18 year old student beheaded in Sulu – Pres. Duterte ordered to crush-down Abussayaf

Patrick James Almodovar (center) who was beheaded by Abussayaf in Sulu (August 24) Photo from Facebook

Jolo, Sulu –  President  Rodrigo  Duterte ordered  military troops to crush  down the Abu Sayyaf after beheaded another captive  Patrick James Almodovar, 18 years old when their  family did not pay ransom after the ultimatum lapse last Wednesday afternoon (August 24), according to Brigadier General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Almodovar was abducted when he went out with friends on July 24. According to his mother “Annie,” she received a call from alleged kidnappers demanding P1 million for his release.

Almodovar mother appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte asking  help to  free his son because their family unable to come up the ransom money. She only collected P100,000.00 from friends and family.

But on August 24 at about 7:30 in the afternoon, the head of the victim was recovered in Barangay Kadjatian, Indanan, Sulu after the ultimatum lapsed, said Major Felimon Tan, Jr, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command.

After the reports reached by the President, he  ordered soldiers to “Kill the enemies of the state,” Immediately, the president ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy additional troops in Sulu and Basilan to track-down the bandits and crush them.

Duterte  was angered of  beheading of some  kidnap victims particular in Sulu by Abussayaf.. He want to kill immediately the enemy of the state as soon as possible because this kind  of activities, a barbaric and evil, he said.

Patrick Almodovar, 18, a native of Jolo, Sulu and son of a court stenographer who was kidnapped last July 24 just outside their house.(by: Becky D. de Asis/The Redline News)

GRP-NDF panels ok accelerated timetable on substantive agenda

OSLO, NORWAY—Negotiators from the Philippine government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) today, August 25, gave the green light for an accelerated timetable for its Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) and Reciprocal Working Groups (RWG) to complete work on the substantive agenda of the peace talks in less than a year.

The accelerated timetable was agreed upon and submitted to the GRP and NDF panels by their respective working committee and groups, which held simultaneous discussions on Tuesday (Oslo time) afternoon. "We commend the RWC and RWGs of both panels for working hand-in-hand and agreeing on a fixed timetable for the substantive agenda in record time," said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, concurrent chair of the government peace panel.

 "We, in the government panel, were surprised that the RWC and RWGs came up with agreements in so short a time. Discussions only lasted from nine minutes to 30 minutes. It was really morale-boosting for both panels," Bello said.

As expected, the longest session was reserved for the discussion on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), which would eventually tackle the most contentious issues, such as agrarian reform, national industrialization, and foreign policy.

The GRP-RWC on CASER is led by Atty. Efren Moncupa, a human rights lawyer and former political detainee, while his counterpart from the NDF is Juliet de Lima-Sison, member of the NDF negotiating panel.

In their report to the panels, the RWC on CASER of both parties agreed to "endeavor to complete work within a period of six months.

" Bello noted that CASER is considered the "heart and soul" of the peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDF, pointing out that work on socio-economic reforms would determine the outcome of the talks.

 "This committee will work on the most important issue: how to address the root causes of conflict in the Philippines in order to attain just and lasting peace. The sooner CASER is wrapped up, the better for the peace negotiations," Bello explained.

"Fast-tracking discussions on CASER means accelerating the process of seeking political settlement with the NDF and ending almost half a century of armed conflict with communist guerillas," he added.

 Bello said the GRP-NDF Working Committees on CASER would hold their first meeting in October 2016 to discuss the framework and outline of the CASER, their work schedule, and methods of work.

 The RWGs on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR), for their part, agreed to hold their first meeting also in Oslo in synchronization with the RWC on CASER in October.

 The RWG on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF), for its part, agreed to present their respective draft outlines for a Comprehensive Agreement on the substantive issue on 24 October 2016 or the next scheduled Panel meeting, whichever comes first.

Bello explained that the simultaneous discussions of the substantive agenda would improve the chances of the GRP meeting its self-imposed deadline of forging a final peace agreement with the NDF in a year's time.

 "We are right on schedule and the talks are proceeding smoothly. We expect a final peace agreement after one year so we can devote five more years of President Rodrigo Duterte's term in implementing the reforms agreed upon by both parties," he said. (press release) posted by Becky D. de Asis

Kapatagan Police arrest drug suspect - no drugs recovered

Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte  - A search warrant  served by the joint operation of PNP Lead by Police Inspector  Ricky Pinonggan,  Deputy Chief of Police of Kapatagan Municipal Police Station  anf Police Senior Inspector  Cadapi  Dansal,  Deputy Chief  of Provincial Police Safety Company,  with Police Inspector Alexander Lawan,  Team Leader of Special Weapon and Tactics, 1LT. Junel Vecino and 1LT. Marlouie Dicen of Bravo Company  15IB PA  against Jerry L. Insik noted drug users/dealer in Purok 3, Bagong Silang Kapatagan,  Lanao del Norte.

The operatives recovered from the suspect,  one (1) grenade in the suspect house but  no drugs recovered.  The suspect admits that he stop using illegal drugs after he  surrender in the Oplan Tokhang of the PNP, but according to the barangay  officials and the people of the said place,  the suspect continue using and dealing  illegal drugs in the area

The suspect Jerry L. Insik detained in Kapatagan Police Station, appropriate charges in court was filed. (with report by Mike Navarro/ Posted by Becky D. De Asis-the redlinenews desk)

Youth Leadership Summit in Sulu successful

Patikul,Sulu - The  35th infantry (Makamandag) Battalion conducted Youth Leadership Summit batch   to the 68 young leaders coming from Talipao, Parang, Patikul and Jolo.

The purpose of the summit is to enhance leadership  and capability of the youth towards peace, progress and development in the province.  The said activity was attended by Brig. Gen. Arnel B. Dela |Vega  of Task Force Sulu as guest of honor and  speaker held at Headquarters  of  the 35Infantry Battalion, Patikul, Sulu.

Capt. Domingo Reyes said that the said summit is very much successful and it would uplift  the capability of the youth  on how to handle and control the peace issues in the Mindanao. (with report by Mike Navarro/posted by: Becky D. De Asis/the redlinenews desk editor)

PNoy Housing Project awarded 116 houses to PNP and AFP beneficiaries

Cagayan de Oro City - A total of 116 house and lot packages will be awarded to the PNP/AFP beneficiaries in Alae, Bukidnon today. This is in line of  the Letter of Instruction (LOI 50/2012) known as the Implementation and Awarding of P-NOY Housing Project Phase 2.

The distribution will be done through a raffle draw from the total of 1, 388 benefactors from PNP and AFP. The project site is located in Mountain Breeze Residences Brgy. San Isidro, Alae, Bukidnon with a total land area of 92, 022 square meters (or 9.2 hectares). Each unit has a floor area of 20 square meters in a 40 square meter lot area.

The 1st Batch of housing units was awarded last February 4, 2015 where 315 out of 375 units were distributed and 10 units were given to its benefactors last  June 29, 2016 during the 2nd Batch of distribution. (with report by Mike Navarro/posted by Becky D. de Asis/the redlinenews desk)

Narco Politicians Surrender Guns to Police

Ozamiz City - Mayor Reynaldo "Aldong" Parojinog, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and Councilor Ricardo "Ardot" Parojinog surrender of their assorted short  and high-powered firearms last Monday   morning to  Ozamiz City Police Station and   also  Mayor David Navarro   of  Clarin Municipality  also surrender to  Clarin Police Station  after PNP chief PDG Ronald Dela Rosa ordered the revocation of all their firearm licenses registered under their names.

The order spur from President Rodrigo Duterte's drug personality list expose' where Reynaldo Parojinog, Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, Ricardo Parojinog and David Navarro  also included in the list of Narco -politicians,

Surrendered firearms include M16 Bushmaster, FN, SOCOM II, AK45, Galil, Uzi, Glock, Para Ordnance and other high-powered firearms and pistols. 

Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao  Police Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Noel Constantino  ordered erlier  the immediate recall of police officers detailed as security escorts to the Narco politicians in Duterte's list and cancelled their deputation authority over the PNP pursuant to National Police Commission Memorandum Circular No.99-010 and Sec. 65 of Republic Act 8551.

"This means they no longer have operational and administrative control and supervision over the PNP in their respective areas. Likewise, the security escorts provided to them by the PNP recalled and  directed  to report back to the Regional Headquarters where they will be re-assigned to their units in the region.  Constantino said. 

"For now, they can apply  Licensed  protective agents from accredited service provider from accredited security service providers as  approved by the Chief PNP”, said Constantino. (by: Mike Navarro/posted by Becky D. De Asis-the redlinenews desk editor)

Gov't-NDF peace panel buckle down to work

OSLO, NORWAY—Negotiators from the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) today, August 23, buckled down to work and held successive meetings, both in panel and committee levels, as part of a shared commitment to forge a final peace agreement within six to 12 months. The peace negotiators got down to the brass tacks a day after holding an opening ceremony that marked the formal resumption of peace talks currently being held at the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Norway. Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III, concurrent chair of the government peace panel, explained that both parties agreed to hold meetings in panel and committee levels to accelerate the process of discussion on substantive issues related to the talks. "Our negotiations in the past decades have been difficult to the point of seemingly immovable discussions. We spent more time in procedures rather than on the substantive agenda before us," Bello said. "We have learned our lessons from past experiences. Both parties have resumed the stalled peace negotiations and are now committed to explore all avenues possible to fast-track the process," he added. Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, for his part, noted that the government panel has been instructed to accelerate the peace negotiations in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to bring a definitive and final peace settlement within six to 12 months. "We can all see now that there is renewed and fresh euphoria in the air. Our coming together starting today should be not in the context of out-witting or out-maneuvering each other across the table," Dureza said. "Neither is this a joust of one side unduly gaining strategic advantage over the other. But this should be more of a coming together of Filipinos interested to see changes in the land—in our land, to be shared for and by all. If we can, let's no longer call our engagements as negotiations but instead a shared national ‘conversation’ a ‘dialogue’ where we find together common grounds, bridge the divides, and seek common dreams to share," he added. To jumpstart the peace process, both panels sat down this morning (Oslo time) and held discussions on three substantive agenda:  Affirmation of previously-signed agreements;  Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces; and  Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list. Among the documents expected to be re-affirmed by both panels include The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, Breukelen Joint Statement of 1994, the JASIG, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Aside from Bello, the government negotiators include former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza, former Commission on Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, and Attorneys Angela Librado-Trinidad and Antonio Arellano. The NDF, on the other hand, is represented by its chairman Luis Jalandoni, Fidel Agcaoili, Connie Ledesma, Asterio Palima, and Juliet de Lima-Sison. After the panel meeting, negotiators from both parties will supervise simultaneous dis cussions of the Reciprocal Working Committee on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) and the Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) and End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF). For the government panel, Braganza was assigned to supervise the CASER committee; Sarmiento for PCR; and Arellano and Librado for EOH-DOF. Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy for the Peace Process Elisabeth Slattum and her staff acted as third party facilitators in moderating the panel and committee discussions.

Shooting Incident occurred in Zambopen

Zamboanga City - Shooting incident transpired at Quezon Avenue Street, Barangay Poblacion, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte at about 7:50 PM of August 23, 2016.

The victim were identified as Michael Estellore Y Baldomar, 36 years old, male, married, Filipino and a resident of Poblacion, Jonalyn Duhaylungsod Y Linogon, 30 years old, female, Filipino and a resident of Calatunan and Jhansi Duhaylungsod Y Linogon, 4 years old, female, Filipino and a resident of Barangay Calatunan all of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Accordingly, prior to the incident while the victim Michael Estellore together with his live-in partner named Maymay Jimpayan and their invited friends spouses Rolly Duhaylungsod Y Montemor, 35 years old, male, Filipino and Jonalyn Duhaylungsod Y Linogon, and with their four (4) years old daughter named Jhansi Duhaylungsod y Linogon, take a dinner together at the porch of the cellphone shop owned by Michael Estellore, when suddenly one (1) unidentified single motorcycle with no plate attached driven by unidentified person together with one (1) back rider appeared and stopped in front of the cellphone shop then the back rider alighted there from then came nearer and without any apparent reason shoot Micheal Estellore several times hitting in the different parts of his body causing serious gunshot wounds. Jonalyn and her daughter Jahnsi Duhaylungsod were also hit by the stray bullets causing gunshot wounds in their bodies.

After the incident, the suspects immediately fled towards north direction riding a motorcycle while the victims were immediately brought to Sindangan District Hospital by Maymay Jimpayan, Rolly Duhaylungsod and other concern citizens for immediate medical treatment however, Michael Estellore was pronounced Dead On Arrival by the attending physician Dr. Julieta G. Yano while Jonalyn Duhaylungsod was immediately evacuated to Zanorte Medical Center Dipolog, City.

Recovered from the crime scene were six (6) empty shells of caliber 45, two (2) slug and one (1) unit black Honda XRM with no plate number attached and accordingly owned by the victim. Elements of Sindangan MPS in coordination with friendly forces are still conducting manhunt operation to identify and possible arrest of the suspects.

Another Shooting incident occurred along Natividad St., Tetuan, Zamboanga City at about 9:20 in the morning of August 23, 2016. Victim wearing PNP GOA Type C uniform identified the person of one (1) PO3 Al –Zhamier Sadalani

Aracid  with badge no. 170248 assigned at PRO9, Camp Romeo Abendan, Mercedes, ZC, 37 years old, of Doña Ramona. Isabela City was shot and wounded by unidentified person on board in single motorcycle Wave 100 colored black (plate number not taken).

Victim sustained gunshot wounds on his back head thru and thru on his face, while suspect fled on board in getaway vehicle heading towards unknown directions. Immediately victim was rushed towards the nearest hospital on board ambulance.

The PNP SOCO team conducted crime processing and recovered in the area two (2) spent shell of Cal .45 pistol and one (1) deformed slug of same caliber. Police Station  6 still conducting thorough investigation to reveal the motives and the  identification  of the suspect. (posted by Becky D. de Asis/dredlinenews desk)

GRP, NDF panels ok 3 of 5 substantive issues

The peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) got off to a good start Tuesday morning (Oslo time), August 23, as negotiators from both parties agreed on three of five substantive issues, including a formal commitment to accelerate the process of forging a political settlement during term of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The negotiating panels only took four hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to settle minor conflicting positions on the three substantive issues during a marathon session that was punctuated on several instances by laughter and light banter.

The three major issues that were settled are the:

• Affirmation of previously-signed agreements;
• Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list; and
• Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces, including the Joint Monitoring Committee.

"It was a frank and honest discussion among friends. We are candid with each other, knowing that we share the common agenda of peace," said Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, concurrent chair of the government panel.

"There were heated discussions, at times, which are normal during negotiations. In fact, we have to call a break on several occasions to cool off. But the general atmosphere was cordial as the session was punctuated by laughter and light banter," Bello added.

He said all agreements signed during peace negotiations from the time of President Corazon Aquino up to the present were re-affirmed "subject to enhancements that may be mutually agreed upon later by both panels."

"We may need these enhancements in the future as we do not want to be tied down by the rigidity of the past. Learning from mistakes of the previous negotiations, we want to explore all options to move the process fast forward."

The agreements that were re-affirmed include The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, Breukelen Joint Statement of 1994, the JASIG, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

To accelerate the pace of peace negotiations, both panels agreed to activate the Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), as well as the Reciprocal Working Groups (RWGs) on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) and End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF).

Bello explained that the RWC and the RWGs would hold simultaneous discussions on substantive issues separate from formal meetings being scheduled at the panel level.

"RWC and the RWGs may hold discussions on their own at the venue of their choice. We agreed that all RWC meetings will be held in Oslo, but RWG discussions may be held in the Philippines," he said.

Bello noted that both panels also agreed to exert best efforts to complete discussions on socio-economic reforms within six months so that a comprehensive agreement on the issue may be signed at the panel level.

On JASIG, both panels agreed to reconstitute the list of NDF consultants, who shall be immune from arrest in order to allow them to participate in the peace process.

The NDF leaders informed the government panel that the list would contain the names of 54 consultants who are classified as "publicly-known" and "assumed names" of 87 guerrilla leaders who are still underground but involved in the consultation for the peace process.

Bello said only two of the five issues up for discussion in the Oslo talks remain unresolved, but these would be negotiated on Thursday, August 25.  These are the mode of interim ceasefire and amnesty proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress. (PR/posted by Becky de Asis-dredlinenews desk)

Oplan Tokhang and double barrel in Region 10 – 55k surrender to police

Cagayan de Oro City  - Atleast  55, 613 self-confessed drug personalities from various parts of Northern Mindanao had voluntary surrendered to police and local authorities under the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) dubbed PROJECT “TOKHANG” (Knock & Plead) from July 1 to August 11, 2016.

In line with the directive of the PNP Chief PDG Ronald M Dela Rosa under Project Double Barrel, Police Regional Office 10 stepped up its anti-illegal drugs operations in the entire region; with a record-breaking 139 anti-illegal drugs buy-bust operations, 332 arrests (filed cases), 11 killed during legitimate police operations (Tagoloan-3, Cagayan de Oro City-2, Talakag-1, Gingoog City-1, Valencia City-1, Misamis Occidental-1, Opol-1, Claveria-1) and over a hundred of other anti-illegal drugs operations; all for over a month of diligent police works.     

The anti-illegal drugs campaign likewise took its toll to the PNP operatives with 1 personnel killed during police operations, 1 wounded and 1 in critical condition.

PO3 of Bukidnon Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (Bukidnon PAIDSOTG) succumbed to a gunshot in the chest during a drug buy-bust operation at Purok 1, Barangay Colonia, Valencia City Bukidnon; while his team leader PINSP. Reynier Sevillano was also wounded but presently out of danger.

Meanwhile, SPO1  Ronald  is presently fighting for his life at the Intensive Care Unit after he sustained gunshot wounds in the abdomen and lower jaw during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental. (with report by Mike Navarro/posted by: Becky D. de Asis-the redline news desk)

Gen. Constantino ordered, relieved, Disarm and Restrict “ Narco Cops” in Cagayan

Cagayan, de Oro City - Northern Mindanao -  Police Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino ordered Sunday morning all ground commanders to report , disarm and restrict to barracks all police personnel involved in illegal drug trade as earlier bared by President Rodrigo Duterte during a televised speech Sunday shortly after midnight.

"We strongly condemn the criminal act and we will make sure that they will be answerable for it criminally and administratively," PCSupt Constantino said as he reiterate PNP's "zero tolerance" stand on drugs.

Constantino also ordered the immediate relief and reassignment of PNP personnel involved to the Administrative Holding Office at the Regional Headquarters Support Group inside Camp Alagar where they will be restricted to barracks while they face criminal and administrative charges.

Police Regional Office spokesperson Superintendent Surki Sereñas disclosed that Police Senior Inspector Roy Montes of Misamis Oriental Provincial Police Office; Police Chief Inspector Ricardo Gando and SPO1 Rodrigo Ramos of Bukidnon Provincial Office were order the relief,  disarmed, restricted and investigated. "Other names included in the list are still being verified as most of them are already retired, while some of them were either already jailed or dead," Sereñas said.

Constantino also ordered the immediate recall of all police security escorts and bodyguards assigned to the identified narco politicians, while giving the latter 24 hours to turn themselves over to police authorities or "face the dire consequences."
Chiefs of Police assigned to narco mayors will also be relieved and their deputation powers over the police is revoked in compliance to presidential pronouncement during Duterte's first SONA.

President Duterte earlier made public the long list of judges, politicians, police and military involved in the illegal drug trade. 11 of them are from Northern Mindanao region consisting of 7 PNP personnel and 4 politicians. (with report by Mike Navarro/posted by Becky D. De Asis/dredlinenews desk)

PRRD sees difficult talks ahead, but open to settlement with Reds

Despite the posturing and exchanges of diatribes, President Rodrigo Duterte is still hopeful the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) will put an end to the decades old insurgency problem in the countryside.

"The President assured NDF lawyers present during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday [August 15] that the NDF consultants will fly to Oslo,” Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III said.

Bello, who heads the government panel negotiating with the NDF, will fly to the Middle East today to attend to concerns of overseas Filipino workers there and will immediately proceed to Europe for the talks.

“The President instructed the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) and the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist the NDF consultants who will be travelling to Oslo, Norway over the weekend for the formal talks slated for Monday next week, August 22,” GPH panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad said.

Several detained high-ranking NDF leaders have been allowed to post bail to be able join the peace negotiations in Oslo under the auspices of the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG).

The government, upon orders of the President, did not pose objections to their temporary liberties to fast track the peace negotiations.

Among those allowed by the regional trial court in Quezon City to join the peace talks are Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, chair and secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), respectively.

The CPP, along with its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA), is waging Asia’s longest running insurgency.

The NDF is the political umbrella of the CPP-NPA.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza will head the Philippine delegation during the opening ceremonies.

“The President said, that while he was hurt by the sharp exchanges between him and CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison who is based in The Netherlands, he gave assurances that he will walk the extra mile for peace," Dureza shared.

President Duterte had vowed to reopen peace negotiations as a campaign promise during the May 2016 elections.

The President is known to have maintained an open line with several high ranking rebel leaders in Mindanao.

The 71-year old president was instrumental in the releases of government soldiers and policemen who were captured by NPA rebels.

But the series of armed encounters have exasperated the President who threatened to call off the peace negotiations if the NPA rebels continue to launch offensives and ambuscades against government troops.

But during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday, President Duterte said he is open to any proposal that "would address the root of rebellion in the countryside."

Also present during the meeting were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and BID commissioner Jaime Morante.

The GPH panel was also in complete attendance. Joining Bello in the meeting with the President was Librado-Trinidad, former agrarian reform secretary Hernani Braganza, and new GPH panel member Antonio Arellano, a retired regional state prosecutor in Region 11.

Arellano, who was detained by the Marcos government, is a close friend of President Duterte and is a former human rights lawyer like Bello.

Bello and Arellano were former anti-Marcos activists in Davao City, the home city of the President.

The NDF consultants who met with President Duterte were led by former Bayan Muna party list Rep. Satur Ocampo, NDF panel member Fidel Agcaoili and NDF lawyer Edre Olalia.

The Oslo talks are expected to tackle substantial issues on socio economic reforms, political and constitution reforms, security and immunity guarantees, cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces. (posted by: Becky D. de Asis/the redline news/pr)

BRIEF PROFILE OF MEMBERS OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTING PANEL

Ms. Irene “Inday” Morada Santiago

Chair, Government Panel Implementing the Bangsamoro Accords

Born and raised in Mindanao, she has been actively involved in the Bangsamoro peace process for almost 40 years now. She is the Chair Emerita and Chief Executive Officer of the Mindanao Commission on Women and is currently the Lead Convener of the #WomenSeriously Global Campaign on Women, Peace and Security. She was a member of the government peace panel negotiating with the MILF from 2001-2004, where she headed the task force that worked to make the ceasefire mechanism function effectively. Well-known internationally, she was one of the 1000 women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and she was the recipient of the prestigious N-Peace Award as Role Model for Peace from the Philippines in 2013. 

​

Undersecretary Diosita “Jojo” Andot

OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace and Development

Chief-of-staff to the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

Also from Mindanao, she served as deputy of the Mindanao Coordinating Office under the Office of the Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa during the administration of President Noynoy Aquino. She served as Executive Director of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel for the talks with the MILF from 2001-2004.  A veteran peace and development advocate, she was  the Program Manager of the Act for Peace Program, a multi-donor peacebuilding program for Mindanao.  Like Chair Inday, she is a strong advocate for women’s rights and their meaningful participation in the peace process.

Undersecretary Nabil Tan

OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords

A proud Joloano from Sulu, he served as Vice-Governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from 1993 to 1996. Prior to that, he was elected Assemblyman of the first district of Sulu. He headed the Mindanao Coordinating Office for Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa under the administration of President Noynoy Aquino.   He has extensive knowledge and experience in Mindanao peace and development having served as Director of the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines.  He was a member of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel for the talks with the MNLF and was Chair of the Government Panel of all the three tripartite reviews of the Final Peace Agreement which began in 1997 in Jeddah, KSA, then in 1998 in Istanbul, Turkey, and in 1999 in Manila, Philippines. 

​

Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso

Assistant Secretary for Security

Another Mindanawon and a native of Cotabato City, he was an army colonel who saw the ugliness of the armed conflict first hand in the 1970s. He was the first chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Peace Process Office. He has been involved in peacebuilding since 1996 starting with the MNLF Final Peace Agreement and he played a key role in implementing the ceasefire mechanism for the Bangsamoro peace process. 

​

Assistant Secretary Rolando B. Asuncion

OPAPP Assistant Secretary for Policy and Development

A veteran community organizer and social development specialist, his life’s work has been focused on conflict prevention and rehabilitation, especially in conflict areas in Mindanao. He served as former Director of the National Anti-Poverty Commission for local poverty reduction. He also served as former Director of the Peace Institutions Development Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process in charge of local peace building. (posted by: Becky D. de Asis/d redlinenews desk)

Military celebrate the International Humanitarian Law

Patikul, Sulu – The 35th Infantry Battalion conducted flag raising ceremony last August 8, 2016 in connection with the International Humanitarian Law  with the theme: Mga Aral ng Nakaraan, Hamon ng Kasalukuyan”.

The Activity was attended by the Ist District Board Member of Sulu, Butch Isquirdo , Mayor Nasser Hayudini, DENR Sulu,  and other municipal and  barangay officials of Patikul and Jolo of the said province.

Butch Isquirdo said,  “I am very happy of commemorating the Humanitarian Law of our province because this is the key of binding the people both rebels and military to attain peace”, In this gesture I would like to plant trees for peace”, said Isquirdo.  He added regarding natural environment preservation and  National Greening program of the government, implemented in Sulu by planting a thousand trees  along the province.

After the program, military and visitor’s, planted 50 Mahogany seedlings in 35th headquarters as part of the Humanitarian Law celebration. (by: Mike Navarro / posted by Becky D. de Asis/the redlinenews desk)

PRESS STATEMENT OF SECRETARY JESUS G. DUREZA On the Launching of the Implementing Phase of the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Palace of the Golden Horses, Mines, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

AFP chief willing to work with human rights groups in quest for lasting peace

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya has said he is willing to work with human rights groups in the quest for lasting peace in the country.

He made the statement during a joint flag-raising and oath-taking ceremonies held Friday as part of the starter for the celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month.

Visaya during the occasion reiterated the AFP’s commitment to Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

“We have made significant progress in our HR-based military operations and want the AFP to be fully compliant to the IHL operations and we believe that we can achieve this with stronger and more constructive ties with human rights groups,” he added.

He pointed out that for justice and peace to permeate the minds of all parties, HR groups should also look into and work on the human rights violations committed by the rebel groups.

“We are firm that the use of landmines by the communist armed group violates IHL and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. We also believe that their presence in Indigenous People’s communities violates their rights as a people,” Visaya said.

Meanwhile, the celebration of IHL Day here encouraged various government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP, to join the celebration through activities that promote awareness of Basic Human Rights.

The highlight of the event was the IHL Human Formation headed by the Philippine Red Cross, Quezon City Chapter, at the General Headquarters Grandstand and parade grounds.

This was followed by the 5-km. run for humanity participated in by 1,475 uniformed and civilian personnel.

The event also featured a bloodletting for donors from the AFP, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coastguard.

Starting Aug. 16, workshops will be conducted at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) and a photo exhibit showcasing the different aspects of Human Rights will go on display.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stand solidly behind President Rodrigo Duterte in his pledge to adhere to due process and rule of law,” Visaya added.

“We will ensure that our renewed commitment today will be cascaded to our line units as we continue our rights and IHL-based military operations,” he stressed. (PNA)
CVL/PFN (posted by: Becky D. de Asis/dredlinenews desk)