From the Daily Tribune (Oct 14): Deal no guaranty to end conflict, says MILF head
The framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government to be signed by President Aquino tomorrow will not necessarily end the armed conflict in Mindanao, MILF chairman Murad Ibrahim said yesterday. Murad, in a statement, said although the peace agreement may be a big leap forward for the peace process, it will not, by itself, end the Moro secessionist problem. “There is still much work to be done to make peace work,” the statement said, adding that forging of the agreement does not mean the end of the struggle for it (only) ushers in a new and more challenging stage. Murad, however, said the agreement deserves to be celebrated since it took more than 16 years negotiations to craft it....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/5596-deal-no-guaranty-to-end-conflict-says-milf-head
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Philippine peace deal seen as blow to terrorists
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Philippine peace
deal seen as blow to terrorists
Hunted by U.S.-backed Filipino troops in 2005, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and other al-Qaida-linked militants sought refuge in the mountainous stronghold of the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. But the rebels turned them away. They were afraid that harboring extremists would scuttle their peace talks with the government. The following year, Janjalani was killed by troops in another jungle area. The rebels' rejection of Janjalani shows the potential of harnessing the main Moro insurgents in preventing their strongholds from serving as one of the last remaining refuges of al-Qaida-affiliated militants. Philippine officials hope the tentative peace deal to be signed with the rebels on Monday will turn the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front into a formidable force against the Abu Sayyaf and other radicals....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859112&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Hunted by U.S.-backed Filipino troops in 2005, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and other al-Qaida-linked militants sought refuge in the mountainous stronghold of the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. But the rebels turned them away. They were afraid that harboring extremists would scuttle their peace talks with the government. The following year, Janjalani was killed by troops in another jungle area. The rebels' rejection of Janjalani shows the potential of harnessing the main Moro insurgents in preventing their strongholds from serving as one of the last remaining refuges of al-Qaida-affiliated militants. Philippine officials hope the tentative peace deal to be signed with the rebels on Monday will turn the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front into a formidable force against the Abu Sayyaf and other radicals....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859112&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Leftist rebel leader yield in Davao: military
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Leftist rebel leader
yield in Davao
The military today claimed that a high-ranking leftist rebel has recently surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippines. Ricardo Lucnod, a local commander of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindanao's Davao Oriental province turned himself in without firearms to Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat on Thursday, according to Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a provincial army commander. "He left the group's mountain lair sometime in August and lied low for over a month before deciding to surface. Hardships and sickness while evading government troops drove him to surrender," Guerrero said. The military official said Lucnod became the 80th NPA rebel to return to the folds of law in Davao Oriental province this year. " Twenty four rebels surrendered in the first quarter while the 56 others had yielded in the last three months," said Guerrero...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859182&publicationSubCategoryId=200
The military today claimed that a high-ranking leftist rebel has recently surrendered to authorities in the southern Philippines. Ricardo Lucnod, a local commander of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mindanao's Davao Oriental province turned himself in without firearms to Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat on Thursday, according to Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a provincial army commander. "He left the group's mountain lair sometime in August and lied low for over a month before deciding to surface. Hardships and sickness while evading government troops drove him to surrender," Guerrero said. The military official said Lucnod became the 80th NPA rebel to return to the folds of law in Davao Oriental province this year. " Twenty four rebels surrendered in the first quarter while the 56 others had yielded in the last three months," said Guerrero...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859182&publicationSubCategoryId=200
Mixed feelings for MILF leaders ahead of agreement signing
From the Philippine Star (Oct 13): Mixed feelings for MILF leaders ahead of agreement signing
Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation have mixed feelings on Monday’s signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang, seat of the Philippine government that their forces fought for more than two decades. Most senior MILF officials, including Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and Muhaquer Iqbal, started as members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), but bolted, along with Ustadz Salamat Hashim, in the early 1980s....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=859104
Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation have mixed feelings on Monday’s signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang, seat of the Philippine government that their forces fought for more than two decades. Most senior MILF officials, including Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and Muhaquer Iqbal, started as members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), but bolted, along with Ustadz Salamat Hashim, in the early 1980s....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=859104
'Hijab Run for Peace'; Muslim women take to EDSA on Sunday in support of peace agreement
From InterAksyon (Oct 13): 'Hijab Run for Peace'; Muslim women take to EDSA on Sunday in support of peace agreement
Muslim women will undertake a “hijab run for peace” along EDSA on Sunday, the eve of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “This run by Muslim women (on) EDSA is the first of its kind and its significance also underlines the need for awareness on the wearing of hijab (head covering signifying modesty and morality) as an important part of our Islamic Faith (that) celebrates diversity and peaceful coexistence in the mainstream (of society),” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman of Young Moro Professionals Network, the event’s organizer....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45433/hijab-run-for-peace-muslim-women-take-to-edsa-on-sunday-in-support-of-peace-agreement
Muslim women will undertake a “hijab run for peace” along EDSA on Sunday, the eve of the signing of the framework peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “This run by Muslim women (on) EDSA is the first of its kind and its significance also underlines the need for awareness on the wearing of hijab (head covering signifying modesty and morality) as an important part of our Islamic Faith (that) celebrates diversity and peaceful coexistence in the mainstream (of society),” said Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman of Young Moro Professionals Network, the event’s organizer....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45433/hijab-run-for-peace-muslim-women-take-to-edsa-on-sunday-in-support-of-peace-agreement
Philippines, US confirm US Navy's return to Subic Bay
From Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis--IHS Jane's (Oct 12): Philippines, US confirm US Navy's return to Subic Bay
Subscription required. Excerpt from article follows: US and Philippine officials have confirmed that Subic Bay, once home to the 7th Fleet and the site of the United States' largest overseas naval base, is to host US personnel on a semi-permanent basis. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that a rotational deployment of US forces had been ongoing since 2011. "President [Benigno] Aquino has authorised this, as have both houses of Congress, and it is a move widely popular with the Philippine people," said DFA Visiting Forces Agreement Director Edilberto Adan, a retired general and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). "The US will not return to the bases they gave up in 1991, but they will be here regularly and are welcome here," said Adan. He added the resultant increase in joint military exercises would have an effect beyond better interoperability and improvements in AFP doctrine and equipment. "It improves our security and, to be honest, gives people in Southeast Asia peace of mind." Subic Bay's port facilities were built during the Cold War to handle the anchorage requirements for the US Western Pacific fleet. The US left the naval base in 1992....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972334&channel=defence
Subscription required. Excerpt from article follows: US and Philippine officials have confirmed that Subic Bay, once home to the 7th Fleet and the site of the United States' largest overseas naval base, is to host US personnel on a semi-permanent basis. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that a rotational deployment of US forces had been ongoing since 2011. "President [Benigno] Aquino has authorised this, as have both houses of Congress, and it is a move widely popular with the Philippine people," said DFA Visiting Forces Agreement Director Edilberto Adan, a retired general and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). "The US will not return to the bases they gave up in 1991, but they will be here regularly and are welcome here," said Adan. He added the resultant increase in joint military exercises would have an effect beyond better interoperability and improvements in AFP doctrine and equipment. "It improves our security and, to be honest, gives people in Southeast Asia peace of mind." Subic Bay's port facilities were built during the Cold War to handle the anchorage requirements for the US Western Pacific fleet. The US left the naval base in 1992....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972334&channel=defence
Palace finalizes preparations for historic signing of Framework Agreement with MILF
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13): Palace finalizes preparations for
historic signing of Framework Agreement with MILF
Malacanang continues to finalize the preparations for the signing of the Framework Agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, saying more than 100 representatives from the group are expected to go to Malacanang for the historic event on Monday. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the preparations were in full swing for Monday’s ceremony. The Framework Agreement will be signed 1:30 p.m. at the Palace’s Rizal Hall, she said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462369
Malacanang continues to finalize the preparations for the signing of the Framework Agreement with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, saying more than 100 representatives from the group are expected to go to Malacanang for the historic event on Monday. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the preparations were in full swing for Monday’s ceremony. The Framework Agreement will be signed 1:30 p.m. at the Palace’s Rizal Hall, she said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462369
String of military ‘harassments’ vs wives of NPAs slammed
Posted to the leftist Davao Today (Oct 13): String of military ‘harassments’ vs wives of NPAs slammed
Another incident of harassment allegedly committed by the military against wives of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) has occurred, this time in Pandaitan village in Davao City’s Paquibato District. The victims are Analyn Pesoro, Marissa Alampayan and Niza Cabonillas who are all from Paquibato District. Pesoro told a recent press briefing held by the peace advocacy group Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP), that soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army summoned her to the barangay (village) hall and forced her to facilitate the surrender of her husband....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/13/string-of-military-harassments-vs-wives-of-npas-slammed/
Another incident of harassment allegedly committed by the military against wives of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) has occurred, this time in Pandaitan village in Davao City’s Paquibato District. The victims are Analyn Pesoro, Marissa Alampayan and Niza Cabonillas who are all from Paquibato District. Pesoro told a recent press briefing held by the peace advocacy group Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP), that soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army summoned her to the barangay (village) hall and forced her to facilitate the surrender of her husband....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/13/string-of-military-harassments-vs-wives-of-npas-slammed/
Framework agreement “tilted towards GPH, lessens autonomy of the Bangsamoro,” says NDFP’s Luis Jalandoni
Posted to the leftist Davao Today (Oct 12): Framework agreement “tilted towards GPH, lessens autonomy of the Bangsamoro,” says NDFP’s Luis Jalandoni
As the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to sign the Peace Framework Agreement on Monday October 15, davaotoday.com had asked various leaders in Mindanao on their view on this agreement. davaotoday.com also interviewed via e-mail Luis Jalandoni, head of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel that is engaged in peace negotiations with the GPH, on his insights on this framework agreement. Here is the excerpt of the interview:
“It remains to be seen how the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity will be formed. The present GPH-MILF Framework Agreement to be signed next week is heavily tilted towards the GPH and lessens the independence and autonomy of the Bangsamoro.” – NDFP peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/12/framework-agreement-tilted-towards-gph-lessens-autonomy-of-the-bangsamoro-says-ndfps-luis-jalandoni/
As the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to sign the Peace Framework Agreement on Monday October 15, davaotoday.com had asked various leaders in Mindanao on their view on this agreement. davaotoday.com also interviewed via e-mail Luis Jalandoni, head of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panel that is engaged in peace negotiations with the GPH, on his insights on this framework agreement. Here is the excerpt of the interview:
“It remains to be seen how the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity will be formed. The present GPH-MILF Framework Agreement to be signed next week is heavily tilted towards the GPH and lessens the independence and autonomy of the Bangsamoro.” – NDFP peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/12/framework-agreement-tilted-towards-gph-lessens-autonomy-of-the-bangsamoro-says-ndfps-luis-jalandoni/
NPA leader yields in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 12): NPA leader yields in Mindanao
A leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army rebel surrendered to the government in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday. Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said Ricardo Lucnod surrendered to Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat. Lucnod becomes the 80th NPA rebels to surrender since early this year in Davao Oriental province....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121012101304
A leader of the communist rebel group New People’s Army rebel surrendered to the government in the southern Philippines, officials said Friday. Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said Ricardo Lucnod surrendered to Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat. Lucnod becomes the 80th NPA rebels to surrender since early this year in Davao Oriental province....
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121012101304
3 soldiers killed in Philippine ambush ahead of peace deal signing
From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 13): 3 soldiers killed in Philippine ambush ahead of peace deal
signing
Unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of army soldiers of Saturday and killing at least 3 of them in Lamitan City in the restive Muslim province of Basilan, authorities said. It said the soldiers were members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and were heading back to their barracks on motorcycle when the attack occurred near the village of Baas.... There was no immediate statement from either the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division or the Western Mindanao Command about the ambush which occurred ahead of the signing of the peace pact between Manila and MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group fighting for self-determination in the South. It was unknown whether the ambush was perpetrated by rebel groups or not.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121013105025
Unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of army soldiers of Saturday and killing at least 3 of them in Lamitan City in the restive Muslim province of Basilan, authorities said. It said the soldiers were members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and were heading back to their barracks on motorcycle when the attack occurred near the village of Baas.... There was no immediate statement from either the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division or the Western Mindanao Command about the ambush which occurred ahead of the signing of the peace pact between Manila and MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group fighting for self-determination in the South. It was unknown whether the ambush was perpetrated by rebel groups or not.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121013105025
MILF: Caravan kicks-off to support signing of Framework in Manila
Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 13): Caravan kicks-off to support signing of Framework in Manila
Grassroots leaders from Moros, Christians, and indigenous communities in Mindanao will launch a peace caravan from Davao City to all the way to the Malacañang Palace where the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will take place on October 15. Dubbed as “Lakbay Kalinaw Caravan, literarily translated “Peace Travel Caravan”, the four-day travel by land and sea kicked off yesterday. The caravan will follow the route via Lipata port to Liloan, Allen to Matnog, Bicol and Quezon province and Manila. They are expected to arrive in Malacañang on Sunday afternoon and join the peace advocates there in the Peace Vigil to welcome the ceremonial signing on Monday....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2886:caravan-kicks-off-to-support-signing-of-framework-in-manila&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Grassroots leaders from Moros, Christians, and indigenous communities in Mindanao will launch a peace caravan from Davao City to all the way to the Malacañang Palace where the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will take place on October 15. Dubbed as “Lakbay Kalinaw Caravan, literarily translated “Peace Travel Caravan”, the four-day travel by land and sea kicked off yesterday. The caravan will follow the route via Lipata port to Liloan, Allen to Matnog, Bicol and Quezon province and Manila. They are expected to arrive in Malacañang on Sunday afternoon and join the peace advocates there in the Peace Vigil to welcome the ceremonial signing on Monday....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2886:caravan-kicks-off-to-support-signing-of-framework-in-manila&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Subic military base buildup vital to DND, US
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): Subic military base buildup vital to DND, US
The plan of the Department of National Defense (DND) to develop a military base inside the Subic free port is a critical part of the country’s national security program, a defense official said.... “The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] is modernizing in a very aggressive [way],” Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesperson, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone on Wednesday. “In a few months, we are embarking in procurement and we intend to use those areas in Subic for our air platform and naval assets,” Galvez said. “We have a big interest in the area,” he said, referring to the 200-hectare airport complex in the Subic free port, a former US naval base at the boundary between Zambales and Bataan provinces....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/52580/subic-military-base-buildup-vital-to-dnd-us
The plan of the Department of National Defense (DND) to develop a military base inside the Subic free port is a critical part of the country’s national security program, a defense official said.... “The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] is modernizing in a very aggressive [way],” Peter Paul Galvez, DND spokesperson, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone on Wednesday. “In a few months, we are embarking in procurement and we intend to use those areas in Subic for our air platform and naval assets,” Galvez said. “We have a big interest in the area,” he said, referring to the 200-hectare airport complex in the Subic free port, a former US naval base at the boundary between Zambales and Bataan provinces....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/52580/subic-military-base-buildup-vital-to-dnd-us
Friday, October 12, 2012
PNP heightens alert in some Mindanao areas as anti-Bangsamoro forces move
From GMANews (Oct 12): PNP heightens alert in some Mindanao areas as anti-Bangsamoro forces move
The Philippine National Police will be on full alert in some regions in Mindanao in time for the signing of a framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), following reports on "movements" by some groups opposed to the agreement in Sulu province. But PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. was quick to say that the heightening of the alert level was due to the expected arrival of foreign dignitaries to witness the signing, which will be on Monday in Malacañang.... On Friday, Sulu Governor Abdusakar Tan said he has received information regarding "movements" of some factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that are opposed to the agreement.... Tan also said at present, no untoward incident had occurred in any part of Sulu.....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277970/news/nation/pnp-heightens-alert-in-some-mindanao-areas-as-anti-bangsamoro-forces-move
The Philippine National Police will be on full alert in some regions in Mindanao in time for the signing of a framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), following reports on "movements" by some groups opposed to the agreement in Sulu province. But PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. was quick to say that the heightening of the alert level was due to the expected arrival of foreign dignitaries to witness the signing, which will be on Monday in Malacañang.... On Friday, Sulu Governor Abdusakar Tan said he has received information regarding "movements" of some factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that are opposed to the agreement.... Tan also said at present, no untoward incident had occurred in any part of Sulu.....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277970/news/nation/pnp-heightens-alert-in-some-mindanao-areas-as-anti-bangsamoro-forces-move
Massive info drive on Mindanao peace deal set
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 12): Massive info drive on
Mindanao peace deal set
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will spend about P10 million on a massive information campaign aimed at making ordinary people understand what the framework agreement is all about. ARMM Governor-in-charge Mujiv Hataman said on Friday the information drive could start after President Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives sign the agreement, aimed at ending the Moro rebellion in the south, on Monday. “We don’t want a repeat of the past mistake,” Hataman said, referring to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was heavily criticized and which was eventually stricken down by the Supreme Court....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287804/massive-info-drive-on-mindanao-peace-deal-set
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will spend about P10 million on a massive information campaign aimed at making ordinary people understand what the framework agreement is all about. ARMM Governor-in-charge Mujiv Hataman said on Friday the information drive could start after President Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives sign the agreement, aimed at ending the Moro rebellion in the south, on Monday. “We don’t want a repeat of the past mistake,” Hataman said, referring to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was heavily criticized and which was eventually stricken down by the Supreme Court....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/287804/massive-info-drive-on-mindanao-peace-deal-set
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