WITH its failure to debunk solid arguments for its disqualification, President Aquino’s favorite party-list group Akbayan has resorted to red-baiting—the same tactic employed by the administration and the military in justifying human-rights violations, including extra-judicial killings, a militant labor group said on Sunday. At the same time, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) urged the public to reject the “politics of collaboration and deceit” of Akbayan and its allied labor groups now coming to its defense. In a statement, the KMU said that Akbayan is becoming desperate since it is losing in the arena of public opinion that it is now mobilizing its labor groups to wage a propaganda campaign in its defense. “It [Akbayan] is now resorting to a platitude that even the vilest traditional politicians of the country use: that it represents the marginalized, despite all the damning evidences pointing to the contrary,” the KMU said in a statement. The KMU was referring to the “noise” being created by labor groups Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL), Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), which it said “desperately skirts the main reasons behind calls for the party-list group’s disqualification.” Acting indignant, APL, PM and BMP raised hell over the protest held by the progressive pro-worker youth group Anakbayan in Akbayan’s press conference, while curiously keeping quiet on the reason of the protest: Akbayan’s red-baiting,” the KMU said....
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Labor group hits Akbayan’s ‘red baiting’
From the Business Mirror (Nov 4): Labor group hits Akbayan’s ‘red baiting’
Army to honor tribal claims
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 5): Army to honor tribal claims
Portions of the 33,100-hectare military reservation in Western Visayas are being reviewed for possible turnover to tribal groups as part of their ancestral domain, Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said. Established in 1962 under Presidential Proclamation 67, the land covers 16 of the 22 upland villages of Tapaz and seven villages of Jamindan. “Records show that in the province of Iloilo, a total of 252 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles, covering a land area of 1,748 hectares, had been served to IP beneficiaries of Barangay Masaroy and Alcalaga, Municipality of Calinog last 2005,” Mabanta said. He said are view is being made together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples following the mandate of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. “We’ve our own ‘Bayanihan teams’ composed of soldiers to help the NICP and IPs conduct survey and delineation activities in central Panay island to address challenges on IPs ancestral domain,” Mabanta said. “We’ve a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed at the Department of National Defense and NCIP national level,” Mabanta said. “The NCIP shall undertake the survey in coordination with the AFP, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and IPs of Jamindan and Tapaz, province of Capiz,” he said. “For the sake of peace, the military is more than willing to vacate portions of the military reservation provided that it will pass through what is required by law.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/05/army-to-honor-tribal-claims/
Portions of the 33,100-hectare military reservation in Western Visayas are being reviewed for possible turnover to tribal groups as part of their ancestral domain, Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said. Established in 1962 under Presidential Proclamation 67, the land covers 16 of the 22 upland villages of Tapaz and seven villages of Jamindan. “Records show that in the province of Iloilo, a total of 252 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles, covering a land area of 1,748 hectares, had been served to IP beneficiaries of Barangay Masaroy and Alcalaga, Municipality of Calinog last 2005,” Mabanta said. He said are view is being made together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples following the mandate of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. “We’ve our own ‘Bayanihan teams’ composed of soldiers to help the NICP and IPs conduct survey and delineation activities in central Panay island to address challenges on IPs ancestral domain,” Mabanta said. “We’ve a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed at the Department of National Defense and NCIP national level,” Mabanta said. “The NCIP shall undertake the survey in coordination with the AFP, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and IPs of Jamindan and Tapaz, province of Capiz,” he said. “For the sake of peace, the military is more than willing to vacate portions of the military reservation provided that it will pass through what is required by law.”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/05/army-to-honor-tribal-claims/
MNLF renews call for freedom
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 5): MNLF renews call for freedom
The Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front vowed Sunday to seek independence for Mindanao before the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah if the government insists on its peace treaty with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The political director of the Misuari-led group, Gapul Hadjirul, said they will be compelled to revive their position for “self determination” if the government disregards the MNLF, which has observer status in the OIC, and which views the MILF accord as a violation of its own peace treaty with the government. “If they continue to fool us and abrogate the international agreement, then we have no other recourse but to pursue our intention for self determination or independence of Mindanao,” Hadjirul said. Hadjirul described the MNLF as a “sleeping giant,” but acknowledged that another war would not bring closure to the problems of the people of Mindanao.... But the government refuses to recognize Misuari’s chairmanship of the MNLF after his ouster by a group led by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema and 14 others. “They are really showing insincerity to fulfill their binding international commitment to the Bangsamoro people. This is clearly a divide and rule policy,” Hadjirul said. “In as far as the OIC is concerned, they only recognize one MNLF which is MNLF under the leadership of Nur Misuari. Muslimen Sema… is not MNLF but rather Malacanang National Liberation Front,” Hadjirul said....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/05/mnlf-renews-call-for-freedom/
The Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front vowed Sunday to seek independence for Mindanao before the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah if the government insists on its peace treaty with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The political director of the Misuari-led group, Gapul Hadjirul, said they will be compelled to revive their position for “self determination” if the government disregards the MNLF, which has observer status in the OIC, and which views the MILF accord as a violation of its own peace treaty with the government. “If they continue to fool us and abrogate the international agreement, then we have no other recourse but to pursue our intention for self determination or independence of Mindanao,” Hadjirul said. Hadjirul described the MNLF as a “sleeping giant,” but acknowledged that another war would not bring closure to the problems of the people of Mindanao.... But the government refuses to recognize Misuari’s chairmanship of the MNLF after his ouster by a group led by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema and 14 others. “They are really showing insincerity to fulfill their binding international commitment to the Bangsamoro people. This is clearly a divide and rule policy,” Hadjirul said. “In as far as the OIC is concerned, they only recognize one MNLF which is MNLF under the leadership of Nur Misuari. Muslimen Sema… is not MNLF but rather Malacanang National Liberation Front,” Hadjirul said....
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/05/mnlf-renews-call-for-freedom/
Officer quits post to take blame for deaths of bandit’s wife, kids
From Malaya (Nov 5): Officer quits post to take blame for deaths of bandit’s wife, kids
AN Army officer has resigned from his post as battalion commander weeks after his men killed the wife and two children of a bandit leader in a firefight in Davao del Sur last month. Lt. Col. Noel Alexis Bravo offered to relinquish his post as head of the 27th Infantry Battalion so as not to influence legal procedures against his men who were directly involved in the incident, Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said yesterday. Bravo has been cleared of responsibility in the incident which occurred last October 18. Military officials have said the soldiers were approaching a hut in Sitio Alion, Barangay Kimlawis in Kiblawan town, which was supposedly serving as lair of Daquil Capeon, when they were fired at by at least five suspects, prompting the soldiers to return fire. The military has said Capeon is a leader of an armed group associated with the New People’s Army. Bernardo said Bravo also asked to be relieved so that other officers can rise to become battalion commander. Bravo is scheduled to be replaced today by Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial.... The board later cleared Bravo of any responsibility but at the same time recommended the court martial of his company commander, 1Lt. Dante Jimenez, and 12 enlisted personnel who took part in the operation, for lapses even if it established that the incident was a “legitimate encounter....”
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/16817-officer-quits-post-to-take-blame-for-deaths-of-bandits-wife-kids
AN Army officer has resigned from his post as battalion commander weeks after his men killed the wife and two children of a bandit leader in a firefight in Davao del Sur last month. Lt. Col. Noel Alexis Bravo offered to relinquish his post as head of the 27th Infantry Battalion so as not to influence legal procedures against his men who were directly involved in the incident, Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said yesterday. Bravo has been cleared of responsibility in the incident which occurred last October 18. Military officials have said the soldiers were approaching a hut in Sitio Alion, Barangay Kimlawis in Kiblawan town, which was supposedly serving as lair of Daquil Capeon, when they were fired at by at least five suspects, prompting the soldiers to return fire. The military has said Capeon is a leader of an armed group associated with the New People’s Army. Bernardo said Bravo also asked to be relieved so that other officers can rise to become battalion commander. Bravo is scheduled to be replaced today by Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial.... The board later cleared Bravo of any responsibility but at the same time recommended the court martial of his company commander, 1Lt. Dante Jimenez, and 12 enlisted personnel who took part in the operation, for lapses even if it established that the incident was a “legitimate encounter....”
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/16817-officer-quits-post-to-take-blame-for-deaths-of-bandits-wife-kids
Palparan last of his kind in AFP, says Army chief
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 5): Palparan last of his kind in AFP, says Army chief
Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, infamously tagged as “berdugo” (butcher) by militant activists, is the last of his kind in the military, so says Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, the chief of the Philippine Army. Bautista said the Armed Forces of the Philippines had been strictly monitoring the performance of its officers and enlisted personnel regarding the military’s program to instill respect for human rights among soldiers on the battlefield. In a recent interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer reporters and editors, Bautista said the AFP had been “seriously” addressing allegations of human rights violations against the military by prosecuting erring officers. “Is there someone like him in the Army? Not any more. Even you can answer that,” Bautista replied when asked if the likes of Palparan still existed in the AFP. “I think even you can say that the military’s human rights record now is much improved as compared to the previous years.” As for suggestions that the military is helping the fugitive Palparan, Bautista said: “I can tell you I’m not coddling Palparan....”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/301554/palparan-last-of-his-kind-in-afp-says-army-chief
Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, infamously tagged as “berdugo” (butcher) by militant activists, is the last of his kind in the military, so says Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, the chief of the Philippine Army. Bautista said the Armed Forces of the Philippines had been strictly monitoring the performance of its officers and enlisted personnel regarding the military’s program to instill respect for human rights among soldiers on the battlefield. In a recent interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer reporters and editors, Bautista said the AFP had been “seriously” addressing allegations of human rights violations against the military by prosecuting erring officers. “Is there someone like him in the Army? Not any more. Even you can answer that,” Bautista replied when asked if the likes of Palparan still existed in the AFP. “I think even you can say that the military’s human rights record now is much improved as compared to the previous years.” As for suggestions that the military is helping the fugitive Palparan, Bautista said: “I can tell you I’m not coddling Palparan....”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/301554/palparan-last-of-his-kind-in-afp-says-army-chief
2 rebel camps found in Isabela
From the Philippine Star (Nov 5): 2 rebel camps found in Isabela
Two major communist rebel camps were found in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Isabela, the 5th Army Division at Camp Upi said yesterday. One camp is in Barangay Villa Robles in Palanan while the other is in Barangay Disulap in San Mariano town. The camps included 14 secluded caves and 30 newly constructed huts with cell phone satellite equipment. The 86th Army Battalion also found 25 cavans of rice and communication gadgets used by the rebels, who were not in the area when the soldiers seized the camps. Police officers and soldiers encountered rebels in the nearby town of Jones before All Saints’ Day. No casualties were reported. In Iloilo, soldiers overran an abandoned New People's Army camp in Leonen town following an encounter with NPA rebels that left one soldier dead recently....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=866863
Two major communist rebel camps were found in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Isabela, the 5th Army Division at Camp Upi said yesterday. One camp is in Barangay Villa Robles in Palanan while the other is in Barangay Disulap in San Mariano town. The camps included 14 secluded caves and 30 newly constructed huts with cell phone satellite equipment. The 86th Army Battalion also found 25 cavans of rice and communication gadgets used by the rebels, who were not in the area when the soldiers seized the camps. Police officers and soldiers encountered rebels in the nearby town of Jones before All Saints’ Day. No casualties were reported. In Iloilo, soldiers overran an abandoned New People's Army camp in Leonen town following an encounter with NPA rebels that left one soldier dead recently....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=67&articleId=866863
DND deal for Italian warships nearing completion
From the Philippine Star (Nov 5): DND deal for Italian
warships nearing completion
Negotiation for the acquisition of two warships from Italy may be completed within the year.
In an interview, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR the Navy is expected to come up with a decision package, a document needed to make the ships ready for operation. “I would like to say that it (negotiation) is in its advanced stage,” he said. “When we receive a decision package, we will submit to the (defense) secretary the acquisition decision memorandum (ADM) and then submit the proposal to the president for approval,” he said. “We are just waiting for the decision package from the Navy.” Manalo said a decision package includes the terms of reference for the refurbishment of the ships, the needed training for personnel that will man the vessels, munitions and other things needed to make them operational. “The ADM would start the procurement and would signal the implementation of the project,” he added. Manalo said negotiations may be completed within the year and the warships may arrive in the Philippines within the term of President Aquino if the project pushes through.... Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the two warships would be acquired from the Italian Navy at a cost of about P11.7 billion. The two warships have anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities, and missile systems and modern radars, he added. The Maestrale-class ships were commissioned in 1982 and are more capable than any of the vessels in the Navy’s inventory....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=866838&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Negotiation for the acquisition of two warships from Italy may be completed within the year.
In an interview, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR the Navy is expected to come up with a decision package, a document needed to make the ships ready for operation. “I would like to say that it (negotiation) is in its advanced stage,” he said. “When we receive a decision package, we will submit to the (defense) secretary the acquisition decision memorandum (ADM) and then submit the proposal to the president for approval,” he said. “We are just waiting for the decision package from the Navy.” Manalo said a decision package includes the terms of reference for the refurbishment of the ships, the needed training for personnel that will man the vessels, munitions and other things needed to make them operational. “The ADM would start the procurement and would signal the implementation of the project,” he added. Manalo said negotiations may be completed within the year and the warships may arrive in the Philippines within the term of President Aquino if the project pushes through.... Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the two warships would be acquired from the Italian Navy at a cost of about P11.7 billion. The two warships have anti-aircraft, anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities, and missile systems and modern radars, he added. The Maestrale-class ships were commissioned in 1982 and are more capable than any of the vessels in the Navy’s inventory....
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=866838&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Army commander advise(s) candidates not to give campaign tax to NPAs
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Army commander advise candidates not
to give campaign tax to NPAs
Philippine Army (PA) commander Col. Arnold Quiapo of the 301st Infantry Brigade has advised political candidates not to give campaign tax to the New People’s Army (NPA) that are now soliciting from them. Quiapo said that there were a number of politicians in Panay island, which they cover, that had already received feelers from the NPAs. He said that he also learned that not only does the NPA solicit campaign tax but also collects for permits to campaign in infested areas. The army commander then assured the political candidates that the army, even though it is still waiting for directive from their higher headquarters and the Comelec, is ready to implement the Safe and Fair Election (SAFE) campaign.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=468259
Philippine Army (PA) commander Col. Arnold Quiapo of the 301st Infantry Brigade has advised political candidates not to give campaign tax to the New People’s Army (NPA) that are now soliciting from them. Quiapo said that there were a number of politicians in Panay island, which they cover, that had already received feelers from the NPAs. He said that he also learned that not only does the NPA solicit campaign tax but also collects for permits to campaign in infested areas. The army commander then assured the political candidates that the army, even though it is still waiting for directive from their higher headquarters and the Comelec, is ready to implement the Safe and Fair Election (SAFE) campaign.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=468259
Australia, Philippines to bolster military drills
From the Sun Star (Nov 4): Australia, Philippines to bolster military drills
The Philippine defense chief said his Australian counterpart plans to visit early next year to discuss ways to bolster security cooperation and the entry of Australian forces for military exercises under a new pact. The Philippine Senate in July ratified an accord that would allow Australian troops to train in combat exercises with Filipino forces in the country. It was a long-delayed pact that got backing from lawmakers alarmed by Manila's recent territorial spats with Beijing. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Sunday that he and Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith would discuss how to enhance joint exercises, including those that would help their forces better deal with natural disasters, terrorism and other threats. Washington is the only other country with a similar visiting forces agreement with the Philippines.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/04/australia-philippines-bolster-military-drills-251574
The Philippine defense chief said his Australian counterpart plans to visit early next year to discuss ways to bolster security cooperation and the entry of Australian forces for military exercises under a new pact. The Philippine Senate in July ratified an accord that would allow Australian troops to train in combat exercises with Filipino forces in the country. It was a long-delayed pact that got backing from lawmakers alarmed by Manila's recent territorial spats with Beijing. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Sunday that he and Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith would discuss how to enhance joint exercises, including those that would help their forces better deal with natural disasters, terrorism and other threats. Washington is the only other country with a similar visiting forces agreement with the Philippines.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/11/04/australia-philippines-bolster-military-drills-251574
Bishops support calls for resumption of GPH-NDF peace talks
From MindaNews (Nov 4): Bishops support calls for resumption of GPH-NDF peace talks
Church leaders and a peace movement here are supporting the call for resumption of peace talks between the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF). Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convenor of Exodus for Justice and Peace, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Sunday that he supports the call for resumption of the talks, especially on the socio-economic reforms that will be the “meat” of the peace process as it would include discussions, among others, on land reform and distribution, and national industrialization. Villasanta’s comment came a day after Bishop Delfin Callao of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, co-convenor of Sowing Seeds for Peace, that they hope the talks peace talks will resume and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). “We hope for the resumption of the peace talks, for the full and sincere implementation of the CARHIHL which until now has been repeatedly violated every so often especially in the context of worsening state of impunity in Mindanao,” Callao said....
Sowing the Seeds for Peace is a multi-sectoral movement of advocates for peace and justice pushing for the “sustained and sincere “ conduct of the GPH-NDF peace negotiations. The peace movement said the NDF asked the group’s help to educate the public on the benefits of the CARHRIHL, which “could be a powerful tool in defense of the people’s rights.” In a forum here last Saturday, human rights lawyer Edre Olalia, NDF legal consultant, said the economic crisis “will necessitate that the NDFP and GPH will have to discuss these problems and find solutions. The armed conflict will always be there. The solutions to the roots of the armed conflict are always an urgent matter. The question is timing,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/04/bishops-support-calls-for-resumption-of-gph-ndf-peace-talks/
Church leaders and a peace movement here are supporting the call for resumption of peace talks between the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF). Bishop Modesto Villasanta, convenor of Exodus for Justice and Peace, told MindaNews in a telephone interview Sunday that he supports the call for resumption of the talks, especially on the socio-economic reforms that will be the “meat” of the peace process as it would include discussions, among others, on land reform and distribution, and national industrialization. Villasanta’s comment came a day after Bishop Delfin Callao of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, co-convenor of Sowing Seeds for Peace, that they hope the talks peace talks will resume and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). “We hope for the resumption of the peace talks, for the full and sincere implementation of the CARHIHL which until now has been repeatedly violated every so often especially in the context of worsening state of impunity in Mindanao,” Callao said....
Sowing the Seeds for Peace is a multi-sectoral movement of advocates for peace and justice pushing for the “sustained and sincere “ conduct of the GPH-NDF peace negotiations. The peace movement said the NDF asked the group’s help to educate the public on the benefits of the CARHRIHL, which “could be a powerful tool in defense of the people’s rights.” In a forum here last Saturday, human rights lawyer Edre Olalia, NDF legal consultant, said the economic crisis “will necessitate that the NDFP and GPH will have to discuss these problems and find solutions. The armed conflict will always be there. The solutions to the roots of the armed conflict are always an urgent matter. The question is timing,” he said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/04/bishops-support-calls-for-resumption-of-gph-ndf-peace-talks/
Lumads meet on GPH-MILF, GPH-NDF peace processes
From MindaNews (Nov 4): Lumads meet on GPH-MILF, GPH-NDF peace processes
Some 80 Lumad (indigenous peoples) leaders around Mindanao have gathered in Midsayap, North Cotabato for a two-day conference beginning Sunday, to discuss the peace processes between government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and with National Democratic Front (NDF). Ednar Dayanghirang, GPH peace panel member representing the Lumads and Blaan Datu Antonio Kinoc, alternate panel member of the MILF, will be attending the forum. The November 4 and 5 conference at the Peace and Development Training Center of the Southern Christian College in Midsayap, organizers say, “will provide a consultative space for the representatives of the peace panels to explain the contents of the recently signed Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) in order for the IPs to study the implications of this to the indigenous communities within and outside the core areas of the proposed Bangsamoro territory,” the press statement released by the organizing groups led by the Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM) and Mindanao Peaceweavers, said....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/04/lumads-meet-on-gph-milf-gph-ndf-peace-processes/
Some 80 Lumad (indigenous peoples) leaders around Mindanao have gathered in Midsayap, North Cotabato for a two-day conference beginning Sunday, to discuss the peace processes between government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and with National Democratic Front (NDF). Ednar Dayanghirang, GPH peace panel member representing the Lumads and Blaan Datu Antonio Kinoc, alternate panel member of the MILF, will be attending the forum. The November 4 and 5 conference at the Peace and Development Training Center of the Southern Christian College in Midsayap, organizers say, “will provide a consultative space for the representatives of the peace panels to explain the contents of the recently signed Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) in order for the IPs to study the implications of this to the indigenous communities within and outside the core areas of the proposed Bangsamoro territory,” the press statement released by the organizing groups led by the Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement (MPPM) and Mindanao Peaceweavers, said....
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/11/04/lumads-meet-on-gph-milf-gph-ndf-peace-processes/
MILF: MILF holds crash course on organizational strengthening, program dev’t
From the MILF Website (Nov 4): MILF holds crash course on organizational strengthening, program dev’t
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) will conduct a five-day “Crash Course in Organizational Strengthening and Program Development” at the BMLI Bldg., Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from November 4-8, 2012. The said activity is funded and sponsored by The Asia Foundation ( TAF ) and United Kingdom-Aid, which is a leading international NGO’S that aim to provide valuable skills training, technical know-how and other related knowledge to the all- Bangsamoro participants in crafting their system of governance. These initiatives are just in time and in conformity with the recent breakthrough in the historic signing of Framework Agreement between GPH – MILF that will pave the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government. The Executive Director of the BLMI, Mahmod Ahmad interviewed by Luwaran said TAF has been among the lead donors in helping the institution in its capacity building effort since it was founded in 2005....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2917:milf-holds-crash-course-on-organizational-strengthening-program-devt&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) will conduct a five-day “Crash Course in Organizational Strengthening and Program Development” at the BMLI Bldg., Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from November 4-8, 2012. The said activity is funded and sponsored by The Asia Foundation ( TAF ) and United Kingdom-Aid, which is a leading international NGO’S that aim to provide valuable skills training, technical know-how and other related knowledge to the all- Bangsamoro participants in crafting their system of governance. These initiatives are just in time and in conformity with the recent breakthrough in the historic signing of Framework Agreement between GPH – MILF that will pave the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government. The Executive Director of the BLMI, Mahmod Ahmad interviewed by Luwaran said TAF has been among the lead donors in helping the institution in its capacity building effort since it was founded in 2005....
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2917:milf-holds-crash-course-on-organizational-strengthening-program-devt&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
CPP: PNP-NYPD agreement will lead to further US intervention, rights abuses under Aquino regime
From the CPP Website (Nov 4): PNP-NYPD agreement will lead to further US intervention, rights abuses under Aquino regime--CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced the memorandum of agreement between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) signed last Wednesday as “part of heightening US government intervention in the Philippines.” The CPP further said that “the agreement with the US NYPD, one of the most notorious fascist police organizations in the world, can only lead to worse human rights abuses by police operatives under the Aquino regime,” said the CPP.... “The PNP-NYPD MoA will only serve as an additional legal cover for the US government’s heightening intervention in the Philippines. It will lead to more extensive and intrusive intelligence and other types of operations by US police and military agents in the country,” said the CPP.... “The NYPD is notorious for being a fascist tool of suppression against the American people,” said the CPP. “Recently, the NYPD was employed in the suppression of protest actions at Zucotti Park near Wall St. by American workers, students and ordinary people against the pro-big monopoly policies of the American government....” “Following the pattern of its new partner, the PNP is bound to become even more brutal in dealing with protests, urban poor anti-demolition barricades and other mass actions,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/pnp-nypd-agreement-will-lead-to-further-us-intervention-rights-abuses-under-aquino-regime-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounced the memorandum of agreement between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) signed last Wednesday as “part of heightening US government intervention in the Philippines.” The CPP further said that “the agreement with the US NYPD, one of the most notorious fascist police organizations in the world, can only lead to worse human rights abuses by police operatives under the Aquino regime,” said the CPP.... “The PNP-NYPD MoA will only serve as an additional legal cover for the US government’s heightening intervention in the Philippines. It will lead to more extensive and intrusive intelligence and other types of operations by US police and military agents in the country,” said the CPP.... “The NYPD is notorious for being a fascist tool of suppression against the American people,” said the CPP. “Recently, the NYPD was employed in the suppression of protest actions at Zucotti Park near Wall St. by American workers, students and ordinary people against the pro-big monopoly policies of the American government....” “Following the pattern of its new partner, the PNP is bound to become even more brutal in dealing with protests, urban poor anti-demolition barricades and other mass actions,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/pnp-nypd-agreement-will-lead-to-further-us-intervention-rights-abuses-under-aquino-regime-cpp
Bishop: Peace transition commission may need 2–3 years to work
From GMANews (Nov 4): Bishop: Peace transition commission may need 2–3 years to work
A commission that will work out the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro entity may need two to three years to do its job, a Mindanao-based archbishop said. Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who has been actively involved in the Mindanao peace process, made the assessment even as he appealed to Filipino Christians and Muslims to get involved in peace efforts. "This transition commission might take two to three years to work out the details but at the same time there is already that assurance that there should be no more resorting to armed conflict and there will be mutual agreement on the key principles that have already been agreed upon," Ledesma said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' radio website. Ledesma formerly headed the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue and remains an active member of the Bishops-Ulama Forum. The transition is part of a framework peace agreement signed by negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malacañang last October 15....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/280848/news/nation/bishop-peace-transition-commission-may-need-2-ndash-3-years-to-work
Ledesma noted many issues and concerns would be part of the groundwork to be tackled by the transition commission.
A commission that will work out the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro entity may need two to three years to do its job, a Mindanao-based archbishop said. Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, who has been actively involved in the Mindanao peace process, made the assessment even as he appealed to Filipino Christians and Muslims to get involved in peace efforts. "This transition commission might take two to three years to work out the details but at the same time there is already that assurance that there should be no more resorting to armed conflict and there will be mutual agreement on the key principles that have already been agreed upon," Ledesma said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' radio website. Ledesma formerly headed the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Inter-religious Dialogue and remains an active member of the Bishops-Ulama Forum. The transition is part of a framework peace agreement signed by negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malacañang last October 15....
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/280848/news/nation/bishop-peace-transition-commission-may-need-2-ndash-3-years-to-work
Ledesma noted many issues and concerns would be part of the groundwork to be tackled by the transition commission.
Not so fast, MILF tells donor states, agencies
From the Business Mirror (Nov 4): Not so fast, MILF tells donor states, agencies
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has appealed to donor states, agencies and other partners of peace to exercise diligence and prudence so as not to weaken the unity of the Moro people as they look forward to the implementation of the Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao. In an editorial of the www.luwaran.com, an official website of the MILF, the group said that “an avalanche of aid offers” from local sources and foreign countries and agencies continue to pour following the signing of the Framework Agreement (FRAG) for the creation of a Bangsamoro state on Oct. 15 at Malacanang. The peace process between the government and the MILF was brokered by the government of Malaysia. “We welcomed this and we thanked them for these offers. However, these deals should and must be through proper procedures and channels. The need to understand the concepts and the intended objectives of these initiatives should be discussed and agreed first,” the MILF said. It reminded donors about the possible negative effects of such efforts no matter how noble the intention is. “Going directly to individual members or combatants of the MILF is not a good mode; it can be misunderstood; and more seriously, it would appear as an attempt to weaken the cohesiveness of the MILF, as a partner in the negotiation and in the agreement,” the MILF said....
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