NLF-SP opens recruitment for its royal security forces

From the Zamboanga Today (Jun 17): NLF-SP opens recruitment for its royal security forces

The National Liberation Front – Southern Philippines (NLS-SP) is now recruiting members to become royal security forces to the long lost professed Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo.

Development Program Officer Master Nestee Luis said the applicants must be physically fit at least high school graduate with good moral character.

NLF-SP Chairman and Deputy Sultan of Sulu Prof. Sharief Mohammad Abubakar said the NLF-SP was created as security force and Royal soldiers to defend the King and Queen of the legitimate Sulu and North Borneo Sultanate.

“This is intended not for warfare purposes but for peace and economic development in the country particularly Mindanao,” Abubakar said.

He said they already organize national level offices with thousands of members and officers to be distributed throughout Mindanao including Maguindanao, Cagayan and Davao areas.

Luis said the applicants will also undergo training and Puñada martial arts with free identification card and uniforms.

All applicants may submit their resume at 1043 Mayor Jaldon Street, Canelar fronting Manang Terry’s Chicken Inato w/ landline number (062) 990-1367.
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/14247-nlf-sp-opens-recruitment-for-its-royal-security-forces.html

Talks with MNLF a review, not negotiations

From Rappler (Jun 17): Talks with MNLF a review, not negotiations

It's still a conversation, not new negotiations.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday, June 17, clarified a report stating that the government is set to "resume negotiations" with former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles said the planned meeting with the MNLF was only meant as a "tripartite review" of the status of the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement to be facilitated by the Organization of Islamic Conference, which has brokered the talks between the two parties since the '70s.

"Walang bagong negosasyon ang GPH (government of the Philippines) at MNLF. Ang proseso ng GPH sa MNLF ay ang tripartite implementation review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Ito ay nag-umpisa sa ilalim ng dating administrasyon na ipinagpatuloy lang natin," Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles said in a text message. (There is no new negotiation between the GPH and the MNLF. The ongoing process between the MNLF and the GPH is the tripartite implementation review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. This started in the previous administration and we are just continuing with it.)

Deles was responding to comments by a representative of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) questioning why the government is calling the meeting with the MNLF a "negotiation" when it had previously been considered it as a "conversation." The MILF is a breakaway group of the MNLF.

The statement came as the MILF and the government reached a deadlock in their own peace talks over contentious issues on dividing wealth and power between the proposed Bangsamoro region and the national government.

“It is a pressure to the MILF to accept a lesser bargain especially on wealth-sharing," Khaled Musa, deputy chair of the MILF committee on information, said in a statement posted on luwaran.com. "This is a form of driving a wedge between Moro groups.”

Indonesian ambassador arriving

On June 13, a news story entited "Gov't, MNLF to resume talks" appeared in the Philippine Star quoting lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, who was identified as the MNLF spokesman, as saying that the government has "finally agreed" to resume the peace talks with the MNLF. The same article also appeared on abs-cbnnews.com, which has a content partnership with the broadsheet.

While OPAPP admitted that meetings with the MNLF and the OIC were originally scheduled on June 17 to 19, Peace Adviser Undersecretary Joe Lorena said calling the meeting a negotiation was inaccurate.

"The statement that it is a negotiation is not correct because the negotiation has been concluded as early as 1996," Lorena said.

Asked whether there might have been a miscommunication about the real status of the talks, Lorena said, "With all due respect to our compañero from General Santos, who claims to be the spokesperson for the MNLF, he might not have known the process. He might not have been privy to the context of the process and just issued a statement lumping everything when it is clearly not a negotiation. Clearly the statement was really not accurate."

Lorena also said OPAPP has sent a letter to the Philippine Star seeking to clarify the report.

In preparation for the "tripartite review," Indonesian Ambassador Hassan Kleib is set to arrive in the country on Thursday, June 20, to meet with OPAPP representatives to discuss the pending items on the implementation of the 1996 peace pact. Indonesia is the current chair of the OIC Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines.

Two issues are likely to be the focal point of the meeting, according to Lorena. They are the status of the 42 points of consensus for the peace pact and the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund.

Once both sides agree on the agenda, they will set the date and venue of the talks.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/31524-opapp-talks-with-mnlf-only-a-review-not-a-negotiation

Philippines Seeks Air Defense Systems From Israel

From the Diplomat (Jun 18): Philippines Seeks Air Defense Systems From Israel

Notorious for dragging its feet on defense modernization, the Philippine government may finally be putting its money where its mouth is thanks to a territorial dispute with China and the belief that the U.S. is unwilling to come to its defense.

According to media reports, the Philippine military intends to procure surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) from two Israeli defense contractors. And this time, it seems to mean it.

An unnamed source told the Manila Standard, late last week that Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin could head for Israel this week to sign agreements with the two firms, which have been identified as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI).

Once an agreement is signed, the systems could be shipped to the Philippines within three to six months, the report said. It added that the acquisition would constitute the country’s first-ever air defense capability. The systems would be deployed in the West Philippine Sea, but the report did not elaborate on any other details.

Undersecretary Abigail Valte, a spokesperson for the Presidential Palace, has refused to confirm or deny the planned acquisition. However, Communications Secretary, Ricky Carandang, confirmed on June 15 that the proposal had reached the Palace.

As part of its air defense products, Rafael is known for its Spyder short- and medium-range defense system, the Iron Dome, as well as the Stunner (a.k.a. “David’s Sling”). For its part, IMI is the maker of the Lynx MLRS, among others.

As of the publication of this article, e-mail queries to Rafael and IMI have gone unanswered.

Another source told the Standard that while the procurement plans had been floated for some time, no progress had been made for lack of willingness on Manila’s part to make the necessary capital investments. However, the territorial dispute in the resource-rich South China Sea — or the West Philippine Sea, as Philippine media refer to it — appears to have focused minds in Manila.

Another factor appears to be Manila’s displeasure with Washington’s “neutral stance” on the Philippines’ dispute with China, with some voices within the Philippine defense community accusing the U.S. of failing to abide by the Mutual Defense Treaty. If Manila cannot count on its longstanding ally to come to its rescue when the going gets rough with its much larger neighbor, then alternative options might be the way ahead, some are saying.

China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea and has become more assertive in recent years. In 2012, vessels from the Philippines and the People’s Liberation Army Navy faced off for nearly two months over the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is located approximately 220 km west of Luzon. China has also been building or expanding military air strips in the South China Sea, including a reported project at Subi Reef near Pag-Asa Island in the Spratlys, about 20 km from the Philippines’ administrative headquarters for the area of the archipelago that it claims as part of its territory. China also has an airstrip on Yongxing Island, or Woody Island, in the Paracels, which can accommodate transport and fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30MKK.

Aside from China, Taiwan also has territorial disputes with the Philippines, particularly over islets in the Spratlys, where Taiwan has built a 1,150 meter airstrip on Itu Aba (Taiping Island) and which it plans to extend. Tensions also escalated between Taipei and Manila following the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman on May 9 by Philippine coast guards in disputed waters between the two countries. The incident prompted a series of exercises by the Taiwanese Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force in the area, maneuvers that immediately highlighted the shortcomings of the Philippine armed forces.

Both China and Taiwan have the ability to conduct airborne maritime surveillance of disputed areas in the South China Sea using manned and unmanned aircraft, and to quickly establish air superiority during hostilities. Absent a credible air deterrent, the acquisition of air defense systems seems both appealing and logical for Manila, though some critics have argued that the Philippines should dedicate more energy to developing its naval forces.

President Benigno Aquino III released P75 billion (US$1.74 billion) to fund a military upgrade program — mostly for the procurement of ships and aircraft — during his first year in office. It remains to be seen if his administration will move ahead with the Israel deal. But the circumstances, from fears of abandonment by its ally to Beijing’s intransigence in its territorial disputes, could force Manila to finally make the jump.
http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/06/18/philippines-seeks-air-defense-systems-from-israel/

Is Communist Party of the Philippines supporting Maoists in India?

From India Today (Jun 16): Is Communist Party of the Philippines supporting Maoists in India?




Alarm bells have started ringing in North Block over reports of extremist Left Wing organisations in South Asia fanning India's Maois t movement. Not only are these organisations funding the Maoists, intelligence inputs suggest a spurt in weapons being sourced from abroad.

In a recent note prepared by the Home Ministry, it has been revealed that the Communist Party of the Philippines is the latest outfit to lend its support to the Maoists. Sources said they have held training camps in the past and have been giving financial and ideological support to Left-Wing extremism in India.

The recent attack by Maoists in Chhattisgarh, which ended up killing the Congress' top leadership in the state, has jolted the government's claims that the red menace had been contained and the movement was on the decline.

"They have strong affiliations with foreign organisations that are providing logistical support to them," a home ministry official said.

The Communist Party of India (Maoists), a banned organisation, is also a member of the Coordination Committee of Maoist Parties and Organisations of South Asia.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/is-communist-party-of-the-philippines-supporting-maoists-in-india/1/280447.html

Philex stops operations in south

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 17): Philex stops operations in south

Philex Gold Mining Corp. in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, has temporarily stopped its operations after it was raided by members of suspected New People's Army last month, its Chairman Manny Pangilinan, announced  Saturday.

Pangilinan, who held a press conference with the provincial media at the Shangrila Hotel in Makati City, said  they will  resume operations once the peace and order in Sipalay has been stabilized and  no more rebel atrocities take place.

"We cannot afford to continue our operations (in Sipalay) knowing that the lives of our employees there are at risk because of NPA  atrocities", he said.

Pangilinan added that, as of now, they are concentrating on the operations of their mining firms in Benguet and Surigao Del Norte with multi-million pesos of investments.

Philex Gold Mining Corporation in Brgy. Nabulao, Sipalay City has been subject of rebel atrocities, the recent of which was on May 3, where at least 30 suspected members of the New People's Army burned two bunkhouses of Philex Mining, a Kubota tractor with drilling machine and a generator set, a computer set, ICOM radio and personal belongings in Sitio Umas, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay.

Pangilinan also disclosed plans to modernize the facilities of Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital so patients who need further treatment and medical procedures will no longer have to travel to Manila.

The Metro Pacific Investments Corp. headed by Pangilinan is now the major stock holder of POTMH.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/June/17/topstory5.htm

Peace pact with MILF possible in 5 weeks, says gov’t negotiator

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 17): Peace pact with MILF possible in 5 weeks, says gov’t negotiator
It is still possible for the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to sign a final peace agreement within the next five weeks, the Aquino administration’s chief peace negotiator said on Sunday.

A final agreement that would end 40 years of conflict in Muslim Mindanao has been delayed for six months, which the MILF blames on the government’s taking too long to decide on the last terms for the establishment of a new autonomous region on the island.

Frustrated at the lack of progress in the negotiations, the MILF said on Saturday that the talks had reached a deadlock.

Alarmed, Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Jolly Lais, secretary general of the Bangsamoro Solidarity Movement, on Sunday urged the government and the MILF not to squander the gains they had made and press the negotiations for a final peace deal.

Peace activists also stepped in, urging both sides to restart talks, the last round of which was held in Kuala Lumpur in April.

“It is worrisome to note that up to now, there is still no schedule for the next round of talks,” the peace group Mindanao Peoples Caucus said in a statement.

Both sides are aiming for a final peace agreement before President Aquino’s term ends in 2016.

That is “very limited time,” the caucus said, and delay in the resolution of differences between the two sides on the last three annexes to the preliminary peace deal they signed last year could have “irreversible consequences.”

Contentious issues

The three annexes concern wealth and power-sharing, and “normalization”—the laying down of arms by the MILF and reassimilation of its fighters into society.

“Both parties need to find creative solutions to the issues to expedite the negotiations,” said Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, head of the government’s peace panel.

“The government panel is just as anxious to find workable solutions to these contentious issues and is working diligently and with urgency toward this end,” Ferrer said in an interview with the Inquirer by phone.

Despite the snag, Ferrer said she was confident that it was “still possible” for the two sides to sign a final peace accord within the next five weeks.

The two sides have exchanged notes for “more clarity” in the language to be used in the final peace agreement concerning the last three issues.

Ferrer said talks could resume in Kuala Lumpur once the two sides “come as close as possible to [an] agreed language” in the annexes on wealth and power-sharing.

Not working

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said on Saturday that the exchange of notes did not translate into progress in the talks.

“There is an exchange of notes, but we don’t see it working. Nothing will happen with the exchange of notes. The government is diluting the initialed wealth-sharing annex. It is downgrading the annex,” Iqbal said.

He said the MILF would not agree to any changes to the annex the government might propose.
In a statement, the MILF said the changes had to do with wealth-sharing involving taxes, block grants and the proposed Bangsamoro region’s share in income from use of the region’s natural resources.

Ferrer said her panel “recommended refinements” to the wealth-sharing annex with the “practical concern” of “how to operationalize” it, not to water it down.

“What the MILF laid down [is] principles. We worked on the question of how to do it,” she said.

Due diligence

Malacañang on Saturday declined to discuss its position on the last three annexes, just saying that the government was exercising due diligence by reviewing those issues.

On Sunday, President Aquino’s deputy spokesperson, Abigail Valte, said the government was taking a “close look” at the annexes and making sure they would “pass muster.”

Valte made a reference to the Arroyo administration’s 2008 ancestral domain deal with the MILF that would have given the secessionist group an independent state in Mindanao.

Various groups challenged the deal in the Supreme Court, which struck it down as unconstitutional.

The Aquino administration used that ruling as a guide in writing the framework agreement with the MILF.

Hataman said the President was reviewing the annexes because he wanted “sustainability.”

He acknowledged that wealth-sharing and power-sharing were contentious issues, but delay in their resolutions should “not be a cause for stopping the talks.”

Hataman appealed to both sides to be “open” and “pragmatic” in finding ways to resolve their differences.

Resume talks

The talks should be resumed soon so that the issues could be clarified, he said.
Lais said the two sides should be open-minded about “adjustments.”

“They should resume talks and open their minds. They should thresh out conflicting views and agree on the little things first,” Lais said by phone.

“If they are talking normalization, power-sharing and wealth-sharing, that’s the battleground,” he said. “I challenge them to make conflict a history and pursue peace.”

The military said it supported the peace process and hoped MILF commanders would overcome their frustration so that the slow progress in the peace negotiations would not lead to the resumption of violence in Mindanao.

As in any negotiation, said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, chief of the military’s Public Affairs Office, it is normal for the talks between the government and the MILF to run into dilemmas.

The important thing, he said, is for both sides to keep their lines of communications open.

“As far as we’re concerned… we’re headed toward peace. That’s our road map when it comes to the MILF,” Zagala said.—

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/427567/peace-pact-with-milf-possible-in-5-weeks-says-govt-negotiator

AFP to continue pursuit of communist rebels

From the Philippine Star (Jun 17): AFP to continue pursuit of communist rebels

The military will continue its operations against communist rebels after the National Democratic Front (NDF) said that it might just wait for President Aquino to step down before returning to the negotiating table.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said they would not allow the insurgents to launch attacks that would jeopardize public safety and development.

“We will continue our focused military operations against them (rebels) because they continue to do a lot of atrocities not only to the Armed Forces of the Philippines but to the people themselves,” Zagala said in a press briefing Monday.

“They (also) destroy peace and development projects,” he added.

Zagala said while they uphold the primacy of the peace process, they would stop efforts by the rebels to sow fear among the public.

“Our main objective really is to end all armed conflicts through peaceful means but in the absence of peace talks, we will continue our efforts to end the armed struggle through other means,” he said.

Zagala said they are ready to help the rebels who want to surrender and to live peaceful lives.

Earlier, NDF negotiating panel Luis Jalandoni said they would just wait for Aquino’s term to end and continue the armed struggle if the government does not honor previously signed agreements.

The NDF represents the communist rebels in the peace negotiations.

Jalandoni demanded that the government comply with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which provides communists working as peace consultants immunity from arrest.

“If the Aquino government continues to refuse, then the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) continues with revolutionary struggles throughout the country and is willing to wait out the three years left of the Aquino regime,” Jalandoni said in a video interview posted on the NDF website.

The peace talks between the government and the NDF hit an impasse over differences on the rebels’ demand to free communist leaders facing criminal charges.

The NDF said the jailed communist leaders should be released since they are covered by JASIG.

The government, however, pointed out that the NDF has no way to prove that the jailed rebels, especially those using aliases, are peace consultants.

Government negotiators said representatives from both panels went to The Netherlands in July 2011 to verify whether the jailed rebels are covered by JASIG.

They agreed to open a sealed envelope stored in a safety deposit box kept by the parties eight years ago in a bank. The envelope was supposed to hold the photos and aliases of the consultants.

The envelope, however, did not contain actual photos of alleged NDF consultants using their aliases, but only diskettes allegedly containing photos that could not be decrypted.

The government claims that the NDF scuttled the talks by setting several preconditions.

Jalandoni, however, denied this, saying they are merely calling for the implementation of signed agreements.

Last April, government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said the government is considering a “new approach” to peacefully resolve the conflict with the communists.

“We cannot wait forever for the other side if they continually refuse to go back to the negotiating table without preconditions. The government will be taking a new approach to pursue peace,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/17/955078/afp-continue-pursuit-communist-rebels

Military not worried over MILF frustration

From the Philippine Star (Jun 17): Military not worried over MILF frustration

The military believes that the frustration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the current status of the peace talks would not lead to violence.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the concerns of the MILF could be addressed through peaceful negotiations.

“Their frustrations can be discussed during negotiations but their frustration does not equate to violence or offensive actions,” Zagala said in a press conference Monday.

“The MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are abiding with the peace process. We both support the peace process,” he added.

Zagala said they would continue to honor the ceasefire with the MILF. He said the situation on the ground remains “very peaceful” despite the issues confronting the negotiations.

“I believe like us, the MILF is also seeking a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Earlier, the MILF scored the government for allegedly diluting the annexes on wealth-sharing initialed by representatives of the two panels last February. The MILF opposes any changes to the annexes, saying the document has been extensively discussed.

Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said many MILF ground commanders are losing hope that the Bangsamoro issue would be addressed through negotiations.

He said there have been sentiments that the government is deliberately delaying the signing of a comprehensive compact agreement.

Government negotiators admitted that the review of the annexes is taking time since they do not want to craft an agreement that is not doable.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer also confirmed that the government wants to introduce changes to the draft annex regarding provisions on  taxation, fund transfer mechanisms and revenue-sharing.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the delays would actually make the actual legislative work easier. The creation of a new Bangsamoro region, an integral part of the final peace agreement, will have to be approved by Congress.

Despite the impasse, Jaafar said they continue to believe in the president’s seriousness to resolve the Bangsamoro issue through peaceful means.

The MILF, however, warned that a delay in the peace talks would cause more harm to the government and could stir negative reactions from the international community.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/17/955103/military-not-worried-over-milf-frustration

Policeman killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf members

From Rappler (Jun 17): Policeman killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf members

Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants shot and killed a policeman on Sunday night, June 16, in Basilan.

The victim, PO2 Henry Noel Hidalgo, a member of police intelligence group, was heading home around 11:40 pm when he was attacked by 3 gunmen in Brgy. Aguada in Isabela City, regional police commander Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes said Monday, June 17.

Hidalgo died due to several bullet wounds he sustained in different parts of his body and authorities were looking into the involvement of Abu Sayyaf group in the attack.
The 380-strong Abu Sayyaf group, founded in the early 1990s by Islamic extremists, is notorious for kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in southern Philippines over the past decade. The group was blacklisted by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.

The group is currently holding European bird watchers Elwold Horn, 52, from Holland; Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, from Switzerland.

The two foreigners, both museum staffers in their respective countries and are involved in animal conservation, along with their Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, were reportedly abducted by five armed suspects on board a pump boat in Panglima Sugala township on February 1 last year.

Sarenas managed to escape from the hands of their captors.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/31501-policeman-killed-by-suspected-abu-sayyaf-members

Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels gun down policeman in Basilan

From the Philippine Star (Jun 17): Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels gun down policeman in Basilan

Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants shot dead a policeman last night in Basilan, police said today.

The victim, Henry Noel Hidalgo, a member of police intelligence group, was heading home around 11:40 p.m. when he was attacked by three gunmen in the village of Aguada in Isabela City, regional police commander Noel delos Reyes said.

Hidalgo died due to several bullet wounds he sustained in different parts of his body and the authorities were looking into the involvement of Abu Sayyaf group in the attack.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/06/17/955124/suspected-abu-sayyaf-rebels-gun-down-policeman-basilan

MILF to GPH: Why - MILF to GPH: Why negotiation now not ‘conversation’ with MNLF?

From the MILF Website (Jun 17): MILF to GPH: Why - MILF to GPH: Why negotiation now not ‘conversation’ with MNLF?

A ranking member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has asked the government why all of a sudden there is a revival or resumption of the GPH-MNLF peace negotiation when it has been moribund many months ago.
  

“Why now it is called negotiation when the government especially Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles merely referred to it as ‘conversation,” Khaled Musa, deputy chair of the MILF committee on information, asked.

Asked about the motive behind it, Musa merely shrugged off his shoulders and say: “It is a pressure to the MILF to accept a lesser bargain especially on wealth-sharing. This is a form of driving a wedge between Moro groups.”

Musa scored the government for talking with someone (Nur Misuari) who is already part of the government and whose clout as a leader is very much suspect.

He likened the meeting as similar to a cat playing with its own tail.

Misuari ran for the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the last May 13 elections and landed a poor third place behind Mujib Hataman and Datu Pax Mangudadatu.

This is the third time Misuari ran and lost the  elections in the ARMM.
Hataman won over his rivals handily.

The meeting between the MNLF and government representatives is supposed to take place at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila on June 17-19 but source close to the government disclosed that it is postponed indefinitely.

There was no reason given for the delay, except that it was attributed to lack of material time to prepare everything for the meeting.

According to the source, Misuari will lead the MNLF team while OPAPP Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles the GPH group. Their focus of discussion would be the implementing rules and guidelines on the provisions of the Final Peace Agreement, signed on September 2, 1996.

For years the MNLF has protested the failure of the government, since the time of President Cory Aquino, to fully implement the FPA. Only the P-Noy government has promised to completely carry out the terms of the agreement, in consideration of preserving and enhancing its relations with the members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, specifically the oil-rich states led by Saudi Arabia.

http://www.luwaran.com/

Jaafar: MILF may reject proposed changes to wealth-sharing annex

From GMA News (Jun 17): Jaafar: MILF may reject proposed changes to wealth-sharing annex

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is likely to thumb down changes on the wealth-sharing annex being proposed by the government, a senior leader of the group said Monday.

According to Ghadzali Jaafar, the MILF's vice chairman for political affairs, the government has proposed several changes from the previously discussed and initialed agreement, and that these changes will be the subject of an upcoming meeting among members of the MILF Central Committee.

“There is a proposal from the government to change some items in the previously discussed and initialed agreement,” Jaafar said without elaborating. "This will be discussed by the Central Committee and the Central Committee will make a decision about this after a meeting.”

However, this early, Jaafar said the government proposal “might not be accepted by the Central Committee.”

“It [agreement] was already signed, it was already initialed, why change it? It (has) gone through discussions already,” Jaafar said by phone.

The meeting will be held either Monday or Tuesday, Jaafar said.

The MILF had earlier accused the government of delaying the signing of the peace agreement after allegedly reneging on its commitment to meet with MILF negotiators immediately after the May 10 elections and for proposing changes in the wealth-sharing agreement.

Last October, the government and the MILF signed a landmark framework agreement that would pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro territory to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/313238/news/nation/jaafar-milf-may-reject-proposed-changes-to-wealth-sharing-annex

Both AFP and rebel groups used minors in armed operations in 2012, UN says

From GMA News (Jun 17): Both AFP and rebel groups used minors in armed operations in 2012, UN says

It's not just armed rebel groups, but also the Philippine military that recruited minors for their operations in 2012, according to a new report from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The report entitled "Grave Violations Committed Against Children in 22 Situations of Concern" released last June 12 said two young boys were recruited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help find a New People's Army (NPA) rebel camp in Mindanao.

“[We] remained concerned over the use of children by the national armed forces as guides and informants during military operations,” said the report. "In a verified case in July 2012, the Fifty-Seventh Infantry Battalion forced two boys aged 12 and 13 years to serve as guides to locate an NPA camp in North Cotabato Province."

Reached for comment Monday, AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the reported use of children in military operations is against their policy and they would have to check the veracity of the information.

"As a matter of policy, the AFP does not use children as guides during military operations so as not to endanger them," he said. "We will verify this information if there is any truth to it."

The UN report did acknowledge that the AFP has "issued directives prohibiting such use of children, assigning responsibility to commanders, institutionalizing investigations and putting in place corrective measures.”

The two guides were among 26 children—23 boys and three girls between 12 and 17 years—who were recruited by Philippine armed groups last year, the UN report said.

The number included two who were reportedly used by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), 11 by the New People’s Army (NPA), and 11 by the Abu Sayyaf bandit group. They were recruited in 11 separate incidents.

"The Abu Sayyaf, NPA and MILF continue to be cited in the UN blacklist of parties that recruit or use children, kill or maim children, commit rape and other forms of sexual violence against children, or engage in attacks on schools or hospitals in situations of armed conflict," the report said.

Schools for military use

The UN also questioned the AFP for its alleged use of schools, saying while stationing military units in schools does not directly mean recruitment, the cancellation of classes for children have an adverse effect on their education.

“In four verified incidents, the national armed forces stationed military units in public elementary schools in Mindanao. In June 2012, the country task force verified that three units of the national armed forces had established a detachment next to Salipongan Primary School in Tugaya municipality, Lanao del Sur Province, resulting in the closure of the school for two weeks,” the report said.

The UN said this has been brought to the AFP's attention and that the military is “preparing draft guidelines on the conduct of operations inside or within the immediate premises of schools and hospitals, which are expected to be launched as an operational directive during the first half of 2013."

Zagala, for his part, said, "We respect the use of these schools as instruments of learning and these should not be used by any military units for any purpose."

2012 figure lower by half

While the number remains considerably high, one positive sign is that child soldier recruitment in the Philippines has been cut by more than half from the previous year, according to the UN report.

“That figure represents a decrease in 2012, given that there were 54 incidents affecting 33 boys and 21 girls in 2011,” the report said.

However, the actual number of children soldiers in the country could be higher as the data does not include those recruited by other armed groups, such as the MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“Although the United Nations has no access to the areas under the control of the BIFF, a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front led by Commander 'Kato', the country task force continued to receive credible reports that the armed group was actively training and providing weapons to children,” the report said.

Govt actions lauded

Nevertheless, the UN chief lauded several efforts by the Philippines to curb the recruitment of children soldiers in the country.

“I am pleased to note that the Government is finalizing the implementation of the monitoring, reporting and response system to prevent and respond to specific incidents of grave violations against children,” he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/313199/news/nation/both-afp-and-rebel-groups-used-minors-in-armed-operations-in-2012-un-says

AFP vows to pursue localized peace talks with NPA rebels

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 17): AFP vows to pursue localized peace talks with NPA rebels
The military on Monday said it will continue to seek peaceful means to end all armed conflicts despite the National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ declaration that it would rather wait for the end of President Benigno Aquino III’s term before continuing peace negotiations.

Still, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it will maintain defensive posture in the face of possible increased New People’s Army attacks following the NDFP pronouncement.

“We will continue our focused military operations against [the communist rebels] because they continue to do a lot of atrocities not only to the [AFP] but to the people themselves,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office chief said.

According to Zagala, the AFP’s focus is to end all conflicts through peaceful means, but “in the case of the [NPA] we don’t have any ceasefire agreement with them at the moment and they left the negotiating table.”

But the AFP, he said, will pursue the government’s new peace tactic.

Teresita Deles, the presidential peace adviser, had said the government would use a new approach in pursuing discussions with the rebels and many took that to mean that the government would seek peace talks with local chapters of the communist rebellion through “localized peace talks.”

“If we have to do it (peace talks) locally we’ll do it,” Zagala said.

But communist leaders have assailed the “localized peace talks,” stressing the NDFP has remained the only authority to conduct peace negotiation in behalf of the insurgents.

The NDFP is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA is the armed wing of the CPP that has been waging war against the government for over four decades.

Zagala said the AFP will “intensify whatever civil-military operations” that they have to do but assured that the military is willing to help those in the [NPA] who wish to surrender and reintegrate into society.

Last May, the government peace panel announced the termination of the peace talks due to the preconditions and demands of the NDFP.

In a recent interview produced by the NDFP that was posted in its website, Luis Jalandoni, the NDFP’s chief negotiator, said that “the Aquino [administration] has embarked on a vitriolic attack on the NDFP claiming that the NDFP is scuttling the peace talks by imposing preconditions.”

“If the Aquino government continues to refuse, then the NDFP continues with revolutionary struggles throughout the country and is willing to wait out the three years left of the Aquino regime,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/428049/afp-vows-to-pursue-localized-peace-talks-with-npa-rebels

Hundreds flee as MILF, farmers clash in NorthCot

From MindaNews (Jun 17): Hundreds flee as MILF, farmers clash in NorthCot

TULUNAN, North Cotabato - Close to 200 families in two barangays in this town have been displaced after members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and local farmers figured in clashes Sunday for control over a contested area.

Data from the local disaster risk reduction and management office revealed that 168 families from sitios Silang, Malipayon, Saban and Purok 1 in Maybula and sitio Tuburan in New Bunawan have fled to the barangay centers.

Tulunan Mayor Lani Candolada, who was with Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza on Sunday said armed farmers were trying to hold off the MILF fighters in Barko-Barko, a high ground southeast of Malipayon which is being claimed by both groups.

Candolada confirmed the death of an unidentified farmer, and that authorities were verifying the reported discovery of three more dead bodies in Tuburan.

Taliño-Mendoza, who personally checked the situation in Maybula on Sunday, has called on Malacañang and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to intervene in the conflict.

 

Barko-Barko, previously declared as a free zone, was recently occupied by the MILF. Lately, however, armed local farmers regained position of the area.

Lying in the tri-boundary of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces, Barko-Barko is now the target of attack by the MILF’s 109 base command, Candolada said.

Taliño-Mendoza said Barko-Barko is supposed to be a free zone but the MILF occupied it first and from there staged attacks against civilians in Malipayon and the defensive position of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

To end the series of harassments, armed civilians in the area were forced to take control of Barko-Barko, she said.

The military and the police cannot directly intervene in the situation due to the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF, she noted.

The military in the area is under orders to stay in defensive position, she pointed out.

“Three provinces are involved in this conflict. Surveys were supposed to start in the area as stipulated in the agreement signed between the mayors of Tulunan in North Cotabato, Columbio of Sultan Kudarat and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao”, Taliño-Mendoza said.

The surveys did not happen due to the objections of the other provinces, she said.
She added the OPAPP has been informed of the situation but is yet to act on it.

She said the military should take control of Barko-Barko since there is already an agreement that farmers from North Cotabato and the MILF from the side of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces should not enter the area.

The governor said the military should be allowed to secure the area so that the surveys and other important activities could be done.

In 2011, the provincial boards of the three provinces, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agrarian Reform sat in a joint session to agree on measures that would end the conflict in Barko-Barko.

Among the agreed measures was the conduct of actual surveys.

The OPAPP through its Pamana program had allocated P5 million to fund the survey and a technical working group was formed for the activity.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/06/17/hundreds-flee-as-milf-farmers-clash-in-northcot/

MILF blasts govt ‘backtracking’

From the Manila Times (Jun 17): MILF blasts govt ‘backtracking’

THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday protested an apparent move by the government to backtrack from agreements that have been previously “initialed” and settled, a development which could bog down the already delayed negotiations.

MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said there are two minor agreements that the government peace panel wanted to change. He said the rebel group will reject whatever proposal that will alter or amend what they have already agreed upon.

Jaafar disclosed that their counterparts in government had a change of heart with regard to the initialed annex on wealth sharing.

He said the MILF Central Committee would meet anytime soon after a courtesy call by a delegation from the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) on Tuesday.

But even as the committee has yet to meet to discuss the government’s proposal, Jaafar said that “most probably the Central Committee will not accept [the proposal].”

“It has already been signed. It has already been initialed, why change? It has already been discussed,” Jaafar stressed.

Jaafar said he would preside the Central Committee meeting as MILF Chairman Ebrahim Murad was “indisposed,” but did not elaborate on the reasons that he said were “internal to us.”

Alarming

 On its official website, www.luwaran.com, the MILF leadership said that among those the government panel wanted to change is the document pertaining to natural resources. It also posed to block a grant to the Bangsamoro government during the discussions in the 38th GPH-MILF exploratory talks held on April 9-11.

“Except for those that are in harmony with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, we don’t accept the changes introduced by government on wealth sharing,” Luwaran quoted MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal as saying.

It added that they won’t budge on the initialed document.

The second “backtracking,” it was learned, was contained in the so-called “notes” recently sent to the MILF through the Malaysian facilitator, Dato Tengku Ab Ghafar Bin Tengku Mohamed, who visited the MILF leadership at Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindano last June 7.

The website quoted an unidentified MILF peace negotiator but did not divulge the content of the “notes”, or be categorical about it in accordance with protocol.

“Two change of positions in a row within the span of two months is alarming,” the MILF negotiator said.

“The peace negotiation is an exercise in futility if there is no stop to thins changing of positions by the government negotiating team,” the source added.

No renegotiation

 According to the unnamed member of the MILF panel, the government’s move was an attempt to throw the blame on the MILF for making it appear that the ball is in the rebel group’s court.

“We are not renegotiating the initialed document,” the MILF official was further quoted as saying.

The document on wealth sharing bore the initials of Secretary Senen Bacani and Prof. Abhoud Syed Ligga of the government and the MILF peace panel, respectively, and by three other personalities.

The MILF claimed that the chairs of the two peace panels, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Iqbal, took the lead in the discussions, which culminated in the initialing of the document last February 27.

Iqbal earlier disclosed that among those discussed during the two panels meeting last March were the issues on “power sharing, wealth sharing and normalization [of the Mindanao situation,” which are all part of the annexes of the initial framework agreement which the two sides signed in Malacañang in October last year.

Iqbal said the two sides have already agreed on more than half of the provisions of the framework agreement .

“Practically, we are settled on wealth sharing but we have not signed it yet. Subject for review,” he further said but refused to give details of the percentage that each side will get.

Optimistic

 Ferrer, for her part, said that “the peace process continues to move forward even without the conduct of formal meetings.”

She also confirmed that the panels have been exchanging “notes” lately to clarify several things.

“[The] government hopes that this process will allow the Parties to gain more clarity with respect to the current language of the Annexes and lead them to an agreement on the unresolved issues,” she said, adding that the exchange of notes between the two parties is currently ongoing.

“This exchange of notes has already commenced and through this process, we hope to come as close as possible to agreed language and return to Kuala Lumpur to be able to finalize the Annexes on Power and Wealth-sharing very soon,” she added.

Both parties agreed to meet again after the elections during their last round of formal talks.

Besides the annex on wealth-sharing, yet to be signed are the annexes on power-sharing and normalization, which also include the tough issues of decommissioning and policing.

Ferrer said that the Transition Commission has met several times, and was able to approve its internal rules of procedure as well as set-up working committees to draft the Basic Law, that will create a new political entity.

Even without the Annexes, she said that the government is hoping that the Transition Commission “can soon start discussion on the substantive provisions of the Framework Agreement that will need to find language in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

The provision on the Bangsamoro government being ministerial in form, Ferrer noted, is still being studied by the Commission.

Confidence-building

 The confidence-building measures between the two parties also continue, she pointed out.

 For instance, she cited the ongoing planning for the provincial launches of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

With respect to both parties agreements on cessation of hostilities, Ferrer said that “the ceasefire continues to hold well”, saying that “no armed skirmishes were recorded for the year 2012. “

“This is testament to the good working relationship between the Government and MILF through the coordinative mechanisms overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ferrer said that both Panels are also taking the time to continue consultations with stakeholders and their respective constituencies.

“On the part of the Government Panel, these include engagements with government agencies not only for legal and technical concerns relating to the drafts but also to consolidate support for the implementation of the comprehensive agreement and the prospective Bangsamoro Basic Law,” she added

Asked when do they expect to finish the annexes, Ferrer said: “The President and his entire cabinet is giving the peace negotiations the attention it needs and deserves to ensure that a comprehensive agreement, one that will give us the best shot for a just and enduring peace in Mindanao, is reached at the soonest possible time.”

Diligent work

 Ferrer further claimed that her panel “is just as anxious to find workable solutions to these contentious issues and is working diligently and with urgency towards this end.”

“Government is fully aware that time is of the essence and does not wish to ‘pass the buck’ to the next administration to implement the agreement,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, several lawmakers expressed optimism that the government negotiators handling the ongoing peace talks with the MILF would be able to resolve issues currently hounding the negotiations.

Senator Gregorio Honasan, for one, said that the government peace panel should remain focused and finish what it started considering that it had already gone a long way since the peace talks started.

Honasan was reacting on the statements issued by Jaafar and Iqbal warning the government against delaying the signing of the final peace agreement.

Honasan said that the government peace panel should not be distracted by the statement adding that it is just an opinion of one side.

“What the government should do is to remain focus on the negotiations and pursue it no matter what,” he added.

Senator Antonio Trillanes 4th, for his part, said that peace negotiators should maintain good lines of communication with all stakeholders in the peace process in order to prevent the other parties from having doubts towards the government.

“The government should also make the stakeholders understand that there is no need rush the very sensitive process while making sure that there won’t be further delays,” he said.

Before SONA

 At the House of Representatives, Rep. Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao province, who served as the justice secretary during the Arroyo administration, said the remaining annexes should be signed before President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s state of the nation address (SONA) next month.

“I hope that the government and the MILF can finish and sign all the remaining three annexes before the SONA on July 22 to assure everyone that the peace in Mindanao will truly come as promised,” Datumanong said in a text message.

“This peace agreement will improve development and encourage investment in Mindanao,” he added.

But for House Assistant Majority Leader Sherwin Tugna of Citizens Battle Against Corruption, the looming SONA should not prompt people to hasten things as this could make waste.

“Although time is of the essence in having a final peace agreement, I believe that there is no need to finish the power sharing and normalization aspect of the agreement before the SONA because this is a very sensitive and binding issue,” Tugna, a lawyer, pointed out.

“These provisions must be studied carefully. In the event of its signing wherein both parties are satisfied with the terms, it will be a strong foundation for peace and progress in Mindanao,” Tugna further stressed.

why change? It has already been discussed,” Jaafar stressed.

Jaafar said he would preside the Central Committee meeting as MILF Chairman Ebrahim Murad was “indisposed,” but did not elaborate on the reasons that he said were “internal to us.”

http://www.manilatimes.net/milf-blasts-govt-backtracking/10758/

Peace pact with MILF still unclear

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 17): Peace pact with MILF still unclear

Malacañang has been going over with due diligence certain provisions of the peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and it was unclear if the two sides can sign an agreement before the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino on July 22, a presidential spokesman said on Sunday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacanang was looking closely at annexes on wealth-sharing and power-sharing and the government will commit to “an agreement that will be acceptable to all.”

“The last remaining annexes contain some heavy issues, so to speak, and the government is really taking a close look at these,” Valte said.

Government negotiators and the leaders of the MILF initialed in February a draft of the annexes on wealth sharing of 75-25 for the Bangsamoro. But the government wanted a compromise of 50-50.

The peace agreement will serve as “source document” for the Transition Commission that was formed to recommend a new law to implement the Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao. But the MILF said the negotiations with the government has reached a deadlock.

Valte said the government was careful because of its experience with the aborted  Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain with the MILF in 2008, which the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional.

The decision angered the MILF, which launched attacks in which 60 people were killed and more than 600,000 people were displaced from their homes.

“We do not want a repeat of that. We want that the contents of the annexes will pass muster,” Valte said.

Government negotiator Miriam Ferrer said the administration was looking for compromises and the goal “is to sign an agreement before the president’s State of the Nation address on July 22.

“But if it is hard to agree on certain provisions, certainly, the signing will take longer,” Ferrer said.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said formal talks could not resume because the government has flip-flopped on its initial commitment on the annexes.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/17/peace-pact-with-milf-still-unclear/

Baguio cadet joins US academy

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 17): Baguio cadet joins US academy

Cadet Don Stanley Castilo Dalisay of the Philippine Military Academy here in Baguio City is joining Class 2017 of the United States Military Academy.

He graduated valedictorian in high school and elementary in his home province Batangas before entering the academy.

Dalisay finished BS Public Health at the University of the Philippines (Manila) and was acclaimed best debated and speaker in various competitions.

This year, three PMA cadets graduated from the different military academies in the US–Theodore Carl Quijano, United States Air Force Academy;  Chinna Louisse Salio, United States Naval Academy; and Floren Herrera, USMA.

Quijano belonged to the Superintendent’s List (Dean’s List, Commandant’s List and Athletic List).

The only Filipino graduate in Annapolis Class 2013, Salio is a champion marksman in her class and has a brother in the same Academy who is expected to graduate in 2016.

According to Vice Admiral Edgardo Abogado, PMA Superintendent, cadets are carefully chosen for schooling abroad.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/17/baguio-cadet-joins-us-academy/

ROTC revival talks sparks debate in Congress

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 17): ROTC revival talks sparks debate in Congress

The defense department has sparked a debate on its proposal to revive the mandatory military training for college students.

While congressmen belonging to the Committees on National Defense and on Higher Education are strongly backing the Department of Defense bid to conduct military training for the youth, the youth group Anakbayan rejected it.

Reps. Mark Llandro Mendoza (NPC, Batangas), Amado Bagatsing (LP, Manila); Jose Cari (LP, Leyte) and Winston Castelo (LP, Quezon City) believe that there is a strong reason to include the Reserve Officers Training Corps training in all college curriculum.

Castelo called for a change in the country’s national security program to include requiring the mandatory military draft of men and women who reach the age of 18.

“Part of that proposal will be the ROTC revival. As a national security doctrine, we have to develop the capability to inflict lethal blows to the enemy,” stated Castelo.

However, Mendoza said reforms must first be put in place before ROTC is re-introduced in university studies.

“For starters, there should be stricter rules to stop hazing and extortion that were among the reasons why ROTC training was abolished,” said Mendoza, a ROTC officer in college.

He also suggested that ROTC as a subject be reformatted to include hours devoted for disaster prevention and relief operations training.

It will be recalled that mandatory ROTC was abolished in 2001 in reaction to nationwide protest among students and school administrators that was triggered by the hazing death of ROTC cadet Mark Chua of the University of Sto. Tomas.

“ROTC should be revived to help instil discipline among our youth. They should also be made part of the response group for disaster and calamities,” said Bagatsing.

On the other hand, Cari agreed that bribery, extortion and violence are the main concerns that should be addressed if colleges students will be required to undergo  ROTC training.

Meanwhile, the youth group Anakbayan assailed the move to bring back military training for college students.

"There's a reason why it was scrapped in the first place. It's like the appendix in our bodies: serves no purpose or benefit for students, and in fact it even harms them, both physically and non-physically" said Anakbayan chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.
Crisostomo recalled that then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo scrapped ROTC training following the death of Chua.

"ROTC is esssentially the militarization of campuses. It allows the Armed Forces to circumvent prohibitions of their presence in schools, they recruit 'assets' to spy and terrorize student leaders, and their training reduces students to the zombie-like military mindset of 'shoot first, ask questions later'" said Crisostomo.

He added: "The way officers humiliate, brutalize, and even maim cadets in the guise of 'training' is nothing short of the violation of basic human rights.”

“Also, the ROTC program is a haven for corruption, with officers and teachers making money out of the students who have been bludgeoned into submission" Crisostomo stated.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/17631/ROTC_revival_talks_sparks_debate_in_Congress#.Ub8cRY7D8cA

US Navy Secretary Mabus says alliance with PH vital amid US defense rebalance

From InterAksyon (Jun 17): US Navy Secretary Mabus says alliance with PH vital amid US defense rebalance

U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus is on a three-day visit to the Philippines, in a trip deemed crucial to America’s defense pivot and ranged against a backdrop of rising maritime tensions between China and Southeast Asian countries.

Mabus, who will conduct official government meetings and visit with U.S. personnel, said in a statement released by the US embassy in Manila: "As we rebalance to the Pacific, our alliance with the Philippines has never been more important than it is today."

Mabus said he looked forward to "exploring opportunities to work with the Philippine armed forces to build greater maritime capacity and increase security and stability in the region."

Meetings were set between Mabus and AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, the Flag Officer in Command of the Navy Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, and other senior U.S. and Philippine government and military officials.

Mabus' visit reflects the importance that the United States holds for the strong and enduring relationship with the Philippines, according to the US embassy statement.

Mabus is expected to discuss bilateral and multilateral security issues and efforts, maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, it added.

The Secretary of the Navy conducts all business matters for the two uniformed services that make up the Department of the Navy, the Navy and the Marine Corps.  This involves implementing policies and programs to support the national security objectives established by U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. 

Additionally, Mabus oversees the construction and repair of naval ships, aircraft, and facilities.  He is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $170 billion and provides leadership for almost 900,000 people.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/64270/us-navy-secretary-mabus-says-alliance-with-ph-vital-amid-us-defense-rebalance

US gov’t continues to provide aid, relief efforts to typhoon-ravaged areas in RP, says embassy

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 17): US gov’t continues to provide aid, relief efforts to typhoon-ravaged areas in RP, says embassy

The United States Embassy reported donations totaling P683,844,658 by the US government to assist individuals ravaged by typhoon “Pablo” that struck in December 2012 in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Negros Oriental provinces.

“We continue to work hand in hand with the government of the Philippines and non-governmental organizations to make sure that assistance is reaching those who need it most in typhoon-ravaged areas of the Philippines,” the US Embassy said.

In summary of all activities undertaken by the US government to assist with the disaster relief effort since Dec. 5, 2012, a total amount of P683,800,000 has provided to support emergency and recovery assistance to individuals affected by typhoon Pablo.

“This funding is helping address the humanitarian needs of typhoon-affected populations in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Negros Oriental provinces, including support for emergency shelter, logistics and water, sanitation and hygiene activities, as well as the provision of emergency relief commodities and rice.

“This also includes the rehabilitation of small infrastructure, replacement of key educational assets such as desks and learning materials and distribution of health equipment,” the embassy said.

Over the past five years, a total amount of P2,836,640,000 had been provided by the US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), to aid with the disaster response in the Philippines, the embassy said.

The US government is helping the Philippines cope with the effects of calamities by improving mechanisms to effectively adapt and respond to natural disasters. This includes responses to typhoons “Ondoy” in 2009, “Juan” in 2010, “Sendong” in 2011 and “Pablo” in 2012, the embassy said.

Gloria Steele, mission director of the USAid, visited Compostela Valley yesterday to reiterate the US government’s commitment to help rebuild the lives of typhoon victims.

Steele, assisted by Compostela Gov. Arturo Uy, turned over educational materials worth more than P1.2 million to students and teachers of Cabinuangan Central Elementary School, provided seeds and fertilizer that will directly benefit 120 local farmers, and led the ground-breaking of a P2.5-million trading facility.

Steele said the initiatives are part of the US government’s ongoing P201-million disaster recovery assistance for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, with the two provinces suffering the heaviest casualties and damages from typhoon Pablo.

Steele also announced an additional US assistance of P287 million to support disaster preparedness initiatives in the Philippines.

“The US government continues to work with the Philippine government to help these provinces recover from the impact of the disaster and enable them to rebuild their lives. We will partner with local governments, schools and communities to develop disaster preparedness contingency plans, which will help them better prepare for disasters,” Steele said.

Cabinuangan Central Elementary School (CES), with a student population of over 1,500 students, is among the 30 elementary and high schools that will receive USAid educational assistance packages consisting of student and teacher kits, blackboards, school furniture and assorted reference materials.

The Compostela Trading Center, in Barangay Poblacion, will benefit 23,000 residents, providing farmers and traders with a convenient and weather-resilient venue to consolidate and sell their produce, and consequently, spur economic activity in the area.

The provision of farm production inputs supports the USAID goal of helping typhoon-affected communities, whose farmlands were heavily damaged by the typhoon, to access alternative farming and livelihood technologies.

US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas Jr. said in a statement, “We mourn the loss of life and property, but we also celebrate the determination of the people of Compostela Valley and other affected areas to bounce back, rebuild and persevere.”

Typhoon Pablo struck in December 2012 that caused extensive damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture particularly in the municipalities of Compostela, Monkayo, Laak, Montevista and New Bataan in Compostela Valley, and in Baganga, Boston and Cateel in Davao Oriental.

The US government, through USAID, provided P508.4 million in emergency humanitarian assistance. This included emergency shelter; logistics support; water, sanitation and hygiene activities; and the provision of emergency relief commodities and rice.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/15493-us-gov-t-continues-to-provide-aid-relief-efforts-to-typhoon-ravaged-areas-in-rp-says-embassy

US Navy secretary arrives for three-day RP visit

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 17): US Navy secretary arrives for three-day RP visit

US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus arrived yesterday for a three-day visit to the Philippines, according to the US Embassy in Manila.

During the course of his visit, Mabus is expected to meet with Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-charge Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano and other senior Philippine government officials.

Mabus’ visit reinforces the importance of the relationship between the United States and Philippines.

The US official is expected to discuss bilateral and multilateral security issues and efforts, maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“As we rebalance to the Pacific, our alliance with the Philippines has never been more important than it is today,” Mabus stated.

“I look forward to exploring opportunities to work with the Philippine armed forces to build greater maritime capacity and increase security and stability in the region,” he emphasized.

The US Secretary of the Navy conducts all business matters for the two uniformed services that make up the Department of the Navy.

These are the Navy and the Marine Corps.

This involves implementing policies and programs to support the national security objectives established by US President Barack Obama and US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Additionally, Mabus oversees the construction and repair of naval ships, aircraft, and facilities.

He is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $170 billion and provides leadership for almost 900,000 people.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/15540-us-navy-secretary-arrives-for-three-day-rp-visit

Field commanders can’t wait forever — MILF

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 17): Field commanders can’t wait forever — MILF

GOV’T PEACE PANEL BLAMED FOR DELAY IN TALKS

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday said its impatient commanders on the ground cannot “wait forever” for an agreement as the rebel group accused the government peace panel of deliberately delaying the negotiations on the forming of the Bangsamoro substate by perpetually postponing the meeting between the two panels.

MILF Vice Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar said that many MILF commanders are now getting impatient, believing that the government of the Philippines (GRP) is deliberately delaying the signing of a peace accord.

“The perception is that the signing of the comprehensive compact agreement is deliberately being delayed by the government, giving unrealistic reason for the delay,” Jaafar said.

Asked what could be the reasons of the GRP peace panel in delaying the peace negotiations, Jaafar referred the media to GRP peace panel chairman Prof. Miriam Ferrer.

“I suggest that you interview the government, the honorable chairperson of the GRP peace panel because they are the ones deliberately delaying the signing of the comprehensive compact agreement by delaying the meeting between the two peace panels,” Jaafar said. “We are not the ones delaying,” he added. Jaafar said the MILF leadership has not heard of any update from the GRP.

“There is none and we are not expecting to receive new words from the government today or maybe tomorrow,” he said.

Jaafar emphasized that the sentiments of MILF ground commanders is that they cannot wait forever for the signing of peace accord with the government.

Asked what the MILF leadership told the field commander, Jaafar replied “that is only for us, we are not obliged to (say) what we told them. I cannot answer that question.”

Pressed if the delay in the peace negotiations would not lead to possible attacks from the “impatient” MILF leaders, Jaafar answered “I cannot answer that question…you are implying something for that question so I refuse to answer that.”

Ferrer admitted earlier that the government intends to introduce some changes to the draft annex under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), particularly on aspects of taxation, fund transfer mechanisms and revenue sharing.

She said the negotiations on the stalled FAB wealth-sharing annex will resume soon in Malaysia.

“This exchange of notes has already commenced and through this process, we hope to come as close as possible to agreed language and return to Kuala Lumpur to be able to finalize the annexes on power and wealth-sharing very soon,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said the negotiation had reached the point of the most crucial
issues of the FAB. “it is to be expected that finding agreement on details (of the FAB annexes) has been more difficult and complex,” she said.

She said on the power-sharing annex, three classes of sharing of powers were identified between the central government and the Bangsamoro regional government which are “reserved” powers or matters over which competencies are fully retained by the central government; “concurrent” powers or aspects of jurisdiction subject to the shared or joint authorities of the central and regional governments; and “exclusive” powers or competencies that are to be devolved to the Bangsamoro.”

Ferrer said some of the reserved powers were already identified which are defense and external security; foreign policy; common market and global trade provided that the power to enter into economic agreements already allowed under Republic Act 9054 shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro; coinage and monetary policy; citizenship and naturalization, and postal service.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said channels of communications remain open for the discussion and settlement of contentious issues, particularly the wealth-sharing and power-sharing annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

Deles made the response in reaction on the statement made by Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, who claimed that “a stalemate” has cropped up in the ongoing talks between the GRP and the MILF which was the banner headline of a Manila newspaper in its June 16, 2013 issue.

“Channels are open in order for us to discuss and settle the contentious issues,” Deles said.

Iqbal was quoted the other day as saying that the peace talks have reached “a stalemate” but the MILF leadership has urged MILF ground commanders to be patient to avoid the resumption of fighting in southern Philippines.

It may be recalled that in the summer of 2000, an all-out war erupted in Central Mindanao between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the MILF wherein the military captured all 49 MILF camps, including Camp Abubakar.

Again in 2007, heavy fighting broke out following the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Ancestral Domain which was declared by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.

However, backdoor negotiations continued and formal peace talks resumed in the latter part of 2010 and continued to gain headway over the past three years.

Ferrer, for her part, pointed out that indeed the “talks are at the last stages; left for resolution are the hard issues” — referring to the wealth-sharing and power sharing.“Had these been easy, they would have been settled months ago,” adding that “in any case, both parties remain committed to the primacy of the peace process and the public is behind this pursuit.” “I am certain both of us will try our best to arrive at workable compromises.”

Earlier, Ferrer said that the next round of talks will tackle the annexes on wealth-sharing and power-sharing which are the most contentious issues in the ongoing negotiations.

“During the last round of formal talks, the Parties agreed to meet again after the elections and in the interim to process the remaining issues in the annexes through an exchange of notes with the help of the facilitator,” Ferrer said.

“This exchange of notes has already commenced and through this process, we hope to come as close as possible to agreed language and return to Kuala Lumpur to be able to finalize the Annexes on Power and Wealth-sharing very soon,” she added.

Malaysia is the third party facilitator in the peace talks between the GRP and the MILF.

Ferrer admitted that “because the Annexes will further detail what is provided in the Framework Agreement, it is to be expected that finding agreement on these details has been more difficult and complex.”

At the same time, Ferrer said that confidence-building measures between the GRP and MILF continue.

She cited as example the ongoing planning for the provincial launches of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, President Aquino’s concrete, socio-economic initiative aimed at uplifing the health, education, and livelihood conditions of MILF communities.

The program was launched jointly by the government and the MILF in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao recently following the signing ofr the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

With respect to the agreements on cessation of hostilities, the ceasefire between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the MILF continues to hold, Ferrer said.

“In fact, no armed skirmishes were recorded for the year 2012,” Ferrer said as a “testament to the good working relationship between the government and MILF through the coordinative mechanisms overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire.”

Ferrer also said that both peace panels are “taking the time to continue consultations with stakeholders and their respective constituencies.”

On the part of the GRP peace panel, “these include engagements with government agencies not only for legal and technical concerns relating to the drafts but also to consolidate support for the implementation of the comprehensive agreement and the prospective Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Ferrer said.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Abigail Valte said on radio the government did not want a repeat of the earlier memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MoA-AD) that also detailed the Bangsamoro homeland but was met with strong public opposition for the fine tuning of the annexes.

“Given that the last three remaining annexes contain some heavy issues so to speak, the government is really taking a close look that the contents of the annexes will pass muster,” Valte said.

Once passed into law, the FAB will pave the way for the establishment of the new substate, the Bangsamoro, to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/15500-field-commanders-can-t-wait-forever-milf