From the Daily Tribune (Feb 9): Aquino gov’t obliged to set foot in Moro rebel camp — MILF
While admitting that President Aquino’s visit to its stronghold in Maguindanao province is a boost to the peace talks, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has maintained that such move is not voluntary but is part of the provisions of the Framework Agreement signed last year.
Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said the scheduled Monday visit of the President at the Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute (BLMI) in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat town, will surely boost the peace talks between the MILF and the government of the Philippines.
“It’s part of an agreement, it’s not a voluntary visit, it was included in the agreement — the launching of programs in line with the peace process that’s why he (Aquino) is coming,” he stressed.
The President is expected to bring along members of his Cabinet involved in the socio-economic programs lined up for the Bangsamoro as part of the Framework Agreement signed last Oct. 15 in Malacañang.
On the MILF’s side, its chairman, Ebrahim Al Haj Murad, will tag along the MILF’s Central Committee during the launching of a social welfare project for mainly Muslim residents of communities where the rebels exert an influence.
Malacañang has said health insurance cards will be distributed to residents, emergency jobs offered to adults and scholarships given to their children at the launch.
The MILF has been fighting since the 1970s for independence in Mindanao, the southern third of the mainly Catholic Philippines that the country’s Muslim minority claim as their ancestral homeland.
An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.
The MILF vowed to give up its quest for an independent homeland in exchange for significant power and wealth-sharing in a new autonomous region.
Negotiators from both sides have been meeting in neighbouring Malaysia to thrash out what they described as contentious items in the plan.
Jaafar said the MILF will have a “minor” role in the security preparations, citing the government as the primary authority in securing the event and the President.
“The government will handle that (security of Aquino)…we will have our part in the security but it’s only minor,” he added.
The BLMI compound is located near the MILF’s main headquarters in Camp Darapanan also in Sultan Kudarat.
Jaafar, however, assured that there would be no untoward incident during the event.
Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said security preparations are under way for the President’s arrival in Maguindanao – the first visit of Aquino to the MILF stronghold.
Meanwhile, the MILF yesterday justified the government’s pouring of millions of pesos in socio-economic programs for the Bangsamoro.
In an editorial over its Web site, the MILF said such influx of funds is contained in the Framework Agreement and is necessary ingredient of conflict resolution.
“But why is the MILF agreeing to this socio-economic deal with the government? The answer is simple; it is part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Besides, it is to convey to our people and combatants, after signing of the FAB, that there is something that trickles to them as a way of peace dividends,” it said.
“More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination,” the MILF added.
The MILF also stressed the Aquino administration is not doing such thing unilaterally. “By the way, if the MILF agrees to this socio-economic deal, it is because it is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation,” it said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/item/10276-aquino-gov’t-obliged-to-set-foot-in-moro-rebel-camp-—-milf.html
Friday, February 8, 2013
MILF: Editorial--‘Bigger struggle ahead’
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Feb 8-14): ‘Bigger struggle ahead’
After emerging victorious from a decisive battle that greatly brought great peace and stability in the whole of Arabia, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had addressed his companions: “We have come from a lesser battle and we are heading towards the bigger one.” His companions were greatly amazed by such uttering, and in chorus they asked: “Why, Messenger of God?”
The Prophet explained that fighting an external enemy with swords and lances may kill some, injures others, and destroys settlements but in the end they remain your adversary. They are not part of you. But fighting your own self, your urge, the love of what glitters, and everything that tempts all of which attack the hearts and minds from all sides, is more difficult. Many people succumb on the process and become casualties.
The MILF is facing this now and if it is not made up of a better stuff ideologically and organizationally, they will see the side effects of this approach. The government is pouring millions of pesos to spur development in the Bangsamoro.
But why is the MILF agreeing to this socio-economic deal with the government? The answer is simple; it is part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Besides, it is to convey to our people and combatants, after signing of the FAB, that there is something that trickles to them as a way of peace dividends. More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination.
By the way, if the MILF agrees to this socio-economic deal, it is because it is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation.
Moreover, the MILF believes it is the right thing to do, after it bitterly engaged the government both in the battlefields and in negotiation, which did not end with the MILF at the losing side. This is the reason why the two Parties are now facing each other in the battle of the hearts and minds. Finally, we believe President Benigno Aquino III has no hidden agenda when he causes the implementation of these projects. Besides, our people, who have been ravaged and marginalized by 40 years of continuous war, need them to jumpstart their long journey to recovery.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3084:-bigger-struggle-ahead&catid=344:gggg
After emerging victorious from a decisive battle that greatly brought great peace and stability in the whole of Arabia, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had addressed his companions: “We have come from a lesser battle and we are heading towards the bigger one.” His companions were greatly amazed by such uttering, and in chorus they asked: “Why, Messenger of God?”
The Prophet explained that fighting an external enemy with swords and lances may kill some, injures others, and destroys settlements but in the end they remain your adversary. They are not part of you. But fighting your own self, your urge, the love of what glitters, and everything that tempts all of which attack the hearts and minds from all sides, is more difficult. Many people succumb on the process and become casualties.
The MILF is facing this now and if it is not made up of a better stuff ideologically and organizationally, they will see the side effects of this approach. The government is pouring millions of pesos to spur development in the Bangsamoro.
But why is the MILF agreeing to this socio-economic deal with the government? The answer is simple; it is part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Besides, it is to convey to our people and combatants, after signing of the FAB, that there is something that trickles to them as a way of peace dividends. More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination.
By the way, if the MILF agrees to this socio-economic deal, it is because it is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation.
Moreover, the MILF believes it is the right thing to do, after it bitterly engaged the government both in the battlefields and in negotiation, which did not end with the MILF at the losing side. This is the reason why the two Parties are now facing each other in the battle of the hearts and minds. Finally, we believe President Benigno Aquino III has no hidden agenda when he causes the implementation of these projects. Besides, our people, who have been ravaged and marginalized by 40 years of continuous war, need them to jumpstart their long journey to recovery.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3084:-bigger-struggle-ahead&catid=344:gggg
Drug ring leader killed, 3 others nabbed in Sulu
From the Philippine Star (Feb 8): Drug ring leader killed, 3 others nabbed in Sulu
Narcotics agent and combat police forces killed a top drug ring leader in Sulu and captured three of his members pre-dawn Friday during an arrest operation in their hideout in Patikul town, Sulu, an official said.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director Adzhar Albani identified the killed suspect as Sadjari Amiril alias Salip Amiril, leader of the Amiril Drug Group.
Those arrested were identified as Isnira Saihuddin, Amiril's wife, Ajan Akdam, 39, both residents of Godinez, Patikul town; and Dadang Sainuddin, married, 34 and a resident of Panamao town.
The PDEA agents backed by the combat police unit of the Special Action Force (SAF) 5th Battalion, and marines armed with warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 14 of the 9th Judicial Region and branch 68 of the RTC of Pasig for violation of dangerous drug act, were serving the order to arrest the drug ring leader at Barangay Godinez.
However, Amiril resisted the arrest and aimed his .45 caliber pistol at the approaching law enforcement authorities prompting the lawmen to shoot him.
Albani said the suspect was seriously wounded and brought to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The arresting team recovered from the possession of the killed suspect a 5.56 mm M16A1 rifle with serial no. RP052915 attached with short steel magazine and grenade launcher with serial no. 104996 with 11 live ammunitiomn and 21 long steel magazines loaded with ammunition, .45 caliber para-ordinance hi-cap, with two magazine loaded with ammunition, four M14 steel magazines and ammunition.
Recovered from Akdam's possession were one .45 caliber Ruger P89 with serial no. 312-03869 with one magazine with ammunition while seized from the possession of Sainuddin were a caliber .38 Viper revolver with ammunition and a fragmentation grenade.
The lawmen also confiscated were eight different brands of cellphones one leather wallet, an ID holder, and two magazine bandoliers.
Albani said cases for violation of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives were also prepared against the suspects who were temporarily detained at Jolo Municipal Police Station.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/02/08/906437/drug-ring-leader-killed-3-others-nabbed-sulu
Narcotics agent and combat police forces killed a top drug ring leader in Sulu and captured three of his members pre-dawn Friday during an arrest operation in their hideout in Patikul town, Sulu, an official said.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director Adzhar Albani identified the killed suspect as Sadjari Amiril alias Salip Amiril, leader of the Amiril Drug Group.
Those arrested were identified as Isnira Saihuddin, Amiril's wife, Ajan Akdam, 39, both residents of Godinez, Patikul town; and Dadang Sainuddin, married, 34 and a resident of Panamao town.
The PDEA agents backed by the combat police unit of the Special Action Force (SAF) 5th Battalion, and marines armed with warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 14 of the 9th Judicial Region and branch 68 of the RTC of Pasig for violation of dangerous drug act, were serving the order to arrest the drug ring leader at Barangay Godinez.
However, Amiril resisted the arrest and aimed his .45 caliber pistol at the approaching law enforcement authorities prompting the lawmen to shoot him.
Albani said the suspect was seriously wounded and brought to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The arresting team recovered from the possession of the killed suspect a 5.56 mm M16A1 rifle with serial no. RP052915 attached with short steel magazine and grenade launcher with serial no. 104996 with 11 live ammunitiomn and 21 long steel magazines loaded with ammunition, .45 caliber para-ordinance hi-cap, with two magazine loaded with ammunition, four M14 steel magazines and ammunition.
Recovered from Akdam's possession were one .45 caliber Ruger P89 with serial no. 312-03869 with one magazine with ammunition while seized from the possession of Sainuddin were a caliber .38 Viper revolver with ammunition and a fragmentation grenade.
The lawmen also confiscated were eight different brands of cellphones one leather wallet, an ID holder, and two magazine bandoliers.
Albani said cases for violation of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives were also prepared against the suspects who were temporarily detained at Jolo Municipal Police Station.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/02/08/906437/drug-ring-leader-killed-3-others-nabbed-sulu
MNLF must explain conflict with Abu Sayyaf: gov't
From the Philippine Star (Feb 8): MNLF must explain conflict with Abu Sayyaf: gov't
The government will ask the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to explain its recent conflict with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu, a senior government official said here today.
Ramon Carandang, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary, said that the government is working on preventing the local civilians from harms, while the military is trying to contain the conflict in Sulu.
"The government will enforce the law once civilians affected by the ongoing fighting have been secured," he added.
"Everybody has to follow the law and the law will be enforced; but, what's the most important thing right now is for us to ensure the safety of the civilians," he said in a press briefing held on Friday.
"The most immediate danger is there will be innocent people... Later on, well deal with the issues of law enforcement and what has to be done," Mr. Carandang said.
Asked if MNLF, which forged a peace deal with the government in 1996, should have coordinated with the military in launching its attack against the Abu Sayyaf, Carandang said, President Aquino did not sanction MNLFs' Sulu operations.
A fierce fighting broke out between MNLF and ASG in Patikul, Sulu last weekend. It is reported that eight MNLF fighters were beheaded by the ASG, while 18 of the bandits were confirmed dead in the conflict.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/08/906574/mnlf-must-explain-conflict-abu-sayyaf-govt
The government will ask the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to explain its recent conflict with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu, a senior government official said here today.
Ramon Carandang, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary, said that the government is working on preventing the local civilians from harms, while the military is trying to contain the conflict in Sulu.
"The government will enforce the law once civilians affected by the ongoing fighting have been secured," he added.
"Everybody has to follow the law and the law will be enforced; but, what's the most important thing right now is for us to ensure the safety of the civilians," he said in a press briefing held on Friday.
"The most immediate danger is there will be innocent people... Later on, well deal with the issues of law enforcement and what has to be done," Mr. Carandang said.
Asked if MNLF, which forged a peace deal with the government in 1996, should have coordinated with the military in launching its attack against the Abu Sayyaf, Carandang said, President Aquino did not sanction MNLFs' Sulu operations.
A fierce fighting broke out between MNLF and ASG in Patikul, Sulu last weekend. It is reported that eight MNLF fighters were beheaded by the ASG, while 18 of the bandits were confirmed dead in the conflict.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/08/906574/mnlf-must-explain-conflict-abu-sayyaf-govt
CPP slams plan of deploying US volunteers in Sulu Sea
From the Philippine Star (Feb 8): CPP slams plan of deploying US volunteers in Sulu Sea
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced today the plan of the Aquino administration to allow the US Navy to deploy "peace corps-like volunteers" around the Tubbataha Reef in Sulu Sea to "guard" the area and ensure no sea vessel will run aground again in the corals.
In a statement, the leftist group said the US Navy should be held accountable and be punished for its complete disregard for Philippine sovereignty when the USS Guardian entered the protected area despite warnings given by the patrolmen manning the Tubbataha Reef.
"After the USS Guardian intruded into the Tubbataha wildlife protected area, caused substantial damage to the corals and exhibited bellicosity against Philippine park rangers, it would constitute extreme stupidity and servility for the Aquino regime to allow the US military to deploy its so-called volunteers in the park area and entrust them with the task of protecting the reefs," said the CPP.
The group also said that the US offer of compensation should be rejected if this will serve only to justify the deployment of more US naval forces, whether they be volunteers or not, in the Tubbataha area or elsewhere.
US Embassy in Manila earlier said that America, through the US Agency for International Development's Coral Triangle Support Partnership, will provide $100,000 to a Philippine university to support coral restoration research at the Tubbataha Reef.
The United States has also offered to deploy a US Navy-led, peace corps-type volunteer to help guard the world heritage site, which the Philippine government welcomed.
USS Guardian has been stuck in the reef since Jan. 17 after it ran aground. Efforts are being made by both governments to remove the ship from the area.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/08/906600/cpp-slams-plan-deploying-us-volunteers-sulu-sea
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced today the plan of the Aquino administration to allow the US Navy to deploy "peace corps-like volunteers" around the Tubbataha Reef in Sulu Sea to "guard" the area and ensure no sea vessel will run aground again in the corals.
In a statement, the leftist group said the US Navy should be held accountable and be punished for its complete disregard for Philippine sovereignty when the USS Guardian entered the protected area despite warnings given by the patrolmen manning the Tubbataha Reef.
"After the USS Guardian intruded into the Tubbataha wildlife protected area, caused substantial damage to the corals and exhibited bellicosity against Philippine park rangers, it would constitute extreme stupidity and servility for the Aquino regime to allow the US military to deploy its so-called volunteers in the park area and entrust them with the task of protecting the reefs," said the CPP.
The group also said that the US offer of compensation should be rejected if this will serve only to justify the deployment of more US naval forces, whether they be volunteers or not, in the Tubbataha area or elsewhere.
US Embassy in Manila earlier said that America, through the US Agency for International Development's Coral Triangle Support Partnership, will provide $100,000 to a Philippine university to support coral restoration research at the Tubbataha Reef.
The United States has also offered to deploy a US Navy-led, peace corps-type volunteer to help guard the world heritage site, which the Philippine government welcomed.
USS Guardian has been stuck in the reef since Jan. 17 after it ran aground. Efforts are being made by both governments to remove the ship from the area.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/08/906600/cpp-slams-plan-deploying-us-volunteers-sulu-sea
MNLF commander: 2 Abu camps captured, but no Atyani
From the Philippine Star (Feb 8): MNLF commander: 2 Abu camps captured, but no Atyani
Fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have overran two camps of the Abu Sayyaf in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu, but they have not sighted Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani.
MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik made the statement amid rumors circulating in Sulu province that Atyani has already been released by the Abu Sayyaf and has already returned to his country.
"Na-occupy na namin ang kanilang stronghold pero hindi naakita ng puwersa si Atyani," Malik told reporters in a teleconference.
He said that they were able to capture the first Abu Sayyaf camp, Kuta Masarin, under Habib Hajan Sawajaan, on the first day of their offensive against the bandits.
Malik said the second Abu Sayyaf camp was overrun on the fourth day of the offensive. He said they had information that the Abu Sayyaf kept Atyani in the second camp.
“There are reports na nakabalik na siya sa kanyang bansa, pero ito ay haka-haka lang at ayaw namin magbigay ng information na haka-haka lang,” Malik said.
There are rumors around Sulu that a day before the encounter between the MNLF and the Abu Sayyaf on Sunday, six gunmen wearing balaclavas on board a speed boat beached at Sitio Parang Parang Quezon Beach in Barangay Maglibak in Patikul town.
According to the rumors, another speedboat arrived in the area and handed over bags, which allegedly contained cash, to the gunmen. The gunmen, in return, turned over a foreign-looking guy.
There were speculations that the foreign-looking guy was Atyani.
Death toll
Malik, meanwhile, clarified that his group suffered only eight fatalities with one fighter beheaded. Earlier reports said that seven MNLF fighters were beheaded by the bandits. He claimed that the Abu Sayyaf suffered 21 fatalities.
Malik said the fighting ceased after the Abu Sayyaf bandits split into small groups. He said the bandits have escaped to the nearby towns of Luuk and Kalinggalang Kaluang.
Malik said his forces were still monitoring the whereabouts of the Abu Sayyaf members that figured in the encounter.
He said that he has also asked MNLF leaders to approach the relatives of the Abu Sayyaf bandits and explain to them the circumstances behind the operations.
“Ipinaliwanag namin sa kanila ang nangyari ay para sa kabutihan ng lahat. Inutusan namin ang maraming leaders na magharap sa kanila at pag-usapan na itigil na ang activity,” Malik said.
Malik appealed to the relatives and families of the Abu Sayyaf group involved in the kidnapping activity in Sulu not to condone the activity.
The MNLF commander said that they were forced to launch the offensive after the Abu Sayyaf declined to release their hostages.
He added that the aim of the operation was not to occupy the camps of the Abu Sayyaf, but to try to stop the bandit group's kidnapping activity.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/02/08/906428/mnlf-commander-2-abu-camps-captured-no-atyani
Fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have overran two camps of the Abu Sayyaf in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu, but they have not sighted Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani.
MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik made the statement amid rumors circulating in Sulu province that Atyani has already been released by the Abu Sayyaf and has already returned to his country.
"Na-occupy na namin ang kanilang stronghold pero hindi naakita ng puwersa si Atyani," Malik told reporters in a teleconference.
He said that they were able to capture the first Abu Sayyaf camp, Kuta Masarin, under Habib Hajan Sawajaan, on the first day of their offensive against the bandits.
Malik said the second Abu Sayyaf camp was overrun on the fourth day of the offensive. He said they had information that the Abu Sayyaf kept Atyani in the second camp.
“There are reports na nakabalik na siya sa kanyang bansa, pero ito ay haka-haka lang at ayaw namin magbigay ng information na haka-haka lang,” Malik said.
There are rumors around Sulu that a day before the encounter between the MNLF and the Abu Sayyaf on Sunday, six gunmen wearing balaclavas on board a speed boat beached at Sitio Parang Parang Quezon Beach in Barangay Maglibak in Patikul town.
According to the rumors, another speedboat arrived in the area and handed over bags, which allegedly contained cash, to the gunmen. The gunmen, in return, turned over a foreign-looking guy.
There were speculations that the foreign-looking guy was Atyani.
Death toll
Malik, meanwhile, clarified that his group suffered only eight fatalities with one fighter beheaded. Earlier reports said that seven MNLF fighters were beheaded by the bandits. He claimed that the Abu Sayyaf suffered 21 fatalities.
Malik said the fighting ceased after the Abu Sayyaf bandits split into small groups. He said the bandits have escaped to the nearby towns of Luuk and Kalinggalang Kaluang.
Malik said his forces were still monitoring the whereabouts of the Abu Sayyaf members that figured in the encounter.
He said that he has also asked MNLF leaders to approach the relatives of the Abu Sayyaf bandits and explain to them the circumstances behind the operations.
“Ipinaliwanag namin sa kanila ang nangyari ay para sa kabutihan ng lahat. Inutusan namin ang maraming leaders na magharap sa kanila at pag-usapan na itigil na ang activity,” Malik said.
Malik appealed to the relatives and families of the Abu Sayyaf group involved in the kidnapping activity in Sulu not to condone the activity.
The MNLF commander said that they were forced to launch the offensive after the Abu Sayyaf declined to release their hostages.
He added that the aim of the operation was not to occupy the camps of the Abu Sayyaf, but to try to stop the bandit group's kidnapping activity.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/02/08/906428/mnlf-commander-2-abu-camps-captured-no-atyani
CPP/NDF: NDFP statement on the Barangay Puso, La Castellana incident of 27 January 2013
From the PRWC Blog (Feb 7): NDFP
statement on the Barangay Puso, La Castellana incident of 27 January 2013
Amsterdamsestraatweg 50
3513 AGUtrecht
TheNetherlands
telephone: +31 30 2310431
email: ndf@casema.nl | info@ndfp.net
Luis G. Jalandoni
Member, NDFP National Executive Committee
7 February 2013
Member, NDFP National Executive Committee
7 February 2013
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)
states the following regarding the January 27, 2013 incident at Barangay Puso,
La Castellana, Negros Occidental:
1.
The police and paramilitary (Barangay Tanod and
Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team – BPAT) are culpable for commandeering the
driver and truck and making the civilians their hostages. The Government of the
Philippines (GPH) civil and military officials are lying for claiming that even
the paramilitaries are civilian.
2.
The objective of the New People’s Army (NPA) unit
concerned was to make a checkpoint. It fired a warning shot because the truck
did not stop. Then, the police and paramilitary personnel fired at the NPA unit
in heavy volume. Thus, the NPA fired back.
3.
The NPA was able to capture highpowered rifles among
other firearms, proving that the principal passengers and the vehicle were a
legitimate target of the NPA. The GPH authorities are blatantly lying when in
effect they claim that the rifles of the GPH side were holstered and could not
have been fired. Among the firearms taken by the NPA unit were two M-16 rifles
and a submachine gun, serial numbers of which are 181540, 183397 and 45N3.
4.
No passenger was deliberately shot in the head after
being wounded or killed. This is a blatant lie of the GPH civil and military
officials for psywar effect.
5.
GPH and its military and police officials are the ones
culpable for war crimes for issuing highpowered rifles and other firearms to
paramilitaries, and allowing the police and paramilitaries to commandeer and
hostage civilians. The GPH should admit its crimes, apologize, and compensate
the civilians.
6.
The NDFP commends the NPA for offering humanitarian
assistance to the victims and their families, despite the culpability of the GPH
for the incident and for issuing firearms to the paramilitaries and allowing
the military and police to commandeer and hostage civilians.
7.
GPH President Aquino and the Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) are destroying the peace negotiations for
making false charges of war crimes and for acting like robots of the fascist
elements in the military and police.
We welcome your inquiries, comments and suggestions. Contact
the NDFP International Information Office at:
mailing address:
mailing address:
Amsterdamsestraatweg 50
3513 AG
The
telephone: +31 30 2310431
email: ndf@casema.nl | info@ndfp.net
China won’t budge, continues to ignore PH on sea disputes
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 9): China won’t budge, continues to ignore PH on sea disputes
Beijing continues to ignore Manila’s move to bring its territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea before the Arbitral Tribunal, following reports that the Chinese recently built several “permanent” structures in the contested waters, aside from their continuing refusal to leave the Scarborough Shoal.
This developed as Bejing on Friday announced that it would conduct daily “administrative patrols” in the South China starting in 2014 to “better safeguard the legitimate interests of domestic fishermen”. A Foreign Affairs Department official, who asked not to be named, said that the Vietnamese government sent Manila documents confirming the report on the new structures.
Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are the four Southeast Asian countries which have overlapping claims with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“Based on the documents that the Vietnam government gave us, the Chinese had built large structures there. These are several stories high structures and they are not temporary structures and were built in areas that are being claimed by the Philippines,” the DFA official said.
The official described Beijing’s move as an “overt act of occupation and ownership.”
“That’s not being a nice neighbor,” the official said, referring to China.
He also urged Beijing to pull out its three vessels which had remained anchored just outside the Scarborough shoal, an area located within Philippine territory.
The vessels had ropes tied around them supposedly to prevent Philippine ships and fishermen from entering the shoal.
On January 22, the Philippines presented its case against China for international arbitration. Both countries were asked to bring their own lawyers and experts to represent them during the proceedings.
China, however, had said that it would not participate in the arbitration, as it insisted that it has “undisputable” sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
A few days after Manila filed for international arbitration, Beijing even announced that it would accelerate and finish the construction of infrastructure and other projects in Sansha City by 2013.
Sansha City was established by Beijing in June 2012 to administer control over the three major islands in the West Philippine Sea, namely the Paracel (Xisha), Macclesfiled Bank (Zhongsha) and Spratly (Nansha) and the more than 200 islets, sandbanks, and reefs and the islands, plus the two million square kilometers of surrounding waters.
In late 2012, Beijing released a $1.6-billion budget for the establishment of an airport, piers and other infrastructure in Sansha City.
Meanwhile, a Chinese official told Xinhua State Agency that the patrols were in response to the “challenges China experienced in 2012.”
Wu Zhuang, chief of the South China sea Fishery Bureau, said his office would take a “strong position” on fishery patrols and protection.
“A noticeable improvement will be seen in our enforcement capacity in the next two years, as the bureau has entered a period of rapid development,” Wu said.
Wu added that in 2012, they deployed China Yuzheng 302 and china Yuzheng 311 in the waters off the Mischief Reef (Meiji Reef) and Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island). The ships stayed at sea for an average of 183 days in 2012.
“Thanks to our more frequent patrols and quicker responses, no Chinese vessels engaging in normal fishery operations in the Nansha [Spratly] waters were illegally seized by foreign countries last year,” Wu said.
In a separate interview, United States on Asian Studies Center of Heritage Foundation director Walter Lohman said Beijing had chosen to ignore the arbitration because “they saw an opportunity to press their advantage”.
“They think it’s time to take possession on resource rich waters,” Lohman said.
He asaid that China knew that they were not going to win the case on the validity of the nine-dash line on their ancient maps.
“From their perspective, their best opportunity is to press their advantage physically.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/china-wont-budge-continues-to-ignore-ph-on-sea-disputes/
Beijing continues to ignore Manila’s move to bring its territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea before the Arbitral Tribunal, following reports that the Chinese recently built several “permanent” structures in the contested waters, aside from their continuing refusal to leave the Scarborough Shoal.
This developed as Bejing on Friday announced that it would conduct daily “administrative patrols” in the South China starting in 2014 to “better safeguard the legitimate interests of domestic fishermen”. A Foreign Affairs Department official, who asked not to be named, said that the Vietnamese government sent Manila documents confirming the report on the new structures.
Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are the four Southeast Asian countries which have overlapping claims with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“Based on the documents that the Vietnam government gave us, the Chinese had built large structures there. These are several stories high structures and they are not temporary structures and were built in areas that are being claimed by the Philippines,” the DFA official said.
The official described Beijing’s move as an “overt act of occupation and ownership.”
“That’s not being a nice neighbor,” the official said, referring to China.
He also urged Beijing to pull out its three vessels which had remained anchored just outside the Scarborough shoal, an area located within Philippine territory.
The vessels had ropes tied around them supposedly to prevent Philippine ships and fishermen from entering the shoal.
On January 22, the Philippines presented its case against China for international arbitration. Both countries were asked to bring their own lawyers and experts to represent them during the proceedings.
China, however, had said that it would not participate in the arbitration, as it insisted that it has “undisputable” sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
A few days after Manila filed for international arbitration, Beijing even announced that it would accelerate and finish the construction of infrastructure and other projects in Sansha City by 2013.
Sansha City was established by Beijing in June 2012 to administer control over the three major islands in the West Philippine Sea, namely the Paracel (Xisha), Macclesfiled Bank (Zhongsha) and Spratly (Nansha) and the more than 200 islets, sandbanks, and reefs and the islands, plus the two million square kilometers of surrounding waters.
In late 2012, Beijing released a $1.6-billion budget for the establishment of an airport, piers and other infrastructure in Sansha City.
Meanwhile, a Chinese official told Xinhua State Agency that the patrols were in response to the “challenges China experienced in 2012.”
Wu Zhuang, chief of the South China sea Fishery Bureau, said his office would take a “strong position” on fishery patrols and protection.
“A noticeable improvement will be seen in our enforcement capacity in the next two years, as the bureau has entered a period of rapid development,” Wu said.
Wu added that in 2012, they deployed China Yuzheng 302 and china Yuzheng 311 in the waters off the Mischief Reef (Meiji Reef) and Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island). The ships stayed at sea for an average of 183 days in 2012.
“Thanks to our more frequent patrols and quicker responses, no Chinese vessels engaging in normal fishery operations in the Nansha [Spratly] waters were illegally seized by foreign countries last year,” Wu said.
In a separate interview, United States on Asian Studies Center of Heritage Foundation director Walter Lohman said Beijing had chosen to ignore the arbitration because “they saw an opportunity to press their advantage”.
“They think it’s time to take possession on resource rich waters,” Lohman said.
He asaid that China knew that they were not going to win the case on the validity of the nine-dash line on their ancient maps.
“From their perspective, their best opportunity is to press their advantage physically.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/china-wont-budge-continues-to-ignore-ph-on-sea-disputes/
2nd salvage ship arriving next week in Tubbataha
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 9): 2nd salvage ship arriving next week in Tubbataha
A second salvage ship is set to arrive next week to help the Smit Boreo remove the USS Guardian, an American minesweeper that ran aground in the protected Tubbataha Reef on Jan. 17, the Coast Guard said Friday.
Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said US Navy officials informed Task Force Tubbataha that they have commissioned the MT Jascon, an 800-ton Malaysian ship, to lift heavy parts of the US minesweeper, which will be chopped into pieces by the Smit Boreo, a ship-borne crane.
“The ship will arrive from Singapore six days from now.
But even before that, we could start salvage operations on the upper deck, mast and smokestack,” said Coast Guard chief information officer Lt. Cdr. Armand Balilo.
Balilo said Jascon will arrive first in Puerto Princesa in Palawan to undergo inspection before proceeding to Tubbataha Reef.
As of Friday, the Smit Borneo from the Smit Company of Singapore was still looking for a spot to drop its two anchors where they would not damage the reef.
Smit Borneo will position itself 10 meters away from the protected marine sanctuary, officials said.
“The weather has improved and should be fine for the next two to three days, so we may be able to start the actual salvaging soon,” Balilo added.
Task Force Tubbataha head and Coast Guard Palawan district commander Enrico Efren Evangelista said the crane ship will not pose any danger to the reef and its corals.
“It will only touch the sandy bottom of the ocean floor and not touch any coral,” he said.
Reports said the US government was paying Smit Borneo $25 million for the operation.
Coast Guard officials said the salvage operations would be conducted in close coordination with the US Navy, as set down in the alvage plan approved by the Tubbataha Reef Area Management Board.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya ordered the Coast Guard to send two teams of divers to check the reef and the position of the salvage ship.
The Task Force aims to finish the salvaging operation by April 9.
The USS Guardian will be cut into three or four sections made up of the mast, stack, engine and hull, officials said.
A US marine biologist estimated that 4,000 square meter were destroyed by the grounded minesweeper. The Coast Guard said, however, that a more accurate assessment could be made only after the USS Guardian was removed.
Also on Friday, the leftist Anakpawis party-list group and an alliance of fisherfolk, Pamalakaya, urged the Palace to disclose more details of the US salvage plan and what it would do to repair the damage to the protected marine park.
“The Filipino public wants to know how the US government would clean its mess in Tubbataha. It is the duty of the Philippine government to explain why the salvage plan is okay and it should also disclose the details of the salvage operations,” Anakpawis vice chairman Fernando Hicap said in a statement.
Hicap said the plan was only presented to a few people in the government and not to affected sectors like the fisherfolk and concerned groups like marine scientists and environmental experts.
“We believe the plan was presented over a cup of coffee just to inform the Philippine government that this was the plan of Washington… and that the President of the Philippines and other local officials can’t say no to imperial America’s salvage plans for the USS Guardian,” the Anakpawis official said.
Last week, Hicap joined Pamalakaya vice chairman Salvador France and Pamalakaya-Southern Tagalog Pedro Gonzalez in delivering a letter of complaint to the Justice Department asking it to file criminal and other appropriate cases against US Navy officials and the 79 crew of the 130 ton minesweeper that damaged the protected reef.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/2nd-salvage-ship-arriving-next-week-in-tubbataha/
A second salvage ship is set to arrive next week to help the Smit Boreo remove the USS Guardian, an American minesweeper that ran aground in the protected Tubbataha Reef on Jan. 17, the Coast Guard said Friday.
Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said US Navy officials informed Task Force Tubbataha that they have commissioned the MT Jascon, an 800-ton Malaysian ship, to lift heavy parts of the US minesweeper, which will be chopped into pieces by the Smit Boreo, a ship-borne crane.
“The ship will arrive from Singapore six days from now.
But even before that, we could start salvage operations on the upper deck, mast and smokestack,” said Coast Guard chief information officer Lt. Cdr. Armand Balilo.
Balilo said Jascon will arrive first in Puerto Princesa in Palawan to undergo inspection before proceeding to Tubbataha Reef.
As of Friday, the Smit Borneo from the Smit Company of Singapore was still looking for a spot to drop its two anchors where they would not damage the reef.
Smit Borneo will position itself 10 meters away from the protected marine sanctuary, officials said.
“The weather has improved and should be fine for the next two to three days, so we may be able to start the actual salvaging soon,” Balilo added.
Task Force Tubbataha head and Coast Guard Palawan district commander Enrico Efren Evangelista said the crane ship will not pose any danger to the reef and its corals.
“It will only touch the sandy bottom of the ocean floor and not touch any coral,” he said.
Reports said the US government was paying Smit Borneo $25 million for the operation.
Coast Guard officials said the salvage operations would be conducted in close coordination with the US Navy, as set down in the alvage plan approved by the Tubbataha Reef Area Management Board.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya ordered the Coast Guard to send two teams of divers to check the reef and the position of the salvage ship.
The Task Force aims to finish the salvaging operation by April 9.
The USS Guardian will be cut into three or four sections made up of the mast, stack, engine and hull, officials said.
A US marine biologist estimated that 4,000 square meter were destroyed by the grounded minesweeper. The Coast Guard said, however, that a more accurate assessment could be made only after the USS Guardian was removed.
Also on Friday, the leftist Anakpawis party-list group and an alliance of fisherfolk, Pamalakaya, urged the Palace to disclose more details of the US salvage plan and what it would do to repair the damage to the protected marine park.
“The Filipino public wants to know how the US government would clean its mess in Tubbataha. It is the duty of the Philippine government to explain why the salvage plan is okay and it should also disclose the details of the salvage operations,” Anakpawis vice chairman Fernando Hicap said in a statement.
Hicap said the plan was only presented to a few people in the government and not to affected sectors like the fisherfolk and concerned groups like marine scientists and environmental experts.
“We believe the plan was presented over a cup of coffee just to inform the Philippine government that this was the plan of Washington… and that the President of the Philippines and other local officials can’t say no to imperial America’s salvage plans for the USS Guardian,” the Anakpawis official said.
Last week, Hicap joined Pamalakaya vice chairman Salvador France and Pamalakaya-Southern Tagalog Pedro Gonzalez in delivering a letter of complaint to the Justice Department asking it to file criminal and other appropriate cases against US Navy officials and the 79 crew of the 130 ton minesweeper that damaged the protected reef.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/2nd-salvage-ship-arriving-next-week-in-tubbataha/
OIC praises MNLF for hostage rescue
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 9): OIC praises MNLF for hostage rescue
Misuari to clear air on Patikul offensive
The Moro National Liberation Front earned plaudits from the powerful Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) after its steamroller attack on terrorist Abu Sayyaf camps in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu where three foreigners, two Swiss and one Dutch, were freed from nearly one year of captivity, MNLF officials said on Friday.
MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari would provide today details of the rescue and the hostages as well as the security situation in Mindanao when he arrived in Manila after attending the OIC meeting in Sudan, Africa, MNLF panel member Absalom Cerveza said.
“The OIC was happy with the MNLF and the Chairman’s (Misuari’s) concern for the safety of the hostages and their families,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza said members of the pan-Islamic OIC gave Misuari a standing ovation for crushing the Abu Sayyaf during the two-day MNLF offensive, forcing the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee deep into the jungle in small groups with their hostages.
Misuari will arrive today at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on a flight from Egypt. The names of the hostages have been withheld since their rescue last Wednesday during an assault on the camps and the running gun battles in which 31 combatants were killed.
The Abu Sayyaf still holds nine hostages of various nationalities, including Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani. The bungled payment of P30 million ransom for the release of Atyani ignited the fighting.
MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said Misuari would also discuss MNLF future actions against the Abu Sayyaf and their future role in ensuring peace in Mindanao.
He said more MNLF fighters have been sent to the islands of Patikul, Sulu and Basilan to go after
Abu Sayyaf terrorists, who are now fighting native guerrillas familiar with the area.
“Our troops are hunting them down. They can run, but we know the area,” said MNLF Special Branch Service Chief Kaber Sampang.
Fontanilla lashed out at Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who said the MNLF’s assault on the Abu Sayyaf camps to free the hostages was politically-motivated because Misuari was running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“This is not a personal action of the chairman (Misuari). This the MNLF position and there is nothing wrong if the MNLF helps the government,” Fontanilla said.
“Biazon should not in any way ascribe any motive to anybody. The presumption of the law is everybody is doing good. That’s what’s wrong with us. When somebody does something good, we say he has bad intentions,” he said.
Fontanilla said that in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, which ended the long-running secessionist war waged by MNLF, resulting in the creation of the autonomous region, the MNLF was expected to extend help to the government on security matters.
“Noong pang 1976 mayroon na tayong implied agreement. Napag-usapan na iyan, na kung kailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan, mayroon tayong mutual support. Initiative na po namin ito,” he said.
Fontanilla also denied reports that Atyani had been released after payment of P100 million ransom even before his two Filipino crew, Roando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
“Wala pong ganoon. Dito po sa Sulu iyong mga information na iyan ay misleading, counter-information, counter-propaganda. It po sa amin naman sinasala namin,” Fontanilla said.
“As of this time, ang latest namin na information is: our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him because he was brought by the Abu Sayyaf in their escape,” he said.
Atyani works for the Dubai-based Al-Arabia TV. He and his crew went into the jungles in June 2012 to do a story on the Abu Sayyaf, but the terrorists held him captive instead.
The MNLF negotiated for Atyani’s release and agreed to pay P30 million ransom, but the money disappeared when the courier was robbed by hooded gunmen, which the MNLF suspected were members of the Abu Sayyaf.
Fighting broke out when the MNLF confronted the Abu Sayyaf last Saturday and demanded the release of Atyani.
In addition to Atyani, the hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf since last year were: Warren Rodwell, an Australian kidnapped in Zamboanga in December 2011; European birdwatchers Ewold Horn and Lorenzo Vinciguerra; two unidentified Malaysians; a Japanese; and two Filipinos.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/oic-praises-mnlf-for-hostage-rescue/
Misuari to clear air on Patikul offensive
The Moro National Liberation Front earned plaudits from the powerful Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) after its steamroller attack on terrorist Abu Sayyaf camps in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu where three foreigners, two Swiss and one Dutch, were freed from nearly one year of captivity, MNLF officials said on Friday.
MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari would provide today details of the rescue and the hostages as well as the security situation in Mindanao when he arrived in Manila after attending the OIC meeting in Sudan, Africa, MNLF panel member Absalom Cerveza said.
“The OIC was happy with the MNLF and the Chairman’s (Misuari’s) concern for the safety of the hostages and their families,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza said members of the pan-Islamic OIC gave Misuari a standing ovation for crushing the Abu Sayyaf during the two-day MNLF offensive, forcing the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee deep into the jungle in small groups with their hostages.
Misuari will arrive today at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on a flight from Egypt. The names of the hostages have been withheld since their rescue last Wednesday during an assault on the camps and the running gun battles in which 31 combatants were killed.
The Abu Sayyaf still holds nine hostages of various nationalities, including Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani. The bungled payment of P30 million ransom for the release of Atyani ignited the fighting.
MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said Misuari would also discuss MNLF future actions against the Abu Sayyaf and their future role in ensuring peace in Mindanao.
He said more MNLF fighters have been sent to the islands of Patikul, Sulu and Basilan to go after
Abu Sayyaf terrorists, who are now fighting native guerrillas familiar with the area.
“Our troops are hunting them down. They can run, but we know the area,” said MNLF Special Branch Service Chief Kaber Sampang.
Fontanilla lashed out at Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who said the MNLF’s assault on the Abu Sayyaf camps to free the hostages was politically-motivated because Misuari was running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
“This is not a personal action of the chairman (Misuari). This the MNLF position and there is nothing wrong if the MNLF helps the government,” Fontanilla said.
“Biazon should not in any way ascribe any motive to anybody. The presumption of the law is everybody is doing good. That’s what’s wrong with us. When somebody does something good, we say he has bad intentions,” he said.
Fontanilla said that in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, which ended the long-running secessionist war waged by MNLF, resulting in the creation of the autonomous region, the MNLF was expected to extend help to the government on security matters.
“Noong pang 1976 mayroon na tayong implied agreement. Napag-usapan na iyan, na kung kailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan, mayroon tayong mutual support. Initiative na po namin ito,” he said.
Fontanilla also denied reports that Atyani had been released after payment of P100 million ransom even before his two Filipino crew, Roando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
“Wala pong ganoon. Dito po sa Sulu iyong mga information na iyan ay misleading, counter-information, counter-propaganda. It po sa amin naman sinasala namin,” Fontanilla said.
“As of this time, ang latest namin na information is: our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him because he was brought by the Abu Sayyaf in their escape,” he said.
Atyani works for the Dubai-based Al-Arabia TV. He and his crew went into the jungles in June 2012 to do a story on the Abu Sayyaf, but the terrorists held him captive instead.
The MNLF negotiated for Atyani’s release and agreed to pay P30 million ransom, but the money disappeared when the courier was robbed by hooded gunmen, which the MNLF suspected were members of the Abu Sayyaf.
Fighting broke out when the MNLF confronted the Abu Sayyaf last Saturday and demanded the release of Atyani.
In addition to Atyani, the hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf since last year were: Warren Rodwell, an Australian kidnapped in Zamboanga in December 2011; European birdwatchers Ewold Horn and Lorenzo Vinciguerra; two unidentified Malaysians; a Japanese; and two Filipinos.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/02/09/oic-praises-mnlf-for-hostage-rescue/
Package PNoy is bringing to Bangsamoro, part of framework agreement, says MILF
From the Business World (Feb 8): Package PNoy is bringing to Bangsamoro, part of framework agreement, says MILF
Without giving color on the visit of President Benigno S. C. Aquino III in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the economic package that the President will be bringing to the Bangsamoro is part of the negotiations and not a “unilateral” initiative of the government.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Package-PNoy-is-bringing-to-Bangsamoro,-part-of-framework-agreement,-says-MILF&id=65588
Without giving color on the visit of President Benigno S. C. Aquino III in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the economic package that the President will be bringing to the Bangsamoro is part of the negotiations and not a “unilateral” initiative of the government.
In its weekly editorial piece published on its website (luwaran.com), the MILF said both parties in the southern peace process are facing a huge challenge in overhauling and reforming Moro communities in Mindanao after more than four decades of armed hostilities.
“But why is the MILF agreeing to this socio-economic deal with the government? The answer is simple; it is part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Besides, it is to convey to our people and combatants, after signing of the (framework agreement), that there is something that trickles to them as a way of peace dividends,” the MILF said.
“More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits, which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination,” it added.
“More importantly, the MILF believes this will redound to their greater benefits, which could also empower them economically and henceforth politically for more vigorous and sustained assertion of their right to self-determination,” it added.
President Aquino is expected to arrive in Cotabato City on Monday and will proceed to the Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat — a few kilometers from Camp Darapanan — to meet leaders of the MILF including its chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
Among the highlights of the meeting is a symbolic gesture of the President giving PhilHealth cards to rebel leaders, the Office of the Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace Process said. The presidential peace adviser’s office, which is preparing the visit, said President Aquino is bringing a social welfare program dubbed “Sajahatra Bangsamoro.”
This will be the third time that President Aquino will meet leaders of the MILF. The first came in 2011, where they met in Japan prior to the resumption of the peace talks, and in October last year, when Mr. Aquino invited leaders of the MILF to witness their signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The social welfare program that will be launched on Monday is part of the deal between the two parties in uplifting the quality of life of the Moro communities.
“It is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation.
Among the highlights of the meeting is a symbolic gesture of the President giving PhilHealth cards to rebel leaders, the Office of the Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace Process said. The presidential peace adviser’s office, which is preparing the visit, said President Aquino is bringing a social welfare program dubbed “Sajahatra Bangsamoro.”
This will be the third time that President Aquino will meet leaders of the MILF. The first came in 2011, where they met in Japan prior to the resumption of the peace talks, and in October last year, when Mr. Aquino invited leaders of the MILF to witness their signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The social welfare program that will be launched on Monday is part of the deal between the two parties in uplifting the quality of life of the Moro communities.
“It is a necessary component of conflict resolutions tried and tested in various parts of the world. It is part of the whole deal. The Aquino administration is not doing it unilaterally but in partnership with the MILF after it was discussed in the negotiating table with facilitation.
“Moreover, the MILF believes it is the right thing to do, after it bitterly engaged the government both in the battlefields and in negotiation, which did not end with the MILF at the losing side. This is the reason why the two parties are now facing each other in the battle of the hearts and minds.”
“Finally, we believe President Benigno S.C. Aquino III has no hidden agenda when he causes the implementation of these projects. Besides, our people, who have been ravaged and marginalized by 40 years of continuous war, need them to jumpstart their long journey to recovery,” the Front said in its statement.
“Finally, we believe President Benigno S.C. Aquino III has no hidden agenda when he causes the implementation of these projects. Besides, our people, who have been ravaged and marginalized by 40 years of continuous war, need them to jumpstart their long journey to recovery,” the Front said in its statement.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Package-PNoy-is-bringing-to-Bangsamoro,-part-of-framework-agreement,-says-MILF&id=65588
MNLF: Jordanian journalist Atyani still Sayyaf's captive
From GMANews (Feb 8): MNLF: Jordanian journalist Atyani still Sayyaf's captive
Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani who was kidnapped in June 2012 is still being held by the bandit Abu Sayyaf group, a Moro National Liberation Front commander said Friday.
MNLF Sulu Commander Ustadz Habier Malik was quoted by Arnold Clavio on "Unang Balita" as saying he talked to the kidnappers himself about the status of Atyani.
Malik added that the ASG won't release Atyani without the P50 to P130 million the bandits demanded.
Last Sunday, ASG released Atyani's two Filipino TV crew Ramil Vela and Buboy Letriro, who were seized with Atyani last year.
It was not clear whether Vela and Letriro had paid ransom money for their release.
A day after the release of the two, a clash between the MNLF and the ASG in Patikul town erupted, leaving 22 people dead.
Eight MNLF members were killed, while ASG's side had 14 fatalities, according to Col. Orlando de Leon, Commander of the Sulu-based 2nd Marine Brigade.
Also De Leon said the clash involving over 200 armed men from each camp supposedly stemmed from the ASG's refusal to heed the MNLF's appeal to halt its kidnapping activities in the area.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos said in the report that four of the fallen MNLF members were beheaded.
Aside from Atyani, Dutchman Elwold Horn, Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra and Japanese treasure hunter Katayama Mamaito are still being held captive in Sulu by the ASG.
According to security officials, Horn and Vinciguerra were abducted in February last year while Mamaito has been held captive since July 2010.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/294030/news/regions/mnlf-jordanian-journalist-atyani-still-sayyaf-s-captive
Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani who was kidnapped in June 2012 is still being held by the bandit Abu Sayyaf group, a Moro National Liberation Front commander said Friday.
MNLF Sulu Commander Ustadz Habier Malik was quoted by Arnold Clavio on "Unang Balita" as saying he talked to the kidnappers himself about the status of Atyani.
Malik added that the ASG won't release Atyani without the P50 to P130 million the bandits demanded.
Last Sunday, ASG released Atyani's two Filipino TV crew Ramil Vela and Buboy Letriro, who were seized with Atyani last year.
It was not clear whether Vela and Letriro had paid ransom money for their release.
A day after the release of the two, a clash between the MNLF and the ASG in Patikul town erupted, leaving 22 people dead.
Eight MNLF members were killed, while ASG's side had 14 fatalities, according to Col. Orlando de Leon, Commander of the Sulu-based 2nd Marine Brigade.
Also De Leon said the clash involving over 200 armed men from each camp supposedly stemmed from the ASG's refusal to heed the MNLF's appeal to halt its kidnapping activities in the area.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos said in the report that four of the fallen MNLF members were beheaded.
Aside from Atyani, Dutchman Elwold Horn, Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra and Japanese treasure hunter Katayama Mamaito are still being held captive in Sulu by the ASG.
According to security officials, Horn and Vinciguerra were abducted in February last year while Mamaito has been held captive since July 2010.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/294030/news/regions/mnlf-jordanian-journalist-atyani-still-sayyaf-s-captive
Misuari not using Atyani to boost candidacy: MNLF
From ABS-CBN (FEb 8): Misuari not using Atyani to boost candidacy: MNLF
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Friday denied that its leader, Nur Misuari, is involving the political organization in efforts to rescue kidnapped Jordanian Baker Atyani to boost his candidacy.
MNLF Spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla lambasted Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, for saying that the MNLF's move to rescue Atyani and other foreign nationals held by the Abu Sayyaf is politically motivated.
Misuari is running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao this coming election as an independent. He is running against ARMM officer-in-charge Mujiv Hataman of the Liberal Party and former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Pakung Mangudadatu of the United Nationalist Alliance.
"Ito po ay individual at personal niya na aksyon. So kami pong mga nandito posisyon ng MNLF, iyan ay ipinapaubaya naming personal kay chairman at wala, kami po'y walang nakikitang hindi mabuti kung tumutulong si chairman sa pamahalaan," Fontanilla told radio dzMM.
"The former Senator Biazon should not in any way ascribe any motive to anybody... The presumption of the law is everybody is doing good. Sana po huwag po tayong ganun lahat. Iyan ang mali sa atin eh, na kapag may mabuting nagagawa ang tao lahat po [sinasabi na] may masamang intensyon." Fontanilla added that the help the MNLF is giving to the government is a result of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
"Noon pang 1976 meron na tayong implied agreement. Napag-usapan na iyan - na kung kailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan, mayroon tayong mutual support. Initiative na po namin ito," he said.
At least 22 MNLF and Abu Sayyaf bandits died in last Sunday's firefight, which allegedly erupted after negotiations to free Atyani failed.
Atyani still with Abu Sayyaf
Fontanilla also belied reports that Atyani had been released after the payment of a P100 million ransom even before his two Filipino companions, Rolando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
"Wala pong mga ganun na dumarating sa'min. Dito po sa Sulu iyung mga information ay may mga misleading, counter-information, counter-propapaganda. Ito po sa amin naman sinasala namin. Itong mga information na nase-share namin, pumupunta pa sa Egypt para sa political affairs namin na chief naming si (Ghazali Jaafar) at binabalik po dito," he said.
"As of this time, ang latest namin na information - our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him saka nakatakas po sila kasama ng mga Abu Sayyaf."
After announcing on Wednsday that the MNLF now has in its custody three kidnapped foreigners, Fontanilla said the political organization has decided to withhold information for the time being due to the "sensitivity" of the matter.
The military earlier denied that the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf had released the three foreigners to the MNLF.
"Ang sabi sa akin na hindi mo muna ako magko-comment, antayin na muna natin si chairman," Fontanilla said, referring to Nur Misuari who is currently in Egypt.
"Mag-antay na lang po tayo, huwag na lang po tayong mainip. Ito lang po ang sabihin sa side natin, ito po iyung dumating sa aming impormasyon. Maraming nagku-kwestyon. Antayin na lang po natin."
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/08/13/misuari-not-using-atyani-boost-candidacy-mnlf
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Friday denied that its leader, Nur Misuari, is involving the political organization in efforts to rescue kidnapped Jordanian Baker Atyani to boost his candidacy.
MNLF Spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla lambasted Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, for saying that the MNLF's move to rescue Atyani and other foreign nationals held by the Abu Sayyaf is politically motivated.
Misuari is running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao this coming election as an independent. He is running against ARMM officer-in-charge Mujiv Hataman of the Liberal Party and former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Pakung Mangudadatu of the United Nationalist Alliance.
"Ito po ay individual at personal niya na aksyon. So kami pong mga nandito posisyon ng MNLF, iyan ay ipinapaubaya naming personal kay chairman at wala, kami po'y walang nakikitang hindi mabuti kung tumutulong si chairman sa pamahalaan," Fontanilla told radio dzMM.
"The former Senator Biazon should not in any way ascribe any motive to anybody... The presumption of the law is everybody is doing good. Sana po huwag po tayong ganun lahat. Iyan ang mali sa atin eh, na kapag may mabuting nagagawa ang tao lahat po [sinasabi na] may masamang intensyon." Fontanilla added that the help the MNLF is giving to the government is a result of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
"Noon pang 1976 meron na tayong implied agreement. Napag-usapan na iyan - na kung kailangan ng tulong ng pamahalaan, mayroon tayong mutual support. Initiative na po namin ito," he said.
At least 22 MNLF and Abu Sayyaf bandits died in last Sunday's firefight, which allegedly erupted after negotiations to free Atyani failed.
Atyani still with Abu Sayyaf
Fontanilla also belied reports that Atyani had been released after the payment of a P100 million ransom even before his two Filipino companions, Rolando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
"Wala pong mga ganun na dumarating sa'min. Dito po sa Sulu iyung mga information ay may mga misleading, counter-information, counter-propapaganda. Ito po sa amin naman sinasala namin. Itong mga information na nase-share namin, pumupunta pa sa Egypt para sa political affairs namin na chief naming si (Ghazali Jaafar) at binabalik po dito," he said.
"As of this time, ang latest namin na information - our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him saka nakatakas po sila kasama ng mga Abu Sayyaf."
After announcing on Wednsday that the MNLF now has in its custody three kidnapped foreigners, Fontanilla said the political organization has decided to withhold information for the time being due to the "sensitivity" of the matter.
The military earlier denied that the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf had released the three foreigners to the MNLF.
"Ang sabi sa akin na hindi mo muna ako magko-comment, antayin na muna natin si chairman," Fontanilla said, referring to Nur Misuari who is currently in Egypt.
"Mag-antay na lang po tayo, huwag na lang po tayong mainip. Ito lang po ang sabihin sa side natin, ito po iyung dumating sa aming impormasyon. Maraming nagku-kwestyon. Antayin na lang po natin."
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/08/13/misuari-not-using-atyani-boost-candidacy-mnlf
Kidnapped Jordanian not yet released: MNLF
From ABS-CBN (Feb 8): Kidnapped Jordanian not yet released: MNLF
Kidnapped Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani is not yet released by his Abu Sayyaf captors, a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesperson said on Friday. MNLF Spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla belied reports that Atyani had been released after paying a P100 million ransom, even before his two Filipino companions, Rolando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
"Wala pong mga ganun na dumarating sa'min. Dito po sa Sulu iyung mga information ay may mga misleading, counter-information, counter-propapaganda. Ito po sa amin naman sinasala namin. Itong mga information na nase-share namin, pumupunta pa sa Egypt para sa political affairs namin na chief naming si (Ghadzali Jaafar) at binabalik po dito," Fontanilla told dzMM.
"As of this time, ang latest namin na information - our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him saka nakatakas po sila kasama ng mga Abu Sayyaf."
After announcing on Wednesday that the MNLF now has in its custody three kidnapped foreigners, Fontanilla said the political organization has decided to withhold information for the time being due to the "sensitivity" of the matter.
The military earlier denied that the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf had released the three foreigners to the MNLF. [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/07/13/military-denies-mnlf-rescued-3-foreign-hostages]
"Ang sabi sa akin na hindi mo muna ako magko-comment, antayin na muna natin si chairman," Fontanilla said, referring to Nur Misuari who is currently in Egypt.
"Mag-antay na lang po tayo, huwag na lang po tayong mainip. Ito lang po ang sabihin sa side natin, ito po iyung dumating sa aming impormasyon. Maraming nagku-kwestyon. Antayin na lang po natin."
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/08/13/kidnapped-jordanian-not-yet-released-mnlf
Kidnapped Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani is not yet released by his Abu Sayyaf captors, a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesperson said on Friday. MNLF Spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla belied reports that Atyani had been released after paying a P100 million ransom, even before his two Filipino companions, Rolando Letrero and Ramel Vela, were freed last Saturday.
"Wala pong mga ganun na dumarating sa'min. Dito po sa Sulu iyung mga information ay may mga misleading, counter-information, counter-propapaganda. Ito po sa amin naman sinasala namin. Itong mga information na nase-share namin, pumupunta pa sa Egypt para sa political affairs namin na chief naming si (Ghadzali Jaafar) at binabalik po dito," Fontanilla told dzMM.
"As of this time, ang latest namin na information - our commanders actually saw the Jordanian but they were not able to get him saka nakatakas po sila kasama ng mga Abu Sayyaf."
After announcing on Wednesday that the MNLF now has in its custody three kidnapped foreigners, Fontanilla said the political organization has decided to withhold information for the time being due to the "sensitivity" of the matter.
The military earlier denied that the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf had released the three foreigners to the MNLF. [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/07/13/military-denies-mnlf-rescued-3-foreign-hostages]
"Ang sabi sa akin na hindi mo muna ako magko-comment, antayin na muna natin si chairman," Fontanilla said, referring to Nur Misuari who is currently in Egypt.
"Mag-antay na lang po tayo, huwag na lang po tayong mainip. Ito lang po ang sabihin sa side natin, ito po iyung dumating sa aming impormasyon. Maraming nagku-kwestyon. Antayin na lang po natin."
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/08/13/kidnapped-jordanian-not-yet-released-mnlf
‘War crimes' suit filed vs. NPA
From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 8): ‘War crimes' suit filed
vs. NPA
The Philippine National Police yesterday filed an amended complaint for violation of the International Humanitarian Law, against New People's Army rebels responsible for what has been described as a “massacre” of civilians in La Castellana, before the Negros Occidental Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, caretaker of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said this is the first time that charges for violation of the law on what constitutes a “war crime” as defined in Republic Act 9851, will be lodged against the NPA.
RA 9851, that took effect in 2010 after being signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, penalizes war crimes, genocide and other crimes against humanity.
The ambush on Jan. 27 in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, claimed the lives of eight civilians and a rookie policemen, and caused injuries to 10 more civilians, including barangay tanods and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, and two other policemen.
The NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command, that had claimed responsibility for the ambush, apologized and asked for the forgiveness only of the families of the victims they acknowledged. Stressing that they had no intention to stage an ambush, but only to disarm policemen and BPAT members, rebel spokesman JB Regalado promised to extend assistance to the victims and to impose sanctions on those responsible for the incident.
Family members of the victims, however, rejected the offer of the rebel group, stressing that what they want is justice.
Originally, the police filed nine counts of murder against an estimated 20 rebels led by a certain Magno Flores, who staged the ambush on civilians and policemen on board a government service vehicle, on their way home, from attending a fiesta in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana.
However, the complaint was amended, in consultation with the lawyers of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, who had gone to La Castellana and personally interviewed survivors of the ambush, including the family members of the nine fatalities.
With the filing of “war crimes” charges, Guara said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front face more difficulty for attaining a belligerency status in the eyes of the international community, with the massacre of civilians.
Section 8 of RA 9851 also states that a person shall be criminally liable as principal for a crime if he or she orders, solicits or induces its commission, including “accomplices”. It also imposes a penalty of reclusion temporal and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 on any person found guilty of any of these crimes.
OPPAP lawyer Jaime Arroyo, citing testimonies of the victims, said “What we have seen is a case against rebels, having ambushed a truck of civilians and a few police officers”.
If the other side (NPA) acknowledged their mistakes as reported in the media, then they should be aware that their recruits are very “bloodthirsty”, Arroyo said, citing reports of victims being shot in the head.
The rebel group, however, vehemently denied this.
Arroyo, who met with Gov. Alfredo Maranon Tuesday, said they will present their findings to the negotiating panels of the government and the National Democratic Front of thePhilippines
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/February/08/topstory3.htm
The Philippine National Police yesterday filed an amended complaint for violation of the International Humanitarian Law, against New People's Army rebels responsible for what has been described as a “massacre” of civilians in La Castellana, before the Negros Occidental Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, caretaker of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said this is the first time that charges for violation of the law on what constitutes a “war crime” as defined in Republic Act 9851, will be lodged against the NPA.
RA 9851, that took effect in 2010 after being signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, penalizes war crimes, genocide and other crimes against humanity.
The ambush on Jan. 27 in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, claimed the lives of eight civilians and a rookie policemen, and caused injuries to 10 more civilians, including barangay tanods and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, and two other policemen.
The NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command, that had claimed responsibility for the ambush, apologized and asked for the forgiveness only of the families of the victims they acknowledged. Stressing that they had no intention to stage an ambush, but only to disarm policemen and BPAT members, rebel spokesman JB Regalado promised to extend assistance to the victims and to impose sanctions on those responsible for the incident.
Family members of the victims, however, rejected the offer of the rebel group, stressing that what they want is justice.
Originally, the police filed nine counts of murder against an estimated 20 rebels led by a certain Magno Flores, who staged the ambush on civilians and policemen on board a government service vehicle, on their way home, from attending a fiesta in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana.
However, the complaint was amended, in consultation with the lawyers of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, who had gone to La Castellana and personally interviewed survivors of the ambush, including the family members of the nine fatalities.
With the filing of “war crimes” charges, Guara said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front face more difficulty for attaining a belligerency status in the eyes of the international community, with the massacre of civilians.
Section 8 of RA 9851 also states that a person shall be criminally liable as principal for a crime if he or she orders, solicits or induces its commission, including “accomplices”. It also imposes a penalty of reclusion temporal and a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 on any person found guilty of any of these crimes.
OPPAP lawyer Jaime Arroyo, citing testimonies of the victims, said “What we have seen is a case against rebels, having ambushed a truck of civilians and a few police officers”.
If the other side (NPA) acknowledged their mistakes as reported in the media, then they should be aware that their recruits are very “bloodthirsty”, Arroyo said, citing reports of victims being shot in the head.
The rebel group, however, vehemently denied this.
Arroyo, who met with Gov. Alfredo Maranon Tuesday, said they will present their findings to the negotiating panels of the government and the National Democratic Front of the
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/February/08/topstory3.htm
Negros attack a 'legitimate' NPA operation - NDF
From InterAksyon (Feb 8): Negros attack a 'legitimate' NPA operation - NDF
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines said the recent New People's Army operation in La Castellana, Negros Occidental that killed nine people was directed at a "legitimate target" -- armed policemen and village auxiliaries.
The rebels have come under fire for the deaths of civilians in the incident and accusations that wounded victims were finished off with headshots.
But Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel and a member of the rebel organization’s National Executive Committee, denied the allegations that the wounded were executed.
Jalandoni, a native of Negros Occidental, said the rebels involved in the January 27 incident were able to seize two M16 rifles and a submachine gun from the policemen and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team onboard a truck they waylaid.
Authorities said the police and BPAT personnel were taking the truck back to their base after securing a village fiesta when civilians asked to hitch a ride.
Among the civilian fatalities was the wife of a BPAT member who reportedly shielded her husband with her body when the rebels were about to kill him.
Jalandoni said the NPA unit had only planned to disarm the policemen and BPAT members but were fired on first, countering police and military claims the victims never got the chance to fire. He also said the BPAT are not “civilians” as authorities claim but “paramilitaries.”
"The objective of the New People's Army unit concerned was to make a checkpoint. It fired a warning shot because the truck did not stop,” he said. “Then, the police and paramilitary personnel fired at the NPA unit in heavy volume. Thus, the NPA fired back."
The rules on organizing village peacekeeping auxiliaries have constantly changed through the years.
During then President Corazon Aquino’s “Total War” against the communists, she gave her blessings to the “Alsa Masa,” a vigilante organization, as well as the use by the military of armed religious cults based in the countryside.
While civilian volunteers are understood to be unarmed, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo authorized the recruitment of armed village auxiliaries to act as “force multipliers” of the police and military. And in some areas of the country, politicians and other power holders are known to arm civilian volunteers and use them as their private armies.
"GPH (Government of the Philippines) and its military and police officials are the ones culpable for war crimes for issuing high-powered rifles and other firearms to paramilitaries and allowing the police and paramilitaries to commandeer and hostage civilians,” Jalandoni said. “The GPH should admit its crimes, apologize and compensate the civilians."
Earlier, the NPA's Leonardo Panaligan Command, to which the rebels involved in the incident belonged, apologized for the civilian casualties and offered assistance to the victims and their families.
It also admitted that the unit involved had violated both the NPA’s rules and the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Laws between the rebels and government.
The rebel command also promised to sanction the NPA unit and its commander.
Earlier this week, acting Negros Occidental police director, Senior Superintendent Celestino Guara said he had been informed by representatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process that President Benigno Aquino III had ordered the filing of charges against the rebels for violating international humanitarian law.
But Jalandoni accused both the administration and the OPAPP for "destroying the peace negotiations for making false charges of war crimes and for acting like robots of the fascist elements in the military and police."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/54594/negros-attack-a-legitimate-npa-operation---ndf
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines said the recent New People's Army operation in La Castellana, Negros Occidental that killed nine people was directed at a "legitimate target" -- armed policemen and village auxiliaries.
The rebels have come under fire for the deaths of civilians in the incident and accusations that wounded victims were finished off with headshots.
But Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel and a member of the rebel organization’s National Executive Committee, denied the allegations that the wounded were executed.
Jalandoni, a native of Negros Occidental, said the rebels involved in the January 27 incident were able to seize two M16 rifles and a submachine gun from the policemen and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team onboard a truck they waylaid.
Authorities said the police and BPAT personnel were taking the truck back to their base after securing a village fiesta when civilians asked to hitch a ride.
Among the civilian fatalities was the wife of a BPAT member who reportedly shielded her husband with her body when the rebels were about to kill him.
Jalandoni said the NPA unit had only planned to disarm the policemen and BPAT members but were fired on first, countering police and military claims the victims never got the chance to fire. He also said the BPAT are not “civilians” as authorities claim but “paramilitaries.”
"The objective of the New People's Army unit concerned was to make a checkpoint. It fired a warning shot because the truck did not stop,” he said. “Then, the police and paramilitary personnel fired at the NPA unit in heavy volume. Thus, the NPA fired back."
The rules on organizing village peacekeeping auxiliaries have constantly changed through the years.
During then President Corazon Aquino’s “Total War” against the communists, she gave her blessings to the “Alsa Masa,” a vigilante organization, as well as the use by the military of armed religious cults based in the countryside.
While civilian volunteers are understood to be unarmed, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo authorized the recruitment of armed village auxiliaries to act as “force multipliers” of the police and military. And in some areas of the country, politicians and other power holders are known to arm civilian volunteers and use them as their private armies.
"GPH (Government of the Philippines) and its military and police officials are the ones culpable for war crimes for issuing high-powered rifles and other firearms to paramilitaries and allowing the police and paramilitaries to commandeer and hostage civilians,” Jalandoni said. “The GPH should admit its crimes, apologize and compensate the civilians."
Earlier, the NPA's Leonardo Panaligan Command, to which the rebels involved in the incident belonged, apologized for the civilian casualties and offered assistance to the victims and their families.
It also admitted that the unit involved had violated both the NPA’s rules and the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Laws between the rebels and government.
The rebel command also promised to sanction the NPA unit and its commander.
Earlier this week, acting Negros Occidental police director, Senior Superintendent Celestino Guara said he had been informed by representatives of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process that President Benigno Aquino III had ordered the filing of charges against the rebels for violating international humanitarian law.
But Jalandoni accused both the administration and the OPAPP for "destroying the peace negotiations for making false charges of war crimes and for acting like robots of the fascist elements in the military and police."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/54594/negros-attack-a-legitimate-npa-operation---ndf
General pleads guilty to SALN omissions
From InterAksyon (Feb 8): General pleads guilty to SALN omissions
Retired Major General Reynaldo Alcasid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has entered a guilty plea in connection with the omissions he made in his 2003 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Firday.
“During arraignment, Alcasid pleaded guilty to both charges against him, thereby establishing his guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” Morales said.
The anti-graft court found Alcasid guilty of the crime of perjury, violating Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code. The court said he also violated Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The decision against Alcasid, issued on January 26, 2013, was penned by Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, Sandiganbayan’s First Division chairperson, and concurred in by associate justices Rodolfo Ponferrada and Rafael Lagos.
Morales said the court meted Alcasid a six-month prison term and a P5,000-fine.
Alcasid failed to include in his 2003 SALN a house and lot located at the AFP-Officers’ Village Association Inc. in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and his loans amounting to $62,000.
The Sandiganbayan considered the two mitigating circumstances of voluntary surrender and plea of guilt.
“When there are two or more mitigating circumstances and no aggravating circumstances are present, the court shall impose the penalty next lower to that prescribed by law, in the period that it may deem applicable, according to the number and nature of such circumstances,” the anti-graft court's ruling stated.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/54639/general-pleads-guilty-to-saln-omissions
Retired Major General Reynaldo Alcasid of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has entered a guilty plea in connection with the omissions he made in his 2003 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Firday.
“During arraignment, Alcasid pleaded guilty to both charges against him, thereby establishing his guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” Morales said.
The anti-graft court found Alcasid guilty of the crime of perjury, violating Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code. The court said he also violated Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The decision against Alcasid, issued on January 26, 2013, was penned by Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, Sandiganbayan’s First Division chairperson, and concurred in by associate justices Rodolfo Ponferrada and Rafael Lagos.
Morales said the court meted Alcasid a six-month prison term and a P5,000-fine.
Alcasid failed to include in his 2003 SALN a house and lot located at the AFP-Officers’ Village Association Inc. in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and his loans amounting to $62,000.
The Sandiganbayan considered the two mitigating circumstances of voluntary surrender and plea of guilt.
“When there are two or more mitigating circumstances and no aggravating circumstances are present, the court shall impose the penalty next lower to that prescribed by law, in the period that it may deem applicable, according to the number and nature of such circumstances,” the anti-graft court's ruling stated.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/54639/general-pleads-guilty-to-saln-omissions
Army, PNP forces deployed near MILF camp for President Aquino's visit
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Army, PNP forces deployed near MILF
camp for President Aquino's visit
Government forces backed by armored personnel carriers started securing the periphery of a town in Maguindanao where President Benigno Aquino III will visit Monday to launch the “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” project, the military here said.
Sajahatra is an Arabic word which means prosperity, peace and unity. Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the security arrangement is part of the preparations to ensure the safety of everybody.
Elements of the 7th and 40th Infantry Battalion have been deployed in the five-kilometer radius of Barangay Darapanan where the President will also meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chair Murad Ebrahim on Monday.
The President is the third Philippine president to set foot in an MILF enclave after former President Joseph Estrada and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Estrada visited the MILF’s main enclave – Camp Abubakar in 2000 following an all-out war against the MILF that left more than 100 people dead. Estrada led the victory party and hoisting of Philippine flag inside the sprawling Camp Abubakar.
Former President Arroyo also visited the camp in 2006 after the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade headquarters was transferred there from nearby Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat.
President Aquino’s coming to the MILF Camp Darapanan on Monday is perceived by the MILF as an act of peace on the part of the Chief Executive and a clear indication of his desire to attain peace in the island.
Hermoso said there will be no joint Army-MILF security but exclusive to the Armed Forces because it is their mandate to secure the venue where the President is visiting. President Aquino will personally hand over to Murad and about 100 other MILF members a Philhealth card for them to avail of government health services.
Accompanying the President are his Cabinet secretaries, Armed Forces of the Philippines officials, diplomatic corps and members of the International Contact Group and International Monitoring Team.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=495785
Government forces backed by armored personnel carriers started securing the periphery of a town in Maguindanao where President Benigno Aquino III will visit Monday to launch the “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” project, the military here said.
Sajahatra is an Arabic word which means prosperity, peace and unity. Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the security arrangement is part of the preparations to ensure the safety of everybody.
Elements of the 7th and 40th Infantry Battalion have been deployed in the five-kilometer radius of Barangay Darapanan where the President will also meet Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chair Murad Ebrahim on Monday.
The President is the third Philippine president to set foot in an MILF enclave after former President Joseph Estrada and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Estrada visited the MILF’s main enclave – Camp Abubakar in 2000 following an all-out war against the MILF that left more than 100 people dead. Estrada led the victory party and hoisting of Philippine flag inside the sprawling Camp Abubakar.
Former President Arroyo also visited the camp in 2006 after the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade headquarters was transferred there from nearby Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat.
President Aquino’s coming to the MILF Camp Darapanan on Monday is perceived by the MILF as an act of peace on the part of the Chief Executive and a clear indication of his desire to attain peace in the island.
Hermoso said there will be no joint Army-MILF security but exclusive to the Armed Forces because it is their mandate to secure the venue where the President is visiting. President Aquino will personally hand over to Murad and about 100 other MILF members a Philhealth card for them to avail of government health services.
Accompanying the President are his Cabinet secretaries, Armed Forces of the Philippines officials, diplomatic corps and members of the International Contact Group and International Monitoring Team.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=495785
MNLF plans attacks on Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): MNLF plans attacks on Abu Sayyaf in
Sulu
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will continue its attacks on the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu. This assertion of continuous attacks by the MNLF against the ASG came following the shootout between the two groups last Monday in Patikul, Sulu that left at least 28 people dead, 11 on the side of the MNLF and 17 on the ASG. Eight of those killed on the side of the MNLF were beheaded by the ASG.
Islamic Conference Chairman of the MNLF Habib Mujahab Hashin said “we are preparing for the final assault.” In an interview over TV 11 Dateline Zamboanga aired Thursday night, Hashim said “we are gathering forces. We cannot tolerate this group.”
The ASG number a few hundreds while the MNLF has thousands of armed members in the Sulu Province, from whence sprung this premier rebel group in Mindanao in the early 1970s.
The fighting that broke out Monday was confined to barangays Danag, Caunayan, Dariyan and Cantila Amo. Hashim said MNLF commanders in the province are coordinating with Police and Military authorities to prevent “mis-encounters” with government authorities.
Meantime, Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra said that the police will stay neutral in the fighting. “We are confined to saving and helping civilians said to number 1,857 individuals in 349 families from these four barangays who left their homes because of the fighting.
On the other hand, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) does not think that the fighting will affect the conduct of elections in the province in May . There are 19 municipalities and 410 barangays in the provinces and only a few of these are occupied by big groups of rebels. The ASG are holdouts in the hinterlands and do not keep fixed camps.
Comelec Provincial Officer Atty. Vizfar Julie said both the MNLF and ASG are not known to support candidates or politicians and thus the fighting will have no political color in it nor will it draw politicians into the trouble. “The fighting has nothing to do with politics.” Julie said.
On the actual fighting itself, the ICC Chairman of the MNLF said that although they had hesitated to attack the Abu Sayyaf, he said the MNLF cannot anymore tolerate the criminal activities of this extremist group.
The MNLF led by Nur Misuari signed a peace agreement with the government then under President Fidel Ramos in September 2, 1996. This agreement “officially ended” the MNLF’s fight with the government with the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM.
On the other hand, the ASG is considered an enemy of the state as it has engaged in atrocities, ambuscades, kidnappings , extortion and other criminal activities in Mindanao. To date, the ASG is still holding about a dozen kidnap victims to include Autralian Warren Rodwell, Jordanian Journalist Baker Atyani, Japanese Treasure Hunter Mamaito Katayama, an engineer of the local airport and some other victims from parts of the peninsula or even from this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=495803
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will continue its attacks on the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu. This assertion of continuous attacks by the MNLF against the ASG came following the shootout between the two groups last Monday in Patikul, Sulu that left at least 28 people dead, 11 on the side of the MNLF and 17 on the ASG. Eight of those killed on the side of the MNLF were beheaded by the ASG.
Islamic Conference Chairman of the MNLF Habib Mujahab Hashin said “we are preparing for the final assault.” In an interview over TV 11 Dateline Zamboanga aired Thursday night, Hashim said “we are gathering forces. We cannot tolerate this group.”
The ASG number a few hundreds while the MNLF has thousands of armed members in the Sulu Province, from whence sprung this premier rebel group in Mindanao in the early 1970s.
The fighting that broke out Monday was confined to barangays Danag, Caunayan, Dariyan and Cantila Amo. Hashim said MNLF commanders in the province are coordinating with Police and Military authorities to prevent “mis-encounters” with government authorities.
Meantime, Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra said that the police will stay neutral in the fighting. “We are confined to saving and helping civilians said to number 1,857 individuals in 349 families from these four barangays who left their homes because of the fighting.
On the other hand, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) does not think that the fighting will affect the conduct of elections in the province in May . There are 19 municipalities and 410 barangays in the provinces and only a few of these are occupied by big groups of rebels. The ASG are holdouts in the hinterlands and do not keep fixed camps.
Comelec Provincial Officer Atty. Vizfar Julie said both the MNLF and ASG are not known to support candidates or politicians and thus the fighting will have no political color in it nor will it draw politicians into the trouble. “The fighting has nothing to do with politics.” Julie said.
On the actual fighting itself, the ICC Chairman of the MNLF said that although they had hesitated to attack the Abu Sayyaf, he said the MNLF cannot anymore tolerate the criminal activities of this extremist group.
The MNLF led by Nur Misuari signed a peace agreement with the government then under President Fidel Ramos in September 2, 1996. This agreement “officially ended” the MNLF’s fight with the government with the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM.
On the other hand, the ASG is considered an enemy of the state as it has engaged in atrocities, ambuscades, kidnappings , extortion and other criminal activities in Mindanao. To date, the ASG is still holding about a dozen kidnap victims to include Autralian Warren Rodwell, Jordanian Journalist Baker Atyani, Japanese Treasure Hunter Mamaito Katayama, an engineer of the local airport and some other victims from parts of the peninsula or even from this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=495803
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