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45 BIFF members killed since June 1: Military

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From Malaysia Business Insight (Jul 9): 45 BIFF members killed since June 1: Military

FORTY-FIVE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have been killed in the renewed military campaign against the Daesh-inspired group in Central Mindanao since June 1.

The continuing campaign against the BIFF was launched five days after Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana assumed command of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao on May 26.


“After my assumption, we had five days of mission planning, after which we launched the operation June 1. We’ve been conducting the operation for a month and eight days already,” said Sobejana.

Sobejana said 45 BIFF men died, 28 were reported injured, and three others were captured “in the sustained operations that we are conducting.” He said there were at least 10 major armed encounters with the group during the period.

He said the operation also resulted in the recovery of 28 assorted firearms and 10 improvised explosive devices, destruction of an IED factory and firearm manufacturing facility, and capture of four camps. 

On the military side, Sobejana said four soldiers were killed, 20 others were injured, three of them hit by an IED that exploded while the soldiers were maneuvering.

“For as long as they (BIFF) still exist I will not stop, we’re going to continue with our operations....In due time, we hope to put an end to this group,” said Sobejana, adding they are not setting a timeline.

“I don’t want to set a timeline because it will just result to hasty decisions. I want it done deliberately, without collateral damage. We’re exerting our best. In due time (we will end BIFF) but we don’t need a timeline,” he said.

Sobejana said he is utilizing all available military resources to defeat the BIFF, which he said is composed of around 300 to 400 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The BIFF was established in 2010 by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato who died of heart attack five years later. The group later pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

“We are doing our best effort to put a rapid conclusion, immediate conclusion to this problem because the more (we) prolong it, the more we prolong the agony of the civilians,” Sobejana said.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/45-biff-members-killed-june-1-military

13 Abu Sayyaf members give up to military

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From Malaysia Business Insight (Jul 9): 13 Abu Sayyaf members give up to military

AT least 13 members of the Abu Sayyaf surrendered to the military in Sulu on Saturday night in what officials said was a result of continuing combat operations against the terrorist group.

The 13 included Mudjakar Bagade, alias Jack;  Madzramil  Bagade, alias Madz; and Benarauf Bagade, all brothers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alden Bagade who the military said was accidentally shot and killed by another brother, Muslim Bagade, on June 17 in Indanan town.

The 10 others who surrendered were Albaser Hadjiri, alis Bas;  Junimar Sampangan, alias Kanol;  Alvarez Rasid, alias Bari; Aksan Adam; Sahari Absari; Jeneyvar Muammil;  Amil Sangkaan; Albenal Dawadil, alias Joko; one Nanoh, alias Sab Abduhrasad; and Sabri  Bidin, alias Sab.


Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the 13 surrendered around 9 p.m. to the Army’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Samak in Talipao town.

Besana said the terrorists, who are undergoing custodial debriefing, turned over six high-powered and three low-powered firearms during their surrender. He said the 13 vowed to yield more firearms soon.

“Our combat operations are continuous. Its (surrender) also due to social pressure by the civilians and LGUs (local government units,” said Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the military’s Joint Task Force Sulu.

“It’s due to social pressure, plus our relentless combat operation. They are growing hungry and they are on the run,” Pabayo added.

Pabayo said the surrender of the 13 terrorists means the military is on track to clearing Sulu “from the menace of the ASG through peaceful means by giving them a better option and to re-embrace the true essence of Islam.”

Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega vowed the 13 will be given “support packages” under the government’s “Oplan Balikloob.”

“We also urge the other remaining ASG members to do the same because there is nothing more fulfilling than to accomplish our mission without any bloodshed,” Dela Vega said.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/13-abu-sayyaf-members-give-military

JTF-NCR Commander retires from military service

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From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 10): JTF-NCR Commander retires from military service

Brig. General Alan R. Arrojado, Commander of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), retired from the military service at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.



JTF-NCR logo/ Manila Bulletin

Arrojado was replaced by Brig. Gen. Abraham Claro C. Casis, Commander of the Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade (703IBde), 7th Infantry Division (7th ID) during the Change of Command Ceremony.

Among Arrojado’s major accomplishments during his post as Commander of JTF-NCR, were the successful and peaceful conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2018 wherein the Command supported the Philippine National Police (PNP) counterparts in the NCR during the May 14 polls; and the surrender of three former rebels on May 16, 2018 which led to the recovery of two M14 rifles, four M16A1 rifles, one upper receiver M16 rifle, one M653 a.k.a. baby armalite, ammunitions, and military and PNP uniforms at Sitio Kalbo, Barangay Disimungal, Nagtipunan, Quirino on May 19, 2018.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Casis, a native of Nueva Ecija, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.

Casis, who takes the helm of the leadership of the JTF-NCR, is a seasoned combat officer who is experienced in different military operations being a scout ranger and a special forces operator. He held significant staff positions both in the Army and in the General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He has good reputation in all his previous units.

Casis is a graduate of Master in Business Administration at Araullo University, Master of Arts in Eductaion at Bohol Institute of Technology, and International Relations Course at Foreign Service Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs.

He is a recipient of various military and civilian awards. He is also a recipient of Noble Peace Prize from the United Nations and Honor Graduate Award from the Command and General Staff College.


https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/10/jtf-ncr-commander-retires-from-military-service/

NPA amazon surrenders

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From Tempo (Jul 9): NPA amazon surrenders

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – A New People’s Army (NPA) ama­zon voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 36th Infantry Battallion (36th IB) in Barangay Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur, recently.

Capt. Francisco P. Garello, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 36th IB on Sunday said the surrendered NPA amazon (name withheld for security reason) was a former member of Squad 2, Platoon 3 of Guerilla Front Committee 30 (GFC 30) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao regional Committee (NEMRC).

“She said she was tired of running in the mountains, lacking food and other logistical support,” said Garello.

Currently, the rebel returnee is being assisted by the 36th IB, local government units and other concerned line govern­ment agencies for her enrollment in the Comprehensive Local Inte­gration Program (CLIP).

http://tempo.com.ph/2018/07/09/npa-amazon-surrenders/

118 NPA terrorist supporters pledge loyalty to PH government

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From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 6): 118 NPA terrorist supporters pledge loyalty to PH government

One hundred eighteen supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists from the mountainous area in Barangay Bulonay, Impasugong, Bukidnon arrived at the main village, surrendered, and took allegiance with the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday, July 5.



Militia ng Bayan members and their Mass-based supporters pledge allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines after their surrender on Thursday, July 5, 2018 in Bulonay, Impasugong, Bukidnon. (8IB/PA)

In an interview, Impasugong town mayor Anthony Uy said the surrendered NPA supporters narrated to him their frustrations with their leaders in the mountains.

“They said many benefits due them from their leaders never arrived. Hence, learning of the real livelihood being enjoyed by their former comrades who gave up months earlier, they decided to surrender,” the mayor said.

The surrenderees, Uy said, are now temporarily housed in Barangay Bulonay local government compound—kept under 8IB watch—while authorities are doing profile assessment.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB) believe that more mass-based supporters of the NPA terrorists would divulge identity and yield after seeing their former comrades now living in peace.

“They decided to come out of hiding and surrender after learning of the livelihood programs and other benefits that the government has in store for them,” Lt. Col. Illana said.

Authorities said the mass surrender started after an LGU-sponsored dialogue where various government agencies asked residents to present several issues evolving in communities and how can these be solved.

Gathered to lead the said dialogue are Impasugong municipal Mayor Anthony Uy, with Vice-mayor Norly Pepito, the town’s Budget Officer, Treasurer, Municipal Engineer and Physicians.

Likewise, various government agencies namely Municipal Department of Social Welfare and Development Office; Assessor's Office; Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office; Environment and Natural Resources Office; and Agriculture Office gathered to work as team during the dialogue.



Militia ng Bayan members and their Mass-based supporters pledge allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines after their surrender on Thursday, July 5, 2018 in Bulonay, Impasugong, Bukidnon. (8IB/PA)

“Our Community Support Program (CSP) teams learned that there are Milisyang Bayan and NPA terrorist supporters in the area. Through dialogues like this, communities will know what are the programs are and how the government can address issues that trigger recruitment of NPA terrorists in the hinterlands.” Lt. Col. Illana added.

Right after the day’s dialogue, supporters declared their loyalty to the government.

Major General Ronald Villanueva, Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, meanwhile, said “The shift of support from NPA terrorists to the government, which is now happening in Impasugong, Bukidnon, proves that the residents finally realized that there are solutions to issues; that there is a government that looks after them.

"I urge these residents to defy deceits and ploys used by NPA terrorists just to press on their failed armed struggle. All they (NPA rebels) do is find issues to cause people’s hate to the government. In addition, later, recruit members from your community. If you know someone that is still with the NPA terrorists, let them know that the government have programs for regular NPA who wish to abandon their armed struggle and be a productive member of society.”

In simple rites on same day, the surrendered NPA supporters stood up and burned down the CPP-NPA’s flag. (1Lt. Erwin P. Bugarin, CMO Officer, 8th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1010155

Cordillera rebels reject 'localized' peace talks

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From the Philippine Star (Jul 9): Cordillera rebels reject 'localized' peace talks                          

Communist rebels in the Cordillera said they will not participate in "localized" peace talks, saying the causes of the nearly five decades of rebellion in the country can only be solved on a national scale.

Simon Naogsan, spokesperson of the Cordillera People's Democratic Front, reiterated localized peace talks cannot replace stalled peace negotiations at the national level between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

The CPDF is an allied underground organization of the NDFP.


Social problems that led to the rebellion, the CPDF spokesperson—a former government engineer who went underground after disgruntlement—"is rooted to a rotten system in Philippine society."

"Among us (Igorots)," Naogsan said, "national oppression is perpetrated by the reactionary state ruled by big landlords, comprador bourgeoisie and US imperialism."

The CPP-NPA-NDF believe feudal agrarian relations, imperialism and "bureaucrat capitalism"—or the use of government resources and structures by the ruling class to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest of the people—have kept the majority of Filipinos poor.

"We cannot expect these problems to be answered by local governments," Naogsan said.

He also listed issues in the Cordillera region that need to be solved at the national level, which include:
  • Disrespect of ancestral land rights
  • Militarization
  • Political misrepresentation and disrespect of indigenous socio-political systems
  • Government neglect of social services
  • Discrimination
  • Misrepresentation and commercialization of indigenous culture
Naogsan also insisted that localized peace talks are "a divide and rule tactic" to perpetuate the existing problems that pushed the communists to take up arms against the government.
The CPP had already said "localized" peace talks will not work when these were proposed in 2017.
It said then that the proposal for separate talks with regional CPP and NPA units showed a "very shallow appreciation of the profound social problems which are at the root of the raging civil war in the Philippines."
Government officials, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, have revived the proposal in recent days in response to a statement by CPP founder Jose Maria Sison that the rebels would rather work to oust President Rodrigo Duterte since peace talks at this point would be pointless.
Sison, now chief political consultant of the NDFP, has since clarified that that was not an official stand. The NDFP has said in the past that it can only negotiate on behalf of the CPP-NPA, but cannot make decisions for them.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/07/09/1831998/cordillera-rebels-reject-localized-peace-talks

New Army's 104th Brigade commander in Baslian province assumes post

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From the Zamboanga Today Online (Jul 8): New Army's 104th Brigade commander in Baslian province assumes post
                           
  
Colonel Fernando M. Reyeg assumed office as the new commander of the 104th Brigade/Joint Task Force Basilan on Friday (July 6) during a simple change of command ceremony held at the Philippine Army's 104th Brigade headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City.

Reyeg replaced Brigadier General Juvymax R. Uy, who will assume as the Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division.
 
In his message, the new 104th commander expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership for the trust and confidence they gave him.

He also took the chance to thank the AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. for his mentorship and guidance throughout his career in the AFP.

The colonel vowed to work on sustaining the gains made by his predecessor in securing Basilan Province so that development will further take place.

For his part, Uy, in his message, reckoned the accomplishments of the Brigade under his leadership including the reduction of the Abu Sayyaf Group from a peak of more than 200 hundred of manpower and firearms to less than 40 by now.

"Today, Basilan has gained a lot through the joint collaborative effort based on the outlook and positive indicators by outsiders,” he said.

Murillo also commended Uy for the outstanding performance and numerous accomplishments, including his involvement in the peace and development, during his 18-month stint as 104th Brigade head.

Colonel Reyeg is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991 and hails from Daraga, Albay. He further enhanced his competencies by undergoing civilian and military schoolings here and abroad.

He is also a recipient of various awards, badges, and letters of commendation, such as Gold Cross Medal, Marksmanship Badge, and Letter of Commendation from the City Mayor of Lamitan.

He is happily married to Mrs. Bella Reyeg and blessed with four children namely: Marianne Helene, Livan Austin Fernando, Miguel Justin Fernando, and Mary Grace.

Prior to his current designation, Colonel Reyeg was the Chief of Unified Command Staff of the Western Mindanao Command.
 
Yesterday's turnover ceremony was presided by 1st Infantry Division Commander Major General Roseller G. Murillo. It was also graced by the Local Chief Executives of Basilan led by Governor Jim Hataman-Saliman; officers and men of the Western Mindanao Command; and the family and friends of Brigadier General Uy and Colonel Reyeg.

Addressing to Reyeg, Murillo said, “Sabi nga ni John F. Kennedy, Peace-making is not just a 1-day activity. It is a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly activity. So for the rest of the stay of Colonel Reyeg here he will be working for the peace in Basilan.”
 
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/24395-new-armys-104th-brigade-commander-in-baslian-province-assumes-post.html

DWDD: Arrested Suspected High Ranking Communist terrorists turned over to RTC Bukidnon

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From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 11): Arrested Suspected High Ranking Communist terrorists turned over to RTC Bukidnon

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NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Two suspected high ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist Group (CNTG) based in Mindanao were turned over yesterday July 10, 2018 at the Bukidnon Regional Trial Court and presently detained at BJMP Bukidnon after they were arrested in an Inter...-Agency Law Enforcement Operations in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City on July 4, 2018.

The two were identified as Maria Limbaga Unabia ALIAS DEL of Koronadal, South Cotabato and Francis Madria ALIAS KIANG, of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, both suspected high ranking members of CTG in Mindanao.

They were arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest in CC NO. 29243-16 and CC NO. 29241-16 and 29242-16 for the crimes of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder issued by the Regional Trial Court in Bukidnon.

Likewise, 11 persons were also arrested and were charged for Violation of PD 1829 obstruction of justice after they tried to prevent the arresting team from executing the Warrant of Arrest against the two suspects.

The 11 arrested persons were detained at General Santos Police Office pending their commitment order by the court and other legal procedures. However, they were granted temporary liberty by Honorable Judge Emilio O Quianzon Jr., Vice Executive Judge of the City Trial Court when he allowed the group of Congressman Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Ali Macalintal of KARAPATAN SOCSKSARGEN to post bail on their behalf with the amount of Thirty-Six Thousand Pesos (Php 36,000.00) each on July 6, 2018.

The Inter-Agency Law Enforcement Operations composed of PNP units, NICA 12, and Joint Task Force GenSan came after an Intelligence Report stating that some suspected members of CNTG will converge in an undisclosed place in General Santos to asses and plan for the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, PNP General Santos assisted by a legal team from the Armed Forces of the Philippines is on the process of applying for the issuance of a search warrant to allow the conduct of forensic examination to the confiscated electronic gadgets from the arrested person during the arrest.

Immediately after the arrest, Lt. General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Commander Eastern Mindanao Command directed his subordinates to intensify security operations to deny any group, particularly the communist terrorists in conducting atrocities, in relation to the directive of Jose Maria Sison to oust President Duterte.

"While we are protecting our communities from atrocities let, us further intensify our security operations to deny the terrorist group from conducting atrocities and subversive acts in furtherance of the directive of the communist leadership to oust President Duterte illegally," Gen. Madrigal Jr. said in his directive.


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Donning of Ranks to the Newly Promoted Generals

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From the Philippine Army Website (Jul 10): Donning of Ranks to the Newly Promoted Generals

Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila – Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP, dons second star rank to the Most Senior Promotee Major General Dinoh A Dolina AFP, Commander 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division on July 09, 2018 at Headquarters Philippine Army.

Likewise, the CGPA dons first star rank to Brigadier General Elias H Escarcha AFP, Brigade Commander 201st Infantry Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Brigadier General Ramon Evan T Ruiz AFP, Commander 53rd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army.#
 
09 july 2018 donning collage

http://www.army.mil.ph/home/index.php/press-releases-2/277-donning-of-ranks-to-the-newly-promoted-generals

51st Engineering Brigade Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony

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From the Philippine Army Website (Jul 10): 51st Engineering Brigade Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony

10 july 2018 51st change of command

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - Army Commanding General, Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D Bautista AFP hands-over the Unit Symbol to the new Commander of 51st Engineering Brigade, Philippine Army, Colonel Emmanuel Anthony V Ramos, Philippine Army during the Change of Command Ceremony on 09 July 2018 at Camp General Rigoberto J Atienza, Libis Quezon City.
 
10 july 2018 51st collage

http://www.army.mil.ph/home/index.php/press-releases-2/278-51st-engineering-brigade-philippine-army-change-of-command-ceremony

DWDD: PH Navy Vessels Open for Public Tour in Hawaii

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From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 10): PH Navy Vessels Open for Public Tour in Hawaii

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – The two (2) naval vessels of the Philippine Navy (PN) to the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise conduct an “Open Ship” on July 07, 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17), along with other ships involved in the RIMPAC held a one-day guided shipboard tour that are open to the public.

Around 3,000 military and civilians experienced the “Filipino Hospitality” during the tour. Aside from orientation of the ship’s capability, the open ship was highlighted by the cultural performance from the students of Naval Officers Basic Course (NOBC) aboard LD602 and live band performance from the PN Seabees Band aboard FF17.

RIMPAC 2018 will run until Aug. 2, 2018. This is the first time that the Philippine Navy sends a contingent to participate in the world’s largest maritime international exercise. It further enhances its national pride in sending not just one but two naval vessels. The PN contingent is led by Capt. Ernesto O. Baldovino PN(GSC), Commander of Naval Task Force 86 RIMPAC.

The Philippine Navy’s participation to RIMPAC 2018 trumpets the Command’s commitment in promoting multilateral cooperation to strengthen relationship and cooperation among participating navies of the world.

 
 

DWDD: Project “Ball for Peace”

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From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 10): Project “Ball for Peace”

The Zamboanga City Indigenous Peoples Sports Association (ZCIPSA) in partnership with 4th Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP will conduct its first ever project “Ball for Peace”, a Basketball competition which will be participated by IPs sector from different Tribes namely Yakan, Kolibogan, Sama-Badjao, Subanon and Sama-Bangingi.

A screening for basketball game from ages 19 - 30 as Senior and ages 13 -18 as Junior initiated by ZCIPSA President, Haj. Nasir Ismula; COL JOSE VICTOR L... VARGAS JR, 4CRG, Group Commander; Hon. Roel “Elong” Natividad, BAP National President; Engr. George Jocutan, OIC - NCIP; assisted by different Ingenious Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) held at Headquarters 4th Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP, Camp Don Basalio Navarro, Zamboanga City last 08 July 2018.

 The primary purpose of the creation of ZCIPSA is to promote solidarity and camaraderie among IPs of different tribes and other ethnic groups within the region as well as to encourage the youth to join in such sports or event to prevent them from engaging in illegal activities.

The tournament will be on August 19, 2018 that will start with a Motorcade from Paseo del Mar with different tribal presentation highlighting the rich culture of IPs of Zamboanga Peninsula and will officially open at City Coliseum Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City.

#4thCivilRelationsGroup
#SupportOurTroopsSee More

 
 

DWDD: Congratulations to PMC Football for Peace!

DWDD: 5ID supports localized peace talks with CTGs

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Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 9): 5ID supports localized peace talks with CTGs

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CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army voiced its support to the plan of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to pursue a localized peace talks with the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) instead of pursuing the national peace talks under the self-exiled communist terror...ist leader, Joma Sison.

These words came after the DND and AFP leadership recommended in the previous days that a much practical approach must be undertaken to end the communist terrorist influence in the countryside.

MGen Perfecto M Rimando Jr AFP, Commander, 5ID who has operational jurisdiction over two regions in Northern Luzon area, backed the said program and cited the distinct culture of every Filipino. He said that “We should not single out the approach in relation to peace talks, because the approach applied in one area might not be appropriate in another area. Localized peace talks is the better alternative since the communist terrorists here in Northern Luzon have different motives compared to their comrades in Visayas and Mindanao.”

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has its own way to settle their problems. The living witness to this is the successful negotiation that ended the uprising of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) through the intervention of their tribal elders.

In Cagayan Valley Region, the active participation and laudable initiatives of the Provincial and Municipal leaders that led to the surrender of Communist NPA Terrorists in the past months might be considered as a big step for a localized approach to the problem. This proved that the local leaders have their own method to settle things. They have the programs and wits to invite their “kababayans” to return to the mainstream of society.

In Cagayan Province, former rebels have now the opportunity to land a job under the Cagayan Employment Assistance Program of the PLGU. Just recently, 13 former rebels were employed. These former rebels are part of the more than 30 CNTs who surrendered during the first two quarters of this year.

“With this development in our area of operation, we are optimistic that a long-lasting peace in the area of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Regions is within reach. The 5ID will give its all-out support to an initiative being pursued by the local leaders in relation to the localized peace talks with the CTGs,” MGen Rimando Jr, emphasized.


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DWDD: U.S. and Philippines Strengthen Alliance with Maritime Training Activity 2018

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Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 9): U.S. and Philippines Strengthen Alliance with Maritime Training Activity 2018

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 San Fernando City, Philippines (NNS) – The U.S. and Philippines Navies kicked off Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama at Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar in San Fernando City, Philippines, July 9. The week-long engagement focuses on the full spectrum of naval capabilities and is designed to strengthen the close partnership between both navies while cooperatively ensuring maritime security, stability, and prosperity.

Expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), diving and salvage ship USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) and a P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft will operate alongside Philippine Navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) and landing dock ship BRP Tarlac (LD 601) in at-sea evolutions in the South China Sea.

Evolutions include air defense exercises (ADEX) aimed to increase proficiency in air and missile defense, diving exercises (DIVEX) to promote mutual efficiency underwater, and search and rescue exercises (SAREX) designed to enhance capabilities in aid-and-assistance to distressed mariners.

Shore phase evolutions include symposiums and seminars on a wide range of naval capabilities including medical, public affairs, engineering, explosive ordnance disposal and anti-submarine and surface operations, all taking place in San Fernando City, San Antonio, Manila and Subic.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will join the exercise as an observer and valued partner. "The name of this Maritime Training Activity, Sama Sama, - meaning ‘together, jointly’ - perfectly captures the spirit and energy of this tremendous event.

The U.S. and Philippine alliance has always been a special relationship based on mutual trust and respect and strengthened by enduring maritime engagements," said Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, Commander, Task Force 73.

"Built on 70 years of strong friendship and deep historical ties, our shared interest in maritime security is what Maritime Training Activity Sama Sama is all about — our shared belief that regional challenges increasingly require cooperative solutions by capable naval forces."

MTA Sama Sama builds upon other engagements with the Philippines including Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), which involves more than a dozen partner nations, and Balikatan-34.

These engagements serve to enhance information sharing and coordination and support long-term regional cooperation.

"This training provides us with an exceptional opportunity for both Philippine and U.S. Navies to engage in a broader range of maritime operations and unique scenarios in our
maritime areas. In this way, we could explore for more cooperation, enhance our interoperability, and provide us effective mechanisms for collaboration and partnership of our Navies in the spirit of our mutual treaty engagement,” said Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, Commander, Northern Luzon Command.

“Notably, this Maritime Training Activity demonstrates the extraordinary commitment of our Navies in building and strengthening our partnership in keeping with our bilateral relations as longtime ally. As such, this year's exercise focuses on developing mutual capabilities in addressing maritime security priorities and concern for mutual benefits and interests".

In July 2017, the U.S. and Philippine Navies conducted a coordinated patrol in the Sulu Sea demonstrating a mutual commitment to responding to piracy and illegal transnational activity.

Sailors from both navies exchanged best practices in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) techniques, as well as information sharing.

"It is incredible to see all that will be accomplished during this exercise, as Sailors and Marines from the U.S. and Philippines work side-by-side across multiple domains to safely execute and engage on and under the sea, in the air, on land, and in the local communities," said Capt. Lex Walker, Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7.

"As the MTA continues to evolve in scope and scale, the U.S. and Philippine Navies will continue sailing together towards the common goals of increased maritime security and stability."

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DWDD: 100 teachers, commandants trained for Basic ROTC program

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Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Facebook Page (Jul 8): 100 teachers, commandants trained for Basic ROTC program
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 CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City--The Department of National Defense, Department of Education, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines conclude yesterday, July 8, the four-day Capability Building workshop for the pilot implementation of Advanced Citizen Training Program (ACTP).

The workshop is aimed at preparing 100 teachers and 100 AFP commandants from identified schools offering Grades 11 and 12 nationwide projected to imp...lement the ACTP.

 ACTP is anchored on House Bill 5113 endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte, proposing the mandatory Basic Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) in Gr 11 & 12 in consultation with other ROTC stakeholders.

The proposed bill was presented and unanimously approved for endorsement to Congress as a priority measure by the Pres and the Cabinet during the 12th Cabinet meeting on 07 Feb 2017 in Malacañang.

The bill was eventually filed in the House by Dep Speaker Raneo Abu (2nd Dist, Batangas) as HB 5113 on 22 Feb 2017, adopting them to the DND/AFP bill.

In line with the President's endorsement of the HB 5113, DepEd and DND/AFP worked together to come up with a Basic ROTC curriculum/POI that can be piloted in 100 senior high schools nationwide in the next school year.

This resulted to the 16 Mar 2018 signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to pilot this Basic ROTC curriculum but will be called as ACTP pending the passage into law of HB 5113.

The workshop will conclude today in Tanza, Cavite with Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana, Dr. Rizalino Jose T Rosales who represented Sec Leonor Briones, Director, Bureau of Learner Support Services under which is the Youth Formation Div which oversees the ACTP and the Deputy Chief of Staff AFP Vice Admiral Gaudenci Collado.

CPP/NDF-Panay: The mad tyrant and his DDS are on the loose!

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NDF-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 11): The mad tyrant and his DDS are on the loose!

Concha Araneta, Spokesperson
NDFP Panay

11 July 2018

After his habitual tiresome rant, rambling about putting Boracay under land reform and giving land to the MANGYANS in Boracay, Duterte again warned that the problem in Iloilo is still drugs. Only days after the mad tyrant left Iloilo on June 20, his DDS (Duterte Death Squads) and PNP asslickers went on a killing spree.

First it was barangay captain Remia Prevendido Gregori allegedly linked to her slain druglord brother. Unlike Richard Prevendido who was killed by the PNP and PDEA in a so-called legitimate raid, the barangay captain’s non-uniformed but professional killers drove straight into her beach resort in broad daylight on the afternoon of June 24 (St John the Baptist day) at San Joaquin, Iloilo. Sporting masks and high-powered rifles the assassins knew precisely whom to kill and whom to maim, spending enough bullets to traumatize Gregori’s family members vacationing on the beach. Along with the barangay captain, the killers also murdered the nanny of Remia’s grandchildren and wounded her husband. The PNP declared the killing was drug-related but it is utterly clueless ‘kuno’ as to who murdered Remia Gregori.

Less than twenty-four hours later the target was another barangay captain, Noel Odicta, brother of DDS-slayed druglord Melvin Odicta. In a blitzkrieg raid at dawn of June 25, regional PNP forces encircled the Odicta compound and ransacked five houses for illegal firearms and explosives killing the barangay captain’s brother-in-law for allegedly fighting back a platoon of armed and dangerous law enforcers. A number of persons including the barangay captain have been detained for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. According to Regional Director John Bulalacao, the owners were drug suspects. He commended the PNP for a job well done. As for the killing, well he fought back ‘kasi’.

The very next day (June 26) in order to impress more terror and panic to the people of Iloilo and the region, Duterte’s DDS and police minions executed their plan to eliminate PO1 Dorben Acap, a police officer classified by the PNP as a ‘high-value drug suspect’. Alas DDS PO2 Melvin Mocorro was not sharp enough to fatally kill his target. Acap returned fire and was able to wound Mocorro who was in civilian clothes and helmet riding in tandem with his co-DDS driver. Mocorro’s helmet loosened and Acap was able to identify him. This incident of a policeman purporting to murder another policeman caused a lot of hue and cry from the public including media. Strange, unlike the two cases above, PNP top officers were unreachable, inaccessible and shy to inquiries especially from the media. Reaching out to Regional Director John Bulalacao, media got this “sorry the RD is not available at this moment”.

What a mess! Everything was going smoothly on PRO6’s way until this fiasco. Bulalacao’s scheme of fear and terror and ‘pakitang gilas’ backfired and went pfft. Upon Duterte’s bidding, Bulalacao set the ball rolling overzealously unleashing the DDS and police mercenaries.

However, this killing spree is not a regional phenomenon but a national scheme under a terrorist tyrannical rule framework. The month of July opened with two mayors from Luzon (Batangas and Nueva Ecija) gunned down in extra-judicial fashion. While this caused alarm among the ranks of local bureaucrats and unnerving those announced and unannounced in the Duterte ‘narco list’, Duterte lightly dismissed these atrocities even sounding gleeful at Tan-auan, Batangas mayor Antonio Halili’s murder. He promptly blamed Halili for being a druglord but as to who killed him, “he has no idea”.

The presidential parrot Harry Roque prattled that the Palace has nothing to do with the outbreak of murders, no killing has been state-sponsored and investigations will be done. But who is Harry Roque the fool fooling? Certainly not the public who know too well that these killings like Tokhang are planned and executed by state police, DDS and mercenaries and it is Duterte who is the chief architect and primarily answerable.

Too much blood is on Duterte’s hands. He has outdone Marcos in the number and rate of killings and murders and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people especially in Marawi, lumad communities and the rest of Mindanao. Day by day Duterte keeps on proving that he is the no. 1 terrorist in the Philippines.

But this terrorist tyrant is only good at bullying the people especially the masses of peasants, workers, youth and other working people. Yet he kowtows in subservient obedience to US imperialism and the CIA and cowardly shirks at China’s aggression and blackmail. He has practically killed the peace negotiations with the NDFP in compliance to CIA-trained Defense Secretary Lorenzana’s directive. Ever since, he has handled the peace negotiations in an arrogant, underhanded, provocative and unreasonable manner.

Whatever efforts at fake news, fake approval ratings, fake economic progress and fake benefits from TRAIN Duterte’s paid sycophants do in order to buffer his growing unpopularity and isolation, it is clear and plain that the people’s tide of discontent, disdain and resistance against tyranny and demagoguery is rising day by day until it culminates into the tyrant’s downfall.

We appeal to the people of Panay to strike at tyranny thru all forms of struggle. NDF-Panay together with the New People’s Army in our guerrilla fronts exhorts all peace-loving and righteous citizens not to be cowed by the state’s terrorism, to resist fascist violence by the PNP and AFP and to support or join the people’s armed resistance.
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@ nagresulta sang pagkapatay sang bayaw sang barangay kapitan sa alegasyon nga nagbato sa isa ka platun nga armado kag makatalagam nga mga tagpatuman sang lawi. Madamo ang gindakup kag ginpreso lakip na ang kapitan bangud sa iligal nga paghupot sang mga armas kag eksplosibo. Suno kay Regional Director John Bulalacao, ang tag-iya sang mga ini mga suspetsado sa druga. Gindayaw niya ang PNP para sa maayo nga pagtuman sang trabaho. Bahin naman sa pagpatay, kay ti, “nagbato abi!”

Gilayon man pagkasunod nga adlaw (Hunyo 26), agud magpasigá paagi sa dugang nga kakugmat kag panik sa mga pumuluyo sa Iloilo kag sa rehiyon, ang DDS ni Duterte kag ang sumulunod nga kapulisan nagpatuman sang ila plano nga pag-eliminar kay PO1 Dorben Acap, isa ka upisyal sang pulis nga klasipikado sang PNP bilang ‘high-value drug suspect’. Ugaling, si DDS PO2 Melvin Mocorro indi gid matanda agud mapatay niya sang patal ang target. Nakabalos si Acap kag napilasan pa si Mocorro nga nakasibilyan ang panapot kag naka-helmet upod sa iya pareho nga DDS nga nagamaneho sang motor. Napalos ang helmet ni Mocorro kag nakilala siya ni Acap. Ini nga insidente sang isa ka pulis nga nagatuyo mag-marder sang isa man ka pulis nagpaukal sang madamo nga reklamo halin sa publiko lakip sa masmidya. Ang makatilingala, kay indi pareho sa duha ka nauna nga kaso nga namensyunar sa ibabaw, ang matag-as nga upisyal sang PNP indi na malab-ot, indi na maangutan kag hinali lang sila nangin mahuluy-on sa pagsabat sang mga palamangkutanon ilabi na halin sa masmidya. Kon kontakon gani si Regional Director John Bulalacao, ang makuha sang midya amo ang “sorry the RD is not available at this moment”.

Ano nga damulit! Halos tanan katanlas lang kuntani para sa PRO-6, asta nga nagtuhaw ining makahuluya nga kapaslawan. Ang padihut ni Bululacao nga magsabwag sang kakugmat kag “pakitang gilas” ang narebenta kag nawad-an sang hangin. Sa bendisyon ni Duterte, si Bulalacao ang nagkumpas kag matinumanon kag tudo-tudo nga ginbuy-an nga maglayaw ang DDS kag mersenaryo nga mga pulis.

Apang ining pagpamatay indi lang diri sa rehiyon kundi isa ka padihut sa pungsodnon nga sakup sa idalom sang teroristang tiranikal nga paggahum. Ang bulan sang Hulyo nagbukas nga may duha ka meyor sa Luzon (Batangas kag Nueva Ecija) ang ginpangluthang sa pamaagi sang ekstra-hudisyal nga pagpatay. Samtang nag-alarma ini sa kubay sang lokal nga burukrasya kag nagpakulba sa mga gin-anunsyar kag wala naanunsyar sa listahan sang ‘narco list’ ni Duterte, mahapos nga ginbale-wala lang ini ni Duterte nga mga kalakasan kag makita pa siya gani nga nalipay sa pagmarder sa meyor sang Tan-auan, Batangas nga si Antonio Halili. Madasig niya nga ginbasol si Halili sa iya pagka-druglord, pero sa kon sin-o ang nagpatay, “wala siya ideya”.

Ang presidensyal nga pikoy nga si Harry Roque nag-ngasal nga ang Palasyo wala labot sa paglupok sang madamo nga marder, wala sang mga pagpamatay nga gin-isponsor sang estado kag himuon pa ang imbestigasyon. Pero sin-o ang ginatonto sang nagabinuang nga si Harry Roque? Pat-ud indi ang publiko nga maathag nga nakahibalo nga ining pagpamatay pareho sang Tokhang ang lunsay ginplano kag ginapatuman sang kapulisan sang estado, DDS kag mga mersenaryo kag si Duterte amo ang puno nga utok kag primarya nga may salabton.

Sanaw sa dugo ang mga kamot ni Duterte. Nalabawan pa niya si Marcos sa kadamuon kag kadasigon sang pagpamatay kag pagpangmarder kag pagdislokar sang ginatus ka libo nga mga pumuluyo ilabi na sa Marawi, sa mga komunidad sang Lumad kag iban pa nga lugar sa Mindanao. Adlaw-adlaw, ginasiguro ni Dutete ang pagpamatuod nga siya ang numero uno nga terorista sa Pilipinas.

Apang ini nga terorista nga tirano maayo lang sa pagdaug-daog sa mga pumuluyo ilabi na sa masang mangunguma, mamumugon, pamatan-on kag iban nga anakbalhas. Nagayaub siya sa pagsunod sa imperyalismong US kag sa CIA kag talawan nga nagalikaw sa agresyon kag pagblakmeyl sang China. Sa aktwal, ginpatay na niya ang negasasyon pangkalinungan upod sa NDFP sa pagsunod sa direktiba sang ginhanas sang CIA nga Secretaryo sang Depensa, si Lorenzana. Halin pa sang una, gintratar niya ang negosasyon pangkalinungan sing may arogansya, indi tampad, nagapangprobokar kag sa pamaagi nga indi rasonable.

Himuon sang mga bayaran nga mga sumulunod ni Dutete sa pagpaggwa sang mga paltik nga balita, paltik nga approval ratings, paltik nga pang-ekonomya nga kauswagan kag paltik nga benipisyo sa TRAIN agud lang mapigaran ang madasig nga pagkahamulag kag pagkadula sang popularidad ni Duterte. Apang maathag kag madali makita ang adlaw-adlaw nga pagtaub sang pagkadiskontento, tuman nga kaugot kag pagpamatuk sang pumuluyo sa tiranya kag pagkadiktador ni Duterte kag ang putuk-putukan sini amo ang iya pagkapukan.

Nagaapelar kami sa mga pumuluyo sang Panay sa pagbunal batuk sa tiranya sa tanan nga mga porma sang paghimakas. Ang NDF-Panay upod sa New People’s Army sa aton mga prenteng gerilya nagabuyok sa mga nagapalangga sang kalinungan kag matarung nga mga pumuluyo nga indi magkahadlok sa terorismo sang estado, batuan ang pasita nga kalakasan sang PNP kag AFP kag suportahan ukon magbuylog sa armado nga pagpamatuk sang pumuluyo.#

CPP/CPP-IB: On Duterte’s spectre of power sharing

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CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 10): On Duterte’s spectre of power sharing



Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

10 July 2018

Duterte is weaving a big lie in claiming that past agreements forged between the GRP and the NDFP “all end up with power sharing and a coalition government.” We challenge Duterte to stand before the public and point out specifically in which agreement did he make that discovery, instead of blabbering about nonsense such as “power sharing.”

Duterte is deliberately engendering the spectre of “power sharing” to scare the ruling elite politicians and get them all behind him in his decision to terminate the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations. At the same time, he discredits the previous GRP presidents for signing previous agreements and not being as astute as him in not seeing the NDFP’s “power sharing” motives. Duterte knows that many among his fellow reactionaries do not sit well with his decision to end the talks. The broad democratic sectors denounce his one-track militarist approach.

He also wants to disparage the CPP-NPA “for having the gall” to want to share power with him when the revolutionary forces “could not even control a single barangay for one day” (or so he claims). He aims at Prof. Jose Ma. Sison who he wants to derogate to his level as a power-hungry politician. “I cannot give it to you,” he insists. Indeed, Duterte does not want to share power with the CPP/NPA/NDF. In fact, the dictator wannabe does not want to share power with anyone. He wants it all for himself.

Revolutionaries do not seek power sharing
To set the record straight, the revolutionary forces do not seek “power sharing” with the GRP. If one closely reads the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the only agreement so far which pertains to the substantive agenda of the talks, there is no single mention of “sharing power.” On the contrary, it speaks of “mutuality and reciprocity” as well as “separate duties and responsibilities”, which explicitly indicate two distinct entities. Nowhere in the agreement is it suggested that a coalition government will be established.

The same principle of “separate duties and responsibilities” is again stipulated in the NDFP’s draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER). In Part II, Section 3, the NDFP further proposes: “In entering into this agreement, the GRP is guided by its Constitution and the NDFP by the Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government and the Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Accordingly, the Parties hold themselves responsible jointly and separately in implementing this Agreement.”

The revolutionary forces do not seek to share power nor forge a coalition government with the GRP, especially not with Duterte. In peace negotiations, what the revolutionary forces aim to forge is an agreement on measures which the GRP and the NDFP, as separate political entities, will carry out to serve the overall interests of the Filipino people in line with the principles of national sovereignty and social justice.

Two powers at war in the Philippines
As explicitly stated in the Party’s Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution, the overall aim of the CPP is to build a people’s democratic government (PDG) that would in time be established nationwide and replace the rotten US neocolonial client-state. The PDG represents the workers, peasants, the petty-bourgeoisie and the national capitalists. The broad toiling masses are being roused to wage armed revolution by the worsening forms of oppression and exploitation which they daily suffer.

In contrast, the neocolonial state (expressed as the GRP or the Government of the Republic of the Philippines) represents the interests of the US (primarily through its command and control of the AFP), and the reactionary classes of big bourgeois compradors, big landlords and big bureaucrat capitalists (the most parasitic class to which Duterte belongs to).

The neocolonial reactionary state is currently the dominant government in the Philippines. The PDG is still comparatively weak, although it is already established nationwide, covering at least 95% of all provinces, with political authority covering a few thousand barrios.

Nature of civil war and peace negotiations
Peace negotiations have been going on for more than 25 years now. There are peace negotiations because there are two governments at war with each other.

On the one hand, the revolutionary forces behind the PDG are not yet capable of overthrowing the GRP. On the other hand, the GRP has been weakened considerably by the ever worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system that it is incapable of pushing back the steady growth of the CPP/NPA, even with the heightening intervention of the US military.

Thus is the nature of the civil war in the Philippines. That two armed powers are confronting each other in the battlefield and across the table is the undeniable context behind the long-running NDFP-GRP peace talks.

Duterte trivializes the negotiations by claiming the NDFP wants only “power sharing.” No. The NDFP does not covet Duterte’s powers. It seeks, rather, for the two powers, while at war to come to an agreement to address the country’s outstanding problems for the benefit of the people.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180710-on-dutertes-spectre-of-power-sharingrn

CPP/CPP-IB: To Duterte

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CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 10): To Duterte



Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

8 July 2018

You declaim, “Let us go to war!” like a drug-crazed war freak. As if you gave peace a chance. Over the past two years, despite your peace prattle, not once did you silence the guns of war. You have never ordered your soldiers to relent in their offensives. Peaceful rural barangays are no more with battalions of soldiers occupying their villages. People are gravely suffering under your total war, spuriously named “Oplan Kapayapaan.” You ignore their pleas. You drown their cries by raining bombs over their homes and fields. You drive them away from their lands which you and your minions covet .

You have repeatedly tripped the peace talks just as these were making headway. You come up with one unacceptable condition after another. Now you repeat ad nauseam the lie that the NDFP wants to share power with you. (They do not.) Or that the GRP has been at the losing end of all past agreements. You plan to throw 25 years of hard work down the drain. Clearly you do not want peace. At least, not one that fixes the people’s problems which rouse them to rise up in arms—landlessness, unemployment, very low wages, rising prices, burdensome taxes, corruption and bureaucrats like you making money. What you want is for the revolutionary forces to surrender and bow before you. Indeed you are drunk with power.

You think you can get away with your crimes and abuses. The Filipino people will not allow it. Your dream of silencing the people will fail. Your schemes of a dictatorship will fail. You wish to end the people’s armed resistance. You will definitely fail. Like your idol Marcos, you will end up right on top of the trash heap of history.

MILF: Editorial - Acceptance or rejection?

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Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 8): Editorial - Acceptance or rejection?

On July 9, the bicameral conference committee will finalize the version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and after which on July 23 before or during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will sign it into law.
Four months or 120 days thereafter, a plebiscite shall be conducted for its ratification by the electorates of the proposed Bangsamoro territory. Once ratified, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is “deemed abolished” and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) shall be organized immediately as the executive and legislative authority in the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous entity.

However, based on the Senate and House versions of the BBL, it is very difficult to say what decision MILF Central Committee is going to make: to accept or reject a BBL just above the current ARMM.

In this regard, to make the BBL clearly more than the ARMM is very simple. All those powers that were given or devolved to ARMM must be given or transferred to the new Bangsamoro political entity, and then, to borrow the words of one senator, “plus, plus ….” This will give rise to a real autonomous entity.

Th truth is that both options, acceptance or rejection, are laden with unfathomable complications or problems. Chances that either option will only worsen the situation in Mindanao.

Indeed, it is not an easy decision on the part of the MILF. In this regard, consultation with the people is necessary. The pulse of the people must be given way. Above all, prayers for guidance from ABOVE is needed.

However, if what emerges from the conference is lower than the ARMM or just like it, it is easy for the MILF to decide. We cannot accept a diluted BBL. That is tantamount to capitulation.

Right now, frankly we do not know what is in the offing re: BBL. The only consolation is that most of the members of the committee (18 from the House and 10 from the Senate) are for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao. They are also known for their fairness in dealing with people including the Moros of Mindanao.

However, three members of the committee from the House are known enemy of the BBL right from the start. They have not softened up even after President Duterte certified the proposed bill as urgent on May 30. The two legislators are fighting tooth and nail to ensure the continued stay of his family in power and control of resources in their province. The third one is opposing for the sake of opposing; he finds comfort and happiness if Moros are suffering, courtesy of his distorted sense of history. It is racism at work and at its best, if not a religious bigotry!

Be this as it may, we will continue to hope and pray for a good BBL after the conference. This is our gut feeling! We feel many people share this positive outlook.

We are adopting this positive point of view on the premise that only a real autonomous Bangsamoro entity can serve the best interest of all. A weak one will only invite, like a disease, more complications. More so, frustrations will increase manifold.

 http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1399/acceptance-or-rejection-
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