From the Business Mirror (Oct 1): Government peace-building program reaches restive Bondoc Peninsula
National and local government agencies along with civil-society organizations and the private sector are linking arms for peace-building efforts through local economic development in conflict areas in Quezon province’s Bondoc Peninsula. Backstopped by financial support of the government of Japan through the UN Trust Fund for Human Security and assisted by international agencies such as International Labor Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) implemented an interagency program to nurture peace, security and decent work through local economic development in targeted areas such as Unisan, Mulanay, Catanauan and San Narciso, all in the province’s Third District called Bondoc Peninsula....
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/33543-government-peace-building-program-reaches-restive-bondoc-peninsula
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 3): Peace In Mindanao Seen – Negotiator
Government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen Tuesday expressed the Philippine government’s optimism to finally “usher in an era of peace” in Mindanao during the opening of the 32nd Formal Exploratory Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In his opening statement, Leonen said he was confident that a peace settlement on the decades-old Mindanao problem could be at hand soon....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375706/peace-in-mindanao-seen-negotiator
Government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen Tuesday expressed the Philippine government’s optimism to finally “usher in an era of peace” in Mindanao during the opening of the 32nd Formal Exploratory Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In his opening statement, Leonen said he was confident that a peace settlement on the decades-old Mindanao problem could be at hand soon....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375706/peace-in-mindanao-seen-negotiator
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 2): Bataan Continues Momentum Of Peace
.... B/Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, outgoing commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade and newly designated 7th Infantry Division Commanding General, has crafted and “implement plan for intensified security operations against lawless elements, private armed groups and other threat groups within the province in support to Local Government Units in need of security assistance....” Gov. Catapang said that with the waning insurgency problems in Central Luzon, the provinces of Bataan and Pampanga are now peaceful and ready for development. The Army General, Col. Michael Samson, commanding officer of the Army’s 24th IB and the PNP headed by Sr. Supt. Ricardo Zapata, formally asked members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to authorize Governor Tet Garcia in entering into an agreement declaring Bataan as peaceful province and ready for further development. The Army’s 24th IB, under its C.O. Col. Samson, covers Bataan and Zambales....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375676/bataan-continues-momentum-of-peace
.... B/Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, outgoing commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade and newly designated 7th Infantry Division Commanding General, has crafted and “implement plan for intensified security operations against lawless elements, private armed groups and other threat groups within the province in support to Local Government Units in need of security assistance....” Gov. Catapang said that with the waning insurgency problems in Central Luzon, the provinces of Bataan and Pampanga are now peaceful and ready for development. The Army General, Col. Michael Samson, commanding officer of the Army’s 24th IB and the PNP headed by Sr. Supt. Ricardo Zapata, formally asked members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to authorize Governor Tet Garcia in entering into an agreement declaring Bataan as peaceful province and ready for further development. The Army’s 24th IB, under its C.O. Col. Samson, covers Bataan and Zambales....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375676/bataan-continues-momentum-of-peace
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 3): Govt-MILF peace talks reach make-or-break situation
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has warned that the series of negotiations it is trying to hammer out with the Philippine government may make or break efforts to end the decades-long conflict in Mindanao. “Negotiations, contrary to what many believe, is a risky business. If we cannot conclude it soon successfully, now that we are at the brink of the exercise, we will be in trouble,” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said during the opening of the 32nd round of formal talks in Malaysia on Tuesday. “For all we know, the greatest source of risk comes from spoilers, leaders, and parties who believe that these emerging from negotiations threatens their power and interests, and use violence to undermine attempts to achieve it,” he added....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/03/govt-milf-peace-talks-reach-make-or-break-situation/
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has warned that the series of negotiations it is trying to hammer out with the Philippine government may make or break efforts to end the decades-long conflict in Mindanao. “Negotiations, contrary to what many believe, is a risky business. If we cannot conclude it soon successfully, now that we are at the brink of the exercise, we will be in trouble,” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said during the opening of the 32nd round of formal talks in Malaysia on Tuesday. “For all we know, the greatest source of risk comes from spoilers, leaders, and parties who believe that these emerging from negotiations threatens their power and interests, and use violence to undermine attempts to achieve it,” he added....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/03/govt-milf-peace-talks-reach-make-or-break-situation/
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 3): Joint PH-US base in the works in Subic
The plan to convert the Subic International Airport complex into a Singapore Sentosa-type family-oriented entertainment and casino resort center has been deferred. Instead, the airport complex is now being eyed to serve as a forward base for the joint operations of the Philippine Air Force and the United Air Force Pacific alliance. The joint operation, according to sources, was aimed at maintaining regional balance in the light of the continuing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/03/joint-ph-us-base-in-the-works-in-subic/
The plan to convert the Subic International Airport complex into a Singapore Sentosa-type family-oriented entertainment and casino resort center has been deferred. Instead, the airport complex is now being eyed to serve as a forward base for the joint operations of the Philippine Air Force and the United Air Force Pacific alliance. The joint operation, according to sources, was aimed at maintaining regional balance in the light of the continuing territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/03/joint-ph-us-base-in-the-works-in-subic/
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 2): Known foe of Pentagon Gang now bet for governor
At the height of kidnappings here in the 1990s, a lone voice became familiar in the airwaves—that of Tocao Mastura, mayor of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. At times pleading and sometimes threatening, Mastura would call on the kidnappers, mainly members of the Pentagon Gang, to free their captives. If his appeal was not heeded, the pistol-packing former leader of the Moro National Liberation Front would lead followers in rescue operations. While refusing to comment on reports he had also ordered relatives of kidnappers taken as a bargaining chip against kidnappers, Mastura said he takes pride in helping in the war on kidnapping in Maguindanao. “A tooth for a tooth,” he would say of his policy....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/281716/known-foe-of-pentagon-gang-now-bet-for-governor
At the height of kidnappings here in the 1990s, a lone voice became familiar in the airwaves—that of Tocao Mastura, mayor of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. At times pleading and sometimes threatening, Mastura would call on the kidnappers, mainly members of the Pentagon Gang, to free their captives. If his appeal was not heeded, the pistol-packing former leader of the Moro National Liberation Front would lead followers in rescue operations. While refusing to comment on reports he had also ordered relatives of kidnappers taken as a bargaining chip against kidnappers, Mastura said he takes pride in helping in the war on kidnapping in Maguindanao. “A tooth for a tooth,” he would say of his policy....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/281716/known-foe-of-pentagon-gang-now-bet-for-governor
From the Philippine Star (Oct 3): MNLF leader to run for mayor in Cotabato
Thousands of local residents on Tuesday caused monstrous traffic jams here as they accompanied the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in filing his candidacy for the city’s mayoral post. Cotabato Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, leader of the largest and most politically active MNLF group, and his running mate, vice-mayoral candidate Willie Bueno, are official candidates of the Liberal Party....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=855517
Thousands of local residents on Tuesday caused monstrous traffic jams here as they accompanied the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in filing his candidacy for the city’s mayoral post. Cotabato Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, leader of the largest and most politically active MNLF group, and his running mate, vice-mayoral candidate Willie Bueno, are official candidates of the Liberal Party....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=855517
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 3): Davao soldiers, NGOs feed kids with
cancer in celebrating Int’l Children’s Day
Soldiers and non-government organizations (NGOs) reached out to children afflicted with cancer at the House of Hope at the compound of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here on Tuesday. 1Lt. Joy Damasco-Naling, officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said the activity was in commemoration of the International Children’s Day celebration....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459370
Soldiers and non-government organizations (NGOs) reached out to children afflicted with cancer at the House of Hope at the compound of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) here on Tuesday. 1Lt. Joy Damasco-Naling, officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said the activity was in commemoration of the International Children’s Day celebration....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459370
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 3): Ex-MILF leader files COC for
provincial board seat in South Cotabato
A former leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in South Cotabato vying for a seat at the provincial board filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday. Nadsid Abedin Akmad, 50, was the second aspirant who filed the COC at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Koronadal City.... Akmad, who is popularly known as Kumander Bong Faisal, is a former administrative officer of the defunct 204th Brigade of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces that was previously based in his hometown Polomolok in South Cotabato....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459407
A former leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in South Cotabato vying for a seat at the provincial board filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday. Nadsid Abedin Akmad, 50, was the second aspirant who filed the COC at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Koronadal City.... Akmad, who is popularly known as Kumander Bong Faisal, is a former administrative officer of the defunct 204th Brigade of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces that was previously based in his hometown Polomolok in South Cotabato....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459407
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 3): Army colonel names new Maguindanao MIB
commander
A veteran Army official was named as the new commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB)in Maguindanao. Colonel Edgardo Gonzales on Tuesday assumed his new position as new commander of the 1st MIB based here to continue its mission of securing vital government installations and civilian population. Gonzales, formerly deputy chief of staff of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, replaced Colonel Mayoralgo dela Cruz, who was reassigned as deputy commander of Light Armor Division (LAD)in Tarlac....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459408
A veteran Army official was named as the new commander of the First Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB)in Maguindanao. Colonel Edgardo Gonzales on Tuesday assumed his new position as new commander of the 1st MIB based here to continue its mission of securing vital government installations and civilian population. Gonzales, formerly deputy chief of staff of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, replaced Colonel Mayoralgo dela Cruz, who was reassigned as deputy commander of Light Armor Division (LAD)in Tarlac....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459408
From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 3): Naval station has new chief
THE newly installed commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) vowed on Tuesday to continue and enhance the gains that his predecessor has attained. But top on the list is the morale of his men. Commodore Philip L. Cacayan, who has served the NFEM for two years since November 5, 2010, is now designated as deputy chief of ctaff for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Taking over the helm is Commodore Isabelo H. Gador, NFEM commander, who assured that the NFEM under his leadership will continue to work hand-in-hand for the welfare of the public....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/03/naval-station-has-new-chief-246092
THE newly installed commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) vowed on Tuesday to continue and enhance the gains that his predecessor has attained. But top on the list is the morale of his men. Commodore Philip L. Cacayan, who has served the NFEM for two years since November 5, 2010, is now designated as deputy chief of ctaff for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Taking over the helm is Commodore Isabelo H. Gador, NFEM commander, who assured that the NFEM under his leadership will continue to work hand-in-hand for the welfare of the public....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/03/naval-station-has-new-chief-246092
From the left-of-center MindaNews (Oct 3): Rebels’ wives seek stop to ‘harassment’
Two residents of a remote village here are seeking help to stop the alleged harassment against them by the military, after admitting to the latter that their husbands are members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Lyn-Lyn Genita and Irish Brigole, of Barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato district, aired their plea in a press conference here Monday.... Meanwhile, Major Jake Obligado, in a phone interview Monday, denied the allegation that soldiers have been harassing communities, including wives of NPA members. He said the military visited the families of NPA members to bring good news and offer them economic opportunities, noting that they are not doing it by force....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/03/rebels-wives-seek-stop-to-harassment/
Two residents of a remote village here are seeking help to stop the alleged harassment against them by the military, after admitting to the latter that their husbands are members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Lyn-Lyn Genita and Irish Brigole, of Barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato district, aired their plea in a press conference here Monday.... Meanwhile, Major Jake Obligado, in a phone interview Monday, denied the allegation that soldiers have been harassing communities, including wives of NPA members. He said the military visited the families of NPA members to bring good news and offer them economic opportunities, noting that they are not doing it by force....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/03/rebels-wives-seek-stop-to-harassment/
From the pro-CPP Bulatlat (Oct 2): Military uses schools for counterinsurgency
Even schools are being used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its counterinsurgency program. The Department of Education’s Schools Division Superintendent Mary A. Lang-ayan issued a memorandum last June 26 to all school heads of public elementary and high schools in Baguio City. The memorandum read: “The Charlie Company of 5th Civil Military Operations Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in coordination with the Department of Education will conduct a counterinsurgency campaign, a one hour symposium, in all public and elementary and high schools in this Division starting July 1, 2012, Saturday. This is to enhance pupils’/students’ consciousness about the lies, deception and clandestine operation of the Communist Terrorist Movement.” The memorandum requires high school students to attend the symposium every Saturday. For elementary, only grade six students will attend the said symposium and the counterinsurgency discussion will be during their Hekasi periods. “It is alarming that the military is teaching young students the wrong notion that the legal democratic movement and the communist insurgency are one and the same. Such act imbues upon young minds that to be an activist, or to simply be a member of a progressive organization, is tantamount to rebellion,” said Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino....
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/02/military-uses-schools-for-counterinsurgency/
Even schools are being used by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its counterinsurgency program. The Department of Education’s Schools Division Superintendent Mary A. Lang-ayan issued a memorandum last June 26 to all school heads of public elementary and high schools in Baguio City. The memorandum read: “The Charlie Company of 5th Civil Military Operations Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in coordination with the Department of Education will conduct a counterinsurgency campaign, a one hour symposium, in all public and elementary and high schools in this Division starting July 1, 2012, Saturday. This is to enhance pupils’/students’ consciousness about the lies, deception and clandestine operation of the Communist Terrorist Movement.” The memorandum requires high school students to attend the symposium every Saturday. For elementary, only grade six students will attend the said symposium and the counterinsurgency discussion will be during their Hekasi periods. “It is alarming that the military is teaching young students the wrong notion that the legal democratic movement and the communist insurgency are one and the same. Such act imbues upon young minds that to be an activist, or to simply be a member of a progressive organization, is tantamount to rebellion,” said Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raymond Palatino....
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/02/military-uses-schools-for-counterinsurgency/
From ABS-CBN (Oct 2): Leftist group wants Akbayan disqualified
Left-leaning progressive group Anakbayan is seeking the disqualification of another leftist group in the 2013 midterm elections. In a statement, Anakbayan said it filed a complaint against Akbayan party-list for being a "bogus" party-list that cannot claim to represent marginalized sectors. "Many leaders who came from Akbayan are now holding key positions in Aquino's government. The establishment of the coalition of the [Liberal Party] with Akbayan for the midterm elections only formalizes what we’ve known for a while; that Akbayan is not just Aquino’s favorite partylist but their leaders are practically interchangeable," Anakbayan national chairman Vencer Crisostomo said....
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/02/12/leftist-group-wants-akbayan-disqualified
Left-leaning progressive group Anakbayan is seeking the disqualification of another leftist group in the 2013 midterm elections. In a statement, Anakbayan said it filed a complaint against Akbayan party-list for being a "bogus" party-list that cannot claim to represent marginalized sectors. "Many leaders who came from Akbayan are now holding key positions in Aquino's government. The establishment of the coalition of the [Liberal Party] with Akbayan for the midterm elections only formalizes what we’ve known for a while; that Akbayan is not just Aquino’s favorite partylist but their leaders are practically interchangeable," Anakbayan national chairman Vencer Crisostomo said....
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/02/12/leftist-group-wants-akbayan-disqualified
From the MILF Website (Oct 3): BDA report shows increase on blood donors, receives citation
Starting year 2008, Muslim blood donors for the Muslim Blood Donation Program of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) had been significantly increasing. A Report of BDA showed that there were only 39 donors in during the program launch in 2008, 184 donors in 2009, 192 donors in 2010, 385 donors in 2011, and 802 donors from January to July of 2012.... Mantikayan expressed optimism of reaching at least 1000 Muslim blood donors for year 2012. The theme of the program is “Be a healthy Muslim, Share your life, Donate blood....”
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2869:bda-report-shows-increase-on-blood-donors-receives-citation&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Starting year 2008, Muslim blood donors for the Muslim Blood Donation Program of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) had been significantly increasing. A Report of BDA showed that there were only 39 donors in during the program launch in 2008, 184 donors in 2009, 192 donors in 2010, 385 donors in 2011, and 802 donors from January to July of 2012.... Mantikayan expressed optimism of reaching at least 1000 Muslim blood donors for year 2012. The theme of the program is “Be a healthy Muslim, Share your life, Donate blood....”
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2869:bda-report-shows-increase-on-blood-donors-receives-citation&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
From the USPACOM Website (Oct 2): Partnering Nations Celebrate Pacific Unity 12-6
ANGELES CITY, Philippines - Members of the U.S. Air Force, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, local contractors, government officials, teachers, students, and community members came together at Cacutud Elementary school Sept. 20 for a closing ceremony to celebrate the work of the participants in the month-long Pacific Unity 12-6 here.... From Aug. 20 to Sept. 20, members of the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron, Joint Based Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, partnered with members of the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing, Basa, Philippines, members of the Philippine Army Security Forces and local contractors to renovate seven classrooms and build one schoolhouse from the ground up at Cacutud Elementary school in support of Pacific Unity 12-6....
U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Bednar stands with Mayor Marino Morales after cutting the ribbon during a dedication ceremony at Clark Air Force Base, Republic of the Philippines on Sept. 20, 2012.
http://www.pacom.mil/media/news/2012/10/02-partnering-nations-pacific-unity-12-6.shtml
ANGELES CITY, Philippines - Members of the U.S. Air Force, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, local contractors, government officials, teachers, students, and community members came together at Cacutud Elementary school Sept. 20 for a closing ceremony to celebrate the work of the participants in the month-long Pacific Unity 12-6 here.... From Aug. 20 to Sept. 20, members of the 647th Civil Engineering Squadron, Joint Based Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, partnered with members of the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing, Basa, Philippines, members of the Philippine Army Security Forces and local contractors to renovate seven classrooms and build one schoolhouse from the ground up at Cacutud Elementary school in support of Pacific Unity 12-6....
U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Bednar stands with Mayor Marino Morales after cutting the ribbon during a dedication ceremony at Clark Air Force Base, Republic of the Philippines on Sept. 20, 2012.
http://www.pacom.mil/media/news/2012/10/02-partnering-nations-pacific-unity-12-6.shtml
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 2): Centcom Vows More Insurgency-Free Provinces
Newly installed Central Command (Centcom) commander Rear Admiral Jose Luis Alano during a recent turn-over ceremony here announced that more provinces in the Visayas area will be declared insurgent free.... Alano, in his speech, bared that eight provinces under Centcom’s area of responsibility has already been declared insurgent free with Aklan being the latest. Earlier, Mabanta had disclosed that Antique province is also heading towards the same direction while next year, Negros Oriental is expected to follow suit. The Armed Forces of the Philippines declares an area “insurgency free” if the strength of rebels therein is too small to influence residents and their activities. However, such declaration does not necessarily mean zero presence of insurgents. In the Visayas, the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Guimaras, Siquijor, Northern and Southern Leyte have already been declared insurgent free....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375670/centcom-vows-more-insurgencyfree-provinces
Newly installed Central Command (Centcom) commander Rear Admiral Jose Luis Alano during a recent turn-over ceremony here announced that more provinces in the Visayas area will be declared insurgent free.... Alano, in his speech, bared that eight provinces under Centcom’s area of responsibility has already been declared insurgent free with Aklan being the latest. Earlier, Mabanta had disclosed that Antique province is also heading towards the same direction while next year, Negros Oriental is expected to follow suit. The Armed Forces of the Philippines declares an area “insurgency free” if the strength of rebels therein is too small to influence residents and their activities. However, such declaration does not necessarily mean zero presence of insurgents. In the Visayas, the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Guimaras, Siquijor, Northern and Southern Leyte have already been declared insurgent free....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375670/centcom-vows-more-insurgencyfree-provinces
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 2): More Gov’t Websites Hacked
Authorities appear helpless in containing the wave of hacking incidents that has exposed the vulnerability of government websites. The latest victims of the hackers, calling themselves Anonymous Philippines, are the websites of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG, however, denied its website was defaced....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375681/more-gov-t-websites-hacked
Authorities appear helpless in containing the wave of hacking incidents that has exposed the vulnerability of government websites. The latest victims of the hackers, calling themselves Anonymous Philippines, are the websites of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG, however, denied its website was defaced....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375681/more-gov-t-websites-hacked
From the Philippine Navy Website (Oct 2): Croatian Defense Minister Visits Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy provided a warm welcome for the visit of Honorable Ante Kotromanovic’, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia and Party to Headquarters Philippine Navy at Naval Station Jose V Andrada (NSJA), Roxas Blvd., Manila last October 1, 2012....
http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=674&home=1
The Philippine Navy provided a warm welcome for the visit of Honorable Ante Kotromanovic’, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Croatia and Party to Headquarters Philippine Navy at Naval Station Jose V Andrada (NSJA), Roxas Blvd., Manila last October 1, 2012....
http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=674&home=1
From the Philippine Navy Website (Oct 2): NAVRESCOM Receives New Commander
The Philippine Navy’s Reserve Command had its Change of Command Ceremony last October 01, 2012 at Headquarters Naval Reserve Command (NRC) Covered Court, Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila. The event was presided by Vice Admiral Alexander P Pama AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, PN (FOIC, PN). Navy Captain Primitivo P Gopo PN (GSC) assumed as the 22nd Commander of NAVRESCOM who replaced Commo Jesus C Millan AFP. Commodore Millan in turn assumed as the new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) replacing Rear Admiral Edgar L Abogado AFP....
http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=673&home=1
The Philippine Navy’s Reserve Command had its Change of Command Ceremony last October 01, 2012 at Headquarters Naval Reserve Command (NRC) Covered Court, Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila. The event was presided by Vice Admiral Alexander P Pama AFP, the Flag Officer In Command, PN (FOIC, PN). Navy Captain Primitivo P Gopo PN (GSC) assumed as the 22nd Commander of NAVRESCOM who replaced Commo Jesus C Millan AFP. Commodore Millan in turn assumed as the new Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) replacing Rear Admiral Edgar L Abogado AFP....
http://www.navy.mil.ph/news.php?news_id=673&home=1
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2): Former Philippine fleet commander named
Centcom chief
Rear Admiral Jose Luis Alano, a former commander of the Philippine fleet, has been named as the new commander of the Armed Forces Central Command (Centcom) based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.... Alano, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class '79, also served as chief of naval staff, commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Service Force and the Naval Air Group....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459166
Rear Admiral Jose Luis Alano, a former commander of the Philippine fleet, has been named as the new commander of the Armed Forces Central Command (Centcom) based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.... Alano, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class '79, also served as chief of naval staff, commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Service Force and the Naval Air Group....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=459166
From InterAksyon (Oct 2): Govt hopeful peace pact with MILF signed in days
....The government issued the upbeat forecast as the latest round of peace talks with the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front began in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. "We are on the brink of layering the written predicates that can frame the process of building trust as we usher in an era of peace, of hope and of recovery," chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said at the start of the talks, according to a Philippine government statement. "We cannot postpone any longer. Now is the time," he said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44587/govt-hopeful-peace-pact-with-milf-signed-in-days
....The government issued the upbeat forecast as the latest round of peace talks with the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front began in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. "We are on the brink of layering the written predicates that can frame the process of building trust as we usher in an era of peace, of hope and of recovery," chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said at the start of the talks, according to a Philippine government statement. "We cannot postpone any longer. Now is the time," he said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44587/govt-hopeful-peace-pact-with-milf-signed-in-days
From Reuters (Oct 2): Manila, Muslim rebels start peace talks, deal seen close
Negotiators from the Philippine government and the country's largest Muslim rebel group began a fresh round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, aiming to seal an agreement to end 40 years of conflict in the south of the mainly Catholic state. Government and rebel negotiators are closing in on a peace deal after nearly 15 years of violence-interrupted talks, a potential landmark success for President Benigno Aquino that could pave the way for more investment in the country's impoverished but resource-rich south. "The road is not that long, but it's still very hard to tell if we will reach there," Mohagher Iqbal, the rebels' chief negotiator, told Reuters by text message late on Monday. "But we are close to it...."
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/manila-muslim-rebels-start-peace-talks-deal-seen-070001664.html
Negotiators from the Philippine government and the country's largest Muslim rebel group began a fresh round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, aiming to seal an agreement to end 40 years of conflict in the south of the mainly Catholic state. Government and rebel negotiators are closing in on a peace deal after nearly 15 years of violence-interrupted talks, a potential landmark success for President Benigno Aquino that could pave the way for more investment in the country's impoverished but resource-rich south. "The road is not that long, but it's still very hard to tell if we will reach there," Mohagher Iqbal, the rebels' chief negotiator, told Reuters by text message late on Monday. "But we are close to it...."
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/manila-muslim-rebels-start-peace-talks-deal-seen-070001664.html
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 3): Better settle land dispute in Basilan peacefully, MILF –CCCH member says
“Better settle the land conflict in Sumisip in Basilan peacefully rather than stick to the straight-jacket application of law and perpetuate the bloodbath. In the end, the worth of the dead and destroyed properties is more than the contested property.” This was the view of one member of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, who requested anonymity, for lack of authority to speak on the matter. He said the conflict which regularly resulted in bloody fighting involving even state forces is not an outright encounter between Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), “lost commands” (of the MILF), or dismissed employees of Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDCI). “It is more than that; it is a social conflict that runs deep into the nature of land laws in this country and how the land reform program is carried out,” he explained....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2868:better-settle-land-dispute-in-basilan-peacefully-milf-ccch-member-says&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
“Better settle the land conflict in Sumisip in Basilan peacefully rather than stick to the straight-jacket application of law and perpetuate the bloodbath. In the end, the worth of the dead and destroyed properties is more than the contested property.” This was the view of one member of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, who requested anonymity, for lack of authority to speak on the matter. He said the conflict which regularly resulted in bloody fighting involving even state forces is not an outright encounter between Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), “lost commands” (of the MILF), or dismissed employees of Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDCI). “It is more than that; it is a social conflict that runs deep into the nature of land laws in this country and how the land reform program is carried out,” he explained....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2868:better-settle-land-dispute-in-basilan-peacefully-milf-ccch-member-says&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 2): Reset 32nd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks starts today
The 32nd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks, which was earlier scheduled on September 25-28, will start today at the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, with both sides expecting a hard bargaining on the issues of territory, internal security force and police, and wealth-sharing. This meeting is a four-day exercise, which will end on October 5....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2867:reset-32nd-gph-milf-exploratory-talks-starts-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The 32nd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks, which was earlier scheduled on September 25-28, will start today at the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, with both sides expecting a hard bargaining on the issues of territory, internal security force and police, and wealth-sharing. This meeting is a four-day exercise, which will end on October 5....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2867:reset-32nd-gph-milf-exploratory-talks-starts-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 1): Mindanao's peace activist priest retires; MILF cites his role in talks
Mindanao peace activist priest has retired from active involvement in stressful activities, as per advice of his doctors. Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., who belongs to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation, stated on his Facebook account that he has stepped down as director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) based in Cotabato City, after he had undergone prostate surgery in Makati last month....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2866:mindanaos-peace-activist-priest-retires-milf-cites-his-role-in-talks&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Mindanao peace activist priest has retired from active involvement in stressful activities, as per advice of his doctors. Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., who belongs to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation, stated on his Facebook account that he has stepped down as director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) based in Cotabato City, after he had undergone prostate surgery in Makati last month....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2866:mindanaos-peace-activist-priest-retires-milf-cites-his-role-in-talks&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
From the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 2): Revision of history will not silence demand for punishment of Enrile etal's martial law abuses--CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) urged the Filipino people to reject Juan Ponce Enrile’s revision of history that seeks to reinterpret the 14-year Marcos martial law rule. They must push their demand for Enrile and the rest architects and implementors of the Marcos martial law regime of 1972-1986 to be punished for their key role in the murder of thousands of peasants and workers and rampant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/revision-of-history-will-not-silence-demand-for-punishment-of-enrile-etal-s-martial-law-abuses-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) urged the Filipino people to reject Juan Ponce Enrile’s revision of history that seeks to reinterpret the 14-year Marcos martial law rule. They must push their demand for Enrile and the rest architects and implementors of the Marcos martial law regime of 1972-1986 to be punished for their key role in the murder of thousands of peasants and workers and rampant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/revision-of-history-will-not-silence-demand-for-punishment-of-enrile-etal-s-martial-law-abuses-cpp