From the Manila Times (Jul 31): Palace blames panel for Bangsa law delay
AS the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) resume talks aimed at rescuing deadlocked negotiations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Malacañang blamed the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) for the delay in the submission of a measure that seeks to create a Bangsamoro entity in Mindanao
Palace spokesperson Edwin La cierda on Wednesday said that the government remains committed to the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and all other previous agreements but that the BBL should conform with existing laws and the Constitution.
“You saw, for instance, the commitment of our President during the signing of the [CAB]. That commitment has not wavered. All we want to be sure of is that the bill that will be submitted to Congress will be acceptable to all, to the government and also the Bangsamoro people,” he told reporters.
The problem, according to Lacierda, arose when the BTC that was designated to craft the BBL submitted a proposal that the Palace believes would not pass congressional scrutiny.
Lacierda noted that while the BTC “drafted a bill based on the [CAB],” some provisions were “added” or “suggested.”
These additions were a reason why Malacanang lawyers had to pore over the draft to ensure that the Bangsamoro law will not suffer the same fate as the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was struck down by the Supreme Court.
“We don’t have the exact provisions that were provided. But those provisions, they were additional provisions or were added or suggested by the [BTC]. The draft [BBL] that was drafted, crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, was the one that was reviewed by the Office of the President,” Lacierda explained.
When asked to comment on speculations that the provision on “sub-state” was one of the thorny issues discussed by the two panels, he replied that he is not privy to the contents of the BTC draft.
“I am limited only to the information that we have right now. As to [the] copy of the draft of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, we don’t have a copy. What we intend to do is to come out with the forged common Bangsamoro Basic Bill between the government and the MI[LF],” Lacierda said.
He noted that the government “was not unaware” of what was going on in the BTC.
Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chief government negotiator, earlier warned that certain provisions in the proposed Bangsamoro law may be unconstitutional.
She refused to identify the parts of the draft bill that could be illegal, although she hinted that some of the contentious provisions involve the structure of government and the fiscal autonomy of the political entity that will be created to supplant the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min danao (ARMM).
According to Ferrer, both parties were trying to resolve “political considerations” and “policy issues” in the draft law.
Also on Wednesday, she said negotiators were able to make some progress on discussions on fiscal autonomy and the structure of the Bangsamoro government when they met last week.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles called on the public to support the peace process and the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“There are difficulties that lie ahead and I am sure that there will indeed be many more but let us not lose hope,” Deles said. “Keep the faith and work with us in bringing to fruition real peace and development in the Bangsamoro.”
Marathon meetings
The government and MILF panels will hold marathon meetings for 10 days to discuss and iron out contentious provisions of the draft BBL that Congress is anxiously waiting to act upon.
The meeting, according to former peace negotiator lawyer Jesus Dureza, will be an opportunity for both sides to renegotiate the draft law and take a second look at the CAB.
The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
“There will be a meeting, but the details and the venue are yet to be confirmed,” said Marlon Peter Dedumo, director of the OPAPP Mindanao media bureau.
Dureza stressed the need for the two panels to make “readjustments” to save the negotiations.
“I thought we have learned lessons from the failed MOA-AD,” he said. “It also disabused the minds of all, especially among the MILF leaders that what Malacanang wants, it can get. That misplaced trust has been eroded. That full confidence is no longer there so it is prudent to mitigate risks and make some readjustments while we can.”
Dureza urged the MILF to “consider changes with an open mind instead of digging in and proclaiming that what was signed was cast in stone and no longer subject to renegotiations.”
He said the government should “own up and acknowledge its mistake of making the MILF believe that what was already signed was good and okay, only to change gears at the last minute.”
“If there are persons on either side who cannot accept these parameters, I now strongly advise them to stand aside, resign and be not in the way in the difficult search for that still elusive formula for peace. Someone has to take the bullet,” Dureza added.
Lacierda allayed the fears of MILF commanders over the delayed submission of the draft BBL, saying the government is committed to having the bill passed by Congress.
“That will be a priority measure [because it has to be passed], hopefully, before the end of December of this year so that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be in place in order for them, for the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, to participate in the synchronized national elections in 2016,” he said.
“So the commitment is there, the timeframe, we believe that we can continue with the timeframe that we have envisioned so that all the necessary building blocks for an effective and a truly representative bill and law will be passed by Congress,” Lacierda added.
http://www.manilatimes.net/palace-blames-panel-bangsa-law-delay/115339/
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Former AFP chief won’t replace Gazmin – Palace
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): Former AFP chief won’t replace Gazmin – Palace
Although former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Emmanuel Bautista has been assured of a position in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, it won’t be the secretary of defense
position.
“No it is not true,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters Wednesday when asked if Bautista will be replacing Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
“Let’s just wait for the announcement,” the spokesperson added when pressed for more information.
He declined to say if it was a position in the President’s Cabinet.
Lacierda merely said that the government has given Bautista a month’s leave to spend time with his family.
“Let’s give him the luxury of spending his precious time before he enters the government,” he said.
Gazmin earlier denied rumors that his so-called protégé will soon be replacing him after he mentioned that he has gotten tired.
“My service depends on the President, I would continue to do what he says…If he says that I should resign, I would resign,” he said last month.
Bautista relinquished his post to Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang last July 18.
During the turnover ceremony, Aquino said Bautista told him that he was ready to return to public service after a month-long vacation.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625029/former-afp-chief-wont-replace-gazmin-palace
Although former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Emmanuel Bautista has been assured of a position in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, it won’t be the secretary of defense
position. 
Retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista . PHOTO from AFP Public Affairs Office
“No it is not true,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters Wednesday when asked if Bautista will be replacing Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
“Let’s just wait for the announcement,” the spokesperson added when pressed for more information.
He declined to say if it was a position in the President’s Cabinet.
Lacierda merely said that the government
has given Bautista a month’s leave to spend time with his family. “Let’s give him the luxury of spending his precious time before he enters the government,” he said.
Gazmin earlier denied rumors that his so-called protégé will soon be replacing him after he mentioned that he has gotten tired.
“My service
depends on the President, I would continue to do what he says…If he says that I should resign, I would resign,” he said last month. Bautista relinquished his post to Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang last July 18.
During the turnover
ceremony, Aquino said Bautista told him that he was ready to return to public service after a month-long vacation.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625029/former-afp-chief-wont-replace-gazmin-palace
Palace not worried about restive MILF commanders
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 30): Palace not worried about restive MILF commanders
Malacañang on Wednesday said it is not worried about the supposed restive ground commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) amid the delay in the filing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“I think the MILF is going to inform their people on the ground,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, explaining that the MILF leadership should be able to allay the fears of their frontliners.
He assured the public that President Benigno Aquino III’s commitment “has not wavered.”
“All we want to be sure of is that the bill that will be submitted to Congress will be acceptable to all—both from government and also the Bangsamoro people,” he added.
Aquino, during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Friday, asked Congress for understanding for the delay while asking them to pass the law before the year ends.
But lawmakers are not the only ones growing impatient. Media reports said some ground commanders of the MILF have begun questioning the delay. Earlier, the MILF also expressed fears that the BBL will be watered down in Congress.
The BBL was supposed to be filed in Congress months ago but the review of the Office of the President delayed the process and has even necessitated for another dialogue between the MILF and Philippine government panels over contentious provisions.
On Monday, Philippine government chief negotiator Mmiriam Coronel-Ferrer said among the issues being tackled were fiscal autonomy and the Bangsamoro government structure.
Once the BBL is passed into law, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will prepare for the 2016 plebiscite, which will define the territorial scope of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625036/palace-not-worried-on-restive-milf-commanders
Malacañang on Wednesday said it is not worried about the supposed restive ground commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) amid the delay in the filing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“I think the MILF is going to inform their people on the ground,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, explaining that the MILF leadership should be able to allay the fears of their frontliners.
He assured the public that President Benigno Aquino III’s commitment “has not wavered.”
“All we want to be sure of is that the bill that will be submitted to Congress will be acceptable to all—both from government and also the Bangsamoro people,” he added.
Aquino, during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Friday, asked Congress for understanding for the delay while asking them to pass the law before the year ends.
But lawmakers are not the only ones growing impatient. Media reports said some ground commanders of the MILF have begun questioning the delay. Earlier, the MILF also expressed fears that the BBL will be watered down in Congress.
The BBL was supposed to be filed in Congress months ago but the review of the Office of the President delayed the process and has even necessitated for another dialogue between the MILF and Philippine government panels over contentious provisions.
On Monday, Philippine government chief negotiator Mmiriam Coronel-Ferrer said among the issues being tackled were fiscal autonomy and the Bangsamoro government structure.
Once the BBL is passed into law, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will prepare for the 2016 plebiscite, which will define the territorial scope of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625036/palace-not-worried-on-restive-milf-commanders
Solon slams Makabayan walkout
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 30): Solon slams Makabayan walkout
Former Negrense rebel leader-turned Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano yesterday slammed the Makabayan bloc lawmakers for staging a walk out of the House of Representatives plenary hall, while President Benigno Aquino III was about to deliver his State of the Nation Address Monday, saying it was “disrespect” to the institution they are serving.
Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, also a Negrense, led the group of left-leaning party-list solons, who walked out of the plenary hall after the singing of the National Anthem. They are the lawmakers who filed the impeachment complaints against Aquino, in connection with the Disbursement Acceleration Program controversy.
Paduano, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Amy-Alex Boncayao Brigade, said the House of Representatives, where the Makabayan bloc lawmakers are serving, and the Senate, had invited Aquino to deliver his SONA.
“He (Aquino) should be given a little respect,” Paduano stressed.
If they did not want to hear the SONA, then, they should not have shown up, he said.
Colmenares said the walkout was in unity with the Filipino people in the fight against corruption. The Makabayan solons joined the protest outside the Batasang Pambansa complex.
He called it a dignified walkout, done before the President started his SONA.
They don’t deserve to be called members of Congress, said Paduano, whose proclamation as partylist representative was vehemently questioned and criticized by leftist lawmakers and progressive groups. The New People’s Army inNegros also condemned his
proclamation, and called Abang Lingkod a bogus party-list group.
The Makabayan bloc is composed of partylist groups Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
Asked if they could be sanctioned by the House leadership, Paduano said “while there is no clear cut policy on their actuation, it is high time for Congress to review its House rules”, pointing out that the SONA was attended by foreign dignitaries and diplomats.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/30/topstory4.htm
Former Negrense rebel leader-turned Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano yesterday slammed the Makabayan bloc lawmakers for staging a walk out of the House of Representatives plenary hall, while President Benigno Aquino III was about to deliver his State of the Nation Address Monday, saying it was “disrespect” to the institution they are serving.
Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, also a Negrense, led the group of left-leaning party-list solons, who walked out of the plenary hall after the singing of the National Anthem. They are the lawmakers who filed the impeachment complaints against Aquino, in connection with the Disbursement Acceleration Program controversy.
Paduano, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Amy-Alex Boncayao Brigade, said the House of Representatives, where the Makabayan bloc lawmakers are serving, and the Senate, had invited Aquino to deliver his SONA.
“He (Aquino) should be given a little respect,” Paduano stressed.
If they did not want to hear the SONA, then, they should not have shown up, he said.
Colmenares said the walkout was in unity with the Filipino people in the fight against corruption. The Makabayan solons joined the protest outside the Batasang Pambansa complex.
He called it a dignified walkout, done before the President started his SONA.
They don’t deserve to be called members of Congress, said Paduano, whose proclamation as partylist representative was vehemently questioned and criticized by leftist lawmakers and progressive groups. The New People’s Army in
The Makabayan bloc is composed of partylist groups Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.
Asked if they could be sanctioned by the House leadership, Paduano said “while there is no clear cut policy on their actuation, it is high time for Congress to review its House rules”, pointing out that the SONA was attended by foreign dignitaries and diplomats.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/30/topstory4.htm
AFP reshuffling looms
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 30): AFP reshuffling looms
Another reshuffling of top military officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is imminent, with the retirement of several commanders of the AFP Unified Commands this month and in September.
Two senior Army officials, who previously served in Negros Occidental, are reportedly being eyed to command Army division units in Western Visayas and Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo Guerrero, Army chief of staff, is being groomed as the incoming commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which supervises internal security operations in Negros and Panay island.
Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, AFP deputy chief of staff for Operations, may take over the Army’s 4th ID in Mindanao.
Guerrero used to command the 61st Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, while Lactao served as commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for 22 months, military records show. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1984.
Up for retirement from the military service on August 17 is Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, commanding general of the AFP Western Command; Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, on Sept. 6; and Lt. Gen. Ceasar Ordoyo, AFP Southern Luzon command, Sept. 8.
A military source said that Lactao and Guerrero may assume their respective positions in the first week of September.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/30/topstory8.htm
Another reshuffling of top military officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is imminent, with the retirement of several commanders of the AFP Unified Commands this month and in September.
Two senior Army officials, who previously served in Negros Occidental, are reportedly being eyed to command Army division units in Western Visayas and Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo Guerrero, Army chief of staff, is being groomed as the incoming commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, which supervises internal security operations in Negros and Panay island.
Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, AFP deputy chief of staff for Operations, may take over the Army’s 4th ID in Mindanao.
Guerrero used to command the 61st Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, while Lactao served as commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for 22 months, military records show. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1984.
Up for retirement from the military service on August 17 is Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, commanding general of the AFP Western Command; Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, on Sept. 6; and Lt. Gen. Ceasar Ordoyo, AFP Southern Luzon command, Sept. 8.
A military source said that Lactao and Guerrero may assume their respective positions in the first week of September.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/30/topstory8.htm
Coup d’etat plot against President Aquino won’t prosper
From AngMalaya (Jul 30): Coup d’etat plot against President Aquino won’t prosper
Retired generals who are allegedly supporters of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are allegedly plotting a destabilization against the government, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV told GMA News TV on Tuesday. However, Trillanes noted that any plan against President Aquino’s government will not prosper.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said, speaking in behalf of Arroyo said “Senator Trillanes does not have any idea of what he is talking about. He does not know the first thing about coup d’etat. The so-called coup he planned and participated in were lousy and ended miserably for him with his tail behind his legs. He does not know whereof he speaks.”
On Wednesday July 30 a report that military convoy plied the street of EDSA. This regular logistics run (as per Philippine Army), was associated by some to the said destabilization plot.
An online comment said, “Don’t alarm the people. These movements of military vehicles coming to and from Metro Manila are normal.”
Another one said, “I fervently believe this coup rumor will remain a rumor because it is only in Pnoy’s administration that the army has been upgraded or modernized. Basically, the reason why Palace is confident that there will be no destabilization plot. Pnoy has been adding frigates and jet aircrafts and anyone following these news about the modernization program will be proud about what the administration has accomplished so far.”
Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala confirmed “There is no recruitment nor any move within the active service to do such [destabilization activitiy].” He added that retired generals have regained freedom of speech against the government and conduct rallies upon retiring. “But as far as destabilization within the ranks of the AFP, there is none. Now, if the retired [generals] wish to speak against the government or conduct rallies, that is inherent in our Bill of Rights. We have no control over them.”
The AFP remains apolitical and is in high level of professionalism, Zagala confirmed. New AFP chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang last week guaranteed that no military personnel would join any military adventurism against President Aquino.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/30/2672-coup-detat-plot-against-president-aquino-wont-prosper
Retired generals who are allegedly supporters of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are allegedly plotting a destabilization against the government, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV told GMA News TV on Tuesday. However, Trillanes noted that any plan against President Aquino’s government will not prosper.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said, speaking in behalf of Arroyo said “Senator Trillanes does not have any idea of what he is talking about. He does not know the first thing about coup d’etat. The so-called coup he planned and participated in were lousy and ended miserably for him with his tail behind his legs. He does not know whereof he speaks.”
On Wednesday July 30 a report that military convoy plied the street of EDSA. This regular logistics run (as per Philippine Army), was associated by some to the said destabilization plot.
An online comment said, “Don’t alarm the people. These movements of military vehicles coming to and from Metro Manila are normal.”
Another one said, “I fervently believe this coup rumor will remain a rumor because it is only in Pnoy’s administration that the army has been upgraded or modernized. Basically, the reason why Palace is confident that there will be no destabilization plot. Pnoy has been adding frigates and jet aircrafts and anyone following these news about the modernization program will be proud about what the administration has accomplished so far.”
Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala confirmed “There is no recruitment nor any move within the active service to do such [destabilization activitiy].” He added that retired generals have regained freedom of speech against the government and conduct rallies upon retiring. “But as far as destabilization within the ranks of the AFP, there is none. Now, if the retired [generals] wish to speak against the government or conduct rallies, that is inherent in our Bill of Rights. We have no control over them.”
The AFP remains apolitical and is in high level of professionalism, Zagala confirmed. New AFP chief Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang last week guaranteed that no military personnel would join any military adventurism against President Aquino.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/30/2672-coup-detat-plot-against-president-aquino-wont-prosper
US can’t afford not to be in the Asia-Pacific
Posted to AngMalaya (Jul 30): US can’t afford not to be in the Asia-Pacific
State Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said United States will continue presence in Asia-Pacific as a Pacific power.
“We can’t afford not to be in the Asia-Pacific. That’s why President Obama decided, before he even took office, to institute a long-term, strategic emphasis on the region. And I’m confident that strategy will extend far beyond his presidency, because we have strong bipartisan support for it – both parties understand the importance of Asia,” Daniel Russel said.
Russel said that tension in South China Sea is dangerous. He then said US urges “China and the other claimants to have a conversation about what activities are acceptable to each of them — both to help reduce tensions now, and manage differences in the long run.”
Daniel Russel also highlighted US-PH relationship. “Our ally the Philippines is a stable democracy with strong economic growth. We completed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement during President Obama’s visit in April, which enables us to better address common security challenges and provide relief for disasters, such as Typhoon Haiyan.”
The Assistant Secretary added that growth of ASEAN is US’ national interest.
“A stable Southeast Asia that meets the aspirations of its people – for economic growth, clean air and water, education, and a voice in how they’re governed – is in America’s national interest. And one of the best, most efficient ways for America to help the region meet its aspirations is by investing in ASEAN.”
http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/07/30/2679-us-cant-afford-not-to-be-in-the-asia-pacific
State Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said United States will continue presence in Asia-Pacific as a Pacific power.
“We can’t afford not to be in the Asia-Pacific. That’s why President Obama decided, before he even took office, to institute a long-term, strategic emphasis on the region. And I’m confident that strategy will extend far beyond his presidency, because we have strong bipartisan support for it – both parties understand the importance of Asia,” Daniel Russel said.
Russel said that tension in South China Sea is dangerous. He then said US urges “China and the other claimants to have a conversation about what activities are acceptable to each of them — both to help reduce tensions now, and manage differences in the long run.”
Daniel Russel also highlighted US-PH relationship. “Our ally the Philippines is a stable democracy with strong economic growth. We completed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement during President Obama’s visit in April, which enables us to better address common security challenges and provide relief for disasters, such as Typhoon Haiyan.”
The Assistant Secretary added that growth of ASEAN is US’ national interest.
“A stable Southeast Asia that meets the aspirations of its people – for economic growth, clean air and water, education, and a voice in how they’re governed – is in America’s national interest. And one of the best, most efficient ways for America to help the region meet its aspirations is by investing in ASEAN.”
http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/07/30/2679-us-cant-afford-not-to-be-in-the-asia-pacific
A boost for Ayungin troops: Fishing firm Merlion donates fast craft
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): A boost for Ayungin troops: Fishing firm Merlion donates fast craft
The maritime capabilities of Ayungin Shoal troops in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) will receive a significant boost with the addition of a patrol fast craft and fishing supplies donated by private firm Merlion Fishing Supplies, Inc. (MFSI) to arrive in the city on August 4.
The donation, a 10m x 2.5m two-engine outboard motor (OBM) fast craft, will effectively double the strength of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) patrol flotilla in Ayungin Shoal, and enhance its ability to protect sovereignty in the contested area.
The donation is a big boost to the marine soldiers guarding thePhilippines
A Western Command (WESCOM) source said the troops are 200 kilometers from the nearest major Philippine island, holding on to a tiny reef as part of a decades-long territorial row that in recent months had grown increasingly hostile.
For the soldiers, confrontingChina
at sea was more daunting than other missions fighting deadly jungle battles
against Islamic militants in the southern Philippines
The driving force behind the donation was Merlion’s offshore facility manager Edmond Borja, who served as a US Navy medical corpsman and currently a full time paramedic inUpper Darby ,
Pennsylvania
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=667694
The maritime capabilities of Ayungin Shoal troops in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) will receive a significant boost with the addition of a patrol fast craft and fishing supplies donated by private firm Merlion Fishing Supplies, Inc. (MFSI) to arrive in the city on August 4.
The donation, a 10m x 2.5m two-engine outboard motor (OBM) fast craft, will effectively double the strength of the Philippine Navy’s (PN) patrol flotilla in Ayungin Shoal, and enhance its ability to protect sovereignty in the contested area.
The donation is a big boost to the marine soldiers guarding the
A Western Command (WESCOM) source said the troops are 200 kilometers from the nearest major Philippine island, holding on to a tiny reef as part of a decades-long territorial row that in recent months had grown increasingly hostile.
For the soldiers, confronting
The driving force behind the donation was Merlion’s offshore facility manager Edmond Borja, who served as a US Navy medical corpsman and currently a full time paramedic in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=667694
Marines intensively tracking down ASG bandits behind Sulu ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): Marines intensively tracking down ASG bandits behind Sulu ambush
The commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade on Tuesday assured the families of the victims of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who killed 23 people in Talipao, Sulu Monday, that they will do everything to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Brig. Gen. Martin Pinto said they are now coordinating with their civilian assets in tracking down the bandits.
The 2nd Marine Brigade commander added that around 10 Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team members were then securing the 40 civilians when the ambush occurred.
"We have reports that they (ASG) will go after our detachments but never on civilians. That attack (conducted by the ASG) was just done on chance," Pinto said.
As of this posting, the death toll is now at 23 with six other individuals wounded.
The wounded individuals are now in stable condition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667387
The commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade on Tuesday assured the families of the victims of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who killed 23 people in Talipao, Sulu Monday, that they will do everything to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Brig. Gen. Martin Pinto said they are now coordinating with their civilian assets in tracking down the bandits.
The 2nd Marine Brigade commander added that around 10 Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team members were then securing the 40 civilians when the ambush occurred.
"We have reports that they (ASG) will go after our detachments but never on civilians. That attack (conducted by the ASG) was just done on chance," Pinto said.
As of this posting, the death toll is now at 23 with six other individuals wounded.
The wounded individuals are now in stable condition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667387
4 Mindanao-based Army infantry divisions now commanded by members of PMA Class of 1983
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): 4 Mindanao-based Army infantry divisions now commanded by members of PMA Class of 1983
The four Philippine Army infantry divisions inMindanao
are now all commanded by members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class
of 1983.
The 1st Infantry Division, which is headquartered at Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur and tasked to cover the western portion of Mindanao, is under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Gerry Barrientos, who assumed command last July 2.
Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division, which is based at Camp Brig. Gen. Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, is under Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who assumed leadership of the unit last May 26.
The 6th Infantry Division is the Philippine Army unit tasked to cover and protect the central part ofMindanao from
external and internal threats.
On the other hand, the 4th Infantry Division, which is based in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City, is commanded by Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya, who assumed command of the unit last April 26.
The unit is tasked to secure the northern portion ofMindanao .
The 10th Infantry Division, which is headquartered at Camp Gen. Yan Sr., Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley, is under the leadership of Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año who was installed last July 25.
The formation is tasked to secure the southeastern part ofMindanao .
Prior to his designation as the 10th Infantry Division commander, Año served as chief of Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Now that three of my classmates are now leading the other three divisions here in Mindanao, there will be much easier, closer and faster coordination regarding military operations here inMindanao
and this will lead to a more effective conduct of Internal Security
Operations,” Visaya said.
Since the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in 2010, these four divisions guardingMindanao
have committed themselves to winning the peace as they have established the
"Bayanihan" spirit in their respective areas of responsibilities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667446
The four Philippine Army infantry divisions in
The 1st Infantry Division, which is headquartered at Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur and tasked to cover the western portion of Mindanao, is under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Gerry Barrientos, who assumed command last July 2.
Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division, which is based at Camp Brig. Gen. Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, is under Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who assumed leadership of the unit last May 26.
The 6th Infantry Division is the Philippine Army unit tasked to cover and protect the central part of
On the other hand, the 4th Infantry Division, which is based in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City, is commanded by Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya, who assumed command of the unit last April 26.
The unit is tasked to secure the northern portion of
The 10th Infantry Division, which is headquartered at Camp Gen. Yan Sr., Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley, is under the leadership of Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año who was installed last July 25.
The formation is tasked to secure the southeastern part of
Prior to his designation as the 10th Infantry Division commander, Año served as chief of Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Now that three of my classmates are now leading the other three divisions here in Mindanao, there will be much easier, closer and faster coordination regarding military operations here in
Since the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” in 2010, these four divisions guarding
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667446
Modern detection equipment to be fitted in long-range patrol planes -- DND
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Modern detection equipment to be fitted in long-range patrol planes -- DND
To further boost its capabilities, the Department of National (DND) announced that modern submarine detection equipment will be fitted in its P5.9-billion long range patrol aircraft (LRPA) acquisition project.
In a supplemental bid bulletin, the DND said two aircraft are expected to be acquired under this program.
Submarine detection equipment which the DND is requiring to be fitted include:
*Magnetic anomaly detector which is capable of detecting minute variations caused by the passing of large ferrous objects such as ships and submarines through the Earth’s magnetic field. It should have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy processor which can provide underwater acoustic signal acquisition and processing capabilities that help to quickly and accurately detect, classify, and tract submarines in complex undersea environments. It should also have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy receiver which can listen and receive signalscoming from sonobuoy transmitters which have been dropped in the water. It should also have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy (Active) which is capable of emitting sound waves into the water and listen for the returning echo before transmitting, usually range and bearing information via UHF/VHF radio to the aircraft.
-Likewise, it should localize targets both range and bearing in extreme environmental conditions against a very quiet submarine or in an attack mode.
-It should allow short and long range detection of surface ships and submarines. It should have a transducer tointroduce acoustic energy into the water and to manipulate the return echoes which are amplified and for VHF radio transmission.
-These are usually designed for deeper depths than passive buoys.
-One hundred pieces of active sonobuoy should be providedby the winning bidder.
*Sonobuoy (Passive) which should emit nothing into the water but rather listen, waiting for mechanically generated sound waves (for instance, power-plant, propeller ordoor- closing and other noises) from ships or submarines to reach the hydrophone that are then transmitted via UHF/VHF radio back to the aircraft. The received signals should be transmitted to any monitoring unit that then process the signal for analysis, classification of any target, and recording on magnetic tape media for replay and post eventanalysis.
DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo, Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair, earlier said bid opening and submission is slated for Aug. 11.
It will be held at the bidding awards committee conference room at basement, right wing, DND building,Camp Aguinaldo , Quezon
City
Money for the long-range patrol aircraft project will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act Trust Fund.
The contract includes sensors, sensor integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistic support, Manalo said.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the aircraft within 1,035 calendar days upon receipt of the notice to proceed.
Manalo added that participants must have completed a similar project within the last 10 years.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667541
To further boost its capabilities, the Department of National (DND) announced that modern submarine detection equipment will be fitted in its P5.9-billion long range patrol aircraft (LRPA) acquisition project.
In a supplemental bid bulletin, the DND said two aircraft are expected to be acquired under this program.
Submarine detection equipment which the DND is requiring to be fitted include:
*Magnetic anomaly detector which is capable of detecting minute variations caused by the passing of large ferrous objects such as ships and submarines through the Earth’s magnetic field. It should have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy processor which can provide underwater acoustic signal acquisition and processing capabilities that help to quickly and accurately detect, classify, and tract submarines in complex undersea environments. It should also have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy receiver which can listen and receive signalscoming from sonobuoy transmitters which have been dropped in the water. It should also have ISO 9001:2008 certification;
*Sonobuoy (Active) which is capable of emitting sound waves into the water and listen for the returning echo before transmitting, usually range and bearing information via UHF/VHF radio to the aircraft.
-Likewise, it should localize targets both range and bearing in extreme environmental conditions against a very quiet submarine or in an attack mode.
-It should allow short and long range detection of surface ships and submarines. It should have a transducer tointroduce acoustic energy into the water and to manipulate the return echoes which are amplified and for VHF radio transmission.
-These are usually designed for deeper depths than passive buoys.
-One hundred pieces of active sonobuoy should be providedby the winning bidder.
*Sonobuoy (Passive) which should emit nothing into the water but rather listen, waiting for mechanically generated sound waves (for instance, power-plant, propeller ordoor- closing and other noises) from ships or submarines to reach the hydrophone that are then transmitted via UHF/VHF radio back to the aircraft. The received signals should be transmitted to any monitoring unit that then process the signal for analysis, classification of any target, and recording on magnetic tape media for replay and post eventanalysis.
DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo, Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair, earlier said bid opening and submission is slated for Aug. 11.
It will be held at the bidding awards committee conference room at basement, right wing, DND building,
Money for the long-range patrol aircraft project will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act Trust Fund.
The contract includes sensors, sensor integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistic support, Manalo said.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the aircraft within 1,035 calendar days upon receipt of the notice to proceed.
Manalo added that participants must have completed a similar project within the last 10 years.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667541
Personal safety gear for CAS pilots included in P4.9 billion contract package
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Personal safety gear for CAS pilots included in P4.9 billion contract package
The Department of National Defense (DND), in a supplemental bid bulletin, informed interested bidders for its P4.9 billion CAS (close-air support) program that 18 sets of personal safety equipment is included in the package.
These items are helmet parachute harness, life preserver units and anti-G suits.
Bid opening for the CAS project is set for Aug. 11
The DND is planning to acquire six CAS aircraft to replace or beef up the Air Force's existing Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" turboprop attack planes.
CAS refers to capability to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.
Funding for this weapon system will be sourced from the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Bid submission and opening will still be held at the DND Bidding and Awards Committee conference room, basement right wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo earlier said that the contract includes integrated logistic support system.
Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 540 calendar days from contract effectivity.
Participants in the DND's CAS project must have completed a similar program within the last 10 years.
Manalo added that the CAS aircraft must be used by the countries offering and manufacturing them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667546
The Department of National Defense (DND), in a supplemental bid bulletin, informed interested bidders for its P4.9 billion CAS (close-air support) program that 18 sets of personal safety equipment is included in the package.
These items are helmet parachute harness, life preserver units and anti-G suits.
Bid opening for the CAS project is set for Aug. 11
The DND is planning to acquire six CAS aircraft to replace or beef up the Air Force's existing Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" turboprop attack planes.
CAS refers to capability to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.
Funding for this weapon system will be sourced from the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Bid submission and opening will still be held at the DND Bidding and Awards Committee conference room, basement right wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo earlier said that the contract includes integrated logistic support system.
Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 540 calendar days from contract effectivity.
Participants in the DND's CAS project must have completed a similar program within the last 10 years.
Manalo added that the CAS aircraft must be used by the countries offering and manufacturing them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667546
Gov’t reaffirms commitment to ensuring Bangsamoro law will get congressional approval
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Gov’t reaffirms commitment to ensuring Bangsamoro law will get congressional approval
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are going to meet again to ensure that the provisions of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will pass congressional muster before the year ends, a Malacanang official said on Wednesday.
“Well, we’d like to assure the commitment of the government with respect to pushing for the BBL. The government and the MILF panels are again going to discuss the final draft to be submitted for Congress,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing at the Palace.
He reiterated the assurance amid reports that the ground commanders of the MILF are already restless over the seeming delay in the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro law.
Citing President Benigno S. Aquino III’s statement on the proposed law in his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, Lacierda said the BBL will be a priority measure so it can be passed by Congress before the year ends.
“So that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be in place in order for them, for the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, to participate in the synchronized national elections in 2016,” he said.
“We believe that we can continue with the timeframe that we have envisioned so that all the necessary building blocks for an effective and a truly representative bill and law will be passed by Congress,” he added.
Lacierda said the President wants a “just and fair” BBL that is acceptable to both the government and the Bangsamoro people.
“The commitment of our President during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), that commitment has not wavered,” he said.
Lacierda stressed that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) drafted a bill based on the CAB.
Citing GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, he said both peace panels are now working out issues pertaining to fiscal autonomy and the structure of the envisioned Bangsamoro government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667636
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are going to meet again to ensure that the provisions of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will pass congressional muster before the year ends, a Malacanang official said on Wednesday.
“Well, we’d like to assure the commitment of the government with respect to pushing for the BBL. The government and the MILF panels are again going to discuss the final draft to be submitted for Congress,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing at the Palace.
He reiterated the assurance amid reports that the ground commanders of the MILF are already restless over the seeming delay in the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro law.
Citing President Benigno S. Aquino III’s statement on the proposed law in his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, Lacierda said the BBL will be a priority measure so it can be passed by Congress before the year ends.
“So that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be in place in order for them, for the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, to participate in the synchronized national elections in 2016,” he said.
“We believe that we can continue with the timeframe that we have envisioned so that all the necessary building blocks for an effective and a truly representative bill and law will be passed by Congress,” he added.
Lacierda said the President wants a “just and fair” BBL that is acceptable to both the government and the Bangsamoro people.
“The commitment of our President during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), that commitment has not wavered,” he said.
Lacierda stressed that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) drafted a bill based on the CAB.
Citing GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, he said both peace panels are now working out issues pertaining to fiscal autonomy and the structure of the envisioned Bangsamoro government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667636
DILG chief cites 2 cops wounded in NPA raid in Surigao del Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): DILG chief cites 2 cops wounded in NPA raid in Surigao del Norte
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel A. Roxas personally pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to two police officers who were wounded while defending the municipal police station of Alegria in Surigao del Norte from New People’s Army (NPA) attack last July 10.
Roxas handed the awards in a ceremony held at theKitcharao Elementary School
The DILG chief was accompanied by Director General Alan Purisima, Philippine National Police Chief Director, when he pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting on Police Officer 2 Romero B. Dagsa and PO2 Reuben C. Salino, both detailed at the Alegria municipal police station.
“Hindi matatawaran ang katapangang ipinakita ninyo sa paggampan sa tungkulin. Magsilbisana
After the awarding ceremony, Roxas personally received PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino who were freed on that same day by the National Democratic Front-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDF-NEMR) after 19 days of captivity.
The NPA rebels released the four policemen unharmed at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to a team of local officials led by Agusandel
The police officers were reunited with their wives who were waiting with Roxas, Purisima and Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles at the government command center inKitcharao
Elementary School
The police officers were later taken to a government hospital for medical check-up.
Negotiations for the release of the four police officers scored a major breakthrough last week after the National Democratic Front-Northeastern Mindanao sought the intercession of Roxas to break an impase in ongoing talks to secure the policemen's freedom.
The Local Crisis Committee led by Surigaodel
Initially, the NDFP-NEMR demanded that government security forces declare a 10 day-ceasefire (SOMO/SOPO) inSurigao
City
After a series of negotiations with the local crisis committee, the NDFP reduced the ceasefire period to six days covering only six municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte.
Last Saturday, the NDFP-NEMR informed Roxas through an emissary that the NPA units holding the four policemen as hostages are amenable in releasing their captives if government security forces will agree on a five-day ceasefire covering the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Alegria and Claver, in Surigao del Norte; and the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga and Santiago, in Agusan del Norte.
Last Sunday, Roxas announced that the military and the police agreed to meet the rebels' precondition to pave the way for the safe release of the four police officers.
The DILG chief's announcement prompted the NDF-NEMR to issue a corresponding ceasefire order, which led to the eventual release of the four policemen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667631
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel A. Roxas personally pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to two police officers who were wounded while defending the municipal police station of Alegria in Surigao del Norte from New People’s Army (NPA) attack last July 10.
Roxas handed the awards in a ceremony held at the
The DILG chief was accompanied by Director General Alan Purisima, Philippine National Police Chief Director, when he pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting on Police Officer 2 Romero B. Dagsa and PO2 Reuben C. Salino, both detailed at the Alegria municipal police station.
“Hindi matatawaran ang katapangang ipinakita ninyo sa paggampan sa tungkulin. Magsilbi
After the awarding ceremony, Roxas personally received PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino who were freed on that same day by the National Democratic Front-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDF-NEMR) after 19 days of captivity.
The NPA rebels released the four policemen unharmed at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to a team of local officials led by Agusan
The police officers were reunited with their wives who were waiting with Roxas, Purisima and Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles at the government command center in
The police officers were later taken to a government hospital for medical check-up.
Negotiations for the release of the four police officers scored a major breakthrough last week after the National Democratic Front-Northeastern Mindanao sought the intercession of Roxas to break an impase in ongoing talks to secure the policemen's freedom.
The Local Crisis Committee led by Surigao
Initially, the NDFP-NEMR demanded that government security forces declare a 10 day-ceasefire (SOMO/SOPO) in
After a series of negotiations with the local crisis committee, the NDFP reduced the ceasefire period to six days covering only six municipalities in the mainland of Surigao del Norte.
Last Saturday, the NDFP-NEMR informed Roxas through an emissary that the NPA units holding the four policemen as hostages are amenable in releasing their captives if government security forces will agree on a five-day ceasefire covering the towns of Placer, Bacuag, Tubod, Gigaquit, Alegria and Claver, in Surigao del Norte; and the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga and Santiago, in Agusan del Norte.
Last Sunday, Roxas announced that the military and the police agreed to meet the rebels' precondition to pave the way for the safe release of the four police officers.
The DILG chief's announcement prompted the NDF-NEMR to issue a corresponding ceasefire order, which led to the eventual release of the four policemen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667631
Movement of military vehicles authorized -- AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Movement of military vehicles authorized -- AFP
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala clarified that the movement of military trucks and armored personnel carriers (APCs), which was spotted by some civilians in EDSA on Wednesday morning, was just a routine one and done to facilitate the movement of mission critical equipment.
A military convoy escorted by APCs was spotted along Nepa Q-Mart,Quezon City
The convoy proceeded to Northern and Southern Luzon Commands where it picked up several items and equipment.
The materials are scheduled to be delivered to Army Support Command headquarters inFort Bonifacio , Taguig
City
Zagala stressed that the movement was authorized and sanctioned by AFP headquarters.
"These are authorized logistical movements of the AFP, we apologized that the presence of these vehicles have alarmed our countrymen. These movements are necessary for administrative and logistical support of our troops in the field, these are coordinated especially here at the command center of the AFP and among the unified commands," he pointed out.
Sightings of these military vehicles, going about their lawful business, came in wake of claims made by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that some retired generals and ranking officers, with ties to the former administration, are planning to destabilize the government.
"We apologized for the alarm caused by it, but we want to assure you that the movement is authorized and that we (the AFP) remain partisan free and professional," he said.
He declined to give other specifics on the military convoy for security reasons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667601
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala clarified that the movement of military trucks and armored personnel carriers (APCs), which was spotted by some civilians in EDSA on Wednesday morning, was just a routine one and done to facilitate the movement of mission critical equipment.
A military convoy escorted by APCs was spotted along Nepa Q-Mart,
The convoy proceeded to Northern and Southern Luzon Commands where it picked up several items and equipment.
The materials are scheduled to be delivered to Army Support Command headquarters in
Zagala stressed that the movement was authorized and sanctioned by AFP headquarters.
"These are authorized logistical movements of the AFP, we apologized that the presence of these vehicles have alarmed our countrymen. These movements are necessary for administrative and logistical support of our troops in the field, these are coordinated especially here at the command center of the AFP and among the unified commands," he pointed out.
Sightings of these military vehicles, going about their lawful business, came in wake of claims made by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that some retired generals and ranking officers, with ties to the former administration, are planning to destabilize the government.
"We apologized for the alarm caused by it, but we want to assure you that the movement is authorized and that we (the AFP) remain partisan free and professional," he said.
He declined to give other specifics on the military convoy for security reasons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667601
Catapang dispels coup plot rumors
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Catapang dispels coup plot rumors
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Wednesday dismissed reports that the military will launch a coup against the duly elected government.
He stressed that the AFP remains loyal to the chain-of-command.
"There's no truth to that report," Catapang said.
The AFP chief stated that there is no need to conduct a loyalty check on all members of the AFP.
"We are all loyal to the duly constituted authorities, loyal to the flag, country and people. The AFP is a professional organization," he pointed out.
"We are all focused to out mandate our protecting the people and the state," Catapang concluded.
Earlier, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that former generals with ties to the former administration are planning to destabilize the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667664
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Wednesday dismissed reports that the military will launch a coup against the duly elected government.
He stressed that the AFP remains loyal to the chain-of-command.
"There's no truth to that report," Catapang said.
The AFP chief stated that there is no need to conduct a loyalty check on all members of the AFP.
"We are all loyal to the duly constituted authorities, loyal to the flag, country and people. The AFP is a professional organization," he pointed out.
"We are all focused to out mandate our protecting the people and the state," Catapang concluded.
Earlier, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that former generals with ties to the former administration are planning to destabilize the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667664
2 troopers killed, 6 wounded in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): 2 troopers killed, 6 wounded in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte
Two soldiers were killed while six others were seriously following an attack by rebels with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong town, Davao Del Norte Tuesday.
The slain and wounded troopers are from the 60th Infantry Battalion, Capt. Ernest Carolina said.
He said the were soldiers were conducting needs and assessments survey at the above-mentioned locality when the New People's Army (NPA) staged the attack.
Two troopers were instantly killed and six others wounded. Two of the injured soldiers were immediately evacuated for treatment.
Carolina
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667651
Two soldiers were killed while six others were seriously following an attack by rebels with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong town, Davao Del Norte Tuesday.
The slain and wounded troopers are from the 60th Infantry Battalion, Capt. Ernest Carolina said.
He said the were soldiers were conducting needs and assessments survey at the above-mentioned locality when the New People's Army (NPA) staged the attack.
Two troopers were instantly killed and six others wounded. Two of the injured soldiers were immediately evacuated for treatment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667651
Palace shrugs off destabilization plot
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Palace shrugs off destabilization plot
Malacanang on Wednesday brushed aside reports of a new coup plot allegedly hatched by some retired generals, noting the Aquino administration has already implemented reforms to strengthen the country’s armed forces.
“We just want to affirm and to assure the public that there [is] no restiveness in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.
Lacierda stressed that the involvement of rank-and-file or men and women in active service is an important component for any coup attempt to be successful.
“(But) there are no reports of restiveness amongst the rank-and-file of the AFP...The reason for the lack of interest is, I think, primarily the reforms that the Aquino administration has already implemented with respect to the armed forces,” he said.
“We have provided mission essential equipment to the people on the ground. We have provided housing units. We have modernized the AFP. These are the measures that we have implemented in order to strengthen our AFP. And the rank-and-file realize and do recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Aquino administration in this respect,” he added.
Lacierda said the soldiers have recognized the government’s commitment to providing the basic tools to defend the country.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier warned of possible coup plot against the government being hatched by some retired generals with alleged links to former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“And (AFP information chief) Lieutenant Colonel Demy Zagala has come out immediately and to assure the public that there is no such restiveness in the armed forces—in the men and women of the active service,” Lacierda said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667677
Malacanang on Wednesday brushed aside reports of a new coup plot allegedly hatched by some retired generals, noting the Aquino administration has already implemented reforms to strengthen the country’s armed forces.
“We just want to affirm and to assure the public that there [is] no restiveness in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.
Lacierda stressed that the involvement of rank-and-file or men and women in active service is an important component for any coup attempt to be successful.
“(But) there are no reports of restiveness amongst the rank-and-file of the AFP...The reason for the lack of interest is, I think, primarily the reforms that the Aquino administration has already implemented with respect to the armed forces,” he said.
“We have provided mission essential equipment to the people on the ground. We have provided housing units. We have modernized the AFP. These are the measures that we have implemented in order to strengthen our AFP. And the rank-and-file realize and do recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Aquino administration in this respect,” he added.
Lacierda said the soldiers have recognized the government’s commitment to providing the basic tools to defend the country.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier warned of possible coup plot against the government being hatched by some retired generals with alleged links to former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“And (AFP information chief) Lieutenant Colonel Demy Zagala has come out immediately and to assure the public that there is no such restiveness in the armed forces—in the men and women of the active service,” Lacierda said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667677
Malacañang says release of four policemen could lead to peace talks with communist rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Malacañang says release of four policemen could lead to peace talks with communist rebels
The Palace on Wednesday welcomed the release of four policemen who were abducted by communist rebels in Surigao del Norte, saying the act is a “groundbreaking event” that could lead to the resumption of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).
“This is a welcome development on the part of the NDF to release these four policemen. Certainly, we hope this is a groundbreaking event where the Communist Party of the Philippines -- National People’s Army -- National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) would look forward to resuming the peace process without any condition,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.
Lacierda reiterated that the government is always prepared to sit down with them.
“We are always there. We are hopeful that this thing would move forward the peace table with respect to the left,” he added.
The policemen, who were abducted when rebels raided their police station in Alegria, Surigao del Norte last July 10, were released at dawn on Tuesday in a remote village in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667728
The Palace on Wednesday welcomed the release of four policemen who were abducted by communist rebels in Surigao del Norte, saying the act is a “groundbreaking event” that could lead to the resumption of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).
“This is a welcome development on the part of the NDF to release these four policemen. Certainly, we hope this is a groundbreaking event where the Communist Party of the Philippines -- National People’s Army -- National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) would look forward to resuming the peace process without any condition,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.
Lacierda reiterated that the government is always prepared to sit down with them.
“We are always there. We are hopeful that this thing would move forward the peace table with respect to the left,” he added.
The policemen, who were abducted when rebels raided their police station in Alegria, Surigao del Norte last July 10, were released at dawn on Tuesday in a remote village in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667728
AFP chief douses coup talk as troop movements fuel jitters
From InterAksyon (Jul 30): AFP chief douses coup talk as troop movements fuel jitters
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gregorio Catapang on Wednesday doused talk started by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV about a supposed coup plot against Peresident Benigno Aquino III, saying: “There is no intelligence report on that.”
News reports quoted Trillanes as claiming retired generals with ties to the former administration were supposedly “recruiting” troops for the alleged plot.
Emerging from a hearing of the Select Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Confidential Funds at the Senate, the AFP chief said: “Wala naman pong rason kasi maayos naman po ang pamamalakad ng ating mahal na Pangulo at suportadong-suportado po kami sa modernization program natin (There is no reason because our President’s governance is sound and we fully support our modernization program).”
He pointed out that the supposed coup plot was not even brought up during the committee hearing.
He also dismissed the need for a “loyalty check” of the troops.
“Our soldiers are loyal (to the Constitution and to their mandate) so there is no need for any loyalty check,” he said.
Earlier, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the military has not monitored any attempt to destabilize the government from within its ranks.
"Presently, there is no monitored destabilization among active members of the AFP, there is no recruitment nor any moves within the active service to do such," said Zagala in a chance interview.
Several reported sightings of military vehicles moving in convoys through major Metro Manila thoroughfares on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning fueled jitters, but sources within the intelligence community brushed aside the fears as groundless.
But at the House of Representatives, lawmakers who once served in the police and military urged security and intelligence officials to verify the reported destabilization attempts, even as a number said such moves would not succeed.
"We are monitoring interchanges on the radio, and I think it is just right to give clarity to these report," Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo Bataoil, a former police general, said.
Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano said such talks of destabilization should not be dismissed because "that's where plans and movements are hatched."
"Kung may ganung usapan, kung may naamoy, maganda nilalabas para ma-preempt (If there is such talk, if you smell something, it is good to get it out so it can be preempted)," he added.
Alejano’s party-list takes its name from the group of junior officers, including himself and Trillanes, who staged a failed mutiny in 2003 against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
However, he added, "based on the present situation, such moves might find it hard to take off."
Fellow Magdalo Representative Ashley Acedillo said it was "incumbent on security and intelligence agencies to verify" the reports. "This is not a matter to be trifled with ... this is a developing issue," he said.
However, Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop, another former police general, said the clout of retired general was overrated.
"Why don't we just let retired generals just fade away? Being retired, my clout has diminished. Men in the uniformed services (face a) different situation," Acop said.
"On destabilization within the ranks of the AFP, there is none," Zagala said. However, he added that if retired officials "wish to speak against the government or conduct rallies, that is part of our Bill of Rights, and since they are already retired, we have no control over them."
"I think that is part of the freedoms that each citizen of our country enjoys," he said.
Zagala stressed that the level of professionalism in the AFP is very high and the morale of all its officers and enlisted personnel is excellent.
"I think like any Filipino who wishes to be heard, there is nothing wrong as long as they (retired senior officers) don't instigate the taking up of arms," he added.
The Philippine National Police also dismissed talk of destabilization and said any attempt would not come from its ranks.
“Coup d’etat? I(t is) military in nature … the PNP is totally out of it,” PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.
He said the PNP’s intelligence unit is always verifying reports of destabilization threats against the government.
But in case the threat turns out to be true, Sindac said, “the PNP will not tolerate … not this time; the PNP will stand its ground we will not allow such a thing to happen.”
On Tuesday evening, there were reported sightings of convoys of military trucks accompanied by armored personnal carriers along EDSA and in Cubao.
A convoy of three trucks, carrying what appeared to be ammunition crates. and an APC was also sighted Wednesday morning heading southbound on EDSA.
But an intelligence officer who asked not to be named said the convoy was heading to Tanay, Rizal, where the Army's 2nd Infantry Division is based.
The unit was instrumental in helping quell past mutinies against former President Corazon Aquino, mother of the incumbent, as well as the one mounted by the Magdalo group.
Another source criticized Trillanes for airing his claim, saying, "Walang sasama kung GMA (Arroyo)-funded ang coup."
He said the only time the military might intervene is in the event of an anti-government uprising mounted by "extreme forces.”
He added that respect for the Constitution was strong within the ranks.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/92229/afp-chief-douses-coup-talk-as-troop-movements-fuel-jitters
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gregorio Catapang on Wednesday doused talk started by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV about a supposed coup plot against Peresident Benigno Aquino III, saying: “There is no intelligence report on that.”
News reports quoted Trillanes as claiming retired generals with ties to the former administration were supposedly “recruiting” troops for the alleged plot.
Emerging from a hearing of the Select Oversight Committee on Intelligence and Confidential Funds at the Senate, the AFP chief said: “Wala naman pong rason kasi maayos naman po ang pamamalakad ng ating mahal na Pangulo at suportadong-suportado po kami sa modernization program natin (There is no reason because our President’s governance is sound and we fully support our modernization program).”
He pointed out that the supposed coup plot was not even brought up during the committee hearing.
He also dismissed the need for a “loyalty check” of the troops.
“Our soldiers are loyal (to the Constitution and to their mandate) so there is no need for any loyalty check,” he said.
Earlier, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the military has not monitored any attempt to destabilize the government from within its ranks.
"Presently, there is no monitored destabilization among active members of the AFP, there is no recruitment nor any moves within the active service to do such," said Zagala in a chance interview.
Several reported sightings of military vehicles moving in convoys through major Metro Manila thoroughfares on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning fueled jitters, but sources within the intelligence community brushed aside the fears as groundless.
But at the House of Representatives, lawmakers who once served in the police and military urged security and intelligence officials to verify the reported destabilization attempts, even as a number said such moves would not succeed.
"We are monitoring interchanges on the radio, and I think it is just right to give clarity to these report," Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo Bataoil, a former police general, said.
Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano said such talks of destabilization should not be dismissed because "that's where plans and movements are hatched."
"Kung may ganung usapan, kung may naamoy, maganda nilalabas para ma-preempt (If there is such talk, if you smell something, it is good to get it out so it can be preempted)," he added.
Alejano’s party-list takes its name from the group of junior officers, including himself and Trillanes, who staged a failed mutiny in 2003 against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
However, he added, "based on the present situation, such moves might find it hard to take off."
Fellow Magdalo Representative Ashley Acedillo said it was "incumbent on security and intelligence agencies to verify" the reports. "This is not a matter to be trifled with ... this is a developing issue," he said.
However, Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop, another former police general, said the clout of retired general was overrated.
"Why don't we just let retired generals just fade away? Being retired, my clout has diminished. Men in the uniformed services (face a) different situation," Acop said.
"On destabilization within the ranks of the AFP, there is none," Zagala said. However, he added that if retired officials "wish to speak against the government or conduct rallies, that is part of our Bill of Rights, and since they are already retired, we have no control over them."
"I think that is part of the freedoms that each citizen of our country enjoys," he said.
Zagala stressed that the level of professionalism in the AFP is very high and the morale of all its officers and enlisted personnel is excellent.
"I think like any Filipino who wishes to be heard, there is nothing wrong as long as they (retired senior officers) don't instigate the taking up of arms," he added.
The Philippine National Police also dismissed talk of destabilization and said any attempt would not come from its ranks.
“Coup d’etat? I(t is) military in nature … the PNP is totally out of it,” PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac told reporters during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.
He said the PNP’s intelligence unit is always verifying reports of destabilization threats against the government.
But in case the threat turns out to be true, Sindac said, “the PNP will not tolerate … not this time; the PNP will stand its ground we will not allow such a thing to happen.”
On Tuesday evening, there were reported sightings of convoys of military trucks accompanied by armored personnal carriers along EDSA and in Cubao.
A convoy of three trucks, carrying what appeared to be ammunition crates. and an APC was also sighted Wednesday morning heading southbound on EDSA.
But an intelligence officer who asked not to be named said the convoy was heading to Tanay, Rizal, where the Army's 2nd Infantry Division is based.
The unit was instrumental in helping quell past mutinies against former President Corazon Aquino, mother of the incumbent, as well as the one mounted by the Magdalo group.
Another source criticized Trillanes for airing his claim, saying, "Walang sasama kung GMA (Arroyo)-funded ang coup."
He said the only time the military might intervene is in the event of an anti-government uprising mounted by "extreme forces.”
He added that respect for the Constitution was strong within the ranks.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/92229/afp-chief-douses-coup-talk-as-troop-movements-fuel-jitters
Bangsamoro in the SONA: two minutes and two oversights
From MindaNews (Jul 30): Bangsamoro in the SONA: two minutes and two oversights
Two minutes and two oversights.
Those who were anticipating an important announcement from the President on his supposed “legacy” project — the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016 – waited for an hour before he finally talked about it for two minutes out of his 92-minute State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The two-minute talk disappointed many as there was no update on the status of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), no mention of the next steps taken by both the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels to come up with a draft that “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Unlike last year’s SONA, there were no specific calls made on Congress and the public.
In his SONA on July 22 last year, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III called on Congress to pass the BBL before yearend 2014, and the public to support the new autonomous political entity. He also assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that “anumang mapagkasunduan natin ay ipapatupad ng pambansang gobyerno” (whatever is agreed upon would be implemented by the national government).
At that time, only the Framework Agreement on the Bangsmaoro (FAB) and two of four annexes to the FAB had been signed but the President was emphatic that peace was “abot-kamay” (within reach).
In Monday’s SONA, there were no such calls, and the opening paragraph on the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014 did not sound as enthusiastic as last year’s “abot-kamay” peace.
The signing of the CAB notwithstanding, the President said nothing about peace being “abot kamay” in Monday’s SONA. But in a general listing of his administration’s achievements, he said “just and lasting peace in Mindanao” is “already advancing.”
The President said a lot has been achieved through trust and “we have no intention of breaking this trust.” He gave assurance his administration “keeps its word.”
Two oversights
Among those inside the House of Representatives while the President was delivering his SONA were Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel and chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the body tasked to draft the BBL and some members of the BTC.
The President, however, failed to acknowledge their presence.
While his advisers may consider that a minor oversight, a major oversight was the fact that the President could have made the SONA meaningful for the Moro constituents by greeting them “Eid Mubarak” in celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan which coincidentally fell on the day he delivered his SONA.
Earlier, he had declared July 29 a national holiday in celebration of Eid’l Fitr but the Muslims’ most important religious festival fell on July 28 following the sighting of the new moon on July 27.
“Fair, just, acceptable to all”
Instead of reiterating last year’s call on Congress to ensure the passage of the law by yearend, the President on Monday merely asked for “pang-unawa” (understanding) while the draft is being scrutinized per provision so that what would be submitted to Congress would be a draft bill that is “makatuwiran, makatarungan, at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat (fair, just and acceptable to all).
Last year, he urged Congress to pass the law before the end of 2014 to give enough time to prepare for the elections of the new Bangsamoro government in 2016 but last Monday, Aquino sounded tentative: “If we are able to legislate the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of the year and conduct the necessary plebiscite, we will be able to give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority one and a half years to show positive change.”
“Should this be delayed, however, the period for proving that it was right to choose the path of peace will naturally be shortened,” the President said.
The MILF had earlier pushed for a seven-year transition period, one year of the as pre-interim – but agreed to a shorter period following the meeting between President Aquino and MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on August 4, 2011 where they agreed to fast-track the peace process, sign the peace agreement in the first half of the Aquino administration (2010-2013) so that the second half (2013-2016) will be for implementation.
The MILF-led 15-member BTC submitted the draft BBL to Malacanang (Office of the President) on April 22, expecting it would be submitted by the President and certified “urgent” when Congress resumed sessions on May 5. Congress adjourned sine die on June 11 without receiving the draft.
“Heavily diluted”
Malacanang handed over the reviewed draft to the MLF only on June 21 but the MILF raised concerns that Malacanang’s proposed revisions had “heavily diluted” the BTC draft.
MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, also the BTC chair, raised these concerns during a meeting with President Aquino in Hiroshima, Japan, on June 24, minutes before he delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar at the Sheraton Hotel there.
On June 27 in Iloilo, the Presidential Communications Operations Office in its report said the President told reporters that he asked Murad in Hiroshima “if it would be possible to meet sometime next week, either their panels or we, in particular, or our designated representatives to thresh it out (concerns about the draft BBL) and come up with the proposed measure and send it to Congress, even before the SONA.”
The BTC passed a resolution on July 3 raising their concerns about the reviewed draft and elevated the matter to the peace panels who, despite three meetings – July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, 18-21 in Manila and 25-27 also in Manila – failed to reach what President Aquino had hoped for on June 27, a draft “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Aquino met with the BTC members for nearly four hours on July 24 to discuss the still unresolved issues but by then, the resolution of these issues was no longer in the hands of the BTC as it had elevated the matter to the panels on July 3.
PNoy’s Eid’l Fitr gift
Noraida Abo, Executive Director of the United Youth of the Philippines-Women (Unyphil Women)in Cotabato City had wished that President Aquino’s Eid’l Fitr gift to the Bangsamoro was “for him to recommend the BTC BBL to Congress so it can attend to it immediately.”
Members of the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement deliver their messages on the peace agreement during a rally on Monday morning at the Cotabato City plaza. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
On Monday morning, at the rally at the plaza in Cotabato City, the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement said, among others, that the CAB must be implemented in letter and spirit “not diluted and mangled” and that a “diluted proposed BBL is anti-peace.” They also called on President Aquino to “not repeat the mistake of the past.”
“Mr. President, the Bangsamoro is also your boss,” a message on the streamers said.
In Davao City, Irene Santiago, chair of the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) said that if the President’s vision was transformation, the President missed a “great opportunity to tell our people that peace in Mindanao is one of the pillars of that transformation.”
“The pernicious problems hat beset this country are rooted in exclusion. And today his SONA excluded the peoples of Mindanao just when they most needed the Congress and the Senate to hear the President’s firm commitment to the creation of a transformed entity called the Bangsamoro,” Santiago added.
Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Sulu said the CAB in particular “is not only running out of time in its implementation, but more worrisome if the Philippine Congress would not fast track the passage of the BBL as proposed by the BTC. For while the issue of its being watered down by Congress on its own convenience is a possibility – and hoping it will not – what is totally unacceptable is an alleged bogus BBL that would play the role of a substitute to the one submitted by the people.”
CAB is not only about BBL
Naguib Sinarimbo, a member of the legal team of the MILF peace panel, said the President’s singular focus on the Bangsamoro Basic Law “betrays the government’s lack of a comprehensive implementation strategy of the CAB.”
Sinarimbo, who served as ARMM Executive Secretary from December 2009 to December 2011, said the CAB is “not only about the Bangsamoro Basic Law although it’s the most important aspect of the agreement.”
He said the President should have outlined a “comprehensive implementation strategy” that may include immediate socio-economic program, pursuit of the transitional security arrangements aimed at improving the security condition in the Bangsamoro such as the grant of amnesty, etc.
“These are implementable aspects of the CAB even without waiting for the passage of the BBL. This brings us to the most essential decision for government to shift the locus of engagement between the parties, now partners post agreement, from the negotiating panels to an implementing agency of the government. Otherwise, it will be a never- ending negotiation,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/30/bangsamoro-in-the-sona-two-minutes-and-two-oversights/
Two minutes and two oversights.
Those who were anticipating an important announcement from the President on his supposed “legacy” project — the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by June 30, 2016 – waited for an hour before he finally talked about it for two minutes out of his 92-minute State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The two-minute talk disappointed many as there was no update on the status of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), no mention of the next steps taken by both the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels to come up with a draft that “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Unlike last year’s SONA, there were no specific calls made on Congress and the public.
In his SONA on July 22 last year, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III called on Congress to pass the BBL before yearend 2014, and the public to support the new autonomous political entity. He also assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that “anumang mapagkasunduan natin ay ipapatupad ng pambansang gobyerno” (whatever is agreed upon would be implemented by the national government).
In Monday’s SONA, there were no such calls, and the opening paragraph on the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014 did not sound as enthusiastic as last year’s “abot-kamay” peace.
The signing of the CAB notwithstanding, the President said nothing about peace being “abot kamay” in Monday’s SONA. But in a general listing of his administration’s achievements, he said “just and lasting peace in Mindanao” is “already advancing.”
The President said a lot has been achieved through trust and “we have no intention of breaking this trust.” He gave assurance his administration “keeps its word.”
Two oversights
Among those inside the House of Representatives while the President was delivering his SONA were Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel and chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the body tasked to draft the BBL and some members of the BTC.
The President, however, failed to acknowledge their presence.
While his advisers may consider that a minor oversight, a major oversight was the fact that the President could have made the SONA meaningful for the Moro constituents by greeting them “Eid Mubarak” in celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan which coincidentally fell on the day he delivered his SONA.
Earlier, he had declared July 29 a national holiday in celebration of Eid’l Fitr but the Muslims’ most important religious festival fell on July 28 following the sighting of the new moon on July 27.
“Fair, just, acceptable to all”
Instead of reiterating last year’s call on Congress to ensure the passage of the law by yearend, the President on Monday merely asked for “pang-unawa” (understanding) while the draft is being scrutinized per provision so that what would be submitted to Congress would be a draft bill that is “makatuwiran, makatarungan, at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat (fair, just and acceptable to all).
Last year, he urged Congress to pass the law before the end of 2014 to give enough time to prepare for the elections of the new Bangsamoro government in 2016 but last Monday, Aquino sounded tentative: “If we are able to legislate the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of the year and conduct the necessary plebiscite, we will be able to give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority one and a half years to show positive change.”
“Should this be delayed, however, the period for proving that it was right to choose the path of peace will naturally be shortened,” the President said.
The MILF had earlier pushed for a seven-year transition period, one year of the as pre-interim – but agreed to a shorter period following the meeting between President Aquino and MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on August 4, 2011 where they agreed to fast-track the peace process, sign the peace agreement in the first half of the Aquino administration (2010-2013) so that the second half (2013-2016) will be for implementation.
The MILF-led 15-member BTC submitted the draft BBL to Malacanang (Office of the President) on April 22, expecting it would be submitted by the President and certified “urgent” when Congress resumed sessions on May 5. Congress adjourned sine die on June 11 without receiving the draft.
“Heavily diluted”
Malacanang handed over the reviewed draft to the MLF only on June 21 but the MILF raised concerns that Malacanang’s proposed revisions had “heavily diluted” the BTC draft.
MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, also the BTC chair, raised these concerns during a meeting with President Aquino in Hiroshima, Japan, on June 24, minutes before he delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar at the Sheraton Hotel there.
On June 27 in Iloilo, the Presidential Communications Operations Office in its report said the President told reporters that he asked Murad in Hiroshima “if it would be possible to meet sometime next week, either their panels or we, in particular, or our designated representatives to thresh it out (concerns about the draft BBL) and come up with the proposed measure and send it to Congress, even before the SONA.”
The BTC passed a resolution on July 3 raising their concerns about the reviewed draft and elevated the matter to the peace panels who, despite three meetings – July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, 18-21 in Manila and 25-27 also in Manila – failed to reach what President Aquino had hoped for on June 27, a draft “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Aquino met with the BTC members for nearly four hours on July 24 to discuss the still unresolved issues but by then, the resolution of these issues was no longer in the hands of the BTC as it had elevated the matter to the panels on July 3.
PNoy’s Eid’l Fitr gift
Noraida Abo, Executive Director of the United Youth of the Philippines-Women (Unyphil Women)in Cotabato City had wished that President Aquino’s Eid’l Fitr gift to the Bangsamoro was “for him to recommend the BTC BBL to Congress so it can attend to it immediately.”
Members of the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement deliver their messages on the peace agreement during a rally on Monday morning at the Cotabato City plaza. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
On Monday morning, at the rally at the plaza in Cotabato City, the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement said, among others, that the CAB must be implemented in letter and spirit “not diluted and mangled” and that a “diluted proposed BBL is anti-peace.” They also called on President Aquino to “not repeat the mistake of the past.”
“Mr. President, the Bangsamoro is also your boss,” a message on the streamers said.
In Davao City, Irene Santiago, chair of the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) said that if the President’s vision was transformation, the President missed a “great opportunity to tell our people that peace in Mindanao is one of the pillars of that transformation.”
“The pernicious problems hat beset this country are rooted in exclusion. And today his SONA excluded the peoples of Mindanao just when they most needed the Congress and the Senate to hear the President’s firm commitment to the creation of a transformed entity called the Bangsamoro,” Santiago added.
Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Sulu said the CAB in particular “is not only running out of time in its implementation, but more worrisome if the Philippine Congress would not fast track the passage of the BBL as proposed by the BTC. For while the issue of its being watered down by Congress on its own convenience is a possibility – and hoping it will not – what is totally unacceptable is an alleged bogus BBL that would play the role of a substitute to the one submitted by the people.”
CAB is not only about BBL
Naguib Sinarimbo, a member of the legal team of the MILF peace panel, said the President’s singular focus on the Bangsamoro Basic Law “betrays the government’s lack of a comprehensive implementation strategy of the CAB.”
Sinarimbo, who served as ARMM Executive Secretary from December 2009 to December 2011, said the CAB is “not only about the Bangsamoro Basic Law although it’s the most important aspect of the agreement.”
He said the President should have outlined a “comprehensive implementation strategy” that may include immediate socio-economic program, pursuit of the transitional security arrangements aimed at improving the security condition in the Bangsamoro such as the grant of amnesty, etc.
“These are implementable aspects of the CAB even without waiting for the passage of the BBL. This brings us to the most essential decision for government to shift the locus of engagement between the parties, now partners post agreement, from the negotiating panels to an implementing agency of the government. Otherwise, it will be a never- ending negotiation,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/30/bangsamoro-in-the-sona-two-minutes-and-two-oversights/
GPH, MILF peace panels meet anew to finalize draft BBL; Senate, House leaders await draft BBL
From MindaNews (Jul 30): GPH, MILF peace panels meet anew to finalize draft BBL; Senate, House leaders await draft BBL
The peace panels of the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are going to hold a “lengthy meeting” starting Aug 1 to finalize a “mutually acceptable” draft Bangsamoro Basic Law for submission to Congress, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said.
Deles told ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) after the President’s State of the Nation Address on Monday that the “lengthy meeting” would be held in the Philippines “not necessarily in Manila,” and that the intention is “ituloy-tuloy na ito hanggang matapos” (they will meet until they finish the task).
Deles’ announcement came on the same day leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives vowed in their respective opening remarks at the second regular session of the 16th Congress that they were just waiting for the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“We shall also work on the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will put an end to the decades-old conflict in Mindanao. It is our hope that Malacanang can transmit to us the proposed basic law as soon as possible,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said.
“All these we plan to accomplish by God’s grace and by our collective vision and determination, with heads unbowed and in continued fidelity to the Constitution and to the people to whom we owe our mandate,” he said.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte acknowledged the “clamor for a BBL.”
“Current realities challenge us to reexamine existing legislative policies on the governance of parts of Mindanao,” he said, adding that the 16th Congress is “given the signal opportunity to make history by passing a responsive Bangsamoro Basic Law that shall establish a solid framework for genuine peace and enduring stability in Mindanao within the bounds of the Constitution.”
Belmonte said that as soon as a draft measure is submitted to Congress, “we must ensure the judicious passage of this law.”
The draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was submitted to Malacanang (Office of the President) by the MILF-led 15-member joint government-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission on April 22. It took Malacanang two months to hand over the reviewed draft to the MILF on June 21.
MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, also chair of the BTC, met with President Aquino in Hiroshima on June 24, shorly before the President delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar, expressing their concerns over Malacanang’s proposed revisions to the 97-page draft.
Iqbal would later say the proposed revisions “heavily diluted” the BTC draft and would render the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that it seeks to replace.
The BTC passed a resolution on July 3 raising their concerns about the reviewed draft and elevated the matter to the peace panels who, despite three meetings – July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, 18-21 in Manila and 25-27 also in Manila – failed to reach what President Aquino had hoped for on June 27, a draft “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Deles said the aim of the “lengthy meeting” starting August 1 is to finalize the draft BBL that would be submitted to Congress.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/30/gph-milf-peace-panels-meet-anew-to-finalize-draft-bbl-senate-house-leaders-await-draft-bbl/
The peace panels of the government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are going to hold a “lengthy meeting” starting Aug 1 to finalize a “mutually acceptable” draft Bangsamoro Basic Law for submission to Congress, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said.
Deles told ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) after the President’s State of the Nation Address on Monday that the “lengthy meeting” would be held in the Philippines “not necessarily in Manila,” and that the intention is “ituloy-tuloy na ito hanggang matapos” (they will meet until they finish the task).
Deles’ announcement came on the same day leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives vowed in their respective opening remarks at the second regular session of the 16th Congress that they were just waiting for the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“We shall also work on the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will put an end to the decades-old conflict in Mindanao. It is our hope that Malacanang can transmit to us the proposed basic law as soon as possible,” Senate President Franklin Drilon said.
“All these we plan to accomplish by God’s grace and by our collective vision and determination, with heads unbowed and in continued fidelity to the Constitution and to the people to whom we owe our mandate,” he said.
“Current realities challenge us to reexamine existing legislative policies on the governance of parts of Mindanao,” he said, adding that the 16th Congress is “given the signal opportunity to make history by passing a responsive Bangsamoro Basic Law that shall establish a solid framework for genuine peace and enduring stability in Mindanao within the bounds of the Constitution.”
Belmonte said that as soon as a draft measure is submitted to Congress, “we must ensure the judicious passage of this law.”
The draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was submitted to Malacanang (Office of the President) by the MILF-led 15-member joint government-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission on April 22. It took Malacanang two months to hand over the reviewed draft to the MILF on June 21.
MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, also chair of the BTC, met with President Aquino in Hiroshima on June 24, shorly before the President delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar, expressing their concerns over Malacanang’s proposed revisions to the 97-page draft.
Iqbal would later say the proposed revisions “heavily diluted” the BTC draft and would render the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that it seeks to replace.
The BTC passed a resolution on July 3 raising their concerns about the reviewed draft and elevated the matter to the peace panels who, despite three meetings – July 8 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, 18-21 in Manila and 25-27 also in Manila – failed to reach what President Aquino had hoped for on June 27, a draft “both sides can fully support and endorse.”
Deles said the aim of the “lengthy meeting” starting August 1 is to finalize the draft BBL that would be submitted to Congress.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/30/gph-milf-peace-panels-meet-anew-to-finalize-draft-bbl-senate-house-leaders-await-draft-bbl/
Cops’ release gesture of goodwill for peace talks – NDFP
From MindaNews (Jul 30): Cops’ release gesture of goodwill for peace talks – NDFP
The release Tuesday of four policemen who were held captive by the New People’s Army since July 10 was a gesture of goodwill to advance the peace process between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a rebel leader said.
PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Roquino, all of Alegria, Surigao del Norte were released in this village escorted by around 200 NPA guerrillas belonging to Front 16-A.
The four policemen were seized by a blocking force of the New People’s Army during the raid on the Alegria police station last July 10.
During the release, Ka Joaquin, who spoke on behalf of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, NDFP-Mindanao spokesperson said “this release is a goodwill gesture to promote the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and as a response to the appeal of the families of the Prisoners of War.”
Ka Joaquin said Ka Oris himself could have witnessed the release had the government granted the request of the NDFP for a 10-day ceasefire.
He said the NDFP asked for no pre-condition other than the conduct of safe release of the captives.
He added the release could have happened earlier had the local crisis committee agreed to the proposal for a 10-day ceasefire.
Ka Joaquin said they no longer subjected their captives to a “preliminary investigation and possible litigation before the people’s court” because they wanted to relay to government their willingness to resume peace negotiations.
“Now that we have released the POWs (prisoners of war) we hope the peace process could continue,” he said.
Treated well
The policemen told reporters that they were in good condition.
“The rebels provided everything we need. They even gave us vitamins,” said Zabala.
He added they were always on the move, although they were not blindfolded and were treated well.
He said they were really afraid during the first few days but their captors always assured them.
During their first night in captivity, they said they could not sleep because they were so worried about their families.
“We thanked the rebels for taking care of us in the mountain. We were never physically harmed and we were always given food,” Zabala said.
Morales said: “The rebels provided us safety and security. The have a medical team who frequently conducted checkups on us. We moved from one place to another to ensure we would not be caught in an encounter.”
Resume peace talks
Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Independent Church of the Philippines-Surigao Diocese, who headed the third party facilitators, thanked the rebels for treating their captives well and for heeding their plea for their safe release.
He said he was hoping the release would help push the resumption of peace talks.
“We want everlasting peace. We don’t want this thing to happen again and again. We don’t want violence,” he added.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Board Member Myrna M. Romarate, who also witnessed the release urged the government to make a step forward for the resumption of peace talks.
“We have to achieve one goal here and that’s to attain peace and order in our province and to the country as well,” she said.
Romarate said one of the captives, Requino, is the husband of her niece. She said this was the reason she forced herself to climb up the remote village to personally witness the release.
She said she was not afraid since there was a truce between the communist guerillas and government forces.
Bacuag Mayor Shiela Mae Orquina Cebedo, Surigao City Councilors Jose Begil Jr. and Baltazar Abian, Agusan del Norte Gov. Angel Amante, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., Kitcharao Mayor Aristotle Montante and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Hernani Braganza also witnessed the release.
After the release, the four policemen were brought to the Kitcharao Central Elementary School where DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles and Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima and the families of the policemen were waiting.
It was a tearful reunion for the policemen and their respective families as the freed captives arrived at the school and their wives met and embraced them.
More than fiesta
Alvin Ponce, a village councilor in Hinimbangan said he could not believe the number of people who came to witness the release.
He said it was his first time to see such a large number of NPA rebels. He admitted having seen rebels pass by the village before but only in small numbers.
“It’s more than fiesta here today,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/30/cops-release-gesture-of-goodwill-for-peace-talks-ndfp/
The release Tuesday of four policemen who were held captive by the New People’s Army since July 10 was a gesture of goodwill to advance the peace process between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a rebel leader said.
PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Roquino, all of Alegria, Surigao del Norte were released in this village escorted by around 200 NPA guerrillas belonging to Front 16-A.
The four policemen were seized by a blocking force of the New People’s Army during the raid on the Alegria police station last July 10.
During the release, Ka Joaquin, who spoke on behalf of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, NDFP-Mindanao spokesperson said “this release is a goodwill gesture to promote the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and as a response to the appeal of the families of the Prisoners of War.”
Ka Joaquin said Ka Oris himself could have witnessed the release had the government granted the request of the NDFP for a 10-day ceasefire.
He added the release could have happened earlier had the local crisis committee agreed to the proposal for a 10-day ceasefire.
Ka Joaquin said they no longer subjected their captives to a “preliminary investigation and possible litigation before the people’s court” because they wanted to relay to government their willingness to resume peace negotiations.
“Now that we have released the POWs (prisoners of war) we hope the peace process could continue,” he said.
Treated well
The policemen told reporters that they were in good condition.
“The rebels provided everything we need. They even gave us vitamins,” said Zabala.
He added they were always on the move, although they were not blindfolded and were treated well.
He said they were really afraid during the first few days but their captors always assured them.
During their first night in captivity, they said they could not sleep because they were so worried about their families.
“We thanked the rebels for taking care of us in the mountain. We were never physically harmed and we were always given food,” Zabala said.
Morales said: “The rebels provided us safety and security. The have a medical team who frequently conducted checkups on us. We moved from one place to another to ensure we would not be caught in an encounter.”
Resume peace talks
Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Independent Church of the Philippines-Surigao Diocese, who headed the third party facilitators, thanked the rebels for treating their captives well and for heeding their plea for their safe release.
He said he was hoping the release would help push the resumption of peace talks.
“We want everlasting peace. We don’t want this thing to happen again and again. We don’t want violence,” he added.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Board Member Myrna M. Romarate, who also witnessed the release urged the government to make a step forward for the resumption of peace talks.
“We have to achieve one goal here and that’s to attain peace and order in our province and to the country as well,” she said.
Romarate said one of the captives, Requino, is the husband of her niece. She said this was the reason she forced herself to climb up the remote village to personally witness the release.
She said she was not afraid since there was a truce between the communist guerillas and government forces.
Bacuag Mayor Shiela Mae Orquina Cebedo, Surigao City Councilors Jose Begil Jr. and Baltazar Abian, Agusan del Norte Gov. Angel Amante, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., Kitcharao Mayor Aristotle Montante and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Hernani Braganza also witnessed the release.
After the release, the four policemen were brought to the Kitcharao Central Elementary School where DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles and Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima and the families of the policemen were waiting.
It was a tearful reunion for the policemen and their respective families as the freed captives arrived at the school and their wives met and embraced them.
More than fiesta
Alvin Ponce, a village councilor in Hinimbangan said he could not believe the number of people who came to witness the release.
He said it was his first time to see such a large number of NPA rebels. He admitted having seen rebels pass by the village before but only in small numbers.
“It’s more than fiesta here today,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/30/cops-release-gesture-of-goodwill-for-peace-talks-ndfp/