From the Philippine Star (Nov 25): US diplomat stabbed dead in Makati
A 41-year-old American, reportedly a diplomat, was stabbed dead shortly after figuring in a brawl with four men outside the gate of Bel-Air Village along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City early yesterday. George Anico got into an argument with Crispec dela Paz, 28, a student of the De La Salle University; Juan Abastillas, 24; Galicano Datu III, 22, also a DLSU student; and Ospic Caburay, 27, just outside the gate of the village at about 4:20 a.m., police said. The four men, who were in a Volvo sport utility vehicle (TOJ-886), were being questioned by village security guards when the victim appeared and joined the conversation. Police said at the height of the argument, Anico allegedly tapped the SUV, causing the suspects to come out of the car and confront him. In the ensuing brawl, Anico was stabbed. The suspects tried to flee but were arrested after a brief chase by police officers on two motorcycles. Police said Anico was rushed by rescue workers from Barangay Poblacion and Makati Rescue to the Makati Medical Center. He died from stab wounds at 7:20 a.m. yesterday. City police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban said investigators recovered a knife from the SUV of the suspects, who are being detained at the Makati police station. GMA-7 reported that the United States embassy confirmed that a diplomat had been stabbed in Makati City yesterday but did not name the victim.
http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/11/25/872833/us-diplomat-stabbed-dead-makati
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11 LGUs declared insurgency free in Eastern Samar
From the Manila Channel (Nov 24): 11 LGUs declared insurgency free in Eastern
Samar
San Policarpio and Sulat towns are the two newest “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” ready areas in Eastern Samar province, the army said yesterday. Mayor Conrado Uy Nicart III and Mayor Virginia R Zacate of San Policarpio and Sulat, respectively, thanked the army’s “Bayanihan” which paved the way for peace and development in their areas, also assuring them of the continued support to the army’s thrust of ending insurgency in the whole province. Col. Romeo L. Labador, 801st infantry brigade commander also recognized the “sustained cooperation” and support of the local officials, adding the “commitment to peace and development and relentless efforts have made the localities peaceful and very livable.” 8ID commander Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug lauded Col. Labrador and the two mayors on the development during the signing of the joint declaration. “The declaration of the ten municipalities and one city in Eastern Samar as manageable-conflict affected and development ready areas is a strong indication of the full support by the local government units and other stakeholders to the military in the attainment of peace and sustainment of development in their locality” said Layug in a statement. The other municipalities jointly declared by the army and local officials as “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” from October to November this year include Taft, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Mercedes, Hernani, San Julian, Salcedo, Guiuan and Borongan City.....
http://www.manilachannel.com/2012/11/24/11-lgus-declared-insurgency-free-in-eastern-samar/
San Policarpio and Sulat towns are the two newest “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” ready areas in Eastern Samar province, the army said yesterday. Mayor Conrado Uy Nicart III and Mayor Virginia R Zacate of San Policarpio and Sulat, respectively, thanked the army’s “Bayanihan” which paved the way for peace and development in their areas, also assuring them of the continued support to the army’s thrust of ending insurgency in the whole province. Col. Romeo L. Labador, 801st infantry brigade commander also recognized the “sustained cooperation” and support of the local officials, adding the “commitment to peace and development and relentless efforts have made the localities peaceful and very livable.” 8ID commander Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug lauded Col. Labrador and the two mayors on the development during the signing of the joint declaration. “The declaration of the ten municipalities and one city in Eastern Samar as manageable-conflict affected and development ready areas is a strong indication of the full support by the local government units and other stakeholders to the military in the attainment of peace and sustainment of development in their locality” said Layug in a statement. The other municipalities jointly declared by the army and local officials as “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” from October to November this year include Taft, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Mercedes, Hernani, San Julian, Salcedo, Guiuan and Borongan City.....
http://www.manilachannel.com/2012/11/24/11-lgus-declared-insurgency-free-in-eastern-samar/
Bohol’s security assured in Purok Power Mov’t
From the Bohol Standard (Nov 25): Bohol’s security assured in Purok Power Mov’t
“True security happens when issues and problems are effectively and promptly addressed,” says Gov. Edgar M Chatto. As Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Chair, Gov. Chatto proudly expressed this response to unfounded accusations hurled against the provincial government’s most effective and successful way of solving the people’s problems, the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM), his pet project. And, when asked to expound on it, Chatto added that, “it is when people are not only secure in their own homes but more importantly, when they are enjoying true peace of mind because they have food at every meal, can send their children to school, and are assured of a secure future and a disease-free household.”
Amidst the black propaganda which hostile camps and insurgents are throwing against the incumbent provincial leadership, other PPOC members expressed full support for the Chatto-Lim Administration in standing their ground to parry all efforts being done by the former to again penetrate Bohol, now hailed as an insurgent-free province. In an information received by Task Force Sugbohol last November 10, it was revealed that a group of armed men, believed to be members of the leftist New People’s Army (NPA), was planning to bomb an unspecified town in the First District of the province anytime during that week or the next....
Meanwhile, despite rigorous campaign and untiring support from all sectors, “the other side” is continuously poisoning the people’s minds and planting false information with the purpose of misleading the people as regards to the true color and purpose of the province’s nationally-acclaimed CDP-PPM, widely-known as PRO-Team, which is duly recognized not only by local executives but also by national agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Aquino Administration.....
The nationally-adopted anti-insurgency template known as “The Bohol Experience” which is continuously putting up more government presence, thus making available basic services for the people, livelihood funding and other anti-poverty measures, and strongly supported by the army’s civic military operations widely participated in by the civil society, has proven to be most effective, thereby forcing insurgents to flee Bohol and abandon their cause.....
http://www.theboholstandard.com/psection.php?issue=290&s1=4960&s2=4962&s3=4967&s4=1443&s5=4965&s6=&s7=1444&s8=1442&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=1445&s13=&s14=&s15=4974
“True security happens when issues and problems are effectively and promptly addressed,” says Gov. Edgar M Chatto. As Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Chair, Gov. Chatto proudly expressed this response to unfounded accusations hurled against the provincial government’s most effective and successful way of solving the people’s problems, the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM), his pet project. And, when asked to expound on it, Chatto added that, “it is when people are not only secure in their own homes but more importantly, when they are enjoying true peace of mind because they have food at every meal, can send their children to school, and are assured of a secure future and a disease-free household.”
Amidst the black propaganda which hostile camps and insurgents are throwing against the incumbent provincial leadership, other PPOC members expressed full support for the Chatto-Lim Administration in standing their ground to parry all efforts being done by the former to again penetrate Bohol, now hailed as an insurgent-free province. In an information received by Task Force Sugbohol last November 10, it was revealed that a group of armed men, believed to be members of the leftist New People’s Army (NPA), was planning to bomb an unspecified town in the First District of the province anytime during that week or the next....
Meanwhile, despite rigorous campaign and untiring support from all sectors, “the other side” is continuously poisoning the people’s minds and planting false information with the purpose of misleading the people as regards to the true color and purpose of the province’s nationally-acclaimed CDP-PPM, widely-known as PRO-Team, which is duly recognized not only by local executives but also by national agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Aquino Administration.....
The nationally-adopted anti-insurgency template known as “The Bohol Experience” which is continuously putting up more government presence, thus making available basic services for the people, livelihood funding and other anti-poverty measures, and strongly supported by the army’s civic military operations widely participated in by the civil society, has proven to be most effective, thereby forcing insurgents to flee Bohol and abandon their cause.....
http://www.theboholstandard.com/psection.php?issue=290&s1=4960&s2=4962&s3=4967&s4=1443&s5=4965&s6=&s7=1444&s8=1442&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=1445&s13=&s14=&s15=4974
PA dead in Isabela clash honored
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 25): PA dead in Isabela clash honored
The seven Army men killed in an encounter Saturday with traditionally Maoist New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in Echague town in Isabela were honored by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in rites at the 5th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters, Camp Melchor de la Cruz here the other day (Nov. 23). Gazmin was with Gen. Jessie Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Army commanding general, during his visit to the 5th ID headquarters. In his message to the troops, Gazmin pointed out the need to always be vigilant and take the necessary measures. He later visited the injured troops and the families of the fatalities at the 5th ID station hospital. The fatalities were all members of the 5th ID’s reconnaissance company which had figured in an encounter with an undisclosed number of rebels at remote Barangay Mabbayad along the border of Echague town with mountain town San Mariano.
Gazmin awarded posthumous Medalya ng Kagitingan to the families of the victims, identified as 2nd Lt. Jimnah Torrepalma, 23, a fresh Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate from Bukidnon; Sgt. Eduardo Arguero, 35, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Cpl. Jondy Lar Ebersole, 32, of Barangay Minabang, Ilagan City; newly wed Pfc Joemar Miguel, 25, of Dicamay, Jones; Pfc. Jerold Mina, 27 of Barangay Yeban Norte, Benito Soliven, whose wife is seven months pregnant; Pfc. Albert Lagua, 23, of Barangay Gagabutan, Rizal, Cagayan; and Pfc. Raul Alunday, 27, of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, who left a pregnant wife and a three-year old son. All except Alunday died on the spot during the nearly five-hour off-and-on encounter. Alunday died later in the hospital. Also given honor were wounded soldiers Pfc Robert Samut, Pfc. Randolf Claro, Pfc Angelito Asuncion, Pfc Kriel Pudoc, Pfc. Marlon Siddayao, Pfc. Sam Millares, Pfc. Jess Dimas and Pfc. Geron Valenzuela.
In addition, the eight wounded soldiers got financial assistance from the Isabela provincial government amounting to P5,000 each while P22,000 each was given to the families of the seven slain soldiers. Gazmin thanked Gov. Faustino Dy III for the financial assistance given to the casualties. The AFP also presented cheques to the wounded troops: sergeants were given P168,810; corporals, P145,965; and privates first class, P135,937. Scholarships were also awarded to to the children of the dead soldiers.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7303-pa-dead-in-isabela-clash-honored
The seven Army men killed in an encounter Saturday with traditionally Maoist New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in Echague town in Isabela were honored by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in rites at the 5th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters, Camp Melchor de la Cruz here the other day (Nov. 23). Gazmin was with Gen. Jessie Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Army commanding general, during his visit to the 5th ID headquarters. In his message to the troops, Gazmin pointed out the need to always be vigilant and take the necessary measures. He later visited the injured troops and the families of the fatalities at the 5th ID station hospital. The fatalities were all members of the 5th ID’s reconnaissance company which had figured in an encounter with an undisclosed number of rebels at remote Barangay Mabbayad along the border of Echague town with mountain town San Mariano.
Gazmin awarded posthumous Medalya ng Kagitingan to the families of the victims, identified as 2nd Lt. Jimnah Torrepalma, 23, a fresh Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate from Bukidnon; Sgt. Eduardo Arguero, 35, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Cpl. Jondy Lar Ebersole, 32, of Barangay Minabang, Ilagan City; newly wed Pfc Joemar Miguel, 25, of Dicamay, Jones; Pfc. Jerold Mina, 27 of Barangay Yeban Norte, Benito Soliven, whose wife is seven months pregnant; Pfc. Albert Lagua, 23, of Barangay Gagabutan, Rizal, Cagayan; and Pfc. Raul Alunday, 27, of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, who left a pregnant wife and a three-year old son. All except Alunday died on the spot during the nearly five-hour off-and-on encounter. Alunday died later in the hospital. Also given honor were wounded soldiers Pfc Robert Samut, Pfc. Randolf Claro, Pfc Angelito Asuncion, Pfc Kriel Pudoc, Pfc. Marlon Siddayao, Pfc. Sam Millares, Pfc. Jess Dimas and Pfc. Geron Valenzuela.
In addition, the eight wounded soldiers got financial assistance from the Isabela provincial government amounting to P5,000 each while P22,000 each was given to the families of the seven slain soldiers. Gazmin thanked Gov. Faustino Dy III for the financial assistance given to the casualties. The AFP also presented cheques to the wounded troops: sergeants were given P168,810; corporals, P145,965; and privates first class, P135,937. Scholarships were also awarded to to the children of the dead soldiers.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7303-pa-dead-in-isabela-clash-honored
Peralta (relinquishes) PMA post
From the Manila Times (Nov 25): Peralta (relinquishes) PMA post
Philippine Military Academy (PMA) outgoing superintendent, Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. relinquished his post to Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, during the turnover ceremonies on Friday at the Borromeo Field in this military camp. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, presided over the formal turnover ceremonies. Peralta Jr. will assume as the new commander of the Second Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario. Peralta is a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Espino left his post as AFP inspector general, also a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA information chief said that Peralta focused on cadet training, ensuring that what cadets will learn in the academy are in line with the current thrust of the AFP, the bayanihan. Peralta said that he has given the cadets foundation on peace building initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Respect of human rights and the rule of law were given emphasis.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/35981-peralta-assumes-pma-post
Philippine Military Academy (PMA) outgoing superintendent, Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. relinquished his post to Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, during the turnover ceremonies on Friday at the Borromeo Field in this military camp. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, presided over the formal turnover ceremonies. Peralta Jr. will assume as the new commander of the Second Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario. Peralta is a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Espino left his post as AFP inspector general, also a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA information chief said that Peralta focused on cadet training, ensuring that what cadets will learn in the academy are in line with the current thrust of the AFP, the bayanihan. Peralta said that he has given the cadets foundation on peace building initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Respect of human rights and the rule of law were given emphasis.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/35981-peralta-assumes-pma-post
Q and A with GPH peace panel chair (now Justice) Marvic Leonen: “It will not be unconstitutional”
From MindaNews (Nov 25): Q and A with GPH peace panel chair (now Justice) Marvic Leonen: “It will not be unconstitutional”
Newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen will inhibit from deliberations if the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) or the Executive Order creating the Transition Commission whose negotiations he steered towards the signing of the FAB on October 15, will be questioned at the Supreme Court. “I will inhibit,” Leonen, then government peace panel (GPH) chair, told MindaNews at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, during a break from the negotiations. Leonen, however, maintained he is confident the FAB or the EO will pass the test of constitutionality.....
MindaNews’ Carolyn O. Arguillas interviewed Leonen in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, on the scenarios in the peace talks with the MILF should he be appointed to the Supreme Court the following week.......
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/25/q-and-a-with-gph-peace-panel-chair-now-justice-marvic-leonen-it-will-not-be-unconstitutional/
Newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen will inhibit from deliberations if the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) or the Executive Order creating the Transition Commission whose negotiations he steered towards the signing of the FAB on October 15, will be questioned at the Supreme Court. “I will inhibit,” Leonen, then government peace panel (GPH) chair, told MindaNews at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, during a break from the negotiations. Leonen, however, maintained he is confident the FAB or the EO will pass the test of constitutionality.....
MindaNews’ Carolyn O. Arguillas interviewed Leonen in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, on the scenarios in the peace talks with the MILF should he be appointed to the Supreme Court the following week.......
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/25/q-and-a-with-gph-peace-panel-chair-now-justice-marvic-leonen-it-will-not-be-unconstitutional/
OIC got Nur and Murad to sit down for Bangsamoro Coordination Forum
From MindaNews (Nov 25): OIC got Nur and Murad to sit down for Bangsamoro Coordination Forum
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) got Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to sit down for a meeting last week on the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum that the OIC had long proposed. The meeting between the Moro leaders was held on November 16, at the sidelines of the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) conference in Djibouti, Africa, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews. “Nur was hesitant but the OIC prevailed upon him,” Iqbal said. Maulana “Bobby” Alonto, a member of the MILF peace panel who was in Murad’s delegation, and who had just arrived from Djibouti, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Friday evening that the MNLF-MILF meeting was convened by the Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC himself — Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu – at 4 p.m. of November 16. The meeting ended at around 7 p.m, he said, although he noted that Ihsanoglu left after a few minutes as he had to preside over a session. Alonto said the OIC Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines, Ambassador Sayed Al Masry along with Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Muhammad Ali Yusuf, also attended the meeting.
He said it was agreed that the OIC would set up the mechanism to “operationalize” the BCF. During the meeting, Alonto said, the MNLF was represented by Misuari, Commander Narra and two others while the MILF was represented by Murad, himself, senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura and peace panel secretariat member Mohajirin Ali. Misuari could not be reached for comment but in his October 21 speech before the MNLF Summit Gathering at the Crocodile Park in Davao City, he criticized the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a product of a “tripartite conspiracy” that betrayed the Bangsamoro cause. He identified the three “conspirators” as President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak and MILF chair Murad. “We hope that the entire world will ask these three conspirators to account for these misdeeds or wrongdoing,” he said. Misuari in early October filed his certificate of candidacy for ARMM Governor in the May 13, 2013 elections.....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/25/oic-got-nur-and-murad-to-sit-down-for-bangsamoro-coordination-forum/
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) got Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to sit down for a meeting last week on the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum that the OIC had long proposed. The meeting between the Moro leaders was held on November 16, at the sidelines of the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) conference in Djibouti, Africa, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews. “Nur was hesitant but the OIC prevailed upon him,” Iqbal said. Maulana “Bobby” Alonto, a member of the MILF peace panel who was in Murad’s delegation, and who had just arrived from Djibouti, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Friday evening that the MNLF-MILF meeting was convened by the Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC himself — Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu – at 4 p.m. of November 16. The meeting ended at around 7 p.m, he said, although he noted that Ihsanoglu left after a few minutes as he had to preside over a session. Alonto said the OIC Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines, Ambassador Sayed Al Masry along with Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Muhammad Ali Yusuf, also attended the meeting.
He said it was agreed that the OIC would set up the mechanism to “operationalize” the BCF. During the meeting, Alonto said, the MNLF was represented by Misuari, Commander Narra and two others while the MILF was represented by Murad, himself, senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura and peace panel secretariat member Mohajirin Ali. Misuari could not be reached for comment but in his October 21 speech before the MNLF Summit Gathering at the Crocodile Park in Davao City, he criticized the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a product of a “tripartite conspiracy” that betrayed the Bangsamoro cause. He identified the three “conspirators” as President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak and MILF chair Murad. “We hope that the entire world will ask these three conspirators to account for these misdeeds or wrongdoing,” he said. Misuari in early October filed his certificate of candidacy for ARMM Governor in the May 13, 2013 elections.....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/25/oic-got-nur-and-murad-to-sit-down-for-bangsamoro-coordination-forum/
Misuari: Misuari once again is in "The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims"
Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Nov 25): Misuari once again is in "The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims"
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari#!/photo.php?fbid=478612925515793&set=a.343289739048113.78383.185093644867724&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari#!/photo.php?fbid=478612925515793&set=a.343289739048113.78383.185093644867724&type=1&theater
MNLF: Chairman Nur's Special Privelege Speech at the 39th OIC-CFM Conference in Djiboti
Just posted to the MNLF Website: Chairman Nur's Special Privelege Speech at the 39th OIC-CFM Conference in Djiboti
[Transcript of the Speech]
IT'S A LIE! THE GENTLEMAN FROM THE PHILIPPINE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT WAS
LYING!
[Transcript of the Speech]
Your Royal Highnesses, Assalamu
alaykum wa rahmatullahi taala wa barakatuhu.
I have a longer speech here but I
will just take about 1 or 2 minutes to give a synopsis of this speech. I had to
rehearse my message last night upon listening to the statement of the gentleman
from the Philippine colonial government yesterday. The gentleman with due
respect was lying! He was lying before all of you in their effort to
destroy the 35 years long peace process they decided to tell our peace panel in
Bandung
________________
Near the end of the video, the current
Chairman of the OIC-CFM, the foreign minister of Djiboti, is shown expressing
the support of the OIC to Chairman Nur and the MNLF.
MILF: MILF peace panel recipient of peace award
From the MILF Website (Nov 25): MILF peace panel recipient of peace award
The MILF peace panel headed by Mohagher Iqbal has been the recipient Peace Award for its role in the just-signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October 15 in Manila, Philippines. The Award is courtesy of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), which spearheaded the Search for Peace Weaver Award for the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration 2012 which paved way in recognizing significant individuals and institutions which significantly had contributed largely in the heightening promotion of a culture of peace. The 12-member committee carefully assessed the nomination form and other attachments during the Final Deliberation dated November 15, 2012. In their official letter to Iqbal, the group has this to say: “We Honor your significant contribution to the attainment of peace especially that you have demonstrated a personal record of involvement in projects and activities which are peace-building in nature or contributed to the attainment of peace, harmony and understanding in your institution.” It continued: “We commend you for sharing a life committed to peace. Thus, we would like to notify you that you have been selected to be a Recipient of the Prestigious Peace Weaver Award 2012 (Group/Community).”.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2953:milf-peace-panel-recipient-of-peace-award-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The MILF peace panel headed by Mohagher Iqbal has been the recipient Peace Award for its role in the just-signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October 15 in Manila, Philippines. The Award is courtesy of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), which spearheaded the Search for Peace Weaver Award for the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration 2012 which paved way in recognizing significant individuals and institutions which significantly had contributed largely in the heightening promotion of a culture of peace. The 12-member committee carefully assessed the nomination form and other attachments during the Final Deliberation dated November 15, 2012. In their official letter to Iqbal, the group has this to say: “We Honor your significant contribution to the attainment of peace especially that you have demonstrated a personal record of involvement in projects and activities which are peace-building in nature or contributed to the attainment of peace, harmony and understanding in your institution.” It continued: “We commend you for sharing a life committed to peace. Thus, we would like to notify you that you have been selected to be a Recipient of the Prestigious Peace Weaver Award 2012 (Group/Community).”.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2953:milf-peace-panel-recipient-of-peace-award-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Op/Ed: New Era of Soldiery
Op/Ed piece posted to MindaNews (Nov 24): WAYWARD AND FANCIFUL: New Era of Soldiery
On 1 January 2011, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adopted the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) that seeks to transform the role of the Filipino soldiers in anticipation of a post-conflict scenario that would not require much demand on the exercise of their warfighting capability. The IPSP emphasizes the importance of military operations other than war (MOOTW) to be employed in enhancing the security of local communities. Colonel Ricardo Jalad, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, talks about the changing role of soldiers in the environmental security of communities within his unit’s area of responsibility. The 2nd Mechanized Brigade covers Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This interview took place on July 25, 2012 at the brigade headquarters in Maria Christina, Iligan City. Jalad said that while soldiers would always be in a state of readiness for combat operations, the IPSP now requires it to use the non-combat approach to address security concerns. These military operations other than war (MOOTW) take off from the notion that security would be addressed by all stakeholders involved, anchored on the concepts of human security and the whole-of-nation, people-centered approach. Human security encompasses the issue of environmental security. In the case of disaster and such events, AFP units on the ground are mandated to assist the response of other agencies, especially the local government units. For the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong last year became the test of its operation based on the IPSP framework. It became very much involved from the rescue phase, to the search for dead bodies, and on up to the rehabilitation phase when it took part in putting up temporary shelters and relocation houses. As disaster response, the brigade assisted in delivering relief goods to various areas affected by the flood. Later, in cooperation with the Lanao del Norte LGU, the 2MEB was able to construct two buildings, with a total of 23 units. Typhoon Sendong was the first climate-related disaster on that scale to hit Iligan City and Lanao del Norte in years. In the previous year, however, the soldiers were already actively involved in the efforts of the LGUs to constitute and operate their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC). Sendong would put their preparations to the test. The DRRMC spells out the inter-agency convergence required in response to disasters..... In Iligan City which used to be disaster-free, people would usually see soldiers when they were out for combat operations. Not surprisingly, the warfighter image of the soldier was the image that superimposed itself in the memory of civilians. It was an indelible image that had shaped their perception of the Filipino soldier. However, when Typhoon Sendong happened, this was an opportunity for the soldier to take on the role of the rescuer, the savior. It happened at a time when the troops have had education on the imperatives of the IPSP. Thus, Jalad sees that the performance of his men during Sendong was partly an application already of the IPSP. It was a performance that was well-received by a grateful community.
(Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Ilagan teaches Social Justice, Family Sociology, Theories of Socialization and Psychology at the Ateneo de Davao University.)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2012/11/24/wayward-and-fanciful-new-era-of-soldiery/
On 1 January 2011, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adopted the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) that seeks to transform the role of the Filipino soldiers in anticipation of a post-conflict scenario that would not require much demand on the exercise of their warfighting capability. The IPSP emphasizes the importance of military operations other than war (MOOTW) to be employed in enhancing the security of local communities. Colonel Ricardo Jalad, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, talks about the changing role of soldiers in the environmental security of communities within his unit’s area of responsibility. The 2nd Mechanized Brigade covers Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This interview took place on July 25, 2012 at the brigade headquarters in Maria Christina, Iligan City. Jalad said that while soldiers would always be in a state of readiness for combat operations, the IPSP now requires it to use the non-combat approach to address security concerns. These military operations other than war (MOOTW) take off from the notion that security would be addressed by all stakeholders involved, anchored on the concepts of human security and the whole-of-nation, people-centered approach. Human security encompasses the issue of environmental security. In the case of disaster and such events, AFP units on the ground are mandated to assist the response of other agencies, especially the local government units. For the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong last year became the test of its operation based on the IPSP framework. It became very much involved from the rescue phase, to the search for dead bodies, and on up to the rehabilitation phase when it took part in putting up temporary shelters and relocation houses. As disaster response, the brigade assisted in delivering relief goods to various areas affected by the flood. Later, in cooperation with the Lanao del Norte LGU, the 2MEB was able to construct two buildings, with a total of 23 units. Typhoon Sendong was the first climate-related disaster on that scale to hit Iligan City and Lanao del Norte in years. In the previous year, however, the soldiers were already actively involved in the efforts of the LGUs to constitute and operate their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC). Sendong would put their preparations to the test. The DRRMC spells out the inter-agency convergence required in response to disasters..... In Iligan City which used to be disaster-free, people would usually see soldiers when they were out for combat operations. Not surprisingly, the warfighter image of the soldier was the image that superimposed itself in the memory of civilians. It was an indelible image that had shaped their perception of the Filipino soldier. However, when Typhoon Sendong happened, this was an opportunity for the soldier to take on the role of the rescuer, the savior. It happened at a time when the troops have had education on the imperatives of the IPSP. Thus, Jalad sees that the performance of his men during Sendong was partly an application already of the IPSP. It was a performance that was well-received by a grateful community.
(Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Ilagan teaches Social Justice, Family Sociology, Theories of Socialization and Psychology at the Ateneo de Davao University.)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2012/11/24/wayward-and-fanciful-new-era-of-soldiery/
Western Mindanao Command has no spokesman
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 24): Western Mindanao Command has no spokesman
The military’s Western Mindanao Command, which covers half of the southern Philippines, is now without any spokesman after its information officer was ordered to report to the office of its former commander Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, now the Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff. Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said he is now with Coballes in Manila for a new assignment. "After 17 years, I am leaving Mindanao. I am transferring to the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff. It was fun to work with you and I am hoping to return soon. Thank you," Cabangbang told journalists. Former 6th Infantry Division commander Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo was named in October as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. And previous attempts by local journalists to interview Ardo had failed because he would always refer to Cabangbang. Ardo also did not meet with journalists since then and no press releases had been issued to media despite reports of violence and fighting between troops and rebels in the Western Mindanao the past weeks. Local journalists said they now rely on news reports from army commanders in the provinces. Journalists during Coballes' stint also had a similar problem because he would not speak to the press and had banned news photographers from taking pictures of wounded soldiers inside the military hospital in Western Mindanao Command.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121124085228
The military’s Western Mindanao Command, which covers half of the southern Philippines, is now without any spokesman after its information officer was ordered to report to the office of its former commander Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, now the Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff. Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said he is now with Coballes in Manila for a new assignment. "After 17 years, I am leaving Mindanao. I am transferring to the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff. It was fun to work with you and I am hoping to return soon. Thank you," Cabangbang told journalists. Former 6th Infantry Division commander Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo was named in October as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. And previous attempts by local journalists to interview Ardo had failed because he would always refer to Cabangbang. Ardo also did not meet with journalists since then and no press releases had been issued to media despite reports of violence and fighting between troops and rebels in the Western Mindanao the past weeks. Local journalists said they now rely on news reports from army commanders in the provinces. Journalists during Coballes' stint also had a similar problem because he would not speak to the press and had banned news photographers from taking pictures of wounded soldiers inside the military hospital in Western Mindanao Command.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121124085228
US diplomat killed in Makati City stabbing incident
From GMANews (Nov 24): US diplomat killed in Makati City stabbing incident
An American diplomat died after a stabbing incident in Makati City Saturday morning, an exclusive report on "24 Oras" said. It also said the American Embassy in Manila confirmed that the victim was one of its diplomats but it did not immediately identify him. GMA News' Saleema Refran said the incident took place along Kalayaan Avenue in Bel-Air village before dawn, and that the victim passed away in a hospital at about 7:20 a.m. According to the report, the diplomat was walking as he entered the village's gate when a white van with four men inside arrived and stopped at the entrance, and shortly after, the stabbing incident occurred. "Nagkakad sa may gate ang biktima nang may makasabay itong van. Nang tinanong sa gate kung saan pupunta ang sasakyan, nakitanong din umano ang biktima pero hindi pinansin ng mga apat na lalaki sa loob. Nang papasok na ang van... nagawa pang hampasin ng biktima ito," Makati Police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr. said in the report. The four then got off the van and stabbed the diplomat, who was able to walk 20 meters before he fell on the ground, the report said. The victim was rushed to a hospital but he died there, the report added. All the four suspects are now in police custody, Lukban said, adding that an investigation into the case is going on. Police believe the four suspects are children of wealthy families. The four could face homicide charges due to the incident, the report said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283683/news/metromanila/us-diplomat-killed-in-makati-city-stabbing-incident
An American diplomat died after a stabbing incident in Makati City Saturday morning, an exclusive report on "24 Oras" said. It also said the American Embassy in Manila confirmed that the victim was one of its diplomats but it did not immediately identify him. GMA News' Saleema Refran said the incident took place along Kalayaan Avenue in Bel-Air village before dawn, and that the victim passed away in a hospital at about 7:20 a.m. According to the report, the diplomat was walking as he entered the village's gate when a white van with four men inside arrived and stopped at the entrance, and shortly after, the stabbing incident occurred. "Nagkakad sa may gate ang biktima nang may makasabay itong van. Nang tinanong sa gate kung saan pupunta ang sasakyan, nakitanong din umano ang biktima pero hindi pinansin ng mga apat na lalaki sa loob. Nang papasok na ang van... nagawa pang hampasin ng biktima ito," Makati Police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr. said in the report. The four then got off the van and stabbed the diplomat, who was able to walk 20 meters before he fell on the ground, the report said. The victim was rushed to a hospital but he died there, the report added. All the four suspects are now in police custody, Lukban said, adding that an investigation into the case is going on. Police believe the four suspects are children of wealthy families. The four could face homicide charges due to the incident, the report said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283683/news/metromanila/us-diplomat-killed-in-makati-city-stabbing-incident
Subic firm suspended
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 24): Subic firm suspended
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA) has suspended the operations of a US Navy contractor that is undergoing
investigation for dumping hazardous waste into Philippine waters. After a meeting on Friday, the SBMA board
decided to suspend the operations of Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc.
The board, however, reiterated its
position that no toxic, hazardous, or domestic waste was dumped into Subic Bay. ....“It was clearly established that there was
dumping of toxic waste,” Legarda said. “How can they turn their back after the
hearing? Let’s just see what’s on record. The Senate will come out with its
recommendations by the end of the month,” she said. Legarda said she suspected “lobbying” to
save Glenn Defense from accountability.... Garcia said the SBMA, on Nov. 17,
suspended Glenn Defense’s collection and disposal of ship sewage in the sea
using sea vessels. Garcia said the order disallowing vessels
to haul and dump waste into waters in the high seas also “applies to all other
waste service contractors” in the free port. “After securing the necessary permits as
is presently required from SBMA for land-based disposal of sewage, all such
sewage is to be collected directly from the ship at the pier and transported by
accredited land-based haulers to be treated in accredited waste treatment
plants,” Garcia said. In the SBMA statement, Garcia also
clarified that there was “no evidence that toxic, hazardous or domestic waste
had been dumped [into] the waters of Subic Bay.” But Garcia did not explain how the SBMA
came to that conclusion......
Abu Sayyaf member captured in Zamboanga
From the Philippine Star (Nov 24): Abu Sayyaf member captured in Zamboanga
A member of rebel group Abu Sayyaf was captured by joint security forces during a raid last night at a remote village of Zamboanga, local military said torday. According to Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of army's 1st division, the captured suspect, identified as Walid Amping, is the fifth militant suspect arrested in the recent joint pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf by local police and military in Zamboanga and Basilan province. Amping, also known as Alexander Antonio and Tuma, was arrested at Tulongatong, a village located in the west of the city about 11: 20 p.m. Friday, Caber said. The spokesman added that the suspect, who has a standing warrant of arrest issued in July 2009 by the Pasig City court, was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of six people in August 2002, among whom two of the male victims were beheaded. The Abu Sayyaf was founded in the 1990s and had since perpetrated a number of high-profile crimes, including kidnapping and bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/24/872725/abu-sayyaf-member-captured-zamboanga
A member of rebel group Abu Sayyaf was captured by joint security forces during a raid last night at a remote village of Zamboanga, local military said torday. According to Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of army's 1st division, the captured suspect, identified as Walid Amping, is the fifth militant suspect arrested in the recent joint pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf by local police and military in Zamboanga and Basilan province. Amping, also known as Alexander Antonio and Tuma, was arrested at Tulongatong, a village located in the west of the city about 11: 20 p.m. Friday, Caber said. The spokesman added that the suspect, who has a standing warrant of arrest issued in July 2009 by the Pasig City court, was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of six people in August 2002, among whom two of the male victims were beheaded. The Abu Sayyaf was founded in the 1990s and had since perpetrated a number of high-profile crimes, including kidnapping and bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/24/872725/abu-sayyaf-member-captured-zamboanga
Arrest of Fil-Am terror suspect unlikely to harm PH-US ties - Palace spokesman
From InterAksyon (Nov 24): Arrest of Fil-Am terror suspect unlikely to harm PH-US ties - Palace spokesman
Malacanang on Saturday said the arrest of a Filipino immigrant suspected of planning terror attacks against Americans is unlikely to upset Philippine-US relations. Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the arrest of 23-year old Ralph Kenneth de Leon would not rattle the two countries' ties, which date back to the 19th century. “We cooperate with each other in terms of intelligence. This has nothing to do, (and) will not have any effect on PH-US relations,” Lacierda said. Despite his crime, de Leon, who is under solitary confinement at a San Bernardino County detention facility in California, can expect assistance from the Philippine government, Lacierda said. But the Philippines will not stand in the way of de Leon's prosecution, the Palace spokesman said. “We will let the US law enforcement agencies prosecute him. In the meantime, our consulate office [in Los Angeles] is ready to give him necessary assistance,” Lacierda said, adding that Philippine consular officials visited de Leon in detention. Lacierda said the Philippine government's only obligation is to ensure that de Leon is doing well. “But this is as far as we’re going to see how our Filipino national is. Prior to that, if he intend(ed) to join terror network, he has to be aware of consequences of joining a terrorist organization. Most countries have condemned and put penalties on joining terror network,” Lacierda said..... In a statement released also on Saturday, the Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said the embassy and the Consulate General in Los Angeles are working closely with American authorities to get more information about the reported terrorist plot and to ensure that de Leon's rights are protected.....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48828/arrest-of-fil-am-terror-suspect-unlikely-to-harm-ph-us-ties---palace-spokesman
Malacanang on Saturday said the arrest of a Filipino immigrant suspected of planning terror attacks against Americans is unlikely to upset Philippine-US relations. Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the arrest of 23-year old Ralph Kenneth de Leon would not rattle the two countries' ties, which date back to the 19th century. “We cooperate with each other in terms of intelligence. This has nothing to do, (and) will not have any effect on PH-US relations,” Lacierda said. Despite his crime, de Leon, who is under solitary confinement at a San Bernardino County detention facility in California, can expect assistance from the Philippine government, Lacierda said. But the Philippines will not stand in the way of de Leon's prosecution, the Palace spokesman said. “We will let the US law enforcement agencies prosecute him. In the meantime, our consulate office [in Los Angeles] is ready to give him necessary assistance,” Lacierda said, adding that Philippine consular officials visited de Leon in detention. Lacierda said the Philippine government's only obligation is to ensure that de Leon is doing well. “But this is as far as we’re going to see how our Filipino national is. Prior to that, if he intend(ed) to join terror network, he has to be aware of consequences of joining a terrorist organization. Most countries have condemned and put penalties on joining terror network,” Lacierda said..... In a statement released also on Saturday, the Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. said the embassy and the Consulate General in Los Angeles are working closely with American authorities to get more information about the reported terrorist plot and to ensure that de Leon's rights are protected.....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48828/arrest-of-fil-am-terror-suspect-unlikely-to-harm-ph-us-ties---palace-spokesman
Foreign Affairs Secretary tells PMA cadets 'protect what is ours'
From Rappler (Nov 24): Foreign Affairs Secretary tells PMA cadets 'protect what is ours'
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has told the Philippines future military top brass to "stand up to protect what is ours" amid a territorial dispute with China, the government said Saturday, November 24. He told Philippine Military Academy cadets on Friday, November 23, that their country included parts of the Spratly island chain in the South China Sea, as well as the Scarborough Shoal off the main Philippine island of Luzon. China claims the Spratlys and the shoal as well as nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters close to the shores of its neighbours. "We have a clear mandate from our president. What is ours is ours and we should stand up to protect what is ours," the country's top diplomat said, according to a foreign department statement. "Live up to your living commitment of courage, integrity and loyalty. By doing so, rather than being forced to accept that might is right, we will instead demonstrate that right is might." The school, in the northern city of Baguio, produces most of the country's military officers. Del Rosario told how the country's navy and coastguard got embroiled in a stand-off in April with Chinese patrol vessels that prevented the arrest of Chinese at the Scarborough Shoal. Philippine officials say the area is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Del Rosario told the cadets China still has three ships around the shoal. Philippine President Benigno Aquino renewed his calls at a regional summit in Cambodia last weekend for China to withdraw the vessels. The Philippines pulled its last vessels out of the area in June, but said China failed to reciprocate. Del Rosario said that "the territorial issues cannot be solved overnight. However, if the Chinese ships were to be pulled out, this could create the impetus for a way forward". China and the Philippines, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, have overlapping claims in the Spratlys, which lie close to major shipping lanes and are believed to be rich in mineral and oil resources.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/16714-foreign-affairs-secretary-tells-pma-cadets-protect-what-is-ours
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has told the Philippines future military top brass to "stand up to protect what is ours" amid a territorial dispute with China, the government said Saturday, November 24. He told Philippine Military Academy cadets on Friday, November 23, that their country included parts of the Spratly island chain in the South China Sea, as well as the Scarborough Shoal off the main Philippine island of Luzon. China claims the Spratlys and the shoal as well as nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters close to the shores of its neighbours. "We have a clear mandate from our president. What is ours is ours and we should stand up to protect what is ours," the country's top diplomat said, according to a foreign department statement. "Live up to your living commitment of courage, integrity and loyalty. By doing so, rather than being forced to accept that might is right, we will instead demonstrate that right is might." The school, in the northern city of Baguio, produces most of the country's military officers. Del Rosario told how the country's navy and coastguard got embroiled in a stand-off in April with Chinese patrol vessels that prevented the arrest of Chinese at the Scarborough Shoal. Philippine officials say the area is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Del Rosario told the cadets China still has three ships around the shoal. Philippine President Benigno Aquino renewed his calls at a regional summit in Cambodia last weekend for China to withdraw the vessels. The Philippines pulled its last vessels out of the area in June, but said China failed to reciprocate. Del Rosario said that "the territorial issues cannot be solved overnight. However, if the Chinese ships were to be pulled out, this could create the impetus for a way forward". China and the Philippines, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, have overlapping claims in the Spratlys, which lie close to major shipping lanes and are believed to be rich in mineral and oil resources.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/16714-foreign-affairs-secretary-tells-pma-cadets-protect-what-is-ours
34th IB recovered 5 landmines after a clash in Brgy. Jangtud, Palapag, North Samar
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 24): 34th IB recovered 5 landmines after a clash in Brgy. Jangtud, Palapag, North Samar
Government troops recovered five landmines, one hand grenade, one long magazine of AK 47, one rifle grenade, 500 meters electrical wire, one army fatigue t-shirt, one black lousy cap and five pairs of slippers after an encounter with NPA at Brgy. Jangtud, Palapag, Northern Samar, at around 8:25am last November 13. This was learned from 2LT Kathleen R. Endrano, acting CMO officer, 34th Infantry Batallion, 8ID, PA, Brgy. Tambangan, Palapag, Northern Samar. Acting on a tip from a civilian of the presence of a group of heavily armed men conducting extortion in the area, Alpha Company of 34th Infantry Battalion led by Corporal Michael Jazmines clashed with more or less 60 NPAs led by alyas Manoy and alyas Isaw. The fire fight lasted for 20 minutes. The rebels scampered into different directions dragging along their killed and wounded members based on reports by civilians near the encounter site, the report said. On the government side, one soldier was slightly wounded on his upper left thigh and was immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261353656251
Government troops recovered five landmines, one hand grenade, one long magazine of AK 47, one rifle grenade, 500 meters electrical wire, one army fatigue t-shirt, one black lousy cap and five pairs of slippers after an encounter with NPA at Brgy. Jangtud, Palapag, Northern Samar, at around 8:25am last November 13. This was learned from 2LT Kathleen R. Endrano, acting CMO officer, 34th Infantry Batallion, 8ID, PA, Brgy. Tambangan, Palapag, Northern Samar. Acting on a tip from a civilian of the presence of a group of heavily armed men conducting extortion in the area, Alpha Company of 34th Infantry Battalion led by Corporal Michael Jazmines clashed with more or less 60 NPAs led by alyas Manoy and alyas Isaw. The fire fight lasted for 20 minutes. The rebels scampered into different directions dragging along their killed and wounded members based on reports by civilians near the encounter site, the report said. On the government side, one soldier was slightly wounded on his upper left thigh and was immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261353656251
8IB, LGU Lantapan conduct joint medical/dental mission, Army CARES program
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 24): 8IB, LGU Lantapan conduct joint medical/dental mission, Army CARES program
Hundreds of indigent and local barangay folks from both barangays Baclayon and Kaatuan benefited from free basic services catered through the joint Medical/Dental Mission and Pulong-Pulong during the Army (CARES) program last November 10, 2012 November 13, respectively. In its efforts to promote the Army’s commitment to peace and development in relation to Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan,” the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion spearheaded by Ltc. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the unit, together with the local government unit (LGU) of Lantapan in the province of Bukidnon headed by town Mayor Godofredo I. Balansag, launched a free joint Medical and Dental Services, Feeding Program and Free Haircut to the indigents of the two (2) of the municipality. The activity was also participated in by the 403rd brigade Medical Team under Maj. Gregorio Sajulga (RES) PA, 403rd Bde Medical Retainer and 1Lt. Louie C. Porton (DS), Dental Officer; and the Local Municipal Health Office of Lantapan headed by Dra. Josepha Arlita L. Alsula M.D. - Municipal Health Officer. Meanwhile, a Pulong-pulong was also conducted to address the issues and concerns of the residents and unearth their problems which are usually used by New People’s Army (NPA) as weapons in agitating and instigating the minds of the local populace to join the armed group. The said event was participated in by 1Lt. Froilan T. Bayangos (MI) PA, Acting (Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer this unit together with 1Lt. Norman M. Tagros (INF) PA, Commanding Officer Alpha Company and his Executive Officer, 1Lt. Sean N. Gobway (INF) PA, local government agencies: Philippine National Police headed by P/CI Noel C.Cano, Chief of Police; Department of Education represented in by Roque R. Carpentero, Officer in-Charge of Baclayon Elementary School; and Florencio S. Cabusas, DepEd-Lantapan representative..... The medical and dental outreach mission benefited by 1,116 residents of two barangays, of which, 263 beneficiaries of medical check-up, treatment with free giving of medicines; 279, medical and dental consultation; 228 residents had taken their blood pressure; 280 children benefit from feeding; 35 residents availed of tooth extraction; and 31 children were circumcised. Fun games were also catered for both children and parents with a minimal cash prize in courtesy of the barangay officials of Lantapan, Bukidnon.....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461353740851
Hundreds of indigent and local barangay folks from both barangays Baclayon and Kaatuan benefited from free basic services catered through the joint Medical/Dental Mission and Pulong-Pulong during the Army (CARES) program last November 10, 2012 November 13, respectively. In its efforts to promote the Army’s commitment to peace and development in relation to Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan,” the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion spearheaded by Ltc. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the unit, together with the local government unit (LGU) of Lantapan in the province of Bukidnon headed by town Mayor Godofredo I. Balansag, launched a free joint Medical and Dental Services, Feeding Program and Free Haircut to the indigents of the two (2) of the municipality. The activity was also participated in by the 403rd brigade Medical Team under Maj. Gregorio Sajulga (RES) PA, 403rd Bde Medical Retainer and 1Lt. Louie C. Porton (DS), Dental Officer; and the Local Municipal Health Office of Lantapan headed by Dra. Josepha Arlita L. Alsula M.D. - Municipal Health Officer. Meanwhile, a Pulong-pulong was also conducted to address the issues and concerns of the residents and unearth their problems which are usually used by New People’s Army (NPA) as weapons in agitating and instigating the minds of the local populace to join the armed group. The said event was participated in by 1Lt. Froilan T. Bayangos (MI) PA, Acting (Civil Military Operations (CMO) Officer this unit together with 1Lt. Norman M. Tagros (INF) PA, Commanding Officer Alpha Company and his Executive Officer, 1Lt. Sean N. Gobway (INF) PA, local government agencies: Philippine National Police headed by P/CI Noel C.Cano, Chief of Police; Department of Education represented in by Roque R. Carpentero, Officer in-Charge of Baclayon Elementary School; and Florencio S. Cabusas, DepEd-Lantapan representative..... The medical and dental outreach mission benefited by 1,116 residents of two barangays, of which, 263 beneficiaries of medical check-up, treatment with free giving of medicines; 279, medical and dental consultation; 228 residents had taken their blood pressure; 280 children benefit from feeding; 35 residents availed of tooth extraction; and 31 children were circumcised. Fun games were also catered for both children and parents with a minimal cash prize in courtesy of the barangay officials of Lantapan, Bukidnon.....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461353740851
Ang Bayan: US intervention seen to rise with signing of PNP-NYPD accord
From Ang Bayan, the official propaganda organ of the CPP Central Committee (Nov 21 edition): US intervention seen to rise with signing of PNP-NYPD accord
US INTERVENTION in Philippine internal affairs will intensify with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the New York Police Department (NYPD). With the NYPD’s notoriety as one of the most fascist police organizations worldwide, its cooperation with the PNP is sure to result in stepped-up abuses of human rights..... The NYPD-PNP agreement forms part of US imperialism’s efforts to create a worldwide intelligence and police network. In September, the NYPD also opened a satellite office in Kfar Saba, Israel. Aside from Singapore, it maintains other satellite offices in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.The International Liaison Program (ILP), which is part of the NYPD’s intelligence division is supported by private donations coursed through the New York Police Foundation. The real amount of donations received is concealed from the public. According to a former police official, the ILP is like a mini CIA that operates outside the structure with unclear legal accountabilities. The agreement entered into with the PNP will serve as added legal cover to intensify US government intervention in the Philippines. It will result in greater interference by the US police and other American police and military agencies in the country. Among the NYPD’s interventionist activities are training, exchanging intelligence information and supplying weapons to the PNP. Before the memorandum of agreement was signed, US forces had already been operating clandestinely in the Philippines. In June, political prisoners exposed the presence and extralegal activities of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation within the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121121/us-intervention-seen-to-rise-with-signing-of-pnp-nypd-accord
US INTERVENTION in Philippine internal affairs will intensify with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the New York Police Department (NYPD). With the NYPD’s notoriety as one of the most fascist police organizations worldwide, its cooperation with the PNP is sure to result in stepped-up abuses of human rights..... The NYPD-PNP agreement forms part of US imperialism’s efforts to create a worldwide intelligence and police network. In September, the NYPD also opened a satellite office in Kfar Saba, Israel. Aside from Singapore, it maintains other satellite offices in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.The International Liaison Program (ILP), which is part of the NYPD’s intelligence division is supported by private donations coursed through the New York Police Foundation. The real amount of donations received is concealed from the public. According to a former police official, the ILP is like a mini CIA that operates outside the structure with unclear legal accountabilities. The agreement entered into with the PNP will serve as added legal cover to intensify US government intervention in the Philippines. It will result in greater interference by the US police and other American police and military agencies in the country. Among the NYPD’s interventionist activities are training, exchanging intelligence information and supplying weapons to the PNP. Before the memorandum of agreement was signed, US forces had already been operating clandestinely in the Philippines. In June, political prisoners exposed the presence and extralegal activities of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation within the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121121/us-intervention-seen-to-rise-with-signing-of-pnp-nypd-accord
Ang Bayan: US dumps toxic waste in Subic
From Ang Bayan, the official propaganda organ of the CPP Central Committee (Nov 21 edition): US dumps toxic waste in Subic
US Navy ships and submarines were found to have ordered the dumping of toxic waste near the coastline of the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales in October. The US Navy has been contracting the Malaysian-owned Glen Defense Marine Asia Inc.-Philippines or GDM to collect the waste and dispose of it in Philippine waters..... After the US Navy’s use of the Philippine seas as a dump site was exposed, everyone involved played the blame game. The GDM immediately hid behind the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to avoid criminal prosecution. The US Embassy and the US Navy, on the other hand, quickly said that the American side could not be held accountable because it was a private contractor that did the actual dumping, and as such, it was a matter outside the purview of the VFA. The most detestable declarations came from the Aquino regime, which hurriedly absolved both GDM and the US Navy and upheld the VFA. It has come to the defense of those who destroy the environment and trample on the country’s sovereignty instead of holding them to account. The volume of waste material the US Navy has ordered thrown in Philippine waters is mind boggling, since this year alone, GDM has already serviced 37 US naval ships and submarines.
There have been renewed calls for the abrogation of the VFA because the latter has been invoked as a justification by the US military to use the country’s seas as a dumping area for toxic chemicals.The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) launched a protest action near the US Embassy on November 14 to demand the junking of the VFA. BAYAN and other progressive organizations likewise supported proposals by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to abrogate the VFA and calls by Sens. Francis Escudero, Aquilino Pimente III and Loren Legarda to investigate the dumping of toxic waste by the US Navy.....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121121/us-dumps-toxic-waste-in-subic
US Navy ships and submarines were found to have ordered the dumping of toxic waste near the coastline of the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales in October. The US Navy has been contracting the Malaysian-owned Glen Defense Marine Asia Inc.-Philippines or GDM to collect the waste and dispose of it in Philippine waters..... After the US Navy’s use of the Philippine seas as a dump site was exposed, everyone involved played the blame game. The GDM immediately hid behind the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to avoid criminal prosecution. The US Embassy and the US Navy, on the other hand, quickly said that the American side could not be held accountable because it was a private contractor that did the actual dumping, and as such, it was a matter outside the purview of the VFA. The most detestable declarations came from the Aquino regime, which hurriedly absolved both GDM and the US Navy and upheld the VFA. It has come to the defense of those who destroy the environment and trample on the country’s sovereignty instead of holding them to account. The volume of waste material the US Navy has ordered thrown in Philippine waters is mind boggling, since this year alone, GDM has already serviced 37 US naval ships and submarines.
There have been renewed calls for the abrogation of the VFA because the latter has been invoked as a justification by the US military to use the country’s seas as a dumping area for toxic chemicals.The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) launched a protest action near the US Embassy on November 14 to demand the junking of the VFA. BAYAN and other progressive organizations likewise supported proposals by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to abrogate the VFA and calls by Sens. Francis Escudero, Aquilino Pimente III and Loren Legarda to investigate the dumping of toxic waste by the US Navy.....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20121121/us-dumps-toxic-waste-in-subic
BAYAN: Bayan seeks deeper probe of Glenn Defense operations
From the pro-CPP Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-New Patriotic Alliance) Website (Nov 24): Bayan seeks deeper probe of Glenn Defense operations
While welcoming the suspension of Glenn Defense Marine Asia’s operations in Subic, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan wants a full accounting of the operations and service record of the US Navy’s private contractor in the Philippines. It also sought the permanent revocation of the contractor’s license to operate in the country. Bayan said that it is also not content with the assurances of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority that the waste disposed by Glenn Defense was not toxic and that these were brought far from Subic waters. “The SBMA should conduct an audit of the entire operations of Glenn Defense, especially since this year alone, the contractor serviced US ships 37 times. Records will show that among the ships that were serviced by the contractor were nuclear attack submarines such as the USS Hawaii, USS North Carolina and USS Texas, amphibious assault ships like the USS Essex and the hospital ship USNS Mercy which may have had hospital wastes, “said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr..... The group said that even if the SBMA would say that the waste dumped were “not toxic”, the laboratory tests conducted on the samples speak for themselves. “Unless the SBMA reverses the finding of Subic Water, the samples showed high level s of toxicity. SBMA should stop splitting hairs on this issue and just call a spade a spade. What was dumped has the potential to destroy the ecosystem,” Reyes said. “We again call on the Philippine government to not to allow any more port calls by US warships. These ships carry wastes and other hazardous materials. These ships expose our country and our ecosystem to hazardous materials. Why do we keep letting them in?” Reyes asked. “At the core of the issue is the VFA. Even if Glenn Marine is banned, there will be other private contractors that will collect the toxic wastes. So long as US ships are allowed to enter our country, we will be exposed to their toxic cargo. For this reason, the VFA must end” he said.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/bayan-seeks-deeper-probe-of-glenn-defense-operations/
While welcoming the suspension of Glenn Defense Marine Asia’s operations in Subic, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan wants a full accounting of the operations and service record of the US Navy’s private contractor in the Philippines. It also sought the permanent revocation of the contractor’s license to operate in the country. Bayan said that it is also not content with the assurances of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority that the waste disposed by Glenn Defense was not toxic and that these were brought far from Subic waters. “The SBMA should conduct an audit of the entire operations of Glenn Defense, especially since this year alone, the contractor serviced US ships 37 times. Records will show that among the ships that were serviced by the contractor were nuclear attack submarines such as the USS Hawaii, USS North Carolina and USS Texas, amphibious assault ships like the USS Essex and the hospital ship USNS Mercy which may have had hospital wastes, “said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr..... The group said that even if the SBMA would say that the waste dumped were “not toxic”, the laboratory tests conducted on the samples speak for themselves. “Unless the SBMA reverses the finding of Subic Water, the samples showed high level s of toxicity. SBMA should stop splitting hairs on this issue and just call a spade a spade. What was dumped has the potential to destroy the ecosystem,” Reyes said. “We again call on the Philippine government to not to allow any more port calls by US warships. These ships carry wastes and other hazardous materials. These ships expose our country and our ecosystem to hazardous materials. Why do we keep letting them in?” Reyes asked. “At the core of the issue is the VFA. Even if Glenn Marine is banned, there will be other private contractors that will collect the toxic wastes. So long as US ships are allowed to enter our country, we will be exposed to their toxic cargo. For this reason, the VFA must end” he said.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/bayan-seeks-deeper-probe-of-glenn-defense-operations/
BAYAN: Groups serve “closure notice” on Glenn Marine over toxic waste dump
From the pro-CPP Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN-New Patriotic Alliance) Website (Nov 23): Groups serve “closure notice” on Glenn Marine over toxic waste dump
The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today led protesters in serving a “notice of closure” on a private contractor used by the US Navy to collect and dispose wastes from US ships. The groups were blocked by Philippine police as they were about to march in front of the office of the private contractors. The police action came just two days after they imposed a ban on the burning of US flags during protest actions. Bayan called for the banning of Glenn Marine Defense-Philippines even as it demanded the contractor “clean up the toxic mess in Subic”.... Bayan also reiterated its call for the junking of the Visiting Forces Agreement that allows US troops and their vessels to enter the Philippines. “The US government is also liable for the toxic dump because it is the employer of Glenn Marine and because the US Navy is the one generating and producing these toxic materials. We believe these are not limited to organic wastes and that chemicals such as oil are also being dumped in our waters. There will be no toxic wastes if there are no US warships,” de Guzman said. Service records show that Glenn Marine serviced US ships 37 times during this year alone. These include nuclear attack submarines, a hospital ship, and other navy vessels. Bayan believes that the number of US ships entering the Philippines will increase with the US policy of rebalancing its forces towards Asia.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/groups-serve-%e2%80%9cclosure-notice%e2%80%9d-on-glenn-marine-over-toxic-waste-dump/
The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today led protesters in serving a “notice of closure” on a private contractor used by the US Navy to collect and dispose wastes from US ships. The groups were blocked by Philippine police as they were about to march in front of the office of the private contractors. The police action came just two days after they imposed a ban on the burning of US flags during protest actions. Bayan called for the banning of Glenn Marine Defense-Philippines even as it demanded the contractor “clean up the toxic mess in Subic”.... Bayan also reiterated its call for the junking of the Visiting Forces Agreement that allows US troops and their vessels to enter the Philippines. “The US government is also liable for the toxic dump because it is the employer of Glenn Marine and because the US Navy is the one generating and producing these toxic materials. We believe these are not limited to organic wastes and that chemicals such as oil are also being dumped in our waters. There will be no toxic wastes if there are no US warships,” de Guzman said. Service records show that Glenn Marine serviced US ships 37 times during this year alone. These include nuclear attack submarines, a hospital ship, and other navy vessels. Bayan believes that the number of US ships entering the Philippines will increase with the US policy of rebalancing its forces towards Asia.
http://www.bayan.ph/site/2012/11/groups-serve-%e2%80%9cclosure-notice%e2%80%9d-on-glenn-marine-over-toxic-waste-dump/
NDFP: NDFP condemns Aquino regime for offering bounty for the arrest of 235 alleged communist leaders
From the National Democratic Front Philippines Website (Nov 23): NDFP condemns Aquino regime for offering bounty for the arrest of 235 alleged communist leaders
NDFP Negotiating Panel
In a letter to Alexander Padilla, Chairperson of the GPH Negotiating Panel, Luis Jalandoni, Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, condemned the Aquino government for raising the amount of reward money for the capture of 235 alleged wanted Communist leaders to PHP 466.88 million, through a recently issued Joint Order No. 14-2012 of the Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG). This is the second time this year that the Aquino government has jacked up the bounty money for the capture of alleged Communist leaders. The first one was in August when it announced the rewards of PHP 5.6 million each for Benito Tiamzon and Jorge Madlos. Jalandoni demanded that the NDFP, the public and mass media be provided with a copy of the aforesaid Joint Order and even more importantly the complete list of the 235 alleged Communist leaders who are the target of the reward offer amounting to PHP 466.88, if the purpose of the Joint Order is to seek the help of the public in giving information leading to the arrest of the listed persons. Jalandoni pointed out that so far the GPH had announced through the press only a few names in said list, including Wilma Austria who is protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. He stressed, “To list and target our consultants is an attack on the peace process. The NDFP wants to ensure that the JASIG is respected and not violated.” He said further, “The NDFP wants to know those names and identities in the complete list because we want to ascertain whether a judicial warrant of arrest is the basis of the listing of every one or not, and whether or not there is arbitrariness or not. Previous listings under various administrations have been characterized by a lack of prior judicial warrants of arrest and by arbitrariness.” He warned, “The Aquino government can use the list as a death list for the use of death squads if it does not release all the listed names for public scrutiny. Keeping nearly all such names or most of the 235 names in secrecy and under the fog is a license for harassment, abductions and extrajudicial killings.” He observed, “It is anomalous and ominous that the DND makes the joint order with the DILG. The police, not the military, are the peace officers in charge of arrests under the administration of the DILG and guidance of the Department of Justice (DOJ).” He also demanded a copy of the previous listing of August 2012 and other such listings. He underscored the seriousness of his protest and demand inasmuch as the bounty offer profoundly affects the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations. He urged GPH Negotiating Panel Chairperson Padilla to act expeditiously.
http://www.ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/peace-talks-mainmenu-75/1580-ndfp-condemns-aquino-regime-for-offering-bounty-for-the-arrest-of-235-alleged-communist-leaders.html
NDFP Negotiating Panel
In a letter to Alexander Padilla, Chairperson of the GPH Negotiating Panel, Luis Jalandoni, Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, condemned the Aquino government for raising the amount of reward money for the capture of 235 alleged wanted Communist leaders to PHP 466.88 million, through a recently issued Joint Order No. 14-2012 of the Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG). This is the second time this year that the Aquino government has jacked up the bounty money for the capture of alleged Communist leaders. The first one was in August when it announced the rewards of PHP 5.6 million each for Benito Tiamzon and Jorge Madlos. Jalandoni demanded that the NDFP, the public and mass media be provided with a copy of the aforesaid Joint Order and even more importantly the complete list of the 235 alleged Communist leaders who are the target of the reward offer amounting to PHP 466.88, if the purpose of the Joint Order is to seek the help of the public in giving information leading to the arrest of the listed persons. Jalandoni pointed out that so far the GPH had announced through the press only a few names in said list, including Wilma Austria who is protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. He stressed, “To list and target our consultants is an attack on the peace process. The NDFP wants to ensure that the JASIG is respected and not violated.” He said further, “The NDFP wants to know those names and identities in the complete list because we want to ascertain whether a judicial warrant of arrest is the basis of the listing of every one or not, and whether or not there is arbitrariness or not. Previous listings under various administrations have been characterized by a lack of prior judicial warrants of arrest and by arbitrariness.” He warned, “The Aquino government can use the list as a death list for the use of death squads if it does not release all the listed names for public scrutiny. Keeping nearly all such names or most of the 235 names in secrecy and under the fog is a license for harassment, abductions and extrajudicial killings.” He observed, “It is anomalous and ominous that the DND makes the joint order with the DILG. The police, not the military, are the peace officers in charge of arrests under the administration of the DILG and guidance of the Department of Justice (DOJ).” He also demanded a copy of the previous listing of August 2012 and other such listings. He underscored the seriousness of his protest and demand inasmuch as the bounty offer profoundly affects the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations. He urged GPH Negotiating Panel Chairperson Padilla to act expeditiously.
http://www.ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/peace-talks-mainmenu-75/1580-ndfp-condemns-aquino-regime-for-offering-bounty-for-the-arrest-of-235-alleged-communist-leaders.html
Misuari: MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari privilege speech at the 39th OIC-ICFM
Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Nov ): MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari privilege speech at the 39th OIC-ICFM
SubhanaAllah! upon the request of the MNLF Special Envoy to the OIC UStadz Muhaimin, the Chairman of the conference (Foreign Minister of Djobouti ) re-open the floor to give the Chairman of the MNLF a chance to response the previous claim of the colonial GRP on their statement that the FPA of 1996 is already implemented. Maas have time and again proven his type of leadership, to defend and protect the honor of his people from lies and deception in any given time of or place.... Our Chairman have truly shown us that the truth must told and lies have to be challenged at all cause. In this part of the speech, please note Maas is using the mic of the chairman's of the conference and was given again additional mic by their state television covering the event. Among the guest in this event are group of GRP delegates and the MILF Leadership coming together as guest while the MNLF leadership and its delegation are official OIC invitees being the recognized representative of the Bangsamoro people in the OIC with an observer status since 1977.