From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 31): NPA raiders kill civilian, wound cop in Sorsogon
Sorsogon City — Around 10 heavily-armed rebels attacked a police detachment at the junction in Barangay Cabid-an, here, the other night, resulting in the wounding of a police officer and the killing of a civilian caught in the crossfire.
Senior Superintendent Victor Deona, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) director, blamed the attack on the New People’s Army (NPA) and lauded elements of the Sorsogon City Police Office (CPO) manning the motorist assistance center for putting up a fight.
Deona said the firefight lasted 30 minutes as augmentation forces from the military and the CPO came to the aid of the only two policemen defending the police outpost – Police Officer 3 Ronel Diesta and PO1 Noly Lagsit.
The attack turned into a running gunbattle and, at one point, the rebels grabbed a passerby to use him as a human shield.
Inspector Arne Oliquiano of the city police identified the civilian as Henry Orbina of Salvacion, Irosin town, and a worker at Saints Peter Paul Corporation in Barangay Cabid-an.
Orbina, who was hit in the back and legs during the encounter, died and was later taken to the Funeraria Labalan.
Oliquiano said one Police Officer 2 Jovit Liwanag was seriously wounded in the fierce gunbattle.
During the pursuit, the rebels entered the compound of a certain Ferdinand Tan, keeping police at bay and then fleeing in different directions.
A crisis management team has been activated to quell any more attempts of a takeover of police, military or government installations in the city.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-raiders-kill-civilian-wound-cop-in-sorsogon/
Friday, January 31, 2014
BIFF fight widens; MILF, MNLF friends, kin join; gov’t forces engaged for 5th day
From Malaya (Jan 31): BIFF fight widens; MILF, MNLF friends, kin join; gov’t forces engaged for 5th day
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/biff-fight-widens-milf-mnlf-friends-kin-join-gov%E2%80%99t-forces-engaged-5th-day
FIGHTING between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao continued for the fifth day yesterday, with fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front aiding the BIFF.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the involvement of some MILF and MNLF men in the fighting is not sanctioned by the leaders of the two groups.
He said these MILF and MNLF members are fighting government troops merely “reinforced” their relatives in the BIFF.
“They’re (BIFF men) only about 100 but they are reinforced by their relatives from other armed groups when you engage them,” he said.
“This is an independent action by these people. It’s not an institutional action; (they joined) because they have relatives in the BIFF,” he added.
The MILF is engaged in peace talks with government. The MNLF signed a peace pact with government in 1996 but some of the members later left the group and formed the MILF. The 300-strong BIFF is headed a former MILF commander who is opposed to the peace negotiations between government and the MILF.
Hermoso, asked how many MILF and MNLF fighters have aided the BIFF, said they are a few because most of them “do not want to subscribe with the BIFF.”
Hermoso also said fighting is dragging because troops are unfamiliar with the terrain and because of the presence of civilians in the area.
He said the target is to finish the operation by Saturday.
As of yesterday, there were sporadic firefights in barangays Bakat and Ganta, both in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town, and barangay Damablas in Datu Piang town.
“We’re pursuing them and they splintered into smaller groups. As of now, there is sporadic fighting. They (BIFF men) are still there,” he said.
The fighting broke out last Sunday in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao when government forces launched law enforcement operations against BIFF members for atrocities.
The military cleared the operations with MILF because the areas of operations are near MILF communities.
Hermoso said the military would continue with the operations “because the MILF itself requested to finish off the BIFF so that they would have no problem later on.”
He also said there is no need to deploy additional forces in Maguindanao because there are enough operating troops. Three Army battalions are directly involved in the campaign and other units are playing a support role, he said.
Around 40 BIFF men, including child warriors, have been killed since Sunday while 12 others were wounded. On the government side, a soldier has died and 13 others were wounded.
Miriam Cornel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel in the peace talks with the MILF, urged BIFF members to lay down their arms and be part of the peace process.
“We ask them (BIFF) to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she said.
She said local government officials are ready to receive BIFF men who would want to participate in programs under the peace agreement. She said the BIFF could also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF.
She also said relief provisions have been on standby for those temporarily displaced.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/biff-fight-widens-milf-mnlf-friends-kin-join-gov%E2%80%99t-forces-engaged-5th-day
'A PROVOCATIVE ACT' | US warns China over reported plans for 'air defense zone' over South China Sea
From InterAksyon (Feb 1): 'A PROVOCATIVE ACT' | US warns China over reported plans for 'air defense zone' over South China Sea
The United States warned China on Friday against any move to declare a new air defense zone over parts of the South China Sea including disputed islands.
The Asahi Shimbun daily of Japan reported that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for the next Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that could place the Paracel Islands at its core.
Any such move would be seen "as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China's commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. She stressed, however, that the reports were "unconfirmed" at this time.
Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.
Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.
"We've made very clear that parties must refrain from announcing an ADIZ or any other administrative regulation restraining activity of others in disputed territories, and we would of course urge China not to do so," Harf added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79877/a-provocative-act--us-warns-china-over-reported-plans-for-air-defense-zone-over-south-china-sea
The United States warned China on Friday against any move to declare a new air defense zone over parts of the South China Sea including disputed islands.
The Asahi Shimbun daily of Japan reported that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for the next Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that could place the Paracel Islands at its core.
Any such move would be seen "as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China's commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. She stressed, however, that the reports were "unconfirmed" at this time.
Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.
Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.
"We've made very clear that parties must refrain from announcing an ADIZ or any other administrative regulation restraining activity of others in disputed territories, and we would of course urge China not to do so," Harf added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79877/a-provocative-act--us-warns-china-over-reported-plans-for-air-defense-zone-over-south-china-sea
Government forces scale down attack against BIFF guerrillas
From the Business Mirror (Jan 31): Government forces scale down attack against BIFF guerrillas
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/26812-government-forces-scale-down-attack-against-biff-guerrillas
THE military-backed police operations against guerrillas belonging to a Moro rebel breakaway faction have been scaled down to clearing operations, a military official said on Friday.
However, the military operations have already resulted in the killing of at least 52 guerrillas, 19 of them already identified, said Maj. Dante Gania, public-affairs officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
On the side of the government, the casualty remained at 13 wounded and one killed.
Gania said the law-enforcement operations or the serving of the warrants of arrest against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIIF) who were allegedly involved in the beheading of two civilians and the attack of a village in Pikit, North Cotabato, in September last year are continuing.
“The clearing operations are still ongoing, we are still serving the warrants,” he said.
Gania said the clearing operations are concentrated in several barangays in the towns of Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Datu Piang and Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.
Several barangays in the three towns, including Ganta and Bakat in Shariff Saidon Mustapha, were the scene of heavy fighting during the past days that saw the guerrillas using homemade bombs and mortars against the soldiers.
The soldiers, on the other hand, captured the BIFF’s headquarters, as well as training and bomb-making facilities.
“This is a good development, because it will definitely lessen the threat of the BIFF guerillas to use improvised explosive devices,” Gania said.
He said that among those that were recovered from the BIFF’s bomb-making facility were old mortar shells and rounds of rocket-propelled grenades.
Because of the fighting, at least 7,000 affected residents remained in evacuation centers and their needs are being taken care of by members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said 13 of the dead BIFF members were minors.
“They were child fighters because they were in fatigue uniforms with BIFF markings and possessing firearms,” Hermoso said.
He said the guerrillas are now contained in Barangay Ganta and manifested limited resistance during the offensive.
An Army source said the remaining BIFF members are expected to surrender owing to lack of ammunition, manpower and food supplies, “because the Army contained them in an isolated community in the marshland.”
“Hopefully, with this development, the fighting will die down and the internally displaced persons may return home,” Hermoso said.
But Abu Misry Mama, speaking for the BIFF, maintained the breakaway group sustained only four fatalities, whom he called “martyrs.”
“Our stance remains, we will fight to the last drop of our blood in defense of our rights,” Mama said in a telephone interview.
Hermoso admitted not among the 20 BIFF members with warrants of arrest have been arrested, as the process of presenting the legal documents to individual persons was hampered by BIFF’s violent reaction.
Hermoso hinted that the Army might stop the offensive in a day or two.
Hermoso said the Army also alerted local governments in communities and towns outside the Maguindanao marshland which, traditionally, are being targeted by BIFF for diversionary attacks.
“The troops in the cities and provinces around the marshland are already on alert since Day One because our experience in the past showed that the BIFF carries out diversionary tactics to ease the heat in Maguindanao,” Hermoso said, adding, “we are pretty well aware of that, and we are ready.”
The fighting in Maguindanao came a day after the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed the final annex of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, which the BIFF strongly opposed.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/26812-government-forces-scale-down-attack-against-biff-guerrillas
Maguindanao supports call for BIFF to join peace process actively
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Maguindanao supports call for BIFF to join peace process actively
Political leaders and residents of Maguindanao are supporting the call of the government peace panel for the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to take an active part in theMindanao peace
process, officials said Friday.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said there is no other local government in the country that desires for peace than Maguindanao and its people.
Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel negotiating peace with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in an emailed statement Thursday said that the BIFF can be effective in the quest for peace if it joins with the process through diplomatic means and not through violence.
“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” Ferrer said.
Mangudadatu said it is also important for the MILF to use its influence to bring back the BIFF to the mainstream and help build a community of peaceful loving citizens that resolve issues through the negotiating table and not through the barrel of guns.
Due to ideological differences, BIFF founding chair Omra Ameril Kato broke away from the MILF in 2008 following the botched signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD)
"I believe that there is still a possibility that Kato and the MILF can reconcile and pursue common good of the Moro people," Mangudadatu said.
“If the status quo remains, it’s the civilians that suffer the brunt of conflict happening now," he added.
The provincial governor also said that he is certain Muslim religious leaders in the ranks of the MILF can convince the BIFF to change its course and toe the line the MILF took toward achieving peace in the island.
Mangudadatu added that most, if not all of those directly affected by the armed conflict in Maguindanao, are either relatives, wives and children of MILF or BIFF fighters.
"It pains me to see our people dislocated, get hungry and live in a very unhealthy condition in evacuation sites," he said.
Believing in the sincerity of both panels, Mangudadatu said he see no reason why conflict should still happen in the province when, all but the BIFF, are supportive of it.
“Maguindanao political leaders are hoping that sectors opposed to the peace process will gradually realize that the so-called `Moro issue’ can never be resolved through an armed uprising, for conflicts will only make Moro communities become poorer and poorer,” Mangudadatu said at a news conference.
Mangudadatu is worried the recent conflict will again destroy the socioeconomic programs his administration has envisioned and started to implement in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities.
"These programs are for our people. But how can they benefit from it if armed conflict continues," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=611529
Political leaders and residents of Maguindanao are supporting the call of the government peace panel for the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to take an active part in the
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said there is no other local government in the country that desires for peace than Maguindanao and its people.
Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel negotiating peace with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in an emailed statement Thursday said that the BIFF can be effective in the quest for peace if it joins with the process through diplomatic means and not through violence.
“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” Ferrer said.
Mangudadatu said it is also important for the MILF to use its influence to bring back the BIFF to the mainstream and help build a community of peaceful loving citizens that resolve issues through the negotiating table and not through the barrel of guns.
Due to ideological differences, BIFF founding chair Omra Ameril Kato broke away from the MILF in 2008 following the botched signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD)
"I believe that there is still a possibility that Kato and the MILF can reconcile and pursue common good of the Moro people," Mangudadatu said.
“If the status quo remains, it’s the civilians that suffer the brunt of conflict happening now," he added.
The provincial governor also said that he is certain Muslim religious leaders in the ranks of the MILF can convince the BIFF to change its course and toe the line the MILF took toward achieving peace in the island.
Mangudadatu added that most, if not all of those directly affected by the armed conflict in Maguindanao, are either relatives, wives and children of MILF or BIFF fighters.
"It pains me to see our people dislocated, get hungry and live in a very unhealthy condition in evacuation sites," he said.
Believing in the sincerity of both panels, Mangudadatu said he see no reason why conflict should still happen in the province when, all but the BIFF, are supportive of it.
“Maguindanao political leaders are hoping that sectors opposed to the peace process will gradually realize that the so-called `Moro issue’ can never be resolved through an armed uprising, for conflicts will only make Moro communities become poorer and poorer,” Mangudadatu said at a news conference.
Mangudadatu is worried the recent conflict will again destroy the socioeconomic programs his administration has envisioned and started to implement in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities.
"These programs are for our people. But how can they benefit from it if armed conflict continues," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=611529
Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30): Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says
The ongoing military operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) inCentral Mindanao are aimed
at degrading the fighting capability of the breakaway rebel group which has
repeatedly harassed government forces and civilian communities the past nine
months.
This is the press statement of Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), regarding the military action launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the BIFF in the towns of Datu Piang, Sharif Saydona, Sultan sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao and in Pikit,North
Cotabato .
Ferrer said “the MILF is assisting in the operations by helping the government contain the movements of the BIFF.”
The AFP launched a punitive action last Monday or two days after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF signed in Kuala Lumpur the historic Annex on Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters that would pave the way for the signing of a peace agreement and put an end to the more than four decades of fighting in southern Philippines.
The fighting was on its fourth day Thursday.
“Over the last nine months, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) repeatedly harassed our soldiers and terrorized local communities,” Ferrer said.
She also said the BIFF “planted roadside bombs, sniped at our soldiers, took school teachers as hostages, and in one instance, even beheaded a civilian captive.”
“A few days ago, in the midst of the fighting, they commandeered a private vehicle and forcibly used it as a roadblock,” Ferrer said.
“The ongoing military operations are geared at degrading the BIFF’s capability to continue to cause harm to the government forces, civilians and the peace process,” Ferrer pointed out defending the action undertaken by the AFP.
Prior to the operations, the safety ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and the MILF have ensured the safety of civilians in surrounding areas.
Ferrer also said the government has readied relief provisions to meet the basic needs of those who have been temporarily displaced.
At the same time, he said “government and the MILF have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the operations will not spill over to involve MILF combatants or cause unnecessary or prolonged hardship to civilians.”
Ferrer also called on the members and the leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the peace process that would end the decades of war inMindanao .
“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she echoed.
Ferrer said “local government officials are ready to receive those who would like to silence their guns and participate in the different programs we will be undertaking as part of the implementation of the peace agreements.”
“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives,” she said, adding that “these and other avenues are open for those among the BIFF who are ready to join us in our peace efforts.”
The ongoing fighting has killed 40 BIFF rebels while government forces suffered one killed in action and 13 wounded during the past four days.
The AFP has denounced the BIFF for recruiting child warriors which is prohibited by the United Nations (UN).
Reports said some of the slain BIFF were young children aged 14 to 17 years.
The military operation has resulted in the capture of three BIFF strongholds during the past four days.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611264
The ongoing military operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in
This is the press statement of Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), regarding the military action launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the BIFF in the towns of Datu Piang, Sharif Saydona, Sultan sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao and in Pikit,
Ferrer said “the MILF is assisting in the operations by helping the government contain the movements of the BIFF.”
The AFP launched a punitive action last Monday or two days after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF signed in Kuala Lumpur the historic Annex on Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters that would pave the way for the signing of a peace agreement and put an end to the more than four decades of fighting in southern Philippines.
The fighting was on its fourth day Thursday.
“Over the last nine months, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) repeatedly harassed our soldiers and terrorized local communities,” Ferrer said.
She also said the BIFF “planted roadside bombs, sniped at our soldiers, took school teachers as hostages, and in one instance, even beheaded a civilian captive.”
“A few days ago, in the midst of the fighting, they commandeered a private vehicle and forcibly used it as a roadblock,” Ferrer said.
“The ongoing military operations are geared at degrading the BIFF’s capability to continue to cause harm to the government forces, civilians and the peace process,” Ferrer pointed out defending the action undertaken by the AFP.
Prior to the operations, the safety ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and the MILF have ensured the safety of civilians in surrounding areas.
Ferrer also said the government has readied relief provisions to meet the basic needs of those who have been temporarily displaced.
At the same time, he said “government and the MILF have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the operations will not spill over to involve MILF combatants or cause unnecessary or prolonged hardship to civilians.”
Ferrer also called on the members and the leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the peace process that would end the decades of war in
“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she echoed.
Ferrer said “local government officials are ready to receive those who would like to silence their guns and participate in the different programs we will be undertaking as part of the implementation of the peace agreements.”
“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives,” she said, adding that “these and other avenues are open for those among the BIFF who are ready to join us in our peace efforts.”
The ongoing fighting has killed 40 BIFF rebels while government forces suffered one killed in action and 13 wounded during the past four days.
The AFP has denounced the BIFF for recruiting child warriors which is prohibited by the United Nations (UN).
Reports said some of the slain BIFF were young children aged 14 to 17 years.
The military operation has resulted in the capture of three BIFF strongholds during the past four days.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611264
DSWD supports peace-building efforts through livelihoods
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): DSWD supports peace-building efforts through livelihoods
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said Friday that it recently conducted a Program Review and Evaluation Workshop for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the national government.
According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, PAMANA is the Philippine government’s program and framework for peace and development.
“It focuses on providing development interventions in hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected communities,” Soliman explained.
Under the PAMANA project, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is tasked to implement the livelihood component of PAMANA’s development interventions.
It aim is to increase people’s participation in identifying community development projects that will lead to economic empowerment.
Based on DSWD’s record, in 2013, the PAMANA-SLP program has identified 470 barangays located in 19 municipalities in eight provinces and in one chartered city in Eastern Visayas,Zamboanga Peninsula , Northern Mindanao ,
SoCCSKSarGen and the CARAGA Region.
Each of these 470 barangays was granted with P300,000 pesos each for their community identified livelihood projects that hopes to benefit some 962,568 individuals.
For this year each barangay will be again granted with P300,000 pesos as additional assistance and continuous support for their existing livelihood projects that benefits the indigents in the barangay.
According to Roy Serdana, Regional Project Coordinator of SLP CARAGA, the fund will definitely help jumpstart the rebuilding of the livelihoods of the people like those recently affected by tropical depression ‘Agaton’.
Under also the said project, the people in the barangay will directly benefit since the livelihood projects are really intended for their use.
Mary Grace Yap, Social Welfare Assistant and MIAC member from Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, cited that they had identified solar dryers as the equipment commonly needed for their livelihood projects.
Yap explained that the solar dryers had
benefited the farmers there since the main products of the said farmers there
were rice and corn.
She added that for those barangays who already have solar dryers had opted to propose construction of post-harvest facilities such as warehouses to store palay that will serve as protective area during the rainy season.
Leonardito Plaza
“These projects had helped the people to save up on feeds and in paying rent for private owners’ solar dryers. The community can share in the use of these facilities and thus help them in saving money,” Plaza added.
Among those who attended the program review and workshop held last Jan. 23-25 were representatives from the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program National and Regional Project Management Offices, OPAPP officials and Regional Managers, and Multi-Inter Agency Councils of the concerned local government units.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611379
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said Friday that it recently conducted a Program Review and Evaluation Workshop for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the national government.
According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, PAMANA is the Philippine government’s program and framework for peace and development.
“It focuses on providing development interventions in hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected communities,” Soliman explained.
Under the PAMANA project, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is tasked to implement the livelihood component of PAMANA’s development interventions.
It aim is to increase people’s participation in identifying community development projects that will lead to economic empowerment.
Based on DSWD’s record, in 2013, the PAMANA-SLP program has identified 470 barangays located in 19 municipalities in eight provinces and in one chartered city in Eastern Visayas,
Each of these 470 barangays was granted with P300,000 pesos each for their community identified livelihood projects that hopes to benefit some 962,568 individuals.
For this year each barangay will be again granted with P300,000 pesos as additional assistance and continuous support for their existing livelihood projects that benefits the indigents in the barangay.
According to Roy Serdana, Regional Project Coordinator of SLP CARAGA, the fund will definitely help jumpstart the rebuilding of the livelihoods of the people like those recently affected by tropical depression ‘Agaton’.
Under also the said project, the people in the barangay will directly benefit since the livelihood projects are really intended for their use.
Mary Grace Yap, Social Welfare Assistant and MIAC member from Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, cited that they had identified solar dryers as the equipment commonly needed for their livelihood projects.
She added that for those barangays who already have solar dryers had opted to propose construction of post-harvest facilities such as warehouses to store palay that will serve as protective area during the rainy season.
“These projects had helped the people to save up on feeds and in paying rent for private owners’ solar dryers. The community can share in the use of these facilities and thus help them in saving money,” Plaza added.
Among those who attended the program review and workshop held last Jan. 23-25 were representatives from the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program National and Regional Project Management Offices, OPAPP officials and Regional Managers, and Multi-Inter Agency Councils of the concerned local government units.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611379
8th Infantry Division helps in 30 medical missions for 'Yolanda' stricken areas
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): 8th Infantry Division helps in 30 medical missions for 'Yolanda' stricken areas
The Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division on Friday announced its participation in 30 medical missions for the victims of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" inEastern Samar .
These series of activities is ongoing since the typhoon struck last Nov. 8 with the help of various foreign and local relief agencies.
Around 5,000 people benefited from these medical missions.
Relatedly, the 8th Infantry Division has also assisted Task Force Cadaver in the recovery of 2,485 bodies.
The unit also helped in the distribution and transportation of 3,334,110 family food packs, 173,566 sacks of rice and 532,286 liters of water.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611356
The Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division on Friday announced its participation in 30 medical missions for the victims of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in
These series of activities is ongoing since the typhoon struck last Nov. 8 with the help of various foreign and local relief agencies.
Around 5,000 people benefited from these medical missions.
Relatedly, the 8th Infantry Division has also assisted Task Force Cadaver in the recovery of 2,485 bodies.
The unit also helped in the distribution and transportation of 3,334,110 family food packs, 173,566 sacks of rice and 532,286 liters of water.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611356
Concerned civilian foils NPA landmining attempt in Tagum-Mati highway
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Concerned civilian foils NPA landmining attempt in Tagum-Mati highway
A concerned civilian has preempted a New People's Army (NPA) landmining attempt in the Tagum-Mati highway in Davao Del Norte Thursday morning.
1st Lt. Vilma Mojado, 1st Communication Information Company commander, said the civilian, those identity was withheld for security reasons, spotted the electrical wires connecting to the land mine around 8:45 a.m.
She said that the civilian immediately sought the assistance of troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade who at that moment was passing by.
Mojado said the troopers immediately secured and cordoned the area so that civilian motorists passing by the highway will not be in danger.
The troops confirmed that the object was a landmine after checking it.
Explosive ordnance disposal teams recovered and disarmed the landmine along with 100 meters electrical wire around 11 a.m.
Col. Angelito M. De Leon, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, scored these attempts by the NPAs, saying that these are acts of dying and desperate movement.
“The NPAs do not think of the dangers posed by their landmines on innocent civilian motorists traveling a busy highway. They were blatantly violating the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law banning the user of landmines of which the National Democratic Front is a signatory," he added.
DeLeon
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611361
A concerned civilian has preempted a New People's Army (NPA) landmining attempt in the Tagum-Mati highway in Davao Del Norte Thursday morning.
1st Lt. Vilma Mojado, 1st Communication Information Company commander, said the civilian, those identity was withheld for security reasons, spotted the electrical wires connecting to the land mine around 8:45 a.m.
She said that the civilian immediately sought the assistance of troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade who at that moment was passing by.
Mojado said the troopers immediately secured and cordoned the area so that civilian motorists passing by the highway will not be in danger.
The troops confirmed that the object was a landmine after checking it.
Explosive ordnance disposal teams recovered and disarmed the landmine along with 100 meters electrical wire around 11 a.m.
Col. Angelito M. De Leon, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, scored these attempts by the NPAs, saying that these are acts of dying and desperate movement.
“The NPAs do not think of the dangers posed by their landmines on innocent civilian motorists traveling a busy highway. They were blatantly violating the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law banning the user of landmines of which the National Democratic Front is a signatory," he added.
De
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611361
Pilot, flight crew pool for PAF attack AW-109s identified
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Pilot, flight crew pool for PAF attack AW-109s identified
In line with its efforts to upgrade its capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has already identified the pilots and flight crews which will be manning the eight attack versions of AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters.
An initial two are expected to be delivered within the year.
"Two units will be delivered by 2014 and (by) 2015 (the remaining) six units will be delivered. As per signed contract, two units will be delivered 365 days upon LC (letter of credit) opening," PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said.
He added that the pilots and flight crew who will man the brand-new aircraft have already been identified.
"Pilot(s) and (flight) crew (are now) identified, however, date for training is TBDL (to be determined later)," Okol stressed.
ThePhilippines
Earlier, Department of National Defense undersecretary for finance, modernization, installation and munitions Fernando Manalo said the decision to acquire the AW-109s for both the Navy and Air Force was done to greatly ease the maintenance, training, and acquisition of spare parts
Aside from this, having both services operated the same helicopter would mean that the only type of simulator will be acquired for training of its flight crew.
"Having the two services operate the AW-109s means that we will just operate one type of aircraft which will greatly ease our maintenance, training and logistic procedures," he pointed out.
Manalo said that the only difference between the Navy and Air Force AW-109s is that the latter version is armed with .50 caliber machines and rocket launchers.
"But we can also arm the Navy AW-109s if needed," the DND undersecretary said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611375
In line with its efforts to upgrade its capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has already identified the pilots and flight crews which will be manning the eight attack versions of AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters.
An initial two are expected to be delivered within the year.
"Two units will be delivered by 2014 and (by) 2015 (the remaining) six units will be delivered. As per signed contract, two units will be delivered 365 days upon LC (letter of credit) opening," PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said.
He added that the pilots and flight crew who will man the brand-new aircraft have already been identified.
"Pilot(s) and (flight) crew (are now) identified, however, date for training is TBDL (to be determined later)," Okol stressed.
The
Earlier, Department of National Defense undersecretary for finance, modernization, installation and munitions Fernando Manalo said the decision to acquire the AW-109s for both the Navy and Air Force was done to greatly ease the maintenance, training, and acquisition of spare parts
Aside from this, having both services operated the same helicopter would mean that the only type of simulator will be acquired for training of its flight crew.
"Having the two services operate the AW-109s means that we will just operate one type of aircraft which will greatly ease our maintenance, training and logistic procedures," he pointed out.
Manalo said that the only difference between the Navy and Air Force AW-109s is that the latter version is armed with .50 caliber machines and rocket launchers.
"But we can also arm the Navy AW-109s if needed," the DND undersecretary said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611375
1 rebel killed, police officer hurt in Sorsogon City encounter
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): 1 rebel killed, police officer hurt in Sorsogon City encounter
A New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed while a police officer was hurt during an encounter in Barangay Cabidan-an,Sorsogon City
Col. Joselito Kakilala, chief of the Philippine Army's 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the fallen rebel was one of the five NPA fighters who earlier took hostage five civilians in an attempt to foil pursuing soldiers.
He said the government troops were directed to ensure that there were no civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.
Earlier, the NPAs attempted to overrun a police security checkpoint in the barangay at around 7:30 p.m.
During the ensuing firefight, one policeman was wounded and one rebel was killed. The remaining NPA rebels scattered and fled.
Troops were able to pursue two of the fleeing rebels who holed up in a nearby compound, taking five hostages.
The five hostages were able to escape which gave the responding troops to immediately clear the compound.
The rebels managed to escape by piling up plastic soft drink cases and using these to climb the wall at the rear of the compound.
The civilian hostages were given stress debriefing bySorsogon City
Kakilala said the NPAs have reduced themselves into a criminal and lawless group by putting civilians in harm’s way as they try desperately to evade pursuing government forces.
Sorsogon is one of the remaining provinces that the AFP is targeting for normalization.
Currently, 43 of 75 NPA-affected provinces in the country have undergone “normalization” wherein local government units have taken the lead in local peace and security campaign.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611428
A New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed while a police officer was hurt during an encounter in Barangay Cabidan-an,
Col. Joselito Kakilala, chief of the Philippine Army's 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the fallen rebel was one of the five NPA fighters who earlier took hostage five civilians in an attempt to foil pursuing soldiers.
He said the government troops were directed to ensure that there were no civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.
Earlier, the NPAs attempted to overrun a police security checkpoint in the barangay at around 7:30 p.m.
During the ensuing firefight, one policeman was wounded and one rebel was killed. The remaining NPA rebels scattered and fled.
Troops were able to pursue two of the fleeing rebels who holed up in a nearby compound, taking five hostages.
The five hostages were able to escape which gave the responding troops to immediately clear the compound.
The rebels managed to escape by piling up plastic soft drink cases and using these to climb the wall at the rear of the compound.
The civilian hostages were given stress debriefing by
Kakilala said the NPAs have reduced themselves into a criminal and lawless group by putting civilians in harm’s way as they try desperately to evade pursuing government forces.
Sorsogon is one of the remaining provinces that the AFP is targeting for normalization.
Currently, 43 of 75 NPA-affected provinces in the country have undergone “normalization” wherein local government units have taken the lead in local peace and security campaign.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611428
Surrender of arms to be observed in Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace official
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Surrender of arms to be observed in Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace official
A Malacanang official on Friday assured that the laying down of arms of rebel groups will be among the agreements contained in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“In essence, the principles of DDR (Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration) are being observed,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.
“The concept of decommissioning includes laying down arms and transforming an erstwhile armed force into social movement within a larger polity,” he said.
Coloma also explained that the Bangsamoro political entity is envisioned to become an integral component of the Republic of thePhilippines
“The Bangsamoro people are part of the Filipino nation,” he said.
Last Thursday, President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the Bangsamoro Transmission Commission (BTC) to fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure its passage and ratification to allow them enough time to complete the transition task in time for the 2016 elections.
President Aquino also asked the BTC to be transparent to reach out to different sectors including those initially resistant to the new political entity and assured them of the national government’s full support.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611506
A Malacanang official on Friday assured that the laying down of arms of rebel groups will be among the agreements contained in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“In essence, the principles of DDR (Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration) are being observed,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.
“The concept of decommissioning includes laying down arms and transforming an erstwhile armed force into social movement within a larger polity,” he said.
Coloma also explained that the Bangsamoro political entity is envisioned to become an integral component of the Republic of the
“The Bangsamoro people are part of the Filipino nation,” he said.
Last Thursday, President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the Bangsamoro Transmission Commission (BTC) to fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure its passage and ratification to allow them enough time to complete the transition task in time for the 2016 elections.
President Aquino also asked the BTC to be transparent to reach out to different sectors including those initially resistant to the new political entity and assured them of the national government’s full support.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611506
Biazon urges MILF to convince BIFF-member relatives to surrender to end secession in Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Biazon urges MILF to convince BIFF-member relatives to surrender to end secession in Mindanao
The chairman of the House committee on defense and national security on
Friday challenged the leadership of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to
show their sincerity and readiness to join the government’s effort to end
hostilities in Mindanao .
Muntinlupa City Representative Rodolfo Biazon said that it is high time for the BIFF members to show their sincerity that they are not tolerating lawless elements by convincing relatives who have joined Bangsamoro Islamic Fighters (BIFF) to surrender to authorities.
“I think this is the time for MILF to show to the Filipino people that they heavily favor peace in Mindanao and end the more than four decades of hostilities,” Biazon told Philippines News Agency in a text message.
The MILF have forged peace negotiation and have passed four annexes that will be part of the Bangsamoro Framework in the future after they inked the vital annexes agreement recently inKuala
Lumpur , Malaysia
The Philippine Government had express strong determination to end hostilities inMindanao and convert this
second largest Philippine Island into a food basket and industrial hub.
The southern region ofMindanao is
classified as the home of predominantly Catholic and Muslim minority. The MILF
is the most important in a range of armed groups that have been fighting for
independence for the majority-Muslim areas.
Government leaders hope that the rebel group will begin disarming in May which is contrary to the beliefs of BIFF which is not part of the negotiation.
“If the BIFF will rejoin MILF, their former home, then they will be part of the agreement and they are obliged to follow faithfully what have been agreed,” Biazon explained.
According to Biazon, showing sincerity that MILF will no longer tolerate lawlessness, they must spearhead crushing the armed groups to prove that they are respecting and obeying the Philippine Flag and its Constitution.
But he admitted that “Rido” or clash between clans which had been embedded to the Muslim’s culture will need more time to change the old habit.
The former AFP chief of staff turned politician, claimed that at least this administration has made a giant leap in pursuit of true peace in Mindanao, hoping that this could be the start of long lasting peace combined with full blast development that the people can realize that no one can claim they are victorious in any kind of war.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611507
Muntinlupa City Representative Rodolfo Biazon said that it is high time for the BIFF members to show their sincerity that they are not tolerating lawless elements by convincing relatives who have joined Bangsamoro Islamic Fighters (BIFF) to surrender to authorities.
“I think this is the time for MILF to show to the Filipino people that they heavily favor peace in Mindanao and end the more than four decades of hostilities,” Biazon told Philippines News Agency in a text message.
The MILF have forged peace negotiation and have passed four annexes that will be part of the Bangsamoro Framework in the future after they inked the vital annexes agreement recently in
The Philippine Government had express strong determination to end hostilities in
The southern region of
Government leaders hope that the rebel group will begin disarming in May which is contrary to the beliefs of BIFF which is not part of the negotiation.
“If the BIFF will rejoin MILF, their former home, then they will be part of the agreement and they are obliged to follow faithfully what have been agreed,” Biazon explained.
According to Biazon, showing sincerity that MILF will no longer tolerate lawlessness, they must spearhead crushing the armed groups to prove that they are respecting and obeying the Philippine Flag and its Constitution.
But he admitted that “Rido” or clash between clans which had been embedded to the Muslim’s culture will need more time to change the old habit.
The former AFP chief of staff turned politician, claimed that at least this administration has made a giant leap in pursuit of true peace in Mindanao, hoping that this could be the start of long lasting peace combined with full blast development that the people can realize that no one can claim they are victorious in any kind of war.
Big challenge ahead with the signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Big challenge ahead with the signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611573
The peace panels of both the Government of the Philippines
(GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will have to work harder to
face a big challenge ahead with the recent signing of the Annex on
Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters geared towards ending the
decades-old Mindanao armed conflict.
This was stressed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Teresita Quinto-Deles during an interview with reporters at the Kanto
Restaurant in Ortigas Center , Pasig
City
The Annex on Normalization lays out details the process on
the return of the MILF forces to peaceful civilian life. On the other hand, the
Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters outlines the delineation and jurisdiction of
Bangsamoro waters in southern Philippines
Deles and Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chair of the GPH
panel, expressed their belief that the MILF is serious in ending the over than
four decades of bloody warfare in Mindanao, tagged as a land of promise because
of its abundance in natural resources, including food and untapped oil
deposits.
The discussion of the normalization issue was very difficult
and most emotional as this includes the decommissioning of weapons and put them
beyond use.
“As to the combatants that will be covered in the
decommissioning process, their number and names will be subject to verification
and identification processes that will be undertaken by an Independent
Decommissioning Body, Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, was quoted as
saying following the signing in Kuala Lumpur last werek.
On the other hand, Ferrer explained that decommissioning is
only one part of a comprehensive normalization process.
“We have several activities lined up addressing all
components: security, socio-economic, transitional justice and social reconciliation,
as well as the political and legislative process that will have to be done to
complete the whole agreement,” she said, adding that they target to complete
everything before the current administration ends its term in 2016,” Ferrer
said.
Peace negotiations between the GPH and MILF started in 1997
during the remaining months of then President Fidel V. Ramos.
The Ramos administration initiated the negotiations of the
breakaway MILF after the government signed a final peace agreement with the
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Sept. 2, 1996.
This resulted in the signing of the Agreement for General
Cessation of Hostilities on July 21, 1997; - Implementing Administrative
Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on
September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines of the GRP-MILF
Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on November 14, 1997.
But during the time of then President Joseph Estrada, the
volatile Mindanao situation broke out anew
after MILF forces attacked government forces.
In response, Estrada declared an all-out war against the
MILF and government forces practically captured all 49 MILF camps in Central MindanaoAs a result, the peace talks were
suspended for some years.
But during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
the talks were revived.
However, as the two peace panels were about sign the
controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008, the
Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional.
Hostilities broke out anew in Central Mindanao until
exploratory peace talks were resumed in December 2009. Records at the Office of
the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) show the following
agreements were signed from 2001 – 2013.
- Agreement of the General Framework for the Resumption of
Peace Talks Between the GRP and the MILF | March 24, 2001
- Agreement on Peace Between the Government of the Republic
of the Philippines and the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Tripoli
- Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the
GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001 | August 7, 2001
- Manual of Instructions for CCCH and LMTS | October 18,
2001
- Joint Communique Between the Government of the Republic of
the Philippines
- Implementing Guidelines on the Humanitarian,
Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of
Peace 2001 | May 7, 2002
- Interim Implementing Guidelines of the Joint Communique of
06 May 2002 | December 9, 2002
- Joint Statement (Exploratory Talks) | March 28, 2003
- Joint Statement (5th Exploratory Talks) | February 20,
2004
- Statement of Understanding | April 6, 2004
- Joint Statement (6th Exploratory Talks) | December 21,
2004
- Joint Statement (7th Exploratory Talks) | April 20, 2005
- Joint Statement (8th Exploratory Talks) | June 21, 2005
- Joint Statement (9th Exploratory Talks) | September 16,
2005
- Joint Statement (10th Exploratory Talks) | February 7,
2005
- Joint Statement (12th Exploratory Talks) | May 4, 2006
- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP-MILF Panels) |
August 27, 2007
- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF
Chairmen) | October 24, 2007
- Joint Statement (14th Exploratory Talks) | November 15,
2007
- Joint Statement of the GRP Interagency Technical Working
Group (GRP IATWG) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) | November 8,
2008
- Civilian Protection Component of the International
Monitoring Team (IMT) | October 27, 2009
- Terms of Reference of the International Monitoring Team |
December 9, 2009
- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF
Chairmen) | July 29, 2009
- Framework Agreement on the Formation of the International
Contact Group for the GRP-MILF Peace Process | September 15, 2009
- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF
Chairmen) | December 2, 2009
- Joint Statement; Resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace
Negotiations (16th Exploratory Talks) | December 9, 20092010
- 17th Exploratory Talks | January 28, 2010
- Terms of Reference of the Civilian Protection Component
(CPC) of the International Monitoring Team | May 5, 2010
- Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine
Campaign to Ban Landmines-Fondation Suisse De Deminage (PCBL-FSD) Project
Pursuant to the Joint Statement of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels Dated 15 November
2007 | May 5, 2010
- Joint Statement (18th Exploratory Talks)
- Declaration of Continuity for Peace Negotiation Between
the Government of the Republic of the Philippines
- Joint Statement (20th Exploratory Talks) | February 10,
2011
- Joint Statement (21st Exploratory Talks) | April 28, 2011
- Statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Dean Marvic Leonen on
the Conclusion of the 22nd Formal Exploratory Talks | August 23, 2011
- Statement of Panel Chair Marvic Leonen (GPH-MILF Informal
Executive Meeting) | November 3, 2011
- Joint Statement (23rd Exploratory Talks) | December 7,
2011 2012
- Joint Statement (24th Exploratory Talks) | January 11,
2012
- Joint Statement (25th Exploratory Talks) | Feburary 15,
2012
- Joint Statement (26th Exploratory Talks) | March 21, 2012
- Joint Statement (27th Exploratory Talks) | April 24, 2012
- Decision Points of Principles as of April 2012
- Joint Statement (29th Exploratory Talks) | July 18, 2012
- Joint Statement (30th Exploratory Talks) | August 11, 2012
- Joint Statement (31st Exploratory Talks) | September 8,
2012
- Joint Communique (32nd Exploratory Talks) | October 7,
2012
- Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro | October 15, 2012
- Joint Statement (33rd Formal Exploratory Talks) | November
17, 2012 2013
- Joint Statement (35th Formal Exploratory Talks) | January
25, 2013
- The Third Party Monitoring Team and its Terms of Reference
| January 25, 2013
- GPH-MILF Certificate on AHJAG & IMT Renewal | January
25, 2013
- Joint Statement (36th Formal Exploratory Talks) | February
28, 2013
- Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities |
February 28, 2013
- The Independent Commission on Policing and its Terms of
Reference | February 28, 2013
- Joint Statement of GPH-MILF on the 37th Formal Exploratory
Talks | April 11, 2013
- Terms of Reference for Sajahatra Bangsamoro | April 11,
2013
- Guidelines for Mutual Understanding between the CCCH of
the GPH and the MILF for Ceasefire-related functions during the May 13, 2013
National and Local Elections | April 22, 2013
- Joint Statement of GPH-MILF peace panels on the 38th
Formal Exploratory Talks | July 13, 2013
- Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing | July 13,
2013
-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 39th
Formal Exploratory Talks | August 22, 2013
-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 40th
Formal Exploratory Talks | September 20, 2013
-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 41st
Formal Exploratory Talks | October 13, 2013
-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 42nd
Formal Exploratory Talks | December 8, 2013
-Annex on Power Sharing | December 8, 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611573
China drafts plans for air defense zone in West PH Sea - Japanese news report
From InterAksyon (Jan 31): China drafts plans for air defense zone in West PH Sea - Japanese news report
China is
considering declaring a new Air Defense Identification Zone over the South
China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea , according to a Japanese report
Friday, a move likely to fan tensions in an area riven by territorial disputes.
Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long
way from its shoreline.
Beijing
Japan , South Korea and others reacted with anger in
November when Beijing unilaterally declared an
ADIZ in the East China Sea .
China
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79834/china-drafts-plans-for-air-defense-zone-in-west-ph-sea---japanese-news-report
The report comes months after Beijing
caused consternation with the sudden declaration of an ADIZ above the East
China Sea, covering islands at the center of a sovereignty row with Tokyo
It also comes as countries in the region grow increasingly
concerned about what they see as China
Working level officials in the Chinese air force have
drafted proposals for the new zone, which could set the Paracel islands at its
core and spread over much of the sea, the Asahi Shimbun said, citing unnamed
sources, including from the Chinese government.
The draft was submitted to senior Chinese military officials
by May last year, the respected daily said.
The countries surrounding the sea, among these the Philippines , have competing and overlapping
claims to the area and are in dispute with Beijing
Many countries, including the US
and Japan
Planes entering the area are frequently asked to identify
themselves and to maintain radio contact with local authorities.
Any aircraft causing concern can trigger the launch of
fighter jets, which are scrambled to intercept it.
The draft says the zone would at a minimum cover the
Paracels, and could go as wide as the majority of South
China Sea , the Asahi said.
The US
said it would not comply, and, in what was seen as a challenge to Beijing
The zone covers disputed Tokyo-controlled islands -- known
as the Senkakus in Japan and
the Diaoyus in China
Its sudden declaration bolstered claims that China
Observers say the establishment of a similar zone in the
South China Sea is a likely move for Beijing
In November the southern Chinese island province of Hainan
In December, US
Secretary of State John Kerry warned China
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79834/china-drafts-plans-for-air-defense-zone-in-west-ph-sea---japanese-news-report
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