From the MILF Website (Dec 11): NGOs, LGU in Marawi City back FAB
A multi-sectoral groups composed of non-government organizations (NGOs) and the City Government of Marawi rallied behind the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) by conducting a multi-sectoral peace advocacy at Banggolo Plaza, Marawi City from 8AM to 12NN last December 1. An estimated 15,000 attended the rally. Datu Musa Macabangkit, President of SAKSI Islamic Radio Forum and one of the lead convener of the event, disclosed that almost all sectors of the Bangsamoro society were represented in the said occasion, such as religious, political, academic, NGOs, radio forums, traditional leaders, law enforcers, traders, youth and women sector.
According to organizers, the main purpose of the said event is to enlighten all stakeholders about the FAB so that popular support and acceptance among grassroots communities will be ensured. “We in the NGO and civil society sectors are truly thankful to the Philippine government and the MILF for their enduring patience and perseverance in reaching a compromise formula that will hopefully put a stop to the war in Mindanao,” he cheerfully Macabangkit explained.
The 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines stationed at Kampo Ranaw, Marawi City also supported this event. Colonel Balenti, the outfit spokesman, emphasized the assurance of his Commanding General, BGen Daniel Lucero, that he strongly and firmly supports the FAB. He further said: “Do not be misled by merely looking at my military uniform. Look deeply into my heart because I am not an enemy. I am a Muslim, a Meranaw and most importantly a Bangsamoro too.”.......
......Dr. Saffrullah M. Dipatuan, Chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), and Dr. Macalinog Saligoin, incumbent Assistant Secretary of DepEd-ARMM enthusiastically presented and explained the FAB. Alim Zainoden Bato, Chairman of the Majlis As-Shoorah of the MILF Central Committee and Datu Said “Abosalman” Sheik, Chairman of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) expounded further on the circumstances surrounding the successful signing of the FAB as well as the current efforts being done on the completion of the annexes of the said agreement. Professor Salipada Tamano, representing the academic sector, emotionally summoned the participants to fully support the Framework Agreement......
Datu Agakhan Binladen Sharief, representing the Association of Higher Education Institutions in the ARMM, acknowledged the presence and active participation of the heads of tertiary schools in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur. He also thanked them for allowing their students to represent the youth sector and participate in this grand peace advocacy......
......Asked when will these information drives end, Dr. Dipatuan said: “This will end when we are confident enough that majority, if not all, of the Bangsamoro people have satisfactorily understood and appreciated the provisions of the Framework Agreement. We have scheduled advocacies until early January 2013 and more requests are coming. We have agreed to hold a peace summit at the Provincial Gymnasium in Marawi City in support of the FAB in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur headed by Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” A. Adiong. The Provincial Governor will summon all local government officials from the provincial level down to the barangay level. The MILF, on the other hand, will also invite its political committees from the provincial level down to the barangay level.”
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2986:ngos-lgu-in-marawi-city-back-fab&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Monday, December 10, 2012
Rebels attack mining firm in Palawan
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 11): Rebels attack mining firm in Palawan
Armed men believed to be communist rebels pounced on a mining company in the southern town of Sofronio Española on Sunday during the intense moments of the fight between Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, burning one of the company’s backhoes. An official of Citinickel Mining Corp., which is engaged in nickel mining in the area, told reporters here that at least six armed men blocked the road in Barangay (village) Punang and stopped the passing backhoe owned by a mining contractor at around 1 p.m. They introduced themselves as New People’s Army (NPA) members, he said. They allowed the civilians, including the backhoe driver, to pass through their checkpoint before setting the heavy equipment on fire, he added. Citinickel, in a report submitted to defense authorities here, claimed that the NPA was trying to exact “revolutionary taxes” from the firm. A Western Defense Command spokesperson, Lt. Anne Abrigo, said the extortion attempt “was mentioned in the statement of the company employees” but was still being verified.
Lt. Col. Efren Rellores, head of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 operating in southern Palawan, told the Inquirer that the military had been closely monitoring a small NPA group operating in the area. The group usually operates in small numbers going around the villages in the towns of Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Española, he said. Sunday’s attack was the third attack launched by the NPA in 18 months. In June last year, rebels raided a security detachment of another company at Brooke’s Point, a town adjacent to Sofronio Española, and an illegal chromite mining operation on Pali Island, Taytay and disarmed their private security guards.
In Negros Occidental, police intelligence agents arrested a top woman communist leader on a murder charge in Bago City on Friday. Aniceta Rojo was collared in Barangay Poblacion on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Renato Muñez of the Regional Trial Court in Cadiz City. She was listed in the police order of battle as a member of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros regional finance and education committees. Rojo was accused of taking part in the killing of First Lt. Archie Polenzo, a company commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, in Cadiz two years ago, according to Supt. William Senoron, Regional Intelligence Unit chief for Western Visayas. She was turned over by her captors to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cadiz. Her arrest brought to 21 the number of alleged high profile personalities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, in Negros Occidental since 2007. Sixteen of them, however, have managed to post bail and have returned to the mountains to continue the armed struggle, military records showed.
On Thursday, rebels killed two soldiers and wounded three others in an ambush n Barangay Rubas, Jaro town, in Leyte. The fatalities were identified as Pfc. Ariel Cahanap and Pfc. Jacob Bacolando. The wounded—Pfc. Ron Van Bura-Ay, Pfc. Russel Paderna and Pfc. Gilbert Serdena—were brought to the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association-Farmers’ Medical Center in Ormoc City. Capt. Drandreb Canto, spokesperson of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in the city, said the soldiers were on patrolling Rubas, 15 kilometers from the town center, when they were fired at by 10 rebels at about 8 p.m. An hour later, another group of 10 rebels attacked soldiers in Barnagay Atipolo in Albuera town, also in Leyte. Last year, the military declared Leyte an insurgency-free province, which meant that the number of rebels operating there had diminished considerably and could no longer stage ambuscades significantly.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/322011/rebels-attack-mining-firm-in-palawan
Armed men believed to be communist rebels pounced on a mining company in the southern town of Sofronio Española on Sunday during the intense moments of the fight between Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, burning one of the company’s backhoes. An official of Citinickel Mining Corp., which is engaged in nickel mining in the area, told reporters here that at least six armed men blocked the road in Barangay (village) Punang and stopped the passing backhoe owned by a mining contractor at around 1 p.m. They introduced themselves as New People’s Army (NPA) members, he said. They allowed the civilians, including the backhoe driver, to pass through their checkpoint before setting the heavy equipment on fire, he added. Citinickel, in a report submitted to defense authorities here, claimed that the NPA was trying to exact “revolutionary taxes” from the firm. A Western Defense Command spokesperson, Lt. Anne Abrigo, said the extortion attempt “was mentioned in the statement of the company employees” but was still being verified.
Lt. Col. Efren Rellores, head of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 operating in southern Palawan, told the Inquirer that the military had been closely monitoring a small NPA group operating in the area. The group usually operates in small numbers going around the villages in the towns of Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Española, he said. Sunday’s attack was the third attack launched by the NPA in 18 months. In June last year, rebels raided a security detachment of another company at Brooke’s Point, a town adjacent to Sofronio Española, and an illegal chromite mining operation on Pali Island, Taytay and disarmed their private security guards.
In Negros Occidental, police intelligence agents arrested a top woman communist leader on a murder charge in Bago City on Friday. Aniceta Rojo was collared in Barangay Poblacion on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Renato Muñez of the Regional Trial Court in Cadiz City. She was listed in the police order of battle as a member of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros regional finance and education committees. Rojo was accused of taking part in the killing of First Lt. Archie Polenzo, a company commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, in Cadiz two years ago, according to Supt. William Senoron, Regional Intelligence Unit chief for Western Visayas. She was turned over by her captors to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cadiz. Her arrest brought to 21 the number of alleged high profile personalities of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, in Negros Occidental since 2007. Sixteen of them, however, have managed to post bail and have returned to the mountains to continue the armed struggle, military records showed.
On Thursday, rebels killed two soldiers and wounded three others in an ambush n Barangay Rubas, Jaro town, in Leyte. The fatalities were identified as Pfc. Ariel Cahanap and Pfc. Jacob Bacolando. The wounded—Pfc. Ron Van Bura-Ay, Pfc. Russel Paderna and Pfc. Gilbert Serdena—were brought to the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association-Farmers’ Medical Center in Ormoc City. Capt. Drandreb Canto, spokesperson of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in the city, said the soldiers were on patrolling Rubas, 15 kilometers from the town center, when they were fired at by 10 rebels at about 8 p.m. An hour later, another group of 10 rebels attacked soldiers in Barnagay Atipolo in Albuera town, also in Leyte. Last year, the military declared Leyte an insurgency-free province, which meant that the number of rebels operating there had diminished considerably and could no longer stage ambuscades significantly.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/322011/rebels-attack-mining-firm-in-palawan
Militant party-lists not getting their pork
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 10): Militant party-lists not getting their pork
Even militant lawmakers belonging to the administration coalition are receiving shabby treatment from Malacañang—just like the family and allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Even militant lawmakers belonging to the administration coalition are receiving shabby treatment from Malacañang—just like the family and allies of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino revealed
that he and some of his colleagues from militant party-list groups had not
received their P70-million allocations this year from the Priority Development
Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel.
“I confirm we have not received any
releases for our projects from the PDAF this year. No word from the DBM
(Department of Budget and Management),” said Palatino, adding that they were
able to get their share of pork during the first year of the Aquino
administration without any hassles. Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said: “We
are still waiting for the releases. We are worried because we have committed
these funds to hospitals and all our funds have been used up. What can the poor
women access now?” Ilagan said Gabriela had scholarship
grants and water projects that have been affected by the delay in its pork
barrel release.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad Jr.
offered no explanation, however, saying that, “you have to ask them.” Abad pointed out that at least two of the
seven party-list representatives from the Makabayan bloc got their PDAF
releases—Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano and Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares.
Aside from Palatino and Ilagan, their
peers who had yet to receive a centavo of their P70 million annual allocation
are Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casino, Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus and ACT Teachers
Rep. Antonio Tinio. The zero-pork barrel Makabayan members are
now in the same boat as the allies of Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative
currently under hospital detention.
Army’s Additional Forces To Boost Peace, Security At Bataan Freeport
From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 10): Army’s Additional Forces To Boost Peace, Security At Bataan Freeport
An Army general proposed over the weekend the deployment of additional security personnel near the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) as he reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s commitment to maintaining lasting peace in Central Luzon, a key element of economic progress in the region. Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Palayan City, told Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet S. Garcia to consider the deployment of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel to augment existing security forces at the FAB.
Catapang said he believes that doing so will ensure that the establishment of an atmosphere of peace in the industrial area will be maintained through the coming years. Garcia, the principal architect of the law that converted the Bataan Economic Zone into the FAB, said he will discuss his proposal with FAB authorities and the local officials in Mariveles, headed by Mayor Jesse Concepcion, site of the freeport.....
7th ID is also beefing up efforts in guarding the ongoing construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and the soon to commence construction of Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX). The 89 kilometer-TPLEX would be linked with the existing North Luzon and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressways to provide seamless travel to and from the Ilocos, Cordillera and Central Luzon regions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/385194/army-s-additional-forces-to-boost-peace-security-at-bataan-freeport
An Army general proposed over the weekend the deployment of additional security personnel near the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) as he reaffirmed the Philippine Army’s commitment to maintaining lasting peace in Central Luzon, a key element of economic progress in the region. Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Palayan City, told Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet S. Garcia to consider the deployment of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel to augment existing security forces at the FAB.
Catapang said he believes that doing so will ensure that the establishment of an atmosphere of peace in the industrial area will be maintained through the coming years. Garcia, the principal architect of the law that converted the Bataan Economic Zone into the FAB, said he will discuss his proposal with FAB authorities and the local officials in Mariveles, headed by Mayor Jesse Concepcion, site of the freeport.....
7th ID is also beefing up efforts in guarding the ongoing construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and the soon to commence construction of Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX). The 89 kilometer-TPLEX would be linked with the existing North Luzon and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressways to provide seamless travel to and from the Ilocos, Cordillera and Central Luzon regions.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/385194/army-s-additional-forces-to-boost-peace-security-at-bataan-freeport
AFP Taking Lead Vs Loggers In Mindanao
From MindaNews (Dec 10): AFP Taking Lead Vs Loggers In Mindanao
The military has stepped forward in support of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive to stop logging activities and announced yesterday that, beginning Jan. 1, 2013, it will take the lead in the campaign against illegal loggers in Mindanao. Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID) spokesman, said this is in response to Aquino’s issuance of Executive Order No. 23: “Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force.” Osias said it was agreed at the special meeting with the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force at Camp Aguinaldo last September that strategies in operating against illegal loggers in Mindanao will be modified in view of the presence insurgents and armed groups in the area. With this, the “Anti-illegal Logging Task Force Resolution No.005 Series of 2012: A resolution converting the Anti-illegal Logging Operations in Mindanao from a civilian to an active military operation” will be implemented, he said. Present in the meeting were the secretaries of the Departments of Defense (DND) and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, 4ID commander, who is also one of the proponents of the plan when he was still in the AFP General Headquarters, already gave instructions to all units under his command to prepare for the eventual handover of operations against illegal logging to Army units under the 4ID area of responsibility. In Caraga Region, Col. Ronald N. Albano PA, 402nd Infantry Brigade (402IB) commander, conducted a series of meetings with DENR-Region 13 officials on preparations for the anti-illegal logging operations and the strategies that will be employed upon the implementation of the resolution. The 402IB is also a member of the newly created “Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee” under the Regional Development Council in Caraga that aims to supplement EO 23 of the President. “We are very pleased on how much the people are putting their trust in the AFP to lead in the anti-illegal logging campaign of the government. This is another challenge for us to do better than what we are already doing in terms of environmental protection,” said Abano. “That is why we are also employing the aid of the DENR and other agencies in providing us with the technical assistance we need to educate our personnel on this new undertaking.” “Rest assured that we, together with the other government agencies, will do our part and we will do it the best way we can,” he added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/385183/afp-taking-lead-vs-loggers-in-mindanao
The military has stepped forward in support of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive to stop logging activities and announced yesterday that, beginning Jan. 1, 2013, it will take the lead in the campaign against illegal loggers in Mindanao. Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID) spokesman, said this is in response to Aquino’s issuance of Executive Order No. 23: “Declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force.” Osias said it was agreed at the special meeting with the National Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force at Camp Aguinaldo last September that strategies in operating against illegal loggers in Mindanao will be modified in view of the presence insurgents and armed groups in the area. With this, the “Anti-illegal Logging Task Force Resolution No.005 Series of 2012: A resolution converting the Anti-illegal Logging Operations in Mindanao from a civilian to an active military operation” will be implemented, he said. Present in the meeting were the secretaries of the Departments of Defense (DND) and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, 4ID commander, who is also one of the proponents of the plan when he was still in the AFP General Headquarters, already gave instructions to all units under his command to prepare for the eventual handover of operations against illegal logging to Army units under the 4ID area of responsibility. In Caraga Region, Col. Ronald N. Albano PA, 402nd Infantry Brigade (402IB) commander, conducted a series of meetings with DENR-Region 13 officials on preparations for the anti-illegal logging operations and the strategies that will be employed upon the implementation of the resolution. The 402IB is also a member of the newly created “Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee” under the Regional Development Council in Caraga that aims to supplement EO 23 of the President. “We are very pleased on how much the people are putting their trust in the AFP to lead in the anti-illegal logging campaign of the government. This is another challenge for us to do better than what we are already doing in terms of environmental protection,” said Abano. “That is why we are also employing the aid of the DENR and other agencies in providing us with the technical assistance we need to educate our personnel on this new undertaking.” “Rest assured that we, together with the other government agencies, will do our part and we will do it the best way we can,” he added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/385183/afp-taking-lead-vs-loggers-in-mindanao
COA alarmed at delays in PAF procurements
From Malaya (Dec 10): COA alarmed at delays in PAF procurements
SOME P21.44 million worth of combat clothing and individual equipment (CCIE) purchased by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) three to five years ago from the Procurement Service, an agency under the Department of Budget and Management, has yet to be delivered. A Commission on Audit report noted that P15.6 million undelivered CCIE was already fully paid for while the remaining P5.84 million dated back to five years. Despite PS-DBM’s bad track record, the military service still increased its orders to P74.47 million worth of CCIE in 2011. By the time of the audit, however, only P23.37 million of the 2011 orders had been delivered. PS-DBM was created in 1978 supposedly to promote a “most economic and efficient” purchase and delivery of common-use supplies of the national government and its agencies.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/19674-coa-alarmed-at-delays-in-paf-procurements
SOME P21.44 million worth of combat clothing and individual equipment (CCIE) purchased by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) three to five years ago from the Procurement Service, an agency under the Department of Budget and Management, has yet to be delivered. A Commission on Audit report noted that P15.6 million undelivered CCIE was already fully paid for while the remaining P5.84 million dated back to five years. Despite PS-DBM’s bad track record, the military service still increased its orders to P74.47 million worth of CCIE in 2011. By the time of the audit, however, only P23.37 million of the 2011 orders had been delivered. PS-DBM was created in 1978 supposedly to promote a “most economic and efficient” purchase and delivery of common-use supplies of the national government and its agencies.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/19674-coa-alarmed-at-delays-in-paf-procurements
NPA violates truce, holds 2 kids hostage
From the Daily Tribune (Dec 11): NPA violates truce, holds 2 kids hostage
The military yesterday scored the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for violating its self-declared truce amid the disaster brought by typhoon “Pablo” in Region XI by “hostaging” two children of an Army man who was a victim of flash floods in Davao del Norte. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, the spokesman of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID), said that while the NPA declared a supposed truce in typhoon-stricken areas last week, they themselves violated it by initially taking two minor children of Pfc. Lito Masaluon.
Paniza said Masaluon was on a motorcycle with his two children, aged 17 and 12, at around 9:30 a.m. when they were flagged down by seven NPA rebels at Sitio Danao in Barangay Mandalingan, Kapalong town. “They have issued a statement last week (declaring truce) but yesterday (Sunday) they conducted a checkpoint in Kapalong and fired at one of our soldiers,” said Paniza. The rebels reportedly fired at Masaluon and his children but missed. Sensing he was the target of the armed men, Masaluon, Paniza said, tried to divert the attention of the armed men from his children by running to the opposition direction. Paniza said that three NPA rebels continued chasing and firing at Masaluon while the others held the two children. Paniza said Masaluon’s two children were released hours after they were taken as hostages through the efforts of local tribal leaders.
The military spokesman noted that the NPA atrocity happened amid the massive disaster response operations being conducted by government troops in typhoon-stricken areas in Region XI. In fact, Paniza said Masaluon himself was a victim of the calamity after his house was washed away by flash floods.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7995-npa-violates-truce-holds-2-kids-hostage
The military yesterday scored the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for violating its self-declared truce amid the disaster brought by typhoon “Pablo” in Region XI by “hostaging” two children of an Army man who was a victim of flash floods in Davao del Norte. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, the spokesman of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID), said that while the NPA declared a supposed truce in typhoon-stricken areas last week, they themselves violated it by initially taking two minor children of Pfc. Lito Masaluon.
Paniza said Masaluon was on a motorcycle with his two children, aged 17 and 12, at around 9:30 a.m. when they were flagged down by seven NPA rebels at Sitio Danao in Barangay Mandalingan, Kapalong town. “They have issued a statement last week (declaring truce) but yesterday (Sunday) they conducted a checkpoint in Kapalong and fired at one of our soldiers,” said Paniza. The rebels reportedly fired at Masaluon and his children but missed. Sensing he was the target of the armed men, Masaluon, Paniza said, tried to divert the attention of the armed men from his children by running to the opposition direction. Paniza said that three NPA rebels continued chasing and firing at Masaluon while the others held the two children. Paniza said Masaluon’s two children were released hours after they were taken as hostages through the efforts of local tribal leaders.
The military spokesman noted that the NPA atrocity happened amid the massive disaster response operations being conducted by government troops in typhoon-stricken areas in Region XI. In fact, Paniza said Masaluon himself was a victim of the calamity after his house was washed away by flash floods.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7995-npa-violates-truce-holds-2-kids-hostage
Leonen recuses from Pamatong suit deliberation
From the Daily Tribune (10): Leonen recuses from Pamatong suit deliberation
Newly appointed Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will take no part in deliberations on a petition challenging the validity of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that created a juridical entity in the southern part of the country. Leonen, who was the government’s lead man in negotiations with stakeholders, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), recused himself from handling the case.
In a 24-page petition for certiorari filed before the SC, lawyer Elly Pamatong, president of the International Ministries for Perfect and Party Against Communism and Terrorism Inc. (IMPPACT INC.) asked the tribunal to declare as unconstitutional the signed agreement. Among the petitioners who are also members of IMPPACT are Rev. Mercidita Redoble and Rev. Vicente Libradores Aquino. The case was raffled off to Leonen who informed the court that he will inhibit from the case. The petition shall be raffled off with a new ponente or the one tasked to write the decision to the case.
Pamatong has accused the Government Peace Panel of committing grave abuse of discretion when it formulated the Framework Agreement and said the forging of the pact will dissolve the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was formed via 1976 Tripoli Agreement. The international treaty, according to the petitioners, was recognized by the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Organization of Islamic Conference. The government insists that the framework will only complement, not disregard, the existing Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Leonen had also expressed confidence that both parties would be able to complete the three annexes of the peace pact by the end of the year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7998-leonen-recuses-from-pamatong-suit-deliberation
Newly appointed Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Marvic Leonen will take no part in deliberations on a petition challenging the validity of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro that created a juridical entity in the southern part of the country. Leonen, who was the government’s lead man in negotiations with stakeholders, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), recused himself from handling the case.
In a 24-page petition for certiorari filed before the SC, lawyer Elly Pamatong, president of the International Ministries for Perfect and Party Against Communism and Terrorism Inc. (IMPPACT INC.) asked the tribunal to declare as unconstitutional the signed agreement. Among the petitioners who are also members of IMPPACT are Rev. Mercidita Redoble and Rev. Vicente Libradores Aquino. The case was raffled off to Leonen who informed the court that he will inhibit from the case. The petition shall be raffled off with a new ponente or the one tasked to write the decision to the case.
Pamatong has accused the Government Peace Panel of committing grave abuse of discretion when it formulated the Framework Agreement and said the forging of the pact will dissolve the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was formed via 1976 Tripoli Agreement. The international treaty, according to the petitioners, was recognized by the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Organization of Islamic Conference. The government insists that the framework will only complement, not disregard, the existing Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Leonen had also expressed confidence that both parties would be able to complete the three annexes of the peace pact by the end of the year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/7998-leonen-recuses-from-pamatong-suit-deliberation
Territorial sea claims top PHL-US dialogue agenda
From Business Mirror (Dec 10): Territorial sea claims top PHL-US dialogue agenda
Amid increasing tensions between Manila and Beijing over their territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the Philippines and the United States are to hold a strategic dialogue today in Manila to discuss a range of issues such as the economy, rule of law, diplomatic engagement and defense. Carlos Kim Soreta, assistant secretary for American Affairs, said during a press briefing on Monday that this is the third Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) between the two countries. He added that the Department of National Defense (DND) will tackle defense; the Department of Trade and Industry, the economy; and the Department of Justice, the rule of law.
Also on the agenda are economic linkages, inclusive growth, judicial reform, capacity-building of law enforcement, maritime security, defense cooperation and regional and global issues. Soreta said Adm.Samuel J. Locklear, commander in chief, Pacific Command, will be attending the plenary session, scheduled for Wednesday. The DND and the Department of Foreign Affairs will take the lead for the Philippine government in the forum. Citing the country’s long and lasting relationship with the United States, Soreta said, “We put structure to it, it is important, so that we have a common understanding of concepts and principles that bring us together to do common work,” he added.
Since the tensions in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing erupted this year over occupation by Chinese fishermen of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), there has been a flurry of visits by American warships to the country. The visits, which were in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement, were preceded by acquisition of naval ships to augment the country’s depleted Navy. The Philippines has been rallying friends and allies to join in its campaign to apply the rule of law in the South China Sea, saying that Manila’s claim to the contested isles and shoal is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Tuesday’s dialogue will be led by Foreign Undersecretary Linda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary Pilo Lorenzo Batino for the Philippine side and the State Department Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell and Defense Assistant Secretary Mark Lippert for the US. We expect the third BSD to continue our countries’ high-level consultation and exchance of views on bilateral, regional and global issues which reflect our common values and emerging interests,” Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said. He added that he sees an accelerated deepening of Philippine-US relations beginning with the second BSD in January. “Our partnership with the US is strategically important to us as our country deals with a wide range of emerging challenges, from natural disasters to maritime disputes,” del Rosario said, adding that the third BSD will assess where the country’s maturing relationship with the US is at present and where it should take the Philippines in 2013.
Political, Muslim leaders seeking seats in transition commission
From Business World (Dec 10): Political, Muslim leaders seeking seats in transition commission
Governors and Muslim leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are seeking participation in the transition commission that will be formed to draft the basic law on the planned Bangsamoro region and recommend possible amendments in the Constitution. In a four-page resolution passed during the forum of the Framework of the Bangsamoro in the island-province of Sulu last week, governors in the five-province ARMM said there is a need for the commission to be inclusive since the future of their areas are at stake. They also sought representation from the ulama (Muslim spiritual leaders) and women sector.
The transition commission -- which has yet to be created in an executive order -- will be composed of 15 members, with seven members to be appointed by the government and eight members, including the chairman, to be selected by the MILF. The commission’s objective is to have a Bangsamoro basic law before the Aquino administration steps down in 2016. The law will need to undergo a plebiscite in the Bangsamoro areas that were identified in the framework agreement, which will replace ARMM.
The MILF has earlier agreed to trim down the transition period from six to three years to align with the term of President Benigno S. C. Aquino III. Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, has earlier said that representatives of key sectors of society should be included in the commission.
For her part, Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Q. Deles said the government also wants the commission’s composition as inclusive as possible. "We are committed to such for an inclusive a table as possible in the crafting of the new law on the Bangsamoro," she has said. "We are pushing for ethnic, gender and generational balance. As we have previously stated, we are committed to ensure MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) representation in the transition commission. The same goes for the indigenous people." Ms. Deles said the government has no "short list yet," but it is open to receiving "applications and nominations for the commission."
The governors said they are also asking for the government and MILF to reconsider their request for them to be "members of the domestic groups of the third-party monitoring team" in overseeing the ceasefire agreement.
The government and the MILF are expected to conclude talks on three annexes of the framework deal, namely: power sharing; wealth sharing; and normalization, including the schedule of decommissioning of the MILF. The two sides will resume the talks sometime this month in Kuala Lumpur.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Political,-Muslim-leaders-seeking-seats-in-transition-commission&id=62736
Governors and Muslim leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are seeking participation in the transition commission that will be formed to draft the basic law on the planned Bangsamoro region and recommend possible amendments in the Constitution. In a four-page resolution passed during the forum of the Framework of the Bangsamoro in the island-province of Sulu last week, governors in the five-province ARMM said there is a need for the commission to be inclusive since the future of their areas are at stake. They also sought representation from the ulama (Muslim spiritual leaders) and women sector.
The transition commission -- which has yet to be created in an executive order -- will be composed of 15 members, with seven members to be appointed by the government and eight members, including the chairman, to be selected by the MILF. The commission’s objective is to have a Bangsamoro basic law before the Aquino administration steps down in 2016. The law will need to undergo a plebiscite in the Bangsamoro areas that were identified in the framework agreement, which will replace ARMM.
The MILF has earlier agreed to trim down the transition period from six to three years to align with the term of President Benigno S. C. Aquino III. Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, has earlier said that representatives of key sectors of society should be included in the commission.
For her part, Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Q. Deles said the government also wants the commission’s composition as inclusive as possible. "We are committed to such for an inclusive a table as possible in the crafting of the new law on the Bangsamoro," she has said. "We are pushing for ethnic, gender and generational balance. As we have previously stated, we are committed to ensure MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) representation in the transition commission. The same goes for the indigenous people." Ms. Deles said the government has no "short list yet," but it is open to receiving "applications and nominations for the commission."
The governors said they are also asking for the government and MILF to reconsider their request for them to be "members of the domestic groups of the third-party monitoring team" in overseeing the ceasefire agreement.
The government and the MILF are expected to conclude talks on three annexes of the framework deal, namely: power sharing; wealth sharing; and normalization, including the schedule of decommissioning of the MILF. The two sides will resume the talks sometime this month in Kuala Lumpur.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Political,-Muslim-leaders-seeking-seats-in-transition-commission&id=62736
Manila, Jakarta boost military ties
From Business World (Dec 10): Manila, Jakarta boost military ties
The Philippines and Indonesia have boosted efforts against terrorism and transnational crimes with the inking of a new cooperation document that reinforces a three-decade-old joint border agreement. Admiral Agus Suhartono, commander in chief of the Indonesian National Defense Force, and Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff said after the signing ceremony that the agreement will strengthen cooperation on sharing intelligence information, joint border patrol, operations and exercises, training and education, as well as service-to-service activities.
Mr. Dellosa particularly cited the need to strengthen the sharing of information on anti-terrorism efforts, with both sides set to review protocols and address weak points. Also present at the event, Indonesian Consul General Eko Hartono said the cooperation deal is key to running after transnational criminals who take advantage of so-called porous borders. Manila and Jakarta have a cooperation agreement that goes way back to 1975 when the joint border committee was formed.
Mr. Hartono said the new accord, called Philippine-Indonesia Military Cooperation, has both sides committing to come up with new mechanisms on joint initiatives, including the allocation of "as much resources as possible" to solve crimes that involve their nationals in each other’s areas. The military units will also intensify "coordinated patrols" against terror groups, the Indonesia official said.
The Philippine military has identified the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as a terrorist group helping the Abu Sayyaf, which has wreaked havoc on security in some parts of the country, particularly in western Mindanao. The Philippine military has even arrested in Mindanao several Indonesians who were tagged as leaders of the JI who trained members of the Abu Sayyaf, particularly in making explosive devices. There were even reports linking the Indonesia-based extremist group into what was earlier referred to as a special operations unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Experts on terrorism claimed that JI was behind the two bombs that exploded in 2003 at the Davao airport and wharf that killed 38 people and injured 200 others.
Meanwhile, Mr. Suhartono also turned over relief goods worth $1 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development as assistance to the victims of typhoon Pablo (international code name: Bopha) for the Davao Region.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Manila,-Jakarta-boost-military-ties&id=62739
The Philippines and Indonesia have boosted efforts against terrorism and transnational crimes with the inking of a new cooperation document that reinforces a three-decade-old joint border agreement. Admiral Agus Suhartono, commander in chief of the Indonesian National Defense Force, and Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff said after the signing ceremony that the agreement will strengthen cooperation on sharing intelligence information, joint border patrol, operations and exercises, training and education, as well as service-to-service activities.
Mr. Dellosa particularly cited the need to strengthen the sharing of information on anti-terrorism efforts, with both sides set to review protocols and address weak points. Also present at the event, Indonesian Consul General Eko Hartono said the cooperation deal is key to running after transnational criminals who take advantage of so-called porous borders. Manila and Jakarta have a cooperation agreement that goes way back to 1975 when the joint border committee was formed.
Mr. Hartono said the new accord, called Philippine-Indonesia Military Cooperation, has both sides committing to come up with new mechanisms on joint initiatives, including the allocation of "as much resources as possible" to solve crimes that involve their nationals in each other’s areas. The military units will also intensify "coordinated patrols" against terror groups, the Indonesia official said.
The Philippine military has identified the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as a terrorist group helping the Abu Sayyaf, which has wreaked havoc on security in some parts of the country, particularly in western Mindanao. The Philippine military has even arrested in Mindanao several Indonesians who were tagged as leaders of the JI who trained members of the Abu Sayyaf, particularly in making explosive devices. There were even reports linking the Indonesia-based extremist group into what was earlier referred to as a special operations unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Experts on terrorism claimed that JI was behind the two bombs that exploded in 2003 at the Davao airport and wharf that killed 38 people and injured 200 others.
Meanwhile, Mr. Suhartono also turned over relief goods worth $1 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development as assistance to the victims of typhoon Pablo (international code name: Bopha) for the Davao Region.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Manila,-Jakarta-boost-military-ties&id=62739
Citing terror threat, UK renews advice vs travel to parts of Mindanao
From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): Citing terror threat, UK renews advice vs travel to parts of Mindanao
The United Kingdom on Monday (Manila time) advised its nationals anew against traveling to parts of Mindanao due to the threat of terrorism there. In its Dec. 9 travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao, and non-essential travel to specific areas in Mindanao. "There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, places of worship etc.," it said. The UK particularly advised against "all travel" in:
The United Kingdom on Monday (Manila time) advised its nationals anew against traveling to parts of Mindanao due to the threat of terrorism there. In its Dec. 9 travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao, and non-essential travel to specific areas in Mindanao. "There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, places of worship etc.," it said. The UK particularly advised against "all travel" in:
- Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (includes Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi);
- Sarangani;
- North and South Cotabato;
- Sultan Kudarat;
- Lanao del Norte;
- Zamboanga del Sur; and
- Zamboanga Sibugay.
It advised against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao "because of ongoing terrorist activity," citing a number of attacks against civilian targets. "Since November 2011 there have been at least ten bombing incidents in North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sulu, Sultan Kudarat, and Zamboanga killing a total of eight people and leaving 66 others wounded," it noted. Also, the UK cited ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.
Meanwhile, the UK cited a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines, particularly in the south. "Kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea," it said. Some 104,000 British tourists visited the Philippines in 2011, the UK FCO noted, citing figures from the Philippine Department of Tourism.
Meanwhile, the UK cited a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines, particularly in the south. "Kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea," it said. Some 104,000 British tourists visited the Philippines in 2011, the UK FCO noted, citing figures from the Philippine Department of Tourism.
New People's Army halts armed offensives in 'Pablo'-stricken areas
From GMA News (Dec 10): New People's Army halts armed offensives in 'Pablo'-stricken areas
The communist New People's Army (NPA) on Monday announced a suspension of armed offensives in two southern Philippine provinces devastated by Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) last week. The typhoon left nearly 650 people dead and caused at least P7 billion in damage to crops, property, and infrastructure. The Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA's parent organization, said on its website that “[i]n light of the urgent humanitarian considerations, the NPA can suspend offensive military operations against the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] for a period of time. “The responsible organs of the Communist Party, the NPA and the National Democratic Front (NDF) will issue more authoritative and detailed orders on this matter,” it added.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) noted that Pablo has affected more than five million people in 30 provinces. At least 1,482 people were injured and 780 remain missing, while 100 fishermen are feared lost between Mindanao and Indonesia's Sulawesi island.
Army division commander Major-General Ariel Bernardo told Reuters he believes that many NPA rebels, which are actively operating in the hardest hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, were also affected by Pablo. "We heard the rebels had declared an informal ceasefire, we welcome that because we can all concentrate on helping typhoon victims," Bernardo told Reuters. "I believe many of these rebels were also affected and could be in the shelter areas." As of Monday morning, the death toll from Pablo was pegged at 647, and the damage to infrastructure and agriculture at P7.116 billion.
No to the 'truce'
In a text message to GMA News Online, however, AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos said the military will continue conducting security operations “which is a fulfillment of our constitutional mandate." “Negative on the truce [with NPA]. On their declaration of suspension of offensives – if they really want peace and stability for our country for unhampered progress and development, they should completely abandon the armed violence which continue to harm our peace loving citizens,” he added. “Their continued extortion activities, use of improvised explosive device and ambush of government soldiers/public servants are causing destruction to infrastructures, facilities and loss of innocent lives. “Instead of being part of the problem, they should become part of the solution by embracing peace."
The CPP has asked international donors to send their assistance to the various people’s organizations engaged in calamity and disaster work, to ensure that aid reaches the victims directly. It blamed the Aquino administration for allowing big mining operations in the affected areas to continue “despite the widespread damage these have caused on the environment which subject the people in lowlands to calamities.” NPA guerrillas have been battling government forces in various parts of the Philippines for decades.
Bernardo said he had ordered troops to shift from combat to relief operations, and to help deliver food and rebuild communities. Government soldiers have also restored links to isolated communities so that food and other supplies can reach the victims.....
The communist New People's Army (NPA) on Monday announced a suspension of armed offensives in two southern Philippine provinces devastated by Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) last week. The typhoon left nearly 650 people dead and caused at least P7 billion in damage to crops, property, and infrastructure. The Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA's parent organization, said on its website that “[i]n light of the urgent humanitarian considerations, the NPA can suspend offensive military operations against the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] for a period of time. “The responsible organs of the Communist Party, the NPA and the National Democratic Front (NDF) will issue more authoritative and detailed orders on this matter,” it added.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) noted that Pablo has affected more than five million people in 30 provinces. At least 1,482 people were injured and 780 remain missing, while 100 fishermen are feared lost between Mindanao and Indonesia's Sulawesi island.
Army division commander Major-General Ariel Bernardo told Reuters he believes that many NPA rebels, which are actively operating in the hardest hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, were also affected by Pablo. "We heard the rebels had declared an informal ceasefire, we welcome that because we can all concentrate on helping typhoon victims," Bernardo told Reuters. "I believe many of these rebels were also affected and could be in the shelter areas." As of Monday morning, the death toll from Pablo was pegged at 647, and the damage to infrastructure and agriculture at P7.116 billion.
No to the 'truce'
In a text message to GMA News Online, however, AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos said the military will continue conducting security operations “which is a fulfillment of our constitutional mandate." “Negative on the truce [with NPA]. On their declaration of suspension of offensives – if they really want peace and stability for our country for unhampered progress and development, they should completely abandon the armed violence which continue to harm our peace loving citizens,” he added. “Their continued extortion activities, use of improvised explosive device and ambush of government soldiers/public servants are causing destruction to infrastructures, facilities and loss of innocent lives. “Instead of being part of the problem, they should become part of the solution by embracing peace."
The CPP has asked international donors to send their assistance to the various people’s organizations engaged in calamity and disaster work, to ensure that aid reaches the victims directly. It blamed the Aquino administration for allowing big mining operations in the affected areas to continue “despite the widespread damage these have caused on the environment which subject the people in lowlands to calamities.” NPA guerrillas have been battling government forces in various parts of the Philippines for decades.
Bernardo said he had ordered troops to shift from combat to relief operations, and to help deliver food and rebuild communities. Government soldiers have also restored links to isolated communities so that food and other supplies can reach the victims.....
Progressives critical of administration's human rights record
From GMANews (Dec 11): Progressives critical of administration's human rights record
Several progressive groups commemorated International Human Rights Day on Monday with protest actions against the Aquino administration, which they found wanting as far as protecting human rights are concerned. “Both (President Benigno) Aquino III and the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) need to get their priorities straight. Instead of going after the culprits, they punish the victims,” Kabataan Partylist national president, lawyer Terry Ridon said. Kabataan staged a protest action in front of the CHR compound in Quezon City where government agencies had gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Ridon said CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales has been ineffective and was a poster girl for Aquino’s human rights charade as evidenced by the arrest last December 3 of Randy Vegas and Raul Camposano of COURAGE, a progressive federation of government employees. The two were accused of participating in an ambush staged by the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Camarines Norte. He also slammed the promotion of Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, one of the respondents in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos, as head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The group also cited the cases of activists Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, both of whom remain missing. The principal suspect in their disappearance was retired AFP chief Jovito Palparan, who remained at large. “We condemn these human rights violations and the impunity [with which they are] perpetrated by the administration. The youth will not stand by and watch their country, future and civil liberties be torn into shreds by programs like Oplan Bayanihan,” said Ridon.
Mendiola protests
Later in the day, Kabataan joined the protests at Mendiola along with Anakbayan; Karapatan; Panalipdan! Mindanao; Kalumaran, an organization of Lumad or indigenous peoples from Mindanao; and Bayan-Southern Tagalog. During the protest, Anakbayan called for a ban on military personnel in all schools and at all levels across the nation, as they alleged a resurgence in various forms of “campus militarization.” “In the more remote areas, the AFP has been violating international laws and agreements by using schools for their camps, deliberately putting children and teachers in harm’s way as their ‘human shields’,” said Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan. “In urban areas, especially in colleges and universities, the military presence takes on a more insidious form: through their so-called forums where they threaten and harass youth activists, and through the re-activation of the ‘Student Intelligence Network',” he added.
Meanwhile, Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general, said among the 129 victims of extrajudicial killings that they have documented, 69 were farmers and 25 were indigenous peoples. Most of those killed in Mindanao were anti-mining activists and Lumad leaders who defended their land and the environment against the intrusion of big foreign mining corporations. Karapatan also believed abuses by the military continue because of Oplan Bayanihan, the government's anti-insurgency program.
Militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said that Rolando Quijano, a farmer and active member of the Alliance of Farmers Union in Zamboanga Del Sur (AFUZS-KMP), was allegedly shot to death last Friday in San Miguel Town by elements of the Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion. KMP spokesperson Antonio Flores said Quijano’s relatives and colleagues believe his death was due to his active opposition to large-scale mining and illegal logging in Zamboanga Del Sur. “The extrajudicial killing of Quijano by suspected state security forces clearly shows that the culture of impunity prevails under the Aquino administration,” said Flores.....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/285839/news/nation/progressives-critical-of-administration-s-human-rights-record?ref=subsection_item
Several progressive groups commemorated International Human Rights Day on Monday with protest actions against the Aquino administration, which they found wanting as far as protecting human rights are concerned. “Both (President Benigno) Aquino III and the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) need to get their priorities straight. Instead of going after the culprits, they punish the victims,” Kabataan Partylist national president, lawyer Terry Ridon said. Kabataan staged a protest action in front of the CHR compound in Quezon City where government agencies had gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Ridon said CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales has been ineffective and was a poster girl for Aquino’s human rights charade as evidenced by the arrest last December 3 of Randy Vegas and Raul Camposano of COURAGE, a progressive federation of government employees. The two were accused of participating in an ambush staged by the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Camarines Norte. He also slammed the promotion of Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, one of the respondents in the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos, as head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The group also cited the cases of activists Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, both of whom remain missing. The principal suspect in their disappearance was retired AFP chief Jovito Palparan, who remained at large. “We condemn these human rights violations and the impunity [with which they are] perpetrated by the administration. The youth will not stand by and watch their country, future and civil liberties be torn into shreds by programs like Oplan Bayanihan,” said Ridon.
Mendiola protests
Later in the day, Kabataan joined the protests at Mendiola along with Anakbayan; Karapatan; Panalipdan! Mindanao; Kalumaran, an organization of Lumad or indigenous peoples from Mindanao; and Bayan-Southern Tagalog. During the protest, Anakbayan called for a ban on military personnel in all schools and at all levels across the nation, as they alleged a resurgence in various forms of “campus militarization.” “In the more remote areas, the AFP has been violating international laws and agreements by using schools for their camps, deliberately putting children and teachers in harm’s way as their ‘human shields’,” said Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan. “In urban areas, especially in colleges and universities, the military presence takes on a more insidious form: through their so-called forums where they threaten and harass youth activists, and through the re-activation of the ‘Student Intelligence Network',” he added.
Meanwhile, Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general, said among the 129 victims of extrajudicial killings that they have documented, 69 were farmers and 25 were indigenous peoples. Most of those killed in Mindanao were anti-mining activists and Lumad leaders who defended their land and the environment against the intrusion of big foreign mining corporations. Karapatan also believed abuses by the military continue because of Oplan Bayanihan, the government's anti-insurgency program.
Militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said that Rolando Quijano, a farmer and active member of the Alliance of Farmers Union in Zamboanga Del Sur (AFUZS-KMP), was allegedly shot to death last Friday in San Miguel Town by elements of the Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion. KMP spokesperson Antonio Flores said Quijano’s relatives and colleagues believe his death was due to his active opposition to large-scale mining and illegal logging in Zamboanga Del Sur. “The extrajudicial killing of Quijano by suspected state security forces clearly shows that the culture of impunity prevails under the Aquino administration,” said Flores.....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/285839/news/nation/progressives-critical-of-administration-s-human-rights-record?ref=subsection_item
CHR admits torture, killings happen under PNoy
From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): CHR admits torture, killings happen under PNoy
Torture, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are still happening now under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, according to human rights chief Loretta Rosales. “Sa Aquino administration, meron pang extra judicial killings, meron pang enforced disappearance, meron pa ring torture pero nabawasan na,” the head of the Commission on Human Rights said in an interview on International Day of Human Rights. President Aquino recently signed Administrative Order No. 35, creating the Inter-agency committee on extra-legal killing, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations of the right to life and security of persons.
Rosales said the commission has submitted a report to the military detailing 96 atrocities allegedly committed by state security forces. She said the military then presented the report to infantry divisions deployed all over the country. She said that out of the 96 reported cases, 42 were clearly human rights violations. Another 35-45 cases were acts committed by individual soldiers against their spouses or children, which are also clear abuses of human rights, she said.
Col. Roderick Parayno, chief of the Army's Human Rights Office, said there are 80 more alleged violations reported by the media and Congress that are being investigated by the military. One case that has led to a court martial is the murders of anti-mining activist Juvy Capion and her two sons, Jordan and Mark Jordan, allegedly at the hands of elements of the Philippine Army’s 27th Infantry Batallion.
Rosales said human rights abuses by state security forces blossomed under martial law after President Ferdinand Marcos used the military, police and the entire government to perpetuate himself in power.
She told rights group Karapatan that human rights abuses can only be solved by getting to the root of the complaints. She said the CHR is set to sign a declaration with top military and police chiefs about the investigation of these human rights violations.
“Kailangan we engage them directly and we tell them kailangan ma engage niyo ang human rights at baguhin niyo yung inyong behaviour. That is the way I go about it,” she said. “Hindi pwedeng nakahiwalay ka lang at banat ka lang nang banat sa kanila. Kailangan tulungan natin sila na lutasin ang sarili nilang problema at yung mga charged ay pumasok sa investigation, charge and judgment,” she added.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/10/12/chr-admits-torture-killings-happen-under-pnoy
Torture, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are still happening now under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, according to human rights chief Loretta Rosales. “Sa Aquino administration, meron pang extra judicial killings, meron pang enforced disappearance, meron pa ring torture pero nabawasan na,” the head of the Commission on Human Rights said in an interview on International Day of Human Rights. President Aquino recently signed Administrative Order No. 35, creating the Inter-agency committee on extra-legal killing, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations of the right to life and security of persons.
Rosales said the commission has submitted a report to the military detailing 96 atrocities allegedly committed by state security forces. She said the military then presented the report to infantry divisions deployed all over the country. She said that out of the 96 reported cases, 42 were clearly human rights violations. Another 35-45 cases were acts committed by individual soldiers against their spouses or children, which are also clear abuses of human rights, she said.
Col. Roderick Parayno, chief of the Army's Human Rights Office, said there are 80 more alleged violations reported by the media and Congress that are being investigated by the military. One case that has led to a court martial is the murders of anti-mining activist Juvy Capion and her two sons, Jordan and Mark Jordan, allegedly at the hands of elements of the Philippine Army’s 27th Infantry Batallion.
Rosales said human rights abuses by state security forces blossomed under martial law after President Ferdinand Marcos used the military, police and the entire government to perpetuate himself in power.
She told rights group Karapatan that human rights abuses can only be solved by getting to the root of the complaints. She said the CHR is set to sign a declaration with top military and police chiefs about the investigation of these human rights violations.
“Kailangan we engage them directly and we tell them kailangan ma engage niyo ang human rights at baguhin niyo yung inyong behaviour. That is the way I go about it,” she said. “Hindi pwedeng nakahiwalay ka lang at banat ka lang nang banat sa kanila. Kailangan tulungan natin sila na lutasin ang sarili nilang problema at yung mga charged ay pumasok sa investigation, charge and judgment,” she added.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/10/12/chr-admits-torture-killings-happen-under-pnoy
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