From the Star Online (Jan 9): Kidnapped cop ‘in good health’
KOTA KINABALU: Kidnapped marine policeman Kons Zakiah Aleip is in good health although the authorities have temporarily lost contact with his abductors in Jolo island in southern Philippines.
Dismissing claims that the 26-year-old policeman was suffering from malaria, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said information available indicated that he was healthy.
“We know of his condition as the kidnappers have given us their word that they will not harm Zakiah unless he tries to escape,” he said.
“Contact was temporarily lost because of a recent operation by Philippine military which forced the group holding Zakiah to move deeper into the jungle.
“We need to reconnect with the gunmen and continue with our rescue efforts once the situation is calm,” he added.
He was responding to a claim by Filipino anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinompo that Kons Zakiah was down with malaria.
The authorities, assured Jalaluddin, were working to secure Kons Zakiah’s release and as part of the effort, they needed to reduce contact between the Abu Sayyaf gunmen and his wife as well as other irrelevant people who had since come into the picture.
Kons Zakiah, said Jalaluddin, spoke to his wife Sharifah Erna Berson about a month ago.
He said there were also other kidnap-for-ransom groups that were trying to take advantage of the situation.
“We will deal directly with the person in charge (the abductors) and are putting in place our strategy to secure his freedom through negotiations,” he said.
Kons Zakiah was taken from the Mabul Water Bungalows in Semporna during a raid by gunmen on July 12 last year.
His colleague Kpl Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32 was killed.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/01/09/Kidnapped-cop-in-good-health-Sabah-police-dismiss-claims-that-26yearold-suffering-from-malaria/
Thursday, January 8, 2015
String of mistaken arrests mar Philippines antiterror work
Associated Press article posted to SFGate Website (Jan 8): String of mistaken arrests mar Philippines antiterror work
Muslim detainees board their bus to take them back to their detention following one of the reinvestigation hearings to review their cases at the the special court near their detention compound at Camp Bagong Diwa, Paranaque city, south of Manila, Philippines. In the country's dogged pursuit of terror suspects, Philippine law enforcers have made a slew of mistaken arrests. Photo: Jim Gomez / Associated Press
A Filipino activist clenches his fist in front of a mock police mugshot display during a rally by activists and Filipino Muslims in front of the Justice Department in Manila, to protest the continuing detention of their relatives whom they claimed were wrongfully arrested. Photo: Bullit Marquez / Associated Press
More than a decade ago, the military declared they had killed an Abu Sayyaf kidnapping suspect named Abdulmukim Idris. Yet a man authorities accuse of being Idris continues to languish in a maximum-security jail where the Philippines holds some of its most notorious terror suspects.
In the country’s dogged pursuit of terror suspects, it also has nabbed two “Black Tungkangs,” two “Abdasil Dimas,” two “Hussien Kasims.” Those are just a few of the signs that Philippine law enforcers have made a slew of mistaken arrests in going after Abu Sayyaf and other Islamic militant groups long active in this Southeast Asian nation’s south.
Complaints of false arrests prompted low-key but unprecedented re-investigations of some of the country’s high-profile terrorism cases by state prosecutors. They have led to the release of more than two dozen people who were either mistaken for Abu Sayyaf fighters or brought to trial without evidence, according to official findings.
In their latest review, issued in August, state prosecutors said such faulty arrests of villagers, some of whom could not be identified even by a single witness, are “abhorred in civilized societies like ours.”
An Associated Press investigation that included interviews with prosecutors, key witnesses and a freed detainee shows that dozens more people remain behind bars despite a lack of evidence against them. For instance, of the two detainees accused of being the Abu Sayyaf militant who used the nom de guerre Black Tungkang, one remains in custody, even though a former hostage has sworn that neither was the right man.
Hundreds of Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed or captured since the country’s south became a battleground in the U.S.-led war on terror following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. While Manila’s constitution restricts America’s involvement to noncombat support, the countries’ cooperation in the decline of the Abu Sayyaf, dreaded for its bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings, has been regarded as a counter-terrorism success story.
But mistakes are a concern in the Philippines’ slow and overburdened law enforcement and criminal justice system, which has a backlog of thousands of cases and is tainted by corruption allegations.
Under a 2007 antiterror law, law-enforcement officials can be fined 500,000 pesos ($11,200) for each day they wrongfully detain a terror suspect. The law has been used at least twice, but Loretta Ann Rosales, who heads the Commission on Human Rights, said officers can avoid it by charging terrorism suspects with common crimes.
http://www.sfgate.com/world/article/String-of-mistaken-arrests-mar-Philippines-6002814.php#photo-7363793
Muslim detainees board their bus to take them back to their detention following one of the reinvestigation hearings to review their cases at the the special court near their detention compound at Camp Bagong Diwa, Paranaque city, south of Manila, Philippines. In the country's dogged pursuit of terror suspects, Philippine law enforcers have made a slew of mistaken arrests. Photo: Jim Gomez / Associated Press
A Filipino activist clenches his fist in front of a mock police mugshot display during a rally by activists and Filipino Muslims in front of the Justice Department in Manila, to protest the continuing detention of their relatives whom they claimed were wrongfully arrested. Photo: Bullit Marquez / Associated Press
More than a decade ago, the military declared they had killed an Abu Sayyaf kidnapping suspect named Abdulmukim Idris. Yet a man authorities accuse of being Idris continues to languish in a maximum-security jail where the Philippines holds some of its most notorious terror suspects.
In the country’s dogged pursuit of terror suspects, it also has nabbed two “Black Tungkangs,” two “Abdasil Dimas,” two “Hussien Kasims.” Those are just a few of the signs that Philippine law enforcers have made a slew of mistaken arrests in going after Abu Sayyaf and other Islamic militant groups long active in this Southeast Asian nation’s south.
Complaints of false arrests prompted low-key but unprecedented re-investigations of some of the country’s high-profile terrorism cases by state prosecutors. They have led to the release of more than two dozen people who were either mistaken for Abu Sayyaf fighters or brought to trial without evidence, according to official findings.
In their latest review, issued in August, state prosecutors said such faulty arrests of villagers, some of whom could not be identified even by a single witness, are “abhorred in civilized societies like ours.”
An Associated Press investigation that included interviews with prosecutors, key witnesses and a freed detainee shows that dozens more people remain behind bars despite a lack of evidence against them. For instance, of the two detainees accused of being the Abu Sayyaf militant who used the nom de guerre Black Tungkang, one remains in custody, even though a former hostage has sworn that neither was the right man.
Hundreds of Abu Sayyaf militants have been killed or captured since the country’s south became a battleground in the U.S.-led war on terror following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. While Manila’s constitution restricts America’s involvement to noncombat support, the countries’ cooperation in the decline of the Abu Sayyaf, dreaded for its bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings, has been regarded as a counter-terrorism success story.
But mistakes are a concern in the Philippines’ slow and overburdened law enforcement and criminal justice system, which has a backlog of thousands of cases and is tainted by corruption allegations.
Under a 2007 antiterror law, law-enforcement officials can be fined 500,000 pesos ($11,200) for each day they wrongfully detain a terror suspect. The law has been used at least twice, but Loretta Ann Rosales, who heads the Commission on Human Rights, said officers can avoid it by charging terrorism suspects with common crimes.
http://www.sfgate.com/world/article/String-of-mistaken-arrests-mar-Philippines-6002814.php#photo-7363793
2 captured Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in 2009 beheadings
From the Philippine Star (Jan 8): 2 captured Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in 2009 beheadings
Two of the three suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bombers captured last December 29 are involved in the beheading of seven kidnapped laborers in Sulu in 2009.
Chief Inspector Edilberto Alvarez, acting chief of the city police's Station 11, said arrested bandits Jumdan Dasan and Marsel Jumadil are among those who beheaded the seven laborers.
The gruesome act was recorded and uploaded to the internet by the bandit group. Bandits were seen hacking heads off the laborers one by one while praying in Arabic.
"The two suspects were positively identified by witnesses as members of the group of (Abu Sayyaf leader) Abu Dok," Alvarez said.
Abu Dok's group is behind the beheading of the seven laborers in 2009.
The suspects, along with Arsharif Abdni of Tandubaw, Tawi-Tawi, were arrested last December 29 following the bombing of a local massage and videoke bar in the city's downtown area.
The three suspects have been charged as principal suspects in the bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/08/1410796/2-captured-abu-sayyaf-bandits-involved-2009-beheadings
Two of the three suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bombers captured last December 29 are involved in the beheading of seven kidnapped laborers in Sulu in 2009.
Chief Inspector Edilberto Alvarez, acting chief of the city police's Station 11, said arrested bandits Jumdan Dasan and Marsel Jumadil are among those who beheaded the seven laborers.
The gruesome act was recorded and uploaded to the internet by the bandit group. Bandits were seen hacking heads off the laborers one by one while praying in Arabic.
"The two suspects were positively identified by witnesses as members of the group of (Abu Sayyaf leader) Abu Dok," Alvarez said.
Abu Dok's group is behind the beheading of the seven laborers in 2009.
The suspects, along with Arsharif Abdni of Tandubaw, Tawi-Tawi, were arrested last December 29 following the bombing of a local massage and videoke bar in the city's downtown area.
The three suspects have been charged as principal suspects in the bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/08/1410796/2-captured-abu-sayyaf-bandits-involved-2009-beheadings
Residents say ‘Abu Sayyaf leader’ arrested in Basilan is a military asset
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 8): Residents say ‘Abu Sayyaf leader’ arrested in Basilan is a military asset
A man, known to be a military asset by his fellow villagers in a Basilan town, was arrested for allegedly being a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader.
Colonel Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, said soldiers under his unit–in coordination with the 64th Infantry Battalion–collared “notorious Abu Sayyaf Group leader identified as Imran Daiyong Mijal, who is also known as “Boh.”
Villaflor said Mijal was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon during a court warrant-backed military operation in Barangay (village) Marang-marang in Sumisip town.
He said the suspect resisted arrest and ended up being wounded on the right arm after shooting it out with soldiers.
“He violently resisted arrest by firing his high-powered firearms toward the law enforcement group. Government troops retaliated with deliberate fires to execute the arrest,” Villaflor said.
He said seized from Mijal’s possession was an M16 A1 rifle, a magazine and 48 rounds of ammunition; a rifle grenade, a .45 caliber pistol with four magazines and 23 rounds of ammunition.
“The suspect is wanted for numerous crimes and has a warrant of arrest under criminal case no. 6265-2073 for frustrated murder,” Villaflor said.
Villaflor called Mijal a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader, having participated “in numerous terroristic activities such as bombing, liquidation, kidnapping, ambush and extortion.”
But Sadapal Arsad, a Sumisip village official, said Mijal was known as a military asset among the people of the town.
“The Mijals in Sumisip are not members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Arsad said by phone.
He said they had always known that the arrested suspect was active in military operation against the bandit group since 2000, following the kidnapping of one of his siblings.
“He served as an asset and guide in the manhunt for the Abu Sayyaf. I couldn’t understand why he would be accused of being an Abu Sayyaf leader now,” Arsad said.
Mahmoud Kirorot, also a Sumisip resident, said Mijal led civilian volunteers in April 2000 in hunting down Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in the mass hostage-taking in Barangay Tumahubong, also in Sumisip.
He was known not for being an Abu Sayyaf member but for helping the military hunt down the Abu Sayyaf, Muhid Asnain Asilun, a friend of Mijal’s, said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/663204/residents-say-abu-sayyaf-leader-arrested-in-basilan-is-a-military-asset
A man, known to be a military asset by his fellow villagers in a Basilan town, was arrested for allegedly being a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader.
Colonel Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, said soldiers under his unit–in coordination with the 64th Infantry Battalion–collared “notorious Abu Sayyaf Group leader identified as Imran Daiyong Mijal, who is also known as “Boh.”
Villaflor said Mijal was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon during a court warrant-backed military operation in Barangay (village) Marang-marang in Sumisip town.
He said the suspect resisted arrest and ended up being wounded on the right arm after shooting it out with soldiers.
“He violently resisted arrest by firing his high-powered firearms toward the law enforcement group. Government troops retaliated with deliberate fires to execute the arrest,” Villaflor said.
He said seized from Mijal’s possession was an M16 A1 rifle, a magazine and 48 rounds of ammunition; a rifle grenade, a .45 caliber pistol with four magazines and 23 rounds of ammunition.
“The suspect is wanted for numerous crimes and has a warrant of arrest under criminal case no. 6265-2073 for frustrated murder,” Villaflor said.
Villaflor called Mijal a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader, having participated “in numerous terroristic activities such as bombing, liquidation, kidnapping, ambush and extortion.”
But Sadapal Arsad, a Sumisip village official, said Mijal was known as a military asset among the people of the town.
“The Mijals in Sumisip are not members of the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Arsad said by phone.
He said they had always known that the arrested suspect was active in military operation against the bandit group since 2000, following the kidnapping of one of his siblings.
“He served as an asset and guide in the manhunt for the Abu Sayyaf. I couldn’t understand why he would be accused of being an Abu Sayyaf leader now,” Arsad said.
Mahmoud Kirorot, also a Sumisip resident, said Mijal led civilian volunteers in April 2000 in hunting down Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in the mass hostage-taking in Barangay Tumahubong, also in Sumisip.
He was known not for being an Abu Sayyaf member but for helping the military hunt down the Abu Sayyaf, Muhid Asnain Asilun, a friend of Mijal’s, said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/663204/residents-say-abu-sayyaf-leader-arrested-in-basilan-is-a-military-asset
AFP not satisfied with 2014 anti-insurgency gains
From the Philippine Star (Jan 8): AFP not satisfied with 2014 anti-insurgency gains
The military is not totally satisfied with its internal security gains last year because it has yet to clear some provinces of armed threats.
Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla noted that Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding some people hostage and some provinces are still beset with communist insurgency.
“[We are] not totally satisfied. You cannot finish the objectives you set since the start of the year,” Padilla said in an interview Thursday.
“Whatever was accomplished was at least sufficient enough to give us a good score for what we achieved,” he added.
Padilla was asked about the proceeds of the military’s command conference last Wednesday, which tackled updates on security operations.
He said efforts are underway to curb the influence of communist rebels to turn over the lead role of maintaining internal security to local governments.
“More places will be declared ready for development because the concern of government is to sustain economic growth,” Padilla said.
The military seeks to shift its focus to territorial defense from internal security by 2016. The goal, however, is being challenged by armed groups like the Abu Sayyaf, the New People’s Army and lawless groups who seek to sabotage the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The strength of the Abu Sayyaf rose to 423 last year despite the military’s repeated claims that the roster of the local terrorist group is dwindling.
The membership of the group stood at 390 in 2009 and 340 in 2010 before it slightly increased to 381 in 2011. The Abu Sayyaf’s strength was pegged at 398 in 2012 and at 385 in 2013.
The communist rebels’ strength, meanwhile, decreased to 3,200 in 2014 from about 4,000 in the last few years, officials said.
The military has so far declared 42 provinces as “peaceful and ready for further development” due to the weakening of insurgency in those areas. A total of 28 provinces are still grappling with communist rebellion.
“We will be able to declare the entire country peaceful and ready for further development by the end of 2015,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said.
Padilla claimed the influence of terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah has also been reduced. He said the presence of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the group opposed to the peace talks, has been limited to Central Mindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/08/1410814/afp-not-satisfied-2014-anti-insurgency-gains
The military is not totally satisfied with its internal security gains last year because it has yet to clear some provinces of armed threats.
Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla noted that Abu Sayyaf bandits are still holding some people hostage and some provinces are still beset with communist insurgency.
“[We are] not totally satisfied. You cannot finish the objectives you set since the start of the year,” Padilla said in an interview Thursday.
“Whatever was accomplished was at least sufficient enough to give us a good score for what we achieved,” he added.
Padilla was asked about the proceeds of the military’s command conference last Wednesday, which tackled updates on security operations.
He said efforts are underway to curb the influence of communist rebels to turn over the lead role of maintaining internal security to local governments.
“More places will be declared ready for development because the concern of government is to sustain economic growth,” Padilla said.
The military seeks to shift its focus to territorial defense from internal security by 2016. The goal, however, is being challenged by armed groups like the Abu Sayyaf, the New People’s Army and lawless groups who seek to sabotage the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The strength of the Abu Sayyaf rose to 423 last year despite the military’s repeated claims that the roster of the local terrorist group is dwindling.
The membership of the group stood at 390 in 2009 and 340 in 2010 before it slightly increased to 381 in 2011. The Abu Sayyaf’s strength was pegged at 398 in 2012 and at 385 in 2013.
The communist rebels’ strength, meanwhile, decreased to 3,200 in 2014 from about 4,000 in the last few years, officials said.
The military has so far declared 42 provinces as “peaceful and ready for further development” due to the weakening of insurgency in those areas. A total of 28 provinces are still grappling with communist rebellion.
“We will be able to declare the entire country peaceful and ready for further development by the end of 2015,” Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said.
Padilla claimed the influence of terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah has also been reduced. He said the presence of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the group opposed to the peace talks, has been limited to Central Mindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/08/1410814/afp-not-satisfied-2014-anti-insurgency-gains
CPP/Ang Bayan: Video -- Unite and jolt the US-Aquino regime with protests
Ang Bayan video posted to the CPP Website (Jan 7): Video: Unite and jolt the US-Aquino regime with protests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv5gewHvPio
We must shake the US-Aquino regime with protests throughout 2015. All sectors must unite to resist the regime's antipeople policies and to advance their welfare and interests. The Filipino people must spark up major battles in a head-on collision with the ruling regime's rottenness and corruption, and its puppetry and brutality, which are all bound to worsen.
The US-Aquino regime immediately opened the new year by striking a major blow against the people's interests. The substantial MRT and LRT fare hikes it has imposed are a huge and added burden to the 1.3 million workers, students, rank-and-file employees and other ordinary folk who ride the trains daily. It must be resisted not just by residents of Metro Manila but by the entire nation.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv5gewHvPio
We must shake the US-Aquino regime with protests throughout 2015. All sectors must unite to resist the regime's antipeople policies and to advance their welfare and interests. The Filipino people must spark up major battles in a head-on collision with the ruling regime's rottenness and corruption, and its puppetry and brutality, which are all bound to worsen.
The US-Aquino regime immediately opened the new year by striking a major blow against the people's interests. The substantial MRT and LRT fare hikes it has imposed are a huge and added burden to the 1.3 million workers, students, rank-and-file employees and other ordinary folk who ride the trains daily. It must be resisted not just by residents of Metro Manila but by the entire nation.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Unite and jolt the US-Aquino regime with protests
Ang Bayan propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jan 7): Unite and jolt the US-Aquino regime with protests
MILF: Editorial -- Sensitive situation
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jan 8): Sensitive situation
Many statements are coming out in the media purportedly uttered by some leaders of Congress, the Senate and the House, about many matters related to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Most of the public statements were good and very encouraging; others are not so wholesome; and still others spoke of some unconstitutional provisions of the proposed law.
In this discourse, we will focus on the third category, deliberately sidestepping the first and second categories. The second category is made up of one or two, or at most three, legislators, who have been traditionally known as not supporters of the BBL. We appreciate the second category, because it allows us to see the other side of the debate. Even outright spoilers are not all times bad. They can also enrich the debate, although that is not their real motive.
We believed that if these legislators ever made these statements of the unconstitutionality of some aspects of the BBL, they were made in good faith. Or, they were quoted out of context by some media reporters, which we believe require a clarification. (We don’t know if we can go to that extent here).
In either case, however, prudence is a better part of judgment. Even the well-intentioned views or statements can mean another thing to others. The truth is that we are in a very sensitive and delicate situation. All honest stakeholders including MILF members and combatants are waiting in baited breath about the fate of BBL in Congress. While we have faith in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass a good legislation, in a tense situation such as we are now in, it is people’s nature to react swiftly --- sometimes unreasonably-- even to a slight movement.
The issue of the BBL is linked with other tracks of the peace process especially normalization. The MILF is committed to decommission its weapons and forces and put them beyond use, but it is in exchange for something for our people. That something is in a good BBL.
It has been put by some writers that a Moro would part with his wife but not his firearms. Truth is that there is truth to this in some instances, especially during combat. A wife can help even with bare hands, but how much she can do damage to the enemy who armed to the teeth?
However, if there is no reason to bear arms and that all our limbs and properties are safe, who will then be in need of these weapons? Actually, many of the woes in the Moro society were caused by the proliferation of these deadly weapons. We are also tired of these so much and unnecessary, nay unjustified, bloodletting in our midst.
We therefore appeal to all and sundry especially leaders not to make hasty pronouncements that would agitate negative reactions from the people. The issue of constitutionality of any provision of the BBL is in the domain of the Supreme Court. We are not yet there.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/1441-sensitive-situation
Many statements are coming out in the media purportedly uttered by some leaders of Congress, the Senate and the House, about many matters related to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Most of the public statements were good and very encouraging; others are not so wholesome; and still others spoke of some unconstitutional provisions of the proposed law.
In this discourse, we will focus on the third category, deliberately sidestepping the first and second categories. The second category is made up of one or two, or at most three, legislators, who have been traditionally known as not supporters of the BBL. We appreciate the second category, because it allows us to see the other side of the debate. Even outright spoilers are not all times bad. They can also enrich the debate, although that is not their real motive.
We believed that if these legislators ever made these statements of the unconstitutionality of some aspects of the BBL, they were made in good faith. Or, they were quoted out of context by some media reporters, which we believe require a clarification. (We don’t know if we can go to that extent here).
In either case, however, prudence is a better part of judgment. Even the well-intentioned views or statements can mean another thing to others. The truth is that we are in a very sensitive and delicate situation. All honest stakeholders including MILF members and combatants are waiting in baited breath about the fate of BBL in Congress. While we have faith in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass a good legislation, in a tense situation such as we are now in, it is people’s nature to react swiftly --- sometimes unreasonably-- even to a slight movement.
The issue of the BBL is linked with other tracks of the peace process especially normalization. The MILF is committed to decommission its weapons and forces and put them beyond use, but it is in exchange for something for our people. That something is in a good BBL.
It has been put by some writers that a Moro would part with his wife but not his firearms. Truth is that there is truth to this in some instances, especially during combat. A wife can help even with bare hands, but how much she can do damage to the enemy who armed to the teeth?
However, if there is no reason to bear arms and that all our limbs and properties are safe, who will then be in need of these weapons? Actually, many of the woes in the Moro society were caused by the proliferation of these deadly weapons. We are also tired of these so much and unnecessary, nay unjustified, bloodletting in our midst.
We therefore appeal to all and sundry especially leaders not to make hasty pronouncements that would agitate negative reactions from the people. The issue of constitutionality of any provision of the BBL is in the domain of the Supreme Court. We are not yet there.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/1441-sensitive-situation
MILF: Fate of BBL hanging in the balance: MILF
Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 7): Fate of BBL hanging in the balance: MILF
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a statement posted as editorial of Luwaran.com, official website of the Moro Front on January 2, it said that “2015 is the year of reckoning vis-à-vis the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and its fate is hanging in the balance”.
The Moro Front asked everyone to ‘watch how this year unfolds itself and how congress shapes the destiny of the proposed law’.
It also explained how the BBL passed through rigid scrutiny and rigorous process that involved not only the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the GPH-MILF Peace Panels but also the Office of the President (OP) and the BTC-MILF to the extent that President Benigno Aquino III personally read the document.
President Aquino and MILF Chieftain Al Haj Murad Ebrahim also met at Malacañan Palace and threshed out the six (6) remaining unresolved issues which finally led to an “agreed version of the BBL”.
To this date, the MILF has never wavered in believing in the sincerity and commitment of the Aquino Administration to deliver what are contained in the modified and final version of the BBL.
That commitment has been made consistently and on almost countless occasions. Specifically, the commitment was and still is: “We will not sign an agreement that we cannot implement”.
“The MILF consistently maintains that the Moro Question or Problem, which the two Parties agreed to solve right at the outset of their peace negotiation in 1997, cannot be addressed through the confines of the current Constitution, which is too restrictive and shallow.
Besides, the issue is not a legal question but political in nature; hence, the BTC is also mandated to proposed amendments to the Constitution to ensure that the agenda of the talks will be fully settled’.
The MILF believes that Congress, the Supreme Court, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the business community, the Church, and everybody are one with the government in establishing peace in Mindanao. They want a genuine peaceful settlement of this armed conflict. They want a peaceful and progressive Philippines.
“The key to this bright future is for Congress to pass a good BBL. The BBL is not an ordinary legislation. The BBL, as noted above, was crafted by the BTC and had passed through multi-layered engagements with the letter and spirit of the FAB and CAB taken into full account. These two historic documents did not come so easily; they came into being after 17 long years of harsh and prolonged negotiations, interspersed with three major wars and almost countless number of bloody confrontations between government and MILF forces”, the MILF said.
The Moro Front appeals for the unqualified support for the passage of a good BBL in Congress saying the passage of BBL is good for everybody, not only for the Bangsamoro people, but also for all inhabitants of Mindanao and this country. It is also good for business and the international community.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1439-fate-of-bbl-hanging-in-the-balance-milf
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a statement posted as editorial of Luwaran.com, official website of the Moro Front on January 2, it said that “2015 is the year of reckoning vis-à-vis the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and its fate is hanging in the balance”.
The Moro Front asked everyone to ‘watch how this year unfolds itself and how congress shapes the destiny of the proposed law’.
It also explained how the BBL passed through rigid scrutiny and rigorous process that involved not only the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the GPH-MILF Peace Panels but also the Office of the President (OP) and the BTC-MILF to the extent that President Benigno Aquino III personally read the document.
President Aquino and MILF Chieftain Al Haj Murad Ebrahim also met at Malacañan Palace and threshed out the six (6) remaining unresolved issues which finally led to an “agreed version of the BBL”.
To this date, the MILF has never wavered in believing in the sincerity and commitment of the Aquino Administration to deliver what are contained in the modified and final version of the BBL.
That commitment has been made consistently and on almost countless occasions. Specifically, the commitment was and still is: “We will not sign an agreement that we cannot implement”.
“The MILF consistently maintains that the Moro Question or Problem, which the two Parties agreed to solve right at the outset of their peace negotiation in 1997, cannot be addressed through the confines of the current Constitution, which is too restrictive and shallow.
Besides, the issue is not a legal question but political in nature; hence, the BTC is also mandated to proposed amendments to the Constitution to ensure that the agenda of the talks will be fully settled’.
The MILF believes that Congress, the Supreme Court, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the business community, the Church, and everybody are one with the government in establishing peace in Mindanao. They want a genuine peaceful settlement of this armed conflict. They want a peaceful and progressive Philippines.
“The key to this bright future is for Congress to pass a good BBL. The BBL is not an ordinary legislation. The BBL, as noted above, was crafted by the BTC and had passed through multi-layered engagements with the letter and spirit of the FAB and CAB taken into full account. These two historic documents did not come so easily; they came into being after 17 long years of harsh and prolonged negotiations, interspersed with three major wars and almost countless number of bloody confrontations between government and MILF forces”, the MILF said.
The Moro Front appeals for the unqualified support for the passage of a good BBL in Congress saying the passage of BBL is good for everybody, not only for the Bangsamoro people, but also for all inhabitants of Mindanao and this country. It is also good for business and the international community.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1439-fate-of-bbl-hanging-in-the-balance-milf
Army to recruit more IPs in Eastern and Southern Mindanao
From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 8): Army to recruit more IPs in Eastern and Southern Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army bared its plan to recruit more members of the Indigenous Peoples or Lumads in Eastern and Southern regions of Mindanao to become regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Colonel Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 701st Brigade in Davao region said the lumads who will serve as regular forces of the army are vital in the protection of the ancestral domains and the indigenous cultural communities in the region.
“The recruitment will be for regular forces of the army, not as militiamen, and they will primarily be assigned in their ancestral domains,” Madrigal told reporters here on Wednesdayduring the regular AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Madrigal added that as regular members of the AFP, they may be assigned to other areas as part of their tour of duty but primarily, the lumad regulars will be tasked to secure their respective communities and domains.
About 5 percent of the total army recruitment for this year will be allocated to members of the cultural communities nationwide, he added.
Lt. Col. Llewellyn Binasoy, commander of the civil-military operations of 10th Infantry Division also said that the planned recruitment is in line with the results of the consultations that the army conducted with various cultural communities in the region.
In the said consultations, Binasoy said that majority of IP leaders had seen the importance of the presence of the army in their communities.
IP leaders also urged the army to recruit and train qualified lumads to become regular soldiers to be assigned to protect their ancestral domains.
Binasoy added that 10th ID commander Major General Eduardo Año will communicate with the higher headquarters of the AFP and ask for the possibility that the target 5 percent recruitment allotted for lumads nationwide will be concentrated in the 10th ID area of coverage.
http://www.mb.com.ph/army-to-recruit-more-ips-in-eastern-and-southern-mindanao/
The 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army bared its plan to recruit more members of the Indigenous Peoples or Lumads in Eastern and Southern regions of Mindanao to become regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Colonel Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 701st Brigade in Davao region said the lumads who will serve as regular forces of the army are vital in the protection of the ancestral domains and the indigenous cultural communities in the region.
LUMAD RECRUITMENT—Photo shows Lt. Col. Llewellyn Binasoy (left), commander of the civil-military operations of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Mindanao announcing the plan to recruit and train members of the Indigenous Peoples or “Lumads” to become regular members of the army. With him in photo are (from left): Supt. Antonio Rivera, spokesperson of PNP-11; Col. Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the 701st Brigade; and PSI Milgrace Driz of the information office of the Davao City police. (Alexander D. Lopez)
“The recruitment will be for regular forces of the army, not as militiamen, and they will primarily be assigned in their ancestral domains,” Madrigal told reporters here on Wednesdayduring the regular AFP-PNP press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Madrigal added that as regular members of the AFP, they may be assigned to other areas as part of their tour of duty but primarily, the lumad regulars will be tasked to secure their respective communities and domains.
About 5 percent of the total army recruitment for this year will be allocated to members of the cultural communities nationwide, he added.
Lt. Col. Llewellyn Binasoy, commander of the civil-military operations of 10th Infantry Division also said that the planned recruitment is in line with the results of the consultations that the army conducted with various cultural communities in the region.
In the said consultations, Binasoy said that majority of IP leaders had seen the importance of the presence of the army in their communities.
IP leaders also urged the army to recruit and train qualified lumads to become regular soldiers to be assigned to protect their ancestral domains.
Binasoy added that 10th ID commander Major General Eduardo Año will communicate with the higher headquarters of the AFP and ask for the possibility that the target 5 percent recruitment allotted for lumads nationwide will be concentrated in the 10th ID area of coverage.
http://www.mb.com.ph/army-to-recruit-more-ips-in-eastern-and-southern-mindanao/
China project on 4 disputed reefs 50% complete — AFP
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 9): China project on 4 disputed reefs 50% complete — AFP
China is 50 percent complete of its
ongoing reclamation on four disputed reefs in the West
Philippine Sea .
“If you quantify it, maybe about 50 percent completed,” Catapang said.
China is currently
conducting reclamation activities on Mabini, Chigua, Cuarteron and Burgos reefs in the West Philippine
Sea . Many believe that Beijing
Catapang, however, admitted that the Chinese reclamation is alarming.
According to Catapang, the military’s Western Command, based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is closely monitoring Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea where the disputed Kalayaan islands Group (KIGs) or the Spratlys are located.
“We know that there is still ongoing reclamation in the area and we are just awaiting decision of the Itlos (International Tribunal for the law of the Sea), and the government is confident any decision that would be make would be favorable to our country,” Catapang said.
Last year, the Philippine government filed a formal memorial againstChina before the Itlos as part of the Aquino
administration’s peaceful approach of resolving the West
Philippine Sea dispute.
Manila also filed several diplomatic protests
against Beijing for alarming number of
incursions into Philippine-claimed territories in the West
Philippine Sea .
ThePhilippines had protested
China ’s ongoing reclamation
activities at the Burgos
Catapang said that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has told the AFP top brass to “prepare yourself for territorial defense.”
The AFP chief said that the military has already started forming synergy among its major services commands –the Army, Navy and the Air Force, to enhance joint operation capabilities. He also cited the ongoing acquisition of modern military hardware under the AFP modernization program.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/china-project-on-4-disputed-reefs-50-complete-afp
This was
bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio
Catapang during a gathering with Camp Aguinaldo reporters Wednesday afternoon.
“If you quantify it, maybe about 50 percent completed,” Catapang said.
Catapang, however, admitted that the Chinese reclamation is alarming.
“Alarming in the sense that it could be used for other purposes other than for
peaceful use,” he added.
According to Catapang, the military’s Western Command, based in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is closely monitoring Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea where the disputed Kalayaan islands Group (KIGs) or the Spratlys are located.
“We know that there is still ongoing reclamation in the area and we are just awaiting decision of the Itlos (International Tribunal for the law of the Sea), and the government is confident any decision that would be make would be favorable to our country,” Catapang said.
Last year, the Philippine government filed a formal memorial against
The
Catapang said that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has told the AFP top brass to “prepare yourself for territorial defense.”
The AFP chief said that the military has already started forming synergy among its major services commands –the Army, Navy and the Air Force, to enhance joint operation capabilities. He also cited the ongoing acquisition of modern military hardware under the AFP modernization program.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/china-project-on-4-disputed-reefs-50-complete-afp
Merger between naval forces looms
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 8): Merger between naval forces looms
The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) is set to merge with the Naval Forces West to pave the way for a more effective command and control of the separate naval forces.
NFNL Commander Commodore Severino Vicente David said the merger will also mean more focus in patrolling the West Philippine Sea where a dispute between Philippines and the neighboring countries stands.
He said the naval stations and bases will be detached from the Naval Forces to form part of the Naval Installation Command on the third quarter of the year.
With the merging, these camps will be called Naval Forces North Western Luzon which will be headed by the Admiral and the naval commander as deputy commander.
"The usual operations will remain. But we will be receiving orders from NavFor North West in Palawan instead of the Northern Luzon Command in Camp Aquino," David said.
The merged naval force will continue working with line-agencies of similar mandate like the Coast Guard, MARINA, local governments and national agencies in protecting and preserving marine resources.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/311420601098/merger-between-naval-forces-looms
The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) is set to merge with the Naval Forces West to pave the way for a more effective command and control of the separate naval forces.
NFNL Commander Commodore Severino Vicente David said the merger will also mean more focus in patrolling the West Philippine Sea where a dispute between Philippines and the neighboring countries stands.
He said the naval stations and bases will be detached from the Naval Forces to form part of the Naval Installation Command on the third quarter of the year.
With the merging, these camps will be called Naval Forces North Western Luzon which will be headed by the Admiral and the naval commander as deputy commander.
"The usual operations will remain. But we will be receiving orders from NavFor North West in Palawan instead of the Northern Luzon Command in Camp Aquino," David said.
The merged naval force will continue working with line-agencies of similar mandate like the Coast Guard, MARINA, local governments and national agencies in protecting and preserving marine resources.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/311420601098/merger-between-naval-forces-looms
5 former rebels receive remuneration for turned-in firearms
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 7): 5 former rebels receive remuneration for turned-in firearms
Five former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) were remunerated of their turned-in firearms in simple ceremony recently at the Kalinga Police Provincial Office here.
The five former rebels who turned-in low calibre firearms, four of which were short firearms, were happy to receive the amount corresponding the assessed cash value of their weapons. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) released the amount of P33,000 for said firearms.
They said they will use the money for their immediate needs and to use it as capital to operate micro-enterprise.
Earlier this year, 11 former rebels from the same group were also remunerated of their firearms.
OPAPP officials said there are still 22 who are ready to turn-in their firearms whose papers the Office is processing.
A total of 44 CPLAs were identified, evaluated, and qualified under this program.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/171418954377/5-former-rebels-receive-remuneration-for-turned-in-firearms
Five former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) were remunerated of their turned-in firearms in simple ceremony recently at the Kalinga Police Provincial Office here.
The five former rebels who turned-in low calibre firearms, four of which were short firearms, were happy to receive the amount corresponding the assessed cash value of their weapons. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) released the amount of P33,000 for said firearms.
They said they will use the money for their immediate needs and to use it as capital to operate micro-enterprise.
Earlier this year, 11 former rebels from the same group were also remunerated of their firearms.
OPAPP officials said there are still 22 who are ready to turn-in their firearms whose papers the Office is processing.
A total of 44 CPLAs were identified, evaluated, and qualified under this program.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/171418954377/5-former-rebels-receive-remuneration-for-turned-in-firearms
DepEd, military urged to explain the basis of soldiers teaching in schools
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 7): DepEd, military urged to explain the basis of soldiers teaching in schools
DAVAO CITY -- City Council Committee on Human Rights chair Councilor Karlo Bello urged the military and the Department of Education to clarify the basis of the former to conduct lectures in schools.
He said that inasmuch as both offices agree in a memorandum to provide education to students, there is also a guideline classifying schools as zones of peace which bars military presence in schools.
Bello said the agreement between the military and the Department of Education looks like more to circumvent the law in order to allow the military entry on school campuses.
“We do not want this to happen given the passage of resolutions in the past requesting the military to stay away from educational institutions, and barangay halls,” he said.
Even then, Bello urged government and the peace panel of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army to pursue the peace talks for the benefit of the country.
He said both parties must show sincerity and press on the talks without preconditions.
Bello said that despite the suspension of the peace talks, he remains hopeful that both parties go back to the negotiating table and pursue the issues that need tangible outcomes.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process chief Teresita Quintos-Deles wants to pursue the peace talks with communist rebels on the basis of a doable and time-bound agenda.
She confirmed that friends of the process have been working to bring both parties to the negotiating table to explore possible parameters for the talks to resume.
Quintos-Deles said though the feedback from the communist party leadership is positive, there remains matters to be clarified in order to ensure that the peace process will not go on a major impasse.
“As we gave repeatedly stated in the past, we want to resume talks based on doable and time-bound agenda,” she said.
Quintos-Deles said that the recent positive response of Jose Maria Sison for the renewed talks after the Papal visit in January indicates that the common ground between the two parties which may be broadening towards the achievement of a just and durable peace that the Filipino people desire.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381420610470/deped-military-urged-to-explain-the-basis-of-soldiers-teaching-in-schools-
DAVAO CITY -- City Council Committee on Human Rights chair Councilor Karlo Bello urged the military and the Department of Education to clarify the basis of the former to conduct lectures in schools.
He said that inasmuch as both offices agree in a memorandum to provide education to students, there is also a guideline classifying schools as zones of peace which bars military presence in schools.
Bello said the agreement between the military and the Department of Education looks like more to circumvent the law in order to allow the military entry on school campuses.
“We do not want this to happen given the passage of resolutions in the past requesting the military to stay away from educational institutions, and barangay halls,” he said.
Even then, Bello urged government and the peace panel of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army to pursue the peace talks for the benefit of the country.
He said both parties must show sincerity and press on the talks without preconditions.
Bello said that despite the suspension of the peace talks, he remains hopeful that both parties go back to the negotiating table and pursue the issues that need tangible outcomes.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process chief Teresita Quintos-Deles wants to pursue the peace talks with communist rebels on the basis of a doable and time-bound agenda.
She confirmed that friends of the process have been working to bring both parties to the negotiating table to explore possible parameters for the talks to resume.
Quintos-Deles said though the feedback from the communist party leadership is positive, there remains matters to be clarified in order to ensure that the peace process will not go on a major impasse.
“As we gave repeatedly stated in the past, we want to resume talks based on doable and time-bound agenda,” she said.
Quintos-Deles said that the recent positive response of Jose Maria Sison for the renewed talks after the Papal visit in January indicates that the common ground between the two parties which may be broadening towards the achievement of a just and durable peace that the Filipino people desire.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381420610470/deped-military-urged-to-explain-the-basis-of-soldiers-teaching-in-schools-
2nd Infantry Division commander formally retires from service Friday
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): 2nd Infantry Division commander formally retires from service Friday
Santos
Santos
Santos
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722991
After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, 2nd
Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rodelio V. Santos will formally retire
from the service on Friday.
Change of command ceremonies will be held at Camp Capinpin
The ceremony’s highlights include the ceremonial parade and
review that will be held at the 2nd Infantry Division grandstand.
Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, the Army commander and
"mistah" (classmate) of Santos
Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of
1983.
Replacing Santos
During the ceremony, Santos
He has served the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for
almost 32 years since his graduation at the PMA in 1983.
During his tenure as 2nd Infantry Division chief, his unit
carried out its mission of conducting peace and security operations against the
Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC), the New People's Army
operating arm in the area.
With the aim of achieving just and lasting peace and
development in CALABARZON (Cavite , Laguna,
Batangas, Quezon) and Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon), Santos
During his stint, 2nd Infantry Division conducted combat
operations which resulted to the neutralization of 44 New NPA personalities and
86 lawless elements, and the recovery of 54 firearms during his leadership.
Further, 121 active criminal cases against the rebel
personalities, and 237 standing warrants of arrest were actively pursued by the
command as part of legal cooperation.
To further hone his military expertise, Santos Australia in 1995,
and Command and General Staff Course at CGSC, Fort Leavenworth , Kansas ,
USA
These trainings equipped him with necessary proficiency in
holding various key and sensitive positions such as chief-of-staff 6th Infantry
Division, and commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.
He is also a recipient of various awards in recognition to
his outstanding service including the Combat Kagitingan Badge, Army Chief
Ordnance and Chemical Service Award, Bronze Cross Medals, Presidential Streamer
Award, Distinguished Service Star, Military Merit Medals and Letter of
Commendations from various Military and Civilian entities among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722991
3 considerations set for acquisition of modern defense equipment --DND official
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): 3 considerations set for acquisition of modern defense equipment --DND official
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723079
In programming the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) modernization program, three important criteria or considerations have
been set by defense planners.
"Number one requirement is that the equipment must be
or can be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR),"
Defense undersecretary for finance, munition, installations, modernization and
materiel Fernando Manalo said.
Second is that it can be utilized for internal security
operations, and third, it can be used to protect the country's interests at the
West Philippine Sea , he added.
Once these criteria are met, only then can defense planners
start conducting studies on how to acquire the defense equipment.
Manalo earlier said that the country may need more than
PhP90.858 billion to modernize the military during the second phase of its
modernization from 2018 to 2023.
The defense official made this statement after his
presentation on the status of modernization projects under what the Department
of National Defense calls the "First Horizon" which started in 2014
and will end in 2017.
Acquired during the "First Horizon" were the two
Gregorio Del Pilar cutters, three combat utility helicopters for the Navy, two
naval attack helicopters, six MPACs (multi-purpose assault craft), eight combat
utility helicopters for the Air Force and refurbishment of two Lockheed C-130
"Hercules" cargo planes.
Under this timeline, the government is also spending PhP90.858
billion to buy missile-armed warships, fighter jets, helicopters, an air
defense radar system, other defensive equipment.
This also includes upgrades and improvements for existing
bases.
Manalo said that most of the defense program are ongoing with
the government demonstrating its capability to fund these projects.
The "Second Horizon" is slated for 2018 to 2023
while the "Third Horizon" will run from 2024 to 2028.
Manalo declined to specify what types of equipment will be
acquired under the second horizon, but said these will mostly be for disaster
response and protecting territories in the disputed West
Philippine Sea .
"It is sufficient (to say) we are heavy on humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief and protecting our interest in the West Philippine Sea ," he said.
Manalo hinted that more fighter jets may be acquired under
the "Second Horizon," saying that the current 12 units being bought
from South Korea
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723079
Bautista designated security pointman for papal visit
From InterAksyon (Jan 8): Bautista designated security pointman for papal visit
AFP file photo, Gen. Bautista in inset.
President Aquino designated former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista as the pointman for security preparations for the visit of Pope Francis from Jan. 15 to 19.
Aquino made the decision during his meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and other stakeholders involved in the preparations for the papal visit at the Palace on Thursday.
"Relevant antecedents (of similar crowd surge) were reviewed, including past papal visits, the stampede in Ultra, and last year's Black Nazarene procession," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a briefing aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.
"Improvement is always desirable - before, during and even after the event... The room for improvement is the biggest room in the world. We hope it will be totally seamless and successful and there will be a post-event assessment," Coloma said.
Bautista is currently an undersecretary in the Office of the President designated as executive director of the security, justice and peace cluster of the Cabinet.
Among those who attended the meeting were CBCP president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang, Philippine National Police office in charge deputy director Leonardo Espina, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public Works chief Rogelio Singson, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, MMDA head Francis Tolentino, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, and Coloma, among others.
"The Palace is one with the CBCP in calling for cooperation from the public. We call on those who will be attending the events related to the papal visit to be calm and follow protocol to ensure the safety of the Pope and the public," Coloma said.
For the mass in Luneta on Jan. 18, Coloma reminded the public not to bring backpacks and use instead transparent or clear containers.
The faithful are also advised not to bring umbrellas and instead prepare raincoats, hats, and hand fans.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102617/bautista-designated-security-pointman-for-papal-visit
AFP file photo, Gen. Bautista in inset.
President Aquino designated former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista as the pointman for security preparations for the visit of Pope Francis from Jan. 15 to 19.
Aquino made the decision during his meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and other stakeholders involved in the preparations for the papal visit at the Palace on Thursday.
"Relevant antecedents (of similar crowd surge) were reviewed, including past papal visits, the stampede in Ultra, and last year's Black Nazarene procession," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a briefing aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.
"Improvement is always desirable - before, during and even after the event... The room for improvement is the biggest room in the world. We hope it will be totally seamless and successful and there will be a post-event assessment," Coloma said.
Bautista is currently an undersecretary in the Office of the President designated as executive director of the security, justice and peace cluster of the Cabinet.
Among those who attended the meeting were CBCP president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang, Philippine National Police office in charge deputy director Leonardo Espina, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Public Works chief Rogelio Singson, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, MMDA head Francis Tolentino, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, and Coloma, among others.
"The Palace is one with the CBCP in calling for cooperation from the public. We call on those who will be attending the events related to the papal visit to be calm and follow protocol to ensure the safety of the Pope and the public," Coloma said.
For the mass in Luneta on Jan. 18, Coloma reminded the public not to bring backpacks and use instead transparent or clear containers.
The faithful are also advised not to bring umbrellas and instead prepare raincoats, hats, and hand fans.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102617/bautista-designated-security-pointman-for-papal-visit
NPA in Cotabato areas to extend ceasefire until after Papal visit
From MindaNews (Jan 8): NPA in Cotabato areas to extend ceasefire until after Papal visit
Communist rebels in Southwestern Mindanao announced Wednesday it will extend its ceasefire with the military in deference to the Papal visit next week.
Speaking in a clandestine interview in his mountain hideout in the region, “Ka Efren,” spokesperson of five New Peoples’ Army (NPA) guerilla fronts, said most of their guerillas are Catholics and it was thus fitting to pay respect during Pope Francis’ visit in the country from January 15 to 19.
In observance of the Christmas holidays and the visit of the Argentine pontiff, the Philippine military declared on Dec. 15 a month-long suspension of military and police offensives against communist guerillas.
Catholic church leaders described the Pope’s visit as “privilege as we start the New Year.”
“Since most of our members are Catholics, we are extending the ceasefire until after the visit of Pope Francis,” Ka Efren said to select journalists.
Ka Efren also revealed the NPA is ready to resume talking peace with the Aquino government, especially if Pope Francis would ask them to do so, and as long as the government shows sincerity.
Like every Catholic in the country, Ka Efren said the NPAs are also excited for the Papal visit.
Speaking in Cebuano, Ka Efren said: “Many groups are pushing for peace in Mindanao. We are ready. If Pope Francis would ask us, we are ready to respond to his call.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/08/npa-in-cotabato-areas-to-extend-ceasefire-until-after-papal-visit/
Communist rebels in Southwestern Mindanao announced Wednesday it will extend its ceasefire with the military in deference to the Papal visit next week.
Speaking in a clandestine interview in his mountain hideout in the region, “Ka Efren,” spokesperson of five New Peoples’ Army (NPA) guerilla fronts, said most of their guerillas are Catholics and it was thus fitting to pay respect during Pope Francis’ visit in the country from January 15 to 19.
In observance of the Christmas holidays and the visit of the Argentine pontiff, the Philippine military declared on Dec. 15 a month-long suspension of military and police offensives against communist guerillas.
Catholic church leaders described the Pope’s visit as “privilege as we start the New Year.”
“Since most of our members are Catholics, we are extending the ceasefire until after the visit of Pope Francis,” Ka Efren said to select journalists.
Ka Efren also revealed the NPA is ready to resume talking peace with the Aquino government, especially if Pope Francis would ask them to do so, and as long as the government shows sincerity.
Like every Catholic in the country, Ka Efren said the NPAs are also excited for the Papal visit.
Speaking in Cebuano, Ka Efren said: “Many groups are pushing for peace in Mindanao. We are ready. If Pope Francis would ask us, we are ready to respond to his call.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/08/npa-in-cotabato-areas-to-extend-ceasefire-until-after-papal-visit/
Dureza to Congress: Extend transition period ‘for MILF political party to mature’
From MindaNews (Jan 8): Dureza to Congress: Extend transition period ‘for MILF political party to mature’
Former government chief peace negotiator Jesus Dureza on Thursday urged Congress to extend the transition period for the Bangsamoro region beyond 2016, to “give the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) time to mature.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/08/dureza-to-congress-extend-transition-period-for-milf-political-party-to-mature/
Former government chief peace negotiator Jesus Dureza on Thursday urged Congress to extend the transition period for the Bangsamoro region beyond 2016, to “give the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) time to mature.”
Dureza, also a former Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process, said that extending the transition period “will allow the MILF to
mature politically and be able to prove to all Bangsamoro [constituents] that
they are a different breed to the known past political leaders in the area.”
Congress is currently deliberating the Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL), the charter that would govern the new Bangsamoro government.
The creation of the Bangsamoro government is the key feature
of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace deal
between the government and the MILF.
Once Congress approves the measure and ratified by the
constituents in the proposed territory, the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao will be abolished.
A Bangsamoro Transition Authority will then be created, with
the members appointed by the President, until the first set of officials are
elected during the 2016 elections.
Last December, the MILF officially launched its political
party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), in Camp Darapanan
At least 110,000 individuals from the ARMM and other parts
of Mindanao registered to become volunteers of
the UBJP, which vowed to campaign for the ratification of the BBL and will
field candidates for the regional elections in 2016.
MILF chair Al Haj Murad was installed then as UBJP
president.
Dureza said Congress has the power to lengthen the
transition period beyond 2016 by putting such provision in the approved version
of the Bangsamoro law.
An earlier MindaNews report said that Dureza proposed the
extension of the transition period for the Bangsamoro until 2019.
He called on the public today to support the extension of
the transition period, noting that “politicians listen to what is popular. If this
[becomes] a real popular sentiment, politicians will listen.”
“If we don’t give the MILF longer time to mature and reform
things in the Bangsamoro, they will not be able to compete in 2016 with the
entrenched political leaders,” he said.
Dureza was among those invited to the “Media Roundtable on
the Bangsamoro,” which MindaNews organized in partnership with the Bangsamoro
Transition Commission (BTC), Conciliation Resources, European Union, Philippine
Information Agency and the Canadian government.
Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace
negotiators of the government and the MILF, respectively, also graced the event
as key resource persons.
Both appeared optimistic that the BBL will be approved by
Congress and ratified by the constituents in the proposed territory this year.
Ferrer said the GPH-MILF peace process has reached this far
“mainly due to the trust and confidence as well as the resiliency and
creativity shown by each party.”
“The good thing now is we’re starting to reap the benefits
produced by the past efforts to solve the [Bangsamoro] problem,” she said.
Iqbal, also the chair of the BTC which drafted the BBL,
appealed to Congress to pass “a good BBL.”
“The key for bright future is for Congress to pass a good
BBL. Let us not miss this rare opportunity to establish peace in Mindanao , as this opportunity may not come again,” he
said.
Iqbal recalled that the negotiation stage was never easy,
but because of the goodwill shown by the parties, they were able to forge a
final peace agreement.
“[The negotiations were characterized by] giving and taking,
and taking and giving. Not all taking, not all giving. Compromises were made,
that’s the essence of negotiations,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/08/dureza-to-congress-extend-transition-period-for-milf-political-party-to-mature/
Troops pull out ibinasura ng militar sa Surigao
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 9): Troops pull out ibinasura ng militar sa Surigao (Troop pull out from Surigao dismissed by the military)
Ibinasura ng militar ang troops pull out na hiling ng New People's Army sa Surigado del Norte province kapalit ng paglaya ng 3 parak na bihag ng rebeldeng grupo.
Unang ipinarating ng NPA kay Governor Sol Matugas ang kanilang demand at agad naman sinulatan nito ang militar para sa paglaya nina PO3 Democrito Polvorosa, PO1 Marichel Contemplo at PO1 Junrie Amper na binihag noon nakaranag taon. At hawak pa ng NPA si Compostela Valley provincial jail warden Jose Coquilla.
Sa sulat ni Matugas kay Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ponce, commander ng 402nd Infantry Brigade, ay hiniling nito na i-suspinde muna ng militar ang Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program sa lalawigan.
Ngunit sinabi ni Ponce kay Matugas na may unilateral cease-fire ang militar at walang opensiba ang mga tropa upang makasagabal sa release ng mga parak.
"All military units under him are religiously observing the provisions of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) as set forth by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Under the SOMO, troops are prohibited from conducting deliberate offensive and combat operations. But soldiers continue to maintain checkpoints and patrol villages to protect civilian communities from lawless elements," ani Ponce sa kanyang tugon.
Matigas ang pahayag ni Ponce na hindi ito payag sa kagustuhan ng NPA. "In view of the said provisions, the demand of the NPA to pull out our troops conducting COPD and the conduct of checkpoints cannot be granted. I will not allow the total pull out of troops in the area. On the other hand, I ordered my battalion commanders for the temporary suspension of Peace and Development Outreach Program and Community-Based Peace and Development efforts to pave way for the immediate release of the kidnapped victims," wika ni Ponce.
Maging ang mga checkpoints ay pinabubuwag rin ng NPA, ayon pa sa Heneral.
"The security patrol is aimed to protect civilian communities, government establishments, investment facilities, and vital structures, including military camps, detachments, patrol bases, installations and outposts against armed groups. The checkpoints also serve to prevent the illegal transport of weapons or explosives by civilians and rebel groups," paliwanag nito.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/troops-pull-out-ibinasura-ng-militar-sa.html
Ibinasura ng militar ang troops pull out na hiling ng New People's Army sa Surigado del Norte province kapalit ng paglaya ng 3 parak na bihag ng rebeldeng grupo.
Unang ipinarating ng NPA kay Governor Sol Matugas ang kanilang demand at agad naman sinulatan nito ang militar para sa paglaya nina PO3 Democrito Polvorosa, PO1 Marichel Contemplo at PO1 Junrie Amper na binihag noon nakaranag taon. At hawak pa ng NPA si Compostela Valley provincial jail warden Jose Coquilla.
Sa sulat ni Matugas kay Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ponce, commander ng 402nd Infantry Brigade, ay hiniling nito na i-suspinde muna ng militar ang Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program sa lalawigan.
Ngunit sinabi ni Ponce kay Matugas na may unilateral cease-fire ang militar at walang opensiba ang mga tropa upang makasagabal sa release ng mga parak.
"All military units under him are religiously observing the provisions of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) as set forth by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Under the SOMO, troops are prohibited from conducting deliberate offensive and combat operations. But soldiers continue to maintain checkpoints and patrol villages to protect civilian communities from lawless elements," ani Ponce sa kanyang tugon.
Matigas ang pahayag ni Ponce na hindi ito payag sa kagustuhan ng NPA. "In view of the said provisions, the demand of the NPA to pull out our troops conducting COPD and the conduct of checkpoints cannot be granted. I will not allow the total pull out of troops in the area. On the other hand, I ordered my battalion commanders for the temporary suspension of Peace and Development Outreach Program and Community-Based Peace and Development efforts to pave way for the immediate release of the kidnapped victims," wika ni Ponce.
Maging ang mga checkpoints ay pinabubuwag rin ng NPA, ayon pa sa Heneral.
"The security patrol is aimed to protect civilian communities, government establishments, investment facilities, and vital structures, including military camps, detachments, patrol bases, installations and outposts against armed groups. The checkpoints also serve to prevent the illegal transport of weapons or explosives by civilians and rebel groups," paliwanag nito.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/troops-pull-out-ibinasura-ng-militar-sa.html
Entire PHL to be declared peaceful and ready for development before end of 2015
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): Entire PHL to be declared peaceful and ready for development before end of 2015
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723092
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff
Gregorio Pio Catapang on Wednesday expressed confidence that the whole country
wll be declared peaceful and ready for development before the year.
He made this statement after noting that the AFP, upon
assessment, was able to address the challenges posed by the New People's Army,
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf Group, and Rogue Moro
(National) Liberation Front Elements.
"We are doing alright," the AFP chief stressed.
Aside from this, Catapang also said that the military also
has many successes in addressing possible threats posed by foreign terror
groups.
But due to security reasons, he refused to comment on what
strategies the military employed in dealing with the above-mentioned threats.
Greatly aiding the AFP in its security endeavor are the
ongoing normalization talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the
negotiations concerning the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
As this develops, AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla
said all military units have good outputs in regards to internal security
operations.
All objectives considering insurgents and terrorist threats
have been reached.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723092
Army condemns soldier slay, holiday truce violation in Northern Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): Army condemns soldier slay, holiday truce violation in Northern Samar
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722984
The Philippine Army condemned the recent killing of a
soldier by armed rebels in Northern Samar
while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and New People’s Army (NPA)
were still on holiday ceasefire.
Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, commander of the Philippine
Army’s 8th infantry division, vehemently condemned the actions of the NPAs in Northern Samar violating the month-long truce.
“While we remain sincere in our words and actions to abide
by the provisions of the SOMO (Suspension of Military and Police Operations),
the NPA remain treacherous in their actions, taking advantage of every
opportunity to inflict casualty not only to the members of the AFP but even to
innocent civilians,” Velarmino stated.
SOMO took effect midnight of Dec. 18, 2014 and will end on
midnight of Jan. 19, 2015. The declaration of SOMO against the NPA is to
highlight the government’s sincerity in pursuing its peace initiatives,
according to the army official.
“The NPAs declared their own Yuletide ceasefire on staggered
basis, however their actions were all self-serving and is far from being an act
of good faith."
The army released the statement after an unknown number of
suspected NPA members attacked Sgt. Leo L. Loberiano in Sitio Karogyaw,
Barangay Napo, Palapag, Northern Samar .
Lt. Col. Erwin A. Alea, chief of the of the Army’s 8th
infantry division public affairs office, said the soldier was driving a
motorcycle in an outskirt when a group of heavily armed men flagged down his
vehicle at gun point around noon time on Sunday.
“The soldier realizing that the armed men were NPA rebels,
gallantly fought it out with the rebels and broke through the checkpoint.
However, he was fired upon by the rebels that caused his instantaneous death.
The NPA eventually took his pistol and bag containing his personal items,” Alea
said.
Loberiano was off duty and on his way to visit relatives in
Palapag town when he was slain by armed rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722984
Army troops from Western Visayas sent to Leyte to help secure Papal visit
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): Army troops from Western Visayas sent to Leyte to help secure Papal visit
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723052
A contingent from the 3rd Infantry Division of the
Philippine Army based in Western Visayas was deployed to Leyte
this week to augment security for the visit of Pope Francis on January 17.
The group is composed of nine officers and 257 enlisted
personnel to augment the security for the visit of Pope Francis on January 17.
The troops led by Lt. Col. Marion Sison will serve as
augmentation to the Joint Task Force “Pope” created by the AFP Central Command
to conduct security operations and assist in the maintenance of peace and order
to ensure the safety and successful visit of Pope Francis in Tacloban and Palo.
Pope Francis will be in the Philippines
Major Gen. Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3rd ID,
reminded the troops to maintain a high state of discipline and preparedness.
“In this particular mission, the troops should be ready to
thwart any attempt by armed groups to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the
activities and ensure the safety and security of the Pope and the general public,”
he said.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) is
also deploying 242 policemen to Tacloban
City
Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of NOPPO, said that several of
the 242 policemen volunteered for deployment as they believe that being part of
the Pope's security would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Supt. Noel Polines, chief of Bacolod City Police Office
(BCPO) Operation Branch, said BCPO will also send 123 uniformed personnel to Tacloban City
He said every police station under BCPO is required to send
five personnel. Ten personnel will come from BCPO headquarters and 63, from
Bacolod City Public Safety Company.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723052
MILF to turnover 75 weapons, 145 combatants for symbolic decommissioning
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): MILF to turnover 75 weapons, 145 combatants for symbolic decommissioning
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be turning over 75 weapons and 145 combatants to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) during the symbolic stage of the decommissioning process anytime this month.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723144
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be turning over 75 weapons and 145 combatants to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) during the symbolic stage of the decommissioning process anytime this month.
This was disclosed by Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF
Peace Panel and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, during the Media
Roundtable on the Bangsamoro Basic Law at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Thursday
(January 8).
Iqbal said the symbolic turnover will mark the start of the
decommissioning of MLF weapons and combatants that will be implemented on a
gradual phase and by percentage. On second phase, 30 percent of their weapons
and combatants will be decommissioned; then 35 percent and until the final
phase (30 percent) when all the last part of the agreements shall have been
implemented and complied by both parties.
Iqbal said the symbolic turnover is targeted as-soon-as
possible. “Marami pang inaayos (There are still many things being firmed-up),”
he said, citing one provision that the decommissioning shall be parallel and
commensurate to other agreements of the parties.
He said they are carefully looking at all inter-related
provisions for the decommissioning process such as amnesty and pardons of the
MILF members; disbandment of private armies; redeployment of government forces
which are interlinked with each other.
“We cannot implement overnight,” he said.
Iqbal however clarified that decommissioning does not mean
surrender of weapons and combatants, saying, “There is no surrender, no
destruction of firearms. We are putting the weapons out of service,” he said.
Iqbal explained they are following the decommissioning model
of the Good Friday Agreement of the Irish Republic Army wherein weapons are
turned over to a third party. He said a third party will be assigned to
safeguard the weapons which will be kept in one place and put to good use
later.
He said the IDB will set up a storage or warehouse for this
purpose.
According to Iqbal, there will be integration of MILF
combatants to government regular forces. If qualified, combatants can be part
of the Bangsamoro Police, which will be set up and organized by the Bangsamoro
authority. Others can choose to avail of the economic interventions such as
engage in livelihood projects.
Six camps have been identified to be converted into
productive areas and task forces have already been working on programs and
projects for the communities.
Earlier, Lawyer Al Julkifli of the GPH panel, said the IDB
led by the Turkish Ambassador to the intergovernmental military alliance North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will convene this month to roll out the
decommissioning process.
The IDP is a mix membership of foreign experts from Brunei and Norway
Decommissioning of weapons and the MILF combatants is part
of the normalization process to bring conflict affected areas into a state of
normalcy in terms of human security and economic stability while the
legislative mill for the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law continues.
Julkifli said the first task of the independent body will be
to conduct an inventory and validation in order to determine the types and
number of weapons of the MILF.
Julkifli said other normalization process or other
confidence building measures are underway such as the infusion of livelihood
and turning the six previously identified MILF camps into productive civilian
communities.
Other legal processes for the amnesty of MILF members and
supporters are also rolling out. A group will be conducting a study towards
this step. Julkifli said the Transitional Justice is also working on a
development study.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723144
Newly arrived AW-109Es capable of day and night internal security operations
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8): Newly arrived AW-109Es capable of day and night internal security operations
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723093
In line with its efforts to upgrade its capabilities, the
Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that the two newly-arrived AgustaWestland
AW-109E "Power" attack helicopters are capable of day and night
internal security operations.
This was disclosed by PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico
Canaya in a message to the PNA.
"These aircraft will be primarily for internal security
operations and (are) day and night capable. It can also perform other missions
such aerial survey for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions
when necessary," he added.
Canaya said that the PAF expects to commission the entire
eight attack AW-109s before the end of 2015, with the first two being activated
in the first quarter of the present year.
The first two units arrived last December.
These aircraft are now being assembled and undergoing
testing at Clark Field, Pampanga.
The entire order is worth Php3.44 billion. Contract for the
attack helicopters was signed last 2013.
The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat
twin engine helicopter.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of
modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety and survivability features include a
fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical
systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission
and engines.
The AW-109s' superior speed, capacity and productivity
combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost
effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks.
Over 580 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 LUH helicopters
have been ordered for parapublic, military and commercial applications by
customers in around 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723093
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