From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 2): DFA: No letup in PH push vs Sino claims
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will continue to assert the Philippines’
claims to contested islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) this
year, the country’s top diplomat said. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the DFA will forge ahead with the
country’s claims by enjoining the other claimant nations to abide by
international rules in settling their maritime disputes. “The DFA will defend President Aquino’s position on what is ours in
accordance with the rule of law, including Unclos (United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea),” said Del Rosario. The Philippines has been pushing for claimants to abide by the international
treaty, which sets a 200-mile exclusive maritime economic zone around countries,
and offers a venue for settling disputes.
China, the main rival claimant to the Spratly chain of islands and Panatag
(Scarborough) Shoal, has reiterated its position against internationalizing the
dispute. It wants to seek solutions through direct talks with its rival
claimants. China, however, said it would continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution
to the conflict and remained open to the joint development of potential oil and
gas resources in the contested areas. Apart from China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam have partial claims to
the Spratlys and its surrounding waters. China has drawn criticism from rival claimants for stepping up its oil and
gas exploration, beefing up sea patrols and fortifying Sansha City, an
administrative domain which they established to govern all of the disputed
Spratly islands.
China implements new law
Southern China’s Hainan province also began implementing yesterday a new
maritime law that allows its authorities to board and search foreign vessels
that pass through South China Sea. The Philippines, on the other hand, earlier this year offered oil exploration
contracts in its claimed part of the Spratlys, a move that drew criticism from
counter-claimants, especially China.
Last week, the Philippines protested Taiwan’s pronouncement that it would
start exploration for oil and gas in waters around Ligao Island, the largest
Spratlys island that the Taiwanese call Taiping. China and Vietnam also claim
the island. The DFA stressed that Ligao Island lies within the country’s exclusive
maritime economic zone, and that “only the Philippines can explore in those
parts of the Spratlys that lie within the country’s 200-nautical mile
continental shelf.”
Last year, a standoff between Chinese and Philippine Navy ships occurred over
fishing rights around Panatag Shoal, another contested islet. “We will consistently embrace the firm belief that international law is the
great equalizer and that right is might,” Del Rosario told the Inquirer.
The Philippines and China have both expressed hope of a peaceful settlement
to the conflict. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun said in a recent speech in a
Beijing media forum that China was against the use of arms to resolve the
dispute. He also expressed China’s openness to jointly exploring the waters for oil
and mineral riches, saying that “joint development may still well be a practical
approach” in resolving the dispute. “China advocates the peaceful settlement of international disputes and
regional hotspot issues and works vigorously to that end. China opposes the
wanton use of force or threat of force. It rejects all forms of hegemonism and
power politics,” Zhang said in a Dec. 28 forum of China’s Foreign Ministry.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/60783/dfa-no-letup-in-ph-push-vs-sino-claims
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
PM Negros Condemns the Brutal Assassination of their Comrade ‘Ka Potot’
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jan 2): PM Negros Condemns the Brutal Assassination of their Comrade ‘Ka Potot’
"We vehemently condemn the brutal assassination of kaupod Victoriano Embang, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) leader in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, on the early morning of December 29, 2012. Motorcycle-riding-in-tandem assailants ambushed him with a shotgun which fatally hit him at the back," declared Ma. Luisa Parroco, PM Negros Chapter Chairperson.
"Victoriano Embang or Ka Potot is a steadfast farm worker leader who has been fighting for workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARB) welfare since the 1980’s, when they decided to resolutely struggle for labor standards and later, the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Hacienda Ma. Cecilia, Moises Padilla. Ka Potot had never abandoned his fellow workers despite threats and pressures from the landlord. He was an unwavering leader who persistently urged his fellow workers to engage in collective production scheme of the farm lot they gained from their struggles. He discouraged individual and small-lot farming and proven himself correct in asserting that collective farming is more productive and beneficial to their members," Parroco further explained.
"We will never forget his simple and always smiling ways and his unending concern to respond and accommodate the needs of his members. He will always be an inspiration to us. His death will motivate us to go on with the struggle - further organize until justice is attained not only for Ka Potot, but also for the entire working class," Parroco added.
"We call on the authorities to expediently act on this blatant display of terrorism by the still unidentified perpetrators. PM has always been a rational and non-violent organization. We hold on to peace and justice, and we call on our fellow workers and agrarian reform organizations to condemn the brutal slay of Ka Potot," ended Parroco.
http://www.ndb-online.com/010213/local-news/local-news-pm-negros-condemns-brutal-assassination-their-comrade-%E2%80%98ka-potot%E2%80%99
"We vehemently condemn the brutal assassination of kaupod Victoriano Embang, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) leader in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, on the early morning of December 29, 2012. Motorcycle-riding-in-tandem assailants ambushed him with a shotgun which fatally hit him at the back," declared Ma. Luisa Parroco, PM Negros Chapter Chairperson.
"Victoriano Embang or Ka Potot is a steadfast farm worker leader who has been fighting for workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARB) welfare since the 1980’s, when they decided to resolutely struggle for labor standards and later, the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Hacienda Ma. Cecilia, Moises Padilla. Ka Potot had never abandoned his fellow workers despite threats and pressures from the landlord. He was an unwavering leader who persistently urged his fellow workers to engage in collective production scheme of the farm lot they gained from their struggles. He discouraged individual and small-lot farming and proven himself correct in asserting that collective farming is more productive and beneficial to their members," Parroco further explained.
"We will never forget his simple and always smiling ways and his unending concern to respond and accommodate the needs of his members. He will always be an inspiration to us. His death will motivate us to go on with the struggle - further organize until justice is attained not only for Ka Potot, but also for the entire working class," Parroco added.
"We call on the authorities to expediently act on this blatant display of terrorism by the still unidentified perpetrators. PM has always been a rational and non-violent organization. We hold on to peace and justice, and we call on our fellow workers and agrarian reform organizations to condemn the brutal slay of Ka Potot," ended Parroco.
http://www.ndb-online.com/010213/local-news/local-news-pm-negros-condemns-brutal-assassination-their-comrade-%E2%80%98ka-potot%E2%80%99
CPP terminates ceasefire
From Rappler (Jan 2): CPP terminates ceasefire
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered all units of the New People's Army (NPA) and people's militias to return to offensive mode after the government allegedly failed to comply with an agreement to extend its ceasefire order to January 15. “This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15,” the CPP in its memorandum circulated to NPA units.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered all units of the New People's Army (NPA) and people's militias to return to offensive mode after the government allegedly failed to comply with an agreement to extend its ceasefire order to January 15. “This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15,” the CPP in its memorandum circulated to NPA units.
The CPP said that the temporary ceasefire ordered by the communists was issued last December 20 and will be terminated a minute before midnight on Wednesday, January 2. “The original CPP ceasefire declaration of December 20 was issued with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations being scheduled for this month,” the CPP commented.
The communists explained that the termination of the declared ceasefire aims to protect guerilla units after the government ends its own ceasefire. “The CPP has decided to abbreviate the ceasefire order to ensure that units of the New People's Army and people's militias will not be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the Armed Forces of the Philippines ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight tonight,” the CPP said.
“The NPA and the people's militias should immediately assume an offensive posture and confront and frustrate the enemy campaigns of suppression, defend the people against the fascist onslaughts of the AFP and the armed agents of the Aquino regime and advance the strategic objectives of the people's war,” the CPP ordered.
CPP: CPP denounces Aquino failure to reciprocate temporary ceasefire
Posted to the PRWC Blog (Jan 2): CPP
denounces Aquino failure to reciprocate temporary ceasefire
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced today that its Central Committee has informed all units of the New People's Army and the people's militia that its earlier declaration issued last December 20 for a ceasefire to take effect until January 15 has been rescinded. The ceasefire has been cut short and will end today at 2359H.
The CPP said that the shorter ceasefire period is due to the Aquino government's failure to extend its ceasefire order to January 15 in sync with the CPP ceasefire declaration and in compliance with an agreement arrived at by special representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and those of the NDFP.
Over the past few days, the NDFP has sent letters to the GPH's negotiating panel and special representatives to remind them of the synchronized ceasefire agreement.
The CPP earlier issued the ceasefire declaration to help create favorable conditions for another round of talks between the NDFP and the GPH. "In failing to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the revolutionary forces, the sincerity of the Aquino regime to pursue and boost NDFP-GPH peace negotiations has been put under serious question."
The CPP scored the "duplicity" of Atty. Alex Padilla, head of the GPH's negotiating panel, who in his new year message claimed that a ceasefire is in place "when he knows fully well that his boss had yet to issue any ceasefire order in accordance with the agreement with the NDFP."
"The Aquino regime has long been demanding the NDFP to engage in a ceasefire with the GPH," the CPP said. "After Aquino's noncompliance with the synchronized ceasefire agreement, similar temporary truces in the future have become infeasible except perhaps under some extraordinary circumstance."
"The Aquino regime's nonadherence to the temporary ceasefire agreement is a serious act of contempt against the peace negotiations supported and facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG)," said the CPP. The RNG hosted the December 17-18 meeting between the GPH and NDFP special representatives at the Norwegian Embassy in The Hague.
"Furthermore, Benigno Aquino III's failure to comply with the synchronized ceasefire agreement casts doubt on the authority and status of his special representatives and negotiating panel led by Sec. Ronald Llamas and Atty. Alexander Padilla," said the CPP. "Aquino will have to make clear whether his special representatives and negotiating panel actually had any authority at all to negotiate and sign agreements that Aquino would comply with."
"Indeed, Aquino's noncompliance raises the question of whether he is at all serious in engaging the NDFP in peace negotiations," said the CPP. "For two years now, Aquino has consistently refused to comply with agreements with the NDFP, especially long-standing agreements as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)."
"In the face of the Aquino regime's impending failure to meet the objectives of Oplan Bayanihan to decimate the armed revolution by 2013 and transfer 'counter-insurgency' responsibilities to the Philippine National Police, it would appear that Aquino is interested only in going through the motions of peace negotiations as a camouflage to hide the brutalities committed by the AFP in carrying out his heightened war of suppression against the Filipino people," added the CPP.
"In continuing to detain at least 14 peace consultants of the NDFP in violation of the JASIG, the GPH has prevented peace negotiations from moving forward since the start of 2011."
The CPP also pointed out that the AFP has continued to carry out offensive operations and acts of suppression despite the Aquino regime's suspension of military operations since December 16. "Over the past two weeks, there has been practically no ceasefire on the part of the AFP as it continued to carry out military operations against suspected revolutionaries and communities suspected of being active in the revolutionary struggle.
"Despite its own ceasefire, the AFP did not order the removal of so-called "peace and development teams" deployed in rural communities, daily suppressing the people's civil and political rights," added the CPP. "The AFP set up military checkpoints to restrict people's movements, especially before and after the CPP's 44th anniversary last December 26 to prevent people from attending assemblies and surveilling those coming from the activites."
The AFP has arrested at least seven people during its own ceasefire period, including five farmers last December 21 in Mulanay, Quezon. On December 25, the AFP arrested Filemon Mendrez in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. The military likewise arrested last December 28 Rene Esmondo Abiva in Bagumbayan, Tuguegarao City. The AFP claims that Mendez and Abiva are leaders of the revolutionary movement.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/01/cpp-denounces-aquino-failure-to.html
Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced today that its Central Committee has informed all units of the New People's Army and the people's militia that its earlier declaration issued last December 20 for a ceasefire to take effect until January 15 has been rescinded. The ceasefire has been cut short and will end today at 2359H.
The CPP said that the shorter ceasefire period is due to the Aquino government's failure to extend its ceasefire order to January 15 in sync with the CPP ceasefire declaration and in compliance with an agreement arrived at by special representatives of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and those of the NDFP.
Over the past few days, the NDFP has sent letters to the GPH's negotiating panel and special representatives to remind them of the synchronized ceasefire agreement.
The CPP earlier issued the ceasefire declaration to help create favorable conditions for another round of talks between the NDFP and the GPH. "In failing to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration of the revolutionary forces, the sincerity of the Aquino regime to pursue and boost NDFP-GPH peace negotiations has been put under serious question."
The CPP scored the "duplicity" of Atty. Alex Padilla, head of the GPH's negotiating panel, who in his new year message claimed that a ceasefire is in place "when he knows fully well that his boss had yet to issue any ceasefire order in accordance with the agreement with the NDFP."
"The Aquino regime has long been demanding the NDFP to engage in a ceasefire with the GPH," the CPP said. "After Aquino's noncompliance with the synchronized ceasefire agreement, similar temporary truces in the future have become infeasible except perhaps under some extraordinary circumstance."
"The Aquino regime's nonadherence to the temporary ceasefire agreement is a serious act of contempt against the peace negotiations supported and facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG)," said the CPP. The RNG hosted the December 17-18 meeting between the GPH and NDFP special representatives at the Norwegian Embassy in The Hague.
"Furthermore, Benigno Aquino III's failure to comply with the synchronized ceasefire agreement casts doubt on the authority and status of his special representatives and negotiating panel led by Sec. Ronald Llamas and Atty. Alexander Padilla," said the CPP. "Aquino will have to make clear whether his special representatives and negotiating panel actually had any authority at all to negotiate and sign agreements that Aquino would comply with."
"Indeed, Aquino's noncompliance raises the question of whether he is at all serious in engaging the NDFP in peace negotiations," said the CPP. "For two years now, Aquino has consistently refused to comply with agreements with the NDFP, especially long-standing agreements as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)."
"In the face of the Aquino regime's impending failure to meet the objectives of Oplan Bayanihan to decimate the armed revolution by 2013 and transfer 'counter-insurgency' responsibilities to the Philippine National Police, it would appear that Aquino is interested only in going through the motions of peace negotiations as a camouflage to hide the brutalities committed by the AFP in carrying out his heightened war of suppression against the Filipino people," added the CPP.
"In continuing to detain at least 14 peace consultants of the NDFP in violation of the JASIG, the GPH has prevented peace negotiations from moving forward since the start of 2011."
The CPP also pointed out that the AFP has continued to carry out offensive operations and acts of suppression despite the Aquino regime's suspension of military operations since December 16. "Over the past two weeks, there has been practically no ceasefire on the part of the AFP as it continued to carry out military operations against suspected revolutionaries and communities suspected of being active in the revolutionary struggle.
"Despite its own ceasefire, the AFP did not order the removal of so-called "peace and development teams" deployed in rural communities, daily suppressing the people's civil and political rights," added the CPP. "The AFP set up military checkpoints to restrict people's movements, especially before and after the CPP's 44th anniversary last December 26 to prevent people from attending assemblies and surveilling those coming from the activites."
The AFP has arrested at least seven people during its own ceasefire period, including five farmers last December 21 in Mulanay, Quezon. On December 25, the AFP arrested Filemon Mendrez in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. The military likewise arrested last December 28 Rene Esmondo Abiva in Bagumbayan, Tuguegarao City. The AFP claims that Mendez and Abiva are leaders of the revolutionary movement.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/01/cpp-denounces-aquino-failure-to.html
CPP: Order to end temporary ceasefire today
Posted to the PRWC Blog (Jan 2): Order
to end temporary ceasefire today
Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines hereby informs all commands and units of the New People's Army (NPA) and the people's militias that the temporary ceasefire order issued last December 20, 2012 will end at 2359H today, January 2, 2013, instead of January 15.
This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15. The agreement was contained in the Press Communique authenticated by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh.
The original CPP ceasefire declaration of December 20 was issued with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations being scheduled for this month. The CPP has decided to abbreviate the ceasefire order to ensure that units of the New People's Army and people's militias will not be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight tonight.
The NPA and the people's militias should immediately assume an offensive posture and confront and frustrate the enemy campaigns of suppression, defend the people against the fascist onslaughts of the AFP and the armed agents of the Aquino regime and advance the strategic objectives of the people's war.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/01/order-to-end-temporary-ceasefire-today.html
Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines hereby informs all commands and units of the New People's Army (NPA) and the people's militias that the temporary ceasefire order issued last December 20, 2012 will end at 2359H today, January 2, 2013, instead of January 15.
This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15. The agreement was contained in the Press Communique authenticated by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh.
The original CPP ceasefire declaration of December 20 was issued with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations being scheduled for this month. The CPP has decided to abbreviate the ceasefire order to ensure that units of the New People's Army and people's militias will not be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight tonight.
The NPA and the people's militias should immediately assume an offensive posture and confront and frustrate the enemy campaigns of suppression, defend the people against the fascist onslaughts of the AFP and the armed agents of the Aquino regime and advance the strategic objectives of the people's war.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/01/order-to-end-temporary-ceasefire-today.html
China not grabbing territories, only upholding 'legitimate rights,' says exec
From InterAksyon (Jan 1): China not grabbing territories, only upholding 'legitimate rights,' says exec
Not grabbing but upholding its legimate right to what it owns. This was how Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun explained China's actions over territories in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) that are also being claimed by other Asian countries including the Philippines. "Some people have described China's actions to uphold legitimate national interests as being 'assertive.' They have even portrayed China as a threat. I am afraid they either harbor ulterior motives or are ill-informed. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development," said Zhang in a speech he delivered at the recent Eighth Lanting Forum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bejing, with the theme "China's Diplomacy in a Changing World."
"At the same time, China will firmly uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests. These two are not contradictory. What China upholds is its own legitimate rights and interests. It guards over what has always been its own. It has no intention to grab from others," he added.
Zhang acknowledged the existence of what he said were "prolonged disputes over issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in Asia." He said the dispute could be "properly resolved and managed by countries concerned through dialogue and negotiation with full respect to historical facts and the international law." To prevent the tension from escalating, Zhang said "the interests of regional peace and stability should be served." And while the problem is not yet fully settled, "relevant parties should refrain from taking actions that may expand or complicate the disputes," according to Zhang.
He said the dispute in the South China Sea "should be resolved by countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation." Pending resolution, Zhang said "China believes that the proposal put forward by Mr. Deng Xiaoping of shelving differences and conducting joint development may still well be a practical approach to tackle this difficult issue."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51702/china-not-grabbing-territories-only-upholding-legitimate-rights-says-exec
Not grabbing but upholding its legimate right to what it owns. This was how Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun explained China's actions over territories in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) that are also being claimed by other Asian countries including the Philippines. "Some people have described China's actions to uphold legitimate national interests as being 'assertive.' They have even portrayed China as a threat. I am afraid they either harbor ulterior motives or are ill-informed. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development," said Zhang in a speech he delivered at the recent Eighth Lanting Forum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bejing, with the theme "China's Diplomacy in a Changing World."
"At the same time, China will firmly uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests. These two are not contradictory. What China upholds is its own legitimate rights and interests. It guards over what has always been its own. It has no intention to grab from others," he added.
Zhang acknowledged the existence of what he said were "prolonged disputes over issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in Asia." He said the dispute could be "properly resolved and managed by countries concerned through dialogue and negotiation with full respect to historical facts and the international law." To prevent the tension from escalating, Zhang said "the interests of regional peace and stability should be served." And while the problem is not yet fully settled, "relevant parties should refrain from taking actions that may expand or complicate the disputes," according to Zhang.
He said the dispute in the South China Sea "should be resolved by countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation." Pending resolution, Zhang said "China believes that the proposal put forward by Mr. Deng Xiaoping of shelving differences and conducting joint development may still well be a practical approach to tackle this difficult issue."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51702/china-not-grabbing-territories-only-upholding-legitimate-rights-says-exec
China starts oil production in disputed territories
From InterAksyon (Jan 1): China starts oil production in disputed territories
One of China's major oil companies said that it had started production in disputed territories in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to a recent report by state-owned English language newspaper China Daily. The report quoted a statement from the China National Offshore Oil Company Ltd. (CNOOC) as saying that the country's largest offshore oil and gas producer's two oil fields were located in the Pearl River Estuary Basin in the South China Sea. The first oil field, Panyu 4-2/5-1, "is expected to reach its peak output level in 2014," according to the report.
CNOOC owns 75.5 percent of the field, while Burlington Resources China Llc owns the remainder, China Daily said. CNOOC identified the second oil field as Liuhua 4-1, which the company fully owns. Its production is expected to peak this year. In the first week of December 2012, China announced its oil exploration plans.
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario said in an earlier interview that China’s plan would be “acceptable” if it is within the exclusive continental shelf of Beijing as provided by the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said that the Philippines was prepared to protect its oil interests in the West Philippine Sea and had been upgrading its defense capabilities to be able to defend the country from any aggressive actions by other regions. "Our constitution mandates the state to secure the integrity of our national territory and protect the nation's resources in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone" Hernandez said. "We have been upgrading our capabilities and endeavoring to build a mininum credible defense position," he added.
China is in dispute with several of its neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei. Malaysia, and Taiwan, over claims to parts of the oil and gas-rich sea. India, which is not among the claimants, also said earlier that it was prepared to act, if necessary, to protect its maritime and economic interests in the region. It said the Indian Navy was prepared to deploy vessels to South China Sea to protect India's oil interests there.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51704/china-starts-oil-production-in-disputed-territories
One of China's major oil companies said that it had started production in disputed territories in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), according to a recent report by state-owned English language newspaper China Daily. The report quoted a statement from the China National Offshore Oil Company Ltd. (CNOOC) as saying that the country's largest offshore oil and gas producer's two oil fields were located in the Pearl River Estuary Basin in the South China Sea. The first oil field, Panyu 4-2/5-1, "is expected to reach its peak output level in 2014," according to the report.
CNOOC owns 75.5 percent of the field, while Burlington Resources China Llc owns the remainder, China Daily said. CNOOC identified the second oil field as Liuhua 4-1, which the company fully owns. Its production is expected to peak this year. In the first week of December 2012, China announced its oil exploration plans.
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert del Rosario said in an earlier interview that China’s plan would be “acceptable” if it is within the exclusive continental shelf of Beijing as provided by the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said that the Philippines was prepared to protect its oil interests in the West Philippine Sea and had been upgrading its defense capabilities to be able to defend the country from any aggressive actions by other regions. "Our constitution mandates the state to secure the integrity of our national territory and protect the nation's resources in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone" Hernandez said. "We have been upgrading our capabilities and endeavoring to build a mininum credible defense position," he added.
China is in dispute with several of its neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei. Malaysia, and Taiwan, over claims to parts of the oil and gas-rich sea. India, which is not among the claimants, also said earlier that it was prepared to act, if necessary, to protect its maritime and economic interests in the region. It said the Indian Navy was prepared to deploy vessels to South China Sea to protect India's oil interests there.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51704/china-starts-oil-production-in-disputed-territories
OPAPP: New Year's Message of the GPH Panel for Talks with CPP/NPA/NDF
From OPAPP (Jan 1): New Year's Message of the GPH Panel for Talks with CPP/NPA/NDF
The New Year is a time for new beginnings. It also allows us to build on modest gains of the year soon to end - 2012 - which has brought both impasse and advance. The peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF have been most challenging since they began over two decades ago. The past year and a half have been particularly trying. But despite the setbacks, we are now back on track working together for a just and lasting peace.
The process has moved forward. A ceasefire is in place, stilling the guns over the Christmas season and allowing soldier and rebel to spend Christmas with family and friends. The ceasefire had also helped provide space and time for relief and rehabilitation work that has made it possible for Typhoon Pablo's victims in Davao and elsewhere to heal and rebuild.
We pray that the ceasefire will hold and help steel the resolve of both sides for a just and enduring peace now and not later. This we owe to our people. Both panels have laid the foundation for the continuation of the GPH-NDF peace process. There is no reason for us not to make more headway in 2013. May God grant our country and our people the blessings of peace and prosperity in 2013 and beyond!
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/resources/new-years-message-gph-panel-talks-cppnpandf
The New Year is a time for new beginnings. It also allows us to build on modest gains of the year soon to end - 2012 - which has brought both impasse and advance. The peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF have been most challenging since they began over two decades ago. The past year and a half have been particularly trying. But despite the setbacks, we are now back on track working together for a just and lasting peace.
The process has moved forward. A ceasefire is in place, stilling the guns over the Christmas season and allowing soldier and rebel to spend Christmas with family and friends. The ceasefire had also helped provide space and time for relief and rehabilitation work that has made it possible for Typhoon Pablo's victims in Davao and elsewhere to heal and rebuild.
We pray that the ceasefire will hold and help steel the resolve of both sides for a just and enduring peace now and not later. This we owe to our people. Both panels have laid the foundation for the continuation of the GPH-NDF peace process. There is no reason for us not to make more headway in 2013. May God grant our country and our people the blessings of peace and prosperity in 2013 and beyond!
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/resources/new-years-message-gph-panel-talks-cppnpandf
OPAPP: New Year's Message of GPH Chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer: "Finish what we began"
From the OPAPP Website (Jan 1): New Year's Message of GPH Chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer: "Finish what we began"
We in the Government Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) enter 2013 with the conviction to finish what we have begun together with the MILF. The will and the goodwill are there to make this happen. The two negotiating partners, the Bangsamoro, the peoples of Mindanao, the Filipino public and the international community all want this peace process to succeed. With this much public support, how can we not reach our goal?
It took some two years to achieve the set of consensus that now make up the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The difficult issues were set aside for the annexes. Only in December did we begin work on a fourth annex. Still, the GPH and the MILF are way past the mid-way mark after meeting only twice since the signing of the FAB on 15 October 2012. There has been much progress both in the substance and in the ‘languaging’ of the texts.
For one, there has been important breakthrough in coming to terms with the principles that will guide the “intergovernmental relations” between the Central and Bangsamoro governments and constituent parts. An example is the principle to settle conflicts in laws, programs or policies in a non-adversarial manner. This way harmony is maintained between and among the parts not only under the P-Noy administration but also under all future national administrations.
The three lists defining the allocation of powers – reserved to the Central government, devolved or exclusive to the Bangsamoro, and concurrent – are almost complete. They make up the bulk of the Annex on Power-sharing. Only about four power-sharing issues remain to be discussed. These remaining issues are substantial and rather technical. The parties have agreed to solicit advice from technical experts to help them find workable solutions.
There is a working consensus on a new and better sharing formula in relation to government revenues derived from the exploration and utilization of natural resources. This wealth-sharing formula, a set of devolved taxes, and the system of block grants reflect the mutual desire of the two parties to achieve sustainable self-governance and fiscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro.
Soon, the GPH and MILF panels will be presenting to the public a jointly produced road map that shall serve as the official guide to the implementation of the FAB. There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time. More importantly, both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the “technical impasse” pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
We firmly believe that there is no deal-breaker in this process, in which much trust and effort have been invested, and for which much more support will be given. It should not take more than two months to finish the four annexes. By this time, the Transition Commission should have been fully organized and ready to build on the terms laid out by the Panels in the Annexes. The future is on track. A blessed and peaceful new year to all.
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/new-years-message-gph-chair-miriam-coronel-ferrer-finish-what-we-began
We in the Government Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) enter 2013 with the conviction to finish what we have begun together with the MILF. The will and the goodwill are there to make this happen. The two negotiating partners, the Bangsamoro, the peoples of Mindanao, the Filipino public and the international community all want this peace process to succeed. With this much public support, how can we not reach our goal?
It took some two years to achieve the set of consensus that now make up the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The difficult issues were set aside for the annexes. Only in December did we begin work on a fourth annex. Still, the GPH and the MILF are way past the mid-way mark after meeting only twice since the signing of the FAB on 15 October 2012. There has been much progress both in the substance and in the ‘languaging’ of the texts.
For one, there has been important breakthrough in coming to terms with the principles that will guide the “intergovernmental relations” between the Central and Bangsamoro governments and constituent parts. An example is the principle to settle conflicts in laws, programs or policies in a non-adversarial manner. This way harmony is maintained between and among the parts not only under the P-Noy administration but also under all future national administrations.
The three lists defining the allocation of powers – reserved to the Central government, devolved or exclusive to the Bangsamoro, and concurrent – are almost complete. They make up the bulk of the Annex on Power-sharing. Only about four power-sharing issues remain to be discussed. These remaining issues are substantial and rather technical. The parties have agreed to solicit advice from technical experts to help them find workable solutions.
There is a working consensus on a new and better sharing formula in relation to government revenues derived from the exploration and utilization of natural resources. This wealth-sharing formula, a set of devolved taxes, and the system of block grants reflect the mutual desire of the two parties to achieve sustainable self-governance and fiscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro.
Soon, the GPH and MILF panels will be presenting to the public a jointly produced road map that shall serve as the official guide to the implementation of the FAB. There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time. More importantly, both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the “technical impasse” pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
We firmly believe that there is no deal-breaker in this process, in which much trust and effort have been invested, and for which much more support will be given. It should not take more than two months to finish the four annexes. By this time, the Transition Commission should have been fully organized and ready to build on the terms laid out by the Panels in the Annexes. The future is on track. A blessed and peaceful new year to all.
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/new-years-message-gph-chair-miriam-coronel-ferrer-finish-what-we-began
NDFP: Aquino fails to comply with agreement on synchronized ceasefire until 15 January 2013
Statement posted to the NDFP Website (Jan 1): Aquino fails to comply with agreement on synchronized ceasefire until 15 January 2013
By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
GPH President Aquino's failure to comply with the agreement made by Special Representatives of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on December 18, 2012 at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in The Hague is most regrettable. Both sides had agreed on a ceasefire from December 20, 2012 until January 15, 2013. This agreement, formalized in a Press Communique authenticated by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh, memorialized the meeting of the Special Representatives of both Parties in pursuance of the special track in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.
In accordance with that agreement and upon recommendation of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-CC) issued its ceasefire declaration on December 20, 2012 for a ceasefire in sync with a GPH ceasefire from December 20, 2012 until January 15, 2013. Without the corresponding GPH declaration of ceasefire until January 15, 2013, the NDFP Negotiating Panel can only recommend a ceasefire until January 2, 2013, the end date announced by the GPH in its declaration of suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO).
Failure by the Aquino government to respect the commitment made by its Special Representatives led by Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas and including GPH Negotiating Panel Chairperson Alexander Padilla, and also made by the NDFP Special Representatives, is a major loss of opportunity to move the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations forward.
The Aquino government should honor the commitment of its Special Representatives. It should give appropriate consideration to the formal authentication of the press communique by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh and the sincere efforts of the Royal Norwegian Government to move forward the special track and the regular track of the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.
(Sgd) LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
http://www.ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/peace-talks-mainmenu-75/1608-aquino-fails-to-comply-with-agreement-on-synchronized-ceasefire-until-15-january-2013.html
By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
GPH President Aquino's failure to comply with the agreement made by Special Representatives of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on December 18, 2012 at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in The Hague is most regrettable. Both sides had agreed on a ceasefire from December 20, 2012 until January 15, 2013. This agreement, formalized in a Press Communique authenticated by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh, memorialized the meeting of the Special Representatives of both Parties in pursuance of the special track in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.
In accordance with that agreement and upon recommendation of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-CC) issued its ceasefire declaration on December 20, 2012 for a ceasefire in sync with a GPH ceasefire from December 20, 2012 until January 15, 2013. Without the corresponding GPH declaration of ceasefire until January 15, 2013, the NDFP Negotiating Panel can only recommend a ceasefire until January 2, 2013, the end date announced by the GPH in its declaration of suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO).
Failure by the Aquino government to respect the commitment made by its Special Representatives led by Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas and including GPH Negotiating Panel Chairperson Alexander Padilla, and also made by the NDFP Special Representatives, is a major loss of opportunity to move the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations forward.
The Aquino government should honor the commitment of its Special Representatives. It should give appropriate consideration to the formal authentication of the press communique by Royal Norwegian Ambassador Ture Lundh and the sincere efforts of the Royal Norwegian Government to move forward the special track and the regular track of the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations.
(Sgd) LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
http://www.ndfp.net/joom15/index.php/peace-talks-mainmenu-75/1608-aquino-fails-to-comply-with-agreement-on-synchronized-ceasefire-until-15-january-2013.html
Gov't peace panel: Talks with MILF are on track
From ABS-CBN (Jan 1): Gov't peace panel: Talks with MILF are on track
The government peace panel's chief negotiator on Tuesday vowed to finish this year the annexes set to complement the recently signed framework peace agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "We in the Government Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front enter 2013 with the conviction to finish what we have begun together with the MILF," Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairperson of the government peace panel, said in a statement.
The government signed a framework agreement with the MILF in October last year. "It took some two years to achieve the set of consensus that now make up the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The difficult issues were set aside for the annexes. Only in December did we begin work on a fourth annex," Coronel-Ferrer said. "Still, the GPH (government of the Philippines) and the MILF are way past the mid-way mark after meeting only twice since the signing of the FAB on 15 October 2012. There has been much progress both in the substance and in the 'languaging' of the texts," she continued.
Coronel-Ferrer shared some of the power-sharing issued have already been completed, leaving only a few points yet to be tackled. Moreover, wealth-sharing issues are also set to be threshed out once the panels meet anew this year. "There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time," Coronel-Ferrer said. She stressed "both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the 'technical impasse' pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority." Coronel-Ferrer said finishing the remaining annexes should not take than more than two months.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/01/13/govt-panel-ready-finish-annexes-pact-milf
The government peace panel's chief negotiator on Tuesday vowed to finish this year the annexes set to complement the recently signed framework peace agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "We in the Government Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front enter 2013 with the conviction to finish what we have begun together with the MILF," Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairperson of the government peace panel, said in a statement.
The government signed a framework agreement with the MILF in October last year. "It took some two years to achieve the set of consensus that now make up the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The difficult issues were set aside for the annexes. Only in December did we begin work on a fourth annex," Coronel-Ferrer said. "Still, the GPH (government of the Philippines) and the MILF are way past the mid-way mark after meeting only twice since the signing of the FAB on 15 October 2012. There has been much progress both in the substance and in the 'languaging' of the texts," she continued.
Coronel-Ferrer shared some of the power-sharing issued have already been completed, leaving only a few points yet to be tackled. Moreover, wealth-sharing issues are also set to be threshed out once the panels meet anew this year. "There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time," Coronel-Ferrer said. She stressed "both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the 'technical impasse' pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority." Coronel-Ferrer said finishing the remaining annexes should not take than more than two months.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/01/13/govt-panel-ready-finish-annexes-pact-milf
MILF: Zero encounter with govt forces in 2012
From GMA News (Jan 1): MILF: Zero encounter with govt forces in 2012
Last year may have been a historic one for the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as far as the number of armed encounters are concerned: zero. The MILF said this after noting figures from its and the government's Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs), the body formed to monitor both camp's compliance to the ceasefire agreement. "[Year] 2012 is indeed a historic year for the current government-MILF peace process as it is the only year since the signing of the ceasefire accord between the two parties (that) not a single (armed) encounter between government and MILF forces occurred," an article on the MILF website quoted the government-MILF CCCH secretariat as saying. Both the government and the MILF made headway toward peace after their negotiators signed a framework peace agreement last October 15. Signed in Malacañang, the framework agreement promises to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a Bangsamoro political entity.
The MILF also cited the effective work of officials from both sides in making sure the ceasefire mechanisms of the peace process on the ground are working. It also cited the local monitoring teams and the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team, whose members include representatives from Brunei, Japan, Indonesia, Norway and the European Union. "The effectiveness of the ceasefire mechanisms and strong cooperation and partnership between the government and MILF forces (are) attributed (for) the zero armed encounter for 2012," the MILF quoted government CCCH secretariat head Maj. Carlos Sol Jr. as saying. "The signing of the Framework Agreement had significantly improved and sustained the adherence and support to the ceasefire particularly among the ground commanders of the government and MILF and the local government units," Maj. Sol added.
For his part, IMT head of mission Maj. Gen. Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Yusuff commended the government-MILF CCCH and the other parties in the ceasefire mechanism for the remarkable accomplishment in 2012.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/288406/news/nation/milf-zero-encounter-with-govt-forces-in-2012
Last year may have been a historic one for the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as far as the number of armed encounters are concerned: zero. The MILF said this after noting figures from its and the government's Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs), the body formed to monitor both camp's compliance to the ceasefire agreement. "[Year] 2012 is indeed a historic year for the current government-MILF peace process as it is the only year since the signing of the ceasefire accord between the two parties (that) not a single (armed) encounter between government and MILF forces occurred," an article on the MILF website quoted the government-MILF CCCH secretariat as saying. Both the government and the MILF made headway toward peace after their negotiators signed a framework peace agreement last October 15. Signed in Malacañang, the framework agreement promises to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a Bangsamoro political entity.
The MILF also cited the effective work of officials from both sides in making sure the ceasefire mechanisms of the peace process on the ground are working. It also cited the local monitoring teams and the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team, whose members include representatives from Brunei, Japan, Indonesia, Norway and the European Union. "The effectiveness of the ceasefire mechanisms and strong cooperation and partnership between the government and MILF forces (are) attributed (for) the zero armed encounter for 2012," the MILF quoted government CCCH secretariat head Maj. Carlos Sol Jr. as saying. "The signing of the Framework Agreement had significantly improved and sustained the adherence and support to the ceasefire particularly among the ground commanders of the government and MILF and the local government units," Maj. Sol added.
For his part, IMT head of mission Maj. Gen. Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Yusuff commended the government-MILF CCCH and the other parties in the ceasefire mechanism for the remarkable accomplishment in 2012.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/288406/news/nation/milf-zero-encounter-with-govt-forces-in-2012
Government to partner with MILF in disarming private armies
From the Philippine Star (Dec 1): Government to partner with MILF in disarming private armies
The government will partner with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in disarming private armed groups in Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said yesterday. “You don’t just talk about the arms of the MILF, but also of everyone else. That is part of normalization. How can you ask the MILF to completely disarm if other groups or some families are armed?” Deles said. “We are looking for a real partnership among the government, the MILF, and other governance constituencies to look at this matter on how to make life more secure, to trust in the state forces to make them secure, and be engaged in other productive activities,” she said.
Deles said both parties would also work in partnership to reduce and control firearms in the region. “As put in the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA), decommissioning is phased and calibrated and will start once political commitments are delivered…We agreed that substantial decommissioning happens when the basic law is delivered,” she said. She said a joint normalization committee will be formed between the parties toward full decommissioning, and will be overseen by a third-party monitor composed of domestic and international partners of the peace process.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/01/891975/govt-partner-milf-disarming-private-armies
The government will partner with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in disarming private armed groups in Mindanao, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said yesterday. “You don’t just talk about the arms of the MILF, but also of everyone else. That is part of normalization. How can you ask the MILF to completely disarm if other groups or some families are armed?” Deles said. “We are looking for a real partnership among the government, the MILF, and other governance constituencies to look at this matter on how to make life more secure, to trust in the state forces to make them secure, and be engaged in other productive activities,” she said.
Deles said both parties would also work in partnership to reduce and control firearms in the region. “As put in the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA), decommissioning is phased and calibrated and will start once political commitments are delivered…We agreed that substantial decommissioning happens when the basic law is delivered,” she said. She said a joint normalization committee will be formed between the parties toward full decommissioning, and will be overseen by a third-party monitor composed of domestic and international partners of the peace process.
“It was understandable that for a movement like the MILF, which had been
fighting for so long, its members would have a different perspective on
decommissioning,” Deles said. She said she is confident that decommissioning would be successful here as in
other countries. “As the fighters see this on the ground, peace is real, the land can be
cultivated, there is livelihood coming in, my children can go to school, health
centers will be set up. It will be a matter of not just me giving up something,
but I will also get a better life for my children,” she said. She said discussions on the decommissioning process are underway. Deles assured the public that the government is determined to deliver the
political commitments embodied in the framework agreement.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/01/891975/govt-partner-milf-disarming-private-armies
2012 a 'trying' year for CPP-NPA talks--Deles
From the Philippine Star (Jan 1): 2012 a 'trying' year for CPP-NPA talks--Deles
In its New Year message on Tuesday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the peace talks with the communist rebels have been "most challenging" in 2012 since it begun two decades ago. The current cease-fire between the rebels and the government, however, is a sign that the two camps are "back on track working together" despite the setbacks, OPAPP said in the statement. "The process has moved forward. A ceasefire is in place, stilling the guns over the Christmas season and allowing soldier and rebel to spend Christmas with family and friends," OPAPP added.
The temporary state of peace had also facilitated the relief and rehabilitation efforts of government for victims of Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental as resources and manpower were sent there. "We pray that the ceasefire will hold and help steel the resolve of both sides for a just and enduring peace now and not later. This we owe to our people," OPAPP said. The process will continue and sees a promise in 2013 as both government and CPP-NPA-NDF "have laid the foundation" to resume talks, OPAPP concluded.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/01/01/892176/2012-trying-year-cpp-npa-talks-deles
In its New Year message on Tuesday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the peace talks with the communist rebels have been "most challenging" in 2012 since it begun two decades ago. The current cease-fire between the rebels and the government, however, is a sign that the two camps are "back on track working together" despite the setbacks, OPAPP said in the statement. "The process has moved forward. A ceasefire is in place, stilling the guns over the Christmas season and allowing soldier and rebel to spend Christmas with family and friends," OPAPP added.
The temporary state of peace had also facilitated the relief and rehabilitation efforts of government for victims of Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental as resources and manpower were sent there. "We pray that the ceasefire will hold and help steel the resolve of both sides for a just and enduring peace now and not later. This we owe to our people," OPAPP said. The process will continue and sees a promise in 2013 as both government and CPP-NPA-NDF "have laid the foundation" to resume talks, OPAPP concluded.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/01/01/892176/2012-trying-year-cpp-npa-talks-deles
NDF to recommend shortened truce, cites lack of govt reciprocity
From InterAksyon (Jan 1): NDF to recommend shortened truce, cites lack of govt reciprocity
The National Democratic Front said it is recommending that communist rebels cut short the 27-day ceasefire they had earlier declared, accusing President Benigno Aquino III of failing to respect an agreement reached in The Netherlands last month for government to announce a similar truce. In a statement released New Year’s Day, Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel, said: “ Without the corresponding GPH (government of the Philippine) declaration of ceasefire until January 15, 2013, the NDFP Negotiating Panel can only recommend a ceasefire until January 2, 2013, the end date announced by the GPH in its declaration of suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO).” The military’s SOMO began December 16.
The agreement for a mutual ceasefire from December 20 to January 15 was forged on December 18 in talks at the Norwegian embassy in The Hague and was announced in a press communiqué authenticated by Ambassador Tore Lundh, the Norwegian official who facilitates negotiations between the government and the rebels. Among the government’s “special representatives” to the talks were presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas and chief government negotiator Alex Padilla.
The truce would have been the longest ever between the two parties. It would also have extended a unilateral ceasefire declared even earlier -- on December 5 -- by the NDF in Mindanao soon after typhoon “Pablo” struck the southern Philippines.
The Communist Party of the Philippines formally announced the ceasefire on December 20 while the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process posted an article on its website on the same day announcing the agreement. But the rebels apparently expected Aquino to make a formal declaration. Jalandoni called Aquino’s failure “most regrettable” and “ a major loss of opportunity to move the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations forward.” Both the rebels and government have accused each other’s forces of violating their respective ceasefires.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51700/ndf-to-recommend-shortened-truce-cites-lack-of-govt-reciprocity
The National Democratic Front said it is recommending that communist rebels cut short the 27-day ceasefire they had earlier declared, accusing President Benigno Aquino III of failing to respect an agreement reached in The Netherlands last month for government to announce a similar truce. In a statement released New Year’s Day, Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel, said: “ Without the corresponding GPH (government of the Philippine) declaration of ceasefire until January 15, 2013, the NDFP Negotiating Panel can only recommend a ceasefire until January 2, 2013, the end date announced by the GPH in its declaration of suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO).” The military’s SOMO began December 16.
The agreement for a mutual ceasefire from December 20 to January 15 was forged on December 18 in talks at the Norwegian embassy in The Hague and was announced in a press communiqué authenticated by Ambassador Tore Lundh, the Norwegian official who facilitates negotiations between the government and the rebels. Among the government’s “special representatives” to the talks were presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas and chief government negotiator Alex Padilla.
The truce would have been the longest ever between the two parties. It would also have extended a unilateral ceasefire declared even earlier -- on December 5 -- by the NDF in Mindanao soon after typhoon “Pablo” struck the southern Philippines.
The Communist Party of the Philippines formally announced the ceasefire on December 20 while the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process posted an article on its website on the same day announcing the agreement. But the rebels apparently expected Aquino to make a formal declaration. Jalandoni called Aquino’s failure “most regrettable” and “ a major loss of opportunity to move the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations forward.” Both the rebels and government have accused each other’s forces of violating their respective ceasefires.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51700/ndf-to-recommend-shortened-truce-cites-lack-of-govt-reciprocity
PNP-12 tags Al-Khobar extortion gang in Sultan Kudarat bus bombing
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): PNP-12 tags Al-Khobar extortion gang in
Sultan Kudarat bus bombing
Police authorities tagged on Tuesday a notorious extortion group reportedly operating in parts of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region as behind the bomb attack on a passenger bus in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat last Saturday night that injured six people. Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, Region 12 police director, said the results of their initial investigation showed that the bomb explosion at a Husky bus unit appeared to be the handiwork of alleged members of the Al-Khobar extortion gang. He said they are currently gathering additional intelligence information to establish the identity of the suspects and their possible whereabouts. “Our investigation is still ongoing but the circumstances and initial evidences we gathered point to the group as behind this attack,” Monteagudo said.
The Husky bus unit, which is operated by local firm Biocoop Husky Transport Services, was passing by Isulan town’s rotunda when an improvised bomb planted on its baggage compartment exploded at around 6 p.m. Saturday. The explosion, which injured six passengers and bystanders, burned the rear portion of the Husky bus and damaged a tailing passenger unit of Yellow Bus Line Inc. A report from the Sultan Kudarat police’s explosives ordnance disposal team noted that the explosive was made of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and cut nails.
Supt. Roel Surmese, Isulan police chief, said the bus company had received numerous extortion demands prior to the Saturday attack. The group, which he did not identify, allegedly threatened to launch bomb attacks on the firm’s bus units should it refuse to heed their demands, he said.
Meantime, aside from the Husky bus attack, Monteagudo said they were looking at the involvement of the Al-Khobar in the recent bomb explosions in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and other areas in Region 12. Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
On Dec. 26, a bomb blast rocked the commercial district of Tacurong City, leaving three people injured. A string of bomb attacks targeting bus units of Husky, Yellow Bus and Rural Transit occurred in the area last year, causing millions in damages. Some of the attacks were linked to the Al-Khobar, which had claimed responsibility in previous bomb attacks in this city and nearby Koronadal City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483710
Police authorities tagged on Tuesday a notorious extortion group reportedly operating in parts of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region as behind the bomb attack on a passenger bus in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat last Saturday night that injured six people. Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, Region 12 police director, said the results of their initial investigation showed that the bomb explosion at a Husky bus unit appeared to be the handiwork of alleged members of the Al-Khobar extortion gang. He said they are currently gathering additional intelligence information to establish the identity of the suspects and their possible whereabouts. “Our investigation is still ongoing but the circumstances and initial evidences we gathered point to the group as behind this attack,” Monteagudo said.
The Husky bus unit, which is operated by local firm Biocoop Husky Transport Services, was passing by Isulan town’s rotunda when an improvised bomb planted on its baggage compartment exploded at around 6 p.m. Saturday. The explosion, which injured six passengers and bystanders, burned the rear portion of the Husky bus and damaged a tailing passenger unit of Yellow Bus Line Inc. A report from the Sultan Kudarat police’s explosives ordnance disposal team noted that the explosive was made of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and cut nails.
Supt. Roel Surmese, Isulan police chief, said the bus company had received numerous extortion demands prior to the Saturday attack. The group, which he did not identify, allegedly threatened to launch bomb attacks on the firm’s bus units should it refuse to heed their demands, he said.
Meantime, aside from the Husky bus attack, Monteagudo said they were looking at the involvement of the Al-Khobar in the recent bomb explosions in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and other areas in Region 12. Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
On Dec. 26, a bomb blast rocked the commercial district of Tacurong City, leaving three people injured. A string of bomb attacks targeting bus units of Husky, Yellow Bus and Rural Transit occurred in the area last year, causing millions in damages. Some of the attacks were linked to the Al-Khobar, which had claimed responsibility in previous bomb attacks in this city and nearby Koronadal City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483710
3 hurt in grenade attack on police detachment in Lamitan City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): 3 hurt in grenade attack on police
detachment in Lamitan City
Police in Basilan have launched a province-wide manhunt against two men who tossed a hand grenade at a police detachment in Lamitan City Monday night that left three persons wounded.
Lamitan City police director Sr. Insp. Kenneth Balisang,in his report to Philippine National Police regional office for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(PNP-ARMM) here, said the grenade attack occurred while members of the PNP Regional Public Safety Company was conducting inspection on motorists. Lamitan is within the jurisdiction of PNP-ARMM.
He said the two policemen and a passerby sustained minor injuries and are out of danger. Balisang said he personally received information that heavily armed men believed to be members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf were to pass by Rizal Avenue in Lamitan where the PNP checkpoint was located.
Because of the intelligence report, Balisang led an inspection of all motorists when two men riding in tandem on a motorbike tossed a hand grenade and sped away. Citing intelligence reports, Balisang said the attackers could be ASG members who were disrupted with the conduct of police checkpoints. The Lamitan City PNP and the police regional public safety battalion had been placed on heightened alert following the grenade attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483708
Police in Basilan have launched a province-wide manhunt against two men who tossed a hand grenade at a police detachment in Lamitan City Monday night that left three persons wounded.
Lamitan City police director Sr. Insp. Kenneth Balisang,in his report to Philippine National Police regional office for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(PNP-ARMM) here, said the grenade attack occurred while members of the PNP Regional Public Safety Company was conducting inspection on motorists. Lamitan is within the jurisdiction of PNP-ARMM.
He said the two policemen and a passerby sustained minor injuries and are out of danger. Balisang said he personally received information that heavily armed men believed to be members of the extremist Abu Sayyaf were to pass by Rizal Avenue in Lamitan where the PNP checkpoint was located.
Because of the intelligence report, Balisang led an inspection of all motorists when two men riding in tandem on a motorbike tossed a hand grenade and sped away. Citing intelligence reports, Balisang said the attackers could be ASG members who were disrupted with the conduct of police checkpoints. The Lamitan City PNP and the police regional public safety battalion had been placed on heightened alert following the grenade attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=483708
MILF: Editorial--One people, one aspiration (Jan 1-7)
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jan 1-7): One people, one aspiration
Very soon the Transition Commission (TC) will be constituted. The MILF has already chosen their nominees; the government is expected to follow soon. Without delay, they must start working especially on the drafting of the Basic Law which will serve as law of the Bangsamoro region in Mindanao, after Congress passes a “good legislation” and ratified by the people in a plebiscite.
For slow-footed drafters, two years are too short to be able to finish this task, but for men and women who come from one people with a common vision and aspiration, the timeline is simply too long. Fired by love of people and an obsession to return normalcy to the troubled South, they can do it in less than a year.
Frankly, we do not see any hitch in the discharge of their responsibilities, much more a contradiction in their ranks. Whether they are nominated by the government or by the MILF does not matter; they are all first and foremost Bangsamoro. Moreover, the template within which they have to observe and follow is already provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four Annexes, which will be formally signed into as Comprehensive Agreement. This is further entrenched by the Executive Order No. 120 signed by President Benigno Aquino III. Any deviation from this clear track and guideline is very easy to detect and anyone guilty of this is opening himself or herself from the criticism or wrath of the people. The Bangsamoro are now more vigilant and watchful. They know who are working for their higher and legitimate interests and those who serve the vested interest of the few.
The MILF TC members are under obligation to serve the Bangsamoro whole-heartedly and never to be distracted by the evil whispers of the spoilers, deviants, and the envious. We expect the same from the government TC members. As one body, they are tasked to write the Basic Law that would help finally to solve the Moro Question in Mindanao. A weak Basic Law, which does not truly reflect the ideals and aspiration of the Bangsamoro, will only set the stage of another bigger headache in Mindanao. It will only prolong the agonies in this region.
As this editorial goes online, several names for TC members from the government are already floated around such as congressman Simeon Datumanong, former congressman Didagen Dilangalen, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, Undersecretary Nabil Tan, Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, and Atty. Johaira Wahab. All of them are acceptable to us. Surely, we can work with them all, and vice versa, we hope they can work with us without reservations.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3019:one-people-one-aspiration&catid=344:gggg
Very soon the Transition Commission (TC) will be constituted. The MILF has already chosen their nominees; the government is expected to follow soon. Without delay, they must start working especially on the drafting of the Basic Law which will serve as law of the Bangsamoro region in Mindanao, after Congress passes a “good legislation” and ratified by the people in a plebiscite.
For slow-footed drafters, two years are too short to be able to finish this task, but for men and women who come from one people with a common vision and aspiration, the timeline is simply too long. Fired by love of people and an obsession to return normalcy to the troubled South, they can do it in less than a year.
Frankly, we do not see any hitch in the discharge of their responsibilities, much more a contradiction in their ranks. Whether they are nominated by the government or by the MILF does not matter; they are all first and foremost Bangsamoro. Moreover, the template within which they have to observe and follow is already provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four Annexes, which will be formally signed into as Comprehensive Agreement. This is further entrenched by the Executive Order No. 120 signed by President Benigno Aquino III. Any deviation from this clear track and guideline is very easy to detect and anyone guilty of this is opening himself or herself from the criticism or wrath of the people. The Bangsamoro are now more vigilant and watchful. They know who are working for their higher and legitimate interests and those who serve the vested interest of the few.
The MILF TC members are under obligation to serve the Bangsamoro whole-heartedly and never to be distracted by the evil whispers of the spoilers, deviants, and the envious. We expect the same from the government TC members. As one body, they are tasked to write the Basic Law that would help finally to solve the Moro Question in Mindanao. A weak Basic Law, which does not truly reflect the ideals and aspiration of the Bangsamoro, will only set the stage of another bigger headache in Mindanao. It will only prolong the agonies in this region.
As this editorial goes online, several names for TC members from the government are already floated around such as congressman Simeon Datumanong, former congressman Didagen Dilangalen, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, Undersecretary Nabil Tan, Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, and Atty. Johaira Wahab. All of them are acceptable to us. Surely, we can work with them all, and vice versa, we hope they can work with us without reservations.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3019:one-people-one-aspiration&catid=344:gggg
MILF: BLMI, MinHRAC conduct training for Pool of Speakers on FAB
From the MILF Website (Jan 1): BLMI, MinHRAC conduct training for Pool of Speakers on FAB
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLM) and the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC). in collaboration with Bangsamoro Study Group (BSP) under the auspices of The Government of Norway, conducted a one-day Training-Workshop for Pool of Speakers on Framework Agreement on The Bangsamoro, which was held at BLMI Training Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last October 30.
The said training-workshop was hosted by MinHRAC, whose main office is in Cotabato City, in partnership with the BLMI, whose main mandate is to train young Moro leaders in the field of leadership and management. Participants came from most of the provinces in Mindanao, namely Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
The facilitating team was led by no less than Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director of MinHRAC, and was ably assisted by Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, the Secretary General of the Bangsamoro Study Group (BSG). The BSG consolidated the output of the workshop presentation.
According to Malang, there were five fundamental reasons for this training, as follows: 1. The acceptability of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 2. To have clear understanding of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 3. To increase the number of speakers to reach the greater number of audiences. 4. To increase the number of speakers who could speak different or various dialects and languages. 5. To standardize the level of understanding of FAB by sticking to the content of the FAB and never to exaggerate nor reduce it.
The resource speakers were members of the MILF peace panel headed by its Chair Mohagher Iqbal. Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga and Atty. Michael Mastura were also present. Iqbal stayed briefly, because he had another meeting in another place. Prof. Syed Lingga stressed that the FAB should be explained in the proprer context including the historical setting and it should be read and explained articles by articles, so that the audience will not be bored He further said the presentation of the provisions of the FAB should be simple, so as to avoid confusion among the audience. “Stick to technical terms, no additions nor deductions,” Malang admonished the participants. In the afternoon session, Mastura handled the topic on “how to handle difficult questions”., while Sinarimbo made the wrap-up of the training.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3021:blmi-minhrac-conduct-training-for-pool-of-speakers-on-fab&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLM) and the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC). in collaboration with Bangsamoro Study Group (BSP) under the auspices of The Government of Norway, conducted a one-day Training-Workshop for Pool of Speakers on Framework Agreement on The Bangsamoro, which was held at BLMI Training Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last October 30.
The said training-workshop was hosted by MinHRAC, whose main office is in Cotabato City, in partnership with the BLMI, whose main mandate is to train young Moro leaders in the field of leadership and management. Participants came from most of the provinces in Mindanao, namely Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
The facilitating team was led by no less than Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director of MinHRAC, and was ably assisted by Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, the Secretary General of the Bangsamoro Study Group (BSG). The BSG consolidated the output of the workshop presentation.
According to Malang, there were five fundamental reasons for this training, as follows: 1. The acceptability of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 2. To have clear understanding of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, 3. To increase the number of speakers to reach the greater number of audiences. 4. To increase the number of speakers who could speak different or various dialects and languages. 5. To standardize the level of understanding of FAB by sticking to the content of the FAB and never to exaggerate nor reduce it.
The resource speakers were members of the MILF peace panel headed by its Chair Mohagher Iqbal. Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga and Atty. Michael Mastura were also present. Iqbal stayed briefly, because he had another meeting in another place. Prof. Syed Lingga stressed that the FAB should be explained in the proprer context including the historical setting and it should be read and explained articles by articles, so that the audience will not be bored He further said the presentation of the provisions of the FAB should be simple, so as to avoid confusion among the audience. “Stick to technical terms, no additions nor deductions,” Malang admonished the participants. In the afternoon session, Mastura handled the topic on “how to handle difficult questions”., while Sinarimbo made the wrap-up of the training.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3021:blmi-minhrac-conduct-training-for-pool-of-speakers-on-fab&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: Zero encounter between the GPH, MILF forces in 2012
From the MILF Website (Jan 1): Zero encounter between the GPH, MILF forces in 2012
The Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities(CCCH) of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had a record of zero incident of armed encounter between the government and MILF forces in 2012. The GPH and MILF CCCH, popularly known as the ceasefire committee, relayed this report to luwaran this new year' day. "2012 is indeed a historic year for the current GPH - MILF Peace Process as it is the only year since the signing of the ceasefire accord between the two parties more than a decade of years now that not a single encounter of armed encounter between government and MILF forces occurred, “conveyed the Secretariat of the GPH -MILFCCCH.
Last October 15, 2012, the peace negotiating panels of the government and MILF and the Malaysian Third Party Facilitator signed the historic GPH -MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Presidential Palace in Malacanang. Standing as principals witnesses in the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro were President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Malaysian Prime MinisteDato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
The effective ceasefire mechanisms of the peace process on the ground such as the GPH- MILF CCCH headed by BGen Gilberto Roa and Said Shiek, GPH - MILF AHJA Guided by BGen Roland Amarille and Atty Abdul Dataya, the local monitoring teams(LMTs), and the International Monitoring Team headed by His Excellency MGenDatuk Abdul Rahim bin Yusuff of Malaysia with members from Brunei, Japan,Indonesia, Norway and the European Union were very significant in the successful realization of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Maj Carlos Sol Jr, Head of the Secretariat of the GPH CCCH, said "the effectiveness of the ceasefire mechanisms and strong cooperation and partnership between the government and MILF forces attributed the zero armed encounter for 2012." "The signing of the Framework Agreement had significantly improved and sustained the adherence and support to the ceasefire particularly among the ground commanders of the government and MILF and the local government units," Maj Sol said.
MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim, IMT Head of Mission, commended the GPH - MILF CCCHand the other ceasefire mechanism for the remarkable accomplishment in 2012. He urged both the government to keep the zero incident in 2013 and maintain the stable situation on the ground so that the implementation of the Framework Agreement will be provided the necessary conducive environment for its greater success.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3022:zero-encounter-between-the-gph-milf-forces-in-2012&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities(CCCH) of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had a record of zero incident of armed encounter between the government and MILF forces in 2012. The GPH and MILF CCCH, popularly known as the ceasefire committee, relayed this report to luwaran this new year' day. "2012 is indeed a historic year for the current GPH - MILF Peace Process as it is the only year since the signing of the ceasefire accord between the two parties more than a decade of years now that not a single encounter of armed encounter between government and MILF forces occurred, “conveyed the Secretariat of the GPH -MILFCCCH.
Last October 15, 2012, the peace negotiating panels of the government and MILF and the Malaysian Third Party Facilitator signed the historic GPH -MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Presidential Palace in Malacanang. Standing as principals witnesses in the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro were President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Malaysian Prime MinisteDato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
The effective ceasefire mechanisms of the peace process on the ground such as the GPH- MILF CCCH headed by BGen Gilberto Roa and Said Shiek, GPH - MILF AHJA Guided by BGen Roland Amarille and Atty Abdul Dataya, the local monitoring teams(LMTs), and the International Monitoring Team headed by His Excellency MGenDatuk Abdul Rahim bin Yusuff of Malaysia with members from Brunei, Japan,Indonesia, Norway and the European Union were very significant in the successful realization of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Maj Carlos Sol Jr, Head of the Secretariat of the GPH CCCH, said "the effectiveness of the ceasefire mechanisms and strong cooperation and partnership between the government and MILF forces attributed the zero armed encounter for 2012." "The signing of the Framework Agreement had significantly improved and sustained the adherence and support to the ceasefire particularly among the ground commanders of the government and MILF and the local government units," Maj Sol said.
MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim, IMT Head of Mission, commended the GPH - MILF CCCHand the other ceasefire mechanism for the remarkable accomplishment in 2012. He urged both the government to keep the zero incident in 2013 and maintain the stable situation on the ground so that the implementation of the Framework Agreement will be provided the necessary conducive environment for its greater success.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3022:zero-encounter-between-the-gph-milf-forces-in-2012&catid=31:general&Itemid=41