PH cites 'growing int'l concern' over China reclamation

From Rappler (Apr 12): PH cites 'growing int'l concern' over China reclamation

The Department of Foreign Affairs says China's reclamation activities in the South China sea 'undermine our collective efforts to build regional security and stability'



SUBJECT OF PROTESTS. A photo obtained by Rappler shows the status of reclamation activities in Keenan (Chigua) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as of December 12, 2014.

The Philippines on Saturday, April 11, cited "growing international concern" over China's reclamation activities in the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs referred to recent US statements on China's "massive reclamation activities" in the disputed area that have prompted diplomatic protests from the Philippines. (READ: CLOSE-UP PHOTOS: China's artificial islands in West PH Sea)

"These statements, and those of other nations, reflect growing international concern over these reclamations that are contrary to international law…and undermine our collective efforts to build regional security and stability," the DFA said.

The DFA specifically cited the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In late March, US senators led by John McCain urged Washington to craft a formal strategy to stop China's reclamation in the disputed area.

The DFA said that the Philippines will continue to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) "and other responsible members of the international community to address unilateral aggressive actions that directly challenge the rule of law, create tensions, and pose risks to the peace and stability of the region."

The DFA again pushed for the "full and effective implementation" of the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early adoption of a binding Code of Conduct (COC).

"Developments in the South China Sea concern not only the claimant states and the region, but also the international community. All should contribute to efforts to establish a regional architecture based on the rule of law," the DFA said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/89614-ph-china-world-concern-reclamation

Japan provides P27 million for 7 peace and development projects in Mindanao

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Japan provides P27 million for 7 peace and development projects in Mindanao



A J-BIRD classroom project in Midtimbang, Maguindanao. PHOTO FROM THE JAPAN EMBASSY IN MANILA

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa has signed seven grant contracts worth $645,879 (about P27 million) with recipient organizations for various social development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

According to the Japanese embassy in Manila, these projects are funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) it implements as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

The new package of assistance forms part of Japan's commitment to peace and development efforts in Mindanao. The package includes three projects in education, two projects in agriculture, and two projects in health:

 

1. Construction of classrooms for Dumadalig Integrated School in Tantangan, South Cotabato

2. Construction of classrooms for Manglicmot High School in Alamada, North Cotabato

3. Construction of classrooms for Patadon Elementary School in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

4. Acquisition of two units of light hauling vehicles

5. Provision of pre- and post-harvest facilities for the farmers of the Municipality of Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat

6. Construction of an outpatient building of the rural health unit of Vincenzo Sagun

7. Providing medical equipment and fixtures for the delivery room of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center

Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006 and as of March 2015, Japan has supported 82 GGP projects worth $7.19 million through J-BIRD.

In addition to the GGP support, the government of Japan has continued to send two senior advisors under the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to assist the reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao since October 2006.

Moreover, since October 2009, Japan has been a member of the International Contact Group (ICG), which performs such roles as giving advice to the parties concerned on the Mindanao peace process and participating in peace talks as observers. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108658/japan-provides-p27-million-for-7-peace-and-development-projects-in-mindanao

Police impounds 3 boats suspected to have been used in mayor kidnapping in Zamboanga Sibugay

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Police impounds 3 boats suspected to have been used in mayor kidnapping in Zamboanga Sibugay



Investigators have impounded three unregistered boats believed to have been used in the recent abduction of Naga Mayor Gemma Adana in Zamboanga City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said Sunday.

Kakilala said the double engine-type “Junkong” boats colored green, ivory, and white were found by elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and policemen during a joint law enforcement operation at around 3 a.m. in Sitio Tarla-Tarla, Baragay Tampalan, Alicia, also in said province.

“The troops and police in the area were verifying info regarding the presence of such unregistered boats if these were used in the transport of the abducted Mayor Adana,” Kakilala said.

He said people were claiming ownership of the boats but they could not present papers of registration.

“Usually this type of boats is used in unscrupulous activities. Our military forces and the police in the area would not leave any stone unturned to any info that would lead to the whereabouts and to the safe rescue ofMayor Adana,” Kakilala said.

Troops led by Bravo Company leader First lieutenant Mark Joseph Falcatan and policemen led by their chief of police Senior Inspector Albert Dahap Lahagan were scouring the area for more possible evidence.

Barangay Chairman Hassan Awalon and his barangay police were cooperating.

Authorities believed the mayor and the kidnappers believed to belong to the group of Waning Abduslam and his brother Abnar, a ragtag “lost command” from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), were still in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Reports said the mayor had been transferred to Sulu to the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Grou (ASG) but authorities could not give confirm these reports.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108661/police-impounds-3-boats-suspected-to-have-been-used-in-mayor-kidnapping-in-zamboanga-sibugay

Army renews call on Samar rebels to end armed struggle

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Army renews call on Samar rebels to end armed struggle

The Philippine Army based in this town has renewed its call on rebels in Samar to end their armed struggle and support the peace and development initiatives of the government.

“They must lay down their arms and go back to normal life,” said Lt. Col. Seigfred Tubalado, commander of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion.

“The fact that President Aquino has pursued such peace plan without question is an important step towards reaching a final settlement, and perhaps is one of the most important conditions for this to happen," Tubalado added.

Violence has claimed several lives, including of innocent civilians caught in crossfire. Thousands of residents from the conflict zone have left their homes and go to safer grounds, according to him.

“I know our people need peace which is what the government is pursuing. We want to bring lasting peace, a peace that will not return our people to another senseless war,” he said.

He also reiterated support to the administration’s plan by saying it is absolutely necessary for authorities to engage in dialogue with those against whom they have been fighting.

“It is important that this dialogue opens the way to both parties, so as to find solutions that will be acceptable to both sides in order to ensure that people in conflict affected areas have no doubt that they are an integral part of the region.

The government, according to him, will do what it thinks is best to the people of Eastern Visayas.

The remote villages in Samar have been tagged by government troops as hotbed of the New People’s Army. It was noted that poor road network, poverty and low level of education were the major factors why communism thrived in Samar provinces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=752218

Trooper slightly wounded during clash with ASG bandits in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Trooper slightly wounded during clash with ASG bandits in Sulu

A pursuing trooper from the 1st Scout Rangr Battalion was slightly wounded during a clash with an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Timbangan, Indanan town, Sulu Sunday early morning.

These soldiers are part of the operation pursuing ASG leader Radullan Sahiron and his remaining men.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the firefight which lasted for two minutes started 12: 30 a.m.

One soldier was slightly wounded in the eye while the bandits sustained an undetermined number of casualties.

Arrojado added that ASGs encountered in this patrol mission are part of the group securing ASG sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Hatib Asari Sadjari, who were both wounded, during an earlier encounter in Barangay Gata.

The two are reportedly undergoing treatment at the Datag Kalih boundary of Barangays Panglayahan and Kabuntakas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=752284

GPH-MILF peace process seeks to address root causes of Mindanao conflict –Deles

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): GPH-MILF peace process seeks to address root causes of Mindanao conflict –Deles

The ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is among the measures being pursued to substantially reduce threat to security and peace and order in Mindanao from armed groups that foment lawlessness and instability in the South, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said on Saturday.

“Peace between government and MILF means peace with the largest, most organized armed group which has been fighting government for decades. Ending this armed conflict means that this organized armed body ceases to fight the government and instead becomes a partner in addressing the problems facing the country, including problems of lawlessness in the South,” she said.

“It enables the effective exercise of the rule of law over areas previously outside its reach and ungovernable. Certainly, that must have some value in achieving our national aspiration for shared security and shared prosperity,” she added.

Her statement came after a published news report quoted a study funded by the World Bank which noted that political violence related to rebellion and insurgency inflicts the “largest human cost” that affect the Philippine development.

Deles said the government had early in the Administration concluded that negotiating with the MILF, which concluded with a peace agreement and its legal iteration, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), would make efforts to address the root causes of the conflict in Mindanao more effective.

Deles said despite efforts by critics to paint the Mamasapano incident as proof that the BBL won’t address the threat from armed groups in Mindanao, the peace agreement with the MILF and the establishment of the proposed Bangsamoro in the BBL would be an indispensable big step towards disarming not just the MILF but other threat groups in Mindanao.

“The decommissioning process will cover not only the MILF but also other armed groups. Hence, the BBL will have a multiplier effect,” she said.

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and MILF signed in March last year, the MILF agreed to decommission its firearms and weaponry and its 11,000-strong Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in exchange for the establishment of a political entity with genuine autonomy to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its fighters would undergo a normalization process so they could resume lives as ordinary citizens, and not as combatants anymore.

The CAB -- a product of more than 17 years of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF -- has also made the MILF, the biggest armed group in Mindanao, to undergo a transformation from a secessionist movement to a political group with intentions to participate and field candidates in the coming elections.

“The challenge is tough but unavoidable and doable through a combination of MILF cooperation and government law enforcement,” Deles said. “Rule of law begets trust and vice versa. Together both will encourage people to choose lawful ways to resolve conflict or to sustain life,” she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752262

RP-US Balikatan 2015 starts shoulder-to-shoulder work to build school in Puerto Princesa

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): RP-US Balikatan 2015 starts shoulder-to-shoulder work to build school in Puerto Princesa

The RP-US Balikatan Exercise 2015’ “shoulder-to-shoulder” engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) have started in Palawan with Filipino-American soldiers starting to lay the foundations of a school building in Barangay Sta. Lourdes on Thursday.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Saturday, the Western Command’s (WESCOM) 6th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service AFP announced the onset of the ENCAP of the 31st iteration of the bilateral exercise that will also be done in barangays San Rafael, Cabayugan and three others in this city.

”Balikatan 2015 has begun! The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is working shoulder-to-shoulder with partner nations here in Palawan.

Photos posted on April 10 at the Facebook Page of Exercise Balikatan, and documented by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Wesley Timm showed U.S. Army Sgt. Brad Ball, an electrical engineer with the 643rd Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 103rd Engineer Brigade, taking a break to chat with a little Filipino boy at the construction site for a school building project in this city.

The said project is part of both the RP’s and the US’ humanitarian civic assistance engagement.

In another photo, U.S. Army Spc. Jerome Ramsey, a carpenter masonry specialist, and Ball, can be seen bending reinforcement bars for the classroom building in a school that was not immediately identified.

Ball and Ramsey are part of the over 6,500 U.S. soldiers, who will join an estimate of 5,000 Philippine soldiers in this year’s shoulder-to-shoulder exercises in key areas in the country, such as Pampanga, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, and Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

WESCOM Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez has been designated as Balikatan 2015’s exercise director.

On April 10, U.S. service members were reported to have participated already in a “subject matter expert exchange that focused on visual storytelling at the WESCOM. The activity reportedly “provides an opportunity for Philippine, Australian, and U.S. forces to continue strengthening relationships and work together.”

Balikatan is an annual scheduled multi-service combined exercises hosted by the Philippines, designed to promote regional peace and security by enhancing inter-operability and readiness of Filipino-American soldiers to terrorism and disaster management.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752278

92 American, PHL, Aussie aircraft to participate in Balikatan 2015

From them Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): 92 American, PHL, Aussie aircraft to participate in Balikatan 2015

A total of 92 military aircraft from the United States, Philippines and Australia will be participating in this year's Balikatan exercises which is scheduled on April 20 to 30.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP public affairs office chief, said that the Americans will be deploying 76 military aircraft while the Philippines will be allocating 15 planes and helicopters while the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) will deploy one.

Earlier, the AFP announced that 11,740 troops from the three countries will be participating in this year's Balikatan exercises.

This can be broken down into 6,656 personnel for the US, 5,023 for the AFP and 61 for the Australian Defense Forces.

He added that the US will be deploying three naval vessels while the AFP will be sending one.

Balikatan is an annual combined joint exercise between the Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and US.

This is conducted every year to serve as a venue for joint and combined training between the Philippines and United States militaries.

"Our Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercises towards a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service," Cabunoc stressed.

This year’s Balikatan is the 31st in the series of bilateral exercises based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The exercise is designed to enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces in capability development in the conduct of not only traditional military training but with civil military projects focusing on reaching out towards priority communities.

Balikatan 2015 will be conducted in three simultaneous events.

Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) events is the conduct of combined and joint civil-military operations by the AFP, US and Australian Defense Forces (ADF) in selected areas of the Western Command (WESCOM) area of responsibility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility in Panay Island, to enhance civil-military cooperation in support of the AFP and US objectives.

In the Command Post Exercise (CPX) event, the scenario will focus on Marine Security (MARSEC) with Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) to demonstrate the capability of the AFP National Maneuver Force.

Selected US and ADF staff members will form a Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to support the capability development at each staff.

While the Field Training Exercises (FTX) events will have the following involved unit; the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), AFP Special Operations Force (SOF), United States Army (USAR), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Crops (USMC), and United States SOF (US SOF) will be held in Crow Valley Gunnery Range (CVGR), Tarlac; Basa Air Base (BAB), Floridablanca and Clark Air Base (CAB) Angeles City, both in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (FMNE); Marine Base Gregorio Lim (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite; Naval Base Heracleo Alano (NBHA), Sangley Point, Cavite and at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales to enhance capacities and improve tactics, techniques and procedures, reinforce relations, and improve interoperability of AFP, US and ADF forces.

Opening ceremony of Balikatan 2015 will be held at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on April 20 while the closing ceremony will be at Clark Airbase on April 30.

Balikatan Exercise Director for this year is Vice Adm. Aexander S. Lopez while Brig. Gen. Rodolfo B Santiago is the Exercise’s Vice Director and also the commandant of AFP Command and General Staff College.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752277

Palace determined to get support of most of Filipinos to BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Palace determined to get support of most of Filipinos to BBL

Malacanang on Sunday emphasized the great importance of getting the understanding and support of most number of the Filipino people to the peace process particularly the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III and his government is determined to expand the information dissemination about the BBL through the National Peace Summit.

”We’re hoping that through massive explanation and information dissemination to the people about the important information (of the BBL), they will have basis to support that passage of the BBL,” Coloma said.

”What is important here is to get the understanding and support of the biggest number of the people to push through the peace process which we have been doing for the past 20 years already,” he added.

Coloma said the passage of the draft of the BBL through the Senate and the House of Representatives and the support of the people will play crucial role in completing with the peace process through plebiscite hopefully later this year.

The Senate is set to resume the public hearings on the proposed BBL which seeks to create the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The BBL public hearings both in the Senate and the House of Representatives have been suspended to give way to the series of inquiries into the Mamasapano encounter between the Special Action Force (SAF) and the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 SAF commandos has created doubts that clouded the MILF’s sincerity as partner in the peace process, prompting Malacanang to create Peace Council that will preside and organize the National Peace Summit.

The Peace Council which will be composed of leaders from different sectors of society including Catholic Church, will help the public understand the peace agreements signed a year ago between the government and the MILF.

President Aquino has named Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Howard Dee and Muslim Princess Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman as independent convenors to the council.

Coloma said the support of the different sectors specially some individuals from the Catholic Church is crucial in the passage of the BBL and to the government’s effort to achieve the lasting peace in Mindanao.

The PCOO chief particularly mentioned Cardinal Orland Quevedo of Cotabato and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, an organization composed of all the schools universities under the leadership of the Catholic religious organization.

”Kaya’t makikita naman natin dito ‘yung pagbigay ng suporta sa prosesong pangkapayapaan mula sa sektor na tinuturing natin,” Coloma said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752283

3 boats seized in ongoing operations to recover abducted Naga mayor

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): 3 boats seized in ongoing operations to recover abducted Naga mayor

Ongoing law enforcement operations, aimed at the safe recovery of abducted Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, resulted in the confiscation of three motorboats at Sitio Tarla-Tarla, Barangay Tampalan, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay at 3 a.m. Sunday.

The three boats, which were described as double-engine "Jukong" types and colored green, ivory, and white, were recovered by troopers from the 44th Infantry Battalion, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said.

He added that military units were aided by operatives of the Alicia Municipal Police Station.

Kakilala said the boats were seized with the presence of Barangay Tampalan chair Hassan Awalon.

The supposed owners of the boats could not present registration papers nor other proof of ownership.

"Our military forces and the PNP in the area would not leave any stone unturned to any info that would lead to the whereabouts and to safely rescue Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga," Kakilala said.

The AFP spokesperson said that security forces are still verifying on whether the boats were used in Adana's abduction last April 6.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=752330

MILF: Editorial -- ‘Mountain out of molehill’

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Apr 8): Editorial -- ‘Mountain out of molehill’

It is a pity that many of what appeared to be good people in this country including some so-called honorable members of the legislature are acting like small children by choosing to pick up on small and fleeting issues rather than those that make this country a better place to live in.  Often they make a mountain out of a molehill. What if a member of the MILF, which is a revolutionary organization, uses a nom de guerre, in signing documents with the Philippine government? Is that a big fuss that can cause so much hitch in the minds of so many people especially lawmakers who are supposed to be serious and responsible?

By the way, what can they get if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be rendered non-binding because of the legal challenge and eventually declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court?  They do not want to admit it but the consequence of their “grandstanding”, if they succeed, would be risky and dangerous. The MILF will not renegotiate the Framework Agreement (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) anymore.

Gone are the days of the great minds in the Senate, like Senators Arturo Tolentino, Jovito Salonga, Teofisto Guingona, and Claro M. Recto. People listened intently when they debated on issues. But today, except for some few brilliant minds in the Senate, the proceedings are very dull and disinteresting. More disgusting is that in the Senate today there are two senators who are brothers and another two a brother and sister, and they are coming from Metropolitan Manila.

 

However, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, who also used “Maharlika” as his nom de guerre during his alleged guerrilla life in World War II, was perhaps the brightest among these contemporary leaders, but he used his near “genius mind” in evil ways. (We are watching where his only son and namesake, Senator Bongbong Marcos, is bringing himself to. But this early, he has been accused, rightly or wrongly, of faking his résumé stating that he earned an undergraduate degree from Oxford University and a Master Degree in Business Administration from Wharton School. However, both schools denied the claim.

American diplomat and reformer Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Now see what is being talked about in the media and in the halls of Congress; they are all practically about people and trivial matters. What can this gossiping bring to this country, nothing except intrigues and ill-feelings! If this is the gauge in evaluating the quality of contemporary Filipino leaders, then the result is not outstanding.

The Mamasapano incident is indeed tragic. No one has a contrary view. In fact, it continues to threaten the survival of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress. But if we keep on harping and harping on the same issue, again and again, like a circus, and forget the bigger and more pressing issue of the day, like the BBL, then this country is heading for trouble.

 

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/848-mountain-out-of-molehill

MILF: Mindanao People’s Caucus issues an appeal on the plight of IDP’S in Maguindanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 10): Mindanao People’s Caucus issues an appeal on the plight of IDP’S in Maguindanao


The Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), one of the largest non-government organizations in Mindanao that advocates peace and development in the region issued an appeal dated April 7, 2015, addressed to the Military and the House of Congress. The document was signed by Mr. Abdulbasit Benito, MPC Secretary General.

The appeal entitled, “ A call for a Principled Peace! An Appeal of Internally- Displaced Persons (IDP’s) to end the military operations in Maguindanao, Protect Human Security, and Enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Their appeal runs as follows:

To our Honorable and Esteemed Members of Congress,

 We, the undersigned peace advocates, in behalf of the internally displaced women community leaders, the“bakwits” whom we have accompanied from Mindanao, call on you, our honourable legislators to bear in mind that your deliberations on the Mamasapano incident, and the subsequent findings and pronouncements you will have on the matter, will have a resounding effect not only on the development of laws concerning the criminal justice system and “terrorism” but more importantly it will shape public perception on the Bangsamoro and will set the tone in terms of policy decisions concerning social justice, development, and peace for the Bangsamoro people.    

As our duly elected representatives, we hope that when you make a stand on the findings of your investigation you would do so with a rational and open mind, and unprejudiced heart capable of going beyond the political rhetoric of war and warmongers; able to judge and understand that the real injustice brought by the incident in Mamasapano is not that the “Fallen 44” were killed while performing their duty; or that the MILF were not informed about the PNP-SAF operation hence the “mis-encounter” between their forces and the Government; nor is it even about the untimely and tragic deaths of the civilians who were caught in the crossfire. The real injustice that happened after Mamasapano was committed against the people who are now being displaced from their homes, because instead of upholding the primacy of the peace process, the government has opted to launch an all-out offensive in the area, which has led to the evacuation of 25,067 families or 125,302 persons from the 14 towns of Maguindanao.

The real victims of the fire fight in Mamasapano were not the PNP-SAF and MILF combatants who died in the battle. The real victims are the farmers who have lost all means of livelihood because they are driven out of the lands they tilled and from the animals they raised all because their lands now serves as the battleground between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The real victims are the families who are now suffering from almost subhuman conditions in evacuations centers; living only on food aid and dole out in order to survive while being constantly under threat from hunger and starvation, disease, and death.

The true casualty of Mamasapano is the shattered hope for peace caused by the suspension of the deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the subsequent campaign against its passage. We are disheartened that even some esteemed members of Congress has gone so far as misinform the public about how the BBL is “unconstitutional” and will only strengthen and give power to the “terroristic” MILF. Unfounded statements and baseless fears that only seek to rile the Filipino people against the Bangsamoro people by feeding on the prejudices and the ignorance of the general populace about the BBL.

For the “bakwits” and for us Mindanaons who have known war and its devastating consequences, we see the BBL as the only logical and peaceful solution to the 17 year conflict which has caused countless death and suffering, and has sent the provinces of Muslim Mindanao in a perpetual cycle of war and underdevelopment.

In this context,  we ask you, our elected Representatives to consider the following:

To resume the deliberations on the BBL and ensure its passage consistent to the 12 points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

To hold an immediate inquiry into the humanitarian situation in the areas of conflict taking to task the conduct of the Joint Task Force Central and its operation without a timetable.   

To initiate a resolution that strengthens humanitarian assistance for IDPs and protects their rights as defined by international human rights standards.

As you deliberate on Mamasapano, we fervently hope that you see this bigger picture, and that you act bearing in mind that what is at stake here is the future of peace in Mindanao. As Nelson Mandela once said "We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in any society, a life free from violence and fear.” This is what we ask you to strive for. This is what we expect from our political leaders.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/851-mindanao-people-s-caucus-issues-an-appeal-on-the-plight-of-idp-s-in-maguindanao

MILF: “There is nothing wrong with aliases”: Chairman Iqbal

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 10): “There is nothing wrong with aliases”: Chairman Iqbal



Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) admitted yesterday, April 8 that “Mohagher Iqbal” is just one of his several assumed names as a revolutionary.

“Yes, I have been using several names, which is natural for us in a revolutionary organization. Marcelo Del Pilar used nine names,” Iqbal told congressmen during the 2nd day of the Mamasapano incident”, he said.  “But I am a Filipino citizen and holds only one Philippine passport under his real name”, Iqbal clarified.

Iqbal however refused to reveal his real name, citing certain “sensitivities” that he did not specify. He nevertheless offered to ask the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to furnish the House a copy of his passport.

“I have been traveling abroad using my real name, which is known to the government,” he said.

Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the GPH Peace panel in a statement also refused to reveal the MILF peace negotiator’s real and legal name.

Iqbal also confirmed reports quoting him as saying he could not swear allegiance to the Philippine government until the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law was passed and the MILF no longer considers itself as a revolutionary organization.

Answering question from the lawmakers, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the law frowns upon the use of an alias or a false name. She said the law even punishes such use if it is intended to hide a crime.

However, she said the signing by the MILF peace negotiator of peace agreement documents using his assumed name does not invalidate such documents.

“I don’t think so, as long as he does not deny his identity. But I’m not sure. This needs further study,” she said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/852-there-is-nothing-wrong-with-aliases-chairman-iqbal

MILF: “Conflict can only lead to more suffering”: P-Noy calls anew for BBL passage

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 10): “Conflict can only lead to more suffering”: P-Noy calls anew for BBL passage



“Conflict can only lead to more suffering and misunderstanding, while solidarity brings widespread benefit. This is the same lesson that leads us to champion lasting peace in Mindanao, and to call for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” 

President Aquino highlighted this plea in his message during the anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan at Bataan on April 9, 2015.

“Those who were once our enemies are today our partners in realizing a just peace for all. In coming together to foster stability in Mindanao, all the more are we able to widen the scope of opportunities available to our countrymen,” Aquino said.

The president vowed to continue the pursuit for peace because “this is the way to obtain justice for all.”

“Now that we are here, we will not allow succeeding generations to suffer the same fate,” he stressed. He noted there has been two generations that have already suffered due to violence that has dominated Mindanao.

According to a study, the conflict in Mindanao have cost the government PhP2.013 trillion for the period 1970-2001. 

Nearly 120,000 people including government troops, Moro rebels and civilians were killed in the period of fighting. War in Mindanao has also sowed hatred, bigotry, discrimination and misunderstanding.

The peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that was nearing the finish line was stalled after the bloody Mamasapano encounter on January 25 this year where 44 police commandos, 17 MILF fighters and three civilians were killed.

The BBL is the fruit of 17 years of arduous peace negotiation between the government and the MILF with an ultimate goal to come up with resolution that would bring justice to the Bangsamoro people and free them from the bondage of poverty. 

“Let us remember: Despite our differences, we live in and share a single world. The legitimate concern of one is a concern of all. This is the crossroads before us: Shall we help to solve problems while they are still small, or remain indifferent and face an even more formidable challenge in the future?” the president said.

Aquino stressed, “This generation has the responsibility of maintaining peace, and of continuing the pursuit of widespread prosperity. This is the vow that the Philippines makes, not only for the victims of past wars and violence, but also for present and future generations of Filipinos, and for the rest of our brothers and sisters across the globe.”

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/853-conflict-can-only-lead-to-more-suffering-p-noy-calls-anew-for-bbl-passage

MILF: Iqbal appeals to media to look at the “Other Side” also

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 11): Iqbal appeals to media to look at the “Other Side” also



BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal on Friday appealed to the members of the media to see also the side of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front especially in the reportage of emotion-laden issues such as the Mamasapano encounter and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a discussion with members of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) in a restaurant in Quezon City, Iqbal considered it as media’s role to give all the angles to the story and to be very factual.

Iqbal stated his wonder about how some newspapers would portray the MILF and BBL in the worst picture on a daily basis. “To me it is a frustration that they cannot see an iota of goodness in this,” Iqbal stressed.

Iqbal also believes that there seems to be a concerted effort to discredit MILF and BBL especially through the media.

But even after the Mamasapan encounter, Iqbal said that “personally and organizationally we still have high trust for President Aquino.”

“And if not for the mutual trust between the GPH and MILF, I would say the Mamasapano encounter was really a game-changer or deal-breaker,” Iqbal said.

The NUJP-organized discussion also tackled how government and the MILF should communicate to the media.

Iqbal was joined by GPH Peace Panel member Senen Bacani in clarifying several issues with the news editors from ABS-CBN, GMA 7, CNN Philippines, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philippine Press Institute, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and Philippine Center for Investigative Jounalism.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/854-iqbal-appeals-to-media-to-look-at-the-other-side-also