MILF: Editorial -- Peace Panels to exist until Exit Agreement

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 9): Editorial -- Peace Panels to exist until Exit Agreement

The peace panels, among other mechanisms of the GPH-MILF peace process, will continue to stay until the Exit Agreement is signed. This Agreement will only be signed, signaling that negotiations are over and terminated, after the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), the GPH and MILF Peace Panels, and the third party facilitator shall have validated and agreed that both Parties have implemented all agreements; meaning, both have complied with all their bilateral or unilateral obligations.

This is to correct impression that there is no more need for the peace panels, as well as the other mechanisms, because the peace process is already on the implementation stage.  This is not only a misconception but altogether a misreading of the agreements of the Parties.

Seriously, until the Exit Agreement is signed, the two peace panels will continue to steer the direction of the peace process and supervise the works and responsibilities of the various mechanisms. If necessary they will also meet to thresh out and decide on new issues including unresolved ones coming from the various bodies especially related to the normalization process.

In concrete terms, if for instance, a serious breach of the ceasefire agreement cannot be resolved in the level of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), where do they elevate the problem? Naturally, they will have to elevate it to the two peace panels for resolution. Similarly, if the two peace panels cannot resolve the same issue, where do they bring the matter? The answer is, they would have to meet under third party facilitation. This situation can be true to all the other mechanisms including those with international participation or players.

Even the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is a unilateral responsibility of government, its accountability will still be engaged or asserted through its peace panel. The MILF, which is a revolutionary organization, cannot participate directly in the normal legal process of government, hence, the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). The BTC was constituted mainly through an executive order signed by the President. This is the personality and authority carried by those MILF leaders who engaged Congress and other government entities.

Of course, the informal track or what we usually referred to as back-channeling is part of the dynamics of peace-making. In fact, in many instances, they are very effective in breaking impasses or disagreements, but in no way this will replace the formal track. In back-channeling there is no official accountability. Only in the formal track that accountability of the parties are clear and established, because they are written and signed by the parties.

It is on this established protocol of the GPH-MILF peace process that we wish for the early composition of the GPH Peace Panel under the incoming Duterte administration.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/editorial/24-january-8-15-2016/766-peace-panels-to-exist-until-exit-agreement

MILF: Junctures: A Book on Selected Speeches and Statements on Bangsamoro peace process under Aquino launched at Malacañang Palace

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 10): Junctures: A Book on Selected Speeches and Statements on Bangsamoro peace process under Aquino launched at Malacañang Palace



A book entitled: “Junctures: Selected Speeches and Statements”, a collection of selected speeches and statements made in the course of the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was launched on Thursday, June 9 at Malacañang Palace, in celebration of the achievements of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III in advancing peace in Mindanao.

The book features the speeches made by the President in key junctures of the process, and those delivered by GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal in several forums and discussions on the Bangsamoro peace negotiations held under the Aquino administration. Produced by the Government Peace Panel Secretariat, the book is published by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

Also included are speeches delivered by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, GPH peace panel member Senen Bacani, MILF panel member Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao in landmark events. Major statements issued during the same period make up the second part of the book.

 “The book is a tangible record of the thinking and sentiments of the main actors in the negotiations and implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) through the good times and the bad. Junctures will provide readers with an insider’s look of our journey the past few years from the signing of the Framework Agreement that preceded the CAB in October 2013 up to May 2016, with the signing of the Declaration of Continuity of the partnership between the government and the MILF,” said Ferrer of the publication.

Ferrer underscored the important role played by the President and the Executive Secretary in steering the direction of the peace negotiations. “Kaya naging matagumpay ang peace process natin sa ilalim ni President Aquino ay dahil naging bukas ang linya sa pagitan niya't ng kanyang opisina  at ng MILF, at maraming napag-usapang tuwiran at diretso na may tiwala sa isa’t isa (The peace process succeeded under President Aquino because of the openness between him and his office and the MILF, which  allowed matters to be discussed directly, with trust in each other),” she said.

MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in his message read for him by MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal said “The Significance of this effort is more so emphasized as we actively engage the Bansamoro people, especially the youth, to know more and learn about the intensity, acrimony, and triumphs of the peace talks which took 17 years in the making .Realistically, it is the next generation that will benefit from this undertaking, with all the more makes it imperative that we internalize the  history of the Bangsamoro struggle and the political objectives that we are fighting for”.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace process Sec. Teresita Quintos-Deles delivered the Opening Remarks.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/19-national/768-junctures-a-book-on-selected-speeches-and-statements-on-bangsamoro-peace-process-under-aquino-launched-at-malacanang-palace

Dureza flying to Norway to meet with Joma Sison

From Rappler (Jun 10): Dureza flying to Norway to meet with Joma Sison

(UPDATED) Dureza says he will be accompanied by incoming Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and former congressman Hernani Braganza

Jesus Dureza, President-elect Rodrigo Dutere's appointed Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is flying to Oslo, Norway Friday night, June 10, to meet with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) head Jose Maria Sison.

Dureza made the announcement on his Facebook page.

Duterte had made peace talks with the communist rebels part of his platform during the presidential campaign.

Dureza, a veteran in the peace negotiating table, said that he is flying upon the instructions of Duterte. Dureza was appointed presidential adviser on the peace process from 2005 until 2008 under the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

"I will be accompanied by incoming Sec. Silvestre Bello III and former congressman Hernani Braganza. We will look forward to a fruitful meeting under the auspices of the Norwegian government in the sidelines of the ‘Oslo Forum’,” Dureza said in his post.

The Royal Norwegian government is the third-party broker of the stalled peace talks. Bello is incoming labor secretary under the Duterte Cabinet.

Earlier, Duterte said he planned to send Bello and Dureza to Norway to initiate talks with the CPP and Sison.

NDF spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili told a press conference on Wednesday, June 8, Sison's coming home for peace talks was a "very ticklish issue” because the United States had put the CPP and the NPA in its terrorist list. This means it could have Sison intercepted and arrested during one of his stopovers en route to Manila from the Netherlands, where he is based.

Abu Sayyaf

Dureza also said he wanted to correct the rumor reported by some media outlets that he is open to negotiation with the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway group from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"True, I have even directly negotiated with the ASG just recently to seek the release of my friend John Ridsdel whom they nevertheless beheaded as the families could not raise the demanded ransom amount,” Dureza said.

Dureza said negotiating with the ASG and BIFF is not the way forward and that they would have to face the full force of the law.

"But negotiating with them in the context of what are we doing with the Bangsamoro and the CPP/NPA/NDF is definitely not the way forward. They have to face the full force of the law for their terrorism and criminal acts,” Dureza said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/136030-dureza-flying-norway-meet-joma-sison

CARAT Philippines 2016 (4 PHOTOS)

From Update.Ph (Jun 10): CARAT Philippines 2016 (4 PHOTOS)

US Navy Lieutenants Eric Bowers and Eran Wilson discuss flight operations while in flight aboard a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol craft above Subic, June 8. US Navy photo

US Naval personnel aboard a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol craft communicate with Armed Forces of the Philippines aircraft, June 8. US Navy photo

CARAT is short for “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training” exercises. The exercises took place in multiple locations across the Philippines and in waters near Subic Bay and Palawan from June 6 to 10.

This year’s exercise features the guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63), the landing dock ship USS Ashland (LSD-48), and the diving and salvage ship USNS Salvor (T-ARS-52), along with a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, Navy expeditionary forces, Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force-3rd Marine Division, a platoon from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, staff from Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and the 7th Fleet Band Orient Express.

The Philippine Navy assets and units include the minesweeper frigate BRP Rizal (PS-74), the Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), a landing craft heavy, an AW-109 helicopter, an EOD team, diving team, construction platoon, a marine company and the Philippine Fleet band. Also participating are various units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This year’s CARAT Philippines focuses on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, maritime domain awareness, and community service events.

US Marines conduct an amphibious exercise with service members of the Philippine Marine Corps at Inagawan Beach in Palawan, June 7. US Navy photo

US Marines conduct an amphibious exercise with service members of the Philippine Marine Corps in West Philippine Sea, June 7. US Navy photo

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/carat-philippines-2016-4-photos/6362

US, Japan, India to conduct high-end warfighting exercises in PH Sea

From Update.Ph (Jun 10): US, Japan, India to conduct high-end warfighting exercises in PH Sea  

The United Stated, Japan, and India maritime forces have started their high-end warfighting exercises, Malabar 2016, to advance multi-national maritime relationships and mutual security issues. Malabar 2016 is running from June 9 to 17.

“The at-sea portions of the exercise will be conducted in the Philippine Sea and are designed to advance participating nations’ military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment,” US Navy’s Task Force 70 said.

The on-shore phase will be at Sasebo, Japan. Training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on Carrier Strike Group operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), helicopter operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

According to US Navy’s Task Force 70, the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; a photo exercise; submarine familiarization; high-value unit defense; air defense exercises; medical evacuation drills; surface warfare exercises; communications exercises; search and rescue exercises; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; VBSS exercises; and anti-submarine warfare.

US Navy assets joing Malabar 2016 include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 9, the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93); a P-8A Poseidon aircraft; and a Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine.

http://www.update.ph/2016/06/us-japan-india-to-conduct-high-end-warfighting-exercises-in-ph-sea/6375

JOSE MA. SISON | On talking peace, coming home, staying safe

From InterAksyon (Jun 10): JOSE MA. SISON | On talking peace, coming home, staying safe

This article is part of a series on the impending resumption of formal peace talks between the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and communist rebels who have been waging armed struggle for close to half a century by independent media outfit Kodao Productions. This and previous articles are republished with permission.

MANILA, Philippines -- At the "Blue Meets Red" forum at the Ateneo de Davao University on June 8, National Democratic Front of the Philippines spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili said their chief political consultant Prof. Jose Maria Sison’s planned homecoming to the Philippines is still a "ticklish" issue owing to the United States recent relisting of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and Sison as “terrorist.”

Kodao interviewed Prof. Sison on his thoughts about this development.

How do you feel that the US may spoil your homecoming?

Jose Ma. Sison:  It is disgusting that the US government has renewed its listing of the CPP, NPA and myself as terrorist.  It is trying to spoil the common determination and current efforts of the incoming (Rodrigo) Duterte government and the NDFP to resume the peace negotiations in July.  It is ironic that the biggest terrorist force in Philippine history and in the world today, US imperialism, is designating revolutionary forces and leaders as terrorist.

It is possible that the US will spoil my homecoming in one of several ways, including intercepting  me while in transit or upon redirection of the plane carrying me or  allowing me to land in Manila  without interference and eventually subjecting me to  “wet operations” (bloody attack) by its mercenary agents or by merely pummeling me with psywar (psychological war) to slander and discredit me or push me towards a direction against my rights and interest.  I am quite used to considering all these possibilities and I also think of how to counter them. 

How will this development affect the high level of confidence that the incoming Duterte government and the NDFP have reached for the resumption of the peace talks?

JMS: Any violent attempt to spoil my homecoming by any hostile force has the objective of spoiling the peace process and to discredit the Duterte government for failing to secure me.  Thus, it is wise to continue the series of formal talks in Oslo in accordance with the existing agreements.  Holding the formal talks either in the urban or rural areas in the Philippines will invite surprise attacks from the peace spoilers.
I can stay for two weeks to one month every time I visit the Philippines in order to do consultations with President Duterte and with the revolutionary forces and to promote the peace process. But it would be too risky  for me to stay for more than one month or I would have to be placed under conditions of maximum security that  practically make me  a prisoner of whoever gives me the maximum security.

What are the possible remedies to this situation?

JMS:  The formal talks of the negotiating panels must be carried out in Oslo in accordance with the established practice of peace negotiations and in accordance within the existing agreement between the Manila government and the NDFP.  Because I have to be present as Chief Political Consultant during the formal talks in Oslo, I must enjoy the right and freedom to travel between Norway and The Netherlands where my wife and two children reside as well as the right and freedom to travel to Philippines from time to time.

Will you ask for guarantees from both the Dutch and Norwegian governments? How about the US?

JMS: I would like to have the Philippine passport and to have residence either in The Netherlands or Norway while the peace negotiations are going on. The Duterte government can do me a favor if it requests the Dutch government or Norwegian government for the purpose of the peace negotiations.  Before I make a visit to the Philippines in July or August, I must have that residence permit and a return visum to a country in Europe priorly because the moment I step out of the European area of treaty protection I would be practically giving up the absolute protection  that I enjoy as a recognized political refugee under Article 3 of the European  Convention on Human Rights.

I do not wish to put myself in a position of being stranded in the Philippines, becoming vulnerable to extreme risks and pressures and worst of all becoming unable to participate in the peace negotiations in Oslo. While the peace negotiations are still going on, I should have the freedom to travel to the Netherlands residence of my wife who is a member of the NDFP negotiating panel, whether I travel from Norway or from the Philippines.

The Duterte government should request the US government to stop the designation of the CPP, NPA and myself as terrorist. In the first place, it was the Arroyo government that requested the aforesaid designation. It would be a big boost to the peace process if the Duterte government demand that the US cease to slander the revolutionary forces as terrorist.

What benefit will your homecoming be to the peace process and the hoped-for coalition with the Duterte government?

JMS: The main benefit from my initial and further visits to the Philippines is to generate goodwill, trust and confidence in the peace process and in the hoped-for alliance and cooperation of the NDFP with the Duterte government. The many who believe in the peace process will be further convinced that it is the way to move forward. Those who have doubts, especially on the revolutionary side,  will increase their confidence from the fact that I freely move in and out of the Philippines just like any Filipino, apart from the necessary  but inconspicuous security precautions.

If you’ve heard from Mayor Duterte about this, what did he tell you?

JMS: I have not had the opportunity of telling him what I manage to say in this interview.  It would be useful and helpful if President(-elect) Duterte, (incoming presidential peace adviser) Jesus Dureza and (incoming GPH negotiating panel chairperson Silvestre) Bebot Bello read in full this interview  so that they  can be informed of  the considerations for my initial and further visits to the Philippines while peace negotiations are held in a neutral venue abroad.#

http://interaksyon.com/article/128874/jose-ma--sison--on-talking-peace-coming-home-staying-safe

'Work on alliance with Duterte but don't dream of meaningful change from reactionary govt' - CPP

From InterAksyon (Jun 10): 'Work on alliance with Duterte but don't dream of meaningful change from reactionary govt' - CPP

Communist rebels urged their forces to work on building an alliance with the Duterte administration but also warned against “reformism, particularly the hope of achieving meaningful change through the mere acts of representatives within the reactionary parliament and bureaucracy.”

The editorial of the June 7 issue of Ang Bayan, the publication of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s indications of willingness “to continue the cooperation and friendship with the national democratic movement signals the possibility that an alliance with his government will be fruitful.”

Duterte has said he will resume formal peace negotiations with the rebels and has appointed several nominees of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents the communists in the talks, to key government positions.

He has also indicated that he might release and pardon more than 500 political prisoners, including several consultants of the NDFP peace panel.

“In building an alliance with the incoming Duterte regime, the revolutionary movement is offered a great opportunity to broaden and promote the correctness of the national democratic line and analysis, principles and programs. Let us use this favorable situation to reach the broad masses and expand the organized forces and strengthen the mass struggle of workers, farmers, urban poor, youth and students, and other sectors,” the Ang Bayan editorial, written in Pilipino, said.

It also urged the mobilization of “hundreds of thousands” in Metro Manila and other urban centers to “support the peace talks and highlight the immediate demands of the workers, farmers and all other sectors.”

At the same time, it stressed the need for the mass movement to remain independent and “not following the lead or tied to the limitations of the reactionary parliament and bureaucracy.”

The editorial also said building alliances and advancing the mass movement and armed struggle are complementary “aspects” in engaging with the incoming administration.

“An alliance will help strengthen the democratic mass movement; on the other hand, the extent of the benefits from the alliance will depend on the independent strength of the masses,” it said.

It also stressed the need for “mass struggle and criticism” to convince the Duterte government “to heed the cry of the people” and said “the organized strength of the masses is more important and a truer measure of success for the tactics to engage the incoming regime.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/128889/work-on-alliance-with-duterte-but-dont-dream-of-meaningful-change-from-reactionary-govt---cpp

NOLCOM keeping close eye on Panatag

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): NOLCOM keeping close eye on Panatag



A Philippine flag flies on a rock in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal

The military’s Northern Luzon Command is keeping close watch on Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) amid concerns triggered by US claims that China intends to construct structures in the disputed territory off the coast of Zambales.

Speaking at a summit of defense chiefs in Singapore Saturday, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter warned of “actions being taken” over any Chinese construction on the shoal even as he urged stronger bilateral security cooperation between the two powers to prevent any mishap.

“Our naval and air assets have regular patrols (over) Benham Rise in the east (of Luzon) and Panatag Shoal in the west. What assets I have right now, (I) use them for monitoring, search-and-rescue and interdiction operations,” General Romeo Tanalgo, Nolcom chief, said.

He declined to provide details but assured that Nolcom “provides the necessary search-and rescue and patrol assets for efficient and effective enforcement of maritime law.”

The current tensions in the South China Sea, which have escalated over the past few years since China began building artificial islands and facilities that could be used militarily on features it occupies, can be traced to a 2012 standoff at Scarborough after the Philippine Navy apprehended several Chinese fishermen for poaching.

The US intervened and prevailed on both sides to withdraw. But Chinese coast guard vessels soon returned and, among others, began preventing Filipinos from fishing in the area.

Renato De Castro, convener of the National Security and East Asian Affairs Program of the Alberto del Rosario Institute, told a forum in Camp Aguinaldo earlier this week that the standoff prompted President Benigno Aquino III to negotiate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the US, which was signed in 2014.

The pact allows increased US military presence in the country and the use by the Americans of local facilities. The Philippines and US recently identified five such locations: Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, home of the Western Command (Westcom); Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City; and the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, while assuring the country would continue to insist on its claims over territories in the South China Sea, has also indicated willingness to enter bilateral talks with China, against which local and foreign experts have warned.

http://interaksyon.com/article/128885/nolcom-keeping-close-eye-on-panatag

Pres. Aquino remains hopeful for passage of BBL in next Congress

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Pres. Aquino remains hopeful for passage of BBL in next Congress

Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III is hoping that the next 17th Congress will pursue the peace process in Mindanao by passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

”We remain hopeful for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in incoming Congress,” the President told the audience who witnessed the launching of ‘Junctures’, a compilation of the President’s speeches and statements about the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Thursday night at the Malacañang Palace.

Aquino promised to continue supporting the peace process even that his administration started not too many years ago when he decided to fly to Tokyo to meet with the MILF leaders headed by its chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

”In 21 days, I will be stepping down from office, but to all of you in attendance today, and to each person of goodwill who wishes to fulfill the promise of Mindanao, I will remain your friend and ally. Tell me how I can help this process, even as an ordinary citizen, and I will be by your side,” the President said.

”The book we launch today tells of the journey we have taken these past six years. We launch it fully aware that the journey is still ongoing—that there are more challenges we must overcome, and triumphs that await all of us,” he added.

The President said the people of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been enjoying the dividends of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

”We have been able to give those in ARMM a significant boost up to catch up; and we are seeking to build a structure that promotes true leadership and public service in the region, as opposed to the previous status quo, where strongmen addressed only their own families’ needs, and, by chance, the needs only of their own tribe,” he said.

From 2011 to 2016, Aquino said the national and regional government invested a total of 61.64 billion pesos in roads, bridges, and flood-control projects in the ARMM.

The coverage of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has also skyrocketed from only 37,564 households in 2010 to 442,924 as of 2016 aside from improving education and health care in the region.

The Aquino administration has also spent PHP2.60 billion pesos for the 1,133 poverty-reduction projects in ARMM.

Aquino reported that the total investments in the region have reached to PHP13 billion while the tourists in Tawi-Tawi have significantly increase from mere 200 to tens of thousands in 2014.

”These are only a few pieces of good news from ARMM; and there is a lot more to come if we continue along the road to a true and lasting peace,” the President said.

”This is the right path. It is a path that has benefited those in the margins of society; and it is a path that heals the fractures within the country we share. And the message that we now send to our countrymen is: We must continue along this path,” he added.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives failed to pass the BBL in the last 16th Congress due to time constraint and proximity of the last May 9 national and local elections.

The BBL is a codification of the CAB signed on March 27, 2014 with the main goal of ending the four decades of conflict in Mindanao.

Last February, the Philippine government peace panel (GPH) and the MILF signed a joint agreement in Kuala Lumpur for renewed commitments to pursue the peace process, including the enactment of BBL and the setting up of a new governance framework.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=893693

BRP Gregorio Velasquez to boost PN hydrographic and oceanographic survey capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): BRP Gregorio Velasquez to boost PN hydrographic and oceanographic survey capability

With the BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702) now in Philippine Navy (PN) inventory, the country will now have the capability for hydrographic and oceanographic survey.

"The ship will provide the PN the capability for hydrographic and oceanographic survey and will also become a platform for inter-agency collaboration partners from the academe and thus improve awareness of our sub-surface environment," Capt. Lued Lincuna, PN spokesperson, told the Philippines News Agency on Friday.

Lincuna said the ship can also perform search-and-retrieval operations and support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

BRP Gregorio Velasquez left Guam on June 2 and arrived at Manila Bay by 11 a.m. last June 8.

The ship left San Diego, California last April 27 after being formally transferred to the PN. She arrived in Guam on May 28.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez is commanded by Cmdr. Edwin Nera.

Aside from helping map the country's vast maritime domains, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez (formerly the US research vessel Melville) will also help develop the PN's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.

"Aside from its primary mission, AGR-702 would also be a valuable platform in reviewing our anti-submarine warfare capability," he said.

Lincuna did not give specifics on this but the PN is in the process of developing its ASW capability after signing a contract to acquire two AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters with AgustaWestland last March. The contract is worth Php5.360 billion.

These helicopters are expected to be deployed among the PN's large ships which include the two Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigates and incoming two strategic sealift vessels, of which one is expected to be delivered this month, and the BRP Gregorio Velasquez.

Lincuna said the acquisition of the latter ship also aims to address the issues in terms of marine scientific researches/surveys and to gather marine scientific data beneficial to naval operations.

"Also, said vessel will enhance capacity and build capability to support the environmental protection efforts and exploration of the country for economic purpose," he added.

The ship is the country's first oceanographic research vessel.

The BRP Gregorio Velasquez is being manned by a crew of 50 Filipino officers and enlisted personnel who have undergone familiarization and orientation training on various systems of the ship since last March.

"Said vessel is one of the two ships pledged by the President of the United States of America, Barack H. Obama, to be donated to the Philippines during his visit as part of the APEC Leaders Summit last November 2015," Lincuna stressed.

Per policy, auxiliary research vessels are to be named after national scientists, hence her namesake, Dr. Gregorio Velasquez, a pioneer in Philippine physiology.

Dr. Velasquez was elected as academician in 1978 and conferred the honor as National Scientist in 1982.

He was conferred with a Distinguished Science Medal and Diploma of Honor from the Republic of the Philippines (1956), the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (1956-57), Man of Science, Division of Biological Sciences (1969), World's Who's Who in Sciences (1970) and the Republic of the Philippines Cultural Heritage award (1972).

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=893821

PAF in the market for Php28.3-M worth of C-295 electrical spare parts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): PAF in the market for Php28.3-M worth of C-295 electrical spare parts

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now looking for manufacturers capable of supplying it with Php28,374,251 worth of spare parts needed for the maintenance of the electrical systems of its brand-new Airbus Military C-295 medium transport aircraft.

PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said pre-bid conference is set on June 15, at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Submission and opening of bids is on July 7, 9 a.m. at the same venue.

The PAF has three C-295 aircraft in its inventory. These are assigned to the 220th Airlift Wing which is based in Mactan, Cebu. All three planes are worth Php5.3 billion.

The 220th Airlift Wing of the PAF operates and maintains the above-mentioned aircraft.

The PAF uses the medium lift aircraft for tactical and medium airlift requirements, and are essential to internal security operations in ferrying personnel and logistical requirements of different line/combat units to any part of the country.

The timely deployment of troops and supplies is vital to ensure the success of any military operations.

The Airbus Military C-295 is a new generation, very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt/480 km/h.

Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 feet, while retaining remarkable short take-off & landing (STOL) performance from unprepared short, soft and rough airstrips, as well as low level flight characteristics.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=893784

President Aquino to lead 118th PHL Independence Day celebration on Sunday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): President Aquino to lead 118th PHL Independence Day celebration on Sunday

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the celebration of the 118th anniversary of Philippine Independence on Sunday, June 12, with the theme, "Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pagaambagan, Pagsulong."

According to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., President Aquino will lead the 8 a.m. flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.

Simultaneous commemorative rites will also be held in key cities nationwide, including Kawit in Cavite; Malolos in Bulacan; Angeles in Pampanga; Davao City; Cebu City; San Juan City; Caloocan City, and several other parts of Metro Manila.

”The President will also hold on Sunday the traditional Vin d’Honneur for the diplomatic corps at Malacanang," Coloma said.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in partnership with other participating government agencies, has also lined up other commemorative activities leading up to the June 12 celebration, including the Balik-Tanaw cultural heritage tour at the Pasig River, cultural performances at the Paco Park and Rizal Park, simultaneous job fairs nationwide, trade fairs, and public exhibits.

”We enjoin our people to participate in these commemorative activities and celebrate the freedom that our forefathers have fought hard for,” Coloma said.

Static display showcasing the current capabilities and equipment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard will be held as part of the celebration.

Various trade fairs and exhibits will also highlight the anniversary while the Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit will offer free rides to the public from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=893862

President Aquino enumerates gains from Mindanao peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): President Aquino enumerates gains from Mindanao peace

President Benigno Aquino III spelled out the dividends of peace over the past six years in Mindanao as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hammered a deal for lasting peace in the region.

During the launch of the book “Junctures, Selected Speeches and Statements” by OPPAP, the President said the government has worked to provide critical support to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as both sides iron out a peace deal.

For infrastructure, from 2011 to 2016, the national and regional governments invested a total of Php61.64 billion in roads, bridges, and flood control projects in the region, compared to just around Php11 billion from 2005 to 2010, he said.

Among these projects include the long-awaited Basilan Circumferential Road, which began construction in the year 2000, as well as the improvement of eight ports and two airports to promote regional connectivity.

The government has also intensified the implementation of 4Ps program whose coverage in the region has skyrocketed, from 37,564 households as of June 2010 to 442,924 under present administration.

The government also improved education and healthcare in the region. From 2011 to 2015, it has built 5,018 classrooms in ARMM. Through TESDA, the administration also provided skills training programs to around 25,000 beneficiaries in ARMM.

To address the shortage of medical professionals in the rural areas, it deployed 109 doctors, 3,855 nurses, 300 midwives, 22 dentists, and 78 public health associates from 2011 to 2015.

On top of this, the government also expanded access to electricity—electrifying 846 target sitios from July 2011 to March 2016.

“We’ve talked to the communities to ask about their most pressing needs, and -- from 2013 to 2015 -- have funded a total of 1,133 poverty reduction projects in ARMM, totaling Php2.60 billion. These projects include the provision of livelihood opportunities, potable water supply, medicine, and shelter assistance,” the President said.

A more transparent government also resulted to more investors coming to the region, he said.

With the use of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website in publishing all bid notices, BOI-ARMM approved investments in the region have increased from Php87.9 million in 2010, to Php6.58 billion in 2015 alone.

From 2010 to 2015, total investments amounted to Php14.3 billion, according to the President.

He told the attendees of the book launch that there will be more good news if the country continue along the road to a true and lasting peace.

“This is the right path. It is a path that has benefited those in the margins; and it is a path that heals the fractures within the country we share,” he said. “And the message that we now send to our countrymen is: We must continue along this path.”

Thursday’s book launch tells the journey that the government has taken in the past six years, fully aware that the journey is ongoing -- that there are more challenges that both sides must overcome.

The President said he is hopeful that the the book will remind Filipinos of the successes that the country has enjoyed by talking peace noting it may also stand as an enduring symbol of the country’s restored faith in one another.

“I truly believe that our combined efforts can bring about a Mindanao -- and a Philippines -- that is free from conflict, one that we can be proud to bequeath to future generations,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=893870

Reds now seek coalition govt

From The Standard (Jun 9): Reds now seek coalition govt

CPP will push for release of Tiamzons, 521 others

THE Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front is open to entering into a coalition government with the administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte as they push for the release of 523 political prisoners, including CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma Austria, who is the group’s secretary-general and finance officer.

CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison said discussions on the possible coalition government will form part of formal negotiations on political and constitutional reforms in Oslo.

“We are open to a coalition government. Why not, especially if the composition and program of the coalition government is satisfactory to the Filipino people?” Sison told The Standard in an interview from Utrecht.

“The program must be truly one for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, democratic empowerment of the working people, social justice, economic development through national industrialization and genuine land reform, a patriotic and progressive culture with expanded free public education and international solidarity with all peoples and progressive forces,” he added.

CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison

Sison said he cannot name yet the NDF officials who may join the Duterte administration since the peace negotiations have not yet resumed.

“However, I would like to point out that we have a lot of highly qualified people in the NDF,” he said.

Sison said the NDF is seeking the release of more than 500 political prisoners, including the Tiamzon couple who were arrested in Carcar, Cebu in March 2014.

“Duterte himself has said that he will pave the release of Benito and Wilma so they can participate in the peace process. The NDF is hopeful that once the formal peace talks begin, Benito and Wilma are already with us,” he said.

NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni earlier insisted that Benito, who has a P5.6-million bounty on his head, and Wilma, are covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig).

“Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria are NDF consultants who have fulfilled and are fulfilling highly significant tasks in the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF. Wilma Austria is holder of NDF Document of Identification ND978226 under her real name. Benito Tiamzon is likewise the holder of NDF Document of Identification ND 978227 under the assumed name Crising Banaag,” Jalandoni said.

Incumbent government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla, however, insisted that the two do not enjoy protection under the Jasig.

“The CPP-NPA is well aware of the effects of the failed verification. But they only have themselves to blame for rendering the Jasig inoperative for most of their alleged consultants. If indeed Benito was listed under an alias, he is no longer covered by the Jasig. Wilma Austria, on the other hand, jumped bail when she escaped from detention on Dec. 26, 1989, when there were no peace talks, and six years before the Jasig came into effect. This makes her ineligible for Jasig protection, even assuming she was identified in the Jasig list by her real name,” Padilla added.

Formal peace talks between the Aquino administration and the CPP-NDF-New People’s Army bogged down in February 2011 because the communist group has been insisting on the reactivation of the Jasig, a move rejected by the government after the original list, stored in an old floppy disk, got corrupted and could no longer be retrieved.

But incoming government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said the Jasig can be reconstituted under a Duterte administration.

Bello, together with incoming peace adviser Jesus Dureza and incoming government peace panel member Hernani Braganza, will join Sison, Jalandoni and Fidel Agcaoili in Oslo next week for a two-day exploratory meeting.

Sison said he expects to conclude three agreements—on the release of the political prisoners, an interim ceasefire and a plan to accelerate the peace negotiations—during the discussion from  June 15 to 16.

“The interim ceasefire will take effect with the release of all political prisoners through a general amnesty until the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations. The formal peace talks will include a comprehensive and detailed agreement on the permanent end of hostilities,” Sison added.

Duterte has expressed his desire to end the nearly five-decade-long insurgency through a comprehensive peace agreement with the CPP-NDF-NPA.

Known to be close to the left, Duterte even announced his choice of progressives to join his Cabinet, including Judy Taguiwalo to head the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Rafael Mariano to head the Department of Agrarian Reform.

On Wednesday, Agcaoili said the NDF would no longer make junking the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States a condition for the resumption of peace talks.

“I have to criticize myself because in a press conference, someone asked me what is your non-negotiable demand—I said well it’s the presence of US forces. Now thinking about it, I think I was too forward. I don’t think I should have said that in first place,” Agcaoili said.

“If you go back to the statement of President-elect Duterte, he said he was against VFA and Edca. There is no need for a non-negotiable demand when there is already an imposition. No need to make demand when there is no need to make a demand,” he added.

He added that since the Edca was not a treaty, the chief executive could simply rescind it.

In the same press briefing, Agcaoili confirmed that preliminary talks will start next week in Oslo.

“We in the NDFP have been elated by the pledge of President Duterte to release all the political prisoners by general amnesty even before the start of formal talks if the preliminary talks prove to be successful. And we have expressed the willingness to achieve peace immediately in the form of a mutual interim ceasefire. We are ready to maintain the ceasefire and the peace while we carry out the plan to accelerate the peace negotiations,” he said.  

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/headlines/207745/reds-now-seek-coalition-govt.html

Govt negotiator may ask for Joma delisting

From The Standard (Jun 10): Govt negotiator may ask for Joma delisting

The incoming presidential adviser on the peace process said  Thursday   the Philippines may ask the United States to remove exiled communist leader Jose Ma. Sison from its list of terrorists to speed up the healing of old wounds due to ideological differences.

“We will do that, we will cross the bridge when we get there because negotiations are very sensitive,” said Jesus Dureza, who has been tapped to oversee the new government’s peace initiatives.

Dureza is set to fly to Oslo   Friday   to attend a forum sponsored by the Norwegian government and two days of exploratory meetings with Sison and other communist leaders.

On Wednesday   night, National Democratic Front negotiator Fidel Agcaoili pointed out that the United States was an obstacle to Sison’s return to the Philippines because Washington recently reaffirmed the inclusion of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, the New People’s Army, in its list of foreign terrorist organizations.

Jose Ma. Sison

“Joma’s coming home is a very ticklish issue,” Agcaoili told reporters here.

“First of all, the US has again come up with a statement that they have put the CPP and the NPA in the terrorist list. That really poses a problem,” he added.

Duterte, known for his ties with the left, has expressed his desire to end the nearly five-decade-long insurgency through a comprehensive peace agreement with the CPP-NDF-NPA.

For Sison to return home, he would have to make stopovers in different countries where he might be vulnerable to US intervention through Interpol.

“If the US proves to be a spoiler, through its control of Interpol, they might present a warrant to him in Taipei. Then everything is kaput. So it’s an issue that would have to be discussed seriously,” Agcaoili said.

“There has to be some guarantees from the Dutch government, the Norwegian government, including the US government to respect the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their desire to pursue a just and lasting peace. To allow Professor Sison to come home without interference. I don’t know if the US will agree to that... it has always been a bullying agent,” he added.

In a statement, Sison slammed the US government for mislabelling the CPP and the NPA.

“The US is a big bloody hypocrite for using its so-called policy of war on terror to continue its long-running practice of aggressive wars, which are the worst forms of terrorism according to the Nuremberg principles,” Sison said.

“By mislabelling revolutionary forces like the CPP and NPA as terrorist and intensifying propaganda against them, US imperialism which is the biggest terrorist power in the world is trying to sabotage and upset the peace process which the incoming Duterte government and the NDFP are determinedly trying to resume, develop and advance,” he added.

Sison had earlier expressed hopes that his nearly three decades of living in exile in The Netherlands would end as early as July 2016, once Duterte is sworn into office.

“I want to visit [Manila] in July or August to hold serious talks with President Duterte,” Sison said early June.

Dureza denounced Washington’s terrorist tag.

“We’re going to meet with them not because they’re tagged as terrorists but [because] they’re Filipinos who wants to talk about peace,” he added.

“We assure you that when we meet we will give updates, whether there are results or [not]. The change now is that there is more transparency in negotiations,” he added.

Formal peace talks between the Aquino administration and the CPP-NDF-New People’s Army collapsed in February 2011 because the communist group insisted on the reactivating the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), a move rejected by the government after the original list, stored in an old floppy disk, got corrupted and could no longer be retrieved.

But incoming government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said the Jasig can be reconstituted under a Duterte administration.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/207849/govt-negotiator-may-ask-for-joma-delisting.html