From InterAksyon (Oct 17): PH risks 'dirty money state' tag as AMLA changes hang in balance
The Philippines will likely face sanction from an intergovernmental organization fighting money laundering and terrorist financing if the Senate fails to pass the remaining amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act before October 19, according to Sen. Teofisto Guingona III. In his speech minutes before the adjournment of the Senate session on Wednesday, Guingona said that in two days, the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) would determine if the efforts of the Philippines in the global fight against "dirty" money were sufficient.... The blacklist is composed of countries and territories perceived by the FATF to be non-cooperative in the fight against laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF has set a meeting for the Asia-Pacific Group that includes the Philippines on Friday, October 19. In the past, the Philippines was placed in the dark grey list because of serious shortcomings in the country's anti-money laundering laws, according to Guingona....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45789/ph-risks-dirty-money-state-tag-as-amla-changes-hang-in-balance
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Photo: GPH-MILF Agreement a Can of Worms
Posted to an MNLF Facebook Page (Oct 17): Photo: GRP-MILF Agreement a Can of Worms
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
The 2012 Bangsamoro Framework Agreement: Lessons Learned? – Analysis
Posted to Eurasia Review News & Analysis (Oct 17): The 2012 Bangsamoro Framework Agreement: Lessons Learned? – Analysis
The conclusion of the “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro” between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) brings the 16-year long negotiations to the threshold of a final peace pact. While details still need to be thrashed out, the Framework defused the belligerent discourse of actors opposed to the peace process.... Nonetheless, cautious optimism remains. The prospective signing of the 2012 Framework Agreement on 15 October is but a checkpoint – albeit a very important one – on the long road to peace.
http://www.eurasiareview.com/17102012-the-2012-bangsamoro-framework-agreement-lessons-learned-analysis/
The conclusion of the “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro” between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) brings the 16-year long negotiations to the threshold of a final peace pact. While details still need to be thrashed out, the Framework defused the belligerent discourse of actors opposed to the peace process.... Nonetheless, cautious optimism remains. The prospective signing of the 2012 Framework Agreement on 15 October is but a checkpoint – albeit a very important one – on the long road to peace.
http://www.eurasiareview.com/17102012-the-2012-bangsamoro-framework-agreement-lessons-learned-analysis/
Gov’t, MILF disagree on disarming rebels
From the Manila Times (Oct 17): Gov’t, MILF disagree on disarming rebels
While the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has announced that its members will not lay down arms before the peace agreement is concluded, the government on Tuesday maintained that all weapons should be decommissioned even before the implementation of the peace pact. “The normalization process will be done in phases and we will see gradual and steady decommissioning taking place. Thus, even before the implementation of the agreement, arms will be put beyond use,” Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles said. But Mohagher Iqbal, the chairman of the peace-negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said on Monday that his group would not lay down its weapons until a final peace accord is in place. The laying down of arms is in the last stage of the implementation of the agreement. The Framework Agreement signed on Monday by the government and the MILF provides that the latter will “undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use.” In turn, the government agreed to “a phased and gradual” transfer of law enforcement functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to a Bangsamoro police force....
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/33374-gov-t-milf-disagree-on-disarming-rebels
While the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has announced that its members will not lay down arms before the peace agreement is concluded, the government on Tuesday maintained that all weapons should be decommissioned even before the implementation of the peace pact. “The normalization process will be done in phases and we will see gradual and steady decommissioning taking place. Thus, even before the implementation of the agreement, arms will be put beyond use,” Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles said. But Mohagher Iqbal, the chairman of the peace-negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said on Monday that his group would not lay down its weapons until a final peace accord is in place. The laying down of arms is in the last stage of the implementation of the agreement. The Framework Agreement signed on Monday by the government and the MILF provides that the latter will “undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use.” In turn, the government agreed to “a phased and gradual” transfer of law enforcement functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines to a Bangsamoro police force....
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/top-stories/33374-gov-t-milf-disagree-on-disarming-rebels
PAF doubles rescue capability in disasters with refurbished C-130
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 17): PAF doubles rescue
capability in disasters with refurbished C-130
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 “Hercules” heavy-lift airplane has arrived in Manila after being sent to the United States for “Periodic Depot Maintenance,” the PAF said in a statement Thursday. The PAF previously had just one operational C-130 that was used for airlifting supplies and equipment to all parts of the country during times of disasters. With the refurbished C-130′s arrival in Villamor Air Base on Wednesday, the PAF has “double the capability,” Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz, PAF Chief said. “The PAF has been responsive and was able to airlift supplies and equipment to our countrymen with a single C-130 during disasters and calamities; now with another one we will double that capability,” Dela Cruz said. The C-130, with tail number 4704, underwent Periodic Depot Maintenance last August 8 at a British Aerospace facility in Mojave, California. A budget of P190 million, funded through Foreign Millitary Sales, was allocated for the repair....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/290854/paf-doubles-rescue-capability-in-disasters-with-refurbished-c-130
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 “Hercules” heavy-lift airplane has arrived in Manila after being sent to the United States for “Periodic Depot Maintenance,” the PAF said in a statement Thursday. The PAF previously had just one operational C-130 that was used for airlifting supplies and equipment to all parts of the country during times of disasters. With the refurbished C-130′s arrival in Villamor Air Base on Wednesday, the PAF has “double the capability,” Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz, PAF Chief said. “The PAF has been responsive and was able to airlift supplies and equipment to our countrymen with a single C-130 during disasters and calamities; now with another one we will double that capability,” Dela Cruz said. The C-130, with tail number 4704, underwent Periodic Depot Maintenance last August 8 at a British Aerospace facility in Mojave, California. A budget of P190 million, funded through Foreign Millitary Sales, was allocated for the repair....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/290854/paf-doubles-rescue-capability-in-disasters-with-refurbished-c-130
Misuari defied by own followers
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 17): Misuari defied by own followers
Nur Misuari’s own followers in Maguindanao are defying their leader’s stand on the “Framework Agreement’ between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The National Security Command Outer 12 under the Misuari wing of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has declared full support for the agreement, which their leader described as “illegal and a recipe for war.” Abdulmanan Manalasal, MNLF Nascom-12 brigade commander based in this town, said in an interview their only wish was for the government to not forget the 1996 peace agreement. Manalasal, 46, reminded the government that there are still provisions of the 1996 peace pact that remain unimplemented to this day. These include wealth-sharing and the creation of a regional security force. Manalasal said that like many MNLF men supportive of the government’s agreement with the MILF, including those in the faction headed by Muslimin Sema, he and his men hoped for lasting peace in Mindanao....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/290890/misuari-defied-by-own-followers
Nur Misuari’s own followers in Maguindanao are defying their leader’s stand on the “Framework Agreement’ between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The National Security Command Outer 12 under the Misuari wing of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has declared full support for the agreement, which their leader described as “illegal and a recipe for war.” Abdulmanan Manalasal, MNLF Nascom-12 brigade commander based in this town, said in an interview their only wish was for the government to not forget the 1996 peace agreement. Manalasal, 46, reminded the government that there are still provisions of the 1996 peace pact that remain unimplemented to this day. These include wealth-sharing and the creation of a regional security force. Manalasal said that like many MNLF men supportive of the government’s agreement with the MILF, including those in the faction headed by Muslimin Sema, he and his men hoped for lasting peace in Mindanao....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/290890/misuari-defied-by-own-followers
Folks, authorities foil bandit attacks in NCotabato
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Folks, authorities foil bandit attacks in NCotabato
Barangay folks, the police and military promptly contained on Monday night two separate bandit attempts in North Cotabato’s Aleosan town, seen to embarrass the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, municipal officials said. Lt. Col, Roy Galido, commanding officer of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion, said they have asked the government’s ceasefire committee to help build criminal cases against the gunmen that attempted to take over their detachments in Barangays Dungguan and Tugun in the adjoining Aleosan and Pigcawayan towns, respectively.... Key members of the multi-sectoral municipal peace and order councils in the two towns said they have been receiving persistent feedback purporting that a non-aligned Moro gang was behind the harassments of the two Army positions. The attacks came several hours after the signing by the government and MILF panels of the vaunted framework agreement in Malacañang. “The harassments were obviously perpetrated by an 'anti-peace criminal gang’ that wants to disrupt the fragile peace in the surroundings of the detachments that were harassed,” Galido told reporters.... “Bandits engaged in criminal activities were behind those attacks,” Galido said....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860464
Barangay folks, the police and military promptly contained on Monday night two separate bandit attempts in North Cotabato’s Aleosan town, seen to embarrass the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, municipal officials said. Lt. Col, Roy Galido, commanding officer of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion, said they have asked the government’s ceasefire committee to help build criminal cases against the gunmen that attempted to take over their detachments in Barangays Dungguan and Tugun in the adjoining Aleosan and Pigcawayan towns, respectively.... Key members of the multi-sectoral municipal peace and order councils in the two towns said they have been receiving persistent feedback purporting that a non-aligned Moro gang was behind the harassments of the two Army positions. The attacks came several hours after the signing by the government and MILF panels of the vaunted framework agreement in Malacañang. “The harassments were obviously perpetrated by an 'anti-peace criminal gang’ that wants to disrupt the fragile peace in the surroundings of the detachments that were harassed,” Galido told reporters.... “Bandits engaged in criminal activities were behind those attacks,” Galido said....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860464
Allowance, hazard pay for reserve officers pushed
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Allowance, hazard pay for reserve officers pushed
Reserved officers or "citizen soldiers" can receive allowances and hazard pay when called into active duty by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) if House Bill No. 6503 is signed into law. AKO Bicol party-list representatives Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co and Alfredo Garbin recently sought to amend the existing Republic Act 7077 which creates of citizen forces of the army through the Reserved Officers' Training Corps or basic military training courses followed by their enlistment into any of the Reserve Force Units. The bill aims to pay reservists an allowance of P3,000 for every month of service in the AFP as well as a hazard pay of P1,000 daily when in active duty in times of national emergency or war....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860484
Reserved officers or "citizen soldiers" can receive allowances and hazard pay when called into active duty by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) if House Bill No. 6503 is signed into law. AKO Bicol party-list representatives Rodel Batocabe, Christopher Co and Alfredo Garbin recently sought to amend the existing Republic Act 7077 which creates of citizen forces of the army through the Reserved Officers' Training Corps or basic military training courses followed by their enlistment into any of the Reserve Force Units. The bill aims to pay reservists an allowance of P3,000 for every month of service in the AFP as well as a hazard pay of P1,000 daily when in active duty in times of national emergency or war....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860484
Nur refuses to be part of 15-man transition body
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Nur refuses to be part of 15-man transition body
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari said Wednesday that he will refuse, if asked to be part of the 15-man committee that will oversee the transition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to a new Bangsamoro political entity. “Why would I? That commission is a disrespect (to the 1996 final peace agreement). That’s a mockery,” Misuari said when asked if he would be willing to be part of the 15-man commission. Misuari maintained that the "Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has only strengthened his group's resolve to continue their struggle for independence. “Our position is to continue the struggle for peace, for justice and for freedom. There will be no stopping [us],” Misuari said as he called on his followers, supporters and sympathizers to return to rebellion....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860495
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari said Wednesday that he will refuse, if asked to be part of the 15-man committee that will oversee the transition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to a new Bangsamoro political entity. “Why would I? That commission is a disrespect (to the 1996 final peace agreement). That’s a mockery,” Misuari said when asked if he would be willing to be part of the 15-man commission. Misuari maintained that the "Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro" between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has only strengthened his group's resolve to continue their struggle for independence. “Our position is to continue the struggle for peace, for justice and for freedom. There will be no stopping [us],” Misuari said as he called on his followers, supporters and sympathizers to return to rebellion....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860495
Nur's MNLF faction has 3,000 to 5,000 armed fighters
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Nur's MNLF faction has 3,000 to 5,000 armed fighters
The Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) faction of Nur Misuari still has up to 5,000 fully armed fighters, majority of them are based in Sulu, a senior security official said Wednesday. “Contrary to claims by Nur Misuari that he has more than 15,000 armed combatants, the most he can put up for now, if he will make to true his threat of launching a war in Mindanao, is 3,000 to 5,000 fighters,” the senior security official said citing results of field monitoring of the military in Mindanao. The MNLF still maintains several camps in key areas in mainland Mindanao -- Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao provinces, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao Oriental. However, these MNLF enclaves, as per latest field monitoring, have ceased to function as rebel camps and these have been converted into Muslim communities. The military officer said that despite the number of Misuari's followers, the MNLF's founding chairman cannot just deploy combatants because the group is financially broke. “Only an insane MNLF commander will agree to lead his men to the frontline without financial and logistical backing from their leadership,” the official said....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860505
The Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) faction of Nur Misuari still has up to 5,000 fully armed fighters, majority of them are based in Sulu, a senior security official said Wednesday. “Contrary to claims by Nur Misuari that he has more than 15,000 armed combatants, the most he can put up for now, if he will make to true his threat of launching a war in Mindanao, is 3,000 to 5,000 fighters,” the senior security official said citing results of field monitoring of the military in Mindanao. The MNLF still maintains several camps in key areas in mainland Mindanao -- Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao provinces, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao Oriental. However, these MNLF enclaves, as per latest field monitoring, have ceased to function as rebel camps and these have been converted into Muslim communities. The military officer said that despite the number of Misuari's followers, the MNLF's founding chairman cannot just deploy combatants because the group is financially broke. “Only an insane MNLF commander will agree to lead his men to the frontline without financial and logistical backing from their leadership,” the official said....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860505
Cases against MILF still ongoing despite framework deal signing
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): Cases against MILF still ongoing despite framework deal signing
DND on cases of 4 officers in Al Barka massacre: 'Not sure yet'
From the Philippine Star (Oct 17): DND on cases of 4
officers in Al Barka massacre: 'Not sure yet'
The Department of National Defense (DND) is not sure how it will proceed with the cases of four senior Army officers, who are facing a military court trial for charges in connection with the ambush-slaying of 19 soldiers by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Al-Barka Basilan on October 18, 2011. “Let’s see. I am not sure yet. We will consult. I don’t have details yet. But everybody wants a closure to these cases and we move forward,” DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said in an interview on Tuesday.... Former Special Forces Regimental Commander Col. Amikandra Undog, ex-Basilan island military commander Col. Alexander Macario, 4th Special Forces Battalion commander Lt. Col. Leonardo Pena, and Lt. Col. Orlando Edralin, former Special Forces training school commander are facing charges before a military court for the carnage of the 19 soldiers....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=860449&publicationSubCategoryId=63
The Department of National Defense (DND) is not sure how it will proceed with the cases of four senior Army officers, who are facing a military court trial for charges in connection with the ambush-slaying of 19 soldiers by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Al-Barka Basilan on October 18, 2011. “Let’s see. I am not sure yet. We will consult. I don’t have details yet. But everybody wants a closure to these cases and we move forward,” DND spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said in an interview on Tuesday.... Former Special Forces Regimental Commander Col. Amikandra Undog, ex-Basilan island military commander Col. Alexander Macario, 4th Special Forces Battalion commander Lt. Col. Leonardo Pena, and Lt. Col. Orlando Edralin, former Special Forces training school commander are facing charges before a military court for the carnage of the 19 soldiers....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=860449&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Reds on Moro framework agreement: We won’t be stampeded into half-baked peace
From the Bicol Today (Oct 17): Reds on Moro framework agreement: We won’t be stampeded into half-baked peace
The government cannot use the draft framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to force the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to go back to the negotiating table in the absence of clear guarantees, chief National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Sunday. “The propaganda of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) on the signing of this Framework next week is to pressure the NDFP to agree on a ceasefire and resume formal GPH-NDFP peace negotiations,” Jalandoni said in a statement released by the CPP Bureau. First, the government must comply with basic binding GRP/GPH bilateral agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Jalandoni said....
http://bicoltoday.com/?p=7231
The government cannot use the draft framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to force the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to go back to the negotiating table in the absence of clear guarantees, chief National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Sunday. “The propaganda of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) on the signing of this Framework next week is to pressure the NDFP to agree on a ceasefire and resume formal GPH-NDFP peace negotiations,” Jalandoni said in a statement released by the CPP Bureau. First, the government must comply with basic binding GRP/GPH bilateral agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Jalandoni said....
http://bicoltoday.com/?p=7231
2 Abu Sayyaf leaders in Dos Palmas, Golden Harvest Plantation kidnappings arrested
From InterAksyon (Oct 17): 2 Abu Sayyaf leaders in Dos Palmas, Golden Harvest Plantation kidnappings arrested
Two sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), involved in high-profile kidnapping cases, were arrested by authorities in separate operations in Mindanao. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome announced the arrest of Salip Abdulla Magdal, with known aliases Anwar Muda, Salip Abdullah and Abduwa Salip. Salip was arrested in Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan Wednesday. Magdal, a sub-leader of the ASG, has arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping. A P3.3-million bounty was earlier put up for information that will lead to Magdal's arrest. On Tuesday, operatives of Task Force Sanglahi-A Mindanao led by Supt .Leonardo Felonia also arrested Sali Basal Taib, with known aliases Gonggog Sali and Abu Hisni. Taib, also a sub-leader of the ASG, was arrested near the Barangay Wal Primary School in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat Tuesday morning. Taib has an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his involvement in the 2001 kidnappingof 10 workers of Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan. A P3.3-million bounty was also raised for Taib's arrest. Magdal and Taib will both be presented before the court.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45764/2-abu-sayyaf-leaders-in-dos-palmas-golden-harvest-plantation-kidnappings-arrested
Two sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), involved in high-profile kidnapping cases, were arrested by authorities in separate operations in Mindanao. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome announced the arrest of Salip Abdulla Magdal, with known aliases Anwar Muda, Salip Abdullah and Abduwa Salip. Salip was arrested in Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan Wednesday. Magdal, a sub-leader of the ASG, has arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping. A P3.3-million bounty was earlier put up for information that will lead to Magdal's arrest. On Tuesday, operatives of Task Force Sanglahi-A Mindanao led by Supt .Leonardo Felonia also arrested Sali Basal Taib, with known aliases Gonggog Sali and Abu Hisni. Taib, also a sub-leader of the ASG, was arrested near the Barangay Wal Primary School in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat Tuesday morning. Taib has an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his involvement in the 2001 kidnappingof 10 workers of Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan. A P3.3-million bounty was also raised for Taib's arrest. Magdal and Taib will both be presented before the court.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45764/2-abu-sayyaf-leaders-in-dos-palmas-golden-harvest-plantation-kidnappings-arrested
803rd Brigade celebrates 24th anniv
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 17): 803rd Brigade celebrates 24th anniv
Today marks the 24th founding anniversary of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade anchored on the theme “803rd BDE: 24 Taong Kaagapay ng Nortehanon sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” The theme is reflective of the commands thrust of winning the support of all stakeholders in the true spirit of Bayanihan to achieve sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in its area of responsibility, said guest of honor and speaker Major General Gerardo Layug, commander, 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army...
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261350380788
Today marks the 24th founding anniversary of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade anchored on the theme “803rd BDE: 24 Taong Kaagapay ng Nortehanon sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.” The theme is reflective of the commands thrust of winning the support of all stakeholders in the true spirit of Bayanihan to achieve sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in its area of responsibility, said guest of honor and speaker Major General Gerardo Layug, commander, 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army...
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261350380788
Aquino says PHL is offering Australia a strategic partnership
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Aquino says PHL is offering
Australia a strategic partnership
The Philippines is offering Australia a strategic partnership similar to the country’s arrangement with the United States and Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday. “We only have two strategic partnerships -- one with the United States of America and the other with Japan. We're offering the third to Australia and they are presently studying it,” the President said during the annual forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Manila. But even without a strategic tie-up, the President said Australia has been assisting the Philippines with the Coast Watch System that provides trainings to Filipino soldiers conducted by the Australian military security forces. The system also provides scholarships for the Philippine military personnel. Australian experts also meet with various institutions in the country, he added. According to the President, the Philippine-Australia partnership is important because both countries share the same values, form of government as well as regional and global challenges....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463467
The Philippines is offering Australia a strategic partnership similar to the country’s arrangement with the United States and Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III said Wednesday. “We only have two strategic partnerships -- one with the United States of America and the other with Japan. We're offering the third to Australia and they are presently studying it,” the President said during the annual forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Manila. But even without a strategic tie-up, the President said Australia has been assisting the Philippines with the Coast Watch System that provides trainings to Filipino soldiers conducted by the Australian military security forces. The system also provides scholarships for the Philippine military personnel. Australian experts also meet with various institutions in the country, he added. According to the President, the Philippine-Australia partnership is important because both countries share the same values, form of government as well as regional and global challenges....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463467
Aquino still hoping for the best in peace negotiation with CPP-NPA-NDF
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Aquino still hoping for the best in peace negotiation with CPP-NPA-NDF
After the historic forging of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday said he is still hoping a peace agreement could also be reached with the communist insurgents. Speaking at the Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Manila Hotel, the President said while talks have resumed with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), he cannot give a timeline on the peace negotiations. "Well, the other day I was told that they (communist rebels) are renewing dialogue with us. I tend to be pessimistic in the sense of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," he said. "There is some reason to believe that we are moving forward, in terms of the dialogue and the efforts that we are trying to achieve settlement also with the CPP-NPA-NDF," he added. President Aquino said neither party have closed their doors on a possible reconciliation, "but at this point in time, I cannot tell you there is a fixed date when we will announce anything...."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463488
After the historic forging of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday said he is still hoping a peace agreement could also be reached with the communist insurgents. Speaking at the Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Manila Hotel, the President said while talks have resumed with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), he cannot give a timeline on the peace negotiations. "Well, the other day I was told that they (communist rebels) are renewing dialogue with us. I tend to be pessimistic in the sense of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," he said. "There is some reason to believe that we are moving forward, in terms of the dialogue and the efforts that we are trying to achieve settlement also with the CPP-NPA-NDF," he added. President Aquino said neither party have closed their doors on a possible reconciliation, "but at this point in time, I cannot tell you there is a fixed date when we will announce anything...."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463488
PNP nabs Abu Sayyaf man with P3.3 million bounty
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): PNP nabs Abu Sayyaf man with P3.3
million bounty
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced the arrest of another ranking commander of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), who carries P3.3 million bounty, in Central Mindanao. PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome said that Sali Basal Taib, who uses the aliases Gonggong Sali and Abu Husni, was arrested near the Barangay Wal Primary School in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat shortly before noon on Tuesday.... Taib is listed in the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) list of most wanted terrorist with P3.3-million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Bartolome said a confidential informant provided the vital information that led to Taib’s arrest....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463492
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday announced the arrest of another ranking commander of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), who carries P3.3 million bounty, in Central Mindanao. PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome said that Sali Basal Taib, who uses the aliases Gonggong Sali and Abu Husni, was arrested near the Barangay Wal Primary School in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat shortly before noon on Tuesday.... Taib is listed in the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) list of most wanted terrorist with P3.3-million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Bartolome said a confidential informant provided the vital information that led to Taib’s arrest....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463492
Aquino sees MILF as partner for peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Aquino sees MILF as partner for peace
President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday said with the signing of the Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), he now sees them as a "partner for peace" in the once troubled Mindanao. Speaking at the forum of the Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Manila Hotel, the President said the rebel group "that once was not a direct partner of the government, and I refer specifically to the MILF," will now be "a very active component (of the government) in preserving the peace in Mindanao." With regards to the breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) headed by Ameril Umbra Kato, President Aquino said there's an ongoing program of the government to dismantle armed groups in the country such as the BIFF. "There's a validation of the order of battle and I think not a week goes by without a report on specific armed groups that have already been dismantled," he noted.
Besides, the Chief Executive said, "we have the MILF who are now significant partners (of the government)...."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463527
President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday said with the signing of the Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), he now sees them as a "partner for peace" in the once troubled Mindanao. Speaking at the forum of the Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Manila Hotel, the President said the rebel group "that once was not a direct partner of the government, and I refer specifically to the MILF," will now be "a very active component (of the government) in preserving the peace in Mindanao." With regards to the breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) headed by Ameril Umbra Kato, President Aquino said there's an ongoing program of the government to dismantle armed groups in the country such as the BIFF. "There's a validation of the order of battle and I think not a week goes by without a report on specific armed groups that have already been dismantled," he noted.
Besides, the Chief Executive said, "we have the MILF who are now significant partners (of the government)...."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463527
MNLF: How Stupid (of) the MILF to Sign This!
Posted to the MNLF Facebook Page (Oct 17): How Stupid (of) the MILF to Sign This!
HOW STUPID THE MILF TO SIGN THIS!
"I.1. The parties agree that the status-quo is unacceptable and the Bangsamoro shall be established to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bangsamoro is the new political entity (NPE) referred to in the decision Points of Principles as of April 2012."
"I.5. The parties recognize the Bangsamoro identity. Those who at the time of conquest ...
"I.1. The parties agree that the status-quo is unacceptable and the Bangsamoro shall be established to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bangsamoro is the new political entity (NPE) referred to in the decision Points of Principles as of April 2012."
"I.5. The parties recognize the Bangsamoro identity. Those who at the time of conquest ...
and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and their descendants whether of mixed or of full blood shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self-ascription. Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro. The freedom of choice of other Indigenous peoples shall be respected."
ANALYSIS
In I.1 of the MILF-GPH Framework, the MILF agreed into the REDUCTION of Bangsamoro territorial SPACE into the ARMM only. In this provision, we have lost the territories outside the ARMM.
In I.5. of the MILF-GPH Framework, the MILF agreed into the REDUCTION of original Bangsamoro identity TIMEFRAME into those that are born only at the time of conquest. In this provision, we have lost those who are born in Mindanao after the conquest.
Now let me tell you how STUPID this Framework is in layman's term. It means if your parents migrated from Bohol to Bukidnon in 1950s (after the conquest) and you were born in Cagayan de Oro in 1973 (outside ARMM), then you are not a Bangsamoro by RIGHT. So you see, it is not true that it is INCLUSIVE; in fact it kicks out majority of us who recognize ourselves as Bangsamoro.
The MNLF defines Bangsamoro as Citizens of Independent State of Mindanao, regardless of religion, race, or ethnic origin. That simple. And we did not authorize any STUPID person to make a deal with the Philippine Government to alter this definition....
ANALYSIS
In I.1 of the MILF-GPH Framework, the MILF agreed into the REDUCTION of Bangsamoro territorial SPACE into the ARMM only. In this provision, we have lost the territories outside the ARMM.
In I.5. of the MILF-GPH Framework, the MILF agreed into the REDUCTION of original Bangsamoro identity TIMEFRAME into those that are born only at the time of conquest. In this provision, we have lost those who are born in Mindanao after the conquest.
Now let me tell you how STUPID this Framework is in layman's term. It means if your parents migrated from Bohol to Bukidnon in 1950s (after the conquest) and you were born in Cagayan de Oro in 1973 (outside ARMM), then you are not a Bangsamoro by RIGHT. So you see, it is not true that it is INCLUSIVE; in fact it kicks out majority of us who recognize ourselves as Bangsamoro.
The MNLF defines Bangsamoro as Citizens of Independent State of Mindanao, regardless of religion, race, or ethnic origin. That simple. And we did not authorize any STUPID person to make a deal with the Philippine Government to alter this definition....
MNLF: Murad (MILF) Acted as Presumptuous and Unauthorized Representative of the Bangsamoro People
Posted to an MNLF Facebook Page (Oct 17): Murad (MILF) Acted as Presumptuous and Unauthorized Representative of the Bangsamoro People
MURAD (MILF) ACTED AS PRESUMPTUOUS AND UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BANGSAMORO PEOPLE and signed an international agreement that contains provisions that are grossly disadvantageous to the Bangsamoro People. The enemy of the Bangsamoro, the GPH, succeeded in deceiving some people to rally support for the MURAD to sign the document through the use of a MASS MEDIA and FALSE LABEL TECHNIQUE that packaged the document with a PEACE AGREEMENT label. The injury to the Bangsamoro Struggle is already inflicted. Now, what's the DAMAGE CONTROL plan? How will the Muslim division of the MNLF rectify this damage done by the MILF? I am eager to know the answer.
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
MURAD (MILF) ACTED AS PRESUMPTUOUS AND UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BANGSAMORO PEOPLE and signed an international agreement that contains provisions that are grossly disadvantageous to the Bangsamoro People. The enemy of the Bangsamoro, the GPH, succeeded in deceiving some people to rally support for the MURAD to sign the document through the use of a MASS MEDIA and FALSE LABEL TECHNIQUE that packaged the document with a PEACE AGREEMENT label. The injury to the Bangsamoro Struggle is already inflicted. Now, what's the DAMAGE CONTROL plan? How will the Muslim division of the MNLF rectify this damage done by the MILF? I am eager to know the answer.
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFpage
CPP: Joma Sison accuses Enrile of flagrant and systematic lying
Posted to the CPP Website (Oct 16): Joma Sison accuses Enrile of flagrant and systematic lying
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman, Communist Party of the Philippines
NDFP Chief Political Consultant in Peace Negotiations with GPH
Re: “Enrile ready for face-off with nonbelievers”, by Cathy Yamsuan, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 15, 2012
Juan Ponce Enrile has only himself to blame for his character flaw, his lack of integrity, his dishonesty and the expressed view of many people that his memoir is a pack of lies. At the peak of the Edsa people’s uprising, he publicly went on record to admit that his supposed ambush on Sept. 22, 1972 was a fake. Now, he claims in his memoir that the ambush was real. He is engaged in flagrant lying....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/joma-sison-accuses-enrile-of-flagrant-and-systematic-lying
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairman, Communist Party of the Philippines
NDFP Chief Political Consultant in Peace Negotiations with GPH
Re: “Enrile ready for face-off with nonbelievers”, by Cathy Yamsuan, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 15, 2012
Juan Ponce Enrile has only himself to blame for his character flaw, his lack of integrity, his dishonesty and the expressed view of many people that his memoir is a pack of lies. At the peak of the Edsa people’s uprising, he publicly went on record to admit that his supposed ambush on Sept. 22, 1972 was a fake. Now, he claims in his memoir that the ambush was real. He is engaged in flagrant lying....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/joma-sison-accuses-enrile-of-flagrant-and-systematic-lying
CPP: Support the Moro people's struggle against the Aquino regime's duplicity
From the CPP Website (Oct 17): Support the Moro people's struggle against the Aquino regime's duplicity
As underscored by the head of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Framework Agreement signed last Monday by representatives of the MILF and Philippine government, is just a framework and not a complete document. There are key critical questions that still need to be subjected to negotiation over the next several months. The Moro people will still have to contend with the maneuverings and duplicity of the Aquino reactionary regime. The forging of the MILF-GPH Framework Agreement is the result of the steadfast efforts of the MILF and the Moro people to attain their aspiration for national self-determination through revolutionary armed struggle and political negotiations. It contains general declarations on the recognition of the Moro people’s demand to establish a distinct politico-juridical entity as an expression of their aspiration for self-governance. However, as it now stands, the Framework Agreement heavily favors the reactionary regime and poses dangers to the cause of the Moro people....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/support-the-moro-people-s-struggle-against-the-aquino-regime-s-duplicity
As underscored by the head of the negotiating panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Framework Agreement signed last Monday by representatives of the MILF and Philippine government, is just a framework and not a complete document. There are key critical questions that still need to be subjected to negotiation over the next several months. The Moro people will still have to contend with the maneuverings and duplicity of the Aquino reactionary regime. The forging of the MILF-GPH Framework Agreement is the result of the steadfast efforts of the MILF and the Moro people to attain their aspiration for national self-determination through revolutionary armed struggle and political negotiations. It contains general declarations on the recognition of the Moro people’s demand to establish a distinct politico-juridical entity as an expression of their aspiration for self-governance. However, as it now stands, the Framework Agreement heavily favors the reactionary regime and poses dangers to the cause of the Moro people....
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/support-the-moro-people-s-struggle-against-the-aquino-regime-s-duplicity
MILF: JICA reiterates support to GPH – MILF Framework Agreement
From the MILF Website (Oct 17): JICA reiterates support to GPH – MILF Framework Agreement
Hideaki Domichi, Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reiterated the commitment of support and cooperation of JICA for the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Vice President Domichi made this statement following the signing of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangasmoro at the Malacanang Palace last October 15, 2012. “JICA fully supports the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement which we believe is a victory of peace in Mindanao and in the entire country,” Domichi said.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2888:jica-reiterates-support-to-gph--milf-framework-agreement&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Hideaki Domichi, Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reiterated the commitment of support and cooperation of JICA for the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Vice President Domichi made this statement following the signing of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangasmoro at the Malacanang Palace last October 15, 2012. “JICA fully supports the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement which we believe is a victory of peace in Mindanao and in the entire country,” Domichi said.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2888:jica-reiterates-support-to-gph--milf-framework-agreement&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
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