From The Peninsula (Oct 14): Manila heightens alert for peace pact signing
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be placed on alert as part of security measures with the expected arrival of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) secretary-general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to witness the signing of the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Milf) tomorrow.
PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr said police forces in Luzon and the Visayas were placed on heightened alert while other police units in Mindanao remained on full alert....
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/s-asiaphilippines/210716-manila-heightens-alert-for-peace-pact-signing.html
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Philippine Army News Clippings (Oct 8-13)
From Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) Blog (Oct 8-13): Philippine Army News Clippings
October 8: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109714904/08-Oct-2012-Newsclippings
October 9: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715169/09-Oct-12#page=1
October 10: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715497/10-Oct-12-News-Clippings#page=1
October 11: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715844/11-Oct-12-Clippings#page=1
October 12: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109224850/07-October-12-Clippings#page=1
October 13: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109876858/13-Oct-12#page=1
http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html
October 8: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109714904/08-Oct-2012-Newsclippings
October 9: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715169/09-Oct-12#page=1
October 10: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715497/10-Oct-12-News-Clippings#page=1
October 11: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109715844/11-Oct-12-Clippings#page=1
October 12: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109224850/07-October-12-Clippings#page=1
October 13: http://www.scribd.com/doc/109876858/13-Oct-12#page=1
http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html
Mixed feelings on the roadmap to peace
Opinion piece from Rappler (Oct 14): Mixed feelings on the roadmap to peace
.... Yet, why is it that I’ve been feeling some butterflies in my stomach since the framework was made public and that I couldn’t get myself to fully get into a fiesta mood? Why do I have mixed feelings about supposedly this big leap for peace?
.... My problem is not the roadmap which looks sleek and logical. The problem is that it is not clear whether the parties are committed to accept any outcome so long as the roadmap is followed. The decommissioning of the MILF troops will take place in phases. Whether the decommissioning shall be done in step with faithful observance of the roadmap or to the extent the outcome satisfies the MILF is an open question....
.... What really happened is that the arena of the negotiations has been changed.... These institutions are the Philippine Congress, Supreme Court, Moro revolutionary fronts, traditional, religious and political leaders in the Bangsamoro areas. This arena is a big minefield that scares me no end. There are many things that can go wrong in this arena....
The Philippine government is accommodating the demands of the MILF within the country’s political system, constitution and laws. The agreement contains provisions with doubtful constitutional and statutory bases, among which are the ministerial form of government, abolition of the ARMM and the asymmetric relationship between central government and the Bangsamoro government.
Legal challenges can stop, set back or disrupt the process....
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/14151-mixed-feelings-on-the-bangsamoro-region
.... Yet, why is it that I’ve been feeling some butterflies in my stomach since the framework was made public and that I couldn’t get myself to fully get into a fiesta mood? Why do I have mixed feelings about supposedly this big leap for peace?
.... My problem is not the roadmap which looks sleek and logical. The problem is that it is not clear whether the parties are committed to accept any outcome so long as the roadmap is followed. The decommissioning of the MILF troops will take place in phases. Whether the decommissioning shall be done in step with faithful observance of the roadmap or to the extent the outcome satisfies the MILF is an open question....
.... What really happened is that the arena of the negotiations has been changed.... These institutions are the Philippine Congress, Supreme Court, Moro revolutionary fronts, traditional, religious and political leaders in the Bangsamoro areas. This arena is a big minefield that scares me no end. There are many things that can go wrong in this arena....
The Philippine government is accommodating the demands of the MILF within the country’s political system, constitution and laws. The agreement contains provisions with doubtful constitutional and statutory bases, among which are the ministerial form of government, abolition of the ARMM and the asymmetric relationship between central government and the Bangsamoro government.
Legal challenges can stop, set back or disrupt the process....
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/14151-mixed-feelings-on-the-bangsamoro-region
MNLF official appeals for support for peace deal
From the Philippine Star (Oct 14): MNLF official
appeals for support for peace deal
A senior official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is appealing for support for the framework peace agreement set for signing tomorrow between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Hadja Bainon Karon, also acting vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), made the call even as MNLF chief Nur Misuari has criticized the framework deal and called it a violation of the 1976 Tripoli agreement between his group and then President Ferdinand Marcos. “I ask all our leaders and our constituents in the areas of autonomy and even outside ARMM to give the new agreement a chance. Let us give peace a chance,” Karon said during a peace rally held in Cotabato City by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Wednesday....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859259&publicationSubCategoryId=63
A senior official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is appealing for support for the framework peace agreement set for signing tomorrow between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Hadja Bainon Karon, also acting vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), made the call even as MNLF chief Nur Misuari has criticized the framework deal and called it a violation of the 1976 Tripoli agreement between his group and then President Ferdinand Marcos. “I ask all our leaders and our constituents in the areas of autonomy and even outside ARMM to give the new agreement a chance. Let us give peace a chance,” Karon said during a peace rally held in Cotabato City by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Wednesday....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859259&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Iqbal: Thinker, tough on issues, soft on people
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 14): Iqbal: Thinker, tough on issues, soft on people
Mohagher Iqbal is the public face of the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). But Iqbal, now in his 60s, is a very
private person, talking very little about himself in interviews with
journalists. He does not talk about his family either,
keeping the privacy of his relatives through his silence. Iqbal, who hails from Maguindanao, joined
the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1972 just after earning a
university degree.... Being head of the MILF’s committee on
information, Iqbal is called the rebel group’s “think tank.” But he is known more among his peers in
the MILF for his being softhearted, especially toward ordinary people. In public, however, Iqbal appears as a
grizzled, iron-willed warrior. “Be tough on issues, be soft on people,”
Iqbal, who has led the MILF peace panel since 2004, said. And that, he said, is his guiding
principle....
Panel member: It is not a Muslim conflict
From the New Straits Times (Oct 14): Panel member: It is not a Muslim conflict
[Views of Abhoud Syed M. Lingga-Executive Director of the pro-MILF Institute for Bangsamoro Studies]
Institute of Bangsamoro Studies executive director Abhoud Syed M. Lingga, who is also a member of the peace panel, said the Bangsamoro took up arms to fight for self-determination. "People always get confused, saying that it is a Muslim conflict. It is not, as it is a political conflict that needed a political solution," he said at his office in Campo Muslim here yesterday. "Even though we are aiming to establish an Islamic state, we will adopt a moderate interpretation of the religion which is more open...." "What will be signed on Monday will be a win-win situation for the Bangsamoro and the government. "Bangsamoro will be able to exercise their rights to a certain degree, but remain as Philippine citizens. At the same time, the country remains intact and nothing is lost...."
Institute of Bangsamoro Studies executive director Abhoud Syed M. Lingga
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/panel-member-it-is-not-a-muslim-conflict-1.156662
[Views of Abhoud Syed M. Lingga-Executive Director of the pro-MILF Institute for Bangsamoro Studies]
Institute of Bangsamoro Studies executive director Abhoud Syed M. Lingga, who is also a member of the peace panel, said the Bangsamoro took up arms to fight for self-determination. "People always get confused, saying that it is a Muslim conflict. It is not, as it is a political conflict that needed a political solution," he said at his office in Campo Muslim here yesterday. "Even though we are aiming to establish an Islamic state, we will adopt a moderate interpretation of the religion which is more open...." "What will be signed on Monday will be a win-win situation for the Bangsamoro and the government. "Bangsamoro will be able to exercise their rights to a certain degree, but remain as Philippine citizens. At the same time, the country remains intact and nothing is lost...."
Institute of Bangsamoro Studies executive director Abhoud Syed M. Lingga
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/panel-member-it-is-not-a-muslim-conflict-1.156662
It could be peace
From the Economist (Oct 11): It could be peace
AFTER 16 years of on-and-off negotiations, the Philippines government and the main Muslim rebel group in the southern region of Mindanao, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, agreed to the outlines of a peace deal on October 6th. The two sides are due to sign it formally on October 15th. If it works, which is far from guaranteed, it could bring an end to more than four decades of fighting by armed Muslims seeking independence from the mainly Christian archipelago nation. The Mindanao conflict has killed perhaps 120,000 people and displaced 2m more. Mindanao is home to most of the country’s Muslims, who make up about 5% of the population of about 100m.... All fine stuff. But the government and the rebels have yet to agree on the details....
http://www.economist.com/node/21564611
AFTER 16 years of on-and-off negotiations, the Philippines government and the main Muslim rebel group in the southern region of Mindanao, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, agreed to the outlines of a peace deal on October 6th. The two sides are due to sign it formally on October 15th. If it works, which is far from guaranteed, it could bring an end to more than four decades of fighting by armed Muslims seeking independence from the mainly Christian archipelago nation. The Mindanao conflict has killed perhaps 120,000 people and displaced 2m more. Mindanao is home to most of the country’s Muslims, who make up about 5% of the population of about 100m.... All fine stuff. But the government and the rebels have yet to agree on the details....
http://www.economist.com/node/21564611
Leonen: Let's debate the Bangsamoro deal
From Rappler (Oct 13): Leonen: Let's debate the Bangsamoro deal
Citizen involvement is key to the Bangsamoro peace deal, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen told Rappler days before the Framework Agreement's historic signing on Monday, October 15. “After all, part of the importance of a Framework Agreement is that it causes or triggers a national debate on how it would be best to restructure our government, so that the aspirations of a culture or a group that has been shunted aside by our historical past could be better addressed,” Leonen said in an interview with Rappler executive editor and CEO Maria Ressa on #TalkThursday....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14118-leonen-let-s-debate-on-bangsamoro-deal
Citizen involvement is key to the Bangsamoro peace deal, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen told Rappler days before the Framework Agreement's historic signing on Monday, October 15. “After all, part of the importance of a Framework Agreement is that it causes or triggers a national debate on how it would be best to restructure our government, so that the aspirations of a culture or a group that has been shunted aside by our historical past could be better addressed,” Leonen said in an interview with Rappler executive editor and CEO Maria Ressa on #TalkThursday....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14118-leonen-let-s-debate-on-bangsamoro-deal
Negotiator shrugs off Misuari threat
From Rappler (Oct 12): Negotiator shrugs off Misuari threat
.... Bacani, however, said the MILF-breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) would be excluded from the agreement. “The BIFM is outside the MILF and would not be included in our agreement,” said Bacani, noting that the government will deal with the BIFM through law enforcement instead. Formerly known as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the BIFM led by Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato, who was the commander of the 105th Base Command, splintered from the MILF after serious disagreements with the group’s peace negotiation with the government. Abu Misry Mama, spokesman of the BIFM, said they would continue their jihad for a separate state even if the MILF and the government would ink the final peace agreement. "The government is right when they said that we are outlaws under the Constitution of the Philippines, which we do not honor. Our Constitution is the Quran and Hadith which were created by Allah and not by humans," Mama said....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14065-peace-negotiator-shrugs-off-misuari-threat
.... Bacani, however, said the MILF-breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) would be excluded from the agreement. “The BIFM is outside the MILF and would not be included in our agreement,” said Bacani, noting that the government will deal with the BIFM through law enforcement instead. Formerly known as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the BIFM led by Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato, who was the commander of the 105th Base Command, splintered from the MILF after serious disagreements with the group’s peace negotiation with the government. Abu Misry Mama, spokesman of the BIFM, said they would continue their jihad for a separate state even if the MILF and the government would ink the final peace agreement. "The government is right when they said that we are outlaws under the Constitution of the Philippines, which we do not honor. Our Constitution is the Quran and Hadith which were created by Allah and not by humans," Mama said....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14065-peace-negotiator-shrugs-off-misuari-threat
The Bangsamoro deserves statistics
Opinion piece from the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): The Bangsamoro deserves statistics
.... P-Noy is extremely popular among Muslims. How many would guess, for instance, that President Aquino’s popularity is even higher among Muslims than among Filipinos in general? The SWS Third Quarter survey for 2012, done last Aug. 24-27, found 89 percent of its Muslim respondents satisfied, and only 6 percent of them dissatisfied, with his performance, giving him a net satisfaction rating of +83, well above the +70 SWS border line for Excellent. Thus, P-Noy’s popularity among Muslims far outstrips the 77 percent satisfied and 10 percent dissatisfied with him, for a net +67, among Filipinos nationwide in the Third Quarter, classified as Very Good. I doubt that the new Framework Agreement does any harm to the President’s standing among Muslims.
Poverty is much more extensive among Muslims. In the SWS survey of August 2012, self-rated poverty among families with Muslim heads was 61 percent, compared to 47 percent among families in general, nationwide. As first reported in BusinessWorld on Sept. 24, the national percentage of the self-rated poor fell from 51 in May to 47 in August. For Muslim families in particular, special tabulations show that the percentage of the self-rated poor fell from a massive 78 in May to 61 in August. Thus, Muslim families, though poorer, shared in the recent decline in poverty.
Self-rated food-poverty (families rating their food as poor or mahirap) also declined over the last two quarters. For families in general, the decline was from 39 percent in May to 35 percent in August. For Muslim families in particular, tabulations show that the decline was from 76 percent in May to 55 percent in August. Thus, Muslim families also shared in the recent decline in food-poverty.
Among Muslim families in particular, tabulations of the August survey show that those that experienced hunger were 31.6 percent, consisting of 25.3 percent in moderate hunger, and 6.3 percent in severe hunger. Yet hunger fell among Muslims, between May and August. Tabulations of the May survey show that, among Muslim families, those that experienced hunger were 44.3 percent, consisting of 31.0 percent in moderate hunger, and 13.3 percent in severe hunger.
Statistical visibility matters. Groups without data are statistically invisible. Just as there are statistics pertaining specifically to women, so too can there be statistics pertaining specifically to the Bangsamoro. But statistical data do not grow in the wild on trees, awaiting harvest; they need nurturing, in orchards. Statistical agencies, both public and private, must gear up for this challenge. Social Weather Stations will include the Bangsamoro in its survey agenda. The Bangsamoro should have its own independent research institutes.
Statistics is a branch of the sciences, and social survey research is one of its applications. They assist in peaceful advocacy for the wellbeing of a social group, by raising public consciousness about it. They are not branches of public relations or of fiction-writing. The more the practitioners of statistics about the Bangsamoro, the clearer will be the truth about its people.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/38610/the-bangsamoro-deserves-statistics
.... P-Noy is extremely popular among Muslims. How many would guess, for instance, that President Aquino’s popularity is even higher among Muslims than among Filipinos in general? The SWS Third Quarter survey for 2012, done last Aug. 24-27, found 89 percent of its Muslim respondents satisfied, and only 6 percent of them dissatisfied, with his performance, giving him a net satisfaction rating of +83, well above the +70 SWS border line for Excellent. Thus, P-Noy’s popularity among Muslims far outstrips the 77 percent satisfied and 10 percent dissatisfied with him, for a net +67, among Filipinos nationwide in the Third Quarter, classified as Very Good. I doubt that the new Framework Agreement does any harm to the President’s standing among Muslims.
Poverty is much more extensive among Muslims. In the SWS survey of August 2012, self-rated poverty among families with Muslim heads was 61 percent, compared to 47 percent among families in general, nationwide. As first reported in BusinessWorld on Sept. 24, the national percentage of the self-rated poor fell from 51 in May to 47 in August. For Muslim families in particular, special tabulations show that the percentage of the self-rated poor fell from a massive 78 in May to 61 in August. Thus, Muslim families, though poorer, shared in the recent decline in poverty.
Self-rated food-poverty (families rating their food as poor or mahirap) also declined over the last two quarters. For families in general, the decline was from 39 percent in May to 35 percent in August. For Muslim families in particular, tabulations show that the decline was from 76 percent in May to 55 percent in August. Thus, Muslim families also shared in the recent decline in food-poverty.
Among Muslim families in particular, tabulations of the August survey show that those that experienced hunger were 31.6 percent, consisting of 25.3 percent in moderate hunger, and 6.3 percent in severe hunger. Yet hunger fell among Muslims, between May and August. Tabulations of the May survey show that, among Muslim families, those that experienced hunger were 44.3 percent, consisting of 31.0 percent in moderate hunger, and 13.3 percent in severe hunger.
Statistical visibility matters. Groups without data are statistically invisible. Just as there are statistics pertaining specifically to women, so too can there be statistics pertaining specifically to the Bangsamoro. But statistical data do not grow in the wild on trees, awaiting harvest; they need nurturing, in orchards. Statistical agencies, both public and private, must gear up for this challenge. Social Weather Stations will include the Bangsamoro in its survey agenda. The Bangsamoro should have its own independent research institutes.
Statistics is a branch of the sciences, and social survey research is one of its applications. They assist in peaceful advocacy for the wellbeing of a social group, by raising public consciousness about it. They are not branches of public relations or of fiction-writing. The more the practitioners of statistics about the Bangsamoro, the clearer will be the truth about its people.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/38610/the-bangsamoro-deserves-statistics
Palace downplays MNLF plan to question pact in intl forums
From GMANews (Oc 13): Palace downplays MNLF plan to question pact in intl forums
Malacañang on Saturday downplayed reported plans by the Moro National Liberation Front to question before international forums the framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Organization of Islamic Conference will be represented at the signing of the pact in Malacañang on Monday. “That will be up to them. The secretary general of the OIC will also be present on Monday,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. Earlier reports quoted Habib Mujahab Hashim, head of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council, as accusing government of betraying the MNLF for the pact with the MILF. He was quoted as saying they will bring the matter to the OIC. The MNLF is an observer in the OIC. But Valte pointed out OIC secretary general Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is among the personalities who are expected to attend Monday’s signing....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278128/news/nation/palace-downplays-mnlf-plan-to-question-pact-in-intl-forums
Malacañang on Saturday downplayed reported plans by the Moro National Liberation Front to question before international forums the framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Organization of Islamic Conference will be represented at the signing of the pact in Malacañang on Monday. “That will be up to them. The secretary general of the OIC will also be present on Monday,” she said on government-run dzRB radio. Earlier reports quoted Habib Mujahab Hashim, head of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council, as accusing government of betraying the MNLF for the pact with the MILF. He was quoted as saying they will bring the matter to the OIC. The MNLF is an observer in the OIC. But Valte pointed out OIC secretary general Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is among the personalities who are expected to attend Monday’s signing....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278128/news/nation/palace-downplays-mnlf-plan-to-question-pact-in-intl-forums
Malaysian prime minister: Peace deal to be felt even in Sabah
From GMANews (Oct 13): Malaysian prime minister: Peace deal to be felt even in Sabah
The repercussions of a Mindanao peace deal may be felt even in Sabah, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Saturday. Najib said the framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which Malaysia facilitated, could bring down the number of Filipinos fleeing unrest in Mindanao and illegally entering Sabah, while encourage current residents to return home. Hundreds of thousands of illegal Filipino immigrants in Sabah have long been a source of friction between the Philippines and Malaysia. The region has also long been considered a back door for illicit activities, and fugitives and even terrorists traveling between the two countries. "We have played a role as facilitator for the peace and if we help in the development Mindanao ... it will have a positive impact on the region and Sabah," Najib said, according to an article posted in Malaysia's The Star....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278150/news/nation/malaysian-prime-minister-peace-deal-to-be-felt-even-in-sabah
The repercussions of a Mindanao peace deal may be felt even in Sabah, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Saturday. Najib said the framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which Malaysia facilitated, could bring down the number of Filipinos fleeing unrest in Mindanao and illegally entering Sabah, while encourage current residents to return home. Hundreds of thousands of illegal Filipino immigrants in Sabah have long been a source of friction between the Philippines and Malaysia. The region has also long been considered a back door for illicit activities, and fugitives and even terrorists traveling between the two countries. "We have played a role as facilitator for the peace and if we help in the development Mindanao ... it will have a positive impact on the region and Sabah," Najib said, according to an article posted in Malaysia's The Star....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278150/news/nation/malaysian-prime-minister-peace-deal-to-be-felt-even-in-sabah
Deal no guaranty to end conflict, says MILF head
From the Daily Tribune (Oct 14): Deal no guaranty to end conflict, says MILF head
The framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government to be signed by President Aquino tomorrow will not necessarily end the armed conflict in Mindanao, MILF chairman Murad Ibrahim said yesterday. Murad, in a statement, said although the peace agreement may be a big leap forward for the peace process, it will not, by itself, end the Moro secessionist problem. “There is still much work to be done to make peace work,” the statement said, adding that forging of the agreement does not mean the end of the struggle for it (only) ushers in a new and more challenging stage. Murad, however, said the agreement deserves to be celebrated since it took more than 16 years negotiations to craft it....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5596-deal-no-guaranty-to-end-conflict-says-milf-head
The framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government to be signed by President Aquino tomorrow will not necessarily end the armed conflict in Mindanao, MILF chairman Murad Ibrahim said yesterday. Murad, in a statement, said although the peace agreement may be a big leap forward for the peace process, it will not, by itself, end the Moro secessionist problem. “There is still much work to be done to make peace work,” the statement said, adding that forging of the agreement does not mean the end of the struggle for it (only) ushers in a new and more challenging stage. Murad, however, said the agreement deserves to be celebrated since it took more than 16 years negotiations to craft it....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5596-deal-no-guaranty-to-end-conflict-says-milf-head
Philippine peace deal seen as blow to terrorists
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Philippine peace
deal seen as blow to terrorists
Hunted by U.S.-backed Filipino troops in 2005, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and other al-Qaida-linked militants sought refuge in the mountainous stronghold of the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. But the rebels turned them away. They were afraid that harboring extremists would scuttle their peace talks with the government. The following year, Janjalani was killed by troops in another jungle area. The rebels' rejection of Janjalani shows the potential of harnessing the main Moro insurgents in preventing their strongholds from serving as one of the last remaining refuges of al-Qaida-affiliated militants. Philippine officials hope the tentative peace deal to be signed with the rebels on Monday will turn the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front into a formidable force against the Abu Sayyaf and other radicals....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859112&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Hunted by U.S.-backed Filipino troops in 2005, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and other al-Qaida-linked militants sought refuge in the mountainous stronghold of the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. But the rebels turned them away. They were afraid that harboring extremists would scuttle their peace talks with the government. The following year, Janjalani was killed by troops in another jungle area. The rebels' rejection of Janjalani shows the potential of harnessing the main Moro insurgents in preventing their strongholds from serving as one of the last remaining refuges of al-Qaida-affiliated militants. Philippine officials hope the tentative peace deal to be signed with the rebels on Monday will turn the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front into a formidable force against the Abu Sayyaf and other radicals....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859112&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Leftist rebel leader yield in Davao: military
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Leftist rebel leader
yield in Davao
The military today claimed that a high-ranking leftist rebel has recently surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippines. Ricardo Lucnod, a local commander of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindanao's Davao Oriental province turned himself in without firearms to Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat on Thursday, according to Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a provincial army commander. "He left the group's mountain lair sometime in August and lied low for over a month before deciding to surface. Hardships and sickness while evading government troops drove him to surrender," Guerrero said. The military official said Lucnod became the 80th NPA rebel to return to the folds of law in Davao Oriental province this year. " Twenty four rebels surrendered in the first quarter while the 56 others had yielded in the last three months," said Guerrero...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859182&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The military today claimed that a high-ranking leftist rebel has recently surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippines. Ricardo Lucnod, a local commander of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindanao's Davao Oriental province turned himself in without firearms to Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat on Thursday, according to Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a provincial army commander. "He left the group's mountain lair sometime in August and lied low for over a month before deciding to surface. Hardships and sickness while evading government troops drove him to surrender," Guerrero said. The military official said Lucnod became the 80th NPA rebel to return to the folds of law in Davao Oriental province this year. " Twenty four rebels surrendered in the first quarter while the 56 others had yielded in the last three months," said Guerrero...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859182&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Mixed feelings for MILF leaders ahead of agreement signing
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Mixed feelings for MILF leaders ahead of agreement signing
Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation have mixed feelings on Monday’s signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang, seat of the Philippine government that their forces fought for more than two decades. Most senior MILF officials, including Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and Muhaquer Iqbal, started as members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), but bolted, along with Ustadz Salamat Hashim, in the early 1980s....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=859104
Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation have mixed feelings on Monday’s signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang, seat of the Philippine government that their forces fought for more than two decades. Most senior MILF officials, including Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and Muhaquer Iqbal, started as members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), but bolted, along with Ustadz Salamat Hashim, in the early 1980s....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=859104
'Hijab Run for Peace'; Muslim women take to EDSA on Sunday in support of peace agreement
From InterAksyon (Oct 13): 'Hijab Run for Peace'; Muslim women take to EDSA on Sunday in support of peace agreement
Muslim women will undertake a “hijab run for peace” along EDSA on Sunday, the eve of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “This run by Muslim women (on) EDSA is the first of its kind and its significance also underlines the need for awareness on the wearing of hijab (head covering signifying modesty and morality) as an important part of our Islamic Faith (that) celebrates diversity and peaceful coexistence in the mainstream (of society),” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman of Young Moro Professionals Network, the event’s organizer....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45433/hijab-run-for-peace-muslim-women-take-to-edsa-on-sunday-in-support-of-peace-agreement
Muslim women will undertake a “hijab run for peace” along EDSA on Sunday, the eve of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “This run by Muslim women (on) EDSA is the first of its kind and its significance also underlines the need for awareness on the wearing of hijab (head covering signifying modesty and morality) as an important part of our Islamic Faith (that) celebrates diversity and peaceful coexistence in the mainstream (of society),” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman of Young Moro Professionals Network, the event’s organizer....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45433/hijab-run-for-peace-muslim-women-take-to-edsa-on-sunday-in-support-of-peace-agreement
Philippines, US confirm US Navy's return to Subic Bay
From Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis--IHS Jane's (Oct 12): Philippines, US confirm US Navy's return to Subic Bay
Subscription required. Excerpt from article follows: US and Philippine officials have confirmed that Subic Bay, once home to the 7th Fleet and the site of the United States' largest overseas naval base, is to host US personnel on a semi-permanent basis. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that a rotational deployment of US forces had been ongoing since 2011. "President [Benigno] Aquino has authorised this, as have both houses of Congress, and it is a move widely popular with the Philippine people," said DFA Visiting Forces Agreement Director Edilberto Adan, a retired general and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). "The US will not return to the bases they gave up in 1991, but they will be here regularly and are welcome here," said Adan. He added the resultant increase in joint military exercises would have an effect beyond better interoperability and improvements in AFP doctrine and equipment. "It improves our security and, to be honest, gives people in Southeast Asia peace of mind." Subic Bay's port facilities were built during the Cold War to handle the anchorage requirements for the US Western Pacific fleet. The US left the naval base in 1992....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972334&channel=defence
Subscription required. Excerpt from article follows: US and Philippine officials have confirmed that Subic Bay, once home to the 7th Fleet and the site of the United States' largest overseas naval base, is to host US personnel on a semi-permanent basis. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that a rotational deployment of US forces had been ongoing since 2011. "President [Benigno] Aquino has authorised this, as have both houses of Congress, and it is a move widely popular with the Philippine people," said DFA Visiting Forces Agreement Director Edilberto Adan, a retired general and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). "The US will not return to the bases they gave up in 1991, but they will be here regularly and are welcome here," said Adan. He added the resultant increase in joint military exercises would have an effect beyond better interoperability and improvements in AFP doctrine and equipment. "It improves our security and, to be honest, gives people in Southeast Asia peace of mind." Subic Bay's port facilities were built during the Cold War to handle the anchorage requirements for the US Western Pacific fleet. The US left the naval base in 1992....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972334&channel=defence
Palace finalizes preparations for historic signing of Framework Agreement with MILF
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Palace finalizes preparations for
historic signing of Framework Agreement with MILF
Malacanang continues to finalize the preparations for the signing of the Framework Agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, saying more than 100 representatives from the group are expected to go to Malacanang for the historic event on Monday. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the preparations were in full swing for Monday’s ceremony. The Framework Agreement will be signed 1:30 p.m. at the Palace’s Rizal Hall, she said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462369
Malacanang continues to finalize the preparations for the signing of the Framework Agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, saying more than 100 representatives from the group are expected to go to Malacanang for the historic event on Monday. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the preparations were in full swing for Monday’s ceremony. The Framework Agreement will be signed 1:30 p.m. at the Palace’s Rizal Hall, she said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462369
String of military ‘harassments’ vs wives of NPAs slammed
Posted to the leftist Davao Today (Oct 13): String of military ‘harassments’ vs wives of NPAs slammed
Another incident of harassment allegedly committed by the military against wives of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) has occurred, this time in Pandaitan village in Davao City’s Paquibato District. The victims are Analyn Pesoro, Marissa Alampayan and Niza Cabonillas who are all from Paquibato District. Pesoro told a recent press briefing held by the peace advocacy group Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP), that soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army summoned her to the barangay (village) hall and forced her to facilitate the surrender of her husband....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/13/string-of-military-harassments-vs-wives-of-npas-slammed/
Another incident of harassment allegedly committed by the military against wives of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) has occurred, this time in Pandaitan village in Davao City’s Paquibato District. The victims are Analyn Pesoro, Marissa Alampayan and Niza Cabonillas who are all from Paquibato District. Pesoro told a recent press briefing held by the peace advocacy group Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP), that soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army summoned her to the barangay (village) hall and forced her to facilitate the surrender of her husband....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/13/string-of-military-harassments-vs-wives-of-npas-slammed/
Framework agreement “tilted towards GPH, lessens autonomy of the Bangsamoro,” says NDFP’s Luis Jalandoni
Posted to the leftist Davao Today (Oct 12): Framework agreement “tilted towards GPH, lessens autonomy of the Bangsamoro,” says NDFP’s Luis Jalandoni
As the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to sign the Peace Framework Agreement on Monday October 15, davaotoday.com had asked various leaders in Mindanao on their view on this agreement. davaotoday.com also interviewed via e-mail Luis Jalandoni, head of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel that is engaged in peace negotiations with the GPH, on his insights on this framework agreement. Here is the excerpt of the interview:
“It remains to be seen how the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity will be formed. The present GPH-MILF Framework Agreement to be signed next week is heavily tilted towards the GPH and lessens the independence and autonomy of the Bangsamoro.” – NDFP peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/12/framework-agreement-tilted-towards-gph-lessens-autonomy-of-the-bangsamoro-says-ndfps-luis-jalandoni/
As the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to sign the Peace Framework Agreement on Monday October 15, davaotoday.com had asked various leaders in Mindanao on their view on this agreement. davaotoday.com also interviewed via e-mail Luis Jalandoni, head of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel that is engaged in peace negotiations with the GPH, on his insights on this framework agreement. Here is the excerpt of the interview:
“It remains to be seen how the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity will be formed. The present GPH-MILF Framework Agreement to be signed next week is heavily tilted towards the GPH and lessens the independence and autonomy of the Bangsamoro.” – NDFP peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/12/framework-agreement-tilted-towards-gph-lessens-autonomy-of-the-bangsamoro-says-ndfps-luis-jalandoni/
NPA leader yields in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 12): NPA leader yields in Mindanao
A leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army rebel surrendered to the government in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday. Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said Ricardo Lucnod surrendered to Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat. Lucnod becomes the 80th NPA rebels to surrender since early this year in Davao Oriental province....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121012101304
A leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army rebel surrendered to the government in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday. Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said Ricardo Lucnod surrendered to Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat. Lucnod becomes the 80th NPA rebels to surrender since early this year in Davao Oriental province....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121012101304
3 soldiers killed in Philippine ambush ahead of peace deal signing
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 13): 3 soldiers killed in Philippine ambush ahead of peace deal
signing
Unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of army soldiers of Saturday and killing at least 3 of them in Lamitan City in the restive Muslim province of Basilan, authorities said. It said the soldiers were members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and were heading back to their barracks on motorcycle when the attack occurred near the village of Baas.... There was no immediate statement from either the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division or the Western Mindanao Command about the ambush which occurred ahead of the signing of the peace pact between Manila and MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group fighting for self-determination in the South. It was unknown whether the ambush was perpetrated by rebel groups or not.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121013105025
Unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of army soldiers of Saturday and killing at least 3 of them in Lamitan City in the restive Muslim province of Basilan, authorities said. It said the soldiers were members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and were heading back to their barracks on motorcycle when the attack occurred near the village of Baas.... There was no immediate statement from either the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division or the Western Mindanao Command about the ambush which occurred ahead of the signing of the peace pact between Manila and MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group fighting for self-determination in the South. It was unknown whether the ambush was perpetrated by rebel groups or not.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121013105025
MILF: Caravan kicks-off to support signing of Framework in Manila
Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 13): Caravan kicks-off to support signing of Framework in Manila
Grassroots leaders from Moros, Christians, and indigenous communities in Mindanao will launch a peace caravan from Davao City to all the way to the Malacañang Palace where the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will take place on October 15. Dubbed as “Lakbay Kalinaw Caravan, literarily translated “Peace Travel Caravan”, the four-day travel by land and sea kicked off yesterday. The caravan will follow the route via Lipata port to Liloan, Allen to Matnog, Bicol and Quezon province and Manila. They are expected to arrive in Malacañang on Sunday afternoon and join the peace advocates there in the Peace Vigil to welcome the ceremonial signing on Monday....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2886:caravan-kicks-off-to-support-signing-of-framework-in-manila&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Grassroots leaders from Moros, Christians, and indigenous communities in Mindanao will launch a peace caravan from Davao City to all the way to the Malacañang Palace where the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will take place on October 15. Dubbed as “Lakbay Kalinaw Caravan, literarily translated “Peace Travel Caravan”, the four-day travel by land and sea kicked off yesterday. The caravan will follow the route via Lipata port to Liloan, Allen to Matnog, Bicol and Quezon province and Manila. They are expected to arrive in Malacañang on Sunday afternoon and join the peace advocates there in the Peace Vigil to welcome the ceremonial signing on Monday....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2886:caravan-kicks-off-to-support-signing-of-framework-in-manila&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Subic military base buildup vital to DND, US
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): Subic military base buildup vital to DND, US
The plan of the Department of National Defense (DND) to develop a military base inside the Subic free port is a critical part of the country’s national security program, a defense official said.... “The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] is modernizing in a very aggressive [way],” Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesperson, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone on Wednesday. “In a few months, we are embarking in procurement and we intend to use those areas in Subic for our air platform and naval assets,” Galvez said. “We have a big interest in the area,” he said, referring to the 200-hectare airport complex in the Subic free port, a former US naval base at the boundary between Zambales and Bataan provinces....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/52580/subic-military-base-buildup-vital-to-dnd-us
The plan of the Department of National Defense (DND) to develop a military base inside the Subic free port is a critical part of the country’s national security program, a defense official said.... “The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] is modernizing in a very aggressive [way],” Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesperson, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone on Wednesday. “In a few months, we are embarking in procurement and we intend to use those areas in Subic for our air platform and naval assets,” Galvez said. “We have a big interest in the area,” he said, referring to the 200-hectare airport complex in the Subic free port, a former US naval base at the boundary between Zambales and Bataan provinces....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/52580/subic-military-base-buildup-vital-to-dnd-us
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