Sunday, October 7, 2012

From Rappler (Oct 8): MILF warns breakaway group vs attacks

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday, October 8, warned it would run after a breakaway group if it insists on attacking MILF and government troops. Von Al Haq, MILF spokesman, said in a phone interview that once the MILF signs a peace deal with the Aquino government on October 15, members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) will be declared outlaws. “We cannot act on the ground if the agreement is not yet signed," Al Haq said. "Once we reach a final agreement, the BIFM automatically [becomes] a lawless element,” he added....

BREAKAWAY. Members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement inside their camp in Datu Saudi, Maguindanao, on October 7, 2012. Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem

BREAKAWAY. Members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement inside their camp in Datu Saudi, Maguindanao, on October 7, 2012. Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem

BREAKAWAY. Members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement inside their camp in Datu Saudi, Maguindanao, on October 7, 2012. Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13793-milf-warns-breakaway-group-vs-attacks
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Biggest Muslim preachers' organization welcomes framework agreement

The leader of the biggest Muslim religious organization in the country welcomed the "framework agreement" that will eventually become the mother agreement that will address the Bangsamoro problem. Ustadz Jaafar Ali, leader of Darul Ifta (House of Opinion) and founding chair of the National Ulama (Islamic preachers) Council of the Philippines (NUCP), said the preliminary agreement was already a "done deal." “We are now guaranteed that Bangsamoro people can freely exercise their right to self determination,” Ali said a day after President Aquino announced that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have forged the peace deal. “It may take some time, but at least we are now certain that the government recognizes our peoples’ dream of self governance,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460671
From MindaNews (Oct 8): PNoy, Malaysian Prime Minister to attend signing of GPH-MILF peace pact

The final date and venue of the signing ceremonies of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro are still being worked out but what is certain is that President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak will be there. Government (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen announced in a press conference at the Philippine Embassy Sunday afternoon that the government proposed October 15 as the signing date and was optimistic the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair (MILF) would agree to Malacanang as venue....

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/08/pnoy-malaysian-prime-minister-to-attend-signing-of-gph-milf-peace-pact/
From MindaNews (Oct 8): GPH-MILF Framework Agreement heralds “a new, bright dawn for all Filipinos”

The Framework Agreement reached between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) heralds “a new, bright dawn for all Filipinos – Muslims, Lumads, Christians and all others,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said. The historic agreement, reached after 15 years of peace negotiations, was honored by an Address to the Nation by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in Malacanang at 1 p.m., attended by top officials including Vice President Jejomar Binay....

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/08/gph-milf-framework-agreement-heralds-a-new-bright-dawn-for-all-filipinos/
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8): Disgruntled NPA rebel surrenders to military in Pagadian City
A communist rebel, disgruntled by hardships and fighting in Zamboanga del Sur province, has surrendered to the Philippine Army and is now being investigated, officials said Monday. Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said Lito Bawan, who belongs to the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), surrendered in Pagadian City thru village leader Narcisa Puro. The 36-year old rebel also yielded an automatic rifle issued him by the New People’s Army, which is fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. “Accordingly, Lito was frustrated and exhausted by the hardships he had while waging a long, endless and useless war against the government. A disgruntled rebel, he decided to lay down his arms and tread the path towards peace thru the assistance of Lourdes village chairwoman Narcisa Puro,” Caber said. He said Bawan is now in the custody of the 53th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Casimero Royme Tamparong....

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121008013844
From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Government ceasefire head warns of Kato group's kidnap plot

The chairman of the government’s ceasefire committee has warned of a plot by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Ameril Umbra Kato to kidnap foreign workers of international donor agencies and humanitarian groups operating in Central Mindanao. In an e-mailed statement, Brig. Gen. Gilberto Jose Roa, chairman of the government ceasefire panel, said he has informed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of persistent reports on such a plan by the BIFF, as relayed by intelligence sources and confidential civilian informants. Roa said he has, in fact, written the government and MILF peace panels about the BIFF’s reported plan to carry out kidnappings....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=857012
From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Cotabato kidnap suspect nabbed

Soldiers and civilian volunteers arrested yesterday in Maguindanao a suspect in last week’s kidnapping of a female gasoline station owner and her secretary in Libungan, North Cotabato.
Col. Modesto Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the suspect, Samudin Panayaman, was nabbed in Barangay Gayunga, Northern Kabuntalan town....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=857013
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 7): Subic Eyed As Joint PH-US Air Force Base

Plans to make the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) into a recreational theme park has been frozen by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as both the US and Philippine militaries are mulling its use as a forward base. The plan is to use the airport for joint operations of the Philippine Air Force and the US Air Force Pacific alliance to maintain regional balance amid the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376245/subic-eyed-as-joint-phus-air-force-base
From GMANews (Oct 8): Visayas NPA leader arrested in Cebu

A ranking New People’s Army leader in the Visayas and his wife were arrested by government troops in Cebu, said Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto Saturday. Arrested were alleged NPA leaders Calixto Vistal, who carries the aliases Cocoy, Fred, and Isomin; and his wife Jimmyliza Badayos, who has the aliases Jill, Cecile, and Mayet. Ileto said Vistal is the commander of the NPA fighting group in Southeastern Negros, while his wife is the leader of a committee in charge of communications and other technical matters....

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277281/news/regions/visayas-npa-leader-arrested-in-cebu
Just posted to the Samar News Website (Sep 29): Balangiga Encounter: A day to remember

By DPAO, 8ID PA-- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army joins the whole Samarnons in commemorating the heroism of the twenty-eight ranking revolutionaries in their quest for freedom against the American occupational forces in Balangiga town in a week-long celebration from September 24-29, 2012. The highlight of the celebration was the re-enactment of the “Balangiga Encounter of 1901” which was performed during the commemorative program at the Municipal Auditorium, Balangiga, Eastern Samar on September 28, 2012.... Based on the article written by Ruben Matias from the Cultural Foundation “On September 28, 1901, Filipino patriots armed only with bladed weapons made a surprise attack on the superior armed American soldiers of the Company C on the Ninth Infantry Regiment of the US Army garrisoned in Balangiga, Samar and almost wiped out the entire Company. The Americans called it a “massacre” and “the bloodiest chapter in the history of the American Army in the Philippines.” The Filipinos depicted it as a fair armed encounter employing guerilla tactics which the American soldiers were not used to as they were inclined to the classic battle mode of standing your ground and shooting or charging the enemy and fighting hand-to-hand. Gen Vicente Lukban (named after the main Army camp of 8ID) called the incident as “Our Glorious Victory of Balangiga.”

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c269.htm


Just posted to the Samar News Website (Sep 26): Army troops join Peace Workshop for Women in Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA--The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army participated in the two-day seminar workshop on women, peace and security at Caluwayan Palm Beach Resort, Brgy Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar last September 24-25, 2012. The event was organized by the Women engaged in Action (We Act) 1325, a coalition of women organizations and civil society groups working on women, peace and security issues in the country together with the local partner Katungod han Samareña Foundation (KSFI) in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP). The workshop also focused on the implementation and localization of Philippine National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 1325 and 1820 to three conflict affected municipalities (San Jose De Buan, San Jorge and Matuguinao) of Samar Province….

Peace Workshop for Women in Samar

http://www.samarnews.com/news2012/sep/c262.htm
From Rappler (Oct 7): Next step: EO to create transition body

President Benigno Aquino III is expected to issue soon an executive order creating a transition commission that will craft a new law on the proposed Bangsamoro region.... The transition commission shall be composed of 15 members, all Bangsamoro. The government will choose the commission's 7 members while the MILF will handpick the 8, including the chairman. Leonen explained: "The [commission] will be set up to write a draft of the Bangsamoro basic law that will be proposed to Congress, give it to the President for approval, then will be submitted to the people for ratification." A plebiscite will then determine the areas that will be part of the Bangsamoro region....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13767-plebiscite-to-determine-extent-of-bangsamoro-region
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): (Update) NPA suffers another debacle - AFP
The leadership of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels continues to suffer a debacle over the weekend with the capture of another top communist leader, together with his wife in Cebu, the military said Sunday. This brought to six the number of NPA rebels captured by the military the past three days.
Maj. Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., commander of 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, confirmed to the Philippines News Agency the arrest of Calixto Vistal, a top regional NPA commander in the Visayas, by military operatives in Mandaue, Cebu last Friday. Jimmyliza Badayos Vistal, wife of Calixto, was also arrested.... Military records show that Vistal, formerly led the NPA forces in Bohol, currently heads the regional armed group in southeastern Negros island while Jimmyliza was the former technical committee head of the same Negros group....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460577
From the MILF Website (Oct 7): Gov’t, MILF agree on peace pact; formal signing soon

The peace negotiators of the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have reached a preliminary peace agreement during their 32nd Exploratory Talks today in Kuala Lumpur hoping to end the 40-year of fighting in Mindanao. The agreement is expected to be signed in a few days in a venue not yet officially disclosed. Called “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro”, the agreement spells out the general principles on major issues, including the extent of power, revenues and territory of the Muslim region....

 http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2878:govt-milf-agree-on-peace-pact-formal-signing-soon&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
From the MILF Website (Oct 8): GPH – MILF Framework Agreement draws Japan, international support

The historic Framework Agreement forged by the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia yesterday in Kuala Lumpur had drawn immediate statements of support from the international community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan, in its statement issued yesterday, said Japan heartily welcomes the Framework Agreement concerning the Mindanao Peace Process reached after many years of negotiation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia....

 http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2879:gph-milf-framework-agreement-draws-japan-international-support&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Posted to the U.S. Embassy Manila Website (Oct 7): Statement by U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. on Finalization of the Government of the Philippines - Moro Islamic Liberation Front Framework Agreement

U.S. Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. issued the following statement on finalization of the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front Framework Agreement:

“We welcome the announcement by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that the two sides finalized a framework peace agreement.

While much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao.

The United States has long supported peace and stability in Mindanao. We will continue to look for ways to support the people of Mindanao as they accelerate broad-based and inclusive growth.

We also acknowledge the deliberate steps by all parties to maintain the cease-fire that has been in place since 2009.

We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines.”

http://manila.usembassy.gov/ambstatement10072012.html
Posted to the Gulf News (Oct 7): Key dates in Philippine Muslim conflict

Manila: Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines have been fighting since the 1970s for independence or autonomy, with the conflict claiming about 150,000 lives. The main rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the government announced Sunday they had agreed a road map for peace. Here are the key dates in the conflict:

1972: President Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law across the country to contain what he says are growing Muslim and communist insurgencies. Muslim rebels in the southern region of Mindanao quickly create a formal organisation, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), led by a young scholar named Nur Misuari.

1974: As the MNLF gains strength, Marcos unleashes the military against the rebels. It is the start of intense fighting across parts of Mindanao that lasts for over a decade, a period when most of the 150,000 lives are lost.

1975: The government holds its first meeting with Misuari in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He agrees to explore autonomy as a basis for talks.

1976: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi oversees the signing of the Tripoli Agreement, providing a framework for autonomy in 13 provinces and nine cities in Mindanao.

1978: One of the MNLF’s leaders and fiercest ideologues, Salamat Hashim, splits from the MNLF and vows to press ahead with the fight for an independent Islamic state.

1981: Salamat and Murad Ebrahim, another prominent rebel commander and hardliner, form the MILF.

1986: Marcos is toppled in a ‘people power’ revolution and replaced by Corazon Aquino, who launches peace talks.

1996: The MNLF signs a peace deal with the government of President Fidel Ramos. The MNLF settles for autonomy, and the deal creates the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) encompassing five predominantly Muslim-populated provinces.

1997: The MILF agrees to explore peace talks with the government.

1998: Joseph Estrada wins the presidency and declares an all-out war against the MILF. Estrada’s troops overrun its main camp. Hundreds of people are killed.

2003: Estrada’s successor, Gloria Arroyo, brokers a ceasefire with the MILF to pave the way for peace talks.

2008: Arroyo’s government announces a peace deal that would have given the MILF control over 700 cities and towns. But it falls apart after the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. In response, two MILF commanders lead attacks across mainly Christian areas of Mindanao. About 400 people are killed.

August, 2011: Benigno Aquino, who became president in 2010, holds secret talks with MILF chairman Ebrahim in Japan, reinvigorating the peace process. It is the first time a president and MILF chief have held face-to-face talks.

Oct 7, 2012: After many rounds of peace talks in Malaysia, Aquino announces a deal with the MILF to create a new autonomous political region. The MILF says it wants a final peace deal before Aquino steps down in 2016.

http://gulfnews.com/news/world/philippines/key-dates-in-philippine-muslim-conflict-1.1086243
Posted to the U.S. Department of State Website (Oct 7): Finalization of the Philippines - Moro Islamic Liberation Front Framework Agreement

Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DCOctober 7, 2012

The United States welcomes the announcement of the framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This agreement is a testament to the commitment of all sides for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines. The next steps will be to ensure that the framework agreement is fully implemented. We encourage all parties to work together to build peace, prosperity and greater opportunities for all the people of the Philippines.

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/10/198716.htm
From GMANews (Oct 7): Clinton, US envoy welcome framework agreement between gov't, MILF

In separate statements, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. on Sunday welcomed the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which Thomas said holds much promise for Mindanao.... Clinton also issued the following statement on the US State Department's website: "The United States welcomes the announcement of the framework agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. This agreement is a testament to the commitment of all sides for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines. The next steps will be to ensure that the framework agreement is fully implemented. We encourage all parties to work together to build peace, prosperity and greater opportunities for all the people of the Philippines."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277256/news/nation/clinton-us-envoy-welcome-framework-agreement-between-gov-t-milf
From NZWeek (Oct 8): MILF’s forces to be decommissioned as part of agreement with Philippine gov’t

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) forces will be decommissioned as part of the peace agreement to be signed by the group and the Government of the Philippines on Oct. 15, the draft framework agreement on the Bangsamoro showed.... “The MILF shall undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use. In a phased and gradual manner, all law enforcement functions shall be transferred from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the police force for the Bangsamoro,” the draft accord said....

http://www.nzweek.com/world/milfs-forces-to-be-decommissioned-as-part-of-agreement-with-philippine-govt-10144/
From the Sun Star (Oct 7): US submarines dock in Subic

The USS Olympia (SSN 717), a submarine of the Los Angeles class design, arrived in Subic Bay last Friday for a routine port call, according to the US Embassy. The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States, also docked here, in time for the Philblex 13 which will formally open on Monday. The US Embassy added that the port visit highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies, as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation....

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/10/07/us-submarines-dock-subic-246800
From the Defense Image and Video Dilivery System (DIVDS) (Oct 6): USS Tortuga delivers 31st MEU to Philippines for PHIBLEX
 
Amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), part of the forward-deployed Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 5, to transport the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit for the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX)....

USS Tortuga delivers 31st MEU to Philippines for PHIBLEX
Courtesy Photo: Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit carry chains and chocks to the well deck of amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga, commanded by Cmdr. John Barnett, is part of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Mandello/Released)
 

From GMANews (Oct 6): China has de facto control over Panatag Shoal, says former DFA senior official

Long used as a shelter by Filipino fishermen but subject to conflicting claims by both the Philippines and China, the hotly disputed Panatag Shoal is now under the de facto control of China, according to a former Philippine senior foreign affairs official. “Remember, China roped off the area and no fishermen and no vessels from the Philippines can go in,” said former foreign affairs undersecretary Lauro Baja Jr. He spoke Friday at a University of the Philippines forum. Baja also served as former Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The Philippine government will not officially admit that it has lost control of the Panatag Shoal, known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. But since its unilateral withdrawal of its ships last June, armed Chinese ships have blocked access to the area. China calls this cluster of rocks surrounding a protected lagoon Huangyan Island. Philippine foreign affairs officials claim that China violated an agreement brokered by the United States that called for the simultaneous withdrawal of both Philippine and Chinese ships that had been locked in a tense stand-off at the shoal since April. China has denied that there was any such agreement....

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277126/news/nation/china-has-de-facto-control-over-panatag-shoal-says-former-dfa-senior-official?ref=topstories
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 7): Subic hosts RNR-hungry US Marines

This former US Naval Base facility, now a center for manufacturing and shipping, has been transformed into a liberty port overnight with the arrival Friday of more than 2,200 US Marine soldiers, who hanker for rest and recreation or entertainment. The Freeport two main roads, Waterfront and Dewey’s Avenue teemed with civilian-clad GI Joes patronizing beer parlors and hotel lobbies since the USS Bonhomme Richards, an amphibious assault and helicopter carrier, hit the Alva dock Friday.... None of the local media based on the Freeport have been accredited by the Philippine Marines. The coverage was limited to Defense reporters and foreign media.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/07/subic-hosts-rnr-hungry-us-marines/
From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 7): Reds tag military base as US camp

The Communist Party of the Philippines on Saturday said a major military base in Mindanao has been converted into a “permanent camp” of a large number of American soldiers. “At any given time, the US military has thousands of military personnel in the Philippines, most of which are permanently stationed in the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF-Philippines) headquarters inside Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City,” it said in a statement....

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/07/reds-tag-military-base-as-us-camp/
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 7): Bangsamoro territory smaller than Arroyo’s 2008 ancestral domain deal

.... Section 5 of the new “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro” says that the core territory of the Bangsamoro shall be composed of:

. Present geographical area of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

. Municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte, and all other barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite.

. Cities of Cotabato and Isabela.

. All other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least 10 percent of the qualified voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro as mentioned in the next paragraph.

In an interview with the Philippines Daily Inquirer, Roxas elaborated on the differences between the new agreement and the old MOA-AD, which was scrapped by the high court for being unconstitutional because of lack of consultation with affected residents. “First, this (process) is transparent. Second, this will pass through Congress—both in the House and Senate. And after this, the people will be asked through a plebiscite,” said Roxas. “This will not be compulsory, and is aligned with the President’s principle that ‘you are the Boss.’ The people will be the ones to decide through a plebiscite,” said Roxas.
 
From Rappler (Oct 7): MILF 'happy' with framework agreement on peace

.... The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is "very happy" a roadmap had been agreed with the government aimed at ending their decades-long separatist insurgency in the south of the country.
"We are very happy. We thank the president for this," Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar told AFP by phone from his base in the southern Philippines. Von Al-Haq, spokesman of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said that the signing of the framework agreement with the government would determine the course of the struggle for peace in Mindanao. “This is very important because it sets the direction of reaching a peace agreement,” Al-Haq said. The Moro rebel leader added that one most essential point in the recent development in the peace process is the setting out of the systems. “Both parties are assured of having a clear political destination including its defined working machineries,” Al-Haq commented. But Al-Haq refused to reveal mechanisms on the plans for the thousands of MILF fighters if the Bangsamoro entity would be established. “We will cross the bridge when we are there,” Al-Haq said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13753-milf-framework-agreement-to-set-direction-of-peace
From Rappler (Oct 7): BIFM insists on separate Bangsamoro state

.... The splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) declared that they are not interested with the recent development that aims at ending a decades-long separatist insurgency in the south of the country,  In a phone interview with Rappler on October 7, BIFM spokesman Abu Misry Mama said that they are firm in their position in not compromising the call of the Moro people for a separate Bangsamoro state. “We do not care if the government and the MILF would reach an agreement. We do not want the Bangsamoro entity or whatever they may call it,” Mama said. But Mama added that they would be closely watching the promises made by President Aquino that the Bangsamoro entity would deliver basic social services like education and health in the region.....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13754-bifm-insists-on-separate-bangsamoro-state
From Rappler (Oct 7): Joint Communique of the 32nd GPH-MILF Formal Exploratory Talks

Below is the full text of the joint communique from the 32nd round of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF):

JOINT COMMUNIQUE
The 32nd round of Exploratory Talks between the Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held on October 2-7, 2012 in Kuala Lumpur successfully ended today under the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia.

In this round of negotiations, both Parties achieved an unprecedented milestone with the forging of the “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”

The Framework Agreement serves as the overarching architecture for the Mindanao peace process and provides the foundation for a just and enduring peace in Mindanao. It defines the powers and structures of the new Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It sets the principles, processes and mechanisms that will shape the new relations between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro.

The details of the remaining issues will be spelled out in annexes that will form part of the Agreement. The Parties committed to continue discussions until the details are settled.

The Parties expressed their appreciation to His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the GPH-MILF Peace Talks, and to the members of the MILF Central Committee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for their continued commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro Question.

The Parties also extend their gratitude to the members of the International Contact Group (ICG), namely Japan, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Turkey, the United Kingdom, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Conciliation Resources, Muhammadiyah, and The Asia Foundation.

Done this 7th day of October 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

FOR THE GPH:
[Sig]

Marvic M.V.F. Leonen
GPH Panel Chairman

FOR THE MILF:
[Sig]
Mohagher Iqbal
MILF Panel Chairman

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF:

[Sig]
Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed
Malaysian Facilitator

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/13757-joint-communique-of-the-32nd-gph-milf-formal-exploratory-talks
From Rappler (Oct 7): Territory, annexes of peace deal still undecided

The formation of a new semi-autonomous region, Bangsamoro, as agreed upon by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will include areas in ARMM plus a few more areas that have voted to be part of it. On Sunday, October 7, hours after President Benigno Aquino III announced that the two parties had reached an agreement, peace process presidential adviser Teresita Deles told reporters that the exact extent of Bangsamoro has yet to be determined. "The same core territory as the current ARMM plus a few areas contiguous to the area that had previously voted to be part of the autonomous region [will be included]. These are six municipalities in the province of Lanao [del] Norte and barangays in six municipalities in North Cotabato that had voted previously in 2001 to be part of the autonomous region," she said. "But because the unit considered in the RA 9054 was the province, they could not be part of it because they were outnumbered by the rest of the province. We have also agreed that the cities of Cotabato and Isabela in Basilan will be asked or will be subjected to plebiscite...."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13767-territory,-annexes-of-peace-deal-still-undecided
From InterAksyon (Oct 7): With peace pact, AFP hopes it can focus more on external threats

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and lawmakers are optimistic real peace is near with the signing of an initial framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), allowing the military to shift its focus from internal to external security. But it is unclear yet how the matter of disarming rebels will be handled.... Sources from the defense and military establishments told InterAksyon.com on Sunday a peace agreement with the MILF without a substantive Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) provision is “empty” if this would not address the “laying down of arms” by the rebels. “The DDR is a very important component of the peace pact, just like what the government did with the defunct Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Movement (CPLA),” said a senior military officer who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the matter....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44955/with-peace-pact-afp-hopes-it-can-focus-more-on-external-threats
From InterAksyon (Oct 7): MILF hails Aquino declaration, upbeat about prospects for peace, devt

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) welcomed the announcement by President Benigno Aquino III Sunday of the forging of an agreement for the creation of a Bangsamoro state, and expressed hope it signals enduring peace in the South. "It's good. We have been waiting for this for many, many long years, at masaya ang mga Bangsamoro, pati na hindi Bangsamoro sa [and both the Bangsamoro and the non-Bangsamoro are happy in] Mindanao. They should be happy because finally the Bangsamoro issue will be addressed and resolved," said MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar. He said the announcement made by the President was only an initial agreement and a comprehensive, compact accord will be signed later....



MILF's Ghadzali Jaafar, seen in an April 2012 file photo. ABIGAIL KWOK, INTERAKSYON.COM

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44952/milf-hails-aquino-declaration-upbeat-about-prospects-for-peace-devt
From InterAksyon (Oct 7): Envoys pleased with Mindanao deal, but UK's Lillie sees no 'plain sailing' from hereon

After congratulating both parties for the “huge step forward” with the announcement of a new framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, British Ambassador Stephen Lillie on Sunday sent a message that even with the accord, it would not be “all plain sailing” from this point on. For his part, US ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. said that “while much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao....”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/44965/envoys-pleased-with-mindanao-deal-but-uks-lillie-sees-no-plain-sailing-from-hereon
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): 156 B'laan families in Sultan Kudarat now have potable water

At least 156 families, mostly indigenous people, in a remote village in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat now enjoy steady supply of clean water after the project was completed last week, a social welfare official from Southwest Mindanao said. Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12, said the potable water system project was part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a community-driven undertaking which aims to address the "most pressing need" of the people in areas considered "poorest among the poor...."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460566
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Army official condemns use of ‘child warriors’ by NPA in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

An Army official has condemned the continuing recruitment and use of minors for operational purposes by New People’s Army (NPA) units in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, commander of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said on Sunday they have proven anew the alleged “illegal act” by the NPA with the recent surrender of a 16-year-old cadre in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and the killing of another 17-year-old rebel in an encounter in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat. He said they have confirmed that one of the two fatalities in an encounter between their troops and NPA rebels in Sitio Tiruray, Barangay Telafas in Columbio town last Sept. 29 was “an NPA child warrior....”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460502
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): PHL gov't, MILF set formal signing of framework peace agreement on Oct. 15 --Deles

The formal signing of the framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao is set on Oct. 15 in Malacanang. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, in a press conference on Sunday, said the context of the framework agreement was agreed upon by both parties during the peace negotiation in Kuala Lumpur. The Philippine government and the MILF "already agreed in Kuala Lumpur on the text for the framework agreement. This will be signed next week, tentatively set on Oct. 15 in Malacanang," she said. Deles said the signing will be done by both heads of the peace panel -- Marvic Leonen for the Philippine government and Mohagher Iqbal for the MILF. It will be witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and the Malaysian facilitator....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460531
From the Philippine News Agency: President Aquino announces Framework Agreement on Peace between govt, MILF

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Sunday that the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were nearing the forging of a Framework Agreement on peace aimed at ending the conflict that has spanned two generations and has taken the lives of more than 100,000 Filipinos. In his speech before Cabinet officials and members of the media in Malacañang, the President said the Framework Agreement laid down the ground work for achieving the “final and enduring peace in Mindanao" by enjoining all stakeholders to support the implementation of the needed “structural reforms.” “This Framework Agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao. It brings all former secessionist groups into the fold; no longer does the Moro Islamic Liberation Front aspire for a separate state,” the President said....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460537
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Mindanao business community welcomes framework agreement with MILF

Leaders of the business community and civil society in Mindanao on Sunday expressed their support behind the forging of a draft framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), predicting that peace would inevitably impact not only on the business climate but also the quality of life of all the people in Mindanao. Bronx Hebrona, regional governor for Southwestern Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said Mindanao traders were optimistic that the forging of a GPH-MILF framework agreement in Malaysia would eventually lead to a permanent peace agreement....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460544
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): AFP welcomes framework peace agreement between PHL gov't, MILF
The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed on Sunday the decision of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to ink a framework peace agreement to end the decades of conflict in Mindanao and spur economic development in the region. "The AFP welcomes this significant milestone in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace for our nation as the peace talks bring to a conclusion and a framework for peace is already at hand," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr. said. He added that the military is fully committed to the primacy of the peace process as it continues to support all the peace programs and endeavors of the government....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460530
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Backgrounder: Lasting peace in Mindanao seen

An enduring peace in Mindanao is seen at last with the forging of a framework of peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) set to be signed next week following the successful 32nd exploratory peace talks between the GPH and MILF in Kuala Lumpur Saturday. This was after 15 long years of tough negotiations, marked by a series of bloody fights between government forces and Muslim rebels, including the 2000 all-out war that collapsed the peace process, followed by the 2008 heavy fighting when the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court...

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460549
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Peace advocates in Mindanao applaud GPH-MILF framework agreement

Peace advocates from the Church, academe and youth sectors in Mindanao commended the members of the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for succeeding in forging a draft framework peace agreement that will determine the roadmap for a permanent peace accord in Mindanao. Fr. Angel Calvo, a Claretian priest and well-known Mindanao peace advocate based in Basilan Province, said Mindanao residents who have been following the peace negotiations between the government and MILF panels, were harboring “high expectations that finally a peace accord can be reached and presented to the people” Calvo is the lead convenor of the Mindanao Peaceweavers, a civil society organization that monitors the ceasefire agreement between government and MILF forces in Mindanao....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460556
From the Sun Star (Oct 7): US welcomes Philippine Government-MILF peace deal

THE United States government welcomed Sunday the recently announced agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the secessionist group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “We welcome the announcement by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that the two sides finalized a framework peace agreement,” said US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas in a one-page statement. He said the United States has long supported peace and stability in Mindanao and will continue to do so as long as it is necessary. The US envoy also said their government is hoping that, while the agreement remains in its early stages, it would immediately manifest especially in avoiding violence in Mindanao. “We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” said Thomas. “While much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao,” he added....

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/07/us-welcomes-philippine-government-milf-peace-deal-246813
From MindaNews (Oct 7): ‘Bangsamoro’ to replace ARMM by 2016

The Bangsamoro is finally, officially recognized by the Philippine government. After 15 years of peace negotiations, two of that under the Aquino administration, the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) made history Sunday (October 7) by announcing they have reached a Framework Agreement that would give birth to a new autonomous political entity whose name, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III said, “symbolizes and honors the struggles of our forebears in Mindanao” and “celebrates the history and character of that part of our nation.” “That name will be Bangsamoro,” Aquino said in a 10-minute speech streamed live from Malacanang into the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel where the peace panels watched, broke into cheers (some in tears) and applause ten times and gave him (and for all of them, someone remarked), a standing ovation as he ended his speech, thus: “Finally, we have achieved peace, a peace that will serve as the foundation of our dreams for Bangsamoro, for Mindanao, and for the entire Filipino nation....”

 STANDING OVATION.  Members of the MILF peace panel (left) and the government peace panel (right) give President Aquino a standing ovation at the end of his address to the nation streamed live from Malacanang, at the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the two panels concluded negotiations on the Framework Agreement. Someone remarked the standing ovation should be for themselves as well. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

STANDING OVATION. Members of the MILF peace panel (left) and the government peace panel (right) give President Aquino a standing ovation at the end of his address to the nation streamed live from Malacanang, at the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur where the two panels concluded negotiations on the Framework Agreement. Someone remarked the standing ovation should be for themselves as well. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 7): President Benigno Aquino Speaks on the Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels

Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines, On the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

[This is a full English translation of the speech delivered at Malacañan Palace on October 7, 2012]

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121007020117
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 7): Philippine Muslim rebels now sees 'light' at the end of the tunnel

The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said it is optimistic that it could sign a peace accord with Manila, ending decades of bloody fighting in Mindanao. “There is an increasing chance now, more than ever, that the Moros in Mindanao will get a better deal with the Manila government. Signs are great that the Aquino administration and even those not in the party in power is more open to finally settle this conflict in Mindanao,” the MILF said in a statement, adding there had been so much bloodshed and destruction because of hostilities and fighting in the southern region....

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121007031546
Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 7): Philippines Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) herein referred to as the Parties to this Agreement, HAVE AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED AS FOLLOWS:

 [Go to URL below for full text of the agreement]

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121007071529
From the CPP Website (Oct 7): CPP condemns arrest of NDFP consultant from Southern Tagalog

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today condemned the arrest of Benjamin Mendoza, consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations with the Philippine Government (GPH). Mendoza, 61, a holder of a Document of Identification issued in line with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), was arrested yesterday midnight in Quezon City, together with his wife Josephine Mendoza and two other companions. His arrest was carried out by elements of the 2nd Infantry Division combined with other military and police units. “Mendoza is among the principal consultants for peace negotiations of the NDFP representing the Southern Tagalog region,” said the CPP. “His arrest is a gross violation of the provisions of the JASIG which prohibits the arrest and other acts of persecution against peace personnel of either side,” said the CPP....

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/cpp-condemns-arrest-of-ndfp-consultant-from-southern-tagalog