OPAPP, DILG orient Comprehensive Local Integration Program for Mindanao cluster

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 15): OPAPP, DILG orient Comprehensive Local Integration Program for Mindanao cluster

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will jointly conduct an Orientation-Seminar on Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) and Former Rebels Information System (FRIS), on June 16 to 18, 2014 here.

This event will discuss the provisions of DILG-OPAPP Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2014-01, as the system that will provide socio-economic interventions to former rebels and their families and to facilitate the healing process including the management and disposal of surrendered firearms, according to Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10.

The CLIP focuses in the integration program for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front who have decided to abandon armed struggle and be mainstreamed into society.

The provincial/city directors of Philippine National Police, DILG provincial/HUC directors, provincial/city Social Welfare and Development Officers in the five regions of Mindanao are the participants of the event.

It will be graced by the presence of DILG-Undersecretary for Local Government Austere A. Panadero and the OPAPP-Undersecretary Atty. Maria Cleofe Gettie C. Sandoval.

Among the topics that will be discussed are Government’s Thrust on the Peace Process, Security Briefing and CPP/NPA/NDF Organizational Structure, CLIP DILG-OPAPP JMC 2014-01 and Administration and Processing of Financial Assistance to Former Rebels, Pertinent Accounting Rules and Regulations, Guidelines for the Disposition of Firearms, Explosives and Ammunitions for CLIP beneficiaries.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1461402900186

MILF, MNLF move to iron out differences

From Rappler (Jun 16): MILF, MNLF move to iron out differences

The two rival groups meet in Jeddah to agree on how they will settle their issues

Two rival Moro groups – the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) – have agreed to iron out their differences and reactivate the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum, a mechanism that will enable the groups to discuss their issues.

The agreement was made after a meeting of both parties in Jeddah on June 12 upon the invitation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an influential body which counts 56 Islamic states as members.

Under the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum, the MILF and the MNLF agreed to discuss "common ground" and "explore collaborative efforts at addressing the concerns of each party," professor Abhoud Syed Linga of the MILF told Mindanews.

Present at the meeting were various factions of the MNLF, including the one led by former Cotabato City vice mayor Muslim Sema and the faction of fugitive MNLF founder Nur Misuari, Mindanews reported. The overall MNLF bloc was led by Sheikh Abdulbaki Abubakar.

Misuari was not present during the meeting but he was represented by lawyer Randolph Parcasio, doctor Mashur Jundam and Jimmy Labawan, Mindanews said. Misuari is presently facing a warrant of arrest over the bloody siege of Zamboanga in September 2013, which left over 200 dead and thousands homeless.

Meanwhile, the 9-member MILF delegation was led by MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, who also headed the body that crafted the first draft of the law fleshing out the group's comprehensive peace peace pact with the government signed in March 2014.

The two groups signed a joint statement when the meeting ended, the MILF said in an editorial posted on Luwaran.com.

It was the OIC that brokered the 1996 peace agreement between the MNLF and the government. MNLF leaders say the government has yet to fully implement the deal and wants unfulfilled aspects to be incorporated in the revamped autonomous government in southern Philippines targeted to be established before 2016. (READ: The MILF, the MNLF and 2 peace agreements)

The MNLF led the rebel movement in the south in the 1970s but leadership differences forced the late Hashim Salamat to break away from the group and create his own organization that is more religious in orientation. That group has come to be known as the MILF.

Past efforts

In 2010, the OIC convinced the two rival groups to create the BCF in an effort to unify them towards peace in Mindanao.

Both groups had agreed to create an ad-hoc secretariat group in subsequent meetings attended by MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Misuari themselves.

But the developments reached a deadlock after Misuari asked the MILF to dissolve their organization and re-join the MNLF.

Since the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF, the MILF and the MNLF have been communicating with each other on how to deal with their issues.

In fact, new MNLF chairman Abul Khayr Alonto graced the signing of the government-MILF peace pact and asked Misuari to support the deal.

The MILF, meanwhile, has also expressed openness in forging an "alliance" with the MILF as it acknowledged that the "heyday of a monolithic organization" has long gone.

In reaction to the reactivation of the BCF, the MILF said in its June 15 editorial:

"There at least two ways to achieve this unity; one is good but not reachable, and the other is practical and the only possible arrangement under current situation. After all, with changes and the various transformations sweeping across the Bangsamoro, alliances and coalitions are what matters these days. The heyday of a monolithic organization is a thing of the past and no longer holds currency today. People are tired of being dictated on what to do and what not to do. Moreover, both the MILF and MNLF are supposed to be popularly-based organizations and therefore it is their obligation to run their respective organizations by consultation. The people must be involved to run their lives."

The secretary general of the MNLF-Sema faction, Abdul Sahrin, told Philippine Star the objectives of the BCF will be:

to reconcile the polarized MNLF leaderships

to reconcile the reunited MNLF with the MILF

to establish a unified MNLF-MILF position on the implementation of OIC 2013 resolution calling for integration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro under the Basic Law

OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani is expected to present the outcome of the MILF-MNLF meeting before the 41st session of the Council of Foreign Minister in Jeddah on June 18 and June 19.

The peace deal between the government and the MILF aims to establish the Bangsamoro political entity that is designed to enjoy greater political and fiscal powers than the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which it will replace.

The new autonomous government will be "ministerial" in form, where people will elect at least 50 members, who will, in turn, elect a "chief minister" within themselves.

To prepare for the expected election of the first batch of Bangsamoro officials in 2016, the MILF has started forming a political party, to be known as the "United Bangsamoro Justice Party."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/60708-milf-mnlf-talks-jeddah-oic

PAOCC: 2 Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Zamboanga

From GMA News (Jun 17): PAOCC: 2 Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Zamboanga

Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group linked to several kidnapping incidents were arrested in Zamboanga City on Monday, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said.

 

In a statement, the PAOCC identified the suspected bandits as Jimmy Nurilla and Bakrin Haris. Both were arrested in Barangay Sangali.

 

Seized from the two were "subversive documents" and explosives.

 

A manhunt is now ongoing for a certain Walid, who managed to elude arrest.

 

The two arrested suspects were reportedly part of the group that abducted:

 

• Australian Warren Rodwell, who was held in captivity for 15 months
• American Kevin Lunsman, who was kept in captivity for five months
• teacher Cathy Casipong from Sibogtok Elementary School in Limaong Island
• businesswoman Sabrina Voon, who is still in captivity.

 

Members of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, Special Project Mindanao Khilafa Islamiyya, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces in the Philippines took part in the PAOCC-assisted operation.

 

An initial investigation showed the authorities served an arrest warrant on Nurilla and Haris.

 

The PAOCC said Nurilla and Haris are believed to be active members of the Abu Sayyaf operating in Zamboanga City.

 

Both are suspected to have links to the Basilan-based ASG under the leadership of Furiji Indama and Khair Mundos, who was arrested last week in Parañaque City. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/366004/news/regions/paocc-2-abu-sayyaf-members-arrested-in-zamboanga

2 alleged Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Zamboanga City

From InterAksyon (Jun 17): 2 alleged Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Zamboanga City

Authorities captured two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf believed involved in several kidnappings, including those of former Australian soldier Warren Rodwell and American Kevin Lunsman, but failed to nab their primary target.

A statement from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission said its agents, supporting personnel of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, Special Project Mindanao Khilafa Islamiyya, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces in the Philippines, mounted an operation in Zamboanga City on Monday to serve warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges on a certain “Walid” in Barangay Sangali.

Although Walid managed to evade the dragnet, the team captured Jimmy Nurilla, alias “Doc,” and Bakrin Haris, allegedly members of an Abu Sayyaf branch operating in Zamboanga City with links to groups in Basilan commanded by Furiji Indama and Khair Mundos, who was captured in Metro Manila recently.

Aside from Rodwell and Lunsman, Nurilla and Haris were also supposedly involved in the kidnapping of elementary teacher Cathy Casipong and businesswoman Sabrina Voon.

Voon is still in captivity.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89267/2-alleged-abu-sayyaf-members-nabbed-in-zamboanga-city

MILF: As Ramadan nears, religious leaders urge Muslims to welcome the holy month

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 17): As Ramadan nears, religious leaders urge Muslims to welcome the holy month

 According to Islamic Lunar Calendar, the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan falls on June 28, 2014.  But as practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it will formally start when the new moon is sighted. A committee to undertake the sighting of the new moon shall be created by the Darul Ifta, a group of learned Muslims.
  

The Darul Ifta will make the formal declaration live over the radio or on television. Fasting during Ramadan is prescribed and obligatory to every Muslim. Allah said:

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restrain.” Surah Al-Baqara (2):183

As Ramadan nears, Muslim scholars and asatidz in their sermons during the Friday congregational prayers urged Muslims to welcome the holy month with joy rather than worries. Fasting during Ramadan or month of sacrifice is obligatory to every Muslims, male and female including children who reach the age of maturity. A Muslims start fasting from dawn to dusk where they are prohibited to eat and drink; and married couples to engage in sexual activity. Backbiting, gossiping and creating intrigues should be avoided.

During the month, Muslims who fast shall avoid all that are forbidden; illegal and immoral acts. Ramadan is a month of ALLAH whose beginning is MERCY, the middle is FORGIVENESS, and the end is FREEDOM FROM FIRE. ALLAH has decreed this month the best of all months. The days of this month are the best among the days and the nights are the best among the nights and the hours during Ramadan are the best among the hours. This is a month in which you have been invited by Him (fast and pray).  Allah has honored you in it. In every breath you take is a reward of Allah, your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations are answered. Whoever does something good this month, ALLAH multiplies it by seventy times.

The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Through fasting you learn how to manage your eating habits and improve self-discipline. It's a great time to do peace advocacy in the current atmosphere of anger, tension and sadness.

As the blessed & most beautiful month nears the better time to prepare for it is now and grab the immense rewards that are available and given by Allah. This may be our last Ramadan for life is so uncertain. Then there is no doubt that we must make the best of it for the reward of every good act in the month of Ramadan is multiplied many times.
Before the advent of Ramadan, one may perform voluntary fasting and Sunnah Prayer and/ or Fasting every Monday and Thursday. We should fast these days in order to prepare for the fasting during Ramadan and even after Ramadan we should continue to do so (the sunnah fasting) for fasting will intercede for us on the day hereafter. Muslims are reminded to do the following:

1.    Devote much of this blessed month reciting/reading the Qur’an.
2.    Making supplications – many of us rush our supplications and our hearts are often not present whilst we are supplicating to Allah. Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an: “When my servants as you concerning me, tell them I am indeed close to them. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me”. The place of supplication is so honorable to Allah, Prophet Muhammad said.

3.Sincere Repentance – Ramadan is the month where we can gain mercy and forgiveness from Allah for all of our sins past and present. “Truly Allah loves those who turn to HIM in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity”. (Qur’an 2:222). How unfortunate is a person who after the end of Ramadan does not gain any forgiveness of his sins from Allah but ends up piling more sins onto his account.

4.Generosity and Charity – Ramadan is the time for generosity and giving. The best charity is that given in Ramadan. And he who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards. So we should get into the habit of giving in charity now so by the time Ramadan arrives we would increase in our generosity, giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. Surely in there hereafter we will regret that which we did not spend in the path of Allah.

5.Controlling the Tongue – Think before saying anything.

6.Improving Character and Manners – Surely if good character, manners and conduct towards others and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah and the closest to Allah.

7.Moderation in Eating – Excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximizing our worship to Allah. Surely this goes against the very purpose of Ramadan which is to be moderate in eating and to remember those who have lesser in life. 

8.Implementing Sunnah’s into daily life – Following the Sunnah (Practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) is a command from Allah. So the best habit right now of implementing every Sunnah’s into our daily lives so by the time Ramadan comes we can continue to implement Sunnah’s and gain even more rewards for them.

Ramadan is a blessing for all Muslims and those that reaches this month is lucky to have given the chance by Allah to enjoy or earn more rewards from Him and repent from their sins.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1044-as-ramadan-nears-religious-leaders-urge-muslims-to-welcome-the-holy-month

MILF: MILF holds advocacy at erstwhile camp of Ustadz Habir Malik

From the MILF Website (Jun 17): MILF holds advocacy at erstwhile camp of Ustadz Habir Malik

Barangay Bitahnag, Panamao, Sulu, erstwhile camp of Ustadz Habir Malik, close-aide of MNLF Nur Misuari has been invaded by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when it conducted peace advocacy last June 8, 2014.

Ludznatul Auliya Provincial Director Ustadz Alshaid Abdulmajid together with Mr.Abdulmotalib K. Ismi, Vice Chairman of the MILF Political Committee-Northern Sulu where the resource speakers together with MILF Northern Sulu vice chairman Abdulmotalib K. Ismi; his wife Ustaza Dayang Ruaida Imran Ismi, Chairperson of Social Welfare Committee (SWC); Ustadz Alshaid Abdulmajid and this writer presently the Northern Sulu Provincial Information Director.

The peace advocacy aims to address the issue of misunderstanding between the MILF and MNLF members in the area and educate the residents of Barangay Bitahnag and adjacent barangays on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four annexes, the CAB and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the proposed governing law of the Bangsamoro new political Entity.

The participants were so elated and inspired when they learned that the basic law incorporates some issues contained in the 1996 Jakarta Final Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF.

What is so interesting here is that after the MNLF standoff in Zamboanga city last September 9 -27, 2014, resident of Bitahnag and adjacent barangays no longer heed and follow the directives of Chairman Misuari, instead they shifted their support to the GPH-MILF Peace Agreement which they foresee as the final solution to the decades of armed conflict.

The MILF in Sulu and the organizers expressed their sincerest appreciations to Panamao officials for their support and cooperation that made the activity successful.

The organizers hoped that the advocacy had enhanced the knowledge of residents on the peace process, the CAB and the upcoming Bangsamoro Region and finally, live in their communities without fear and anxiety. Residents of Sulu were victims of military operations and clan wars that forced them to temporarily settle in other areas. Once it takes-over the ARMM, the Bangsamoro will address problems that beset Sulu inhabitants, if Allah’s will.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1043-milf-holds-advocacy-at-erstwhile-camp-of-ustadz-habir-malik

Misuari: The battles of Bud Dahu and Bud Bagsak Monuments to Tausug heroism and martyrdom

Posted to the Nur Misuari Facebook page (Jun 16): The battles of Bud Dahu and Bud Bagsak Monuments to Tausug heroism and martyrdom

Before Afghanistan and Iraq, there was Bud Bagsak (Mt. Bagsak) where the AMERICANS MASSACRED 2000 Moros including 196 women and 340 children.

INNALILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJEEOON!









https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=760889320621484&set=pcb.760893477287735&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari

Hostilities erupt anew in Matalam

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 16): Hostilities erupt anew in Matalam

A suspected member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed after his group encountered a band of armed men that resulted to a firefight at a remote village in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Authorities said the incident took place some 1.5 kilometers away from the Pikit-Matalam national highway at around 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

Chief Inspector Elias Coloma, Matalam police station chief, identified the slain rebel as Mentato Galangan, 27, of Sitio Mateo in Barangay Manubuan, Matalam.

Galangan was hit in the various parts of his body that led to his instantaneous death.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes, reports from Matalam police station said.

Coloma said the killing took place after armed hostilities between the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels erupted anew on Sunday.

Galangan, records showed, was a member of the group under Commander Oscar Matiagal of the MILF’s 7th Brigade of the 108th Base Command located in Barangay Manubuan, while the armed group they encountered belonged to Commander Mano Sandab of the 15th Council of the MNLF.

The combined forces also monitored the national highway that connects the villages of Manubuan and Patadon in Matalam town to ensure the safety of the affected residents, and the motorists plying the route.

Coloma said they are also closely monitoring the movements of both armed groups in the area.

http://www.mb.com.ph/hostilities-erupt-anew-in-matalam/

Soldiers hurt in clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 17): Soldiers hurt in clash

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Two soldiers were wounded in clash between government security forces and communist insurgents in Mount Ararat, Barangay Berseba, Bayugan City, a regional Army spokesman said Tuesday.

The wounded soldiers were identified as Cpl. Godofredo Navarez, Jr. and Pfc. Ricky Quia-ot, both of 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB).

Maj. Christian C. Uy, regional Army spokesman of 4th Infantry (Diamond ) Division (4th ID) said Navarez and Quia-ot, were both hit and wounded on their left shoulders.

He said combat maneuvering troops of the 26th IB were conducting security and combat operations when they encountered New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at the vicinity of Mount Ararat at 6:30 a.m.

“Our ground troops believed that undetermined number of NPA rebels were also wounded or killed during the almost 15 minute fierce firefight,” Uy said.

The NPA rebels were from CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee, he added.

http://www.mb.com.ph/soldiers-hurt-in-clash/

What happened in MNLF factions talks in Jeddah?

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 16): What happened in MNLF factions talks in Jeddah?

Lawmakers yesterday called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to inform the Philippine government on what transpired in the Jeddah dialogue with two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The dialogue sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) took place on June 12-14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with all three Filipino Moro groups represented by their respective key officials.

“In the spirit of good faith and transparency and as partner signatories to the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro), it is my opinion that MILF must report what transpired (in Jeddah) to the PH government,” former police general and now ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Samuel Pagdilao said.

On the other hand, 1BAP Partylist Rep. Silvestre Bello III said that without government asking for information, the MILF should report on developments in the meeting.

“The effect of the meeting to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will depend on the result of the (Jeddah) meeting,” said Bello, minority member of the House Committee on Public Order and Security.

OIC brokered the MILF talks with the two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in a bid to settle differences among them.

Sulu Rep. Tupay Loong, chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, disclosed that the MNLF faction of fugitive Nur Misuari was represented in Jeddah by Abdulbaki Anubakar, the organization’s secretary general.

Muslimin Sema and Habib Mujahab Hashim also came to represent their MNLF faction while MILF information committee chief, Mohagher Iqbal, led the MILF delegation.

The OIC’s initiative won praises among lawmakers who noted that peace treaties between government and the Moro groups are being jeopardized by differences among the secessionist organizations.

http://www.mb.com.ph/what-happened-in-mnlf-factions-talks-in-jeddah/

New naval base to host US ships

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 17): New naval base to host US ships

Ulugan Bay – As fears grow that China is on an aggressive South China Sea territorial grab, a sleepy village in Palawan is being transformed into a major naval base that may host US warships.

Ulugan Bay, a small, picturesque cove encircled by thick mangroves, has suddenly become a vital part of the Philippine military’s efforts to shore up its defense of contested South China Sea islands and waters.

“This is the frontline of our territorial defense operations in the Kalayaan island group,” President Aquino declared last month as he inspected the progress of a recently announced upgrade of a tiny naval station on the bay.

Ulugan is on the west coast of Palawan, only 160 kilometers from a small group of islands and islets within the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan group.

The Spratlys are among the most prized assets in the decades-long but increasingly hostile struggle for control of parts of the South China Sea.

The sea has such importance because roughly half the world’s shipping trade passes through it, while it is believed to contain enormous deposits of natural gas and has rich fishing grounds.

China and Taiwan said they have sovereign rights to nearly all of the sea, conflicting with the claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei to areas closer to their coasts.

The Philippines and Vietnam have expressed growing alarm in recent years at China’s increasingly assertive tactics to stake its claims.

Most recently, the Philippines accused China of reclaiming land at tiny reefs in the Spratlys to in effect create artificial islands that may be used to build air strips and other military installations.

In direct response to the fears over China, the Philippines has sought help from longtime ally the United States to bolster its poorly equipped armed forces with new hardware and training.

The Philippines and the United States also signed a new security pact when US President Barack Obama visited Manila in April that will soon allow a much greater American military presence on Filipino soil, including on expanded bases.

MORATORIUM ON CONSTRUCTIONS

The Philippines is also taking seriously the suggestion made by United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel for countries embroiled in the South China Sea territorial row to strike a temporary deal not to occupy any of the land features in the disputed region that are currently unoccupied to cool tensions as they work toward establishing a long-term code of conduct.

Russel was quoted as saying earlier that a temporary pledge not to occupy land features in the disputed areas will be consistent with the 2010 Declaration of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (DOC) signed by the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China that laid out the basis for the current negotiations around a code of conduct.

Del Rosario said he plans to present the proposal “within the year” as he pointed out that China is actually accelerating its “expansion agenda” in the South China Sea to get it completed before ASEAN countries and China agree on a code of conduct.

The foreign affairs chief said the Philippine government could bring up the suggestion for a moratorium in the special ASEAN ministerial-level meeting proposed by Indonesia.

“If that meeting materializes, and we hope it will, and we’re supporting it, we hope to bring it up there,” Del Rosario said.

UPGRADE

At Ulugan Bay, there is currently just a tiny naval station that serves as the command center for the Filipino military unit responsible for safeguarding its South China Sea waters.

A small pier stands at the bay’s most prized asset, a deep inlet called Oyster Bay with rich fishing grounds that help sustain the 1,700 residents of the nearby village of Macarascas.

As part of the upgrade, a much bigger pier, harbor and support facilities are being built to serve as a base for the navy’s largest vessels, including two ex-US frigates acquired since 2011.

Aquino said the upgrade would also allow the navy to monitor ships by radar and conduct maritime surveillance through a satellite-based system.

In effect, Aquino said it would give the Philippines a greater ability to survey and defend what it says are its waters of the South China Sea.

However just P500 million is being spent on the Ulugan upgrade and analysts say the Philippines will not come close to having the capabilities to deter China, which spent $119.5 billion on its military last year.

“I expect the strategy will allow the Philippine Navy to conduct limited defensive, small-boat missions,” Roilo Golez, a former legislator and national security adviser, told AFP.

POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

A potential game changer, however, could be the addition of American troops and hardware, along with extra US money to further expand the facility.

Under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between the treaty allies in April, US forces will have access to five Philippine military bases, allowing them to build facilities and rotate through thousands of troops.

It will also allow the United States to deploy more aircraft, ships, and equipment to these bases.

The Philippines has so far publicly offered the United States renewed access to Subic Bay, a former US naval base about 100 kilometers north of Manila that also projects onto the South China Sea.

It has not yet said Ulugan Bay will be used, and an announcement on which five bases have been chosen is not expected before October.

But there are signs that Ulugan Bay – which is more than 500 kilometers southwest of Manila and far closer to the Spratlys hotspot than Subic – will be chosen.

Macarascas residents told AFP the US military had already built a gymnasium, a multi-purpose building, and a water storage facility, suggesting this was part of their bedding-in with the community.

Philippine military chief General Emmanuel Bautista also said last month the US military should be allowed to use Oyster Bay and help upgrade the facility.

“Perhaps with the (US defense agreement), the improvement of Oyster Bay will be hastened,” Bautista said in an interview on ABS-CBN television.

http://www.mb.com.ph/new-naval-base-to-host-us-ships/

Military rifles sold to rebels still in Mindanao: AFP

From the Business World (Jun 16): Military rifles sold to rebels still in Mindanao: AFP

TROOPS of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed in Luzon and the Visayas have yet to seize AK-47 assault rifles believed to be part of the 1,004 firearms sold to the New People’s Army (NPA) that were processed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a telephone interview with BusinessWorld, AFP Spokesperson Lt. Col Ramon P. Zagala said that, so far, all of the AK-47s they have confiscated came from NPA forces in eastern Mindanao.

“The rifles that were confiscated were from eastern Mindanao,” Mr. Zagala said.

AFP Southern Luzon Command Spokesperson Lloyd Cabacungan affirmed Mr. Zagala’s statement, saying that most of the firearms they have confiscated from NPA troops in Southern Luzon are M-16 rifles. “Mostly M-16s, we have not yet seized any AK-47s. We would know if an AK-47 rifle is being used against us because we can identify the sound it makes when they are fired,” Mr. Cabacungan told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

Mr. Cabacungan also confirmed several places in Southern Luzon were they have detected the activities of the rebel group.

“We have confirmed the presence of NPA in Quezon, Albay, Sorsogon... We don’t know their exact numbers in these places but what we know for sure is that their number is on the decline,” Mr. Cabacungan added in the vernacular.

So far, a total of 45 AK-47 assault rifles were confiscated by the AFP from NPA troops in eastern Mindanao since 2013.

In a previous statement, Captain Alberto C. Caber, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, noted that most of the rifles have defaced serial numbers, while five were confirmed to have been processed by the PNP.

Mr. Caber also said the rebel group will have a hard time transporting the firearms from Mindanao to other areas in the country due to the security measures they have taken in the area.

“We have joint checkpoints with the PNP in strategic locations in land areas. In the seas, we have the Philippine Navy, coast guard. They will have a hard time, transporting those firearms,” Mr. Caber cited.

COAST WATCH

Meanwhile, the second-stage bidding for the P877-million Coast Watch System Acquisition Project -- Lot 1 of the Department of National Defense (DND) has been set next week, June 24.

Engineer Sam A. Castro, secretariat of the Special Bids and Awards Committee II of the DND, said the final bidding stage was only scheduled this year due to some preparations that were needed to secure the project. “It was delayed because we conducted site inspections in locations across the country,” Mr. Castro told BusinessWorld in a telephone interview.

The first stage bidding took place last year. Mr. Castro said out of the nine foreign firms which expressed interest in the project, only four made it to the last stage of the bidding process.

The financial and final technical bids of the four qualified bidders will be opened during the second-stage bidding which will be held in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo next week.

The DND’s Coast Watch System Acquisition Project is part of the revised AFP Modernization Program, which has a budget of P85.3 billion for the years 2013 to 2017.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Military-rifles-sold-to-rebels-still-in-Mindanao:-AFP&id=89262

Gunmen kidnap two off Malaysia’s Borneo coast

From Business World (Jun 16): Gunmen kidnap two off Malaysia’s Borneo coast

KUALA LUMPUR -- Two men -- a Malaysian and a Filipino -- were abducted yesterday off the coast of Borneo island by a pair of seaborne gunmen, a police official said, despite heavy security in the area after a spate of kidnappings.

“Two armed gunmen abducted two people from an open-sea fish farm. They were taken away in a boat,” said Omar Mammah, head of criminal investigations for the Malaysian state of Sabah, told AFP.

He said Malaysian citizen Chan Sai Chiun, 32, and a Filipino employee identified as Maslan were abducted from the fish farm Mr. Chan operates off the small coastal town of Kunak in Sabah, in northern Borneo.

Eastern Sabah is known for its pristine coral reefs that are popular with scuba-diving enthusiasts.

But bandits from the unruly, predominantly Muslim southern Philippines have repeatedly crossed a narrow sea border to abduct Malaysian citizens and foreigners over the years, typically taking them back to the Philippines and seeking ransom payments.

In May, a Chinese man was seized from the fish farm he manages, and is still thought to be held in the southern Philippines.

In April, a Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker were abducted from a diving resort, but were recently freed. Malaysian officials said the kidnappers demanded $11 million for the Chinese woman’s release, but the government later denied anything was paid.

Malaysia ramped up security in Sabah after a bloody incursion last year by Islamic Philippine guerillas who sought to stake a historical claim to the area.

But kidnappings have continued.

Many abductions over the years have been blamed on the Abu Sayyaf militant group, which is believed to be affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen kidnapped 21 people -- several of them foreign tourists -- from a Sabah diving resort in 2000.

They were released a few months later after being ransomed.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Gunmen-kidnap-two-off-Malaysia’s-Borneo-coast&id=89266

China fears spur Philippine naval upgrade

From InterAksyon (Jun 16): China fears spur Philippine naval upgrade



ULUGAN BAY - As fears grow that China is on an aggressive South China Sea territorial grab, a sleepy Philippine village is being transformed into a major naval base that may host US warships.

Ulugan Bay, a small, picturesque cove encircled by thick mangroves, has suddenly become a vital part of the Philippine military's efforts to shore up its defense of contested South China Sea islands and waters.

"This is the frontline of our territorial defense operations in the Kalayaan island group," President Benigno Aquino declared last month as he inspected the progress of a recently announced upgrade of a tiny naval station on the bay.

See related story: FOR DEFENSE OF TERRITORY | PH Navy chief highlights need to further develop Ulugan Bay

Ulugan is on the west coast of the large western Philippine island of Palawan, only 160 kilometers (100 miles) from a small group of islands and islets within the Spratly archipelago known locally as the Kalayaan group.

The Spratlys are among the most prized assets in the decades-long but increasingly hostile struggle for control of parts of the South China Sea.

The sea has such importance because roughly half the world's shipping trade passes through it, while it is believed to contain enormous deposits of natural gas and has rich fishing grounds.

China and Taiwan say they have sovereign rights to nearly all of the sea, conflicting with the claims of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei to areas closer to their coasts.

The Philippines and Vietnam have expressed growing alarm in recent years at China's increasingly assertive tactics to stake its claims.

Most recently, the Philippines has accused China of reclaiming land at tiny reefs in the Spratlys to in effect create artificial islands that may be used to build air strips and other military installations.

In direct response to the fears over China, the Philippines has sought help from longtime ally the United States to bolster its poorly equipped armed forces with new hardware and training.

The Philippines and the United States also signed a new security pact when US President Barack Obama visited Manila in April that will soon allow a much greater American military presence on Filipino soil, including on expanded bases.

At Ulugan Bay, there is currently just a tiny naval station that serves as the command centre for the Filipino military unit responsible for safeguarding its South China Sea waters.

A small pier stands at the bay's most prized asset, a deep inlet called Oyster Bay with rich fishing grounds that help sustain the 1,700 residents of the nearby village of Macarascas.

As part of the upgrade, a much bigger pier, harbor and support facilities are being built to serve as a base for the navy's largest vessels, including two ex-US frigates acquired since 2011.

Aquino said the upgrade would also allow the navy to monitor ships by radar and conduct maritime surveillance through a satellite-based system.

In effect, Aquino said it would give the Philippines a greater ability to survey and defend what it says are its waters of the South China Sea.

However just P500 million ($11.4 million) is being spent on the Ulugan upgrade and analysts say the Philippines will not come close to having the capabilities to deter China, which spent $119.5 billion on its military last year.

"I expect the strategy will allow the Philippine Navy to conduct limited defensive, small-boat missions," Roilo Golez, a former legislator and national security adviser, told AFP.

A potential game changer, however, could be the addition of American troops and hardware, along with extra US money to further expand the facility.

Under the so-called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed between the treaty allies in April, US forces will have access to five Philippine military bases, allowing them to build facilities and rotate through thousands of troops.

It will also allow the United States to deploy more aircraft, ships and equipment to these bases.

The Philippines has so far publicly offered the United States renewed access to Subic Bay, a former US naval base about 100 kilometers north of Manila that also projects onto the South China Sea.

It has not yet said Ulugan Bay will be used, and an announcement on which five bases have been chosen is not expected before October.

But there are signs that Ulugan Bay -- which is more than 500 kilometers southwest of Manila and far closer to the Spratlys hotspot than Subic -- will be chosen.

Macarascas residents told AFP the US military had already built a gymnasium, a multi-purpose building and a water storage facility, suggesting this was part of their bedding-in with the community.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89228/china-fears-spur-philippine-naval-upgrade

MNLF-MILF deal reaches breakthrough

From the Philippine Star (Jun 16): MNLF-MILF deal reaches breakthrough

The unification efforts have taken a positive turn when the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed to settle differences following a meeting initiated by the powerful 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) late last week, senior fronts’ leaders said.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal confirmed the breakthrough on Sunday, adding that the two fronts with the leaders of the OIC secretariats signed a joint statement reactivating the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum (BCF).

The BCF is a mechanism formally created by the OIC two years ago, to mend the differences of the two Moro fronts which severed during the 70’s when then leader Hashim Salamat broke away due to ideology and leadership differences.

Iqbal, in a statement, said the BCF joint statement was signed by him as head of the MILF delegates and Randolph Pacasio, spokesman and legal counsel of the MNLF with the presence of OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madami.

“His Excellency Iyad Ameen Madami advised the MNLF and MILF about the need for working relations among the groups and leaders,” Iqbal said during their meeting in Jeddah that was initiated by the OIC last June 12.

The OIC wanted to bind the two fronts to commit them in advancing the welfare and the interest of the Bangsamoro people in southern Philippines since 2010, noting the MNLF and MILF were pushing for similar ideology in protecting the welfare of the Bangsamoro people.

Iqbal said, “with developments in the southern peace process, there is a need for all Moro leaders to put their acts together to protect the Bangsamoro.”

He said the development in the peace process can be strengthened when all Moro leaders will rally behind.

The OIC attempted to reunite the two fronts in two occasions during the Council of Foreign Ministers conference in Tajikistan in 2010 and Djibouti, Africa in 2012 between MNLF chair and founder Nur Misuari and MILF chair Ebrahim Murad.

While both sides have agreed to create an ad hoc joint secretariat that will facilitate the communications of the two fronts, the effort did not progress when Misuari set conditions for the MILF and other Moro groups to dissolve their organizations and be one with the MNLF.

The unification efforts have taken a positive turn after several MNLF factions, which earlier cut ties with Misuari, started in engaging in dialogues with the MILF to find a common ground, especially on how to bring the two peace agreements– the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Abdul Sahrin, secretary general of the MNLF Sema faction, emphasized the main objectives of the BCF.

Sahrin said the BCF is supposed to accomplish three tasks: to reconcile the polarized MNLF leaderships; to reconcile the reunited MNLF with the MILF; and  to establish a unified MNLF-MILF position on the implementation of OIC 2013 resolution calling for integration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro under the Basic Law.

Iqbal said the reactivation of the BCF is expected to be one of the resolutions to be adopted when the OIC member countries will meet this week in Jeddah for their 41st Council of Foreign Ministers Conference.

During the meeting in Jeddah, among the leaders present were Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar heading the MNLF delegation. It consists of several factions including Muslimin Sema, Hatimil Hassan and Habib Mujahab.

Misuari, facing charges before the Philippine court for violating international humanitarian law and causing rebellion in connection with the Sept. 9 siege in Zamboanga City that left 200 people dead and over 120,000 people displaced, was not present.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/16/1335453/mnlf-milf-deal-reaches-breakthrough

Sayyaf kidnap victim worried over brother's arrest in Sabah

From the Philippine Star (Jun 16): Sayyaf kidnap victim worried over brother's arrest in Sabah



Freed kidnap victim Marcelita Dayawan-Tamalla talks with her sons Kenneth , 17 (middle) and Edmark, 16, at their residence in Barangay Agriculture in Midsayap, North Cotabato. JOHN UNSON

Kidnap victim Mercelita Dayawan-Tamalla has come home but remains worried over the detention in Malaysia of her older brother who was implicated in her abduction along with Chinese tourist Gao Hua Yuan on April 2 in Sabah.

The 40-year-old Tamalla said her brother, Roberto Dayawan Sr., 58, and wife, Vivian, 54, were arrested about a week after she and Gao were snatched from the Sengamata Reef Resort in Semporna in the Malaysian island state of Sabah by Tausog-speaking Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“My brother and his wife have been working in Sabah for three decades already, living and working there peacefully. Who, in his proper frame of mind, will connive with kidnappers just like that? Saddening, so saddening,” Tamalla told The Star.

The detained couple also own a small store selling canned goods and other merchandise adjacent to their house in Kampung Parigui, also in Semporna, a 10-minute commute from the resort where Tamalla had worked.

A widow of a Philippine Marine soldier, Tamalla, of Barangay Agriculture in Midsayap, North Cotabato said her brother and  wife were arrested and detained on suspicions they have links with the kidnappers that snatched her and Gao while at Sengamata Reef Resort in Semporna, Sabah.

“I myself was also suspected of being one of them. Malaysian authorities, at first, assumed I was an accomplice of the kidnappers. I was cleared after undergoing extensive questioning after my release. Sadly, my brother wasn’t,” Tamalla said.

Tamalla and Gao were spirited by their captors to Sulu, a component province of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where they were held captive for 48 days.

“It seemed we were held not far from a downtown because there were times our captors served us nicely cooked food, placed inside disposable containers with the restaurant’s name on it,” Tamalla said.

She said she overheard their captors mention of Talipao and Patikul, both seaside towns in Sulu, while talking about their whereabouts, as they transferred her and Gao from one area to another.

The disposable containers of the food the kidnappers supplied to Tamalla and Gao were marked with the name of a popular fastfood outlet in downtown Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

Tamalla said their kidnappers were also holding captive a pregnant woman named “Sugar,” whom she learned is from the island town of Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi, also an ARMM component province.

Tamalla said she had repeatedly told the kidnappers that her family in North Cotabato is poor and cannot raise any amount for ransom. She and Gao were set free by their captors in Parang town in Sulu, where they were fetched by Philippine and Malaysian security authorities.

She said she has no idea if Gao’s family had paid ransom to the kidnappers.

“I’m appealing to the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to please look into the plight of my older brother, Roberto and his wife, Vivian, they are both innocent,” Tamalla said.

Dayawan’s son by his first wife, the late Rondina, Roberto Jr., who is an enlisted member of the Philippine Army, had urged the national government to help his father and stepmother.

"My father and stepmother are both innocent. I wish that the Malaysian government would set them free," an emotional Roberto Jr. said.

Tamalla said her brother and his wife were taken by the Malaysian police in a detention facility in Tawau, a seaside town in the southeastern coast of Sabah.

“That was the last information, pertaining to their whereabouts, that I got from friends and their neighbors in Sabah before the Malaysian and Philippine governments facilitated my return to the Philippines after we were released by the kidnappers,” Tamalla said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/16/1335494/sayyaf-kidnap-victim-worried-over-brothers-arrest-sabah

2 dead, 3 wounded in MNLF-MILF clash in Matalam

From the Philippine Star (Jun 16): 2 dead, 3 wounded in MNLF-MILF clash in Matalam

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Two gunmen were killed while three others were wounded in a series of encounters on Sunday in Matalam town between rival forces of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The hostilities forced dozens of families to evacuate to safer areas for fear of getting trapped in the crossfire.

Captain Tony Bulao, spokesman of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, which has jurisdiction over North Cotabato, said the hostilities broke out when MNLF members, led by Manuh Sandab, were ambushed by MILF guerillas while  the former were on their way to their farm in the southwest of Barangay Manubuan in Matalam.

Evacuees have confirmed that the ambushers belong to a group led by Oscar Martiagal of the MILF’s 108th Base Command.

A farmer belonging to Sandab’s group was killed in the ambush, which also left an MNLF member wounded.

Bulao said the two groups again clashed after an hour when  companions of Sandab from a nearby MNLF farming enclave arrived and engaged Martiagal and his men in a running gunfight.

Bulao said one of Martiagal’s followers was killed while another was wounded in the ensuing encounter, which also left one more MNLF member injured.

Army units in Matalam and surrounding towns, and local officials are trying to work out a ceasefire between the two groups, which both agreed to reposition away from populated areas in Barangay Manubuan.

Bulao said the 602nd Brigade, the police, and the office of North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza are now initiating a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Local officials have accused MILF forces of trying to drive away farmers identified with MNLF from the latter's now productive and peaceful farming enclaves in Matalam, recognized as “peace zone”  under the GPH-MNLF peace pact on September 2, 1996.

The government-MNLF peace agreement paved the way for the integration of about 7,000 former guerillas into the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police, and ushered in the integration of former rebel leaders into the political mainstream.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/16/1335462/2-dead-3-wounded-mnlf-milf-clash-matalam

379 ex-rebs get DILG’s help

From MindaNews (Jun 16): 379 ex-rebs get DILG’s help

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Sarangani Province has assisted a total of 379 former rebels in the last three years through the national government’s flagship Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

Flor Limpin Jr., DILG-Sarangani provincial director, said a total of 66 former rebels from the area were given livelihood cash assistance from 2011 to 2013 by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) through its national CLIP, which is formerly known as the Social Integration Program (SIP).

He said the recipients, who were mostly former members of the New People’s Army, received assistance ranging from P5,000 to P50,000 each depending on their category.

The provincial government of Sarangani, in close coordination with the DILG, has extended livelihood cash assistance to 167 other former rebels amounting to P835,000, he said.

Limpin said these rebels were among those who were not served under OPAPP’s SIP.

 

The official said the local government is currently processing the release of some P730,000 worth of livelihood cash assistance to 146 more former rebels.

He said the DILG presently leads the release of the livelihood assistance to former rebels in the area in coordination with the OPAPP and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, which acts as the secretariat.

CLIP reintegrates former rebels into the social mainstream and uplifts their socio-economic conditions to enable them to become active partners in local development.

The program also seeks to contribute towards the achievement of the goal of permanent peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

The program’s protocol covers validation and authentication, immediate assistance, psychological intervention, resettlement and integration.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/16/379-ex-rebs-get-dilgs-help/

MILF: Academe -- gov’t should engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians

From the MILF Website (Jun 16): Academe: gov’t should engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians



A Moro college dean calls on the Philippine Government to engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians citing that “peace cannot be attained unless biases and prejudices are wiped out.”
  

This was aired by Dr. Jioharia Lim Nicart, Dean of Education Department of Mindanao State University-General Santos during the recent consultation of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) with Muslim community leaders, academe and civil society organizations in General Santos City.

“I hope the TPMT could tell the government about this,” Nicart persuaded.

More than thirty participants coming from General Santos City and the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and South Cotabato attended the gathering on June 6, 2014 organized by the TPMT and United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD).

Hanan Masdoc, a young Moro professional, noted the number of Maguindanaons coming from Central Mindanao who migrated in General Santos City and other key cities of the country to avoid armed confrontations between the government and rebel forces and to look for livelihood opportunities which is scarce in their hometowns.

In the past peace forums, some Moro participants complained the difficulty for Muslim job seekers to be hired in private companies. They also noted that some Christian owners refuse rentals of their office spaces for Muslims.

It was also reported that some Muslim job applicants are compelled to change their Muslim names into Christian sounding ones to hide their identity as Muslims.

TPMT is a body tasked to monitor, review and assess the implementation of all signed agreements by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), especially the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

During the consultation, Alistair MacDonald, TMPT Chairperson, discussed their mandates and some highlights of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

He said they will try their best to help in the peace process and added that the TPMT will focus on the priorities and it is the “civil society who can help evaluate the quality of the implementation of the agreements.”

The TPMT Chair also noted that the two parties are committed for a peaceful resolution to Mindanao problem.

The activity was geared to hear views of different stakeholders on the progress of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

In two other separate occasions, the TPMT also consulted with the Governor of Sarangani Province together with the Sarangani-Local Monitoring Team (LMT) in Provincial Capitol, Alabel, Sarangani Province and the with the business sector at the Green Leaf Hotel in General Santos City.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1042-academe-gov’t-should-engineer-the-wider-gap-between-muslims-and-christians

MILF: Muslim student leaders undergo regional leadership training

From the MILF Website (Jun 16): Muslim student leaders undergo regional leadership training



Muslim student leaders from 11 colleges and universities in Region 12 underwent a two-day leadership training primarily aimed to unite all the Muslim student leaders of the region and learn and practice leadership in Islamic perspective.
  

The activity, hosted by the Muslim Students Organization (MSO) and Center for Peace and Environment of Notre Dame of Marbel University, was held at the Family Eco-Park in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City on March 31 to June 1, 2014.

Participating Muslim student organizations were coming from: Notre Dame University in Cotabato , Cotabato City State Polytechnic College,  Mindanao State University in General Santos City, St. Alexius College, University of Southern Mindanao, and Southern Christian College in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat State University-Main, Lutayan, Isulan, & Tacurong branches.

Kaharudin Dalaten, MSO President, said, “It was organized to provide the necessary activities and training to enhance the leadership potential of the student leaders.”

He added that the learnings acquired from the training shall be practiced by the students who possess the mental and physical ability as well as the moral and ethical integrity expected of a genuine leader.”

Dalaten added that the training will help expose Muslim student leaders to become good leader in the organization.

The activity also opened door to the participants to form the Regional Organization of Muslim Students.

Ustadz Akman Abtahi, the resource person who handled the topic “Islamic Leadership and Management,” stressed that the Muslim youth also play a significant role in building peaceful communities.

“It is important that you possess qualities of Muslim leaders which include being God-fearing, responsible, honest, trustworthy and just,” Abtahi told the delegates.

In a workshop, the participants shared their ideas, plans and programs geared to strengthen their respective organizations.

Dr. Mohaliden Suaeb, Education Supervisor for English Division in Sultan Kudarat, discussed the Role of Muslim Youth in the Community.

Updates on the proposed Bangsamoro Government were also shared to the delegates.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1041-muslim-student-leaders-undergo-regional-leadership-training

MILF, MNLF agree to set aside issues

From Business World (Jun 15): MILF, MNLF agree to set aside issues

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to mend their differences, following a convergence meeting initiated by officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), late last week in Jeddah.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal confirmed yesterday that the two Moro fronts along with the OIC have signed a joint statement reactivating the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum, or BCF, a mechanism created formally by the OIC in 2010 to settle the ideological disparities and to jointly work to achieve peace and development for the people of Bangsamoro in Mindanao.

“A joint statement was signed by [Randolph] Parcasio, spokesman [and legal counsel] of the MNLF, and I (Mohagher Iqbal) as head of the MILF delegation, with OIC secretary-general Iyad [Ameen] Madani present,” he said.

BANGSAMORO WELFARE

The OIC, an influential bloc of 57 Muslim countries, initiated the meeting on June 12 to bind the Moro fronts, and commit them to engage together in advancing the welfare and interest of the Bangsamoro people in war-torn Mindanao.

Mr. Iqbal said the OIC through Mr. Madani had advised the Moro fronts “about the need for close working relations among the groups and leaders.”

Since 2010, the OIC had been trying to bring together the Moro leaders in Mindanao since both fronts are practically pushing for the same ideology to protect the welfare of Bangsamoro and achieve its rightful governance over their ancestral lands in Mindanao.

The previous OIC secretary-general Ekmeleddin Hsano Lu had earlier met with Nur Misuari of the MNLF and Ebrahim Murad of the MILF at least twice during the Council of Foreign Ministers conference in Tajikistan in 2010, and in Djibouti, Africa, in 2012, respectively.

At that time, both sides have agreed to create an ad hoc joint secretariat that will facilitate the communications of the two fronts.

But the BCF failed to progress after Mr. Misuari set conditions such as for the MILF and other Moro groups to dissolve their organizations and be one with the MNLF.

The Bangsamoro struggle has been earlier fought by a single organization, but due to squabbles in the leadership, the MNLF crumbled.

A handful of its members, who are mostly in Central Mindanao, created the MILF, while the central committee of the MNLF disintegrated into five factions.

The unification efforts have taken a positive turn after several MNLF factions, which earlier cut ties with Misuari, have been engaging in dialogues with the MILF to find a common ground, especially on the two peace agreements -- 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed last March.

Abdul Sahrin, secretary-general of the MNLF (Muslimin G.) Sema faction, underscored the main objectives of the BCF.

“The Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum is supposed to accomplish three tasks: to reconcile the polarized MNLF leadership; to reconcile the reunited MNLF with the MILF, and to establish a unified MNLF-MILF position on the implementation of OIC 2013 resolution calling for integration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro under the Basic Law,” he said.

COORDINATING FORUM

Mr. Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum “was one of the main issues discussed lengthily” during the recent meeting.

He said the fronts’ leaders are expected to meet again after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which will start at the end of this month.

He said the main agenda would be for the BCF to be fully functional.

Mr. Iqbal said Mr. Misuari “was not present” during the meeting.

“Only Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar headed the MNLF delegation representing several factions of the MNLF including Muslimin Sema, Hatimil Hassan, and Habib Mujahab. He (Mr. Misuari) can’t leave the Philippines, because he has a warrant of arrest pending,” he said.

For several months, Mr. Misuari had not yet emerged after it led its men to attack several coastal villages in this city in September.

The armed conflict, which stemmed from Mr. Misuari’s calls for independence and abrogation of the Final Peace Agreement that he signed, triggered a three-week gun battle and left more than 200 individuals killed and displaced 170, 000 families.

With developments in the southern peace process, Mr. Iqbal said there is a need for all Moro leaders to put their acts together to protect the Bangsamoro.

“This can be further strengthened if all the Moro leaders rally behind one another,” he said.

The OIC member countries are scheduled to meet this week in Jeddah for their 41st Council of Foreign Ministers Conference.

The reactivation of the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum is expected to be one of the resolutions to be adopted.

The OIC states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world,” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.”

The collective population of OIC member states is over 1.4 billion as of 2008. The OIC has a permanent delegation to the United Nations. The official languages of the OIC are Arabic, English and French.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MILF,-MNLF-agree-to-set-aside-issues&id=89197

Army recovers M-16 in clash with NPA rebs

From the Catanduanes Tribune (Jun 14?): Army recovers M-16 in clash with NPA rebs

Suspected New People’s Army guerrillas lost an M-16 rifle and sustained an undetermined number of casualties in an early morning encounter with patrolling soldiers of the Philippine Army last Friday in the mountains of San Miguel town.

A report from 1Lt. Joseph Acleta, spokesman of the 83rd Infantry Battalion based in barangay Lictin, San Andres stated that a platoon of soldiers under 2Lt. William Hiponia was on strike combat operations at barangay Caglatawan, San Miguel when they encountered the communist rebels at 12:30 A.M. of June 6.

The firefight lasts for about 15 minutes, after which the guerrillas withdraw towards the hinterlands of Virac and San Andres.

Soldiers recovered an M-16 rifle and found traces of blood at the encounter site and along the routes of withdrawal of the NPA rebels.

The Army said blocking forces have been prepositioned along the possible routes that the escaping guerrillas might take in the two adjoining towns.

http://www.catanduanestribune.com/article/3S50

PAMANA set to start peace road

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 16): PAMANA set to start peace road

Former members of the armed group Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade who have long returned to the folds of the government will now have better road access to their settlement area.

The local government of San Carlos and the PAMANA program or the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process is set to start the road project as a commitment of the national government to continue peace programs against insurgency.

The city government represented by City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. entered into a work contract for the improvement of a 3-kilometer Pagbatangan-Nangka-Crossing Magasin Road (Boundary) at Brgy.
Bagonbon with OPELL Construction and Development Corporation as contractor last for the amount of P8.8M after a public bidding conducted earlier.

According to Mariel Avenir, Project Development Officer III of the City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, the entire project is funded under the PAMANA in the amount of P9,750,000 and counter-parted by the city government at P975,000.

Avenir cited that the project is an improvement of an existing gravel road where a portion of 500 meters will be concreted particularly at upper Sitio Nangka where the 117 registered former armed group and their families reside.

Avenir added that after said project’s completion next year OPAPP PAMANA will grant the amount of P16.5M to the city to continue with the rest of the road project.

According to the contract, road construction will be within 264 working days with expected completion on July 8, 2015.

The beneficiaries of said project who are former armed group identified the site in 2012 during the consultation with the local technical working group represented by various local agencies and representatives of the OPAPP who helped with the closure program with said rebel returnees.

These returnees have grouped themselves into a People’s Organization, the Kapatiran Para sa Progresibong Panlipunan to which livelihood projects and other basic facilities will also be provided by the OPAPP PAMANA thru the city government.

PAMANA is the national government program and framework for peace and development for conflict affected areas aimed at reducing poverty, improving governance and empowering communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1031402897102

Feuding MNLF, MILF families clash in North Cotabato town, leaving 1 dead, 90 others displaced

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Feuding MNLF, MILF families clash in North Cotabato town, leaving 1 dead, 90 others displaced

Armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clashed Sunday in Matalam town, this province, leaving one person dead and causing about 90 other individuals to leave their homes for safer grounds, the police said.

Senior Inspector Jojit Nicolas, speaking for the North Cotabato provincial police office, said the fighting was triggered by a long-standing family feud involving Moro families who happened to have relatives in both fronts.

Citing initial report, Nicolas said Mintato Galangan, a resident of Barangay Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato was hit by stray bullets. He died before reaching a hospital in Poblacion Matalam.

Nicolas said the clashes, which took Sunday morning and another in the afternoon, involved followers of MILF Commander Marsagar and MNLF Commander Sandab, both with about 100 armed followers.

Nicolas said Galangan was harvesting banana when an alleged member of the MNLF showed up and fired at him.

The incident was followed by a retaliatory attack from the group of Commander Marsagar, triggering a 30-minute firefight.

Displaced families are now housed at the town gymnasium.

The MNLF and MILF forces in the village of Manubuan have been at odds over territorial dispute after the MILF wanted to establish a camp in MNLF-identified communities.

Following the incident, policemen and soldiers have been deployed along portions of the Kidapawan City-Matalam highway to prevent the conflict from reaching the national highway and disrupting the flow of traffic.

Barangay Manubuan is about a kilometer away from the main highway.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653785

‘Marching for Peace’ activities to benefit 5 more Negros Occidental villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): ‘Marching for Peace’ activities to benefit 5 more Negros Occidental villages

Five villages in the Fifth District of Negros Occidental will benefit from the “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside” activities spearheaded by the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit (Pro-PIDU).

The first convergence activity in the area will start at Barangay Quintin Remo, Municipality of Moises Padilla Tuesday.

Before that, a foot march in Barangay Puso, La Castellana will be held Monday and will be followed the next day by civic action activities, participated by government agencies, non-government organizations and local government units.

The one-stop-shop activity will cater to the immediate needs of the people and work on long-term needs of depressed communities in the Fifth District in tandem with multi-stakeholders, including the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

The four other villages that will benefit from the 11-day civic action are Barangay San Agustin, Isabela, June 19; Barangay Biao, Binalbagan, June 21; Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, June 23; and Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, June 26.

A peace rally will be held at the Himamaylan City Public Plaza on June 26, 6 p.m., to culminate the 11-day activity.

Last year, the Pro-PIDU first held similar activities in several far-flung villages in the First District known as mass bases of the New People’s Army.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the activity will give them a chance to show the people that they are the legitimate force of the government, who are ready anytime to help and protect them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653792

2 soldiers die in NPA ambush in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): 2 soldiers die in NPA ambush in Albay

Two members of the 91st Civil-Military Operations Company died in an ambush staged by suspected New People's Army (NPA) while on board a motorcycle on their way back to their camp around 11:30 a.m. Monday in Daraga, Albay.

Dead on the spot were Sgt. Servando Bautista and Pfc. Daniel Solinap Jr., assigned with 91st CMO of the 902nd Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay.

Initial reports said the victims’ group was on its way back to their camp at Purok 4, Sitio Banasan, Barangay San Ramon in Daraga town when the well-positioned rebels fired at them, seriously hitting the two in their bodies that caused their instantaneous death.

Their companions, who were also on motorcycles, rushed for reinforcement that brought with it a V-50 armed personnel carrier but the rebels had already left.

The victims and their companions had just come from a civil-military operation in Barangay Nabasan, several kilometers from the ambush site, when ambushed.

Troopers are still conducting pursuit operation against the rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653898