From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 20): 4 killed as rival Moro factions clash in Maguindanao
At least four people were killed when rival Moro groups clashed in Maguindanao
as a result of a long-standing land dispute, military and civilian officials
said Saturday.
Mayor Benzar Ampatuan of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, said in a radio interview
that fighters belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front traded bullets with
members of Umra Kato’s breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Barangay
Lower Libutan on Thursday. “They clashed and both sides suffered casualties,” Ampatuan said, adding that
the incident also triggered evacuations. He said the clash was rooted in a long-standing land dispute. Colonel Edgardo Gonzales, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade,
said he has ordered the deployment of peace-keeping forces in Mamasapano to
prevent the conflict from escalating. Ampatuan said he has initiated a dialogue aimed at bringing the warring
groups to a settlement, or at least an agreement that they will not use violence
to settle their dispute. Ampatuan said he has also asked the government and the MILF ceasefire
committees to step in....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292548/4-killed-as-rival-moro-factions-clash-in-maguindanao
Friday, October 19, 2012
2 killed, 1 hurt in MILF-BIFF clash
From the Philippine Star (Oct 20): 2 killed, 1 hurt in MILF-BIFF clash
Two guerillas were reportedly killed while three others were wounded when rival forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters clashed in Maguindanao’s Mamamasapano town Friday, local officials said. The mayor of Mamasapano, Datu Bensar Ampatuan, told reporters the incident displaced dozens of poor Maguindanaon families, now confined in houses of relatives in villages far from the scene of the encounter. Ampatuan said the feuding groups, one led by a commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command, and the other, under a certain follower of BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato, are squabbling for control of arable lands in a farming district in Mamasapano. Ampatuan said both sides suffered a fatality each. Three other combatants have also been wounded in the ensuing firefight, Ampatuan said. “This has nothing to do with the recent signing by the government and the MILF of the framework agreement in Malacañang,” Ampatuan said. Ampatuan, chairman of the Mamasapano peace and order council, has called on the government-MILF ceasefire committee to immediately pacify the two groups. According to evacuees, the feuding MILF and BIFF factions have also been competing with each other over collection of “zakat,” or alms, for the “revolution” from farming communities in Mamasapano. The government and the MILF, under the 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities, are to mutually cooperate in addressing peace and security areas in potential flashpoint areas in the South.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=861507
Two guerillas were reportedly killed while three others were wounded when rival forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters clashed in Maguindanao’s Mamamasapano town Friday, local officials said. The mayor of Mamasapano, Datu Bensar Ampatuan, told reporters the incident displaced dozens of poor Maguindanaon families, now confined in houses of relatives in villages far from the scene of the encounter. Ampatuan said the feuding groups, one led by a commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command, and the other, under a certain follower of BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato, are squabbling for control of arable lands in a farming district in Mamasapano. Ampatuan said both sides suffered a fatality each. Three other combatants have also been wounded in the ensuing firefight, Ampatuan said. “This has nothing to do with the recent signing by the government and the MILF of the framework agreement in Malacañang,” Ampatuan said. Ampatuan, chairman of the Mamasapano peace and order council, has called on the government-MILF ceasefire committee to immediately pacify the two groups. According to evacuees, the feuding MILF and BIFF factions have also been competing with each other over collection of “zakat,” or alms, for the “revolution” from farming communities in Mamasapano. The government and the MILF, under the 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities, are to mutually cooperate in addressing peace and security areas in potential flashpoint areas in the South.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=861507
Misuari rules out unity talks with MILF
From the Philippine Star (Oct 20): Misuari rules out
unity talks with MILF
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari yesterday ruled out efforts by the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for reunification of the MNLF with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Misuari said the proposal for the reunification of the two rebel groups has been advocated by the OIC in the last two years amid attempts to reconcile their political objectives. He said the MILF has insisted they are a separate group and must also be recognized by international bodies. “No we cannot reunite with the MILF,” Misuari told reporters during a phone patch interview at the Rembrandt news forum in Quezon City....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861339&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari yesterday ruled out efforts by the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for reunification of the MNLF with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Misuari said the proposal for the reunification of the two rebel groups has been advocated by the OIC in the last two years amid attempts to reconcile their political objectives. He said the MILF has insisted they are a separate group and must also be recognized by international bodies. “No we cannot reunite with the MILF,” Misuari told reporters during a phone patch interview at the Rembrandt news forum in Quezon City....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861339&publicationSubCategoryId=63
PNP welcomes MILF support to gov't efforts vs lawless elements in Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20): PNP welcomes MILF support to gov't
efforts vs lawless elements in Mindanao
The Philippine National Police welcomed on Saturday the expression of commitment by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to support efforts by government security forces against lawless elements in southern Philippines. PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome said this expression of commitment by the MILF under the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement is well taken as a magnanimous gesture of support to law enforcement efforts by the PNP to implement the “all out justice” policy of government against “lawless elements” in Mindanao. ”With this commitment by the MILF, the PNP can look forward to more aggressive police operations against ‘lawless elements’ similar to the recent operations launched in Sultan Kudarat and Basilan that led to the capture of two sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Bartolome said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=464268
The Philippine National Police welcomed on Saturday the expression of commitment by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to support efforts by government security forces against lawless elements in southern Philippines. PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome said this expression of commitment by the MILF under the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement is well taken as a magnanimous gesture of support to law enforcement efforts by the PNP to implement the “all out justice” policy of government against “lawless elements” in Mindanao. ”With this commitment by the MILF, the PNP can look forward to more aggressive police operations against ‘lawless elements’ similar to the recent operations launched in Sultan Kudarat and Basilan that led to the capture of two sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Bartolome said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=464268
Coballes is new AFP vice chief
From the Sun Star (Oct 19): Coballes is new AFP vice chief
Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu on Friday bowed out of the service, triggering re-assignments of three senior military officers including AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes. Coballes, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1980, assumed as the successor of Mapagu in rites presided by AFP Chief Jessie Dellosa at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. Dellosa said Coballes would be replaced by 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Rey Ardo at the Zamboanga City-based Westmincom, which supervises operations against the terrorist group and other armed groups in Western Mindanao. Ardo, a member of the PMA class 1981, would be replaced as commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th ID by Intelligence Service of the AFP chief Major General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, a member of the PMA class of 1980....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/19/coballes-new-afp-vice-chief-248819
Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu on Friday bowed out of the service, triggering re-assignments of three senior military officers including AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes. Coballes, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1980, assumed as the successor of Mapagu in rites presided by AFP Chief Jessie Dellosa at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. Dellosa said Coballes would be replaced by 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Rey Ardo at the Zamboanga City-based Westmincom, which supervises operations against the terrorist group and other armed groups in Western Mindanao. Ardo, a member of the PMA class 1981, would be replaced as commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th ID by Intelligence Service of the AFP chief Major General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, a member of the PMA class of 1980....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/19/coballes-new-afp-vice-chief-248819
MILF: Moros, Filipinos in Cairo hail peace pact
From the MILF Website (Oct 20): Moros, Filipinos in Cairo hail peace pact
Nearly 200 Moros and Filipinos gathered here last Monday night, October 15, to hail and celebrate the successful signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF). The said gathering was sponsored by the Philippine Students’ Association in Cairo (PHILSAC) that has more than 300 members organized into three committees: The Kutawato Committee, Lanao Committee, & ZambaSulu Committee....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2890:moros-filipinos-in-cairo-hail-peace-pact&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Nearly 200 Moros and Filipinos gathered here last Monday night, October 15, to hail and celebrate the successful signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF). The said gathering was sponsored by the Philippine Students’ Association in Cairo (PHILSAC) that has more than 300 members organized into three committees: The Kutawato Committee, Lanao Committee, & ZambaSulu Committee....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2890:moros-filipinos-in-cairo-hail-peace-pact&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
EO on Bangsamoro Transition Commission out “in two to three weeks”
From MindaNews (Oct 19): EO on Bangsamoro Transition Commission out “in two to three weeks”
The Executive Order creating the 15-person Transition Commission (TransCom) that will prepare the groundwork for the Bangsamoro political entity by 2016 will be issued “in two to three weeks,” Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said.
Deles told MindaNews the EO would be out “in two to three weeks in light of undas holiday.” Undas refers to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2) which fall on Thursday and Friday this year. The Friday before that, October 26, is Eid’l Adha, the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, which was declared a holiday by President Aquino’s Proclamation 488 issued on October 9. The GPH and MILF peace panels will resume talks in Kuala Lumpur next month to finish the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/19/eo-on-bangsamoro-transition-commission-out-in-two-to-three-weeks/
The Executive Order creating the 15-person Transition Commission (TransCom) that will prepare the groundwork for the Bangsamoro political entity by 2016 will be issued “in two to three weeks,” Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said.
Deles told MindaNews the EO would be out “in two to three weeks in light of undas holiday.” Undas refers to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2) which fall on Thursday and Friday this year. The Friday before that, October 26, is Eid’l Adha, the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, which was declared a holiday by President Aquino’s Proclamation 488 issued on October 9. The GPH and MILF peace panels will resume talks in Kuala Lumpur next month to finish the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/10/19/eo-on-bangsamoro-transition-commission-out-in-two-to-three-weeks/
Army leaves Fort Magsaysay land distribution issue to DND
From the Philippine Star (Oct 19): Army leaves Fort Magsaysay
The Army will leave it to higher authorities to decide on the call of farmers to distribute more than 4,000 hectares of land within Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. 1Lt. Tala Servidad, spokesperson of the Army’s 7th division, said they would respect the decision of the civilian leaders on the matter.
“We will just await the resolution of the DND (Department of National Defense) on the matter since the 7th ID (Infantry Division) is the caretaker of Fort Magsaysay,” Servidad said in a phone interview. Servidad was asked to react to a statement by farmers from Dingalan, Aurora who had urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to amend Presidential Proclamation 237 to allow the distribution of more than 4,000 hectares of land within Fort Magsaysay. Fort Magsaysay is home to the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Special Operations Command and the Army Artillery Regiment. It is also the largest military camp in the country.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861187&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The Army will leave it to higher authorities to decide on the call of farmers to distribute more than 4,000 hectares of land within Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. 1Lt. Tala Servidad, spokesperson of the Army’s 7th division, said they would respect the decision of the civilian leaders on the matter.
“We will just await the resolution of the DND (Department of National Defense) on the matter since the 7th ID (Infantry Division) is the caretaker of Fort Magsaysay,” Servidad said in a phone interview. Servidad was asked to react to a statement by farmers from Dingalan, Aurora who had urged President Benigno S. Aquino III to amend Presidential Proclamation 237 to allow the distribution of more than 4,000 hectares of land within Fort Magsaysay. Fort Magsaysay is home to the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Special Operations Command and the Army Artillery Regiment. It is also the largest military camp in the country.
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861187&publicationSubCategoryId=200
3 development projects launched in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Star (Oct 19): 3 development projects launched in Maguindanao
Public officials on Thursday launched three projects meant to sustain the momentum of the framework agreement for peace and development in Southern Moro communities, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed in Malacañang on Monday.... The livestock distribution was part of President Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, or PAMANA project, which is being facilitated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).... The medica-dental mission, which was assisted by the office of the Maguindanao governor, was one of the highlights of the 25th founding anniversary of the 6th ID, which covers all of Maguindanao's 36 towns. More than 700 residents of Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi benefited from the medical-dental mission, according to Lynette Estandarte, the provincial budget officer of Maguindanao. Barangay Kitango is a known stronghold of the MILF. There are also residents in the area that are related to members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by Saudii-trained cleric Ameril Umra Kato....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=861168
Public officials on Thursday launched three projects meant to sustain the momentum of the framework agreement for peace and development in Southern Moro communities, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed in Malacañang on Monday.... The livestock distribution was part of President Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, or PAMANA project, which is being facilitated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).... The medica-dental mission, which was assisted by the office of the Maguindanao governor, was one of the highlights of the 25th founding anniversary of the 6th ID, which covers all of Maguindanao's 36 towns. More than 700 residents of Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi benefited from the medical-dental mission, according to Lynette Estandarte, the provincial budget officer of Maguindanao. Barangay Kitango is a known stronghold of the MILF. There are also residents in the area that are related to members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by Saudii-trained cleric Ameril Umra Kato....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=861168
Army clarifies it did not relieve battalion commander for deaths of B'laan woman, kids
From InterAksyon (Oct 19): Army clarifies it did not relieve battalion commander for deaths of B'laan woman, kids
The Army's 10th Infantry Division clarified Friday night that it did not relieve the battalion commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion over the alleged encounter between soldiers and armed men in Davao del Sur that killed a B'laan woman and her two children, who were both minors.
“There was no truth that Col. Alexis Noel Bravo was relieved by Gen. Bautista," Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID spokesman, said in a statement sent to media on Friday. Gen. Bautista is the Army general, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Paniza said that Bravo and his men "were only called to report to 10th ID commander Gen. Ariel Bernardo." “They are now in (the) headquarters in Tuburan (Mawab, Compostella Valley Province) to answer some questions from the board of inquiry," he said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46017/army-clarifies-it-did-not-relieve-battalion-commander-for-deaths-of-blaan-woman-kids
The Army's 10th Infantry Division clarified Friday night that it did not relieve the battalion commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion over the alleged encounter between soldiers and armed men in Davao del Sur that killed a B'laan woman and her two children, who were both minors.
“There was no truth that Col. Alexis Noel Bravo was relieved by Gen. Bautista," Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, 10th ID spokesman, said in a statement sent to media on Friday. Gen. Bautista is the Army general, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Paniza said that Bravo and his men "were only called to report to 10th ID commander Gen. Ariel Bernardo." “They are now in (the) headquarters in Tuburan (Mawab, Compostella Valley Province) to answer some questions from the board of inquiry," he said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46017/army-clarifies-it-did-not-relieve-battalion-commander-for-deaths-of-blaan-woman-kids
EU to extend P312M grant to 50,000 displaced families in Central Mindanao
From the Sun Star (Oct 19): EU to extend P312M grant to 50,000 displaced families in Central Mindanao
The European Union (EU) said Friday that it will provide P312 million for the displaced families in the past conflict in Central Mindanao following the historic signing of the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). A signing of the Contribution Agreement between the EU and the World Food Programme (WFP) will be held on Monday. "The EU is providing P312 million to boost the livelihood recovery of 50,000 families or 300,000 persons displaced by past conflict in Central Mindanao," EU said. The grant to be extended is under the project "Enhancing the Resilience of Internally Displaced Persons in Central Mindanao by Strengthening Livelihood." "This is a concrete and strong reaffirmation of the EU's commitment to support the peace process in Mindanao," EU said....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/19/eu-extend-p312m-grant-50000-displaced-families-central-mindanao-248813
The European Union (EU) said Friday that it will provide P312 million for the displaced families in the past conflict in Central Mindanao following the historic signing of the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). A signing of the Contribution Agreement between the EU and the World Food Programme (WFP) will be held on Monday. "The EU is providing P312 million to boost the livelihood recovery of 50,000 families or 300,000 persons displaced by past conflict in Central Mindanao," EU said. The grant to be extended is under the project "Enhancing the Resilience of Internally Displaced Persons in Central Mindanao by Strengthening Livelihood." "This is a concrete and strong reaffirmation of the EU's commitment to support the peace process in Mindanao," EU said....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/10/19/eu-extend-p312m-grant-50000-displaced-families-central-mindanao-248813
PH, US execs hail mutual learning as war games close
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 19): PH, US execs hail mutual learning as war games close
The 10-day military exercises between the Philippines and the United States ended on Thursday with high hopes that the two countries would respond better together during crisis. “The Philippines-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) has become not only a venue for sharing our talents, but more for a development of a [highly efficient] training course for both nations’ military personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. He said the bonds of friendship between the two forces are important and “go beyond the professional development....”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/53248/ph-us-execs-hail-mutual-learning-as-war-games-close
The 10-day military exercises between the Philippines and the United States ended on Thursday with high hopes that the two countries would respond better together during crisis. “The Philippines-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) has become not only a venue for sharing our talents, but more for a development of a [highly efficient] training course for both nations’ military personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. He said the bonds of friendship between the two forces are important and “go beyond the professional development....”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/53248/ph-us-execs-hail-mutual-learning-as-war-games-close
Misuari Calls Bangsamoro Agreement ‘Irrelevant’
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 19): Misuari Calls Bangsamoro Agreement ‘Irrelevant’
Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), yesterday branded as “irrelevant” the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, claiming it was cloned by President Benigno S. Aquino III in association with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. Unable to make his trip to Quezon City due to an unconfirmed report of a warrant of arrest issued against him, Misuari over phone patch also lashed out at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claiming that the latter is losing its grip over of its own people and that joining the agreement was the last straw to salvage some pride....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377909/misuari-calls-bangsamoro-agreement-irrelevant
Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), yesterday branded as “irrelevant” the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, claiming it was cloned by President Benigno S. Aquino III in association with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. Unable to make his trip to Quezon City due to an unconfirmed report of a warrant of arrest issued against him, Misuari over phone patch also lashed out at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claiming that the latter is losing its grip over of its own people and that joining the agreement was the last straw to salvage some pride....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377909/misuari-calls-bangsamoro-agreement-irrelevant
Reshuffle follows Mapagu’s retirement
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 19): Reshuffle follows Mapagu’s retirement
Military chief General Jessie Dellosa confirmed top level movements in the military following the retirement of AFP Vice Chief Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu. Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes is set to take Mapagu’s post, Dellosa told reporters after Mapagu’s retirement ceremonies Friday. Coballes is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1980, and headed the Army’s 10th Infantry Division before he became the Wesmincom chief. Meanwhile, Army 6th Infantry Division Major General Rey Ardo of PMA Class 1981 will take over as Wesmincom chief. Major General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, chief of the Intelligence Service of Armed Forces of the Philippines will take over as head of Army 6th Infantry Division. Dellosa did not say who will replace Ordoyo as ISAFP chief.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292072/reshuffle-follows-mapagus-retirement
Military chief General Jessie Dellosa confirmed top level movements in the military following the retirement of AFP Vice Chief Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu. Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes is set to take Mapagu’s post, Dellosa told reporters after Mapagu’s retirement ceremonies Friday. Coballes is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1980, and headed the Army’s 10th Infantry Division before he became the Wesmincom chief. Meanwhile, Army 6th Infantry Division Major General Rey Ardo of PMA Class 1981 will take over as Wesmincom chief. Major General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, chief of the Intelligence Service of Armed Forces of the Philippines will take over as head of Army 6th Infantry Division. Dellosa did not say who will replace Ordoyo as ISAFP chief.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292072/reshuffle-follows-mapagus-retirement
Palace denies seeking Misuari's re-arrest
From InterAksyon (Oct 19): Palace denies seeking Misuari's re-arrest
Malacanang has denied moving for the re-arrest of former Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari. Misuari on Friday skipped a scheduled press conference at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City, claiming he had received a tip that he would be arrested. He accused the Palace and the Department of Justice for the move to have him jailed after he publicly opposed the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45937/palace-denies-seeking-misuaris-re-arrest
Malacanang has denied moving for the re-arrest of former Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari. Misuari on Friday skipped a scheduled press conference at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City, claiming he had received a tip that he would be arrested. He accused the Palace and the Department of Justice for the move to have him jailed after he publicly opposed the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45937/palace-denies-seeking-misuaris-re-arrest
One of U.S. Navy's largest carriers to visit Manila on October 24
From InterAksyon (Oct 19): One of U.S. Navy's largest carriers to visit Manila on October 24
The USS George Washington (CVN-73), one of the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carriers, will arrive in the Philippines on October 24 for a "goodwill visit," the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement on Friday. The embassy said the visit "will further enhance the strong historic ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines through community relations projects and professional exchanges between U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts...."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45939/one-of-u-s--navys-largest-carriers-to-visit-manila-on-october-24
The USS George Washington (CVN-73), one of the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carriers, will arrive in the Philippines on October 24 for a "goodwill visit," the U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a statement on Friday. The embassy said the visit "will further enhance the strong historic ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines through community relations projects and professional exchanges between U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts...."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45939/one-of-u-s--navys-largest-carriers-to-visit-manila-on-october-24
Officer, 8 soldiers sacked over killings
From Rappler (Oct 19): Officer, 8 soldiers sacked over killings
The military relieved from their posts 9 soldiers including a lieutenant over the supposed encounter near a mining site in Davao del Sur that claimed the lives of 3 civilians, two of them minors. Lt Col Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said a board of inquiry was formed after the incident on Thursday, October 18. Paniza said the investigation aims to determine if the soldiers violated the military's rules of engagement. "This is also our assurance to the public," Paniza said. "We will see to it that someone will be held accountable for this. You cannot simply dismiss this as collateral damage. There were lapses and somebody has to answer for this." Paniza was earlier quoted as saying that among those relieved were Lt Col Alex Bravo, the battalion commander, and Lt Dante Jimenez, the company commander. But Army chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista told Rappler that only Jimenez, the company commander, had been temporarily relieved from his post pending the results of the investigation....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14477-colonel-8-soldiers-sacked-over-killings
The military relieved from their posts 9 soldiers including a lieutenant over the supposed encounter near a mining site in Davao del Sur that claimed the lives of 3 civilians, two of them minors. Lt Col Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said a board of inquiry was formed after the incident on Thursday, October 18. Paniza said the investigation aims to determine if the soldiers violated the military's rules of engagement. "This is also our assurance to the public," Paniza said. "We will see to it that someone will be held accountable for this. You cannot simply dismiss this as collateral damage. There were lapses and somebody has to answer for this." Paniza was earlier quoted as saying that among those relieved were Lt Col Alex Bravo, the battalion commander, and Lt Dante Jimenez, the company commander. But Army chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista told Rappler that only Jimenez, the company commander, had been temporarily relieved from his post pending the results of the investigation....
http://www.rappler.com/nation/14477-colonel-8-soldiers-sacked-over-killings
Army foils bombing attempt in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19): Army foils bombing attempt in
Maguindanao
Government forces on Thursday foiled a bombing attempt by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) in Maguinadanao where an outreach medical dental program was to take place. Colonel Prudencio Asto, speaking for the 6th Infantry Battalion, said the improvised explosive device was fashioned from a 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as the trigger mechanism. Alert civilians quickly informed soldiers and policemen about a suspicious plastic bag left unattended at a road side in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao where soldiers belonging to the Army division medical dental team were to pass. The IED was properly defused. Datu Saudi Ampatuan town is among the communities where the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), BIFM's military arm, was operating....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=464062
Government forces on Thursday foiled a bombing attempt by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) in Maguinadanao where an outreach medical dental program was to take place. Colonel Prudencio Asto, speaking for the 6th Infantry Battalion, said the improvised explosive device was fashioned from a 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as the trigger mechanism. Alert civilians quickly informed soldiers and policemen about a suspicious plastic bag left unattended at a road side in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao where soldiers belonging to the Army division medical dental team were to pass. The IED was properly defused. Datu Saudi Ampatuan town is among the communities where the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), BIFM's military arm, was operating....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=464062
US military set to use Subic as naval base again
From the pro-CPP Bulatlat (Oct 19): US military set to use Subic as naval base again
Thirty one years ago, the Philippine Senate, in a historic decision that upheld the country’s sovereignty, voted against the extension of the US-RP Military Bases Agreement, thereby paving the way for the US Armed Forces to vacate its bases in Clark and Subic. But reports reveal that this is about to reversed. In a report posted on the Diplomat, October 16, with the title “Back to the Future: The U.S. Navy Returns to The Philippines” written by James Hardy, it was stated that military and government officials of the US and the Philippines have confirmed that the former US naval base in Subic, Zambales will play a much larger role in the United States’s Pacific Fleet deployments in the coming months.... The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), for its part, is against the Aquino administration’s plans to refurbish Subic’s military facilities. It said that Aquno’s plans to accommodate the increasing number of US soldiers in the Philippines will “virtually overturn the historic abrogation of the US-RP Military Bases Agreement and bring the country back to the days of US military bases.”“The US government seeks to retain the Philippines as one of its key military outposts in the Asia Pacific region,” said the CPP. “The US military seeks to gain access to Philippine seaports and airport facilities in order to use them as stations for repair and resupply and provide rest and recreation for its troops....”
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/19/us-military-set-to-use-subic-as-naval-base-again/print/
Thirty one years ago, the Philippine Senate, in a historic decision that upheld the country’s sovereignty, voted against the extension of the US-RP Military Bases Agreement, thereby paving the way for the US Armed Forces to vacate its bases in Clark and Subic. But reports reveal that this is about to reversed. In a report posted on the Diplomat, October 16, with the title “Back to the Future: The U.S. Navy Returns to The Philippines” written by James Hardy, it was stated that military and government officials of the US and the Philippines have confirmed that the former US naval base in Subic, Zambales will play a much larger role in the United States’s Pacific Fleet deployments in the coming months.... The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), for its part, is against the Aquino administration’s plans to refurbish Subic’s military facilities. It said that Aquno’s plans to accommodate the increasing number of US soldiers in the Philippines will “virtually overturn the historic abrogation of the US-RP Military Bases Agreement and bring the country back to the days of US military bases.”“The US government seeks to retain the Philippines as one of its key military outposts in the Asia Pacific region,” said the CPP. “The US military seeks to gain access to Philippine seaports and airport facilities in order to use them as stations for repair and resupply and provide rest and recreation for its troops....”
http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/10/19/us-military-set-to-use-subic-as-naval-base-again/print/
MILF: Chairman Murad to hold (press conference) at Darapanan on October 27
From the MILF Website (Oct 19): Chairman Murad to hold (press conference) at Darapanan on October 27
Al Haj Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will hold a press conference in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 27, 2012. This was learned from Muhammad Ameen, Chair of the Secretariat of the MILF Central Committee, who told Luwaran that the holding of the press conference is in answer to the numerous requests from the media community for an interview with the MILF Chairman, after the successful signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the MILF and the government chief peace negotiators at the Malacanang Palace last October 15....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2889:chairman-murad-to-hold-preson-at-darapanan-on-october-27&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Al Haj Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will hold a press conference in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on October 27, 2012. This was learned from Muhammad Ameen, Chair of the Secretariat of the MILF Central Committee, who told Luwaran that the holding of the press conference is in answer to the numerous requests from the media community for an interview with the MILF Chairman, after the successful signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the MILF and the government chief peace negotiators at the Malacanang Palace last October 15....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2889:chairman-murad-to-hold-preson-at-darapanan-on-october-27&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
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