Chinese fishermen in Tubbataha grounding plead not guilty to poaching, bribery

From InterAksyon (Apr 19): Chinese fishermen in Tubbataha grounding plead not guilty to poaching, bribery



The Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran aground on Tubbataha Reef as they arrive in Puerto Princesa City. (photo by Elmer Badilla, InterAksyon.com)

The 12 Chinese fishermen arrested and detained after their vessel ran aground on Tubbataha Reef pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of poaching and attempted bribery filed against them by the Tubbataha Management Office.

The 12 entered their plea before Executive Judge Jocelyn Sundiang- Dilig of Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 51, where they have been charged with violating Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Protected Area Law of 2009 and Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code or corruption of public officials.

They allegedly tried to bribe Tubbataha park rangers in exchange for releasing them.
Park Superintendent Angelique Songco, the main complainant in the case, said they expected the fishermen to plead not guilty.

She also vowed to file more charges against the Chinese.

Aside from the 400 boxes of slaughtered anteaters or ‘balintong’, a powdered substance was also found aboard the fishing vessel the Min Long Yu and is being tested at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.

The fishermen’s lawyer, Lex Jagmis, refused to comment on issues raised over the identity of his clients and the purpose for their foray into Philippine waters, saying this was best left to the wisdom of the court.

The first hearing of the case is scheduled on May 22.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59808/chinese-fishermen-in-tubbataha-grounding-plead-not-guilty-to-poaching-bribery

Plunder vs former AFP CoS can still be pursued

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 19): Plunder vs former AFP CoS can still be pursued

The Ombudsman’s dismissal of plunder charges against former military generals involved in the so-called “pabaon” scam does not prevent government prosecutors from pursuing still the case, especially since “double jeopardy” has not set in.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, who is also a lawyer, yesterday said the Department of Justice (DoJ) can move for a reconsideration on the dismissal of the case at the level of the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Let us not jump into conclusion that just because the case was dismissed that they (the accused military chiefs) has no culpability, nor can we say that they are guilty — that’s presuming guilt rather than innocence,” he said to reporters during a weekly news forum at the Senate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, last Wednesday, expressed dismay over the dismissal of the plunder charges against former military officials involved in the so-called pabaon scam.

“All our efforts were put to naught by this recommendation of the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Estrada, who had vigorously led a Senate blue ribbon inquiry into the alleged misappropriated military funds.

A lot of hard evidence was presented before the Senate by retired Col. George Rabusa against three former Armed Forces chiefs of staff (CoS), 14 other top-ranking military officials and five civilians who worked for the military, in connection with billions of pesos of alleged misappropriated funds in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Rabusa was just as dismayed, and asked in a TV interview,” what more does Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales want (by way of evidence)?,” adding that he had a truckload of documents pointing to the irregularities committed in the AFP precisely due to the pabaon and pasalubong (welcome cash gift) amounting to millions, given to the incoming and outgoing CoS of the AFP.

The pabaon practice is common knowledge among the officers and men of the AFP.

It is possible, Angara said, that the government prosecutors committed some lapses insofar as gathering additional or sufficient evidence.

“Usually in cases like this, it’s either the lack of skill or the lack of diligence on the part of the prosecution.

“Normally, the Ombudsman will dismiss it for insufficient evidence so that reflects on the incapacity of the prosecutors to assemble evidence sufficiently to establish prima facie case. I cannot say on that basis they are not guilty but on the other hand, we cannot say that they are guilty. So, it’s the call of the Ombudsman,” he added.

It is likely that the case was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence and as such the prosecutors have to assemble more credible evidence, said Angara.

“Perhaps the evidence gathered by the Senate is not sufficient to show prima facie case. There may be need for additional evidence to be produced by the prosecutors.
There have been many investigations of the blue ribbon that we send to either the DoJ or Ombudsman where action is not being taken,” the senator said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/13077-plunder-vs-former-afp-cos-can-still-be-pursued

NPA rebels free 7 militias in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 18): NPA rebels free 7 militias in Southern Philippines



    Jorge Madlos

Communist rebels have freed 7 pro-government militias they captured in separate operations in the southern Philippines, a leader of the New People’s Army said on Thursday.

Jorge Madlos said the NPA released prisoners-of-war Danny Sevillejo, 27, Evangeline Cabodbod,31, and Leonardo Sevillejo, 63, - who were captured on April 14 in the village of Santa Juana in Surigao del Sur’s Tagbina town.

And also Mario Lepanda, 36; Toloy Lepanda, 34; Rejoy Francisco, 23; and Janjan, a minor – who were arrested by rebels on April 15 at a checkpioint in the village of Don Alejandro in San Luis town in Agusan del Sur province.

The release of the militias – who all underwent separate investigations by the NPA - was attended by government officials and representatives from the religious sector and the media.

Madlos said the release of militias ended successfully with no untoward incidents.
He said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, ordered the release of the militias on humanitarian grounds and after the NPA submitted the results of its interrogation on the prisoners.

The release of the militias were based on the following grounds – they have not committed any serious offense against the people and the revolution; and swore never again to commit their minor offenses, and to take steps to rectify their mistakes; and for having exhibited good behaviour during detention.

“The detention, investigation and release of these prisoners of war show the politico-military capability of the revolutionary forces in the different regions in Mindanao. These prove not only the capacity of the NPA, the Party and the NDFP to undertake such action, but more so the widespread and solid support of the masses toward the revolutionary movement in the island,” Madlos said.

He said the capture of the militias exposes the vulnerability in the deployment of government forces and its inability to prevent or counteract any of the NPA offensives. “The most that the AFP and the PNP could do was to brush off these NPA-led military actions as a “desperate show of force. But in truth, this is a huge blow against the capability of both the AFP and the PNP,” Madlos said, referring to military and police authorities.

He said the NPA is still holding two policemen - PO1 Ronal Allan Munez and PO1 Nemuel Espana - who were accused by rebels as behind extortion activities in Agusan del Sur’s Loreto town. He said the prisoners remain under the custody of an NPA Unit in Front 03 in Southern Mindanao.

“The two are still under the process of preliminary investigation,” Madlos said.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/npa-rebels-free-7-militias-in-southern.html

Bombs explode outside house of Basilan vice mayor, Catholic chapel

From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 19): Bombs explode outside house of Basilan vice mayor, Catholic chapel

Two powerful homemade bombs exploded late Thursday near a Catholic chapel and outside the house of the vice mayor of Lamitan City in the troubled province of Basilan, reports said.

It said the blast outside the house of Vice Mayor Arleigh Eisma destroyed his vehicle and another explosion was also reported near the chapel. There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties in the bombings which occurred ahead of the May 13 general elections.

Eisma, a prominent and popular politician in Basilan, is running for mayor against Liberal party’s Rosita Furigay, the wife of incumbent Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay - who is on his third and last term as mayor - and is also running for vice mayor; and Councilman Hegem Furigay, of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino.

Two others – Mario Mamang and Masandal Sahal – are also running for mayor.
The twin attacks came even as police launched a manhunt for gunmen who shot and wounded 3 people, including Henry Furigay, the father of the councilman who is also the mayor’s nephew.

Police said the gunmen attacked the elder Furigay and his driver Bernard Cuevas and another supporter on April 13 in the village of Limook and escaped on a motorcycle after the shooting. The victims were heading to a political meeting when the attack occurred. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack.







Two vehicles were damaged after a powerful bomb exploded outside the house of Lamitan City Vice Mayor Arleigh Eisma and followed by a second bomb explosion near a Catholic chapel late Thursday, April 18, 2013. (Photos courtesy of Richard Falcatan)

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/bombs-explode-outside-house-of-basilan.html

2 cops held by NPA rebels in Mindanao escape

From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 19): 2 cops held by NPA rebels in Mindanao escape

 

NPA fighters during jungle training. (From Ka Mine's photo file - Rodante Urtal Command)

Two police officers being held captive by communist rebels have made a daring escape to freedom early Friday after one of them grabbed the rifle of their guard and shot him in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said PO1 Ronal Allan Munez and PO1 Nemuel Espana were seized by New People’s Army rebels in Agusan del Sur’s Loreto town. Details of their escape were not immediately available, but Jorge Madlos, a senior rebel leader accused the officers as behind extortion activities in the town.

Their escape came a day after the NPA freed 7 pro-government militias they also captured in separate operations in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur in Mindanao.

The NPA released prisoners-of-war Danny Sevillejo, 27, Evangeline Cabodbod,31, and Leonardo Sevillejo, 63, - who were captured on April 14 in the village of Santa Juana in Surigao del Sur’s Tagbina town.

And also Mario Lepanda, 36; Toloy Lepanda, 34; Rejoy Francisco, 23; and Janjan, a minor – who were arrested by rebels on April 15 at a checkpioint in the village of Don Alejandro in San Luis town in Agusan del Sur province.

The release of the militias – who all underwent separate investigations by the NPA - was attended by government officials and representatives from the religious sector and the media.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, ordered the release of the militias on humanitarian grounds.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/2-cops-held-by-npa-rebels-in-mindanao.html

Security forces clash with notorious Zambo bandit leader

From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 19): Security forces clash with notorious Zambo bandit leader



A photo released by the Philippine Army to the Mindanao Exsminer shows weapons left behind by bandits following a clash in Zamboanga Sibugay's Naga town.

Government forces killed an undetermined number of bandits in a clash in Naga town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Officials said policemen, backed by army soldiers, clashed with the group of Baser Sakilan, a notorious bandit leader tagged as behind numerous extortion activities in the province.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Jr., commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, said the fighting in the village of Santa Clara lasted about 30 minutes. The gunmen, numbering about 15, split into smaller group and escaped along with their casualties.
“The villagers tipped off the military and police about the presence of Sakilan’s group in the area which prompted authorities to deploy forces in the town,” he said, adding there was no report of military casualties.

Barroquillo, citing intelligence reports, said the group may be planning to kidnap locals in the town.

He said security forces recovered assorted weapons, including an M203 rifle with grenade launcher and munitions.

Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said he ordered troops to track down the gunmen in the province and at the same time praised the public support to the military and police for helping authorities by providing information about lawless groups in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“The support of the populace to law enforcers in the spirit of Bayanihan is now overwhelming and I admire their vigilance to fight criminality and lawlessness. The timely information provided by the people encourages our law enforcers to double their efforts to attain lasting peace and security in this region,” Cruz said.

Bayanihan refers to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/security-forces-clash-with-notorious.html

MILF: KDFI held Speakers’ Bureau Training

From the MILF Website (Apr 19): KDFI held Speakers’ Bureau Training

Kalilintad Development Foundation, Incorporated (KDFI) Strengthens Its Speakers Bureau for Information Campaign on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Kalilintad Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) in partnership with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center & Training Institute with support from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process held a two- day Peace Communication Training on the Updates on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last April 15-16, 2013 at EDJIN Pension House and Restaurant, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

The training sought to raise the awareness of KDFI members and community /area representatives on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as well as the prospects and opportunities that its successful implementation shall bring about; and to build the capacities of the participants as community peace advocates and communicators so that they can help inform the public and key communities about the FAB.

Prof. Esmael A. Abdula, KDFI Senior Programs Advisor and BLMI Steering Committee Member, delivered his lecture on the History of Mindanao Conflict, including the root causes and status. He explained that the Bangsamoro People in Mindanao had experienced oppression since the coming of the colonizers. And due to relentless oppression and tyranny by both foreign and local colonizers, the Bangsamoro waged a revolutionary war to free themselves from tyrants and oppressors. This war started in the late 60’s and continued until these days.

He stressed that the accord signed between the GPH and MILF Peace Panels on October 15, 2012 is the key towards the establishment of a just, peaceful and humane Bangsamoro Region in Mindanao.

“Let us advocate peace and justice towards genuine governance in our homeland, the Bangsamoro. We are fighting for justice, so we must be firmed and determined in seeking our right to self-determination”, he said.

Nasrullah Mohammad, MILF focal person for the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation Development Component of the International Monitoring Team, also made a presentation on the historic accord. He shared inputs on the Bangsamoro territory, identity and the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be framed by the Transition Commission. He also provided insights on the unresolved annexes on the Revenue Generation, Wealth and Power Sharing, Basic Rights and Normalization.

“If ever the Agreement is implemented, there will be social, economic, cultural and political empowerments in our homeland as well as a strong and wider fiscal autonomy. We have to work harder to support the signed peace pact”, he concluded.

Madam Susan “Toots” Ople, the President of Blas F. Ople Policy Center & Training Institute shared strategies and techniques to become good communicators. Participants were divided into five groups during the workshop to measure the participants’ intellectual capacity on certain topics.

“To become a Speakers’ Bureau member is a responsibility, mission, and struggle of individuals to inform the people thru information campaigns in support to the Framework Agreement. Knowing Bangsamoro is an excitement to everyone who is seeking for peace and justice in Mindanao. It is an opportunity for all to invest in businesses, build infrastructures, livelihood projects, organize institutions of learning and develop beautiful landscapes in Mindanao,” she said.

Ms. Estelle Ople Osorio, Director for Training and Education of Blas F. Ople Policy Center & Training Institute, walked the participants through public speaking tools and techniques for effective speech delivery. A workshop provided an opportunity for participants to apply those techniques.

The participants said that the activity will guide them in further developing their communication skills to advocate the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in their communities.

The said training was attended by community leaders from the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.



http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/318-kdfi-held-speakers’-bureau-training

MILF: AFP officers launch ‘poison campaign’ vs. FAB in South Cotabato

From the MILF Website (Apr 19): AFP officers launch ‘poison campaign’ vs. FAB in South Cotabato

A commissioned officer and a non-commissioned officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army under 301st and 601st Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division conducted barangay to barangay campaigned in the municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato recently.

A source, who refused to be named for security reason, said that a certain Major Dodoy Steba and Sergeant Apiong Steba launched the “poison campaign” to win the sympathy of the dominated constituents Indigenous People (IPs), mainly belonging to the T’boli tribe, of the said municipality. They also enjoined them, the report added, to oppose and disagree to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last October 15, 2012 in Malacañang.

Accordingly, the two officers of the Philippine Army coached the IPs to adopt a negative stance against the FAB. The duo also threatened and warned the IPs that should they opt to prepare a petition letter for inclusion in the Bangsamoro Government they would regret later.

The source urge the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) Joint Coordination Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH) to look into the report and conduct proper investigation regarding this scenario.

They said that under the GPH-MILF Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) this is provocative act against the civilian, done by the AFP. They cited Article VI of the FAB which is the Basic Rights that the Indigenous People’s rights shall be respected.

Why are these officers violating the provision of the FAB and above all, defying the policy of the Aquino administration of the primacy of the peace process, the source asked.

However, as of this writing Luwaran is still double-checking the report.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/317-afp-officers-launch-‘poison-campaign’-vs-fab-in-south-cotabato

CPP: Video--CPP-Panay 44th NPA anniversary statement

Posted to the CPP Website (Apr 14): Video: CPP-Panay 44th NPA anniversary statement

[CPP - Panay statement on the 44th Anniversary of the New People's Army
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OIm4_Of7GqY#!]


http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/NDF: Seven prisoners of war (POWs), released

Posted to the CPP Website (Apr 18): Seven prisoners of war (POWs), released

Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris)
Spokesperson
NDFP Mindanao Chapter

On April 14, 2013, CAFGUs Danny Sevillejo, 27, Evangeline Cabodbod,31, and Leonardo Sevillejo, 63, were captured at Sitio Greenfield, Brgy. Sta. Juana, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, and were all taken under the custody of an NPA unit under Front 14. Preliminary investigation was immediately undertaken to ascertain whether they have committed serious or criminal offenses against the people and the revolutionary movement.

On April 15, 2013, when a unit of the NPA under Front 18 mounted a checkpoint at Don Alejandro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur, four CAFGU elements, namely Mario “Tata” Lepanda of San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur, 36, married and 10 years in service; Toloy Lepanda, also of San Pedro, 34 (he was only 14 when he was recruited into the CAFGU); Rejoy Francisco of Mahayahay, 23; and, alias Janjan (not his real name) of Km. 41 Binicalan, 17. Preliminary investigation was also conducted.

On April 16, the political authority in both Fronts 14 and 88 immediately submitted separately to the NDFP-Mindanao the results of their preliminary investigation, and at the same time, their recommendation for the release of the so named prisoners of wars (POWs) based on the following:

1. For not having committed any serious offense against the people and the revolution;
2. For having sworn never again to commit their minor offenses, and to take steps to rectify their mistakes;
3. Humanitarian reasons; and,
4. For having exhibited good behaviour during detention.

The NDFP-Mindanao concurred with these recommendations, and with such, ordered the custodial forces of Front 14 and Front 88 to immediately release the respective POWs after having educated them, and commit to never repeat their minor offenses again.

On April 17, Front 14 and Front 88 separately undertook the release of seven (7) prisoners of war.

The release of four CAFGUs in Front 88 was attended by representatives and officials from the local government unit, religious, other personalities and the media. Under safe conditions, the POWs were turned over to them, including the minor.

The release of the three CAFGUs in Front 14 was witnessed by Gov. Johnny Pimentel and other officials of the LGU, the religious, local personalities and the media. The turn-over ended successfully with no untoward incidents.

There are still two POWs, namely PO1 Ronal Allan Munez and PO1 Nemuel D. Espana, who remain under the custody of an NPA Unit in Front 03 in Southern Mindanao Region. The two are still under the process of preliminary investigation.

The detention, investigation and release of these prisoners of war show the politico-military capability of the revolutionary forces in the different regions in Mindanao. These prove not only the capacity of the NPA, the Party and the NDF to undertake such action, but more so the widespread and solid support of the masses toward the revolutionary movement in the island.

These events also expose the vulnerability in the deployment of forces of the AFP-PNP-CAFGU when they were clearly unable to counteract any of the tactical offensives launched by the NPA. The most that the AFP and the PNP could do was to brush off these NPA-led military actions as a “desperate show of force.” But in truth, this is a huge blow against the capability of both the AFP and the PNP, especially in its glaring failure to defend its imperialist multinational masters, such as Dole and Del Monte, which are responsible for destroying the environment and the oppression and exploitation of workers, peasants and the Lumads.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130418_seven-prisoners-of-war-pows-released

PAMANA allocates P10-M for road project in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18): PAMANA allocates P10-M for road project in Eastern Samar

About P10 million has been shelled out by the national government for the initial implementation of a road project that will connect the remote and upstream municipality of Maslog in Eastern Samar.

Mayor Septemio C. Santiago said that travelling from Maslog to the nearest town of Dolores will be easier as soon as the road project will be implemented through the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

“From the usual three to four hours by boat, it is expected to lessen about two hours of travel from the town center to the next town of Dolores. The road project of PAMANA will not only bring convenience to residents. It is also expected to improve their livelihoods,” Santiago said.

Maslog is a fifth class municipality and majority of residents depend on agriculture. Like other interior towns in Eastern Samar, it delivers its products to larger neighboring towns. The place is also known for its cool climate and lush rainforest.

The mayor said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), in coordination with partner agencies has already conducted an information caravan with social services package from PAMAMA projects in Maslog.

Engr. Nida de la Cruz, chief of Operations Performance and Capability Development of the Department of the Interior and Local Government(DILG), said the information caravan was part of the social preparation program of the road rehabilitation project in Maslog.

The project forms part of the 42-kilometer road that will traverse the towns of Can-avid and Dolores. The 18-kilomer stretch will connect Dolores to Maslog.The project total cost is P446 million.

PAMANA is the government’s program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by armed conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements. It seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=517657

Samar, N. Samar to be insurgency-free by 2016 says Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr  18): Samar, N. Samar to be insurgency-free by 2016 says Army official


Samar and Northern Samar will already be among the provinces in Eastern Visayas to be named as insurgency-free and manageable conflict-ready for development by 2016.

Lt. Col. Leo Lorenzo Madroñal, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operation (CMO) of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) here, said on Thursday that the government is now winning the hearts and minds of the people with their new approach in dealing with the insurgency problem.

The military has adopted a holistic approach and people-centered programs in trying to respond to the problem.

In previous months, Madroñal said that the military has already handed-over to local government units (LGUs) in the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Biliran, and Southern Leyte the responsibility for Internal Peace and Security.

Recently, the military presented before the Regional Development Council (RDC) its efforts in achieving a peaceful environment that would lead to economic development in areas affected by insurgents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=517672

Ex-rebel testifies in 'mistaken identity' case

From the Philippine Star (Apr 18): Ex-rebel testifies in 'mistaken identity' case

A former communist rebel on Thursday testified in court that the security guard arrested by the military last year is a high-ranking member of the New People's Army named Benjamin Mendoza.

Luis Rayos, 40, identified Mendoza during the writ of habeas corpus hearing at the Court of Appeals.

Rights group Karapatan is claiming that the person arrested by the military was a security guard identifiedas Ronaldo Panesa and that he was just a victim of mistaken identity.

During the cross examination, Rayos claimed to have worked with Mendoza for three years, from 2003 to 2005. He said that during those three years, he was meeting with Mendoza once a month to get his NPA unit's monthly budget.

During the same years, Panesa was working as a security guard at the Megaforce Security Co.

Panesa, through the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, earlier presented in court the documentary evidence such as Social Security System contributions and employment pay slips to support his claim that he is not “Benjamin Mendoza.”

Rayos, at one point in the cross examination, said yes it was Mendoza who is in the picture but after several questions, he retracted and said that the Mendoza he saw did not have a swollen and bruised face.

"Galos lang ang nasa mukha niya," Rayos was quoted as saying during the court proceedings.

For its part, members of Karapatan who attended the hearing said Rayos should be charged with perjury for lying under oath.

"His statements were inconsistent and did nothing to prove that security guard Panesa is “Mendoza”. All he did was to point his finger to Panesa, the lone person in the court who was wearing a BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) prison shirt," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay added.

The Office of the Solicitor General, through Atty. Sarah Jane Fernandez, was unable to present its second and third witness.

"It is ridiculous that after 10 hearings the identity of the AFP’s third witness is unknown even to the OSG and the CA Justices. The AFP comes up with every excuse and lie to delay the proceedings," Palabay said.

Karapatan said Panesa was taken together with his wife and step daughter on Oct. 7, 2012 in Quezon City under the arrest warrant for Benjamin Mendoza.

Panesa was tortured and made to confess that he is Mendoza, the group said.
Panesa is now detained in Special Intensive Care Area of the Bicutan Jail.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/18/932132/ex-rebel-testifies-mistaken-identity-case

MILF: Multi-Stakeholders oriented on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malapatan, Sarangani

From the MILF Website (Apr 17): Multi-Stakeholders oriented on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malapatan, Sarangani

 Close to five hundred stakeholders attended the Advocacy on Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro(FAB) in the Barangay gymnasium of Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on April 13, 2013.

The gathering which pooled community members, local officials, religious leaders, women and youth leaders from various tribes of Malapatan provided an opportunity for them to understand the framework agreement that was signed in Malacanan Palace on October 15, 2012 by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Three resource persons namely Nash Polindaw, Duma Mascud and Ike Dianal were sent by the MILF Central Committee to explain the details of the FAB.

Polindaw related the history of the struggle of the Bangsamoro people way back from the Spanish era up to the present Philippine Republic. He said that the struggle have resulted to loss of thousands of lives, destruction of properties and billions of pesos wasted.

Moreover, he said that the conflict in Mindanao has created wall between the Muslims and non-Muslims building mistrust and hatred.

The three visitors discussed the salient points of the FAB and said should the initial truce will be realized, there will be Bangsamoro government by 2016 that shall give the realization of the Bangsamoro people to have its own governance.

The audience were also given the opportunity to ask questions and clarification with regards to the FAB.

Sugoda Buayan Province Political Chair Haji Puad Japal thanked the audience and the resource persons for the success of the activity. He also commended the efforts of the organizers which include the local political committees and the Social Welfare Committee headed by Ma’mor Aripin.

Malapatan Municipal Chair Bidairi Harid also expressed gratitude to those who shared their efforts and resources for the gathering.

Provincial Secretary of Sugoda Buayan Tommy Nawa looked forward for the support of the Indigenous Peoples and Christian Settlers of Malapatan and Sarangani Province as a whole to the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

The audience were also thankful for the information shared and they hoped that the resolution to the conflict in Mindanao will be achieved.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/314-multi-stakeholders-oriented-on-framework-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro-in-malapatan-sarangani

MNLF: 3k fighters reinforce royal forces

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 17): MNLF: 3k fighters reinforce royal forces

At least 3,000 Moro National Liberation Front fighters have allegedly landed in North Borneo to reinforce the “royal security forces” of the Sultanate of Sulu in case fighting resumes in the troubled Malaysian state, an MNLF official claimed on Tuesday.

MNLF peace panel member Absalom Cerveza claimed the 3,000 MNLF guerillas arrived in small groups at different areas in Sabah over a span of three weeks after the fighting between RSF and Malaysian forces subsided.

“They sailed to Sabah in different batches using various routes undetected either by Philippine and Malaysian naval forces,” Cerveza said.

“The MNLF group came from Jolo and Tawi aboard fast boats and slipped through the naval blockade imposed by the Philippine Navy and the Coast Guard,” he added.

The sultanate’s spokesman Abraham Idjirani said they were not aware of the arrival of such a force and the MNLF has not contacted them about it. Idjirani noted that it would take at least 60 motorboats to transport a force of that many people.

Cerveza, however, said the contingent has already regrouped and is now formulating military strategies in case Malaysian forces renew violent attacks against the forces sultanate which dispatched more than 200 men to Sabah last February to reassert the sultanate’s claim to Sabah.

“[But] they are not contemplating any assault on Malaysian forces. [They are] merely devising an effective and efficient strategy tactic in the event fighting resumes,” Cerveza said.

He claimed the MNLF fighters did not bring any arms with them because they have enough weapons stored in a secret armony in Sabah, the same armaments that Libya smuggled through Sabah during the Mindanao uprising in the 1970’s.

Cerveza had earlier claimed slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi sent to Moro National Liberation Front rebels thousands of firearms through Sabah, Malaysia in the 1970s.

“Some of those firearms are in the possession of thousands of [former MNLF] rebels who are presently residing in Sabah,” Cervesa said in confirming that Libya smuggled arms to the Moro rebels through Sabah in cooperation with some Malaysian officials.

Cerveza made the remark after international whistleblower group WikiLeaks published two declassified diplomatic cables from the United States Department of State and the American embassy in Manila revealing the role of Malaysian officials in supplying the Moro rebels.

According to a cable, dated March 10, 1973, Indonesian Ambassador to Washington Sjarif Thajeb admitted to then assistant state secretary Marshall Green that Mustapha bin Harun, the first governor of the state of Sabah, connived with Libya to supply arms to the MNLF.

Three years later, another US diplomatic cable, dated April 26, 1976, revealed that then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens admitted to an American diplomat that some Malaysian officials were helping the MNLF because of Manila’s claim on the north Borneo territory that is now known as Sabah.

“He said it was no secret that his predecessor, former chief minister Tun Mustapha, had been running guns and money from Libya’s Gaddafi to the Philippine guerrillas,” according to the cable written by an unnamed American Embassy official in Kuala Lumpur.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/04/17/mnlf-3k-fighters-reinforce-royal-forces/