Soldier, rebels killed in fresh Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Soldier, rebels killed in fresh Samar clash

A soldier and unknown number of communist rebels were killed in a Monday night clash in a remote village in Basey, Samar, the Philippine Army reported.

Citing reports from Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade, Major Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the Army 8th Infantry Division, said that the army were on combat operation when they received reports of sighting of seven New People's Army (NPA) members in Sitio (subvillage) Burabod, Mabini village.

“Upon reaching the vicinity of Sitio Burabod, the troops were fired upon by the NPAs which triggered a five-minute firefight,” Gutierrez said

Gutierrez reported that a soldier was seriously wounded during the encounter and later succumbed while being treated by medics. The NPAs suffered undetermined number of casualties.

On Saturday, the same troops encountered an undetermined number of NPAs in the same area.

“I would like to express my condolence to the bereaved family of our gallant soldier who died while performing his duty. His bravery and sacrifice of life for the country will always be remember,” said 801st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., in a statement.

“This setback will not deter our resolve to continue our mandated task to safeguard the people of Samar and we will not rest until the perpetrators of this killing will be brought to justice to answer for their crime,” he added.

Last year, the military and the local government jointly declared Samar province as peace and development-ready area, but fighting between government troops and communist guerrillas continue.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=736782

Army renews commitment to achieve lasting peace in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Army renews commitment to achieve lasting peace in Samar

The Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion (IB) renewed their commitment to promote peace and fight insurgency in this economically-depressed province, formerly known as hotbed of communist guerrillas.

“We will push and accomplish the mandate and vision of this program in a proactive way to promote peace and development in the area even if the lives of our soldiers are at stake and do our best to protect the people,” said Lt. Col. Antonio Dulnuan, Jr., commander of the 87th IB based in Calbiga Samar.

Serving one the largest provinces in the country, the 87th IB stands as frontlines against the rebels in the area despite hardships and challenges of being soldiers, they selflessly continue to persevere to protect the people of Samar, according to Dulnuan.

“Our heroism does not end in safeguarding the communities they are assigned to. Beyond standing their guard and doing their typical combat operations, we also plant the seeds of hope in different communities by empowering the people,” he added.

The battalion has also forged partnership with local government units and non-government organizations to provide support to farmers.

Among the battalion’s major activities is supporting the logistics in bringing commodities, education, and other essential services needed for underprivileged people from far flung villages in Samar.

“From watching guard through the night and community builders in the day, these soldiers deliver what ought to be delivered to their fellow Filipinos. They don’t have superpower. They are ordinary soldiers doing simple acts of greatness. They only think of a better today-not only for them and their families but for everybody else,” Dulnuan explained.

For Cpl. Zaldy Macalde of 87th IB, he always believes that service builds a stronger sense of community, and among families.

“Everything we have is a gift. All we need to learn about is taking care of each other. It makes me feel useful, happy and contented when you do something good for others,” Macalde added.

For Pfc. Antonio Sanico, they don’t regard their sacrifices as a requirement, homework, or burden. What is important is that they voluntarily do something for others.

“I take the Gospels literally, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and build house for the homeless. It is an apostolate that ties family, volunteerism and work all together. My aim is to see Christ in everyone, especially in the poor,” Sanico stressed.

The battalion’s community development projects benefited the residents of remote villages of Basey, Motiong and San Jose de Buan in Samar.

“They work very hard and it makes us proud to see our soldiers come out here without expecting a reward except personal gratification,” said Mabini village chief Nilda Pacaanas of Basey town. “I cannot thank them enough for all they’ve done for us.”

The soldiers receive a very humbling reward - local students, teachers and parents offer their thanks, children shared smiles with soldiers that day as a strong, unified community.

“I was surprised when I saw people smiling and to me, that made the whole thing worth it,” 2nd Lt. Jessel Anombay said.

“The path has been long and hard, and there are still many hurdles ahead, not least the ongoing tensions in Samar. There should be no doubt about our aims. Our objectives and obligation is to protect civilians and to work for a durable peace that meets the legitimate aspirations of people,” Lt. Anombay added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=736784

Negros Occidental provincial gov’t finalizing settlement sites for RPA-ABB rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Negros Occidental provincial gov’t finalizing settlement sites for RPA-ABB rebels
 

The provincial government of Negros Occidental is finalizing the settlement sites for the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB) as part of the group’s peace agreement with the national government.

Ma. Lina Sanogal, provincial planning and development officer, said she is optimistic the signing of the closure agreement will proceed after the resettlement areas are established.

The proposed resettlement area for about 155 members of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB in San Carlos City is in Barangay Palampas while the site for 87 members in Cadiz City and nearby areas is in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City.

Sanogal said the RPM-P/RPA/ABB members will also be given P100,000 worth of core shelter per family, livelihood assistance, livestock, and agricultural inputs.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is negotiating with RPM-P/RPA/ABB Tabara Paduano Group (TPG) now known as Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (KPP) as part of their compliance with the provisions of the peace agreement they signed with the government in year 2000.

During her recent visit to Negros Occidental, OPAPP Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval in a meeting with the provincial officials, said the signing of the closure agreement could probably take place during the first quarter of the year.

Sandoval said they have been conducting "due diligence to ensure that all components of the agreements are all settled before the (closure) agreement is signed."

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=736837

SOLCOM troopers, PNP remain united in Quezon province

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): SOLCOM troopers, PNP remain united in Quezon province

Belying claims made by some sectors that a rift is growing between the military and police personnel, 300 members of the Southern Luzon Command and their law enforcement counterparts locked arms in an show of unity at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, Quezon Wednesday.

The event was called AFP-PNP Fellowship Day and was held at the SOLCOM grandstand.

Spearheading the 10 a.m. activity were Southern Luzon Command head Major Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, Quezon Province Police commander Senior Supt. Ronaldo Genaro E. Ylagan and SOLCOM chief-of-staff Col. Samuel B. Gayongorsa.

"SOLCOM and the PNP in Southern Luzon remain loyal to the Constitution, the Commander-in-Chief and the Chain of Command," Visaya said.

In the same event, Visaya and ranking SOLCOM officers recognized the heroism of the 44 fallen Special Action Force members.

"There are groups who want to divide the AFP and PNP, but in SOLCOM, we are one," Gayongorsa said.

After the program, soldiers and policemen interlocked arms while singing "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" to show that the relationship of the PNP and SOLCOM remains strong.

This was followed by a boodle fight.

"There is no need for loyalty check in our rank," Ylagan said.

"With the AFP, we remain committed in our mandate in enforcing peace, law and order in the province," he added.

On issues of a coup, Visaya affirmed that there will be no coup in SOLCOM's area.

"If there's someone who will attempt to recruit soldiers, the latter have been ordered to immediately arrest the former," he concluded.

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Arrest coup recruiters, SOLCOM chief tells men

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Arrest coup recruiters, SOLCOM chief tells men

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) head Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya on Wednesday gave his men the "green light" to arrest persons trying to recruit them for a possible coup d'etat against the government.

He added that he issued this order to scare would-be recruiters from entering his bases which are scattered all over Southern Tagalog.

SOLCOM has jurisdiction over the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Bicol, Sorsogon, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon.

However, he clarified that there are no reports from his area regarding coup recruiters.

The SOLCOM chief also expressed confidence that all his officers and enlisted personnel are dedicated and professional enough to distance themselves from such nefarious activities.

Visaya also stressed that soldiers and officers caught in this illegal activity could be charged and dismissed from the service.

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Palompon town declared 'Insurgency-Free'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Palompon town declared 'Insurgency-Free'

Palompon town in Leyte was declared "Insurgency-Free" on Monday after authorities said the strength and influence of the New People's Army (NPA) in the area has waned.

In a statement forwarded by 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Amado Gutierrez Wednesday, this declaration was formalized with the signing of a covenant between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, represented by Col. Dinoh A. Dolina and the municipal government, headed by Palompon Mayor Ramon C. Onate.

The declaration of Palompon as "Insurgency-Free" was by virtue of the Municipal Resolution No. 230-020215 passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Palompon, Leyte.

Based on the municipal resolution, Palompon has satisfied the imperatives stipulated in the National Internal Security Plan (NISP) where the threat of the NPA is already relegated to insignificant level.

Per intelligence evaluation, Palompon had long been insurgency-free when two of its infiltrated barangays were cleared of rebel influence in 2003.

An insurgency free town is a level up of towns declared as "Peaceful and Ready for Further Development" status.

Dolina, who is the 802nd Infantry Brigade commander said, “The declaration will definitely attract investors to establish their businesses in Palompon area and in return will greatly improve the town’s economic and financial status where the people will be the ultimate benefactors.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=736806

1,500 PMA alumni to participate in this year's homecoming activities on Feb. 19 -22

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): 1,500 PMA alumni to participate in this year's homecoming activities on Feb. 19 -22

An estimated 1,500 active and retired military and police officers will be returning to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City for this year's alumni homecoming which is scheduled for Feb. 19 to 22.

PMA superintendent Major Gen. Oscar P. Lopez and Major Gen. Jose Ma. G. Solquillo, PMA Alumni Association Inc. president, are now busy preparing for the event.

Cavaliers will be marching at the hallowed grounds of Fort Del Pilar called as the Borromeo Field.

This year, the PMA alumni invited Hon. Eduardo S.L. Oban Jr., Executive Director of the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces Agreement as the guest-of-honor and speaker.

Oban is the former chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a member of the PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979.

Expected to attend in the ceremony are AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr of PMA Class of 1981, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, a member of PMA Class 1968, PMAAAI Board of Directors, and Medal of Valor Awardees.

Lead host for this year’s homecoming is PMA Class of 1985 (Sandiwa).

Other hosts include PMA Class of 1970 (Magiting), 1975 (Makabayan), 1980 (Mapitagan), 1990 (Bigkis-Lahi), 1995 (Marilag), 2000 (Sanghaya), 2005 (Sanlingan), and 2010 (Masidlak).

The oldest cavalier is CAV Vicente Alhambra and CAV Catalino Ibañez, both from Class 1942, while the youngest is CAV Bryan S. Arlegui of Class 2014.

To celebrate the homecoming, the PMAAAI has planned out a series of activities that will run from Feb. 19 to 22.

Among the highlights include the PMA Alumni Eco Trail Run within Fort Del Pilar and Battle of Classes Golf Tournament at Camp John Hay on Feb. 19; Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the PMA Alumni Memorial, Opening of PMA Football Cup and Leadership Forum for Cadets at PMA Campus on Feb. 20; the traditional “Open House” at the PMA Cadet Barracks on Feb. 21; Arrival Honors for Royal Thai General Thawip Poonsiri Netniyom of Class ’81, and Silent Drill on Feb. 22.

During the main event on Feb. 21, a special recognition will be given to the members of PMA Class 1955 as Diamond jubilarians (60 years); Class 1965 as Golden jubilarians (50 years); and Class 90 as Silver jubilarians (25 years).

The PMAAAI will also give honor to outstanding cavaliers for their achievements in their own field of expertise.

The honorees are Senior Supt Wilfred A. Nicolas of PMA Class of 1965 for Private Enterprise; Director General Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., PMA Class of 1970 for Public Administration; Lt.Gen. Felicito VM. Trinidad, PMA Class 1982 for Command and Administration; Col. Danilo G. Pamonag, PMA Class of 1985 for Army Operations; Senior Supt. Ronald M. Dela Rosa, PMA Class of 1986 for Police Operations; Lt.Col. Elpidio T. Factor, Class 1995 for Naval Operations; Cmdr. Inocencio C. Rosario Jr., Class ’96 for Coast Guard Operations; Major Gremel B. Brual, Class ’96 for Special Operations; and Major Jonathan P. De Leon, Class ’01 for Air Force Operations.

The PMA has produced over 10,000 alumni with 106 others who graduated from allied service academies since its establishment in 1936.

Some of its members became leaders and key-position holders in the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies while some have served in the government, corporate, non-profit, educational, and other leadership and management positions at various levels of responsibility.

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Memorare: To never forget the bloodbath in the Liberation of Manila, even of the nameless and unknowns

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Memorare: To never forget the bloodbath in the Liberation of Manila, even of the nameless and unknowns

“We remember them nor shall we ever forget,” was the inscription made by the National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin in The Memorare monument in Intramuros on the lives taken during the Liberation of Manila in 1945.

Today commemorates the 20th year since the unveiling of The Memorare in 1995, a sculpture mounted as a gravestone for over 100, 000 men and women, children and infants who died during the battle waged by Filipino and American troops against the Japanese forces in the month-long battle of Manila from February 3 to March 3, 1945.

The Memorare, a Latin word which means “to remember”, was Peter de Guzman’s work of art which stands at Plazuela de Santa Isabel.

The sculpture portrays a woman whose face depicts a great despair over the body of a lifeless child in her cradle and six other dead bodies around her is a sober reminder of a number of nameless people’s dreadful massacre which took place in World War II.

In the account of William Manchester, author and historian, the Liberation of Manila was one of the greatest tragedies of the Second World War. It was in 1945 that the City of Manila perished vast devastation, almost turning the architectural heritage into nothing but debris.

To recap the lessons of the Battle of Manila, various activities as lectures, exhibits and conferences have started on February 3 and would run until March for the commemoration of its 70th anniversary.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, in a speech during the kick-off ceremony of the Liberation of Manila’s anniversary, has also expressed honor for the courage of those who fought for democracy and freedom that the country has now redeemed.

The University of Santo Tomas, which was turned into a prison camp during the Japanese regime, has also held commemorative activities as American World War II detainees paid a visit to the former Internment Camp in Manila.

The U.S. Embassy of the Philippines has also related support in the commemoration as it call for entries to the drawing or photo with 5 peso Leyte Landing commemorative coin contest. Entries should interpret the theme, “Valuing the Past, Present and Future”. The deadline for submission is on February 22.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=736846

US pays PHL Php87-M compensation for Tubattaha damage

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): US pays PHL Php87-M compensation for Tubattaha damage

After two years, the United States has paid the Philippine government the requested full compensation amounting to Php87 million for the damage caused to Tubattaha reef by the grounding of an American warship in January 2013.

The Department of Foreign Affairs made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying Manila received a total of Php87,033,570.71 in compensation from Washington on Jan. 20, 2015.

“The compensation will be utilized for the protection and rehabilitation of Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” the DFA said.

Part of the fund, it added, will also be used to further enhance capability to monitor the area and prevent similar incidents in the future.

In addition to the compensation received, the US government is also providing additional assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard to upgrade the PCG Substation in Tubbataha, where over 4,000 square meters were damaged by the US minesweeper.

The US military had to dismantle the ship to remove it and to prevent further damage to the reef - a United Nations-declared World Heritage Site.

The ship’s officers and crew were also relieved by the US military following the incident for failure to adhere to standard navigation procedures.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=736772

Uploader of alleged video of Mamasapano clash shows up at NBI-Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Uploader of alleged video of Mamasapano clash shows up at NBI-Davao

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Wednesday said the decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to return the firearms belonging to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao shows its commitment to the peace process.

”The return of firearms belonging to the SAF-44 partially meets the call of President Aquino for the MILF to show concrete manifestation of their support to the on-going Bangsamoro Peace Process,” Coloma said in a press statement.

Coloma said the return of the firearms was done through the mechanisms of the peace process such as the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

”We affirm the statement of Government Chief Negotiator Professor Miriam Colonel-Ferrer that the return of the firearms by the MILF is a sign of goodwill and commitment to the peace process,” Coloma said.

Coloma, however, said the MILF leadership should also display other concrete manifestations that they can be trusted by the government in the peace process by supporting the government’s efforts to capture terrorist Basit Usman, who escaped in the Jan. 25 anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano town.

One of those who uploaded the alleged video of the Mamasapano clash on the Internet showed up at the office of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Davao City.

This was confirmed on Wednesday by NBI-Davao Regional Director Atty. Dante Gierran.

Gierran said based on the statement of the said male individual, it appears that he was not the original uploader of the video.

Gierran noted that the video came from the male individual’s friend on facebook, and since he saw the video as "interesting", he also uploaded it.

Although it appears that he was not the original uploader, Gierran said it may become a “lead” to determine the original uploader or the source of the video itself.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier said that they will also use the video as evidence in its ongoing investigation of the Mamasapano clash.

The video showed a man sprawled on a cornfield in camouflage uniform who was later identified by relatives as Police Officer 1 Joseph Sagonoy, one of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) men, being shot twice at close range.

The PNP-SAF commandos were on a mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan” and Filipino bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman.

The video also showed the group, most of whom were armed, taking magazines and other ammunition from several other fallen men, again, in camouflage uniform.

Gunfire is repeatedly heard in the background while at least two of the perpetrators shouted, "Allah hu akbar!"

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DND allocates Php5.8-M for acquisition of specialized trucks, equipment for Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): DND allocates Php5.8-M for acquisition of specialized trucks, equipment for Navy

In line with its efforts to upgrade the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN), the Department of National Defense (DND) has allocated the sum of Php5,830,000 for the acquisition of specialized trucks and equipment for the naval service.

The amount will be used to acquire one medical van with equipment worth Php3,450,000; three generators with trailer, 25KVa worth Php1,380,000; and 10 satellite phones worth Php1,000,000.

Winning bidders must be able to deliver the medical van within 90 calendar days; the generators in 60 days, and another 60 days for the satellite phones, from contract effectivity.

Bid opening is set on March 12, 10 a.m. at the DND bids and awards committee, conference room, basement, left wing, DND building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=736879

Return of SAF 44 firearms shows MILF commitment to peace process – Coloma

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Return of SAF 44 firearms shows MILF commitment to peace process – Coloma

The Palace official also said the MILF should also help the government in the identification and prosecution of the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) combatants who killed the 44 SAF troopers.

Coloma clarified that the three conditions have been mentioned by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his address to the nation last February 6.

”In the same speech, the President has also mentioned the need for the government and the MILF to pursue the path that would lead to the lasting peace in Mindanao,” Coloma said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

”It is only proper to understand that those requests, according to the President, would give concrete manifestation if the MILF can be trusted as partner by the government,” he added.

Coloma said failure to heed to these requests would mean “that their cooperation with the government” is not complete.

Deliberations both by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have been suspended to give way to the ongoing inquiries on the bloody Mamasapano encounter.

On January 25, the 392-member SAF team encountered the combined forces of the MILF and the BIFF while carrying out a mission to arrest Usman and Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli Abdhir alias Marwan.

Marwan, a notorious bomb expert who has link with international terrorist group Jeemah Islamiyah, was killed but Usman, a BIFF commander, managed to escape.

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AFP welcomes MILF return of SAF firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): AFP welcomes MILF return of SAF firearms
 

With the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) returning 16 firearms, taken from the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) personnel during the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday called the return of the weapons a symbol of the MILF's sincerity to the peace process.

"The return of the 16 firearms clearly manifests the MILF's sensitivity to public clamor to show their sincerity," said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

He added that the military welcomes this move by the MILF and expressed hope that their efforts can yield more returns so as to leave no doubt on the public mind of their seriousness in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

"This is definitely one positive step in our arduous journey to peace. Any effort no matter how small, that we put from our end and on the side of the MILF, to silence the weapons of war in this part of our nation is already a big leap that benefits everyone not only in Mindanao but the whole country," Padilla said.

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Gov’t welcomes retrieval of SAF weapons; MILF reaffirms commitment to peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): Gov’t welcomes retrieval of SAF weapons; MILF reaffirms commitment to peace process

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles and Government of the Philippines peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Wednesday welcomed the gesture of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to return the weapons of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) taken from the tragic incident in Mamasapano last January 25, which claimed nearly 70 lives from all sides, including civilians.

“We receive with appreciation a gesture of goodwill we have sought from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Deles said in a simple ceremony held at Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, where the MILF presented SAF firearms retrieved through the joint efforts of the GPH and MILF ceasefire mechanisms.

The weapons will then be transported via a C130 plane to Manila, where it will be formally turned over to the PNP.

“We accept this clear proof of the trust and goodwill that has already been built in the Bangsamoro peace process. We accept this clear signal of the willingness and determination of the MILF to sustain our precious gains,” she added.

Ferrer, on the other hand, commended the MILF for deciding to return the firearms as proof of its commitment to the peace process instead of claiming it as spoils of war.

“Sa kabila ng pagyanig ng trahedya ng Mamasapano, bagamat nagkaron ng lamat ang ceasefire, eto pa rin tayo (Despite the tragedy in Mamasapano, despite the breach of our ceasefire, we are still here),” Ferrer said. “Ang pamahalaan at MILF na patuloy na naniniwala sa prosesong pangkapayapaan (Both the government and the MILF continue to believe in the peace process).”

“We assure everybody that the MILF is a partner of peace in Mindanao,” Ferrer’s counterpart and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said.

“We are willing to travel the extra mile so the peace process will proceed,” Iqbal asserted. “Sa kapayapaan po tayo magbe-benefit. Pero sa giyera, lahat tayo talo (It is in peace that we benefit. In war we all lose).”

“Mahalaga na magpatuloy ang prosesong pangkapayapaan (it is important for the peace process to continue),” Ferrer noted.

Sixteen and a half SAF weapons were retrieved, verified, and presented by the MILF in the presence of representatives from both sides.‎

Instrumental in the retrieval of weapons are the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the International Monitoring Team.

The GPH CCCH is headed by BGen. Carlito Galvez with Secretariat head Dir. Carlos Sol. The MILF CCCH is headed by Rashid Ladiasan.

Meanwhile, the IMT team is led by Malaysian head of mission MGen Dato' Abdul Samad Bin HJ Yaakub and joined by IMT member, Norwegian William Hovland.

"We thank the joint CCCH who have again showed us how robust our ceasefire mechanisms are. We also thank our brave and committed partners in the IMT for the important role they have played in installing the ceasefire on that fateful Sunday... to the rescue of the victims and now as the third party witness in the verification of the retrieved weapons that shall be returned to the PNP SAF," she added.

Witnessing the presentation of retrieved weapons were GPH peace panel member Senen Bacani, Joint Normalization Committee co-chair Muhammad Nassif, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, International Monitoring Team Head of Mission Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gregorio Catapang Jr., ‎AFP Western Mindanao Command Chief Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Philippine Army 6th Infantry Battalion Commander Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan and PNP ARMM OIC Senior Superintendent Noel Armilla.

Armilla lauded the gesture of the MILF. "Tinawagan ko kanina si (PNP OIC) Deputy Director Gen. Espina at ipinaalam ko ang nangyaring ito at ipinapaabot nya sa leadership ng MILF ang kanyang pasasalamat (I called up [PNP OIC] Deputy Director Gen. Espina to inform him of this event and he wanted me to extend his appreciation to the leadership of the MILF)," he said.

“This is a very fitting gesture,” Catapang said, while also thanking the MILF for “going the extra mile to jumpstart our efforts to win the peace in Mindanao,” he added.

Peace process disrupted but not beaten back. “You must understand how we feel as soldiers wanting to win the peace, to claim the peace for our country,” Catapang said. “This is an unfortunate event, but it should not deter us from claiming the peace for our country.”

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman similarly sounded the call for the continuation of the peace process despite the tragedy.

“Pinatunayan ng both panels ang kanilang katapatan na dapat magkaroon ng kapayapaan (Both panels have shown they are sincere in aspiring for peace),” Hataman said.

Deles also expressed hope that the public will be able to appreciate the move of the MILF to return the SAF firearms it retrieved and presented in Maguindanao.

“I hope and pray that our leaders and our people will understand and appreciate the meaning of this event, work with us to heal the wounds and move forward,” Deles said. ‎"Our grief has been palpable as we mourned the loss of so many in a single day-- government enforcers, rebel group members and civilians -- all Filipinos and brothers and sisters to us all."

“The peace process has been disrupted but not beaten back,” Deles affirmed. “Together with our peace partners we will forge ahead. Mamasapano must be turned from a battleground to a haven for peace.”

“Let us stand for peace and reclaim the birthright of countless generations of Filipinos yet unborn, of a country united in a just and lasting peace,” she added.

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Philippine labor groups demand wage increase

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Feb 18): Philippine labor groups demand wage increase







     Labor groups rally in Davao City.

Members of various labor fronts and workers on Tuesday demanded a salary increase and at the same time asked President Aquino to resignation for his failure to prioritize the welfare of the working class.

Coming together as All Workers’ Unity in southern Mindanao, workers from the agricultural and non-agricultural private sector, government employees, and drivers picketed the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office in Davao City. They also wanted a ban on contractual labor scheme.

Organizers said there is a need for an urgent salary increase as wages have remained stagnant for many years now and that chronic unemployment worsened in the country. Saying that Aquino’s neglect of the working class adds to his growing “list of offenses” against the Filipino people, workers under Kilusang Mayo Uno, Courage, and Transmision-Piston echoed the growing clamor for Aquino’s resignation.

The labor groups want a P16,000 monthly minimum wage for all workers.

According to Ibon Foundation, the average wage across all industries in the entire country as of April 2014 was P366 per day, with P341 a day for the private sector and a much lower average wage of P247 per day for the peasant and fisher folk, based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics.

This means that the average wage covers a measly 34% of the family living wage which is pegged now at P1,086 per day. In Southern Mindanao, where the mandated minimum wage is P317 for non-agricultural and P307 for agricultural for the private sector, the differential from the family living wage is much higher.

Carlo Olalo, a spokesperson for Kilusang Mayo Uno - Southern Mindanao, criticized Aquino’s continued subservience to neoliberal policies on labor for the country’s labor woes. He said the unemployment rate as of the last quarter of 2014 was at its peak at 27%, citing a survey of the Social Weather Stations.

“Aside from the fact that more Filipinos are now jobless, the quality of jobs being peddled by our government are those which render workers insecure, vulnerable, and disposable due to legalized contractualization which Aquino himself is culpable. Under his leadership, the Department Order 18-A Series of 2011 was passed and implemented by DOLE, giving capitalist unbridled license to exploit workers further by making regularization impossible,” he said.

Olalo also cited the case of the workers of Franklin Baker, whose security of tenure is imperilled due to contractualization.  “It is standard practice among the labor agencies in Franklin Baker to change the names of workers after five months of service in order to skirt the law on regularization where a worker can attain regular status after six months. We condemn the DOLE for being an agent of contractualization as the latter grants certification to sham labor agencies inside Franklin Baker,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the DOLE about the allegations and demands by the labor groups.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/02/philippine-labor-groups-demand-wage.html