From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 26): VISIT | PA Welcomes Indonesian Army Command and Staff College
FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Metro Manila (DWDD) – Philippine Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Robert M. Arevalo welcomed delegates of the Indonesian Army Command and Staff College headed by Col Muhammad Zamroni, Student Commander, during their visit at the Headquarters Philippine Army on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 as part of their Overseas Study Tour. OACPA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/26/visit-pa-welcomes-indonesian-army-command-and-staff-college/
Thursday, August 31, 2017
DWDD: LAUNCHED | FMRF started the “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko”, Season-4
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 25): LAUNCHED | FMRF started the “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko”, Season-4
CAVITE CITY, CALABARZON (DWDD) – The Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), Philippine Navy has started its annual literacy program dubbed as “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko” Season-4 on August 23, 2017 around three-O’clock in the afternoon at Porta Vaga Elementary School, Cavite City. Sixty-two (62) Grade III pupils will be the expected beneficiaries. FMRF donated seventy (70) student Handbooks along with seventy (70) white T-shirts to Grade III pupils during the opening ceremony.
‘Sundalo ko, Teacher ko”, is a literacy program of the Philippine Navy through Fleet-Marine Ready Force under the leadership of Commodore ALBERT A MOGOL AFP as commander in coordination with the local DepEd Office. It is being undertaken every year to employ military personnel to act as teacher in collaboration with the other Philippine Navy units within Cavite City namely Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea System Command, Naval Logistic Command and Civil-Military Operation Unit-National Capital Region.
This initiative is in support to the Department of Education innovation program to improve the literacy rate and competency of the elementary grade pupils particularly the Grade III pupils. The Sailors and Marines will handle two (2) classrooms daily from 2-3 o’clock every afternoon for a period of one (1) month starting today. The subject matter to be discussed is the basic Filipino values formation as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
FMRF sustains its adopt-a-school program dubbed as “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko” by providing military personnel to act as teacher.For this year the innovative project aims to awaken the mind of the children, fortify their character and enable them to be Maka-Dios (For God), Maka-Tao (For Others), Maka-Bayan (For Country) and Maka-Kalikasan (For Environment).
Commodore Mogol in his remarks stressed that: “The Philippine Navy is one with the Department of Education in building a strong society by imparting to our youth the basic values and virtues of a true Filipino!”. PIO FMRF / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/25/launched-fmrf-started-the-sundalo-ko-teacher-ko-season-4/
CAVITE CITY, CALABARZON (DWDD) – The Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), Philippine Navy has started its annual literacy program dubbed as “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko” Season-4 on August 23, 2017 around three-O’clock in the afternoon at Porta Vaga Elementary School, Cavite City. Sixty-two (62) Grade III pupils will be the expected beneficiaries. FMRF donated seventy (70) student Handbooks along with seventy (70) white T-shirts to Grade III pupils during the opening ceremony.
‘Sundalo ko, Teacher ko”, is a literacy program of the Philippine Navy through Fleet-Marine Ready Force under the leadership of Commodore ALBERT A MOGOL AFP as commander in coordination with the local DepEd Office. It is being undertaken every year to employ military personnel to act as teacher in collaboration with the other Philippine Navy units within Cavite City namely Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea System Command, Naval Logistic Command and Civil-Military Operation Unit-National Capital Region.
This initiative is in support to the Department of Education innovation program to improve the literacy rate and competency of the elementary grade pupils particularly the Grade III pupils. The Sailors and Marines will handle two (2) classrooms daily from 2-3 o’clock every afternoon for a period of one (1) month starting today. The subject matter to be discussed is the basic Filipino values formation as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
FMRF sustains its adopt-a-school program dubbed as “Sundalo ko, Teacher ko” by providing military personnel to act as teacher.For this year the innovative project aims to awaken the mind of the children, fortify their character and enable them to be Maka-Dios (For God), Maka-Tao (For Others), Maka-Bayan (For Country) and Maka-Kalikasan (For Environment).
Commodore Mogol in his remarks stressed that: “The Philippine Navy is one with the Department of Education in building a strong society by imparting to our youth the basic values and virtues of a true Filipino!”. PIO FMRF / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/25/launched-fmrf-started-the-sundalo-ko-teacher-ko-season-4/
DWDD: EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE | 520TH ABW Celebrates its 51st Founding Anniversary
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 25): EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE | 520TH ABW Celebrates its 51st Founding Anniversary
COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – With its theme “Kaagapay ng Jet Force sa Pagtaguyod ng Serbisyo at Seguridad Tungo sa Makabagong Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas” the Philippine Air Force 520th Air Base Wing celebrates its 51st Founding Anniversary on August 17, 2017 held at PAF Aerospace Museum, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
During the event, plaques and streamers were given to those who have shown excellent performance all throughout the year.
The following were Unit Awardees:
521st Support Group, 520th ABW – Group of the Year
5233rd Philippine Air Force Band, 520th ABW – Squadron of the Year
MAJ JOHN JEROME C JAMALDIN DS- Technical Service of the Year
1LT BERNANIT G SORIANO PAF – LINE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Tsg Edgar M Ayson PAF – NCO of the Year
AW1C Jermelyn R Buendicho PAF – Airman of the Year
Dr Crisitina B Maliano CE- Civilian Employee of the Year
On the other hand, different stakeholders who’s been helping the 520th ABW were also recognize. These were:
Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary Exchange Service (AFSPCES)
Metrobank Foundation Incorporated
Lufthansa Technik Philippines
San Dionisio Credit Cooperatve
Manila Metropolitan Development Authority
Office of the Pasay City Assessor
Other Civilian Awardees were:
Mr Reynaldo M Tambogon CE
Mrs Aurora I Grabin CE
Dra Rada DJ Felicitas CE
Mr Antonio I Casimiro CE
Mr Rolando L Molina CE
Mr Romeo DL Rea CE
Mrs Amelita M Duga CE
Mrs Nenita R Suminta CE
Mrs Lucia S Estinillio CE
Mr Vicente M Guce CE
Mr Ronald C Perez CE
Guest of honor, Commanding General, PAF LTGEN EDGAR R FALLORINA AFP, graced the ceremony together with his wife, Mrs Erica T Fallorina, as special guest. PAO PAF / Photo by Msg Bruna PAF / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/25/excellent-performance-520th-abw-celebrates-its-51st-founding-anniversary/
COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – With its theme “Kaagapay ng Jet Force sa Pagtaguyod ng Serbisyo at Seguridad Tungo sa Makabagong Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas” the Philippine Air Force 520th Air Base Wing celebrates its 51st Founding Anniversary on August 17, 2017 held at PAF Aerospace Museum, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
During the event, plaques and streamers were given to those who have shown excellent performance all throughout the year.
The following were Unit Awardees:
521st Support Group, 520th ABW – Group of the Year
5233rd Philippine Air Force Band, 520th ABW – Squadron of the Year
MAJ JOHN JEROME C JAMALDIN DS- Technical Service of the Year
1LT BERNANIT G SORIANO PAF – LINE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Tsg Edgar M Ayson PAF – NCO of the Year
AW1C Jermelyn R Buendicho PAF – Airman of the Year
Dr Crisitina B Maliano CE- Civilian Employee of the Year
On the other hand, different stakeholders who’s been helping the 520th ABW were also recognize. These were:
Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary Exchange Service (AFSPCES)
Metrobank Foundation Incorporated
Lufthansa Technik Philippines
San Dionisio Credit Cooperatve
Manila Metropolitan Development Authority
Office of the Pasay City Assessor
Other Civilian Awardees were:
Mr Reynaldo M Tambogon CE
Mrs Aurora I Grabin CE
Dra Rada DJ Felicitas CE
Mr Antonio I Casimiro CE
Mr Rolando L Molina CE
Mr Romeo DL Rea CE
Mrs Amelita M Duga CE
Mrs Nenita R Suminta CE
Mrs Lucia S Estinillio CE
Mr Vicente M Guce CE
Mr Ronald C Perez CE
Guest of honor, Commanding General, PAF LTGEN EDGAR R FALLORINA AFP, graced the ceremony together with his wife, Mrs Erica T Fallorina, as special guest. PAO PAF / Photo by Msg Bruna PAF / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/25/excellent-performance-520th-abw-celebrates-its-51st-founding-anniversary/
MILF: Malacanan declares Sept 1 holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 30): Malacanan declares Sept 1 holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha
President Duterte has declared September 1 as holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, one of the two holidays in the Muslim world.
Proclamation Number 297 which was issued on August 29, stated that “Republic Act 9849 provides that Eid’l Adha shall be celebrated as regular holiday.”
This holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Ismael, as an act in obedience to the command of God.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid’l Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-HIjjah. The High Judicial Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced September 1 as the first day of Eid.
Malacanan’s declaration was based on the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the agency mandated to help facilitate the pilgrimage of Muslim Filipinos every year.
In an interview, NCMF Commissioner Sheikh Adbulhadi Daguit, who chairs the Philippine Hajj 2017 overall operation, said there are 5,967 Filipino pilgrims now in the Kingdom performing Hajj.
This figure does not include 30 Muslim Filipino Pilgrims being hosted by the “Guests Program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj.”
The total number of Filipino Hajj pilgrims this year is 6,007 of which four have died due to ailments.
The Commission has set up clinics with standby ambulance to attend the medical needs of the pilgrims.
It has deployed staff that respond to the needs of the pilgrims.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid’l Adha starting with a morning congregational prayer followed by slaughtering animal for those who can afford.
It could be goat, sheep, cattle, or camel, whose meat will be shared with the family members, relatives and the needy people.
Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims who are financially and physically capable are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/981/malacanan-declares-sept-1-holiday-in-observance-of-eid---l-adha
President Duterte has declared September 1 as holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, one of the two holidays in the Muslim world.
Proclamation Number 297 which was issued on August 29, stated that “Republic Act 9849 provides that Eid’l Adha shall be celebrated as regular holiday.”
This holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his own son, Ismael, as an act in obedience to the command of God.
In the Islamic calendar, Eid’l Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-HIjjah. The High Judicial Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced September 1 as the first day of Eid.
Malacanan’s declaration was based on the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the agency mandated to help facilitate the pilgrimage of Muslim Filipinos every year.
In an interview, NCMF Commissioner Sheikh Adbulhadi Daguit, who chairs the Philippine Hajj 2017 overall operation, said there are 5,967 Filipino pilgrims now in the Kingdom performing Hajj.
This figure does not include 30 Muslim Filipino Pilgrims being hosted by the “Guests Program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Hajj.”
The total number of Filipino Hajj pilgrims this year is 6,007 of which four have died due to ailments.
The Commission has set up clinics with standby ambulance to attend the medical needs of the pilgrims.
It has deployed staff that respond to the needs of the pilgrims.
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid’l Adha starting with a morning congregational prayer followed by slaughtering animal for those who can afford.
It could be goat, sheep, cattle, or camel, whose meat will be shared with the family members, relatives and the needy people.
Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims who are financially and physically capable are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/981/malacanan-declares-sept-1-holiday-in-observance-of-eid---l-adha
MILF: CCSPC SSG officers converge on how to engage in building Bangsamoro society
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 29): CCSPC SSG officers converge on how to engage in building Bangsamoro society
Officers of the Supreme Student Government of Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) converged on the night of 26 August 2017 to discuss the concept of “How to Engage the Youth Leaders in Building Bangsamoro Society.”
The student leaders were joined by some of CCSSP alumni.
Engr. Zubair Guiaman, Chairman of Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO) was keynote speaker.
Guiaman dwelled on his major points of discussion which included understanding the concept of "Bangsamoro", identifying the problems in the Bangsamoro, knowing the results and implications of these problems, what are the impacts that may take place if these problems will be addressed appropriately, and how to engage the youth leaders in building a Bangsamoro Society.
"The Bangsamoro primarily constitute identity, territory, and sovereignty," he explained. Accordingly, the full understanding of the Bangsamoro lies on one's learning about history. Quoting a statement of Mohager Iqbal, MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair, he said that "A person who doesn't know his history has no future."
Guiaman also stated the possible impacts and results if the problems in the Bangsamoro will be finally addressed. "The evolvement of militant groups will be mitigated and eventually eradicated, In Shaa Allah; peace, security, and development will be attained; and fear from any terrorist group both locally and globally will diminish" Guiaman explained.
To engage the youth leaders in building a Bangsamoro Society, Guiaman enumerated the means on how to attain this endeavor such as: the youth leaders must engage themselves in upholding the deprived rights of the Bangsamoro - its identity, territory and sovereignty; they should support the on-going Peace Process between the GPH-MILF and GPH-MNLF; they should conduct awareness program on origin, challenges, solutions, and importance of the Bangsamoro.
He also mentioned that they should abstain themselves from any activity that is detrimental to the existing peace efforts, such as engaging in violent extremism; they should also have the good intention in doing this endeavor; and that the youth leaders must honor and respect their parents because success lies in the feet of their parents.
The 3-day team building activity was also graced by other active youth leaders such as Engr. Datu Puwa Mamalac and Aleem Amenodin Samporna.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/980/ccspc_ssg_officers_converge_on_how_to_engage_in_building_bangsamoro_society
Officers of the Supreme Student Government of Cotabato City State Polytechnic College (CCSPC) converged on the night of 26 August 2017 to discuss the concept of “How to Engage the Youth Leaders in Building Bangsamoro Society.”
The student leaders were joined by some of CCSSP alumni.
Engr. Zubair Guiaman, Chairman of Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO) was keynote speaker.
Guiaman dwelled on his major points of discussion which included understanding the concept of "Bangsamoro", identifying the problems in the Bangsamoro, knowing the results and implications of these problems, what are the impacts that may take place if these problems will be addressed appropriately, and how to engage the youth leaders in building a Bangsamoro Society.
"The Bangsamoro primarily constitute identity, territory, and sovereignty," he explained. Accordingly, the full understanding of the Bangsamoro lies on one's learning about history. Quoting a statement of Mohager Iqbal, MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair, he said that "A person who doesn't know his history has no future."
Guiaman also stated the possible impacts and results if the problems in the Bangsamoro will be finally addressed. "The evolvement of militant groups will be mitigated and eventually eradicated, In Shaa Allah; peace, security, and development will be attained; and fear from any terrorist group both locally and globally will diminish" Guiaman explained.
To engage the youth leaders in building a Bangsamoro Society, Guiaman enumerated the means on how to attain this endeavor such as: the youth leaders must engage themselves in upholding the deprived rights of the Bangsamoro - its identity, territory and sovereignty; they should support the on-going Peace Process between the GPH-MILF and GPH-MNLF; they should conduct awareness program on origin, challenges, solutions, and importance of the Bangsamoro.
He also mentioned that they should abstain themselves from any activity that is detrimental to the existing peace efforts, such as engaging in violent extremism; they should also have the good intention in doing this endeavor; and that the youth leaders must honor and respect their parents because success lies in the feet of their parents.
The 3-day team building activity was also graced by other active youth leaders such as Engr. Datu Puwa Mamalac and Aleem Amenodin Samporna.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/980/ccspc_ssg_officers_converge_on_how_to_engage_in_building_bangsamoro_society
MILF: Muslim and Christian leaders: Advancing Interreligious Action for Peace in Mindanao
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Aug 28): Muslim and Christian leaders: Advancing Interreligious Action for Peace in Mindanao
Several ‘asatidz’ (plu. of ustadz), pastors, priests, archbishops, academe, youth and representatives of CSOs and other stakeholders from all over Mindanao joined together in an interreligious dialogue with the theme “Advancing Interreligious Action for Peace: Contextualizing Religious Literacy to overcome Violent Extremism in Community” organized by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) held at Apo view hotel, Davao City on August 23-25, 2017.
The dialogue aims to come up with unified interreligious approach that would effectively and efficiently prevent violent extremism in the community.
Pastor James Wuye from City of Kaduna in northern part of Nigeria lectured on domestic and global perspective in addressing conflict and its religious leaders’ role to play.
He also sighted the significant role of those in power and authority to address the conflict.
“Political will and good governance will be the best solution because corruption, poor leadership and injustices committed against the poor people definitely pushing factors of rebellion and violent extremism aside from the western conspiracy and ignorance as causes’, he said.
He also believes that using force in addressing this issue will never be a solution but instead will worsen more the situation as he witnessed the decades of militias’ religious conflict in Kaduna that resulted to killing of people and damage to properties.
But they were able to end the conflict in a peaceful manner and interreligious approach, he also said.
Professor Aboud Syed Lingga, Executive Director of Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) lectured on “Global and local trends of Violent Extremism: Implications to Interreligious Peacebuilding”.
He said that being violent is never ever a culture and tradition anymore among Bangsamoro people instead they are very tolerant and loving people in nature.
He cited a Social Weather Station SWS survey on 2005 that Muslim does not ever change their attitude and behavior towards Christians despite of the war in Mindanao. According to the survey, 90 percent accept Christians as best friends, 90 percent as teachers and 83 percent as neighbors, while willingness of Christians to accept Muslim as best friends, teachers and neighbors are just 61 percent, 58 percent and 51 percent, respectively.
He also recommends that the government should engage terrorist with narrative of methodology through implementation of all signed agreements and show examples that peace can be achieved through peaceful means instead of violence.
Dr. Ofelia Durante of Notre Dame University presented the results of their recent survey entitled “Youth Vulnerability to Religious Extremism in ARMM”. The research found out that push factors to fast growing of Violent Extremism are the following: Delayed resolution of Mindanao conflict, poverty, limited access or no access to education, corruption, and personal conflict experience while the pull factors to join are recruitment, discrimination, injustices and alien ideology.
After the presentation, somebody wary about mentioning that mosque, madrasa and schools become the venue of the recruitment, Ustads Hussain Abdurajak Manial, President of Holy Quran Memorization Center said. ”I am worried that it could create negative connotation towards negative implications”. “If there is recruitment, may be just an isolated case because I am sure that the teachers and ‘asatidz’ are very careful on the subjects that they have been teaching to the students to ensure authenticity”. Manial added
Durante clarified that mentioning the mosque, madrasa and schools were merely answers from some sources, and could be target recruitment areas in the future.
Ustadz Mahmod S. Ahmad, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) lectured on interreligious peacebuilding in Islam. He clarified that Islam is a religion of peace, love and harmony and never be a religion of chaos. He sighted several experience of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) in dealing people of different race and religion where he was able to unite clans that had been feuding centuries ago.
The dialogue ended with reflections, and planning to respond collaboratively with the identified issues such as limited awareness on religion, poor governance, and other related issues that push violent extremism and radicalism.
Catholic Relief Services will engage to support addressing the structural and political cause of the problem in Mindanao in multiple ways.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/979/muslim-and-christian-leaders--advancing-interreligious-action-for-peace-in-mindanao
Several ‘asatidz’ (plu. of ustadz), pastors, priests, archbishops, academe, youth and representatives of CSOs and other stakeholders from all over Mindanao joined together in an interreligious dialogue with the theme “Advancing Interreligious Action for Peace: Contextualizing Religious Literacy to overcome Violent Extremism in Community” organized by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) held at Apo view hotel, Davao City on August 23-25, 2017.
The dialogue aims to come up with unified interreligious approach that would effectively and efficiently prevent violent extremism in the community.
Pastor James Wuye from City of Kaduna in northern part of Nigeria lectured on domestic and global perspective in addressing conflict and its religious leaders’ role to play.
He also sighted the significant role of those in power and authority to address the conflict.
“Political will and good governance will be the best solution because corruption, poor leadership and injustices committed against the poor people definitely pushing factors of rebellion and violent extremism aside from the western conspiracy and ignorance as causes’, he said.
He also believes that using force in addressing this issue will never be a solution but instead will worsen more the situation as he witnessed the decades of militias’ religious conflict in Kaduna that resulted to killing of people and damage to properties.
But they were able to end the conflict in a peaceful manner and interreligious approach, he also said.
Professor Aboud Syed Lingga, Executive Director of Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) lectured on “Global and local trends of Violent Extremism: Implications to Interreligious Peacebuilding”.
He said that being violent is never ever a culture and tradition anymore among Bangsamoro people instead they are very tolerant and loving people in nature.
He cited a Social Weather Station SWS survey on 2005 that Muslim does not ever change their attitude and behavior towards Christians despite of the war in Mindanao. According to the survey, 90 percent accept Christians as best friends, 90 percent as teachers and 83 percent as neighbors, while willingness of Christians to accept Muslim as best friends, teachers and neighbors are just 61 percent, 58 percent and 51 percent, respectively.
He also recommends that the government should engage terrorist with narrative of methodology through implementation of all signed agreements and show examples that peace can be achieved through peaceful means instead of violence.
Dr. Ofelia Durante of Notre Dame University presented the results of their recent survey entitled “Youth Vulnerability to Religious Extremism in ARMM”. The research found out that push factors to fast growing of Violent Extremism are the following: Delayed resolution of Mindanao conflict, poverty, limited access or no access to education, corruption, and personal conflict experience while the pull factors to join are recruitment, discrimination, injustices and alien ideology.
After the presentation, somebody wary about mentioning that mosque, madrasa and schools become the venue of the recruitment, Ustads Hussain Abdurajak Manial, President of Holy Quran Memorization Center said. ”I am worried that it could create negative connotation towards negative implications”. “If there is recruitment, may be just an isolated case because I am sure that the teachers and ‘asatidz’ are very careful on the subjects that they have been teaching to the students to ensure authenticity”. Manial added
Durante clarified that mentioning the mosque, madrasa and schools were merely answers from some sources, and could be target recruitment areas in the future.
Ustadz Mahmod S. Ahmad, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) lectured on interreligious peacebuilding in Islam. He clarified that Islam is a religion of peace, love and harmony and never be a religion of chaos. He sighted several experience of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) in dealing people of different race and religion where he was able to unite clans that had been feuding centuries ago.
The dialogue ended with reflections, and planning to respond collaboratively with the identified issues such as limited awareness on religion, poor governance, and other related issues that push violent extremism and radicalism.
Catholic Relief Services will engage to support addressing the structural and political cause of the problem in Mindanao in multiple ways.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/979/muslim-and-christian-leaders--advancing-interreligious-action-for-peace-in-mindanao
NDF/NDF-Panay: NDF-Panay is one with the people’s outrage against the massive killings on ‘war on drugs’
NDF-Panay propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 26): NDF-Panay is one with the people’s outrage against the massive killings on ‘war on drugs’
National Democratic Front – Panay
Statement
August 26, 2017
NDFP consultant Concha Araneta
NDF-Panay exalts and is one with the people’s outrage against the brutal killings of the poor and vulnerable in the name of the ‘war on drugs’ by the US-Duterte regime. The long-suppressed fear and contempt for the fascist Duterte’s exhortation of unabashed impunity and the gleeful implementation to a tee of his armed minions to kill, kill, kill finally burst into nationwide anger and courage to shout NO MORE KILLINGS!!
August 21, 2017 was supposed to commemorate the 34th year of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino (a wealthy landlord senator and staunch critic) by the dictator Marcos but instead turned out to be a day of massive resentment and indignation against the killing of an under-aged, lowly, high school student this time by today’s fascist-dictator president.
To the righteous and just, which most Filipinos are the killing of Kian Loyd de los Santos signified the unjust, brutal, inhuman and senseless killing spree of Duterte’s killing machine – his uniformed armed goons called the PNP and his likewise mercenary vigilante hatchet-men.
What has enraged the people even more is the stark contrast on how Duterte handles his war on drugs with those in power and the elite. Have we ever heard Tokhang being conducted in rich villages and subdivisions, in any city or province? Has any scion of the rich and famous been summarily executed or even arrested by the bloodhounds of the bounty hunter lord? Excuse me, does the billion peso drug trade cater only to the poor and deprived? Do the jobless and lowly monopolize the market? Yet the trade turns out billions in profits!
What happened to the generals, judges, governors, mayors in his inches-thick long long list? A token Espinosa and Parojinog? Here in Iloilo we have Melvin Odicta for a sample. But what about Peter Lim his compadre, Kenneth Dong and his very own Polong named in the P6.4 billion drug smuggling? What about the five mayors in Iloilo and Antique he mentioned as drug protectors? Not even arrested? But they have also been listed and even publicly implicated. Just as those who were summarily executed were also listed by some so and so.
Oh, but we tend to forget that those untouched are in par with Digong in class status, wealth and hidden wealth, political dynasty, graft and corruption. We tend to forget that Duterte is the chief representative of the status quo, of the economic and political ruling classes and the chief protector of big time landlords, warlords, mining lords, smuggling lords, gambling lords and of course druglords. We also tend to forget that Duterte is the commander-in-chief of the AFP and PNP whose fundamental character and orientation is fascist, mercenary, anti-people and reactionary.
What is puzzling here in Iloilo is the roundabout pronouncement of Duterte from ‘Iloilo City being the most “shabulized” city and bedrock of illegal drugs’ to being cleared of this charge without clear explanation as to how and why. But what is clear is that Duterte’s clearance of Iloilo City came after Speaker Alvarez’s visit to Iloilo City to swear-in 4000 political balimbings led by the number one balimbing Cong. Gerry Treñas to the ruling PDP-Laban party. In fact, also the ever-balimbing Gov. Arthur Defensor, and supposedly diehard LP Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog are leaning over towards the PDP-Laban fence while the majority of the city councilors have already been sworn into.
The people’s shout for justice and life portent with the challenge to fight back reverberating in our country has pressed Duterte to slacken a bit in his run amuck war.
In true bully and mobster fashion Duterte made a staged condemnation of the undeniable murder of an innocent human being by his mercenaries. In true liar fashion he took back his exhortation, support and absolution to the police for whatever murder, massacre, thievery, extortion or rape they may commit in the name of his bloody war on drugs.
Like a true bully Duterte was taken aback by the massive nationwide outrage in the streets, in churches, in schools, in statements, in the newspapers, in mainstream and social media by a widest variety of sectors in our society including former DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters) who have felt ashamed and appalled by the extremeness that their idol has gone into.
To quote Ka Fidel Agcaoili, chief of the NDFP peace panel: “For sure there will be more killings and massacres – as what happened after Ninoy’s assassination – but the beginning of the end of the so-called war on drugs – and, perhaps, of the regime – is upon us. The people have already decided on the killing of Kian.”
The heightened and intensified armed revolution of the people and the more gigantic, more militant and more frequent mass protests of a united and determined Filipino people will surely decide the fascist madman’s downfall.
Concha Araneta
NDF-Panay
https://www.ndfp.org/ndf-panay-one-peoples-outrage-massive-killings-war-drugs/
National Democratic Front – Panay
Statement
August 26, 2017
NDFP consultant Concha Araneta
NDF-Panay exalts and is one with the people’s outrage against the brutal killings of the poor and vulnerable in the name of the ‘war on drugs’ by the US-Duterte regime. The long-suppressed fear and contempt for the fascist Duterte’s exhortation of unabashed impunity and the gleeful implementation to a tee of his armed minions to kill, kill, kill finally burst into nationwide anger and courage to shout NO MORE KILLINGS!!
August 21, 2017 was supposed to commemorate the 34th year of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino (a wealthy landlord senator and staunch critic) by the dictator Marcos but instead turned out to be a day of massive resentment and indignation against the killing of an under-aged, lowly, high school student this time by today’s fascist-dictator president.
To the righteous and just, which most Filipinos are the killing of Kian Loyd de los Santos signified the unjust, brutal, inhuman and senseless killing spree of Duterte’s killing machine – his uniformed armed goons called the PNP and his likewise mercenary vigilante hatchet-men.
What has enraged the people even more is the stark contrast on how Duterte handles his war on drugs with those in power and the elite. Have we ever heard Tokhang being conducted in rich villages and subdivisions, in any city or province? Has any scion of the rich and famous been summarily executed or even arrested by the bloodhounds of the bounty hunter lord? Excuse me, does the billion peso drug trade cater only to the poor and deprived? Do the jobless and lowly monopolize the market? Yet the trade turns out billions in profits!
What happened to the generals, judges, governors, mayors in his inches-thick long long list? A token Espinosa and Parojinog? Here in Iloilo we have Melvin Odicta for a sample. But what about Peter Lim his compadre, Kenneth Dong and his very own Polong named in the P6.4 billion drug smuggling? What about the five mayors in Iloilo and Antique he mentioned as drug protectors? Not even arrested? But they have also been listed and even publicly implicated. Just as those who were summarily executed were also listed by some so and so.
Oh, but we tend to forget that those untouched are in par with Digong in class status, wealth and hidden wealth, political dynasty, graft and corruption. We tend to forget that Duterte is the chief representative of the status quo, of the economic and political ruling classes and the chief protector of big time landlords, warlords, mining lords, smuggling lords, gambling lords and of course druglords. We also tend to forget that Duterte is the commander-in-chief of the AFP and PNP whose fundamental character and orientation is fascist, mercenary, anti-people and reactionary.
What is puzzling here in Iloilo is the roundabout pronouncement of Duterte from ‘Iloilo City being the most “shabulized” city and bedrock of illegal drugs’ to being cleared of this charge without clear explanation as to how and why. But what is clear is that Duterte’s clearance of Iloilo City came after Speaker Alvarez’s visit to Iloilo City to swear-in 4000 political balimbings led by the number one balimbing Cong. Gerry Treñas to the ruling PDP-Laban party. In fact, also the ever-balimbing Gov. Arthur Defensor, and supposedly diehard LP Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog are leaning over towards the PDP-Laban fence while the majority of the city councilors have already been sworn into.
The people’s shout for justice and life portent with the challenge to fight back reverberating in our country has pressed Duterte to slacken a bit in his run amuck war.
In true bully and mobster fashion Duterte made a staged condemnation of the undeniable murder of an innocent human being by his mercenaries. In true liar fashion he took back his exhortation, support and absolution to the police for whatever murder, massacre, thievery, extortion or rape they may commit in the name of his bloody war on drugs.
Like a true bully Duterte was taken aback by the massive nationwide outrage in the streets, in churches, in schools, in statements, in the newspapers, in mainstream and social media by a widest variety of sectors in our society including former DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters) who have felt ashamed and appalled by the extremeness that their idol has gone into.
To quote Ka Fidel Agcaoili, chief of the NDFP peace panel: “For sure there will be more killings and massacres – as what happened after Ninoy’s assassination – but the beginning of the end of the so-called war on drugs – and, perhaps, of the regime – is upon us. The people have already decided on the killing of Kian.”
The heightened and intensified armed revolution of the people and the more gigantic, more militant and more frequent mass protests of a united and determined Filipino people will surely decide the fascist madman’s downfall.
Concha Araneta
NDF-Panay
https://www.ndfp.org/ndf-panay-one-peoples-outrage-massive-killings-war-drugs/
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Troops comb Basilan for Hapilon's followers
From the Philippine Star (Aug 29): Troops comb Basilan for Hapilon's followers
The military is continuing operations in Basilan against an Abu Sayyaf faction led by Isnilon Hapilon to prevent the terrorists from sending fighters to Marawi City and from launching diversionary attacks.
Hapilon is said to be the emir of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces in the Philippines and has linked up with the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group that has been holding out in Marawi in Lanao del Sur since May.
The military is continuing operations in Basilan against an Abu Sayyaf faction led by Isnilon Hapilon to prevent the terrorists from sending fighters to Marawi City and from launching diversionary attacks.
Hapilon is said to be the emir of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces in the Philippines and has linked up with the ISIS-inspired Maute terror group that has been holding out in Marawi in Lanao del Sur since May.
Security officials said they are guarding against sympathy attacks since Hapilon is believed to be trapped in Marawi's main battle area, which has slowly been shrinking as government forces retake key areas of the city.
Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said troops have been conducting pursuit operations and combing the province's jungles for Hapilon's men.
He said the military is watching out for movements that could indicate Hapilon is returning or has returned.
“Preemptive action is continuously pursued to thwart that possibility,” Uy said.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said reports indicate that Hapilon is still in the main battle area in Marawi.
The Westmincom oversees operations to retake Marawi.
On Monday, security forces thwarted an attempt by Maute fighters to enter the main battle area through Lake Lanao, killing 10 militants. Galvez did not discount the possibility that the attempt may have been part of a plan to evacuate Hapilon and terrorist leaders Abdullah and Omar Maute, both of whom have been reported dead.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the brothers are really dead.
7 killed in fighting between Muslim clan, Abu Sayyaf
From Anadolu Agency (Aug 30): 7 killed in fighting between Muslim clan, Abu Sayyaf
Hamidi clan of Sulu province is known enemy of Abu Sayyaf faction led by Al Arod
Hamidi clan of Sulu province is known enemy of Abu Sayyaf faction led by Al Arod
Seven people were killed, including four Abu Sayyaf militants, in a battle with a Muslim clan Tuesday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, a stronghold of the pro-Daesh group.
The fighting, which broke out in the town of Talipao, was between the clan of Jul Hamidi and an Abu Sayyaf faction led by Al Arod, son of terrorist sub-leader Arod Wahing, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu as reported by the state-run Philippine News Agency.
Sobejana added that the Hamidi clan and Arod’s faction are known rivals in the town.
The fighting, which broke out in the town of Talipao, was between the clan of Jul Hamidi and an Abu Sayyaf faction led by Al Arod, son of terrorist sub-leader Arod Wahing, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu as reported by the state-run Philippine News Agency.
Sobejana added that the Hamidi clan and Arod’s faction are known rivals in the town.
The firefight resulted in the death of Jul Hamidi, two of his followers and Arod along with three of his followers.
Two followers of Hamidi were also wounded and an undetermined number from the militants’ side who they brought with them when they fled.
Sobejana said the soldiers are pursuing the militants as part of focused military operations in a bid to rescue at least 20 hostages still being held by them, 15 of which are foreigners.
Two followers of Hamidi were also wounded and an undetermined number from the militants’ side who they brought with them when they fled.
Sobejana said the soldiers are pursuing the militants as part of focused military operations in a bid to rescue at least 20 hostages still being held by them, 15 of which are foreigners.
CCT money in envelopes found in NPA camp, says Duterte
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 29): CCT money in envelopes found in NPA camp, says Duterte
Envelopes with money from the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the government were found in a camp of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday.
Duterte again tackled reports the funds for the CCT of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were diverted to the NPA during the watch of then Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
“They recovered from an NPA camp envelopes containing the Pantawid,” he added, referring to the formal name of the CCT program, which is Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Duterte denied, however, that story came from him, saying: “The [reports] that the Taguiwalo used the money did not come from me. That arrived in the hands of the congressmen. Well, from the military maybe. But not from me. Otherwise, I would not have reappointed and reappointed her.”
Taguiwalo had to vacate her post as DSWD chief after the powerful Commission on Appointments rejected her appointment.
“Mr. President, I kept faith with you,” Taguiwalo said afterwards. “I’m just sad because I don’t think you kept faith with me in the end.”
On Monday, the President said the 4Ps money “might have been used” to buy ammunition or firearms after Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the NPA was “expanding, recruiting.”
“So, therefore, they would need more arms,” Duterte said. “They can buy, ambush, steal, or extort, whatever.”
“Let me be very clear,” he added. “To the Communists: You listen. I don’t care if the recipient was a poor NPA member or a poor law-abiding citizen. They both need food. Just don’t buy bullets and firearms.”
“So for Secretary Taguiwalo, you are barking at the wrong tree,” Duterte went on. “That is what I told the military. I’m not so concerned about money reaching the hands of the NPAs.”
Taguiwalo said the accusations against her were “baseless.”
“For the record and for the President’s own awareness, not a single peso of the 4Ps program passed through my hands,” Taguiwalo said in a statement.
She said the funds were directly coursed through Land Bank of the Philippines and its conduits, which then made direct payouts to CCT beneficiaries.
“These transactions are recorded and COA [Commission on Audit] regularly audits this program,” Taguiwalo said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/926548/rodrigo-duterte-cct-4ps-judy-taguiwalo-npa
Envelopes with money from the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the government were found in a camp of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday.
Duterte again tackled reports the funds for the CCT of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were diverted to the NPA during the watch of then Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
“They recovered from an NPA camp envelopes containing the Pantawid,” he added, referring to the formal name of the CCT program, which is Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Duterte denied, however, that story came from him, saying: “The [reports] that the Taguiwalo used the money did not come from me. That arrived in the hands of the congressmen. Well, from the military maybe. But not from me. Otherwise, I would not have reappointed and reappointed her.”
Taguiwalo had to vacate her post as DSWD chief after the powerful Commission on Appointments rejected her appointment.
“Mr. President, I kept faith with you,” Taguiwalo said afterwards. “I’m just sad because I don’t think you kept faith with me in the end.”
On Monday, the President said the 4Ps money “might have been used” to buy ammunition or firearms after Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said the NPA was “expanding, recruiting.”
“So, therefore, they would need more arms,” Duterte said. “They can buy, ambush, steal, or extort, whatever.”
“Let me be very clear,” he added. “To the Communists: You listen. I don’t care if the recipient was a poor NPA member or a poor law-abiding citizen. They both need food. Just don’t buy bullets and firearms.”
“So for Secretary Taguiwalo, you are barking at the wrong tree,” Duterte went on. “That is what I told the military. I’m not so concerned about money reaching the hands of the NPAs.”
Taguiwalo said the accusations against her were “baseless.”
“For the record and for the President’s own awareness, not a single peso of the 4Ps program passed through my hands,” Taguiwalo said in a statement.
She said the funds were directly coursed through Land Bank of the Philippines and its conduits, which then made direct payouts to CCT beneficiaries.
“These transactions are recorded and COA [Commission on Audit] regularly audits this program,” Taguiwalo said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/926548/rodrigo-duterte-cct-4ps-judy-taguiwalo-npa
Has Marawi killed the Philippines peace process?
From The Interpreter (Aug 29): Has Marawi killed the Philippines peace process? (By Sidney Jones)
For years, the common wisdom about conflict in the southern Philippines was that the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was the best antidote to radicalisation. We all said it – analysts, activists, donors, diplomats, anyone who cared about making Mindanao a better place.
Now it's time to face facts: the peace process in Mindanao may be dead, and no one has a Plan B. Thinking about alternative options is now critical.
Since 1997, the agonisingly slow process toward autonomy has been aimed at the creation of an autonomous territory called Bangsamoro that would replace and have greater powers than the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The basis would be a comprehensive agreement worked out in 2014 between the MILF and the government that was supposed to be enshrined in a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) adopted by the Philippine Congress. Deadlines for passing the BBL have come and gone – a new version is now with Congress, but it might stay there for months (or forever) as political dynamics in Mindanao change for the worse.
If the peace process is dead, the war in Marawi has killed it. Now in its fourth month, the prolonged battle between the Philippine military and a coalition of pro-ISIS fighters in the country's only 'Islamic city' has weakened the MILF, almost certainly exacerbated Islamophobia within Manila's political elite, and laid the groundwork for increased radicalisation in the south.
Ethnic fissures
In recent years, the MILF has been able to position itself as the future leader of Bangsamoro because it could plausibly claim to represent Muslim Mindanao's main ethnic groups, including the two largest, the Maranao from around Marawi and Lake Lanao, and the Maguindanaon, from Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
The Marawi war has weakened the MILF's hold over both. It drew some Maranao fighters into ISIS and left others reluctant to fight their kinsmen (though many MILF volunteers also risked their lives to open the 'peace corridor' in June that enabled hundreds of trapped civilians to get out). Many Maranao, however, reportedly saw the MILF as unable to protect them, either from the Maute brothers who command the ISIS forces in Marawi or from the military's bombardment.
A senior MILF leader I met last week in Cotabato argued that they could not take on the Mautes because they had no formal request from the government to do so. Without a clear mandate (such as they have with the government to fight illegal drugs) the chances of a misstep were huge, he said. That's certainly true, but with the military also uncertain of MILF loyalties in the Marawi area, a request for help was unlikely to be forthcoming.
Then in early August, MILF fighters found themselves fighting fellow Maguindanaon in the MILF heartland. A pro-ISIS faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Abu Torayfe (whose death in recent days has been reported, but not confirmed) brought several dozen fighters into MILF territory. The MILF called up its special forces (known as Task Force Ittihad) and resisted the incursion, backed by the Philippine army. When asked why this engagement required no formal request, the MILF leader explained that Abu Torayfe's men posed a direct threat to the MILF and that it was a clear case of self-defence. 'They are out to destroy us,' he said.
A Philippine government official said that the MILF-BIFF fighting was useful for the peace process, 'because it shows that the MILF can be a reliable partner'. But the MILF joining with the government to fight fellow Maguindanaon may not play well within its own constituency when Mindanao is under martial law and when ISIS propaganda is accusing the military of destroying Marawi through airstrikes.
The MILF and Duterte
The MILF has also been weakened by its edgy relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte. Many voters in the MILF heartland supported Duterte's rival, former cabinet minister Mar Roxas, in the 2016 election. When the new President appeared to be in no hurry to press the BBL, the MILF did not push. The President's office finally submitted a new version of the bill to the Philippine Senate on 17 August but without the so-called certificate of urgency that could lead to its being fast-tracked – there are many technical hurdles to clear before it has any chance of being adopted.
An MILF leader excused Duterte's delays by pointing out that he was in the early days of his six-year presidency and believed he had all the time in the world. At the same time, it was clear that the MILF as an organisation is wary of doing anything that could alienate a volatile president. 'With the past [Aquino] administration, we could suggest things for consideration,' said one member. 'With Duterte, the moment he dislikes us, we're out. We have to be very, very careful.'
The decision to let the President set the agenda, however, has deprived the MILF of leverage. In the past, the MILF held out the implicit threat of a return to violence if its concerns were not met. Now it has all but taken that possibility off the table. Chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the most frequent question he gets these days is what the MILF will do if the BBL collapses:
They want us to say we'll go back to war. I say, 'We will continue to assert our right to self-determination.'
The problem is, what if no one is listening? The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), which under President Aquino had been a creative, energetic body that was at once chief advocate and political strategist for the Bangsamoro, has turned into almost a ceremonial office under Duterte. It appears to have no strategy of its own to bring the BBL forward.
The President, meanwhile, has other priorities, including his lethal drug war that has led to more than 8000 extrajudicial killings of suspected dealers and users since he took office (some estimates are far higher). He is also committed to a hazy notion of federalism that has never been fleshed out and whose exact relationship to the BBL has never been made clear.
The truth is that the BBL is stalled, and possibly dead. If it resurfaces in a Congress newly wary of security problems in the south, it may be so watered down that the MILF would further lose credibility by signing on – especially among a younger generation, for whom the organisation, with its aging leadership, seems anything but revolutionary.
Into the breach...
Into the breach come the young, charismatic Mautes, with their message of a universal caliphate promising justice and equality and their goal of establishing a pure Islamic state. They have mastered the art of propaganda, sending messages and videos over social media and relying on mass decentralised dissemination to carry images of their improbable capture of Marawi to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond (one young MILF member called his own organisation's communication strategy 'Jurassic' by comparison). That message resonates with only a small minority of Mindanao's Muslims but it may be gaining ground, particularly among those displaced by the Marawi fighting and university students. The head of the Philippine Sports Commission came back from a visit to an evacuee centre in Iligan saying the dream of some children there was to join ISIS, seeing the Mautes as heroes. Others report that the displaced are far angrier with the government than with the Mautes, largely because of the airstrikes that have caused so much destruction.
The pro-ISIS recruitment is likely to outlast the Maute's control of Marawi, particularly if those who call themselves the 'East Asia Wilayah' of Islamic State can manage to find a steady source of funding to cover operational costs. The danger is that with their proven ability to cross traditional regional and ethnic lines (Abu Torayfe's forces reportedly included Maranaos, Tausugs, a few Muslim converts and one foreigner), the pro-ISIS groups could morph into a new, more militantly Islamist insurgency than anything the Philippines has seen before.
There is no point sitting around hoping that BBL and a new Bangsamoro polity will be the antidote to extremism. Extremism has already arrived.
What to do
There are many ways to strengthen Muslim Mindanao even in the absence of a BBL. The most pressing need is to get the reconstruction of Marawi right, as failure to do so will aid extremist propaganda and recruitment in the area already most receptive to it.
That means listening to the concerns and priorities of the displaced, ensuring that professionals among them have a role in decision-making and keeping the process accountable and as free of corruption as possible.
Addressing security concerns without undue militarisation is going to be tricky, particularly under martial law. It will be important to quickly try to bring life back to normal in the neighbourhoods largely unaffected by the fighting (the barangays bordering Mindanao State University) but the military reportedly is worried about pro-ISIS fighters seeping back into communities if it allows people to return too soon. Some infiltration will inevitably occur, but a functioning community with jobs and schools can also be an important buffer.
Countering extremism is important, and civil society organisations have made several useful recommendations, from developing youth programs to addressing the 'shadow economy' of guns, narcotics and smuggling. But an obsession with extremism at the expense of addressing other pressing needs in Mindanao, such as improving education and government service delivery, will be counter-productive. Even if the Bangsamoro state does not materialise anytime soon, much can be done.
One final note – Duterte's war on drugs has been as much of a disaster for Mindanao as the Maute brothers. In Marawi, it may have sent some dealers into the arms of the extremists for protection, though there is no evidence to support Duterte's assertion that the Mautes themselves were long involved in the drug trade. It has undercut any efforts to fix the dysfunctional criminal justice system, encouraging vigilante killings and planted evidence. With most of the victims from poor neighbourhoods, it has reportedly led to a spike in recruitment for the Communist New People's Army (NPA), which in any case is taking full advantage of the massive deployment of military forces to Marawi and the Sulu archipelago. And it is diverting the attention of the president and his advisers from moving forward on Bangsamoro autonomy.
If the President is not careful, his legacy to the Philippines will be two newly revitalised insurgencies, not just one.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/has-marawi-killed-philippines-peace-process
For years, the common wisdom about conflict in the southern Philippines was that the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was the best antidote to radicalisation. We all said it – analysts, activists, donors, diplomats, anyone who cared about making Mindanao a better place.
Now it's time to face facts: the peace process in Mindanao may be dead, and no one has a Plan B. Thinking about alternative options is now critical.
Since 1997, the agonisingly slow process toward autonomy has been aimed at the creation of an autonomous territory called Bangsamoro that would replace and have greater powers than the current Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The basis would be a comprehensive agreement worked out in 2014 between the MILF and the government that was supposed to be enshrined in a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) adopted by the Philippine Congress. Deadlines for passing the BBL have come and gone – a new version is now with Congress, but it might stay there for months (or forever) as political dynamics in Mindanao change for the worse.
If the peace process is dead, the war in Marawi has killed it. Now in its fourth month, the prolonged battle between the Philippine military and a coalition of pro-ISIS fighters in the country's only 'Islamic city' has weakened the MILF, almost certainly exacerbated Islamophobia within Manila's political elite, and laid the groundwork for increased radicalisation in the south.
Ethnic fissures
In recent years, the MILF has been able to position itself as the future leader of Bangsamoro because it could plausibly claim to represent Muslim Mindanao's main ethnic groups, including the two largest, the Maranao from around Marawi and Lake Lanao, and the Maguindanaon, from Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
The Marawi war has weakened the MILF's hold over both. It drew some Maranao fighters into ISIS and left others reluctant to fight their kinsmen (though many MILF volunteers also risked their lives to open the 'peace corridor' in June that enabled hundreds of trapped civilians to get out). Many Maranao, however, reportedly saw the MILF as unable to protect them, either from the Maute brothers who command the ISIS forces in Marawi or from the military's bombardment.
A senior MILF leader I met last week in Cotabato argued that they could not take on the Mautes because they had no formal request from the government to do so. Without a clear mandate (such as they have with the government to fight illegal drugs) the chances of a misstep were huge, he said. That's certainly true, but with the military also uncertain of MILF loyalties in the Marawi area, a request for help was unlikely to be forthcoming.
Then in early August, MILF fighters found themselves fighting fellow Maguindanaon in the MILF heartland. A pro-ISIS faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) led by Abu Torayfe (whose death in recent days has been reported, but not confirmed) brought several dozen fighters into MILF territory. The MILF called up its special forces (known as Task Force Ittihad) and resisted the incursion, backed by the Philippine army. When asked why this engagement required no formal request, the MILF leader explained that Abu Torayfe's men posed a direct threat to the MILF and that it was a clear case of self-defence. 'They are out to destroy us,' he said.
A Philippine government official said that the MILF-BIFF fighting was useful for the peace process, 'because it shows that the MILF can be a reliable partner'. But the MILF joining with the government to fight fellow Maguindanaon may not play well within its own constituency when Mindanao is under martial law and when ISIS propaganda is accusing the military of destroying Marawi through airstrikes.
The MILF and Duterte
The MILF has also been weakened by its edgy relationship with President Rodrigo Duterte. Many voters in the MILF heartland supported Duterte's rival, former cabinet minister Mar Roxas, in the 2016 election. When the new President appeared to be in no hurry to press the BBL, the MILF did not push. The President's office finally submitted a new version of the bill to the Philippine Senate on 17 August but without the so-called certificate of urgency that could lead to its being fast-tracked – there are many technical hurdles to clear before it has any chance of being adopted.
An MILF leader excused Duterte's delays by pointing out that he was in the early days of his six-year presidency and believed he had all the time in the world. At the same time, it was clear that the MILF as an organisation is wary of doing anything that could alienate a volatile president. 'With the past [Aquino] administration, we could suggest things for consideration,' said one member. 'With Duterte, the moment he dislikes us, we're out. We have to be very, very careful.'
The decision to let the President set the agenda, however, has deprived the MILF of leverage. In the past, the MILF held out the implicit threat of a return to violence if its concerns were not met. Now it has all but taken that possibility off the table. Chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the most frequent question he gets these days is what the MILF will do if the BBL collapses:
They want us to say we'll go back to war. I say, 'We will continue to assert our right to self-determination.'
The problem is, what if no one is listening? The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), which under President Aquino had been a creative, energetic body that was at once chief advocate and political strategist for the Bangsamoro, has turned into almost a ceremonial office under Duterte. It appears to have no strategy of its own to bring the BBL forward.
The President, meanwhile, has other priorities, including his lethal drug war that has led to more than 8000 extrajudicial killings of suspected dealers and users since he took office (some estimates are far higher). He is also committed to a hazy notion of federalism that has never been fleshed out and whose exact relationship to the BBL has never been made clear.
The truth is that the BBL is stalled, and possibly dead. If it resurfaces in a Congress newly wary of security problems in the south, it may be so watered down that the MILF would further lose credibility by signing on – especially among a younger generation, for whom the organisation, with its aging leadership, seems anything but revolutionary.
Into the breach...
Into the breach come the young, charismatic Mautes, with their message of a universal caliphate promising justice and equality and their goal of establishing a pure Islamic state. They have mastered the art of propaganda, sending messages and videos over social media and relying on mass decentralised dissemination to carry images of their improbable capture of Marawi to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond (one young MILF member called his own organisation's communication strategy 'Jurassic' by comparison). That message resonates with only a small minority of Mindanao's Muslims but it may be gaining ground, particularly among those displaced by the Marawi fighting and university students. The head of the Philippine Sports Commission came back from a visit to an evacuee centre in Iligan saying the dream of some children there was to join ISIS, seeing the Mautes as heroes. Others report that the displaced are far angrier with the government than with the Mautes, largely because of the airstrikes that have caused so much destruction.
The pro-ISIS recruitment is likely to outlast the Maute's control of Marawi, particularly if those who call themselves the 'East Asia Wilayah' of Islamic State can manage to find a steady source of funding to cover operational costs. The danger is that with their proven ability to cross traditional regional and ethnic lines (Abu Torayfe's forces reportedly included Maranaos, Tausugs, a few Muslim converts and one foreigner), the pro-ISIS groups could morph into a new, more militantly Islamist insurgency than anything the Philippines has seen before.
There is no point sitting around hoping that BBL and a new Bangsamoro polity will be the antidote to extremism. Extremism has already arrived.
What to do
There are many ways to strengthen Muslim Mindanao even in the absence of a BBL. The most pressing need is to get the reconstruction of Marawi right, as failure to do so will aid extremist propaganda and recruitment in the area already most receptive to it.
That means listening to the concerns and priorities of the displaced, ensuring that professionals among them have a role in decision-making and keeping the process accountable and as free of corruption as possible.
Addressing security concerns without undue militarisation is going to be tricky, particularly under martial law. It will be important to quickly try to bring life back to normal in the neighbourhoods largely unaffected by the fighting (the barangays bordering Mindanao State University) but the military reportedly is worried about pro-ISIS fighters seeping back into communities if it allows people to return too soon. Some infiltration will inevitably occur, but a functioning community with jobs and schools can also be an important buffer.
Countering extremism is important, and civil society organisations have made several useful recommendations, from developing youth programs to addressing the 'shadow economy' of guns, narcotics and smuggling. But an obsession with extremism at the expense of addressing other pressing needs in Mindanao, such as improving education and government service delivery, will be counter-productive. Even if the Bangsamoro state does not materialise anytime soon, much can be done.
One final note – Duterte's war on drugs has been as much of a disaster for Mindanao as the Maute brothers. In Marawi, it may have sent some dealers into the arms of the extremists for protection, though there is no evidence to support Duterte's assertion that the Mautes themselves were long involved in the drug trade. It has undercut any efforts to fix the dysfunctional criminal justice system, encouraging vigilante killings and planted evidence. With most of the victims from poor neighbourhoods, it has reportedly led to a spike in recruitment for the Communist New People's Army (NPA), which in any case is taking full advantage of the massive deployment of military forces to Marawi and the Sulu archipelago. And it is diverting the attention of the president and his advisers from moving forward on Bangsamoro autonomy.
If the President is not careful, his legacy to the Philippines will be two newly revitalised insurgencies, not just one.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/has-marawi-killed-philippines-peace-process
Emotions running high after death of Maute Group's patriarch: Analyst
From Channel News Asia (Aug 29): Emotions running high after death of Maute Group's patriarch: Analyst
FILE PHOTO: Cayamora Maute, a man who said he was the father of two brothers whose Maute group of Islamist militants led the seizure of Marawi city, gestures inside the police station after his arrest in Davao city, southern Philippines June 6, 2017. REUTERS/Lean Daval Jr/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Cayamora Maute, a man who said he was the father of two brothers whose Maute group of Islamist militants led the seizure of Marawi city, gestures inside the police station after his arrest in Davao city, southern Philippines June 6, 2017. REUTERS/Lean Daval Jr/File Photo
Emotions are running high amongst insurgents in the Philippines after the death of Cayamora Maute, the patriarch of the pro-Islamic State Maute Group which laid siege to Marawi City in May.
Maute, 67, died of illness on Sunday (Aug 27) after being rushed to hospital from prison. He was arrested in June at a checkpoint in Davao City, a month after fierce fighting broke out in Marawi. His sons, Omarkhayam Romato Maute and Abdullah Maute, are leaders of the Maute Group.
“Emotions are high within the group and family. The death is being used to rally relatives, especially those still active in the MILF for support,” a Filipino scholar who studies insurgents told Channel NewsAsia.
“Cayamora was an MILF commander and his death is used to attract more recruits,” added the scholar.
The MILF refers to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philipines' largest insurgent group. It has condemned the fighting in Marawi where Islamic States' (IS) black flags were raised and civilians beheaded.
As the largest insurgent group which controls territory, MILF is seen as a crucial factor in stemming the flow of militias joining IS.
However, according to Professor Zachary Abuza of the National War College in a recent opinion piece, the militias have also been able to win over some defectors from the mainstream MILF whose negotiations for a peace process with the government has been on indefinite hold since January 2015.
“Emotions are high within the group and family. The death is being used to rally relatives, especially those still active in the MILF for support,” a Filipino scholar who studies insurgents told Channel NewsAsia.
“Cayamora was an MILF commander and his death is used to attract more recruits,” added the scholar.
The MILF refers to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philipines' largest insurgent group. It has condemned the fighting in Marawi where Islamic States' (IS) black flags were raised and civilians beheaded.
As the largest insurgent group which controls territory, MILF is seen as a crucial factor in stemming the flow of militias joining IS.
However, according to Professor Zachary Abuza of the National War College in a recent opinion piece, the militias have also been able to win over some defectors from the mainstream MILF whose negotiations for a peace process with the government has been on indefinite hold since January 2015.
“The MILF leadership is looking very old and discredited to a new generation of frustrated and angry Moro youth,” Prof Abuza wrote in a piece that appeared in the BenarNews news portal.
“The MILF is unable to stem the exodus of members who are joining pro-IS militants and must now compete for young recruits,” added Abuza who specialises in Southeast Asia insurgencies and politics.
Asked whether Cayamora's death will trigger anger and suspicions against the government, the Filipino scholar said: “It is happening. Cayamora is an ideologue so his ideology, more than anything else, will move this (fighting) further."
“The MILF is unable to stem the exodus of members who are joining pro-IS militants and must now compete for young recruits,” added Abuza who specialises in Southeast Asia insurgencies and politics.
Asked whether Cayamora's death will trigger anger and suspicions against the government, the Filipino scholar said: “It is happening. Cayamora is an ideologue so his ideology, more than anything else, will move this (fighting) further."
According to the scholar, Cayamora believed in setting up a moderate Islamic state.
A regional security official told Channel NewsAsia that the Maute brothers would probably be "more fierce" due to the death of their father. "They would put the blame on the Philippines government for sure,” he said.
Cayamora Maute, according to the military, funded and provided logistical support for his sons’ activities. It is also believed that the patriarch was involved in drug deals and used the proceeds to buy weapons.
A regional security official told Channel NewsAsia that the Maute brothers would probably be "more fierce" due to the death of their father. "They would put the blame on the Philippines government for sure,” he said.
Cayamora Maute, according to the military, funded and provided logistical support for his sons’ activities. It is also believed that the patriarch was involved in drug deals and used the proceeds to buy weapons.
“Without that, they (Maute) cannot buy firearms, ammunitions and other war material,” said the security official.
However, the scholar dismissed those suggestions, saying it was more probable that the Mautes received funds from groups involved in illegal drugs.
“Cayamora does not appear to have directly dealt with drugs. He has 14 children who are accomplished, doctors etc … and would not risk the family,” said the scholar.
“Their lifestyle is not of that of a 'drug lord' unlike local personalities and families who are publicly known as drug dealers and live a luxurious life. But they (Maute) receiving funds from groups involved in illegal drugs is not discounted,” the scholar added.
MAUTE GROUP'S FUNDING, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT NOT AFFECTED: ANALYST
The Institute for Policy Analysis for Conflict (IPAC) does not expect Cayamora’s death to have any impact on the Maute Group.
“Their lifestyle is not of that of a 'drug lord' unlike local personalities and families who are publicly known as drug dealers and live a luxurious life. But they (Maute) receiving funds from groups involved in illegal drugs is not discounted,” the scholar added.
MAUTE GROUP'S FUNDING, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT NOT AFFECTED: ANALYST
The Institute for Policy Analysis for Conflict (IPAC) does not expect Cayamora’s death to have any impact on the Maute Group.
“I don’t think it will have a major impact one way or another ... When he (Cayamora) was arrested, operations went on. The leadership was being provided by his sons. I don’t think he was playing a significant role when he was arrested,” said Sidney Jones, director of IPAC.
The Maute Group’s funding and logistical support are also expected to continue unfettered by Cayamora’s death as financing for the group is well in place, Jones added.
“The logistics had already been assembled. The financing was already in place. I think the mother was much more important then the father in terms of the logistics,” she explained.
His wife, Farhana Maute, is an accomplished businesswoman in the contracting business.
The Maute Group’s funding and logistical support are also expected to continue unfettered by Cayamora’s death as financing for the group is well in place, Jones added.
“The logistics had already been assembled. The financing was already in place. I think the mother was much more important then the father in terms of the logistics,” she explained.
His wife, Farhana Maute, is an accomplished businesswoman in the contracting business.
In a July report, IPAC said funding for the Marawi operations “came directly from IS’ central (Syria) as well as local sources.”
According to IPAC, the Philippines military said US$600,000 was chanelled to the group via Malaysian militant Mahmud Ahmad who is aligned with the Abu Sayaf Group’s pro-IS faction.
Jones believes there will be a slow dispersal of Marawi fighters to other parts of Mindanao island.
“Recruitment will continue even if the Marawi siege is contained,” said the scholar.
Maute’s death comes one week after IS released a new slick video calling for Muslims from across Southeast Asia to go to Marawi to wage jihad, worrying security officials across the region.
Malaysia's top counter-terror cop, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, called the video “powerful and dangerous” which would excite and provoke young, fanatical Muslim men to go to Marawi, saying it was a problem for the entire Southeast Asia region.
According to IPAC, the Philippines military said US$600,000 was chanelled to the group via Malaysian militant Mahmud Ahmad who is aligned with the Abu Sayaf Group’s pro-IS faction.
Jones believes there will be a slow dispersal of Marawi fighters to other parts of Mindanao island.
“Recruitment will continue even if the Marawi siege is contained,” said the scholar.
Maute’s death comes one week after IS released a new slick video calling for Muslims from across Southeast Asia to go to Marawi to wage jihad, worrying security officials across the region.
Malaysia's top counter-terror cop, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, called the video “powerful and dangerous” which would excite and provoke young, fanatical Muslim men to go to Marawi, saying it was a problem for the entire Southeast Asia region.
AFP believes father’s death has huge impact on Maute brothers
From UNTV (Aug 30): AFP believes father’s death has huge impact on Maute brothers
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes that the leaders of the terrorist group, Omar and Abdullah Maute, are affected by the death of their father Cayamora Maute.
“It would have a huge impact, of course, since his children are still in Marawi City. They are affected. This means that all people might be killed, but we should always be on the right side. What we are doing is goodness for the people, for the country,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said he is saddened by the death of Cayamora Maute.
But with the Maute Partriarch’s demise, government forces are now preparing for a bigger battle in the event the Maute brothers take revenge for the death of their father.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said he is saddened by the death of Cayamora Maute.
But with the Maute Partriarch’s demise, government forces are now preparing for a bigger battle in the event the Maute brothers take revenge for the death of their father.
“We have seen the progress and the advancement of our soldiers. We have already retaken the grand mosque. The area left to them is small.”
“So probably we are preparing for one big battle,” Año said.
General Año is confident that the battle will end sooner as there are only 40 terrorists left in the city.
The number of deaths on the part of the terrorists group has already reached more than 600 in the 67-day fighting.
As of current, soldiers still need to clear about 300 buildings in the now war-torn city.
“So probably we are preparing for one big battle,” Año said.
General Año is confident that the battle will end sooner as there are only 40 terrorists left in the city.
The number of deaths on the part of the terrorists group has already reached more than 600 in the 67-day fighting.
As of current, soldiers still need to clear about 300 buildings in the now war-torn city.
‘Don’t embarrass me’
From the Mindanao Times (Aug 30): ‘Don’t embarrass me’
Mayor Sara issues challenge to new TF Davao commander
MAYOR SARA Duterte-Carpio challenged the newly appointed Task Force Davao commander to ensure that his stint will result to “zero terrorism incident.”
Col. Nolasco Mempin replaced Col. Edwin Bernard Neri during the turnover ceremony at TF headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf.
During her speech as a guest of honor and speaker, Mayor Duterte revealed that Mempin came with high recommendations. In fact, her first choice to replace Neri was a former TF commander.
“I was the one who vetted you and I will only add one, don’t sleep, don’t breathe, and don’t embarrass me because I was the one who vetted you,” she said.
The mayor also said that she appreciates the efforts of both the Task Force Davao and the Philippine National Police, especially when she sees men in uniform patrolling the streets even at midnight or before daybreak.
“The reason why you are not allowed to sleep it’s because our students, as well as doctors and nurses and other professionals and Davaoenos will sleep peacefully and that’s your job to wake up while they are sleeping to prepare and secure the city,” she added.
In return, she said, the TF Davao can expect the full support of the local government and its inhabitants. For one, the financial support for the Cafgu auxiliary will continue along with other needs of the contingent to perform their job well.
In a separate interview yesterday, Mempin said that he’s accepting the challenge of Mayor Duterte.
“Even if one incident occurs, it’s going to be a failure on our campaign against terrorism,” Mempin said.
He described the outgoing TF Davao commander as a mentor who molded him to become a good soldier. “I take pride in being a soldier to ensure first the safety and protection of the people before your own personal comfort,” he said.
Mempin said they will continue to intensify their intelligence efforts, in addition to the adopted security measures, to thwart any terror attack in the city. Among the security measures are visibility and random checkpoints.
“Don’t sleep because maybe when you sleep that’s the time when the enemy (will strike),” he further said.
The ceremony was held at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, presided by Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, assistant division commander of 10th ID.
Duterte-Carpio and Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), were the guests of honor.
Mempin was a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis Lahi” class 1990, who graduated top eight in a class of 147.
Prior to his designation, Mempin was the chief of Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO) of the 10th Infantry Division. He became also the commander of 78th Infantry battalion under the 8th Infantry Division.
http://mindanaotimes.net/dont-embarrass-me/
Mayor Sara issues challenge to new TF Davao commander
MAYOR SARA Duterte-Carpio challenged the newly appointed Task Force Davao commander to ensure that his stint will result to “zero terrorism incident.”
Col. Nolasco Mempin replaced Col. Edwin Bernard Neri during the turnover ceremony at TF headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf.
During her speech as a guest of honor and speaker, Mayor Duterte revealed that Mempin came with high recommendations. In fact, her first choice to replace Neri was a former TF commander.
“I was the one who vetted you and I will only add one, don’t sleep, don’t breathe, and don’t embarrass me because I was the one who vetted you,” she said.
The mayor also said that she appreciates the efforts of both the Task Force Davao and the Philippine National Police, especially when she sees men in uniform patrolling the streets even at midnight or before daybreak.
“The reason why you are not allowed to sleep it’s because our students, as well as doctors and nurses and other professionals and Davaoenos will sleep peacefully and that’s your job to wake up while they are sleeping to prepare and secure the city,” she added.
In return, she said, the TF Davao can expect the full support of the local government and its inhabitants. For one, the financial support for the Cafgu auxiliary will continue along with other needs of the contingent to perform their job well.
In a separate interview yesterday, Mempin said that he’s accepting the challenge of Mayor Duterte.
“Even if one incident occurs, it’s going to be a failure on our campaign against terrorism,” Mempin said.
He described the outgoing TF Davao commander as a mentor who molded him to become a good soldier. “I take pride in being a soldier to ensure first the safety and protection of the people before your own personal comfort,” he said.
Mempin said they will continue to intensify their intelligence efforts, in addition to the adopted security measures, to thwart any terror attack in the city. Among the security measures are visibility and random checkpoints.
“Don’t sleep because maybe when you sleep that’s the time when the enemy (will strike),” he further said.
The ceremony was held at the TF Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf, presided by Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, assistant division commander of 10th ID.
Duterte-Carpio and Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), were the guests of honor.
Mempin was a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis Lahi” class 1990, who graduated top eight in a class of 147.
Prior to his designation, Mempin was the chief of Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO) of the 10th Infantry Division. He became also the commander of 78th Infantry battalion under the 8th Infantry Division.
http://mindanaotimes.net/dont-embarrass-me/
OPAPP: Negotiations only one of many roads toward peace
From the Mindanao Times (Aug 30): OPAPP: Negotiations only one of many roads toward peace
PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza said the national government is continuing its efforts despite the cancellation of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF).
“The talk are ongoing but is still now canceled. The president had instructed ‘no talks.’ We in the panel takes his guidance and decisions,” he said.
“Everything is cancelled, but it doesn’t stop OPAPP and other sectors working for peace to continue our work,” he said, noting that the negotiating table is only one of many roads toward peace.
Another way to ensure peace is to improve the lives of the people. “We can continue improving the lives of the people even without the peace agreement. You can even sign a hundred pieces of agreements. If you cannot improve the lives of the people, nothing will happen to the paper that was signed,” he said.
The peace secretary also noted, however, that the negotiation with the MILF has been sustained despite the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said the government is already working with the group to develop Moro communities through the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
“The talk are ongoing but is still now canceled. The president had instructed ‘no talks.’ We in the panel takes his guidance and decisions,” he said.
“Everything is cancelled, but it doesn’t stop OPAPP and other sectors working for peace to continue our work,” he said, noting that the negotiating table is only one of many roads toward peace.
Another way to ensure peace is to improve the lives of the people. “We can continue improving the lives of the people even without the peace agreement. You can even sign a hundred pieces of agreements. If you cannot improve the lives of the people, nothing will happen to the paper that was signed,” he said.
The peace secretary also noted, however, that the negotiation with the MILF has been sustained despite the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said the government is already working with the group to develop Moro communities through the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).
The BDA was established in accordance with the humanitarian, rehabilitation, and development aspects of the GRP-MILF Peace Agreement in 2001. This is aimed at determining and managing rehabilitation and development projects in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.
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