Soldiers participate in Singampo IP ritual, address military issues

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Soldiers participate in Singampo IP ritual, address military issues (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Troopers of the 8th Infantry “Dependable" Battalion of the Philippine Army attended the Higaonon Ritual and answered all military concerns of the IP community during the 142nd Impasugong Founding Anniversary grand opening held at the Municipal Ground on September 5, 2019.

Impasugong being the tribal capital of Bukidnon started its 142nd Foundation Day with a tribal ritual called “SINGAMPO”- a prayer in a customary way to appease the Supreme Creator for the success of the activity and for the safety of everybody. During the ritual, chieftains slaughtered two hogs and several free-range chickens as an offering to the Loving Creator and smeared the blood in their palms and forehead to include the visitors.

The 8th IB troopers assigned in the area to serve and secure the constituents were among those invited to be a part of the said ritual.

After the ritual, a program was conducted to give IP leaders a chance to speak out their concerns regarding the service of the local government unit and national line agencies. One of the concerns raised was the alleged red-tagging of tribal chieftains by their colleagues accusing them of helping the NPA-terrorists in their area and the processing of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title in claiming their ancestral domains.Ltc. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry “Dependable" Battalion of the Philippine Army, clarifies issues on alleged red-tagging of tribal chieftains during the 142nd founding anniversary of Impasug-ong. (8th IB)

“In winning the insurgency, we are counting friends, not the enemies. I am reminding the friends of the government to stop tagging others to the NPA group,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, 8IB Commanding Officer.

“If ever some of them support the terrorists, maybe they were forced to do so. They were victims of threat so we are visiting them through our Community Support Program efforts,” Illana further said.

Chieftain Benny Cumatang, IP Mandatory Representative of Impasugong meanwhile reminded his fellow IP that they are to love their community and children. "Let us live as one, avoid accusing your colleagues as supporters of NPA-terrorists unless you have concrete evidence, ” he said.

He also underscored their roles in maintaining peace and order. "We have our 8th IB and the PNP to work on the insurgency problem and the peace and order situation in our municipality, let us help them by giving information and guiding our community,” he added. (8th IB/PIA10)


https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027017

Army provides assistance during Pakighimagat

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Army provides assistance during Pakighimagat (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Army representatives from the 403rd Infantry Brigade and 8th Infantry Battalion has provided security assistance to Bukidnon State University (BukSU) during its “Pakighimagat (Welcoming the Freshies)” on Friday, September 6. 

Upon the request of BukSU - Supreme Student Council and University President, army troops were deployed in the entrance and exit points of the school to assist in inspecting students, faculty members, vehicles and visitors entering the vicinity.

The security was conducted to make sure that students are secured while getting acquainted with their new friends and classmates during the activity.

“The Philippine Army, in all ways we can, will support our community especially our schools in educating our youth. We believe that even in this kind of small acts, we contribute to building resilient and dependable youth because they are the hope of our nation, “ said Ltc. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion.

He said the Philippine Army will continue its efforts in countering insurgency for peace, order, and progress of the country.

Pakighimagat is an annual event to give an opportunity to first-year students to get to know their classmates, teachers and the school as well. (8th IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027023

Duterte inspects, welcomes MILF decommissioned firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Duterte inspects, welcomes MILF decommissioned firearms



JOURNEY TO PEACE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (left photo) shakes the hand of one of 1,060 decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants following the launching of the second phase of the decommissioning activity as part of the normalization track for the GPH-MILF comprehensive peace process on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2019). A total of 940 firearms (right photo) from the MILF were also decommissioned. (PNA photos by Noel Punzalan)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed here on Saturday the decommissioning of 1,060 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and vowed to do his best to bring about peace in Mindanao.

While here, Duterte also inspected some 940 decommissioned firearms, including 20 crew-served weapons, at the decommissioning process area as he attended to the second-phase launching of the decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons at the old capitol compound in Barangay Simuay here.

“Today, we mark another important milestone in the history of the Bangsamoro peace process,” he said during his speech here before the decommissioned Moro fighters.

“This is indeed a huge step toward our goal in achieving lasting peace for Mindanao,” the President added.

With this, Duterte said he looks forward to having the former MILF members as government partners in further securing peace and order in Mindanao.

“Let us set aside our differences and avoid further armed conflict,” he said.

He told the MILF members not to be sad that they have turned over their firearms as they are now with the government.

“Kung kailangan nyo talaga ng armas para idepensa ang gobyerno dito sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), walang problema, bigyan ko kayo ng mas bago (If you really need firearms to defend the BARMM government, no problem I will give you new ones,” Duterte said.

He then told the Bangsamoro people that the land in this part of Mindanao is now theirs to take care of and make progress.

He asked the people of Mindanao to put a stop to land grabbing.

“As long as I am the President, makukuha ninyo (you will get) what we promised to you. Help? Financial? We will do it,” he told the decommissioned MILF members.

The President said his administration would provide all the necessary support so the Bangsamoro can exploit its natural resources.

“Exploit the oil so you will be like Arabs in luxury cars,” he told the Bangsamoro people in jest referring to the potential natural gas deposit the province has in its 220,000-hectare Liguasan marshland.

“What we need to address is communication,” he said as he asked the Bangsamoro to take care of its environment. “Before you decide on anything about the environment, let us talk.”

He assured that his heart is for Moro people.

“I love the Moro people because I am one of them,” he said as the crowd roared.

In his welcome remarks, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim lauded the President for his unwavering quest for peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

“We owe you Mr. President, and we pledge to uphold our commitment to peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

For his part, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez vowed not to leave anyone behind in the peace process.

“This is a truly a momentous event for the Bangsamoro people and the Filipino nation as a whole,” he said.

Each decommissioned MILF combatant is set to receive an initial amount of PHP100,000 in cash assistance and some PHP950,000 worth of health, education and livelihood support from the government.

“Gamitin mo ang pera para sa livelihood n’yo (Use the money for your livelihood),” the President said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079866

BIFF leader, 13 others yield to Army’s 33IB in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): BIFF leader, 13 others yield to Army’s 33IB in Maguindanao



BIFF SURRENDER. Col. Jose Narciso (2nd left), 601st Army Brigade commander, hands over an undisclosed amount of assistance to a BIFF member (left) during surrender rites as Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling and local officials look on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2019). A total of 14 BIFF members voluntarily surrendered to military and local officials in Maguindanao on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of 33IB)

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao -- Fourteen members of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Saturday voluntarily surrendered to military and local officials here hoping to live normal lives anew.

Lt. Col. Elmer M. Boongaling, the commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), said the surrender came after they initiated talks with one of the factions of the BIFF operating in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

A sub-leader of the BIFF and 13 of his men positively responded to the Army’s peace and development advocacy program.

The group turned in three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, two M16 Armalite rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, an M14 rifle, one 9mm Uzi submachine pistol, and one homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle to Boongaling and 601st Army Brigade commander, Col. Jose Narciso during the turnover ceremony.

“I have been a rebel since 1972 and being so did not give me and my family any good, I am looking forward to the future of my children,” said the former BIFF commander who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“The BARMM is in place, I and my men now believe we no longer have reasons to rebel against the government,” he said referring to the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao set-up.

“The 33IB is always open to any rebel who wishes to embrace peace,” Boongaling said.

“We are ready to talk peace to all enemies of the state for the sake of their children and families.”

Narciso lauded the rebels for choosing the path on returning to the mainstream society.

“I am happy for your decision, your government is always ready to accept those who wish to surrender peacefully,” Narciso said.

The surrenderers will receive cash and livelihood assistance from the Maguindanao provincial government, including free education for their children and medical assistance.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also lauded the initiative of the 33IB and congratulated the rebels for their right decision to yield.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079871

Sultan Kudarat blast shows need to fast-track normalization

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Sultan Kudarat blast shows need to fast-track normalization



Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles

MANILA -- Malacañang said the explosion in a public market in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday (Sept. 7) shows the need to fast-track the normalization process as part of efforts to end decades of conflict in Mindanao.

“The blast this morning is a reminder of why we must exhaust all efforts to ensure that future generations are spared from the conflict and violence that has plagued Mindanao in the past," Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a statement.

Nograles also expressed hope that the eight persons wounded in the blast would have a speedy recovery.

"We pray for a speedy recovery for those hurt in the blast and we hope that our partners in peace will remain steadfast in their commitment to the peace and normalization process,” he added.

Nograles also hailed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to push through with his attendance on the second phase of decommissioning Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and weapons in Sultan Kudarat just hours after the blast took place.

During the event, Duterte told the decommissioned fighters not to be sad or disheartened in handing over their weapons and returning to civilian life.

“Do not be sad na ang armas ninyo binigay ninyo sa gobyerno. Kasi kayo gobyerno na. Eh kung kailangan talaga ninyo ng armas para idepensa ninyo ang gobyerno dito sa BARMM. Walang problema. Bigyan ko kayo mas bago (Do not be sad that you turned over your arms to the government. Because you are the government now. IF you really need arms to defend your government here in BARMM, no problem. I’ll give you new ones),” Duterte said.

Despite possible hurdles along the way, Nograles said Duterte remains committed to push forward normalization plans in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He said Duterte’s presence there "reflects the government's commitment to end decades of conflict in Mindanao in order to bring peace and stability to the region."

"As the first chief executive from Mindanao, President Duterte recognizes the necessity and urgency of forging a just and lasting peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters," Nograles said.

"We expect to encounter challenges on the road to peace, but this morning's criminal act will not deter us from moving forward," he added.

Meanwhile, Nograles said efforts to fast-track normalization process are ongoing including the decommissioning of 12,000 MILF troops, or close to a third of MILF combatants, is expected to be completed by March 2020.

“The 12,000 combatants and their families are set to receive between half a million to PHP1 million in financial assistance on top of provisions for housing, livelihood assistance, skills development training, scholarships, employment opportunities, PhilHealth coverage, conditional cash transfers, and documentation such as birth certificates and postal IDs,” Nograles said.

Currently, the government is in phase two of the decommissioning of MILF forces, with phase three to be completed by next year and the remaining MILF forces to be decommissioned before the signing of the Exit Agreement in 2022.

Nograles co-chairs the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism (ICCMN) on Normalization with Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079881

Pinoy Korean War vets to observe Memorial Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Pinoy Korean War vets to observe Memorial Day



Retired Army Maj. Maximo Young

MANILA -- Some 160 aging Filipino veterans of the Korean War will converge on Monday to celebrate the 20th Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

The occasion will coincide with the observance of the 45th Philippine Veterans Affairs, Inc. (PVAI) anniversary.

Heading the celebration will be retired Army Maj. Maximo Young, a decorated war hero of the Korean War from 1950-1953, and president of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).

At age 97, Young is also the oldest and longest-surviving PEFTOK member.

It may be recalled that Young was a tank commander when he and his men confronted overwhelming Chinese troops in the epic battle at Yultong.

It was in this battle that he was awarded the “Taegeuk Medal”, the highest Korean military medal for bravery in combat, together with another Filipino soldier, the late Capt. Conrado D. Yap.

The Philippines was the first Asian country that sent 4,720 combat troops when the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950.

Of that number, 92 Filipino soldiers were killed in action, 299 wounded, 57 missing in action, and 40 were captured.

Through the years, many of the PEFTOK troops who came home, died due to illness and old age with only some 160 alive today.

Retired Lt. Roberto Oliver, 89, is the youngest living PEFTOK veteran, who is expected to attend Monday’s celebration with retired Brig. Gen. Manuel Gonzales, assistant secretary and chief of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic of the Department of Transportation, as guest speaker and honor.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man and retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), are also invited to grace the affair.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079888

Alleged NPA member arrested in Pasig

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Alleged NPA member arrested in Pasig



MANILA -- Authorities have arrested an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member who has PHP100,000 bounty on his head, the Eastern Police District (EPD) reported on Sunday.

Joselito Naag, 45, and resident of Daraga, Albay, was nabbed after long hours of surveillance along Christ the King St. in Barangay Santolan, Pasig on Saturday evening (Sept. 7).

Naag was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for cases of robbery, murder, and frustrated murder issued by the Regional Trial Court of Legaspi City, Albay.

The EPD said Naag is listed as member of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla 78 in Albay and listed as No. 30 ‘most wanted person’ in the Bicol Region.

He is now under the custody of District Intelligence Division of EPD for documentation prior to his return to Albay.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had earlier issued PHP100,000 bounty for Naag’s arrest.

Brig. Gen. Johnson Almazan, head of the EPD, said the successful arrest of Naag was “in line with the intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs”.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079869

Philippine naval ship docks at HCM City

Posted to Vietnam Plus (Sep 7, 2019): Philippine naval ship docks at HCM City

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz docked in HCM City port on September 7 (Photo: VNA)

HCM City (VNA) – The BRP Ramon Alcaraz of the Philippine Navy and 187 officers and crewmembers docked at the international port in Ho Chi Minh City on September 7 for a four-day official visit.

This is the third time a Philippine naval ship has visited Vietnam to further strengthen the friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries’ armies and navies.

During the visit from September 7-10, the Philippine naval delegation will pay courtesy calls to leaders of HCM City People’s Committee and the head of the High Command of the Naval Region 2. They will also engage in sport exchanges with officers and sailors at the Vietnam Navy Technical College, and visit Vietnamese naval ships.-VNA

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/philippine-naval-ship-docks-at-hcm-city/160089.vnp

Philippines acquires 3 more new warships – AFP

From the Philippine Star (Sep 8, 2019): Philippines acquires 3 more new warships – AFP



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal made the announcement here Friday when he attended the 13th founding anniversary of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).  File

The country’s naval capability will be boosted further with the arrival of three frigates next year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal made the announcement here Friday when he attended the 13th founding anniversary of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Madrigal said the first to arrive early next year is BRP Jose Rizal, a frigate class of the Philippine Navy that was launched in Ulsan, South Korea.

He said the additional frigate will complement the BRP Conrado, a Pohang Class, which arrived last month. The vessel is the Philippine Navy’s first modern corvette that has anti-air, surface and anti-submarine warfare capability.

“The improvement of the AFP capabilities is fast. We have delivery of naval ships,” Madrigal told the troops.

Madrigal later told newsmen that the arrival of additional naval warships was not in reaction to the continued intrusion and incursion of Chinese warships in Philippine territory.

He said the enhancement of naval capability was already in pipeline of the AFP modernization program.

“Our posture is not only to attain security but on our capability to respond to contingencies like calamities, capability to work together in interoperability with our allies,” Madrigal said.

He stressed the addition of naval ships is aimed to increase AFP capability and ensure the sovereign security of the country while protecting the welfare of the Filipino people, especially the fishermen.

“We are very fortunate we have a President who is very supportive, and the President recognizes the contribution of our soldiers in attaining peace and development in our country,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the support provided by President Duterte will be reciprocated with firm service of every soldier in the AFP to hasten the peace and development of the country.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/09/08/1949891/philippines-acquires-3-more-new-warships-afp

ISIS claim Philippines market blast

From The National (Sep 8, 2019): ISIS claim Philippines market blast

It was the fourth blast in the area in 13 months

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left. A blast in the Philippines comes at a time of heightened tensions in the volatile southern part of the country after three incidents in the past year. Getty

The ISIS militant group has claimed responsibility for an explosion at a public market in the southern Philippines that wounded at least seven people early on Saturday.

The group issued a statement late on Saturday saying the motorcycle bombing had wounded seven Filipino Christians at a public market.

It was the fourth blast in the area in 13 months, according to the Philippine military, which said a militant group operating in the mostly Christian city of Isulan in the province of Sultan Kudarat was among the suspects.

The latest blast comes at a time of heightened tensions in the volatile southern Philippines after three incidents in the past year authorities said were suicide bombings by militants linked to ISIS.

Video footage showed Saturday's blast occurred in a parking space for motorcycles. A suspected improvised explosive device was placed beside a parked motorcycle, Major Arvin Encinas, a regional military spokesman, told reporters.

In April, a bombing by suspected members of a pro-ISIS militant group injured at least 18 people in a restaurant in Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao region.

Mindanao is troubled by banditry and armed rebellions that keep large parts of the region mired in poverty and instability.

Islamist militants operate in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation country and some are known to have links with groups abroad, including Al Qaeda and ISIS.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/asia/isis-claim-philippines-market-blast-1.907584

US Embassy Manila: U.S. and Philippines Conduct Assault Amphibious Vehicle Subject Matter Expert Exchange

From US Embassy Manila Website (Sep 6, 2019): U.S. and Philippines Conduct Assault Amphibious Vehicle Subject Matter Expert Exchange

U.S. and Philippine Marines participated in an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in Subic Bay, Philippines, from Aug. 26 – Sept. 6, 2019. The U.S. Marine Corps has partnered with the Philippine Marine Corps for the last eight years to develop skill sets and policies to enable the Philippine Navy and Marine Corps to conduct amphibious operations. This SMEE was a milestone in these efforts, marking the first time that Philippine forces launched their AAVs from a Philippine Navy amphibious ship and transited from ship to shore. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Jacob Hancock)

Manila, September 6, 2019 — U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted an Assault Amphibious Vehicle subject matter expert exchange with the Philippine Marine Corps and Navy in order to further develop a shared understanding of amphibious operations. The exchange was conducted in preparation for the annual bilateral military exercise Kamandag 3.

This exchange marks a milestone in the relationship between the U.S. Marine Corps, Philippine Marine Corps, and Philippine Navy and allows for increased opportunities for future interoperability training in the Indo-Pacific region. It is the first time the Philippine Marine Corps launched their AAVs from a Philippine Navy amphibious ship and transited from ship to shore.

1st Lt. Malcolm Dunlop, an AAV platoon commander with the 4th Marine Regiment, participated in the event and reflected on its benefits to the U.S. – Philippine relationship.

“This subject matter expert exchange is an invaluable opportunity for us to coordinate and train with our Philippine Marine Corps and Navy partners for Kamandag 3 and other future operations,” said Dunlop.

The 3rd Marine Division and the Philippine Marine Corps Armor Battalion have been working together on AAV integration for amphibious operations over the past eight years. This process includes events like developing appropriate facilities for the AAVs, conducting training on operating and maintaining the vehicles, and developing standard operating procedures for the vehicle’s employment.

AAVs have a very diverse set of capabilities.

They can be used for counter terrorism, mechanized assault, as well as humanitarian assistance operations, explained James Bolt, an exercise planner for III Marine Expeditionary Force, who has been heavily involved in developing the U.S.-Philippine Marine Corps relationships. He went on to describe how AAVs are favored by Philippine and U.S. forces for their ease of naval landings in contested environments and their ability to deploy in the event of a natural disaster.

“Marines are amphibious by nature and this is the capability U.S. Marines are known for,” said Bolt. “This capability for the Philippine Marines will increase our interoperability and ability to work together through the complex nature of amphibious operations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

For more information, photos and stories about the AAV subject matter expert exchange, please visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/3MD

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-and-philippines-conduct-assault-amphibious-vehicle-subject-matter-expert-exchange/

US Embassy Manila: U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim meets Philippine Prosecutors during the Inaugural National Convention of Counterterrorism Prosecutors

From US Embassy Manila Website (Sep 6, 2019): U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim meets Philippine Prosecutors during the Inaugural National Convention of Counterterrorism Prosecutors

Manila, September 6, 2019 — Ambassador Kim joined 70 prosecutors from across the country, including 44 prosecutors from Mindanao, in opening the National Convention of Counterterrorism (CT) Prosecutors in Manila. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training (OPDAT), partnered with the Philippine Department of Justice to help increase bilateral cooperation and promote best practices in investigating and prosecuting terrorism cases.

Ambassador Kim conveyed in his remarks his tremendous respect for the work prosecutors do, and stressed that terrorism has to be addressed comprehensively, which requires military, prosecutorial and other tools, including addressing social causes. He emphasized that since terror acts are dynamic and increasing, it is critical that countries embrace new investigative tools, such as digital forensics and financial analysis, in order to prevent future acts of terrorism.

The workshop introduced prosecutors to a wide range of counterterrorism measures, including amending terrorism laws to stop terrorist acts before they occur, new investigative techniques, including wiretapping and consensual recordings, cyber-terrorism investigations, utilizing international cooperation and legal assistance, and proscription of terrorist groups.

During the workshop, American Speakers, including Ovie Carroll, Digital Forensics Laboratory Director for USDOJ Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section, and David Bragdon, OPDAT Resident Legal Advisor, shared their expertise with the prosecutors. Philippine Congressman Rozzano Rufino Biazon, and the Office of Senator Lacson discussed proposed amendments to the Philippine CT Law and Sulu Provincial Prosecutor Annie Marie Pierreangeli P. Ledesma delivered a presentation on terrorist attacks in the Philippines. Other speakers included Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon, and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong.

In addition to lectures, the program provided opportunities for prosecutors to meet in small groups, identify challenges and concerns, share best practices, and focus on how to strengthen CT prosecutions.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-ambassador-sung-kim-meets-philippine-prosecutors-during-the-inaugural-national-convention-of-counterterrorism-prosecutors/

BIAFSOU: Decommissioned MILF-BIAF members not Ex-MILF nor Surrenderees as what Media writes

Posted to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces Special Operations Unit (BIAFSOU) Facebook Page (Sep 6, 2019): Decommissioned MILF-BIAF members not Ex-MILF nor Surrenderees as what Media writes

The trending topic among decommissioned warriors of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are the words :"SURRENDEREES, EX-MILF and FORMER MILF. They said these words which media uses are really unacceptable!

"The media is trying to brainwashed the minds of other members of this organizations by promoting unacceptable terminologies", MILF-BIAF member says during our visit at their Camp somewhere in Maguindanao province.

"Wala naman former MILF member/s maliban sa patay na at wala rin Ex-MILF members", member of MILF reacted to one of the media articles published today.

"How wish a 'Press Conference' be made by the MILF for the bias media to know the right terminologies", another member of MILF-BIAF suggested during our visit in their camp.

More than two hundred decommissioned MILF-BIAF members is expected to arrived in Maguindanao Old Capitol, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat Municipality tomorrow (Saturday, 07 September 2019).

Decommissioning is the only acceptable means for the MILF-BIAF after they strongly turned down the call for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) proposal of the government peace panel during the height of the peace negotiation.

Wrote by Ama ni Kifli

https://www.facebook.com/biafsutfittihad/photos/a.206162366726831/374609239882142/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/biafsutfittihad/

BIAFSOU: Photo - Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters stand guard at the entry of Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces Special Operations Unit (BIAFSOU) Facebook Page (Sep 7, 2019): Photo -- Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters stand guard at the entry of Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat

Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters stand guard at the entry of Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday, September 7, 2019 ahead of a weapons decommissioning ceremony. (AFP)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=764101084022604&set=a.635199440246103&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/biafsutfittihad/

OPAPP: Decommissioning of combatants, a symbol of MILF’s commitment to peace process

Posted to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep 7, 2019): Decommissioning of combatants, a symbol of MILF’s commitment to peace process



COTABATO CITY (September 7, 2019) — The decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their weapons is not a sign of capitulation but rather a symbol of their organization’s sincerity and determination to push forward the Bangsamoro peace process.

This was stressed by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim a day before the decommissioning of 1,060 MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) members and 920 of their weapons.

Steadfast commitment to peace process

“I would like to emphasize that we have not given up what we used to fight for. It is simply to demonstrate our full commitment to fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities in the peace agreement we signed with the government,” Murad said in a media forum here.

The decomissioning of the MILF-BIAF members will be handled by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The IDB was established by the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels in 2014 to oversee the decommissioning process of combatants under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“Decommissioning is the first step in achieving our goal to return our combatants to civilian but productive life,” Murad said, noting the decommissioned fighters will be receiving socio-economic packages which include health benefits, scholarships, housing and livelihood projects.

“Through these interventions, our combatants will be able to return to mainstream society. We will be able to transform our combatants from revolutionary forces to civilian life,” Murad said.

Independent Decommissioning Body

At the same forum, IDB Chairman and Turkey Ambassador Fatih Ulosoy lauded the MILF and Philippine Government for sustaining the gains of peace through the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreement.

“I would like to commend the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for reaching another milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process – the decommissioning of MILF combatants and their weapons,” Ulosoy said.

He underscored that the IDB must work with full adherence to confidentiality. In order to effectively carry out its mandate, the body has developed guidelines and protocols to ensure that the decommissioning process will be done with utmost impartiality and integrity.

“The presence of President Duterte at all stages of the peace process attest to the solid will of the GPH. The MILF, on their side has repeatedly shown its sincerity to work together with the government, and this event is a clear example of that,” Ulosoy said.

Another milestone

In the meantime, Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity Carlito G. Galvez Jr. highlighted the significance of the decommissioning process and its impact on the Bangsamoro peace process.

“We are celebrating another key milestone in the peace process: the decommissioning of MILF-BIAF members and their weapons. The decommissioning process will enable the MILF combatants to return to mainstream society as productive and peaceful citizens,” Galvez said.

“By and large, the decommissioning of MILF-BIAF members is a clear testament of the MILF’s desire to sustain the gains of the peace process, and President Rodrigo Duterte’s political will and unwavering commitment to fulfil all signed peace agreements,” he added.

According to Galvez, decommissioning is not only disarming, “but is a whole process of changing the mindset” of the combatants and “changing the social conditions on how we can really have a peaceful life.”

He pointed out this peaceful life can only be achieved by “removing the conditions” which makes the use of firearms a necessity. “And we can only remove [those conditions] by showing your sincerity [and] removing those firearms as a tool to live.”

“With the thrust of the current leadership of BARMM for moral governance, I believe in the near future, [in] three or five years from now, we will see the difference that the social conditions now will not necessitate the need to have firearms,” Galvez said.

Skills training for decommissioned combatants

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize a partnership between the two agencies.

In his remarks, Galvez, who represented OPAPP in the signing, said all of the initiatives under the MOA are anchored on the normalization track of the CAB, and aim to assist decommissioned MILF members make the transition to peaceful and productive civilian life.

“TESDA’s assistance will focus on developing skills training programs and providing scholarship grants that will help these former combatants find better employment opportunities, earn a decent living, and support the needs of their families,” he said.

“TESDA’S involvement in the decommissioning process is a demonstration of the national government’s integrated, holistic approach in capacitating these decommissioned combatants, and helping them return to mainstream society,” Galvez added.

For his part, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña thanked OPAPP for partnering with his agency in line with the national government’s efforts to help the decommissioned combatants return to mainstream society.

OPAPP and TESDA are both members of the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN), which was established in order to create a greater convergence of efforts among national government agencies in the implementation of the normalization track.

“TESDA is committed to help in the transformation process [of decommissioned combatants]. If you want to have a good job, you need to have the [necessary] training. [Good] training is the gateway to opportunities,” Lapeña said. ###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/09/decommissioning-of-combatants-a-symbol-of-milfs-commitment-to-peace-process/