From the leftst and often pro-CPP Davao Today (Nov 5): NDFP’s legal consultant optimistic in peace talks resumption
The legal consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ (NDFP) Peace Negotiating Panel said there’s still hope for the resumption of peace talks with the Government of the Philippines (GPH). Lawyer Edre Olalia, in a forum sponsored by a peace advocacy group, Sowing the Seeds for Peace, on Saturday, also pointed out that the country’s economic crisis will push the NDFP and GPH “to discuss problems and find solutions.” While there have been recent developments on the side of the GPH in response to a proposal submitted by the NDFP, Olalia, however, said he’s not at liberty to say what is its current status. He revealed though that the Aquino administration has sent emissaries to meet the negotiators in The Netherlands sometime last month. Olalia, who’s also the secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers, said that “timing” remains a question.... One of the major obstacles of the resumption of peace talks, Olalia said, was the GPH’s refusal to release all or most of the 17 NDFP Consultants detained by the GRP/GPH.... Olalia said that without compliance with Jasig, the panelists and consultants cannot function, and that Jasig is needed to build confidence.Olalia also noted “a very serious obstacle.” He said that the GPH, for the first time, has undermined the basic bilateral agreements. In February, the GPH Peace Panel has attacked The Hague Joint Declaration as a document of “perpetual division.” He furthered, the GPH declared that Jasig does not require compliance and that it’s only at their whim that they shall release detained Jasig-protected NDFP consultants. The GPH, he noted, also refused to release about 400 political prisoners in accordance with the clear directive of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (Carhrihl)....
http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/11/05/ndfps-legal-consultant-optimistic-in-peace-talks-resumption/
Monday, November 5, 2012
Bayan Muna warns of US influence on GPH-MILF peace pact
From MindaNews (Nov 5): Bayan Muna warns of US influence on GPH-MILF peace pact
Bayan Muna warned the United States might try to influence the final peace agreement that will be entered into by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “An external power or influence should be a No-No, except for the Malaysian government as facilitator of the peace talks, and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation),” Ariel Casilao, Bayan Muna national executive vice president, said Monday on the sides of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City. “The US is aggressively interested in meddling in geopolitical, economic and military affairs in Mindanao,” he stressed, citing that the US Agency for International Development has funded several projects in the island. He said the prospects after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) are worrisome even if “we are happy that it (FAB) was duly accepted by the Filipinos, especially the concerned Bangsamoro people, as it is a step forward in resolving the conflict.” He pointed out that the final comprehensive agreement can be derailed either through the plebiscite or by whatever decision the Congress may make....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/05/bayan-muna-warns-of-us-influence-on-gph-milf-peace-pact/
Bayan Muna warned the United States might try to influence the final peace agreement that will be entered into by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “An external power or influence should be a No-No, except for the Malaysian government as facilitator of the peace talks, and the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation),” Ariel Casilao, Bayan Muna national executive vice president, said Monday on the sides of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City. “The US is aggressively interested in meddling in geopolitical, economic and military affairs in Mindanao,” he stressed, citing that the US Agency for International Development has funded several projects in the island. He said the prospects after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) are worrisome even if “we are happy that it (FAB) was duly accepted by the Filipinos, especially the concerned Bangsamoro people, as it is a step forward in resolving the conflict.” He pointed out that the final comprehensive agreement can be derailed either through the plebiscite or by whatever decision the Congress may make....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/05/bayan-muna-warns-of-us-influence-on-gph-milf-peace-pact/
‘Wealth-sharing’ matters badger MILF on peace deal
From the Daily Tribune (Nov 5): ‘Wealth-sharing’ matters badger MILF on peace deal
How to cut up the bounty appears evolving as a major thorn in the deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the creation of the Bangsamoro substate envisioned in a recently-signed framework agreement as the MILF had started to worry on the channeling of the expected influx of aid offers to Mindanao. The MILF wanted financial aid to be coursed through the proper channel and not directly to individual members of the secessionist group. The rebel group also apparently convinced the government to suspend the awarding of oil exploration contracts on areas expected to be part of the Bangsamoro region as it expressed gratitude in its luwaran.com Web site to President Aquino 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.” Last Oct. 27 in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, before reporters, urged the Aquino administration 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. In an editorial over its website, the MILF said that while it welcomed the “avalanche of aid offers from donor agencies and states”, the matter should be handled carefully so it will not lead to negative results or weaken the organization....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/6468-‘wealth-sharing’-matters-badger-milf-on-peace-deal
How to cut up the bounty appears evolving as a major thorn in the deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the creation of the Bangsamoro substate envisioned in a recently-signed framework agreement as the MILF had started to worry on the channeling of the expected influx of aid offers to Mindanao. The MILF wanted financial aid to be coursed through the proper channel and not directly to individual members of the secessionist group. The rebel group also apparently convinced the government to suspend the awarding of oil exploration contracts on areas expected to be part of the Bangsamoro region as it expressed gratitude in its luwaran.com Web site to President Aquino 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.” Last Oct. 27 in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, before reporters, urged the Aquino administration 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. In an editorial over its website, the MILF said that while it welcomed the “avalanche of aid offers from donor agencies and states”, the matter should be handled carefully so it will not lead to negative results or weaken the organization....
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/6468-‘wealth-sharing’-matters-badger-milf-on-peace-deal
3 soldiers killed, 1missing in Davao ambush
From the Philippine Star (Nov 5): 3 soldiers killed, 1missing in Davao ambush
2 dead in latest attack in Cotabato
From the Philippine Star (Nov 5): 2 dead in latest attack in Cotabato
Two more were killed in an attack Sunday night by suspected guns for hire in a continuing cycle of violence here. The two latest fatalities have been identified as Chiter Ayunan Velasco and Fahad Utto Ambolodto, who both died from gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. Superintendent Marlou Martinez, the city’s deputy police director, told Catholic station dxMS Monday that investigators are still trying to determine the personal backgrounds of Ayunan and Ambolodto. Their cadavers were found sprawled several meters away from each other at the Notre Dame Avenue here after residents in the area heard gunshots. The murder of Ayunan and Ambolodto came less than two weeks after motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a former barangay chairman at the De Mazenod Avenue here. The incident was preceded by the murder of a couple inside a lodging house here by a suspected hired killer. More than a hundred people have been shot dead in a spate of attacks here since 2010.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=867077
Two more were killed in an attack Sunday night by suspected guns for hire in a continuing cycle of violence here. The two latest fatalities have been identified as Chiter Ayunan Velasco and Fahad Utto Ambolodto, who both died from gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. Superintendent Marlou Martinez, the city’s deputy police director, told Catholic station dxMS Monday that investigators are still trying to determine the personal backgrounds of Ayunan and Ambolodto. Their cadavers were found sprawled several meters away from each other at the Notre Dame Avenue here after residents in the area heard gunshots. The murder of Ayunan and Ambolodto came less than two weeks after motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a former barangay chairman at the De Mazenod Avenue here. The incident was preceded by the murder of a couple inside a lodging house here by a suspected hired killer. More than a hundred people have been shot dead in a spate of attacks here since 2010.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=867077
Rebel surrenders in La Union
From the Philippine Star (Nov 5): Rebel surrenders in La Union
A twentyfive-year-old communist guerrilla operating in the Cordillera region has surrendered to La Union policemen. Moises Bumusao alias “Ka Wawi”, who was formerly operating in the Cordillera region and a member of the “Kilusang Laranganga Gerilya (Guerilla Front) Marco” (Mountain Province), has left his rebel group. Bumusao was convinced by La Union authorities to lead a peaceful life and leave the underground movement. Bumusao said he was also convinced to surrender because the leftist movement “was full of frustrations and empty promises of cadres”. Bumusao is from barangay Basao, Tinglayan town in Kalinga and is listed number 27 under 3rd Quarter 2011 Periodic Status Report on Threat Groups (PSRTG). Bumusao is already the second guerrilla to surrender in La Union recently after Gangang Allin, another member of “KLG Marco” turned himself in.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=867067
A twentyfive-year-old communist guerrilla operating in the Cordillera region has surrendered to La Union policemen. Moises Bumusao alias “Ka Wawi”, who was formerly operating in the Cordillera region and a member of the “Kilusang Laranganga Gerilya (Guerilla Front) Marco” (Mountain Province), has left his rebel group. Bumusao was convinced by La Union authorities to lead a peaceful life and leave the underground movement. Bumusao said he was also convinced to surrender because the leftist movement “was full of frustrations and empty promises of cadres”. Bumusao is from barangay Basao, Tinglayan town in Kalinga and is listed number 27 under 3rd Quarter 2011 Periodic Status Report on Threat Groups (PSRTG). Bumusao is already the second guerrilla to surrender in La Union recently after Gangang Allin, another member of “KLG Marco” turned himself in.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=867067
Former NPA commander shot dead
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 5): Former NPA commander
shot dead
A former ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in southern Negros Oriental was gunned down allegedly by his former colleagues in the underground movement in Sta. Catalina town, 7 p.m. Thursday. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, identified the fatality as Elmo Taburada, of Sitio Avocado, Brgy. Talalac, Sta. Catalina town, who sustained three gunshot wounds and died on the spot. Investigation shows that Taburada was at a sari-sari store near his house at around 7 p.m. Thursday when three men came up and shot him at close range, with .45 caliber pistols, Sison said. He added that a note left behind by the suspects accused Taburada of helping the Army in its anti-insurgency campaign, turning over a firearm to authorities during his surrender, and encouraging other rebels to surrender. Taburada was the former vice commander of the Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Sentral Bisayas-Southeastern Front. He surrendered to the Philippine Army in the first quarter this year, brought with him an M-16 armalite rifle, and had since then led a normal life after being reunited with his family in Avocado, Sison added. The Army condemned Taburada's death, saying the attack was an indication that the government is succeeding in its anti-insurgency campaign, called Oplan Bayanihan, Sison said. “The attack was a desperate move by the NPA who continue to threaten former rebels who have left the organization and also instill fear among the citizenry,” he added. He also said that after Taburada's burial, the 79th IB will lead an indignation rally in Avocado and dialog with residents to continue supporting the government's campaign to crush the insurgency problem.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/05/negor3.htm
A former ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in southern Negros Oriental was gunned down allegedly by his former colleagues in the underground movement in Sta. Catalina town, 7 p.m. Thursday. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, identified the fatality as Elmo Taburada, of Sitio Avocado, Brgy. Talalac, Sta. Catalina town, who sustained three gunshot wounds and died on the spot. Investigation shows that Taburada was at a sari-sari store near his house at around 7 p.m. Thursday when three men came up and shot him at close range, with .45 caliber pistols, Sison said. He added that a note left behind by the suspects accused Taburada of helping the Army in its anti-insurgency campaign, turning over a firearm to authorities during his surrender, and encouraging other rebels to surrender. Taburada was the former vice commander of the Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon Sentral Bisayas-Southeastern Front. He surrendered to the Philippine Army in the first quarter this year, brought with him an M-16 armalite rifle, and had since then led a normal life after being reunited with his family in Avocado, Sison added. The Army condemned Taburada's death, saying the attack was an indication that the government is succeeding in its anti-insurgency campaign, called Oplan Bayanihan, Sison said. “The attack was a desperate move by the NPA who continue to threaten former rebels who have left the organization and also instill fear among the citizenry,” he added. He also said that after Taburada's burial, the 79th IB will lead an indignation rally in Avocado and dialog with residents to continue supporting the government's campaign to crush the insurgency problem.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/November/05/negor3.htm
PH pushes sea row at Asia-Europe meeting
From Rappler (Nov 5): PH pushes sea row at Asia-Europe meeting
The Philippines on Monday, November 5 pushed its call for an international solution to overlapping claims in the South China Sea at an Asia-Europe summit, saying vital global shipping lanes were at stake. President Benigno Aquino III raised the issue in bilateral meetings with leaders of the European Union as well as with Swiss President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Laos. "We noted the increasing importance of maritime security" in what Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, said Aquino's chief spokesman Herminio Coloma. "There was agreement that it was a matter of international interest considering that a significant amount of world trade passes through that body of water," he told reporters in the Laotian capital Vientiane. "Switzerland and the EU and to some extent Norway indicated their firm support to the Philippines in terms of our position that conflicts and disputes in that area are to be resolved peacefully and following international law...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15507-ph-pushes-sea-row-at-asia-europe-meeting
The Philippines on Monday, November 5 pushed its call for an international solution to overlapping claims in the South China Sea at an Asia-Europe summit, saying vital global shipping lanes were at stake. President Benigno Aquino III raised the issue in bilateral meetings with leaders of the European Union as well as with Swiss President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in Laos. "We noted the increasing importance of maritime security" in what Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, said Aquino's chief spokesman Herminio Coloma. "There was agreement that it was a matter of international interest considering that a significant amount of world trade passes through that body of water," he told reporters in the Laotian capital Vientiane. "Switzerland and the EU and to some extent Norway indicated their firm support to the Philippines in terms of our position that conflicts and disputes in that area are to be resolved peacefully and following international law...."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15507-ph-pushes-sea-row-at-asia-europe-meeting
Army replaces troops in B'laan tribe killings
From Rappler (nov 5): Army replaces troops in B'laan tribe killings
Troops from the Army's 39th infantry battalion (IB) have replaced soldiers involved in the B'laan killings in Davao del Sur who belonged to the 27th infantry battalion. The turnover of command took place on Monday, November 5, at 9 am and was presided over by 10th Infantry Division (ID) commanding general Maj Gen Ariel B Bernardo in the division headquarters in Tupi, South Cotabato, according to Maj Jake Obligado, chief of the 10th ID’s Civil-Military Operations Battalion. The newly assigned company at Kiblawan-Tampakan-Columbio, where the wife and two children of an anti-mining indigenous rebel were killed by military troops in October 18, is now under the 39th IB commanded by Lt Col Shalimar Imperial. Imperial was the former intelligence officer of the 10th ID.... Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Ann Rosales, who has initiated a separate probe, earlier described the shooting incident as "gross irresponsibility" on the part of government troops. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples chair Zenaida Brigida Pawid, who has also conducted a separate investigation, initially said "there's no doubt that human rights violations were committed" in the incident.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15502-army-replaces-troops-in-blaan-tribe-killings
Troops from the Army's 39th infantry battalion (IB) have replaced soldiers involved in the B'laan killings in Davao del Sur who belonged to the 27th infantry battalion. The turnover of command took place on Monday, November 5, at 9 am and was presided over by 10th Infantry Division (ID) commanding general Maj Gen Ariel B Bernardo in the division headquarters in Tupi, South Cotabato, according to Maj Jake Obligado, chief of the 10th ID’s Civil-Military Operations Battalion. The newly assigned company at Kiblawan-Tampakan-Columbio, where the wife and two children of an anti-mining indigenous rebel were killed by military troops in October 18, is now under the 39th IB commanded by Lt Col Shalimar Imperial. Imperial was the former intelligence officer of the 10th ID.... Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Ann Rosales, who has initiated a separate probe, earlier described the shooting incident as "gross irresponsibility" on the part of government troops. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples chair Zenaida Brigida Pawid, who has also conducted a separate investigation, initially said "there's no doubt that human rights violations were committed" in the incident.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/15502-army-replaces-troops-in-blaan-tribe-killings
4 unarmed soldiers killed in Davao City ambush by NPA
From InterAksyon (Nov 5): 4 unarmed soldiers killed in Davao City ambush by NPA
Four unarmed soldiers were killed in an ambush by alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Davao City's Paquibato district Sunday afternoon, police and military officials said. The soldiers, wearing civilian attire, were onboard three motorcycles when they were attacked by ten alleged rebels at Sitio Barko-Barko, Purok 5 at around 5:30 p.m., Army and Police officials said. They were returning to camp after shopping at the local market when the ambush took place at Barangay Mapula, Maj. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said. All four were members of the the 60th Infantry Battalion's Peace and Development Team, a statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said. The casualties were identified as Private First Class Ahian Vir Dolero, Pfc Marvin Lauronal, Pfc Noel Sigan, and Private Marcelo Himaya.... It's a massacre. They were all unarmed and in civilian attire. They were summarily executed," Obligado said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47233/4-unarmed-soldiers-killed-in-davao-city-ambush-by-npa
Four unarmed soldiers were killed in an ambush by alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Davao City's Paquibato district Sunday afternoon, police and military officials said. The soldiers, wearing civilian attire, were onboard three motorcycles when they were attacked by ten alleged rebels at Sitio Barko-Barko, Purok 5 at around 5:30 p.m., Army and Police officials said. They were returning to camp after shopping at the local market when the ambush took place at Barangay Mapula, Maj. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said. All four were members of the the 60th Infantry Battalion's Peace and Development Team, a statement from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said. The casualties were identified as Private First Class Ahian Vir Dolero, Pfc Marvin Lauronal, Pfc Noel Sigan, and Private Marcelo Himaya.... It's a massacre. They were all unarmed and in civilian attire. They were summarily executed," Obligado said....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47233/4-unarmed-soldiers-killed-in-davao-city-ambush-by-npa
Commander who quit post after deadly B'laan tribe encounter says his conscience crystal clear
From InterAksyon (Nov 50): Commander who quit post after deadly B'laan tribe encounter says his conscience crystal clear
The battalion commander who quit his post after 13 of his men were ordered court martialed for the deaths of a B’laan woman and her young sons said on Monday that he has not lost sleep over the incident and that his conscience “remains crystal clear.” “I volunteered to be relieved not because I feel guilty (for the death of Juvy Capion and her two sons). For the past two weeks, I slept well every night. I eat my meals with gusto,” Lieutenant Colonel Alexis Noel Bravo said during ceremonies where he turned over the command of the 17th Infantry Battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Shalimar Imperial. “I volunteered to be relieved as CO of the 27th IB because I believe it is the right thing to do,” Bravo added.... However, after initially announcing the relief of Bravo, the military said he had not been sacked from his post since a board of inquiry determined that the responsibility for the incident was at Imperial’s level alone.... Colonel Glorioso Miranda, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, told reporters that Bravo’s decision caught him by surprise. He said Bravo should have stayed on because no order from the higher headquarters were issued to replace him....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47261/commander-who-quit-post-after-deadly-blaan-tribe-encounter-says-his-conscience-crystal-clear
The battalion commander who quit his post after 13 of his men were ordered court martialed for the deaths of a B’laan woman and her young sons said on Monday that he has not lost sleep over the incident and that his conscience “remains crystal clear.” “I volunteered to be relieved not because I feel guilty (for the death of Juvy Capion and her two sons). For the past two weeks, I slept well every night. I eat my meals with gusto,” Lieutenant Colonel Alexis Noel Bravo said during ceremonies where he turned over the command of the 17th Infantry Battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Shalimar Imperial. “I volunteered to be relieved as CO of the 27th IB because I believe it is the right thing to do,” Bravo added.... However, after initially announcing the relief of Bravo, the military said he had not been sacked from his post since a board of inquiry determined that the responsibility for the incident was at Imperial’s level alone.... Colonel Glorioso Miranda, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, told reporters that Bravo’s decision caught him by surprise. He said Bravo should have stayed on because no order from the higher headquarters were issued to replace him....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47261/commander-who-quit-post-after-deadly-blaan-tribe-encounter-says-his-conscience-crystal-clear
USAID official to launch development projects in the Phl
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5): USAID official to launch development projects in the Phl
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Bureau of Economic Growth, Education and Environment Eric G. Postel is now in the country to help launch several new development projects. In a release by the United States Embassy in Manila, Postel will meet with top government officials, business chambers, and other stakeholders to discuss the US-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). The said partnership was launched by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in November 2011. According to the US Embassy, the PFG provides a new framework for deepening and strengthening bilateral engagement to promote broad based and inclusive economic growth. It is intended to mobilize the resources of both countries to address the most serious constraints to economic growth in the Philippines. In line with this, Postel will launch a new partnership between USAID and the city of Valenzuela that will implement the use of mobile money in the city’s financial transactions under the Scaling Innovations in Mobile Money Project.... Postel will also participate in the launching of the USAID-supported Judicial Strengthening for Court Effectiveness Project along with Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241352093672
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Bureau of Economic Growth, Education and Environment Eric G. Postel is now in the country to help launch several new development projects. In a release by the United States Embassy in Manila, Postel will meet with top government officials, business chambers, and other stakeholders to discuss the US-Philippines Partnership for Growth (PFG). The said partnership was launched by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in November 2011. According to the US Embassy, the PFG provides a new framework for deepening and strengthening bilateral engagement to promote broad based and inclusive economic growth. It is intended to mobilize the resources of both countries to address the most serious constraints to economic growth in the Philippines. In line with this, Postel will launch a new partnership between USAID and the city of Valenzuela that will implement the use of mobile money in the city’s financial transactions under the Scaling Innovations in Mobile Money Project.... Postel will also participate in the launching of the USAID-supported Judicial Strengthening for Court Effectiveness Project along with Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241352093672
Nolcom, DepEd, ABS-CBN partner in putting up schoolbuildings in Tarlac
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5): Nolcom, DepEd, ABS-CBN partner in
putting up schoolbuildings in Tarlac
The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundition Inc (ASKFI), recently built schoolbuildings in Tarlac province in an effort to help the government address the classroom gap in the country. 2nd Lt. Oscar D. Zaldivar Jr., Nolcom's officer-in-charge of the Command Information Office, said the new one unit-two classroom schoolbuildings at the Malinta Elementary School in San Jose town and at the San Raymundo Elementary School in Ramos town, will be turned on Tuesday. Lt. Gen Anthony J. Alcantara, AFP-Nolcom commander and Tina Monzon-Palma, program director of ASKFI and Bantay Bata 163, will be the guests of honor in the turnover ceremonies. Other guests to the activity are Tarlac governor Victor A. Yap; Tarlac's second district Rep. Susan Yap-Sulit; San Jose town mayor Jose A. Yap and Ramos town mayor Gregoria J. Maglicmot. This is part of the IPSP Bayanihan campaign where pooling of resources and the convergence of efforts of every stakeholder is being initiated towards fulfilling the national government’s desire to address some of the basic needs of its people, Zaldivar said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=468574
The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundition Inc (ASKFI), recently built schoolbuildings in Tarlac province in an effort to help the government address the classroom gap in the country. 2nd Lt. Oscar D. Zaldivar Jr., Nolcom's officer-in-charge of the Command Information Office, said the new one unit-two classroom schoolbuildings at the Malinta Elementary School in San Jose town and at the San Raymundo Elementary School in Ramos town, will be turned on Tuesday. Lt. Gen Anthony J. Alcantara, AFP-Nolcom commander and Tina Monzon-Palma, program director of ASKFI and Bantay Bata 163, will be the guests of honor in the turnover ceremonies. Other guests to the activity are Tarlac governor Victor A. Yap; Tarlac's second district Rep. Susan Yap-Sulit; San Jose town mayor Jose A. Yap and Ramos town mayor Gregoria J. Maglicmot. This is part of the IPSP Bayanihan campaign where pooling of resources and the convergence of efforts of every stakeholder is being initiated towards fulfilling the national government’s desire to address some of the basic needs of its people, Zaldivar said....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=468574
PA condemns NPA attack on defenseless soldiers in Davao City
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5): PA condemns NPA attack on defenseless
soldiers in Davao City
The Philippine Army strongly condemned on Monday the New People's Army (NPA) rebels for the brutal attack on four unarmed soldiers in Sitio Cinco, Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City Sunday afternoon. "We want all of our peace partners to condemn the NPA's dastardly act of killing four unarmed, off-duty soldiers," Major Harold Cabunoc, PA spokesperson, said. He stressed that the attack was a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Republic Act No. 9851 or "An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity." Considered as war crimes and punishable under Chapter III, Section 4(b) of R.A. 9851 are:
1) Violence to life and person, in particular willful killings, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; 2) Committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment; 3) Taking of hostages; and, 4) The passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable. It can be recalled that on Sept. 1, 2012, the same group of NPA rebels led by Leonardo Pitao, a.k.a. Parago, lobbed a grenade at a local circus show, wounding 48 residents, 18 of them children. "It is high time for the Filipino people to be united in renouncing the NPA's continuous use of violence to advance its interests. We must never allow the NPA to freely carry out its violent attacks because this will never end our various problems," Cabunoc said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=468535
The Philippine Army strongly condemned on Monday the New People's Army (NPA) rebels for the brutal attack on four unarmed soldiers in Sitio Cinco, Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City Sunday afternoon. "We want all of our peace partners to condemn the NPA's dastardly act of killing four unarmed, off-duty soldiers," Major Harold Cabunoc, PA spokesperson, said. He stressed that the attack was a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Republic Act No. 9851 or "An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity." Considered as war crimes and punishable under Chapter III, Section 4(b) of R.A. 9851 are:
1) Violence to life and person, in particular willful killings, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture; 2) Committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment; 3) Taking of hostages; and, 4) The passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a regularly constituted court, affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable. It can be recalled that on Sept. 1, 2012, the same group of NPA rebels led by Leonardo Pitao, a.k.a. Parago, lobbed a grenade at a local circus show, wounding 48 residents, 18 of them children. "It is high time for the Filipino people to be united in renouncing the NPA's continuous use of violence to advance its interests. We must never allow the NPA to freely carry out its violent attacks because this will never end our various problems," Cabunoc said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=468535
MILF: MNLF officials assure support to GPH-MILF Framework Agreement
From the MILF Website (Nov 5): MNLF officials assure support to GPH-MILF Framework Agreement
Ground officers of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed warmly welcomed and assurance of support to the recently signed historic Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "As Muslims, we truly believe that it is our obligation and fraternal fervor to express our solidarity and cooperation with our brothers in the MILF on the Framework Agreement it forged with the government," said an MNLF local commander in Barira, Maguindanao. The MNLF commander made that pronouncement in a message of solidarity he delivered during the Prayer Kanduli and Advocacy organized by the BIAF – MILF Central Mindanao Front Command at Barangay Bualan, Barira few days ago. "I am indeed honored for the invitation extended to us by the MILF to participate in this prayer kanduli. I am optimistic and convinced that the agreement will pave the way for the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro struggle for justice, peace and genuine self-governance," he added. More than 2000 persons participated the kanduli advocacy which kicked off with motorcade from Camp Darapanan of more than 200 motorcycles draped with green streamers and flag lets expressing the victory of peace, unit and prosperity....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2918:mnlf-officials-assure-support-to-gph-milf-framework-agreement&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Ground officers of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed warmly welcomed and assurance of support to the recently signed historic Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "As Muslims, we truly believe that it is our obligation and fraternal fervor to express our solidarity and cooperation with our brothers in the MILF on the Framework Agreement it forged with the government," said an MNLF local commander in Barira, Maguindanao. The MNLF commander made that pronouncement in a message of solidarity he delivered during the Prayer Kanduli and Advocacy organized by the BIAF – MILF Central Mindanao Front Command at Barangay Bualan, Barira few days ago. "I am indeed honored for the invitation extended to us by the MILF to participate in this prayer kanduli. I am optimistic and convinced that the agreement will pave the way for the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro struggle for justice, peace and genuine self-governance," he added. More than 2000 persons participated the kanduli advocacy which kicked off with motorcade from Camp Darapanan of more than 200 motorcycles draped with green streamers and flag lets expressing the victory of peace, unit and prosperity....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2918:mnlf-officials-assure-support-to-gph-milf-framework-agreement&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)