From the Daily Tribune (Jan 21): After ‘technical stalemate, ’gov’t, MILF resume talks
After declaring a technical stalemate during their last meeting in Kuala Lumpur, the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will again meet in the same venue for the 35th round of Formal Exploratory Talks which will primarily seek to flesh out the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer described the next round of talks as “crucial” as it intends to settle most of the remaining issues in the annexes on Power-sharing, Wealth-sharing, Normalization and Transitional Arrangements and Modalities. The annexes, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, will make up the comprehensive agreement with the MILF.
She stressed that in the upcoming talks “much work is still needed to find a middle ground on certain core issues.” However, she said that both parties are open to consider options on the remaining difficulties, across the annexes, including the “technical impasse” pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Both parties are bringing technical experts to provide advice on matters relating to natural resources and other other issues. “This is to ensure that we will make informed decisions on these issues,” Coronel-Ferrer said.
The government panel chairman expressed optimism that both parties will be able to wrap up discussions on the annexes. “However, there may be some items that we would have to confer once more with our respective principals before we seal the texts,” she said. Coronel-Ferrer called on the support of the people to “keep the faith with us as we move closer to completing the Agreement.” “With conviction, goodwill, and earnest partnership with the MILF, we can make this happen very soon,” she said.
MILF website luwaran.com also reported that MILF chairman Al Haj Murad remains upbeat on the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Murad also cited the effectiveness of the moderation approach of the Malaysian government in the signing of the FAB at Malacanang last October 15, 2012. “Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the GPH and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC),” Murad said.
He said the framework agreement will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro, adding “the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia significantly help both sides in realizing the Framework Agreement.” “The MILF, the Bangsamoro and even the Filipino people could not thank enough Malaysia for its role and contribution in the success of the GPH - MILF Peace Process,” Murad added.
Murad pointed out that the Philippines was second to Japan as the most progressive country in Asia before the rise of the Bangsamoro struggle for freedom and self-determination during the 60’s but the armed conflict and the emergence of the Bangsamoro liberation movement at that time had severely affected the country in many aspects — politically, economically, socially and even culturally.
“We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation,” he said. Murad said the FAB is not only an achievement of the MILF but a victory of the entire Bangsamoro – the traditional leaders, political leaders, Moro National Liberation Front, MILF, all sectors of the Bangsamoro.
“We take this opportunity to convey our most profound gratitude to YAB Dat’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for all the invaluable facilitation, contribution and commitment of continuing support and assistance for the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “We learn a lot from the moderation approach of the Malaysia government and we significantly consider it in the establishment and administration of the Bangsamoro government considering the nature of a pluralistic society in the Bangsamoro,” Murad said.
“When we can fulfill the sought success of the FAB then radicalization in the Bangsamoro will also be addressed,” he pointed out. Murad made the statement in several media interviews at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where the three-day Malay Archipelago Seminar – Islam in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Hopes is currently held. Murad spoke on the topic “Islam in the Malay Archipelago: The New Rise of the Bangsamoro.”
The other speakers are Dato’ Prof Dr. Sidek Baba, Islamic International University Malaysia (UIAM), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zainul Fithri bin Datuk Othman, Management Science University, Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia, Deputy Rector of Islamic University of Yala, Thailand, Dr. Fadlan bin Mohd Othman, Al-Madinah International University, Felicitous Prof. Dr. Jamil bin Hashim, Sultan Azlan Shah Islamic University College, Mohd Yusof Bin Din, Presdient of Smart Generation Society, Prof Datuk Dr. Zainal bin Kling, UUM College of Law, Prof Datuk Dr. Adbullah Zakaria bin GHazali, University of Malaya, Felicitous Mohd Mohiyuddin bin Mohd Sulaiman, MARA Technology University, Prof Muhammad Hussain bin Mutalib, National University of Singapore, Dr. Yusri bin Mohd, Islamic Research and Strategic Institute, Prof Dr. Haji Ali Mustafa Yakub, Imam of Istiqlal Mosue of Indonesia, Prof Dr. Eajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance, Haji Zakaryya Adam, Member of Cambodian Parliament, Datuk Nik Mustapha bin Nik Hassan, Institue of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and Hon Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan, Prime Minister Department.
More than 1000 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia attended the forum.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/9438-after-‘technical-stalemate-’gov’t-milf-resume-talks
Sunday, January 20, 2013
US should pay for damaging reef – lawmakers
From the Manila Times (Jan 20): US should pay for damaging reef – lawmakers
Student activists (right) scuffle with policemen during a protest in front of theUS
Embassy in Manila condemning a US
Monetary penalties are not enough punishment for members of the United States Navy, whose ship got stuck on the Tubbataha Reef in Sulu province, House leaders said on Saturday. Representatives Roilo Golez of Parañaque City and House Assistant Majority Leader Sherwin Tugna of Citizens Battle Against Corruption party-list, said that a more severe penalty should be handed to the US Navy ship for damaging at least 10 meters of the protected reef, which is proclaimed a world heritage site.
“That [monetary dues] should be the minimum penalty. The other is the possible violation of the innocent passage principle under the Unclos [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas]. Why didn’t the vessel follow the usual innocent passage route?” asked Golez, a former member of the Philippine Navy.
The captain of the ship, he added, should be relieved from service for good. “A simple grounding can seriously damage his naval career. This one is even worse, can be career-ending for him,” the lawmaker said.
Tugna backed Golez, noting the lack of cooperation and seeming arrogance of the US Navy in failing to explain outright the reason why they are in the reef. The USS Guardian reportedly refused to allow agents of the Protected Area Management Board to board the ship. “I believe that aside from the P12,000 fine per day, actual and exemplary [corrective] damages should be paid by the US government. The ship commander prevented park rangers from approaching the vessel that is currently atop of our reef. There must be a sufficient explanation why they are in Tubbataha Reef and what is the nature of their presence here in our territory,” Tugna argued.
A militant group blamed the joint military exercises or the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the government and the United States over the reef. “After the disposal of toxic wastes in Subic last year, now it is another devastation of our natural resources,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Paulo Quiza. “Under VFA, expect that a worse kind of devastation will happen again. The Aquino regime is ever subservient to US government just like the previous administration, even risking the interest of the Filipino people,” Quiza added.
However, for House Deputy Majority Leader Romero Quimbo, it is still too early to call for more severe sanctions because the cause of the accident is yet to be determined. “Before we talk of any sanctions, we must first find out what happened. Sometimes we can be so fickle as a country. When the Chinese kept cruising in our seas, not a few people were hoping the US would come and defend us. Now that we see their presence, people are jumping the blaming game without finding out first what happened,” the legislator from Marikina said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/39788-us-should-pay-for-damaging-reef-lawmakers
Student activists (right) scuffle with policemen during a protest in front of the
Monetary penalties are not enough punishment for members of the United States Navy, whose ship got stuck on the Tubbataha Reef in Sulu province, House leaders said on Saturday. Representatives Roilo Golez of Parañaque City and House Assistant Majority Leader Sherwin Tugna of Citizens Battle Against Corruption party-list, said that a more severe penalty should be handed to the US Navy ship for damaging at least 10 meters of the protected reef, which is proclaimed a world heritage site.
“That [monetary dues] should be the minimum penalty. The other is the possible violation of the innocent passage principle under the Unclos [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas]. Why didn’t the vessel follow the usual innocent passage route?” asked Golez, a former member of the Philippine Navy.
The captain of the ship, he added, should be relieved from service for good. “A simple grounding can seriously damage his naval career. This one is even worse, can be career-ending for him,” the lawmaker said.
Tugna backed Golez, noting the lack of cooperation and seeming arrogance of the US Navy in failing to explain outright the reason why they are in the reef. The USS Guardian reportedly refused to allow agents of the Protected Area Management Board to board the ship. “I believe that aside from the P12,000 fine per day, actual and exemplary [corrective] damages should be paid by the US government. The ship commander prevented park rangers from approaching the vessel that is currently atop of our reef. There must be a sufficient explanation why they are in Tubbataha Reef and what is the nature of their presence here in our territory,” Tugna argued.
A militant group blamed the joint military exercises or the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the government and the United States over the reef. “After the disposal of toxic wastes in Subic last year, now it is another devastation of our natural resources,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Paulo Quiza. “Under VFA, expect that a worse kind of devastation will happen again. The Aquino regime is ever subservient to US government just like the previous administration, even risking the interest of the Filipino people,” Quiza added.
However, for House Deputy Majority Leader Romero Quimbo, it is still too early to call for more severe sanctions because the cause of the accident is yet to be determined. “Before we talk of any sanctions, we must first find out what happened. Sometimes we can be so fickle as a country. When the Chinese kept cruising in our seas, not a few people were hoping the US would come and defend us. Now that we see their presence, people are jumping the blaming game without finding out first what happened,” the legislator from Marikina said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/headlines-mt/39788-us-should-pay-for-damaging-reef-lawmakers
US Navy raps faulty map for hi-tech ship’s grounding
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 20): US Navy raps faulty map for hi-tech ship’s grounding
The United States Navy said a minesweeper that ran aground on a coral reef in the Philippines was using a faulty map that misplaced the location of the marine sanctuary. The Navy said digital nautical charts contained inaccurate data and may have been a factor in the Guardian’s grounding. Navigator of the Navy Rear Adm. Jonathan White released precautionary guidance to all Pacific Fleet ships, saying that “initial review of navigation data indicates an error in the location of Tubbataha Reef” in the Philippines.
The US Navy has sent an assessment team that would plan and execute the delicate extraction of the American minesweeper from the Tubbataha Reef with the least damage on the marine sanctuary where it has been trapped since Thursday, the unit’s Japan-based fleet has said. Strong winds and waves have pushed the ship to be parallel to the reef line, the Inquirer learned on Saturday. “If you remember the pictures that came out yesterday (Friday), the ship was still perpendicular to the reef line but because of the winds and waves, which are really strong now, the ship moved some 90 degrees and is now parallel to the reef line,” a source from the military told the Inquirer.
Not sinking
The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to give details to the media, denied news reports that the ship was sinking. “It couldn’t really sink because there’s a reef beneath it,” he said. Three ships from the Philippine Navy have been deployed as of Saturday morning to the vicinity of the Tubbataha Reef for on-site monitoring and to provide assistance to the marooned ship. “Our ships are outside the protected area,” said Maj. Oliver Banaria, commander of the military’s Western Command Civil Relations Group.
Banaria said a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad aircraft was deployed Saturday morning to the site for an aerial survey of the USS Guardian and “further assess the situation.” “The recovery of the ship has not begun yet,” Banaria said.
The forward-deployed US Navy’s 7th Fleet also admitted that the grounding of the 68-meter USS Guardian could have damaged the reef just as the incident spurred a demand among concerned Philippine groups for US accountability over the destruction of what is considered a national treasure. “Without speculating about this particular case, there are potential risks of damage from physical contact between the ship and the reef or sea floor, and from the effects of material from the ship being introduced into the environment,” Lt. Brian Wierzbicki, a public affairs officer of the 7th Fleet, told the Inquirer. “We won’t know more until the assessment team arrives on scene,” he said in an e-mail response sent from the fleet’s base in Yokosuka, Japan.
All 79 officers and crew of the US Navy minesweeper stuck on a coral reef in central Philippines have left the ship two days after efforts to free the vessel failed, the Navy said on Saturday. The US Navy’s 7th Fleet earlier on Friday said 72 of the crew of the USS Guardian were transferred for safety reasons to a military support vessel and a naval survey ship. The Navy said in a statement hours later that all 79 crew members, including the commanding and the executive officers, had left the stricken ship.
The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship was en route to its next port call following a routine stop in the Philippines when it grazed the reef and got stuck some 128 kilometers off Palawan before dawn on Thursday. The US Navy said the ship was not leaking oil. An official of the Tubbataha marine park earlier said the ship was lying on around 10 meters of coral.
Subic, Puerto Princesa
The ship had arrived at the former US naval base on Subic Bay in Olongapo City on Jan. 13 for a routine resupply, refueling and rest and recreation stop and a quick visit to Puerto Princesa before sailing off to its next destination. Wierzbicki said the Navy was still investigating how the ship, known to be equipped with top-of-the-line navigational equipment, ran aground the reef in the vast Sulu Sea. “The Navy recognizes that Tubbataha Reef is a unique and treasured environment. The cause of this incident will be thoroughly investigated,” said Wierzbicki when asked for comment on the concern of environment groups on the protected coral reef, designated by the Unesco as a World Heritage Site. “The full extent of any damage to the reef won’t be determined until the ship is freed from the reef,” Wierzbicki said.
The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines said that according to an initial visual inspection, the 68-m-long, 1,300-ton Guardian damaged at least 10 m of the reef. Aerial photographs provided by the Philippine military showed the ship’s bow sitting atop corals in shallow turquoise waters. The stern was floating in the deep blue waters.
Angelique Songco, head of the government’s Protected Area Management Board, said it was unclear how much of the reef was damaged. She said the government imposes a fine of about $300 per square meter of damaged coral.
In 2005, the environmental group Greenpeace was fined almost $7,000 after its flagship struck a reef in the same area. Songco said that park rangers were not allowed to board the ship for inspection and were told to contact the US Embassy in Manila. Philippine military spokesperson Banaria said the US Navy did not request assistance from the Philippines.
US Navy ships have stepped up visits to Philippine ports for refueling, rest and recreation, plus joint military exercises as a result of a redeployment of US forces in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, a US defense treaty ally, has been entangled in a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The 7th Fleet and the US Embassy in Manila said separately that initial attempts to release the Guardian had been unsuccessful. Wierzbicki said the US Navy’s assessment team, dispatched from Puerto Princesa on Friday, would “assess conditions, assist in salvage operations and develop a recovery plan.”
Workable plan
“Their focus will be to get on board, get a workable plan in place and work to extract Guardian from the reef with as little damage as possible,” Wierzbicki said.
In a separate statement, US 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Scott Swift said other support vessels had arrived on scene. “7th Fleet ships remain on scene and essential Guardian Sailors will continue conducting survey operations on board the ship as needed until she is recovered. Several support vessels have arrived and all steps are being taken to minimize environmental effects while ensuring the crew’s continued safety,” Swift said.
Wierzbicki said 72 of the Guardian’s crew were evacuated on Friday and transferred to MV C-Champion, a Military Sealift Command chartered ship, for their safety. The embassy said a small team of engineering and bridge personnel will remain aboard the Guardian to work with the assessment team “in an attempt to free Guardian with minimal environmental impact.” “The remaining seven sailors, which include the commanding officer and executive officer, will also be transferred if conditions become unsafe,” the embassy said.
The embassy said US authorities “are in close communication” with their Philippine counterparts, including the Tubbataha Management Office.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/61999/us-navy-raps-faulty-map-for-hi-tech-ships-grounding
The United States Navy said a minesweeper that ran aground on a coral reef in the Philippines was using a faulty map that misplaced the location of the marine sanctuary. The Navy said digital nautical charts contained inaccurate data and may have been a factor in the Guardian’s grounding. Navigator of the Navy Rear Adm. Jonathan White released precautionary guidance to all Pacific Fleet ships, saying that “initial review of navigation data indicates an error in the location of Tubbataha Reef” in the Philippines.
The US Navy has sent an assessment team that would plan and execute the delicate extraction of the American minesweeper from the Tubbataha Reef with the least damage on the marine sanctuary where it has been trapped since Thursday, the unit’s Japan-based fleet has said. Strong winds and waves have pushed the ship to be parallel to the reef line, the Inquirer learned on Saturday. “If you remember the pictures that came out yesterday (Friday), the ship was still perpendicular to the reef line but because of the winds and waves, which are really strong now, the ship moved some 90 degrees and is now parallel to the reef line,” a source from the military told the Inquirer.
Not sinking
The source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to give details to the media, denied news reports that the ship was sinking. “It couldn’t really sink because there’s a reef beneath it,” he said. Three ships from the Philippine Navy have been deployed as of Saturday morning to the vicinity of the Tubbataha Reef for on-site monitoring and to provide assistance to the marooned ship. “Our ships are outside the protected area,” said Maj. Oliver Banaria, commander of the military’s Western Command Civil Relations Group.
Banaria said a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad aircraft was deployed Saturday morning to the site for an aerial survey of the USS Guardian and “further assess the situation.” “The recovery of the ship has not begun yet,” Banaria said.
The forward-deployed US Navy’s 7th Fleet also admitted that the grounding of the 68-meter USS Guardian could have damaged the reef just as the incident spurred a demand among concerned Philippine groups for US accountability over the destruction of what is considered a national treasure. “Without speculating about this particular case, there are potential risks of damage from physical contact between the ship and the reef or sea floor, and from the effects of material from the ship being introduced into the environment,” Lt. Brian Wierzbicki, a public affairs officer of the 7th Fleet, told the Inquirer. “We won’t know more until the assessment team arrives on scene,” he said in an e-mail response sent from the fleet’s base in Yokosuka, Japan.
All 79 officers and crew of the US Navy minesweeper stuck on a coral reef in central Philippines have left the ship two days after efforts to free the vessel failed, the Navy said on Saturday. The US Navy’s 7th Fleet earlier on Friday said 72 of the crew of the USS Guardian were transferred for safety reasons to a military support vessel and a naval survey ship. The Navy said in a statement hours later that all 79 crew members, including the commanding and the executive officers, had left the stricken ship.
The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship was en route to its next port call following a routine stop in the Philippines when it grazed the reef and got stuck some 128 kilometers off Palawan before dawn on Thursday. The US Navy said the ship was not leaking oil. An official of the Tubbataha marine park earlier said the ship was lying on around 10 meters of coral.
Subic, Puerto Princesa
The ship had arrived at the former US naval base on Subic Bay in Olongapo City on Jan. 13 for a routine resupply, refueling and rest and recreation stop and a quick visit to Puerto Princesa before sailing off to its next destination. Wierzbicki said the Navy was still investigating how the ship, known to be equipped with top-of-the-line navigational equipment, ran aground the reef in the vast Sulu Sea. “The Navy recognizes that Tubbataha Reef is a unique and treasured environment. The cause of this incident will be thoroughly investigated,” said Wierzbicki when asked for comment on the concern of environment groups on the protected coral reef, designated by the Unesco as a World Heritage Site. “The full extent of any damage to the reef won’t be determined until the ship is freed from the reef,” Wierzbicki said.
The World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines said that according to an initial visual inspection, the 68-m-long, 1,300-ton Guardian damaged at least 10 m of the reef. Aerial photographs provided by the Philippine military showed the ship’s bow sitting atop corals in shallow turquoise waters. The stern was floating in the deep blue waters.
Angelique Songco, head of the government’s Protected Area Management Board, said it was unclear how much of the reef was damaged. She said the government imposes a fine of about $300 per square meter of damaged coral.
In 2005, the environmental group Greenpeace was fined almost $7,000 after its flagship struck a reef in the same area. Songco said that park rangers were not allowed to board the ship for inspection and were told to contact the US Embassy in Manila. Philippine military spokesperson Banaria said the US Navy did not request assistance from the Philippines.
US Navy ships have stepped up visits to Philippine ports for refueling, rest and recreation, plus joint military exercises as a result of a redeployment of US forces in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, a US defense treaty ally, has been entangled in a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The 7th Fleet and the US Embassy in Manila said separately that initial attempts to release the Guardian had been unsuccessful. Wierzbicki said the US Navy’s assessment team, dispatched from Puerto Princesa on Friday, would “assess conditions, assist in salvage operations and develop a recovery plan.”
Workable plan
“Their focus will be to get on board, get a workable plan in place and work to extract Guardian from the reef with as little damage as possible,” Wierzbicki said.
In a separate statement, US 7th Fleet commander Vice Admiral Scott Swift said other support vessels had arrived on scene. “7th Fleet ships remain on scene and essential Guardian Sailors will continue conducting survey operations on board the ship as needed until she is recovered. Several support vessels have arrived and all steps are being taken to minimize environmental effects while ensuring the crew’s continued safety,” Swift said.
Wierzbicki said 72 of the Guardian’s crew were evacuated on Friday and transferred to MV C-Champion, a Military Sealift Command chartered ship, for their safety. The embassy said a small team of engineering and bridge personnel will remain aboard the Guardian to work with the assessment team “in an attempt to free Guardian with minimal environmental impact.” “The remaining seven sailors, which include the commanding officer and executive officer, will also be transferred if conditions become unsafe,” the embassy said.
The embassy said US authorities “are in close communication” with their Philippine counterparts, including the Tubbataha Management Office.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/61999/us-navy-raps-faulty-map-for-hi-tech-ships-grounding
Senate considering probe of USS Guardian grounding
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 20): Senate considering probe of USS Guardian grounding
Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, said he was considering holding a Senate inquiry into the USS Guardian’s running aground and damaging the Tubbataha Reef. “Did it have authorized access in the first place? Were we informed of its presence in our territory? Why can’t we have official word from concerned authorities about the official status of the ship in our waters?” Escudero said in a statement.
Calling the incident a “very serious one,” Escudero said his committee “may launch a probe to uncover possible violations of Philippine and international laws.” “We should demand not only indemnity for damage but also restoration costs. Reefs are grown over centuries, the extent of the damage and what it will leave cannot be quantified in any amount,” he added.
Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations, expressed concern over what she called a “troubling pattern of environmental assault that has resulted from the visits by United States naval ships in the country.” Legarda cited the alleged failure by US authorities to coordinate the movement and route of the USS Guardian while in Philippine waters.
“Our Visiting Forces Agreement and other treaties with the United States government is not a free pass so US ships and military personnel can do as they wish in our country, including the destruction of the environment and protected sites in our country,” Legarda said. Legarda wants an explanation from the Presidential Commission on the VFA and the Philippine Coast Guard on how the USS Guardian was allowed to venture into the Tubbataha Reef.
“The VFAComm is tasked to monitor, in coordination with appropriate government agencies and NGOs, the activities of foreign military and civilian personnel,” Legarda said. “What kind of coordination was carried out when officials on board the USS Guardian refused to respond to the radio calls made by Philippine authorities who were investigating their presence in our protected area?” Legarda added.
Legarda recalled that a US navy contractor, Glenn Marine Defense Asia Philippines, was found in October last year to have dumped waste water from visiting US ships into Philippine waters “in contravention of Philippine and international laws and regulations.” “An accounting needs to be done, not just of this recent incident, but of the totality of the activities done under the ambit of the VFA over the past decade,” Legarda added.
According to Escudero, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez could not say if the warship’s entry was authorized or not.
Located 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare Marine Protected Area in Palawan and is at the heart of the so-called Coral Triangle, “acknowledged as the global center of marine biodiversity.” “The Coral Triangle is home to at least 40 percent of the world’s fish and 75 percent of corals. Being in the center of the Coral Triangle, Tubbataha Reef plays a critical role in marine biodiversity preservation,” Escudero said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/62019/senate-considering-probe-of-uss-guardian-grounding
Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, said he was considering holding a Senate inquiry into the USS Guardian’s running aground and damaging the Tubbataha Reef. “Did it have authorized access in the first place? Were we informed of its presence in our territory? Why can’t we have official word from concerned authorities about the official status of the ship in our waters?” Escudero said in a statement.
Calling the incident a “very serious one,” Escudero said his committee “may launch a probe to uncover possible violations of Philippine and international laws.” “We should demand not only indemnity for damage but also restoration costs. Reefs are grown over centuries, the extent of the damage and what it will leave cannot be quantified in any amount,” he added.
Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations, expressed concern over what she called a “troubling pattern of environmental assault that has resulted from the visits by United States naval ships in the country.” Legarda cited the alleged failure by US authorities to coordinate the movement and route of the USS Guardian while in Philippine waters.
“Our Visiting Forces Agreement and other treaties with the United States government is not a free pass so US ships and military personnel can do as they wish in our country, including the destruction of the environment and protected sites in our country,” Legarda said. Legarda wants an explanation from the Presidential Commission on the VFA and the Philippine Coast Guard on how the USS Guardian was allowed to venture into the Tubbataha Reef.
“The VFAComm is tasked to monitor, in coordination with appropriate government agencies and NGOs, the activities of foreign military and civilian personnel,” Legarda said. “What kind of coordination was carried out when officials on board the USS Guardian refused to respond to the radio calls made by Philippine authorities who were investigating their presence in our protected area?” Legarda added.
Legarda recalled that a US navy contractor, Glenn Marine Defense Asia Philippines, was found in October last year to have dumped waste water from visiting US ships into Philippine waters “in contravention of Philippine and international laws and regulations.” “An accounting needs to be done, not just of this recent incident, but of the totality of the activities done under the ambit of the VFA over the past decade,” Legarda added.
According to Escudero, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez could not say if the warship’s entry was authorized or not.
Located 150 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare Marine Protected Area in Palawan and is at the heart of the so-called Coral Triangle, “acknowledged as the global center of marine biodiversity.” “The Coral Triangle is home to at least 40 percent of the world’s fish and 75 percent of corals. Being in the center of the Coral Triangle, Tubbataha Reef plays a critical role in marine biodiversity preservation,” Escudero said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/62019/senate-considering-probe-of-uss-guardian-grounding
Palace won’t rush into action on US Navy ship grounding in Tubbataha
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 20): Palace won’t rush into action on US Navy ship grounding in Tubbataha
Malacañang is in no hurry to hold the US Navy accountable for its minesweeper that ran aground in the Tubbataha Reefs, even as a militant group has called for an inspection of the ship. President Benigno Aquino III’s deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive department would rather wait for the outcome of an investigation into the USS Guardian’s grounding before deciding on the accountability of the ship or its crew.
“It’s more prudent to wait for the results of the investigation that will be conducted by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DND (Department of National Defense) and other agencies, and then come up with recommendation in light of laws that we have in place,” Valte said over government radio. She said the immediate concern would be to extricate the ship “with the least damage” from the marine sanctuary, recognized by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as a World Heritage Site. Valte said the Philippine Navy, which deployed three ships to the reef for on-site monitoring, could help extricate the marooned ship if requested. “There’s no problem with us if our help is needed,” she said.
The minesweeper, part of a US navy contingent patrolling the South China Sea, was en route to its next port of call after a stop in the Philippines when it grazed the reef and got stuck some 128 kilometers off Palawan before dawn on Thursday. The US Navy blamed a faulty map used by the minesweeper that misplaced the location of the Tubbataha Reefs.
With the 688-meter ship lying on some 10 meters of coral, Philippine environmental groups have called for US accountability for the destruction of the national marine treasure. The US Navy’s 7th Fleet acknowledged that the grounding could have damaged the reef, even as it dispatched an assessment team to plan and execute the delicate extraction from the reefs.
Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, said he was considering opening an inquiry into the minesweeper’s grounding and the damage it has caused to the reefs. Following news of the grounding, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Department of Foreign Affairs should ask the US government to explain the presence of the minesweeper in the reefs.
Meanwhile, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan on Sunday pressed the government to assert its sovereignty and ascertain the real status of the ship. It said the Philippines had the right to inspect the ship. “It is patently embarrassing that the PH government does not even want, at this point, to raise the issue of liability of US troops in the destruction of our coral reef. It smacks of puppetry and subservience. Whatever happened to asserting sovereignty?” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
Reyes added that the government should ascertain whether the ship was sinking by inspecting it, adding it should not allow the US forces “to disrespect our local authorities and conceal vital information.” The group also called on the government to stop further port calls by US forces in view of the grounding. It said the Philippines has been hosting American troops and ships here for rest and recreation, refueling and repair.
“Surely there is a problem with the Visiting Forces Agreement and the port calls and exercises undertaken by US forces in our country. The frequency of port calls supposedly allowed under the VFA transforms the country into a virtual military base. They come here anytime, roam our waters freely, and engage in unspecified activities,” Reyes said. “And when incidents happen, like the dumping of toxic wastes or the destruction of our coral reef, the US seems to buck any kind of accountability and even disrespects our local authorities. So why should we allow US ships to continue making port calls? Why allow the VFA to continue?” he added.
Bayan cited Article 6 of the VFA which stated: “For claims against the United States, other than contractual claims and those to which paragraph 1 applies, the United States Government, in accordance with United States law regarding foreign claims, will pay just and reasonable compensation in settlement of meritorious claims for damage, loss, personal injury or death, caused by acts or omissions of United States personnel, or otherwise incident to the non-combat activities of the United States forces.”
The Aquino government, on the other hand, has welcomed the presence of US naval forces in Asia in view of a brewing conflict with regional superpower China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, among them parts of the Spratly group of islands, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. The territorial claims by the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan, among others, reportedly block China’s submarine lanes to the Pacific.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/62057/palace-wont-rush-into-action-on-us-navy-ship-grounding-in-tubbataha
Malacañang is in no hurry to hold the US Navy accountable for its minesweeper that ran aground in the Tubbataha Reefs, even as a militant group has called for an inspection of the ship. President Benigno Aquino III’s deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive department would rather wait for the outcome of an investigation into the USS Guardian’s grounding before deciding on the accountability of the ship or its crew.
“It’s more prudent to wait for the results of the investigation that will be conducted by the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DND (Department of National Defense) and other agencies, and then come up with recommendation in light of laws that we have in place,” Valte said over government radio. She said the immediate concern would be to extricate the ship “with the least damage” from the marine sanctuary, recognized by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) as a World Heritage Site. Valte said the Philippine Navy, which deployed three ships to the reef for on-site monitoring, could help extricate the marooned ship if requested. “There’s no problem with us if our help is needed,” she said.
The minesweeper, part of a US navy contingent patrolling the South China Sea, was en route to its next port of call after a stop in the Philippines when it grazed the reef and got stuck some 128 kilometers off Palawan before dawn on Thursday. The US Navy blamed a faulty map used by the minesweeper that misplaced the location of the Tubbataha Reefs.
With the 688-meter ship lying on some 10 meters of coral, Philippine environmental groups have called for US accountability for the destruction of the national marine treasure. The US Navy’s 7th Fleet acknowledged that the grounding could have damaged the reef, even as it dispatched an assessment team to plan and execute the delicate extraction from the reefs.
Sen. Francis Escudero, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, said he was considering opening an inquiry into the minesweeper’s grounding and the damage it has caused to the reefs. Following news of the grounding, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said the Department of Foreign Affairs should ask the US government to explain the presence of the minesweeper in the reefs.
Meanwhile, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan on Sunday pressed the government to assert its sovereignty and ascertain the real status of the ship. It said the Philippines had the right to inspect the ship. “It is patently embarrassing that the PH government does not even want, at this point, to raise the issue of liability of US troops in the destruction of our coral reef. It smacks of puppetry and subservience. Whatever happened to asserting sovereignty?” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
Reyes added that the government should ascertain whether the ship was sinking by inspecting it, adding it should not allow the US forces “to disrespect our local authorities and conceal vital information.” The group also called on the government to stop further port calls by US forces in view of the grounding. It said the Philippines has been hosting American troops and ships here for rest and recreation, refueling and repair.
“Surely there is a problem with the Visiting Forces Agreement and the port calls and exercises undertaken by US forces in our country. The frequency of port calls supposedly allowed under the VFA transforms the country into a virtual military base. They come here anytime, roam our waters freely, and engage in unspecified activities,” Reyes said. “And when incidents happen, like the dumping of toxic wastes or the destruction of our coral reef, the US seems to buck any kind of accountability and even disrespects our local authorities. So why should we allow US ships to continue making port calls? Why allow the VFA to continue?” he added.
Bayan cited Article 6 of the VFA which stated: “For claims against the United States, other than contractual claims and those to which paragraph 1 applies, the United States Government, in accordance with United States law regarding foreign claims, will pay just and reasonable compensation in settlement of meritorious claims for damage, loss, personal injury or death, caused by acts or omissions of United States personnel, or otherwise incident to the non-combat activities of the United States forces.”
The Aquino government, on the other hand, has welcomed the presence of US naval forces in Asia in view of a brewing conflict with regional superpower China over territorial claims in the South China Sea, among them parts of the Spratly group of islands, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. The territorial claims by the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan, among others, reportedly block China’s submarine lanes to the Pacific.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/62057/palace-wont-rush-into-action-on-us-navy-ship-grounding-in-tubbataha
NPA rebels raid plantation, chop down 15,000 trees
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 20): NPA rebels raid plantation, chop down 15,000 trees
Communist rebels on Friday raided a banana plantation owned by a multinational firm in Tago, Surigao del Sur, hacking down at least 15,000 full-grown trees and firing at several pieces of heavy equipment parked along a roadside, police on Sunday said. Superintendent Martin Gamba, Caraga police spokesperson, said an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas “left a large swath of destruction” at the plantation owned by Dole-Stanfilco in Barangay Anahao Daan at around 9 p.m. The rebels chopped down some 15,000 banana trees “with fruits ready for harvest,” according to Gamba.
Four backhoes and a bulldozer parked by the roadside, owned by a certain Edilberto Garay of Davao City, were also raked with fire as the fleeing insurgents, believed to be members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 19-B under a certain Susay, passed by Sitio Ibo, also in the same village, said Gamba. He said the attack may have caused millions of pesos of damage to crops and other properties.
Gamba said police and the military were now conducting operations against the attackers. He said an investigation of the incident was underway. The Surigao del Sur attack came a day after NPA rebels kidnapped a policeman and a soldier at a checkpoint the insurgents had set up along a village road in Laak town, Compostela Valley province, several hundred kilometers to the southeast.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/343733/npa-rebels-raid-plantation-chop-down-15000-trees
Communist rebels on Friday raided a banana plantation owned by a multinational firm in Tago, Surigao del Sur, hacking down at least 15,000 full-grown trees and firing at several pieces of heavy equipment parked along a roadside, police on Sunday said. Superintendent Martin Gamba, Caraga police spokesperson, said an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas “left a large swath of destruction” at the plantation owned by Dole-Stanfilco in Barangay Anahao Daan at around 9 p.m. The rebels chopped down some 15,000 banana trees “with fruits ready for harvest,” according to Gamba.
Four backhoes and a bulldozer parked by the roadside, owned by a certain Edilberto Garay of Davao City, were also raked with fire as the fleeing insurgents, believed to be members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 19-B under a certain Susay, passed by Sitio Ibo, also in the same village, said Gamba. He said the attack may have caused millions of pesos of damage to crops and other properties.
Gamba said police and the military were now conducting operations against the attackers. He said an investigation of the incident was underway. The Surigao del Sur attack came a day after NPA rebels kidnapped a policeman and a soldier at a checkpoint the insurgents had set up along a village road in Laak town, Compostela Valley province, several hundred kilometers to the southeast.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/343733/npa-rebels-raid-plantation-chop-down-15000-trees
GPH, MILF resumes talks to flesh out remaining issues in annexes
From the Philippine Star (Jan 20): GPH,
MILF resumes talks to flesh out remaining issues in annexes
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace delegation is set to fly to Kuala Lumpur today for the 35th round of Formal Exploratory Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer described Sunday the next round of talks as "crucial" as they intend to settle most of the remaining issues in the annexes on Power-sharing, Wealth- sharing, Normalization and Transitional Arrangements and Modalities.
The annexes, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, will make up the comprehensive agreement with the MILF. The panel chair stressed that in the upcoming talks "much work is still needed to find a middle ground on certain core issues. " Both parties are bringing technical experts to provide advice on matters relating to natural resources and transportation. "This is to ensure that we will make informed decisions on these issues, " Coronel-Ferrer said.
The panel chair expressed optimism that both parties will be able to wrap up discussions on the annexes. "However, there may be some items that we would have to confer once more with our respective principals before we seal the texts," she said.
Coronel-Ferrer called on the support of the people to "keep the faith with us as we move closer to completing the Agreement."
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/20/899182/gph-milf-resumes-talks-flesh-out-remaining-issues-annexes
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace delegation is set to fly to Kuala Lumpur today for the 35th round of Formal Exploratory Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer described Sunday the next round of talks as "crucial" as they intend to settle most of the remaining issues in the annexes on Power-sharing, Wealth- sharing, Normalization and Transitional Arrangements and Modalities.
The annexes, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, will make up the comprehensive agreement with the MILF. The panel chair stressed that in the upcoming talks "much work is still needed to find a middle ground on certain core issues. " Both parties are bringing technical experts to provide advice on matters relating to natural resources and transportation. "This is to ensure that we will make informed decisions on these issues, " Coronel-Ferrer said.
The panel chair expressed optimism that both parties will be able to wrap up discussions on the annexes. "However, there may be some items that we would have to confer once more with our respective principals before we seal the texts," she said.
Coronel-Ferrer called on the support of the people to "keep the faith with us as we move closer to completing the Agreement."
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/20/899182/gph-milf-resumes-talks-flesh-out-remaining-issues-annexes
Muslim rebel leader optimistic on realization of initial pact
From the Philippine Star (Jan 20): Muslim
rebel leader optimistic on realization of initial pact
Rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim expressed optimism today on the fulfillment of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) as peace talks with the Philippine government resumes in Malaysia tomorrow. "Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC)," Murad said. He stressed that FAB will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro.
"We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation," he said. The government and the MILF will hold the 35th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur with the hope of reconciling the differences on the four annexes of the FAB.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/20/899286/muslim-rebel-leader-optimistic-realization-initial-pact
Rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim expressed optimism today on the fulfillment of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) as peace talks with the Philippine government resumes in Malaysia tomorrow. "Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC)," Murad said. He stressed that FAB will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro.
"We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation," he said. The government and the MILF will hold the 35th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur with the hope of reconciling the differences on the four annexes of the FAB.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/20/899286/muslim-rebel-leader-optimistic-realization-initial-pact
Search is on for new SOCOM chief
From InterAksyon (Jan 20): Search is on for new SOCOM chief
The top position of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), an Army unit of elite forces, is up for grabs among senior officer candidates with the mandatory retirement on Monday of the unit’s current commander, Maj. Gen. Romulo Bambao. President Benigno Aquino III has yet to appoint Bambao’s replacement.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jet B. Valeriano, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, will assume the command in an acting capacity until a permanent commander is selected. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will administer the turnover of command. Valeriano also became the Chief of Staff of the 1st Infantry Division; Inspector General, 7th Infantry Division; Defense and Armed Forces Attache toMalaysia and
Inspector General, Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines
SOCOM evolved from the Army Special Warfare Brigade (ASWABde) that was organized in 1978, and is now a home to the Army’s elite forces – Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), the First Scout Ranger Regiment, and the Light Reaction Battalion. “SOCOM was formed with the responsibility to plan, conduct, and support special operations of the Philippine Army. Its organic units include the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces (Airborne) and the Light Reaction Battalion,” said Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc.
But the command suffered a major setback when its troops were waylaid by more than 300 armed men of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that killed 19 Special Forces and injured 14 others in a day-long firefight in Barangay Cambug, Al-Barka, basilan on October 19, 2011.
The newest member of SOCOM, the Light Reaction Battalion (formerly known as the Light Reaction Company), was established in the year 2000. It is the lead counter-terrorist unit of the Philippine Army trained by American military advisers from the 1stBattalion, 1st Special Forces Group. The LRC was first deployed inMindanao
to combat Abu Sayyaf bandits blamed for abducting several foreign hostages.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/53140/search-is-on-for-new-socom-chief
The top position of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), an Army unit of elite forces, is up for grabs among senior officer candidates with the mandatory retirement on Monday of the unit’s current commander, Maj. Gen. Romulo Bambao. President Benigno Aquino III has yet to appoint Bambao’s replacement.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jet B. Valeriano, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, will assume the command in an acting capacity until a permanent commander is selected. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will administer the turnover of command. Valeriano also became the Chief of Staff of the 1st Infantry Division; Inspector General, 7th Infantry Division; Defense and Armed Forces Attache to
SOCOM evolved from the Army Special Warfare Brigade (ASWABde) that was organized in 1978, and is now a home to the Army’s elite forces – Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), the First Scout Ranger Regiment, and the Light Reaction Battalion. “SOCOM was formed with the responsibility to plan, conduct, and support special operations of the Philippine Army. Its organic units include the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces (Airborne) and the Light Reaction Battalion,” said Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc.
The First Scout Ranger Regiment specializes in anti-guerrilla
warfare and is credited with various combat successes.
The Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) is also trained in the art
of counter-insurgency operations. It is primarily trained in unconventional
warfare operations and psychological warfare operations.But the command suffered a major setback when its troops were waylaid by more than 300 armed men of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that killed 19 Special Forces and injured 14 others in a day-long firefight in Barangay Cambug, Al-Barka, basilan on October 19, 2011.
The newest member of SOCOM, the Light Reaction Battalion (formerly known as the Light Reaction Company), was established in the year 2000. It is the lead counter-terrorist unit of the Philippine Army trained by American military advisers from the 1stBattalion, 1st Special Forces Group. The LRC was first deployed in
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/53140/search-is-on-for-new-socom-chief
US ship turns, damages more coral
From Rappler (Jan 20): US ship turns, damages more coral
STILL STUCK. Philippine Air Force aerial image of the USS Guardian near the upper side of Tubbataha's South Atoll. Photo courtesy of AFP WESCOM
The US ship stuck inside the protected area of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea turned around due to the strong currents and winds, damaging more coral, the military said on Sunday, January 20. About 17 meters of the US Navy minesweeper's hull are now aground, 7 m more than before, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command chief Lt Gen Juancho Sabban.
Sabban told Rappler that the coral damage will be "more than the original estimate" and explained it was the rough sea and strong winds that caused the ship to turn 90 degrees. "With the assistance of the Americans, we are now looking at ways to pull [the vessel] out," added the AFP commander. A number of boats – among them another US Navy minesweeper and American salvage tugboats – have been sent to the area to help extricate the ship stuck since Thursday, January 17. "This is going to continue for a few days. It is a very difficult operation and the forecast is that the weather will not improve soon," Sabban said.
BEFORE AND AFTER. The USS Guardian turned 90 degrees in 4 days dragged by the strong currents and winds of theSulu Sea . Graphic by Bardo Wu
from photos courtesy of AFP WESCOM
'Sea too rough'
Four days after the USS Guardian crashed onto the reef, American officers are now closely coordinating with park rangers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched to the area.
Park chief supervisor Angelique Songco said the US Navy is ready to kick off the operation to extricate the boat "but the sea is too rough to do anything at the moment." "We are biting our nails waiting," she told Rappler on Sunday.
Songco added that the Americans are much more cooperative now and have established a joint command center with the Philippine Navy in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the closest port to Tubbataha. The park management on Friday, January 18, filed a formal protest with the US Embassy in Manila over the behavior of the USS Guardian's commanding officer, who – according to Songco – initially deployed armed sailors on deck to prevent the rangers from approaching the minesweeper stuck inside the area under their jurisdiction. Most of the crew have been transferred to another ship and only 7 sailors, among them the commanding officer and an executive officer, remain on board, the US Pacific Fleet said on Friday.
Faulty charts, gov't probe
The US Navy on Saturday, January 19, announced it will send its own team to investigate if it was faulty navigational charts that caused the USS Guardian to veer off its course. The probe "will include information on faulty navigation chart data that misplaced the location of Tubbataha Reef," the US Pacific Fleet explained in a statement. "Initial review of navigation data indicates an error in the location of Tubbataha Reef" on the digital map, said US Navy chief navigator Rear Admiral Jonathan White.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte announced on Saturday that various government agencies will be conducting their own investigation on what happened. The US Navy may be charged with violating sections 19 and 26 of Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs National Park (TRNP) Act of 2009. It can also expect to pay P12,000 per sqm of damaged coral inside the multi-awarded conservation project and one of the world's best dive sites.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/20070-us-ship-turns,-damages-more-coral-in-tubbataha
STILL STUCK. Philippine Air Force aerial image of the USS Guardian near the upper side of Tubbataha's South Atoll. Photo courtesy of AFP WESCOM
Sabban told Rappler that the coral damage will be "more than the original estimate" and explained it was the rough sea and strong winds that caused the ship to turn 90 degrees. "With the assistance of the Americans, we are now looking at ways to pull [the vessel] out," added the AFP commander. A number of boats – among them another US Navy minesweeper and American salvage tugboats – have been sent to the area to help extricate the ship stuck since Thursday, January 17. "This is going to continue for a few days. It is a very difficult operation and the forecast is that the weather will not improve soon," Sabban said.
BEFORE AND AFTER. The USS Guardian turned 90 degrees in 4 days dragged by the strong currents and winds of the
'Sea too rough'
Four days after the USS Guardian crashed onto the reef, American officers are now closely coordinating with park rangers and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched to the area.
Park chief supervisor Angelique Songco said the US Navy is ready to kick off the operation to extricate the boat "but the sea is too rough to do anything at the moment." "We are biting our nails waiting," she told Rappler on Sunday.
Songco added that the Americans are much more cooperative now and have established a joint command center with the Philippine Navy in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the closest port to Tubbataha. The park management on Friday, January 18, filed a formal protest with the US Embassy in Manila over the behavior of the USS Guardian's commanding officer, who – according to Songco – initially deployed armed sailors on deck to prevent the rangers from approaching the minesweeper stuck inside the area under their jurisdiction. Most of the crew have been transferred to another ship and only 7 sailors, among them the commanding officer and an executive officer, remain on board, the US Pacific Fleet said on Friday.
Faulty charts, gov't probe
The US Navy on Saturday, January 19, announced it will send its own team to investigate if it was faulty navigational charts that caused the USS Guardian to veer off its course. The probe "will include information on faulty navigation chart data that misplaced the location of Tubbataha Reef," the US Pacific Fleet explained in a statement. "Initial review of navigation data indicates an error in the location of Tubbataha Reef" on the digital map, said US Navy chief navigator Rear Admiral Jonathan White.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte announced on Saturday that various government agencies will be conducting their own investigation on what happened. The US Navy may be charged with violating sections 19 and 26 of Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs National Park (TRNP) Act of 2009. It can also expect to pay P12,000 per sqm of damaged coral inside the multi-awarded conservation project and one of the world's best dive sites.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/20070-us-ship-turns,-damages-more-coral-in-tubbataha
UN force honors Pinoy peacekeeper in Golan Heights
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): UN force honors Pinoy peacekeeper in Golan Heights
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) recently honored a Filipino member of the sixth Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights. Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza received the Peacekeeper Month Award from UNDOF chief Major General Iqbal Singh Singha in a simple ceremony held at the UNDOF Headquarters, Camp Fauoar, Syria.
According to Commanding Officer of the Philippine Contingent Lieutenant Colonel Nolie Anquillano, Galiza received said award for his exemplary performance and devotion to duty rendered as bus driver for the Austrian and Croatian Contingents rotation convoy from Camp Faouar to Damascus International Airport on November 28, 2012.
The convoy, comprised of 25 vehicles, came under heavy fire by anti-government forces while on its way to the airport. Galiza immediately accelerated the vehicle to secure and keep his 14 Austrian passengers safe and out of danger.
“This award will reflect on how the Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights performed well in its mandated tasks and mission. Likewise, this will boost the morale of the officers, men and women of the Philippine Battalion,” Anquillano said. The Peacekeeper of the Month Award is usually granted to the deserving soldier in UNDOF for exemplary performance of duty.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge also commended Galiza’s bravery and exemplary performance in the line of duty. “He highlighted the gallantry and selflessness of each and every Filipino soldier at home or anywhere in the world. He truly deserves the award, commendation and recognition of the Community of Nations. The Philippines is proud of you,” Calonge said.
Ambassador Calonge also acknowledged the rest of the Philippine Contingent in the Golan. The sixth Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights assumed peacekeeping duties November 19, 2012.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241358479293
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) recently honored a Filipino member of the sixth Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights. Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza received the Peacekeeper Month Award from UNDOF chief Major General Iqbal Singh Singha in a simple ceremony held at the UNDOF Headquarters, Camp Fauoar, Syria.
According to Commanding Officer of the Philippine Contingent Lieutenant Colonel Nolie Anquillano, Galiza received said award for his exemplary performance and devotion to duty rendered as bus driver for the Austrian and Croatian Contingents rotation convoy from Camp Faouar to Damascus International Airport on November 28, 2012.
The convoy, comprised of 25 vehicles, came under heavy fire by anti-government forces while on its way to the airport. Galiza immediately accelerated the vehicle to secure and keep his 14 Austrian passengers safe and out of danger.
“This award will reflect on how the Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights performed well in its mandated tasks and mission. Likewise, this will boost the morale of the officers, men and women of the Philippine Battalion,” Anquillano said. The Peacekeeper of the Month Award is usually granted to the deserving soldier in UNDOF for exemplary performance of duty.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge also commended Galiza’s bravery and exemplary performance in the line of duty. “He highlighted the gallantry and selflessness of each and every Filipino soldier at home or anywhere in the world. He truly deserves the award, commendation and recognition of the Community of Nations. The Philippines is proud of you,” Calonge said.
Ambassador Calonge also acknowledged the rest of the Philippine Contingent in the Golan. The sixth Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights assumed peacekeeping duties November 19, 2012.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241358479293
Army urges militants to suggest better ways of relief distribution
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): Army urges militants to suggest better ways of relief distribution
Officials from the Philippine Arm's 10th Infantry Division yesterday urged militant groups to suggest and share a system of distribution for the relief goods rather than disrupt government operation to serve families and individuals who suffered from the blows of super-typhoon Pablo.
Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID, made the call as he pointed out the need for solidarity among the people in communities, including militants and insurgents. “Panahon ngayon ng ating pagkakaisa; hindi tayo dapat maghahanap ng gulo. Kung meron silang magagandang magagawa, bakit di nila iparating kay governor (This is the time for unity, we should not be finding fault against each other. If they have a better idea, why not bring this to the of the governor),” Paniza said referring to Provincial Gov. Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley Province.
Paniza said the militants' staging of barricade on January 15 at the intersection of the national highway in Montevista smacks of economic sabotage as it disrupted traffic flow of people and goods, and caused losses to business and small enterprises. “Maraming na stranded, nasira ang negosyo. Nabulok ang mga isda sa fishcars (There were many who were stranded, businesses affected, the fish in the fishcars rotted),” he said.
Meanwhile, Paniza viewed such mass action staged by the militant groups as a sign of “insecurity” of their allied armed group New People’s Army. “It is becoming obvious that the military is gaining support and approval of grassroots communities.” Despite such threat of the militants and their allies, Paniza said the military will go head-on with its Oplan Bayanihan and will continue to assist the local and national government in the relief and rehabilitation operation.
Col. Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB) covering the entire province of Compostela Valley (except Laak Municipality), told the media in a press conference in Tagum City that the military had sent four teams of soldier-carpenters from Engineering Battalion to the towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Monkayo and Montevista of Compostela Valley. “They will help repair damaged houses,” he said as he explained that each team is composed of 17 soldier-carpenters deployed for two months to assist local governments.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591358408018
Officials from the Philippine Arm's 10th Infantry Division yesterday urged militant groups to suggest and share a system of distribution for the relief goods rather than disrupt government operation to serve families and individuals who suffered from the blows of super-typhoon Pablo.
Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID, made the call as he pointed out the need for solidarity among the people in communities, including militants and insurgents. “Panahon ngayon ng ating pagkakaisa; hindi tayo dapat maghahanap ng gulo. Kung meron silang magagandang magagawa, bakit di nila iparating kay governor (This is the time for unity, we should not be finding fault against each other. If they have a better idea, why not bring this to the of the governor),” Paniza said referring to Provincial Gov. Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley Province.
Paniza said the militants' staging of barricade on January 15 at the intersection of the national highway in Montevista smacks of economic sabotage as it disrupted traffic flow of people and goods, and caused losses to business and small enterprises. “Maraming na stranded, nasira ang negosyo. Nabulok ang mga isda sa fishcars (There were many who were stranded, businesses affected, the fish in the fishcars rotted),” he said.
Meanwhile, Paniza viewed such mass action staged by the militant groups as a sign of “insecurity” of their allied armed group New People’s Army. “It is becoming obvious that the military is gaining support and approval of grassroots communities.” Despite such threat of the militants and their allies, Paniza said the military will go head-on with its Oplan Bayanihan and will continue to assist the local and national government in the relief and rehabilitation operation.
Col. Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade (IB) covering the entire province of Compostela Valley (except Laak Municipality), told the media in a press conference in Tagum City that the military had sent four teams of soldier-carpenters from Engineering Battalion to the towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Monkayo and Montevista of Compostela Valley. “They will help repair damaged houses,” he said as he explained that each team is composed of 17 soldier-carpenters deployed for two months to assist local governments.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591358408018
Three PN ships, one Coast Guard vessel now in grounding area
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): Three PN ships, one Coast Guard vessel
now in grounding area
As US efforts to extricate the USS Guardian (MCM-5)off Tubbataha Reef intensify, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday said three of its ships and one of the Coast Guard's is now at the site to provide assistance should the Americans ask for it. Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Favic, acting PN spokesperson, said that Navy assets in the area include BRP Rizal (PS-74), BRP Mangyan (AS-71), BRP Ismael Lumibao (PG-383) and the Coast Guard's BRP Corregidor (AE-891). He added that both the BRP Mangyan and BRP Corregidor arrived in the area late Saturday.
Favic said that both ships are equipped with anti-spill booms which can be used should an oil spill will occur. But for the moment, no oil spill is taking place, the PN spokesperson said. He added that three US support vessels and tugboats are also present. He pointed out that the US has yet to request assistance from the Philippine Navy. Favic stressed that the crew of these ships are now studying the best way to re-float the USS Guardian with less damage to the environment.
The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay and was en route to Indonesia and then on to Timor-Leste to participate in a training exercise when the grounding occurred Jan. 17. The USS Guardian remains stuck on Tubbataha Reef, approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan Island.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=489059
As US efforts to extricate the USS Guardian (MCM-5)off Tubbataha Reef intensify, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday said three of its ships and one of the Coast Guard's is now at the site to provide assistance should the Americans ask for it. Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Favic, acting PN spokesperson, said that Navy assets in the area include BRP Rizal (PS-74), BRP Mangyan (AS-71), BRP Ismael Lumibao (PG-383) and the Coast Guard's BRP Corregidor (AE-891). He added that both the BRP Mangyan and BRP Corregidor arrived in the area late Saturday.
Favic said that both ships are equipped with anti-spill booms which can be used should an oil spill will occur. But for the moment, no oil spill is taking place, the PN spokesperson said. He added that three US support vessels and tugboats are also present. He pointed out that the US has yet to request assistance from the Philippine Navy. Favic stressed that the crew of these ships are now studying the best way to re-float the USS Guardian with less damage to the environment.
The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay and was en route to Indonesia and then on to Timor-Leste to participate in a training exercise when the grounding occurred Jan. 17. The USS Guardian remains stuck on Tubbataha Reef, approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan Island.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=489059
MILF: Advocacy on Framework Agreement set in Sulu today
From the MILF Website (Jan 20): Advocacy on Framework Agreement set in Sulu today
A large number of people is expected to participate in an advocacy on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) at an MILF camp named Angilan, Omar town in Central Sulu. According to organizers, people started to arrive at the venue as early as yesterday from the surrounding municipalities including the town of Jolo. Invited as resource speakers were members of the MILF peace panel. However, their presence is most unlikely given the fact that by the time the advocacy takes place, all members of the MILF peace panel are in Kuala Lumpur for their 35th exploratory talks with the Philippine government negotiators.
The advocacy is timed with the graduation of hundreds of graduates for members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and Central Sulu provincial police force. Their training had started two months ago and those who made it, after a theoretical and actual training, joined the graduation rites. The MILF has one front command for Western Mindanao, which is equivalent to one division. A division is made up of four brigades, and each brigade is made up of four or five battalions. In terms of manpower, the MILF front command is equivalent to government divisions but in terms of firepower, it is below the standard as in conventional army.
Sulu, which used to be an MNLF country, is now a bastion of the MILF after both civilians and combatants by the hundreds are joining the MILF after the signing of the FAB in Manila last October 15. Two of the eight members of the Transition Commission (TC) nominated by the MILF came from Western Mindanao particularly Sulu and Basilan. The rest, including one member of the indigenous tribe, are from Lanao, Davao, Cotabato, and Maguindanao. Their names will be released soon to the public after President Benigno III would have appointed them.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3051:advocacy-on-framework-agreement-set-in-sulu-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
A large number of people is expected to participate in an advocacy on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) at an MILF camp named Angilan, Omar town in Central Sulu. According to organizers, people started to arrive at the venue as early as yesterday from the surrounding municipalities including the town of Jolo. Invited as resource speakers were members of the MILF peace panel. However, their presence is most unlikely given the fact that by the time the advocacy takes place, all members of the MILF peace panel are in Kuala Lumpur for their 35th exploratory talks with the Philippine government negotiators.
The advocacy is timed with the graduation of hundreds of graduates for members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and Central Sulu provincial police force. Their training had started two months ago and those who made it, after a theoretical and actual training, joined the graduation rites. The MILF has one front command for Western Mindanao, which is equivalent to one division. A division is made up of four brigades, and each brigade is made up of four or five battalions. In terms of manpower, the MILF front command is equivalent to government divisions but in terms of firepower, it is below the standard as in conventional army.
Sulu, which used to be an MNLF country, is now a bastion of the MILF after both civilians and combatants by the hundreds are joining the MILF after the signing of the FAB in Manila last October 15. Two of the eight members of the Transition Commission (TC) nominated by the MILF came from Western Mindanao particularly Sulu and Basilan. The rest, including one member of the indigenous tribe, are from Lanao, Davao, Cotabato, and Maguindanao. Their names will be released soon to the public after President Benigno III would have appointed them.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3051:advocacy-on-framework-agreement-set-in-sulu-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
MILF: Chairman Murad optimistic on success of FAB, cites Malaysia’s moderation approach
From the MILF Website (Jan 20): Chairman Murad optimistic on success of FAB, cites Malaysia’s moderation approach
The highest leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, was upbeat in expressing optimism on the success of the Government of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), even as he cited the effectiveness of the moderation approach of the Malaysian Government in the signing of the historic FAB at the Presidential Palace in Malacanang last October 15, 2012.
“Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the GPH and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC) ,” Chairman Murad said. He stressed the Framework Agreement will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro, adding “the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia significantly help both sides in realizing the Framework Agreement.”
“The MILF, the Bangsamoro and even the Filipino people could not thank enough Malaysia for its role and contribution in the success of the GPH - MILF Peace Process,” the Chairman added.
Murad pointed out that the Philippines was second to Japan as the most progressive country in Asia before the rise of the Bangsamoro struggle for freedom and self-determination during the 60’s. But the armed conflict and the emergence of the Bangsamoro liberation movement at that time had severely affected the country in many aspects – politically, economically, socially and even culturally. “We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation,” he said.
Murad said the FAB is not only an achievement of the MILF but a victory of the entire Bangsamoro – the traditional leaders, political leaders, Moro National Liberation Front, MILF, all sectors of the Bangsamoro.
“We take this opportunity to convey our most profound gratitude to YAB Dat’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for all the invaluable facilitation, contribution and commitment of continuing support and assistance for the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “We learn a lot from the moderation approach of the Malaysia government and we significantly consider it in the establishment and administration of the Bangsamoro government considering the nature of a pluralistic society in the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “When we can fulfill the sought success of the FAB then radicalization in the Bangsamoro will also be addressed,” he pointed out.
Chairman Murad made the statement in several media interviews at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where the three-day Malay Archipelago Seminar – Islam in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Hopes is currently held.
Murad spoke on the topic “Islam in the Malay Archipelago: The New Rise of the Bangsamoro.”
The other speakers are Dato’ Prof Dr. Sidek Baba, Islamic International University Malaysia (UIAM), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zainul Fithri bin Datuk Othman, Management Science University, Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia, Deputy Rector of Islamic University of Yala, Thailand, Dr. Fadlan bin Mohd Othman, Al-Madinah International University, Felicitous Prof. Dr. Jamil bin Hashim, Sultan Azlan Shah Islamic University College, Mohd Yusof Bin Din, Presdient of Smart Generation Society, Prof Datuk Dr. Zainal bin Kling, UUM College of Law, Prof Datuk Dr. Adbullah Zakaria bin GHazali, University of Malaya, Felicitous Mohd Mohiyuddin bin Mohd Sulaiman, MARA Technology University, Prof Muhammad Hussain bin Mutalib, National University of Singapore, Dr. Yusri bin Mohd, Islamic Research and Strategic Institute, Prof Dr. Haji Ali Mustafa Yakub, Imam of Istiqlal Mosue of Indonesia, Prof Dr. Eajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance, Haji Zakaryya Adam, Member of Cambodian Parliament, Datuk Nik Mustapha bin Nik Hassan, Institue of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and Hon Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan, Prime Minister Department.
More than 1000 distinguished participants were in attendance from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3052:chairman-murad-optimistic-on-success-of-fab-cites-malaysias-moderation-approach&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The highest leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, was upbeat in expressing optimism on the success of the Government of the Philippines – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH – MILF) Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), even as he cited the effectiveness of the moderation approach of the Malaysian Government in the signing of the historic FAB at the Presidential Palace in Malacanang last October 15, 2012.
“Indeed, the MILF is very optimistic that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro will be a successful negotiated political solution given the strong commitment of both the GPH and MILF, the Malaysian Government being the Third Party Facilitator and the overwhelming commitment of support from the international community and the Organization of Islamic Cooepration (OIC) ,” Chairman Murad said. He stressed the Framework Agreement will be mutually beneficial to the government and the Bangsamoro, adding “the facilitation of the Government of Malaysia significantly help both sides in realizing the Framework Agreement.”
“The MILF, the Bangsamoro and even the Filipino people could not thank enough Malaysia for its role and contribution in the success of the GPH - MILF Peace Process,” the Chairman added.
Murad pointed out that the Philippines was second to Japan as the most progressive country in Asia before the rise of the Bangsamoro struggle for freedom and self-determination during the 60’s. But the armed conflict and the emergence of the Bangsamoro liberation movement at that time had severely affected the country in many aspects – politically, economically, socially and even culturally. “We are hopeful and optimistic that with the success of the FAB, the entire country and the Bagsamoro will significantly benefit with its fruition in terms of peace and security, economics and, national solidarity and regional cooperation,” he said.
Murad said the FAB is not only an achievement of the MILF but a victory of the entire Bangsamoro – the traditional leaders, political leaders, Moro National Liberation Front, MILF, all sectors of the Bangsamoro.
“We take this opportunity to convey our most profound gratitude to YAB Dat’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for all the invaluable facilitation, contribution and commitment of continuing support and assistance for the success of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “We learn a lot from the moderation approach of the Malaysia government and we significantly consider it in the establishment and administration of the Bangsamoro government considering the nature of a pluralistic society in the Bangsamoro,” Murad said. “When we can fulfill the sought success of the FAB then radicalization in the Bangsamoro will also be addressed,” he pointed out.
Chairman Murad made the statement in several media interviews at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia where the three-day Malay Archipelago Seminar – Islam in Southeast Asia: Challenges and Hopes is currently held.
Murad spoke on the topic “Islam in the Malay Archipelago: The New Rise of the Bangsamoro.”
The other speakers are Dato’ Prof Dr. Sidek Baba, Islamic International University Malaysia (UIAM), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Zainul Fithri bin Datuk Othman, Management Science University, Dr. Ahmad Omar Chapakia, Deputy Rector of Islamic University of Yala, Thailand, Dr. Fadlan bin Mohd Othman, Al-Madinah International University, Felicitous Prof. Dr. Jamil bin Hashim, Sultan Azlan Shah Islamic University College, Mohd Yusof Bin Din, Presdient of Smart Generation Society, Prof Datuk Dr. Zainal bin Kling, UUM College of Law, Prof Datuk Dr. Adbullah Zakaria bin GHazali, University of Malaya, Felicitous Mohd Mohiyuddin bin Mohd Sulaiman, MARA Technology University, Prof Muhammad Hussain bin Mutalib, National University of Singapore, Dr. Yusri bin Mohd, Islamic Research and Strategic Institute, Prof Dr. Haji Ali Mustafa Yakub, Imam of Istiqlal Mosue of Indonesia, Prof Dr. Eajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance, Haji Zakaryya Adam, Member of Cambodian Parliament, Datuk Nik Mustapha bin Nik Hassan, Institue of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, and Hon Datuk Haji Ahmad bin Haji Maslan, Prime Minister Department.
More than 1000 distinguished participants were in attendance from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3052:chairman-murad-optimistic-on-success-of-fab-cites-malaysias-moderation-approach&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
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