From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): P150-M PAMANA road projects completed
in Camarines Norte
Four of the five farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Camarines Norte
implemented through the funds provided this year under the Payapa at Masagamang
Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the
Peace Process (OPAPP) have already been completed.
Paul Escober, OPPAP area manager for Bicol, on Monday said the four completed
projects were the concreting of the Sta. Rosa Sur-San Rafael road section in
Jose Panganiban town worth P20 million; concreting of Malibago-Maligaya in Labo
town worth P40 million; concreting of Bakiad-Sta. Cruz-Fundado also in Labo town
worth P10 million; and the concreting of Pambuhan to Lanot Road in Mercedes town
worth P20 million.
The remaining project, the concreting and graveling of the Exciban
farm-to-market road in Labo town worth P50 million is 80.72 percent complete as
works being initiated by the Camarines Norte Provincial Engineering Office (PEO)
are still on-going.
Escober said the five projects were allocated this year a total of P140
million from the stimulus fund of President Benigno S. Aquino III that was
channeled through the OPAPP for its PAMANA program.
PAMANA is a priority government program being undertaken by the OPAPP towards
the attainment of economic progress in conflict affected areas (CAAs) in line
with the Aquino administration’s peace agenda geared at ending internal armed
conflicts.
Camarines Norte is among the three Bicol provinces placed under its coverage.
The others are Masbate, which was given P50 million; and Sorsogon, P39 million;
for various community development and peace building projects.
Masbate is Bicol’s poorest province based on the assessment of the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Camarines Norte is second poorest and
Sorsogon is the most insurgency-troubled according to the military.
Escober said the PAMANA program will help attain economic progress for these
provinces as its objectives are based on initiating reforms and development
projects in conflict affected areas in line with the national government’s peace
agenda and ending internal armed conflicts.
The projects communicate among communities the initiatives of government in
building the culture of peace and development in the countryside to make them
resilient against the anti-government whims of the insurgency being carried out
by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
Following the completion of these FMR roads in Camarines Norte, Escober said
another set of PAMANA projects for funding this year had already been identified
to include the water system in Labo worth P9 million, farm-to-market roads in
Jose Panganiban worth P7 million and environmental projects in Capalonga worth
P4 million for a total of P20 million.
The amount will be provided by the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and release of the funds are just awaiting the completion of
necessary documents.
For funding next year are more projects worth a total of P105.5 million to be
implemented in the towns of Basud, Capalonga, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sta. Elena, and
Mercedes, all in Camarines Norte.
The projects include water system, construction of bridges, farm-to-market
roads, corn and pineapple production and construction of new and improvement of
existing irrigation systems. Funds for these will come from the DILG and the
Department of Agriculture (DA), Alcober said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478666
Monday, December 10, 2012
Philippine Marines conducts recruitment in Dumaguete
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Philippine Marines conducts recruitment
in Dumaguete
The Philippine Marines is in Dumaguete City to conduct recruitment activities. In an interview, T/Sgt Josefino Dionson of the headquarters unit of the Philippine Marines stressed the drive now of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Marines is to balance their strength by region, aside from giving employment opportunities to Negrenses.
Pre-screening of applicants is conducted at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) main campus, and the exams will be in February next year for pre-screened applicants. Quota for Negros Oriental is 60 to 90, preferably highly-skilled applicants such as mechanics, with knowledge in electronics, information technology and the like. T/Sgt Dionson said the Philippine Marines also need highly-skilled individuals not just pure combatants.
The Marines are also conducting recruitment activities in Ilo-ilo, Bacolod, Negros Occidental and Palawan. Applicants who pass the exams in February next year will undergo the training at the Philippines Marines base in Ternate, Cavite.
Qualified to apply are applicants aging 18-23 years old, single, at least 5’4” in height, highly-skilled are preferred, with at least 72 units in college. However, high school graduates may apply provided they bring along with them TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) certifications.
TSgt. Dionson was accompanied by MSgt Imbudo of the NORSU naval training unit in paying courtesy calls to Governor Roel Degamo and Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478771
The Philippine Marines is in Dumaguete City to conduct recruitment activities. In an interview, T/Sgt Josefino Dionson of the headquarters unit of the Philippine Marines stressed the drive now of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Marines is to balance their strength by region, aside from giving employment opportunities to Negrenses.
Pre-screening of applicants is conducted at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) main campus, and the exams will be in February next year for pre-screened applicants. Quota for Negros Oriental is 60 to 90, preferably highly-skilled applicants such as mechanics, with knowledge in electronics, information technology and the like. T/Sgt Dionson said the Philippine Marines also need highly-skilled individuals not just pure combatants.
The Marines are also conducting recruitment activities in Ilo-ilo, Bacolod, Negros Occidental and Palawan. Applicants who pass the exams in February next year will undergo the training at the Philippines Marines base in Ternate, Cavite.
Qualified to apply are applicants aging 18-23 years old, single, at least 5’4” in height, highly-skilled are preferred, with at least 72 units in college. However, high school graduates may apply provided they bring along with them TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) certifications.
TSgt. Dionson was accompanied by MSgt Imbudo of the NORSU naval training unit in paying courtesy calls to Governor Roel Degamo and Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478771
Army troops overrun at least 15 NPA camps in North Cotabato, offers reconciliation
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Army troops overrun at least 15 NPA
camps in North Cotabato, offers reconciliation
Government forces have overran at least 15 major and minor camps of the communist guerillas in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato since last month, a regional military official said Monday. Some of these camps have overhead bunkers, fortifications and running trenches. Elements of the 57th, 40th and 7th Infantry Battalions with forces from Army Special Forces and paramilitary troops have been pursuing New People's Army (NPA) guerillas who were mulcting from farmers in Magpet's upland villages.
Colonel Ademar Tomaro, commander of the 602nd Brigade, lauded the cooperation extended by village officials in identifying the location of NPA hideouts. "The rebels have been forcibly collecting taxes from hapless farmers who are harvesting crops since last month," Tomaro said in a statement. At least three villages of Magpet had been infiltrated by communist rebels who came from the borders of North Cotabato and Davao City. Magpet is situated at the western side of the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo. Although no body count was established, the military believed the NPAs suffered heavy casualties based on statements from villagers who claimed they saw wounded fighters carried by the rebels as they fled from mortar shelling.
Major Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdiction over 602nd brigade, has repeated his earlier appeals for communist guerillas to avail of the reconciliation program of the government. “These operations were launched in response to mounting complaints by local residents on the abuses by the NPAs,” Ordoyo said, adding that the military is recognizing ideological differences among all sectors provided its expression would be done peacefully. Ordoyo said the military is also reiterating its earlier offer for wounded rebels to avail of military medical facilities and fighters to avail of the government’s reconciliation program if they decide to return to the fold of law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478772
Government forces have overran at least 15 major and minor camps of the communist guerillas in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato since last month, a regional military official said Monday. Some of these camps have overhead bunkers, fortifications and running trenches. Elements of the 57th, 40th and 7th Infantry Battalions with forces from Army Special Forces and paramilitary troops have been pursuing New People's Army (NPA) guerillas who were mulcting from farmers in Magpet's upland villages.
Colonel Ademar Tomaro, commander of the 602nd Brigade, lauded the cooperation extended by village officials in identifying the location of NPA hideouts. "The rebels have been forcibly collecting taxes from hapless farmers who are harvesting crops since last month," Tomaro said in a statement. At least three villages of Magpet had been infiltrated by communist rebels who came from the borders of North Cotabato and Davao City. Magpet is situated at the western side of the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo. Although no body count was established, the military believed the NPAs suffered heavy casualties based on statements from villagers who claimed they saw wounded fighters carried by the rebels as they fled from mortar shelling.
Major Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdiction over 602nd brigade, has repeated his earlier appeals for communist guerillas to avail of the reconciliation program of the government. “These operations were launched in response to mounting complaints by local residents on the abuses by the NPAs,” Ordoyo said, adding that the military is recognizing ideological differences among all sectors provided its expression would be done peacefully. Ordoyo said the military is also reiterating its earlier offer for wounded rebels to avail of military medical facilities and fighters to avail of the government’s reconciliation program if they decide to return to the fold of law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478772
Suspected NPA members set fire on backhoe of mining company in Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Suspected NPA members set fire on
backhoe of mining company in Palawan
Military authorities in Palawan launched Monday an operation against six unidentified armed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), who were suspected responsible for torching a backhoe reportedly owned by Citi Nickel Mining Development Company (CNMDC) in its mine site in Sofronio Española. The backhoe was set on fire early Sunday afternoon by members of the leftist movement allegedly because the CNMDC failed to pay “revolutionary taxes.”
The military operation in surrounding areas in southern Palawan, particularly in Barangays Punang and Sofronio Española, was led by troops belonging to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 under Lt. Col. Efren Rellores.
In interviews with the local media, officials of the CNMDC claimed that shortly before the backhoe was burned, the armed rebels prevented one of the company vehicles from passing through a bogus road block they set up in Punang. Civilian vehicles were allowed to pass before the armed leftist’s burned the backhoe.
Meanwhile, Lt. Ann Adele Caluya, spokesperson of the Western Command (WESCOM), said extortion attempts by the CPP-NPA are now being investigated in southern Palawan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478804
Military authorities in Palawan launched Monday an operation against six unidentified armed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), who were suspected responsible for torching a backhoe reportedly owned by Citi Nickel Mining Development Company (CNMDC) in its mine site in Sofronio Española. The backhoe was set on fire early Sunday afternoon by members of the leftist movement allegedly because the CNMDC failed to pay “revolutionary taxes.”
The military operation in surrounding areas in southern Palawan, particularly in Barangays Punang and Sofronio Española, was led by troops belonging to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 under Lt. Col. Efren Rellores.
In interviews with the local media, officials of the CNMDC claimed that shortly before the backhoe was burned, the armed rebels prevented one of the company vehicles from passing through a bogus road block they set up in Punang. Civilian vehicles were allowed to pass before the armed leftist’s burned the backhoe.
Meanwhile, Lt. Ann Adele Caluya, spokesperson of the Western Command (WESCOM), said extortion attempts by the CPP-NPA are now being investigated in southern Palawan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=478804
Aquino administration has implemented various initiatives to uphold human rights in the country -- Malacanang
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Aquino administration has implemented
various initiatives to uphold human rights in the country --
Malacanang
The Aquino administration has implemented various initiatives to uphold the human rights of every individual, a Palace official said on Monday. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda laid out these initiatives since President Benigno S. Aquino III assumed office on June 30, 2010.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched its Human Rights/International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Handbook as part of the government’s effort to institutionalize human rights concepts in August, 2010. The handbook serves as a soldiers’ guide during the conduct of operations. The freeing of the so-called Morong 43 in December, 2010 was another significant development that occurred during the tenure of President Aquino. The Morong 43 is a group of 43 health workers in the Philippines accused of cooperating with the New People's Army in efforts to destabilize the government.
"The President ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the information filed before the court, which, in effect and subject to court approval, freed the 43, as they who have no other standing warrants in other courts," Lacierda said. Lacierda quoted President Aquino as saying that “human rights has to be universal, has to be for everyone. When one’s rights are violated, you set the groundwork for violating everybody’s rights—so all includes our security forces, our peasantry, those below the poverty line, and those who have more in this life."
In December, 2010, the AFP has established the Human Rights Office which serves as the main platform for addressing all human rights and international humanitarian law issues involving the Armed Forces. The recent designation of General Domingo Tutaan as head of the office has further strengthened its capabilities, Lacierda said.
The Philippine National Police has also crafted a Human Rights Desk Operations Manual in December 2010. The manual provides information and operational procedures to police personnel manning the PNP Human Rights Desks. "Handbooks have also been prepared for regional police offices and media organizations as guides in light of the risks they face in the conduct of their duties," he added.
On December 10, 2010, the DOJ created a Special Task Force on Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances the Special Task Force is mandated to review all reported and unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances and recommend measures for and cause the effective and expeditious investigation and prosecution of the cases. The task force is also mandated to speed up the prosecution and resolution of cases with sufficient evidence and cause the reopening of investigations of “cold file” cases.
"In the U.S. State Department's 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Philippines has been upgraded to Tier 2 ," Lacierda said, adding that the upgrade can be attributed to the initiatives of the Philippine government in addressing human trafficking. "The DOJ has achieved a total of 74 convictions (cases) of Illegal Recruitment involving 89 persons since 2003, with 45 convictions (61 percent of all convictions secured) recorded during the Aquino Administration," Lacierda stressed.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assisted all 2,082 victims of trafficking who sought help from the government from January 2010 to March 2012. The department provided 1,067 victims with community-based services including rescue, counseling, financial assistance, skills training, auxiliary services, temporary shelter, and legal assistance through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons. The DSWD likewise assisted the other 1,015 victims through residential care centers/institutions such as the Haven for Women and Children.
In June, 2012, the PNP-Task Force USIG has recorded 41 validated cases of slain media practitioners and 125 validated cases of slain activists since 2001. "Of these cases, 103 have been filed in court, 62 are under investigation, and one case has been dropped due to the demise of the suspect," he said.
In November 2012, President Aquino signed Administrative Order No. 35, creating the Inter-agency committee on extra-legal killing, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations of the right to life and security of persons. The inter-agency committee is tasked to conduct an inventory of all human rights violations perpetrated by state and non-state forces and to prioritize the unsolved cases for action, and assign special investigation teams to conduct further investigation on these cases for the possible identification of the perpetrators. The committee is also mandated to monitor and report cases under investigation, preliminary investigation and trial and investigate and prosecute new cases. "Every six months, the Committee shall submit a report to the President detailing its progress, accomplishment, as well as their recommendations," Lacierda said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=478810
The Aquino administration has implemented various initiatives to uphold the human rights of every individual, a Palace official said on Monday. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda laid out these initiatives since President Benigno S. Aquino III assumed office on June 30, 2010.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines launched its Human Rights/International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Handbook as part of the government’s effort to institutionalize human rights concepts in August, 2010. The handbook serves as a soldiers’ guide during the conduct of operations. The freeing of the so-called Morong 43 in December, 2010 was another significant development that occurred during the tenure of President Aquino. The Morong 43 is a group of 43 health workers in the Philippines accused of cooperating with the New People's Army in efforts to destabilize the government.
"The President ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the information filed before the court, which, in effect and subject to court approval, freed the 43, as they who have no other standing warrants in other courts," Lacierda said. Lacierda quoted President Aquino as saying that “human rights has to be universal, has to be for everyone. When one’s rights are violated, you set the groundwork for violating everybody’s rights—so all includes our security forces, our peasantry, those below the poverty line, and those who have more in this life."
In December, 2010, the AFP has established the Human Rights Office which serves as the main platform for addressing all human rights and international humanitarian law issues involving the Armed Forces. The recent designation of General Domingo Tutaan as head of the office has further strengthened its capabilities, Lacierda said.
The Philippine National Police has also crafted a Human Rights Desk Operations Manual in December 2010. The manual provides information and operational procedures to police personnel manning the PNP Human Rights Desks. "Handbooks have also been prepared for regional police offices and media organizations as guides in light of the risks they face in the conduct of their duties," he added.
On December 10, 2010, the DOJ created a Special Task Force on Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances the Special Task Force is mandated to review all reported and unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances and recommend measures for and cause the effective and expeditious investigation and prosecution of the cases. The task force is also mandated to speed up the prosecution and resolution of cases with sufficient evidence and cause the reopening of investigations of “cold file” cases.
"In the U.S. State Department's 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Philippines has been upgraded to Tier 2 ," Lacierda said, adding that the upgrade can be attributed to the initiatives of the Philippine government in addressing human trafficking. "The DOJ has achieved a total of 74 convictions (cases) of Illegal Recruitment involving 89 persons since 2003, with 45 convictions (61 percent of all convictions secured) recorded during the Aquino Administration," Lacierda stressed.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assisted all 2,082 victims of trafficking who sought help from the government from January 2010 to March 2012. The department provided 1,067 victims with community-based services including rescue, counseling, financial assistance, skills training, auxiliary services, temporary shelter, and legal assistance through the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons. The DSWD likewise assisted the other 1,015 victims through residential care centers/institutions such as the Haven for Women and Children.
In June, 2012, the PNP-Task Force USIG has recorded 41 validated cases of slain media practitioners and 125 validated cases of slain activists since 2001. "Of these cases, 103 have been filed in court, 62 are under investigation, and one case has been dropped due to the demise of the suspect," he said.
In November 2012, President Aquino signed Administrative Order No. 35, creating the Inter-agency committee on extra-legal killing, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations of the right to life and security of persons. The inter-agency committee is tasked to conduct an inventory of all human rights violations perpetrated by state and non-state forces and to prioritize the unsolved cases for action, and assign special investigation teams to conduct further investigation on these cases for the possible identification of the perpetrators. The committee is also mandated to monitor and report cases under investigation, preliminary investigation and trial and investigate and prosecute new cases. "Every six months, the Committee shall submit a report to the President detailing its progress, accomplishment, as well as their recommendations," Lacierda said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=478810
CPP: Defend the people's rights, punish the perpetrators of fascist crimes--CPP
Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 10): Defend the people's rights, punish the perpetrators of fascist crimes--CPP
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on all revolutionary forces to defend the Filipino people’s civil and political rights and punish the perpetrators of fascist crimes perpetrated by the state armed forces and police organization in the course of implementing Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression. “The CPP joins the Filipino people in marking International Human Rights Day today by putting into the spotlight the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in the Philippines marked by the increasing brutality and impunity of the state’s armed forces and state-attached armed groups in suppressing the people’s democratic rights,” said the CPP. “The abuses perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are made worse by the stepped-up human rights rhetoric of the Aquino regime and its military and security officials that seeks to conceal the relentless attacks by state armed forces,” added the CPP.
“The superficiality of Aquino’s endless human rights and peace rhetoric is underscored by the fact that not a single military or security official has been held accountable for the thousands of cases of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, illegal arrest and detention, beatings, strafings and other abuses perpetrated by military and police forces,” pointed out the CPP. “Gen. Jovito Palparan, whom the AFP has considered a hero and model for his decade-long campaign of brutality under the Arroyo regime and who directly masterminded abductions and oversaw the torture of activists and those he suspected of involvement in democratic resistance, remains free and under the protection of his military peers,” said the CPP. “Not once have we heard Aquino denounce his fascist crimes. His legacy of brutality continues to the present.”
“Extrajudicial killings continue to be carried out by death squads attached to the AFP. The campaign to silence opposition against mining operations in Mindanao and elsewhere has been particularly brutal,” said the CPP. “Widespread abuses are committed especially by so-called Peace and Development Teams deployed by the military in peasant communities active in democratic mass struggles such as land reform and campaigns against the entry of foreign mining companies.”
“The human rights situation under the Aquino regime has been further punctuated by such cases as the massacre of botanist Leonardo Co and members of his research team in Kananga, Leyte in 2010, the killing of anti-mining advocate Fr. Pops Tentorio in 2011, Dutch missionary Willem Geertman in July, the Laguna massacre of young peasant hunters, the massacre of the Mancera family in Camarines Norte, the recent massacre of the Capeon family in Davao Oriental, the beheading of village official Ely Oguis last October in Albay and the killing of the elderly Valenzuela couple in Isabela last November.”
“The CPP calls on the Filipino people to heighten their defense of human rights. They can raise their level of vigilance and resist all sorts of abuses commited by the military, especially in the course of the Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression that aims to put entire communities under military control said the CPP. “They must vigorously oppose the military’s effort to embed themselves within communities, propagate anti-social vices, abuse women, traumatize children, steal farm animals, trample on crops, beat up residents, violate their homes, use schools, daycare centers and other public infratructure as barracks, impose martial law, control food supplies and commerce and impose other forms of abuses in the course of militarizing communities.”
“In the face of the continued and increasingly brutal attacks of the Aquino regime against the people, the CPP has directed the New People’s Army (NPA) to further step up its tactical offensives against the AFP, the PNP and other AFP-attached armed organizations. The perpetrators of military and police brutalities and abuses should be held accountable for their crimes against the people. The Filipino people demand justice,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/defend-the-people-s-rights-punish-the-perpetrators-of-fascist-crimes-cpp
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on all revolutionary forces to defend the Filipino people’s civil and political rights and punish the perpetrators of fascist crimes perpetrated by the state armed forces and police organization in the course of implementing Aquino’s Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression. “The CPP joins the Filipino people in marking International Human Rights Day today by putting into the spotlight the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in the Philippines marked by the increasing brutality and impunity of the state’s armed forces and state-attached armed groups in suppressing the people’s democratic rights,” said the CPP. “The abuses perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are made worse by the stepped-up human rights rhetoric of the Aquino regime and its military and security officials that seeks to conceal the relentless attacks by state armed forces,” added the CPP.
“The superficiality of Aquino’s endless human rights and peace rhetoric is underscored by the fact that not a single military or security official has been held accountable for the thousands of cases of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, illegal arrest and detention, beatings, strafings and other abuses perpetrated by military and police forces,” pointed out the CPP. “Gen. Jovito Palparan, whom the AFP has considered a hero and model for his decade-long campaign of brutality under the Arroyo regime and who directly masterminded abductions and oversaw the torture of activists and those he suspected of involvement in democratic resistance, remains free and under the protection of his military peers,” said the CPP. “Not once have we heard Aquino denounce his fascist crimes. His legacy of brutality continues to the present.”
“Extrajudicial killings continue to be carried out by death squads attached to the AFP. The campaign to silence opposition against mining operations in Mindanao and elsewhere has been particularly brutal,” said the CPP. “Widespread abuses are committed especially by so-called Peace and Development Teams deployed by the military in peasant communities active in democratic mass struggles such as land reform and campaigns against the entry of foreign mining companies.”
“The human rights situation under the Aquino regime has been further punctuated by such cases as the massacre of botanist Leonardo Co and members of his research team in Kananga, Leyte in 2010, the killing of anti-mining advocate Fr. Pops Tentorio in 2011, Dutch missionary Willem Geertman in July, the Laguna massacre of young peasant hunters, the massacre of the Mancera family in Camarines Norte, the recent massacre of the Capeon family in Davao Oriental, the beheading of village official Ely Oguis last October in Albay and the killing of the elderly Valenzuela couple in Isabela last November.”
“The CPP calls on the Filipino people to heighten their defense of human rights. They can raise their level of vigilance and resist all sorts of abuses commited by the military, especially in the course of the Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression that aims to put entire communities under military control said the CPP. “They must vigorously oppose the military’s effort to embed themselves within communities, propagate anti-social vices, abuse women, traumatize children, steal farm animals, trample on crops, beat up residents, violate their homes, use schools, daycare centers and other public infratructure as barracks, impose martial law, control food supplies and commerce and impose other forms of abuses in the course of militarizing communities.”
“In the face of the continued and increasingly brutal attacks of the Aquino regime against the people, the CPP has directed the New People’s Army (NPA) to further step up its tactical offensives against the AFP, the PNP and other AFP-attached armed organizations. The perpetrators of military and police brutalities and abuses should be held accountable for their crimes against the people. The Filipino people demand justice,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/defend-the-people-s-rights-punish-the-perpetrators-of-fascist-crimes-cpp
CPP/NDF-EV: Militarization behind sugar-coated promises of “peace and development”
Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 10): Militarization behind sugar-coated promises of “peace and development”
Fr. Santiago Salas (Ka Sanny)
Spokesperson
NDF-Eastern Visayas
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas joined the people today in observing International Human Rights Day and said militarization remains rampant in the region amidst the Aquino regime’s lip service to human rights and the sugar-coated promises of “peace and development.” “The military still holds sway with its impunity for human rights violations through Oplan Bayanihan,” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. “In fact, the worst is yet to come because the Aquino regime is unleashing state brutality against the people in lieu of peace talks to discuss the root causes of the armed conflict. The people must stand up for their rights because the regime is bound to become more vicious and desperate as the last half of Aquino’s term of office shapes up.”
The NDF-EV spokesperson explained that the human rights stance of President Benigno Aquino III makes it impossible to punish violators as well as further emboldens the impunity of the military. “Aquino has recently made two much-ballyhooed pitches for human rights: the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) to investigate human rights violations, and his signing of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. But the IAC is not an independent body because the chiefs of the military and police are part of it, making the whitewashing of human rights violations a virtual certainty. “Moreover, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration is much more inferior than the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the basic rights of all individuals. The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration demotes human rights to “regional and national contexts” as well as political, economic, social, and other particularities. Human rights are also put at the mercy of other requisites such as national security, order, health, safety and public morality. In other words, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration gives license to the repressive governments in this region of the world.”
Fr. Salas noted that the Aquino regime’s lip service to human rights justifies the militarization in the region jointly committed by state security forces, civilian bureaucrats and big business and foreign interests. “The situation of Northern Samar under the Daza dynasty exemplifies the bitter reality of militarization behind the sugar-coating of “peace and development.” Throughout this year, the military has committed state brutality against the people, such as the bombing of civilian communities, extrajudicial killings and harassment of alleged supporters of the New People’s Army, and the occupation of schools and other civilian structures. Meanwhile, the provincial government led by the Dazas participates in militarization through the Local Social Integration Program’s forced and fake surrenders of alleged NPA members, and in pushing for the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to support “counterinurgency.” The Daza-led provincial government also received PhP225 million for the so-called Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, a government program to cover up militarization with public works projects and other cosmetic changes. Militarization is leading to continuing impunity while rewarding the corrupt Dazas, who are also heavily involved in plundering the HCAAP infrastructure project.”
Fr. Salas said the people must still prepare for the worst by standing up for their human rights and struggling for a better future. “The Aquino regime cannot keep up the pretense of “peace and development” under Oplan Bayanihan when the people suffer under militarization and socio-economic hardships. The people are roused to fight for their rights in the face of continuing human rights violations under Oplan Bayanihan. If the Aquino regime pursues state brutality through Oplan Bayanihan in lieu of peace talks, it is prompting the people more and more to intensify their armed and unarmed struggles. As there can be no end to impunity without respect for human rights, no peace without social justice, the people must struggle for the full range of their human rights.”
NDF-EV Media Office
Email: ndfevis@gmail.com, ndf_ev@yahoo.com
Blog: http://evsirang.blogspot.com
Connect also to NDF-EV through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ndf.easternvisayas
Fr. Santiago Salas (Ka Sanny)
Spokesperson
NDF-Eastern Visayas
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas joined the people today in observing International Human Rights Day and said militarization remains rampant in the region amidst the Aquino regime’s lip service to human rights and the sugar-coated promises of “peace and development.” “The military still holds sway with its impunity for human rights violations through Oplan Bayanihan,” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. “In fact, the worst is yet to come because the Aquino regime is unleashing state brutality against the people in lieu of peace talks to discuss the root causes of the armed conflict. The people must stand up for their rights because the regime is bound to become more vicious and desperate as the last half of Aquino’s term of office shapes up.”
The NDF-EV spokesperson explained that the human rights stance of President Benigno Aquino III makes it impossible to punish violators as well as further emboldens the impunity of the military. “Aquino has recently made two much-ballyhooed pitches for human rights: the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) to investigate human rights violations, and his signing of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. But the IAC is not an independent body because the chiefs of the military and police are part of it, making the whitewashing of human rights violations a virtual certainty. “Moreover, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration is much more inferior than the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the basic rights of all individuals. The ASEAN Human Rights Declaration demotes human rights to “regional and national contexts” as well as political, economic, social, and other particularities. Human rights are also put at the mercy of other requisites such as national security, order, health, safety and public morality. In other words, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration gives license to the repressive governments in this region of the world.”
Fr. Salas noted that the Aquino regime’s lip service to human rights justifies the militarization in the region jointly committed by state security forces, civilian bureaucrats and big business and foreign interests. “The situation of Northern Samar under the Daza dynasty exemplifies the bitter reality of militarization behind the sugar-coating of “peace and development.” Throughout this year, the military has committed state brutality against the people, such as the bombing of civilian communities, extrajudicial killings and harassment of alleged supporters of the New People’s Army, and the occupation of schools and other civilian structures. Meanwhile, the provincial government led by the Dazas participates in militarization through the Local Social Integration Program’s forced and fake surrenders of alleged NPA members, and in pushing for the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams to support “counterinurgency.” The Daza-led provincial government also received PhP225 million for the so-called Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan, a government program to cover up militarization with public works projects and other cosmetic changes. Militarization is leading to continuing impunity while rewarding the corrupt Dazas, who are also heavily involved in plundering the HCAAP infrastructure project.”
Fr. Salas said the people must still prepare for the worst by standing up for their human rights and struggling for a better future. “The Aquino regime cannot keep up the pretense of “peace and development” under Oplan Bayanihan when the people suffer under militarization and socio-economic hardships. The people are roused to fight for their rights in the face of continuing human rights violations under Oplan Bayanihan. If the Aquino regime pursues state brutality through Oplan Bayanihan in lieu of peace talks, it is prompting the people more and more to intensify their armed and unarmed struggles. As there can be no end to impunity without respect for human rights, no peace without social justice, the people must struggle for the full range of their human rights.”
NDF-EV Media Office
Email: ndfevis@gmail.com, ndf_ev@yahoo.com
Blog: http://evsirang.blogspot.com
Connect also to NDF-EV through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ndf.easternvisayas
CPP/Ang Bayan: The brutality behind the gimmickry
Propganda statement/editorial from the December 7 edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website: The brutality behind the gimmickry
Two weeks before marking International Human Rights Day, Benigno Aquino III unleashed a new round of gimmickry when he formed on November 27 an inter-agency committee (IAC) that would allegedly look into cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture and other forms of human rights violations, particularly those committed by the previous regime. The formation of this superbody is a desperate attempt by the Aquino regime to cover up its accountability for worsening violations of human rights throughout the country. Aquino is using it to shore up his credibility with regard to human rights in the face of widespread abuses and brutalities perpetrated by armed state agents. Because the IAC includes the AFP and PNP chiefs, it will come to no other conclusion than the exoneration of military and police officials involved in human rights violations. It is no different from the Arroyo regime’s Task Force on Political Violations that was formed in 2007, at the height of human rights abuses.
Days before this, Aquino also boasted of having signed the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration during a meeting of the region’s leaders in Cambodia last November. This document is a means by which its repressive signatories could portray themselves as human rights advocates.
Contrary to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, however, this ASEAN document places human rights at a lower rung compared to “national security” and other governmental considerations. It is this same justification that has always been invoked by both the current and previous regimes for committing human rights violations.
Hidden behind Aquino’s gimmickry, attacks on the people by his armed agents have continuously worsened and become increasingly brutal. Not a single perpetrator of human rights violations has been convicted under the Aquino regime. In fact, it has failed to capture and imprison Gen. Jovito Palparan, the butcher general responsible for grave human rights violations under the Arroyo regime. The list of human rights abuses grows even longer as armed agents of the state defend the interests of foreign corporations and their local comprador bourgeois and landlord partners. The Aquino regime’s brutal fascist campaign against the people is further intensifying as the deadline of the counterrevolutionary Oplan Bayanihan (OPB) nears. OPB is slated to end next year, but it is clearly far from achieving its objective of defeating the armed and democratic struggles of the masses.
The highlights of Aquino’s third year in office include the killing of mass leaders like Genesis Ambason and Ely Oguis, who were both subjected to severe torture. Oguis’ case is particularly heinous, as he was decapitated. Another thing to be underscored is the use of the AFP by the state and its big foreign corporate co-conspirators to quell the people’s resistance. Stark examples include the killing of Lumad leaders opposed to foreign mining and the merciless massacre by AFP forces of the Capion family in October.
Aquino’s recent appointment of Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año as chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP has been met with widespread protest. Año is one of 45 respondents in the preliminary investigation of the forced disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007. He was also responsible for the illegal arrest of Tirso “Ka Bart” Alcantara in 2011 and the grave human rights violations in South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula this year.
According to KARAPATAN’s records, there were 129 victims of extrajudicial killing and 12 victims of forced disappearance from July 2010 to October 2012. In Mindanao, there were 37 victims of extrajudicial killing, among them 24 Lumad leaders opposed to large-scale mining and logging. Fifteen mothers and girl-children were killed by the regime under Oplan Bayanihan, 12 of them this year. Up to 467 were illegally arrested, most of them peasants and minorities accosted by military forces operating in upland and forested areas. Those captured were branded as members or supporters of the New People’s Army. (See table for complete list) There are 401 political prisoners throughout the country, with 123 of them arrested and incarcerated under the Aquino regime.
Human rights violations have also been rampant with Aquino’s drive to implement his economic program. Violent demolitions of urban poor communities have been undertaken to clear valuable real estate for Public-Private Partnership projects funded by foreign big companies. Workers’ right to form unions and to strike are brazenly suppressed. Aquino has also threatened press freedom by pushing the Cybercrime Act. The regime has been rampantly violating agreements signed by the state and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, especially with regard to guaranteeing the human rights and security of NDFP negotiators and consultants. This has made it difficult for the peace negotiations to continue.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/the-brutality-behind-the-gimmickry
Two weeks before marking International Human Rights Day, Benigno Aquino III unleashed a new round of gimmickry when he formed on November 27 an inter-agency committee (IAC) that would allegedly look into cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture and other forms of human rights violations, particularly those committed by the previous regime. The formation of this superbody is a desperate attempt by the Aquino regime to cover up its accountability for worsening violations of human rights throughout the country. Aquino is using it to shore up his credibility with regard to human rights in the face of widespread abuses and brutalities perpetrated by armed state agents. Because the IAC includes the AFP and PNP chiefs, it will come to no other conclusion than the exoneration of military and police officials involved in human rights violations. It is no different from the Arroyo regime’s Task Force on Political Violations that was formed in 2007, at the height of human rights abuses.
Days before this, Aquino also boasted of having signed the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration during a meeting of the region’s leaders in Cambodia last November. This document is a means by which its repressive signatories could portray themselves as human rights advocates.
Contrary to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights, however, this ASEAN document places human rights at a lower rung compared to “national security” and other governmental considerations. It is this same justification that has always been invoked by both the current and previous regimes for committing human rights violations.
Hidden behind Aquino’s gimmickry, attacks on the people by his armed agents have continuously worsened and become increasingly brutal. Not a single perpetrator of human rights violations has been convicted under the Aquino regime. In fact, it has failed to capture and imprison Gen. Jovito Palparan, the butcher general responsible for grave human rights violations under the Arroyo regime. The list of human rights abuses grows even longer as armed agents of the state defend the interests of foreign corporations and their local comprador bourgeois and landlord partners. The Aquino regime’s brutal fascist campaign against the people is further intensifying as the deadline of the counterrevolutionary Oplan Bayanihan (OPB) nears. OPB is slated to end next year, but it is clearly far from achieving its objective of defeating the armed and democratic struggles of the masses.
The highlights of Aquino’s third year in office include the killing of mass leaders like Genesis Ambason and Ely Oguis, who were both subjected to severe torture. Oguis’ case is particularly heinous, as he was decapitated. Another thing to be underscored is the use of the AFP by the state and its big foreign corporate co-conspirators to quell the people’s resistance. Stark examples include the killing of Lumad leaders opposed to foreign mining and the merciless massacre by AFP forces of the Capion family in October.
Aquino’s recent appointment of Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año as chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP has been met with widespread protest. Año is one of 45 respondents in the preliminary investigation of the forced disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007. He was also responsible for the illegal arrest of Tirso “Ka Bart” Alcantara in 2011 and the grave human rights violations in South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula this year.
According to KARAPATAN’s records, there were 129 victims of extrajudicial killing and 12 victims of forced disappearance from July 2010 to October 2012. In Mindanao, there were 37 victims of extrajudicial killing, among them 24 Lumad leaders opposed to large-scale mining and logging. Fifteen mothers and girl-children were killed by the regime under Oplan Bayanihan, 12 of them this year. Up to 467 were illegally arrested, most of them peasants and minorities accosted by military forces operating in upland and forested areas. Those captured were branded as members or supporters of the New People’s Army. (See table for complete list) There are 401 political prisoners throughout the country, with 123 of them arrested and incarcerated under the Aquino regime.
Human rights violations have also been rampant with Aquino’s drive to implement his economic program. Violent demolitions of urban poor communities have been undertaken to clear valuable real estate for Public-Private Partnership projects funded by foreign big companies. Workers’ right to form unions and to strike are brazenly suppressed. Aquino has also threatened press freedom by pushing the Cybercrime Act. The regime has been rampantly violating agreements signed by the state and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, especially with regard to guaranteeing the human rights and security of NDFP negotiators and consultants. This has made it difficult for the peace negotiations to continue.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/the-brutality-behind-the-gimmickry
MILF: BDA conducts Values Transformation Training to Indigenous Peoples of South Cotabato
From the MIF Website (Dec 10): BDA conducts Values Transformation Training to Indigenous Peoples of South Cotabato
The Bangsamoro Development Agency in Southern Mindanao Region conducted Values Transformation Training (VTT) in Barangay Poblacion, Lake Sebu, Province of South Cotabato on December 1-3, 2012, aimed to promote important values among the community volunteers (CVs) that are crucial in unity and community development. The training, conducted in coordination to the Polical Committee of the MILF in Lake Sebu, was participated by the CVs for the Child Protection Component Program (CPCP) of UNICEF in Barangay Lam Lahak of Lake Sebu.
Barangay Lam Lahak is the pilot community in the province where the CPCP is implemented. The program implementation is facilitated by the BDA. Around 40 participants, Christians and reverts to Islam, all belonging to Tboli tribe completed the training. Some local MILF members also joined the activity. The paricipants learned the essence of embracing values in personal and community development. VTT topics include Islamic and Universal Values that Promote Development, Importance of Faith, Self-Purification, Islamic Values in Dealing with non-Muslims, Application of Islamic Values in Development, Pillars of Islam, Articles of Islamic Faith, and Values Enhancement. They have also undergone Training on Journey Of Life (JOL) from UNICEF as one of the trainings in CPCP.
Mohalikin D. Piang, BDA Regional Manager in Southern Mindanao Region, said VTT is a basic training in all project and program implementations of the BDA. The agency has been implementing other programs in conflict affected areas in Southern Philippines funded by development partners such as JICA, World Bank and UN agencies. He explained the importance of personal, spiritual and universal values to every person’s undertakings in the daily life in this world and in the hereafter.
Piang related further that BDA was establised in accordance with the Humanitarian and Development Aspect of the GRP-MILF Peace Agreement of June 21,2002. He also presented the role, mission, vision and goals of the BDA in the Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2985:bda-conducts-values-transformation-training-to-indigenous-peoples-of-south-cotabato&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Development Agency in Southern Mindanao Region conducted Values Transformation Training (VTT) in Barangay Poblacion, Lake Sebu, Province of South Cotabato on December 1-3, 2012, aimed to promote important values among the community volunteers (CVs) that are crucial in unity and community development. The training, conducted in coordination to the Polical Committee of the MILF in Lake Sebu, was participated by the CVs for the Child Protection Component Program (CPCP) of UNICEF in Barangay Lam Lahak of Lake Sebu.
Barangay Lam Lahak is the pilot community in the province where the CPCP is implemented. The program implementation is facilitated by the BDA. Around 40 participants, Christians and reverts to Islam, all belonging to Tboli tribe completed the training. Some local MILF members also joined the activity. The paricipants learned the essence of embracing values in personal and community development. VTT topics include Islamic and Universal Values that Promote Development, Importance of Faith, Self-Purification, Islamic Values in Dealing with non-Muslims, Application of Islamic Values in Development, Pillars of Islam, Articles of Islamic Faith, and Values Enhancement. They have also undergone Training on Journey Of Life (JOL) from UNICEF as one of the trainings in CPCP.
Mohalikin D. Piang, BDA Regional Manager in Southern Mindanao Region, said VTT is a basic training in all project and program implementations of the BDA. The agency has been implementing other programs in conflict affected areas in Southern Philippines funded by development partners such as JICA, World Bank and UN agencies. He explained the importance of personal, spiritual and universal values to every person’s undertakings in the daily life in this world and in the hereafter.
Piang related further that BDA was establised in accordance with the Humanitarian and Development Aspect of the GRP-MILF Peace Agreement of June 21,2002. He also presented the role, mission, vision and goals of the BDA in the Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao.....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2985:bda-conducts-values-transformation-training-to-indigenous-peoples-of-south-cotabato&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: Public Interest on Framework Agreement Increases
From the MILF Website (Dec 10): Public Interest on Framework Agreement Increases
Officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) including Datu Antonio P. Kinoc, an alternate MILF Peace Panel member that represents the indigenous people are now taking advantage of the momentum as interest and widespread support on the FAB increase and gaining ground even in Christian localities in Central Mindanao and among the indigenous people in Maguindanao. This was shown by series of invitations received by the Front and Datu Kinoc in recent days. Non-government organizations are also exerting efforts to intensify information drive through conduct of forums and other forms of public gathering to enlighten the people on the letter and intent of the FAB as well as the benefits that maybe derived from it. MinHRAC is one of the frontrunners of this campaign advocacy.
Datu Kinoc has been invited to various advocacy forums on the FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSA MORO signed last October 15, 2012 in Manila. On November 22, 2012, he was invited by the National Code NGO Assembly through MINCODE, its Mindanao Office headed by Ms. Pat Sarenas. Datu Kinoc spoke in the afternoon ahead of GPH Panel Member Bai Yasmin Busran Lao. Last November 27, 2012, Datu Kinoc was again invited to speak on the framework agreement at the Mindanao State University, General Santos City Campus at Tambler, General Santos City. The forum was organized by the MINHRAC in coordination with the chancellor of the University. It was attended by more than two thousand students, faculty and community leaders who came as far as Glan. Many questions were asked and were ably answered by both Datu Kinoc and Atty Zainudin Malang of MINHRAC.
On November 28, 2012, the SIMM CARRD also invited Datu Kinoc at a forum on the same subject at the El Comidor Restaurant along Sinsuat Ave. Cotabato City. It was attended by a mixed audience of Christian and Moro stakeholders representing the urban poor, agrarian reform beneficiaries and ten (10) barangay chairmen and other officials of Cotabato City. Then on December 1, 2012, upon invitation of MINHRAC, a forum of similar nature was also held in South Upi, A large delegation of MILF Officials led by the General Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and other functionaries of the MILF notably the Chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Peace Panel on normalization, Mohammad Nassif and Atty Naguib Sinarimbo. Mayor Abdullah Campong also attended the program......
....... On December 2, 2012, the group of Datu Kinoc was also invited to another forum at Barangay Manarapan, Carmen, North Coabato were more than 400 people attended. The audience was told that Carmen is prominent in the Bangsamoro struggle because it was in this town that the infamous Manili massacre took place sometime in 1971 that added to the sentiments and anger of the Moro people who later on waged a war of rebellion that engulfed Mindanao and Sulu. Another Peace Forum was also organized by the SIMM CARRD on December 3, 2012 at the town of Alamada, North Cotabato where the delegation of Datu Kinoc was present. Barangay chairmen and other local leaders attended the program......
..... Similar gatherings in connection with the campaign dissemination of the agreement were also conducted in Shariff Aguak. Maguindanao; Midsayap, North Cotabato, Malapatan, Sarangani; and Mati City in Davao Oriental where top Front officials personally attended, including Ghazali Jaafar, MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2984:public-interest-on-framework-agreement-increases&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) including Datu Antonio P. Kinoc, an alternate MILF Peace Panel member that represents the indigenous people are now taking advantage of the momentum as interest and widespread support on the FAB increase and gaining ground even in Christian localities in Central Mindanao and among the indigenous people in Maguindanao. This was shown by series of invitations received by the Front and Datu Kinoc in recent days. Non-government organizations are also exerting efforts to intensify information drive through conduct of forums and other forms of public gathering to enlighten the people on the letter and intent of the FAB as well as the benefits that maybe derived from it. MinHRAC is one of the frontrunners of this campaign advocacy.
Datu Kinoc has been invited to various advocacy forums on the FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSA MORO signed last October 15, 2012 in Manila. On November 22, 2012, he was invited by the National Code NGO Assembly through MINCODE, its Mindanao Office headed by Ms. Pat Sarenas. Datu Kinoc spoke in the afternoon ahead of GPH Panel Member Bai Yasmin Busran Lao. Last November 27, 2012, Datu Kinoc was again invited to speak on the framework agreement at the Mindanao State University, General Santos City Campus at Tambler, General Santos City. The forum was organized by the MINHRAC in coordination with the chancellor of the University. It was attended by more than two thousand students, faculty and community leaders who came as far as Glan. Many questions were asked and were ably answered by both Datu Kinoc and Atty Zainudin Malang of MINHRAC.
On November 28, 2012, the SIMM CARRD also invited Datu Kinoc at a forum on the same subject at the El Comidor Restaurant along Sinsuat Ave. Cotabato City. It was attended by a mixed audience of Christian and Moro stakeholders representing the urban poor, agrarian reform beneficiaries and ten (10) barangay chairmen and other officials of Cotabato City. Then on December 1, 2012, upon invitation of MINHRAC, a forum of similar nature was also held in South Upi, A large delegation of MILF Officials led by the General Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and other functionaries of the MILF notably the Chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Peace Panel on normalization, Mohammad Nassif and Atty Naguib Sinarimbo. Mayor Abdullah Campong also attended the program......
....... On December 2, 2012, the group of Datu Kinoc was also invited to another forum at Barangay Manarapan, Carmen, North Coabato were more than 400 people attended. The audience was told that Carmen is prominent in the Bangsamoro struggle because it was in this town that the infamous Manili massacre took place sometime in 1971 that added to the sentiments and anger of the Moro people who later on waged a war of rebellion that engulfed Mindanao and Sulu. Another Peace Forum was also organized by the SIMM CARRD on December 3, 2012 at the town of Alamada, North Cotabato where the delegation of Datu Kinoc was present. Barangay chairmen and other local leaders attended the program......
..... Similar gatherings in connection with the campaign dissemination of the agreement were also conducted in Shariff Aguak. Maguindanao; Midsayap, North Cotabato, Malapatan, Sarangani; and Mati City in Davao Oriental where top Front officials personally attended, including Ghazali Jaafar, MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2984:public-interest-on-framework-agreement-increases&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: BLMI holds 2nd training on accounting, management
From the MILF Website (Dec 10): BLMI holds 2nd training on accounting, management
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), in conjunction with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), held another four-day seminar-workshop on Accounting and Management at the BLMI Training Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from December 2 to 5. This is the second training on the subject jointly conducted by the BLMI and BDA. The first was held on November 24-27, which was attended by male participants, while the second by all female participants, who came from the various parts of Mindanao.
However, most trainings conducted by the BLMI drew male and female trainees together, although BLMI’s policy requires that there will be no free mixing of sexes. Both seminar-workshops were sponsored and funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a leading international donor organization. JICA has been deeply involved in the relief, rehabilitation and development aids to the conflicted affected areas in Mindanao.
Datu Hamlon Usman, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the BDA finance head, and Miss Gina Aisha Ladiasan, BDA finance officer, were the resource speakers. The resource persons mainly focused on the modern system and principle of accounting and management, with occasional input on Islamic economic system. They also required the participants to undergo hand’s on practice by using computers in order to ensure efficiency, transparency and effectiveness in the aspects of financial operation in the context of honest and functional governance when the Bangsamoro Government will be in place.
BLMI Executive Director, Sheikh Mahmod Ahmad, and BDA’s Executive Director Sheikh Mohammad S. Yacob, graced the occasion and exhorted the participants to give all their best in order to learn and internalize the essence of their training.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2983:blmi-holds-2nd-training-on-accounting-management&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), in conjunction with the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), held another four-day seminar-workshop on Accounting and Management at the BLMI Training Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from December 2 to 5. This is the second training on the subject jointly conducted by the BLMI and BDA. The first was held on November 24-27, which was attended by male participants, while the second by all female participants, who came from the various parts of Mindanao.
However, most trainings conducted by the BLMI drew male and female trainees together, although BLMI’s policy requires that there will be no free mixing of sexes. Both seminar-workshops were sponsored and funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a leading international donor organization. JICA has been deeply involved in the relief, rehabilitation and development aids to the conflicted affected areas in Mindanao.
Datu Hamlon Usman, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the BDA finance head, and Miss Gina Aisha Ladiasan, BDA finance officer, were the resource speakers. The resource persons mainly focused on the modern system and principle of accounting and management, with occasional input on Islamic economic system. They also required the participants to undergo hand’s on practice by using computers in order to ensure efficiency, transparency and effectiveness in the aspects of financial operation in the context of honest and functional governance when the Bangsamoro Government will be in place.
BLMI Executive Director, Sheikh Mahmod Ahmad, and BDA’s Executive Director Sheikh Mohammad S. Yacob, graced the occasion and exhorted the participants to give all their best in order to learn and internalize the essence of their training.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2983:blmi-holds-2nd-training-on-accounting-management&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: MILF compliance to anti-personnel mines ban explained
From the MILF Website (Dec 9): MILF compliance to anti-personnel mines ban explained
Prof. Abhoud Syed M. Lingga, executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) discussed how the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has enforced its obligations under the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines during the side event on the occasion of the 12th Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention held from 3-7 December 2012 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The side event titled “Implementing mine ban commitments: Successes and challenges faced by current and former armed non-state actors” organized by Geneva Call was held after the opening session of the Convention on December 3. The other speaker was Mr. Hussein Abdirizak Issa, Director of the Puntland Mine Action Centre (PMAC) of Somalia, who spoke about the development of mine action in Puntland from the signing of Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines in 2002 to Somalia accession to the Mine Ban Convention this year.
Prof. Lingga said that the MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) issued General Order No. 3 on September 23, 2011 which integrates into the BIAF Code of Conduct the total ban on anti-personnel mine. Geneva Call in partnership with the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies assisted the BIAF General Staff in the dissemination of the order in all its base commands to ensure compliance. Prof. Lingga urged armed non-state actors to commit to ban the use of anti-personnel mines. The use of anti-personnel mines is not the way towards peace it only increases the sufferings of people. States, Prof. Lingga said, should cooperate with Geneva Call in the monitoring and verification of compliance of armed non-state actors to the Deed of Commitment.
General Order No. 3 prohibits all BIAF members to own, possess, keep, use, manufacture, stockpile, and utilize victim-activated anti-personnel mines. The MILF is one of the two initial signatories of the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning Anti-Personnel mines in March 2000. The MILF re-affirmed - and extended - its obligations by signing a revised and current version of the Deed of Commitment in 2002.
Prof. Lingga also attended the opening session of the convention. The purpose of the Convention is to “put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines” through universal acceptance of a ban on anti-personnel mines; destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines; clearance of mined areas; and providing assistance to mine victims. As of date, 160 states have ratified the Convention, and the use and production of anti-personnel mines has decreased significantly. More than 44.5 million mines have been destroyed by the States Parties and 155 States Parties now no longer hold stocks.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2982:milf-compliance-to-anti-personnel-mines-ban-explained-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Prof. Abhoud Syed M. Lingga, executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) discussed how the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has enforced its obligations under the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines during the side event on the occasion of the 12th Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention held from 3-7 December 2012 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The side event titled “Implementing mine ban commitments: Successes and challenges faced by current and former armed non-state actors” organized by Geneva Call was held after the opening session of the Convention on December 3. The other speaker was Mr. Hussein Abdirizak Issa, Director of the Puntland Mine Action Centre (PMAC) of Somalia, who spoke about the development of mine action in Puntland from the signing of Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines in 2002 to Somalia accession to the Mine Ban Convention this year.
Prof. Lingga said that the MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) issued General Order No. 3 on September 23, 2011 which integrates into the BIAF Code of Conduct the total ban on anti-personnel mine. Geneva Call in partnership with the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies assisted the BIAF General Staff in the dissemination of the order in all its base commands to ensure compliance. Prof. Lingga urged armed non-state actors to commit to ban the use of anti-personnel mines. The use of anti-personnel mines is not the way towards peace it only increases the sufferings of people. States, Prof. Lingga said, should cooperate with Geneva Call in the monitoring and verification of compliance of armed non-state actors to the Deed of Commitment.
General Order No. 3 prohibits all BIAF members to own, possess, keep, use, manufacture, stockpile, and utilize victim-activated anti-personnel mines. The MILF is one of the two initial signatories of the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning Anti-Personnel mines in March 2000. The MILF re-affirmed - and extended - its obligations by signing a revised and current version of the Deed of Commitment in 2002.
Prof. Lingga also attended the opening session of the convention. The purpose of the Convention is to “put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines” through universal acceptance of a ban on anti-personnel mines; destruction of stockpiled anti-personnel mines; clearance of mined areas; and providing assistance to mine victims. As of date, 160 states have ratified the Convention, and the use and production of anti-personnel mines has decreased significantly. More than 44.5 million mines have been destroyed by the States Parties and 155 States Parties now no longer hold stocks.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2982:milf-compliance-to-anti-personnel-mines-ban-explained-&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Protest march to mark International HR Day
From InterAksyon (Dec 10): Protest march to mark International HR Day
To them, it doesn’t feel like International Human Rights Day at all. Hundreds of peasants and indigenous peoples from the ManiLakbayan of Mindanao and those who joined the Lakbayan from Southern Luzon meet today at Recto-Morayta to march to Mendiola to protest what they called unabated extrajudicial killings and the climate of impunity over two years in the presidency of President Aquino. The march organizers said they will burn an effigy, a combined military tank and backhoe with a “Noynoy Aquino” figure at the steering wheel. The effigy symbolizes both the Oplan Bayanihan, Aquino’s counterinsurgency blueprint, and the devastating effects of mining by multinational corporations. Both, the protesters say, have caused them their lives and livelihood. With the Mindanao and Southern Tagalog marchers are members of people’s organizations of workers, urban poor, Church people, and human rights advocates led by Karapatan and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN). A program will be held in Mendiola with speeches from representatives from Mindanao and Southern Tagalog; cultural presentations and a ritual by several Datu from Mindanao tribes.....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50025/protest-march-to-mark--international-hr-day
To them, it doesn’t feel like International Human Rights Day at all. Hundreds of peasants and indigenous peoples from the ManiLakbayan of Mindanao and those who joined the Lakbayan from Southern Luzon meet today at Recto-Morayta to march to Mendiola to protest what they called unabated extrajudicial killings and the climate of impunity over two years in the presidency of President Aquino. The march organizers said they will burn an effigy, a combined military tank and backhoe with a “Noynoy Aquino” figure at the steering wheel. The effigy symbolizes both the Oplan Bayanihan, Aquino’s counterinsurgency blueprint, and the devastating effects of mining by multinational corporations. Both, the protesters say, have caused them their lives and livelihood. With the Mindanao and Southern Tagalog marchers are members of people’s organizations of workers, urban poor, Church people, and human rights advocates led by Karapatan and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN). A program will be held in Mendiola with speeches from representatives from Mindanao and Southern Tagalog; cultural presentations and a ritual by several Datu from Mindanao tribes.....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50025/protest-march-to-mark--international-hr-day
Soldiers used to typhoons shocked by ‘Pablo’s’ fury
From MindaNews (Dec 9): Soldiers used to typhoons shocked by ‘Pablo’s’ fury
The devastated headquarters of Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion at the town proper of New Bataan. Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco
NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley — “Maayo pa ang gyera sini kay makalikay pa, pero ining bagyo waay gid kami paadtuan (War is better because we can hide, but with typhoon there’s no way to go),” said Staff Sgt. Antonio Sodosta of the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion. Sodosta, who was assigned in typhoon-prone Samar province for eight years, said he had never experienced such strong winds and seen such magnitude as the fury unleashed by Typhoon Pablo.
On December 5, the 40-year old soldier and his comrades suffered Pablo’s wrath while they were at their headquarters in the town proper here. “Grabe ang hangin. Tapos perti kakusog sa tubig. Una gid namon gi-save ang amon mga pusil pero ang iban mga gamit nagkala-anod. Pero di namon ma biyaan amon mga kubo kay may mga importante na gamit” (The wind was terrible. The (rain)water was very strong. We first saved our guns but the other documents were swept away. We also did not leave our hut because there are important things),” said Sodosta, who hails from Tantangan, South Cotabato.
He recalled that rocks bigger than their heads hit them in the different parts of the body while holding on inside their huts. The huts inside the Army Battalion’s base are made of light materials.
Several huts were totally damaged while many were still standing but partially damaged. Two 105mm howitzers remained on their positions amid the strong water current. “Di na basta-basta maanod kay bug-at pa na sa 6×6 truck (That can’t easily be swept away because that’s heavier than a 6×6 truck),” Sodosta added.
He recalled that during his stint in Samar with a different battalion, they could still rest well inside their huts whenever a typhoon hits the island province. “Pero ini nga bagyo, wala gid kalikay iban nga upod namon (But this typhoon was so strong that some of our comrades were swept away),” Sodosta said. As of Friday, four solders were reported killed while five others remained missing after the flashflood hit their outpost in Barangay Andap.
Andap was the hardest-hit village here, its barangay proper totally wiped out. While interviewing Sodosta, another Army sergeant arrived to have his lunch break before resuming the retrieval operations beside the nearby Catholic church. Sgt. Anthony Mendez, from Pavia town of Iloilo, also told MindaNews that he has experienced typhoons when his unit was still in Iloilo. But the magnitude of their wrath was not the same as Typhoon Pablo. “Grabe gid kakusog hangin sang Martes, wala gid ko kaagi amo sini sang nagbagyo sa Iloilo (The wind was very strong last Tuesday. I haven’t experienced this kind of typhoon while in Iloilo),” he said referring to Typhoon Frank in 2008.
Moderate rains started to fall in this town again in the middle of the interview, prompting the soldiers to scamper back to their huts to place temporary cover on the holes of the roofs. “Sa panahon sang kalamidad sundalo gid permi ga una bulig, pero karon, biktima man kami (In time of calamity, soldiers are the first to respond. But now we are also victims),” a more senior soldier told MindaNews.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/12/09/soldiers-used-to-typhoons-shocked-by-pablos-fury/
The devastated headquarters of Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion at the town proper of New Bataan. Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco
NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley — “Maayo pa ang gyera sini kay makalikay pa, pero ining bagyo waay gid kami paadtuan (War is better because we can hide, but with typhoon there’s no way to go),” said Staff Sgt. Antonio Sodosta of the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion. Sodosta, who was assigned in typhoon-prone Samar province for eight years, said he had never experienced such strong winds and seen such magnitude as the fury unleashed by Typhoon Pablo.
On December 5, the 40-year old soldier and his comrades suffered Pablo’s wrath while they were at their headquarters in the town proper here. “Grabe ang hangin. Tapos perti kakusog sa tubig. Una gid namon gi-save ang amon mga pusil pero ang iban mga gamit nagkala-anod. Pero di namon ma biyaan amon mga kubo kay may mga importante na gamit” (The wind was terrible. The (rain)water was very strong. We first saved our guns but the other documents were swept away. We also did not leave our hut because there are important things),” said Sodosta, who hails from Tantangan, South Cotabato.
He recalled that rocks bigger than their heads hit them in the different parts of the body while holding on inside their huts. The huts inside the Army Battalion’s base are made of light materials.
Several huts were totally damaged while many were still standing but partially damaged. Two 105mm howitzers remained on their positions amid the strong water current. “Di na basta-basta maanod kay bug-at pa na sa 6×6 truck (That can’t easily be swept away because that’s heavier than a 6×6 truck),” Sodosta added.
He recalled that during his stint in Samar with a different battalion, they could still rest well inside their huts whenever a typhoon hits the island province. “Pero ini nga bagyo, wala gid kalikay iban nga upod namon (But this typhoon was so strong that some of our comrades were swept away),” Sodosta said. As of Friday, four solders were reported killed while five others remained missing after the flashflood hit their outpost in Barangay Andap.
Andap was the hardest-hit village here, its barangay proper totally wiped out. While interviewing Sodosta, another Army sergeant arrived to have his lunch break before resuming the retrieval operations beside the nearby Catholic church. Sgt. Anthony Mendez, from Pavia town of Iloilo, also told MindaNews that he has experienced typhoons when his unit was still in Iloilo. But the magnitude of their wrath was not the same as Typhoon Pablo. “Grabe gid kakusog hangin sang Martes, wala gid ko kaagi amo sini sang nagbagyo sa Iloilo (The wind was very strong last Tuesday. I haven’t experienced this kind of typhoon while in Iloilo),” he said referring to Typhoon Frank in 2008.
Moderate rains started to fall in this town again in the middle of the interview, prompting the soldiers to scamper back to their huts to place temporary cover on the holes of the roofs. “Sa panahon sang kalamidad sundalo gid permi ga una bulig, pero karon, biktima man kami (In time of calamity, soldiers are the first to respond. But now we are also victims),” a more senior soldier told MindaNews.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/12/09/soldiers-used-to-typhoons-shocked-by-pablos-fury/
MILF denies involvement in 'Bumbaran massacre'
From ABS-CBN (Dec 9): MILF denies involvement in 'Bumbaran massacre'
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied any involvement in the massacre of eight farmers in Barangay Mansilano, Bumbaran, Lanao del Sur last Thursday. "Hindi naman gagawin ng sino mang MILF ang bagay na 'yun. Dapat magsagawa ng further investigation kasi baka 'yan ay rido (clan war), dinadamay lang ang MILF," said MILF first vice chairman Gazali Jaafar. Jaafar also strongly condemned the massacre, noting the MILF will conduct its own investigation into the matter. He said that if there is any member of the organization who violated any law, appropriate punishment shall be imposed. "The MILF as an organization is administering justice. Kapag 'yang kaso ay nadala sa korte ng MILF, ang may kasalanan ay dapat magdusa ...batas na nakabatay sa Shariah,” Jaafar added. Last Thursday's incident also left seven others wounded.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/12/milf-denies-involvement-bumbaran-massacre
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) denied any involvement in the massacre of eight farmers in Barangay Mansilano, Bumbaran, Lanao del Sur last Thursday. "Hindi naman gagawin ng sino mang MILF ang bagay na 'yun. Dapat magsagawa ng further investigation kasi baka 'yan ay rido (clan war), dinadamay lang ang MILF," said MILF first vice chairman Gazali Jaafar. Jaafar also strongly condemned the massacre, noting the MILF will conduct its own investigation into the matter. He said that if there is any member of the organization who violated any law, appropriate punishment shall be imposed. "The MILF as an organization is administering justice. Kapag 'yang kaso ay nadala sa korte ng MILF, ang may kasalanan ay dapat magdusa ...batas na nakabatay sa Shariah,” Jaafar added. Last Thursday's incident also left seven others wounded.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/12/milf-denies-involvement-bumbaran-massacre
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