From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 25): Sabah under control, claims Malaysia
After more than a month of military operations against forces of the sultan
of Sulu, Malaysian authorities have declared the crisis in eastern Sabah “under
control,” Malacañang reported on Sunday.
National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, quoting Malaysian authorities, said
police operatives were now conducting a “small unit” operation against the
remnants of Agbimuddin Kiram’s group, who were believed to have broken up into
small groups in Lahad Datu town.
“It’s a small unit operation. That’s how it is right now. They think the
group has broken into small groups and scattered to different villages,” Garcia
said in an interview by phone.
Malaysian security forces and the Sulu royal army clashed anew in Tanjung
Batu in Lahad Datu on Sunday, during which four people, including two children,
were killed and two others, a soldier and another boy, were wounded.
Malaysian Armed Forces Chief Gen. Zulkifeli Zin said in a news conference
that the boy was airlifted to a hospital and the bodies of the four people with
Filipino ancestry were taken to a morgue.
He said Malaysian security forces entered a house in Tanjung Batu around 9:15
a.m. as they tailed “two terrorists” but they were fired upon instead, prompting
them to retaliate.
On March 19, the Malaysian authorities downgraded the alert level from red to
amber in Lahad Datu, more than a month after Agbimuddin and members of the Sulu
royal army launched an offensive to press their claim on Sabah, according to
Garcia.
The alert downgrade would indicate that “they’ve got the situation under
control,” he said.
The downgrade came after the arrest of an alleged top commander of the Sulu
sultan’s forces and his wife. Malaysia identified the new captives as Amirbahar
Hushin Kiram, 50, and his wife, Gina Teves, 47. They were reported arrested in a
marshy area in Kampung Sri Melor Bugaya, Semporna, last Saturday.
So far, Garcia said, he had no direct information if Amirbahar and his wife
were part of Agbimuddin Kiram’s group.
But for more than a week now, the Sulu royal army has not launched any attack
against Malaysian security forces.
Malaysian police deputy chief Khalid Abu Bakas told a Sabah-based radio
station that the “Sulu terrorists” had become leaderless with the arrest of
Amirbahar and the death of one Commander Musa more than two weeks ago.
Still missing
Malaysia also announced it had filed terrorism and rebellion charges against
eight persons arrested in Lahad Datu and investigations were ongoing into the
possible participation of over 100 more detainees.
The fate of the alleged leader, Agbimuddin Kiram, a brother of Sultan Jamalul
Kiram III, remained unknown.
Garcia said the government had received conflicting reports—either he was
still in Lahad Datu or he had slipped back into the Philippines. “The Malaysians
are convinced that he’s still there,” Garcia said, quoting news reports from
Malaysia.
The reported defeat of the sultan’s offensive to reclaim Sabah, however, was
denied by Agbimuddin’s son-in-law, Danilo Datu Abdullah Virtudazo.
Virtudazo told the INQUIRER in Cagayan de Oro City that the Sulu royal army
was “merely in a defensive stance in deference to a ceasefire declared by Sultan
Jamalul Kiram III based on a recent letter of appeal from United Nations
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.”
“The sultanate respected the call for a ceasefire but Malaysia did not,” said
Virtudazo, who is married to Agbimuddin’s fourth daughter, Dayang Mura Napsa.
Statements as psy-war
Another spokesperson of the sultan, Abraham Idjirani, the sultanate’s
secretary general, also cast doubt on the official statements of Malaysian
authorities, branding them as propaganda “psy-war.”
Two of the eight alleged supporters of the sultan who were charged by
Malaysian authorities with terrorism and rebellion (one Kalbi and Madzalie) were
earlier reported killed during the March 1 clashes in Lahad Datu, Idjirani said.
“This is an integral part of the psy-war tactics of the Malaysians. Because
they don’t want to bare the truth, they are using the names of dead people to
support their lies,” Idjirani said over the phone.
Idjirani said they had also received information that the Malaysian
government had sent additional troops, military tanks and helicopters to Lahad
Datu to search for Agbimuddin and the remaining Sulu fighters.
As the Sabah crisis lingers, a descendant of the Sulu royal house, Rita Tuban
of the state-run University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, urged the
Sulu royals to retry the diplomatic way of settling the Sabah claim.
Tuban, who is known among Tausugs as Princess Jamala-Rah II, urged the
government to facilitate a meeting of all Sulu royals so peaceful solutions
could be agreed upon.
At a forum organized by Universiti Malaya on Friday, Julkipli Wadi of the
University of the Philippines was reported to have urged Malaysia and the
Philippines to find ways to immediately resolve the Sabah issue as it could
create a larger problem, especially if a third party steps in.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70143/sabah-under-control-claims-malaysia
Sunday, March 24, 2013
PNoy cites Phl Army achievements on its 116th founding anniversary
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): PNoy cites Phl Army achievements on its 116th founding anniversary
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the achievements of the Philippine Army on its 116th Anniversary celebration held last Friday, in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In his keynote address, President Aquino also recognized accomplishments that the organization has achieved during the past 116 years.
“Talaga nga pong kay layo na ng ating narating sa loob ng isandaan at labing-anim na taon. Mula sa pagkakapunla bilang isang kilusang militia, ngayon, tunay na propesyunal na ang ating Hukbong Katihan. Mula sa mga sinaunang kagamitang pinondohan mula sa sariling bulsa o kinuha sa mga nadaig na dayuhan, ngayon, nagsisimula na ring maabot ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng isang hukbo na kayang harapin ang mga hamon ng makabagong panahon (The Philippine Army has truly gone far from its guerrilla force beginnings and is now a professional organization. From acquiring equipment with their own money or seizing them from defeated enemies, we now have an Army who can face the challenges of the present day),” the President said in the vernacular.
Just recently, the Army reaped the fruits of its efforts as it was recognized as Performance Governance System (PGS) - proficient by the Institute of Solidarity in Asia during a Public Governance Forum. The Army's performance as an organization gas been acclaimed as it passed the Proficiency Stage of the PGS, a strategic and performance management tool which assesses government agencies and local government units. This only suggests that the Philippine Army is in the right track in the quest for transformation.
The President also noted that under the Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, the equipment, training and even housing benefits needed by the personnel of the PA will improve their capabilities to defend the Philippines and its people.
Projects that boost morale and ensure welfare of the soldiers have also been given priority through the Health Service Support System which is enhanced in order to ensure higher survivability rate of soldiers in the frontlines. In line with this, field ambulances have been deployed to infantry brigades, and still more will be procured for the infantry battalions. Supplementary individual first aid kits have also been distributed to line units on top of casualty management evacuation trainings for the personnel of the Forward Medical Support Company of the infantry divisions that have been conducted.
President Aquino also led in the awarding of enlisted personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and civilian entities.in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the service.
Leading this year's pool of awardees is Colonel Yerson E. Depayso who earned the Distinguished Service Star for his effective leadership instrumental to the implementation of programs and services in his area of responsibility as Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2401364032488
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the achievements of the Philippine Army on its 116th Anniversary celebration held last Friday, in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In his keynote address, President Aquino also recognized accomplishments that the organization has achieved during the past 116 years.
“Talaga nga pong kay layo na ng ating narating sa loob ng isandaan at labing-anim na taon. Mula sa pagkakapunla bilang isang kilusang militia, ngayon, tunay na propesyunal na ang ating Hukbong Katihan. Mula sa mga sinaunang kagamitang pinondohan mula sa sariling bulsa o kinuha sa mga nadaig na dayuhan, ngayon, nagsisimula na ring maabot ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng isang hukbo na kayang harapin ang mga hamon ng makabagong panahon (The Philippine Army has truly gone far from its guerrilla force beginnings and is now a professional organization. From acquiring equipment with their own money or seizing them from defeated enemies, we now have an Army who can face the challenges of the present day),” the President said in the vernacular.
Just recently, the Army reaped the fruits of its efforts as it was recognized as Performance Governance System (PGS) - proficient by the Institute of Solidarity in Asia during a Public Governance Forum. The Army's performance as an organization gas been acclaimed as it passed the Proficiency Stage of the PGS, a strategic and performance management tool which assesses government agencies and local government units. This only suggests that the Philippine Army is in the right track in the quest for transformation.
The President also noted that under the Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, the equipment, training and even housing benefits needed by the personnel of the PA will improve their capabilities to defend the Philippines and its people.
Projects that boost morale and ensure welfare of the soldiers have also been given priority through the Health Service Support System which is enhanced in order to ensure higher survivability rate of soldiers in the frontlines. In line with this, field ambulances have been deployed to infantry brigades, and still more will be procured for the infantry battalions. Supplementary individual first aid kits have also been distributed to line units on top of casualty management evacuation trainings for the personnel of the Forward Medical Support Company of the infantry divisions that have been conducted.
President Aquino also led in the awarding of enlisted personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and civilian entities.in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the service.
Leading this year's pool of awardees is Colonel Yerson E. Depayso who earned the Distinguished Service Star for his effective leadership instrumental to the implementation of programs and services in his area of responsibility as Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2401364032488
500 soldiers on backup
From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 19): 500 soldiers on backup
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has ordered the Joint Task Force National Capital Region to place at least 500 soldiers to augment police forces during Holy Week.
Military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said lenten operations will be conducted along with Camp Crame where Supt. Alex Yanquiling, Metro Manila operations division chief, said NCRPO chief Leonardo Espina has placed 17,000 officers on full alert.
“We will have maximum deployment,” Yanquiling said. “Even policemen in desk duties will get out and patrol with barangay watchmen.
Espina said bus inspections will be mandatory in terminals including K9 units for firearms and bomb detection.
“We will implement strict checks to ensure the safety of the commuters,” he said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/03/25/500-soldiers-on-backup/
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has ordered the Joint Task Force National Capital Region to place at least 500 soldiers to augment police forces during Holy Week.
Military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said lenten operations will be conducted along with Camp Crame where Supt. Alex Yanquiling, Metro Manila operations division chief, said NCRPO chief Leonardo Espina has placed 17,000 officers on full alert.
“We will have maximum deployment,” Yanquiling said. “Even policemen in desk duties will get out and patrol with barangay watchmen.
Espina said bus inspections will be mandatory in terminals including K9 units for firearms and bomb detection.
“We will implement strict checks to ensure the safety of the commuters,” he said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/03/25/500-soldiers-on-backup/
NPA captive in ComVal ordered freed
From MindaNews (Mar 24): NPA captive in ComVal ordered freed
A police officer in Compostela Valley province who has been held captive by the New People’s Army since March 18 has been ordered released by the National Democratic Front (NDF) Southern Mindanao.
In an e-mailed press statement on Sunday, Rubi del Mundo, NDF Southern Mindanao spokesperson, ordered the release of Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., who was nabbed by elements of the the New Peoples’ Army in a checkpoint in Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley.
Del Mundo appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10th Infantry Division “to cease its offensive military operations in Compostela Valley to pave the safe, orderly and expeditious release of Nojapa.”
The NDF also urged the provincial police to do the same.
But Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the AFP’s 10th Infantry Division, said the military has nothing to suspend as it has stopped military operations since the conduct of peace and development outreach program.
He said the army’s peace and development teams have been serving as security patrols in the villages.
Del Mundo said the decision to release Nojapa is “based on purely humanitarian grounds” following the appeal made by Nojapa’s wife and Bishop Delfin Callao, convenor of Sowing the Seeds for Peace, for his release.
But in the same statement, del Mundo said that after investigation by the NPA, “no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his (Nojapa’s) prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement.”
Gertrudes and Bishop Callao in a press conference on Saturday, appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to suspend military operations to pave the way for Nojapa’s release.
Del Mundo said Nojapa is “well, his blood pressure regularly monitored and anti-hypertensive drugs administered by medics of the NPA custodial force.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/03/24/npa-captive-in-comval-ordered-freed/
A police officer in Compostela Valley province who has been held captive by the New People’s Army since March 18 has been ordered released by the National Democratic Front (NDF) Southern Mindanao.
In an e-mailed press statement on Sunday, Rubi del Mundo, NDF Southern Mindanao spokesperson, ordered the release of Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., who was nabbed by elements of the the New Peoples’ Army in a checkpoint in Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley.
Del Mundo appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10th Infantry Division “to cease its offensive military operations in Compostela Valley to pave the safe, orderly and expeditious release of Nojapa.”
The NDF also urged the provincial police to do the same.
But Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the AFP’s 10th Infantry Division, said the military has nothing to suspend as it has stopped military operations since the conduct of peace and development outreach program.
Del Mundo said the decision to release Nojapa is “based on purely humanitarian grounds” following the appeal made by Nojapa’s wife and Bishop Delfin Callao, convenor of Sowing the Seeds for Peace, for his release.
But in the same statement, del Mundo said that after investigation by the NPA, “no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his (Nojapa’s) prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement.”
Gertrudes and Bishop Callao in a press conference on Saturday, appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to suspend military operations to pave the way for Nojapa’s release.
Del Mundo said Nojapa is “well, his blood pressure regularly monitored and anti-hypertensive drugs administered by medics of the NPA custodial force.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/03/24/npa-captive-in-comval-ordered-freed/
Surigao Norte cops on red alert for NPA foundation, local poll campaign season
From MindaNews (Mar 24): Surigao Norte cops on red alert for NPA foundation, local poll campaign season
The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office has placed its units on red alert ahead of the 44th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29.
Senior Supt. Roel Obusan, provincial police director, said the heightened security alert in the area “was meant to thwart threats from the NPA rebels and other lawless elements.”
Obusan said the provincial police command is continuously implementing security defense protocols particularly on vital installations and soft targets such as isolated and less fortified police and military outposts.
He said the intensified security measure includes “heightened intelligence, target hardening and incident management.”
The NPA rebels are known to operate in Surigao del Norte, a province that hosts several foreign-backed large mining companies.
On October 3, 2011, around 200 communist guerrillas separately attacked three mining companies—Taganito Mining Corp., Platinum Group Mining Corp. and TH PAL Mining Corp— in a span of three hours in the area.
The rebels reportedly seized 32 units of 9mm pistols and burned two barges and several heavy equipment like dump trucks and backhoes.
ABS-CBNnews.com reported then that the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo placed the damage to properties from $1 billion to S1.5 billion.
Aside from the NPA anniversary, Obusan said the heightened security alert was in line with the May 13 midterm national and local elections.
The local election campaign period was supposed to start on March 29 but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) moved the date to March 30.
March 29 falls on Good Friday, a holiday.
With the forthcoming polls, Obusan said the provincial police force is also intensifying their checkpoints for the Comelec gun ban implementation.
The policemen are also intensifying the monitoring of possible threats that could disrupt the campaign period, he said.
These security measures are continuously being strengthened to uphold the law and maintain peace and order, and to ensure that no threats can cause disorder not just in the province but in the whole country as well, Obusan said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/03/24/surigao-norte-cops-on-red-alert-for-npa-foundation-local-poll-campaign-season/
The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office has placed its units on red alert ahead of the 44th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29.
Senior Supt. Roel Obusan, provincial police director, said the heightened security alert in the area “was meant to thwart threats from the NPA rebels and other lawless elements.”
Obusan said the provincial police command is continuously implementing security defense protocols particularly on vital installations and soft targets such as isolated and less fortified police and military outposts.
He said the intensified security measure includes “heightened intelligence, target hardening and incident management.”
The NPA rebels are known to operate in Surigao del Norte, a province that hosts several foreign-backed large mining companies.
The rebels reportedly seized 32 units of 9mm pistols and burned two barges and several heavy equipment like dump trucks and backhoes.
ABS-CBNnews.com reported then that the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo placed the damage to properties from $1 billion to S1.5 billion.
Aside from the NPA anniversary, Obusan said the heightened security alert was in line with the May 13 midterm national and local elections.
The local election campaign period was supposed to start on March 29 but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) moved the date to March 30.
March 29 falls on Good Friday, a holiday.
With the forthcoming polls, Obusan said the provincial police force is also intensifying their checkpoints for the Comelec gun ban implementation.
The policemen are also intensifying the monitoring of possible threats that could disrupt the campaign period, he said.
These security measures are continuously being strengthened to uphold the law and maintain peace and order, and to ensure that no threats can cause disorder not just in the province but in the whole country as well, Obusan said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/03/24/surigao-norte-cops-on-red-alert-for-npa-foundation-local-poll-campaign-season/
Sulu Datus seek to convene peace, conciliation body to end Sabah row
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Mar 24): Sulu Datus seek to convene peace, conciliation body to end Sabah row
Strongly-worded appeals to put a stop to the bloodshed in Sabah, Malaysia was made recently by legitimate members of the Council of Royal Datus of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo even as it calls for immediate resolution of the conflict in the disputed Sabah territory .
At the same time, the Datus urgedMalaysia
Several resolutions approved and adopted during the 2nd Consultative Meetingof the Council of Royal
Datus of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo held on March 13, 2013 at the Sapphire room of the Grand Astoria Hotel, this city were addressed to the United Nations Secretary General, President Benigno Aquino III, Organization of the Islamic Conference and Malaysian Paramount Sultan and Prime Minister for the immediate intervention to halt the ongoing hostilities between Malaysian forces and members of the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu.
The meeting was attended by at least 66 heirs of the Sultanate from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi,Zamboanga
City
She said violence inSabah must be stopped
at once in order to normalize the situation and to avert more bloodshed in the
ongoing fighting. “The only way to do it is to seek the serious intervention of
our leaders,” Tanedo added.
She said the meeting, presided over by Datu Albi Julkarnain, chairman of the Council of Datus, was the 2nd series of a continuing consultation process of which the first was held in Jolo, Sulu last January 2008. It was aimed to consult, discuss and find solutions to theSabah
issues of theSultanate of Sulu. The consultations also seek to address the
conflict that has arisen as a result of the actions of some heirs who have gone
to Malaysia to demand the
return of Sabah to the sultanate and the
subsequent violence.
Tanedo is the granddaughter of the late Dayang Dayang Indah Taas, eldest daughter of Sulu’s 29th Sultan Jainal Abirin II of the Royal House of Patikul, Sulatanate of Sulu andNorth Borneo .
UN, OIC INTERVENTIONS
In a show of unity, the Datus appealed to the United Nations for immediate intervention to the ongoingSabah conflict and
stop to the harassment, abuse, arrest and killing of innocent civilians by
Malaysian military and police forces.
The standoff which erupted into a violent bloodbath has attracted the attention of the international community including the UN when its Secretary Gen. Ban Ki-Moon issued a statement calling for secession of hostilities between the two antagonist, urging them to settle the issue through dialogue in the negotiating table.
A similar appeal was made to the Organization of IslamicConference (OIC) to intervene to prevent further violence and commission of Human Rights violations and to avert the loss of precious lives.
OIC, composed of Islamic countries could play a major role to help their Muslim brothers inSabah .
Earlier, the Royal Sultanate of Sulu has responded to the UN call and unilaterally declared a ceasefire, which however lifted due to the continued refusal ofMalaysia
URGEMALAYSIA
A resolution by the Datus was adopted and addressed to His Highness Paramount Sultan and Prime Minister Tun Najib Rajak diplomatically asking Malaysia to stop hostilities against Filipinos who wentto Malaysia to reclaim Sabah Malaysia emphasizing among others, that the international community, as well as the Philippines and the Sulu Sultanate renounces war and would prefer a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
The Royal Datus urgedMalaysia
to form a “peace body” that would start a dialogue and spare the innocent
Muslim and non-Muslim Filipino Civilians in the conflict-affected areas in Sabah from illegal arrest, killings, abuses and
harassments.
“Whereas,we finally appeal to the addressee (Malaysia) to create a Peace and Conciliation Commission consisting of Malaysia, Philippines and Sulu Sultanate representatives based on mutual respect and dignity that could facilitate and help normalize the atmosphere of peace in Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia wherein the existing conflict arisen,” the resolution said.
On humanitarian ground, the Datus also in the same resolution enjoinedMalaysia
“Whereas, considering that the situation (obtaining) in Sabah, Malaysia is very much superfluous and unwarranted not only to the Filipino people but the whole world as well, we appeal to His Highness, Sultan Agong and Prime Minister of Malaysia that all victims be provided with humanitarian aid such as medicines, provisions and relief assistance.”
Tanedo said it is prayed that the resolution would reach the head of States through the Ambassador of USA,China ,
Brunei
NEED FOR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OFSABAH
ISSUE
The Datus in a separate resolution, called President Benigno Aquino III for a deeper understanding of theSabah issue
(claim) and the sentiments of the ethnic peoples traditionally and historically
under the Sultanate.
“Our ways may be distinct but we share the same aspirations of peace and development with the larger population of the country,” part of the resolution emphasized, which was duly signed by all.
The resolution, coursed through ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, also appealed to President Noynoy Aquino II to initiate immediate efforts through peaceful ceasefire solutions, rescue andprovide further humanitarian aids to the victims of the conflict in Sabah, at the same time asking the president to intervene to stop the killings, abuses and unwarranted behaviour of the Malaysian security forces against Filipinos.
It also asked the support of the Philippine government in the peaceful process of approaching theSabah issue,
involving all heirs and descendants of the Royal families, Muslim traditional
and religious leaders, all stakeholders and the raayat (constituents).
“We hope and pray that Sabah conflict shall be resolved through peaceful means as soon as possible in order to spare the lives of innocent Muslim Filipinos in the conflict-affected areas atSabah .”
“Finally, we appeal to His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III for immediate action before it’s too late,” the resolution concluded.
Dayang Dayang Putli Carolina Julkarnain, Dayang Dayang Derhana J. Hashim and Datu Nurshatri Ahmad were among the event’s organizers. Also in attendance were several guests with Ustadz Almadi Baginda who led the Pag Duaa and Mr. Abdulghafur R. Rabulan as the master of the ceremonies.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/7015-sulu-datus-seek-to-convene-peace-conciliation-body-to-end-sabah-row.html
Strongly-worded appeals to put a stop to the bloodshed in Sabah, Malaysia was made recently by legitimate members of the Council of Royal Datus of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo even as it calls for immediate resolution of the conflict in the disputed Sabah territory .
At the same time, the Datus urged
Several resolutions approved and adopted during the 2nd Consultative Meetingof the Council of Royal
Datus of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo held on March 13, 2013 at the Sapphire room of the Grand Astoria Hotel, this city were addressed to the United Nations Secretary General, President Benigno Aquino III, Organization of the Islamic Conference and Malaysian Paramount Sultan and Prime Minister for the immediate intervention to halt the ongoing hostilities between Malaysian forces and members of the Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu.
The meeting was attended by at least 66 heirs of the Sultanate from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi,
She said violence in
She said the meeting, presided over by Datu Albi Julkarnain, chairman of the Council of Datus, was the 2nd series of a continuing consultation process of which the first was held in Jolo, Sulu last January 2008. It was aimed to consult, discuss and find solutions to the
Tanedo is the granddaughter of the late Dayang Dayang Indah Taas, eldest daughter of Sulu’s 29th Sultan Jainal Abirin II of the Royal House of Patikul, Sulatanate of Sulu and
UN, OIC INTERVENTIONS
In a show of unity, the Datus appealed to the United Nations for immediate intervention to the ongoing
The standoff which erupted into a violent bloodbath has attracted the attention of the international community including the UN when its Secretary Gen. Ban Ki-Moon issued a statement calling for secession of hostilities between the two antagonist, urging them to settle the issue through dialogue in the negotiating table.
A similar appeal was made to the Organization of IslamicConference (OIC) to intervene to prevent further violence and commission of Human Rights violations and to avert the loss of precious lives.
OIC, composed of Islamic countries could play a major role to help their Muslim brothers in
Earlier, the Royal Sultanate of Sulu has responded to the UN call and unilaterally declared a ceasefire, which however lifted due to the continued refusal of
URGE
A resolution by the Datus was adopted and addressed to His Highness Paramount Sultan and Prime Minister Tun Najib Rajak diplomatically asking Malaysia to stop hostilities against Filipinos who wentto Malaysia to reclaim Sabah Malaysia emphasizing among others, that the international community, as well as the Philippines and the Sulu Sultanate renounces war and would prefer a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
The Royal Datus urged
“Whereas,we finally appeal to the addressee (Malaysia) to create a Peace and Conciliation Commission consisting of Malaysia, Philippines and Sulu Sultanate representatives based on mutual respect and dignity that could facilitate and help normalize the atmosphere of peace in Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia wherein the existing conflict arisen,” the resolution said.
On humanitarian ground, the Datus also in the same resolution enjoined
“Whereas, considering that the situation (obtaining) in Sabah, Malaysia is very much superfluous and unwarranted not only to the Filipino people but the whole world as well, we appeal to His Highness, Sultan Agong and Prime Minister of Malaysia that all victims be provided with humanitarian aid such as medicines, provisions and relief assistance.”
Tanedo said it is prayed that the resolution would reach the head of States through the Ambassador of USA,
NEED FOR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF
The Datus in a separate resolution, called President Benigno Aquino III for a deeper understanding of the
“Our ways may be distinct but we share the same aspirations of peace and development with the larger population of the country,” part of the resolution emphasized, which was duly signed by all.
The resolution, coursed through ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, also appealed to President Noynoy Aquino II to initiate immediate efforts through peaceful ceasefire solutions, rescue andprovide further humanitarian aids to the victims of the conflict in Sabah, at the same time asking the president to intervene to stop the killings, abuses and unwarranted behaviour of the Malaysian security forces against Filipinos.
It also asked the support of the Philippine government in the peaceful process of approaching the
“We hope and pray that Sabah conflict shall be resolved through peaceful means as soon as possible in order to spare the lives of innocent Muslim Filipinos in the conflict-affected areas at
“Finally, we appeal to His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III for immediate action before it’s too late,” the resolution concluded.
Dayang Dayang Putli Carolina Julkarnain, Dayang Dayang Derhana J. Hashim and Datu Nurshatri Ahmad were among the event’s organizers. Also in attendance were several guests with Ustadz Almadi Baginda who led the Pag Duaa and Mr. Abdulghafur R. Rabulan as the master of the ceremonies.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/7015-sulu-datus-seek-to-convene-peace-conciliation-body-to-end-sabah-row.html
MILF members support ASFP projects in ARMM
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Mar 24): MILF members support ASFP projects in ARMM
Guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have become more willing to participate in the implementation of donor-funded projects in areas that were previously known as “conflict flashpoints”.
Abba Kuaman, manager of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP), said MILF members have been participating in various projects in remote areas, working alongside local government units and community folks.
The ASFP is the conduit of projects of the World Bank and the Japan International cooperation Agency.
“Even before the crafting of the FAB (Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro) small groups of MILF guerrillas have already been coming out to help in the implementation of our `community driven’ projects...,” Kuaman said.
Kuaman, whose office is operating under the ministerial control of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, said MILF members became even more aggressive in participating in the community projects of the ASFP after the signing of the FAB last October 15, 2012.
The FAB, whose four annexes are now being completed by the government and MILF panels, aims to establish a new autonomous political entity, which the rebel group is to lead, replacing the ARMM.
Kuaman said the rebels are helping in projects in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Saidona and Datu Anggal towns.
Maguindanao is a known bastion of the MILF, whose main enclave,Camp Darapanan
Experts from World Bank rated as “satisfactory” several times since 2005 the ASFP’s implementation of its projects in the autonomous region, which include post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, small fishing ports and public watercraft berthing facilities, multi-purpose centers and water systems.
JICA also has identical projects being implemented by the ASFP in many areas in the autonomous region.
The projects of ASFP are categorized into three components — the community development assistance; the strategic regional infrastructure; and the institutional strengthening and governance.
The World Bank has granted the Philippine government an additional $30-million in 2010 to enable the ASFP to continue with its projects for underdeveloped communities.
The ASFP has succeeded in assisting 2, 490 barangays in the ARMM since its inception more than a decade ago.
Most of ASFP’s JICA and World Bank-assisted projects were implemented in areas covered by 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
There are also dozens constructed in known enclaves of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with government on September 2, 1996.
Kuaman said there is “no conflict” between the ASFP projects and those to be implemented under Malacañang’s Sajahatra program, which President Benigno Aquino III launched in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last month.
The Sajahatra project is a convergence of government services to be implemented directly in underdeveloped areas in MILF strongholds.
Kuaman said Hataman has keenly been observing the implementation of the ASFP’s JICa and World Bank projects.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/7018-milf-members-support-asfp-projects-in-armm.html
Guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have become more willing to participate in the implementation of donor-funded projects in areas that were previously known as “conflict flashpoints”.
Abba Kuaman, manager of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP), said MILF members have been participating in various projects in remote areas, working alongside local government units and community folks.
The ASFP is the conduit of projects of the World Bank and the Japan International cooperation Agency.
“Even before the crafting of the FAB (Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro) small groups of MILF guerrillas have already been coming out to help in the implementation of our `community driven’ projects...,” Kuaman said.
Kuaman, whose office is operating under the ministerial control of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, said MILF members became even more aggressive in participating in the community projects of the ASFP after the signing of the FAB last October 15, 2012.
The FAB, whose four annexes are now being completed by the government and MILF panels, aims to establish a new autonomous political entity, which the rebel group is to lead, replacing the ARMM.
Kuaman said the rebels are helping in projects in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Saidona and Datu Anggal towns.
Maguindanao is a known bastion of the MILF, whose main enclave,
Experts from World Bank rated as “satisfactory” several times since 2005 the ASFP’s implementation of its projects in the autonomous region, which include post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, small fishing ports and public watercraft berthing facilities, multi-purpose centers and water systems.
JICA also has identical projects being implemented by the ASFP in many areas in the autonomous region.
The projects of ASFP are categorized into three components — the community development assistance; the strategic regional infrastructure; and the institutional strengthening and governance.
The World Bank has granted the Philippine government an additional $30-million in 2010 to enable the ASFP to continue with its projects for underdeveloped communities.
The ASFP has succeeded in assisting 2, 490 barangays in the ARMM since its inception more than a decade ago.
Most of ASFP’s JICA and World Bank-assisted projects were implemented in areas covered by 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
There are also dozens constructed in known enclaves of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with government on September 2, 1996.
Kuaman said there is “no conflict” between the ASFP projects and those to be implemented under Malacañang’s Sajahatra program, which President Benigno Aquino III launched in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last month.
The Sajahatra project is a convergence of government services to be implemented directly in underdeveloped areas in MILF strongholds.
Kuaman said Hataman has keenly been observing the implementation of the ASFP’s JICa and World Bank projects.
http://zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/7018-milf-members-support-asfp-projects-in-armm.html
MILF: Editorial--Sense of urgency in talks
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Mar 24): Sense of urgency in talks
Time and again, the MILF has invariably affirmed that war is not the best option in resolving the Moro Question in Mindanao. This is not simply a cliché. The 21st century calls for the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means. Moreover, this war in Mindanao is simply not winnable for each side, the Philippine government and its armed forces and the MILF and its 12 thousand-man battle-tested mujahideen. We have already seen the devastation of this war for the last four decades --- and any right-minded man or woman would not like this to happen again. The mood of everyone is to settle the conflict with honor, justice, and without delay.
This is one of the reasons why the MILF peace panel refused to agree to postpone the peace negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, as set by the parties, and much more to change the venue. The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path. The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao.
Without doubt, President Aquino possesses this feeling of urgency too. Perhaps, his is more than anyone else, we believe, because of many reasons: First, his sense of justice – as did his father and mother – that the Moros are a “wronged people” which requires not only cosmetic rectification but also an honest, fair, humane deal; second, solving the problem in Mindanao is certainly his best legacy that any Philippine president can impart and dedicate to the whole nation; third, he knows that without putting to rest the bloody mess in Mindanao, the Philippine state can never take off as a developing state; and fourth, the war in Mindanao, as stated above, is unwinnable by both sides of the equation: The MILF cannot win the war by conventional means nor can the government crush the MILF, which can always resort to full guerrilla warfare.
This renders the conclusion of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation as urgent business. Any reason to delay it, even if it is predicated by seemingly an honest reason, cannot be given much weight. Like a professional boxer, once inside the ring, he cannot make any pretext; either he boxes or calls it quits --- and loses.
This urgency also relates directly to the tasks and term of office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which only has one year and nine months remaining in its 2-year lifespan, and within which it has to write the Basic Law, among other two functions, and to secure its undiluted passage by Congress, as well as its ratification by majority of the voters in the proposed Bangsamoro territory.
It is on this premise that we call everyone including the international community to urge all parties to expedite the talks in a deliberate and sure manner. Time is ticking away; once it has passed, we cannot go back anymore. We also call upon them to journey with us until the conclusion of these negotiations.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3163:-sense-of-urgency-in-talks&catid=344:gggg&Itemid=542
Time and again, the MILF has invariably affirmed that war is not the best option in resolving the Moro Question in Mindanao. This is not simply a cliché. The 21st century calls for the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means. Moreover, this war in Mindanao is simply not winnable for each side, the Philippine government and its armed forces and the MILF and its 12 thousand-man battle-tested mujahideen. We have already seen the devastation of this war for the last four decades --- and any right-minded man or woman would not like this to happen again. The mood of everyone is to settle the conflict with honor, justice, and without delay.
This is one of the reasons why the MILF peace panel refused to agree to postpone the peace negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, as set by the parties, and much more to change the venue. The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path. The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao.
Without doubt, President Aquino possesses this feeling of urgency too. Perhaps, his is more than anyone else, we believe, because of many reasons: First, his sense of justice – as did his father and mother – that the Moros are a “wronged people” which requires not only cosmetic rectification but also an honest, fair, humane deal; second, solving the problem in Mindanao is certainly his best legacy that any Philippine president can impart and dedicate to the whole nation; third, he knows that without putting to rest the bloody mess in Mindanao, the Philippine state can never take off as a developing state; and fourth, the war in Mindanao, as stated above, is unwinnable by both sides of the equation: The MILF cannot win the war by conventional means nor can the government crush the MILF, which can always resort to full guerrilla warfare.
This renders the conclusion of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation as urgent business. Any reason to delay it, even if it is predicated by seemingly an honest reason, cannot be given much weight. Like a professional boxer, once inside the ring, he cannot make any pretext; either he boxes or calls it quits --- and loses.
This urgency also relates directly to the tasks and term of office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which only has one year and nine months remaining in its 2-year lifespan, and within which it has to write the Basic Law, among other two functions, and to secure its undiluted passage by Congress, as well as its ratification by majority of the voters in the proposed Bangsamoro territory.
It is on this premise that we call everyone including the international community to urge all parties to expedite the talks in a deliberate and sure manner. Time is ticking away; once it has passed, we cannot go back anymore. We also call upon them to journey with us until the conclusion of these negotiations.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3163:-sense-of-urgency-in-talks&catid=344:gggg&Itemid=542
MILF: Japan conducts study tour for MILF Peace panel, Bangsamoro Transition Commission in Tokyo, Hiroshima
From the MILF Website (Mar 24): Japan conducts study tour for MILF Peace panel, Bangsamoro Transition Commission in Tokyo, Hiroshima
Members of the MILF peace panel led by its chairman, Mohagher Iqbal, and other panel members Maulana Alonto, Michael Mastura, Abdullah Camlian, Abhoud Syed Lingga and Antonio Kinoc, were invited to Japan by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from March 17 - 23. Several members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission were also part of the study tour in Tokyo and Hiroshima.
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) members were recently appointed by President Benigno Aquino to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law in accordance to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes. For the GPH, members of the BTC who attended the study tour are former Ambassador Akmad Sakkam, Froilyn Mendoza, Pedrito Eisma and Talib Benito. MILF members of the BTC are Mohagher Iqbal, as chairman, Said Shiek, Raissa Jajurie, Ibrahim Ali, Abdullah Camlian, Maulana Alonto, Hussein Munoz and Melanio Ulama. Technical and legal experts also accompanied the group in the person of Atty. Ishak Mastura, Atty. Roslaine Maniri and Anuas Serad. Cotabato City JICA office staff Samrah Karon was included in the group.
The highlight of the trip was the courtesy call of the MILF peace panel to the Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minoru Kiuchi. Japan has been actively involved in the GPH-MILF peace process as a member state of the International Contact Group (ICG) that is overseeing the peace process together with countries, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Japan is likewise a member of the International Monitoring Team that is keeping the GPH-MILF ceasefire in place led by Malaysia together with Indonesia, Brunei, Norway, Libya and the European Union. In Hiroshima, the group also met with Hidehiko Yuzaki, Prefectural Governor of Hiroshima. The group visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial established in the grounds where the first atomic bomb in history was used against a civilian population in World War II.
Lectures were conducted by Professors from the National Graduate Research Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo on the following subject matters: 1. Regional dynamics affecting the future of Mindanao and direction of state-building, which lecture was conducted by GRIPS President, Takashi Shiraishi; 2. Institutions of government and public administration in Japan including local governance system; 3.The Japanese Diet, electoral system and political party system; and 3. Process of modernization and socio-economic development in Japan since the Meiji era.
Courtesy calls were made by the group to JICA officials at their headquarters in Tokyo, particularly meetings with JICA president Akihiko Tanaka and former JICA president Sadako Ogata, now senior adviser to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. It was during the tenure of Sadako Ogata that the JICA set-up in Mindanao its flagship programs the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD. After the official study tour, the group visited Kyoto, the historical and cultural capital of Japan where the Japanese emperor originally settled for 1,000 years before moving to Edo or what is now known as Tokyo during the Japanese Shogunate.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chairman and concurrent Transition Commission chairman, said that the study tour to Japan by both the peace panel members and the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission is part of the confidence building measures between the government and the MILF as they move along in their partnership to settle the Moro Question once and for all. According to him “This is the first time that the GPH and MILF have gone together as one group in an activity conducted by foreign peace interlocutors, such as Japan.”
He added that such joint peace activities by the government and the MILF will increase as the GPH-MILF peace negotiations near their completion with only the annexes on normalization and power sharing and the Comprehensive Compact still to be finished after the annex on wealth sharing’s draft was completed last month and the annex on transition arrangement and modalities was signed by the negotiating parties. In the meantime, the GPH and MILF peace panels are scheduled to meet again in Kuala Lumpur on March 25.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3162:japan-conducts-study-tour-for-milf-peace-panel-bangsamoro-transition-commission-in-tokyo-hiroshima&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Members of the MILF peace panel led by its chairman, Mohagher Iqbal, and other panel members Maulana Alonto, Michael Mastura, Abdullah Camlian, Abhoud Syed Lingga and Antonio Kinoc, were invited to Japan by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from March 17 - 23. Several members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission were also part of the study tour in Tokyo and Hiroshima.
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) members were recently appointed by President Benigno Aquino to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law in accordance to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes. For the GPH, members of the BTC who attended the study tour are former Ambassador Akmad Sakkam, Froilyn Mendoza, Pedrito Eisma and Talib Benito. MILF members of the BTC are Mohagher Iqbal, as chairman, Said Shiek, Raissa Jajurie, Ibrahim Ali, Abdullah Camlian, Maulana Alonto, Hussein Munoz and Melanio Ulama. Technical and legal experts also accompanied the group in the person of Atty. Ishak Mastura, Atty. Roslaine Maniri and Anuas Serad. Cotabato City JICA office staff Samrah Karon was included in the group.
The highlight of the trip was the courtesy call of the MILF peace panel to the Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minoru Kiuchi. Japan has been actively involved in the GPH-MILF peace process as a member state of the International Contact Group (ICG) that is overseeing the peace process together with countries, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Japan is likewise a member of the International Monitoring Team that is keeping the GPH-MILF ceasefire in place led by Malaysia together with Indonesia, Brunei, Norway, Libya and the European Union. In Hiroshima, the group also met with Hidehiko Yuzaki, Prefectural Governor of Hiroshima. The group visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial established in the grounds where the first atomic bomb in history was used against a civilian population in World War II.
Lectures were conducted by Professors from the National Graduate Research Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo on the following subject matters: 1. Regional dynamics affecting the future of Mindanao and direction of state-building, which lecture was conducted by GRIPS President, Takashi Shiraishi; 2. Institutions of government and public administration in Japan including local governance system; 3.The Japanese Diet, electoral system and political party system; and 3. Process of modernization and socio-economic development in Japan since the Meiji era.
Courtesy calls were made by the group to JICA officials at their headquarters in Tokyo, particularly meetings with JICA president Akihiko Tanaka and former JICA president Sadako Ogata, now senior adviser to the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. It was during the tenure of Sadako Ogata that the JICA set-up in Mindanao its flagship programs the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD. After the official study tour, the group visited Kyoto, the historical and cultural capital of Japan where the Japanese emperor originally settled for 1,000 years before moving to Edo or what is now known as Tokyo during the Japanese Shogunate.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chairman and concurrent Transition Commission chairman, said that the study tour to Japan by both the peace panel members and the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission is part of the confidence building measures between the government and the MILF as they move along in their partnership to settle the Moro Question once and for all. According to him “This is the first time that the GPH and MILF have gone together as one group in an activity conducted by foreign peace interlocutors, such as Japan.”
He added that such joint peace activities by the government and the MILF will increase as the GPH-MILF peace negotiations near their completion with only the annexes on normalization and power sharing and the Comprehensive Compact still to be finished after the annex on wealth sharing’s draft was completed last month and the annex on transition arrangement and modalities was signed by the negotiating parties. In the meantime, the GPH and MILF peace panels are scheduled to meet again in Kuala Lumpur on March 25.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3162:japan-conducts-study-tour-for-milf-peace-panel-bangsamoro-transition-commission-in-tokyo-hiroshima&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
CPP/Ang Bayan: USS Emory S. Land docks anew at Subic
From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): USS Emory S. Land docks anew at Subic
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
The Communist Party of thePhilippines
roundly condemned the docking anew of the USS Emory S.
Land at Subic Bay on March 15, a few months after the ship was involved in the
dumping of toxic waste at Subic Bay .
In October, a ship belonging to Glenn Defense Marine Asia was reported to have dumped 200,000 liters of used oil and human waste from the USS Emory S. Land at a portion of Subic Bay within thePhilippines
This act shows theUS ’
contempt for the Filipino people who have long been struggling to put an end to
US military intervention and
presence in the Philippines
The US’ violation of Philippine sovereignty becomes all the more brazen since the USS Guardian’s running aground and destruction of more than a hectare of coral reefs at Tubbataha have yet to be resolved. As of now, only half of the ship has been removed from the protected area.
The Communist Party of thePhilippines
reiterates its demand for the abrogation of all unequal treaties with the US , including the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty
and the Visiting Forces Agreement, which both pave the way for US
In a related development, thePhilippines
and the US Camp Aguinaldo
Part of the planned “rebalancing” involves the gradual deployment of theUS
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/uss-emory-s-land-docks-anew-at-subic
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
The Communist Party of the
In October, a ship belonging to Glenn Defense Marine Asia was reported to have dumped 200,000 liters of used oil and human waste from the USS Emory S. Land at a portion of Subic Bay within the
This act shows the
The US’ violation of Philippine sovereignty becomes all the more brazen since the USS Guardian’s running aground and destruction of more than a hectare of coral reefs at Tubbataha have yet to be resolved. As of now, only half of the ship has been removed from the protected area.
The Communist Party of the
In a related development, the
Part of the planned “rebalancing” involves the gradual deployment of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/uss-emory-s-land-docks-anew-at-subic
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA front condemns human rights violations in Abra
From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): NPA front condemns human rights violations in Abra
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
The Procopio Tauro Front under the Agustin Begnalen Command condemned the 41st IB’s violations of the people’s human rights in Lagangilang and Licuan-Baay towns in northern Abra.
January 30. Soldiers of the 41st IB arbitrarily arrested a 14-year old boy named “Boboy” (true name withheld), a resident of Barangay Lenneng, Licuan-Baay, Abra. Boboy had gone to the mountains near Palpalitpit, Cayapa, Lagangilang with a man, also from Barangay Lenneng to retrieve a carabao. They met the soldiers on the way. Boboy froze with fear but his companion was able to flee.
Boboy was arrested and brought to the military detachment in Bituen, Lenneng to make him admit to being a member of the New People’s Army (NPA). For the second time, Boboy refused to speak. The day after, the military brought the boy to Bakiro in Licuan-Baay town. Boboy was released only when the town mayor vouched that he was a civilian of minor age and was in fact, a nephew of his.
In Barangay Cayapa, Lagangilang, residents are being summoned to the military headquarters to prove that they are not NPA supporters. Villagers in Sitio Palpalitpit, on the other hand, have been barred from leaving the barrio, causing huge disruptions in their livelihoods.
January 29. The military attempted to kill Meymar Alcantara, 25, a resident of Barangay Nagtipulan, Lagangilang. He was gathering firewood in the forest at 11 a.m. when three uniformed soldiers armed with M16 rifles suddenly approached him. Their faces and nameplates were concealed with handkerchieves. The soldiers kicked him in the thigh and ordered him to admit to being an NPA member. They also kept on hitting him in the face.
Not content, they took the victim’s knife and wounded him near the eyes and on the chest. They carved the number “1” on his right temple and an “X” mark on his left temple. They put another “X” mark on his chest. They next pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger, but the weapon failed to fire. The soldiers stopped only when they saw his Voter’s I.D., which proved that he was really a civilian. The troopers ran off to regroup with their fellow soldiers, but not before threatening to come back at him.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-front-condemns-human-rights-violations-in-abra
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
The Procopio Tauro Front under the Agustin Begnalen Command condemned the 41st IB’s violations of the people’s human rights in Lagangilang and Licuan-Baay towns in northern Abra.
January 30. Soldiers of the 41st IB arbitrarily arrested a 14-year old boy named “Boboy” (true name withheld), a resident of Barangay Lenneng, Licuan-Baay, Abra. Boboy had gone to the mountains near Palpalitpit, Cayapa, Lagangilang with a man, also from Barangay Lenneng to retrieve a carabao. They met the soldiers on the way. Boboy froze with fear but his companion was able to flee.
Boboy was arrested and brought to the military detachment in Bituen, Lenneng to make him admit to being a member of the New People’s Army (NPA). For the second time, Boboy refused to speak. The day after, the military brought the boy to Bakiro in Licuan-Baay town. Boboy was released only when the town mayor vouched that he was a civilian of minor age and was in fact, a nephew of his.
In Barangay Cayapa, Lagangilang, residents are being summoned to the military headquarters to prove that they are not NPA supporters. Villagers in Sitio Palpalitpit, on the other hand, have been barred from leaving the barrio, causing huge disruptions in their livelihoods.
January 29. The military attempted to kill Meymar Alcantara, 25, a resident of Barangay Nagtipulan, Lagangilang. He was gathering firewood in the forest at 11 a.m. when three uniformed soldiers armed with M16 rifles suddenly approached him. Their faces and nameplates were concealed with handkerchieves. The soldiers kicked him in the thigh and ordered him to admit to being an NPA member. They also kept on hitting him in the face.
Not content, they took the victim’s knife and wounded him near the eyes and on the chest. They carved the number “1” on his right temple and an “X” mark on his left temple. They put another “X” mark on his chest. They next pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger, but the weapon failed to fire. The soldiers stopped only when they saw his Voter’s I.D., which proved that he was really a civilian. The troopers ran off to regroup with their fellow soldiers, but not before threatening to come back at him.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-front-condemns-human-rights-violations-in-abra
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA simultaneously harasses 10 detachments in Bicol
From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): NPA simultaneously harasses 10 detachments in Bicol
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
Red fighters under the Celso Minguez Command launched coordinated attacks on March 10 on 22nd IB detachments in the villages of Casay, Casiguran; Purog, Bulusan; Baligang, Gubat; San Roque, Bacon; Banwang Daan, Matnog and two detachments of the 31st IB in Barangay Rizal, Gubat and Barangay Rizal, Casiguran. On the same day, members of the Santos Binamira Command also attacked the 22nd IB detachment in Barangay Palanog, Camalig and Barangay Villa Petrona, Libon in Albay. The day after, Red fighters of the Eduardo Olbara Command attacked a “peace and development team” of the 42nd IB in Barangay Sooc, Bato, CamarinesSur.
These military actions were responses to the people’s longstanding demand to punish the troops of the butcher 9th Infantry Division because of its long record of human rights abuses, said Gregorio “Ka Greg” Bañares, NDF-Bicol spokesperson.
In a related development, thousands launched protest actions in Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon provinces on February 25 to expose and assail the brutality of Oplan Bayanihan. They gathered in the towns of Bato in Camarines Sur; Guinobatan, Albay; andBarcelona
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-simultaneously-harasses-10-detachments-in-bicol
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
Red fighters under the Celso Minguez Command launched coordinated attacks on March 10 on 22nd IB detachments in the villages of Casay, Casiguran; Purog, Bulusan; Baligang, Gubat; San Roque, Bacon; Banwang Daan, Matnog and two detachments of the 31st IB in Barangay Rizal, Gubat and Barangay Rizal, Casiguran. On the same day, members of the Santos Binamira Command also attacked the 22nd IB detachment in Barangay Palanog, Camalig and Barangay Villa Petrona, Libon in Albay. The day after, Red fighters of the Eduardo Olbara Command attacked a “peace and development team” of the 42nd IB in Barangay Sooc, Bato, Camarines
These military actions were responses to the people’s longstanding demand to punish the troops of the butcher 9th Infantry Division because of its long record of human rights abuses, said Gregorio “Ka Greg” Bañares, NDF-Bicol spokesperson.
In a related development, thousands launched protest actions in Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon provinces on February 25 to expose and assail the brutality of Oplan Bayanihan. They gathered in the towns of Bato in Camarines Sur; Guinobatan, Albay; and
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-simultaneously-harasses-10-detachments-in-bicol
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA launches intensive and coordinated armed actions
From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Mar 21): NPA launches intensive and coordinated armed actions
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
Red fighters launched successive and coordinated armed actions inButuan City ,
Agusan del Norte, Compostela Valley , Northern Samar
and Isabela. Up to 24 soldiers were killed and several others wounded.
Butuan and Agusan del Norte. Eleven soldiers and five policemen were killed in three separate gunbattles inButuan City
Three soldiers from the 58th IB were killed when an NPA unit met with gunfire patrolling troops in Sitio Alicapawan, Barangay Manoligao, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on March 17.
On March 15, five soldiers from the same battalion were killed in a clash with an NPA unit in Sitio Minlangit, Barangay Rojales, also in Carmen town.
Three soldiers from the 58th IB and five policemen from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) who were among those who responded to a disarming operation were killed in an NPA ambush in Bonbon,Butuan City
Meanwhile, on March 14, an NPA unit disarmed a village chief’s underling in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, seizing a shotgun and a cal .22 rifle. The people’s guerrillas also confiscated a cal .38 revolver from an abusive ex-CAFGU element in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Lunotan,Gingoog
City
Compostela
Valley Compostela Valley
A policeman was also stopped at an NPA checkpoint in Barangay Mainit, Nabunturan at around 6 a.m. of March 18. The checkpoint formed part of the NPA’s regular operations in the area against bad elements and abusive Special Operations Teams operating under Oplan Bayanihan.
Currently under the custody of the NPA inMindanao ’s Front 27 is PO3 Ruben Magno Nojapa of the
Nabunturan PNP.
Davao
City Davao
City
Before the ambush, the composite enemy force had been marauding the villages of Cadalian, Tambobong, Tawan-tawan, Carmen and Tamayong in Baguio District for more than a week. This punitive measure was conducted to give justice to the victims of brutal military operations and suppress the 84th IB’s renewed use of the Lumad vigilante Blackfighters to sow terror in the area, said Ka Simon Santiago, Political Director of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command.
Northern Samar .
A soldier spy from the 20th IB who was masquerading as a civilian was killed in
a military action launched by Red fighters of the NPA
Efren Martires Command and the people’s militia in Barangay Roxas, Lopez de
Vega on March 1.
Isabela. Four soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded when a six-man NPA team blasted a patrolling squad of the 86th IB Charlie Company with command-detonated explosives at 1 a.m. of February 15.
According to initial reports, the ambush was followed by two other ambuscades in the villages of Gangalan and Casala in San Mariano town on March 7.
The 86th IB has been conducting a battalion-size military operation in two guerrilla fronts in Isabela since February 8.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-launches-intensive-and-coordinated-armed-actions
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues.]
Red fighters launched successive and coordinated armed actions in
Butuan and Agusan del Norte. Eleven soldiers and five policemen were killed in three separate gunbattles in
Three soldiers from the 58th IB were killed when an NPA unit met with gunfire patrolling troops in Sitio Alicapawan, Barangay Manoligao, Carmen, Agusan del Norte on March 17.
On March 15, five soldiers from the same battalion were killed in a clash with an NPA unit in Sitio Minlangit, Barangay Rojales, also in Carmen town.
Three soldiers from the 58th IB and five policemen from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) who were among those who responded to a disarming operation were killed in an NPA ambush in Bonbon,
Meanwhile, on March 14, an NPA unit disarmed a village chief’s underling in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, seizing a shotgun and a cal .22 rifle. The people’s guerrillas also confiscated a cal .38 revolver from an abusive ex-CAFGU element in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Lunotan,
A policeman was also stopped at an NPA checkpoint in Barangay Mainit, Nabunturan at around 6 a.m. of March 18. The checkpoint formed part of the NPA’s regular operations in the area against bad elements and abusive Special Operations Teams operating under Oplan Bayanihan.
Currently under the custody of the NPA in
Before the ambush, the composite enemy force had been marauding the villages of Cadalian, Tambobong, Tawan-tawan, Carmen and Tamayong in Baguio District for more than a week. This punitive measure was conducted to give justice to the victims of brutal military operations and suppress the 84th IB’s renewed use of the Lumad vigilante Blackfighters to sow terror in the area, said Ka Simon Santiago, Political Director of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command.
Isabela. Four soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded when a six-man NPA team blasted a patrolling squad of the 86th IB Charlie Company with command-detonated explosives at 1 a.m. of February 15.
According to initial reports, the ambush was followed by two other ambuscades in the villages of Gangalan and Casala in San Mariano town on March 7.
The 86th IB has been conducting a battalion-size military operation in two guerrilla fronts in Isabela since February 8.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20130321/npa-launches-intensive-and-coordinated-armed-actions
CPP/NDF: NDF will release POW Nojapa
Posted to the CPP Website (Mar 24): NDF will release POW Nojapa
Rubi Del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao Chapter
The National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao orders the release of Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., who was arrested March 18 at Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley and held as prisoner of war under the custody of the New People’s Army Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command.
The release decision was based on purely humanitarian grounds in the wake of the appeal made by Nojapa’s family and peace advocates that have expressed support for a negotiated settlement within the bounds of international humanitarian law.
POW Nojapa is well, his blood pressure regularly monitored and anti-hypertensive drugs administered by medics of the NPA custodial force.
After Nojapa’s capture, he was investigated by the responsible organ of the NPA custodial force and no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement.
The prisoner’s order of release is an exercise of the political power and authority of the People’s Democratic Government. It is in compliance with the NDFP’s long-standing policy of lenient treatment of prisoners of war and its Declaration of Undertaking to Apply the Provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Protocol I and the GPH-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
The 10th ID-AFP is enjoined to cease its offensive military operations in Compostela Valley to pave the safe, orderly and expeditious release of POW Nojapa; the US-Aquino regime’s provincial police force is, likewise, urged to do the same.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130324_ndf-will-release-pow-nojapa
Rubi Del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao Chapter
The National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao orders the release of Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., who was arrested March 18 at Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley and held as prisoner of war under the custody of the New People’s Army Comval-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command.
The release decision was based on purely humanitarian grounds in the wake of the appeal made by Nojapa’s family and peace advocates that have expressed support for a negotiated settlement within the bounds of international humanitarian law.
POW Nojapa is well, his blood pressure regularly monitored and anti-hypertensive drugs administered by medics of the NPA custodial force.
After Nojapa’s capture, he was investigated by the responsible organ of the NPA custodial force and no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement.
The prisoner’s order of release is an exercise of the political power and authority of the People’s Democratic Government. It is in compliance with the NDFP’s long-standing policy of lenient treatment of prisoners of war and its Declaration of Undertaking to Apply the Provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Protocol I and the GPH-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
The 10th ID-AFP is enjoined to cease its offensive military operations in Compostela Valley to pave the safe, orderly and expeditious release of POW Nojapa; the US-Aquino regime’s provincial police force is, likewise, urged to do the same.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130324_ndf-will-release-pow-nojapa
Palparan ‘protégé’ leads anti-insurgency drive in Bicol
From the Business Mirror (Mar 24): Palparan ‘protégé’ leads anti-insurgency drive in Bicol
A PROTÉGÉ of retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. is reportedly taking charge of military’s anti-insurgency campaign in the Bicol region, a chapter of the human-rights group Karapatan reported.
Army Col. Ricardo Visaya has reportedly taken charge of the military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the Bicol region as the chief of the regional Armed Forces Peace and Development Council. He is reportedly focusing on the urban barangays of Legazpi City, Albay.
The group fears that the campaign will lead to harassment of activists, or worse, the commission of human-rights violations similar to that experienced by activists targeted during Palparan’s stint.
Karapatan-Bicol media information officer Paul Vincent Casilihan said Visaya allegedly possesses the same “brutal quality” and “fascist mindset” of Palparan.
They suspect that Visaya is set to spread state terror in the heart of Bicolandia as head of the military’s peace and development council in the Bicol region.
Karapatan said that so far, Visaya has placed at least eight barangays in Legazpi City, where progressive organizations and party-list groups are based, under tight military watch.
Casilihan lamented that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR-Bicol) had given the go-signal for Army troops under the command of Visaya to use barangay halls, day- care centers, chapels and other public edifices for the counter-insurgency campaign in the urban areas of Legazpi City.
Casilihan said Visaya is Palparan’s alleged partner during the time that extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of left-wing activists between 2004 and 2010 under Oplan Bantay Laya were at its all-time high.
This, the group said, can happen again, now that Visaya is the chief executive officer of urban militarization in Legazpi City.
“The Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan of President Aquino has commissioned the service of the Palparan-trained Visaya, a veteran of Oplan Bantay Laya during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Casilihan said.
Karapatan-Bicol said Visaya was also implicated in other human-rights violations during his stint as commander of Civil Military Operations Battalion in Metro Manila from February to September of 2007.
Karapatan also noted the the Commission on Trade and Human Rights, a labor-based human-rights group, had implicated Visaya in cases of harassment and the vilification campaign carried out by the 27th Infantry Battalion in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
However, military sources said that Palparan, who is now in hiding after being ordered arrested in connection with the disappearance of two University of the Philippines students, was made the “face” of human-rights violation because he succeeded in preventing the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army from taking over Mindoro Island several years ago.
A senior military official said that “Palparan did not only pushed back the five-year timetable of the CPP-NPA to take over Mindoro. He prevented it from happening.”
Palparan once commanded the Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade that is battling communist guerrillas in Mindoro.
“The left hates him [Palparan]. They will say anything to discredit him,” the officers said, adding that the CPP-NPA “planned to make Mindoro the Cuba of the Philippines.”
Poe: Revive Talks With Communists
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 24): Poe: Revive Talks With Communists
An administration senatorial bet has urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) to return to the peace negotiating table with the government to help ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in May.
Team PNoy senatorial bet Grace Poe aired the call as the New People’s Army (NPA), the paramilitary group of the local communist organization, continued to sow terror in the countryside.
The communists are being blamed for the death of over a dozen soldiers and civilians in ambushes staged by NPA guerrillas.
Poe said the resumption of peace talks could spell an orderly and peaceful election in the country but the two parties appeared adamant at returning to the negotiating table.
Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla admitted that the talks have bogged down as he expressed exasperation over the seeming lack of sincerity of the CPP-NPA to discuss peace at this time.
“I don’t think we should waste our time (negotiating with the CPP-NDF). They always find ways and means to look for an issue,” Padilla said last week.
A proposed meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison was also not expected to take place anytime soon.
NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni chided government for alleged “duplicity”.
Poe said continued hostilities between the military and the CPP-NDF-NPA have threatened hopes for an orderly election.
She said that rather than focusing on maintaining peace and order until election day, police and military forces have to channel men and logistics to guarding “soft targets” as a long-term ceasefire remains elusive.
“A truce can be agreed upon by both sides once both sides decide to come forward to resume discussions. A more permanent cessation of hostilities can be counted upon once the peace talks gets underway once more,” Poe stated.
“As of now, either side can declare a unilateral ceasefire which is tenuous at best as there is no guarantee that the other party will steer away from an armed clash,” she explained.
Attacks allegedly staged by NPA terrorists have scared away candidates from conducting campaigns in the countryside.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=4823&sid=1&subid=5
An administration senatorial bet has urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) to return to the peace negotiating table with the government to help ensure the peaceful conduct of elections in May.
Team PNoy senatorial bet Grace Poe aired the call as the New People’s Army (NPA), the paramilitary group of the local communist organization, continued to sow terror in the countryside.
The communists are being blamed for the death of over a dozen soldiers and civilians in ambushes staged by NPA guerrillas.
Poe said the resumption of peace talks could spell an orderly and peaceful election in the country but the two parties appeared adamant at returning to the negotiating table.
Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla admitted that the talks have bogged down as he expressed exasperation over the seeming lack of sincerity of the CPP-NPA to discuss peace at this time.
“I don’t think we should waste our time (negotiating with the CPP-NDF). They always find ways and means to look for an issue,” Padilla said last week.
A proposed meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison was also not expected to take place anytime soon.
NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni chided government for alleged “duplicity”.
Poe said continued hostilities between the military and the CPP-NDF-NPA have threatened hopes for an orderly election.
She said that rather than focusing on maintaining peace and order until election day, police and military forces have to channel men and logistics to guarding “soft targets” as a long-term ceasefire remains elusive.
“A truce can be agreed upon by both sides once both sides decide to come forward to resume discussions. A more permanent cessation of hostilities can be counted upon once the peace talks gets underway once more,” Poe stated.
“As of now, either side can declare a unilateral ceasefire which is tenuous at best as there is no guarantee that the other party will steer away from an armed clash,” she explained.
Attacks allegedly staged by NPA terrorists have scared away candidates from conducting campaigns in the countryside.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=4823&sid=1&subid=5
US Navy Vessel Visit Set
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 24): US Navy Vessel Visit Set
CEBU CITY, Cebu – Submarine tender USS Frank Cable is set to dock in the port of Cebu in the next few days for routine maintenance and various community assistance and outreach activities.
According to USS Frank Cable Command Master Chief Roger Schneider, this port visit will give the vessel’s crew the opportunity to act as goodwill ambassadors as they interact with local communities while out on liberty and participating in community engagements.
USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is the second Emory S. Land-class submarine tender built by the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company of Seattle, Washington for the United States Navy.
The United States Embassy in Manila said two other vessels, the submarine USS Ohio and the destroyer USS Decatur arrived the other day in Luzon. The USS Ohio docked in Subic, and USS Decatur in Manila; both vessels, similarly are in the country for routine maintenance, replenishment of supplies, rest and recreation, and community assistance and outreach activities.
The nearly 650-feet long USS Frank Cable has a crew of 1,500 and serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=4782&sid=1&subid=5
CEBU CITY, Cebu – Submarine tender USS Frank Cable is set to dock in the port of Cebu in the next few days for routine maintenance and various community assistance and outreach activities.
According to USS Frank Cable Command Master Chief Roger Schneider, this port visit will give the vessel’s crew the opportunity to act as goodwill ambassadors as they interact with local communities while out on liberty and participating in community engagements.
USS Frank Cable (AS-40) is the second Emory S. Land-class submarine tender built by the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company of Seattle, Washington for the United States Navy.
The United States Embassy in Manila said two other vessels, the submarine USS Ohio and the destroyer USS Decatur arrived the other day in Luzon. The USS Ohio docked in Subic, and USS Decatur in Manila; both vessels, similarly are in the country for routine maintenance, replenishment of supplies, rest and recreation, and community assistance and outreach activities.
The nearly 650-feet long USS Frank Cable has a crew of 1,500 and serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=4782&sid=1&subid=5
NPA set to free prisoner in Mindanao
From the Manila Times (Mar 24): NPA set to free prisoner in Mindanao
The New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday announced that it would free a policeman being held as a prisoner following appeals by his family and peace advocates in Mindanao to release him.
Rebels captured Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., on March 18 at a checkpoint in Compostela Valley’s Nabunturan town. His companion, Senior Police Officer 2 Randy Masambo managed to escape.
The National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has ordered the NPA to free the policeman.
The order came on the same day that fighting broke out in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province that left one rebel dead.
Major Eugenio Osias, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division, said troops clashed with about 15 NPA gunmen in Dalwangan village. Troops were patrolling the area when they ran into a group of rebels.
“The release decision was based on purely humanitarian grounds in the wake of the appeal made by Nojapa’s family and peace advocates that have expressed support for a negotiated settlement within the bounds of international humanitarian law,” Rubi del Mundo, a spokesperson for the NPA, said.
Del Mundo said that the policeman was also investigated by a rebel court which found no reason to detain him any longer.
“After Nojapa’s capture, he was investigated by the responsible organ of the NPA custodial force and no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement,” Del Mundo said.
“The prisoner’s order of release is an exercise of the political power and authority of the People’s Democratic Government. It is in compliance with the NDFP’s long-standing policy of lenient treatment of prisoners of war and its Declaration of Undertaking to Apply the Provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Protocol I and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” he noted.
Del Mundo also urged the Philippine military to cease its military offensive in Compostela Valley to pave the way for the safe and orderly release of Nojapa.
The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/44195-npa-set-to-free-prisoner-in-mindanao
The New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday announced that it would free a policeman being held as a prisoner following appeals by his family and peace advocates in Mindanao to release him.
Rebels captured Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa, Jr., on March 18 at a checkpoint in Compostela Valley’s Nabunturan town. His companion, Senior Police Officer 2 Randy Masambo managed to escape.
The National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has ordered the NPA to free the policeman.
The order came on the same day that fighting broke out in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province that left one rebel dead.
Major Eugenio Osias, a spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division, said troops clashed with about 15 NPA gunmen in Dalwangan village. Troops were patrolling the area when they ran into a group of rebels.
“The release decision was based on purely humanitarian grounds in the wake of the appeal made by Nojapa’s family and peace advocates that have expressed support for a negotiated settlement within the bounds of international humanitarian law,” Rubi del Mundo, a spokesperson for the NPA, said.
Del Mundo said that the policeman was also investigated by a rebel court which found no reason to detain him any longer.
“After Nojapa’s capture, he was investigated by the responsible organ of the NPA custodial force and no sufficient evidence was established to warrant his prosecution for serious crimes committed against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement,” Del Mundo said.
“The prisoner’s order of release is an exercise of the political power and authority of the People’s Democratic Government. It is in compliance with the NDFP’s long-standing policy of lenient treatment of prisoners of war and its Declaration of Undertaking to Apply the Provisions of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and Protocol I and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” he noted.
Del Mundo also urged the Philippine military to cease its military offensive in Compostela Valley to pave the way for the safe and orderly release of Nojapa.
The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/44195-npa-set-to-free-prisoner-in-mindanao
Malaysian police name captured ‘royal army’ commander
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 24): Malaysian police name captured ‘royal army’
commander
The Malaysian police on Sunday released the identity of the Sulu “royal army” commander, who was captured in Semporna district on Saturday, amid speculations in Sabah he could be Agbimuddin Kiram.
Malaysian police deputy chief Khalid Abu Bakar told a Sabah-based radio station that the arrested commander was Amirbahar Hushin Kiram, 50.
Amirbahar was arrested with his wife, Gina Teves, 47, at a marshy area in Kampung Sri Melor Bugaya around 1:30 a.m. Saturday following a tip-off, Khalid said.
He said seized from the couple were various items such as mobile phones, a money transfer card, cash amounting to over RM3,000 and various documents.
But Khalid would still not name the two other suspects, who were earlier arrested, except for saying one of them was the son of a former Tanduo village chief, who has Filipino ancestry.
He said the arrested suspects would be charged with terrorism and rebellion, or abetting these two acts, before the courts.
Khalid also said the latest arrests had brought to 408 the number of people taken into police custody under Operasi Daulat and over 100 of them were being directly linked to the Feb. 9 Sabah intrusion by the “royal army.”
Since Ops Daulat was launched on March 5, Malaysian security officials said 63 suspected Sulu gunmen had already been killed while the Malaysian side suffered 10 deaths – eight of them policemen.
Out of the number of slain gunmen, Khalid said 38 bodies had been retrieved.
For more than a week now, the Sulu gunmen had not launched any attack against Malaysian security forces on Sabah and the recent skirmishes were prompted by Malaysian ground operation.
Khalid said the main reason was that the “Sulu terrorists” had become leaderless with the arrest of Amirbahar, the death of Commander Musa more than two weeks ago, and when Agbimuddin fled to the Philippines.
But Agbimuddin’s son-in-law, Danilo Datu Abdullah Virtudazo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in Cagayan de Oro City that the Sulu “royal army” – or what remains of it – was in defensive stance in deference to a ceasefire declared by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III based on a recent letter of appeal from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
“The sultanate respected the call for ceasefire but Malaysia did not,” Virtudazo, who is married to Agbimuddin’s fourth daughter, Dayang Mura Napsa, said.
For Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the lack of aggressiveness on the side of Agbimuddin’s men might have been brought about by the fact that their number had been greatly reduced with the high death toll and arrests, their being leaderless, or because they had feared about not getting paid anymore.
“We received similar feedback from the Philippine government that the armed men were paid to carry out the attacks in Sabah,” Ahmad was quoted by state-run Radio 24 as saying on Saturday.
Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said his agency was working closely with Philippine intelligence agencies, such as the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica), in gathering facts behind the Sabah intrusion.
As Malaysia continues to clamp down on the “royal army,” a descendant of the Sulu royal house – Prof. Rita Tuban of the state-run University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City – urged Sulu royals to retry the diplomatic way of settling the Sabah claim.
Tuban traces her ancestry from Sultan Jamalul Kiram I (reigned 1823-1842) and is known among Tausugs as Princess Jamala-Rah II.
She said a meeting among Sulu royals should be facilitated by the government so that any peaceful solution agreed would be acceptable to all.
“I think it should be the government to call all the members of the sultanate, just to represent the houses, to unite them in whatever decision they will arrived at on the Sabah claim,” she said.
Prof. Julkipli Wadi of the University of the Philippines had also said during a forum on the Sabah issue, which was organized by Universiti Malaya, on Friday was quoted by state-run media Berita Nasional Malaysia as saying that Malaysia and the Philippines should find ways to immediately resolve the Sabah issue as it could create a larger problem, especially if a third party steps in.
Also speaking during the same forum, Romel Bagares, director of the Manila-based Center for International Law (CenterLaw), warned that the Sabah crisis will eventually have “adverse impacts on security…of the Asean region as a whole.”
“If it escalates, it will not be a Malaysia-Philippines issue anymore. It will cause power imbalance and instability in the region. This is something Asean does not want to happen,” Bagares was quoted as saying.
Prof. Mohamad Abu Bakar, head of the International and Strategic Studies at Universiti Malaya, said in settling the issues, Malaysia and the Philippines should also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the heirs of the sultanate of Sulu.
Malacañang has made it clear that the Philippine government will bring the country’s Sabah claim before an international arbiter if evidence could support claims the disputed territory indeed belongs to the Philippines.
Malaysian historian Dr. Khoo Kay Kim said this was welcome development but said he was optimistic that “Malaysia would win the case, based on historical records and evidence which clearly showed that Sabah belonged to Malaysia.”
“All records are in our favor,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
But Malaysian historian Dr. Ranjit Singh, a professor emeritus at the Universiti Utara Malaysia, disagreed on the idea to involve the ICJ over the Sabah issue saying there was no need for Malaysia to argue its case before the international court.
“Apart from historical facts, the Sulu Sultanate and the Philippines had in fact lost their sovereignty rights of Sabah to Malaysia based on the principle of effectivity,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
He said the sultanate has not ruled over Sabah since 1878 until its demise. The Philippines has no basis to claim the territory either because it was never a Sabah administrator.
“If you don’t do anything to it, don’t administer it, don’t pass any law (in that area), you lost that title,” he said, citing the ICJ ruling that favored Singapore on the issue of ownership of Pulau Batu Puteh.
He said the ICJ decided in favor of Singapore even if Malaysia presented a title for the area “because (Malaysia) had never administered or was present physically on the island.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70091/malaysian-police-name-captured-royal-army-commander
The Malaysian police on Sunday released the identity of the Sulu “royal army” commander, who was captured in Semporna district on Saturday, amid speculations in Sabah he could be Agbimuddin Kiram.
Malaysian police deputy chief Khalid Abu Bakar told a Sabah-based radio station that the arrested commander was Amirbahar Hushin Kiram, 50.
Amirbahar was arrested with his wife, Gina Teves, 47, at a marshy area in Kampung Sri Melor Bugaya around 1:30 a.m. Saturday following a tip-off, Khalid said.
He said seized from the couple were various items such as mobile phones, a money transfer card, cash amounting to over RM3,000 and various documents.
But Khalid would still not name the two other suspects, who were earlier arrested, except for saying one of them was the son of a former Tanduo village chief, who has Filipino ancestry.
He said the arrested suspects would be charged with terrorism and rebellion, or abetting these two acts, before the courts.
Khalid also said the latest arrests had brought to 408 the number of people taken into police custody under Operasi Daulat and over 100 of them were being directly linked to the Feb. 9 Sabah intrusion by the “royal army.”
Since Ops Daulat was launched on March 5, Malaysian security officials said 63 suspected Sulu gunmen had already been killed while the Malaysian side suffered 10 deaths – eight of them policemen.
Out of the number of slain gunmen, Khalid said 38 bodies had been retrieved.
For more than a week now, the Sulu gunmen had not launched any attack against Malaysian security forces on Sabah and the recent skirmishes were prompted by Malaysian ground operation.
Khalid said the main reason was that the “Sulu terrorists” had become leaderless with the arrest of Amirbahar, the death of Commander Musa more than two weeks ago, and when Agbimuddin fled to the Philippines.
But Agbimuddin’s son-in-law, Danilo Datu Abdullah Virtudazo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in Cagayan de Oro City that the Sulu “royal army” – or what remains of it – was in defensive stance in deference to a ceasefire declared by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III based on a recent letter of appeal from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
“The sultanate respected the call for ceasefire but Malaysia did not,” Virtudazo, who is married to Agbimuddin’s fourth daughter, Dayang Mura Napsa, said.
For Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the lack of aggressiveness on the side of Agbimuddin’s men might have been brought about by the fact that their number had been greatly reduced with the high death toll and arrests, their being leaderless, or because they had feared about not getting paid anymore.
“We received similar feedback from the Philippine government that the armed men were paid to carry out the attacks in Sabah,” Ahmad was quoted by state-run Radio 24 as saying on Saturday.
Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said his agency was working closely with Philippine intelligence agencies, such as the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica), in gathering facts behind the Sabah intrusion.
As Malaysia continues to clamp down on the “royal army,” a descendant of the Sulu royal house – Prof. Rita Tuban of the state-run University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City – urged Sulu royals to retry the diplomatic way of settling the Sabah claim.
Tuban traces her ancestry from Sultan Jamalul Kiram I (reigned 1823-1842) and is known among Tausugs as Princess Jamala-Rah II.
She said a meeting among Sulu royals should be facilitated by the government so that any peaceful solution agreed would be acceptable to all.
“I think it should be the government to call all the members of the sultanate, just to represent the houses, to unite them in whatever decision they will arrived at on the Sabah claim,” she said.
Prof. Julkipli Wadi of the University of the Philippines had also said during a forum on the Sabah issue, which was organized by Universiti Malaya, on Friday was quoted by state-run media Berita Nasional Malaysia as saying that Malaysia and the Philippines should find ways to immediately resolve the Sabah issue as it could create a larger problem, especially if a third party steps in.
Also speaking during the same forum, Romel Bagares, director of the Manila-based Center for International Law (CenterLaw), warned that the Sabah crisis will eventually have “adverse impacts on security…of the Asean region as a whole.”
“If it escalates, it will not be a Malaysia-Philippines issue anymore. It will cause power imbalance and instability in the region. This is something Asean does not want to happen,” Bagares was quoted as saying.
Prof. Mohamad Abu Bakar, head of the International and Strategic Studies at Universiti Malaya, said in settling the issues, Malaysia and the Philippines should also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the heirs of the sultanate of Sulu.
Malacañang has made it clear that the Philippine government will bring the country’s Sabah claim before an international arbiter if evidence could support claims the disputed territory indeed belongs to the Philippines.
Malaysian historian Dr. Khoo Kay Kim said this was welcome development but said he was optimistic that “Malaysia would win the case, based on historical records and evidence which clearly showed that Sabah belonged to Malaysia.”
“All records are in our favor,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
But Malaysian historian Dr. Ranjit Singh, a professor emeritus at the Universiti Utara Malaysia, disagreed on the idea to involve the ICJ over the Sabah issue saying there was no need for Malaysia to argue its case before the international court.
“Apart from historical facts, the Sulu Sultanate and the Philippines had in fact lost their sovereignty rights of Sabah to Malaysia based on the principle of effectivity,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
He said the sultanate has not ruled over Sabah since 1878 until its demise. The Philippines has no basis to claim the territory either because it was never a Sabah administrator.
“If you don’t do anything to it, don’t administer it, don’t pass any law (in that area), you lost that title,” he said, citing the ICJ ruling that favored Singapore on the issue of ownership of Pulau Batu Puteh.
He said the ICJ decided in favor of Singapore even if Malaysia presented a title for the area “because (Malaysia) had never administered or was present physically on the island.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70091/malaysian-police-name-captured-royal-army-commander
4 dead, 2 hurt as Sulu ‘royal’ troops, Malaysian forces clash anew
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 24): 4 dead, 2 hurt as Sulu ‘royal’ troops, Malaysian forces clash anew
Four people, including two children, died while a Malaysian soldier and another boy were hurt as Malaysian security forces and members of the ill-equipped Sulu “royal army” clashed anew in Tanjung Batu in Lahad Datu Sunday, the Malaysian military reported.
Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Zulkifeli Zin said in a news conference, reported on by a Sabah-based radio station, that the injured boy had been airlifted to a hospital and the bodies of the four people with Filipino ancestry had been sent to a morgue.
He said Malaysian security forces had entered a house in Tanjung Batu around 9:15 a.m. as they tailed “two terrorists” but they were fired instead, prompting them to retaliate.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70125/4-dead-2-hurt-as-sulu-royal-troops-malaysian-forces-clash-anew
Four people, including two children, died while a Malaysian soldier and another boy were hurt as Malaysian security forces and members of the ill-equipped Sulu “royal army” clashed anew in Tanjung Batu in Lahad Datu Sunday, the Malaysian military reported.
Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Zulkifeli Zin said in a news conference, reported on by a Sabah-based radio station, that the injured boy had been airlifted to a hospital and the bodies of the four people with Filipino ancestry had been sent to a morgue.
He said Malaysian security forces had entered a house in Tanjung Batu around 9:15 a.m. as they tailed “two terrorists” but they were fired instead, prompting them to retaliate.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70125/4-dead-2-hurt-as-sulu-royal-troops-malaysian-forces-clash-anew
Phl leading probe on stuck USS Guardian off Sulu Sea: official
From the Philippine Star (Mar 24): Phl
leading probe on stuck USS Guardian off Sulu Sea: official
The Philippine government is leading the investigation into the grounded Navy ship of the United States in Tubbataha reef off Sulu Sea, a senior government official insisted today.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the statement contrary to the accusation of some people that the United States is the one leading the probe on the stuck USS Guardian in the world heritage site.
"Apparently, the Maritime Casualty Investigation Team that is being led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting an independent investigation on the grounding of the USS Guardian," she said in an interview over a state-run radio station.
She clarified that the invitation to Filipino officials by the United States to visit the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) headquarters in Japan was just part of the ongoing investigation, adding that the PCG-led investigation team is separate from the US probe.
Dismantling operations have been ongoing to remove the US minesweeper, which has been stranded in the reef since it ran aground on Jan. 17 while enroute to its next port call in the Philippines. Authorities were hoping to complete the extrication of the vessel by April.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/23/923333/phl-leading-probe-stuck-uss-guardian-sulu-sea-official
The Philippine government is leading the investigation into the grounded Navy ship of the United States in Tubbataha reef off Sulu Sea, a senior government official insisted today.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the statement contrary to the accusation of some people that the United States is the one leading the probe on the stuck USS Guardian in the world heritage site.
"Apparently, the Maritime Casualty Investigation Team that is being led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting an independent investigation on the grounding of the USS Guardian," she said in an interview over a state-run radio station.
She clarified that the invitation to Filipino officials by the United States to visit the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) headquarters in Japan was just part of the ongoing investigation, adding that the PCG-led investigation team is separate from the US probe.
Dismantling operations have been ongoing to remove the US minesweeper, which has been stranded in the reef since it ran aground on Jan. 17 while enroute to its next port call in the Philippines. Authorities were hoping to complete the extrication of the vessel by April.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/23/923333/phl-leading-probe-stuck-uss-guardian-sulu-sea-official
As talks with MILF resume in KL Monday, PH govt sees no fallout from Sabah crisis
From InterAksyon (Mar 23): As talks with MILF resume in KL Monday, PH govt sees no fallout from Sabah crisis
Efforts to find a lasting solution to the Mindanao problem resume Monday as government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiators meet anew for the 37th exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said next week's exploratory talks will dwell more on the annexes on power-wealth sharing and normalization, two of the remaining vital issues.
"I hope we can agree on these issues during our next meeting," Iqbal said in a phone interview.
Iqbal, who heads the Transition Commission created by the President to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, is optimistic Monday's meeting will not be disturbed by the conflict in Sabah.
Iqbal refused to comment on the matter, claiming silence would be the best MILF could do in the current situation.
During the 36th exploratory talks, also in Malaysia, both the government and MILF peace negotiators signed one of the four annexes, the transitional arrangements and modalities or TAM.
As the Sabah issue intensified last month, government chief negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said she was very optimistic the peace deal will be signed next month.
Iqbal said the power and wealth sharing has been agreed upon but the signing is yet to take place.
After the signing, the Transition Commission is expected to convene immediately to draft the proposed basic law.
The draft will then be forwarded to Congress for approval and once signed by the President it will sent to the people for ratification.
It will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where most of the Bangsamoro people reside.
ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
Simultaneous with the resumption of the peace talks, peace rallies will be spearheaded by the Mindanao peace advocates groups in Cotabato City, Marawi City and Pikit in North Cotabato.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57787/as-talks-with-milf-resume-in-kl-monday-ph-govt-sees-no-fallout-from-sabah-crisis
Efforts to find a lasting solution to the Mindanao problem resume Monday as government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiators meet anew for the 37th exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said next week's exploratory talks will dwell more on the annexes on power-wealth sharing and normalization, two of the remaining vital issues.
"I hope we can agree on these issues during our next meeting," Iqbal said in a phone interview.
Iqbal, who heads the Transition Commission created by the President to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, is optimistic Monday's meeting will not be disturbed by the conflict in Sabah.
Iqbal refused to comment on the matter, claiming silence would be the best MILF could do in the current situation.
During the 36th exploratory talks, also in Malaysia, both the government and MILF peace negotiators signed one of the four annexes, the transitional arrangements and modalities or TAM.
As the Sabah issue intensified last month, government chief negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said she was very optimistic the peace deal will be signed next month.
Iqbal said the power and wealth sharing has been agreed upon but the signing is yet to take place.
After the signing, the Transition Commission is expected to convene immediately to draft the proposed basic law.
The draft will then be forwarded to Congress for approval and once signed by the President it will sent to the people for ratification.
It will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where most of the Bangsamoro people reside.
ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
Simultaneous with the resumption of the peace talks, peace rallies will be spearheaded by the Mindanao peace advocates groups in Cotabato City, Marawi City and Pikit in North Cotabato.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57787/as-talks-with-milf-resume-in-kl-monday-ph-govt-sees-no-fallout-from-sabah-crisis
Over 3,000 soldiers hunt down Abu Sayyaf in Basilan
From InterAksyon (Mar 24): Over 3,000 soldiers hunt down Abu Sayyaf in Basilan
At least six battalions are now deployed to hunt down some 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits to neutralize the “remnants” of the group that has plagued Basilan province for a long time and prevented vital infrastructure from being completed.
The doubling of the military hunters was revealed a day after a former Australian soldier was released by the Abu Sayyaf, reportedly in exchange for some P7 million in ransom.
The 3,000 soldiers now in the island province represent a doubling of the force deployed last year. “At present, we’ve six battalions in Basilan from only three battalions last year. So we’ve already a hundred percent increase of troops there,” Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said Sunday.
Some of the battalions were from elite military units: the Special Forces (SF) and Scout Rangers.
Besides the goal to “neutralize” the Abu Sayyaf remnants in Basilan, the government, Cruz explained, also wants to “finish the construction of the Basilan circumferential road network,” a vital infrastructure for the island province.
Work on the Basilan circumferential road had been repeatedly disrupted by lawless groups, including the Abu Sayyaf. There were reports that some American servicemen in Mindanao who were involved in the construction were among the casualties of attacks.
The AFP operations against the Abu Sayyaf temporarily gave way to the release of Warren Rodwell, 54, who was recovered Saturday at the port area in Pagadian City amid reports of ransom having been given to the ASG---a matter that Cruz claims they have no knowledge of.
Rodwell, a former soldier now married to a Filipino, was abducted by armed men on December 5, 2011 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57845/over-3000-soldiers-hunt-down-abu-sayyaf-in-basilan
At least six battalions are now deployed to hunt down some 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits to neutralize the “remnants” of the group that has plagued Basilan province for a long time and prevented vital infrastructure from being completed.
The doubling of the military hunters was revealed a day after a former Australian soldier was released by the Abu Sayyaf, reportedly in exchange for some P7 million in ransom.
The 3,000 soldiers now in the island province represent a doubling of the force deployed last year. “At present, we’ve six battalions in Basilan from only three battalions last year. So we’ve already a hundred percent increase of troops there,” Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said Sunday.
Some of the battalions were from elite military units: the Special Forces (SF) and Scout Rangers.
Besides the goal to “neutralize” the Abu Sayyaf remnants in Basilan, the government, Cruz explained, also wants to “finish the construction of the Basilan circumferential road network,” a vital infrastructure for the island province.
Work on the Basilan circumferential road had been repeatedly disrupted by lawless groups, including the Abu Sayyaf. There were reports that some American servicemen in Mindanao who were involved in the construction were among the casualties of attacks.
The AFP operations against the Abu Sayyaf temporarily gave way to the release of Warren Rodwell, 54, who was recovered Saturday at the port area in Pagadian City amid reports of ransom having been given to the ASG---a matter that Cruz claims they have no knowledge of.
Rodwell, a former soldier now married to a Filipino, was abducted by armed men on December 5, 2011 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57845/over-3000-soldiers-hunt-down-abu-sayyaf-in-basilan
No Holy Week break for demolition team of grounded US minesweeper
From InterAksyon (Mar 24): No Holy Week break for demolition team of grounded US minesweeper
The salvage team of the Jascon-25 will work throughout the Holy Week as it races to finish, by mid-April, the job of dismantling the USS Guardian (MCM5), the US Navy minesweeper grounded since January at the Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea in Palawan.
Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Palawan district, said the April 15 timeframe includes a cleanup.
The final cutting of the boat’s parts is expected to be finished on March 26; and this will be followed by the lifting of the parts.
The Coast Guard spokesman, Commander Armand Balilo, said the salvage team will start the cutting on Tuesday.
“It seems they will not go for a Holy Week break. They do not want any more delays except if bad weather comes again. We need six more consecutive days without weather disturbance to completely finish the cutting and then followed by hauling,” he said.
The salvage team, he said, is very precise in their moves so as not to cause further damage to the reef, one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity sites and listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Nearly 5,000 square meters of the reef were damaged when the minesweeper hit it. Further attempts to extricate the boat as is failed, and only resulted in making it plow further inward into the reef, owing to strong waves.
“Actually, the salvage operation is very satisfactory. They’re so precise and very orderly. Debris floating on the water is immediately removed and placed inside a container van. They have a high consideration for safety of the team and prevention of further damage to the reef,” he said.
Last week, militant groups slammed an invitation by the US government for Philippine authorities to participate in an investigation they are making into why the warship landed on Tubbataha. Officers initially claimed they strayed into the reef because they were misled by faulty digital navigation equipment.
The militant groups said it’s the Philippine government that should investigate the illegal entry of the warship on prohibited maritime territory and the fact that the area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The captain and crew of the warship defied warnings not to enter the reef that led to its grounding on January 17. The US Navy whisked its personnel to Sasebo, Japan, apparently to avoid arrest for violating maritime laws and legal responsibility in Philippine [article incomplete]
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57855/no-holy-week-break-for-demolition-team-of-grounded-us-minesweeper
The salvage team of the Jascon-25 will work throughout the Holy Week as it races to finish, by mid-April, the job of dismantling the USS Guardian (MCM5), the US Navy minesweeper grounded since January at the Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea in Palawan.
Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Palawan district, said the April 15 timeframe includes a cleanup.
The final cutting of the boat’s parts is expected to be finished on March 26; and this will be followed by the lifting of the parts.
The Coast Guard spokesman, Commander Armand Balilo, said the salvage team will start the cutting on Tuesday.
“It seems they will not go for a Holy Week break. They do not want any more delays except if bad weather comes again. We need six more consecutive days without weather disturbance to completely finish the cutting and then followed by hauling,” he said.
The salvage team, he said, is very precise in their moves so as not to cause further damage to the reef, one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity sites and listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Nearly 5,000 square meters of the reef were damaged when the minesweeper hit it. Further attempts to extricate the boat as is failed, and only resulted in making it plow further inward into the reef, owing to strong waves.
“Actually, the salvage operation is very satisfactory. They’re so precise and very orderly. Debris floating on the water is immediately removed and placed inside a container van. They have a high consideration for safety of the team and prevention of further damage to the reef,” he said.
Last week, militant groups slammed an invitation by the US government for Philippine authorities to participate in an investigation they are making into why the warship landed on Tubbataha. Officers initially claimed they strayed into the reef because they were misled by faulty digital navigation equipment.
The militant groups said it’s the Philippine government that should investigate the illegal entry of the warship on prohibited maritime territory and the fact that the area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The captain and crew of the warship defied warnings not to enter the reef that led to its grounding on January 17. The US Navy whisked its personnel to Sasebo, Japan, apparently to avoid arrest for violating maritime laws and legal responsibility in Philippine [article incomplete]
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57855/no-holy-week-break-for-demolition-team-of-grounded-us-minesweeper
Palace: Kiram's commander to be given legal aid
From Rappler (Mar 24): Palace: Kiram's commander to be given legal aid
Malacañang said on Sunday, March 24 that it will extend legal assistance to one of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III's commanders who was captured by Malaysian authorities in Lahad Datu,Sabah .
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace will extend assistance to Datu Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram and his wife, both of whom were captured by Malaysian security forces on March 23. Amir Bahar and his wife were captured at 1:30 am in a swampy area in Kampung Sri Melor Bugaya, Semporna.
Malacañang said on Sunday, March 24 that it will extend legal assistance to one of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III's commanders who was captured by Malaysian authorities in Lahad Datu,
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace will extend assistance to Datu Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram and his wife, both of whom were captured by Malaysian security forces on March 23. Amir Bahar and his wife were captured at 1:30 am in a swampy area in Kampung Sri Melor Bugaya, Semporna.
"As the President
said, we would be extending assistance even if… It’s not dependent on whether
you believe in their cause or not but, the fact is, they will be facing charges
and we will be extending assistance," she said.
The New Straits Times
reported that Amir Bahar was arrested under the Security Offenses (Special
Measures) Act of 2012, which gives the police the special power to arrest
people who are suspected of committing acts of terrorism, espionage and sabotage.
Deputy Inspector-General
of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said in the same report that they have
arrested 416 people so far in connection with the Sabah
standoff. Malaysian police is hunting members of the Royal Army who went to Sabah in early February to stake their claim on the
Malaysian-controlled state.
Kiram III refused to
withdraw the Royal Security forces from Sabah
and also turned down the Palace's offer to shelve charges
against his men in exchange for their retreat.
The Department of
Justice will now file charges against 38 of Kiram III's alleged followers
for violating the election gun ban and Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code,
which prohibits inciting to war or giving motives for reprisals.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/24624-palace-kiram-commander-legal-aid-sabah
The men Rodwell leaves behind with the Abu Sayyaf
From Rappler (Mar 24): The men Rodwell leaves behind with the Abu Sayyaf
At numbers 3 and 4 are well-known European birdwatchers: 53 year old Dutch Ewold Horn and 48 year old Lorenzo Vinciguerra. They were bird-watching for 4 days on Tawi-Tawi when they were kidnapped by armed men on February 1, 2012. They were ultimately brought to the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu. That same classified document says they were held captive by Radullan Sahiron in Bud-Bud, Talipao in Jolo.
Number 5 is Jordanian “Abdulla Atyani” – better known as Baker Atyani, a well-known journalist with Al-Arabiya who interviewed Osama bin Laden. He was kidnapped on June 12, 2012, along with two Filipino crew members. Intelligence officials said they were initially unsure whether he was a kidnap victim because they believed he was holding lectures for senior Abu Sayyaf leaders.
A classified Philippine intelligence document obtained by Rappler states Atyani coordinated not just with the Abu Sayyaf but also with Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah member Amin Bacho (known as Abu Jihad). Over time, however, a relatively “public” fight between Amin Bacho and Radullan Sahiron over Atyani’s captivity pushed Bacho to leave Sahiron’s group.
When ABC Australia asked me if ransom had been paid for the release of
Australian Warren Rodwell, there was only one answer: yes. Despite the denials
of the Australian and Philippine governments, money changed hands or else he
wouldn’t have been freed by a group that has turned kidnap-for-ransom into a
cottage industry.
The ransom demand went as high as US$2 million, and when negotiations hit a snag, the kidnappers turned to technology. For the first time, proof-of-life video messages and photos were posted on YouTube and Facebook, the kidnappers’ clumsy attempt at crowdsourcing his ransom. The kidnappers' threat to kill him was also posted on Facebook. Interestingly, a small group of Australians also turned to Facebook to keep Rodwell’s plight in the public eye.
A little more than 15 months after Rodwell was kidnapped, military and police intelligence sources told Rappler the Abu Sayyaf and other armed men who held him hostage agreed to release him for P5 million or about US$125,000 on Thursday, March 21. However, his release was delayed until early Saturday morning because, the same sources said, most of the money expected by the kidnappers never reached them, apparently taken by conduits and middlemen.
After initially denying ransom was paid, Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said he saw P4 million or about US$100,000 counted in front of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama and Roger Gutang, the brother of Rodwell’s wife. Sources say a total of P7 million was paid with only P4 million reaching the kidnappers.
Looking tired and emaciated, Rodwell is free, but as one intelligence official told me, “there’s a United Nations” left behind in Jolo, Sulu.
A classified intelligence document obtained by Rappler from a western nation showed that as of January 18 this year, the Abu Sayyaf held 11 hostages, 10 of them in Jolo. The 11th, Rodwell, was in Basilan.
By the time of Rodwell’s release a little more than 2 months later, there are 6 foreign hostages left - a Japanese, Swiss, Dutch, Jordanian and two Malaysians.
Left behind
Japanese Toshio Ito was kidnapped nearly 3 years ago fromPangutaran
Island United States
54 year old Warren Rodwell is second. Here’s a timeline of key events from the time he was kidnapped on December 5, 2011 until his release on Saturday, March 22, 2013. Rodwell's kidnappers were turned away from Jolo by Sahiron, a member of the Abu Sayyaf told me. Puruji Indama, who allegedly received the ransom, works with Nurhassan Jamiri for the overall leader of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Khair Mundus.
The ransom demand went as high as US$2 million, and when negotiations hit a snag, the kidnappers turned to technology. For the first time, proof-of-life video messages and photos were posted on YouTube and Facebook, the kidnappers’ clumsy attempt at crowdsourcing his ransom. The kidnappers' threat to kill him was also posted on Facebook. Interestingly, a small group of Australians also turned to Facebook to keep Rodwell’s plight in the public eye.
A little more than 15 months after Rodwell was kidnapped, military and police intelligence sources told Rappler the Abu Sayyaf and other armed men who held him hostage agreed to release him for P5 million or about US$125,000 on Thursday, March 21. However, his release was delayed until early Saturday morning because, the same sources said, most of the money expected by the kidnappers never reached them, apparently taken by conduits and middlemen.
After initially denying ransom was paid, Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said he saw P4 million or about US$100,000 counted in front of Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama and Roger Gutang, the brother of Rodwell’s wife. Sources say a total of P7 million was paid with only P4 million reaching the kidnappers.
Looking tired and emaciated, Rodwell is free, but as one intelligence official told me, “there’s a United Nations” left behind in Jolo, Sulu.
A classified intelligence document obtained by Rappler from a western nation showed that as of January 18 this year, the Abu Sayyaf held 11 hostages, 10 of them in Jolo. The 11th, Rodwell, was in Basilan.
By the time of Rodwell’s release a little more than 2 months later, there are 6 foreign hostages left - a Japanese, Swiss, Dutch, Jordanian and two Malaysians.
Left behind
Japanese Toshio Ito was kidnapped nearly 3 years ago from
54 year old Warren Rodwell is second. Here’s a timeline of key events from the time he was kidnapped on December 5, 2011 until his release on Saturday, March 22, 2013. Rodwell's kidnappers were turned away from Jolo by Sahiron, a member of the Abu Sayyaf told me. Puruji Indama, who allegedly received the ransom, works with Nurhassan Jamiri for the overall leader of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Khair Mundus.
At numbers 3 and 4 are well-known European birdwatchers: 53 year old Dutch Ewold Horn and 48 year old Lorenzo Vinciguerra. They were bird-watching for 4 days on Tawi-Tawi when they were kidnapped by armed men on February 1, 2012. They were ultimately brought to the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu. That same classified document says they were held captive by Radullan Sahiron in Bud-Bud, Talipao in Jolo.
Number 5 is Jordanian “Abdulla Atyani” – better known as Baker Atyani, a well-known journalist with Al-Arabiya who interviewed Osama bin Laden. He was kidnapped on June 12, 2012, along with two Filipino crew members. Intelligence officials said they were initially unsure whether he was a kidnap victim because they believed he was holding lectures for senior Abu Sayyaf leaders.
A classified Philippine intelligence document obtained by Rappler states Atyani coordinated not just with the Abu Sayyaf but also with Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah member Amin Bacho (known as Abu Jihad). Over time, however, a relatively “public” fight between Amin Bacho and Radullan Sahiron over Atyani’s captivity pushed Bacho to leave Sahiron’s group.
The classified Western intelligence
document states that as of early this year, Atyani and his crew were held
captive by one of Sahiron's sub-commanders, Hatib Sawadjaan, in Kabbon Takas,
Patikul in Jolo, Sulu.
His two Filipino crewmembers, Ramilito Vela and Rolando Letrero, were freed on February 2 this year
after 7 months and 20 days in captivity. This was after sustained pressure by
MNLF leader Habier Malik, who went to Jolo to push for Atyani’s release. A few
days after the Filipinos’ release, Malik attacked the Abu Sayyaf camps but
Atyani and his captors escaped.
Finally, there are 2 Malaysians,
Wai Tung and Jie Tung, listed on the Jan. 18 intelligence document. Rappler
cross-verified with a classified Philippine report, which lists them as 35 year
old Tung Wee Wei and 25 year old Tung Wee Jie. They were kidnapped on November
14, 2012 by 3 armed men from Lahad Datu, Sabah .
They used a twin-engine, green speed boat to take them to Sitangkai island in
Tawi-Tawi before bringing them to Jolo and handing them over to another Sahiron
subcommander, Jul Asman Sawadjaan in Indanan, Sulu.
Cottage industry
The Abu Sayyaf has turned
kidnapping-for-ransom into a cottage industry. Handing hostages to larger,
better armed groups is a common practice. Larger groups can better protect and
evade authorities. All involved then get a cut of the ransom, according to
members of Abu Sayyaf.
There have been 4 waves in the
Abu Sayyaf’s evolution, alternating between terrorism and crime.
It was formed and funded in the
early 90’s by a splinter group from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF),
then the largest Muslim separatist group in the Philippines
The second wave happened after
the death of its ideological founder, Abdurajak Janjalani and ran from 1998
till 2002. A spate of kidnappings bringing in millions of dollars in ransom
happened during this time period: in March 2000, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped more
than 50 teachers and students from Basilan, followed a little more than a month
later by the kidnapping of 21 people from 7 countries from a Malaysian diving
resort on the island
of Sipadan
The third wave of the Abu
Sayyaf’s development began after the Bali
bombings on October 12, 2002. Some leaders from Jemaah Islamiyah, then
functioning as al-Qaeda’s arm in Southeast Asia, fled to the Philippines
During that time, the Abu Sayyaf
carried out the region’s worst maritime terrorist attack, the Superferry
bombing in 2004. A year later, it carried out near-simultaneous, coordinated
attacks, including one in Manila
Finally, the fourth wave began in 2008 with the kidnapping of an ABS-CBN news team,
signaling the degeneration of the Abu Sayyaf back into kidnapping for ransom.
That was followed 6 months later by the kidnapping of members of the
International Committee of the Red Cross.
The January 18 classified
document obtained by Rappler ends with this assessment: "Abu Sayyaf
members on Sulu and Zamboanga have recently demonstrated a willingness and
ability to coordinate target surveillance for potential kidnapping operations.
Cooperation between KFR [kidnap-for-ransom] groups expand potential holding
areas and increases the support network available to the kidnappers. Funds
received through KFR's, extortion and other criminal acts enable the Abu Sayyaf
to purchase components needed to create IEDs [improvised explosive devices] to
support extortion operations as well as acquire weapons and transportation
necessary for future kidnapping attempts."
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/24580-the-men-rodwell-leaves-behind-with-the-abu-sayyaf
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/24580-the-men-rodwell-leaves-behind-with-the-abu-sayyaf