From the Daily Tribune (Nov 17): Dellosa: Toxic waste issue will not derail RP-US drills
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa has maintained that the controversy over the supposed dumping of toxic waste by a US Navy-contracted vessel will not affect joint exercises between Filipino and US troops. In fact, Dellosa said that the AFP and the US Pacific Command will be finalizing next month the scheduled joint exercises to be held in the country next year. “It (supposed dumping of waste) will not affect (the exercises) because all of our exercises with the US have been discussed and it will be implemented next year. Actually, this December we will be signing with the US Pacific Command,” Dellosa told Camp Aguinaldo reporters Monday afternoon. Among those being lined up are Balikatan and Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise or Phiblex. Dellosa said that part of the discussion was environmental protection. “Actually, that is one of our priorities, environment protection,” said Dellosa without elaborating. The AFP chief also expressed belief that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US is still helpful to the Philippines. “In case, there are crimes committed by US forces, at least, we know what are the procedures,” Dellosa said. Aside from the yearly Balikatan and Phiblex, there are other joint exercises between the AFP and US troops being held in the country involving thousands of American servicemen and various military hardware. There is an ongoing clamor for the scrapping of the VFA following the alleged dumping of toxic wastes in Subic Bay by a vessel of Glenn Defense Asia, a US Navy-contracted company tasked to collect and dispose waste from US ships. Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago immediately called for the termination of the VFA which was supported by some militant organizations led by Bayan Muna. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority immediately investigated the issue as retired Philippine Navy chief Mateo Mayuga, now chief executive officer of Glenn Defense, denied dumping toxic wastes in Subic Bay. Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin also maintained that VFA continued to be beneficial to the country amid the controversy in Subic Bay as he stressed that the dumping allegation should be treated as a separate issue from VFA.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/6971-dellosa-toxic-waste-issue-will-not-derail-rp-us-drills
Friday, November 16, 2012
AFP hopes to clear south Negros of rebels by yearend, Alano says
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 17): AFP hopes to clear
south Negros of rebels by yearend, Alano says
The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines hopes to clear southern Negros of armed New People’s Army rebels before the year ends, its commander, Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, said yesterday. This was after the AFP cleared the entire Region 7, including Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Biliran provinces, of armed insurgents, as well as Southern Samar and Aklan, that were also declared insurgency-free, Alano said. As for the implementation of their campaign plan, Alano, who visited the 303rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, said they are on schedule, and even advanced in some of their target areas to make Visayas “insurgency-free” by 2016. It shows that everybody is doing their share, Alano said, adding, “This is our concept where it is just not the AFP that is being involved in addressing of security issues, but a whole nation activity”. Alano, however, admitted that there are still some pockets of resistance waged by the remaining NPA members in some areas of Negros, Panay and Samar. Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said the number of NPA rebels in Negros has dropped tremendously from about 2,000 fighters in the late 1980s, to about 200 this year. The 302nd Infantry Brigade, which spearheads the security operations in Negros Oriental, reported that about 27 armed NPA red fighters are still operating in southeastern portion of the province, while 24 have surrendered to them since last year....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/17/topstory5.htm
The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines hopes to clear southern Negros of armed New People’s Army rebels before the year ends, its commander, Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, said yesterday. This was after the AFP cleared the entire Region 7, including Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Biliran provinces, of armed insurgents, as well as Southern Samar and Aklan, that were also declared insurgency-free, Alano said. As for the implementation of their campaign plan, Alano, who visited the 303rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, said they are on schedule, and even advanced in some of their target areas to make Visayas “insurgency-free” by 2016. It shows that everybody is doing their share, Alano said, adding, “This is our concept where it is just not the AFP that is being involved in addressing of security issues, but a whole nation activity”. Alano, however, admitted that there are still some pockets of resistance waged by the remaining NPA members in some areas of Negros, Panay and Samar. Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said the number of NPA rebels in Negros has dropped tremendously from about 2,000 fighters in the late 1980s, to about 200 this year. The 302nd Infantry Brigade, which spearheads the security operations in Negros Oriental, reported that about 27 armed NPA red fighters are still operating in southeastern portion of the province, while 24 have surrendered to them since last year....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/17/topstory5.htm
2 suspected BIFF members nabbed in Sultan Kudarat town
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 2 suspected BIFF members nabbed in
Sultan Kudarat town
Two suspected members of an armed lawless group operating in Sultan Kudarat province were arrested on Friday after police raided their homes and confiscated a cache of firearms. Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, regional police director in Soccsksargen (Region 12), identified the suspects as Samson Kauten and Bulayat Gani Mamaluba, both residents of Purok Bougainvilla, Barangay Pimbalayan in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. They were suspected members of the notorious Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Their arrest came a day after a grenade went off along the highway in Tacurong City, also in Sultan Kudarat, which led to the arrest of the suspected bomber identified as Abdul Usman, also known as ‘Obing’, 37, of Barangay Kudal in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. Usman, during the investigation, named a certain Gani who allegedly gave him orders to bomb Tacurong City. The order to search the residential areas of Kauten and Mamaluba were issued on Friday by Judge Ramos of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), which covers the towns of Lutayan, Lambayong, President Quirino, and Columbio; all in Sultan Kudarat. During the raid, Monteagudo said operatives confiscated an M16; two caliber .45 pistols; Uzi-type homemade sub-machine gun; caliber 5.56 pistol; M-1 Garand rifle; a 9-mm pistol and various types of ammunition. They also recovered 22 spent shells from several guns. The raiding team was composed of operatives from RSIDT-12, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, Lambayong municipal police, RPSB First Company and the 41st Special Action Forces. Monteagudo said the suspects were brought to the Lambayong municipal police station where they would be charged in violation of Presidential Decree 1866 or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472268
Two suspected members of an armed lawless group operating in Sultan Kudarat province were arrested on Friday after police raided their homes and confiscated a cache of firearms. Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, regional police director in Soccsksargen (Region 12), identified the suspects as Samson Kauten and Bulayat Gani Mamaluba, both residents of Purok Bougainvilla, Barangay Pimbalayan in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat. They were suspected members of the notorious Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Their arrest came a day after a grenade went off along the highway in Tacurong City, also in Sultan Kudarat, which led to the arrest of the suspected bomber identified as Abdul Usman, also known as ‘Obing’, 37, of Barangay Kudal in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. Usman, during the investigation, named a certain Gani who allegedly gave him orders to bomb Tacurong City. The order to search the residential areas of Kauten and Mamaluba were issued on Friday by Judge Ramos of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC), which covers the towns of Lutayan, Lambayong, President Quirino, and Columbio; all in Sultan Kudarat. During the raid, Monteagudo said operatives confiscated an M16; two caliber .45 pistols; Uzi-type homemade sub-machine gun; caliber 5.56 pistol; M-1 Garand rifle; a 9-mm pistol and various types of ammunition. They also recovered 22 spent shells from several guns. The raiding team was composed of operatives from RSIDT-12, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, Lambayong municipal police, RPSB First Company and the 41st Special Action Forces. Monteagudo said the suspects were brought to the Lambayong municipal police station where they would be charged in violation of Presidential Decree 1866 or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472268
MILF: GPH, MILF urged not to appoint ‘warlords’ in Transition Commission
Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 17): GPH, MILF urged not to appoint ‘warlords’ in Transition Commission
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are urged not to appoint “traditional politicians who represent that abusive, warlord-led and already unacceptable status quo that the Framework Agreement seeks to replace” as members of the Transition Commission. The call was contained in the Media Statement of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) which it released to the press last November 16. Ms. Christine Sumog-oy, chair of its peace talks advocacy department, signed the declaration. The MPC, which is a grassroots network of indigenous, Bangsamoro and Christian settlers from the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, has put up a “Six Point-Criteria for the Transition Commission,” as a guide in the constitution of the Transition Commission:
1) The transition commission must be composed of men and women with proven track record in human rights, peace building and support to the GPH-MILF Peace Talks.
2) It must consider individuals who have no conflict of interest in the desired roadmap of the transition period. Thus, it must avoid as much as possible appointing traditional politicians who represent that abusive, warlord-led and already unacceptable status quo that the Framework Agreement seeks to replace.
3) Consistent with the National Action Plan of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Transition Commission must have at least 30% women members who directly come from conflict-affected areas and with clearly identified constituency to represent.
4) A representative from the indigenous peoples must also be appointed in the Transition Commission in order to ensure that their rights are heard and protected. This representative must be chosen on the basis of consensus building among the indigenous peoples leaders with special focus on those tribes that are directly affected e.g. Teduray, Dulangan Manobo, Arumanen, B’laan and Higaonon tribes.
5) With the Transition Commission to be composed of fifteen, all-Moro members, it must ensure that the geographic areas of the Bangsamoro must be represented especially those coming from the island-provinces.
6) A representative from the Moro National Liberation Front must also be appointed in order to promote unity and convergence of the MNLF and MILF peace processes with the Philippine government. It is vital that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will actively participate in TC and will have a say in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The statement also expressed “full trust in the wisdom and sound judgment” of President Benigno Aquino III and Chairman Al Hajj Murad, MPC in steering the transition period through to the end.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2936:gph-milf-urged-not-to-appoint-warlords-in-transition-commission&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are urged not to appoint “traditional politicians who represent that abusive, warlord-led and already unacceptable status quo that the Framework Agreement seeks to replace” as members of the Transition Commission. The call was contained in the Media Statement of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) which it released to the press last November 16. Ms. Christine Sumog-oy, chair of its peace talks advocacy department, signed the declaration. The MPC, which is a grassroots network of indigenous, Bangsamoro and Christian settlers from the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, has put up a “Six Point-Criteria for the Transition Commission,” as a guide in the constitution of the Transition Commission:
1) The transition commission must be composed of men and women with proven track record in human rights, peace building and support to the GPH-MILF Peace Talks.
2) It must consider individuals who have no conflict of interest in the desired roadmap of the transition period. Thus, it must avoid as much as possible appointing traditional politicians who represent that abusive, warlord-led and already unacceptable status quo that the Framework Agreement seeks to replace.
3) Consistent with the National Action Plan of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Transition Commission must have at least 30% women members who directly come from conflict-affected areas and with clearly identified constituency to represent.
4) A representative from the indigenous peoples must also be appointed in the Transition Commission in order to ensure that their rights are heard and protected. This representative must be chosen on the basis of consensus building among the indigenous peoples leaders with special focus on those tribes that are directly affected e.g. Teduray, Dulangan Manobo, Arumanen, B’laan and Higaonon tribes.
5) With the Transition Commission to be composed of fifteen, all-Moro members, it must ensure that the geographic areas of the Bangsamoro must be represented especially those coming from the island-provinces.
6) A representative from the Moro National Liberation Front must also be appointed in order to promote unity and convergence of the MNLF and MILF peace processes with the Philippine government. It is vital that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will actively participate in TC and will have a say in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The statement also expressed “full trust in the wisdom and sound judgment” of President Benigno Aquino III and Chairman Al Hajj Murad, MPC in steering the transition period through to the end.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2936:gph-milf-urged-not-to-appoint-warlords-in-transition-commission&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
NPA leader tagged in Albay barangay exec’s beheading
From the Philippine Star (Nov 17): NPA leader tagged in Albay barangay exec’s beheading
A military official yesterday tagged a leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) as responsible for the beheading of a barangay councilman in Guinobatan, Albay last Nov. 11. Maj. Narsan Obuyes, spokesman of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion, said Allan Clete, alias Jack, was pinpointed by villagers as the one who beheaded Ely Oguis. Obuyes said Clete replaced Antonio Perelonia, an NPA tax collector who was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Oma-Oma, Ligao City last Sept. 27. Oguis was kidnapped on the night of Nov. 11 and his headless body was found the next day.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/17/867536/npa-leader-tagged-albay-barangay-exec%E2%80%99s-beheading
A military official yesterday tagged a leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) as responsible for the beheading of a barangay councilman in Guinobatan, Albay last Nov. 11. Maj. Narsan Obuyes, spokesman of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion, said Allan Clete, alias Jack, was pinpointed by villagers as the one who beheaded Ely Oguis. Obuyes said Clete replaced Antonio Perelonia, an NPA tax collector who was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Oma-Oma, Ligao City last Sept. 27. Oguis was kidnapped on the night of Nov. 11 and his headless body was found the next day.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/17/867536/npa-leader-tagged-albay-barangay-exec%E2%80%99s-beheading
GPH, MILF end talks on annexes a day earlier to consult principals, prepare for next round
From MindaNews (Nov 17): GPH, MILF end talks on annexes a day earlier to consult principals, prepare for next round
This week’s round of talks on the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) will end on Saturday, November 17 instead of Sunday as both government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels agreed to consult their respective principals on the still unresolved issues and prepare for the next and hopefully, last round, a few weeks from now. The Technical Working Groups (TWGs) on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization, ended their sessions for this round at 6 p.m. Friday with their respective joint reports to be submitted to the plenary during the closing rites on Saturday. The reports are expected to cite the progress of their work, the consensus points and the issues that have yet to be resolved. The first to end their session was the TWG on Normalization, the “harder nut to crack,” as MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal described it in his opening remarks on Monday. Members from the GPH-MILF TWG came out of their meeting room with GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen at 6 p.m., their laughter reverberating in the foyer at the Lower Ground floor of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel....
.... Iqbal said normalization is the “harder nut to crack” because “it is not only about disposition of troops, weapons, decommissioning and policing, but it is more importantly tied up with implementation of the Agreement on the ground, which in turn breeds trust. Trust is something that cannot happen instantly especially between former adversaries. You have to patiently build and nurture it.” MindaNews sources said the GPH and MILF TWGs on Normalization have narrowed down the issues, based on the FAB provisions on normalization, into eight: decommissioning of the MILF, redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, interim internal security, policing, Joint Normalization Committee, monitoring and evaluation, development trust fund and transitional justice....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/gph-milf-end-talks-on-annexes-a-day-earlier-to-consult-principals-prepare-for-next-round/
This week’s round of talks on the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) will end on Saturday, November 17 instead of Sunday as both government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels agreed to consult their respective principals on the still unresolved issues and prepare for the next and hopefully, last round, a few weeks from now. The Technical Working Groups (TWGs) on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization, ended their sessions for this round at 6 p.m. Friday with their respective joint reports to be submitted to the plenary during the closing rites on Saturday. The reports are expected to cite the progress of their work, the consensus points and the issues that have yet to be resolved. The first to end their session was the TWG on Normalization, the “harder nut to crack,” as MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal described it in his opening remarks on Monday. Members from the GPH-MILF TWG came out of their meeting room with GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen at 6 p.m., their laughter reverberating in the foyer at the Lower Ground floor of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel....
TWG on Normalization after the session Friday (L to R): MILF-TWG chair Mohamad Nasif and member Naguib Sinarimbo with GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, GPH-TWG chair Zenaida Brosas and member Apple Oreta. MIndaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
.... Iqbal said normalization is the “harder nut to crack” because “it is not only about disposition of troops, weapons, decommissioning and policing, but it is more importantly tied up with implementation of the Agreement on the ground, which in turn breeds trust. Trust is something that cannot happen instantly especially between former adversaries. You have to patiently build and nurture it.” MindaNews sources said the GPH and MILF TWGs on Normalization have narrowed down the issues, based on the FAB provisions on normalization, into eight: decommissioning of the MILF, redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, interim internal security, policing, Joint Normalization Committee, monitoring and evaluation, development trust fund and transitional justice....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/gph-milf-end-talks-on-annexes-a-day-earlier-to-consult-principals-prepare-for-next-round/
MILF’s Bravo can attend FAB information campaign but…
From MindaNews (Nov 17): MILF’s Bravo can attend FAB information campaign but…
The joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (Joint CCCH) of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has approved the request of a rebel commander to attend an information campaign on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in Barangay Delabayen, Kauswagan town in Lanao del Norte on Saturday. But MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo, can attend the FAB information campaign with only a handful of his men, MindaNews learned Friday. Last Tuesday, Bravo and his 300 armed men went to Delabayen without informing the joint CCCH, prompting the Philippine Army to reciprocate, sending troops and tanks to the area. On Thursday, Army and MILF forces were ordered to stand down as tension rose and the possibility of a shooting war loomed. Both camps had agreed to wait for the decision of the joint CCCH regarding the case of Bravo, who wanted to attend the information campaign together with his 300 heavily armed followers that day. The info campaign was reset to Saturday, Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said he received the order from Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, head of the government CCCH, Friday noon.Lucero said the order came with two conditions for Bravo to comply if he will go to Delabayan to attend the FAB information campaign. “Bravo will have to come with only 15 of his men as his bodyguards. There will be no show of firearms and Bravo and his men are not allowed to wear MILF uniforms,” Lucero said. Roa, who is in Kuala Lumpur attending the talks on the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, told MindaNews that the MILF-CCCH had written the GPH-CCCH for coordination regarding the MILF’s information campaign in Delabayan on Saturday. MindaNews tried but failed to contact the MILF to ask whether Bravo is amenable to the conditions. Lucero said he heard Bravo has signified that he will abide with the conditions and will go to Delabayan with only a few of his men. The military official said the Army will be around in Delabayan to monitor the compliance of Bravo and his men to the conditions of the joint CCCH.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/milfs-bravo-can-attend-fab-information-campaign-but-3/
The joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (Joint CCCH) of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has approved the request of a rebel commander to attend an information campaign on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in Barangay Delabayen, Kauswagan town in Lanao del Norte on Saturday. But MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo, can attend the FAB information campaign with only a handful of his men, MindaNews learned Friday. Last Tuesday, Bravo and his 300 armed men went to Delabayen without informing the joint CCCH, prompting the Philippine Army to reciprocate, sending troops and tanks to the area. On Thursday, Army and MILF forces were ordered to stand down as tension rose and the possibility of a shooting war loomed. Both camps had agreed to wait for the decision of the joint CCCH regarding the case of Bravo, who wanted to attend the information campaign together with his 300 heavily armed followers that day. The info campaign was reset to Saturday, Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said he received the order from Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, head of the government CCCH, Friday noon.Lucero said the order came with two conditions for Bravo to comply if he will go to Delabayan to attend the FAB information campaign. “Bravo will have to come with only 15 of his men as his bodyguards. There will be no show of firearms and Bravo and his men are not allowed to wear MILF uniforms,” Lucero said. Roa, who is in Kuala Lumpur attending the talks on the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, told MindaNews that the MILF-CCCH had written the GPH-CCCH for coordination regarding the MILF’s information campaign in Delabayan on Saturday. MindaNews tried but failed to contact the MILF to ask whether Bravo is amenable to the conditions. Lucero said he heard Bravo has signified that he will abide with the conditions and will go to Delabayan with only a few of his men. The military official said the Army will be around in Delabayan to monitor the compliance of Bravo and his men to the conditions of the joint CCCH.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/milfs-bravo-can-attend-fab-information-campaign-but-3/
Military debunks latest HR complaint, says it's mere propaganda
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): Military debunks latest HR complaint,
says it's mere propaganda
The military here brushed aside as mere propaganda the complaint of a farmer who claimed he was mauled by members of the 66th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Roque, Nabunturan, this province. Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said the aggrieved party should have filed his complaint with the police for proper investigation. He said the complaint could have been heard in the proper venue where the accused can answer the charges. “The aggrieved party must file the complaint before a proper forum so that the accused can answer his accusations," Paniza said. The complainant filed a formal complaint on Tuesday against the soldiers before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR XI) and claimed he was mauled by them as they allegedly identified him to be a rebel leader operating in the area. Paniza said the military leadership ordered an investigation on the eight soldiers and two militiamen who allegedly figured in the incident. However, he doubted the veracity of the complaint, saying it could just be another plot to discredit the soldiers. Paniza also expressed doubts on the credibility of the complainant who allegedly demanded P3,000 for the damages during a forum held in Barangay San Isidro, Nabunturan. He said the soldiers declined to yield to his demand and cited all his claims as baseless accusation. Colonel Antonino Florendo, commanding officer of the 66th IB, expressed willingness to cooperate to an objective investigation on the alleged incident. He maintained that his soldiers did not commit human rights violation. “With the current thrust of winning the peace, the Army has put premium in the protection of the people, respect for human rights and the observation of the International Humanitarian Law,” Florendo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=471975
The military here brushed aside as mere propaganda the complaint of a farmer who claimed he was mauled by members of the 66th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Roque, Nabunturan, this province. Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said the aggrieved party should have filed his complaint with the police for proper investigation. He said the complaint could have been heard in the proper venue where the accused can answer the charges. “The aggrieved party must file the complaint before a proper forum so that the accused can answer his accusations," Paniza said. The complainant filed a formal complaint on Tuesday against the soldiers before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR XI) and claimed he was mauled by them as they allegedly identified him to be a rebel leader operating in the area. Paniza said the military leadership ordered an investigation on the eight soldiers and two militiamen who allegedly figured in the incident. However, he doubted the veracity of the complaint, saying it could just be another plot to discredit the soldiers. Paniza also expressed doubts on the credibility of the complainant who allegedly demanded P3,000 for the damages during a forum held in Barangay San Isidro, Nabunturan. He said the soldiers declined to yield to his demand and cited all his claims as baseless accusation. Colonel Antonino Florendo, commanding officer of the 66th IB, expressed willingness to cooperate to an objective investigation on the alleged incident. He maintained that his soldiers did not commit human rights violation. “With the current thrust of winning the peace, the Army has put premium in the protection of the people, respect for human rights and the observation of the International Humanitarian Law,” Florendo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=471975
Cops nab BIFM member over Tacurong market bombing
From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): Cops nab BIFM member over Tacurong market bombing
Lawmen arrested a confessed member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) after setting off Friday morning an improvised explosive device at the Tacurong City public market, the fifth explosion to rock the area since October. No one was reported killed or injured in the bombing, but the incident triggered panic among local residents. Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, chief of the Tacurong City police, said the bomb was detonated along a national highway, near the city proper. Responding policemen nabbed a man named Abdul Usman, whom they noticed fleeing from the scene hastily, carrying an empty bag. Witnesses have confirmed seeing Usman roaming suspiciously near the spot where the IED went off minutes before the powerful blast was heard. Tuzon said Usman, who is also known as “Obing,” readily confessed to his being a member of the bandit BIFM, which is led by foreign-trained jihadist Ameril Umbra Kato. The suspect also admitted belonging to a BIFM gang led by a certain Commander Gani, a henchman of Kato. Tuzon said investigators are still trying to extract from Usman information on his accomplices in perpetrating the bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/16/867459/cops-nab-bifm-member-over-tacurong-market-bombing
Lawmen arrested a confessed member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) after setting off Friday morning an improvised explosive device at the Tacurong City public market, the fifth explosion to rock the area since October. No one was reported killed or injured in the bombing, but the incident triggered panic among local residents. Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, chief of the Tacurong City police, said the bomb was detonated along a national highway, near the city proper. Responding policemen nabbed a man named Abdul Usman, whom they noticed fleeing from the scene hastily, carrying an empty bag. Witnesses have confirmed seeing Usman roaming suspiciously near the spot where the IED went off minutes before the powerful blast was heard. Tuzon said Usman, who is also known as “Obing,” readily confessed to his being a member of the bandit BIFM, which is led by foreign-trained jihadist Ameril Umbra Kato. The suspect also admitted belonging to a BIFM gang led by a certain Commander Gani, a henchman of Kato. Tuzon said investigators are still trying to extract from Usman information on his accomplices in perpetrating the bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/11/16/867459/cops-nab-bifm-member-over-tacurong-market-bombing
Ships’ waste untreated–US Navy
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Ships’ waste untreated–US Navy
A United States Navy vessel, which has been at the center of a waste dumping issue in Philippine waters, has no waste treatment facility, contradicting claims by a contractor that what it receives from the vessel are pretreated wastes, the ship captain said on Friday. Capt. Glenn Pendrick, commanding officer of the submarine tender USS Emory Land, told Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chair Roberto Garcia that the ship “has no waste treatment facility [which is why] we hire third party contractors.” In earlier media interviews and press statements, retired Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, president of the Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., claimed that wastes from US vessels collected by his firm were pretreated. “Domestic waste in US Navy ships is pretreated, in accordance to their standard procedure,” Mayuga said in a statement this week.... Pendrick, who received Bello as a guest in his ship along withSBMA representatives and reporters, said he was aware of the allegations against Glenn Defense. “The US Navy is already investigating this,” he said. “[The US Navy is] committed to being good stewards of the environment… which is why when we hire third party contractors, it’s in the contract that they follow all international and local laws,” he said. Pendrick said his ship generates and disposes of gray water, oily waste and sewage.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56484/ships-waste-untreated-us-navy
A United States Navy vessel, which has been at the center of a waste dumping issue in Philippine waters, has no waste treatment facility, contradicting claims by a contractor that what it receives from the vessel are pretreated wastes, the ship captain said on Friday. Capt. Glenn Pendrick, commanding officer of the submarine tender USS Emory Land, told Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chair Roberto Garcia that the ship “has no waste treatment facility [which is why] we hire third party contractors.” In earlier media interviews and press statements, retired Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, president of the Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., claimed that wastes from US vessels collected by his firm were pretreated. “Domestic waste in US Navy ships is pretreated, in accordance to their standard procedure,” Mayuga said in a statement this week.... Pendrick, who received Bello as a guest in his ship along withSBMA representatives and reporters, said he was aware of the allegations against Glenn Defense. “The US Navy is already investigating this,” he said. “[The US Navy is] committed to being good stewards of the environment… which is why when we hire third party contractors, it’s in the contract that they follow all international and local laws,” he said. Pendrick said his ship generates and disposes of gray water, oily waste and sewage.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56484/ships-waste-untreated-us-navy
Military insists, “We will not leave Paquibato”
From the leftist and often pro-CPP Davao Today (Nov 16): Military insists, “We will not leave Paquibato”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10th Infantry Division said that its unit, the 69th Infantry Battalion, “will not leave Paquibato.” Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID-AFP’s spokesperson said in an emailed statement, they have even identified “a strategic area” where the 69th IB’s headquarters will be transferred from Panabo City to Paquibato area “in due time.” Paniza’s announcement came after a week the Davao City Council approved a resolution exhorting the military to pullout its detachments from civilian structures such as schools and village halls.... Children’s rights group Kabiba, in the October 6 Peace and Humanitarian Mission in Pandaitan village, has also documented the actual encampment of said government troops in these civilian structures. The situation, the City Council Resolution said, is disturbing not only to residents but to non-residents as well, “knowing the danger that detachments pose to the communities should hostilities take place.” The resolution also stated that in times of civil unrest, vigilance will help “not to aggravate the peace and order situation especially in far-flung areas.”.... To “monitor and verify” the military’s statement, Kabiba vowed to visit Paquibato villages.m“We saw right before our eyes on how the soldiers have made the barangay hall and daycare center as their detachment,” said Kabiba’s Program Officer, Lovey Caragao, in a statement.... The children’s rights group scored the military for “attacking schools” and “violating children’s democratic right to education.”.... The military encampment in schools, according to Kabiba, is a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law..... “The military has no basis under the law to use civilian facilities as barracks or detachments. They should leave,” said Mary Ann Sapar of the Gabriela Women’s Party Southern Mindanao. Sapar said that “extensive documentation” of rights groups pointed to the “extreme risk” that military detachments pose to civilians, especially women and children. Militarization, she said, is one of the “seven deadly sins against women” that includes rape and incest; sexual harassment; domestic violence: sex trafficking, white slavery, and prostitution; sexual discrimination; inaccessibility or limited access to maternal health and childcare and; violence as a result of state repression....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/11/16/military-insists-we-will-not-leave-paquibato/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10th Infantry Division said that its unit, the 69th Infantry Battalion, “will not leave Paquibato.” Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID-AFP’s spokesperson said in an emailed statement, they have even identified “a strategic area” where the 69th IB’s headquarters will be transferred from Panabo City to Paquibato area “in due time.” Paniza’s announcement came after a week the Davao City Council approved a resolution exhorting the military to pullout its detachments from civilian structures such as schools and village halls.... Children’s rights group Kabiba, in the October 6 Peace and Humanitarian Mission in Pandaitan village, has also documented the actual encampment of said government troops in these civilian structures. The situation, the City Council Resolution said, is disturbing not only to residents but to non-residents as well, “knowing the danger that detachments pose to the communities should hostilities take place.” The resolution also stated that in times of civil unrest, vigilance will help “not to aggravate the peace and order situation especially in far-flung areas.”.... To “monitor and verify” the military’s statement, Kabiba vowed to visit Paquibato villages.m“We saw right before our eyes on how the soldiers have made the barangay hall and daycare center as their detachment,” said Kabiba’s Program Officer, Lovey Caragao, in a statement.... The children’s rights group scored the military for “attacking schools” and “violating children’s democratic right to education.”.... The military encampment in schools, according to Kabiba, is a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law..... “The military has no basis under the law to use civilian facilities as barracks or detachments. They should leave,” said Mary Ann Sapar of the Gabriela Women’s Party Southern Mindanao. Sapar said that “extensive documentation” of rights groups pointed to the “extreme risk” that military detachments pose to civilians, especially women and children. Militarization, she said, is one of the “seven deadly sins against women” that includes rape and incest; sexual harassment; domestic violence: sex trafficking, white slavery, and prostitution; sexual discrimination; inaccessibility or limited access to maternal health and childcare and; violence as a result of state repression....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/11/16/military-insists-we-will-not-leave-paquibato/
Phl, US militaries to hold bilateral exercises next year
From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): Phl, US militaries to hold bilateral exercises next year
The militaries of the Philippines and the United States (US) will sign next month an agreement that will enable them to conduct bilateral exercises next year. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said the agreement would be inked with the US Pacific Command and would set the direction for the drills to be held in 2013. “We are finalizing this and this December, there will be signing with the US Pacific Command,” Dellosa told reporters Thursday evening. “(The agreement will be about the exercises next year and the activities to be conducted next year with the US forces,” he added. The holding of joint military drills is part of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signed by the US and the Philippines in 1951. The treaty seeks to strengthen the efforts of US and the Philippines “for collective defense for the preservation of peace and security.” Under the MDT, the two countries, separately or jointly, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attacks. Among the joint military drills staged by the US and the Philippines are the Balikatan, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT and the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHIBLEX. Dellosa said the signing of agreements on military exercise is done every year. He said next month’s signing might be held in the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City....
The militaries of the Philippines and the United States (US) will sign next month an agreement that will enable them to conduct bilateral exercises next year. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said the agreement would be inked with the US Pacific Command and would set the direction for the drills to be held in 2013. “We are finalizing this and this December, there will be signing with the US Pacific Command,” Dellosa told reporters Thursday evening. “(The agreement will be about the exercises next year and the activities to be conducted next year with the US forces,” he added. The holding of joint military drills is part of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) signed by the US and the Philippines in 1951. The treaty seeks to strengthen the efforts of US and the Philippines “for collective defense for the preservation of peace and security.” Under the MDT, the two countries, separately or jointly, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attacks. Among the joint military drills staged by the US and the Philippines are the Balikatan, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT and the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHIBLEX. Dellosa said the signing of agreements on military exercise is done every year. He said next month’s signing might be held in the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City....
Aquino OKs reassignment of 8 senior AFP officers
From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): Aquino OKs reassignment of 8 senior AFP officers
President Benigno Aquino III has approved the reassignments of eight senior military officers, triggering another wave of leadership change in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
President Benigno Aquino III has approved the reassignments of eight senior military officers, triggering another wave of leadership change in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Among the military units affected by the latest reshuffle were the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and various Army field units. Maj. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta, Jr., the outgoing Superintendent of the PMA, has been named chief of the Army’s 2nd division in Tanay, Rizal. Peralta, a member of PMA class ’79, will be succeeded by his classmate Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, the current Inspector-General of the military. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año has been designated ISAFP chief, succeeding Maj. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, who is now the commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division. Año, who has been credited for the capture of several leaders of the communist rebellion, will assume the post next week. Prior to his designation as ISAFP chief, Año served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence. Succeeding Año as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence is Brig. Gen. Virgilio Hernandez, the outgoing assistant chief of ISAFP and a member of PMA class ’83. The leadership change also covered some field units of the Army. Col. Felix Castro, Jr. has been appointed new Assistant Commander of the 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur. He will succeed Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, who is now the AFP deputy chief for operations. Col. Joselito Kakilala, the current chief of the AFP Task Force GenSan (General Santos), has been designated chief of the Army’s 903rd brigade. Kakilala, who used to work for the AFP Civil Relations Service, is a member of PMA class ’84. Col. Marcos Norman Flores, Jr., the current chief of AFP Task Force Davao, has been named chief of the 1002nd brigade Also covered by the reassignment is Col. Vicente Yordan, who has assumed as chief of the 55th Engineer Brigade. A former chief engineer of the Army, Yordan is a graduate of PMA class ’82. “Appointments in key-positions in the AFP are very important in coping with the dynamics of our organization,” AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa said in a statement. “We are confident that the newly appointed senior officers will be able to infuse new vigor and bring fresh ideas to their respective offices,” he added.
Clash between soldiers, MILF averted in Lanao del Norte
From MindaNews (Nov 16): Clash between soldiers, MILF averted in Lanao del Norte
The Philippine Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) averted Thursday a major shooting war from erupting, a month after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the government and the MILF.
Both camps ordered their troops to stand down in Kauswagan and Munai towns in Lanao del Norte, and have agreed to stop building up or mobilizing their forces, now separated only by a stretch of rice fields in Munai town until they received words from the government and MILF joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). The government and the MILF CCCH teams are currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, together with their respective peace panels, to settle the annexes of the FAB. “This is a case of misunderstanding,” said Aga-Khan Mangondato Sharief of the MILF Local Monitoring Team, after a meeting with Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade in Iligan City, this afternoon. Army troops went on high alert, sending tanks and personnel to the towns of Munai and Kauswagan after of MILF commander Abdurahman Bravo, aka Kumander Bravo, and 300 of his armed men wanted to attend an information campaign on the FAB in Barangay Delabayan on Thursday.
Bravo relented this morning and withdrew his forces to the old poblacion of Munai, some 18 kilometers from Barangay Delabayan in Kauswagan, site of the MILF’s FAB information campaign.
Lucero said Bravo’s movement with his armed men apparently violated the 1997 cease agreement between the Philippines and the MILF, which states that both the MILF and the Philippine military should inform the joint government-MILF CCCH before moving their forces to prevent misunderstanding and a shooting war. Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, head of the government CCCH, said their MILF counterparts did not inform them that Bravo would be moving along with his troops to Delabayan. In their meeting this afternoon, Sharief appealed to the Philippine Army for some understanding. “Delabayan is a small village…Bravo hails from this village and every one knows him,” Shareif said. Sharief said he appealed to the Philippine military to allow Bravo to come to the meeting in Delabayan with 60 of his bodyguards, not 300 armed men. After meeting for one hour with the MILF, Lucero came out and said he would allow Bravo to go to Delabayan, provided all of his bodyguards will not show their firearms “so as not to cause alarm.” But Lucero stressed they will have to wait for the decision of the joint MILF and government CCCH teams whether they will agree to this arrangement. “We will do everything to preserve the gains of the peace agreement,” Lucero said. Sharief said they were amenable to Lucero’s suggestion to wait for the decision of the government-MILF CCCH panel.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/16/clash-between-soldiers-milf-averted-in-lanao-del-norte/
The Philippine Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) averted Thursday a major shooting war from erupting, a month after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the government and the MILF.
BACK FROM PATROL. An Army patrol arrives at their camp in Munai town in Lanao del Norte on Nov. 15, 2012. Army troops and the MILF have stand down in Kauswagan and Munai towns since Tuesday and averted a possible crisis following the threat of MILF commander Abdurahman Bravo, aka Kumander Bravo, who wanted to attend an information campaign about the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement with his armed men. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
Both camps ordered their troops to stand down in Kauswagan and Munai towns in Lanao del Norte, and have agreed to stop building up or mobilizing their forces, now separated only by a stretch of rice fields in Munai town until they received words from the government and MILF joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). The government and the MILF CCCH teams are currently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, together with their respective peace panels, to settle the annexes of the FAB. “This is a case of misunderstanding,” said Aga-Khan Mangondato Sharief of the MILF Local Monitoring Team, after a meeting with Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade in Iligan City, this afternoon. Army troops went on high alert, sending tanks and personnel to the towns of Munai and Kauswagan after of MILF commander Abdurahman Bravo, aka Kumander Bravo, and 300 of his armed men wanted to attend an information campaign on the FAB in Barangay Delabayan on Thursday.
Bravo relented this morning and withdrew his forces to the old poblacion of Munai, some 18 kilometers from Barangay Delabayan in Kauswagan, site of the MILF’s FAB information campaign.
Lucero said Bravo’s movement with his armed men apparently violated the 1997 cease agreement between the Philippines and the MILF, which states that both the MILF and the Philippine military should inform the joint government-MILF CCCH before moving their forces to prevent misunderstanding and a shooting war. Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, head of the government CCCH, said their MILF counterparts did not inform them that Bravo would be moving along with his troops to Delabayan. In their meeting this afternoon, Sharief appealed to the Philippine Army for some understanding. “Delabayan is a small village…Bravo hails from this village and every one knows him,” Shareif said. Sharief said he appealed to the Philippine military to allow Bravo to come to the meeting in Delabayan with 60 of his bodyguards, not 300 armed men. After meeting for one hour with the MILF, Lucero came out and said he would allow Bravo to go to Delabayan, provided all of his bodyguards will not show their firearms “so as not to cause alarm.” But Lucero stressed they will have to wait for the decision of the joint MILF and government CCCH teams whether they will agree to this arrangement. “We will do everything to preserve the gains of the peace agreement,” Lucero said. Sharief said they were amenable to Lucero’s suggestion to wait for the decision of the government-MILF CCCH panel.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/16/clash-between-soldiers-milf-averted-in-lanao-del-norte/
NPA rebel surrenders
From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 16): NPA rebel surrenders
A MEMBER of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to Task Force Davao (TFD) Sunday, claiming that hard life in the revolutionary movement forced him to do so.The rebel surrenderee was identified as Rodolfo Velos Lugas alias "Bunso", 29, an alleged member of the NPA under the 1st Pulang Bagani Command-Southern Mindanao Region Command (PBC1-SMRC). Lugas is a resident of Barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato District, Davao City, where he also used to operate. Lugas first turned himself in to the local officials of Paquibato District, and was then endorsed to TFD last Sunday.TFD executive officer Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said Lugas confessed that he joined the revolutionary movement last April. He claimed to be part of two separate encounters against the 10th Infantry Division's Bagani Long Range Platoon (BLRP) last September and October at in Km. 26 and Sitio Alon, Malabog District, respectively. Lugas also admitted to having witness different crimes committed by the NPA rebels against the military and civilians in Paquibato. The spokesperson for the 10th Infantry Division, Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, said Lugas may shed some information with regards to the operations of the NPA and the crimes that they have committed. "Hindi ko pa alam kung gaano kalalim ang involvement niya sa kilusan kaya hindi pa pwede mag-speculate kung ano ang mga krimeng nagawa ng NPA. Depende na siguro yan sa information na ibibigay niya (I still don't know how deep is his involvement to the rebel movement so it's still early to speculate what crimes the NPAs committed. It all depends on the imformation we can get from him)," Paniza said. TFD commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said: "It's a welcome development. I always admire such decision by any rebel to go back to the folds of the law. It means that he is aware of his senses and he cares for his future and his family."Flores also assured that Lugas will receive help from the local government."We will make sure that he will receive financial support from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)," he said. CLIP is part of the Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan, which aims to provide livelihood opportunities and other development programs for rebel returnees.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/11/16/npa-rebel-surrenders-253519
A MEMBER of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to Task Force Davao (TFD) Sunday, claiming that hard life in the revolutionary movement forced him to do so.The rebel surrenderee was identified as Rodolfo Velos Lugas alias "Bunso", 29, an alleged member of the NPA under the 1st Pulang Bagani Command-Southern Mindanao Region Command (PBC1-SMRC). Lugas is a resident of Barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato District, Davao City, where he also used to operate. Lugas first turned himself in to the local officials of Paquibato District, and was then endorsed to TFD last Sunday.TFD executive officer Lt. Col. Gerry Besana said Lugas confessed that he joined the revolutionary movement last April. He claimed to be part of two separate encounters against the 10th Infantry Division's Bagani Long Range Platoon (BLRP) last September and October at in Km. 26 and Sitio Alon, Malabog District, respectively. Lugas also admitted to having witness different crimes committed by the NPA rebels against the military and civilians in Paquibato. The spokesperson for the 10th Infantry Division, Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, said Lugas may shed some information with regards to the operations of the NPA and the crimes that they have committed. "Hindi ko pa alam kung gaano kalalim ang involvement niya sa kilusan kaya hindi pa pwede mag-speculate kung ano ang mga krimeng nagawa ng NPA. Depende na siguro yan sa information na ibibigay niya (I still don't know how deep is his involvement to the rebel movement so it's still early to speculate what crimes the NPAs committed. It all depends on the imformation we can get from him)," Paniza said. TFD commander Col. Marcos Norman Flores, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said: "It's a welcome development. I always admire such decision by any rebel to go back to the folds of the law. It means that he is aware of his senses and he cares for his future and his family."Flores also assured that Lugas will receive help from the local government."We will make sure that he will receive financial support from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)," he said. CLIP is part of the Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan, which aims to provide livelihood opportunities and other development programs for rebel returnees.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/11/16/npa-rebel-surrenders-253519
Photo: Partners
Posted to MindaNews (dated Nov 14): Photo: Partners
The atmosphere in the negotiations has changed after the Oct. 15 signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. They’re partners now, not adversaries, GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen (R) and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal on November 14, said outside the function room of the Technical Working Group on Wealth-Sharing at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
http://www.mindanews.com/
The atmosphere in the negotiations has changed after the Oct. 15 signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. They’re partners now, not adversaries, GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen (R) and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal on November 14, said outside the function room of the Technical Working Group on Wealth-Sharing at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
http://www.mindanews.com/
Photo: Uneasy Calm
Posted to MindaNews (dated Nov 15): Photo: Uneasy Calm
Maranao women walks past an Army Simba armoured personnel tank parked along the road in Munai town in Lanao del Norte on Nov. 15, 2012. Army tanks and troops were deployed in Kauswagan and Munai towns since Tuesday to counter the threat of MILF commander Abdurahman Bravo, aka Kumander Bravo, who wanted to attend an information campaign about the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement with his armed men. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/
Maranao women walks past an Army Simba armoured personnel tank parked along the road in Munai town in Lanao del Norte on Nov. 15, 2012. Army tanks and troops were deployed in Kauswagan and Munai towns since Tuesday to counter the threat of MILF commander Abdurahman Bravo, aka Kumander Bravo, who wanted to attend an information campaign about the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement with his armed men. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/
GPH-MILF talks, post-FAB signing: the ‘devils’ and ‘angels’ in the details
From MindaNews (Nov 16): GPH-MILF talks, post-FAB signing: the ‘devils’ and ‘angels’ in the details
Unlike last month when they were crafting the final text of what would become the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), there is much laughter now and the faces of the members of the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels have lightened up as the talks resumed this week, the first since the signing of the FAB on October 15 in Malacanang. There are more people, too – 40 for the GPH delegation and 15 for the MILF – with the three technical working groups (TWGs) on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization meeting simultaneously on the details of the Framework Agreement that would provide for the creation of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016. At the foyer at the Lower Ground floor of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel near the TWG meeting rooms, they even jokingly refer to each other by TWGs – the “wealthy” for the wealth-sharing, the “powerful” for the power-sharing and the “normals” for the normalization, the preferred term of the MILF over the usual DDR (disarmament, demobilization and reintegration) in post-conflict situations. But while the relationship between parties has changed from adversaries to partners and there is much laughter and camaraderie, both panel are aware, and they have become increasingly aware as the days moved on, that crafting the annexes that would form what would be the comprehensive agreement by yearend 2012 is no laughing matter and no walk in the park given the “devil” or “devils” in the details. GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, however, would rather summon the “angels.” Leonen and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal were optimistic about the outcome of this seven-day TWG negotiations in their opening remarks on Monday morning but by Friday noon, both acknowledged to MindaNews that although “substantial” progress has been made in all three TWGs, the work will not be finished this week. Leonen told MindaNews both sides will have to work on the “intensive data needed” and consult with their principals.Perhaps, a TWG member said, more “angels” need to be summoned. “I am having difficulties finding the angels in this document,” said another on Friday morning.
This round is scheduled to end on Sunday, November 18....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/16/gph-milf-talks-post-fab-signing-the-devils-and-angels-in-the-details/
Unlike last month when they were crafting the final text of what would become the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), there is much laughter now and the faces of the members of the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels have lightened up as the talks resumed this week, the first since the signing of the FAB on October 15 in Malacanang. There are more people, too – 40 for the GPH delegation and 15 for the MILF – with the three technical working groups (TWGs) on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization meeting simultaneously on the details of the Framework Agreement that would provide for the creation of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016. At the foyer at the Lower Ground floor of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel near the TWG meeting rooms, they even jokingly refer to each other by TWGs – the “wealthy” for the wealth-sharing, the “powerful” for the power-sharing and the “normals” for the normalization, the preferred term of the MILF over the usual DDR (disarmament, demobilization and reintegration) in post-conflict situations. But while the relationship between parties has changed from adversaries to partners and there is much laughter and camaraderie, both panel are aware, and they have become increasingly aware as the days moved on, that crafting the annexes that would form what would be the comprehensive agreement by yearend 2012 is no laughing matter and no walk in the park given the “devil” or “devils” in the details. GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen, however, would rather summon the “angels.” Leonen and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal were optimistic about the outcome of this seven-day TWG negotiations in their opening remarks on Monday morning but by Friday noon, both acknowledged to MindaNews that although “substantial” progress has been made in all three TWGs, the work will not be finished this week. Leonen told MindaNews both sides will have to work on the “intensive data needed” and consult with their principals.Perhaps, a TWG member said, more “angels” need to be summoned. “I am having difficulties finding the angels in this document,” said another on Friday morning.
This round is scheduled to end on Sunday, November 18....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/16/gph-milf-talks-post-fab-signing-the-devils-and-angels-in-the-details/
OPAPP group to monitor HR violations
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 16): OPAPP group to
monitor HR violations
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process has organized an inter-agency group to monitor human rights violations allegedly committed by state security forces and communist New People’s Army rebels. At the recent signing of Terms of Reference of the Complaints Monitoring Working Group in Manila, OPPAP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said “We have long recognized that respect for human rights is an indispensable ingredient in establishing and maintaining genuine peace.” In a statement, Deles also said that the TOR emphatically reaffirms the government’s commitment to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. The CMWG, which is composed of the Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police, as well as Commission on Human Rights, was created to facilitate the investigation of violations of alleged human rights and IHL through cooperative efforts among its member agencies. Jaime Arroyo, head of the monitoring committee secretariat, however, said that the CMWG itself is not an investigative body, but it will refer the victims’ complaints to offices of the government that are mandated to investigate and/or prosecute crimes against human rights laws.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/topstory7.htm
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process has organized an inter-agency group to monitor human rights violations allegedly committed by state security forces and communist New People’s Army rebels. At the recent signing of Terms of Reference of the Complaints Monitoring Working Group in Manila, OPPAP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said “We have long recognized that respect for human rights is an indispensable ingredient in establishing and maintaining genuine peace.” In a statement, Deles also said that the TOR emphatically reaffirms the government’s commitment to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. The CMWG, which is composed of the Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police, as well as Commission on Human Rights, was created to facilitate the investigation of violations of alleged human rights and IHL through cooperative efforts among its member agencies. Jaime Arroyo, head of the monitoring committee secretariat, however, said that the CMWG itself is not an investigative body, but it will refer the victims’ complaints to offices of the government that are mandated to investigate and/or prosecute crimes against human rights laws.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/topstory7.htm
CPP hits bounty for rebel leaders
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 16): CPP hits bounty
for rebel leaders
The Communist Party of the Philippines slammed the government for the allocation of P467 million as bounty for CPP and National Democratic Front leaders, among others, and claimed that it will only lead to more corruption in the military, illegal arrests, torture and other grave human rights abuses. The reward system was contained in Joint Order 14-2012 issued Nov. 13 by the Departments of National Defense, as well as Interior and Local Government that listed the names of NDFP leaders, known to be actively involved in peace negotiations with the government. Negrense priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, topped the list of most-wanted persons in Negros Occidental, with a cash reward of P7.8 million for his arrest, military records show. Fernandez, with the aliases of Kanor, Ibarra and Ago, has pending arrest warrants for four counts of murder and a case of attempted murder. He supervises an estimated 200 armed red fighters in Negros four guerilla fronts, military records also show. In a statement, the CPP said the reward system will only be used by military and police officials to pocket millions of pesos and commit grave violations of human rights.... A civilian who provided policemen with information, that led to the arrest of Randall Echanis, deputy secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, alleged to be a member of the CPP central committee, in Bago City, four years ago, got a P5 million reward for his capture, police records also show.....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/topstory4.htm
The Communist Party of the Philippines slammed the government for the allocation of P467 million as bounty for CPP and National Democratic Front leaders, among others, and claimed that it will only lead to more corruption in the military, illegal arrests, torture and other grave human rights abuses. The reward system was contained in Joint Order 14-2012 issued Nov. 13 by the Departments of National Defense, as well as Interior and Local Government that listed the names of NDFP leaders, known to be actively involved in peace negotiations with the government. Negrense priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, topped the list of most-wanted persons in Negros Occidental, with a cash reward of P7.8 million for his arrest, military records show. Fernandez, with the aliases of Kanor, Ibarra and Ago, has pending arrest warrants for four counts of murder and a case of attempted murder. He supervises an estimated 200 armed red fighters in Negros four guerilla fronts, military records also show. In a statement, the CPP said the reward system will only be used by military and police officials to pocket millions of pesos and commit grave violations of human rights.... A civilian who provided policemen with information, that led to the arrest of Randall Echanis, deputy secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, alleged to be a member of the CPP central committee, in Bago City, four years ago, got a P5 million reward for his capture, police records also show.....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/16/topstory4.htm
Nobel Peace Prize winner to meet with MILF
From Rappler (Nov 16): Nobel Peace Prize winner to meet with MILF
There will be difficulties in the implementation stage of the much-anticipated Bangsamoro peace deal, but they should not be regarded as upending the peace process. This was the message of Nobel Peace Prize awardee Lord David Trimble on Friday, November 16, as he prepares to visit Mindanao over the weekend. "Something to bear in mind is not to get too worried if something turns out to be more difficult or if the target you had in mind isn't achieved. It's not the end of the world. You've got to have a degree of flexibility when it comes to the implementation. That was our experience. It might help to just talk through that with others," Lord Trimble said in a media conference. Lord Trimble, one of the key players who helped resolve the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, is flying to Cotabato on Saturday, November 17. He will meet with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar and other members of the MILF central committee in the morning, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman in the evening. But he will not be able to meet with MILF Chief Al-Hajji Murad Ebrahim and MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal because the two leaders are overseas. Murad is in Djibouti, Africa for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting, according to Thomas Phipps, 2nd Secretary of the British Embassy in Manila, while Iqbal is in Kuala Lumpur for the 33rd round of formal exploratory talks with the government. Lord Trimble will also be holding a public forum in Cotabato, where Christian and Muslim communities, as well as civil society groups, will have the chance to ask questions about his experiences with the peace process. The 1998 Nobel Peace Prize awardee is in the country as part of the efforts of the British government to support the Mindanao peace process. The United Kingdom is a member of an International Contact Group supporting the peace talks, along with Japan, Saudi and Turkey....
There will be difficulties in the implementation stage of the much-anticipated Bangsamoro peace deal, but they should not be regarded as upending the peace process. This was the message of Nobel Peace Prize awardee Lord David Trimble on Friday, November 16, as he prepares to visit Mindanao over the weekend. "Something to bear in mind is not to get too worried if something turns out to be more difficult or if the target you had in mind isn't achieved. It's not the end of the world. You've got to have a degree of flexibility when it comes to the implementation. That was our experience. It might help to just talk through that with others," Lord Trimble said in a media conference. Lord Trimble, one of the key players who helped resolve the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, is flying to Cotabato on Saturday, November 17. He will meet with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar and other members of the MILF central committee in the morning, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman in the evening. But he will not be able to meet with MILF Chief Al-Hajji Murad Ebrahim and MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal because the two leaders are overseas. Murad is in Djibouti, Africa for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting, according to Thomas Phipps, 2nd Secretary of the British Embassy in Manila, while Iqbal is in Kuala Lumpur for the 33rd round of formal exploratory talks with the government. Lord Trimble will also be holding a public forum in Cotabato, where Christian and Muslim communities, as well as civil society groups, will have the chance to ask questions about his experiences with the peace process. The 1998 Nobel Peace Prize awardee is in the country as part of the efforts of the British government to support the Mindanao peace process. The United Kingdom is a member of an International Contact Group supporting the peace talks, along with Japan, Saudi and Turkey....
Comelec allows Piston, 12 others to join polls
From Rappler (Nov 16): Comelec allows Piston, 12 others to join polls
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, November 16, said it has allowed militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) to participate in the 2013 party list race. The Comelec unanimously voted to approve Piston's application, Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr told reporters in an interview. "Unanimous kasi puro drivers ito," Brillantes explained. (It's unanimous because it's totally composed of drivers.) Brillantes said like Piston, two other applicants got Comelec's unanimous nod: Aagapay sa Matatanda and Aasenso. He said Comelec granted the application of 10 more groups, but declined to name these groups because the ruling was "divided." In a separate interview, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the Comelec approved the three groups' application because they belong to the sectors they represent. Their sectors are also among the marginalized sectors enumerated in the Party-List Law, Sarmiento said. "Marginalization doesn't necessarily mean purely economic," he explained....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/16253-comelec-allows-piston-to-join-2013-polls-no-akbayan-ruling-yet
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, November 16, said it has allowed militant transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) to participate in the 2013 party list race. The Comelec unanimously voted to approve Piston's application, Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr told reporters in an interview. "Unanimous kasi puro drivers ito," Brillantes explained. (It's unanimous because it's totally composed of drivers.) Brillantes said like Piston, two other applicants got Comelec's unanimous nod: Aagapay sa Matatanda and Aasenso. He said Comelec granted the application of 10 more groups, but declined to name these groups because the ruling was "divided." In a separate interview, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the Comelec approved the three groups' application because they belong to the sectors they represent. Their sectors are also among the marginalized sectors enumerated in the Party-List Law, Sarmiento said. "Marginalization doesn't necessarily mean purely economic," he explained....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/16253-comelec-allows-piston-to-join-2013-polls-no-akbayan-ruling-yet
Ex-rebels presented to LGU officials in Agusan del Sur
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): Ex-rebels presented to LGU officials in Agusan del Sur
Seven former rebels who reportedly surrendered to 75IB, Philippine Army were presented to the LGU officials of the province of Agusan del Sur during the awarding ceremony of Reintegration Assistance to Former Rebels. Lt. Jolito Borces, CMO officer bared that the said occasion were witnesses by the following: Vice Governor Santiago B Cane of Agusan Del Sur province, Maj. Gen Nestor Anoñuevo, 4th Infantry Division Commander, P/S Supt. Glenn Dechosa Dela Torre PNP Provincial Director, Col Romeo G Gan, 401ST Brigade Commander, Col Ronald N Albano, 402nd Brigade Commander and the local Tri-media practitioner held at Tannggapan ng Sanggunian Panlalawigan Session Hall, Agusan del Sur recently. According to the report, the said FR were surrendered to 75th Infantry Battalion based in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur under the command of LTC Danilo D. Benavides on November 11 with high powered fire arms. It was reportedly thru the coordination with Mrs Josefina V Bajade, Agusan Del Sur Province PAOPP Chairman. LTC Benavides said, "I'm very glad to their decision to return within the government and in behalf of the Philippine Army we here in 75th Infantry Battalion are sincerely acknowledged to their choice”. Commanding Officer also added, that he acknowledged with thanks the contribution of all persons without whom this effort would not have been possible. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur/with reports from CMO 75IB)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1741352946392
Seven former rebels who reportedly surrendered to 75IB, Philippine Army were presented to the LGU officials of the province of Agusan del Sur during the awarding ceremony of Reintegration Assistance to Former Rebels. Lt. Jolito Borces, CMO officer bared that the said occasion were witnesses by the following: Vice Governor Santiago B Cane of Agusan Del Sur province, Maj. Gen Nestor Anoñuevo, 4th Infantry Division Commander, P/S Supt. Glenn Dechosa Dela Torre PNP Provincial Director, Col Romeo G Gan, 401ST Brigade Commander, Col Ronald N Albano, 402nd Brigade Commander and the local Tri-media practitioner held at Tannggapan ng Sanggunian Panlalawigan Session Hall, Agusan del Sur recently. According to the report, the said FR were surrendered to 75th Infantry Battalion based in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur under the command of LTC Danilo D. Benavides on November 11 with high powered fire arms. It was reportedly thru the coordination with Mrs Josefina V Bajade, Agusan Del Sur Province PAOPP Chairman. LTC Benavides said, "I'm very glad to their decision to return within the government and in behalf of the Philippine Army we here in 75th Infantry Battalion are sincerely acknowledged to their choice”. Commanding Officer also added, that he acknowledged with thanks the contribution of all persons without whom this effort would not have been possible. (NGBT/PIA Surigao del Sur/with reports from CMO 75IB)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1741352946392
Two more former rebels receive government cash assistance
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): Two more former rebels receive government cash assistance
The Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) yesterday convened to process and approve the application of two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for government cash assistance. Mary and Jerry (real names are withheld for security reasons) were interviewed by the members of JVAC from DILG, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), the army. PNP and a member of a civil society group with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). According to Luz Tacal, PSWDO the duo will initially get P5 thousand each from the LGU Samar but will eventually be granted another Php 50 thousand from OPAPP once they have submitted their livelihood proposal.... The Philippine Army and the PNP check on the record if indeed the applicant for government assistance is a rebel and that he has not been charged of any crime outside of his ‘cause’. The JVAC was organized to process and deliberate on the issues of surrendering rebels and are given certification that they are entitled to any financial assistance from any government institution.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221353027671
The Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) yesterday convened to process and approve the application of two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for government cash assistance. Mary and Jerry (real names are withheld for security reasons) were interviewed by the members of JVAC from DILG, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), the army. PNP and a member of a civil society group with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). According to Luz Tacal, PSWDO the duo will initially get P5 thousand each from the LGU Samar but will eventually be granted another Php 50 thousand from OPAPP once they have submitted their livelihood proposal.... The Philippine Army and the PNP check on the record if indeed the applicant for government assistance is a rebel and that he has not been charged of any crime outside of his ‘cause’. The JVAC was organized to process and deliberate on the issues of surrendering rebels and are given certification that they are entitled to any financial assistance from any government institution.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221353027671
Army, ABS-CBN to sponsor Pinukpuk elem school teachers' field trip to NOLCOM
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 16): Army, ABS-CBN to sponsor Pinukpuk elem school teachers' field trip to NOLCOM
School teachers and the principal of the Pinukpuk Junction Elementary School will participate in an "lakbay aral (travel learn)" at the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City next month. Lt. Col. Prudencio Dimas, executive officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, said the activity will be conducted through the partnership of the battalion and the ABS-CBN which will take care of the teachers’ transportation. The field trip, he said, aims to provide the group a better view of the services of the Armed Forces particularly the Philippine Army during military operations, and in providing security and community programs which they could share among the schoolchildren to better appreciate the government forces. “This is the first time in Kalinga that the 21st IB and ABS-CBN partnered in sponsoring a field trip for our local teachers,” he said informing that Pinukpuk ES is piloting the activity. “We are targeting two more schools from the municipalities of Balbalan and Tinglayan for the succeeding activities which may be conducted next year,” he said. Meanwhile, aside from said human development activities, the 21st IB are continuously conducting continuous Bayanihan activities in the municipality of Pinukpuk from road cleaning and maintenance, community cleaning, and school repairs. “The government troops had been actively providing the manpower to help our communities in their various activities to show that the army does not only provide community security but they could also be part of the community as partners in the pursuit for development,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=191352951477
School teachers and the principal of the Pinukpuk Junction Elementary School will participate in an "lakbay aral (travel learn)" at the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) in Camp Aquino, Tarlac City next month. Lt. Col. Prudencio Dimas, executive officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, said the activity will be conducted through the partnership of the battalion and the ABS-CBN which will take care of the teachers’ transportation. The field trip, he said, aims to provide the group a better view of the services of the Armed Forces particularly the Philippine Army during military operations, and in providing security and community programs which they could share among the schoolchildren to better appreciate the government forces. “This is the first time in Kalinga that the 21st IB and ABS-CBN partnered in sponsoring a field trip for our local teachers,” he said informing that Pinukpuk ES is piloting the activity. “We are targeting two more schools from the municipalities of Balbalan and Tinglayan for the succeeding activities which may be conducted next year,” he said. Meanwhile, aside from said human development activities, the 21st IB are continuously conducting continuous Bayanihan activities in the municipality of Pinukpuk from road cleaning and maintenance, community cleaning, and school repairs. “The government troops had been actively providing the manpower to help our communities in their various activities to show that the army does not only provide community security but they could also be part of the community as partners in the pursuit for development,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=191352951477
PNP-AFP Action Center opens in Pampanga
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): PNP-AFP Action Center opens in
Pampanga
The Philippine National Police/Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP/AFP) action center, which is designed to help police and military personnel in the conduct of security monitoring and operations, was formally opened here on Friday. Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Gregorio Catapang, commander of the 7th Infantry Division based at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Sr. Supt. R’win Pangalinawan, Pampanga police provincial director and some local officials, led the blessing and inauguration of the action center. The center will serve and address the peace and order concern in the area. Pineda said the construction of the P1.6 million PNP-AFP action center is a joint effort of local officials and people of Pampanga. The action center is important because Apalit is the point of entry and exit of the province in going to Manila, she said. Catapang, who has jurisdiction of Central Luzon, including Pampanga, likewise said the location of the action center is a very strategic place in the prevention of crime and in keeping peace of Pampanga as it is "the door of the province."......
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472062
The Philippine National Police/Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP/AFP) action center, which is designed to help police and military personnel in the conduct of security monitoring and operations, was formally opened here on Friday. Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Gregorio Catapang, commander of the 7th Infantry Division based at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Sr. Supt. R’win Pangalinawan, Pampanga police provincial director and some local officials, led the blessing and inauguration of the action center. The center will serve and address the peace and order concern in the area. Pineda said the construction of the P1.6 million PNP-AFP action center is a joint effort of local officials and people of Pampanga. The action center is important because Apalit is the point of entry and exit of the province in going to Manila, she said. Catapang, who has jurisdiction of Central Luzon, including Pampanga, likewise said the location of the action center is a very strategic place in the prevention of crime and in keeping peace of Pampanga as it is "the door of the province."......
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472062
Zambo cops release artist sketch of teacher’s abductor
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): Zambo cops release artist sketch of
teacher’s abductor
Authorities have released the computer-generated artist sketch of one of the suspects in the abduction of a public school teacher in this southern port city. Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. James Mejia, who heads Task Force Flor, said the artist sketch of one of the suspects was based on the descriptions given by witnesses who saw the gunmen barged into the residence of the victim. Eight gunmen believed to be kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members abducted Flordeliza Ongchua, 48, around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday from her residence in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of this city.... The suspect is described as from 30 to 40 years old, five-feet and five-inches to five-feet and six inches in height, medium built, 55 kilograms to 60 kilograms in weight, and fair complexion. Meanwhile, Mejia said the PNP had yet to establish the identities as well as the group’s affiliation of Ongchua’s abductors. Mejia said the abductors had not yet contacted the victim’s family since the time they seized Ongchua.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472121
Authorities have released the computer-generated artist sketch of one of the suspects in the abduction of a public school teacher in this southern port city. Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Supt. James Mejia, who heads Task Force Flor, said the artist sketch of one of the suspects was based on the descriptions given by witnesses who saw the gunmen barged into the residence of the victim. Eight gunmen believed to be kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members abducted Flordeliza Ongchua, 48, around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday from her residence in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of this city.... The suspect is described as from 30 to 40 years old, five-feet and five-inches to five-feet and six inches in height, medium built, 55 kilograms to 60 kilograms in weight, and fair complexion. Meanwhile, Mejia said the PNP had yet to establish the identities as well as the group’s affiliation of Ongchua’s abductors. Mejia said the abductors had not yet contacted the victim’s family since the time they seized Ongchua.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472121
15 provinces under PNP's high risk areas for 2013 elections named, 'Task Force SAFE-2013' activated
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): 15 provinces under PNP's high risk
areas for 2013 elections named, 'Task Force SAFE-2013'
activated
With 15 provinces placed at the Philippine National Police's (PNP) high risk areas for the 2013 mid-term elections, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Friday activated "Task Force SAFE-2013" (also known as Secure and Fair Elections 2013).
The 15 provinces are Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur and Basilan. With this, Roxas has directed the PNP to continue cracking down on private armed groups, loose weapons being used in political violence to keep the peace. Factors that may affect the conduct of elections includes intense political rivalry, presence of threat groups including New Peoples Army, Abu Sayyaf Group and crime groups specifically on gun-for-hire groups will be tapped by some unscrupulous politician to ensure their victories in the coming elections....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472051
With 15 provinces placed at the Philippine National Police's (PNP) high risk areas for the 2013 mid-term elections, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Friday activated "Task Force SAFE-2013" (also known as Secure and Fair Elections 2013).
The 15 provinces are Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur and Basilan. With this, Roxas has directed the PNP to continue cracking down on private armed groups, loose weapons being used in political violence to keep the peace. Factors that may affect the conduct of elections includes intense political rivalry, presence of threat groups including New Peoples Army, Abu Sayyaf Group and crime groups specifically on gun-for-hire groups will be tapped by some unscrupulous politician to ensure their victories in the coming elections....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472051
CPP: Solidarity with the 8th anniversary of the massacre in Hacienda Luisita
Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 16): Pakikiisa sa ika-8 anibersaryo ng Masaker sa Hacienda Luisita (Solidarity with the 8th anniversary of the massacre in Hacienda Luisita)
[A loosely translated excerpts from the statement follows. My Tagalog is too rusty to do a verbatim translation]
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) sympathizes with the working peasants and farm workers of Hacienda Luisita today in recognition of the 8th anniversary of the massacre in Hacienda Luisita. The brutal suppression of the uprising on November 16, 2004, when soldiers indiscriminately fired at thousands of protesters at the gates of the Aquino-Cojuangco manor, remains fresh in peoples' memories. Thirteen were killed in one of the worst chapters in the history of peasant struggle in thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/pakikiisa-sa-ika-8-anibersaryo-ng-masaker-sa-hacienda-luisita
[A loosely translated excerpts from the statement follows. My Tagalog is too rusty to do a verbatim translation]
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) sympathizes with the working peasants and farm workers of Hacienda Luisita today in recognition of the 8th anniversary of the massacre in Hacienda Luisita. The brutal suppression of the uprising on November 16, 2004, when soldiers indiscriminately fired at thousands of protesters at the gates of the Aquino-Cojuangco manor, remains fresh in peoples' memories. Thirteen were killed in one of the worst chapters in the history of peasant struggle in the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/pakikiisa-sa-ika-8-anibersaryo-ng-masaker-sa-hacienda-luisita
BAYAN: On the 8th anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre
From the pro-CPP online "news outlet" Bulatlat (Nov 16): On the 8th anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita Massacre
Eight years ago today, state security forces fired upon unarmed farm workers and their supporters in what would be known as the Hacienda Luisita Massacre. The shooting resulted in the death of seven strikers and their supporters and injured scores of other unarmed protesters. Scores were also arrested and brought to detention facilities in the aftermath. Not long after, other supporters were gunned down by what many believe to be state forces who were supporting the big landowners.
To this day, not one of the perpetrators of this crime has been made accountable. Not one has been formally charged in court. A crime was committed yet for the Philippine government, there seems to be no criminals. Our institutions, from the Ombudsman, to the Department of Justice and even Congress who probed the incident, have all failed the victims of this brutal incident. We blame the Aquino regime for the continuing injustice in Luisita.... There can be no positive spin in an incident which reeks of gross injustice. There is no “good news” for the families of the victims still crying out for accountability. There can be no “balanced presentation” when the scales of justice are tilted in favor of the big landlords and the state security forces. We join the farm workers of Luisita in struggling for justice and in the fulfilment of their aspiration for genuine agrarian reform.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/on-the-8th-anniversary-of-the-hacienda-luisita-massacre/
Eight years ago today, state security forces fired upon unarmed farm workers and their supporters in what would be known as the Hacienda Luisita Massacre. The shooting resulted in the death of seven strikers and their supporters and injured scores of other unarmed protesters. Scores were also arrested and brought to detention facilities in the aftermath. Not long after, other supporters were gunned down by what many believe to be state forces who were supporting the big landowners.
To this day, not one of the perpetrators of this crime has been made accountable. Not one has been formally charged in court. A crime was committed yet for the Philippine government, there seems to be no criminals. Our institutions, from the Ombudsman, to the Department of Justice and even Congress who probed the incident, have all failed the victims of this brutal incident. We blame the Aquino regime for the continuing injustice in Luisita.... There can be no positive spin in an incident which reeks of gross injustice. There is no “good news” for the families of the victims still crying out for accountability. There can be no “balanced presentation” when the scales of justice are tilted in favor of the big landlords and the state security forces. We join the farm workers of Luisita in struggling for justice and in the fulfilment of their aspiration for genuine agrarian reform.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/on-the-8th-anniversary-of-the-hacienda-luisita-massacre/
Bulatlat: Albay councilman shot, beheaded by suspected soldiers
From the pro-CPP online "news outlet" Bulatlat (Nov 16): Albay councilman shot, beheaded by suspected soldiers
A village councilman in Guinobatan, Albay province was found beheaded, November 12. According to reports from the Karapatan chapter in Bicol, the councilman, 60-year-old Ely M. Oguis, was accused of being a tax collector of the New People’s Army (NPA) by the Philippine Army and was shot and decapitated. Oguis, 60, was a member of the Albay People’s Organization.... At 1:00 a.m. the following morning, November 12, another village councilor Minda Sumaupan, with three others were returning home from a wake in another village. When they reached Palapbuton subvillage, Cabaloaon, the group’s flashlight shone upon a person lying along the road. At first, the group thought the person was asleep in a drunken stupor. They were shocked when, after coming closer to the person, they found the body with no head.... Initial information gathered by Karapatan-Bicol revealed that Oguis sustained five gunshot wounds in the chest causing severe damage to the lungs and heart. The decapitated head also bore signs of being hit with a hard object. In the meantime, units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have already released statements, each one in conflict with the others..... In a statement sent to Bulatlat.com, Vince Casilihan, spokesman of Karapatan-Bicol and among those who conducted an independent investigation of the incident, quoted the residents as saying that they never heard any firefight. The gunshots did not last for even a minute, Casihilan said. “The military is lying to cover up for their heinous crime,” Casihilan said. “They are the only ones who have the motive to kill Oguis.”.... Casihilan said the killing of Oguis is part of the implementation of the Aquino administration’s counterinsurgency program Oplan Bayanihan. “The state forces who present themselves as Community Peace and Development Team (CPDT) are no different from the bloody Special operations teams of Arroyo’s Oplan Bantal Laya I and II.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/11/16/albay-councilman-shot-beheaded-by-suspected-soldiers/print/
A village councilman in Guinobatan, Albay province was found beheaded, November 12. According to reports from the Karapatan chapter in Bicol, the councilman, 60-year-old Ely M. Oguis, was accused of being a tax collector of the New People’s Army (NPA) by the Philippine Army and was shot and decapitated. Oguis, 60, was a member of the Albay People’s Organization.... At 1:00 a.m. the following morning, November 12, another village councilor Minda Sumaupan, with three others were returning home from a wake in another village. When they reached Palapbuton subvillage, Cabaloaon, the group’s flashlight shone upon a person lying along the road. At first, the group thought the person was asleep in a drunken stupor. They were shocked when, after coming closer to the person, they found the body with no head.... Initial information gathered by Karapatan-Bicol revealed that Oguis sustained five gunshot wounds in the chest causing severe damage to the lungs and heart. The decapitated head also bore signs of being hit with a hard object. In the meantime, units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have already released statements, each one in conflict with the others..... In a statement sent to Bulatlat.com, Vince Casilihan, spokesman of Karapatan-Bicol and among those who conducted an independent investigation of the incident, quoted the residents as saying that they never heard any firefight. The gunshots did not last for even a minute, Casihilan said. “The military is lying to cover up for their heinous crime,” Casihilan said. “They are the only ones who have the motive to kill Oguis.”.... Casihilan said the killing of Oguis is part of the implementation of the Aquino administration’s counterinsurgency program Oplan Bayanihan. “The state forces who present themselves as Community Peace and Development Team (CPDT) are no different from the bloody Special operations teams of Arroyo’s Oplan Bantal Laya I and II.
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/11/16/albay-councilman-shot-beheaded-by-suspected-soldiers/print/
MILF: Editorial (Nov 16-22)--‘There is no other option’
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Nov 16-22): ‘There is no other option’
In his unwritten opening remarks during the 33rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, the MILF peace panel chairman bluntly asserted that there is no other option for the parties except to agree on the remaining issues especially on power-sharing and wealth-sharing, because their inability to do so would put on hold their gains after the parties signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Given the limited timeline, the possibility of complications creeping in, should be avoided by the parties.... It is on this spirit that the Philippine government should conduct itself in the current negotiation with the MILF. As their Framework Agreement has already provided the template, the Bangsamoro should be given powers and wealth more than what the local government units are now enjoying and more than what the confines of the current laws allows. If the government negotiators are only negotiating on what is already in existence, then the whole exercise loses its sense, direction, and purpose.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2935:there-is-no-other-option&catid=344:gggg
In his unwritten opening remarks during the 33rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, the MILF peace panel chairman bluntly asserted that there is no other option for the parties except to agree on the remaining issues especially on power-sharing and wealth-sharing, because their inability to do so would put on hold their gains after the parties signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Given the limited timeline, the possibility of complications creeping in, should be avoided by the parties.... It is on this spirit that the Philippine government should conduct itself in the current negotiation with the MILF. As their Framework Agreement has already provided the template, the Bangsamoro should be given powers and wealth more than what the local government units are now enjoying and more than what the confines of the current laws allows. If the government negotiators are only negotiating on what is already in existence, then the whole exercise loses its sense, direction, and purpose.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2935:there-is-no-other-option&catid=344:gggg
MILF: OIC should exert more efforts to unite MNLF, MILF
From the MILF Website (Nov 16): OIC should exert more efforts to unite MNLF, MILF
A senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to be more assertive in bringing together the MILF and the MNLF, including its several factions, in the context and umbrella of the BangsamoroCoordination Forum (BCF) and not allow any of the two parties to just dilly-dally. Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF Secretariat, told Luwaran that MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari is just taking an easy ride on the initiative of the OIC by not agreeing to the formation of the BCF. He said that after the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last December 2011, the MILF had officially informed the OIC of its approval for the creation of BCF. The BCF is a coordinating body wherein the MNLF and its factions, the MILF, and Moro civil society organizations, after meeting some qualifications, will discuss major issues and concerns and adopt common decisions for each component members will implement jointly or separately. “It is a vehicle for brotherly interactions in resolving issues or problems of common concerns. This is the most practical way to unite our efforts,” he explained. He noted that Misuari’ formula of unity is for the MILF and other Moro groups to rejoin the MNLF, commenting that idea will simply not work, because at present the MILF is the strongest and biggest organization. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the MILF, also vouched for this BCF as the only practical way for the various groups to move forward together. Murad told a press conference in the MILF camp in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last October 27 that “once it will be implemented, functionalized, then it will be enough forum for all groups of the MNLF and the MILF to discuss among themselves how we can move forward together.” Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC, also cited in his message to the MILF’s Bangsamoro Leaders Assembly held in Darapanan in July. Ihsanoglu had said that since the peace processes with the MILF and MNLF “revolve around the same problem and the same territory, the process of coordination between the two fronts has become of utmost necessity.” In a related development, greater chance for the BCF to take off is seen as both the MNLF and the MILF have sent their respective powerhouse delegations to the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers (CFAM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Nov. 15 to 17 in Djibouti, East Africa. It is most likely the issue of BCF will be taken up at the sideline of the yearly OIC conference.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2934:oic-should-exert-more-efforts-to-unite-mnlf-milf&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
A senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to be more assertive in bringing together the MILF and the MNLF, including its several factions, in the context and umbrella of the BangsamoroCoordination Forum (BCF) and not allow any of the two parties to just dilly-dally. Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF Secretariat, told Luwaran that MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari is just taking an easy ride on the initiative of the OIC by not agreeing to the formation of the BCF. He said that after the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last December 2011, the MILF had officially informed the OIC of its approval for the creation of BCF. The BCF is a coordinating body wherein the MNLF and its factions, the MILF, and Moro civil society organizations, after meeting some qualifications, will discuss major issues and concerns and adopt common decisions for each component members will implement jointly or separately. “It is a vehicle for brotherly interactions in resolving issues or problems of common concerns. This is the most practical way to unite our efforts,” he explained. He noted that Misuari’ formula of unity is for the MILF and other Moro groups to rejoin the MNLF, commenting that idea will simply not work, because at present the MILF is the strongest and biggest organization. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the MILF, also vouched for this BCF as the only practical way for the various groups to move forward together. Murad told a press conference in the MILF camp in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last October 27 that “once it will be implemented, functionalized, then it will be enough forum for all groups of the MNLF and the MILF to discuss among themselves how we can move forward together.” Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC, also cited in his message to the MILF’s Bangsamoro Leaders Assembly held in Darapanan in July. Ihsanoglu had said that since the peace processes with the MILF and MNLF “revolve around the same problem and the same territory, the process of coordination between the two fronts has become of utmost necessity.” In a related development, greater chance for the BCF to take off is seen as both the MNLF and the MILF have sent their respective powerhouse delegations to the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers (CFAM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Nov. 15 to 17 in Djibouti, East Africa. It is most likely the issue of BCF will be taken up at the sideline of the yearly OIC conference.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2934:oic-should-exert-more-efforts-to-unite-mnlf-milf&catid=31:general&Itemid=41