Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Gov't to free 11 communists; talks moved to August

From ABS-CBN (Jul 19): Gov't to free 11 communists; talks moved to August



CPP-NDF leaders Jose Maria Sison and Luis Jalandoni meet with Duterte peace negotiators led by Jesus Dureza in Norway. Thirdy Ado, ABS-CBN News

Eleven leaders of the Philippine communist movement will be freed ahead of the resumption next month of peace talks with the Philippine government under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said the resumption of talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Oslo, Norway will take place from August 20 to 27.

"This is a milestone because as you know, the peace talks broke down four years ago," Dureza told reporters.

The Philippine government will be represented by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Among the topics that will be discussed during the first formal talks will be the affirmation of the previous agreements, reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), amnesty proclamation, and mode of interim ceasefire.
The JASIG is a mechanism which grants CPP-NPA-NDF leaders immunity and protection while peace negotiations are ongoing.

Dureza said 11 detained leftist leaders will be released so they can participate in the talks. He, however, said it might be premature at this point to name those who will be released.

"The president directed yesterday for the different agencies of government to start working on the possible temporary release of members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who will participate in the peace negotiations," Dureza said.

"The legal procedures will have to be followed accordingly."

Dureza added, the political detainees' release will only be "temporary" as only the courts hearing their charges have the power to determine their legal status. The granting of an amnesty, nonetheless, is also a possibility, he said.

The leftist movement's demand for the release of political detainees was one of the reasons for the breakdown of the group's talks with the administration of then-President Benigno Aquino III.
The Aquino administration argued there was no way of verifying who was qualified for release under JASIG, as the diskette containing their names got corrupted over time.

The leftist leaders were detained for various criminal charges, but the NDF says the charges were trumped up.

The nearly half-century long Maoist campaign of the NPA, one of the world's longest running insurgencies, has claimed over 30,000 lives, according to military estimates.

Dureza said Tuesday that Duterte has already approved the government's peace road map, which also tackles the Bangsamoro struggle as well as the the implementation of closure agreements with other rebel groups in the country.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/19/16/govt-to-free-11-communists-talks-moved-to-august

DWDD: YOUTH ADVOCATES FOR PEACE | First Mindanao-Wide Congress

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 20): YOUTH ADVOCATES FOR PEACE | First Mindanao-Wide Congress

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – With the purpose of providing different avenues for the youth to be included in the drive of bringing lasting peace in Mindanao, a 3-day event entitled Mindanao Youth Peace Congress with theme “Youth in Action for Peace Enactment” was steered on July 16-18, 2016 at the Ateneo de Davao University with an aim of producing and enacting Peace Resolutions to Local Government Units all over Mindanao – a first-ever youth congress for peace held in the Island.

Among 200 Mindanawon youth who applied for the event, 50 were chosen to represent their regions, which includes youth leaders from different sectors of Tri-People – Christians, Moros, and IPs

The activity was graced by Chairman Abul Khayr Alonto of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who inspired the participants during his talk in the Opening Program. Lectures on the history of Mindanao Conflict – IP and Moro Struggle were also conducted in the afternoon with highly effective and knowledgeable speakers in person of Mr. John Harvey D. Gamas, Chair of the ADDU International Studies Department, Mr, Sammy Buat of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace, and Mr. Jeremy Simons of iEmergence, Inc.

The highlight of the activity was the Plenary Session where the participants engaged in legislation through identifying issues and crafting resolutions, anchoring the outputs to different programs including Education, Health, Environment, Employment, and Youth Participation. The resolutions are hoped to help resolve conflicts and achieve peace in Mindanao, which are expected to be endorsed first in the Davao City Council.

The event was organized through the initiative of KaPeace Bisig Organization and collaborative efforts of the 11th Batch of National Youth Parliament in Region XI, National Youth Commission, Eastern Mindanao Command, 5th Civil Relations Group, 10th Infantry Division, Provincial Government of Compostela Valley, City Government of Davao, Ateneo de Davao University, ADDU Community Engagement and Advocacy Council, University of Southeastern Philippines – Obrero Campus Student Council, US Embassy, I am for Peace Campaign, Manila Bulletin, Mindanaon Youth Development Center, Inc., Keepers on Air, Global Eye Care,, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Al Qalam Institute on Islamic Identities and Dialogues, and Coffee for Peace. PAO EASTMINCOM  / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/53292-2/

MILF: Editorial -- Trust and confidence in peace process

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jul 16): Editorial -- Trust and confidence in peace process

Motives in entering into peace negotiations can be varied, from purely tactical in character such as buying time or the need to be viewed as peace-loving to real problem-solving exercises. At one time or another, the GPH-MILF peace process had assumed all of these characterizations. However, for the most part, it was government which resorted to these dirty tricks notably the paikot (running around) that clearly manifested in many moments during the Arroyo administration. But as time went by, the negotiations gathered momentum and evolved into one of problem-solving engagement. Trust and confidence had been patiently built over the years and they peaked during the Aquino administration. The test of its durability was measured when the Mamasapano tragic incident happened on January 25, 2015 where 44 Special Police Forces, 17 MILF combatants, and five civilians were killed, as well as scores of others wounded. The incident almost exploded into high intensity conflict.

Very fortunately, confidence-building measures (CBMs) during Aquino dispensation started early when he and MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim met in Tokyo, Japan in August 2011. The meeting gave the peace talks “a shot in the arm” and showed support from the “highest level.” However, in many ways, the current administration under President Rodrigo Duterte clearly has other edges. In 2011, the MILF would only agree to meet President Aquino in a venue outside of the country; the meeting between Chairman Murad and President Duterte took place right in Davao City, a domestic venue. Thanks to his closeness to the Moros in Mindanao! The other reason, aside from the trust and confidence built over the years during the Aquino administration, is the fact that strictly speaking real negotiations have been consummated already with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The CAB contained the political solution to the Bangsamoro Problem or Question.

Improving or creating mutual confidence and trust in the peace process can create more effective CBMs. In this regard, even small steps are useful and necessary to foster an improved political climate, before more elaborate steps are taken. This is especially true during the early stage of the negotiations between the MILF and the government or when new administrations assumed powers. In transitions, the way forward especially by newcomers is usually blurred. Perhaps the only smooth transition that can be cited was during the administration of President Joseph Estrada after President Fidel Ramos exited from office. In fact, there were at least two “firsts” achieved during the period. The first formal talks happened during his administration; and second, the seven major camps of the MILF were acknowledged during his time. This is not to mention the third first: the all-out war policy of government (against the MILF) was declared during his administration.

Comparatively, the status of the peace process under the current administration is much better. As stated, there is no more serious negotiations, but the peace panels will continue to stay to provide strategic directions to the peace process. They will only cease to exist upon the signing of the Exit Agreement when all the agreements of the Parties are implemented. At present, the main responsibility of the Parties is to implement their agreements. One track is a national process and unilateral to the government which is the passage and enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) compliant to the CAB. The only participation of the MILF is that more than one half of the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that crafted the proposed BBL were nominated by the MILF but they were still appointed by President Aquino. The other track is a bilateral responsibility of the two Parties with the participation of the international community. This is the normalization process which includes the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants.

Another added value is that the architectural mechanisms of the GPH-MILF Peace Process are very comprehensive and elaborate. They are also time-tested and sturdy. They are built over the years, 17 years to be precise. They are designed both as the consequences of new situations cropping up on the ground from time to time and from lessons learned or imitated (with some improvements to suit local requirements) from best practices in other conflict situations around the world. These mechanisms are already in place and are functioning smoothly.

The most logical steps of the Parties especially government is to pursue the current practices --- and make use to the hilt these mechanisms. If the government and MILF had reached this far in their search for the resolution of the conflict in Mindanao, the real reason is that they especially the latter pursues institutional engagements.

Consistency and fidelity to signed agreements are keys to successful problem-solving exercises. While the informal tracks can be helpful in some ways but in no way they can replace the formal tracks.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/editorial/25-january-16-23/811-trust-and-confidence-in-peace-process

MILF: GPH-MILF CCCH and AHJAG sign Agreement of Cooperation and Coordination in the Campaign against Illegal Drugs

Posted to the MILF Website (Jul 20): GPH-MILF CCCH and AHJAG sign Agreement of Cooperation and Coordination in the Campaign against Illegal Drugs



The Government of the Philippines Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (GPH-CCCH and AHJAG) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (MILF CCCH and AHJAG) signed Agreement of Cooperation and Coordination in the Campaign against Illegal Drugs in MILF controlled areas on July 12, 2016 at Hotel Elena, Davao City.

The two parties agreed on the following provisions:
 
1. In the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations, all existing protocols under RA 9165 and all relevant agreements signed between the GPH and the MILF shall apply. The PDEA and the anti-drug units of the AFP, PNP, NBI, BOC and BID shall coordinate with the AHJAG and CCCH.
 
2. Information exchange/sharing , which includes, but not limited to the submission of the MILF of a list of drug personalities identified in its area subject to validation of the law enforcement agencies.
 
3. The MILF can conduct information drive on the ill-effects of illegal drugs in the MILF affected areas as part of its demand reduction activities. Such information drive may be conducted in coordination with the barangay, municipal, city or provincial anti-drug abuse councils.
 
4. Information including matters recommended by MILF counterparts in support to the campaign against illegal drugs shall be relayed to the PDEA and the anti-drug units of the AFP, PNP, NBI, BOC and BID through the GPH-AHJAG and GPH-CCCH.

Other forms of cooperation are encouraged.

Those who signed for the GPH were BGEN Arnel B De La Vega AFP, Chairman, GPH AHJAG and BGEN Glenn G. Macasero AFP, Chairman, GPH CCCH. 
Atty. Abdul M. Dataya, Chairman, MILF AHJAG and Mr. Butch P. Malang, Chairman, MILF CCCH signed for the MILF.

About a year ago, the MILF had already embarked on its war on drugs especially Shabu (methamphetamine) and had identified hundreds to thousands of drug pushers especially in Central Mindanao.

The MILF war on drugs with a campaign slogan “Shabu is Haram and the Roots of all Evils” saved so many users or addicts from further destruction. The MILF has not only achieved some successes but also earned praises from many sectors including Christian leaders in nearby provinces.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/814-gph-milf-ccch-and-ahjag-sign-agreement-of-cooperation-and-coordination-in-the-campaign-against-illegal-drugs

MILF: MILF-JNC conducts Orientations inside MILF Camps

Posted to the MILF Website (Jul 20): MILF-JNC conducts Orientations inside MILF Camps



The Joint Normalization Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (JNC-MILF) continue its peace advocacy campaign program by conducting orientations inside the camps of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur.

Last Saturday, July 16, the MILF-BIAF General Staff composed of Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah, Toks Ebrahim, Baser Calim and Atty.  Naguib Sinarimbo, Legal Counsel of JNC team visited two MILF Camps in Datu Piang, Maguindanao where they conducted orientations to officers and members of the BIAF.

Toks Ebrahim, Administrative Officer of the MILF-BIAF General Staff emphasized to the BIAF officers/members ‘self-reliance’ as one of the four-point programs of the Moro Front that were introduced by the late MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim.

“You must develop your own community in any means. Our development partners will provide assistance but not enough to accommodate all our members,” Ebrahim said.

Ebrahim told the BIAF officers/members to observe ‘self-management’.  “If you are doing well, you will be promoting yourself, and by doing that you are also helping your brigade as well as the entire MILF leadership”, he added.

Ebrahim encouraged them to make their own plan, for their family, for their community, to strengthen one’s faith as the responsibility of being a Mujahideen.

“By doing that, you will no longer become part of the problem of our society,” Ebrahim stressed.

On the other hand, Atty. Sinarimbo briefed hundreds of participants who attended the program on the role of JNC and updates on the GPH-MILF peace process.

“We have done our part in complying with the first decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons,” Sinarimbo pointed out. However, he said, the government of the Philippines under the Aquino administration failed to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

 “If they will not pass and implement the BBL, we’ll not be obliged to decommission 30% of our forces and war materials for the second phase”, he said.

Atty. Sinarimbo also explained that normalization is different from Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration or DDR. “The concept of DDR is not acceptable to MILF,” he explained.

On the peace process, Sinarimbo said that the signed agreement was between the government and the MILF and not with an administration. “An administration will end just like the Aquino administration, but agreements are there to stay”, Sinarimbo elaborated.

Sinarimbo is optimistic that based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous statements, he will push for the passage of the BBL but shifting to federal form of government is the president’s priority.

After holding a community advocacy program in Western Mindanao, the MILF-JNC Secretariat Basir Calim said, that their team have already visited several MILF Camps in Lanao Del Sur.

The MILF-JNC Team have conducted similar program in Pikit, North Cotabato, another one in Maguindanao. One of the camps in North Cotabato will also be visited, Calim said.

The signed document on Annex on Normalization dated January 25, 2014 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia states that “Normalization is a process whereby communities can achieve their desired quality of life, which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihood and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society.”

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/815-milf-jnc-conducts-orientations-inside-milf-camps

NPA leader surrenders

From the Philippine Star (Jul 20): NPA leader surrenders

A New People’s Army (NPA) leader has surrendered in Negros Occidental.

Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) commander, said the head of a military unit of the NPA in Himamaylan City, whose name was withheld for security reasons, also turned over several landmines.

Delfin said the former rebel leader, his wife and two children are under the custody of the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion in central Negros.

2nd Lt. Revekka Knothess Roperos, 303rd IB public information officer, said they are processing the financial and livelihood assistance for the former rebel and his family under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Rebel-returnees are entitled to a P15,000 in financial aid and P50,000 as livelihood assistance under the program.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/07/20/1604563/npa-leader-surrenders

With new peace roadmap, Duterte holds 'warm' phone conversation with Misuari

From GMA News (Jul 19): With new peace roadmap, Duterte holds 'warm' phone conversation with Misuari

President Rodrigo Duterte reached out to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari after approving what the administration said was an “inclusive” peace roadmap, Malacañang said on Tuesday.



Presidential Comm
@PresidentialCom
talks to MNLF chair Nur Misuari over the phone after Peace Roadmap was presented.

Dureza says Misuari offered to help military deal with Abu Sayyaf

From GMA News (Jul 19): Dureza says Misuari offered to help military deal with Abu Sayyaf 

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari has offered the government to “help in addressing the criminal acts” committed by Abu Sayyaf militants, peace adviser Jesus Dureza said Tuesday.

“There is an effort now by the group of Chairman Nur Misuari. I talked with him today. He called me over the phone and he said that he'd like to do coordination with our military forces on the ground because they'd like also to help in addressing the criminal acts committed by the so-called Abu Sayyaf Group,” Dureza told reporters in a media briefing.

Dureza’s phone call to Misuari was a day after the MNLF chairman’s conversation with President Rodrigo Duterte over the administration’s comprehensive peace roadmap.

Fugitive Misuari is facing arrest over the rebellion charges filed against him in connection with the 2013 Zamboanga City siege.

Meanwhile, Dureza said he also received information that five Malaysians aboard a tugboat was believed to have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf off the waters of Tawi-Tawi.

According to reports from the ground, Duterte said a boat running unmanned was found in Lahad Datu, Sabah bordering Tawi-Tawi.

The peace adviser said a “comprehensive approach” is needed in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf and in the communities where they operate, while assuring that the militants will be punished for their crimes.

“While we address the armed force accordingly by military might and force, you have also to address the community, the enabling environment that provided this kind of an upsurge of criminality which is so, so even barbaric,” Dureza said.

“Deal with the community, deal with force with those who commit criminal acts and address it on a calibrated level. You cannot just bomb everybody there because it's a whole community that's involved eh,” he added. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/574310/news/nation/dureza-says-misuari-offered-to-help-military-deal-with-abu-sayyaf

Misuari wants to help crush Abu Sayyaf

From the Manila Times (Jul 19): Misuari wants to help crush Abu Sayyaf

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari has offered to help the government go after the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Malacanang said on Tuesday.

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza also disclosed that “there are efforts” from Misuari to secure the release of the Norwegian being held captive by the group.

“He’d like to do coordination with our military forces on the ground because they’d like also to help in addressing the criminal acts committed by the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Dureza told reporters as he confirmed that the ASG kidnapped five more Malaysians in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Monday afternoon.

“I heard today that they took again five more Malaysians in Lahad Datu. Maybe you have heard about this already. Five more Malaysians. And the Indonesians are still there,” he said.

According to Dureza, the President called Misuari following the approval of the government’s roadmap to peace with rebel groups.

The phone conversation on Monday night, according to Dureza, was “very open.”

“After the President approved the roadmap which included the Bangsamoro, he asked that a phone call be made to chairman Nur Misuari because we knew that chairman Misuari has been wanting to talk to him,” he said.

“The conversation was very open… It was something very warm between two friends greeting each other,” he added.

But Dureza refused to give more details about the phone call.

Meanwhile, the peace adviser clarified earlier reports on the meeting set between Duterte and Misuari.

“He [Misuari] is still facing arrest due to the Zamboanga incident and the warrant of arrest is still active.We cannot deal with him officially because he is technically still a fugitive of justice,” Dureza said.

Misuari is facing rebellion charges over the 20-day Zamboanga City siege in 2013 that led to the death of 200 people and the displacement of thousands of others.

Dureza said Misuari’s lawyers can ask for a review of the case.

“So, we will see if that review will result in the suspension of the effects of a warrant. We will see but that is going to be the route that will be taken,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, in order to disabuse the minds of many who had already been massing in Sulu saying that the President is coming to meet with him, we will have to wait until that procedure is complied with. That we have to deal with the effects still of a warrant. It is only when a warrant is no longer in the way that this can proceed, accordingly,” he added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/misuari-wants-to-help-crush-abu-sayyaf/274756/

US, Australia standing together to face any challenges in Pacific

From Update.Ph (Jul 20): US, Australia standing together to face any challenges in Pacific

 Two small jet aircraft act as a simulated target while flying between the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), front, and US Navy USS Howard (DDG 83) during Rim of the Pacific 2016. US Navy photo

Two small jet aircraft act as a simulated target while flying between the Royal Australian Navy HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), front, and US Navy USS Howard (DDG 83) during Rim of the Pacific 2016. US Navy photo

US Vice President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stressed Tuesday the importance of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and a rules-based international order, in the wake of an international court’s recent rejection of China’s claim to almost the entire sea.

Speaking to reporters after their talks in Sydney, Biden said they “reaffirmed our commitment to continue to work together to uphold the liberal international order that has served the world so well for the past 75 years and to maintain the free flow of commerce and trade in the air and on sea, making sure the sea lanes are open and the skies are free for navigation.”

“They are the lifeblood lines of commerce and the economic growth worldwide,” he said, recalling how both governments last week issue strong statements urging China and the Philippines to abide by the tribunal’s ruling, which China has refused to do.

Biden said his talks with Turnbull, who was recently elected to a second term as prime minister, also covered military cooperation.

He said they discussed “the steps that Australia and the United States are taking so our troops can train more together and increase our interoperability so we are fully prepared to respond to any challenges in the Pacific with a united front.”

“It’s important we stand together,” he added.

Turnbull noted that neither Australia nor the United States is a claimant to any of the reefs and other contested features in the South China Sea, which are disputed among the governments of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.

“But each of us encourage all parties to resolve such differences as there are, in accordance with international law, in accordance with peaceful negotiation,” he said.

http://www.update.ph/2016/07/us-australia-standing-together-to-face-any-challenges-pacific/7763

Kerry to visit PH, meet with Duterte

From Rappler (Jul 20): Kerry to visit PH, meet with Duterte

(UPDATED) The visit, set from July 26 to 27, comes after the Philippines won a historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea

 VISITING PHILIPPINES, TOO. A handout photo provided by the US Department of State shows US Secretary of State John Kerry holding a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (not in photo) after their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, Britain, on July 19, 2016. Photo by US State Department/EPA

VISITING PHILIPPINES, TOO. A handout photo provided by the US Department of State shows US Secretary of State John Kerry holding a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (not in photo) after their meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, Britain, on July 19, 2016. Photo by US State Department/EPA

(UPDATED) – US Secretary of State John Kerry is set to visit the Philippines from July 26 to 27 to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Kerry will become the first top diplomat of another country to visit Duterte in the Philippines.

Mark Toner, deputy spokesman of the US State Department, said on Tuesday, July 19, that Kerry is also scheduled to speak with his counterpart, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr.

Kerry aims "to discuss the full range" of US cooperation "with the new administration," Toner said in a statement.

Kerry's visit comes days after the Philippines won a historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Before this, Counselor Kristie Kenney of the US State Department, a former US ambassador to the Philippines, flew to Manila to meet with key Duterte officials. Kenney said she did this upon Kerry's instructions.

Before coming to the Philippines, Kerry is traveling to Vientiane, Laos, from July 25 to 26 to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting, and the Lower Mekong Initiative Ministerial Meeting.
 
Toner said: "At these ASEAN meetings, the Secretary will discuss the region’s security architecture and shared transnational challenges including maritime security; illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing’ the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula’ and the South China Sea."
 

Duterte and US officials discuss West Philippine Sea ruling

From Rappler (Jul 19): Duterte and US officials discuss West Philippine Sea ruling

After the meeting, US Senator Chris Murphy tweets and claims Duterte assured them he has no plans to negotiate with China over the West Philippine Sea

DUTERTE AND AMERICA. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Photo by Kiwi Bulaclac/PND

DUTERTE AND AMERICA. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Photo by Kiwi Bulaclac/PND

The landmark ruling on the West Philippine Sea was a major topic during a meeting between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and US officials on Tuesday, July 19.

A US delegation composed of US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and US lawmakers paid Duterte a visit in Malacañang Palace.

The American lawmakers present were Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Brian Schatz, Congressman Ted Deutch, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and Congressman John Garamendi.

The delegation apparently asked Duterte what his administration's next steps on the West Philippine Sea dispute would be, given the ruling in favor of the Philippines.

Senator Murphy tweeted after the meeting that Duterte gave his assurances that he would not surrender the Philippines' claim to China, despite the Asian giant's aggressive rhetoric.

Murphy tweeted, "We were first US elected officials to meet w Duterte. Says he will not trade territorial rights to China. Tribunal decision non-negotiable."

The senator most likely meant "maritime rights", given the dispute being over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Chris Murphy   
  @ChrisMurphyCT
We were first US elected officials to meet w Duterte. Says he will not trade territorial rights to China. Tribunal decision non-negotiable.

Chris Murphy    
  @ChrisMurphyCT
In Manila - just out of meeting w new Philippines President Duterte. Assured us he has no plans to negotiate w China over islands dispute.

In another tweet, Murphy claimed Duterte said he would not negotiate with China over the West Philippine Sea.

"In Manila - just out of meeting w new Philippines President Duterte. Assured us he has no plans to negotiate w China over islands dispute," read Murphy's tweet.

Duterte earlier said he intends to hold bilateral talks with China, even saying he would send former president Fidel V. Ramos as his envoy. (READ: PH-China ruling could help restart talks)

What Duterte may have meant was, he would not negotiate with China unless the Asian giant recognizes the historic ruling of an arbitral tribunal that favors the Philippines.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, however told a briefing last week, July 13, "China will not allow any negotiation based on the ruling." Liu, in effect, said there can be no negotiations with the Philippines unless the Duterte administration junks the ruling in The Hague.

Among others, the tribunal ruled that China had no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources within the disputed area. It also said that Beijing violated Manila's sovereign rights in the Philippines' own Exclusive Economic Zone.

Among the US' main interests in the dispute is to preserve freedom of navigation in the area.

The meeting between Duterte and the US delegation was also attended by Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/140279-duterte-us-officials-west-philippine-sea-ruling

Peace talks with communists set on August 20 to 27

From Rappler (Jul 19): Peace talks with communists set on August 20 to 27

President Duterte has directed government agencies to work on the 'temporary release' of political prisoners who will participate in the talks, says peace process adviser Jess Dureza

PEACE AT LAST? Philippine communist guerrillas in Mindanao. File photo by Edwin Espejo/Rappler

PEACE AT LAST? Philippine communist guerrillas in Mindanao. File photo by Edwin Espejo/Rappler

The Philippine government under the Duterte administration will formally begin peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on August 20, 2016.

This was announced by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza during a Malacañang press conference on Tuesday, July 19.

"Formal talks have been firmly set on August 20 to 27... We look forward to engaging with our counterparts in the other side of the table by August 20," said Dureza.

The meeting will take place in Oslo, Norway as the Norwegian government has agreed to facilitate the peace talks.

Dureza called the upcoming meeting a "milestone" given this will be the start of formal peace talks with the Left after 4 years. It seeks to end the longest insurgency in Asia.

The government panel will be chaired by Labor Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III who was also government panel chair during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

On the side of the Left, the panel chair will be Luis Jalandoni, chief negotiator of the National Democractic Front (NDF), the negotiating arm of the CPP.

The agenda of the first meeting will include 5 major points discussed during preliminary talks between Duterte appointees and CPP leaders last June.

These 5 points are:
  • Affirmation of previously-signed agreements
  • Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces
  • Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list
  • Amnesty Proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress
  • Mode of interim ceasefire
'Temporary release' of prisoners

In preparation for the start of peace talks, Duterte has ordered various government agencies to facilitate the "temporary release" of 11 political prisoners who are set to participate in the Oslo talks.

"The President had directed yesterday for the different agencies of government to already start working on the temporary release of prisoners who will be participating in the negotiations. But the legal procedures will have to be closely followed," said Dureza.
 
Previously, Duterte had said he wanted to give safe conduct passes to NPA leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.
 
The peace talks were supposed to begin on July 27, two days after Duterte's first State of the Nation Address.
 
The government had asked for the date to be moved to the 3rd week of August "to ensure that all technical details related to the formal resumption in Oslo are attended to and addressed by both parties," said Bello in a press release.
 
Specifically, the government wanted more time to consider the mechanics of the planned nationwide ceasefire and the release of political prisoners," said Bello.
 
Hernani Braganza, a newly-appointed member of the government peace panel said both parties are "upbeat and optimistic" because of the level of priority the Duterte administration seems to be giving the peace talks.
 

PH rejects China's precondition for bilateral talks - Yasay

From InterAksyon (Jul 19): PH rejects China's precondition for bilateral talks - Yasay

The Philippines has turned down a Chinese proposal to start bilateral talks because of Beijing's precondition of not discussing a court ruling that nullified most of its South China Sea claims, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay said on Tuesday.

Yasay said he had met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of a summit of Asian and European leaders on the weekend and after raising the topic of last week's ruling, it became clear that was a no-go area.

China has angrily rejected the verdict by the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the initial case as illegal and farcical. It has repeatedly said it will not change its approach or its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea.

"They said if you will insist on the ruling, discussing it along those lines, then we might be headed for a confrontation," Yasay said during an interview with the news channel of broadcaster ABS-CBN.

"But I really honestly feel that this is something they have to make on a public basis but I also sensed there was room for us to talk very quietly using backdoor channeling."

Yasay said Yi had proposed bilateral talks but only on issues "outside, or (in) disregard of, the arbitral ruling," which he declined because it was not in the Philippines' national interests.

Yasay's account of the meeting highlights the challenge ahead for the Philippines, a US ally, in getting China to comply with the decision which has ramped up tensions in the vital trade route.

The ruling laid out what maritime rights Manila had and where Beijing had violated its rights under international law, including its massive construction works on Mischief Reef.

Manila wanted to enforce the points of the complex ruling step-by-step but as a priority had asked China to let its fishermen go to the Scarborough Shoal without being harassed by its coastguard, Yasay said.

China's coastguard was preventing Filipino boats from fishing around the hotly contested Scarborough Shoal, fishermen and officials said on Friday, and China's air force has released pictures showing bombers recently flying over the area.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.

Yasay said hoped the ruling would lead to other Southeast Asian countries issuing a joint statement, adding that it could help neighbors also locked in disputes with China.

"We are not yet engaged in bilateral talks with anyone," he said. "But I would like to see how we can pursue certain provisional arrangements so that it would lead to opening of bilateral or multilateral engagements should that be necessary."

http://interaksyon.com/article/130506/ph-rejects-chinas-precondition-for-bilateral-talks---yasay

China admiral warns freedom of navigation patrols could end 'in disaster'

From InterAksyon (Jul 18): China admiral warns freedom of navigation patrols could end 'in disaster'



Admiral Wu Shengli (R), commander of the Chinese navy, shakes hands with US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson during a welcome ceremony held at the Chinese Navy Headquarters in Beijing, China, July 18, 2016. REUTERS/Ng Han Guan/Pool

Freedom of navigation patrols carried out by foreign navies in the South China Sea could end "in disaster", a senior Chinese admiral has said, a warning to the United States after last week's ruling against Beijing's claims in the area.

China has refused to recognize the ruling by an arbitration court in The Hague that invalidated its vast territorial claims in the South China Sea and did not take part in the proceedings brought by the Philippines.

[Read related story: UN court ruling 'naturally null and void' – Xinhua]

It has reacted angrily to calls by Western countries and Japan for the decision to be adhered to.

[Read related story: China tells Japan to stop interfering in South China Sea]

China has repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually.

China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have rival claims, of which China's is the largest.

The United States has conducted freedom of navigation patrols close to Chinese-held islands, to Beijing's anger, while China has been bolstering its military presence there.

[Read related story: US freedom of navigation in South China Sea not an act of provocation: White House]

Speaking behind closed doors at a forum in Beijing on Saturday evening, Sun Jianguo, an admiral and Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the powerful Central Military Commission, said the freedom of navigation issue was a bogus one that certain countries repeatedly hyped up.

"When has freedom of navigation in the South China Sea ever been affected? It has not, whether in the past or now, and in the future there won't be a problem as long as nobody plays tricks," he said, according to a transcript of his comments seen by Reuters on Monday.

China is the biggest beneficiary of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and won't let anybody damage it, Sun said.

"But China consistently opposes so-called military freedom of navigation which brings with it a military threat, and which challenges and disrespects the international law of the sea," Sun said.

"This kind of military freedom of navigation is damaging to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and it could even play out in a disastrous way," he added, without elaborating.

He said the court case at The Hague must be used by China's armed forces to improve its capabilities "so that when push comes to shove, the military can play a decisive role in the last moment to defend our national sovereignty and interests".

Despite the warnings, China and the United States have been maintaining open lines of communication, with US Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson meeting the head of the Chinese navy, Wu Shengli, in Beijing on Monday.

"I think that you can visit China this time at our invitation, that shows both sides attach great concern to maritime security," Wu told Richardson in brief comments in front of reporters.

Separately, China's Maritime Safety Administration said on Monday that an area just off the east of the island province of Hainan would be a no-sail zone from July 19-21 while military drills take place.

[Read reated story: Beijing to hold South China Sea war games after ruling]

China generally describes its exercises in the South China Sea as routine.

China's air force also said on its microblog it had recently carried out "normal battle patrols" over the South China Sea involving bombers, spy planes and flying tankers, including over Scarborough Shoal which is disputed with the Philippines.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130475/china-admiral-warns-freedom-of-navigation-patrols-could-end-in-disaster

Maguindanao cops, Marines hunt down preacher's killers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Maguindanao cops, Marines hunt down preacher's killers

Police and members of the Philippine Marines have launched here a manhunt against two men who shot dead a Christian preacher on Monday afternoon.

Senior Inspector Merlee Glemao, Upi town police chief, said police investigators have gathered witnesses' accounts for the artist's sketches of two men who shot dead David Severo, pastor of Holy Life Church in Barangay Kibukay at about 4 p.m.

Severo, 60 years old, was killed on the spot when two men armed with .45 caliber pistols opened fire on him as he was standing in front of his family owned roadside vegetable and rice store.

Glemao said the police have the identities of possible perpetrators. "We are still gathering statements from relatives and witnesses," she said.

Severo's family owns a small farm along a stretch of the Cotabato-North Upi Highway in Barangay Kibukay. In front of his home was a vegetable, rice and corn store.

Upi Mayor Ramon Piang condemned the murder of Severo, his personal friend.

He has ordered the local police and barangay officials in Kibukay to work together to give justice to the fallen religious leader.

Meanwhile, in Pikit, North Cotabato, a village chair survived a daytime grenade attack in his home in Barangay Pamalian.

Village chair Mama Kungkong said he has no known enemies nor he was involved in illegal drugs. "It could be a harassment from lawless elements or illegal drug peddlers because I campaigned hard against them in my village," Kungkong told reporters.

Kungkong was inside his home when the grenade exploded. Two men on board a motorbike was seen speeding away.

Police have launched manhunt and established more checkpoints in crime prone villages of Pikit, a conflict-affected town in North Cotabato where illegal drugs and loose firearms proliferate.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=905187

Pass a CAB-compliant BBL before federalism shift --Iqbal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Pass a CAB-compliant BBL before federalism shift --Iqbal

The peace panel chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday emphasized the need to prioritize the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before shifting to a federal form of government.

”It is our firm view that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be passed first, as promised by the President during his campaign for the presidency and make it as a template for federalism in this country,” said MILF peace panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal during the book launch of “Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity” at Discovery Primea, Makati City.

Iqbal said that while the MILF is supportive of the shift to federalism, the implications of this policy toward the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) must be thoroughly studied.

“I am upbeat that the President can do it smoothly for several reasons. He is extremely popular, the time factor is on his side, and he is not anti-Moro; in fact he has a Moro blood running in his veins; and finally he has shown so far that he is a decisive leader,” said Iqbal.

Meanwhile, presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a comprehensive peace roadmap which entails the operationalization of a mechanism where an all-Moro body will be tasked to draft anew a more inclusive proposed enabling law that will be filed with Congress in lieu of the BBL.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) provided for in the CAB will be reconstituted with representation coming from the MILF, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and other Bangsamoro representatives.....
 


Dureza: Peace roadmap to pave the way for federalism

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Dureza: Peace roadmap to pave the way for federalism

In a meeting in Malacañang on Monday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved the new “Roadmap to Peace” that will address issues with various rebel groups, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Work on a proposed Bangsamoro enabling law will be done simultaneously with the effort to install a federal system of government, Dureza said, adding that the mechanism is aimed at setting up a federal state of the Bangsamoro and will proceed towards a nationwide federal setup.

“This will cover our engagements with the Bangsamoro and the CPP-NPA-NDF, and then, of course, our effort to do closure to the agreements with the other rebel groups like the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and the RBB,” Dureza said.

Under the Duterte administration, the peace process with communist and Muslim rebels will not only be inclusive and committed to all signed peace agreements, but will also be consistent with planned reforms.

“We are now in the process of implementing the peace agreements that have been signed, first, in 1996 with the Moro National Liberation Front of Nur Misuari; then, we have the recent CAB or the Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro with the MILF; and, of course, we have also to deal with the governance unit called the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao covered by Republic Act 9054. Perhaps we can put also in the same level the concerns of the IPs or the Lumads as covered by the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act,” Dureza said.

In the same Malacañang meeting, PRRD also approved the resumption of peace talks with the CPP-NDF-NPA. The panel headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led in the oath-taking of the new panel members. The formal talks with the communist rebels have been set on August 20 to 27 this year.

Also present in the said meeting were the two presumptive leaders of Congress: Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Representative Pantaleon Alvarez.

“We thought that the legislative branch would be a very important component of our work for peace because the Executive department, which I represent, would merely sign an agreement. But we know very well that implementation of an enabling law will have to come through Congress and that Congress should approve it,” Dureza explained.

The Peace Roadmap is going to pick up the pieces that were left off from the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which was tasked to come up with a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The BTC will be recomposed under the Roadmap as approved by President Duterte.

The all-Moro BTC will be mandated to do two things: to draft a more inclusive proposed enabling law that will be filed with Congress in lieu of the BBL; and to propose amendments to the Constitution as originally stated in the mandate of the BTC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905474

SC orders immediate release of ex-President Arroyo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): SC orders immediate release of ex-President Arroyo

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered the immediate release from detention of former President and now Pampanga (2nd District) Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Mrs. Arroyo is currently under house arrest the Veterans Memorial Center (VMMC) in Quezon City due to her debilitating bone disease.

"WHEREFORE, the Court GRANTS the petitions for certiorari; ANNULS and SETS ASIDE the resolutions issued in Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 by the Sandiganbayan on April 6, 2015 and September 10, 2015; GRANTS the petitioners demurrers to evidence; DISMISSES Criminal Case No. SB-12-CRM-0174 as to the petitioners GLORA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO and BENIGNO AGUAS for insufficiency of evidence; ORDERS the immediate release from detention of said petitioners; and MAKES no pronouncements on costs of suit," SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te said in a press conference on Tuesday.

The case involves the alleged misuse of the PHP366-million confidential intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during Arroyo's presidency.

Te said that the Court voted 11-4 in G.R. No. 220598 (Macapagal-Arroyo) and 10-5 in G.R. No. 220953 (Aguas).

Those who voted to dismiss the case against Mrs. Arroyo were Associate Justices Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr.,Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro, Arturo D. Brion, Diosdado M. Peralta, Lucas P. Bersamin, Mariano C. Del Castillo, Jose P. Perez, Jose C. Mendoza, Bienvenido L. Reyes, Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe and Francis H. Jardeleza.

Those who dissented were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio and Associate Justices Marvic F. Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa.

Chief Justice Sereno and Associate Justice Leonen submitted separate dissenting opinions.

Associate Justice Brion submitted a separate concurring opinion while Associate Justice Bernabe submitted a separate concurring and dissenting opinion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905316

PHL aware of Chinese civilian aircraft landing in Mischief Reef

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): PHL aware of Chinese civilian aircraft landing in Mischief Reef

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said China has informed the Philippines when it decided to land a civilian aircraft on the airstrip it has constructed in Mischief Reef last week.

He added a Chinese military attache informed the DND of the landing last July 11, a day before the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the West Philippine Sea and also pointed out that its "Nine-Dash-Line" claim has no legal basis.

The landing which was made on July 14 was done to test the structural integrity or soundness of the airstrip.

Lorenzana said it was the first time the Chinese have notified the Philippines of such activities.

China and the Philippines are both claiming ownership of Mischief Reef which lies 250 kilometers west of Palawan.

When asked on whether the DND has information on alleged Chinese reclamation works off Scarborough Shoal, Lorenzana said they have no such report available as of this time.

The DND chief also added that the Philippines is not in a position to prevent China from constructing more of their man-made islands.

"I don't think they will listen to us, (if they will do that, they will just continue doing that) despite our objections, we can't do anything, so we'll just watch them do that because we don't have any capability to prevent them from doing that," he stressed.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905319

Need to upgrade Coast, Navy, Air Force now more urgent -- DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Need to upgrade Coast, Navy, Air Force now more urgent -- DND chief

There is an urgent need for the Philippines to upgrade and modernize its Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force to prevent other countries from encroaching on its territory especially the maritime ones.

"We should have strengthen our Coast Guard 10 years (so that intruders) cannot encroached on our territories. That's the purpose now of our (modernization program) to give our Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force a minimum credible deterrent so that our territories will not just be encroach upon," he added.

The DND chief stressed that the Philippines is not in a position to prevent China from constructing more of their man-made islands despite the ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration last July 12.

"I don't think they will listen to us, (if they will do that, they will just continue doing that) despite our objections, we can't do anything, so we'll just watch them do that because we don't have any capability to prevent them from doing that," he stressed.

Lorenzana earlier said the DND will still continue with AFP Modernization Program which jives with their long term plans of having credible deterence to secure Philippine territory.

And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in the southern Philippines, Lorenzana said the they will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.

"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.

Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the two Hamilton-class cutters, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, two C-130 heavy transports, two FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic sealift vessels.

Lorenzana said the DND will continue to honor contracts, especially those in the pipeline.

"We study it for while and if there are no problems, then we will approve it," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905322

Dureza: President Duterte approves new “Roadmap to Peace”

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Dureza: President Duterte approves new “Roadmap to Peace”

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a new “Roadmap to Peace” that would cover all groups fighting the government.

”So let me open up by immediately informing everyone that the President yesterday approved the new "Roadmap to Peace", we call it,” Dureza said in a press conference at the Malacanan Palace.

Dureza said the ‘New Road Map to Peace’ would cover the government engagement with the Bangsamoro, the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), and other groups like the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army.

”There will be inclusivity, henceforth, under the Duterte Roadmap for Peace where all the Bangsamoro factions, groups will have to come under one roof so that there will be inclusivity in the implementation of all this particular agreements,” Dureza told the media.

Dureza said the Philippine government peace panel was going to pick up the pieces that had been left off from the previous agreements, including with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Nur Misuari in 1996’s Final Peace Agreement (FPA), and the recent Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

”And of course, we have also to deal with the governance unit called the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao and perhaps we can put also in the same level the concerns of the IPs or the Lumads. Bangsamoro faction will come under one group in Duterte road map for peace,” Dureza said.

In the case of CPP-NDF, Dureza said the formal talks had been firmly set on Aug. 20 to 27 with the panel to be headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

”We look forward in engaging our counterparts on the other side of the table by August 20,” Dureza said.

Dureza explained that the date of the start of formal talks with the CPP-NDF has been moved from July to August to give way for the release of the political detainees who will participate in the peace process.

Dureza said the comprehensive peace road map that hopefully would bring about peace and development in the land got the presidential imprimatur during a closed door meeting late Monday afternoon in Malacanang.

President Duterte approved in toto or in its entirety the peace formula presented by Dureza.

At the same time, the President adopted Dureza's proposed strategy of implementing massive development on the ground simultaneously with the work to implement agreements that government had entered into.

”I can sign a hundred peace agreements but if those on the ground do not immediately feel the dividends of peace, those agreements will not be sustainable,” Dureza said.

President Duterte forthwith directed that the executive order of the OPAPP be amended to enable it to oversee all development projects and at the same time empower it to implement projects that were related to peace.

Dureza said the work on the new proposed bangsamoro enabling law would be done simultaneous with the moves to shift the form of government to federalism.

Dureza announced that President Duterte and Misuari have already talked over the phone.

The OPAPP chief expressed optimism that the Philippines’ foreign allies will support the peace negotiations with the NDF.

Dureza said NDF founding chairman Jose Maria Sison would play crucial role in the negotiations.

On the kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf Group, Dureza said the government policy remained the same that “those who committed crimes are answerable for their crimes.”

He also thanked presumptive Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez for their full support in the so-called New Road Map to Peace by the Duterte administration.

”We thought that the legislative branch will be a very important component of our work for peace because the executive department which I represent would merely sign an agreement but we know very well that implementation of an enabling law will have to come through Congress and that Congress should approve it,” Dureza said.

”And so, putting already the legislative branch already on early notice and onboard will shorten also this effort that we had. So with that we will end here and if there will be some questions that will be asked,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905374

Five more Malaysians kidnapped by ASG – Dureza

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): Five more Malaysians kidnapped by ASG – Dureza

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Tuesday announced that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) kidnapped five more Malaysians on Monday afternoon in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

”I heard today that they took five more Malaysians in Lahad Datu and the Indonesians are still there,” Dureza said in a press conference in Malacanang.

Dureza said a Norweigan national was still in the hands of the ASG bandits.

Dureza said the five Malaysians were kidnapped at 7:16 p.m. Monday while they were on board a Tawau, Sabah-base tugboat T/B Serudong that was traveling from Sandakan to Semporna.

Those kidnapped Malaysians were identified as Abdurahim Bin Summas, Tayudin Anjut, Mohammad Redzuah Bin Ismael, Mohammad Jumadil Bin Rahim and Fandy Bin Bakran.

”When Malaysian authorities recovered on said date the said boat running unmanned at vicinity seawater of Lahad Datu, Sabah bordering Tawi-Tawi, it was found out that following named crews are already missing and believed to be abducted,” Dureza informed the media.

During the press conference, Dureza said “there are efforts” from Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to help in the release of the Norwegian hostage.

”There were efforts from Misuari and he’d like to do coordination,” Dureza said.

Misuari is facing arrest for the rebellion charges in connection with the 2013 Zamboanga City siege that killed 200 people.

Dureza said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte was talking with Misuari and his Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as part of the inclusive “Roadmap to Peace” that President Duterte approved last Monday.

The Roadmap to Peace cover all groups fighting the government, including the Communist Party of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905385