Who are the Moro people?

Op/Ed piece in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 20): Who are the Moro people?

The Moro people comprise the 13 Islamized ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan. Along with the group known as Lumad in Mindanao, the Moros are an indigenous population that had been living on the islands long before the coming of Spanish colonialism. Today, the Moro people are found all over the Philippines. However, they are dominant in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. They are also numerous in some municipalities of North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Palawan. Ethnically and geographically, the Moro people are distributed as follows: See table.  Racially and culturally, the Moro people share a common origin with the majority of Filipinos. Linguistically, they belong to the Malayo-Polynesian group of languages....

Illustration by Steph Bravo/Page design by Ernie Sambo




















http://opinion.inquirer.net/39098/who-are-the-moro-people

Peace Pact Shaky

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 21): Peace Pact Shaky

Clan wars may escalate

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and bandits from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters headed by Umbra Kato have clashed several times recently, and a military official said the skirmishes could escalate although the clashes had nothing to do with the framework agreement signed between the MILF and the government the Philippine government signed a week ago. The gunbattles that started on Friday in Barangay Lower Libutan left both sides with several casualties, said Mayor Benzar Ampatuan of Mamasapano town.“They clashed and both sides suffered casualties,” Ampatuan said. But Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the recent clashes had nothing to do with the peace pact since those involved were Moro clans who were fighting against each other over ownership of lands. Muslim clan wars, according to Ardo, is called a “rido.” “Two or three days ago we’ve received information about encounters of rival clans or families in Mamasapano here in Maguindano killing two or three people from one side. The number of fatalities or casualties could rise because we expect a retaliation from the aggrieved clan or families,” Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said. Ardo, who was recently promoted as commander of the Western Mindanao Command by President Aquino, added that some groups use the name of the MILF and BIFF to bolster their claim in the clan wars. “Ang daming nagbabarilan diyan, halos araw-araw ang barilan… Hindi na bago ‘yan diyan. Actually the other pa [ang labanan], the same group na may standing rido. Practically, kung minsan they are just bringing the name of the MILF and BIFF,” Ardo said....

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/21/peace-pact-shaky/

MILF: EU grants EUR 5.9 million to WFP

From the MILF Website (Oct 21): EU grants EUR 5.9 million to WFP

The European Union had given new grant to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to the tune of EUR5.9 million or P312 million to boost the recovery of some 50,000 families or 3000,000 individuals hit by raging armed conflict in Mindanao.... According to a reliable source, the grant is expected to yield quick peace dividends by providing sustainable resettlement of internally displaced persons and the support in the long term process.... A signing ceremony for Contribution Agreement is scheduled on October 22 at the Office of Secretary Dinky Soliman in Manila.... The MILF peace panel is sending a representative to the affair. Mike Pasigan, a member of the MILF peace panel secretariat, will represent Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel, in the signing ceremony....

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2893:eu-grants-eur-59-million-to-wfp&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

US ship to sail through shoal on way to Manila

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 20): US ship to sail through shoal on way to Manila

The USS George Washington, one of the US Navy’s largest aircraft carriers, is set to arrive on Oct. 24 in the country for a “goodwill visit,” and will enter the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone via the South China Sea. The 104,200-ton carrier is expected to pass through the Panatag Shoal, which is situated 124 miles off Zambales. The shoal is where the territorial dispute between Manila and Beijing started in April, after the crew of a Chinese vessel prevented the Coast Guard from arresting Chinese fishermen who were shoal. According to a statement from the US Embassy in Manila, the carrier’s “goodwill visit” is aimed at enhancing the strong historic ties between the United States and the Philippines....

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/20/us-ship-to-sail-through-shoal-on-way-to-manila/

Nur has had his chance, govt says

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 21): Nur has had his chance, govt says

Former Muslim Mindanao Governor Nur Misuari has had his chance to lead Mindanao out of poverty and underdevelopment and the former chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front should now yield to new and younger Muslim brothers who may just have better management skills and moral leadership.This was the message former senator Ramon Magsaysay delivered for President Aquino during the 68th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing here on Saturday.“Brother Nur Misuari has been given a chance… He was given a long chance and he didn’t quite succeed. He should now give a chance to the new leaders, young leaders. Maybe they have better management and moral leadership,” Magsaysay said.... “Let the decades-old war in the South be stopped, and let our Muslim brothers and sisters be given a chance to improve their community and become productive members in the society,” Magsaysay said....

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/21/nur-has-had-his-chance-govt-says/

Phl denies allegations of torture before int'l rights committee

From the Philippine Star (Oct 21): Phl denies allegations of torture before int'l rights committee

The Philippines has denied allegations that torture and ill treatment of individuals under the custody of law enforcement and military personnel are widespread in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday. The Philippine delegation, headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, reported to the Human Rights Committee during its 106th session held recently at the Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland the developments in the country’s compliance with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. De Lima informed the committee of numerous legislation enacted in the past nine years to strengthen the country’s legal framework to ensure better protection and promotion of human rights, and to further align domestic legislation with the provisions of the covenant, as well as measures being undertaken to ensure that these laws are duly implemented. “There exist mechanisms within the security forces that address cases of torture in accordance with due process of law and the military justice system,” she explained. “The Philippine government continues to empower its security sector to fully comply with human rights, international humanitarian law, and the rule of law,” De Lima added....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=861720&publicationSubCategoryId=63

SBMA chief seeks 'win-win' solution as military use of Subic airport threatens tourism plans

From InterAksyon (Oct 20): SBMA chief seeks 'win-win' solution as military use of Subic airport threatens tourism plans

The use by the Philippine -- not US – military of the Subic Bay International Airport as a base is acceptable but should be done in a way that does not threaten or scuttle altogether plans to make the former American naval base a premier tourist destination. “As you know, if they establish a military base here, we are giving up a planned international tourist destination (project) which is supposed to result in so much revenue for the SBMA,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia told reporters here. So “the proper terms will basically be the compensation,” he stressed. Garcia acknowledged that the SBMA and Department of National Defense could sit down and look for a “win-win” solution. “In deference to national security concerns, we will have to look for situations in which we can co-exist side by side,” the SBMA chief said....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46071/sbma-chief-seeks-win-win-solution-as-military-use-of-subic-airport-threatens-tourism-plans

Sema says Misuari is the divisive factor in the MNLF

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20): Sema says Misuari is the divisive factor in the MNLF

Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema has said Nur Misuari is the divisive factor in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for his continuing refusal to accept a proposed MNLF Charter that aims to unify the leadership of the Moro group. Misuari's refusal is a direct assault on the supremacy of the MNLF Central Committee, which ousted Misuari as chairman for his rejection of the draft charter, said Sema during an interview here.... Misuari rejected the draft charter because he wanted to perpetuate himself as MNLF chairman, according to a statement of the Central Committee as it ousted the founder of the MNLF. Sema described Misuari's act as "dictatorial." Sema has turned back the tables on Misuari, who had called him "traitor" in a television interview by a national network....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=464294

Arrested Abu Sayyaf leader transferred to Isabela, Basilan to face kidnapping raps

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 20): Arrested Abu Sayyaf leader transferred to Isabela, Basilan to face kidnapping raps

While his family members were crying, the leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, who was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, feigned illness, as if he collapsed, as members of the Regional Intelligence Unit 11 of the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group were about to take him in to board a rented van supposedly to ferry him to the Davao International Airport Friday morning. But police forced Basal Taib, alias Commander Gonggong Sali or Jalil Adjal, to board the vehicle and was even caught by surprise that he immediately behaved like a tame servant. He was escorted by RIU 11 chief Supt. Leonardo Felonia, deputy chief for intelligence Insp. Crisente Evangelio and SPO4 Pio Saavedra from RIU 11 detention center at Candelaria, Ecoland, this city to Zamboanga City and later to Isabela, Basilan....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=464292

NDU PRISM: Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines: Civilian Harm and the Indirect Approach

From NDU PRISM-Vol 3, No 4 (Sep 2012): Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines: Civilian Harm and the Indirect Approach

Abstract:  At the request of the SOCOM Commander, the study authors deployed to the Philippines to examine Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines (OEF-P). Since 2002, U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) has partnered with Philippine forces to conduct counterterrorism operations. This campaign successfully targeted high-value individuals and also diminished conditions that gave rise to terrorism and insurgency. Success in this partnered operation was predicated upon contributions and adaptations from both the U.S. and the host nation. Overall, the U.S. was able to contain a terrorist threat and cement a strategic partnership with a small investment in boots on the ground. OEF-P offers critical lessons for the U.S. Government in a time of decreasing resources.

http://ndupress.ndu.edu/operation-enduring-freedom-philippines.html

Civilian Military Cooperation Program

Photos posted to 10th Infantry "Agilia" Division Website (Oct 16): Civilian Military Cooperation Program





Maguindanao school children entertained through reading of Barbangsa comics.


https://www.facebook.com/pages/10th-Infantry-Agila-Division-Philippine-Army/107520479267578#!/photo.php?fbid=517501468277841&set=a.517500838277904.127598.100000539788401&type=1&theater

Philippine Army News Clippings

Posted to Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) Blog (Oct 19): Philippine Army News Clippings

October 19: http://www.scribd.com/doc/110501825/19-Oct-2012-Newsclippings#page=1


http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html

PH, China hold talks amid maritime row

From ABS-CBN (Oct 20): PH, China hold talks amid maritime row

Philippine and Chinese officials held "candid" talks Friday in a bid to improve relations strained by a bitter territorial dispute in the South China Sea, official statements said. A delegation led by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying met Philippine President Benigno Aquino and other senior officials for talks aimed at minimizing tensions and bolstering trade and economic links. "The two sides... had candid and in-depth discussions on the issues existing in their relations and agreed to... properly address differences so as to avoid negative impact," Fu said in a statement....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/19/12/ph-china-hold-talks-amid-maritime-row

Peace Program

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 19): Peace Program

The Philippine Army has expressed support to the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the launch of a bike for peace program of the Rotary Clubs of Muntinlupa. Last October 18, at least 102 bikes were sent off to different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao from Iloilo City onboard military vessels. The public-private partnership (PPP) was initiated during the Rotary Peace Festival last September. Brigadier General Leo Cresente Ferrer, chief of Peace Process Office of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Major General Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), gave their support to transport the bikes that will be distributed to insurgent areas across the Visayas and Mindanao. “It is an honor to be able to transport these bikes of peace.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377862/peace-program

Military Launches ‘Books For Peace’

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 20): Military Launches ‘Books For Peace’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched the year-long book campaign dubbed "Books for Peace" at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Rear Admiral Miguel Jose Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO) of the AFP, said the project is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Loyola Heights. Rodriguez said that "Books for Peace" emphasizes the major part being played by education in our nation’s quest for peace. It also recognizes the glaring truth that conditions in conflict areas have spawned widespread poverty, contributing to the inability of families to send their children to school, he said. Rodriguez added that insufficient support to buy the needed reading materials hampers the education of those who are lucky enough to attend school. The project, he said, follows the success of the Philippine Marines battalion landing team in Sulu where more than a million books through a similar campaign were donated and distributed to the needy school-children....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377992/military-launches-books-for-peace

Iqbal: We are still Filipinos

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 20): Iqbal: We are still Filipinos

“We are Filipinos.” That was Mohagher Iqbal’s answer when Marvic Leonen asked him if the playing of the national anthem would be all right for the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Leonen said he raised the question during talks with MILF leaders in Kuala Lumpur prior to the Oct. 15 signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The playing of the national anthem was to be part of the signing ceremonies. When Leonen, the chief government peace negotiator, heard the answer of Iqbal, his counterpart from the MILF, he told himself, “This is the best proof against all skeptics that there is going to be a separatist movement down south.” Leonen related the story on Thursday night as he spoke about the peace process with the MILF at a meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Makati Bel-Air, Makati Dasmariñas, Makati Urdaneta, and Parañaque St. Andrew, all belonging to Rotary International District 3830....

 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292292/iqbal-we-are-still-filipinos

More challenges lie ahead for GPH, MILF panels

From the Philippine Star (Oct 20): More challenges lie ahead for GPH, MILF panels

There could be more works and challenges now lying ahead of the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front than there were before. Peace activists said both sides now need to educate the public extensively on the intricacies and advantages of putting up a “Bangsomoro” region, in lieu of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, based on the framework agreement both sides signed October 15 in Malacañang. “It is along that context that we need to support the two panels even more, at this point in time, to hasten the crafting of a final peace agreement that can catalyze the attainment of peace in Moro areas in Mindanao,” said lawyer Anwar Malang of the Mindanao Think Tank, or MTT. The MTT, which is being assisted by the Europe-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, is an influential volunteer cross-section block supporting activities meant to empower Mindanao’s Moro and non-Moro indigenous sectors....

 
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=861513

Military helpless vs rido

From InterAksyon (Oct 20): Military helpless vs rido

A ranking military officer on Saturday admitted they are helpless to prevent clan wars, or “rido,” from breaking out and escalating. Rido, some of which have involved heavily armed rebels, is one of the reasons for the continuing problem of internally displaced persons in many parts of Mindanao. “Two or three days ago, we received information about encounters of rival clans … in Mamasapano here in Maguindano, in which two or three people from one side were killed. The number of fatalities or casualties could rise because we expect a retaliation from the aggrieved clan or families,” Major General Rey Ardo, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said. Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan confirmed that clashes had broken out Thursday between rival clans belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and a breakaway faction, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, in Barangay Lower Libutan. “They clashed and both sides suffered casualties,” Ampatuan said....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46064/military-helpless-vs-rido

PH escapes inclusion in FATF blacklist

From Rappler (Oct 20): PH escapes inclusion in FATF blacklist

The Philippines has again escaped inclusion in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist despite having failed to pass a third batch of amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). "We were informed that because of the efforts of our Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the FATF spared the Philippines from being blacklisted," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB. Valte however said that the country was still included in the gray list, two notches higher than the blacklist. Valte said Philippine officials briefed FATF officials on current efforts to pass a third measure to amend the AMLA that is required for the country "to avoid being downgraded." According to Valte, FATF recognized these efforts and "instead kept us in the gray list but urged us also to adopt the third measure for us to be compliant with international standards...."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/14536-ph-escapes-inclusion-in-fatf-blacklist

US super carrier to visit Manila on October 24

From the Philippine  Information Agency (Oct 19): US super carrier to visit Manila on October 24

The United States Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington will be in Manila for a goodwill visit on October 24, Wednesday. In a release, the visit aims to further enhance the strong historic ties between the United States and the Philippines through community relations projects, as well as professional exchanges between the U.S. and Philippine Navy counterparts....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241350614134

IMT cites “sincerity” of GPH, MILF panels on peace framework

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 20): IMT cites “sincerity” of GPH, MILF panels on peace framework

The International Monitoring Team (IMT), 73rd Infantry Battalion, provincial and local government of Maitum, and members of the civilian protection component and non-violent peace force on Tuesday (October 16) released seven doves in barangay Ticulab to symbolize their support for Monday’s signing of the framework peace agreement in Malacanang. Dove signified peace, while seven represented the 7th batch of the Malaysian-led IMT assigned in Mindanao since 2004.... After years of negotiating peace between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government panel, according to the IMT, “sincerity” was evidently seen in both parties to eventually “end the tension and conflict in Mindanao....”  The IMT is an international group that monitors “the ceasefire, civilian protection component, rehabilitation and development, and socio-economic agreements between the government and the MILF.” Describing the framework signing as the groundwork of finally attaining peace in Mindanao, the IMT vowed to continue providing the requirements in ensuring that their main objective of bringing peace in this part of the country would be sustained....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1671350619088

Soldiers in Tampakan operation facing probe; militants warn of whitewash

From MindaNews (Oct 19): Soldiers in Tampakan operation facing probe; militants warn of whitewash

The commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) and his men involved in the operation that killed a mother and her two sons in the mines development site of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc. in Tampakan, South Cotabato on Thursday will face a military investigation, an official said on Friday. Immediately, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in SOCCSKSARGEN Region warned a possible whitewash of the incident it described as a massacre.... Bayan and other human rights and environmental advocates staged Friday a protest at the office of Sagittarius Mines in General Santos City to condemn the killing of Juvy and her sons....

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/19/soldiers-in-tampakan-operation-facing-probe-militants-warn-of-whitewash/