From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 3): US has not paid Tubbataha fine
Almost a year after an American warship ran aground on an atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea, the US government has yet to pay the fine imposed by the Philippines for the damage to the environment.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Thursday that the fine amounted to P58.3 million, imposed after a determination of the damage caused by the grounding of the USS Guardian on the Tubbataha Reefs, a protected World Heritage Site.
“According to Director Lim, nothing has been paid yet,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said in a text message to the Inquirer, referring to a statement from Theresa Mundita Lim, head of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (formerly the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau).
Lim later confirmed the information in a separate text message to the Inquirer.
No request
A US official, however, said the Philippines had not formally requested settlement of the damage.
“The United States has committed to processing any request by the Philippine government for damage expeditiously,” the official who is privy to the matter said on Thursday. “To my knowledge, a request has not yet been made.”
Paje said it was up to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make arrangements with the US government on the payment of the fine.
“If it were up to the DENR, of course, we would insist that the penalty be imposed and that they pay in cash, regardless of whether it was the US or China or whoever. But this is not a purely environmental matter,” Paje said in telephone interview.
“This is government to government, and I defer to the DFA on this matter,” he added.
The DFA said compensation talks were going on between the Philippines and the United States.
Raul Hernandez, spokesman for the DFA, told the Inquirer that the Philippine government “is committed and determined to pursue compensation.”
“There has been good progress in the discussion between the Philippines and the United States on the issue of compensation for the damage caused by the Guardian on the Tubbataha Reefs,” he said.
Hernandez, however, declined to give details, citing a case in the Supreme Court.
Cut up
The 68-meter, 1,389-ton minehunter Guardian was sailing to Indonesia after a port call on Subic Bay in Zambales province when it ran aground on the south atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs on Jan. 17, 2013.
Originally, only the bow section of the Avenger-class minehunter rested on the reef, but waves pushed the entire vessel onto the reef, 20 to 30 meters from the edge.
Unable to remove the vessel, which was too damaged to be towed due to multiple hull perforations, the US Navy decided to cut it into sections that were craned off the reef by a salvor ship from Singapore.
The removal of the warship from the reef took 10 weeks, with the last section of the vessel being taken away by the crane ship on March 30, 2013.
Despite that effort, which resulted in the complete loss of the ship, the grounding damaged more than 2,300 square meters of coral reef.
The Tubbataha Management Office fined the US government P58.3 million for the damage but environmental groups went to the Supreme Court asking for a higher penalty and an order for the prosecution of the officers and crew of the Guardian.
Protected site
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park lies at the center of the Sulu Sea and protects almost 100,000 hectares of high-quality marine habitats containing three atolls and a large area of deep sea.
Home to whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and Napoleon wrasse, the park supports more than 350 species of coral and almost 500 species of fish, for which it has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region, according to Unesco.
Payment demanded
In a statement, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) asked the Aquino administration on Thursday to press for compensation.
Pamalakaya, one of the petitioners in the writ of kalikasan (nature) case in the Supreme Court, said the US government continued to snub the high tribunal’s request to Washington to answer the petition, which named as respondents Scott Swift, commander of the US Seventh Fleet, and Mark Rice, commanding officer of the Guardian.
“The US government must respond to and account for their crimes against the people and the environment. That is simple as ABC, nothing more, nothing less. The incident merits the filing of criminal and other appropriate charges against officers and the 79 crew of the USS Guardian,” Pamalakaya vice chair Salvador France said.
France also said the incident called for the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
Bring charges
Pamalakaya also urged Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to file criminal and other charges against the officers and crew of the Guardian.
The group said it wrote De Lima last February asking her to bring charges but its request had seen no progress.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 3): What Went Before: Damage wrought by USS Guardian
On Jan. 17 last year, the Avenger-class minehunter USS Guardian ran aground on the south atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs while sailing to Indonesia following a port call on Subic Bay.
The grounding damaged 2,345 square meters of coral on the reefs, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site in the middle of the Sulu Sea.
After 10 weeks, the salvage operation was completed by a Singapore-based salvor company hired by the US Navy. The ship had to be dismantled piece by piece so it could be lifted without damaging the reef further.
It was then decommissioned and stricken off the naval registry.
In April 2013, the commanding officer of the Guardian, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice, the executive officer and navigator Lt. Daniel Tyler, the assistant navigator and the officer of the deck at the time of the grounding were relieved.
In the same month, the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said it would fine the United States not more than $1.4 million (about P60 million) for the damage to the Tubbataha Reefs.
The report of the assessment team, composed of divers and researchers from the TMO and World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, showed that the damaged area spanned 2,345.67 sqm, smaller than the initial estimate of 4,000 sq m, which would have pushed the fine to $5 million, or about P200 million.
Under Republic Act No. 10067, or the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009, a fine of about $600 or P24,000 per sqm of damaged reef is mandatory.
In June 2013, the US Navy, in a report on the results of its own investigation, said the lack of leadership and faulty navigational equipment led to the grounding of the Guardian.
From MindaNews (Jan 3): 9 BIFF members killed in New Year’s Day clash – Army
Nine members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed on New Year’s Day in a gunfight with government troops in the Pulangi marshland between North Cotabato and Maguindanao, a military report said.
Capt. Tony Bulao, spokesperson of 602nd Infantry Brigade said the firefight started when the rebels harassed government positions on the night of Dec. 31.
The encounters, which lasted until Thursday, occurred in parts of Pikit, Midsayap and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato.
The military report said the BIFF suffered its first two casualties on the morning of Jan. 1 in Sitio Mapagkaya, Barangay Paidu Pulangi in Pikit, in an encounter against troops from the 7th Infantry Battalion and 5th Special Forces.
The rebels were said to under certain Kumander Endeg and were residents of Guindulungan, Maguindanao.
Seven other BIFF members were killed also in Mapagkaya when the military fired 105mm howitzers and 81mm mortars Thursday afternoon.
“The attempted to get closer to the highway but our troops blocked them. We have information they wanted to initiate extortion activities”, Bulao said.
But in a text message BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama denied there were casualties on their side.
He even boasted that they captured four military positions, and warned they will launch more attacks anytime.
Bulao said the positions that Mama mentioned were just temporary ones and had long been abandoned by government forces.
From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 3): Army chief retiring
The commanding general of the Philippine Army is up for mandatory retirement and has started doing the rounds of field units of the 90,000-strong command.
Lieut. General Noel Coballes, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Mapitagan” Class 1980, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 next month.
On Thursday, Coballes visited the 5th Infantry Division which is under Maj. Gen. Joel Ybanez based on Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Barangay Upi, Gamu, Isabela.
Coballes, a native of Cagayan, is the 55th Army chief. He served as Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff.
From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 3): Nur camp confirms Haber Malik’s death
A top commander of the Moro National Liberation Front-Nur Misuari faction who led the three-week siege in Zamboanga City reportedly died from two bullets wounds during the final stage of the stand-off even as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) had resumed attacks against military detachments in Central Mindanao.
HABER MALIKMNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza disclosed that Haber Malik, Misuari’s most trusted commander, succumbed from bullet wounds at his arm pit and leg from a still unknown caliber in the group’s hideout in a forested area somewhere in Jolo, Sulu three weeks ago.
“Commander Malik died recently due to wounds at his arm pit and leg he sustained from the skirmishes while fighting with lawmen in Zamboanga City,” Cerveza said.
He said Malik had actually survived the Zamboanga City clashes despite the intense volley of gunfire from security forces, but his wounds had not healed because of his diabetes.
At the height of the skirmishes between the MNLF and security forces, Malik was reportedly among those killed in the clashes, but Cerveza denied the report and had said that Malik was able to escape,
Cerveza said he did not know the exact date of Malik’s death and the site where the body was buried.
“What I know is that he was buried somewhere in the jungles in Jolo, three weeks ago,” Cerveza said.
Malik, along with a group of heavily-armed MNLF rebels stormed Zamboanga City Hall at dawn of September 9 last year and spread to at least six villages where they held hundreds of innocent civilians as shield against the advancing government forces.
More than two hundred people, including twenty from the government side and twelve civilians were killed, while 177 others were wounded during the standoff, which was triggered by the declaration of independence of Mindanao by Misuari’s group.
Misuari decided to claim independence for Mindano after the government abrogated the tripartite review talks with the MNLF on the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement of 1976.
Meanwhile, Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF attacks on military detachments wounded a soldier.
Hermoso said that on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at around 10:30 p.m., BIFF elements attacked the 7th Infantry Battalion and the 5th Special Forces Battalion detachments in Bgy. Saido Polangi in Pikit, North Cotabato.
“The BIFF elements positioned themselves in Barangay Dasawao of Datu Piang, Maguindanao, in between the Maguindanao river. This harassment against our troops continued up until the morning of January 1,” he said.
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 3): Military accuses BIFF of attempting to derail RP-MILF peace negotiations
Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed two military detachments in Cotabato province on New Year’s Eve, resulting in one soldier slightly wounded, in an apparent attempt to spoil the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a military official yesterday said.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said that first to be harassed by BIFF elements was the detachment of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 5th Special Forces Battalion in Paidu Pulangi, Pikit town at around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Hermoso said the BIFF rebels positioned themselves in Barangay Dasawao in Datu Piang, Maguindanao and fired at the detachment located across the Maguindanao River.
“There was harassment by fire against the troops, intermittent up to morning of Jan. 1... it was on and off. Our soldiers retaliated... there were no civilians on the side of the BIFF position while in Paidu Pulangi on the other side of the river, the civilians were frightened,” Hermoso said.
“There was one soldier slightly wounded. On the side of the BIFF, we can’t determine but we have monitored some wounded,” Hermoso said.
Around 15 minutes later, BIFF members also harassed the 40th IB detachment in Barangay Nabalawag in Midsayap.
Hermoso said that the exchange of gun fires lasted for about 30 minutes. “Our troops were ready,” Hermoso said.
There was no reported casualty during the second harassment.
Asked what is the assessment of the military in the latest BIFF attacks, Hermoso cited the ongoing peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines and the MILF.
“They (BIFF) don’t want the peace talks with the MILF to prosper,” Hermoso said.
The BIFF, founded by Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato, broke away from the MILF due to differences with the leadership of chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in handling the peace negotiations with the government.
Kato is known as among the hard-core MILF leaders wanting to establish a separate Islamic state in Mindanao instead of settling for an autonomy.
From the Business Mirror (Jan 2): BIFF rebels attack government forces in 3 incidents
MEMBERS of the breakaway Moro group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed three military units in North Cotabato on Tuesday in their continuing efforts to scuttle the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the intermittent firing on the headquarters of the 7th Infantry Battalion (IB), 5th Special Forces (SF), Battalion and 40th IB wounded one soldier.
BIFF fighters, who positioned themselves at Barangay Dasawao, Datu Piang, Maguindanao, intermittently fired on the headquarters of the 7th IB and 5th SF Battalion beginning 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The harassment went on until Wednesday.
“The harassment was intermittent and it raged until the morning of January 1. Of course, the soldiers were also responding with fire,” Hermoso said.
“The BIFF does not really want the talks between the government and the MILF to prosper. Every time there are scheduled talks, the BIFF would always conduct harassment activities,” he said.
Almost simultaneously with the attacks, another group of BIFF fighters fired on the detachment of the 40th IB at Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato for about 30 minutes.
The BIFF, which broke away from the MILF, is opposed to the ongoing talks, preferring to wage a conflict with the government in pursuit of an independent state in Mindanao.
The group is currently headed by renegade Commander Ameril Umbra Kato, but whom Hermoso said is no longer running the operations of the group because he is already bedridden due to a stroke.
Instead, the group is being ran by three leaders he identified as alias Karingalan, Dungos and Tambako.
“But the group already removed Tambako,” Hermoso said.
“They want to project that they are still strong, so they started 2014 by harassing the government,” he said.
From the Philippine Star (Jan 2): Cops, troops hunt Basilan blast suspects
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has assured Sulu leaders and their constituents that the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will include province and its residents.
Sulu is home to Tausugs and members of the Moro National Liberation Front.
Deles made the assurance and eased the doubts and worries of Sulu residents during a consultation last week in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, which was called by Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II with all its stake holders present.
Deles lauded the provincial leadership for holding the dialogue as it helped inform residents of the results of the ongoing negotiations which will resume within this month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the possible signing of the final annex - the normalization annex.
Deles told the Sulu residents of the four-point instruction of President Aquino to the government peace panel that the negotiation should be: first, within the parameters of the constitution while considering some flexibility of the laws; second, all agreements must be doable; third, the president want it to make sure that everything the government signed can be implemented; and fourth, it has to be inclusive.
“There has to be consultation. We work under these parameters,” Deles said.
“The Bangsamoro is not just about the MILF. It is not just about MNLF. It is all about the citizens who never carried guns to fight for their agenda but have suffered from this cycle of violence in the region,” she added.
Deles told the Sulu stake holders that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) is a platform for the entire Bangsamoro to come together and discuss issues.
She added that the Aquino administration is aware of the need for sensitivity in crafting a law that will advance the interests of the Bangsamoro people, citing that the president created a commission that is composed of only Moros.
“We are hoping for a new life in region, where the people will see that they have an equal chance for progress, in which they don’t have to use the guns to get what they want,” she added.
Sulu vice-governor Abdusakur M. Tan maintained that there is a need for the people to be well informed of the ongoing talks since the island province is regarded as the birthplace of the Moro rebellion.
“[The] dialogue is geared toward a better understanding of the agreement, and clear whatever doubts and apprehensions some sectors of our people may harbor on the imminent changes they have to come to terms with,” he said.
From the Philippine Star (Jan 2): Cops, troops hunt Basilan blast suspects
Police and military forces launched manhunt operations against the suspects behind the bombing that killed seven villagers and wounded five others in a village of Sumisip town, Basilan province, according to officials.
This as Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said he is willing to shell out bounty for the immediate arrest of the suspects responsible for the blast at sitio Fine Tree, Barangay Tumahubong.
Hataman, who personally visited the area, said the blast Tuesday night, was caused by grenade and not improvised bomb as reported earlier.
He said the victims came from a mass in a nearby parish church and were having New Year’s party in a gazebo when the explosion occurred.
The police and military investigating the case are looking into two or three angles in the blast, Hataman said. No other details were disclosed.
The authorities said the explosion was unlikely to be related to the previous attack in the area that was blamed on the Abu Sayyaf group, which was allegedly extorting from villagers, who are mostly cooperative plantation workers in Tumahubong, a vast rubber plantation in Basilan.
Hataman said the police led by Basilan provincial director Senior Superintendent Mario Dapillosa are set to complete the investigation soon.
“There should be no let up in the [pursuit] operations. Dapat may managot dito at mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga inosenteng biktima,” Hataman said.
Hataman said he had discussed with the police and military officials the possibility of putting up a bounty that will help speed up the arrest of the suspects and resolution of the case.
“We are willing to put up bounty or whatever fastest way for the arrest of the suspects and give justice to the victims,” Hataman said.
Malacañang has paid the medical bills of the victims and gave P5,000 to each of them through Hataman who visited the wounded at the Zamboanga City Medical Center in this city.
Hataman also visited the wake of those who were killed and provided P10,000 each and additional assistance for their burial.
From ABS-CBN (Jan 2): Palace: Military ready against threat of CPP attacks
Malacañang said the government continues to work for inclusive growth by generating jobs and helping the poor in response to the reported statement of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that more mass struggles against the administration are to be expected this year due to corruption, poverty, and environmental degradation, among others.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma also said the administration is ready to listen to those who have concrete and "meaningful" ideas and proposals that can support the government's reforms.
"The government remains focused and committed to attaining the goal of inclusive growth by creating more employment and extending social protection to the most needy. We acknowledge that there are those who differ with us in the way they view the economy. As the President said in his New Year's message -- and I quote -- 'Our minds remain open and we are always ready to listen to those with meaningful ideas and proposals that can help to expand and make permanent our reforms,'" Coloma said.
"Meron po talagang ibang mga sektor na meron silang ibang pananaw at ginagagalang naman po natin 'yon. Nagkakaiba po kasi sa ginagamit na batayan at sa mga premise. Ganun pa man, bukas po ang administrasyon na pakinggan kung meron silang mga kongkretong panukala na maaaring humantong sa mas makabuluhang mga reporma," he added.
Nonetheless, the Palace said the military stands ready against threats from the CPP to intensify attacks this year.
"Siyempre po tutugunan 'yan ng ating mga security forces and law enforcement authorities sapagkat tungkulin po ng Sandatahang Lakas na ipagtanggol ang ating mga mamamayan at panatilihin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad," Coloma said.
But he also clarified that the Palace remains open to holding peace talks with the CPP - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
"Hindi po nawawalan ng pag-asa o ng determinasyon ang ating pamahalaan na malampasan kung ano man 'yung mga hamon na nagsisilbing balakid dahil isa pa rin po 'yan sa mga peace table ng ating pamahalaan."
Sinisikap po nating maisulong ang kapayapaan hindi lamang doon sa Mindanao kundi sa iba't iba pang mga larangan at kasama na po diyan 'yung pakikipag-ugnayan o pakikipag-negosasyon sa CPP-NPA-NDF para po maresolba ang matagal nang usapin hinggil diyan," Coloma said.
In its 45th anniversary statement last week, the CPP called on its supporters to push for the ouster of President Benigno Aquino III amid his alleged faults against the nation.
It said the Aquino government is no different from other regimes, contrary to what it has trumpeted when it came into power.
The CPP also blasted the government for its supposed unwillingness to pursue real peace.
From ABS-CBN (Jan 2): Soldier injured in Moro rebels' attacks
Just a few minutes before welcoming the new year, Ameril Umbra Kato's Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a detachment of the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kolambog, Pikit town in North Cotabato.
The exchange of fire between the BIFF and the military forces lasted for an hour.
The soldiers also had an encounter with the armed group in Barangay Nabalawag in Midsayap town past 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Captain Antonio Bulao, spokesperson of the 602nd Brigade, confirmed the attacks launched by the BIFF, but denied the group's statement that they overran four military detachments.
Bulao said the attacks could be related to an extortion demand of the group on the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
The NIA is currently working on a P6-billion worth of project from the town of Aleosan to Pikit.
Bulao said it is also possible that the BIFF is just sending signals to the government and to the locals that they are still active and want to drive away military troops in the area.
One soldier, identified only as Private First Class Espartero, was wounded in the encounter.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is still investigating if there were casualties on the rebel group's side.
BIFF spokesperson Abu Missry Mama said none of their members was hurt in the incident.
From ABS-CBN (Jan 3): Basilan bombers targeted chapel?
Was the chapel the actual target?
Barangay officials say the original target of the bombing that killed seven people in Sumisip, Basilan last Tuesday could have been the nearby chapel, but the perpetrators aborted the plan when they saw soldiers deployed in the area.
A barangay official who asked not to be identified said that members of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion were stationed near the chapel when the bombing occurred.
“The gazebo the bombers targeted was filled with merry-makers. It is about a hundred meters away from the chapel,” said the source.
Witnesses said two men riding a motorcycle were spotted near the chapel before the explosion.
The fatalities were identified as Rey Limbin, Elbert Gomoba, Kitarul Kaddik, Leniebel Cisneros, Lourdes Ablon, Badjon Gomoba and Therese Claire Alegarbes.
The wounded were Janice Alegarbes, Trining and Jessa Dingcong, Ronel and Samson Limben.
The gazebo the suspects bombed is owned by Manuel Cisneros, a local member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit.
Barangay Tumahubong is at the center of a 4,000-hectare rubber plantation developed in the 1960s by the multinational tire manufacturer BF Goodrich.
The company shut down operations in the 1980s when the farm was placed under the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
Residents of Tumahubong were awarded parcels of land planted with rubber, which were placed under a cooperative.
Police and military forces launched yesterday manhunt operations for the suspects behind the bombing.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman said he is willing to give a reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects in the blast at Sitio Fine Tree, in Sumisip.
Hataman, who inspected the area, said the blast was caused by a grenade and not by an improvised explosive device as reported earlier.
Hataman said the police led by Basilan provincial director Senior Superintendent Mario Dapillosa was about to complete its investigation and they were optimistic of the resolution of the case.
“There should be no let-up in the operations. Somebody must take responsibility and give justice to the victims,” he said.
Hataman said he had already discussed with the police and military officials on the possible putting up of bounty that will help speed up the arrest of the suspects and resolution of the case.
Hataman said most of the victims had just attended Mass in a nearby chapel and were having a New Year’s party in the gazebo when the explosion occurred.
The police and military investigating the case are looking into several angles, according to Hataman.
Authorities said the explosion might not be related to the previous attack in the area that was blamed on the Abu Sayyaf Group that was extorting money from villagers, who are mostly cooperative plantation workers in Tumahubong.
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad believed that the grenade attack might have been instigated by a lawless group that the police and military are still tracking down.
He, however, admitted that there had been a previous bomb threat at a nearby plaza and that the military had tightened security in the area.
He said that all Catholic churches in the province had long been receiving bomb threats and he praised the military for doing its best to secure the churches, its priests and the parishioners.
“We are grateful to the military. They are doing a good job and they sacrifice a lot. In fact, even before the mass starts, they are already there. We, the parishioners and the priests, are really grateful (to the military),” Jumoad added.
Malacañang had also extended financial assistance to the victims through Hataman, who visited the wounded victims at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
Hataman also visited the wake of those who were killed and provided P10,000 additional assistance for burial expenses.
The ARMM’s Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Relief Team, led by the region’s assistant secretary for local government Juni Ilimin and Regional Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, are now assisting the victims.
Bishop appeals
Bishop Jumoad yesterday appealed to police and military to thoroughly investigate the bombing and arrest the suspects.
Jumoad said that the authorities have to find the culprits as soon as possible.
He also took pity on the civilians who perished and were injured in the explosion.
Jumoad said that he was saddened by the New Year blast incident because he had hoped that the year 2013 would end peacefully.
The bombing outside the Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Sumisip, Baslian also destroyed the three-month peace in the province.
The last destructive incident in Basilan was the pre-dawn attack last Sept. 9 in Zamboanga that spilled over to the province.
“I am really, really very sad because I thought that everything would be normal and free from lawlessness. I was really very, very happy at that time because nothing evil would happen, then all of a sudden I became sad because I had hoped the criminal activities would stop. Despite the tight security of our soldiers, the lawless elements have their own ways to do it,” said Jumoad.
He said he would pray for a change of heart of those responsible for the attack.
“I pray for their conversion, that they would realize that the evil they are doing would only multiply the evils in our society and the lawlessness has no place in our society.”
Jumoad doubted that the attack was directed against the Catholic Church in Basilan since there was also an on going Muslim-Christian New Year’s party when it happened.
Posted to the MILF (Jan 3): Women Peace Advocates act to rebuild divided communities in Zamboanga
Women peace advocates coming from the academe, Muslim communities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth group, and local government units, gathered in a workshop aimed to harmonize and enhance their initiatives to help rebuild the strained relationship among Zamboangaňos brought by the recent crisis in Zamboanga City.
After the Zamboanga siege which lasted from September 8 to 29, 2013, peace advocates have been disturbed by the “wall of animosity” existing between the Muslims and Christians constituents of the city created by the distressing incident.
More than forty participants coming from Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi (ZambaSulTa) joined the activity entitled “Women Taking Action to Rebuild Divided Communities” held at Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City on December 28, 2013.
The undertaking, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was facilitated by the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) with Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc (MKFI).
It was a follow through activity of the November 18 ZambaSulTa Round Table Discussion (RTD) attended by the same delegates.
The participants deepened their discussion on the aftermath of the Zamboanga crisis and outlined their plan of action integrating gender perspectives in post-crisis reconstruction that amplify women’s voices and harnessed women’s leadership and skills in healing, early recovery and in reaching out across the divides.
They crafted their plan of action applying the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Frame which has four pillars namely: Protection and Prevention; Empowerment and Participation; Promotion and Mainstreaming; and Monitoring.
Among the plans that surfaced included: advocacy on human rights and peace-building; information drive on gender-based violence and sexually transmitted infection; health education & medical missions; peace advocacy among youth thru arts; and gender needs assess among the displaced women.
They also considered feeding program among the children and elderly, monitoring the livelihood activities of the IDPs, and peer education inside evacuation camps.
During the ZamBaSulTa RTD, the participants pointed out the importance of human rights monitoring and restoration and rehabilitation of domiciles. They also stressed that rehabilitation must be participatory, gender responsive and culturally-sensitive and peacebuilding must be initiated including engagement of the youth.
The participants also saw the need in strengthening local coordination of the NGOs and concerned government agencies and the development of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Models.
They further urged the media to be non-divisive in reportage and determine the effectivity of Bantay Bayanihan when conflict occurs.
Prominent Mindanaoan artists Ramir Tawasil, Kublai Millan and Toym Imao were present in event sharing their inputs on rebuilding and healing communities through arts. They also informed the plenary on the plan to build “Peace Monument” in the city to help heal the wounds of the crisis. The participants appreciated the idea and signed a statement of support to the initiative.
PCID President Amina Rasul urged all concerned stakeholders to help in the restoration of relationship among Zamboangaňos brought by the skirmish and continue providing attention to the plight of women and children who were worst hit by the 21-day stand-off.
She added more efforts are needed to bring back harmony and unity among the people of Zamboanga and stressed its importance in the economic recovery of the city.
Rasul said the PCID calls on the resumption of the GPH-MNLF Tri-partite Review being brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and investigate the feasibility of broadening the agenda ot include measures to avoid a repeat of the Zamboanga crisis and improve living conditions of MNLF communities.
The Zamboanga crisis arose after the armed confrontation between the MNLF and government troops following the alleged attempt of the revolutionary group to raise their flag and hold peace rally in front of the city hall.
The incident resulted to the displacement of more than a hundred thousand affected constituents, killing of more than a hundred persons coming from both sides and civilians and burning of houses.
International humanitarian agencies, local government units, line agencies of the government, local organizations, and concerned individuals poured in their resources for the IDPs in the evacuation camps.
Although the needs for food, water and medicine are addressed, many of the IDPs complain of smelly and muddy surrounding after the rain, intense heat on sunny days, and too crowded in small tents in evacuation camps.
The activity is in support to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 which calls on all parties in conflict to adopt a gender perspective that include special needs of women and girls in repatriation and resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction.
The resolution further promotes respect to women’s rights and support their participation in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.
From the MILF Website (Jan 2): BLMI holds Trainers Training
In a bid to intensify its endeavor as Bangsamoro’s manpower resource agency through enhancing the potentiality of the Moro leaders & managers and transforming them into effective source of knowledge and skills in service to their fellowmen, the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) held a three-day Capacity Building Training for Trainers with the theme “Empowering Bangsamoro Potential Leaders & Communities” on December 24 – 26, 2013 at the BLMI Training center at Crossing Simuay. Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanaao.
The 30 participants were community leaders from the different areas in Mindanao as far as Western Mindanao who were invited in order to acquire fresh knowledge on the aspect of leadership and management that may bring viable changes to Bangsamoro people and communities.
Prof. Esmael Abdula, Training Officer and BLMI Steering committee member facilitated the program and assisted by other BLMI staff and volunteers.
Atty. Haron Meling, Chief Executive Assistant of Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) lectured on Ministerial Form of Government where he elucidated and infused the nature and significance of the system of ministerial form of government and how it suits to the aspiration of the Bangsamoro people as envisioned in the Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB).
On the second day, Engr. Mohajirin Ali spoke on Electoral System in the Ministerial form of Government and stressed the critical points related to the electoral system.
Ustadz Sammy Alabat, BLMI Community Organizing Officer gave emphasis the significance and nature of governance based on Islamic perspective.
Hon. Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Panel and the BTC found time in overseeing the program and gave updates on the current GPH- MILF Peace process despite his hectic schedule.
Mr. Nash Pulindao gave emphasis on the importance of instilling awareness to the general public pertaining to the peace process, participation and responsiveness to the Bangsamoro aspirations.
“We expect you to reecho and expound on the instilled knowledge to your respective communities”, BLMI Executive Director Sheikh Mahmod Ahmad stressed. Before the program culminated, certificate of participation were awarded to the participants.
The participants expressed their deepest gratitude to the Asia Foundation (TAF)–AusAid, the speakers and to BLMI for the valuable knowledge imparted to them.
The program was funded by AUS-AID through the Asia Foundation (TAF), an international non- government organization and funding Institution which had been assisting and providing assistance to BLMI in carrying out it mandates in the past many years.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): No report of soldiers indiscriminately firing weapons during New Year's Eve revelry
The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that it has yet to receive
reports of soldiers in front-line units had indiscriminately fired their
service weapons during the New Year's Eve revelries.
"As of now we have not received reports from our line units regarding
any violations of indiscriminate firing but we are continuously monitoring for
such incident," PA spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said.
The Army consist of 10 divisions with 100,000 officers and enlisted
personnel.
The PA earlier ordered its soldiers not to engage in indiscriminate firing
during New Year's Eve revelry as stiff sanction awaits those caught doing this
illegal act.
"It is clear to every Army personnel that firing their weapons
indiscriminately is punishable under the Articles of War," Bacus said.
Under the said article, illegal discharge of firearm may result to demotion
or dismissal from the military service.
Those who would be found guilty of violation will be dealt with accordingly.
“All unit commanders on the field are reminded to consistently monitor their
respective subordinates on or off duty to ensure that this policy is strictly
enforced not only in the observance of this significant occasion but all
throughout the coming year as it is our duty to be of role model citizens to
others,” Bacus added.
Illegal discharge of firearm is also punishable under Article 254 of
Republic Act 3815, also known as the Revised Penal Code.
Under Article 254, violators will face six months and one day to six years
imprisonment.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): AFP maintains defensive stance as CPP-NPA ends Yuletide truce
With Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)
scheduled to end their Yuletide Season by Friday, Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said that
the military will maintain their active defense stance.
The CPP-NPA declared their Yuletide truce beginning on 12 a.m. of Dec. 24 to
11:59 p.m. of Dec. 26; and 12 a.m. of Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 2.
Zagala made this statement even as the AFP will continue to comply with the
SOMO (suspension of military offensive) until Jan. 15.
The SOMO was declared last Dec. 20 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.
He added that this is because the rebels insist on attacking military
personnel even during the truce.
"As far as we are concerned, we will continue with the SOMO, however we
will maintain our active defense because even though they declared a ceasefire
against us they continue their attacks," Zagala added.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): PA's 3rd Infantry Division condemns NPA for continued violations of CARHRIHL
The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army strongly
condemned on Thursday the New People's Army (NPA) for its wanton disregard of
the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and continued ruthless killings during the
Christmas season.
It made this statement following the NPA rebels' murder of Demetrio
Capilastique, alias “Hugo,” in Barangay Linaywan, Badiangan, Iloilo last Dec. 30.
The latter was a ranking leader of the NPA’s rival group Revolutionary
Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) in PanayIsland.
Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said the
unlawful killing and blatant violation of human rights and the International
Humanitarian Law by the NPAs must be stopped.
"The democratic government and the Filipino people want a justice
system that is not served through killings,” he stressed.
To start the year right, Baladad called for peace and urged the NPA rebels
anew to instead lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle and join the
mainstream society in bringing peace and development, especially in the
countryside.
“Our 'Bayanihan' efforts to bring peace and development in the countryside
will continue as we start the year. We call on the public to be vigilant and
let us work together in addressing the challenges of peace,” he added.
Capilastique was charged by the NPAs with several crimes against the
movement, one of which is the crime of mutiny against the rebel group in the
Southern Front of Panay in 1994.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Government remains committed to talking peace with leftist rebels, says Palace
The government is not closing its door to restarting a peace dialogue with
leftist insurgents believing that despite the hurdles, peace could still be
achieved, a Palace official said on Thursday.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma
Jr. said that the President’s peace adviser had issued a statement last week
that the government will continue to seek ways to reach a peace pact with the
communist group.
The government and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s
Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) have not agreed on many issues to
move the peace process forward.
One of the issues is the release of communist advisers from government
detention centers as a precondition for the start of the peace discussions.
“Hindi po nawawalan ng pag-asa o ng determinasyon ang ating pamahalaan na
malampasan kung ano man ‘yung mga hamon na nagsisilbing balakid dahil isa pa
rin po ‘yan sa mga timetable ng ating pamahalaan,” Coloma told reporters.
“Sinisikap po nating maisulong ang kapayapaan hindi lamang doon sa Mindanao kundi sa iba’t iba pang mga larangan at kasama
na diyan ‘yung pakikipag-ugnayan o pakikipag-negosasyon sa CPP-NPA-NDF para po
maresolba ang matagal nang usapin hinggil diyan.”
With regards to the threat issued by the CPP to intensify its campaign
against government security facilities, Coloma said the military and the police
are ready to defend the people and maintain peace.
“Siyempre po tutugunan ‘yan ng ating mga security forces and law enforcement
authorities sapagkat tungkulin po ng Sandatahang Lakas na ipagtanggol ang ating
mga mamamayan at panatilihin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad,” he said.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Army chief brings holiday cheers to 5th Infantry Division
With the advent of the new year, Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Noel A.
Coballes paid a visit to the officers and enlisted personnel of the
Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division Thursday.
Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said the PA chief's visit aimed to
boost the morale of the soldiers based in Camp Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela.
He added that Coballes' visit also sought to motivate them to carry out
their mandates with more dedication and commitment.
Coballes also distributed some gifts to military personnel in the area.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): AFP to prevail over challenges this 2014 - Bautista
With 2014 just two days old, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen.
Emmanuel Bautista on Thursday expressed confidence that the AFP will prevail
over challenges that will crop up during the year.
"The year 2014 will bring new promises, transformation, and more
challenges. But no matter what challenge we confront, I remain confident that
we can prevail. We just need to stay together, work together, and remain
cohesive as "ONE AFP". For in the face of any challenge, the
cohesiveness of the entire AFP will always be our best assurance," he
emphasized.
Bautista also took this opportunity to extend his greetings and best wishes
to the men and women of the AFP.
"The year 2013 has been another time of distinguished service to our
nation in fulfillment of our mandate as protector of the people and the State.
We achieved great successes in winning just and lasting peace through the
Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan', and in our transformation efforts
through the AFP Transformation Roadmap. Likewise, we were also confronted with
great challenges that tested our strength and resolve.But through our
collective effort, we were able to meet these challenges; and our nation
emerged more peaceful, and more secure," he pointed out.
Bautista also reminded officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP to remain
faithful to their organization.
"May we continue to take pride in the uniform that we wear, and in the
patriotic duty that we perform as protectors of the people and the State.
Guided by our core values of honor, service, and patriotism; and through the
spirit of 'Bayanihan', may we further inspire our countrymen to help us in the
fulfillment of our dream of giving the next generations a more peaceful and prosperous
Philippines,"
the AFP chief stressed.
"And in fulfillment of our constitutional mandate, let us strengthen
our resolve to put all armed struggles to a responsible end so that we may
finally focus on more pressing national security issues such as territorial
defense and climate change. All these in the attainment of just and lasting
peace for our nation, and towards becoming a world-class armed forces that is a
source of national pride," Bautista pointed out.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Soldiers repulse attacks by BIFF in North Cotabato
Government forces repulsed attempts by renegade Muslim rebels to occupy
three remote communities in North Cotabato on
New Year's Day, the Army here said.
Captain Antonio Bulao, speaking for the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade based
in Carmen, North Cotabato, said the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)
suffered three wounded fighters when government forces clash with them in the
borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao on
the eve of New Year.
"One of our troops was slightly wounded," Bulao said. "Three
of them were also hurt but carried by retreating lawless elements," he
added.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division
spokesperson, said about 40 BIFF fighters attacked hours before the new year
the village of Nabalawag,
Pikit, North Cotabato and engaged the soldiers
of the 40th Infantry Battalion in a 20 minute firefight.
"No casualty was reported from both sides," Hermoso said.
During the early hours of Wednesday, BIFF guerillas also attacked a
detachment of 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kolambog, Pikit, North Cotabato but alert soldiers staved off the rebels'
attempts to occupy the village.
Bulao, citing reports from village officials in the barangays bordering
Maguindanao and North Cotabato, said about
five BIFF fighters were killed but the bodies were taken by retreating
attackers toward Datu Piang in Maguindanao.
Bulao also said that no evacuation of civilians were reported.
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Army aims to reduce rebel-influenced villages in NegOcc in 2014
The Philippine Army in Negros Occidental is aiming to reduce this year the
number of rebel-influenced barangays in the province.
Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town,
said that currently, 40 barangays are "gripped with fear from the threat
of the rebels."
Military estimates show there are about 200 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels
left in Negros Occidental.
"But I believe that the number will go down this year as many of the
members of the NPA are already surrendering beacuse of the hard life they
experienced in the mountains," Aying said.
He also reiterated his call to the rebels to leave the underground movement
and return to the mainstream society.
Meanwhile, Aying said he does believe that the government should take the
initiative to encourage the Communist Party of the Philippines to return to the peace
negotiating table.
"For me, it should come from their own realization that what they
fighting for is wrong," he said. “We should encourage them to join the
government in finding and solving social issues."
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Four rebel returnees to receive financial aid from government
At least four former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros
Oriental are to receive financial assistance from the Philippine government on
Friday in a simple ceremony at the Office of the Governor.
The activity is spearheaded by the Ad Hoc Committee for Rebel
Returnees/Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, and the Office of the
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Governor Roel Degamo, to be assisted by Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio,
commander of the 303nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Supt. Alet
Virtucio, OIC provincial police director, provincial social welfare officer
Alice Legarde, will turn over the provincial government checks to the
recipients.
The governor said he believes each check will amount to P50,000 for every
rebel returnee.
He told reporters on Thursday he is happy with the latest batch of rebel
returnees to receive aid from the government as they could now start their
lives all over again after having left the insurgency movement.
The handing out of livelihood and other forms of assistance to these former
rebels mirrors the serious and truthful governance of the constitutional
government to address the insurgency problem in the province and other part of
the country, he said.
He stressed that activities like this would boost the efforts of the
military and other law enforcers to obtain their target to reduce to an
insignificant level the insurgency problem in Negros Oriental by the end of
2014.
From InterAksyon (Jan 2): Whatever happened to US obligations in Tubbataha reef disaster? Fisherfolk group asks
Whatever happened to the United States obligations after its Navy ship USS Guardian ran aground in Tubbataha Reef, a protected and World Heritage site, January 17 last year? The fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Thursday urged the Aquino administration to push the US government to honor its obligations arising from the national environmental disaster the incident caused.
The group, one of the petitioners in the writ of kalikasan filed before the Supreme Court last year, lamented that the United States government continues to snub the high tribunal's request for Washington to respond to the petition that named Scott Swift, commander of the US Seventh Fleet, and Mark Rice, commanding officer of the American minesweeper, as among those responsible for the disaster.
"The US government must respond to and account for their crimes against the people and the environment. That is simple as ABC, nothing more, nothing less. The incident merits the filing of criminal and other appropriate charges against officials and the 79 other crew of USS Guardian and the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty between Manila and Washington," said Salvador France, Pamalakaya vice chairman, in a news release.
Last year, a multi-sectoral group led by Bishop Pedro Arigo of Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Bishop Deogracias Iniguez Jr., Bishop-Emeritus of Caloocan; Frances Quimpo, Clemente Bautista Jr. of Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment; Maria Carolina Araullo and Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan);Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares; Roland Simbulan of Junk VFA Movement; Teresita Perez; Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino; Peter Gonzales of Pamalakaya; Giovanni Tapang, Agham; Elmer Labog, Kilusang Mayo Uno; Joan May Salvador, Gabriela; Jose Enrique Africa; Theresa Concepcion; Mary Joan Guan; Nestor Baguinon; and public interest lawyer Edsel Tupaz.
In a 90-page petition filed last April 17, 2013, the groups asked the SC to assess the damage caused to the reef by the incident. And apart from issuance of the writ and TEPO, they also sought the criminal prosecution of the USS Guardian officers and the determination of how much fine should be imposed on the US Navy.
The petitioners are also asking the SC to order a stop to US war games and port calls by US ships in the absence of clear guidelines on environmental protection under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
US Pacific Fleet findings
Admiral Cecil Haney, commanding officer of the US Pacific Fleet, in a 160-page document said lack of leadership and faulty navigational equipment led to the grounding, which could have been prevented if the officers and members of the American minesweeper adhered to prudent, safe, and sound navigation principles.
The US military official said the watch team’s observations of visual cues in the hours leading up to the grounding, combined with electronic cues and alarms, should have triggered immediate steps to resolve warnings and reconcile discrepancies.
Haney said the January 17 incident was a “tragic mishap” which was wholly preventable and was the product of poor voyage planning, poor execution, and unfortunate circumstances. The US report said the investigation uncovers no single point of failure; instead, there were numerous links in the error chain leading up to the grounding. Had any one of which been appropriately addressed, the grounding would have been prevented.
The US report, however, recommended “further administrative action against the commanding general of the ex-Guardian, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice, the executive officer and navigator Lt. Daniel Tyler, the assistant navigator and the officer of the deck at the time of the grounding.”
However, "the US report on Tubbataha environmental disaster exonerated Washington DC and reduced the highly questionable incident to a drama of unfortunate event and plain and simple human error," Pamalakaya noted.
The Philippine government previously reported that USS Guardian damaged 2,345.67 square meters of the marine protected area and had asked the US government to pay the Manila government a fine of P58 million for the damage.
The USS Guardian has since been cut into pieces before their removal from the Tubbataha Reef. It was later decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Where is DOJ action?
At the same time, Pamalakaya followed up its request to Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Leila de Lima to file criminal and other appropriate charges against officials and 79 other crew members of USS Guardian. It said it was wondering why until now there is no progress on their request letter to the justice chief filed last February 5.
The group said Secretary de Lima appears to have abandoned her job in relation to this case.
"It appears to us that Secretary de Lima is not keen to charge the rapists of the UNESCO declared heritage park. In the first place, she did not do anything to stop the US prime time rapists of Tubbataha from leaving the country," said Pamalakaya.
Pamalakaya said it seems to them that Secretary de Lima carries the sentiment of Malacanang and US Embassy in Manila.
“All they want is to call it quits with Washington DC for the sum of P 58 million,” it said.
"The DoJ Secretary is a willing hostage of this political tale of blockbuster puppetry of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to US government. How can we rely on her?
The future of the letter of complaint we filed at DoJ urging Secretary de Lima to extradite the officials and crews of the American minesweeper has no future and will forever remain in oblivion," said Pamalakaya.
Pamalakaya leaders also strongly recommended to the DoJ to endorse the termination of the VFA and the Mutual Defense Treaty and the urgent pullout of all US troops, warships, and aircraft in the Philippine territory to prevent a repeat of an environmental disaster similar to the Tubbataha tragedy.
They insisted that Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice and Lt. Daniel Tyler, officials of the USS Guardian, along with two other Navy officials and 79 crew members of the American minesweeper, are liable for violating Republic Act 10067 that declared Tubbataha a protected area, and that individuals who violated the law may be punished with up to six years’ imprisonment and may be slapped with fines of up to P 300,000.
“The damage caused by the grounding of USS Guardian on Tubbataha Natural Reef Park is bigger, far more reaching and strategically fatal to the livelihood of Filipino fishermen and to the fishing environment directly link to the protected reef park. It will take one year for a millimeter of mostly hard corals in Tubbataha’s South Section to go back to its sound condition and it will take 250 years for a meter of coral to mature,” the group said.
Home of many corals
According to Pamalakaya, Tubbataha Reef is a home to 360 species of corals or about half of all coral species in the world and it is also the breeding ground of 1,500 fish species in the country out of the 2,400 total fish species found across the archipelago.
The Tubbataha Reef Park also plays an important role in maintaining the average annual production of 800,000 metric tons of fish in the West Palawan Sea and Sulu-Celebes Sea, two of the country’s major fishing grounds which are connected with Tubbataha.
The productive network of corals of Tubbataha had helped fish generation and production in nearby fishing areas that extend to major fishing grounds such as Panay and Guimaras islands, Negros island, Cebu and Bohol Islands, and the rest of Visayan Sea.
The damage created by the USS grounding on Tubbataha will have a strategic negative impact on fish production and livelihood of not less than 100,000 fisherfolk and fish workers in commercial fishing vessels in West Palawan Sea and Sulu-Celebes Sea and adjacent fishing waters in the Visayas and Mindanao.
From InterAksyon (Jan 2): Govt troops repulse New Year attacks by BIFF in North Cotabato
Government forces repulsed attempts by fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to occupy three remote communities in North Cotabato on New Year's Day, the Army here said.
Captain Antonio Bulao, speaking for the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen, North Cotabato, said the rebels, who belong to a faction that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, suffered three wounded during clashes on the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces on New Year’s Eve.
"One of our troops was slightly wounded," Bulao said.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 40 BIFF fighters attacked the village of Nabalawag, Pikit town hours before the New Year, engaging soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion in a 20-minute firefight.
"No casualty was reported from both sides," Hermoso said.
Then during the early hours of Wednesday, BIFF guerillas also attacked a detachment of the 7th Infantry Battalionin Barangay Kolambog, Pikit but alert soldiers staved off the rebels' attempts to occupy the village.
Bulao said no evacuation of civilians was reported.
From InterAksyon (Jan 2): After testing combat systems at West Philippine Sea, China carrier returns to port
China's first aircraft carrier has successfully finished a series of tests during a training mission in the disputed South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, and has returned to port, state media reported.
The aircraft carrier Liaoning carried out more than 100 tests, including of its combat systems, and has now docked at port in the northern city of Qingdao, the official Xinhua news agency said late on Wednesday.
Last month's drills off the coast of Hainan Island marked not only the first time China has sent a carrier into the South China Sea but the first time it has maneuvered with the kind of strike group of escort ships US carriers deploy, according to regional military officers and analysts.
After two decades of double-digit increases in the military budget, China's admirals plan to develop a full blue-water navy capable of defending growing economic interests as well as disputed territory in the South and East China Seas.
"The aircraft carrier underwent a comprehensive test of its combat system and conducted a formation practice during its 37-day voyage," Xinhua said, citing an unnamed naval source as saying.
The tests "attained the anticipated objectives", the report added. "All tests and training programs went well as scheduled."
The carrier was escorted by two destroyers and two frigates. Aircraft and submarines also participated in the drills.
The Liaoning -- a Soviet-era ship bought from Ukraine in 1998 and re-fitted in a Chinese shipyard -- has long been a symbol of China's naval build-up.
Carrier strike groups sit at the core of China's naval ambitions and successfully operating the 60,000-tonne Liaoning is the first step in what state media and some military experts believe will be the deployment of locally built carriers by 2020.
Friction over the South China Sea has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert a vast claim over the oil-and-gas-rich area, raising fears of a clash between it and other countries in the region, including the Philippines and Vietnam.
The USS Cowpens narrowly avoided colliding with a Chinese warship escorting the Liaoning while operating in international waters on December 5, the US Navy has said.
Xinhua said the Cowpens was "warned" by the carrier task force, adding the US vessel was "intentionally" putting the Liaoning under surveillance.
