Welcome to PIPVTR!

Countering Political Violence and Terrorism Through Peace Research

New Office Address

106 Sterten Place Condominium, 116 Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village East, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines Telefax: +632 4333870 

The PIPVTR is an independent, non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental research organization officially registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 29 November 2007 as Philippine Institute for Political Violence and Terrorism Research.  It was first conceptualized in September 2005 by a group of experts, academics and practitioners who see the need to establish a center  in the Philippines dedicated to the study of political violence and terrorism and their implications for peace and security. The PIPVTR was officially launched on 6 March 2008 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the Chairman of the Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council.   Ermita described the PIPVTR as the country's "pioneering think tank on terrorism research and studies".  

The PIPVTR is renamed as PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE FOR PEACE, VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM RESEARCH in order to bring peace studies into political violence and terrorism research.  SEC approved this new name on 10 August 2010.  To broaden the research agenda of the Institute in the light of post-9/11 security challenges that have tremendous impacts on peace, violence and terrorism issues, two centers have been created:  the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies (CINSS) and the Center for Transnational Crimes Research and Non-Traditional Security Studies (CTCNTS). 

PIPVTR does not receive government funding.  But PIPVTR welcomes private contributions to support our research work. Please contact us if you are willing to support  us and be our partners in our  missions.

International Forum on Asian Security

In connection with the 10th Bi-Annual Meeting of the Council for Asian Transnational Threats Research (CATR), PIPVTR is organizing the International Forum on Asian Security to be held on 29 October 2010, 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN.  Speakers include security experts from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka and the United States.  For more information about the International Forum, please email rbanlaoi@pipvtr.com.

PIPVTR To Host 10th Bi-Annual Meeting of CATR

The PIPVTR is hosting the 10th Bi-Annual Meeting of the Council for Asian Transnational Threats Research (CATR), the largest association of think-tanks in the Asia Pacific focusing on terrorism and transnational threats research.  The meeting will be held on 26-28 October 2010 at the New World Hotel, Makati City. Formerly known as the Council for Asian Terrorism Research, CATR includes members from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, SIngapore,  Sri-Lanka, South Korea, and the United States.  PIPVTR holds the current chairmanship of CATR.

PIPVTR Cited in Various Media Reports on Manila Hostage Crisis

In the aftermath of the Manila Hostage Crisis on 23 August 2010, the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) was cited in various media reports on the incidents.  The following are some of the said media reports: (Photo credit:  Guardian.co.uk).

Police admit mistakes in Philippines hostage crisis‎ - RFIPhilippine president vows punishment in bus hijack‎ - Toronto StarOfficials Admit Failings in Manila Hostage Standoff‎ - New York Times

TRAINING MANUAL FOR AFP ON SECURITY SECTOR REFORM

In cooperation with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) based in Cotabato City, the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) is involved in developing a training manual for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Security Sector Reform (SSR).  The PIPVTR is specifically tasked to develop modules on Understanding Internal Armed Conflicts in the Philippines and Comprehensive Understanding of Human Security: The Imperative of Security Sector Transformation.  The development of the training manual also has the participation of the Western Mindanao Command and the Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP.

PIPVTR Commemorates IHL Day with the AFP

In commemeration of the International Human Rights Law (IHL) Day, the Armed  Forces of the Philippines launched the Soldiers' Handbook on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law on 12 August 2010 at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  It was attended by several officers of the AFP and representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the European Union (EU) Justice Support Program and the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) and its sister-institute in Mindanao, the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) were guests during the launching.  Read more here.

Defense and Security Agenda of President Benigno Simeon "Noy Noy" Aquino III

Together with two former national security advisers, General Jose T. Almonte and Congressman Roilo Golez, PIPVTR Executive Director, Prof. Rommel C. Banlaoi discussed the defense and security agenda of the new Philippine government under President Benigno Simeon "Noy Noy" Aquino III in a television forum organized by the ABS CBN on 8 July 2010.  Banlaoi told the audience that the present government is in the right direction to enunciate 4-pillar of Philippine national security:  good governance, delivery of basic social services, economic recovery and sustainable development, and security sector reform.  Banlaoi says that the new government has six years to prove itself and make a difference.  For  full access of the discussions, see  utube at  http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=anc+banlaoi&aq=f .

 Roundtable on Media Reporting of Terrorism and the Abu Sayyaf Threat: Scope and Scoop

PIPVTR organized a roundtable on the above topic on 29 July 2010, 2:00-5:00 PM at the Aguinaldo Conference Room, AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  The main speaker was Ms. Arlyn Dela Cruz, a famous Filipina journalist known for her rare and risky coverage of the ASG and terrorism events in the Philippines.  This roundtable also promoted the speaker's newly published book, "A Lifetime of Freedom", which describes her ordeal as a reporter and kidnap-for-ransom victim of moro rebels.    Learn more about the book here. The roundtable was attended by more than 45 participants from the media, military, private security institutions, business, government and foreign embassies. Former Rep. Etta Rosales, Philippine Marines Commandant MGen. Juancho Sabban and former Defense Undersecretary Feliciano Gacis attended the event.

 Transnational Organized Crimes in Southeast Asia:  A Threat Assessment

Transnational organised crime is considered one of the major threats to human security, impeding the social, economic, political and cultural development of societies. Much attention has been given to the dynamics of professional criminal groups but little has been given to the existence of the markets in which they operate. This edition of the NTS Alert argues that a focus on both of these is needed to address the underlying social, political, and economic factors that allow for transnational organised crime to thrive. In order to address the market dimensions of transnational organised crime, this Alert is framed as a ‘threat assessment’. Drawing data from reliable open-source information, it analyses the size and magnitude of high-priority crimes in Southeast Asia. Read more here.

PIPVTR Research Team Visits Camp Abu Bakar

Members of the PIPVTR research team visited Camp Abu Bakar on 18 June 2010 as part of its project on the sources of Islamic militancy in the Southern Philippines.  Colonel Ernesto Aradanas, Commander of the 603rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, hosted the visit of the PIPVTR research team in Camp Iranum, the new name of Camp Abu Bakar after it was taken over by the Philippine military in 2000.  The brigade commander briefed the PIPVTR on the current threat situation in its operational areas and the accomplishments of the 603rd Brigade, particularly in winning the hearts and minds of people in Maguindanao.  The PIPVTR team also visited the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), the Nonviolent Peace Forces and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) on 17-19 June 2010.

Noy Noy Aquino VS Homegrown Terrorists

Beheading hostages is the grisly signature of Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist extremist group with a strong criminal bent operating in the southern Philippines. Alastair McIndoe in his Time article describes why and indenfies challenges for the presidency of President Benigno Aquino III.  Read  Islamist Insurgents: President Aquino's Biggest Challenge.

Separatists Behead 3 Men in the Philippines

Militant members of an Islamist separatist group abducted and beheaded three Filipino loggers in the southern part of the country, officials said Sunday. Analysts and police officials said the attack by the group, Abu Sayyaf, was one of its most violent in recent years. They also said the attack an indication of Abu Sayyaf’s desperation as it tries to fend off a military campaign and present a significant challenge to the next president, Benigno S. Aquino III. An expert on Abu Sayyaf, Rommel Banlaoi, who is executive director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research in Manila, said in an interview  that when it is under attack by the military, Abu Sayyaf often harms civilians, which he called “a hallmark of terrorism.”   Read more here.

Walking Away from Terrorism:  My Knowledge of the Abu Sayyaf and Why I Disengaged From It?

PIPVTR held a closed-door roundtable discussion on the above topic on 8 June 2010, 2-5 PM at the PIPVTR Conference Room featuring a former Abu Sayyaf Group leader, Mr. Noor Umug,  who is now under witness protection program of the Department of Justice and currently with PIPVTR as research analyst.  The resource speaker, known for his very close association with ASG founding leader Abdurajak Janjalani,  described the process why he joined the ASG and the reasons why he turned his back away from the organization.  He is now working for the government advocating non-violence and peace-building in Mindanao.  The roundtable was attended by more than 40 informed participants from the government, private, media and academic institutions.

Goodwill Can Only Take Noy Noy so Far in Mindanao

Enormous goodwill has accompanied Aquino's victory after the allegedly sleaze-riddled last few of Gloria Arroyo's nine years in power. Not surprisingly, Aquino's platform was built on undoing his predecessor's putative misdeeds.That potential clash of legacy and personality could obscure the other game change that is longed for from Aquino: concluding the Mindanao peace process.

"The main priority of the Noynoy administration is to pursue the corruption scandals of the Arroyo administration and to make Arroyo accountable for them," said Prof Rommel C. Banlaoi of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research."Noynoy is playing safe when addressing the difficult problem in the southern Philippines, and his administration does not yet have a clear Mindanao agenda." Read more here.

Aquino Ready to Talk to Communist Rebels

One of the major tests for the incoming administration of the Philippine president-elect, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, will be how to end one of the world’s longest-running communist insurgencies.  For 41 years the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA), has fought a relentless armed struggle in the countryside that has cost more than 40,000 lives, according to the military . Negotiations to end the conflict have dragged on for years, without any resolution.  Analysts say the party’s founding chairman, Jose Maria Sison, who has been living in exile in the Netherlands since 1987, is open to talks with the Aquino administration.  Read more  here.

 Roundtable on Crime-Terrorism Nexus: Countering the Abu Sayyaf Group

In cooperation with Office of the Asssistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Relations, G7, of the Philipppine Army, the PIPVTR organized a round table discussion entitled "Crime-Terrorism Nexus:  Countering the Abu Sayyaf Group"  held on May 26, 2-5PM at Lakambini Conference Room, AFPCOC, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  The RTD  featured the lectures of Dr. Paul Wilson, Dean of the College of Criminology, Bond University, Queensland, Australia and Colonel Daniel Lucero of the Philippine Army.  Copies of their presentations are available for free at the Paper Series of this website.

AFP Can't Meet Deadline to Wipe Out Insurgency

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit yesterday admitted that the military couldn’t meet the June 30 deadline of ending the communist rebellion in the country.  Bangit said while the military has reduced the strength of the NPA, attacking the root causes of insurgency such as underdevelopment and illiteracy is necessary.  Read more here.

The Philippines Vote in the Shadow of Gunmen

The ever-present shadow of violence and intimidation hangs over the 50 million voters going to the polls at the Philippines' presidential, legislative elections and local elections on Monday. Read more here.

The Philippines' Bloody Polls

Voters in the Philippines head to the polls next month to choose among some 18,000 candidates for posts ranging from the presidency to local council seats. It ought to be a proud moment for a country that only 24 years ago shook off strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Yet thanks to the failure of government officials at all levels to maintain basic law and order, Filipinos are still not getting the democracy they deserve.  Read more here.

Roundtable on the Future of the Philippine Communist Movement

In cooperation with the Civil Relations Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP), PIPVTR is holding a round table discussion on the Future of the Philippine Communist Movement on 22 April 2010, 2-5 PM at the Main Restaurant of the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Speakers include General Francisco Cruz, Jr., Commander of the CRSAFP; Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, Lead Convener of SULONG CAHRIHL; and Mr. Ramon Casiple, Executive Director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms.  General Cruz stressed that the armed communist insurgency is facing its demise because of  its rapidly declining members, weakening local support and degeneration of its members into organized crimes.  But Professor Ferrer argued that the communist movement is not yet a dead horse and will remain social and political force because of governance problems in the countrysides.  Mr. Casiple emphasized that democratic solution will end the armed communist insurgency and more democracy will effectively address communist threat.

Terrorist Attacks in the South China Sea May Happen, Opines Expert

While very difficult to undertake because of the lack of adequate capabilities, terrorist groups operating in Southeast Asia can target ships cruising the South China Sea, opines Prof. Rommel Banlaoi in his lecture at the Naval Command and Staff College of the National Defense University of Taiwan on 14 April 2010.  The South China Sea is one of the busiest searoutes in the world with around 50,000 ships passing there annualy and therefore a potential target for maritime terrorist attacks.  Pirates and armed robbers with links with terrorist groups also operate in the area and this makes the South China Sea vulnerable to maritime terrorism.  But the on-going naval  capability developments and increased coastal patrols among claimants in the South China Sea can deter terrorist groups to actually mount an attack in the area.  "Terrorist groups may have the intent to wreak havoc in the South China Sea.  The major challenge to littoral states  is to prevent these groups to develop capabilities and deny them the opportunities to mount terrorist attacks in a sea so vital for global commerce," says Banlaoi who was in Taiwan on 14-17 April 2010 to deliver series of lecture at the National Chengchi University, National Chung Hsing University, National Ocean Taiwan University and National Defense University.

Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Fifteen Dead in Basilan Bombings in Southern Philippines

"Terrorism continues to pose a virulent threat in Southeast Asia not because of the lack of counter meaasures but because of terrorist group's enormous resilience to vigorously adapt to their changing environment and to diligently innovate their strategies and tactics based on their successful and failed operations," says Prof. Rommel Banlaoi in his lecture at the 4th Asia Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers (APPSNO) on 13 April 2010 at Sentosa Resort and Spa in SIngapore.   According to Banlaoi, terrorist threats in Southeast Asia since 9/11 have evolved into a more complex form with their growing nexus with organized crimes, insurgencies and open radicalisms of some groups from civil society.   While many terrorist leaders have been killed in battle, executed, imprisoned or convinced to leave terrorism behind, there are still younger and more aggressive believers willing to take the place of their predecessors.  To address these evolving threats, a great deal of efforts is imperative to improve regional cooperation in the areas of itne intelligence exchange, information dissemination and interoperability of operations. 

While delivering the lecture,  Abu Sayyaf bandits took their campaign of terror to the heart of Basilan, setting off bombs at a Roman Catholic cathedral, school grandstand and three other places, and clashing with government forces in Isabela City.  At least 15 people, including the brother of Abu Sayyaf leader Purudji Indama, were killed in the attacks staged by armed men wearing police and military uniforms.  Read here for more details.

Will it be Elections or Dictatorship?

RECENTLY, THE INQUIRER published some statistics on the number of people killed in election-related violence from 1992 to 2007. The lowest number (45) was in the 1998 elections, where Joseph “Erap” Estrada routed opponents Joe de Venecia, Renato de Villa and Raul Roco for the presidency. The highest (148) was in the 2004 contest where Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (“Hello Garci”) and Congress (“Noted”) as the winner over Fernando Poe Jr. and Raul Roco. That election also registered the highest number (261) of people wounded. Rommel Banlaoi, executive director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence & Terrorism Research, which tracks these numbers, warns that the 2010 polls may be the most violent in recent history. Already, over 90 people have been killed in the run-up to the May 10 elections (including the 57 victims of the Maguindanao massacre).  Read more here.

Security, Radicalism and the May 2010 Elections

As the Philippines prepares for the May 2010 elections, there’s a growing apprehension that worsening armed violence in the countryside will blemish the peaceful conduct of this political exercise. Read more here.

ASG Camp in Basilan is Bomb Academy

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Government forces revealed that the Abu Sayyaf are having some sort of “terrorist academy” as they revealed that the lair they raided last March 11 in Sumisip is a training ground for making bombs. Read more here.

GRP-MILF Pact No Longer Possible

The Philippine government and Muslim guerrillas can no longer strike a final peace accord before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo steps down in June because of limited time and differences in ongoing peace talks, the country's chief negotiator said Tuesday. Read more here.

On NPA Poll Extortion

Communist guerrillas have started demanding up to P250,000 from candidates to allow them to campaign in insurgency areas without being harassed. Read more  here. 

PIPVTR Joins IAG in Security Sector Transformation Training in Maguindanao

To promote the good governance of the security sector and to propagate the culture of peacebuilding in the Southern Philippines, the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) joins the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) in the security sector transformation training of police, military, civil society organization, business sector and local government officials of the first district of Maguindanao.  The training was held in Insular Hotel, Davao City from 11-13 March 2010.  The training is funded by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF).  It is also being supported by the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Western Mindanao Command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer and PDir Felizardo Serapio, respectively. The training was designed by the IAG through its Executive DIrector, Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., OMI (see photo below).

Visiting Internally Displaced Persons in Datu Piang, Maguindanao

In cooperation with the Mindanao Tulong Bakwet (MTB), PIPVTR Executive Director visited the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Datu Piang, Maguindanao on 10 March 2010.  The purpose of the visit was to conduct premilinary assessment of the human security situation of the IDPs for purposes of public policy development and improvement.  Around   half million  IDPs have been estimated in the Philippines, but PIPVTR only visited a particular evacuation area in Datu Piang where there are 140 families considered to be IDPs.  PIPVTR also passed by other evaucation areas where IDPs continue to stay for almost two years.  The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) estimated 125,000 to 188,000 IDPs in Mindanao as a result of armed conflicts involving the Philippine military and the moro rebels.  Click here for the IDMC country study of IDPs in the Philippines.  Also  Download full Internal Displacement Profile of the Philippines. Below is a photo of a two-month old IDP in Datu Piang (photo taken by PIPVTR).

PIPVTR Reports:  NPAs Eye P5B from Poll Extortion

In a Forum organized by the Philippine Army on 5 March 2010, the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) reported that  the New People's Army (NPA) is collecting billions of pesos from its  Permit to Campaign (PTC) fees.  From the point of view of the NPA, the collection of PTC fees is part of the over-all strategy of this armed group to assert its de-facto control  of its "territories" and to demonstrate its political power, authority and sovereignty as a revolutionary movement so it can push its goal to be recognized as a belligerent group.  Fees are used to finance  the revolutionary activities of the NPA  and to lure the loyalty of its people in its controlled and influenced areas.    The forum, attended by the top brass of the Philippine Army,  featured the lecture of Hon. Rene V. Sarmiento of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Commissioner Sarmiento said the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is projected to generate about P2 to P5 billion from their permit to campaign (PTC)and permit to win (PTW)fees this year. Comelec commissioner Rene Sarmiento, interviewed after a dialogue with Army commanders, also said that the NPAs collected P1.5 billion and P2 billion during the 2004 and 2007 elections, respectively, through such extortion schemes.  “According to the reports we received today, the NPAs in 2004 raised P1.5 billion. In 2007, they raised P2 billion. For 2010, according to the reports, it will range from P2 billion to P5 billion,” Sarmiento told reporters.“ These are serious reports because these have repercussions on our elections and democracy. I hope our institutions, including AFP and PNP, will address the serious character of these PTCs and PTWs,” said Sarmiento.  Sarmiento said the money that the NPAs stand to earn “could threaten the existence of democracy.”

When asked what was the basis of his information, Sarmiento said: “This was a report coming from one of our reactors, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi. He is the source of this information…If its true, the P2 to P5 billion is alarming.”  Banlaoi is currently the chairman of the board and the executive director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research. He is also the head the PIPVTR’s center for intelligence and national security studies. Click here to read more. Photo credit here.

 Security Sector Transformation to Address Political Violence and Terrorism

Transforming the country's security sector is one effective means to address the isue of political violence and terrorism in the Philippines, says Prof. Rommel Banlaoi in a security sector transformation training of police, military, civil society organizations and local government officials of the Second District of Maguindanao organized by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) held at Grand Men Seng Hotel,  Davao City on 25 February 2010.  Political violence and terrorism thrive in an area where there is a failure of the security sector to provide order and prevent groups and individuals to arm themselves illegimately.  Security sector transformation is implemented to pursue peace building efforts for the resolution of internal armed conflicts.  It also part of the over-all process of democratization to ensure the democratic governance of the security sector so that it can perform its mandated role to provide internal and external security for the people and the state.  In his welcoming message, Lt. General Raymundo G. Ferrer, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasized that security sector transformation is needed to sustain the efforts of peace-building in the Philippines. PDIR Felizardo M. Serapio, Jr., DIrector of DIPO PNP Western Mindanao, also presented  peace advocacy and security reform in the police force as part of the over-all process of security sector transformation. Another training is set on 11-15 March 2010 for the First District of Maguindanao.  The province of Maguindanao was put in the local and international media because of the massacre of 57 civilians in November 2009.

Counter Terrorism Measures in Southeast Asia

Though countries in Southeast Asia have made significant progress in counter-terrorism, terrorism  in the region continues to pose a threat as there are remaining members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)  who have the intent and capability to wreak havoc, says Prof. Rommel Banlaoi is a public forum organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) held at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) on 24 February 2010 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  During the said public forum, Prof. Banlaoi also opined that Malaysia has the capability to prevent terrorism from taking root in the country due to its good track record in combating past insurgencies and its more disciplined law enforcement agencies.  Click  here to read more.  Prior to the lecture, Prof. Banlaoi met  on 23 February 2010 Ambassador Ahmad Shahizan Abd Samad, SEARCCT Director General, where they exhanged views on counter-terrorism cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Public Understanding of and Response to Terrorism in the Philippines

Organized by the National University of Malaysia, PIPVTR presented a paper entitled "Public Understanding of and Response to Terrorism in the Philippines" in a Regional Workshop on Public Understanding of and Responses  to Terrorism held at the Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 22-23 February 2010.  The paper stressed that the Philippine public does not have a shared understanding of terrorism and threat it poses to Philippine security.  There is also a state-civil society tension on the issue of terrorism in the Philippines.  Public opinion survey shows that the Philippine public is worried about terrorist attacks.  But public satisfaction on governmnent response against terrorism has also steadily declined since 9/11. The regional workshop was attended by international experts like Sidney Jones and Rizal Sukma.

The Eventual Demise of Local Communist Movement in the Philippines

After 41 years of fighting the government, the CPP/NPA/NDF (CNN) miserably failed to achieve its strategic goal of seizing political power. Inarguably, the future seems bleak for the movement, as its military capability and people’s support to its cause continue to decrease consistently each year. Today, it has lost its revolutionary character and has mutated into a criminal group. It is getting its strength and endurance, not from ideology but merely from extortion and propaganda. It is no longer a national security threat but a localized problem which the local government units can address with improved delivery of basic services and effective governance. This essay upholds the view that the CNN’s war is a lost cause. by By Brig. Gen. FRANCISCO N. CRUZ Jr. AFP, Commander, Civil Relations Service, AFP. Click here  or see Paper Series of this website to read more. (Photo credit here.)

The GRP-MILF Peace Process:  The Continuing Search for a Negotiated Solution to a Deep-Rooted Armed Conflicts

In cooperation with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, the PIPVTR  organized a round table discussion on the above topic on 5 February 2010, 2:00-5:00 PM at the Aguinaldo Conference Room,  AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC), Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Ambassador Rafael Seguis, Chairman of the Government Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, articulated the government position on the issue.  Dr. Cesar Pobre of the Office of Strategic and Special Studies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Atty. Nasser Marohomasalic, Convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy and Chairman of the Muslim Legal Assistance Foundation  gave the academic expert and civil society perspectives, respectively,  on the said topic.  See Paper Series of this website for downloadable presentations. Upon request of Ambassador Seguis, his paper is not available for public access as his speech is guided by the principle of non-attribution.  

 PIPVTR Attends Forum on the Powers of the Presidency

As the country prepares to elect the next president,  the International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov) in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), with support from the National Endowment Fund, organized a public forum on the Powers of the Presidency: Preventing Misuse and Abuse. The forum was held on 30 January 2010, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, at Fuller Hall, Asian Institute of Management, Makati City.  PIPVTR attended the said forum. Click here for downloadable forum documents.

Peace Partners' Forum and Forum on Electoral Violence in the Philippines

Organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process, PIPVTR attended the Project for Peace Forum on 27 January 2010 at the Astoria Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.  The forum aims to tap the vital role of all peace partners in the Philippines in finding just and lasting solution to multifaceted problems of armed conflicts in the country.  Click  here for more information. Related to this event,  the Deparment of History and International Studies of the College and Arts of Sciences and the  International Studies Society of the University of the East, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi spoke on the above topic on 21 January 2010 at  the University of the East Campus Auditorium.  In his presentation, "Political Violence and Electoral Practice in the Philippines: Causes, Sources and Effects", Prof. Banlaoi discussed the historical context of electoral violence in the Philippines and described the trends of  election-related violence from 1946-1986 and 1986-2007.  With 1.1 million unlicensed guns and 132 private armies, Prof. Banlaoi raised concerns on the possibility of rising violence in the May 2010 elections.  As of January 2010 alone, at least 70 peope have been killed in an election-related violence.  If the Philippine law enforcement agencies fail to prevent private armed groups to use force during elections, this trend could rise, says Prof. Banlaoi, as we count the days towards May 2010 elections.  Atty. Harry Roque, a human rights lawyer and professor of law at the University of the Philippines, was also a speaker.  He talked about Maguindanao Massacre case and the forensic of impunity on the case. Photo credit here. 

Philippines Faces Uphill Battle To Beat Up Terrorists

Despite millions of dollars spent on anti-terrorist training and the presence of US Special Forces, the Philippine military has made little impact on tackling the Abu Sayyaf, the country’s most deadly terrorist group. For more than 20 years the Abu Sayyaf has been behind a string of high-profile kidnappings and bombings and, despite losing a number of leaders, there is no shortage of people to take their places, analysts say.  The Abu Sayyaf is still a potent threat to the nation’s internal security,” Lt Gen Ben Dolorfino, the head of the armed forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said recently. Gen Dolorfino said that by targeting the Abu Sayyaf’s leadership this year the military can “effectively neutralise” the group. The military also said the number of members at the end of last year stood at 391 – down from the 1,500 or so during the 1990s.  Rommel Banlaoi, a terrorism expert, disputed the figures and questioned the military’s impact. by Karl Wilson.  Click  here  to read more. Photo credit here.

Book Launching:Philippine Security in the Age of Terror: National, Regional and Global Challenges in the Post-9/11 World

In cooperation with the CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group and Fully Booked, Inc., PIPVTR held the book of launching of Philippine Security in the Age Terror:  National, Regional and Global Challenges in the Post-9/11 World on 14 January 2010, 2-4 PM at Fully Booked Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila.  Authored by Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, the book covers the many facets of Philippine security from terrorist threats, maritime security, bilateral security relations and multilateral cooperation, among others.  The book , which was also launched in Singapore in November 2009, is now available for sale at all Fully Booked branches and selected book stores in the Philippines.  For a copy of the book launching speech of the author, go to paper series of this website.

CAFGUs, CVOs and the Maguindanao Massacre

Since the aftermath of the Maguindanao Massacre on 23 November 2009, which, to date, caused the death of 57 individuals, one of the major issues that has resurfaced in the public debate is the role played by the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO),  To add value on the body of literature on the Maguindanao Massacre, the PIPVTR releases a study that provides an overview of CAFGU and CVO. See Paper Series of this website for a copy of this study. Photo credit here.

The Philippines: After the Maguindanao Massacre

The massacre on 23 November 2009 of 57 men and women by the private army of a warlord allied to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shocked the country and the world. The immediate trigger for the killings was the decision of one man, Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu, to run for governor of Maguindanao province, which for the last decade has been the fiefdom of the Ampatuan family. Political patronage by successive governments in Manila, most notably by the Arroyo administration, allowed the Ampatuans to amass great wealth and unchecked power, including the possession of a private arsenal with mortars, rocket launchers and state-of-the-art assault rifles. They controlled the police, the judiciary, and the local election commission. In the wake of the massacre, there are opportunities for new measures in the areas of justice, security and peace. The question is whether anyone in a position of power will seize them. Click here to view the full report by the International Crisis Group.

Massacre in Maguindanao: A Worsening Problem of Warlordism and Private Arms Violence in the Southern Philippines

Beyond the threat of terrorism, the Southern Philippines is faced with a much bigger challenge of warlordism and private arms violence.  The masscre in the Maguindanao province of Mindanao, which resulted in the death of at least 57 people to date, is just an indication of a worsening problem of warlordism and private arms violence in an area already torn by four centuries of armed conflicts. (See Paper Series of this website for more discussions).

    Source:  Google Image

The Maguindanao Massacre, The Bangsamoro Problem and The Peace Process

"The Maguindanao Massacre has been rightly explained as the tragic, though rather extreme, consequence of the Philippine central government’s or the Arroyo administration’s well-known deliberate cultivation and patronage of the Ampatuan political warlord clan and dynasty as its main instrument  for political control in Maguindanao province, if not also the rest of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).  Political control vis-à-vis political rivals or opponents of the Arroyo administration, and also vis-à-vis the main Moro rebel groups, notably the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) whose main provincial and ethnic base is Maguindanao.  Thus, the characterization by some analysts of the Ampatuan clan as “political entrepreneurs” who have become “Malacanang’s monster (or Frankenstein).”  This has been a symbiotic central-local axis of power, with mutual benefits also extending to wealth.  The analysts have situated such local warlordism, apparently becoming more voracious and brazen in its arrogance of power, in the context of a conversely ever-weakening Philippine state. " by Soliman Santos.  Click here to read more or see Paper Series of this website.

Renewed Tensions and Continuing Maritime Security Dilemma in the South China Sea:  Challenges in Maritime Security Cooperation Between China and Southeast Asia

Despite the adoption of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002, tensions have continued to rise in the South China Sea, says Prof. Rommel C. Banlaoi in his paper presented in the International Conference on the Development of Maritime Cooperation Between China and Southeast Asia organized by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Jinan University, China on 21-22 December 2009.  The paper, whose earlier versions have been delivered in the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam,  is available upon request.  This paper is part of the forthcoming book of the author entitled Tensions and Security Dilemmas in the South China Sea.

Scholars Met in Hanoi to Discuss South China Sea Disputes, PIPVTR Attended

International scholars met in Hanoi, Vietnam on 26-27 November 2009 to discuss territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The move is seen as an effort to bring the issue to the world stage, in the face of China's growing assertiveness. The workshop is due to emphasise co-operation between all sides, in order to maintain security and development. China and six other nations, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines, claim sovereignty to areas in the South China Sea.  The area is believed to be rich in oil and other natural resources. Talks on a joint Code of Conduct to ease tension have stalled despite a declaration issued in 2002. Smaller claimants have been especially alarmed by recent developments such as the establishment of a Chinese submarine base on Hainan island and increasing Chinese naval activities. Beijing always maintains that territorial disputes in the South China Sea are bilateral issues that should be dealt by individual countries.  But the two-day meeting in Hanoi is sending out clear signals that smaller claimants may have embarked on a different approach. Vietnam now wants to put the issues on the international agenda with hopes to restart the negotiation of the Code of Conduct that would help to prevent further conflicts. (Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8380609.stm).  In this international workshop, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi presented a paper entitled "Renewed Tensions and Continuing Maritime Security Dilemma in the South China Sea."

Civilian Protection During Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Operations

"It is a grim reality that millions of civilians are caught up in armed conflicts worlwide", says Professor Rommel Banlaoi in his presentation at the Roundtable Discussion on Civilian Protection organized by the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG)  in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati City on 21 November 2009.  Banlaoi says that over 80% of current war casualties worldwide are civilians, mainly women and children.  It is an ugly truth, he says, that the Philippines is one of the conflict hotspots of the world with the Southern Philippines as the epicenter of the country's internal armed conflicts.  More than  90% of provinces in Mindanao are torn by armed conflicts and this calls for an urgent need to protect civilian. 

Banlaoi laments that though the principle of civilian protection is found in government policies, military rules of engagement and police and military education and training, there is a very huge gap between policy and practice.    The military and the police even have a poor track record in protecting civilians in counter-insurgeny and counter-terrorism operations and this is aggravated by the reported abuses of some members of Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Units (CAFGUs) and Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs). Members of some insurgent and terrorist groups also commit offfenses against civilians. While police and military sectors attempt to improve their capability to protect civilians in armed conflicts,   Banlaoi underscores that best method for civilian protection is conflict prevention and the most effective way to prevent conflict is good governane of the security sector. Click here for the proceedings of the roundtable. Photo credit here.

Roles of Civil Society Organizations in Preventing and Combating Terrorism in Southeast Asia

 Upon invitatation of Center for Global Counter Terrorism Cooperation and the Nahdatul Ulama, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi attended the International Workshop on Raising Awareness of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy Among Civil Society Organizations in Southeast Asia held in Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia on 18-19 November 2009.  Banlaoi presented a paper entitled "Roles of Civil Society Organizations in Preventing and Combating Terrorism in Southeast Asia".  Click here to read the background paper.  Click here for the workshop agenda. Also see "War Against Terror in Southeast Asia," Jakarta Post, 18 November 2009.

Workshop on Raising Awareness of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Among Civil Society in Southeast Asia, 18-19 November 2009, The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia. For a copy of Banlaoi's remarks, click  here. 

Challenges of Deradicalization and Rehabilitation Efforts in the Philippines

As part of the soft approach to counter terrorism and other forms of political violence, some countries have ventured in deradicalization and rehabilitation programs.  The Philippines government recognizes the importance of these programs as the country continues to face terrorist threats emanating from the Abu Sayyaf Group, the New People's Army and rouge personalities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro Nationa Liberation Front.  Yet, Prof Rommel Banlaoi laments that the Philippine government does not have yet a coherent and solid deradicalization and rehabilitation programs.  In his paper entitled "Challenges of De-radicalization and Rehabilitation Efforts in the Phippines:  The Case of Filipino Muslim Detainees Accused of Crimes Associated with Terrorism" presented at the international workshop on "Radicalization and Re-radicalization: Global Lessons Learned" organized by the Center of Excellence for National Security (CENS) of the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies on 2-3 November 2009 at the Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore, Prof Banlaoi urges the Philippine government to pay greater attention on disengagement programs to encourage individuals and groups to leave terrorism behind.  Click here for abstract of all papers presented during the workshop.

Intelligence and Counter Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Achievements and Limits of Information Exchange and Intelligence Sharing

With the invitation of the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) of the Republic of Korea,  some members of the Council for Asian Terrorism Research (CATR) presented papers in an International Conference on Global Security Threats and the Role of Intelligence held on 30 October 2009 in Seoul.  In this event, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi presented a paper entitled "Intelligence and Counter Terrorism in Southeast Asia: Achievements and Limits of Information Exchange and Intelligence Sharing." Copy of his presentation is available upon request.

Source: http://www.bipss.org.bd/.

Kalayaan Island Group and Baselines Controversies in the South China Sea:  Foreign Policy, Territorial Defense and Local Government Perspectives

To present the current security situation in the Kalayaan Island Group and to examine the foreign policy, defense and local government implications of the New Philippine Baselines Law (RA 9522), the Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies (CINSS) of the  PIPVTR in cooperation with Yuchengco Center of De La Salle University and the Center for Archipelagic Maritime Security held a Round Table Discussion, "Kalayaan Island Group and Baselines Controversies in the South China Sea:  Foreign Policy, Defense and Local Government Perspectives."   This was held on 23 October 2009, 2-5 PM  at the Aguinaldo Conference Room, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Atty. Henry Bensurto, Secretary General of the Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs Commodore Orwen Cortez, Commander of the Naval Forces West of the Philippine Navy and Mayor Rosendo Mantes of the Kalayaan Municipality spoke on the topic.  Ambassador Alberto A. Encomienda, former Secretary General of the Commission on Maritime Affairs, and Dr. Jose Antonio Socrates, Special Adviser to the Mayor of Puerto Princesa on Geological Matters, served as Reactors during the RTD.  Former Undersecrtary of National Defense, Feliciano Gacis and Former Ambassador Jose Romero, Jr, currently President of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations, participated in the RTD.

Roles of CAFGUs and CVOs in Countering Terrorism and Insurgency in the Philippines: Peace, Security and Human Rights Concerns

In cooperation with the Centre for Humanitarin Dalogue and the  Institute of Bangsamoro Studies , the PIPVTR held a Roundtable/Focussed Group Discussion on the topic, "Roles of CAFGUs and CVOs in Countering Terrorism and Insurgency in the Philippines:  Peace, Security and Human Rights Concerns."  The event was held on 9 October 2009 at the Ricarte Conference Room, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)  Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Colonel Daniel Lucero of the AF and Police Senior Inspector Pelagui Samson speaking on behalf  of Police Director Andres Caro II of the Philippine National Police discussed the administration of CAFGUs and CVOs in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, respectively.  Atty. Rowena Legaspi representing Commissioner Jose Manual Mamauag of  the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) talked about the demobilization of CAFGUs and their concomittant human rights concerns. See Paper Series for a copy of their presentations.

Counter Terrorism and National Security in the Philippines

In commemoration of the 8th Anniversary of 9/11, PIPVTR organized a Round Table Discussion on "Counter Terrorism and National Security in the Philipppines" with Dr. Peter Chalk of RAND as resource speaker. This was held on 16September 2009, 2-5 PM at Ricarte Conference Room, AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Please access Paper Series to get the presentation of Dr. Chalk. For short bio of Peter Chalk, click here. For useful reference on the RTD topic, see Paper Series, "The Evolving Terrorist Threat to Southeast Asia:  A Net Assessment".

Youths as Victims and Perpetrators of Terrorism: The Philippine Case

Prof Banlaoi explaining the role of youths as victims and perpetrators of terrorism in an International Conference on Youth and Terrorism organized by the Ministry of Information of Malaysia and the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter Terrorism held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 25-28 February 2009.  Click here for a copy of the complete paper.

Prospects of Terrorist Threats in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

8th Bi-Annual Conference of the Council for Asian Terrorism Research, Tokyo, Japan on 12 November 2008.