Saturday, October 27, 2012

MILF leader appeals for Japan, int'l support

From ABS-CBN (Oct 28): MILF leader appeals for Japan, int'l support

Philippine Muslim rebel leader Al Haj Murad Ebrahim appealed Saturday for assistance from Japan and other countries as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front prepares to launch an autonomous government on Mindanao under an agreement reached earlier this month with the government in Manila.... Murad recognized Japan's involvement in the Muslim region in Mindanao, which focuses on socio-economic projects such as schools, water facilities and training centers. "Japan has been engaged already and they have seen the area. They know the potentials in the area," Murad said.
Murad said with international assistance many of his fighters, which authorities estimate to be more than 10,000, can return to farming and small business, while the younger ones can go to school. "We're very interested also in the aspect of education because many of our young people were deprived of education because of the conflict," he said. Aside from foreign assistance, Murad also directly appealed for foreign investors to put money in the Bangsamoro territory. "We are inviting foreign investors because we always believe that foreign investment will drive the economy very strongly," he said....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/27/12/milf-leader-appeals-japan-intl-support

Moro rebels told: Love your wives, not guns

From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 28): Moro rebels told: Love your wives, not guns

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said Saturday that he looks forward to Moro husbands loving their wives more than their guns. This was what the MILF leader envisions once the framework agreement, which the MILF and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) signed on Oct. 15, is fully implemented. Just like any other family in the country, Murad said Bangsamoro families were hoping that their basic necessities are provided.  “Now, many of the Moro families love their guns more than their wives. He can separate with his wife but he cannot separate with his gun. That is what we are looking forward to. When there is security, when there is justice...when they are served with their basic necessities, then they might say I will marry another three wives,” he said during his first press conference since the signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang....

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/28/moro-rebels-told-love-your-wives-not-guns-250193

‘Bayanihan’ soldiers killed in Samar

Just posted to Samar News (Oxt 22): ‘Bayanihan’ soldiers killed in Samar

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan CityFour (4) army soldiers from 43rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army conducting Bayanihan Activities were killed in an armed encounter against the NPAs at vicinity Brgy Ramon, Gandara, Samar yesterday October 21, 2012 around 10:30 in the evening.  Another two (2) soldiers were also wounded in the same armed encounter which lasted for about 30 minutes while undetermined number of casualties were recorded on the enemy side. The soldier heroes were members of the ‘Bayanihan Teams’ performing Peace and Development Activities in close coordination and collaboration with the local government unit of the Municipality of Gandara, Samar. “I personally extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed. They were killed while protecting the Filipino people and in pursuit of peace and development in the area” said MGen Gerardo T Layug AFP, Commander, 8ID, PA. “The heroic deeds of my men will steel our resolve in pursuing peace and development in the area, that their ultimate sacrifice will not be in vain” added Layug. “Despite the loss of lives of my men, we will pursue our efforts in conducting Peace and Development Activities to assist the local government attain Peace and Development not only in the Municipality of Gandara but in the whole area of operations of 43IB” LtCol Glen Jun Calambuhay, Commander, 43IB said. (DPAO, 8ID PA)

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/oct/c298.htm

Legendary feats cited as 19IB turns 39

Just posted to the Samar News (Oct 23): Legendary feats cited as 19IB turns 39

Leyte chief executives who attended the 39th Founding Anniversary of the 19th Infantry Battalion on Friday, October 19, 2012 cited before other guests the integrated efforts of LGUs and commandos towards sustaining peace and development in the province. In an evening social held at an Army camp based in Kananga, Leyte, chief executives figured out how 19th IB back the LGU’s quest to bring development for their constituents. Mayor Eric Codilla of Ormoc City recalled how startled he was when abandoned NPA camps were discovered by the soldiers at the outskirts of his town in 2006. “They even have tunnels connected in the vicinity of a certain hospital in Ormoc City which was believed to be the rebels’ passageway whenever they have casualties”, the three-termer mayor of Ormoc said. On the other hand, Mayor Maria Corazon Remandaban of Tabango, Leyte who is to host a Youth Leadership Summit before end of this month lauded the commandos for its continued support especially when 19IB conducts seminar on Disaster Rescue Operations to her constituents. Meanwhile, Mayor Elmer Codilla of Kananga, Leyte named 19IB as a close partner in various LGU undertakings in his town even up to present. One of the celebrated accomplishments of 19IB and LGU Kananga was the surrender of former rebels and supporters during his second term as mayor. Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, commanding officer of 19IB was humbled by the feats cited by the chief executives. He was grateful that the LGUs in the area of responsibility of 19IB extended the same support given to the forerunners of the Leyte based Army battalion which remained in Leyte since 2001. In his anniversary message, Lt. Col. Nacnac stressed the significant feats of 19IB since he assumed command early January of this year. He also highlighted their week long activities which were conducted in commemoration to the same event. Likewise, he was confident that with the LGU’s strong leadership, remnants of the NPA rebels in Leyte will surrender and return to the folds of law before end of this year. (19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA)
Mayor Eric Codilla of Ormoc City at the 19IB

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/oct/c300.htm

MILF wracked by defections

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 28): MILF wracked by defections

Misuari claims to have won over 4 commanders to his side

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is being riddled with defections and its leader Ebrahim Murad is purportedly offering to pay the leaders of the defection P5 million each to stay with his group and stop obstructing the Framework Agreement it forged with the government. Gapul Hadjirul, political director of the Moro National Liberation Front central committee, said at least four MILF commanders have defected to the MNLF because they supposedly feel betrayed by Murad. “He betrayed his supporters when he conspired with the Malaysians in entering into a Framework Agreement that is a deception by the government and a conspiracy with the Americans to attain their secret objective in Mindanao,” Hadjirul told MST Sunday in a telephone interview. Hadjirul identified the four commanders as Samer Samsudin Lungkatay, Samer Salamat, Abdulwahid Jainalan and a certain Saidale. Samsudin is the former chairman of the MILF Council of Ulamas while Salamat is the brother of deceased MILF founder Hashim Salamat and allegedly commands some 8,000 MILF troops. Jianalan, on the other hand, is supposedly Murad’s former security chief who commands about 6,500 fighters. Saidale is allegedly a new commander who is the leader of 1,500 armed men. “Murad is very upset at the defection of Samsudin,” Hadjirul said, adding that Samsuddin had already met with MNLF leader Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City where they swore allegiance to the MNLF. Hadjirul said Misuari appointed chairman of the MNLF Council of Ulamas and member of the MNLF central committee. Murad was so upset with the defection that he offered pay Samsudin P5 million so he would settle differences with the MILF leadership. “Murad through an emissary asked Samsudin and [renegade MILF commander Ameril Umbra] Kato to return to the MILF in exchange for P10 million,” Hadjirul said, quoting a source from within Murad’s inner circle. “The money that was to be used was the money given by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak,” Hadjirul added, but “95 percent of the MILF that defected to the MNLF rejected the offer outright....”
 

MILF Open To Talks With MNLF – Murad

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 27): MILF Open To Talks With MNLF – Murad

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) affirmed yesterday the “inclusive” scope of the framework accord that the MILF signed with the government, saying the fresh deal would not allow any sector, such as Muslims, Christians, and Lumad in the proposed Bangsamoro region, left out from the peace process.  MILF Chairman Al-Hadji Murad underscored the “inclusive” feature of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-MILF initial accord during a press conference he held at Camp Darapanan in nearby Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao yesterday or 12 days after the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement was signed in Malacañang. He said the MILF will pursue the intents it had agreed with the state panel which also includes the Aquino administration’s offer for at least one seat for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Transition Commission (TransCom). Top government officials reportedly made the offer in the face of repeated pronouncements of MNLF founding Chairman Nur Misuari, assailing the GRP-MILF framework agreement and dismissing it as a virtual breach of his group’s 1996 final peace pact with the government. At yesterday’s press conference, Murad said the MILF leadership is “open” for dialogues with the MNLF and other “legitimate” Moro revolutionary groups as desired by neutral peace advocate groups and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/378951/milf-open-to-talks-with-mnlf-murad

Akbayan denies seeking rivals’ disqualification

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 28): Akbayan denies seeking rivals’ disqualification

The party-list group Akbayan on Saturday distanced itself from groups that had asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify leftist party-list rivals such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan and Anakpawis. In a statement, Akbayan denied reports that it was allied with the People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment (PEACE), New Guardians for Freedom and Democracy, and Pro Democracy Foundation of the Philippines—groups that petitioned for the disqualification of so-called “communist” groups. “In a story that appeared on the front pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Oct. 27, 2012 (Akbayan hits back, seeks ouster of red party-listers), Akbayan Partylist was erroneously reported to be allied with…groups that filed a disqualification petition against Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kabataan, Anakpawis and several other party-list groups before the Commission on Elections,” Akbayan said. “Akbayan categorically denies any association or involvement with these groups. We are also not involved with any move to disqualify Bayan Muna and their affiliate party-list groups from the 2013 elections,” it added. Akbayan said it was issuing the statement to counter any perceptions that “may arise and mislead our fellow citizens into making the conclusion that Akbayan seeks to silence its detractors with the same dirty tricks that they resort to.” “While we have found reason to disagree with Bayan Muna and their affiliates on a range of issues such as CARPer (the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms Law) and human rights abuses committed by nonstate actors, and despite the malicious campaign they wage against us, Akbayan has no intention of adopting the same deplorable tactics,” the group said....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/296884/akbayan-denies-seeking-rivals-disqualification

Sub-state in Mindanao 'not gov't of aliens': MILF chairman

From the Philippine Star (Oct 27): Sub-state in Mindanao 'not gov't of aliens': MILF chairman

Leaders of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should ensure that the envisioned Bangsamoro government in Mindanao is not a "government of the aliens," in the process of implementing their peace framework agreement, the MILF chairman said here today. MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim delivered the message in his first press conference held in Camp Darapanan here since the formal signing of the GPH-MILF peace deal on October 15 in Manila. "Please be reminded that the task ahead is bigger and more complex and complicated: translating this agreement on the ground. And the success of this agreement hinges on its implementation and the ultimate realization of what it envisions," he said. He also said that both the GPH and the MILF will again meet in Malaysia in mid-November to thresh out the annexes on power- sharing, wealth-sharing, inter-governmental relations and normalization. The peace framework agreement, which signed by GPH and MILF in Manila earlier this month, prescribes that a new sub-state political entity, named Bangsamoro, will be set up in part of Mindanao to replace the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=864208&publicationSubCategoryId=200

PAF to bid out acquisition of fighter jets

From the Philippine Star (Oct 28): PAF to bid out acquisition of fighter jets

The Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s planned acquisition of lead-in fighter jets from South Korea or any friendly state may take longer than expected after it was decided that the multi-billion peso defense procurement will be bid out instead of the government entering into a government-to-government deal. “It’s no longer government-to-government purchase scheme as it was decided that it must go through the bidding processes,” a senior Air Force official told The STAR, adding that it has been decided by “higher ups” that the planned acquisition should go through the circuitous route of bidding procedures. Because of this, he said the PAF would have to wait a little longer before its pilots can fly brand-new fighter jets. “What is important here is that we already have the money as approved by President Aquino to fund this particular procurement project,” he said. A top defense official has also confirmed that the acquisition of T-50 LIFT aircraft from South Korea is still undergoing review. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced last June that the defense department is expecting delivery of 12 brand new lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) from South Korea. Valued at $500 million funded mostly by Korean grants, the delivery of these TA-50 lead-in fighters is expected in 2013. It was earlier reported that the South Korean government has offered a soft loan of $560 million to President Aquino to fund the purchase of T-50 LIFT, a smaller version of US F16 fighters, as the Philippines is short of funds to bankroll the acquisition....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=864160&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Youths converge in Davao for summit

From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 27): Youths converge in Davao for summit

A TOTAL of 729 youth delegates from all over the Philippines will converge in Davao City for a three-day 1st National Youth Summit, opening Sunday until Tuesday next week. Colonel Leopoldo Galon Jr., group commander of the 5th Civil Relations Service of the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP), speaking in Friday's Kapihan sa PIA, said the holding of such a congress is the first-ever activity conducted by the AFP for the youths. He said the delegates, representing different youth organizations from different parts of the countries, will make resolutions on their respective action plans. There are also out-of-school-youth (OSY) delegates joining the summit.... The three-day event is an interagency collaboration of Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, National Youth Commission, Commission on Higher Education, and AFP.... Galon added that one of the objectives of the summit is to enhance the leadership skills of the participating youth. "There will be speakers who will teach them how to run an organization and how to become self-sustaining as individuals," he said, adding that delegates will also get coaching on the planning of activities....

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/10/27/youths-converge-davao-summit-250098

BIFM engages anew AFP, MILF

From the Mindanao Cross (Oct 27): BIFM engages anew AFP, MILF

After announcing its “retreat” order during the four holy months of Islam, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) once again engaged war against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in two separate incidents. Forces of the MILF and BIFM clashed October 19 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in a “rido” or family feud that started five months ago, displacing 200 families in the area as a result. BIFM spokesman Abu Misri Mama said when the pump boat of MILF commander Dagadas was bombed, the BIFM was accused. Firmly denying the accusation, Mama said “commander Dagadas said it was the BIFM, but it was not us. One of our colleagues who was painting the mosque was shot by Dagadas to exact revenge.”The BIFM national committee sent Dagadas’ troop last Saturday a message to settle the issue peacefully but “Dagadas refused,” said Mama. Mama quoted Dagadas as saying “it is already hard to come up with a peaceful settlement because many of my men are already dead.”Last October 22, another troop of the BIFM clashed with the AFP soldiers at Barangay Lower Paatan in Kabacan, North Cotabato. The Alpha Company of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Kabacan was requested by farmers of Barangay Paatan after allegedly being harassed by the BIFM group. But when the authorities came, the BIFM fired hitting one militia man. Mama, on the other hand, said the area is an ancestral domain of the Bangsamoro, “it was taken by the ILAGAS (Ilonngo Land Grabbing Association) in the year 1970s.” “When the Bangsamoro finally came back to that area, this time the AFP suddenly entered, the AFP are the terrorists,” said Mama. The BIFM denied any harassment committed by their troops against civilians in Paatan, insisting that the AFP should no longer stay in the Bangsamoro land. Authorities also confirm that some residents in the area are members of the BIFM. Last week, the BIFM announced their “resting” status through The Mindanao Cross as they prepare themselves for the upcoming Holy Months of Islam which forbid Islam believers from engaging in any war.

http://www.mindanaocross.net/home/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1008:bifm-engages-anew-afp-milf

Philippine Army News Clippings (Oct 26-27)

Posted to Face, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) Blog (Oct 26-27) Philippine Army News Clippings

October26: http://www.scribd.com/doc/111190029/Newsclipings-26-Oct-12#page=1

October 27: http://www.scribd.com/doc/111300350/OACPA-News-Clippings-Dtd-27-Oct-2012#page=1


http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html

Pascual leaves TFZ, new commander assumes

From the Zamboanga Today (Oct 26): Pascual leaves TFZ, new commander assumes

After two years of meritorious service as a hands-on commander of Task Force Zamboanga, Col. Buenaventura C. Pascual will be assuming another promotion and a higher position as the new commander of the 103rd Army Brigade under the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Davao City over the weekend. In a turn-over ceremony held at the Task Force Zamboanga Headquarters, Col. Pascual relinguished his post to his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1984 Col. Glenn Macasero who came from the 101st Army Brigade....


























http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/12211-pascual-leaves-tfz-new-commander-assumes.html

At least 2 Lumads, 2 women in 15-member GPH-MILF Transition Commission

From MindaNews (Oct 27): At least 2 Lumads, 2 women in 15-member GPH-MILF Transition Commission

There are no names yet as both panels are still shortlisting nominees to the Transition Commission (TransCom) that will be set up when President Benigno Simeon Aquino III issues an Executive Order, but what is certain is there will be at least two women and two representatives of Lumads (indigenous peoples) in the 15-member TransCom. The government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are naming at least one woman and one Lumad representative each to the TransCom which will draft, among others, the Bangsamoro Basic Law in preparation for the “Bangsamoro,” the new autonomous political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by 2016. The recently signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) provides that the TransCom shall be composed of “15 members all of whom are Bangsamoro,” seven of them selected by the GPH and eight, including the chair, by the MILF....

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/27/at-least-2-lumads-2-women-in-15-member-gph-milf-transition-commission/

NDFP-Mindanao to MILF: be cautious, guard against defeat for entire Bangsamoro

Posted to MindaNews (Oct 27): NDFP-Mindanao to MILF: be cautious, guard against defeat for entire Bangsamoro

The spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Mindanao has appealed to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be “ever more vigilant and critical of the US-Aquino regime” or face defeat “for the entire Moro people.” “The MILF must avoid being inveigled and, in the process, out-maneuvered to fall into the precipice of defeat not only for them, but for the entire Moro people,” NDF Mindanao spokesperson Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos said in a statement dated October 26 but e-mailed to reporters minutes before the scheduled 9 a.m. October 27 press conference of MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. In his 12-paragraph statement, Madlos said the signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) on October 15 in Malacanan Palace, “opens new avenues” to the GPH-MILF peace process and poses greater challenges to the Moro people “but when the dust of exuberance on this turning-point settles, the Moro people, who at present look to the MILF for leadership, must not allow this Framework to make them open and vulnerable to the devious scheming and machinations of the Aquino regime and its US imperialist boss....”  Asked for comment, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews that Madlos is “entitled to his opinion” and thanked him for the caution. “Thanks, anyway, for the caution. We assure him we care for our people because we are part of it,” Iqbal said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/27/ndfp-mindanao-to-milf-be-cautious-guard-against-defeat-for-entire-bangsamoro/

MILF chieftain praises Bangsamoro accord, but says peace talks a long way to go

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 27): MILF chieftain praises Bangsamoro accord, but says peace talks a long way to go
The secluded leader of the Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group Murad Ebrahim praised the Muslim homeland deal they signed with Manila, but says the path to peace in the restive southern region is still a long way to go.... “Please be reminded that the task ahead is bigger and more complex and complicated and translating this agreement into reality on the ground. And the success of this agreement hinges on its implementation and the ultimate realization of what it envisions.” “It goes without saying that there is still a long process to go through. The negotiations are far from over as both MILF and Philippine peace panels are yet to sit down again in Kuala Lumpur in mind-November to work in the details of the Framework Agreement on the unresolved issues in power-sharing, wealth-sharing, intergovernmental relations, and normalization,” Ebrahim, who spoke to reporters at a rebel base in Mindanao on Saturday, said. He said while the engagement is no longer adversarial and has taken on the form of a close partnership between the MILF and the government, they still have to ascertain that the letter and spirit of the Bangsamoro accord will govern the outcome of this partnership effort that would resolve once and for all the Bangsamoro Question....






http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121027032600



PH needs major re-thinking of foreign policy on West Philippine Sea disputes –maritime law expert

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 27): PH needs major re-thinking of foreign policy on West Philippine Sea disputes –maritime law expert

Recent spats involving disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) call for a major re-examination of Philippine foreign policy, and the long-standing scheme of “compartmentalization” of maritime boundary issues has caused relations between the Philippines and China to deteriorate. This was the main message of the lecture given by Dr. Jay Batongbacal, an expert on international marine environmental law and Law of the Sea, at the Ateneo de Manila University Professorial Schools at the Rockwell Center in Makati Wednesday. His lecture entitled “Maritime Philippines in the Asian Century: Global Environment Change, Regional Economic Integration, Geo-political realities, and Contested Legal Spaces” was part of the 11th Jaime V. Ongpin Annual Memorial Lecture on Public Service in Business and Government. In his lecture, Batongbacal, also professor at the UP College of Law, argued for a serious rethinking of the “compartmentalization policy” – the notion of separating territorial maritime boundary issues from the broader context of state to state relations – saying that this has resulted in addressing the maritime boundary problems in a “vacuum, as if it exists solely and separately without regard to its potential impact on other national interests and other relations with other states....”

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/54334/ph-needs-major-re-thinking-of-foreign-policy-on-west-philippine-sea-disputes-maritime-law-expert

MILF chief's dream for 'Bangsamoro' economy

From Rappler (Oct 27): MILF chief's dream for 'Bangsamoro' economy

This is his dream economy for the Bangsamoro homeland. In a press conference at the main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday morning, October 25, MILF chair Murad Ebrahim said he wants it to run on industries that tap the area's natural riches. This is part of crafting the Bangsamoro region's integrated development plan, he said. “Personally what I see is... the potential of the Bangsamoro homeland is more in the development of the agro-aqua industry because we are very rich in that,” Murad said in his first media interview at Camp Darapanan after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “We also know that the Bangsamoro area is very rich in mineral resources,” he added. “So it is just a matter of exploiting these mineral resources for the benefit of the people in the area.” The MILF chief, however, said there are no “ambitious” economic projects in the pipeline for now. He said the more immediate objective is to focus on livelihood programs, basic necessities, health, and education. “Our main priority for the moment is that we must make sure that the people on the ground, including our fighters, will feel that after signing the agreement, there is something good happening on the ground,” Murad said....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/14947-milf-chief-s-dream-for-bangsamoro-economy

MILF: Hard work ahead after peace deal

From Rappler (Oct 27): MILF: Hard work ahead after peace deal

The Philippines' top rebel leader warned Saturday, October 27, a peace deal signed by his group could only end the armed conflict if the wider Filipino Muslim community supported it.... Authorities and MILF leaders must work to convince the large Muslim minority that the October 15 accord was a step forward for them, MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim said. "Please be reminded that the task ahead is bigger and more complex and complicated: translating this agreement into reality on the ground," he said in a statement read at a news conference on Mindanao island, home of the rebellion.... Ebrahim said Saturday the group must "make our people feel that the Bangsamoro government envisioned in the framework agreement is their government and no longer the... government of the aliens...." "Our main task this time is... to make them feel and realise that the framework agreement is not only an agreement between the MILF and the (government) but an all-inclusive agreement between the Bangsamoro people and the Philippine state...."

MILF chief Murad Ebrahim speaks in front of the media for the first time since the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed. Photo taken by Karlos Manlupig

MILF chief Murad Ebrahim speaks in front of the media for the first time since the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed. Photo taken by Karlos Manlupig

http://www.rappler.com/nation/14956-hard-work-ahead-after-peace-deal-milf

NPA raids, torches Zambo farm

From the Philippine Star (Oct 27): NPA raids, torches Zambo farm
Armed communist rebels raided a poultry farm and set ablaze two of its buildings in a village of Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur to force the owner of payment of “revolutionary” demand, according to the military. The military said seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) swooped down on the poultry farm owned by Onyx Go in Barangay Dalaon Friday midnight and rounded all the workers inside the compound. Capt. Alberto Caber said the rebels seized all the cellular phones of the workers and doused the two buildings of poultry farm and set it on fire before escaping. “According to one of the workers, one of the marauders was an amazon wearing bonnet,” Caber said. The military official said the rebels later called up the owner of the farm and warned him to heed with their extortion demands to spare his farm from attacks....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=863998

Rebels burn heavy equipment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 27): Rebels burn heavy equipment

Suspected New People’s Army rebels burned a backhoe used in the construction of a bridge in Hacienda Igpanalong, Brgy. Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Thursday night, the police and military said yesterday. The arson incident occurred more than a month after communist rebels also torched three cargo trucks and a tractor in Hacienda San Andres, Brgy. Andres Bonifacio, Cadiz City. Senior Insp. Gary Alan Resuma, La Castellana police chief, yesterday said that on Thursday, about 10 armed men identified themselves as NPA members, and burned the Hitachi HD70 backhoe....

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/October/27/topstory2.htm

Gov't panel renews calls for communist rebels to end violence

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): Gov't panel renews calls for communist rebels to end violence

Panelists from the government have renewed their calls for the communist rebel movement in the Philippines to ‘listen to the cries of peace.’ In a statement issued to media Friday, the government panel talking peace with the rebels, said it continues to call on the rebels to lower its level of violence as a ‘prelude to peace.’ The government panel cited as ‘model’ to ‘unprecedented achievement’ in peace talks the declaration of a ceasefire between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The government panel statement said: “It is unfortunate that the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) has called for the intensification of violence. "Such a call, no matter what the provocation or reason for it was, only succeeds to make us question the real intent of the CPP/NPA/NDF.” the statement said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=466250

Zambo Sur poultry farm burned by NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): Zambo Sur poultry farm burned by NPA rebels

New People’s Army rebels have torched two poultry farm buildings after the owner failed to accede to their demand payment of revolutionary taxes in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials disclosed Saturday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the incident took place around 12:30 a.m. Friday in Barangay Dalaon, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur. Investigation showed that seven NPA rebels, including an amazon, barged into the compound of the poultry owned by Onyx Go and herded the workers into one corner, Caber said. Some of the NPA rebels frisked and confiscated the mobile phones of the workers while the rest of them started pouring gasoline into the two buildings and set it ablaze, Caber added. The NPAs, who were clad in bonnet masks, fled and later called Go through a mobile phone to inform the businessman of the incident, he said. The NPAs also warned Go to heed their demands so that his poultry farm will be spared from further attack, he added.... The attackers were reported to belong to the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee operating here in the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=466273

AFP-PNP statistics: 29,553 killed in 33 years of communist insurgency war since 1978

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): AFP-PNP statistics: 29,553 killed in 33 years of communist insurgency war since 1978

A total of 29,553 Filipinos, mostly combatants, were killed during a 33-year period covering 1978-2010 in the communist insurgency war in the country, according to military and police statistics. Jurgette Honculada, a member of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel negotiating with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), based the figure on the statistics released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. In a paper entitled “The Emotional Calculus of Conflict,” Honculada said that during the insurgency war between government forces and communist rebels from 1978 to 2010, a total of 13,412 NPA fighters were killed. The AFP/PNP suffered 8,264 dead during the same period, she said. Honculada lamented that 7,877 civilians caught in the crossfire were also killed. She said this “translates into 80 deaths daily for the period: 36 communists, 23 soldiers and policemen, and 21 civilians.” The fatalities did not include the years from 1969 to 1977 when there was also heavy fighting between government forces and NPA rebels....
 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=466259