Sister of 'hero-ship' in 'Battleship' now in PHL for 5-day visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Sister of 'hero-ship' in 'Battleship' now in PHL for 5-day visit

Not many people are aware of it but the USS Pinckney (DDG-91), which is on a five-day port visit in the Philippines, is the sister of the USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), which played a major role in defeating invading aliens in the 2012 movie "Battleship".

The USS Pinckney arrived Friday afternoon and is expected to leave by Tuesday.

The USS John Paul Jones is the third ship of the "Arleigh Burke" class destroyers consisting of its Flight I series.

While the USS Pinckney belongs to the Flight II series and it is the 41st ship of the class.

All, in all, the Arleigh Burke class consist of 62 ships.

Flight I ships are equipped with a 90 tube VLS (vertical launch system) while Flight II vessels are armed with 96 tube VLS.

Besides this, Flight II ships are equipped with more advanced radar, sensor systems and generally bigger flight decks that their predecessors.

The Arleigh Burke class is among the largest destroyers built in the United States measuring 505 feet.

Only the Spruance and Kidd classes were longer at 563 feet.

The Arleigh Burke class are multi-mission ships with a "combination of... an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, land attack cruise missiles, ship-to-ship missiles, and advanced anti-aircraft missiles."

The USS John Paul Jones was featured prominently in the 2012 film "Battleship" where it was shown to destroy three alien craft before being sunk herself .

The ship is mentioned in the last mission of the video game Homefront as she escapes a naval blockade of San Diego to provide support to the player in the climatic final battle on the Golden Gate Bridge along with sister ship USS Milius (DDG-69).

The destroyer is named for American Revolutionary War Naval Capt. John Paul Jones and is sometimes referred to as the "Father of the US Navy".

The USS Pinckney was named after USN cook William Pinckney, who was awarded the Navy Cross for rescuing a fellow crew member during the Battle of Santa Cruz in Solomon Islands in 1942.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=614071

IACAT condemns use of child warriors

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): IACAT condemns use of child warriors

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) sternly warned the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other groups involved in armed hostilities to stop recruiting teens as part of their ranks.

Otherwise, the IACAT said, they will be held liable for human trafficking charges with the highest possible penalties imposed by the law.

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, chairperson of IACAT, expressed alarm over reports of teenagers, as young as 15-16 years old, being among the casualties in the recent skirmishes between the government forces and insurgents in Mindanao.

“Any form of recruitment of children to aid in armed conflict is a reprehensible practice and is rightfully condemned by all nations,” De Lima said.

De Lima added that BIFF leaders will also likely face human trafficking charges aside from terrorism.

According to Section 5(h) of Republic Act No. 9208, or “The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003”, as amended by R.A. No. 10364, or “The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012”, recruiting, transporting or adopting a child to engage in armed activities in the Philippines or abroad are considered an act of trafficking in persons.

This is elevated to ‘qualified human trafficking’ if “by reason or on occasion of the act of trafficking in persons, the offended party dies” as stated in Section 6(g) of the same law.

“Children used as combatants suffer in a number of ways, most of them suffer in silence,” De Lima said.

Section 10(e) of R.A. No. 9208 states that "any person found guilty of qualified trafficking shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of not less than P2 million but not more than P5 million."

“It is incumbent upon us to put an end to these horrors,” De Lima added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613950

2 killed, 5 others wounded in Basilan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): 2 killed, 5 others wounded in Basilan clash

Two paramilitary troopers were killed while five others, including two lawless elements, were wounded following a clash in Sitio Buhi, Barangay Sukatin, Sumisip town, Basilan Saturday morning.

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter with the lawless group of "Kotatong Balaman" took place around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

He added that the brigands were 15 in number.

Mamauag said that troopers from the 64th Infantry Battalion were patrolling in response to reports that Balaman's group was conducting extortion and harassment operations against civilians in the area.

In the encounter that ensued, two government troopers were killed and these were identified as CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliary) Duminta Gulinda and CVO Bejo Sampang.

Also wounded were CAA Almirin Pantao, CVO (Civilian Volunteer Organization) Omar Jadjales and CVO Oloy Malanji.

The wounded were immediately brought to Isabela City for medication.

Mamauag identified the wounded brigands as Samir Balaman and Apet Muril.

He added that the latter managed to make a clean getaway with the help of their companions.

Pursuit operations are now ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613965

Palace asks China anew to join arbitration proceeding on sea row

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Palace asks China anew to join arbitration proceeding on sea row

Malacanang on Saturday called on China anew to join the arbitration proceeding on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, raised the issue in reaction to reports that China considered President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Munich Analogy as “unreasonable”.

The Munich Analogy is a belief that aggression must always be met firmly and that appeasement will only encourage an aggressor such as concessions that Sudetenland be given to Hitler in World War II.

Lacierda reiterated the President’s statement in his interview with The New York Times where he was quoted saying “At what point do you say, ‘Enough is enough’? referring to China’s claims on sea territory.

“We have already brought this matter to arbitration, this is an arbitration proceeding which China and the Philippines signed as well,” he said.

The Malacanang official explained that because the issue is multi-lateral and multi-country, not just the Philippines and China but other countries should be involved as well.

“In that case, resolving a situation with one country will not necessarily solve the conflict of other countries because this (China’s claim) covers a number of countries,” Lacierda said.

“We have endeavored to achieve peace through arbitration, we ask the world to support us in this endeavor and we ask China to join us in this arbitration proceeding,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=614006

Mar rallies LGU support for Bangsamoro peace pact as Transition Commish starts work

From InterAksyon (Feb 8): Mar rallies LGU support for Bangsamoro peace pact as Transition Commish starts work



Secretary Roxas with some of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission chaired by MILF's Mohagher Iqbal (seated), and Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles. OPAPP PHOTO

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Saturday rallied local executives in Mindanao to fully support the Framework Agreement (FRAG) for the Bangsamoro recently signed by the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Gracing the opening ceremony of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) office in Cotabato City, Roxas said, “Together with the President, I celebrate with the whole of Mindanao and the entire country on the potential that the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement brings.”

The DILG chief expressed confidence the governors and mayors will lead their people to ensure a positive turnout of plebiscite results once Congress passes the Bangsamoro Law.

He explained how the agreement is a “crucial and necessary first step” towards lasting peace and development in Mindanao. “Thus, I ask for everyone’s support so that we can hurdle the challenges ahead and succeed in transforming this nascent promise into reality.”

In attendance at the opening rites were the 15 members of the BTC: 7 nominated by the government and 8 recommended by the MILF. They are Akmad A. Sakkam, Johaira C. Wahab, Talib A. Benito, Asani S. Tammang, Pedrito A. Eisma, Froilyn T. Mendoza and Fatmawati T. Salapuddin, Robert M. Alonto, Abdulla U. Camlian, Ibrahim D. Ali, Raissa H. Jajurie, Melanio U. Ulama, Hussein P. Munoz and Said M. Shiek.

Mohagher Iqbal, current chair of the MILF peace panel, serves as Chairperson of the Commission.

The Commission is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that the President will certify as urgent and submit to Congress for passage. The Basic Law once enacted by Congress will then be subject of a plebiscite in the proposed Bangsamoro core territory as per the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Once it is ratified, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is deemed abolished and the new Bangsamoro region will be formally established.

Roxas expressed optimism that the Transition Commission work to consult and rally the support of all stakeholders in the peace process between the government and the MILF.

“I trust the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to draft an Organic Act that is within the spirit and framework of the Constitution. I am confident that whatever present concerns we have will all be properly addressed by the more comprehensive treatment by the Bill, containing the Bangsamoro Organic Act, to be filed in Congress,” Roxas said.

“Tiwala ako na patuloy nating kokonsultahin ang lahat ng grupo at sektor na interesadong magbahagi ng kanilang saloobin at opinyon kaugnay sa planong pagbubuo ng bagong Bangsamoro Region,” he added.

Roxas urged members of the Transition Commission to stand their ground against attempts to sabotage the peace process in Mindanao.

“We all know this process is difficult. Many people are trying to block the road to peace and progress. But I’m confident our will is strong, and our trust in each other will help us hurdle all challenges,” Roxas said, speaking in Filipino.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80347/mar-rallies-lgu-support-for-bangsamoro-peace-pact-as-transition-commish-starts-work

PAF airlifts Bontoc bus mishap victims to Mla, Baguio for further hospital treatment

From InterAksyon (Feb 8): PAF airlifts Bontoc bus mishap victims to Mla, Baguio for further hospital treatment

UH-IH (Huey) helicopters from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were deployed Saturday to ferry survivors of the deadly vehicular accident being treated at a Bontoc, Mt. Province hospital so they can get further medical treatment in Manila and Baguio City.

At around 9 a.m., the first chopper airlifted survivors Katrina Javier and Kristia Sobrevinos. The second chopper airlifted at around 10:50 a.m. Dino Dimar and Daniel Chavez.

“PAF choppers started this morning to airlift the seriously injured survivors for further medical treatment to as far as Baguio City and Manila. More choppers are on their way to Bontoc to evacuate the victims,” said Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, commander of the 1stCivil Relations Group (1CRG) of the Armed Forces’ Civil Relations Service based at the Northern Luzon Command headquarters in Tarlac City.

 Meanwhile,  Supt. Davy Limmong, spokesman of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-Cor), said two survivors were airlifted to the St. Luke’s Hospital in Manila and 12 others are waiting to be brought to different hospitals in Baguio City.

One survivor has been discharged from the hospital, Limmong said.
The chief of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Winston Gines, imposed a 30-day suspension on Florida Transport Inc. following the Friday accident involving its in Bontoc.

The bus, with license plate TXT 872 and coming from the terminal in Sampaloc, Manila, plunged into a 500-meter ravine at around 7:20 a.m. Friday, killing on the spot 9 passengers; five others died while undergoing medical treatment. Among the fatalities was comedian Arvin “Tado” Jimenez and two foreign tourists -- Canadian national Alex Loring and Dutch national Anne Martina Adriana Van De Ven.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) identified the other fatalities as Marcial Barando Jr., Andrew David Sicam, Natividad Ngawa, Gerald Baja, Ana Dela Cruz, Lea Reyes, Emily Gentalian, Giovanni Morello, and Katrina Gozos.
Two of the fatalities have yet to be identified.

I njured are Abegail Atin, James Papsa-ao, Carina Codiamat, Basilan Baranhuat, a certain Cris, Edgar Mendoza Renon, Robert Coronado, Natty Bang-I, Christian Cavardo, Bernard Burnhard, Camille Ososrio, Melchor Suaken, Teresita Sawad, Annenmik Verwegen (Deutch), Silvestre Dawey, Agung Sicam, Jerry Agnapan,Wenceslao Ciano, Michael Negrito, Dan Echavez, Jason Melchor, Charlie Sta Maria, Paeng Cordove, Olivia Aglipay, Trina De Leon, Estella Danilo, Demetrio Danilo, Amien Sicam, Abegail Sicam, and Alexander Longalong.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80345/paf-airlifts-bontoc-bus-mishap-victims-to-mla-baguio-for-further-hospital-treatment

Displaced families ask BIFF to help build peace in Maguindanao

From InterAksyon (Feb 8): Displaced families ask BIFF to help build peace in Maguindanao

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato - Displaced families have appealed to Moro rebels to put a stop to skirmishes and help bring peace in their communities.

Thousands of residents of barangays in Datu Piang and Datu Shariff Saydona have fled to barangay Macasendeg in Midsayap to avoid getting caught in the crossfire when government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed last week.

Rahima Ganding, 48, a mother of four, said they are tired of war and evacuation. "I hope this is the last time we flee and live in evacuation sites," she said, adding that she and her family were raring to return home.

Macasendeg is now a temporary home to about 250 families from nearby Datu Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Piang in Maguindanao where government forces and BIFF had fought each other for a week.

"We want to go home, life at evacuation center is difficult," she said in the vernacular.

Another evacuee, Sultan Sumalindong, 50, farmer and fisherman, has been praying that the armed conflict in Maguindanao will come to an end one day. "We are the most affected, our children could not go to school because we need to evacuate," Sumalindong said.

The most difficult part of evacuation, Sumalindong said, is the horrible situation at their makeshift homes made of empty sacks and tarpaulin—which are very hot at daytime.

Another evacuee, who asked not to be named because he has friends and relatives in the BIFF, said he hoped the rebel groups would cease fighting the government and instead return to the mainstream.

"I know many of them were just influenced by their rebel leaders, I know they were young to carry guns," he said, adding that it was true some BIFF members were child warriors.

"The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is talking peace, I hope they too will abide by the agreement between the MILF and government," he added in the vernacular.

Sumalindong and Ganding were among the 10,000 individuals displaced by the armed conflict that started February and ended a week later with the fall of BIFF camps and death of about 50 fighters.

Some of them have returned home but many prefer to stay in various evacuation sites in Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and in several villages of Midsayap for fear fighting might erupt again.

Speaking for the regional Army unit pursuing the BIFF, Colonel Dickson Hermoso said the Army terminated the offensive the other day but remained on alert as the BIFF merely splintered into smaller groups and may regroup and renew hostilities.

Relief, medical services

On Friday, the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Response Team (HEART), the relief unit of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), distributed relief goods to displaced families in Barangay Macasendeg, Midsayap, North Cotabato who were from the towns of Datu Piang and Shariff Sayodona in Maguindanao. The relief team served 758 families with 3790 individuals in the area.

The evacuees said the relief goods from the ARMM government will help them get by the hardship of life in the evacuation center. Besides relief goods and medical service, evacuees also got a get free haircut.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said ARMM HEART targets to cater all affected families in identified evacuation sites.

She said similar relief operations will be conducted in other evacuation sites in the days ahead. “We like to let these displaced families feel that they are not being neglected by the government,” she said. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80355/displaced-families-ask-biff-to-help-build-peace-in-maguindanao

Mindanao towns with no IRA helpless against BIFF

From the Manila Times (Feb 7): Mindanao towns with no IRA helpless against BIFF

Local officials of towns without internal revenue allotments (IRA) said they were unable to address the insurgency problem in two military-liberated villages in Maguindanao.

At a press conference organized by the Philippine Army’s Sixth Infantry Division on February 2, a representative of the mayor of Shariff Saidona Mustapha town caught the attention of journalists when she admitted their helplessness in the face of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) guerillas in their community.

She said they learned about the BIFF encampment and operations in Barangay Ganta but could not take action because “we do not have IRA.”

Shariff Saidona Mustapha is one of eight towns in Maguindanao created by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional legislature in 2005 at the behest of the then ruling Ampatuan political clan. The seven others are the towns of Datu Salibo, Datu Hofer Ampatuan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Mangudadatu, Pan–dag, Datu Blah Sinsuat, and Northern Kabuntalan.

Because the eight towns lack the minimum population of 25,000 required under the Local Government Code of 2001, the national government refuses to provide them with IRA.

At the seventh founding anniversary of Mangudadatu town on January 28, Rep. Sajid Mangudadatu of second district announced he would push for the lowering of the population requisite to 15,000 for the eight towns to qualify for IRA subsidies.

The eight towns subsist on donations from higher government units, said the solon who was the mayor of Pandag before winning a seat in Congress in the 2013 elections.

Mangudadatu said he had asked the representatives of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the 15-member Transition Commission to include the provision in the draft of the Bangsamoro region’s basic law.

Soldiers backed by arrest warrants-serving cops captured the main camp of the BIFF at Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao, and occupied Reyna Regente of the same town after the January 27 to 31 “surgical” offensives.

The military said the offensives left 52 rebels, two civilians and a soldier slain, and 59 guerillas with some troops and civilians including two journalists wounded. Some 10,000 residents were displaced and are being served by relief teams from Maguindanao and the ARMM.

http://manilatimes.net/mindanao-towns-with-no-ira-helpless-against-biff/73907/

Sulu Sultanate calls on Europe, US to help end Sabah dispute

From the Manila Times (Feb 7): Sulu Sultanate calls on Europe, US to help end Sabah dispute

The Sultanate has renewed its call on foreign governments to help end its territorial dispute with the Malaysian government.

“The Sultanate leadership is calling the attention of Great Britain, Spain, Holland, Germany and the United States to facilitate for a peaceful talks between Malaysia and the Sultanate of Sulu,” Secretary General Abraham Idjirani said.

A year after its Royal Security Forces (RSF) occupied a portion of Lahad Datu that led to a bloody standoff in Sabah, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo on Friday declared that it is now willing to live in peaceful co-existence with the Malaysians.

Idjirani said that Sultan Esmail Kiram 2nd and Datu Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram are now seeking peace with Malaysia without prejudicing the interests of the 32 ethnic tribes in the disputed territory.

“The journey back home to Sabah last year to live in peace is now part of the Sultanate of Sulu’s aspiration,” he told The Manila Times.

In fact, Idjirani said, supporters of the Sultanate held a one day prayer on February 4 and that the aspiration of the Bangsa Suluk people to live in peaceful co-existence with the Malaysians was heard all over the world.

“The presence of the spirit of the Sultanate of Sulu is alive in Sabah, but should not be translated as a potential threat to peace and stability of the disputed territory,” he added.

Agbimuddin Kiram led the 235 members of RSF in February last year in occupying Lahad Datu in a move to repossess Sabah from the Malaysian government.

The RSF engaged Malaysian forces in a one-month standoff, which led to deadly clashes and arrests of some of its members.

Idjirani earlier said Agbimuddin, who is still in hiding, has no plans of leaving Sabah until they succeeded in repossessing the minerals-rich North Borneo territory.

At the same time, he said the two prominent Sultanate leaders are conveying their gratitude to the United Nation’s call for the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysia to observe sobriety and conduct peaceful dialogue to achieve resolution of the conflict.

Sultan Kiram earlier expressed willingness to peacefully negotiate with the Malaysian government as he approved the recommendation of the Sultanate’s Advisory Council to push for a peaceful and civilized resolution of its Sabah claim.

He also offered a win-win solution to the conflict including the proprietary aspect wherein Malaysia should recognize the Sultanate’s ownership of Sabah and in turn, it will not withdraw territory from the Federation of Malaysia.

http://manilatimes.net/sulu-sultanate-calls-on-europe-us-to-help-end-sabah-dispute/73914/

Two suspects arrested for extorting D'Biel Transit

From the Zamboanga Today (Feb 7): Two suspects arrested for extorting D'Biel Transit
















Two out of town extortionist were arrested Wednesday during a join entrapment operation conducted by Police Stations 9 and 10 led by Sr. Inspectors Edilberto Alvarez and Chester Natividad, respectively.

Natividad told Zamboanga Today that the suspects were demanding huge amount from the D’ Biel Transit prompting the company to sought police intervention.

Natividad said that the operation resulted to the arrest of Jomar Pillay y Jakarain, 21, marrie,d of Barangay Lakiki and Gerwin Luania y Orrio, of Barangay Sto. Niño, both in Sibuco Municipality, Zamboanga del Norte Province (ZDNP).

In an interview with Natividad, he disclosed that the suspects were texting and calling the manager of bus transit and extorting money.

He added that the suspects threatened to conduct bombing activities on their bus if their demand will be for granted by the bus company.

Report received showed that the police operatives recovered from the suspects the cellular phone they used in communicating with the company’s manager.

The two extortionists are presently detained at Labuan Police Station pending the tactical interrogation and filing of appropriate charges in court. 

Natividad disclosed that they are still coordinating with Councilor Noning Biel for the possible filing of the case against the suspects. 

D’ Biel Transit is owned by the Biel family.

As this developed the Police Station 10 forwarded a case for extortion and grave threat against the two arrested suspects engaged in extortion activities in the western coast of the city.

Natividad said that his police investigators has prepared the two cases against Pillay and Luania.

The two were apprehended when they approached the vehicle of the operatives pretending to be employees of D’ Biel Transit during the entrapment operation.

Natividad added that the transaction ended at the vicinity of Ayala Elementary School however, the suspects managed to escape towards the coastal area of Ayala.

Probers pursued the fleeing suspects until they were cornered by the join police operatives together with Police Station 9 policemen.

During the tactical interrogation, Natividad averred, that the suspects claimed that they were under instruction of a certain Commander Wakas, allegedly a well-known urban terrorist group leader.

Natividad also disclosed that the suspects also threatened to conduct bombing activities on D’ Biel Transit buses if their demand will be for granted.

Police are also gathering evidence whether the group of Commander Wakas were also behind the bombing and burning of Atilano Pension House in Canelar sometimes in November 2011 killing two persons and wounding several occupants.

In similar incident, a suspected extortionist was also arrested in an entrapment operation by elements of Liloy Municipal Police Station on Monday in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

Arrested was a certain Aiyub Acmad y Potal, 20 years old, single and a resident of Sitio Gingayan, Barangay Candelaria, Liloy Zamboanga Del Norte.

Police have acted on a report of the presence of the extortionist in front of Chip N Lechon Manok that resulted to the successful arrest of the suspect.

The arrested extortionist was brought to Liloy Municipal Police Station and detained thereat for proper disposition.

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/16646-two-suspects-arrested-for-extorting-dbiel-transit.html

Security, terrorism, bomb awareness tackled in seminar

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Feb 7): Security, terrorism, bomb awareness tackled in seminar

The Task Force Zamboanga and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) conducted a seminar on vital concerns at the Barangay Hall of Talon-Talon Yesterday.

 

Headed by MSgt. Joseph L. Fernando, TSgt. Jumawan and SSgt. Mario Ebina, the seminar tackled subjects on security, terrorism and bomb awareness,

 

Participants were members of the Barangay Defense Team, barangay tanod, barangay officials led by Chairman Teodyver A. Arquiza, teachers, and purok leaders.

 

The objective of the activity is to provide knowledge and awareness on the aspect of Barangay Defense System to protect their community so that the crisis that had happened last year would not be repeated.

 

“The people of Zamboanga need to be vigilant,” said the seminar organizers.

 

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/9729-security-terrorism-bomb-awareness-tackled-in-seminar.html

MILF: Editorial -- Call for Statesmanship

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Feb 7): Call for Statesmanship

During the height of the deliberation of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA), there were those who opposed it out of conviction that it did not redound to the best interests of this country.
  

Frankly, while we do not appreciate much the actuation of those who opposed it, for whatever reasons, because it paved the way for war to visit us once again, but that was more than five years ago already. To the MILF, the rejection of the MOA-AD by the Supreme Court as “unconstitutional” is just part of history that we have to draw lessons from time to time in our continuing search for peace and solution to the Bangsamoro Question in Mindanao.  Today and the future are more important.

It is on this frame that we appeal to leaders of government, academe, church, business, and civil society organizations to close together so that the MOA-AD debacle will not happen anymore. So much good will, time, and efforts have been invested by all of us that warranted the support of the United Nations, the United States, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, and Japan. (The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is yet to issue a statement of support for the signing of the last Annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)). We make sure that this time we will not fail, God willing!

Out of respect, we will not mention the names, except one, of those who opposed the MOA-AD in 2008. The truth is that currently we have started to reach out to them and convey the message that it is good for all and this country that peace shall dwell amongst us. Most if not all of them whom we talked to are responding very well; in fact, they are offering the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) valuable advices on how the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) gets the support of the people.

Indeed, it is time leaders of men in this country show statesmanship in the resolution of the armed conflict in Mindanao. The issue of peace is not a partisan discourse. Everybody has to support it, because when there is real peace everybody benefits.

On its part, the MILF is already showing its ultimate sacrifice in order to achieve peace in our midst. It agrees to undertake graduated decommissioning of its firearms (and combatants). While there is no element of surrender in the act and there are no firearms turned over to the “enemy” but to a third party body composed of three foreign experts and four local experts, but once the MILF decommissions its firearms, they are gone forever.

It is on this premise that we also appeal to former mayor and now congressman Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City to support the peace process between the GPH and the MILF. He has everything to gain in supporting it and everything to lose in opposing it. He is the only one virtually speaking of war when everybody speaks of peace.

Congressman Lobregat, please show that you are also for peace and leader of all men, irrespective of religion, tribes, and station in life. Zamboanga City is for all of us!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/800-call-for-statesmanship

MILF: 114th Base Command of BIAF holds advocacy in Sumisip, Basilan

From the MILF Website (Feb 7): 114th Base Command of BIAF holds advocacy in Sumisip, Basilan

The Unit 5 of 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) conducted advocacy program in Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip on February 2, 2014 with more than one thousand people in attendance, mostly women including BIAF & BIWAF members.

The program was sponsored by the head of Unit 5 of 114th Base Command.The speakers were CCCH Chairman Abbas Salung, the 114th Base Commander and this writer who is the Information Director of Yakan City.

The latter presented and discussed the four annexes on Transitional Arrangements & Modalities, Wealth-Sharing, Power-Sharing and Normalization.

The one-day advocacy program was so cordial and interesting according to one with alias Boy, a member of the BIAF, because they were clarified especially on the salient features of Annex on Normalization. He said, a lot of people especially government employees are saying that BIAF will surrender to the government and their arms turned over to the government.

He further said that their doubts and confusions were addressed after the contents of the Normalization Annex were explained to them.  The participants were thankful for the conduct of the activity as this is the first one held in their area. Barangay Cabengbeng is a volatile area and prone to conflict between MILF and the AFP due to its location being near the highway. Residents are also happy because the AFP has already recognized it as an MILF area and not of lawless elements.

In 2012 & early 2013, military operations were frequently made in the area resulting to massive dislocation of residents. The Base Commander reminded members of BIAF to be disciplined and observe utmost sobriety so as not to violate the ceasefire accord between the GPH and the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/802-114th-base-command-of-biaf-holds-advocacy-in-sumisip-basilan

CPP/NDF: Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin: Martir ng uring magbubukid

Posted to the CPP Website (Feb 6): Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin: Martir ng uring magbubukid (Gregorio "Ka Greg" Ratin: Martyr of the peasant class)

Andres Agtalon
Spokesperson
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid

Pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pagsaludo ang ipinapaabot ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – National Democratic Front (PKM-NDF) kay Kasamang Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin, isang proletaryong rebolusyonaryong nagmula sa hanay ng maralitang magsasaka sa lalawigan ng Negros Occidental, na pumanaw habang sumasailalim sa operasyon ng kanyang puso.

[Highest tribute and salute to the National Confederation of Peasant - National Democratic Front (NDF-PKM) Comrade Gregorio "Ka Greg" Ratin, a proletarian revolutionary who originated from poor farmers in the province of Negros Occidental (and) who died while undergoing a heart operation.]

Pumanaw si Ka Greg sa harap ng mga maniobra, sa katunayan ay sa mismong araw ng unang pagdinig ng reaksyunaryong Kongreso sa panukalang muling palawigin ng limang taon ang huwad, kontra-magbubukid, at maka-panginoong maylupang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER). Ang CARPER ang isa sa mga programang nilabanan ni Ka Greg kahit sa gitna ng kanyang karamdaman.

Walang kapagurang pinaglingkuran ni Ka Greg ang masang magbubukid bilang isa sa mga pinakamahuhusay na kadre ng kilusang magsasaka. Pinamunuan at pinangunahan ni Ka Greg ang matatagumpay na kampanya at pakikibakang magsasaka sa Isla ng Negros. Tampok dito ang mga matatagumpay na organisadong paggigiit, bungkalan at okupasyon sa lupa ng mga magsasaka sa Bago City noong taong 2008. Parang apoy na lumaganap ang kampanyang bungkalan na sa kasalukuyan ay umabot na sa mahigit 86 na tipak ng mga lupain ang sama-samang binubungkal at nasa pangangasiwa ng organisasyon ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Sumasaklaw ito sa mahigit 2,100 ektarya at tinatamna ng palay, mais at iba pang halamang pagkain para sa mahigit 2,500 pamilyang magbubukid sa Negros.

Bilang lider-masa at propagandista, isa si Ka Greg sa matiyagang nagmulat, nag-organisa, at nagpakilos sa libu-libong magsasaka at mamamayan sa isla ng Negros upang lumahok sa pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa. Buong katapangan nilang inilantad ang pagsasamantala, korapsyon, pandarahas, at pagkapapet ng rehimeng US-Aquino at ng mga kakutsaba nitong mga panginoong maylupa. Inilantad ni Ka Greg ang monopolyo sa lupa ng amain ni Aquino na si Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. at ang pangangamkam ng lupa at pagwasak sa kalikasan ng mga lokal at dayuhang kumpanya ng pagmimina sa isla ng Negros. Walang takot din na hinarap at nilabanan ni Ka Greg ang pasistang pandarahas ng estado at ng mga bayarang maton ng mga panginoong maylupa.

Kabilang na ngayon si Ka Greg sa mga martir at bayani ng uring magbubukid sa pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa. Kasama niya na sina Ka Eddie Gumanoy, ni Ka Nilo Arado na biktima ng sapilitang pagdukot ng pasistang militar, at ni Ka Roger Rosal. Ilan sa mga magigiting na bayani na nagmula sa uring magbubukid na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa dakilang pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa at sa rebolusyong Pilipino.

Sa kanyang pagpanaw, iniwan ni Ka Greg ang libu-libong mga kasama at masang nakahandang magpatuloy sa kanyang rebolusyonaryong gawain. Ang mga binhing itinanim ni Ka Greg sa matabang lupa ng Negros ang nagtitiyak na magpapatuloy at higit pang susulong ang rebolusyong agraryo, armadong pakikibaka,at higit pang lalakas ang Pulang kapangyarihan hindi lamang sa isla ng Negros kundi sa buong bansa. Ang kamatayan ni Ka Greg ay kasimbigat ng Bundok Kanlaon.

Ibaling ang dalamhati sa rebolusyonaryong katapangan!

Mabuhay si Ka Greg Ratin! Mabuhay ang uring magsasaka!

Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140206_gregorio-ka-greg-ratin-martir-ng-uring-magbubukid

Ten 15th IB men positive for drugs

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 7): Ten 15th IB men positive for drugs

None of the 3rd Infantry Division soldiers assigned in Negros and Panay island tested positive for illegal drugs, but not 10 other Army troopers temporarily deployed in Mindanao.

While the 15IB is presently assigned in Mindanao and under the supervision of the 1st Infantry Division, it is still under the administrative control of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, military records show.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman, yesterday confirmed that 10 soldiers of 15IB tested positive for use of prohibited drugs.

The 15IB is now undergoing retraining in Zamboanga del Sur.

The random drug testing conducted by the Task Force Moses, an anti-drug body of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also covered 3ID soldiers assigned in Negros and Panay. However, their results were negative, military records show.

Of about 20,000 AFP personnel 70 are members of the Philippine Army subjected to random drug testing by the Task Force Moses in 2013, 113 were confirmed to have been using prohibited drugs.

It will be followed by a confirmatory test to be conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement. A confirmed drug user will undergo an investigation, the AFP said in a statement it issued.

The 10 soldiers of 15IB who tested positive for drug are all young enlisted personnel, military records show.

Despite this, Tiongson said the 10 will be accorded due process, while they are being investigated.

If found guilty, they could be discharged from the military service, he added.

The 15IB had a short stint of assignment in northern Negros, almost a decade ago.

Following its achievements in eliminating drug influence with the AFP, Task Force Moses is increasing its target recipients of random drug testing by 20 percent this year, the AFP statement added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/07/topstory10.htm