US jibes with PH view on sea row

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 14): US jibes with PH view on sea row

The Philippines on Saturday welcomed the “warning” issued by United States President Barack Obama against China not to use force to intimidate other claimants in the West Philippine Sea.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Obama’s statement was “consistent” with the Philippine’s position over the disputes, which Manila had insisted should be resolved peacefully and in line with existing international laws.

“The statement of President Obama as embodied in the White House statement is consistent with the Philippine government’s position (that) any maritime dispute should be resolved under a rules-based regime of international law. Force should not be resorted to in any case,” Valte said over government-run dzRB radio.

She added that while the Palace “cannot predict” how Obama’s position would influence other countries, it was important to note that several countries had expressed their support to Manila’s stand to resolve the issue through a  multilateral approach based on international law.

“We have gone through diplomatic channels and gone to the correct venue for settlement of disputes and advocated a peaceful resolution. We received widespread support for the position the country has chosen to take,” she said.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Affairs Department said it likewise shares Obama’s view on the dispute, adding that the agency remained firm in its position that all countries must follow what had been prescribed under international laws, especially the United Nation charter in the pursuit of peaceful resolution of disputes.

In a text message, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said that for claimant-countries to achieve a peaceful resolution on the dispute, concerned countries should not use force, or threat, but should instead adopt the mechanism under the UN charter.

“Our position remains that countries have an obligation under international law especially the UN charter to pursue a peaceful resolution of disputes, meaning without the use of force, (and) threat to use force. The way towards a peaceful resolution of disputes is through the  dispute resolution mechanism under the UN charter including Part XV of UNCLOS, which is rules-based, transparent, binding and non provocative,” Hernandez said.

Obama made his statement during a meeting with Chinese officials on Friday in Washington.

In his stamen,  the US president urged China “to manage its maritime disputes with its neighbor peacefully, without the use of intimidation or coercion”.

Reacting to Obama’s statement, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying in turn asked the US government to “live up to its promise to refrain from siding with any particular side” involved in the territorial dispute.

“China hopes the United States will respect the facts and not side with any particular party,” Hua said in a statement posted in China’s official website.

She added that after Washington released the statement, Beijing  quickly reaffirmed its stance over the dispute before the 5th China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue ended on Thursday.

The Chinese envoy said that they  emphasized Beijing’s determination to “safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights”.

Hua added that aside from protecting its “full sovereignty” over the disputed waters, China would only commit in resolving the disputes with the Philippines and other concerned parties through “negotiations”.

She said she is hopeful that the countries claiming the disputed islands “can keep their promises and properly handle the disputes through bilateral negotiations with China”.
“This is what we are advocating and also what we are doing,” Hua said.

She noted that during the dialogue, the US allegedly “pledged not to side with any parties” who were involved in the disputes.

The Philippines, the United States’ longtime and most significant ally in the Asia Pacific Region, has repeatedly waved its decades-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US as buffer against China’s aggressiveness in the region.

The MDT,  which was signed on August 30, 1951, states that both countries are committed to come to each other’s defense in times of conflict.

In June last year, the United States reinforced its presence in the Asia-Pacific Region in the face China’s aggressive stance in West Philippine Sea.

China is locked in a volatile territorial dispute against the Philippines and Japan, two of the US important allies and strategic partner in the region.

Washington has also stepped up its presence in the region by launching a series of bilateral exercises between the armed and navy forces of the US and the Philippines which it said would increase its “interoperability, enhance capabilities through subject matter expert exchanges, and support local populations through community relations projects”.

In response,  Beijing has reminded both countries that the exercises are focused in maintaining peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea (South China  Sea), and are not meant to contain a growing China.

In June, the DFA admitted that the Philippines and the United States conducted war games near the Panatag Shoal, which is now being controlled by Chinese maritime forces after the April incident triggered the standoff between Manila and Beijing.

Since then, Beijing had aggressively staked claim on practically the entire West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) despite claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

Recently, however, Beijing and Hanoi had agreed to explore and share the resources on the disputed territories and even set up a hotline that would protect their fishermen from potential conflict.

Manila on the other hand has a pending case against China before the arbitral tribunal under the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea which is supported by the United Nations. Beijing rejected Manila’s action, and snubbed the Philippine government’s invitation to participate in the arbitration.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/14/us-jibes-with-ph-view-on-sea-row/

Signing of GPH-MILF wealth-sharing annex: not as euphoric but still historic

From MindaNews (Jul 14): Signing of GPH-MILF wealth-sharing annex: not as euphoric but still historic

The mood may not have been as euphoric as it was in early October when the final text of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) was agreed upon but the final crafting and signing of the Annex on Wealth-Sharing between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on July 13, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur is still historic: it was forged five days short of the 16th anniversary of the signing of the June 18, 1997 ceasefire declaration between the GPH and MILF;  it was the longest ever negotiation in the 16-year talks; and it happened on the 10th death anniversary of the MILF’s founder and first chair, Salamat Hashim.

The six-paragraph Joint Statement and the eight-page Annex on Wealth-Sharing, were actually signed in the early hours of July 14, at around 12:07 a.m but the Wealth-Sharing deal was sealed at around 10:40 p.m., at around the same time on October 6, 2012 when the panels sealed the deal of what is now the FAB.

The FAB provides for the creation of a new autonomous political entity called the Bangsamoro, allows for a transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority after the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the election of the first set of officials of the Bangsamoro government, by June 30, 2016.

Under the FAB, the parties were supposed to have finished all four Annexes that would complete the comprehensive peace pact: the annexes on Wealth-sharing, Power-sharing, Normalization, and Transitional Arrangements and Modalities.

Longest round

 

Last week’s round of negotiations was the longest in the 16-year talks, a day longer than the final round of talks that led to the signing of the FAB, even as both rounds took six days.

The signing of the Annex capped the 11-month negotiation on wealth-sharing that was started in August by the technical working groups.

The talks in October were scheduled from October 2 to 5 and had two extensions like this recently-ended round.  As early as October 3, the panels had agreed to extend the talks until October 6, to allow for then GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen to fly to Manila for final consultations with the President and his Cabinet on the last draft from the negotiating table.

Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who took over as chair in December after Leonen was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, did not have to fly to Manila for final consultations in Malacanang.

The President sent Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. Deles stayed on until the midnight signing.

At 2:08 p.m. on Saturday, Deles told MindaNews in a text message: “Talks still ongoing. Rough but moving.”

Asked on Sunday if the President’s instruction was not to leave Kuala Lumpur until the annex is signed, Deles replied, “No – but that was everyone’s prayer.”

In October, panels agreed to extend again from October  6 to 7 but actually ended negotiations at around 10:40 p.m. on October 6.  On October 7, as the panels met in plenary at the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses, they watched on the huge screen a video feed from Malacanang, as the President addressed the nation, that an agreement on the Bangsamoro had been reached.

The sixth day of the talks in October was intended only to close that round and for the President’s formal announcement. The grand signing would happen in Malacanang on October 15, 2012.

Unlike the October round where negotiations actually ended at around 10:40 p.m. on the fifth day, the final crafting of the Annex on Wealth-Sharing was the longest day as the panels were still negotiating until they could finally agree on the final text of the Annex at around 10:40 p.m. on July 13, 2013, the sixth day.

Asked what led to the breakthrough, GPH peace panel chair Ferrer told MindaNews in a text message, “everything.”

MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews in a text message: “I am pleased but right now I still see the bumpy road ahead. There are still many challenges ahead.”

The signing of the wealth-sharing annex coincided with the tenth death anniversary of Salamat Hashim. Hashim succumbed to an illness in Lanao del Sur on July 13, 2003 but his death was announced only on August 4, when the MILF had chosen its new leader,  Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

Ebrahim was vice chair for military affairs and concurrent chair of the MILF peace panel. Iqbal succeeded Ebrahim as peace panel chair.

After Ramadhan

The Joint Statement was silent on the next round of talks but MindaNews sources from both panels said they will resume talks on the remaining Annexes on Power-Sharing and Normalization, after the Ramadhan.

The text of the eight-page Annex on Wealth-Sharing has not been posted on the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as of 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Only the Joint Statement has been posted, part of which states that “in a show of true commitment,” they extended the talks twice “to overcome their concerns and reach an agreement on the Annex.”

“The Parties believe that the Annex, which forms part of the FAB, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the FAB,” it said.

It also noted that “progress” was made by the Technical Working Group on Normalization and the special team on power sharing.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2013/07/14/signing-of-gph-milf-wealth-sharing-annex-not-as-euphoric-but-still-historic/

GPH-MILF Joint Statement on the 38th Formal Exploratory Talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): GPH-MILF Joint Statement on the 38th Formal Exploratory Talks

The Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday closed the 38th round of Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the signing of the Annex on Wealth Sharing to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

In a show of true commitment, the Parties extended the meeting, originally scheduled for four days to six days to be able to overcome their concerns and reach an agreement on the Annex. The Parties believe that the Annex, which forms part of the FAB, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the FAB.

Progress was also made by the Technical Working Group on Normalization and the special team on power sharing. The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) which will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the agreements held its first organizational meeting, led by its Chair Mr. Alistair MacDonald. The Parties gave special thanks to Dr. Steven Rood who transitioned from the International Contact Group (ICG) to the TPMT.

The Parties expressed their appreciation to His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the GPH-MILF Peace Talks, and to the members of the MILF Central Committee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for their continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro Question.

The Parties also extend their gratitude to the members of the ICG, namely Japan, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Turkey, the United Kingdom, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and The Asia Foundation. They also thank the members of the Technical Working Groups of both Parties which had worked on the Annex on Wealth sharing.

Done this 13th day of July 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543955

'US access to AFP bases key to PH defense'

Posted to ABS-CBN (Jul 14): 'US access to AFP bases key to PH defense'

US access to Philippine military bases would enable the United States to better help defend the country and assist Filipinos in the event of large-scale natural disasters, said Navy Admiral Samuel Locklear, commander of US Pacific Command.

He said both sides were looking at potential access agreements down the road that would be mutually beneficial, adding “we’re making good progress.”

To the perennial question of whether the US is going to reopen Subic or Clark, Locklear said, “I say the US isn’t going to open any more bases in the Asia-Pacific region. We’re not in that business.”

What the US is looking for is an opportunity to be able to have access to Philippine military bases to help in the country’s defense and help them respond to a broad range of contingencies, Locklear told a Pentagon news briefing on Thursday.

“The Filipinos are committed to developing a minimum credible defense and as a close ally we’re committed to assisting them where we can,” Locklear said.

“The US presence in the Asia-Pacific is not going anywhere,” he said.

Referring to China, he said the US-China military-to-military relationship is deepening in a “quite commendable” way that may help improve overall engagement between the two countries.

Locklear has been involved in security, strategic and economic dialogues with visiting Chinese officials in Washington over the past two days.

“We are having an ongoing dialogue with the Chinese military about … the rules of the road, of how we manage our relationship as the Chinese navy inevitably gets larger and inevitably will come out further from their territorial seas.

“The US presence in the Asia-Pacific is not going anywhere. So we have to manage our ability to operate around each other. And I think that it’s a doable thing,” he said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/14/13/us-access-afp-bases-key-ph-defense

Bangsamoro gets bigger chunk of wealth

From ABS-CBN (Jul 14): Bangsamoro gets bigger chunk of wealth

Muslim rebels were able to clinch a deal in favor of the Bangsamoros late Saturday night, one of the major hurdles that would finally lead to the elusive peace in Mindanao.

The peace panels finally completed the wealth-sharing annex, with the biggest chunk going to the side of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Government chief negotiation Miriam Coronel-Ferrer told ANC that 75% of the national taxes collected within the areas of jurisdiction will go to the Bangsamoro, while 25% will go to the national government.

In terms of revenues from the natural resources such as metallic minerals, the Bangsamoro will also get 75% and the national government will have a share of 25%.

Both will have an equal share in revenues from energy resources, Coronel-Ferrer said.

Different arrangements have been agreed upon for other aspects in the wealth-sharing annex, which is composed of eight pages. “It contains different sections, which try to operationalize the goal of providing a fiscal arrangement that will enable a very good measure of fiscal autonomy,” she said.

Coronel-Ferrer said, however, that the compromise last night is not the end of lengthy discussions that have yet to come.

Both panels will have to meet again to finish two more annexes -- power-sharing and normalization. “I can imagine these will just be as intense,” she said.

The two panels are expected to meet again next month after the Ramadan.

Negotiations on the wealth-sharing lasted six days amid deadly attacks by a splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/14/13/bangsamoro-gets-bigger-chunk-wealth

MILF exec: Signing of wealth-sharing annex may not stop fighting

From GMA News (Jul 14): MILF exec: Signing of wealth-sharing annex may not stop fighting

The signing of a wealth-sharing peace agreement annex by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front may not necessarily stop clashes in Mindanao, a senior MILF official admitted Sunday.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said that if the wealth-sharing agreement is not popular among the Bangsamoro, some groups could use it as an excuse to launch attacks.

"Kung hindi ito very popular sa mga Bangsamoro masses, lalo sa mga leader..., nangangamba ako na baka gawin nilang justification sa pagsagawa katulad ng sinagawa ng BIFF na pagsalakay kahapon hanggang kagabi," Jaafar said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He was referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Ameril Umbra Kato, who the MILF had described as a rogue commander.

Kato had led attacks in Mindanao as early as 2008, when the Supreme Court thumbed down a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the MILF.

The BIFF launced attacks Saturday, ambushing a military truck in Guindulungan town in Maguindanao.

On Saturday night, the government and the MILF closed the 38th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur with the signing of the annex on wealth sharing.

"In a show of true commitment, the Parties extended the meeting, originally scheduled for four days to six days to be able to overcome their concerns and reach an agreement on the Annex.

"The Parties believe that the Annex, which forms part of the (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro), will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the FAB," the government and MILF said in a joint statement.

Both sides also said progress was made by the Technical Working Group on Normalization and the special team on power sharing.

On the other hand, the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), which will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the agreements, held its first organizational meeting.

Under the agreement, the two panels agreed on a 50-50 sharing of energy resources, dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported.

Both sides also agreed on taxing powers to be given to the Bangsamoro.

Following Saturday night's agreement, both sides will tackle annexes on power sharing and nationalization, the report added.

However, the two sides have yet to set dates for tackling these issues.

The report also quoted government panel head Miriam Ferrer as saying the annex on nationalization does not include disarmament of the MILF and integration into the police and military.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/317417/news/nation/milf-exec-signing-of-wealth-sharing-annex-may-not-stop-fighting

GPH-MILF agree on wealth-sharing

From Rappler (Jul 13): GPH-MILF agree on wealth-sharing



BREAKTHROUGH. Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal sign the wealth-sharing annex and joint statement. Photo from OPAPP

After a 12-hour session, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) arrived at a compromise on wealth-sharing at about 10:30 pm on Saturday, July 13.

Surmounting one of the most contentious issues in the peace negotiations, they signed the annex on wealth-sharing a little over an hour later at past midnight of Sunday, July 14.

This was the first time in this round of talks that negotiations extended until the evening. In fact, both sides had planned on holding talks for only half a day after Wednesday, in observance of Ramadan.

"The Parties believe that the Annex, which forms part of the FAB, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the FAB," the government and the MILF panels said in a joint statement.

"Progress was also made by the Technical Working Group on Normalization and the special team on power sharing," the statement also said. "The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) which will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the agreements held its first organizational meeting, led by its Chair Mr. Alistair MacDonald."

The signing of the annex came after the talks were extended to two days and after a 3-month delay in the peace talks. The annex details how wealth will be divided between the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity and the central government.

"This is a collective success. I am looking at the next challenges," MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler in a text message.

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, for her part, only had one word to describe how she felt about the development: relief.

Talks almost collapsed when the panels left the negotiating table on Thursday – the supposed last day of the talks – without any agreement.

But the government managed to persuade the MILF to return Friday and Saturday to iron out remaining issues.

READ: MILF returns to negotiating table

READ: Still no deal: Peace talks extended anew

With a signed document, both sides move one step closer to signing a final peace pact.

Along with issues on power-sharing, wealth-sharing comprises the heart of the comprehensive pact. Its resolution allows the panels to move further with discussions on the annexes on power-sharing as well as normalization, which involves the decommissioning of MILF forces and other armed groups, and the policing of the Bangsamoro.

These annexes are the only ones pending. Agreement on them is required to complement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. They are requisites to the signing of a comprehensive peace pact.

FINAL DRAFT. Government, MILF team members prepare the final version of the annex on wealth-sharing as UK representative to the ICG, Thomas Phipps looks on. Photo from OPAPP

Natural resources

In the last few hours of the negotiations, Ferrer said discussions were reduced to "a few sets of provisions" concerning the language, formulation and implementation of the components of the wealth-sharing annex.

What were those provisions?

Iqbal revealed that the most contentious issue that faced the panels did not necessarily concern percentages on wealth-sharing but a "core principle" over natural resources, or the Regalian doctrine in the Constitution.

The Regalian doctrine is embodied in Section 2 Article XII of the 1987 Constitution. It states that all lands and natural resources in the public domain belong to the State.

During a break earlier in the evening to allow Muslim members in the panel to break their fast, Iqbal said: "We have already settled many issues. The position of the MILF is, we will stick with the February 27 annex. In this round, we have already agreed on many compromises but now the compromise they want is not with a core issue, but a core principle. That's what we can't agree to.

Iqbal said the government wanted to include the Regalian doctrine concept in the annex. But the MILF was not keen on doing so because they believe this is a violation of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

"This is the reason why we lost our lands in Mindanao, because our lands are controlled by the state," Iqbal said in a mix of English and Filipino. "Our sultanates, our leaders, they all lost their lands because what we were following then was the traditional system of owning lands," he added.

In the end, both sides appeared to have reached a compromise. As of posting, a copy of the signed document has yet to be disseminated.

In February, both sides "initialed" a draft of the wealth-sharing annex. But the government wanted to introduce changes in the draft after conducting due dilligence, prompting the MILF to declare a deadlock in the negotiations.

FINALLY. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles confers with MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal after the two panels come to an agreement on wealth sharing. Photo from OPAPP

Other mechanisms

Aside from an agreement on wealth-sharing, this round of talks also managed to complete other steps needed to move the peace process forward.

For the first time, members of the Third Party Monitoring Team joined the panels in session. The team is the body tasked to monitor, review and assess the implementation of the final peace pact.

The technical working groups for the annex on normalization also continued their discussions for this round. Sources said they talked about how to phase the decommissioning of MILF and other armed groups in Mindanao. They also discussed the composition of the Independent Commission on Policing, which is tasked to produce recommendations for the creation of a police force for the Bangsamoro.

(Editor's note: We earlier said the Independent Commission on Policing is tasked to monitor the normalization process. We apologize.)

Days before the talks, at least 100 civil society leaders urged both sides to settle the remaining issues as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, breakaway troops also launched a series of attacks in central Mindanao days before the resumption of the talks, showing their opposition to the peace process. They attacked another army truck on Saturday.

The talks aim to end nearly 4 decades of Muslim rebellion in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/33659-gph-milf-agree-wealth-sharing

Military deploy speedboats in Zambo waters vs kidnappers

From InterAksyon (Jul 14): Military deploy speedboats in Zambo waters vs kidnappers

The military’s Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) has deployed Friday its speedboats to deter abduction incidence in this city.

TFZ commander Col. Andrelino Colina said the speedboats of the 17th Special Forces Company under his command will be deployed at sea 24 hours a day.

 

A Condor Speedboat will serve as the mother boat or command center for the smaller speedboats and motorized bancas that will be patrolling the seas, both the eastern and western areas.

 

The task force will maintain a detachment in Barangay Lower Calarian, home port and base of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (MFWM) where the troops manning the speedboats can replenish.

 

Colina said the deployment of the speedboats will facilitate prompt pursuit of kidnappers fleeing bringing victims from this city.

 

He said the two recent abduction cases could have been prevented if there were lawmen patrolling the sea lanes of the city.

 

The victims include a university employee and a couple engaged in marine products business.

 

Colina said the deployment of sea crafts will strengthen the security of the city. 

 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66277/military-deploy-speedboats-in-zambo-waters-vs-kidnappers

Moro leaders happy with signing of wealth-sharing agreement between govt and MILF

From InterAksyon (Jul 14): Moro leaders happy with signing of wealth-sharing agreement between govt and MILF

Most of the Bangsamoro people gave a positive reaction to the signing of the wealth sharing agreement between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

This is a significant indication that the two parties are serious in achieving peace in Mindanao, said Autonomous Region in Muslim  Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman.

In relation to this, Hataman continues to hope that the Mindanao peace process will continue smoothly for the sake of the Bangsamoro.

The governor also said that his government is willing to sacrifice once the Bangsamoro State comes to being.

For his part, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu was also happy about the turnout of the peace negotiations.

In relation to this, Mangudadatu called on his people to support the ongoing peace negotiations even as he expressed disappointment over reports that some groups are trying to disrupt the peace process by starting some violent incidents.

On Saturday, three persons believed to be members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter and two soldiers were killed when firefight erupted in Guindolongan, said 6th Infantry Division spokesman Col Dicson Hermoso.

Apart from the fatalities, four BIFF and four soldiers were also injured. Three BIFF members were arrested by the military.

In relation to this, both Hataman and Mangungudatu appealed to the protagonists to respect the holy month of Ramadan.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66303/moro-leaders-happy-with-signing-of-wealth-sharing-agreement-between-govt-and-milf

Govt, MILF sign wealth-sharing annex to peace accord

From InterAksyon (Jul 14): Govt, MILF sign wealth-sharing annex to peace accord



Secretary Teresita Deles of OPAPP is all smiles in this file photo with MILF chairman Murad when the framework agreement was first forged in October 2012. Formal peace talks for a comprehensive agreement resumed this week, and both panels signed one of the stickiest matters, the annex on wealth sharing, before midnight Sunday.

The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed before midnight Sunday the wealth-sharing annex to a comprehensive peace framework agreement after extending talks in order to resolve the sticky provisions in Kuala Lumpur, the top Palace peace adviser said.

The negotiations over the annex were completed about 10:30pm Saturday, July 13, according to Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The draft on wealth-sharing between the two entities provides for a fiscal arrangement that is better than what exists in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"There will be more taxing powers and a more defined sharing of government resources on the whole, in keeping with the goal of having a strong and viable autonomous Bangsamoro governance," chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer had said in early July.

The negotiations that resumed this week got momentarily stalled on Thursday, however, prompting both sides to agree to extend by another day what was supposed to be a four-day session in the Malaysian capital.

The government was moved to appeal to the rebel group not to be "caught up in the trees and missing the forest."

Government chief negotiator Ferrer said in a statement Friday that both parties "need to find good compromises on key issues like taxation and revenue sharing," but added, “we need flexibility on both sides."

The government panel was earlier hopeful that discussions on the wealth-sharing annex would be concluded during this week's round of formal negotiations.

Ferrer, in her opening statement Tuesday, hinted that the talks might result in the signing of one of the three remaining drafts.

"A few days ago, several friends, all leading lights in their respective organizations, visited me in the office to express their support. They even brought a gift -- a pair of pens. And we all know on what occasions we have special use of pens. That’s why I have these pens with me in this trip," she said.

In early July, Ferrer had said, "It's in this stage that both parties want to come to terms with the remaining issues, specially pertaining to the wealth-sharing annex that has taken a long time to process."

"If things go well, we might be able to have a good working draft of the power sharing annex with only few items left for resolution."

3 remaining issues

The wealth-sharing is one of the three remaining issues -- wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization or laying down of arms -- to be settled under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by government and MILF negotiators in October last year.

Jaafar had earlier accused the Philippine government of deliberately delaying the signing of a final peace agreement for reneging on its commitment to return to the negotiating table immediately after the May elections.

He said that they were disgusted over the government's proposal to amend the already-initialed wealth-sharing agreement. He said they would mostly likely reject the proposal.

The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-ruling Muslim state in southern Philippines.

The Aquino administration and the MILF formally signed the framework agreement on October 15, 2012, a road map for final political settlement to end the decades-long armed struggle in southern Philippines.

However, the two sides have not reached agreements on the three contentious issues -- wealth sharing, power sharing and "normalization", or the laying down of arms by the MILF and reassimilation of its fighters into society.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66281/govt-milf-sign-wealth-sharing-annex-to-peace-accord

BIFF hits anew as talks go sour

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 14): BIFF hits anew as talks go sour

KL NEGOTIATIONS ‘STRUGGLING’ — MILF

The renegade faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front stepped up its offensive yesterday which appeared coordinated with the souring of the MILF panel’s outlook on the results of the current negotiations in Kuala Lumpur on the setting up of a Bangsamoro substate.

Fresh fighting between Philippine troops and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a supposed renegade group of the MILF, left seven people dead, the military said.

The gunmen ambushed an army truck in Maguindanao, regional military spokesman Col. Dickson Hermoso said.

Two soldiers were wounded in the initial volley, but the army gave chase to the retreating gunmen and killed five of them, he said in a written report.

The pursuit also left two soldiers dead and four other soldiers wounded, Hermoso added.

The negotiations between the MILF and the government remained deadlocked yesterday over the wealth sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told newsmen at the end of yesterday’s phase of negotiations that both panels are struggling to move forward from the deadlock and commented that the negotiators are “hoping against hope” to find a resolution.

The current round of negotiations have been extended twice already hoping for a breahthrough to end the impasse.

Iqbal said the MILF had already agreed on several compromises regarding the wealth sharing annex but the “core principle on land resources” remained a sticky issue.

The BIFF had mounted attacks on Mindanao lastr July 6, two days before the government resumed peace talks with the MILF.

The breakaway group was formed shortly after a similar agreement signed during the previous administration was scuttled by the Supreme Court which ruled that the pact called memorandum of understanding on ancestral domain (MoA-AD) violates the Constitution.The Earlier fighting had left five soldiers and three gunmen dead and sparked fears that it would affect the peace talks.

The breakaway MILF group went on a rampage torching houses and killing civilians on mostly regions that would have been covered by a juridical entity that the SC struck down.

The military however ended its pursuit of the renegade rebel force before the talks resumed in Malaysia last Monday.

The peace talks aim to create an autonomous region for the Muslim minority in Mindanao, the southern third of the mainly Catholic nation of 100 million.

The two sides signed a preliminary deal in October outlining the broad terms for a peace treaty that would be signed by 2016.

The Kuala Lumpur talks aim to spell out revenue-sharing terms with the national government in the self-rule area.

The talks were continuing on Saturday, President Benigno Aquino’s spokeswoman Abigail Valte said in an interview on government radio.

The 12,000-member MILF has waged a guerrilla war for a separate Islamic state in Mindanao since the 1970s that has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives.

The BIFF is led by Ameril Umbrakato, a Saudi Arabia-trained cleric who was expelled by the MILF in 2011 for his hardline stance against the peace talks.

Military report said the ambush happened at 9:30 a.m., at Crossing Bungo, Barangay Kateman, Guindulungan town, Maguindanao province.

A 15-minute firefight took place between the government forces and the BIFF rebels. The BIFF reportedly withdrew and escaped to unknown direction.

Fighters of the BIFF also had a clash with government forces in some towns in North Cotabato and Maguindanao last July 6 that killed at least 5 soldiers.

Records showed that three soldiers were killed in a landmine explosion in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town, Maguindanao at 4 p.m., on July 6 while government troopers were conducting operations against the BIFF.

Earlier on the same day, two soldiers were killed in an encounter with BIFF members in Pikit town, North Cotabato at 11 a.m.

The military claimed that the attacks staged by the BIFF aimed to derail the MILF and government peace talks that are now on going.

Allegedly, the BIFF were trying to catch attention since they were not included in the talks as they were declared by the MILF as a lawless group but some sectors suspect that the ties between the MILF and the BIFF remain strong.

The Armed Forces also claimed that BIFF usually launch attacks weeks before the Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, which is supposed to start on July 10 for this year.

It can be recalled that last October, the government and the MILF signed a landmark framework agreement that would pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro territory to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar earlier appealed to the BIFM to support the preliminary peace agreement with the government.

Hermoso said the wounded government troopers are now undergoing treatment at the Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

He declined to identify the casualties pending notification of their relatives.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/16642-biff-hits-anew-as-talks-go-sour

Philippine military says it's on track of target to defeat communist guerrillas by 2016

From The Province (Jul 11): Philippine military says it's on track of target to defeat communist guerrillas by 2016



Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista addresses the media during a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo, suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines, Thursday July 11, 2013. Bautista said government forces remain on track of a target to eradicate a 44-year communist insurgency by 2016 in that battle setbacks and surrenders have reduced the armed fighters of the rural-based New People's Army to just over 4,000. Bautista acknowledged, however, that the guerrillas remain a major security threat and have intensified attacks in recent months in the country's southeastern region. (AP Photo/Jim Gomez)

Philippine troops remain on track of meeting a target to eradicate a 44-year communist insurgency by 2016, the military chief said Thursday.

Military chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista told a news conference that battle setbacks and surrenders had reduced the armed fighters of the New People's Army by more than 300 so far this year, leaving the insurgents with just over 4,000 guerrillas. He acknowledged the Maoist rebels remain a major security threat and have intensified attacks in recent months in the country's southeastern region.

Bautista said he was saddened that the guerrillas had intensified attacks in a southern region that has been devastated by a recent typhoon.

Bautista met with his top generals Thursday to assess the government's counter-insurgency plan, which went into effect in January 2011.

The rural-based insurgency is one of Asia's longest-running. The rebels' guerrilla force has been weakened from a peak of about 25,000 fighters in the mid-1980s due to battle losses, surrenders and factionalism. Washington regards the New People's Army as a terrorist group, accusing it of attacks against Americans in the Philippines.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Philippine+military+says+track+target+defeat+communist/8645277/story.html

Red claims fighters to reach 0k

From the Philippine Star (Jul 13): Red claims fighters to reach 0k

The Communist Party of the Philippines claimed on Friday that the strength of its New People’s Army will reach 10,000 armed guerillas because of the Aquino administration’s failure to address the concerns of the Filipino people.

“For the first time in its history, the number of New People’s Army (NPA) Red fighters with high-powered rifles is on its way to reach 10,000 levels in the next few years amidst the utter failure of the Aquino regime,” the CPP said in a statement.

The party made the claim a day after Armed Forces of the Philippines said the number of NPA fighters remained a little over 4,000 fighters from the base number of 4,384 when it launched its Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in January 2011.

AFO chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said on Thursday that battle setbacks and surrenders had reduced the armed fighters of the New People’s Army by more than 300 so far this year, leaving the insurgents with just over 4,000 guerrillas.

Bautista said the military “neutralized” 323 insurgents, most of whom surrendered to the government.

“We have a significant number of surrenderees from [the] ranks of the NPA… [but] there have been continuous recruitment and it’s unfortunate the recruits they’re getting are from the youth from farmers, indigenous people,” he said.

The military chief singled out Eastern Mindanao as a hotspot of recruitment for the communist insurgency because of economic difficulties brought about by natuaral calamities, like Typhoon Pablo.

“Remember we’re doing that as we also undertake [rehabilitation] efforts in Pablo-affected areas. That’s the sad part of it because there is heightened violence in those calamity areas,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the NPA were also able to extort P200 million in campaign fees from politicians during the last mid-term elections.

Bautista was one of the proponents of the “IPSP Bayanihan,” the military’s blueprint to achieve peace.

It involves the participation of stakeholders and a “greater emphasis on non-combat dimension” to end rebellion. The drive aims to make insurgency insignificant by 2016.

“The campaign remains on track—the Bayanihan timeline by 2016. We will win the peace and if you join us win the peace, all of our people join us win the peace, we can achieve that earlier. It’s for all of us. It’s for our people,” Bautista said, admitting that the insurgency remains a major security threat.

But the CPP said the military’s IPSP Bayanihan is “bound to fail.”

“Clearly, the AFP cannot counter the fact that over the past several years the NPA has steadily continued to grow in strength. The nationwide advances of the revolutionary armed struggle [are] indubitably demonstrated by the increasing frequency and bigger tactical offensives being carried out by the New People’s Army in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” the CPP said.

“To portray themselves as impressive, the AFP repeats the baseless claim that the NPA had the peak strength of 25,000 in 1986 but has recently dropped to 6,000 and has further been whittled down to 4,000 under the Aquino regime.

“These are all groundless claims being made by the AFP. In fact, the peak strength of the NPA was only at 6,100 Red fighters with high-powered rifles in 1986,” the party statement said.

“Because of the internal errors, the NPA’s strength slowly declined up to 1992 and thereabouts, when the CPP launched the 2nd rectification movement. By 1998, the NPA strength returned to the level of the early 1980s when it started to make big strides forward,” it added.

The CPP said the NPA is planning to build around 180 guerrilla fronts nationwide with one company of Red fighters each and suppored by armed militias and members of barrio self-defense committees.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/13/red-claims-fighters-to-reach-0k/

Leftist rebels free kidnapped village official in Agusan

From the Philippine Star (Jul 12): Leftist rebels free kidnapped village official in Agusan

The leftist group New People's Army (NPA) has released a village official its members kidnapped last June 30 in Agusan del Sur, local police today said.

Caraga region police spokesperson Martin Gamba said that Edgar Bantuasan, councilman of Santa Teresa, a village in the town of Loreto, Agusan del Sur province, was freed at 8 p.m. on Wednesday by his captors in the hinterland village of Johnson, also in Loreto.

"According to the victim, he was hogtied, blindfolded and moved to several locations during his ten-day captivity. He had been suspected of being a military informant and a supporter of Mayor Dario Otaza," Gamba told Xinhua.

The police spokesperson said Local and tribal officials had negotiated with Bantuasan's abductors to release him days after several NPA members snatched him at gunpoint near his house late last month, adding that the victim is now undergoing medical checkup at a local hospital after he complained of stress, exhaustion and stomach pains.

Gamba said pursuit operations were now being conducted by police and the military against the kidnappers.

The 4,000-strong NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting a leftist insurgency in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/12/964932/update-leftist-rebels-free-kidnapped-village-official-agusan

Army assures help for top rebel surrenderee in Comval

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Army assures help for top rebel surrenderee in Comval

The military welcomed the surrender of a top rebel leader who used to operate in the municipalities of Compostela Valley Province to the 25th Infantry Battalion, Tuesday.

Major General Ricardo G Rainier Cruz III, commander of EastMinCom, said the surrender of the rebel leader only proved the effectiveness of the peace and development outreach program.

Cruz encouraged other rebels to mainstream back to the society like this leader. “Please take advantage of the government's integration program. It will provide you an opportunity to return back to your families and communities through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government and together we will solve our problems the peaceful way,” Cruz said.

He said the more than 40 years of armed struggle have not solved the problems of the society and even bring more senseless deaths and miseries to thousands of Filipinos, consequently destroying the future of many Filipino youth.

Cruz urged the rebels who want to surrender to actively support the program of government to peacefully resolve all armed conflicts in the country.

He said the action of the latest surrenderee is unprecedented in Mindanao being the first top rebel leader to surrender to the authorities with the rank as party secretary.

Cruz assured that the former rebel will undergo a process where he can avail the livelihood under the CLIP of the government and will receive cash remuneration for the surrendered firearm under the AFP Guns for Peace Program.

Cruz and Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th ID led other officers of the military in presenting the surrenderee to Army chief Lt. General Noel Coballes and to the public Wednesday following the regular meeting of the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board in a hotel here.

Coballes lauded the troops for the latest achievement and also credited the effectiveness of the PDOP in encouraging more rebels to surrender.

“His surrender only shows the Philippine Army is doing the right approach in dealing with the insurgency problem,” he said.

Captain Severino David, deputy commander and spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the former rebel yielded a .357 caliber revolver.

“He joined the New People’s Army in 1997 and held various positions such as member of the Samahang Yunit Propaganda, team leader of a medical staff, political lecturer of the Pulang Bagani Command 5 until he was elevated to the position as front secretary of the front committee 34 operating in the areas of Compostela Valley,” David said.

In a separate interview, the surrenderee revealed that life on the run is full of hardship and the broken promises and disappointments in the rebel organization forced him to change his perspective and return to the folds of the law.

He wished to be given the chance to live a normal life with his family.

Records from the EastMinCom reveal that 123 communist rebels had surrendered to government from January up to the present.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381373510218

US ambassador kicks off DRR program in Baguio

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13): US ambassador kicks off DRR program in Baguio

United States Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. announced here the other day that America remains committed to supporting the Philippines in preparing for and improving response to natural disasters as a result of climate change.

Thomas, the outgoing US ambassador, visited this city for the start of the third phase of the U.S. Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) program in Benguet.

“We are pleased to work with communities in Benguet and throughout the Philippines to improve their capacity to deal with the effects of natural calamities. Our efforts recognize that disasters could easily wipe out the assets that our families have worked hard to gain,” said the ambassador.

Accompanying him were U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele and representatives from the World Food Program (WFP), and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc.

They were welcomed by several officials from the local government, led by Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan and representatives from the University of the Philippines-Baguio (UP-Baguio).

The USAID’s DRR program in Benguet, implemented in partnership with the WFP, began in 2011 and initially covered the municipalities of Tublay, Atok, Kibungan and Kapangan.

Among the activities under the program are a tree planting, development of early warning systems, and preparation of disaster contingency plans for each municipality.

Thomas noted that with the third phase of the DDR, the program is being expanded to cover six municipalities, including the municipality of Buguias and this so-called City of Pines.

The program will provide P17.6 million (US$ 420,000) to support the DRR implementation of practical and high-impact projects at the local level to help communities prepare for disasters.

The DRR program also includes the creation of a Knowledge and Training Resource Center in partnership with the University of the Philippines-Baguio.

Another partner in this activity is the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, which will provide training and information campaigns on effective disaster planning and response for local leaders and community members.

http://mb.com.ph/News/Provincial_News/21976/US_ambassador_kicks_off_DRR_program_in_Baguio#.UeFXUI7D8cA

Wealth sharing stalls GRP, MILF talks

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 13): Wealth sharing stalls GRP, MILF talks

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday sent two Palace officials to Kuala Lumpur to boost the morale of peace negotiators, a day after talks to end four decades of Moro insurgency in Mindanao adjourned without an agreement.

The talks were supposed to end on Thursday, but negotiators for both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reached no agreement on the wealth-sharing provision of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that the two sides signed last October.

At the request of the government panel, however, the MILF panel agreed to extend the talks for one day.

On Friday, again at the request of the government panel, the MILF negotiators agreed to continue talking until Saturday.

Mr. Aquino sent presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles and presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda to the Malaysian capital to affirm the government’s commitment to the preliminary peace agreement.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the presence of the two officials was a “manifestation of the continuing commitment of the President as well as the support of the Cabinet for both panels and for us to fulfill the aspirations of the framework agreement,” Valte said.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations told the Inquirer that the MILF panel initially appeared reluctant to go to the negotiations on Friday.

Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF’s chief negotiator, said the talks appeared to be “headed for an impasse.”

Good sign

Still, the MILF panel showed up at the negotiations, which the source viewed as a “good sign.”

In a statement sent to reporters in Manila on Friday, chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the two sides “still need to find good compromises on key issues like taxation and revenue [sharing].”

“We seem to be caught up in the trees and missing the forest,” Ferrer said.

The Inquirer tried but failed to reach both Ferrer and Iqbal on Friday after learning that the two panels would continue the negotiations Saturday.

The gloomy end of Thursday’s talks appeared to have dashed any hope that a comprehensive peace agreement with the MILF would be signed before President Aquino delivers his State of the Nation Address on July 22.

After a delay of four months, the two panels resumed negotiations this week amid hopes that the question of wealth sharing would be resolved in a few days.

Revenue division

The disagreement between the two panels centers on the division between the government and the MILF of revenue from “energy sources” and tax collection in the proposed Bangsamoro territory, officials said.

The MILF has proposed a 75-25 percent sharing, with the larger share going to Bangsamoro.

The government wants a bigger share and, according to Valte, the state negotiators are working within the limits set by the government.

The document, initialed by the technical working group in February, underwent review by President Aquino and his Cabinet as part of “due diligence” by the government, Ferrer said earlier.

Until this week, the talks did not move, exacerbating the MILF’s frustration over the slow progress of the negotiations.

The two panels had reached an agreement on three of four annexes to the framework deal. The annex on wealth sharing is the last and it is proving to be the most contentious one.

The government wants a final peace agreement with the MILF before President Aquino’s term ends in 2016.

Time running out

But with negotiations on wealth sharing dragging on, the MILF says time is running out on a final peace deal with the Aquino administration.

Some members of the government technical working group returned to Manila on Friday. Those from the MILF are expected to return Saturday.

Staying in Kuala Lumpur are the government panel led by Ferrer and the MILF group led by Iqbal.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/80605/wealth-sharing-stalls-grp-milf-talks

Soldiers, rebels clash in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Soldiers, rebels clash in Negros Oriental

Soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army recently clashed with members of the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) in the northern part of Negros Oriental.

A statement from the 11th IB said the encounter happened early in the morning of July 9 at Sitio Cansuhi, Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Military troops were conducting their regular security patrol in the area when residents approached them and informed them about the NPA presence in the vicinity of a nearby creek.

While verifying the information, gunshots erupted which reportedly came from more or less 15 armed rebels. This led into a fiery encounter which lasted for three minutes.

After three minutes, the NPAs withdrew from the battle while members of the military pursued them.

The soldiers recovered one caliber 357 pistol, one grenade, one improvised explosive device (IED) with detonating cord, five NPA flags and one backpack with subversive documents which the rebels left.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, commanding officer of the 11th IB, thanked the residents of Brgy. Tacpao for informing them about the NPA presence in their area. 

Isaac said he believes that the growing support of the residents of Brgy. Tacpao and neighboring Barangay Binobohan to 11th IB “Bayanihan” teams is a big help in maintaining peace and order in their area. 

Isaac further urged the residents living in remote barangays in Guihulngan City to work hand in hand with them to attain peace and development.

He assured them that the army will not be deterred in conducting its peace and development activities there.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2631373529410

2 soldiers killed, 4 hurt in Maguindanao

From ABS-CBN (Jul 13): 2 soldiers killed, 4 hurt in Maguindanao

Two soldiers of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Battalion were killed and 4 other soldiers were wounded in a strafing incident in Barangay Kateman, Guindulungan, Maguindanao at about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, the military said.

Col. Edgar Gonzales, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade, told ABS-CBN News through a phone interview that the soldiers were on board a KM450 military truck going to their detachment when they were fired upon by an unidentified number of gunmen from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

A firefight ensued for about 10 minutes. The military truck was badly hit by high powered firearms, the official said.

BIFF spokesperson Abu Missry Mama told ABS-CBN News that their troops were behind the attack.

Mama said no one was killed from their side.

“Dumaan ang mga tropa ng BIFF sa lugar tapos nagkataon na may dumaan din na sundalo kaya nagkaputukan,” Mama said.

The incident occurred 4 kilometers away from the national highway.
Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

The 2 fatalities were brought to the mortuary of the 6th Infantry Division while the 4 other wounded soldiers were brought to the hospital for treatment.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, the 6th ID spokesperson, said the names of the 2 dead soldiers and 4 other wounded soldiers will be released as soon as their family and relatives have been informed.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/13/13/2-soldiers-killed-4-hurt-maguindanao

Govt, MILF resume talks, 'determined' to finish annex

From GMA News (Jul 13): Govt, MILF resume talks, 'determined' to finish annex

Amid the sticky issue of wealth-sharing, the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Saturday morning resumed their formal peace negotiations.

 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process disclosed this in a post on its Twitter account at about 10 a.m.

 

"The GPH and MILF peace panels just started their session today, marking the sixth day of the 38th round of formal talks," it said on its Twitter account.

 

It added both parties had agreed to extend the schedule of negotiations, and are "determined and hopeful to finish an annex" it added.

 

The issue of wealth-sharing had been a pesky one for both sides, with the MILF reportedly not keen on the government’s proposed formula.

 

Meanwhile, in Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte confirmed the peace talks resumed but would not give further details.

 

Valte, in an interview on government-run dzRB radio, said they cannot disclose details of the talks as they are still ongoing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

“Ang detalye hindi pa pwede pagusapan. Ang huling update na na-receive sa kasamahan natin, kasisimula ng paguusap (We cannot discuss the details yet. But the last update we got was that the talks just resumed),” she said.

This resumption comes soon after a report that the talks between the goverment and the MILF had been extended due to disagreements on the wealth-sharing issue last Friday.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/317325/news/nation/govt-milf-resume-talks-determined-to-finish-annex

Seven dead in Mindanao as fighting mars GPH-MILF peace talks

From GMA News (Jul 13): Seven dead in Mindanao as fighting mars GPH-MILF peace talks

Fresh fighting between Philippine troops and a renegade group of Muslim rebels left seven people dead Saturday amid peace talks aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion, the military said.

 

The gunmen, who oppose the main Islamic rebel group's negotiations with Manila, ambushed an army truck on the main southern island of Mindanao, regional military spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso said.

 

Two soldiers were wounded in the initial volley, but the army gave chase to the retreating gunmen and killed five of them, he said in a written report.

But the pursuit operation left two soldiers dead and four other soldiers wounded, Hermoso added.

 

He said the firefight occured in Barangay Kateman, Guindulungan town in Maguindanao. The firefight, which started at about 9:15 a.m., lasted for about 15 minutes.
 

Hermoso said the gunmen were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

 

The group had mounted attacks in Mindanao on July 6, two days before the government resumed peace talks with the region's main rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

The earlier fighting had left five soldiers and three gunmen dead and sparked fears that it would affect the peace talks.

 

The military however ended its pursuit of the renegade rebel force before the talks resumed in Malaysia on Monday.

 

The peace talks aim to create an autonomous region for the Muslim minority in Mindanao, the southern third of the mainly Catholic nation of 100 million.

 

The two sides signed a preliminary deal in October outlining the broad terms for a peace treaty that would be signed by 2016.

 

The Kuala Lumpur talks aim to spell out revenue-sharing terms with the national government in the self-rule area.

 

The talks were continuing on Saturday, President Benigno Aquino's spokeswoman Abigail Valte said in an interview on government radio.

 

The 12,000-member MILF has waged a guerrilla war for a separate Islamic state in Mindanao since the 1970s that has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives.

 

The BIFF is led by Ameril Umbrakato, a Saudi Arabia-trained cleric who was expelled by the MILF in 2011 for his hardline stance against the peace talks.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/317347/news/nation/seven-dead-in-mindanao-as-fighting-mars-gph-milf-peace-talks

IEP: Latest Update (Jul 13)

From the Islamic Emirate of the Philippines (IEP) Facebook page (Jul 13): Latest Update



Around 8AM this morning, 7-13-2013, BIFF harrassed the enemies at Brgy. Kataman, Guindulungan Municipality, Maguindanao. 4 of the AFP soldiers died, wounded are not yet confirmed.

 One American owned Kennedy vehicle was destroyed.
...
Meanwhile, in Bagan, Guindulungan Municipality, Maguindanao, along the highway, the BIFF Mujahideen ambushed the enemies. 6 of the enemy soldiers were dead and 3 were seriously wounded. Booty were collected but not yet confirmed what and how many.

We have confirmed One Shaheed from among the ranks of the Mujahideen.

We will be updating the UMMAH for more Fresh and Accurate news. Insha'ALLAH

Please make Du'a for our Honorable Mujahideen and don't forget to give everything that you can give in support to The Honorable Defenders of our DEEN.

Don't forget to take part in spreading the NEWS Of the UMMAH.

Hit Like and Share, Let the Muslim know the reality of the UMMAH Today, because the Infedels are hiding the TRUTH!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=500753053335135&set=a.272752586135184.64480.268897169854059&type=1&theater

BRP Ramon Alcaraz docks in Hawaii

From the Philippine  News Agency (Jul 13): BRP Ramon Alcaraz docks in Hawaii

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) arrived in Hawaii Saturday morning (Philippine time) with the Filipino community warmly greeting the crew and officers of the second Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine navy.

Hawaii is the Philippines warship's second port call. After this stop, the frigate is scheduled to proceed to Guam for her third and final port stop before heading to the Philippines where she is expected to arrive by Aug. 3.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz left San Diego, California for its Hawaii port call last July 6.

The Filipino frigate docked at San Diego, California for re-fueling and re-provisioning last June 28 after departing Charleston, South Carolina last June 10.

The distance between San Diego, California to Hawaii is around 2,400 miles.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz also made a brief stopover at Mayport, Florida where it successfully test fired her 76-mm Oto Melara automatic cannon and speed trials of 25 knots without any difficulty.

The ship's top speed is placed between 29 to 31 knots.

On July 2, Concepcion D. Alcaraz, the widow of Filipino naval hero Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, visited the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the namesake ship of her husband, during its port call at San Diego, California.

During her visit, Mrs. Alcaraz signed copies of the book "Mrs. Alcaraz, A Biography" and "Commodore Alcaraz; First Victim of President Marcos".

She was accompanied by granddaughter Hailey Marshall and daughters Ramona and Efigenia in their short tour of the Filipino frigate.

Commodore Alcaraz gained distinction in World War II by shooting down three Japanese Zero fighters who tried to attack his ship, the Abra (Q-112), during the first months of the war.

Consul General Maria Helen de la Vega and the Filipino-American community in California also visited the BRP Alcaraz in July 1.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543827

Palace: PHL, US share view on resolving territorial row with China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Palace: PHL, US share view on resolving territorial row with China

The recent statement of US President Barack Obama warning China to refrain from using force or intimidation to resolve the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea is consistent with the Philippine government’s position, a Palace official said Saturday.

Meeting Chinese officials in Washington this week, Obama warned China on using force against its neighbors and urged it to adopt a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she can’t predict how Obama’s statement will influence other countries in settling the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

But since the country brought the issue to international arbitration, Valte said there are a number of countries and institutions that have expressed support for the Philippine position.

“In the sense that we’ve taken it, we’ve gone through diplomatic channels, we’ve gone through the correct venue for the settlement of disputes such as this, and we’ve always advocated for a peaceful resolution,” she said.

“So we’ve received widespread support on the position that the country has chosen to take.”

The Philippine government has maintained that any maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea should be resolved under a rules-based regime of the international law.

The Philippines and Vietnam charged that China has used assertive means to exert claims in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines said it is contemplating on the possibility of allowing its allies, particularly the US, to use its military base on a temporary and rotational basis to bolster its defense capability against Chinese intrusion.

While saying it’s not taking sides, the US has said since 2010 that its national interest is ensuring freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea.

Considering the ongoing tensions, the US has boosted military cooperation with Japan and the Philippines as well as with former war adversary Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=543881

2 abducted women rescued, 2 captors arrested in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 13): 2 abducted women rescued, 2 captors arrested in Southern Philippines



Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, commander of the 1st Infantry Division

Security forces rescued two abducted women and arrested their two captors in Iligan City in the southern Philippines, army officials said Saturday.

Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the hostages - Kathlyn Jane Dapol and Jingle Bation Rebosora - were reunited with their families following Friday’s rescue at a road block put up by authorities along the highway in Iligan City.

He said the abductors, Mark Rebosora, 28, and Rogelio Bation, 60, were handed over to the police and are facing criminal charges. He said the abduction stemmed from a family feud.

Somera said the two men snatched the women while they were walking near an army base and dragged the duo to a waiting car that was eventually intercepted by soldiers at the road block.

“The timely intelligence information helped in the operation that led to the rescue of the two victims,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, lauded the rescue of the women and commended the troops and policemen involved in the joint operation.

“In time of needs, our people always look upon us to help them. Because they know that they are the reason why we are here and I applaud you for this successful operation, we helped and never failed them,” Trinidad told the soldiers, who are members of the 4th Mechanized Battalion, and the local police force.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/2-abducted-women-rescued-2-captors.html