Philippines to buy Canadian helicopters as it bolsters its military forces

From Canada.com (Mar 26): Philippines to buy Canadian helicopters as it bolsters its military forces



A CH-146 Griffon Helicopter from 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS) takes off after recovering troops from the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) during a training exercise near Kamloops, BC. ÿp> Canadian Special Operations Force Command (CANSOFCOM) is a new organization that will be capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world. It is composed of CSOR and 427 SOAS in Petawawa, the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (JNBCD) Company in Trenton, and Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2).ÿp> Photo: Sgt Donald Clark, Army News

The Philippines will spend more than $100 million to buy eight Canadian-built helicopters as the country bolsters its military with new equipment, including fighter jets, to counter Chinese interests in the region.

The first of the Bell 412 helicopters are to be delivered next year, said Philippines Defence Undersecretary Fernando Manalo.

Manalo described the helicopters as “combat utility” aircraft but also added that some of the choppers would be used to fly government officials.

He told reporters in the Philippines that the deal for the helicopters and fighter jets “is significant because it will give our armed forces the minimum capability to demonstrate their ability to perform their responsibilities.”

The Philippines’ defence department will purchase the helicopters through a government-to-government transaction with the Canadian Commercial Corporation, say Filipino officials.

Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown corporation, declined to comment because of a confidentiality agreement surrounding the deal.

Bell Helicopters of Montreal did not respond to a request for comment.

Paul Dewar, the NDP’s foreign affairs critic, said many of Canada’s military export sales are now shrouded in secrecy.

“This has been made public in the Philippines,” he said. “If it’s good for the economy or jobs then great, let’s see the deal. There’s no reason not to have full disclosure on this.”

Dewar said the federal government has been lagging on providing data to Parliament about Canadian arms exports. “It would take them a couple of keystrokes to give Parliament and Canadians the latest data on what our military exports have been,” he said. “It’s a matter of transparency and whether the government wants to be transparent in the area of arms exports.”

It is unclear whether the deal with the Philippines involves spare parts or training by Canada.

The Canadian Forces operates Griffon helicopters, a variant of the Bell 412. The Griffon has been used for a variety of missions, including for Canadian special forces. It was also used in Afghanistan.

The Canadian Commercial Corporation was also instrumental in the $10-billion sale of Canadian-built light armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia, announced in February.

Concerns have been raised about that deal because of Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights track record. That includes severe restrictions on protests and dissent, and excessive use of force against demonstrators.

Saudi Arabia also used similar Canadian-made armoured vehicles to help neighbouring Bahrain violently quash protests during the Arab Spring two years ago.

The Conservative government, however, says that all military exports are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis and deals are only approved if such exports are consistent with Canada’s foreign and defence policies, including human rights.

Manalo also announced that the Philippines was buying 12 FA-50 fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries for more than $420 million. The first of those jets will be delivered late next year.

The Philippines is also acquiring two frigates and three anti-submarine helicopters.
The country has been dealing with various insurgent groups in its territory.

In addition, relations with China have deteriorated. Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has warned that China is determined to assert its dominance in the South China Sea.

China claims 90 per cent of that sea, which is key to global fishing and transportation.
In early March, China prevented two Philippine ships from resupplying a small number of Filipino soldiers who are guarding a shoal in the disputed area.

http://o.canada.com/news/national/philippines-to-buy-canadian-helicopters-as-it-bolsters-its-military-forces/

AFP to NPA on its 45th year: We have your supremo

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26): AFP to NPA on its 45th year: We have your supremo


The military has a message to communist guerrillas, who are celebrating the 45th year of the New’s People Army (NPA) this week: Happy anniversary. We have your supremo. INQUIRER PHOTOS
The military has a message to communist guerrillas, who are celebrating the 45th year of the New People’s Army (NPA) this week: Happy anniversary. We have your supremo.

The military and police on Tuesday twitted the lawyers of Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma, urging them to spare the couple’s feline and canine pets in discrediting the arrest of the two most senior cadres of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The military said the Tiamzons were the “power couple” of the CPP, the organization behind the decades-old Maoist rebellion in the country that had claimed the lives of over 30,000 people.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces public affairs office chief, maintained that government agents, who arrested the Tiamzon couple and five others in Cebu province on Saturday, had complied with the rules and procedures in arresting individuals.

As if taunting the NPA, the CPP’s armed wing that will be marking its 45th anniversary on March 29, Zagala said: “Happy anniversary. We have arrested your No. 1 and No. 2.”

He urged Rachelle Pastores and Edre Olalia, lawyers of the Tiamzons, to refrain from engaging in propaganda after they accused the police of “planting” the firearms and explosives recovered from the couple.

“There’s no truth to that,” Zagala told reporters when asked to comment on the lawyers’ claims that the Tiamzons were merely carrying three cats and four puppies—not guns and grenades—at the time of the arrest.

“Instead of presenting their case in the media, they should just present their evidence to the court, which has jurisdiction over the case against their clients,” he said.

Presumption of regularity

Zagala said the arresting officers even took videos and photographs of the operation to prove that the arrest was valid and that the authorities respected the Tiamzons’ human rights.

Speaking for the Philippine National Police, Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said the agents of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had carried out the operation “with presumption of regularity.”

“There’s no such thing as planting of evidence,” Sindac said at a news briefing in Camp Crame, the national police headquarters in Quezon City.

“The policemen did their job in accordance with the laws. We have maintained regularity in the performance of our duties,” he added.

Afterthought

Pastores and Olalia assailed the CIDG’s filing of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against the Tiamzons and their five companions on Monday, arguing that the criminal charge was just an “afterthought.”

The lawyers also questioned the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors who presided over the inquest proceeding at the multipurpose building of Camp Crame.

Pastores said the inquest should have been done right after the Tiamzons were arrested in Aloguinsan town, Cebu, and that the DOJ had no authority to transfer the venue of the inquest without a written court order.

The lawyers walked out of the proceedings in protest, saying the process “was highly irregular.”

“We will not participate in a questionable process. We will not recognize this process,” Pastores said.

Zagala expressed confidence that the arrest of Tiamzon, said to be the chair of the CPP and the head of the NPA, would lead to the resumption of peace negotiations between the communists and the government.

He said the 63-year-old rebel leader and his wife were the brains of the CPP’s political and military strategies, including the use of land mines, ambuscades and intensified tactical offensives against government targets.

Zagala surmised that some members of the CPP’s central committee may have been considering other means to pursue their clamor for social change, but were overpowered by a faction led by Tiamzon.

“The very leaders, who were espousing and encouraging the armed struggle and the use of violence against the government, are now behind bars,” he said.
“There’s now an opportunity for the remaining leadership of the CPP to look at other possibilities present in resolving the root causes of rebellion,” he said.

‘Let’s talk peace’

He said it was time to return to the negotiations table. “Let’s talk peace. We should not kill each other because we are all Filipinos.”

Zagala said the Armed Forces of the Philippines would continue its “focused military operations” while engaging communities in the government’s “peace-building efforts.”

He said the military’s new anti-insurgency blueprint, IPSP (Integrated Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan, “is really the primacy of the peace negotiations.”

“We encourage them to abandon the armed struggle. There are other ways to resolve the root causes of insurgency through peaceful means. The military knows that the way to solve our problems is through negotiations, through the peace process.”

P11.2M for informer

Zagala said the military and the police were processing the reward for the informer who tipped off the authorities about the location and identities of the two CPP leaders.

The government had offered a P5.6-million reward for the arrest of each of the Tiamzon couple.

“The inform[er] is the key to the arrest of the Tiamzons. We could not have done this without our partnership,” he said.

In the House of Representatives, Bayan Muna lawmakers initiated a move to investigate the alleged illegal arrest and detention of the Tiamzons and their five companions.

In a resolution asking the human rights committee to conduct the probe, Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate accused President Aquino of acting in bad faith by giving the green light for the arrest of the Tiamzons even as he claimed that he still wanted to pursue peace.

Sen. Grace Poe said the arrests should prod the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political arm of the CPP, to go back to the negotiating table.

“If they have a sincere intention to be able to work out something for the good of the people, it’s always good to be at the negotiating table as opposed to having violent conflict,” Poe said in an interview.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/589000/afp-tells-npa-happy-anniversary-we-have-your-chief

INFOGRAPHIC: The Bangsamoro peace deal at a glance

From Rappler (Mar 27): INFOGRAPHIC: The Bangsamoro peace deal at a glance

Seventeen years of negotiation come to a close Thursday, March 27, as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sign a historic peace agreement that will give rise to a new political entity to be known as the Bangsamoro.

What is the peace deal all about? What are the features of the Bangsamoro political entity?

Here's what you need to know:

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/53993-infographic-bangsamoro-peace-deal
 

New MNLF chairman to Misuari: Support peace deal

From Rappler (Mar 27): New MNLF chairman to Misuari: Support peace deal

SUPPPORT. New MNLF chairman Abul Khayr Alonto says his group supports the peace agreement with the MILF. Photo by Rappler

Let's all cooperate and endorse this agreement.

On the day of the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the newly-elected chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) vowed to support the creation of the new Bangsamoro political entity.

"What we are doing right now is we are inviting all sectors of Bangsamoro, especially the faction of Misuari and the faction within the faction of Misuari to participate," MNLF chairman Abul Khayr Alonto told reporters Thursday, March 27, in Malacañang.

The Misuari-led faction of the MNLF was behind the bloody Zamboanga siege in September 2013. Misuari is now facing charges over the incident. Misuari's followers said they seized the capital to dramatize their protest against the peace process with the MILF that they felt excluded them.

But MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim himself made special mention of the MNLF in his speech Thursday in Malacañang. He said the MNLF is very much a part of the deal. (READ: 'This is the crowning glory of our struggle')

The MILF broke away from the MNLF in the 1970s, at the height of the conflict between government forces and Muslim rebels.

Recently, Alonto was recently elected by 35 out of the 39 surviving members of the original MNLF Central Committee as their head.

Alonto appealed to Misuari: "I've always told him – don't ever throw this problem to the next generation. Don't throw it to our children. Don't let them suffer what we have gone through. If we can finish it, if we can do it, then let's finish it. If it requires the consolidation of the Moro National Liberation Front, support it."

With most factions of the MNLF now united for the Bangsamoro, Alonto said Misuari has no other option but to come on board.

What about the OIC?

Asked what will happen to Misuari as the new Bangsamoro political entity emerges, Alonto said: "He will just be Misuari and that is his own problem," Alonto said.

"Misuari must come down from heaven to earth," he added.

The MNLF is supporting this peace deal because it contains features not found in the 1996 peace pact it signed with the Ramos government, especially on wealth-sharing and power-sharing, Alonto said.

"The MILF is very transparent," Alonto said. "They consult people."

Asked whether his leadership of the MNLF is acknowledged by the Organization of the Islamic Conference – the third party that brokered the peace talks between the group and the government, and now also facilitating the tripartite review of the peace pact, Alonto said it is not the OIC that dictates the affairs of the organization.

"The OIC does not dictate who will be the chairman but the OIC recognizes the rightful leadership of the MNLF. They will encourage it. And as you know, the OIC issued a statement. They condemned the deplorable act of members of the Moro National Liberation Front led by its founding chairman Nur Misuari," he said.

Does the MNLF want a role in the interim transition government that will be led by the MILF?

Alonto said no, saying he'd rather let the younger generation take an active role in it.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/54036-new-mnlf-chairman-message-misuari-support-peace

PH, US panels schedule another round of talks

From Rappler (Mar 27): PH, US panels schedule another round of talks

7TH ROUND: The Philippines and the US panels meet in Manila for the 7th round of talks. DND photo

Contrary to expectations, the Philippines and US panels negotiating a new military agreement concluded their 7th round of talks this week without a final agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled in April.

“We are moving forward on many key provisions and it is crucial at this point that both sides are clear on their common understanding of these key provisions and of the thrust of the agreement,” a statement from the government quoted Philipine panel chairman Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino as saying.

"An eighth round of negotiations is expected to be held in early April," the statement added.

The agreement will allow increased presence of American troops in the Philippines. They will be allowed access to and build facilities inside the country's military bases. (READ known details of the agreements here.)

The statement didn't elaborate on additional agreements reached during the 7th round of talks.

The talks are in the final stages. It is expected that the deal will be signed during the visit of US President Barack Obama to the country in late April.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/54046-philippines-us-defense-cooperation

US lawmaker trading firearms with PH Muslim rebels?

From Rappler (Mar 27): US lawmaker trading firearms with PH Muslim rebels?

SUSPECT. California State senator and candidate waits outside polling station with his wife Maxine Yee inside San Francisco City Hall in 2011 when he was mayoral candidate. The senator is now facing federal charges of corruption and racketeering, among other crimes. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

It was a historic moment for the Philippines. While many Filipinos rejoiced over the signed peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government Peace Panel in Manila, signifying an earnest step toward peace in Mindanao – thousands of miles away, in California, USA, the arrest of a 65-year-old Chinese American lawmaker sent shockwaves that reached the far-flung areas of southern Mindanao.

A 137-page affidavit, the result of a 5-year investigation on Yee, was made public by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) soon after his arrest. The affidavit complaint revealed that the senator was allegedly proactive in illegal arms trading with both Russian organized crime groups and what they described as "Muslim rebel groups" in the southern Philippines.

Yee was arrested in his office in Sacramento, the state capital of California, on Wednesday, March 26 (March 27 in Manila), on charges of public corruption and trafficking firearms, among other charges, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

According to the affidavit submitted by FBI Special Agent Emmanuel V Pascua, Senator Leland Yee had a meeting at a hotel in San Francisco on March 5, 2014 to discuss firearms trafficking.

The affidavit said Yee met with a certain Keith Jackson who was in contact with a particular Dr Wilson Lim whose “associates were trying to overthrow the Philippine government." Also present was an undercover FBI agent.

Yee told the undercover agent that Wilson Lim was originally from Mindanao where most of the Muslim rebel groups fighting the national government are based. On page 97 of the affidavit, Yee visited Mindanao "upon the invitation of the Mindanao government" in 2012. “Senator Yee said when he arrived, he was surrounded by numerous armed guards carrying automatic rifles,” the affidavit read.

Smuggled weapons to US

The undercover agents discussed with Yee how Lim was able to smuggle weapons from the Philippines into the United States through ports in Florida and planned to smuggle weapons into the United States again, but this time through ports in New Jersey.

Yee demonstrated his knowledge of the intricacies of the armed rebels in Mindanao and brought up how some government officials actually collude with the rebels.

In a meeting on March 11, Lim advised the undercover agent that he would meet with “the head of a Muslim group.” Yee told the agent Muslims in Mindanao had access “to a lot of money.” Yee said while he was in Mindanao, he got to shoot some of the weapons, including automatic rifles, they discussed during the meeting.

According to the charges, the amount from the pending arms deal would amount to US$2 million (or about P90 million). Among the guns discussed at the meeting were M-16 automatic rifles. Ironic, coming from the senator named California’s “anti-gun” and “anti-violent video game” senator by the local media.

Raids

Yee's offices in Sacramento and his home in the Sunset District of San Francisco were raided by the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation. According to SFGate.com, the online edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, the raids occurred in several locations throughout the region. The FBI seized desktop computers and boxes “wrapped in red evidence tape.”

Yee is a political favorite among Fil-Ams. He even has regular columns in most Filipino newspapers in Northern California and is known to entertain most invites to Fil-Am community and political events. The darker side to the darling of the Fil-Am community was unknown to most.

And it's no mystery why Filipinos love him. His district is home to thousands of Filipino voters, including Daly City, which has the highest concentration of Filipinos in any municipality or city in the US.

Yee is running for California Secretary of State this 2014 election. He is also the first Asian-American senator to be appointed Speaker Pro Tempore in California’s lower house. The affidavit alleges that Yee's involvement in illegal arms trading was to fund his cash-strapped Secretary of State campaign.

He ran for mayor of San Francisco and lost in 2011 against another Chinese-American, Edwin Lee.

Organized crime

Yee is one of 26 individuals implicated in a 5-year investigation targeting mostly Asian-Americans allegedly involved in organized crime activities.

While he openly supports gun control, passed a bill (which was later ruled unconstitutional) banning violent video games, and advocates for an open and transparent government, the affidavit paints a much different and darker picture of Yee.

The complaint also alleged that Yee, along with Raymond “Shrimp Boy" Chow, an infamous alleged Chinese gang leader in San Francisco, and 5 other suspects allegedly laundered $2.3 million for undercover agents between 2011 and 2013.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Yee’s lawyer, Paul DeMeester, declined requests for statements from the media.

Yee has been in politics since the late 80s. He began his political career as a member of the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education. Afterwards, he was elected San Francisco District 4 supervisor in 1996, California State Assembly in 2002, and then the State Senate in 2006.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/54035-leland-yee-firearms-trading-muslim-rebels

Pregnant daughter of NPA's 'Ka Roger' nabbed in Caloocan City

From Rappler (Mar 27): Pregnant daughter of NPA's 'Ka Roger' nabbed in Caloocan City

The pregnant daughter of the late New People's Army (NPA) spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal was arrested in Caloocan City on Thursday, March 27, the military said.

"Joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation arrested at 7 am today Andrea Rosal, a ranking leader of the New People’s Army in Southern Tagalog Region," said military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala.

Rosal, who is due to deliver her baby this month, was arrested upon the order of a court in Mauban, Quezon, because of supposed cases of kidnapping and murder. Zagala said she is also implicated in an attempted homicide case filed in Luisiana-Cavinti in Laguna.

"Extensive attention was given by her arresting officers as Andrea is pregnant and due [to deliver] within this month," said Zagala.

She was arrested along with her security escort and barangay chairman Ruben Gatchalian, owner of the house where she was staying.

The arrest comes 5 days after the military nabbed alleged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Austria, who served as party secretary general.

Tiamzon and his wife, alleged CPP-NPA secretary-general Wilma, were arrested on March 22 by joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan town in Cebu.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/54062-ka-roger-daughter-nabbed

72 former NPA rebels give up arm struggle

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): 72 former NPA rebels give up arm struggle

Seventy-two former fully armed members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA) had formally surrendered to avail of the government’s “Gun for Peace and Social Integration Program,” a military official said on Thursday.

Captain Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s Public Affairs Division, said that the military has scheduled the turn over ceremony at the army’s 4th Infantry Division gymnasium here on Friday morning.

He said that the surrenderers, most of them former regular NPA members and members of the Militia ng Bayan, operates in the mountain areas of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions.

Uy said that 48 individuals came from the province of Bukidnon, 18 from Agusan del Sur, three from Surigao del Sur, two from Misamis Oriental, and one from Agusan del Norte.

According to Uy, the surrenderers turned over 41 assorted high powered firearms that included eight M16 A1 rifles, three AR18-M653 assault rifle, three M14 rifles, one Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), one AK-47, three M4 Carbine, four SMG-9mm-MK9, one KG9 sub-machine gun, and one M79 40mm GL, eight Carbine, 7 garand, one cal. 30 bolt-action rifle, and 28 low powered firearms that included three 357 revolver, 3 cal. 38 revolver, two 9mm UZI, one 9mm pistol, and one cal. 22 pistol.

Uy said that the former rebels would receive an equivalent cash value of the serviceable surrendered firearms base on the recommendation of the military’s evaluation committee.

These FAs cal. 38 (local made) P 12,000; 9mm Pistol (Glock, Sig-Sauer) P35,000; cal. 45 (colt/Swissvale/Ithaca/Remington) P 39,000; shotgun 12ga (Winchester) P 40,000; Rifle 5.56mm (Elisco M16) P45,000; Rifle 7.62 (M14) P 60,000; SMG 9mm UZI P 45,000; LMG 5.56mm (Ultimax) P93,000; HMG50 (M2HB) P 388,500; GL40mm (M203) P 40,000; Vintage Firearm 30 Springfield (M1903) 10,000; Homemade “Paltik” Firearm Shotguns (Any Gauge) P 2,000.

The military will also grant, if the returnees would avail, a one-hectare land to each of the rebel in Camp Kibaritan, Kalilangan, Bukidnon for possible coffee plantation where seedlings and technical assistance to be extended by government line agencies and private companies, Uy said.

He said that the Philippine Army had initially allocated a total of 200 hectares for the former rebels from its military reservation.

Uy said that Gen. Emmanuel T Bautista, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to witness the ceremony along with other military top brass in Mindanao lead by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G Cruz III, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629751

Negros-based rebel group hails Bangsamoro peace pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Negros-based rebel group hails Bangsamoro peace pact

The Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas (RPM-P), the political wing of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), here said Thursday it salutes the signing of the peace agreement between the government the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"It is with high hopes for a bright path of reconciliation and collaboration between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILFfor the interest of peace, justice and progress of the Muslim people and the broad masses in Mindanao that we salute the signing of a Peace Agreement on March 27,” the RPM-P/RPA-ABB said in a press statement Thursday.

The RPA-ABB Tabuano-Paduano Group is also waiting for the closure of its peace agreement with the national government.

The RPMP/RPA-ABB has nothing less than the overwhelming interest of the broad masses of the people in Mindanao and the whole country for just and lasting peace at heart, the group added.

It further said that the GPH and the MILF commitment forged in this agreement to end armed hostilities and undertake measures under mutually agreed terms to address the legitimate issues and demands of the Bangsamoro manifests their genuine and shared interest to uphold and work for the interest of the people.

“We extend our highest commendation to the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the leaders of the MILF on this achievement," it added said in a press statement Thursday.

The group added that the signing of the peace agreement heralds a historic step that will undertake the immense task of healing the wounds of a decades-long armed conflict rooted in the centuries-old social injustice wrought by colonization.

“The RPMP/RPA-ABB recognizes that with this comes the equally challenging work of instituting reforms and changes so that democracy that values pluralism and social justice may truly bring about progress and development to all, especially to the Bangsamoro people,” the RPMP/RPA-ABB said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629946

'Wounded Personnel Medal' handed to 51st Infantry Division troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): 'Wounded Personnel Medal' handed to 51st Infantry Division troopers

The Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division on Thursday announced that five of its troopers were conferred with the "Wounded Personnel Medal".

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the wounded troopers are members of their 15th Division Reconnaissance Company.

He identified these men as Staff Sgt. Rufeus D. Cabrido, Pfc. Hope Paul P. Mendez, Pvt. Joerwin Cris P. Arriola, Pvt. Ronel C. Tabat and Pvt. Rosaldo O. Galisanao Jr,.

These soldiers were wounded in action during an encounter with an undetermined number of rebels during an encounter in the remote area of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental last March 10.

Despite the wounds, the soldiers and their companions accomplished their peace and order mission.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629748

Bangsamoro Agreement: A salute to the victory of the Muslim and the broad masses interest for peace, justice and progress in Mindanao- RPMP/RPA/ABB

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Bangsamoro Agreement: A salute to the victory of the Muslim and the broad masses interest for peace, justice and progress in Mindanao- RPMP/RPA/ABB
 
The following is the RPMP/RPA/ABB statement on the signing of the Bangsamoro agreement Thursday:

" It is with high hopes for a bright path of reconciliation and collaboration between the Government of the Republic of the Philipiines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the interest of peace, justice and progress of the Muslim people and the broad masses in Mindanao that we salute the signing of a Peace Agreement on March 27, 2014.

"The RPMP/RPA/ABB has nothing less than the overwhelming interest of the broad masses of the people in Mindanao and the whole country for just and lasting peace at heart. The GRP and the MILF commitment forged in this agreement to end armed hostilities and undertake measures under mutually agreed terms to address the legitimate issues and demands of the Bangsamoro manifests their genuine and shared interest to uphold and work for the interest of the people. We extend our highest commendation to the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III Administration and the leaders of the MILF on this achievement.

"This signing heralds a historic step that will undertake the immense task of healing wounds of a decades-long armed conflict rooted in the centuries-old social injustice wrought by colonization on the early peoples of our country that still resonates and affects Mindanao and the whole Philippines.

"The RPMP/RPA/ABB recognizes that with this comes the equally challenging work of instituting reforms and changes so that democracy that values pluralism and social justice may truly bring about progress and development to all, especially to the Bangsamoro people.

"The GRP-MILF Peace Agreement deserves all the respect and needs all the support of peace and freedom loving peoples. The RPMP/RPA/ABB commits itself to this and wishes the best for its success towards a peaceful and prosperous Mindanao!"

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629794

PA hails signing of Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PA hails signing of Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday hailed the momentous signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement scheduled later in the day in Malacanang, as a triumph in the continued pursuit to attain sustainable peace and development in Mindanao

The treaty is considered as one of the major breakthrough for the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after years of negotiating peace, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said.

"As a testament of support in the quest for just and lasting peace, particularly in Mindanao, the PA had always uphold the primacy of the peace process. All tactical actions were guided by the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan" which advocates for the whole-of-nation approach in achieving peace," he added.

The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) is on its way to finalization as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will sign the document in Malacañang Palace Thursday afternoon.

The army said the signing of the agreement is a strong indication that lasting peace and development could be achieved through peaceful and democratic means.

"The PA considers this recent breakthrough as a triumph in the continued pursuit for peace and development," Detoyato said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629640

F/A-50 jet plane to further strengthen PHL territorial defense initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): F/A-50 jet plane to further strengthen PHL territorial defense initiatives

With the Department of National Defense (DND) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) poised to sign the Php 18.9 billion contract for the 12-F/A "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft Friday, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said that this is the start of territorial defense initiatives aside from enhancing the country's external defense capabilities.

"(Signing of the F/A-50 contract) will bring us closer on what we wish to attain on our external defense capabilities so this is definitely a good start," he added.

Okol said the South Korean jet aircraft will be part of a territorial defense system for the Philippines' minimum credible deterrent capabilities.

"It's part of a system, territorial defense that we're coming up with. It's a systematic approach to form part of the shooters (F/A-50s and ground base air defense units), the sensors which are the radars and will be part of the situational awareness of the ground base air defense and point defense (interception capability)," the PAF spokesperson stressed.

This system will allow the country to detect and deal with intruders violating the Philippines' vast maritime and aerial domains and if needed, to expel them.

The F/A-50 is armed with 20mm automatic cannons and can be fitted with modern air-to-air missiles and surface attack weapons.

In attendance for Friday's signing is DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista and Air Force and other major service commanders, KAI president and the head of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Ambassador of South Korea to the Philippines.

As this develops, the DND will also sign the contract for the eight combat utility helicopters with Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) on Friday.

The project is worth Php 4.8 billion.

Like the F/A-50, this is also a government-to-government contract.

CCC is the designated Canadian agency for the government-to-government procurement of equipment

"Three of these eight helicopters will be configured as a VIP helicopter and the delivery we are able to negotiate (is) that if the contract will be signed within the March, first quarter of 2014, then they’ll be able to deliver at least three of the helicopters in September in time for the hosting of the Philippines of the APEC," DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo earlier said.

He added that these new helicopters are intended to replace the five aging Bell 412 helicopters of the Office of President which were acquired during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.

Manalo said that these new helicopters are also variants of the Bell 412 but more modern and capable.

Okol said the contract signing for the Bell 412 helicopters is a positive development as this shows that the country is getting new equipment instead of old ones.

"These are brand new ones so again this is a positive sign that we're going towards the right direction," he added.

The PAF spokesperson stated that these new Bell 412 helicopters are more capable than the additional 21 UH-1H "Hueys" they will be getting as these aircraft are twin-engine and night vision capable.

"This (Bell 412) will complement the legacy systems (being used in the 'Hueys') and we will modernizing in the truest sense the PAF," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629829

PNP, BJMP sign agreement to increase counter terrorism capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PNP, BJMP sign agreement to increase counter terrorism capability

To ensure establishing a good working relationship, particularly in sharing of information related to terrorism and transnational crimes, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed an agreement to increase counter terrorism capability.

PNP Chief director general Alan La Madrid Purisima, and BJMP Officer-In-Charge and Jail Chief Superintendent Diony Dacanay Mamaril, graced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement together with other PNP and BJMP officers as witnesses in simple ceremonies held at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In the said agreement, the PNP in coordination with the BJMP, shall come up with a comprehensive training program for its personnel on incident management, collection of information, case management and intelligence analysis through the Case Management and Intelligence System (CMIS).

Police director Charles T. Calima Jr., the PNP Director for Intelligence, said that the CMIS will serve as a channel of communication and exchange of intelligence information between the PNP and BJMP through the use of a viable, reliable, and speedy and secure communication system.

“The leadership of both PNP and the BJMP recognize the importance of information coming from these inmates which is not limited to their bio-profiles but also their activities to include their alliances established inside and outside of jail. In some cases handled by the PNP, criminal activities are actually planned inside jail.” said Calima.

He said the PNP Intelligence Research Center, under the Directorate for Intelligence, is the administering office and will manage the central database system of the CMIS.

For its part, the BJMP will assist the PNP in developing the necessary collaborative intelligence planning and assessment skills to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach in combating terrorism and other transnational crimes.

Moreover, the BJMP has an existing facility, thru the help of the Australian Federal Police, known as the Inmate Classification and Counseling Unit, Special Intensive Care Area located in Bicutan, Taguig City. This Unit houses inmates with terrorism-related cases and this is where the CMIS will be installed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629863

PNP says strong case vs Tiamzon couple

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PNP says strong case vs Tiamzon couple

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday assured that they have a strong case against the captured rebel leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

According to Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), they are very confident that the couple will not be able to get out as they may not likely be released by the court, stressing that they have a strong case against them.

”Very, very strong yung case naming espcially yung mga warrants of arrest, revisting cases, dun sa inupakan Leyte, review cases pa sa Quezon, at sa ibang lugar, Visayas, maganada rito pieces of evidence ay intact, napakalakas ng case,” Magalong explained.

Magalong also said that the couple, both tagged as high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), is currently detained at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

Magalong said that the intense security inside the national police headquarters in Quezon City would make it difficult for the Tiamzon couple either to escape or be rescued by their comrades.

The security was further tightened with the arrival of the couple, noting that Wilma Tiamzon was able to escape from detention several years ago.

”Confident di na makakalabas, very strong, we will sustain yung offensive, nakita nyo background ni Wilma Tiamzon, twice sya tumakas, she is actually a flight risk, di basta-basta pakawalan ng court,” he added.

Police earlier filed a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives during an inquest proceeding at Camp Crame. The case is a non-bailable offense.

The charges stemmed from the four handguns and two grenades seized from them. The lawyer of the Tiamzon, however, claimed that the evidence is planted since the two were just carrying puppies and kittens at the time of their arrest in Cebu last week.

Aside from the charges filed against the couple early this week, the two are also being linked to mass killings of communist rebels in Leyte as part of the purging of suspected military spies

Magalong said the issue of Camp Crame as best detention facility for the couple not only about security but about their safety, medical wise.

We feel they are more safe here, They are well taken cared of here. They have regular medical exams like blood pressure monitoring and hiwa-hiwalay para mas comfortable sila, detention cell,” said Magalong.

On Monday, the Tiamzon couple and the five other CPP-NPA members were inquested on the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives arising from the confiscation from them of four firearms and two hand grenades during their arrest in Cebu Saturday.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for them as a result of their crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder.

The couple were originally charged with multiple murder before the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte but now transferred to Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 under Judge Mario Dela Cruz.

The charges were in relation to the involvement of the Tiamzons in the brutal killing of 15 civilians in Inopacan, Leyte who were later buried in a mass grave that was discovered in 2006.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629922

Urgent: GPH, MILF finally sign Bangsamoro peace pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Urgent: GPH, MILF finally sign Bangsamoro peace pact

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally signed on Thursday afternoon the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Kalayaan Grounds in Malacanang.

President Benigno S. Aquino III hosted the historic event which was attended by over 1,000 people, including around 500 members of the MILF.

Also present during the occasion was Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak who arrived in Manila shortly after Thursday noon upon the invitation of President Aquino to attend the signing ceremonies.

The principal signatories were Government Peace Panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF lead negotiator Mohager Iqbal.

Other signatories on the government side included panel members Senen Bacani; Yasmin Busran-Lao; Mehol Sadain, ex-officio member and secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; panel consultants Zenonida Brosas and Jose Luis Martin Gascon.

On the MILF side, the other signatories were Datu Michael Mastura, Maulana ‘Bobby’ Alonto, Abhoud Syed Lingga, Abdullah Kamlian, and Datu Antonio Kinoc.

The Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Dato' Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, also signed as witness.

The signing was done in the presence of Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF Central Committee.

Others present in the event were leaders from the House of Representatives and the Senate and foreign dignitaries.

The CAB is a five-page, 12-point text that formalizes the totality of the different agreements achieved between the GPH and the MILF.

It defines the structure and powers of the proposed Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

It also puts together all of these previously signed accords: the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the annexes, and the addendum; along with the very first, important ceasefire agreement of 1997; the agreement on peace signed in 2001 in Tripoli; the declaration of continuity of negotiations in June 2010, which picked up the pieces from the failed MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain) of 2008, among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629959

International community hail historic peace pact between PHL government and Muslim rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): International community hail historic peace pact between PHL government and Muslim rebels

The international community on Thursday hailed the historic signing of a peace agreement between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels which is seen to end decades of rebellion in Mindanao and pave the way for economic development in the widely impoverished region.

German Minister of State Maria Bohmer, who was among the high-ranking visiting foreign dignitaries who witnessed signing of the landmark pact, called it a “milestone” as she vowed more assistance from Germany to Mindanao.

“We will continue to support the peace process in providing development aid and also democratic structures to support the Philippines in this procedure,” Bohmer said.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said the successful implementation of the Malaysian-brokered accord, called Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), will “demonstrate the Philippines’s increasing political maturity, its ability to accomplish things that have been intractable in the past and its potential to emerge as one the world’s economic powers.”

Ahmad warned of challenges ahead, but stressed “with the continued commitment, courage and creativity that has made this agreement possible the dividends of peace will inevitably be realized.”

“The agreement is a truly Filipino solution to the conflict that will not just bring benefit to Mindanao but to the country as a whole and of which all Filipinos can be proud,” Ahmad said.

The 11,000-strong MILF, which used to be part of a larger secessionist group that signed a peace deal with the government in 1996, has been battling government troops in the Southern Philippines since 1969, in one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

Decades of conflict has claimed at least 120,000 lives, displaced thousands and brought massive destruction to property.

Foreign governments and international aid agencies expect the new agreement to finally usher in investments and provide jobs.

In the accord, the MILF agrees to drop its bid for a separate state and settle for parliamentary self-rule in areas to be called Bangsamoro autonomous region, which will be established by 2016.

The Bangsamoro replaces another Muslim autonomous region that was agreed upon with the former rebel group, Moro National Liberation Front, which was declared a failure by the Philippine government.

“Those who will eventually assume key roles in the Bangsamoro will carry the hopes and wishes of the nation on their shoulders. They will be judged not by the importance of their positions, but by the tangible improvements they bring about in the daily lives of citizens,” Ahmad said.

United Nations Development chief Helen Clark said the agreement will uplift the lives of the people in Mindanao, particularly in areas long besieged by war.

“When a region experiences conflict, it can’t make good progress and good development and the people suffer. The prospect of having enduring peace in Mindanao is a very good one in human development terms,” Clark said at a press briefing in Manila before attending the signing ceremonies in Malacanang.

The World Bank, for its part, said it will continue to scale up efforts to support programs that will broker “sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao as a whole.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629950

Aquino leads signing of peace pact with MILF, says he will aggressively push basic law

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Aquino leads signing of peace pact with MILF, says he will aggressively push basic law

President Benigno S. Aquino III led Thursday the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) aimed at ending decades-long conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Muslim Mindanao.

The President and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak witnessed the signing of agreement at the Kalayaan grounds in Malacanang, Thursday.

In his message prior to the signing, the President said he will aggressively push for a just and equitable Bangsamoro Basic Law after the signing of the said agreement.

“My administration will go all out to forge a principled consensus for enduring security and prosperity; I expect the deliberations in Congress to be characterized by a sincere desire to improve on the Bangsamoro Basic Law—and not by self-interest that only aims to perpetuate an untenable status quo,” the President said in his speech.

The President said that currently, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission is working hard to draft an equitable, practical, and empowering, Bangsamoro Basic Law that will serve the interests of the entire nation.

Their current mission is to draft and pass this law so that it will be presented to the people for ratification in a plebiscite, he said. The goal is to have the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in place by 2015 to serve as the interim Bangsamoro government until the elections in 2016.

At the same time, the President called on everyone to widen the avenues for trust and positive engagement and cast aside past prejudices and contribute to the atmosphere of optimism to sustain the momentum for the development of Mindanao.

It should be the paramount concern of all people of goodwill to do their part, replacing cynicism with hope, and sorrow with harmony, peace, and prosperity, the chief executive said.

The country must solve the huge imbalance between Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the country to start regional development.

“If we are to truly address the root causes of conflict, we must close the gap between the region and the rest of Filipino society,” the President said.

Among the signatories to the agreement were government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630005

Palace says CAB to pave way for 'offensives' vs 'spoilers' but BIFF dares govt to 'bring it on'

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Palace says CAB to pave way for 'offensives' vs 'spoilers' but BIFF dares govt to 'bring it on'



BIFM spokesman Abu Misri Mama with followers (AFP file)

The signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will pave the way for coordinated offensives against armed groups dubbed “spoilers of peace” in Mindanao, Malacanang said Thursday.

But Abu Misir Mama, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Movement, which broke away from the MILF after refusing to give up aspirations for an independent Islamic state, dared Malacanang to "stop talking and just do it."

While the CAB is expected to end decades of hostilities between government and the MILF, there remain other factions, notably the BIFM.

The Abu Sayyaf also remains active in Sulu and Basilan while a number of other armed independent groups, mostly engaged in kidnapping and extortion, continue to operate in other areas of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which will eventually be dissolved to give way to the new Bangsamoro political entity.

In a briefing aired over Radyo ng Bayan, Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said such groups would be considered law enforcement problems.

"Law enforcement operations will be implemented," Coloma said. "We are determined to address such developments.”

“If you recall, when we signed the Framework Agreement (on the Bangsamoro) in 2012, there was conflict but it was immediately addressed through the effective partnership of the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added, referring to a rash of violence between government forces and fighters of the BIFM, which was founded by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato.

Coloma said law enforcement activities would continue in areas "where there are spoiler groups."

But Mama, in a phone interview, said: "Huwag na sila madami pang salita, gawin na lang nila. Kami, kapag sinabi namin, gagawin talaga namin (They should stop talking too much and just do it. We, when we say we will do something, we do it)."

"Handang handa kami, at nasubukan na nila 'yan (We are ready, and they have tried that already)," he added.

While he declined to reveal any plans, Mama said they have been waging a "guerrilla" campaign, claiming that they had attacked military outposts in Datu Piang town and the capitol of Maguindanao province earlier in the week.

Mama said after the CAB is signed, "baka hindi na nila kami mahanap, kami na ang maghahanap sa kanila (they might not be able to find us anymore, we will be the ones to go looking for them)."

Coloma also said the peace pact’s annex on normalization would also ensure no more factions break away from the MILF.

"There are clear parameters for decommissioning through a third party and the eventual integration of armed MILF to the Philippine National Police," he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83599/palace-says-cab-to-pave-way-for-offensives-vs-spoilers-but-biff-dares-govt-to-bring-it-on

Malaysia's Najib praises CAB, commits continued support for peace process

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Malaysia's Najib praises CAB, commits continued support for peace process



AFP file photo of Malaysia PM Najib Razak

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday committed his country's continued support  to the peace process with Muslim rebels, in particular in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, calling the peace deal a "momentous act of courage."

Najib said Malaysia would remain a partner for peace of the Philippine government and the MILF. Malaysia has served as third party facilitator of the peace talks since 2001. "Malaysia is honored to have played its part in this process. We wish for nothing more than peace and prosperity for our brothers and sisters in Bangsamoro, and in the Philippines," he said.

The prime minister, who is on a one-day state visit on invitation of President Benigno Aquino III, said, "As we look ahead to a brighter future for Bangsamoro, I pledge Malaysia's continued support. We will remain in our role as the third party facilitator, and will continue working through the International Monitoring Team." Najib added.

Najib praised the peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a "momentous act of courage" that "will change the nation's history forever."

Najib said the Philippine government and the MILF were able to finalize the CAB because "the two sides looked not in the problems of the past but to the promise of the future."

He said that that by engaging in the peace process, the MILF "had repaid the trust placed in them by the people," while the Philippine government by engaging with the MILF in the negotiations had "affirmed the rights of the Bangsamoro to determine their own destiny."

"Both sides have scarificed so that people of Southern Philippines will live, free free from violence... free from suffering... free from fear," said Najib.
He said that in the pages of the CAB, "we will see the promise of a better future" where "classrooms ring with laughter, not gunshots."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83621/malaysias-najib-praises-cab-commits-continued-support-for-peace-process

CAB 'crowning glory' of Bangsamoro struggle - Murad

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): CAB 'crowning glory' of Bangsamoro struggle - Murad



MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad during a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III before the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is the “crowning glory” of the Moro people’s struggle, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said Thursday.

"Today we celebrate the shared victory of Bangsamoro and the Filipino people,” Murad said speaking at ceremonies ahead of the signing of the CAB in Malacanang.

“The CAB finally brings with it the restoration of identity, powers and resources of Bangsamoro. These three things are now returned to us," Murad said. "The CAB is the crowning glory of our struggle."

At the same time, Murad gave assurances that the MILF would not seek a monopoly of power over the Bangsamoro, the new political entity to be created as a result of the CAB.

"The MILF will only be the gatekeeper during the transition period, after which the keys to the gate will be turned over to democratic will of the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

"To be more emphatic, it will not be a government of the MILF but a government of the Bangsamoro," he said.

He also stressed the inclusive nature of the CAB.

"The CAB is not only for the MILF. It is for the Moro National Liberation Front as well, as much as it is for all Muslim ethnic tribes, Christian settlers, and indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro territory," Murad added. "MILF does not and will never claim sole ownership of the Bangsamoro."

The agreement, he said, would leave no more reason for anyone to take up arms.

"There is no more cause left pursuing by force for others to take," he  said, as he prayed for "an accepting and not just a tolerant public" to ensure the CAB's success.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83619/cab-crowning-glory-of-bangsamoro-struggle---murad

Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro



Muslim girls participate in celebrations in Cotabato City ahead of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (photo by Dennis Arcon, InterAksyon.com)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is set to end four decades of armed struggle when it signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the government on Thursday.

Here are key facts about the peace pact:

MILF:

The MILF has about 10,000 armed followers, according to the military, which makes it easily the biggest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines.
It has long fought for an independent homeland for the nation's Muslim minority to be carved out of the southern Philippines.

It split in the 1970s from the-then main rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MNLF had agreed to autonomy, and founding MILF leader Hashim Salamat was intent on fighting for independence. Internal rivalries were another reason for the split.

PEACE PACT:

The "Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro."

The Bangsamoro refers to people who at the time of Spanish conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of the southern Philippines. Their descendants and spouses are recognized as Bangsamoro.

Bangsa means nation. Moro derives from the term "Moors" used by Spanish colonialists to refer to Muslims.

AUTONOMY:

The MILF has dropped its claims for a separate state in Mindanao and will settle for parliamentary self-rule in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. This will be established by 2016.

The Bangsamoro will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was created through the peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front but which government says has failed.

DISARMAMENT:

The MILF will "gradually" decommission its forces and put the weapons "beyond use." A local Bangsamoro police force will assume law enforcement functions from the Philippine National Police and military.

POWERS:

The Philippine government will retain exclusive powers over defense, foreign policy, currency and citizenship matters.

TAXES/REVENUES:

The autonomous government will receive 75 percent of all local taxes, fees and charges, 75 percent of revenues from metallic minerals and control of fishing areas up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

ISLAMIC LAW:

The region will not be an Islamic state, rather a secular government. Sharia law will apply only to Muslims and only for civil cases, not for criminal offences. All residents are guaranteed basic rights to life, movement, privacy, and freedom of religion and speech.

TERRITORY:

To cover five provinces, plus two cities, six towns and 39 villages, comprising about 10 percent of the Philippines' total land area.

ENABLING LAW:

Aquino will ask Congress to pass the "Bangsamoro Basic Law" for the autonomous region by the end of this year.

PLEBISCITE:

People living in areas to be included in the Bangsamoro will need to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a plebiscite to be held in 2015.

TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY:

After the basic law is approved and ratified by the plebiscite, a 15-member "Bangsamoro Transition Authority" will govern the region until a regional parliament is elected. Aquino appoints the members of the transitional authority, but the MILF will have a majority and the chairman.

ELECTIONS:

A regional parliament, expected to have 50 seats, is to be elected in conjunction with national elections in May 2016.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83610/key-points-of-the-comprehensive-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro

FINALLY, PEACE FOR PH | After 40-year strife, gov't, MILF ink pact

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): FINALLY, PEACE FOR PH | After 40-year strife, gov't, MILF ink pact



MILF's Mohaqher Iqbal and GPH's Miriam Coronel-Ferrer show the newly signed CAB on Thursday, March 27, 2014. With them are MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Malaysian PM Najib Razak, President Benigno Aquino III, OPAPP secretary Teresita Deles and Malaysian facilitator Datu Ghafar Tengku (Bernard Testa/InterAksyon.com)

After 40 years of conflict that brought poverty, fear, and violence to thousands of homes in Mindanao, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) the biggest Muslim rebel group in the country, finally signed a peace deal at 5:32 p.m., Thursday, March 27.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer and her counterpart from the MILF, Mohagher Iqbal, signed the five-page Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Malaysian facilitator Ghafar Tengku signed as witness.

The ceremony was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III, MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The CAB brings together the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; the four annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, normalization, and transitional arrangements; the addendum on Bangsamoro waters; and the 1997 ceasefire agreement.

[READ RELATED STORY: Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]

“Today, we have set an example to the world…The people themselves would turn the era of strife to an era of peace,” said Aquino.

“I will not let peace be snatched from my people again,” the President added.

“At times it seems as if the selfish few can fatally hamper the future of so many. There are, however, days like this: Days when our collective philosophy of sincere consensus-building yields the most enduring of results; days when we can stand witness to the hard work of our people; days when we can be filled with hope despite all the challenges that remain,” said Aquino.

“There are days when we can find time to reflect on what we have achieved in less than four years: In this case, the end to decades of conflict, and the beginning of development and prosperity for the Bangsamoro. Today, we have proven that not only can our people dream again; but in fact, we are now beginning to achieve our dreams,” he added.

[READ PRESIDENT AQUINO’S SPEECH DURING THE CAB SIGNING HERE]

Murad said the CAB, the culmination of 17 years of peace negotiations between his group and the Philippine government "is the crowning glory” of the Moro people’s struggle.

“The CAB finally brings with it the restoration of identity, powers and resources of Bangsamoro. These three things are now returned to us," Murad said. "The CAB is the crowning glory of our struggle."

Murad gave assurances that the MILF would not seek a monopoly of power over the Bangsamoro, the new political entity to be created as a result of the CAB.

"The MILF will only be the gatekeeper during the transition period, after which the keys to the gate will be turned over to democratic will of the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

"To be more emphatic, it will not be a government of the MILF but a government of the Bangsamoro," he said.

New political entity 

The agreement will pave the way for the creation of a new political entity called the Bangsamoro that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

[SEE COPY OF THE AGREEMENT AND ITS ANNEXES HERE] 

The ARMM will form part of the core Bangsamoro territory. It will include the cities of Isabela and Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and 39 barangays in six municipalities of Cotabato province.

The Bangsamoro will enjoy 100 percent of resources from non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel and quarry and 75 percent of income from the exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region.

Only income derived from fossil fuels and uranium shall be shared equally by the Bangsamoro with the central government.

Under the annex on power-sharing, the Bangsamoro assembly shall have at least 50 members representing district, party-list, sectoral and reserved seats.

The assembly shall be headed by a chief minister, who shall be elected by majority votes from among the members of the assembly.

Not only for MILF 

Murad stressed the inclusive nature of the CAB.

"The CAB is not only for the MILF. It is for the Moro National Liberation Front as well, as much as it is for all Muslim ethnic tribes, Christian settlers, and indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro territory," Murad added. "MILF does not and will never claim sole ownership of the Bangsamoro."

The agreement, he said, would leave no more reason for anyone to take up arms.

"There is no more cause left pursuing by force for others to take," he said, as he prayed for "an accepting and not just a tolerant public" to ensure the CAB's success.

For her part, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the CAB signing would mean that in the future, there would be "no more children scampering for safety, no more evacuees, no more lost schooldays, no more injustice."

"No more poverty...no more fear. Tama na [Enough of those], we are all tired of it," Deles said.

"A new dawn has come, the dawn for books, not bullets; for paintbrushes, not knives; for whole communities, not evacuation centers," she said.

Malaysia's support 

Malaysia's Najib committed his country's continued support  to the peace process with Muslim rebels, in particular in the implementation of the CAB, calling the peace deal a “momentous act of courage.”

Najib said the Philippine government and the MILF were able to finalize the CAB because "the two sides looked not to the problems of the past but to the promise of the future."

He said that that by engaging in the peace process, the MILF "had repaid the trust placed in them by the people," while the Philippine government by engaging with the MILF in the negotiations had "affirmed the rights of the Bangsamoro to determine their own destiny."

"Both sides have scarificed so that people of Southern Philippines will live, free free from violence... free from suffering... free from fear," said Najib.

He said that in the pages of the CAB, "we will see the promise of a better future" where "classrooms ring with laughter, not gunshots."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83624/finally-peace-for-ph--after-40-year-strife-govt-milf-ink-pact