From ABS-CBN (Apr 3): Sabah discussed in PH meet with Pentagon officials
Besides information on the alleged threats from North Korea and China, United States defense officials were also apprised of the conflict in Sabah during a meeting with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
Del Rosario met with US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said the officials “discussed US capacity building to support the armed forces of the Philippines modernization plans and regional security issues including the South China Sea, recent violence in Sabah, and North Korea.”
A civil society group earlier decided to bring to the United Nations the conflict in Sabah amid alleged inaction of Philippine government officials.
Harry Roque, one of the petitioners, said Tuesday: “Fortunately, [civil society organizations] will move to protect and promote the human rights of Filipinos in Sabah especially when our government has failed in this regard. Human right, after all, has ceased to be a purely domestic issue and is now a concern for the international community.”
Little did not provide information on what was discussed regarding Sabah.
Del Rosario earlier met with new US Secretary of State John Kerry, who committed anew US support for the initiatives of the Philippines.
“Our ability to deter threats or provocation is an important part of this cooperation. In this context, we discussed our joint efforts to build the capacity of the Philippines to defend its territory and people.
We also exchanged views on the implementation of our agreed policy of increased rotational presence and enhanced exercises,” del Rosario said regarding his meet with Kerry.
This was also reiterated by the Pentagon officials. “The secretary said he was pleased with the progress being made toward an increased rotational presence for the US military in the Philippines,” Little said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/03/13/sabah-discussed-ph-meet-pentagon-officials
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Suspected Umbra Kato men attack Army post twice
From ABS-CBN (Apr 3): Suspected Umbra Kato men attack Army post twice
The military has beefed up its security efforts after suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) strafed two of its detachments in Datu Salibo town, Maguindanao.
The Philippine Army's detachment in Barangay Pagatin was attacked by suspected Bangsamoro fighters Monday evening. The attack was followed by another exchange of gunfire in Barangay Butalo at around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The BIFF is a breakaway rebel group led by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Ameril Umbra Kato.
No casualties from the government military troops were reported. However, a resident of Barangay Sambolawan, identified only as a certain Rakuangan, was hit on the cheek by a stray bullet.
Commander Col. Sydney Atega of the Philippine Army's 2nd Mechanized Battalion said the armed men were identified as members of the BIFF under Abu Nasriah.
He suspects the rebel group intends to sabotage the peaceful environment in the area.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/03/13/suspected-umbra-kato-men-attack-army-post-twice
The military has beefed up its security efforts after suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) strafed two of its detachments in Datu Salibo town, Maguindanao.
The Philippine Army's detachment in Barangay Pagatin was attacked by suspected Bangsamoro fighters Monday evening. The attack was followed by another exchange of gunfire in Barangay Butalo at around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The BIFF is a breakaway rebel group led by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Ameril Umbra Kato.
No casualties from the government military troops were reported. However, a resident of Barangay Sambolawan, identified only as a certain Rakuangan, was hit on the cheek by a stray bullet.
Commander Col. Sydney Atega of the Philippine Army's 2nd Mechanized Battalion said the armed men were identified as members of the BIFF under Abu Nasriah.
He suspects the rebel group intends to sabotage the peaceful environment in the area.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/03/13/suspected-umbra-kato-men-attack-army-post-twice
CPP: US presence may drag Philippines to military tensions in Korean peninsula--CPP
From the CPP Website (Apr 3): US presence may drag Philippines to military tensions in Korean peninsula--CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) warned that the constant presence of US naval warships and armed American troops in the Philippines may drag the country to military tensions in the Korean pensinsula and a possible US-led war of aggression against the people and government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and called for an immediate end to the “all-out access policy” of allowing US-led foreign troops unrestricted intrusion to Philippine territory.
At the same time, the CPP echoed the demand of the Korean people to lift the economic blockade against the DPRK and respect the country’s right to self-determination, including the country’s right to develop nuclear, rocket and space technology for economic progress.
Over the past several weeks, the government of the DPRK has been issuing bellicose threats after the US flew at least two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula in a show of force against North Korea. The US has heightened economic sanctions in the vain hope of making the DPRK kneel before its imperial power.
Last March 30, the DPRK government declared that it was in a “state of war” with South Korea after putting an end to the truce agreement forged in 1953 and has subsequently cut communication lines.
“The Filipino people and their revolutionary forces denounce the US imperialists for further intensifying the tension in the Korean peninsula by making threatening fly-bys of its nuclear-capable bombers and building up its military strength near the DPRK,” said the CPP.
“By using the Philippines as one of its key military stations and puppets in the Asia-Pacific, the US is putting the Philippines in the crosshairs of its enemies,” said the CPP. “By acting subserviently to the US, the Aquino regime allows the US to use the Philippines as a pawn in its geo-political strategy and wars of aggression.”
Yesterday, the US military deployed another naval warship in the Korean peninsula. The USS Decatur, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed into the area in addition to the USS John McCain.
There are close to 30,000 American soldiers in South Korea which hosts at least 20 US military bases and facilities. The US also maintains around 50,000 troops in Japan which hosts US Pacific Command’s military base.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130403_us-presence-may-drag-philippines-to-military-tensions-in-korean-peninsula-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) warned that the constant presence of US naval warships and armed American troops in the Philippines may drag the country to military tensions in the Korean pensinsula and a possible US-led war of aggression against the people and government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and called for an immediate end to the “all-out access policy” of allowing US-led foreign troops unrestricted intrusion to Philippine territory.
At the same time, the CPP echoed the demand of the Korean people to lift the economic blockade against the DPRK and respect the country’s right to self-determination, including the country’s right to develop nuclear, rocket and space technology for economic progress.
Over the past several weeks, the government of the DPRK has been issuing bellicose threats after the US flew at least two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula in a show of force against North Korea. The US has heightened economic sanctions in the vain hope of making the DPRK kneel before its imperial power.
Last March 30, the DPRK government declared that it was in a “state of war” with South Korea after putting an end to the truce agreement forged in 1953 and has subsequently cut communication lines.
“The Filipino people and their revolutionary forces denounce the US imperialists for further intensifying the tension in the Korean peninsula by making threatening fly-bys of its nuclear-capable bombers and building up its military strength near the DPRK,” said the CPP.
“By using the Philippines as one of its key military stations and puppets in the Asia-Pacific, the US is putting the Philippines in the crosshairs of its enemies,” said the CPP. “By acting subserviently to the US, the Aquino regime allows the US to use the Philippines as a pawn in its geo-political strategy and wars of aggression.”
Yesterday, the US military deployed another naval warship in the Korean peninsula. The USS Decatur, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed into the area in addition to the USS John McCain.
There are close to 30,000 American soldiers in South Korea which hosts at least 20 US military bases and facilities. The US also maintains around 50,000 troops in Japan which hosts US Pacific Command’s military base.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130403_us-presence-may-drag-philippines-to-military-tensions-in-korean-peninsula-cpp
MILF reiterates it won't interfere in Sabah standoff
From the Philippine Star (Apr 4): MILF
reiterates it won't interfere in Sabah standoff
The Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) on Wednesday reiterated that it will not be interfering in the Sabah standoff.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chairman of the peace panel of the MILF, issued the statement as the newly-formed Transition Committee (Transcom) - a 15-member panel tasked to draft the charter of the Bangsamoro political entity- officially convened.
The Transcom was created by President Aquino last December to craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“Our position is very clear: Sabah is not part of the agenda. Our official stand is no comment. That is a bilateral issue between the Philippine government and Malaysia. If the Sulu Sultanate claims it owns Sabah, what we propose is to settle the issue peacefully,” Iqbal said.
He added the Sabah claim has not been part of the Philippine government (GPH)-MILF peace talks since 2001, which is being brokered by Malaysia.
Malaysia, particularly Sabah, is home to some 800,000 Filipino natives from Sulu-Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, two provinces in Mindanao that have been proposed to be included in the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro autonomus region.
“Sabah has never been the subject of the negotiations. It has never been an issue,” Igbal pointed out when asked what Bangsomoro entity would do to help its constituents in war-torn Sabah.
Abraham Idjirani, spokesman of the Sulu Sultanate, meanwhile, said that they are not convinced of the MILF’s position on the Sabah standoff.
“Their position remains to be seen. To begin with, there was no consultation in the Sulu archipelago area about that (Bangsamoro political entity),” Idjirani said.
“The position of the Sultanate with regards to the Mindanao issue is to resolve it as a whole,” Idjirani added.
Idjirani said the 15-member Transition Committee headed by Iqbal should show its sincerity by drafting a proposal that will “redound to all Muslims in Mindanao, regardless of tribes.” The Sulu archipelago is populated by members of the Tausug tribe while the MILF is in control of areas populated by Maguindanaoan and Maranaw tribes.
“We are apprehensive that the MILF will push for an initiative to drop the Sabah claim,” Idjirani said.
Meanwhile, Idjirani said they are verifying reports that some 100 armed supporters of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III had landed in Sabah. The fighters said Idjirani came from Sulu and from Tawi-Tawi.
Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu expects more supporters from Sulu and Tawi Tawi to reinforce the Royal Security Force of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram who is still locked in conflict with the Malaysian security forces in Sabah.
“We are expecting the force in Sabah to double with the continued human rights violations being committed by Malaysia. It may even drag to a long guerilla war. It will all depend on Malaysia now,” he said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/04/926534/milf-reiterates-it-wont-interfere-sabah-standoff
The Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) on Wednesday reiterated that it will not be interfering in the Sabah standoff.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chairman of the peace panel of the MILF, issued the statement as the newly-formed Transition Committee (Transcom) - a 15-member panel tasked to draft the charter of the Bangsamoro political entity- officially convened.
The Transcom was created by President Aquino last December to craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“Our position is very clear: Sabah is not part of the agenda. Our official stand is no comment. That is a bilateral issue between the Philippine government and Malaysia. If the Sulu Sultanate claims it owns Sabah, what we propose is to settle the issue peacefully,” Iqbal said.
He added the Sabah claim has not been part of the Philippine government (GPH)-MILF peace talks since 2001, which is being brokered by Malaysia.
Malaysia, particularly Sabah, is home to some 800,000 Filipino natives from Sulu-Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, two provinces in Mindanao that have been proposed to be included in the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro autonomus region.
Headlines ( Article MRec ),
pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
“Sabah has never been the subject of the negotiations. It has never been an issue,” Igbal pointed out when asked what Bangsomoro entity would do to help its constituents in war-torn Sabah.
Abraham Idjirani, spokesman of the Sulu Sultanate, meanwhile, said that they are not convinced of the MILF’s position on the Sabah standoff.
“Their position remains to be seen. To begin with, there was no consultation in the Sulu archipelago area about that (Bangsamoro political entity),” Idjirani said.
“The position of the Sultanate with regards to the Mindanao issue is to resolve it as a whole,” Idjirani added.
Idjirani said the 15-member Transition Committee headed by Iqbal should show its sincerity by drafting a proposal that will “redound to all Muslims in Mindanao, regardless of tribes.” The Sulu archipelago is populated by members of the Tausug tribe while the MILF is in control of areas populated by Maguindanaoan and Maranaw tribes.
“We are apprehensive that the MILF will push for an initiative to drop the Sabah claim,” Idjirani said.
Meanwhile, Idjirani said they are verifying reports that some 100 armed supporters of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III had landed in Sabah. The fighters said Idjirani came from Sulu and from Tawi-Tawi.
Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu expects more supporters from Sulu and Tawi Tawi to reinforce the Royal Security Force of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram who is still locked in conflict with the Malaysian security forces in Sabah.
“We are expecting the force in Sabah to double with the continued human rights violations being committed by Malaysia. It may even drag to a long guerilla war. It will all depend on Malaysia now,” he said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/04/926534/milf-reiterates-it-wont-interfere-sabah-standoff
Iqbal asks for support in crafting Bangsamoro law
From the Philippine Star (Apr 3): Iqbal
asks for support in crafting Bangsamoro law
Chairman Muhaquer Iqbal of the Transition Commission on Wednesday urged their partners from the government and the international community to support extensively the crafting of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) to enable the creation of a new autonomous political entity in Southern Mindanao.
Iqbal, who is the chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, chairs the 15-member TransCom, comprised of eight representatives from the rebel group and seven from the national government.
The TransCom held its maiden en banc meeting in Manila on Wednesday, as agreed by the government and MILF panels during an executive session in Malaysia shortly before the Holy Week.
“Let me call on our partners from government to work hand in hand with us in trusting an instrument that will embody the Bangsamoro ideals and aspirations and create new relations founded on the principles of parity of esteem and mutual respect,” Iqbal said in his welcome remarks during the opening program for the first ever meeting of the TransCom.
Also present in the TransCom meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Senator Teofisto Guingona III and North Cotabato First District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan.
“I call on the honorable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to help us handle the remaining stages of this arduous process,” Iqbal said, apparently referring to the crafting of the BBL, which is to undergo legislative approval and, subsequently, to be ratified through a plebiscite in the proposed areas of the Bangsamoro region.
The TransCom was created by President Benigno Aquino III through Executive Order 120, which he signed on Dec. 17, 2012, in keeping with the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB), which was signed by the GPH and MILF panels on Oct. 15 of the same year.
The GPH and the MILF panels are still to wind up with their completion of the four annexes to the FAB- wealth and power sharing, territory and transitional modalities- as basis for the crafting of the BBL.
The FAB aims to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a new political entity which is to have greater administrative and political powers, and is to exercise control and utilization of natural resources in its supposed territory.
Peace talks between the government and the MILF started Jan. 7, 1997, punctuated by security issues and conflicts despite a ceasefire covering many flashpoint areas, and gained headway only in 2003 with the third party facilitation of Malaysia.
Iqbal, in a phone interview with Catholic station dxMS here before the start of the first TransCom en banc meeting, said they look forward to the immediate resumption of the GPH-MILF talks, slated last March 25-27, but postponed on President Aquino's orders.
“We didn’t want it postponed, but President Aquino wants to study some points on one of the annexes (to the FAB),” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said the two panels are to meet again “soon” in Malaysia.
“I cannot reveal dates because we have an agreement to keep dates of the formal talks confidential,” Iqbal said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/03/926511/iqbal-asks-support-crafting-bangsamoro-law
Chairman Muhaquer Iqbal of the Transition Commission on Wednesday urged their partners from the government and the international community to support extensively the crafting of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) to enable the creation of a new autonomous political entity in Southern Mindanao.
Iqbal, who is the chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, chairs the 15-member TransCom, comprised of eight representatives from the rebel group and seven from the national government.
The TransCom held its maiden en banc meeting in Manila on Wednesday, as agreed by the government and MILF panels during an executive session in Malaysia shortly before the Holy Week.
“Let me call on our partners from government to work hand in hand with us in trusting an instrument that will embody the Bangsamoro ideals and aspirations and create new relations founded on the principles of parity of esteem and mutual respect,” Iqbal said in his welcome remarks during the opening program for the first ever meeting of the TransCom.
Also present in the TransCom meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Senator Teofisto Guingona III and North Cotabato First District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan.
“I call on the honorable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to help us handle the remaining stages of this arduous process,” Iqbal said, apparently referring to the crafting of the BBL, which is to undergo legislative approval and, subsequently, to be ratified through a plebiscite in the proposed areas of the Bangsamoro region.
The TransCom was created by President Benigno Aquino III through Executive Order 120, which he signed on Dec. 17, 2012, in keeping with the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB), which was signed by the GPH and MILF panels on Oct. 15 of the same year.
The GPH and the MILF panels are still to wind up with their completion of the four annexes to the FAB- wealth and power sharing, territory and transitional modalities- as basis for the crafting of the BBL.
The FAB aims to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a new political entity which is to have greater administrative and political powers, and is to exercise control and utilization of natural resources in its supposed territory.
Peace talks between the government and the MILF started Jan. 7, 1997, punctuated by security issues and conflicts despite a ceasefire covering many flashpoint areas, and gained headway only in 2003 with the third party facilitation of Malaysia.
Iqbal, in a phone interview with Catholic station dxMS here before the start of the first TransCom en banc meeting, said they look forward to the immediate resumption of the GPH-MILF talks, slated last March 25-27, but postponed on President Aquino's orders.
“We didn’t want it postponed, but President Aquino wants to study some points on one of the annexes (to the FAB),” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said the two panels are to meet again “soon” in Malaysia.
“I cannot reveal dates because we have an agreement to keep dates of the formal talks confidential,” Iqbal said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/03/926511/iqbal-asks-support-crafting-bangsamoro-law
SPARU Found Dead
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 3): SPARU Found Dead
As backfire to the assassination of a policeman and exCAFGU in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, the other day, a SPARU was found dead yesterday afternoon at the sugarcane plantation, also in Escalante City.
Reports revealed that at 3pm yesterday, an unidentified member of SPARU was found dead at the sugarcane plantation near the Mt. Carmel School and Magdalin Old Hospital in Escalante.
Investigation is being done by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Escalante PNP as to the identity of the body and cause of his death.
The other day, April 1, 2013, at around 6 pm, CAA Joseph Lutrago and PO1 Tanguan were riding the XLR 200 motorcycle, reportedly, while at the gasoline station towards Escalante City Public Market were fired upon by 3 members of NPA assassination unit.
CAA Joseph Lutrago 38, married, was assigned at RMG based in Bgy Libertad, Escalante City. He was hit in the head that caused his instantaneous death. While PO1 Tanguan was dead a few minutes later but was still able to return fire. Later, reports from the civilians revealed that a certain alyas Toli succumbed to his wounds and died yesterday April 2, 2013.
The press release of DPAO, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army states that the suspects are believed to be composed of an 8 man team led by a certain a.k.a DAN.
3ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr condemns such inhuman act, and extends condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. He said, "the killing perpetrated by the NPA is a worst form of tactical offensive.
It was done with treachery, and it goes to show how heartless they are. They have not achieved anything from what they have done other than make people aware that they no longer have their principles and ideals, and are mere criminals and bandits."
http://www.ndb-online.com/040313/local-news/local-news-back-fire-sparu-found-dead
As backfire to the assassination of a policeman and exCAFGU in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, the other day, a SPARU was found dead yesterday afternoon at the sugarcane plantation, also in Escalante City.
Reports revealed that at 3pm yesterday, an unidentified member of SPARU was found dead at the sugarcane plantation near the Mt. Carmel School and Magdalin Old Hospital in Escalante.
Investigation is being done by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Escalante PNP as to the identity of the body and cause of his death.
The other day, April 1, 2013, at around 6 pm, CAA Joseph Lutrago and PO1 Tanguan were riding the XLR 200 motorcycle, reportedly, while at the gasoline station towards Escalante City Public Market were fired upon by 3 members of NPA assassination unit.
CAA Joseph Lutrago 38, married, was assigned at RMG based in Bgy Libertad, Escalante City. He was hit in the head that caused his instantaneous death. While PO1 Tanguan was dead a few minutes later but was still able to return fire. Later, reports from the civilians revealed that a certain alyas Toli succumbed to his wounds and died yesterday April 2, 2013.
The press release of DPAO, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army states that the suspects are believed to be composed of an 8 man team led by a certain a.k.a DAN.
3ID Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr condemns such inhuman act, and extends condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. He said, "the killing perpetrated by the NPA is a worst form of tactical offensive.
It was done with treachery, and it goes to show how heartless they are. They have not achieved anything from what they have done other than make people aware that they no longer have their principles and ideals, and are mere criminals and bandits."
http://www.ndb-online.com/040313/local-news/local-news-back-fire-sparu-found-dead
Escalante Attack Slammed, Not Political
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 3): Escalante Attack Slammed, Not Political
The military condemned the killing of a policeman and a police asset in Escalante City Monday night, believed perpetrated by the New Peoples Army (NPA) assassins, while the police said the killing was not politically motivated.
"The killing made by the NPA is a worst form of tactical offensive. It was done with treachery and goes to show how heartless they are," Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a press statement yesterday.
He stressed that the NPA has not achieved anything from the killing except to make people realize that the rebels are indeed "criminals and bandits".
Mabanta said three members of an eight-man NPA team shot dead PO1 Benjie Tanguan, 25, a member of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion, and Joseph Lutrago, 38, a police asset, in front of the public market of Brgy. Balintawak in Escalante City Monday at about 6:30 p.m.
"We extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to the bereaved families," he said.
Lutrago and Tanguan were riding a motorcycle going to the public market when they were shot by the NPA assassins, he said.
Lutrago, a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geogarphical Unit (CAFGU) and was later assigned at the Regional Mobile Group based in Brgy. Libertad, Escalante City, sustained gunshot wounds in the head that caused his instantaneous death, he said.
Despite his injuries, Tanguan managed to return fire, hitting two of the eight rebels, before he died, Supt. Jefferson Descallar, city police chief, said.
The two injured rebel hitmen were immediately transported by their comrades into a tricycle, which they used as their getaway vehicle, police investigations also showed.
Military reports yesterday said an NPA member, alias "Toli", succumbed to gunshot wounds.
In an interview with Aksyon Radyo Monday night, Guara has ordered Descallar to intensify the manhunt operations on the suspectsand to strengthen the polices intelligence operations to thwart future related incidents.
Escalante Mayor Melecio Yap also denied that the killing was politically motivated. It is insurgency-related, and it should not be linked to him, he said.
Bombo Radyo reported that the target of the NPA assassins was Lutrago.
The brother of slain Lutrago, identified as former CAFGU member Armando Lutrago, was also gunned down by suspected rebel assassins in Barangay Libertad, Escalante City, on Dec. 3, 2011, police records showed.
Jonathan Lutrago, brother of the slain police asset, confessed that they are supporters of former Escalante Mayor Santiago Barcelona, who is challenging the re-election bid of Yap.
But Jonathan said he believes that the killing of his brother and Tanguan have nothing to do with politics, stressing that some members of their family are being hunted by the NPA.
Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr., who is seeking re-election, said Lutrago was a supporter of Barcelona and him. The governor condemned the killing of the two victims.
The incident took place an hour after Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., who is challenging the re-election bid of Maranon, and his allies, including Yap, held a campaign rally at the Brgy. Old Poblacion in Escalante, which ended at 5:30 p.m.
In 2011, Yap had been stripped of his supervisory power over the local police by the National Police Commission, because of his alleged links to the NPA. He vehemently denied the allegations.
Since he won as mayor of Escalante in 2007, the police recorded at least 18 extra-judicial killings in the city, majority of the victims were supporters of Barcelona who had lost to Yap in the 2010 elections.
Police records also showed that most of the killings were claimed by the NPA Jean Pelle Command in northern Negros.
Since 2007, Escalante has been included in the Comelec watchlist of areas of concern in Negros Occidental, because of election-related killings and presence of alleged private armed groups.
http://www.ndb-online.com/040313/local-news/local-news-escalante-attack-slammed-not-political
The military condemned the killing of a policeman and a police asset in Escalante City Monday night, believed perpetrated by the New Peoples Army (NPA) assassins, while the police said the killing was not politically motivated.
"The killing made by the NPA is a worst form of tactical offensive. It was done with treachery and goes to show how heartless they are," Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a press statement yesterday.
He stressed that the NPA has not achieved anything from the killing except to make people realize that the rebels are indeed "criminals and bandits".
Mabanta said three members of an eight-man NPA team shot dead PO1 Benjie Tanguan, 25, a member of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion, and Joseph Lutrago, 38, a police asset, in front of the public market of Brgy. Balintawak in Escalante City Monday at about 6:30 p.m.
"We extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to the bereaved families," he said.
Lutrago and Tanguan were riding a motorcycle going to the public market when they were shot by the NPA assassins, he said.
Lutrago, a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geogarphical Unit (CAFGU) and was later assigned at the Regional Mobile Group based in Brgy. Libertad, Escalante City, sustained gunshot wounds in the head that caused his instantaneous death, he said.
Despite his injuries, Tanguan managed to return fire, hitting two of the eight rebels, before he died, Supt. Jefferson Descallar, city police chief, said.
The two injured rebel hitmen were immediately transported by their comrades into a tricycle, which they used as their getaway vehicle, police investigations also showed.
Military reports yesterday said an NPA member, alias "Toli", succumbed to gunshot wounds.
‘NO POLITICS’
Senior Supt. Celestino Guara Jr., acting Negros Occidental police director, said the incident was not "politically motivated," rather it was "insurgency related."In an interview with Aksyon Radyo Monday night, Guara has ordered Descallar to intensify the manhunt operations on the suspectsand to strengthen the polices intelligence operations to thwart future related incidents.
Escalante Mayor Melecio Yap also denied that the killing was politically motivated. It is insurgency-related, and it should not be linked to him, he said.
Bombo Radyo reported that the target of the NPA assassins was Lutrago.
The brother of slain Lutrago, identified as former CAFGU member Armando Lutrago, was also gunned down by suspected rebel assassins in Barangay Libertad, Escalante City, on Dec. 3, 2011, police records showed.
Jonathan Lutrago, brother of the slain police asset, confessed that they are supporters of former Escalante Mayor Santiago Barcelona, who is challenging the re-election bid of Yap.
But Jonathan said he believes that the killing of his brother and Tanguan have nothing to do with politics, stressing that some members of their family are being hunted by the NPA.
Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr., who is seeking re-election, said Lutrago was a supporter of Barcelona and him. The governor condemned the killing of the two victims.
The incident took place an hour after Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., who is challenging the re-election bid of Maranon, and his allies, including Yap, held a campaign rally at the Brgy. Old Poblacion in Escalante, which ended at 5:30 p.m.
In 2011, Yap had been stripped of his supervisory power over the local police by the National Police Commission, because of his alleged links to the NPA. He vehemently denied the allegations.
Since he won as mayor of Escalante in 2007, the police recorded at least 18 extra-judicial killings in the city, majority of the victims were supporters of Barcelona who had lost to Yap in the 2010 elections.
Police records also showed that most of the killings were claimed by the NPA Jean Pelle Command in northern Negros.
Since 2007, Escalante has been included in the Comelec watchlist of areas of concern in Negros Occidental, because of election-related killings and presence of alleged private armed groups.
http://www.ndb-online.com/040313/local-news/local-news-escalante-attack-slammed-not-political
PH-US war games begin Friday
From Rappler (Apr 3): PH-US war games begin Friday
The Philippines-US Balikatan Exercises 2013 (BK13) open on Friday, April 5. Over 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are expected to participate.
The Philippines-US Balikatan Exercises 2013 (BK13) open on Friday, April 5. Over 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are expected to participate.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col Arnulfo Burgos said this is the 4th year that the Balikatan exercises will be focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR). It had the same focus in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
"Balikatan" is Fiilipino word for shoulder-to-shoulder. The bilateral exercises will last until April 17.
The exercises will be held against the backdrop of rising tensions in Asia, in particular the Korean Peninsula. The US armed forces and the South Korean military have also been conducting joint exercises in South Korea amid threats of war hurled by Pyongyang.
The AFP and the US military deployed a total of 30 military aircraft and 3 vessels to Central Luzon where the military exercises will be held.
Burgos said 14 of the 20 aircraft coming from the US military arrived at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Monday, April 1. The rest are expected to arrive Wednesday.
One US Navy ship will also participate in the Balikatan Exercise -- the USS Tortuga, which arrived Tuesday in Manila.
The AFP will deploy 9 aircraft from the Philippine Air Force. The Philippine Navy will deploy one of its Highlanders and two other vessels.
The annual exercises are covered by the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty. They are conducted to serve as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippine and US militaries.
Other security officials from the region were also invited to the military exercises. They come from Australia, Brunei, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Thailand.
Thailand will join high-ranking AFP and U.S. military officers in the Multinational Maritime Security Roundtable Discussion in Camp Aguinaldo.
French warship visits Palawan
From InterAksyon (Apr 3): French warship visits Palawan
FS Vendemiaire F734. WWW.SHIPSPOTTING.COM
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
According to Commander Joffrey Gerry, captain of the French Navy warship, the visit is intended to exchange culture and competences of the 92 French Navy aboard the said vessel and their Filipino counterparts.
Although there will be no field training exercises, personnel of the Naval Forces West of the Philippine Navy will be given a chance to familiarize the frigates navigational operation as well as its weaponry.
The French Navy Team were welcomed by deputy Wescom chief Brigadier General Elmer Amon and Commander of the Naval Forces West Commodore Joseph Rustom Pena.
"We are happy that our friends from the French Navy visited us here inPalawan . It is just an affirmation of the friendship
between the French and the Filipino Forces," said Major Oliver Banaria,
Wescom spokesman.
FS Vendemiaire is a Floreal class frigate complete with radars, electronic warfare and decoys, missiles, and a panther helicopter.
This is the first time that the French vessel visited Palawan after its foray toManila in 2009 and in Cebu
just last year.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58523/french-warship-visits-palawan
FS Vendemiaire F734. WWW.SHIPSPOTTING.COM
According to Commander Joffrey Gerry, captain of the French Navy warship, the visit is intended to exchange culture and competences of the 92 French Navy aboard the said vessel and their Filipino counterparts.
Although there will be no field training exercises, personnel of the Naval Forces West of the Philippine Navy will be given a chance to familiarize the frigates navigational operation as well as its weaponry.
The French Navy Team were welcomed by deputy Wescom chief Brigadier General Elmer Amon and Commander of the Naval Forces West Commodore Joseph Rustom Pena.
"We are happy that our friends from the French Navy visited us here in
FS Vendemiaire is a Floreal class frigate complete with radars, electronic warfare and decoys, missiles, and a panther helicopter.
This is the first time that the French vessel visited Palawan after its foray to
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58523/french-warship-visits-palawan
More than 8,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan in Central Luzon
From InterAksyon (Apr 3): More than 8,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan in Central Luzon
More than 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are expected to join theannual Balikatan (literally 'shoulder-to-shoulder') exercises between theUnited States and the Philippines
Thirty military aircraft and three vessels from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and theUnited States
military will also be deployed to Central Luzon
where military exercises will be held.
Of the 30 aircraft, 20 will come from theUS US
The aircraft will participate in the AFP and US Military troops’ joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR)-focused military training in Central Luzon, Burgos said. They will also provide air logistics support and services to both US and Philippine militaries’ service members.
Only one US Navy ship, the USS Tortuga, will participate in the Balikatan Exercise. It has already arrived Tuesday inManila
The AFP will deploy nine aircraft from the Philippine Air Force to join the military exercise. The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, will deploy one of its Islander aicraft and two vessels.
The AFP stressed that this year's Balikatan exercises will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. This year's Balikatan is the 4th HA/DR–focused Bilateral Exercise; the first in 2008, the second in 2010, and the third last year.
The annual military exercise is a combined joint military exercise based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty which is conducted every year to serve as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippine and US militaries.
Also invited to join the military exercises are security officials fromAustralia , Brunei ,
Japan , Republic
of Korea , and Thailand who will join high-ranking officers
from the AFP and US Military in the Multinational Maritime Security Roundtable
Discussion in Camp
Aguinaldo
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58550/more-than-8000-filipino-american-soldiers-to-join-balikatan-in-central-luzon
More than 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are expected to join theannual Balikatan (literally 'shoulder-to-shoulder') exercises between the
Thirty military aircraft and three vessels from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the
Of the 30 aircraft, 20 will come from the
The aircraft will participate in the AFP and US Military troops’ joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR)-focused military training in Central Luzon, Burgos said. They will also provide air logistics support and services to both US and Philippine militaries’ service members.
Only one US Navy ship, the USS Tortuga, will participate in the Balikatan Exercise. It has already arrived Tuesday in
The AFP will deploy nine aircraft from the Philippine Air Force to join the military exercise. The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, will deploy one of its Islander aicraft and two vessels.
The AFP stressed that this year's Balikatan exercises will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response. This year's Balikatan is the 4th HA/DR–focused Bilateral Exercise; the first in 2008, the second in 2010, and the third last year.
The annual military exercise is a combined joint military exercise based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty which is conducted every year to serve as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippine and US militaries.
Also invited to join the military exercises are security officials from
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58550/more-than-8000-filipino-american-soldiers-to-join-balikatan-in-central-luzon
'Concerned about regional tension,' US backs PHL arbitration bid in West Philippine Sea row
From InterAksyon (Apr 3): 'Concerned about regional tension,' US backs PHL arbitration bid in West Philippine Sea row
DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario meets Secretary John F. Kerry at the US Department of State---their first since the former senator assumed his Cabinet post. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATE DEPARTMENT
United States Secretary of State John F. Kerry has assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario thatWashington
will continue to work with the Philippines
in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea , particularly in the coming ASEAN and
related meetings.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs inManila
The DFA said Kerry gave his full support to the arbitration efforts in his remarks before members of the press and later in his meeting with Secretary Del Rosario at the State Department.
In his statement to the press, Kerry said: “The Philippines is one of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this point in time when there are tensions over the South China Sea, where we support a code of conduct . . . We are deeply concerned about some of these tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration.”
After meeting Kerry, Secretary Del Rosario said: “We spoke at length about the situation in theWest Philippine Sea .
Secretary Kerry emphasized the importance the United States US is committed to
supporting the efforts of the Philippines
The DFA chief also updated Kerry onManila
Del Rosario was joined at the meeting by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos D. Sorreta; Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Austria; and Executive Director Rosalita S. Prospero of the Office of American Affairs.
Del Rosario reported that he had “stressed that we are committed to seeing this arbitration through. There should be no confusion or any doubts about our resolve.” Kerry he noted, is fully supportive of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was one of its strongest advocates for its ratification in the US Senate.
The two diplomats also agreed to work together in the context of the ASEAN and other related meetings this year on addressing the situation in theWest Philippine Sea through peaceful means.
The DFA chief “welcomed Secretary Kerry’s commitment to work withBrunei , the current ASEAN chair, on the issue of
the West Philippine Sea . Both the United States and Brunei
know that the Philippines
Kerry made this commitment when he met with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at the State Department on 11 March 2013.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58588/concerned-about-regional-tension-us-backs-phl-arbitration-bid-in-west-philippine-sea-row
DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario meets Secretary John F. Kerry at the US Department of State---their first since the former senator assumed his Cabinet post. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATE DEPARTMENT
United States Secretary of State John F. Kerry has assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario that
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs in
The DFA said Kerry gave his full support to the arbitration efforts in his remarks before members of the press and later in his meeting with Secretary Del Rosario at the State Department.
In his statement to the press, Kerry said: “The Philippines is one of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this point in time when there are tensions over the South China Sea, where we support a code of conduct . . . We are deeply concerned about some of these tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration.”
After meeting Kerry, Secretary Del Rosario said: “We spoke at length about the situation in the
The DFA chief also updated Kerry on
Del Rosario was joined at the meeting by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos D. Sorreta; Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Austria; and Executive Director Rosalita S. Prospero of the Office of American Affairs.
Del Rosario reported that he had “stressed that we are committed to seeing this arbitration through. There should be no confusion or any doubts about our resolve.” Kerry he noted, is fully supportive of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was one of its strongest advocates for its ratification in the US Senate.
The two diplomats also agreed to work together in the context of the ASEAN and other related meetings this year on addressing the situation in the
The DFA chief “welcomed Secretary Kerry’s commitment to work with
Kerry made this commitment when he met with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at the State Department on 11 March 2013.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58588/concerned-about-regional-tension-us-backs-phl-arbitration-bid-in-west-philippine-sea-row
Transition Commish certain Sabah crisis has no impact on peace talks with MILF
From InterAksyon (Apr 3): Transition Commish certain Sabah crisis has no impact on peace talks with MILF
The members of the Transition Commission (TC) tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law do not see the conflict inSabah
having an effect on the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
"The issue ofSabah has never been a
subject of negotiations," said TC chair Mohagher Iqbal on Wednesday.
"It has never been an issue," he added, amid concern in some quarters
that an implicit fear the talks with the MILF will be affected is behind the
Aquino government’s “reluctance” to take a stronger stand against Malaysia over
the resource-rich territory it has possessed since its federation was created.
The Sulu sultanate which in 1963 asked the Philippine government to handle the claim in its behalf, recently sent hundreds of its followers to Lahad Datu to “reclaim our homeland,” sparking a standoff that has claimed more than 60 lives, and a diplomatic flap between the two ASEAN founding members.
Iqbal said the Sabah conflict is a "bilateral issue between the government of thePhilippines
and the government of Malaysia
On Wednesday, members of the 15-man TC led by Iqbal met at an en banc session at aPasig
City
Both the Philippine government and the MILF continue to finalize three out of the four annexes which will lay the road map for the establishment of the Bangsamoro.
Nearing completion are the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization. r />
The TC remains optimistic. "The gains we have achieved so far are really tremendous. We need to surmount the obstacles," Iqbal said.
Iqbal said pending completion of the three annexes, the TC will focus on strengthening its internal policies such as drafting internal rules, creating a secretariat and other committees.
Formal exploratory talks between the government and the MILF will resume next week inKuala Lumpur
Executive Order 120 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on December 17, 2012, mandated the creation of the TC. The latter is tasked to draft the Basic Law which will be certified urgent by the President once submitted to Congress for passage. Once ratified, the Basic Law will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro region.
Members of the 15-man TC are: Johaira Wahab, Talib Benito, Asani Tammang, Pedrito Eisma, Froilyn Mendoza, Fatmawati Salapuddin, Abdulla Camlian, Ibraham Ali, Raissa Jajurie, Melanio Ulama, Hussein Munoz and Said Sheik.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58585/transition-commish-certain-sabah-crisis-has-no-impact-on-peace-talks-with-milf
The members of the Transition Commission (TC) tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law do not see the conflict in
"The issue of
The Sulu sultanate which in 1963 asked the Philippine government to handle the claim in its behalf, recently sent hundreds of its followers to Lahad Datu to “reclaim our homeland,” sparking a standoff that has claimed more than 60 lives, and a diplomatic flap between the two ASEAN founding members.
Iqbal said the Sabah conflict is a "bilateral issue between the government of the
On Wednesday, members of the 15-man TC led by Iqbal met at an en banc session at a
Both the Philippine government and the MILF continue to finalize three out of the four annexes which will lay the road map for the establishment of the Bangsamoro.
Nearing completion are the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization. r />
The TC remains optimistic. "The gains we have achieved so far are really tremendous. We need to surmount the obstacles," Iqbal said.
Iqbal said pending completion of the three annexes, the TC will focus on strengthening its internal policies such as drafting internal rules, creating a secretariat and other committees.
Formal exploratory talks between the government and the MILF will resume next week in
Executive Order 120 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on December 17, 2012, mandated the creation of the TC. The latter is tasked to draft the Basic Law which will be certified urgent by the President once submitted to Congress for passage. Once ratified, the Basic Law will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro region.
Members of the 15-man TC are: Johaira Wahab, Talib Benito, Asani Tammang, Pedrito Eisma, Froilyn Mendoza, Fatmawati Salapuddin, Abdulla Camlian, Ibraham Ali, Raissa Jajurie, Melanio Ulama, Hussein Munoz and Said Sheik.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58585/transition-commish-certain-sabah-crisis-has-no-impact-on-peace-talks-with-milf
MILF urges political candidates to include peace process in platform of govt
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): MILF urges political candidates to
include peace process in platform of govt
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday urged local and national candidates to support the government and MILF peace process.
"Please make it your priority issues during the campaign period," Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said in a radio interview.
Iqbal said a lot of politicians have been wooing the MILF for support in the 2013 midterm balloting.
The MILF, as an organization, maintains its policy of not endorsing any candidate in Philippine elections but would not prevent its members from participating in the elections.
According to Iqbal, the MILF will support candidates who will also support or have been supporting the GPH-MILF peace process.
Iqbal assures the MILF will not require candidates, local or national, to pay campaign fee if they conduct campaign sorties in MILF identified territories.
"Anyone who supports theMindanao
peace process will also get support from the MILF," he said.
He said the MILF leadership does not encourage its members to participate in the elections but would not prevent its members from supporting politicians in their individual capacity because that is their right.
He said the MILF's interest is the success of the peace process and the rebel organization will extend a helping hand for the success of the elections.
Iqbal also assured the government that the MILF will help ensure a peaceful and orderly elections in areas where they have sizable forces.
"In cooperation with the government and its military and police units, the MILF will help ensure SAFE or Safe and Fair Elections," Iqbal said in another statement.
Iqbal, who also chairs the Transition Commission, said the MILF supports peaceful and clean elections for it will benefit the Bangsamoro and the people.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512684
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday urged local and national candidates to support the government and MILF peace process.
"Please make it your priority issues during the campaign period," Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said in a radio interview.
Iqbal said a lot of politicians have been wooing the MILF for support in the 2013 midterm balloting.
The MILF, as an organization, maintains its policy of not endorsing any candidate in Philippine elections but would not prevent its members from participating in the elections.
According to Iqbal, the MILF will support candidates who will also support or have been supporting the GPH-MILF peace process.
Iqbal assures the MILF will not require candidates, local or national, to pay campaign fee if they conduct campaign sorties in MILF identified territories.
"Anyone who supports the
He said the MILF leadership does not encourage its members to participate in the elections but would not prevent its members from supporting politicians in their individual capacity because that is their right.
He said the MILF's interest is the success of the peace process and the rebel organization will extend a helping hand for the success of the elections.
Iqbal also assured the government that the MILF will help ensure a peaceful and orderly elections in areas where they have sizable forces.
"In cooperation with the government and its military and police units, the MILF will help ensure SAFE or Safe and Fair Elections," Iqbal said in another statement.
Iqbal, who also chairs the Transition Commission, said the MILF supports peaceful and clean elections for it will benefit the Bangsamoro and the people.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512684
Need to resolve remaining GPH-MILF annexes underscored
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Need to resolve remaining GPH-MILF
annexes underscored
Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), maintained his previous assertion that the three remaining annexes to the peace talks between the Front and the Philippine government should be completed before the May 2013 elections so that the newly-created Transition Commission (TransCom) can proceed with its task of drafting the Basic Law.
Iqbal, in a press briefing held today at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here, said these annexes are so ‘vital’ to the Basic Law, a law that will replace the Organic Act that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“This is why the postponement of the peace talks is not a good move,” said Iqbal.
The scheduled peace talks on March 25 to 27 were postponed on a later date in April based on the request of President Aquino.
The three remaining annexes to the GPH-MILF talks include power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
The Annex on the Transitional Arrangements was completed in February.
Iqbal, who also chairs the TransCom, said that once the annexes are laid down, the TransCom’s task would be finished in 2014.
They expected to establish the Transitional Authority by 2015, a year before the presidential elections.
When asked if the Commission would be able to complete its task on time, Maulana Alonto, an activist from Lanao del Sur and a member of the TransCom, said that they “would race against time.”
“But we won’t do this in a haste. We will do it according to the road map that we have agreed upon. This will depend primarily on the Commission,” said Alonto.
Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), during the opening of the first meeting of the TransCom, stressed the seriousness of the challenge to ‘complete’ the peace track.
“We will not cease in our steps forward. As the President said, we do not want to pass on an unfinished business to the next administration. We are in a race against time. Without setting rigid deadlines, we have a timetable and we are serious about it,” said Deles.
One of the issues perceived by many as factor in the postponement of the GPH-MILF talks was the crisis inSabah ,
Malaysia
But Iqbal was quick in saying theSabah
crisis “is a non-issue”, both to the ongoing peace negotiations and to
TransCom’s job.
He said that the claims of the Sultanate of Sulu overSabah
“had never been an issue in the negotiations.”
“It was not even part of the MILF agenda,” he stressed.
Also, he said theSabah issue will not be
part of the ‘talking points’ of the TransCom as it drafts the Basic Law.
TheSabah issue, according to Commissioner
Johaira Wahab, has several dimensions.
“There is political, security, historical, and humanitarian aspect of theSabah issue. These aspects are being dealt with
accordingly,” said Wahab.
She, however, admitted the TransCom can’t resolve any of those issues attached toSabah as this is not part of their
‘power’ or authority.
The proper venue, she stressed, is the Department of Foreign Affairs through proper diplomatic channels.
But even if the settlement of the conflict inSabah
is not part of the mandate of the TransCom, she said it does not prevent the
Commission from not reaching to the affected communities.
“Even if we can’t resolve that, there is nothing that would prevent us from reaching us to the communities, because, they are, after all, Bangsamoro,” said Wahab.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512821
Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), maintained his previous assertion that the three remaining annexes to the peace talks between the Front and the Philippine government should be completed before the May 2013 elections so that the newly-created Transition Commission (TransCom) can proceed with its task of drafting the Basic Law.
Iqbal, in a press briefing held today at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here, said these annexes are so ‘vital’ to the Basic Law, a law that will replace the Organic Act that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“This is why the postponement of the peace talks is not a good move,” said Iqbal.
The scheduled peace talks on March 25 to 27 were postponed on a later date in April based on the request of President Aquino.
The three remaining annexes to the GPH-MILF talks include power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
The Annex on the Transitional Arrangements was completed in February.
Iqbal, who also chairs the TransCom, said that once the annexes are laid down, the TransCom’s task would be finished in 2014.
They expected to establish the Transitional Authority by 2015, a year before the presidential elections.
When asked if the Commission would be able to complete its task on time, Maulana Alonto, an activist from Lanao del Sur and a member of the TransCom, said that they “would race against time.”
“But we won’t do this in a haste. We will do it according to the road map that we have agreed upon. This will depend primarily on the Commission,” said Alonto.
Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), during the opening of the first meeting of the TransCom, stressed the seriousness of the challenge to ‘complete’ the peace track.
“We will not cease in our steps forward. As the President said, we do not want to pass on an unfinished business to the next administration. We are in a race against time. Without setting rigid deadlines, we have a timetable and we are serious about it,” said Deles.
One of the issues perceived by many as factor in the postponement of the GPH-MILF talks was the crisis in
But Iqbal was quick in saying the
He said that the claims of the Sultanate of Sulu over
“It was not even part of the MILF agenda,” he stressed.
Also, he said the
The
“There is political, security, historical, and humanitarian aspect of the
She, however, admitted the TransCom can’t resolve any of those issues attached to
The proper venue, she stressed, is the Department of Foreign Affairs through proper diplomatic channels.
But even if the settlement of the conflict in
“Even if we can’t resolve that, there is nothing that would prevent us from reaching us to the communities, because, they are, after all, Bangsamoro,” said Wahab.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512821
Policemen, soldiers told to be wary of checkpoints
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Policemen, soldiers told to be wary of
checkpoints
Members of the police and military have been warned to be wary of their own security especially in distinguishing checkpoints run by government forces and by the rebels when traveling in a conflict-affected areas.
Sr. Supt. Aaron Aquino, chief of staff of the Police Regional Office XI, issued the reminder to prevent the recurrence of abduction of police officers and soldiers by the communist rebels.
He said government forces must remember that checkpoints set up by either the police or military have marked vehicles, with soldiers wearing full-military uniform with Kevlar helmets and vests and a KM truck if it is a check point by the soldiers and a marked police vehicle or mobile patrol with members in full police uniform if it is manned by the police.
“Police in the municipal stations must be more security conscious of their surroundings especially when they are mobile. There is also a need to conduct real time coordination with the military to be sure that the ones manning a checkpoint are genuine policemen and soldiers,” Aquino said.
He said PO3 Ruben Nojapa Jr. was the second policeman to be abducted and released by the rebels this year.
Aquino also thanked Acting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for facilitating the release of Nojapa, a member of the Nabunturan Police Station who was abducted by the rebels in a checkpoint at Barangay Anislagan, Nabunturan,Compostela Valley
Nojapa was released by the rebels to the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC), then to Duterte, the members of the "Sowing the Seeds for Peace" and to his family in Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, Compostela Valley on April 2, 15 days after he was abducted on March 18.
Aquino said Nojapa is undergoing follow up medical treatment at the Regional Health Service. He said Nojapa will also undergo debriefing, then he will be given the opportunity to spend time with his family before given a new assignment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512744
Members of the police and military have been warned to be wary of their own security especially in distinguishing checkpoints run by government forces and by the rebels when traveling in a conflict-affected areas.
Sr. Supt. Aaron Aquino, chief of staff of the Police Regional Office XI, issued the reminder to prevent the recurrence of abduction of police officers and soldiers by the communist rebels.
He said government forces must remember that checkpoints set up by either the police or military have marked vehicles, with soldiers wearing full-military uniform with Kevlar helmets and vests and a KM truck if it is a check point by the soldiers and a marked police vehicle or mobile patrol with members in full police uniform if it is manned by the police.
“Police in the municipal stations must be more security conscious of their surroundings especially when they are mobile. There is also a need to conduct real time coordination with the military to be sure that the ones manning a checkpoint are genuine policemen and soldiers,” Aquino said.
He said PO3 Ruben Nojapa Jr. was the second policeman to be abducted and released by the rebels this year.
Aquino also thanked Acting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for facilitating the release of Nojapa, a member of the Nabunturan Police Station who was abducted by the rebels in a checkpoint at Barangay Anislagan, Nabunturan,
Nojapa was released by the rebels to the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC), then to Duterte, the members of the "Sowing the Seeds for Peace" and to his family in Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, Compostela Valley on April 2, 15 days after he was abducted on March 18.
Aquino said Nojapa is undergoing follow up medical treatment at the Regional Health Service. He said Nojapa will also undergo debriefing, then he will be given the opportunity to spend time with his family before given a new assignment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512744
Salvor carrying remains of ex-USS Guardian to refuel in Puerto Princesa
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Salvor carrying remains of ex-USS
Guardian to refuel in Puerto Princesa
The M/Tug Intrepid, the tug vessel that is carrying the last remaining part of the ex-USS Guardian, will be dropping anchor at the Puerto Princesa City Port (PPCP) for refueling and supplies augmentation Wednesday.
An official at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters in this city who declined to be named said Intrepid is expected to arrive anytime today after sailing off from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) following the graduation of Phase I of the salvage and retrieval operation directed and facilitated by the Task Force Tubbataha (TFT) in the area.
Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, commander of the PCG-Palawan District, cannot be contacted for the time being to comment on the matter.
After refueling and getting supplies, the Intrepid will be on its way toSasebo , Japan
Although no specific schedule was given yet as to when it shall sail toJapan , earlier, PCG commandant Rear Adm. Rodolfo
Isorena said Intrepid and all other salvors might be able to leave Tubbataha
and the territorial waters of the Philippines
The other salvors that joined the salvage operation more than two months inPalawan are SMIT Borneo, Jascon 25, Trabajador, and USNS
Salvor.
“As soon as we’re sure that the grounding area has been cleaned of debris and other rubbles, they will all be given the signal to sail off Palawan toJapan
Incidentally, Trabajador is now docked at the Puerto Princesa port to also refuel and obtain provisions for its crew.
On March 30, the TFT ended the salvage operation of the ex-USS Guardian that lasted more than 10 weeks. The minesweeper’s stern was the last part to be lifted off the South Atoll of the TRNP.
In reaction to the success of the salvaging, Angelique Songco, head of the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), commended the “careful and safe” operations that the task force carried out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512783
The M/Tug Intrepid, the tug vessel that is carrying the last remaining part of the ex-USS Guardian, will be dropping anchor at the Puerto Princesa City Port (PPCP) for refueling and supplies augmentation Wednesday.
An official at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters in this city who declined to be named said Intrepid is expected to arrive anytime today after sailing off from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) following the graduation of Phase I of the salvage and retrieval operation directed and facilitated by the Task Force Tubbataha (TFT) in the area.
Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista, commander of the PCG-Palawan District, cannot be contacted for the time being to comment on the matter.
After refueling and getting supplies, the Intrepid will be on its way to
Although no specific schedule was given yet as to when it shall sail to
The other salvors that joined the salvage operation more than two months in
“As soon as we’re sure that the grounding area has been cleaned of debris and other rubbles, they will all be given the signal to sail off Palawan to
Incidentally, Trabajador is now docked at the Puerto Princesa port to also refuel and obtain provisions for its crew.
On March 30, the TFT ended the salvage operation of the ex-USS Guardian that lasted more than 10 weeks. The minesweeper’s stern was the last part to be lifted off the South Atoll of the TRNP.
In reaction to the success of the salvaging, Angelique Songco, head of the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), commended the “careful and safe” operations that the task force carried out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=512783
Divers start assessment of Tubbataha Reef
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Divers start assessment of Tubbataha
Reef
A joint team of divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)and the US Navy on Wednesday will start the ecological assessment of Tubbataha Reef where the minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground last January 17.
Unknown number of divers are heading for the reef with marine biologists and representatives of PCG and US Navy, the Coast Guard said.
PCG Palawan District head Commodore Enrico Evangelista said representatives of the Coast Guard Environmental Protection Command, Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), World Wildlife Fund, and US Navy will also proceed to the grounding site.
During the ecological assessment, the divers will place markers and take photos of the area.
The team is to return toPuerto Princesa City
in Palawan on Friday, the report said.
The USS Guardian ran aground off Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17, with the TMO initially estimating some 4,000 square meters of the reef may have been damaged.
Salvage crews finally completed the removal of the vessel from the reef last Black Saturday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512674
A joint team of divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)and the US Navy on Wednesday will start the ecological assessment of Tubbataha Reef where the minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground last January 17.
Unknown number of divers are heading for the reef with marine biologists and representatives of PCG and US Navy, the Coast Guard said.
PCG Palawan District head Commodore Enrico Evangelista said representatives of the Coast Guard Environmental Protection Command, Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), World Wildlife Fund, and US Navy will also proceed to the grounding site.
During the ecological assessment, the divers will place markers and take photos of the area.
The team is to return to
The USS Guardian ran aground off Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17, with the TMO initially estimating some 4,000 square meters of the reef may have been damaged.
Salvage crews finally completed the removal of the vessel from the reef last Black Saturday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512674
SC orders lifting of freeze order vs. P54M assets of Ligot family
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): SC orders lifting of freeze order vs.
P54M assets of Ligot family
The Supreme Court has ordered lifting the freeze order against the P54 million assets of retired Philippine Army comptroller Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot and members of his family.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council sought the freezing of their properties and bank accounts believed to be ill-gotten wealth.
In the 24-page ruling of the SC 2nd Division written by Associate Justice Arturo Brion, the SC said the issuance of a freeze order cannot be done in an unlimited period.
Concurring in the ruling are Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Mariano del Castillo, Jose P. Perez and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.
The SC said they are granting the petition of Ligot because his right to due process has been violated by the AMLC.
"Wherefore premises considered, we grant the petition and lift the freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals in CA SP GR No. 90238," the SC ruling said.
However, the SC made a condition that despite the lifting of the freeze order over the assets of Ligot, it shall not affect the other pending cases before the lower courts, including the forfeiture cases.
"The lifting is without prejudice to, and shall not affect, the preservation orders that the lower courts have ordered on the same properties in the cases pending before them," the SC said.
As such, the CA was ordered to remand the case before the Manila Regional Trial Court where the forfeiture cases against the Ligots are pending.
"Pursuant to Section 54 of AM No. 05-11-04-SC, the Court of Appeals is hereby ordered to remand the case and to transmit the records of the case to the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 22, where the civil forfeiture proceedings is pending, for consolidations as may forthwith be appropriate," the SC ruling said.
It said while Republic Act 9160 allows the CA to issue a freeze order for a period of 20 days and it can be extended for a period of six months, it cannot be done indefinitely because it will affect the fundamental rights of an individual under the 1987 Constitution to enjoy his property.
The SC even questioned the slow phase of the government to file the forfeiture case against the Ligots, or after the lapse of six years.
The SC ruling said: "In more concrete terms, the freeze order over the Ligots' properties has been in effect since 2005, while the civil forfeiture case – per the Republic's manifestation – was filed only in 2011 and the forfeiture case under RA No. 1379 – per the petitioners' manifestation – was filed only in 2012.
"This means that the Ligots have not been able to access the properties subject of the freeze order for six years or so simply on the basis of the existence of probable cause to issue a freeze order.
"To our mind, the six-month extension period is ordinarily sufficient for the government to act against the suspected money launderer and to file the appropriate forfeiture case against him, and is a reasonable period as well that recognizes the property owner's right to due process.
"In this case, the period of inaction of six years, under the circumstances, already far exceeded what is reasonable.
"Under these circumstances, we cannot but conclude that the continued extension of the freeze order beyond the six-month period violated the Ligots' right to due process; thus, the CA decision should be reversed."
Likewise, the SC commended the CA for doing its duty in supporting the government against grafters, but it was cautioned not to forget the fundamental laws of the land and not to make shortcuts.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512687
The Supreme Court has ordered lifting the freeze order against the P54 million assets of retired Philippine Army comptroller Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot and members of his family.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council sought the freezing of their properties and bank accounts believed to be ill-gotten wealth.
In the 24-page ruling of the SC 2nd Division written by Associate Justice Arturo Brion, the SC said the issuance of a freeze order cannot be done in an unlimited period.
Concurring in the ruling are Associate Justices Antonio Carpio, Mariano del Castillo, Jose P. Perez and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.
The SC said they are granting the petition of Ligot because his right to due process has been violated by the AMLC.
"Wherefore premises considered, we grant the petition and lift the freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals in CA SP GR No. 90238," the SC ruling said.
However, the SC made a condition that despite the lifting of the freeze order over the assets of Ligot, it shall not affect the other pending cases before the lower courts, including the forfeiture cases.
"The lifting is without prejudice to, and shall not affect, the preservation orders that the lower courts have ordered on the same properties in the cases pending before them," the SC said.
As such, the CA was ordered to remand the case before the Manila Regional Trial Court where the forfeiture cases against the Ligots are pending.
"Pursuant to Section 54 of AM No. 05-11-04-SC, the Court of Appeals is hereby ordered to remand the case and to transmit the records of the case to the Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 22, where the civil forfeiture proceedings is pending, for consolidations as may forthwith be appropriate," the SC ruling said.
It said while Republic Act 9160 allows the CA to issue a freeze order for a period of 20 days and it can be extended for a period of six months, it cannot be done indefinitely because it will affect the fundamental rights of an individual under the 1987 Constitution to enjoy his property.
The SC even questioned the slow phase of the government to file the forfeiture case against the Ligots, or after the lapse of six years.
The SC ruling said: "In more concrete terms, the freeze order over the Ligots' properties has been in effect since 2005, while the civil forfeiture case – per the Republic's manifestation – was filed only in 2011 and the forfeiture case under RA No. 1379 – per the petitioners' manifestation – was filed only in 2012.
"This means that the Ligots have not been able to access the properties subject of the freeze order for six years or so simply on the basis of the existence of probable cause to issue a freeze order.
"To our mind, the six-month extension period is ordinarily sufficient for the government to act against the suspected money launderer and to file the appropriate forfeiture case against him, and is a reasonable period as well that recognizes the property owner's right to due process.
"In this case, the period of inaction of six years, under the circumstances, already far exceeded what is reasonable.
"Under these circumstances, we cannot but conclude that the continued extension of the freeze order beyond the six-month period violated the Ligots' right to due process; thus, the CA decision should be reversed."
Likewise, the SC commended the CA for doing its duty in supporting the government against grafters, but it was cautioned not to forget the fundamental laws of the land and not to make shortcuts.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512687
US backs PHL arbitration case vs. China
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): US backs PHL arbitration case vs. China
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has conveyedWashington ’s
support to the Philippine government’s decision to bring its territorial
disputes with China in the
South China Sea before a U.N. arbitration tribunal, describing Manila
Kerry’s backing is the most important and so far the most high-profile support the Philippine government’s legal action against China has received, although US officials have repeatedly emphasized they would not take sides in the territorial row involving China, the Philippines and other claimants to the South China Sea territories.
Kerry expressed theU.S.
government’s support twice during a meeting with Philippine counterpart Foreign
Secretary Albert del Rosario in Washington
Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila
“ThePhilippines is one
of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this
point in time when there are tensions over the South China
Sea , where we support a code of conduct,” Kerry told the press.
“We are deeply concerned about some of these tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration.”
Del Rosario and Kerry’s meeting was the first between the chief diplomats of the two allies since the former senator assumed his new position early this year.
The South China Sea, part of which is known in thePhilippines as West
Philippine Sea , is dotted with islands, shoals, cays, reefs and
rock formations and is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas.
Analysts feared the conflicts involving theChina ,
Philippines , Vietnam , Malaysia ,
Brunei and Taiwan , could be Asia 's
next flashpoint.
Manila initiated an arbitration process under
the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS on Jan. 21 to try to
declare as “illegal” China ’s
nine-dash claim which covers nearly the entire resource-rich waters, where some
parts are called by the Philippines
as West Philippine Sea .
China has resisted the Philippines ’ move to let a U.N. body intervene
in the disputes, saying the Philippines
Kerry, according to Del Rosario, emphasized the need to resolve the long-simmering conflicts peacefully on the basis of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
UNCLOS is a 1982 accord by 163 countries that aims to govern the use of offshore areas and sets territorial limits of coastal states.
ThePhilippines and China
Del Rosario said Kerry assured him thatWashington
will continue to work with the Philippines
“We spoke at length about the situation in theWest
Philippine Sea . Secretary Kerry assured me that the US is committed to supporting the efforts of the
Philippines
During the meeting, Del Rosario updated Kerry onManila
“I stressed that we are committed to seeing this arbitration through. There should be no confusion or any doubts about our resolve,” he said.
Del Rosario also thanked Secretary Kerry for focusing on the issue of the peaceful settlement of theWest Philippine Sea
when he was in the Senate.
“Secretary Kerry was a moving force behind a Senate resolution on the peaceful settlement of disputes in theWest Philippine Sea ,”
he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512770
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has conveyed
Kerry’s backing is the most important and so far the most high-profile support the Philippine government’s legal action against China has received, although US officials have repeatedly emphasized they would not take sides in the territorial row involving China, the Philippines and other claimants to the South China Sea territories.
Kerry expressed the
“The
“We are deeply concerned about some of these tensions and would like to see it worked out through a process of arbitration.”
Del Rosario and Kerry’s meeting was the first between the chief diplomats of the two allies since the former senator assumed his new position early this year.
The South China Sea, part of which is known in the
Analysts feared the conflicts involving the
Kerry, according to Del Rosario, emphasized the need to resolve the long-simmering conflicts peacefully on the basis of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
UNCLOS is a 1982 accord by 163 countries that aims to govern the use of offshore areas and sets territorial limits of coastal states.
The
Del Rosario said Kerry assured him that
“We spoke at length about the situation in the
During the meeting, Del Rosario updated Kerry on
“I stressed that we are committed to seeing this arbitration through. There should be no confusion or any doubts about our resolve,” he said.
Del Rosario also thanked Secretary Kerry for focusing on the issue of the peaceful settlement of the
“Secretary Kerry was a moving force behind a Senate resolution on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512770
Aquino orders 'focused', 'exhaustive' probe on Jonas Burgos case
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Aquino orders 'focused', 'exhaustive' probe on Jonas Burgos case
President Benigno Aquino III wants a "focused, dedicated and exhaustive" investigation on the case of missing activist Jonas Burgos.
"Upon the direction of the President, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a focused, dedicated, and exhaustive investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing Wednesday.
"This is in fulfillment of the President's pledge that any receipt of new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves," he said.
Lacierda said the investigation that would be conducted will be independent of any directives from the Court of Appeals.
"Our system of justice is based on the presumption of innocence, but also guarantees that culpability derived from hard evidence will exact accountability," he noted.
Mrs. Editha Burgos, mother of missing activist Jonas Burgos on Monday asked the Supreme Court to order the Court of Appeals to accept "newly discovered evidence" on the disappearance of her son and conduct fresh hearings on her petition for writ of amparo on the basis of these new evidence.
In an urgent ex-parte motion, Editha Burgos informed the High Tribunal that a source had recently handed her "documentary evidence that would prove that an intelligence unit of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the 56th Infantry Battalion" launched an operation that led to the capture of Jonas on April 28, 2007 at a mall along Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City.
These pieces of evidence allegedly marked as "confidential" by the Philippine Army include: After Apprehension Report, Psycho Social Processing Report, and Autobiography of Jonas Burgos.
Allegedly, these have been attached to Mrs. Burgos' motion but will remain sealed until ordered opened by the court.
Mrs. Burgos told the High Court that any "premature leak" of these pieces of information may compromise her own personal security.
"The newly discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th ID and the 56th IB are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," the motion read.
Lacierda assured the family ofBurgos
"What we can assure the family of Mrs. Burgos is that we will look into all the evidence as they are presented. That’s the only guarantee we have," he said.
The Palace official said the investigation fulfills President Aquino's pledge "that any receipt of new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves."
"As chief executor of our laws and as commander in chief, the President is mandated to do justice to every man," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512801
President Benigno Aquino III wants a "focused, dedicated and exhaustive" investigation on the case of missing activist Jonas Burgos.
"Upon the direction of the President, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a focused, dedicated, and exhaustive investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing Wednesday.
"This is in fulfillment of the President's pledge that any receipt of new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves," he said.
Lacierda said the investigation that would be conducted will be independent of any directives from the Court of Appeals.
"Our system of justice is based on the presumption of innocence, but also guarantees that culpability derived from hard evidence will exact accountability," he noted.
Mrs. Editha Burgos, mother of missing activist Jonas Burgos on Monday asked the Supreme Court to order the Court of Appeals to accept "newly discovered evidence" on the disappearance of her son and conduct fresh hearings on her petition for writ of amparo on the basis of these new evidence.
In an urgent ex-parte motion, Editha Burgos informed the High Tribunal that a source had recently handed her "documentary evidence that would prove that an intelligence unit of the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the 56th Infantry Battalion" launched an operation that led to the capture of Jonas on April 28, 2007 at a mall along Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City.
These pieces of evidence allegedly marked as "confidential" by the Philippine Army include: After Apprehension Report, Psycho Social Processing Report, and Autobiography of Jonas Burgos.
Allegedly, these have been attached to Mrs. Burgos' motion but will remain sealed until ordered opened by the court.
Mrs. Burgos told the High Court that any "premature leak" of these pieces of information may compromise her own personal security.
"The newly discovered evidence will prove that the officers and enlisted personnel of the particular unit of the 7th ID and the 56th IB are responsible for the enforced disappearance of Jonas Burgos; that these units captured and interrogated him and based on the same evidence, could probably continue to detain him or God forbid, had disposed of him in the manner that only they could explain," the motion read.
Lacierda assured the family of
"What we can assure the family of Mrs. Burgos is that we will look into all the evidence as they are presented. That’s the only guarantee we have," he said.
The Palace official said the investigation fulfills President Aquino's pledge "that any receipt of new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves."
"As chief executor of our laws and as commander in chief, the President is mandated to do justice to every man," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512801
GPH, MILF to resume 37th formal exploratory peace talks next week
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): GPH, MILF to resume 37th formal
exploratory peace talks next week
The rescheduled 37th formal exploratory peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will resume in Kuala Lumpur next week to iron out the remaining three annexes, namely, power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities (TAM), which lays out the road map for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region was signed by the GPH and MILF peace panels last February 27 this year.
The talk which was scheduled last March 25 was reset on the request of President Benigno S. Aquino III to enable the government to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.
It was during this meeting inKuala
Lumpur
TransCom held its first enbanc meeting on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel inPasig City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512824
The rescheduled 37th formal exploratory peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will resume in Kuala Lumpur next week to iron out the remaining three annexes, namely, power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities (TAM), which lays out the road map for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region was signed by the GPH and MILF peace panels last February 27 this year.
The talk which was scheduled last March 25 was reset on the request of President Benigno S. Aquino III to enable the government to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.
It was during this meeting in
TransCom held its first enbanc meeting on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512824
PHL gov't, MILF confident Congress will approve proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): PHL gov't, MILF confident Congress will approve proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Wednesday expressed confidence the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will pass Congress as the Transition Commission (Transcom) held its first en banc meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel inPasig
City
Composed of 15 members of various ethnic backgrounds, the Transcom is tasked to draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement.
"Even if they’re from the government, even if they are from the MILF panel, there’s a common aspiration for peace and development in Bangsamoro," said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.
"Ang kailangan po natin dito gumawa ng Basic Law (what we need is to craft a Basic Law for the Bangsamoro). I think that’s something that is doable," he said.
"There was also an answer by (MILF) Chairman (Mohagher) Iqbal that they are confident it will be signed," he noted.
Transcom chair Mohagher Iqbal, at the start of the meeting, urged partners from the government, legislation and the international community to support the work of the all-Bangsamoro Transcom who convened for the first time to mark the beginning of its task of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the way towards the establishment of the new Bangsamoro entity.
"Let me call on our partners from government to work hand in hand with us in trusting an instrument that will embody the Bangsamoro ideals and aspirations and create new relations founded on the principles of parity of esteem and mutual respect," said Iqbal in his welcome remarks.
"I call on the honorable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to help us handle the remaining stages of this arduous process," he added while also urging the international community to help the Transcom "so that the lessons we may learn here will also help others."
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita "Ging" Deles, for her part, encouraged the public to "join in prayers and hope as we wish the best best for the members of the Transition Commission whose critical work shall begin today."
"The days ahead for this Commission will be long and filled with challenges and hardships but also, we are confident, with much wisdom and courage," she said.
"As the Commission proceeds with its important task, we anticipate to see it working more and more not as a partitioned body representing the Philippine Government on one side and the MILF on the other side but as one collegial body which shall be able to craft inclusive frames and processes and draw out multiple stakeholders' perspectives and sentiments in the shaping of participatory and empowering social and political institutions in the future Bangsamoro," she added.
Government of thePhilippines
"We have moved forward. We have faced many challenges. We have not been defeated. And now there are more of us to continue this process," she said.
"I tried to imagine how the Bangsamoro political entity would look like using no other than the letters GPH-MILF as guidepost," she noted.
Formal exploratory talks between the GPH and the MILF peace panels will resume on the second week of April inKuala
Lumpur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512887
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Wednesday expressed confidence the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will pass Congress as the Transition Commission (Transcom) held its first en banc meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
Composed of 15 members of various ethnic backgrounds, the Transcom is tasked to draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement.
"Even if they’re from the government, even if they are from the MILF panel, there’s a common aspiration for peace and development in Bangsamoro," said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.
"Ang kailangan po natin dito gumawa ng Basic Law (what we need is to craft a Basic Law for the Bangsamoro). I think that’s something that is doable," he said.
"There was also an answer by (MILF) Chairman (Mohagher) Iqbal that they are confident it will be signed," he noted.
Transcom chair Mohagher Iqbal, at the start of the meeting, urged partners from the government, legislation and the international community to support the work of the all-Bangsamoro Transcom who convened for the first time to mark the beginning of its task of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the way towards the establishment of the new Bangsamoro entity.
"Let me call on our partners from government to work hand in hand with us in trusting an instrument that will embody the Bangsamoro ideals and aspirations and create new relations founded on the principles of parity of esteem and mutual respect," said Iqbal in his welcome remarks.
"I call on the honorable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to help us handle the remaining stages of this arduous process," he added while also urging the international community to help the Transcom "so that the lessons we may learn here will also help others."
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita "Ging" Deles, for her part, encouraged the public to "join in prayers and hope as we wish the best best for the members of the Transition Commission whose critical work shall begin today."
"The days ahead for this Commission will be long and filled with challenges and hardships but also, we are confident, with much wisdom and courage," she said.
"As the Commission proceeds with its important task, we anticipate to see it working more and more not as a partitioned body representing the Philippine Government on one side and the MILF on the other side but as one collegial body which shall be able to craft inclusive frames and processes and draw out multiple stakeholders' perspectives and sentiments in the shaping of participatory and empowering social and political institutions in the future Bangsamoro," she added.
Government of the
"We have moved forward. We have faced many challenges. We have not been defeated. And now there are more of us to continue this process," she said.
"I tried to imagine how the Bangsamoro political entity would look like using no other than the letters GPH-MILF as guidepost," she noted.
Formal exploratory talks between the GPH and the MILF peace panels will resume on the second week of April in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=512887