Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Oct 1): Time to show selflessness
There is an increasing chance now, more than ever, that the Moros in Mindanao will get a better deal with the Manila government. Signs are great that the Aquino administration --- and even those not in the party in power --- are more open to finally settle this conflict in Mindanao.... What is this deal that is deemed better than any deal the Moros got in the past? In essence, this deal is about redefining the relationship between the Philippine state and the Bangsamoro in Mindanao through power-sharing and wealth-sharing.... It is time for every Moro, irrespective of group affiliations, to show selflessness by supporting this negotiation. Even a mere endorsement is a great boost to this undertaking. This is the best time for the current Moro leaders, in and outside of government, to do a “Mandela” for our people....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2864:time-to-show-selflessness&catid=344:gggg
Posted to Faces, Places, & Voices/Ranger Cabunzky Blog Site (Sep 29): Philippine Army News Clippings (September 29, 2012)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/107974111/29-Sept-12-Clippings#page=1
http://www.scribd.com/doc/107974111/29-Sept-12-Clippings#page=1
From Business World (Sep 30): Implementation key to peace deal: gov’t
Effective implementation with the public’s support is key to the success of the southern peace talks beyond the signing of any agreement, an official said at the weekend. "Implementation is where the real hard and complicated work begins in achieving peace in Mindanao," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles said in a statement, days before the government and Moro negotiators meet tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur for further talks.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Implementation-key-to-peace-deal:-gov’t&id=59309
Effective implementation with the public’s support is key to the success of the southern peace talks beyond the signing of any agreement, an official said at the weekend. "Implementation is where the real hard and complicated work begins in achieving peace in Mindanao," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles said in a statement, days before the government and Moro negotiators meet tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur for further talks.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Implementation-key-to-peace-deal:-gov’t&id=59309
Posted to the Journal Online (Sep 30): Soldier’s non-combatant role cited
The 9th Infantry Division have included events that depict the soldier’s non-traditional role in society in the conduct of its annual Squad and Team Challenge from September 25 – 28, 2013 at the grounds of Camp Elias Angeles. In this year’s Squad and Team Challenge, the participants were evaluated on Casualty Evacuation Operations, Disaster Response Operations, and Civil Military Operations. M.Gen Romeo V Calizo, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division said the soldiers need to adapt to the changing environment and situation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/38888-soldiers-non-combatant-role-cited
The 9th Infantry Division have included events that depict the soldier’s non-traditional role in society in the conduct of its annual Squad and Team Challenge from September 25 – 28, 2013 at the grounds of Camp Elias Angeles. In this year’s Squad and Team Challenge, the participants were evaluated on Casualty Evacuation Operations, Disaster Response Operations, and Civil Military Operations. M.Gen Romeo V Calizo, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division said the soldiers need to adapt to the changing environment and situation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/38888-soldiers-non-combatant-role-cited
Posted to the Leyte-Samar Daily Express (Sep 30): Military supports gov't
peace, dev't initiatives
The Philippine Army based inEastern Visayas
said it will support all peace and development initiatives of the government
and other cause-oriented groups as part of the AFP’s Internal Peace and
Security Plan “Bayanihan.” ,Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the
8th Infantry Division, said the Army is supporting the Payapa sa Masaganang
Pamayanan (PAMANA) Road Project from Mondragon to Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar .
http://leytesamardaily.net/2012/09/military-support-govts-peace-devt-initiatives/
The Philippine Army based in
http://leytesamardaily.net/2012/09/military-support-govts-peace-devt-initiatives/
From Malaya (Oct 1): China ups construction in Spratlys
A TOP Armed Forces official yesterday said the military has observed improvements in Chinese structures in the disputed Spratly Islands, a chain of islands and islets in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. “Every time we take periodic pictures of all the islands in the Spratlys, we notice some changes, we observe changes in structures,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of the military’s Western Command.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14240-china-ups-construction-in-spratlys
A TOP Armed Forces official yesterday said the military has observed improvements in Chinese structures in the disputed Spratly Islands, a chain of islands and islets in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. “Every time we take periodic pictures of all the islands in the Spratlys, we notice some changes, we observe changes in structures,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of the military’s Western Command.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14240-china-ups-construction-in-spratlys
From Malaya (Oct 1): 12 AFP officers get new posts
PRESIDENT Aquino has designated 12 senior military officers to new positions, including Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao chief Commodore Philip Cacayan who is now AFP deputy chief of staff for personnel.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14238-12-afp-officers-get-new-posts
PRESIDENT Aquino has designated 12 senior military officers to new positions, including Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao chief Commodore Philip Cacayan who is now AFP deputy chief of staff for personnel.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14238-12-afp-officers-get-new-posts
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 30): UK’s Peace Talks Support Hailed
Muslim leaders in the south yesterday hailed the United Kingdom’s (UK) renewed commitment of support for the current peace process taking place in Mindanao, saying there would be “no reason” for tranquility and meaningful development to take place in the region with the pooled backing of local and international institutions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375421/uk-s-peace-talks-support-hailed
Muslim leaders in the south yesterday hailed the United Kingdom’s (UK) renewed commitment of support for the current peace process taking place in Mindanao, saying there would be “no reason” for tranquility and meaningful development to take place in the region with the pooled backing of local and international institutions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375421/uk-s-peace-talks-support-hailed
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 1): Govt downplays terror threats in Metro Manila
THE government on Sunday said it considered the security threat against Western nations here as “benign,” even as intelligence forces continued to be on the lookout for Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Metro Manila to preempt them just in case. National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said the United States Embassy in Manila had already provided information on the basis of its “emergency” security alert to its citizens on Friday, but did not provide details on the nature of that threat. The embassy said the threat alert would remain in effect until Oct. 10. “We are asking for more details because what they gave us was generic,” Garcia said in a phone interview on Sunday.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/01/govt-downplays-terror-threats-in-metro-manila/
THE government on Sunday said it considered the security threat against Western nations here as “benign,” even as intelligence forces continued to be on the lookout for Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Metro Manila to preempt them just in case. National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said the United States Embassy in Manila had already provided information on the basis of its “emergency” security alert to its citizens on Friday, but did not provide details on the nature of that threat. The embassy said the threat alert would remain in effect until Oct. 10. “We are asking for more details because what they gave us was generic,” Garcia said in a phone interview on Sunday.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/01/govt-downplays-terror-threats-in-metro-manila/
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 1): PH sends more troops to Kalayaan Islands
THE government on Sunday ordered the 3rd Marine Brigade to join a task force defending the country’s sovereignty on the Spratly Islands, which are also being claimed by China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said he had issued a directive creating the Joint Task Force on the Kalayaan Island Group, which is within the hotly contested Spratly archipelago. Sabban said the 3rd Brigade will act as the command and control group of two Marine battalions stationed in Palawan, and will be responsible for the defense of the islands that are believed to be home to vast mineral deposits and a potential flashpoint for conflict in the region. He said the Marines would not be stationed on the islands but patrol the disputed area. He said the task force would be headed by Col. Andre Costales Jr.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/01/ph-sends-more-troops-to-kalayaan-islands/
THE government on Sunday ordered the 3rd Marine Brigade to join a task force defending the country’s sovereignty on the Spratly Islands, which are also being claimed by China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan. Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said he had issued a directive creating the Joint Task Force on the Kalayaan Island Group, which is within the hotly contested Spratly archipelago. Sabban said the 3rd Brigade will act as the command and control group of two Marine battalions stationed in Palawan, and will be responsible for the defense of the islands that are believed to be home to vast mineral deposits and a potential flashpoint for conflict in the region. He said the Marines would not be stationed on the islands but patrol the disputed area. He said the task force would be headed by Col. Andre Costales Jr.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/01/ph-sends-more-troops-to-kalayaan-islands/
Posted to the Samar News (Sep 21): 8ID joins
OPPAP in PAMANA Project inauguration in Northern Samar
The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army joins the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) in inaugurating P30M road project from Brgy Nenita, Mondragon, Northern Samar, yesterday September 19, 2012. The Payapa sa Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Road Project from Mondragon to Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar is part of the Pillar 3 Program which is intended for priority road networks in the Province. Other PAMANA Areas in the Province of Northern Samar covers three municipalities namely: Las Navas, San Roque and Silvino Lubos, and by 2013, Pillar 2 Program which is KALAHI-CIDDS Program will be covering the Municipality of Lope De Vega....
http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c250.htm
The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army joins the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPPAP) in inaugurating P30M road project from Brgy Nenita, Mondragon, Northern Samar, yesterday September 19, 2012. The Payapa sa Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Road Project from Mondragon to Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar is part of the Pillar 3 Program which is intended for priority road networks in the Province. Other PAMANA Areas in the Province of Northern Samar covers three municipalities namely: Las Navas, San Roque and Silvino Lubos, and by 2013, Pillar 2 Program which is KALAHI-CIDDS Program will be covering the Municipality of Lope De Vega....
http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c250.htm
Posted to the Samar News (Sep 21): PNP SCOUT to beef up campaign
against local terrorist movement in Eastern Visayas
.... A total of 195 police personnel have officially completed the PNP Special Counter Insurgency Unit Training (PNP SCOUT) under the SCOUT Class 17-2012 while 187 others will start training under the SCOUT Class 18-2012 to be held at the Regional Special Training Unit 8 (RSTU8). The PNP SCOUT is a rigid 45-day training designed to equip police officers with the requisite skills and confidence that will give them a distinct advantage in counter-insurgency and local terrorism operation. The training puts premium on combat skills development, jungle fighting and survival techniques and also teaches the participants the principles and techniques of urban crisis response operations primarily on search and rescue (SAR), and police intervention preparedness....
http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c252.htm
.... A total of 195 police personnel have officially completed the PNP Special Counter Insurgency Unit Training (PNP SCOUT) under the SCOUT Class 17-2012 while 187 others will start training under the SCOUT Class 18-2012 to be held at the Regional Special Training Unit 8 (RSTU8). The PNP SCOUT is a rigid 45-day training designed to equip police officers with the requisite skills and confidence that will give them a distinct advantage in counter-insurgency and local terrorism operation. The training puts premium on combat skills development, jungle fighting and survival techniques and also teaches the participants the principles and techniques of urban crisis response operations primarily on search and rescue (SAR), and police intervention preparedness....
http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c252.htm
Posted to the leftist Davao Today (Sep 30): Anti-Islam film, part of US campaign to demonize Muslims, Moro rights group says
“We blame the US government for its campaign against terrorism that deliberately tags Muslims as terrorists,” Bai Ali Indayla, spokesperson of Moro human rights group Kawagib told davaotoday.com. Indayla’s statement came after the controversial 14-minute low-budget film, Innocence of Muslims, stirred the Muslim community worldwide. In a protest last week in Cotabato City, hundreds condemned what they call a “US design” to demonize anew Muslims as terrorists via the said film. In the past weeks, hundreds also burned US and Israeli flags in Marawi town, Lanao del Sur while many have protested before the American embassy in Manila.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/09/30/anti-islam-film-part-of-us-campaign-to-demonize-muslims-moro-rights-group-says/
“We blame the US government for its campaign against terrorism that deliberately tags Muslims as terrorists,” Bai Ali Indayla, spokesperson of Moro human rights group Kawagib told davaotoday.com. Indayla’s statement came after the controversial 14-minute low-budget film, Innocence of Muslims, stirred the Muslim community worldwide. In a protest last week in Cotabato City, hundreds condemned what they call a “US design” to demonize anew Muslims as terrorists via the said film. In the past weeks, hundreds also burned US and Israeli flags in Marawi town, Lanao del Sur while many have protested before the American embassy in Manila.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/09/30/anti-islam-film-part-of-us-campaign-to-demonize-muslims-moro-rights-group-says/
From the Bohol Standard (Sep 30): Lifting Bohol out of poverty list, Gov. Rico’s defining moment
Rep. Erico B. Aumentado bared that his winning moments as governor for 9 years were “moving out Bohol from Club 20, the 20 poorest provinces of the Philippines, and ending the over four decades of communist insurgency therein”.... In the anti- insurgency front, Col. Allan Luga, then 802nd Brigade commander, declared that the 4 communist fronts in Bohol were being dismantled in 2009. Consequently, Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, 8th Infantry Division commanding general, and P/Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, PNP Central Visayas commander, with then Defense Sec. Norberto Gonzales officially declared Bohol as insurgency free on February 11, 2010 during the inauguration of the rebel returnees’ Bayanihan Center, a joint project of the provincial government, the Presidential Management Staff and OPAPP in Remedios, Danao.
http://www.theboholstandard.com/topstory.php
Rep. Erico B. Aumentado bared that his winning moments as governor for 9 years were “moving out Bohol from Club 20, the 20 poorest provinces of the Philippines, and ending the over four decades of communist insurgency therein”.... In the anti- insurgency front, Col. Allan Luga, then 802nd Brigade commander, declared that the 4 communist fronts in Bohol were being dismantled in 2009. Consequently, Maj. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, 8th Infantry Division commanding general, and P/Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, PNP Central Visayas commander, with then Defense Sec. Norberto Gonzales officially declared Bohol as insurgency free on February 11, 2010 during the inauguration of the rebel returnees’ Bayanihan Center, a joint project of the provincial government, the Presidential Management Staff and OPAPP in Remedios, Danao.
http://www.theboholstandard.com/topstory.php
From the Stars & Stripes (Sep 28): US provides advanced surveillance capabilities to track down terrorists
Because the Philippine constitution bans U.S. troops from direct combat, the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines plays mostly an advisory and training role in the battle against transnational terrorist groups. But perhaps the most important U.S. military contribution has been advanced surveillance capabilities to track down terrorists in dense, remote jungle. The high-tech equipment remains under U.S. control, according to Col. Mark Miller, the JSOTF-P commander.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us-provides-advanced-surveillance-capabilities-to-track-down-terrorists-1.191133
Because the Philippine constitution bans U.S. troops from direct combat, the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines plays mostly an advisory and training role in the battle against transnational terrorist groups. But perhaps the most important U.S. military contribution has been advanced surveillance capabilities to track down terrorists in dense, remote jungle. The high-tech equipment remains under U.S. control, according to Col. Mark Miller, the JSOTF-P commander.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us-provides-advanced-surveillance-capabilities-to-track-down-terrorists-1.191133
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 30): Kano, umamin gumagamit ng mga high-tech surveillance system sa
Mindanao (Americans admit using high tech surveillance system in Mindanao)
Sa ulat na inilabas ng Stars and Stripes na may pamagat na “US provides advanced surveillance capabilities to track down terrorists,” ay sinabi ni Col. Mark Miller, ang commander ng Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTFP), na “when the Armed Forces of the Philippines requests information, we take their information requirements and we try to answer within whatever means we have over here in country. That includes aerial surveillance, which provides full-motion video.”
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120930033358
Sa ulat na inilabas ng Stars and Stripes na may pamagat na “US provides advanced surveillance capabilities to track down terrorists,” ay sinabi ni Col. Mark Miller, ang commander ng Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTFP), na “when the Armed Forces of the Philippines requests information, we take their information requirements and we try to answer within whatever means we have over here in country. That includes aerial surveillance, which provides full-motion video.”
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120930033358
Posted to the CPP Website (Sep 29): Davao Today's Interview with Luis G. Jalandoni
Davao Today, an online news magazine, has been following the story of the 01 September Paquibato blast incident in Fatima village, Paquibato District, Davao City.We were there when the Third Party Facilitators helped in the release of the NDFP indemnification of 5,000 pesos to the blast victims.
In reaction to the said event, Peace Panel Chair Alexander Padilla of the government of the Repulic of the Philippines (GPH) issued a statement which was posted in the OPAPP website last 21 September. In this light, we hope to get your reaction on the points raised by GPH’s Padilla....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/davao-today-s-interview-with-luis-g-jalandoni
Davao Today, an online news magazine, has been following the story of the 01 September Paquibato blast incident in Fatima village, Paquibato District, Davao City.We were there when the Third Party Facilitators helped in the release of the NDFP indemnification of 5,000 pesos to the blast victims.
In reaction to the said event, Peace Panel Chair Alexander Padilla of the government of the Repulic of the Philippines (GPH) issued a statement which was posted in the OPAPP website last 21 September. In this light, we hope to get your reaction on the points raised by GPH’s Padilla....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/davao-today-s-interview-with-luis-g-jalandoni
From Rappler (Sep 30): AFP sends more troops to guard Spratlys
The Philippines has deployed 800 more Marines and opened a new headquarters to guard its interests in the disputed Spratlys islands, which China also claims, a senior military official said Sunday, September 30. Straddling vital shipping lanes and believed sitting atop vast reserves of mineral deposits, including oil, the Spratlys chain in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) has long been considered a flashpoint for conflict in the region.... The Marines will not be stationed on the Spratlys but will patrol nearby....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/13335-afp-sends-more-troops-to-guard-spratlys
The Philippines has deployed 800 more Marines and opened a new headquarters to guard its interests in the disputed Spratlys islands, which China also claims, a senior military official said Sunday, September 30. Straddling vital shipping lanes and believed sitting atop vast reserves of mineral deposits, including oil, the Spratlys chain in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) has long been considered a flashpoint for conflict in the region.... The Marines will not be stationed on the Spratlys but will patrol nearby....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/13335-afp-sends-more-troops-to-guard-spratlys
From InterAksyon (Sep 30): Wanted: More Filipinos in Kalayaan, as China improves 'fishermen's shelter' in Spratlys
The commander of the Western Command (WestCom) who has jurisdiction over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) confirmed on Sunday that China has continued the expansion and improvement of its military facilities in the area it occupies. “Yes, of course [they keep expanding], although they claim that these are fishermen sanctuaries, not at all. As we observed most of the time, its (facilities are) frequented by military vessels,” WestCom commander Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said in a phone interview....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44389/wanted-more-filipinos-in-kalayaan-as-china-improves-fishermens-shelter-in-spratlys
The commander of the Western Command (WestCom) who has jurisdiction over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) confirmed on Sunday that China has continued the expansion and improvement of its military facilities in the area it occupies. “Yes, of course [they keep expanding], although they claim that these are fishermen sanctuaries, not at all. As we observed most of the time, its (facilities are) frequented by military vessels,” WestCom commander Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban said in a phone interview....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44389/wanted-more-filipinos-in-kalayaan-as-china-improves-fishermens-shelter-in-spratlys
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 30): Ex- Ifugao rebel apologizes, seeks reconciliation
A former rebel who participated in one of the raids done by the New People’s Army (NPA) here on December 23, 1987 apologized in public during a recent peace forum held at the Kiangan Memorial Shrine,here as part of peace effort. Arsenio Humiding, who admitted that he participated in a raid at the municipal hall here, said that he is sorry for participating in said incident and that the raid was not his personal decision but that of the organization....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=141346636887
A former rebel who participated in one of the raids done by the New People’s Army (NPA) here on December 23, 1987 apologized in public during a recent peace forum held at the Kiangan Memorial Shrine,here as part of peace effort. Arsenio Humiding, who admitted that he participated in a raid at the municipal hall here, said that he is sorry for participating in said incident and that the raid was not his personal decision but that of the organization....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=141346636887
From the Philippine Star (Sep 30): 2 leftist rebels
killed in firefight in Sultan Kudarat
Two New People's Army rebels were killed, another one was captured and a government soldier was injured in a firefight in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, the military said today. Alexis Bravo, commander of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion, said his men were responding to a report of rebel presence at Sitio Tiruray in Telafas village when the fighting broke out around 3:20 a.m Saturday....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=854479&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Two New People's Army rebels were killed, another one was captured and a government soldier was injured in a firefight in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, the military said today. Alexis Bravo, commander of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion, said his men were responding to a report of rebel presence at Sitio Tiruray in Telafas village when the fighting broke out around 3:20 a.m Saturday....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=854479&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Saturday, September 29, 2012
From the MILF Website (Sep 30): $1.4-T Muslim funds with shariah-compliant stocks endorsed
The head of a militant Bangsamoro youth organization has endorsed the plan of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in putting up $1.4 trillion in investible funds by offering Shariah-compliants stocks to 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. “This is a good idea and is long overdue.” This was the statement of Arsad Solaiman, chair of the Youth for Genuine Bangsamoro Empowerment (YBGE), sent to Luwaran today....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2860:14-t-muslim-funds-with-shariah-compliant-stocks-endorsed&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The head of a militant Bangsamoro youth organization has endorsed the plan of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in putting up $1.4 trillion in investible funds by offering Shariah-compliants stocks to 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide. “This is a good idea and is long overdue.” This was the statement of Arsad Solaiman, chair of the Youth for Genuine Bangsamoro Empowerment (YBGE), sent to Luwaran today....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2860:14-t-muslim-funds-with-shariah-compliant-stocks-endorsed&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
From Free the Bangsamoro Movement Blog (Sep 28): Statement: Indignation will continue until President Aquino blocks blasphemy on YouTube
 |
| Blog Logo |
Muslim indignation over the blasphemous
film, “Innocence of Muslims”, will continue and gain momentum unless President
Benigno S. Aquino III blocks this vicious attack on the Holy Prophet of Islam
(saw) on YouTube. This indignation will not cease and will express itself in
many ways, hopefully not through means that might go beyond the parameters of
peaceful and legal remonstrance.But continue it will, until the national
government realizes that blocking this blasphemous film is the most just and
practical way to defuse Muslim indignation and maintain peace....
Signed this 28 of
September 2012 at Mendiola, Manila
Convenors:
AGAKHAN ‘BINLADEN’
SHARIEF
09399193044
09192269229
DATU HAJ ANSARI D.
ALONTO
09056700365
DRIEZA A. LININDING
09215434761 09056700365
DRIEZA A. LININDING
DATU NASSER
DIMAPINTO
JAMIL ‘MOTAWA’ YAHYA
JAMIL ‘MOTAWA’ YAHYA
DATU NASIEF MALAWANI
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 29): Luga Now SOLCOM’s New Chief
The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) has new commanding general in the person of Maj. Gen. Alan Luga. He was formally installed last Friday by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario in acting capacity. Luga pledged that he will work within the framework of “bayanihan” while strengthening the alliances to different stakeholders and civil society groups in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375326/luga-now-solcom-s-new-chief
The Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) has new commanding general in the person of Maj. Gen. Alan Luga. He was formally installed last Friday by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario in acting capacity. Luga pledged that he will work within the framework of “bayanihan” while strengthening the alliances to different stakeholders and civil society groups in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375326/luga-now-solcom-s-new-chief
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 29): Escalante Set To Become Insurgency-Free
The city of Escalante in Negros Occidental province is poised to become insurgency-free very soon.
Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), disclosed at the culmination of National Peace Consciousness Month that role of the head of the local government unit (LGU) is all-important in any LGU’s will to break free from communist insurgency.... “The support of Escalante City towards peace initiatives will definitely contribute to the overall effort of Negros Occidental in the province’s five-year Peace and Development Project for communities affected by armed conflict,” Mabanta emphasized.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375349/escalante-set-to-become-insurgencyfree
The city of Escalante in Negros Occidental province is poised to become insurgency-free very soon.
Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), disclosed at the culmination of National Peace Consciousness Month that role of the head of the local government unit (LGU) is all-important in any LGU’s will to break free from communist insurgency.... “The support of Escalante City towards peace initiatives will definitely contribute to the overall effort of Negros Occidental in the province’s five-year Peace and Development Project for communities affected by armed conflict,” Mabanta emphasized.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375349/escalante-set-to-become-insurgencyfree
Editorial from the Manila Times (Sep 30): Thank you, Muslim Filipino brothers
UNLIKE those Muslims in the Middle East who allowed themselves to run wild with unjust anger at the United States and Americans for the despicable film “The Innocence of Muslims,” our Muslim fellow Filipinos have been the epitome of moderation. This is something the whole Filipino nation should be thankful for.... Unjust is what many Muslims abroad have become in their reaction to the evil and blasphemous film “The Innocence of Muslims.” But not our Filipino compatriots. In obeying the call of their religious leaders, their Ulama, they have decided not to cast off the peace and harmony that being a Muslim means.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/editorials/32184-thank-you-muslim-filipino-brothers
UNLIKE those Muslims in the Middle East who allowed themselves to run wild with unjust anger at the United States and Americans for the despicable film “The Innocence of Muslims,” our Muslim fellow Filipinos have been the epitome of moderation. This is something the whole Filipino nation should be thankful for.... Unjust is what many Muslims abroad have become in their reaction to the evil and blasphemous film “The Innocence of Muslims.” But not our Filipino compatriots. In obeying the call of their religious leaders, their Ulama, they have decided not to cast off the peace and harmony that being a Muslim means.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/editorials/32184-thank-you-muslim-filipino-brothers
Editorial from the Manila Times (Sep 30): The Moderate Muslims of the Philippines
It’s such a great source of consolation and pride for us to be reminded in this issue’s special report that there was a Filipino Muslim leader named Taha Basman. He was the chairman of the Philippine Islamic Council and Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM). He always championed peace and harmony among Christians and Muslims and condemned the war in Mindanao. He said, “Violence would lead mankind nowhere.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/editorials/32185-the-moderate-muslims-of-the-philippines
It’s such a great source of consolation and pride for us to be reminded in this issue’s special report that there was a Filipino Muslim leader named Taha Basman. He was the chairman of the Philippine Islamic Council and Center for Moderate Muslims (CMM). He always championed peace and harmony among Christians and Muslims and condemned the war in Mindanao. He said, “Violence would lead mankind nowhere.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/editorials/32185-the-moderate-muslims-of-the-philippines
From the Manila Times (Sep 30): Why Muslim Filipinos stay calm
....Aleem Said Ahmad Basher, who has the distinction of being one of the few Muslim Filipinos who have graduated from Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, told this writer the biggest single reason why here in the Philippines there has been no outbreak of violence related to the anti-Islam movie “The Innocence of Muslims.” He said this reason is the different character of the Muslim Filipinos in comparison to their brethren in the Middle East....“There are more moderate Muslims [than extremists] in the Philippines and most of all there are many Muslim Filipinos who are Islamic-minded people,” Aleem Basher said. He stressed that “Islamic-minded” means peaceable. “Contrary to the perception, Muslim Filipinos are actually peace-minded people and they are not trouble makers but peacemakers and that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam,” he emphasized. Aleem Basher, who is also the chairman of the Imam Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ICPI), is one of the most influential clerics and imams who issued calls over national television and major radio stations in Manila against holding anti-US demonstrations in reaction to the outrageous film. He made the call because of it was perceived that radical infiltrators might join the demonstrators and ignite trouble.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/32180-why-muslim-filipinos-stay-calm
....Aleem Said Ahmad Basher, who has the distinction of being one of the few Muslim Filipinos who have graduated from Al Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, told this writer the biggest single reason why here in the Philippines there has been no outbreak of violence related to the anti-Islam movie “The Innocence of Muslims.” He said this reason is the different character of the Muslim Filipinos in comparison to their brethren in the Middle East....“There are more moderate Muslims [than extremists] in the Philippines and most of all there are many Muslim Filipinos who are Islamic-minded people,” Aleem Basher said. He stressed that “Islamic-minded” means peaceable. “Contrary to the perception, Muslim Filipinos are actually peace-minded people and they are not trouble makers but peacemakers and that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam,” he emphasized. Aleem Basher, who is also the chairman of the Imam Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ICPI), is one of the most influential clerics and imams who issued calls over national television and major radio stations in Manila against holding anti-US demonstrations in reaction to the outrageous film. He made the call because of it was perceived that radical infiltrators might join the demonstrators and ignite trouble.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/32180-why-muslim-filipinos-stay-calm
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 30): ‘Nothing will stop ARMM polls'
Next year’s elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will push through despite the call of a ranking Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official to have them deferred, a government official said on Saturday. Rosalie Romero, Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the May elections scheduled along with the nationwide midterm polls would proceed despite the call of Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief, to have them postponed until after the peace talks between the government and the MILF shall have been concluded. “There will be no postponement. As far as we know, it was just Ghadzali Jaafar and not the MILF which issued the call,” Romero said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/279834/nothing-will-stop-armm-polls
Next year’s elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will push through despite the call of a ranking Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official to have them deferred, a government official said on Saturday. Rosalie Romero, Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the May elections scheduled along with the nationwide midterm polls would proceed despite the call of Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief, to have them postponed until after the peace talks between the government and the MILF shall have been concluded. “There will be no postponement. As far as we know, it was just Ghadzali Jaafar and not the MILF which issued the call,” Romero said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/279834/nothing-will-stop-armm-polls
From the Philippine Star (Sep 30): Probe sought on illegal titling of military lands
The Western Command (Wescom) is seeking an investigation into the alleged conversion of lands in military reservations in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. “I am calling for a full-blown investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in these land-grabbing activities,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Wescom commander, on the sidelines of the reception of a new Marine brigade in Puerto Princesa City on Thursday. Sabban also challenged his detractors to produce any proof that he was party to the irregularity....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=854222
The Western Command (Wescom) is seeking an investigation into the alleged conversion of lands in military reservations in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. “I am calling for a full-blown investigation and prosecution of individuals engaged in these land-grabbing activities,” said Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Wescom commander, on the sidelines of the reception of a new Marine brigade in Puerto Princesa City on Thursday. Sabban also challenged his detractors to produce any proof that he was party to the irregularity....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=854222
From InterAksyon (Sep 29): No imminent threat against Americans in Metro Manila - PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it has not monitored any imminent threat in Metro Manila, despite a warning released by the United States embassy to its citizens here.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it has not monitored any imminent threat in Metro Manila, despite a warning released by the United States embassy to its citizens here.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina said the US embassy warning was based on its own assessment and "we have not monitored any imminent threat" at the moment.... Nevertheless, the PNP has directed Metro Manila police to intensify security and intelligence efforts and to coordinate closely with the US embassy on the matter.
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Sep 29): MNLF leader to campaign for peace, solidarity of Cotabato City residents
The Moro National Liberation Front will focus its campaign for its favored candidate for various elective posts in Cotabato City on the need for Muslim-Christian solidarity in pushing forward the government’s separate peace overture with the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The chairman of the MNLF’s largest and most politically-active group, Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, said the strategy will help promote public consciousness on the importance of the Mindanao peace process to the economic and political growth of Cotabato City and surrounding provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sema is to aspire for mayor of Cotabato City in next year’s elections....
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/5796-mnlf-leader-to-campaign-for-peace-solidarity-of-cotabato-city-residents.html
The Moro National Liberation Front will focus its campaign for its favored candidate for various elective posts in Cotabato City on the need for Muslim-Christian solidarity in pushing forward the government’s separate peace overture with the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The chairman of the MNLF’s largest and most politically-active group, Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, said the strategy will help promote public consciousness on the importance of the Mindanao peace process to the economic and political growth of Cotabato City and surrounding provinces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sema is to aspire for mayor of Cotabato City in next year’s elections....
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/5796-mnlf-leader-to-campaign-for-peace-solidarity-of-cotabato-city-residents.html
From the Zamboanga Today (Sep 29): New US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission visits Mindanao
Brian L. Goldbeck, the new Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, paid a visit to Mindanao this week to visit U.S.-Philippine initiatives and projects and meet with a number of individuals and groups, including political and community leaders, students, and representatives of civil society organizations.... On September 28, Mr. Goldbeck and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat led U.S. and local officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the inauguration of the Upper Pasonanca Suspension Footbridge in Sitio Murok, Barangay Pasonanca. The project is one of over 380 U.S. Government infrastructure projects in the Zamboanga Peninsula....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/11940--new-us-embassy-deputy-chief-of-mission-visits-mindanao.html
Brian L. Goldbeck, the new Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, paid a visit to Mindanao this week to visit U.S.-Philippine initiatives and projects and meet with a number of individuals and groups, including political and community leaders, students, and representatives of civil society organizations.... On September 28, Mr. Goldbeck and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat led U.S. and local officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the inauguration of the Upper Pasonanca Suspension Footbridge in Sitio Murok, Barangay Pasonanca. The project is one of over 380 U.S. Government infrastructure projects in the Zamboanga Peninsula....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/11940--new-us-embassy-deputy-chief-of-mission-visits-mindanao.html
From the Zamboanga Today (Sep 29): ARMM officials fully behind peace talks with the MILF, says Hataman
Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are squarely behind the efforts of the Aquino administration to forge a “framework peace agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before the end of the year, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman assured. Speaking before a general assembly in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in Pasig City, Hataman said the ARMM officials who were appointed by President Aquino were prepared to fully support the establishment of the proposed new autonomous political entity (NPE) that was being envisioned in the peace negotiations with the MILF.....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/11944-armm-officials-fully-behind-peace-talks-with-the-milf-says-hataman.html
Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are squarely behind the efforts of the Aquino administration to forge a “framework peace agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before the end of the year, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman assured. Speaking before a general assembly in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in Pasig City, Hataman said the ARMM officials who were appointed by President Aquino were prepared to fully support the establishment of the proposed new autonomous political entity (NPE) that was being envisioned in the peace negotiations with the MILF.....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/11944-armm-officials-fully-behind-peace-talks-with-the-milf-says-hataman.html
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 28): OPAPP to build two FMR in Eastern Samar
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), is set to construct two farm-to-market roads (FMRs) here, in cooperation with its partner government line agencies and local government units (LGUs).... Bonifacio said that the road project will be implemented under OPAPP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) projects that are scheduled to be implemented in Eastern Samar this year.... The Pamana Program is a peace and development initiative of the national government, in partnership with national and local institutions. It aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of conflict-affected areas, empower communities, and improve local governance.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1231348730921
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), is set to construct two farm-to-market roads (FMRs) here, in cooperation with its partner government line agencies and local government units (LGUs).... Bonifacio said that the road project will be implemented under OPAPP’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) projects that are scheduled to be implemented in Eastern Samar this year.... The Pamana Program is a peace and development initiative of the national government, in partnership with national and local institutions. It aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of conflict-affected areas, empower communities, and improve local governance.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1231348730921
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 29): Zero human rights violations key in getting people support – Army
Zero human rights violation has helped the soldiers in easily winning the confidence of residents in the countryside to work together in the peace and development outreach program of government. Speaking at the “Arena Forum,” a public affairs program of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies aired at radio station DXRA, Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division (10th ID), cited the zero human rights record of the 10th ID from September 2010 up to the present as one factor which makes residents friendly and helpful to the soldiers, especially in ventilating the issues and finding solutions to problems affecting the community. Paniza said the reorientation of the soldiers from warriors to diplomats helps them interact effectively with the people.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381348795114
Zero human rights violation has helped the soldiers in easily winning the confidence of residents in the countryside to work together in the peace and development outreach program of government. Speaking at the “Arena Forum,” a public affairs program of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies aired at radio station DXRA, Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division (10th ID), cited the zero human rights record of the 10th ID from September 2010 up to the present as one factor which makes residents friendly and helpful to the soldiers, especially in ventilating the issues and finding solutions to problems affecting the community. Paniza said the reorientation of the soldiers from warriors to diplomats helps them interact effectively with the people.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381348795114
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Palace says PNP augments security to
protect foreign nationals in Metro Manila
In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has already beef up security in Metro Manila to ensure peace and security amid protest actions by Muslims against a controversial film. “We spoke with General Espina of the NCRPO yesterday and security has been augmented kahapon pa. So, bago pa lumabas ‘yung balitang ‘yan nag-augment na ng security ang NCRPO particularly to the US facility along Roxas Boulevard,” Valte said. “As a matter of precaution we have already augmented security.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=458474
In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has already beef up security in Metro Manila to ensure peace and security amid protest actions by Muslims against a controversial film. “We spoke with General Espina of the NCRPO yesterday and security has been augmented kahapon pa. So, bago pa lumabas ‘yung balitang ‘yan nag-augment na ng security ang NCRPO particularly to the US facility along Roxas Boulevard,” Valte said. “As a matter of precaution we have already augmented security.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=458474
From the Sun Star (Sep 29): UK, Australia warn citizens of 'possible' terror attacks in Metro Manila
At least three more countries warned their nationals in the Philippines against a possible terrorist attack after the United States Embassy cited on Friday a security threat in Metro Manila.
The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada cautioned their citizens with the first two countries placing their warnings under the "terrorism" category. "Any attack could be indiscriminate and we advise British nationals to exercise particular caution and extra vigilance in places frequented by expatriates and foreign nationals," the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in its travel advice. "There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers," it added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/29/uk-australia-warn-citizens-possible-terror-attacks-metro-manila-245498
At least three more countries warned their nationals in the Philippines against a possible terrorist attack after the United States Embassy cited on Friday a security threat in Metro Manila.
The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada cautioned their citizens with the first two countries placing their warnings under the "terrorism" category. "Any attack could be indiscriminate and we advise British nationals to exercise particular caution and extra vigilance in places frequented by expatriates and foreign nationals," the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in its travel advice. "There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers," it added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/29/uk-australia-warn-citizens-possible-terror-attacks-metro-manila-245498
From the pro-CPP Bulatlat (Sep 29): Tribe leaders, members risk arrest on trumped-up charges
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is using the legal system to harass leaders of an indigenous people’s organization in Surigao del Sur. According to a report from the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) in the Northern Mindanao Region (NMR), 37 indigenous members and leaders of the Manobo indigenous people’s organization Maluhutayong Pakigbisog Alang Sumusunod (Mapasu or Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation) have been slapped with charges of rebellion, frustrated murder, arson, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and malicious mischief in two criminal cases based on complaints filed by elements of the PNP. The PNP have charged the 37 with involvement in an attack made by the New People’s Army (NPA) on the Lianga Police Station on April 29, 2011.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/09/29/tribe-leaders-members-risk-arrest-on-trumped-up-charges/
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is using the legal system to harass leaders of an indigenous people’s organization in Surigao del Sur. According to a report from the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) in the Northern Mindanao Region (NMR), 37 indigenous members and leaders of the Manobo indigenous people’s organization Maluhutayong Pakigbisog Alang Sumusunod (Mapasu or Persevering Struggle for the Next Generation) have been slapped with charges of rebellion, frustrated murder, arson, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and malicious mischief in two criminal cases based on complaints filed by elements of the PNP. The PNP have charged the 37 with involvement in an attack made by the New People’s Army (NPA) on the Lianga Police Station on April 29, 2011.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/09/29/tribe-leaders-members-risk-arrest-on-trumped-up-charges/
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 29): New army chief plead for vigilance vs rebel group’s threats, extortion
The new commander of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade has appealed for vigilance and public cooperation against threats and extortion activities of rebels in Bukidnon. Col. James V. Jacob reported in a Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting that some 50 armed men of the New People’s Army (NPA) under Guerilla Front 53 flagged down and burned five prime mover trucks loaded with bananas at the national road in Barangay Puntian, Quezon in Bukidnon last June.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501348815873
The new commander of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade has appealed for vigilance and public cooperation against threats and extortion activities of rebels in Bukidnon. Col. James V. Jacob reported in a Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting that some 50 armed men of the New People’s Army (NPA) under Guerilla Front 53 flagged down and burned five prime mover trucks loaded with bananas at the national road in Barangay Puntian, Quezon in Bukidnon last June.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501348815873
Friday, September 28, 2012
From the Philippine Star (Sep 29): "Fragile peace" as bandits stop attacks
A “fragile peace” can now be felt in the five Maguindanao towns bandits subjected to a 10-day violent foray last August, but the police and military are still not taking chances. Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said they appreciate the continuing efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to prevent bandits belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters from just even getting close to highways traversing the five municipalities.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=854125
A “fragile peace” can now be felt in the five Maguindanao towns bandits subjected to a 10-day violent foray last August, but the police and military are still not taking chances. Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said they appreciate the continuing efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to prevent bandits belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters from just even getting close to highways traversing the five municipalities.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=854125
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): OPAPP drafts framework on peace
agreement
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has drafted a framework on peace agreement which aim to bring just and lasting peace in Mindanao. OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said "the contents of the proposed “framework agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be presented to the Filipino people before any signing would be undertaken."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458381
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has drafted a framework on peace agreement which aim to bring just and lasting peace in Mindanao. OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said "the contents of the proposed “framework agreement” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be presented to the Filipino people before any signing would be undertaken."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458381
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Army overruns NPAs camp in North
Cotabato
Elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion overran an NPA camp in a remote village in Makilala, North Cotabato after engaging the rebels in an intense firefight, belated reports from the Army said Saturday.... Meanwhile, Galna, spokesperson for the NPA Front 72, told media that their men engaged military troops of the 57th IB and the Scout Ranger Battalion in an intense exchange of fires.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458441
Elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion overran an NPA camp in a remote village in Makilala, North Cotabato after engaging the rebels in an intense firefight, belated reports from the Army said Saturday.... Meanwhile, Galna, spokesperson for the NPA Front 72, told media that their men engaged military troops of the 57th IB and the Scout Ranger Battalion in an intense exchange of fires.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458441
From the MILF Website (Sep 29): MILF to hold people’s assembly in Sulu
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its political and military organs in the province of Sulu will hold a people’s assembly there before the year ends. Hassan Hatab, an MILF political officer, based in Jolo, Sulu told Luwaran in a phone interview that holding an assembly similar to the one held in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao in July this year has long been overdue....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2859:-milf-to-hold-peoples-assembly-in-sulu&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its political and military organs in the province of Sulu will hold a people’s assembly there before the year ends. Hassan Hatab, an MILF political officer, based in Jolo, Sulu told Luwaran in a phone interview that holding an assembly similar to the one held in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao in July this year has long been overdue....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2859:-milf-to-hold-peoples-assembly-in-sulu&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Posted to ABS-CBN (Sep 28): Photo-Filipino Muslims Protests "Innocence of Islam" Video
Filipino Muslims display a banner with the logos of Google and YouTube during a protest on Friday in Manila against the American film "Innocence of Muslims." The group continues to petition the Philippine government to prevent the film from being searched on the internet. Photo: ABS-CBNnews
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
Filipino Muslims display a banner with the logos of Google and YouTube during a protest on Friday in Manila against the American film "Innocence of Muslims." The group continues to petition the Philippine government to prevent the film from being searched on the internet. Photo: ABS-CBNnews
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
From the Business World (Sep 28): Army hunts downs suspects behind ambush in Sultan Kudarat
Soldiers of the Philippine Army are hunting down suspects responsible for the ambush of two members of a para-military group in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday. One of the victims, who were assigned to the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion. was killed in that ambush.... Police investigation continues even as soldiers are on a manhunt of the suspects who were said to be members of a rebel group.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Army-hunts-downs-suspects-behind-ambush-in-Sultan-Kudarat&id=59237
Soldiers of the Philippine Army are hunting down suspects responsible for the ambush of two members of a para-military group in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday. One of the victims, who were assigned to the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion. was killed in that ambush.... Police investigation continues even as soldiers are on a manhunt of the suspects who were said to be members of a rebel group.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Army-hunts-downs-suspects-behind-ambush-in-Sultan-Kudarat&id=59237
From the Daily Tribune (Sep 29): House ratifies bicam report on revised AFP program
Before it adjourned last week, the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 6410, which extends the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act for another 15 years.... the revised AFP Modernization Program shall be based on an amount of at least P75 billion for the first five years subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management (DSoM).
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/4927-house-ratifies-bicam-report-on-revised-afp-program
Before it adjourned last week, the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 6410, which extends the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act for another 15 years.... the revised AFP Modernization Program shall be based on an amount of at least P75 billion for the first five years subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management (DSoM).
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/4927-house-ratifies-bicam-report-on-revised-afp-program
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): US seeks calm over
Asian disputes; won't mediate
The Obama administration on Friday pressed U.S. allies Japan and South Korea to continue their cooperation on North Korea and other key issues despite a dispute over a contested islet. The administration also urged Tokyo and Beijing to make serious diplomatic efforts on an even sharper dispute over maritime borders. Meeting with the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said "every nation in the region has a responsibility to work to resolve disputes, peacefully lower tensions, promote regional security and stability." She noted the three key countries' cooperation is vital to convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, doing her best to calm their disagreement over the tiny islands known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=854116&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The Obama administration on Friday pressed U.S. allies Japan and South Korea to continue their cooperation on North Korea and other key issues despite a dispute over a contested islet. The administration also urged Tokyo and Beijing to make serious diplomatic efforts on an even sharper dispute over maritime borders. Meeting with the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said "every nation in the region has a responsibility to work to resolve disputes, peacefully lower tensions, promote regional security and stability." She noted the three key countries' cooperation is vital to convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons, doing her best to calm their disagreement over the tiny islands known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=854116&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Stars & Stripes (Sep 28): US troops see terrorism threat diminish on Philippine island of Mindanao
A year after the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. joined the Philippines’ battle against al-Qaida-linked groups in the country’s impoverished southern Mindanao region, calling it a new front in the war on terrorism. A decade later, the number of terrorists has been winnowed down to a few hundred, their major leaders are dead and movements are confined primarily to the dense southern jungles on the islands of Jolo and Basilan.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us-troops-see-terrorism-threat-diminish-on-philippine-island-of-mindanao-1.191126
A year after the Sept. 11 attacks, the U.S. joined the Philippines’ battle against al-Qaida-linked groups in the country’s impoverished southern Mindanao region, calling it a new front in the war on terrorism. A decade later, the number of terrorists has been winnowed down to a few hundred, their major leaders are dead and movements are confined primarily to the dense southern jungles on the islands of Jolo and Basilan.
http://www.stripes.com/news/us-troops-see-terrorism-threat-diminish-on-philippine-island-of-mindanao-1.191126
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 28): US-Philippine Alliance On Upswing
A senior Pentagon official says the US-Philippine military-to-military relations have reached a new and exciting level while citing the critical role the alliance plays in keeping peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. “I would say this is one of the most important alliances we have," said Mark W. Lippert, US Department of Defense (DoD) assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security, during a conference on the Philippines hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. “It's a critically important part of our security discussions in Asia. The mil-to-mil relations have been on an upswing over the past decade," said Lippert, adding that “the countries now are poised for a new chapter."
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375196/usphilippine-alliance-on-upswing
A senior Pentagon official says the US-Philippine military-to-military relations have reached a new and exciting level while citing the critical role the alliance plays in keeping peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. “I would say this is one of the most important alliances we have," said Mark W. Lippert, US Department of Defense (DoD) assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security, during a conference on the Philippines hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. “It's a critically important part of our security discussions in Asia. The mil-to-mil relations have been on an upswing over the past decade," said Lippert, adding that “the countries now are poised for a new chapter."
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375196/usphilippine-alliance-on-upswing
From the Manila Standard Today (Sep 29): MILF autonomy formula gets a nod
Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao agrees to establish the new autonomous political entity espoused by Moro Islamic Liberation Front to achieve genuine peace in Mindanao. “We’re a part of promoting the peace process in preparing the ARMM for the eventual signing of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF,” told the general assembly at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Hataman said fellow officials appointed by President Benigno Aquino III were prepared to support ARMM’s replacement....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/29/milf-autonomy-formula-gets-a-nod/
Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao agrees to establish the new autonomous political entity espoused by Moro Islamic Liberation Front to achieve genuine peace in Mindanao. “We’re a part of promoting the peace process in preparing the ARMM for the eventual signing of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF,” told the general assembly at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Hataman said fellow officials appointed by President Benigno Aquino III were prepared to support ARMM’s replacement....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/29/milf-autonomy-formula-gets-a-nod/
From the Manila Standard Today (Sep 29): China says drone use in disputed sea legal
The deployment of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles over the disputed West Philippine Sea was “justified and legal,” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said on Friday. Yang made the statement after Defense Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez expressed concerned over the deployment of drones, saying that might undermine efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/29/china-says-drone-use-in-disputed-sea-legal/
The deployment of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles over the disputed West Philippine Sea was “justified and legal,” Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said on Friday. Yang made the statement after Defense Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez expressed concerned over the deployment of drones, saying that might undermine efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/09/29/china-says-drone-use-in-disputed-sea-legal/
Posted to the Manila Times (Sep 28): Photo--Filipino Muslims Protest "Innocence of Muslims"
Filipino Muslims shout slogans as the Philippine flag and a banner with Arabic words are being waved during a protest against Innocence of Muslims at Mendiola on Friday. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/32109-alleged-anti-muslim-filmmaker-detained
Filipino Muslims shout slogans as the Philippine flag and a banner with Arabic words are being waved during a protest against Innocence of Muslims at Mendiola on Friday. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/32109-alleged-anti-muslim-filmmaker-detained
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): Group: Gov't lied on
rights situation to get US
Rights group Karapatan on Friday slammed the Aquino government for allegedly lying on the human rights situation in the Philippines in exchange for $13 million in US military aid. “Human rights defenders, victims and their relatives, and communities under military attack can attest to the prevailing, if not more emboldened, climate of impunity under Aquino," Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853762&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Rights group Karapatan on Friday slammed the Aquino government for allegedly lying on the human rights situation in the Philippines in exchange for $13 million in US military aid. “Human rights defenders, victims and their relatives, and communities under military attack can attest to the prevailing, if not more emboldened, climate of impunity under Aquino," Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853762&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): Gov't appeals to
hacktivists to stop attacks
The Department of Science and Technology's Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) on Friday appealed to hacktivists to stop attacking government websites as it admitted that there is a need to upgrade the state's internet security system.... Casambre said that the latest attacks expose the existing vulnerabilities of government websites and underscores the need for a "national cybersecurity plan."
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853749&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The Department of Science and Technology's Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) on Friday appealed to hacktivists to stop attacking government websites as it admitted that there is a need to upgrade the state's internet security system.... Casambre said that the latest attacks expose the existing vulnerabilities of government websites and underscores the need for a "national cybersecurity plan."
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853749&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): Muslim leaders urge calm over anti-Islam film
The Muslim elders and religious leaders cautioned their flocks from “agitators” espousing violence to show protest gainst the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims.” “To protest the showing of the film is considered by us as our religious duty. But we caution our people and communities not to be easily provoked and trapped to become violent in our reaction – because this kind of move or action is also contrary to the personality, the behavior and attitude of our holy prophet,” said Sheihk Jamal Munib, chairman of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu chapter. Munib told newsmen in a conference at Ma’had Moro Al-Islamie Institute that appealed to the media to help them in harmonizing the differences of building humane and just society where Christians and Muslims can co-exist.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853765
The Muslim elders and religious leaders cautioned their flocks from “agitators” espousing violence to show protest gainst the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims.” “To protest the showing of the film is considered by us as our religious duty. But we caution our people and communities not to be easily provoked and trapped to become violent in our reaction – because this kind of move or action is also contrary to the personality, the behavior and attitude of our holy prophet,” said Sheihk Jamal Munib, chairman of the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu chapter. Munib told newsmen in a conference at Ma’had Moro Al-Islamie Institute that appealed to the media to help them in harmonizing the differences of building humane and just society where Christians and Muslims can co-exist.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853765
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): Eid'l Adha is
regular holiday
The next regular holiday in the Philippines in 2012 is on October 26, a Friday, in solidarity with Muslims’ tribute to patriarch Ibrahim (Abraham) for his willing sacrifice of his son Ishmael to Allah in an act of obedience. Through this year’s Proclamation No. 295, President Benigno Aquino III extends the Muslim religious holiday Eid’l Adha commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham, whose commitment Allah tested, to all Filipinos of different creeds....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853772&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The next regular holiday in the Philippines in 2012 is on October 26, a Friday, in solidarity with Muslims’ tribute to patriarch Ibrahim (Abraham) for his willing sacrifice of his son Ishmael to Allah in an act of obedience. Through this year’s Proclamation No. 295, President Benigno Aquino III extends the Muslim religious holiday Eid’l Adha commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham, whose commitment Allah tested, to all Filipinos of different creeds....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853772&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): BCDA to develop more idle military lots
The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) is eyeing the development of idle military lots so these could generate funds that would support the Armed Forces’ modernization programs.
Arnel Casanova, president and chief executive officer of BCDA, said more than half of military properties are not being maximized and are even being claimed by squatters and land grabbers.
“We’re looking at helping the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to master plan most of its military lands,” Casanova said in an interview Thursday.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853784
The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) is eyeing the development of idle military lots so these could generate funds that would support the Armed Forces’ modernization programs.
Arnel Casanova, president and chief executive officer of BCDA, said more than half of military properties are not being maximized and are even being claimed by squatters and land grabbers.
“We’re looking at helping the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to master plan most of its military lands,” Casanova said in an interview Thursday.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853784
From the Philippine Star (Sep 28): Brigade of Marines deployed back to Palawan
Key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (Wescom) welcomed a brigade of Marines back to Palawan on Friday as the military is gradually shifting from internal to territorial defense.... Fresh from their anti-terror duties in Sulu, the returning Marines are facing a new round of challenges in Palawan. This after they found out that their eight-hectare camp in Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, where they were formerly based, is now being owned by a private individual. Sabban himself was surprised that the Marine camp established inside a military reservation has been titled and privatized. With this development, Sabban is calling for a thorough investigation into what he called systematic land-grabbing activities of government lands by dubious individuals in the province.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853801
Key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (Wescom) welcomed a brigade of Marines back to Palawan on Friday as the military is gradually shifting from internal to territorial defense.... Fresh from their anti-terror duties in Sulu, the returning Marines are facing a new round of challenges in Palawan. This after they found out that their eight-hectare camp in Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, where they were formerly based, is now being owned by a private individual. Sabban himself was surprised that the Marine camp established inside a military reservation has been titled and privatized. With this development, Sabban is calling for a thorough investigation into what he called systematic land-grabbing activities of government lands by dubious individuals in the province.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853801
From InterAksyon (Sep 28): Govt demands surrender of rebels behind Davao blast that hurt civilians
The Aquino government is demanding that New People's Army guerrillas responsible for the grenade explosion in Davao City’s Paquibato district that injured 47 persons, mostly children, give themselves up.... "If it were truly a champion of human rights and international humanitarian law, the NPA would readily surrender the rebel perpetrators of the Paquibato bombing and their other human rights and international humanitarian law crimes to the Philippine justice system, which, however imperfect, remains a far better legal remedy to stakeholders and to the public than the so-called justice system of the NPA," the government committee said on Friday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44259/govt-demands-surrender-of-rebels-behind-davao-blast-that-hurt-civilians
The Aquino government is demanding that New People's Army guerrillas responsible for the grenade explosion in Davao City’s Paquibato district that injured 47 persons, mostly children, give themselves up.... "If it were truly a champion of human rights and international humanitarian law, the NPA would readily surrender the rebel perpetrators of the Paquibato bombing and their other human rights and international humanitarian law crimes to the Philippine justice system, which, however imperfect, remains a far better legal remedy to stakeholders and to the public than the so-called justice system of the NPA," the government committee said on Friday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44259/govt-demands-surrender-of-rebels-behind-davao-blast-that-hurt-civilians
Posted to the conservative Heritage Foundation Website (Sep 24): Getting the Philippines Air Force Flying Again: The Role of the U.S.–Philippines Alliance
Abstract:
The recent standoff at Scarborough Shoal between the Philippines and China demonstrates how Beijing is targeting Manila in its strategy of maritime brinkmanship. Manila’s weakness stems from the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) lack of air-defense system and air-surveillance capabilities to patrol and protect Philippine airspace and maritime territory. The PAF’s deplorable state is attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ single-minded focus on internal security since 2001. Currently, the Aquino administration is undertaking a major reform to shift the PAF from its focus on counterinsurgency to its original role of air defense, an effort hindered by the perennial lack of funds. It is imperative for the U.S.— Philippines’ alliance—to assist the PAF in developing the air power and skills to spread its wings and protect the country’s territory.
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/09/getting-the-philippines-air-force-flying-again-the-role-of-the-us-philippines-alliance
Abstract:
The recent standoff at Scarborough Shoal between the Philippines and China demonstrates how Beijing is targeting Manila in its strategy of maritime brinkmanship. Manila’s weakness stems from the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) lack of air-defense system and air-surveillance capabilities to patrol and protect Philippine airspace and maritime territory. The PAF’s deplorable state is attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ single-minded focus on internal security since 2001. Currently, the Aquino administration is undertaking a major reform to shift the PAF from its focus on counterinsurgency to its original role of air defense, an effort hindered by the perennial lack of funds. It is imperative for the U.S.— Philippines’ alliance—to assist the PAF in developing the air power and skills to spread its wings and protect the country’s territory.
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/09/getting-the-philippines-air-force-flying-again-the-role-of-the-us-philippines-alliance
Posted to Jane's Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis Website (Sep 27): Mujahideen of the Sulu Sea - the Philippines' Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
Abstract:
The most prominent Philippine militant Islamist group is Al-Harakat al-Islamiyya, or the Islamic Movement - more commonly referred to as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), or Father of the Sword.
In this vein, the group's decapitation of its victims, from security force personnel to Christian missionary workers, has almost become a signature of the ASG. The act of decaptitation serves to not only underline the group's commitment to its fundamentalist ideology but also to send a message to the government and the local populations in its areas of operation. In a report released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in 2002 - entitled Knowing the Terrorists: The Abu Sayyaf Study - the military claims that the ASG uses "brutal acts… as a means to show they mean business, and [to] create and instil fear".
While the ASG initially rose to public prominence with a series of high-profile kidnappings throughout the 1990s, it has subsequently become better known for a series of urban explosive device attacks - most notably the SuperFerry 14 bombing in the capital Manila in February 2004 that left more than 100 dead - along with a continuing steady tempo of guerrilla operations throughout the Sulu Archipelago, the southwest island provinces of the Philippines. The group is also noted for its past links to regional militant Islamist groups, specifically Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Al-Qaeda-linked personnel.
The ASG's activities have seen it designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States Department of State and listed as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations, European Union and United Kingdom among others.
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065971837&channel=security
Abstract:
The most prominent Philippine militant Islamist group is Al-Harakat al-Islamiyya, or the Islamic Movement - more commonly referred to as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), or Father of the Sword.
In this vein, the group's decapitation of its victims, from security force personnel to Christian missionary workers, has almost become a signature of the ASG. The act of decaptitation serves to not only underline the group's commitment to its fundamentalist ideology but also to send a message to the government and the local populations in its areas of operation. In a report released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in 2002 - entitled Knowing the Terrorists: The Abu Sayyaf Study - the military claims that the ASG uses "brutal acts… as a means to show they mean business, and [to] create and instil fear".
While the ASG initially rose to public prominence with a series of high-profile kidnappings throughout the 1990s, it has subsequently become better known for a series of urban explosive device attacks - most notably the SuperFerry 14 bombing in the capital Manila in February 2004 that left more than 100 dead - along with a continuing steady tempo of guerrilla operations throughout the Sulu Archipelago, the southwest island provinces of the Philippines. The group is also noted for its past links to regional militant Islamist groups, specifically Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Al-Qaeda-linked personnel.
The ASG's activities have seen it designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the United States Department of State and listed as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations, European Union and United Kingdom among others.
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065971837&channel=security
From the Philippine News Agency: KALAHI-CIDSS project expands in five
PAMANA areas in Davao Region
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) project has added five more PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) municipalities in Davao Region.... Razon said KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA, which covers 71 conflict-affected barangays in the region with a grant of P21.3 million, aims to improve access of conflict-affected barangays to quality basic social services and responsive, transparent and accountable local governments.... Compostela Valley has become the focus of the agency because between 2003 and 2010, the province had the highest number of conflict incidences.... OPAPP is the lead agency that oversees the implementation of PAMANA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458216
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) project has added five more PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) municipalities in Davao Region.... Razon said KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA, which covers 71 conflict-affected barangays in the region with a grant of P21.3 million, aims to improve access of conflict-affected barangays to quality basic social services and responsive, transparent and accountable local governments.... Compostela Valley has become the focus of the agency because between 2003 and 2010, the province had the highest number of conflict incidences.... OPAPP is the lead agency that oversees the implementation of PAMANA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458216
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Army brigade conducts support
program to strengthen family relationship
In response to the increasing number of separation of couples in the military, the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental conducted on Friday a one-day Family Welfare Support program for its soldiers and their spouses to strengthen family ties and marital relationships.... Col. Francisco Patrimonio, brigade commander, in an interview noted a high incidence of failed marriages and broken marital unions in the military because of the nature of their job. He, however, could not give specific figures, but admitted this is a trend in the military that is known to the public.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458292
In response to the increasing number of separation of couples in the military, the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental conducted on Friday a one-day Family Welfare Support program for its soldiers and their spouses to strengthen family ties and marital relationships.... Col. Francisco Patrimonio, brigade commander, in an interview noted a high incidence of failed marriages and broken marital unions in the military because of the nature of their job. He, however, could not give specific figures, but admitted this is a trend in the military that is known to the public.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=458292
Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 28): US warns citizens of threat in the Philippines
The United States on Friday warned its citizens in the Philippines to take extreme caution following reports of threat against Americans staying in metropolitan Manila, particularly in Pasay City. In an emergency message, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said the threat against American citizens has been detected by reliable security forces. “The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens in the Philippines that a threat against American citizens in metropolitan Manila, specifically the Pasay City neighbourhood, has been detected by reliable security forces. This threat remains in effect until October 10, 2012,” it said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120928055829
The United States on Friday warned its citizens in the Philippines to take extreme caution following reports of threat against Americans staying in metropolitan Manila, particularly in Pasay City. In an emergency message, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said the threat against American citizens has been detected by reliable security forces. “The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens in the Philippines that a threat against American citizens in metropolitan Manila, specifically the Pasay City neighbourhood, has been detected by reliable security forces. This threat remains in effect until October 10, 2012,” it said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120928055829
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 28): 'Innocence of Muslims' protests subside in the
Philippines
While the protests against the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims” have subsided in the southern Philippines, anger among individual Muslims in Mindanao still persist, particularly in social media sites where the issue continues....In the Islamic City of Marawi in Mindanao’s Lanao del Sur province, thousands of Muslims gathered on the streets and burned US and Israel flags in protest of the film believed made by Egyptian-American Nakoula Basseley Nakoula... Army Col. Daniel Lucero, commander of military forces in Lanao provinces, said the Muslim protests over the film were peaceful. “The protests were peaceful and so far there had been no reported violence in connection with the film Innocence of Muslims. The government is on top of the situation,” he said in a separate interview.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120928091829
While the protests against the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims” have subsided in the southern Philippines, anger among individual Muslims in Mindanao still persist, particularly in social media sites where the issue continues....In the Islamic City of Marawi in Mindanao’s Lanao del Sur province, thousands of Muslims gathered on the streets and burned US and Israel flags in protest of the film believed made by Egyptian-American Nakoula Basseley Nakoula... Army Col. Daniel Lucero, commander of military forces in Lanao provinces, said the Muslim protests over the film were peaceful. “The protests were peaceful and so far there had been no reported violence in connection with the film Innocence of Muslims. The government is on top of the situation,” he said in a separate interview.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120928091829
Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 28): Ambush kills village chief, injures another in Zambo Sibugay
Unidentified gunmen have killed a top village official and injured another in an ambush in the hinterlands of Zamboanga Sibugay province, a report reaching Luwaran said. The report disclosed that the incident took place at Purok Mangga in the village of Bangco, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay province last September 25. The slain government village official as Alberto Arabia, 40, the village chief of Marcelo, Kalawit town, Zamboanga del Norte Province, and the wounded companion as Ernie Sumaylo, also a resident of the same village and town. The motive for the attack has not yet been established.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2858:ambush-kills-village-chief-injures-another-in-zambo-sibugay-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Unidentified gunmen have killed a top village official and injured another in an ambush in the hinterlands of Zamboanga Sibugay province, a report reaching Luwaran said. The report disclosed that the incident took place at Purok Mangga in the village of Bangco, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay province last September 25. The slain government village official as Alberto Arabia, 40, the village chief of Marcelo, Kalawit town, Zamboanga del Norte Province, and the wounded companion as Ernie Sumaylo, also a resident of the same village and town. The motive for the attack has not yet been established.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2858:ambush-kills-village-chief-injures-another-in-zambo-sibugay-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
From Bulatlat (Sep 28): MILF expresses ‘guarded optimism’ in peace talks with government
The peace panels of both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines are set to meet again next week in Kuala Lumpur in an atmosphere they both described as guarded optimism. They had concluded their latest negotiations, the 31st, earlier this month saying that they “reached substantive gains.”
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/09/28/milf-expresses-%E2%80%98guarded-optimism%E2%80%99-in-peace-talks-with-the-government/
The peace panels of both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines are set to meet again next week in Kuala Lumpur in an atmosphere they both described as guarded optimism. They had concluded their latest negotiations, the 31st, earlier this month saying that they “reached substantive gains.”
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/09/28/milf-expresses-%E2%80%98guarded-optimism%E2%80%99-in-peace-talks-with-the-government/
From ABS-CBN (Sep 28): RPA-ABB member killed in Iloilo
A member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) was killed in an ambush in the vicinity of Barangay Bad-As, San Joaquin, Iloilo and the towns of Sibalom and Hamtic in Antique Thursday morning. The fatality was identified as Alfredo Sidlao Jr. alias “Kumander Onyok”...Authorities said Sidlao, along with other RPA-ABB members, were patrolling in the area when at least 15 rebels under the Southern Front Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army opened fire at them.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/28/12/rpa-abb-member-killed-iloilo
A member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) was killed in an ambush in the vicinity of Barangay Bad-As, San Joaquin, Iloilo and the towns of Sibalom and Hamtic in Antique Thursday morning. The fatality was identified as Alfredo Sidlao Jr. alias “Kumander Onyok”...Authorities said Sidlao, along with other RPA-ABB members, were patrolling in the area when at least 15 rebels under the Southern Front Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army opened fire at them.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/28/12/rpa-abb-member-killed-iloilo
From GMANews (Sep 28): Police: Sayyaf member with P1-M bounty arrested in Basilan
A notorious member of the Abu Sayyaf Group with P1-million bounty on his head fell in the hands of police and military operatives in Lamitan City in Basilan last Wednesday. In a news release, Police Senior Inspector Kimberly Molitas-Gonzales of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said CIDG director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the wanted ASG member as Yatim Batah alias Yatin Hakimin, who was collard along Rizal Ave.in Brgy. Maganda.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/276027/news/regions/police-sayyaf-member-with-p1-m-bounty-arrested-in-basilan
A notorious member of the Abu Sayyaf Group with P1-million bounty on his head fell in the hands of police and military operatives in Lamitan City in Basilan last Wednesday. In a news release, Police Senior Inspector Kimberly Molitas-Gonzales of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said CIDG director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the wanted ASG member as Yatim Batah alias Yatin Hakimin, who was collard along Rizal Ave.in Brgy. Maganda.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/276027/news/regions/police-sayyaf-member-with-p1-m-bounty-arrested-in-basilan
From the Sun Star (Sep 28): AFP: Human rights cases vs military down
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., AFP Human Rights Office chief, said the number of human rights complaints against the military has declined in the first two years of the administration of President Benigno Aquino and cited the actions they have undertaken to stop or lessen the alleged violations. In a live interview on state-run People’s Television Network on Thursday evening, Tutaan said the AFP received only 96 complaints from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) from July 1, 2010 to June 30 this year.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/28/afp-human-rights-cases-vs-military-down-245311
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., AFP Human Rights Office chief, said the number of human rights complaints against the military has declined in the first two years of the administration of President Benigno Aquino and cited the actions they have undertaken to stop or lessen the alleged violations. In a live interview on state-run People’s Television Network on Thursday evening, Tutaan said the AFP received only 96 complaints from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) from July 1, 2010 to June 30 this year.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/09/28/afp-human-rights-cases-vs-military-down-245311
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 28): Local Reds vow to fight with PH forces vs Chinese aggression
Philippine communist rebels, while embracing the ideology of Mao Zedong, will not side with China in the event the two countries’ territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) gets ugly. Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said New People’s Army rebels will fight alongside government security forces if China declared war on the Philippines. “If there is a direct foreign invasion of our country, the focus of the revolutionary movement would be to fight the foreign aggressor,” Madlos, also known as Ka Oris, told the Inquirer in a telephone interview.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278980/local-reds-vow-to-fight-with-ph-forces-vs-chinese-aggression
Philippine communist rebels, while embracing the ideology of Mao Zedong, will not side with China in the event the two countries’ territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) gets ugly. Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of National Democratic Front in Mindanao, said New People’s Army rebels will fight alongside government security forces if China declared war on the Philippines. “If there is a direct foreign invasion of our country, the focus of the revolutionary movement would be to fight the foreign aggressor,” Madlos, also known as Ka Oris, told the Inquirer in a telephone interview.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278980/local-reds-vow-to-fight-with-ph-forces-vs-chinese-aggression
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Posted to InterAksyon (Sep 27): US says 3-part approach to military aid will boost security relations with PH
The United States said on Thursday that a three-part approach developed by its Defense Department will enhance its security alliance with the Philippines. In a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. live-streamed here early Thursday morning, assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs Mark Lippert said the three-part approach involves repositioning humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, developing maritime awareness, and continuing the engagement of both countries’ militaries....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44208/us-says-3-part-approach-to-military-aid-will-boost-security-relations-with-ph
The United States said on Thursday that a three-part approach developed by its Defense Department will enhance its security alliance with the Philippines. In a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. live-streamed here early Thursday morning, assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs Mark Lippert said the three-part approach involves repositioning humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, developing maritime awareness, and continuing the engagement of both countries’ militaries....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44208/us-says-3-part-approach-to-military-aid-will-boost-security-relations-with-ph
From the left oriented Davao Today (Sep 28): NDFP calls GPH Panel Chair’s accusations “malicious, unfounded”
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) calls as “malicious and unfounded” the statements made by Alex Padilla, Government of the Philippines (GPH) Panel Chair, following the New People’s Army’s (NPA) recent indemnification to the September 1 Paquibato blast victims. Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDFP peace panel, said his group's apology and indemnification “stand in stark contrast to the denial of responsibility by the AFP” for the many violations it committed such as the Hacienda Luisita massacre in November 2004 and the killing of nine-year-old pupil Grecil Buya in Kahayag village, Compostela Valley in March 2007.....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/09/28/ndfp-calls-gph-panel-chairs-accusations-malicious-unfounded/
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) calls as “malicious and unfounded” the statements made by Alex Padilla, Government of the Philippines (GPH) Panel Chair, following the New People’s Army’s (NPA) recent indemnification to the September 1 Paquibato blast victims. Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDFP peace panel, said his group's apology and indemnification “stand in stark contrast to the denial of responsibility by the AFP” for the many violations it committed such as the Hacienda Luisita massacre in November 2004 and the killing of nine-year-old pupil Grecil Buya in Kahayag village, Compostela Valley in March 2007.....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/09/28/ndfp-calls-gph-panel-chairs-accusations-malicious-unfounded/
From the Daily Tribune (Sep 28): AFP to get P1.7B from BCDA
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to receive P1.7 billion from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in the next few months to finance its ongoing modernization program aimed at having a credible internal and external defense capability. BCDA president Arnel Paciano Casanova said that the agency is set to remit a total of P2.025 billion within the year to the AFP from the proceeds of disposition of military camps in various parts of the country....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/4897-afp-to-get-p17b-from-bcda
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to receive P1.7 billion from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in the next few months to finance its ongoing modernization program aimed at having a credible internal and external defense capability. BCDA president Arnel Paciano Casanova said that the agency is set to remit a total of P2.025 billion within the year to the AFP from the proceeds of disposition of military camps in various parts of the country....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/4897-afp-to-get-p17b-from-bcda
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 27): ‘Operation Smile’
The Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade is currently conducting a noble and commendable task to people born with harelip. The brigade offers “Operation Smile” free of charge and will cater to people with harelip problem, especially six months old and above. It started early this week. Parents may register their children with harelip anytime at the Civil Military Operation Section of the 401st Brigade located at New Leyte, Awa here (Agusan del Sur). The Brigade will then announce the schedule of operation at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City, and all expenses in going to Cagayan de Oro City will be shouldered by the brigade....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375039/operation-smile
The Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade is currently conducting a noble and commendable task to people born with harelip. The brigade offers “Operation Smile” free of charge and will cater to people with harelip problem, especially six months old and above. It started early this week. Parents may register their children with harelip anytime at the Civil Military Operation Section of the 401st Brigade located at New Leyte, Awa here (Agusan del Sur). The Brigade will then announce the schedule of operation at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City, and all expenses in going to Cagayan de Oro City will be shouldered by the brigade....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375039/operation-smile
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 27): Clearing Of Mindanao Landmines Set
The joint clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Mindanao is set to be launched any time soon as part of new initiatives developed by the European Union to contribute to confidence and peace-building in the southern island of the Philippines. According to EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux, a 22,000 euro contract for the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action and the Philippine Campaign to Ban Land Mines will be signed within the next few weeks. Ledoux said the project, aimed to lower threat from UXO, is expected to benefit some 21,000 families (or some 105,000 people) spread over 21 municipalities in four provinces in Central Mindanao (13 municipalities in Maguindanao, four in Cotabato, three in Lanao del Norte, and one in Lanao del Sur)....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375110/clearing-of-mindanao-landmines-set
The joint clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Mindanao is set to be launched any time soon as part of new initiatives developed by the European Union to contribute to confidence and peace-building in the southern island of the Philippines. According to EU Ambassador to the Philippines Guy Ledoux, a 22,000 euro contract for the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action and the Philippine Campaign to Ban Land Mines will be signed within the next few weeks. Ledoux said the project, aimed to lower threat from UXO, is expected to benefit some 21,000 families (or some 105,000 people) spread over 21 municipalities in four provinces in Central Mindanao (13 municipalities in Maguindanao, four in Cotabato, three in Lanao del Norte, and one in Lanao del Sur)....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375110/clearing-of-mindanao-landmines-set
From the Philippine Star (Sep 27): Philippine Star reporter in Zamboanga gets commendation
The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commended a Philippine STAR reporter as it commemorated its 16th founding anniversary Thursday as the premiere naval forces in the southern Philippines. Rear Admiral Armando Guzman, NFWM chief, personally handed over the certificate of appreciation to Philippine STAR staff reporter Roel Pareño during a simple ceremony at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon....The NFWM also cited the local outfit of the ABS-CBN for its timely information dissemination and a non-government organization for supporting the naval command's civil-military operations.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853409
The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commended a Philippine STAR reporter as it commemorated its 16th founding anniversary Thursday as the premiere naval forces in the southern Philippines. Rear Admiral Armando Guzman, NFWM chief, personally handed over the certificate of appreciation to Philippine STAR staff reporter Roel Pareño during a simple ceremony at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon....The NFWM also cited the local outfit of the ABS-CBN for its timely information dissemination and a non-government organization for supporting the naval command's civil-military operations.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=853409
From the Philippine Star (Sep 27)
: Chinese live fire
exercises just psywar -navy official
A senior naval officer said the Chinese navy's recent live fire exercise was just part of its psychological warfare and should not cause intimidation as the Philippine government is addressing the tension between the two countries. Rear Admiral Armando Guzman, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said the Philippine Navy is capable in asserting the country’s sovereignty. “It was psychological warfare and personally I believe we have to assert our sovereignty. We are not threatened. Our government is addressing it through a political and peaceful approach,” said Guzman at the sidelines of the 16th anniversary of the NFWM at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853418&publicationSubCategoryId=200
A senior naval officer said the Chinese navy's recent live fire exercise was just part of its psychological warfare and should not cause intimidation as the Philippine government is addressing the tension between the two countries. Rear Admiral Armando Guzman, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said the Philippine Navy is capable in asserting the country’s sovereignty. “It was psychological warfare and personally I believe we have to assert our sovereignty. We are not threatened. Our government is addressing it through a political and peaceful approach,” said Guzman at the sidelines of the 16th anniversary of the NFWM at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853418&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Posted to InterAksyon (Sep 27): NPA leader killed in Albay clash with military, police
An alleged member of the Albay executive committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines died in a clash with police and military personnel in Ligao City early Thursday. Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said Antonio Perelonia alias “Eddie” died during the five-minute firefight with troops of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and policemen in Sitio Managanaga, Barangay Oma-oma at 6:10 a.m....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44150/npa-leader-killed-in-albay-clash-with-military-police
An alleged member of the Albay executive committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines died in a clash with police and military personnel in Ligao City early Thursday. Colonel Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said Antonio Perelonia alias “Eddie” died during the five-minute firefight with troops of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and policemen in Sitio Managanaga, Barangay Oma-oma at 6:10 a.m....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44150/npa-leader-killed-in-albay-clash-with-military-police
From the Philippine News Agency: Police intercept cache of loose
firearms in transit to Mindanao
Police operatives intercepted late Wednesday afternoon a cache of firearms, including two high-powered sub-machine guns, at the port of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, with the shipment intended for unknown recipients in Zamboanga in Mindanao. The contraband items, stashed in seven separate bags, included two KG-9 submachine guns without serial numbers, three suppressors (silencers), six long magazines for 9mm caliber ammunition, 17 brand new 45 caliber pistols of Armscor brand with serial numbers, and 37 magazines for caliber 45 ammunition....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457897
Police operatives intercepted late Wednesday afternoon a cache of firearms, including two high-powered sub-machine guns, at the port of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, with the shipment intended for unknown recipients in Zamboanga in Mindanao. The contraband items, stashed in seven separate bags, included two KG-9 submachine guns without serial numbers, three suppressors (silencers), six long magazines for 9mm caliber ammunition, 17 brand new 45 caliber pistols of Armscor brand with serial numbers, and 37 magazines for caliber 45 ammunition....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457897
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 27): Young Filipinos finish 4-day army summit
Some 187 young leaders from 14 villages of Davao Oriental’s Banaybanay have joined the four-day Youth Leadership Summit organized by the Philippine Army in an effort to win peace in the southern province.... The YLS is a character-based leadership for the youth that aims to inculcate the virtues of patriotism, awareness against drug addiction, threat situation and deeper environmental concerns....
Photos of Youth Leadership Summit participants released by the Philippine Army 28th Infantry Battalion.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120927090855
Some 187 young leaders from 14 villages of Davao Oriental’s Banaybanay have joined the four-day Youth Leadership Summit organized by the Philippine Army in an effort to win peace in the southern province.... The YLS is a character-based leadership for the youth that aims to inculcate the virtues of patriotism, awareness against drug addiction, threat situation and deeper environmental concerns....
Photos of Youth Leadership Summit participants released by the Philippine Army 28th Infantry Battalion.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120927090855
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 27): Marines complete tour in Sulu province
Sulu provincial officials praised the 3rd Marine Brigade for its support to the government’s peace and development efforts as it completed its tour of duty. The marine brigade is heading to its new mission in Palawan province after a long stint in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. Abdusakur “Tutuh” Tan II, the Chief-of-Staff of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, represented his father during the send-off ceremony for the marine brigade....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120927095029
Sulu provincial officials praised the 3rd Marine Brigade for its support to the government’s peace and development efforts as it completed its tour of duty. The marine brigade is heading to its new mission in Palawan province after a long stint in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. Abdusakur “Tutuh” Tan II, the Chief-of-Staff of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, represented his father during the send-off ceremony for the marine brigade....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20120927095029
Posted to the left-of-center Asia Times (Sep 28): US 'pivots' on the Philippines
...On September 5, Philippine President Benigno Aquino issued Administrative Order 29, which officially renames the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea on national maps. After making the executive order, he notably failed days later to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in Russia....The Philippines' growing assertiveness in the face of veiled Chinese threats is more than a calculated strategy to push claims while China is preoccupied with a potentially more volatile dispute with Japan. Rather, Manila's emboldened position banks on expected United States' assistance in the event heated rhetoric boils over into armed confrontation....
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NI28Ae01.html
...On September 5, Philippine President Benigno Aquino issued Administrative Order 29, which officially renames the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea on national maps. After making the executive order, he notably failed days later to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in Russia....The Philippines' growing assertiveness in the face of veiled Chinese threats is more than a calculated strategy to push claims while China is preoccupied with a potentially more volatile dispute with Japan. Rather, Manila's emboldened position banks on expected United States' assistance in the event heated rhetoric boils over into armed confrontation....
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NI28Ae01.html
From the Sun Star-Baguio (Sep 27): CPLA decries hatchet job
MELCHOR Balance or Commander Kawar of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) lashed back at Arsenio Humiding. Balance was referring to the strong words of Humiding last week when the latter called the CPLA, under recently reelected chairman Mailed Molina, as collectors of revolutionary taxes and protectors of squatters at the Dairy Farm compound along Marcos Highway....Humiding leads another group, which has signed an agreement with the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (Opapp) to disarm the CPLA and bring development funds to the Cordillera.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/09/27/cpla-decries-hatchet-job-245104
MELCHOR Balance or Commander Kawar of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) lashed back at Arsenio Humiding. Balance was referring to the strong words of Humiding last week when the latter called the CPLA, under recently reelected chairman Mailed Molina, as collectors of revolutionary taxes and protectors of squatters at the Dairy Farm compound along Marcos Highway....Humiding leads another group, which has signed an agreement with the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (Opapp) to disarm the CPLA and bring development funds to the Cordillera.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/09/27/cpla-decries-hatchet-job-245104
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 27): Entire family arrested at police checkpoint in Basilan
city
Nixon Alonzo, executive director of Basilan Human Rights Action Network (Bahran), said members of the Bataa family were entering Lamitan City when the vehicle they were riding was flagged down by SAF men at a checkpoint near Claret High School past 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The Bataas are from the village of Kaddayan in Akbar town, said Alonzo..... Supt. Edgar Danao, CIDG chief for Western Mindanao, confirmed that a man, whom he did not identify, had been arrested in Lamitan on suspicion of being an Abu Sayyaf bandit.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278026/entire-family-arrested-at-police-checkpoint-in-basilan-city
Nixon Alonzo, executive director of Basilan Human Rights Action Network (Bahran), said members of the Bataa family were entering Lamitan City when the vehicle they were riding was flagged down by SAF men at a checkpoint near Claret High School past 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The Bataas are from the village of Kaddayan in Akbar town, said Alonzo..... Supt. Edgar Danao, CIDG chief for Western Mindanao, confirmed that a man, whom he did not identify, had been arrested in Lamitan on suspicion of being an Abu Sayyaf bandit.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278026/entire-family-arrested-at-police-checkpoint-in-basilan-city
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 27): Military saddened by death of MILF commander
Solaiman
Col. Prudencio Asto, speaking for the 6th Infantry Battalion, said even if it was an MILF leader, Solaiman, more popularly known as Commander Adan, preferred diplomacy in settling causes of violence in the war-torn province. Adan died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, the MILF has confirmed. “He was a peacemaker revolutionary, who preferred peaceful means of settling long-standing family feuds in Maguindanao,” Asto said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278358/military-saddened-by-death-of-milf-commander-solaiman
Col. Prudencio Asto, speaking for the 6th Infantry Battalion, said even if it was an MILF leader, Solaiman, more popularly known as Commander Adan, preferred diplomacy in settling causes of violence in the war-torn province. Adan died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, the MILF has confirmed. “He was a peacemaker revolutionary, who preferred peaceful means of settling long-standing family feuds in Maguindanao,” Asto said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/278358/military-saddened-by-death-of-milf-commander-solaiman
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Rebel leader killed in
Bicol
Joint military intelligence operatives from the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Bicol killed a rebel team leader while patrolling to secure an area against insurgency on Thursday. Regional Police Information Officer, Renato Bataller, said a certain Antonio Perelonia, who is known as "Ka Eddie" was killed in the five-minute encounter that took place around 6:10 am Thursday in Barangay Uma Uma here.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457852
Joint military intelligence operatives from the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Bicol killed a rebel team leader while patrolling to secure an area against insurgency on Thursday. Regional Police Information Officer, Renato Bataller, said a certain Antonio Perelonia, who is known as "Ka Eddie" was killed in the five-minute encounter that took place around 6:10 am Thursday in Barangay Uma Uma here.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457852
From the National Democratic Front Website (Sep 25): Remember martial law, persevere in the correct and just revolutionary struggle
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines - Eastern Visayas today joins the Filipino people in remembering the martial law proclamation of the Marcos fascist dictatorship forty years ago. “The dictator Marcos imposed martial law to monopolize power over the reactionary ruling system that was then in the throes of crisis,” said NDFP-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. (Excerpt from statement issued by Eastern Visayas NDF)
http://ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/media-releases-mainmenu-53/statements-mainmenu-71/1520-remember-martial-law-persevere-in-the-correct-and-just-revolutionary-struggle.html
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines - Eastern Visayas today joins the Filipino people in remembering the martial law proclamation of the Marcos fascist dictatorship forty years ago. “The dictator Marcos imposed martial law to monopolize power over the reactionary ruling system that was then in the throes of crisis,” said NDFP-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. (Excerpt from statement issued by Eastern Visayas NDF)
http://ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/media-releases-mainmenu-53/statements-mainmenu-71/1520-remember-martial-law-persevere-in-the-correct-and-just-revolutionary-struggle.html
From the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 27): EU Ambassador unveils peace murals, reiterates support to GPH – MILF Peace Process
His Excellency Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines led the unveiling of peace murals at Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao yesterday. The peace murals were the winning paintings of elementary pupils from conflict affected communities in Maguindanao during the Let’s Paint for Peace Competition sponsored by the EU in collaboration with the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Department of Education (Dep-Ed) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Negotiating Panels.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2857:eu-ambassador-unveils-peace-murals-reiterates-support-to-gph--milf-peace-process&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
His Excellency Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines led the unveiling of peace murals at Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao yesterday. The peace murals were the winning paintings of elementary pupils from conflict affected communities in Maguindanao during the Let’s Paint for Peace Competition sponsored by the EU in collaboration with the International Monitoring Team (IMT), Department of Education (Dep-Ed) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Negotiating Panels.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2857:eu-ambassador-unveils-peace-murals-reiterates-support-to-gph--milf-peace-process&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Posted to the Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Website (Sep 22): ANAD supports move to disqualify Maoist terrorist pseudo party-list groups
The pro-democracy ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY (ANAD) Partylist strongly supports the move by some well-meaning pro-democracy organizations and individuals asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct an investigation on the partylist groups: Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Katribu; and to cancel their respective registration and accreditation if the Comelec finds and determines that the these groups and their respective nominees are not qualified.
http://www.anadpartylist.org/20120922/anad-supports-move-to-disqualify-maoist-terrorist-pseudo-party-list-groups.html
The pro-democracy ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY (ANAD) Partylist strongly supports the move by some well-meaning pro-democracy organizations and individuals asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct an investigation on the partylist groups: Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Katribu; and to cancel their respective registration and accreditation if the Comelec finds and determines that the these groups and their respective nominees are not qualified.
http://www.anadpartylist.org/20120922/anad-supports-move-to-disqualify-maoist-terrorist-pseudo-party-list-groups.html
Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front (pro-Misuari) Website (Sep 23): Myth and Reality of 'Business Partners' and 'Ambassadors of Peace' Under Philippine Colonialism
Now that the bloody Philippines-Bangsamoro war in war-ravaged Mindanao has been raging for more than forty years and more human killings and wanton destruction are forthcoming, Philippine colonialism under President Benigno S. Aquino III has given it a new face to distinguish it from the ugly Marcosian 'New Society' (Bagong Lipunan) carnage outlook. Under the political cliche 'Straight Pathway' (Matuwid na Daan) brand of governance, the surreal political mirage is prime-timed with the introduction of 'business partners' and 'ambassadors of peace' as new commercial components to end presumably the longest war inSoutheast Asia
second only to the Vietnamese-American war in the past.....
Now that the bloody Philippines-Bangsamoro war in war-ravaged Mindanao has been raging for more than forty years and more human killings and wanton destruction are forthcoming, Philippine colonialism under President Benigno S. Aquino III has given it a new face to distinguish it from the ugly Marcosian 'New Society' (Bagong Lipunan) carnage outlook. Under the political cliche 'Straight Pathway' (Matuwid na Daan) brand of governance, the surreal political mirage is prime-timed with the introduction of 'business partners' and 'ambassadors of peace' as new commercial components to end presumably the longest war in
From the Philippine Information Agency: Phl, US to conduct joint civic action projects in Palawan
Armed forces of the Philippines and the United States will conduct joint humanitarian and civic action activities in Palawan as part of the Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) 2012 on October 8-18. During the meeting of the Palawan Communicators Network, Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella, spokesperson and public information officer of the Western Command, said participants in these projects will be divided between two selected barangays in the city – Macarascas and Tagburos, where activities would include school building construction/improvement, distribution of school supplies, and medical/dental care.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=711348472646
Armed forces of the Philippines and the United States will conduct joint humanitarian and civic action activities in Palawan as part of the Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) 2012 on October 8-18. During the meeting of the Palawan Communicators Network, Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella, spokesperson and public information officer of the Western Command, said participants in these projects will be divided between two selected barangays in the city – Macarascas and Tagburos, where activities would include school building construction/improvement, distribution of school supplies, and medical/dental care.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=711348472646
Posted to the U.S. Embassy Manila Website (Sep 25): Annual Amphibious Landing Exercise to Open October 8
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces from U.S. Pacific Command will participate in Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013 (PHIBLEX 13) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines from Oct 8-18, 2012. PHIBLEX 13 is a regularly scheduled exercise hosted annually by the Republic of the Philippines. PHIBLEX 13 is the 29th iteration in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security by ensuring interoperability and readiness of Philippine and U.S. forces.
http://manila.usembassy.gov/phiblex2014.html
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces from U.S. Pacific Command will participate in Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013 (PHIBLEX 13) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines from Oct 8-18, 2012. PHIBLEX 13 is a regularly scheduled exercise hosted annually by the Republic of the Philippines. PHIBLEX 13 is the 29th iteration in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security by ensuring interoperability and readiness of Philippine and U.S. forces.
http://manila.usembassy.gov/phiblex2014.html
From the Philippine Star (Sep 26): Gov't urges NPA to
surrender perpetrators of Davao
City
The government said today that "justice will remain unserved" for the 50-odd civilians injured in the recent grenade bombing in Davao unless the New People's Army (NPA) surrenders the perpetrators of the crime to face the bar of justice. "The grenade attack is in violation of international humanitarian law and Philippine law," Padilla said, reiterating the position of the Philippine government that the suspects behind the bombing should face criminal charges before the court.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853233&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The government said today that "justice will remain unserved" for the 50-odd civilians injured in the recent grenade bombing in Davao unless the New People's Army (NPA) surrenders the perpetrators of the crime to face the bar of justice. "The grenade attack is in violation of international humanitarian law and Philippine law," Padilla said, reiterating the position of the Philippine government that the suspects behind the bombing should face criminal charges before the court.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=853233&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Philippines, US Marines to conduct
war games in Subic Freeport
The Philippines and United States military will jointly conduct the annual amphibious landing exercise (Phiblex) in this Freeport starting on October 8, this year. Phiblex is conducted annually to serve as a venue for joint and combined training not only for the Marine Corps of the Philippines and the United States, but for the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy’s Air Group and Special Operation Group as well.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457544
The Philippines and United States military will jointly conduct the annual amphibious landing exercise (Phiblex) in this Freeport starting on October 8, this year. Phiblex is conducted annually to serve as a venue for joint and combined training not only for the Marine Corps of the Philippines and the United States, but for the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy’s Air Group and Special Operation Group as well.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457544
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Army disarm powerful IED in
Maguindanao
Alert civilians helped prevent a powerful explosion of an improvised bomb when they immediately alerted soldiers in Maguindanao, the Army said. Col. Prudencio Asto, chief of public affairs office of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, said the IED fashioned from 105 mm mortars with mobile phone as trigger mechanism was put inside a sack and left unattended at a roadside in Barangay Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457536
Alert civilians helped prevent a powerful explosion of an improvised bomb when they immediately alerted soldiers in Maguindanao, the Army said. Col. Prudencio Asto, chief of public affairs office of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, said the IED fashioned from 105 mm mortars with mobile phone as trigger mechanism was put inside a sack and left unattended at a roadside in Barangay Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=457536
From the Sun Star (Sep 27): Hackers attack government websites: Reactions on social media
The hackers describe themselves in these words: "We are Anonymous, We are legion, We don't forgive, We don't forget, United as one, Divided by zero, Expect us."
In protest of the newly signed anti-cybercrime law in the country, “Anonymous Philippines” hacked Wednesday night the following websites:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/
http://mwss.gov.ph/
http://amritsartemples.in/a.html
http://www.papt.org.ph/default.aspx
http://www.r3denr.com/
http://www.smokefree.doh.gov.ph/
http://mwss.gov.ph/
http://amritsartemples.in/a.html
http://www.papt.org.ph/default.aspx
http://www.r3denr.com/
http://www.smokefree.doh.gov.ph/
The hackers describe themselves in these words: "We are Anonymous, We are legion, We don't forgive, We don't forget, United as one, Divided by zero, Expect us."