Habier Malik leading MNLF attacks in Zambo

From Rappler (Sep 9): Habier Malik leading MNLF attacks in Zambo



LEADER. Habier Malik, known as the top aide of Nur Misuari, has been spotted in Zamboanga City. Photo by Therence Koh/AFP

In Sulu last February, he led the charge against the Abu Sayyaf after the group failed to release a Jordanian journalist. His men clashed with the bandits, displacing 2,000 Sulu residents.

On Monday, September 9, Habier Malik, commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and a key senior aide of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, was spotted by military intelligence as the leader of armed men who occupied 4 villages in Zamboanga City.

Malik was sighted in Barangay Sta Catalina, according to Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala. Marine officers in Sulu confirmed to Rappler that Malik is no longer in Sulu.

It was also Malik's deputy, Salid Ismael, who spoke with local radio reporters about their demands.

READ: MNLF sets demands

Malik, who comes from Basilan, has been a Misuari loyalist. He is believed to command armed men both in Basilan and Sulu.

Dolorfino and Sulu

In February 2007, when government troops clashed with MNLF members in Sulu, Malik and his men held hostage then Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino and 18 others. They were held at the MNLF base in Bitan-ag complex in Panamao, Sulu. Dolorfino was there to talk peace.

Jesus Dureza, then the presidential adviser on the peace process, recalls that incident in a mindanews article published last August: "Malik, a religious leader who maintains an armed force in the fastnesses of Sulu, is one of the loyalists who 'hostaged' Marine General Ben Dolorfino and Gen. Ramon Santos, my OPAPP undersecretary, when they entered his camp to deliver some 'goodies' and in a goodwill mission. They were prevented from leaving the camp for several days for one reason or another. I had to fly to Jolo and personally negotiate with Malik to set them free."

After a lunch meeting with Malik, Dolorfino and his team were eventually fetched by two air force helicopters. At the time, Malik expressed his disappointment in the cancellation of the tripartite agreement between the government, MNLF, and the Organization of Islamic Conference that were scheduled that week.

In February this year, Malik figured prominently in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu that displaced 2,000 people.

Habib Mujahab Hashim, chief of the MNLF's breakaway group the Islamic Command Council, told a local radio station then that it was Misuari who ordered Malik to make war with Abu Sayyaf once negotiation for the release of hostages fail.

Kidnap victims Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela were freed from the Abu Sayyaf camp in Patikul town but the victims’ companion, Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, is still in the ASG's hands.

Atyani and two Filipino companions declared "missing" in Jolo, Sulu since June 13, 2012.

READ: Clashes displace 2,000 in Sulu

Misuari has protested the ongoing peace talks between the government and the MILF. While he himself already signed a peace agreement with the Ramos government in 1996, Misuari is now saying that government has not fulfilled its commitments in that pact — more than a decade after it was implemented.

The peace process with the MILF aims to establish a Bangsamoro region that is broader and more independent than what the MNLF had to settle for in 1996: the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Misuari in fact was governor of ARMM, an entity that many say has failed and would be abolished once a law is crafted for the creation of a new Bangsamoro region.

The Zamboanga attacks came on the day the government and the MILF were scheduled to resume their talks in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides hope they will be able to hammer out a final agreement this year.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/38494-habier-malik-leading-zambo-attacks

Basilan on alert; MNLF sets demands

From Rappler (Sep 9): Basilan on alert; MNLF sets demands



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. MNLF chair Nur Misuari declaring his break-up with the government in Indanan, Sulu, August 12. Photo by AFP

  The entire province of Basilan went on alert Monday, September 9, with the governor imposing a curfew starting at 8 pm Monday up to 4 am Tuesday.

Gov Jum Akbar told Rappler the alert was based on the advice of the police and the military following intelligence reports that Basilan is the next target of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces that have occupied 4 villages in neighboring Zamboanga City.

Various establishments in the capital city of Isabela were shut down Monday for fear that the Zamboanga crisis might spill over to the province. Isabela is 30 minutes away via pumpboat from Zamboanga City.

READ: 6 killed, 24 hurt in Zamboanga clashes

In Zamboanga City, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin arrived Monday afternoon to assess the situation that has already killed 6 and wounded 24.

MNLF members belonging to the faction of their founder Nur Misuari have set two demands for government as they continued to hold at least 80 hostages and threaten to mount more attacks in Zamboanga City.


 
In an interview aired on local radio RMN Monday morning, MNLF deputy commander Salid Ismael declared the following demands:

1) They want to be be allowed to walk with their 87 hostages from Sitio Bugok to Ayer Village in Barangay Sta Catalina to Zamboanga City Hall so they can hoist the MNLF flag and denounce the planned Bangsamoro independence of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front;

2) They're asking government not to fire at them and let them keep their hostages

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco rejected the demands.

Ismael is the deputy of MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik, who is based in Sulu. Public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala confirmed that Malik is leading the attacks in Zamboanga City.

Misuari has protested the ongoing peace talks between the government and the MNLF's rival organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). While he himself already signed a peace agreement with the Ramos government in 1996, Misuari is now saying that government has not fulfilled its commitments in that pact — more than a decade after it was implemented.

READ: MNLF's 5 major attacks

The peace process with the MILF aims to establish a Bangsamoro region that is broader and more independent than what the MNLF had to settle for in 1996: the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Misuari in fact was governor of ARMM, an entity that many say has failed and would be abolished once a law is crafted for the creation of a new Bangsamoro region.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/38485-basilan-alert-mnlf-demands

VIDEO | MNLF uses 20 hostages as human shield in Zamboanga clash

From InterAksyon (Sep 9): VIDEO | MNLF uses 20 hostages as human shield in Zamboanga clash



Twenty hostages were allegedly used as human shield by members of the Moro National Liberation Front as clashes between the rebel group and government forces continue on Monday.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco told Radyo5 about 200 to 400 MNLF members from Basilan attacked the city.

The Amed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has already sent its troops in the area so that no more civilians would be taken as hostage.

Climaco has already formed a crisis committee to help in the rescue of civilians trapped by the armed conflict.

[Video: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70317/video--mnlf-uses-20-hostages-as-human-shield-in-zamboanga-clash]


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http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70317/video--mnlf-uses-20-hostages-as-human-shield-in-zamboanga-clash

Are they the MNLF or not? Lawyer says they are 'advance party' for Misuari

From InterAksyon (Sep 9): Are they the MNLF or not? Lawyer says they are 'advance party' for Misuari

The armed men who marched into Zamboanga City were an “advance party” for Moro leader Nur Misuari, who is scheduled to visit the city to hold a “peaceful campaign” for his call for “independence,” said lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman for Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Interviewed over dzMM radio, Fontanilla said fewer than 100 men arrived at around 2 a.m. Monday in the coastal Barangay Sta. Catalina. Initially, authorities said they were able to monitor some 40 armed men.

According to Fontanilla, Misuari plans to go around Mindanao to “consult the people about a declaration of independence.”

“MNLF troops were there as an advance party escort of Nur Misuari. Nagkaroon ng konting (There was a minor) misunderstanding between the soldiers at MNLF,” he said.

“We’ll work on our struggle for independence through peaceful means. We’re on a defensive position,” he added.

But Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Misuari and his followers “did not secure a permit for that.”

“We’re not part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and we don’t want to be part of ARMM. It looks like they wanted to stage their protest here in Zamboanga. They wanted to hoist their flag and declare independence from government,” she said.

‘Only one government’

Salazar said she asked the police and military to “take care of the crisis.”

“Their (MNLF) area of concentration is Barangay Sta. Catalina. We’re contacting the crisis committee. MNLF persons carrying guns and in uniform have to be apprehended. We only recognize [only] one government,” she said.

Salazar dismissed Fotanilla’s claim that Misuari’s followers were there in the city to conduct peaceful action.

“They say they are here to peacefully protest. But they are using arms,” she said.

The mayor also called on the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to spare Zamboanga City as venue for dialogues with Moro rebels.

“The OPAPP should be on top of the situation. We do not want any dialogues held in the city of Zamboanga,” she said.

‘Under MNLF control’

Fontanilla said MNLF stands toe to toe with the government. “We are dealing with government on equal footing. We will not listen to any OPAPP representative,” he said, referring to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Despite his pronouncements of peace, Fontanilla said seven barangays in the city are already under the control of MNLF forces.

Government security forces said the firefight started from the armed men.

They said soldiers and policemen rushed to Barangays Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, and Mariki, after reports reached them that armed men were spotted in these places.

The armed men refused to surrender their guns and shot at the government troops, triggering the firefight, government security officials said.

Government security forces said the firefight started from the armed men.

They said soldiers and policemen rushed to Barangays Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, and Mariki, after reports reached them that armed men were spotted in these places.

The armed men refused to surrender their guns and shot at the government troops, triggering the firefight, military officials said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70319/are-they-the-mnlf-or-not-lawyer-says-they-are-advance-party-for-misuari

Philippines alerts Indonesia as MNLF seeks support on Zamboanga attack

From InterAksyon (Sep 9): Philippines alerts Indonesia as MNLF seeks support on Zamboanga attack

The Philippines has alerted Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country that facilitated peace talks with the Moro National Liberation Front, about the attack the group undertook in Zamboanga City early Monday morning.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda made these remarks after the group appeared to be seeking Jakarta's support.

Lacierda said the government was surprised that the MNLF was citing the alleged termination of the peace process as reason for its attack.

Lacierda noted that a representative from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation even met with MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla last week to discuss the upcoming tripartite meeting in Indonesia.

Indonesia, as chairman of the OIC's Committee of the Eight, brokered the 1996 final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF.

"They (Indonesian government) are for peace and we hope... we will leave it up to them as to what their actions will be," Lacierda said in a briefing aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

The MNLF earlier appealed to Indonesia to intervene to end the standoff in Zamboanga City.

"We hope that the Indonesian Embassy could act on this matter," Fontanilla said in a radio interview.

President Benigno Aquino III is still meeting with the security cluster of the Cabinet.
He has already dispatched Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Armed Forces chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to Zamboanga City.

Ex-MNLF official condemns attack

Meanwhile, a former Moro National Liberation Front official, Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong, has condemned the attack in Zamboanga City.

"It is indeed very grim and disturbing news that Zamboanga is under siege from some elements of the MNLF," said Balindong, current deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

"Like any Filipino, we hate violence. We abhor war," he added.

Balindong said while there are differences in working for lasting peace and development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, "the use of force and violence can never be one of these."

"Attacking a place like Zamboanga, injuring and killing civilians caught in the crossfire is not one either," he said, "We condemn the use of force in Zamboanga as it cannot do any good. In war, we are all losers, and war will bring us farther from our desired goal of peace."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70334/philippines-alerts-indonesia-as-mnlf-seeks-support-on-zamboanga-attack

MNLF movements towards Zamboanga monitored as early as three days ago - AFP

From InterAksyon (Sep 9): MNLF movements towards Zamboanga monitored as early as three days ago - AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had been monitoring forces supposedly loyal to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari as early as three days before fighting broke out in Zamboanga City on Monday morning. This was bared by Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, public affairs head of the military, on Monday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"We had received from Task Force Zamboanga and Western Mindanao Command (reports that) MNLF forces (were being) monitored as early as three days (ago) and they came to Zamboanga City unarmed," Zagala said.

He said the rebels came from Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur, with some arriving from Sulu. It was not immediately known where the rebels obtained the heavy firearms that were used to hold siege over Zamboanga City.

“So last night (Tuesday) troops were deployed all over Zamboanga City, specifically in the (barangays of) Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, Talon-Talon and Marique,” Zagala said, anticipating “that a group of armed MNLF (members) would be arriving.”

Members of the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) were deployed in Rio Hondo where they encountered MNLF forces at around 1:45 a.m. on Monday. The firefight at sea lasted for about 10 minutes. One member of the Special Operations Group of the Philippine Navy was killed in the encounter and six others were wounded.

By 4 a.m., Zagala said, soldiers from a Task Force Zamboanga led by Col. Andreilino Colina had already cordoned off the areas of Sta. Barbara, Talon-Talon and Rio Hondo.

Despite the anticipated movements, however, MNLF forces were able to penetrate Zamboanga City, and even take civilians hostage.

At least 100 Muslim rebels stormed Zamboanga City early Monday morning as they tried to seize control over city hall. They reportedly took as many as 220 people hostage.

Firefight with government troops shut down the city and resulted in the death of at least two security forces and injuries to at least 17 others.

"Their target is the City Hall. They want to raise their flag of independence at city hall," Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar told dzBB in a radio interview on Monday morning.

A military official said the rebels were members of breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Haber Malik. However, an MNLF official said the armed men were there as an "advance team" for Misuari.

Climaco-Salazar said the situation forced the local government to suspend work in the city hall and asked the military and police to secure it. Other public operations, as well as classes, and air and water transportation going to and from the city, were also shut down.

The hostilities, which broke out in the city's Barangay Rio Hondo, started at around 3 a.m., waking people from sleep and forcing them to flee the area.

The rebels scattered to nearby barangays. Some 35 to 40 of them were spotted in Barangay Sta. Catalina.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70336/mnlf-movements-towards-zamboanga-monitored-as-early-as-three-days-ago---afp

MNLF forces attack Zamboanga City (Revised w/ photos)

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Sep 9) : MNLF forces attack Zamboanga City (Revised w/ photos)  





Moro National Liberation Front forces attacked Zamboanga City in southern Philippines early Monday, taking hostages and using them as shield as exodus of civilians continues.

At least 6 people were killed and two dozens more wounded as fighting raged in several villages that rebel forces occupied. MNLF snipers were also shooting at police and military targets.

The local mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has suspended all classes in Zamboanga due to the violence. She said gunmen are holding at least 220 people in the villages. “I am in touch with President Aquino and the Executive Department and they are monitoring and helping us resolve this concern,” Salazar said. 

Salazar also appealed to citizens to stay calm and stay inside their houses until the security situation returns to normal. “The public is advised to remain calm, but vigilant and alert, report anything suspicious or unusual happening in your locality,” she said.

More than 90% of commercial establishments in Zamboanga are closed throughout the day, virtually turning the city into ghost town.

Initial reports said the attackers were followers of Nur Misuari, chieftain of the MNLF, who earlier has earlier accused Manila of not honoring the 1996 peace accord it signed with the former rebel group.

 

Various reports said heavily-armed rebels managed to sneak by boats before dawn and launched the attacks by sunrise. It was not immediately known why the Western Mindanao Command failed to prevent the attacks, but obviously its intelligence has failed.

“The rebels fired several rocket propelled grenades on civilian areas and two hit a school in downtown area and it’s just lucky that no people were killed in the random attacks,” one policeman said, adding gunmen took refuge on civilian houses and making it difficult for security forces to launch an assault.

One rocket hit the regional office of the National Statistics Office, but there were no casualties in the attack. “I saw the rebels took positions on the side of the road just several blocks away from the regional hospital and they fired also fired a rocker on the soldier, but missed them,” one security guard said.

One woman said she saw young rebels firing automatic weapons on the soldiers who were securing the hospital. “There were all young fighters, probably 16 or17 years old and I was so scared,” she said.

One uniformed MNLF fighter, who positioned himself near Santa Barbara village, told a radio network Radyo Agong that they came from Sulu province and is under Haber Malik, a lieutenant of Misuari. He said they are fighting for independence.

Misuari ran for governor in the Muslim autonomous region in May this year, but lost. He also ran thrice as governor in Sulu province in previous years and also lost.

The attack was the second since 2001 after MNLF forces loyal to Misuari also launched an attack in Zamboanga and the fighting left over 100 people dead.

 

 

 

 

 

Scenes in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines where former Moro National Liberation Front rebels attacked several villages and killed 6 people. Officials said more than 200 people were taken hostage by gunmen. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/mnlf-forces-attack-zamboanga-city.html

1 killed, 6 wounded in predawn Zambo clash between AFP, suspected MNLF gunmen

From GMA News (Sep 9): 1 killed, 6 wounded in predawn Zambo clash between AFP, suspected MNLF gunmen

A soldier was killed, with at least six others wounded, during a  clash between the armed forces and suspected Moro National Liberation Front gunmen before dawn Monday in Zamboanga City.

Residents in three villages were evacuated, businesses were closed and classes were suspended in the city, radio dzBB's correspondent JV Francisco reported.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines public information office, said the encounter occurred off the coast of Rio Hondo in Zamboanga City.

Citing initial reports, Zagala said the encounter involved suspected MNLF fighters and the Naval Special Operations Group.

"Yung malungkot, may isang kasundaluhan na namatay at may mga wounded," he said over dzBB radio.

Zagala added that they were verifying if some MNLF fighter managed to enter the city proper.

Meanwhile, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Philippine Army's 7th Civil Relations Group, said the gunbattle occurred at 1:45 a.m.

"Let's offer a minute (of) prayer for the fallen soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country," Cabunoc said on his Twitter account.

Initial information

Initial reports reports from the military said some "100 more or less" armed followers of the MNLF's former chairman Nur Misuari were involved in the encounter.

An earlier dzBB report said the encounter started at 1 a.m. when the Misuari gunmen approached the city via the coastal village of Mariki.

The fighters exchanged gunfire with Navy personnel and members of Task Force Zamboanga. At least one suspected Misuari fighter was reported wounded in the shootout.

Residents in Mariki, Sta. Barbara and Rio Hondo villages were evacuated because of the clashes.

Following the encounter, security was tightened in the city, with military and police personnel establishing security checkpoints.

The city government is to convene its crisis management council Monday morning.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/325608/news/regions/1-killed-6-wounded-in-predawn-zambo-clash-between-afp-suspected-mnlf-gunmen

Gov't, MILF gear up for 'final' round of peace talks

From Rappler (Sep 8): Gov't, MILF gear up for 'final' round of peace talks

After more than 3 decades of armed struggle in Mindanao – and after 17 years of negotiations between the government and rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – both parties have arrived at what they hope to be their final meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Their respective peace panels will hold talks for at least 10 days in a bid to arrive at a deal on how power will be shared between the proposed Bangsamoro political entity and the central government, as well as how MILF troops will undergo the normalization process.

 

There's an air of optimism from both sides since the parties have already signed the contentious wealth-sharing annex, which gave the Bangsamoro 75% of revenues from taxes and metallic minerals.

 

"I think we're confident because we've gone through difficulties in the past but we were able to overcome it," government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer told Rappler, Friday, September 6. "I think after we finished the wealth-sharing annex, after a very difficult round of negotiations, where we had an extended process after a lot of delays were incurred, both of us feel more confident that we can hurdle the obstacles."

 

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal hopes their next meeting at the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur would be the final one.

 

"It depends, It can be the last or there would be more rounds. But I hope this would be the last," Iqbal earlier said in a text message.

 

The signing of the comprehensive agreement with the MILF will allow the Bangsamoro peace process to move forward, with a number of mechanisms for the transition already in place.

 

The Third Party Monitoring, which is tasked to review, asses and monitor the implementation of the final peace agreement, has already been convened.

 

Meanwhile, the Transition Commission – the body tasked to craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will provide the legal framework for the proposed entity – is ready to start work.

 

In order to beat their deadline to complete the transition process from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the future Bangsamoro government, the Basic Law must be completed and passed by Congress by 2014.

 

Last two annexes

 

What are the remaining issues?

 

On the power-sharing annex, Ferrer said they are working at "cleaning up the text and tightening the language."

 

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in October 2012 identified some of the "reserved powers" for the central government. What the annex on power-sharing will identify are mostly the "concurrent powers" or shared powers between the Bangsamoro region and central government and what would be the "exclusive powers" of the Bangsamoro.

 

One of the remaining issues has to do with jurisdiction over transportation and communication, given the fact that these are also bound by international law.

 

Meanwhile, the process of normalization will provide for specially-designed economic programs for the proposed entity in parallel with the decommissioning of MILF troops and the disbandment of private armed groups.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/peacetalks/38419-moro-islamic-liberation-front-government-final-round-negotiations

MNLF mobilizes Tausug fighters in Malaysia

From the Philippine Star (Sep 9): MNLF mobilizes Tausug fighters in Malaysia

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has activated some 4,000 foreign trained Tausug fighters embedded in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, group spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said yesterday.

Fontanilla said the mobilization of the fighters was aimed to protect Tausugs, who he claimed have been the subject of a crackdown by Malaysian authorities.

He said the MNLF fighters were in addition to the Sulu Sultanate Army led by Agbimuddin Kiram, the brother of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, leading the armed struggle to reclaim their ancestral land in Sabah.

MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had declared Sarawak and Sabah as part of the Bangsa Moro Republik (BMR).

Fontanilla however clarified the MNLF fighters in Malaysia will act only in self-defense against any attack from Malaysian forces.

Fontanilla declined to elaborate how the armed group, called the Bangsa Moro Army in Malaysia, was “activated,” but a source revealed at least five countries are supporting it with arms shipments that had arrived in the disputed territory.

“Just like what happened in the early ‘70s at the height of Mindanao conflict, Sabah and Sarawak will be the main base of the Bangsa Moro Army,” the source said.

The source said the MNLF in the early ‘70s had set up guerrilla and training camps in Sabah with the consent of the Malaysian government at the time.

The source added huge arms shipments were also sent to MNLF in Mindanao weeks before Misuari declared independence in Talipao, Sulu last Aug. 12.

“MNLF troops are now bearing modern assault weapons coming from foreign supporters,” the source said.

Fontanilla however denied the arms shipment, saying the reports were part of government propaganda.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/09/1188941/mnlf-mobilizes-tausug-fighters-malaysia

MNLF forces attack Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 9): MNLF forces attack Zamboanga City

Moro National Liberation Front forces attacked Zamboanga City in southern Philippines early Monday, taking hostages and using them as shield as exodus of civilians continues.

One policeman and a civilian were killed and several people were reported wounded as fighting rage in several villages where the rebels forces occupied.

The local mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has suspended all classes in Zamboanga due to the violence.

Initial reports said the attackers were followers of Nur Misuari, chieftain of the MNLF, who earlier has earlier accused Manila of not honoring the 1996 peace accord it signed with the former rebel group.

Various reports said heavily-armed rebels managed to sneak by boats before dawn and launched the attacks by sunrise.

The attack was the second since 2001 after MNLF forces loyal to Misuari also launched an attack in Zamboanga and the fighting left over 100 people dead.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/mnlf-forces-attack-zamboanga-city.html

Police step up hunt for Hapids as court issues arrest warrant

From the Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Sep 9): Police step up hunt for Hapids as court issues arrest warrant

AUTHORITIES stepped up the hunt for Usman Hapids, the man accused of exploding the killer bomb at Limketkai center in late July, after a regional court ordered the suspect arrested.

City police director Senior Supt. Graciano Mijares said Judge Bonifacio Macabaya of the 20th branch of the Regional Trial Court has already issued a warrant of arrest against Hapids for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder.

Eight people, including Misamis Oriental provincial board member Roldan Lagbas, were killed and over 40 others were hurt in the bombing outside Kyla’s Bistro at the Rosario Arcade of Limketkai center in July 26.

Mijares said a copy of the arrest warrant is now with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). The CIDG is spearheading the hunt for Usman who, authorities said, is a member of a new terrorist group called Khalifa Islamiyah.

Other law enforcement agencies are also trying to catch Usman, said Mijares.
He said concerned citizens could help if they come forward and provide the police with information that could lead to Usman’s arrest.

Mayor Oscar Moreno earlier offered a P2-million reward for anyone who could help authorities arrest Hapids.

http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/police-step-up-hunt-for-hapids-as-court-issues-arrest-warrant.html

MILF: Editorial--Complementation, not Convergence

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Sep 8): Complementation, not Convergence

No one in his right frame of mind does not like unity amongst people, groups or individuals especially if the undertaking is about pursuing a common cause.  Unity of ideas and unity of actions multiply capacity and power that will lead people to success.

It is on this firm moral foundation that the MILF, without reservation, pushed for, agreed and cooperated in the creation of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The BCF will serve as the coordinating mechanism for the MNLF and MILF to discuss major issues and concerns and make decisions that will be implemented through their respective organizational channels. But this effort is not getting any headway, because there is no enough push from the parties to make it move. The MILF, however, has consistently attended its sessions, first in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on May 18 to 20, 2010; second in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 2011; and third in Djibouti, Africa on November 15 to 17, 2012. For doing so, we simply want it to get going.

Corollary to this is the attempt to “converge” the peace processes of the MNLF and government and the MILF and government. While the idea may be noble, the process is simply not practical. One cannot put a square peg into a round hole. The GRP-MNLF Final Agreement of September 2, 1996 is largely a consummated act. Only the Second Phase, which is economic, is not fully implemented. The First Phase (Political Phase) has already been fully implemented. Both Indonesia, chair of OIC Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), and former ARMM Governor Parouk Hussin, at one time or another, attested that the Political Phase of the agreement had been fully implemented.

The consummation was further bolstered when MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari accepted the governorship of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 1996, a post which he tried to reoccupy by running for it in elections three times and lost. On the other hand, the GPH-MILF peace process is still much a work in progress. A clear comparison, therefore, can only happen if the MILF and government finally sign the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which will contain the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the four annexes on Transitional Arrangement and Modalities, Wealth-sharing, Power-sharing, and Normalization.

In other words, what can be compared in the future will be the GRP-MNLF FPA and the GPH-MILF CPA, which is not yet born. For now, what can be compared are the GRP-MNLF Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and the GPH-MILF FAB. Both are frameworks and the fleshing have to come later. For the former, the fleshing out is contained in the GRP-MNLF FPA.

In fairness, the Tripoli Agreement of 1976 is a good document except on two counts: Its implementation subscribes, without qualification, to the constitutional processes of the Philippines and much of the details are to be discussed later, which, as said above, appeared in text of the GPH-MNLF FPA. Here again, it contains several flaws that deny solution or closure to the Bangsamoro Question. Two of which are: (1) the MNLF and Misuari agreed to foreclose the right to self-determination (RSD) of the Bangsamoro people and (2) the MNLF and Misuari also agreed that in case a conflict arises in the interpretation of the agreement, government laws will be followed.

It is on this context that we invite the OIC and all those proponents of convergence to do due diligence and reflect on these naked realities pointed above. For the MILF, what can be done and should be done is complementation of the two peace processes. Since the very beginning, the position of the MILF has been very clear and consistent: Let the GRP-MNLF FPA be fully implemented by the parties and what the MILF is only negotiating for those that are lacking in the GRP-MNLF FPA. Moreover, the MILF is inclusive in its approach especially in terms of the fruits of the endeavor. We didn’t and don’t have the slightest intention of depriving our brothers from the MNLF of their rights to partake of the cake when it is ready for eating. But in the meantime, we urge them to help us or at least not stand on the way in this hard undertaking.

Lastly, let it also be stated here that the MILF does not attach franchise right to solving the Bangsamoro Question. Whoever has the right formula, we firmly subscribe to it. Individuals or leaders can only be good up to a certain period; after that, he has to go – if possible, for good. Man cannot dictate how history makes account of him. As always, history judges him later, mostly when he is gone.   Many a man, including bright ones, like former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, wanted a place in the history of great men and heroes, but he ended his life hated and refused even by the soil of his motherland.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/538-complementation-not-convergence

MILF: MSU-Gensan to put up extension school in Malungon, Sarangani

From the MILF Website (Sep 8): MSU-Gensan to put up extension school in Malungon, Sarangani



Mindanao State University (MSU) – General Santos City and the Municipal Government of Malungon, Sarangani Province are upbeat to establish MSU-Malandag Campus that will benefit the Indigenous Peoples and Christian Settlers of town.
  

Malungon Municipal Mayor Reynaldo Constantino was authorized by the Sanggunian Bayan under Resolution No. 11-2013-007, to transact and enter into contract of agreement for the establishment of Mindanao State University (MSU) Malandag campus in a parcel of land containing an area of 50,000 square meters.

The land, owned by Ronald Obanil dela Pasion, was recently procured by the municipal government of Malungon last week in the amount of P5M.  Three million pesos was settled as down payment.

Constantino thanked other benefactors for their concerted effort to realize setting up a tertiary educational institution in his town.

Malungon, an interior town of Sarangani, is dominated by IPs belonging to Blaan and Taga-Kaulo tribes.

Blaan and Taga-Kaulo are original inhabitants of the province prior to the coming of the Spaniards. They are also considered among the Bangsamoro People (Moro tribes and IPs of Mindanao).

MSU-Gensan Chancellor Atty. Abdurrahman T. Canacan welcomes the development and looks forward for the success of setting up the extension school.

MSU System, which has campuses in different regions in Mindanao has a prime mission to help develop the conditions of the Moros and IPs by providing quality education.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/540-msu-gensan-to-put-up-extension-school-in-malungon-sarangani

MILF: Selected MILF Officers evaluate performance of its women’s committee

From the MILF Website (Sep 8): Selected MILF Officers evaluate performance of its women’s committee



(A) group of selected MILF Officers had an audience with members of the Social Welfare Committee (SWC) to evaluate their activities and performance.  The evaluation was aimed at strengthening the women sector in the Bangsamoro where members of the SW Central Committee and heads of sub- committees were present.
  

The evaluation was held somewhere in Maguindanao and attended by 3,255 members of the committee who came from various areas of Maguindanao.  Some of the speakers were Bangsamoro women leaders who are educated in Arabic, while the rest have secular education.

A high ranking political official from Maguindanao delivered a message and provided security to the activity. He assigned the town’s chief of police to oversee the security situation in the venue and its vicinity.

Ustadz Mohammad Suwaib Ya’cob, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) shared his views on how to develop stakeholders.

Prof. Esmael “Mike” Abdula, member of BLMI Steering Committee and KDFI Senior Training Consultant emphasized the importance of deep understanding of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). He told the participants that the partnership between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) can usher towards the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao. He also emphasized the importance of completing the two (2) remaining annexes on power-sharing and normalization. The annex on wealth sharing was signed by the two peace panels last July 14 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Arman Armada, Head of the MILF Committee on Information Secretariat also provided answers to some questions raised by the participants during the open forum.

On his part, Nasrullah Muhammad, HRDC point man to the MILF challenged the SWC officers from national office down to the grassroots to actively do their part in achieving good governance and empowering the grassroots to have a decent life. The future of the Bangsamoro is in the hands of the people who throughout the decades of armed struggle unselfishly shared their little earnings and offered prayers to attain peace, development and freedom in the Moro Region. At the conclusion of the activity, everybody looked forward to the success of the peace process without any delay; the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by the BTC in soonest possible time and its enactment by Congress.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/539-selected-milf-officers-evaluate-performance-of-its-women’s-committee