Defense top agenda of Obama visit to PH

From Rappler (Apr 20): Defense top agenda of Obama visit to PH

Aquino, Obama to discuss 'strategic partnerships'

Defense and security will be on top of the agenda when United States President Barack Obama meets President Benigno Aquino III on April 28 to April 29.

The visit is part of Obama's trip to 4 Asian nations. Aside from the Philippines, Obama is also visiting Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

"Yun pong darating na pag-uusap ni Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Obama ay maaaring sumentro doon sa tinatawag na strategic partnership sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos. At mahalagang bahagi ng pakikipag-ugnayang ito at kooperasyong ito ay nasa larangan ng defense at security," Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said.

(The impending meeting of President Aquino and President Obama may focus on what we call strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States. An important part of this dialogue and cooperation has to do with defense and security)

The visit comes in the midst of the Philippines' territorial dispute with China.

Amid ongoing tensions in Ayungin Shoal, the Philippines and the United States are in the final stages of negotiating an enhanced defense deal that would give Americans wider access to Philippine military bases.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr earlier said he hopes the deal would be finalized on or before Obama's visit to the country. But Malacañang has denied accusations panels were rushing the deal in time for the US President's trip.

'Asian pivot'

During his 4-nation trip, Obama is expected to underscore his administration's planned diplomatic and military "rebalance" towards Asia Pacific.

Coloma said the so-called "Asian pivot" is the guiding context behind Obama's visit to the region.

US National Security Adviser Susan Rice earlier said Obama's trip to Asia will not involve large summits, unlike many of his overseas trips, the Washington Post reported.

The same report said Obama will take a look at a new electronic vehicle in the Philippines called the "Comet" during his overnight visit.

Groups opposed to increased US presence in the country are expected to stage protests during Obama's visit.

Coloma gave assurances that freedom of expression will be upheld, adding that police forces are prepared to maintain peace and order during the trip.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/55889-defense-top-agenda-obama-visit-ph

Bangsamoro draft law 'complete'

From Rappler (Apr 20): Bangsamoro draft law 'complete'

But not all commissioners sign the proposed law which will be submitted to Malacañang for review

STAKEHOLDERS. Peace supporters gather outside the office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission in Cotabato City ahead of the scheduled signing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Photo by Bangsamoro Transition Commission

 

On Easter Sunday, April 20, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) signed their final draft of the proposed law for a new political region in Mindanao.

"Yes, all signed except those who were absent," BTC chairman Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler in a text message at 9:45 pm.

As of posting time, Iqbal had yet to respond to Rappler's question on who were not present during the signing ceremony.

The signing comes a week after the body submitted a partial draft to President Benigno Aquino III for evaluation and review. The initial draft had yet to contain key details on the police structure for the political entity, automatic block grants, the special development fund, and Bangsamoro waters. (READ: Incomplete Bangsamoro draft law sent to Aquino)

The crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law marks the second phase of the peace process in Mindanao – the crucial implementation phase. The first phase culminated with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on March 27.

With the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law now signed, the BTC is expected to transmit in the coming days their version of the basic law to President Benigno Aquino III for review and evaluation before it is sent to Congress for deliberations.

But the process was not as rosy as it seemed.

Who didn't sign?

Rappler earlier reported that some BTC members nominated by the government were unhappy with how protocols determined by the commission itself were being set aside.

One of the issues had to do with transparency on how the BTC decided on the contents of the basic law, a source privy to BTC matters said.

Under BTC's internal rules, each committee (basic rights, culture, social justice, and indigenous peoples' matters; transitory provisions, amendments, revisions and miscellaneous matters; political autonomy; fiscal autonomy; justice and security matters) would submit a report to plenary. The body would then decide through votes on whether to accept or deny the proposals.

In an interview with Mindanews, BTC chairman Mohagher Iqbal denied that the basic law was being railroaded. Iqbal also served as the chief negotiator for the MILF during the peace talks.

When the BTC submitted the partial draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to Malacañang, a Rappler source said the document had yet to be signed by all members of the commission.

In a post on the official website of the MILF, Luwaran.com, the MILF said all 15 commissioners of the MILF-dominated body are expected to sign the draft law "without reservations." But it also hinted at an internal conflict within the commission.

The press release said:

"If by chance, any commissioner decides not to affix his/her signature to the proposed BBL [Bangsamoro basic law], such is within the purview of his or her right. No one can question that. But one thing sure is that he or she has to explain why he or she did not sign. History will judge his or her decision. But in the immediate, the negative decision will surely make the spoilers happy; they will feast on this even if the decision was based on reasons personally well-thought-out."

It added: "Better this early, every BTC commissioner must examine his or her conscience whether what side to vote: positively or negatively – and it is the right thing."

Citing unnamed sources, Mindanews earlier reported that some commissioners were already planning not to sign the draft law and were preparing a minority report.

A day before the scheduled signing, speculation circulated in social media that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) asked 3 commissioners not to sign the proposed law.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer denied the rumors.

In a statement issued Saturday night, April 19, Ferrer said OPAPP "gave no instruction to any BTC commissioner not to sign the draft."

She admitted holding meetings with government representatives to the BTC but only for updates and consultations, and shot down speculations about holding any "secret meetings."

The BTC was created through Executive Order 120. The MILF nominated 8 of the commission's members, including the chairman, while 7 members were nominated by the government.

Copy of draft Bangsamoro law won't be released yet

After being constituted formally as a body in April 2013, the BTC embarked on public consultations across Mindanao. When they sat down for marathon sessions to craft the Basic Law, however, the sessions were largely held behind closed doors.

And the final product of the deliberations – the Bangsamoro Basic Law – won't be released until the passage of the law in Congress is assured.

"As a matter of fact, one lady commissioner, a nominee of the government, requested that every commissioner will be given a copy for posterity's sake," the MILF said in Luwaran.com.

"The BTC agreed but the copy will not be given to the commissioners until at a later date when full disclosure of the BBL will not compromise its smooth deliberation in Congress. Besides, an engagement with the government in this regard is required," it added.

The proposed law would have to go through two rounds of deliberations and approval – first, in Congress; and second, during the plebisicite in Bangsamoro core areas.

This early, lawmakers, including Sen Miriam Defensor Santiago, have raised concerns about the constitutionality of the measure.

Under EO 120, part of the mandate of the BTC is to recommend proposed amendments to the 1987 Philippines Constitution "whenever necessary." But the government has explained the final peace agreement makes no guarantees that the proposed amendments will be included in the Basic Law.

Amending the Constitution to accommodate the Bangsamoro Basic Law would cost more time for the peace process, making the 2016 target deadline for the creation of the new political entity harder to beat.

The peace agreement between the government and the MILF aims to create a new region with greater political and fiscal powers than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – which it is set to replace – as rebels decommission their troops and firearms.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/55911-transition-commission-finishes-bangsamoro-draft-law

ANALYSIS | What does it mean for the region? World cuts military spending but not Asia

Posted to InterAksyon (Apr 20): ANALYSIS | What does it mean for the region? World cuts military spending but not Asia

For the second year in a row, the world is spending a little less on the military. Asia, however, has failed to get the memo. The region is spending more at a time when many others are spending less.

Last year, Asia saw a 3.6 percent increase in military spending, according to figures just released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The region -- which includes East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Oceania -- posted topping off a 62 percent increase over the last decade.

In 2012, for the first time Asia outpaced Europe in its military spending.

That year, the world’s top five importers of armaments all came from Asia: India, China, Pakistan, South Korea, and (incredibly) the city-state of Singapore.

China is responsible for the lion’s share of the increases in East Asia, having increased its spending by 170 percent over the last decade. It has also announced a 12.2 percent increase for 2014.

But China is not the only driver of regional military spending. South Asia -- specifically the confrontation between India and Pakistan -- is responsible for a large chunk of the military spending in the region. Rival territorial claims over tiny islands -- and the vast resources that lie beneath and around them -- in both Northeast and Southeast Asia are pushing the claimants to boost their maritime capabilities.

Even Japan, which has traditionally kept its military spending to under one percent of GDP, is getting into the act. Tokyo has promised of a 2.8 percent increase in 2014-15.

‘Pacific pivot’ drives up military spending

The United States, a Pacific power whose military spending is not included in the Asia figures, has also played an important role in driving up the expenditures in the region. The Barack Obama administration’s “Pacific pivot” is designed to reboot the US security presence in this strategically critical part of the world.

To a certain extent, the arms race in Asia is connected not to the vast expansion of the Pentagon since 2001 but rather to the relative decline of Asia in US priorities over much of that period.

As US allies, South Korea and Japan were expected to shoulder more of the security burden in the region while the United States pursued national security objects in the Middle East and Central Asia.

China, meanwhile, pursued a “peaceful rise” that also involved an attempt to acquire a military strength comparable to its economic strength. At the same time, China more vigorously advanced its claims in the South China Sea even as other parties to the conflict put forward their counter claims.

The Pacific pivot has been billed as a way to halt the relative decline of US influence in Asia. So far, however, this highly touted “rebalancing” has largely been a shifting around of US forces in the region.

The fulcrum of the pivot is Okinawa, where the United States and Japan have been negotiating for nearly two decades to close an outdated Marine Air Force base in Okinawa and transfer those Marines to existing, expanding, and proposed facilities elsewhere.

Aside from this complex operation, a few Littoral Combat Ships have gone to Singapore. The Pentagon has proposed putting slightly more of its overall fleet in the Pacific (a 60-40 split compared to the current 50-50). And Washington has welcomed closer coordination with partners like the Philippines and Vietnam.

Instead of a significant upgrade to US capabilities in the region, the pivot is largely a signal to Washington’s allies that the partnerships remain strong and a warning to Washington’s adversaries that, even if US military spending is on a slight downward tilt, the Pentagon possesses more than enough firepower to deter their power projection.

US arms export doubled

This signaling function of the pivot dovetails with another facet of US security policy: arms exports. The growth of the Pentagon over the last 10 years has been accompanied by a growth in US military exports, which more than doubled during the period 2002 to 2012 from 8.3 to 18.8 billion dollars.

The modest reduction in Pentagon spending will not necessarily lead to a corresponding decline in exports. In fact, the opposite is likely to be true, as was the case during the last Pentagon slowdown in the 1990s. The Obama administration has pushed through a streamlining of the licensing process in order to facilitate an increase in military exports -- in part to compensate US arms manufacturers for a decline in orders from the Pentagon.

Asia and Oceania represent the primary target for US military exports, absorbing nearly half of all shipments. Of that number, East Asia represents approximately one-quarter (South Asia accounts for nearly half).
The biggest-ticket item is the F-35 fighter jet, which Washington has already sold to Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Long-range missile defense systems have been sold to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Overall between 2009 and 2013, Australia and South Korea have been the top US clients. With its projected increase in military spending, Japan will also likely rise much higher on the list.

The more advanced weaponry US allies purchase, the more they are locked into future acquisitions. The United States emphasizes “interoperability” among its allies. Not only are purchasers dependent on the United States for spare parts and upgrades, but they must consider the overall system of command and control (which is now C5I -- Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat systems and Intelligence).

Although a French fighter jet or a Russian naval vessel might be a cheaper option in a competitive bid, the purchasing country must also consider how the item integrates with the rest of its hardware and software.

More military spending drives conflict, means lesser resources for climate change

The United States has argued that its overwhelming military presence in the region and lack of interest in territorial gain have dampened conflict in Asia. But the security environment has changed dramatically since the United States first presented itself as a guarantor of regional stability.

Japan no longer abides by a strict interpretation of its “peace constitution.” North Korea has developed nuclear weapons. China has dramatically increased its capabilities. South Korea has created its own indigenous military manufacturing sector and greatly expanded its exports. Territorial disputes in the South China, Yellow, and East China Seas have sharpened. The only flashpoint that has become more peaceful in the last few years has been the Taiwan Strait.

The continued increase in military spending by countries in East Asia and the massive influx of arms into the region are both symptoms and drivers of conflict. Until and unless the region restrains its appetite for military upgrades, the risk of clashes and even all-out war will remain high.

In such an increasingly volatile environment, regional security agreements -- on North Korea’s nuclear program, the several territorial disputes, or new technological threats like cyberwarfare -- will be even more difficult to achieve.

Most importantly, because of these budget priorities, the region will have fewer resources and less political will to address other pressing threats, such as climate change, which cannot be defeated with fighter jets or the latest generation of battle ship.

[Editor’s note: This piece originally appeared at the Inter Press Service website.]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/85086/analysis--what-does-it-mean-for-the-region-world-cuts-military-spending-but-not-asia

After 53 days, Abu Sayyaf free kidnapped engineer in Jolo

From InterAksyon (Apr 20): After 53 days, Abu Sayyaf free kidnapped engineer in Jolo

Suspected Islamic militants have freed a Filipino engineer they abducted in the southern Philippines 53 days ago, the military said Sunday.

Bonifacio Salinas was seized by alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf group on the volatile southern island of Jolo in February along with his wife, Claire, who was freed a month later.

Local military spokesman Captain Ryan Lacuesta said the gunmen released Salinas on a mountainous roadside Saturday night.

"He was instructed to walk toward the direction of the Jolo airport. He met some civilians on his way who helped him contact the Marines brigade headquarters," Lacuesta said.

"Engineer Salinas has been reunited with his family," Lacuesta said.
He said it "there is no information" on whether a ransom was paid, or who the abductors were.

Salinas could not be reached for comment.

Kidnappings in the region have been largely blamed on the Abu Sayyaf, a small gang of self-styled Islamic militants founded in the 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda, according to the police and the military.

The rag-tag group of about 300 militants operates out of jungle terrain on Jolo and nearby islands.

Local armed forces have been hunting them down with aid from US military intelligence, but the group has managed to survive by hiding among remote poor communities that for years have been fertile grounds for recruitment.

An Abu Sayyaf unit early this month raided a dive resort across the sea border in Sabah, Malaysia, and kidnapped a Chinese tourist and a Filipina resort worker.

The captors have demanded a ransom of $11 million for the tourist with negotiations done through intermediaries.

The Philippine government has a no-ransom policy although it is widely known that all kidnapping victims are freed by paying what the military and Abu Sayyaf euphemistically call "board and lodging payment."

Apart from the two kidnapped from Sabah, the Abu Sayyaf is also believed to be holding Dutchman Ewold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra, who were kidnapped in July 2010 while on a birding expedition.

Japanese national Amer Mamaito Katayama also kidnapped in July remains in captivity.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/85091/after-53-days-abu-sayyaf-free-kidnapped-engineer-in-jolo

Without PH Senate vote, pact on US rotational presence violates Charter - Miriam

From InterAksyon (Apr 20): Without PH Senate vote, pact on US rotational presence violates Charter - Miriam

Unless concurred in by a 2/3 vote of the Philippine Senate, the proposed agreement covering the increased rotational presence of US troops in the country – believed being rushed in time for President Barack Obama’s visit - will violate the Constitution, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said on Sunday.

Santiago, a constitutional and international law expert, said the affairs of the State should not be regarded like a gift to foreign leaders, stressing the supposed agreement is a very important matter in the country’s foreign relations.

“We should stop first our superstitious mentality na itong mga bisita dapat pakitaan ng magandang ugali, hindi ito kapareho, ibang level ito,” Santiago said in a radio interview over DzBB.

Malacanang last week had debunked speculations that the so-called AEDC (Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation) is being rushed in time for the arrival of Mr. Obama on April 28. His Manila trip is part of a swing through four Asian countries – Japan, Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines – and was characterized as one meant to signal America’s seriousness in its pivot to Asia, where maritime rows in the East and South China Seas involve some of its key treaty allies.

Santiago said Obama’s visit to Asia is apparently meant to enlist certain strategic countries to be part of the US defense strategy when China makes a move in Asia.

“Kaya ang una nyang pinuntahan ay Japan. Pagkatapos nyan, pupuntahan nya ang Sokor, Malaysia, tapos Philippines. Pero kausap din nya allies kaya antimano, NZ and Australia. Ang gusto nyang mangyari ay ayaw niyang i-provoke ang China [That’s why he will visit Japan first; then, South Korea, Malaysia, then the Philippines. But at the outset he is also talking to New Zealand and Australia. What he wants is to avoid provoking China],” Santiago said.

She conceded that it’s a sound strategy because of the risk of the simmering conflicts turning “into a shooting war.” That is why, she said, Obama is “saying nothing that could provoke China,” which in recent months has been engaged in a word war and in cat-and-mouse games of its patrol vessels with Japan and the Philippines in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, respectively. The US has treaties with both countries, vowing to come to their defense in case of an attack.

In all the recent incidents, all that Mr. Obama is saying, noted Santiago, is that “we will defend our allies according to our existing agreement.”

“Tell Obama it’s unconstitutional”

Santiago said the American ambassador to the Philippines should tell Mr. Obama that the agreement to increase US rotational presence in the country will violate the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

“Now, I hope, the American ambassador will tell Mr. Obama that we Filipinos are very rules-conscious. We always insist on what the law says,” Santiago explained, speaking mostly in Filipino.

Santiago said the Constitution explicitly bans the establishment of foreign bases and facilities, including foreign troops, on Philippine soil except under a treaty duly approved by a 2/3 vote of the members of the Philippine Senate.

“And it is clear the Constitution does not allow what they want – to allow increased US troops in our country. Not because I don’t want it, or because others don’t want it, but simply because the Charter clearly states: foreign military bases, foreign military troops or foreign military facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly approved by the Senate,” she said.

So, she said, the increased rotational presence, even if America will not establish  foreign bases in the country, still violates the Constitution.

Party-list lawmakers last week had warned that the proposed accord would be "worse" than the US-Philippines bases treaty that ended in 1992, because it is not covered by a treaty, nor rentals, and has no limits.

No executive agreement allowed in Charter

There is likewise no mention in the Constitution that the government can enter into an executive agreement allowing foreign troops to be stationed in the country in furtherance of the existing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), according to Santiago.

She said any international agreement entered into by the government should be concurred in by the Senate as explicitly stated in the Constitution.

“There’s no provision there allowing an executive agreement; where did they get that? There’s no phrase that says ‘except under a treaty concurred in by the Senate and all other agreements subsequent to the treaty.’ Why do they insist on using a language that is not in the Constitution?”

No matter how it’s called, any international agreement shall not pass if it is not concurred in by the Senate, she stressed, adding, “that’s their problem here.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/85103/without-ph-senate-vote-pact-on-us-rotational-presence-violates-charter---miriam

8ID gains heavily against the NPA rebels during 1st quarter 2014

Just posted to the Samar News (Apr 14): 8ID gains heavily against the NPA rebels during 1st quarter 2014

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 14, 2014



Based from 8ID accomplishment record for the 1st quarter 2014, the NPA rebels suffered blows in all fronts. On manpower, twenty six (26) rebels surrendered, seven (7) were arrested and one (1) was killed during an encounter, for a total of 34 rebels neutralized.

On the part of the 8ID, one (1) soldier was killed in action, while two (2) were wounded in action. On firearms, troops recovered five (5) high powered firearms and fourteen (14) low powered firearms. Government forces incurred no loss during the period.

8ID was also able to hand over five (5) of the twenty six (26) towns of Samar Province and ten (10) of the twenty four (24) towns of Northern Samar Province to their LGUs as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready areas (MCADR) which is a manifestation that the NPA rebels have lost their influence in these 15 towns that were handed over.

The provinces of Samar and Northern Samar in their entirety are scheduled to be handed over by 8ID to their respective provincial peace and order councils in June 2014 and December 2014 as MCADR areas.

In their desperate attempt to offset their setbacks and woes the rebels resorted to killing innocent people compounding their violations against people’s rights. During the period, the rebels perpetrated murders against four (4) innocent and hapless civilians. The NPA murdered one (1) former rebel, one (1) civilian, one (1) Cafgu Active Auxilliary or CAA and one (1) Army reservist. These commissions of heinous crimes by the NPA rebels will further alienate them from the people who already resent their extortion activities.

Maj Gen Jet B. Velarmino AFP, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division said: “As the timeline of 8ID to accomplish its mission to create an environment conducive to peace and development for the whole of Eastern Visayas is nearing, we expect strong resistance from the rebels to defend their dwindling strongholds. But the rebels will not be able to stop the inevitable.”

“In the coming months, we will press on with the fight but we welcome peaceful resolution to this armed conflict being waged by the NPA rebels. To pre-empt violence, we invite all stakeholders to get involved in winning the peace by pressuring the rebels to return to the mainstream and to abandon armed struggle. We all need peace for the security and well-being of our people and sustainable development in the region,” he added.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/apr/d005.htm

Commentary: They have no fear, much less respect

Excerpt from commentary in the Borneo Post (Apr 20): They have no fear, much less respect

.....A few days after the latest kidnapping off Sabah I heard a very interesting remark made by a radio commentator.

“The Abu Sayyaf is just a bandit group hiding under the name of a great religion and the struggle for independence of their claimed homeland. They treat Sabah like an ATM machine.”

I find the last sentence most intriguing and really on the mark. There has been at least ten kidnappings since 2000 when they netted 21 prisoners. I understand at least a few of the bandits were involved in all the cases. The resorts of Sabah are indeed like an ATM machine to this villainous group – when they need some money they would just sail over to collect some. They have done so successfully at least ten times in the twelve years. Such is lack of fear of the Malaysian forces of deterrence.

There was an interesting and somewhat amusing story that circulated after the 2000 kidnapping in Sipadan. Apparently after the news of their incursion into Sabah and coming away with their prize the leader of the Abu Sayyaf was approached by some of his cousins. Well, in a small place everyone is a cousin, especially when one has come into money.  With a bit of journalistic license I would say it went like this.

“Hi coz, I understand you came into a bit of money from your expedition in Sabah. How about sharing some with your kapatid (relative)?”

“Sorry, no can do but you are free to use the power boats we just bought to do your own thing.”

Apparently someone paid the ransom for the kidnapped Malaysians though our government denied any involvement in the transaction.  It was rumoured that the kidnappers bought a couple fast boats with the proceeds.

The cousins took his word for it and used the boats to attack another island. As luck would have it there was a big storm the week before and the resort suffered some damage. It was closed a while. So with the pirates cousins struck there was no a single tourist. They took off with a few of the resort staff and soon realized that they were of no value. The men were released a few weeks later.

It is said that there are two reasons why those with criminal bend think twice about committing their acts, namely, respect for the law and fear of apprehension and punishment.

There is a prominent Tan Sri who likes to give pious advice that we should educate people to respect the law. Our country is purported to be guided by the teachings of all the great religions and the Abu Sayyaf claims to be Muslim. Well, so much for divine guidance. That leaves only the fear of apprehension and punishment. However, from all the depressing news we have so far it appears that villains don’t have too much fear from this deterrence.

Such is the brazenness of these criminals that they appear to thumb up their noses, stick out their tongues, blow raspberry at our police force and authorities. In the case of incidents off Sabah they are shaking their fists in open defiance. In spite of this effrontery there does not seem to be much effective response from our authorities and law enforcement agencies. If this were a football match the score would have been: villains and pirates -10; Malaysia – 0.

The PM once said that the fight against crime is a war. Well, let’s hope that we are bringing out our “A” team and our “A” game to the battle. Because as of this moment the baddies don’t have fear let alone respect of our laws.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/20/they-have-no-fear-much-less-respect/#ixzz2zNCofxgV

PMA sets silent drill exhibitions

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 19): PMA sets silent drill exhibitions

THE 3rd class cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 2017 is holding series of silent drill exhibitions starting Monday, April 21, in Zamboanga City, a military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela said the silent drill exhibitions are part of the PMA’s annual Southern Cruise for calendar year 2014.

Muyuela said the silent drill exhibitions will showcase the finest movements in military marching and formation.

The schedules of silent drills are as follows: Paseo del Mar, April 21; Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters, April 22; and, Westmincom headquarters, April 23.

Muyuela said the main highlight of the Southern Cruise is to promote PMA in the different areas in order to recruit the best, brightest and the fittest applicants for the military service.

Muyuela said the cadets will also be oriented in the different Armed Forces of the Philippines units that will help them choose among the branch of service they will serve--the Army, the Navy or the Air Force--after graduating from the academy.

“This is a continuing activity, after the successful conduct of the Southern Cruises for PMA classes 2014 and 2015 in the past two years--a revival after 20 years,” she added.

She said that Zamboanga City is one of the ports of call selected to include Davao City, Cebu City, Cavite, Corregidor Island and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/04/19/pma-sets-silent-drill-exhibitions-338813

MILF: Bangsamoro of Koronadal Province oriented on Sharia and parliamentary governance

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 19): Bangsamoro of Koronadal Province oriented on Sharia and parliamentary governance



To get glimpse of how the Bangsamoro government will run, almost four hundred Bangsamoro people from Koronadal Province attended a seminar on Shariah (Islamic jurisprudence) and parliamentary system of governance.
   

In the learning activity entitled “Empowering Bangsamoro Political Leaders and Communities” held on April 11, 2014 at the Community Learning Center in Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok, South Cotabato, the participants were also oriented on the electoral systems for Bangsamoro government.

The resource persons discussed the set-up of the newly created political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Sheikh Abdulsalam D. Alabat, a Shariah expert and member of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) Steering Committee, discussed the following the definition of Shariah, Politics in Islam, Relevant Provisions in the Holy Qur’an, Key Concepts, and the Aim of the Political Party.

He related a verse from the Holy Qur’an which states: "Let there arise out of you a bond of people calling to the Goodness and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil; and those are the ones who will attain success“

The resource person explained that the first order is for the establishment of a group that has a bond binding its members and an Amir or leader whose obedience is obligatory.

“And the second order is to conduct actions calling to the Goodness and Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil,” he elaborated.

Alabat stressed that the political party aims for the establishment of good and forbidding what evil.

He said that in today’s situation, “All the Ma’ruf (goodness) have been removed due to the  absence of Islam, and Almost all the Munkar (evil) exist due to the absence of the state that implements Islam.

Alabat explained that in the ministerial form of government which the Bangsamoro will adopt once the basic law is ratified, the voters elect the legislature where the chief executive or the chief minister is drawn.

“The members of the cabinet are usually selected by the chief minister with approval from the legislative,” he said.

Koronadal Province is a political set-up under the MILF which is composed of towns of Tantangan, Tampakan, Polomolok, Tupi and Koronadal City.

The key officers of the MILF Political Committee and line agencies coming from the provincial, municipal and barangay levels attended the gathering.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/932-bangsamoro-of-koronadal-province-oriented-on-sharia-and-parliamentary-governance

MILF: MILF Officials attend “Ka-PEACEtahan ng Maguindanao”

From the MILF Website (Apr 19): MILF Officials attend “Ka-PEACEtahan ng Maguindanao”



Several high-ranking officials of the MILF graced the grand kanduli (thanksgiving feast) sponsored by the Provincial Government of Maguindanao last April 6 at the town of Buluan.
  

Also dubbed as “Ka-PEACEtahan ng Maguindanao”, the occasion was dedicated to the March 27, 2014 signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at Kalayaan Ground, Malacañang Palace, Manila.

Leading the MILF delegation were First Vice-Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar, Chief Negotiator and BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Shari’ah Chairman Ustadz Khalifa Nando and Central Committee Secretary Muhammad Ameen.

Iqbal gave an update on the CAB as well as the current drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which, he said, has two main concerns: “the higher interests of the GPH and MILF to have peace and development in the Bangsamoro” and that “the basic law must be based on the CAB.”

Jaafar, on the other hand, said they came to “be in solidarity with the good intentions of Governor Mangudadatu in holding a kanduli over the signing of the CAB.” He expressed hope that the CAB would be successful so that through it the Bangsamoro would finally have their long-desired government.

He appealed for genuine unity and support from all sectors, especially from the MNLF with “whom they have started the struggle with and hopefully to complete it with them as well.”

Muhammad Ameen read the message of MILF Chairman Al haj Murad Ebrahim who described the event as a “demonstration of the sincere commitment of the provincial government to support the CAB.” He congratulated the Province of Maguindanao for being chosen as the venue of the 1st International Sports for Peace and Development. He also extended appreciation over the various programs of the provincial government such as the distribution of mallard ducks, working animals, tilapia fingerlings, oil palm and rubber seedlings, and scholarship grants.

“These would also be among the priorities that the Bangsamoro would undertake once it is finally established,” the MILF chief said in his prepared message.

The “Ka-PEACEtahan ng Maguindanao” was well attended by national and local officials. OPAPP Sec. Teresita Deles was the keynote speaker. Also seen were Congressman Sajid Mangudadatu of the 2nd District of Maguindanao, military commanders from nearby brigades and several municipal mayors.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/931-milf-officials-attend-“ka-peacetahan-ng-maguindanao”

NUPL opposes US-Ph Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 19): NUPL opposes US-Ph Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation

Delegates to the 18th Assembly of International Association of Democratic Lawyers have expressed their support to the call of Filipino lawyers for opposition to the Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation that will be formalized soon by the United States and the Philippine governments.

This developed as Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares has warned that the Philippine government could be held accountable under international law should the US use its military facilities in the Philippines to commit aggression in other countries.

Colmenares, president of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), said delegates to the international lawyers convention in Brussels, Belgium have joined the NUPL in condemning the AEDC as part of US plans to re-establish military bases in the Philippines.

“Many delegates believe that this new basing agreement and the US pivot in Asia will threaten the peace and stability of the region” said Edre U. Olalia, Secretary General of the NUPL.

However, Olalia did not state whether or not a formal written statement was issued by delegates to the IADL.

A draft of the proposed enhanced defense cooperation pact has been submitted for review by President Benigno Aquino III.

Filipinos concerned over China’s continuous acts of bullying over contested territories in the West Philippine sea have speculated that the defense deal will contain provisions that would lead to the modernization of the Philippines outmoded defense equipment.

However, left-leaning Filipinos have rejected the defense pact as part of the US plan to extend military might over the Philipines.

“Support from many lawyers groups worldwide is important in the battle against this attempt by the US for economic and political hegemony in Asia. We will continue to gather as many support from peace advocates and lawyers groups against the latest US initiative to escalate its presence in the Philippines,” he said.

Colmenares recalled that during the IADL discussions, certain legal luminaries from various countries stressed that the “crime of aggression does not only attach to the US but also the country that allows the use of its territory to attack other countries”

“While we condemn China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea, we will not tolerate aggressive acts of the US which will subject the Filipino people to retaliatory attacks by the many enemies of the US,” said Colmenares, who is a member of the House minority bloc.

http://www.mb.com.ph/129904/

4 officials gun for PAF

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 20): 4 officials gun for PAF

The change of command of the Philippine Air Force is set on April 25 at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.

PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said there are four candidates for the top PAF post but no official announcement has yet been released on who will replace retiring PAF chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.

Military sources said Armed Forces’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (J5) Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delagado will be appointed as the next commanding general of PAF.

Delgado declined to comment on his reported appointment to PAF but confirmed there were four candidates including him for the position.

Dela Cruz’ retirement will soon be followed by the retirement of several other generals, such as Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano on May 1, AFP Vice chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga on May 12,  AFP-Civil Relations Service chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Jungco on May 26, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on July 20; Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda on August 17, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rainer Cruz on Sept. 6 and Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Caesar Ordoyo on Sept. 8.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/20/4-officials-gun-for-paf/

Albay in PH-US exercise

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 20): Leyte, Albay in PH-US exercise

AROUND 5,500 Filipino and American soldiers will participate in this year’s Balikatan exercises starting on May 5 in various venues in the country, including a series of humanitarian and civic assistance activities in Tacloban City in Leyte and Legazpi City and Guinobatan town in Albay.

Capt. Annalea Cazcarro, spokesman of the Balikatan exercises, said at least 2,500 American soldiers will arrive in the country for the annual large-scale training activity which starts on May 5.

Cazcarro said field training exercises will be held at the Naval Station San Miguel in San Antonio town in the province of Zambales.

Other training venues for this year’s Balikatan exercises are Fort Magsaysay, Clark Air Base, and Marine Base Ternate which are all in northern Philippines.

She said staff exercises focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster response would be held in the western Philippine city of Puerto Princesa.

Balikatan 2014 (BK14) organizers have earlier booked about 400 hotel rooms in Legazpi for their civil military operations for a full month period, representing about 60% of high-end quality room capacity in the province.

The event is the fifth similar PHL-US military-related activities which Albay had hosted since 2007.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said BK14 lends support to the provincial and local government units community outreach initiatives, enhances the program’s interoperability between the participants and local stakeholders, promote the BK14 Exercises and further enhance PHL-US bilateral relations.

Salceda said BK14 civic assistance activities will include Engineering Civic Assistance Program (ENCAP), Cooperative Healthcare (MED/VET) engagements, and Civil Military Operations and Community relations activities in Legazpi City. Guinobatan and several other nearby towns.

BK14 activities, held simultaneously in other parts of the country, involve some 5,500 US and Filipino military personnel. In Albay, some 400 US soldiers will participate in the HCA.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/04/20/leyte-albay-in-ph-us-exercise/

2 militiamen wounded in Zamboanga del Norte attack

From GMA News (Apr 19): 2 militiamen wounded in Zamboanga del Norte attack 

At least two members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit were injured after armed men attacked a detachment of the Army's 20th Special Force Detachment in Zamboanga del Norte Friday night, a radio report said Saturday.

Bombo Radyo cited a report from detachment patrol base commander Cpl. Jelmer Haraji showing the attack occurred at Barangay Pange in Siayan town at about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

It identified the wounded CAFGU personnel as Marcial Sinto Seguyo, 50, and Jhunny Seguyo Fabillar.

The two were wounded in the knees by bullets from an M-16 rifle.

An initial investigation showed the two CAFGUs were returning to camp after getting the batteries for their handheld radio sets when armed men attacked the detachment.

This triggered a fire fight that lasted several minutes, after which the attackers fled toward Barangay Labangon in Dumingag town in Zamboanga del Sur.

As of posting time, GMA News Online was trying to contact the military to confirm the report.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/357529/news/regions/2-militiamen-wounded-in-zamboanga-del-norte-attack

Indigenous aspiration in Bangsamoro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 20): Indigenous aspiration in Bangsamoro



THE “WALIYAN” (main ritualist) is the man garbed in an all-white outfit with headgear. PHOTO COURTESY OF INITIATIVES FOR INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUES
DAVAO CITY, Philippines–Before sunrise on Wednesday, the “waliyan,” priests of the Erumanen Manuvu indigenous communities in Bukidnon province and Carmen town, North Cotabato province, held a synchronized ritual to implore the gods that their appeal to President Aquino for respect of their rights will finally be heard in the Bangsamoro governance setup.

In the ritual called “pined redsa ne pengeni ngeni,” Datu Al Saliling of the Erumanen Manuvu in Eruman, Carmen, voiced out the anxiety felt by indigenous peoples (IP) that in the proposed Bangsamoro territory, their rights to the land—where their identity as a people begins and ends—would be glossed over.

“We are not rejecting the peace pact between the government and  MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). In fact, we are supporting it,” Saliling said. “But as much as possible, we should not be part of the Bangsamoro identity because we have quite an identity of our own.”

Recognition
 
The indigenous peoples want recognition of their territorial rights to be put in writing in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will be passed by the Congress.

Their experiences in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which will be supplanted by the Bangsamoro, made them wary over the fate of their ancestral domain. Since the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (Ipra), or Republic Act No. 8371, was signed into law in October 1997, no certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) has been issued in the ARMM despite applications filed by the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo and Erumanen Manuvu.

Saliling said the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) had failed to issue any CADT in the ARMM in the last 17 years because all of the tribal concerns in the region were handled by the Office for Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC), an agency under the ARMM. Unlike the NCIP, the OSCC has no mandate to issue the titles.

It was only after the NCIP came up with an en banc resolution in January that the legalities over the issuance of CADTs were resolved, and the Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo tribes in Central Mindanao started delineation proceedings over their ancestral domain claim, covering an area of 201,850 hectares, in the ARMM.

But Timuay Alim Bandara, head of an ancestral domain claimant organization in Central Mindanao, said his people were at the beginning of a long process that would include social preparation and actual land survey.

 “We’re still at the first stage of a three-stage process, the fastest of which will take about an entire year to finish,” he said.

Bandara remained hopeful despite funding problems and an OSCC statement questioning the NCIP move that the latter had overlapped its jurisdiction in the ARMM.

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Timuay Macapantao Manamba, chair of the NCIP provincial delineation team, said his office intended to finish the delineation proceedings as fast as it could. He said that for the first time in 17 years, the NCIP finally showed the political will to implement the Ipra within the ARMM.

Earlier, indigenous peoples living in areas covered by the proposed Bangsamoro had asked the President why the Ipra, or the law that ensures the recognition and protection of IP rights in the country, was not mentioned in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and other documents signed in the peace pact with MILF.

Leaders of the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan and other tribes appealed to the President in a letter to interfere in what they called the “problematic” implementation of the Ipra in the ARMM.

“We believe that our rights won’t be significantly entrenched in the BBL  since the Ipra, which is supposed to be a national law and thereby set as the minimum standard for any legal reforms, has obviously been put aside,” they said.

Their assertion of their territories within the proposed Bangsamoro area is only an affirmation of their kinship to Mamalu, the ancestor of the Tedurays and other non-Islamized tribes, they said. Mamalu  made a sacred pact over the delineation of their land with Tabunaway, his brother, who had converted into Islam and became an ancestor of the Islamized tribes of Central Mindanao.

Peace
 
That pact  also allowed them to live in peace and harmony in the land.
“The sacred pact was made and sealed by the highest form of ritual called the ‘safa,’” Timuay Bandara said.

“Although they (MILF and the government) actually signed the peace pact, we are actually already living it, day after day, for years,” Saliling said.

In their open letter to the President, the IP leaders said the government and MILF talks also touched on their very own ancestral domains, natural resources and people.

“When this latter phase all started, something we felt was already missing and wrong,” the letter said. “The framework and final agreements may have answered consensus points for the Moro people, but it raised a lot of crucial questions for us indigenous peoples.”

By not including the Ipra in the agreement, they said, the government seemed to have “surrendered our rights to a political entity, which has yet to prove its mantle to govern.”

“Isn’t it that by empowering and providing us our rights to govern our own territory, exercise our culture, and recognizing that we are distinct peoples part of the overall peace process?” they asked. “But where are we in the entire picture? Are we talking about a different peace in the Bangsamoro?”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/595586/indigenous-aspiration-in-bangsamoro