Posted to Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) Blog (Oct 14-18): Philippine Army News Clippings
October 14: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110364362/14-Oct-12-News-Clippings-1#page=1
October 15: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110364697/15-Oct-12-Clippings-1#page=1
October 16: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110370974/16-Oct-2012-Newsclippings#page=1
October 17: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110371552/17-Oct-12#page=1
October 18: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110371766/18-Oct-12#page=1
http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Mother, two teenagers killed in battle between AFP, NPA-linked bandits
From GMANews (Oct 18): Mother, two teenagers killed in battle between AFP, NPA-linked bandits
Two teenagers and their mother were killed Thursday morning when a firefight between government soldiers and a bandit group associated with the communist New People’s Army broke out in Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur. Lt. Col. Noel Alexis Bravo, commander of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said the fatalities were the wife of the leader of the armed group, Daquil Capeon, and their two children. Killed were Jovy Capeon and her offspring John and Pop. The siblings were described by other family members as between the ages of 13 and 19. Also, a daughter, Vicky - aged 7, was wounded in her left ear. She has received medical treatment and is now under the custody of her relatives. “We are saddened with the incident but we are now extending the necessary assistance needed by the family of Capeon in coordination with the Bongmal Tribal Council,” Bravo said. Capeon is also the tribal leader of the B’laan tribe inhabiting the area. He escaped the encounter but was said to be wounded. Bravo said his men were deployed to Sitio Aliong in Kimlawis village after they received information about the presence of armed men in the area. “As a routine procedure, the troops went to the area to check. But while approaching a hut, they were fired upon so they returned fire,” said Bravo. Pressed if the fatalities are members of the armed group, Bravo said: “They are in one group…They are wife and children of the leader.” “These are ordinary people before. When they killed three civilians, they became wanted persons. They went into hiding and became bandits. While in hiding, they reached an alliance (with the NPA) of course for their survival,” added Bravo.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278840/news/regions/mother-two-teenagers-killed-in-battle-between-afp-npa-linked-bandits?ref=section_latest
Two teenagers and their mother were killed Thursday morning when a firefight between government soldiers and a bandit group associated with the communist New People’s Army broke out in Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur. Lt. Col. Noel Alexis Bravo, commander of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said the fatalities were the wife of the leader of the armed group, Daquil Capeon, and their two children. Killed were Jovy Capeon and her offspring John and Pop. The siblings were described by other family members as between the ages of 13 and 19. Also, a daughter, Vicky - aged 7, was wounded in her left ear. She has received medical treatment and is now under the custody of her relatives. “We are saddened with the incident but we are now extending the necessary assistance needed by the family of Capeon in coordination with the Bongmal Tribal Council,” Bravo said. Capeon is also the tribal leader of the B’laan tribe inhabiting the area. He escaped the encounter but was said to be wounded. Bravo said his men were deployed to Sitio Aliong in Kimlawis village after they received information about the presence of armed men in the area. “As a routine procedure, the troops went to the area to check. But while approaching a hut, they were fired upon so they returned fire,” said Bravo. Pressed if the fatalities are members of the armed group, Bravo said: “They are in one group…They are wife and children of the leader.” “These are ordinary people before. When they killed three civilians, they became wanted persons. They went into hiding and became bandits. While in hiding, they reached an alliance (with the NPA) of course for their survival,” added Bravo.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278840/news/regions/mother-two-teenagers-killed-in-battle-between-afp-npa-linked-bandits?ref=section_latest
AMLA bill fails to beat FATF blacklist deadline
From the Daily Tribune (Oct 19): AMLA bill fails to beat FATF blacklist deadline
Time ran out at the Senate for the bill seeking a third amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) that the powerful Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) required on the country to head off being included in a blacklist of dirty money havens after its anticipated approval on third reading got stumped on constitutional issues raised in last night’s plenary session. Last June, the Philippines was upgraded by the FATF from the dark-gray to the gray list after the approval of the “Act To Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Law” and “The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012.” The FATF is currently meeting in Paris to review the compliance of its 36 member nations, which include the Philippines, with international standards against money laundering. The deadline for the Asia Pacific Group was set today....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5809-amla-bill-fails-to-beat-fatf-blacklist-deadline
Time ran out at the Senate for the bill seeking a third amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) that the powerful Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) required on the country to head off being included in a blacklist of dirty money havens after its anticipated approval on third reading got stumped on constitutional issues raised in last night’s plenary session. Last June, the Philippines was upgraded by the FATF from the dark-gray to the gray list after the approval of the “Act To Further Strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Law” and “The Terrorism Financing Prevention And Suppression Act of 2012.” The FATF is currently meeting in Paris to review the compliance of its 36 member nations, which include the Philippines, with international standards against money laundering. The deadline for the Asia Pacific Group was set today....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5809-amla-bill-fails-to-beat-fatf-blacklist-deadline
Noy to woo MILF troops with cash for arms
From the Daily Tribune (Oct 19): Noy to woo MILF troops with cash for arms
President Aquino is seriously considering the idea of adopting the old style of getting the Muslim rebels to surrender their guns for cash which will redound to extending “livelihood benefits” to the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).... Aquino himself said his government has started looking into the mechanism that would see armed MILF members voluntarily disarming themselves by surrendering their firearms. In return, MILF armed contingent members forming part of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, would be included in the government list of beneficiaries of a program embarking on livelihood assistance. Aquino however, refuses to call it an act of buying the MILF guns. He prefers to have it termed as a process that sees the government providing benefits to the former Moro rebels who will voluntarily surrender the MILF issued firearms....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5811-noy-to-woo-milf-troops-with-cash-for-arms
President Aquino is seriously considering the idea of adopting the old style of getting the Muslim rebels to surrender their guns for cash which will redound to extending “livelihood benefits” to the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).... Aquino himself said his government has started looking into the mechanism that would see armed MILF members voluntarily disarming themselves by surrendering their firearms. In return, MILF armed contingent members forming part of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, would be included in the government list of beneficiaries of a program embarking on livelihood assistance. Aquino however, refuses to call it an act of buying the MILF guns. He prefers to have it termed as a process that sees the government providing benefits to the former Moro rebels who will voluntarily surrender the MILF issued firearms....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5811-noy-to-woo-milf-troops-with-cash-for-arms
AFP's second top official retires Friday
From the Philippine Star (Oct 18): AFP's second top official retires Friday
The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) second highest official will retire on Friday after more than 38 years in military service. Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, the AFP's Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will relinquish his post ahead of his mandatory retirement next week.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860840
The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) second highest official will retire on Friday after more than 38 years in military service. Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, the AFP's Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will relinquish his post ahead of his mandatory retirement next week.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=860840
MILF assures non-Muslims their rights will be respected under Bangsamoro gov't
From InterAksyon (Oct 18): MILF assures non-Muslims their rights will be respected under Bangsamoro gov't
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has assured non-Muslims that their rights will be respected in the soon-to-be-created Bangsamoro government in Mindanao that they can even “put up a piggery” or “run for a political position.” Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said that respect for people who practice other religions would be guaranteed in the new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.... “The rights of every individual in the Bangsamoro government are protected. If the Muslims of the Bangsamoro can run for a political position, a non-Muslim can also run for political position,” added Jaafar....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45870/milf-assures-non-muslims-their-rights-will-be-respected-under-bangsamoro-govt
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has assured non-Muslims that their rights will be respected in the soon-to-be-created Bangsamoro government in Mindanao that they can even “put up a piggery” or “run for a political position.” Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said that respect for people who practice other religions would be guaranteed in the new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.... “The rights of every individual in the Bangsamoro government are protected. If the Muslims of the Bangsamoro can run for a political position, a non-Muslim can also run for political position,” added Jaafar....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45870/milf-assures-non-muslims-their-rights-will-be-respected-under-bangsamoro-govt
Ex-AFP top brass who saw action in Mindanao war support Framework Agreement signing
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Ex-AFP top brass who saw action in
Mindanao war support Framework Agreement signing
A number of former top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who saw action at the height of the conflict in Mindanao have welcomed the historic signing this week of the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a bold step to end permanently the 40-year conflict in southern Philippines. Among the former AFP officials who joined the bandwagon in lauding the signing of the framework agreement on the formation of the Bangsamoro region were retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and retired Gen. Eduardo Oban, both former AFP chiefs of staff; retired Lt. Gen. Romeo G. Padiernos, former commanding general of the AFP Southern Command; retired Lt. Gen. Loven Abadia, former chief of the Philippine Air Force; Lt. Gen. Raul Urgello, retired chief of the Intelligence Service of the Philippines; retired Maj. Gen. Resty Aguilar, a seasoned combat officer whose last assignment was part of the government peace panel; and Army retired Col. Delmar Teves who was assigned in Mindanao for many years and is now the secretary of the Kampilan Peacekeepers Association, a non-government organization based in Metro Manila....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463749
A number of former top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who saw action at the height of the conflict in Mindanao have welcomed the historic signing this week of the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a bold step to end permanently the 40-year conflict in southern Philippines. Among the former AFP officials who joined the bandwagon in lauding the signing of the framework agreement on the formation of the Bangsamoro region were retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and retired Gen. Eduardo Oban, both former AFP chiefs of staff; retired Lt. Gen. Romeo G. Padiernos, former commanding general of the AFP Southern Command; retired Lt. Gen. Loven Abadia, former chief of the Philippine Air Force; Lt. Gen. Raul Urgello, retired chief of the Intelligence Service of the Philippines; retired Maj. Gen. Resty Aguilar, a seasoned combat officer whose last assignment was part of the government peace panel; and Army retired Col. Delmar Teves who was assigned in Mindanao for many years and is now the secretary of the Kampilan Peacekeepers Association, a non-government organization based in Metro Manila....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=463749
CPP: CPP says Aquino's pessimism in peace talks with NDFP is a self-fulfilling prophecy
From the CPP Website (Oct 18): CPP says Aquino's pessimism in peace talks with NDFP is a self-fulfilling prophecy
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chided Benigno Aquino’s pessimism over the prospects of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” The Aquino regime “has been actively blocking peace negotiations from Day 1 of its term,” said the CPP. “Aquino himself gave the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) marching orders to ‘decimate the NPA’ in three years, to dramatize his regime’s militarist approach in resolving the raging armed conflict,” pointed out the CPP. “This has set the framework of the Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan under which the AFP has been intensifying its war of suppression especially in the countryside and causing grave abuses of human rights and widespread terror.” “In his very first address before the reactionary congress, Aquino insisted that the revolutionary forces enter a ceasefire as precondition for peace negotiations, claiming that without it, discussions cannot move forward. Aquino obscures the fact that no ceasefire preceded negotiations on every major agreement forged between the NDFP and the GPH over the past twenty years....”
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/cpp-says-aquino-s-pessimism-in-peace-talks-with-ndfp-is-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chided Benigno Aquino’s pessimism over the prospects of peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” The Aquino regime “has been actively blocking peace negotiations from Day 1 of its term,” said the CPP. “Aquino himself gave the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) marching orders to ‘decimate the NPA’ in three years, to dramatize his regime’s militarist approach in resolving the raging armed conflict,” pointed out the CPP. “This has set the framework of the Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan under which the AFP has been intensifying its war of suppression especially in the countryside and causing grave abuses of human rights and widespread terror.” “In his very first address before the reactionary congress, Aquino insisted that the revolutionary forces enter a ceasefire as precondition for peace negotiations, claiming that without it, discussions cannot move forward. Aquino obscures the fact that no ceasefire preceded negotiations on every major agreement forged between the NDFP and the GPH over the past twenty years....”
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/cpp-says-aquino-s-pessimism-in-peace-talks-with-ndfp-is-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy
Professors Note Stumbling Blocks To Framework Agreement
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 18): Professors Note Stumbling Blocks To Framework Agreement
University of the Philippines professors yesterday said the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front face a number of stumbling blocks including constitutional issues. Speaking to the media during the Usaping Balita News Forum, lawyer Harry Roque, professor of the UP College of Law, said there is no way the creation of Bangsamoro will not require amendments to the Constitution. Together with Fidel Fababier, another UP professor, Roque underlined the many constitutional and legal issues that could provide the stumbling blocks for the realization of the peace pact. Roque said that under the Constitution, it is the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera Autonomous Region, not the Bangsamoro region, that has been granted autonomy. He reminded signatories of the Framework Agreement that the relationship between the central government and Bangsamoro cannot be “asymmetric” because Philippines is “a unitary state not a federal government,” thus the relationship is “hierarchal.” Roque said possible legal confrontations may erupt on issues judicial powers, territorial expansion, Islamic accounting and women rights....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377738/professors-note-stumbling-blocks-to-framework-agreement
University of the Philippines professors yesterday said the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front face a number of stumbling blocks including constitutional issues. Speaking to the media during the Usaping Balita News Forum, lawyer Harry Roque, professor of the UP College of Law, said there is no way the creation of Bangsamoro will not require amendments to the Constitution. Together with Fidel Fababier, another UP professor, Roque underlined the many constitutional and legal issues that could provide the stumbling blocks for the realization of the peace pact. Roque said that under the Constitution, it is the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera Autonomous Region, not the Bangsamoro region, that has been granted autonomy. He reminded signatories of the Framework Agreement that the relationship between the central government and Bangsamoro cannot be “asymmetric” because Philippines is “a unitary state not a federal government,” thus the relationship is “hierarchal.” Roque said possible legal confrontations may erupt on issues judicial powers, territorial expansion, Islamic accounting and women rights....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377738/professors-note-stumbling-blocks-to-framework-agreement
Islamic Bloc Backs 1996 Tripoli Pact
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 18): Islamic Bloc Backs 1996 Tripoli Pact
There is a “need” to connect the landmark 1996 Tripoli Agreement (TA) to an “expected agreement” resulting from the just-signed Framework Agreement (FA). The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) relayed this to President Benigno S. Aquino III during his hour-long meeting on Oct. 15 with Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo, OIC secretary general. Ihsanuglo noted the “paramount support” of the 57 member-states of the OIC to the Tripoli pact.... He proposed convening a three-party meeting of the parties involved in the 1976 and 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA), such as GPH, MNLF and OIC, to resolve issues on implementation. “The proposed meeting is expected to tackle the difficulties encountered in the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement or any discrepancies that may exist between the Agreements signed with the MNLF and the new Framework Agreement with the MILF,” the OIC said. It added that the issue will be “thoroughly discussed” by the 57 foreign ministers of OIC member states at the forthcoming 39th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in the Republic of Djibouti in Africa on Nov. 15 to 17 next month....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377756/islamic-bloc-backs-1996-tripoli-pact
There is a “need” to connect the landmark 1996 Tripoli Agreement (TA) to an “expected agreement” resulting from the just-signed Framework Agreement (FA). The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) relayed this to President Benigno S. Aquino III during his hour-long meeting on Oct. 15 with Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo, OIC secretary general. Ihsanuglo noted the “paramount support” of the 57 member-states of the OIC to the Tripoli pact.... He proposed convening a three-party meeting of the parties involved in the 1976 and 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA), such as GPH, MNLF and OIC, to resolve issues on implementation. “The proposed meeting is expected to tackle the difficulties encountered in the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement or any discrepancies that may exist between the Agreements signed with the MNLF and the new Framework Agreement with the MILF,” the OIC said. It added that the issue will be “thoroughly discussed” by the 57 foreign ministers of OIC member states at the forthcoming 39th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in the Republic of Djibouti in Africa on Nov. 15 to 17 next month....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377756/islamic-bloc-backs-1996-tripoli-pact
PNoy 'actively blocking' peace deal with NDFP — CPP
From GMANews (Oct 18): PNoy 'actively blocking' peace deal with NDFP — CPP
President Benigno Aquino III has been “actively blocking” a peace agreement between the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said in a statement Thursday. The statement was released a day after Aquino expressed pessimism about peace talks between the government and the NDFP, the political wing of the CPP. The CPP listed several factors, such as the government’s counter-insurgency movement and the arrests and detention of NDFP consultants, in stating their case. "Aquino's pessimism about the prospects of NDFP-GPH talks is just a self-fulfilling prophecy,” the CPP said, adding Aquino is not serious in conducting “profound dialogue to address the roots of the armed conflict....” The CPP also said the Aquino administration violated ceasefire agreements in the past, such as in 2010 when the government arrested NDF consultant Pedro Codaste, and later on Tirso Alcantara, Alan Jazmines, Renante Gamara and Jaime Soledad. The CPP also said the government refuses to release “at least a dozen” other consultants, and that Aquino has not done anything about the disappearances of several NDF consultants....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278816/news/nation/pnoy-actively-blocking-peace-deal-with-ndfp-mdash-cpp
President Benigno Aquino III has been “actively blocking” a peace agreement between the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said in a statement Thursday. The statement was released a day after Aquino expressed pessimism about peace talks between the government and the NDFP, the political wing of the CPP. The CPP listed several factors, such as the government’s counter-insurgency movement and the arrests and detention of NDFP consultants, in stating their case. "Aquino's pessimism about the prospects of NDFP-GPH talks is just a self-fulfilling prophecy,” the CPP said, adding Aquino is not serious in conducting “profound dialogue to address the roots of the armed conflict....” The CPP also said the Aquino administration violated ceasefire agreements in the past, such as in 2010 when the government arrested NDF consultant Pedro Codaste, and later on Tirso Alcantara, Alan Jazmines, Renante Gamara and Jaime Soledad. The CPP also said the government refuses to release “at least a dozen” other consultants, and that Aquino has not done anything about the disappearances of several NDF consultants....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278816/news/nation/pnoy-actively-blocking-peace-deal-with-ndfp-mdash-cpp
PHL seeks more crisis management training from US
From Business Mirror (Oct 17): PHL seeks more crisis management training from US
THE Philippines seeks more training assistance from the United States to allow it to build its capacity to respond more effectively to terrorism, disasters and other crises that may take place in the country. “We are grateful for the various training programs that the United States has been providing the Philippines,”Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., said. “We would like to experience more of this training so we would be better prepared when dealing with crisis situations back home.” Cuisia issued the statement at the end of the Senior Crisis Management Seminar (SCMS) in Virginia that was sponsored by the Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) of the US Department of State. The seminar, which ran from October 5 to 10 was participated in by Anti-Terrorism Council Executive Director Nabil Tan, Sarangani Vice Gov. Steve Salon, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. and 12 senior officials of the National Police led by Director Catalino Cuy of the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development....
Joma Sison wants 400 prisoners freed
From ABS-CBN (Oct 18): Joma Sison wants 400 prisoners freed
.... The talks were suspended in November last year when the rebels demanded that their jailed comrades be freed. Communist leader Jose Maria Sison told ANC the talks have been difficult but there have been positive developments. "I think the Aquino government should show seriousness and sincerity in the talks by releasing those NDF consultants that are now in prison, and it must show a willingness to release the close to 400 political prisoners who are unjustly imprisoned,” he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/10/18/12/joma-sison-wants-400-prisoners-freed
.... The talks were suspended in November last year when the rebels demanded that their jailed comrades be freed. Communist leader Jose Maria Sison told ANC the talks have been difficult but there have been positive developments. "I think the Aquino government should show seriousness and sincerity in the talks by releasing those NDF consultants that are now in prison, and it must show a willingness to release the close to 400 political prisoners who are unjustly imprisoned,” he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/10/18/12/joma-sison-wants-400-prisoners-freed
OIC helping reconcile MNLF, MILF after framework agreement
From GMANews (Oct 18): OIC helping reconcile MNLF, MILF after framework agreement
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is seeks to bring together the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front secessionist groups, both of whom have now forged peace agreements with the Philippine government. "(OIC) Secretary General (Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu) ensured to (President Benigno Aquino III) continuous support of the OIC to all peace efforts, and emphasized on the unity of the Bangsamoro People which is more needed now than ever. The OIC at present is assisting the process of bringing MILF and MNLF together to intensify their cooperation and coordination," said the OIC. The OIC is trying to get the two groups to work together in order to establish a unified Bangsamoro Coordination Council....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278700/news/nation/oic-helping-reconcile-mnlf-milf-after-framework-agreement
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is seeks to bring together the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front secessionist groups, both of whom have now forged peace agreements with the Philippine government. "(OIC) Secretary General (Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu) ensured to (President Benigno Aquino III) continuous support of the OIC to all peace efforts, and emphasized on the unity of the Bangsamoro People which is more needed now than ever. The OIC at present is assisting the process of bringing MILF and MNLF together to intensify their cooperation and coordination," said the OIC. The OIC is trying to get the two groups to work together in order to establish a unified Bangsamoro Coordination Council....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/278700/news/nation/oic-helping-reconcile-mnlf-milf-after-framework-agreement
Moro leaders to study Catalan autonomy for peace framework
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 18): Moro leaders to study Catalan autonomy for peace
framework
Moro government leaders will fly to Barcelona, Spain in a bid to draw lessons from the Catalan autonomy, which could be used as input in drafting the final peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “This is an ocular study on how to help resolve the demand of the people for self-determination,” Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said. Mangudadatu said the weeklong sojourn to the Spanish autonomous region – which will be participated in by the five governors of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provinces, regional lawmakers and other Moro officials – would start on October 23 and will be headed by Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291316/moro-leaders-to-study-catalan-autonomy-for-peace-framework
Moro government leaders will fly to Barcelona, Spain in a bid to draw lessons from the Catalan autonomy, which could be used as input in drafting the final peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “This is an ocular study on how to help resolve the demand of the people for self-determination,” Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said. Mangudadatu said the weeklong sojourn to the Spanish autonomous region – which will be participated in by the five governors of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provinces, regional lawmakers and other Moro officials – would start on October 23 and will be headed by Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291316/moro-leaders-to-study-catalan-autonomy-for-peace-framework
2 soldiers wounded in clash with rebels in Compostela Valley
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 18): 2 soldiers wounded in clash with rebels in Compostela Valley
Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter with communist rebels in Montevista, Compostela Valley, on Wednesday, a military official said on Thursday. Rifles, an improvised explosive device, and bomb-making materials were recovered after the 10 a.m. clash in San Vicente village, Lt. Col. Cesar Molina, commander of the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion, said. Molina said his men were on patrol after receiving a report on the presence of armed men believed to be New People’s Army insurgents when they came under fire. “We have two wounded on the government side,” Molina told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a text message, without providing the names of the casualties. He said the gun battle lasted for 30 minutes, with the rebels fleeing, possibly with their own casualties. “Pursuit operations … are still on-going,” said Molina....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291384/2-soldiers-wounded-in-clash-with-rebels-in-compostela-valley
Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter with communist rebels in Montevista, Compostela Valley, on Wednesday, a military official said on Thursday. Rifles, an improvised explosive device, and bomb-making materials were recovered after the 10 a.m. clash in San Vicente village, Lt. Col. Cesar Molina, commander of the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion, said. Molina said his men were on patrol after receiving a report on the presence of armed men believed to be New People’s Army insurgents when they came under fire. “We have two wounded on the government side,” Molina told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a text message, without providing the names of the casualties. He said the gun battle lasted for 30 minutes, with the rebels fleeing, possibly with their own casualties. “Pursuit operations … are still on-going,” said Molina....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291384/2-soldiers-wounded-in-clash-with-rebels-in-compostela-valley
Abu Sayyaf in Sipadan kidnapping captured
From the Philippine Star (Oct 18): Abu Sayyaf in Sipadan kidnapping captured
Police intelligence operatives on Wednesday arrested an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander, who was involved in the Dos Palmas kidnapping 11 years ago, in an operation in Basilan. Police said suspect Abdula Alad, using the aliases of Salip Abdulla Magdal, Anwar Muda, Salip Abdulla, and Abduwa Salip, was captured at around 10:30 a.m in his safehouse in Malamawi Island off Isabela City. Alad has a pending warrant of arrest for his alleged participation in the kidnapping of 20 tourists, including US missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and American businessman Guillermo Sobero, from the Dos Palmas resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.... Police said Alad is a known henchman of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmi Saabtula alias Commander Global and killed leader Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860828
Police intelligence operatives on Wednesday arrested an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander, who was involved in the Dos Palmas kidnapping 11 years ago, in an operation in Basilan. Police said suspect Abdula Alad, using the aliases of Salip Abdulla Magdal, Anwar Muda, Salip Abdulla, and Abduwa Salip, was captured at around 10:30 a.m in his safehouse in Malamawi Island off Isabela City. Alad has a pending warrant of arrest for his alleged participation in the kidnapping of 20 tourists, including US missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and American businessman Guillermo Sobero, from the Dos Palmas resort in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.... Police said Alad is a known henchman of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Nadzmi Saabtula alias Commander Global and killed leader Ghalib Andang alias Commander Robot....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860828
Government to respect process in decommissioning of MILF
From the Philippine Star (Oct 18): Government to
respect process in decommissioning of MILF
The Philippine government would respect the process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) “decommissioning” its forces under the framework agreement signed on Monday, President Aquino said yesterday. “The new government (Bangsamoro) gets empowered through elections by 2016, then they cease to exist as an armed force... But that will be contingent also on their ability to attend to themselves, the trust that will be engendered, the policing of their areas,” the President told the Annual Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Manila yesterday. “So I think it will be unfair at this point in time to tie them down to specific timelines, given that they are still nebulous as to who takes over internal security,” he added. Aquino said the details of the decommissioning would still have to be tackled by the government and MILF panels upon the resumption of negotiations in November to come up with a comprehensive accord. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Monday admitted the hardest part of the negotiation was coming to an agreement on policing....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=860621&publicationSubCategoryId=63
The Philippine government would respect the process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) “decommissioning” its forces under the framework agreement signed on Monday, President Aquino said yesterday. “The new government (Bangsamoro) gets empowered through elections by 2016, then they cease to exist as an armed force... But that will be contingent also on their ability to attend to themselves, the trust that will be engendered, the policing of their areas,” the President told the Annual Presidential Forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Manila yesterday. “So I think it will be unfair at this point in time to tie them down to specific timelines, given that they are still nebulous as to who takes over internal security,” he added. Aquino said the details of the decommissioning would still have to be tackled by the government and MILF panels upon the resumption of negotiations in November to come up with a comprehensive accord. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Monday admitted the hardest part of the negotiation was coming to an agreement on policing....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=860621&publicationSubCategoryId=63
3rd blast hits Mindanao
From the Philippine Star (Oct 18): 3rd blast hits Mindanao
Another explosion struck a key province in Mindanao on Thursday morning. No one was hurt in the blast. Senior Superintendent George Tuson, chief of the Tacurong City Police Office in Sultan Kudarat province, said that the explosion took place near the Land Bank of the Philippines along the Tacurong-Marbel Highway in Barangay Poblacion at around 7 a.m. Tuson said that prior to the blast, the police force received an intelligence report of an impending bomb attack in the city....Tuson said that they are looking into the possibility that the blast is related to the recent signing of the Frame-work Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.... Last week, Mindanao was hit by two explosions, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga Sibugay province...
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=860818
Another explosion struck a key province in Mindanao on Thursday morning. No one was hurt in the blast. Senior Superintendent George Tuson, chief of the Tacurong City Police Office in Sultan Kudarat province, said that the explosion took place near the Land Bank of the Philippines along the Tacurong-Marbel Highway in Barangay Poblacion at around 7 a.m. Tuson said that prior to the blast, the police force received an intelligence report of an impending bomb attack in the city....Tuson said that they are looking into the possibility that the blast is related to the recent signing of the Frame-work Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.... Last week, Mindanao was hit by two explosions, particularly in Cagayan de Oro City and Zamboanga Sibugay province...
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=860818
Long–time NPA member surrenders in Ilocos Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Long–time NPA member surrenders in
Ilocos Norte
A long–time member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police, claiming he did this as he was already tired hiding, the police here reported Thursday. Police identified the surrenderor as Danny Butac, 53, a resident of Barangay Isic-isic, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Butac, who is known as “Ka Lando,” joined the communist group when he was 27 years old after he claimed he experienced abuses from the military in 1986. He also admitted he was encouraged to join the rebel group due to the good promises made by their leaders. Butac revealed he was one of the rebels who were operating in Marag Valley; Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Montalban, Rizal; and Pangasinan. The police here are looking for any assistance and benefits that may be given to Butac for voluntarily surrendering.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=463792
A long–time member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police, claiming he did this as he was already tired hiding, the police here reported Thursday. Police identified the surrenderor as Danny Butac, 53, a resident of Barangay Isic-isic, Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Butac, who is known as “Ka Lando,” joined the communist group when he was 27 years old after he claimed he experienced abuses from the military in 1986. He also admitted he was encouraged to join the rebel group due to the good promises made by their leaders. Butac revealed he was one of the rebels who were operating in Marag Valley; Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Montalban, Rizal; and Pangasinan. The police here are looking for any assistance and benefits that may be given to Butac for voluntarily surrendering.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=463792
Philippines, U.S. strengthen law enforcement, security partnership
From the Zamboanga Today (Oct 18): Philippines, U.S. strengthen law enforcement, security partnership
Approximately 100 personnel from various Philippine law enforcement agencies completed courses on Combat Zone Post Blast Investigations conducted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sept. 24-Oct. 6 in Zamboanga City and Manila. Participants included individuals from the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army, the Philippine Coast Guard, and PNP – Special Action Forces. The training was designed to provide instruction on using expedited methods for collecting evidence at crime scenes that cannot be maintained due to combat or other influences. During the training, FBI instructors shared best practices in the collection and preservation of evidence, identification of improvised explosive devices, and processing of crime scenes.,,,
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/12113-philippines-us-strengthen-law-enforcement-security-partnership.html
Approximately 100 personnel from various Philippine law enforcement agencies completed courses on Combat Zone Post Blast Investigations conducted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sept. 24-Oct. 6 in Zamboanga City and Manila. Participants included individuals from the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army, the Philippine Coast Guard, and PNP – Special Action Forces. The training was designed to provide instruction on using expedited methods for collecting evidence at crime scenes that cannot be maintained due to combat or other influences. During the training, FBI instructors shared best practices in the collection and preservation of evidence, identification of improvised explosive devices, and processing of crime scenes.,,,
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-top-stories/12113-philippines-us-strengthen-law-enforcement-security-partnership.html
No one hurt in Tacurong blast
From MindaNews (Oct 18): No one hurt in Tacurong blast
An improvised bomb exploded Thursday morning in front of a government-owned bank at a commercial section of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province, damaging some nearby structures but no casualties were reported. Senior Supt. Rolly Balquin, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the bomb exploded around 7:15 a.m. several meters away from the façade of the Land Bank of the Philippines branch located along the national highway in the Poblacion area. He said no one was reported hurt as a result of the blast but some structures within the surroundings of the site were affected. “We’re still establishing the extent of the damage created by the explosion,” Balquin said in a radio interview. Citing a report from the Tacurong City police station, he said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). He said the Sultan Kudarat police’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and scene of the crime operation (Soco) teams were still determining the explosive’s components. Balquin said they could yet establish the motive and possible suspects of the explosion but admitted that they had received intelligence reports two weeks ago of an alleged terror plot in the area by members of an armed group based in nearby Maguindanao province. He was referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which figured in clashes with government troops and bomb attacks in Maguindanao and North Cotabato several weeks ago. “The report was that several IEDs would be planted and eventually set off in the city,” Balquin said....
An improvised bomb exploded Thursday morning in front of a government-owned bank at a commercial section of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province, damaging some nearby structures but no casualties were reported. Senior Supt. Rolly Balquin, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the bomb exploded around 7:15 a.m. several meters away from the façade of the Land Bank of the Philippines branch located along the national highway in the Poblacion area. He said no one was reported hurt as a result of the blast but some structures within the surroundings of the site were affected. “We’re still establishing the extent of the damage created by the explosion,” Balquin said in a radio interview. Citing a report from the Tacurong City police station, he said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). He said the Sultan Kudarat police’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and scene of the crime operation (Soco) teams were still determining the explosive’s components. Balquin said they could yet establish the motive and possible suspects of the explosion but admitted that they had received intelligence reports two weeks ago of an alleged terror plot in the area by members of an armed group based in nearby Maguindanao province. He was referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which figured in clashes with government troops and bomb attacks in Maguindanao and North Cotabato several weeks ago. “The report was that several IEDs would be planted and eventually set off in the city,” Balquin said....
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