MILF: MILF political committee conducts advocacy in Isabela City

From the MILF Website (Dec 6): MILF political committee conducts advocacy in Isabela City



The advocacy on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement was held in Barrio Militar Barangay Menzi, Isabela City last December 1. The theme was:”Clear and In-depth Understanding on The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement through Advocacy”. The said advocacy was hosted by Lantawan District Chairman Abu Osama Almujahid and Haj Yasher M. Judja his Vice Chairman. More than 100 men and women attended the forum. The guests included YCC Chairman, the Vice Chairman and the CRA Director Atty. Ahmad Alamin who was tasked to elaborate and explain the meaning of the Framework Agreement and the road map. The attendees were mostly from municipal level down to the Barangay officials of the MILF political organs. Alamin explained that the FAB, in contrast to the 1996 Agreement, did not foreclose the Bangsamoro right to self-determination. “The FAB in essence has higher authority and fiscal autonomy given to the Bangsamoro government,” he emphasized.

The participants expressed deep appreciation for the effort to enable them to understand not only the literal meaning of the FAB but also its nuances. They were particularly happy to know the differences between the FAB and the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement. MILF political leaders representing Yakan City and Basilan Province took turns to exhort the participants to cooperate with one another to support the ongoing GPH-MILF peace negotiation and the for the full implementation of the FAB. They also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the MILF and its peace panel for their unwavering and exemplary leadership in fighting for the common interest of the Bangsamoro people.....

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2974:-milf-political-committee-conducts-advocacy-in-isabela-city&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

MILF: BIAF 110th Base Command Holds Military Refresher Course Training and Peace Advocacy

From the MILF Website (Dec 6): BIAF 110th Base Command Holds Military Refresher Course Training and Peace Advocacy



Camp Othman bin Al Affan, Bangsamoro Homeland – The Bangamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) 110th Base Command under Jonar Mustapha successfully conducted a military refresher course for its two hundred seventy five (275) members last November 29, 2012. “The purpose of this training is for issuance of military certificate and name tag”, said one of the training instructors. “This is just a retraining because all have already undergone military trainings as early as 1995”, he continued. More than 2000 individuals mostly relatives of graduating BIAF members witnessed the occasion. BIAF Central Committee delegations headed by Deputy Chief of Staff Sonny Davao, Thoks Ibrahim, Ustadz Gandawali from the General Staff and GS Legal Adviser Atty. Padido Pigkaulan were also present during the culmination of the activity. Peace Advocacy followed after the military drilling and formation had been completed.

During the program a welcome address was given by the barangay captain in the area who preferred to be unnamed. In his message, he thanked BIAF leadership for inviting him. He appealed to the leadership of the BIAF to help in the maintenance of peace and order in their barangay by curving out drug abuses and motorbike carjacking. He then warned his constituents to immediately cease from doing illegal acts. “The Mujahideens according to him can arrest anyone during operations right in their own households once they commit illegal activities.” So please do not wait for that time to come”, the barangay captain further said.

On his message, Base Commander Junar Mustapha urged all Mujahideens (BIAF Members) “to desist from engaging acts prohibited by Islam. As BIAF members you are role models. People are watching you, if anyone of you commits mistake it reflects the whole organization”. The 110th Base Command Military Discipline was emphasized. “The community must feel your services because our legitimate grievances and the entire Bangsamoro were the reasons why we exist” and why we struggle for self-determination and freedom.

Toks Ebrahim who explained the rationale of the assembly said, “The purpose of enlightening the people on the provisions of the Framework Agreement is to provide the people correct information so that they will not be misguided. Other sectors that undertake information disseminations pertaining to the framework agreement misguide the people and create confusions”. He reminded the audience especially the BIAF to be watchful and vigilant because some people are taking advantage of the situation. In the Zamboanga Peninsula there are people disguising as BIAF members who sell bio-data form worth 500.00 each allegedly intended as an instrument for applying as Bangsamoro Police”. “It is false because normalization is being discussed as part of the remaining agenda, he added”. “At this point BIAF members and the Bangsamoro should act properly and disciplined because the whole world is watching after the signing of the Framework Agreement.” “I am appealing to you BIAF members to refrain from wearing your official military uniform and carrying guns in public because it is improper neither advisable, he added”.

In his inspirational message, Deputy Chief of Staff Sonny Davao called upon all Bangsamoro tribes “to be united and rally behind the FAB. This is not solely for the tribes in the core and adjacent territories but for all Bangsamoro that includes the areas not covered by the Bangsamoro Government like Davao Region”. “The signing in Manila of the agreement on October 15, 2012 doesn’t mean that victory has been attained. It is just the beginning of a long journey. A lot of work has still to be done. We just finished the first step onwards to the remaining steps. All Bangsamoro must prepare both physically and mentally”, he stressed.

A discussion on the contents of the FAB content was facilitated by Atty. Padido Pigkaulan. “The Framework Agreement signed in Manila is the most democratic and acceptable approach made by Philippine government in dealing with Moro quest for self-determination. The Transition Commission and the Transition Authority are mechanisms that form part of the agreement to provide smooth transfer of power to future Bangsamoro Government”, he explained. “I urge you to help us explain to your non-Muslims and IP friends that under this agreement their rights would be protected, their religious practices would be respected and their political participation in the government would be assured.” Atty. Pigkaulan ended.

After the advocacy, the Mujahideens again made a formation. Shabs Campong of the GS Training Department handed over to the Mujahideens their certificate of training. The activity ended with a Mubaya’ah, an oath of allegiance while an ustadz (learned Muslim) read Qur’anic verses while the Mujahideens hold their hands together to seek Allah’s guidance for them to continue upholding the teachings of Islam and the principles of the MILF.



http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2976:biaf-110th-base-command-holds-military-refresher-course-training-and-peace-advocacy&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

Police confirm bomb threats

From the Zamboanga Today (Dec 6): Police confirm bomb threats

Police received bomb threats from an unidentified group to stage bombing in Zamboanga City this December, officer in-charge (OIC) of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Sr. Supt. James Mejia confirmed on Monday. Mejia revealed to local media here that based on the information he received there was no specific group or target area where the group will carry out their plan. However, the local police chief said that there was a report over the weekend and oftentimes they received intelligence report on the threat of bombing but usually such information will always be withheld for publication. “Last December 2, we have received intelligence information on the threat,” said Mejia.

Last Monday, the operatives of Regional Public Safety Battalion 9 (RPSB9) collared two alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and a local barangay official in possession of explosive materials in separate operation in Pablo Lorenzo Street and police checkpoint in Mercedes. Mejia said that the explosive materials confiscated from the possession of Busay Barangay Chairman Ahmad Yusop y Kandun, 51, his nephew, Nur Kandun Nashali, of legal age, both of Busay, Sacol Island onboard the government vehicle with plate number SKK 857 still undetermined of the purpose.

The RPSB9, Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) recovered 50 pieces of improvised blasting caps, 11.5 inches commercial time fuse and 25 kilograms of explosive grade Ferrous Frill Ammonium Nitrate. “I just don’t know what was the purpose of acquiring the explosive,” Mejia said, “and if his reason was for blast fishing... as an official, he must know the laws.” Mejia disclosed that they are still determining the purpose of the explosives if there’s any connection with the prevailing threat.

Information showed that the police collard a certain Sulaiman Cuadra along P. Lorenzo Street prior to the arrest of Yusop and his nephew. The suspects were brought to the local police office for detention while a case of illegal possession of explosive materials was forwarded at the city prosecutor’s office against them.

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/12545-police-confirm-bomb-threats.html

Challenges beyond peace deal

From the Business World (Dec 5): Challenges beyond peace deal

Several challenges need to be hurdled beyond the signing of a peace plan even as both the government and Moro rebels embark on a crucial meeting this month to iron out differences on the key issues of wealth and power sharing, and the transition process. Addressing corruption, bad governance and security threats remains a huge challenge, said Laissa Alamia, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights in the autonomous Muslim region. She added that family feud, the displacement of war victims, and poverty are still perennial problems in Mindanao.

The call was made following a recent forum on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro wherein Johaira C. Wahab, the head of the government’s technical team who was involved in drafting the deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), challenged civic groups to take a proactive stand in the peace process. Issues on "transitional healing and reconciliation," trans-border mechanisms to protect the environment, and affirmative action for Muslim Filipinos residing outside of the future Bangsamoro region remain to be tackled in the peace talks. Government and Moro negotiators are expected to meet this month to finalize an agreement on three major points: wealth and power sharing, and normalization that includes the gradual laying down of arms by thousands of MILF fighters.
Long Road Ahead

The agreement, which will give birth to a new Bangsamoro region that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is expected to take a long process as it will entail the crafting of a basic law for the new region and afterwards to be presented in a plebiscite that will be held among residents in the new region. Ms. Wahab said the framework agreement and its eventual Basic Law will be a radical change from the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front in terms of power sharing. This time, she explained, the framework and the Basic Law will dwell more on principles rather than mere enumeration of rights and duties to make the Bangsamoro autonomy both workable and genuine.

For his part, Claretian priest Angel C. Calvo, president of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), said the planned peace agreement could be the starting point as issues related to the Bangsamoro will affect all of Mindanao. The proposed Bangsamoro will group the five provinces of ARMM, namely, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and include other surrounding areas in Cotabato and Lanao del Norte, among others. PAZ, along with the Bishop-Ulama Conference, led the recent Mindanao Week of Peace that was anchored on the theme: "Journeying Towards Sustainable Peace in Mindanao."

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Challenges-beyond-peace-deal&id=62523

PHL among top 10 countries that suffered most from terrorism in last decade

From GMANews (Dec 6): PHL among top 10 countries that suffered most from terrorism in last decade

The Philippines was among the top 10 countries most affected by terrorism over the past decade as global attacks increased markedly over the period, a US-based research firm said in a report. The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace measured direct and relative impact of terrorism in 158 countries in terms of actual incidents, and its effects on lives lost, injuries and property.

The Philippines placed 10th behind Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, Thailand and Russia among countries that suffered the most from terrorism over the last decade, or in 2002-2011. Consequently, the same countries were also the top 10 nations where terrorism had the greatest impact last year. The GTI defines terrorism as "the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation."

In the Philippines, the GTI noted that businesses and the government were the likely targets for terrorists, with attacks coming mostly from "nationalist/separatist claims by people living in provinces in southern Philippines." "Terrorist acts are primarily carried out by the New People’s Army, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group. Although both communist and Islamic groups operate within those regions, their goals overlap significantly with both groups seeking increased autonomy," the report said. The highest number of deaths were recorded in 2003 at 212, while 120 were reportedly killed in 2011 alone. GTI noted that the worst incident was in February 2004 after the Abu Sayyaf group bombed a passenger ferry in Manila Bay an hour after it left the port. The attack killed 116 out of 899 passengers.

When asked whether the government sees an improvement of the situation in the coming years, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda quipped, "Don’t you think so?" Already, officials point to the framework agreement signed with the MILF as key to end the longstanding conflict in Mindanao. The agreement is the last step towards the official signing of a peace pact, that among others, will create a new political entity called Bangsamoro that will address flaws in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This optimism was shared globally, with the GTI noting that while attacks increased over the years, the global impact of terrorism has plateaued since 2007. "The overall global trend does give some hope for optimism as the steep increase in terrorist activity experienced from 2003 to 2007 has halted, however, the deteriorating situation in Syria and other future possible conflicts in the Middle East could reverse the situation," the report said.

The global impact of terrorism has increased significantly from 2002 to 2007, before falling to its 2006 levels, the report said. The survey results further noted that attacks are highly concentrated in a few places, with the 10 countries with the most incidents last year accounting 87% of total global incidents. About a third of fatalities within the decade were from terrorist activities in Iraq. The survey states that global incidents, fatalities and injuries are dominated by events in lower middle income countries -- not low income countries -- with 65% of incidents, 69% of fatalities and 73% of all injuries recorded in lower middle income countries. Only 20 countries did not suffer any terrorist activity over the past 20 years.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/285235/news/nation/phl-among-top-10-countries-that-suffered-most-from-terrorism-in-last-decade?ref=topstories

150 families flee fighting between NPA and Army in North Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Dec 6): 150 families flee fighting between NPA and Army in North Cotabato



More than 150 families have fled their homes in three villages of Magpet town in North Cotabato where government troops have been battling New People's Army guerrillas since Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. Meanwhile, two NPA fighters were killed and another was wounded in a clash with government troops in the town of Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte province Wednesday.

The fighting in Magpet broke out around 11 a.m. December 3 when the rebels allegedly fired on soldiers and militiamen operating on the boundaries of Barangays Amabel, Noah and Bagumbayan, killing militia member Daniel Mahasan. The firefight caused 154 families to evacuate to their villages’ multi-purpose halls, the NDRRMC said. Local officials have provided relief goods and security to the evacuees.

In earlier press statement, the Army's 6th Infantry Division said the discovery of at least six major NPA camps in Magpet prompted the unit to conduct a series of operations over the past two weeks. Colonel Prudencio Asto, 6th ID spokesman, said the operations were guided by information from "concerned civilians who have been fed up with intimidation and extortion activities of the NPAs in the area." “The NPAs are now on the run following our capture of their major camps in Magpet. Months ago, we also discovered several NPA camps in Makilala and Arakan. The NPAs are rapidly losing popular support from the people,” Lieutenant Colonel Noel dela Cruz, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, claimed.

In Zamboanga del Norte, Captain Alberto Caber of the 1st ID said patrolling troops checking on reports of alleged NPA extortion clashed with 20 rebels in Sitio Napolan. The soldiers seized an M16 rifle. Police have set up checkpoints to intercept the fleeing rebels.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/49757/150-families-flee-fighting-between-npa-and-army-in-north-cotabato

ICG: The Philippines: Breakthrough in Mindanao

From the International Crisis Group (Dec 5): The Philippines: Breakthrough in Mindanao

For a copy of the full report see: http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/240-the-philippines-breakthrough-in-mindanao.pdf

Executive Summary

The pact signed on 15 October 2012 between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government is a breakthrough in many ways but is far from a final peace. As with earlier texts signed over years of negotiations, this one – the “framework agreement” – defers several tough questions and it is unclear how, if ever, they will be resolved. At stake is the creation of a genuinely autonomous region in Muslim-majority Mindanao for the various ethnic groups collectively known as the Bangsa­moro, with more powers, more territory and more control over resources. The framework agreement envisions a new government for the troubled Muslim south that would raise its own revenues and have its own police and judiciary. It maps out a multi-step process to create this new entity by the time President Benigno Aquino III’s term ends in 2016. The obstacles ahead are huge. Politics in Mindanao or Manila could get in the way, and it may be impossible to devolve sufficient power to the Bangsamoro government without running afoul of the constitution. The MILF is unlikely to surrender its arms until the process is complete.

Peace talks with the 12,000-strong MILF, the country’s largest and best armed insurgent organisation, began in 1997. They have moved glacially ever since and were interrupted three times by serious fighting: in 2000, 2003 and 2008. The collapse in 2008 had damaging political implications because it hardened the positions of all stakeholders on critical elements of a final peace. These include the territory for a new Bangsamoro homeland and its powers vis-à-vis Manila. At the centre of the storm was a sweeping text known as the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), whose provisions the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional; it was never formally signed. It was difficult to get the peace process back on track afterwards because the MILF insisted that discussions resume from where they had left off.

 

President Aquino, who took office in June 2010, had no interest in repeating these mistakes. His government would consult and reassure potential spoilers, and any deal reached would have to be legally, constitutionally and politically water­tight. The government strategy from early on was to find a way to move the MILF away from the terms of the failed 2008 agreement. Aquino, elected on an anti-corruption platform, also did not want a peace pact to run the risk of worsening governance problems in the south. The MILF, proud of its tenacity and consistency in the protracted talks, was initially unwilling to adjust to this new approach.

 

The negotiations only started to make real progress in mid-2012 when the parties began to draft a text that embodied all points they could agree on, while setting aside everything they did not. With Malaysia, which facilitates the negotiations, and other international third parties to the peace process nudging the MILF and the Aquino government closer together, the text of the framework agreement fell into place. When the hard part came – territory – the MILF was ready to take a leap of faith. It agreed to provisions that are tricky to sell to its supporters in Mindanao but that give all Bangsa­moro a chance to decide whether they accept the terms of a final peace.

 

For the Aquino government, it was important to bring the peace process back to the Philippines after years of confidential negotiations abroad and to give other voices in Mindanao a chance to be heard. The MILF’s leaders, who claim to represent all Bangsamoro despite the undeniably fractious politics of the region, have agreed to make space for others to sit at the table and help them craft the new law that will create a Bangsamoro government. If all goes well, this will increase the popular legitimacy of the peace process; if it does not, and the Bangsamoro cannot even agree among themselves, it will do serious damage to the idea of regional autonomy. The next hurdle will be passing this new law through Congress. The president’s popularity and considerable political capital will help with stakeholders in Manila, and the depth of his commitment to securing peace in Mindanao will become clear when constitutional issues inevitably rear their head. If the process stalls at any stage, it may be hard for the MILF leadership to control its commanders and retain popular support.

 

For the Bangsamoro, the framework agreement holds out the possibility of peace, a responsive government and a better, more prosperous future for their children. Nothing has changed yet, but there is real hope that this time will be different. The MILF, the government and their international partners need to work together to ensure those hopes are not dashed.

http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/240-the-philippines-breakthrough-in-mindanao.aspx

2 NPA rebs killed, soldier wounded in Zamboanga del Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6): 2 NPA rebs killed, soldier wounded in Zamboanga del Norte clash

Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while a soldier was wounded in a clash in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, a military official announced Thursday. Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said the clash took place around 3 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo town. Cruz withheld the identity of the wounded soldier except that he is assigned the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Taharudin Ampatuan. Cruz said the troops were on security patrol when they clashed with at least 20 NPA rebels.

 The conduct of the security patrol was in response to reports from a civilian information that a group of NPA rebels are in Sitio Napolan, Barangay Tinuyop extorting money from the residents, Cruz said. The NPA rebels belong to the extortion unit of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), he added. The NPA rebels fled to different directions leaving behind their two slain comrades, he said. He lauded the civilian cooperation and the 10th Infantry Battalion troops who instantly responded to the informant’s report. “This is another success of the Filipino people. In the spirit of bayanihan, we can always win in this fight against extortion activities and harassment by the NPA rebels,” Cruz said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=477692

China clarifies maritime policy in disputed sea

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 6): China clarifies maritime policy in disputed sea

Beijing clarified on Wednesday its new maritime rules on the South China Sea (Wes Philippine Sea), saying that Chinese naval forces would “search and repel” foreign vessels only if they were engaged in illegal activities and only if the ships were within the 12 nautical miles zone of the surrounding islands that China claims. The explanation was made by Wu Shicun, the director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of the province of Hainan in South China, in the wake of protests from China’s neighboring countries and the United States and in response to the letter of the Foreign Affairs Department seeking clarification on the new maritime laws.

Hainan, a province located in South China, administers the newly-built Sansha City in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), which was given direct control over the highly-disputed territories. Wu, a policymaker to matters pertaining to the South China Sea, added that the new regulations do not apply to all of the territories that Beijing claims. The Chinese government has been insisting that it owns virtually the entire South China Sea, a claim that is being contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. He added that the main purpose of coming up with the new maritime laws was to police Vietnamese fishing boats operating in the waters near Yongxing island in the Paracels, which China calls the Xisha islands.

“The outside world should not overreact to the revision of these rules, or read too much into them, nor should anyone give a one-sided or distorted explanation,” said Wu in a statement posted in today online website. “A big worry for neighboring countries and countries outside the region is that China is growing so rapidly, and they see it is possible China taking over the islands by force,” Wu said. “I think China needs to convince neighboring countries that this is not the case,” Wu said adding that neighboring countries must “trust” China that it would not use “force in the sea”.

He added, however, that the new regulations apply to all of the hundreds of islands scattered across the sea, and their surrounding waters – including the disputed islands claimed by other countries including Vietnam and the Philippines. The regulations are set to take effect on January 1 and this would apply to the sea around islands or its “baselines.” A baseline is the low-water line along the coast from which countries measure their territorial waters, as provided by the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea. “But for islands whose territorial water baselines have not yet been announced, since there is no way to clearly define the width of their territorial sea, the aforementioned problem does not exist,” he said. Wu said that the full text of the new regulations would be made available next year. The “baseline” that China was referring, Wu said, was claimed by Vietnam in 1996 – and also by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Foreign Affairs had said earlier that China’s claim was in excess of the provisions of international law. The Philippines, Vietnam, India and the United States had registered their protest right after Beijing announced the new maritime regulations, saying that China’s action was a threat to all countries whose vessels pass by the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). On Wednesday, Manila asked Beijing to clarify the report which first came out in the China Daily, a government-owned news website.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/12/06/china-clarifies-maritime-policy-in-disputed-sea/

Moro Leader’s 100th Birthday Recognized

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 5): Moro Leader’s 100th Birthday Recognized

Muslim and Christian officials converged at the remote town of Salipada K. Pendatun in Maguindanao Monday to observe the 100th birthday of the country’s first Moro general and senator, after whom the municipality was named. The National Historical Institute (NHI) led the commemoration with prayers for the current generation to take inspiration from the “heroic” deeds of Salipada K. Pendatun in the building of an American-backed “solid” Muslim-Christian resistance during the Japanese occupation of Mindanao. NHI Executive Director Ludovico Badoy alongside relatives and political disciples including now retiring Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong kicked off the commemoration rites Monday morning with the unveiling of a ceremonial marker on the graveyard of the late Senator Pendatun.

In their separate speeches, Badoy and Datumanong recalled the unparalleled feats of Pendatun in social integration, legal parlance, military service, legislation, and traditional leadership. Former North Cotabato Board Member Farida Pendatun, a niece of the Moro leader, said their clan was “deeply elated” over the Aquino administration’s appreciation through the NHI of her uncle’s contribution to society. “We’re deeply elated and honored. Our uncle was indeed a great leader, whose wisdom we’ve tried hardly to emulate but cannot match,” Farida told the Manila Bulletin. The late Pendatun was born on December 3, 1912. He died of natural death on January 27, 1985, at the town named after him.

The Wikipedia Web site described him as a “great lawyer, military officer, legislator, and national leader of many firsts.” “Stocky and solidly built, he was the first and only Muslim to lead a combined Muslim Christian-American guerilla army, the first Filipino Muslim to be conferred the rank of Brigadier General, the first Muslim elected senator, the first to hold three Senate Committee Chairmanships at the same time, the first Muslim delegate to the United Nations, and the first Muslim to become Speaker Pro-Tempore of the House Representatives,” a Wikipedia Web site posting said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/384481/moro-leader-s-100th-birthday-recognized

New Book (Victory at Bessang Pass)

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 5): New Book (Victory at Bessang Pass)

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — A book that will remind the heroics of Filipino and American soldiers in capturing the Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur during the last stage of World War II in the Philippines was launched today in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, according to Ilocos Sur’s Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in – charge Vicky Antiporda.
Antiporda said on Wednesday that PVAO embarked on research and publication of the book titled, “Victory at Bessang Pass,” due to the agency’s desire for the Filipino youth to have a sense of national pride and imbibe love of country. The book was authored by veteran defense journalist, Ben Cal.

It was learned that Former President Fidel V. Ramos graced the event as a special guest while Vice Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano of the province Ilocos Sur where Bessang Pass is located, was the guest of honor. The book, “Victory at Bessang Pass,” tells about the gallantry of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines — Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) guerrillas.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/384492/new-book

Philippine Army Press Clippings (Dec 1-5)

Posted to the Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) blog: Philippine Army Press Clippings (Dec 1-5)

December 1: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115087658/01-Dec-2012-Newsclippings#page=1

December 2: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115169935/02-Dec-12#page=1

December 3: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115246905/03-Dec-12#page=1

December 4: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115383682/04-Nov-12-1#page=1

December 5: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115560253/05-Dec-2012-Newsclippings#page=1

http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/p/philippine-army-news-clipping.html

Army designates new Command Sergeant Major

Posted to the Faces, Places & Voices (Ranger Cabunzky) blog (Dec 5): Army designates new Command Sergeant Major

Chief Master Sergeant Guillermo P Francisco, outgoing Army Sergeant Major (ASM) hands over the Office Symbol to Army Chief of Staff Maj Gen Maximo G Caro as incoming ASM Chief Master Sergeant Wilfredo L Javillonar looks on. (Photo by Pfc Cesar Lopez)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City –The Philippine Army has designated its new Sergeant Major in a Change of Chief of Office Ceremony here on Wednesday, December 5. Army Chief of Staff Maj Gen Maximo G Caro presided the ceremony which was attended by senior officers of the Army Headquarters. Major Harold M Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that Chief Master Sergeant Wilfredo L Javillonar, enlisted personnel for 31 years, replaced Chief Master Sergeant Guillermo P Francisco who was elevated to Armed Forces of the Philippines Sergeant Major in October.

An Ilocano who started out as Rifleman, Javillonar is a seasoned warrior and leader. Prior to being Army Sergeant Major (ASM), he has served as Sergeant Major of 6 Regional Community Defense Group, Task Group Southwest-Negros, 3ID and later on of the 3rd Infantry Division. He also has long years of experience as Chief Clerk in various units of the Army. Javillonar is also one of the most decorated personnel among his rank having received various Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals, Long Service Medals, Military Civic Actions Medals and AFP Conduct Medal among others.

Francisco, on the other hand, was enlisted in 1981 and was assigned to 2nd Special Operations Company, SOG, ASWBde as its Communication Chief, Operations NCO and as a Team and a Section Leader in the provinces of Samar. After which, he has rendered long years of service in different sub-units of the First Scout Ranger Regiment since its reactivation in 1983. He has also become an instructor of various infantry and intelligence courses and later became the Sergeant Major of the Scout Ranger Training School.

In December 2007 Francisco was designated as the Regiment Sergeant Major until his reassignment to Southern Command (SOCOM) as its Command Sergeant Major in 2009. A year later, he was designated as the Philippine Army Sergeant Major. As Army Sergeant Major, one is responsible for maintaining the high standard of morale and discipline and is expected to give counsel and provide guidance to all enlisted personnel.

http://rangercabunzky.blogspot.com/

ANAD: Seasons Greetings Card

Posted to the anti-communist Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD) Facebook page (Dec 5): ANAD Seasons Greetings Card



https://www.facebook.com/anadpartylist#!/photo.php?fbid=10151350700072792&set=a.10151350699922792.527254.355986542791&type=1&theater

Photo: Explosive materials confiscated from village leader and two suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists

Posted to the Sun Star (Dec 5):  Photo: Explosive materials confiscated from village leader and two suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists



ZAMBOANGA. The explosive materials the police intercepted on Monday afternoon aboard a government vehicle driven by a village chief in Zamboanga City. (Bong Garcia)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/media/2012/12/05/explosive-materials-intercepted-256869