MILF: GPH-MILF Peace panels sign TOR for Joint Task Forces for transformation of MILF Camps

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 18): GPH-MILF Peace panels sign TOR for Joint Task Forces for transformation of MILF Camps



A report by Philstar on February 14, 2016 said that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have signed the terms of reference (TOR) for the Joint Task Forces on MILF camps (JTFC) transformation.

The TOR was signed during a two-day meeting at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from February 11-12, 2016 in the presence of Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.
It is posted at the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The JTFC shall be formed to transform six previously acknowledged MILF camps into peaceful communities and bring back normalcy to the lives of former rebels.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of GPH and Mohagher Iqbal of the MILF said the BBL Annex on Normalization provides for confidence-building measures that may be undertaken through the joint task forces.

“There shall be joint task forces for each of the six previously acknowledged MILF camps and their work shall be coordinated and supervised by four coordinators – two each from the government and the MILF,” the TOR, posted on the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, stated.

The tasks of coordinators include the provision of overall leadership and direction for the transformation of the former MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities.

Four coordinators shall be tasked to coordinate and give logistical support for the work of the JTFC in each camp, the two panels said.

They are also tasked to establish protocols in camp development and tap necessary government agencies, development partners, non-governmental organizations, private sector and local government units for the implementation of programs/projects.

The government and MILF panels may amend the TOR “after the necessary review to meet changing conditions”, according to the report by Philstar.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/76-international/564-gph-milf-peace-panels-sign-tor-for-joint-task-forces-for-transformation-of-milf-camps

MILF: MILF expresses deep disappointment, grave dismay over the non-passage of the BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 19): MILF expresses deep disappointment, grave dismay over the non-passage of the BBL



“We, the entire membership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), express our deep disappointment and grave dismay over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Houses of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines,” the MILF said in an Official Statement issued today February 18.

The MILF said its lamentation is “mirrored by the tangible frustration of the great majority of the Bangsamoro people, the peace loving populace not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country, and even those in other nations who have been closely following and keenly observing the unfolding of the more than seventeen (17) years of Peace Process between the Government of the Philippines [GPH) and the MILF.”It said, “The BBL would have been the key mechanism in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by and between the GPH and MILF.”

The MILF said it has done its part by “faithfully complying with all its obligations and responsibilities under the signed agreements,” as a gesture of good faith and sincerity to the peace deal.

The GPH and MILF signed on March 27, 2014 the CAB, witnessed by MILF leaders and members, peace advocates, diplomats, the international community and government officials, which sent a strong signal to the Bangsamoro and Filipino people of the Two Parties’ willingness to end the decades of conflict in southern Philippines.

The CAB provides the crafting of the BBL and its passage by the Philippine Congress. The BBL is the legal translation of the peace deal that has promised to provide the Bangsamoro people a self-rule through a parliamentary regional government with more political and fiscal powers.

 “It has entrusted the passage of the BBL to the GPH since the process was entirely internal to the latter, and all its concerned structures had the obligation to deliver the law that could have truly implemented the terms of the agreements in letter and spirit It was not an easy decision to make and required a great deal of patience, perseverance and steadfastness,” the statement said.

“It was also fraught with risks and vicissitudes of legislation. But the BBL was no longer in the hands of the MILF since the process and responsibility of delivering the legislative measure had already shifted to the Philippine Government after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted it to both Houses of Congress.”

The MILF stressed that the peace process will not only benefit the organization but the entire people in area and the country in general.

The business community had manifested their support to the peace process through their statements issued last year expressing hope for the realization of the peace agreement that will eventually usher development of Mindanao.

“It is at moments like these that we call upon all our Bangsamoro brethren and all peace loving people to join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence the passage of the BBL and the full implementation of the CAB, be it in the present government or the upcoming administration,” the statement said.

The MILF said it will remain persevere in upholding the peace process and preserve its gains in spite of the non-passage of the BBL.

The statement said, “We wish to express our profound gratitude and herein appeal to Malaysia, the facilitating country of the Peace Process, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation , the various countries that supported the process, United Nations agencies and international NGOs, be they part of the formal structures of the GPH-MILF peace process or not, as well as sympathizers to continue and intensify their efforts in supporting the advancement of the peace process and use their influence to ensure that the next Philippine government will uphold and faithfully implement the CAB in accordance with the agreed roadmap.”

The MILF urges all its Officers, Commanders and Members of the MILF Political Wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) to strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF Central Committee.

The Front also calls upon the Bangsamoro people and the other people in the area to remain patient and become the “beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice.”

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/566-milf-expresses-deep-disappointment-grave-dismay-over-the-non-passage-of-the-bbl

MILF: BBL is the most appropriate path toward peace and development in Mindanao: Pres. Aquino

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 17): BBL is the most appropriate path toward peace and development in Mindanao: Pres. Aquino



Reiterating his commitment to the peace process in Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday, "Even though our Congress failed to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), our position on the BBL remains: It is still the most appropriate path toward peace and development in Mindanao."

President Aquino gave his statement prior to his departure to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States (ASEAN-US) Summit in California.

The event which aims to deepen and strengthen the joint strategic partnership between the ASEAN and the United States of America is first of its kind to be held in the US soil.

"This is indeed the last ASEAN Summit that I will attend as the President of the Philippines. This is also the last time that I can share with my fellow ASEAN leaders our resolve to this peace process, that is our contribution in responding to the issues of extremism and lack of stability," Pres. Aquino said.

The two Chambers of Philippine Congress went on recess last February 5 without passing the BBL, a measure that would have paved way for the establishment of autonomous Bangsamoro region that will replace the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

If realized, the new Bangsamoro entity would have a parliamentary regional government vested with more political and fiscal powers.

Despite the failure of the lawmakers to pass the BBL, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Panels reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and to preserve the gains of the 17 years peace negotiations.

 

Representatives from other countries who are part of the peace structures and mechanisms backing up the Bangsamoro peace process likewise support the perseverance of the government and the MILF in achieving peaceful resolve to Mindanao problem.

The Front disclosed there is a widespread frustration among the Bangsamoro people brought by the non-passage of the BBL.  Its leaders tell their people not to be disheartened and be patient.

The MILF is hopeful that the next administration will implement the peace agreement by passing a Bangsamoro law compliant to the CAB in letter and in spirit.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/562-bbl-is-the-most-appropriate-path-toward-peace-and-development-in-mindanao-pres-aquino

MILF: Narratives of decommissioned combatants compiled in a book

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 17): Narratives of decommissioned combatants compiled in a book



Life stories of decommissioned MILF combatants can now be read in a book which was formally launched on February 15 at the BTC office in Cotabato City.

Titled as “The Journey of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s First Ex-Combatants,” the 50-page publication compiles the narratives of 10 of the 145 MILF combatants who were part of the group that was decommissioned, albeit symbolically, on June 16 last year.

 

Although the decommissioning process is covered by rules of confidentiality, the MILF agreed to the conduct of interviews on 10 of its decommissioned combatants to share their voices and experiences.

Emma Leslie, Executive-Director of the Cambodia-based Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS) which undertook the publication, expressed gratitude to the MILF for understanding the importance of recording and sharing the stories of some of its combatants.

In its preface, the book hails them as men who have mustered “bravery to sit and reflect about one’s own life during a moment of uncertainty, during a moment of transition from the “known” to the “unknown”.

The book intends to “recognize their journey and provide them with a safe platform through which they could share their stories.”

Decommissioning is the gradual and phased process through which MILF forces and combatants are put beyond use. It includes the transition of the MILF’s BIAF to a peaceful civilian life. 

During the symbolic decommissioning program on June 16, 2015, MILF Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim stressed that the decommissioning is not a surrender but a “long walk towards transformation … to higher struggle” where the MILF is transformed from an armed revolutionary organization to political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro.

Its implementation is also “parallel and commensurate” to implementation of signed agreements, particularly to the passage of the BBL.

The book launch was witnessed by MILF and GPH Peace Panels Chairmen Mohagher Iqbal and Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, respectively; Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) Chairman Ambassador Mustafa Pulat, BTC Commissioners, AHJAG and MILF Peace Panel officials, International Monitoring Team and some of the decommissioned combatants whose life stories were included in the book.

 

BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal also took the opportunity to present tokens of appreciation to United Kingdom Embassy outgoing Second Secretary Thomas Phipps who worked actively in the International Contact Group (ICG).

He would be replaced by Rupert Compston who was also present in the event.

The book was published with assistance of the British Embassy in the Philippines.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/560-narratives-of-decommissioned-combatants-compiled-in-a-book

MILF: GPH, MILF peace panels express condolences to the family of the late Atty. Lanang Ali

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 16): GPH, MILF peace panels express condolences to the family of the late Atty. Lanang Ali



The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiation panels have expressed their condolences to the families of Atty. Lanang Ali, former member of the MILF peace panel, who passed away Wednesday evening (Feb 10) at Cotabato City.  Atty. Ali was appointed member of the MILF peace panel in 2001.

He was the former chair of the Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.   The expression of sympathy to the family of the demised Moro lawyer was part of the joint resolution issued by the two parties in the GPH-MILF Peace Panels Special Meeting held on February 10-11, 2015 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

The peace panels reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and to preserve the gains of more than 17 years of negotiations and the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

A close friend to Atty. Ali, Commissioner Esmael Ebrahim of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) called the lawyer a “Mujahid, a mentor and a brother.” 

“He is one of the pillars of Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination,” Ebrahim said. “He passed away but left a legacy that every Bangsamoro should continue,” he cited.  

In their messages over social media Atty. Ali’s friends and relatives, peace advocates and fellow Mujaheedin expressed their sadness to the lawyer’s death saying he is a big loss in the Bangsamoro struggle.   They prayed that the Almighty will grant him a special place in his next life.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/558-gph-milf-peace-panels-express-condolences-to-the-family-of-the-late-atty-lanang-ali

MILF: “MILF disappointed, dismayed over non-passage of BBL”: Chairman Al Haj Murad

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 19): “MILF disappointed, dismayed over non-passage of BBL”: Chairman Al Haj Murad



In a statement issued by the MILF on February 8, 2016, Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said that, “The entire membership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), expressed deep disappointment and grave dismay over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Houses of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines”.

He said that this sentiment is mirrored by the tangible frustration of the great majority of the Bangsamoro people, the peace loving populace not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country, and even those in other nations who have been closely following and keenly observing the unfolding of the more than seventeen (17) years of Peace Process between the Government of the Philippines [GPH) and the MILF.

“The BBL would have been the key mechanism in implementing the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by and between the GPH and MILF”, Chairman Murad said in the statement.

“As a gesture of good faith and sincerity, the MILF has done its part by faithfully complying with all its obligations and responsibilities under the signed agreements. It has entrusted the passage of the BBL to the GPH since the process was entirely internal to the latter, and all its concerned structures had the obligation to deliver the law that could have truly implemented the terms of the agreements in letter and spirit It was not an easy decision to make and required a great deal of patience, perseverance and steadfastness. It was also fraught with risks and vicissitudes of legislation. But the BBL was no longer in the hands of the MILF since the process and responsibility of delivering the legislative measure had already shifted to the Philippine Government after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission [BTC) submitted it to both Houses of Congress”, the MILF chair also said in the statement.

“Even then the MILF strongly pushed for the passage of the original BBL for the greatest interest of the Bangsamoro people; but it did not and do not claim to be the sole owner of the basic law. This is very clear in all the provisions of the agreements and the BBL. We reiterate our emphasis that the role of the MILF ends after the transition period. The gains of the peace process will not only benefit the MILF but the entire people in area and the country in general. It is at moments like these that we call upon all our Bangsamoro brethren and all peace loving people to join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence the passage of the BBL and the full implementation of the CAB, be it in the present government or the upcoming administration. In spite of the non-passage of the BBL, the MILF will continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved. Towards this end, MILF will endeavor to sustain the relevant infrastructure of the peace process and our military forces will, at all times, maintain its defensive posture. It will remain as a revolutionary organization until it officially joins the government in accordance with the agreed road map in the implementation process of the CAB”, Chairman Murad said.

The MILF chair expressed the Moro front’s profound gratitude and appealed to Malaysia, the facilitating country of the Peace Process, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the various countries that supported the process, United Nations agencies and international NGOs, be they part of the formal structures of the GPH-MILF peace process or not, as well as sympathizers to continue and intensify their efforts in supporting the advancement of the peace process and use their influence to ensure that the next Philippine government will uphold and faithfully implement the CAB in accordance with the agreed roadmap.

Chairman Murad enjoined all Officers, Commanders and Members of the MILF Political Wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) to strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF Central Committee, and to uphold the primary of the peace process while maintaining their vigilance and perseverance as they continue the consolidation and capability building programs of the organization.

 

Chairman Murad MILF called upon the Bangsamoro people and the other people in the area to remain patient. We urge you to become the beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice. This impasse should not lead anyone of us astray and be swayed by elements unreasonably instigating for radicalism. Let us always make reason and wisdom prevail over emotion.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/567-milf-disappointed-dismayed-over-non-passage-of-bbl-chairman-al-haj-murad

Photo: Well-Prepared

Posted to the Mindanao Times (Feb 18): Photo: Well-Prepared



 WELL-PREPARED. The Army's 30th Infantry Battalion displays its weaponry in Placer town, Surigao del Norte on Tuesday (Feb. 9). The soldiers will help the Commission on Elections maintain an orderly and peaceful elections. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

http://mindanaotimes.net/

‘Child rebel’ still has bullet lodged in leg

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 18): ‘Child rebel’ still has bullet lodged in leg

THE 14-year-old NPA “recruit” rescued by government troops following a clash in Pantukan, Compostela Valley is scheduled to go under the knife to remove another bullet in his left leg.

 

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference, Pedrita Dimakiling of the Department of Social Welfare Development Office, said they already took out the first bullet from the same leg.

 

She said after the surgery and treatment, the adolescent will be provided with psycho-social intervention.

 

“He will remain in our custody and we will make an assessment to know who will take care of him after the intervention,” Dimakiling added.

 

For now, their main concern is the temporary shelter of the alleged child rebel.

 

The child is being treated at Southern Philippines Medical Center and the military is shouldering the cost of his procedure and medication.

 

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, insisted that the 14-year-old is a child soldier.

 

“As far as we know he actively participated with the NPAs,” he said. “It was also based on his revelation that he was a member of NPA.”

 

The boy, along with alleged guerilla Ronel Paas, resident of Magnaga, Pantukan, was intercepted at a checkpoint mounted by the police and military.

 

Ronel was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital due to gunshot wound on his chest while the 14-year-old was treated at Camp Panacan Station Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound on his lower left leg.

 

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines has yet to issue a statement on the accusation by the army that it recruited the 14-year-old as one of its fighters.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/child-rebel-still-has-bullet-lodged-in-leg/

Alleged rebel siblings face multiple charges

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 19): Alleged rebel siblings face multiple charges

TWO suspected members of the New People’s Army are facing criminal charges before the Compostela Valley Provincial Prosecution Office following their arrest at a checkpoint in Madaum, Tagum City on Feb. 16.

 

Brothers Ariel Arbitrario and Crispolo Arbitrario are a case for violation of Republic Ac t 10591 or “Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition,” Repubic Act 9516 “Illegal Possession of Explosive” and violation of Comelec gun ban.

 

The two were arrested by virtue of arrest warrants issued by a regional trial court in Compostela Valley for murder.

 

Based on the report, Ariel was the secretary of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 2, while Crispolo alias Calvin is a member of the rebels’ Special Operations Group (SOG), Sub-Commitee 2 (SRC) operating in Compostela Valley.

 

During their arrest, authorities recovered .45 pistol and .38 caliber revolver, one fragmentation grenade, an improvised grenade and handheld radio from the suspects.

 

The report added that the Arbitrario brothers were allegedly involved in NPA-initiated incidents and killings in the towns of Maco, Mabini and Pantukan all in Compostela Valley.

 

The two are now detained in Compostella valley Provincial Rehabilitation Center.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/alleged-rebel-siblings-face-multiple-charges/

Philippine Muslim rebel tells followers to keep ceasefire

From Rappler (Feb 18): Philippine Muslim rebel tells followers to keep ceasefire

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Murad Ebrahim makes the appeal in a statement carried on the group's Facebook page



HISTORIC MEETING. President Benigno Aquino III shakes the hand of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairperson Murad Ebrahin during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacañang on March 27, 2014. File photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau

The head of the Philippines' main Muslim rebel group on Thursday urged his followers to maintain a ceasefire with the government despite failure to pass a bill implementing a peace accord.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Murad Ebrahim made the appeal in a statement carried on the group's Facebook page.

"In spite of the non-passage of the (bill), the MILF will continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved," his statement read.

"Our military forces will at all times maintain its defensive posture," he added.

Lawmakers this month failed to pass a bill that would have implemented a peace agreement forged between the 10,000-strong MILF and the government, which raised fears of fresh violence.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino, whose six-year term ends in June, had lobbied hard for the passage of the bill, which would have granted the nation's Muslim minority an autonomous southern homeland.

But he was unable to muster enough support in the lower house of Congress to secure a vote before the legislature adjourned this month ahead of national elections in May.

The MILF signed a peace accord with Aquino's government in 2014 to end its struggle for independence, which began in the 1970s.

Four decades of fighting in the south have left 100,000 people killed according to official estimates.

Most political analysts say Aquino lost lawmakers' support for the autonomy bill after 44 police commandos were killed during a raid into MILF territory last year.

The commandos killed a Malaysian bomb maker on the United States' list of most-wanted "terrorists" but they were attacked by armed Muslims including MILF fighters.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/122956-philippine-murad-ebrahim-ceasefire-milf

PH slams China over ‘missiles’ in disputed sea

From Rappler (Feb 19): PH slams China over ‘missiles’ in disputed sea

The Philippines says actions such as deploying missiles ‘negate China’s earlier commitment not to militarize the South China Sea’



SLAMMING CHINA. Filipinos stage a demonstration on February 19, 2016, to protest against China’s reported deployment of a surface-to-air missile system in the disputed South China Sea. Photo by Francis Malasig/EPA

The Philippines slammed China on Friday, February 19, over reports that Beijing deployed missiles on an island in the disputed South China Sea.

“The Philippines is gravely concerned by reports that China has deployed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island,” the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

 

“Such actions negate China’s earlier commitment not to militarize the South China Sea,” the DFA added.

 

This comes after China confirmed that it has weapons on Woody Island, which is part of the Paracels chain of islands, in the South China Sea.

 

Beijing claims all of the Paracels, though Hanoi and Taipei have overlapping claims. China seized several islands from South Vietnam in a brief, bloody battle toward the end of the Vietnam War.

 

The Philippines is not claiming the Paracels.

 

Manila, however, filed a case against Beijing over portions of the disputed waters, also called the West Philippine Sea.

 

'Eroding trust, confidence'

 

In its statement on Friday, the DFA also said the new developments in the disputed waters “further erode trust and confidence and aggravate the already tense situation in the region.”

 

The DFA said it is “a clear violation” of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Declaration of Conduct (DOC) in the South China Sea.

 

Signed in 2002, the DOC is a non-binding document urging “self-restraint” against activities affecting peace and stability in the South China Sea.

 

The Philippines wants a binding document, a Code of Conduct, to replace the DOC.

 

The DFA said that by deploying missiles in the South China Sea, China is casting doubts on its good faith “to work with ASEAN for the early conclusion of the COC, and to cooperate in the efforts of all parties to find ways forward on the peaceful settlement of disputes” in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

 

President Benigno Aquino III, for his part, earlier asserted Philippine rights over the disputed waters as China deployed missiles there.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/123060-philippines-china-missiles-south-china-sea

China confirms 'weapons' on disputed island

From Rappler (Feb 19): China confirms 'weapons' on disputed island

China attempts to downplay the deployment, saying recent reports are an example of Western media playing 'the same old tune' about a 'China threat'



BEIJING, China – China confirmed that it has weapons on a disputed island in the South China Sea, state media said Thursday, February 18, as US Secretary of State John Kerry slammed Beijing for "militarization" of the strategically vital region.

The US and Taiwan both said China had deployed missiles to Woody Island, part of the Paracels chain, after Fox News reported the surface-to-air weapons had arrived there in the past week.

Beijing claims all of the Paracels, though Hanoi and Taipei have overlapping claims. China seized several islands from South Vietnam in a brief, bloody battle towards the end of the Vietnam War.

China's Ministry of Defense confirmed that "China has deployed weapons on the island for a long time", reported the Global Times newspaper, which has close ties to the ruling Communist party.

It did not specify which weapons were on the island.

But it attempted to downplay the deployment, saying recent reports were an example of Western media playing "the same old tune" about a "China threat", the newspaper cited the ministry's news office as saying.

"China has the fair and legal right to deploy defense facilities within the boundaries of its own territory," the report added.

Tensions in the sea – through which one-third of the world's oil passes – have mounted in recent months since China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.

Washington says Beijing's actions threaten free passage in a strategically vital area and has sent warships close to the disputed islands to assert freedom of navigation, raising fears of escalation.

"There is every evidence, every day, that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another," Kerry told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.

Beijing meanwhile has insisted it has the right to build "self-defense" systems in the region.

A Thursday editorial in the Global Times argued that the US has "injected the most military elements in the region".

If China has in fact placed surface to air missiles on the island, they might make "jet fighters from the US... feel uneasy when making provocative flights in the region. To us, that's a proper result."

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/122910-china-confirms-weapons-disputed-island

Photo: Roadside Bombing

From MindaNews (Feb 19): Photo: Roadside Bombing



Four people, including a municipal treasurer and his son, inside this van were killed when an improvised bomb exploded along a road in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao Tuesday evening. The military suspects it was the handiwork of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, but the BIFF denied the accusation. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera | Read story

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2016/02/18/roadside-bombing/

After Maguindanao, BIFF attacks North Cotabato Cafgu detachment

From MindaNews (Feb 19): After Maguindanao, BIFF attacks North Cotabato Cafgu detachment

Suspected members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have brought the war zone to North Cotabato, particularly in Aleosan town, police said.

Senior Inspector Jun Napat, Aleosan town police chief, said the attack on a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) detachment in Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan happened around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday.

He said it could be a diversionary tactic by the rebel group to mislead pursuing government forces.

“They attacked the detachment with rocket propelled grenades and Barrett sniper fires for about 10 minutes, then fled back to the marshland,” Napat told reporters.

At 7 a.m. on Friday, Cafgu members conducted clearing operations and found an improvised bomb some 50 meters away from the detachment believed to have been left by the attackers.

Napat said a two-way hand held radio was attached to it, but they have yet to determine its components.

Army bomb experts came to defuse the bomb.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/19/after-maguindanao-biff-attacks-north-cotabato-army-detachment/

Amid dismay over BBL’s non-enactment: MILF tells Moro people to ‘let reason prevail over emotion’

From MindaNews (Feb 19): Amid dismay over BBL’s non-enactment: MILF tells Moro people to ‘let reason prevail over emotion’

In a strong display of diplomacy and statesmanship, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has called for calm and sobriety in Bangsamoro communities amid growing resentment over the failure of Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The MILF calls upon the Bangsamoro people and the other people in the area to remain patient. We urge you to become the beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice,” MILF chief Murad Ebrahim said in a statement issued Thursday.

“This impasse should not lead anyone of us astray and be swayed by elements unreasonably instigating for radicalism. Let us always make reason and wisdom prevail over emotion,” he added.

This is the first time Murad came out with an official statement after the 16th Congress adjourned last Feb. 3 for the election campaign without putting the BBL to a vote.

Congress resumes session on May 23 to June 10 to act as the national board of canvassers for the May 9 presidential and vice presidential elections.

Murad said that “as a gesture of good faith and sincerity, the MILF has done its part by faithfully complying with all its obligations and responsibilities under the signed agreements.”

He pointed out that the rebel group “has entrusted the passage of the BBL to the government since the process was entirely internal to the latter, and all its concerned structures had the obligation to deliver the law that could have truly implemented the terms of the agreements in letter and spirit.”

After enactment and ratification by the affected population, the BBL would have set into motion the major portions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which the MILF forged with the government last March 27, 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

Murad said the entire membership of the MILF felt “deep disappointment and grave dismay” over the failure of Congress to pass the BBL.

He added that a similar sentiment “is mirrored by the tangible frustration of the great majority of the Bangsamoro people, the peace loving populace not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country, and even those in other nations who have been closely following and keenly observing the unfolding of the more than 17 years of (the) peace process.”

But Murad remains hopeful the BBL will still see light and eventually be enacted by Congress.

“It is at moments like these that we call upon all our Bangsamoro brethren and all peace loving people to join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence the passage of the BBL and the full implementation of the CAB, be it in the present government or the upcoming administration,” he said.

He called on those sympathetic to the peacemaking effort in Mindanao “to continue and intensify their efforts in supporting the advancement of the peace process and use their influence to ensure that the next Philippine government will uphold and faithfully implement the CAB in accordance with the agreed roadmap.”

He particularly addressed the call to the Malaysian government, which is facilitating the political negotiations, the 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other countries and international organizations supporting the peace process in Mindanao in various capacities and involvements.

Murad gave assurance the MILF “will continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved.”

“Towards this end, the MILF will endeavor to sustain the relevant infrastructure of the peace process and our military forces will, at all times, maintain its defensive posture. It will remain as a revolutionary organization until it officially joins the government in accordance with the agreed road map in the implementation process of the CAB,” he explained.

Based on the peace accord, the establishment of the Bangsamoro, through the BBL, would have kicked off the full decommissioning of MILF combatants and their firearms, and its transition from a revolutionary organization to a social movement pursuing political goals through democratic means like elections.

Murad said the MILF’s military and political leaders “are tasked to uphold the primary of the peace process while maintaining their vigilance and perseverance as they continue the consolidation and capability building programs of the organization.”

In the statement, he enjoined “all officers, commanders and members of the MILF political wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)” to “strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF central committee.”

Former government negotiator Camilo Montesa, now country head of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, said he is confident the MILF leadership is capable enough to handle the recent situation facing the peace process and its Moro constituency.

“They have acquired sufficient political wisdom from the lessons of history and the experience of the Moro revolution,” Montesa said.

The recent impasse with the BBL is not the first that the peace agreement between government and Moro rebels hit a snag.

Montesa pointed to three previous instances starting with the neglect of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front; the disregard of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement; and the thrashing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008. (

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/19/amid-dismay-over-bbls-non-enactment-milf-tells-moro-people-to-let-reason-prevail-over-emotion/