From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 12): Govt, MILF fail to solve peace issues
The signing of a final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was postponed after both sides agreed to hold off negotiations until after the May 13 polls.
In a joint statement after the 37th round of formal negotiations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, both panels admitted that they failed to complete the three remaining annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
“The panels agreed to meet again after the May 13, 2013 Philippine elections,” the joint statement read.
“The panels continued to find ways to resolve remaining issues on the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, agreeing to exchange notes through the facilitator in the coming days. They affirmed their commitment to finally settle these issues soon so that all three annexes may be signed without undue delay.”
The government and the MILF originally agreed to complete the talks on the four annexes in December but the schedule was moved to March.
The annexes remain unsigned until today except on transitional arrangements.
Earlier, presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said that the normalization process with the MILF will also result in the disarmament of other private armed groups in Mindanao.
“You don’t just talk about the arms of the MILF, but also of everyone else. That is part of normalization. How can you ask the MILF to completely disarm if other groups or some families are armed?” she said.
“We are looking for a real partnership among the government, the MILF, and other governance constituencies to look at this matter on how to make life more secure, to trust in the state forces to make them secure, and be engaged in other productive activities,” Deles added.
Deles said both parties would also work together to reduce and control of firearms in Mindanao.
“As put in the framework agreement, decommissioning is phased and calibrated and will start once political commitments are delivered. We agreed that substantial decommissioning happens when the basic law is delivered,” she said.
“The MILF shall undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use,” Deles added, citing the framework pact.
A joint normalization committee will also be formed for the coordination between the parties towards full decommissioning, which will be overseen by a third-party monitor composed of domestic and international partners of the peace process.
The Transition Commission, the body mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, met last week for the first time and has agreed to undertake consultations in all communities that will be affected by the planned abolition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The basic law, once enacted, will pave the way for a new autonomous political entity in Mindanao to be called Bangsamoro.
Under the framework agreement, the Bangsamoro will have for its core territory the present composition of the ARMM.
The new political entity will also include the municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte and all other barangays in the municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap which voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite; and the cities of Cotabato and Isabela.
President Benigno Aquino III wants the basic law to be enacted by 2015, with an interim authority in place a year before the next national elections.
“We need the organic act enacted into law by 2015. This will be passed through Congress and approved in a plebiscite and we hope to install the new government with a mandate after 2016 elections. There will be an interim authority from 2015 to 2016,” Aquino said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/04/12/govt-milf-fail-to-solve-peace-issues/
Thursday, April 11, 2013
AFP vows to deploy troops to aid Comelec
From the Daily Tribune (Apr 12): AFP vows to deploy troops to aid Comelec
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday vowed to deploy troops to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other government agencies involved in the holding of the May mid-term elections in maintaining peace and order before, during and after the polls.
The AFP affirmed is commitment in protecting and safeguarding the upcoming elections on Wednesday with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Comelec, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal, AFP deputy chief of staff, represented the AFP during the MoA signing which was attended by Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro and PNP Director for Operations Ager Ontog Jr.
Macapagal stressed that with or without the MoA, the 120,000-strong military, as deputized by the Comelec, is duty bound to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the elections.
“It is our task to ensure that the coming elections will be peaceful and orderly. We will therefore deploy personnel for election duty and ensure the security of polling places,” said Macapagal.
Pursuant to Comelec Resolution 9570, the AFP was deputized to ensure a free, orderly, and honest election.
In this regard, the AFP is mandated to assist the Comelec and the PNP in the implementation of elections laws, rules and regulations, and deter or deny private armed groups and other armed threat groups from conducting election-related violence.
The Comelec, AFP and the PNP have already activated Joint Security Coordinating Centers to serve as focal point for all coordination related to the elections.
Consequently, Joint Security Assistance Desks will also be established in polling precincts.
In 2004, the military was dragged into the alleged manipulation of the presidential elections as contained in the infamous “Hello Garci” recordings of conversations of then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and some personalities, supposedly including then presidential candidate Gloria Arroyo.
Several active AFP officers were mentioned in the tapped conversations of Garcillano, including then AFP deputy chief of staff for operations and Task Force Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections head Maj. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who rose to become AFP chief.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/12788-afp-vows-to-deploy-troops-to-aid-comelec
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday vowed to deploy troops to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other government agencies involved in the holding of the May mid-term elections in maintaining peace and order before, during and after the polls.
The AFP affirmed is commitment in protecting and safeguarding the upcoming elections on Wednesday with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Comelec, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal, AFP deputy chief of staff, represented the AFP during the MoA signing which was attended by Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro and PNP Director for Operations Ager Ontog Jr.
Macapagal stressed that with or without the MoA, the 120,000-strong military, as deputized by the Comelec, is duty bound to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the elections.
“It is our task to ensure that the coming elections will be peaceful and orderly. We will therefore deploy personnel for election duty and ensure the security of polling places,” said Macapagal.
Pursuant to Comelec Resolution 9570, the AFP was deputized to ensure a free, orderly, and honest election.
In this regard, the AFP is mandated to assist the Comelec and the PNP in the implementation of elections laws, rules and regulations, and deter or deny private armed groups and other armed threat groups from conducting election-related violence.
The Comelec, AFP and the PNP have already activated Joint Security Coordinating Centers to serve as focal point for all coordination related to the elections.
Consequently, Joint Security Assistance Desks will also be established in polling precincts.
In 2004, the military was dragged into the alleged manipulation of the presidential elections as contained in the infamous “Hello Garci” recordings of conversations of then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano and some personalities, supposedly including then presidential candidate Gloria Arroyo.
Several active AFP officers were mentioned in the tapped conversations of Garcillano, including then AFP deputy chief of staff for operations and Task Force Honest, Orderly and Peaceful Elections head Maj. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who rose to become AFP chief.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/12788-afp-vows-to-deploy-troops-to-aid-comelec
CPP: CPP cites stark differences in handling Tubbataha incursions by US and Chinese vessels
From the CPP Website (Apr 11): CPP cites stark differences in handling Tubbataha incursions by US and Chinese vessels
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today pointed out the stark difference in the Aquino regime’s handling of the successive incursions since January by the US military and Chinese fishermen at the Tubbataha Reef Wildlife Area. On the one hand, the Aquino government exhibited subordination to the US military, allowing their exoneration. On the other hand, it is vigorously pursuing the filing of charges against the crew of the Chinese vessel who are currently detained and awaiting inquest.
Last Monday, a Chinese fishing vessel ran aground at Tubbataha, damaging the coral bed. The Tubbataha reefs, declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, is a protected wildlife area where large sea vessels are prohibited from entering. The grounding last Tuesday comes less than two weeks after the last piece of the US naval minesweeper USS Guardian was removed. The USS Guardian had illegally entered the area more than two months and run aground at the southern part of the reefs. Close to 3,000 square meters of coral were damaged.
“The detention by Philippine authorities of the 12-man crew of the Chinese fishing vessel is precisely what they refused to do to the crew of the USS Guardian when they ran aground in the same area.”
“The prompt action against the Chinese crew is in stark contrast to how the reef authorities turned back when the fully armed US military crew of the USS Guardian took battle positions to block the approaching authorities and prevent their interdiction,” pointed out the CPP. “The Aquino regime failed to protest and instead chose to remain silent and meek in the face of the high-handed show of force against the Philippine reef officials.”
“Furthermore, Aquino did not even lift a finger when the US military immediately flew the crew of the USS Guardian to the US Pacific Command base in Japan, preventing the Philippine government from subjecting them to an investigation.”
“In the face of the grounding of the Chinese fishing vessel, Philippine government officials are now making noise about how the Chinese fishermen will be made to pay for the damages on the reef. Just a month ago, the Aquino regime invoked a policy of silence on the issue of requiring the US government to pay fines for the damage caused on the reefs to instead settle for the ‘compensation’ fund being proposed by the US government.”
“The US offer of compensation, which the Aquino regime has promptly accepted, is nothing but a bribe to prevent the Philippine government from requiring the US military to submit itself to Philippine jurisdiction.”
“Since the Aquino regime failed to assert Philippine laws and authority over the USS Guardian crew, the US military did not even need to invoke the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which gives it the prerogative to refuse to submit its military personnel to Philippine legal proceedings,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130411_cpp-cites-stark-differences-in-handling-tubbataha-incursions-by-us-and-chinese-vessels
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today pointed out the stark difference in the Aquino regime’s handling of the successive incursions since January by the US military and Chinese fishermen at the Tubbataha Reef Wildlife Area. On the one hand, the Aquino government exhibited subordination to the US military, allowing their exoneration. On the other hand, it is vigorously pursuing the filing of charges against the crew of the Chinese vessel who are currently detained and awaiting inquest.
Last Monday, a Chinese fishing vessel ran aground at Tubbataha, damaging the coral bed. The Tubbataha reefs, declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, is a protected wildlife area where large sea vessels are prohibited from entering. The grounding last Tuesday comes less than two weeks after the last piece of the US naval minesweeper USS Guardian was removed. The USS Guardian had illegally entered the area more than two months and run aground at the southern part of the reefs. Close to 3,000 square meters of coral were damaged.
“The detention by Philippine authorities of the 12-man crew of the Chinese fishing vessel is precisely what they refused to do to the crew of the USS Guardian when they ran aground in the same area.”
“The prompt action against the Chinese crew is in stark contrast to how the reef authorities turned back when the fully armed US military crew of the USS Guardian took battle positions to block the approaching authorities and prevent their interdiction,” pointed out the CPP. “The Aquino regime failed to protest and instead chose to remain silent and meek in the face of the high-handed show of force against the Philippine reef officials.”
“Furthermore, Aquino did not even lift a finger when the US military immediately flew the crew of the USS Guardian to the US Pacific Command base in Japan, preventing the Philippine government from subjecting them to an investigation.”
“In the face of the grounding of the Chinese fishing vessel, Philippine government officials are now making noise about how the Chinese fishermen will be made to pay for the damages on the reef. Just a month ago, the Aquino regime invoked a policy of silence on the issue of requiring the US government to pay fines for the damage caused on the reefs to instead settle for the ‘compensation’ fund being proposed by the US government.”
“The US offer of compensation, which the Aquino regime has promptly accepted, is nothing but a bribe to prevent the Philippine government from requiring the US military to submit itself to Philippine jurisdiction.”
“Since the Aquino regime failed to assert Philippine laws and authority over the USS Guardian crew, the US military did not even need to invoke the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which gives it the prerogative to refuse to submit its military personnel to Philippine legal proceedings,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130411_cpp-cites-stark-differences-in-handling-tubbataha-incursions-by-us-and-chinese-vessels
CPP/NPA: NPA and PNP clash in Talakag, Bukidnon
Posted to the CPP Website (Apr 11): NPA and PNP clash in Talakag, Bukidnon
Alan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Jiito Tito Command)
The New People’s Army – North Central Mindanao Regional Command confirms that there was a firefight between an NPA guerilla unit under sa Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Command and the Regional Police Public Safety Battalion in Sitio Liburon, Brgy. Sagaran, Talakag, Bukidnon yesterday, April 10, at about 3:00 PM.
The media has partially reported that three policemen were wounded in the firefight. It was also reported that two Red fighters died in the clash. Until now however, we are yet to receive an official report from the field.
If it is true that the police have recovered the dead bodies of our comrades, we appeal to them to abide by the rules of war and leave these bodies in a funeral parlor so their families could claim them for proper burial. We hope that the police and military will not simulate the 8th IB’s insensitive handling of Litoy Panduma’s family and relatives that took them over a month to claim his dead body left unattended in the forests of San Fernando, Bukidnon last February.
As the people’s war intensifies against an exploitative state, which serves foreign and local ruling classes, it is but natural for armed clashes like this to take place. Along the road to genuine freedom, ultimate sacrifices of heroism are offered in advancing the struggle of the oppressed and exploited majority.
Once again, we ask for your indulgence as we await for detailed information on the said firefight. Rest assured we will inform the public as soon as we get to the bottom of the incident.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130411_npa-and-pnp-clash-in-talakag-bukidnon
Alan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Jiito Tito Command)
The New People’s Army – North Central Mindanao Regional Command confirms that there was a firefight between an NPA guerilla unit under sa Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Command and the Regional Police Public Safety Battalion in Sitio Liburon, Brgy. Sagaran, Talakag, Bukidnon yesterday, April 10, at about 3:00 PM.
The media has partially reported that three policemen were wounded in the firefight. It was also reported that two Red fighters died in the clash. Until now however, we are yet to receive an official report from the field.
If it is true that the police have recovered the dead bodies of our comrades, we appeal to them to abide by the rules of war and leave these bodies in a funeral parlor so their families could claim them for proper burial. We hope that the police and military will not simulate the 8th IB’s insensitive handling of Litoy Panduma’s family and relatives that took them over a month to claim his dead body left unattended in the forests of San Fernando, Bukidnon last February.
As the people’s war intensifies against an exploitative state, which serves foreign and local ruling classes, it is but natural for armed clashes like this to take place. Along the road to genuine freedom, ultimate sacrifices of heroism are offered in advancing the struggle of the oppressed and exploited majority.
Once again, we ask for your indulgence as we await for detailed information on the said firefight. Rest assured we will inform the public as soon as we get to the bottom of the incident.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130411_npa-and-pnp-clash-in-talakag-bukidnon
ASEAN, China to meet on code of conduct
From Business World (Apr 12): ASEAN, China to meet on code of conduct
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI -- Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China will hold a special meeting to hasten progress on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea, Indonesia’s foreign minister said yesterday.
The meeting was proposed by China and all countries within the ASEAN have agreed to participate, Marty Natalegawa told reporters at a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Brunei.
The agreement is potentially significant as China has insisted on handling territorial disputes bilaterally with individual countries, while ASEAN wants to speak as a group, a disconnect blamed for hindering progress on a code.
Although no date has been set, Mr. Natalegawa said the planned meeting underscored the importance of making “progress on the code of conduct and to maintain a positive atmosphere in the South China Sea.”
“About where and when and how, I think that’s something that needs to be worked out,” he added, of the meeting’s details.
Simmering tensions over competing claims to the sea, which is rich in oil and gas deposits, have reached boiling point in the past two years, with the Philippines and Vietnam accusing China of increasingly aggressive actions.
China claims nearly all of the sea, an important waterway for world trade, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims in the area.
Brunei, the tiny, oil-rich sultanate which chairs the 10-nation ASEAN bloc this year, has said it is keen to conclude a code of conduct under its watch.
China and ASEAN signed a broad declaration in 2002 pledging the parties would handle disputes peacefully and not take actions that threaten peace and stability, but efforts toward a legally binding code of conduct have floundered.
At the foreign ministers’ meeting, ASEAN renewed calls for restraint “in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes,” a statement by Brunei’s government said.
But Mr. Natalegawa said ASEAN’s own self-restraint is tested by “unilateral action to try to change [the] situation” in the body of water, referring to China, and adding, “Enough is enough.”
The meeting in Brunei was convened to prepare for an April 24-25 summit of ASEAN countries in which the sea issue is expected to figure prominently.
The sea dispute led to unprecedented infighting at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Phnom Penh last July, which ended for the first time in the bloc’s 45-year history without a joint communique.
As chair at the time, Cambodia -- a close China ally -- was accused of resisting efforts by the Philippines and Vietnam to take a more aggressive position against the Chinese.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=ASEAN,-China-to-meet-on-code-of-conduct&id=68587
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI -- Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China will hold a special meeting to hasten progress on a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea, Indonesia’s foreign minister said yesterday.
The meeting was proposed by China and all countries within the ASEAN have agreed to participate, Marty Natalegawa told reporters at a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Brunei.
The agreement is potentially significant as China has insisted on handling territorial disputes bilaterally with individual countries, while ASEAN wants to speak as a group, a disconnect blamed for hindering progress on a code.
Although no date has been set, Mr. Natalegawa said the planned meeting underscored the importance of making “progress on the code of conduct and to maintain a positive atmosphere in the South China Sea.”
“About where and when and how, I think that’s something that needs to be worked out,” he added, of the meeting’s details.
Simmering tensions over competing claims to the sea, which is rich in oil and gas deposits, have reached boiling point in the past two years, with the Philippines and Vietnam accusing China of increasingly aggressive actions.
China claims nearly all of the sea, an important waterway for world trade, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims in the area.
Brunei, the tiny, oil-rich sultanate which chairs the 10-nation ASEAN bloc this year, has said it is keen to conclude a code of conduct under its watch.
China and ASEAN signed a broad declaration in 2002 pledging the parties would handle disputes peacefully and not take actions that threaten peace and stability, but efforts toward a legally binding code of conduct have floundered.
At the foreign ministers’ meeting, ASEAN renewed calls for restraint “in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes,” a statement by Brunei’s government said.
But Mr. Natalegawa said ASEAN’s own self-restraint is tested by “unilateral action to try to change [the] situation” in the body of water, referring to China, and adding, “Enough is enough.”
The meeting in Brunei was convened to prepare for an April 24-25 summit of ASEAN countries in which the sea issue is expected to figure prominently.
The sea dispute led to unprecedented infighting at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Phnom Penh last July, which ended for the first time in the bloc’s 45-year history without a joint communique.
As chair at the time, Cambodia -- a close China ally -- was accused of resisting efforts by the Philippines and Vietnam to take a more aggressive position against the Chinese.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=ASEAN,-China-to-meet-on-code-of-conduct&id=68587
Peace deal deferred anew
From the Business World (Apr 12): Peace deal deferred anew
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended talks yesterday without reaching a deal on key issues, pushing back anew the prospect of signing a final peace agreement after next month’s elections.
In a joint statement, the two sides said negotiations will proceed even beyond the formal talks in Kuala Lumpur.
“The panels continued to find ways to resolve remaining issues on the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, agreeing to exchange notes through the facilitator in the coming days,” read the statement signed by MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, government chief negotiator Miriam Colonel-Ferrer and Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, the Malaysian facilitator.
“The panels agreed to meet again after the 13 May 2013 Philippine elections,” the statement further read.
The 37th round of exploratory talks inked the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the development program jointly undertaken by the government and the MILF for the delivery of basic services to target communities in Mindanao.
For the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, the statement only noted that “affirmed their commitment to finally settle these issues soon so that all three annexes may be signed without undue delay.”
NORMALIZATION
Of the three concerns, Moro rebels have earlier noted challenges to crafting the annex on normalization or the disarmament of Moro rebels.
“Discussions on the normalization annex by the technical working groups continued, moving the parties towards an agreement on the architecture for the normalization process,” read the statement.
Early this week, the MILF said it wants the negotiations to focus on ensuring the welfare of Moros in running their affairs over ancestral lands in Mindanao.
This is the only way to wipe away insecurities that have haunted Moros that pushed them to fight the government for more than four decades, it added.
Mr. Iqbal said discussions on normalization should go beyond the gradual disarming of Moros. He did not elaborate.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Peace-deal-deferred-anew&id=68588
The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended talks yesterday without reaching a deal on key issues, pushing back anew the prospect of signing a final peace agreement after next month’s elections.
In a joint statement, the two sides said negotiations will proceed even beyond the formal talks in Kuala Lumpur.
“The panels continued to find ways to resolve remaining issues on the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, agreeing to exchange notes through the facilitator in the coming days,” read the statement signed by MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, government chief negotiator Miriam Colonel-Ferrer and Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, the Malaysian facilitator.
“The panels agreed to meet again after the 13 May 2013 Philippine elections,” the statement further read.
The 37th round of exploratory talks inked the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the development program jointly undertaken by the government and the MILF for the delivery of basic services to target communities in Mindanao.
For the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, the statement only noted that “affirmed their commitment to finally settle these issues soon so that all three annexes may be signed without undue delay.”
NORMALIZATION
Of the three concerns, Moro rebels have earlier noted challenges to crafting the annex on normalization or the disarmament of Moro rebels.
“Discussions on the normalization annex by the technical working groups continued, moving the parties towards an agreement on the architecture for the normalization process,” read the statement.
Early this week, the MILF said it wants the negotiations to focus on ensuring the welfare of Moros in running their affairs over ancestral lands in Mindanao.
This is the only way to wipe away insecurities that have haunted Moros that pushed them to fight the government for more than four decades, it added.
Mr. Iqbal said discussions on normalization should go beyond the gradual disarming of Moros. He did not elaborate.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Peace-deal-deferred-anew&id=68588
Leftist rebel killed, 3 cops wounded in Bukidnon clash
From Rappler (Apr 11): Leftist rebel killed, 3 cops wounded in Bukidnon clash
A leftist rebel was killed while three policemen were wounded as fighting erupted Thursday, April 11, in Bukidnon.
Troops under 104th Regional Public Safety Battalion and policemen were patrolling in the outskirt of Sagaran village Talakag, Bukidnon when they encountered undetermined number of New People’s Army rebels, said provincial police commander director Senior Superintendent Orlando Binas.
A brief fire-fight ensued, leaving a guerrilla dead and three of his men injured, said Binas.
"There's an on-going pursuit operation. Those wounded cops are now out of danger," he said.
The 4,000-strong NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines is fighting a leftist insurgency that has killed over 40,000 people in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/25995-encounter-npa-pnp-bukidnon
A leftist rebel was killed while three policemen were wounded as fighting erupted Thursday, April 11, in Bukidnon.
Troops under 104th Regional Public Safety Battalion and policemen were patrolling in the outskirt of Sagaran village Talakag, Bukidnon when they encountered undetermined number of New People’s Army rebels, said provincial police commander director Senior Superintendent Orlando Binas.
A brief fire-fight ensued, leaving a guerrilla dead and three of his men injured, said Binas.
"There's an on-going pursuit operation. Those wounded cops are now out of danger," he said.
The 4,000-strong NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines is fighting a leftist insurgency that has killed over 40,000 people in 60 Philippine provinces since 1969.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/25995-encounter-npa-pnp-bukidnon
Sabah police: Don't believe claims of more Sulu fighters
From Rappler (Apr 11): Sabah police: Don't believe claims of more Sulu fighters
SECURED. A state
security force guards outside Camp
Dayang
Here comes another round of contradicting statements over the Sabah situation.
Malaysian police dispelled reports that hundreds of Sulu fighters were preparing to travel to Sabah to serve as reinforcements for the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, state news agency Bernama reported.
Bernama said Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib "reminded" residents not to believe the reports.
The situation in Lahad Datu remained "business as usual," Hamza said, while areas that were previously occupied by the Sabah claimants, such as Kampung Tanjung Batu, Tanjung Labian and Kampung Lok Buani were returning to normal.
On April 9, the spokesperson and a member of the Sultanate of Sulu said at least 400 "volunteers" from Mindanao arrived in Sabah on March 20 and April 5 -- a contingent that is twice larger than the number of Royal Sultanate Force (RSF) members that sailed to Lahad Datu in February.
Two days before the sultanate issued such statements, Malaysian security forces seized a boat carrying 32 armed Filipinos, according to a report by the Agence France-Presse. Malaysian police, however, did not identify the nationalities of the detained individuals.
Malaysian police also held Tuesday at least 32 members of the Liberal Party, whose boat was washed away by strong waves to Sandakan while they were on their way to a campaign sortie in an island in Tawi-Tawi. They were scheduled to be released on Wednesday.
In a separate development, Interaksyon.com reported that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari has staked his own claim to Sabah and is preparing to make his own move. MNLF members were among the original batch of Sabah claimants that sailed to Lahad Datu.
Sulu Gov Abdusakur Tan, however, denied reports of any Misuari-led "mission" to Sabah, according to Interaksyon.
Nine more people, including two Malaysians, were arrested in Sandakan on Tuesday, April 9 over possible links to the standoff. As of Thursday, April 11, a total of 181 people have been detained under Malaysia's Security Offences Act of 2012 while at least 70 Filipinos have died.
Over 6,600 Filipinos have fled Sabah as of the first week April.
MILF warns gov't: Clock is ticking
From Rappler (Apr 11): MILF warns gov't: Clock is ticking
REMAINING ISSUES. The government and the MILF hold informal discussions before session started on Thursday, April 11. Photo from the Twitter account of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
The clock is ticking on the peace process, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) warned government on Thursday, April 11, as the formal talks in Kuala Lumpur ended without any agreement.
REMAINING ISSUES. The government and the MILF hold informal discussions before session started on Thursday, April 11. Photo from the Twitter account of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
The clock is ticking on the peace process, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) warned government on Thursday, April 11, as the formal talks in Kuala Lumpur ended without any agreement.
Despite an earlier target to sign a final peace pact by April, both parties failed to complete any annexes in the latest round of talks. The next round of talks will be held after the May 13 elections - a timetable the MILF had dreaded.
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal earlier said it would be ideal to finish the negotiations before the May elections.
With the delay, Iqbal cautioned the government against prolonging the talks further.
Asked whether he's frustrated, Iqbal told Rappler in a text message Thursday: "A real negotiator will not be frustrated under any situation. But GPH (government) must tighten its belt. Time is ticking away."
The government, for its part, was quick to respond to concerns that the peace talks has turned from upbeat to uncertain.
In an FAQ on the 37th round of talks released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) a few hours after the talks ended Thursday, the government said:
"The Government panel had a frank and candid discussion with the MILF during the last round of talks. They have reiterated their commitment to the peace process and their trust and confidence on President Aquino and their counterparts. As in the past, all hard feelings were smoothened out, and the next steps were ironed out. There is clarity on how to move forward."
This is not the first time that the MILF -- which has been embroiled in a 40-year struggle for autonomy and self-determination -- has called for "a sense of urgency" in the talks.
In an editorial published in luwaran.com on March 24, the MILF said: "The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path. The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao."
Main cause of delay
The main cause of delay is the annex on wealth-sharing, which includes issues on the devolvement of natural resources, as well as taxation.
"The government is not ready to sign [the] wealth-sharing [annex]. They asked for more time," Iqbal told Rappler in a text message. "The MILF is ready."
In an interview with Rappler last week, Iqbal said that as far as the peace panels were concerned, they have "practically sealed the deal" on the wealth-sharing annex.
After the 36th round of peace talks, Former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani, one of the members of the government peace panel, expressed the same sentiment, saying that the annex was "almost ironed out" and working solutions have been formulated on the 3 remaining contentious items:
- how taxes will be devolved
- mechanism of grant transfers from central government to Bangsamoro
- shares and revenues from mineral and other natural resources
However, any agreements still have to be approved by President Benigno Aquino III and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
"We already have a formula for that," Iqbal told Rappler in last week's interview. "As far as the two parties are concerned, we have already settled that. But in any peace negotiation, there is that principle of ad referendum. What does that mean? It means that even though the two negotiators agree already on the track, the principals in the MILF, the government, can still review the track because the final say belongs to the principals," Iqbal said.
[Video: Rappler Special: MILF'S Iqbal on peace (part 1)
For the MILF, a wealth-sharing arrangement has to happen between the Bangsamoro and the national government.
"There has to be wealth-sharing. Because the reality is, in Mindanao, especially with what we call the ancestral domain of our people, everything is being decided by Manila. All the natural resources have been at the sole discretion of Manila. So, we want to have a share on this," he said.
The latest round of talks was supposed to have been held last March 25, but was suspended for two weeks upon the request of President Aquino, who said he wanted to review the content of the annexes first.
In the OPAPP's FAQ, the government said it was "cautiously moving forward" considering that the talks are "at the homestretch of discussing the most difficult issues of the negotiations."
"The Government is diligently studying the totality of the commitments, especially their legal, political and financial implication. The GPH wants a peace agreement that is based on a foundation. As the President has said time and again, deliver what we commit to; commit to what we will be able to deliver," OPAPP said.
Other contentious issues
During the first meeting of the Transition Commission on April 3, OPAPP Secretary Teresita Deles gave her word that the government will stick with their intended timetable of finishing the transition towards the Bangsamoro within the Aquino administration, acknowledging that the peace talks is in "a race against time."
"Without setting rigid deadlines, we have a timetable and we are serious about it,” she said.
Other contentious issues remain unresolved.
Both panels have only signed one out of the 4 annexes needed to complement the Framework Agreement signed in October 2012 -- the Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, which outlines the transition process from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro political identity.
As of the last round of talks, the annex on normalization still remains at the level of the technical working groups. The annex contains the 3 most contentious issues of the peace talks -- decommissioning of firearms, the creation of the Bangsamoro police force, and the deployment of government troops to MILF areas.
Meanwhile, the annex on power-sharing is "almost complete," as of the 36th round of talks.
Although the The Transition Commission has started working on its internal rules and regulations, as well as logistical requirements needed for its operation, it needs a comprehensive peace agreement before it can proceed with the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
In their joint statement for the 37th round of negotiations, both sides "agreed to exchange notes through the Facilitator in the coming days" and affirmed their commitment to settle the issues "so that all three Annexes may be signed without due delay."
Although the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization have yet to be completed, both parties were able to sign the Terms of Reference of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a basic services program for MILF communities that President Aquino launched in February in a historic visit to the MILF stronghold.
Army airs concern over safety of civilians with landmine use
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): Army airs concern over safety of civilians with landmine use
The military expressed concern over the continued use of landmines by the communist rebels in Compostela Valley on the safety of residents.
Colonel Angelito de Leon, commanding officer of the 1001st Infantry Brigade based in Maco, Compostela Valley said that on the first week of April, 2013 alone, nine improvised landmines had been recovered by the soldiers in various clearing operations, four of which in Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Compostela Valley and five others from various areas of operation in the province.
He said the recovery of four improvised landmines on April 5 was preceded by the explosions of three improvised explosive devices that left two soldiers killed and two others wounded.
De Leon said the explosion preceded an encounter between the soldiers and the rebels.
He said several IEDS and assorted ammunitions were also recovered in a rebel encampment in Sitio Darot, Barangay Libudon in Mabini.
“As of this report, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams we deployed in the area have already cleared the barangay road where the rebels concealed the landmines. Civilians in the area are now safe to pass the road,” De Leon said.
He said the use of landmines by the rebels shows that they are unmindful of the safety of civilians, a deliberate disregard for human rights and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) agreed by the National Democratic Front and the government.
Captain Jeffrey Balingao, civil-military operations officer of the 100st IB disclosed other activities against the rebels from April 5 to April 7 in the province.
Last April 5 at 6 a.m., members of the 25 Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned camp at Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Panansalan, Compostela town while conducting peace and security operations.
Balingao said the rebels scampered away leaving behind batteries, tents, ammo pouches, cooking wares, personal belongings and documents.
He also said that at 7:30 a.m., April 5, the soldiers under the 71st IB recovered about a hundred-meter-detonating cord with complete detonating assembly in Barangay Panibasan, Maco.
Balingao said that another abandoned camp was discovered by the members of the 25th IB in Sitio Maroot, Barangay Banglasan, Montevista where assorted medical items, documents and electrical wire were recovered.
Records from the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion showed that this year alone, the improvised landmine explosions claimed four lives and wounded 34 others in the region, including the incident which resulted to the killing of one soldier and wounding ten others while conducting relief and rehabilitation activities for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381365561947
The military expressed concern over the continued use of landmines by the communist rebels in Compostela Valley on the safety of residents.
Colonel Angelito de Leon, commanding officer of the 1001st Infantry Brigade based in Maco, Compostela Valley said that on the first week of April, 2013 alone, nine improvised landmines had been recovered by the soldiers in various clearing operations, four of which in Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Compostela Valley and five others from various areas of operation in the province.
He said the recovery of four improvised landmines on April 5 was preceded by the explosions of three improvised explosive devices that left two soldiers killed and two others wounded.
De Leon said the explosion preceded an encounter between the soldiers and the rebels.
He said several IEDS and assorted ammunitions were also recovered in a rebel encampment in Sitio Darot, Barangay Libudon in Mabini.
“As of this report, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams we deployed in the area have already cleared the barangay road where the rebels concealed the landmines. Civilians in the area are now safe to pass the road,” De Leon said.
He said the use of landmines by the rebels shows that they are unmindful of the safety of civilians, a deliberate disregard for human rights and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) agreed by the National Democratic Front and the government.
Captain Jeffrey Balingao, civil-military operations officer of the 100st IB disclosed other activities against the rebels from April 5 to April 7 in the province.
Last April 5 at 6 a.m., members of the 25 Infantry Battalion discovered an abandoned camp at Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Panansalan, Compostela town while conducting peace and security operations.
Balingao said the rebels scampered away leaving behind batteries, tents, ammo pouches, cooking wares, personal belongings and documents.
He also said that at 7:30 a.m., April 5, the soldiers under the 71st IB recovered about a hundred-meter-detonating cord with complete detonating assembly in Barangay Panibasan, Maco.
Balingao said that another abandoned camp was discovered by the members of the 25th IB in Sitio Maroot, Barangay Banglasan, Montevista where assorted medical items, documents and electrical wire were recovered.
Records from the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion showed that this year alone, the improvised landmine explosions claimed four lives and wounded 34 others in the region, including the incident which resulted to the killing of one soldier and wounding ten others while conducting relief and rehabilitation activities for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381365561947
Patriotism can be shown in even little ways - PMA Supt
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11): Patriotism can be shown in even little ways - PMA Supt
“I hope that our commemoration today of Araw ng Kagitingan will not only be a one day celebration but will be a continuous reminder of our duty as Filipinos to serve God, our country and the people, above personal concern.”
Thus reminded outgoing Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Lt. Gen Ireneo Espino in his message during the commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)" at the Veteran’s Park along Harrison Road here,Tuesday.
In giving his gratitude and honor to Baguio veterans for their bravery in defending the country and to the representatives/families of those who gave their infinite sacrifice to give us and the future generations of Filipinos the gift of freedom, Espino also said that, "We do not need a war to show our love for our country as we can do much in our own little way, to show patriotism in what we do in our everyday life."
“Commemoration such as this also tells us what a great nation we are, capable of giving up ourselves, for our beloved country, just like what our great veterans have done. Let us not stop telling our children of this path, so that we will not fall short of loving and patriotic Filipinos,” Espino said.
“I hope that we, as a nation, continue to move forward to achieve our goals through the inspiration of our forebearers who showed us what love of country truly means,” he added.
For the PMA, Espino also assured that they are continuously making leaders that are always ready to lay down their life for freedom, not because they are training soldiers but because they believe that the first step in serving the nation and the Filipino people is by developing each cadet’s unshakeable patriotism and love of country.
During the commemoration of the country’s 71st Araw ng Kagitingan with the theme, “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan,” city officials headed Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Bernardo Vergara along with Baguio war veterans, as well as veterans association/group officials, spearheaded a short “march with heroes” and the laying of wreath at the veterans monument at the center of the park before the short but meaningful program.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=61365580003
“I hope that our commemoration today of Araw ng Kagitingan will not only be a one day celebration but will be a continuous reminder of our duty as Filipinos to serve God, our country and the people, above personal concern.”
Thus reminded outgoing Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent Lt. Gen Ireneo Espino in his message during the commemoration of “Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)" at the Veteran’s Park along Harrison Road here,Tuesday.
In giving his gratitude and honor to Baguio veterans for their bravery in defending the country and to the representatives/families of those who gave their infinite sacrifice to give us and the future generations of Filipinos the gift of freedom, Espino also said that, "We do not need a war to show our love for our country as we can do much in our own little way, to show patriotism in what we do in our everyday life."
“Commemoration such as this also tells us what a great nation we are, capable of giving up ourselves, for our beloved country, just like what our great veterans have done. Let us not stop telling our children of this path, so that we will not fall short of loving and patriotic Filipinos,” Espino said.
“I hope that we, as a nation, continue to move forward to achieve our goals through the inspiration of our forebearers who showed us what love of country truly means,” he added.
For the PMA, Espino also assured that they are continuously making leaders that are always ready to lay down their life for freedom, not because they are training soldiers but because they believe that the first step in serving the nation and the Filipino people is by developing each cadet’s unshakeable patriotism and love of country.
During the commemoration of the country’s 71st Araw ng Kagitingan with the theme, “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan,” city officials headed Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Bernardo Vergara along with Baguio war veterans, as well as veterans association/group officials, spearheaded a short “march with heroes” and the laying of wreath at the veterans monument at the center of the park before the short but meaningful program.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=61365580003
NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte town
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte
town
The New People’s Army (NPA) staged two successive attacks within the week in Labo town, Camarines Norte, which included the burning of mining equipment and shooting to death of an ex-rebel turned barangay tanod (village security).
Senior Supt. Moises Pagaduan, Camarines Norte provincial police director, said over the phone Thursday that suspected NPA rebels burned down equipment worth P4 million early morning Monday in the mining town ofLabo
Pagaduan said the equipment belong to Bohai Top Mining International, a mining firm owned by a Chinese national he named only as Mr. Peng, which operates mining activities in Barangay Napaod, Labo.
He said two dump trucks and a payloader were burned by around 20 NPA rebels.
Ka Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol, said in a statement Thursday that the Chinese mining firm was penalized for alleged disregard of the environment.
Pagaduan said the NPA rebels have yet to own or disown the Tuesday killing of Jimmy Marquez, 45, married with children, who was shot dead with a .45-caliber pistol by one of three assailants.
He said Marquez, a rebel returnee, was walking home when three armed men, two with M16 rifles, waylaid him.
Pagaduan said the suspected NPA rebels fled on foot towards the mountainous part of Barangay Tigbinan of the same town.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515399
The New People’s Army (NPA) staged two successive attacks within the week in Labo town, Camarines Norte, which included the burning of mining equipment and shooting to death of an ex-rebel turned barangay tanod (village security).
Senior Supt. Moises Pagaduan, Camarines Norte provincial police director, said over the phone Thursday that suspected NPA rebels burned down equipment worth P4 million early morning Monday in the mining town of
Pagaduan said the equipment belong to Bohai Top Mining International, a mining firm owned by a Chinese national he named only as Mr. Peng, which operates mining activities in Barangay Napaod, Labo.
He said two dump trucks and a payloader were burned by around 20 NPA rebels.
Ka Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol, said in a statement Thursday that the Chinese mining firm was penalized for alleged disregard of the environment.
Pagaduan said the NPA rebels have yet to own or disown the Tuesday killing of Jimmy Marquez, 45, married with children, who was shot dead with a .45-caliber pistol by one of three assailants.
He said Marquez, a rebel returnee, was walking home when three armed men, two with M16 rifles, waylaid him.
Pagaduan said the suspected NPA rebels fled on foot towards the mountainous part of Barangay Tigbinan of the same town.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515399
2 killed, 3 wounded in police-NPA clash in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): 2 killed, 3 wounded in police-NPA clash
in Bukidnon
Two communist rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three police officers wounded in a clash Wednesday afternoon in the hinterlands of Talakag, Bukidnon.
Police Senior Supt. Orlando Biñas, director of the Bukidnon provincial police command, said on Thursday that the remains of the unidentified slain rebels were recovered at the encounter site in Barangay Saguiaran in Talakag, Bukidnon as police continue to comb the area Thursday morning.
Biñas identified the wounded policemen as Senior Insp. Alwin Baclao, PO1 John Bodiongan and PO1 Marlon Mendoza, who were all brought for treatment in a hospital inMalaybalay
City
He said that the encounter took place when a platoon of police mobile group encountered the NPA rebels in Barangay Saguiaran, 18 kilometers from the town ofTalakag
The police mobile group, together with 20 policemen from the Talakag police station, went to the area to verify reports of sightings of NPA rebels in the mountain ranges ofMt.
Kalatungan
Biñas said the rebels sensed the arrival of policemen resulting in a 30-minute gun battle.
“The police were at an advantage since they were positioned in a higher ground,” Biñas said.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle, KG-9 automatic weapon, a fragmentation grenade, and subversive documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515475
Two communist rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while three police officers wounded in a clash Wednesday afternoon in the hinterlands of Talakag, Bukidnon.
Police Senior Supt. Orlando Biñas, director of the Bukidnon provincial police command, said on Thursday that the remains of the unidentified slain rebels were recovered at the encounter site in Barangay Saguiaran in Talakag, Bukidnon as police continue to comb the area Thursday morning.
Biñas identified the wounded policemen as Senior Insp. Alwin Baclao, PO1 John Bodiongan and PO1 Marlon Mendoza, who were all brought for treatment in a hospital in
He said that the encounter took place when a platoon of police mobile group encountered the NPA rebels in Barangay Saguiaran, 18 kilometers from the town of
The police mobile group, together with 20 policemen from the Talakag police station, went to the area to verify reports of sightings of NPA rebels in the mountain ranges of
Biñas said the rebels sensed the arrival of policemen resulting in a 30-minute gun battle.
“The police were at an advantage since they were positioned in a higher ground,” Biñas said.
Also recovered were an M16 rifle, KG-9 automatic weapon, a fragmentation grenade, and subversive documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515475
Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has new commander
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has new
commander
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here, announced on Thursday the new commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion based in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Lt. Col. Romualdo B. Landingan assumed the 8th IB command in a simple turnover ceremony at the Silva Hall of the 8th IB headquarters inSouth Poblacion , Maramag, Bukidnon, Thursday morning.
Prior to his new assignment, Landingan served as executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based inCamp
D.O. Plaza
Landingan replaced Lt. Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo who completed the two-year stint as 8th IB Battalion Commander. Cuerpo will serve as assistant chief of staff for personnel at the 4th ID here.
Añonuevo congratulated the two officers for getting their new assignment and urged them to continue their good service to the organization by giving their best in their respective positions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515476
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here, announced on Thursday the new commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion based in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Lt. Col. Romualdo B. Landingan assumed the 8th IB command in a simple turnover ceremony at the Silva Hall of the 8th IB headquarters in
Prior to his new assignment, Landingan served as executive officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in
Landingan replaced Lt. Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo who completed the two-year stint as 8th IB Battalion Commander. Cuerpo will serve as assistant chief of staff for personnel at the 4th ID here.
Añonuevo congratulated the two officers for getting their new assignment and urged them to continue their good service to the organization by giving their best in their respective positions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=515476
China requests PHL reassurance on detained fishermen
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): China requests PHL reassurance on
detained fishermen
China urges the Philippines
Hong Lei's remarks at a press briefing came after Philippine authorities lodged poaching charges on Wednesday against 12 Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef off the western Philippineprovince of Palawan
The Chinese government always attaches great importance to the security of its fishermen abroad, while educating and supervising them on their fishing activities, Hong noted.
The Chinese Embassy in thePhilippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515566
Hong Lei's remarks at a press briefing came after Philippine authorities lodged poaching charges on Wednesday against 12 Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef off the western Philippine
The Chinese government always attaches great importance to the security of its fishermen abroad, while educating and supervising them on their fishing activities, Hong noted.
The Chinese Embassy in the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=515566
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