims-to-violent-extremism

CPP Information Bureau: Duterte nationwide martial law plot is afoot

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CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 14): Duterte nationwide martial law plot is afoot

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

14 September 2017

Rodrigo Duterte’s plot to declare nationwide martial law is underway. He is increasingly desperate amid broad rising calls for his ouster. He seeks to prop himself up as a fascist dictator in his despair to cling to power.

Duterte deserves the strongest condemnation for threatening to make full use of the military and police to carry out armed repression against mass demonstrations by conjuring a scenario of “rebels taking to the streets” and “fighting on the streets.”

Having imposed martial law in Mindanao, Duterte believes he can get away with nationwide martial law. The Filipino people are determined to prove him wrong. Under the slogan “Never again to martial law!”, various forces are bound to rapidly come together against the Duterte regime as it carries out increasingly tyrannical measures.

Duterte has been carrying out brazen steps to establish a fascist dictatorship by silencing the political opposition, striking terror among through mass murder , suppressing their resistance and monopolizing political power.

Duterte and his shameless cohorts of congressional supermajority allies have railroaded the National ID system. They have cancelled the scheduled barangay elections and seek to grant Duterte the power to supplant tens of thousands of village officials with his loyalists. They acted swiftly to impeach the chief justice as an overt threat to make the Supreme Court and judiciary bow to Malacañang’s whims.

Duterte wants quick approval of his P3.7 trillion 2018 budget which ensures funding for his triple wars of death and destruction. It is, by far, the biggest corruption budget. It will fund his bureaucrat capitalist rule. Hundreds of billions will go to infrastructure projects to bribe or reward his allies and secure their loyalty. Duterte is also set to receive P3 billion in discretionary “intelligence funds”, a 500% increase over the previous regime. Funds for his anti-drug campaign of mass murder is set to increase by 4000%.

Duterte is presently carrying out a mind-conditioning campaign to justify his plan to impose martial law. Through mostly foul means, he has silenced critical opinion in mass media. He employs his horde of paid trolls to flood social media with Duterte adulation and to villify the Left and political opposition. He uses government money to build his Kilusang Pagbabago propaganda machinery and Masa Masid (now renamed Community Mobilization Project, comparable to the Alsa Masa movement in Davao City) spy network. The police and military control the flow of information. In the guise of stopping “fake news,” the regime is set to clamp down on media freedom and the right to free expression.

Even as Duterte is laying the foundations and machinery to establish himself as a fascist dictator, he continues to style himself as a “Lefist” or “socialist” in order to deceive the people and their revolutionary forces. He has also been resorting to more and more ridiculous claims such as the existence of a “Duterte faction” among the revolutionary forces in Mindanao. Having failed to inveigle the NDFP to capitulate in the peace negotiations, he is offering so-called local peace talks in the vain attempt to entice revolutionary forces with deceptive offers. As he grows more desperate, he will likely make more promises or token accomodations in the hope of derailing the intensification of the people’s war and the growth of the people’s protest movement.

In the face of Duterte’s tyranny and plans to establish a fascist dictatorship, an anti-Duterte united front has emerged. Within this united front are the national democratic mass organizations and alliances which serve as the most organized and determined core. Various political forces, social institutions, mass organizations and interest groups are gravitating towards one another in the fight against Duterte’s repression, crime, corruption and sell-out to the US imperialists and other foreign powers. Duterte is set to use blackmail and bloody intrigue to divide the ranks of the anti-Duterte united front and prevent his complete isolation.

The protest movement is bound to rise against the US-Duterte regime’s corruption, crime and tyrannical rule and the worsening socio-economic conditions under the semicolonial and semifeudal system. The broad masses of workers and peasants, the youth, the urban poor, the unemployed, the Moro people, the minority people are the most determined to struggle against Dutere, because they are the ones who have suffered the most under his neoliberal and repressive policies.

Duterte and his security officials are determined to suppress the protest actions and prevent these from swelling into large demonstrations. In the face of his desperation, it is not remote that Duterte and his dirty tricks department will resort to creating bloody trouble in the streets to serve as pretext for the declaration of martial law.

The people must counter the threats and intimidation of the Duterte regime with unity, courage and determination. In the event that Duterte proceeds with the nationwide imposition of martial law, the people must assert their democratic rights and generate nationwide resistance and international condemnation. In intensifying political repression, Duterte will succeed only in inciting the people to wage more widespread resistance.

The Filipino people will always have the New People’s Army to defend their rights and interests. All units of the NPA must prepare to accomodate a large influx of new recruits as Duterte threatens to arrest or subject social activists and his political rivals to summary killings.

In the face of Duterte’s martial law machinations, the NPA is ever determined to mount more and more tactical offensives nationwide in order to weaken and derail his plans to establish himself as a fascist dictator and make big strides in advancing the people’s war.

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Itakwil ang Paglapastangan sa Karapatang-tao ng Rehimeng US-Duterte at kanyang mga alipures sa kongreso!

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NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 14): Itakwil ang Paglapastangan sa Karapatang-tao ng Rehimeng US-Duterte at kanyang mga alipures sa kongreso!

Labanan ang kontra-mamamayang gera!

Maria Roja Banua, Spokesperson
NDFP Bicol Region (Region V)

14 September 2017

Sukdulan na. Sukdulan na ang pambubusabos sa karapatang tao ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Nagngangalit ang taumbayan sa labis-labis, walang pakundangan at hindi makatwirang karahasang namamayagpag sa ilalim ng sabwatang US-Duterte at lokal na naghaharing-uri. Kaisa ng masang Bikolnon ang NDF-Bikol sa pagkundena at paniningil sa lantarang paglapastangan ng estado sa buhay ng mamamayan.

Nang maupo sa pwesto si Duterte, nangako siya ng pagbabago. Makalipas ang higit isang taon, tuluyan nang humupa ang kanyang maka-masang larawan at lumitaw ang pagiging dakilang tuta ng imperyalistang US. Walang ibang pagbabagong naramdaman ang mamamayan kundi ang panibago at mas masidhing banta para sa kanilang buhay. Nagmistulang isang malaking sementeryo ang buong bansa. Libu-libong labi ang bumubulagta gabi-gabi sa kamay ng kapulisan. Daan-libong katawan ang nagsisiksikan sa mga evacuation centers habang binobomba ng kasundaluhan ang kanilang mga komunidad. Bawat araw, pumuputok sa balita ang mga bagong kaso ng pagpaslang samantala nag-iipon ng mga duguang medalya at parangal ang kriminal na AFP-PNP-CAFGU. Milyun-milyong buhay ang nalalagas sa harap ng tripleng gera ng rehimen samantala patuloy ang pagpapasasa ng naghaharing-uri at imperyalistang kapangyarihan sa yaman ng bansa.

Sa rehiyon, nagluluksa pa lamang ang taumbayan sa harap ng sunud-sunod na pagpatay ay may panibago na namang krimen laban sa mamamayan ang kasundaluhan at kapulisan. Pinaslang si Kgwd. Salvador Atienza ng mga elemento ng 9th IDPA at kapulisan habang nagmamaneho ng kanyang tricycle nitong Setyembre 12 sa Casiguran, Sorsogon. Kasama niya ang kanyang dalawang menor de edad na anak nang siya ay pagbabarilin. Bago ang insidente ng pamamaslang, nauna nang binantaan ng mga elemento ng 31st IBPA si Atienza at iba pang mga lokal na upisyales ng bayan ng Casiguran. Sa naturang pulong, binanggit ng mga militar na mayroon silang dalawang kagawad na target isunod kay Kap. Oscar Jetomo, pinaslang na kapitan ng Brgy. Marinas, Gubat.

Samantala, pinaulanan ng bala ng apat na kalalakihang nakasakay sa motor ang habal-habal driver na si Alvin Oplida, residente ng Brgy. Maalo, Juban kahapon habang naghihintay ng pasahero. Si Oplida ay matagal nang pinag-iinitan ng mga sundalo at pinararatangang tagasuporta ng NPA. Sa loob lamang ng kalahating taon, umabot na sa 18 sibilyan ang pinatay ng berdugong AFP-PNP-CAFGU.

Ang mas masahol pa, itinatambal ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa kanyang kontra-mamamayang gera ang pagpilay sa mga institusyon ng gubyernong ang mandato ay itaguyod at ipagtanggol ang karapatang-tao. Kahapon, naipasa sa kongreso ang panukalang maglaan lamang ng P1000 para sa Commission on Human Rights. Tuwang-tuwa sa kanilang mga sarili ang 119 taksil na mambabatas na bumoto pabor sa naturang panukala. Muli na naman nilang napatunayan kung gaano kadaling imaniobra pabor sa kanilang mga pansariling interes ang prosesong lehislatibo ng bansa. Ang kahiya-hiya, may lakas-loob pang humarap ang mga ito sa madla at sabihing sapat lamang ang pondo para tustusan ang ahensyang walang ibang ginawa kundi bantayan ang bawat kibot ng gubyerno.

Sa totoo, ang paglalaan ng P1000 para sa CHR ay hindi lamang usapin ng pang-iinsulto sa naturang institusyon. Higit sa lahat, ito ay pang-iinsulto sa buhay at karapatan ng masang Pilipino. Isinasalarawan nito ang pagsasabwatan at pamamayagpag sa gubyerno ng mga naghaharing-uring walang paggalang sa buhay ng mamamayan. Pinapatunayan lamang nito na sa mata ng mga naggigiting-gitingang mambabatas at upisyales, wala pa sa isang sentimo ang katumbas ng isang buhay. Ilinantad lamang nito ang sukdulang kabulukan ng isang estadong handang pagtaksilan ang taumbayan kapalit ng pangako ng kapangyarihan.

Ano ang aasahan ng masa sa isang papet na gubyernong walang ni katiting na pagkilala sa karapatang-tao at sunud-sunuran lamang sa madugong disenyo ng kanyang among US? Anong pagbabago ang dadalhin ng isang estadong pinuprotektahan at buong lugod na sinusuportahan ang paglapastangan ng kanyang armadong pwersa sa karapatan ng mamamayan? Anong pagbabago ang maipagmamayabang ng isang rehimeng sistematikong tinatanggal ang lahat ng makinaryang sisiguro ng kanyang pananagutan sa mamamayan para tuluyang maging walang sagka ang kanyang opensiba laban sa taumbayan?

Nagkakamali ang reaksyunaryong estado kung iniisip nitong mapaluluhod nito ang sambayanan sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pasismo. Ilang ulit nang nasaksihan ng kasaysayan ang kakayahan ng nagkakaisang mamamayang singilin at pananagutin ang lahat ng kriminal na may utang na dugo. Hindi mangingimi ang malawak na masang Pilipinong muli itong patunayan. Sa panahong tuluyan at lantaran nang binubusabos ang karapatan ng mamamayan, walang ibang masusulingan ang taumbayan kundi ang sarili nitong lakas.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa malawak na hanay ng mamamayan, sa mga kagawad ng midya, sa mga taong-simbahan at sa mga tunay na tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-tao na ibayong magbigkis sa harap ng nag-uulol na karahasan ng estado. Ngayon higit kailanman ang panahong marapat magkaisa at lumaban ang lahat ng uring inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan. Walang ibang magtatanggol sa karapatan at buhay kundi ang sambayanan. Dapat panagutin si Duterte at ang lahat ng kanyang alipures sa kanilang pagtataksil sa mamamayan at patuloy na pangangayupapa sa imperyalistang disenyo ng panunupil at pandarahas. Hanggat nananatili ang bulok na kaayusan, ibayong paiigtingin ng masang inaalipin ang pagsusulong ng makatwirang digma ng mamamayan. Batid ng taumbayan na ang tunay na pagbabago ay wala sa kamay ng mga pasista at papet na naghaharing-uri. Ang pangmatagalang pagbabagong inaasam ng sambayanan ay nakasalalay sa pagtatagumpay ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Brgy. Kgwd. Atienza ng Brgy. Trece Martirez, Casiguran, Panibagong Biktima ng Pamamaslang ng mga Tropang Militar

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NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 13): Brgy. Kgwd. Atienza ng Brgy. Trece Martirez, Casiguran, Panibagong Biktima ng Pamamaslang ng mga Tropang Militar

Ka Samuel Guerrero, Spokesperson
NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)

13 September 2017

ariing kinokondena ng CMC ang lumalalang kaso ng ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang ng pasistang militar sa probinsya ng Sorsogon.

Noong Setyembre 12, 2017, binaril-patay si Brgy. Kgwd. Salvador “Buddy” Atienza ng Brgy. Trece Martirez, Casiguran, Sorsogon. Nagmamaneho ng kanyang traysikel ang biktima mula sa Sityo Cagdagat, Brgy. Boton ng parehong bayan nang sundan ang kanyang sasakyan ng dalawang (2) motorsiklo na may apat na kalalakihang sakay. Tinapatan ng mga salarin ang kanyang traysikel at saka siya pinagbabaril ng kalibre 45 pistola. Namatay si Kgwd. Atienza sa ospital.

Tanging mga militar ang may malinaw na motibo para paslangin si Kgwd Atienza dahil pinaghinalaan nila itong kasapi ng rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa at tagasuporta ng NPA. Noong Agosto 20, 2017, sa isang pagpupulong sa sentrong bayan ng Casiguran kung saan ipinatawag ng mga opisyal ng 31st IBPA ang mga kapitan ng ilang baranggay sa parehong bayan, tinukoy ng tropang kaaway ang ilang sibilyang residente ng Casiguran na pinagsususpetsahan nilang kasapi diumano ng rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa at tagasuporta ng NPA. Inobliga nila ang mga Brgy Captain na kailangang sabihan ang mga sibilyang pinag-iinitan nila na mag “lie-low” at nagbanta pa na kung hindi susunod ay matutulad sila sa nangyari kay Brgy. Kapitan Oscar Jetomo, ang pinaslang na Brgy. Captain ng Brgy. Marinas, Gubat. Sa pagkakataong iyon, indirektang ipinagmayabang pa ng mga buhong na tropang 31st IBPA na sila nga ang pumaslang kay Kap. Jetomo.

Sa Brgy. Trece Martirez, binanggit ng mga militar na dalawang baranggay kagawad diumano ang kanilang target. Bago ang pamamaslang na ito, noong unang linggo ng Agosto, nagparehistro ng blotter sa baranggay at sa PNP-Casiguran si Kgwd. Atienza nang batuhin ang kanyang traysikel at mabasag ang salamin nito ng dalawang di-kilalang kalalakihan na naghanap sa kanya at ilang minutong umabang sa labas ng kanyang bahay. Sa panahong iyon, isa ang Brgy. Trece Martirez sa binabalik-balikan ng operasyong kombat ng tropang 31st IBPA.

Malinaw na mga militar ang ekstra-hudisyal na pumaslang kay Kgwd Atienza. Samantala, bistado ang pagtatakip sa kabaro niya at kasinungalingan ni PSSupt.Tejada, Police Prov. Director ng Sorsogon, sa biglaan at malisyosong pagbibintang niya sa NPA ng nasabing pamamaslang. Katawa-tawa siya nang wala namang maisagot ukol sa batayan ng ganitong suspetsa ng kapulisan bilang anggulo sa pamamaslang, pagkatapos niyang sabihin na iimbestigahan pa lamang nila ang kaso.

Kondenahin ang lumalalang kaso ng abusong militar laban sa mamamayang sibilyan!

CPP/NPA-Batangas: Ramon Ang at mga Militar: Duguan ang Kamay sa Magkakasunod na Pamamaslang sa mga Mamamayan ng Baha at Talibayog!

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NPA-Batangas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 11): Ramon Ang at mga Militar: Duguan ang Kamay sa Magkakasunod na Pamamaslang sa mga Mamamayan ng Baha at Talibayog!

Proyektong Mina ng Asturias, Kontra-Magsasaka, Salot sa mamamayan at Mapanira sa Kalikasan!

Apolinario Matienza, Spokesperson
NPA-Batangas (Eduardo Dagli Command)
11 September 2017

Mariing kinokondena ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (New Peoples Army / NPA) ang magkakasunod na pamamaslang sa mamamayan ng Baha at Talibayog! Wala ng Katahimikan ang mamamayan sa barangay ng Baha at Talibayog, simula nang kamkamin ng Asturias na pagmamay-ari ng Burgesya Kumprador na si Ramon Ang ang humigit kumulang 808 ektaryang lupain dito upang bigyang daan ang proyektong mina.

Sasaklawin ng Asturias mining maging ang mga lupain ng magsasaka at winawalang-saysay ang mga Emancipation Patent na naipamahagi sa kanila sa ilalim ng mga bogus na programa sa lupa ng gubyerno. Sa proyektong ito 107 magsasaka ang mawawalan ng lupa at panirahan sa Baha at Talibayog. Apektado rin ng proyekto ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa 2000 ektaryang kalupaan sa baybay dagat na saklaw na ng public domain. Hahagipin nito maging ang mga karatig barangay ng Hukay, Carlosa, Paraiso, Biga, Luya at Encarnacion. Mawawasak ang kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda bunsod ng masasamang epekto na maaaring idulot ng proyektong mina sa kalikasan at karagatan. Kapag minina ang bundok ng Baha, mawawalan ng kober sa malakas na bagyo ang mga mangingisda sa pagdaong nila sa tabing dagat. Magdudulot ng panganib sa mga residente ang posibleng pagguho ng lupa at bato mula sa pinatag na bundok. Magdudulot din ng pagbabago sa klima ang pagkawala ng puno kaya’t sadyang masisira ang natural na balanse ng kalikasan kapalit ng limpak limpak na tubo para kay Ramon Ang at kasosyo niyang si Danding Cojuangco ng San Miguel Corporation.

Ang mga sementong lilikhain mula dito ang siyang isu-suplay sa mga proyektong imprastraktura na kontrata ni Ramon Ang at sa mga pabrika na itatayo pa ng San Miguel Corporation. Daang milyon ang kikitain mula rito ng Asturias kaya’t gayon na lamang ang pagpupursige nitong matuloy ang proyekto sukdulang patahimikin nito ang mga lumalabang mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng maruruming taktika ng panunuhol, panlilinlang at pamamaslang sa mga lider-masa gamit ang mga bayarang sekyuriti at puwersang militar ng 730th CG PAF at 202nd IB PA.

Itinutulak ng ganitong kalagayan ang mga mamamayan na ipaglaban ang kanilang likas na karapatan; subalit pasismo, pandarahas o panunupil ang tanging tugon ng estadong walang pagkalinga sa interes ng kanyang mamamayan. Upang supilin ang lehitimong pagtatanggol ng mga apektadong residente sa kanilang karapatan, itinayo sa loob mismo ng komunidad, malapit sa bahayan ang kampo ng magkasanib na puwersa ng Philippine Air Force (PAF) AT Philippine Army (PA) bukod pa ang mga sekyuriti mismo ng Asturias. Aktibong nagtutuwangan ang mga ito upang i-psywar at manmanan ang mga lehitimong aktibidad ng mga tao kaugnay sa pagharap sa usapin sa lupa.

Walang makabuluhang hakbang ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Calatagan laban sa iligal na pagtatayo ng mga sundalo ng kampo sa mga bahayan kung saan ginagawa nilang human shield ang mga mamamayan rito habang patuloy na kanyang pandarahas laban sa nakikibakang magsasaka at mangingisda ang burgesya kumprador na si Ramon Ang.

Ipinapakita lamang ng ganitong kalagayan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda ng Baha Talibayog na ang presensya ng mga kasundaluhan ng estado sa ilalim ng PAF at PA ay sadyang walang idudulot na pakinabang bagkus nakatuon lamang sa layuning ipagtanggol ang interes ng naghaharing uri. Ang mga kasundaluhan ng PAF at Army ang ipinantatapat ni Ramong Ang sa bawat lehitimong pagkilos at paglaban ng mamamayan; at sa bawat pagsigaw para sa lupa, bala ang tanging itinutugon dito. Sa bawat paglakas ng pagkakaisa ng mamamayan, pagpaslang sa mga lider ang ganting aksyon ng estado sa pag-aakalang mapaparalisa ang kanilang pagkilos, tulad ng magkasunod na patayan na naganap sa dalawang barangay na ito.

Hunyo 3, 2017 nang paslangin ng mga elemento ng militar si Lito Casalla, aktibong lider ng samahan ng Baha Talibayog. Nagta-trabaho ito sa Bureau of Customs at kasalukuyang pauwi na sa kanyang tirahan sa Balayan nang ito ay tambangan at pagbabarilin hanggang mapatay ng mga armadong kalalakihan lulan ng isang itim na Toyota Vios. Matapos ang pangyayari, dumiretso sa planta ng NPC (National Power Corporation) sa bayan ng Calaca ang mga salarin, kung saan nandito ang kampo ng 731st Combat Group PAF, at 202nd IBPA.

Sa kabila ng lantarang pagkakapaslang na ito ay nananatiling walang hustisya dito. Hindi pa man nalulutas ang naging pagpaslang kay Casalla ay nasundan na ulit ito ng isa pang kaso ng pamamaslang sa lider-magsasaka na si Ignacio delos Reyes nito lamang buwan ng Setyembre.

Kapwa kilala ang dalawang lider na ito sa kanilang paninindigan at pagtindig laban sa nakaambang mina ng semento ng Asturias sa bayan ng Calatagan. Upang pagtakpan ang kanilang duguang kamay sa naganap na pamamaslang sa mga lider-masa ng Baha Talibayog, gumawa ng palabas ang sabwatang militar at Ramon Ang kung saan pinapalabas ng mga ito na ang naganap namang pagpaslang sa kilalang ahente ng Asturias na si Mario Alcaraz ay gawa diumano ng New People’s Army (NPA) bilang ganting aksyon sa pagka-paslang kina Casalla at delos Reyes. Bahagi ito ng maruming taktika ng estado upang pag-away awayin ang mamamayan, at magbunsod ng maraming patayan sa pagitan ng mga hindi pa naliliwanagang mamamayan na nagpapagamit sa Asturias at ng mas malawak na hanay ng mga magsasaka at mangingisdang nakikibaka para sa lupa. Nililikha ng sabwatang militar at Ramon Ang ang kondisyon ng kaguluhan at patayan upang itulak ang mga mamamayan na boluntaryo nang lisanin ang lugar at sa gayon ay madali na nilang maisasakatuparan ang proyektong mina.

Pinasusubalian ng Eduardo Dagli Command ng BHB-Batangas ang bintang ng estado na ang pagkamatay ni Mario Alcaraz ay pamamarusa sa kanyang pakikipagtulungan sa Asturias. Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan ay nagagabayan ng mga patakaran nito hinggil sa pamamarusa at paggagawad ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya at hindi sapat ang simpleng pagpapagamit nito sa Asturias upang magawaran ito ng parusang kamatayan ng BHB.

Mariing kinokundena ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang pagpaslang sa mga lider at mamamayan sa barangay ng Baha at Talibayog. Si Ramon Ang at ang kanyang proyektong mina na piniprutektahan ng estado at mga militar ang puno’t dulo ng kaguluhan sa barangay na ito. Duguan ang kanilang mga kamay sa mga kaso ng magkakasunod na pamamaslang at sa sistematikong pakana ng paglikha ng teror sa mga komunidad na apektado ng proyektong mina.

Nananawagan ang BHB sa lahat ng mamamayan sa lalawigan na aktibong Tutulan ang Anti- mamamayan at mapangwasak na Proyektong Mina ng Asturias! Papanagutin si Ramon Ang at ang mga Berdugong Militar sa mga Krimen nito sa Mamamayan ng Baha Talibayog!

Sadyang walang maasahang katahimikan at hustisya ang mamamayan sa kasalukuyang rehimeng US-Duterte na pangunahing tagapag-taguyod ng mga neoliberal na patakaran at nagkakandili sa makauring interes ng malalaking burgesya kumprador tulad nina Ramon Ang at Danding Cojuangco. Makakamit lamang ng mamamayan ang tunay na kapayapaan kung matatamasa nito ang batayang karapatan sa lipunan. Subalit, magaganap lamang ito sa pagtatagumpay ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa panahong maitayo na ng rebolusyonaryong lakas ng inaaping sambayanan ang Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan na siyang magtitiyak ng pananaig ng interes at kagalingan ng sambayanan.

MAMAMAYAN NG BATANGAS: PAPAG-ALABIN ANG MAPANLABANG DIWA AT ISALIG SA LAKAS NG NAKIKIBAKANG SAMBAYANAN!

HUMAWAK NG ARMAS, SUMAPI SA BAGONG HUKBONG BAYAN!

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: Advance the National Democratic Revolution in the Region

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NDF-Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 11): Advance the National Democratic Revolution in the Region

Defeat the Tyranny and Facism of the US-Duterte Regime


NPA releases cop held captive for 3 months

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From Rappler (Sep 15): NPA releases cop held captive for 3 months

The family of Senior Police Officer 2 George Canete Rupinta wants him to consider early retirement after his ordeal

TEARFUL REUNION. SPO2 George Canete Rupinta is reunited with his family on September 15, 2017. Photo by Mick Basa/Rappler

TEARFUL REUNION. SPO2 George Canete Rupinta is reunited with his family on September 15, 2017. Photo by Mick Basa/Rappler

The New People’s Army in Mindanao on Friday, September 15, released a policeman held captive for 3 months.

The NPA released Senior Police Officer 2 George Canete Rupinta to local officials in Maco, Compostela Valley.

Rupinta was finally reunited with his wife, a public school teacher, and only son after he was taken by the NPA's Pulang Bagani Company and the Guerilla Front 18 took Rupinta on June 9 in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

He was placed under investigation “for the anti-people activities of his police unit in Lupon," according to communist rebels.

His family had worried about his health since his abduction, as the 52-year-old Rupinta was taking maintenance medicine. He had an enlarged heart and arthritis.

Rupinta's family wants him to consider early retirement, after serving the police force for 28 years.

Rupinta will undergo government debriefing before he rejoins his family in Davao Oriental.

In July, the NPA released a video that showed Rupinta appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to resume peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The NPA in Mindanao released the cop a day after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) vowed to increased NPA attacks to "derail" Duterte's bid to become a "fascist dictator."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182242-new-peoples-army-release-cop-davao

Maute ratholes, trenches revealed as troops gain ground in Marawi

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From Rappler (Sep 14): Maute ratholes, trenches revealed as troops gain ground in Marawi

In one area, ratholes that can fit 5 people cut through adjacent buildings, says the military



A network of ratholes and trenches that Maute fighters dug in the battle area emerged as troops pushed back the local terrorist groups linked with Islamic State (ISIS) and occupied their former strongholds.

The military allowed reporters to the heart of the battle area on Wednesday, September 13, to see how the war was fought on the ground. It was the 4th month of the war.

In one area, ratholes that can fit 5 people cut through adjacent buildings.

The military presented drone footage of an assault showing how the enemies ran through a network of these holes to escape military bombardment including air strikes.

Trenches were also discovered behind walls with sniper holes, a deceptive tactic that the military said explained why troops sometimes found it hard to see where bullets were coming from.

Lieutenant Colonel Mon Almodovar, commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said the enemies they were fighting were very “dynamic” on the battle field.

“Pinag-aaralan din natin ang kalaban. Ang kalaban kasi very dynamic din sila. Noong una hindi sila naghuhukay. Eventually, habang tumatagal, naghuhukay na sila. Nagta-tunnel na sila. Kumbaga, we have to adopt din sa kanila based doon sa tactics ng kalaban,” Almodovar said.

(We are also studying the enemies. The enemies are very dynamic. They weren’t digging in the beginning. Eventually, as the fighting draffed, they started digging. They created tunnels. We also have to adopt to them based on their moves.)
The military was confronting the combined forces of the Maute Group based in Lanao Del Sur and the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf faction of Isnilon Hapilon, the so-called emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia.

The military believes that the Maute recruits were trained by foreign fighters who reportedly joined the war in Marawi.

The groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS attacked Marawi on May 23 after a botched raid aimed at getting Hapilon, who was spotted in the city.

The military said that bungled raid pre-empted the plan of the enemies of attacking on the first day of Ramadan on May 26.

Nearly 4 months into the war, the military said it was now on its “final push” against the battle area.

Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, commander of Joint Task Force Marawi, said they have restricted the maneuver space of the enemies.

“We concentrate whatever personnel, whatever capability we have at talagang tapusin namin sa isang area at i-push namin sila kung saan namin sila gusto ma-contain (We will really finish this in one area and we will push them to where we want them to be contained),” Bautista said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182155-maute-ratholes-trenches-marawi-battle-area

Trillanes recruiting coup members? It's just 'fake news'– Lorenzana

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From Rappler (Sep 14): Trillanes recruiting coup members? It's just 'fake news'– Lorenzana

'We have not received any such report. Lumalabas lang sa social media so ang tingin ko lang fake news yan,' says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

FAKE NEWS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismisses as 'fake news' the supposed brewing destabilization inside the military.

FAKE NEWS. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismisses as 'fake news' the supposed brewing destabilization inside the military.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana dismissed as “fake news” the alleged brewing destabilization plots inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, supposedly fueled by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

“Kung meron talaga, mararamdaman talaga ng Defense or Armed Forces, talagang may magrereport sa amin. We have not received any such report. Lumalabas lang sa social media so ang tingin ko lang fake news yan,” Lorenzana told reporters on Thursday, September 14, during the Senate hearing on the proposed 2018 budget of the Department of Defense. (If there really is something, the Defense and Armed Forces will surely feel it, somebody will report it to us. We have not received any such report. It just appears on social media so I think, that's fake news.)

Lorenzana said there might be “one or two persons” trying to sow discord for spreading the wrong information.

During the hearing, Trillanes sought to clear his name amid reports he is recruiting members of Philippine Military Academy class 2006 to join the coup attempt.

Trillanes asked AFP chief Eduardo Año if they have intelligence reports that a politician is actively recruiting for a coup.

The senator said a certain “General Kakilala” is allegedly spreading the information among the military. He was referring to retired Brigader General Joselito Kakilala.

In response, Año said they have not received validated reports that any personality is involved in destabilization plots.

“With regard those information, they have to be validated. So far we have not validated and we have not seen any cause for dissatisfaction. So far we have not monitored any destabilization of any politician or personality,” Año said.

Lorenzana, for his part, said he knows Kakilala but said he has no further information on the issue.

“Hindi pa kami nag-uusap nyan. Ngayon ko nga lang nalaman na meron syang pinalalabas eh. Before this hindi ko alam na meron syang pinalalabas,” he said. (We haven't talked yet. I just found out about it now. Before this, I didn't know he's releasing something like that.)

On the coup issue, the DND chief said: “Very remote. Kasi mararamdaman natin yan kung meron (Because we will feel it if there's something).”

The military earlier denied there are destabilization plots against President Rodrigo Duterte, contrary to the information being spread online by pro-administation groups and personalities. – Rappler.com


Inside Track is Rappler's intelligencer on people, events, places and everything of public interest. It's a take-off from Newsbreak's Inside Track section. Contributions are most welcome. Just send bits of information to investigative@rappler.com.


https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/182151-afp-coup-fake-news-lorenzana-general-kakilala

Conclusions on children and armed conflict in the Philippines (S/AC.51/2017/4)

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Posted to the Relief Web (Sep 11): Conclusions on children and armed conflict in the Philippines (S/AC.51/2017/4)

Published on11 Sep 2017View Original
 

Conclusions on children and armed conflict in the Philippines

At its 65th meeting, on 2 June 2017, the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict examined the fourth report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in the Philippines (S/2017/294), covering the period from 1 December 2012 to 31 December 2016, which was introduced by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. The Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations also addressed the Working Group.

The members of the Working Group welcomed the report of the SecretaryGeneral, submitted in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009), 1998 (2011), 2068 (2012), 2143 (2014) and 2225 (2015), and took note of the analysis and recommendations contained therein.

The members of the Working Group welcomed the steps taken by the Government to better protect children in armed conflict, including through the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Children in Armed Conflict and the monitoring, reporting and response system on children affected by armed conflict. They encouraged the Government to actively use those mechanisms to provide appropriate assistance and responses for all children affected by armed conflict and to ensure independent, prompt and thorough investigations into alleged violations against children so that perpetrators are held to account. The members acknowledged the important role of the Government of the Philippines in facilitating the implementation of the United Nations-Moro Islamic Liberation Front action plan and encouraged the Government to continue supporting engagement with other armed groups in view of ending and preventing violations and abuses against children. The members welcomed the continued engagement of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children and commended the strong commitment of its leadership and regional commanders, which has led to significant progress towards the full implementation of the action plan. The members of the Working Group condemned all violations and abuses committed against children in the context of armed conflict in the Philippines, expressing particular concern regarding continued incidents involving recruitment and use, killing and maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals and called upon all parties to the armed conflict to respect their national and international legal obligations and put in place measures to end and prevent further violations.

Further to the meeting, and subject to and consistent with applicable international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009), 1998 (2011), 2068 (2012), 2143 (2014) and 2225 (2015), the Working Group agreed to the direct action set out below.
 

Duterte presents BBL ‘game plan’ to MILF

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From ABS-CBN (Sep 14): Duterte presents BBL ‘game plan’ to MILF



President Duterte greets Moro Islamic Libertaion Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohaqher Iqbal during a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday. Albert Alcain, Malacanang Photo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday presented a “game plan” to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on how to ensure that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will pass Congress, after the Moro rebel group expressed dissatisfaction over recent developments on realizing its peace accord with the government.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said Duterte met with MILF officials and members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the MILF-led group which drafted the BBL in Malacañang.

Dureza said that in the meeting, the President reiterated his promise to the MILF that the BBL will pass Congress and will have a “smooth implementation.”

“There was a discussion on both sides, and the President reiterated his commitment using his own language: ‘I will continue to husband the approval of the BBL until it’s implementation,’” Dureza told reporters in a chance interview.

“All the other details of course I cannot disclose, but it was a warm meeting where the President expressed a game plan that is still being worked out by the Office of the President, in coordination with leadership of Congress, on how to see to it that the BBL will see its implementation.”

According to Dureza, the President’s “game plan” seeks to ensure that the BBL will not suffer what happened to the bill during the time of former President Benigno Aquino III, where it failed to hurdle Congress amid questions on the constitutionality of some of its provisions.

Dureza said Duterte and the MILF will again meet to discuss more details about the President’s plan.

“The President wants to be sure the BBL that will be discussed in Congress will really be assured of passage and implementation. There are still many things that will have to be attended to. It’s not that simple,” he said.

Aside from the MILF officials, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III were present during the meeting.

The high-level meeting took place after the MILF expressed dismay that the BBL has not been sponsored by any lawmaker in Congress.

Also adding to the group’s frustration was the sprouting of several Bangsamoro law versions in Congress, one of which was proposed by former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

MILF officials are hoping that the BBL will be passed under Duterte, which they say will help correct historical injustices committed against the Moros.

The MILF also believes that the passage of the BBL and the creation of a more independent Bangsamoro entity will stem the rise of Islamist extremists in Mindanao.

Analysts and supporters of the Bangsamoro cause have said the siege laid by Islamist State-inspired terrorists on Marawi City in a bid to establish an ISIS province in the country, should give the government and Congress more reason to pass the BBL.

Meanwhile, Duterte graced the 24th anniversary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), where he lauded its efforts in achieving long and lasting peace in the country.

“Your perseverance has convinced us that regardless of our diversity and differences, all Filipinos will stand together as one towards attaining our aspirations of peace and prosperity,” he said in his speech.

“To our various partners in the peace process, the government extends and continues to extend to you the hand of friendship and peace.I have high hopes that we will continue to build our gains to find common support and to work together despite setbacks and disagreements.”

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/14/17/duterte-presents-bbl-game-plan-to-milf

Hopes pinned on Bangsamoro law as extremists continue to recruit in PH

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From ABS-CBN (Sep 14): Hopes pinned on Bangsamoro law as extremists continue to recruit in PH



Dr. Pek Koon Heng, who teaches courses on International Relations and International Political Economy in Southeast and East Asia in the American University, raises alarm bell over extremist recruitment in the southern Philippines. Arlene Burgos, ABS-CBN News

MINNEAPOLIS - As extremists' recruitment in southern Philippines continues, the government may find a useful alliance with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) if it clinches a law ensuring a new autonomous Bangsamoro region, an expert said.

Long-standing links between terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines, possibly including MILF, is complicating an already troubled region, said Dr. Pek Koon Heng, assistant professor at the School of International Service at the American University.

Heng, briefing foreign journalists September 11 in Washington, said the Philippine government could steer the MILF away from terrorist links, and instead secure its commitment to a new Bangsamoro law.

"There are social links between JI and [separatists]... JI had training camps in Mindanao. JI has these long [standing] ties with MILF, and although the MILF eradicates this when they pushed for the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro…[President Rodrigo] Duterte has to work on the comprehensive Bangsamoro agreement," Heng said.

She added, "He's (Duterte) got to really see through the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He’s gonna act on that, then there will be commitment for the MILF to fight for what they've gained through the peace process with Manila. Without that... the presence of ISIL [Islamic State] will still be there."

A Pentagon official said Islamic State or ISIS recruitment for fighters in the Philippines continues. Another said separately that the US is very concerned by ISIS' presence in the Philippines, and that this presence is being driven by local conditions.

Duterte has said a new Bangsamoro law is a priority. Yet proposed measures have yet to move in Congress, both houses of which are dominated by Duterte’s allies.

Draft measures for the creation of the Bangsamoro region have been dogged by inconsistencies with the 1987 Constitution and the current unitary system of government, making the push for the new region one with constitutional repercussions.

"We also see recruitment going on within southeast Asia," Heng said. She said these activities in the southern Philippines have seen southeast Asian extremist fighters going there. These fighters have also traveled to southern Thailand, and to Rakhine in Myanmar. This has been worrying Malaysia and Indonesia, Heng said.

(Editor's note: The author is participating in the East-West Center's Senior Journalists' Program ongoing in the United States.)

http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/09/14/17/hopes-pinned-on-bangsamoro-law-as-extremists-continue-to-recruit-in-ph

80 former NPA rebels get financial assistance

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From the Sun Star-Davao (Sep 15): 80 former NPA rebels get financial assistance

EIGHTY former New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Davao City availed of financial assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (Clip).
 
Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) head Maria Luisa Bermudo, in an interview on Thursday, September 14, said the city, in cooperation with various agencies led by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), was able to extend financial assistance to former rebels through the Clip program.
 
 She said under the program, rebels receive P50,000 for livelihood assistance and P15,000 for immediate financial assistance.
 
"Clip program started in 2011. It is a program for the former rebels which include social welfare, livelihood, health," Bermudo said.
 
Clip aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of former NPA rebels as productive citizens in their communities.
 
Based on joint circular issued by the DILG and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Oppap), qualified beneficiaries of Clip are those regular member of NPA who surfaced 2011 onwards and have expressed the "desire to abandon armed violence and become productive members of the society" including their partners/spouses (whether legitimate or illegitimate), parents or siblings if applicable.
 
Also qualified are those who did not receive full assistance under the Social Integration Program based on Oppap's Special List of former rebels that surfaced in 2007 to 2009. She added that the Task Force Davao and the police conduct initial assessment and investigation to those who surrendered and their office, the CSSDO, conducts further validation.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/09/15/80-former-npa-rebels-get-financial-assistance-564196

Makabayan bloc leaves House majority

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From MindaNews (Sep 14): Makabayan bloc leaves House majority

The seven party list representatives of the Makabayan Bloc on Thursday broke away from the majority coalition in the House of Representatives in protest over what they called “a fascist, pro-imperialist and anti-people regime” of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, the Makabayan Bloc cited Duterte’s “neoliberal economic policies, disdain for human rights especially in his war on drugs, anti-crime and counterinsurgency campaigns, his rehabilitation of the former dictator Marcos, and his propensity for strongman rule” as its reasons for leaving the coalition.

It noted that it joined the majority because Duterte promised change but remained critical of his policies.

The statement said the bloc was encouraged by the President’s pronouncements on resuming the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, releasing political prisoners, pursuing an independent foreign policy, addressing the roots of the Moro rebellion, among others.

“His unprecedented decision to appoint leftists and activists to crucial cabinet posts – Judy Taguiwalo at the DSWD, Gina Lopez at the DENR, Liza Maza at the NAPC, and Rafael Mariano at the DAR – provided openings for pursuing such reforms,” it added.

The Commission on Appointments had rejected the appointments of Taguiwalo, Lopez and Mariano.

Duterte had terminated talks with the NDFP and declared martial law in Mindanao after the Marawi siege erupted on May 23.

“With Marawi being bombed to the ground and its resulting humanitarian crisis, the Moro peace process is spiraling downward. Under these circumstances, martial law threatens to turn Mindanao into an even more violent land of strife and lost promises,” the statement said.

The administration has charted a so-called road map for peace in Mindanao targeting to have the Bangsamoro Basic Law passed by December this year and ratified in a plebiscite in May next year. However, the bill is not among those certified as urgent by Malacanang.

“Pres. Duterte has turned back on his promise to ‘separate’ from the US, even as he has allowed China to continue occupying the West Philippine Sea. His ‘independent foreign policy’ has turned out to be a farce. He is now as dependent as ever on the US for national security and has practically abandoned our valid and internationally recognized claims of sovereignty and territory in the West Philippine Sea in exchange for China’s promises of aid and investments,” the statement said.

“Worst of all, his ‘war on drugs’ has turned into a campaign of mass murder of the poor, for which he shows no signs of turning back,” it added.

Duterte’s war on drugs has claimed the lives of thousands of suspects many of whom were said to be victims of extrajudicial killings.

The Makabayan Bloc further said that Duterte and his allies are “embarking on efforts to undermine the very institutions that serve as a check on his Executive powers,” referring to the P1,000 budget for the Commission on Human Rights approved by the House, attacks against the Ombudsman, and the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno.

“Now that he is pushing for an insidious revision of the Constitution, now that he has revived his threat to declare martial law nationwide and impose a revolutionary government, we resolve to intensify efforts to defeat the emergence of a new dictatorship,” it added.

The Makabayan Bloc includes Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro (Act Teachers), Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna), Ariel Casilao (Anakpawis), Sarah Elago (Kabataan).

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/09/makabayan-bloc-leaves-house-majority/

Councilor, 2 others killed in Negros Occidental

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From Rappler (Sep 15): Councilor, 2 others killed in Negros Occidental

Councilor Eden Bacordo, his partner Leah Mae Sadoa, and bodyguard Arnold Larida die in the attack



A councilor and two others were shot and killed in Barangay Lopez Jaena, Murcia town on Friday, September 15.

Councilor Eden Bacordo, his partner Leah Mae Sadoa, and bodyguard Arnold Larida died in the attack.

An initial police investigation said the councilor was walking in a sugarcane plantation when he was waylaid by 6 unidentiifed gunmen. Bacordo, however, who was hit on the shoulder, was able to run.

Senior Inspector Ronald Santillan, town police chief, said the councilor then went to the nipa hut, where the other two victims were, when he was cornered by the pursuing suspects.

The assailants then fired at the victims, who died on the spot. The unidentified men then fled on foot.

Police recovered 34 fired bullets of the M16 and garand long firearms variety, as well as two clips and 3 pieces of live ammunition from a garand long firearm from the crime scene.

Santillan said they are still investigating the incident, though they are looking at revenge and love triangle as the motive of the killing.

He said the councilor and bodyguard were tagged in the recent killing of a commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade in the municipality of Salvador Benedicto.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182299-negros-occidental-attack-councilor-2-others-dead

2 marines killed as Marawi clashes intensify

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From Rappler (Sep 15): 2 marines killed as Marawi clashes intensify

Authorities also resume the retrieval of decomposed bodies in Marawi   

Two more marines were killed as clashes with local terrorist groups in Marawi City intensified, the military said on Friday, September 15.

The military said in a news briefing it has launched its "final push" against the combined forces of the Maute Group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group led by Isnilon Hapilon, the supposed emir of Islamic State (ISIS) in Southeast Asia. (READ: Troops penetrate Maute defensive position in Marawi)

The military has been pounding the battle area with air strikes throughout the week.

The marines were killed earlier in the week in a close quarter battle while trying to clear a building near Bayabao Bridge, an enemy defensive position that recently fell into government hands.

Colonel Romeo Brawner said their bodies were retrieved on Wednesday, raising the death toll among government forces to 149. At least 4 were killed since the final push, including Army Scout Rangers Captain Rommel Sandoval.

Over a thousand soldiers were reported injured but the military said about 600 have returned to the battle area.

The military also reported retrieving 3 decomposed bodies from areas previously controlled by the Maute fighters.

One of the bodies is believed to be the remains of a cop killed in the first week of the war but the military said this is still being verified through DNA tests.

Up to 668 terrorists are believed to be killed.

The final push came as troops said they have penetrated the final defensive position of the enemies.

The military said some fighters inside have also sent the military surrender feelers, which could lead to an earlier end of the war. (READ: Possible surrender by Maute recruits could end war sooner)

The military and local government officials are discussing the rehabilitation of Marawi. Local spokesman Zia Alonto Adiong asked the national government to earmark funds for Marawi rehabilitation in the 2018 budget.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182292-marines-killed-final-push

US, PH conducting interagency counterterrorism drill

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From Update Philippines (Sep 16): US, PH conducting interagency counterterrorism drill



The United States and Philippine governments will be holding a bilateral interagency counterterrorism drill this month. The said drill was named Tempest Wind.

This will test and improve the ability of both nations to rapidly plan, coordinate, and conduct counterterrorism operations, the US Embassy in Manila said.

“The whole-of-government drill will be augmented by additional military assessments, national level engagement, and subject matter expert exchange,” it added. “These events will take place in the Philippines and Hawaii and are designed to create a realistic environment to exercise counterterrorism strategy, including senior decision-making and tactical responses, while deepening the bilateral partnership.”

Tempest Wind will also test force readiness and exercise interoperability.

“These assessments will help to focus future bilateral training efforts to enhance the crisis response capabilities of both nations,” the US Embassy said.

“The Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board approved Tempest Wind in November 2016, highlighting the enduring commitment of both countries to the US-Philippine alliance,” it added.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/us-ph-conducting-interagency-counterterrorism-drill/20864

P1.6B allocated for Pag-asa Island beaching ramp, runway, facilities

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From Update Philippines (Sep 16): P1.6B allocated for Pag-asa Island beaching ramp, runway, facilities



National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said contracts for the upgrade and repair of facilities in Pag-asa Island were already signed two months ago. He said PHP1.6 billion was allocated.

“Hopefully, they have already started because the contracts have been finalized, I think two months ago. And the funds are already available. But it will be done in stages,” Secretary Lorenzana said during the Mindanao Hour Press Briefing on September 15.

He said the first stage is to construct a beaching ramp for ships to dock“so that we can bring in construction materials and heavy equipment.”

After that is finished, after that, they will bring in the construction materials. Then they will repair the runway,” he added.

“They will repair first the runway before — make it useable on all weather. It would be cemented,” he added. “And then later on, they will extend for another 500 meters to make it viable for bigger aircraft.”

He said works are expected to be completed in 18 months. “We have allocated P1.6 billion there for the repair of Pag-asa,” he said.

“We should have started early this year, when the water still, medyo calm. Kalma pa ‘yung tubig,” he said. “Now, rough weather starts July. So it is now doubtful if the contractor can still go there with their ships ano. So medyo tuma-timing sila ngayon kung anong magandang panahon para magdala ng mga equipment.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/p1-6b-allocated-for-pag-asa-island-beaching-ramp-runway-facilities/20862
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