Lumad picket Camp Aguinaldo, demand troop pullout from ancestral lands

From InterAksyon (Nov 26): Lumad picket Camp Aguinaldo, demand troop pullout from ancestral lands



An AFP civil disturbance unit confronts indigenous people from Mindanao who picketed Camp Aguinaldo to demand the pullout of troops they accuse of human rights abuses in the south. (photo by Jaime Sinapit, InterAksyon.com)

Close to a hundred leaders and members of indigenous peoples from Mindanao staged a picket Wednesday at Camp Aquinaldo, headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to demand the pullout of troops from the southern Philippines they accuse of human rights abuses.

They had come to Metro Manila as part of the “Manilakbayan,” a 15-day journey that saw them reach the National Capital Region on November 21.
The picket was peaceful although a military civil disturbance group was deployed to confront them.

The lumad, supported by progressive groups such as Karapatan, Bagong Alysansang Makabayan and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, among others, said rights abuses remained the “name of the game” by the military, this time cloaked in the guise of "offering peace and development" through Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan."

They said the military continues to carry out extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances to silence dissent and those fighting the encroachment of large local and foreign mining and logging firms into their ancestral lands.

"Military operations are among the reasons why peasants and indigenous people from Mindanao traversed the long roads from Mindanao to Metro Manila. They call for justice for all their comrades, colleagues, friends and relatives, tribesmen who became victims of Oplan Bayanihan," said Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said, who accused the military of murdering 83 persons in Mindanao.

Aside from extrajudicial murders, Palabay also said military units set up camp in lumad schools and indiscriminately bomb villages, displacing communities.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99942/lumad-picket-camp-aguinaldo-demand-troop-pullout-from-ancestral-lands

Book proves Scarborough Shoal part of Philippine territory

From the Philippine Star (Nov 27): Book proves Scarborough Shoal part of Philippine territory



File photo of the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales province.

A book about the disputed Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which strengthens the Philippines' long-standing claim over the area, was launched on Wednesday.

A collaboration between the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the book "Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal): Maps and Documents" is a compilation of documents that prove the Shoal has always been a part of the Philippine national territory.

"It's very timely because we're trying to convince the world especially the people in China that Bajo de Masinloc has been historically part of the Philippines since 1636 and there is not a single official map, ancient documents or ancient artficact showing China has ever set foot on Bajo de Masinloc," Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said during the book launch.

China claims that the Scarborough Shoal is a part of its territory based on the nine-dash lines in the South China Sea. The Shoal is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales and is within the 200 nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Carpio earlier noted that China's argument in its territorial claim over the West Philippines Sea has no legal basis under international law.

READ: ‘No basis in China’s historical right over West Phl Sea’ | China bares first book on 9-dash line

UP IMLOS director Jay Batongbacal said that the United States recognizes that the Scarborough Shoal is part of the territory of the Philippines, as signed by the US and Spain in the Treaty of Washington.

The treaty read, "Spain relinquishes to the United States all title and claim of title, which she may have had at the time of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace of Paris, to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago."

Batongbacal added that the maps included in the book dates back to the 1660s which support the country's territorial claims.

"If our books were rockets launched at China, China would have been conquered," UP College of Law Dean Danilo Concepcion said.

The book is not just for lawyers and policy makers, but for the general public as well to show the documentary evidences of the country's exercise of jurisdiction and sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

"Bajo de Masinloc has always been a part of Philippine territory and subject to exclusive jurisdiction," the UP Law Dean concluded.

 http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/11/27/1396451/book-proves-scarborough-shoal-part-philippine-territory

Banana plantation security officer hurt in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine Star (Nov 27): Banana plantation security officer hurt in Maguindanao ambush

MAGUINDANAO - A chief security officer of a banana plantation was wounded when gunmen on Thursday fired at a convoy carrying company executives en route to a packing plant in Datu Abdullah Sangki town in the southeastern part of the province.

Local officials initially identified the victim only as a certain Mr. Fernandez, chief security officer of the Delinanas Development Company, which has vast banana farms in interior barangays in Datu Abdullah Sangki.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, confirmed the incident, but declined to provide more details pending the outcome of a joint probe by the local police and military intelligence units in the province.

“What I can confirm, for now, is that a certain Mr. Fernandez was wounded in the incident,” Hermoso said.

He said soldiers and policemen, backed by barangay officials, are now in pursuit of the attackers, who were last seen fleeing toward a marshland in Datu Abdullah Sangki.

The wounded security officer was escorting visiting company executives on their way to a packing plant in the center of the banana plantation when their attackers, positioned at one side of the road, suddenly emerged and opened fire with assault rifles.

The gunmen hurriedly escaped after sensing that responding barangay folks and community watchmen were closing in.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/11/27/1396453/banana-plantation-security-officer-hurt-maguindanao-ambush

Suspected NPA leader arrested in Caloocan

From GMA News (Nov 25): Suspected NPA leader arrested in Caloocan

A suspected leader of the communist New People's Army was arrested by police and military operatives in Caloocan City over the weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group identified the arrested rebel as Billy Morado a.k.a. Opal, allegedly the leader of the NPA's Southern Regional Operations Command Emporium.

The CIDG, in a news release, said Morado was arrested at Lot 3, Block 54, Phase 10, Barangay Bagong Silang in Caloocan City.

Also taken into custody was one Felimon Tuba Jr., who was with Morado at the time.

Seized from the two were a hand grenade and a cal-.357 handgun with ammunition.

The CIDG said police and military operatives served on Morado arrest warrants for murder, three counts of frustrated murder and four counts of attempted murder.

It said the warrants were issued by Northern Samar Judge Decoroso Turla.

Morado has 11 standing arrest warrants issued mostly in relation to the deaths of Philippine Army troops in Northern Samar, the CIDG said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/389725/news/metromanila/suspected-npa-leader-arrested-in-caloocan

Alleged NPA leader arrested

From the Sun Star - Manila (Nov 25): Alleged NPA leader arrested

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested Friday a suspected leader of communist New People's Army (NPA) who is allegedly responsible in the killing of soldiers in Northern Samar, a police official said Tuesday.

Superintendent Danilo Macerin, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) chief, said Billy Morado alias Opal was arrested in his house in Phase 10 Barangay Bagong Silang in Caloocan City around 2:30 p.m. Friday.

He said the arrested suspect who allegedly leads the NPA-Southern Regional Operations Command in Samar is facing 11 cases for murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder before the Laoang Regional Trial Court branch 221 in Northern Samar.

"He is wanted for the deaths of soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion in Northern Samar who were ambushed by his group," Macerin said.

Authorities recovered a hand grenade and a caliber .357 revolver loaded with five bullets from Morado.

Macerin said they also arrested Felimon Tuba Jr., Morado's driver.

He said they do not have any arrest warrants yet for Tuba but they are investigating his possible involvement in Morado's activities.

Both Tuba and Morado were detained at the CIDG detention center in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/11/25/alleged-npa-leader-arrested-378538

Trader shot dead in Butuan

From Tempo (Nov 26): Trader shot dead in Butuan

CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City -- Armed men identifying themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) shot dead a businessman at his meat store in Barangay Tungao, this city, police reported yesterday.

Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) said the victim, Raul E. Abian, 43, was manning his meat store at about 5:50 p.m., Sunday, at Purok 18, Barangay Tungao, this city, when four gunmen arrived and shot the victim to death.

The suspects then allegedly shouted in vernacular “Walay labot ang civilian. Mga NPA ni. Daku ni sala sa Tungao” (Civilians are not part of this. We are NPA. He committed a big sin in Tungao).

According to BCPO Station 5 report, the victim sustained nine gunshot wounds in the head and different parts of his body.

Police recovered from the crime scene seven spent shells from .45-caliber and 9mm pistols.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/11/trader-shot-dead-in-butuan/#.VHbca5XQNjo

Army exec says NPA remains a threat

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 27): Army exec says NPA remains a threat

While saying that communist guerrillas are dwindling in numbers, high ranking military officials in Southern Luzon said the guerrillas are still a force to reckon with.

“The NPAs (New People’s Army) remain to be the most potent threat to peace and security (in the region) but their numbers continue to drop,” said Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, chief of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), in a statement released by the command public information office.

Visayas made the statement following a series of guerrilla attacks that had killed four soldiers and a policeman.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, Solcom spokesperson, said Visaya made the assessment in his report to Armed Forces Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. who visited the command headquarters at Camp Nakar here.

Visaya and other Solcom officials had told Catapang that Solcom is “on the right track” in its counterinsurgency drive, said Guzman.

Visaya ordered soldiers to step up offensives against guerrillas.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/653062/army-exec-says-npa-remains-a-threat

Army’s 10ID beefs up security measures amidst bombings in NorthCot

From MindaNews (Nov 26): Army’s 10ID beefs up security measures amidst bombings in NorthCot

The Army’s 10th Infantry Division has beefed up its security measures to prevent “spillover” of the spate of bombings in North Cotabato to its area of responsibility.

Lt. Colonel Norman Zuniega , the 10ID’s civil military operations chief, said Wednesday that the Armed Forces and the police are intensifying measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Three persons were killed and 24 others were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in M’lang, North Cotabato  Sunday night.

A week earlier, a college student was killed and 16 others were hurt after an IED exploded in front of an elementary school in Kabacan.

These towns are not part of the 10ID’s area of responsibility. Only the towns of Arakan, Makilala and the city of Kidapawan in North Cotabato are under the AOR of the 10ID, the rest being under the 6th Infantry Division. Aside from the areas in North Cotabato, the 10ID also covers the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6ID spokesperson, blamed the spate of bombings to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Zuniega bared that the terror threat in most of its AOR is low, particularly in this city. “But it does not mean that we’re downplaying it.”

He added that the Task Force Davao is consistently implementing tight security measures in the city.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/26/armys-10id-beefs-up-security-measures-amidst-bombings-in-northcot/

Two suspected Sulu militants arrested in LD village: Cop

From the Daily Express (Nov 27): Two suspected Sulu militants arrested in LD village: Cop

KOTA KINABALU: General Operations Force (GOF) personnel arrested two men, believed to be members of a Sulu militant group in Kampung Tanjung Batu, Lahad Datu, last year, the High Court here heard Wednesday.
  
Lance Corporal Mohd Hisyamuddin Ramlie, 29, who is attached to the GOF Battalion 17, said the two men were discovered during the GOF's operation to look for seven to eight men seen by an informant in the village on the morning of March 3, last year.    Testifying at the trial of 30 accused facing various offences relating to the Lahad Datu intrusion in February last year, the prosecution's 53rd witness noted that his team of four had spotted a group of six suspected militants, some in camouflage attire and others in civilian clothes, walking in a line, but they dispersed and scampered away towards some bushes when he fired a warning shot.    "I saw knee-high grass (in the bush area where the six men ran into) and felled grass, believed to have been walked over by people. I then decided to inspect the felled grass.    "I saw two men in a sloped area lying on their stomachs and facing down," he said, adding that the men were in civilian clothes.    Asked by deputy public prosecutor Ishak Mohd Yusoff what the witness did next, Mohd Hisyamuddin said he shouted, "Put your hands on your heads. We are the police", twice, but the men ignored his orders.    "When they ignored my orders, I fired a single gunshot to my left as a warning for them to come up (to the higher ground where the GOF personnel were standing)," he said.    When the two men went up to where the GOF personnel were, Mohd Hisyamuddin said, he and another GOF personnel, Lance Corporal Awang Yussuf Awang Hashim, tied the two suspects' hands with the belts they (suspects) wore. He said he and Awang Yussuf then conducted a body search on the two men, but found nothing on them.    Mohd Hisyamuddin said he informed his platoon commander Inspector Zairie Surani about the arrestees and handed them over to him at the GOF post in Tanjung Labian.    In court, Mohd Hisyamuddin identified the men he arrested as Holland Kalbi and Lin Mad Salleh who are on trial.    He said during their arrest at about 8.45am, Holland was wearing a yellow T-shirt and jeans, while Lin wore a black T-shirt and jeans.    He told the court that commanding officer of GOF Battalion 17, Supt Edward Koromol also came to the Tanjung Labian GOF post to see the two men he (Mohd Hisyamuddin) and his team arrested and another man wearing brown trousers and a camouflage T-shirt whom Zairie had also arrested that morning.    He said he and two other GOF personnel followed Zairie to the Cenderawasih police station to lodge a report on the arrestees.    In the dock Wednesday were 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one or multiple charges.    They are accused of being members of a terrorist group, waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, recruiting members for a terrorist group or wilfully harbouring individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group.    They allegedly committed the offences between Feb 12 and April 10, last year. The hearing before Justice Stephen Chung at the Sabah Prisons Department continues today (Thursday).

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=94124

PH, Vietnam navies deepen ties amid regional sea tension

From Rappler (Nov 26): PH, Vietnam navies deepen ties amid regional sea tension

Two Vietnamese warships are on a 'goodwill visit' to Manila, seen as a sign of stronger relations between the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People's Navy

GOODWILL VISIT. The Vietnam People's Navy make its first ever port call in Manila. Photo from the Philippine Navy

 

Two Vietnamese warships are docked at the South Harbor in Manila for the first ever port call of the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) to the Philippines – part of a series of activities with the Philippine Navy (PN) meant to deepen ties amid regional tension over sea disputes.

 

"This first port call is a positive and good sign of the improving and deepening relations between the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People's Navy," said Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, spokesperson of the Philippine Navy.

 

The two Vietnamese warships – Dinh Tien Hoang (HQ-011) and Ly Thai To (HQ-012) – carries about 200 navy officers led by VPN Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Kiem.

 

The VPN Deputy Chief and the commanding officers of the ships visited the Philippine Navy headquarters, and were received by Philippine Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad.

 

Domingo said the visit will also include activities such as goodwill games, ship tours, and receptions to promote camaraderie and friendship between the officers.

 

The two countries signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Defense Cooperation in October 2010, but the activities between the navies were only held this year: the PN hosted the first staff-to-staff meeting in March; in June, Vietnam hosted the first PN-VPN Personnel Interaction at Southwest Cay Island.

Domingo said the focus of recent activities between the Philippines and Vietnam is Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and cultural engagements "to better understand the different cultures and to foster camaraderie and friendly relations between the two nations."

STRONGER TIES. Vietnam People Navy's Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Kiem and Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad. Photo from the PH Navy

 

Information sharing is included in the newly-drafted Memorandum of Understanding that is meant to implement the 2010 MOA.

"Under the proposals, both parties discussed ways on cooperating through reciprocal visit and exchanges, personnel education and training exchanges, naval technology exchanges, and intelligence and information exchanges," Domingo said.

The two countries, both with overlapping claims in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), are leading the fight against China's aggressive claim over almost the entire South China Sea. The coasts of the Philippines and Vietnam constitute the eastern and western corners of the South China Sea, respectively.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/76139-ph-vietnam-cooperation-maritime-dispute

North Cotabato bombing suspect nabbed

From Rappler (Nov 27): North Cotabato bombing suspect nabbed

The suspect has standing warrants for carnapping and robbery with violence but has no link to any armed group, based on police records



Police authorities have arrested the suspect in the bombing incident that killed a student and wounded at least 16 others in Kabacan town in North Cotabato on November 16.

North Cotabato Provincial Police chief Senior Superintendent Danilo Peralta said Badrudin Abid, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan, was arrested at a checkpoint in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat at around 3 pm on Tuesday, November 25.

Two of Abid's companions evaded arrest in a separate operation conducted by North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat police.

Peralta said an informant had positively identified Abid as the one who had allegedly used a 60mm mortar round in the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at a pedestrian overpass in front of Kabacan Pilot Elementary School on November 16.

Abid was charged with murder for the death of student Monique Montawil, and multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder.

Police said Abid has standing arrest warrants for carnapping and robbery with violence.

The North Cotabato provincial government and the Kabacan municipal government had earlier offered a P200,000 ($4,450*)-reward for information leading to the arrest of those behind the blast.

On Sunday, another bomb blast in Pikit town killed 3 people and wounded 24 more.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the acts are meant to "sabotage" peace and development efforts in the province.

"It is downright disappointing to see innocent lives affected by this cowardly act. This is insane….The government invested so much resources and developmental programs to bring peace and order in North Cotabato. Unfortunately, there are those who want to sabotage all our sincere efforts," Mendoza said.

The military suspects the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of staging the bombings but BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama denied the allegations, saying they only target military units and installations.

North Cotabato police are coordinating with the military on a deeper background check on Abid, as police records do not link him to any armed group.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/76251-north-cotabato-bombing-suspect-arrested

China: PHL seriously violated our sovereignty and jurisdiction

From Ang Malaya (Nov 26): China: PHL seriously violated our sovereignty and jurisdiction

A day after the conviction of nine Chinese poachers, Chinese government is calling for their release without any condition. A Philippine court, regional trial court in Palawan, decided to impose fine of approximately USD 102,600 fine each for violating Philippine Fisheries Code and Wildlife Resources Conservation Act.

In a media conference, China’s government through its Foreign Ministry said, “The Philippine side has seriously violated China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction” by unlawfully arresting and detaining Chinese fishing boats and fishermen “and now making the so-called judicial decision.”

“China firmly opposes that and urges the Philippine side to unconditionally release the Chinese fishing boat and fishermen,” China added. “China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands) and the adjacent waters.”

These Chinese poachers were caught near Half-moon Shoal, approximately 60 nautical miles from west of Palawan – well within 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone of the country, by Philippine National Police Maritime Group and PNP Region 4-B with possession of over 500 live and dead marine turtles last May this year.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/11/26/6044-china-phl-seriously-violated-our-sovereignty-and-jurisdiction

US government: China building an airstrip complicates situation

From Ang Malaya (Nov 26): US government: China building an airstrip complicates situation

US State Department reacted to the latest development in China’s reclamation works over Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef). The department said such activity will complicate the situation in West Philippine Sea.

“Large-scale construction or major steps to militarize or expand law enforcement operations at outposts, such as dramatically expanding the size of a feature through land reclamation, would seem to complicate or escalate the situation in our view,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said.

The spokesman added that claimants should “avoid certain actions during the negotiating process for the code of conduct” to “create a conducive and positive environment and dramatically lower the risk of a dangerous incident.”

In 2002, ASEAN countries and China signed the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The declaration states in Article 5 that parties should “exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

Parties in the South China is in the process of a more binding Code of Conduct.

A Chinese general earlier said that Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam have already set up military facilities in South China Sea and that China should also establish their own.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/11/26/6050-us-government-china-building-an-airstrip-complicates-situation

Suspected Abu Sayyaf member charged for Zambo blasts

From GMA News (Nov 26): Suspected Abu Sayyaf member charged for Zambo blasts

Police this week charged a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group for the twin explosions that rocked an establishment and injured a policeman in Zamboanga City on Nov. 9.

 

The Zamboanga City Police Office lodged a frustrated murder complaint against Muamar Askalni a.k.a. Abu Rami, an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

 

Police Superintendent Ariel Huesca, commander of the Public Safety Company, also said police in the city will maintain heightened alert.

 

A policeman was injured in the two blasts at a massage parlor.

 

Meanwhile, Huesca clarified the Nov. 9 bombing was not related to an incident in Malagutay, where authorities had detonated a backpack containing ammunition, hand and rifle grenades, or a grenade-throwing incident in Barangay Buenavista last Saturday.

 

He said the backpack containing ammo and explosives in Malagutay was not intended for making improvised explosive devices.

 

As for the Buenavista incident, he said it could be politically motivated against the barangay chairman or related to the illegal drug trade.

 

Police have arrested one Mark Anthony Herrera for the grenade attack in Buenavista.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/389909/news/regions/suspected-abu-sayyaf-member-charged-for-zambo-blasts

GPH, MILF create coordination body for Bangsamoro transition, undertake farmers' assistance program

From the Philippine Information Agency Nov 26): GPH, MILF create coordination body for Bangsamoro transition, undertake farmers' assistance program

While Congress deliberates on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed to organize a body called the Coordination Team for the Transition (CT4T) to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on Sunday, during a special meeting in the Malaysian capital.

According to the terms of reference (TOR) signed by the panels on November 23, the CT4T shall serve as the "primary mechanism for coordination between Parties and concerned agencies to ensure that the necessary steps are undertaken in preparation for the transition leading to the installation of the BTA."

"The preparations for the eventual establishment of the Bangsamoro are crucial to ensure that we hit the ground running once the Bangsamoro government is established," said Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, government panel chair.

According to the road map signed by the two parties, the ARMM shall be abolished once the BBL is ratified and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is established. The BTA shall serve as the interim government in the Bangsamoro during the period between the ratification of the BBL and the assumption into office of the elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament.‎

 CT4T composition and mandate

The CT4T will be comprised of five government representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the regional government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and five representatives from the MILF.  

According to its TOR, the CT4T shall facilitate the generation and sharing of necessary information related to the transition to the BTA such as but not limited to the inventory of personnel, programs, properties, assets and receivables that would be turned over to the BTA. It shall prepare reports containing such information and data, including recommendations for the transition.

The CT4T may request GPH and ARMM officials and employees, and other resource persons, for information, data, reports, and advice as may be necessary; and propose mechanisms, guidelines, and processes necessary to help facilitate transfer of functions of the ARMM and other relevant national agencies to the BTA.

The CT4T shall also craft and oversee a communication plan that will address concerns of stakeholders both within ARMM and other observers of the GPH-MILF peace process.

Coronel-Ferrer said that “the work of the CT4T shall be vital in addressing the concerns of  ARMM employees." She added that the Civil Service Commission and other relevant agencies will be consulted to ensure that civil service rules will be followed, and civil service eligibilities and entitlements of ARMM employees will be respected.

 Confidence building for transformation of MILF camps

Also signed during the special meeting between the Parties was the terms of reference of the initial “confidence-building measure for the six acknowledged MILF camps through the Department of Agriculture (DA) farmers' assistance program.”

The program is in line with the implementation of the Annex on Normalization, which forms part of the CAB. The said annex provides for confidence-building measures that may be undertaken through the Joint Task Forces for the transformation of six acknowledged MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities.

To facilitate the implementation of the program, the DA shall provide a check list of assistance that may be given through the Joint Task Forces. The MILF Task Forces for the camps will select the appropriate forms of assistance and the beneficiaries.

The six previously-acknowledged MILF camps are located in the Maguindanao, Lanao and Cotabato provinces. They were acknowledged by the Philippine government in 1997 shortly after the ceasefire agreement between the two parties was signed. the GPH and MILF panels formed a task force for each of these camps with two members from each party. They are coordinated by a designated member of the the government and the MILF panels.

"We want the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF, to feel that the peace will enable them to have productive lives," said Senen Bacani, GPH panel member tasked to co-coordinate the Task Forces. "This way, we are making sure that the ceasefire will become permanent and development will be felt on the ground."

The Joint GPH-MILF Task Forces represented by Bacani and Abhoud Lingga, MILF panel member, will be meeting with DA Secretary Proceso Alcala to begin the immediate implementation of the farmers' assistance program. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131416928641/gph-milf-create-coordination-body-for-bangsamoro-transition-undertake-farmers-assistance-program