Negros-based rebel group hails Bangsamoro peace pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Negros-based rebel group hails Bangsamoro peace pact

The Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas (RPM-P), the political wing of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), here said Thursday it salutes the signing of the peace agreement between the government the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"It is with high hopes for a bright path of reconciliation and collaboration between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILFfor the interest of peace, justice and progress of the Muslim people and the broad masses in Mindanao that we salute the signing of a Peace Agreement on March 27,” the RPM-P/RPA-ABB said in a press statement Thursday.

The RPA-ABB Tabuano-Paduano Group is also waiting for the closure of its peace agreement with the national government.

The RPMP/RPA-ABB has nothing less than the overwhelming interest of the broad masses of the people in Mindanao and the whole country for just and lasting peace at heart, the group added.

It further said that the GPH and the MILF commitment forged in this agreement to end armed hostilities and undertake measures under mutually agreed terms to address the legitimate issues and demands of the Bangsamoro manifests their genuine and shared interest to uphold and work for the interest of the people.

“We extend our highest commendation to the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the leaders of the MILF on this achievement," it added said in a press statement Thursday.

The group added that the signing of the peace agreement heralds a historic step that will undertake the immense task of healing the wounds of a decades-long armed conflict rooted in the centuries-old social injustice wrought by colonization.

“The RPMP/RPA-ABB recognizes that with this comes the equally challenging work of instituting reforms and changes so that democracy that values pluralism and social justice may truly bring about progress and development to all, especially to the Bangsamoro people,” the RPMP/RPA-ABB said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=629946

'Wounded Personnel Medal' handed to 51st Infantry Division troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): 'Wounded Personnel Medal' handed to 51st Infantry Division troopers

The Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division on Thursday announced that five of its troopers were conferred with the "Wounded Personnel Medal".

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the wounded troopers are members of their 15th Division Reconnaissance Company.

He identified these men as Staff Sgt. Rufeus D. Cabrido, Pfc. Hope Paul P. Mendez, Pvt. Joerwin Cris P. Arriola, Pvt. Ronel C. Tabat and Pvt. Rosaldo O. Galisanao Jr,.

These soldiers were wounded in action during an encounter with an undetermined number of rebels during an encounter in the remote area of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental last March 10.

Despite the wounds, the soldiers and their companions accomplished their peace and order mission.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629748

Bangsamoro Agreement: A salute to the victory of the Muslim and the broad masses interest for peace, justice and progress in Mindanao- RPMP/RPA/ABB

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Bangsamoro Agreement: A salute to the victory of the Muslim and the broad masses interest for peace, justice and progress in Mindanao- RPMP/RPA/ABB
 
The following is the RPMP/RPA/ABB statement on the signing of the Bangsamoro agreement Thursday:

" It is with high hopes for a bright path of reconciliation and collaboration between the Government of the Republic of the Philipiines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the interest of peace, justice and progress of the Muslim people and the broad masses in Mindanao that we salute the signing of a Peace Agreement on March 27, 2014.

"The RPMP/RPA/ABB has nothing less than the overwhelming interest of the broad masses of the people in Mindanao and the whole country for just and lasting peace at heart. The GRP and the MILF commitment forged in this agreement to end armed hostilities and undertake measures under mutually agreed terms to address the legitimate issues and demands of the Bangsamoro manifests their genuine and shared interest to uphold and work for the interest of the people. We extend our highest commendation to the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III Administration and the leaders of the MILF on this achievement.

"This signing heralds a historic step that will undertake the immense task of healing wounds of a decades-long armed conflict rooted in the centuries-old social injustice wrought by colonization on the early peoples of our country that still resonates and affects Mindanao and the whole Philippines.

"The RPMP/RPA/ABB recognizes that with this comes the equally challenging work of instituting reforms and changes so that democracy that values pluralism and social justice may truly bring about progress and development to all, especially to the Bangsamoro people.

"The GRP-MILF Peace Agreement deserves all the respect and needs all the support of peace and freedom loving peoples. The RPMP/RPA/ABB commits itself to this and wishes the best for its success towards a peaceful and prosperous Mindanao!"

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629794

PA hails signing of Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PA hails signing of Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday hailed the momentous signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement scheduled later in the day in Malacanang, as a triumph in the continued pursuit to attain sustainable peace and development in Mindanao

The treaty is considered as one of the major breakthrough for the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after years of negotiating peace, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said.

"As a testament of support in the quest for just and lasting peace, particularly in Mindanao, the PA had always uphold the primacy of the peace process. All tactical actions were guided by the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan" which advocates for the whole-of-nation approach in achieving peace," he added.

The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) is on its way to finalization as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will sign the document in Malacañang Palace Thursday afternoon.

The army said the signing of the agreement is a strong indication that lasting peace and development could be achieved through peaceful and democratic means.

"The PA considers this recent breakthrough as a triumph in the continued pursuit for peace and development," Detoyato said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629640

F/A-50 jet plane to further strengthen PHL territorial defense initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): F/A-50 jet plane to further strengthen PHL territorial defense initiatives

With the Department of National Defense (DND) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) poised to sign the Php 18.9 billion contract for the 12-F/A "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft Friday, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said that this is the start of territorial defense initiatives aside from enhancing the country's external defense capabilities.

"(Signing of the F/A-50 contract) will bring us closer on what we wish to attain on our external defense capabilities so this is definitely a good start," he added.

Okol said the South Korean jet aircraft will be part of a territorial defense system for the Philippines' minimum credible deterrent capabilities.

"It's part of a system, territorial defense that we're coming up with. It's a systematic approach to form part of the shooters (F/A-50s and ground base air defense units), the sensors which are the radars and will be part of the situational awareness of the ground base air defense and point defense (interception capability)," the PAF spokesperson stressed.

This system will allow the country to detect and deal with intruders violating the Philippines' vast maritime and aerial domains and if needed, to expel them.

The F/A-50 is armed with 20mm automatic cannons and can be fitted with modern air-to-air missiles and surface attack weapons.

In attendance for Friday's signing is DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista and Air Force and other major service commanders, KAI president and the head of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Ambassador of South Korea to the Philippines.

As this develops, the DND will also sign the contract for the eight combat utility helicopters with Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) on Friday.

The project is worth Php 4.8 billion.

Like the F/A-50, this is also a government-to-government contract.

CCC is the designated Canadian agency for the government-to-government procurement of equipment

"Three of these eight helicopters will be configured as a VIP helicopter and the delivery we are able to negotiate (is) that if the contract will be signed within the March, first quarter of 2014, then they’ll be able to deliver at least three of the helicopters in September in time for the hosting of the Philippines of the APEC," DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo earlier said.

He added that these new helicopters are intended to replace the five aging Bell 412 helicopters of the Office of President which were acquired during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.

Manalo said that these new helicopters are also variants of the Bell 412 but more modern and capable.

Okol said the contract signing for the Bell 412 helicopters is a positive development as this shows that the country is getting new equipment instead of old ones.

"These are brand new ones so again this is a positive sign that we're going towards the right direction," he added.

The PAF spokesperson stated that these new Bell 412 helicopters are more capable than the additional 21 UH-1H "Hueys" they will be getting as these aircraft are twin-engine and night vision capable.

"This (Bell 412) will complement the legacy systems (being used in the 'Hueys') and we will modernizing in the truest sense the PAF," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629829

PNP, BJMP sign agreement to increase counter terrorism capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PNP, BJMP sign agreement to increase counter terrorism capability

To ensure establishing a good working relationship, particularly in sharing of information related to terrorism and transnational crimes, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) signed an agreement to increase counter terrorism capability.

PNP Chief director general Alan La Madrid Purisima, and BJMP Officer-In-Charge and Jail Chief Superintendent Diony Dacanay Mamaril, graced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement together with other PNP and BJMP officers as witnesses in simple ceremonies held at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In the said agreement, the PNP in coordination with the BJMP, shall come up with a comprehensive training program for its personnel on incident management, collection of information, case management and intelligence analysis through the Case Management and Intelligence System (CMIS).

Police director Charles T. Calima Jr., the PNP Director for Intelligence, said that the CMIS will serve as a channel of communication and exchange of intelligence information between the PNP and BJMP through the use of a viable, reliable, and speedy and secure communication system.

“The leadership of both PNP and the BJMP recognize the importance of information coming from these inmates which is not limited to their bio-profiles but also their activities to include their alliances established inside and outside of jail. In some cases handled by the PNP, criminal activities are actually planned inside jail.” said Calima.

He said the PNP Intelligence Research Center, under the Directorate for Intelligence, is the administering office and will manage the central database system of the CMIS.

For its part, the BJMP will assist the PNP in developing the necessary collaborative intelligence planning and assessment skills to ensure a strategic and coordinated approach in combating terrorism and other transnational crimes.

Moreover, the BJMP has an existing facility, thru the help of the Australian Federal Police, known as the Inmate Classification and Counseling Unit, Special Intensive Care Area located in Bicutan, Taguig City. This Unit houses inmates with terrorism-related cases and this is where the CMIS will be installed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629863

PNP says strong case vs Tiamzon couple

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PNP says strong case vs Tiamzon couple

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday assured that they have a strong case against the captured rebel leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

According to Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), they are very confident that the couple will not be able to get out as they may not likely be released by the court, stressing that they have a strong case against them.

”Very, very strong yung case naming espcially yung mga warrants of arrest, revisting cases, dun sa inupakan Leyte, review cases pa sa Quezon, at sa ibang lugar, Visayas, maganada rito pieces of evidence ay intact, napakalakas ng case,” Magalong explained.

Magalong also said that the couple, both tagged as high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), is currently detained at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

Magalong said that the intense security inside the national police headquarters in Quezon City would make it difficult for the Tiamzon couple either to escape or be rescued by their comrades.

The security was further tightened with the arrival of the couple, noting that Wilma Tiamzon was able to escape from detention several years ago.

”Confident di na makakalabas, very strong, we will sustain yung offensive, nakita nyo background ni Wilma Tiamzon, twice sya tumakas, she is actually a flight risk, di basta-basta pakawalan ng court,” he added.

Police earlier filed a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives during an inquest proceeding at Camp Crame. The case is a non-bailable offense.

The charges stemmed from the four handguns and two grenades seized from them. The lawyer of the Tiamzon, however, claimed that the evidence is planted since the two were just carrying puppies and kittens at the time of their arrest in Cebu last week.

Aside from the charges filed against the couple early this week, the two are also being linked to mass killings of communist rebels in Leyte as part of the purging of suspected military spies

Magalong said the issue of Camp Crame as best detention facility for the couple not only about security but about their safety, medical wise.

We feel they are more safe here, They are well taken cared of here. They have regular medical exams like blood pressure monitoring and hiwa-hiwalay para mas comfortable sila, detention cell,” said Magalong.

On Monday, the Tiamzon couple and the five other CPP-NPA members were inquested on the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives arising from the confiscation from them of four firearms and two hand grenades during their arrest in Cebu Saturday.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for them as a result of their crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder.

The couple were originally charged with multiple murder before the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte but now transferred to Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 under Judge Mario Dela Cruz.

The charges were in relation to the involvement of the Tiamzons in the brutal killing of 15 civilians in Inopacan, Leyte who were later buried in a mass grave that was discovered in 2006.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629922

Urgent: GPH, MILF finally sign Bangsamoro peace pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Urgent: GPH, MILF finally sign Bangsamoro peace pact

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally signed on Thursday afternoon the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Kalayaan Grounds in Malacanang.

President Benigno S. Aquino III hosted the historic event which was attended by over 1,000 people, including around 500 members of the MILF.

Also present during the occasion was Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak who arrived in Manila shortly after Thursday noon upon the invitation of President Aquino to attend the signing ceremonies.

The principal signatories were Government Peace Panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF lead negotiator Mohager Iqbal.

Other signatories on the government side included panel members Senen Bacani; Yasmin Busran-Lao; Mehol Sadain, ex-officio member and secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; panel consultants Zenonida Brosas and Jose Luis Martin Gascon.

On the MILF side, the other signatories were Datu Michael Mastura, Maulana ‘Bobby’ Alonto, Abhoud Syed Lingga, Abdullah Kamlian, and Datu Antonio Kinoc.

The Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Dato' Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, also signed as witness.

The signing was done in the presence of Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF Central Committee.

Others present in the event were leaders from the House of Representatives and the Senate and foreign dignitaries.

The CAB is a five-page, 12-point text that formalizes the totality of the different agreements achieved between the GPH and the MILF.

It defines the structure and powers of the proposed Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

It also puts together all of these previously signed accords: the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the annexes, and the addendum; along with the very first, important ceasefire agreement of 1997; the agreement on peace signed in 2001 in Tripoli; the declaration of continuity of negotiations in June 2010, which picked up the pieces from the failed MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain) of 2008, among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629959

International community hail historic peace pact between PHL government and Muslim rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): International community hail historic peace pact between PHL government and Muslim rebels

The international community on Thursday hailed the historic signing of a peace agreement between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels which is seen to end decades of rebellion in Mindanao and pave the way for economic development in the widely impoverished region.

German Minister of State Maria Bohmer, who was among the high-ranking visiting foreign dignitaries who witnessed signing of the landmark pact, called it a “milestone” as she vowed more assistance from Germany to Mindanao.

“We will continue to support the peace process in providing development aid and also democratic structures to support the Philippines in this procedure,” Bohmer said.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad said the successful implementation of the Malaysian-brokered accord, called Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), will “demonstrate the Philippines’s increasing political maturity, its ability to accomplish things that have been intractable in the past and its potential to emerge as one the world’s economic powers.”

Ahmad warned of challenges ahead, but stressed “with the continued commitment, courage and creativity that has made this agreement possible the dividends of peace will inevitably be realized.”

“The agreement is a truly Filipino solution to the conflict that will not just bring benefit to Mindanao but to the country as a whole and of which all Filipinos can be proud,” Ahmad said.

The 11,000-strong MILF, which used to be part of a larger secessionist group that signed a peace deal with the government in 1996, has been battling government troops in the Southern Philippines since 1969, in one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

Decades of conflict has claimed at least 120,000 lives, displaced thousands and brought massive destruction to property.

Foreign governments and international aid agencies expect the new agreement to finally usher in investments and provide jobs.

In the accord, the MILF agrees to drop its bid for a separate state and settle for parliamentary self-rule in areas to be called Bangsamoro autonomous region, which will be established by 2016.

The Bangsamoro replaces another Muslim autonomous region that was agreed upon with the former rebel group, Moro National Liberation Front, which was declared a failure by the Philippine government.

“Those who will eventually assume key roles in the Bangsamoro will carry the hopes and wishes of the nation on their shoulders. They will be judged not by the importance of their positions, but by the tangible improvements they bring about in the daily lives of citizens,” Ahmad said.

United Nations Development chief Helen Clark said the agreement will uplift the lives of the people in Mindanao, particularly in areas long besieged by war.

“When a region experiences conflict, it can’t make good progress and good development and the people suffer. The prospect of having enduring peace in Mindanao is a very good one in human development terms,” Clark said at a press briefing in Manila before attending the signing ceremonies in Malacanang.

The World Bank, for its part, said it will continue to scale up efforts to support programs that will broker “sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao as a whole.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=629950

Aquino leads signing of peace pact with MILF, says he will aggressively push basic law

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Aquino leads signing of peace pact with MILF, says he will aggressively push basic law

President Benigno S. Aquino III led Thursday the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) aimed at ending decades-long conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Muslim Mindanao.

The President and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak witnessed the signing of agreement at the Kalayaan grounds in Malacanang, Thursday.

In his message prior to the signing, the President said he will aggressively push for a just and equitable Bangsamoro Basic Law after the signing of the said agreement.

“My administration will go all out to forge a principled consensus for enduring security and prosperity; I expect the deliberations in Congress to be characterized by a sincere desire to improve on the Bangsamoro Basic Law—and not by self-interest that only aims to perpetuate an untenable status quo,” the President said in his speech.

The President said that currently, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission is working hard to draft an equitable, practical, and empowering, Bangsamoro Basic Law that will serve the interests of the entire nation.

Their current mission is to draft and pass this law so that it will be presented to the people for ratification in a plebiscite, he said. The goal is to have the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in place by 2015 to serve as the interim Bangsamoro government until the elections in 2016.

At the same time, the President called on everyone to widen the avenues for trust and positive engagement and cast aside past prejudices and contribute to the atmosphere of optimism to sustain the momentum for the development of Mindanao.

It should be the paramount concern of all people of goodwill to do their part, replacing cynicism with hope, and sorrow with harmony, peace, and prosperity, the chief executive said.

The country must solve the huge imbalance between Muslim Mindanao and the rest of the country to start regional development.

“If we are to truly address the root causes of conflict, we must close the gap between the region and the rest of Filipino society,” the President said.

Among the signatories to the agreement were government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=630005

Palace says CAB to pave way for 'offensives' vs 'spoilers' but BIFF dares govt to 'bring it on'

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Palace says CAB to pave way for 'offensives' vs 'spoilers' but BIFF dares govt to 'bring it on'



BIFM spokesman Abu Misri Mama with followers (AFP file)

The signing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will pave the way for coordinated offensives against armed groups dubbed “spoilers of peace” in Mindanao, Malacanang said Thursday.

But Abu Misir Mama, spokesman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Movement, which broke away from the MILF after refusing to give up aspirations for an independent Islamic state, dared Malacanang to "stop talking and just do it."

While the CAB is expected to end decades of hostilities between government and the MILF, there remain other factions, notably the BIFM.

The Abu Sayyaf also remains active in Sulu and Basilan while a number of other armed independent groups, mostly engaged in kidnapping and extortion, continue to operate in other areas of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which will eventually be dissolved to give way to the new Bangsamoro political entity.

In a briefing aired over Radyo ng Bayan, Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said such groups would be considered law enforcement problems.

"Law enforcement operations will be implemented," Coloma said. "We are determined to address such developments.”

“If you recall, when we signed the Framework Agreement (on the Bangsamoro) in 2012, there was conflict but it was immediately addressed through the effective partnership of the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added, referring to a rash of violence between government forces and fighters of the BIFM, which was founded by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato.

Coloma said law enforcement activities would continue in areas "where there are spoiler groups."

But Mama, in a phone interview, said: "Huwag na sila madami pang salita, gawin na lang nila. Kami, kapag sinabi namin, gagawin talaga namin (They should stop talking too much and just do it. We, when we say we will do something, we do it)."

"Handang handa kami, at nasubukan na nila 'yan (We are ready, and they have tried that already)," he added.

While he declined to reveal any plans, Mama said they have been waging a "guerrilla" campaign, claiming that they had attacked military outposts in Datu Piang town and the capitol of Maguindanao province earlier in the week.

Mama said after the CAB is signed, "baka hindi na nila kami mahanap, kami na ang maghahanap sa kanila (they might not be able to find us anymore, we will be the ones to go looking for them)."

Coloma also said the peace pact’s annex on normalization would also ensure no more factions break away from the MILF.

"There are clear parameters for decommissioning through a third party and the eventual integration of armed MILF to the Philippine National Police," he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83599/palace-says-cab-to-pave-way-for-offensives-vs-spoilers-but-biff-dares-govt-to-bring-it-on

Malaysia's Najib praises CAB, commits continued support for peace process

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Malaysia's Najib praises CAB, commits continued support for peace process



AFP file photo of Malaysia PM Najib Razak

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Thursday committed his country's continued support  to the peace process with Muslim rebels, in particular in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, calling the peace deal a "momentous act of courage."

Najib said Malaysia would remain a partner for peace of the Philippine government and the MILF. Malaysia has served as third party facilitator of the peace talks since 2001. "Malaysia is honored to have played its part in this process. We wish for nothing more than peace and prosperity for our brothers and sisters in Bangsamoro, and in the Philippines," he said.

The prime minister, who is on a one-day state visit on invitation of President Benigno Aquino III, said, "As we look ahead to a brighter future for Bangsamoro, I pledge Malaysia's continued support. We will remain in our role as the third party facilitator, and will continue working through the International Monitoring Team." Najib added.

Najib praised the peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a "momentous act of courage" that "will change the nation's history forever."

Najib said the Philippine government and the MILF were able to finalize the CAB because "the two sides looked not in the problems of the past but to the promise of the future."

He said that that by engaging in the peace process, the MILF "had repaid the trust placed in them by the people," while the Philippine government by engaging with the MILF in the negotiations had "affirmed the rights of the Bangsamoro to determine their own destiny."

"Both sides have scarificed so that people of Southern Philippines will live, free free from violence... free from suffering... free from fear," said Najib.
He said that in the pages of the CAB, "we will see the promise of a better future" where "classrooms ring with laughter, not gunshots."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83621/malaysias-najib-praises-cab-commits-continued-support-for-peace-process

CAB 'crowning glory' of Bangsamoro struggle - Murad

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): CAB 'crowning glory' of Bangsamoro struggle - Murad



MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad during a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III before the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is the “crowning glory” of the Moro people’s struggle, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said Thursday.

"Today we celebrate the shared victory of Bangsamoro and the Filipino people,” Murad said speaking at ceremonies ahead of the signing of the CAB in Malacanang.

“The CAB finally brings with it the restoration of identity, powers and resources of Bangsamoro. These three things are now returned to us," Murad said. "The CAB is the crowning glory of our struggle."

At the same time, Murad gave assurances that the MILF would not seek a monopoly of power over the Bangsamoro, the new political entity to be created as a result of the CAB.

"The MILF will only be the gatekeeper during the transition period, after which the keys to the gate will be turned over to democratic will of the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

"To be more emphatic, it will not be a government of the MILF but a government of the Bangsamoro," he said.

He also stressed the inclusive nature of the CAB.

"The CAB is not only for the MILF. It is for the Moro National Liberation Front as well, as much as it is for all Muslim ethnic tribes, Christian settlers, and indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro territory," Murad added. "MILF does not and will never claim sole ownership of the Bangsamoro."

The agreement, he said, would leave no more reason for anyone to take up arms.

"There is no more cause left pursuing by force for others to take," he  said, as he prayed for "an accepting and not just a tolerant public" to ensure the CAB's success.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83619/cab-crowning-glory-of-bangsamoro-struggle---murad

Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro



Muslim girls participate in celebrations in Cotabato City ahead of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (photo by Dennis Arcon, InterAksyon.com)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is set to end four decades of armed struggle when it signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the government on Thursday.

Here are key facts about the peace pact:

MILF:

The MILF has about 10,000 armed followers, according to the military, which makes it easily the biggest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines.
It has long fought for an independent homeland for the nation's Muslim minority to be carved out of the southern Philippines.

It split in the 1970s from the-then main rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MNLF had agreed to autonomy, and founding MILF leader Hashim Salamat was intent on fighting for independence. Internal rivalries were another reason for the split.

PEACE PACT:

The "Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro."

The Bangsamoro refers to people who at the time of Spanish conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of the southern Philippines. Their descendants and spouses are recognized as Bangsamoro.

Bangsa means nation. Moro derives from the term "Moors" used by Spanish colonialists to refer to Muslims.

AUTONOMY:

The MILF has dropped its claims for a separate state in Mindanao and will settle for parliamentary self-rule in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. This will be established by 2016.

The Bangsamoro will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which was created through the peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front but which government says has failed.

DISARMAMENT:

The MILF will "gradually" decommission its forces and put the weapons "beyond use." A local Bangsamoro police force will assume law enforcement functions from the Philippine National Police and military.

POWERS:

The Philippine government will retain exclusive powers over defense, foreign policy, currency and citizenship matters.

TAXES/REVENUES:

The autonomous government will receive 75 percent of all local taxes, fees and charges, 75 percent of revenues from metallic minerals and control of fishing areas up to 12 nautical miles from the coastline.

ISLAMIC LAW:

The region will not be an Islamic state, rather a secular government. Sharia law will apply only to Muslims and only for civil cases, not for criminal offences. All residents are guaranteed basic rights to life, movement, privacy, and freedom of religion and speech.

TERRITORY:

To cover five provinces, plus two cities, six towns and 39 villages, comprising about 10 percent of the Philippines' total land area.

ENABLING LAW:

Aquino will ask Congress to pass the "Bangsamoro Basic Law" for the autonomous region by the end of this year.

PLEBISCITE:

People living in areas to be included in the Bangsamoro will need to ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a plebiscite to be held in 2015.

TRANSITIONAL AUTHORITY:

After the basic law is approved and ratified by the plebiscite, a 15-member "Bangsamoro Transition Authority" will govern the region until a regional parliament is elected. Aquino appoints the members of the transitional authority, but the MILF will have a majority and the chairman.

ELECTIONS:

A regional parliament, expected to have 50 seats, is to be elected in conjunction with national elections in May 2016.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83610/key-points-of-the-comprehensive-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro

FINALLY, PEACE FOR PH | After 40-year strife, gov't, MILF ink pact

From InterAksyon (Mar 27): FINALLY, PEACE FOR PH | After 40-year strife, gov't, MILF ink pact



MILF's Mohaqher Iqbal and GPH's Miriam Coronel-Ferrer show the newly signed CAB on Thursday, March 27, 2014. With them are MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Malaysian PM Najib Razak, President Benigno Aquino III, OPAPP secretary Teresita Deles and Malaysian facilitator Datu Ghafar Tengku (Bernard Testa/InterAksyon.com)

After 40 years of conflict that brought poverty, fear, and violence to thousands of homes in Mindanao, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) the biggest Muslim rebel group in the country, finally signed a peace deal at 5:32 p.m., Thursday, March 27.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer and her counterpart from the MILF, Mohagher Iqbal, signed the five-page Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Malaysian facilitator Ghafar Tengku signed as witness.

The ceremony was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III, MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim, and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The CAB brings together the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; the four annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, normalization, and transitional arrangements; the addendum on Bangsamoro waters; and the 1997 ceasefire agreement.

[READ RELATED STORY: Key points of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro]

“Today, we have set an example to the world…The people themselves would turn the era of strife to an era of peace,” said Aquino.

“I will not let peace be snatched from my people again,” the President added.

“At times it seems as if the selfish few can fatally hamper the future of so many. There are, however, days like this: Days when our collective philosophy of sincere consensus-building yields the most enduring of results; days when we can stand witness to the hard work of our people; days when we can be filled with hope despite all the challenges that remain,” said Aquino.

“There are days when we can find time to reflect on what we have achieved in less than four years: In this case, the end to decades of conflict, and the beginning of development and prosperity for the Bangsamoro. Today, we have proven that not only can our people dream again; but in fact, we are now beginning to achieve our dreams,” he added.

[READ PRESIDENT AQUINO’S SPEECH DURING THE CAB SIGNING HERE]

Murad said the CAB, the culmination of 17 years of peace negotiations between his group and the Philippine government "is the crowning glory” of the Moro people’s struggle.

“The CAB finally brings with it the restoration of identity, powers and resources of Bangsamoro. These three things are now returned to us," Murad said. "The CAB is the crowning glory of our struggle."

Murad gave assurances that the MILF would not seek a monopoly of power over the Bangsamoro, the new political entity to be created as a result of the CAB.

"The MILF will only be the gatekeeper during the transition period, after which the keys to the gate will be turned over to democratic will of the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

"To be more emphatic, it will not be a government of the MILF but a government of the Bangsamoro," he said.

New political entity 

The agreement will pave the way for the creation of a new political entity called the Bangsamoro that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

[SEE COPY OF THE AGREEMENT AND ITS ANNEXES HERE] 

The ARMM will form part of the core Bangsamoro territory. It will include the cities of Isabela and Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and 39 barangays in six municipalities of Cotabato province.

The Bangsamoro will enjoy 100 percent of resources from non-metallic minerals such as sand, gravel and quarry and 75 percent of income from the exploration, development and utilization of metallic minerals within the region.

Only income derived from fossil fuels and uranium shall be shared equally by the Bangsamoro with the central government.

Under the annex on power-sharing, the Bangsamoro assembly shall have at least 50 members representing district, party-list, sectoral and reserved seats.

The assembly shall be headed by a chief minister, who shall be elected by majority votes from among the members of the assembly.

Not only for MILF 

Murad stressed the inclusive nature of the CAB.

"The CAB is not only for the MILF. It is for the Moro National Liberation Front as well, as much as it is for all Muslim ethnic tribes, Christian settlers, and indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro territory," Murad added. "MILF does not and will never claim sole ownership of the Bangsamoro."

The agreement, he said, would leave no more reason for anyone to take up arms.

"There is no more cause left pursuing by force for others to take," he said, as he prayed for "an accepting and not just a tolerant public" to ensure the CAB's success.

For her part, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the CAB signing would mean that in the future, there would be "no more children scampering for safety, no more evacuees, no more lost schooldays, no more injustice."

"No more poverty...no more fear. Tama na [Enough of those], we are all tired of it," Deles said.

"A new dawn has come, the dawn for books, not bullets; for paintbrushes, not knives; for whole communities, not evacuation centers," she said.

Malaysia's support 

Malaysia's Najib committed his country's continued support  to the peace process with Muslim rebels, in particular in the implementation of the CAB, calling the peace deal a “momentous act of courage.”

Najib said the Philippine government and the MILF were able to finalize the CAB because "the two sides looked not to the problems of the past but to the promise of the future."

He said that that by engaging in the peace process, the MILF "had repaid the trust placed in them by the people," while the Philippine government by engaging with the MILF in the negotiations had "affirmed the rights of the Bangsamoro to determine their own destiny."

"Both sides have scarificed so that people of Southern Philippines will live, free free from violence... free from suffering... free from fear," said Najib.

He said that in the pages of the CAB, "we will see the promise of a better future" where "classrooms ring with laughter, not gunshots."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/83624/finally-peace-for-ph--after-40-year-strife-govt-milf-ink-pact