MILF: Academe -- gov’t should engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians

From the MILF Website (Jun 16): Academe: gov’t should engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians



A Moro college dean calls on the Philippine Government to engineer the wider gap between Muslims and Christians citing that “peace cannot be attained unless biases and prejudices are wiped out.”
  

This was aired by Dr. Jioharia Lim Nicart, Dean of Education Department of Mindanao State University-General Santos during the recent consultation of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) with Muslim community leaders, academe and civil society organizations in General Santos City.

“I hope the TPMT could tell the government about this,” Nicart persuaded.

More than thirty participants coming from General Santos City and the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and South Cotabato attended the gathering on June 6, 2014 organized by the TPMT and United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD).

Hanan Masdoc, a young Moro professional, noted the number of Maguindanaons coming from Central Mindanao who migrated in General Santos City and other key cities of the country to avoid armed confrontations between the government and rebel forces and to look for livelihood opportunities which is scarce in their hometowns.

In the past peace forums, some Moro participants complained the difficulty for Muslim job seekers to be hired in private companies. They also noted that some Christian owners refuse rentals of their office spaces for Muslims.

It was also reported that some Muslim job applicants are compelled to change their Muslim names into Christian sounding ones to hide their identity as Muslims.

TPMT is a body tasked to monitor, review and assess the implementation of all signed agreements by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), especially the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

During the consultation, Alistair MacDonald, TMPT Chairperson, discussed their mandates and some highlights of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

He said they will try their best to help in the peace process and added that the TPMT will focus on the priorities and it is the “civil society who can help evaluate the quality of the implementation of the agreements.”

The TPMT Chair also noted that the two parties are committed for a peaceful resolution to Mindanao problem.

The activity was geared to hear views of different stakeholders on the progress of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

In two other separate occasions, the TPMT also consulted with the Governor of Sarangani Province together with the Sarangani-Local Monitoring Team (LMT) in Provincial Capitol, Alabel, Sarangani Province and the with the business sector at the Green Leaf Hotel in General Santos City.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1042-academe-gov’t-should-engineer-the-wider-gap-between-muslims-and-christians

MILF: Muslim student leaders undergo regional leadership training

From the MILF Website (Jun 16): Muslim student leaders undergo regional leadership training



Muslim student leaders from 11 colleges and universities in Region 12 underwent a two-day leadership training primarily aimed to unite all the Muslim student leaders of the region and learn and practice leadership in Islamic perspective.
  

The activity, hosted by the Muslim Students Organization (MSO) and Center for Peace and Environment of Notre Dame of Marbel University, was held at the Family Eco-Park in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City on March 31 to June 1, 2014.

Participating Muslim student organizations were coming from: Notre Dame University in Cotabato , Cotabato City State Polytechnic College,  Mindanao State University in General Santos City, St. Alexius College, University of Southern Mindanao, and Southern Christian College in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat State University-Main, Lutayan, Isulan, & Tacurong branches.

Kaharudin Dalaten, MSO President, said, “It was organized to provide the necessary activities and training to enhance the leadership potential of the student leaders.”

He added that the learnings acquired from the training shall be practiced by the students who possess the mental and physical ability as well as the moral and ethical integrity expected of a genuine leader.”

Dalaten added that the training will help expose Muslim student leaders to become good leader in the organization.

The activity also opened door to the participants to form the Regional Organization of Muslim Students.

Ustadz Akman Abtahi, the resource person who handled the topic “Islamic Leadership and Management,” stressed that the Muslim youth also play a significant role in building peaceful communities.

“It is important that you possess qualities of Muslim leaders which include being God-fearing, responsible, honest, trustworthy and just,” Abtahi told the delegates.

In a workshop, the participants shared their ideas, plans and programs geared to strengthen their respective organizations.

Dr. Mohaliden Suaeb, Education Supervisor for English Division in Sultan Kudarat, discussed the Role of Muslim Youth in the Community.

Updates on the proposed Bangsamoro Government were also shared to the delegates.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1041-muslim-student-leaders-undergo-regional-leadership-training

MILF, MNLF agree to set aside issues

From Business World (Jun 15): MILF, MNLF agree to set aside issues

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to mend their differences, following a convergence meeting initiated by officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), late last week in Jeddah.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal confirmed yesterday that the two Moro fronts along with the OIC have signed a joint statement reactivating the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum, or BCF, a mechanism created formally by the OIC in 2010 to settle the ideological disparities and to jointly work to achieve peace and development for the people of Bangsamoro in Mindanao.

“A joint statement was signed by [Randolph] Parcasio, spokesman [and legal counsel] of the MNLF, and I (Mohagher Iqbal) as head of the MILF delegation, with OIC secretary-general Iyad [Ameen] Madani present,” he said.

BANGSAMORO WELFARE

The OIC, an influential bloc of 57 Muslim countries, initiated the meeting on June 12 to bind the Moro fronts, and commit them to engage together in advancing the welfare and interest of the Bangsamoro people in war-torn Mindanao.

Mr. Iqbal said the OIC through Mr. Madani had advised the Moro fronts “about the need for close working relations among the groups and leaders.”

Since 2010, the OIC had been trying to bring together the Moro leaders in Mindanao since both fronts are practically pushing for the same ideology to protect the welfare of Bangsamoro and achieve its rightful governance over their ancestral lands in Mindanao.

The previous OIC secretary-general Ekmeleddin Hsano Lu had earlier met with Nur Misuari of the MNLF and Ebrahim Murad of the MILF at least twice during the Council of Foreign Ministers conference in Tajikistan in 2010, and in Djibouti, Africa, in 2012, respectively.

At that time, both sides have agreed to create an ad hoc joint secretariat that will facilitate the communications of the two fronts.

But the BCF failed to progress after Mr. Misuari set conditions such as for the MILF and other Moro groups to dissolve their organizations and be one with the MNLF.

The Bangsamoro struggle has been earlier fought by a single organization, but due to squabbles in the leadership, the MNLF crumbled.

A handful of its members, who are mostly in Central Mindanao, created the MILF, while the central committee of the MNLF disintegrated into five factions.

The unification efforts have taken a positive turn after several MNLF factions, which earlier cut ties with Misuari, have been engaging in dialogues with the MILF to find a common ground, especially on the two peace agreements -- 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed last March.

Abdul Sahrin, secretary-general of the MNLF (Muslimin G.) Sema faction, underscored the main objectives of the BCF.

“The Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum is supposed to accomplish three tasks: to reconcile the polarized MNLF leadership; to reconcile the reunited MNLF with the MILF, and to establish a unified MNLF-MILF position on the implementation of OIC 2013 resolution calling for integration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro under the Basic Law,” he said.

COORDINATING FORUM

Mr. Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum “was one of the main issues discussed lengthily” during the recent meeting.

He said the fronts’ leaders are expected to meet again after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which will start at the end of this month.

He said the main agenda would be for the BCF to be fully functional.

Mr. Iqbal said Mr. Misuari “was not present” during the meeting.

“Only Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar headed the MNLF delegation representing several factions of the MNLF including Muslimin Sema, Hatimil Hassan, and Habib Mujahab. He (Mr. Misuari) can’t leave the Philippines, because he has a warrant of arrest pending,” he said.

For several months, Mr. Misuari had not yet emerged after it led its men to attack several coastal villages in this city in September.

The armed conflict, which stemmed from Mr. Misuari’s calls for independence and abrogation of the Final Peace Agreement that he signed, triggered a three-week gun battle and left more than 200 individuals killed and displaced 170, 000 families.

With developments in the southern peace process, Mr. Iqbal said there is a need for all Moro leaders to put their acts together to protect the Bangsamoro.

“This can be further strengthened if all the Moro leaders rally behind one another,” he said.

The OIC member countries are scheduled to meet this week in Jeddah for their 41st Council of Foreign Ministers Conference.

The reactivation of the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum is expected to be one of the resolutions to be adopted.

The OIC states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world,” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.”

The collective population of OIC member states is over 1.4 billion as of 2008. The OIC has a permanent delegation to the United Nations. The official languages of the OIC are Arabic, English and French.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MILF,-MNLF-agree-to-set-aside-issues&id=89197

Army recovers M-16 in clash with NPA rebs

From the Catanduanes Tribune (Jun 14?): Army recovers M-16 in clash with NPA rebs

Suspected New People’s Army guerrillas lost an M-16 rifle and sustained an undetermined number of casualties in an early morning encounter with patrolling soldiers of the Philippine Army last Friday in the mountains of San Miguel town.

A report from 1Lt. Joseph Acleta, spokesman of the 83rd Infantry Battalion based in barangay Lictin, San Andres stated that a platoon of soldiers under 2Lt. William Hiponia was on strike combat operations at barangay Caglatawan, San Miguel when they encountered the communist rebels at 12:30 A.M. of June 6.

The firefight lasts for about 15 minutes, after which the guerrillas withdraw towards the hinterlands of Virac and San Andres.

Soldiers recovered an M-16 rifle and found traces of blood at the encounter site and along the routes of withdrawal of the NPA rebels.

The Army said blocking forces have been prepositioned along the possible routes that the escaping guerrillas might take in the two adjoining towns.

http://www.catanduanestribune.com/article/3S50

PAMANA set to start peace road

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 16): PAMANA set to start peace road

Former members of the armed group Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade who have long returned to the folds of the government will now have better road access to their settlement area.

The local government of San Carlos and the PAMANA program or the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process is set to start the road project as a commitment of the national government to continue peace programs against insurgency.

The city government represented by City Mayor Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr. entered into a work contract for the improvement of a 3-kilometer Pagbatangan-Nangka-Crossing Magasin Road (Boundary) at Brgy.
Bagonbon with OPELL Construction and Development Corporation as contractor last for the amount of P8.8M after a public bidding conducted earlier.

According to Mariel Avenir, Project Development Officer III of the City Planning and Development Coordinator’s Office, the entire project is funded under the PAMANA in the amount of P9,750,000 and counter-parted by the city government at P975,000.

Avenir cited that the project is an improvement of an existing gravel road where a portion of 500 meters will be concreted particularly at upper Sitio Nangka where the 117 registered former armed group and their families reside.

Avenir added that after said project’s completion next year OPAPP PAMANA will grant the amount of P16.5M to the city to continue with the rest of the road project.

According to the contract, road construction will be within 264 working days with expected completion on July 8, 2015.

The beneficiaries of said project who are former armed group identified the site in 2012 during the consultation with the local technical working group represented by various local agencies and representatives of the OPAPP who helped with the closure program with said rebel returnees.

These returnees have grouped themselves into a People’s Organization, the Kapatiran Para sa Progresibong Panlipunan to which livelihood projects and other basic facilities will also be provided by the OPAPP PAMANA thru the city government.

PAMANA is the national government program and framework for peace and development for conflict affected areas aimed at reducing poverty, improving governance and empowering communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1031402897102

Feuding MNLF, MILF families clash in North Cotabato town, leaving 1 dead, 90 others displaced

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Feuding MNLF, MILF families clash in North Cotabato town, leaving 1 dead, 90 others displaced

Armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clashed Sunday in Matalam town, this province, leaving one person dead and causing about 90 other individuals to leave their homes for safer grounds, the police said.

Senior Inspector Jojit Nicolas, speaking for the North Cotabato provincial police office, said the fighting was triggered by a long-standing family feud involving Moro families who happened to have relatives in both fronts.

Citing initial report, Nicolas said Mintato Galangan, a resident of Barangay Manubuan, Matalam, Cotabato was hit by stray bullets. He died before reaching a hospital in Poblacion Matalam.

Nicolas said the clashes, which took Sunday morning and another in the afternoon, involved followers of MILF Commander Marsagar and MNLF Commander Sandab, both with about 100 armed followers.

Nicolas said Galangan was harvesting banana when an alleged member of the MNLF showed up and fired at him.

The incident was followed by a retaliatory attack from the group of Commander Marsagar, triggering a 30-minute firefight.

Displaced families are now housed at the town gymnasium.

The MNLF and MILF forces in the village of Manubuan have been at odds over territorial dispute after the MILF wanted to establish a camp in MNLF-identified communities.

Following the incident, policemen and soldiers have been deployed along portions of the Kidapawan City-Matalam highway to prevent the conflict from reaching the national highway and disrupting the flow of traffic.

Barangay Manubuan is about a kilometer away from the main highway.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653785

‘Marching for Peace’ activities to benefit 5 more Negros Occidental villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): ‘Marching for Peace’ activities to benefit 5 more Negros Occidental villages

Five villages in the Fifth District of Negros Occidental will benefit from the “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside” activities spearheaded by the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit (Pro-PIDU).

The first convergence activity in the area will start at Barangay Quintin Remo, Municipality of Moises Padilla Tuesday.

Before that, a foot march in Barangay Puso, La Castellana will be held Monday and will be followed the next day by civic action activities, participated by government agencies, non-government organizations and local government units.

The one-stop-shop activity will cater to the immediate needs of the people and work on long-term needs of depressed communities in the Fifth District in tandem with multi-stakeholders, including the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

The four other villages that will benefit from the 11-day civic action are Barangay San Agustin, Isabela, June 19; Barangay Biao, Binalbagan, June 21; Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, June 23; and Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, June 26.

A peace rally will be held at the Himamaylan City Public Plaza on June 26, 6 p.m., to culminate the 11-day activity.

Last year, the Pro-PIDU first held similar activities in several far-flung villages in the First District known as mass bases of the New People’s Army.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the activity will give them a chance to show the people that they are the legitimate force of the government, who are ready anytime to help and protect them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653792

2 soldiers die in NPA ambush in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): 2 soldiers die in NPA ambush in Albay

Two members of the 91st Civil-Military Operations Company died in an ambush staged by suspected New People's Army (NPA) while on board a motorcycle on their way back to their camp around 11:30 a.m. Monday in Daraga, Albay.

Dead on the spot were Sgt. Servando Bautista and Pfc. Daniel Solinap Jr., assigned with 91st CMO of the 902nd Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Villahermosa, Daraga, Albay.

Initial reports said the victims’ group was on its way back to their camp at Purok 4, Sitio Banasan, Barangay San Ramon in Daraga town when the well-positioned rebels fired at them, seriously hitting the two in their bodies that caused their instantaneous death.

Their companions, who were also on motorcycles, rushed for reinforcement that brought with it a V-50 armed personnel carrier but the rebels had already left.

The victims and their companions had just come from a civil-military operation in Barangay Nabasan, several kilometers from the ambush site, when ambushed.

Troopers are still conducting pursuit operation against the rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=653898

Metrobank Foundation names this year's 10 outstanding soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Metrobank Foundation names this year's 10 outstanding soldiers

In recognition of the community development and disaster management role of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Metrobank Foundation Inc. announced on Monday this year's 10 outstanding Filipino soldiers.

Army winners in the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Search for the Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) are Col. Teodoro Llamas, Master Sgt. Aladin Dacayanan, and Staff Sgt. Rehum P. Magno.

Winners from the Navy are Capt. Alberto B. Carlos, Marine Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla, and Commissary Steward 2nd Class Felix B. Guaves.

Those from the Air Force are identified as Lt. Col. Adriano SJ Duadico, Staff Sgt. Sheryl Toribio, and Technical Sgt. Benny G. Dofitas.

Also included in this year's winners is Major Fernando Ritchie I. Capulong from the military's Medical Administration Corps.

“There are many stories of sacrifices, bravery, dedication, and heroism in the history of the AFP. Some of these stories are well known, while others are known only to those who served alongside with them. But each of our soldiers has an inspiring testimony to the courage and professionalism with which they carry out their duties,” Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña said.

“As defense and security challenges of our nation have become more complex, we are all the more determined and inspired to honor and recognize our outstanding Filipino soldiers who have indeed served beyond what is expected of them,” he added.

This year’s finalists were selected by a multisectoral Preliminary and Final Board of Judges.

The Preliminary Board of Judges were: Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, president of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS); Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health; Zak Yuson, director of MOVE PH of Rappler; Cherie Mercado-Santos, senior anchor of TV5; Commissioner Jose Manuel S. Mamauag of the Commission on Human Rights; Conchita Ragragio, executive director of the Corporate Network for Disaster Response; and Jose "Jay" R. Taruc III, TV host and reporter of GMA News and Public Affairs.

The Final Board of Judges that chose this year’s winners was chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara. The members of the final board were: Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman, regional governor of ARMM; Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, president and CEO of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Atty. Theodore Te, Assistant Court Administrator and Chief of the Public Information Office of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Therese “Gang” Badoy Capati, founder and executive director of Rock Ed Philippines; and Ed Lingao, director for Multimedia of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

“All the stories I heard during the final interview reaffirmed my faith in the heroism of our armed forces. In my early years, our province was always hit by calamities and the first respondents were always members of the AFP. Having seen it up close and personal, the experience showed me how underpaid and underappreciated our Philippine soldiers are in terms of both public opinion and actual physical compensation from the state and from the people,” Angara stressed.

The awardees will be presented as Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos together with the winners of the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) on Sept. 5 as part of Metrobank’s anniversary celebration.

Each TOPS winner will receive an increased cash prize ofP400,000 from P300,000 last year and a trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation.

Notable among this year's awardees is Llamas who was at the forefront of the mission to neutralize the MNLF forces who wanted to declare independence from the Philippine government during the Zamboanga siege.

Through his strategic direction and experience in hostage rescue and urban combat, the AFP was able to rescue 113 hostages and capture over a hundred MNLF fighters, on top of the seizure of high-powered firearms.

Llamas also designed the low-cost semi-collapsible barracks that is still being used in the AFP today and saved hundreds of thousands of pesos in construction costs for the institution.

Another notable awardee is Padilla who belongs to an elite unit of the Philippine Marine Corps. As a radio operator, his task is to ensure the uninterrupted communication lines between units at all times.

Among his accomplishments, he is proudest of his invention of a Jungle Antenna. His innovation, which is still being used in the AFP to this day, enabled the troops to establish clearer lines of communication between the headquarters and the troops during missions.

Padilla’s invention not only helped improve the operations of the AFP but also saved them money because it may be built with low cost materials.

Now on its 15th year, the TOPS Search has become the highest and most sought after civilian award given to military personnel. The Search honors the selfless acts of valor, sacrifices, bravery, heroism and community engagements of the Filipino Soldiers in keeping peace and securing the country.

All previous TOPS awardees are now members of the TOPS alumni organization called The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence, and Responsibility to Society or TOPSOLDIERS.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653788

Young NPA amazon surrenders in Zamboanga Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Young NPA amazon surrenders in Zamboanga Del Norte

Tired of the incessant fighting and hardship in the mountains, a 19-year-old female New People's Army (NPA) fighter surrendered to the 1st Infantry Division in Sitio Taysan, Barangay (village) Midatag, Leon B. Postigo town, Zamboanga Del Norte Sunday morning.

Capt. Franco M. Suelto, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrender took place around 8:30 a.m.

He identified the surrenderee as Mary T. Sadia alyas Lisa, single, and a resident of Barangay Mati, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur and a member of local NPA group operating in Zamboanga Del Norte.

Suelto said Sadia also surrendered one M-16 automatic rifle along with four magazines and one rifle grenade.

She also revealed that her comrades abandoned her during the latest firefight with the governments troops.

Instead of rejoining his comrades, she opted to rejoin the mainstream society and live a normal and peaceful life with her family.

Suelto said Sadia's surrender was an aftermath of the clash between troops of 10th Infantry Battalion and undetermined number of armed men believed to be members of the NPA group based in Zamboanga del Norte last June 14.

“This is a welcome development for the community in Leon B. Postigo and the whole of Zamboanga del Norte. This is the result of the continuous peace and development initiatives of the soldiers thru 'Bayanihan' activities.

Meanwhile, Col. Aminkadra S. Undug, 1st Infantry Division acting commander, commended the troops involved during the surrender of the young female NPA.

It has proven again the Army’s sincerity in its peace advocacy efforts.

He also assured the personal safety of other NPA members who will choose to lay down their arms and peacefully return to their families.

Undug also expected the snowballing of surrenderees in this part of the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653764

Combat veterans lead this year TOPS awardees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Combat veterans lead this year TOPS awardees

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that combat veterans lead this year's The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) awardees.

Leading this year’s awardees is Col. Teodoro A. Llamas of the Philippine Army, who commanded the Light Reaction Battalion that operated against rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members under fugitive Nur Misuari during the Zamboanga City siege which took place Sept. 9 to 28, 2013.

Llamas also led the organization of then Light Reaction Company, the AFP’s primary counter-terrorist unit, before its activation as a regiment under the Special Operations Command.

Joining him is Scout Ranger Staff Sgt. Rehum P. Magno, who also received the award “Best Enlisted Personnel” from the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment for his role in the capture of 42 MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City siege.

Magno received his first Gold Cross Medal for his bravery during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in a rescue operation for abducted foreign tourists in Palawan.

Philippine Air Force’ Technical Sgt. Benny G. Dofitas’ aerial reconnaissance missions also provided images of enemy activity and positions.

This further provided operating ground troops leverage through intelligence support and field awareness.

He also conducted aerial recon operations for disaster response following the devastation of typhoons "Ondoy" and "Yolanda", as well as in the eradication of marijuana plantations in Northern Luzon.

Their individual achievements, along with the collective heroism of hundreds of soldiers, were instrumental in the neutralization of over 500 rogue MNLF rebels, rescue of over 170 hostages, and the restoration of peace and security in the city.

Other TOPS awardees include Master Sgt. Aladin S. Dacayanan, Group Sergeant Major in the Intelligence Service AFP, for his role in organizing the first ever Association of ASEAN Administrative Assistants; Navy Captain Alberto B Carlos, for his role in addressing the Navy’s fuel deficit as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Logistics; Marine Sgt. Eugene Padilla innovative invention of a Jungle Antenna that helped clear lines of communication during operations; CS2 Felix B Guaves II for exposing ASG positions, strengths, and equipment after his escape from captivity;

Lt. Col. Adriano SJ Duadico for his role as Presidential Pilot during the defense of Zamboanga City and aftermath of typhoon "Yolanda"; Staff Sgt. Sheryl P. Toribio, first female specialist in the 410th Maintenance Wing, for her role in the refurbishing of PAF C-130 planes; and Major Florencio Ritchie I Capulong III, for helping over 3,000 patients by establishing the Primary Health Care Program in Sta Lucia, Capas, Tarlac.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653809

PHL seeks moratorium on construction activities in the South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): PHL seeks moratorium on construction activities in the South China Sea

The Philippines is proposing a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China for a moratorium on construction in disputed areas in the South China Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Monday amid China’s rapid expansion activities in contested features.

“We ought to consider getting together and freezing all activities that escalate tension. Let's call for a moratorium in terms of activities that escalate tension,” Del Rosario told ANC News.

In a move aimed at halting ongoing Chinese construction in several areas, which the Philippines claims as part of its territory, Del Rosario said he hopes the meeting could take place within the year.

“We would use the international community to step up and to say that we need to manage the tensions in the South China Sea before it gets out of hand. We would do this with ASEAN and the (other) claimant states,” Del Rosario said.

The Philippines, he said, would seek the consensus of the ASEAN in order to move the meeting forward.

ASEAN and China, which asserts “indisputable” claim over nearly the entire waters, signed a non-aggression pact in 2002 that discourages aggressive actions and bars construction of new structures in the contested waters to prevent armed conflicts. It also calls on the claimant countries to undertake joint projects, such as anti-piracy exercises and marine researches, to build trust and confidence and lower the risks of fighting among armed forces stationed in disputed islands and reefs.

However, many regard the nonbinding 2002 accord as lacking in teeth and a dispute-settlement scheme to effectively deal with the territorial disputes, sparking calls for a more effective and legally-binding code of conduct.

Of the 10 ASEAN members, four are claimants to the South China Sea, namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are the other ASEAN members.

Taiwan, which is considered by China as its renegade province, is also a claimant to the resource-rich waters.

The 10-member bloc has aspired to hammer a regional code with China to avoid conflicting territorial claims in the vast potentially-oil rich sea from erupting into violent confrontations or worse, an economically-devastating major conflict.

Such a goal has acquired urgency due to recent confrontations between China and the Philippines, on one hand, and Vietnam and China on the other in contested South China Sea offshore territories.

Both the Philippines and Vietnam have accused China of aggressive behavior, intruding into their territorial waters, disrupting oil exploration and harassing fishermen.

China was also found to be reclaiming disputed features, including those that are within the Philippines exclusive economic zone that was renamed West Philippine Sea by the Philippine government.

“Let's do that while we work on an expeditious conclusion of the Code of Conduct and effective and full implementation of those. I would like to initiate it and I think it's a reasonable approach,” Del Rosario said as he called on all ASEAN members to “stand together” to ensure freedom of navigation and overflights in the South China Sea.

“We need to do something quickly,” Del Rosario stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653842

300 recruits join 9th Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): 300 recruits join 9th Infantry Division

Around 300 candidate soldiers formally took their oath as military recruits before ranking officials of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division Monday.

These recruits come from two batches of Candidate Soldiers Course Classes 367 and 368 cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course at the Headquarters of 9th Infantry, Camp Elias Angeles, Pili town, Camarines Surr.

Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa, 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the recruitment process took five months.

She added that the recruits initially numbered a 1,000 candidates.

Panesa stressed that these individuals were made to undergo registration and initial validation of supporting papers; trade test, screening interview, physical fitness test (PFT), initial deliberation board interview, final PFT, hepatitis test and drug test, neuro psychological screening, medical and dental examinations, background investigation, final deliberation board and HPA validation.

However, only 300 competitive applicants were accommodated and selected to beef up the training quota, following the 9th Infantry Division’s goal to select the “best and the smartest” among them.

Forty-four percent of the recruits are from Camarines Sur, 6.9 percent from Camarines Norte, 21.3 percent from Albay, 5.96 percent from Sorsogon, one percent Catanduanes, 2.8 percent from Masbate, and 17.86 percent outside Bicol.

Ninth Infantry Division assistant commander Brig. Gen. Felix Castro encouraged the new Army recruits to do their best and efforts to survive in the six months rigid training, and once they become regular soldiers, they have to stay and never quit as it is very hard to enter in active military service.

He added that the 9th Infantry Division has recorded excellence in accomplishments both in security and services especially in disaster response operations.

Personnel from the 9th Infantry Division were the first to respond during the rescue and retrieval operations where foreign and local tourists were trapped in the phreatic explosion of Mayon Volcano in Albay last year.

"The (9th Infantry Division troopers) were also the first military responders from outside Region 6 to conduct search and retrieval operations and humanitarian missions during the onslaught of super typhoon 'Yolanda' in Eastern Visayas, especially in Tacloban City, Leyte," he added.

The recruitment is part of the national government’s plan to enlist additional 19,000 uniformed personnel for the Philippine Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653845

MBLT 11 deployed to Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): MBLT 11 deployed to Zamboanga City

In a bid to fully secure Zamboanga City against external and internal threats, the Philippine Marine Corps on Monday has dispatched its MBLT-11 to Zamboanga City.

MBLT stands for Marine Battalion Landing Team.

1st Lt. Jerber Anthony Belonia, Marine spokesman, said MBLT-11 will be replacing MBLT-3 which will be deployed to Tawi-Tawi.

MBLT-5 is the unit currently covering Tawi-Tawi

He added that MBLT-11 consists of 400 officers and enlisted personnel.

It will be headed by Col. Nestor Narag.

Belonio said the above-mentioned Marine unit was trained for six months before getting its new assignment.

The Marine spokesman said MBLT-11 left Sangley Point, Cavite City aboard a Navy transport ship Monday morning.

Belonio said Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan, told MBLT-11 officers and enlisted personnel to do their task well, maintain discipline in their ranks and be professional always.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653863

Palace supports DFA move to conduct dialogue to halt China’s construction in West PHL Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Palace supports DFA move to conduct dialogue to halt China’s construction in West PHL Sea

Malacanang on Monday expressed support to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) proposal to conduct dialogue with China and other claimants in the West Philippine Sea to push a moratorium on construction activities that are provocative in the area.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the dialogue is a “worthy channel” for expressing their views and for gaining a better of each other’s position.

Coloma said the Philippines has been pushing for peaceful solution to issue related to the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea, as it urges claimant countries to work on a binding code of conduct (COC).

ASEAN and China have been working since 2002 on the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea.

Coloma recalled that in 2012, concerned countries recognized the need to map out to the COC to provide “substance” on the code.

The PCOO chief believes that DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario’s proposed moratorium on construction activities is intended to have specific agenda towards working on COC.

“Kaya tiyak na makakatulong ‘yang hakbang na ‘yan kung sasang-ayon ‘yung mga bansang naturingan. (So definitely, this initiative will help should claimant countries agree),” he said.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the government is not inclined to launch a media offensive against China.

This, after China’s permanent representative to the United Nations (un) claimed before other parties of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that the Philippines is getting international sympathy through deception.

“It is part of the dynamics of international relations to conduct information campaigns or to propagate a national policy by utilizing the mass media as a channel of communication. So we are not unduly perturbed by this action,” Coloma said.

He said the government sees no need to launch a media offense against China as the major international media organizations have been reaching out to the Philippines to determine its position on the issue.

“Ipinapakita lamang nito na nagkakaroon ng traction ang ating katwiran hinggil sa pagpapairal ng international rule of law, at dahil dito, pinapansin ito ng pandaigdigang komunidad, hindi lamang ng mga kagawad ng mass media. (This shows that there is traction in our justification to promote the international rule of law. This is being noticed by the international community, not only by the mass media),” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653906