2 Abu Sayyafs arrested in Zamboanga City

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 31): 2 Abu Sayyafs arrested in Zamboanga City

THE government security forces have arrested two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in separate law enforcement operations in Zamboanga City, the police reported Saturday.

 

Arrested on the strength of warrant of arrest for frustrated murder issued by a court in Basilan province were Margani Idris and Abdul Albi, according to Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula Information Officer Rogelio Alabata.

 

Alabata said Idris was arrested around 9:30 p.m. Friday in the village of Mampang and Albi around 10 p.m. in the village of Baliwasan.

 

Alabata said Idris, a “gun-for-hire” in Basilan province, is the brother-in-law of Sulu-based ASG sub-leader Yasser Igasan.

 

Two of his brothers namely Jahari Idris and Jubail Idris are also members of the ASG, according to Alabata.

 

He said that Idris and Albi are detained at the Police Station 11 for documentation.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/12/31/2-abu-sayyafs-arrested-zamboanga-city-517755

4 members of kidnap-for-ransom group arrested in Lanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 30): 4 members of kidnap-for-ransom group arrested in Lanao

LINAMON, Lanao del Norte—Four members of a kidnap-for-ransom group operating in the Lanao provinces were arrested in Barangay Mantapuli in Marantao, Lanao del Sur, the police said Friday.

Senior Superintendent Faro Antonio Olaguera, the Lanao del Norte police chief, said a joint police and Army team enforced an arrest warrant against the suspects—in connection with the series of abduction in the province in recent months—on Thursday.

The group’s latest kidnap victim was a gasoline station owner here, who was taken on September 12. Clarita Belisario, 60, was later freed after her family paid ransom amounting to P750,000.

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Olaguera identified the arrested suspects as Nabil Balabaga Balowa, the KFR leader, Edris Said Sultan Angne , Nohair Ali Fanda and Jalil Lagiin Ismael. Balowa was once apprehended and detained at the Lanao del Norte provincial jail but authorities were forced to release him when the family of an earlier victim withdrew the case against him.

During the operation in Marantao, the arresting team also confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle, an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade , bandolier, a wallet with a Moro Islamic Liberation Front ID tucked inside, two 57-millimeter recoiless rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, a rifle grenade, two blue polo shirts marked with CIDG, and other personal belongings, according to Olaguera.

“The suspects were brought to the Regional Intelligence Unit of the PNP Region 10 in Cagayan de Oro City while charges for kidnapping and illegal possession of firearms and explosives were being prepared against them,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/858096/4-members-of-kidnap-for-ransom-group-arrested-in-lanao

IN PHOTOS | Reds celebrate Party anniversary in Davao City

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Dec 30): IN PHOTOS | Reds celebrate Party anniversary in Davao City



DAVAO CITY, Philippines – On its 48th founding anniversary, the Communist Party of the Philippines’ held its national peace caravan in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato district here.

On Dec. 26, thousands of people join the celebration to witness cultural presentations, formations of New Peoples Army, and messages from local leaders and visitors.

The ceremony started with the marching of the First Pulang Bagani Battalion of the NPA in Southern Mindanao.

 









Arms of the NPA troops were then checked on a showcase of a tactical inspection headed by National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant Porferio Tuna and NPA commander, Ka Yancy.







After the presentation of the NPA troops, the delegation proceed to the gym of Barangay Lumiad to continue with cultural presentation.

















The national peace caravan is not only held in Davao City but also in different parts of Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon.

In Caraga region, peace rallies were held in seven areas: San Luis, Agusan Sur; Barangay Anomar, Surigao City; Bunawan, Agusan Sur; Bacuag, Surigao Del Norte; Anticala, Butuan City; Cayale, Tago Surigao Sur , and Boringon Marihatag Surigao Sur.

North Eastern Mindanao (contributed photo)

 

North Eastern Mindanao (contributed photo)

 

North Eastern Mindanao (contributed photo)

 

North Eastern Mindanao (contributed photo)

 

Mt Alip command front 72 of the Far South Mindanao region (contributed photo by Kath Cortez)

 

Activities are also held in Tulunan, South Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Misamis Oriental.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/photography/in-photos-reds-celebrate-party-anniversary-in-davao-city/

People clamor to end truce with gov’t—NPA

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Dec 31): People clamor to end truce with gov’t—NPA

Ka Joaquin, a Red fighter, said that both military and paramilitary troops are still being deployed in the communities to conduct counter-revolutionary operations. (Medel V. Hernani/davaotoday.com)

 

The New People’s Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said  communities across the country are clamoring to end the truce with government because the military continued to commit violations of the ceasefire declaration.

 

Ka Joaquin, a Red fighter, said that both military and paramilitary troops are still being deployed in the communities to conduct counter-revolutionary operations.

“In Mindanao, the Duterte administration could not deny the fact that military forces are still conducting counter-insurgency operations in communities known to be stronghold of the communist rebels,” he said.

The counter-insurgency operation that Ka Joaquin was referring to is the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan, better known as “Oplan Bayanihan.”

The brains behind the Oplan Bayanihan was then Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista aimed at ending the nearly 50 years rebellion of the New People’s Army.

“The COPDs, for instance, and the AFP’s Peace and Development Outreach program are legitimate operations because once they are in the communities, the people felt the culture of fear, and harassment as the military are targeting individuals perceived to be supporters of the Left,” he pointed out.

Connie Ledesma, a member of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace panel, said that due to AFP’s continued violation of the ceasefire agreement, people are clamoring to end the truce.

“The people are asking us to end the ceasefire agreement because of the military’s gross human rights violations,” Ledesma said.

Contrary to the government’s claim that the unilateral ceasefire agreements of both NDFP and the GRP were the longest to be implemented in the history of peace talks, the NDFP, on the other hand, pointed out that scores of violations have been documented in the communities where military troops were heavily deployed.

“If you read newspapers, the GRP is boasting that the ceasefire agreement is the longest ceasefire in the history of peace talks. But we are saying that there are many violations,” Ledesma said.

She also pointed out that military troops occupying schools, community centers are an outright violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The CARHRIHL is a landmark agreement between the government and the CPP/NPA/NDF. The agreement contains  principles of human rights and international humanitarian law found in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and in various international instruments on human rights and international humanitarian law.

Signed at The Hague on March 14,1998, then-Chair of the NDF Peace Panel Luis G. Jalandoni said  the agreement is “founded on the interests, aspirations and concrete situation of the Filipino people, especially the workers, peasants, urban poor, women, fisherfolk, national minorities and other struggling sectors of Philippine society.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/people-clamor-to-end-truce-with-govt-npa/

Civilians flee as armed clashes rage in Maguindanao on New Year’s Eve

From GMA News (Dec 31): Civilians flee as armed clashes rage in Maguindanao on New Year’s Eve

Armed clashes between government forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have continued to rage in Maguindanao's Datu Salibo town, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

A GMA News report quoted Col. Felicisimo Budiongan, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, as saying that the armed confrontation erupted when BIFF members attacked military detachments in Datu Salibo at about 7:40 p.m. Friday.

As of past 5 a.m. Saturday, the clashes had continued,  Budiongan said, adding that there was no way yet to determine the number of casualties on both sides.

Also, Budiongan said that because of the huge number of the attacking BIFF rebels, government forces were forced to use 105 mm Howitzers Cannon and two MG-520 attack helicopters from Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Meanwhile, hundreds of civilians have fled to Datu Piang and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns for safety, he said.

Aside from attacking military detachments in Datu Salibo, the rebels also attacked military positions in the towns of Pigcawayan and Midsayap in North Cotabato.

Budiongan suspected that the attacks were in retaliation for the death of Tamarin Esmael alias Kumander Tamarin, vice-chairman for Internal Affairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM), the political arm of the the BIFF.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594222/news/regions/civilians-flee-as-armed-clashes-rage-in-maguindanao-on-new-year-s-eve

Charges filed against Abu Sayyaf member

From Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 31): Charges filed against Abu Sayyaf member 

 

THE local police have filed a case before the City Prosecutor’s Office against a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) arrested together with a wounded ASG sub-leader.

 

Charged for harboring of criminal is Javil Noni alias Abu Javs, 18, a native of Patikul, Sulu.

 

The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) said the case against Noni was filed on Wednesday, December 28, two days after he was arrested.

 

Combined police and military operatives have arrested Noni together with ASG sub-leader Hairulla Asbang on the night of December 26 at a private hospital in the city.

 

The police said Asbang was admitted in the hospital in the morning of December 26 for medical treatment since he was wounded in previous clash with government troops in the province of Sulu.

 

Asbang has standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and kidnapping with murder issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 10 in Dipolog City and RTC branch 34 in Davao City.

 

The police said Noni has admitted that he is an ASG member when taken to the Police Station 5 for questioning after they were arrested.

 

The police said Noni has availed of his rights to a preliminary investigation and signed a waiver under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.

 

Noni remain under the custody of the Police Station 5.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/12/31/charges-filed-against-abu-sayyaf-member-517754

Military gears up for Black Nazarene procession

From the Manila Times (Dec 31): Military gears up for Black Nazarene procession

With the holidays over, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will now turn its preparations for a huge event this month – the Black Nazarene procession on Jan. 9.

AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said no threats have been detected that may derail the annual procession that attracts millions of devotees.

“So far, we are still to detect any threat for the Black Nazarene procession but we are urging all devotees to report anything suspicious to authorities,” he said.

The AFP chief added a vigilant public will help prevent untoward incidents.

Last year, about 5,000 policemen and 900 military personnel were deployed to ensure the safety and security of the Nazarene devotees who joined the procession.

http://www.manilatimes.net/military-gears-black-nazarene-procession/304587/

Yearender 2016 | Will the talks bring the country closer to peace based on justice?

From the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Dec 31): Yearender 2016 | Will the talks bring the country closer to peace based on justice?

Whatever happens in the negotiating table, the CPP said the Filipino people must unite, strengthen their ranks and intensify the struggle for a better society.

GRP Peace Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello III and NDFP Peace Panel Chairperson Luis Jalandoni shake hands during the signing of the joint statement in the first round of formal talks in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Kodao Productions)

Hopes were high when formal peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines(GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) resumed in August in Oslo, Norway.

The release of 19 NDFP consultants and political prisoners, albeit mostly on bail, provided a favorable atmosphere for both sides to sit again on the negotiating table.

Thorny issues that caused the impasse during the Benigno Aquino III administration were addressed in the first round of formal talks. All previous agreements were affirmed. The GRP gave a go-signal for the NDFP to reconstitute its list of individuals protected by safety and immunity guarantees. The government peace panel also agreed to recommend to Duterte the issuance of amnesty proclamation for political prisoners.

Moreover, both parties declared unilateral and indefinite ceasefire. They also agreed to fast track the agenda in accordance with the framework agreement or The Hague Joint Declaration.

All these positive developments are now being dimmed by ceasefire violations, and non-release of over 400 political prisoners.

In its message on the 48th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the CPP’s Central Committee said the unilateral ceasefire of the CPP and the New People’s Army has become increasingly untenable amid the continuing Oplan Bayanihan operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

These operations, the CPP said, do not only trample on the spirit of the reciprocal ceasefire declarations but have also brought about rampant cases of human rights abuses. The AFP operations covered more than 500 barrios affecting half a million individuals in different parts of the country, the CPP added.

“…[t]he termination of the CPP’s unilateral ceasefire declaration becomes inevitable,” the CPP Central Committee said.

No releases of political prisoners

The Left has also criticized the Duterte administration for reneging on its promise to release political prisoners through an amnesty proclamation.

For the NDFP, the release of political prisoners is a matter of justice and compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (in the case of NDFP consultants) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). CARHRIHL prohibits the criminalization of political offense. Majority of political prisoners are facing trumped-up criminal charges.

Since August, not one political prisoner has been released in relation to the peace talks. Those who walked free were released because the cases filed against them were dismissed by local courts for lack of merit.

Five days before the Human Rights Day, Duterte said he couldn’t release more political prisoners. Duterte said he told NDFP to present documents signed by the GRP and the NDFP before he could order their release.

Three days later, Duterte reiterated he would not release political prisoners because the latter are his “ace cards.” “We’re playing a poker game here. Maubos ang baraha ko. I-release ko lahat iyan ano pa ang pag-usapan namin [I will lose all my cards if I release them all]?” Duterte was quoted as saying.
Such statement, according to Jaime Soledad, one of the NDFP consultants, reveals that Duterte seems to be interested only in a bilateral ceasefire and not in resolving the roots of the armed conflict.

Soledad, in an interview with Bulatlat and Kodao Productions, said the NDFP has entered into peace talks to push for socio-economic reforms that will benefit the Filipino people. On the other hand, the GRP, said Soledad, is pushing for prolonged ceasefire without instituting socio-economic reforms.
Both parties are set to meet again in January in Rome, Italy for the third round of talks. The NDFP said its draft on Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (Caser), the next substantive agenda item, is ready. The GRP panel has yet to give a copy of its Caser draft.
Whatever happens in the negotiating table, the CPP said the Filipino people must unite, strengthen their ranks and intensify the struggle for a better society.

http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/12/31/yearender-2016-will-talks-bring-country-closer-peace-based-justice/

Authorities suspect Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan City IED blast

From the Philippine Star (Dec 31): Authorities suspect Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan City IED blast



Nobody was hurt in the explosion, which happened a few meters from a concrete wall surrounding the city hall. File photo

Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants detonated an improvised bomb outside the city hall of Lamitan City on Friday night, Basilan authorities said.

 

No one was reported injured in the explosion that rocked the budding city of Basilan, said Chief Inspector Tauf Abdurahim, Lamitan City Police Station chief.

 

The police official said the explosion around 8 p.m. happened four meters from a concrete wall surrounding city hall.

 

Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, who rushed to the scene, reported the blast did not cause any damage.

 

Invetigators said that just before the explosion, two unidentified men on a motorcycle rode by and lobbed the improvised bomb towards city hall.

 

Investigators found bomb fragments and components at the scene.

 

Furigay suspects the Abu Sayyaf group is behind the attack and that it was an attempt to intimidate the city, which has been resisting the group's extortion tries.

 

He said security remains high in the city because of an improvised explosive device blast outside the city about a week ago.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/12/31/1658506/authorities-suspect-abu-sayyaf-lamitan-city-ied-blast

Taiwan leader urges China for 'calm' talks as pressure grows

From the Philippine Star (Dec 31): Taiwan leader urges China for 'calm' talks as pressure grows



In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, President Tsai Ing-wen delivers a year-end speech during an international press conference at the presidential office, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, in Taipei, Taiwan. President Tsai urged China to engage in "calm and rational" dialogue to maintain peace, vowing not to give in to Beijing's recent moves to "threaten and intimidate" the self-ruled island. Taiwan Presidential Office via AP

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan's leader on Saturday urged China to engage in "calm and rational" dialogue to maintain peace, vowing not to give in to Beijing's recent moves to "threaten and intimidate" the self-ruled island.

"As long as we can be calm, rational, and maintain a flexible attitude, I believe we should be able to find a solution that allows both sides to maintain peaceful and stable relations," President Tsai Ing-wen said in a year-end news conference.

Tensions have grown since China suspended contacts with Tsai's administration in June over her refusal to endorse China's claim that Taiwan and the mainland are part of a single Chinese nation.

They were further amplified earlier this month when President-elect Donald Trump broke protocol by speaking with Tsai on the phone and said later he did not feel "bound by a one-China policy."

Earlier this week, China's first aircraft carrier and five other warships held drills that passed by Taiwan and sailed through the contested South China Sea, prompting Taipei to deploy fighter jets to monitor the fleet. China maintains a standing threat to use force to achieve its goal of absorbing Taiwan.

Referring to such recent actions, Tsai said Beijing has been "gradually returning to the old ways of dividing, suppressing and even threatening and intimidating Taiwan. We hope that this is not a policy decision of the Beijing authorities."

"We will not yield to the pressure nor go back to the old ways of confrontation," Tsai told reporters.

Beijing has ratcheted up efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, intervening to prevent the island's participation in international forums and establishing diplomatic relations with former Taiwan allies Gambia and Sao Tome and Principe. The moves have been seen as effectively abandoning the unspoken diplomatic truce that lasted eight years under Tsai's China-friendly predecessor.

Meanwhile, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the island has drastically fallen.

Tsai said her administration expected 2017 to bring uncertainties particularly in the first half, noting that the incoming U.S. administration could potentially bring "changes in international affairs."

Trump advisers have made conflicting statements about whether Trump's call with Tsai signaled a new policy toward China but some analysts read it and other remarks critical of China as signals of a willingness to increase ties with Taiwan, which would further anger Beijing.

But such a policy could bring economic advantages for Taiwan's export-dependent half trillion-dollar economy, long-term access to senior U.S. officials and more sales of advanced U.S. weapons to defend against China.

Tsai's office said Friday she and a delegation of Taiwanese officials will make two stops in the U.S. as part of a visit to diplomatic allies in Central America next month. China has repeatedly urged Washington to prevent Tsai from transiting.

http://www.philstar.com/world/2016/12/31/1658650/taiwan-leader-urges-china-calm-talks-pressure-grows

This Russian warship is coming to Philippines

From Update.Ph (Dec 30): This Russian warship is coming to Philippines



Highlighting the historic thaw between Russia and Philippine military relations, two large Russian naval vessels will be paying a goodwill visit to the country from January 2 to 7, 2017.

Captain Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said the Udaloy-class destroyer/large anti-submarine ship, Admiral Tributs and the Boris Chilikin-class fleet oiler, Boris Butoma, will arrive at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila a day after the New Year.

 

The Russian naval delegation will be headed by the Pacific Fleet flotilla deputy commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov.

During the visit, a customary meeting procedure will be conducted followed by a welcome ceremony to be rendered by the Philippine Navy.

Lincuna said there will also be courtesy calls, tour to historical places within Manila and Cavite area, capability demonstration, goodwill games, wreath laying, shipboard tour and send-off ceremony among others.

http://www.update.ph/2016/12/this-russian-warship-is-coming-to-philippines/12625

Russia offers submarine to Philippines

From Update.Ph (Dec 31): Russia offers submarine to Philippines

Russia is offering to sell submarines to Philippines, this was revealed by National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana December 30 at the sidelines of commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s martyrdom and nationalism held at the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila.

“Gusto nila magbenta ng submarine pero ewan ko… Hindi. Masyadong mahal. Napakamahal ng submarine. At hindi naman siguro natin kailangan ng submarine dito,” he said as quoted in report of GMA News Online.

 

However, the defense chief said Philippine military could get Russian drones and other intel equipment.

“Intel equipment, siguro mga drones, mga mapapalipad na walang tao, pwede natin i-ano sa kanila,” Lorenzana said.”Ang gusto ng Presidente kasi, inutusan niya ako na tignan ang kanilang sniper rifles. Wala naman akong nakita doon kasi wala namang available. Siguro one of these days, they will have available samples para ma-testing natin.”

Secretary Lorenzana said the Russian side is aggressive in strengthening military ties with the Philippines.

“Very aggressive sila na makipag-ano tayo sa kanila na relationship na military–hindi naman alliance kundi exchange lang ng mga estudyante, na personnel, participation sa exercises, mga observer lang sa exercises muna,” he said.

http://www.update.ph/2016/12/russia-offers-submarine-to-philippines/12642

Philippines resumes acquisition of 6 new close air support aircraft

From Update.Ph (Dec 31): Philippines resumes acquisition of 6 new close air support aircraft

The Department of National Defense again opened the PhP 4.9-billion Close Air Support (CAS) Aircraft acquisition project which aims to acquire six (6) close air support aircraft for the Philippine Air Force. This project was initiated a number of times earlier this year and in the previous years but did not come into fruition for several reasons.

This time, the defense department scheduled the pre-bid conference on January 11, 2017, followed by deadline of submission of bids and opening of bids on January 27 at DND Building, in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

 

Among the possible offerings are T-6 Texan II from Beechcraft, Super Tucano from Embraer, L-39 from Elbit Systems, and KT-1 Woongbi from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

It is perceived that Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer’s Super Tucano is the strongest contender among the mentioned expected bidders.

The six close air support aircraft to be acquired will replacing/complement the Air Force’s Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes.

http://www.update.ph/2016/12/philippines-resumes-acquisition-of-6-new-close-air-support-aircraft/12644

Defense chief suspects Maute-BIFF alliance in Leyte blast

From Rappler (Dec 31): Defense chief suspects Maute-BIFF alliance in Leyte blast

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says initial reports suggest that the two groups have entered into a 'tactical alliance' to divert the miiltary from its focused operations in the southern Philippines   



SUSPICION. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says initial reports on the Leyte blast point to a possible alliance between the Maute group and the BIFF. File photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) may be behind the recent bombing incident that hurt over 30 people in a Leyte town plaza.

Lorenzana said in an interview with reporters on Friday, December 30, that based on initial reports, there's a "big possibility" that the two groups have formed a "tactical alliance" to divert the focus of the military on operations in Mindanao.

"May suspetsa na itong dalawang ito – Maute at BIFF – parang meron silang alliance nang konti. Siguro nagbibigayan sila ng technology sa paggawa ng bomba," the defense chief said. (We suspect that these two – Maute and the BIFF – have some sort of an alliance. They may be sharing technology on making bombs.)

He said the improvised explosive devices used in Leyte – 81-millimeter mortar rounds detonated through a cellular phone – "bears the trademark of the BIFF."

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa had earlier given the same assessment.

In a separate interview with PTV4 on Friday, Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año assured the public that there is "no actual threat in Manila."

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that while he believed that sympathizers of the Islamic State (ISIS) are behind the bombings in Mindanao, he suspected that the Leyte blast was related to illegal drugs.

The President, who visited the blast victims in Hilongos town on Friday had also said that the Maute group was linked to the illegal drug trade.

Authorities had tagged the Maute group as behind the Davao City night market bombing in September.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/157054-maute-group-biff-alliance-leyte-blast

Bangsamoro transition body members expected to be named in January

From InterAksyon (Jan 1): Bangsamoro transition body members expected to be named in January


Presidential adviser Jesus Dureza speaks at a peace forum in Oct. 26, 2016 file photo. INTERAKSYON.COM

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to name 21 members of the new and expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) by January next year, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza.

“By January, baka lalabas na ang appointment ng pangulo (the president is expected to appoint the members),” Dureza said.

The BTC, created by Duterte’s Executive Order no. 8 signed on November 7, is one of the mechanisms under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) tasked to draft an enabling law that will establish and operationalize the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity.

The same EO expanded the current BTC membership from 15 (seven from the government and eight, including the chairperson, from the MILF) to a 21-member body. The expanded BTC will now have 10 members appointed by the government; and 11, including its chairperson, will be named by the MILF.

Increasing the number of BTC members, according to Dureza, strives to bring together all key peace actors and stakeholders in the implementation of all Bangsamoro accords.

“In our initial talks with the MILF last August 2016, we agreed to raise the members from 15 to 21 so we can have more representatives, more inclusive memberships that represent other key sectors,” the peace adviser said.

Earlier, Dureza disclosed that the Moro National Liberation Front under the leadership of Muslimin Sema is expected to join the BTC on top of other key sectors including the indigenous peoples, sultanates, local government units, and the regional government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The presidential peace adviser, however, clarified that the 21-member BTC could not accommodate all sectors but the newly-formed panel is expected to convene and consult all groups within the proposed Bangsamoro areas.

EO No. 8 mandated the BTC to form an inclusive Bangsamoro Assembly to serve as a consultative body to discuss the proposed enabling law with various stakeholders.

BTC timeline

Besides ensuring inclusivity in the process, the work of BTC focuses on writing a new proposed measure, which will replace the old Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The timeline for the BTC to finish the draft is July 2017—in time for the resumption of the Congressional session and the President’s second State of the Nation Address.

The peace adviser said the old BBL which the last Congress failed to enact into law will probably be the basic document, among other pertinent legislations, of the new enabling law.

“Napag-aralan na rin ang old BBL, hindi lang napasa dahil may dumating na Mamasapano [incident], which put doubts on the level of trust in the talks. There are also issues about constitutionality but some sectors were saying the provisions are constitutionally-compliant. So, all of these will be taken noted [The old BBL already underwent scrutiny but failed to be passed because of the Mamasapano incident, which put doubts on the level of trust in the talks. There were also issues on its constitutionality, but there are sectors affirming that the old BBL is constitutionally-compliant],” the peace adviser explained.

Dureza also shed light on his previous pronouncements on Charter change and said that opening up the Constitution for revisions can only be an option in the peace talks.

“It [charter change] should happen depende na kung mapag-usapan across the table at makita na mayroong napag-usapan na parang hindi compliant sa present Constitution natin. [It should happen depending on what will be discussed across the table and if there are points that seem to be not compliant with our present Constitution],” Dureza said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/135757/bangsamoro-transition-body-members-expected-to-be-named-in-january