From the Philippine Star (Nov 25): US diplomat stabbed dead in Makati
A 41-year-old American, reportedly a diplomat, was stabbed dead shortly after figuring in a brawl with four men outside the gate of Bel-Air Village along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City early yesterday. George Anico got into an argument with Crispec dela Paz, 28, a student of the De La Salle University; Juan Abastillas, 24; Galicano Datu III, 22, also a DLSU student; and Ospic Caburay, 27, just outside the gate of the village at about 4:20 a.m., police said. The four men, who were in a Volvo sport utility vehicle (TOJ-886), were being questioned by village security guards when the victim appeared and joined the conversation. Police said at the height of the argument, Anico allegedly tapped the SUV, causing the suspects to come out of the car and confront him. In the ensuing brawl, Anico was stabbed. The suspects tried to flee but were arrested after a brief chase by police officers on two motorcycles. Police said Anico was rushed by rescue workers from Barangay Poblacion and Makati Rescue to the Makati Medical Center. He died from stab wounds at 7:20 a.m. yesterday. City police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban said investigators recovered a knife from the SUV of the suspects, who are being detained at the Makati police station. GMA-7 reported that the United States embassy confirmed that a diplomat had been stabbed in Makati City yesterday but did not name the victim.
http://www.philstar.com/metro/2012/11/25/872833/us-diplomat-stabbed-dead-makati
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11 LGUs declared insurgency free in Eastern Samar
From the Manila Channel (Nov 24): 11 LGUs declared insurgency free in Eastern
Samar
San Policarpio and Sulat towns are the two newest “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” ready areas in Eastern Samar province, the army said yesterday. Mayor Conrado Uy Nicart III and Mayor Virginia R Zacate of San Policarpio and Sulat, respectively, thanked the army’s “Bayanihan” which paved the way for peace and development in their areas, also assuring them of the continued support to the army’s thrust of ending insurgency in the whole province. Col. Romeo L. Labador, 801st infantry brigade commander also recognized the “sustained cooperation” and support of the local officials, adding the “commitment to peace and development and relentless efforts have made the localities peaceful and very livable.” 8ID commander Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug lauded Col. Labrador and the two mayors on the development during the signing of the joint declaration. “The declaration of the ten municipalities and one city in Eastern Samar as manageable-conflict affected and development ready areas is a strong indication of the full support by the local government units and other stakeholders to the military in the attainment of peace and sustainment of development in their locality” said Layug in a statement. The other municipalities jointly declared by the army and local officials as “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” from October to November this year include Taft, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Mercedes, Hernani, San Julian, Salcedo, Guiuan and Borongan City.....
http://www.manilachannel.com/2012/11/24/11-lgus-declared-insurgency-free-in-eastern-samar/
San Policarpio and Sulat towns are the two newest “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” ready areas in Eastern Samar province, the army said yesterday. Mayor Conrado Uy Nicart III and Mayor Virginia R Zacate of San Policarpio and Sulat, respectively, thanked the army’s “Bayanihan” which paved the way for peace and development in their areas, also assuring them of the continued support to the army’s thrust of ending insurgency in the whole province. Col. Romeo L. Labador, 801st infantry brigade commander also recognized the “sustained cooperation” and support of the local officials, adding the “commitment to peace and development and relentless efforts have made the localities peaceful and very livable.” 8ID commander Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug lauded Col. Labrador and the two mayors on the development during the signing of the joint declaration. “The declaration of the ten municipalities and one city in Eastern Samar as manageable-conflict affected and development ready areas is a strong indication of the full support by the local government units and other stakeholders to the military in the attainment of peace and sustainment of development in their locality” said Layug in a statement. The other municipalities jointly declared by the army and local officials as “manageable conflict-affected and development ready” from October to November this year include Taft, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Mercedes, Hernani, San Julian, Salcedo, Guiuan and Borongan City.....
http://www.manilachannel.com/2012/11/24/11-lgus-declared-insurgency-free-in-eastern-samar/
Bohol’s security assured in Purok Power Mov’t
From the Bohol Standard (Nov 25): Bohol’s security assured in Purok Power Mov’t
“True security happens when issues and problems are effectively and promptly addressed,” says Gov. Edgar M Chatto. As Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Chair, Gov. Chatto proudly expressed this response to unfounded accusations hurled against the provincial government’s most effective and successful way of solving the people’s problems, the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM), his pet project. And, when asked to expound on it, Chatto added that, “it is when people are not only secure in their own homes but more importantly, when they are enjoying true peace of mind because they have food at every meal, can send their children to school, and are assured of a secure future and a disease-free household.”
Amidst the black propaganda which hostile camps and insurgents are throwing against the incumbent provincial leadership, other PPOC members expressed full support for the Chatto-Lim Administration in standing their ground to parry all efforts being done by the former to again penetrate Bohol, now hailed as an insurgent-free province. In an information received by Task Force Sugbohol last November 10, it was revealed that a group of armed men, believed to be members of the leftist New People’s Army (NPA), was planning to bomb an unspecified town in the First District of the province anytime during that week or the next....
Meanwhile, despite rigorous campaign and untiring support from all sectors, “the other side” is continuously poisoning the people’s minds and planting false information with the purpose of misleading the people as regards to the true color and purpose of the province’s nationally-acclaimed CDP-PPM, widely-known as PRO-Team, which is duly recognized not only by local executives but also by national agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Aquino Administration.....
The nationally-adopted anti-insurgency template known as “The Bohol Experience” which is continuously putting up more government presence, thus making available basic services for the people, livelihood funding and other anti-poverty measures, and strongly supported by the army’s civic military operations widely participated in by the civil society, has proven to be most effective, thereby forcing insurgents to flee Bohol and abandon their cause.....
http://www.theboholstandard.com/psection.php?issue=290&s1=4960&s2=4962&s3=4967&s4=1443&s5=4965&s6=&s7=1444&s8=1442&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=1445&s13=&s14=&s15=4974
“True security happens when issues and problems are effectively and promptly addressed,” says Gov. Edgar M Chatto. As Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Chair, Gov. Chatto proudly expressed this response to unfounded accusations hurled against the provincial government’s most effective and successful way of solving the people’s problems, the Countryside Development Program-Purok Power Movement (CDP-PPM), his pet project. And, when asked to expound on it, Chatto added that, “it is when people are not only secure in their own homes but more importantly, when they are enjoying true peace of mind because they have food at every meal, can send their children to school, and are assured of a secure future and a disease-free household.”
Amidst the black propaganda which hostile camps and insurgents are throwing against the incumbent provincial leadership, other PPOC members expressed full support for the Chatto-Lim Administration in standing their ground to parry all efforts being done by the former to again penetrate Bohol, now hailed as an insurgent-free province. In an information received by Task Force Sugbohol last November 10, it was revealed that a group of armed men, believed to be members of the leftist New People’s Army (NPA), was planning to bomb an unspecified town in the First District of the province anytime during that week or the next....
Meanwhile, despite rigorous campaign and untiring support from all sectors, “the other side” is continuously poisoning the people’s minds and planting false information with the purpose of misleading the people as regards to the true color and purpose of the province’s nationally-acclaimed CDP-PPM, widely-known as PRO-Team, which is duly recognized not only by local executives but also by national agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Aquino Administration.....
The nationally-adopted anti-insurgency template known as “The Bohol Experience” which is continuously putting up more government presence, thus making available basic services for the people, livelihood funding and other anti-poverty measures, and strongly supported by the army’s civic military operations widely participated in by the civil society, has proven to be most effective, thereby forcing insurgents to flee Bohol and abandon their cause.....
http://www.theboholstandard.com/psection.php?issue=290&s1=4960&s2=4962&s3=4967&s4=1443&s5=4965&s6=&s7=1444&s8=1442&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=1445&s13=&s14=&s15=4974
PA dead in Isabela clash honored
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 25): PA dead in Isabela clash honored
The seven Army men killed in an encounter Saturday with traditionally Maoist New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in Echague town in Isabela were honored by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in rites at the 5th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters, Camp Melchor de la Cruz here the other day (Nov. 23). Gazmin was with Gen. Jessie Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Army commanding general, during his visit to the 5th ID headquarters. In his message to the troops, Gazmin pointed out the need to always be vigilant and take the necessary measures. He later visited the injured troops and the families of the fatalities at the 5th ID station hospital. The fatalities were all members of the 5th ID’s reconnaissance company which had figured in an encounter with an undisclosed number of rebels at remote Barangay Mabbayad along the border of Echague town with mountain town San Mariano.
Gazmin awarded posthumous Medalya ng Kagitingan to the families of the victims, identified as 2nd Lt. Jimnah Torrepalma, 23, a fresh Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate from Bukidnon; Sgt. Eduardo Arguero, 35, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Cpl. Jondy Lar Ebersole, 32, of Barangay Minabang, Ilagan City; newly wed Pfc Joemar Miguel, 25, of Dicamay, Jones; Pfc. Jerold Mina, 27 of Barangay Yeban Norte, Benito Soliven, whose wife is seven months pregnant; Pfc. Albert Lagua, 23, of Barangay Gagabutan, Rizal, Cagayan; and Pfc. Raul Alunday, 27, of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, who left a pregnant wife and a three-year old son. All except Alunday died on the spot during the nearly five-hour off-and-on encounter. Alunday died later in the hospital. Also given honor were wounded soldiers Pfc Robert Samut, Pfc. Randolf Claro, Pfc Angelito Asuncion, Pfc Kriel Pudoc, Pfc. Marlon Siddayao, Pfc. Sam Millares, Pfc. Jess Dimas and Pfc. Geron Valenzuela.
In addition, the eight wounded soldiers got financial assistance from the Isabela provincial government amounting to P5,000 each while P22,000 each was given to the families of the seven slain soldiers. Gazmin thanked Gov. Faustino Dy III for the financial assistance given to the casualties. The AFP also presented cheques to the wounded troops: sergeants were given P168,810; corporals, P145,965; and privates first class, P135,937. Scholarships were also awarded to to the children of the dead soldiers.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7303-pa-dead-in-isabela-clash-honored
The seven Army men killed in an encounter Saturday with traditionally Maoist New People’s Army rebels in a remote village in Echague town in Isabela were honored by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in rites at the 5th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters, Camp Melchor de la Cruz here the other day (Nov. 23). Gazmin was with Gen. Jessie Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Army commanding general, during his visit to the 5th ID headquarters. In his message to the troops, Gazmin pointed out the need to always be vigilant and take the necessary measures. He later visited the injured troops and the families of the fatalities at the 5th ID station hospital. The fatalities were all members of the 5th ID’s reconnaissance company which had figured in an encounter with an undisclosed number of rebels at remote Barangay Mabbayad along the border of Echague town with mountain town San Mariano.
Gazmin awarded posthumous Medalya ng Kagitingan to the families of the victims, identified as 2nd Lt. Jimnah Torrepalma, 23, a fresh Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate from Bukidnon; Sgt. Eduardo Arguero, 35, of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Cpl. Jondy Lar Ebersole, 32, of Barangay Minabang, Ilagan City; newly wed Pfc Joemar Miguel, 25, of Dicamay, Jones; Pfc. Jerold Mina, 27 of Barangay Yeban Norte, Benito Soliven, whose wife is seven months pregnant; Pfc. Albert Lagua, 23, of Barangay Gagabutan, Rizal, Cagayan; and Pfc. Raul Alunday, 27, of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, who left a pregnant wife and a three-year old son. All except Alunday died on the spot during the nearly five-hour off-and-on encounter. Alunday died later in the hospital. Also given honor were wounded soldiers Pfc Robert Samut, Pfc. Randolf Claro, Pfc Angelito Asuncion, Pfc Kriel Pudoc, Pfc. Marlon Siddayao, Pfc. Sam Millares, Pfc. Jess Dimas and Pfc. Geron Valenzuela.
In addition, the eight wounded soldiers got financial assistance from the Isabela provincial government amounting to P5,000 each while P22,000 each was given to the families of the seven slain soldiers. Gazmin thanked Gov. Faustino Dy III for the financial assistance given to the casualties. The AFP also presented cheques to the wounded troops: sergeants were given P168,810; corporals, P145,965; and privates first class, P135,937. Scholarships were also awarded to to the children of the dead soldiers.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7303-pa-dead-in-isabela-clash-honored
Peralta (relinquishes) PMA post
From the Manila Times (Nov 25): Peralta (relinquishes) PMA post
Philippine Military Academy (PMA) outgoing superintendent, Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. relinquished his post to Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, during the turnover ceremonies on Friday at the Borromeo Field in this military camp. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, presided over the formal turnover ceremonies. Peralta Jr. will assume as the new commander of the Second Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario. Peralta is a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Espino left his post as AFP inspector general, also a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA information chief said that Peralta focused on cadet training, ensuring that what cadets will learn in the academy are in line with the current thrust of the AFP, the bayanihan. Peralta said that he has given the cadets foundation on peace building initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Respect of human rights and the rule of law were given emphasis.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/35981-peralta-assumes-pma-post
Philippine Military Academy (PMA) outgoing superintendent, Maj. Gen. Nonato Peralta Jr. relinquished his post to Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, during the turnover ceremonies on Friday at the Borromeo Field in this military camp. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff, presided over the formal turnover ceremonies. Peralta Jr. will assume as the new commander of the Second Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, replacing Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario. Peralta is a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Espino left his post as AFP inspector general, also a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979. Capt. Agnes Lynette Flores, PMA information chief said that Peralta focused on cadet training, ensuring that what cadets will learn in the academy are in line with the current thrust of the AFP, the bayanihan. Peralta said that he has given the cadets foundation on peace building initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Respect of human rights and the rule of law were given emphasis.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/35981-peralta-assumes-pma-post
Q and A with GPH peace panel chair (now Justice) Marvic Leonen: “It will not be unconstitutional”
From MindaNews (Nov 25): Q and A with GPH peace panel chair (now Justice) Marvic Leonen: “It will not be unconstitutional”
Newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen will inhibit from deliberations if the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) or the Executive Order creating the Transition Commission whose negotiations he steered towards the signing of the FAB on October 15, will be questioned at the Supreme Court. “I will inhibit,” Leonen, then government peace panel (GPH) chair, told MindaNews at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, during a break from the negotiations. Leonen, however, maintained he is confident the FAB or the EO will pass the test of constitutionality.....
MindaNews’ Carolyn O. Arguillas interviewed Leonen in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, on the scenarios in the peace talks with the MILF should he be appointed to the Supreme Court the following week.......
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/25/q-and-a-with-gph-peace-panel-chair-now-justice-marvic-leonen-it-will-not-be-unconstitutional/
Newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen will inhibit from deliberations if the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) or the Executive Order creating the Transition Commission whose negotiations he steered towards the signing of the FAB on October 15, will be questioned at the Supreme Court. “I will inhibit,” Leonen, then government peace panel (GPH) chair, told MindaNews at the Palace of the Golden Horses hotel in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, during a break from the negotiations. Leonen, however, maintained he is confident the FAB or the EO will pass the test of constitutionality.....
MindaNews’ Carolyn O. Arguillas interviewed Leonen in Kuala Lumpur on November 16, on the scenarios in the peace talks with the MILF should he be appointed to the Supreme Court the following week.......
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/25/q-and-a-with-gph-peace-panel-chair-now-justice-marvic-leonen-it-will-not-be-unconstitutional/
OIC got Nur and Murad to sit down for Bangsamoro Coordination Forum
From MindaNews (Nov 25): OIC got Nur and Murad to sit down for Bangsamoro Coordination Forum
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) got Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to sit down for a meeting last week on the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum that the OIC had long proposed. The meeting between the Moro leaders was held on November 16, at the sidelines of the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) conference in Djibouti, Africa, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews. “Nur was hesitant but the OIC prevailed upon him,” Iqbal said. Maulana “Bobby” Alonto, a member of the MILF peace panel who was in Murad’s delegation, and who had just arrived from Djibouti, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Friday evening that the MNLF-MILF meeting was convened by the Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC himself — Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu – at 4 p.m. of November 16. The meeting ended at around 7 p.m, he said, although he noted that Ihsanoglu left after a few minutes as he had to preside over a session. Alonto said the OIC Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines, Ambassador Sayed Al Masry along with Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Muhammad Ali Yusuf, also attended the meeting.
He said it was agreed that the OIC would set up the mechanism to “operationalize” the BCF. During the meeting, Alonto said, the MNLF was represented by Misuari, Commander Narra and two others while the MILF was represented by Murad, himself, senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura and peace panel secretariat member Mohajirin Ali. Misuari could not be reached for comment but in his October 21 speech before the MNLF Summit Gathering at the Crocodile Park in Davao City, he criticized the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a product of a “tripartite conspiracy” that betrayed the Bangsamoro cause. He identified the three “conspirators” as President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak and MILF chair Murad. “We hope that the entire world will ask these three conspirators to account for these misdeeds or wrongdoing,” he said. Misuari in early October filed his certificate of candidacy for ARMM Governor in the May 13, 2013 elections.....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/25/oic-got-nur-and-murad-to-sit-down-for-bangsamoro-coordination-forum/
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) got Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to sit down for a meeting last week on the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum that the OIC had long proposed. The meeting between the Moro leaders was held on November 16, at the sidelines of the 39th Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) conference in Djibouti, Africa, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews. “Nur was hesitant but the OIC prevailed upon him,” Iqbal said. Maulana “Bobby” Alonto, a member of the MILF peace panel who was in Murad’s delegation, and who had just arrived from Djibouti, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Friday evening that the MNLF-MILF meeting was convened by the Secretary-General of the 57-nation OIC himself — Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu – at 4 p.m. of November 16. The meeting ended at around 7 p.m, he said, although he noted that Ihsanoglu left after a few minutes as he had to preside over a session. Alonto said the OIC Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines, Ambassador Sayed Al Masry along with Foreign Minister of Djibouti, Muhammad Ali Yusuf, also attended the meeting.
He said it was agreed that the OIC would set up the mechanism to “operationalize” the BCF. During the meeting, Alonto said, the MNLF was represented by Misuari, Commander Narra and two others while the MILF was represented by Murad, himself, senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura and peace panel secretariat member Mohajirin Ali. Misuari could not be reached for comment but in his October 21 speech before the MNLF Summit Gathering at the Crocodile Park in Davao City, he criticized the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as a product of a “tripartite conspiracy” that betrayed the Bangsamoro cause. He identified the three “conspirators” as President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak and MILF chair Murad. “We hope that the entire world will ask these three conspirators to account for these misdeeds or wrongdoing,” he said. Misuari in early October filed his certificate of candidacy for ARMM Governor in the May 13, 2013 elections.....
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2012/11/25/oic-got-nur-and-murad-to-sit-down-for-bangsamoro-coordination-forum/
Misuari: Misuari once again is in "The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims"
Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Nov 25): Misuari once again is in "The Muslim 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims"
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari#!/photo.php?fbid=478612925515793&set=a.343289739048113.78383.185093644867724&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari#!/photo.php?fbid=478612925515793&set=a.343289739048113.78383.185093644867724&type=1&theater
MNLF: Chairman Nur's Special Privelege Speech at the 39th OIC-CFM Conference in Djiboti
Just posted to the MNLF Website: Chairman Nur's Special Privelege Speech at the 39th OIC-CFM Conference in Djiboti
[Transcript of the Speech]
IT'S A LIE! THE GENTLEMAN FROM THE PHILIPPINE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT WAS
LYING!
[Transcript of the Speech]
Your Royal Highnesses, Assalamu
alaykum wa rahmatullahi taala wa barakatuhu.
I have a longer speech here but I
will just take about 1 or 2 minutes to give a synopsis of this speech. I had to
rehearse my message last night upon listening to the statement of the gentleman
from the Philippine colonial government yesterday. The gentleman with due
respect was lying! He was lying before all of you in their effort to
destroy the 35 years long peace process they decided to tell our peace panel in
Bandung
________________
Near the end of the video, the current
Chairman of the OIC-CFM, the foreign minister of Djiboti, is shown expressing
the support of the OIC to Chairman Nur and the MNLF.
MILF: MILF peace panel recipient of peace award
From the MILF Website (Nov 25): MILF peace panel recipient of peace award
The MILF peace panel headed by Mohagher Iqbal has been the recipient Peace Award for its role in the just-signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October 15 in Manila, Philippines. The Award is courtesy of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), which spearheaded the Search for Peace Weaver Award for the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration 2012 which paved way in recognizing significant individuals and institutions which significantly had contributed largely in the heightening promotion of a culture of peace. The 12-member committee carefully assessed the nomination form and other attachments during the Final Deliberation dated November 15, 2012. In their official letter to Iqbal, the group has this to say: “We Honor your significant contribution to the attainment of peace especially that you have demonstrated a personal record of involvement in projects and activities which are peace-building in nature or contributed to the attainment of peace, harmony and understanding in your institution.” It continued: “We commend you for sharing a life committed to peace. Thus, we would like to notify you that you have been selected to be a Recipient of the Prestigious Peace Weaver Award 2012 (Group/Community).”.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2953:milf-peace-panel-recipient-of-peace-award-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The MILF peace panel headed by Mohagher Iqbal has been the recipient Peace Award for its role in the just-signed GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last October 15 in Manila, Philippines. The Award is courtesy of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP) and Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), which spearheaded the Search for Peace Weaver Award for the Mindanao Week of Peace Celebration 2012 which paved way in recognizing significant individuals and institutions which significantly had contributed largely in the heightening promotion of a culture of peace. The 12-member committee carefully assessed the nomination form and other attachments during the Final Deliberation dated November 15, 2012. In their official letter to Iqbal, the group has this to say: “We Honor your significant contribution to the attainment of peace especially that you have demonstrated a personal record of involvement in projects and activities which are peace-building in nature or contributed to the attainment of peace, harmony and understanding in your institution.” It continued: “We commend you for sharing a life committed to peace. Thus, we would like to notify you that you have been selected to be a Recipient of the Prestigious Peace Weaver Award 2012 (Group/Community).”.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2953:milf-peace-panel-recipient-of-peace-award-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Op/Ed: New Era of Soldiery
Op/Ed piece posted to MindaNews (Nov 24): WAYWARD AND FANCIFUL: New Era of Soldiery
On 1 January 2011, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adopted the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) that seeks to transform the role of the Filipino soldiers in anticipation of a post-conflict scenario that would not require much demand on the exercise of their warfighting capability. The IPSP emphasizes the importance of military operations other than war (MOOTW) to be employed in enhancing the security of local communities. Colonel Ricardo Jalad, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, talks about the changing role of soldiers in the environmental security of communities within his unit’s area of responsibility. The 2nd Mechanized Brigade covers Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This interview took place on July 25, 2012 at the brigade headquarters in Maria Christina, Iligan City. Jalad said that while soldiers would always be in a state of readiness for combat operations, the IPSP now requires it to use the non-combat approach to address security concerns. These military operations other than war (MOOTW) take off from the notion that security would be addressed by all stakeholders involved, anchored on the concepts of human security and the whole-of-nation, people-centered approach. Human security encompasses the issue of environmental security. In the case of disaster and such events, AFP units on the ground are mandated to assist the response of other agencies, especially the local government units. For the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong last year became the test of its operation based on the IPSP framework. It became very much involved from the rescue phase, to the search for dead bodies, and on up to the rehabilitation phase when it took part in putting up temporary shelters and relocation houses. As disaster response, the brigade assisted in delivering relief goods to various areas affected by the flood. Later, in cooperation with the Lanao del Norte LGU, the 2MEB was able to construct two buildings, with a total of 23 units. Typhoon Sendong was the first climate-related disaster on that scale to hit Iligan City and Lanao del Norte in years. In the previous year, however, the soldiers were already actively involved in the efforts of the LGUs to constitute and operate their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC). Sendong would put their preparations to the test. The DRRMC spells out the inter-agency convergence required in response to disasters..... In Iligan City which used to be disaster-free, people would usually see soldiers when they were out for combat operations. Not surprisingly, the warfighter image of the soldier was the image that superimposed itself in the memory of civilians. It was an indelible image that had shaped their perception of the Filipino soldier. However, when Typhoon Sendong happened, this was an opportunity for the soldier to take on the role of the rescuer, the savior. It happened at a time when the troops have had education on the imperatives of the IPSP. Thus, Jalad sees that the performance of his men during Sendong was partly an application already of the IPSP. It was a performance that was well-received by a grateful community.
(Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Ilagan teaches Social Justice, Family Sociology, Theories of Socialization and Psychology at the Ateneo de Davao University.)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2012/11/24/wayward-and-fanciful-new-era-of-soldiery/
On 1 January 2011, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adopted the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) that seeks to transform the role of the Filipino soldiers in anticipation of a post-conflict scenario that would not require much demand on the exercise of their warfighting capability. The IPSP emphasizes the importance of military operations other than war (MOOTW) to be employed in enhancing the security of local communities. Colonel Ricardo Jalad, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, talks about the changing role of soldiers in the environmental security of communities within his unit’s area of responsibility. The 2nd Mechanized Brigade covers Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This interview took place on July 25, 2012 at the brigade headquarters in Maria Christina, Iligan City. Jalad said that while soldiers would always be in a state of readiness for combat operations, the IPSP now requires it to use the non-combat approach to address security concerns. These military operations other than war (MOOTW) take off from the notion that security would be addressed by all stakeholders involved, anchored on the concepts of human security and the whole-of-nation, people-centered approach. Human security encompasses the issue of environmental security. In the case of disaster and such events, AFP units on the ground are mandated to assist the response of other agencies, especially the local government units. For the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong last year became the test of its operation based on the IPSP framework. It became very much involved from the rescue phase, to the search for dead bodies, and on up to the rehabilitation phase when it took part in putting up temporary shelters and relocation houses. As disaster response, the brigade assisted in delivering relief goods to various areas affected by the flood. Later, in cooperation with the Lanao del Norte LGU, the 2MEB was able to construct two buildings, with a total of 23 units. Typhoon Sendong was the first climate-related disaster on that scale to hit Iligan City and Lanao del Norte in years. In the previous year, however, the soldiers were already actively involved in the efforts of the LGUs to constitute and operate their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC). Sendong would put their preparations to the test. The DRRMC spells out the inter-agency convergence required in response to disasters..... In Iligan City which used to be disaster-free, people would usually see soldiers when they were out for combat operations. Not surprisingly, the warfighter image of the soldier was the image that superimposed itself in the memory of civilians. It was an indelible image that had shaped their perception of the Filipino soldier. However, when Typhoon Sendong happened, this was an opportunity for the soldier to take on the role of the rescuer, the savior. It happened at a time when the troops have had education on the imperatives of the IPSP. Thus, Jalad sees that the performance of his men during Sendong was partly an application already of the IPSP. It was a performance that was well-received by a grateful community.
(Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Ilagan teaches Social Justice, Family Sociology, Theories of Socialization and Psychology at the Ateneo de Davao University.)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2012/11/24/wayward-and-fanciful-new-era-of-soldiery/
Western Mindanao Command has no spokesman
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 24): Western Mindanao Command has no spokesman
The military’s Western Mindanao Command, which covers half of the southern Philippines, is now without any spokesman after its information officer was ordered to report to the office of its former commander Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, now the Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff. Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said he is now with Coballes in Manila for a new assignment. "After 17 years, I am leaving Mindanao. I am transferring to the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff. It was fun to work with you and I am hoping to return soon. Thank you," Cabangbang told journalists. Former 6th Infantry Division commander Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo was named in October as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. And previous attempts by local journalists to interview Ardo had failed because he would always refer to Cabangbang. Ardo also did not meet with journalists since then and no press releases had been issued to media despite reports of violence and fighting between troops and rebels in the Western Mindanao the past weeks. Local journalists said they now rely on news reports from army commanders in the provinces. Journalists during Coballes' stint also had a similar problem because he would not speak to the press and had banned news photographers from taking pictures of wounded soldiers inside the military hospital in Western Mindanao Command.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121124085228
The military’s Western Mindanao Command, which covers half of the southern Philippines, is now without any spokesman after its information officer was ordered to report to the office of its former commander Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, now the Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff. Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said he is now with Coballes in Manila for a new assignment. "After 17 years, I am leaving Mindanao. I am transferring to the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff. It was fun to work with you and I am hoping to return soon. Thank you," Cabangbang told journalists. Former 6th Infantry Division commander Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo was named in October as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. And previous attempts by local journalists to interview Ardo had failed because he would always refer to Cabangbang. Ardo also did not meet with journalists since then and no press releases had been issued to media despite reports of violence and fighting between troops and rebels in the Western Mindanao the past weeks. Local journalists said they now rely on news reports from army commanders in the provinces. Journalists during Coballes' stint also had a similar problem because he would not speak to the press and had banned news photographers from taking pictures of wounded soldiers inside the military hospital in Western Mindanao Command.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121124085228
US diplomat killed in Makati City stabbing incident
From GMANews (Nov 24): US diplomat killed in Makati City stabbing incident
An American diplomat died after a stabbing incident in Makati City Saturday morning, an exclusive report on "24 Oras" said. It also said the American Embassy in Manila confirmed that the victim was one of its diplomats but it did not immediately identify him. GMA News' Saleema Refran said the incident took place along Kalayaan Avenue in Bel-Air village before dawn, and that the victim passed away in a hospital at about 7:20 a.m. According to the report, the diplomat was walking as he entered the village's gate when a white van with four men inside arrived and stopped at the entrance, and shortly after, the stabbing incident occurred. "Nagkakad sa may gate ang biktima nang may makasabay itong van. Nang tinanong sa gate kung saan pupunta ang sasakyan, nakitanong din umano ang biktima pero hindi pinansin ng mga apat na lalaki sa loob. Nang papasok na ang van... nagawa pang hampasin ng biktima ito," Makati Police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr. said in the report. The four then got off the van and stabbed the diplomat, who was able to walk 20 meters before he fell on the ground, the report said. The victim was rushed to a hospital but he died there, the report added. All the four suspects are now in police custody, Lukban said, adding that an investigation into the case is going on. Police believe the four suspects are children of wealthy families. The four could face homicide charges due to the incident, the report said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283683/news/metromanila/us-diplomat-killed-in-makati-city-stabbing-incident
An American diplomat died after a stabbing incident in Makati City Saturday morning, an exclusive report on "24 Oras" said. It also said the American Embassy in Manila confirmed that the victim was one of its diplomats but it did not immediately identify him. GMA News' Saleema Refran said the incident took place along Kalayaan Avenue in Bel-Air village before dawn, and that the victim passed away in a hospital at about 7:20 a.m. According to the report, the diplomat was walking as he entered the village's gate when a white van with four men inside arrived and stopped at the entrance, and shortly after, the stabbing incident occurred. "Nagkakad sa may gate ang biktima nang may makasabay itong van. Nang tinanong sa gate kung saan pupunta ang sasakyan, nakitanong din umano ang biktima pero hindi pinansin ng mga apat na lalaki sa loob. Nang papasok na ang van... nagawa pang hampasin ng biktima ito," Makati Police chief Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban Jr. said in the report. The four then got off the van and stabbed the diplomat, who was able to walk 20 meters before he fell on the ground, the report said. The victim was rushed to a hospital but he died there, the report added. All the four suspects are now in police custody, Lukban said, adding that an investigation into the case is going on. Police believe the four suspects are children of wealthy families. The four could face homicide charges due to the incident, the report said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/283683/news/metromanila/us-diplomat-killed-in-makati-city-stabbing-incident
Subic firm suspended
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 24): Subic firm suspended
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA) has suspended the operations of a US Navy contractor that is undergoing
investigation for dumping hazardous waste into Philippine waters. After a meeting on Friday, the SBMA board
decided to suspend the operations of Glenn Defense Marine Asia Philippines Inc.
The board, however, reiterated its
position that no toxic, hazardous, or domestic waste was dumped into Subic Bay. ....“It was clearly established that there was
dumping of toxic waste,” Legarda said. “How can they turn their back after the
hearing? Let’s just see what’s on record. The Senate will come out with its
recommendations by the end of the month,” she said. Legarda said she suspected “lobbying” to
save Glenn Defense from accountability.... Garcia said the SBMA, on Nov. 17,
suspended Glenn Defense’s collection and disposal of ship sewage in the sea
using sea vessels. Garcia said the order disallowing vessels
to haul and dump waste into waters in the high seas also “applies to all other
waste service contractors” in the free port. “After securing the necessary permits as
is presently required from SBMA for land-based disposal of sewage, all such
sewage is to be collected directly from the ship at the pier and transported by
accredited land-based haulers to be treated in accredited waste treatment
plants,” Garcia said. In the SBMA statement, Garcia also
clarified that there was “no evidence that toxic, hazardous or domestic waste
had been dumped [into] the waters of Subic Bay.” But Garcia did not explain how the SBMA
came to that conclusion......
Abu Sayyaf member captured in Zamboanga
From the Philippine Star (Nov 24): Abu Sayyaf member captured in Zamboanga
A member of rebel group Abu Sayyaf was captured by joint security forces during a raid last night at a remote village of Zamboanga, local military said torday. According to Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of army's 1st division, the captured suspect, identified as Walid Amping, is the fifth militant suspect arrested in the recent joint pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf by local police and military in Zamboanga and Basilan province. Amping, also known as Alexander Antonio and Tuma, was arrested at Tulongatong, a village located in the west of the city about 11: 20 p.m. Friday, Caber said. The spokesman added that the suspect, who has a standing warrant of arrest issued in July 2009 by the Pasig City court, was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of six people in August 2002, among whom two of the male victims were beheaded. The Abu Sayyaf was founded in the 1990s and had since perpetrated a number of high-profile crimes, including kidnapping and bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/24/872725/abu-sayyaf-member-captured-zamboanga
A member of rebel group Abu Sayyaf was captured by joint security forces during a raid last night at a remote village of Zamboanga, local military said torday. According to Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of army's 1st division, the captured suspect, identified as Walid Amping, is the fifth militant suspect arrested in the recent joint pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf by local police and military in Zamboanga and Basilan province. Amping, also known as Alexander Antonio and Tuma, was arrested at Tulongatong, a village located in the west of the city about 11: 20 p.m. Friday, Caber said. The spokesman added that the suspect, who has a standing warrant of arrest issued in July 2009 by the Pasig City court, was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of six people in August 2002, among whom two of the male victims were beheaded. The Abu Sayyaf was founded in the 1990s and had since perpetrated a number of high-profile crimes, including kidnapping and bombing.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/11/24/872725/abu-sayyaf-member-captured-zamboanga
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