MILF: Moro groups stone Sen. Marcos, Rep. Lobregat photos in a rally at Cotabato City

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): Moro groups stone Sen. Marcos, Rep. Lobregat photos in a rally at Cotabato City



Cotabato City- Irritated and disgusted members of Moro groups who are opposed to the substitute bills for Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in both Chambers of Congress staged a rally and stoned photos of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Representative Celso Lobregat on a large tarpaulin hanged in front of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College at Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City, Tuesday morning September 15.  

The rallyists called them “demons” causing troubles to the Moros as they are opposed to genuine peace and economic stability of the Bangsamoro people when they deboned the Malacañan-MILF agreed version of the BBL.

“The symbolic stoning of Senator Marcos and Lobregat is showing our disappointment over these two legislators who is sowing chaos to us Moros,” Dats Magon of the Sulong Bangsamoro Movement (SBM).

Magon said, “They are demons, we stoned them because they are peace spoilers”.

“They don’t want that Bangsamoro to live peacefully,” he continued.

Hadji Mushid Mascud of the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) recalled the bitterness and sufferings of both Filipinos and the Moro people caused by Martial Law imposed by Bongbong’s father, Ferdinand Marcos several decades ago.

“During that time human rights violations were rampant, we were displaced and became unproductive, so many massacres were committed by the government to the Bangsamoro,” Mascud lamented.

“This Bong-Bong Law (referring to the substitute Senate Bill number 2894) of Senator Marcos is not acceptable to us. It is against the letter and spirit of FAB and CAB thus it will not address the root cause of Bangsamoro problem and their quest for right to self-determination but rather it will worsen the situation,” he pointed out.

Mascud also said that Bangsamoro people are opposed to House Bill 5811.

Some described the photos of Senator Bongbong Marcos, ; his father, Ferdinand, Sr. and Lobregat on the tarpaulin as “Mana sa Ama, Ayaw sa Bangsamoro”; “Mana sa Ama, Kalaban ng Bangsamoro”; “Senator Marcos, Anak ng Utak ng Martial Law”; “Salot sa Bangsamoro, Berdugo ng Moro”; “No to Bong-Bong Law”; “Martial Law, Massacres Never Again”.

The SBM compares this activity as similar to a ritual in Mecca (Makkah), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where pilgrims are throwing stones to get rid of devils during the annual Hajj or pilgrimage.

The SBM and MAP said that there will be a mass mobilization in September 21 in Cotabato City and other areas to support and push for the immediate passage of agreed version of BBL and to denounce Senator Marcos and his flocks’ ‘acts of evil’ that threaten peace and security in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/569-moro-groups-stone-sen-marcos-rep-lobregat-photos-in-a-rally-at-cotabato-city

MILF: House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 16): House leaders to exert efforts to pass the BBL



Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in their statement yesterday during the opening of the exhibit of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process at the House of Representatives said that, “They would exert all efforts to pass the BBL before the end of the month.  The bill seeks to create a new region called Bangsamoro that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“A lot of people see this proposed law as solving the persistent and recurring conflict in Mindanao. This is the best solution we have at this time. Despite the fact that time is short, we are giving this our best shot,” Belmonte told reporters.

He appealed to his colleagues to be present during plenary sessions so that the deliberations on the BBL can continue and be voted upon before the end of the month.
“Let’s all vote on it BBL. Even if you’re against it, just vote… but let’s all be there,” he said.

Addressing lawmakers and other concerned sectors, Belmonte said the country is now in “very interesting times and every other critical piece of legislation must be backed by the support of the general public.”

 “Unfortunately, camps who oppose the passage of the BBL sow misinformation to gain unfair public support. Myths are crafted to erode the momentum of the proposed bill, raising questions on constitutionality and distribution of power and resources,” he said.

Rodriguez said the House will ensure that it will not pass a BBL that is not legally sound or unconstitutional, but a version that will be inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all.

Mohaquer Iqbal, Chief Negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said he believes the issue of lack of quorum in the House is just a “fleeting problem.”

“I still trust in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the BBL,” Iqbal said at the event.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/568-house-leaders-to-exert-efforts-to-pass-the-bbl

MILF: World Bank renews commitment to peace and development

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 15): World Bank renews commitment to peace and development



Axel Van Trotsenburg world Bank Vice Pres. Asian Pacific(left), Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan(between), Chairman Murad Ebrahim(right), 2nd Vice Chairman Pangalian Solaiman(1st right) and Rafael C. Lopa - PBSP Executive Director(last right)

The influential World Bank (WB) reiterated on Monday, September 14, 2015  its continuing support to the peace and development in the Bangsamoro inspite of the challenges being faced in the political aspect of the peace process, particularly in the delay of the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Axel van Trotsenburg, WB Vice-President for East Asia and Pacific, relayed this message to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and several members of the Central Committee who were gathered for a meeting at Camp Darapanan, the administrative base of the revolutionary movement located in the interior of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Trotsenburg emphasized that the World Bank would step up financial support so that “communities can feel some things are moving” while people are waiting for the realization of the BBL.

World Bank is interested in what the MILF wants to do in the interim and how it can assist the latter, Trotsenburg stressed.

He also said that World Bank wants to be proactive and that it would match its words with actions.

Chairman Ebrahim commended the World Bank for its assistance now and in the past.

Even as the MILF chief described the current political setbacks, Chairman Ebrahim asked Trotsenburg to consider the various aspects of the normalization process as possible areas for cooperation and assistance.

“The World Bank and MILF can cooperate in aspects of normalization that are not directly linked to the achievement of political milestones,” suggested Chairman Ebrahim.

He also said that normalization and Bangsamoro Development Plan will have to go together for complementation. Projects that are of immediate benefit to the people can be worked out.

During the meeting, a ceremonial signing for the $1.2 million extension to the Mindanao Trust Fund took place.



The Mindanao Trust Fund, officially the Multi-Donor Facility – PH Mindanao Reconstruction & Development Project, was approved in July 2005 and builds on the comprehensive 2005 Joint Needs Assessment for Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao which was conducted also by the World Bank. The main purpose of the project was to build the capacity of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the development arm of the MILF.

CPP/NDF: Oppose US Military Domination in the Philippines

From Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Sep 15): Oppose US Military Domination in the Philippines

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Ang Bayan
Sept 7, 2015 issue
English

Aquino and his military and security officials odiously saluted visiting Adm. Harry Harris, recently installed commander of the US military forces in the Pacific. In the course of three days, Aquino and his officials threw away all remaining national dignity and presented themselves as lackeys of high American officials. click here to read more

 http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150915_oppose-us-military-domination-in-the-philippines

CVPP/NDF: CPP Denounces Arrest of 21st JASIG holder

Propaganda press statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 15): CPP Denounces Arrest of 21st JASIG holder

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Press Release
September 8, 2015

CPP denounces arrest of 21st JASIG holder

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today denounced the arrest of another consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and demanded his immediate release.

“The arrest of Rene Nuyda Jr., an NDFP consultant for the Bicol region, is another blow of the US-Aquino regime against peace negotiations,” said the CPP.

Nuyda was arrested yesterday in Marikina by combined military and police forces.
“Under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), Nuyda should not have been subjected to surveillance, arrest and prosecution by the GPH,” said the CPP. Nuyda is a holder of a JASIG Document of Identification.

Nyuda is now the 21st JASIG holder currently under detention, pointed out the CPP.

“Apparently, Nuyda’s arrest was carried out yesterday by the Aquino regime in an attempt to offset its political embarrassment over the release of Andrea Rosal on the same day and the global outcry against the Lianga massacre last September 1,” said the CPP. (See the CPP statement on Andrea Rosal’s release.)

“Over the past months, the Aquino regime has stepped up attacks against NDFP personnel involved in peace negotiations further making the resumption of formal talks impossible,” said the CPP. “It has shown total disinterest in peace negotiations with the NDFP.”

“Indeed, there is very little time left to further engage the Aquino regime in any more fruitful negotiations,” added the CPP. “It is the recommendation of the NDFP negotiators to just wait for the next regime.”

“The Aquino regime has caused the total collapse of peace negotiations not only with the arrest of NDFP peace personnel, but with the intensified armed attacks against civilians and widespread violations of human rights and international
humanitarian law.”

“The Filipino people and their revolutionary forces are compelled to step up their mass struggles and armed resistance amid heightened state terrorism,” said the CPP.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150915_cpp-denounces-arrest-of-21st-jasig-holder

Miners accused of funding militias in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 15): Miners accused of funding militias in Surigao Sur

Chamber of Mines issues denial

To demand justice and accountability from big mining companies for the recent Lumad killings in Surigao del Sur, about 100 protesters picketed on Tuesday morning outside the Solaire Casino and Resort along Aseana Avenue in Parañaque City, where the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines held its Mining Philippines 2015 Conference.

Members of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), Katribu and the Defend Patrimony Alliance gathered along Diokno Avenue at the corner of Aseana Avenue, just outside the entertainment complex, and carried with them banners, which slammed the event sponsors whom they tagged as “promoters of pollution, plunder, and militarization.”

Kalikasan PNE national coordinator Clemente Bautista said that the main sponsors of the mining conference, which included Philex Mining, Nickel Asia and Red 5 Limited, have been “the leading sponsors” of paramilitary groups in mine-affected communities in Mindanao.

“These sponsors also have extensive track records of pollution and plunder over the past recent years,” added Bautista.

However, the Chamber of Mines strongly denied having any links to paramilitary groups to weaken the indigenous communities’ resistance to mining in their areas. It pledged to help the police investigate the killings of the lumad in Surigao del Sur.

It issued a statement Tuesday night, which read, as follows:  “The Chamber is not aware of the involvement of any of its member-firms in this case. We condemn the killing and offer our sincerest sympathies to the victims’ loved ones. Among the foundations of responsible mining is respect for human life, for human rights, and for indigenous peoples rights.

We will cooperate with police authorities and be willing to participate in any investigation on the alleged killings.”

The Kalikasan People’s Network, meanwhile, claimed that all these groups have benefited from the  militarization of indigenous Lumad communities in the Caraga region while another mining company, the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) funded paramilitary groups in Lumad communities, which fought mining projects in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

“The recent killings in a Lumad school in the town of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, is part and parcel of the Aquino government’s Oplan Bayanihan inextricably linked to mining and other big business interests in the region. The Andap Valley Complex, in which Lianga, is situated is known to be one of the biggest coal reserves in the country, and the killing rampage that forced more than 3,000 Lumads to evacuate to the city center seems motivated to protect these investments,” explained Bautista.

Lumad school director Emerito Samarca and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Juvello Sinzo were recently killed in Surigao del Sur allegedly by paramilitary forces.
“These big miners are responsible, not only for the pollution they have caused, but also for the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and their paramilitary attack dogs who have transformed mine-affected villages into killing fields. But the serious accountability of large-scale miners is a pipe dream when they have collaborationist public officials, and some of them will be exhibited in the conference itself,” added Bautista.

The green group said they would continue to “demand accountability and justice for the pollution and plunder brought by these large-scale miners.”

“We demand immediate justice for our Lumad brothers and sisters and the pull-out of the butcher mining companies that militarized their communities. We also promise to the collaborationist politicians that aid and abet these onerous mining projects that they will be met with our vigorous opposition,” Bautista said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/722256/mining-firms-accused-of-funding-militia-groups-in-surigao-del-sur

3 Manobo leaders clear military of Lumad killings

From GMA News (Sep 15): 3 Manobo leaders clear military of Lumad killings

Three Lumad leaders on Tuesday cleared the military of being behind the recent killings of indigenous peoples in Mindanao, pinning the blame instead on the communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

"There are no armed government forces in the community," said Datu Malapandaw Nestor Apas, a Manobo from Davao del Norte, at a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

"The NPA rebels are the ones occupying our area to control indigenous peoples and seize ancestral lands," added Apas, who was joined by two other Lumad leaders in the press conference.

Apas was belying the alleged harassment of Lumad communities by the military and military-backed militias in Mindanao, as well as the militarization of Lumad schools as accused by human rights group Karapatan.

"We are not oppressed by the military because they have laws to follow," he said.

Apas, however, admitted they have no evidence to prove their claim that NPA rebels were behind the killing of Lumad leaders.

"For sure there is evidence, but we do not have it right now," he said.

Maj. Emmanuel Garcia of the military's Civil Relations Service said Apas and the two others —  Datu Marcial Belandre and Datu Rico Macat, both of Surigao del Sur — were brought to Manila by Victims of Injustice, Criminality and Terrorism in Mindanao (VICTIM) convenor Art Tariman.

He said VICTIM asked the military to link up the three to the media.

"We just want to ferret out the truth," said Garcia in explaining the military’s role in the media activity.

Apas said they were not asked by the military to appear in the press conference, saying they are "not lapdogs" of the Armed Forces.

"We were not ordered to do this," he said.

Karapatan has tagged the military in the recent killings and other atrocities against the indigenous people in Mindanao, including the Sept. 1 killing of three Lumads in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

The group said the Lianga killings were perpetrated by Magahat/Bagani Force, a paramilitary group allegedly trained and equipped by the Armed Forces.

The AFP said the group is not under its command and control. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537000/news/nation/3-manobo-leaders-clear-military-of-lumad-killings

83,000 veterans owed P17B in disability – PVAO

From GMA News (Sep 16): 83,000 veterans owed P17B in disability – PVAO

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) admitted that the government owed more than P17 billion in disability benefits to more than 83,000 veterans and their spouses.

The PVAO explained that 1994's Republic Act 7696 entitled veterans that reached 70 years of age to a monthly Total Administrative Disability (TAD) benefit of P1,700, besides the P5,000 old age pension.

However, the government only started paying veterans disability in 2010. Thus the government now owes 83,346 veterans P17.53 billion in TAD pension.

Among those owed disability are 21,171 spouses of WWII veterans who have already died. Of these spouses, the PVAO is concentrating on paying 16,237 surviving spouses, those who are aged 80 and above, the P2.72 billion owed them.

PVAO administrator Ernesto Carolina said they are just stating the figures. “We do not want to blame anybody for this (accrued obligation),” Carolina said.

“We just want the truth to come out, just the facts. Ang totoo, there are people, 16,000 souls, 80 years old and above, asawa ng mga nakipaglaban noong giyera, may utang tayo, hindi natin binabayaran,” said Carolina. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537039/news/nation/83-000-veterans-owed-p17b-in-disability-pvao

Police arrest 6 militants during clash near US Embassy in Manila

From GMA News (Sep 16): Police arrest 6 militants during clash near US Embassy in Manila

Early-morning tension erupted near the US Embassy in Manila when police personnel clashed with a number of militants holding a ligthning rally to mark the 24th anniversary of the historic Philippine Senate vote rejecting the countinued stay of the US military bases in the country.

A report on "News TV Live" said the protesters, poising as joggers along Roxas Boulevard, converged in front of the US Ebassy armed with paint bombs and small placards and called for an end to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines.

Militants engaged anti-riot police in a shoving match as they lobbed paint bombs at the embassy gate and waved anti-EDCA placards as they charged towards police lines near the embassy gate.

The windshield of a patrol car was hit by a hard object and broke during the clash that ended with the arrest of six protesters.

Traffic buildup on the section the Roxas Boulevard near the embassy occurred for a few minutes before the protesters were dispersed.

But the militants vowed to continue their protest plan, including a march rally going to the Supreme Court later in the day.

In a press release, militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said members of their alliances would converge at the Supreme Court and the US Embassy.

It denounced the alleged "continuing US intervention and the plan to bring back US bases under the EDCA."

Bayan is calling on the SC to resolve several petitions questioning the EDCA which were filed last year. Petitioners included former senators, party-list lawmakers, activists, academics and church leaders. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537070/news/metro/police-arrest-6-militants-during-clash-near-us-embassy-in-manila

US Embassy denies American soldier killed in Mamasapano

From GMA News (Sep 15): US Embassy denies American soldier killed in Mamasapano

The United States Embassy denied on Tuesday that an American soldier was among those killed in the counter-terrorism operation that led to the death of a wanted Southeast Asian terrorist and 44 elite commandos in Mamasapano town early this year.

"There were no US service member casualties," US Embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer said in a statement.

Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan,  was killed in the operation, but as the police pulled out, an encounter with Muslim rebels erupted, killing 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

"The operation was planned and executed by Philippine authorities," Hoyer said. "We refer you to them for details of the operation."

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said the government should check the authenticity of a video showing supposed proof that the January 25 Mamasapano encounter also resulted in at least one American casualty.

The video, according to a report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, supposedly shows a slain "Caucasian-looking" man stripped down to his underwear.

The man is said to be a member of the US military who got involved in an encounter between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force in Mamasapano on January 25.

"Let's take a look at that video. Caucasian ba talaga? And if that video is authentic, Caucasian ba talaga ang nandoon?" De Lima told reporters.

Cooperation between the Philippines and the US has successfully led to the killing of key local terrorists in Mindanao.

"The U.S. government consults regularly with Philippine security forces on issues of mutual interest,"  Hoyer said.

Assistance provided by US personnel serving under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, he explained, were made upon the request of the Philippine government. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/536973/news/nation/us-embassy-denies-american-soldier-killed-in-mamasapano

De Lima apprehensive about unconfirmed Caucasian fatality in Mamasapano

From InterAksyon (Sep 15): De Lima apprehensive about unconfirmed Caucasian fatality in Mamasapano



Justice Secretary Leila De Lima

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday questioned the authenticity of the video that surfaced recently, purportedly showing the body of a Caucasian soldier allegedly among the remains of the Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in the January 25 Mamasapano massacre.

De Lima said the authenticity of the video should first be established before anything else, adding that, once this is done, the next move should be to ascertain whether the fatality was indeed Caucasian or not.

"Let's take a look at that -- if that video is authentic, the next question should be, is he indeed a Caucasian?," De Lima told journalists, said as she appealed to the public not to immediately jump into conclusion.

"We should not jump into speculations and conclusions," she added.

De Lima also said that she will task the task force composed of prosecutors and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) who are still investigating the second part of the encounter, involving that the death of the nine members of the 84th Seaborne Company, the main unit that supposedly took down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (nom de guerre Marwan) in his hut, to also look into the alleged implication raised by the video.

The task force has already completed its probe on the death of the 35 members of the SAF blocking force in Tukanalipao, Maguindanao.

De Lima clarified that protocol prohibits US troops from actively participating in combat operations in the country.

She said they could only go as far as sharing intelligence and participating in medical evacuation, if requested by their Filipino counterparts.

In a related development, the Department of Justice (DOJ) observed that the report of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the incident "was incomplete."
Although Secretary De Lima said her office was given a copy of the 35-page MILF report, it was notably lacking in supporting evidence, such as affidavits of eyewitnesses.

"While there were findings and conclusions (in the MILF report), there are no other evidence to support it. I have noticed that, while there were factual observations, there was no supporting evidence, like the affidavits of first-hand witnesses," De Lima underscored.

De Lima explained that, while DOJ, through the fact-finding task force composed of state prosecutors and personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), initially considered the MILF report, the lack of these supporting documents meant that it is not going to be of significant formal use.

The MILF report was submitted to the government two months after the January 25 encounter.

The DOJ, for its part, already completed the first part of its report on the incident covering the killing of the 35 members of the SAF 55th Company in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.

The 55th Company served as the blocking force for the 84th Seaborne, the main unit in "Oplan Exodus" whose objective was to arrest Marwan.

Part Two of the DOJ investigation covered the death of nine members of the 84th Seaborne as well as the death of the MILF members and three civilians.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117578/de-lima-apprehensive-about-unconfirmed-caucasian-fatality-in-mamasapano

Mamasapano incident should be put to rest, says Iqbal on reviving probe

From InterAksyon (Sep 15): Mamasapano incident should be put to rest, says Iqbal on reviving probe



Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal (L) is seen with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (4th L), government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer (2nd L) and several congressmen viewing the BBL exhibit at the House of Representatives Sept. 15, 2015. (Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com)

The chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the Mamasapano incident should be put to rest following calls to revive investigation following the emergence of fresh details surrounding the death of 67 people, including 44 police Special Action Forces (SAF) men.

"Sa amin, inilibing na namin ang issue ng Mamasapano, matagal na nating pinag-usapan 'yan. Maliban sa hustisya na dapat makuha, hindi na dapat halungkatin iyan kasi masakit iyan, especially sa mga pamilya ng SAF, sa mga namatay (We have buried the Mamasapano issue; we had already discussed it. Aside from justice that must be served, it should not be revived because of the pain, especially for the families of the SAF men who died)," Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said in an interview at the House of Representatives.

"Anyway, may report na ang Department of Justice as well as police (Board of Inquiry), may report na sila at meron na rin sa amin, so 'yun na lang ang dapat tingnan natin 'yung reports na nailabas (the DOJ and the police had their report, we had ours, so we should just look at the reports that came out)," he added.

Iqbal said it was "not a wise move" to reopen the investigation, adding that "it would just go nowhere."

The Senate and the House of Representatives have also conducted their separate inquiries, but the latter has yet to release its report four months after it terminated its investigation.

The DOJ is completing its own investigation on the incident, which could include the involvement of several MILF fighters as among those who would be charged in the killing if the SAF men.

Asked to react on the possible involvement of the MILF, Iqbal said, "That's an internal process of government, but so far, I have not seen any official document that MILF members will be part of those on the list who will be charged."

"As far as we are concerned, it's a closed case, I don't think it has any effect on the passage of the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law),"  he added.

On the alleged participation of caucasians in the operation, Iqbal said that the MILF report did not find the same information during its investigation.

Iqbal was at the House of Representatives for the opening of the BBL exhibit.

He was joined by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and several congressmen in the exhibit.

The BBL, a product of the comprehensive agreement between the government and the MILF, is still pending at the House and the Senate.

Iqbal said he was positive that the lawmakers will hear their pleas to pass the measure.

Ferrer said having the BBL will give reality to the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people to have peace and progress in the Mindanao region.

Belmonte said he was confident his colleagues will act on the bill.

"However, I trust that my colleagues in this honorable House will never pass a law that is not legally sound or unconstitutional," he said, adding that what should come out of Congress is a law that will be "inclusive enough to integrate the needs and concerns of all stakeholders."

At the House, the BBL is being debated in plenary, but the lack of quorum had delayed its deliberation.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117585/mamasapano-incident-should-be-put-to-rest-says-iqbal-on-reviving-probe

PH banks on backing of int’l community on territorial row with China

From MindaNews (Sep 16): PH banks on backing of int’l community on territorial row with China

The Philippine government will rely on the support of the international community if the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in The Hague, the Netherlands decides in favor of the Philippines over a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea, a foreign affairs official said Tuesday.

China had insisted it has “indisputable sovereignty” over contested isles in the West Philippine Sea as its “traditional fishing grounds”, and had shunned the arbitration process.

During the Multi-Sectoral Forum on the West Philippine Sea held at the NCCC Mall of Davao, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose said China, the world’s second largest economy, has to respect such ruling if it wants to be seen as a leader in the region.

“At the beginning, when we filed an arbitration case, China said that they do not accept the arbitration process and they will not respect and comply with whatever decision that tribunal will come up with,” he said.

He added other countries would support the position of the Philippines in the sea row with China, as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides for an exclusive economic zone of 200 miles from a country’s coastline.

Jose said China’s nine-dash line takes up 80 percent of the West Philippine Sea and 85 percent of South China Sea.

The official was confident the tribunal will favor the Philippines’ position over China’s nine-dash line, which is based on the latter’s historical claims. Otherwise, he said, it would lead to chaos on the exclusivity of maritime territories of other countries.

Disputes on maritime boundaries are supposedly settled through UNCLOS, dubbed the “constitution of the oceans,” he said.

He assured the Philippines could get the backing of the international community, as they expressed their support during the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, East Asian Summit, and Asean Regional Forum.

During the East Asian Summit in August, also in Kuala Lumpur, he said 13 out of 18 member countries expressed concern over the South China Sea. The EAS includes member countries of the Asean.

“All of them spoke of South China Sea and all of them expressed their concern on what’s happening in the South China Sea. Without necessarily pointing at China, they are saying that the reclamation activity that is being done there is the cause of the tensions in the region,” he said.

Jose said the international community has even called on China to stop its reclamation, construction, and militarization activities in the disputed waters.

“You would find all the countries would agree with the position of the Philippines,” he said.

But Jose said that even if China would cave in to the pressures, it will take years before China gets its hands off the disputed waters.

“Naniniwala kami na China will eventually come around. Pero hindi ito magiging overnight na gratification. It does not mean na kung magdecide ang tribunal na may basis ang claim natin at walang basis yung claim ng China, bukas pwede na paalisin ang China dun sa mga areas na inoccupy nila. This will take years. Many years ang magiging struggle nito,” he said.

He said China will have to comply with the decision of the tribunal, otherwise it risks losing its credibility as a responsible member of the international community.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/16/ph-banks-on-backing-of-intl-community-on-territorial-row-with-china-2/

Sayyafs free abducted workers in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 15): Sayyafs free abducted workers in Basilan province

BASILAN – Abu Sayyaf rebels have freed 9 construction workers they seized in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, authorities said on Tuesday.

It said the rebels released all hostages in Sumisip town after finding out they are all Muslims working for a private contractor who is also a Muslim. It was unknown whether their employer paid ransom or not.

Rebels seized the victims on September 14 while on their way to work in Sumisip’s Benembengan town. Two others workers managed to escape and told authorities about the abductions.

Authorities said all victims have returned to their families.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-abducted-workers-in-basilan-province/

Army in Abra welcomes new commanders

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 14): Army in Abra welcomes new commanders

LAGANGILANG, Abra -- The new commander of  the 503rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army  based in the province,  vowed to  sustain and maintain the strictness of discipline in order to continue enjoying the trust and help of the civilians in the attainment of peace and order.

Col. Roy T. Devesa   took over  the command  from General Paul T. Atal.

Devesa, who was once assigned in the Cordilleras during his younger years as a soldier, asserted  to continue to work on the mission of the unit particularly in keeping the peace and order of the provinces  of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province where the Brigade operates.

Prior to his current assignment  here, Devesa served as Deputy Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based at Camp Robert Eduard M. Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.

Meanwhile, the 50th “The Defender” Infantry Battalion (IB) welcomed LtC. Gulliver L. Señires as its new  Commanding Officer last September 7 at the Army headquarters in Sitio Barbarit, Brgy. Tagodtod, Lagangilang.

Señires replaces LtC. Edmund D. Tubiera  who will be assigned in Upi,  Gamu, Isabela.

Major General Lysander A. Suerte, Division Commander of the 5th Infantry Division who presided over the change of command ceremony, appreciated the attendance of many civilians, local government units and the Philippine National Police headed by PSSupt. Antonio P. Bartolome.

Suerte was happy to know that  people in Abra  no longer fear or hate the Philippine Army today but love and trust them as real peacemakers and heroes.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/111441693627/army-in-abra-welcomes-new-commanders