From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 11): Subic Airport Will Be Saved
City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. welcomed yesterday the scrapping of plans by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to convert the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a recreational theme park, saying it is good news for private and public sectors who opposed it.... He said he favors the use of the airport as a forward base for the joint operations of the Philippine Air Force and the US Air Force as recommended by officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) to maintain regional security and stability and diffuse tension in the West Philippine Sea. “The DND’s plan is a much better alternative than closing down the SBIA as it would bolster security in the Asia-Pacific region and a big boost to the local economy. It would also neutralize China’s bullying tactics especially in the disputed Panatag shoal off the coast of Zambales,” Gordon said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376744/subic-airport-will-be-saved
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Senate deadlock looms over Amla amendments
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): Senate deadlock looms over Amla amendments
A deadlock looms as the Senate is set to vote on the last round of amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla) with some senators airing concerns over certain “improvements” made to the law as required by a global group monitoring terrorist financing. Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, chairman of the banking committee, said several colleagues are worried over an amendment requiring businesses like real estate companies and jewelers to report their transactions. There were also questions about the introduction of an ex parte provision that does away with a prior court notice to a depositor before the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) freezes his cash on suspicion that it was illegally acquired. The same ex parte provision would also apply in cases of suspected tax evasion....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287534/senate-deadlock-looms-over-amla-amendments
A deadlock looms as the Senate is set to vote on the last round of amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla) with some senators airing concerns over certain “improvements” made to the law as required by a global group monitoring terrorist financing. Sen. Sergio Osmeña III, chairman of the banking committee, said several colleagues are worried over an amendment requiring businesses like real estate companies and jewelers to report their transactions. There were also questions about the introduction of an ex parte provision that does away with a prior court notice to a depositor before the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) freezes his cash on suspicion that it was illegally acquired. The same ex parte provision would also apply in cases of suspected tax evasion....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287534/senate-deadlock-looms-over-amla-amendments
Misuari calls gov’t offer of seats to MNLF an insult
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): Misuari calls gov’t offer of seats to MNLF an
insult
Moro leader Nur Misuari on Thursday said the government’s offer to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of seats on the Transition Commission for the creation of Bangsamoro was an insult. “It is an insult not just to me but also to the entire Bangsamoro, who believe in the MNLF and uphold the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and other agreements, especially the 1996 peace agreement,” Misuari said.... On Wednesday, Misuari said the framework agreement for the creation of Bangsamoro violated the essence of the 1996 peace deal and the Tripoli Agreement. He also said the agreement that would be signed on Monday would never solve the Mindanao problem but instead plunge the region into another war. He said the MNLF was “still alive and kicking.” On Thursday, he flatly rejected the government’s offer to the MNLF of participation in the formation of Bangsamoro....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287486/misuari-calls-govt-offer-of-seats-to-mnlf-an-insult
Moro leader Nur Misuari on Thursday said the government’s offer to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of seats on the Transition Commission for the creation of Bangsamoro was an insult. “It is an insult not just to me but also to the entire Bangsamoro, who believe in the MNLF and uphold the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and other agreements, especially the 1996 peace agreement,” Misuari said.... On Wednesday, Misuari said the framework agreement for the creation of Bangsamoro violated the essence of the 1996 peace deal and the Tripoli Agreement. He also said the agreement that would be signed on Monday would never solve the Mindanao problem but instead plunge the region into another war. He said the MNLF was “still alive and kicking.” On Thursday, he flatly rejected the government’s offer to the MNLF of participation in the formation of Bangsamoro....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287486/misuari-calls-govt-offer-of-seats-to-mnlf-an-insult
Photo: Members of Cagayan de Oro Bomb Squad Prepare to Detonate Bomb
From the Philippine Star (Oct 12): Photo: Members of Cagayan de Oro Bomb Squad Prepare to Detonate Bomb
Members of a police bomb squad prepare to detonate a bag suspected of containing explosives in downtown Cagayan de Oro City. The bag was found near the Maxandrea Hotel (inset), where another bomb killed a hotel employee and a jeepney conductor and wounded two responding policemen. GERRY GORIT
Members of a police bomb squad prepare to detonate a bag suspected of containing explosives in downtown Cagayan de Oro City. The bag was found near the Maxandrea Hotel (inset), where another bomb killed a hotel employee and a jeepney conductor and wounded two responding policemen. GERRY GORIT
MNLF set to flex its muscles
From the Philippine Star (Oct 12): MNLF set to flex its
muscles
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is preparing for a show of force at a summit to be held in the Crocodile Park in Davao City on Oct. 20 to 21, sources revealed yesterday. Sources said the MNLF would tackle its position regarding the government’s framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be signed on Oct. 15. MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari in an earlier statement said he is expecting at least one million MNLF members including tribal and Christian leaders, Islamic religious leaders and MILF rebels that had defected to show up in the two-day summit. Misuari said the framework agreement the government had with the MILF was an insult to the 57 member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that helped broker the peace deal with the MNLF. He warned of possible unrest in Mindanao if the government pushes through with its agreement with the MILF to create the Bangsamoro entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Misuari insisted the MNLF is the only group recognized by the OIC representing not only the Muslims but also the indigenous communities and Christians in Mindanao....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=858586&publicationSubCategoryId=63
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is preparing for a show of force at a summit to be held in the Crocodile Park in Davao City on Oct. 20 to 21, sources revealed yesterday. Sources said the MNLF would tackle its position regarding the government’s framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be signed on Oct. 15. MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari in an earlier statement said he is expecting at least one million MNLF members including tribal and Christian leaders, Islamic religious leaders and MILF rebels that had defected to show up in the two-day summit. Misuari said the framework agreement the government had with the MILF was an insult to the 57 member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that helped broker the peace deal with the MNLF. He warned of possible unrest in Mindanao if the government pushes through with its agreement with the MILF to create the Bangsamoro entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Misuari insisted the MNLF is the only group recognized by the OIC representing not only the Muslims but also the indigenous communities and Christians in Mindanao....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=858586&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Blasts rock Mindanao; link to Moro deal eyed
From the Philippine Star (Oct 12): Blasts rock Mindanao ; link to Moro deal eyed
Two people were killed while two policemen and a civilian were wounded in separate bombing attacks in Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday and early yesterday.... Investigators led by SPO2 Dennis Allan Poe Labitad said their initial findings revealed the IEDs were cellphone-activated.... Although authorities knew that the IEDs were cellphone activated, they are still clueless on the motive behind the attack.“Motive of the incident is still unknown,” said Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang.The police and military were trying to determine possible motives of the separate attacks even as security was intensified in the region to thwart similar bombings....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=858584&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Two people were killed while two policemen and a civilian were wounded in separate bombing attacks in Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday and early yesterday.... Investigators led by SPO2 Dennis Allan Poe Labitad said their initial findings revealed the IEDs were cellphone-activated.... Although authorities knew that the IEDs were cellphone activated, they are still clueless on the motive behind the attack.“Motive of the incident is still unknown,” said Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang.The police and military were trying to determine possible motives of the separate attacks even as security was intensified in the region to thwart similar bombings....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=858584&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Road Map to a Bangsamoro in the Philippines
Posted to The Asia Foundation "In Asia" Webpage (Oct 10): Road Map to a Bangsamoro in the Philippines
As one of those in the International Contact Group – a group of countries and international NGOs, including The Asia Foundation, tasked with supporting peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – I watched the speech live from the negotiation session in Kuala Lumpur. It was a very emotional time for all: we had finally reached “the end of the beginning” to establish a new governing entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). After years of negotiations, decades of conflict, countless deaths and untold damage, a milestone had been reached....
http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2012/10/10/road-map-to-a-bangsamoro-in-the-philippines/
As one of those in the International Contact Group – a group of countries and international NGOs, including The Asia Foundation, tasked with supporting peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – I watched the speech live from the negotiation session in Kuala Lumpur. It was a very emotional time for all: we had finally reached “the end of the beginning” to establish a new governing entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). After years of negotiations, decades of conflict, countless deaths and untold damage, a milestone had been reached....
http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2012/10/10/road-map-to-a-bangsamoro-in-the-philippines/
31st MEU takes time to visit school children in Philippines
Posted to the USPACOM Website (Oct 11): 31st MEU takes time to visit school children in Philippines
.... Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit visited two elementary schools to entertain local school children here, Oct. 11. The visits were part of a bilateral effort by US and Philippine armed forces to give back to the communities that help host Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013. “These projects are important because it gives us a chance to show the people in the Philippines our appreciation for allowing us to train here,” said Navy Lt. Barratt Craig, the command chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion-31 and a native of Boulder, Colo....
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/96001/31st-meu-takes-time-visit-school-children-philippines
.... Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit visited two elementary schools to entertain local school children here, Oct. 11. The visits were part of a bilateral effort by US and Philippine armed forces to give back to the communities that help host Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013. “These projects are important because it gives us a chance to show the people in the Philippines our appreciation for allowing us to train here,” said Navy Lt. Barratt Craig, the command chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion-31 and a native of Boulder, Colo....
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/96001/31st-meu-takes-time-visit-school-children-philippines
2 Die In CDO Bombing Linked To Peace Deal
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 11): 2 Die In CDO Bombing Linked To Peace Deal
A bomb planted near a hotel in Cagayan de Oro City exploded around 2 a.m. Thursday, killing two civilians, wounding two police officers, and forcing a security lockdown of the city, the Northern Mindanao Police reported. Chief Superintendent Gil Hitosis, regional police director, said the bombing and the discovery of a second explosive device at daybreak could be an attempt at sabotaging the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)....
Asked on the motive of the attack, Hitosis revealed intelligence information of “plans to conduct atrocities” in a bid to derail a breakthrough in the peace deal as announced earlier this week by President Aquino. “We still have no strong evidence linking this explosion to the peace deal but we cannot just rule that out especially that we have been also receiving intelligence report about some disgruntled groups that are apparently displeased by the outcome of the negotiation,” he said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376756/2-die-in-cdo-bombing-linked-to-peace-deal
A bomb planted near a hotel in Cagayan de Oro City exploded around 2 a.m. Thursday, killing two civilians, wounding two police officers, and forcing a security lockdown of the city, the Northern Mindanao Police reported. Chief Superintendent Gil Hitosis, regional police director, said the bombing and the discovery of a second explosive device at daybreak could be an attempt at sabotaging the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)....
Asked on the motive of the attack, Hitosis revealed intelligence information of “plans to conduct atrocities” in a bid to derail a breakthrough in the peace deal as announced earlier this week by President Aquino. “We still have no strong evidence linking this explosion to the peace deal but we cannot just rule that out especially that we have been also receiving intelligence report about some disgruntled groups that are apparently displeased by the outcome of the negotiation,” he said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376756/2-die-in-cdo-bombing-linked-to-peace-deal
OIC Welcomes Deal
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 11): OIC Welcomes Deal
The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the Framework Agreement (FA) recently reached by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a bid to end the conflict in Mindanao. This developed as peace negotiator Yasmin Busran Lao said the time of resorting to war in Mindanao is over with the signing of the FA. An unnamed spokesman said OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo expressed hope the FA “will pave the way for a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people.” “The Secretary General expressed the hope that it will pave the way for a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people who have suffered too long and endured huge sacrifices,” a statement emailed by the OIC to the Manila Bulletin said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376760/oic-welcomes-deal
The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the Framework Agreement (FA) recently reached by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a bid to end the conflict in Mindanao. This developed as peace negotiator Yasmin Busran Lao said the time of resorting to war in Mindanao is over with the signing of the FA. An unnamed spokesman said OIC Secretary General Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo expressed hope the FA “will pave the way for a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people.” “The Secretary General expressed the hope that it will pave the way for a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people who have suffered too long and endured huge sacrifices,” a statement emailed by the OIC to the Manila Bulletin said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376760/oic-welcomes-deal
Crisis mgt to deal with terrorism up
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 11): Crisis mgt to deal with terrorism up
President Benigno Aquino III has created national and local crisis management organizations that will deal with terrorism and the threats to maritime borders, revolts, coups d’etat and mutinies. “There is a need to establish and clearly delineate authority, responsibility and accountability of crisis management organizations and incident command systems from the national to the local levels,” Mr. Aquino says in Executive Order 82. Under the Practical Guide for National Crisis Managers and the Core Manual, the National Security Council will serve as the Executive Committee/National Crisis Management Committee or EXECOM/NCMC. It will be the highest policy and decision-making body in managing human-induced crises at the national level.... The EXECOM/NCMC, meanwhile, will be composed of the President or the Executive Secretary as chairperson, the national security adviser, and the secretaries of the Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Justice Departments and the presidential communications group. Other Cabinet members–particularly the secretaries of the Health, Finance, Trade, Energy and Social Welfare Departments may be called upon as secondary members. A sub-committee, with the national security adviser as chairman, will be created to conduct horizon scanning and convey strategic warnings on emerging human-induced threats or crises. There will also be crisis management committees at the regional, provincial, municipal or city and village levels. The executive secretary will be the officer mainly responsible for terrorism threats, threats to maritime borders, and threats to Filipino workers.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/11/crisis-mgt-to-deal-with-terrorism-up/
President Benigno Aquino III has created national and local crisis management organizations that will deal with terrorism and the threats to maritime borders, revolts, coups d’etat and mutinies. “There is a need to establish and clearly delineate authority, responsibility and accountability of crisis management organizations and incident command systems from the national to the local levels,” Mr. Aquino says in Executive Order 82. Under the Practical Guide for National Crisis Managers and the Core Manual, the National Security Council will serve as the Executive Committee/National Crisis Management Committee or EXECOM/NCMC. It will be the highest policy and decision-making body in managing human-induced crises at the national level.... The EXECOM/NCMC, meanwhile, will be composed of the President or the Executive Secretary as chairperson, the national security adviser, and the secretaries of the Defense, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Justice Departments and the presidential communications group. Other Cabinet members–particularly the secretaries of the Health, Finance, Trade, Energy and Social Welfare Departments may be called upon as secondary members. A sub-committee, with the national security adviser as chairman, will be created to conduct horizon scanning and convey strategic warnings on emerging human-induced threats or crises. There will also be crisis management committees at the regional, provincial, municipal or city and village levels. The executive secretary will be the officer mainly responsible for terrorism threats, threats to maritime borders, and threats to Filipino workers.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/11/crisis-mgt-to-deal-with-terrorism-up/
‘Misuari is just making noise’
From the Manila Times (Oct 11): ‘Misuari is just making noise’
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) assailed a former Muslim rebel leader, whose group had signed a peace accord with Manila, for criticizing the draft agreement that would pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region.... “Misuari is just making noise. The MILF is fighting for self-determination and rights of the Bangsamoro people and not one tribe alone. Misuari was a failure. He became the ARMM governor but what did he accomplish? He ran in previous elections in Sulu and not only lost terribly, he also lost the trust and confidence of the Tausug. And he was even ousted as chairman of the MNLF by his leaders,” an MILF rebel leader in Basilan province, Commander Black Jack, told The Manila Times....
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/32947-misuari-is-just-making-noise
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) assailed a former Muslim rebel leader, whose group had signed a peace accord with Manila, for criticizing the draft agreement that would pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region.... “Misuari is just making noise. The MILF is fighting for self-determination and rights of the Bangsamoro people and not one tribe alone. Misuari was a failure. He became the ARMM governor but what did he accomplish? He ran in previous elections in Sulu and not only lost terribly, he also lost the trust and confidence of the Tausug. And he was even ousted as chairman of the MNLF by his leaders,” an MILF rebel leader in Basilan province, Commander Black Jack, told The Manila Times....
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/32947-misuari-is-just-making-noise
Christians, Moros who lost their lands to be compensated, says Leonen
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 11): Christians, Moros who lost their lands to be compensated, says Leonen
To ensure peace seeps down to the grassroots, Christians, Muslims, and lumad (indigenous people) in Mindanao who were unjustly dispossessed of their land will be compensated under the new autonomous Bangsamoro homeland, according to chief government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen. Leonen said the government and the Bangsamoro would provide reparations for those who lost their lands in an effort to “heal the wounds” and end the perceived mistrust between the Christian and Muslim communities in the island. Land ownership is a sensitive issue in Mindanao where Christians from the north have resettled in areas that were once dominated by Muslims. “It will not be the (current) private property owner who will [provide reparations] but the national government and Bangsamoro government,” Leonen said. “And it also cuts both ways. It’s not just (paying for) the Christian who grabbed another person’s property but also for the Moro who seized somebody else’s land,” he added....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287374/christians-moros-who-lost-their-lands-to-be-compensated-says-leonen
To ensure peace seeps down to the grassroots, Christians, Muslims, and lumad (indigenous people) in Mindanao who were unjustly dispossessed of their land will be compensated under the new autonomous Bangsamoro homeland, according to chief government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen. Leonen said the government and the Bangsamoro would provide reparations for those who lost their lands in an effort to “heal the wounds” and end the perceived mistrust between the Christian and Muslim communities in the island. Land ownership is a sensitive issue in Mindanao where Christians from the north have resettled in areas that were once dominated by Muslims. “It will not be the (current) private property owner who will [provide reparations] but the national government and Bangsamoro government,” Leonen said. “And it also cuts both ways. It’s not just (paying for) the Christian who grabbed another person’s property but also for the Moro who seized somebody else’s land,” he added....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287374/christians-moros-who-lost-their-lands-to-be-compensated-says-leonen
US embassy ends emergency threat warning to its citizens in Metro Manila
From InterAksyon (Oct 11): US embassy ends emergency threat warning to its citizens in Metro Manila
The United States embassy here has ended and is not extending its 12-day emergency threat warning it issued to its citizens in the country, citing a threat in Metro Manila, specifically in Pasay City. US embassy spokesperson Tina Malone on Thursday conveyed this message in response to a text question from InterAksyon.com....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45277/us-embassy-ends-emergency-threat-warning-to-its-citizens-in-metro-manila
The United States embassy here has ended and is not extending its 12-day emergency threat warning it issued to its citizens in the country, citing a threat in Metro Manila, specifically in Pasay City. US embassy spokesperson Tina Malone on Thursday conveyed this message in response to a text question from InterAksyon.com....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45277/us-embassy-ends-emergency-threat-warning-to-its-citizens-in-metro-manila
Rights group slams 'abduction' of desaparecido's daughter, companion but Army says it nabbed rebels
From InterAksyon (Oct 11): Rights group slams 'abduction' of desaparecido's daughter, companion but Army says it nabbed rebels
A human rights group condemned what it called the illegal arrest in Cebu City of the daughter of a desaparecido and her companion but the Army claimed the two were communist rebel leaders. Karapatan said Jimmylisa Badayos, 36, a member of the Sons and Daughters of Desaparedicos, and Calixto Vistal, 38, were forcibly taken by personnel of the Cebu City police’ intelligence branch and the Military Intelligence Group as they stepped out of their workplace at EuroForest Products Industries, Inc., in Mandaue City on October 5. Although the two called for help from onlookers, the agents warned against intervening. The human rights group said Badayos was manhandled and a gun was planted inside her bag. Vistal was taken to Negros Oriental where a warrant for his arrest had been issued the same day he and Badayos were seized. He is now detained at the provincial jail.
Badayos, on the other hand, has been hospitalized for severe anemia. However, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division claimed the two were New People’s Army leaders. 3rd ID commander Major General Jose Mabanta said Vistal, who is also supposedly known by the aliases Cocoy, Fred and Isom, is head of the major NPA unit in southern Negros and used to lead a rebel unit in Bohol. Citing military records, Mabanta said Vistal was allegedly involved in several NPA operations in Bohol, Leyte and Negros, including the raid on two Bohol police camps in 1999. He was also reportedly involved in the encounter with Special Forces troops in 2000 in which 2nd Lieutenant Socrates Que and some of his men were killed. Badayos, on the other hand, is the wife of Vistal.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45298/rights-group-slams-abduction-of-desaparecidos-daughter-companion-but-army-says-it-nabbed-rebels
A human rights group condemned what it called the illegal arrest in Cebu City of the daughter of a desaparecido and her companion but the Army claimed the two were communist rebel leaders. Karapatan said Jimmylisa Badayos, 36, a member of the Sons and Daughters of Desaparedicos, and Calixto Vistal, 38, were forcibly taken by personnel of the Cebu City police’ intelligence branch and the Military Intelligence Group as they stepped out of their workplace at EuroForest Products Industries, Inc., in Mandaue City on October 5. Although the two called for help from onlookers, the agents warned against intervening. The human rights group said Badayos was manhandled and a gun was planted inside her bag. Vistal was taken to Negros Oriental where a warrant for his arrest had been issued the same day he and Badayos were seized. He is now detained at the provincial jail.
Badayos, on the other hand, has been hospitalized for severe anemia. However, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division claimed the two were New People’s Army leaders. 3rd ID commander Major General Jose Mabanta said Vistal, who is also supposedly known by the aliases Cocoy, Fred and Isom, is head of the major NPA unit in southern Negros and used to lead a rebel unit in Bohol. Citing military records, Mabanta said Vistal was allegedly involved in several NPA operations in Bohol, Leyte and Negros, including the raid on two Bohol police camps in 1999. He was also reportedly involved in the encounter with Special Forces troops in 2000 in which 2nd Lieutenant Socrates Que and some of his men were killed. Badayos, on the other hand, is the wife of Vistal.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45298/rights-group-slams-abduction-of-desaparecidos-daughter-companion-but-army-says-it-nabbed-rebels
Army deploys PDTs in Davao del Sur
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 11): Army deploys PDTs in Davao del Sur
The military has deployed more peace and development teams (PDT) in nine barangays of Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur to reach out to residents in mountainous areas. Lt. Colonel Norman Zuniega, commanding officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion, said 81 soldiers comprise the PDTs which have the responsibility to conduct consultations and asses the basic services of government needed by residents. “They are expected to reach out and assess the basic services needed in the community in line with the Peace and Development Outreach Program,” he said. Zuniega said the intent of the deployment of the PDTs is to assist the municipal government of Sta. Maria in the implementation of peace and development projects in the area to farming and fishing communities....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381349831412
The military has deployed more peace and development teams (PDT) in nine barangays of Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur to reach out to residents in mountainous areas. Lt. Colonel Norman Zuniega, commanding officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion, said 81 soldiers comprise the PDTs which have the responsibility to conduct consultations and asses the basic services of government needed by residents. “They are expected to reach out and assess the basic services needed in the community in line with the Peace and Development Outreach Program,” he said. Zuniega said the intent of the deployment of the PDTs is to assist the municipal government of Sta. Maria in the implementation of peace and development projects in the area to farming and fishing communities....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381349831412
CHR-12 probes NPA recruitment, use of ‘child warriors’ in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 11): CHR-12 probes NPA recruitment, use
of ‘child warriors’ in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Region 12 is set to launch an investigation into the alleged continuing recruitment and use of minors or “child warriors” by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in several parts of the region. Tony Delposo, CHR-12 special investigator, said they willspecifically look into a report issued by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) regarding the recent surrender of two minors in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato and the killing of another in an encounter in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat. “We will conduct a verification, validation and investigation of these cases,” he said in a radio interview....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461797
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Region 12 is set to launch an investigation into the alleged continuing recruitment and use of minors or “child warriors” by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in several parts of the region. Tony Delposo, CHR-12 special investigator, said they willspecifically look into a report issued by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) regarding the recent surrender of two minors in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato and the killing of another in an encounter in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat. “We will conduct a verification, validation and investigation of these cases,” he said in a radio interview....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461797
11 suspects in Zambo grenade attack fall
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 11): 11 suspects in Zambo grenade attack
fall
Eleven suspects in Wednesday's grenade attack which injured two people were arrested here, police reported on Thursday. Police said business rivalry is being eyed as the motive and that thorough investigation is being conducted to unmask the alleged mastermind. Authorities also identified the main target of the grenade attack as Blue Shark Hotel owner Hadja Ferdausa Karim, who was unhurt in the explosion. Police identified the suspects as Gary Candido, 20; Albert Perez, 22; Aldasser Muallam, 24; Sherman Jailani, 22; Muamar Muallam, 33; Vincent Carrasco; Jul-Amin Abdula, 22; Jinul Uddin; Mohammad Alkhalidz Amisali, 20; Lindin Uddin, 18; and Kent Ramos....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461821
Eleven suspects in Wednesday's grenade attack which injured two people were arrested here, police reported on Thursday. Police said business rivalry is being eyed as the motive and that thorough investigation is being conducted to unmask the alleged mastermind. Authorities also identified the main target of the grenade attack as Blue Shark Hotel owner Hadja Ferdausa Karim, who was unhurt in the explosion. Police identified the suspects as Gary Candido, 20; Albert Perez, 22; Aldasser Muallam, 24; Sherman Jailani, 22; Muamar Muallam, 33; Vincent Carrasco; Jul-Amin Abdula, 22; Jinul Uddin; Mohammad Alkhalidz Amisali, 20; Lindin Uddin, 18; and Kent Ramos....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461821
Bomb explosion injures teenager in Zambo Sibugay
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 11): Bomb explosion injures teenager in
Zambo Sibugay
A 14-year-old boy was injured in an improvised bomb explosion in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a military official disclosed Thursday. Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the incident took place around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Poblacion, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay. Cabangbang identified the victim as Alraffy Bano, 14, who suffered minor injury. The improvised bomb that exploded was placed in front of M&M Alrafhi Garment Shop owned by Merpha Bano, the mother of the victim, Cabangbang said. Investigation continues to determine the motive of the incident as well as unmask the suspects, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461880
A 14-year-old boy was injured in an improvised bomb explosion in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a military official disclosed Thursday. Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the incident took place around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Poblacion, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay. Cabangbang identified the victim as Alraffy Bano, 14, who suffered minor injury. The improvised bomb that exploded was placed in front of M&M Alrafhi Garment Shop owned by Merpha Bano, the mother of the victim, Cabangbang said. Investigation continues to determine the motive of the incident as well as unmask the suspects, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=461880
Special Feature: ALLAHU AKBAR! AT LAST IT’S A BREAKTHROUGH
Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 11): Special Feature: ALLAHU AKBAR! AT LAST IT’S A BREAKTHROUGH
Allah is the Greatest. After about 16 years of tedious negotiations with the Philippine Government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its peace panel headed by Mohaghir Iqbal and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel Chair Atty. Marvic Leonen had finally settled on the remaining contentious issues in the proposed framework agreement during its 32nd Exploratory talks held in Malaysia last week....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2883:special-feature-allahu-akbar-at-last-its-a-breakthrough&catid=345:gggg
Allah is the Greatest. After about 16 years of tedious negotiations with the Philippine Government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through its peace panel headed by Mohaghir Iqbal and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Panel Chair Atty. Marvic Leonen had finally settled on the remaining contentious issues in the proposed framework agreement during its 32nd Exploratory talks held in Malaysia last week....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2883:special-feature-allahu-akbar-at-last-its-a-breakthrough&catid=345:gggg
MNLF Bangsamoro Final Summit in Davao City
Posted to an MNLF Facebook Page (Oct 1): MNLF Bangsamoro Final Summit in Davao City
All MNLFs are invited to attend the MNLF Bangsamoro Final Summit in Davao City on 21 October 2012 Sunday, starting 8AM. Venue is Davao Crocodile Park, Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Maa, Davao City. HE. Prof. Nur Misuari will be the main guest speaker. Please coordinate with your local group commanders if you wish to come as a group with the MNLFs who are from your own place. I will be there to cover the photography and video of the event. - Rltr John Remollo Petalcorin
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
All MNLFs are invited to attend the MNLF Bangsamoro Final Summit in Davao City on 21 October 2012 Sunday, starting 8AM. Venue is Davao Crocodile Park, Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Highway, Maa, Davao City. HE. Prof. Nur Misuari will be the main guest speaker. Please coordinate with your local group commanders if you wish to come as a group with the MNLFs who are from your own place. I will be there to cover the photography and video of the event. - Rltr John Remollo Petalcorin
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
(MNLF) Perspective on GPH-MILF Deals
Posted to an MNLF-Misuari Facebook Page (Oct 10): (MNLF) Perspective on GPH-MILF Deals
MY PERSPECTIVE OF THE GPH-MILF DEALS? It's just a clown entertainment show. Nice topic to talk about with my barbero. Remember the time when the clown cried when the MOA-AD was nullified by the Supreme Court, the clown burned the town of Kauswagan. That's what I call "toying around with anything of lesser value than independence...."
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
MY PERSPECTIVE OF THE GPH-MILF DEALS? It's just a clown entertainment show. Nice topic to talk about with my barbero. Remember the time when the clown cried when the MOA-AD was nullified by the Supreme Court, the clown burned the town of Kauswagan. That's what I call "toying around with anything of lesser value than independence...."
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
AFP mistakenly arrests civilian, labels and persecutes him as NDFP leader
From the Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 11): AFP
mistakenly arrests civilian, labels and persecutes him as NDFP leader
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for illegaly arresting Rolly M. Panesa based on mistaken identity and violating his civil liberties, falsely identifying him as one of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants in the peace negotiations and filing trumped-up rebellion charges to cover up its blunder.... "To cover up its blunder, AFP Southern Luzon Commander Maj. Gen. Alan Luga subsequently claimed in a statement that Panesa was "Benjamin Mendoza" whom he described as a leader of the revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog. Charges of rebellion were thereupon filed against Panesa," said the CPP…. The CPP denounces the AFP for the illegal arrest of Panesa and expresses support for his demand to be immediately released and recompensed for the grave injustice and violations of his and his family's rights. The CPP further supports his demand that all trumped-up charges filed against him be withdrawn...."
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/10/afp-mistakenly-arrests-civilian-labels.html
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for illegaly arresting Rolly M. Panesa based on mistaken identity and violating his civil liberties, falsely identifying him as one of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants in the peace negotiations and filing trumped-up rebellion charges to cover up its blunder.... "To cover up its blunder, AFP Southern Luzon Commander Maj. Gen. Alan Luga subsequently claimed in a statement that Panesa was "Benjamin Mendoza" whom he described as a leader of the revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog. Charges of rebellion were thereupon filed against Panesa," said the CPP…. The CPP denounces the AFP for the illegal arrest of Panesa and expresses support for his demand to be immediately released and recompensed for the grave injustice and violations of his and his family's rights. The CPP further supports his demand that all trumped-up charges filed against him be withdrawn...."
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/10/afp-mistakenly-arrests-civilian-labels.html
MILF hails UN, EU, UK, US, other states’ support
From the MILF Website (Oct 11): MILF hails UN, EU, UK, US, other states’ support
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) today said the support of the international community for the recent breakthrough in the GPH-MILF peace process has been overwhelming as it expressed gratitude to world leaders and foreign envoys who have welcomed the Framework Agreement reached between the Government of the Philippines and the (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2884:milf-hails-un-eu-uk-us-other-states-support&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) today said the support of the international community for the recent breakthrough in the GPH-MILF peace process has been overwhelming as it expressed gratitude to world leaders and foreign envoys who have welcomed the Framework Agreement reached between the Government of the Philippines and the (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2884:milf-hails-un-eu-uk-us-other-states-support&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Explosion rocks Zambo City amidst Fiesta Pilar celebrations: 2 wounded
From the Zamboanga Today (Oct 11): Explosion rocks Zambo City amidst Fiesta Pilar celebrations: 2 wounded
A grenade explosion injured two people late yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Governor Camins Avenue and Canelar Road, this city. The victims were identified as Rudy Bejerano, 20, a PUJ conductor, of Barangay Camino Nuevo; and Diether Carpio, 12. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police said two men riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle lobbed two MK67 fragmentation hand grenade into a moving Nissan Navarra with plate number KFJ 885 along the avenue at around 5 p.m. But one of the grenades failed to explode, according to the personnel of the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) of the local police led by Sr. Inspector Ceasar Memoracion. The vehicle carrying 5 passengers, one of them identified as Perduasia Abdulla Karim, escaped unharm, according to Memoracion. The attackers tried to escape towards Veterans Avenue but was collared by responding policemen from the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO). The police later identified the suspects as Gary Candido y Martinez, 20, married, of Barangay Mampang; and Albert Perez y Anding, 22, single, of Barangay Curuan, The local police authorities are still investigating the possible motive of the incident....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/12087-explosion-rocks-zambo-city-amidst-fiesta-pilar-celebrations-2-wounded.html
A grenade explosion injured two people late yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Governor Camins Avenue and Canelar Road, this city. The victims were identified as Rudy Bejerano, 20, a PUJ conductor, of Barangay Camino Nuevo; and Diether Carpio, 12. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police said two men riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle lobbed two MK67 fragmentation hand grenade into a moving Nissan Navarra with plate number KFJ 885 along the avenue at around 5 p.m. But one of the grenades failed to explode, according to the personnel of the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) of the local police led by Sr. Inspector Ceasar Memoracion. The vehicle carrying 5 passengers, one of them identified as Perduasia Abdulla Karim, escaped unharm, according to Memoracion. The attackers tried to escape towards Veterans Avenue but was collared by responding policemen from the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO). The police later identified the suspects as Gary Candido y Martinez, 20, married, of Barangay Mampang; and Albert Perez y Anding, 22, single, of Barangay Curuan, The local police authorities are still investigating the possible motive of the incident....
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/12087-explosion-rocks-zambo-city-amidst-fiesta-pilar-celebrations-2-wounded.html
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