Retired Marine officer taken by Abus in Sulu

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 6): Retired Marine officer taken by Abus in Sulu

A retired Marine officer who operates a passenger boat was abducted Sunday by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Pantukan Island in Barangay Panglima Tahil, Sulu, according to report released by Task Force ZAMBASULTA (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi).

The task force, a unit led by Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Rear Admiral Yoma, identified the victim as Master Sergeant Renato Fernandez.

It said five armed men who posed as passengers of Fernandez’s M/L RJ Express seized him while aboard the water craft.

Fernandez’s wife,  Embraida Usman Fernandez, confirmed to authorities that her husband had been abducted.

According to Embraida, the former Marine left Jolo pier aboard their own boat around 9:15 a.m. going to Pangutaran Island. The boat had around 40 passengers.

“At around 10:30 a.m., while sailing, three of his passengers took their hidden long firearms and immediately seized Fernandez,” the task force’s report said.

Two pump boats with a pair of armed men approached the boat and the abductors transferred with their victim. They sailed towards the area of Barangay Buton Mahablo, Parang, Sulu.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/04/06/retired-marine-officer-taken-by-abus-in-sulu/

Armed men abduct retired master sergeant in Sulu

From GMA News (Apr 5): Armed men abduct retired master sergeant in Sulu

Armed men abducted a retired soldier off Patukunan Island in Tahil town in Sulu province on Sunday morning, Sulu police said.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m., GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported, citing initial reports from the Sulu police.

Initial information identified the victim as Master Sergeant Renato Fernandez, supposedly of the Philippine Marines.
peewee bacuño   

isang retiradong sundalo, dinukot ng armadong grupo sa panglima tahil, sulu @gmanews @dzbb

4:10 AM - 5 Apr 2015

 

Fernandez was aboard his own watercraft off Patukunan Island in Panglima Tahil in Sulu, the report said.
Fernandez's wife Embraida said her husband left Jolo pier aboard their own watercraft, the motor launch "RJ Express," with 40 passengers going to Pangutaran Island at about 9:15 a.m.

But upon approaching Patukunan island, three of the passengers drew high-powered firearms and told the victim that he was their target for a "kidnapping."

 

Two pump boats with four armed men then approached the vessel and the men transferred the victim aboard one of the pump boats. The men then fled towards Barangay Buton in Mahablo, Parang in Sulu.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/464726/news/regions/armed-men-abduct-retired-master-sergeant-in-sulu

BATCH 90 FOUNDERS OF MNLF TRAINED IN KL ‘Malaysia fuels strife for Sabah’

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 6): BATCH 90 FOUNDERS OF MNLF TRAINED IN KL ‘Malaysia fuels strife for Sabah’

The Sultanate of Sulu accused Malaysia of having planted “the seeds of Mindanao conflict” by aiding Moro rebels since 1970 as part of its supposed attempt to weaken the Philippines’ claim over Sabah.

The Sulu Sultanate claims to be the real owner of Sabah which Malaysia considers as a member of its federation of states.

Abraham Idjirani, secretary general and spokesman for the Sultanate of Sulu, said that Kuala Lumpur is responsible for training the so-called “Batch 90” composed of Filipino Muslim fighters that eventually became the founders of the Moro National Liberation front (MNLF).

“The Mindanao conflict started in 1972 on the belief of liberating the Muslims, who started to call themselves Bangsamoro, from political, economic and cultural bondages but it was aimed at protecting Malaysia’s illegal administration of Sabah,” he added.

However, Idjirani said that tribal differences among MNLF leaders led to split of the Group — that led to the organization of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Idjirani said that the Sultanate of Sulu, led by Sultan Esmael Kiram II, continues to hold sovereign authority over Sabah as Malaysia only inherited rights from Great Britain in 1963.

“Malaysia’s continued payment in the small amount for a territory of 30,000 square miles is hiding the truth in the comfort of its citizens always creating a political scenario to prevent the Philippine government and the Sultan of Sulu in working closely to strengthen the Philippine position to repossess Sabah,” Idjirani told The Tribune.

Idjirani said that the Sultanate of Sulu and the administrations of President Diosdado Macapagal and President Ferdinand Marcos have worked closely to re-claim Sabah until the eruption of the supposed “Jabidah Massacre” in 1968.

The late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. branded the “Jabidah massacre” as a hoax, citing his own investigation that discovered 24 of the supposed victims came out alive in Sulu.

Idjirani said the Jabidah fiasco opened up the gate for Malaysia to indirectly intervene in affairs of the Muslims in the Philippines. It began with Malaysia’s giving the Muslim Filipino patriots in 1969 to take up their training in Pangkor Island, Johor, Malaysia.

“The training of Muslim Filipino patriots known as the Batch 90 planted the seed of what blossomed into a MNLF in the Malaysian soil and elected Prof. Nurullaji Misuari as its founding chairman with a mission to secede Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan from the Republic of the Philippines,” said Idjirani.

“Affected by strong sense of tribal and cultural influence, internal power struggle came to divide the MNLF as the core of Muslim revolutionary front, Muslims of mainland Mindanao headed by Ustadz Hashim Salamat formed the MILF as a separate Muslim revolutionary group in 1976,” said Idjirani.

Meanwhile, Idjirani said that the Sultanate of Sulu is thankful that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that the country’s claim over Sabah remains.

The DFA also cited that Malaysia is paying rent to the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu up to now despite reported dismissal of Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman of the Philippine claims over Sabah.

“Sultan Esmael Kiram II appreciated very much the DFA stand to tell the truth the Malaysian foreign minister that Malaysia is paying the rent to the Sultan of Sulu. The DFA’s position confirmed that what Great Britain transferred to Malaysia in 1963 was lease rights delegated in 1878 to the British North Borneo Company by the Sultan of Sulu in whom sovereignty remained vested,” said Idjirani.

The MILF, meanwhile, told a Davao City publication that it is willing to accept amendments to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) only as far as the changes are done “for improvement and enhancement.”

“For improvement and enhancement, yes we could accept it. They have to remember that BBL is based on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Davao Today quoted MILF Chief Peace Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal as saying.
Iqbal said “diluting the BBL would not address the Moro insurgency in Mindanao.”

Iqbal said the provisions contained in the proposed BBL were the “aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for a just and lasting peace.”

“We trust the Congress that a BBL that could enable peace to exist and prosper in Mindanao shall be passed,” Iqbal said.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman, also said that BBL will “help build a strong nation that will provide benefits to the people in Mindanao.”

Both the Senate and Congressional hearings on the BBL hit a snag in the wake of Mamasapano incident that claimed the lives of 44 PNP’s elite cops after a tragic law enforcement operation.

The constitutionality of the BBL has been questioned by some lawmakers from both the Senate and Congress urging the proponents of the bill to weed out unconstitutional provisions.

“We are for peace and we do hope that they are with us in achieving this dream for our people,” Iqbal said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/batch-90-founders-of-mnlf-trained-in-kl-malaysia-fuels-strife-for-sabah

Espina: Marwan death confirmation is honor to SAF44

From ABS-CBN (Apr 5): Espina: Marwan death confirmation is honor to SAF44



Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan. File Photo

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina declared a “mission accomplished” as the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan is dead.

On behalf of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who died in the aftermath of the operation, Espina said: “As OIC of the PNP, I declare that Marwan is dead. Mission Accomplished.”

He said this confirmation adds to the honor of the SAF men.

“Based on this new evidence provided by modern science, there is no doubt that the PNP-SAF indeed got their man, as they always do. This fact should add to the glory and honor of the 44 brave young men who offered the supreme sacrifice to get the job done,” he said.

The FBI confirmed on Friday the death of the Jemaah Islamiyah-linked Marwan, one of the US’ most wanted.

“These conclusive findings effectively dismissed any and all doubts about the death of one of Asia's most wanted and dangerous terrorists,” Espina said.

The Mamasapano operation targeted to neutralize Marwan and another bomb maker, Basit Usman, but ended in the death of 44 SAF troopers, 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and several civilians.

The SAF men were already retreating when armed groups, including the MILF, engaged them in a firefight. Later investigations showed the lack of coordination between the government and the group with whom it is negotiating a peace agreement.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/05/15/espina-marwan-death-confirmation-honor-saf44

DND indefinitely suspends purchase of Navy vessels

From ABS-CBN (Apr 5): DND indefinitely suspends purchase of Navy vessels

The Department of Defense (DND) is indefinitely suspending the procurement of three additional vessels for the Navy, worth P270 million, in the absence of a revised AFP Modernization Program.

“The procurement process relative to this project shall resume once the revised AFP Modernization Program is approved and funds for the purpose are released by the Department of Budget and Management,” DND Special Bids and Awards Committee vice chairman Patrick Velez said in a supplemental bid bulletin.

The deadline for the submission and opening of bids was scheduled for Monday. The vessels that the Defense department seeks to acquire are those capable of rough sea conditions sans system degradation.

The vessels will also “be fitted with provisions for installation of advanced weapon systems”, specifically remote weapons system as well as missile launch system which will be acquired through another project.”

The revised AFP Modernization Program, which calls for a P75 billion funding, was passed in Congress in 2012.

Aquino has yet to approve the release of the funds.

Despite this, Aquino has already given the go signal to several modernization projects, such as the acquisition of 12 FA-50 fighter jets from the Korean Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion and procurement of two frigates for P18 billion.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/05/15/dnd-indefinitely-suspends-purchase-navy-vessels

Businessman, 2 others shot dead by unidentified armed uniformed men

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Businessman, 2 others shot dead by unidentified armed uniformed men
 

AROROY, Masbate -- A known businessman in this town and his companions were shot dead by still unidentified armed men in uniform Sunday morning.

Police identified the victims only as Ka Isong Amaro, an Iglesia Ni Cristo member, one Boyet Amaro and his bodyguard.

Amaro was a known local financier of small-scale miners in this town .

Reports from Barangay Luy-a residents where the victims resided said that at around 4:00 a.m., a band of armed men barged into the house of Amaro and shot the three victims dead.

Weeks before the incident, it was learned that Amaro’s residence was fired at with explosives by unknown suspects.

Police are yet to find out the motive behind the killings.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=750400

MNLF official calls for unity of Mindanao Moro leaders

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): MNLF official calls for unity of Mindanao Moro leaders

A leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) today urged Mindanao Moro leaders, particularly fellow MNLF to unite and support the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

”We will reap nothing if we keep disunited,” Uttoh Salem Cutan, an MNLF leader from Southern Mindanao, said.

He said the BBL is not for single group only but for all the sectors in Mindanao, including Christians and Indigenous Peoples.

“Let’s give peace a chance,” Cutan, also former Executive Director of the Southern Philippine Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD), appealed.

“Rest assured, everybody will be part of the BBL,” Salem said, adding the law will also protect the peace agreement the MNLF signed with the government in 1996.

He said the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and 1996 GPH-MNLF Peace Agreement will be incorporated with the BBL.

The draft BBL which is now in Congress for deliberation is hoped to be passed into law by June this year.

Peace Advocates and various groups from different sectors have been urging the lawmakers to pass the BBL.

Cutan, which also currently serves as the vice-chair of the Local Monitoring Team-Sarangani, noted the effort of the government to resolve the Mindanao problem.

He urged other Moro leaders to heed to the call of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the unity of the Bangsamoro.

The OIC, an influential pan-Islamic body comprised of 57 member states which facilitated the GPH-MNLF peace process also hosts the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum aimed to bring together the MNLF and MILF to discuss issues and find common ground between the peace pacts they separately signed with the government.

On Tuesday, more than 500 constituents of Sarangani and nearby towns joined the peace forum organized by the Office of the Governor through its Sulong Sarangani Program.

Government Chief Peace Negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer and Senen Bacani, GPH Panel Member, were the resource persons in the peace forum.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=750488

More development projects up in North Cotabato as MinDA pushes Mindanao 2020

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): More development projects up in North Cotabato as MinDA pushes Mindanao 2020

More projects are up in North Cotabato as the implementation of various programs and projects in pursuit of the strategies under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan or “Mindanao 2020,” officials announced today.

In a statement released today by the office of North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, it said that Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Sec. Luwalhati R. Antonino revealed this during her meeting with the provincial governor.

“The Mindanao 2020 is designed to respond to the need for a better future for Mindanao and its people. The programs and projects are intended to develop many communities through infrastructure, tourism, business, livelihood and others which include agriculture,” Antonino said.

The official also said that Mindanao 2020, which MinDA, spearheads since 2010 contains a blueprint of fora, workshops, focus group discussions, interviews, surveys and consult of writings in various forms, all aimed to strengthen support as well as commitment of many sectors to program implementations.

Antonino presented to Mendoza and other provincial officials a power-point slide of the programs and projects MinDA has commenced in other provinces which now play important role in the economic development in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

She also gave status report on the multi-million peso projects implemented by MinDA in Cotabato which include major roads and bridges (Davao-Cotabato road widening), secondary and local roads (Banisilan-Guiling-Alamada-Libungan road; Kidapawan – Kalunasan, M’lang road; Noah, Magpet – Doroluman, Arakan – Greenfield, President Roxas road; Paco, Kidapawan-Pres. Roxas-Arakan Valley road and Dualing-Baliki-Silik, Pikit road); flood control and irrigation (Libungan flood control project, Malmar Irrigation Projects) and M’lang airport on-going development).

MinDA projects in the province also include tourism roads (concreting of road leading to Asik-Asik falls in Dado, Alamada and road leading to Tausuvan falls in Bongolanon, Magpet) and Lake Agco development in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

“If there’s one thing that we need to develop more here in Cotabato, it’s the tourism industry,” Antonino noted during the provincial government’s radio program “Serbisyong Totoo.”

“We know the predicament in some parts of the province as to peace and order and we need to work harder to overcome those with positive development in the tourism aspect of Cotabato,” she explained further.

Antonino further discussed with the provincial officials other important matters such as the policies that bring impact to the development of Mindanao, investment opportunities on renewable energy and eco-tourism and Mindanao-wide security coordination.

She noted the high potential of growing cacao in some parts of the province and the intention for Cotabato to become a leading cacao and cocoa supplier and discussed it with the local chief executives and the personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG).

Antonino stressed that with coordination and proper implementation of the stakeholders, Mindanao 2020 will connote a clear vision for the future, although difficult because of the context of the people’s long history of peculiar differences and challenges but is totally achievable.

North Cotabato has been focusing on tourism development because the province hosts several tourist destinations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=750501

DND postpones bid opening for missile-armed MPACs

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): DND postpones bid opening for missile-armed MPACs

Bid opening and submission for the Department of National Defense (DND)'s missile-equipped MPAC (multi-purpose assault craft) is postponed until such time the Department of Budget and Management has released the funds needed for the project's implementation.

Funding for this program, which is called MPAC Acquisition Project (Lot 1 - Platform), amounts to PhP270-million.

"The procurement process relative to this project shall resume once the revised AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Modernization Program is approved and funds for the purpose are released by the Department of Budget Management," DND Assistance Secretary Patrick Velez said in a supplemental bid bulletin.

Velez is the vice chair of the DND's Special Bids Awards Committee-1, the group tasked to supervise the bidding and eventual acquisition of the missile-armed MPACs.

Bid opening was originally scheduled for April 6 at 10 a.m. at the DND-Bidding and Awards Committee Conference Room, DND Building., Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Pre-bid conference took place last March 23 at 10 a.m., at the same venue.

The DND earlier said that the PhP270-million contract includes mission essential equipment and initial integrated logistics support packages.

"These new set of seagoing MPAC shall be capable of operating at sea state 5 without systems degradation and shall be fitted with provisions for installation of advanced weapons system (remote weapons system as well as missile launch system—Lot 2)," it added.

The Philippine Navy is currently operating six MPAC units.

Mission essential equipment package to be installed shall be composed of, but not limited to, day/night electronic navigation system, communications suite, safety-of-life-at-sea equipment, propulsion system, and seamanship /shiphandling equipment and gears.

The craft shall be built in-country and in accordance to the approved technical specifications of the Philippine Navy.

Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 365 calendar days from the receipt by the supplier of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) or the date provided in the NTP.

Interested bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750381

PAF Aero Commander 690 to undergo maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): PAF Aero Commander 690 to undergo maintenance

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated PhP4,445,305.11 for the procurement of spare parts needed for the maintenance of its sole Aero Commander 690 surveillance aircraft.

Submission and opening of Bids is scheduled for April 14 at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750421

AFP honors senior defenders

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): AFP honors senior defenders
With the nation starting its observance of Philippine Veterans Week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) offered its most snappy salute to the country's senior defenders on Sunday.

This took place during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” held at at the Hunters-ROTC Guerrilla Field Headquarters, Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

A battalion-sized contingent from the AFP performed the review wherein the veterans paraded and were accorded honors at par with high-ranking military officers and visiting dignitaries who are entitled to such honor.

The review had four elements: the formation of troops, presentation and honors, ceremonial inspection (passing around the troops), and march in review where the veterans-leaders stood in front of the stage to acknowledge the parading troops.

Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., AFP chief-of-staff as military host, led the review.

He said that this is the military's way of paying tribute to their forebears and the country’s senior defenders –- the Filipino war veterans who brought to the fore the Filipino’s peculiar brand of heroism and love for country.

Catapang said the review is a time-honored annual tradition of the AFP whereby men and women in the uniformed service show their respect to veterans for their unparalleled services, selfless sacrifices, numerous accomplishments and the distinct values which shaped the Armed Forces into what it has now become -- a more capable, more professional and more reliable Armed Forces serving the Filipino people.

Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil of the 2nd District of Pangasinan and the Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs was the special guest and keynote speaker in the event.

He is a nephew of a World War II veteran, his namesake, who was missing-in-action in Bataan during World War II.

Bataoil was introduced by retired Major Gen. Raul Z. Caballes, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office deputy administrator, who is also a son of another World War II veteran, the late Col. Mauro S. Caballes, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1945 who fought under the Marking’s Fil-American irregular troops.

Bataoil read the privilege speech originally made by Rep. Herminia B. Roman, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, which narrated the continuing appeal to the legislative body for the overdue increase in benefits and services to veterans and their beneficiaries.

Senior veterans were awarded with plaques and medals in recognition of their wartime services and honorable performance of duties during World War II.

The living awardees are Col. Francisco T. San Miguel, Sgt. Jose Felix F. Caparas, Sgt. Manuel C. Carpio, Col. Francisco S. Tamondong, Pfc. Pilar Hipolito De Ocampo, Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar, Pvt. Manuel T. Cannu, Pfc. Valentin R. Ege, TSgt. Silvestre D. Sarmiento, and Col./Atty. Catalino D. Ibañez.

Likewise, the posthumous awardees were: Pvt. Francisco S. Cordoba Sr. (the award was received by his grandson, Atty. Gamaliel A. Cordoba); Lt.Cmdr. Vicente A. Perez (award received by his wife, Lucila Santiago-Perez); Sgt. Domingo G. Padiernos (received by his sons Col. Justino Padiernos and Gen. Romeo Padiernos); MSgt. Jesus V. Delos Santos (received by his son, LtGen. Jaime Delos Santos); Lt. Col. Saturnino R. Silva Sr. (received by his daughter, Marie Vallejo); Major Gen. Calixto M. Duque (received by his daughter, Suzanne Duque); and 3Lt Leopoldo G. Bataoil (received by his nephew, Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750424

PNP-OIC delares mission accomplished as FBI confirms death of Marwan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): PNP-OIC delares mission accomplished as FBI confirms death of Marwan

Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), on Sunday announced that the operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir alias "Marwan" in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in Mindanao last Jan. 25 is mission accomplished.

Espina said this was after the the result of the confirmatory DNA tests and further investigation conducted by the US FBI that established with certainty the identity of international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan as the person who was successfully neutralized by the PNP-SAF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

"These conclusive findings effectively dismissed any and all doubts about the death of one of Asia's most wanted and dangerous terrorists," he noted.

"Based on this new evidence provided by modern science, there is no doubt that the PNP-SAF indeed got their man, as they always do. This fact should add to the glory and honor of the 44 brave young men who offered the supreme sacrifice to get the job done," he added.

The the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25 which led to the deaths of international terrorist Marwan and 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF)

"On their behalf, as OIC of the PNP, I declare that Marwan is dead. Mission Accomplished," Espina said as Marwan was one of three high-value targets of the SAF operation.

In a statement, David Bowdich, assistant director in charge at the FBI Los Angeles Field office said the agency has now taken bin Hir off its Most Wanted Terrorist list and thanked the Philippine police.

"Once again, the men and women of the FBI express sincere condolences to the brave officers of the Special Action Force who lost their lives while attempting to apprehend this dangerous fugitive," Bowdich said.

The Mamasapano assault became an hours-long firefight between the elite police force and members of the MILF, its splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other private armed groups.

A total of 67 people died in the Mamasapano clash, including 44 SAF officers, 18 MILF members, and five civilians.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750446

Cardinal Quevedo convenes "Friends of Peace"

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Cardinal Quevedo convenes "Friends of Peace"

A group of independent peace workers in Mindanao and other parts of the country have joined together to promote and foster harmony among Mindanawons.

Calling itself “Friends of Peace (FFP),” the group was convened by His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, Archbishop of Cotabato in partnership with civil society organizations from across the country.

Quevedo said in the aftermath of the Mamasapano tragedy and the stalled momentum in the peace process, the Friends of Peace, a group of peace advocates across the country, have come together to reflect on events and offer insights to our leaders, constituents and communities on the need to move forward, give meaning to the sacrifice of those who have fallen and find solutions to achieve durable peace.

"The many initiatives done in response to calls for truth and justice, for rebuilding of trust and confidence amongst our people, and many such peace activities are already contributions towards finding the road to peace once more," he said.But Quevedo, believing anyone can make a difference by working for peace and in the spirit of shared responsibility, is inviting stakeholders to the FFP launching.

At 1 p.m. on Monday, April 6 at Function Rooms 1-4, Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center, Manila Benavidez cor. Trasierra Sts. Legaspi Village, Makati City, Friends of Peace will be officially launched followed by a press conference.

FFP is an independent group of peace workers convened by Cardinal Quevedo from the ranks of civil society for the common purpose of fostering harmony among Mindanawons (Muslims, Lumads, Christians, and members of other religious traditions).

It also engages with the primary political actors and key stakeholders to promote peace through dialogues and consultations in support of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the consolidation of peace in Bangsamoro and the wider Mindanao area.

 

The FFP’s vision goes beyond the implementation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and into the formation of a human ecology of harmony and peace among various ethnic groups and religious traditions.

Quevedo said the launch is also an opportunity "to reaffirm our commitment to the continuing task of strengthening the peace fabric. I hope that our efforts will help build the legacy of sustained peace and development in our homeland."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750492

Philippine Veterans Week observance underway from April 5 to 11

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Philippine Veterans Week observance underway from April 5 to 11

As the nation formally started observing the annual Philippine Veterans Week on Sunday, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined in honoring the heroism and patriotism of Filipino veterans past and present.

The week-long observance of the 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week from April 5 to 11 is an occasion to honor the Filipino War Veterans who died or served the country and today’s Filipino soldiers for their dedication to duty and country.

Early Sunday, Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri led the Sunrise Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City signaling the commencement of the Philippine Veterans Week.

This was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony and floral offering with DND Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin as the guest of honor and speaker.

Senior military officers, other members of the military, Philippine National Police, World War II veteran and postwar veteran leaders, members of the sons and daughters of the Veteran Federation of the Philippines, representatives from the youth sectors, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Taguig City local government unit, representatives from the different government agencies and non-government organizations were present during the activity.

Meanwhile, a brigade-size parading contingent, composed of personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy (Fleet and Marines) and Philippine Air Force, tendered a Testimonial Review in honor of the Veterans at the Hunters ROTC Guerrilla Parade Ground with Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil of the 2nd District of Pangasinan as the guest speaker.

The veterans and their widows, military personnel, guests and visitors gathered at the HPA Grandstand for the review.

The celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan and the Philippine Veterans Week is pursuant to Executive Order 203, designating April 9 as Araw ng Kagitingan, and Presidential Proclamation No. 466 declaring April 5-11 as the Philippine Veterans Week.

The celebration, led by the Steering Committee on National Observances and its inter-agency Technical Working Committee (TWC), aims to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and heroic deeds of the Filipino veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love for country, especially among the youth of the land.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750454

Malacanang welcomes US' support in pushing West Philippine Sea claim

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5): Malacanang welcomes US' support in pushing West Philippine Sea claim

The Palace welcomed the support from the US after an American navy official said the US military is ready to respond to threats by China in the Asia Pacific region.

“Lahat naman po ng nag-aalay ng suporta ay malugod nating tinatanggap at napatunayan na po sa mga nakaraang pagkakataon na ang Estados Unidos ay isa sa mga kaibigang bansa ng Pilipinas na nagbibigay ng kongkretong suporta at nakita po natin ito noong tayo ay dumaan doon sa mga hamon ng Typhoon Haiyan o ‘Yolanda’ at ng iba pang mga naunang kalamidad,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a radio interview Sunday.

Asked to comment whether the Philippine government considers China’s building of structures in the West Philippine Sea a threat, Coloma insisted that all claimants must observe the status quo until maritime entitlements are resolved.

The country’s position is the crafting of a binding Code of Conduct in West Philippine Sea to ease the tension in the contested territory, Coloma told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Sa bahagi ng lahat ng mga bansang mayroong maritime entitlement claims sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea, ang panawagan natin ay dapat na magkaroon muna ng malinaw at maipatutupad na Code of Conduct,” he said.

China’s so-called reclamation activities that lead to the construction of permanent structures are contrary to the Philippines’s basic principle, he added.

“Dahil hindi pa naman nareresolba ang mga maritime entitlement claims, hindi dapat na nagkakaroon ng mga ganyang aktibidad, at malinaw din po ang ating pahayag na ang posisyon ng Pilipinas ay para sa mapayapa at diplomatikong pagturing sa mga usaping katulad ng inyong nabanggit.”

Admiral Harry Harris of the US Pacific Fleet said his country is prepared to respond to threats against the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region in the face of China’s undisputed land reclamation in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the US will act on threats against its national interests as well as its allies from a position of strength.

China claims most of the sea and its coral reefs, rocks and sandbars competing with other claimants such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Aside from pushing for an enforceable Code of Conduct, the Philippines has filed an arbitration case in the international tribunal. China opposed the move saying it will not participate in the arbitration being spearheaded by the Philippines.

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