Conflict, infra lack pull down quality of life in Mindanao, UN report says

From InterAksyon (Jul 29): Conflict, infra lack pull down quality of life in Mindanao, UN report says



The quality of life in nine Mindanao provinces, including those pestered with armed rebellion, was the worst in the Philippines, indicating that conflict and poverty were intertwined in Asia's fastest growing economy.

According to the latest Philippine Human Development Report, Sulu scored the lowest, with a human development index (HDI) of 0.216, followed by Maguindanao, 0.300; Tawi-Tawi, 0.310; Zamboanga, 0.353; Agusan del Sur, 0.354; Davao Oriental, 0.356; Sarangani, 0.371; Zamboanga del Norte, 0.384; and Lanao del Sur, 0.416.

Most of the 10 lowest-ranked provinces are conflict-ridden.

The report said Sulu's HDI was almost as bad as those of the African countries of Niger (0.261), Democratic Republic of Congo (0.239), and Zimbabwe (0.140) -- all cellar-dwellers in terms of human development.

The HDI is a measure of human development, averaging three basic dimensions: a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living.  Ideally, the HDI should be close to one.

Luzon dominated the top performing provinces as follows: Benguet, 0.849; Batanes, 0.789; Rizal, 0.734; Cavite, 0.709; Bulacan, 0.699; Bataan, 0.698; Laguna, 0.695; Nueva Viscaya, 0.678; Ilocos Norte, 0.641; and Pampanga, 0.634.
The HDI index in Metro Manila was 0.634.

Toby Monsod, an economics professor at the University of the Philippines and principal author of the 2012/2013 Philippine Human Development Report, said the HDI performance of the provinces was "uneven."

"I think we can explain the performance of certain areas by things like conflict in Mindanao. Apart from the conflict in Mindanao, the issue has always been connective infrastructure. Facilitating the movement of goods and the people has always been an issue," Monsod said.

She said shipping goods to Mindanao is more expensive than to Hong Kong.
The report pointed out that the combined failure of national vision and denial of local responsibility, amidst the country's geographical challenges, leads to dissipation of resources that is the "divide-by-N" syndrome.

It added that the pork barrel system has institutionalized the "divide-by-N syndrome" and has brought about overlapping investments, many small projects with little or no development significance dotting towns and cities, such as waiting sheds, entrance arches and multipurpose pavements.

The results, according to the report, are duplicative infrastructure and programs in disregard of scale, synergy and the conscious integration of larger markets.
Monsod recommended that the pork barrel finance what the provinces considered priority rather than what would benefit politicians.

She said linkages between leading and lagging areas are more important than trying to put a factory in every province that does not work.

Reacting to the report, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Baliscan said updating the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 would help the government to better align local and national development plans.

"This is critical if short-and medium-term gains are to take root and carry the country forward into the longer term," he said.

Baliscan said the remaining three years of the Aquino administration will focus on creating more quality jobs and reduce poverty close to the target of the Millennium Development Goals.

Toshihiro Tanaka, country director of United Nations Development Programme said the report could "unveil solutions to the issue of rising inequality and disparity of urban and rural areas."

Overall, the HDI of the Philippines is 0.654. Average life expectancy is 69 years, mean years of schooling, 8.9 years; expected years of schooling, 11.7 years; and gross national income per capita, $3,752.

The country ranked 114th out of 187 countries in the UN report. The Philippines' gross domestic product however grew 7.8 percent in the first quarter, making it Asia's fastest.

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/67475/conflict-infra-lack-pull-down-quality-of-life-in-mindanao-un-report-says

Army troops seized ‘hot’ lumber in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Aug 2): Army troops seized ‘hot’ lumber in Southern Philippines









Army soldiers inspect seized flitches in Bagumbayan town in Sultan Kudarat province in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)

Government troops have seized a huge number of illegal flitches in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat, an army commander said Friday.

Col. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said troops and government foresters confiscated over 300,000 board feet of flitches in the hinterlands of Bagumbayan town.

Pangilinan said the operation was part of the government’s anti-illegal campaign ordered by President Benigno Aquino.

“We are doing everything to put a stop to these nefarious activities. The huge number of flitches we confiscated shows the rampant illegal logging operation in the hinterlands,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said civilians are also helping the authorities in the campaign by providing information about illegal logging operations in the province.Villagers have praised the military for the confiscation of the lumber.

Aquino ordered an intensified campaign against illegal logging following a deadly typhoon – Bopha - that hit Mindanao last year and left thousands of people dead and injured.

The government blamed flash floods and mud slides to denuded forests due to illegal logging activities.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/army-troops-seized-hot-lumber-in.html

Philippine Army holds bomb awareness seminar in Iligan City

From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Aug 2): Philippine Army holds bomb awareness seminar in Iligan City



The Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion on Friday conducted a bomb awareness seminar in Iligan City.

Lt. Col. Danilo Ibon, the battalion commander, said the seminar was held at the parking area of the Gaisano Super Mall and participated by the store’s security heads and personnel, their sales supervisors. 

He the army’s 35th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and the EOD unit of the local police force headed by Senior Inspector Oliver Pableo conducted the lectures, whose topics included familiarization of improvised explosives and its devastating effects and bomb threat management.

“With the recent IED incident in Cagayan de Oro City, it is important for us to be attentive of our surroundings to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

It is only through our joint efforts; both the civilian and the military, that we may be able beat the harmful plans of the heartless terrorists,” Ibon said.

Eight people were killed and over 40 others wounded in a bomb attack at Kyla’s Bistro in Lim Ket Kai Center in Cagayan de Oro on July 26.

The restaurant was full of diners were the blast occurred. It was not immediately known how the bomb managed to slip through the restaurant’s security undetected.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the explosion.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/philippine-army-holds-bomb-awareness.html

Cell site tower attacked

From the Zamboanga Daily News (Aug 2): Cell site tower attacked

Gunmen led by a certain Ramji sprayed with gunfire a cell site tower and a generator of a telephone line at Sitio Marangan, Muti last Wednesday night.

 

DZT gathered that the perpetrators arrived at the target place at past 10 p.m. and without much ado opened fire on the tower and generator set.

 

The gunmen left the place before the police and military arrived at the scene.

 

Recovered at the scene were several spent shells of M14 and M16 rifles.

 

The tower bore 11 bullet holes.

 

It was learned that Ramji and his group are based in Barangay Calabasa. They were reportedly behind some atrocities in the area.

 

Authorities are looking into extortion as the motive behind the harassment.

 

Charges have been readied against Ramji and his group for the atrocity.

 

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/8176-cell-site-tower-attacked.html

Negrense soldier dies saving lives

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 3): Negrense soldier dies saving lives

Philippine Marine trooper SSgt. Jessie Sebala is a hero to his colleagues and family in Brgy.Tabu, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

This is because he saved many lives when he and his companions attempted to defuse an improvised explosives device that went off and cost him his life in Sitio Satan, Barangay Tiptipon, Jolo, Sulu on July 27, Col. Jose Cenabre, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulo, said.

He saved the lives of many civilians, SSgt. Cesar Caba, who accompanied the remains of Sebala to his hometown in Ilog, said.

Injured in the explosion were TSgt. Fructuso Cajote Jr. and SSgt. Albert Tannong.

Cenabre said the bomb was placed near the house of a village official and the soldiers were there to defuse it, and while they were conducting recovery and disposal, it went off, Cenabre said.

Sebala, who got married only three months ago, is expected to be accorded full military honors during his burial on Sunday in Brgy. Tabu, Ilog.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/03/topstory6.htm

MILF: MILF sends delegation to UN office in Manila

From the MILF Website (Aug 2): MILF sends delegation to UN office in Manila



Senior members of the MILF visited the United Nations office at the RCBC Tower in Makati City last August 1.
  

The delegation was sent by the MILF Central Committee and headed by MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and included Peace Panel member Prof. Abhoud Sayed Lingga, Ustadz Ibrahim Ali of the Transition Commission (TC) and Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, MILF TWG member and UN Senior Advisor to FASTRAC (Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities). The visit is the first ever by a high ranking official of the MILF to the UN Office in Manila.

The visit is just a part of the wide range of partnerships that the UN and World Bank currently have with the MILF, the TC and the Peace Panel as outlined in the FASTRAC.

The delegation was received by Mr. Praveen Agrawal, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and World Food Program Country Director, and Alma Evangelista of the UNDP. A tour around the UN office was given to the delegation. Mr. Agrawal conveyed the gratitude of UN Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho, who is currently in Brazil, to the MILF delegation for taking time to visit the UN Office and for the fruitful partnership that it has forged with the UN.

After the brief tour, a meeting ensued with Matt Stephens and Nick Leffer of the World Bank joining. The meeting extensively discussed the next steps for the partnership given the approval of the FASTRAC workplan by the Consultative Committee last July 29. The MILF expressed thanks to UN and WB for the continuing partnership and the much needed technical assistance in the anticipated transitions to the Bangsamoro.

FASTRAC is a demand-driven facility established through an exchange of letters between the UN/WB and the MILF and was officially launched in Camp Darapanan last April 29, 2013. The Facility aims to deliver timely and well-sequenced technical assistance to the MILF and other stakeholders in the peace process to ensure not only a successful conclusion of the peace negotiations but also of the implementation of the same.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/484-milf-sends-delegation-to-un-office-in-manila

MILF: Australian Government donates Aus$1.8M for GPH-MILF peace efforts

Posted to  the MILF Website (Aug 2): Australian Government donates Aus$1.8M for GPH-MILF peace efforts

 The Australian government has approved an additional grant of Aus$1.8 million as support to the continuing peace process in Mindanao, Mindanews reported on July 31, 2013.
  

According to the report, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, who announced the fresh financial grant in an emailed statement on Wednesday July 31st, said such move is part of his government’s commitment to help achieve lasting peace in the island.

“Expanding our support for peace in Mindanao is a concrete statement of Australia’s concern for the poor of that long-suffering region, and our interest in the achievement of long-lasting peace,” Carr said.

Australia will specifically provide Aus$1.3 million to the Mindanao Trust Fund to help improve the ongoing livelihood, health and education interventions for conflict-affected communities. It will also provide Aus$500,000 to the World Bank and the United Nations to assist the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the finalization of the Bangsamoro basic law. It will be in the form of training, policy advice and other technical help.

“Australia’s support will strengthen law, justice and governance, and help out with transition programs for former combatants,” the statement said.

The government and the MILF signed on October 15, 2012 the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which serves as the blueprint for the comprehensive peace agreement.

The FAB provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro entity with greater political, fiscal and economic powers compared to the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Once the basic law is completed by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, it will be submitted to President Benigno C. Aquino III for certification as urgent bill and transmits it to Congress for enactment into law. Once enacted and ratified by the people in the core territories and adjacent or contiguous areas, it will amend R.A. 9054 that created the ARMM.

In his fourth state-of-the-nation address last July 22, President Benigno S. Aquino III formally asked Congress to work on the passage of the proposed law before the end of 2014.

During his inaugural speech on July 22, Senate President Franklin Drilon vowed the senate’s support to the Bangsamoro peace process. On his part, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte of the House of Congress vowed swift action on the basic law once it is certified as urgent by President Aquino and transmitted to Congress.

During the GPH-MILF 38th Exploratory Talk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the two panels signed on midnight of July 14 the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth-Sharing after a two-day extension of extensive deliberations. Both panels signed in February 27, the annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities.

They are the two of four annexes, along with the FAB, that will complete the comprehensive peace agreement.

The panels are yet to discuss and agree on the power-sharing and normalization annexes in next exploratory talks, hopefully after Ramadan. About 90% of the Annex on power-sharing are already settled in the technical working group level.

Melissa Parke, Australia’s Minister for International Development, commended the national government and the MILF “on their excellent progress towards peace”, the report further said.

“Australia is very proud to support their efforts. Peace is a pre-requisite for the development and poverty alleviation that is so sorely needed in this poverty-stricken part of the Philippines,” she said. Parke added that Australia shares the hope of the government and the MILF “that a peace agreement will end the decades-long conflict.”

“We will continue to work with our partners and the people of Mindanao to ensure the benefits of peace are felt by all,” she added.

The statement noted that in recent years, around half of Australia’s assistance program in the Philippines has gone to Mindanao.

“Australian aid is introducing education opportunities in vulnerable and remote communities where school-based education has not been possible due to decades of ongoing conflicts,” it said.

In the past 12 months, Australian aid has helped open over 400 community learning centers and provided access to basic education to more than 11,000 children in Mindanao.

“Australian aid is also boosting the ability of local communities and security forces in the southern Philippines to work together to better manage conflict situations, as well as bringing women’s voices into peace negotiations,” the statement added.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/483-australian-government-donates-aus$18m-for-gph-milf-peace-efforts

Coast Guard to buy old French Navy vessel

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Coast Guard to buy old French Navy vessel
In a bid to boost its offshore search and rescue capabilities, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to acquire a 26-year-old former French Navy vessel worth 6 million euros (about P345.5 million).

According to Coast Guard commandant Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena, the new acquisition would be very useful in the performance of the agency’s functions, including maritime law enforcement, safety and  environmental protection.

He said the 54.8-meter French Navy vessel “La Tapageuse” is multifunctional and would be a major contribution to the PCG fleet.

Under its current specification, the vessel has a built-in one 40-millimeter antiaircraft gun, one 20-mm antiaircraft canon and two 7.62-mm machine guns.

Isorena said the procurement of the vessel has already been approved by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

The PCG would be acquiring the second-hand La Tapageuse at a reasonable price and it would undergo dry-docking for repair and refurbishing during the next nine months in France. It is expected to arrive in the country in April next year.

The PCG chief explained that while the vessel is already 26 years old and was used by the French Navy, it was thoroughly inspected and was assessed that it can still be effectively used for another 20 years.

He also said that the Philippine government is finalizing discussions with the French government for other purchases, namely four brand-new 24-meter and one 82-m multipurpose vessels, which are all expected to arrive in the Philippines in 2015.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82155/coast-guard-to-buy-old-french-navy-vessel

Why Subic? Analyst lists 6 gains from the AFP move

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): Why Subic? Analyst lists 6 gains from the AFP move



In this June 2013 photo, Members of the Philippine Navy band greet the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) as the ship arrives for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013. US PACIFIC FLEET PHOTO

The impending Subic Bay transfer of the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy has been said to be the cost efficient and strategic option for the country's armed forces.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has said that as soon as the funds are available, the camp will make the move to protect the disputes territories in the South China Sea.

Others, particularly the Beijing-based press, criticized the move as an attempt to increase pressure on rival claimant China over the contested areas.

Related: Manila to move air force, navy near disputed sea

Australia-based security consultant Max Montero sees several advantages to the relocation, which he called a strategic move with a "civilian face."

1. Decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

 

An aerial view of Subic Bay International Airport. (Travel to the Philippines photo)

The country's main international gateway has been overcapacity for several years and efforts to decongest the airport has been started by the Civil Aviation Authority by banning light aircrafts from its runways.

The smaller planes have been advised to transfer to Sangley Point in Cavite, from where the Air Force's 15th Strike Wing may eventually also transfer.

The Clark International Airport can also increase civilian traffic by taking on some of NAIA's, while the Air Force can transfer to Subic Bay International Airport (SIA).
"SIA is the better choice due to its wider area and more room for improvement," Montero said in a statement.

2. Subic Bay makes a "fine naval base"

Subic as the US' naval base in 1992. (US Navy Museum photo)

"As early as the 19th century the Spaniards found Subic Bay's strategic location, deep water and sheltered anchorages," Montero said, adding that the shoreline can replace the Cavite Naval Base.

The Americans knew this fact and chose the area to become their own satellite naval base during the Cold War, and now the Navy can use the space for newly acquired war vessels.

"The (Subic Bay Freeport Zone) is also home to several shipbuilding and repair facilities, oil depots, and has been the home of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar since it was acquired in 2011," he said.

The Navy announced it is still planning to purchase more vessels to boost maritime surveillance in the near future.

3. Subic is nearer the disputed isles

Basa Airbase is the nearest to the contested territories but it is the Subic Airport that allows quicker air defense response by giving jets a better grappling position, so to speak.

"Subic Airport beats Basa Airbase in closing the distance by a mere 20 something kilometers ... it would cut the reaction time of responding fighter planes by at least three minutes," Montero said.

Consequently, naval vessels will be closer to the areas where conflict could set off.

4. Olongapo is military support community

The USS Harper Ferry docked at Subic. (Boviate photo)

Since Olongapo City has hosted American troops in the past, residents are more open to the armed forces' presence compared to other areas.

"This is an added advantage considering that many cities in the Philippines are not sympathetic on having military bases in their area due to fear of being legitimate military targets," he said.

In short, both foreign and local troops will find in Subic a home.

"Olongapo City officials earlier said that having foreign military access to Subic will boost their tourism and business potential and increase income," he said.

5. Subic is a promising base for Philippine, American and Japanese troops

"The issue regarding the temporary basing of US forces as well as military units from friendly countries like Japan is getting close to reality, and it was earlier revealed that Subic will be the best place to station these visiting foreign forces," Montero said.

He added that Subic has a healthy distance from denser groups of the population, who choose not to meet the joint troops often.

6. The naval and air bases are both located in Subic



Having both bases in the nearly the same location makes it more easily defended from enemy attacks. The option will also be more efficient and economical.

"he AFP can deploy future anti-aircraft gun and missile defenses in the area to defend both the combined bases, the industrial freeport zone (with its oil depots, supply stores and repair facilities) and the city of Olongapo all together without having to deploy separate units for each location," the analyst said.

http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2013/08/02/1039661/why-subic-analyst-lists-6-gains-afp-move

Placing Sulu under MILF control is treason - Sulu sultanate

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): Placing Sulu under MILF control is treason - Sulu sultanate

The Sultanate of Sulu on Friday opposed the inclusion of the Sulu archipelago in the areas to be placed under the Bangsamoro political region to be controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Abraham Idjirani, spokesman for the sultanate, said the Sulu archipelago composed of the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan are territories ancestrally owned by the Sultanate of Sulu.

According to Idjirani, the Sulu archipelago was incorporated into the Philippines in 1935 by the United States, despite an assurance given by the American government that the Sulu Sultanate would be placed under its protection.

"Despite the vehement objection of (Sulu) Sultan Jamalul Kiram III’s great ancestors to join the Philippines as an independent State, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and his nine living brothers and sisters and all other Kiram heirs embraced the Filipino citizens without qualifications. They are not vengeful of the acts committed against them by the United States and the Philippine Governments," said Idjirani

Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu is questioning the authority of the Aquino administration to hand over the Sulu archipelago to the MILF. Idjirani added that the Sulu Sultanate was not even consulted on the proposed inclusion of the Sulu archipelago to the Bangsamoro region.

"Under what authority, therefore, the officials and authorities of the Aquino Administration discarded the protection of the Sultan of Sulu to their ancestral kingdom in the Sulu Archipelago? Like a hot cake, it would soon be handed over to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front without prior consultation made with them," Idjirani added.

Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu sees the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement as a legal land grabbing mechanism of the Sultanate's ancestral lands by both the Philippine government and the MILF.

 

"The subject of turning over the ancestral kingdom of the Sultanate of Sulu in the Sulu Archipelago to the MILF as defined under the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement will prejudice its historical truths and patrimony," said Idjirani.

"The territory known as Archipelago of Sulu belongs to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. It was recognized by the United States in the Introductory Statement of the 1915 Kiram-Carpenter Agreement as an independent political sovereignty for more than 400 years prior to an American occupation and rule which begun in 1900, including England, Spain, Germany, Holland, France and China in 1405," Idjirani added.

He said that while the ultimate sovereignty was transferred and entrusted to the Republic of the Philippines, it was transferred without justice served.

"That is a technical treason," said Idjirani.

The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement states that: “The core territory of the Bangsamoro shall be composed of: (a) the present geographical area of the ARMM; (b) the Municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunugan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte and all other barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite; (c) the cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and (d) all other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the qualified voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/02/1043661/placing-sulu-under-milf-control-treason-sulu-sultanate

Sincerity, goodwill to promote talks with leftist rebels: gov't

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): Sincerity, goodwill to promote talks with leftist rebels: gov't

Sincerity and goodwill will move forward the two-decade-long peace process between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), a senior government official said today.

Government peace panel chair Alexander Padilla made the statement as peace process with the leftist rebels has been stalled since February.

"Sincerity and goodwill on both sides have brought Muslim Mindanao closer to a regime of peace and prosperity that it desires and deserves," he said, referring to the breakthroughs in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country.

"This is what awaits the rest of the country should a peace agreement be reached between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF," Padilla added.

Peace negotiation between the Philippine government and the leftist rebels bogged down about six months ago when the two sides failed to agree on some parameters of the talks.

The CPP-NPA-NDF, with its armed wing of the New People's Army, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/02/1046601/sincerity-goodwill-promote-talks-leftist-rebels-govt

Duterte: NPA asked for something for soldiers’ release

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): Duterte: NPA asked for something for soldiers’ release

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday the New People’s Army (NPA) asked for something in exchange for last Wednesday’s release of five soldiers who it had held captive for 43 days.

“They asked for something but I could not divulge what it was,” said Duterte, who was asked by the families of the captive soldiers to intercede for their release.

Duterte said he also made sure that the soldiers were treated well while they were in captivity.

The soldiers were seized last June 17 while doing peace and development work in Sitio Lubas, Barangay Paquibato Proper in Paquibato district this city.

The soldiers, who belong to the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion, were released by Leoncio “Parago” Pitao, commander of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command, in an undisclosed place in Southern Mindanao.

The NPA earlier linked the five soldiers – Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Bernie Padilla, and Donato Estandia, and Pvt. Marteniano Pasiagas Jr. – to the tagging of peasant leaders as communists, harassment of families of known NPA members, and the killing of two civilians in Davao City and Davao del Norte.

Pitao turned over the soldiers to Duterte, who flew them on board two helicopters to the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters at Camp Panacan this city.

Duterte was accompanied by peace advocates from the Exodus for Justice and Peace and a parent of one of the five soldiers.

The five soldiers were immediately brought to the Camp Panacan Hospital for medical check-up and debriefing.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/02/1040251/duterte-npa-asked-something-soldiers-release

Sulu sultanate marks 50th anniversary of Manila accord

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): Sulu sultanate marks 50th anniversary of Manila accord

Fifty years ago, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia signed a Manila accord for the peaceful resolution of the Philippine claim to Sabah.

On Wednesday, the Sultanate of Sulu silently observed the 50th anniversary of the 1963 accord.

Abraham Idjirani, sultanate secretary-general and spokesman, said the government could have invoked the accord in the peaceful resolution of the March standoff between the sultanate’s army and Malaysian forces in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

“The Aquino administration does not even bother to celebrate it as the government may be guilty celebrating the services of our country against the services of Malaysia which it defended during the March standoff,” Idjirani said.

The Federation of Malaya, Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of the Philippines signed the Manila accord on July 31, 1963 after a meeting on June 7-11, 1963 in Manila, he said.

Idjirani said those facing charges in Malaysia are not members of the sultanate’s army but Malaysian citizens of Tausug origin.

“The Malaysian government is using its Internal Security Act in going after civilians they suspect of being supporters of the sultanate,” he said.

The last skirmishes took place last June 16-18 after Malaysian forces tried to penetrate their jungle stronghold, Idjirani said.

Last month, the sultanate accused Malaysia of violating the 1963 Manila accord in a complaint before the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights following the arrest of a nephew of Sultan Jumamul Kiram III and other civilians who were not involved in the standoff and in the series of fighting in Lahad Datu early this year.

The letter-complaint, filed with the UN office in Makati City, detailed alleged human rights violations of Malaysian forces against civilians suspected of providing support to the sultanate’s royal army.

It cited the arrest of Datu Amirbahar Kiram who was not involved in the standoff, as a clear violation of the treaty.

Under the accord, the three countries agreed to abide by the wishes of the people of North Borneo (now Sabah and Labuna) and Sarawak, within the context of the UN General Assembly Resolution 1541 (XV), Principle 9 of the Annex, taking into account referendums in North Borneo and Sarawak that would be free and without coercion.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/02/1040281/sulu-sultanate-marks-50th-anniversary-manila-accord

4 soldiers, 7 NPA rebels wounded in Agusan clash

From the Philippine Star (Aug 2): 4 soldiers, 7 NPA rebels wounded in Agusan clash

Four soldiers and seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were wounded in an encounter in Agusan del Sur yesterday morning.

Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said fighting erupted in Barangay Bunawan Brooks, Bunawan town between elements of the 75th Infantry Battalion and at least 15 NPA guerrillas.

The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a hospital in Pantin-ay, Prosperidad town, he said.

Later in the day, pursuing troops caught up with the rebels in Barangay Imelda, also in Bunawan, triggering nearly two hours of heavy fighting.

The government troops subsequently outmaneuvered the rebels who were forced to abandon their two camps in the area, bringing along their seven wounded comrades.

Bongosia said AK-47 bullets and magazines were recovered from the NPA camps.

On Wednesday, security forces killed six NPA guerrillas in night-to-dawn fighting in Camiling, Tarlac. They also recovered nine high-powered firearms, including an M60 machinegun.    

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/02/1040271/4-soldiers-7-npa-rebels-wounded-agusan-clash

PN says no naval gap despite deployment of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2): PN says no naval gap despite deployment of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar

Despite the deployment of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) to escort her sister ship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), in Philippine waters, the Navy on Friday assured the public that it still has adequate forces to protect the maritime boundaries.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said that there is no naval gap to speak off with BRP Gregorio Del Pilar's deployment for escort duties.

"(There is) no gap. We have several ships situated and deployed all over the country. A ship being mobile can be deployed elsewhere where a mission or certain task needs to be done," he added.

The PN operates around 110 ships of all sizes.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is scheduled to escort the BRP Ramon Alcaraz on its run to Bolinao, Pangasinan Saturday morning.

The latter ship arrived off Casiguran, Aurora around 8 a.m. on Friday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=550892