MNLF exec tried, failed to sneak into OIC meeting

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 25): MNLF exec tried, failed to sneak into OIC meeting

THE Moro National Liberation Front faction of founding chairman Nur Misuari has tried to sneak in one of its officials into Conakry, the Republic of Guinea, to attend the recently concluded meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

According to a source from the OIC, MNLF peace panel secretariat head Mashur Jundam arrived in Conakry for the Dec. 9 to 11 Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

The source said Jundam told airport officials that he was an assistant foreign minister of the Bangsamoro republic, but he was not allowed to enter Guinea because he had no entry visa.

Jundam had to seek the assistance of Filipino diplomats attending the OIC meeting to be able to leave Conakry.

The OIC earlier invited Misuari to attend the meeting since the MNLF has long been accorded an observer seat in the Muslim bloc.

But in a closed-door side meeting, no less than OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said that the three-week hostage siege in Zamboanga City in September was a “wrong move” on Misuari’s part.

The siege left more than 200 people killed and displaced some 120,000 residents in Zamboanga City.

The OIC also adopted a resolution calling on its Peace Committee on the Southern Philippines “to exert their efforts in order not to allow these unfortunate events to derail the peace process.”

In the resolution, the group said the loss of innocent lives and property during the Misuari-led MNLF attack was “deplorable.”

The OIC resolution also “called upon member states and Islamic relief organizations to help generously in the efforts of relief and reconstruction operation in order to allow the quick return of the many thousand displaced people to their homes and to compensate the victims.”

Other MNLF groups who want to have Misuari replaced as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro people before the OIC have already filed a formal petition through the OIC-PCSP.

In an earlier interview, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the administration would prefer an MNLF leader who could “push forward the peace agenda.”

“Certainly, we would like to work with people who can push forward the peace agenda and the reform agenda of the MNLF,” Lacierda said.

“But the leadership of the MNLF is a matter that is best decided by the stakeholders within the MNLF.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs canceled Misuari’s passport in October following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him over the Zamboanga incident.

The OIC, for its part, expressed its full support to the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front even as it called for an “integration” of the MILF and MNLF peace processes.

In a separate resolution, the OIC tasked Ihsanoglu to “exert his efforts to find common grounds between the parties to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro [MILF] and the 1996 Agreement on the implementation of the 1976 Peace Agreement [MNLF].”

The OIC also urged Ihsanoglu to “develop a mechanism to ensure that the gains of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement are preserved and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes are fully implemented with the end goal of integrating the gains achieved in these peace agreements in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

The government and the MILF have already concluded three of the four remaining annexes—on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and transitional arrangements—that will form part of the comprehensive peace agreement that both sides wish to conclude in January.

Both panels expect to sign the remaining annex normalization (or the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration of MILF fighters) as well as an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters next month.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/25/mnlf-exec-tried-failed-to-sneak-into-oic-meeting/

CPP/Sine Proletaryo: CPDF shares situation of Ilocos-Cordillera on occasion of CPP's 45th anniversary

Posted to the PRWC blog site (Dec 23): CPDF shares situation of Ilocos-Cordillera on occasion of CPP's 45th anniversary

Sine Proletaryo
December 23, 2013

On the occasion of the Party's 45th anniversary, Simeon Naogsan or Ka Filiw, spokesperson of the Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front shares the situation of the revolutionary movement and masses of the Ilocos-Cordillera region, as well as its current tasks.



[Video: CPDF shares situation of Ilocos-Cordillera on occasion of CPP's 45th anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhzf8nPSrPE]

[Sine Proletaryo is reportedly the video production unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines Information Bureau.]

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/12/cpdf-shares-situation-of-ilocos.html

CPP/Sine Proletaryo: NDFP Eastern Visayas extends solidarity greetings to CPP on 45th anniversary

From the PRWC blog site (Dec 23): NDFP Eastern Visayas extends solidarity greetings to CPP on 45th anniversary

Sine Proletaryo
December 23, 2013

Fr. Santiago Salas, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the Eastern Visayas extends his greetings of solidarity to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on the occasion of the CPP's 45th anniversary on December 26, 2013.

The NDFP-EV represents the people of Samar and Leyte islands, which were among the hardest hit places during the recent supertyphoon Yolanda, which wreaked havoc and caused widespread devastation.

Fr. Salas expresses the people's joy on the occasion of the CPP anniversary for its role in carrying out revolutionary struggle for national liberation and social change. According to Salas, the revolutionary forces in Eastern Visayas under the CPP leadership are determined to advance the struggles the region as part of the national advance of the people's war.



[Video: NDFP Eastern Visayas extends solidarity greetings to CPP on 45th anniversary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_P5o9sUYw4]

[Sine Proletaryo is reportedly the video production unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau.]

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/12/ndfp-eastern-visayas-extends-solidarity.html

MILF: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praises progress in GPH-MILF Peace Process

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 24): UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praises progress in GPH-MILF Peace Process

 

In his recent visit to Manila where he proceeded to Tacloban to see for himself the destruction brought about by Typhoon Yolanda, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed in a statement on Sunday, December 22, his hope that the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be able to sign a final peace agreement soon as it lauded the recent strides of Manila to make this possible.
  

In a report by Christine Avendano of Philippine Daily Inquirer, she quoted the secretary general saying, “I commend the Philippine government effort to promote peace and democracy and inclusive growth. In this context, I congratulate the Philippine government of progress in the Mindanao peace process particularly the agreement reached between parties in December,” Ban said at a joint news conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

“I hope a final agreement will be reached soon,” he also said.

The secretary general was referring to the signing on December 8 by GPH-MILF negotiators of the annex on sharing of power between the national government and
the envisioned Bangsamoro new political entity in Mindanao that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The annex contains details about the particular competencies and authorities of the central government and the proposed Bangsamoro government which shall serve as guide in the drafting of the Basic Law pursunat to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The two panels had so far signed three annexes — power sharing on December 8, transitional arrangements and modalities in February 2013 and revenue generation and wealth sharing in July this year. These annexes and the annex on Normalization that is yet to be agreed upon and the signed framework agreement shall form part of the Basic Law being crafted by the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission headed by MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal. As soon as the annex on normalization is agreed and signed by both panels, they will sign the comprehensive peace agreement or CPA.

Del Rosario said that Ban “praised” President Aquino for the success of the Mindanao peace process in their meeting last Saturday.

The foreign secretary also took time to laud Ban for the “UN’s contribution to find durable solutions to peace and security problems around the world.”

“Let me pay tribute to the Sec Gen for his leadership and untiring efforts to promote international peace, development and democracy and the upholding of the dignity of all human beings,” Del Rosario said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/731-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-praises-progress-in-gph-milf-peace-process

CPP: Flag-raising ceremonies to kick off simple celebrations of CPP 45th anniversary on December 26

From the CPP Website (Dec 24): Flag-raising ceremonies to kick off simple celebrations of CPP 45th anniversary on December 26

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced today that preparations for the people’s assemblies to mark its 45th anniversary on December 26 are all set and will kick off in the morning with the raising of the hammer and sickle flag of the CPP simultaneous with the singing of the Internationale, the anthem of the international communist movement.

The flag of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), which represents the People’s Democratic Government in the Philippines in the interim, will also be flown high in assembly areas. The banners of the New People’s Army (NPA) and all other revolutionary mass organizations will also fly prominently in the assemblies.

The assemblies will be hosted by the barrio, inter-barrio and municipal revolutionary committees, the local revolutionary mass organizations and the CPP branches and sections in the localities. These will mostly be held in areas which are under the jurisdiction and authority of the organs of the people’s democratic government.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to join scores of assemblies to be held in various parts of the country. Most of the people will arrive at the assembly points on foot, coming in from nearby barrios and towns.

The CPP also anticipates several thousand visitors from the cities, including students, workers, urban poor, doctors and professionals, government employees and jeepney drivers. It has also invited foreign friends and governments to join and observe the assemblies.

“Units of the NPA will join the assemblies and secure the venues in coordination with local units of the people’s militia,” said the CPP.

“The assemblies will serve as a propitious occasion for the Filipino people to celebrate the concrete victories which they have achieved through 45 years of revolutionary struggle”, said the CPP. “They will be celebrating advances in the political, economic, cultural and military fields, as well as in the provision of educational and medical services to the people.”

The assemblies will also serve as an opportunity to generate and collect funds and other material support for rehabilitation efforts in the Yolanda areas. “Among those to be collected and distributed are seeds for vegetables and fruit trees, as well as tree seedlings for reforestation.”

The CPP reiterated its call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to pull-out its troops from the guerrilla base areas and cease its offensive operations in order to allow the people free movement to travel to and participate in the people’s assemblies for the 45th anniversary of the CPP.

Field reports indicate that the AFP continues to carry-out operations in the guerrilla zones in Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, other parts of Mindanao, as well as in the ‘Yolanda’-devastated areas of Samar, Leyte, Negros, and in Sorsogon, Benguet and other towns of Luzon. “Despite the supposed ceasefire declared by Malacañang, AFP operations continue to be carried out unabated committing widespread abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131224_flag-raising-ceremonies-to-kick-off-simple-celebrations-of-cpp-45th-anniversary-on-december-26

MNLF rebels play grinch to soldier’s kids

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25): MNLF rebels play grinch to soldier’s kids

This Christmas, seven-year-old Nicolas and his sisters – Pia Honorata, 6; Nora Agelica, 4; and Lucy, 2 – will be waiting for their father, Cpl. Eduardo Saquing and his promised presents for them – a toy car, robot, and a Barbie doll.

But the elder Saquing, a member of Basic Naval Special Warfare /SEAL Course Class 69, will never come home nor will he still be able to buy and send gifts for his children.

Cpl. Saquing is already dead – one of the government forces killed while fighting members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Misuari faction during the bloody Zamboanga siege in September.

Like Grinch in Dr. Seuss tale, the MNLF rebels stole Christmas cheer for Cpl. Saquing’s children when one of the bullets they fired fatally hit the soldier.

It was in the early morning of September 26 during a clearing operation of the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) 8 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) in Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City, that he was hit by the enemy fire.

Saquing’s wife, Angelita, 30, recalls that the last time she spoke with him was around noon time on Sept. 25.

“Sabi niya nasa Barangay Sta. Barbara na sila nag-clearing operations… medyo ok na daw kasi may parang sumusuko na,” Angelita narrated to Manila Bulletin. (He said they were already in Barangay Sta. Barbara conducting clearing operations… the situation was getting ok because according to him, some of the enemies are surrendering.)

While Cpl. Saquing’s tour of duty in Mindanao is not new to them as the former had previously seen action in the south and even engaged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in various encounters, Angelita said she felt there was something odd in the days prior to and during her husband’s deployment to Zamboanga City.

“Nagtataka lang ako kasi itong operations na ito lang ang everyday kinukuwento niya yun lahat ng nangyayari. Siya na mismo nabibigay ng detalye,” she said.

In their phone conversations and exchange of text messages days before Cpl. Saquing was killed in action, Angelita said her husband often asked about their children and their house.

“Palaging kinukumusta itong bahay at ang mga bata. Ipapalitada daw bahay pag-uwi niya from Zamboanga,” said Saquing’s wife.

Angelita showed to this writer the fallen soldier’s last text message to her, which read: “Ayusin mong mabuti yan bahay… Pag-uwi ko bibili tayo ng kama…”

“Plano din sana niya na magpakasal na kami ngayon December,” Angelita further revealed, saying they had to set aside marriage as Cpl. Saquing fulfilled a vow he made to his mother whom he lost at the age of 10.

Being the oldest of the brood, Cpl. Saquing promised to their mother that he will take care of his siblings. “Katatapos niya lang magpa-aral ng mga kapatid,” said Angelita.
On Sept. 26 at around 9 a.m., Angelita said she received a call from her husband’s fellow officer. “Sabi lang sa akin kailangan makausap ako sa office. Hindi totally sinabi emergency, basta may mga itatanong daw tungkol sa asawa ko.”

When she arrived at the headquarters, some of Cpl. Saquing’s relatives were already around.

Angelita said she asked, “Where’s Ed?” But they remained silent. A senior officer later came in and broke the bad news.

When she came home that day, Angelita did not right away tell her young children about what happened to their father. “Hindi ko agad nasabi na wala na papa nila,”
Angelita said, adding it was only when Cpl. Saquing’s body was scheduled to arrive at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City that she told them, “Magkikita kami ng papa niyo.”
Upon hearing this, the siblings asked their mother to remind their dad about the toys he promised to buy for them in Zamboanga.

The children only learned of their father’s death two days later when Angelita brought them to the mortuary.

“Kinausap ko muna sila sa kuwarto. Sabi ko anak huwag kayo mabibigla, si papa wala na. Yun mga laruan wala na din, hindi niya na nabili,” she said.

The fallen soldier was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio. A posthumous Gold Cross Medal was bestowed on Cpl. Saquing in a ceremony at Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo last November to honor the soldiers who fought Muslim separatists during the Zamboanga siege.

Together with his mother, Nicolas Mach, they received from President Benigno S. Aquino III the award for their hero dad.

“I want to become a soldier, like my father,” the young Saquing told the President after receiving the award.

The boy also expressed how much they miss their father, “we miss him a lot,” he said.
Despite knowing that their soldier father has gone to heaven, the young Saquing’s still await his return, specially this Christmas. To them, Cpl. Saquing may have died but he will always remain alive in their young mind and in their heart.

They will always remember the times when their father would bring them to church, teach them how to swim, play with them, and when they eat together as a family.
And like her brother, Pia Honorata said she also wants to become a soldier and follow their father’s footsteps when she grows up.

“Kakausapin daw mga kasama ng papa nila at tatanungin kung sino ang pumatay,” said Angelita referring to her daughter, Pia Honorata.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-rebels-play-grinch-to-soldiers-kids/

NPA vows to observe ceasefire but warns vs military ‘provocation’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 24): NPA vows to observe ceasefire but warns vs military ‘provocation’



Inquirer file photo
The New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao region vowed to strictly comply with the directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against elements of the military, police and paramilitary forces as part of the holiday ceasefire.

The ceasefire starts midnight December 24 and will end 11:59 p.m. of December 26.  It will again take effect midnight of Dec. 31 up to January 2, 2014.

The ceasefire will also give the rebel forces the opportunity to celebrate the CPP’s 45th year anniversary inside the guerrilla zones and guerrilla bases in the countryside on Dec. 26, according to Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of the NPA Southern Mindanao, in an emailed statement.

Del Mundo, however, said that prior to the government’s declaration of ceasefire on Dec. 21, government soldiers have been deployed in various areas in Southern Mindanao.

“These actions are provocative and raise the risk of armed engagements with the NPA,” Del Mundo warned.

“All NPA fighting units and the people’s militia are thus enjoined to be ever vigilant against hostile actions of enemy armed forces— from encroachment, surveillance to blatant operations — and should remain on active defensive mode, until they are forced to engage with the enemy in self-defense if the latter continues its offensive operations,” the regional NPA spokesperson added.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/551701/npa-vows-to-observe-ceasefire-but-warns-vs-military-provocation

Gov't to Reds: Respect Christmas ceasefire

From ABS-CBN (Dec 24): Gov't to Reds: Respect Christmas ceasefire

The government called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to respect the prolonged ceasefire it declared.

“Many Filipinos have risen to the challenge of providing meaningful help to fellow citizens who have been hit by killer storms, a killer earthquake and a three-week armed siege on a southern city. We challenge those who carry arms in the name of the people to become instruments of peace in this Advent season,” the government peace panel said in a statement.

“We need peace to nourish and live with diversity; we need peace to be able to imagine a better future; we need peace to turn our people's hopes into reality. In this season of Christmas, let us seek to end meaningless and destructive violence and commence the healing and rehabilitation of our land and our people,” it added.

Last Wednesday, the CPP said it would declare a Christmas ceasefire that would cover Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31, Jan. 1 and 2. Last year, the rebels’ truce was from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.

For its part, the government announced a ceasefire or Suspension of Offensive Military Operation (SOMO) from Dec. 21 up to Jan. 15. The government truce is shorter compared to last year, which started Dec. 16 and lasted until Jan. 15.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Monday challenged the CPP to a public debate to find out the "real moron."

This, after the communists tagged as "moronic" an earlier statement of Bautista that they should have declared a ceasefire that "lasts forever."

“We are one with our fellow countrymen and women in the belief that better days are ahead, and we join in the call for peace throughout the country, a peace that will allow everyone—rebels and non-rebels alike—to celebrate the holidays free from fear and uncertainty,” the government peace panel said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/24/13/govt-reds-respect-christmas-ceasefire

GPH, MILF prepare for Bangsamoro Law

From ABS-CBN (Dec 24): GPH, MILF prepare for Bangsamoro Law

Amid earlier hitches, the government said it is committed to working with peace stakeholders for the smooth passage of the Bangsamoro Law by 2014.

In a statement, the government said: “By early next year, we aim to finalize the remaining Annex on Normalization, as well as an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters. The Annex on Normalization will concretize our vision for a post-conflict Bangsamoro. For this purpose, we shall be putting in place the new infrastructure that would pull together all our efforts in the security, socio-economic and transitional justice aspects.”

The government panel said it will already work closely with the Transition Commission and Congress for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The panel noted that 2013 was the year they came to terms with what was possible for all stakeholders, which is expected to lead to the election of a Bangsamoro government in 2016.

“In all, our efforts at the negotiating table sought to find the good balance between what is just, practical and constitutional for this moment in our peoples’ history, and those other, higher aspirations that may find fruition and wider acceptability in some later future but not now,” the panel said.

It said members’ actions were based on “shared principles of mutual respect, devolution, inclusivity, harmony and good governance. These principles are the essence of the Annexes we have signed.”

Despite the disasters of 2013, the path to peace remained clear, the panel said.

“We expectedly faced many challenges from those who chose to continue the path of violence, the skeptics who have seen earlier similar processes fall back on expectations, and the disgruntled who feel they would lose privileges they have long enjoyed. To all of them, we extend the hand of peace and open ourselves to dialogue and continuous engagement in the hope that we will find fair reconciliation,” the panel added.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/24/13/gph-milf-prepare-bangsamoro-law

NPA rebels torch taxis

From Rappler (Dec 24): NPA rebels torch taxis

PRE-CHRISTMAS ATTACK. A file photo of communist rebels by Keith Bacongco

Communist rebels in Davao del Norte torched 3 taxis barely an hour before their 48-hour Christmas truce took effect, police said Tuesday, December 24.

New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas burned the 3 cabs of Holiday Taxi company in the city of Panabo late Monday, December 23, about an hour before midnight when their truce started, said regional police spokesman Chief Inspector Jed Clamor.

"This was planned. They hired the three taxis in different areas, had them go to Panabo City in Davao del Norte and then they pointed guns at the drivers and commandeered the taxis," before burning them, he said.

He said the 10 gunmen identified themselves to the drivers as members of the NPA.

Police suspect the incident was part of an extortion attempt against the taxi company.

The NPA, which is active in the hinterlands of the Philippine archipelago, has long resorted to extorting money from rural businesses to raise funds.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, which controls the 4,000-strong NPA, had earlier declared a 48-hour Christmas truce from December 24 as well as another 48-hour ceasefire from New Year's Eve.

President Benigno Aquino had declared his own unilateral truce with the NPA from December 21 to January 15.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government peace negotiating panel called on the communists "to be faithful to the spirit and letter of the ceasefire that they have declared and to respect the prolonged ceasefire declared by our government."

The government has repeatedly called ceasefires with the communist rebels over the Christmas season, one of the most celebrated events in the largely-Roman Catholic nation.

Aquino had been aiming to end the leftist rebellion before he leaves office in 2016, but the government said in April that peace talks had collapsed.

The fighting has claimed 30,000 lives since 1969 according to the government tally.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46571-npa-rebels-torch-taxis

Statement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on the unilateral Christmas ceasefire

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 24): Statement of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on the unilateral Christmas ceasefire



TODAY, the President approved the unilateral declaration by the Government of a nationwide Christmas ceasefire to commence at 12:01 am of December 21, 2013, and to end at 11:59 pm of January 15, 2014.

By this declaration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is directed to suspend all offensive military operations for the entire duration of the Christmas ceasefire. Our Security forces will maintain their defensive readiness in the protection of our people.

The government continues its traditional call for a Christmas ceasefire to allow those in conflict areas, whether soldier, rebel or civilian, safe passage to celebrate Advent with their families, far from all harm. This year, a Christmas ceasefire gains added urgency with the call for healing and rebuilding that resonate in this Season and its promise of a new life to all.

In a matter of three months, our people have faced major tragedies that have left our nation deeply traumatized.  Among these, the onslaught of Super-Typhoon Yolanda in Central Philippines (or Eastern Visayas) has caused the most extraordinary challenge for our entire people with the unparalleled and incomprehensible destruction it has left in its aftermath. It has stretched our nation, indeed all our minds and hearts, to its limits.

Our nation needs to bind our wounds and focus our energies and resources on the tasks at hand. It presents to our country and people the chance to start afresh, to build on new and just foundations: the common wealth for the common good, innovative approaches to governance and development based on justice and fairness, an understanding of nature’s gifts and perils, and the healing of Mother Earth.

In this season of faith, hope and solidarity, we bind ourselves together as a people for the long-term effort to rebuild in our disaster areas and reconstruct the lives, livelihoods and property of the survivors.  May the peace and goodwill that must dwell in our hearts become building blocks for a healing and enduring peace in our land.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/statement-of-presidential-adviser-on.html

Statement of GPH peace panel in talks with CPP-NPA-NDF in celebration of the Holiday Season

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 24): Statement of GPH peace panel in talks with CPP-NPA-NDF in celebration of the Holiday Season



CHRISTMAS signifies peace, hope, joy, prosperity and the promise of new life. The message of Christmas has become more urgent for our people--after the series of calamities in 2013 that tested the strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit.

We are one with our fellow countrymen and women in the belief that better days are ahead, and we join in the call for peace throughout the country, a peace that will allow everyone—rebels and non-rebels alike—to celebrate the holidays free from fear and uncertainty.

Many Filipinos have risen to the challenge of providing meaningful help to fellow citizens who have been hit by killer storms, a killer earthquake and a three-week armed siege on a southern city. We challenge those who carry arms in the name of the people to become instruments of peace in this Advent season.

We call on the Communist Party of the Philippines to be faithful to the spirit and letter of the ceasefire that they have declared and to respect the prolonged ceasefire declared by our Government. As well, we echo the public clamor for a just and lasting peace.

We need peace to nourish and live with diversity; we need peace to be able to imagine a better future; we need peace to turn our people's hopes into reality. In this season of Christmas, let us seek to end meaningless and destructive violence and commence the healing and rehabilitation of our land and our people.

May everyone enjoy the holidays in peace, and a fruitful New Year to us all!

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/statement-of-gph-peace-panel-in-talks.html

End-of-Year Statement of the GPH Panel in Talks with the MILF

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 24): End-of-Year Statement of the GPH Panel in Talks with the MILF



THE YEAR 2013 is the year we came to terms with what are possible and doable to get to the first, elected Bangsamoro government in 2016.  In February, we signed the first annex that elaborated our road map. This was the Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the first socio-economic program of its kind providing basic social benefits to previously unreached members of conflict-affected areas, came next. For the first time, the incumbent President and his Cabinet entered the MILF camp, where the launching ceremony was festively held before leaders and members of the MILF and international dignitaries.

A somewhat prolonged period, during which the May 2013 election was eventually held, may have doused hopes of a comprehensive, negotiated settlement. But come July, the Annex on Wealthsharing was signed and greeted by the public with general approval.

Early this month, the third big hurdle since the signing of the Framework Agreement on the  Bangsamoro in October 2012 was finally overcome. We inked our signatures on the Annex on Powersharing. This Annex provides the foundation for the meaningful autonomy envisioned for the Bangsamoro political entity and its constituents. It defines the new structure of government and lists the various modes powers will be shared between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro.

In all, our efforts at the negotiating table sought to find the good balance between what is just, practical and constitutional for this moment in our peoples’ history, and those other, higher aspirations that may find fruition and wider acceptability in some later future but not now.  All the time, we based our work on the shared principles of mutual respect, devolution, inclusivity, harmony and good governance. These principles are the essence of the Annexes we have signed.

We expectedly faced many challenges from those who chose to continue the path of violence, the skeptics who have seen earlier similar processes fall back on expectations, and the disgruntled who feel they would lose privileges they have long enjoyed. To all of them, we extend the hand of peace and open ourselves to dialogue and continuous engagement in the hope that we will find fair reconciliation.

This year, we recorded scores of harassments initiated by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters against military outposts and personnel in Central Mindanao and Basilan.  Big and small bombs were set off in different parts of Mindanao, among the most serious of which took place in Cagayan de Oro in July, and in Cotabato City in August.  In September, Zamboanga reeled from the attacks by forces loyal to MNLF leader Nur Misuari.  We grieved with all the victims of these atrocities and condemned the senseless violence. And we will continue to do so until once and for all, we take the guns away from our political life.

Catastrophes, whether self-inflicted or by force majeure, have thankfully not broken the Filipinos’ spirit. They have strengthened and united us towards the common purpose of rebuilding lives and reconstructing communities affected by such mix-match of tragedies.

By early next year, we aim to finalize the remaining Annex on Normalization, as well as an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters. The Annex on Normalization will concretize our vision for a post-conflict Bangsamoro. For this purpose, we shall be putting in place the new infrastructure that would pull together all our efforts in the security, socio-economic and transitional justice aspects.

In 2014, we will also be working closely with the Transition Commission and Congress to ensure the smooth passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

All of the accomplishments in the GPH-MILF peace process were made possible through the collective efforts, trust, and goodwill of both Parties, our respective principals, and the unwavering support of various sectors to push the process forward. We wish them all a blessed holiday.

Christmas is indeed a season to be grateful for all the trials that were overcome. Truly, the new year is the harbinger of hope that infuses us with renewed vigor and optimism for the desired future that has yet to come.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/end-of-year-statement-of-gph-panel-in.html

Philippine rebels torch cabs

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 24): Philippine rebels torch cabs



Suspected communist rebels torched three taxicabs in Panabo City in southern Philippines ahead of a unilateral cease-fire to take effect on midnight of Tuesday, reports said.

It said New People’s Army rebels were to blame for the burning of cabs owned by Holiday Taxi Company and that failed extortion was the likely motive for the attack. The drivers were left unharmed by the gunmen.

The NPA imposed the cease-fire to allow rebels to celebrate the group’s 45th anniversary on December 26. It urged rebel forces to stay vigilant because of possible military attacks.

Rubi del Mundo, a spokesman for the rebel group, said the truce will take effect on Christmas eve up to December 26, and from New Year’s eve to January 2, 2014. The order was issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“All New People’s Army units in Southern Mindanao region will strictly comply with the directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines to cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against elements of the AFP, the PNP and the paramilitary forces of the GPH starting this midnight December 24 up to December 26, 11:59 p.m. and again during the midnight of December 31 up to January 2, 2014.”

“This is to give way for the celebration by the region’s revolutionary forces, underground mass organizations and urban-based forces of the CPP’s 45th year anniversary inside the guerrilla zones and guerrilla bases in the countryside on December 26,” Del Mundo said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The Philippine military also imposed a unilateral cease-fire on December 21 which directed troops to suspend all offensive operations in the country.

But Del Mundo has accused the military of failing to comply with its own cease-fire and said security forces attacked NPA rebels in the southern region, particularly in Davao City and in North Cotabato province.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting for a separate state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/philippine-rebels-torch-cabs.html

AW-109s can be fitted with defensive armaments

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): AW-109s can be fitted with defensive armaments

Although rated for surveillance and patrol work, the three AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters commissioned by the Navy last week can be fitted with defensive armaments.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the AW-109s are equipped with pintles (insertion ports) where a 7.62mm machine gun can be mounted.

He added that this weapon will allow the aircraft to conduct interdiction missions more effectively as the machine gun will allow it to fire on suspicious looking craft that ignores its call to stop.

Fabic said that the weapon can be fitted anytime and within a short time by the flight crew when ever necessary.

Another two AW-109s, the attack version of the helicopter, are expected to arrive during the third quarter of 2014.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high seas state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=599500

Solcom chief visits, gives Christmas cheers to Bicol troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): Solcom chief visits, gives Christmas cheers to Bicol troops
 
Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) Commander Lieutenant General Caesar F. Ordoyo visited military troops in the Bicol Region who are manning their posts and are on duty for the Christmas holidays.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo extended his Christmas felicitations and congratulated the soldiers who sacrifice and render selfless service, missing their Christmas get-together with families and loved ones in view of their holiday duty.

The Solcom commanding general also spent a day with the “foot” soldiers assigned in the various combat units in Bicol to boost their morale.

Ordoyo first visited the headquarters of 902nd Brigade in Labo, Camarines Norte before proceeding to the 901st Brigade in Daraga, Albay.

He commended the troops for a job well done especially in pursuit of a lasting peace and development though “Oplan Bayanihan”, the military’s strategic and comprehensive internal security roadmap.

He lauded soldiers’ efforts in the peace and security efforts of the government describing “they are on the right track of winning the peace.”

The Solcom commanding general also said “more than anything, a simple gesture of appreciation and physical presence will inspire and encourage our soldiers to carry on with their duties.”

For any soldier, every day is like Christmas because of their sincere duty and offering of time, service and their very own lives, Ordoyo said.

“It is indeed a great sacrifice for their love of country and missing their families this Christmas because of the call to duty, honor and service,” he remarked.

The Solcom top military brass also reminded the troops to remain focused on their mission and respect the rights of everyone.

He also encouraged them to love one another, extend peace even to the enemies of the state and put God on top of every endeavor that they do.

At the same time, Ordoyo called on everyone who sees our soldiers on duty this Yuletide Season to greet them, salute them and express our love and appreciation and support for their noble profession.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=599568

3rd Infantry Division expresses support for SOMO

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): 3rd Infantry Division expresses support for SOMO
 
With Christmas Day just hours away, the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division on Tuesday announced that it will abide with all the rules and regulations set about by the government's Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO).

This started on December 20 and will end on January 15.

“While we are suspending all deliberate offensive military operations here in Western Visayas, we will continue our presence in communities by maintaining our security patrols aimed to protect the civilian populace, government and private infrastructure, and military camps and detachments in order to maintain peace and security in the area. Likewise, we will maintain our activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

He added the military leadership takes time to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of its soldiers who were working round the clock in maintaining peace and security in the local communities and in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during the recent calamity.

Meanwhile, taking into consideration the transgressions of the New People's Army (NPA) in the past that took advantage of the ceasefire of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the military will continue with its proactive defense countermeasures to prevent imminent NPA attacks.

The NPA usually resorts to violence in time for their anniversary celebration on Dec. 26.

Last Dec. 17, the NPA took advantage of the SOMO when it fired upon a "Bayanihan Team" of soldiers conducting peace and development activities at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

The soldiers, aside from doing peace and development works were conducting defensive security patrol after receiving reports of a planned harassment by NPA rebels on a nearby Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment whose primary function is to protect nearby communities.

“We will not allow the past transgressions and violations committed by the NPA that stained the holidays with violence to happen again this year. Our forces remain vigilant especially in protecting the civilian communities,” Baladad added.

“The Army’s commitment, sincerity and resolve to peace will always be present especially during this Christmas season. Communities deserve to celebrate the yuletide peacefully,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=599540

Vacationing soldier gunned down by suspected rebels in Cagayan

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): Vacationing soldier gunned down by suspected rebels in Cagayan

A vacationing soldier was shot and killed by four suspected New People's Army (NPA) fighters while playing basketball at Barangay Tubel, Allacapan town, Cagayan Monday afternoon.

Major Emmanuel Garcia, 1st Civil Relations Group commander, identified the victim as Sgt. Edimar Binuya, a member of the 17th Infantry Battalion based in Kalinga.

The shooting took place around 4:45 p.m. Witnesses described Binuya's killers as three men and one woman.

Garcia said the victim was playing basketball with Sangguniang Bayan member Bryan Ona when gunned down by the rebels.

Binuya while being rushed to the nearby Rural Health Hospital.

Garcia said the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly condemns this senseless attack as the NPA was the first to declare a six-day ceasefire for the Yuletide Season which will run on Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=599551

5 NPA rebels give up ahead of Christmas day

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): 5 NPA rebels give up ahead of Christmas day

Five New People’s Army rebels surrendered to military and barangay officials in Calauag, Quezon before Christmas day.

In a report released on Christmas eve, Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo, commanding general of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) said the NPA rebels yielded to the 74th Infantry Battalion in cooperation with Barangay Capaluhan Chair Adriano O. Maraña with his five other village councilmen last week in Calauag.

The five were identified as Salvador C. Penano alias Javier; Ronaldo E. Bartolome alias Fred; Ventura M. Bartolome alias Nick; Antonio P. Roncejero alias Ryan; and Alberto M. Malijana alias JR.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo disclosed the rebels narrated to the military general their “hardships and failed promises while in the NPA.”

The insurgents revealed the concerns regarding the welfare of their families prompted them to abandon their armed struggle and rather focus on with their lives, their families and expressed elation to be home before Christmas and reunion with loved ones.

Ordoyo also informed that rebels' decision to return to the fold of law has its reward as part of the government’s rebel-returnees program.

He said the Commanding Officer of the 74th Infantry Battalion facilitated the cash incentives to the rebels.

The SOLCOM commanding general also disclosed that as of Tuesday, about 51 former rebels have already surrendered to the SOLCOM’s area of responsibility.

Of the 51 surrenderees, 25 are from the Southern Tagalog region while 26 came from the Bicol region.

Noting the increasing number of rebels who abandoned their armed insurgency, Ordoyo reiterated his appeal to other rebels to disengage themselves with the lawless cause, abandon the armed struggle and return to the government’s fold.

He said it is never too late to surrender and welcome a renewed life as he offered the military’s assistance for them to start anew and lead normal lives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=599565

(Yearender) GPH cites major accomplishments in peace process with MILF in 2013

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24): (Yearender) GPH cites major accomplishments in peace process with MILF in 2013

Despite obstacles, the roadmap to a lasting peace in Mindanao continued to gain headway in 2013 as the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) resolved and signed major issues like the Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Wealth Sharing and the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the first socioeconomic program that provides basic social benefits to previously unreached conflict-areas in Mindanao.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles summed up the accomplishments for 2013 "based on our work on the shared principles of mutual respect, devolution, inclusivity, harmony and good governance."

”In all our efforts at the negotiating table, we sought to find the good balance between what is just, practical and constitutional for this moment in our peoples’ history, and those other, higher aspirations that may find fruition and wider acceptability in some later future time but not now,” Deles said in her yearend statement.

She also said that “the year 2013 is the year we came to terms with what are possible and doable to get to the first, elected Bangsamoro government in 2016.”

It may be recalled that the GPH and the MILF signed the Annex on Transitional Agreements and Modalities in February 2013 that elaborated the roadmap to peace.

This was followed with the signing of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the first socioeconomic program of its kind providing basic social benefits to previously unreached members of conflict-affected areas.

Deles said that “for the first time, the incumbent President (Benigno S. Aquino III) and his Cabinet entered the MILF camp, where the launching ceremony was festively held before leaders and members of the MILF and international dignitaries.”

The negotiation between the two sides was further bolstered with the signing of the Annex on Wealth Sharing in July 2013.

This was followed with the signing of the Annex on Power Sharing early this month, which Deles described as “the third big hurdle since the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October 2012."

The wealth sharing provides the foundation for the meaningful autonomy envisioned for the Bangsamoro political entity and its constituents as it defines the new structure of government and lists the various modes of power that will be shared between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro, Deles said.

She also said that as expected, the negotiations during the year “faced many challenges from those who chose to continue the path of violence and the skeptics who have seen earlier similar processes fall back on expectations and the disgruntled who feel they would lose privileges they have long enjoyed.”

Undaunted, Deles said: “To all of them, we extend the hand of peace and open ourselves to dialogue and continuous engagement in the hope that we will find fair reconciliation."

The most critical part of the negotiations in 2013 occurred with “scores of harassment initiated by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) against military outposts and personnel in Central Mindanao and Basilan.”

The BIFF exploded bombs in different parts of Mindanao, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City in July, and in Cotabato City in August.

But the most serious was the 21-day Zamboanga siege carried out by forces loyal to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari last September that killed hundreds of people, both combatants and civilians caught in the crossfire.

“We grieved with all the victims of these atrocities and condemned the senseless violence. And we will continue to do so until once and for all, we take the guns away from our political life,” Deles stressed.

"Catastrophes, whether self-inflicted or by force majeure, have thankfully not broken the Filipinos’ spirit. They have strengthened and united us towards the common purpose of rebuilding lives and reconstructing communities affected by such mix-match of tragedies," she said.

“By early next year, we aim to finalize the remaining Annex on Normalization, as well as an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters. The Annex on Normalization will concretize our vision for a post-conflict Bangsamoro. For this purpose, we shall be putting in place the new infrastructure that would pull together all our efforts in the security, socioeconomic and transitional justice aspects,” she added.

Deles also said that “in 2014, we will also be working closely with the Transition Commission and Congress to ensure the smooth passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

“All of the accomplishments in the GPH-MILF peace process were made possible through the collective efforts, trust, and goodwill of both parties, our respective principals, and the unwavering support of various sectors to push the process forward,” Deles said.

Primacy of the peace process

During the negotiations, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the progress in the GPH-MILF peace talks was largely attributed to the government and MILF’s upholding of the primacy to the peace process.

“It is a mutual decision that both are seriously upholding. Both have heavily invested in it and correspondingly are committed to the peace negotiations’ successful completion and implementation,” she added.

“The MILF is just as committed as the government to be able to complete this process. As the MILF panel also says, ‘Failure is not an option,’” Ferrer said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=599584