From The Star Online (Malaysia) (Oct 6): Malaysia’s efforts to broker peace in Philippines bearing fruits
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's efforts to help resolve the conflict in southern
Philippines could soon reach a breakthrough with a landmark peace treaty in
sight. Apparently, the latest round of talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF) and the Philippine government is now in its last lap, with only two
to three issues left to be resolved before a deal is sealed. Negotiators at the talks taking place in Kuala Lumpur since Tuesday have
adopted a cautious approach as failure to agree on the remaining issues can
delay a final settlement....
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/6/nation/12127219&sec=nation
From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 5): MILF concerns on polls aired
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is wary over the possible effects of the upcoming mid-term elections on its peace negotiations with the Philippine government. A press release issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal raised his concerns about “spoilers” during the opening of the 32nd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur. “Iqbal also expressed concern that the uncertainty over the success of the peace talks can be further complicated by the holding of the Philippine midterm elections in May,” the statement read. “As expected, stretching of party affiliations is the rule and this so-called complex and principled alliances that … political enemies … are now best friends and allies,” the MILF panel chairman was quoted as saying....
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14668-milf-concerns-on-polls-aired
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is wary over the possible effects of the upcoming mid-term elections on its peace negotiations with the Philippine government. A press release issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal raised his concerns about “spoilers” during the opening of the 32nd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur. “Iqbal also expressed concern that the uncertainty over the success of the peace talks can be further complicated by the holding of the Philippine midterm elections in May,” the statement read. “As expected, stretching of party affiliations is the rule and this so-called complex and principled alliances that … political enemies … are now best friends and allies,” the MILF panel chairman was quoted as saying....
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14668-milf-concerns-on-polls-aired
Posted to the Manila Bulletin (Oct 6): Photo: American amphibious assault ship in Subic
A police officer patrols the beach using his bicycle as the USS Bonhomme Richard, a Wasp-class amphibious US assault ship, is docked at the Alava Pier in Subic, Zambales, to participate in the Phiblex ilitary exercise that begins on Monday, Oct. 8. —Photo by JONAS REYES
A police officer patrols the beach using his bicycle as the USS Bonhomme Richard, a Wasp-class amphibious US assault ship, is docked at the Alava Pier in Subic, Zambales, to participate in the Phiblex ilitary exercise that begins on Monday, Oct. 8. —Photo by JONAS REYES
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 6): Asean, China agree to resolve conflicts on WPH Sea
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Friday agreed to work within the framework of international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the Declaration on the Code of Conduct, to ease the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In a press briefing,Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh admitted that the territorial disputes in the West Philippines Sea were brought up and discussed by the delegates and the 10-regional-bloc during the First Asean Expanded Maritime Forum hosted by the Philippine government at the Manila Hotel....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/06/asean-china-agree-to-resolve-conflicts-on-wph-sea/
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Friday agreed to work within the framework of international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the Declaration on the Code of Conduct, to ease the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In a press briefing,Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh admitted that the territorial disputes in the West Philippines Sea were brought up and discussed by the delegates and the 10-regional-bloc during the First Asean Expanded Maritime Forum hosted by the Philippine government at the Manila Hotel....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/06/asean-china-agree-to-resolve-conflicts-on-wph-sea/
Posted to MindaNews (Oct 4): Photos GRP and MILF Peace Panels
HOMESTRETCH. MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (right), who refers to this week’s talks in Kuala Lumpur as the “homestretch,” is shown here with Dr. Steven Rood of the International Contact Group and MILF peace panel members Datu Michael Mastura and Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
THE LEONEN PANEL. Government peace panel members (L to R) Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former UP College of Law Dean Marvic Leonen, chair; Bai Yasmin Busra-Lao, former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani and Dr. Hamid Barra on October 4 at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
HOMESTRETCH. MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (right), who refers to this week’s talks in Kuala Lumpur as the “homestretch,” is shown here with Dr. Steven Rood of the International Contact Group and MILF peace panel members Datu Michael Mastura and Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
THE LEONEN PANEL. Government peace panel members (L to R) Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former UP College of Law Dean Marvic Leonen, chair; Bai Yasmin Busra-Lao, former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani and Dr. Hamid Barra on October 4 at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
From MindaNews (Oct 6): Intl. NGOs urged to avoid BIFF areas due to kidnap threats
International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and embassies with employees operating in conflict-affected areas in Cotabato and Maguindanao have been asked to avoid these areas in the meantime following “persistent reports” that members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) plan to “abduct foreign nationals including workers of various INGOs.” In a letter dated October 3 and addressed to “colleagues in the peace process,” Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, chair of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), cited “persistent reports” from the 6thInfantry Division that the BIFF is “planning to sabotage the ongoing peace negotiations” between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF).... Part of the BIFF’s plan, the 6th ID report said, is “to abduct foreign nationals including workers of various INGOs undertaking field visits and other humanitarian activities in some areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces affected by the presence of the BIFF....”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/06/intl-ngos-urged-to-avoid-biff-areas-due-to-kidnap-threats/
International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and embassies with employees operating in conflict-affected areas in Cotabato and Maguindanao have been asked to avoid these areas in the meantime following “persistent reports” that members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) plan to “abduct foreign nationals including workers of various INGOs.” In a letter dated October 3 and addressed to “colleagues in the peace process,” Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, chair of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), cited “persistent reports” from the 6thInfantry Division that the BIFF is “planning to sabotage the ongoing peace negotiations” between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF).... Part of the BIFF’s plan, the 6th ID report said, is “to abduct foreign nationals including workers of various INGOs undertaking field visits and other humanitarian activities in some areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces affected by the presence of the BIFF....”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/06/intl-ngos-urged-to-avoid-biff-areas-due-to-kidnap-threats/
From MindaNews (Oct 5): Preparing for the signing: GPH, MILF draw lessons from previous peace pacts
In crafting the framework agreement that is expected to be signed soon, the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been drawing lessons from previous peace pacts....One lesson is not to sign a one-time peace agreement like those with the MNLF, but a series of agreements....Also, while the peace panels in 1976 and 1996 were disbanded after the signing, the GPH-MILF peace panels now will continue existing and negotiating for subsequent agreements....Other peace process mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, International Monitoring Team and International Contact Group are expected to also continue, albeit adjustments may have to be made on their respective mandates....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/06/preparing-for-the-signing-gph-milf-draw-lessons-from-previous-peace-pacts/
In crafting the framework agreement that is expected to be signed soon, the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been drawing lessons from previous peace pacts....One lesson is not to sign a one-time peace agreement like those with the MNLF, but a series of agreements....Also, while the peace panels in 1976 and 1996 were disbanded after the signing, the GPH-MILF peace panels now will continue existing and negotiating for subsequent agreements....Other peace process mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, International Monitoring Team and International Contact Group are expected to also continue, albeit adjustments may have to be made on their respective mandates....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/06/preparing-for-the-signing-gph-milf-draw-lessons-from-previous-peace-pacts/
From the pro-CPP Bulatlat (Oct 5): NDFP consultant released on bail
Randy Malayao, political prisoner and consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the peace process with the Government of the Philippines (GPH), was released on bail by the Ilagan (Isabela) Regional Trial Court Branch 17 last Thursday at two o’clock in the afternoon. Malayao walked free after posting a P100,000 ($2,380) bail for a unified direct assault with multiple murder and attempted murder charge against him stemming from a New People’s Army ambush that killed three government soldiers and wounded four others in San Mariano, Isabela in 2005.... “The NDFP Negotiating Panel and, for sure, the revolutionary forces represented by the NDFP warmly congratulate Ka (Comrade) Randy Malayao, his family, his lawyers and friends for their persistent efforts to secure his release,” NDFP negotiating panel chairman Luis Jalandoni said....
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/05/ndfp-consultant-released-on-bail/
Randy Malayao, political prisoner and consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the peace process with the Government of the Philippines (GPH), was released on bail by the Ilagan (Isabela) Regional Trial Court Branch 17 last Thursday at two o’clock in the afternoon. Malayao walked free after posting a P100,000 ($2,380) bail for a unified direct assault with multiple murder and attempted murder charge against him stemming from a New People’s Army ambush that killed three government soldiers and wounded four others in San Mariano, Isabela in 2005.... “The NDFP Negotiating Panel and, for sure, the revolutionary forces represented by the NDFP warmly congratulate Ka (Comrade) Randy Malayao, his family, his lawyers and friends for their persistent efforts to secure his release,” NDFP negotiating panel chairman Luis Jalandoni said....
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/05/ndfp-consultant-released-on-bail/
From the Philippine Star (Oct 5): Hataman files COC for ARMM governor
The spouse of acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman filed for him on Friday his certificate of candidacy for ARMM governor at the regional office here of the Commission on Elections. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman was accompanied by mayors from across ARMM and leaders of various civil society organizations and peace advocacy groups from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.... Hataman is the fifth aspirant for ARMM governor. Four others, among them Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front, and Pax Mangudadatu, former governor of Sultan Kudarat, a component-province of Administrative Region 12, have earlier filed their COCs too....Hataman, an ethnic Yakan who hails from Barangay Bole-Bole, started his political career as representative of the Anak Mindanao Party List....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=856269
The spouse of acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman filed for him on Friday his certificate of candidacy for ARMM governor at the regional office here of the Commission on Elections. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman was accompanied by mayors from across ARMM and leaders of various civil society organizations and peace advocacy groups from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.... Hataman is the fifth aspirant for ARMM governor. Four others, among them Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front, and Pax Mangudadatu, former governor of Sultan Kudarat, a component-province of Administrative Region 12, have earlier filed their COCs too....Hataman, an ethnic Yakan who hails from Barangay Bole-Bole, started his political career as representative of the Anak Mindanao Party List....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=856269
From Reuters (Oct 5): Philippines, Muslim rebels say peace talks extended
.... The talks, taking place in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, are in their final stages and will be extended for at least one day, a senior government official said. Sources close to the discussions said an announcement on the outcome may not be made until Monday. After four days, both sides said they needed time to study details of a deal that would set in train a roadmap to create an autonomous region in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao island before the end of President Benigno Aquino's term in 2016....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/05/us-philippines-rebels-idUSBRE8940KZ20121005
.... The talks, taking place in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, are in their final stages and will be extended for at least one day, a senior government official said. Sources close to the discussions said an announcement on the outcome may not be made until Monday. After four days, both sides said they needed time to study details of a deal that would set in train a roadmap to create an autonomous region in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao island before the end of President Benigno Aquino's term in 2016....
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/05/us-philippines-rebels-idUSBRE8940KZ20121005
From GMANews (Oct 5): Australia warns nationals in PHL of abduction threat
In an Oct. 5 update to its travel advice, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cited a "warning" supposedly from the Philippine government last October 3. "(O)n 3 October 2012, the Philippines government warned that an armed group may be planning to abduct foreign nationals, including workers of international non-government organizations undertaking field visits and other humanitarian activities, in some areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces," it said. "We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups," it added. It also reiterated its advice to Australian nationals in the Philippines to "reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao...."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277047/news/nation/australia-warns-nationals-in-phl-of-abduction-threat
In an Oct. 5 update to its travel advice, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cited a "warning" supposedly from the Philippine government last October 3. "(O)n 3 October 2012, the Philippines government warned that an armed group may be planning to abduct foreign nationals, including workers of international non-government organizations undertaking field visits and other humanitarian activities, in some areas of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces," it said. "We continue to strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups," it added. It also reiterated its advice to Australian nationals in the Philippines to "reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao...."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277047/news/nation/australia-warns-nationals-in-phl-of-abduction-threat
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 5): Military denies violating peace process with MILF
.... “What’s wrong with massing?” Colonel Alexander Balunta, 1st Marine Brigade Commander told reporters in a phone interview. “What did we violate when we are not engaging them in a fight?” ....
.... “What’s wrong with massing?” Colonel Alexander Balunta, 1st Marine Brigade Commander told reporters in a phone interview. “What did we violate when we are not engaging them in a fight?” ....
But Balunta said the soldiers were sent in
the area for government’s drive against illegal loggers.
He said that about two weeks ago, members of the Philippine Marines seized more than 50,000 board feet of hot logs. There were still about 100,000 board feet of illegally cut logs in Palimbang, he said.
He said that about two weeks ago, members of the Philippine Marines seized more than 50,000 board feet of hot logs. There were still about 100,000 board feet of illegally cut logs in Palimbang, he said.
“We know very well the ongoing peace
negotiation between the [government] and the MILF. We will respect and support
that fully,” he said.
From the Philippine Star (Oct 5): Deployment of
Marines to Sultan Kudarat not meant for MILF
Marines deployed to Sultan Kudarat are not targeting the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a military official said today. Col. Alexander Balutan, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said Marine troops deployed to the province is part of the Philippine government's renewed campaign against illegal logging and other lawless elements in the area. "We are not after the MILF. We are after lawless elements (involved in illegal logging). In fact, we have warrants of arrest for them," said Balutan. He made the announcement after the MILF issued a statement denouncing the massing up of soldiers in Palimbang town since Wednesday, a day after the resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the secessionist group and the government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=856323&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Marines deployed to Sultan Kudarat are not targeting the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a military official said today. Col. Alexander Balutan, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said Marine troops deployed to the province is part of the Philippine government's renewed campaign against illegal logging and other lawless elements in the area. "We are not after the MILF. We are after lawless elements (involved in illegal logging). In fact, we have warrants of arrest for them," said Balutan. He made the announcement after the MILF issued a statement denouncing the massing up of soldiers in Palimbang town since Wednesday, a day after the resumption of the formal peace negotiations between the secessionist group and the government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=856323&publicationSubCategoryId=200
From the Philippine Star (Oct 5): Communist movement joins cyber law protest
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has joined the protests against the controversial Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012, saying the law violates the public’s privacy and freedom of expression. "Aquino's cyber crime law is a draconian measure against internet privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and is reminiscent of the days of martial law repression," CPP said in a statement....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=856279
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has joined the protests against the controversial Cyber Crime Prevention Act of 2012, saying the law violates the public’s privacy and freedom of expression. "Aquino's cyber crime law is a draconian measure against internet privacy, freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and is reminiscent of the days of martial law repression," CPP said in a statement....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=856279
From the Philippine Star (Oct 5): US battle ship in Subic, to join naval exercises near disputed seas
One of the three battle groups assembled by the United States (US) in the Asia-Pacific Region is in the Philippines for this year’s launching of the joint amphibious landing exercises in territorial waters of the West Philippine Sea. Helicopter carrier USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) of the US Marine Corps’ air-ground task force, escorted by two frigates, dropped anchor at the former US naval facility at Subic Bay in Zambales on Friday with 2,200 US Marines on board. The US Marines are slated to link up with their local marine counterparts for the joint mock amphibious landing operations as well as land-based exercises in Palawan and Zambales. The two provinces have territorial jurisdiction over the disputed Panatag Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the Spratlys. Dubbed as Phiblex 2013, the yearly Filipino-US Marines joint drill, will be simultaneously launched on Monday with Zambales as the official opening venue of the event....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=856281
One of the three battle groups assembled by the United States (US) in the Asia-Pacific Region is in the Philippines for this year’s launching of the joint amphibious landing exercises in territorial waters of the West Philippine Sea. Helicopter carrier USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) of the US Marine Corps’ air-ground task force, escorted by two frigates, dropped anchor at the former US naval facility at Subic Bay in Zambales on Friday with 2,200 US Marines on board. The US Marines are slated to link up with their local marine counterparts for the joint mock amphibious landing operations as well as land-based exercises in Palawan and Zambales. The two provinces have territorial jurisdiction over the disputed Panatag Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the Spratlys. Dubbed as Phiblex 2013, the yearly Filipino-US Marines joint drill, will be simultaneously launched on Monday with Zambales as the official opening venue of the event....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=856281
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 4): Reintegration assistance released for former rebels
CATARMAN, Northern Samar--A total of P445,000 was released for 12 former rebels operating in the province of Northern Samar as reintegration assistance. Major Ron Cutillon of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the assistance is part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.... Since the inception of LSIP last August 10, 2011, 24 former NPA regulars, four former militia and one Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (Basic Party Branch) have availed of the integration program....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261349167918
CATARMAN, Northern Samar--A total of P445,000 was released for 12 former rebels operating in the province of Northern Samar as reintegration assistance. Major Ron Cutillon of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the assistance is part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.... Since the inception of LSIP last August 10, 2011, 24 former NPA regulars, four former militia and one Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (Basic Party Branch) have availed of the integration program....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261349167918
Posted to Rappler (Oct 5): MILF accuses military amid peace talks
Muslim rebels waging a decades-long insurgency in the southern Philippines said Friday, October 5 the military had provocatively violated a ceasefire as peace negotiators held crucial talks. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) issued the accusation amid talks in Malaysia that the government has said could lead to the imminent signing of a roadmap to end the insurgency that has claimed more than 150,000 lives. The MILF said the Philippine Marines had deployed more than 100 troops near Palimbang, a town on the southern Muslim homeland of Mindanao island where rebel troops were stationed, describing the move as "provocative...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/13702-milf-accuses-military-amid-peace-talks
Muslim rebels waging a decades-long insurgency in the southern Philippines said Friday, October 5 the military had provocatively violated a ceasefire as peace negotiators held crucial talks. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) issued the accusation amid talks in Malaysia that the government has said could lead to the imminent signing of a roadmap to end the insurgency that has claimed more than 150,000 lives. The MILF said the Philippine Marines had deployed more than 100 troops near Palimbang, a town on the southern Muslim homeland of Mindanao island where rebel troops were stationed, describing the move as "provocative...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/13702-milf-accuses-military-amid-peace-talks
From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 4): Police: No ransom demand yet for kidnap victims
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Two days after the abductionof a gasoline station owner and her secretary, the police have yet to receive "demands" from the armed group believed to be hiding somewhere in the Maguindanao marsh. Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, chief of Libungan Police, told the media that the family of Alma Cuan-Datuwata, owner of Petron gas station located in Poblacion, Libungan town, or of her secretary Cristabel Jorolan, have not received any "ransom demand" from the suspects.... Police recovered the torched getaway vehicle in a remote village in Libungan. This developed as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operating in North Cotabato have expressed willingness to help Police and Army rescue the kidnap victims....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/04/police-no-ransom-demand-yet-kidnap-victims-246431
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Two days after the abductionof a gasoline station owner and her secretary, the police have yet to receive "demands" from the armed group believed to be hiding somewhere in the Maguindanao marsh. Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, chief of Libungan Police, told the media that the family of Alma Cuan-Datuwata, owner of Petron gas station located in Poblacion, Libungan town, or of her secretary Cristabel Jorolan, have not received any "ransom demand" from the suspects.... Police recovered the torched getaway vehicle in a remote village in Libungan. This developed as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operating in North Cotabato have expressed willingness to help Police and Army rescue the kidnap victims....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/04/police-no-ransom-demand-yet-kidnap-victims-246431
From the Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) Blog (Oct 4): NDF-FarSouth
Mindanao condemns 27th IB's ruthless and barbaric attacks against Lumad
civilians
The 27th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo’s contentions that his troop conducted a raid, killing 2 armed members of the NPA in Brgy. Telafas, Colombio on September 29 is a sheer highfalutin and shameless fibbing of the facist to conceal their ruthless and barbaric act towards the innocent civilians. Their victims were ordinary peasants and innocent civilian residents, not NPA members, and no legitimate military encounter happened....
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/10/ndf-farsouth-mindanao-condemns-27th-ibs.html
The 27th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo’s contentions that his troop conducted a raid, killing 2 armed members of the NPA in Brgy. Telafas, Colombio on September 29 is a sheer highfalutin and shameless fibbing of the facist to conceal their ruthless and barbaric act towards the innocent civilians. Their victims were ordinary peasants and innocent civilian residents, not NPA members, and no legitimate military encounter happened....
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/10/ndf-farsouth-mindanao-condemns-27th-ibs.html
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (5): Poll body identifies 5 towns, 1 city as ‘areas of concern’
THE provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified five towns and one city in Misamis Oriental province as areas of immediate concern due to “armed threats” and previous incidents in these areas. Lawyer Carlito Ravelo, Comelec provincial supervisor, identified the city of Gingoog and the towns of Medina, Kinoguitan, Salay, Claveria and Balingasag as “areas of immediate concern” based on previous and recent incidents done by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).... “It is alarming because this means that the NPAs are active in these areas and during election, their modus is to extort money they called as revolutionary taxes from candidates,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2012/10/05/poll-body-identifies-5-towns-1-city-areas-concern-246472
THE provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified five towns and one city in Misamis Oriental province as areas of immediate concern due to “armed threats” and previous incidents in these areas. Lawyer Carlito Ravelo, Comelec provincial supervisor, identified the city of Gingoog and the towns of Medina, Kinoguitan, Salay, Claveria and Balingasag as “areas of immediate concern” based on previous and recent incidents done by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).... “It is alarming because this means that the NPAs are active in these areas and during election, their modus is to extort money they called as revolutionary taxes from candidates,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2012/10/05/poll-body-identifies-5-towns-1-city-areas-concern-246472
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 4): NDF slams ‘road to Calvary’
A leader of the communist-led National Democratic Front on Thursday accused the Aquino administration of continued violation of human rights and called its much-avowed slogan “tuwid na daan” (straight path) the Filipino people’s “road to Calvary.” “Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, demolitions of homes, military operations and forced evacuations, soaring prices and low wages – these are the marks of the Aquino regime’s ‘tuwid na daan’,” Utrecht-based Luis Jalandoni, the NDF’s chairperson, said in a statement, a copy of which was received by the Inquirer.
He added: “The ‘tuwid na daan’ is in fact the people’s road to Calvary....”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/283064/ndf-slams-road-to-calvary
A leader of the communist-led National Democratic Front on Thursday accused the Aquino administration of continued violation of human rights and called its much-avowed slogan “tuwid na daan” (straight path) the Filipino people’s “road to Calvary.” “Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, demolitions of homes, military operations and forced evacuations, soaring prices and low wages – these are the marks of the Aquino regime’s ‘tuwid na daan’,” Utrecht-based Luis Jalandoni, the NDF’s chairperson, said in a statement, a copy of which was received by the Inquirer.
He added: “The ‘tuwid na daan’ is in fact the people’s road to Calvary....”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/283064/ndf-slams-road-to-calvary