From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): ARMM Marks 23rd Founding Anniversary
COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) turns 23 years old today, as the current leadership is setting what it describes as “peacetivities” that are lined up for the event. “All is set for the series of commemorative activities starting Monday,” said Amir Mawalil, head of the newly formed ARMM communications group. Mawalil said the festivities are meant as thanksgiving for the “substantial reforms” put in place by the administration of ARMM caretaker-Governor Mujiv Hataman “propping up gains in the peace process” between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the central government..... Meanwhile, organizers dubbed the 23rd ARMM anniversary fete as the 2012 Bangsamoro Peacetivities with the theme “Mga Makabagong Hamon sa Mapayapang Bangsamoro.” The festivities kicked-off today with a parade of ARMM officials and personnel, and a trade fair in the morning, and a cultural peace concert and fireworks display in the evening, they added. Other festive highlights include a street dancing competition, a tournament on traditional Moro games dubbed “Morolympics” alongside cultural presentations and a fashion show, they said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/382048/armm-marks-23rd-founding-anniversary
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Implement Past Peace Deals, OIC Urges PH
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): Implement Past Peace Deals, OIC Urges PH
The 57 foreign ministers of the member-states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have welcomed the Oct. 15 Framework Agreement (FA) even as they called on the Philippines to fully implement the 1976 and 1996 peace pacts. The OIC, the second biggest international group next to the United Nations, convened in Djibouti, East Africa, on Nov. 15 to 17 for the 39th Session of the Council for Foreign Ministers (CFM) with the themed “Session of Solidarity for Sustainable Development.” Present from the Philippines were delegations from the government, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Ambassador Rafael Seguis headed the Government of the Philippines (GPH), Chairman Nur Misuari represented the MNLF, and Al-Haji Murad Ebrahim led the MILF. They again mentioned Muslim issues in the Philippines in their “Djibouti Declaration” (OIC/CFM-39/Djibouti-Dec./Final) and in their “Resolution No. 2/39-MM on Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines.” Prominent in the Djibouti Declaration on Page 5 is the Framework Agreement (FA) announced on Oct. 15. “We welcome the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a first step towards the legitimate demands of the Muslim Bangsamoro people in Southern Philippines,” the 57 foreign ministers of the OIC said. They also reiterated their call on the GPH to fully implement the 1976 Tripoli Agreement (TA) and 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) which the GPH and MNLF signed. The OIC’s foreign ministers also welcomed the meeting on the sidelines of the conference between the MNLF and the MILF. Present during the two Moro groups’ meeting were Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo. They urged “the two fronts to unify efforts and coordinate positions for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people, asking Allah to grant success to these efforts.” It could be recalled that the OIC has been for some years trying to forge unity between the MNLF and the MILF.....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/382084/implement-past-peace-deals-oic-urges-ph
The 57 foreign ministers of the member-states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have welcomed the Oct. 15 Framework Agreement (FA) even as they called on the Philippines to fully implement the 1976 and 1996 peace pacts. The OIC, the second biggest international group next to the United Nations, convened in Djibouti, East Africa, on Nov. 15 to 17 for the 39th Session of the Council for Foreign Ministers (CFM) with the themed “Session of Solidarity for Sustainable Development.” Present from the Philippines were delegations from the government, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Ambassador Rafael Seguis headed the Government of the Philippines (GPH), Chairman Nur Misuari represented the MNLF, and Al-Haji Murad Ebrahim led the MILF. They again mentioned Muslim issues in the Philippines in their “Djibouti Declaration” (OIC/CFM-39/Djibouti-Dec./Final) and in their “Resolution No. 2/39-MM on Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines.” Prominent in the Djibouti Declaration on Page 5 is the Framework Agreement (FA) announced on Oct. 15. “We welcome the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a first step towards the legitimate demands of the Muslim Bangsamoro people in Southern Philippines,” the 57 foreign ministers of the OIC said. They also reiterated their call on the GPH to fully implement the 1976 Tripoli Agreement (TA) and 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) which the GPH and MNLF signed. The OIC’s foreign ministers also welcomed the meeting on the sidelines of the conference between the MNLF and the MILF. Present during the two Moro groups’ meeting were Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanuglo. They urged “the two fronts to unify efforts and coordinate positions for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people, asking Allah to grant success to these efforts.” It could be recalled that the OIC has been for some years trying to forge unity between the MNLF and the MILF.....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/382084/implement-past-peace-deals-oic-urges-ph
Bayan Muna protests comparison with Akbayan group
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 19): Bayan Muna protests comparison with Akbayan group
The leftist Bayan Muna, facing a serious challenge to its party-list accreditation, protested loudly to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for being compared to another leftist group with strong links with Malacanang, officials said on Sunday. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said his group represents the marginalized sectors and should not be compared to Akbayan, which is “backed and is an adjunct of the Aquino administration.” “The Comelec is warned not to grant the lobby of the military to disqualify Bayan Muna,” Colmenares said. “Bayan Muna has a long track record of exposing abuses and corruption of government officials and disqualifying it will surely play into the hands of these military lobbyists.” Bayan Muna is not partying in Malacanang, Akbayan is,” said Vencer Crisostomo of Anakbayan, a mass organization of Filipino youths. President Aquino has appointed some Akbayan leaders to Cabinet posts. A prominent Akbayan member is running for senator in next year’s mid-term elections under President Aquino’s Liberal Party. Akbayan faced disqualification cases in the Comelec, which has disqualified 18 of 50 party-list groups in the House of Representatives. Complainants said Akbayan no longer represents the marginalized because its members occupy important government posts. Crisostomo said the Comelec should not lump Bayan Muna with Akbayan and other multi-sectoral groups because the “complaint against Akbayan is not due to its being a multisectoral party but due to its being a party in power and its obvious government connections.” He said Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes echoed the Palace position on the issue when he said that “if Akbayan goes, so should Bayan Muna.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/19/bayan-muna-protests-comparison-with-akbayan-group/
The leftist Bayan Muna, facing a serious challenge to its party-list accreditation, protested loudly to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for being compared to another leftist group with strong links with Malacanang, officials said on Sunday. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said his group represents the marginalized sectors and should not be compared to Akbayan, which is “backed and is an adjunct of the Aquino administration.” “The Comelec is warned not to grant the lobby of the military to disqualify Bayan Muna,” Colmenares said. “Bayan Muna has a long track record of exposing abuses and corruption of government officials and disqualifying it will surely play into the hands of these military lobbyists.” Bayan Muna is not partying in Malacanang, Akbayan is,” said Vencer Crisostomo of Anakbayan, a mass organization of Filipino youths. President Aquino has appointed some Akbayan leaders to Cabinet posts. A prominent Akbayan member is running for senator in next year’s mid-term elections under President Aquino’s Liberal Party. Akbayan faced disqualification cases in the Comelec, which has disqualified 18 of 50 party-list groups in the House of Representatives. Complainants said Akbayan no longer represents the marginalized because its members occupy important government posts. Crisostomo said the Comelec should not lump Bayan Muna with Akbayan and other multi-sectoral groups because the “complaint against Akbayan is not due to its being a multisectoral party but due to its being a party in power and its obvious government connections.” He said Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes echoed the Palace position on the issue when he said that “if Akbayan goes, so should Bayan Muna.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/19/bayan-muna-protests-comparison-with-akbayan-group/
Solon files measure to drop VFA
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 19): Solon files measure to drop VFA
A counterpart measure has been filed in the House demanding the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement after lawmakers from both houses of Congress started calling for an end to it following the alleged dumping of toxic waste in Subic. Bayan Muna Rep. and Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño said House Joint Resolution 7 was filed a week after Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed Senate Joint Resolution 3. The two measures are seeking to terminate the defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. Those were filed one week apart in August, but no action was taken by the leadership of either chamber. The two measures are seeking to terminate the defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. Those were filed one week apart in August, but no action was taken by the leadership of either chamber. On Monday, Santiago said she would file a resolution directing the secretary of Foreign Affairs to give the United States notice of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. She made the announcement following the reported dumping of toxic waste in Subic by Glenn Defense Marine, a US Navy contractor servicing US vessels.... Casiño said he welcomed Santiago’s renewed call for the immediate dumping of the VFA. “We have always been consistent in our call to junk the VFA since it was implemented in 1999,” he said. “In fact in the 15th Congress alone we have at least four House resolutions calling for an investigation of the VFA and its termination.” Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on Sunday said he was willing to share with the Senate his findings on the waste-dumping incident. He said he went on a fact-finding mission to Subic on Friday, where he spoke with US Navy Captain Glenn Pendrick, commander of the USS Emory Land.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/19/solon-files-measure-to-drop-vfa/
A counterpart measure has been filed in the House demanding the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement after lawmakers from both houses of Congress started calling for an end to it following the alleged dumping of toxic waste in Subic. Bayan Muna Rep. and Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño said House Joint Resolution 7 was filed a week after Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed Senate Joint Resolution 3. The two measures are seeking to terminate the defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. Those were filed one week apart in August, but no action was taken by the leadership of either chamber. The two measures are seeking to terminate the defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States. Those were filed one week apart in August, but no action was taken by the leadership of either chamber. On Monday, Santiago said she would file a resolution directing the secretary of Foreign Affairs to give the United States notice of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. She made the announcement following the reported dumping of toxic waste in Subic by Glenn Defense Marine, a US Navy contractor servicing US vessels.... Casiño said he welcomed Santiago’s renewed call for the immediate dumping of the VFA. “We have always been consistent in our call to junk the VFA since it was implemented in 1999,” he said. “In fact in the 15th Congress alone we have at least four House resolutions calling for an investigation of the VFA and its termination.” Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on Sunday said he was willing to share with the Senate his findings on the waste-dumping incident. He said he went on a fact-finding mission to Subic on Friday, where he spoke with US Navy Captain Glenn Pendrick, commander of the USS Emory Land.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/19/solon-files-measure-to-drop-vfa/
2 foreigners seen with NPA guerrillas in Isabela clash
From the Philippine Stat (Nov 19): 2 foreigners seen with NPA guerrillas in Isabela clash
Two foreigners were reportedly seen with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in last Saturday’s clash with government troops in a remote Isabela village that left seven soldiers and five guerrillas dead. Sources said civilians saw two Caucasians tagging along with some 30 rebels during the five-hour running gunbattle with elements of the Army’s 502nd Infantry Brigade (IB) in Mabbayad village in Echague town. The military, according to reports, is now investigating this, especially since one of the foreigners was said to be among the fatalities in the clash, which erupted at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday at the boundary of Echague and San Mariano towns.... The rebels, believed to belong to the NPA’s Benito Tesorio Command based here, alleged that they seized three machine guns, four M-16 Armalite rifles, and an M-16 baby Armalite from the government side. “We lost the battle but never the war. We sympathize with the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers who were part of the countless victims of killings perpetrated by the armed lawless group in the area,” the 5th ID said in a statement. The encounter was the worst setback for the Army in Northern Luzon since last April’s ambush-slay by NPA guerrillas of 11 members of the 85th Infantry Battalion in Tinoc, Ifugao. A female civilian was also slain in the attack.
Two foreigners were reportedly seen with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in last Saturday’s clash with government troops in a remote Isabela village that left seven soldiers and five guerrillas dead. Sources said civilians saw two Caucasians tagging along with some 30 rebels during the five-hour running gunbattle with elements of the Army’s 502nd Infantry Brigade (IB) in Mabbayad village in Echague town. The military, according to reports, is now investigating this, especially since one of the foreigners was said to be among the fatalities in the clash, which erupted at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday at the boundary of Echague and San Mariano towns.... The rebels, believed to belong to the NPA’s Benito Tesorio Command based here, alleged that they seized three machine guns, four M-16 Armalite rifles, and an M-16 baby Armalite from the government side. “We lost the battle but never the war. We sympathize with the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers who were part of the countless victims of killings perpetrated by the armed lawless group in the area,” the 5th ID said in a statement. The encounter was the worst setback for the Army in Northern Luzon since last April’s ambush-slay by NPA guerrillas of 11 members of the 85th Infantry Battalion in Tinoc, Ifugao. A female civilian was also slain in the attack.
NPA exploiting agrarian problems’
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 19): NPA exploiting agrarian problems’
The agrarian reform-related problems in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, and its neighboring areas, have been traced by the Philippine Army as among the issues being exploited by the New People’s Army to consolidate their mass-based organizations and recruitment of new members. After more than six months of deployment in Escalante, Major Antonio Tumnog, 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion commander, said yesterday that they were able to establish the security and socio-economic issues in identified communities affected by the armed conflict, in tandem with the 62nd Infantry Battalion. Tumnog said they have observed that the agrarian-reform related concerns, which was not been given much attention by DAR, local government units, non-government and people’s organizations, led to the so-called social disorder, and the occupation of contested areas by farmers. The 3rd CMOB, that has deployed Bayanihan Teams in conflict-affected communities, has been tasked by the Philippine Army to identify socio-economic issues in those areas, and bring them to the attention of local government units and concerned government agencies. Tumnog said they have already presented the identified problems to DAR, that had acted on their recommendations, by fielding more personnel to attend to agrarian reform related concerns. The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade held Saturday the assessment of the Bayanihan Team Activities being conducted in 35 communities affected by the armed conflict in Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, Cauayan and Candoni in Negros Occidental. Members of the 26 Bayanihan teams of the 47th Infantry Battalion, 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion had participated in the day-long assessment activity, also attended by Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Operation Officer of the Philippine Army. Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander expressed confidence that these efforts will greatly contribute to the AFP’s “winning the peace” campaign in this part of the country.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/19/topstory8.htm
The agrarian reform-related problems in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, and its neighboring areas, have been traced by the Philippine Army as among the issues being exploited by the New People’s Army to consolidate their mass-based organizations and recruitment of new members. After more than six months of deployment in Escalante, Major Antonio Tumnog, 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion commander, said yesterday that they were able to establish the security and socio-economic issues in identified communities affected by the armed conflict, in tandem with the 62nd Infantry Battalion. Tumnog said they have observed that the agrarian-reform related concerns, which was not been given much attention by DAR, local government units, non-government and people’s organizations, led to the so-called social disorder, and the occupation of contested areas by farmers. The 3rd CMOB, that has deployed Bayanihan Teams in conflict-affected communities, has been tasked by the Philippine Army to identify socio-economic issues in those areas, and bring them to the attention of local government units and concerned government agencies. Tumnog said they have already presented the identified problems to DAR, that had acted on their recommendations, by fielding more personnel to attend to agrarian reform related concerns. The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade held Saturday the assessment of the Bayanihan Team Activities being conducted in 35 communities affected by the armed conflict in Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, Cauayan and Candoni in Negros Occidental. Members of the 26 Bayanihan teams of the 47th Infantry Battalion, 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion had participated in the day-long assessment activity, also attended by Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Operation Officer of the Philippine Army. Major General Jose Mabanta, 3rd Infantry Division commander expressed confidence that these efforts will greatly contribute to the AFP’s “winning the peace” campaign in this part of the country.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/19/topstory8.htm
AFP to establish cyber-security ‘war room’
From Rappler (Nov 19): AFP to establish cyber-security ‘war room’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will be putting up its own operations center to counter worldwide cyber security threats, according to a military spokesman. Dubbed as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance or “C4ISTAR”, the project was “envisioned by the Department of National Defense and the AFP that seeks for a comprehensive upgrading and acquisition of modern equipment and solutions under the AFP modernization program for efficient and effective conduct of operations,” military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said. Col. Wilson Galedo, operations head of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said the C4ISTAR is focused in protecting highly secured data information against cyber attacks. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cyber security in line with the C4ISAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said. He said the c4ISTAR is also concentrated on the changing threat landscape and its implications for defense; comprehensive security management programs; and building cyber-security core personnel.
Earlier, National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) also proposed to the government the creation of a cyber-security institute. In contrast to the military’s cyber-security operations center, the cyber-security institute proposed by the NDCP would serve as a hub for the development and safeguarding of information and communications technology (ICT) in connection with national security issues. “We advocate making the cyberspace a domain for public good and for government to ensure public safety therein. The position paper I have written attempts to communicate that and tries to identify some tentative ways and means to realize them,” said Ernesto Aradanas, executive vice president at NDCP. Aradanas has suggested the creation of a Presidential Task Force on ICTDev and cyber-security that will act as an integrating body to pump-prime national ICTDev and cyber-security, strategically manage the national effort on this twin programs, and strengthen the nexus of ICTD, cyber-security and national security. He said the task force will provide inputs for policy-making to set clear direction that will optimize our limited resources and integrate our efforts to a common purpose, facilitate the allocation and proper use of resources, continue and expand awareness and advocacy program on ICTD and cyber-security, boost and prod capacity and capability building at all levels in all sectors, and encourage the convergence of efforts through coordination, cooperation and collaboration. “The task force will be a transitory organization that may be deactivated when the undertaking has taken-off and the national structure has been put into place and duly instituted,” Aradanas said. He said it is appropriate to establish the institute under the wing of the NDCP since it is the center on national security studies. Aradanas said the task of the cyber-security institute is to conduct research and studies on cyber-security and ICTDev as important elements of national security.
http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/afp-to-establish-cyber-security-war-room
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will be putting up its own operations center to counter worldwide cyber security threats, according to a military spokesman. Dubbed as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance or “C4ISTAR”, the project was “envisioned by the Department of National Defense and the AFP that seeks for a comprehensive upgrading and acquisition of modern equipment and solutions under the AFP modernization program for efficient and effective conduct of operations,” military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said. Col. Wilson Galedo, operations head of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, said the C4ISTAR is focused in protecting highly secured data information against cyber attacks. “This is a continuing effort to keep the AFP at pace with current trends in cyber security in line with the C4ISAR and the AFP Modernization Program,” Galedo said. He said the c4ISTAR is also concentrated on the changing threat landscape and its implications for defense; comprehensive security management programs; and building cyber-security core personnel.
Earlier, National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) also proposed to the government the creation of a cyber-security institute. In contrast to the military’s cyber-security operations center, the cyber-security institute proposed by the NDCP would serve as a hub for the development and safeguarding of information and communications technology (ICT) in connection with national security issues. “We advocate making the cyberspace a domain for public good and for government to ensure public safety therein. The position paper I have written attempts to communicate that and tries to identify some tentative ways and means to realize them,” said Ernesto Aradanas, executive vice president at NDCP. Aradanas has suggested the creation of a Presidential Task Force on ICTDev and cyber-security that will act as an integrating body to pump-prime national ICTDev and cyber-security, strategically manage the national effort on this twin programs, and strengthen the nexus of ICTD, cyber-security and national security. He said the task force will provide inputs for policy-making to set clear direction that will optimize our limited resources and integrate our efforts to a common purpose, facilitate the allocation and proper use of resources, continue and expand awareness and advocacy program on ICTD and cyber-security, boost and prod capacity and capability building at all levels in all sectors, and encourage the convergence of efforts through coordination, cooperation and collaboration. “The task force will be a transitory organization that may be deactivated when the undertaking has taken-off and the national structure has been put into place and duly instituted,” Aradanas said. He said it is appropriate to establish the institute under the wing of the NDCP since it is the center on national security studies. Aradanas said the task of the cyber-security institute is to conduct research and studies on cyber-security and ICTDev as important elements of national security.
http://www.interaksyon.com/infotech/afp-to-establish-cyber-security-war-room
4th US destroyer on 'routine' port call in Manila
From Rappler (Nov 19): 4th US destroyer on 'routine' port call in Manila
The USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, on Monday arrived for a “routine port call” in Manila, the United States embassy here said. “This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the embassy said in a statement. It did not say how long the battleship will stay in the country.... The destroyer is the fourth to visit the country this year. On October 24, USS Cowpens (CG-63) and USS McCampbell (DDG-85) escorted the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CVN-73) to Manila. Prior to this, the destroyer USS Milius visited the country. Also this year alone, the country was host of the USS Bonehomme Richard, a landing assault ship; submarine tender USS Frank Cable; and four nuclear-powered submarines – USS Olympia (SSN-717), USS North Carolina, USS Hawaii, and USS Louisville (SSN 724). Visits of different warships of the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) in the country have become frequent this year following the increased military presence of China in connection with the disputed Spratly Islands partly located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines and US has an existing Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and a separate Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that allow visits of US warships and troops in the country as well as joint Philippine-US military exercises. Because of the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea, the US government said it will increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific to protect its political and economic interest in the region....
The USS Gridley (DDG-101), an Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, on Monday arrived for a “routine port call” in Manila, the United States embassy here said. “This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation,” the embassy said in a statement. It did not say how long the battleship will stay in the country.... The destroyer is the fourth to visit the country this year. On October 24, USS Cowpens (CG-63) and USS McCampbell (DDG-85) escorted the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CVN-73) to Manila. Prior to this, the destroyer USS Milius visited the country. Also this year alone, the country was host of the USS Bonehomme Richard, a landing assault ship; submarine tender USS Frank Cable; and four nuclear-powered submarines – USS Olympia (SSN-717), USS North Carolina, USS Hawaii, and USS Louisville (SSN 724). Visits of different warships of the US Pacific Command (USPACOM) in the country have become frequent this year following the increased military presence of China in connection with the disputed Spratly Islands partly located in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines and US has an existing Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and a separate Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that allow visits of US warships and troops in the country as well as joint Philippine-US military exercises. Because of the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea, the US government said it will increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific to protect its political and economic interest in the region....
Maguindanao villagers urge authorities to neutralize mayor's brother following clash on Sunday
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Maguindanao villagers urge
authorities to neutralize mayor's brother following clash on
Sunday
Residents of remote villages in a Maguindanao town have urged military and police authorities to end hostilities that have already displaced more than 100 families by serving the warrants of arrest for the brother of Mayor Otto Montawal of Datu Montawal municipality. Andy Montawal, wanted for a series of crimes, including rape of a university student in nearby Kabacan town in North Cotabato, clashed anew with another armed group in Datu Montawal town on Sunday, displacing more locals, authorities said. Andy, who maintains an armed group, is locked in a long standing family feud with another armed group affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led by Commander Bingkug. Sunday’s skirmish was the eight since October. An infant was killed by a stray bullet in one of the skirmishes last month when Andy’s followers traded bullets with the followers of Commander Bingkug. According to police and military reports, the conflict between Andy and Bingkug started when one of the rebel leader’s relatives was allegedly killed by Andy’s men in nearby Kabacan town. Colonel Benjamin Hao, chief of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion said efforts are continuing to settle the conflict. Hao said a peaceful settlement is one option but there are other options being considered by the military and the police. “I have talked to Mayor Montawal who promised to help convince his brother to face the bar of justice,” Hao said in a radio interview. Reports reaching the police and military said Andy and his men are frequently seen roaming in the towns of Tunggol and Talapas brandishing high-powered fire arms. Acting Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has ordered the ARMM police to act decisively on the series of skirmishes and atrocities in Montawal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472647
Residents of remote villages in a Maguindanao town have urged military and police authorities to end hostilities that have already displaced more than 100 families by serving the warrants of arrest for the brother of Mayor Otto Montawal of Datu Montawal municipality. Andy Montawal, wanted for a series of crimes, including rape of a university student in nearby Kabacan town in North Cotabato, clashed anew with another armed group in Datu Montawal town on Sunday, displacing more locals, authorities said. Andy, who maintains an armed group, is locked in a long standing family feud with another armed group affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led by Commander Bingkug. Sunday’s skirmish was the eight since October. An infant was killed by a stray bullet in one of the skirmishes last month when Andy’s followers traded bullets with the followers of Commander Bingkug. According to police and military reports, the conflict between Andy and Bingkug started when one of the rebel leader’s relatives was allegedly killed by Andy’s men in nearby Kabacan town. Colonel Benjamin Hao, chief of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion said efforts are continuing to settle the conflict. Hao said a peaceful settlement is one option but there are other options being considered by the military and the police. “I have talked to Mayor Montawal who promised to help convince his brother to face the bar of justice,” Hao said in a radio interview. Reports reaching the police and military said Andy and his men are frequently seen roaming in the towns of Tunggol and Talapas brandishing high-powered fire arms. Acting Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has ordered the ARMM police to act decisively on the series of skirmishes and atrocities in Montawal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=472647
MNLF/Nur Misuari: Chairman's Report--Part of the Resolution No. 2/39-MM, On Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines
Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Nov 18): Chairman's Report - Part of the RESOLUTION No. 2/39-MM On Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines
I would like to highlights some of the resolutions that was submitted and approved by the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in its 39th session and would like to focus your attention to the very significant implications of these resolutions to our Bangsamoro cause;
# 1 - Renews its support for the Peace Agreement between the GPH...
I would like to highlights some of the resolutions that was submitted and approved by the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in its 39th session and would like to focus your attention to the very significant implications of these resolutions to our Bangsamoro cause;
# 1 - Renews its support for the Peace Agreement between the GPH...
and MNLF initialled on 30 August 1996 in Jakarta and officially signed in Manila on 2 September 1996;
# 2 - Calls for quick and full implementation of the provisions of 1996 Final Peace Agreement on implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement concluded between the GPH and the MNLF with good intention and genuine interest so that just and lasting peace and comprehensive development can be achieved for the Bangsamoro people;
# 3- Renews the mandate of the PCSP and the Secretary General to continue the necessary contacts with the GPH and the MNLF in favour of the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement;
For Full details of the resolutions:
http://goo.gl/DmJKz
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari
# 2 - Calls for quick and full implementation of the provisions of 1996 Final Peace Agreement on implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement concluded between the GPH and the MNLF with good intention and genuine interest so that just and lasting peace and comprehensive development can be achieved for the Bangsamoro people;
# 3- Renews the mandate of the PCSP and the Secretary General to continue the necessary contacts with the GPH and the MNLF in favour of the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement;
For Full details of the resolutions:
http://goo.gl/DmJKz
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari
MNLF: OIC Resolution No. 2/39-MM, On Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines
Posted to the MNLF Website (Nov 18): OIC Resolution No. 2/39-MM, On Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines
[The Thirty-ninth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (Session of Solidarity for Sustainable Development), held in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti, from 1 to 3 Muharram 1434H, (15 - 17 November 2012)]
[The Thirty-ninth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (Session of Solidarity for Sustainable Development), held in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti, from 1 to 3 Muharram 1434H, (15 - 17 November 2012)]
Bearing in mind the OIC resolutions and the recommendations
of the OIC Peace Committee in Southern Philippines (PCSP) and the question of
Muslims there;
Commending the role played by Libya in reaching the Tripoli
Agreement in 1976 and instrumental the role of the Republic of Indonesia as
Chair of the PCSP and all its members, as well as to the Secretary General’s
efforts aimed at facilitating the peace process and assisting both the
Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to
reach a formula of joint proposals to ensure the full implementation of the 1996
Final Peace Agreement;
Praising the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in
supporting the peace efforts and development of Muslims in Southern
Philippines,
Reaffirming all previous Summit and Ministerial Conferences
resolutions adopted in this regard;
Having considered the Report of the Secretary General on the
Question of Muslims in Southern Philippines (Doc. No.
OIC/CFM-39/2012/MM/SG.REP);
1- Renews its support for the Peace Agreement between the GPH
and MNLF initialled on 30 August 1996 in Jakarta and officially signed in Manila
on 2 September 1996;
2- Calls for quick and full implementation of the provisions
of 1996 Final Peace Agreement on implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement
concluded between the GPH and the MNLF with good intention and genuine interest
so that just and lasting peace and comprehensive development can be achieved for
the Bangsamoro people;
3- Renews the mandate of the PCSP and the Secretary General
to continue the necessary contacts with the GPH and the MNLF in favour of the
full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement;
4- Appreciates the efforts of the Secretary General and the
OIC-PCSP for their continued attempts to overcome the obstacles impeding full
implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement through the tripartite
discussions’ mechanism, and expresses regret over the passage of five years
since the discussions began without achieving tangible results commensurate to
the cost and efforts expended;
5- Calls on the GPH to show flexibility that would allow
progress on the pending major difficulties, namely the size of the autonomous
region, transitional mechanism or transitional period arrangements and an agreed
definition of strategic minerals, also calls upon it to sponsor the request by
the MNLF on conducting a new plebiscite under neutral supervision to consult the
population on whether they are willing to join the autonomous rule
region;
6- Commends the efforts of the Secretary General in holding
the second coordination meeting in December 2011 between the leaderships of the
MNLF and MILF to continue their joint coordination and work to achieve peace and
development for the people of Bangsamoro and calls for the continuation of
dialogue to form the proposed Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) and requests
Secretary General to present a progress report to the next Session. Commends
MILF’s acceptance of the proposal and urges MNLF to accept the proposal as soon
as possible to enable institutional and orderly coordination between
them.
7- Welcomes the conclusion of the Framework Agreement between
GPH and MILF signed October 15, 2012 and express the hope that it shall be
implemented in good faith and that its fate would be different from that of its
predecessors which were either retracted, such as the Memorandum of Agreement
concluded with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which was not
implemented due to a Philippine Constitutional Court order, or the Peace
Agreements of 1976 and 1996 concluded with MNLF which have not been fully
implemented so far.
8- Commends the role of the Government of Malaysia as the
third party facilitator in the talks between the Government of the Philippines
(GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which culminated with the signing
of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on 15th October 2012 in Manila in
the presence of the Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Malaysian Prime
Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak as well as the OIC Secretary General, Prof.
Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.
9- Invites all parties to improve on the Framework Agreement
by linking it to the Peace Agreement of 1976 and abiding by the area of the
autonomous region stipulated in this Agreement and reconfirmed in the Final
Peace Agreement of 1996.
10- Calls upon the Secretary General to hold another session
of the tripartite meeting at the earliest to contain any impacts that may result
from the Framework Agreement between GPH and MILF, save the 1996 Agreement and
link it to the Framework Agreement, and develop a mechanism between MNLF, MILF
and GPH to oversee the implementation of these two agreements i.e. the agreement
with the MILF and the agreements with the MNLF.
11- Requests the Secretary General to invite the
representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to participate in
ministerial conferences as guest, in coordination with the hosting state, in
order to facilitate coordination between the two fronts;.
12- Appeals to the GPH to see to the early resolution of the
reported environmental problems resulting from the failure on the part of power
and electricity plant in Lake Lanao and its surroundings to observe
environmental standards, which resulted in serious and adverse environmental
effects with damaging fallouts on local population’s health and economic and
social conditions.
13- Urges OIC Member States, subsidiary organs, and
specialized and affiliated institutions as well as Islamic charitable
organizations in Member States to increase their medical, humanitarian,
economic, financial, and technical assistance for the development of Southern
Philippines with a view to accelerating the pace of social and economic
development;
14- Requests the Secretary General to follow up the
implementation of this resolution and report thereon to the Fortieth Session of
the Council of Foreign Ministers.
MILF: Info drive on the Framework Agreement in Lanao continues
From the MILF Website (Nov 18): Info drive on the Framework Agreement in Lanao continues
A series of successful public information and consultation on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) kicked off on 6 November 2012 at the Municipality of Baloi, Lanao del Norte where more or less five (5) thousand residents from various municipalities in Lanao del Norte participated. Spearheaded by the Office of the Second Vice Chairman of the MILF Central Committee, MILF CCCH, MILF AHJAG, and other MILF agencies, the said event was graced by Hajja Hanifa Ali, Municipal Mayor of Baloi municipality, and other municipal officials. Questions such as how other municipalities in Lanao del Norte that are dominated by Bangsamoro could be included and the possibility of addressing the issues of Bangsamoro families who were illegally dispossessed of their lands were hurled at the speakers.
This was followed by the same gathering at the Alim Abdulazis Mimbantas Memorial Center, Butig, Lanao del Sur on 7 November 2012 where an estimated ten (10) thousand participants listened thoughtfully as the FAB was substantially presented and explained from 9AM to 3PM.
The Muslim students and professionals of Iligan City sponsored a peace advocacy in support of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Monera Integrated School, Iligan City on 11 November 2012. An estimated number of five (5) hundred participants most of whom are women actively took part in the said event.
The Supreme Student Council of RC-Al Khwarizmi International College (RC-AKIC), Marawi City sponsored a Student Awareness Forum on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on 17 November 2012 at the Convergence Hall, RC-AKIC Bldg., Basak Malutlut, Marawi City. Dr. Saffrullah M. Dipatuan, Chairman of the Board of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the development arm of the MILF, was invited as Guest Speaker while Prof. Salipada Tamano, Prof. Ibrahim Mamao, Masbud “Skip” Gaima III and Abdulnasser “Abutasnima” Gapor were invited as reactors. Around 250 students including school officials and faculty members were present.
Another public information and consultation forum was also held at Dilabayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on the same day, 17 November 2012, where an estimated three (3) thousand residents participated. Haji Abdullah “Cmdr. Bravo” Macapaar, Commander of the Northwestern Mindanao Front, BIAF, MILF and hundreds of his men participated in the event without arms....
This information drives for the Framework Agreement is still going on as more and more requests from several groups and community residents in different municipalities continues to pour in.... The requests are not limited to MILF members but include NGO’s and people’s organizations. The Association of Barangay Chairmen in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, for example, requested for an advocacy for the FAB on 21 November 2012.”
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2940:-info-drive-on-the-framework-agreement-in-lanao-continues&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
A series of successful public information and consultation on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) kicked off on 6 November 2012 at the Municipality of Baloi, Lanao del Norte where more or less five (5) thousand residents from various municipalities in Lanao del Norte participated. Spearheaded by the Office of the Second Vice Chairman of the MILF Central Committee, MILF CCCH, MILF AHJAG, and other MILF agencies, the said event was graced by Hajja Hanifa Ali, Municipal Mayor of Baloi municipality, and other municipal officials. Questions such as how other municipalities in Lanao del Norte that are dominated by Bangsamoro could be included and the possibility of addressing the issues of Bangsamoro families who were illegally dispossessed of their lands were hurled at the speakers.
This was followed by the same gathering at the Alim Abdulazis Mimbantas Memorial Center, Butig, Lanao del Sur on 7 November 2012 where an estimated ten (10) thousand participants listened thoughtfully as the FAB was substantially presented and explained from 9AM to 3PM.
The Muslim students and professionals of Iligan City sponsored a peace advocacy in support of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Monera Integrated School, Iligan City on 11 November 2012. An estimated number of five (5) hundred participants most of whom are women actively took part in the said event.
The Supreme Student Council of RC-Al Khwarizmi International College (RC-AKIC), Marawi City sponsored a Student Awareness Forum on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on 17 November 2012 at the Convergence Hall, RC-AKIC Bldg., Basak Malutlut, Marawi City. Dr. Saffrullah M. Dipatuan, Chairman of the Board of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, the development arm of the MILF, was invited as Guest Speaker while Prof. Salipada Tamano, Prof. Ibrahim Mamao, Masbud “Skip” Gaima III and Abdulnasser “Abutasnima” Gapor were invited as reactors. Around 250 students including school officials and faculty members were present.
Another public information and consultation forum was also held at Dilabayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on the same day, 17 November 2012, where an estimated three (3) thousand residents participated. Haji Abdullah “Cmdr. Bravo” Macapaar, Commander of the Northwestern Mindanao Front, BIAF, MILF and hundreds of his men participated in the event without arms....
This information drives for the Framework Agreement is still going on as more and more requests from several groups and community residents in different municipalities continues to pour in.... The requests are not limited to MILF members but include NGO’s and people’s organizations. The Association of Barangay Chairmen in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, for example, requested for an advocacy for the FAB on 21 November 2012.”
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2940:-info-drive-on-the-framework-agreement-in-lanao-continues&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
‘Substantial progress’ in latest peace talks
From the Business World (Nov 18): ‘Substantial progress’ in latest peace talks
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday ended talks citing "substantial progress" on the key issues of sharing wealth and power, as well as the decommissioning of rebel forces. In a joint statement released after the meeting, both parties said the latest round of talks in Malaysia ended on a positive note. "The panels and their technical working groups (TWGs) made substantial progress in crafting the annexes on Power-sharing and Wealth-sharing. The TWG on Normalization was convened for the first time. Its members agreed on an outline of issues and had initial positive exchanges on these matters," the joint statement said. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told BusinessWorld yesterday that he is confident the two sides could strike an agreement in the next round of talks in December. The three major points will serve as the annexes to complete the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that the parties signed in mid-October. "Both parties are committed to finish the annexes by yearend. I am satisfied with the results," he said referring to the recent talks. This was echoed by government chief negotiator Mario Victor F. Leonen, who said that both sides are determined to "finish the comprehensive agreement, the annexes, as soon as possible before the deadline this 2012." "I know that we will succeed and I know that there will be a consensus on the annexes because I have seen the sincerity of the Republic of the Philippines, the sincerity of this administration," Mr. Leonen said in a statement. "We’re past the major issues but there are still adjustments to be made concerning the details. Both parties know of the decision points needed. Both parties have publicly and officially committed to finish within the year," he added. He said the recent talks, which ended early, suggested that things are going to be smooth as the technical working groups reached "substantial common points." ......
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=%E2%80%98Substantial-progress%E2%80%99-in-latest-peace-talks&id=61627
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday ended talks citing "substantial progress" on the key issues of sharing wealth and power, as well as the decommissioning of rebel forces. In a joint statement released after the meeting, both parties said the latest round of talks in Malaysia ended on a positive note. "The panels and their technical working groups (TWGs) made substantial progress in crafting the annexes on Power-sharing and Wealth-sharing. The TWG on Normalization was convened for the first time. Its members agreed on an outline of issues and had initial positive exchanges on these matters," the joint statement said. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told BusinessWorld yesterday that he is confident the two sides could strike an agreement in the next round of talks in December. The three major points will serve as the annexes to complete the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that the parties signed in mid-October. "Both parties are committed to finish the annexes by yearend. I am satisfied with the results," he said referring to the recent talks. This was echoed by government chief negotiator Mario Victor F. Leonen, who said that both sides are determined to "finish the comprehensive agreement, the annexes, as soon as possible before the deadline this 2012." "I know that we will succeed and I know that there will be a consensus on the annexes because I have seen the sincerity of the Republic of the Philippines, the sincerity of this administration," Mr. Leonen said in a statement. "We’re past the major issues but there are still adjustments to be made concerning the details. Both parties know of the decision points needed. Both parties have publicly and officially committed to finish within the year," he added. He said the recent talks, which ended early, suggested that things are going to be smooth as the technical working groups reached "substantial common points." ......
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=%E2%80%98Substantial-progress%E2%80%99-in-latest-peace-talks&id=61627
Government told to stop arrests of MILF combatants
From the Sun Star-Manila (Nov 18): Government told to stop arrests of MILF combatants
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the government to stop arbitrary arrests of its combatants as part of the confidence building measure. The country's largest Muslim insurgent group made the call following the holding of peace advocacy and constituency building organized by the 118th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF armed group, in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao province recently. The advocacy was part of the continuing information and education campaign all over Mindanao of the MILF Central Committee on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, said BIAF chief of staff Sammy Al Mansur. “The BIAF overwhelmingly welcome and support the framework agreement, even as he called on all the BIAF officers and men to cooperate in all initiatives and endeavors that pushes for the success of the agreement,” Al Mansur said. He stressed, however, that the only guarantee for the successful realization of the letters and spirit of the framework agreement is its faithful implementation by both parties according to its provisions. BIAF and MILF political officers urged the government to make the necessary steps in order to address the clamor to halt the arrests against MILF personalities. “As one of the best confidence building as an offshoot of the framework agreement, it is necessary that the government must stop all arrest against the MILF,” Al Mansur said quoting a top commander of BIAF. “We fully support the framework agreement and the continuing negotiation but how can we cooperate fully if we are apprehensive of being victims of arbitrary arrest,” he added. The Philippine National Police recently removed the MILF from security threats. Government and MILF forces had been called as partners for peace but if arrest against the latter would still happen, then partnership is not strongly founded, the BIAF official said. “While the peace panels are pursuing discussions on the cases involving detained MILF officers and members, we must be given the assurance that there will be no more arrest against MILF people,” he added. Arrests and detention against MILF adversely affect the trust and confidence to the government-MILF peace process, Al Mansur said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/11/18/government-told-stop-arrests-milf-combatants-253876
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the government to stop arbitrary arrests of its combatants as part of the confidence building measure. The country's largest Muslim insurgent group made the call following the holding of peace advocacy and constituency building organized by the 118th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF armed group, in Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao province recently. The advocacy was part of the continuing information and education campaign all over Mindanao of the MILF Central Committee on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, said BIAF chief of staff Sammy Al Mansur. “The BIAF overwhelmingly welcome and support the framework agreement, even as he called on all the BIAF officers and men to cooperate in all initiatives and endeavors that pushes for the success of the agreement,” Al Mansur said. He stressed, however, that the only guarantee for the successful realization of the letters and spirit of the framework agreement is its faithful implementation by both parties according to its provisions. BIAF and MILF political officers urged the government to make the necessary steps in order to address the clamor to halt the arrests against MILF personalities. “As one of the best confidence building as an offshoot of the framework agreement, it is necessary that the government must stop all arrest against the MILF,” Al Mansur said quoting a top commander of BIAF. “We fully support the framework agreement and the continuing negotiation but how can we cooperate fully if we are apprehensive of being victims of arbitrary arrest,” he added. The Philippine National Police recently removed the MILF from security threats. Government and MILF forces had been called as partners for peace but if arrest against the latter would still happen, then partnership is not strongly founded, the BIAF official said. “While the peace panels are pursuing discussions on the cases involving detained MILF officers and members, we must be given the assurance that there will be no more arrest against MILF people,” he added. Arrests and detention against MILF adversely affect the trust and confidence to the government-MILF peace process, Al Mansur said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/11/18/government-told-stop-arrests-milf-combatants-253876
Glenn Defense still servicing US ships—Payumo
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 19): Glenn Defense still servicing US ships—Payumo
A top official of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has assailed the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for allowing a US Navy contractor to continue servicing American vessels here despite an ongoing investigation on the firm’s alleged waste dumping in Subic Bay last month. BCDA Chair Felicito Payumo, whose agency has oversight functions over the SBMA, said the proper response of the SBMA should have been to hold the vessels involved in the incident and suspend the operations of the contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc. Earlier, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said their initial investigation showed that Glenn Defense dumped the waste it had collected from US Navy vessels in Subic Bay in an area 17 nautical miles (31.4 km) from land. But Payumo said “prudence dictates that the SBMA should suspend the operations of this company while the investigation is ongoing. What if they are found guilty? These vessels should not have been allowed to get out of Subic Bay [once the investigation started].” Instead, Payumo said, the SBMA allowed Glenn Defense to service the US Navy vessels USNS John Ericson, USNS Pecos and USNS Charles Drew....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56884/glenn-defense-still-servicing-us-ships-payumo
A top official of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has assailed the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for allowing a US Navy contractor to continue servicing American vessels here despite an ongoing investigation on the firm’s alleged waste dumping in Subic Bay last month. BCDA Chair Felicito Payumo, whose agency has oversight functions over the SBMA, said the proper response of the SBMA should have been to hold the vessels involved in the incident and suspend the operations of the contractor, Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc. Earlier, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said their initial investigation showed that Glenn Defense dumped the waste it had collected from US Navy vessels in Subic Bay in an area 17 nautical miles (31.4 km) from land. But Payumo said “prudence dictates that the SBMA should suspend the operations of this company while the investigation is ongoing. What if they are found guilty? These vessels should not have been allowed to get out of Subic Bay [once the investigation started].” Instead, Payumo said, the SBMA allowed Glenn Defense to service the US Navy vessels USNS John Ericson, USNS Pecos and USNS Charles Drew....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56884/glenn-defense-still-servicing-us-ships-payumo
Gov’t, MILF peace panels discuss trust fund for combatants, war victims
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 18): Gov’t, MILF peace panels discuss trust fund for combatants, war victims
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are now discussing the proposed “trust fund” to help combatants and others affected by the war normalize their lives, according to the head of the MILF panel. In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer at the close of the 33rd round of peace negotiations here Saturday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal intimated this was one of several “unresolved issues” that the two panels would tackle—hopefully before the end of 2012. “The first part of normalization is economic action on the ground so that people, our combatants, would feel that there is a peace dividend after signing the framework agreement. So necessarily, the trust fund is connected with that socioeconomic action on the ground,” he explained. Aside from defining the trust fund, Iqbal said the parties needed to identify “where to source the money that would be put in the trust fund.” “I think it (government) is willing to put up some money for the initial movement towards providing some assistance, rehabilitation and relief of people who suffered in the conflict, including the combatants of the MILF,” Iqbal said. Iqbal pointed to the need to flesh out details of the trust fund in his remarks at the opening of this latest round of peace negotiations last week. “There is mention of a trust fund in the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro. There is a need for us to define what we mean by ‘trust fund.’ How do we go about this trust fund?” Iqbal said....
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are now discussing the proposed “trust fund” to help combatants and others affected by the war normalize their lives, according to the head of the MILF panel. In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer at the close of the 33rd round of peace negotiations here Saturday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal intimated this was one of several “unresolved issues” that the two panels would tackle—hopefully before the end of 2012. “The first part of normalization is economic action on the ground so that people, our combatants, would feel that there is a peace dividend after signing the framework agreement. So necessarily, the trust fund is connected with that socioeconomic action on the ground,” he explained. Aside from defining the trust fund, Iqbal said the parties needed to identify “where to source the money that would be put in the trust fund.” “I think it (government) is willing to put up some money for the initial movement towards providing some assistance, rehabilitation and relief of people who suffered in the conflict, including the combatants of the MILF,” Iqbal said. Iqbal pointed to the need to flesh out details of the trust fund in his remarks at the opening of this latest round of peace negotiations last week. “There is mention of a trust fund in the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro. There is a need for us to define what we mean by ‘trust fund.’ How do we go about this trust fund?” Iqbal said....
Dellosa has favored successor but keeps name close to chest
From Malaya (Nov 19): Dellosa has favored successor but keeps name close to chest
TWO months away from his mandatory retirement from the service, Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa has already chosen the officer he would recommend to be his successor. Dellosa, who is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on January 20, would not say who his choice is but sources said among top contenders are Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz. Bautista is member of Class 1981 of the Philippine Military Academy and De la Cruz, Class 1980. Dellosa belongs to Class 1979. Dellosa said all generals are qualified, even one-star generals, based on the law. He also said the Board of Generals will not convene to deliberate on the candidates because its members are themselves contenders. Dellosa, as AFP chief, chairs the BOG. The board’s members are AFP vice Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal, Bautista, Dela Cruz and Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama. Pama is actually out of the picture because he is due to retire on December 21. Coballes, Bautista, and Dela Cruz have over a year in service left when Dellosa retires while Macapagal would have only 10 months left in the service by that time. “Actually, when selecting a chief of staff, this does not go through the Board of Generals because all the members of the Board of the Generals are qualified, what I mean to say is they are contenders so this does not go through the Board of Generals,” he said. “The secretary of national defense, the President and myself, we’ll just be the ones who will talk about this,” added Dellosa of his possible successor. Dellosa said he would make his recommendation to the President through the defense secretary. Dellosa also said the new AFP chief is usually announced a week before assumption. However, he said it would be better if the incoming AFP chief will be known two or three weeks before the turnover so they can discuss programs that need to be continued, he said. Meanwhile, Dellosa said he has not heard of a “non-duty status” in the Armed Forces. President Aquino has said he plans to place PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome (PMA Class 1980) to such status, so a new PNP chief can assume the post soon.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/17922-dellosa-has-favored-successor-but-keeps-name-close-to-chest
TWO months away from his mandatory retirement from the service, Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa has already chosen the officer he would recommend to be his successor. Dellosa, who is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on January 20, would not say who his choice is but sources said among top contenders are Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz. Bautista is member of Class 1981 of the Philippine Military Academy and De la Cruz, Class 1980. Dellosa belongs to Class 1979. Dellosa said all generals are qualified, even one-star generals, based on the law. He also said the Board of Generals will not convene to deliberate on the candidates because its members are themselves contenders. Dellosa, as AFP chief, chairs the BOG. The board’s members are AFP vice Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, AFP deputy chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal, Bautista, Dela Cruz and Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama. Pama is actually out of the picture because he is due to retire on December 21. Coballes, Bautista, and Dela Cruz have over a year in service left when Dellosa retires while Macapagal would have only 10 months left in the service by that time. “Actually, when selecting a chief of staff, this does not go through the Board of Generals because all the members of the Board of the Generals are qualified, what I mean to say is they are contenders so this does not go through the Board of Generals,” he said. “The secretary of national defense, the President and myself, we’ll just be the ones who will talk about this,” added Dellosa of his possible successor. Dellosa said he would make his recommendation to the President through the defense secretary. Dellosa also said the new AFP chief is usually announced a week before assumption. However, he said it would be better if the incoming AFP chief will be known two or three weeks before the turnover so they can discuss programs that need to be continued, he said. Meanwhile, Dellosa said he has not heard of a “non-duty status” in the Armed Forces. President Aquino has said he plans to place PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome (PMA Class 1980) to such status, so a new PNP chief can assume the post soon.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/17922-dellosa-has-favored-successor-but-keeps-name-close-to-chest
2 contenders for AFP chief?
From ABS-CBN (Nov 18): 2 contenders for AFP chief?
Armed Force of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa already has someone in mind as to the officer he would be recommending as his replacement. While he would not name the official, there are currently two contenders to the post: Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz. "I already have (a choice) but I will not say it (to media),” he said. Talks point to a two-way contest between Bautista and dela Cruz. Bautista, a member of PMA class of 1981, is more senior in rank than dela Cruz of PMA class of 1980. Dellosa, who will reach the mandatory age of retirement in two months’ time, said the name of the new AFP chief will be announced a week before he or she assumes the post. He said, however, it would be better if the new AFP chief will be known earlier so they can discuss programs that need to be continued. He said the Board of Generals will not anymore give recommendations for his replacement. "The secretary of national defense, the President and myself, we'll just be the ones who will talk about this,” he said. “Actually, when selecting a chief of staff, this does not go through the Board of Generals because all the members of the Board of the Generals are qualified, what I mean to say is they are contenders, so this does not go through the Board of Generals,” he added. There are two other members of the Board of Generals besides Bautista and dela Cruz.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/18/12/2-contenders-afp-chief
Armed Force of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa already has someone in mind as to the officer he would be recommending as his replacement. While he would not name the official, there are currently two contenders to the post: Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz. "I already have (a choice) but I will not say it (to media),” he said. Talks point to a two-way contest between Bautista and dela Cruz. Bautista, a member of PMA class of 1981, is more senior in rank than dela Cruz of PMA class of 1980. Dellosa, who will reach the mandatory age of retirement in two months’ time, said the name of the new AFP chief will be announced a week before he or she assumes the post. He said, however, it would be better if the new AFP chief will be known earlier so they can discuss programs that need to be continued. He said the Board of Generals will not anymore give recommendations for his replacement. "The secretary of national defense, the President and myself, we'll just be the ones who will talk about this,” he said. “Actually, when selecting a chief of staff, this does not go through the Board of Generals because all the members of the Board of the Generals are qualified, what I mean to say is they are contenders, so this does not go through the Board of Generals,” he added. There are two other members of the Board of Generals besides Bautista and dela Cruz.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/18/12/2-contenders-afp-chief
2 US soldiers in Puerto Princesa bar brawl settle with club’s workers
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 18): 2 US soldiers in Puerto Princesa bar brawl settle with club’s workers
Two American soldiers taking part in the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises with the Philippine military figured in a rumble inside a bar in downtown Puerto Princesa City Friday with local patrons and the club’s staff. The city police chief, Supt. Abad Osit, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday that an employee of the club and the two American soldiers both filed separate complaints for physical injury before the City police on Saturday but eventually agreed to settle amicably. The police blotter indicated that the two soldiers, identified as Anthony Desaldo, 22, and Keith A. Brautigan, 24, went inside Warehouse 45 Disco Bar in Barangay San Miguel here for drinks at around 11 p.m. of Friday. A bouncer at the establishment, Allan John Gapulao, claimed in his complaint that the US soldiers were already drunk when they came and were “creating trouble” for other patrons. Gapulao said that when he asked the two to leave the establishment, the American soldiers made a scene at the parking lot and provoked him to a fight. In their own complaint filed before the police, Brautigan claimed that 18 to 21 persons allegedly attacked them when they tried to leave the establishment. The Americans claimed that they were attacked with a metal pipe and peppered with rocks as they tried to run back to their hotel, the Ipil Travelodge Puerto Princesa, which was just a walking distance from the bar. They added that the owner of the establishment and the barangay (village) captain of the area, Patrick Hagedorn, a nephew of Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, allegedly “threatened” them when they were already in the hotel. Brautigan suffered a broken nose and head injuries while Desalvo had a bruised right cheek. The club’s bouncer, Gapulao, had four stitches in the head caused by a steel pipe, the police record showed. Osit said both sides have already settled the complaints and no charges would be filed against both parties. The two Americans were part of the US military contingent that came here in April for the Palawan segment of the Balikatan exercises, a joint undertaking of the Philippine and US militaries that included civil-relations activities, such as road and school building constructions on one hand, and military land and sea warfare exercises. The two US soldiers were among a small group of the US military contingent that remained in Palawan to do finishing touches on the civil works of projects done by the Americans, said a military officer here who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak on the matter. The source said the American soldiers have since been housed at Ipil Travelodge, which was described in its website as a 40-room hotel along Rizal Avenue located at the heart of the city.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56774/2-us-soldiers-in-puerto-princesa-bar-brawl-settle-with-clubs-workers
Two American soldiers taking part in the annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises with the Philippine military figured in a rumble inside a bar in downtown Puerto Princesa City Friday with local patrons and the club’s staff. The city police chief, Supt. Abad Osit, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday that an employee of the club and the two American soldiers both filed separate complaints for physical injury before the City police on Saturday but eventually agreed to settle amicably. The police blotter indicated that the two soldiers, identified as Anthony Desaldo, 22, and Keith A. Brautigan, 24, went inside Warehouse 45 Disco Bar in Barangay San Miguel here for drinks at around 11 p.m. of Friday. A bouncer at the establishment, Allan John Gapulao, claimed in his complaint that the US soldiers were already drunk when they came and were “creating trouble” for other patrons. Gapulao said that when he asked the two to leave the establishment, the American soldiers made a scene at the parking lot and provoked him to a fight. In their own complaint filed before the police, Brautigan claimed that 18 to 21 persons allegedly attacked them when they tried to leave the establishment. The Americans claimed that they were attacked with a metal pipe and peppered with rocks as they tried to run back to their hotel, the Ipil Travelodge Puerto Princesa, which was just a walking distance from the bar. They added that the owner of the establishment and the barangay (village) captain of the area, Patrick Hagedorn, a nephew of Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, allegedly “threatened” them when they were already in the hotel. Brautigan suffered a broken nose and head injuries while Desalvo had a bruised right cheek. The club’s bouncer, Gapulao, had four stitches in the head caused by a steel pipe, the police record showed. Osit said both sides have already settled the complaints and no charges would be filed against both parties. The two Americans were part of the US military contingent that came here in April for the Palawan segment of the Balikatan exercises, a joint undertaking of the Philippine and US militaries that included civil-relations activities, such as road and school building constructions on one hand, and military land and sea warfare exercises. The two US soldiers were among a small group of the US military contingent that remained in Palawan to do finishing touches on the civil works of projects done by the Americans, said a military officer here who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak on the matter. The source said the American soldiers have since been housed at Ipil Travelodge, which was described in its website as a 40-room hotel along Rizal Avenue located at the heart of the city.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/56774/2-us-soldiers-in-puerto-princesa-bar-brawl-settle-with-clubs-workers
Visiting Forces Agreement separate from Subic Bay dumping issue - Angara
From InterAksyon (Nov 18): Visiting Forces Agreement separate from Subic Bay dumping issue - Angara
Senator Edgardo Angara on Sunday opposed Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's proposal to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, saying the treaty is an issue different from the toxic waste dumping in Subic Bay. In an interview, Angara said that as the country, with its weak external threat defense capabiliteis, faces constant bullying from China over disputed islands, it needs the agreement with Washington . “The issue of VFA is entirely different from the toxic waste dumping. At this time when our territorial integrity is being threatened, we should consider allies like the US,’ Angara argued.... On the toxic waste dumping, Angara said maritime and environmental laws must be respected as seas are a major source of livelihood for millions of fishermen and coastline communities. “Any country, with or without a treaty with us should respect our territorial waters, its integrity, including our laws on environment, specifically on marine waters, because it is the principal source of livelihood of many Filipinos. I am in favor of immediate action against the dumping of toxic waste, they should clean it up now,” Angara said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48292/visiting-forces-agreement-separate-from-subic-bay-dumping-issue---angara
Senator Edgardo Angara on Sunday opposed Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's proposal to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, saying the treaty is an issue different from the toxic waste dumping in Subic Bay. In an interview, Angara said that as the country, with its weak external threat defense capabiliteis, faces constant bullying from China over disputed islands, it needs the agreement with Washington . “The issue of VFA is entirely different from the toxic waste dumping. At this time when our territorial integrity is being threatened, we should consider allies like the US,’ Angara argued.... On the toxic waste dumping, Angara said maritime and environmental laws must be respected as seas are a major source of livelihood for millions of fishermen and coastline communities. “Any country, with or without a treaty with us should respect our territorial waters, its integrity, including our laws on environment, specifically on marine waters, because it is the principal source of livelihood of many Filipinos. I am in favor of immediate action against the dumping of toxic waste, they should clean it up now,” Angara said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/48292/visiting-forces-agreement-separate-from-subic-bay-dumping-issue---angara
PH to ASEAN: Implement principles on South China Sea
From Rappler (Nov 18): PH to ASEAN: Implement principles on South China Sea
President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday, November 18, called for regional "centrality" on maritime security and cooperation in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and 3 other ASEAN member countries have territorial claims disputed by China. In his speech before the plenary at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aquino called for the regional bloc to implement its Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea (also called West Philippine Sea) for "maintaining peace and stability in the region." President Aquino said the principles "manifest our collective vision, founded on the principle of centrality." "My country supports its effective implementation, which will highlight the fruits of constructive dialogue, strengthen our resolve, and reaffirm our respect for international law such as UNCLOS," Aquino added. ASEAN's Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea, adopted after the Foreign Minister's Meeting in Cambodia in July 2012, are the following:
http://www.rappler.com/nation/16341-aquino-calls-for-asean-unity-on-south-china-sea
President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday, November 18, called for regional "centrality" on maritime security and cooperation in the South China Sea, where the Philippines and 3 other ASEAN member countries have territorial claims disputed by China. In his speech before the plenary at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aquino called for the regional bloc to implement its Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea (also called West Philippine Sea) for "maintaining peace and stability in the region." President Aquino said the principles "manifest our collective vision, founded on the principle of centrality." "My country supports its effective implementation, which will highlight the fruits of constructive dialogue, strengthen our resolve, and reaffirm our respect for international law such as UNCLOS," Aquino added. ASEAN's Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea, adopted after the Foreign Minister's Meeting in Cambodia in July 2012, are the following:
- Full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (2002)
- Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (2011)
- Early conclusion of a Regional Code of Conduct in the South China Sea
- Full respect of the universally recognized principles of International Law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Continued exercise of self-restraint and non-use of force by all parties
- Peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of International Law, including UNCLOS
http://www.rappler.com/nation/16341-aquino-calls-for-asean-unity-on-south-china-sea
MILF: IMT spearheads peace advocacy in Sarangani, Cotabato provinces
From the MILF Website (Nov 18): IMT spearheads peace advocacy in Sarangani, Cotabato provinces
The Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team spearheaded peace advocacy drives on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangaamoro in Maasim, Sarangani and Alamada, Cotabato the past few days. The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC), Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) and Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), which composed the IMT CPC with its Head Coordinator Johar Jolasbi, organized the information drives to help both the government and MILF in advocating and building greater support for the Framework Agreement. Close to a thousand civilians attended the advocacy in Daliao, Maasim while more than 500 participated in the peace gathering in the uphill site of Guiling, Alamada. Mayor Arturo Lawa and Vice Mayor Utto Salem Cutan of Maasim attended and provided assistance for the advocacy. Relatedly, Mayor Bartolome Lataza and the Vice Mayor presented the successful effort of the local government of Alamada in resolving the rido between Moro and Ilonggo families that gripped since last week of August 2012. IMT Head of Mission, His Excellency MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Mohd Yusuff, the MILF CCCH Head of Secretariat, various nongovernment organizations, and Col Roy Galido of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine also attended...... For their voluntary contribution, the Tiboli, an indigenous people in South Cotabato, offered a traditional dance that calls for peace and unity of all peoples. Atty. Zainudin Malang, Executive Director of MinHRAC, gave his views and clarified on the issues and concerns brought up by the participants on the recently signed historic GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2938:imt-spearheads-peace-advocacy-in-sarangani-cotabato-provinces&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team spearheaded peace advocacy drives on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangaamoro in Maasim, Sarangani and Alamada, Cotabato the past few days. The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC), Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) and Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), which composed the IMT CPC with its Head Coordinator Johar Jolasbi, organized the information drives to help both the government and MILF in advocating and building greater support for the Framework Agreement. Close to a thousand civilians attended the advocacy in Daliao, Maasim while more than 500 participated in the peace gathering in the uphill site of Guiling, Alamada. Mayor Arturo Lawa and Vice Mayor Utto Salem Cutan of Maasim attended and provided assistance for the advocacy. Relatedly, Mayor Bartolome Lataza and the Vice Mayor presented the successful effort of the local government of Alamada in resolving the rido between Moro and Ilonggo families that gripped since last week of August 2012. IMT Head of Mission, His Excellency MGen Datuk Abdul Rahim bin Mohd Yusuff, the MILF CCCH Head of Secretariat, various nongovernment organizations, and Col Roy Galido of the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine also attended...... For their voluntary contribution, the Tiboli, an indigenous people in South Cotabato, offered a traditional dance that calls for peace and unity of all peoples. Atty. Zainudin Malang, Executive Director of MinHRAC, gave his views and clarified on the issues and concerns brought up by the participants on the recently signed historic GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2938:imt-spearheads-peace-advocacy-in-sarangani-cotabato-provinces&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
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