From Malaya (Jan 2): PMA grads in PNP slowly thinning out
EIGHTEEN star-rank police officials are scheduled for retirement this year as they reach the mandatory retirement age of 56. First to bow out of the service on January 7 is Director Jaime Calungsod, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 and head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Visayas. He will be followed on January 20 by Director Felicisimo Khu Jr., of PMA 1979, head of DIPO-Eastern Mindanao. Chief Supt. Jose Arne delos Santos (PMA 1979), Bicol region police chief, will leave the service on February 5. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. (PMA 1979) will retire on February 13. Former PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome was supposed to retire on March 16 but opted to retire early last December 18 after President Aquino asked him to give way to the new PNP chief who has been tasked with election duties.
On March 22, Chief Supt. Bienvenido Latag (PMA 1981) will leave the service, while Chief Supt. Guillermo Paguio (PMA 1979) will bow out on the 30th. Chief Supt. Franklin Bucayu (PMA 1980), Ilocos region police chief, will retire on April 20. Chief Supt. Francisco Cristobal (PMA 1982), deputy chief of DIPO-Western Mindanao, will leave the service in May, together with Deputy Director General Emelito Sarmiento (PMA 1980), the deputy PNP chief for administration.
On June 6, Deputy Director General Rommel Heredia (PMA 1979), deputy PNP chief for operations, will retire.
Those who will leave the service later this year are: Director Arnulfo Perez (PMA 1980), director for logistics, July 11; Chief Supt. Wilhelm Barlis (PMA 1981), July 21; Chief Supt. Jufel Adriatico (PMA 1980), July 28; Chief Supt. Gordon Descanso (PMA 1982), October; Directorate for Operations chief Director Samuel Diciano (PMA 1980), November 2; Chief Supt. Paterno Hernandez (PMA 1982), November 11; Chief Supt. Mario Avenido (PMA 1981), November 18; and Director Catalino Cuy (PMA 1981), November 25.
Graduates of the Philippine Military Academy who are in the PNP have their last batch of graduates who belong to Class 1992. Officers of the PNP will soon be replaced by graduates of the PNP Academy.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/20877-pma-grads-in-pnp-slowly-thinning-out
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
GPH peace panel accuses CPP/NPA/NDF of making excuses to end self-imposed ceasefire this X'mas season
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): GPH peace panel accuses CPP/NPA/NDF of
making excuses to end self-imposed ceasefire this X'mas season
The government peace panel on Wednesday accused the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) of looking for excuses to resume violence rather than seek peace after the insurgents abruptly declared to end its self-imposed ceasefire for the Christmas holiday. “It is unfortunate that the CPP/NPA/NDF is interested in looking for excuses to resume violence than to seek peace,” the GPH said in a press statement.
The statement came less than 24 hours after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel expressed hope that peace talks with the communist rebels would resume this year after negotiation bogged down for many years. The GPH statement said “the CPP today (Jan. 2) upon recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP, the CPP declared an end to its self-imposed ceasefire on January 2 and cited as an excuse the ‘failure of the GPH to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15.’” “This is a false claim as shown by the explicit provision of the Press Communique issued by the Norwegian Facilitator, the statement of Secretary (Teresita-Quintos) Deles issued on December 20 affirming the extended ceasefire declaration, and the procedural processes undertaken by the security forces to officially affirm the extension of the SOMO (suspension of military operations) and SOPO (suspension of police operations) that led to its formal announcement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police Wednesday afternoon, January 2,” the GPH statement pointed out.
It said the “announcement was in keeping with the official communication of the GPH to the Norwegian Facilitator sent during the holiday break that reiterated our assurances of the announcement of the extension of the SOMO and SOPO before the original unilateral declaration lapses.” At the same time, the GPH peace panel also expressed dismay when the communist rebels made another excuse, saying that they did not want “to be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the AFP ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight Wednesday.”
“Since the time that Government made the ceasefire declaration, there have been no recorded violations by the military and police, which is a clear manifestation of our commitment to honor the ceasefire agreement,” the GPH panel added. It said the “government stands firm to the nationwide ceasefire agreed upon with the NDF which commenced on December 20, 2012 and will remain effective until January 15, 2013. Our security forces will maintain its unilateral declaration of SOMO and SOPO, despite the CPP’s termination, and will stand ready to defend and protect our people,” it said.
On New Year’s day, the GPH was confident that the peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF would jumpstart anew this year and break the long-drawn impasse.’ of its peace talks with communist rebels. “The New Year is a time for new beginnings. It also allows us to build on modest gains of the year soon to end - 2012 - which has brought both impasse and advance,” the GPH panel said. “The peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF have been most challenging since these began over two decades ago,” it added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=484070
The government peace panel on Wednesday accused the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) of looking for excuses to resume violence rather than seek peace after the insurgents abruptly declared to end its self-imposed ceasefire for the Christmas holiday. “It is unfortunate that the CPP/NPA/NDF is interested in looking for excuses to resume violence than to seek peace,” the GPH said in a press statement.
The statement came less than 24 hours after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel expressed hope that peace talks with the communist rebels would resume this year after negotiation bogged down for many years. The GPH statement said “the CPP today (Jan. 2) upon recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP, the CPP declared an end to its self-imposed ceasefire on January 2 and cited as an excuse the ‘failure of the GPH to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15.’” “This is a false claim as shown by the explicit provision of the Press Communique issued by the Norwegian Facilitator, the statement of Secretary (Teresita-Quintos) Deles issued on December 20 affirming the extended ceasefire declaration, and the procedural processes undertaken by the security forces to officially affirm the extension of the SOMO (suspension of military operations) and SOPO (suspension of police operations) that led to its formal announcement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police Wednesday afternoon, January 2,” the GPH statement pointed out.
It said the “announcement was in keeping with the official communication of the GPH to the Norwegian Facilitator sent during the holiday break that reiterated our assurances of the announcement of the extension of the SOMO and SOPO before the original unilateral declaration lapses.” At the same time, the GPH peace panel also expressed dismay when the communist rebels made another excuse, saying that they did not want “to be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the AFP ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight Wednesday.”
“Since the time that Government made the ceasefire declaration, there have been no recorded violations by the military and police, which is a clear manifestation of our commitment to honor the ceasefire agreement,” the GPH panel added. It said the “government stands firm to the nationwide ceasefire agreed upon with the NDF which commenced on December 20, 2012 and will remain effective until January 15, 2013. Our security forces will maintain its unilateral declaration of SOMO and SOPO, despite the CPP’s termination, and will stand ready to defend and protect our people,” it said.
On New Year’s day, the GPH was confident that the peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF would jumpstart anew this year and break the long-drawn impasse.’ of its peace talks with communist rebels. “The New Year is a time for new beginnings. It also allows us to build on modest gains of the year soon to end - 2012 - which has brought both impasse and advance,” the GPH panel said. “The peace talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF have been most challenging since these began over two decades ago,” it added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=484070
Video: Meat for U.S. soldiers evades Philippine inspection
From ABS-CBN (Jan 2): EXCL: Video: Karne mula US hindi dumaan sa inspeksyon ng Pilipinas (Meat for U.S. soldiers evades Philippine inspection)
Sinita ng Department of Agriculture ang konte-konteyner na van ng karne mula sa Amerika para sa mga sundalong Amerikanong kasali sa Balikatan exercises. Ito'y matapos na hindi dumaan sa inspeksyon ang shipment at ang ginamit na dahilan ay ang Visiting Forces Agreement. (The Department of Agriculture noted that was a small container van of American meat for American soldiers participating in the Balikatan exercises. The shipment did not pass through inspection because fo the Visiting Forces Agreement.) Exclusive nagpa-Patrol, Anthony Taberna. TV Patrol, Enero 2, 2013, Miyerkules
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/01/02/13/excl-meat-us-soldiers-evade-ph-inspection
Sinita ng Department of Agriculture ang konte-konteyner na van ng karne mula sa Amerika para sa mga sundalong Amerikanong kasali sa Balikatan exercises. Ito'y matapos na hindi dumaan sa inspeksyon ang shipment at ang ginamit na dahilan ay ang Visiting Forces Agreement. (The Department of Agriculture noted that was a small container van of American meat for American soldiers participating in the Balikatan exercises. The shipment did not pass through inspection because fo the Visiting Forces Agreement.) Exclusive nagpa-Patrol, Anthony Taberna. TV Patrol, Enero 2, 2013, Miyerkules
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/01/02/13/excl-meat-us-soldiers-evade-ph-inspection
Palace: Reds looking for excuse to scuttle talks by cutting truce
From InterAksyon (Jan 2): Palace: Reds looking for excuse to scuttle talks by cutting truce
Malacanang on Wednesday accused the Communist Party of the Philippines of looking for ways to scuttle peace talks when it decided to terminate what would have been the longest ceasefire between the rebels and government. Earlier in the day, the CPP said it was calling off the ceasefire -- originally scheduled to run from December 20 to January 15 -- at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday because of the government’s failure to formally announce a similar truce as agreed on during a December 18 meeting in The Netherlands. The end of the communist-declared ceasefire coincides with the end of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ suspension of offensive military operations against the rebels.
"It’s unfortunate that the CPP-NDF-NPA (National Democratic Front-New People’s Army) would change its mind so soon after they declared a statement calling for a ceasefire,” Malacanang spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. However, he added, “that is expected from somebody who cannot blame themselves, and they know that a ceasefire of that (duration) would be detrimental to them so they decided to cut it short and blame government."
"(The) CPP-NDF-NPA has always been making excuses. The first excuse was they wanted the number of their political consultants freed, we said we agreed on a Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list but their Jasig list was corrupted. Now, they’re coming up with other stumbling blocks to peace," Lacierda said.
The CPP formally declared the ceasefire effective on December 20. However, except for a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on the agreement for the December 20 to January 15 ceasefire, there was no formal government declaration extending the military’s SOMO. Following an earlier recommendation by Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel, the CPP announced the end of the ceasefire, citing “the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51770/palace-reds-looking-for-excuse-to-scuttle-talks-by-cutting-truce
Malacanang on Wednesday accused the Communist Party of the Philippines of looking for ways to scuttle peace talks when it decided to terminate what would have been the longest ceasefire between the rebels and government. Earlier in the day, the CPP said it was calling off the ceasefire -- originally scheduled to run from December 20 to January 15 -- at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday because of the government’s failure to formally announce a similar truce as agreed on during a December 18 meeting in The Netherlands. The end of the communist-declared ceasefire coincides with the end of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ suspension of offensive military operations against the rebels.
"It’s unfortunate that the CPP-NDF-NPA (National Democratic Front-New People’s Army) would change its mind so soon after they declared a statement calling for a ceasefire,” Malacanang spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. However, he added, “that is expected from somebody who cannot blame themselves, and they know that a ceasefire of that (duration) would be detrimental to them so they decided to cut it short and blame government."
"(The) CPP-NDF-NPA has always been making excuses. The first excuse was they wanted the number of their political consultants freed, we said we agreed on a Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list but their Jasig list was corrupted. Now, they’re coming up with other stumbling blocks to peace," Lacierda said.
The CPP formally declared the ceasefire effective on December 20. However, except for a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on the agreement for the December 20 to January 15 ceasefire, there was no formal government declaration extending the military’s SOMO. Following an earlier recommendation by Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDF peace negotiating panel, the CPP announced the end of the ceasefire, citing “the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51770/palace-reds-looking-for-excuse-to-scuttle-talks-by-cutting-truce
MILF urges leaders' kin not to run in May polls
From InterAksyon (Jan 2): MILF urges leaders' kin not to run in May polls
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday urged any relatives of its leaders who are running for office in the May elections to drop their plans as it reiterated its policy of non-participation in the political exercise. The MILF's policy of non-participation has been in effect since its founding in 1984.
Yet, Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF secretariat, said in an article posted on the organization’s website that they will not prevent their members from voting, although he hinted that they would be encouraged to choose candidates “who are not hostile” to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Ameen stressed that the MILF would “not support” candidates related to its leaders and “urge them this early to quit or reconsider their running.” The MILF officer described Philippine elections as "divisive and expensive" exercises during which “so much bloodshed and corrupt practices ensue." Nevertheless, he acknowledged the existence of “good people,” even among those who lose.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51773/milf-urges-leaders-kin-not-to-run-in-may-polls
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday urged any relatives of its leaders who are running for office in the May elections to drop their plans as it reiterated its policy of non-participation in the political exercise. The MILF's policy of non-participation has been in effect since its founding in 1984.
Yet, Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF secretariat, said in an article posted on the organization’s website that they will not prevent their members from voting, although he hinted that they would be encouraged to choose candidates “who are not hostile” to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Ameen stressed that the MILF would “not support” candidates related to its leaders and “urge them this early to quit or reconsider their running.” The MILF officer described Philippine elections as "divisive and expensive" exercises during which “so much bloodshed and corrupt practices ensue." Nevertheless, he acknowledged the existence of “good people,” even among those who lose.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/51773/milf-urges-leaders-kin-not-to-run-in-may-polls
CPP terminates ceasefire; gov’t slams ‘false claims’
From Rappler (Jan 2): CPP terminates ceasefire; gov’t slams ‘false claims’
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered all units of the New People's Army (NPA) and people's militias to return to offensive mode after the government allegedly failed to comply with an agreement to extend its ceasefire order to January 15. “This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15,” the CPP in its memorandum circulated to NPA units.
‘False claim’
The government panel refuted the statements of the CPP. In its own statement, the panel said the CPP is “[more] interested in looking for excuses to resume violence than it was to seek peace.” The government said the CPP’s statement on its failure to extend the ceasefire is not true. “This is a false claim as shown by explicit provision of the Press Communique issued by the Norwegian Facilitator, the statement of Secretary [Teresita] Deles issued on December 20 affirming the extended ceasefire declaration, and the procedural processes undertaken by the security forces to officially confirm the extension of the [suspension of offensive military and police operations] that led to its formal announcement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police this afternoon, January 2.”
The government added that the CPP made another excuse in saying they did not want to be disadvantaged when the AFP ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight. “Since the time that government made the ceasefire declaration, there have been no recorded violations by the military and police, which is a clear manifestation of our commitment to honor the ceasefire agreement.” It added, “Government stands firm to the nationwide ceasefire agreed upon with the NDF which commenced on December 20, 2012 and will remain effective until January 15, 2013.” The government peace panel includes Undersecretary Alexander Padilla as chair, and Jurgette Honculada, Lourdes Tizon, Edgar Dayanghirang and Lawyer Pablito Sanidad as members.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18968-cpp-terminates-ceasefire
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered all units of the New People's Army (NPA) and people's militias to return to offensive mode after the government allegedly failed to comply with an agreement to extend its ceasefire order to January 15. “This declaration is being issued upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) after the failure of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) to comply with the agreement last December 17-18 to extend its own ceasefire order to January 15,” the CPP in its memorandum circulated to NPA units.
The CPP said that the temporary ceasefire ordered by the communists was issued last December 20 and will be terminated a minute before midnight on Wednesday, January 2. “The original CPP ceasefire declaration of December 20 was issued with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations being scheduled for this month,” the CPP commented.
The communists explained that the termination of the declared ceasefire aims to protect guerilla units after the government ends its own ceasefire. “The CPP has decided to abbreviate the ceasefire order to ensure that units of the New People's Army and people's militias will not be placed in an unduly disadvantaged position when the Armed Forces of the Philippines ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight tonight,” the CPP said. “The NPA and the people's militias should immediately assume an offensive posture and confront and frustrate the enemy campaigns of suppression, defend the people against the fascist onslaughts of the AFP and the armed agents of the Aquino regime and advance the strategic objectives of the people's war,” the CPP ordered.
The government panel refuted the statements of the CPP. In its own statement, the panel said the CPP is “[more] interested in looking for excuses to resume violence than it was to seek peace.” The government said the CPP’s statement on its failure to extend the ceasefire is not true. “This is a false claim as shown by explicit provision of the Press Communique issued by the Norwegian Facilitator, the statement of Secretary [Teresita] Deles issued on December 20 affirming the extended ceasefire declaration, and the procedural processes undertaken by the security forces to officially confirm the extension of the [suspension of offensive military and police operations] that led to its formal announcement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police this afternoon, January 2.”
The government added that the CPP made another excuse in saying they did not want to be disadvantaged when the AFP ends its suspension of military offensives by midnight. “Since the time that government made the ceasefire declaration, there have been no recorded violations by the military and police, which is a clear manifestation of our commitment to honor the ceasefire agreement.” It added, “Government stands firm to the nationwide ceasefire agreed upon with the NDF which commenced on December 20, 2012 and will remain effective until January 15, 2013.” The government peace panel includes Undersecretary Alexander Padilla as chair, and Jurgette Honculada, Lourdes Tizon, Edgar Dayanghirang and Lawyer Pablito Sanidad as members.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18968-cpp-terminates-ceasefire
The heroes of Charlie Company
From Rappler (Jan 2): The heroes of Charlie Company
There is a field of rocks where the Charlie Company detachment used to be. The basketball court is gone. A new river cuts across the rubble. Tourists come, in cabs driven from 4, 5 hours away, to look at the site. The village is quiet at dusk. Small fires burn debris. Groups of small boys run for home in the dark. Many of them are new orphans.
In the morning of Dec 4, 2012, 1st Lt Alex Marvin Deazeta and the men of Charlie Company shepherded residents of Bgy Andap, Compostela Valley into two army trucks for evacuation. When the first of Typhoon Pablo’s flashfloods ripped through the village, both trucks were swept away by the rush of water, carrying boulders, tree trunks and surging mud. Deazeta is the 27-year-old Company Commander of Charlie Company, under the army’s 66th Infantry Battalion. He is young, leading much older men, and he says it meant he could not be afraid in the face of Pablo.
He had hoped his trucks could stand against the water, and when they didn’t, he jumped into the water to save the residents. The rest of his men followed. Children were passed along, one soldier to the next, all the way to the single standing structure left, a stage built to one side of the village’s basketball court. As his men attempted to reassure the panicked residents, Deazeta climbed to the roof to assess the situation. The village hall floated like a shoebox, homes were ripped from foundations, and tin roofs were whipping along with the current. Everywhere, he said, there was water.
When the stage collapsed, residents and soldiers were flung into the heaving floods. There was little to do except try to survive. Deazeta found himself trapped under a log beside Pfc Mark Hingosa, who attempted to free him until Deazeta managed to pull himself from under the fallen coconut. The next wave pulled Deazeta to a log, and Hingosa sideways into the flood itself. He was dragged by the current until Deazeta caught his hand. Both soldiers were tiring, and the next wave ripped Hingosa away from his commander. Deazeta floated 4 kilometers downriver, bleeding from cuts on the leg and forehead. He was found clinging to a tree root, and later learned that the body of the soldier whose hand slipped from his was found a kilometer downriver.
Seven of Charlie Company’s soldiers were lost on Dec 4, 2012. SSg Maximo L. Oivares, Sgt Dennis P. Conejos, Pfc Ryan Mark S. Hingosa, Pfc Guina C. Batua Jr, Pfc Fermin H. Segapo, Pvt Jhonard C. Armodia and Pvt Raul B. Aranes lost their lives to Pablo. Four more, SSg Rufino F. Catague, Sgt Agustin C. Panague, SSg Rommel H. Cabillon and Pfc Mark D. Hopeda remain missing. The residents of Barangay Andap remember their soldiers. They know the names of the dead, they hope the living will return. They say New Bataan will rise again. From a room in V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City, the limping commander of Charlie Company promises the same.
On December 27, 21 Charlie Company soldiers were awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal for acts of heroism. “Deazeta and his troops courageously and fearlessly risked their lives, and evacuated the populace of Brgy Andap to higher and safer grounds at the height of typhoon Pablo,” says the award citation. “Their ultimate display of heroism, dedication, devotion to duty and selflessness greatly contributed to the great desire to save human lives whom the Battalion has sworn to secure and protect.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18996-the-heroes-of-charlie-company
There is a field of rocks where the Charlie Company detachment used to be. The basketball court is gone. A new river cuts across the rubble. Tourists come, in cabs driven from 4, 5 hours away, to look at the site. The village is quiet at dusk. Small fires burn debris. Groups of small boys run for home in the dark. Many of them are new orphans.
In the morning of Dec 4, 2012, 1st Lt Alex Marvin Deazeta and the men of Charlie Company shepherded residents of Bgy Andap, Compostela Valley into two army trucks for evacuation. When the first of Typhoon Pablo’s flashfloods ripped through the village, both trucks were swept away by the rush of water, carrying boulders, tree trunks and surging mud. Deazeta is the 27-year-old Company Commander of Charlie Company, under the army’s 66th Infantry Battalion. He is young, leading much older men, and he says it meant he could not be afraid in the face of Pablo.
He had hoped his trucks could stand against the water, and when they didn’t, he jumped into the water to save the residents. The rest of his men followed. Children were passed along, one soldier to the next, all the way to the single standing structure left, a stage built to one side of the village’s basketball court. As his men attempted to reassure the panicked residents, Deazeta climbed to the roof to assess the situation. The village hall floated like a shoebox, homes were ripped from foundations, and tin roofs were whipping along with the current. Everywhere, he said, there was water.
When the stage collapsed, residents and soldiers were flung into the heaving floods. There was little to do except try to survive. Deazeta found himself trapped under a log beside Pfc Mark Hingosa, who attempted to free him until Deazeta managed to pull himself from under the fallen coconut. The next wave pulled Deazeta to a log, and Hingosa sideways into the flood itself. He was dragged by the current until Deazeta caught his hand. Both soldiers were tiring, and the next wave ripped Hingosa away from his commander. Deazeta floated 4 kilometers downriver, bleeding from cuts on the leg and forehead. He was found clinging to a tree root, and later learned that the body of the soldier whose hand slipped from his was found a kilometer downriver.
Seven of Charlie Company’s soldiers were lost on Dec 4, 2012. SSg Maximo L. Oivares, Sgt Dennis P. Conejos, Pfc Ryan Mark S. Hingosa, Pfc Guina C. Batua Jr, Pfc Fermin H. Segapo, Pvt Jhonard C. Armodia and Pvt Raul B. Aranes lost their lives to Pablo. Four more, SSg Rufino F. Catague, Sgt Agustin C. Panague, SSg Rommel H. Cabillon and Pfc Mark D. Hopeda remain missing. The residents of Barangay Andap remember their soldiers. They know the names of the dead, they hope the living will return. They say New Bataan will rise again. From a room in V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City, the limping commander of Charlie Company promises the same.
On December 27, 21 Charlie Company soldiers were awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal for acts of heroism. “Deazeta and his troops courageously and fearlessly risked their lives, and evacuated the populace of Brgy Andap to higher and safer grounds at the height of typhoon Pablo,” says the award citation. “Their ultimate display of heroism, dedication, devotion to duty and selflessness greatly contributed to the great desire to save human lives whom the Battalion has sworn to secure and protect.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/18996-the-heroes-of-charlie-company
Bayanihan in E Visayas reigns
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 2): Bayanihan in E Visayas reigns
Army units and other stakeholders in Samar and Leyte provinces joined by “bayanihan (oneness)” spirit in donating assorted relief goods for typhoon “Pablo” victims in the Mindanao region. A total of 281 sacks of used clothing, six boxes of assorted canned goods and noodles, and three sacks of rice were donated by army personnel, military dependent, and other stakeholders to the typhoon victims via Cokaliong Shipping Lines from Calbayog City to Cebu City on December 14 and 20.
“We are pleased that the spirit of bayanihan is strong among the army, local government units and other stakeholders in Eastern Visayas,” said Major Gen Gerardo T Layug AFP, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. “It was this partnership that allowed the swift collection of relief goods for the victims of typhoon Pablo. As the men and women of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division continue to assist with the relief and rehabilitation efforts, we join the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the rest of the nation in praying for the immediate recovery of the victims,” Layug added.
Layug also thanked the diocese of Calbayog which donated 70 sacks of used clothing through Bishop Isabelo C.Abarquez and Cokaliong Shipping Lines for helping transport two container vans of assorted relief goods from Calbayog to Cebu for free. The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office of New Bataan received the relief items which were distributed to the Pablo victims in Compostela Valley on December 24.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221357039002
Army units and other stakeholders in Samar and Leyte provinces joined by “bayanihan (oneness)” spirit in donating assorted relief goods for typhoon “Pablo” victims in the Mindanao region. A total of 281 sacks of used clothing, six boxes of assorted canned goods and noodles, and three sacks of rice were donated by army personnel, military dependent, and other stakeholders to the typhoon victims via Cokaliong Shipping Lines from Calbayog City to Cebu City on December 14 and 20.
“We are pleased that the spirit of bayanihan is strong among the army, local government units and other stakeholders in Eastern Visayas,” said Major Gen Gerardo T Layug AFP, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. “It was this partnership that allowed the swift collection of relief goods for the victims of typhoon Pablo. As the men and women of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division continue to assist with the relief and rehabilitation efforts, we join the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the rest of the nation in praying for the immediate recovery of the victims,” Layug added.
Layug also thanked the diocese of Calbayog which donated 70 sacks of used clothing through Bishop Isabelo C.Abarquez and Cokaliong Shipping Lines for helping transport two container vans of assorted relief goods from Calbayog to Cebu for free. The Provincial Social Welfare Development Office of New Bataan received the relief items which were distributed to the Pablo victims in Compostela Valley on December 24.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221357039002
PMA confirms death of one of its cadets
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): PMA confirms death of one of its
cadets
Army Captain Lynette Flores, public information officer of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) confirmed Wednesday the drowning of one of the members of the PMA Class 2016 "Sinag Lahi". She identified the cadet as Brix Lee Betong, 19, a native of Benguet Province. Betong qualified as a foreign student of PMA and started his studies at the National Defense Academy in Japan early in 2012.
"The late Cadet Betong was scheduled to graduate in Japan in year 2017. We were informed that he belonged to the best in his class," Flores said. Flores described Betong's death as "accidental". She narrated that "the cadet came home for the Christmas season. It was during a Christmas (December 25) family affair when they went swimming at a resort we cannot disclose. In the middle of their rejoicings, a brother and uncle called for help as they were drowning. Betong immediately responded and was able to save his drowning relatives. Our cadet died however in his rescue efforts." Flores said that PMA "is now extending all the needed assistance to the cadet's family".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=484010
Army Captain Lynette Flores, public information officer of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) confirmed Wednesday the drowning of one of the members of the PMA Class 2016 "Sinag Lahi". She identified the cadet as Brix Lee Betong, 19, a native of Benguet Province. Betong qualified as a foreign student of PMA and started his studies at the National Defense Academy in Japan early in 2012.
"The late Cadet Betong was scheduled to graduate in Japan in year 2017. We were informed that he belonged to the best in his class," Flores said. Flores described Betong's death as "accidental". She narrated that "the cadet came home for the Christmas season. It was during a Christmas (December 25) family affair when they went swimming at a resort we cannot disclose. In the middle of their rejoicings, a brother and uncle called for help as they were drowning. Betong immediately responded and was able to save his drowning relatives. Our cadet died however in his rescue efforts." Flores said that PMA "is now extending all the needed assistance to the cadet's family".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=484010
Naval helicopters to be delivered by 2014
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Naval helicopters to be delivered by
2014
With the signing of the contract of agreement for the Philippines' three naval helicopters a done deal, the Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by 2014. This is expected to gain impetus with the submission of the letter of credit to the manufacturer, AugustaWestland S.P.A., within the first quarter of 2013. Upon receipt of this document, the helicopter builder and supplier has 365 working days to deliver the aircraft to the Philippines.
DND observers said they see no problem with the submission of the needed documents, adding that the waiting period for this will be quite short. Earlier, the DND announced that the contract of agreement for the three naval helicopters were finally signed last Dec. 20. The three rotary wing aircraft has a net price of P1,337,176,584. The contract was signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.
The acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. “The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said. On Nov. 28, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement.
The Italian Ministerio Della Difesa conducted a review of AugustaWestland’s proposal for the procurement of AW 109 Power Helicopter, including related logistic support and found out that the price per helicopter “seems to have been progressively reduced”, meaning they were sold cheaper. The AW-109 a twin-engine, eight-seat multipurpose chopper.
First flown as the Agusta A109 in 1971, the craft has proven itself in light transport, medevac, search-and-rescue, and military roles. It has a crew of one or two pilots and is capable of carrying seven to eight passengers and length of 42 feet 9 inches (13.04 meters). The AW-109 has a rotor diameter 36 feet 2 inches (11.00 meters). It has height of 11 feet 6 inches (3.50 meters). The AW-109's powerplant consist of two Pratt & Whitney Canada 206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 turboshafts, 567 hp or 571 hp (423 kW or 426 kW) each. It has a maximum speed: 177 miles per hour (154 knots, 285 kilometers/hour). It has ferry range: 599 miles (521 nautical miles, 964 kilometers) and a service ceiling: 19,600 feet (6,000 meters). The AW-109 also has a rate of climb: 1,930 feet per minute (9.8 meter per second).
Upon the recommendation of the DND Bids and Awards Committee, the Secretary of National Defense issued a notice of award last Dec. 4. “With the other projects in the pipeline and our planned acquisition, we are now louder and clearer in our intent to upgrade the capability of our AFP to address its constitutional duty to 'secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory’,” Gazmin concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483876
With the signing of the contract of agreement for the Philippines' three naval helicopters a done deal, the Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by 2014. This is expected to gain impetus with the submission of the letter of credit to the manufacturer, AugustaWestland S.P.A., within the first quarter of 2013. Upon receipt of this document, the helicopter builder and supplier has 365 working days to deliver the aircraft to the Philippines.
DND observers said they see no problem with the submission of the needed documents, adding that the waiting period for this will be quite short. Earlier, the DND announced that the contract of agreement for the three naval helicopters were finally signed last Dec. 20. The three rotary wing aircraft has a net price of P1,337,176,584. The contract was signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A.
The acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. “The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general,” DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said. On Nov. 28, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement.
The Italian Ministerio Della Difesa conducted a review of AugustaWestland’s proposal for the procurement of AW 109 Power Helicopter, including related logistic support and found out that the price per helicopter “seems to have been progressively reduced”, meaning they were sold cheaper. The AW-109 a twin-engine, eight-seat multipurpose chopper.
First flown as the Agusta A109 in 1971, the craft has proven itself in light transport, medevac, search-and-rescue, and military roles. It has a crew of one or two pilots and is capable of carrying seven to eight passengers and length of 42 feet 9 inches (13.04 meters). The AW-109 has a rotor diameter 36 feet 2 inches (11.00 meters). It has height of 11 feet 6 inches (3.50 meters). The AW-109's powerplant consist of two Pratt & Whitney Canada 206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 turboshafts, 567 hp or 571 hp (423 kW or 426 kW) each. It has a maximum speed: 177 miles per hour (154 knots, 285 kilometers/hour). It has ferry range: 599 miles (521 nautical miles, 964 kilometers) and a service ceiling: 19,600 feet (6,000 meters). The AW-109 also has a rate of climb: 1,930 feet per minute (9.8 meter per second).
Upon the recommendation of the DND Bids and Awards Committee, the Secretary of National Defense issued a notice of award last Dec. 4. “With the other projects in the pipeline and our planned acquisition, we are now louder and clearer in our intent to upgrade the capability of our AFP to address its constitutional duty to 'secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory’,” Gazmin concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483876
AFP to observe extended SOMO despite CPP decision to end it 13 days earlier
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): AFP to observe extended SOMO despite
CPP decision to end it 13 days earlier
Despite the decision of the Communist Party of the Philippines to end the suspension of military offensive 13 days earlier, the Armed Forces Wednesday said it will continue to implement the truce in support of the government's peace initiatives. The extended truce started last Dec. 20, 2012 and was supposed to end this Jan. 15. "The objective of the implementation of the extended SOMO is to further demonstrate the AFP's commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace in spite of conflicts with the insurgent group," military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
The extended SOMO was done to allow fighters from both parties to observe and celebrate the Yuletide holidays with their loved ones. "While the AFP fully abides with the extended SOMO, it will maintain activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs. We will also continue our proactive defense countermeasures to ensure our people’s safety and security during the conduct of the extended ceasefire," he added. Burgos said the AFP remains firm in its commitment to the cause of peace and steadfast in the fulfillment of its constitutional mandate as protector of the people and the state.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483938
Despite the decision of the Communist Party of the Philippines to end the suspension of military offensive 13 days earlier, the Armed Forces Wednesday said it will continue to implement the truce in support of the government's peace initiatives. The extended truce started last Dec. 20, 2012 and was supposed to end this Jan. 15. "The objective of the implementation of the extended SOMO is to further demonstrate the AFP's commitment, sincerity and resolve for peace in spite of conflicts with the insurgent group," military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
The extended SOMO was done to allow fighters from both parties to observe and celebrate the Yuletide holidays with their loved ones. "While the AFP fully abides with the extended SOMO, it will maintain activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development, and humanitarian assistance programs. We will also continue our proactive defense countermeasures to ensure our people’s safety and security during the conduct of the extended ceasefire," he added. Burgos said the AFP remains firm in its commitment to the cause of peace and steadfast in the fulfillment of its constitutional mandate as protector of the people and the state.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483938
Palace remains committed to negotiating peace with communist rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Palace remains committed to negotiating peace with communist
rebels
Malacanang said the government remains committed to seeking peace with the communist rebels despite their decision to cut short the ceasefire declared for the Christmas and New Year. “We remain committed to pursuing peace in all fronts. We have seen that. We have proven our sincerity with the MILF. We are prepared to seek peace with CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing in Malacanang Wednesday.
The rebel group cut short its declared ceasefire with the government. Instead of Jan 15, ceasefire ended effectively Wednesday. The communist insurgents declared their traditional Yuletide truce starting from Dec 20, 2012 to Jan 15, 2013. The CPP-NPA-NDF said it had shortened the duration of the ceasefire because President Benigno S. Aquino III failed to issue a reciprocal declaration indicating said ceasefire would end on January 15.
But Lacierda said it wasn’t the case. He noted that in the joint statement where Secretary Ronald Llamas represented the government in Norway it clearly showed that the government had intended to respect the ceasefire. The Armed Forces was informed of the ceasefire so there was no reason for the CPP-NPA-NDF to allege that the government wasn’t sincere in observing the ceasefire, Lacierda said. The non-issuance of a presidential directive did not mean that the government would not honor the ceasefire, Lacierda said. He added the government was committed to the ceasefire and that was the reason why Secretary Teresita Deles, the President’s peace adviser, was very optimistic in her statement about peace with the rebels.
“The one proof that we were cognizant of that ceasefire is that we published it on the www.gov.ph., our official website. When we learned about the ceasefire, we immediately relayed it to the AFP, we relayed it to media and we relayed it to the public. That is the extent of our sincerity. We had no reason not to honor the ceasefire,” he said. “We knew that the ceasefire would be good for the rebels because it would be an opportunity for the CPP-NPA-NDF rebels to come down from the mountains to be with their families. By ending the ceasefire earlier, they have cut short the time the rebels can spend with their families. It is unfortunate,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483981
Malacanang said the government remains committed to seeking peace with the communist rebels despite their decision to cut short the ceasefire declared for the Christmas and New Year. “We remain committed to pursuing peace in all fronts. We have seen that. We have proven our sincerity with the MILF. We are prepared to seek peace with CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front),” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing in Malacanang Wednesday.
The rebel group cut short its declared ceasefire with the government. Instead of Jan 15, ceasefire ended effectively Wednesday. The communist insurgents declared their traditional Yuletide truce starting from Dec 20, 2012 to Jan 15, 2013. The CPP-NPA-NDF said it had shortened the duration of the ceasefire because President Benigno S. Aquino III failed to issue a reciprocal declaration indicating said ceasefire would end on January 15.
But Lacierda said it wasn’t the case. He noted that in the joint statement where Secretary Ronald Llamas represented the government in Norway it clearly showed that the government had intended to respect the ceasefire. The Armed Forces was informed of the ceasefire so there was no reason for the CPP-NPA-NDF to allege that the government wasn’t sincere in observing the ceasefire, Lacierda said. The non-issuance of a presidential directive did not mean that the government would not honor the ceasefire, Lacierda said. He added the government was committed to the ceasefire and that was the reason why Secretary Teresita Deles, the President’s peace adviser, was very optimistic in her statement about peace with the rebels.
“The one proof that we were cognizant of that ceasefire is that we published it on the www.gov.ph., our official website. When we learned about the ceasefire, we immediately relayed it to the AFP, we relayed it to media and we relayed it to the public. That is the extent of our sincerity. We had no reason not to honor the ceasefire,” he said. “We knew that the ceasefire would be good for the rebels because it would be an opportunity for the CPP-NPA-NDF rebels to come down from the mountains to be with their families. By ending the ceasefire earlier, they have cut short the time the rebels can spend with their families. It is unfortunate,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483981
Palace: Reds cannot blame themselves so they blame gov't on cutting short of truce
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Palace: Reds cannot blame themselves so
they blame gov't on cutting short of truce
Malacanang Wednesday said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was just looking for ways to disrupt peace negotiation with the government when it decided to terminate the cease fire between government forces and the rebels, which is supposed to end by Jan. 15. "That is expected from somebody who cannot blame themselves," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a Malacanang news briefing. "They (rebels) know that a ceasefire of that effect would be detrimental to them so they decided to cut it short and blame government," he said.
But, insofar as the government is concerned, Lacierda said, "we have honored the ceasefire. It is something that we would like to have also for our own soldiers to be able to spend time with their families." Nonetheless, during the period of the ceasefire, the Armed Forces remained vigilant, he said. "It’s unfortunate that the CPP-NPA-NDF would change its mind so soon after they declared a statement calling for a ceasefire. We know that ceasefire would be good for the rebels because it’s an opportunity for the CPP-NPA-NDF rebels to come down from the mountains and to be with their family. By doing so, they have cut short the time the rebels can spend with their families. It is unfortunate," he noted.
Lacierda also denied that the government did not comply with the ceasefire agreement. "The one proof that we were cognizant of that ceasefire is that we published it on the www.gov.ph., our official website. When we learned about the ceasefire, we immediately relayed it to the AFP, we relayed it to media, we relayed it to the public. That is the extent of our sincerity. We had no reason not to honor the ceasefire," he stressed. He added: "(The) CPP-NPA-NDF has always been making excuses. The first excuse was they wanted the number of their political consultants freed. We said we agreed on a JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list, they refused to. "Their JASIG list was corrupted and now they’re coming up with other stumbling blocks to peace. They keep on using reasons to not to push the envelope for peace."
Despite that, Lacierda said the government remains committed to pursuing peace in all fronts. "We have seen that. We have proven our sincerity with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). We are prepared to seek peace with CPP-NPA-NDF," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483994
Malacanang Wednesday said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was just looking for ways to disrupt peace negotiation with the government when it decided to terminate the cease fire between government forces and the rebels, which is supposed to end by Jan. 15. "That is expected from somebody who cannot blame themselves," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a Malacanang news briefing. "They (rebels) know that a ceasefire of that effect would be detrimental to them so they decided to cut it short and blame government," he said.
But, insofar as the government is concerned, Lacierda said, "we have honored the ceasefire. It is something that we would like to have also for our own soldiers to be able to spend time with their families." Nonetheless, during the period of the ceasefire, the Armed Forces remained vigilant, he said. "It’s unfortunate that the CPP-NPA-NDF would change its mind so soon after they declared a statement calling for a ceasefire. We know that ceasefire would be good for the rebels because it’s an opportunity for the CPP-NPA-NDF rebels to come down from the mountains and to be with their family. By doing so, they have cut short the time the rebels can spend with their families. It is unfortunate," he noted.
Lacierda also denied that the government did not comply with the ceasefire agreement. "The one proof that we were cognizant of that ceasefire is that we published it on the www.gov.ph., our official website. When we learned about the ceasefire, we immediately relayed it to the AFP, we relayed it to media, we relayed it to the public. That is the extent of our sincerity. We had no reason not to honor the ceasefire," he stressed. He added: "(The) CPP-NPA-NDF has always been making excuses. The first excuse was they wanted the number of their political consultants freed. We said we agreed on a JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list, they refused to. "Their JASIG list was corrupted and now they’re coming up with other stumbling blocks to peace. They keep on using reasons to not to push the envelope for peace."
Despite that, Lacierda said the government remains committed to pursuing peace in all fronts. "We have seen that. We have proven our sincerity with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). We are prepared to seek peace with CPP-NPA-NDF," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=483994
MILF: MILF not to meddle in 2013 polls
Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 2): MILF not to meddle in 2013 polls
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not meddle in the national and local elections in May this year. Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Secretariat, told Luwaran that this policy of no participation in Philippine elections, which has been adopted since 1984 when the MILF was formally renamed as such, still holds water. “Philippine election is so divisive and expensive that after every election so much bloodshed and corrupt practices ensue,” he said, explaining that candidates spent so much money and after election if they win they have to get back their money with “interests” mostly through fraudulent ways. For the losers, except those made of better stuff, he described them to be those whose hearts are full of remorse and frustration and accused their rivals as “cheaters”.
He, however, have admitted: “We can find many good people even those who lose in elections.”
Asked about MILF’s leaders’ relatives running in these elections, he bluntly asserted: “Just the same we do not support them and urged them this early to quit or reconsider their running.” However, he clarified that the MILF will not stop their members from voting in these elections and to choose candidates who are not hostile to the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamnoro.
He also appealed to politicians who were hostile to the GPH-MILF peace negotiations before especially to the botched Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) to make amends by supporting the current negotiation which is about to wind up after the parties succeed to sign the four Annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, normalization, and Modalities and Arrangement. “There is always second time for people who sincerely repent and make up,” he said.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3023:-milf-not-to-meddle-in-2013-polls&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not meddle in the national and local elections in May this year. Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Secretariat, told Luwaran that this policy of no participation in Philippine elections, which has been adopted since 1984 when the MILF was formally renamed as such, still holds water. “Philippine election is so divisive and expensive that after every election so much bloodshed and corrupt practices ensue,” he said, explaining that candidates spent so much money and after election if they win they have to get back their money with “interests” mostly through fraudulent ways. For the losers, except those made of better stuff, he described them to be those whose hearts are full of remorse and frustration and accused their rivals as “cheaters”.
He, however, have admitted: “We can find many good people even those who lose in elections.”
Asked about MILF’s leaders’ relatives running in these elections, he bluntly asserted: “Just the same we do not support them and urged them this early to quit or reconsider their running.” However, he clarified that the MILF will not stop their members from voting in these elections and to choose candidates who are not hostile to the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamnoro.
He also appealed to politicians who were hostile to the GPH-MILF peace negotiations before especially to the botched Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) to make amends by supporting the current negotiation which is about to wind up after the parties succeed to sign the four Annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, normalization, and Modalities and Arrangement. “There is always second time for people who sincerely repent and make up,” he said.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3023:-milf-not-to-meddle-in-2013-polls&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
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