MILF: DepEd orders Muslim women teachers to remove veil while inside classrooms

Posted to the MILF Website (Jul 26): DepEd orders Muslim women teachers to remove veil while inside classrooms



The Department of Education ordered Muslim teachers Tuesday, July 16 to remove their veils inside classrooms, in part to promote better relationships between teachers and pupils. Education Secretary Armin Luistro, a member of the Catholic La Salle brothers, said the move was part of reforms to make schools more sensitive to religion. This was posted on the online news portal of TV5.
  

It further said, “Muslim schoolgirls will still be allowed to wear the veil or "hijab" on campuses as well as "appropriate clothing" in gym class, according to the order, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.

But while female Muslim schoolteachers can wear the veil outside class, they are told to remove the veil during lessons so they can interact better with students.

"Once the (teacher) is in the classroom, she is requested to remove the veil," the order said.

Having Muslim female teachers remove their veils allows for "proper identification of the teachers by their pupils, thus promoting better teacher-pupil relationship," it said.

Being able to see the teachers' faces also helps in teaching language, where "lip formation" plays a role in pronouncing certain letters, it said.

The DepEd order issued by Secretary Luistro on July 16, 2013 received flak and mixed reactions ordering Muslim women public school teachers’ wearing “hijab” to remove them while inside their classrooms, Mindanao Examiner said in its report on July 23, 2013. This early, the said order was criticized by many which come from a Catholic and member of the La Salle Brothers. A copy of the order obtained by Agence France Press mentioned that although wearing hijab is prohibited inside classrooms, Muslim women are allowed to wear them inside school campuses or compounds. The order is particular to teachers teaching Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education.

“While the Department supports and promotes the right of Muslim Filipino women to wear hijab/veil (or headdress), it does not compel Muslim Filipino women to wear it,” it added.

There was no immediate explanation or comment from Brother Luistro but one who read the order said that, “You need to integrate with us here in Mindanao Armin Luistro for you to be oriented of our practices, culture and faith.”

“There is already a law, Magna Carta to that effect. If he is serious, then the Aquino government should think twice. They cannot be talking peace with Moro rebels who are Muslims and in the other hand promote that kind of policy,” said Roland, a Muslim convert.

“Learn. Respect, Broaden one's faith,” One Pinay worker in the United Arab Emirate stressed.

Another one said, “OMG (oh my gosh) for an Educ(ation) Sec(retary) to say that! Send him back to school so that he will understand Islamic culture.”

A respected Muslim resident in Zamboanga City said, “For a Cabinet member too insensitive as Mr. Luistro certainly speaks of his lack of understanding of the Muslim culture and custom that he's mandated as DepEd Secretary to respect. He should be somewhere else not heading the Education Department.”

It can be recalled that wearing hijab became a controversy in Zamboanga City when students and nurses were prohibited by some colleges, universities and hospitals to wear hijab but the policy was recalled due to massive protest and by order of the court.

Meanwhile, in a report posted at the DepEd website dated July 24, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated its policy of respecting the religious rights of students including the right of female Muslim school children to use veil or headdress (hijab) inside the campus.

Based on DepEd Order No. 32 series of 2013, the Department reiterates its policy on the protection of religious rights of students which was contained in DECS Order No. 53 series of 2001 entitled “Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students.”

Based on the order, Muslim girls shall be allowed to wear appropriate clothing during Physical Education (PE) classes in accordance with their religious beliefs. Moreover, Muslim students shall not be required to participate in non-Muslim religious rites.

“These measures are part of our continuing thrust to make education universal, inclusive, and embracing of all faith,” said Secretary Luistro. The Philippine Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to freedom of religion and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, creed, or color.

While DepEd supports and promotes the right of Muslim Filipino women to wear the hijab or veil, it does not compel Filipino Muslim women to wear it. For Muslim Filipino women who have been hired as Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) teachers, the wearing of ustadja (covering of the whole face) is allowed outside the classroom, DepEd said in statement.

However, inside the classroom she is requested to remove the ustadja for proper identification of the teacher by the pupils thus promoting better teacher-pupil relationship. Also, effective language teaching is better achieved when face covering is removed as pupils can clearly see the lip formation of the teacher when speaking which significantly helps in the correct production of the letter sounds.

In a news report written by Jun Mendoza published in Latest News dated July 24, it said that the National Commission on Muslim Affairs will study the recent order issued by DepEd prohibiting Muslim women teachers from wearing hijab while inside classrooms. As of press time, the office has not received a copy of said order. (Editor’s note: The complete covering of Muslim woman’s face is called “Niqab”, not ustadja or hijab. “Hijab” refers to Muslim woman modest dressing. Furthermore, ustadja is a female counterpart of “Ustadz” (male) who teaches Arabic in schools).

http://www.luwaran.com/

AFP: 19 NPA rebels surrender to military every month

From GMA News (Jul 25): AFP: 19 NPA rebels surrender to military every month

About 19 members of the New People’s Army based in Mindanao surrender to authorities monthly, most of them youngsters, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command revealed on Thursday.

“Nagbabalik-loob sila kasi ‘yung promise sa kanila ay hindi nangyayari,” Capt. Severino David, spokesperson at Eastern Mindanao Command, told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

He noted that those who surrendered had been lured to join the rebel group by promises of a better life. “Ang promise sa kanila gaganda ang kabuhayan nila sa barrio at bibigyan ng livelihood. Sumasali rin sila dahil sa poverty."

Those who surrender are usually aged 18 to 22 and minors when they were recruited, serving for an average of three years before surrendering to the authorities.

Once they surrender, former rebels undergo debriefing and seminars, David noted.

In a separate statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command disclosed that 132 NPA rebels have surrendered since January, averaging about 19 surrenders per month. The Eastern Mindanao Command covers Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga Region.

The latest surrender in the region was reported on July 22, when four NPA rebels turned themselves in to government troops. They were identified as Digo Antian, alias Ruben, 23; Jun Jun Calimpit, alias Ryan, 25; Robert Antian, alias Lupoy, 18; and Jhen (his alias), 15. All of them had been operating in Bukidnon.

Antian and Jhen supposedly joined the NPA at the age of 16 and 13 years old, respectively.

“NPA capitalized [on] their desire to become soldiers when they were assured that they [could] hold a gun even without finishing school,” the statement read.

The rebels also handed over three high-powered firearms with assorted ammunitions and magazines.  These firearms will be remunerated for about P50,000 each.

“Binibili ng gobyerno yung mga baril kasi magagamit din naman namin ‘yan. Yun na rin ang nagiging panimula nila sa livelihood,” the Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson said.

According to Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, recruiting the youth to join the insurgent group is a violation of the 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
“Exploiting the youth’s innocence to become criminals is even tantamount to violation of RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) which provides children with special protection against exploitation,” he said in the same statement.

Last Tuesday, a 12-year-old NPA rebel in Quezon province surrendered to the police.

However, the United Nations report noted that it is not just armed rebel groups that recruit minors but also the Philippine military. The report, entitled "Grave Violations Committed Against Children in 22 Situations of Concern," cited two young boys who were recruited by the military to help find a rebel camp in Mindanao.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/319160/news/nation/afp-19-npa-rebels-surrender-to-military-every-month

CPP/NDF: NDF-Southern Mindanao open letter to POWs’ families

Posted to the CPP Website (Jul  23): NDF-Southern Mindanao open letter to POWs’ families

Rubi Del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao Chapter

Open letter addressed to the Families of Prisoners of War Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon (serial no. 827510), Pfc. Vernie Padilla (SN 898234), Pvt. Marteniano Pasigas (SN 901766), Pfc. Ronald Gura (SN 898248), and Pfc. Donato Estandian (SN 893670):

The NDF-Southern Mindanao wishes to convey the message that your sons and/or husbands are well, and are in the care and custody of comrades under the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion-New People’s Army. Red fighters follow rigidly the NPA’s eighth point of attention: do not ill-treat captives. With more than a month of detention under the auspices of the NPA, Cpl. Quezon, Pfc. Padilla, Pvt. Pasigas, Pfc. Gura and Pfc. Estandian bear the status of Prisoners of War who have the following rights under the GPH-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law:

1. (Article 4 no. 1) Respect for their lives, dignity, human rights, political convictions and their moral and physical integrity and shall be protected in all circumstances and treated humanely without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, faith, sex, birth, social standing or any other similar criteria
2. (Article 4 no. 6) Treated humanely, provided with adequate food and drinking water, and be afforded safeguards as regards to health and hygiene, and be confined in a secure place. Sufficient information shall be made available, and on humanitarian or other reasonable grounds, they shall be considered for safe release.

Your husbands/sons have these rights because they are party to the current prolonged armed conflict in our country. Their superiors in the 10th Infantry Division-Philippine Army attempt to ignore the reality of their situation as part of this armed conflict. The armed conflict or the civil war is between the NPA and revolutionary peasants and other basic sectors represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in the negotiating table on the one hand, and the Government of the Philippines on the other. Such armed conflict is rightly governed by the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law. Unlike your sons/husbands’ superiors in the Philippine Army whose human rights track record is dismal, the NPA adheres to these principles to the letter.

Currently, your husbands/sons are under investigation for possible violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that they may have committed in the course of implementing the US-Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan.

As part of the Philippine Army, your husbands/sons are directly responsible for implementing orders that have resulted in hurting innocent civilians in the areas where they have been deployed. They are part of the reengineered special operations teams who are responsible for the psychological warfare of peasant masses. Under the guise of peace and development program in the Oplan Bayanihan context, your sons/husbands are ordered to intimidate ordinary peasants, harass peasant families, dismantle peasant organizations and threaten the livelihood of the masses so that the military can control civilian villages.

Thus, direct culpability on the part of your loved ones or their innocence are being meticulously established. The Revolutionary Court follows the legal and judicial process as thoroughly as possible. Hence, a couple of weeks or even more than a month are not enough time to conclude this procedure.

Moreso, such process is being impeded by the ongoing intensified military operations in the peasant villages of Paquibato, Marilog, Calinan and Buhangin districts in Davao City, and in Carmen and Sto. Tomas towns in Davao del Norte. The “rescue” military missions dispatched in these areas are not for the purpose of securing your loved ones’ safety. The AFP wants to save face from being defeated time and again by the NPA, with the AFP’s so-called authority and jurisdiction undermined in the areas where they deploy the “peace and development” teams. The AFP also tries hard, but ultimately fails, to paint the NPA as terrorists and criminals, thus it unleashes fierce and anti-people chase operations. The NPA and the revolutionary movement have gained the trust of the masses through painstaking mass work and commitment to fulfill the aspirations for land reform and genuine development. No amount of media mileage and propaganda blitz can obliterate this fact.

And so, to hasten the expeditious release of your loved ones from NPA custody and legal and judicial process, your understanding and cooperation are imperative. This will complement efforts of well-meaning individuals from the church and local government units who are interested in the positive resolution of this issue. So long as guerrilla conditions warrant, any dialogue or opportunity for communication between us would be most welcome.

Serve the people!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130723_ndf-southern-mindanao-open-letter-to-pows-families

CPP: Aquino employing Marcosian tactics to quell dissent—CPP

From the CPP Website (Jul 24): Aquino employing Marcosian tactics to quell dissent—CPP

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the Aquino regime and its police forces for brutally attacking demonstrators to prevent them from marching towards the Batasang Pambansa where Benigno Aquino III was set to deliver his state of the nation address at the opening of the Philippine congress.

At least 20,000 workers, peasants, students, urban poor, women and other sectors marched in the streets leading to the Batasan building in order to voice out their grievances and air their demands for jobs, higher wages, land reform, higher social spending, a stop to privatization schemes, an end to spiraling prices of oil and basic commodities and a stop to corruption under the Aquino regime.

“The CPP denounces the Aquino regime for employing Marcosian tactics of suppression against the people’s democratic rights in the vain attempt to prevent them from effectively voicing out their demands,” said the CPP.

“The Aquino regime carried out a series of measures to stop the demonstrations, including the denial of a ‘permit’ to hold a demonstration at the Batasang Pambansa, setting up police and military checkpoints in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan and other nearby provinces where participants where held at bay and prevented from proceeding to Quezon City, setting up road blocks and barriers at the highway leading to the Batasang Pambansa and the deployment of at least 5,000 police personnel to block the roads and prevent marchers from advancing.”

Scores of demonstrators were injured when truncheon-wielding policemen mercilessly swung at demonstrators who where trying to bypass the police barricades. At least 40 rallyists, including students, the elderly, women and workers were reported to have been hospitalized or provided emergency medical treatment.

“Aquino is acting more and more like the old dictator Marcos and all succeeding oppressive regimes in employing the full force of the police and military to prevent organizations of the toiling masses to demonstrate in the streets,” pointed out the CPP.

“The CPP denounces Aquino’s media officials, spinmeisters and yellow media managers for disparaging the anti-Aquino mass demonstrations by highlighting and blaming the rallies for the traffic jam (actually caused by the police roadblocks and barricades) in order to draw attention away from the fact that the people’s basic right to assemble and demonstrate were being violated openly and with impunity.”

“It is unfortunate that some news reporters made such a big fuss of the fact that some demonstrators threw a few water bottles and a rock or two at the police, but did not seem to mind that hundreds of truncheon-wielding policemen were swinging left and right at the bare heads of demonstrators or that demonstrators who were picked up by the police were being mandhandled and treated like criminals.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130724_aquino-employing-marcosian-tactics-to-quell-dissent-cpp

Higher sales target set

From Business World (Jul 24): Higher sales target set

THE OPERATOR of stores inside military camps expects higher sales this year on the back of plans to establish additional drugstores in facilities outside Metropolitan Manila, a spokesman said yesterday.

Jessilyn T. Ayuyao, Public Information Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary and Exchange Service (AFPCES), said sales for the year is targeted at 3.1 billion, adding that the service earned 627 million in the first quarter. Comparative figures were not readily available.

Ms. Ayuyao said four new pharmacies are planned to be established within the year at Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Clark in Pampanga; and Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu.

Asked on the reason for the expansion, Ms. Ayuyao said the plan is “... to reach customers in far-flung areas so they can avail of cheap medicines... there are no drugstores for soldiers in the province, they [drugstores] are only available here in Metro Manila.”

AFPCES outlets, whose clients are military personnel and their families living inside camps, sell at discounted prices.

Ms. Ayuyao said a new drugstore was opened in Camp Panacan in Davao last May.

“Government subsidy remains the same since we have not requested for an increase as of the moment,” she said.

In its Web site, the AFPCES states: “We envision... by 2013 to be at par with the country’s leading ‘one-stop shop’ dedicated to serve its authorized customers.”

AFPCES, which enjoys tax subsidy, has 33 outlets, six drugstores, and two gas stations inside military bases nationwide.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Fiscal Incentives Review Board has granted tax subsidy to AFPCES on September 2003.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Higher-sales-target-set&id=73909

MILF: MILF strongly protests 13 members arrested

From the MILF Website (Jul 25): MILF strongly protests 13 members arrested

Strong protests were lodge by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the government on the arrests and detention of 13 officers and members in two months since last week of May.
  

The protests were filed by the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) to its counterpart with the government.

The MILF CCCH said the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect for almost 17 years between the government and the MILF were violated as well as human rights and due process.

“This is a major concern of the MILF because the trust and confidence of the military top brass and ground forces on the ceasefire and peace process are adversely affected,” the MILF Ceasefire Committee emphasized.

Both the Chairman MILF Peace Negotiating Panel and the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) instructed the MILF CCCH and the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) to take up this issue seriously with their counterparts and the International Monitoring Team composed of six governments including the European Union (EU).

“The Instruction of our principals is to explore bold steps and measures to address this problem in order to protect and promote the primacy of the peace process,” the MILF CCCH pointed out.

“With the breakthroughs and strong momentum on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the positive statements of His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the CCCH and AHJAG together with the IMT must work doubly hard to sustain the conducive atmosphere on the ground as well as the strong cooperation between the government and MILF forces on the ground,” it added.

MILF commanders have been complaining to the MILF leadership on the arrests of their people, even as they urged the CCCH, AHJAG and IMT to do something to address this problem.

Most of the MILF arrested from the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, SocSarGen, and Zamboanga del Sur were just staying at their houses, going back home after attending MILF coordinated programs, preparing for early morning prayer and early morning dinner for the fasting in Ramadhan, case of mistaken identity and innocent as they are would not expect to be arrested under these circumstances.

http://www.luwaran.com/

Nur says gov't actions pushing MNLF to declare independence

From the Philippine Star (Jul 25): Nur says gov't actions pushing MNLF to declare independence



Moro National Luiberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari shows a copy of the explanatory note, allegedly sent by the Philippine government and furnished by the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) to his office, requesting the OIC to put a closure on the 1996 peace accord, during a press briefing Thursday at his residence in Zamboanga City. Roel Pareño

The founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front warned that the group may opt to declare an independent republic if Malacañang pushes through with the  closure of the GRP-MNLF 1996 final peace accord to accommodate the Framework Agreement for Bangsamoro (FAB) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Misuari told newsmen in a press briefing  Thursday at his residence in this city tightly secured by his unarmed forces, disclosed that  Malacañang has sent letters to the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) seeking the closure of all agreements with MNLF.

Misuari said the OIC Secretary-General has furnished his office with the copy of the explanatory note submitted by  Malacañang dated March 21, 2013,  requesting the OIC to put a closure to the tripartite review process on the final implementation of the 1996 peace accord.

“The Philippine Government is proposing the closure of our peace process and with the closure of the peace process that means the  Philippine government will do away with the series of peace treaty agreements and on peace accord that we signed over a number of decades in our collective efforts with the participation of the OIC 57 member-states. Now they want this set aside,”  Misuari said.

Misuari warned that pursuing the closure of the MNLF peace accord will give them the option to declare independence of the Bangsamoro homeland.

“That situation will become inevitable once they push through with the closure of this (peace accord),” Misuari said. “Kasi wala na kaming pag-asa after 37 years of peace talks pagkatapos they slam the doors on us... Anong mangyayari diyan? We have to look for the option and the only option is to go to the United Nations.”

Parts of the explanatory note on  Malacañang's that the OIC has to acknowledge that Misuari is “no longer the sole representative of the Bangsamoro," and that it has to deal with the situation by tapping a  more pluralistic representation. The request also cited that the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) signed with the MILF on Oct. 15 last year provides an opportunity to bring lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

Misuari reiterated that the agreement with the MILF is a gross violation to the accord which the Philippines signed with the MNLF.

The MNLF chairman also hit President Aquino  for turning his back on the promise of his mother - the late President Corazon Aquino - to provide an  MNLF-led homeland to Moros.

"His agreement with the MILF is a total betrayal of his mother's promise to us after we help her catapult into the presidency. He (Pnoy) was a witness to that as a young boy when we held a series of meetings with his mother and Butch Aquino," Misuari added.

The MNLF founding chair also said the MILF agreement brought divisiveness and made the situation in Mindanao to become volatile.

“I think this is one reason this region is now becoming so volatile,” Misuari said,  disclosing that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has reportedly dismantled five camps in the Zamboanga Sibugay region and redeployed them to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas and even in this city.

The movement came with the reported massing of followers of Misuari following reports that he will be declaring independence Thursday which he vehemently denied.

During the conference at Misuari’s residence, it was observed the police and military forces have increased their presence, setting up checkpoints leading to the latter’s house in Barangay San Roque.

Misuari announced to the newsmen  that he had sent a letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, seeking the deployment of peace keeping forces to monitor the alleges excessive presence of military forces in the region,  which Misuari said has caused panic and disruption of communities.

The military on the other hand denied any new redeployment of troops in the region.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/25/1012021/nur-says-govt-actions-pushing-mnlf-declare-independence

MNLF to present 'Bangsamoro Constitution' to members

From the Philippine Star (Jul 25): MNLF to present 'Bangsamoro Constitution' to members



Fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front. FILE PHOTO

The leadership of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) is slated to present its draft “Bangsamoro Constitution” before its constituents in an “Independence Assembly” to be held in key areas of Mindanao on Sunday.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesman, said the “Independence Assembly” is aimed at getting suggestions and feedback from their members about their plans and actions, in case the government abandons its peace accord with their group.

“We will have an independence assembly on July 28. The assembly will be held in General Santos City and other areas of Mindanao,” Fontanilla said, as he assured the gathering will be peaceful and in accordance with the law.

There were talks that the MNLF will declare independence for the Bangsamoro People in a gathering held n Zamboanga Sibugay only to be denied later by its founding chairman and former Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARRM) Nur Misuari.

Feeling that they are being sidelined in the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the MNLF leadership, threatened to take drastic steps against the government if they are not consulted in the peace talks.

“The bottom-line is the assembly would be peaceful without arms and in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Charter for self -determination with UN observers around,” Fontanilla said.

A source, however, bared that the MNLF leadership is presenting its draft constitution during the assembly as part of its consultation process in preparation for its plan to severe its ties with the government.

Meanwhile, the military is continuously monitoring the activities of the MNLF in all areas in Mindanao.

Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said that the military’s efforts are being done in support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) own monitoring on MNLF activities.

“As part of our mandate, we are continuously monitoring their activities and we will only base our actions on orders of higher political leadership,” Zagala said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/25/1012241/mnlf-present-bangsamoro-constitution-members

AFP discovers 16K questionable pensioners

From the Philippine Star (Jul 25): AFP discovers 16K questionable pensioners

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is fast-tracking the cleansing of its pension data after finding close to 16,000 military pensioners that might have incomplete or doubtful data.

Military data showed that out of the 122,472 pensioners in the June 2013 payroll, 15,775 may not meet the requirements set by the Budget department.

The AFP Pension and Gratuity Management Center said the data on these pensioners might be insufficient or unreliable.

The government shoulders the pension benefits of retired military personnel which means that the funds being distributed came from taxpayers’ money. The cleansing of records is being done to ensure the integrity of the pension payroll and avoid ghost pensioners.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the center has validated 12,203 pensioners out of the 15,775 with incomplete or doubtful data.

He said 5,988 of these retirees have been restored or in the process of being restored in the pension payroll as of July 19.

Zagala said pensioners whose monthly benefits are still withheld should present a proof life and submit a filled up update form.

The military is now coordinating with the Office of the Adjutant General, the Non-Current Records section and the Retirement and Separation Benefits System to gather data about the pensioners.

“A system has already been established to verify the authenticity of documents being submitted by retiring AFP personnel and their legal beneficiaries,” Zagala said.

There are about 112,000 military pensioners.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/25/1012491/afp-discovers-16k-questionable-pensioners

MILF protests arrests of its members

From the Philippine Star (Jul 25): MILF protests arrests of its members

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has filed protests on the government's arrests and detention of its 13 officers and members for the past two months, the Muslim rebel group ceasefire committee said today.

The MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) filed the protests to its counterpart with the government.

The MILF CCCH said the ceasefire agreement that has been in effect for almost 17 years between the government and the MILF were violated as well as human rights and due process.

"This is a major concern of the MILF because the trust and confidence of the military top brass and ground forces on the ceasefire and peace process are adversely affected," the MILF Ceasefire Committee stressed.

It said the instruction of its principals is to explore bold steps and measures to address "this problem in order to protect and promote the primacy of the peace process."

The government and the MILF peace panels recently reached a breakthrough by signing the annex on wealth-sharing of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

The MILF said that most of those arrested came from the southern provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, and Zamboanga del Sur.

 

The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-rule Muslim state in the south of the country.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/25/1015601/milf-protests-arrests-its-members

Rebels burn 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 25): Rebels burn 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

Two units of heavy equipment of Sunwest Corporation (SUWECO) were burned by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday, July 24 at Sitio Ogaw, Solong, San Miguel, according to a military official based in Catanduanes province.

Sitio Ogaw is located in a mountainous area of barangay Solong where the Mini-Hydro Power Plant of SUWECO is based. This is one of the sources and suppliers of electricity to the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO).

Lt. Col. Bernardo R. Fortez, Jr., commanding officer of the 83rd Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army based in Lictin, San Andres said the rebels poured gasoline into the two units of backhoe of the construction firm implementing a road opening project in the village, about 15.7 kilometers from this capital town of Catanduanes.

The NPA guerrillas did not harm the heavy equipment operator and other workers who were having a lunch break when the attack occurred.

Fortez said that based on their assessment, the hostile activities made by the rebels are part of their revenge for their comrade who was killed in Sorsogon. He added that it may also be a diversion tactics on troops conducting simultaneous massive combat operation in the areas of San Andres, Caramoran, Viga and Panganiban towns.

Intelligence operatives of the Batallion were immediately sent to the area to confirm movement of perpetrators for deployment of troops for pursuit operations.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841374680467

Army nabs ranking NPA leader in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): Army nabs ranking NPA leader in Northern Samar

Troopers from the 803rd Infantry Brigade with the assistance of the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office on Tuesday arrested a New People's Army (NPA) leader during operations in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Belated reports from Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, on Thursday identified the arrested rebel as Bernardo Llave.

The apprehended ranking communist officer was arrested along G.H del Pilar Street., Barangay Molave, Catarman, Northern Samar around 11:45 a.m. by virtue of warrant of arrest for multiple murders, frustrated murder and robbery in band issued by Judge Norma N. Cardenas of Regional Trial Court Branch 19 of Catarman.

Llave holds various positions in the rebel movement such as political instructor of the Security Force, Northern Samar Provincial Party Committee; Secretary of Front Committee 2, Sub Regional Committee and Executive Committee Member.

He was also a member of NPA Task Force Election 2013 and Secretary, Northern Samar NPA White Area Committee from 2007 to 2009.

Llave has in the past eluded arrest due to his connections.

But a breakthrough came about a few days prior to his arrest, when a concerned citizen reported Llave's presence in Barangay Molave.

Llave is the sixth ranking NPA leader in Eastern Visayas arrested from November 2012 to date.

“The series of arrests of ranking NPA leaders in Eastern Visayas has significantly reduced their capability to derail government programs. Rest assured that your Army in Eastern Visayas will continue to do its part in providing a secured environment for the people to live peacefully and for businesses to thrive in the region,” 8th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Gerardo T. Layug said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547789

AFP, NCIP conduct workshop for creation of IP Desks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): AFP, NCIP conduct workshop for creation of IP Desks

Recognizing the vulnerability of indigenous groups in the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples conducted a workshop to jumpstart the creation of AFP IP Desks.

The latter activity, held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Clubhouse Thursday, is in line with the memorandum of agreement signed by the AFP and the NCIP in October last year to “develop a framework for the full implementation of IP Desks.”

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said this will also plan the conduct of education and advocacy activities on IP rights and the IP Rights Act.

The IP Desks will operate a quick response unit as a mechanism focusing on protecting IPs from the exploitation of the New People’s Army and front organizations.

In line with this, Commanders, Major Services, and Unified Commands are directed to create IP desks down to the Infantry Division level.

Military leaders at all levels of implementation shall endeavor to work closely with NCIP, the Dept. of Environment and National Resources, other local government units, and non-government organizations working on IP issues.

The said workshop was attended by NCIP chairperson Zenaida Brigida H. Pawid who also met with the AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.

“For some time, the IP has depended more on the AFP. We are not here to revise that. Make us look to you as our big brothers--that is what the quick response is about,” Pawid stressed.

She also emphasized the Cordilleras as an autonomous region, "keystoning" the “initiative of the governor and the ten mayors of Mountain Province who have declared the whole province as un-friendly to the CPP-NPA.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547951

Four high ranking NPA rebels trade guns for their families' future

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): Four high ranking NPA rebels trade guns for their families' future

Thinking about the well-being of their families and to give a better future for their children, four high ranking NPA rebels in Capiz traded their guns for peace after turning over themselves to the government authorities.

The rebel returnees were identified as alias HASSIM, Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) of Igabon Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal – Panay (KR-P) and alias INDAY, wife of alias HASSIM who served as the Medical Officer of the same unit.

The couple went down from the mountains last July 11, 2013 and turned-over with them a hand grenade and a rifle grenade. While alias TERSO, Political guide of Igabon Platoon, Central Front, KR-P and alias ALLAN, Squad Leader of Baking, Igabon Platoon laid down their arms last Saturday July 20 and turned-over one (1) hand grenade, one (1) Cal .38 revolver with six (6) live ammunitions and Cal .357 revolver with three (3) live ammunitions. All are residents of Jamindan, Capiz.

Ltc Christopher Sab-it, Commander of 61st Infantry Battalion said in a statement, “The four NPA rebels decided to go down because they have been thinking about their families especially the future of their children. This is aside from the pressure brought by sustained military combat operations and the difficulties that they have been experiencing in the mountains. Alias TERSO, HASSIM and ALLAN have been in the rebel movement for nine (9) years while alias INDAY is almost six (6) years.

“Our arms are always open for peace. We welcome and help those who choose to live in peace. Just like our four (4) long lost brothers and sister, we will always welcome other NPA rebels who would want to go down and live normally. We in the AFP together with the local government officials and other stakeholders are always willing to help and assist you for the better future of your families,” BGen Aurelio Baladad, newly installed Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division said.

The former rebels (FRs) will receive cash from the AFP’s Guns for Peace Program based on the firearms remuneration package. The FRs can use the cash as seed money to start a new life in their respective community.

Last April, the AFP’s Guns for Peace Program was launched to give cash to the rebels who would trade their firearms in the name of peace. Among others, allocated for them are cash incentives as high as Php 200,000.00 for light machine guns, Php 50,000.00 for COLT M16 rifle, Php 60,000.00 for M14 rifle and Php 40,000.00 for M203 Grenade Launchers. The firearms remuneration package will support the FRs to start a new life for their families.

Aside from this, former rebels may also avail of the benefits from other government programs available like TESDA skills and livelihood programs and immediate cash assistance from the local government unit.

Meanwhile, the snowballing of surrenderees can be attributed to the stakeholders who helped in calling for peace together with the local government officials who in the spirit of Bayanihan, are working together for a sustainable development in the countryside.

In 2012, 13 NPA rebels in Panay returned to the democratic folds while in first semester alone of this year, 28 rebels of KR-P went down and have started a new life living peacefully together with their families and loved ones.

Baladad further stressed “We in the Army here in Western Visayas together with other government security forces are all available in any time that NPA rebels would want to return to the government and trade their guns for peace. Also, our communication lines with the families of the NPA rebels are open.”

“We continue our call to our brothers and sisters who are still in the wrong path and continue with the armed struggle, to trade your guns in the name of peace, abandon the armed violence and join the mainstream society. If you choose to live a life in peace, the AFP and the government will give you a chance to live with your families and will assist you to start a new life and give a better future for your children,” added Baladad.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=548044

Army, police operatives nab Albay top NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): Army, police operatives nab Albay top NPA leader

Combined Army and police operatives captured a top-ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in Albay province on Tuesday afternoon in his hideout in Barangay (village) Buang, Tabaco City, a Philippine Army official said Thursday.

Arrested was Bienvenido Paladin alias Ka Buddy Silva/Ronald/Ted, a native of Guinobatan, Albay, according to Army Col. Raul Farnacio, commanding officer of the Army 901st Infantry Brigade based in Daraga, Albay.

Farnacio said Paladin is a member of the NPA executive committee of the communist Front Committee Larangan 77 operating in Albay.

In a phone interview, the Army official said Paladin did not resist arrest when the government men swooped down at his safehouse in Tabaco City, some 50 kilometers from this city.

The arresting authorities were armed with a warrant of arrest issued by three local courts where the suspect is facing five counts of murder and several other heinous crimes.

Farnacio said before the suspect’s arrest, two rebel returnees have tipped off the command about the sightings of Paladin in the said village.

Following the information, the Army and the police initiated a surveillance operation on the suspect for over a month, Farnacio said.

The rebel leader was turned over on Wednesday to the Ligao City Police Office and was later booked at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology city jail.

Farnacio said the arrest of Paladin is a big blow to the dissident movement operating in the province.

The arrest of Paladin could have been the second achievement of government authorities in the month of July in terms of rebel manpower haul.

Earlier, Chief Supt. Clarence Guinto, Bicol Regional Police Office director, presented Merjel O. Nebria alias Ka Joy, reportedly vice commanding officer of the NPA Larangan No. 2 operating in Donsol, Sorsogon, who allegedly surrendered to Senior Insp. Jim Vargas Jeremias, Donsol police chief.

Media practitioners in Albay, however, expressed disgust over the way the top police official in Bicol handled the press conference on the surrender of Nebria.

When the media men started asking clarificatory questions from Nebria, Guinto started to become defensive of him – indirectly insulting the group.

The media persons have expressed desire to have an investigation into the alleged surrender of Nebria as they said they doubt the information they got from him and Guinto.

The following day, the Celso Minguez Command of the NPA operating in Sorsogon came out with a statement denying that Nebria was their member.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547983

PNoy to welcome BRP Ramon Alcaraz Aug 6

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): PNoy to welcome BRP Ramon Alcaraz Aug 6

President Benigno Aquino III will head government and military officials during welcoming ceremonies for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) upon its arrival at Subic Bay on Aug. 6.

"We will be having a meeting with the Presidential Management Staff regarding this (welcoming ceremonies) as President Aquino will be our guest of honor," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

He said the Aug. 3 arrival of the ship refers to the vessel entrance into Philippine territory.

Fabic said actual arrival date of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Subic Bay is actually Aug. 4 with the arrival ceremonies slated for Aug. 6

Before entering Subic Bay, a PN ship will head out to sea to escort the Filipino frigate for the traditional meeting point tradition.

Fabic declined to reveal the exact location where this ceremony will take place for security reasons.

He added Alcaraz, upon commissioning in the second week of October, will be deployed to help other PN ships in protecting the country's exclusive economic zone.

Fabic declined to give specifics, citing operational security.

He added the ship will be dry-docked in Subic Bay where its white paint will be painted traditional haze gray.

"The morale of the PN is very high with the arrival of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz as (it) will greatly boost the capabilities of our fleet," Fabic stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=547947

AFP fast-tracks pension cleaning program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): AFP fast-tracks pension cleaning program
 
In line with its efforts to rid pensioner ranks of bogus claimants, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday announced it is fast-tracking its massive pension cleansing.

This will be done through revalidation of its pensioners’ data to avoid further delay in the release of their monthly financial benefits.

Currently, out of the 122,472 total pensioners on the June 2013 payroll, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Pension and Gratuity Management Center identified 15,775 who may not meet the requirements set by Dept. of Budget Management due to the varying reasons such as doubtful, incomplete or no data at all.

As of July 19, out of 15,775 pensioners with incomplete data, the AFPPGMC has validated 12,203 pensioners with 5,988 already restored in pension payroll or in the process of pension restoration.

For the remaining tagged pensioners whose monthly pensions are still withheld, a proof-of-life and submission of filled-up Pensioner’s Update Form is needed for their account to be revalidated and further restored.

As of July 19, there are still (324) pensioners left with incomplete records, which AFPPGMC is continuously researching on.

Furthermore the AFPPGMC has extended its research through coordination with the Non-Current Records, Office of the Adjutant General and the Retirement and Separation Benefits System in order to complete the DBM required information.

AFPPGMC chief Col. Enrique C. Reyes said: “The AFPPGMC is taking vigorous and painstaking efforts to fast-track the revalidation of our list of pensioners.

"In coordination with the AFP Finance Center, Office of the Adjutant General and AFP Management and Fiscal Office, we have been conducting AFP Pensioners’ Data cross-matching and evaluation of records from the AFP Financial Management Information System and AFP PenMIS databases.

"This is being undertaken in order to fast-track the information gathering and validation of our pensioners’ records and eventually come up with a revalidated AFP Pensioners List.” .

The AFP assured the retirees the military is continuously undertaking measures to ensure the integrity of the military pension payroll and avoid ghost pensioners.

A system has also been established to verify the authenticity of documents being submitted by retiring AFP personnel and their legal beneficiaries.

The AFP leadership on the other hand is calling on all of its pensioners to submit their accomplished annual Pensioner’s Update Form by appearing in person or via the postal services and submitting a proof of life to prevent similar complications in the future.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=547948

Palace: No need to deploy peacekeepers in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): Palace: No need to deploy peacekeepers in Mindanao
 
Malacañang on Thursday said there is no need to deploy peacekeeping forces in Mindanao.

This, after Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari made an appeal to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to send peacekeepers in some areas in southern Philippines because of the presence of more military men there.

"Bakit? Ano'ng giyera? We're having a war against poverty and the war against poverty doesn't need peacekeepers," Lacierda told a media briefing.

The MNLF is a political organization of the Bangsamoro which once took up arms against the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=547977

U.S. and Philippines sign new $ 31.8-M "Debt-For-Nature" Fund Agreements

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): U.S. and Philippines sign new $ 31.8-M "Debt-For-Nature" Fund Agreements
 
U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr., and Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima signed on July 18, 2013 two agreements governing a new US$ 31.8 million (approximately P1.34 billion) "debt-for-nature" deal, authorized under the U.S. Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA).

The agreements will redirect approximately US$ 31.8 million in debt payments owed by the Philippines to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) toward conservation and will establish a Second Tropical Forest Conservation Fund.

This Fund will be used to provide grants to conserve, maintain and restore key tropical forests in the country, with particular and priority emphasis on the Sierra Madre, Samar and Leyte, Palawan Islands and Bukidnon/ Misamis areas.

In addition to helping to preserve the Philippines extraordinary terrestrial biodiversity, the Fund will contribute to international climate change mitigation efforts.

In 2002, the U.S. and the Philippines signed a bilateral debt reduction agreement under the TFCA wherein the U.S. treated US$ 8.1 million in outstanding loan interest which the Philippines used to create a fund for the conservation of tropical forests in the country.

The first Tropical Forest Conservation Fund, managed by the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), has supported 261 conservation projects with US$ 4.5 million in grants.

The projects improved the management of approximately 1.3 million hectares of forest lands, restored over 3,400 hectares of forests through the re-introduction of native trees and established 40 community-based conservation areas.

This Second Tropical Forest Conservation Fund supports the five-year Partnership for Growth (PFG) initiative signed by the U.S. and the Philippines in November 2011.

The Philippines is one of only four countries chosen to participate in the PFG program, which aims to mobilize the resources of both governments to address the most serious constraints to economic growth and development in the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=548053

DFA hits Chinese decision to deploy armed coast guard vessels in the WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 25): DFA hits Chinese decision to deploy armed coast guard vessels in the WPS

The Philippines on Thursday denounced China’s decision to deploy armed coast guard vessels to patrol the South China Sea, where the Philippines and other Asian nations have overlapping claims, saying such move “raises the level of tension in the area.”

China unveiled on Monday its unified Coast Guard which integrates the functions of four bodies responsible for surveillance, fisheries administration, law enforcement and border control, noting divisions “that were not allowed to be equipped with weapons can be armed now."

“Such activity is inconsistent with the spirit of the declaration of the conduct of parties in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez, referring to a non-binding code of conduct among claimants, told a news conference.

China’s new coast guard vessel has been sighted recently in the Panganiban Reef near Palawan province, news reports said.

There were also sightings of China’s new vessels near Japan’s territorial waters around the East China Sea islands, where the two nations are locked in a long-running territorial rift.

Hernandez said the Department of Foreign Affairs is verifying the reported presence of the Chinese coast guard vessel in Panganiban Reef, a rich fishing ground within Manila’s territory but came under China’s control in 1995.

The presence of such vessel in Panganiban, if confirmed, is “inconsistent with the efforts by Association of South East Asian Nations to build confidence among the parties as it raises the level of tension in that area,” Hernandez said.

The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have competing claims over the South China Sea, now called West Philippine Sea by Manila.

China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire waters, where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas, even as it overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors.

Manila has sought international arbitration to try to declare as illegal China’s massive claim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=548035

Bangsamoro Basic Law by 2014? Realistic but...

From Rappler (Jul 25): Bangsamoro Basic Law by 2014? Realistic but...



CRUNCH TIME. The Transition Commission needs to finish drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law by the end of 2013 to make its 2014 passage in Congress possible. Photo by EPA/Rolex dela Pena

With the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) already in their final stages, solons say the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress before 2014 is realistic.

But for Congress to be able to meet the deadline, the Transition Commission must finish drafting the Basic Law, which will serve as the legal basis for the new Bangsamoro political entity, before the end of 2013.

 

Sulu 1st district Rep Tupay Loong said it would be "ideal" if the Transition Commission submits the Basic Law to Congress before the year ends.

 

"Hopefully before 2013 will end this will already be submitted to Congress so we can utilize the first quarter of 2014 for scrutiny and plenary debate. After that the plenary will approve the law," Loong said.

 

The Transition Commission can only start drafting the Basic Law after the comprehensive peace agreement is signed and completed. On July 13, the government and the MILF finished the annex on wealth sharing, which contains one of the most difficult issues in the talks. Earlier, both sides signed the transition annex, which outlines the steps to be undertaken towards the creation of the Bangsamoro.

 

The parties still have to finish two more annexes – on power sharing and normalization. The normalization annex tackles decommissioning of firearms and the creation of a police force.

 

Once the Basic Law is drafted, it will be submitted to Congress. After the law is signed, it will be subjected to a plebiscite in areas covered by the proposed entity.

 

Congress needs to pass the Basic Law before 2014 so the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority can already be in place by 2015. This will ensure a smooth transition from the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao towards the new Bangsamoro political entity by 2016.

 

In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino III asked Congress to pass the Basic Law by 2014.

 

'We'll work on that'

But how much time would the Transition Commission need to finish drafting the law?

Transition Commission chairman and MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal would rather not give an exact timeframe.

 

In a text message, Iqbal said the Transition Commission will work to achieve the 2014 deadline.

 

Under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in October 2012, the President will sign the draft law as urgent once it is submitted to Congress, paving the way for lawmakers to act on it fast.

 

For Deputy Speaker and Lanao del Sur Rep Pangalian Balindong, the 2014 timeline should not only be regarded as realistic but also a must. "Actually, we have no alternative. The government cannot afford to drop the peace process. It would be too expensive on the part of our people," Balindong said.

 

Leaders of both chambers of Congress have affirmed their support for the Bangsamoro peace process.

 

A day after the SONA, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr himself made a commitment for the swift passage of the Basic Law in Congress.

 

In the Senate, Senate President Franklin Drilon also vowed to support the approval of the law.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/peacetalks/34794-bangsamoro-basic-law-2014-realistic

PH verifying new sightings of Chinese ships off Palawan

From InterAksyon (Jul 25): PH verifying new sightings of Chinese ships off Palawan

The Philippines is verifying reports that another armed Coast Guard vessel from China has been sighted in a Philippine-claimed area in the West Philippine Sea, two days after Beijing launched an integrated Coast Guard system that has armed more ships to patrol what it calls its maritime domain.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said Thursday that while the latest sighting is still being validated, matters like this could raise the level of tensions in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) that China claims in its entirety.

“We are still trying to verify this information,” Hernandez said at a press conference, “…but in principle such activity is inconsistent with the spirit of the declaration on the conduct of parties on the South China Sea.”

The latest report had said that another Chinese Coast Guard vessel was seen in the Panganiban Reef area near Palawan.

Of late, Chinese military and naval activity had raised the alarm in Tokyo, as Chinese vessels were spotted near Japan’s territorial waters around the East China Sea islands.

China and Japan are both claiming an island chain there, which Japan calls Senkakus, and China calls Diaoyu.

The Japanese government served notice it is closely monitoring China’s activities, especially after a Chinese fighter jet flew near its territory.

Meanwhile, Hernandez appealed to Beijing to respect Philippine maritime territory and international law. “It is also inconsistent with the efforts exerted by ASEAN (Association of the South East Asian Nation) to build confidence among parties as it raises the level of tension in that area,” he said.

His call came a day after some 30 citizens’ groups picketed the Chinese consulate in Makati City, as part of a coordinated global day of protest against China’s bullying of its Asian neighbors.

Panganiban Reef is a rich fishing area located within the 200- nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. The reef came under virtually China’s control in 1995. Since April 2012, China has also kept several ships in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal area off Zambales province in western Luzon, following a naval standoff over fishing rights. Recently, Beijing demanded that Manila pull out its military contingent from Ayungin Reef, a call that again deepened tension between the two countries.

Unified coast guard

On Monday, China launched its unified coast guard that integrates the functions of four bodies responsible for surveillance, fisheries administration, law enforcement and border control.

Chinese media earlier reported that Beijing would now use armed Chinese coast guard vessels to monitor and protect its claim over the South China Sea.

China has been claiming the entire West Philippines Sea and other waters and land based on its nine-dash line claim from its historical Chinese map. The Philippines bases its exclusive economic zone on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Deploring what it called China’s excessive claims and aggressive action, the Philippines invited Beijing to prove the validity of its nine-dash-line claim before an arbitral tribunal created under the 1982 UNCLOS, but the latter refused.

The process before the UN arbitral tribunal began recently with the five-man panel of judges drafting its set of rules to govern proceedings, and asking Manila and Beijing to comment by early August.

China refused to participate and insists solely on bilateral negotiations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67193/ph-verifying-new-sightings-of-chinese-ships-off-palawan

BRP Alcaraz to arrive in RP within two weeks — Navy

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 26): BRP Alcaraz to arrive in RP within two weeks — Navy

The military’s second Hamilton class cutter, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, will be arriving in the country in less than two weeks after its two-month journey from the United States.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Gerald Fabic, Navy spokesman, said that BRP Alcaraz is expected to be within the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Aug. 3 from its last stop in Guam.

Fabic said that the ship will be in Subic the following day and a formal arrival ceremony is scheduled Aug. 6 with President Aquino as the expected guest of honor.
The ship, the second Hamilton class cutter of the Navy after BRP Gregorio del Pilar, will be undergoing two-month dry docking procedures before it will be officially commissioned as PF-16 in October.

Fabic said BRP Alcaraz will definitely boost not only the capability of the Navy but also the morale of its personnel.

“The morale of the Navy is very high. We are looking at BRP Ramon Alcaraz as a source of pride among the Filipino, not only for us (in the Navy) but the Filipino people,” Fabic said.

“It’s really a big boost to our capability specifically this will be deployed in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” Fabic added.

BRP Alcaraz started its journey to the Philippines last June.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/17130-brp-alcaraz-to-arrive-in-rp-within-two-weeks-navy

Zamboanga wary MNLF moving for Bangsamoro independence

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 25): Zamboanga wary MNLF moving for Bangsamoro independence

Something is brewing in Mindanao which could be more serious than the breakout of infighting among members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with rumors swirling in Zamboanga City that the MNLF will declare a Bangsamoro independence from the Philippines on July 25 when Muslims break their fast in the yearly observance of Ramadan.

Residents of the Zamboanga villages of Sta. Maria and Paso-nanca noticed the display of Bangsamoro streamers, flags and posters outside the homes of MNLF mem-bers and sympathizers.

Close to 200 families were affected by ongoing skirmishes between the MNLF and the MILF in Sitio Leonard, Barangay Manubuan in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Mona Reyes, a health worker in Barangay Manubuan, has sought help from authorities amid the worsening conflict. Reyes’ house was razed after it was hit by a rifle grenade fired during the gunbattle.

Last Monday, an MNLF member identified as Larry Panga was injured during the fighting. Reyes said the renewed MNLF-MILF skirmishes triggered massive evacuations of residents from her village.

The evacuees, she reported, were housed temporarily at Manubuan Elementary School and Amas Elementary School in nearby Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

A senior member of the MILF Central Committee also appealed to MNLF leaders for unity and solidarity in the wake of progress in the peace negotiations.

“These achievements in the peace talks are for everybody and not for the MILF alone.

We are inclusive and we make sure that whatever we sign with the government does not shortchange our people,” Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF Secretariat, said in response to reports that some leaders of the MNLF particularly those in Sulu are trying to bring up the MNLF case to the United Nations. However, no details of the effort to involve the UN are available as of press time.

Ameen said the United Nations, in partnership with the World Bank, had entered into a technical assistance program with the MILF called the Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities (FASTRAC). The exchange of letters between the UN-WB and the MILF was held in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last April 29.

The deal will assist the MILF and the government to build capacity in addressing key issues for the Bangsamoro such as governance, justice, combatant transition and security.

Priority areas of support will be determined by the Transition Commission, MILF, and the Philippine government. FASTRAC will provide on-demand access to a pool of experts, training, policy advice, research and international exchanges.

Speaking at the launch of the new program in Camp Darapanan, United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho said, “FASTRAC will provide the Transition Commission and related institutions access to the best possible national and international expertise in moving forward with the peace process, especially in the drafting of the Basic Law that will reflect the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for genuine autonomy while establishing the basis for efficient and accountable government.”

In addition to technical advice, FASTRAC will support community outreach and consultations to ensure that the new Basic Law reflects the views of communities across the Bangsamoro.

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad welcomed the launch of UN project saying that the MILF is committed to an inclusive peace process to bring security and prosperity to all in the Bangsamoro.

“Technical support of the UN and World Bank will give us access to ideas and practices that have been found successful in other parts of the world,” Murad said. “It will help us reach out to communities and facilitate local dialogue and consultation to secure broader ownership and help us draft the best possible Basic Law,” he added.
“Ensuring that the process of drafting the law is inclusive will be as important as the substance of the law itself,” Murad added.

Senior Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, Zamboanga city police chief, confirmed that “talks are spreading around about the MNLF declaring independence.” “From whom? That is what we need to find out,” Malayo said.

“We will continue monitoring and inspecting areas where there are reported hanging of some kind of flags and streamers,” he said.

But Habib Mudjahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council, denied that their group would declare the independence of a Bangsamoro Republic on July 25.

“This is not true. It is just a propaganda designed to mislead our people and brothers on the ground,” Hashim said.

On July 9, more than a hundred MNLF members marched the streets of Lamitan City in Basilan demanding “independence.” The MNLF members ended their activity an hour later.

The MNLF signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996. The government is negotiating peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway group of the MNLF.

Earlier this week, the MNLF said any agreement between the government and the MILF should be reconciled with the peace pact signed in 1996.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., meanwhile, vowed the swift passage of the proposed law that would abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and create a new entity called the Bangsamoro region.

Belmonte said that he does not see any stiff opposition to the establishment of Bangsamoro Region if the proponents can explain very well the details of the controversial wealth-sharing agreement.

“As usual, there will be pros and cons. But I am very confident that as long as it can be shown to us to be a reasonable thing and that would finally end the decades of conflict which is really one of the things that is holding back the development of our country,” Belmonte said in an interview.

Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin, credited President Aquino for his commitment to attaining peace in Mindanao by establishing the Bangsamoro region to replace ARMM.

“The highlight for me was his commitment to the peace process. The call for Congress to support it and the assurance that what the Bangsamoro Basic Law will contain will be deliverable,” Turabin explained in an interview yesterday.

“I think for now, we should support the negotiations and applaud the fact that both parties reached an agreement, particularly on the wealth-sharing. It is not the time to be negative about the figures, as it will still go through the Transition Commission, Congress, and then ratification by the people thru a plebiscite. Let us be thankful that both parties continue to talk, eventually, it will be the people who will decide the fate of the Bangsamoro region,” Turabin pointed out.

Under the agreement of the government and MILF, 75% of the taxes collected by the central leadership will go to Bangsamoro region from the current 70 percent under ARMM.

With respect to natural resources, the Bangsamoro government will enjoy 100 percent of revenues from non-metallic resources (sand, gravel and quarry resources) and 75 percent from metallic resources.

In the case of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium, the Bangsamoro government and the central government would equally share the income.

But both parties committed to incorporate a review mechanism of this scheme in the Bangsamoro law.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/17110-zamboanga-wary-mnlf-moving-for-bangsamoro-independence

MNLF to present ‘own’ Constitution to members

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 26): MNLF to present ‘own’ Constitution to members

An official of the Moro National Liberation Front yesterday confirmed that they will hold an “independence assembly” on Sunday but was not clear what the real intention of the Mindanao-wide movement of MNLF members is.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesman, assured that the gathering will be peaceful and in accordance with law.

“We will have an independence assembly on July 28. The assembly will be held in General Santos City and other areas in Mindanao,” he said.

“The bottom line is the assembly would be peaceful without arms in accordance with Article 2, Section 7 of the Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Charter for self-determination with UN observers around,” Fontanilla added.

He, however, refused to further reveal details of the “independence assembly” and its purpose.

A reliable source, however, said the MNLF leadership would be presenting its draft Constitution during the assembly, in an apparent bid to sever ties with the government.

But Hashim Hashim, chairman of the MNLF Islamic Command Council, branded such reports as a “hoax.”

“Brother Nur (Misuari) has just concluded a meeting in his residence and nothing was mentioned about independence,” he stressed.

Misuari is the founding chairman of the MNLF.

Hashim expressed belief that the “rumor” could be a form of propaganda or an attempt to sabotage Misuari by certain quarters within the MNLF.

The Tribune the other day reported the swirling rumors in Zamboanga City that the MNLF will declare Bangsamoro independence from the Philippines.

The rumors spread after the display of Bangsamoro streamers, flags and posters outside the residences of MNLF members and sympathizers.

The issue also cropped up amid the ongoing fighting between MNLF group and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in North Cotabato.

The MILF is currently in the final stages of striking a peace agreement with the Aquino administration.

The MNLF struck a final peace agreement with the Philippine government in 1996.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, vowed to monitor the activities of the MNLF.

“As part of our mandate, we are continuously monitoring their activities,” said AFP-Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

“We will only base our actions on orders of higher political leadership,” he added.
Malacañang, meanwhile, downplayed the claims made by Misuari in a letter to the United Nations (UN), adding there is no need to send peacekeepers to Mindanao.

This after Misuari said he had sent a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, seeking the deployment of peace keeping forces to monitor the alleged excessive presence of military forces in the region, which according to him, has caused panic and disruption of communities.

“What war? We’re having a war against poverty and the war against poverty doesn’t need peacekeepers,” Lacierda told a media briefing.

The MNLF is a political organization of the Bangsamoro which once took up arms against the government.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/17141-mnlf-to-present-own-constitution-to-members