From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 15): An official end to MILF rebellion
Just one month shy of turning 40 years, the Moro rebellion in Mindanao
officially comes to an end as the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) sign Monday a framework agreement creating Bangsamoro....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/289064/an-official-end-to-milf-rebellion
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Framework pact with PH gov’t the ‘best’ since 1997—MILF
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): Framework pact with PH gov’t the ‘best’ since 1997—MILF
.... In a statement, the MILF said the framework agreement “is a template for real self-rule for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.” “It is a solid document, (although) short of the ideal option providing for an independent state,” it added. “Of course, it is not a perfect agreement, especially for those who wish for a better one. But for those who have been in the negotiation since 1997, especially negotiators of the MILF, the agreement is the best,” the MILF stressed. “There could never be another like it, because so much blood, sweat, and tears have been invested in it and there would have been no time in the past and perhaps in the future that such Agreement will ever be possible,” the group added. “The two parties have given their best and for them, this is the best compromise. Pushing them for more concessions is like pushing them to go to war,” the MILF further said....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/289048/framework-pact-with-ph-govt-the-best-since-1997-milf
.... In a statement, the MILF said the framework agreement “is a template for real self-rule for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.” “It is a solid document, (although) short of the ideal option providing for an independent state,” it added. “Of course, it is not a perfect agreement, especially for those who wish for a better one. But for those who have been in the negotiation since 1997, especially negotiators of the MILF, the agreement is the best,” the MILF stressed. “There could never be another like it, because so much blood, sweat, and tears have been invested in it and there would have been no time in the past and perhaps in the future that such Agreement will ever be possible,” the group added. “The two parties have given their best and for them, this is the best compromise. Pushing them for more concessions is like pushing them to go to war,” the MILF further said....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/289048/framework-pact-with-ph-govt-the-best-since-1997-milf
Nur rejects framework agreement
From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): Nur rejects
framework agreement
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari yesterday rejected the “framework agreement” to be signed today by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “The term of agreement is unacceptable… it’s actually a formula for renewed hostilities in Mindanao,” Misuari told The STAR. Misuari said he would bring the issue before the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He pointed out that the proposed peace accord runs counter to the series of tripartite agreements forged by the Philippine government and the MNLF. He said he would discuss the issue today with OIC secretary-general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to allow the 57-member Islamic group of nations to make an official stand on the proposed agreement....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859594&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari yesterday rejected the “framework agreement” to be signed today by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “The term of agreement is unacceptable… it’s actually a formula for renewed hostilities in Mindanao,” Misuari told The STAR. Misuari said he would bring the issue before the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He pointed out that the proposed peace accord runs counter to the series of tripartite agreements forged by the Philippine government and the MNLF. He said he would discuss the issue today with OIC secretary-general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to allow the 57-member Islamic group of nations to make an official stand on the proposed agreement....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859594&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Noy creating Moro transition body
From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): Noy creating Moro
transition body
President Aquino will soon issue an executive order appointing the 15 members of a Transition Commission after the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sign today at Malacañang the framework agreement outlining the roadmap for peace. The 15-member commission, composed of eight representatives from the Muslim side and seven from the government, will draft a bill that will be sent to Congress to establish a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859585&publicationSubCategoryId=63
President Aquino will soon issue an executive order appointing the 15 members of a Transition Commission after the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sign today at Malacañang the framework agreement outlining the roadmap for peace. The 15-member commission, composed of eight representatives from the Muslim side and seven from the government, will draft a bill that will be sent to Congress to establish a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859585&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Gov't won't defer MILF peace pact signing
From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): Gov't won't defer MILF peace pact signing
The government peace panel said there is no reason to defer the signing of the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite protests against and opposition on the peace pact. The panel added that it sees no "fatal error" in the framework agreement despite claims that the peace agreement contains ambiguous provisions. “[We] find no fatal error in the agreement and we find it is not unconstitutional or illegal,” Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government panel, told local radio RMN in this city Monday morning. The agreement is expected to be signed by the government and the MILF on Monday afternoon. Leonen added that compared to the other agreements that were previously signed with the MILF, the framework agreement “is the most...constitutional, democratic, the most people driven agreement ever....”
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=859775
The government peace panel said there is no reason to defer the signing of the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite protests against and opposition on the peace pact. The panel added that it sees no "fatal error" in the framework agreement despite claims that the peace agreement contains ambiguous provisions. “[We] find no fatal error in the agreement and we find it is not unconstitutional or illegal,” Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government panel, told local radio RMN in this city Monday morning. The agreement is expected to be signed by the government and the MILF on Monday afternoon. Leonen added that compared to the other agreements that were previously signed with the MILF, the framework agreement “is the most...constitutional, democratic, the most people driven agreement ever....”
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=859775
Malaysia seeks new role for peacekeepers
From Rappler (Oct 15): Malaysia seeks new role for peacekeepers
Malaysia expects changes in its role as well as that of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) after the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, October 15. The issue will be raised by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during his meeting with President Benigno Aquino III on Monday morning, according to Malaysian defense minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. "Depending on the outcome of discussions between the two leaders, a new diplomatic IMT set-up is likely to be established. We are thinking there must be another level of monitoring -- one that does not depend on military presence but a diplomatic channel to ensure the details of the framework agreement are adhered to," Zahid told reporters before departing for the Philippines....
International Monitoring Team in Mindanao. Photo from IMT-Mindanao official website
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14197-malaysia-seeks-new-role-in-peace-process
Malaysia expects changes in its role as well as that of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) after the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, October 15. The issue will be raised by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during his meeting with President Benigno Aquino III on Monday morning, according to Malaysian defense minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. "Depending on the outcome of discussions between the two leaders, a new diplomatic IMT set-up is likely to be established. We are thinking there must be another level of monitoring -- one that does not depend on military presence but a diplomatic channel to ensure the details of the framework agreement are adhered to," Zahid told reporters before departing for the Philippines....
International Monitoring Team in Mindanao. Photo from IMT-Mindanao official website
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14197-malaysia-seeks-new-role-in-peace-process
MILF goes to Malacanang for signing of Framework deal; OIC SecGen attends, too
From MindaNews (Oct 14): MILF goes to Malacanang for signing of Framework deal; OIC SecGen attends, too
From the battlefields of Mindanao to Malacanang. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will lead a delegation of around 200, among them field commanders, to the signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) on Monday afternoon at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanan Palace. MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews the MILF has a delegation of 190. “They are here as the President’s guests,” Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, told MindaNews Sunday night. Deles said the signing ceremonies will start at 1:30 p.m. with about 800 guests expected, including Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak who arrived Sunday and Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (formerly Conference) who arrived Saturday....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/14/milf-goes-to-malacanang-for-signing-of-framework-deal-oic-secgen-attends-too/
From the battlefields of Mindanao to Malacanang. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will lead a delegation of around 200, among them field commanders, to the signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) on Monday afternoon at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanan Palace. MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews the MILF has a delegation of 190. “They are here as the President’s guests,” Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, told MindaNews Sunday night. Deles said the signing ceremonies will start at 1:30 p.m. with about 800 guests expected, including Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak who arrived Sunday and Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (formerly Conference) who arrived Saturday....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/14/milf-goes-to-malacanang-for-signing-of-framework-deal-oic-secgen-attends-too/
Philippine president hiding truth on return of Washington bases
Poste to All Voices (Oct 13): Philippine president hiding truth on return of Washington bases
A left-leaning group in Manila opposed to any form of foreign military intervention in the country had accused President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of hiding the truth that he has allowed the US military to use the Subic International Airport as a military airport to accommodate the growing number of US troops participating in the yearly Balikatan exercises in the country. In a press statement, a copy of which was furnished to all voices.com, said Pamalakaya national chairperson and Anakpawis party list no.1 nominee Fernando Hicap lambasted President Aquino for virtually transforming the international airport in Zambales as "de facto" military base, which he described as an act of treason.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Subic International Airport is just a name. In real life, it is a US military facility operating on a regular basis to accommodate increasing numbers of White House troops gearing for wars of aggression in different parts of the globe and President Aquino should be condemned to the highest order for committing this triple platinum crime of treachery and betrayal," the Pamalakaya official said.
Hicap said the arrival of more than 2,200 American troops for the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) with 1,600 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in various parts of the Philippines from October 8-18 is a clear manifestation that Subic, now playing host to US troops is now back in the limelight as the largest American base outside the US mainland," he said....
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13179360-philippine-president-hiding-truth-on-return-of-washington-bases
A left-leaning group in Manila opposed to any form of foreign military intervention in the country had accused President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of hiding the truth that he has allowed the US military to use the Subic International Airport as a military airport to accommodate the growing number of US troops participating in the yearly Balikatan exercises in the country. In a press statement, a copy of which was furnished to all voices.com, said Pamalakaya national chairperson and Anakpawis party list no.1 nominee Fernando Hicap lambasted President Aquino for virtually transforming the international airport in Zambales as "de facto" military base, which he described as an act of treason.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Subic International Airport is just a name. In real life, it is a US military facility operating on a regular basis to accommodate increasing numbers of White House troops gearing for wars of aggression in different parts of the globe and President Aquino should be condemned to the highest order for committing this triple platinum crime of treachery and betrayal," the Pamalakaya official said.
Hicap said the arrival of more than 2,200 American troops for the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) with 1,600 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in various parts of the Philippines from October 8-18 is a clear manifestation that Subic, now playing host to US troops is now back in the limelight as the largest American base outside the US mainland," he said....
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13179360-philippine-president-hiding-truth-on-return-of-washington-bases
GPH, MILF peace pact to prop up efforts to tackle Abu Sayyaf
From Xinhua (Oct 14): GPH, MILF peace pact to prop up efforts to tackle Abu Sayyaf
The signing of a framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could further strengthen the cooperation of the two parties to eliminate terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in southern Mindanao region, a senior government official said on Sunday. Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, in an interview via state-run radio station, said that contrary to the Abu Sayyaf, the MILF is an organization, which has a legitimate aspiration. "They (Abu Sayyaf) are a law enforcement problem and once we are okay with the other armed opposition or primarily the MILF, our capacity to address this problem will greatly be improved," she explained....
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-10/14/c_131905656.htm
The signing of a framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could further strengthen the cooperation of the two parties to eliminate terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in southern Mindanao region, a senior government official said on Sunday. Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, in an interview via state-run radio station, said that contrary to the Abu Sayyaf, the MILF is an organization, which has a legitimate aspiration. "They (Abu Sayyaf) are a law enforcement problem and once we are okay with the other armed opposition or primarily the MILF, our capacity to address this problem will greatly be improved," she explained....
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-10/14/c_131905656.htm
Challenges, hitches seen ahead of PH-MILF peace pact
From ABS-CBN (Oct 14): Challenges, hitches seen ahead of PH-MILF peace pact
The government admitted there is much to be done before the proposed new political entity called “Bangsamoro” will rise in the restive south. Still, the enthusiasm over the framework agreement that will be signed tomorrow, October 15, is already a signal that all stakeholders, both Muslims and non-Muslims, are already gearing for a lasting peace. In an interview with radio dzRB, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles ensured peace advocates that the Bangsamoro, as prescribed in the framework, will be in place before President Benigno Aquino III steps down from office in 2016. “There will be many more years…but there is political commitment,” she said....
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/14/12/challenges-hitches-seen-ahead-ph-milf-peace-pact
The government admitted there is much to be done before the proposed new political entity called “Bangsamoro” will rise in the restive south. Still, the enthusiasm over the framework agreement that will be signed tomorrow, October 15, is already a signal that all stakeholders, both Muslims and non-Muslims, are already gearing for a lasting peace. In an interview with radio dzRB, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles ensured peace advocates that the Bangsamoro, as prescribed in the framework, will be in place before President Benigno Aquino III steps down from office in 2016. “There will be many more years…but there is political commitment,” she said....
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/14/12/challenges-hitches-seen-ahead-ph-milf-peace-pact
Having known little but war, MILF chief travels to Manila in peace
From GMANews (Oct 14): Having known little but war, MILF chief travels to Manila in peace
Murad Ebrahim's adulthood has seen little but war. On Sunday, the leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is due to arrive in Manila in peace. Murad and other senior MILF figures are scheduled to participate in the signing of an accord at the presidential palace on Monday that outlines a road map to end one of Asia's longest and deadliest insurgencies by 2016.... Ebrahim, an aging warrior in his 60s who has spent most of his life fighting government troops in Mindanao, will be making his first official trip as MILF leader to Manila and his first visit to the presidential palace. "We feel honored to be welcomed in Manila, but I must stress this is just the beginning of the peace journey," Ebrahim's deputy for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar, who will be accompanying him, told AFP. Speaking by phone from the MILF's southern headquarters before flying to Manila, Jaafar said Ebrahim "feels relieved" that the road map for peace would be signed after 15 years of negotiations....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278200/news/nation/having-known-little-but-war-milf-chief-travels-to-manila-in-peace?ref=bannerh1
Murad Ebrahim's adulthood has seen little but war. On Sunday, the leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is due to arrive in Manila in peace. Murad and other senior MILF figures are scheduled to participate in the signing of an accord at the presidential palace on Monday that outlines a road map to end one of Asia's longest and deadliest insurgencies by 2016.... Ebrahim, an aging warrior in his 60s who has spent most of his life fighting government troops in Mindanao, will be making his first official trip as MILF leader to Manila and his first visit to the presidential palace. "We feel honored to be welcomed in Manila, but I must stress this is just the beginning of the peace journey," Ebrahim's deputy for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar, who will be accompanying him, told AFP. Speaking by phone from the MILF's southern headquarters before flying to Manila, Jaafar said Ebrahim "feels relieved" that the road map for peace would be signed after 15 years of negotiations....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278200/news/nation/having-known-little-but-war-milf-chief-travels-to-manila-in-peace?ref=bannerh1
Mapagu bids farewell to Scout Rangers
From the Business Mirror (Oct 14): Mapagu bids farewell to Scout Rangers
OUTGOING Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu over the weekend made his last official visit as an active officer to the home of the Army’s elite warriors, the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), where in 2006 the top brass sent him to take command of the unit and tame the “black panthers” from joining a coup attempt against then-President Gloria Arroyo. The regiment has four battalions or more than 2,000 troops, most of which were deployed to Mindanao. FSSR’s headquarters is based at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan. It is currently led by Col. Abraham Bagasin. The former Special Operations Task Force-Basilan commander, Col. Ramon Yogyog, is the unit’s deputy commander and Col. Roberto Ancan is the chief of staff. The Scout Rangers are led by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates....
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/557-mapagu-bids-farewell-to-scout-rangers
OUTGOING Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu over the weekend made his last official visit as an active officer to the home of the Army’s elite warriors, the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), where in 2006 the top brass sent him to take command of the unit and tame the “black panthers” from joining a coup attempt against then-President Gloria Arroyo. The regiment has four battalions or more than 2,000 troops, most of which were deployed to Mindanao. FSSR’s headquarters is based at Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan. It is currently led by Col. Abraham Bagasin. The former Special Operations Task Force-Basilan commander, Col. Ramon Yogyog, is the unit’s deputy commander and Col. Roberto Ancan is the chief of staff. The Scout Rangers are led by Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates....
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/557-mapagu-bids-farewell-to-scout-rangers
PHL, MILF to sign ‘historic’ peace deal
From the Business Mirror (Oct 14): PHL, MILF to sign ‘historic’ peace deal
THE Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will sign today the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, paving the way for a new autonomous political entity that would not be another “failed experiment” exemplified by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Malacañang said on Sunday. Marvic Leonen, Philippine peace panel chairman, and his MILF counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal, will sign the framework agreement at 1:30 p.m. in Malacañang, in the presence of principal witnesses President Aquino, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)....
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/top-news/562-phl-milf-to-sign-historic-peace-deal
THE Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will sign today the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, paving the way for a new autonomous political entity that would not be another “failed experiment” exemplified by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Malacañang said on Sunday. Marvic Leonen, Philippine peace panel chairman, and his MILF counterpart, Mohagher Iqbal, will sign the framework agreement at 1:30 p.m. in Malacañang, in the presence of principal witnesses President Aquino, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)....
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/top-news/562-phl-milf-to-sign-historic-peace-deal
No Threat
From the Journal Online (Oct 14): No Threat
NOTWITHSTANDING a grenade blast in a building in San Juan City just two days before the signing of a historic framework peace agreement between the government and secessionist rebels, Malacañang sees no security threat to the event. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told Palace reporters yesterday that preparations for the ceremonies tomorrow are in full swing. ”Wala tayong nakukuhang any information of threats,” Valte said....
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/headlines/39641-no-threat
NOTWITHSTANDING a grenade blast in a building in San Juan City just two days before the signing of a historic framework peace agreement between the government and secessionist rebels, Malacañang sees no security threat to the event. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told Palace reporters yesterday that preparations for the ceremonies tomorrow are in full swing. ”Wala tayong nakukuhang any information of threats,” Valte said....
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/headlines/39641-no-threat
US Military Commits To Assist PH Security
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 14): US Military Commits To Assist PH Security
A senior United States Marine official said here during the weekend that more than the conduct of bilateral exercises, the US military is willing to cooperate with the Philippine military on issues of national and maritime security. Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake, commanding general of the US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), stressed that despite the presence in Subic Bay of almost 3,000 American servicemen participating in the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013, it does not mean that the Americans are back on a permanent basis.... According to the US general, they can cooperate with the Philippines even on issues that affect national and maritime security. “Yes, we could cooperate in those things if the government of the United States and the Philippines decide that’s what we’re going to do.. then of course we could do that,” said Timberlake. He made it clear, however, that the focus of their presence at the former US naval base has nothing to do with the dispute between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.“That’s not the focus of what we’re trying to get here today,” he said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377181/us-military-commits-to-assist-ph-security
A senior United States Marine official said here during the weekend that more than the conduct of bilateral exercises, the US military is willing to cooperate with the Philippine military on issues of national and maritime security. Brig. Gen. Craig Timberlake, commanding general of the US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), stressed that despite the presence in Subic Bay of almost 3,000 American servicemen participating in the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013, it does not mean that the Americans are back on a permanent basis.... According to the US general, they can cooperate with the Philippines even on issues that affect national and maritime security. “Yes, we could cooperate in those things if the government of the United States and the Philippines decide that’s what we’re going to do.. then of course we could do that,” said Timberlake. He made it clear, however, that the focus of their presence at the former US naval base has nothing to do with the dispute between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.“That’s not the focus of what we’re trying to get here today,” he said....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377181/us-military-commits-to-assist-ph-security
Widow of fallen MILF fighter expresses mixed feelings about peace pact
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): Widow of fallen MILF fighter expresses mixed feelings
about peace pact
The tents, the decorated stage and the colorful “padara (flags)” lining up the dirt road can only mean one thing – celebration. “We are holding a party to show our support to the peace deal,” said Kongan Asim, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter since 1982. Camp commander Mohammad Nasif said they were expecting around 2,500 MILF fighters to come, some of them have started to arrive Sunday. In Maguindanao alone, there are about 150 ground commanders. “We have prepared a program where commanders will speak,” Nasif said.... But Sumlay Mangindra, a 49-year-old mother of two and widow of an MILF fighter, would just “wait and see” for the next developments.... “Independence would have been the best solution to our problem, to our poverty, to our being less developed, and I am convinced it is,” she said in broken Tagalog, taking a deep breath as she prepared “kangkong” leaves to be sold at the Cotabato City market Monday, the day when the government and the MILF sign a historic framework agreement in Malacañang.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288976/widow-of-fallen-milf-fighter-expresses-mixed-feelings-about-peace-pact
The tents, the decorated stage and the colorful “padara (flags)” lining up the dirt road can only mean one thing – celebration. “We are holding a party to show our support to the peace deal,” said Kongan Asim, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter since 1982. Camp commander Mohammad Nasif said they were expecting around 2,500 MILF fighters to come, some of them have started to arrive Sunday. In Maguindanao alone, there are about 150 ground commanders. “We have prepared a program where commanders will speak,” Nasif said.... But Sumlay Mangindra, a 49-year-old mother of two and widow of an MILF fighter, would just “wait and see” for the next developments.... “Independence would have been the best solution to our problem, to our poverty, to our being less developed, and I am convinced it is,” she said in broken Tagalog, taking a deep breath as she prepared “kangkong” leaves to be sold at the Cotabato City market Monday, the day when the government and the MILF sign a historic framework agreement in Malacañang.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288976/widow-of-fallen-milf-fighter-expresses-mixed-feelings-about-peace-pact
Ex-MNLF commander rallies support for PH-MILF peace deal
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): Ex-MNLF commander rallies
support for PH-MILF peace deal
A former Moro National Liberation Front commander believes there is no reason for the group to feel slighted by the government’s drafting of a framework peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, saying their respective peace agreements with the state both contribute to securing the future of war-torn areas in Mindanao. Sulu Representative Tupay Loong, who used to be with the MNLF, also appealed to MNLF leader Nur Misuari to give the new framework agreement a chance....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288960/ex-mnlf-commander-rallies-support-for-ph-milf-peace-deal
A former Moro National Liberation Front commander believes there is no reason for the group to feel slighted by the government’s drafting of a framework peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, saying their respective peace agreements with the state both contribute to securing the future of war-torn areas in Mindanao. Sulu Representative Tupay Loong, who used to be with the MNLF, also appealed to MNLF leader Nur Misuari to give the new framework agreement a chance....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288960/ex-mnlf-commander-rallies-support-for-ph-milf-peace-deal
‘Framework pact to set in motion 3-year process to create Bangsamoro Entity’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): ‘Framework pact to set in
motion 3-year process to create Bangsamoro Entity’
The largest Moro secessionist group in Mindanao will sign on Monday in Malacañang a preliminary peace deal with the Aquino administration, which will set in motion a three-year process that would eventually carve out a new autonomous territory called Bangsamoro.... Under the framework, the MILF agrees to a “phased” disarmament of its forces until full autonomy is achieved by 2016....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288954/framework-pact-to-set-in-motion-3-year-process-to-create-bangsamoro-entity
The largest Moro secessionist group in Mindanao will sign on Monday in Malacañang a preliminary peace deal with the Aquino administration, which will set in motion a three-year process that would eventually carve out a new autonomous territory called Bangsamoro.... Under the framework, the MILF agrees to a “phased” disarmament of its forces until full autonomy is achieved by 2016....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288954/framework-pact-to-set-in-motion-3-year-process-to-create-bangsamoro-entity
Lacson raises questions on Bangsamoro police, emergence of new rebel force
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): Lacson raises questions on Bangsamoro police, emergence of new rebel force
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson wants to know if the proposed Bangsamoro will have its own police force and whether this will be considered a part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under President Benigno Aquino III. The chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security also wonders if the framework agreement to be signed on Monday in Malacañang between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be an assurance that no new rebel group will emerge later in Mindanao to challenge its authority. Lacson also hopes that the term Bangsamoro, which roughly translates to “Nation of Muslims,” will not lead to the dismemberment of the republic. The former director general of the Philippine National Police said the issue of whether Bangsamoro would have its own police force could involve the Constitution....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288970/lacson-raises-questions-on-bangsamoro-police-emergence-of-new-rebel-force
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson wants to know if the proposed Bangsamoro will have its own police force and whether this will be considered a part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under President Benigno Aquino III. The chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security also wonders if the framework agreement to be signed on Monday in Malacañang between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be an assurance that no new rebel group will emerge later in Mindanao to challenge its authority. Lacson also hopes that the term Bangsamoro, which roughly translates to “Nation of Muslims,” will not lead to the dismemberment of the republic. The former director general of the Philippine National Police said the issue of whether Bangsamoro would have its own police force could involve the Constitution....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/288970/lacson-raises-questions-on-bangsamoro-police-emergence-of-new-rebel-force
No war from MNLF over govt pact with MILF - Nur
From InterAksyon (Oct 14): No war from MNLF over govt pact with MILF - Nur
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari has given his assurance that his forces will not go to war with the signing of the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said. Tan, coming off from a meeting with Misuari Saturday, has reciprocated and conveyed President Benigno Aquino III's message that his administration is determined "not to ram the new deal down the throat of the Mindanao people, with the final agreement being submitted to the people for ratification." Tan also reiterated his appeal to Misuari to let the peace process take its course and “we must support all peace efforts as the only way to finally bring stability and progress in Mindanao...."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45492/no-war-from-mnlf-over-govt-pact-with-milf---nur
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari has given his assurance that his forces will not go to war with the signing of the peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said. Tan, coming off from a meeting with Misuari Saturday, has reciprocated and conveyed President Benigno Aquino III's message that his administration is determined "not to ram the new deal down the throat of the Mindanao people, with the final agreement being submitted to the people for ratification." Tan also reiterated his appeal to Misuari to let the peace process take its course and “we must support all peace efforts as the only way to finally bring stability and progress in Mindanao...."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45492/no-war-from-mnlf-over-govt-pact-with-milf---nur
Reds on Moro framework agreement: We won’t be stampeded into half-baked peace
From InterAksyon (Oct 14): Reds on Moro framework agreement: We won’t be stampeded into half-baked peace
The government cannot use the draft framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to force the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to go back to the negotiating table in the absence of clear guarantees, chief National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Sunday. “The propaganda of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) on the signing of this Framework next week is to pressure the NDFP to agree on a ceasefire and resume formal GPH-NDFP peace negotiations,” Jalandoni said in a statement released by the CPP Bureau. First, the government must comply with basic binding GRP/GPH bilateral agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Jalandoni said. “The JASIG requires the GPH to release 13 NDFP Consultants in GPH prisons. The CARHRIHL requires the release of political prisoners who have been charged, detained or convicted for common crimes in violation of the Hernandez political offense doctrine. There are some 385 political prisoners, 107 of them arrested and detained under the current Aquino regime,” Jalandoni said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45499/reds-on-moro-framework-agreement-we-wont-be-stampeded-into-half-baked-peace
The government cannot use the draft framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to force the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to go back to the negotiating table in the absence of clear guarantees, chief National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Sunday. “The propaganda of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) on the signing of this Framework next week is to pressure the NDFP to agree on a ceasefire and resume formal GPH-NDFP peace negotiations,” Jalandoni said in a statement released by the CPP Bureau. First, the government must comply with basic binding GRP/GPH bilateral agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Jalandoni said. “The JASIG requires the GPH to release 13 NDFP Consultants in GPH prisons. The CARHRIHL requires the release of political prisoners who have been charged, detained or convicted for common crimes in violation of the Hernandez political offense doctrine. There are some 385 political prisoners, 107 of them arrested and detained under the current Aquino regime,” Jalandoni said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45499/reds-on-moro-framework-agreement-we-wont-be-stampeded-into-half-baked-peace
PROFILE: Murad Ebrahim, from hardline to voice of moderation
From Rapper (Oct 14): PROFILE: Murad Ebrahim, from hardline to voice of moderation
He was a feared military commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who steered a once largely ragtag secessionist band of rebels under the shadow of the more ideological and scholarly Hashim Salamat, from whom he inherited the chairmanship of the country’s largest Moro rebel group.... Murad was one semester short of finishing his civil engineering course from the Notre Dame of University in Cotabato City when he joined the Moro National Liberation Front in 1972. For years, he was largely unknown although already a leading cadre of the MNLF. In 1981, Murad joined the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following a bitter split and leadership struggle between the late Hashim, who died of heart attack in 2003, and former UP Prof. Nur Misuari who was chair of the MNLF. He rose to become head of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the MILF, and vice chair for military affairs of the MILF which grew into a formidable armed force under Hashim....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14153-profile-murad-ebrahim,-from-hardline-to-voice-of-moderation
He was a feared military commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who steered a once largely ragtag secessionist band of rebels under the shadow of the more ideological and scholarly Hashim Salamat, from whom he inherited the chairmanship of the country’s largest Moro rebel group.... Murad was one semester short of finishing his civil engineering course from the Notre Dame of University in Cotabato City when he joined the Moro National Liberation Front in 1972. For years, he was largely unknown although already a leading cadre of the MNLF. In 1981, Murad joined the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following a bitter split and leadership struggle between the late Hashim, who died of heart attack in 2003, and former UP Prof. Nur Misuari who was chair of the MNLF. He rose to become head of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the MILF, and vice chair for military affairs of the MILF which grew into a formidable armed force under Hashim....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14153-profile-murad-ebrahim,-from-hardline-to-voice-of-moderation
MILF chief Ebrahim arrives in Manila for historic peace trip
From Rappler (Oct 14): MILF chief Ebrahim arrives in Manila for historic peace trip
The leaders of the Philippines' biggest Muslim rebel group arrived in Manila on Sunday, October 14, for a historic visit aimed at ending one of Asia's longest and deadliest insurgencies. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim and other senior rebel figures emerged from their remote bases in the country's south to oversee the signing of an accord on Monday that outlines a roadmap for peace by 2016....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14181-milf-chief-ebrahim-arrives-in-manila-for-historic-peace-trip
The leaders of the Philippines' biggest Muslim rebel group arrived in Manila on Sunday, October 14, for a historic visit aimed at ending one of Asia's longest and deadliest insurgencies. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim and other senior rebel figures emerged from their remote bases in the country's south to oversee the signing of an accord on Monday that outlines a roadmap for peace by 2016....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14181-milf-chief-ebrahim-arrives-in-manila-for-historic-peace-trip
Body of 'military spy' exhumed in Cotabato town
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Body of 'military spy' exhumed in
Cotabato town
Police and government troops exhumed on Saturday a male cadaver in a remote village in Magpet town in North Cotabato believed buried more than a year ago, reports said. Sr. Insp. Sunny Leoncito, officer-in-charge of the Magpet police station, identified the cadaver as Teofilo Coquilla, Jr., 43, of Tugbok district, Davao City. Lt. Nasrullah Sema, head of the civil military operations of the 57th Infantry Battalion, said a rebel returnee whom he refused to identify for security reasons gave them information about the cadaver.... Leoncito, citing as basis the testimony of their informant, said a certain Commander Berto of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Front 54 operating in North Cotabato was believed responsible for the killing of Coquilla. The rebels, reports said, alleged the victim was a ‘military spy’, reports said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=462514
Police and government troops exhumed on Saturday a male cadaver in a remote village in Magpet town in North Cotabato believed buried more than a year ago, reports said. Sr. Insp. Sunny Leoncito, officer-in-charge of the Magpet police station, identified the cadaver as Teofilo Coquilla, Jr., 43, of Tugbok district, Davao City. Lt. Nasrullah Sema, head of the civil military operations of the 57th Infantry Battalion, said a rebel returnee whom he refused to identify for security reasons gave them information about the cadaver.... Leoncito, citing as basis the testimony of their informant, said a certain Commander Berto of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) Front 54 operating in North Cotabato was believed responsible for the killing of Coquilla. The rebels, reports said, alleged the victim was a ‘military spy’, reports said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=462514
'Hijab Run for Peace' a success --AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): 'Hijab Run for Peace' a success --AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the first “Hijab Run: Religious Understanding Now” was a success as hundreds of women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, participated in the activity held Sunday morning in Quezon City.... Organized and facilitated by the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and supported by the AFP and various government agencies and civic organizations, the event was also in support of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacanang on Monday....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462460
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the first “Hijab Run: Religious Understanding Now” was a success as hundreds of women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, participated in the activity held Sunday morning in Quezon City.... Organized and facilitated by the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and supported by the AFP and various government agencies and civic organizations, the event was also in support of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacanang on Monday....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462460
MNLF leaders to attend Framework Agreement signing on Monday -- Deles
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): MNLF leaders to attend Framework
Agreement signing on Monday -- Deles
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita "Ging" Deles said on Sunday some leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will be attending the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on Monday in Malacanang. "I have talked to the (MNLF) facilitators of the tripartite review. They agree with the process. We have been telling them that the MNLF will be acknowledged and will not be left behind in the process," said Deles in a radio interview.... Dean Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace panel, in an earlier interview, however, said that the MNLF is a political organization, while the MILF is a Moro rebel group. "The MNLF is a political organization and it depends on the MILF if it wants to build alliances with the MNLF and we're hoping that they do," he said. As of now, Misuari refused to join the process on the creation of Bangsamoro....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462502
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita "Ging" Deles said on Sunday some leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will be attending the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on Monday in Malacanang. "I have talked to the (MNLF) facilitators of the tripartite review. They agree with the process. We have been telling them that the MNLF will be acknowledged and will not be left behind in the process," said Deles in a radio interview.... Dean Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace panel, in an earlier interview, however, said that the MNLF is a political organization, while the MILF is a Moro rebel group. "The MNLF is a political organization and it depends on the MILF if it wants to build alliances with the MNLF and we're hoping that they do," he said. As of now, Misuari refused to join the process on the creation of Bangsamoro....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462502
Suspected Aby Sayyaf bandits kill 3 soldiers
From the Sun Star (Oct 14): Suspected Aby Sayyaf bandits kill 3 soldiers
Philippine military officials said three Army soldiers traveling on motorcycles to buy food in a market in the southern Philippines were killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen. Regional Army Captain Alberto Caber said the four attackers, who were armed with pistols and also traveling on board two motorcycles, opened fire on the unarmed soldiers Saturday as they were about to overtake them on a hillside road near a village in Lamitan City on the southern island of Basilan. Caber said Sunday that the three soldiers died while being brought to a hospital. Army troops are trying to find the gunmen. US-backed offensives have considerably weakened the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and nearby islands but the militants remain a key security threat.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/14/suspected-aby-sayyaf-bandits-kill-3-soldiers-247951
Philippine military officials said three Army soldiers traveling on motorcycles to buy food in a market in the southern Philippines were killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen. Regional Army Captain Alberto Caber said the four attackers, who were armed with pistols and also traveling on board two motorcycles, opened fire on the unarmed soldiers Saturday as they were about to overtake them on a hillside road near a village in Lamitan City on the southern island of Basilan. Caber said Sunday that the three soldiers died while being brought to a hospital. Army troops are trying to find the gunmen. US-backed offensives have considerably weakened the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and nearby islands but the militants remain a key security threat.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/14/suspected-aby-sayyaf-bandits-kill-3-soldiers-247951
MNLF now says it won’t go to war over new Bangsamoro region in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 14): MNLF now says it won’t go to war over new Bangsamoro region in
Mindanao
A former Libyan firebrand Nur Misuari, whose group has opposed Manila’s peace deal with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front, doused fears that it could spark a new war in the southern Philippines. Misuari - who heads a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front that signed a peace agreement with the government in September 1996 – made the assurance during a meeting with Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan in Zamboanga City over the weekend. Misuari is opposing the new autonomous political entity called Bangsamoro that Manila and the MILF have agreed.... Misuari was quoted by the Philippine media as saying that the new Bangsamoro autonomous region could spark unrest and may lead to war in Mindanao. “I was misunderstood. What I said was the framework (of the peace deal) might be a recipe for a crisis which may include war,” Misuari told Tan.... If I want hostilities to resume, why would I announce it? A person who understands war knows that the element of surprise is very important; I would have kept silent if that was what my intention. In fact, I am running for ARMM governor this coming May 2013 polls. I am a politician now, we only want what is good for our people,” Misuari said....
Photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner by the Sulu provincial government show MNLF chairman Nur Misuari speaks to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a one-on-one meeting inZamboanga City
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121014021519
A former Libyan firebrand Nur Misuari, whose group has opposed Manila’s peace deal with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front, doused fears that it could spark a new war in the southern Philippines. Misuari - who heads a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front that signed a peace agreement with the government in September 1996 – made the assurance during a meeting with Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan in Zamboanga City over the weekend. Misuari is opposing the new autonomous political entity called Bangsamoro that Manila and the MILF have agreed.... Misuari was quoted by the Philippine media as saying that the new Bangsamoro autonomous region could spark unrest and may lead to war in Mindanao. “I was misunderstood. What I said was the framework (of the peace deal) might be a recipe for a crisis which may include war,” Misuari told Tan.... If I want hostilities to resume, why would I announce it? A person who understands war knows that the element of surprise is very important; I would have kept silent if that was what my intention. In fact, I am running for ARMM governor this coming May 2013 polls. I am a politician now, we only want what is good for our people,” Misuari said....
Photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner by the Sulu provincial government show MNLF chairman Nur Misuari speaks to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a one-on-one meeting in
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121014021519
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