Philippines to present China sea case at Hague in July

From Rappler (Jun 15): Philippines to present China sea case at Hague in July

The Netherlands-based UN court is scheduled to conduct a hearing from July 7 on a case lodged by the Philippines in 2013 which China has spurned, foreign department spokesman Charles Jose says



CHINA RECLAMATION. The alleged ongoing reclamation by China at Subi reef seen from Pagasa island (Thitu Island) in the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, Philippines, 11 May 2015. File Photon by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA
 

The Philippines will argue its case against China's claim over most of the disputed South China Sea at The Hague next month, the foreign department said Monday, June 15.

The Netherlands-based UN court is scheduled to conduct a hearing from July 7 on a case lodged by the Philippines in 2013 which China has spurned, foreign department spokesman Charles Jose said. (READ: China to UN: PH 'totally wrong' on sea row)

"Right now we are preparing for the oral arguments in The Hague on July 7 to 13. Our team from Manila and from the United States will be flying there," Jose told reporters in Manila.

Philippine officials and diplomats, assisted by US lawyers, will represent the country in the proceedings, Jose said.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, even areas close to the coasts of its neighbors. Its claim is disputed by the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The waters are a crucial sea lane and rich fishing ground also believed to hold large mineral resources.

The Philippines asked the UN tribunal in January 2013 to declare China's claim invalid and against international law.

Manila says some of the areas claimed by its powerful Asian neighbor encroach on the former's exclusive economic zone as defined by a 1982 UN convention on the law of the sea, which both countries have ratified. (READ: In numbers: Philippines-China relations)

Recently the Philippines has accused China of taking more aggressive measures to press its claim.

These include reclaiming land to turn previously submerged islets into artificial islands capable of hosting military installations.

This has alarmed foreign governments including the United States and Japan, raising fears it could eventually impede freedom of navigation and commerce.

The Philippines says next month's hearings will be crucial to the five-member tribunal's decision on whether Manila's complaint has legal merit as well as whether the court has jurisdiction over the case.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/96455-philippines-china-sea-case-hague-july

3 killed in NPA raid in Bukidnon; 13 FAs seized

From MindaNews (Jun 15): 3 killed in NPA raid in Bukidnon; 13 FAs seized

Three people were killed in an attack Sunday by the New People’s Army in an interior town of Bukidnon.

In a statement Monday, the NPA Army Regional Command said its South Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Command attacked an outpost of the 69th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Namnam, San Fernando around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The statement said one soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the firefight.
One rebel and a 12-year old child were also killed, it added.

The NPA claimed they seized 13 firearms, including a mini machinegun and an M203 grenade launcher.

The rebel group said the soldiers occupied the sitio hall as their barracks and were deployed in the area to guard the equipment of a construction company that was working on the Valencia-Davao highway.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/06/15/3-killed-in-npa-raid-in-bukidnon-13-fas-seized/

Decommissioning strengthens ceasefire agreement observed by MILF and government troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Decommissioning strengthens ceasefire agreement observed by MILF and government troops

The Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) welcomed the decommissioning of the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF).

The decommissioning of the MILF members will start with a turnover Tuesday of an initial batch of heavy weapons--55 high-powered and 20 crew-serve--in Maguindao.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to grace the high-level ceremony that will see the transfer of the weapons by the MILF members to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

Tuesday’s will set into motion the first phase of the normalization program of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“This is a good start and Wesmincom welcomes a sustained demobilization and decrease in weapons (in the possession of the MILF). This starts the other programs to reduce if not altogether remove all firearms from those persons not authorized (to bear arms), which would be pursued in support of and in coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police). That is aside from the continuous joint law enforcement operations against all threat groups,” Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Wesmincom chief, said.

The threat groups include terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group and a reported resurgent Jemaah Islamiyah.

MILF chairman Ebrahim Murad is expected to lead MILF officials who will attend the turnover rites to be held in the old provincial capitol compound of Maguindanao province.

The weapons will immediately be stored by the IDB in a safe and secure warehouse.

In an radio interview, GPH peace panel chief Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the IDB is composed of three foreign demobilization experts, one each from Turkey, Norway and Brunei, and two each from the MILF and Philippine government.

The weapons will be guarded by joint teams composed of MILF, PNP and AFP personnel under the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) system.

In exchange for their firearms, the initial batch of 145 demobilized MILF members will receive cash grants and other assistance that would include livelihood, education, and housing benefits.

The MILF will turn over more weapons to the IDB under a protocol hinged on the attainment of other normalization components such as the disarming of threat groups in the Bangsamoro areas.

The decommissioning will strengthen the years-old ceasefire agreement observed by the MILF and government troops.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772514

Troops tighten security in Sarangani town after foiled landmine attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Troops tighten security in Sarangani town after foiled landmine attack

Government troops have stepped up their security operations in parts of Malapatan town in Sarangani Province following the recovery over the weekend of four powerful landmines in the area that were believed planted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

1Lt. B-Jay Ursua, Alpha company commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said Monday they dispatched additional troops to secure critical road networks in Malapatan town to prevent possible landmine attacks by the rebels.

Elements from the 73IB and the Malapatan police station recovered early Saturday four improvised landmines at a portion of a road in Sitio Montilla in Barangay Lun Padidu.

Ursua said the landmines were initially found by local residents, who immediately reported them to local authorities.

The recovered explosives comprise of four “anti-vehicle bombs,” an improvised receiver, an improvised transmitter, electric blasting caps and batteries that serve as power sources, he said.

The official said each of the four landmine measured around 6.5 inches in diameter and 9.5 inches tall.

“These are powerful enough to destroy a military vehicle and inflict heavy casualties if they explode,” he told reporters.

Ursua said the recovery of the bombs in Barangay Lun Padidu in Maasim was disturbing as they could have harmed civilians in the area.

He noted that the road network serves as a key entry and exit point of residents travelling to and from various upland villages in the area.

The road is also used frequently by the 73IB in moving their operating troops to the hinterland villages of Malapatan and the neigboring municipalities, he said.

Ursua described the foiled landmine attack as a desperate move on the part of the NPA, which is the subject of intensified offensives by the 73IB in the last several months.

Meantime, Sr. Insp. Ernesto Salandron, Malapatan police chief, said they are currently preparing the filing of formal charges against the suspected rebels who planted the explosives.

He said the 73IB has already identified some of the suspects based on accounts of witnesses.(

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772530

Army engineers complete mosque, bridge in Mamasapano, Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Army engineers complete mosque, bridge in Mamasapano, Maguindanao

The military's 6th Infantry Division engineering division will turn over to the residents of Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao a mosque built by Army engineers and funded by the office of Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Military engineers from the 6th ID and 601st Infantry Brigade started the construction last month including a concrete bridge in the village that will replace the wooden one.

Hataman's office earlier allotted P70-million socio-economic and diplomatic interventions aimed at fast tracking the restoration of normalcy in the village following the deadly clash that left 44 police, 18 Moro rebels and three civilians killed on January 25.

Two months ago, the government decided to repair the bridge and construct a concrete one with Army engineers in the forefront. A road concreting project and a mosque was part of the development package.

According to Engr. James Mlok of Maguindanao's second engineering district, the mosque and the bridge construction was going on smoothly.

Mlok said the concrete bridge was erected a few meters away from the iconic wooden bridge near a corn field where the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and the MILF forces clashed on January 25.

Mlok's office is constructing a road network connecting Barangay Poblacion to Barangay Tukanalipao.

Initial reports said President Benigno Aquino III, who will witness the decommissioning of firearms of the MILF in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, will have a side trip to Barangay Tukanalipao but security concerns were given major consideration.

The decommissioning process will take place at the old provincial capitol of Maguindanao, situated in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat town, about 60 kilometers or an hour and a half drive to Mamasapano town.

Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief who has jurisdiction over Army engineers working on the mosque, said the villagers of Tukanalipao were thankful of the military's efforts to help build the place of worship.

Pangilinan said the mosque will be opened in time for the start of the fasting month on June 17 or June 18.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772648

Army, local officials clueless on flying object that crashed in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Army, local officials clueless on flying object that crashed in Sultan Kudarat

Military authorities remained clueless on what type of aircraft reportedly crashed in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.

“We continue our search, our troops have not reached the ground zero as of yet,” Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, told reporters.

“As of 4 p.m. our search teams, air and ground, have not found any debris,” Pangilinan said, adding that thick clouds and gloomy weather prevented the military air asset from coming close to an area in Sultan Kudarat earlier reported to be the crash site.

Pangilinan said soldiers from the 33rd Infantry Battalion based in Ampatuan, Maguindanao and elements of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat sent to check on the crash site have not found anything yet.

He said heavy rains prevented ground troops and search and rescue teams from the local governments of Esperanza and Lebak, all in Sultan Kudarat from reaching the village of Salumping in Esperanza town.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, speaking for the 6th ID, said all information received by the 6th ID command center are being considered.

The local Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said no missing plane was reported in the country since Sunday, raising speculations that the object that landed in the mountain, part of the Daguma Ranges in Sultan Kudarat, could be the satellite expected to land back to earth this week.

The netizens were abuzz with speculations, including the possible return of a satellite known as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). But it was definitely not the source of the explosion because it was still in orbit as of Monday (June 15), a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) statement said as published in various media outlets.

The TRMM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency specifically designed to study rainfall for weather and climate research. Started in 1997, the mission has been concluded and all the satellite’s instruments switched off last April 8 and it has been slowly returning to earth and expected to re-enter on June 16 or June 17, NASA said.

“It could be but until we found debris, it will remain a mystery,” Petinglay said of the incident that puzzled many residents of Central Mindanao region, including residents of the hinterlands of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

Witnesses claimed they saw a huge flying object over the Daguma Ranges, which exploded in mid-air and crashed in the village of Salumping in Esperanza.

But Mayor Helen Latog of the town told reporters the search and rescue team reached the village but found no debris of any aircraft.

Petinglay appealed to the public to cease from spreading false information through the social media about the incident and allow authorities to make the official pronouncement to avoid confusion and fear.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772721

CAAP denies plane crash reports in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): CAAP denies plane crash reports in Sultan Kudarat

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has denied reports that a commercial plane has crashed in Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.

Radio reports noted that that a commercial plane allegedly crashed in the said town at around 11 am.

CAAP deputy director general Rodante Joya, in a radio interview, said that all commercial planes to the destination have been accounted for.

Similarly, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific also said in an announcement posted on its website that all its planes have been accounted for.

“No Cebu Pacific flight is involved in a reported incident in Sultan Kudarat today. All Cebu Pacific flights are accounted for,” the airline company said.

At present, local authorities in Sultan Kudarat still verifying reports of a plane crash in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772373

MILF starts decommissioning of weapons, combatants despite delay in BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): MILF starts decommissioning of weapons, combatants despite delay in BBL

The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will kick off on Tuesday the first phase of the decommissioning program which aims to put the arms and forces of the rebel group beyond use as agreed by the Parties under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

In simple ceremonies dubbed "Ceremonial Turnover of Weapons and Decommissioning of the MILF Combatants" to be held at the old provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, the MILF will undertake the registration and turning-in of 75 weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

Also, 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) combatants will be registered and processed to formally commence their return to full civilian lives.

‎MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal described the decommissioning process as "one of the most difficult decisions...[of the] MILF" but noted that "for the sake of peace, for the sake of having real peace in Mindanao and for the sake of the need for normalization [of] the lives of the people including the combatants, we have to undertake decommissioning and put them [arms and forces] beyond use.

The public event will be attended by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Legislators from both chambers of Congress, the international community, among others were invited to witness the historical event, which will be held at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay Crossing, Sultan Kultarat.

The turnover ceremonies will likewise be attended by MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, members of both peace panels and other stakeholders.

The IDB is headed by Turkey's former ambassador to NATO, Haydar Berk. Its other members are Jan Erik Wilhemsen from Norway, Maj. Muhammad Aiman Syazwi Bin Haji Abdul Rahim from Brunei, and local experts, AFP ret. Lt. Gen. Rey Ardor, Dr. Mario Aguja, Von Al-Haq and Janati Mimbantas.

GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer noted that there will be several steps that will be followed during the decommissioning process on Tuesday.

"Prior to the actual decommissioning process, there will be an ‎initial registration of MILF combatants and weapons at Camp Darapanan. The combatants will be filling out forms with the supervision of the IDB local expert from MILF," she said.

"On June 16, the weapons will be transported to the Old Provincial Capitol, the event site for the actual registration process and verification."

"After processing, the decommissioned weapons will be transported to a mutually-agreed upon Weapons Storage area located inside Camp Iranun (Abubakar) in Sitio Bombaran, Brgy. Tugaig in Barira, Maguindanao. The secured area will be monitored by 30 members of the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) who will be supervised by the Joint Verification and Monitoring Team (JVMT) of the IDB," Coronel-Ferrer said.

The JVMT is headed by a foreign, independent expert with a member each from the government and MILF. Three JVMTs will take turns administering the site round the clock. Meanwhile, the JPST is made up of 15 members from the government army and police, and an equal number from the MILF. Teams of 10 JPST persons each will be on guard duty at all times.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772445

38 NPA rebels killed in EMC area-of-operations since January

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): 38 NPA rebels killed in EMC area-of-operations since January

Thirty-eight New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed by Eastern Mindanao Command troopers in the first five and half months of the year.

This was disclosed by Capt. Alberto Caber in statement forwarded to the PNA Monday.

"As of June 14, 2015, there were 38 NPA bandits killed while 72 high-powered firearms were recovered (during) encounters with security forces in Eastern Mindanao since January 1, 2015," he added.

Military success can be attributed to closer coordination with civilian communities and intensified patrol work.

This figures include the three NPA rebels killed during an encounter with troopers from the 69th Infantry Battalion in Purok 7, Barangay Paradise Embac, Paquibato District, Davao City Sunday early morning.

The clash took place at 12: 05 a.m.

Also recovered were an M-14 automatic rifle, and two unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and several backpacks.

No losses were reported among government security forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772494

PNP identifies 3 officers who will assist in MILF decommissioning process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PNP identifies 3 officers who will assist in MILF decommissioning process

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday has revealed the names of the three officers who will assist the four-member international Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) who will oversee the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) process of decommissioning its forces and weapons.

These officers, who have the rank of chief inspector, will form part of the Joint Verification and Monitoring Team (JVMT) of the IDB.

Decommissioning will be held at the Old provincial capitol, Simuay Crossing, Sultan Kudarat Tuesday.

They are Chief Inspectors Randall-Lyon G. Bueno, Filmore Abdulsalam C. Calib and Christopher V. Muego, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilfredo D. Franco said.

He added that the JVMT shall supervise the 30-member Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) that is responsible in securing the mutually-agreed upon weapons storage area.

The JPST is made up of 15 members from the government army and police, and an equal number from the MILF.

Teams of 10 JPST personnel each are tasked to secure the storage facility at all times.

The IDB thru the JVMT has earlier initiated the registration of MILF fighters and weapon that are subject to decommissioning.

The MILF has listed an initial 25 crew-served weapons and 50 assorted high-powered rifles for decommissioning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772558

Turkish naval ship in PHL for 4-day goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Turkish naval ship in PHL for 4-day goodwill visit

A Turkish Navy warship, the TCG Gediz (F-495), is in the Philippines for a four-day visit which started Monday.

This marks the first time a Turkish man-of-war visited the country, Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said.

It is now docked at the Manila South Harbor.

The TCG Gediz is commanded by Rear Admiral Aydin Sirin, Turkish Naval Forces chief of inspection and evaluation.

Lincuna said that the Turkish frigate is on a 122 day deployment which involves a visit to 18 ports in 14 countries.

The visit started last April 1. The PN public affairs office chief said that the international visit serves to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Turkish frigate Ertugrul which sank while enroute to Japan after encountering a strong typhoon.

Prior her entry to the Manila South Harbor, the TCG Gediz was met by the BRP Bagong Silang (PG-104) for the customary meeting procedure off Corregidor and escorted to her Manila South Harbor berth.

A meeting procedure is a naval event observed internationally where vessels of the host nation meets up with the visiting ship and escorts it to their port of call.

The meeting procedure was followed by a port briefing aboard the Turkish vessel by the PN personnel with topics on security, safety, and health.

Lincuna said the friendly visit will also involve the conduct of several activities including courtesy calls to military heads, receptions, ship’s tours, professional exchanges and goodwill games between the PN and Turkish Navy counterparts.

This port visit is expected to enhance and strengthen mutual relationship between the two countries as it offers great liberty and an opportunity for both navies to show friendly aspect with each other.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772550

Catapang lauds MILF decommissioning decision

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Catapang lauds MILF decommissioning decision

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday lauded the sincerity shown by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in voluntarily decommissioning their arms and combatants starting this June 16.

Catapang said the MILF deserves to be recognized for its commitment to end the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao.

In Tuesday's ceremony, 55 high-powered and 20-crew served weapons will be decommissioned along with 145 MILF combatants.

The decommissioning ceremony will be held at the Old Provincial Capitol, Simuay Crossing, Sultan Kudarat Tuesday.

“We laud the MILF’s commitment and sincerity to peace. This is a historic event," Catapang, who once fought against Moro insurgents in Lanao Del Sur during the "all-out war" in 2000, said.

The AFP chief said this is the first time that a rebel group will be voluntarily turning over its arms and transforming its combatants to normal, civilian lives.

Previously, the Moro National Liberation Front fighters were integrated into the AFP and the Philippine National Police.

"What is more laudable here is that the MILF is voluntarily turning-in their firearms in an environment that continues to have other armed groups," he said.

The decommissioning of MILF weapons and members of its Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) are part of the initial phase of the decommissioning program as agreed in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“The AFP acknowledges that the decommissioning program will be gradual and in a phased manner as indicated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which the GPH and MILF negotiating panels both signed,” Catapang said.

He added that while the AFP lauds the sincerity of the MILF, he likewise congratulates the GPH and the MILF negotiating panels for their dedication and effort in the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“There is no denying that the willingness of the MILF to decommission their weapons is a concrete proof of their commitment as a peace partner. I commend the members of the GPH and MILF peace panels for making this a reality,” he added.

The AFP chief said the decommissioning of the BIAF members will pave the way for their smooth transition to productive and normal civilian life.

"We must win the peace in Mindanao. It will ensure progress and prosperity for all, " Catapang added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772430

2 killed, 1 hurt in rebel attack in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): 2 killed, 1 hurt in rebel attack in Bukidnon

A trooper from the 69th Infantry Battalion was killed along with a 12-year-old boy while another soldiers was wounded as an estimated 50 heavily-armed New People's Army (NPA) rebels attacked an Army patrol securing a construction company at Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon Sunday afternoon.

The fatalities were identified as Pfc. Arison Palaris and minor Efren Rule.

Wounded in the 3 p.m. attack was Pfc. Gilbert Bayubay, also of the 69th Infantry Battalion.

1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the troopers were securing workers and equipment of Ulticon Builders Inc., a construction firm doing farm-to-market roadworks to connect Bukidnon-Davao Del Norte, when fired upon by the rebels belonging to the NPA's Front 6 and Section Committee 89.

Palaris was killed in the initial burst of gunfire while Rule died after being hit by stray bullets.

The same volley also wounded Bayubay.

The NPAs quickly retreated after seeing stiffening resistance from the troopers.

In escaping, the bandits commandeered an Ulticon vehicle with "DT" markings which was later found abandoned at Sitio Malambago, Barangay Magkalungay, of the same town.

Authorities are eying extortion as the motive behind the attack.

Major Gen. Eduardo M. Año, 10th Infantry Division chief, ordered field commanders to step up law enforcement operations against the bandits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772738

Catholic prelate lauds the decommissioning effort of MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Catholic prelate lauds the decommissioning effort of MILF

A Mindanao prelate has welcomed the decommissioning efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as part of the agreement of the government and the MILF contained under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“I welcome the gesture that it will really materialize. I hope also that they will really surrender not only the old firearms but as well as the new and expensive firearms,” said Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad.

At the same time, he said he is hoping that the group is sincere with the decommissioning.

“In the past, they did not surrender everything. They only surrendered the old ones; the new ones are being kept; so my hope is that they would be sincere in this decommissioning,” the Catholic prelate added.

Asked on what should the MILF do to show their sincerity, aside from surrendering their arms, Jumoad said, “They have to surrender also the firearms of those victims of the Mamasapano incident. I believe hindi pa nila nabigay.”

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer has said the decommissioning and return of the group’s fighters to civilian life will begin on Tuesday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772715

Ex-mayor linked to the Inopacan Massacre nabbed

From the  Manila Times (Jun 14): Ex-mayor linked to  the Inopacan Massacre nabbed

SECURITY forces arrested over the weekend a former mayor of Jagna town in Bohol for his alleged involvement in the “purging” of suspected military informants within the ranks of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said Exuperio Lloren, 65, was arrested by joint teams from the AFP and the Philippine National Police in his hiding place in Barangay Pahina, Jagna on strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32.

According to Cabunoc, Lloren was charged with 15 counts of murder in connection to the infamous   “Inopacan Massacre” that claimed that lives of at least 67 persons.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ex-mayor-linked-to-inopacan-massacre-nabbed/191784/