From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 9): Twin blasts hit Cotabato City
Security forces were high alert in Cotabato City in southern Philippines following two small explosions that left several people injured on the eve of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, but police said no casualties were reported.
The twin explosions occurred in downtown Cotabato, but it was unclear if the blasts were perpetrated by rebels or not. Police said one of the blast was caused by a grenade launcher that hit the roof of a small restaurant.
Just recently, a grenade exploded at a marine encampment in Cotabato City following an attack by unidentified two men riding tandem on a motorcycle.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest explosions, but these occurred days after rebel forces clashed with troops in Maguindanao province that left dozens of people dead and wounded on both sides.
Officials would not say whether the blasts were connected to the talks or fighting between Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and government forces. The blast also coincided with the peace talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation front and the Aquino government.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/twin-blasts-hit-cotabato-city.html
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Zamboanga mayor prioritizes security
From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 10): Zamboanga mayor prioritizes security
Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar is brief by security officials during a meeting in Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has met with security officials to discuss measures that would ensure the safety of the public against criminality and lawlessness.
Salazar said there is a need for a stronger coordination among the police and military and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety not only of the people but of Zamboanga as a whole.
“We should not only take care of the land assets but also the territorial waters of the city and I will also be reviewing the profile of our environment,” she said. “We want to ensure that there is efficient and capable police visibility and that sea and air assets are maintained.”
Salazar herself has been going around Zamboanga and inspecting police detachments and meeting with village and business leaders, taking their suggestions and proposals on how to further improve the security here.
She said every agency and sector should work together and share in the effort to maintain peace and security in Zamboanga.
Salazar, a former House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, has recently handed over to various police precincts at least 9 new patrol trucks in an effort to equip authorities with vehicles that can quickly respond to any emergencies.
Gun attacks and killings in Zamboanga City are almost a daily occurrence here and most of the murders have been blamed to hired killers.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/zamboanga-mayor-prioritizes-security.html
Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar is brief by security officials during a meeting in Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has met with security officials to discuss measures that would ensure the safety of the public against criminality and lawlessness.
Salazar said there is a need for a stronger coordination among the police and military and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety not only of the people but of Zamboanga as a whole.
“We should not only take care of the land assets but also the territorial waters of the city and I will also be reviewing the profile of our environment,” she said. “We want to ensure that there is efficient and capable police visibility and that sea and air assets are maintained.”
Salazar herself has been going around Zamboanga and inspecting police detachments and meeting with village and business leaders, taking their suggestions and proposals on how to further improve the security here.
She said every agency and sector should work together and share in the effort to maintain peace and security in Zamboanga.
Salazar, a former House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, has recently handed over to various police precincts at least 9 new patrol trucks in an effort to equip authorities with vehicles that can quickly respond to any emergencies.
Gun attacks and killings in Zamboanga City are almost a daily occurrence here and most of the murders have been blamed to hired killers.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/zamboanga-mayor-prioritizes-security.html
NPA leader yields to military in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 10): NPA leader yields to military in Southern Philippines
A senior communist rebel leader has surrendered Wednesday to the Philippine Army following a series of negotiations in the southern region of Mindanao, officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Officials said Narciso Pulbos Ruben is the leader of New People’s Army forces operating in Compostela Valley province.
Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebel leader’s surrender only proved the effectiveness of the military’s so-called Peace and Development Outreach Program.
“More than forty years of armed struggle have not solved any of our problems. It has caused more problems for our society. Senseless deaths and miseries to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and destroyed the future of many Filipino youth. Let us actively support the program of government to peacefully resolve all armed conflicts in the country,” Cruz said.
Cruz urged other rebels to return to the folds of the law and avail of the various government integration and humanitarian programs.
He said the rebels can avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program which provides livelihood and financial aid to those who would surrender and use these to start a new life with their family.
“Please take advantage of the government's integration program. It will provide you an opportunity to return back to your families and communities through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government and together we shall solve our problems the peaceful way,” Cruz said.
He said Ruben will undergo a process where he can avail the livelihood assistance program. The rebel leader will receive cash for the weapons he surrendered to the military under the “Guns-for-Peace Program”.
Cruz said the surrender of Ruben was made possible through the efforts of the peace and development teams under the Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of 10th Infantry Division.
He said an emissary, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, helped in the negotiations for Ruben’s peaceful surrender.
Ruben told military interrogators that he joined the NPA in 1997 and held various positions with the Samahang Yunit Pampropaganda and became a team leader of a medical unit and a political instructor of the Pulang Bagani Command 5 until he assumed as Front Secretary in February last year.
He said the NPA, which is fighting for a separate state, lured him to join the rebel group promising him and his family monetary support and alleviation from poverty.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/npa-leader-yields-to-military-in.html
A senior communist rebel leader has surrendered Wednesday to the Philippine Army following a series of negotiations in the southern region of Mindanao, officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Officials said Narciso Pulbos Ruben is the leader of New People’s Army forces operating in Compostela Valley province.
Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rebel leader’s surrender only proved the effectiveness of the military’s so-called Peace and Development Outreach Program.
“More than forty years of armed struggle have not solved any of our problems. It has caused more problems for our society. Senseless deaths and miseries to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and destroyed the future of many Filipino youth. Let us actively support the program of government to peacefully resolve all armed conflicts in the country,” Cruz said.
Cruz urged other rebels to return to the folds of the law and avail of the various government integration and humanitarian programs.
He said the rebels can avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program which provides livelihood and financial aid to those who would surrender and use these to start a new life with their family.
“Please take advantage of the government's integration program. It will provide you an opportunity to return back to your families and communities through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government and together we shall solve our problems the peaceful way,” Cruz said.
He said Ruben will undergo a process where he can avail the livelihood assistance program. The rebel leader will receive cash for the weapons he surrendered to the military under the “Guns-for-Peace Program”.
Cruz said the surrender of Ruben was made possible through the efforts of the peace and development teams under the Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of 10th Infantry Division.
He said an emissary, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, helped in the negotiations for Ruben’s peaceful surrender.
Ruben told military interrogators that he joined the NPA in 1997 and held various positions with the Samahang Yunit Pampropaganda and became a team leader of a medical unit and a political instructor of the Pulang Bagani Command 5 until he assumed as Front Secretary in February last year.
He said the NPA, which is fighting for a separate state, lured him to join the rebel group promising him and his family monetary support and alleviation from poverty.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/npa-leader-yields-to-military-in.html
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
CPP: Aquino’s termination of peace talks has worsened AFP’s disregard for humanitarian law—CPP
From the CPP Website (Jul 9: Aquino’s termination of peace talks has worsened AFP’s disregard for humanitarian law—CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that by terminating peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Aquino regime has further emboldened the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the conduct of its brutal war of suppression and worsened its disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law.
The CPP said the recent armed encounter between the troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion and a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Juban, Sorsogon shows how the AFP completely disregarded the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) when it proceeded with the summary execution of three NPA fighters even after they have already been rendered incapable of fighting and defending themselves.
According to field reports, Frankie Joe Soriano (Ka Greg Bañares), Christine Puche (Ka Nel) and Ted Palacio (Ka Gary) were already unarmed when they were attempting to retreat from the main battle area. “They should have been accosted, detained and treated as prisoners of war in order to protect their rights under the CARHRIHL and international humanitarian law, but were instead fired upon with utter impunity.”
The CPP pointed out that the NPA strictly adheres to international rules governing armed engagements to protect the rights of civilians as well as combatants who have been rendered hors de combat (incapable of fighting) as a result of sickness, wounds or any other cause.
“Just last June 28, NPA fighters exhibited its adherence to the CARHRIHL and its own internal rules when it collected, assisted and treated the wounded police officers who were injured when the Red fighters of the NPA Leonardo Pacsi Command ambushed a training unit of the PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion in Tadian, Mountain Province.”
“In stark contrast to the NPA’s respect for human rights and humanitarian law, the AFP has been exhibited utter disregard of rules and has shown its impunity in carrying out summary executions, torture and other forms of brutalities in the course of the conduct of its Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression,” said the CPP.
“In terminating peace negotiations with the NDFP and without explicit commitment to the agreements, the Aquino regime is virtually telling the AFP not to be encumbered by the CARHRIHL and carry out its war of suppression with all-out brutality and impunity,” pointed out the CPP.
“The CPP maintains that the CARHRIHL is a crucial agreement that must be respected as a body of rules which govern the conduct of the civil war with the aim of guaranteeing the rights of the civilians and people protected under international humanitarian law,” pointed out the CPP. “The more the armed conflict rages, the more important the CARHRIHL becomes.”
“By terminating peace negotiations, the Aquino regime wants to render the CARHRIHL useless.”
The CPP reiterates its position that formal peace negotiations must proceed on the basis of the principles set forth by The Hague Joint Declaration and after compliance by of previous agreements, including the CARHRIHL as well as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130709_aquino-s-termination-of-peace-talks-has-worsened-afp-s-disregard-for-humanitarian-law-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that by terminating peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Aquino regime has further emboldened the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the conduct of its brutal war of suppression and worsened its disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law.
The CPP said the recent armed encounter between the troops of the 31st Infantry Battalion and a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Juban, Sorsogon shows how the AFP completely disregarded the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) when it proceeded with the summary execution of three NPA fighters even after they have already been rendered incapable of fighting and defending themselves.
According to field reports, Frankie Joe Soriano (Ka Greg Bañares), Christine Puche (Ka Nel) and Ted Palacio (Ka Gary) were already unarmed when they were attempting to retreat from the main battle area. “They should have been accosted, detained and treated as prisoners of war in order to protect their rights under the CARHRIHL and international humanitarian law, but were instead fired upon with utter impunity.”
The CPP pointed out that the NPA strictly adheres to international rules governing armed engagements to protect the rights of civilians as well as combatants who have been rendered hors de combat (incapable of fighting) as a result of sickness, wounds or any other cause.
“Just last June 28, NPA fighters exhibited its adherence to the CARHRIHL and its own internal rules when it collected, assisted and treated the wounded police officers who were injured when the Red fighters of the NPA Leonardo Pacsi Command ambushed a training unit of the PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion in Tadian, Mountain Province.”
“In stark contrast to the NPA’s respect for human rights and humanitarian law, the AFP has been exhibited utter disregard of rules and has shown its impunity in carrying out summary executions, torture and other forms of brutalities in the course of the conduct of its Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression,” said the CPP.
“In terminating peace negotiations with the NDFP and without explicit commitment to the agreements, the Aquino regime is virtually telling the AFP not to be encumbered by the CARHRIHL and carry out its war of suppression with all-out brutality and impunity,” pointed out the CPP.
“The CPP maintains that the CARHRIHL is a crucial agreement that must be respected as a body of rules which govern the conduct of the civil war with the aim of guaranteeing the rights of the civilians and people protected under international humanitarian law,” pointed out the CPP. “The more the armed conflict rages, the more important the CARHRIHL becomes.”
“By terminating peace negotiations, the Aquino regime wants to render the CARHRIHL useless.”
The CPP reiterates its position that formal peace negotiations must proceed on the basis of the principles set forth by The Hague Joint Declaration and after compliance by of previous agreements, including the CARHRIHL as well as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130709_aquino-s-termination-of-peace-talks-has-worsened-afp-s-disregard-for-humanitarian-law-cpp
PH warship leaves San Diego
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 9): PH warship leaves San Diego
Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu officially sent off BRP Alcaraz (PF-16) during the 52nd US Naval Base ceremony in San Diego California on July 5, according to the official DFA Facebook page.
The newly acquired Hamilton class cutter of the Philippine Navy under the Philippine-U.S. Excess Defense Article and Military Assistance Program is captained by Captain Ernesto Baldovino.
BRP Alcaraz has 14 officers and 74 crew members. The ship is currently on its way to Guam and is expected to arrive in the Philippines on August 3.
BRP Alcaraz was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy officer during World War II. It is a sister ship is BRP Gregorio del Pilar, another Hamilton class cutter.
According to Deputy Consul Espiritu the new vessel is a “modest addition to the naval arsenal of the Philippines.”
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Price and Consulate Information officer Cesar Angeles was present during the ceremony.
The vessel came from Charleston, South Carolina and arrived in San Diego on June 28.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz had been undergoing sea trials off the waters of South Carolina in the past few months, which included testing the main weapon of the cutter, a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon. The BRP Alcaraz also carres a Harpoon anti-ship missle system.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/21399/PH_warship_leaves_San_Diego_#.Udy14Y7D8cA
Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu officially sent off BRP Alcaraz (PF-16) during the 52nd US Naval Base ceremony in San Diego California on July 5, according to the official DFA Facebook page.
The newly acquired Hamilton class cutter of the Philippine Navy under the Philippine-U.S. Excess Defense Article and Military Assistance Program is captained by Captain Ernesto Baldovino.
BRP Alcaraz has 14 officers and 74 crew members. The ship is currently on its way to Guam and is expected to arrive in the Philippines on August 3.
BRP Alcaraz was named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Philippine Navy officer during World War II. It is a sister ship is BRP Gregorio del Pilar, another Hamilton class cutter.
According to Deputy Consul Espiritu the new vessel is a “modest addition to the naval arsenal of the Philippines.”
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Price and Consulate Information officer Cesar Angeles was present during the ceremony.
The vessel came from Charleston, South Carolina and arrived in San Diego on June 28.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz had been undergoing sea trials off the waters of South Carolina in the past few months, which included testing the main weapon of the cutter, a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon. The BRP Alcaraz also carres a Harpoon anti-ship missle system.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/21399/PH_warship_leaves_San_Diego_#.Udy14Y7D8cA
Top CPP-NPA official surrenders In Mindanao
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 10): Top CPP-NPA official surrenders In Mindanao
BUTUAN CITY – A ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) voluntarily surrendered to Army authorities in Southern Philippines on Tuesday, Army’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) in Southern Mindanao reported on Wednesday.
PAO Officer Capt. Raul Villegas identified the alleged surrendered top communist official as Narciso Pulbos Ruben, alias “Ka Jason”, secretary of guerilla-Front Committee 34 of the CPP-NPA-NDF Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
The voluntary surrender of “Ka Jason” was assisted by some highland people and local officials in Compostela Valley (ComVal) province, including the immediate members of his family.
“He is now under debriefing by field unit in ComVal,” at the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Battallion, said Capt. Villegas.
According to PAO Officer the motive of “Ka Jason’s” surrender is hardship in the mountains for the past several years and wanted to re-join his family and lead a productive life.
“He really wanted to help the government by way of asking his other comrades-in-arms who are still suffering the hardship in the mountains to come down and join the peace and development program of the government,” added Capt. Villegas.
Capt. Villegas said the surrender of “Ka Jason” is a blow to the communist movement in Southern Mindanao region.
“His surrender is a negative factor to the underground movement in the area and another strategic gain of the government’s anti-insurgency drive,” added the PAO Officer.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/21523/Top_CPP-NPA_official_surrenders_In_Mindanao#.Udy1KI7D8cA
BUTUAN CITY – A ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) voluntarily surrendered to Army authorities in Southern Philippines on Tuesday, Army’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) in Southern Mindanao reported on Wednesday.
PAO Officer Capt. Raul Villegas identified the alleged surrendered top communist official as Narciso Pulbos Ruben, alias “Ka Jason”, secretary of guerilla-Front Committee 34 of the CPP-NPA-NDF Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
The voluntary surrender of “Ka Jason” was assisted by some highland people and local officials in Compostela Valley (ComVal) province, including the immediate members of his family.
“He is now under debriefing by field unit in ComVal,” at the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Battallion, said Capt. Villegas.
According to PAO Officer the motive of “Ka Jason’s” surrender is hardship in the mountains for the past several years and wanted to re-join his family and lead a productive life.
“He really wanted to help the government by way of asking his other comrades-in-arms who are still suffering the hardship in the mountains to come down and join the peace and development program of the government,” added Capt. Villegas.
Capt. Villegas said the surrender of “Ka Jason” is a blow to the communist movement in Southern Mindanao region.
“His surrender is a negative factor to the underground movement in the area and another strategic gain of the government’s anti-insurgency drive,” added the PAO Officer.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/21523/Top_CPP-NPA_official_surrenders_In_Mindanao#.Udy1KI7D8cA
Kato’s fighters nix truce
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 10): Kato’s fighters nix truce
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters renewed its attacks on Tuesday despite the military’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in deference to the Ramadan, as the rebel forces detonated two improvised explosive devices they planted under the Magaslong bridge in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that the explosion did not seriously damaged the 30-meter long bridge.
“The bridge is still intact. The bombs were planted underneath the bridge,” Hermoso said.
He said the explosion occurred around 11:30 a.m.
Engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways immediately went to the area to check on the bridge after the explosion.
“The engineers assessed that only light vehicles may pass the bridge for the meantime while portions of it that were damaged are undergoing repairs,” Hermoso said.
Hermoso said local officials and residents of Datu Piang and nearby towns condemned the BIFF attack, especially since it came a day before the Muslims worldwide observed the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“This recent act of the BIFF is strongly condemned by the people, businessmen, and local government of Datu Piang and adjoining communities as ‘Haram’ (forbidden) especially that the Holy Month of Ramadan is about to start,” Hermoso said.
Meanwhile, the military said it ended its operations against the BIFF because it did not want to the clashes to continue to when the Ramadan begins today.
The start of Ramadan was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Darul Iftah or Islamic House of Opinion have moved it because there was still no new moon sighted as of Monday.
“The operations of the Armed Forces was only for a limited time. They have ended the operations because of the start of Ramadan,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
The military earlier confirmed that an Army officer and four enlisted personnel were killed during weekend clashes between government troops and the BIFF led by Ameril Umbra Kato.
The military also cited unconfirmed reports of 18 BIFF members killed and eight civilians wounded.
In his message to mark the Islamic month-long fasting, President Benigno Aquino III said Ramadan “allows not only for contemplation and atonement but also for (Muslims) to be more mindful of the Prophet’s teachings.”
“May your prayer and fasting evoke a deeper and more profound connection with your heritage and faith, inspire discipline, restraint, and generosity of spirit; and help guide you towards becoming greater embodiments of harmony and social justice,” Aquino said.
“I wish you a solemn and meaningful Ramadan; may this event foster greater understanding and cooperation among our varied faiths, and guide the Philippines towards lasting peace and progress,” the President added.
Government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer earlier assured the public that the operations against Kato were cleared with the MILF through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
“All of the law enforcement actions that the military has taken are coordinated with the CCCH. We do not want that this would embroil the government and the MILF,” she said.
A military source said Kato was “posturing” to disrupt the peace talks, which have reached a critical stage as both panels were set to finalize the three remaining annexes for the peace accord.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/10/katos-fighters-nix-truce/
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters renewed its attacks on Tuesday despite the military’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in deference to the Ramadan, as the rebel forces detonated two improvised explosive devices they planted under the Magaslong bridge in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that the explosion did not seriously damaged the 30-meter long bridge.
“The bridge is still intact. The bombs were planted underneath the bridge,” Hermoso said.
He said the explosion occurred around 11:30 a.m.
Engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways immediately went to the area to check on the bridge after the explosion.
“The engineers assessed that only light vehicles may pass the bridge for the meantime while portions of it that were damaged are undergoing repairs,” Hermoso said.
Hermoso said local officials and residents of Datu Piang and nearby towns condemned the BIFF attack, especially since it came a day before the Muslims worldwide observed the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“This recent act of the BIFF is strongly condemned by the people, businessmen, and local government of Datu Piang and adjoining communities as ‘Haram’ (forbidden) especially that the Holy Month of Ramadan is about to start,” Hermoso said.
Meanwhile, the military said it ended its operations against the BIFF because it did not want to the clashes to continue to when the Ramadan begins today.
The start of Ramadan was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Darul Iftah or Islamic House of Opinion have moved it because there was still no new moon sighted as of Monday.
“The operations of the Armed Forces was only for a limited time. They have ended the operations because of the start of Ramadan,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
The military earlier confirmed that an Army officer and four enlisted personnel were killed during weekend clashes between government troops and the BIFF led by Ameril Umbra Kato.
The military also cited unconfirmed reports of 18 BIFF members killed and eight civilians wounded.
In his message to mark the Islamic month-long fasting, President Benigno Aquino III said Ramadan “allows not only for contemplation and atonement but also for (Muslims) to be more mindful of the Prophet’s teachings.”
“May your prayer and fasting evoke a deeper and more profound connection with your heritage and faith, inspire discipline, restraint, and generosity of spirit; and help guide you towards becoming greater embodiments of harmony and social justice,” Aquino said.
“I wish you a solemn and meaningful Ramadan; may this event foster greater understanding and cooperation among our varied faiths, and guide the Philippines towards lasting peace and progress,” the President added.
Government chief negotiator Miriam Ferrer earlier assured the public that the operations against Kato were cleared with the MILF through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
“All of the law enforcement actions that the military has taken are coordinated with the CCCH. We do not want that this would embroil the government and the MILF,” she said.
A military source said Kato was “posturing” to disrupt the peace talks, which have reached a critical stage as both panels were set to finalize the three remaining annexes for the peace accord.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/10/katos-fighters-nix-truce/
5 injured in Cotabato City blasts
From MindaNews (Jul 10): 5 injured in Cotabato City blasts
Five persons were hurt in two explosions Tuesday night on the eve of Ramadhan, the second happening nearby half an hour later while bomb disposal personnel were investigating the first.
Senior Superintendent Rolen Balquin,city police director said the first explosion took place at around 8:40 p.m. along Manara St. in front of the residence of the Chin family followed by another blast at 9:10 p.m. in a popular KTV bar, Cafe Florencio,along Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 7.
Five persons were seen being rushed out of the blood-splattered front gate of the KTV bar to the nearby Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in a police car.
Police said a grenade launcher was fired at the rooftop of the building.
The wounded victims were identified as Aileen Coquia, Lolong Delos Reyes, Winnete Guerra, waiter James Bryan Fernando and bar manager Reynaldo Pascua.
Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EODT) found fragments from an M-79 grenade launcher in the twin blasts.
Muslims condemned the series of attacks on the eve of Ramadhan, the Islamic month of fasting that began Wednesday. The city is predominantly Muslim.
Appeals for a quiet observance of Ramadhan were aired over Facebook.
Monday night at around 11 p.m .residents reported to the police in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao a suspicious-looking package near a gasoline station in Barangay Tamontaka, according to Maguindanao Police director Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson.
EODT personnel rushed to the area but the package contained no explosive.
The area where the package was left is located a few meters from the bridge that separates the city from Maguindanao.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/10/5-injured-in-cotabato-city-blasts/
Five persons were hurt in two explosions Tuesday night on the eve of Ramadhan, the second happening nearby half an hour later while bomb disposal personnel were investigating the first.
Senior Superintendent Rolen Balquin,city police director said the first explosion took place at around 8:40 p.m. along Manara St. in front of the residence of the Chin family followed by another blast at 9:10 p.m. in a popular KTV bar, Cafe Florencio,along Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 7.
Five persons were seen being rushed out of the blood-splattered front gate of the KTV bar to the nearby Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in a police car.
Police said a grenade launcher was fired at the rooftop of the building.
The wounded victims were identified as Aileen Coquia, Lolong Delos Reyes, Winnete Guerra, waiter James Bryan Fernando and bar manager Reynaldo Pascua.
Muslims condemned the series of attacks on the eve of Ramadhan, the Islamic month of fasting that began Wednesday. The city is predominantly Muslim.
Appeals for a quiet observance of Ramadhan were aired over Facebook.
Monday night at around 11 p.m .residents reported to the police in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao a suspicious-looking package near a gasoline station in Barangay Tamontaka, according to Maguindanao Police director Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson.
EODT personnel rushed to the area but the package contained no explosive.
The area where the package was left is located a few meters from the bridge that separates the city from Maguindanao.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/10/5-injured-in-cotabato-city-blasts/
Islamic scholars call for release of Bansil sisters from Abu Sayyaf
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 9): Islamic scholars call for release of Bansil sisters from Abu Sayyaf
A group of ulama (Islamic scholars) here called on Sulu officials to help secure the release of the Bansil sisters, who were abducted some two weeks ago by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Jolo, Sulu.
Ustadz Jaafar Ali, board member of the National Ulama Council of the Philippines (NCUP), also said Nadjoua Bansil, 39, and her sister Linda, 36, should be freed unconditionally by the group that has been holding them hostage since June 22.
The Bansils were filming a documentary on the Sulu Sultanate when snatched in Patikul town.
Several persons have been invited for questioning over their disappearance but information on the progress of the case has come in trickles.
Ali lamented that efforts by relatives of the victims, and concerned fellow Muslims, to reach out to the Abu Sayyaf have not yielded positive results so far.
“They could not establish a direct contact with the kidnappers but influential leaders of Sulu could intervene and secure their safe release,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer here.
Ali also took a shot at the Abu Sayyaf, also known as Harakatul Islamiyyah and has been claiming to champion the cause of Islam, as it has been targeting the very people who have been making contributions for the advancement of the faith.
Like their father, the late Aleem Abdulbassit, the siblings were known to espouse moderate Islam, in stark contrast with the Abu Sayyaf’s extremist view, he said.
When it was founded by Abdurajak Janjalani in the late 1980s, the Abu Sayyaf vowed to become a thorn in the neck of non-Muslim settlers and staged kidnappings here and there.
But Ali immediately believes that kidnapping in itself, regardless of who the victim was, is un-Islamic.
The NCUP has consistently denounced the Abu Sayyaf’s activities as these could not be found in any Islamic books.
Even from Koranic verses on Jihad, most Muslim scholars agreed that the Abu Sayyaf’s activities strayed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/441643/islamic-scholars-call-for-release-of-bansil-sisters-from-abu-sayyaf
A group of ulama (Islamic scholars) here called on Sulu officials to help secure the release of the Bansil sisters, who were abducted some two weeks ago by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Jolo, Sulu.
Ustadz Jaafar Ali, board member of the National Ulama Council of the Philippines (NCUP), also said Nadjoua Bansil, 39, and her sister Linda, 36, should be freed unconditionally by the group that has been holding them hostage since June 22.
The Bansils were filming a documentary on the Sulu Sultanate when snatched in Patikul town.
Several persons have been invited for questioning over their disappearance but information on the progress of the case has come in trickles.
Ali lamented that efforts by relatives of the victims, and concerned fellow Muslims, to reach out to the Abu Sayyaf have not yielded positive results so far.
“They could not establish a direct contact with the kidnappers but influential leaders of Sulu could intervene and secure their safe release,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer here.
Ali also took a shot at the Abu Sayyaf, also known as Harakatul Islamiyyah and has been claiming to champion the cause of Islam, as it has been targeting the very people who have been making contributions for the advancement of the faith.
Like their father, the late Aleem Abdulbassit, the siblings were known to espouse moderate Islam, in stark contrast with the Abu Sayyaf’s extremist view, he said.
When it was founded by Abdurajak Janjalani in the late 1980s, the Abu Sayyaf vowed to become a thorn in the neck of non-Muslim settlers and staged kidnappings here and there.
But Ali immediately believes that kidnapping in itself, regardless of who the victim was, is un-Islamic.
The NCUP has consistently denounced the Abu Sayyaf’s activities as these could not be found in any Islamic books.
Even from Koranic verses on Jihad, most Muslim scholars agreed that the Abu Sayyaf’s activities strayed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/441643/islamic-scholars-call-for-release-of-bansil-sisters-from-abu-sayyaf
More patrol boats for Coast Guard
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 10): More patrol boats for Coast Guard
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/441893/more-patrol-boats-for-coast-guard
Aside from the 15 patrol boats it expects
to get from Japan and France
in late
2014 or early 2015, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plans to acquire a 52-meter
vessel from an unnamed country, the PCG announced Tuesday.
in late
2014 or early 2015, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) plans to acquire a 52-meter
vessel from an unnamed country, the PCG announced Tuesday.
Cmdr. Armand Balilo, also chief of the PCG
public affairs office, said the vessel would be “second-hand but in very good
condition.”
“The project has been approved for
negotiation by the DOTC. But there’s no timetable yet for the purchase of the
patrol boat,” he said. The Coast Guard is a Department of Transportation and
Communications-attached agency.
Balilo did not go into detail.
But on the patrol boats from France, he
said “the government is wrapping up talks with its French counterpart.”
“We’re hoping delivery of the new boats
would be made late next year or early in 2015,” he said.
Last month, the National Economic and
Development Authority approved the procurement of the French patrol boats.
In October 2012, the PCG announced it was
buying the patrol vessels—one 82-meter craft and four 24-meter boats—for around
90 million euros ($116 million or P5 billion).
Earlier, Balilo said the new patrol boats
would be deployed throughout the archipelago and not just to areas of the West
Philippine Sea (South China Sea) being contested by the Philippines and China.
and China.
The Coast Guard, he said, currently had
only nine working patrol boats.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/441893/more-patrol-boats-for-coast-guard
Captured top Samar NPA leaders arrive in Catbalogan City
Just posted to the Samar News (Jul 1): Captured top Samar NPA leaders arrive in Catbalogan City
By DPAO, 8ID PA
CAMP LUKBAN , Catbalogan
City – Recently arrested Samar NPA
Leaders, Juan Paolo Rodrigo Verzosa, aka Cocoy; and his wife, Grace A Verzosa,
aka Lennon arrived in Catbalogan
City Samar Provincial
Hospital
It can be recalled that the NPA couple were arrested by joint elements of the PNPCatbalogan
City
In an interview, Juan Paolo Verzosa admitted that he started to be part of the NPA machinery during his college days at the University of thePhilippines in Diliman, Quezon City
After the legal procedures and documentation shall have been complied with by the Samar Police Provincial Office, the NPA couple will be handed over to the Regional Trial Court inCatbalogan
City
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/jul/c715.htm
By DPAO, 8ID PA
It can be recalled that the NPA couple were arrested by joint elements of the PNP
In an interview, Juan Paolo Verzosa admitted that he started to be part of the NPA machinery during his college days at the University of the
After the legal procedures and documentation shall have been complied with by the Samar Police Provincial Office, the NPA couple will be handed over to the Regional Trial Court in
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/jul/c715.htm
PRWC/CPP: Ang Bayan Editorial--The Aquino regime's treachery
Ang Bayan editorial posted to the PRWC blog (Jul 9): The Aquino regime's treachery
Editorial
Ang Bayan
July 09, 2013
For the past three years under the US-Aquino regime, an unprecedented number of American warships and combat planes have entered and exited the Philippines, also with unprecedented frequency. US warships dock in Subic, Manila and other Philippine ports practically on a weekly basis.
Every day, American soldiers are a constant presence all over the country, with their ships docking or sailing and their planes taking off or landing whenever and wherever they want.
To justify the US military forces' unlimited access to Philippine waters and air space, American and Philippine military officials invoke the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), slapping these two documents in the Filipino people's faces.
Nonetheless, Aquino and the US government are not content with the number of US soldiers and combat vehicles enjoying free and frequent ingress and egress in the Philippines. In accordance with the US' desire to maintain a more permanent presence in the Asia-Pacific, especially in the Philippines, the Aquino regime has been preparing facilities in Subic and other ports for the US military's use.
Aquino has been pushing to grant the US the right to conduct operations from and run facilities in the Philippines. To circumvent the provisions of the 1987 constitution that ban the establishment of foreign facilities and military bases, Aquino misrepresents these as Philippine facilities made available for use by the US military and its allies.
With such plans, the US and Aquino are obviously dissatisfied with the fact that ships, submarines and other nuclear-capable US war ships are already able to come and go as they please. They are not content with the Philippines' current role as an outpost for rest and recreation, repairs and resupply.
They want to enhance the Philippines' status as a vast naval outpost in the Asia-Pacific by restoring the US military's basing privileges in the Philippines. Marking the extent of his puppetry, no less than Aquino has led the way in rationalizing the grant of basing privileges as part of the "military alliance" between the US and the Philippines.
What Corazon Aquino failed to do in 1991, her son Benigno III now wants to accomplish. In 1991, the first Aquino regime failed in its bid to extend the Military Bases Agreement (MBA), which was set to end after 50 years of existence. Aquino now wants to grant basing privileges to the US military even without a treaty. Aquino allies are currently riding on this as a pretext to push for the amendment of the 1987 constitution, in order to once and for all get rid of provisions barring foreign military bases.
The Aquino government is completely at the beck and call of US imperialism and in the service of US world military strategy. In exchange for Aquino's full support, the US has been buttressing his regime politically and militarily, actively intervening in the country's politics to ensure the Aquino government's stability. US media and political experts have also been assiduously guiding the course of the Aquino regime.
To justify growing US military presence, both the US and the Aquino regime have been whipping up conflicts on the Spratly Islands and other land formations in the South China Sea that have been the subject of disputes among the Philippines, China and other countries. Since 2011, the US has intensified its military presence in the Asia-Pacific and established military bases and other military arrangements in northern Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam up to Japan and South Korea.
Its aim is to encircle China and make sure that trade routes like the South China Sea and Malacca Strait remain under US control. The US' growing presence in the Asia-Pacific has been provoking China to enhance its military strength and act more aggressively in defending its national interest.
The growing US military presence in the Asia-Pacific runs counter to the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people. It is exacerbating military and diplomatic tensions and preventing the peaceful resolution of the disputes regarding the Spratlys and other islands in the South China Sea.
Granting the US military complete freedom to enter and leave and station troops, equipment, war ships and combat planes in the Philippines comprise unmitigated trampling by the US of Philippine independence and sovereignty.
The Aquino regime is committing treason against the Filipino people, going to the extent of leading efforts for the US military to lord it over the country. In acceding to the US government's desires, the Aquino regime has ceded the country's right to blaze its own path and has bound the Philippines and its foreign policy to US designs. Every time Aquino complies with US military directives, he surrenders the Philippines' right to adopt a position of non-alignment or non-intervention should international conflicts erupt.
The Filipino people must take a stand for national independence. They must act to put a stop to and resist the Aquino regime's treachery in completely ceding Philippine sovereignty to its American imperialist masters. They must resist Aquino's plans to restore to the US the privilege of basing and stationing troops, equipment and other facilities for their war materiel. They must advance the struggle to abrogate the VFA, the MDT and all other unequal treaties that run counter to the people's interests.
It is highly ironic that Aquino's plans to grant greater basing privileges to the US military are being executed as the Filipino people prepare to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the great patriotic leader Andres Bonifacio on November 30.
In conjunction with this celebration, it is but right for the people to intensify their struggle for national liberation and put an end to the rule of puppet leaders who surrender the country's sovereignty and patrimony.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-aquino-regimes-treachery.html
Editorial
Ang Bayan
July 09, 2013
For the past three years under the US-Aquino regime, an unprecedented number of American warships and combat planes have entered and exited the Philippines, also with unprecedented frequency. US warships dock in Subic, Manila and other Philippine ports practically on a weekly basis.
Every day, American soldiers are a constant presence all over the country, with their ships docking or sailing and their planes taking off or landing whenever and wherever they want.
To justify the US military forces' unlimited access to Philippine waters and air space, American and Philippine military officials invoke the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), slapping these two documents in the Filipino people's faces.
Nonetheless, Aquino and the US government are not content with the number of US soldiers and combat vehicles enjoying free and frequent ingress and egress in the Philippines. In accordance with the US' desire to maintain a more permanent presence in the Asia-Pacific, especially in the Philippines, the Aquino regime has been preparing facilities in Subic and other ports for the US military's use.
Aquino has been pushing to grant the US the right to conduct operations from and run facilities in the Philippines. To circumvent the provisions of the 1987 constitution that ban the establishment of foreign facilities and military bases, Aquino misrepresents these as Philippine facilities made available for use by the US military and its allies.
With such plans, the US and Aquino are obviously dissatisfied with the fact that ships, submarines and other nuclear-capable US war ships are already able to come and go as they please. They are not content with the Philippines' current role as an outpost for rest and recreation, repairs and resupply.
They want to enhance the Philippines' status as a vast naval outpost in the Asia-Pacific by restoring the US military's basing privileges in the Philippines. Marking the extent of his puppetry, no less than Aquino has led the way in rationalizing the grant of basing privileges as part of the "military alliance" between the US and the Philippines.
What Corazon Aquino failed to do in 1991, her son Benigno III now wants to accomplish. In 1991, the first Aquino regime failed in its bid to extend the Military Bases Agreement (MBA), which was set to end after 50 years of existence. Aquino now wants to grant basing privileges to the US military even without a treaty. Aquino allies are currently riding on this as a pretext to push for the amendment of the 1987 constitution, in order to once and for all get rid of provisions barring foreign military bases.
The Aquino government is completely at the beck and call of US imperialism and in the service of US world military strategy. In exchange for Aquino's full support, the US has been buttressing his regime politically and militarily, actively intervening in the country's politics to ensure the Aquino government's stability. US media and political experts have also been assiduously guiding the course of the Aquino regime.
To justify growing US military presence, both the US and the Aquino regime have been whipping up conflicts on the Spratly Islands and other land formations in the South China Sea that have been the subject of disputes among the Philippines, China and other countries. Since 2011, the US has intensified its military presence in the Asia-Pacific and established military bases and other military arrangements in northern Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam up to Japan and South Korea.
Its aim is to encircle China and make sure that trade routes like the South China Sea and Malacca Strait remain under US control. The US' growing presence in the Asia-Pacific has been provoking China to enhance its military strength and act more aggressively in defending its national interest.
The growing US military presence in the Asia-Pacific runs counter to the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people. It is exacerbating military and diplomatic tensions and preventing the peaceful resolution of the disputes regarding the Spratlys and other islands in the South China Sea.
Granting the US military complete freedom to enter and leave and station troops, equipment, war ships and combat planes in the Philippines comprise unmitigated trampling by the US of Philippine independence and sovereignty.
The Aquino regime is committing treason against the Filipino people, going to the extent of leading efforts for the US military to lord it over the country. In acceding to the US government's desires, the Aquino regime has ceded the country's right to blaze its own path and has bound the Philippines and its foreign policy to US designs. Every time Aquino complies with US military directives, he surrenders the Philippines' right to adopt a position of non-alignment or non-intervention should international conflicts erupt.
The Filipino people must take a stand for national independence. They must act to put a stop to and resist the Aquino regime's treachery in completely ceding Philippine sovereignty to its American imperialist masters. They must resist Aquino's plans to restore to the US the privilege of basing and stationing troops, equipment and other facilities for their war materiel. They must advance the struggle to abrogate the VFA, the MDT and all other unequal treaties that run counter to the people's interests.
It is highly ironic that Aquino's plans to grant greater basing privileges to the US military are being executed as the Filipino people prepare to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the great patriotic leader Andres Bonifacio on November 30.
In conjunction with this celebration, it is but right for the people to intensify their struggle for national liberation and put an end to the rule of puppet leaders who surrender the country's sovereignty and patrimony.
http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-aquino-regimes-treachery.html
Breakaway Moro rebels continue attacks
From ABS-CBN (Jul 9): Breakaway Moro rebels continue attacks
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have continue their attacks on government troops in Maguindanao. One soldier was injured in the latest encounter. - ANC, Prime Time, July 9, 2013
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/07/09/13/breakaway-moro-rebels-continue-attacks
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have continue their attacks on government troops in Maguindanao. One soldier was injured in the latest encounter. - ANC, Prime Time, July 9, 2013
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/07/09/13/breakaway-moro-rebels-continue-attacks
2 blasts rock Cotabato City Tuesday night
From GMA News (Jul 9): 2 blasts rock Cotabato City Tuesday night
Cotabato City police on Tuesday said that nearly two simultaneous blasts rocked the city during the night.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Resty Paghubasan, radio operator for the Cotabato City Police Office, noted that the first blast happened in front of a funeral home located in Mañara St. around 8:15 p.m.
More than one hour later, another explosion rocked Cotabato City, this time, in front of Café Florencio in Sinsuat Avenue.
There no reported fatalities, though Paghubasan said there were unconfirmed reports that some people were hurt in the explosion.
The police investigation is still on-going, the police officer added, with investigators yet to determine the explosives used in the blasts.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/316734/news/regions/2-blasts-rock-cotabato-city-tuesday-night
Cotabato City police on Tuesday said that nearly two simultaneous blasts rocked the city during the night.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Resty Paghubasan, radio operator for the Cotabato City Police Office, noted that the first blast happened in front of a funeral home located in Mañara St. around 8:15 p.m.
More than one hour later, another explosion rocked Cotabato City, this time, in front of Café Florencio in Sinsuat Avenue.
There no reported fatalities, though Paghubasan said there were unconfirmed reports that some people were hurt in the explosion.
The police investigation is still on-going, the police officer added, with investigators yet to determine the explosives used in the blasts.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/316734/news/regions/2-blasts-rock-cotabato-city-tuesday-night
Bansil sisters now on 17th day in captivity in Sulu
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Jul 9): Bansil sisters now on 17th day in captivity in Sulu
Former Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali yesterday strongly appealed to the kidnappers of the Bansil sisters Nadjoua and Linda to release them “unconditionally for humanitarian reasons,” as a gesture to the month of Ramadan, a 30 day fasting period for the Muslims all over the world.
Sahali said the two sisters Nadjoua, 39, and Linda, 36, indie filmmakers, have not done anything wrong to them when they visited Patikul, in Sulu.
The Bansil sisters, now on their 17th day in captivity as kidnap victims, traveled to Sulu on June 19 with the sole purpose of working on a documentary film on the “life and struggle” of its poor coffee farmers.
They were snatched on June 22 by armed men belonging to the Abu Sayyaf group in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu while their were on their way back to Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.
“I appeal to them for humanitarian sake to release the victims unconditionally since these people have not done anything wrong to them. They should release them. They have their own families and their loved one are expecting them this Ramadan season to be at home with them,” Sahali said.
“Kindly release them to their families,” the former governor appealed to the captors.
“Today is suppose to start the month of Ramadan. This is the day where all Muslims throughout the world will start to fast for 30 days. This is a blessed month and for the Muslims this is the month where every believer is performing their duties as Muslim,” Sahali said.
This is the month that Muslims have to fast during the day, seeing and doing bad things, these are against the Muslim faith. In this time, all Muslims must concentrate in their faith. These can be found the Qur’an and writings of Ulamas. I enjoined everybody, to fast during the month of Ramadan. This is an obligation that every Muslim have to follow. By observing these, it will become a peaceful month. Don’t do wrong to others as ordered by God. As an elder man. I appeal everybody to observe the month of Ramadan as every Muslim does all over the world,” Sahali said.
Linda’s and Nadjoua’s father, Abdulbasit Bansil, is from Datu Piang, Maguindanao and studied as scholar at Al-Azhar University. His contemporaries at Al-Azhar University included Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) founder Dr. Salamat Hashim (of Maguindanao) and Ustadhz Abdulbaqi Abubakar (of Sulu), a highly respected senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and grand mufti (top Islamic religious leader) of Region 9.
Relatedly, a concept paper written by Nadjoua about their planned documentary titled “Kahawa Armalite” for Tausug coffee farmers showed it is “about a journey of farmers and evolution of coffee in a war-torn Sulu and how coffee farmers manage to adapt and survive up to recent times, left with no choice but to ‘armalite’-pick their coffee beans in order to survive.”
“Kahawa” is an Arabic word for coffee.
Nadjoua lamented that Sulu’s coffee, though “known to be one of the best in the world,” still has not gained wider popularity and a bigger market.
“There has been an initiative to intensify or improve (coffee) farming in this part of Mindanao, however, sustaining a market is still a struggle due to the emerging and re-emerging conflicts,” said Nadjoua before they were kidnapped in Sulu.
She said the coffee industry in Sulu has two main brands, Royal Sulu Coffee and Cafe de Sug, which is supplied to one of the international coffee shop chains.
She said “Cafe de Sug made an advisory in their website that the coffee delivery was disrupted due to the Sabah standoff.”
“It is evident that when conflicts arise in the area, the coffee delivery is halted, however in this documentary we will not delve in these coffee (shop) chains and products, but (we) will focus more on the ordinary lives of farmers who till the land and make all these possible,” said Nadjoua.
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