From the Sun Star (Nov 18): Creation of Philippine Air Force Academy pushed
A VETERAN lawmaker has pushed for the establishment of an educational institution that will equip Filipino pilot officers with the proper training. Stressing the need for a Philippine Air Force Academy (PAFA), Senator Edgardo Angara said the country currently has a weak training education program for aviation whether for military or commercial. "If we will continue to adopt this retrogressive stance, we will lose more pilots,” he said. He said the PAF Flying School can no longer cope with the required number and proper training of officer pilots for the Air Force because of inadequate facilities and logistical support, thus the need to create a new academy. The PAFA curriculum consists of an intensive 15-month program based on the entry of students from colleges and universities throughout the country. Graduates from this academy would be commissioned as regular officers of the Air Force. "We also see the need to professionalize career trades such as aircraft maintenance, avionics and air logistics which would greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the local air force," said Angara, chair of the Senate committee on education, culture and arts. Barracks, dorms, office buildings, classrooms and other facilities with the necessary equipment in the Fernando Air Base may be transferred to the academy to defray costs.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/18/creation-philippine-air-force-academy-pushed-253857
Saturday, November 17, 2012
2 US soldiers trash night club, mauls bouncer in Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 18): 2 US soldiers trash night club, mauls bouncer in Philippines
Philippine authorities are investigating two US soldiers who mauled a local bouncer at a night club in Palawan province. The soldiers - Keith Brautigan and Anthony DeSalvo - ganged up on Allen John Gapulao who was only pacifying the two drunken soldiers who were quarrelling with Filipino customers in a bar in Puerto Princesa City. It was not immediately known why the local police failed to arrest the soldiers, who were taking part in a joint military exercise with Filipino troops in the province. The group called Anakbayan condemned the arrogance of the two US soldiers and called on the government to act on the abuses committed by the foreigners, but feared that Manila would cover up the scandal. “Judging from the track record of our government especially that of the Aquino administration, in prosecuting offending foreign soldiers, we doubt that justice will be given to Mr. Gapulao,” Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner. Crisostomo blamed the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. for the continued abuses of American soldiers deployed in the country. US troops were also accused of raping a Filipino woman in the past, but the US Embassy took custody of the soldiers and invoked the VFA in absolving the military men. “For sure, President Benigno Aquino and his fellow puppets at the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the VFA Commission will come to the defense of these offending foreigners by invoking the need to not offend the U.S. and the myth that we need American military aid,” Crisostomo said. There was no immediate statement either from the U.S. Embassy or the VFA Commission about the mauling.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121118003751
Philippine authorities are investigating two US soldiers who mauled a local bouncer at a night club in Palawan province. The soldiers - Keith Brautigan and Anthony DeSalvo - ganged up on Allen John Gapulao who was only pacifying the two drunken soldiers who were quarrelling with Filipino customers in a bar in Puerto Princesa City. It was not immediately known why the local police failed to arrest the soldiers, who were taking part in a joint military exercise with Filipino troops in the province. The group called Anakbayan condemned the arrogance of the two US soldiers and called on the government to act on the abuses committed by the foreigners, but feared that Manila would cover up the scandal. “Judging from the track record of our government especially that of the Aquino administration, in prosecuting offending foreign soldiers, we doubt that justice will be given to Mr. Gapulao,” Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner. Crisostomo blamed the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. for the continued abuses of American soldiers deployed in the country. US troops were also accused of raping a Filipino woman in the past, but the US Embassy took custody of the soldiers and invoked the VFA in absolving the military men. “For sure, President Benigno Aquino and his fellow puppets at the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the VFA Commission will come to the defense of these offending foreigners by invoking the need to not offend the U.S. and the myth that we need American military aid,” Crisostomo said. There was no immediate statement either from the U.S. Embassy or the VFA Commission about the mauling.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121118003751
AFP eyes cybersecurity ops
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 18): AFP eyes cybersecurity ops
Although the Supreme Court has decided to temporarily stop the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the military is scrambling to set up a cybersecurity operations center, according to military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. The military dubbed its envisioned cybersecurity war room as the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR), Burgos said in a statement distributed to defense reporters. “The C4ISTAR project was envisioned by the Department of National Defense and the (Armed Forces of the Philippines) for a comprehensive upgrading and acquisition of modern equipment and solutions under the AFP modernization program for efficient and effective conduct of operations,” he said. Burgos did not specify what kind of “operations” the military hoped to conduct but Col. Wilson Galedo of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said the C4ISTAR is focused on protecting highly-secured data from cyberattacks. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cybersecurity in line with the C4ISTAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said, adding they will also monitor the “changing threat landscape and its implications for defense, security management and building cybersecurity core personnel.” The remarks attributed to AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa in the statement was equally vague. “As part of its inherent roles on internal security operations, territorial defense, and disaster response, the AFP has to be prepared and ready as the world shifts its focus on cybersecurity,” the statement read. “To do this we have to streamline and secure our communications systems in order to efficiently and effectively perform our mandate in protecting our people.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/18/afp-eyes-cybersecurity-ops/
Although the Supreme Court has decided to temporarily stop the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the military is scrambling to set up a cybersecurity operations center, according to military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. The military dubbed its envisioned cybersecurity war room as the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR), Burgos said in a statement distributed to defense reporters. “The C4ISTAR project was envisioned by the Department of National Defense and the (Armed Forces of the Philippines) for a comprehensive upgrading and acquisition of modern equipment and solutions under the AFP modernization program for efficient and effective conduct of operations,” he said. Burgos did not specify what kind of “operations” the military hoped to conduct but Col. Wilson Galedo of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said the C4ISTAR is focused on protecting highly-secured data from cyberattacks. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cybersecurity in line with the C4ISTAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said, adding they will also monitor the “changing threat landscape and its implications for defense, security management and building cybersecurity core personnel.” The remarks attributed to AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa in the statement was equally vague. “As part of its inherent roles on internal security operations, territorial defense, and disaster response, the AFP has to be prepared and ready as the world shifts its focus on cybersecurity,” the statement read. “To do this we have to streamline and secure our communications systems in order to efficiently and effectively perform our mandate in protecting our people.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/18/afp-eyes-cybersecurity-ops/
AFP secures ICT against cyber attacks
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 18): AFP secures ICT against cyber attacks
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has created a Security Operation Center (SOC) tasked to protect the military’s communication and information systems against cyber threats. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., AFP spokesman, said SOC was a big step in the military’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) project. Col. Wilson Galedo, operations chief of the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said that SOC was part of the military’s precautions against cyber attack. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cyber security in line with the C4ISAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said. As this developed, around 60 information technology and network specialists from the different offices of the AFP attended last Nov, 15 the Cyber Security Management Seminar hosted by Symantec Philippines Inc., which sought to orient the participants in the various internet and information security trends available. The seminar aimed to prepare the participants for the intention of the AFP to consolidate information and unify data communications into a highly secure AFP-SOC. The one-day seminar at the AFP Theater focused on the changing threat landscape and its implications for defense; comprehensive security management programs; and building a cyber security core personnel with the help of Symantec’s top leaders. “As part of its inherent roles in internal security operations, territorial defense and disaster response, the AFP has to be prepared and ready as the world shifts its focus on cyber security. To do this we have to streamline and secure our communications systems in order to efficiently and effectively perform our mandate in protecting our people,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7009-afp-secures-ict-against-cyber-attacks
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has created a Security Operation Center (SOC) tasked to protect the military’s communication and information systems against cyber threats. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., AFP spokesman, said SOC was a big step in the military’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) project. Col. Wilson Galedo, operations chief of the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said that SOC was part of the military’s precautions against cyber attack. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cyber security in line with the C4ISAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said. As this developed, around 60 information technology and network specialists from the different offices of the AFP attended last Nov, 15 the Cyber Security Management Seminar hosted by Symantec Philippines Inc., which sought to orient the participants in the various internet and information security trends available. The seminar aimed to prepare the participants for the intention of the AFP to consolidate information and unify data communications into a highly secure AFP-SOC. The one-day seminar at the AFP Theater focused on the changing threat landscape and its implications for defense; comprehensive security management programs; and building a cyber security core personnel with the help of Symantec’s top leaders. “As part of its inherent roles in internal security operations, territorial defense and disaster response, the AFP has to be prepared and ready as the world shifts its focus on cyber security. To do this we have to streamline and secure our communications systems in order to efficiently and effectively perform our mandate in protecting our people,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7009-afp-secures-ict-against-cyber-attacks
Contractor could face sanctions from US Navy for violations
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Contractor could face sanctions from US Navy for
violations
The United States Navy is reviewing the past performance of its contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., to determine if it violated ocean dumping laws which would also mean it violated its husbanding contract with the American naval agency. “If it is proven that GDMA (Glenn Defense) violated any Philippine laws, codes, and/or regulations while performing the contract, then the Philippine government and its appropriate enforcing agency can choose to pursue appropriate actions against GDMA,” said Sky Laron, director of corporate communications at the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center of the US Navy based in Yokosuka, Japan. “The US Navy remains committed stewards of the environment…. Should it be proven that GDMA has violated applicable regulations during the course of its disposition of domestic waste water and bilge water, then GDMA will have also violated the terms of the husbanding contract,” said Laron, who described Glenn Defense as “a private contractor” and not an agent of the US Navy.... In his letter, Laron said, “As with any violation, the US Navy has the normal contractual remedies, to include adverse past performance report and consideration of revocation of acceptance for the services that were rendered.” .....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56622/contractor-could-face-sanctions-from-us-navy-for-violations
The United States Navy is reviewing the past performance of its contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc., to determine if it violated ocean dumping laws which would also mean it violated its husbanding contract with the American naval agency. “If it is proven that GDMA (Glenn Defense) violated any Philippine laws, codes, and/or regulations while performing the contract, then the Philippine government and its appropriate enforcing agency can choose to pursue appropriate actions against GDMA,” said Sky Laron, director of corporate communications at the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center of the US Navy based in Yokosuka, Japan. “The US Navy remains committed stewards of the environment…. Should it be proven that GDMA has violated applicable regulations during the course of its disposition of domestic waste water and bilge water, then GDMA will have also violated the terms of the husbanding contract,” said Laron, who described Glenn Defense as “a private contractor” and not an agent of the US Navy.... In his letter, Laron said, “As with any violation, the US Navy has the normal contractual remedies, to include adverse past performance report and consideration of revocation of acceptance for the services that were rendered.” .....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56622/contractor-could-face-sanctions-from-us-navy-for-violations
Miriam to file resolution on immediate termination of VFA
From the Philippine Star (Nov 18): Miriam to file resolution on immediate termination of VFA
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will file tomorrow a joint resolution calling for the immediate termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, citing several alleged violations committed by the US on local and international laws. Santiago presented her resolution before the media yesterday and spoke about it during a speaking engagement at the annual convention of the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists Inc. where she called on all students to demand the scrapping of the VFA. Santiago has long called for the termination of the VFA because it supposedly favors the US more than the Philippines and the numerous alleged violations committed by the American side of several laws and treaties. “I charge that the US has failed to comply with and has violated Philippine law as well as international norms and customs on the protection and preservation of the environment,” she said....The renewed call by Santiago was brought about by the reported dumping of waste recently by a contractor of the US Navy in Subic Bay. This environmental pollution of the country’s territorial waters, according to Santiago, is not only a violation of the local law on toxic substances, hazardous and nuclear waste control, but also of international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or the so-called MARPOL convention.
Santiago also cited the violation of the terms of the VFA itself by the US for having a permanent presence of American troops in the country, particularly in the Zamboanga region. “In Zamboanga, both local media and international media know that they’re not visiting there. They’re staying there. They don’t have to construct a permanent structure there. As long as there is a permanent military presence, that is a base. They are not visiting, they are squatting,” Santiago said. She said American troops have constantly been in the country for 13 years already and they have been misleading the people about the nature of their visit.
In the resolution, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is directed to give notice of the termination of the VFA to the US government. Santiago has long maintained the Philippine government could unilaterally terminate the VFA without the need to provide any explanation. “Under the VFA, neither the Philippines nor the US needs to cite a basis or to comply with any prerequisite to terminate the agreement,” Santiago said. “One party will simply notify the other in writing that it desires to terminate the agreement. This joint resolution will be treated as a bill passed by the two chambers of Congress,” she added. Santiago said Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello would file the counterpart resolution in the House of Representatives tomorrow. While Santiago believes the Senate alone could already pass the resolution for the termination of the VFA since it has the mandate under the Constitution to ratify treaties, she argued it might be better to bring in the House of Representatives on this matter “since we are talking about the government of the Philippines.”
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/11/18/867993/miriam-file-resolution-immediate-termination-vfa
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will file tomorrow a joint resolution calling for the immediate termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, citing several alleged violations committed by the US on local and international laws. Santiago presented her resolution before the media yesterday and spoke about it during a speaking engagement at the annual convention of the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists Inc. where she called on all students to demand the scrapping of the VFA. Santiago has long called for the termination of the VFA because it supposedly favors the US more than the Philippines and the numerous alleged violations committed by the American side of several laws and treaties. “I charge that the US has failed to comply with and has violated Philippine law as well as international norms and customs on the protection and preservation of the environment,” she said....The renewed call by Santiago was brought about by the reported dumping of waste recently by a contractor of the US Navy in Subic Bay. This environmental pollution of the country’s territorial waters, according to Santiago, is not only a violation of the local law on toxic substances, hazardous and nuclear waste control, but also of international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships or the so-called MARPOL convention.
Santiago also cited the violation of the terms of the VFA itself by the US for having a permanent presence of American troops in the country, particularly in the Zamboanga region. “In Zamboanga, both local media and international media know that they’re not visiting there. They’re staying there. They don’t have to construct a permanent structure there. As long as there is a permanent military presence, that is a base. They are not visiting, they are squatting,” Santiago said. She said American troops have constantly been in the country for 13 years already and they have been misleading the people about the nature of their visit.
In the resolution, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is directed to give notice of the termination of the VFA to the US government. Santiago has long maintained the Philippine government could unilaterally terminate the VFA without the need to provide any explanation. “Under the VFA, neither the Philippines nor the US needs to cite a basis or to comply with any prerequisite to terminate the agreement,” Santiago said. “One party will simply notify the other in writing that it desires to terminate the agreement. This joint resolution will be treated as a bill passed by the two chambers of Congress,” she added. Santiago said Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello would file the counterpart resolution in the House of Representatives tomorrow. While Santiago believes the Senate alone could already pass the resolution for the termination of the VFA since it has the mandate under the Constitution to ratify treaties, she argued it might be better to bring in the House of Representatives on this matter “since we are talking about the government of the Philippines.”
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/11/18/867993/miriam-file-resolution-immediate-termination-vfa
(Update) Seven Army troopers killed, 8 wounded in Isabela ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): (Update) Seven Army troopers killed, 8
wounded in Isabela ambush
Seven Army soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded when a group of New People’s Army rebels ambushed them in the remote mountains of Barangay Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela at 7 a.m. on Saturday, 5th Infantry Division reports in Gamu town said. Six of the fatalities were identified as 2nd Lt. Jim Natorre Palma, Sergeant Eduardo Arquero, Corporal Jondilar Ebersole, Private First Class Jomar Miguel, Pfc Gerald Mina and Pfc Albert Lagua, all members of the 5th Infantry Division Reconnaissance Company. Another fatality, who died while being taken to the barracks, has yet to be named. Army Colonel Miguel Puyao, outgoing 5th Infantry Army division spokesman, said they have been contacting the relatives of the victims to inform them on the news. He claimed that the rebels also suffered casualties but they either dragged them away or buried them. The bodies were brought to the Funeraria Carbonel inIlagan City
Seven Army soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded when a group of New People’s Army rebels ambushed them in the remote mountains of Barangay Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela at 7 a.m. on Saturday, 5th Infantry Division reports in Gamu town said. Six of the fatalities were identified as 2nd Lt. Jim Natorre Palma, Sergeant Eduardo Arquero, Corporal Jondilar Ebersole, Private First Class Jomar Miguel, Pfc Gerald Mina and Pfc Albert Lagua, all members of the 5th Infantry Division Reconnaissance Company. Another fatality, who died while being taken to the barracks, has yet to be named. Army Colonel Miguel Puyao, outgoing 5th Infantry Army division spokesman, said they have been contacting the relatives of the victims to inform them on the news. He claimed that the rebels also suffered casualties but they either dragged them away or buried them. The bodies were brought to the Funeraria Carbonel in
Suspect in nurse kidnapping falls
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 17): Suspect in nurse kidnapping falls
POLICE authorities arrested Saturday the wife of detained suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit leader for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a nurse four years ago Zamboanga City, police said. Police Station 6 Chief Elmer Acuña identified the arrested suspect as Amira Hakim alias Nah, a resident of Kaumpurnah village, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province. Acuña said the suspect was arrested around 10:45 a.m. Saturday while visiting her detained husband, Benzar Indama, at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) along Varela Street, this city. Indama is allegedly an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and is the brother of bandit leader Puruji Indama, Acuña disclosed. Hakim was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Preciosa Feliciano, a nurse. Feliciano was kidnapped in Zamboanga City in July of 2008 and was taken in Basilan province. She was freed in the evening of November 7 of the same year four months after she was kidnapped. Hakim is detained at the police headquarters, Acuña said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/11/17/suspect-nurse-kidnapping-falls-253782
POLICE authorities arrested Saturday the wife of detained suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit leader for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a nurse four years ago Zamboanga City, police said. Police Station 6 Chief Elmer Acuña identified the arrested suspect as Amira Hakim alias Nah, a resident of Kaumpurnah village, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province. Acuña said the suspect was arrested around 10:45 a.m. Saturday while visiting her detained husband, Benzar Indama, at the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) along Varela Street, this city. Indama is allegedly an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and is the brother of bandit leader Puruji Indama, Acuña disclosed. Hakim was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of Preciosa Feliciano, a nurse. Feliciano was kidnapped in Zamboanga City in July of 2008 and was taken in Basilan province. She was freed in the evening of November 7 of the same year four months after she was kidnapped. Hakim is detained at the police headquarters, Acuña said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/11/17/suspect-nurse-kidnapping-falls-253782
GPH-MILF comprehensive peace pact signed by yearend
From MindaNews (Nov 18): GPH-MILF comprehensive peace pact signed by yearend
The annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be finished before the yearend, the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reiterated Saturday in their joint statement at the end of the six-day talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel here. Government and MILF peace panel chairs Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews they are confident that even as there are still several contentious issues, the annexes would be completed before December 31, 2012. This week’s round of talks was cut short by a day as both panels agreed to consult their respective principals and prepare for the next, and hopefully last, round in December. “We will finish,” an optimistic Leonen said. Iqbal was equally optimistic. “Yes, matatapos” (it will be finished), he said. The FAB, which provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016, provides that the parties would work on the annexes and “complete a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year.” The one-page joint statement signed at 4 pm Saturday said the technical working groups (TWGs) on wealth-sharing and power-sharing “made substantial progress in the crafting of the annexes while the TWG on normalization, which convened for the first time this week, had “agreed on an outline of issues and had initial positive exchanges on these matters.” The panels, it said, “remain committed to complete the annexes before the end of the year.” The TWGs handed over their respective joint reports to the peace panels during the plenary at 2 p.m. with the TWGs on power and wealth sharing reportedly listing down their consensus points and points of divergence. The TWGs on power and wealth sharing had been meeting every month here since August. The TWG on normalization was convened only last Monday......
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/18/gph-milf-comprehensive-peace-pact-signed-by-yearend/
The annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be finished before the yearend, the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reiterated Saturday in their joint statement at the end of the six-day talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel here. Government and MILF peace panel chairs Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews they are confident that even as there are still several contentious issues, the annexes would be completed before December 31, 2012. This week’s round of talks was cut short by a day as both panels agreed to consult their respective principals and prepare for the next, and hopefully last, round in December. “We will finish,” an optimistic Leonen said. Iqbal was equally optimistic. “Yes, matatapos” (it will be finished), he said. The FAB, which provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016, provides that the parties would work on the annexes and “complete a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year.” The one-page joint statement signed at 4 pm Saturday said the technical working groups (TWGs) on wealth-sharing and power-sharing “made substantial progress in the crafting of the annexes while the TWG on normalization, which convened for the first time this week, had “agreed on an outline of issues and had initial positive exchanges on these matters.” The panels, it said, “remain committed to complete the annexes before the end of the year.” The TWGs handed over their respective joint reports to the peace panels during the plenary at 2 p.m. with the TWGs on power and wealth sharing reportedly listing down their consensus points and points of divergence. The TWGs on power and wealth sharing had been meeting every month here since August. The TWG on normalization was convened only last Monday......
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/18/gph-milf-comprehensive-peace-pact-signed-by-yearend/
MILF warrior Bravo takes the peace path
From MindaNews (Nov 18): MILF warrior Bravo takes the peace path
From warrior to peacemaker. Dropping his war overtures, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo, stunned his listeners in Barangay Delabayen here when he asked them Saturday to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). He also assured Christians living inside the proposed Bangsamoro territory that they will be treated equally and fairly along with the Muslim residents once the agreement is implemented. “Walang Muslim, walang Christians. Tayong lahat ay pantay pantay (There will be no Muslims, no Christians. We are all equal),” Bravo told a crowd of 1,500 people, mostly Maranaos, who gathered at a madrasah in Delabayan, his home village. Bravo urged Maranaos to rally behind the FAB signed by the MILF and the Philippine government last October 15, but asked them to remain vigilant and see to it that all its provisions would be implemented.
Bravo urges residents to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
“Support the Framework Agreement so we can achieve peace in Mindanao,” Bravo said, shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) thundering from the approving crowd. Bravo’s call for peace came as a positive note to Maranaos and Christians in Lanao del Norte who are used to his war rhetoric in the past. Bravo, who is the military chief of the MILF Northwestern Command, led three attacks in the towns of Kauswagan, Maigo and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte during the 2000 all-out war of then President Joseph Estrada, the 2003 Buliok war that led to the fall of the late MILF chairman Salamat Hashim’s stronghold there, and in 2008, due to the botched signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). Bravo and his men were reported to have considered splitting with the MILF along with MILF 105th Base Command chief Amiril Umra Kato, who waged fierce attacks in 2008 following the aborted MOA-AD signing that led then to the displacement of at least 500,000 civilians. Kato eventually formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters but Bravo remained with the MILF, which assigned him to head their forces in Northwestern Mindanao.
On Saturday, Bravo caught by surprise those who are used to his fiery advocacy for a separate Bangsamoro homeland when he strongly supported the FAB. For three days since Tuesday, the presence of Bravo and his 300 armed men in Barangay Delabayen and Munai town, also in Lanao del Norte, raised tension among the residents who feared that another shooting war will erupt again. The presence of the Philippine Army also sparked the tension when it deployed tanks and troops to counter Bravo and his followers, who retreated to Munai town last Wednesday. Apparently, Bravo did not inform the GPH-MILF joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) that they will attend the FAB information campaign rally in Delabayen. Following frantic calls to their respective CCCH teams, which were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with their respective peace panels for the continuation of negotiations, a shooting war was averted on Thursday. The joint CCCH team approved the request of Bravo to attend the FAB rally, provided he will come with only 15 unarmed men.Bravo came with only unarmed men in Delabayan Saturday morning. But he was armed with a pistol; a grenade hanging on his MILF fatigue uniform while a bolo was tucked in his back....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/milf-warrior-bravo-takes-the-peace-path-backs-fab/
From warrior to peacemaker. Dropping his war overtures, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Abdurahman Macapaar, aka Kumander Bravo, stunned his listeners in Barangay Delabayen here when he asked them Saturday to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). He also assured Christians living inside the proposed Bangsamoro territory that they will be treated equally and fairly along with the Muslim residents once the agreement is implemented. “Walang Muslim, walang Christians. Tayong lahat ay pantay pantay (There will be no Muslims, no Christians. We are all equal),” Bravo told a crowd of 1,500 people, mostly Maranaos, who gathered at a madrasah in Delabayan, his home village. Bravo urged Maranaos to rally behind the FAB signed by the MILF and the Philippine government last October 15, but asked them to remain vigilant and see to it that all its provisions would be implemented.
Bravo urges residents to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
“Support the Framework Agreement so we can achieve peace in Mindanao,” Bravo said, shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) thundering from the approving crowd. Bravo’s call for peace came as a positive note to Maranaos and Christians in Lanao del Norte who are used to his war rhetoric in the past. Bravo, who is the military chief of the MILF Northwestern Command, led three attacks in the towns of Kauswagan, Maigo and Kolambugan in Lanao del Norte during the 2000 all-out war of then President Joseph Estrada, the 2003 Buliok war that led to the fall of the late MILF chairman Salamat Hashim’s stronghold there, and in 2008, due to the botched signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). Bravo and his men were reported to have considered splitting with the MILF along with MILF 105th Base Command chief Amiril Umra Kato, who waged fierce attacks in 2008 following the aborted MOA-AD signing that led then to the displacement of at least 500,000 civilians. Kato eventually formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters but Bravo remained with the MILF, which assigned him to head their forces in Northwestern Mindanao.
On Saturday, Bravo caught by surprise those who are used to his fiery advocacy for a separate Bangsamoro homeland when he strongly supported the FAB. For three days since Tuesday, the presence of Bravo and his 300 armed men in Barangay Delabayen and Munai town, also in Lanao del Norte, raised tension among the residents who feared that another shooting war will erupt again. The presence of the Philippine Army also sparked the tension when it deployed tanks and troops to counter Bravo and his followers, who retreated to Munai town last Wednesday. Apparently, Bravo did not inform the GPH-MILF joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) that they will attend the FAB information campaign rally in Delabayen. Following frantic calls to their respective CCCH teams, which were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with their respective peace panels for the continuation of negotiations, a shooting war was averted on Thursday. The joint CCCH team approved the request of Bravo to attend the FAB rally, provided he will come with only 15 unarmed men.Bravo came with only unarmed men in Delabayan Saturday morning. But he was armed with a pistol; a grenade hanging on his MILF fatigue uniform while a bolo was tucked in his back....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/17/milf-warrior-bravo-takes-the-peace-path-backs-fab/
PPOC members convene (gave updates on peace and order situation in AgNor)
From the Philippine Information Agency (nov 17): PPOC members convene (gave updates on peace and order situation in AgNor)
Member-agencies of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Erlpe John Amante convened Friday and discussed the members’ significant accomplishments related to peace and order situation in the province. On behalf of PPOC chair Gov. Amante, Atty. James Reserva, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member and chairperson for Peace and Order Committee presided the meeting with other government agencies, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Local Chief Executives (LCEs). The Provincial Integrated Area Community Public Safety Plan for Agusan del Norte with an intended budget of P7-million to be used as the Intelligence Fund of the province was approved during the said meeting held at the Provincial Training Center here. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Romeo Solis said the DILG will be implementing the ‘Payapa at Masaganang Pamanyanan’ (PAMANA) Projects in the province amounting to some P20 million.... LTC Potenciano Camba, Commanding Officer of 3rd Special Forces, Philippine Army said they are coordinating and working with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Rotary Club of Butuan, and local government units for the conduct of Skills Training for the out-of-school youths in the municipalities of Kitcharao, Santaigo, and Jabonga.....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2041353054513
Member-agencies of the Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by Governor Erlpe John Amante convened Friday and discussed the members’ significant accomplishments related to peace and order situation in the province. On behalf of PPOC chair Gov. Amante, Atty. James Reserva, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member and chairperson for Peace and Order Committee presided the meeting with other government agencies, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Local Chief Executives (LCEs). The Provincial Integrated Area Community Public Safety Plan for Agusan del Norte with an intended budget of P7-million to be used as the Intelligence Fund of the province was approved during the said meeting held at the Provincial Training Center here. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Romeo Solis said the DILG will be implementing the ‘Payapa at Masaganang Pamanyanan’ (PAMANA) Projects in the province amounting to some P20 million.... LTC Potenciano Camba, Commanding Officer of 3rd Special Forces, Philippine Army said they are coordinating and working with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Rotary Club of Butuan, and local government units for the conduct of Skills Training for the out-of-school youths in the municipalities of Kitcharao, Santaigo, and Jabonga.....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2041353054513
7 soldiers killed in clash with communist rebels in Isabela
From the Sun Star (Nov 17): 7 soldiers killed in clash with communist rebels in Isabela
Seven government soldiers, including an officer, were killed while eight others were injured in a firefight with New People's Army rebels in San Guillermo town in Isabela province at dawn Saturday. Acting Army spokesman Colonel Cirilito Sobejana said five of the encountered rebels also died while eight others were injured based on intelligence information. He said the slain and wounded rebels were retrieved by their fleeing comrades. Sobejana said forces from the Army's 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company were on a routine counter-insurgency operation when they clashed with around 30 rebels at the vicinity of Mabayad village around 5 a.m. "It's a routine counter-insurgency operation. It's a routine security operation," said Sobejana when asked what triggered the fighting. Sobejana said one of the soldiers who perished in the clash was a lieutenant while the six others are enlisted men. The injured were given prompt treatment Sobejana said five of insurgents were also slain in the fighting, in addition to eight others injured but "their bodies were carried by their comrades on their withdrawal...It was just reported to us." He said the military sent reinforcements to the area but they gave priority to the evacuation of the slain and wounded soldiers.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/17/7-soldiers-killed-clash-communist-rebels-isabela-253740
Seven government soldiers, including an officer, were killed while eight others were injured in a firefight with New People's Army rebels in San Guillermo town in Isabela province at dawn Saturday. Acting Army spokesman Colonel Cirilito Sobejana said five of the encountered rebels also died while eight others were injured based on intelligence information. He said the slain and wounded rebels were retrieved by their fleeing comrades. Sobejana said forces from the Army's 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company were on a routine counter-insurgency operation when they clashed with around 30 rebels at the vicinity of Mabayad village around 5 a.m. "It's a routine counter-insurgency operation. It's a routine security operation," said Sobejana when asked what triggered the fighting. Sobejana said one of the soldiers who perished in the clash was a lieutenant while the six others are enlisted men. The injured were given prompt treatment Sobejana said five of insurgents were also slain in the fighting, in addition to eight others injured but "their bodies were carried by their comrades on their withdrawal...It was just reported to us." He said the military sent reinforcements to the area but they gave priority to the evacuation of the slain and wounded soldiers.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/17/7-soldiers-killed-clash-communist-rebels-isabela-253740
Photo: Joint Statement
From MindaNews (Nov 17): Photo: Joint Statement
GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal sign one-page joint statement at 4 p.m. Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, signifying that the technical working groups on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization have “made substantial progress in crafting the annexes” to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and “committed to complete the annexes before the end of the year.” Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed signed as witness. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2012/11/17/joint-statement-4/
GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal sign one-page joint statement at 4 p.m. Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, signifying that the technical working groups on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization have “made substantial progress in crafting the annexes” to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and “committed to complete the annexes before the end of the year.” Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed signed as witness. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2012/11/17/joint-statement-4/
Photo: Support the Framework Agreement (Kummander Bravo)
From MindaNews (Nov 17): Photo: Support the Framework Agreement
Surrounded by his men, MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar aka Kummander Bravo asks fellow Maranaos to support the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement during an Information campaign rally in Barangay Delabayen, Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte on Saturday, Nov. 17. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2012/11/17/support-the-framework-agreement/
Surrounded by his men, MILF commander Abdurahman Macapaar aka Kummander Bravo asks fellow Maranaos to support the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement during an Information campaign rally in Barangay Delabayen, Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte on Saturday, Nov. 17. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2012/11/17/support-the-framework-agreement/
Nobel laureate offers help in talks
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Nobel laureate offers help in talks
A British expert on peace negotiations on Friday lauded the progress in the talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as he offered to share his experience in resolving the Northern Ireland conflict in hopes of giving “more confidence” to the parties involved. Lord David Trimble, a member of the British House of Lords and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has met with government officials and is set to fly to Cotabato City this weekend to engage with ranking MILF officials. “I think achieving the framework agreement is a huge step forward. It think it’s really quite hopeful here,” Trimble said in a press briefing on Friday. Trimble, the first Minister of Northern Ireland, arrived earlier this week for a five-day visit which will culminate on Saturday in meetings with members of the MILF central committee.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56556/nobel-laureate-offers-help-in-talks
A British expert on peace negotiations on Friday lauded the progress in the talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as he offered to share his experience in resolving the Northern Ireland conflict in hopes of giving “more confidence” to the parties involved. Lord David Trimble, a member of the British House of Lords and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has met with government officials and is set to fly to Cotabato City this weekend to engage with ranking MILF officials. “I think achieving the framework agreement is a huge step forward. It think it’s really quite hopeful here,” Trimble said in a press briefing on Friday. Trimble, the first Minister of Northern Ireland, arrived earlier this week for a five-day visit which will culminate on Saturday in meetings with members of the MILF central committee.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56556/nobel-laureate-offers-help-in-talks
Latest round of peace talks ends earlier than expected
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Latest round of peace talks ends earlier than expected
The 33rd round of formal exploratory talks of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to wrap up Saturday, a day earlier than what was initially expected by both parties. The technical working groups putting together the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing and normalization are said to have completed their discussions and completed their reports, including details that would make up the comprehensive peace agreement. Sources told the Inquirer that the early finish of this round of talks came as a surprise. Almost all of those attending the talks, from the negotiators to their staff, have booked flights back to Manila on Monday. The closing ceremony is scheduled Saturday afternoon at which government and MILF chief negotiators Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal are expected to give their statements. The technical working groups’ reports would be submitted to the respective panels who would vet the contents and elevate them to President Benigno Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ebrahim for final approval. The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing, and normalization will make up the comprehensive peace agreement. At the Palace of the Golden Horses where the talks are being held, the mood was celebratory. Members of the technical working group on the wealth-sharing and normalization annexes egged staff from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to take their group pictures on the hotel staircase. Leonen told the Inquirer Friday afternoon that the draft annexes were almost complete but he was uncertain when the ongoing round of talks would finish. He was particularly pleased with the progress of the talks on normalization, which includes the decommissioning of arms and forces of the MILF, as the technical working groups of the GPH and the MILF met for the first time this week. “But there was a lot of consensus (that) emerged on the process of normalization.… It was a smooth discussion,” Leonen said.
The 33rd round of formal exploratory talks of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to wrap up Saturday, a day earlier than what was initially expected by both parties. The technical working groups putting together the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing and normalization are said to have completed their discussions and completed their reports, including details that would make up the comprehensive peace agreement. Sources told the Inquirer that the early finish of this round of talks came as a surprise. Almost all of those attending the talks, from the negotiators to their staff, have booked flights back to Manila on Monday. The closing ceremony is scheduled Saturday afternoon at which government and MILF chief negotiators Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal are expected to give their statements. The technical working groups’ reports would be submitted to the respective panels who would vet the contents and elevate them to President Benigno Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ebrahim for final approval. The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing, and normalization will make up the comprehensive peace agreement. At the Palace of the Golden Horses where the talks are being held, the mood was celebratory. Members of the technical working group on the wealth-sharing and normalization annexes egged staff from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to take their group pictures on the hotel staircase. Leonen told the Inquirer Friday afternoon that the draft annexes were almost complete but he was uncertain when the ongoing round of talks would finish. He was particularly pleased with the progress of the talks on normalization, which includes the decommissioning of arms and forces of the MILF, as the technical working groups of the GPH and the MILF met for the first time this week. “But there was a lot of consensus (that) emerged on the process of normalization.… It was a smooth discussion,” Leonen said.
Insurgency problem no longer a threat to peace and security in Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Insurgency problem no longer a
threat to peace and security in Palawan
Insurgency problem in Palawan is now manageable and no longer poses a threat to its peace and security, the Western Command (Wescom) Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced. Lieutenant Col. Edwin Alaba, commander of the Operations Department of the Wescom, said because of this development, they are ready to turn over (the peace and security) responsibility to the Philippine National Police (PNP) so they could concentrate on major concerns in their area of responsibility (AOR). Alaba said the activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Palawan have been downgraded “to manageable,“ (a level) that the police can already handle. In response, Police Senior Superintendent Abad Osit said they are ready to accept the responsibility because they have already trained their personnel to deal with the province’s insurgency problem. Currently, 35 barangays in the city and the province are considered “threatened” due to reported presence of the armed men. “However, we have not received any report of members of the CPP-NPA committing crimes, or even collecting revolutionary taxes, so we are ready for the plan of the Wescom,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472290
Insurgency problem in Palawan is now manageable and no longer poses a threat to its peace and security, the Western Command (Wescom) Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced. Lieutenant Col. Edwin Alaba, commander of the Operations Department of the Wescom, said because of this development, they are ready to turn over (the peace and security) responsibility to the Philippine National Police (PNP) so they could concentrate on major concerns in their area of responsibility (AOR). Alaba said the activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Palawan have been downgraded “to manageable,“ (a level) that the police can already handle. In response, Police Senior Superintendent Abad Osit said they are ready to accept the responsibility because they have already trained their personnel to deal with the province’s insurgency problem. Currently, 35 barangays in the city and the province are considered “threatened” due to reported presence of the armed men. “However, we have not received any report of members of the CPP-NPA committing crimes, or even collecting revolutionary taxes, so we are ready for the plan of the Wescom,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=472290
12 killed, 16 wounded in Isabela clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 12 killed, 16 wounded in Isabela clash
Seven soldiers, including a second lieutenant, were killed along with five New People's Army (NPA) rebels in an encounter in Barangay Mabayab, San Guillermo, Isabela Saturday morning, the military reported. Col. Cirilito Sobejana, acting Philippine Army spokesperson, said the encounter took place at around 5 a.m. between 38 members of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company and an estimated equal number of NPA fighters. The above-mentioned unit is under the 5th Infantry Division. Sobejana said the firefight resulted in the wounding of nine government troopers and seven in the NPA side. The report said the soldiers were on routine security patrol when they encountered the rebels, triggering a heavy firefight. The PA spokesperson declined to identify the government casualties pending notification of their next-of-kin. Sobejana said that reinforcement units were already flown in by helicopter to help government forces in the area in pursuing the remaining rebels. He added that the 51st Division Reconnaissance Company, also of the 5th Infantry Division, was fired upon by rebel forces at around 1 a.m. Saturday, but sustained no casualties.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472332
Seven soldiers, including a second lieutenant, were killed along with five New People's Army (NPA) rebels in an encounter in Barangay Mabayab, San Guillermo, Isabela Saturday morning, the military reported. Col. Cirilito Sobejana, acting Philippine Army spokesperson, said the encounter took place at around 5 a.m. between 38 members of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company and an estimated equal number of NPA fighters. The above-mentioned unit is under the 5th Infantry Division. Sobejana said the firefight resulted in the wounding of nine government troopers and seven in the NPA side. The report said the soldiers were on routine security patrol when they encountered the rebels, triggering a heavy firefight. The PA spokesperson declined to identify the government casualties pending notification of their next-of-kin. Sobejana said that reinforcement units were already flown in by helicopter to help government forces in the area in pursuing the remaining rebels. He added that the 51st Division Reconnaissance Company, also of the 5th Infantry Division, was fired upon by rebel forces at around 1 a.m. Saturday, but sustained no casualties.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472332
CPP/NDF: As the US-Aquino regime’s head-hunting gets more desperate, the revolutionary movement, undaunted, gets stronger
Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 17): As the US-Aquino regime’s head-hunting gets more desperate, the revolutionary movement, undaunted, gets stronger
Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDF-Mindanao
In behalf of the NDFP-Mindanao, I wish to express my strongest condemnation with regard to the recent updated DND-DILG Joint Order No. 14-2012, which raises the amount of monetary reward for the capture of 235 alleged wanted communists to PHP466.88 million. This is the second time this year that Malacañang announced bounty money for information that would lead to the capture of revolutionaries; the first was in August.
This is a sign of desperation on the part of the Aquino government, resorting to large bounty money, digging from the much-needed yet deflated taxpayers’ fund to stop the advance of the people’s legitimate struggle to achieve genuine national liberation and democracy. It is now totally exposing its inherent reactionary and fascist nature. In its first two years in office, it has tried to make double talk by harping of peace on one hand and launching the brutal Oplan Bayanihan on the other. It has now clearly abandoned any pretense of peace overtures to the NDFP, launching all out military campaigns nationwide with much brutality, tagging revolutionary personalities as common criminals, and directing its fascist troops to attack us violently, including our innocent family members....
.... Once again, the price tag placed on the head of many peace consultants and the attacks against their innocent family members are a great challenge for the GPH negotiating panel. If they wish to make us believe the Aquino government’s seriousness in the path of peace, they must prevail over this unprofessional way of dealing with their counterparts in the negotiations. Even then, we wish to assure the GPH panel that this dirty tactic of the US-Aquino regime cannot drag our movement down because of this high-handedness it has possibly learned from their imperialist masters.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/as-the-us-aquino-regime-s-head-hunting-gets-more-desperate-the-revolutionary-movement-undaunted-gets-stronger
Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDF-Mindanao
In behalf of the NDFP-Mindanao, I wish to express my strongest condemnation with regard to the recent updated DND-DILG Joint Order No. 14-2012, which raises the amount of monetary reward for the capture of 235 alleged wanted communists to PHP466.88 million. This is the second time this year that Malacañang announced bounty money for information that would lead to the capture of revolutionaries; the first was in August.
This is a sign of desperation on the part of the Aquino government, resorting to large bounty money, digging from the much-needed yet deflated taxpayers’ fund to stop the advance of the people’s legitimate struggle to achieve genuine national liberation and democracy. It is now totally exposing its inherent reactionary and fascist nature. In its first two years in office, it has tried to make double talk by harping of peace on one hand and launching the brutal Oplan Bayanihan on the other. It has now clearly abandoned any pretense of peace overtures to the NDFP, launching all out military campaigns nationwide with much brutality, tagging revolutionary personalities as common criminals, and directing its fascist troops to attack us violently, including our innocent family members....
.... Once again, the price tag placed on the head of many peace consultants and the attacks against their innocent family members are a great challenge for the GPH negotiating panel. If they wish to make us believe the Aquino government’s seriousness in the path of peace, they must prevail over this unprofessional way of dealing with their counterparts in the negotiations. Even then, we wish to assure the GPH panel that this dirty tactic of the US-Aquino regime cannot drag our movement down because of this high-handedness it has possibly learned from their imperialist masters.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/as-the-us-aquino-regime-s-head-hunting-gets-more-desperate-the-revolutionary-movement-undaunted-gets-stronger
MILF: BIAF in full support of the GPH – MILF Peace Framework
From the MILF Website (Nov 17): BIAF in full support of the GPH – MILF Peace Framework
The Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reiterated its full support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in Malacanang Palace last October 15, 2012. Sammy Al Mansur, Chief of Staff of BIAF, made this statement as he led the peace advocacy and constituency building organized by the 118th Base Command of the BIAF at Madrasa in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan few days ago. The advocacy was part of the continuing information and education campaign all-over Mindanao of the MILF Central Committee on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “The BIAF overwhelmingly welcome and support the framework agreement, even as he called on all the BIAF officers and men to cooperate in all initiatives and endeavors that pushes for the success of the agreement,” Al Masur said. However, he stressed that the only guarantee for the successful realization of the letters and spirit of the framework agreement is its faithful implementation by both parties according to its provisions. More than 5,000 individuals representing the various sectors of the Bangsamoro, BIAF forces and MILF political officers attended the peace gathering. The BIAF and MILF Political officers urged the government to make the necessary steps in order to address the clamor to halt the arrests against MILF personalities. “As one of the best confidence building as an offshoot of the framework agreement, it is necessary that the government must stop all arrest against the MILF,” a top commander of BIAF pointed out. “We full support the framework agreement and the continuing negotiation but how can we cooperate fully if we are apprehensive of being victims of arbitrary arrest,” he said. The Philippine National Police recently removed the MILF from security threats. Government and MILF forces had been called as partners for peace but if arrest against the later would still be happening then partnership is not strongly founded. “While the peace panels as are pursuing discussions on the cases involving detained MILF officers and members, we must be given the assurance that there will be no more arrest against MILF people,” he added. This call of the BIAF commander is being shared by the thousands of MILF members who had been going to Camp Darapanan and in other areas where the MILF Central Committee spearheads advocacy drives on the framework agreement. Arrests and detention against MILF adversely affect the trust and confidence to the GPH – MILF Peace Process.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2937:biaf-in-full-support-of-the-gph--milf-peace-framework&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reiterated its full support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in Malacanang Palace last October 15, 2012. Sammy Al Mansur, Chief of Staff of BIAF, made this statement as he led the peace advocacy and constituency building organized by the 118th Base Command of the BIAF at Madrasa in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan few days ago. The advocacy was part of the continuing information and education campaign all-over Mindanao of the MILF Central Committee on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “The BIAF overwhelmingly welcome and support the framework agreement, even as he called on all the BIAF officers and men to cooperate in all initiatives and endeavors that pushes for the success of the agreement,” Al Masur said. However, he stressed that the only guarantee for the successful realization of the letters and spirit of the framework agreement is its faithful implementation by both parties according to its provisions. More than 5,000 individuals representing the various sectors of the Bangsamoro, BIAF forces and MILF political officers attended the peace gathering. The BIAF and MILF Political officers urged the government to make the necessary steps in order to address the clamor to halt the arrests against MILF personalities. “As one of the best confidence building as an offshoot of the framework agreement, it is necessary that the government must stop all arrest against the MILF,” a top commander of BIAF pointed out. “We full support the framework agreement and the continuing negotiation but how can we cooperate fully if we are apprehensive of being victims of arbitrary arrest,” he said. The Philippine National Police recently removed the MILF from security threats. Government and MILF forces had been called as partners for peace but if arrest against the later would still be happening then partnership is not strongly founded. “While the peace panels as are pursuing discussions on the cases involving detained MILF officers and members, we must be given the assurance that there will be no more arrest against MILF people,” he added. This call of the BIAF commander is being shared by the thousands of MILF members who had been going to Camp Darapanan and in other areas where the MILF Central Committee spearheads advocacy drives on the framework agreement. Arrests and detention against MILF adversely affect the trust and confidence to the GPH – MILF Peace Process.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2937:biaf-in-full-support-of-the-gph--milf-peace-framework&catid=31:general&Itemid=41