From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): Military eyes EU aid on human rights
The military on Thursday said it may receive a capacity-building assistance from the European Parliament owing to its efforts to educate soldiers about respect for human rights. The matter was discussed during a meeting between military officials and European Parliament member Norica Nicolai Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.... “A possible capacity-building assistance for the AFP’s human rights efforts is seen by European Parliament member Norica Nicolai,” Burgos said in a statement. “Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating on-going efforts of the military in addressing human rights issues among its ranks,” he added. It remains unclear what type of assistance could be provided to the AFP, which has been criticized by militant groups for supposedly waging a brutal anti-insurgency drive in the countryside. AFP Human Rights Office chief Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the Philippines, through its partnership with the European Union, has manifested its continuing efforts in upholding human rights and the International Humanitarian Law. “We said we need a continuing capacity building program for soldiers and units. Minister Nicolai said she will work to support this,” Tutaan told The STAR.....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865765
Thursday, November 1, 2012
13 soldiers blamed for death of pregnant B'laan woman, 2 kids, to be given counsels by Army
From Rappler (Nov 1): 13 soldiers blamed for death of pregnant B'laan woman, 2 kids, to be given counsels by Army
The thirteen soldiers facing court martial proceedings for their supposed tactical lapse in their October 18 encounter with a group of rebels in Davao del Sur will be given counsels by the Philippine Army. Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc on Thursday said the court martial proceedings wouldl be "beneficial" for the accused soldiers because "they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves." Juvy Capion, who was pregnant, and her, sons, Pop, 13, and John, 8, were killed during the encounter in the province's Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan town. Capion's husband, a B'laan tribesman, has been waging armed resistance to a large-scale mining operation in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Based on the recommendation of the Board of Inquiry, Army officer 1st Lt. Dante Jimenez and the 12 other soldiers will face court martial proceedings for violations of the Articles of War 76 (Misbehaviour before the Enemy) of the Rules of Engagement – particularly rules 4 and 5; the Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman) and the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47003/13-soldiers-blamed-for-death-of-pregnant-blaan-woman-2-kids-to-be-given-counsels-by-army
The thirteen soldiers facing court martial proceedings for their supposed tactical lapse in their October 18 encounter with a group of rebels in Davao del Sur will be given counsels by the Philippine Army. Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc on Thursday said the court martial proceedings wouldl be "beneficial" for the accused soldiers because "they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves." Juvy Capion, who was pregnant, and her, sons, Pop, 13, and John, 8, were killed during the encounter in the province's Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan town. Capion's husband, a B'laan tribesman, has been waging armed resistance to a large-scale mining operation in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Based on the recommendation of the Board of Inquiry, Army officer 1st Lt. Dante Jimenez and the 12 other soldiers will face court martial proceedings for violations of the Articles of War 76 (Misbehaviour before the Enemy) of the Rules of Engagement – particularly rules 4 and 5; the Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman) and the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47003/13-soldiers-blamed-for-death-of-pregnant-blaan-woman-2-kids-to-be-given-counsels-by-army
European parliamentarian meets military on human rights
From Rappler (Nov 1): European parliamentarian meets military on human rights
A member of the European Parliament met with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and, the military said, expressed an interest in extending assistance to its efforts to protect human rights.
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., head of the AFP Human Rights Office, said they were “surprised” that Norica Nicolai “was already well-aware of our efforts in promoting and protecting the Human Rights, and all our undertakings on the adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.” He said this indicated “the AFP’s advocacies have already reached the international community thus opening our windows for more possible avenues for assistance and collaborations.” AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa described the meeting with Nicolai as a positive step for the military. “We see this as another avenue for us to expound and reaffirm our commitment towards the protection and promotion of Human Rights, and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law,” he said. “The AFP recognizes that the respect for human rights is at the core of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. In order for our soldiers to be guided with the right values and advocacy, the military continues to invest extensively in human rights,” Dellosa added....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46983/european-parliamentarian-meets-military-on-human-rights
A member of the European Parliament met with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and, the military said, expressed an interest in extending assistance to its efforts to protect human rights.
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., head of the AFP Human Rights Office, said they were “surprised” that Norica Nicolai “was already well-aware of our efforts in promoting and protecting the Human Rights, and all our undertakings on the adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.” He said this indicated “the AFP’s advocacies have already reached the international community thus opening our windows for more possible avenues for assistance and collaborations.” AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa described the meeting with Nicolai as a positive step for the military. “We see this as another avenue for us to expound and reaffirm our commitment towards the protection and promotion of Human Rights, and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law,” he said. “The AFP recognizes that the respect for human rights is at the core of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. In order for our soldiers to be guided with the right values and advocacy, the military continues to invest extensively in human rights,” Dellosa added....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46983/european-parliamentarian-meets-military-on-human-rights
2 injured in NPA attack in Misamis Occidental
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): 2 injured in NPA attack in Misamis
Occidental
A soldier and a militiaman were injured in an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official disclosed Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Barangay Liboron and Mansawan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian town, Misamis Occidental. Caber did not release the name of the injured soldier and militiaman except that the soldier belongs to the 55th Infantry Battalion. Caber said the soldiers were undertaking peace and development works when around 20 NPA rebels attacked them....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=467746
A soldier and a militiaman were injured in an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official disclosed Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Barangay Liboron and Mansawan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian town, Misamis Occidental. Caber did not release the name of the injured soldier and militiaman except that the soldier belongs to the 55th Infantry Battalion. Caber said the soldiers were undertaking peace and development works when around 20 NPA rebels attacked them....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=467746
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Code of conduct on West PH okayed
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 1): Code of conduct on West PH okayed
China and the 10-member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to adopt before the end of the year a Code of Conduct that will govern their actions regarding territorial dispute in the West Philippines Sea, officials said on Wednesday. The Asean said in a statement foreign affairs officials would discuss the implementation of the Code of Conduct when they meet in November during the 10th anniversary of the non-binding 2002 Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). The Declaration on the Code of Conduct was intended to reduce tension and prevent claimant from acting aggressively, a senior Philippine official said....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/01/code-of-conduct-on-west-ph-okayed/
China and the 10-member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to adopt before the end of the year a Code of Conduct that will govern their actions regarding territorial dispute in the West Philippines Sea, officials said on Wednesday. The Asean said in a statement foreign affairs officials would discuss the implementation of the Code of Conduct when they meet in November during the 10th anniversary of the non-binding 2002 Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). The Declaration on the Code of Conduct was intended to reduce tension and prevent claimant from acting aggressively, a senior Philippine official said....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/01/code-of-conduct-on-west-ph-okayed/
CPLA men turn over 17 firearms
From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): CPLA men turn over 17 firearms
Members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) turned over 17 firearms to a representative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) here yesterday. The firearms consisted of nine .45-caliber pistols, two machine guns, two shotguns, two .22-caliber pistols, and two backshot revolvers. They were received by Carmen Gomez of the OPAPP. The government is set to release funds for livelihood and infrastructure projects in the places where the CPLA members who yielded their guns come from.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=865491
Members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) turned over 17 firearms to a representative of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) here yesterday. The firearms consisted of nine .45-caliber pistols, two machine guns, two shotguns, two .22-caliber pistols, and two backshot revolvers. They were received by Carmen Gomez of the OPAPP. The government is set to release funds for livelihood and infrastructure projects in the places where the CPLA members who yielded their guns come from.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=865491
DND puts on hold plan to get third warship from US
From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): DND puts on hold
plan to get third warship from US
Acquisition of a third warship from the US has been put on hold to allow the government to equip two former US Coast Guard vessels now known as BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. The Gregorio del Pilar was acquired last year, and the Ramon Alcaraz is expected to arrive by February. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR existing vessels must be equipped with the necessary weapon systems. “The additional (cutter) was put on hold,” he said. “We can use the money to enhance the capability of the two (warships). We would like to equip our ships.” Manalo said the decision to hold the acquisition of a third warship is premised on the need to enhance the capabilities of the Del Pilar and the Alcaraz. “With our limited budget, we are after the capability, we are after not only the presence but we must have deterrent capability,” he said. The government remains open to acquiring warships from the US once financial resources are available, Manalo said....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=865572&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Acquisition of a third warship from the US has been put on hold to allow the government to equip two former US Coast Guard vessels now known as BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. The Gregorio del Pilar was acquired last year, and the Ramon Alcaraz is expected to arrive by February. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR existing vessels must be equipped with the necessary weapon systems. “The additional (cutter) was put on hold,” he said. “We can use the money to enhance the capability of the two (warships). We would like to equip our ships.” Manalo said the decision to hold the acquisition of a third warship is premised on the need to enhance the capabilities of the Del Pilar and the Alcaraz. “With our limited budget, we are after the capability, we are after not only the presence but we must have deterrent capability,” he said. The government remains open to acquiring warships from the US once financial resources are available, Manalo said....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=865572&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Peace pact boosts Noy satisfaction ratings - poll
From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): Peace pact boosts
Noy satisfaction ratings - poll
President Aquino’s satisfaction ratings have gone up even more, boosted largely by the public’s positive response to the government’s signing of a framework peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), results of a recent survey showed. The Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center) survey also showed high satisfaction scores for the country’s three other top officials. In the survey, conducted from Sept. 29 to Oct. 17, Aquino obtained a net satisfaction rating of 49 percent or up by four percentage points from the third quarter figure. “The increment was largely traced to the positive response to the framework agreement that was signed between the Philippine government and the MILF,” Ed Malay, The Center head, said. “Notwithstanding the high poverty situation and unemployment rates, the ongoing conflict with China over the Kalayaan Islands (in the West Philippine Sea), the signing of the peace agreement provided President Aquino with a relief from the effects of the other issues on his governance,” he said....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=865570&publicationSubCategoryId=63
President Aquino’s satisfaction ratings have gone up even more, boosted largely by the public’s positive response to the government’s signing of a framework peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), results of a recent survey showed. The Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center) survey also showed high satisfaction scores for the country’s three other top officials. In the survey, conducted from Sept. 29 to Oct. 17, Aquino obtained a net satisfaction rating of 49 percent or up by four percentage points from the third quarter figure. “The increment was largely traced to the positive response to the framework agreement that was signed between the Philippine government and the MILF,” Ed Malay, The Center head, said. “Notwithstanding the high poverty situation and unemployment rates, the ongoing conflict with China over the Kalayaan Islands (in the West Philippine Sea), the signing of the peace agreement provided President Aquino with a relief from the effects of the other issues on his governance,” he said....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=865570&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Alleged official nabbed
From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 31): Alleged official
nabbed
An alleged finance officer of the Komiteng Rehiyal-Negros was apprehended at about 6 last night by a combined team of police and military operatives in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, by virtue of an arrest warrant for the crime of murder issued by Cadiz City Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Munez. Policemen, assisted by military personnel, nabbed Sarah Alvarez, alias Ka Olsen, finance officer of the KR-Negros headed by priest-turned rebel Frank Fernandez, Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said last night.... Various cause-oriented organizations had earlier slammed the military and police for the inclusion of the names of some of their members, along with alleged NPA leaders, in charge sheets and warrants of arrest, for “trumped up” criminal charges. Alvarez was reported to be connected to progressive groups Anak Pawis, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and as an education officer of Karapatan-Negros. Christian Tuayon, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Ronald Ian Evidente, secretary general of the Kilusang Mayo Uno- Negros, and Julia Tabat, alias Pinay/Gab, who was killed yesterday in an encounter with 47th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. East, Candoni, were also among those charged for robbery-in-band, in connection with the raid on the fishpond of Sarrosa....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/October/31/topstory2.htm
An alleged finance officer of the Komiteng Rehiyal-Negros was apprehended at about 6 last night by a combined team of police and military operatives in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, by virtue of an arrest warrant for the crime of murder issued by Cadiz City Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Munez. Policemen, assisted by military personnel, nabbed Sarah Alvarez, alias Ka Olsen, finance officer of the KR-Negros headed by priest-turned rebel Frank Fernandez, Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said last night.... Various cause-oriented organizations had earlier slammed the military and police for the inclusion of the names of some of their members, along with alleged NPA leaders, in charge sheets and warrants of arrest, for “trumped up” criminal charges. Alvarez was reported to be connected to progressive groups Anak Pawis, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and as an education officer of Karapatan-Negros. Christian Tuayon, secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Ronald Ian Evidente, secretary general of the Kilusang Mayo Uno- Negros, and Julia Tabat, alias Pinay/Gab, who was killed yesterday in an encounter with 47th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. East, Candoni, were also among those charged for robbery-in-band, in connection with the raid on the fishpond of Sarrosa....
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/October/31/topstory2.htm
War-torn town gets back on its feet
From Rappler (Oct 31): War-torn town gets back on its feet
The town of Aleosan found itself at the center of hostilities in 2008 following the failure of the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Houses were burned and destroyed in the crossfire, and in Central Mindanao, nearly 700,000 people were left without a home. Four years later, both sides signed a Framework of Agreement that sets the stage for the setting up of a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao. When we arrived here on Monday, October 30, we saw no trace of tension in the area, save for the presence of two army trucks. Col. Roy Galido, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 40th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that some members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), who instigated the 2008 conflict, reside in the area, but he stressed that the likelihood of conflict is minimal because the community does not want any more of it. “The Freedom Movement will try to make a statement. Most of [the army’s] work here is on law enforcement. We’ve been building confidence for years. Most of them are also residents here,” he said. The town's community-based approach in settling conflict has been effective in preventing any major battles from happening again. Leaders in each local government unit work together and personally talk to the residents concerned to address even the smallest disagreements in the area. It's an inclusive and tolerant process, Galido said. “They are our people, too. The start of peace is to open our lines to everybody,” he said. “Once conflict erupts, who will be the first victims? Their families. Of course, they don’t want that...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15155-aleosan-moving-from-the-center-of-conflict-to-a-place-of-peace
The town of Aleosan found itself at the center of hostilities in 2008 following the failure of the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Houses were burned and destroyed in the crossfire, and in Central Mindanao, nearly 700,000 people were left without a home. Four years later, both sides signed a Framework of Agreement that sets the stage for the setting up of a Bangsamoro region in Mindanao. When we arrived here on Monday, October 30, we saw no trace of tension in the area, save for the presence of two army trucks. Col. Roy Galido, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 40th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that some members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), who instigated the 2008 conflict, reside in the area, but he stressed that the likelihood of conflict is minimal because the community does not want any more of it. “The Freedom Movement will try to make a statement. Most of [the army’s] work here is on law enforcement. We’ve been building confidence for years. Most of them are also residents here,” he said. The town's community-based approach in settling conflict has been effective in preventing any major battles from happening again. Leaders in each local government unit work together and personally talk to the residents concerned to address even the smallest disagreements in the area. It's an inclusive and tolerant process, Galido said. “They are our people, too. The start of peace is to open our lines to everybody,” he said. “Once conflict erupts, who will be the first victims? Their families. Of course, they don’t want that...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15155-aleosan-moving-from-the-center-of-conflict-to-a-place-of-peace
MILF: Editorial--‘Pulling the rug under’
Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Nov 1-7): ‘Pulling the rug under’
.... After the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Manila on October 15, 2012, avalanche of aid offers from donor agencies and states are coming in to help rebuild the devastated Moro areas in Mindanao. We welcomed this and we thanked them for these offers However, these deals should and must be through proper procedures and channels. The need to understand the concepts and the intended objectives of these initiatives should be discussed and agreed first. Going directly to individual member or combatant of the MILF is not a good mode; it can be misunderstood; and more seriously, it would appear as an attempt to weaken the cohesiveness of the MILF, as a partner in the negotiation and in the agreement. In the long run, this will not be good to real peace-building and the final resolution of the age-old Moro Question in Mindanao. A devastated MILF, God forbid! Will pave the way for other armed groups, including the radicals, to seize the moment, occupy the vacuum, and challenge the state. Again, the ways of hatred, blood, and destruction will return to our midst. Do we want this recur?....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2911:pulling-the-rug-under&catid=344:gggg
.... After the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Manila on October 15, 2012, avalanche of aid offers from donor agencies and states are coming in to help rebuild the devastated Moro areas in Mindanao. We welcomed this and we thanked them for these offers However, these deals should and must be through proper procedures and channels. The need to understand the concepts and the intended objectives of these initiatives should be discussed and agreed first. Going directly to individual member or combatant of the MILF is not a good mode; it can be misunderstood; and more seriously, it would appear as an attempt to weaken the cohesiveness of the MILF, as a partner in the negotiation and in the agreement. In the long run, this will not be good to real peace-building and the final resolution of the age-old Moro Question in Mindanao. A devastated MILF, God forbid! Will pave the way for other armed groups, including the radicals, to seize the moment, occupy the vacuum, and challenge the state. Again, the ways of hatred, blood, and destruction will return to our midst. Do we want this recur?....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2911:pulling-the-rug-under&catid=344:gggg
MILF: MILF Peace Panel, Australian Diplomat met
From the MILF Website (Oct 31): MILF Peace Panel, Australian Diplomat met
The Peace Negotiating Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)had met with a top official of the Australian Embassy in Manila this morning today at the Conference Hall of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS). Present during the were Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Panel, Atty. Datu Michael Mastura, Senior member of the MILF Peace Panel, Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, Member of the MILF Peace Panel and Executive Director of IBS, Nicholas McCaffrey, Political-Economic and Public Affairs Counsellor of the Embassy of Australia. Counsellor McCaffrey, in his statements, reiterated the commendation and commitment of support of the Australian Government to the recently signed historic Government of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2909:milf-peace-panel-australian-diplomat-met&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Peace Negotiating Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)had met with a top official of the Australian Embassy in Manila this morning today at the Conference Hall of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS). Present during the were Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Panel, Atty. Datu Michael Mastura, Senior member of the MILF Peace Panel, Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, Member of the MILF Peace Panel and Executive Director of IBS, Nicholas McCaffrey, Political-Economic and Public Affairs Counsellor of the Embassy of Australia. Counsellor McCaffrey, in his statements, reiterated the commendation and commitment of support of the Australian Government to the recently signed historic Government of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2909:milf-peace-panel-australian-diplomat-met&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: MILF thanks President Aquino for suspending oil bids awards in Moro areas
Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 1): MILF thanks President Aquino for suspending oil bids awards in Moro areas
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III for deciding favorably for the suspension of oil and gas exploration bids award in oil exploration contracts in Mindanao, particularly those in Liguasan in the Cotabato Basin and Sulu seas until the wealth-sharing issue is addressed. Earlier during his first press conference last October 27 in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim urged the Aquino government to forego the awarding of these contracts, saying that the issue of wealth-sharing is still being discussed by the negotiators of both parties when they resume their talks in Kuala Lumpur this month....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2910:milf-thanks-president-aquino-for-suspending-oil-bids-awards-in-moro-areas&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III for deciding favorably for the suspension of oil and gas exploration bids award in oil exploration contracts in Mindanao, particularly those in Liguasan in the Cotabato Basin and Sulu seas until the wealth-sharing issue is addressed. Earlier during his first press conference last October 27 in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim urged the Aquino government to forego the awarding of these contracts, saying that the issue of wealth-sharing is still being discussed by the negotiators of both parties when they resume their talks in Kuala Lumpur this month....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2910:milf-thanks-president-aquino-for-suspending-oil-bids-awards-in-moro-areas&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
520th ABW Change of Command Ceremony
From the Philippine Air Force Website (Oct 30): 520th ABW Change of Command Ceremony
Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General, LT GEN LAURO CATALINO G DELA CRUZ AFP was the guest of Honor and Speaker during the Change of Command Ceremony of the 520th Air Base Wing (ABW) held this morning, 30 October 2012, at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Col Jesus Villamor Air Base (CJVAB), Pasay City. COL JOHN OLIVIAMOR ESTABILLO PAF (GSC) - the former Deputy Commander of 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing - is the new Wing Commander of 520th ABW replacing BGEN EDGAR R FALLORINA AFP who is now the Deputy Commander of the 3rd Air Division based in Edwin Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga City....
PN and USN Hand in Hand in a Clean-Up Drive
From the Philippine Navy Website (Oct 31): PN and USN Hand in Hand in a Clean-Up Drive
Another activity was jointly participated by the Philippine Navy (PN) and the United States Navy personnel as part of the recent George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s (GWCSG) 5 day goodwill visit which ran from October 24 to 29, 2012. A clean-up drive was conducted by both navies in the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery also known as “Libingan ng mga Bayani” located at Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last October 26, 2012. The activity was sponsored by United States Agency International Development (USAID) which provided the necessary materials for the said clean- up activity....
Another activity was jointly participated by the Philippine Navy (PN) and the United States Navy personnel as part of the recent George Washington Carrier Strike Group’s (GWCSG) 5 day goodwill visit which ran from October 24 to 29, 2012. A clean-up drive was conducted by both navies in the Philippine Heroes’ Cemetery also known as “Libingan ng mga Bayani” located at Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last October 26, 2012. The activity was sponsored by United States Agency International Development (USAID) which provided the necessary materials for the said clean- up activity....
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