From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 14): Tadian town sets ‘rally for peace’ on July 15
The peace-loving people of this town will converge at their municipal hall ground on July 15 for a “Rally for Peace” as an offshoot of the ambush by the New People’s Army of police scout trainees here recently.
In a communication sent to the local media, mayor Anthony Wooden said their Municipal Peace and Order Council which he also chairs, agreed to hold a rally for peace to show that the people of Tadian are peace-loving people and abhor violence.
The rally for peace, which also coincides with the Cordillera Day celebration, will start with a parade around the town’s business district and ends at the municipal hall grounds for a Eucharistic Mass and a program.
With a theme “Sustained Peace, Progress and Development,” speakers from the various sectors in the municipality are expected to air their sentiments regarding the ambush incident as well as suggest measures to maintain peace and order in their municipality.
Political leaders, religious leaders and employees of agencies and the academe and the men in uniform in the province were also invited to attend the activity.
It will be recalled that last June 28, 95 police scout trainees and four of their instructors were on their regular early morning jogging exercises on a national road at sitio Am-o, Poblacion, Tadian, when they were attacked by suspected NPA rebels killing one trainee and wounding nine others.
The Leonardo Pacsi Command of the NPA in Mt. Province claimed responsibility of the ambush.
On July 2, the provincial government led an indignation rally at the provincial plaza that saw the participation of thousands of placard-bearing students, local officials, employees of the national and local agencies and the private sectors to denounce the latest NPA atrocities.
Aside from the messages in the rallyists’ placards and streamers, various speakers including congressman Maximo Dalog, Sr., governor Leonard Mayaen, EDNP Bishop Brent Alawas, mayor Franklin Odsey, Tadian Mayor Wooden and Sagada Sanguniang Bayan Indigenous Peoples representative Jaime Dugao took turns in denouncing the ambush staged by the NPA rebels to the helpless and armless police trainees.
Board member Alfonso Kiat-ong, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on peace and order, also read a resolution strongly condemning the ambush incident perpetrated by the armed groups to the police trainees.
The Tadian MPOC earlier came out with their strongly worded resolution “strongly condemning the latest NPA ambush” which they said breached the peace and order of their municipality.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=131373614200
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Guerrilla leader, land reform champion gets place of honor
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 14): Guerrilla leader, land reform champion gets place of honor
DR. ROMEO Taruc, the only son of Hukbalahap supremo Luis Taruc, celebrates his father’s 100th birth anniversary in San Luis, Pampanga. E.I. REYMOND T. OREJAS/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON
DR. ROMEO Taruc, the only son of Hukbalahap supremo Luis Taruc, celebrates his father’s 100th birth anniversary in San Luis, Pampanga. E.I. REYMOND T. OREJAS/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON
SAN LUIS, Pampanga—The late Huk supremo
Luis Taruc—renowned guerrilla leader, agrarian reform champion and socialist—is
this farming town’s new hero.
A municipal ordinance describes Taruc as a
role model for the youth and has named a public park after him on his birth
centenary. Taruc was a native of Barangay Sta. Monica here.
The town also unveiled a plan to build a
museum for Taruc’s memorabilia.
The son of a poor corn farmer and fish
vendor, Taruc was one of the founders of the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon
(Hukbalahap), which fought the invading Japanese Imperial Army during World War
II.
He became the leader of an agrarian
uprising that the United States helped quash. He was elected congressman in 1946
but was unseated, along with five other lawmakers, due to alleged election fraud
and terrorism.
He again pursued armed struggle, but he
surrendered in 1954. He was jailed for 14 years until his pardon by the dead
dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1968. He was a primary advocate for agrarian reform
since his release.
He died on May 4, 2005, at the age of 91.
“Ka Luis, in fighting for the peasants of
Pampanga and the whole Philippines, has made a distinct solid contribution
toward the advancement of the interest of the agricultural working class,”
Bishop Nilo Tayag of the Philippine Independent Church, former chair of the
militant Kabataang Makabayan, said during the recognition program.
Young courier
Vivencio Tizon, an 80-year-old World War
II veteran, shared accounts of Taruc as a charismatic leader among peasants. At
the age of 8, Tizon served as a courier in the Hukbalahap.
He said Taruc held meetings with the Banal
regiment in the Tizons’ home in Barangay Lourdes in Minalin.
The province’s leading poets, Eufrosinia
Peña and Frank Guintu, paid homage by reading their works on Taruc’s hard life
as freedom fighter.
“The Hukbalahap supremo was a very
important example to our youth,” Representative-elect Juan Pablo Bondoc said in
the program.
“This monument reminds us of the
sacrifices of Ka Luis but his contributions are beyond Pampanga,” Bondoc said.
The pork barrel of outgoing Rep. Anna York
Bondoc-Sagum funded the construction of the park three years ago.
From being the “nest of the revolution,”
San Luis is now in a better state, boasting a zero-crime rate, Bondoc said.
Gov. Lilia Pineda said Taruc’s fight for
social justice through agrarian reform was unfinished.
“The high cost of inputs and usury makes
life hard for our farmers,” she said, announcing the provincial government would
help farmers pay amortization to Land Bank of the Philippines.
“Let us be proud of Ka Luis and let us not
forget the struggle of the masses to rise from poverty,” Pineda said, vowing
that her second term would focus on agricultural development.
Hero of the masses
Ferdinand Llanes, commissioner of the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines, said Taruc was not an
intellectual but was popular with the masses.
He said Taruc and the late labor leader,
Felixberto Olalia Sr., opposed the “retreat for defense” policy of the merged
old Communist Party of the Philippines and Socialist Party of the Philippines.
“The challenge for historians is to return
to these personalities who became popular leaders among the masses,” Llanes
said. “It is important for our youth to remember them and their contributions to
the making of the nation.”
Taruc’s only son, Romeo, said he was
overwhelmed by the tribute and honor given to his father.
“In his time, he never received any
recognition because he was a rebel,” Romeo said, clarifying his father “always
insisted he was a socialist and not a communist.”
Romeo told the audience that the
Hukbalahap already liberated Central Luzon even before the Americans returned a
few years after the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942.
Romeo, who was also a guerrilla, said the
Huks also freed Americans imprisoned by the Japanese army.
Tayag said: “I feel elated because it is
really high time that we recognize the contribution of people like Ka Luis Taruc
to the revolutionary movement in the country. Whatever their ideological
differences, what is important is they were able to mobilize the masses.”
“The agrarian laws we are enjoying today,
although inadequate, [are] a result of this struggle. They had to struggle and
fight for it. That’s why the Hukbahalap and even the New People’s Army had
contributed to the legislation of agricultural reforms,” he said.
NDFP slams local talks with rebs in Sorsogon
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 13): NDFP slams local talks with rebs in Sorsogon
An Utrecht-based official of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Friday shot down a proposal by Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee to start talks in the local level with communist rebels.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444227/ndfp-slams-local-talks-with-rebs-in-sorsogon
An Utrecht-based official of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Friday shot down a proposal by Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee to start talks in the local level with communist rebels.
Localized peace talks are an “old and
futile attempt” of the government to split the revolutionary movement, Luis
Jalandoni, NDFP peace panel chief, said in an e-mail statement sent to the
Inquirer from The Netherlands.
Jalandoni predicted that local peace talks
“are bound to fail.” He said the communist leadership has repeatedly made it
clear that only the negotiating panel of the NDFP is authorized to engage in
peace negotiations.
Jalandoni said the localized peace talks
are part of the the military’s counterinsurgency plan called Oplan Bayanihan.
Armed Forces Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista
on Thursday admitted that Oplan Bayanihan had failed in its goal to wipe out the
communist rebels.
Jalandoni said the local peace talks
concept is also in line with the so-called “new approach” of President Aquino,
the AFP and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process under
Secretary Teresita Deles.
On Wednesday, Lee, in a statement, said
the local government would be willing to provide resources in local talks
between the military and communist rebels.
Last week, Sorsogon took center stage in
the 44-year-old communist rebellion after eight rebels were killed in a clash
with soldiers in Juban town.
The rebel fatalities included Frankie Joe
Soriano, better known by his pseudonym “Ka Greg Bañares,” the NDFP spokesperson
in Bicol.
Last July 7, a university co-ed was
wounded after suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels fired at police securing
a fun run in Gubat, Sorsogon. The next day, communist guerillas under the NPA’s
Celso Minguez Command clashed with soldiers in Irosin, Sorsogon.
The rebels admitted a comrade, Pinky
Boticario, alias “Ka Gerald,” was also killed in the clash, but the Communist
Party of the Philippines (CPP) insisted in a press statement that the rebels
also killed eight Army soldiers in the clash.
Lt. Col. Neil Anthony Estrella,
spokesperson of the military’s Southern Luzon Command based here in Camp Nakar,
belied the CPP claim of killing soldiers.
Estrella called on local government
officials to initiate localized peace talks to prevent more bloodshed, saying
that doing so “could convince NPA rebels to surrender and live with their loved
ones again.”
Peace negotiations between the communist
rebels and the government have been stalled since 2004.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444227/ndfp-slams-local-talks-with-rebs-in-sorsogon
Camp arms itself with the world’s largest peace mural
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 14): Camp arms itself with the world’s largest peace mural
Some call it street art, others graffiti.
Either way, bystanders and motorists cannot help but do a double take when they walk or drive pastCamp Aguinaldo ,
the general headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Santos Avenue
Amid the traffic snarl and smoke, vibrant hues are now painted on the white walls of a military camp.
At one end of its perimeter wall, a nun, a member of the indigenous community, a priest and a Muslim imam link arms.
A couple of meters away, silhouettes of images from the Edsa People Power
Revolution—that of soldiers and civilians flashing
the “Laban” sign—contrast with the setting of the sun.
“It is easier to illustrate peace as a way of life with images like these, to paint our own stories and messages for others to understand and share,” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, country director of the AsiaAmerica
The AAI is one of many groups behind the bid to paint the walls ofCamp
Aguinaldo
Called “Lakbay para sa Kapayapaan sa Edsa (Journey to Peace on Edsa),” the project launched on May 26 has transformed part of the formerly white walls into peace-themed street murals.
For lead artist AG Saño, the murals illustrate that peace is neither grand nor abstract but as plain and simple as doing small but good deeds every day.
“For example, we have a painting of a driver letting pedestrians cross the road first. We also depicted bayanihan images of people coming together for rescue and relief efforts, for caring for the environment
,” Saño told
the Inquirer.
He said that with the images, they hope to inspire ordinary people to do good deeds.
“You don’t have to wait for conflict to happen or worsen. Peace is not just about the absence of war. We have a lot of positive Filipino values which contribute to peace,” Sano said.
The project is a joint effort of the AFP, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the Dolphins Love Freedom Movement and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Armed with paintbrushes
A handful of AFP personnel in athletic gear were seen armed not with guns but with paintbrushes during one of the painting sessions.
“The AFP has been planning to do a project like this and it was by a stroke of luck
that AAI wanted to do a peace mural,” said Capt. Genesis Gabrido, who shed his
uniform for a brown shirt and shorts that were later flecked with paint.
All the walls of Camp Aguinaldo will be adorned with peace-themed images—the 1.7 kilometer stretch along Boni Serrano Avenue, the 1.3 km stretch along Edsa and the 1 km on White Plains.
On the group’s Facebook account, called Project Edsa, the organizers asked netizens the name they preferred for the peace mural.
Most of the volunteers heeded the call for painters also through appeals made on social media, with AFP
personnel comprising a third of the participants.
Lead artists would guide volunteers in using the right colors and strokes in each
section of the mural to make sure even unexperienced hands could get the hues
right.
“It’s amazing how many different people can come together for this effort—a peace mural,” said Gabrido, a soldier who joined the painting sessions. “Imagine how we can do a collaborative effort like this for other endeavors if we put our minds to it.”
The images, Sumndad-Usman said, were the product of an art workshop.
One part of the Edsa wall depicted women weaving different colored threads into one cloth.
In another other section, a blackboard bore the words, “Peace is a way of life,” side by side with Efren Peñaflorida’s “Kariton Klasrum.”
Depicting culture
Artist AG Saño.
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Some call it street art, others graffiti.
Either way, bystanders and motorists cannot help but do a double take when they walk or drive past
Amid the traffic snarl and smoke, vibrant hues are now painted on the white walls of a military camp.
At one end of its perimeter wall, a nun, a member of the indigenous community, a priest and a Muslim imam link arms.
A couple of meters away, silhouettes of images from the Edsa People Power
Revolution—that of soldiers and civilians flashing
the “Laban” sign—contrast with the setting of the sun. “It is easier to illustrate peace as a way of life with images like these, to paint our own stories and messages for others to understand and share,” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, country director of the Asia
The AAI is one of many groups behind the bid to paint the walls of
Called “Lakbay para sa Kapayapaan sa Edsa (Journey to Peace on Edsa),” the project launched on May 26 has transformed part of the formerly white walls into peace-themed street murals.
Men from the
Philippine Air Force work on the peace mural on Camp Aguinaldo’s perimeter fence
starting from the People Power Monument to White Plains Avenue in Quezon City on
Wednesday. When completed, the series of murals around Camp Aguinaldo will
stretch for 4 kilometers and will be the longest peace mural in the world. RAFFY
LERMA
For lead artist AG Saño, the murals illustrate that peace is neither grand nor abstract but as plain and simple as doing small but good deeds every day.
“For example, we have a painting of a driver letting pedestrians cross the road first. We also depicted bayanihan images of people coming together for rescue and relief efforts, for caring for the environment
,” Saño told
the Inquirer. He said that with the images, they hope to inspire ordinary people to do good deeds.
“You don’t have to wait for conflict to happen or worsen. Peace is not just about the absence of war. We have a lot of positive Filipino values which contribute to peace,” Sano said.
The project is a joint effort of the AFP, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the Dolphins Love Freedom Movement and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Armed with paintbrushes
A handful of AFP personnel in athletic gear were seen armed not with guns but with paintbrushes during one of the painting sessions.
“The AFP has been planning to do a project like this and it was by a stroke
of luck
that AAI wanted to do a peace mural,” said Capt. Genesis Gabrido, who shed his
uniform for a brown shirt and shorts that were later flecked with paint. All the walls of Camp Aguinaldo will be adorned with peace-themed images—the 1.7 kilometer stretch along Boni Serrano Avenue, the 1.3 km stretch along Edsa and the 1 km on White Plains.
On the group’s Facebook account, called Project Edsa, the organizers asked netizens the name they preferred for the peace mural.
Most of the volunteers heeded the call for painters also through appeals made on social media
, with AFP
personnel comprising a third of the participants. Lead artists would guide volunteers in using the right colors and strokes
in each
section of the mural to make sure even unexperienced hands could get the hues
right. “It’s amazing how many different people can come together for this effort—a peace mural,” said Gabrido, a soldier who joined the painting sessions. “Imagine how we can do a collaborative effort like this for other endeavors if we put our minds to it.”
The images, Sumndad-Usman said, were the product of an art workshop.
One part of the Edsa wall depicted women weaving different colored threads into one cloth.
In another other section, a blackboard bore the words, “Peace is a way of life,” side by side with Efren Peñaflorida’s “Kariton Klasrum.”
Depicting culture
To illustrate bayanihan, men and women
were painted rowing a sarimanok (legendary bird)-themed longboat—together and in
unison.
On Boni Serrano Avenue, the walls were adorned with images of popular tourist spots, like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and the Mayon Volcano in Albay.
The same wall also features depictions of periods in Philippine history, such as the Spanish colonial period and Lapu-Lapu’s battle with Ferdinand Magellan.
Sumndad-Usman said the White Plains stretch focused on calls or efforts at peace-building, with lyrics from a song entitled “Children for Peace.”
“The murals are related to each other, but they can stand on their own. Motorists passing by can only glance at them one at a time and we want to be able to send a message,” said Sano.
Favorite
A peace advocate himself, Sano said they wish to beat a previous record set by Chile at 1 km for the longest peace mural.
His favorite depiction is the weavers. “Those women are not just weaving cloth but different cultures and religions of our country,” he said.
Near the Santolan Manila Metro Rail Transit station, four painters on wheelchairs also joined the fray, filling in colors of city landscapes.
Marilou Deniega and other painters on wheelchairs used long-stemmed paintbrushes in painting the walls, bubbling with enthusiasm as much as the other volunteers.
“We want to show that even though we are persons with disabilities, we, too, can take part in promoting peace. If others can do it, so can we. We should all do our part,” she said.
On Boni Serrano Avenue, the walls were adorned with images of popular tourist spots, like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and the Mayon Volcano in Albay.
The same wall also features depictions of periods in Philippine history, such as the Spanish colonial period and Lapu-Lapu’s battle with Ferdinand Magellan.
Sumndad-Usman said the White Plains stretch focused on calls or efforts at peace-building, with lyrics from a song entitled “Children for Peace.”
“The murals are related to each other, but they can stand on their own. Motorists passing by can only glance at them one at a time and we want to be able to send a message,” said Sano.
Favorite
A peace advocate himself, Sano said they wish to beat a previous record set by Chile at 1 km for the longest peace mural.
His favorite depiction is the weavers. “Those women are not just weaving cloth but different cultures and religions of our country,” he said.
Near the Santolan Manila Metro Rail Transit station, four painters on wheelchairs also joined the fray, filling in colors of city landscapes.
Marilou Deniega and other painters on wheelchairs used long-stemmed paintbrushes in painting the walls, bubbling with enthusiasm as much as the other volunteers.
“We want to show that even though we are persons with disabilities, we, too, can take part in promoting peace. If others can do it, so can we. We should all do our part,” she said.
AFP cites Synetcom
From Tempo (Jul 14): AFP cites Synetcom
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through its Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems Service (CEISSAFP), honored communications and IT solutions distributor Synetcom Philippines Inc. for its contributions to the integration of modern systems and capability upgrades of the AFP modernization program.
Synetcom provided AFP with free technical training and updates on the responsive, reliable, secure, and cost-effective solutions and information that will help enhance the country’s military strength in the areas of operations and communications.
Thirty officers and enlisted personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Personnel underwent the Siemens HiPath 4000 Basic Training under the AFP Digital Switch Operations and Maintenance Course 07-2013.
According to CEISSAFP Deputy Commander for Operations Capt. Vicente L. Cejoco, this is the first in the history of the unit that both personnel from the Coast Guard and PNP joined together to undergo a training program in preparation for the integration of the communication systems of other government agencies with the AFP.
Synetcom provided the much-needed detailed and informative technical knowledge and skills to the AFP personnel manning the network.
“To support AFP through technical training is our way of helping defend and protect our national sovereignty specially with the advent of cyber attacks and other network security threats that is becoming rampant nowadays,” Synetcom president and CEO Dennis Luyahan said.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/07/afp-cites-synetcom/#.UeLWso7D9jo
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through its Communications, Electronics, and Information Systems Service (CEISSAFP), honored communications and IT solutions distributor Synetcom Philippines Inc. for its contributions to the integration of modern systems and capability upgrades of the AFP modernization program.
Synetcom provided AFP with free technical training and updates on the responsive, reliable, secure, and cost-effective solutions and information that will help enhance the country’s military strength in the areas of operations and communications.
Thirty officers and enlisted personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Personnel underwent the Siemens HiPath 4000 Basic Training under the AFP Digital Switch Operations and Maintenance Course 07-2013.
According to CEISSAFP Deputy Commander for Operations Capt. Vicente L. Cejoco, this is the first in the history of the unit that both personnel from the Coast Guard and PNP joined together to undergo a training program in preparation for the integration of the communication systems of other government agencies with the AFP.
Synetcom provided the much-needed detailed and informative technical knowledge and skills to the AFP personnel manning the network.
“To support AFP through technical training is our way of helping defend and protect our national sovereignty specially with the advent of cyber attacks and other network security threats that is becoming rampant nowadays,” Synetcom president and CEO Dennis Luyahan said.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/07/afp-cites-synetcom/#.UeLWso7D9jo
Bomb threat causes traffic build-up in Gen San highway
From ABS-CBN (Jul 14): Bomb threat causes traffic build-up in Gen San highway
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) placed inside a multicab caused a 10-hour delay for motorists passing by the Cotabato-General Santos City highway on Sunday.
According to SPO2 Akmad Manabilang, acting chief of police of Guindulungan, the multicab and four drums were allegedly placed by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members around 10:00 pm Saturday at the center of the national highway along Brgy. Macsampen, Guindulugan, Maguindanao.
The multicab prevented motorists from passing by the area.
Authorities placed a police line around the multicab and drums because they suspect there is an IED planted there.
Around 9:00 am Sunday, the army’s explosive ordinance disposal team went to the area for clearing operations.
The search revealed no explosive device inside the multicab and drums.
As of now, the Army is on alert in Maguindanao and is continuing its law enforcement operations following a series of attacks launched by the BIFF.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/14/13/bomb-threat-causes-traffic-build-gen-san-highway
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) placed inside a multicab caused a 10-hour delay for motorists passing by the Cotabato-General Santos City highway on Sunday.
According to SPO2 Akmad Manabilang, acting chief of police of Guindulungan, the multicab and four drums were allegedly placed by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members around 10:00 pm Saturday at the center of the national highway along Brgy. Macsampen, Guindulugan, Maguindanao.
The multicab prevented motorists from passing by the area.
Authorities placed a police line around the multicab and drums because they suspect there is an IED planted there.
Around 9:00 am Sunday, the army’s explosive ordinance disposal team went to the area for clearing operations.
The search revealed no explosive device inside the multicab and drums.
As of now, the Army is on alert in Maguindanao and is continuing its law enforcement operations following a series of attacks launched by the BIFF.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/14/13/bomb-threat-causes-traffic-build-gen-san-highway
Authorities warn against night travel along Maguindanao highway
From MindaNews (Jul 14): Authorities warn against night travel along Maguindanao highway
Authorities on Sunday cautioned traveling along the Maguindanao highway connecting the cities of Tacurong and Cotabato at nighttime due to the threats posed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
A joint advisory from the 6th Infantry Division, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense in Region 12 said that government troops have conducted security operations along the Tacurong-Cotabato highway due to recent attacks by the BIFF.
“All are discouraged to travel along the said highway today (Sunday) and during nighttime,” the first advisory issued at 6 a.m. said.
In the second advisory effective 10 a.m., it said that the Cotabato-Tacurong highway has been cleared of “obstacles and is now passable.”
Government troops, however, were still conducting security operations along the peripheries spanning Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao and Cotabato City, the second advisory said.
“All travel is discouraged during nighttime,” the second advisory added.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6ID spokesman, said that government troops have secured the Tacurong-Cotabato highway from security threats.
“The highway is passable and secured,” he said in a text message.
Hermoso particularly noted that the highway connecting the towns of Guindulungan and Datu Saudi Ampatuan has been cleared of lawless elements and “secured as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday.”
In August last year, the road stretching from Guindulungan to Shariff Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao, was closed to traffic after BIFF forces launched simultaneous attacks against government installations in the area.
Last week, five soldiers were killed as the BIFF, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), launched attacks against military targets in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
The military claimed that 18 BIFF fighters were killed in the ensuing firefights.
Thousands have been forced to evacuation centers in Datu Piang town due to the clashes between government and BIFF forces, reports said.
The BIFF attacks came ahead of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the MILF on July 8, which ended with the signing of the annex on wealth-sharing at 12:07 a.m. today, Sunday.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/14/authorities-warn-against-night-travel-along-maguindanao-highway/
Authorities on Sunday cautioned traveling along the Maguindanao highway connecting the cities of Tacurong and Cotabato at nighttime due to the threats posed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
A joint advisory from the 6th Infantry Division, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense in Region 12 said that government troops have conducted security operations along the Tacurong-Cotabato highway due to recent attacks by the BIFF.
“All are discouraged to travel along the said highway today (Sunday) and during nighttime,” the first advisory issued at 6 a.m. said.
In the second advisory effective 10 a.m., it said that the Cotabato-Tacurong highway has been cleared of “obstacles and is now passable.”
Government troops, however, were still conducting security operations along the peripheries spanning Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao and Cotabato City, the second advisory said.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6ID spokesman, said that government troops have secured the Tacurong-Cotabato highway from security threats.
“The highway is passable and secured,” he said in a text message.
Hermoso particularly noted that the highway connecting the towns of Guindulungan and Datu Saudi Ampatuan has been cleared of lawless elements and “secured as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday.”
In August last year, the road stretching from Guindulungan to Shariff Aguak, the capital of Maguindanao, was closed to traffic after BIFF forces launched simultaneous attacks against government installations in the area.
Last week, five soldiers were killed as the BIFF, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), launched attacks against military targets in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
The military claimed that 18 BIFF fighters were killed in the ensuing firefights.
Thousands have been forced to evacuation centers in Datu Piang town due to the clashes between government and BIFF forces, reports said.
The BIFF attacks came ahead of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the MILF on July 8, which ended with the signing of the annex on wealth-sharing at 12:07 a.m. today, Sunday.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/14/authorities-warn-against-night-travel-along-maguindanao-highway/
PHL lays down 3 conditions for continued presence in Golan Heights
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): PHL lays down 3 conditions for continued presence in Golan Heights
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has met United Nations officials and laid out conditions for Filipino peacekeeping troops to stay in the volatile Golan Heights, including providing weapons for their defense by October and allowing troops to be assigned in the dangerous region on a six-month rotational basis.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543986
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has met United Nations officials and laid out conditions for Filipino peacekeeping troops to stay in the volatile Golan Heights, including providing weapons for their defense by October and allowing troops to be assigned in the dangerous region on a six-month rotational basis.
U.N.
Undersecretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous pledged the
world body "will be working with all stakeholders to provide what is
needed" and "agreed that providing more robust self-defense
capabilities for UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) personnel would be
vital to the success of the mission," the Department of Foreign Affairs
said in a statement Sunday.
Del
Rosario met Ladsous on July 12 to seek greater protection and security for the
343 Filipino troops, who are part of the U.N. mission monitoring the armistice
line in Golan Heights between Syria and Israel following the 1973 Arab-Israeli
war, were seized by rebels.Some 25 Filipino peacekeeping troops were seized in two
separate occasions by rebels in March and May this year, prompting the
Philippine government to re-assess its troop presence there.
“Secretary
Del Rosario emphasized the conditionalities set by the Philippine government
for its continued engagement in UNDOF. Secretary del Rosario, however, informed
Under-Secretary Ladsous that Philippine troops would in the meantime remain in
UNDOF until August 11,” the DFA said.
Del
Rosario identified the following conditionalities:
--The
UN is able to deploy UNDOF’s mandated full troop strength of 1,250 by October
2013;
--
The necessary equipment for the protection and defense of Filipino troops and
other UNDOF are procured by October 2013;
--
The Philippines
UNDOF
contingents are deployed by rotation cycles, usually every six months. However,
the U.N., in early 2013, extended the cycle to one year.
The
Philippines has a total of 742 police, military and jail personnel in eight
U.N. peacekeeping operations, namely Haiti, Liberia, South Sudan, Cote d’
Ivoire, the disputed territory of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan, the
India-Pakistan border and Afghanistan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543986
Army troopers, militiamen repel 30 NPAs in Calbayog City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): Army troopers, militiamen repel 30 NPAs in Calbayog City
Troopers from the 52nd Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen from the Pinamurutan CAA Detachment have successfully repulsed a group of 30 New People's Army (NPA) rebels reportedly on a extortion mission in Barangay Mabini, Calbayog City, Samar last July 12.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=544000
Troopers from the 52nd Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen from the Pinamurutan CAA Detachment have successfully repulsed a group of 30 New People's Army (NPA) rebels reportedly on a extortion mission in Barangay Mabini, Calbayog City, Samar last July 12.
Belated
reports from Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division, the mother unit of
the 52nd Infantry Battalion, said government forces under Sgt. Charito L.
Villamor were conducting a routine security patrol when they encountered the
rebel band headed by one "Dado Baldonado".
A
25-minute firefight broke out between the opposing groups. This ended with the
retreat of the rebels who sustained an undetermined number of casualties with
no losses to the government side.
Gutierrez
added that 52nd Infantry Battalion troopers recovered a homemade shotgun in the
scene of the encounter.
Meanwhile,
two NPA camps were discovered by operating troops of the 20th Infantry
Battalion.
The
first camp was discovered on July 11 in the outskirts of Barangay Toog,
Lavasares, Northern Samar .
It
was assessed by troops to have been abandoned by the NPAs three weeks ago.
Inspection
revealed that it can accommodate 50 people, has 40 sleeping bunkers, three
guard posts, two kitchens and two comport rooms.
While
the second camp was discovered on July 12 at the vicinity of Barangay
Luisita , Victoria , Northern Samar .
This
camp can accommodate seven people. It was said to have been hastily vacated by
the NPAs one to two days before it was discovered owing to the fresh signs of
habitation in the camp’s periphery and military uniforms and civilian clothing
recovered by the troops.
Both
NPA camps were discovered by a platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lt. Alge Oronan.
“While
the focus of 8th Infantry Division is to deliver community services to the
people through its 'Bayanihan' Teams, your soldiers will continue to defend the
people against the NPAs who continue to extort, intimidate and worst, even kill
those who oppose them," Gutierrez concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=544000
1 ASG bandit killed as gov't forces foil ambush in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): 1 ASG bandit killed as gov't forces foil ambush in Basilan
Troopers of the 1st Infantry Division's 64th Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen shot and killed one of the 10 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands who attempted to ambush them in Sitio Manican, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip, Basilan Saturday afternoon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=544003
Troopers of the 1st Infantry Division's 64th Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen shot and killed one of the 10 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands who attempted to ambush them in Sitio Manican, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip, Basilan Saturday afternoon.
Capt.
Jefferson Somera, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took
place around 4:30 p.m.
He
identified the slain ASG man as Omar Akbar Suwaire.
Also
recovered was a M-16 automatic rifle with a M-203 grenade launcher.
According
to 64th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Leonardo C. Dacumos, his men were
escorting the delivery truck of the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
Integrated Development Cooperative which came from Isabela City
Dacumos
said he immediately deployed his men in an anti-ambush formation and traded
fire with the brigands for at least 10 minutes, killing Suwaire in the process.
He
added the remaining ASG men fled but return an hour later in an attempt to
recover the body of their slain companion.
However,
this proved futile as government troopers were already swarming in the area.
The
ASG men finally left 30 minutes later without inflicting any casualty to
government forces in the area.
Somera
said Suwaire's body was turned over to Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=544003
Army recovers two NPA camps in Northern Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): Army recovers two NPA camps in Northern Samar
Elements of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig,Northern Samar have recovered two abandoned camps of the
Communist’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) this week.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=544031
Elements of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig,
Capt.
Amado Gutierrez, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban ,
Catbalogan City
in Samar said the first camp was discovered on Thursday in the outskirts of
Barangay Toog, Lavazares, Northern Samar .
“It
was assessed by troops to have been abandoned by the NPAs three weeks ago and
it could accommodate 50 people. It has 40 sleeping bunkers, three guard posts,
two kitchens and two comfort rooms,” Capt. Gutierrez added.
Gutierrez
said the second camp was discovered in July 12 at the vicinity of Barangay Luisita , Victoria
town also in Northern Samar .
“The
second NPA camp could accommodate seven people. It was assessed to have been
hastily vacated by the NPAs a day or two before it was discovered owing to the
fresh signs of habitation in the camp’s periphery and military uniforms and
civilian clothing,” the Army official said.
“While
the focus of 8ID is to deliver community services to the people through its
Bayanihan Teams, your soldiers will continue to defend the people against the
NPAs who continue to extort, intimidate and worst, even kill those who oppose
them,” he added.
Meanwhile,
troops from Pinamurutan CAA Detachment led by Sgt. Charito L. Villamor of 52nd
IB (CAFGU) encountered around 30 NPA last Friday in Barangay Mabini, Calbayog City
The
band of NPA insurgents was led by a certain Dado Baldonado, alias “Totoy,” an
NPA leader operating in Samar .
Sgt.
Villamor and 16 CAA were doing their regular security patrol when concerned
civilians reported to them of NPAs’ presence in Barangay Mabini and were
demanding food stuff from the people.
The
troops responded to the information and when they got near in the NPAs’
reported location, they were fired upon, and a 25-minute fire fight ensued.
Troops
recovered one home–made shotgun that was left by the NPAs when troops were
advancing towards their position.
There
was no reported casualty on the government side, while the NPAs suffered
several casualties as reported by civilians who saw the NPAs carrying their
wounded comrades.
Follow
up operations are on-going as of press time to flush out the NPAs from their
hideouts.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=544031
62 rebels surrender in WV, more to follow suit: Military
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 14): 62 rebels surrender in WV, more to follow suit: Military
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=544039
The
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who surrendered and joined the mainstream of
society in Region 6 has increased in number.
Maj.
Rey Tiongson, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID),
Philippine Army based in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, said a total of
62 rebel insurgents has surrendered to the 3ID during the 1st semester of this
year.
Tiongson
said, of the total number, 26 rebels from the NPA’s Komite Rehiyon-Panay
surrendered to the military authorities in Panay Island province of Capiz
While
the remaining 36 cadres from the Komite Rehiyon-Negros that include three other
rebels from Central Visayas also came down from their mountain lairs and gave
themselves up before the military authorities across Negros Island
Tiongson
said the number of rebels who surrendered during the first semester of this
year is 40 percent higher compared to a record of 18 rebels for the same period
last year.
These
rebel surrenderees, he said, has been placed under the social integration
program of the government where they availed of financial and livelihood
assistance for them to start their respective endeavors under the mainstream of
the democratic society.
Meanwhile,
the 3ID OIC commander Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay said they are expecting more
rebels to return to the fold of law as they were already tired of the futile
armed struggle for the past several decades now.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=544039
NPA rebels storm Davao del Sur village, seize local execs’ firearms
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 14): NPA rebels storm Davao del Sur village, seize local
execs’ firearms
MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur, Philippines – New People’s Army rebels disarmed a town councilor a former Scout Ranger and a village chair here on Saturday.
Senior Inspector Renier Raotraot, the town’s police chief, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that an undetermined number of rebels stormed the village Bala here and disarmed village chair Beinvinido Alberio, municipal councilor Crispin Ambayan and former Scout Ranger Alexander Cabatania.
The rebels took away a 9mm and two .45 caliber pistols.
Raiotraot claimed that before leaving, the rebels gathered some 150 residents and told them to help the illegal drugs trade and other crimes.
Raotraot said they have tightened security after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels were planning to attack the police station.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444573/npa-rebels-storm-davao-del-sur-village-seize-local-execs-firearms
MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur, Philippines – New People’s Army rebels disarmed a town councilor a former Scout Ranger and a village chair here on Saturday.
Senior Inspector Renier Raotraot, the town’s police chief, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that an undetermined number of rebels stormed the village Bala here and disarmed village chair Beinvinido Alberio, municipal councilor Crispin Ambayan and former Scout Ranger Alexander Cabatania.
The rebels took away a 9mm and two .45 caliber pistols.
Raiotraot claimed that before leaving, the rebels gathered some 150 residents and told them to help the illegal drugs trade and other crimes.
Raotraot said they have tightened security after receiving intelligence reports that the rebels were planning to attack the police station.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444573/npa-rebels-storm-davao-del-sur-village-seize-local-execs-firearms
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Basilan clash
From MindaNews (Jul 14): Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Basilan clash
A suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed Saturday in a clash preceded by an ambush of a rubber plantation cooperative delivery truck in Basilan, a military official disclosed Sunday.
Lt. Col. Leonardo Dacumos, commander of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion, said his personnel, backed by militiamen, were escorting the truck when a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits opened fire around 4:30 p.m. at Sitio Manican, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip town.
Dacumos said the truck, which belongs to the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDC), was on the way back to Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip from Isabela City when ambushed.
He said the escorting troops returned fire and engaged the bandits in a firefight that lasted for about 10 minutes that resulted to the death of a suspected Abu Sayyaf member.
Dacumos identified the fatality as Omar Akbar Suwaire. Recovered from his possession was an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher.
The military official said that a 30-minute firefight ensued an hour after the first clash in the same place when another group of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits attacked the soldiers and tried to recover the remains of their slain comrade.
He said the attackers fled upon sensing the arrival of government reinforcements.
No one among the troops were either killed or injured during the two separate clashes, Dacumos said.
Suwaire’s body was turned over to Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman, according to Dacumos.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/14/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandit-killed-in-basilan-clash/
A suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed Saturday in a clash preceded by an ambush of a rubber plantation cooperative delivery truck in Basilan, a military official disclosed Sunday.
Lt. Col. Leonardo Dacumos, commander of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion, said his personnel, backed by militiamen, were escorting the truck when a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits opened fire around 4:30 p.m. at Sitio Manican, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip town.
Dacumos said the truck, which belongs to the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDC), was on the way back to Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip from Isabela City when ambushed.
He said the escorting troops returned fire and engaged the bandits in a firefight that lasted for about 10 minutes that resulted to the death of a suspected Abu Sayyaf member.
Dacumos identified the fatality as Omar Akbar Suwaire. Recovered from his possession was an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher.
He said the attackers fled upon sensing the arrival of government reinforcements.
No one among the troops were either killed or injured during the two separate clashes, Dacumos said.
Suwaire’s body was turned over to Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman, according to Dacumos.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/14/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandit-killed-in-basilan-clash/
Iqbal says MILF got “much more than the ARMM” for the future Bangsamoro
From MindaNews (Jul 14): Iqbal says MILF got “much more than the ARMM” for the future Bangsamoro
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) did not get everything that it proposed to the Philippine government’s (GPH) peace panel on the issue of wealth-sharing and revenue generation but MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said they secured for the future Bangsamoro government “much more than the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).”
Iqbal told MindaNews in a text message Sunday morning that what the MILF got in the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing in terms of taxing powers, shares in revenues, natural resources and block grant “strengthen the ancestral domain doctrine.”
But does the signed annex reflect a major shift from the “status quo” and correct the power relations between the Bangsamoro and the national government? Does it represent what Iqbal referred to in his opening statement in Kuala Lumpur on July 8, as “a major shake-up of the status quo?”
“The best way to know the difference is to make comparisons,” he told MindaNews.
Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the persistence and goodwill of both parties “bore fruit.
“We have a good package, one that we believe would make fiscal autonomy in the Bangsamoro a reality,” Ferrer was quoted in a press statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Sunday afternoon.
The Annex, the second of four annexes to the FAB that would complete the comprehensive peace pact “seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful autonomy for Muslim Mindanao that was envisioned in the Constitution” and “will correct the flaws in the current fiscal system in the ARMM,” she said.
‘Status quo is unacceptable’
The two panels had agreed in the April 2012 Decision Points, carried over into the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed in October, that “the status quo is unacceptable and that the Parties will work for the creation of a new autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM.”
In his July 8 opening statement in on July 8, Iqbal reiterated that solving the problem that has been laid down on the negotiating table for the last 16 years “requires a major shake-up of the status quo.”
“For the nth time, I must mention here that we are solving the Moro Problem or Question, not the Philippine Problem. Remember that a ‘historic injustice’ has been committed against the Bangsamoro, which must be corrected once and for all in order to put to rest all future legitimate struggles against the Manila government,” he said.
Iqbal explained that “a mere resort to legal remedies not founded on negotiated political settlement will not hold water.”
He said the parties had earlier agreed to an “asymmetrical relationship” between the Bangsamoro and the national government. “This means the parties must find a political solution that is above the current ARMM and below independence.”
8-page Annex
The text of the eight-page Annex signed at midnight in Kuala Lumpur has not been released to the public.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has yet to upload the Annex on its website. The MILF’s website, luwaran.com, has not posted the Joint Statement and the Annex.
MindaNews was told by the OPAPP’s communications team in KL that copies of the Annex would be released “tomorrow (Monday) during Malacanang press briefing.”
There is no explanation as to why copies of the Annex will be released only on Monday, instead of Sunday. On October 7, as soon as President Aquino announced that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro had been reached, copies of the document were immediately uploaded in websites of Malacanang’s Official Gazette and the OPAPP.
MindaNews sources in the Bangsamoro peace process said among the salient provisions in the eight-page Annex is that in terms of taxation, Central Government (national government) taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and customs duties,” shall be on a 75%-25% sharing in favor of the Bangsamoro. (The sharing system in the ARMM is 70-30 in its favor except for strategic minerals which is 50-50, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman told MindaNews).
According to the Annex, the share of the Bangsamoro from these taxes can even be 100%, for a limited period, because the Annex provides that the Bangsamoro Basic Law “may provide that the 25% due to the Central Government will be remitted to the Bangsamoro for a limited period of time.”
The Annex also provides that all taxing powers already devolved to the ARMM by R.A. No. 9054 and other legislations will be exercised by the Bangsamoro.
RA 9054 which amended RA 6734, the Organic Act creating the ARMM, provides that “unless otherwise provided,” the taxing power of the ARMM and its member-provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangay shall not extend to the following:
“income tax, except when levied on banks and other financial institutions; documentary stamps tax; taxes on estate, inheritance, gifts, legacies, and other acquisitions mortis causa, except as otherwise provided by law.”
The Annex does not give the Bangsamoro powers over income tax as the MILF had proposed but both parties agreed that the power to collect the capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax and estate tax within the Bangsamoro would be devolved to the Bangsamoro.
If the taxable elements are not situated entirely within the Bangsamoro, the Annex provides that the intergovernmental fiscal policy board which shall address problems relating to implementation.
Natural resources
In terms of natural resources, the Annex provides that the Bangsamoro share from incomes derived from the “exploration, development and utilization of all natural resources within the Bangsamoro” shall be:
- 100% to the Bangsamoro and its local government units for non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel, and quarry resources;
- 75% to the Bangsamoro for metallic minerals within the Bangsamoro; and
- 50% to the Bangsamoro and 50% to the Central Government for “fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium but the parties “shall endeavor to provide for a review mechanism in the Basic Law with regard to this sharing arrangement.”
The shares of the Bangsamoro from the natural resources revenues include those for its constituent local government units, the Annex states.
Under RA 9054, sharing between the national government and the ARMM is 50%-50% in terms of “taxes or fees derived from the use and development of the strategic minerals.”
The Annex has removed “strategic minerals” as a category. “No more strategic minerals classification. That is a tricky description. (For) gas, oil, coal, uranium, it’s 50-50 with possible increase in the future,” said Iqbal.
The other features of the Annex are contained in the eight-page document.
MindaNews sources said the Annex has 12 sections, the last one on gender and development, which mandates the Bangsamoro to set aside at least 5% of the development funds it will receive, for support programs and activities for women.
The panels are set to meet again in August, after the Ramadhan, to finish the annexes on Power-sharing and Normalization.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2013/07/14/iqbal-says-milf-got-much-more-than-the-armm-for-the-future-bangsamoro/
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) did not get everything that it proposed to the Philippine government’s (GPH) peace panel on the issue of wealth-sharing and revenue generation but MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said they secured for the future Bangsamoro government “much more than the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).”
Iqbal told MindaNews in a text message Sunday morning that what the MILF got in the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing in terms of taxing powers, shares in revenues, natural resources and block grant “strengthen the ancestral domain doctrine.”
But does the signed annex reflect a major shift from the “status quo” and correct the power relations between the Bangsamoro and the national government? Does it represent what Iqbal referred to in his opening statement in Kuala Lumpur on July 8, as “a major shake-up of the status quo?”
“The best way to know the difference is to make comparisons,” he told MindaNews.
Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the persistence and goodwill of both parties “bore fruit.
The Annex, the second of four annexes to the FAB that would complete the comprehensive peace pact “seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful autonomy for Muslim Mindanao that was envisioned in the Constitution” and “will correct the flaws in the current fiscal system in the ARMM,” she said.
‘Status quo is unacceptable’
The two panels had agreed in the April 2012 Decision Points, carried over into the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed in October, that “the status quo is unacceptable and that the Parties will work for the creation of a new autonomous political entity in place of the ARMM.”
In his July 8 opening statement in on July 8, Iqbal reiterated that solving the problem that has been laid down on the negotiating table for the last 16 years “requires a major shake-up of the status quo.”
“For the nth time, I must mention here that we are solving the Moro Problem or Question, not the Philippine Problem. Remember that a ‘historic injustice’ has been committed against the Bangsamoro, which must be corrected once and for all in order to put to rest all future legitimate struggles against the Manila government,” he said.
Iqbal explained that “a mere resort to legal remedies not founded on negotiated political settlement will not hold water.”
He said the parties had earlier agreed to an “asymmetrical relationship” between the Bangsamoro and the national government. “This means the parties must find a political solution that is above the current ARMM and below independence.”
8-page Annex
The text of the eight-page Annex signed at midnight in Kuala Lumpur has not been released to the public.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has yet to upload the Annex on its website. The MILF’s website, luwaran.com, has not posted the Joint Statement and the Annex.
MindaNews was told by the OPAPP’s communications team in KL that copies of the Annex would be released “tomorrow (Monday) during Malacanang press briefing.”
There is no explanation as to why copies of the Annex will be released only on Monday, instead of Sunday. On October 7, as soon as President Aquino announced that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro had been reached, copies of the document were immediately uploaded in websites of Malacanang’s Official Gazette and the OPAPP.
MindaNews sources in the Bangsamoro peace process said among the salient provisions in the eight-page Annex is that in terms of taxation, Central Government (national government) taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and customs duties,” shall be on a 75%-25% sharing in favor of the Bangsamoro. (The sharing system in the ARMM is 70-30 in its favor except for strategic minerals which is 50-50, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman told MindaNews).
According to the Annex, the share of the Bangsamoro from these taxes can even be 100%, for a limited period, because the Annex provides that the Bangsamoro Basic Law “may provide that the 25% due to the Central Government will be remitted to the Bangsamoro for a limited period of time.”
The Annex also provides that all taxing powers already devolved to the ARMM by R.A. No. 9054 and other legislations will be exercised by the Bangsamoro.
RA 9054 which amended RA 6734, the Organic Act creating the ARMM, provides that “unless otherwise provided,” the taxing power of the ARMM and its member-provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangay shall not extend to the following:
“income tax, except when levied on banks and other financial institutions; documentary stamps tax; taxes on estate, inheritance, gifts, legacies, and other acquisitions mortis causa, except as otherwise provided by law.”
The Annex does not give the Bangsamoro powers over income tax as the MILF had proposed but both parties agreed that the power to collect the capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax and estate tax within the Bangsamoro would be devolved to the Bangsamoro.
If the taxable elements are not situated entirely within the Bangsamoro, the Annex provides that the intergovernmental fiscal policy board which shall address problems relating to implementation.
Natural resources
In terms of natural resources, the Annex provides that the Bangsamoro share from incomes derived from the “exploration, development and utilization of all natural resources within the Bangsamoro” shall be:
- 100% to the Bangsamoro and its local government units for non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel, and quarry resources;
- 75% to the Bangsamoro for metallic minerals within the Bangsamoro; and
- 50% to the Bangsamoro and 50% to the Central Government for “fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium but the parties “shall endeavor to provide for a review mechanism in the Basic Law with regard to this sharing arrangement.”
The shares of the Bangsamoro from the natural resources revenues include those for its constituent local government units, the Annex states.
Under RA 9054, sharing between the national government and the ARMM is 50%-50% in terms of “taxes or fees derived from the use and development of the strategic minerals.”
The Annex has removed “strategic minerals” as a category. “No more strategic minerals classification. That is a tricky description. (For) gas, oil, coal, uranium, it’s 50-50 with possible increase in the future,” said Iqbal.
The other features of the Annex are contained in the eight-page document.
MindaNews sources said the Annex has 12 sections, the last one on gender and development, which mandates the Bangsamoro to set aside at least 5% of the development funds it will receive, for support programs and activities for women.
The panels are set to meet again in August, after the Ramadhan, to finish the annexes on Power-sharing and Normalization.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2013/07/14/iqbal-says-milf-got-much-more-than-the-armm-for-the-future-bangsamoro/
3 suspected NPA fighters arrested in Palawan—police
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 14): 3 suspected NPA fighters arrested in
Palawan—police
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Philippines – Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested by elements of the Western Command and the Philippine National Police on Sunday morning in San Vicente, Palawan.
Senior Superintendent Atanacio Macalan, the PNP Palawan provincial director, told reporters that pursuit operations were ongoing around the area of Port Barton, San Vicente, and that several high-powered firearms had been recovered.
The government forces, Macalan explained, were in an operation to serve a warrant of arrest against a suspected NPA leader, a certain Dionesio Almonte, when they came upon a group of rebels.
Recovered from the three captives were eight shotguns, a baby armalite, two UZI rifles, a .50 caliber machine gun, detonating cords used on improvised bombs and two drums of chemicals, he said.
Macalan declined to name the captives pending investigation and would not say if Almonte was one of them.
Macalan said initial investigation showed the captured firearms included those taken by the rebels during previous raids it conducted in a commercial pearl farm in Taytay, Palawan, and at the local police headquarters of the PNP in Roxas town.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444617/3-suspected-npa-fighters-arrested-in-palawan-police
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Philippines – Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested by elements of the Western Command and the Philippine National Police on Sunday morning in San Vicente, Palawan.
Senior Superintendent Atanacio Macalan, the PNP Palawan provincial director, told reporters that pursuit operations were ongoing around the area of Port Barton, San Vicente, and that several high-powered firearms had been recovered.
The government forces, Macalan explained, were in an operation to serve a warrant of arrest against a suspected NPA leader, a certain Dionesio Almonte, when they came upon a group of rebels.
Recovered from the three captives were eight shotguns, a baby armalite, two UZI rifles, a .50 caliber machine gun, detonating cords used on improvised bombs and two drums of chemicals, he said.
Macalan declined to name the captives pending investigation and would not say if Almonte was one of them.
Macalan said initial investigation showed the captured firearms included those taken by the rebels during previous raids it conducted in a commercial pearl farm in Taytay, Palawan, and at the local police headquarters of the PNP in Roxas town.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/444617/3-suspected-npa-fighters-arrested-in-palawan-police
NITTY GRITTY | Highlights of the Govt-MILF revenue generation, wealth-sharing annex
From InterAksyon (Jul 14): NITTY GRITTY | Highlights of the Govt-MILF revenue generation, wealth-sharing annex
Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer and MILF chairman al-haj Murad lead the signing of the revenue generation and wealth-sharing annex late Saturday, July 13 in KL. OPAPP-AFP
The government and the MILF released a joint statement Sunday hailing the successful conclusion of occasionally tense negotiations on revenue generation and wealth sharing between the State and the Bangsamoro, one of three sticky areas in the negotiations leading to a comprehensive agreement.
HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNEX ON REVENUE GENERATION AND WEALTH SHARING:
• Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth-sharing seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful autonomy for Muslim Mindanao as envisioned in the Constitution and correct the flaws in the current fiscal system in the ARMM.
• The Annex, which forms part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (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. Wealth creation (or revenue creation and sourcing) is deemed “important for the operation of the Bangsamoro, considering that the Bangsamoro territory is among the most underdeveloped in the Philippines due to the decades-old conflict. Moreover, the existing tax base therein is very limited.”
• The eight-page wealth-sharing annex has sections on taxation, other sources of revenue, fees and charges, grants and donations, fund transfers from Central Government, contracting of loans and overseas development assistance, natural resources, additional fiscal powers, among others.
• One of the highlights is the agreed sharing formula on taxing powers. The panels agreed that 25 percent of the “Central Government taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and custom duties” will go to the Central Government, while 75 percent of it, including the shares of the local government units, will go to the Bangsamoro Government.
• On other sources of revenue, government income derived from the operations of Bangsamoro government-owned and -controlled corporations, financial institutions, economic zones, and freeports operating therein, shall go to the Bangsamoro Government.
• The Bangsamoro shall have authority and control over existing government owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro territory, after determination by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board of its feasibility.
• On fund transfers from Central Government, a Special Development Fund will be provided by the former to the Bangsamoro for rehabilitation and development purposes upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
• When it comes to natural resources, 75 percent of income derived from exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region will go to the Bangsamoro Government. With respect to non-metallic minerals (sand, gravel, and quarry resources), such revenues will go to the Bangsamoro government and its local government units.
• Income derived from fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium will be shared equally between the Central and Bangsamoro Governments.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66330/nitty-gritty--highlights-of-the-govt-milf-revenue-generation-wealth-sharing-annex
Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer and MILF chairman al-haj Murad lead the signing of the revenue generation and wealth-sharing annex late Saturday, July 13 in KL. OPAPP-AFP
The government and the MILF released a joint statement Sunday hailing the successful conclusion of occasionally tense negotiations on revenue generation and wealth sharing between the State and the Bangsamoro, one of three sticky areas in the negotiations leading to a comprehensive agreement.
HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNEX ON REVENUE GENERATION AND WEALTH SHARING:
• Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth-sharing seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful autonomy for Muslim Mindanao as envisioned in the Constitution and correct the flaws in the current fiscal system in the ARMM.
• The Annex, which forms part of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (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. Wealth creation (or revenue creation and sourcing) is deemed “important for the operation of the Bangsamoro, considering that the Bangsamoro territory is among the most underdeveloped in the Philippines due to the decades-old conflict. Moreover, the existing tax base therein is very limited.”
• The eight-page wealth-sharing annex has sections on taxation, other sources of revenue, fees and charges, grants and donations, fund transfers from Central Government, contracting of loans and overseas development assistance, natural resources, additional fiscal powers, among others.
• One of the highlights is the agreed sharing formula on taxing powers. The panels agreed that 25 percent of the “Central Government taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and custom duties” will go to the Central Government, while 75 percent of it, including the shares of the local government units, will go to the Bangsamoro Government.
• On other sources of revenue, government income derived from the operations of Bangsamoro government-owned and -controlled corporations, financial institutions, economic zones, and freeports operating therein, shall go to the Bangsamoro Government.
• The Bangsamoro shall have authority and control over existing government owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro territory, after determination by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board of its feasibility.
• On fund transfers from Central Government, a Special Development Fund will be provided by the former to the Bangsamoro for rehabilitation and development purposes upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
• When it comes to natural resources, 75 percent of income derived from exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region will go to the Bangsamoro Government. With respect to non-metallic minerals (sand, gravel, and quarry resources), such revenues will go to the Bangsamoro government and its local government units.
• Income derived from fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium will be shared equally between the Central and Bangsamoro Governments.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66330/nitty-gritty--highlights-of-the-govt-milf-revenue-generation-wealth-sharing-annex
Army troops, militiamen repel 30 NPA insurgents in Samar
From the Daily Tribune (Jul 15): Army troops, militiamen repel 30 NPA insurgents in Samar
Troopers from the 52nd Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen from the Pinamurutan CAA Detachment have successfully repulsed a group of 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels reportedly on a extortion mission in Barangay Mabini, Calbayog City, Samar last July 12.
Belated reports from Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division, the mother unit of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, said government forces under Sgt. Charito Villamor were conducting a routine security patrol when they encountered the rebel band headed by one “Dado Baldonado.”
A 25-minute firefight broke out between the opposing groups. This ended with the retreat of the rebels who sustained an undetermined number of casualties with no losses to the government side.
Gutierrez added that 52nd Infantry Battalion troopers recovered a homemade shotgun in the scene of the encounter.
Meanwhile, two NPA camps were discovered by operating troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion.
The first camp was discovered on July 11 on the outskirts of Barangay Toog, Lavasares, Northern Samar.
It was assessed by troops to have been abandoned by the NPAs three weeks ago.
Inspection revealed that it can accommodate 50 people, has 40 sleeping bunkers, three guard posts, two kitchens and two comport rooms.
While the second camp was discovered on July 12 at the vicinity of Barangay Luisita, Victoria, Northern Samar.
This camp can accommodate seven people. It was said to have been hastily vacated by the NPAs one to two days before it was discovered owing to the fresh signs of habitation in the camp’s periphery and military uniforms and civilian clothing recovered by the troops.
Both NPA camps were discovered by a platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lt. Alge Oronan.
“While the focus of 8th Infantry Division is to deliver community services to the people through its ‘Bayanihan’ Teams, your soldiers will continue to defend the people against the NPAs who continue to extort, intimidate and worst, even kill those who oppose them,” Gutierrez concluded.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/16680-army-troops-militiamen-repel-30-npa-insurgents-in-samar
Troopers from the 52nd Infantry Battalion and supporting militiamen from the Pinamurutan CAA Detachment have successfully repulsed a group of 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels reportedly on a extortion mission in Barangay Mabini, Calbayog City, Samar last July 12.
Belated reports from Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division, the mother unit of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, said government forces under Sgt. Charito Villamor were conducting a routine security patrol when they encountered the rebel band headed by one “Dado Baldonado.”
A 25-minute firefight broke out between the opposing groups. This ended with the retreat of the rebels who sustained an undetermined number of casualties with no losses to the government side.
Gutierrez added that 52nd Infantry Battalion troopers recovered a homemade shotgun in the scene of the encounter.
Meanwhile, two NPA camps were discovered by operating troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion.
The first camp was discovered on July 11 on the outskirts of Barangay Toog, Lavasares, Northern Samar.
It was assessed by troops to have been abandoned by the NPAs three weeks ago.
Inspection revealed that it can accommodate 50 people, has 40 sleeping bunkers, three guard posts, two kitchens and two comport rooms.
While the second camp was discovered on July 12 at the vicinity of Barangay Luisita, Victoria, Northern Samar.
This camp can accommodate seven people. It was said to have been hastily vacated by the NPAs one to two days before it was discovered owing to the fresh signs of habitation in the camp’s periphery and military uniforms and civilian clothing recovered by the troops.
Both NPA camps were discovered by a platoon of soldiers led by 1st Lt. Alge Oronan.
“While the focus of 8th Infantry Division is to deliver community services to the people through its ‘Bayanihan’ Teams, your soldiers will continue to defend the people against the NPAs who continue to extort, intimidate and worst, even kill those who oppose them,” Gutierrez concluded.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/16680-army-troops-militiamen-repel-30-npa-insurgents-in-samar
Ombudsman files charges vs Air Force officers, contractors
From the Business Mirror (Jul 10): Ombudsman files charges vs Air Force officers, contractors
FOUR Air Force retired officers and one who is still in active duty and two private contractors were ordered charged before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in the P5-million repair of a dental clinic.
FOUR Air Force retired officers and one who is still in active duty and two private contractors were ordered charged before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in the P5-million repair of a dental clinic.
In an 11-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the indictment of Brig. Gen. Francisco C. Callelero, Col. Jaime B. Rodrigo, Col. Carlito E. Besorio, Capt. Ramir L. Llagas, all retired; Maj. Rony P. Cubar; and private contractor Eric L. Muros of Elm Elek-Tru for alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar, Llagas and private contractor Basilio P. de Guzman of Guzi Enterprises are facing two counts of alleged violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
A separate three counts of alleged violation of Section 3(g) of RA 3019 will also be filed against Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar and Llagas.
The case stemmed from a letter-complaint filed by former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and now Immigration Commissioner Gen. Ricardo A. David on the delay in the accomplishment and unsatisfactory result of the repair-rehabilitation of the Armed Forces Dental Service Center (AFPDSC) and the 1351st Dental Clinic.
Upon audit by the military’s internal auditor, the following findings were discovered:
- Lack of detailed engineering specifications resulted in additional scope of work;
- Construction defects on the posts and beams, walls, floor tiles and roof;
- Discrepancies in the amount stated in the deeds of agreement between the 335th Aviation Engineering Wing and Guzi Enterprises and Elm Elec-Tru Products;
- Discrepancy in the deeds of agreement and purchase orders (POs) on the actual amount expended for the rehabilitation projects;
- Discrepancy in the amount requested by the former and incumbent chief engineer for additional fund support for the 1351th Dental Clinic project completion;
- Doubtful-questionable addresses of the dealer-supplier indicated in the POs and sales invoices and the capability to undertake the projects;
- Doubtful-questionable deeds of agreement;
- Doubtful receipts-sales invoices attached to the POs;
- Shopping was the mode of procurement used and splitting of POs was observed and;
- Newly procured dental equipment cannot be installed and used due to delay in project completion.
Records revealed that the rehabilitation of the 1351st Dental and AFPDSC building per directive of the commanding general of the Air Force must be undertaken by administration.
However, the supply of labor was outsourced to private contractors as evidenced by the three deeds of agreement entered into by 355th Aviation Engineering Wing, Basa Air Base, Pampanga without the benefit of public bidding as required by RA 9184.
Despite ample time given to the respondents, only respondents Cubar and Llagas submitted their respective counter affidavits.
Since the issue on splitting of contracts raised in the original complaint emanating from the former Armed Forces chief of staff were not addressed during the fact-finding and preliminary investigation, the Ombudsman approved the conduct of a separate fact-finding investigation on the issue.
“Clearly, being signatories in the three contracts in their official capacities, public respondents [Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar and Llagas] took advantage of their official positions and private respondents [Muros and de Guzman] connived to do away with the mandated public bidding for their personal benefit and to the disadvantage of the government,” the resolution said.
Philippines agrees on MILF demand, signs 75-25 wealth sharing accord
From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 14): Philippines agrees on MILF demand, signs 75-25 wealth sharing accord
A Philippine government photo shows Philippines and MILF peace negotiators in Kuala Lumpur
ThePhilippines
Miriam Ferrer, who heads the Philippine peace panel, said they agreed on a 75-25 wealth sharing agreement basically in natural resources in favor of the MILF, but both sides also said that resources derived from energy would be on an equal sharing.
Peace negotiators ended six days of marathon talks inMalaysia
Bangsamoro accord refers to the Muslim homeland agreed by the Aquino government and the MILF last year. It will replace the current five-province Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao before presidential elections in 2016.
“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,” the statement said.
Ferrer and her counterpart in the MILF, Mohagher Iqbal, thanked Filipino President Benigno Aquino for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and also to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the peace talks.
They also praised members of the MILF Central Committee headed by the secluded rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim for their continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of theMindanao problem.
“It was a close call. But both parties' persistence and goodwill bore fruit,” Ferrer said. “We have a good package, one that we believe would make fiscal autonomy in the Bangsamoro a reality.”
The Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing is one of the four annexes that, together with the FAB, will complete the comprehensive agreement. The other annexes are on power-sharing and normalization, and are still under discussion.
The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities was signed in February.
Ferrer said the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful Muslim autonomy inMindanao
that was envisioned in the Constitution. She said it will correct the flaws in
the current fiscal system in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao .
“With the insights provided by the technical experts, Cabinet secretaries and several legislators consulted by the government panel and the intense discussions we've had with our counterparts, we are confident that the Annex will withstand scrutiny and the tests of implementation,” Ferrer said, adding the peace negotiators exerted their best effort to resolve the language issues and succeeded because they exercised flexibility and worked hard to find the appropriate solutions.
In the joint statement, the Parties said the Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing Annex will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law's provisions on wealth-sharing and revenue generation.
The signed annex stated that wealth creation or revenue creation and sourcing is important for the operation of the Bangsamoro, considering that the Muslim territory is among the most underdeveloped in the country due to the decades-old conflict. Moreover, the existing tax base therein is very limited.
The eight-page wealth-sharing annex has sections on taxation, other sources of revenue, fees and charges, grants and donations, fund transfers from Central Government, contracting of loans and overseas development assistance, natural resources, and additional fiscal powers, among others.
One of the highlights is the agreed sharing formula on taxing powers. The panels agreed that 25 percent of the “Central Government taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and custom duties” will go to the Central Government, while 75 percent of it, including the shares of the local government units, will go to the Bangsamoro Government.
With regard to other sources of revenue, “government income derived from the operations of Bangsamoro government-owned and -controlled corporations, financial institutions, economic zones, and freeports operating therein, shall go to the Bangsamoro Government.”
The Bangsamoro shall have authority and control over existing government-owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro territory, after determination by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board of its feasibility.
On fund transfers from Central Government, a Special Development Fund will be provided by the former to the Bangsamoro “for rehabilitation and development purposes upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
When it comes to natural resources, 75 percent of income derived from exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region will go to the Bangsamoro Government. With respect to non-metallic minerals - sand, gravel, and quarry resources - such revenues will go to the Bangsamoro government and its local governments.
On the other hand, income derived from fossil fuels - petroleum, natural gas, and coal - and uranium will be shared equally between the Central and Bangsamoro Governments.
The Lanao Peace Partnership, in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner, said it commends the hard work and sacrifice put up by the peace negotiators that led to the agreement.
“We note that the hoped for breakthrough came after 12 hours of session on their sixth day of meeting. Hence, it is but fitting to applaud their tenacity, which we are sure is founded on an unflinching commitment to bring lasting peace inMindanao .”
”Like the landmark preliminary accord, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the wealth-sharing deal embodies the true spirit of partnership of the peace panels. With this, we look forward with confidence on the completion of the remaining Annexes to the FAB, and eventually, the comprehensive agreement,” the LPP said.
The LPP is composed of the GIZ-Civil Peace Service partner organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, MSU-IIT Institute for Peace and Development inMindanao and Pailig Development
Foundation, Inc.
The signing of the Annex on Wealth Sharing came as talks of amending the Philippine Constitution persisted since early this year. There were talks that the amendments would include important changes in the Charter that may include the issue on Muslim homeland inMindanao .
But Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF Secretariat, said despite the long-held belief that real solution to the Bangsamoro Question requires amending the Constitution, the rebel group “is not jumping its gun to support, at least in principle, the charter change initiative reverberating in the House of Representatives.”
“It is an internal legal process that the MILF is not supposed to participate,” Ameen said in an interview posted on the MILF website. He was commenting on reports that charter change is again up in the air, with Speaker Sonny Belmonte stating that he will file a resolution that would call for a constituent assembly.
“We are not there; let us wait for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to finish its job and make a stand whether amending the Constitution is required or not,” he said.
He said that to this day, the Aquino government and MILF continue to disagree on whether this amendment is necessary or not. The government said that the present Constitution has the flexibility to accommodate and entrench the Basic Law and the MILF firmly taking a contrary view that changing the status quo form of government to asymmetrical relationship (ministerial form) would require amendment of the Constitution.
According to the MILF, one of the functions of the BTC is to make proposals, if necessary, to amend the Constitution. The first function is to draft the Basic Law and the third is to coordinate socio-economic development projects, if necessary.
It said in the past, many senators and congressmen also favored charter change. Their main focus is on the economic provisions of the Constitution, which to them, are very rigid that stunted development of the country. They referred to the ownership of certain industries and those that are involved in the exploration, development and utilization of our natural resources.
Some lawmakers favored ownership of lands by foreigners, a move opposed by others especially the nationalists and leftists. They branded this move as a sell-out, it said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/philippines-agrees-on-milf-demand-signs.html
A Philippine government photo shows Philippines and MILF peace negotiators in Kuala Lumpur
The
Miriam Ferrer, who heads the Philippine peace panel, said they agreed on a 75-25 wealth sharing agreement basically in natural resources in favor of the MILF, but both sides also said that resources derived from energy would be on an equal sharing.
Peace negotiators ended six days of marathon talks in
Bangsamoro accord refers to the Muslim homeland agreed by the Aquino government and the MILF last year. It will replace the current five-province Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao before presidential elections in 2016.
“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,” the statement said.
Ferrer and her counterpart in the MILF, Mohagher Iqbal, thanked Filipino President Benigno Aquino for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and also to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the peace talks.
They also praised members of the MILF Central Committee headed by the secluded rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim for their continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of the
“It was a close call. But both parties' persistence and goodwill bore fruit,” Ferrer said. “We have a good package, one that we believe would make fiscal autonomy in the Bangsamoro a reality.”
The Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing is one of the four annexes that, together with the FAB, will complete the comprehensive agreement. The other annexes are on power-sharing and normalization, and are still under discussion.
The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities was signed in February.
Ferrer said the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing seeks to fulfill the aspirations for meaningful Muslim autonomy in
“With the insights provided by the technical experts, Cabinet secretaries and several legislators consulted by the government panel and the intense discussions we've had with our counterparts, we are confident that the Annex will withstand scrutiny and the tests of implementation,” Ferrer said, adding the peace negotiators exerted their best effort to resolve the language issues and succeeded because they exercised flexibility and worked hard to find the appropriate solutions.
In the joint statement, the Parties said the Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing Annex will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law's provisions on wealth-sharing and revenue generation.
The signed annex stated that wealth creation or revenue creation and sourcing is important for the operation of the Bangsamoro, considering that the Muslim territory is among the most underdeveloped in the country due to the decades-old conflict. Moreover, the existing tax base therein is very limited.
The eight-page wealth-sharing annex has sections on taxation, other sources of revenue, fees and charges, grants and donations, fund transfers from Central Government, contracting of loans and overseas development assistance, natural resources, and additional fiscal powers, among others.
One of the highlights is the agreed sharing formula on taxing powers. The panels agreed that 25 percent of the “Central Government taxes, fees and charges collected in the Bangsamoro, other than tariff and custom duties” will go to the Central Government, while 75 percent of it, including the shares of the local government units, will go to the Bangsamoro Government.
With regard to other sources of revenue, “government income derived from the operations of Bangsamoro government-owned and -controlled corporations, financial institutions, economic zones, and freeports operating therein, shall go to the Bangsamoro Government.”
The Bangsamoro shall have authority and control over existing government-owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions operating exclusively in the Bangsamoro territory, after determination by the intergovernmental fiscal policy board of its feasibility.
On fund transfers from Central Government, a Special Development Fund will be provided by the former to the Bangsamoro “for rehabilitation and development purposes upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
When it comes to natural resources, 75 percent of income derived from exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region will go to the Bangsamoro Government. With respect to non-metallic minerals - sand, gravel, and quarry resources - such revenues will go to the Bangsamoro government and its local governments.
On the other hand, income derived from fossil fuels - petroleum, natural gas, and coal - and uranium will be shared equally between the Central and Bangsamoro Governments.
The Lanao Peace Partnership, in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner, said it commends the hard work and sacrifice put up by the peace negotiators that led to the agreement.
“We note that the hoped for breakthrough came after 12 hours of session on their sixth day of meeting. Hence, it is but fitting to applaud their tenacity, which we are sure is founded on an unflinching commitment to bring lasting peace in
”Like the landmark preliminary accord, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the wealth-sharing deal embodies the true spirit of partnership of the peace panels. With this, we look forward with confidence on the completion of the remaining Annexes to the FAB, and eventually, the comprehensive agreement,” the LPP said.
The LPP is composed of the GIZ-Civil Peace Service partner organizations Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, MSU-IIT Institute for Peace and Development in
The signing of the Annex on Wealth Sharing came as talks of amending the Philippine Constitution persisted since early this year. There were talks that the amendments would include important changes in the Charter that may include the issue on Muslim homeland in
But Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF Secretariat, said despite the long-held belief that real solution to the Bangsamoro Question requires amending the Constitution, the rebel group “is not jumping its gun to support, at least in principle, the charter change initiative reverberating in the House of Representatives.”
“It is an internal legal process that the MILF is not supposed to participate,” Ameen said in an interview posted on the MILF website. He was commenting on reports that charter change is again up in the air, with Speaker Sonny Belmonte stating that he will file a resolution that would call for a constituent assembly.
“We are not there; let us wait for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to finish its job and make a stand whether amending the Constitution is required or not,” he said.
He said that to this day, the Aquino government and MILF continue to disagree on whether this amendment is necessary or not. The government said that the present Constitution has the flexibility to accommodate and entrench the Basic Law and the MILF firmly taking a contrary view that changing the status quo form of government to asymmetrical relationship (ministerial form) would require amendment of the Constitution.
According to the MILF, one of the functions of the BTC is to make proposals, if necessary, to amend the Constitution. The first function is to draft the Basic Law and the third is to coordinate socio-economic development projects, if necessary.
It said in the past, many senators and congressmen also favored charter change. Their main focus is on the economic provisions of the Constitution, which to them, are very rigid that stunted development of the country. They referred to the ownership of certain industries and those that are involved in the exploration, development and utilization of our natural resources.
Some lawmakers favored ownership of lands by foreigners, a move opposed by others especially the nationalists and leftists. They branded this move as a sell-out, it said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/philippines-agrees-on-milf-demand-signs.html