From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Feb 13): ‘We did not surrender but taking up arms for long was destructive’ -MILF
“Nakakatulong ang armas sa atin sa gera noon pang Martial Law, pero ang palaging paggamit ng armas nakakasira din. (Arms helped us in the war during Martial Law. But the frequent use of arms will be destructive as well). I’ve been fighting for forty years; I see more destruction in arms.”
Thus said Moro Islamic Liberation Front negotiator Mohagher Iqbal who claimed that the signing of the normalization annex to the peace agreement did not imply surrendering to the government but rather sacrificing to attain peace.
Iqbal clarified this point at a peace summit in Davao with civil society groups Wednesday, when a delegate asked if the MILF have not been wary of the past failures such as the agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front that did not lead to the attainment of peace in troubled Muslim areas.
Iqbal said for the MILF panel, the signing of the annex was a matter of sacrificing for peace.
“It’s an ultimate sacrifice, but if we want to have peace, we have to bind to it,” said Iqbal. “But we get something in exchange for what we gave up.”
Iqbal said the exchange include five points : the re-deployment of government troops out of Bangsamoro territory, the establishment of a Bangsamoro police force, disbandment of private armies, socio-economic intervention and transition justice.
The normalization annex is the last of the four annexes signed to conclude the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF.
A government primer on the annex defined normalization as “the process through which communities affected by the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao can return to a peaceful life and pursue sustainable livelihoods free from fear of violence and crime.”
The annex also includes the decommissioning of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in their transition to “a peaceful civilian life.”
Iqbal said “the decommissioning has no element of surrender of laying down of arms. He likened the process of decommissioning as “pag-gagarahe (parking” ones arms under the watch of an Independent Decommissioning Body composed of foreign and local experts as stated in the annex.
A news report quoted Philippine peace negotiator Miriam Colonel Ferrer that crafting the decommissioning aspect had to involve words that have no notions of surrender as Iqbal pushed for it during the negotiations.
Ferrer said this was the intention that the annex described the process as “decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use.”
The timeframe of the decommissioning shall end with the implementation of all agreements as both parties aim to sign an Exit Agreement by 2016 to certify that all commitments have been met.
With the decommissioning, six MILF camps in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur would be transformed into “peaceful and productive communities” under the charge of a joint task force between the government and the MILF.
Iqbal said the signing of the annex signaled the cooperation between the government and the MILF in matters such as security and transitional justice.
He told the forum that the time for private armies have to go with the establishment of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Iqbal said the Moro people would benefit at the transitional justice mechanisms which he said would address various issues such as human rights violations and correcting historical injustices in the course of the armed conflict.
“Let us talk about the past, not just forgive and forget. Let us talk how we lost our land. We may not regain them, but let us talk. Our history is winding but we can straighten this out. Let this be a genuine healing process,” Iqbal said.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2014/02/13/we-did-not-surrender-but-taking-up-arms-for-long-was-destructive/
Friday, February 14, 2014
MILF shrugs off US troops, Sabah claim; negotiator asks support for transition
From the pro-CPP Davao Today (Feb 12): MILF shrugs off US troops, Sabah claim; negotiator asks support for transition
Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal appeared mum over the issue of Sabah claim and the continued US military presence in Sulu.
This as he asked civil society groups and peace advocates to support the transitory period and “journey” towards finalizing their peace agreement and crafting of a law to create a new Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Speaking before a Mindanao peace summit that gathered around 200 participants on Tuesday, Iqbal, who also heads the Bangsamoro Transition Council (BTC) said the Sabah claim is a “bilateral issue” between the Philippine and the Malaysian governments that “should be addressed through a dialog.”
As regards to US military presence, Iqbal said “the MILF is not party to the deal that forged it” and left the issue unanswered.
US troops in Moro areas have been slammed by peace advocates as a form of direct intervention in the country’s internal affairs.
Meanwhile, Iqbal recognized the civil society groups’ role as opinion makers and bridge towards the pubic to stay abreast of the peace talks.
“The civil society organizations are indispensable. Through the CSO we can immerse with the people so that they can support and be on board the peace process,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal further noted that transition periods are the most sensitive part in any negotiations.
“In all conflict resolutions, transition is always the most sensitive part of the whole process. It can make or unmake the very goals of the peace process, and that is to resolve the conflict, normalize the situation and empower the people in pursuant of the peace agreement.”
He said with such situation, both panels recognize CSOs who can explain the need to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2015.
“We need the people especially on the decisive moment when the Bangsamoro Basic Law be presented for ratification,” he added.
Like a superman Peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF have reached an agreement to craft the Bangsamoro political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The negotiations took to that direction in mid-2012, and last January the last of the four annexes was signed, paving way for the creation of the BTC to oversee the creation of the Bangsamoro government.
The15-member transition council is headed by Iqbal and is composed of seven government appointees and eight-MILF appointees.
Iqbal described the task of the BTC as a “superman, with big responsibilities” from crafting the organic act and other administrative laws to ensure a system of governance is in place by 2016.
The BTC head said the MILF wanted more time for the transition but President Aquino set a one-year time frame to set up the Bangsamoro.
“The MILF wanted a longer transition, because it is this period that the building of the institution would happen. but they allowed the BTC for one year,” Iqbal said.
“But Aquino said time is of the essence, and we cannot say no and we accepted the challenge,” he said.
Iqbal enumerated that the BTC has to craft the Bangsamoro local government code, administrative code, and an election code.
But the BTC is meeting a deadline of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law by March 31.
He said the BTC had spoken to both House and Senate Leaders who committed to pass the final version of the BBL by the end of the year, and a plebiscite will be held by early 2015.
Recommendations, challenges Iqbal also welcomed recommendations and proposals given by delegates of the summit that outlined policies they hope the Bangsamoro can address.
The various proposals, which the delegates said came from consultations in provinces in Mindanao, included agenda on human rights protection, women empowerment, peace and order, trade and employment.
The consultations were held in Central Mindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, and the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi islands (Sulta) among others.
Iqbal said the recommendations would be brought to a study committee that would consolidate the reports for the BTC.
The BTC chair also approved a recommendation from the Davao Jaycees to incorporate environment protection and responsible mining in the Bangsamoro economic program.
He also said they would study other economic activities such as the historic trade activities in the Sulta.
Iqbal also clarified that the abolition of the ARMM would be gradual, starting with the elective positions first, then appointive positions and finally the administrative positions. He said the BTC will still have to discuss how to absorb the employees under the ARMM.
Continuing the FPA Iqbal also clarified questions that the MILF’s Bangsamoro agreement is a different agreement than the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“Our view is to look on the gains We never thought of the MNLF agreement as a failure. We recognize the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, as part of our continuing agreement,” he said.
Iqbal explained that the Bangsamoro agreement was working to iron out “flaws” on the previous MNLF accord.
“It was a good agreement but it has flaws. One, the preamble abandoned the RSD. And there is the finality clause that caused difference in opinion between the government and (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari. But for us, we also push to let the FPA be fully implemented,” he explained.
Iqbal said the MILF have remained in communication with Misuari and another faction the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Force (BIFF) which recently broke from the MILF, although chances for uniting for the agreement have not been discussed.
BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri stated in a separate statement that they are open for separate talks with the government for the establishment of an Independent Bangsamoro Islamic State.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2014/02/12/milf-shrugs-off-us-troops-sabah-claim-negotiator-asks-support-for-transition/
Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal appeared mum over the issue of Sabah claim and the continued US military presence in Sulu.
This as he asked civil society groups and peace advocates to support the transitory period and “journey” towards finalizing their peace agreement and crafting of a law to create a new Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Speaking before a Mindanao peace summit that gathered around 200 participants on Tuesday, Iqbal, who also heads the Bangsamoro Transition Council (BTC) said the Sabah claim is a “bilateral issue” between the Philippine and the Malaysian governments that “should be addressed through a dialog.”
As regards to US military presence, Iqbal said “the MILF is not party to the deal that forged it” and left the issue unanswered.
US troops in Moro areas have been slammed by peace advocates as a form of direct intervention in the country’s internal affairs.
Meanwhile, Iqbal recognized the civil society groups’ role as opinion makers and bridge towards the pubic to stay abreast of the peace talks.
“The civil society organizations are indispensable. Through the CSO we can immerse with the people so that they can support and be on board the peace process,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal further noted that transition periods are the most sensitive part in any negotiations.
“In all conflict resolutions, transition is always the most sensitive part of the whole process. It can make or unmake the very goals of the peace process, and that is to resolve the conflict, normalize the situation and empower the people in pursuant of the peace agreement.”
He said with such situation, both panels recognize CSOs who can explain the need to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law in 2015.
“We need the people especially on the decisive moment when the Bangsamoro Basic Law be presented for ratification,” he added.
Like a superman Peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF have reached an agreement to craft the Bangsamoro political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The negotiations took to that direction in mid-2012, and last January the last of the four annexes was signed, paving way for the creation of the BTC to oversee the creation of the Bangsamoro government.
The15-member transition council is headed by Iqbal and is composed of seven government appointees and eight-MILF appointees.
Iqbal described the task of the BTC as a “superman, with big responsibilities” from crafting the organic act and other administrative laws to ensure a system of governance is in place by 2016.
The BTC head said the MILF wanted more time for the transition but President Aquino set a one-year time frame to set up the Bangsamoro.
“The MILF wanted a longer transition, because it is this period that the building of the institution would happen. but they allowed the BTC for one year,” Iqbal said.
“But Aquino said time is of the essence, and we cannot say no and we accepted the challenge,” he said.
Iqbal enumerated that the BTC has to craft the Bangsamoro local government code, administrative code, and an election code.
But the BTC is meeting a deadline of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law by March 31.
He said the BTC had spoken to both House and Senate Leaders who committed to pass the final version of the BBL by the end of the year, and a plebiscite will be held by early 2015.
Recommendations, challenges Iqbal also welcomed recommendations and proposals given by delegates of the summit that outlined policies they hope the Bangsamoro can address.
The various proposals, which the delegates said came from consultations in provinces in Mindanao, included agenda on human rights protection, women empowerment, peace and order, trade and employment.
The consultations were held in Central Mindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, and the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi islands (Sulta) among others.
Iqbal said the recommendations would be brought to a study committee that would consolidate the reports for the BTC.
The BTC chair also approved a recommendation from the Davao Jaycees to incorporate environment protection and responsible mining in the Bangsamoro economic program.
He also said they would study other economic activities such as the historic trade activities in the Sulta.
Iqbal also clarified that the abolition of the ARMM would be gradual, starting with the elective positions first, then appointive positions and finally the administrative positions. He said the BTC will still have to discuss how to absorb the employees under the ARMM.
Continuing the FPA Iqbal also clarified questions that the MILF’s Bangsamoro agreement is a different agreement than the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“Our view is to look on the gains We never thought of the MNLF agreement as a failure. We recognize the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, as part of our continuing agreement,” he said.
Iqbal explained that the Bangsamoro agreement was working to iron out “flaws” on the previous MNLF accord.
“It was a good agreement but it has flaws. One, the preamble abandoned the RSD. And there is the finality clause that caused difference in opinion between the government and (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari. But for us, we also push to let the FPA be fully implemented,” he explained.
Iqbal said the MILF have remained in communication with Misuari and another faction the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Force (BIFF) which recently broke from the MILF, although chances for uniting for the agreement have not been discussed.
BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri stated in a separate statement that they are open for separate talks with the government for the establishment of an Independent Bangsamoro Islamic State.
http://davaotoday.com/main/2014/02/12/milf-shrugs-off-us-troops-sabah-claim-negotiator-asks-support-for-transition/
No deal yet on increased US troops presence — Noy
From the Daily Tribune (Feb 15): No deal yet on increased US troops presence — Noy
Amid speculations that the Philippines-US framework agreement allowing increased rotational presence of US troops in the country is being readied for signing in time for US President Barack Obama’s visit to the Philippines in April, President Aquino yesterday maintained that they have yet to iron out the details of the pact, saying both sides want to make sure the agreement does not violate Philippine and US laws.
“Well, it’s not yet finished. There are meetings that are going on to iron out all the details of this rotational presence to meet our needs and Americans’ needs,” he stressed.
The President admitted that since the beginning of the bilateral discussions of the framework agreement between the Defense officials of both countries, there was pressure to arrive at the formal signing of the pact.
“Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries,” he said.
The President added the presence of US forces is seen to boost the country’s position in its territorial row with China in the South China Sea.
A visiting United States Navy admiral, meanwhile, has assured that the US rebalancing efforts in the Asia Pacific region will not pave the way for re-establishment of Amerian military bases in the country.
US Chief of Naval Operations Adml. Jonathan Greenert, during a forum in Camp Aguinaldo last Thursday, stressed that the US rebalancing plan in the region is primarily aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and stable security situation.
“There is no plan to put in Navy bases, actually any joint bases in the Philippines as part of the rebalance,” he stressed.
“The rebalance has several aspects – economic, diplomatic, environment, energy development, trade, security and security happens to be right now where everybody is paying attention to,” the Navy official added.
The US admiral cited that this is currently being negotiated increase rotational presence (IRP) of US military troops and hardware in the country.
“There isn’t certainly for basing, so we like the increase rotational presence, we think that makes sense… very term rotational, it doesn’t involve bases,” Greenert stressed.
Greenert explained the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the region, citing that 90 percent of goods around the world move by ocean.
“We’re all in this together and ensure that we have freedom of navigation because it’s really about economy,” he said.
The Philippines is currently entangled in a tense dispute with China over several territories in the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed a formal complaint before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Seas (ITLOS) against Beijing for its incursion in Panatag Shoal off Masinloc, Zambales where Chinese ships have stayed since April 2012.
Greenert branded the Philippine move for United Nations intervention as “terrific.”
“I think it was terrific idea, I think that a great idea to stay the course and bring this to fruition,” he said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/no-deal-yet-on-increased-us-troops-presence-noy
Amid speculations that the Philippines-US framework agreement allowing increased rotational presence of US troops in the country is being readied for signing in time for US President Barack Obama’s visit to the Philippines in April, President Aquino yesterday maintained that they have yet to iron out the details of the pact, saying both sides want to make sure the agreement does not violate Philippine and US laws.
“Well, it’s not yet finished. There are meetings that are going on to iron out all the details of this rotational presence to meet our needs and Americans’ needs,” he stressed.
The President admitted that since the beginning of the bilateral discussions of the framework agreement between the Defense officials of both countries, there was pressure to arrive at the formal signing of the pact.
“Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries,” he said.
The President added the presence of US forces is seen to boost the country’s position in its territorial row with China in the South China Sea.
A visiting United States Navy admiral, meanwhile, has assured that the US rebalancing efforts in the Asia Pacific region will not pave the way for re-establishment of Amerian military bases in the country.
US Chief of Naval Operations Adml. Jonathan Greenert, during a forum in Camp Aguinaldo last Thursday, stressed that the US rebalancing plan in the region is primarily aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and stable security situation.
“There is no plan to put in Navy bases, actually any joint bases in the Philippines as part of the rebalance,” he stressed.
“The rebalance has several aspects – economic, diplomatic, environment, energy development, trade, security and security happens to be right now where everybody is paying attention to,” the Navy official added.
The US admiral cited that this is currently being negotiated increase rotational presence (IRP) of US military troops and hardware in the country.
“There isn’t certainly for basing, so we like the increase rotational presence, we think that makes sense… very term rotational, it doesn’t involve bases,” Greenert stressed.
Greenert explained the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the region, citing that 90 percent of goods around the world move by ocean.
“We’re all in this together and ensure that we have freedom of navigation because it’s really about economy,” he said.
The Philippines is currently entangled in a tense dispute with China over several territories in the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed a formal complaint before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Seas (ITLOS) against Beijing for its incursion in Panatag Shoal off Masinloc, Zambales where Chinese ships have stayed since April 2012.
Greenert branded the Philippine move for United Nations intervention as “terrific.”
“I think it was terrific idea, I think that a great idea to stay the course and bring this to fruition,” he said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/no-deal-yet-on-increased-us-troops-presence-noy
2 killed in Sulu clash between Abu Sayyaf, govt forces
From GMA News (Feb 14): 2 killed in Sulu clash between Abu Sayyaf, govt forces
A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group and a pro-government militiaman was killed in a firefight in Sulu on Friday morning, a military official said.
In a text message, Captain Ryan Lacuesta of the 2nd Marine Brigade identified the slain Abu Sayyaf member as Jul Asmin Sangkula.
Lacuesta did not identify the second fatality, who was reported to be a member of the barangay police auxiliary team (BPAT).
The military official said suspected bandits ambushed three jeepneys containing BPAT members at Barangay Lungkiaban in Talipao town at 8:55 a.m. Friday.
Marines were sent to reinforce the militia in the encounter, which lasted for an hour, Lacuesta added.
Six others from the government force were hurt during the firefight and were brought to the Sulu Provincial Hospital, he said.
Lacuesta attributed the attack to the Abu Sayyaf's "retaliatory action" against members of the BPAT who have been pursuing the bandit group in the area.
The Abu Sayyaf group, which has been blamed for several past kidnapping and bombing incidents in southern Philippines, is getting logistical support from the global militant Islamist group al Qaeda, according to local authorities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348505/news/nation/2-killed-in-sulu-clash-between-abu-sayyaf-govt-forces
A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group and a pro-government militiaman was killed in a firefight in Sulu on Friday morning, a military official said.
In a text message, Captain Ryan Lacuesta of the 2nd Marine Brigade identified the slain Abu Sayyaf member as Jul Asmin Sangkula.
Lacuesta did not identify the second fatality, who was reported to be a member of the barangay police auxiliary team (BPAT).
The military official said suspected bandits ambushed three jeepneys containing BPAT members at Barangay Lungkiaban in Talipao town at 8:55 a.m. Friday.
Marines were sent to reinforce the militia in the encounter, which lasted for an hour, Lacuesta added.
Six others from the government force were hurt during the firefight and were brought to the Sulu Provincial Hospital, he said.
Lacuesta attributed the attack to the Abu Sayyaf's "retaliatory action" against members of the BPAT who have been pursuing the bandit group in the area.
The Abu Sayyaf group, which has been blamed for several past kidnapping and bombing incidents in southern Philippines, is getting logistical support from the global militant Islamist group al Qaeda, according to local authorities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348505/news/nation/2-killed-in-sulu-clash-between-abu-sayyaf-govt-forces
Misuari: Biography of Nur Misuari
Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Feb 14): Biography of Nur Misuari
"A compelling biography of Nur Misuari. Dr. Tom Stern offers a masterful accomplishment of historical sweep, narrative and private conversations with the Moro politician and feared MNLF rebel leader, who brandished both sword and rhetoric in his more than 30 years quest for Muslim autonomy." -James Borton, international journalist and author of Venture Japan
[Book available on Amazon.com -- "Nur Misuari: An Authorized Biography"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9712726681/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=9712726681&linkCode=as2&tag=dmokreativeco-20
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari
DVIDS: US, Philippine Seabees build school, strengthen friendships
From the Defense Video & Image Distribution System (DVIDS) (Feb 13): US, Philippine Seabees build school, strengthen friendships
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3
Rain could not dampen the euphoria surrounding the Macarascas Baranguay in Palawan, Republic of the Philippines, early Saturday morning, Feb. 1, for a dream had come true for Vicky Aquino, principal of Macarascas Elementary School.
Twenty-three Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy Seabees to build a two-room school house, replacing the dilapidated building that had outlasted its useful life.
"My dream has come to life," said Aquino as she thanked the combined engineering team. A sentiment echoed by her students.
"This building symbolizes the transformation of what Macarascas Elementary School is today," said Rocelle Clarisse L Bermudez, the 11-year-old student body president. "This leads to new trials and challenges facing pupils of today's generation who will continue to pass on the torch of success to the next generation."
U.S. Navy Capt. Rodney Moore, commander, 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), joined the occasion.
"Building strong partnerships with our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces of the Philippines strengthens the bond between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.
The commodore thanked the Philippine Marines for providing security, Philippine Seabees for their work ethic and the local villagers for their hospitality. He declared to Philippine Navy Adm. Manuel Natalio A. Abinuman, commander, Naval Forces West, that the NMCB 3 mission was complete.
"The U.S. Seabees improved infrastructure, increased host nation engineering capacity and fostered enduring relationships," stated Moore.
Abinuman reaffirmed Moore's remarks, "The spirit of the cooperation will last much longer than the three-month and 25-day construction period and will provide a lasting symbol of our two country's strong ties."
Abinuman then presented each Seabee, U.S. and Filipino, with a letter of appreciation.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/120602/us-philippine-seabees-build-school-strengthen-friendships#.Uv5_OXKPIcA
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3
Rain could not dampen the euphoria surrounding the Macarascas Baranguay in Palawan, Republic of the Philippines, early Saturday morning, Feb. 1, for a dream had come true for Vicky Aquino, principal of Macarascas Elementary School.
Twenty-three Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy Seabees to build a two-room school house, replacing the dilapidated building that had outlasted its useful life.
"My dream has come to life," said Aquino as she thanked the combined engineering team. A sentiment echoed by her students.
"This building symbolizes the transformation of what Macarascas Elementary School is today," said Rocelle Clarisse L Bermudez, the 11-year-old student body president. "This leads to new trials and challenges facing pupils of today's generation who will continue to pass on the torch of success to the next generation."
U.S. Navy Capt. Rodney Moore, commander, 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), joined the occasion.
"Building strong partnerships with our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces of the Philippines strengthens the bond between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.
The commodore thanked the Philippine Marines for providing security, Philippine Seabees for their work ethic and the local villagers for their hospitality. He declared to Philippine Navy Adm. Manuel Natalio A. Abinuman, commander, Naval Forces West, that the NMCB 3 mission was complete.
"The U.S. Seabees improved infrastructure, increased host nation engineering capacity and fostered enduring relationships," stated Moore.
Abinuman reaffirmed Moore's remarks, "The spirit of the cooperation will last much longer than the three-month and 25-day construction period and will provide a lasting symbol of our two country's strong ties."
Abinuman then presented each Seabee, U.S. and Filipino, with a letter of appreciation.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/120602/us-philippine-seabees-build-school-strengthen-friendships#.Uv5_OXKPIcA
Boy shot, wounded in clash of NPA rebels, Army troops
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 13): Boy shot, wounded in clash of NPA rebels, Army troops
Communist rebels allegedly shot and wounded a 14-year old boy in an attack at a hinterland village in Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Wednesday, police on Thursday said.
Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, Compostela Valley police chief, said Russel Lombukan suffered a gunshot wound in the right part of his chest after being hit by rebel fire along Kilometer 21, Casoon village around 2:57 p.m.
The boy was picking root crops when five gunmen believed to be members of the New People’s Army’s Guerrilla Front 3 allegedly started firing at the direction of the community shed, allegedly hitting the victim, said Cascolan.
Soldiers present in the community fired back, with the exchange of gunfire lasting for two minutes before the guerrillas withdrew in an unknown direction.
The troops from the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion were in the area pursuing the same band of rebels said to be led by a certain Rebo whom government troops had clashed with at Sitio (sub-village) Sapdan, also in Casoon the day before, according to Cascolan.
In that previous encounter, a soldier was wounded while government troops recovered rifles and explosives believed left behind by the fleeing insurgents, said Capt. Albert Caber, spokesperson of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command.
“The soldiers administered first aid to the wounded boy and facilitated his immediate evacuation to the nearest hospital for treatment,” Senior Superintendent Cascolan added.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/577772/boy-shot-wounded-in-clash-of-npa-rebels-army-troops
Communist rebels allegedly shot and wounded a 14-year old boy in an attack at a hinterland village in Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Wednesday, police on Thursday said.
Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, Compostela Valley police chief, said Russel Lombukan suffered a gunshot wound in the right part of his chest after being hit by rebel fire along Kilometer 21, Casoon village around 2:57 p.m.
The boy was picking root crops when five gunmen believed to be members of the New People’s Army’s Guerrilla Front 3 allegedly started firing at the direction of the community shed, allegedly hitting the victim, said Cascolan.
Soldiers present in the community fired back, with the exchange of gunfire lasting for two minutes before the guerrillas withdrew in an unknown direction.
The troops from the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion were in the area pursuing the same band of rebels said to be led by a certain Rebo whom government troops had clashed with at Sitio (sub-village) Sapdan, also in Casoon the day before, according to Cascolan.
In that previous encounter, a soldier was wounded while government troops recovered rifles and explosives believed left behind by the fleeing insurgents, said Capt. Albert Caber, spokesperson of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command.
“The soldiers administered first aid to the wounded boy and facilitated his immediate evacuation to the nearest hospital for treatment,” Senior Superintendent Cascolan added.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/577772/boy-shot-wounded-in-clash-of-npa-rebels-army-troops
Waves of rebel surrender expected in Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Waves of rebel surrender expected in Palawan
A top ranking military officer inPalawan
is optimistic that waves of surrender will happen in the next few weeks
following the demoralization of the remaining armed members of the CPP-NPA,
whose top leader had been captured by elements of the Provincial Police Office
(PPO).
The top ranking military officer, who requested anonymity for the meantime, said that with the arrest of Sonny Gonzales, alias Gilbert Silagan, Ka Marlon, and Ka Glenn, and his wife Alma Moreno, alias Ka Carol, had reportedly caused major demoralization in the little Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) group in the province per their intelligence report.
“The surrender a few weeks ago of two rebels, who were awarded livelihood support by the province, and the capture of Silagan, have reportedly caused major demoralization among the remaining rebels in the province per our intelligence gathering. This gives us optimism that in the following days, or weeks, there will be more surrenders, and we are ready to welcome them back to the government,” the top ranking military leader said.
Silagan’s and Moreno’s capture and the earlier surrenders, he said, also mean that their efforts in conducting incessant focused military operations, which is described as a balance among intelligence, civil military activities, information campaign, and constant presence of troops from the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have paid off as mandated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) “Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan.”
The IPSP-Bayanihan is the AFP’s and the multi-sector’s “overall peace framework, anchored on the national security guidance, and national defence policies in harmony with other government policies for peace, security and development. It is a paradigm shift where the government military force embraces the wider frame of humanity and gives equal focus to its twin role as the protector of the people and the protector of the state“
The military officer also gave credit to the support that military and police authorities in Puerto Princesa andPalawan are
getting from the surrounding communities, and the local government units
(LGUs).
“More than our own activities in the field, credit should be given to the people ofPalawan , and the LGUs that are
helping positively, like the provincial government that now has a livelihood
support program for rebel returnees. These are what are needed to finally
convince our brothers and sisters in the rebel movement to lay down their arms
now, and end their struggle in the mountains,” the ranking military official
told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday.
Early this week, Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have helped with P3 billion funds for the Arm-to-Farm Program to support rebel returnees, their families, and the communities where they will choose to live their lives anew.
Prior to the announcement, two rebel returnees have already been awarded by his the provincial government with livelihood support amounting to P5,000 each.
Also earlier this week, PPO Senior Superintendent David Martinez said around 20 charges for arson, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and other cases will be filed against Silagan and his wifeMoreno
In an interview also Friday morning with the PNA,Martinez
“They have other standing warrants of arrest that give us the legal hold over him and his wife. As soon as everything has been served, we will turn him over to the local court,” he said.
As if confirming the intuition of the top ranking military official,Martinez told the PNA that since Silagan’s and Moreno
He also added that Silagan and his wife are now cooperating with them to convince other members of the leftist movement to surrender.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616134
A top ranking military officer in
The top ranking military officer, who requested anonymity for the meantime, said that with the arrest of Sonny Gonzales, alias Gilbert Silagan, Ka Marlon, and Ka Glenn, and his wife Alma Moreno, alias Ka Carol, had reportedly caused major demoralization in the little Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) group in the province per their intelligence report.
“The surrender a few weeks ago of two rebels, who were awarded livelihood support by the province, and the capture of Silagan, have reportedly caused major demoralization among the remaining rebels in the province per our intelligence gathering. This gives us optimism that in the following days, or weeks, there will be more surrenders, and we are ready to welcome them back to the government,” the top ranking military leader said.
Silagan’s and Moreno’s capture and the earlier surrenders, he said, also mean that their efforts in conducting incessant focused military operations, which is described as a balance among intelligence, civil military activities, information campaign, and constant presence of troops from the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have paid off as mandated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) “Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan.”
The IPSP-Bayanihan is the AFP’s and the multi-sector’s “overall peace framework, anchored on the national security guidance, and national defence policies in harmony with other government policies for peace, security and development. It is a paradigm shift where the government military force embraces the wider frame of humanity and gives equal focus to its twin role as the protector of the people and the protector of the state“
The military officer also gave credit to the support that military and police authorities in Puerto Princesa and
“More than our own activities in the field, credit should be given to the people of
Early this week, Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have helped with P3 billion funds for the Arm-to-Farm Program to support rebel returnees, their families, and the communities where they will choose to live their lives anew.
Prior to the announcement, two rebel returnees have already been awarded by his the provincial government with livelihood support amounting to P5,000 each.
Also earlier this week, PPO Senior Superintendent David Martinez said around 20 charges for arson, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and other cases will be filed against Silagan and his wife
In an interview also Friday morning with the PNA,
“They have other standing warrants of arrest that give us the legal hold over him and his wife. As soon as everything has been served, we will turn him over to the local court,” he said.
As if confirming the intuition of the top ranking military official,
He also added that Silagan and his wife are now cooperating with them to convince other members of the leftist movement to surrender.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616134
Soldier wounded in clash with NPA in Camarines Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Soldier wounded in clash with NPA in Camarines Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616235
A Philippine Army member was seriously wounded in an
encounter with an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in
Barangay Patalunan, Ragay, Camarines Sur, at about 12:40 p.m. Thursday.
Pfc. Mario Oberio of the 42nd Infantry Battalion of the
Philippine Army was rushed to the Bicol
Medical Center
The government troopers were on a security patrol in the
area when the communist dissidents fired at them, hitting Oberio at once.
The Army soldiers hit back and engaged the rebels in a
30-minute firefight.
Reinforcement for the government men came, forcing the
rebels to withdraw towards an unknown direction.
The responding soldiers mounted a hot pursuit operation
against the fleeing rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616235
Suspected police asset shot dead by NPA rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Suspected police asset shot dead by NPA rebels
New People's Army (NPA) rebels shot dead a farmer who they suspected to be a police and military asset in Sitio Iraya, Barangay Poblacion District 1, Claveria,Masbate at around 6 a. m. Friday.
Patricio Alim, 50, married and a resident of the village, was preparing for the breakfast of his family when four armed men barged into his house and went to the kitchen where they shot him dead.
The suspects casually went out of the house and fled towards the mountainous area of the village.
Police said the rebels suspected Alim of being a police-military asset as he was close to one PO2 Rio Belarmino, a former investigator of the Claveria Municipal Police Office.
Alim’s body was brought to a funeral parlor for autopsy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616236
New People's Army (NPA) rebels shot dead a farmer who they suspected to be a police and military asset in Sitio Iraya, Barangay Poblacion District 1, Claveria,
Patricio Alim, 50, married and a resident of the village, was preparing for the breakfast of his family when four armed men barged into his house and went to the kitchen where they shot him dead.
The suspects casually went out of the house and fled towards the mountainous area of the village.
Police said the rebels suspected Alim of being a police-military asset as he was close to one PO2 Rio Belarmino, a former investigator of the Claveria Municipal Police Office.
Alim’s body was brought to a funeral parlor for autopsy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616236
Trooper killed in NPA encounter in South Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): Trooper killed in NPA encounter in South Cotabato
The Eastern Mindanao Command on Friday announced that a trooper from its 27th Infantry Battalion was killed during an encounter with extortion teams of the New People's Army (NPA) in Lake Sebu South Cotabato Thursday afternoon.
Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, said the clash took place around 2: 25 p.m. at the boundary of Barangay Ned and Sitio Lambantong, Barangay Lampugon,Lake
Sebu
He added the soldiers were on routine security patrol when the firefight took place.
One trooper was immediately killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Caber said that pursuit operations are now being conducted against the NPAs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=616115
The Eastern Mindanao Command on Friday announced that a trooper from its 27th Infantry Battalion was killed during an encounter with extortion teams of the New People's Army (NPA) in Lake Sebu South Cotabato Thursday afternoon.
Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, said the clash took place around 2: 25 p.m. at the boundary of Barangay Ned and Sitio Lambantong, Barangay Lampugon,
He added the soldiers were on routine security patrol when the firefight took place.
One trooper was immediately killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Caber said that pursuit operations are now being conducted against the NPAs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=616115
President Aquino: PHl-US framework pact still being worked out to adhere to PHl, US laws
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14): President Aquino: PHl-US framework pact still being worked out to adhere to PHl, US laws
Work is still ongoing for a prospective Philippine-US framework agreement that would allow increased rotational presence of US troops in thePhilippines
The President, in an interview with media inPasay City
"Mula naman noong simulan ang usapan na ito talagang ang focus ay mapamadali, na magkaayos na tayo't magkasundo dito. Iyong principles that we want to uphold... dapat klaro ang details. Sabi nga nila, the devil is in the details. Iyong details ang medyo kailangan pang plantsahin (Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries. We still have to iron out the details)," he said.
The President made the clarification amid speculations that the pact is being readied for signing in time for US President Barack Obama's visit to thePhilippines
But for now, President Aquino said there are still meetings being held to iron out the details of the pact that would allow aUS
rotational presence that will meet both the needs of the Philippines and the US
The added presence of US forces is seen to boost thePhilippines ' position in its territorial row
with China in the West
Philippine Sea (South China Sea ).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=616172
Work is still ongoing for a prospective Philippine-US framework agreement that would allow increased rotational presence of US troops in the
The President, in an interview with media in
"Mula naman noong simulan ang usapan na ito talagang ang focus ay mapamadali, na magkaayos na tayo't magkasundo dito. Iyong principles that we want to uphold... dapat klaro ang details. Sabi nga nila, the devil is in the details. Iyong details ang medyo kailangan pang plantsahin (Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries. We still have to iron out the details)," he said.
The President made the clarification amid speculations that the pact is being readied for signing in time for US President Barack Obama's visit to the
But for now, President Aquino said there are still meetings being held to iron out the details of the pact that would allow a
The added presence of US forces is seen to boost the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=616172
2 killed, 8 wounded as govt forces, Abu Sayyaf clash anew in Sulu
From InterAksyon (Feb 14): 2 killed, 8 wounded as govt forces, Abu Sayyaf clash anew in Sulu
At least two combatants were killed and eight others wounded Firday morning in a one-hour firefight—the third in six days--between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao, Sulu.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80771/2-killed-8-wounded-as-govt-forces-abu-sayyaf-clash-anew-in-sulu
At least two combatants were killed and eight others wounded Firday morning in a one-hour firefight—the third in six days--between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao, Sulu.
The firefight started at around 8:55 a.m. when the
ASG ambushed a Barangay Police Auxiliary Team (BPAT) convoy of two Tamaraw
jeeps and a Kennedy jeep, Captain Ryan Lecuesta, civil-military operations
officer of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said.
“The BPAT were heading toward Barangay Mabahay to replace a
BPAT group in that area when ambushed by the bandits. The Marines sent troops
to the area to reinforce the BPAT. The firefight lasted for more than one hour
afterwhich the bandits withdrew in small groups to different directions,”
Lacuesta said.
The wounded BPAT members were taken to the Sulu Provincial
Hospital and the two Marines are being
treated at Camp Bautista Station
Hospital
The 30-man ASG suffered one fatality identified as Jul
Asman Sangkula, Lacuesta said.
A member of the BPAT was also killed, however, and six
others were wounded. Two soldiers from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2
(MBLT2) were also injured.
Earlier encounter
On February 8, soldiers of MBLT2 and BPAT assaulted an Abu
bandits’ lair in Barangay Mabahay, resulting in the death of six Abu bandits
and wounding of six BPAT members. The bandits were led by sub-leader Yasser
Igasan.
Pursuit operations against the ASG sparked a new firefight
on February 12 in the same barangay, with another bandit identified only as
Sahadil ending up dead. One soldier was also wounded.
On the same day, more than 30 bandits ambushed a convoy of
officers and employees of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Office (PENRO), Junior Chamber International (JCI) or Jaycees and soldiers
of MBLT9 in Sitio Bakud, Barangay Bid in Parang town.
The pre-noon ambush killed a soldier and left 3 others
wounded.
‘Surgical operations’
Relatedly, the military will continue to operate against
suspected lairs of the ASG through “focused” and ‘surgical” operations to deny
bandits access to civilian communities for their logistics, according to
2nd Marine Brigade Colonel Jose Johriel Cenabre.
He said the local government units in affected towns are
“closely coordinating with us for continuous law enforcement operations to
flush out the bandits from their area of jurisdictions and contain them into an
area conducive for military operations where there would be no civilian
collaterals.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80771/2-killed-8-wounded-as-govt-forces-abu-sayyaf-clash-anew-in-sulu
Talks to increase US military presence in Philippines going on
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 15): Talks to increase US military presence in Philippines going on
Filipino leader Benigno Aquino said work is still ongoing for a prospective Philippine-U.S. framework agreement that would allow increased rotational presence of American troops in the Philippines.
Aquino said both countries want to make sure the pact does not violate Philippine and U.S. laws. “Mula naman noong simulan ang usapan na ito talagang ang focus ay mapamadali, na magkaayos na tayo’t magkasundo dito. Iyong principles that we want to uphold… dapat klaro ang details. Sabi nga nila, the devil is in the details. Iyong details ang medyo kailangan pang plantsahin (Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries. We still have to iron out the details),” he said.
There are speculations that the pact is being readied for signing in time for U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Manila in April.
But Aquino said there are still meetings being held to iron out the details of the pact. He said the added presence of US forces would boost the the country's position in its territorial row with China in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
Hundreds of U.S. troops are deployed since 2001 in southern Philippines - with camps in Zamboanga City in Mindanao and Sulu and Basilan provinces - to help Filipino troops fight terrorism.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/pact-to-increase-us-military-presence.html
Filipino leader Benigno Aquino said work is still ongoing for a prospective Philippine-U.S. framework agreement that would allow increased rotational presence of American troops in the Philippines.
Aquino said both countries want to make sure the pact does not violate Philippine and U.S. laws. “Mula naman noong simulan ang usapan na ito talagang ang focus ay mapamadali, na magkaayos na tayo’t magkasundo dito. Iyong principles that we want to uphold… dapat klaro ang details. Sabi nga nila, the devil is in the details. Iyong details ang medyo kailangan pang plantsahin (Since the negotiations started, the goal was to reach an agreement soonest. But we must make sure the result does not violate the rules of both countries. We still have to iron out the details),” he said.
There are speculations that the pact is being readied for signing in time for U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Manila in April.
But Aquino said there are still meetings being held to iron out the details of the pact. He said the added presence of US forces would boost the the country's position in its territorial row with China in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
Hundreds of U.S. troops are deployed since 2001 in southern Philippines - with camps in Zamboanga City in Mindanao and Sulu and Basilan provinces - to help Filipino troops fight terrorism.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/pact-to-increase-us-military-presence.html