Army's bayanihan teams facilitate livelihood programs in AgNor towns

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 15): Army's bayanihan teams facilitate livelihood programs in AgNor towns

The bayanihan teams of 23rd Infantry (MASIGASIG) Battalion, Philippine Army in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) facilitated the awarding of certificates to barangay associations under the Bayanihan Team Activity in the municipalities of Nasipit, Buenavista and Carmen, all of Agusan del Norte on August 10-12, 2016.

A total of 69 barangay associations were given DOLE certificates recognizing their legitimacy as people’s organization in the community able to help the local government in its thrust to development and progress. They are also entitled for livelihood assistance both from DOLE and from their local government unit.

During the awarding of certificates that was held on their respective municipality, Engr. John Ritche Tangpos, head of DOLE Agusan del Norte expressed his gratitude to the bayanihan teams for facilitating in the delivery of government’s basic services and livelihood programs of DOLE to be benefitted by the less privileged people.

The awarding of certificate was attended by Mayor Norbert Pagaspas of Buenavista, Mayor Ramon Calo of Carmen and a representative from LGU Nasipit.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1701471239951/army-s-bayanihan-teams-facilitate-livelihood-programs-in-agnor-towns

Joint statement of the GPH and MILF implementing panels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 16): Joint statement of the GPH and MILF implementing panels

The following is the joint statement of the GPH and MILF implementing panels done on August 14 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The respective Implementing Panels for the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Peace Agreement of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were formally launched on 13 August 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Deputy Minister of Defense Dato' Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum graced the event in representation of His Excellency Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim were also present. The Philippine Delegation consisted of House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael D. Sueno, National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo C. Fariñas, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv S. Hataman.

The formal launch was also witnessed by the different stakeholders composing the global partners for peace. The members of the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels were introduced during the formal launch.

The Parties opened the first meeting of the Implementing Panels cordially and with enthusiasm to pursue approaches in forging a just and enduring peace in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

The Parties agreed on the substantive aspects of the peace and development roadmap. To ensure inclusivity in the implementation of the GPH-MILF Peace Agreement, the Parties agreed to increase the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), with 11 members to be nominated by the MILF and 10 by the GPH. For this purpose, the Panels recommended the issuance of a revised Executive Order on the Bangsamoro Transition Commission by the Philippine President.

In keeping with their firm resolve to build on the gains of the peace process so far, the Parties committed to work collaboratively and cooperatively to ensure efficient and inclusive implementation of the GPH-MILF signed agreements. The Parties committed to sustain trust and confidence between the GPH and the MILF through continued implementation of deliverables under the Program for Normalization, including the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund.

In the interest of ensuring efficient and effective implementation of the peace agreement, the parties agreed to meet regularly in the Philippines. The parties further agreed on the general principles of the Term of Reference of the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels, details of which shall be further discussed.

The Parties expressed their appreciation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his steadfast commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support to the GPH-MILF Peace Process, and to the members of the MILF Central COmmittee headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, for their continued commitment in pursuing a just conclusion to the Bangsamoro peace process.

The Parties also thanked the members of the International Contact Group, the Third Party Monitoring Team, the Independent Decommissioning Body, and the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and other development partners for their solidarity and unwavering commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process. The Parties especially thanked Tengku Dato' Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed for his excellent facilitation and guidance in the conduct of the formal launching and first meeting of the Implementing Panels. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141471262289/joint-statement-of-the-gph-and-milf-implementing-panels

Rebels disown statement clearing northern Samar officials from illegal drugs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Rebels disown statement clearing northern Samar officials from illegal drugs

The National Democratic Front in Eastern Visayas has denied a news report that their group cleared the Ong political clan in Northern Samar from any involvement in illegal drugs.

In a statement, NDF Eastern Visayas spokesperson Santiago Salas said there is an ongoing investigation on the alleged involvement of key northern Samar officials in the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“Why would the Ongs go to that extent, even using NDF-EV, if they are indeed innocent and if they have nothing to fear from the Duterte government?” Salas asked.

The statement is in response to the news stories published on Aug. 8 that NDF-EV issued an official statement clearing Northern Samar Governor Jose Ong Jr, former Rep. Emil Ong, and incumbent Rep. Edwin Ong as protectors of drug traders.

On Aug. 7, President Rodrigo Duterte named former Laoang town Mayor Madeliene Ong and husband Mayor Hector Ong as among the narco-politicians in the country.

“This appears to be part of the Ongs’ well-funded media campaign since June to cover up their criminal activities, in light of the long-running exposes by NDF-EV and the Duterte regime’s own anti-drugs campaign,” the rebels added.

The Ongs denied their involvement in illegal drugs and express willingness to be investigated to clear their names.

The spokesperson called on the Duterte government to go after protectors of drug lords instead of tolerating a war against the poor by killing street level pushers.

“So long as big drug lords are treated leniently while drug victims who are poor are harshly treated and murdered, Duterte’s so-called war on drugs will never end and the poor will never be uplifted, especially without any peace talks to discuss socio-economic reforms.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913796

PHL Military Academy to open 39 test centers for Aug. 21 entrance exam

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): PHL Military Academy to open 39 test centers for Aug. 21 entrance exam

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will open 39 test centers across the country for its entrance exams on August 21.

In Luzon, the PMA entrance exam will be held in Manila; Quezon City; Baguio City; Laoag City; Dagupan City; Bontoc, Mountain Province; Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya; Tuguegarao City; Cabanatuan City; Tarlac City; City of San Fernando, Pampanga; Olongapo City; Calapan City; Lipa City; Puerto Princesa City; Lucena City; Legaspi City; and Naga City.

In the Visayas, the tests will be conducted in Bacolod City; Iloilo City; Kalibo, Aklan; Cebu City; Dumaguete City; Tagbilaran City; Catbalogan City; and Tacloban City.

In Mindanao, the PMA examinations will be held in Davao City; Zamboanga City; Butuan City; Cagayan de Oro City; Ozamis City; General Santos City; Tacurong City; Iligan City; Cotabato City; Tawi-tawi; and Mati City.

The exams will cover Algebra and Geometry, grammar and composition, reading and comprehension, verbal and numerical reasoning and pattern analysis.

The PMA Entrance Exam (PMAEE) is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship in Southeast Asia's premier military school.

Applicants to the PMAEE should be a natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married, and at least a high school graduate. Those who graduated on or before 2015, before the implementation of the K-12 program, are eligible to apply.

Applicants should be at least five feet tall for both male and female; should have been born between April 1, 1995 and April 1, 2000; and should have no administrative or criminal case.

PMA cadets enjoy a full government scholarship.

This covers the salary they receive every month, initial clothing allowance, and support for the services in connection with their stay in the academy.

They will be conferred a Bachelor of Science degree and will be commissioned as 2nd lieutenants and ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Successful applicants will belong to the PMA Class of 2021, who will be officially received in the academy during an oath-taking ceremony and reception rites on April 1, 2017.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913795

AFP to allocate site for rehabilitation center of drug dependents

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): AFP to allocate site for rehabilitation center of drug dependents
 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is allocating portions of its military camps as sites of rehabilitation centers for drug dependents.

This was a result of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's visit in military camps the past weeks. “We are just waiting for the pre-fabricated materials to put up the building,” Duterte said.

With the 600,000 drug users and pushers who surrendered to the government as of last week, Duterte said he would need a big area to put the rehab centers nationwide so that drug dependents would undergo psycho-social interventions and counseling.

Duterte was eyeing the military camps where the government could build rehab centers given the lack of rehab centers in the country that can accommodate the increasing number of drug dependents under his all-out war against illegal drugs.

Earlier Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña said there were five regions which do not have rehabilitation centers except for privately-operated facilities.

PDEA is also looking for ways to establish drug rehabilitation centers. Lapeña said they are also considering rehab programs for “outpatient” drug dependents or those whose cases are not serious.

The fight against illegal drugs and criminality is on top of the administration’s priorities as a foundation of bringing down crimes in the country and offer better climate for business.

With barely two months of the drug campaign, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar announced that crime incidents in the country are declining.

He announced that the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a decline in crimes to 50,817 in July, this year, compared to the same period last year registering 56,339. Index crimes, which involves crimes against persons and property, had posted a huge 31-percent decrease, from 17,105 incidents in July 2015 down to 11,800 in July this year, according to Andanar.

Andanar said in the July 2016 crimes against property went down to 4,476 incidents, or 40.3 percent, and crimes against persons declined by 13.82 percent, or 829 incidents, as compared to the same period last year.

Duterte earlier noted that criminality is expected to go down because crimes committed are related to illegal drugs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913908

NDFP peace consultant for Visayas posts bail to join talks in Oslo, Norway

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): NDFP peace consultant for Visayas posts bail to join talks in Oslo, Norway

Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, peace consultant for Visayas of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), on Monday posted bail for temporary liberty in a hope to join the resumption of talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NDF) in Oslo, Norway.

Bocala, who is also the spokesperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) regional committee in Panay Island, posted a Php100,000 bail for illegal possession of explosives and ammunition charges at the sala of Branch 23 Regional Trial Court judge Guilljie Delfin-Lim at the Iloilo Hall of Justice.

The financial guarantee for her murder and rebellion charges is being prepared after the local courts in Aklan and Antique already granted their urgent motions to release on bail, according to Reylan Vergara, deputy secretary general of Bayan Panay in Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, Bocala said that she will bring before the attention of the peace panel issue such as high unemployment and push for subsidy for farmers, free education for students, minimum wage increase, improved social services, free hospitalization and medicines, among others.

Bocala is expected to be released on August 16. She will immediately proceed to Manila to process other legal documents and visa for her Norway trip.

Bocala is expected to return to the country and to report directly to the court after the August 20-27 peace talks.

Bocala was arrested in August 2015 in Molo, Iloilo City by joint forces of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-6).

Currently, she is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Jaro, Iloilo City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=914002

3,000 police, military men secure city during Kadayawan festival

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): 3,000 police, military men secure city during Kadayawan festival
 

Around 3,000 security forces are deployed on the streets to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the 31st Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival.

Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Police Regional Office 11 director, said security measures are now in place as the Kadayawan festivities officially kicked off Monday.

The police personnel serve as force multipliers securing the inner circles of the city during the festivities with the expected influx of visitors.

In a final coordinating conference attended by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force Davao (TFD) Friday, Army’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), Central 911, Gaerlan said TFD committed more than 400 personnel from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division and another 300 soldiers from the Eastmincom headquarters.

TFD Chief Col. Henry Robinson said while their unit is directly involved in inland security through checkpoints, its personnel are also prepared for any eventuality in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and Maritime Police.

Robinson said only deployed security forces are allowed to carry long firearms. Politicians and other VIPs bodyguards will have to turn over their long firearms during the duration of the week-long Kadayawan celebration on August 15-21.

Meanwhile, a recently concluded drill was participated by military and police personnel including the Central 911 to intensify their roles in responding to scenarios that warrant the conduct of law enforcement and tactical operations.

Capt. Wilfredo F. Burgonio, Jr., deputy commander of the Naval Seahawk, said the exercise is a timely security preparation for the Kadayawan festivities.

There will be no let up in terms of vigilance in deterring or preempting various threats in the city, Burgonio added.

The public is also reminded not to bring umbrellas, big bags, and bottled beverages.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=914040

Dureza hails achievements of fast-paced Bangsamoro peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Dureza hails achievements of fast-paced Bangsamoro peace talks

Philippine Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza cited on Monday the new and fast-paced peace process framework between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aimed at ending the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.

 

Members of the GPH and the MILF held a two-day talk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from Aug. 13-14, which Dureza, in a statement, said ended “in a high and positive note.”

During the meeting, the MILF agreed to increase the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from 15 to 21 to include more stakeholders.

“For this we give credit to the MILF under the leadership of Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in bringing this about as their positive acknowledgement of the inclusivity and convergence approach in the roadmap of peace of President Duterte,” Dureza said.

In a joint statement Sunday, both sides said they agreed to hold the next peace process meeting in the Philippines and the focus would be on the closure of the negotiation phase and the start of the implementation stage on the work for peace for the Bangsamoro.

Reconstitution of the BTC was agreed upon also to establish an enabling law to be submitted to Congress in lieu of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which the previous Congress failed to pass.

It was also agreed upon during the meeting over the weekend that the GPH will work for the early passage of the proposed Bangsamoro enabling law with the help of the monitoring assistance of the MILF.

Other agreements made during the meeting are the establishment of both panels’ terms of reference, review of mechanisms on the ground and alignment of these vis-à-vis the evolving implementation of the phase of the peace process.

Both sides also agreed to identify the next moves toward the normalization program and to immediately hold a joint strategic planning session to better understand the legislative track.

Dureza said they have set the next panel meeting on Aug. 30 in Davao City.

”These series of fast-paced steps are in line with President Duterte's avowed commitment to quicken the pace of the peace process to bring about an early and much-needed end to conflict in the region and throughout the land,” he said, adding that these achievements were made within the first six weeks of the Duterte government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=914034

9th ID commander Quidilla appointed SOLCOM head (Limited bio data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): 9th ID commander Quidilla appointed SOLCOM head

9th Infantry Division commander, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand F. Quidilla, was appointed head of the Lucena-based Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Monday afternoon.

SOLCOM is considered one of the military's security sensitive part.

Quidilla, a native of South Cotabato, took over the post from Major Gen. Romeo Gan who held the position in an acting capacity after AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya vacated it early this July.

Visaya presided over the turnover ceremony and donned new ranks to then Major Gen. Quidilla, effectively promoting him to the rank of lieutenant general at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, Quidilla earned valuable experience as a ground commander when he was designated as the Assistant Division Commander of the 4th Infantry Division and the 2nd Infantry Division.

He began his military career as a Scout Ranger, starting as a platoon leader of the 7th Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment; until he became the Operations Officer of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion.

His previous command positions were as Battalion Commander of the 74th Infantry Battalion covering Bondoc Peninsula and Marinduque; and as Brigade Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade covering Dinagat Islands Province, Surigao Del Norte, Agusan Del Norte, and Butuan City.

Visaya, also a member of PMA Class of 1983, extended his congratulations to the new SOLCOM commander, referring to him as having high standards of command and leadership skills honed in their years as cadets at PMA and vast knowledge and experience as commanders in the field.

“I am confident that Lt.Gen. Quidilla’s standards and vast experience and familiarity in the SOLCOM area will help him take on greater responsibilities as an area commander and in implementing the AFP’s operational imperatives in this part of the country,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=914029

DOJ approves filing of direct assault, murder raps vs 88 MILF, BIFF, PAGs members in Mamasapano incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): DOJ approves filing of direct assault, murder raps vs 88 MILF, BIFF, PAGs members in Mamasapano incident

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday approved the filing of complex crime of direct assault with murder against 88 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups (PAGs) in connection to the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident which led to the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) along with international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, a.k.a. Marwan.

In a 55-page resolution, charged for direct assault with murder are five Commanders Abdulrahman Abdulrakman Upan, Rakman (118TH MILF), Refy Guiaman, Anife and Haumves alias Haves, operation commander of the 105th MILF Base Command and 83 others.

The DOJ said the respondents conspired with each other to engage and assault the PNP-SAF members who were trapped in a cornfield in Tukanalipao.

“The respondents acted in conspiracy, waited for each other, encircled the SAF, and shot them from all directions. Testimonial evidence shows the MILF, BIFF and PAGs knew they were engaging the PNP-SAF as early as 8am,” the resolution said.

The resolution was prepared by Senior Assistant State Prosecutors Roseanne Elepaño-Balauag, Rassendell Rex F. Gingoyon, Benito Oliver Sales III, Assistant State Prosecutors Aldrin P. Evangelista and Alexander Suarez. It was approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon and Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

The DOJ added that the respondents knew that the SAF members were persons in authority who were in actual performance of their duties.

“The SAF men were in actual performance of their duty when assaulted and atrociously killed,” it said.

The respondents were identified by a witness only known by the code name 'Marathon' who was currently under the government’s Witness Protection Program and 11 others who positively identified the accused.

“We find the statements of the witnesses communicated a credible account on the occurrences they perceived on that indelible day of Jan. 25, 2015. Their categorical statements augur well for a finding of probable cause for direct assault with murder,” the DOJ resolution stated.

The witnesses said the 55th Special Action Company (SAC) maintained a defensive perimeter giving the armed men the option to continue the assault or to retreat.

But witnesses said the respondents still continued to fire shots at the SAF troopers despite knowing that they were police officers in a gun battle.

Witnesses said some of the respondents even bragged that the SAF men were no match to their fighting prowess. The troopers, 'Marathon' said already raised their arms in surrender but the armed men still shot them.

Aside from the murder charges, the respondents are also charged with theft for allegedly stealing the firearms, communications equipment, night vision goggles, cellular phones and other personal belonging of the slain SAF commandos.

But the DOJ remanded the theft charges to the National Bureau of Investigation for further investigation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913963

Palace calls CPP’s extrajudicial killings accusation premature

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Palace calls CPP’s extrajudicial killings accusation premature

Malacanang on Monday described as premature the accusation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that the government is involved in extrajudicial killings, prompting the rebels to withdraw its support to war against illegal drugs.

”Inhumane? E parang they are already concluding that there is being extrajudicial salvaging,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a media interview.

Last Sunday, the CPP released a statement withdrawing its support for the intensified drive against illegal drugs by the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Police officials have brazenly carried out summary killings against suspected drug peddlers and users. Hundreds have been killed while ‘resisting arrest’ or while under custody and detention, in police cars as well as in jails,” the communist group said in statement.

”That statement would be premature because there is not at this time, any investigation showing that there has been extrajudicial killings,” Panelo replied.

He added: “As far as we are concerned, the killings are being made by drug pushers themselves, killing each other.”

According to the reports, more than 500 drug pushers and users were already killed amid the aggressive anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration.

Panelo said the government war against drug menace should be part of the discussion in the scheduled peace talks between the Philippine government and the communist group on Aug. 20-27 in Oslo, Norway.

”That is why there will be talks. That should be part of the discussion,” he said.

The Senate Committee on Justice chaired by neophyte Senator Leila de Lima is set to conducted investigation on alleged extrajudicial killings, urging President Duterte to monitor the inquiry.

Panelo said there is no need for De Lima to invite the President do watch the Senate public hearings set to start next week.

”The President watches television. He doesn’t have to be invited to watch,” Panelo reacted to De Lima’s open letter asking the President to watch the Senate probe.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=914004

Statement of PHL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza after the end of two-day talks on the Bangsamoro in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Statement of PHL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza after the end of two-day talks on the Bangsamoro in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Within a record time of just six weeks soon after the start of the Duterte administration, the new architecture for peace between the government and the Bangsamoro has been drawn and crafted with the initial building blocks immediately set in place by the newly launched peace implementing panels of both the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur.

I particularly take special mention of the launching and the initial meetings of the GPH and MILF panels (ably headed by Ms. Irene M. Santiago and Mohaqher Iqbal, respectively) which ended Sunday afternoon, August 14, in Malaysia in a high and positive note.

In stride with President Duterte's call for more "inclusivity" in the Bangsamoro peace process as set forth in the new roadmap, the MILF agreed to increase the membership of the so-called Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) from the original 15 to 21 for wider participation. For this we give credit to the MILF under the leadership of Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in bringing this about as their positive acknowledgement of the inclusivity and convergence approach in the roadmap of peace of President Duterte.

In the joint statement dated 14 August 2016 released by both panels, we take special note of the following:

-- Venue of the next meetings will henceforth be in the Philippines with the closure of the negotiations phase and the onset of the implementation stage on the work for peace for the Bangsamoro;

-- The immediate re-constitution of the BTC, which is the start-up mechanism to re-craft a proposed new enabling law for submission to Congress in replacement of the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law, with an increase of its membership from 15 to 21 to allow more participation from stakeholders;

-- For the GPH to work for the early passage of the proposed Bangsamoro enabling law in tandem with the monitoring assistance of the MILF;

-- For the implementing panels to craft and determine their own Terms of Reference; to review the mechanisms on the ground; and to align them in accordance with the evolving implementation phase of the peace process;

-- For both panels to jointly work on the next steps of the normalization program; and

-- The immediate holding of a joint strategic planning session of both panels for a better understanding of the legislative track.

The next panel meeting is set 30 August 2016 in Davao City.

These series of fast-paced steps are in line with President Duterte's avowed commitment to quicken the pace of the peace process to bring about an early and much-needed end to conflict in the region and throughout the land.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=914009

Pres. Duterte warns terrorist: 'If you can do it, I can do it ten times better than you'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 15): Pres. Duterte warns terrorist: 'If you can do it, I can do it ten times better than you'

President Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed on Monday to go tit for tat with terrorists as he assured that he would never allow the Philippines to be destroyed by terrorism.

“Terrorists, like ISIS, have no political ideology, no concept at all. You maim people, you kill them, women who refuse to have sex with them, they simply burn them. We have seen a barbaric practice and even cutting throats of people in front of the world,” he said.

“Hindi ko malaman how to meet this kind, but if you do that, you bring out the worst in me. Bale tabla tayo diyan. If you can do it, I can do it ten times better than you,” the President said.

“I am not insinuating things. I am just warning you, huwag ninyong sobrahan, because I would never never allow my country to be destroyed by terrorism ... and ng droga. Di talaga ako papayag. As I said, I have put at stake my honor, my life and the presidency itself,” he added.

The President made the warning in an unscheduled speech during the oath-taking ceremony for 42 new government appointees held at Malacañang.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=914020

NO VICTORY ON GROUND ZERO | 1 month later, Scarborough fishers still affected by China blockade

From InterAksyon (Aug 15): NO VICTORY ON GROUND ZERO | 1 month later, Scarborough fishers still affected by China blockade

Almost a month after the Philippines won the arbitration case it filed to stop China's "excessive" nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea, fishermen in Zambales say they have  yet to feel the impact of that victory. The Department of Agriculture has come to their rescue, but relief is not about to happen immediately, it seems.

The UN arbitral tribunal, without ruling on who owns Scarborough, tagged it a traditional fishing ground over which Beijing had no basis for blocking fishermen of various Asian nations.

According to data from the Philippine Statistical Authority and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, commercial fish production from years 2011-2015 (in metric tons) had stood at:

2011 - 3,970

2012 - 2,944

2013 - 2,893

2014 - 2,977

2015 - 2,795

Municipal fish production for 2011-2015 (in metric tons) was at:

2011 - 12,308

2012 - 11,354

2013 - 11,354

2014 - 11,037

2015 - 10,174

These days, fish catch in Zambales province still continues to be difficult, as Chinese vessels still occupy Scarborough Shoal, a major fishing ground for Zambales fishermen and part of the West Philippine Sea.

Scarborough is considered part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales, and is just 124 nautical miles west of the province.

Based on a study, the area is rich in  marine resources. "The potential yield of fisheries resources in offshore Northern Zambales including Bajo de Masinloc is about 5,021.69 mt annually. [At least] 121 species from 33 fish families may be caught in its waters; among them are yellowfin tuna, skipjack and shortfin scad. Most of the tuna are caught near fish aggregating devices or payaos," said the Asian Center and Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines

Fisherman Julius Porones used to earn up to P2,000 a day from fishing in the disputed waters, but ever since he stopped going there, after being harassed by Chinese authorities, his income is now down to just P300.

"Mahirap talaga kaya lang maghapon na lang sa dagat para kumita nang sapat. Konting tipid talaga masyado. Imbes na maganda ibigay mo sa buhay sa mga  anak mo, wala na. Dito halos sa tabi wala na rin isda. Sana makapunta uli kami sa Scarborough," said Porones.

All he wants is to earn enough for his four children, and the Department of Agriculture is lending a helping hand.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol gave Porones and some 199 fishermen in Zambales 100 motorized boats, lifevests and other fishing equipment worth almost P8-million, free of charge.

Pinol said the program is not intended to ease their pain stemming from the Scarborough issue, but he is hoping that fishermen like Porones can catch more fish  from other areas while they are still barred from Scarborough.

Aiding fishermen boost their fish catch  would also help stabilize supply while the government is rehabilitating laguna de Bay, where 36 percent of the country's fish supply comes from.

"This is part of our national program to really reach out to the poorest of the poor of this country and as you know, the  poorest of poor of this country are actually fisherfolk and the farmers," said Piñol.

He said the DA's expectation is for the beneficiaries "to catch so they'll be able to earn money and contribute to the fish supply of the country ."

For the Philippine Coast Guard, the new boats will enable fisherfolk to help them patrol the area and curb illegal fishing.

http://interaksyon.com/article/131437/no-victory-on-ground-zero--1-month-later-scarborough-fishers-still-affected-by-china-blockade

Joma ‘optimistic’

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 15): Joma ‘optimistic’

Resumption of peace talks still on the table despite differences: CPP founding chair

UTRECHT, The Netherlands – The founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is optimistic that the resumption of peace talks between the National Democratic Front (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) will be pursued sincerely by both parties.

 

With a few more days before the formal resumption of the peace talks in Oslo, CPP founding chair Jose Ma. Sison and chief political consultant of the NDFP in the peace talks with the GPH said the humps and bumps that happened in recent days were not substantive enough to affect the meeting starting Aug. 22.

 

At the modest office of the NDFP here in Utrecht Sison said last August 8 that he is confident Peace Secretary Jesus Dureza and Labor Secretary Silvestro Bello III,  the Philippine government’s (GPH) peace panel chair, share the same aspiration of laying down a peace agreement under the Duterte administration.

 

 

COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines chair Jose Maria Sison is optimistic on the resumption of the peacetalks under the Duterte administration. (ABC)

 

He said both expressed the intention of affirming previously signed agreements; the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees which assures the safety of the participants in the peace process.

 

Sison and President Rodrigo Duterte exchanged heated words, through the press, after the communist rebels attacked and killed one government militia and wounded four others, just a few days after he declared a unilateral truce with the New People’s Army.

 

Duterte withdrew the ceasefire and ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to resume military offensives against the rebels.

 

Just recently, the CPP posted a statement on its website condemning the drug war of President Duterte and the daily killings as a wanton disregard of human rights.

 

Although there were no preconditions to the resumption of the talks, he welcomes the efforts of the government panel to release detained NDFP consultants whose security passes were not honored by the previous governments.

 

The reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) was one of the points stipulated in the statement signed by both parties on June 15 this year in Oslo, Norway that also nailed the resumption of the peace negotiations. According to Sison,  both Dureza and Bello were members of the government peace panel during the signing of the JASIG in 1994.

 

JASIG, signed by both panels on June 14, 1994, was adopted “to facilitate the peace negotiations, create favorable atmosphere conducive to free discussions and free movement during negotiations, and avert any incident that may jeopardize the negotiation.”

 

Sison said one of the prominent cases of JASIG violation was that of Allan Jazmines, NDFP consultant who was with the NDFP-GPH Reciprocal Working Committee on Social Economic Reforms (CASER). He was arrested on February 14, 2011 on the eve of the resumption of the peace talks under the Arroyo administration.

 

Sison said the “prospects are bright for the release of the detained political prisoners” and that both sides are committed to pursue the peace talks on August 22 to 27.

 

Accelerated process

 

Sison said the accelerated process for the negotiations is a good development because all the reciprocal working committees (RWC) will be working at the same time.

 

“So as not to violate the sequence on the operationalization of the RWC, the working committees will be called one after the other before it is elevated to the committee,” he said, “before moving on to the next substantive agreement.”

 

This same sequence will be followed “in the approval of the negotiating panels and the principals.”

He said it is like three cooks cooking at the same time but only serving the course one after the other.

Talking points

 

Sison said that CASER “provides the meat that is materially beneficial in social and economic terms to the people.”

 

The next agreement on political and constitutional reforms, he said, defines “by what authority to carry out the CASER.”  These two comprehensive agreements will prepare the groundwork for the comprehensive agreement on the end of hostilities and the disposition of forces.

 

These four comprehensive agreements, following The Hague Declaration, fulfill the substantive requirement for a just and lasting peace, he said.

 

The Hague Joint Declaration was signed by the Philippine government and the NDFP on Sept. 1, 1992, which formally laid down the peace negotiation between the parties.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/joma-optimistic/