Video: Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, HM Raja Mohammad Ghamar Hasan Mamay Abdurajak

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner Blog site (Mar 28): Video: Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, HM Raja Mohammad Ghamar Hasan Mamay Abdurajak

[Video URL:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QezcsTzJPhA]

Today's Guests: HM Raja Mohammad Ghamar Hasan Mamay Abdurajak, King of Islamic South East Asia and Sultan Prof. Sharief Mohammad Abubakar, Deputy Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo and Chairman of the National Liberation Front of Southern Philippines

 

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/

ANAD: Without doubt, ANAD is proven correct!

Posted to the anti-communist Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Website (Mar 25): Without doubt, ANAD is proven correct!

The ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY (ANAD) Partylist urged the PNoy administration to put to rest all efforts and call to revive the stalled peace negotiations with the Maoist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF. The pro-democracy group issued this statement amidst LP senatorial bet Grace Poe’s call on the Maoist CPP leadership to return to the negotiating table with the government ‘to ensure the peaceful conduct of the May 13, 2013 elections.’ (Poe: Revive talks with the communists, 3/24/13, www.mb.com.ph)

ANAD describes Ms. Poe’s action as an empty call in the wilderness and a cheap propaganda stunt! “For the past 23 years, government bended too much for that elusive olive branch of peace. But it is the Maoist terrorist’s unrelenting violence and insincerity that are always at the core of the issue,” said ANAD Rep. Jun Alcover even as he pointed to GPH panel head Atty. Alex Padilla’s admission, in the same news report, that ‘the talks have bogged down as he expressed exasperation over the seeming lack of sincerity of the CPP-NPA to discuss peace at this time’.

Rep. Alcover also noted the GPH panel head’s belief saying, “I don’t think we should waste our time (negotiating with the CPP-NDF). They always find ways and means to look for an issue.”

”Not only was time wasted but the effort and resources of government too,” added the former NPA political and commanding officer in Eastern and Central Visayas turned pro-democracy leader referring to more pressing issues, e.g. Filipinos killed and detained in Sabah, widespread rotating brownouts in Mindanao, among the many that PNoy must give prior attention.

“ANAD’s position, ever since, is now reinforced and proven right! Our many calls to stop the senseless and useless peace negotiations with the Maoist CPP-NPA-NDF were dismissed as a bane effort to derail the government initiative to forge peace with enemies of state,” said Rep. Alcover.

“Any discussion for a truce or ceasefire shall only be exploited and abused by the Maoist terrorists to enhance their extortion and violent activities against our people. Any cessation of hostilities only extend more than enough window for Maoist terrorists to demand PTCs and PTWs from local candidates, extort money from businesses and industries, and to murder civilians that are in their hit list,” he warns.

However, Rep. Alcover stressed that government must now go-all out and apply the full force of the law against the Maoist communist terrorists. “Again, we believe that the late President Magsaysay’s ‘carrot and stick’ policy must be applied against Jose Ma. Sison’s violent wards,” the pro-democracy solon added as he simply cited Magsaysay’s doctrine: “Find them, fight them, and finish them . . . if they surrender, government shall give all out support to them” as the most effective weapon against terrorism.

http://www.anadpartylist.org/20130325/without-doubt-anad-is-proven-correct.html

ANAD: ANAD condemns NPA’s extra-judicial murder of 2 ex-Maoist rebels

Posted to the anti-communist Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Website (Mar 27): ANAD condemns NPA’s extra-judicial murder of 2 ex-Maoist rebels

The ALLIANCE FOR NATIONALISM AND DEMOCRACY (ANAD) Partylist condemns, in strongest terms, the forced abduction and treacherous murder of 2 former Maoist communist rebels in Sitio Blocking, Brgy. Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, last March 24, 2013.

The victims, now among those in the long list of victims ofMaoist terrorism and treachery, were Julieto Peling, aka Dimple, Cocoy; and Rodel Garcia, aka Brital, all residents of Purok Nangka Tunnel 15, Road 17, Brgy. Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

According to reports from ANAD field chapters in Agusan del Sur, the victims, were having a sort of ‘happy hour’ at the residence of a certain Yuri Eupeña, chairman of Purok 12, Rosario, Agusan del Sur when, at about 9:30pm of March 23, 15 Maoist terrorist NPAs armed with AK-47 and M-16 rifles, led by Renato Sayasat, aka Friday, Dino, of SeCom 14, NEMRC, barged inside the house and forcibly took the victims.

The same report disclosed that the lifeless bodies of Peling and Garcia were found at about 4pm, last March 24, in Sitio Blue Tent, Purok 12, Brgy. Bayugan 3, Rosario Agusan Sur with multiple gunshot wounds, while the head of Peling was cut-off and severed from his body.

It was learned that the victims, after returning back to the folds of the law and government, supported the government’s counter-insurgency campaigns under the People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment, Inc. (PEACE Inc.) led by Agnes Reaño-Lopez, also a former rebel then operating in the areas of Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions. Their efforts paid-off with the containment of Maoist terrorist activities and the arrest of known Maoist terrorist NPA and NDF personalities in Caraga and Southern Mindanao regions.

“ANAD feels sad and bitter that after Peling and Garcia had proven themselves to be true to their promise of going back to the folds of government, the latter failed to extend full support and assistance to them and their families forcing them to indulge in small-mining activities to eke out a living,” said ANAD Rep. Jun Alcover even as he expressed serious concern on the plight of many rebel returnees that are facing the predicament due to the inability of the government to support these people in their desire to re-join the mainstream of Philippine society.

Denouncing the government’s continued lack of support towards and exposing the former rebels to abject exploitation, the former NPA commander said, “Government must provide full support to these people who then were blinded by sweet-talking and glib-tongued Maoist terrorist political officers but now are decided to help government. Paltry and trickling support through payments in exchange for firearms and ammunition they surrender to the AFP definitely is not enough to ensure the former rebel’s assimilation into the real and free Philippine society,” said Rep. Alcover.

http://www.anadpartylist.org/20130327/anad-condemn-npas-extra-judicial-murder-of-2-ex-maoist-rebels.html

RPM-M: Revolutionary Salute and Greetings to Revolutionary Peoples’ Army 18th Founding Anniversary

From the Website of the breakaway Rebolusyonayrong Partido ng Manggagawa-Mindanao [RPM-M or Revolutionary Workers Party-Mindanao (RWP-M) (Mar 18): Revolutionary Salute and Greetings to Revolutionary Peoples’ Army 18th Founding Anniversary

Revolutionary Salute and Greetings to comrades and cadres of the Revolutionary Peoples’ Army (RPA) and the whole command and ranks to celebrate its 18^th founding anniversary of revolutionary service and existence on 18^th of March 2013 in time also of the 45th commemoration of the 1968 Jabidah Massacre that triggered importantly the national liberation aspiration among Bangsamoro.

The Revolutionary Workers’ Party – Mindanao (RPW-M/RPM-M) believes that in our context today, there is always a need for an armed component in this revolutionary path that we have (not a separate component but integral in all forms) – to defend the masses and their victories and at the same time to confront the bourgeois and reactionary assaults and policies harmful to our revolutionary socialist project;

RPW-M/RPM-M also believes that at all times revolutionary forces should always be prepared in the time of antagonist confrontations against the bourgeois system to protect the militants, activists and the progressive movements;

In this moment, we would also like to offer tribute and salute to our comrades in the RPA who offered their lives for the masses and the revolution – their revolutionary contributions will not be put in vain and our the victories of the masses shall offer justice for them;

We call on comrades active in the regular guerrilla, partisan and local militia units to hold on with our Politico-Militar revolutionary framework being the army of the people and the oppressed against the neoliberal and capitalist attacks;

We also would like to give thanks to the masses and allies for continuously showing your supports and constructive critics making us more integrated and grounded;

It is also our call to the tripeople masses and working class to be more consolidated and organized and always be ready for a revolutionary flow that is beneficial to the poor and exploited classes among peoples;

Now, we altogether (the Party and the Army) were able to reflect and realized that revolutionary armies cannot just be armies alone but it can perform also political tasks same with all militants and activists around the world that is not seen as additional burden but appreciated as real revolutionary contribution.

Our comrades are capable of being a political and a military cadre. And yes, we have more works to do and we have done a lot so far.

We are in this together!

In Revolution,

Revolutionary Workers’ Party – Mindanao, Philippines
Executive Committee
16 March 2013

http://www.grenzeloos.org/jl/?p=442

NPA insurgents execute 2 comrades

From Tempo (Mar 27): NPA insurgents execute 2 comrades

Philippines – New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents in Agusan Del Sur seized and killed two of their former comrades who have returned to the fold of the law, a military spokesman said.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said the abduction occurred around 9:40 p.m. on March 24 when a group NPA insurgents armed with AK47 and M16 armalite rifle led by Renato Sayasat forcibly took Julieto Acebedo Piling alias “Dimple Cocoy” and Rodel Garcia alias “Brital”, both of Purok Nangka Tunnel 15, Road 17, Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur.

Osias said the victims were having a happy hour at the residence of a certain Yurie Eupenia, a village leader, when the rebels arrived and at gunpoint, took Piling and Garcia with them. That was the last time the two were seen alive.

On the following day, March 24 at around 4:00 p.m., Osias said the two were found lifeless in Sito Blue Tent, Purok 12, Barangay Bayugan 3, Rosario, Agusan del Sur with multiple gunshot wounds.

The military condemned this latest extrajudicial killing done by the NPA.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/03/npa-insurgents-execute-2-comrades/

Kirams say Malaysian security forces killed kin in Sabah

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): Kirams say Malaysian security forces killed kin in Sabah

The heirs of the Sultan of Sulu: (seated from left) Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram II and (standing from left) Datu Alianapia Kiram, Datu Phugdal Kiram and Datu Baduruddin Kiram. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo said on Wednesday that an uncle of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was killed in Sabah by Malaysian security forces on Sunday.

Abraham Idjirani, spokesperson for the sultanate, said the slain Jamjam Salih was 71 to 74 years old and was an ustadz, a religious leader, and he had been living in Semporna town with his family since 1990.

“They (Malaysian authorities) did not know that he was a peaceful and religious man,” Idjirani said by phone.

Idjirani did not say how Salih was killed. Jamalul’s daughter, Princess Jacel Kiram, said Salih was arrested on Sunday and killed.

But there were no reports of arrests or killings involving followers of the Sulu sultan in Sabah on Sunday.

The INQUIRER contacted a Sabah reporter to check the sultanate’s claims about Salih’s killing and was told that Sabah police reported no arrests or killings on that day.

Jacel said she had been talking with her uncle Agbimuddin Kiram and he told her that Salih was arrested in Lahad Datu after the authorities had determined that the ustadz was a relative of the Kirams.

Jacel said, however, that the information about Salih’s arrest and death was unclear.

Agbimuddin alive

The princess said Agbimuddin, whom Malaysian authorities said had abandoned his men and slipped back to southern Philippines, was in Sabah and regularly called to assure the family that he remained safe despite intense police military operations against the followers of the Sulu sultan.

The intrusion of Agbimuddin’s armed group into Sabah on Feb. 9 to press the Sulu sultanate’s claim to the territory has led to the three-week-old fighting between his men and Malaysian security forces.

Sixty-five fighters from Agbimuddin’s group have been killed in the fighting that began on March 1.

Eight policemen and two soldiers have been killed on the Malaysian side.

Jacel blamed the violence on the Malaysian government, saying Agbimuddin’s group did not go to Sabah to fight but to spend their last days in their own homeland.

“We do not want war,” Jacel said, adding that Agbimuddin’s men were shooting back only to defend themselves.

The fighting in Sabah has forced thousands of Filipinos illegally living in the eastern Malaysian territory to leave and return to the Philippines.

Fleeing Sabah

Nearly 4,000 undocumented Filipinos have landed in Mindanao after fleeing Sabah in the past three weeks.

Most of them, however, say they want to go back to Sabah when the crisis is over.

On Monday a boat with 100 undocumented Filipinos landed in Tawi-Tawi, bringing to 3,864 the number of returnees since fighting in Sabah began on March 1.

“I think it’s fair to say it’s big in terms of actual lives involved. But given the total number of Filipinos there that we know, it’s still very manageable,” Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said yesterday.

Soliman said the total number of returnees could be larger.

“We don’t have a good handle of the number. They’re coming in trickles. I’m sure there could be arrivals that we’re not able to monitor,” she said.

Most of the returnees came from Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Semporna and landed in Taganak and Sibutu islands in Tawi-Tawi.

The government has provided P13.4 million worth of food and transportation assistance for the returnees, Soliman said.

Legal aid through Tingting

At the Kirams’ home in Taguig City, senatorial candidate Margarita Cojuangco said she would help the Sulu sultanate provide legal assistance to its followers who had been arrested and facing charges in Sabah.

“We would like to raise funds from a donation of P10 to P100 to help the legal team to help Sultan Kiram,” Cojuangco said.

She said the legal team is composed of private lawyers with their own law firms.

“They have to travel to the different islands of the Philippines. They don’t charge legal fees. The concern of the sultan is we should help them at least to bring justice and to work for human beings,” Cojuangco said.

Jamalul said Cojuangco came to help on his invitation.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70553/kirams-say-malaysian-security-forces-killed-kin-in-sabah

MILF wants peace talks fast-tracked

From the Philippine Star (Mar 28): MILF wants peace talks fast-tracked

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday urged the international community to call for the fast tracking of the peace process, saying the conclusion of its negotiations with the government is an “urgent business.”

“We call on everyone, including the international community, to urge all parties to expedite the talks in a deliberate and sure manner,” the MILF said in an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com.

“Time is ticking away; once it has passed, we cannot go back anymore. We also call upon them to journey with us until the conclusion of these negotiations,” it added.
President Aquino earlier requested that the 37th round of talks that were originally slated for March 25-27 be reset to next month.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said Aquino deems it necessary to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.
Despite the delay, the two parties made a “firm commitment” to continue the talks in an expeditious manner.

The MILF everyone wants to settle the conflict in Mindanao with honor, justice, and without delay.

“The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path,” the group said.

The MILF warned the government that failure to finish the talks within the term of Aquino could lead to violence.

“The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Aquino, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao,” it said.

Civil society groups in Mindanao are dismayed by the postponement of the peace talks, believing this would provide “spoilers” the opportunity to pursue their agenda.
“We are very much disappointed with the decision of the government peace panel to cancel the 37th exploratory talks with the MILF,” said Datuan Magon, deputy secretary-general of the United Youth for Peace and Development.

Magon said the government and MILF should continue the talks since it is the only way to resolve the conflict in Mindanao.

The Mindanao Action for Peace and Development Initiatives is worried that the postponement could lead to violence similar to that triggered by the voiding of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain in 2008.

“We cannot allow any groups to thrive on their personal interests over the gains of the peace talks between the government and the MILF,” said Norodin Midsuyao, vice president of Kaumpiya sa Mindanao Inc.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/28/924848/milf-wants-peace-talks-fast-tracked

MNLF's mysterious, arrogant leadership (Part 1)

Column  from the New Straits Times (Mar 27): Part 1: MNLF's mysterious, arrogant leadership

FREEDOM FOR MORO PEOPLE: In this first of a two-part series, Dr Paridah Abd Samad traces the emergence of the Moro National Liberation Front

THE emergence of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) saw increased awareness of Muslim youth and student activists and they asserted their demand for better treatment of the Moro people.

Nur Misuari, who became chairman of MNLF, was an officer of the Kabataang Makabayan (Patriotic Youth), a radical student group in Manila which applied a Marxist analysis to the Philippine situation and advocated a revolutionary struggle against feudalism, capitalism and imperialism.

Misuari completed his education with an academic scholarship at the University of the Philippines. He became a lecturer of political science at the university and was also a lecturer at the Mindanao State University.

In the 1960s, the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) was established which aimed to organise an independent state in southern Philippines. In 1969, MIM leaders formed the MNLF, the military component of the secessionist movement headed by Misuari, that sought political reforms from the Philippine government.

As the MNLF was formed by a group of young secular-educated Moros, they, like Misuari, wanted to dissociate the Front from the traditional aristocratic elite whose leadership was viewed as feudal.

They agreed to a resolution that the Moros would strive for "a federal state" by attempting to pursue their struggle through legal channels. The rift between the younger generation of MNLF and traditional aristocratic leadership groups finally came into the open.

Misuari and his group moved to Sabah and then to Tripoli in which time the MNLF was already at war with government forces. At the same time, it exerted its efforts to gain recognition from the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In a way, the MNLF was viewed by repressed Muslims, who needed a front as instrument to fight the encroachment of the Filipino Christians, as a vehicle of jihad.

In spite of this, the Tripoli Agreement, signed on Dec 23, 1976, was an agreement between the Philippine government and the MNLF, with the participation of the OIC. In 1975, the OIC facilitated a meeting between the Philippine government and the MNLF in Jeddah to negotiate for autonomy.

According to the agreement, full autonomy shall be given to the thirteen provinces, namely Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Palawan. Included in the agreement were nine cities and all the villages situated within the mentioned provinces.

The Tripoli Agreement was signed after the MNLF had given up its demand for independence and after President Ferdinand Marcos had promised to grant full autonomy to the Muslim Filipinos in the southern islands as provided under the agreement. However, Marcos did not fulfil his promise.

The breakdown of the Tripoli Agreement shook the credibility of the MNLF, allowing the cleavage which had always existed within the Front to emerge.

Salamat Hashim's group was first to break away from the mainstream MNLF. He attempted to take over the chairmanship of the MNLF by challenging Misuari at a meeting in Mecca in December 1977.

Misuari refused to recognise the election which resulted in favour of Salamat as chairman. He discredited Salamat as incompetent and insubordinate and accused him of treachery against the MNLF.

In his letter to the secretary-general of the OIC, Dr Amadou Karim Gaye, Salamat gave the following reasons for the takeover: "Mr Misuari, who assumed the MNLF Central Committee chairmanship, plugged the MNLF in a deep leadership crisis, due to multi-various reasons among which are:

"FIRSTLY, the MNLF was being manipulated away from Islamic basis, methodologies and objective and fast evolving towards Marxist-Maoist orientations.

"SECONDLY, instead of evolving towards harmonised, unified and collective leadership, the Central Committee has evolved into a mysterious, exclusive, secretive and monolithic body, whose policies, plans and decisions and disposition, political, financial and/or strategic, became an exclusive preserve of Misuari.

"THIRDLY, this mysterious, exclusive, and arrogant nature of the MNLF leadership resulted into confusion, suspicion and disappointments among the members in the field resulting in the loss to the cause of a great number of fighters."

As the military resistance to the Marcos government did not produce autonomy for the Moro people, Misuari departed to Saudi Arabia in exile. He returned to the Philippines after Marcos was removed from office during the People Power Revolution in 1986.

President Corazon Aquino, who replaced Marcos and the mother of the President Benigno Aquino III, had shown her strong desire to solve the problems of the Muslims as part of the government's effort to unify the nation. A preliminary peace discussion was held in Jolo in September 1986 between Aquino and Misuari as chairman of the MNLF.

A joint statement was issued by the MNLF and the Philippine government for a proposal to be submitted by the MNLF on the mechanism and details of the MNLF demand.

The proposal, known as "MNLF Panel Proposal for the Grant of Full Autonomy to Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Palawan and Tawi-Tawi submitted to the Philippine Government Panel in the RP-MNLF Talks Pursuant to the Jeddah Accord of January 3, 1987", was submitted on Feb 20, 1987.

The proposal, which demanded an autonomous region stretching from Tawi-Tawi to Sulu to Basilan, had received opposition from groups as diverse as the Christian populace and the military.

In Part II tomorrow: Further rejection makes MNLF fighters restive

http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/mnlf-s-mysterious-arrogant-leadership-1.242501

Op/Ed: Exorcising the demons

Op/Ed piece in the Manila Standard Today (Mar 27): Exorcising the demons

THE emaciated state of Warren Rodwell, the 54-year-old Australian held hostage for 15 months by the Abu Sayyaf bandits, mirrors the feebleness of the government’s efforts to exorcise the demons of Mindanao.

The bandits have long abandoned any pretense of fighting for some twisted ideology and have turned kidnapping into a lucrative criminal enterprise, preying on helpless civilians whose families can afford to pay a ransom for their safe release.

In the case of Rodwell, his family reportedly paid P4 million that the bandits had the temerity to call “board and lodging.” Adding insult to injury, government officials and the mediator who negotiated Rodwell’s release parroted the kidnappers’ line to skirt the official policy that no ransom should ever be paid to terrorists.

For the record, board and lodging is what travelers freely pay when they are on the road. When the payment is made at gunpoint, that is called a ransom. Calling it anything else insults our intelligence and serves only to legitimize the thriving criminal activities of the Abu Sayyaf.

Nor does the fact that the kidnappers received much less than the $2 million they first demanded alter the nature of the payment. If the P4 million were in fact board and lodging, Rodwell would have lived in comfort at the price of P266,000 for each month of his “forced vacation.” Instead, he was so weak after his release that he could hardly lift a tea cup.

In the face of such brazen lawlessness, President Aquino has said nothing substantive on the matter, choosing instead to campaign for his anointed senatorial candidates for the May elections. Like the President, none of his candidates have a clue or even a suggestion on how these despicable criminals can be finally eradicated.

The military is fond of pointing out that the Abu Sayyaf’s ranks have “dwindled” to only 200, and that the problem will soon be solved. Yet, in the three years since Mr. Aquino came to power, the kidnapping business in Mindanao has clearly not abated.

Sending 3,000 soldiers to hunt down the bandits after they scored another easy P4 million is a public relations exercise that no longer fool anybody. We have seen it all too many times before, in a cycle of crime and fruitless pursuit reminiscent of the Keystone Cops.

If this government cannot even exorcise these demons in Mindanao who make a mockery of the law, what moral right does it have to ask us to elect into office more lawmakers who can contribute nothing to the problem’s ultimate solution?

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/03/27/exorcising-the-demons/

Op/Ed: Who benefits?

Op/Ed piece in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26): Who benefits?

Was it P7 million or P4 million? The amount of the ransom paid for the release of Australian Warren Rodwell has become an issue of contention, as local officials in Basilan as well as Rodwell’s wife have denied an earlier report that part of the money went to intermediaries and middlemen who helped negotiate Rodwell’s release from captivity by the bandit group Abu Sayyaf. Miraflor Gutang, Rodwell’s wife, acknowledged that the kidnappers had initially demanded P7 million, “but I told them Warren and I could only raise as much as P4 million.” To raise the amount, she said, she had to sell their house, water refilling station and vehicle, and seek help from relatives abroad.

No one should begrudge the lengths Gutang went to obtain her husband’s release. Anyone would do the same for a loved one whose ordeal in the hands of kidnappers notorious for beheading their captives had stretched on for an appalling 15 months. Rodwell, 54, was snatched on Dec. 5, 2011, from his house in Ipil town by Abu Sayyaf bandits posing as policemen, and for interminable months was moved from one island to another and made to trek through the jungle as negotiations for his release stretched on. When he was released in Pagadian City, the ex-soldier was so weakened that he could hardly walk or even bring a cup of coffee to his lips. But he could still make light of his emaciated condition: “Skeleton,” he quipped as he took off his shirt for the camera.

Is it being cynical to say that, whatever promise of peace and stability in the horizon for Mindanao that was raised by the announcement last year of a “framework agreement” between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, such hope has lately floundered on the rocks of some bafflingly unforeseen—or perhaps glossed over—complications?

For one, the long-dormant Sabah question has exploded into a full-blown diplomatic crisis for the Aquino administration as the Sultanate of Sulu tried to stake its claim by forcing a showdown with Malaysia. However clumsy the Kiram family’s moves were, it’s surprising to realize how the government has neglected to include such traditionally powerful local stakeholders in the new autonomous map of Mindanao that it is mandated to draw up with the MILF under the framework agreement.

On top of the strife spawned by the Kirams’ adventure, the reemergence of Rodwell from captivity highlights another unresolved Mindanao problem: the kidnap-for-ransom industry that continues to thrive in the region despite the government having declared time and again that the Abu Sayyaf is a spent force, or at least one that is constantly on the run. The reality is that the bandit group remains a formidable scourge, both for the impunity with which it is able to carry out its crimes, and for the vast amounts in ransom money that it has amassed from its string of abductions over the years.

At this time, two Europeans, a Jordanian journalist and a Japanese are still being held by the bandits. Rodwell’s release on the strength of the payment of ransom—P4 million or P7 million?—indicates that the remaining captives will not be tasting freedom anytime soon for anything less. The government may publicly stick to its guns, as it has in Rodwell’s case, that it has a strict no-ransom policy, but in the end, considerations of preserving the lives of kidnap victims will be paramount, so money will change hands, and the violent rigmarole simply reinforces itself.

The Abu Sayyaf has terrorized large swathes of Mindanao and kidnapped dozens of people over the years, at least 15 of them church people who were doing invaluable service to poor and remote communities. The United States appears to have hundreds of soldiers based in the area to augment the firepower and intelligence of the Philippine military, which itself has been allocated millions of pesos of public funds through the years for use in the campaign to rout out this supposedly ragtag bandit group.

And yet the war against the Abu Sayyaf is nowhere near even a stalemate. Its gallery of unfortunate victims grows longer and more international every year, dealing a perpetual black eye to the government’s assurances that lawlessness in Mindanao is being dealt with. Once again, it should be asked: Who is benefiting from keeping the Abu Sayyaf alive, and from the kidnap-for-ransom industry?

http://opinion.inquirer.net/49565/who-benefits

SOTH children turn tables on US volunteers

From the Defense Video and Image Distribution System (DVIDS) (Mar 26): SOTH children turn tables on US volunteers

















Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jose Zamudioguzman, left, and Lance Cpl. Marshal Schmidt from the 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion compete in a two-basketball foot race during a community relations (COMREL) project at Shepherd of the Hills (SOTH) Children's Foundation. The two Marines were among 40 other volunteers participating in the project coordinated by the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) chaplain. The children's home was founded in 1976 after a typhoon displaced the foundation's first 20 children. SOTH is dedicated to providing a caring home for abandoned, neglected, abused or underprivileged children. The COMREL was one of several scheduled by JCMOTF units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey/Released)

ZAMBALES, Philippines – Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) staff members joined 40 other service members to visit a Philippine orphanage during a community relations (COMREL) event coordinated by the JCMOTF chaplain.

Initially designed as an event during which military members would visit some of Zambales’ displaced youths at the Shepherd of the Hills (SOTH) Children’s Foundation and lighten their spirits, to the surprise of many, it was the children who delighted the volunteers.

“Today was a total shock,” said Marine Corps 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion Lance Cpl. Juliana Gatica. “I thought the purpose of coming here would be for me to make them feel better, but each time they placed my hand on their forehead, wrapped me in a hug or laughed at nearly everything we did, my heart would melt. They cheered me up in so many ways.”

Shepherd of the Hills was founded in 1976 after a typhoon displaced its first 20 children. From there, the foundation grew from a simple act of charity into a 5-acre, globally-funded foundation that provides education and support in a family environment.

According to SOTH President Nathaniel Mejica, success from the school stems from the home-like setup. The 60 children are separated into groups and cared for by an assigned mom and dad. This format inspires a strong family bond, said Mejica, and unlike most group homes, remains in place for life.

“Our children can stay as long as they like,” said Mejica. “As long as they are pursuing education or employment – something every parent wants – then we aren’t required to push them out.”

Mejica says that being part of a family is crucial to the development of the children.

“When you’ve been teaching these kids that family is eternal, only to push them away later, confuses them and is damaging,” added Mejica. “We don’t want that. We are a real family that has built healthy homes.”

During the event, military members played basketball and other games with the children. Some members sat quietly with other children, talking and learning about each other. For JCMOTF Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Ron Kennedy, the only required activity was keeping an open heart, the same way other military members have done in the past at the foundation.

“The ties our U.S. military has with this orphanage date clear back to its beginning,” said Kennedy. “It’s a fantastic foundation that truly, truly cares about the children they take into their arms.”

As the volunteers prepared to depart, each gave their day’s adopted child a hug that for Lance Cpl. Gatica, reminded her of home.

“I come from a big family,” said Gatica. “Today was the only day I didn’t miss them and that last hug I got from Cherrie made me feel as though I was right there with them again.”

The SOTH COMREL is one of several being coordinated by Kennedy in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.

Balikatan is an annual Republic of the Philippines–U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104091/soth-children-turn-tables-us-volunteers

Defense chief describes Abu Sayyaf as a ‘marginalized’ group

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26): Defense chief describes Abu Sayyaf as a ‘marginalized’ group

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. FILE PHOTO

Despite their demonstrated ability to continue kidnapping people, including foreigners, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Tuesday that the bandit group was now a “marginalized” organization.

“The Abu Sayyaf [members are] very few. They have been marginalized. We are able to isolate them especially so with the recent encounter of the MNLF and the Abu Sayyaf,” Gazmin told reporters.

Gazmin said the Moro National Liberation Front has been giving the military information about the Abu Sayyaf, which “makes our job a little easier.”

Gazmin said that the government continued to work for the release of the Abu Sayyaf’s remaining after Australian national Warren Rodwell was freed by his captors after his family paid a ransom of P4 million.

The kidnap victims have been under the Abu Sayyaf’s hold for more than a year. But Gazmin said security forces are ensuring a safe rescue of the hostages to prevent a repetition of the deaths of American Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap who were caught in the crossfire.

“We would want to prevent that from happening again, that is why we are studying the [rescue plan] carefully and we are coming up with a good plan so that the victims will not be hurt,” Gazmin said.

The defense chief also echoed a statement of President Aquino that while the government maintains a no-ransom policy, the government cannot stop the families of kidnap victims from paying off the Abu Sayyaf just to get their loved ones back. Nonetheless, Gazmin said, the government discourages the payment of ransom.

The government has a no-ransom policy because giving in to the demands of the Abu Sayyaf would only “give rise to more problems,” Gazmin said.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/70381/defense-chief-describes-abu-sayyaf-as-a-marginalized-group

It’s now or never for MILF

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): It’s now or never for MILF

It’s now or never.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants the peace deal with the government sealed before the term of President Benigno Aquino III ends in 2016, saying that beyond that would jeopardize the chances of having lasting peace in Mindanao.

The MILF also warned that any delay in the peace talks could lead to a resumption of fighting in Mindanao.

“The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path,” the MILF said on its official website, luwaran.com.

“The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao,” it added.

The MILF statement came in the form of an editorial, as luwaran.com is also the group’s official news site.

It was uploaded on March 24, after the postponement of the 37th exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur was announced.

President Aquino called for the postponement of the talks to give him more time to review the annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

The MILF said the “devastation” wrought by the war in Mindanao was the reason the MILF peace panel “refused to agree to postpone the peace negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, as set by the parties, or much more to change the venue.”

Sense of justice

“Without a doubt, President Aquino possesses this feeling of urgency too. Perhaps he, more than anyone else, we believe, because of many reasons: First, his sense of justice—as with his father and mother—that the Moros are a “wronged people” which requires not only cosmetic rectification but also an honest, fair, humane deal; second, solving the problem in Mindanao is certainly the best legacy that any Philippine president can impart and dedicate to the whole nation; third, he knows that without putting to rest the bloody mess in Mindanao, the Philippines can never take off as a developing states; and fourth, the war in Mindanao… is unwinnable by both sides of the equation. The MILF cannot win the war by conventional means nor can the government crush the MILF, which can always resort to full guerrilla warfare,” the group said.

The MILF said this rendered the conclusion of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation as urgent business.

“Any reason to delay it, even if it is predicated by a seemingly honest reason, cannot be given much weight. Like a professional boxer, once inside the ring, he cannot make any pretext; either he boxes or calls it quits—and loses,” it added.

So much more to do

The MILF also stressed that the talks were urgent because the Bangsamoro Transition Committee (BTC) only has a year and nine months “remaining in its 2-year life span, within which it has to write the basic law, among other functions, and to secure its undiluted passage by Congress, as well as its ratification by majority of the voters in the proposed Bangsamoro territory.”

The MILF called on “everyone including the international community” to help in accelerating the talks, but in a “deliberate and sure manner.”

Journey to conclusion

“Time is ticking away; once it has passed, we cannot go back anymore. We also call upon them to journey with us until the conclusion of these negotiations,” the MILF said.

Nonetheless, the MILF on Monday issued a joint statement with the government peace panel where they both said they remained committed “to continue the talks in an expeditious manner.”

The government and the MILF agreed to reset the 37th Round of Formal Peace Talks to the second week of April.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/381087/its-now-or-never-for-milf

New WesCom chief named

From Malaya (Mar 27): New WesCom chief named

PRESIDENT Aquino has designated Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero as new commander of the Western Command which supervises all military operations in Palawan and in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Guerrero, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, is replacing fellow Marine Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban (PMA 1978) who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on April 1.

With his designation, Guerrero can now be promoted to the next higher rank of lieutenant general. He has to be promoted before November this year or he will have to go on compulsory retirement.

The military’s attrition law states that a general should be promoted to the next rank before the third year of his assumption of his current rank. Guerrero got his second star in November 2010.

Before assuming as Marines commandant more than two years ago, Guerrero was commander of the military’s Joint Task Force Comet, an anti-terrorism unit based in Sulu which is a bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf. He also served as commander of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Basilan, another bailiwick area of the Abu Sayyaf; as superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center; chief of staff of the Marine Corps; and chief of plans and policy division at the office of the AFP deputy chief of staff for education and training.

He is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 in November 2015.

The new Marines commandant is Brig. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo (PMA Class 1983) who is currently chief of the AFP Command Center. Tanalgo’s successor will be Col. Oscar Lactao (Class 1984), commander of the 303rd Brigade.

Lactao will be replaced by his deputy, Col. John Aying (Class 1984).

Brig. Gen. Cesar Dionisio Sedillo (Class 81) will be taking over as chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, a peace mechanism in the talks between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Sedillo, current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, replaces retiring Brig. Gen. Gilberto Roa (non-PMAer).

Sedillo’s post will go to Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya (Class 1983), commander of the 901st Brigade. Visaya will be succeeded by Col. Raul Farnacio (Class 1985), the chief of staff of the AFP Central Command.

The other officers who got new assignments are Navy Capt. Virgillo Garcia (Class 1983), now the new Naval Internal Auditor; Capt. Joel dela Cruz (Class 1983), new commander of the Navy’s Service Force; Capt. Jorge Amba (Class 1985), new assistant commandant and Dean of Academics of the AFP Command and General Staff College; Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda (Class 1983), new commander of the General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command; and Capt. Marcial Constante (Class 1984), the new AFP provost marshal general.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/27553-new-wescom-chief-named

Military: NPA rebels collect permit to campaign

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Mar 27): Military: NPA rebels collect permit to campaign

AN ARMY official admitted Wednesday that the military received reports that the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels are demanding permit to campaign (PTC) fees from local candidates campaigning in areas believed to be controlled by the communist rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the Philippine Army’s 4t Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said that soon after the filing of the certificate of candidacy in 2012, the NPA has been demanding PTC fees from some local political bets especially in Misamis Oriental.

Lieutenant Colonel George Banzon, commander of the 58th Infantry battalion based in Claveria in Misamis Oriental, said the local candidates pay the PTC fees to get protection to campaign in the areas where the rebels allegedly have strong influence.

Banzon said the insurgents have been sending letters to the candidates demanding for campaign fees, or they (politicians) would have difficulty in entering the “NPA territories.”

“Ambot kon nakadawat naba sila ug sulat for permit to campaign apan wala pa may mi-angkon nga kandidato,” Banzon earlier told a local radio, adding the rebels have new scheme on collecting the fees. But, he did not elaborate.

“Ang ilang pamaagi pa gyud magpabuto sila aron mahadlok ang mga kandidato, mohatag na lang dayon,” he added.

Osias said the NPA rebels do not have ownership over the lands they considered as “liberated” for to be obligated to pay protection during campaign sorties.

“They (NPAs) don’t own the land and they are not mandated to do so. If you are the mayor (in certain locality) would you dare ask for campaign fees from senatorial candidates? You don’t have the authority,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro over the phone.

He said the 4ID would be compelled to deploy army troops in the area where candidates are reportedly afraid to enter due to security reasons.

“What we do is tinataboy namin sila sa area so the candidates would have harmony in presenting their platforms,” Osias added.

Banzon, for his part, said it is the army’s obligation to provide security in security-risk areas, but its mandate is limited only to candidates for governors up to congressmen.

Osias said the Commission on Elections already released advisories and directives to the division and its various army units have already been deployed in rebel-infested communities.

Claveria Mayor Redentor Salvaleon, in radio interviews, admitted receiving a letter from the communist group demanding for PTC fees, but denied paying the said fees.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/03/27/military-npa-rebels-collect-permit-campaign-275096

Eastern Samar declared insurgent-free

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 28): Eastern Samar declared insurgent-free

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – The Philippine Army (PA)’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) is celebrating another milestone here with the declaration of this province as Manageable Conflict Affected and Ready for Development (MCA-RDA) last Tuesday, March 26.

The declaration was held at the Provincial Capitol Building, in this city with Governor Conrado Nicart Jr, and 8thID Commander MGen Gerardo T. Layug, as the main signatories. The event was witnessed by Eastern Samar Vice Governor Christopher P. Gonzales, 801st Infantry Brigade (801IB) Commander BGen Romeo L. Labador, Col. Jacinto R. Bareng representing Central Command (Centcom) head Rear Admiral Edgar T. Abogado, and PSupt Jose Caesar Bueza BisoBeso of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office.

“By nature, every leader and every man always wishes to have peace in their respective community, for without peace there would be no progress and prosperity,” said Nicart, who also lauded the effort of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province.

“Peace and order is one of the flagship programs of my administration, it is a concerted effort and coordination of all government agencies to make Eastern Samar a peaceful and better place to live with,” he added.

Nicart also stressed that the joint declaration is not only the success of his administration but rather, the success of each and every Eastern Samareño.”

For his part, MGen Layug cited that the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as a MCA-RDA province is, indeed, a very significant event which showed that the spirit of ‘Bayanihan” is strong among the PA, local government units and other stakeholders in this province.

“We are sending a strong message that we in Eastern Samar believe that it is through peace and development efforts, and not armed struggle, that we can achieve sustainable development and a just a lasting peace in this part of the country,” Layug added.

Meanwhile, Bareng read the message of Abogado who congratulated the Provincial Peace and Order Council led by Governor Nicart for steering the Eastern Samar towards the path of peace.

http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=5287&sid=1&subid=5

US pledges reparations 'beyond required by law' for USS Guardian mishap

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 27): US pledges reparations 'beyond required by law' for USS Guardian mishap

The United States government will compensate the Philippine government "beyond what is required by law" over the damage that the US Navy vessel caused on the Tubbataha Reefs, according to Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

With the looming completion of the salvaging of the USS Guardian, Abaya said the assessment on the total extent of damage in the protected marine sanctuary will soon follow.

"I think the Americans will most likely compensate beyond what is required by law as their way of apologizing for this embarrassing incident," he said.

According to international law, compensation rate is pegged at $300 per square meter of damage.

But the compensation due to the Philippine Government because of the grounding of USS Guardian at the Tubbataha Reef "will take a different course" from the investigation. Abaya said the determination will be in coordination with the Tubbataha Park Management Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

DoTC, through the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), will be involved in the investigation of the incidents that led to the grounding of the minesweeper at the Tubbataha Reefs last January 17.

"The arrangement is that our investigation team will fly to Japan to ask particular questions to the US investigating team before their report is finalized. They can also ask further questions to the crew," Abaya said.

The Cabinet official disclosed that the Palace has not given the PCG deadline to complete its investigation.

"If the trip is conducted and we are satisfied, the deadline would no longer be material. What we want to see here is how to avoid a similar incident from happening," he added.

In an interview during the inter-agency inspection of the Pier 12 of North Harbor in Manila last Tuesday, PCG Commandant Rodolfo Isorena said the good weather and sea conditions are speeding up the salvage operations.

"The last lifting of the vessel's hull may be completed by March 29 or 30," Isorena said.

Under the salvage plan, floating cranes will be used to methodically remove the stranded vessel, which will be cut into pieces before being vertically extracted from the site.

The official said the salvage operation was hastened because "the weather and sea conditions have cooperated."

"So far, the salvage operation has been very smooth and successful. Personnel in the site are very careful not to inflict further damage in the reef," he added.

After the completion of the salvage of USS Guardian, Isorena said the PCG will cooperate with the United States Navy to assess the overall damage that the minesweeper has inflicted in the Tubbataha Reef, which is a protected marine sanctuary and renowned as a World Heritage Site.

"After the completion of the salvage operations, there will be a joint assessment on the damage. Then there will be a shift on focus to the formal investigation," he said.

Isorena shared that the United States Embassy in Manila has invited the PCG inquiry team to confer with the US investigating panel in Japan.

"Only when we meet with them will we know how long the investigation will take," he said, adding that there is no deadline for the US-Philippine inquiry teams to finish the investigation and submit their report.

The USS Guardian ran aground in the Tubbataha Reefs last January 17.

Divers from the PCG initially assessed that the incident caused damage to approximately 1,000 square meters of corals.

However, US and Filipino authorities assured that no fuel has leaked since the grounding incident and all of the approximately 15,000 gallons of crude oil from the US Navy vessel have been safely transferred off the ship.

For its part, the US government has earlier apologized for the maritime incident and assured that the Philippine government will be compensated accordingly for the damage on the corrals of the Tubbataha Reef.

Furthermore, the US government has committed to infuse funds, equipment and expertise to ensure the restoration, rehabilitation and the long-term conservation and protection of the Tubbataha Reef.

http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=5278&sid=1&subid=2

Palace firm on prosecuting 38 Royal Sulu Army members

From the Daily Tribune (Mar 27): Palace firm on prosecuting 38 Royal Sulu Army members

The Aquino administration appears hell-bent on prosecuting 38 alleged members of the Royal Army of the Sultan of Sulu who were aboard a boat heading for Tawi-Tawi when intercepted by a Philippine Navy vessel.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima insisted on throwing the book at the 38 individuals as she ordered a reinvestigation of their cases.

“It’s (reinvestigation) only a remedy provided or available to respondents. Since they were indicted through inquest, it’s just natural to seek a full-blown preliminary investigation. It’s not an indication that the case filed was weak,” she told reporters in an interview yesterday.

De Lima said they would abide by the court order. She said she would create a panel of prosecutors that will conduct the investigation in DoJ on charges of illegal possession of firearms and violations of election gun ban and Article 118 of Revised Penal Code (RPC) or inciting to war.

De Lima said the 38 individuals, in the meantime, would remain in detention at a naval facility in Panglima Sugala pending decision of the regional trial court (RTC) on their motion for reduction of bail.

Chief public attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, chief counsel of the indigent accused, said the court had originally set a bail of P164,000 for each of the accused covering all three charges, or a total of P6.2 million.

“We asked the court to reduce it to up to P9,000 each or total of P342,000 for all 38 accused because of their extreme poverty,” she explained.

In the hearing last Monday, RTC Judge Peter Eisma opted to first get comments from the DoJ before deciding on this motion. The DoJ was given five days to comply with the order.

The 38 were intercepted in three separate incidents by the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard off the seas of Tawi-tawi and are now detained at a naval facility in Panglima Sugala.

It was the first batch of members of the royal guard of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III to face charges in the country following their incursion in Sabah over the sultanate’s territorial claim.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, meanwhile, expressed doubts that the 38 followers of the Sulu sultanate, who were intercepted earlier by government forces in Tawi-Tawi from Sabah, would be turned over to Malaysia.

“We cannot just turn them over, we don’t have (an) extradition treaty with them,” said Gazmin, during an interview in Camp Aguinaldo.

The 38 followers of Raja Muda Agbimmudin Kiram fled Sabah at the height of skirmishes between members of the Royal Security Forces (RSF) of the Royal Sultanate of Sulu and the Malaysian forces two weeks ago. They were intercepted by the Philippine Navy in Tawi-Tawi.

Initially, the 38, including leaders of the RSF, were charged with illegal possession of firearms after yielding various guns when they were arrested.

“You cannot just turn them over, it should be a mutually agreed arrangement with their (Malaysian) government. Of course, Malaysian laws will be upheld in their area. On our part, we would also apply our own laws,” said Gazmin.

So far, Gazmin said that he has not heard of any request from Malaysia to get custody of the 38 arrested followers of Agbimmudin.

Pressed what if Malaysian government asked for the turnover of the 38, Gazmin replied. “ I really do not know. That is up to our legal department, that’s beyond my competency.”

Malaysia has already charged eight members of the RSF with terrorist acts and waging war against Malaysia.

Gazmin also noted reports saying that Raja Muda Agbmmudin Kiram is actually a Malaysian. He, however, stressed that initial efforts by the government to check on the reports yielded “inconclusive” results.

“Well, since he is a Malaysian, so Malaysian laws will apply to him while he is there,” said Gazmin.
Asked if the Philippine government is checking on Agbimmudin’s nationality, Gazmin replied “I cannot give you a definite answer on that, maybe we are but we have not found any conclusive answer yet.”

Agbimmudin led more than 200 followers of the Sulu sultanate in their “homecoming” to Sabah last Feb. 9 to revive claims over the disputed territory. Three days later, a standoff erupted that led to an armed confrontation between the RSF and Malaysian forces.

Last March 1, Malaysian security forces launched full-scale military operations against the group of Agbimmudin. So far, the conflict resulted in the killing of 64 Filipino-Tausugs and 10 Malaysian troops.

United Nationalist Alliance senatorial bet and Cagayan Representative Jack Enrile lauded the PAO in extending the necessary legal assistance to Filipino-Muslims who were victims of reported human rights abuses in Sabah at the hands of Malaysian security and police forces.

“Aside from the basics that include food, shelter and psychosocial counseling that our government must provide to Filipino-Muslims who escaped from the ongoing Sabah conflict, immediate legal assistance should be provided to victims who are facing charges in Malaysian courts,” Enrile said.

“The ongoing cleanup operation by Malaysian security forces against followers of the Sultanate of Sulu has adversely affected the safety and future of our compatriots there. They definitely need our government’s assistance,” Enrile stressed.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/item/12221-palace-firm-on-prosecuting-38-royal-sulu-army-members

Palace won’t protest Chinese naval drills

From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 27): Palace won’t protest Chinese naval drills

Malacanang said on Tuesday it would not protest the naval drills right being conducted by the Chinese Navy right at the northern backdoor near the Babuyan Islands even as Southeast Asian neighbor Vietnam complained that Chinese military vessels fired on Vietnamese fishermen in another part of the South China Sea.

“We note that the report itself says that the exercises were conducted on international waters. What is important is that the maritime zones of states are respected,” said presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte.

Valte made the remark a day after the Philippines’ arbitration plea against China before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea moved forward after the United Nations arbitration body appointed a Polish judge as the second member of the trbunal.

At the same time, Vietnam accused a Chinese vessel of firing on a Vietnamese fishing boat in a disputed area of the South China Sea and setting its cabin alight, exposing tensions in the region over rival claims to the gas-rich waters.

The Vietnamese government described the incident last Wednesday as “very serious” and lodged a formal complaint with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi.

The fishing boat was near the Paracel islands when it was chased and shot at by an unidentified Chinese vessel, the government statement said late Monday.

It demanded China to punish those responsible and pay reparations to the fishermen whose boat was damaged. The government didn’t say if anyone was injured.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had no immediate response to the accusation.

There have been other clashes in the waters, often related to claims of illegal fishing or violations of Chinese unilaterally imposed fishing moratoriums.

Vietnam and China each claim large parts of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also maintain parts of the sea are theirs.

The countries have been in dispute with each other for years, but the profile of the issue has been raised in recent years because of China’s economic and military growth and the United State’s re-pivoting of its focus in the Asia Pacific.

The Paracels, which were occupied by China shortly before the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, is a particular flashpoint.

China last year incorporated the Paracels and most of its other South China Sea claims under the supervision of newly-established Sansha city-level administrative unit as its way of raising the region’s profile and increasing funds for infrastructure and economic development.

China is also boosting its fisheries and maritime surveillance patrols in the area, and also conducts missions in the South China Sea, although it has sought to keep military units out of conflict zones to avoid elevating tensions.

But Manila had contested what it calls Beijing’s “excessive” claim to the South China Sea and started an arbitration case under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea on January 21 to invalidate China’s claim of the entire South China Sea under its so-called “nine-dash claim.”

Beijing’s refusal to participate in the arbitration proceeding prompted the UN to choose an arbiter on behalf of China. ITLOS President Shunji Yanai named Polish judge Stanislaw Pawlak last week.

Stanislaw is the second judge to be named in the panel. He will join Manila’s arbiter, German judge Rudiger Wolfrum. The ITLOS president will then appoint the other three members of the tribunal upon receipt of another written request from the Philippines.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/03/27/palace-wont-protest-chinese-naval-drills/

US Navy starts activities ahead of Balikatan

From the Business Mirror (Mar 27): US Navy starts activities ahead of Balikatan

A US Navy official said on Wednesday that Exercise Balikatan activities launched ahead of the joint military exercise with the Armed Forces were engineering projects.

 

MCC Jason A. Penny, Public Affairs chief of the United States Navy (USN), said the engineering projects for Balikatan started a month prior to the military exercise’s formal opening on April 5.

 

This is “to ensure they will meet highest quality and safety standards and can be turned over to the communities before the closing ceremony,” Penny said.

 

The annual Philippines-US military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement are expected to end on April 17.

 

The USN said the projects will be implemented in Zambales, particularly in the town of San Narciso.

 

On Tuesday the USN and US Marine Corps offloaded more than 270 tactical and amphibious assault vehicles in Subic Bay, Zambales.

 

American troops from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, offloaded a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle from the container and roll-on, roll-off ship USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus on March 21.

 

The annual military exercise is a combined joint military exercise based on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

 

Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., military spokesman, earlier said more than 8,000 soldiers from the Armed Forces and the US military are set to participate in Exercise Balikatan 2013.

 

Burgos added that a multinational maritime security discussion hosted by the Philippines would also be held and participated in by military officers from six countries.

 

Penny said the US and Philippine military units aim to accomplish the following: eight engineering civic action projects; six cooperative health engagements; eight community relations (ComRel) activities; five subject matter expert exchanges; and, two medical ComRel activities.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/11293-us-navy-starts-activities-ahead-of-balikatan

Gazmin: No threat during NPA anniversary, so far

From the Business Mirror (Mar 27): Gazmin: No threat during NPA anniversary, so far

THE Department of National Defense (DND) has so far not received reports of threats from the New People’s Army (NPA) as the guerrilla movement enters its 44th year on Good Friday.

“So far, we haven’t receive anything yet but we expect the NPA to do something because they crave attention,” Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said.

The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA was formed on March 29, 1969. It is waging what is considered to be Asia’s longest-running insurgency movement.

 

Gazmin said the expected NPA attack could also stem from the stalled peace talks between the government and the National Democrtic Front, the CPP-NPA’s negotiating arm.

 

“That’s why they’re going to do something to be noticed.”

 

Gazmin said that “while the Philippine government has been very sincere in the peace talks, that has not been seen on their side.”

 

“How can we arrive at an agreement when they’re wishy-washy: today they’re okay; tomorrow, they’re not. Their position is not clear.”

 

He added that the CPP-NPA is also asking too many things in return.

 

“They wanted to include on the list of people authorized [to be representatives in the peace talks] many of those who we arrested. But that can’t be because we have laws and these people were arrested because they have standing warrants of arrest.”

 

Gazmin added that if the CPP-NPA really wants the peace talks to resume, “there should be no conditions, like what they are demanding for the release of Police Officer 3 Ruben Magno Nojapa Jr.

 

“For example, in that case, they want a cease-fire before they release Nojapa. But if they reall want to release him, they can do so any time, whether there’s a cease-fire or not.”

 

The NDF on its web site “Philippine Revolution Web Central” said that it “enjoins” the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division of the Army “to cease its offensive military operations in Compostela Valley to pave the safe, orderly and expeditious release” of Nojapa.

 

The NDF said it considers Nojapa a “prisoner of war.”

 

Last year armed encounters and surrender of NPA guerillas marked the insurgent movement’s anniversary.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/11300-gazmin-no-threat-during-npa-anniversary-so-far

Sabah village used by Kiram followers to be closed permanently

From GMA News (Mar 27): Sabah village used by Kiram followers to be closed permanently

Malaysian security forces have decided to close permanently the village where followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III first holed up when they arrived in Sabah last February.

Authorities will relocate the residents of Kampung Tanduo to a new area, according to a report on Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency Wednesday night.

"That is what has been decided so far, we will discuss the matter further. But as far as national security is concerned, it is only right that the residents of the village be relocated to a new place," Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said.

He pointed out the village had been destroyed in the wake of offensive operations by Malaysian security forces since March 5 to flush out Kiram's followers.

Kiram's followers had supposedly used the village as a fortress, engaging Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff until deadly clashes on March 1 and 2 prompted the offensives.

Hamza claimed Kampung Tanduo was "free" from the Kiram followers, and meetings will be held among the National Security Council, Lahad Datu District Office and the village head to see if the villagers can return home before they are relocated.

Gun battle

Hamza said a gun battle occurred at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday between security forces and three suspected Kiram followers in the village of Sungai Bilis.

Security forces recovered a pistol, six bullets and a machete left by the suspected Kiram followers, who he said fired at the security forces but fled when the forces returned fire.

No casualty was reported in the incident, he said.

A separate report on New Straits Times quoted Hamza as saying the suspected Kiram followers were on the beach opened fire on seeing the police boat.

Security forces chased the Kiram followers but lost them.

Cops to expose Kiram followers' 'financiers'

Meanwhile, a separate report on Malaysia's The Star Online quoted police Inspector-General Tan Sri Ismail Omar as saying they are zeroing in on personalities giving funds to Kiram's followers.

"This is a serious matter as it involved the sovereignty of the country. But hold on till we have concluded our investigations... then we will expose these people," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/301329/news/nation/sabah-village-used-by-kiram-followers-to-be-closed-permanently

Malaysia follows money trail to Jolo militants

From ABS-CBN (Mar 27): Malaysia follows money trail to Jolo militants

Malaysian forces are investigating a tip that groups or individuals are providing funds to Filipino militants in Jolo Island in Mindanao, a report from the Bernama news agency said Wednesday.
 
The report quoted Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar saying police could not divulge details on the investigation because it was a serious matter and could not be rushed.

"Wait until our investigation is over and we will tell all. We endeavour to detect them as quickly as possible," he told reporters.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar earlier said several individuals in Sandakan and Semporna are under surveillance and would be arrested for treason for sending money to Filipino militants.

If convicted, these individuals could face life imprisonment or even death for committing treason.
The police official said Malaysian forces have arrested 429 people suspected to have participated or supported a move by Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, brother of self-styled Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III, to press their family's claim over Sabah.

Of this number, 42 have been released.

Malaysian authorities filed terrorism-related charges against 8 Filipinos who participated in the incursion of Kiram supporters in the area of Lahad Datu.

Thirty-eight alleged members of the Sultanate of Sulu's Royal Security Force (RSF) intercepted off the seas of Tawi-tawi are also facing charges before a Tawi-tawi court for violations of Art. 118 of the Revised Penal Code (Inciting to war and giving motives for reprisals) and the Comelec gun ban.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/27/13/malaysia-follows-money-trail-jolo-militants

China says its flares didn't hit Vietnamese boats

From the Philippine Star (Mar 27): China says its flares didn't hit Vietnamese boats

China says its navy fired flares at Vietnamese fishing boats but denies that country's claim a vessel was damaged in the incident that highlights tensions over disputed South China Sea islands.
 
The Defense Ministry said sailors on a Chinese ship fired two flares at four Vietnamese boats that failed to respond to whistles, shouts and signal flags. It said the ships were fishing illegally in Chinese waters off the Paracel Islands on March 20 and both flares burned out in the air.

The ministry said in a statement late Tuesday that Chinese forces did not fire weapons and no Vietnamese boats caught fire.

Vietnam, which also claims the Paracels, said one boat's cabin caught fire. It complained to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi and sought compensation for the alleged damage.

http://www.philstar.com/world/2013/03/27/924610/china-says-its-flares-didnt-hit-vietnamese-boats

China holds landing exercises in disputed sea

From the Philippine Star (Mar 27): China holds landing exercises in disputed sea

China said its navy visited its southernmost territorial claim during military drills in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
 
The visit to James Shoal followed exercises that began Saturday marking a high-profile show of China's determination to stake its claim to territory in an area that is disputed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

The official People's Daily online said Wednesday that one destroyer, two frigates and an amphibious landing ship took part in the drills around Chinese-controlled outcroppings. They involved hovercraft, ship-born helicopters, amphibious tanks, and land-based fighters and bombers, and were followed by a ceremonial visit Tuesday to James Shoal farther south.

The area is surrounded by shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds claimed in whole or in part by neighboring countries.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/03/27/924627/china-holds-landing-exercises-disputed-sea