From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 11): West PH Sea disputes up for discussion in Japan-Asean summit
Territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea—that part of the South China Sea the Philippines claims to be belonging to its exclusive economic zone—the East Sea and Yellow Sea will be on the table as President Aquino joins fellow heads of state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for a summit meeting with Japan.
The President is to arrive here on Thursday to attend the 40th Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit, a historic gathering that is expected to be closely watched by China, which has territorial disputes with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and several Asean member-nations, including the Philippines.
China, which has its own China-Asean Dialogue, will not be around as it has just concluded its own summit with Asean—the 16th Asean-China summit held in Brunei’s capital of Bandar Seri Begawan on the sidelines of the 23rd Asean summit last October.
The Asean-Japan commemorative summit will be the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of Asean-Japan relations.
Aquino has a two-pronged mission in his three-day visit to Japan—to advance a peaceful resolution of the Philippine maritime dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea through the adoption of a code of conduct, and to pursue closer ties between the Philippines and Japan mainly through defense and trade cooperation.
The summit comes on the heels of the air defense identification zone (ADIZ) adopted by China since last month, which has riled up its neighbors Japan and South Korea.
The escalating tensions could spill over to the West Philippine Sea as it has been reported that a similar scheme could be employed by China to aggressively assert its stake on islands and waters in the vast area being contested, wholly or in part, by the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
The list of topics during the summit include political and security cooperation, exchange of views on regional and international issues, cooperation of economy and emerging socio-economic issues, cooperation on people-to-people and cultural challenges, and adoption of medium-to-long term vision on Asean-Japan friendship.
Interviewed by reporters on Monday, Aquino himself attached great importance to the summit.
“Well, the purpose for the trip to Japan is the Asean-Japan commemorative anniversary. This is the 40th year. So the relationship between Asean and Japan is the focal point of the engagement,” he said. “Now, if there are other issues on a bilateral basis then we will—we are certainly open to discussions. My I remind everybody, there are only two strategic partners for the Philippines, and that is the United States of America and Japan.”
Asked about the need to fortify the Philippines’ strategic defense alliance Japan in light of the ADIZ proclaimed by China, he said: “So will that be part of the talks? Of course anything that creates tension and instability is a concern for all, and everybody should be focused on maintaining a stable region so that we have the necessary milieu for … expanding economies to the benefit of all our peoples.”
Foreign office spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in Manila that the West Philippine Sea issue “is an ongoing issue and has typically been addressed in the Asean forum. So this will be one of the things that could be discussed in that summit.”
He said the regional leaders would have a chance to exchange views on regional and international issues, “and they are free to raise any of these issues including the air defense identification zone.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs has lined up several events aimed at bolstering various aspects of Philippine-Japan friendship.
Touching base with the robust Filipino community here will be first on the list of Aquino, who will have a two-hour meeting with Filipino migrants, overseas workers and students at the Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
During this event, the President will receive from the Filipino community the symbolic ¥1 million yen check for victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”
On Friday, the President will receive an honorary doctorate degree from Sophia University.
This will precede his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe which will take place during a working lunch at the prime minister’s official residence.
Philippine ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said only Mr. Aquino would have a working lunch with Abe.
While the rest of Asean leaders will have separate hourlong bilateral meetings with Abe, Aquino was the only one “accorded this kind of importance, so in a way the others are jealous.”
Without naming names, Lopez said: “One (top official of a) country said, ‘the prime minister and the president will have lunch together—he’s lucky.’”
Lopez said President Aquino and Abe will witness the signing of three exchanges of notes on a post-disaster standby loan worth ¥billion ($100 million), loan for multi-role response vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard worth ¥18.732 billion ($187 million), and a revised route schedule for the Philippines-Japan Air Services Agreement.
Lopez sees the air services agreement as an opportunity for Philippine carriers like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to increase the number of flights between different points in Japan and Manila.
“So this should really help our tourism industry with the doubling of flights,” he said.
Before dusk, the President will join fellow Asean heads of state for tea with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace.
After the reception, Aquino will return to the prime minister’s official residence for dinner with Abe.
In between these official meetings, he will advance his economic and political mission: he will meet with the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) at the Keidanren Kaikan, receive a courtesy call by Japan Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League led by Minister of Justice Sadakazu Tanigaki, and a social call by Bank of Japan Governor and Mrs. Haruhiko Kuroda.
The one-day summit begins on Saturday at the Akasaka State Guest House, where the President will deliver a statement during the summit.
He and his fellow Asean heads of state will then take part in a lunch hosted by the Japan business community, including the Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
At the closing session of the summit, the heads of state will adopt two documents: Vision Statement of Asean-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan, and Joint Statement of the Asean-Japan Summit.
The vision statement and its implementation plan will focus mainly on medium- and long–term cooperation between Asean and Japan, while the Joint Statement will address regional and international issues beyond dialogue partnership, according to Hernandez.
Right after the closing session, the President will receive a flurry of courtesy calls from the top honchos of the Japanese business world: former Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Dr. Sadako Ogata, who is now advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a special advisor to JICA President Akihiko Tanaka; representatives from the Sumotomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and officials of Nidec Sankyo Corp.
He will also witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding for an 850-room retirement community in Cebu City between Cebu City officials and I-Land Company, a Japanese real estate firm based in Fukuoka.
Capping the day will be a gala dinner to be hosted by the prime Minister and Mrs Abe for all Asean heads of state.
Aquino and his delegation will depart for Manila late Saturday night and arrive in Manila the following day. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/93865/west-ph-sea-disputes-up-for-discussion-in-japan-asean-summit
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Army vows continued support as 'Yolanda' ICP deactivated in Western Visayas
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Army vows continued support as 'Yolanda' ICP deactivated in Western Visayas
The army has vowed to continue its support as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region 6 formally deactivated the Incident Command Post (ICP) for theWestern Visayas
last Sunday.
This was according to a belated report forwarded by 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson to the PNA.
The ICP oversees the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for "Yolanda" battered areas in the region.
“Through the joint efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and the local and international aid organizations, we were able to provide the relief services and assistance needed by the typhoon-victims in the region. Though it has been a challenging experience to face the magnitude of devastation brought by Yolanda, it was likewise a fulfilling one as we can see the resilience of the citizens of Western Visayas in facing the formidable test brought by the calamity,” 3rd Infantry Division and ICP commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.
Tiongson assumed the ICP last Nov. 22 after the AFP transitioned from Disaster Response Task Force "Yolanda" to Incident Command System.
With the establishment of the ICP at theRoxas City Airport
As this develops, Baladad also lauded the assistance provided by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion.
The unit assisted in re-roofing of 20 school buildings in Estancia, Iloilo that now serve as evacuation centers for 569 families with 2,035 persons, construction of 127 tents, 56 bays of latrine, 16 bays of shower room, and laying of pipes and installation of water faucets for water distribution lines that cater to the needs of the evacuees.
Following the deactivation of the ICP in theWestern
Visayas , the AFP reduced its workforce to an optimal size to
provide force protection, and conduct combined medical mission and engineering
assistance with the Canadian Armed Forces until they leave the country.
“Although the ICP is now deactivated, the Armed Forces in Western Visayas remains committed in providing support to the recovery and rehabilitation efforts that will be undertaken by the local government units as the people ofWestern Visayas altogether work in the spirit of
'Bayanihan', to rise from the shadows of 'Yolanda',” Baladad said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595692
The army has vowed to continue its support as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region 6 formally deactivated the Incident Command Post (ICP) for the
This was according to a belated report forwarded by 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson to the PNA.
The ICP oversees the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for "Yolanda" battered areas in the region.
“Through the joint efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and the local and international aid organizations, we were able to provide the relief services and assistance needed by the typhoon-victims in the region. Though it has been a challenging experience to face the magnitude of devastation brought by Yolanda, it was likewise a fulfilling one as we can see the resilience of the citizens of Western Visayas in facing the formidable test brought by the calamity,” 3rd Infantry Division and ICP commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.
Tiongson assumed the ICP last Nov. 22 after the AFP transitioned from Disaster Response Task Force "Yolanda" to Incident Command System.
With the establishment of the ICP at the
As this develops, Baladad also lauded the assistance provided by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion.
The unit assisted in re-roofing of 20 school buildings in Estancia, Iloilo that now serve as evacuation centers for 569 families with 2,035 persons, construction of 127 tents, 56 bays of latrine, 16 bays of shower room, and laying of pipes and installation of water faucets for water distribution lines that cater to the needs of the evacuees.
Following the deactivation of the ICP in the
“Although the ICP is now deactivated, the Armed Forces in Western Visayas remains committed in providing support to the recovery and rehabilitation efforts that will be undertaken by the local government units as the people of
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595692
MILF vows to penalize men in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage taking case
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): MILF vows to penalize men in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage taking case
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Wednesday said penalties await the leader and members of MILF who held hostage civilians in Lanao del Norte and the police chief ofMarawi
City
"We have our mechanism of penalizing members who violate laws of the organization and the existing ceasefire agreement between us and the government," said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs.
"I assure the government that the ceasefire mechanism is working on it and we will not allow any of our member to go unpunished if they commit violations," he added in reaction to appeals by the government ceasefire committee to respect the cessation of hostilities.
MILF men, under Abdulla Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, stormed theMarawi City
The police official who opted not to fight it out with the armed men to save lives was later released unharmed.
Jaafar also said that the MILF leadership is investigating and ready to hand down punishment to some of its members who held hostage 12 civilians in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
He said the act of their men may have adverse effect on the on going peace process inMindanao but the MILF leadership
would not allow it to happen.
Five civilians remained captive in what local authorities believed was triggered by a family feud.
The act, which Malacanang described an act of desperation, came while the GPH and MILF peace panels were meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which ended with the signing of the annex on power sharing of the proposed Bangsamoro government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595706
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Wednesday said penalties await the leader and members of MILF who held hostage civilians in Lanao del Norte and the police chief of
"We have our mechanism of penalizing members who violate laws of the organization and the existing ceasefire agreement between us and the government," said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs.
"I assure the government that the ceasefire mechanism is working on it and we will not allow any of our member to go unpunished if they commit violations," he added in reaction to appeals by the government ceasefire committee to respect the cessation of hostilities.
MILF men, under Abdulla Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, stormed the
The police official who opted not to fight it out with the armed men to save lives was later released unharmed.
Jaafar also said that the MILF leadership is investigating and ready to hand down punishment to some of its members who held hostage 12 civilians in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
He said the act of their men may have adverse effect on the on going peace process in
Five civilians remained captive in what local authorities believed was triggered by a family feud.
The act, which Malacanang described an act of desperation, came while the GPH and MILF peace panels were meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which ended with the signing of the annex on power sharing of the proposed Bangsamoro government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595706
Ferrer: GPH-MILF peace process not a violation of Constitution
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Ferrer: GPH-MILF peace process not a violation of Constitution
The government peace panel chair in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said there is no truth to claims by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that a ministerial form of government is unconstitutional.
Speaking over a local radio station here, chief government negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, stressed that the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro did not violate any provisions of the Philippine Constitution.
Muslimin Sema, chair of a bigger and politically active faction of the MNLF, has said that the FAB clearly violates the Constitution because it is unitary while the FAB is trying to establish a ministerial form of government inMindanao .
Ferrer stressed that the government peace panel was certain that any agreement it entered into with the MILF does not in anyway violate the Constitution.
"That is why any agreement we can agreed upon will be subjected to democratic process and must pass the Philippine Congress," she explained.
The MNLF under Nur Misuari faction has been rattling against the Framework Agreement because of its belief that the government has abandoned the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.
While Misuari, who is wanted by Philippine authorities after the recent siege ofZamboanga
City
"We welcome the annex on power sharing, we welcome whatever agreement both sides could agree on," Sema was quoted as saying. He maintained that the government should also consider the MNLF in the peace talks with the MILF.
Both sides have the same objective of exercising its rights to self determination in southernPhilippines
In expressing his opinion that the FAB is a violation to the Constitution, Sema said the idea of establishing ministerial form of government in Muslim Mindanao was first presented and discussed during the 1976 peace talks between the MNLF andManila
But Ferrer explained that Republic Act 9054 have so many loopholes that the FAB is addressing clearly and in accordance with existing Philippine laws.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595708
The government peace panel chair in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said there is no truth to claims by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that a ministerial form of government is unconstitutional.
Speaking over a local radio station here, chief government negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, stressed that the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro did not violate any provisions of the Philippine Constitution.
Muslimin Sema, chair of a bigger and politically active faction of the MNLF, has said that the FAB clearly violates the Constitution because it is unitary while the FAB is trying to establish a ministerial form of government in
Ferrer stressed that the government peace panel was certain that any agreement it entered into with the MILF does not in anyway violate the Constitution.
"That is why any agreement we can agreed upon will be subjected to democratic process and must pass the Philippine Congress," she explained.
The MNLF under Nur Misuari faction has been rattling against the Framework Agreement because of its belief that the government has abandoned the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.
While Misuari, who is wanted by Philippine authorities after the recent siege of
"We welcome the annex on power sharing, we welcome whatever agreement both sides could agree on," Sema was quoted as saying. He maintained that the government should also consider the MNLF in the peace talks with the MILF.
Both sides have the same objective of exercising its rights to self determination in southern
In expressing his opinion that the FAB is a violation to the Constitution, Sema said the idea of establishing ministerial form of government in Muslim Mindanao was first presented and discussed during the 1976 peace talks between the MNLF and
But Ferrer explained that Republic Act 9054 have so many loopholes that the FAB is addressing clearly and in accordance with existing Philippine laws.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595708
NPA leader killed in clash with government troops in Camarines Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): NPA leader killed in clash with government troops in Camarines Sur
A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed following a clash with government troops Tuesday inBarangay
Sinuknipan , Del
Solcom Commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said on Wednesday that joint troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion and 902nd Brigade were on security operations when about seven NPAs fired at them.
The NPA rebel killed during the five-minute firefight was identified as Rene Briones alias “Al,” “Singkit” and “Arjun.”
According to Lt. Gen. Ordoyo, the slain insurgent is believed to be a resident of Antipolo City, member of the Regional Special Operations Group and commanding officer-tactical leader of platoon “Baking” of the Regional “Yunit Gerilya” (guerrilla unit), Bicol Regional Party Committee.
He said the government troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a shotgun, seven cellphones, two laptop computers and two backpacks from the NPA rebels.
The Solcom commanding general also directed the troops to intensify their operations against the NPA communist insurgents.
He also encouraged the public to provide the military information on the rebels’ activities to finally put a stop to this economic and development saboteurs.
“We should not stop pursuing these NPA rebels until we can terminate their rampant hostilities and senseless armed struggle,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.
He however urged NPA rebels to lay down their arms, end their futile and lawless activities and be part of the developmental and peace initiatives of the government instead of fighting the government.
“May this incident send a stern message to the exploited NPA members who are still lurking up in the mountain as fighting the government with the use of violence that brings destruction to human lives and properties is not the right and moral thing to do,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595804
A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed following a clash with government troops Tuesday in
Solcom Commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said on Wednesday that joint troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion and 902nd Brigade were on security operations when about seven NPAs fired at them.
The NPA rebel killed during the five-minute firefight was identified as Rene Briones alias “Al,” “Singkit” and “Arjun.”
According to Lt. Gen. Ordoyo, the slain insurgent is believed to be a resident of Antipolo City, member of the Regional Special Operations Group and commanding officer-tactical leader of platoon “Baking” of the Regional “Yunit Gerilya” (guerrilla unit), Bicol Regional Party Committee.
He said the government troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a shotgun, seven cellphones, two laptop computers and two backpacks from the NPA rebels.
The Solcom commanding general also directed the troops to intensify their operations against the NPA communist insurgents.
He also encouraged the public to provide the military information on the rebels’ activities to finally put a stop to this economic and development saboteurs.
“We should not stop pursuing these NPA rebels until we can terminate their rampant hostilities and senseless armed struggle,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.
He however urged NPA rebels to lay down their arms, end their futile and lawless activities and be part of the developmental and peace initiatives of the government instead of fighting the government.
“May this incident send a stern message to the exploited NPA members who are still lurking up in the mountain as fighting the government with the use of violence that brings destruction to human lives and properties is not the right and moral thing to do,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595804
AFP chief breaks ground for Solcom’s driving range and 'Oplan Bayanihan'
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): AFP chief breaks ground for Solcom’s driving range and 'Oplan Bayanihan'
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista broke ground for the Camp Nakar Golf Driving Range site with military top brass of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Quezon local government officials and the Banahaw Golf Club affiliates here on Tuesday.
Officiating the launching pad for the Solcom’s “Oplan Bayanihan” here, General Bautista emphasized the AFP Bayanihan is a joint undertaking and close collaboration with various stakeholders in the society.
Bautista said the “bayanihan” (unity and cooperation) spirit thus values the participation and involvement of everyone to work together and achieve lasting peace and long term development.
The Solcom top officials also welcomed the Banahaw Golf Club (BGC) president Rolando Ramirez, Quezon 4th District Congresswoman Angelina Tan, Lucena City Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala and partners who graced the groundbreaking rites for what would be the first golf driving range cum “bayanihan” events arena in theprovince of Quezon
in Camp Nakar
Solcom commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo remarked that the driving range aims to create stronger ties among soldiers, civilians, golf enthusiasts and other stakeholders.
“Aside from sports and entertainment purposes, the site also provides an arena to forge social partnerships with the community, build network of stakeholders, strengthen rapport and good working collaboration among AFP partners,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.
The Solcom commander also eyed the driving range “as a place of convergence for the stakeholders for the Bayanihan projects especially as a fitting venue for fund-raising for noteworthy causes.”
Ordoyo added that the driving range will generate livelihood and provide additional source of income for the Solcom command where proceeds can be used to finance projects for small and remote communities within their area of responsibility.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595777
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista broke ground for the Camp Nakar Golf Driving Range site with military top brass of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Quezon local government officials and the Banahaw Golf Club affiliates here on Tuesday.
Officiating the launching pad for the Solcom’s “Oplan Bayanihan” here, General Bautista emphasized the AFP Bayanihan is a joint undertaking and close collaboration with various stakeholders in the society.
Bautista said the “bayanihan” (unity and cooperation) spirit thus values the participation and involvement of everyone to work together and achieve lasting peace and long term development.
The Solcom top officials also welcomed the Banahaw Golf Club (BGC) president Rolando Ramirez, Quezon 4th District Congresswoman Angelina Tan, Lucena City Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala and partners who graced the groundbreaking rites for what would be the first golf driving range cum “bayanihan” events arena in the
Solcom commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo remarked that the driving range aims to create stronger ties among soldiers, civilians, golf enthusiasts and other stakeholders.
“Aside from sports and entertainment purposes, the site also provides an arena to forge social partnerships with the community, build network of stakeholders, strengthen rapport and good working collaboration among AFP partners,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.
The Solcom commander also eyed the driving range “as a place of convergence for the stakeholders for the Bayanihan projects especially as a fitting venue for fund-raising for noteworthy causes.”
Ordoyo added that the driving range will generate livelihood and provide additional source of income for the Solcom command where proceeds can be used to finance projects for small and remote communities within their area of responsibility.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595777
Solcom sustains relief operations in Tacloban and Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Solcom sustains relief operations in Tacloban and Samar
The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) sustained disaster relief operations and humanitarian efforts to ease the plight of the super typhoon “Yolanda” victims by sending five 10-wheeler truckloads of assorted relief goods on Wednesday afternoon to the city’s Dalahican Port for shipment to the ravaged areas.
The relief goods were loaded on board a cargo vessel owned by Monte Claro Shipping Lines heading towards Samar andLeyte .
Solcom Commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said the continuing shipments were in addition to those distributed earlier with some 1,133 sacks of assorted goods, 1,117 sacks of used clothes and 415 boxes of bottled drinking water.
Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said the relief items and commodities represented the outpouring of donations by the various national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector, business entities, peoples’ organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).
The military command here also maintains the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Relief Operations (IAHRO) dubbed as “Task Force Kaagapay” to provide more focus and holistic approach to relief operations.
The task force engages all stakeholders in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Regions in providing assistance and extending help through the “bayanihan” spirit for the typhoon victims.
The command has already deployed more than 500 troops to augment other government teams who are already still conducting humanitarian aids in the areas.
The Solcom teams comprised the staff from Naval Forces for Southern Luzon Command (NFSL), Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG 5) and doctors, nurses and responders.
The service support personnel from 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army that make up Team Albay, Team Camarines Sur and Team Quezon were also deployed.
In the aftermath of the “Yolanda” twister, the Solcom 1st Special Forces Battalion and 565th Engineer and Construction Battalion were sent as first responders for the rescue, retrieval, relief and reconstruction operations.
Ordoyo also facilitated the deployment of the landing craft utility vessel BRP Tagbanua (AT 296), M/V Ursula, M/V Natasha, M/V Reyna Emmaculada, LCT Mailing and LCT Viva to augment shipment flows from theMatnog
Port in Sorsogon connecting to Allen, Samar .
The sea crafts eased up transport flow of relief goods and passengers from various part of Luzon to Leyte and Samar provinces inEastern
Visayas .
Lt. Gen. Ordoyo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their cooperation and support to the efforts of the Command and likewise lauded his troops for their active participation in the endeavor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595830
The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) sustained disaster relief operations and humanitarian efforts to ease the plight of the super typhoon “Yolanda” victims by sending five 10-wheeler truckloads of assorted relief goods on Wednesday afternoon to the city’s Dalahican Port for shipment to the ravaged areas.
The relief goods were loaded on board a cargo vessel owned by Monte Claro Shipping Lines heading towards Samar and
Solcom Commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said the continuing shipments were in addition to those distributed earlier with some 1,133 sacks of assorted goods, 1,117 sacks of used clothes and 415 boxes of bottled drinking water.
Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said the relief items and commodities represented the outpouring of donations by the various national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector, business entities, peoples’ organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).
The military command here also maintains the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Relief Operations (IAHRO) dubbed as “Task Force Kaagapay” to provide more focus and holistic approach to relief operations.
The task force engages all stakeholders in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Regions in providing assistance and extending help through the “bayanihan” spirit for the typhoon victims.
The command has already deployed more than 500 troops to augment other government teams who are already still conducting humanitarian aids in the areas.
The Solcom teams comprised the staff from Naval Forces for Southern Luzon Command (NFSL), Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG 5) and doctors, nurses and responders.
The service support personnel from 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army that make up Team Albay, Team Camarines Sur and Team Quezon were also deployed.
In the aftermath of the “Yolanda” twister, the Solcom 1st Special Forces Battalion and 565th Engineer and Construction Battalion were sent as first responders for the rescue, retrieval, relief and reconstruction operations.
Ordoyo also facilitated the deployment of the landing craft utility vessel BRP Tagbanua (AT 296), M/V Ursula, M/V Natasha, M/V Reyna Emmaculada, LCT Mailing and LCT Viva to augment shipment flows from the
The sea crafts eased up transport flow of relief goods and passengers from various part of Luzon to Leyte and Samar provinces in
Lt. Gen. Ordoyo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their cooperation and support to the efforts of the Command and likewise lauded his troops for their active participation in the endeavor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595830
MILF vows to punish men involved in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage incidents
From InterAksyon (Dec 11): MILF vows to punish men involved in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage incidents
MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday vowed to punish its commanders and fighters involved in hostage incidents, including the rescue of detained comrades in which they briefly held the chief of police of Marawi City.
"We have our mechanism of penalizing members who violate laws of the organization and the existing ceasefire agreement between us and the government," Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said. "I assure the government that the ceasefire mechanism is working on it and we will not allow any of our member to go unpunished if they commit violations."
On December 6, MILF fighters under the command of Abdulla Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, stormed the Marawi City police office to rescue three of their comrades and held hostage Superintendent Christopher Panapan.
The chief of police was later released unharmed.
Jaafar also said the MILF leadership is investigating its members who held 12 civilians hostage in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Five civilians remain captive in what local authorities believe is a “rido” or family feud.
The incidents took place even as the MILF and government negotiating panels were meeting in Kuala Lumpur where they signed the annex on power sharing for a proposed Bangsamoro homeland.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76633/milf-vows-to-punish-men-involved-in-lanao-norte-marawi-hostage-incidents
MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday vowed to punish its commanders and fighters involved in hostage incidents, including the rescue of detained comrades in which they briefly held the chief of police of Marawi City.
"We have our mechanism of penalizing members who violate laws of the organization and the existing ceasefire agreement between us and the government," Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said. "I assure the government that the ceasefire mechanism is working on it and we will not allow any of our member to go unpunished if they commit violations."
On December 6, MILF fighters under the command of Abdulla Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, stormed the Marawi City police office to rescue three of their comrades and held hostage Superintendent Christopher Panapan.
The chief of police was later released unharmed.
Jaafar also said the MILF leadership is investigating its members who held 12 civilians hostage in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Five civilians remain captive in what local authorities believe is a “rido” or family feud.
The incidents took place even as the MILF and government negotiating panels were meeting in Kuala Lumpur where they signed the annex on power sharing for a proposed Bangsamoro homeland.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76633/milf-vows-to-punish-men-involved-in-lanao-norte-marawi-hostage-incidents
11 officers take new posts in PNP rigodon
From InterAksyon (Dec 11): 11 officers take new posts in PNP rigodon
At least 11 senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were appointed to key positions following the mandatory retirement of four senior officers upon the recommendation of the Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB) and as approved by PNP chief Gen. Alan Purisima.
“The latest round of reorganization of officials occupying third level key positions was triggered by the recent retirement of erstwhile second in command, Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog, and three members of the PNP Directorial Staff,” said Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, head of the PNP’s Public Information Office.
Leading the promotion was Police Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., who was designated second in command of the PNP as the deputy chief for administration (DCA). He was former head of the PNP operations.
Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, former head of Directorial Staff, was named third in command as the deputy chief for operations (DCO).
Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. as fourth in command as the acting chief of directorial staff (TCDS). He was former head of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).
Purisima designated Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, former head of the Special Action Force (SAF), as acting NCRPO chief.
Purisima also named other senior police officials to new posts in the PNP Directorial Staff (D-Staff), Police Regional Office (PRO), and National Support Units (NSU).
They are Chief Supt. Jaime Morente, acting director for personnel and records Management (DPRM); Chief Supt. Charles Calima, acting director for intelIigence (DI); Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, acting director for human resource and doctrine development (DHRDD); Chief Supt. Ricardo Marquez, acting director for operations (DO); Police Director Franciso Uyami Jr., director for research and development (DRD); Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 6 in Western Visayas; and Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, acting regional director PRO Cordillera.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76640/11-officers-take-new-posts-in-pnp-rigodon
At least 11 senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were appointed to key positions following the mandatory retirement of four senior officers upon the recommendation of the Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB) and as approved by PNP chief Gen. Alan Purisima.
“The latest round of reorganization of officials occupying third level key positions was triggered by the recent retirement of erstwhile second in command, Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog, and three members of the PNP Directorial Staff,” said Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, head of the PNP’s Public Information Office.
Leading the promotion was Police Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., who was designated second in command of the PNP as the deputy chief for administration (DCA). He was former head of the PNP operations.
Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, former head of Directorial Staff, was named third in command as the deputy chief for operations (DCO).
Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. as fourth in command as the acting chief of directorial staff (TCDS). He was former head of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).
Purisima designated Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, former head of the Special Action Force (SAF), as acting NCRPO chief.
Purisima also named other senior police officials to new posts in the PNP Directorial Staff (D-Staff), Police Regional Office (PRO), and National Support Units (NSU).
They are Chief Supt. Jaime Morente, acting director for personnel and records Management (DPRM); Chief Supt. Charles Calima, acting director for intelIigence (DI); Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, acting director for human resource and doctrine development (DHRDD); Chief Supt. Ricardo Marquez, acting director for operations (DO); Police Director Franciso Uyami Jr., director for research and development (DRD); Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 6 in Western Visayas; and Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, acting regional director PRO Cordillera.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76640/11-officers-take-new-posts-in-pnp-rigodon
Misuari was never at OIC meeting, says DFA
From InterAksyon (Dec 11): Misuari was never at OIC meeting, says DFA
Contrary to the claims of the Moro National Liberation Front spokesman, MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari never showed up at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting at the Republic of Guinea in Africa, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
In a text message, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez debunked the claim of MNLF spokesman Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla that Misuari, who reportedly slipped out of the country Dec. 7, had proceeded to the meeting of the OIC, where the MNLF has a permanent observer status.
This week’s OIC meeting came amid repports that the Southern Philippines Peace Committee of the Islamic bloc had been pitching to Manila the holding of tripartite talks among OIC, the Philippine government and the MNLF in a bid to resolve the rupture created by the Misuari bloc’s involvement in the 21-day siege of Zamboanga City in September, that left hundreds killed and some 10,000 homes destroyed.
In debunking Fontanilla’s claim, Hernandez quoted the DFA representative at the OIC meeting, Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, as reporting that Misuari never attended the said meeting. "Usec Rafael Seguis just informed me that the OIC meetings are on their third and last day and [are] about to end with the adoption of resolutions and closing speeches," Hernandez said.
The MNLF seat was “vacant," Hernandez quoted Seguis reporting.
The DFA has alerted the Bureau of Immigration and the DFA’s foreign posts abroad about Misuari's cancelled passport, which makes it illegal for him to ttravel, or for anyone to assist him to exit the country.
A hold-departure order was imposed on Misuari since October, shortly after the three-week hostage standoff which he is accused of masterminding.
The MNLF founding chairman, who in 1996 signed a historic peace agreement with the Philippine government and then was elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has been charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity for the Zamboanga siege.
Earlier, Fontanilla claimed Misuari is in West Africa after being able to slip through the security forces' cordon in Mindanao and out of the so-called Southern Philippines' backdoor. He supposedly reached Sulawesi, Indonesia by sea then boarded a plane to the Middle East, where his family has supposedly gone.
The OIC sent Misuari a letter-invitation dated November 24 for him to attend the meeting as the "sole" representative of the MNLF. The Philippines has also been trying to apply for a similar status-- permanent observer-- in the conference, but the MNLF is said to be blocking this, saying there was "no need" for the country to be part of the influential Islamic bloc.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76648/misuari-was-never-at-oic-meeting-says-dfa
Contrary to the claims of the Moro National Liberation Front spokesman, MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari never showed up at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting at the Republic of Guinea in Africa, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
In a text message, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez debunked the claim of MNLF spokesman Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla that Misuari, who reportedly slipped out of the country Dec. 7, had proceeded to the meeting of the OIC, where the MNLF has a permanent observer status.
This week’s OIC meeting came amid repports that the Southern Philippines Peace Committee of the Islamic bloc had been pitching to Manila the holding of tripartite talks among OIC, the Philippine government and the MNLF in a bid to resolve the rupture created by the Misuari bloc’s involvement in the 21-day siege of Zamboanga City in September, that left hundreds killed and some 10,000 homes destroyed.
In debunking Fontanilla’s claim, Hernandez quoted the DFA representative at the OIC meeting, Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, as reporting that Misuari never attended the said meeting. "Usec Rafael Seguis just informed me that the OIC meetings are on their third and last day and [are] about to end with the adoption of resolutions and closing speeches," Hernandez said.
The MNLF seat was “vacant," Hernandez quoted Seguis reporting.
The DFA has alerted the Bureau of Immigration and the DFA’s foreign posts abroad about Misuari's cancelled passport, which makes it illegal for him to ttravel, or for anyone to assist him to exit the country.
A hold-departure order was imposed on Misuari since October, shortly after the three-week hostage standoff which he is accused of masterminding.
The MNLF founding chairman, who in 1996 signed a historic peace agreement with the Philippine government and then was elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has been charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity for the Zamboanga siege.
Earlier, Fontanilla claimed Misuari is in West Africa after being able to slip through the security forces' cordon in Mindanao and out of the so-called Southern Philippines' backdoor. He supposedly reached Sulawesi, Indonesia by sea then boarded a plane to the Middle East, where his family has supposedly gone.
The OIC sent Misuari a letter-invitation dated November 24 for him to attend the meeting as the "sole" representative of the MNLF. The Philippines has also been trying to apply for a similar status-- permanent observer-- in the conference, but the MNLF is said to be blocking this, saying there was "no need" for the country to be part of the influential Islamic bloc.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76648/misuari-was-never-at-oic-meeting-says-dfa
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Journos protest alleged lumber smuggling by soldiers in NCotabato
From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): Journos protest alleged lumber smuggling by soldiers in NCotabato
The 'coverage holiday' on all activities of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) being observed by Mindanao journalists has been continuing since last week, amid a lumber smuggling controversy hounding its rank-and-file personnel since last month.
The move by members of the media was triggered by a foiled attempt by soldiers to smuggle undocumented forest products about three weeks ago from a protected rainforest in Alamada town in North Cotabato.
Catholic priests and Protestant preachers were among the latest to have called on President Benigno Aquino III to immediately order an immediate overhaul of the 6th ID leadership, after many innocent soldiers complained of demoralization in their ranks as a result of the misbehavior of several colleagues.
Reverend Troy Cordero, leader of a Christian sect in Cotabato City, said he urged his followers to pray for the national government's intervention on the controversy.
"We're not antagonistic or confrontational about it. We just want the controversy resolved expeditiously because we already have so much problems brought about by the perennial flooding in many parts of Cotabato City. The rivers in Alamada flow down to the Liguasan Marsh, whose waters causes the frequent inundation of our barangays in Cotabato City during the rainy season," Cordero told reporters.
Local executives and religious leaders in North Cotabato have earlier called on Malacañang to immediately relieve 6th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, while investigations on the controversy are still underway.
Soldiers, led by an Army captain, were intercepted by members of the Alamada municipal police last month while transporting Lawaan lumbers from the municipality to somewhere in Central Mindanao using military trucks from Camp Siongco, the command base of 6th ID.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of 6th ID, said their local Board of Inquiry (BOI), and officials of the Philippine Army’s national headquarters have launched separate investigations on the issue, which sparked indignation from among local sectors in Central Mindanao, and various peace advocacy organizations and environmentalists.
“We cannot issue any statement yet on the issue pending the outcome of the investigations. We need to wait for results before we can issue an official statement. I hope the 6th ID’s temporary silence will not be negatively misconstrued,” Hermoso stated in a text message to reporters in Cotabato City.
Junior officers and enlisted personnel of the division have complained of having been shamed and demoralized by the involvement of their colleagues in smuggling of lumbers.
“How can those trucks leave the camp without blessing of senior 6th ID officials? So shameful, so embarrassing,” an insider, who asked not to be identified, said.
Reporters have been receiving text messages from members of the 6th ID, urging for a deeper probe on the controversy, which has caused demoralization in their ranks.
Two soldiers escorting the forest products policemen intercepted in Alamada had been shot and wounded for refusing to disarm.
Ambulo Bantugan, district officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in North Cotabato, confirmed that the lumbers seized from the soldiers were undocumented.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza earlier said she will ask the DENR office in Region 12 to allow the use of the impounded Lawaan flitches for school desks and chairs for public schools in the province.
Members of Central Mindanao’s media community said they will only resume their coverage of the 6th ID’s activities only after Gapuz had retired from the military service in April 2014, or if he gets relieved earlier than his retirement.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266421/journos-protest-alleged-lumber-smuggling-soldiers-ncotabato
The 'coverage holiday' on all activities of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) being observed by Mindanao journalists has been continuing since last week, amid a lumber smuggling controversy hounding its rank-and-file personnel since last month.
The move by members of the media was triggered by a foiled attempt by soldiers to smuggle undocumented forest products about three weeks ago from a protected rainforest in Alamada town in North Cotabato.
Catholic priests and Protestant preachers were among the latest to have called on President Benigno Aquino III to immediately order an immediate overhaul of the 6th ID leadership, after many innocent soldiers complained of demoralization in their ranks as a result of the misbehavior of several colleagues.
Reverend Troy Cordero, leader of a Christian sect in Cotabato City, said he urged his followers to pray for the national government's intervention on the controversy.
"We're not antagonistic or confrontational about it. We just want the controversy resolved expeditiously because we already have so much problems brought about by the perennial flooding in many parts of Cotabato City. The rivers in Alamada flow down to the Liguasan Marsh, whose waters causes the frequent inundation of our barangays in Cotabato City during the rainy season," Cordero told reporters.
Local executives and religious leaders in North Cotabato have earlier called on Malacañang to immediately relieve 6th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, while investigations on the controversy are still underway.
Soldiers, led by an Army captain, were intercepted by members of the Alamada municipal police last month while transporting Lawaan lumbers from the municipality to somewhere in Central Mindanao using military trucks from Camp Siongco, the command base of 6th ID.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of 6th ID, said their local Board of Inquiry (BOI), and officials of the Philippine Army’s national headquarters have launched separate investigations on the issue, which sparked indignation from among local sectors in Central Mindanao, and various peace advocacy organizations and environmentalists.
“We cannot issue any statement yet on the issue pending the outcome of the investigations. We need to wait for results before we can issue an official statement. I hope the 6th ID’s temporary silence will not be negatively misconstrued,” Hermoso stated in a text message to reporters in Cotabato City.
Junior officers and enlisted personnel of the division have complained of having been shamed and demoralized by the involvement of their colleagues in smuggling of lumbers.
“How can those trucks leave the camp without blessing of senior 6th ID officials? So shameful, so embarrassing,” an insider, who asked not to be identified, said.
Reporters have been receiving text messages from members of the 6th ID, urging for a deeper probe on the controversy, which has caused demoralization in their ranks.
Two soldiers escorting the forest products policemen intercepted in Alamada had been shot and wounded for refusing to disarm.
Ambulo Bantugan, district officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in North Cotabato, confirmed that the lumbers seized from the soldiers were undocumented.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza earlier said she will ask the DENR office in Region 12 to allow the use of the impounded Lawaan flitches for school desks and chairs for public schools in the province.
Members of Central Mindanao’s media community said they will only resume their coverage of the 6th ID’s activities only after Gapuz had retired from the military service in April 2014, or if he gets relieved earlier than his retirement.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266421/journos-protest-alleged-lumber-smuggling-soldiers-ncotabato
Police trace owners of guns in Zambo siege
From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): Police trace owners of guns in Zambo siege
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has traced owners of some of the firearms that its personnel recovered during the mopping up operations in the city after the three-week siege by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman and chief of the Firearms and Explosives Security Guards Section (FESAGS) of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said they have traced at least 5 owners of recovered firearms.
Huesca said the three of the owners are private individuals and the two other owners registered their firearms at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezo City.
He said the private individuals are residents of Pangasinan, Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte and Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and a security guard based in this city.
Security forces have recovered more than 300 firearms at the height of the siege and clearing operations after the three-week standoff in this city last September.
Huesca said that the police may get good leads in its ongoing investigation to determine the identities of the individuals involved in the siege, which was instigated by MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari.
Regional police director Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño has ordered the investigating team to also focus on the people who supported the MNLF in the siege, including those who may have funded and those who provided war materials to the rebel group.
The goverment has filed charges against nearly 300 MNLF rebels for the Zamboanga siege. Twelve of those charged, includingMisuari and Ustadz Habier Malik, remained at large.
There are claims that Misuari has already slipped out of the country and was attending the Organization of Islamic Conference meeting in West Africa.
The military and the police believe that Malik was among those killed by troops while attempting to recover the areas occupied by the MNLF rebels in the city.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266447/police-trace-owners-guns-zambo-siege
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has traced owners of some of the firearms that its personnel recovered during the mopping up operations in the city after the three-week siege by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman and chief of the Firearms and Explosives Security Guards Section (FESAGS) of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said they have traced at least 5 owners of recovered firearms.
Huesca said the three of the owners are private individuals and the two other owners registered their firearms at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezo City.
He said the private individuals are residents of Pangasinan, Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte and Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and a security guard based in this city.
Security forces have recovered more than 300 firearms at the height of the siege and clearing operations after the three-week standoff in this city last September.
Huesca said that the police may get good leads in its ongoing investigation to determine the identities of the individuals involved in the siege, which was instigated by MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari.
Regional police director Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño has ordered the investigating team to also focus on the people who supported the MNLF in the siege, including those who may have funded and those who provided war materials to the rebel group.
The goverment has filed charges against nearly 300 MNLF rebels for the Zamboanga siege. Twelve of those charged, includingMisuari and Ustadz Habier Malik, remained at large.
There are claims that Misuari has already slipped out of the country and was attending the Organization of Islamic Conference meeting in West Africa.
The military and the police believe that Malik was among those killed by troops while attempting to recover the areas occupied by the MNLF rebels in the city.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266447/police-trace-owners-guns-zambo-siege
Zambo siege was carried out by ‘misguided’ factions in MNLF – AFP official
From GMA News (Dec 10): Zambo siege was carried out by ‘misguided’ factions in MNLF – AFP official
A military spokesman said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is "not against" the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in general since the attack on Zamboanga City in September was carried out not by the whole group but by "misguided" factions led by the group's founding chairman Nur Misuari.
"We have a final peace agreement already with the MNLF and we are not against the MNLF... What happened in Zamboanga [was done by] factions of the MNLF, that they used violence to advance their goals which, to us, is unacceptable," said AFP information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on Tuesday.
"We believe that the MNLF still abides by the final peace agreement and that what happened in Zamboanga [was done] only [by] those misguided by Nur Misuari," he added.
Misuari and some of his men are wanted for the attack, which left over 200 people dead, most of them MNLF fighters.
Although not physically present during the attack, Misuari allegedly ordered the siege as he accused the government of disregarding them in the peace negotiations it is conducting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The rebels claimed last year's signing of a Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the government and the MILF sidelined the peace agreement the government signed with the MNLF in 1996.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/339199/news/nation/zambo-siege-was-carried-out-by-misguided-factions-in-mnlf-afp-official
A military spokesman said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is "not against" the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in general since the attack on Zamboanga City in September was carried out not by the whole group but by "misguided" factions led by the group's founding chairman Nur Misuari.
"We have a final peace agreement already with the MNLF and we are not against the MNLF... What happened in Zamboanga [was done by] factions of the MNLF, that they used violence to advance their goals which, to us, is unacceptable," said AFP information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on Tuesday.
"We believe that the MNLF still abides by the final peace agreement and that what happened in Zamboanga [was done] only [by] those misguided by Nur Misuari," he added.
Misuari and some of his men are wanted for the attack, which left over 200 people dead, most of them MNLF fighters.
Although not physically present during the attack, Misuari allegedly ordered the siege as he accused the government of disregarding them in the peace negotiations it is conducting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The rebels claimed last year's signing of a Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the government and the MILF sidelined the peace agreement the government signed with the MNLF in 1996.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/339199/news/nation/zambo-siege-was-carried-out-by-misguided-factions-in-mnlf-afp-official
Military offers reconciliation to MNLF-MG relatives, 3 months after Zambo City siege
From the Daily Tribune (Dec 10): Military offers reconciliation to MNLF-MG relatives, 3 months after Zambo City siege
Three months after the bloody, 20-day siege in Zamboanga City, the military has started reaching out to dependents of the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari Group (MNLF-MG) involved in the conflict that erupted last September, offering cash assistance.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the Army’s 104th Brigade, led by Col. Carlito Galvez, said that the move, launched in partnership with Nagdilaan Foundation, local government units and other stakeholders, was implemented in Basilan province recently.
Galvez said the military also engaged the relatives of the MNLF-MG involved in the Zamboanga City siege in a dialog.
“With the help of our partners, we were able to distribute foods and cash assistance to the dependents,” Galvez said.
“The families with great resentment against the military are beginning to open-up and approach and embrace the military and police as a sign of their gesture of appreciation to the dialog and healing activity,” he added.
The move is expected to be implemented in other areas where members and relatives of MNLF-MG reside.
Army 1st Infantry Division (ID) chief Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad ordered for the propagation of such activity to reach out to the dependents of other MNLF-MG members in other areas.
“Only through this effort that the MNLF-MG dependents understand what happened in Zamboanga City that took the lives of their loved ones. By acting in their predicaments, we will foster the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ (volunteerism), for the people and for the achievement of long lasting peace in this part of the Philippines,” said Trinidad.
Three months after the bloody siege, the military has yet to account for Nur Misuari, tagged as the brains behind the attack launched by his loyalists, led by Ustadz Habier Malik, whose fate also remained unknown. Both Misuari and Malik are now the subjects of arrest warrant.
While the government claimed that Malik was killed during the siege, it has offered no concrete proof to back up such claim.
On the other hand, Misuari has continuously evade arrest and the MNLF-Misuari faction claims he will be attending the ongoing foreign minister meeting of the powerful Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which invited Misuari in the meet in Conakry, republic of Guinea in Africa.
Misuari is recognized by OIC as representative of the MNLF which holds a permanent observer status in the powerful group of Muslim states worldwide.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-offers-reconciliation-to-mnlf-mg-relatives-3-months-after-zambo-city-seige
Three months after the bloody, 20-day siege in Zamboanga City, the military has started reaching out to dependents of the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari Group (MNLF-MG) involved in the conflict that erupted last September, offering cash assistance.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the Army’s 104th Brigade, led by Col. Carlito Galvez, said that the move, launched in partnership with Nagdilaan Foundation, local government units and other stakeholders, was implemented in Basilan province recently.
Galvez said the military also engaged the relatives of the MNLF-MG involved in the Zamboanga City siege in a dialog.
“With the help of our partners, we were able to distribute foods and cash assistance to the dependents,” Galvez said.
“The families with great resentment against the military are beginning to open-up and approach and embrace the military and police as a sign of their gesture of appreciation to the dialog and healing activity,” he added.
The move is expected to be implemented in other areas where members and relatives of MNLF-MG reside.
Army 1st Infantry Division (ID) chief Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad ordered for the propagation of such activity to reach out to the dependents of other MNLF-MG members in other areas.
“Only through this effort that the MNLF-MG dependents understand what happened in Zamboanga City that took the lives of their loved ones. By acting in their predicaments, we will foster the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ (volunteerism), for the people and for the achievement of long lasting peace in this part of the Philippines,” said Trinidad.
Three months after the bloody siege, the military has yet to account for Nur Misuari, tagged as the brains behind the attack launched by his loyalists, led by Ustadz Habier Malik, whose fate also remained unknown. Both Misuari and Malik are now the subjects of arrest warrant.
While the government claimed that Malik was killed during the siege, it has offered no concrete proof to back up such claim.
On the other hand, Misuari has continuously evade arrest and the MNLF-Misuari faction claims he will be attending the ongoing foreign minister meeting of the powerful Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which invited Misuari in the meet in Conakry, republic of Guinea in Africa.
Misuari is recognized by OIC as representative of the MNLF which holds a permanent observer status in the powerful group of Muslim states worldwide.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-offers-reconciliation-to-mnlf-mg-relatives-3-months-after-zambo-city-seige
MNLF threatens new attacks
From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): MNLF threatens new attacks
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is threatening to launch new attacks in Mindanao following the signing of the annex on power sharing in the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza issued the warning yesterday a day after the government and the MILF signed the deal in Kuala Lumpur.
“Certainly, that would lead to another war. They can sign everything. If they want to continue, then let the war continue,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza pointed out that the signing of the annex on the power sharing agreement further convinced the group to pursue its desire for a separate and independent state in Mindanao.
The government is moving to downplay the influence of Nur Misuari over the MNLF by declaring that the group is divided into three factions.
As this developed, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles has reportedly asked the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the exclusion of Misuari as MNLF representative to the scheduled tripartite meeting in Indonesia next year.
The tripartite meeting between the government, the MNLF and the OIC is aimed at updating parties and the international community on the progress of the 1996 Peace Agreement that the government signed with the MNLF.
Cervesa also claimed that Malacañang was also asking the OIC not to recognize the founding chairman of the MNLF because he is a fugitive.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dared Misuari yesterday to come out in the open to prove his innocence on the charges of rebellion and other related crimes.
“A warrant has been issued against him and if he is innocent, he should come out and prove his innocence,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
The AFP maintains that Misuari – contrary to reports that he has left the country and is now in hiding in the Middle East with his family – is actually holed up in Talipao, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/13/mnlf-threatens-new-attacks
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is threatening to launch new attacks in Mindanao following the signing of the annex on power sharing in the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza issued the warning yesterday a day after the government and the MILF signed the deal in Kuala Lumpur.
“Certainly, that would lead to another war. They can sign everything. If they want to continue, then let the war continue,” Cerveza said.
Cerveza pointed out that the signing of the annex on the power sharing agreement further convinced the group to pursue its desire for a separate and independent state in Mindanao.
The government is moving to downplay the influence of Nur Misuari over the MNLF by declaring that the group is divided into three factions.
As this developed, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles has reportedly asked the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the exclusion of Misuari as MNLF representative to the scheduled tripartite meeting in Indonesia next year.
The tripartite meeting between the government, the MNLF and the OIC is aimed at updating parties and the international community on the progress of the 1996 Peace Agreement that the government signed with the MNLF.
Cervesa also claimed that Malacañang was also asking the OIC not to recognize the founding chairman of the MNLF because he is a fugitive.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dared Misuari yesterday to come out in the open to prove his innocence on the charges of rebellion and other related crimes.
“A warrant has been issued against him and if he is innocent, he should come out and prove his innocence,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
The AFP maintains that Misuari – contrary to reports that he has left the country and is now in hiding in the Middle East with his family – is actually holed up in Talipao, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/13/mnlf-threatens-new-attacks
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