From Ang Malaya (Feb 10): PHL, Indonesia strengthening defense equipment trade
Philippines and Indonesia may enter into a more active defense equipment trade.
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said during the joint press conference with President Aquino “we had discussed the potential that we would like to offer on the trade of defense equipment.”
Department of National Defense have already entered into number of military procurement with Indonesian firms.
One of the most notable procurement is the two Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock from PT PAL Indonesia. The ceremonial first steel cutting for first vessel was held last January 22. It is expected to be delivered on the second quarter of 2016 to Philippine Navy as strategic sealift vessel. Second unit is expected on the first half of 2017.
Another project that is in progress with an Indonesian firm is the acquisition of two light lift fixed-wing aircraft. It was reported early of 2014 that PT Dirgantara Indonesia won the bidding with its NC-212i.
Indonesian firms have been actively participating in procurement projects initiated by DND for Philippine Navy and Air Force.
Two countries have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Defense College of the Philippines and Indonesia’s Lembaga Ketahanan Nasional (LEMHANAS) on Cooperation in Education, Research and Training.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/02/10/8325-phl-indonesia-strengthening-defense-equipment-trade
Monday, February 9, 2015
Gov’t, MILF ceasefire mechanisms worked hard to effect ceasefire in Mamasapano
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): Gov’t, MILF ceasefire mechanisms worked hard to effect ceasefire in Mamasapano
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=734148
Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair
Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer stressed during Monday's Senate hearing the
hard work of the joint ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) upon learning of the firefight that broke out between
their troops in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.
According to Coronel-Ferrer, it was the head of the
MILF-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Rasid
Ladiasan who gave the first notice of the firefight to his GPH counterpart.
"The information (on the firefight) came from the MILF-CCCH. [They said]
that there was trouble in the area,” she said.
“Ladiasan called our GPH ceasefire [mechanism] and requested
for ceasefire,” the panel chair added.
According to Coronel-Ferrer, the joint report of the
ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and MILF, namely the CCCH and Ad Hoc Joint
Action Group "would show that our ceasefire committee was not aware of the
event," referring to the operation of the Philippine National Police
Special Action Force in the area. Said report was submitted by the ceasefire
mechanism to the Senate through the government peace panel.
Coronel-Ferrer spoke at a hearing of the Senate Committee on
Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chaired by Senator Grace Poe and Senate
Committee on Peace and Unification chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona III.
The documents submitted by the ceasefire mechanisms show
that by 6:42 a.m. of January 25, Ladiasan sent a text message to Dir. Carlos
Sol, head of the GPH-CCCH secretariat, stating, "We have to ceasefire bro
before its too late. Ano kaya bro kung puntahan natin sa area baka may staff
kayo kasama at IMT bro ma-invite mo sila. (We have to ceasefire, brother,
before its too late. What if we go to the area, you and your staff. Also the
IMT, you can invite them.)"
Effecting the ceasefire
Coronel-Ferrer shared that while the firefight was ongoing,
GPH-CCCH head Brigadier General Carlito Galvez Jr. and Sol were in Butig, Lanao
del Sur accompanying members of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in a
site visit to Camp
Bushra
Meanwhile, Ladiasan relayed that on his part, as soon as he
learned of the firefight, he immediately informed the leadership of the MILF’s
Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in Camp Darapanan
Ladiasan noted that achieving immediate ceasefire was
difficult due to the “close encounter” of the troops.
"Yung pag-e-execute ng ceasefire, hindi
madali,(executing the ceasefire is not easy) considering the situation on the
ground and communication constraints," he said.
However, the MILF ceasefire chief stressed that "buong
puso po kaming nakikipag-coordinate sa government simula pa sa umpisa. Madami
po kaming successes sa ganoong pagtutulungan. (We have been wholeheartedly
coordinating with our government counterparts [in the CCCH] at the outset
[since the CCCH was created]. We have a lot of successes in our cooperation
[for ceasefire].”
Since 1997, a ceasefire mechanism has been put in place under
the Agreement between the Government and the MILF for General Cessation of
Hostilities that was signed following the start of the peace negotiations
between the two parties. The Agreement provided for the creation and
establishment of a joint CCCH that was designed to activate and respond
immediately to de-escalate any reported hostile armed confrontation between the
Government and MILF forces, with no need for Presidential nor Cabinet Secretary
level instruction.
Meanwhile, the AHJAG was established in May 2002, through a
joint communiqué between the GPH and MILF and formally organized in 2005. It's
mandate is to coordinate, monitor and disseminate information between and among
the AFP and PNP for the Government, and the BIAF for the MILF, to effect the
apprehension and arrest of the identified selected criminal elements within the
"MILF areas/communities."
During the hearing, Senator Gregorio Honasan noted the
importance of coordination during security operations. "Coordination
should be proactive para maiwasan nating magkaputukan (to prevent
firefight)," the senator said.
Honasan, a former military officer, pointed out that it is
not easy to immediately stop a firefight when it has already erupted, hence the
importance of observing proper coordination protocols.
Parallel to this, Galvez explained that working out a
ceasefire is difficult because "we have to understand the dynamics and
social order ng lugar na yun [in the area]," noting the presence of
different armed groups and the terrain of Mamasapano. He also pointed out that
it is hard to separate forces when there are casualties on both sides.
Sen. Honasan urged that "Pag-ingatan po natin ito
(Let's be careful with these [protocols]) because lives are involved. The life
of a nation is involved.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=734148
701st Infantry Brigade gets new commanding officer
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10): 701st Infantry Brigade gets new commanding officer
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=734170
The Davao Oriental-based 701st Infantry Brigade has a new
commanding officer in the person of Col. Bienvenido Datuin Tuesday.
Datuin replaces Col. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., who was
promoted as the new assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
Datuin is a seasoned officer who is experienced in both
combat and non-combat operations.
Prior to his designation as 701st Infantry Brigade
commander, he held several positions that require major responsibility to
include platoon leader, company commander, chief of the civil-military
operations branch, operations and CMO officer of 703rd Infantry Brigade.
He also served as secretary general staff and administration
officer, commanding officer of training school, assistant chief of unified
command staff for operations of Central Command, commandant of National Capital
Region Regional Community Defense Group and chief of Unified Command Staff.
Datuin also served as commander of 28th Infantry Battalion
and Army Personnel Management
Center
He is a proud member of Philippine Military Academy
"Sinagtala" Class of 1986.
Datuin also took up his Masters of Arts in Psychology in Saint Louis University ,
Bagiuo City
and Master in Management Studies at the Australian Defense Force in Australia
His journey in the military service was guided by his able
leadership, competence and dedication to his job having undergone various
schoolings both in the country and abroad to include the following: Bachelor of
Military Science at Philippine Military Academy in 1986;
Scout Ranger Orientation Course at Scout Ranger Training
Center, FSRR in 1986; Civil Military Operations Course at CMO School,
Philippine Army in 1991; Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Combat Arms
School, Training and Doctrine Command, PA in 1992; Political Warfare Course at
FHK College, Taipei, ROC in 1994, Defense Acquisition Course at United Kingdom
Ministry of Defense in 1999; Command and General Staff Course at AFP Command
and General College in 2005 and the 36th Pacific Armies Management Seminar at
Canberra, Australia in 2012.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=734170
One dead in MILF-BIFF clash
From Rappler (Feb 10): One dead in MILF-BIFF clash
A military official says the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters suffer a casualty in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao
REBEL FORCES.The MILF has clashed with its breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. File photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Rappler
A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed and another hurt in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, February 9, the military said.
Army Captain Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a phone interview on Tuesday, February 10, that MILF fighters under the 108th Base Command clashed with the BIFF in the remote village of Kalbugan in Maguindanao past 5 pm on Monday.
“The BIFF suffered one fatality and another wounded during the fighting,” Petinglay said.
She said that the MILF troops were reportedly in pursuit of the BIFF fighters involved in the January 25 clash with elite cops in Mamasapano town, which left 44 Special Action Force troopers dead.
The clash lasted for half an hour, Petinglay added.
The sincerity of the MILF in the peace process has been under question following the Mamasapano clash, where MILF and BIFF forces clashed with the police officers.
President Benigno Aquino III had earlier demanded from the MILF two concrete actions that would prove its sincerity in forging peace with the government, one of which it had yielded to – the return of weapons and personal effects of the SAF obtained in Mamasapano.
The other is for the MILF to "step aside" if military and police operations in the hunt for alleged bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman – the other high-value target of the SAF operation in Mamasapano who evaded authorities – involve their areas.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83507-milf-biff-clash-maguindanao
A military official says the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters suffer a casualty in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao
REBEL FORCES.The MILF has clashed with its breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. File photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Rappler
A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed and another hurt in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, February 9, the military said.
Army Captain Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a phone interview on Tuesday, February 10, that MILF fighters under the 108th Base Command clashed with the BIFF in the remote village of Kalbugan in Maguindanao past 5 pm on Monday.
“The BIFF suffered one fatality and another wounded during the fighting,” Petinglay said.
She said that the MILF troops were reportedly in pursuit of the BIFF fighters involved in the January 25 clash with elite cops in Mamasapano town, which left 44 Special Action Force troopers dead.
The clash lasted for half an hour, Petinglay added.
The sincerity of the MILF in the peace process has been under question following the Mamasapano clash, where MILF and BIFF forces clashed with the police officers.
President Benigno Aquino III had earlier demanded from the MILF two concrete actions that would prove its sincerity in forging peace with the government, one of which it had yielded to – the return of weapons and personal effects of the SAF obtained in Mamasapano.
The other is for the MILF to "step aside" if military and police operations in the hunt for alleged bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman – the other high-value target of the SAF operation in Mamasapano who evaded authorities – involve their areas.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83507-milf-biff-clash-maguindanao
Police, military generals face off over Mamasapano
From Rappler (Feb 9): Police, military generals face off over Mamasapano
In the Senate probe, police and military generals explain why hundreds of other SAF commandos and soldiers nearby were unable to rescue the cops trapped in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
BLAME GAME: Police and military generals explain why hundreds of other SAF commandos and soldiers were unable to help. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler
The first day of the Senate probe into the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos turned into a face-off between relieved SAF commander police director Getulio Napeñas and military commanders whom he accused of failing to reinforce his beleaguered troops on January 25.
In the Senate probe, police and military generals explain why hundreds of other SAF commandos and soldiers nearby were unable to rescue the cops trapped in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
BLAME GAME: Police and military generals explain why hundreds of other SAF commandos and soldiers were unable to help. Photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler
The first day of the Senate probe into the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos turned into a face-off between relieved SAF commander police director Getulio Napeñas and military commanders whom he accused of failing to reinforce his beleaguered troops on January 25.
The Monday, February 9 hearing also became a venue for the senators to present their arguments for and against the continuation of the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the group that engaged the SAF in the deadly firefight.
Senator Grace Poe asked the SAF commander to explain why hundreds of other SAF commandos in the highway were unable to help their comrades. Senator JV Ejercito also asked why the military was unable to provide air support. The two senators echoed the questions raised in the blame game between cops and soldiers. (READ: Inside Mamasapano: Whe the bullets ran out)
While Senator Teofisto Guingona III lamented calls to end the peace talks with the MILF, Ejercito also expressed concern about possible dangers in allowing the ceasefire to continue.
Guingona: Mayroong mga sumisigaw ng all out war. Maling mali yan. Hindi yan ang tamang landas. Alam natin lahat, lalung-lalo na ang mga sundalo at pulis, na pagdating sa digmaan, walang panalo. Walang panalo. Ang unang mabibiktima sa digmaan ay ang mga sibilyan, mga nanay, mga bata at ang mga pamilya. Walang mananalo sa digmaan.
Ejercito: I think this ongoing ceasefire, because of the ongoing peace agreement, was just being used by the MILF to strengthen their forces given the kind of weapons and the volume of ammunition they had. We just have to take note of that. Hopefully the ongoing truce will not be used to fortify and strengthen their ranks.
The neophyte senator shares the view of his father, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who launched an all-out war against the MILF during his term.
Firefight between a team of 36 SAF commandos and MILF 105th Base Command erupted before 6 am on January 25 in the cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano. Only one SAF trooper survived the gun battle. The firefight between the other group of SAF commandos and the MILF breakaway, group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), is another matter. (READ: Mamasapano: AFP unaware of 2nd SAF team)
Where were the 300 other SAF?
Napeñas was adamant in telling senators that the January 25 operation could have ended very differently if only the military, which had better equipment than the police, provided reinforcement.
He belied the military's claims that the SAF did not provide grid coordinates that would have allowed them to provide artillery support.
Napeñas noted the impact of the white phosphorous that the military fired at 6:30 pm before troops went in to save and extract the other team of SAF commandos.
[Video report: General Catapang on helping SAF commandos trapped in firefight with MILF
Senator Grace Poe turned the tables on Napeñas when she asked why the 300 other SAF commandos in the highway were unable to rescue their beleaguered comrades.
Poe: "The other troops that were waiting outside, yung mga naiwan po na SAF doon sa labas na hindi po nakapasok dahil sa bigat ng laban ng MILF, may nasaktan ba sa kanila?"
Napeñas: Wala na pong na-wounded.
Poe: Walang na-wounded. Ibig sabihin, they didn't even try engaging?
Napeñas: Hindi po totoo yun, your honor. Pinagpupumilit nila na pumasok doon sa lugar kasama ang Division Reconnaissance Company ng Army, yun lamang sobra lang talaga ang volume ng fire at saka open field ang dadaanan kaya hindi sila makapasok ng lugar para tulungan ang 55th company.
Poe: Siyempre, hindi naman po tayo puwede magbilangan ng bala na ginamit. Kinukuha ko lang po ang inyong salaysay na nakipaglaban na sinubukan nila kaya lang talagang napakabigat. Siyempre dapat naman isipin din natin naiwan natin ang mga kasamahan natin sa loob. Kaya ko tinatanong ito, number one, meron ba nag-utos na mag-stand down? Number two, na-accomplish na ba ang mission kaya hindi na talaga 100% sumugal na paglusob ang natitira pa. Kasi 300 yan eh. Kahit na papaano kung lumaban yan meron mahahagip na bala. Meron masisira o masasaktan. Parang wala namang report doon sa labas. Hindi naman sa pagdududa sa kagitingan ng ating kapulisan, pero parang hindi talaga gumawa ng dapat nilang gawin para matulungan ang naiwan pa sa loob. Wala ba kayong video documentary niyan?
Napeñas: Wala kaming video niyan your honor pero dinig na dinig ko ang command ng battalion commander na nandoon sa advance command post na inuutusan niya sila to move forward. Hindi talaga nila kayang pumasok kasi ang volume of fire na galing sa kalaban at ang open field na dadaanan ay hindi nila kayang pasukin.
Why no air support?
It was Armed Forces chief of staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr who explained to Ejercito why the Philippine Air Force could not fly its attack helicopters to provide air support.
Catapang spoke of the dangers of the situation blowing into a full-scale war if the military hastily joined the firefight. (READ: Inside story: SAF kept the military out of the loop)
Ejercito: Hindi ba na-consider, General Catapang, to send air support? Alam niyo ang sabi nga nila, lamang sa engkwentro 'yung nasa mas mataas na position. Considering that the AFP has those equipment, siguro yung persuasion flights could have played a big role in that engagement. Siguro makita lang o marinig lang ang mga eroplano. Alam nila may bomba yan. Hindi na-consider na paliparin ang air assets as support for our beleaguered SAF personnel?
Catapang: We cannot do that because, first of all, there was no request for air support. If we provide air support, it will inflame the situation because the MILF might think that we are attacking already. The most important thing was to set up the ceasefire mechansim at that point in time, your honor.
This was the time when Ejercito warned against the MILF using the ceasefire to strengthen its ranks.
How about artillery support?
Napeñas said artillery fire would have helped the 55th SAF the way it helped the other group of SAF commandos later that evening.
He told senators he wished the survivors among the SAF Seaborne unit could testify how the enemies dispersed and were frightened by the white phosphorous that the military fired at their location.
The military timeline showed that chief of the Army 6th Infantry Division, Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, immediately sent troops and tanks but did not approve artillery support pending the availabity of "complete" information on the firefight.
It was Catapang who explained why. "Nagkaroon kami ng experience na nagkaroon ng friendly fire. Hindi kami kaagad makabigay ng artillery fire because of those circumstances," he said. He was referring to an incident last year where Marines in Sulu fired at an Army detachment, killing 6 elite Light Reaction troops.
Catapang said they needed at least 3 crucial information before they could fire artillery: location of the troops, location of the enemy, and a forward observer.
It appears the SAF was only able to provide the first, the location of the SAF troopers.
Catapang told reporters after the Senate hearing that what they were given were hours-old grid coordinates that could not be used in a running gun battle.
The military said the absence of proper coordination prevented them from preparing contingency plans to assist the SAF. But Napeñas stressed the need to keep the operation a secret even from the military because he feared that the operation would leak and the target would be warned.
Sacked SAF commander: What drones?
From Rappler (Feb 9): Sacked SAF commander: What drones?
Relieved PNP Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas denies that high-tech gadgets were used to communicate with troops during the Mamasapano operation
NOT HIGH-TECH. Suspended SAF commander Getulio Napeñas tells senators that during the Mamasapano operation, commanders communicated with the troopers via radios, satellite phones, and personal cellular phones. Photo by Mark Cristino/ Rappler
There were no drones involved in the operation of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) to neutralize bomb maker and top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as “Marwan”, and Abdul Basit Usman.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83404-sacked-saf-commander-no-drones-in-mamasapano
Relieved PNP Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas denies that high-tech gadgets were used to communicate with troops during the Mamasapano operation
NOT HIGH-TECH. Suspended SAF commander Getulio Napeñas tells senators that during the Mamasapano operation, commanders communicated with the troopers via radios, satellite phones, and personal cellular phones. Photo by Mark Cristino/ Rappler
There were no drones involved in the operation of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) to neutralize bomb maker and top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as “Marwan”, and Abdul Basit Usman.
This was revealed by its commander then, now relieved Police Director Getulio Napeñas, during a hearing Monday, February 9, on the operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, that claimed the lives of at least 68 individuals, including 44 elite SAF troopers.
“The PNP SAF has no high-tech gadgets,” Napeñas told senators.
Earlier news reports said an unmanned aircraft, supposedly owned by the United States government, monitored the actions of SAF troopers on January 25 as they embarked on an operation against Marwan and Usman.
The former SAF commander said they had access to the troopers on the ground via radios, satellite phones, and personal cellular phones.
“Oplan Exodus” was the PNP SAF’s 10th and final attempt to get Marwan. SAF troopers were supposedly able to kill Marwan in the wee hours of the morning on January 25.
During the extraction operation, however, elite cops were trapped inside what is known to be the territory of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF). All but one policeman from the SAF’s 55th special action company died, while 9 from the elite 84th seaborne company were slain.
The PNP SAF had opted to not coordinate with local military forces in Maguindanao. SAF leadership, Napeñas included, also did not inform PNP OIC Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II prior to “Oplan Exodus,” the PNP’s bloodiest operation to date.
Kept in the loop was then-suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima. Purisima resigned almost two weeks after the Mamasapano incident.
Senators also grilled police officials on a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report, which had positively identified through DNA testing that a finger taken from a corpse in Mamasapano belonged to Marwan.
None of the police officials at the Senate hearing, however, could answer how the index finger cut off from an individual believed to be Marwan ended up with the FBI. Officials said Marwan’s corpse was found in BIFF area in Mamasapano town.
Roxas said the DNA sample did not go through the PNP. Instead, SAF provided it directly to the FBI.
Police Director Benjamin Magalong, chief of the PNP’s Board of Inquiry, said 84th company commander Police Superintendent Raymond Train informed him that the Tuesday after the January 25 encounter, personnel were already in General Santos City, where FBI agents were waiting for the turnover over of the sample.
SAF troopers typically get the best equipment and training, including training from the United States government.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83404-sacked-saf-commander-no-drones-in-mamasapano
MILF: We will return SAF arms, personal items
From Rappler (Feb 10): MILF: We will return SAF arms, personal items
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has agreed to return the firearms and personal effects of elite cops in the Mamasapano clash
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said on Tuesday, February 10, that it will return the arms and "retrievable personal effects" of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) members that were seized during the January 25 clash in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
The announcement was made through a letter sent by chief MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal to Senator Grace Poe, who chairs a Senate probe into a deadly police encounter in MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) territory.
"The MILF has decided to return the firearms and other retrievable personal iterms in deference to the peace process," Iqbal said in a letter read by the MILF representative, MILF chair for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Rasid Ladiasan, during the Senate’s second hearing on the Tuesday.
Ladiasan said the return of the items also manifests the "recognition of the MILF that it never wanted the unfortunate incident in Mamasapano to happen.”
“Perhaps in a couple of days, MILF will be able to finish internal process to pave the way of the return,” read Iqbal’s letter.
The return of the weapons and personal effects of the SAF is one of two demands made by President Benigno Aquino III in his first address on the Mamasapano clash on January 28.
The other is for the MILF to "step aside" if military and police operations in the hunt for alleged bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman – the other high-value target of the SAF operation in Mamasapano who evaded authorities – involve their areas.
The PNP leadership had earlier asked the MILF to show its sincerity in the peace process by returning the weapons and personal items of the slain SAF troopers.
Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer had earlier told Rappler that there were ongoing backchannel talks between the government and the MILF on the return the weapons of elite cops killed in the Mamasapano clash. (READ: Govt' MILF in backchannel talks to return SAF arms)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83488-milf-return-pnp-saf-arms-mamasapano
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has agreed to return the firearms and personal effects of elite cops in the Mamasapano clash
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said on Tuesday, February 10, that it will return the arms and "retrievable personal effects" of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) members that were seized during the January 25 clash in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
The announcement was made through a letter sent by chief MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal to Senator Grace Poe, who chairs a Senate probe into a deadly police encounter in MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) territory.
"The MILF has decided to return the firearms and other retrievable personal iterms in deference to the peace process," Iqbal said in a letter read by the MILF representative, MILF chair for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Rasid Ladiasan, during the Senate’s second hearing on the Tuesday.
Ladiasan said the return of the items also manifests the "recognition of the MILF that it never wanted the unfortunate incident in Mamasapano to happen.”
“Perhaps in a couple of days, MILF will be able to finish internal process to pave the way of the return,” read Iqbal’s letter.
The return of the weapons and personal effects of the SAF is one of two demands made by President Benigno Aquino III in his first address on the Mamasapano clash on January 28.
The other is for the MILF to "step aside" if military and police operations in the hunt for alleged bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman – the other high-value target of the SAF operation in Mamasapano who evaded authorities – involve their areas.
The PNP leadership had earlier asked the MILF to show its sincerity in the peace process by returning the weapons and personal items of the slain SAF troopers.
Chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer had earlier told Rappler that there were ongoing backchannel talks between the government and the MILF on the return the weapons of elite cops killed in the Mamasapano clash. (READ: Govt' MILF in backchannel talks to return SAF arms)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83488-milf-return-pnp-saf-arms-mamasapano
MILF skips Senate hearing on Mamasapano anew
From Rappler (Feb 10): MILF skips Senate hearing on Mamasapano anew
The MILF says it remains a revolutionary organization and therefore won't attend the Senate hearing until it has completed its own probe into the clash
AT WAR AGAIN? MILF representative Rashid Ladiasan appears before the Senate February 10, but says he cannot speak on behalf of MILF, which refuses to send its top officials to the hearings until their own probe into the Mamasapano clash is completed. Senate photo
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) again skipped the Senate inquiry into the Mamasapano clash, saying it is still “a revolutionary organization.”
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal sent a letter to the Senate public order committee, which Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr described as “alarming” in relation to the government’s peace negotiations with the MILF. The MILF’s continued absence prompted more questions about its commitment to the peace talks.
In his letter to Senator Grace Poe, Iqbal said that he cannot attend the hearing until the MILF completes its own investigation into the deadly January 25 encounter between elite cops, the MILF, and other rebels.
“Please bare with us as we engage with the Philippine Senate for the first time. The MILF is a revolutionary organization. While we signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government after 18 years of intermittent war and negotiations, that peace agreement has yet to be implemented. Until it is fully implemented, we will remain to be a revolutionary organization,” Iqbal said.
The statement prompted a strong reaction from Marcos, who, as chairperson of the Senate local government committee, is leading the Senate hearings into the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The bill aims to create an expanded autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, as part of a deal the government and the MILF signed last year after 17 years of negotiations.
Marcos said Iqbal’s statement was “in direct contradiction” with the conditions the peace panels described in the BBL hearings he conducted in Manila and Mindanao.
“Is it Mr Iqbal’s understanding that we are still at war? That the MILF is still a revolutionary organization until a peace agreement is completed,” Marcos said. “We were already told the decommissioning began. This is not consistent with that. This might sound severe but can we now assume that we’re still at war?”
“This is an alarming, alarming development that we have returned to war with the MILF. I hope MILF explains this,” Marcos added.
Rasid Ladiasan, the chairperson of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), said he was not in a position to answer Marcos’ questions. The CCCH is the body tasked to maintain the ceasefire between the government and the MILF.
Government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel Ferrer said Iqbal’s letter must be seen “in the context of the whole peace process.” Ferrer said the “decommissioning” or process where the MILF lays down its arms is part of a roadmap timed to come after the passage of the BBL.
“We are not at war with them. We have a ceasefire, but it was broken on January 25, the matter that is being investigated now,” she said.
Iqbal also pointed this out in his letter: “This is first time since 2011 that fighting erupted between government and MILF forces.”
The Senate is investigating the operation to arrest top terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The incident cost the lives of 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF), and at least 17 MILF members – a toll the MILF blames on the lack of coordination with the group.
The government and the MILF agreed in 2002 on a mechanism to arrest criminals in MILF areas like Mamasapano. The Ad Hoc Joint Action Group or AHJAG is the coordinating body for law enforcement operations against criminals. Yet the Special Action Force (SAF) operation was not coordinated with the AHJAG.
Where is Usman, SAF arms?
Iqbal said the MILF Central Committee agreed to send him to the Senate probe but only after it finishes its inquiry, and in executive session.
Senator Grace Poe, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and Ferrer all agreed that the MILF must be present in the hearing.
“I agree. It is very important that the MILF top leadership be here. That demonstrates good faith. Actions speak louder than words,” said Ferrer.
Poe told Ferrer, “You can’t blame the public and some of the members who feel the peace talks are preventing some of our operations to take place and stand our ground.”
Drilon pressed Ladiasan, the MILF representative, on Iqbal's commitment that the MILF will return the firearms of the SAF. He asked Ladiasan about reports that the SAF equipment is already being sold.
Ladiasan responded: “We also heard of that, but we cannot confirm or say anything. Yes, we are looking into that.”
Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said the government has a list of the equipment and kits issued to the SAF personnel, which can be used to check the items the MILF promised to return.
Drilon also asked Ladiasan about President Benigno Aquino’s call to the MILF to surrender Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, who escaped from the encounter.
“The President has appealed to your group, to help government or at least surrender Usman as part of the confidence-building process. We in Congress already find difficulty in passing the BBL because of this incident. Among those critical to rebuild confidence between government and the MILF is the matter of surrender of Usman, return of the equipment,” he said.
Drilon said the MILF must do more to help restore faith in the peace process to ensure the passage of the BBL.
“I hope you can deliver this to the MILF hierarchy. We need to rebuild trust between the two parties. We can’t do this alone. You must cooperate.”
Iqbal's letter
Below is the full text of Iqbal's letter, dated February 9, to Senator Poe's committee:
09 February 2015
Sen. Grace Poe
Chairperson
Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs
Senate of the Philippines
Dear Senator Poe:
We thank you for your Committee’s kind invitation for us to attend the joint public hearings of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and Peace, Unification and Reconciliation on P.S. Res. 1133, 1134 and 1135 – all relating to the incident which happened at Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015. Please be assured that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is fully committed as the Senate in the search for truth and justice.
Please bear with us as we engage the institution of the Philippine Senate officially for the first time. The MILF is a revolutionary organization. While we may have signed a peace agreement with the Philippine Government after 18 years of intermittent war and negotiations, that peace agreement has yet to be implemented. Until the peace agreement is fully implemented, we will remain to be a revolutionary organization.
Accordingly, the Central Committee of the MILF has accepted your Committee’s invitation and has designated me to appear in its behalf. However, the decision has stressed that that appearance will take place after the MILF Special Investigation Commission (SIC) comes out with its Findings which will be the basis of my statements to the relevant Committees of the Senate. Further, the MILF also requests that my appearance should be in an executive session.
I take this opportunity to inform your Honor that the MILF has decided to return the firearms and any retrievable personal effects of the fallen SAF-PNP in deference to the peace process and the recognition of the MILF that it never wanted that unfortunate incident on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao to happen. This was the first time since 2011 that fighting erupted between government and MILF forces.
Perhaps, in a couple of days, the MILF will be able to finish the internal process of accounting of the materials to pave the way for their return.
The Chair of the MILF’s Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Mr. Rashid Ladiasan, will again represent the MILF. He would be accompanied by Atty. Raissa Jajurie, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and Mr. Butch Panegel, who is also a member of the CCCH.
Again, I would like to apologize for my inability to attend your Committee’s hearing tomorrow for reasons aforecited.
Thank you very much.
(sgd)
MOHAGHER IQBAL
Chairman
Bangsamoro Transition Authority
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83497-milf-skips-senate-hearing-on-mamasapano-anew
The MILF says it remains a revolutionary organization and therefore won't attend the Senate hearing until it has completed its own probe into the clash
AT WAR AGAIN? MILF representative Rashid Ladiasan appears before the Senate February 10, but says he cannot speak on behalf of MILF, which refuses to send its top officials to the hearings until their own probe into the Mamasapano clash is completed. Senate photo
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) again skipped the Senate inquiry into the Mamasapano clash, saying it is still “a revolutionary organization.”
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal sent a letter to the Senate public order committee, which Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr described as “alarming” in relation to the government’s peace negotiations with the MILF. The MILF’s continued absence prompted more questions about its commitment to the peace talks.
In his letter to Senator Grace Poe, Iqbal said that he cannot attend the hearing until the MILF completes its own investigation into the deadly January 25 encounter between elite cops, the MILF, and other rebels.
“Please bare with us as we engage with the Philippine Senate for the first time. The MILF is a revolutionary organization. While we signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government after 18 years of intermittent war and negotiations, that peace agreement has yet to be implemented. Until it is fully implemented, we will remain to be a revolutionary organization,” Iqbal said.
The statement prompted a strong reaction from Marcos, who, as chairperson of the Senate local government committee, is leading the Senate hearings into the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The bill aims to create an expanded autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, as part of a deal the government and the MILF signed last year after 17 years of negotiations.
Marcos said Iqbal’s statement was “in direct contradiction” with the conditions the peace panels described in the BBL hearings he conducted in Manila and Mindanao.
“Is it Mr Iqbal’s understanding that we are still at war? That the MILF is still a revolutionary organization until a peace agreement is completed,” Marcos said. “We were already told the decommissioning began. This is not consistent with that. This might sound severe but can we now assume that we’re still at war?”
“This is an alarming, alarming development that we have returned to war with the MILF. I hope MILF explains this,” Marcos added.
Rasid Ladiasan, the chairperson of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), said he was not in a position to answer Marcos’ questions. The CCCH is the body tasked to maintain the ceasefire between the government and the MILF.
Government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel Ferrer said Iqbal’s letter must be seen “in the context of the whole peace process.” Ferrer said the “decommissioning” or process where the MILF lays down its arms is part of a roadmap timed to come after the passage of the BBL.
“We are not at war with them. We have a ceasefire, but it was broken on January 25, the matter that is being investigated now,” she said.
Iqbal also pointed this out in his letter: “This is first time since 2011 that fighting erupted between government and MILF forces.”
The Senate is investigating the operation to arrest top terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The incident cost the lives of 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF), and at least 17 MILF members – a toll the MILF blames on the lack of coordination with the group.
The government and the MILF agreed in 2002 on a mechanism to arrest criminals in MILF areas like Mamasapano. The Ad Hoc Joint Action Group or AHJAG is the coordinating body for law enforcement operations against criminals. Yet the Special Action Force (SAF) operation was not coordinated with the AHJAG.
Where is Usman, SAF arms?
Iqbal said the MILF Central Committee agreed to send him to the Senate probe but only after it finishes its inquiry, and in executive session.
Senator Grace Poe, Senate President Franklin Drilon, and Ferrer all agreed that the MILF must be present in the hearing.
“I agree. It is very important that the MILF top leadership be here. That demonstrates good faith. Actions speak louder than words,” said Ferrer.
Poe told Ferrer, “You can’t blame the public and some of the members who feel the peace talks are preventing some of our operations to take place and stand our ground.”
Drilon pressed Ladiasan, the MILF representative, on Iqbal's commitment that the MILF will return the firearms of the SAF. He asked Ladiasan about reports that the SAF equipment is already being sold.
Ladiasan responded: “We also heard of that, but we cannot confirm or say anything. Yes, we are looking into that.”
Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said the government has a list of the equipment and kits issued to the SAF personnel, which can be used to check the items the MILF promised to return.
Drilon also asked Ladiasan about President Benigno Aquino’s call to the MILF to surrender Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, who escaped from the encounter.
“The President has appealed to your group, to help government or at least surrender Usman as part of the confidence-building process. We in Congress already find difficulty in passing the BBL because of this incident. Among those critical to rebuild confidence between government and the MILF is the matter of surrender of Usman, return of the equipment,” he said.
Drilon said the MILF must do more to help restore faith in the peace process to ensure the passage of the BBL.
“I hope you can deliver this to the MILF hierarchy. We need to rebuild trust between the two parties. We can’t do this alone. You must cooperate.”
Iqbal's letter
Below is the full text of Iqbal's letter, dated February 9, to Senator Poe's committee:
09 February 2015
Sen. Grace Poe
Chairperson
Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs
Senate of the Philippines
Dear Senator Poe:
We thank you for your Committee’s kind invitation for us to attend the joint public hearings of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and Peace, Unification and Reconciliation on P.S. Res. 1133, 1134 and 1135 – all relating to the incident which happened at Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015. Please be assured that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is fully committed as the Senate in the search for truth and justice.
Please bear with us as we engage the institution of the Philippine Senate officially for the first time. The MILF is a revolutionary organization. While we may have signed a peace agreement with the Philippine Government after 18 years of intermittent war and negotiations, that peace agreement has yet to be implemented. Until the peace agreement is fully implemented, we will remain to be a revolutionary organization.
Accordingly, the Central Committee of the MILF has accepted your Committee’s invitation and has designated me to appear in its behalf. However, the decision has stressed that that appearance will take place after the MILF Special Investigation Commission (SIC) comes out with its Findings which will be the basis of my statements to the relevant Committees of the Senate. Further, the MILF also requests that my appearance should be in an executive session.
I take this opportunity to inform your Honor that the MILF has decided to return the firearms and any retrievable personal effects of the fallen SAF-PNP in deference to the peace process and the recognition of the MILF that it never wanted that unfortunate incident on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao to happen. This was the first time since 2011 that fighting erupted between government and MILF forces.
Perhaps, in a couple of days, the MILF will be able to finish the internal process of accounting of the materials to pave the way for their return.
The Chair of the MILF’s Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Mr. Rashid Ladiasan, will again represent the MILF. He would be accompanied by Atty. Raissa Jajurie, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and Mr. Butch Panegel, who is also a member of the CCCH.
Again, I would like to apologize for my inability to attend your Committee’s hearing tomorrow for reasons aforecited.
Thank you very much.
(sgd)
MOHAGHER IQBAL
Chairman
Bangsamoro Transition Authority
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83497-milf-skips-senate-hearing-on-mamasapano-anew
1 killed in BIFF, MILF clash
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): 1 killed in BIFF, MILF clash
BIFF fighter. FILE PHOTO
Elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao clashed Monday afternoon, resulting in at least one death.
The encounter happened between members of the MILF 108th base command and the BIFF headed by one Commander Gani Saligan at about 5:20 p.m., said 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Joan Petinglay.
The firefight lasted about 30 minutes and resulted in the death of one BIFF member and the wounding of another BIFF member.
No MILF member was hurt or killed.
Authorities are confirming whether civilians have evacuated due to the firefight.
At the same time, the 6th ID is also verifying reports of an ongoing firefight in Sultan sa Barongis, also in the province of Maguindanao.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104768/1-killed-in-biff-milf-clash
BIFF fighter. FILE PHOTO
Elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Kalbugan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao clashed Monday afternoon, resulting in at least one death.
The encounter happened between members of the MILF 108th base command and the BIFF headed by one Commander Gani Saligan at about 5:20 p.m., said 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Joan Petinglay.
The firefight lasted about 30 minutes and resulted in the death of one BIFF member and the wounding of another BIFF member.
No MILF member was hurt or killed.
Authorities are confirming whether civilians have evacuated due to the firefight.
At the same time, the 6th ID is also verifying reports of an ongoing firefight in Sultan sa Barongis, also in the province of Maguindanao.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104768/1-killed-in-biff-milf-clash
HABANG MAY HEARING | Thousands join Bangsamoro rallies, call for continuation of peace talks
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): HABANG MAY HEARING | Thousands join Bangsamoro rallies, call for continuation of peace talks
Bangsamoro peace rally in Cotabato City, 10 February 2015. DENNIS ARCON/InterAksyon.com
As the Senate conducted its hearing on the Mamasapano incident that caused the suspension of the congressional discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, about 20,000 people on Tuesday morning gathered for a peace rally in Cotabato City Plaza.
Among those who joined the rally from all parts of Maguindanao were from the sectors of the religious, business, labor, senior citizens, tribal, women, youth, academe, professional, farmers, fishermen, students, transport, indigenous peoples, non-government organizations, and civil society groups. Christians and Balik-Islam representatives also joined the rally.
The rally was organized to call on Congress to continue its discussions on the BBL, a phase in the Mindanao peace process that would create a Bangsmoro entity.
They expressed hope that the incident that resulted in the killing of 44 police commandos, 12 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and four civilians in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano would affect the peace process, said Prof. Rabi Angkal, spokesman of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP).
BBL is going to be an answer to the poverty of the residents there, Angkal stressed. He said it will help the cause of peace.
Apart from the Cotabato City, similar rallies were held in General Santos City, Marawi City, Quezon City, Isabela City, Pikit, North Cotabato, Bongao, Tawi-tawi, and Jolo, Sulu.
They also called for ‘‘No to All-Out War.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104764/habang-may-hearing--thousands-join-bangsamoro-rallies-call-for-continuation-of-peace-talks
Bangsamoro peace rally in Cotabato City, 10 February 2015. DENNIS ARCON/InterAksyon.com
As the Senate conducted its hearing on the Mamasapano incident that caused the suspension of the congressional discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, about 20,000 people on Tuesday morning gathered for a peace rally in Cotabato City Plaza.
Among those who joined the rally from all parts of Maguindanao were from the sectors of the religious, business, labor, senior citizens, tribal, women, youth, academe, professional, farmers, fishermen, students, transport, indigenous peoples, non-government organizations, and civil society groups. Christians and Balik-Islam representatives also joined the rally.
The rally was organized to call on Congress to continue its discussions on the BBL, a phase in the Mindanao peace process that would create a Bangsmoro entity.
They expressed hope that the incident that resulted in the killing of 44 police commandos, 12 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and four civilians in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano would affect the peace process, said Prof. Rabi Angkal, spokesman of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP).
BBL is going to be an answer to the poverty of the residents there, Angkal stressed. He said it will help the cause of peace.
Apart from the Cotabato City, similar rallies were held in General Santos City, Marawi City, Quezon City, Isabela City, Pikit, North Cotabato, Bongao, Tawi-tawi, and Jolo, Sulu.
They also called for ‘‘No to All-Out War.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104764/habang-may-hearing--thousands-join-bangsamoro-rallies-call-for-continuation-of-peace-talks
MILF to return arms, other belongings of slain SAF commandos
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): MILF to return arms, other belongings of slain SAF commandos
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday said it would return the firearms and personal belongings of the police Special Action commandos killed in the clash with its fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.
The pledge was contained in a letter from chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal in a letter addressed to Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, in which he also informed her that, while he had been appointed to represent the MILF to the hearings on the Mamasapano incident, he could not appear at Tuesday's hearing.
The letter was read at the start of the hearing by Rasid Ladiasan, head of the MILF's Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
In the letter, Iqbal said the MILF central committee had decided to return the weapons and other belongings of the slain SAF personnel in the spirit of its peace agreement with government and to underscore that "we never wanted that unfortunate incident ... to happen."
Iqbal noted that it was the first time since 2011 that fighting had erupted between the MILF and government forces.
The Mamasaspano clash was the offshoot of a SAF operation to get wanted Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," who was said to have been killed during the mission, and Filipino bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman.
The clash left 44 SAF commandos, 18 MILF fighters, and at least five civilians dead and given rise to bitter recriminations after it was confirmed that the operation was carried out without coordination with other police and military units and the Philippine National Police chain of command had been broken, this following the admission by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and acting PNP chief Leonardo Espina that they had been kept in the dark about the mission to get Marwan.
This has given rise to widespread suspicion that the mission had been personally supervised by resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima and President Benigno Aquino III.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104755/milf-to-return-arms-other-belongings-of-slain-saf-commandos
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday said it would return the firearms and personal belongings of the police Special Action commandos killed in the clash with its fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.
The pledge was contained in a letter from chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal in a letter addressed to Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, in which he also informed her that, while he had been appointed to represent the MILF to the hearings on the Mamasapano incident, he could not appear at Tuesday's hearing.
The letter was read at the start of the hearing by Rasid Ladiasan, head of the MILF's Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
In the letter, Iqbal said the MILF central committee had decided to return the weapons and other belongings of the slain SAF personnel in the spirit of its peace agreement with government and to underscore that "we never wanted that unfortunate incident ... to happen."
Iqbal noted that it was the first time since 2011 that fighting had erupted between the MILF and government forces.
The Mamasaspano clash was the offshoot of a SAF operation to get wanted Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," who was said to have been killed during the mission, and Filipino bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman.
The clash left 44 SAF commandos, 18 MILF fighters, and at least five civilians dead and given rise to bitter recriminations after it was confirmed that the operation was carried out without coordination with other police and military units and the Philippine National Police chain of command had been broken, this following the admission by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and acting PNP chief Leonardo Espina that they had been kept in the dark about the mission to get Marwan.
This has given rise to widespread suspicion that the mission had been personally supervised by resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima and President Benigno Aquino III.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104755/milf-to-return-arms-other-belongings-of-slain-saf-commandos
Iqbal to represent MILF to Mamasapano hearings
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): Iqbal to represent MILF to Mamasapano hearings
Chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has appointed its chief negotiator to peace talks with government, Mohagher Iqbal, to represent it to the Senate hearings into the bloody Mamasapano incident on January 25.
Iqbal informed Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, of his appointment in a letter read at the start of Tuesday’s hearing by Rasid Ladiasan, who heads the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
He also explained that he could not attend the hearings until the investigation commission created by the MILF to look into the bloody Mamasapano clash “comes out with its findings, which will be the basis” for his statements.
Iqbal also requested that his appearance be in executive session.
Poe also asked the MILF to say when exactly Iqbal will be appearing in its next communication with the Senate.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104758/iqbal-to-represent-milf-to-mamasapano-hearings
Chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has appointed its chief negotiator to peace talks with government, Mohagher Iqbal, to represent it to the Senate hearings into the bloody Mamasapano incident on January 25.
Iqbal informed Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, of his appointment in a letter read at the start of Tuesday’s hearing by Rasid Ladiasan, who heads the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
He also explained that he could not attend the hearings until the investigation commission created by the MILF to look into the bloody Mamasapano clash “comes out with its findings, which will be the basis” for his statements.
Iqbal also requested that his appearance be in executive session.
Poe also asked the MILF to say when exactly Iqbal will be appearing in its next communication with the Senate.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104758/iqbal-to-represent-milf-to-mamasapano-hearings
MILF may be liable for harboring terrorists, SAF may face raps under CSC rules - De Lima
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): MILF may be liable for harboring terrorists, SAF may face raps under CSC rules - De Lima
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. FILE PHOTO
What are the legal liabilities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force involved in the Mamasapano incident on January 25? Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday expressed her “preliminary” thoughts on the issue pending the conclusion of the investigation into the incident.
MILF members are not exempt from criminal liability for harboring, aiding, and abetting a criminal being pursued by the police, de Lima told a televised Senate hearing. She said state operations, including the arrest of criminals on the authorities’ order of battle, are not stopped or suspended during the peace talks.
Forty-four PNP-SAF commandos were killed in the attempt to arrest suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," who was said to have been killed during the mission, and Filipino bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman. Twelve MILF members and four civilians were also killed.
At the same time, PNP-SAF members who failed to coordinate with the MILF and the government peace panels in the assault in Mamasapano may face administrative and criminal charges as per rules of the Civil Service Commission, de Lima said.
Senate President Franklin Drilon reacted to de Lima’s presentation and said he does not agree that police officers face legal liability for performing their duties.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104762/milf-may-be-liable-for-harboring-terrorists-saf-may-face-raps-under-csc-rules---de-lima
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. FILE PHOTO
What are the legal liabilities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force involved in the Mamasapano incident on January 25? Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday expressed her “preliminary” thoughts on the issue pending the conclusion of the investigation into the incident.
MILF members are not exempt from criminal liability for harboring, aiding, and abetting a criminal being pursued by the police, de Lima told a televised Senate hearing. She said state operations, including the arrest of criminals on the authorities’ order of battle, are not stopped or suspended during the peace talks.
Forty-four PNP-SAF commandos were killed in the attempt to arrest suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," who was said to have been killed during the mission, and Filipino bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman. Twelve MILF members and four civilians were also killed.
At the same time, PNP-SAF members who failed to coordinate with the MILF and the government peace panels in the assault in Mamasapano may face administrative and criminal charges as per rules of the Civil Service Commission, de Lima said.
Senate President Franklin Drilon reacted to de Lima’s presentation and said he does not agree that police officers face legal liability for performing their duties.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104762/milf-may-be-liable-for-harboring-terrorists-saf-may-face-raps-under-csc-rules---de-lima
'We remain a revolutionary organization' - MILF
From InterAksyon (Feb 10): 'We remain a revolutionary organization' - MILF
MILF fighters cheer upon the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March last year. (file)
While vowing to cooperate with the Senate investigation into the bloody Mamasapano incident on January 25, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday stressed that it remains “a revolutionary organization” and will remain one until its peace agreement with the government is “fully implemented.”
The assertion was made in a letter from MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal to Senator Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, in which he informed her that he was the designated representative of the organization to the Mamasapano hearings but that he would appear only after they wrap up their probe into the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos, 18 MILF fighters and at least five civilians during the clash that broke out in the course of a mission to get wanted Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan.”
"Please bear with us as we deal with the institution of the Senate for the first time," Iqbal's said in the letter as he added that, while the MILF "has accepted your invitation" to participate in the hearings, it "is a revolutionary organization."
"While we have signed a peace agreement" to end 18 years of fighting with government, he said the pact is "still to be implented" and "until (it is) fully implemented," they would remain a revolutionary organization.
Iqbal’s assertion drew a strong reaction from Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the committee on local government, which was conducting hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Law until the Mamasapano incident led him to suspend proceedings.
Marcos asked whether “we are still at war with the MILF” and if the organization was “still fomenting revolution until the peace agreement is implemented.”
He pointed out that this was “in direct contradiction to what was told us during (the) hearings on the BBL” that “we have a cessation of military or revolutionary action” and that the “process of decommissioning had already begun.”
Poe cut in, saying Ladiasan was not authorized to speak for the MILF leadership but nevertheless asking chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for her interpretation of Iqbal’s statement.
Coronel-Ferrer stressed that, “we are not at war with them,” even as she acknowledged that the long-standing ceasefire between the MILF and government had been “broken” on January 25.
Nevertheless, she stressed that there is a “roadmap leading to the transformation (of the MILF) from an armed group to an unarmed group” participating in political processes and that this roadmap includes the decommissioning of the MILF’s weapons.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104761/we-remain-a-revolutionary-organization---milf
MILF fighters cheer upon the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March last year. (file)
While vowing to cooperate with the Senate investigation into the bloody Mamasapano incident on January 25, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday stressed that it remains “a revolutionary organization” and will remain one until its peace agreement with the government is “fully implemented.”
The assertion was made in a letter from MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal to Senator Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, in which he informed her that he was the designated representative of the organization to the Mamasapano hearings but that he would appear only after they wrap up their probe into the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos, 18 MILF fighters and at least five civilians during the clash that broke out in the course of a mission to get wanted Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan.”
"Please bear with us as we deal with the institution of the Senate for the first time," Iqbal's said in the letter as he added that, while the MILF "has accepted your invitation" to participate in the hearings, it "is a revolutionary organization."
"While we have signed a peace agreement" to end 18 years of fighting with government, he said the pact is "still to be implented" and "until (it is) fully implemented," they would remain a revolutionary organization.
Iqbal’s assertion drew a strong reaction from Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the committee on local government, which was conducting hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Law until the Mamasapano incident led him to suspend proceedings.
Marcos asked whether “we are still at war with the MILF” and if the organization was “still fomenting revolution until the peace agreement is implemented.”
He pointed out that this was “in direct contradiction to what was told us during (the) hearings on the BBL” that “we have a cessation of military or revolutionary action” and that the “process of decommissioning had already begun.”
Poe cut in, saying Ladiasan was not authorized to speak for the MILF leadership but nevertheless asking chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for her interpretation of Iqbal’s statement.
Coronel-Ferrer stressed that, “we are not at war with them,” even as she acknowledged that the long-standing ceasefire between the MILF and government had been “broken” on January 25.
Nevertheless, she stressed that there is a “roadmap leading to the transformation (of the MILF) from an armed group to an unarmed group” participating in political processes and that this roadmap includes the decommissioning of the MILF’s weapons.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/104761/we-remain-a-revolutionary-organization---milf
Livelihood, infrastructure funds for conflict areas in Mindanao released to LGUs
From InterAksyon (Feb 8): Livelihood, infrastructure funds for conflict areas in Mindanao released to LGUs
More than a tenth of funds earmarked for a program meant to bolster the national government€™s peace efforts in Mindanao have been released to the recipient local government units (LGUs).
In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said 13 percent of the P471.2 million set aside this year for the €œPayapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program has been transmitted to the LGUs.
Pamana covers remote and conflict-affected communities in the country, providing them with livelihood projects, farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure projects identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
The P471.2 million was divided among the following provinces: South Cotabato, P125.03 million; Sarangani, P119.05 million; North Cotabato, P194.5 million (including P107.5 million for proposed projects of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front); and Sultan Kudarat, P32.6 million.
Amalia Jayag-Datukan, executive director of the DA SOCCSKSARGEN regional office, said the funds would support the poverty-reduction component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
€œIn total, 21 local government units are covered by the program which will boost our efforts to re-strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development of identified conflict-vulnerable areas,€ Datukan said.
These include the municipalities of Carmen, Pikit, Midsayap, Banisilan, President Roxas, Matalam, Kabacan and Makilala, Columbio, Isulan, Kalamansig, President Quirino, Lebak, Bagumbayan, Esperanza, Lutayan, Palimbang, Glan, Maasim and Malapatan and T€™boli.
Fe Ybañez, focal person of the DA Region 12 field office for Pamana, said 23 of the 91 projects identified are now underway.
http://www.interaksyon.com/business/104642/livelihood-infrastructure-funds-for-conflict-areas-in-mindanao-released-to-lgus
More than a tenth of funds earmarked for a program meant to bolster the national government€™s peace efforts in Mindanao have been released to the recipient local government units (LGUs).
In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said 13 percent of the P471.2 million set aside this year for the €œPayapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program has been transmitted to the LGUs.
Pamana covers remote and conflict-affected communities in the country, providing them with livelihood projects, farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure projects identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
The P471.2 million was divided among the following provinces: South Cotabato, P125.03 million; Sarangani, P119.05 million; North Cotabato, P194.5 million (including P107.5 million for proposed projects of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front); and Sultan Kudarat, P32.6 million.
Amalia Jayag-Datukan, executive director of the DA SOCCSKSARGEN regional office, said the funds would support the poverty-reduction component of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
€œIn total, 21 local government units are covered by the program which will boost our efforts to re-strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development of identified conflict-vulnerable areas,€ Datukan said.
These include the municipalities of Carmen, Pikit, Midsayap, Banisilan, President Roxas, Matalam, Kabacan and Makilala, Columbio, Isulan, Kalamansig, President Quirino, Lebak, Bagumbayan, Esperanza, Lutayan, Palimbang, Glan, Maasim and Malapatan and T€™boli.
Fe Ybañez, focal person of the DA Region 12 field office for Pamana, said 23 of the 91 projects identified are now underway.
http://www.interaksyon.com/business/104642/livelihood-infrastructure-funds-for-conflict-areas-in-mindanao-released-to-lgus
Cops in Maguindanao in talks with Moro leaders after Mamasapano clash
From the Philippine Star (Feb 9): Cops in Maguindanao in talks with Moro leaders after Mamasapano clash
Mangudadatu said there is no doubt policemen in the 36 towns of Maguindanao were hurt by the deaths of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in the January 25 encounter with guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a third group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Officials on Monday lauded police units in the province for not resorting to retaliations for the deaths of 44 colleagues in a 10-hour encounter with Moro rebels last January 25 in three barangays in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, presiding chair of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council, said chiefs of the 36 municipal police offices in the first and second districts of Maguindanao even intensified after the incident their back channel dialogues with Moro commanders in their respective areas to forestall any breakdown of communication lines.
Mangudadatu said there is no doubt policemen in the 36 towns of Maguindanao were hurt by the deaths of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in the January 25 encounter with guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a third group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The cops, however, remained calm, stood down and allowed higher authorities, including political and religious leaders, to resolve the incident peacefully instead.
“Apparently they sincerely support the Mindanao peace process and so they did not do anything that can derail the ongoing peace initiative between the government and the MILF,” said Mangudadatu.
Mangudadatu said the 36-member Maguindanao mayors league is also helping defuse tension in Mamasapano via dialogues with MILF commanders in their respective towns to assure them that the government is not turning away from its now 18-year peace overture with the rebel group.
He said his 36 constituent-mayors have not ceased from supporting the operations of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the joint government-MILF ceasefire committee either.
The IMT, comprised of soldiers from Malaysia, Brunei, Libya, Indonesia and non-uniformed conflict resolution and rehabilitation specialists from Japan, Norway and the European Union, has been helping enforce since late 2003 the 1997 government-MILF Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities.
“None of the 36 mayors in Maguindanao, none of our Muslim, Christian and lumad religious leaders, including our provincial vice governor, Datu Lester Sinsuat, and members of the provincial board wants any escalation of animosity between the MILF and the Philippine National Police as a result of that January 25 incident in Mamasapano,” Mangudadatu said.
Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who chairs the multi-sectoral ARMM peace and order council, said members of different police units in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have assured him of their continuing recognition of the importance of the on-going government-MILF peace efforts.
“We are thankful to them for being firm in their support to the Mindanao peace process,” Hataman said.
Mangudadatu said their main concern, in the meantime, is the continuing delivery of relief and rehabilitation services to peasant enclaves in Mamasapano's adjoining Barangays Tukanalipao, Pidsandawan and Inog-og, scenes of the bloody SAF-MILF encounter.
“It is always the civilians that suffer most from armed conflicts. The provincial government is doing its best to help them,” Mangudadatu said.
Hataman said the ARMM is helping the office of the Mangudadatu address the needs of the more than 2,000 families affected by the incident through the regional government’s Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team.
Hataman said the ARMM’s health secretary, physician Kadil Sinolinding Jr., and his subordinates embarked on a medical mission in Mamasapano last week, where they provided evacuees with medicines for various ailments, vitamin supplements and re-hydration drinks.
Sinolinding said most of the patients showed signs of severe physical and emotional stress and needed proper nourishment to bolster their immune systems.
“They complained of stress-related problems such as hyper-acidity, muscle and joint pains, discomfort due to high blood pressure,” Sinolinding said.
He said they have served more than a thousand patients during their medical mission in Mamasapano last week.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/02/09/1421870/cops-maguindanao-talks-moro-leaders-after-mamasapano-clash
Mangudadatu said there is no doubt policemen in the 36 towns of Maguindanao were hurt by the deaths of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in the January 25 encounter with guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a third group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Officials on Monday lauded police units in the province for not resorting to retaliations for the deaths of 44 colleagues in a 10-hour encounter with Moro rebels last January 25 in three barangays in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, presiding chair of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council, said chiefs of the 36 municipal police offices in the first and second districts of Maguindanao even intensified after the incident their back channel dialogues with Moro commanders in their respective areas to forestall any breakdown of communication lines.
Mangudadatu said there is no doubt policemen in the 36 towns of Maguindanao were hurt by the deaths of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in the January 25 encounter with guerillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a third group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The cops, however, remained calm, stood down and allowed higher authorities, including political and religious leaders, to resolve the incident peacefully instead.
“Apparently they sincerely support the Mindanao peace process and so they did not do anything that can derail the ongoing peace initiative between the government and the MILF,” said Mangudadatu.
Mangudadatu said the 36-member Maguindanao mayors league is also helping defuse tension in Mamasapano via dialogues with MILF commanders in their respective towns to assure them that the government is not turning away from its now 18-year peace overture with the rebel group.
He said his 36 constituent-mayors have not ceased from supporting the operations of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the joint government-MILF ceasefire committee either.
The IMT, comprised of soldiers from Malaysia, Brunei, Libya, Indonesia and non-uniformed conflict resolution and rehabilitation specialists from Japan, Norway and the European Union, has been helping enforce since late 2003 the 1997 government-MILF Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities.
“None of the 36 mayors in Maguindanao, none of our Muslim, Christian and lumad religious leaders, including our provincial vice governor, Datu Lester Sinsuat, and members of the provincial board wants any escalation of animosity between the MILF and the Philippine National Police as a result of that January 25 incident in Mamasapano,” Mangudadatu said.
Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who chairs the multi-sectoral ARMM peace and order council, said members of different police units in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have assured him of their continuing recognition of the importance of the on-going government-MILF peace efforts.
“We are thankful to them for being firm in their support to the Mindanao peace process,” Hataman said.
Mangudadatu said their main concern, in the meantime, is the continuing delivery of relief and rehabilitation services to peasant enclaves in Mamasapano's adjoining Barangays Tukanalipao, Pidsandawan and Inog-og, scenes of the bloody SAF-MILF encounter.
“It is always the civilians that suffer most from armed conflicts. The provincial government is doing its best to help them,” Mangudadatu said.
Hataman said the ARMM is helping the office of the Mangudadatu address the needs of the more than 2,000 families affected by the incident through the regional government’s Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team.
Hataman said the ARMM’s health secretary, physician Kadil Sinolinding Jr., and his subordinates embarked on a medical mission in Mamasapano last week, where they provided evacuees with medicines for various ailments, vitamin supplements and re-hydration drinks.
Sinolinding said most of the patients showed signs of severe physical and emotional stress and needed proper nourishment to bolster their immune systems.
“They complained of stress-related problems such as hyper-acidity, muscle and joint pains, discomfort due to high blood pressure,” Sinolinding said.
He said they have served more than a thousand patients during their medical mission in Mamasapano last week.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/02/09/1421870/cops-maguindanao-talks-moro-leaders-after-mamasapano-clash
Justice Carpio explains Itu Aba issue in the PH suit vs China
From the ABS-CBN Blog (Feb 9): Justice Carpio explains Itu Aba issue in the PH suit vs China
Last year, Itu Aba (also known as Taiping or Ligaw), the biggest feature in the Spratly group of islands being disputed by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, figured in a controversy involving the appointment of the Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Sereno opposed the appointment of Jardeleza to the High Court accusing him of treason when he omitted Itu Aba in the Memorial or memorandum filed before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in connection with the case filed by the Philippine questioning the legality of China’s nine-dashed line map which overreaches into the territory of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
Itu Aba is occupied by Taiwan, once part of China but now considers itself a sovereign state as Republic of China. The Philippines adopts a One-China policy which considers Taiwan a province of China.
Jardeleza was of the view that including Itu Aba in the Memorial would weaken the Philippine case because the island has a water source and can sustain human habitation and therefore entitled to maritime regimes. That would be outside the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal.
As a compromise by Jardeleza and the American lawyers handling the Philippine U.N. case, Itu Aba was included in the Memorial but it was not raised as a legal issue.
The High Court later cleared Jardeleza of the allegation of treason or disloyalty saying it was “a legal strategy.”
Last Jan. 29, in a lecture at the Ateneo de Manila, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio touched on Itu Aba.
He said the Philippines has a strong position in asserting ownership of Itu Aba: “Palawan has an area of 1,464,900 hectares, and a 650 KM coast facing the West Philippine Sea, while Itu Aba has an area of 46 hectares and a 1.4 KM coast. The relevant coast for Palawan is about 495 KM, while the relevant coast for Itu Aba is about 1 KM, or a ratio of 1:495 in favor of Palawan.
“The critical criterion is the length of the opposing coastlines in the overlapping maritime zones. Palawan is uniquely endowed by nature with an unusually long coastline – a total of more than 650 kilometers facing the West Philippines Sea. The combined coastline of all the Spratly Islands is minuscule compared to Palawan’s coastline.
“International law, international jurisprudence and nature itself have all combined to give the Philippines an impregnable position in this maritime dispute.”
If the U.N. Tribunal favors the Philippine government’s assertion that Itu Aba is not capable of human habitation or economic life of its own, Carpio said the tribunal will then declare that Palawan has a full 200 nautical mile Economic Exclusive Zone facing the West Philippine Sea.
“This means that all submerged features within this EEZ, like the Reed Bank and Malampaya, are subject to exclusive economic exploitation by the Philippines in terms of fisheries, oil and gas, and mineral resources,” he said.
Furthermore, he said, “If the Philippines has a full 200 NM EEZ in Palawan facing the West Philippine Sea, only the Philippines can create artificial islands on submerged areas or erect structures on LTEs (Low Tide Elevation) within its 200 NM EEZ. Artificial structures or reclamations made by other countries, namely by China and Vietnam, are illegal.”
On the other hand, if the tribunal rules that Itu Aba is capable of human habitation or economic life of its own, Carpio said the case as far as Itu Aba and Palawan are concerned becomes an issue of overlapping EEZs, outside of the tribunal’s jurisdiction in view of China’s reservation excluding boundary delimitation issues from compulsory arbitration.
“In such a case, the tribunal will then refuse to proceed further except to declare that Itu Aba generates its own EEZ and that there is a boundary delimitation issue on overlapping EEZs between Palawan and Itu Aba. The tribunal has no jurisdiction over such boundary delimitation issue because China has opted out of compulsory jurisdiction over boundary delimitation issues, “he said.
What then would be the recourse of the Philippines?
Carpio said, “The recourse of the Philippines is to file a compulsory conciliation case against China to determine the maritime boundary between Itu Aba and Palawan in view of the overlapping EEZs. Compulsory conciliation is the specific remedy granted by UNCLOS against a member state that has opted out of compulsory arbitration on maritime boundary delimitation. While the decision of the compulsory conciliation commission is not binding, it has strong persuasive effect because it is a statement of what the international law is with respect to the particular dispute.”
How will the compulsory conciliation commission resolve the overlap issue?
Carpio said, “The distance between Palawan and Itu Aba is 225 NM. Palawan has a 495 KM coastline facing Itu Aba while Itu Aba has only a 1 KM coastline facing Palawan. These opposing coastlines, when projected to seaward, create the overlapping zones.
“The ratio of the length of the relevant coasts is 1:495 in favor of Palawan, showing not only a substantial disparity, but an overwhelming disparity. “
Carpio further explained: “Applying the UNCLOS ‘equitable solution’ principle (no disproportionate allocation of the relevant maritime area between islands with unequal coastlines), Palawan will be allocated a full 200 NM EEZ facing Itu Aba, and Itu Aba will be given the balance of 25 NM as follows: 13 NM EEZ and 12 NM territorial sea facing Palawan. Itu Aba will also have an EEZ facing seaward up to where Vietnam’s EEZ ends.
“Since Palawan can also claim an ECS (Extended Continental Shelf) beyond its 200-NM EEZ, there is an overlap between Palawan’s ECS and Itu Aba’s EEZ. This overlap, called the ‘grey area,’ will be delimited by the compulsory conciliation commission also in accordance with the “equitable solution” principle applied in the delimitation of the overlapping EEZs. Itu Aba will be entitled only to the living resources in its 13-NM EEZ facing Palawan. The non-living resources in the seabed and subsoil within Itu Aba’s 13-NM EEZ facing Palawan will belong to Palawan’s ECS.
“Itu Aba will have an EEZ seaward to the South China Sea up to where Vietnam’s EEZ ends. However, the non-living resources in the seabed and subsoil, up to 70 NM (median line between outer limits of Vietnam’s and the Philippines’ EEZs) measured from the outer limit of Palawan’s EEZ, excluding the territorial sea of Itu Aba, will form part of Palawan’s ECS.
“In short, the Philippines is entitled to the oil, gas, minerals and sedentary species in the grey area seaward of Itu Aba – the overlap between Itu Aba’s EEZ and Palawan’s ECS beyond the 200 NM EEZ of Palawan.
“This is the ‘condominium’” solution applied to the ‘grey area.’”
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/blogs/opinions/02/08/15/justice-carpio-explains-itu-aba-issue-ph-suit-vs-china
Last year, Itu Aba (also known as Taiping or Ligaw), the biggest feature in the Spratly group of islands being disputed by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, figured in a controversy involving the appointment of the Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza to the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Sereno opposed the appointment of Jardeleza to the High Court accusing him of treason when he omitted Itu Aba in the Memorial or memorandum filed before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal in connection with the case filed by the Philippine questioning the legality of China’s nine-dashed line map which overreaches into the territory of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
Itu Aba is occupied by Taiwan, once part of China but now considers itself a sovereign state as Republic of China. The Philippines adopts a One-China policy which considers Taiwan a province of China.
Jardeleza was of the view that including Itu Aba in the Memorial would weaken the Philippine case because the island has a water source and can sustain human habitation and therefore entitled to maritime regimes. That would be outside the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal.
As a compromise by Jardeleza and the American lawyers handling the Philippine U.N. case, Itu Aba was included in the Memorial but it was not raised as a legal issue.
The High Court later cleared Jardeleza of the allegation of treason or disloyalty saying it was “a legal strategy.”
Last Jan. 29, in a lecture at the Ateneo de Manila, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio touched on Itu Aba.
He said the Philippines has a strong position in asserting ownership of Itu Aba: “Palawan has an area of 1,464,900 hectares, and a 650 KM coast facing the West Philippine Sea, while Itu Aba has an area of 46 hectares and a 1.4 KM coast. The relevant coast for Palawan is about 495 KM, while the relevant coast for Itu Aba is about 1 KM, or a ratio of 1:495 in favor of Palawan.
“The critical criterion is the length of the opposing coastlines in the overlapping maritime zones. Palawan is uniquely endowed by nature with an unusually long coastline – a total of more than 650 kilometers facing the West Philippines Sea. The combined coastline of all the Spratly Islands is minuscule compared to Palawan’s coastline.
“International law, international jurisprudence and nature itself have all combined to give the Philippines an impregnable position in this maritime dispute.”
If the U.N. Tribunal favors the Philippine government’s assertion that Itu Aba is not capable of human habitation or economic life of its own, Carpio said the tribunal will then declare that Palawan has a full 200 nautical mile Economic Exclusive Zone facing the West Philippine Sea.
“This means that all submerged features within this EEZ, like the Reed Bank and Malampaya, are subject to exclusive economic exploitation by the Philippines in terms of fisheries, oil and gas, and mineral resources,” he said.
Furthermore, he said, “If the Philippines has a full 200 NM EEZ in Palawan facing the West Philippine Sea, only the Philippines can create artificial islands on submerged areas or erect structures on LTEs (Low Tide Elevation) within its 200 NM EEZ. Artificial structures or reclamations made by other countries, namely by China and Vietnam, are illegal.”
On the other hand, if the tribunal rules that Itu Aba is capable of human habitation or economic life of its own, Carpio said the case as far as Itu Aba and Palawan are concerned becomes an issue of overlapping EEZs, outside of the tribunal’s jurisdiction in view of China’s reservation excluding boundary delimitation issues from compulsory arbitration.
“In such a case, the tribunal will then refuse to proceed further except to declare that Itu Aba generates its own EEZ and that there is a boundary delimitation issue on overlapping EEZs between Palawan and Itu Aba. The tribunal has no jurisdiction over such boundary delimitation issue because China has opted out of compulsory jurisdiction over boundary delimitation issues, “he said.
What then would be the recourse of the Philippines?
Carpio said, “The recourse of the Philippines is to file a compulsory conciliation case against China to determine the maritime boundary between Itu Aba and Palawan in view of the overlapping EEZs. Compulsory conciliation is the specific remedy granted by UNCLOS against a member state that has opted out of compulsory arbitration on maritime boundary delimitation. While the decision of the compulsory conciliation commission is not binding, it has strong persuasive effect because it is a statement of what the international law is with respect to the particular dispute.”
How will the compulsory conciliation commission resolve the overlap issue?
Carpio said, “The distance between Palawan and Itu Aba is 225 NM. Palawan has a 495 KM coastline facing Itu Aba while Itu Aba has only a 1 KM coastline facing Palawan. These opposing coastlines, when projected to seaward, create the overlapping zones.
“The ratio of the length of the relevant coasts is 1:495 in favor of Palawan, showing not only a substantial disparity, but an overwhelming disparity. “
Carpio further explained: “Applying the UNCLOS ‘equitable solution’ principle (no disproportionate allocation of the relevant maritime area between islands with unequal coastlines), Palawan will be allocated a full 200 NM EEZ facing Itu Aba, and Itu Aba will be given the balance of 25 NM as follows: 13 NM EEZ and 12 NM territorial sea facing Palawan. Itu Aba will also have an EEZ facing seaward up to where Vietnam’s EEZ ends.
“Since Palawan can also claim an ECS (Extended Continental Shelf) beyond its 200-NM EEZ, there is an overlap between Palawan’s ECS and Itu Aba’s EEZ. This overlap, called the ‘grey area,’ will be delimited by the compulsory conciliation commission also in accordance with the “equitable solution” principle applied in the delimitation of the overlapping EEZs. Itu Aba will be entitled only to the living resources in its 13-NM EEZ facing Palawan. The non-living resources in the seabed and subsoil within Itu Aba’s 13-NM EEZ facing Palawan will belong to Palawan’s ECS.
“Itu Aba will have an EEZ seaward to the South China Sea up to where Vietnam’s EEZ ends. However, the non-living resources in the seabed and subsoil, up to 70 NM (median line between outer limits of Vietnam’s and the Philippines’ EEZs) measured from the outer limit of Palawan’s EEZ, excluding the territorial sea of Itu Aba, will form part of Palawan’s ECS.
“In short, the Philippines is entitled to the oil, gas, minerals and sedentary species in the grey area seaward of Itu Aba – the overlap between Itu Aba’s EEZ and Palawan’s ECS beyond the 200 NM EEZ of Palawan.
“This is the ‘condominium’” solution applied to the ‘grey area.’”
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/blogs/opinions/02/08/15/justice-carpio-explains-itu-aba-issue-ph-suit-vs-china
Fact-finding mission bound for Mamasapano
From the Sun Star-Davao (Feb 8): Fact-finding mission bound for Mamasapano
A total of 54 representatives of peace and human rights groups, progressive groups, church, workers, youth and academe based in this city have joined the other 100 contingents for a fact-finding mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on February 8 to 12.
According to the delegates, the fact-finding mission is a response to the call of Suara Bangsamoro and Kawagib Moro Human Rights group.
The objectives are to "investigate and verify cases of human rights violations against civilians; seek an understanding of the context, antecedents, and implications of the incident; determine and analyze US involvement; and express interfaith solidarity and unity with the affected communities."
Aside from that, The Children Rehabilitation Center and Kabiba will also conduct a psycho-social intervention to the affected children.
"Based on the initial report cited by Suara Bangsamoro and Kawagib on its preliminary fact-finding mission, there were several cases of human rights violations committed against civilians which include extrajudicial killing, destruction of properties and forcible evacuation," the group said.
They added that the number of displaced residents, which reached 1,500, urged them to conduct such fact-finding mission as "an independent probe to seek for truth and accountability."
"We do not want to rely on the Board of Inquiry (BOI) formed by the government," the groups said.
But Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to remain loyal to the government, as he remained hopeful that the members of the BOI will manage to seek for the truth behind the Mamasapano incident.
"There is an investigation going on. [It's] better for us to wait for the result of that investigation even though the President has already spoken that he accepts responsibility for all of the things," Duterte said Sunday.
"Just because there is this fiasco, we do not withdraw our loyalty to the President. We remain loyal to the government and to our elected leader, that is President Aquino," he added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/02/08/fact-finding-mission-bound-mamasapano-390969
A total of 54 representatives of peace and human rights groups, progressive groups, church, workers, youth and academe based in this city have joined the other 100 contingents for a fact-finding mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on February 8 to 12.
According to the delegates, the fact-finding mission is a response to the call of Suara Bangsamoro and Kawagib Moro Human Rights group.
The objectives are to "investigate and verify cases of human rights violations against civilians; seek an understanding of the context, antecedents, and implications of the incident; determine and analyze US involvement; and express interfaith solidarity and unity with the affected communities."
Aside from that, The Children Rehabilitation Center and Kabiba will also conduct a psycho-social intervention to the affected children.
"Based on the initial report cited by Suara Bangsamoro and Kawagib on its preliminary fact-finding mission, there were several cases of human rights violations committed against civilians which include extrajudicial killing, destruction of properties and forcible evacuation," the group said.
They added that the number of displaced residents, which reached 1,500, urged them to conduct such fact-finding mission as "an independent probe to seek for truth and accountability."
"We do not want to rely on the Board of Inquiry (BOI) formed by the government," the groups said.
But Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to remain loyal to the government, as he remained hopeful that the members of the BOI will manage to seek for the truth behind the Mamasapano incident.
"There is an investigation going on. [It's] better for us to wait for the result of that investigation even though the President has already spoken that he accepts responsibility for all of the things," Duterte said Sunday.
"Just because there is this fiasco, we do not withdraw our loyalty to the President. We remain loyal to the government and to our elected leader, that is President Aquino," he added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/02/08/fact-finding-mission-bound-mamasapano-390969
82nd IB troopers discover 2 abandoned rebel camps in southern Iloilo
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): 82nd IB troopers discover 2 abandoned rebel camps in southern Iloilo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=733898
Troopers of the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion discovered
two abandoned camps of the New People’s Army (NPA) in southern Iloilo
The first, found in Sitio Tig-atay, Barangay Igpaho in
Tubungan town on Friday, is believed to be enough for 70 personnel. It has 12
bunkers, 15 posts, two comfort rooms, a classroom and a kitchen.
The second one, discovered in Sitio Tigmarabas, Barangay Ongyod,
Miag-ao on Sunday, can accommodate around 50 personnel. The camp has 20
bunkers, five observation posts, two comfort rooms, and an administrative
building.
“We acknowledge the vigilance and efforts of the civilian
populace of Tubungan and Miag-ao, Iloilo
Col. Eric Uchida, commander of Army’s 301st Brigade, on the
other hand, said “The discovery of these NPA camps is a clear manifestation of
the NPA’s waning group. They continue to lose their ground and their mass base
of support.”
In 2014, troopers under the 3rd ID discovered 42 camps under
its jurisdiction, including 24 in Negros and 18 in Panay .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=733898
NPA executes fighting cocks farm caretaker in Sorsogon
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): NPA executes fighting cocks farm caretaker in Sorsogon
A 47-year-old fighting cocks farm caretaker did not reach the Irosin District Hospital alive after New People's Army (NPA) members shot him outside his house in Sitio Lay-a Barangay Gate, Bulan, Sorsogon, Sunday afternoon.
A police report said Crisanto Germedia was resting in his sala at about 2:00 p.m. when the rebels arrived with Eddie Fuensalida, 61, who they forcefully tagged along to accompany them to the victim's house.
The rebels barged into Germedia's house, dragged him outside and shot him at about 50 meters from his house on his head and body.
After the shooting, the suspects walked away casually from the crime scene while the relatives of the victim rushed him to the hospital but died along the way.
Witnesses said the rebels suspected Germedia of being a police-military informer about their activities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=734000
A 47-year-old fighting cocks farm caretaker did not reach the Irosin District Hospital alive after New People's Army (NPA) members shot him outside his house in Sitio Lay-a Barangay Gate, Bulan, Sorsogon, Sunday afternoon.
A police report said Crisanto Germedia was resting in his sala at about 2:00 p.m. when the rebels arrived with Eddie Fuensalida, 61, who they forcefully tagged along to accompany them to the victim's house.
The rebels barged into Germedia's house, dragged him outside and shot him at about 50 meters from his house on his head and body.
After the shooting, the suspects walked away casually from the crime scene while the relatives of the victim rushed him to the hospital but died along the way.
Witnesses said the rebels suspected Germedia of being a police-military informer about their activities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=734000
Navy armored unit turrets to be upgraded
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): Navy armored unit turrets to be upgraded
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=733815
In line with the military's ongoing modernization efforts,
the Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that it will upgrade the turret systems
of all the armored fighting vehicles at its arsenal.
The turret is the rotating part atop the armored vehicle, containing
the primary weapon and sighting systems.
The Navy's armored assets, which are estimated to be 30 to
40 units, are operated by the Philippine Marine Corps.
With the refurbishment, all turrets will be electrically
operated, especially for the traverse and elevation of guns that will enhance
target acquisition, PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad said.
Budget for the upgrade is placed at PhP34.5-million.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=733815
MILF, BIFF suffer 250 casualties during Mamasapano encounter –Napenas
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9): MILF, BIFF suffer 250 casualties during Mamasapano encounter –Napenas
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=733866
Relieved Philippine National Action-Special Action Force
(PNP-SAF) chief Supt. Getulio Pascual Napenas said on Monday the combined
forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamo Islamic Freedom
Fighters (BIFF) suffered at least 250 casualties during the encounter in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.
”And yes, madams and sirs, you heard it right. Not less than
250 casualties on the side of the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF and other
private armed groups,” Napenas told the Senate inquiry into the bloody
Mamasapano incident.
Napenas said he based his estimate from the statement of
Police Supt. Raymond Train and PO2 Christopher Lalan, two of the survivors in
the whole day firefight between the combined troopers of the 84th and 55th companies
of the SAF and the MILF and BIFF elements.
The sacked SAF chief said Train, the overall commander of
the 84th company assault force, told him that he was able to shoot down 25 to
30 of the attackers.
”According to him, it is also safe to say that the entire
Assault Force, the 84th Company, was able to shoot down at least 150 of the
enemies,” Napenas told the Senate inquiry attended by at least 13 senators led
by Senate President Franklin Drilon.
Napenas said Lalan, the lone survivor of the 55th Company,
also told him that at least 100 members of the combined MILF and BIFF forces
were taken down by SAF troopers from his company.
”The 84th and 55th companies which took part in Oplan Exodus
also has two and six snipers, respectively, under their helm. For sure, these
highly-trained snipers could have shot down on the average at least 20 each
from the attackers,” Napenas said.
He said his estimate did not include those taken down by
other SAF troopers from the 45th, 42nd and 41st companies who were likewise
engaged in the firefight.
”In other words, had the artillery support we requested
arrived on time, the situation would have been entirely different, though I
admit, it may not have guaranteed zero-casualty on our part,” Napenas said.
The 392-member SAF contingent suffered 44 dead and 15
wounded in the firefight that took place when the SAF troopers executed ‘Oplan
Exodus’ aimed at capturing two high-value targets, terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir,
alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.
Marwan, prime suspect in the Bali bombing that killed 202
people and other bombings in Mindanao , was
killed in the operation while Usman, also a bomb-making expert like Marwan and
a BIFF commander, escaped.
With the killing of Marwan, Napenas called the operation
‘mission accomplished.’
”Only that it happened with a high price: The lives of 44
brave young men,” he said.
Napenas said he started working directly against Marwan and
Usman as early as 2010.
Napenas said he supervised the operations against Marwan in
July 2012 in Butig, Lanao del Sur but the latter managed to escape just a few
minutes before SAF troops arrived.
He said former Police Supt. (retired) Noel delos Reyes,
former deputy director for intelligence, knew how Marwan managed to escape.
Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero moved to invite Delos Reyes
in the next hearing.
Napenas said he again supervised the operations called
"Oplan Wolverine" on April 25, 2014 to get Marwan but it was
unfortunately aborted after the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army
withdrew its commitment to provide mechanized brigade units to support the
operations.
On May 30, 2014, another operation in coordination with the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was launched but also aborted due to
heavy armed groups’ activity in the target area.
Barely 10 days later, the Philippine Army’s 6th ID
mechanized brigade conducted its own operation without coordination from the
SAF but they failed to neutralize Marwan and Usman.
”These are just few of the reasons why in the succeeding
operations, the coordination with the AFP will be time-on-target of the
arresting force, in order to avoid the possibility that our operation would be
compromised,” Napenas said.
Napenas, however, clarified that he was not blaming the AFP
why the information and preparations of operations seemed to have been leaked
whenever they went out against high-value targets.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=733866