Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 18): Iqbal sees no conflict with all-Moro Congress initiative

IN PHOTO- MILF PIP Chair Mohagher Iqbal answers questions during an interview by Luwaran at Pinnacle Hotel on June 17, 2018

Chairman Mohagher Iqbal of MILF Peace Implementing Panel sees the submission of a State Constitution for Bangsamoro by the All-Moro Convention (AMC) by former MILF Peace Panel Member Atty. Michael Mastura to President Rodrigo Duterte as “not a hindrance” to the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) simply because President Duterte is all set to pass the BBL.

Iqbal made the comment during an interview by Luwaran at the Pinnacle Hotel, this city, a day after the conclusion of the Eidle Fitr dinner tendered by President Duterte at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.

Iqbal said that the draft Bangsamoro State Constitution is a “planning for the future,” but he doesn’t see any direct conflict between the passage of BBL, and a shift to federal form of government.

Chairman Iqbal, however refused to make direct comment on seeing Atty. Mastura handing the ‘state constitution’ to the president during the dinner for mostly Muslim leaders, saying the legal process in drafting the same in general is that all sectors should be consulted to be able to participate according to their representation.

Iqbal also admitted to Luwaran that aside from Atty. Mastura, former BTC Commissioner, and MILF Peace Panel Member Robert Maulana Alonto is among the forerunners of All-Moro Congress that drafted the Bangsamoro State Constitution.

During the Eidl Fitre dinner at the SMX Convention Center, Secretary Abulkahyr Alonto of Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) explained the concept of All Moro Congress (AMC), its objectives, and their future plans.

But the president in his message did not make any comment related to the All-Moro Congress (AMC) initiative instead made a promise to the Bangsamoro people to pass the BBL in accordance with the timeline.

Meanwhile, various Bangsamoro stakeholders, CSO's, and other sectors of the Bangsamoro communities are preparing a signature campaign, manifesto, and a resolution supporting the call for the restoration of deleted, and/or amended provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) as contained in the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamorp (CAB).

Said manifesto, resolution, and the result of the signature campaign shall be submitted to the respective offices of the members of Bicameral Conference Committee.

The Bicameral Conference Committee is set to convene on July 9 - 13 to reconcile the two versions of the BBL approved by both chambers of Congress.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1375/_iqbal_sees_no_conflict_with_all_moro_congress_initiative

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 19): OPAPP holds multi - stakeholders forum on the BBL

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) held a Discussion on the Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law: Prospects for Inclusive and Lasting Peace in the Bangsamoro, in partnership with the Joint Peace Implementing Panels of the Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) together with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) on June 18, 2018 at Notre Dame University Gym, Cotabato City.

The forum aimed to provide updates to various stakeholders on the proposed BBL including its salient features and the differences between the House of Representatives, and the Senate substitute versions and more importantly this served as an avenue for stakeholders to clarify issues on the proposed law.

The event also aimed to gather and mobilize support for the enactment of the proposed BBL which is now in its crucial stage.

The said activity was attended by more than a thousand stakeholders including the security sector.

Legislators from both chambers of Congress were also invited but due to their hectic schedule they were not able to attend the forum.

BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar in his message made a strong statement. " That the MILF did not ask for the peace negotiation, it is the Government of the Philippines who requested for the peaceful settlement of the Bangsamoro issue. "<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GK3oNcOZc5E" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe>

" Our weapons are no longer the barrel of the guns but on diplomacy and political engagement. The battlefields are now in congress. "he added.

Atty. Laisa Alamia, Executive Secretary of ARMM who represented the Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman in her message said, " We made it sure that the entire bureaucracy of ARMM are in full support of BBL. We call on BiCam members that the powers already granted in ARMM (R.A. 9054) must not be removed instead it should be enhanced or improved. "

RG Hataman arrived at the later part of the program.

MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal when asked what will happen to the MILF upon the establishment of Bangsamoro Government?

He categorically answered, " The MILF will become a social movement who will cater the social gaps of the Bangsamoro people on socio - economic aspects. It is after the decommissioning as agreed in the normalization process as stipulated in the CAB.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1376/opapp_holds_multi___stakeholders_forum_on_the_bbl

From BenarNews (Jun 20): Philippine Communist Rebels Threaten to Intensify Attacks

New People's Army's (NPA) guerrillas perform drills in a remote village in Talakag, a town in the southern Philippine province of Bukidnon, April 17, 2017. Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews

Communist rebels waging one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies on Wednesday warned of intensified attacks against government targets in the Philippines, as a scheduled round of peace negotiations this month faltered.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a self-declared socialist, has said that talks would only resume if Jose Maria Sison, leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), came home from self-exile in the Netherlands.

Originally announced for June 28, the talks were to be hosted by the Norwegian government in Oslo, but Manila recently announced that they would not go ahead.

On Wednesday, the New People’s Army (NPA), the CPP’s armed wing, said Duterte’s condition to hold talks in the Philippines was “totally unacceptable to the revolutionary forces.”

“The NPA will surely frustrate the aims of the Duterte regime by waging extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare,” the rebel group said in a statement.

The condition was like “insisting that peace talks be held in the territories under the political authority of the revolutionary forces – something that Duterte will definitely not accept,” the NPA said.

The guerrillas accused the government of holding the talks hostage as Duterte consolidated his power amid increasing opposition to his administration that has overseen police-sanctioned killings in the name of a brutal anti-drugs campaign.

Invitation to Sison still stands

The NPA also accused the president of wanting to “establish a fascist dictatorship and impose nationwide martial law.”

The NPA has been waging a rebellion that has killed tens of thousands in the Philippine countryside since 1969, making the insurgency one of the world’s longest and deadliest. Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts nationwide.

Duterte opened peace negotiations with the communists shortly after he took office in 2016. He freed top CPP officials and gave them safe-conduct passes to join talks in Europe, but he subsequently scrapped negotiations after the NPA continued with attacks in the countryside.

He has said there would be no more talks during his term, but he later softened his stand saying that he was willing to meet personally with Sison.

His chief assistant for the peace process, Jesus Dureza, however, announced that talks scheduled to resume later this month had been cancelled. He did not give any reason why, but he has travelled to Europe ostensibly to meet with CPP officials.

Duterte’s spokesman, Harry Roque, said Wednesday that the president’s invitation still stood and that troops were under orders to ensure Sison’s safety and immunity from arrest.

“He assures Sison’s security, even logistics support that the CPP-NPA would need during the peace talks,” Roque told DZMM radio in Manila, transcripts of which were made available to reporters.

“And even if the talks produce nothing, he would personally take Sison to the airport, so he can leave the country,” Roque said, referring to Duterte.

He said Duterte was sincere in his offer, but also wanted the communists to reciprocate his offer by making true on their promise to silence their guns, stop targeting military installations while the talks were ongoing and cease from collecting so-called “revolutionary taxes” – a euphemism for extortion.

Top cadre caught

Meanwhile, authorities said that Julio Llanes, one of the top communist leaders in the central Philippines, was arrested Wednesday.

Llanes, a squad leader of the CPP-NPA, was caught in the central province of Capiz after four months of police intelligence monitoring, according to police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, regional police chief.

Llanes, who was included in the defense department's list of most wanted terrorists, is wanted for spearheading an ambush early this year that left one soldier and two pro-government militiamen dead, police said.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/communist-guerrillas-06202018113515.html

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): Another NPA member in Bukidnon surrenders

Another armed member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) surrendered to Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) in Bukidnon province.

The army identified the new surrenderee as Romel Salimbaon Ahing, also known as As-as/Tikboy, 20 years old, a resident of Sitio Catablaran, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

The surrenderee is a regular fighter of the NPA’s Sub-regional Committee, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Providing further clues of his dismally austere life in the mountains, Ahing surrendered his M16 Armalite rifle in simple rites at 8IB headquarters in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Ronald Illana commanding officer of the army’s 8IB, said the government welcomes the surrender of another member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA Terrorists.

8th Infantry Battalion commits to keeping its mandate by upholding peace and security in Bukidnon during a morning assembly at 8IB headquarters in Bukidnon. (8IB)

“This is a good sign that they are now slowly heeding the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end armed struggle and embrace the government once more,” he said.

The 8IB commander also recounted that early this month, an NPA couple, identified as Elsie Camahay Ampildon, also known as Angie/Jamaica of NPA’s Headquarters Force of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), with her husband Tanny Saritao Ampildon a.k.a Verdel of NPA’s Militia ng Bayan, surrendered to the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, at the Army camp in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

“We do understand that these people are just victims of deception, agitation, and false promises inculcated by the CPP-NPA.

With that in mind, we encourage these people to surrender and see the efforts of the government to attain peace as it unfolds before them,” Lt. Col. Ronald Illana said. (1Lt. Erwin P. Bugarin, CMO Officer, 8th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1009189

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Army recommends 13 more Davao villages as 'insurgency-free'

The Philippine Army’s 1003rd Infantry Battalion is recommending 13 more barangays to be declared as insurgency-free and ready for development, following the declaration of at least 36 areas as peace and conflict-resilient last week.

Brig. General Ernesto Torres, commander of 1003IB, told a press briefing of the AFP-PNP press corps on Wednesday that the 13 barangays will be evaluated as to the presence of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, development efforts in the communities and the dismantling of communist political structure.

Once cleared, Torres said the barangays will establish the Integrated Defense Force.

Torres said the clearing of the barangays from NPA affectation bodes well to the better delivery of services and addressing the socio-economic problems in the areas.

The 13 barangays are located in Paquibato and Marilog districts, which are known as hotbeds of the communist insurgency.

Torres said the evaluation will be done by a team and then validated by the Area Clearing Validation Board (ACBV) composed of officers from the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, the Davao City Police Office, the Davao Del Norte Provincial Police Office, local government executives and Barangay Captains.

Last week, 36 insurgency-affected areas were declared as cleared, peaceful and conflict-resilient. Of the total number, 21 barangays were in Davao City and 15 in Davao del Norte.

The 21 cleared barangays in Davao City were Alambre, Bangkas Heights, Bato, Bayabas, Eden, Marapangi, Mulig, Sirawan and Tagurano in Toril District; Riverside and Sirib in Calinan District; Carmen, Tawan-tawan and Baguio Proper in Baguio District; Bantol, Buda and Marilog Proper in Marilog District; and, Angalan, Manambulan, New Carmen and Tagakpan in Tugbok District.

In Davao del Norte were Buenavista, Consolacion, Katipunan, Katualan, Kauswagan, Kiotoy, Upper Licanan, Little Panay, Mabunao, Malativas, San Nicholas, San Roque, Sta Cruz, Tagpore and Waterfalls, all of Panabo City.

The ACVB would declare the barangays if they meet the parameters, such as denial to the CPP-NPA of access to the area, resources, and manpower; and the establishment of a functioning barangay information net and integrated community public safety system, among others.

Torres said the Davao City’s Peace 911 was a major factor in driving away insurgents and drawing support from the people in what used to be the hotbeds of insurgency in Davao City.

He said Peace 911 is currently working on addressing the root causes of insurgency by implementing projects and programs in remote barangays, which, only the military could only reach in the past.

“Peace 911 is a big help. Since its creation, it is relentlessly doing development efforts. In Paquibato you will see development activities,” he said.

Peace 911 was launched in Paquibato Proper. The military only complemented the activities of the Peace 911 through its community outreach programs.

Torres vowed that the military and the government agencies will sustain the gains in the 36 barangays by establishing the necessary mechanism.

Troops and CAFGUs will be deployed to continue fulfilling the mandate of the Philippine Army and achieving a just and lasting peace.

Last year, Torres said there were 83 barangays considered as insurgency-affected areas, even as he underscored the importance of the coordination and collaboration of government agencies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038903

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): 9 CPP-NPA rebels surrender to 7ID

Nine members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Tuesday.

Major General Felimon T. Santos Jr. , 7ID commander, received the surrenderers who were members of Militiang Bayan, Bayan Muna and the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in a simple ceremony held here.

Santos said the nine returnees will first receive livelihood assistance from 7ID while their benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) are being processed.

“They will be initially given a pair of sheep from the Army division as part of their start-up,” he said.

The 7th Civil-Military Operations Battalion and 84th Infantry Battalion were responsible for the surrender of the rebels.

A total of 12 firearms were returned by the surrenderers. These were: one shotgun; two US Springfield M1903 caliber .30 bolt action rifles; two caliber .38 Smith and Wesson revolvers; three improvised 12-gauge shotguns; one improvised 20-gauge shotgun; two caliber .22 converted Armscor Air Rifles; and one improvised Springfield 5.56mm. All firearms are loaded with ammunition.

The rebel returnees expressed their longing to live a normal life with their family, which is the main reason for laying down their arms.

Likewise, the insurgents said that they were persuaded by the benefits and privileges that they will get from ECLIP once they surrender to the government.

Under ECLIP, each former rebel will receive a total amount of PHP65,000, of which, PHP15,000 is immediate financial assistance while PHP50,000 will be given as livelihood aid.

The surrenderers will also receive additional financial assistance in exchange for the firearms they surrendered depending on the valuation of weapons. The amount ranges from PHP2,000 to PHP2 million.

Santos assured the surrenderers that the 7ID will keep them safe with their families.

He also said that the distribution of the start-up livelihood assistance is a form of the division’s appreciation for the trust and confidence of the surrenderers.

He gave an instruction to the battalion to assist the surrendered rebels in completing their ECLIP application requirements.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038882

From the Philippine Star (Jun 21): Reds face raps over Cagayan councilor’s slay

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan, Philippines — Police filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice on Tuesday against 16 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in connection with the killing of a councilor in Allacapan, Cagayan on May 24.

Chief Superintendent Mario Espino, Cagayan Valley police director, said the communist guerrillas, who are members of the Danilo Ben Command, admitted killing Zaldy Mallari in Barangay Labben.

Police said Cristina Garcia, alias Ka Senyang, and Lolito Rasa, who were among those charged, led the attack on a police station in Allapacan in 2013, which left eight police officers dead, and the killing of a soldier in an ambush in Rizal, Cagayan last year.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/06/21/1826411/reds-face-raps-over-cagayan-councilors-slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): NPA rebel slain in CamNorte clash with gov't troops

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a clash with Army soldiers on Tuesday in Barangay Villa Belen, a hinterland village in Capalonga, Camarines Norte, a report reaching the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) said.

The slain rebel has not yet been identified, Army Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th ID spokesperson, said in an interview on Wednesday.

The clash occurred around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Army soldiers engaged a 20-man NPA group in a fierce firefight that resulted in the death of the communist rebel, whose remains were left behind by his companions fleeing the battle scene.

Soldiers recovered from the site two M16 assault rifles, assorted ammunition, medical instruments, five blasting caps and personal belongings.

"No casualties were reported from the government troops," Pramis said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038871

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): N. Cotabato execs turn over 150 loose guns to Army

Surrendered firearms in Matalam, North Cotabato (Photo courtesy of NDBC Kidapawan

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 150 assorted high-power and low-power guns collected from locals in Matalam, North Cotabato were handed over to the military Wednesday.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), received the firearms from Matalam Mayor Cheryl Catamco during a turn over ceremony held at the town's gymnasium.

“This is our contribution to the campaign of President Duterte against loose firearms in Mindanao,” Catamco said. Catamco said her office and the local police have launched the campaign early this year, reaching out to villages and asking people to voluntarily turn in their unlicensed guns.

Among the surrendered firearms were M16 rifles, M14 rifles, Garand rifles, and handguns. With the number of guns now in the hands of authorities, Catamco expressed hope that cases of violence involving firearms would diminish in her area.

Sobejana lauded the efforts of the local officials and urged other local government units to emulate Matalam and two other North Cotabato towns that turned over loose guns to the military in the past. Matalam became the third local government unit that gathered loose guns in its area of jurisdiction and handed over to the military.

In March, the town of Carmen handed over to the Army more than 200 loose firearms collected from residents. In May, local officials of Midsayap town also yielded to the military 119 assorted guns in support of the government’s disarmament program.

Also on Wednesday, local officials of Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao, turned over during simple ceremonies, which were attended by Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, a total of 24 assorted firearms to the military.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6ID spokesperson, said several towns in Lanao del Sur are also scheduled to surrender loose firearms this week.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038966

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Cordillera leaders condemn NPA attack in Sagada

CONDEMNING NPA ATROCITIES. Members of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meet for the second quarter in Lagawe, Ifugao on Monday (June 18, 2018), where they passed a resolution condemning the atrocities initiated by the New People's Army in the region, particularly the latest attack on policemen in Sagado last June 5. A policeman and nine others were wounded in the attack. (Photo by Liza T. Agoot)
LAGAWE, Ifugao — Members of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) unanimously endorsed - in a joint meeting on Monday - a resolution condemning the New Peoples Army's (NPA) attack on policemen in Sagada, Mountain Province last June 5 that left a policeman dead and nine others wounded, including a colonel.

The official condemnation was initiated by the Army’s 503rd Infantry Brigade Commander General Leopoldo Imbang, who recommended the issuance of such resolution for the security of the residents.

The 503rd IB covers the provinces and cities in the Cordillera, except for Abra province.

Imbang said the attack should be condemned, not just because there were 10 casualties, but for the atrocities in communities that prevent people from living peacefully and without fear.

Imbang said numerous atrocities were recorded in Sagada alone in the past years, despite having been declared a peace zone by the communities about 20 years ago.

In Philippine setting, especially in northern Philippines, a peace zone means communist rebels are not allowed to put up camps in the area, for the residents' peace of mind.

About seven years ago, soldiers bound to conduct a medical outreach were ambushed in a sitio in Bontoc, Mountain Province.

Imbang recalled that around three years ago, members of the 54th Infantry Battalion facilitating a youth leadership summit in Sagada were ambushed by the NPA, resulting in the death of two soldiers and wounding five others.

Imbang reported that based on records, there were 171 violent and non-violent activities by the NPA, 121 of them happened in six barangays in Sagada--Aguid, Fidelisan, Madungo, Bangaan, Tannulong, and Pide.

These villages were declared peace zones by the barangays and the town governments, but still, bloody encounters were recorded in 2010, 2013, 2014. The recent of which was on June 5.

Imbang recommended that members of the Citizens Armed Forces Auxiliary Unit (CAFGU) be stationed at Lake Danum, villages of Aguid and Fidelisan in Sagada, Tinoc town in Ifugao, and in barangays of Aguinaldo and Pinococ in Pinukpuk, Kalinga, where a PHP4.3 billion pump irrigation project of the government is set to be constructed.

Thom Killip, a former Sagada mayor and Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon during the administration of former President Gloria Arroyo, also suggested that aside from condemning the NPA atrocities in Sagada, a separate resolution commending the community for their initiative to protect the peace zones be issued.

"Community responses are also important. These are matters that should be appreciated, as (atrocities) degrade the integrity of our peace zone," Killip said. "The officials and elders are not remiss in doing their role.”

Killip said before the June 5 fighting broke out, it was a member of the community, who reported the presence of NPA encampment near Barangay Buasao, where neighboring barangays Aguid and Fidelisan source their water.

He said the leaders and elders of the community in Fidelisan took the initiative to visit the area and talk to those establishing a camp to prevent the pollution of the water source.

Killip said a group of women from Sagada rescued and retrieved the bodies of the wounded and dead combatants in the June 5 clash.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Cordillera regional director Milagros Rimando, who presided over the joint meeting, said the agency had tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to collate more data and information to support the resolutions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038721

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Sulu town mayor’s daughter, ex-wife, abducted

Gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members on Wednesday seized two people, including an ex-wife and daughter of a former mayor, in the province of Sulu, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the incident happened around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday in the boundaries of Barangay Kandaga and Kuhaw, Talipao, Sulu.

Besana identified the victims as Addang Tulawie and her daughter, Edelyn.

Addang is the ex-wife and Edelyn is the daughter of former Talipao Mayor Tambrin Tulawie, whose son Nebukadnezar is the town’s incumbent mayor.

Besana said the victims were in deep slumber when the suspected ASG gunmen barged into their residence and seized them.

He said the victims were believed to have been taken to Barangay Simumaan, Talipao.

He said members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), in coordination with the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, have already launched pursuit operation to rescue the victims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038875

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): AFP, cops seek to defer delisting of 7 Igorots from terrorist list

The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Cordillera is deferring action on a proposed resolution seeking the removal of seven Igorots from the terrorist list of the Department of Justice (DOJ), pending the written recommendation of the intelligence agencies in the region.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and other intelligence agencies in Cordillera convened on Monday evening to discuss the issue, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Milagros Rimando, who co-chairs the RDC, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.

“They convened and discussed with intelligence personnel before they can clarify in writing their stand in relation to the RDC-RPOC passing a similar resolution. We hope to get their recommendation at the soonest, so that we can schedule a special meeting,” she said.

Following their Monday meeting, the heads of the 5th Infantry Division (51D) and the Police Regional Office Cordillera (Procor) requested the RDC to delay the recommendation on the delisting of the seven Igorots from the DOJ's terrorist list.

5ID commander Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando and Procor regional director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana both sought to communicate first with the DOJ to find out the reason for the seven Cordillerans' inclusion in the terrorist list, which named 600 persons in all.

The seven Cordillerans, including a United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Victoria “Vicky” Tauli-Corpuz, are on the DOJ list of alleged officers and members of the communist groups.

The six others are human rights lawyer Jose Molintas, Joanna Cariño, Windel Farag-ey Bolinget, Sherwin De Vera, Beverly Sakongan Longid, and Jeannette Ribaya Cawiding.

“They could not have been tagged as terrorists without a reason. We want to know why they were branded as such. We hope to study further,” Rimando said.

The police official said tagging people involves certain mechanisms and due diligence is needed before recommending a deletion of their names.

“There should be a mechanism and supporting detail why we will recommend their delisting,” he said.

The officials said it is not easy to tag a person as a terrorist and is even more difficult to delist him or her.

Earlier, the Baguio City Council approved a resolution seeking the deletion of the seven Igorots' names from the terrorist list. A similar resolution was also passed by Sagada in Mountain Province.

Mountain Province provincial administrator lawyer Amador Batay-an added that the tagging affects the whole region, thus the need to immediately act on it.

“It puts not only some provinces but the region in a bad light to be declared that there are some terrorists coming from our region. While it is true that there are some activists, these are not terrorists, they are fighting for rights of their people but they are not terrorists. To equate activism with terrorism is also unfair to those who are fighting for the rights of their brothers and sisters in the Cordillera,” Batay-an said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038795

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Peace council seeks inclusion of ex-rebels in skills training

PEACE AND ORDER MEETING. Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chairperson and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan discusses the RPOC's priority programs with Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Chief Supt. Mariel Magaway and Samar PNP Director Sr. Supt. Nicolas Torre. (Photo from FB page of Gov. Ann Tan)

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Eastern Visayas Regional and Peace and Order Council (RPOC) asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to consider giving assistance not only to drug surrenderers but also to former communist rebels.

RPOC Chairperson and Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said supporting the reintegration of former New People’s Army to the community is one of the keys to sustain peace in the region.

“The PNP regional office has been assisting former drug dependents through skills training and livelihood opportunities. In their next batches of training, we want former rebels to be included in these recovery activities,” Tan said on Tuesday.

The assistance to former NPA fighters will strengthen their resolve to completely abandon rebellion and support peace and development initiatives.

Tan said that this is one of the main agenda during her meeting last week with the newly-installed PNP Eastern Visayas regional director Chief Supt. Mariel Magaway at the Samar provincial capitol in Catbalogan City.

The new PNP regional chief has been going around the region to meet with governors and discussed areas of cooperation to attain peace and order. Before coming to the region, Magaway also met with district representatives from the region.

During the first quarter of 2018, at least 200 self-confessed drug users completed the skills training at the PNP regional headquarters in Palo, Leyte as part of the reintegration program.

Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Major Gen. Raul Farnacio supported the proposal given its holistic approach and the opportunity to converge with the police in reintegrating former armed rebels to the community.

“Most of the people recruited by rebel groups are deprived. Perhaps, with this activity, maybe this will become our chance to address our problem not only on illegal drugs but also in insurgency,” Farnacio said in a separate interview.

The PNP selected the participants from six provinces and seven cities in Eastern Visayas.

They have gone through a 45-day skills and livelihood training with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and partners from the private sector.

Skills training offers include welding, motorcycle servicing, service consumer electronic products and systems, food processing, organic vegetables cultivation, organic chicken raising, massage, emergency search and rescue, stress management, traffic management, village peacekeeping operations, self-defense techniques, environmental protection, conflict management, internal security operations, community integration, counseling, and healing.

The government has been providing aid to former rebels under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) to help them live normal life.

Under CLIP, the former rebels were given reintegration support amounting to PHP15,000 immediate assistance, firearms remuneration of which amount depends on valuation of firearm surrendered and livelihood assistance worth PHP50,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038861

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Alleged NPA leader nabbed in Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--Police arrested in Alabel town, Sarangani Province over the weekend an alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was tagged in the abduction of two Army troopers in Sultan Kudarat last year.

Senior Insp. Benjie Ancheta, Alabel police chief, said Tuesday they arrested Gideon Colano alias “Kumander Rebo,” 43, in an operation late Sunday evening in Sitio Nop of Barangay Spring.

Ancheta said the suspect was reportedly a leader of the NPA’s Front 72 that operates in the Sultan Kudarat town of Columbio town and neighboring areas.

Ancheta said Colano was arrested based on a warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Tacurong City Regional Trial Court Judge Melanio Guerrero.

The case stemmed from the abduction of Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and Private First Class Samuel Garay of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Telafas, Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat on Feb. 2, 2017.

Calocop and Garay were released two months later by the NPA’s Mt. Alip Command in Davao del Sur province.

Ancheta said they earlier received a tip from an informant about the presence of Colano in Sitio Nop.

“He was in the area because his parents and some relatives residing there,” he said in a radio interview.

In March, an alleged NPA leader voluntarily surrendered to personnel from the Alabel municipal police station following a negotiation.

Returnee Johnny Magdasal Blase alias Janjan, a resident of Barangay Domolok, was reportedly a vice team leader of Platoon 2 of the NPA’s Front 75.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038649

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Alvarez sees surrender of more tribal warriors

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Thursday expressed hope for more rebels to return to the fold of law following the surrender of influential rebel leader Datu Guibang Apoga and 150 tribal warriors.

According to a press statement, Alvarez helped in the negotiations for the return to the fold of law of Apoga, who waged a rebellion for 28 years.

Alvarez said there are 700 more combatants expected to follow Apoga's example. He said the rebel leader decided to surrender after seeing the sincerity of the Duterte administration in addressing the concerns of the lumad people.

“He (Apoga) also urged other tribe members who are still waging armed rebellion to follow his example,” Alvarez said.

The influential rebel leader from the Ata Manobo tribe made the formal surrender and symbolic turn-over of his firearm to the military officials, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. and Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, at Talaingod town in Davao del Norte.

Alvarez said it is proper for the government to help the tribal rebels because they were fighting for a just cause.

Apoga led a resistance against logging operations to protect their ancestral land.

In a separate media interview, Alvarez noted that Apoga's demands are very simple unlike other rebel groups that lay down unrealistic conditions.

"Simple lang po, in fact I already committed to deliver sa kanila yun. Basically po yung mga basic services lang talaga kaya po nakita ko naman na hindi po mahirap tugunan hindi kagaya nung mga dini-demand nung Joma Sison na gusto nya siya na magpatakbo ng gobyerno. ([The demand] is just simple. In fact, I already committed to deliver it to them. Basically, it's just basic services, which I think is not that hard to provide unlike the demands of [Communist Party of the Philippines founder] Joma Sison who wants to run a government)," Alvarez said.

"Ito ho talagang with all sincerity yun talagang genuine concern na ma-address ng gobyerno (The [demand of Apoga] is a genuine concern, with all sincerity, that the government must address)," he added.

Alvarez provided the former rebels with livelihood assistance, construction materials, and a multi-cab for emergency use.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1039088

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Norway: ‘We’re committed to facilitating peace talks’

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide gives Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza a book on Norway during a meeting on Wednesday (June 20, 2018). Others in photo are Ambassador Idun Tvedt (special envoy to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front), Dag Halvor Nylander (director, section for peace and reconciliation of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Dureza’s Chief of Staff Chuyie Kaye Guibelondo, and Consul General Maria Elene Algabre. (OPAPP Photo)

OSLO, Norway -- The Norwegian government is still strongly committed to facilitating the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

This was emphasized by Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide to Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza during a meeting here, days after some media outlets in the Philippines reported that the government would no longer tap Norway as facilitator of the talks.

“First of all it’s very good that you were able to correct the impression that was being made in the media back in the Philippines because we are, as you know, as strongly committed as we have ever been to trying to facilitate these talks as much as we can,” Søreide told Dureza.

“I think it’s very important to convey the message to you that we have the necessary patience in this and we are not going anywhere. We want to see this through. We want to see the results and if there is anything we can do to facilitate,” she added.

Søreide said Norway is hopeful that there will be progress in the talks. “We see that what has been done so far has probably made the foundation for further talks,” she said.

Dureza, for his part, acknowledged Norway’s role as “a very valuable partner” in the talks with the NDF.

“Norway had been very patient and been with us for a long time, and I know they will still keep being there. (We are) really welcoming them, showing them that they have been a great help to us, and other mechanisms in our work for peace,” he said.

Dureza told Søreide that he had a meeting with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in which he shared the progress of the backchannel talks with the NDF with the help of the Norwegian government.

“We are confident that you (Norway) especially will be able to bring this to a logical milestone. Don’t leave us. Don’t stay away from the table,” he said.

Dureza is in Norway to attend the Oslo Forum, which is held every three years. He was invited to share his experiences in peacebuilding with other leaders who work for peace worldwide.

Norway has been facilitating formal peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDF since 2001. (OPAPP PR)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1039052

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Navy to get additional missile-armed frigates

Aside from the two missile-armed frigates now undergoing construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, the Philippine Navy (PN) will be getting additional ships of the same class, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Wednesday.

Acquisition for these additional frigates will start during Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), which is scheduled for 2018 to 2022 and has a budget of roughly PHP300 billion.

"In the PN, you will find this interesting. Aside from the two frigates that are currently being constructed, kukuha pa tayo ng additional (frigates)," Andolong said.

He, however, acknowledged that he has no idea how much money would be provided for the acquisition of these additional frigates.

"Yun ang hindi ko pa alam, dahil siyempre iba-budget, ia-apportion pa yung PHP300 billion (That is what I do not know yet. It's because there will be a budget allocation. The PHP300 billion will be apportioned)," he stressed.

The two frigates being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries has a contract of PHP18 billion, including its weapon systems and munitions.

It is designed to be capable of engaging air, surface and sub-surface threats. Deliveries are expected to start by 2020 and end on 2021.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038979

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): DND not against stand-down deal for peace talks

The Department of National Defense (DND) said it sees nothing wrong in the stand-down agreement for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the communist rebels as long as both parties adhere to it.

In fact, anything that will bring about legitimate and lasting peace is welcome, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Wednesday.

"Yes, anything that (will help in the) pursuit of peace, walang problema (there is no problem) so long as both parties adhere to it. In the past, yan ang nagiging problema eh (that becomes the problem), like in our history, merong (there is) ceasefire but ang kabila ay hindi sumusunod (the other side is not complying with it), tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang activities nila (their activities continue), dapat pag may stand-down (If there is a stand-down), let's really follow the rules to the letter,"he added.

Andolong was referring to the unprovoked New People's Army attacks staged against military troops faithfully observing the ceasefire agreement.

Also, the DND spokesperson said the NPAs should also provide the government the locations of its forces as the whereabouts of the military is generally well known.

"Ang (The) Armed Forces of the Philippines, nakapuwesto sa kanya-kanyang kampo, mga (they are deployed in their camps, in) outposts, (while) the other side are roaming around, they are all over the countryside so pag sinabing (when we say) as is where is, nasaan sila talaga (Where they really are) is something that we have to work out, i-clarify natin kung ano talaga (Let's clarify what it really is), kaya yun nga ang isang (That is one) concept in previous peace talks that you should let us know where you really are, pag dineklara nyung nandyan kayo (whenever you declare that you are there)," he added.

Based on the agreement signed by representatives of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Utrecht, The Netherlands last June 8, the stand-down was defined as a “temporary cessation of hostilities in which the contending armed units and personnel of the Parties stay where they are ('as is where is'), take an active defense mode, and shall not commit any offensive action or operation against combatants and civilians”.

The agreement was set to take effect on Thursday, a week ahead of the resumption of peace talks on June 28.

Last week, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced that the government is not yet ready to resume formal peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) set in Oslo, Norway on June 28-30 to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.

“The decision for the moment is not to resume talks yet,” Dureza said in a Palace press briefing.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte made the instruction during the joint military and police command conference last June 13 to engage the general public, as well as other stakeholders, “in our common effort to make sure that we achieve a conducive and enabling environment for peace.”

“Consequently, the initial timeline that our backchannel team had worked on with their counterparts (CPP/New People’s Army/NDFP) 'across the table' had to be necessarily re-adjusted,” Dureza said.

But Dureza clarified that the talks had not been canceled.

He also said Norway remained the third-party facilitator.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also stressed that Norway can continue as third party facilitator of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist group.

"Norway can continue to the Philippines (peace negotiations) as a third party facilitator of the peace talks, as mentioned during this (Monday) morning's press briefing,” Roque said in a press statement Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038988

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Gov’t formally suspends back channel talks with NDFP

The Philippine government has formally informed the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) about the government’s decision to suspend all back channel talks pending the three-month review of all signed agreements related to the peace negotiations, a government negotiator announced on Thursday.

Hernani Braganza, government negotiator for back channel talks with the NDFP, said the decision was conveyed in a meeting with NDFP leaders headed by chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili and chief political consultant Jose Ma. Sison in Utrecht, The Netherlands on June 18-20.

“Upon instruction of (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) Secretary Jesus Dureza and (Labor) Secretary Silvestre Bello III, a government team flew to Utrecht to formally communicate to the NDF(P) the decision of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to re-schedule the proposed resumption of government’s peace negotiations with communist guerrillas,” Braganza said in a press statement.

“The suspension, however, does not preclude communications between the two parties if deemed necessary,” he clarified.

During the meeting, the government team also relayed its intention to use the three-month review period to consult government instrumentalities and the general public about the peace negotiations with the communist rebels.

“The NDF(P) leaders, for their part, expressed intention to conduct their own separate actions and activities that aim to protect the gains already achieved as a result of back channel, informal and formal talks between the two panels,” Braganza said.

Braganza said the NDFP representatives have expressed willingness to keep an open mind with Duterte’s decision to suspend the resumption of peace talks.

He said the NDFP is also willing to wait for the outcome of the government’s review of all signed agreements related to peace negotiations.

“They reiterated their commitment to all signed agreements, including those involving the planned visit of Prof. Jose Ma. Sison in the Philippines to Manila for a meeting with the President,” Braganza said.

The government, he said, has also expressed appreciation for the NDFP’s “open-mindedness in coming to terms with President Duterte’s decision.”

He said the NDFP is “favorably considering” Dureza’s invitation for its representatives to join the government’s public consultations.

“It is our fervent hope that the consultations will help galvanize public support to peace efforts aimed at ending the armed conflict through the achievement of economic, social and political reforms,” Brangaza said.

The Philippine government has extended its appreciation to the NDFP, as well as to the representatives of the Royal Norwegian Government headed by Special Envoy for Peace Idun Tvedt, for their continuing support as third-party facilitators.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the suspension of back channel talks to give way to more public consultations and a review of all peace deals.

In a Palace briefing Thursday, Roque also extended the Duterte administration's appreciation to the Royal Norwegian Government for its support to achieve peace between the Philippine government and the NDFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038963

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): PH Army deploys additional troops for Marawi rehab

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday deployed the 12th Civil-Military Operation Battalion and the so-called "Hijab" troopers to help in the ongoing rehabilitation efforts of war-devastated Marawi City.

Send-off ceremonies took place at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.

He added that the unit will be placed under operational control of the Joint Task Force Ranao.

Villanueva said the 12th Civil-Military Operation Battalion, which consists of 105 troopers, will assist Joint Task Force Ranao in establishing a safe and secured environment to give way for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation (RRR) efforts to be undertaken by Task Force Bangon Marawi.

The PA spokesperson said these troops will also focus in addressing the recruitment and exploitation undertaken by remnants of the terrorist group espousing violent extremism.

The 25 "Hijab" troopers, meanwhile, will help local government units and other concerned agencies in facilitating the needs and requirements of internally displaced persons, conduct peace education and psycho-social intervention in support of Joint Task Force Ranao’s civil-military operations.

“The Philippine Army will remain steadfast in performing its mandate, to serve the people and in securing the land. Despite of the prevailing security challenges, we will keep our word to support and extend our very best for the immediate recovery of Marawi,” Villanueva said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038958

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Another NPA member in Bukidnon surrenders

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9 CPP-NPA rebels surrender to 7ID

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NPA rebel slain in CamNorte clash with gov't troops

N. Cotabato execs turn over 150 loose guns to Army

Cordillera leaders condemn NPA attack in Sagada

Sulu town mayor’s daughter, ex-wife, abducted

AFP, cops seek to defer delisting of 7 Igorots from terrorist list

Peace council seeks inclusion of ex-rebels in skills training

Alleged NPA leader nabbed in Sarangani

Alvarez sees surrender of more tribal warriors

Norway: ‘We’re committed to facilitating peace talks’

Navy to get additional missile-armed frigates

DND not against stand-down deal for peace talks

Gov’t formally suspends back channel talks with NDFP

PH Army deploys additional troops for Marawi rehab