MILF to start decommissioning process on June 16

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): MILF to start decommissioning process on June 16

The chief peace negotiators of the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced Thursday that the MILF is scheduled to undergo the first phase of the decommissioning of its weapons and combatants.

“We are scheduled to begin the decommissioning process this June 16,” Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer confirmed in a joint press conference with MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“Phase 1 of the process will begin with the ceremonial turnover of 55 high-powered and 20 crew-serve weapons, and the decommissioning of 145 members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces,” Ferrer said.

Crew-serve weapons refer to weapon systems that require more than one individual for it to function at optimum efficiency, usually needing one person to load and another person to fire, such as medium and heavy machine guns.

“The President himself will be the guest of honor during the event and we are inviting our esteemed lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate to join us and witness the commitment of both Parties to put an end to the armed conflict,” the GPH chief negotiator said.

“This is just the start of the decommissioning process, which the MILF has committed to undertake as a show of its sincerity to peace building,” she added, emphasizing that this "shows the continued commitment of the Parties to bring peace" even as the Bangsamoro Basic Law is still being deliberated in both chambers of Congress.

Earlier, Iqbal described the decommissioning process as "very difficult" but noted that the MILF has committed to "undertake the ultimate sacrifice."

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles has noted that the decommissioning process the MILF is set to undergo is unprecedented, as it was not done during the earlier peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"We've never had an armed organization that has been fighting with government as an organization voluntarily — in partnership with the government — turn over weapons," Deles said, explaining that the peace accord with the MNLF only ushered in an integration of combatants with the armed forces and the police.

Gradual decommissioning is part of the Annex on Normalization signed by the MILF and the government last January 2014. Firearms will be turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), while decommissioned combatants will undergo a registration, verification, and validation process, after which they will be provided immediate cash assistance amounting to PhP25,000 and PhilHealth Cards.

Medium- to long-term socioeconomic interventions for the combatants will be handled by the Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and Communities.

The normalization process has three main components— security, socioeconomic development, and transitional justice and reconciliation — which are aimed at fostering peace in conflict-affected communities in Mindanao, which will then allow individuals to fully pursue productive and sustainable livelihoods without fear of violence or crime.

According to the Annex on Normalization, the decommissioning of MILF weapons and forces “shall be parallel and commensurate to the implementation of all the agreements of the Parties.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771619

AFP coordinates with PNP to ensure peace and order during 117th Independence Day celebrations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): AFP coordinates with PNP to ensure peace and order during 117th Independence Day celebrations

With the nation celebrating its 117th Independence Day on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that its units are coordinating and assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that nothing untoward will transpire during the historic occasion.

In line with this, the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region will be deploying troops and assets to strategic areas to ensure peace and order.

This includes K-9 units, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

At the same time, the AFP official said that the military is still to detect any groups or individuals who may be planning to disrupt Friday's festivities.

"We are yet to detect any threats but your AFP is keeping a proactive approach to ensure that it has sufficient forces at hand to deal with people who might want to make trouble," Cabunoc said in Filipino.

While rallyists and other demonstrators will be allowed to do their stuff, the AFP public affairs chief said that violent acts during protest actions will not be permitted.

He added that there are no plans to raise the AFP's alert status as the security situation is normal.

However, Cabunoc advised the public to immediately report to authorities suspicious looking persons or baggage they may happen to see.

The AFP public affairs chief also said that flag-raising ceremonies will be conducted in all military installations, including those in Pagasa Island and the BRP Sierra Madre off Ayungin Shoal which are both located at the Kalayaan Island Group.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=771618

Scout rangers clash with BIFF in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): Scout rangers clash with BIFF in Maguindanao

Army’s elite soldiers in Maguindanao clashed with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and seized an abandoned camp of the rebels on Sunday, the military said.

Soldiers from the Army’s 10th Scout Ranger Company figured with BIFF in Brgy. Macalag, Datu Unsay, in Maguindanao at about 7 a.m., said 6th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay.

The armed group fled toward an unknown area after 15 minutes of gunbattle. The soldiers recovered a 7.62-cal. rifle believed to be from the rebels.


Another batch of scout rangers located a kilometer away was able to find an abandoned camp with about seven huts that could accommodate an estimated 60 persons.

“The huts were already empty when the troops arrived,” Petinglay said.

There were also four jungle hammocks, two pairs of battle dress uniforms, one bandoleer for an M14 and M16 and a sweatshirt with the marking “BIFF.”

An upper Special Action Force uniform with name cloth bearing “Usman” was also found, she added.“The SAF uniform belongs to a SAF 44 because we believe that kind of uniform is not sold outside unlike other uniforms which can be purchased anywhere,” Petinglay said.

She added that it was possible that the name cloth was changed as it can be easily replaced.

Petinglay could not say if the name Usman referred to top bomb maker Basit, who was killed on May 3.

“It’s a common name,” she said.

The military launched all-out offensives against the BIFF in February after the Mamasapano incident in January. The Oplan Exodus that targeted top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan killed 44 police commandos in a firefight with members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and BIFF.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/697538/scout-rangers-clash-with-biff-in-maguindanao

MILF: Sarangani Provincial Council for the Protection of Children supports Children, Not Soldiers

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 10): Sarangani Provincial Council for the Protection of Children supports Children, Not Soldiers



The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) of Sarangani Province expressed support to the campaign #Children, Not Soldiers, which seeks to end recruitment and use of children in armed struggle.

The PCPC will include in its proposed Provincial Children’s Code a provision for the protection of children from recruitment and use by armed groups.

In the 2015 First PCPC Meeting held inside the Provincial Capitol at Alabel on Tuesday, Plan International, one of the member-Non Government Organizations of the council, raised a motion which seeks provision for the children’s code “that persons below 18 years old must not be recruited or take any support roles in armed group.”

“It’s a grave violation of child’s rights if you involve a person below 18 years old in armed struggle as combatant or in any support roles like spy, porter or cook,” Jocelyn L. Kanda, Plan International Project Coordinator said.

Kanda presented in the meeting the Children Affected by Armed Conflict (CAAC) Project, a joint activity by Plan, United Nations Children’s Fund and Moro Islamic Liberation Front which promotes child’s rights and child protection.

The project is in support to the UN-MILF Action Plan, an undertaking primarily aimed to stop recruitment of minors in the military structure of the MILF.

The MILF has allowed UNICEF and its partner, Plan International, access to its base camps for the conduct of campaign to address “child soldier” issue. 

The MILF is the only non-state group in the world which have signed an action plan with the UN to stop recruitment of minors in its armed struggle.

The initiative seeks to educate Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) (MILF’s military wing) Commanders and MILF community members about child’s rights and protection as well as the general order of the MILF leadership that prohibits recruitment and use of minors in the BIAF. In Sarangani Province, BIAF camps are Malapatan and Masim towns under the 107th Base Command.

Kanda related the BIAF commanders and its members were already oriented last year by UNICEF. “This June 16-18, we are going to orient children, parents and community leaders about the #Children Not Soldiers campaign at Barangay Pananag in Maasim,” she said.

Board Member Arman Guili, requested that the campaign for the MILF must also be replicated in the province in order to protect minors from far flung communities from joining other revolutionary groups.

PCPC is a special body of the provincial government which plans and crafts policies for the welfare of the children in the province.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/409-sarangani-provincial-council-for-the-protection-of-children-supports-children-not-soldiers

MILF: Davao Oriental, Del Norte, Compostela Valley supportive on BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 9): Davao Oriental, Del Norte, Compostela Valley supportive on BBL



A three-day marathon advocacy campaign on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) was held in Davao region organized by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) with the help of community-based organizations in the area on June 3, 4 and 5, 2015.

The UNYPAD National Secretary on Campaign and Advocacy Jordan L. Talusob disclosed that the first Community Peace Symposium on BBL was held at the Ampong Beach, Barangay Pindasan, Mabini, Compostela Valley participated in by the youths from Compostela Valley and other Moro communities in Davao del Norte.

“The first advocacy on BBL was conducted on June 3, the second activity was held at the covered court of Mati City beside the City hall on June 4 and on June 5, it was held at Barangay Pindasan, Lupon, Davao Oriental,” Talusob said. 



UNYPAD-ComVal OIC Provincial Chairman Habib Ranain has thanked the Bangsamoro Transition Commission under the Socio-Economic Office by providing lecturers on the peace symposium.
“We’re happy upon knowing that the BTC will go here in our area to explain the BBL. The lecture of Professor Alih Aiyub is a big help for us to understand the content of BBL,” Ranain said.
“All the delegates from other area will support the BBL,” he added.

In the City of Mati, there are at least 200 participants from various sectors attended the gathering together with the local government unit officials headed by City Administrator Engineer Joel A. Capalit along with Mati City Councillors Bobong Alcantara and Noli Baloso.
Capalit said "We are for peace and development in Mindanao, so we support the BBL".

Professor Alih S. Aiyub was asked on why to continue the BBL advocacy when it is most likely be revised by Congress and or may not be passed and ratified during President Aquino's term.
"We continue telling our people of its (BBL) content and spirit as a political solution, a product of 17 years peace negotiations, to ending the war in Mindanao and to addressing their aspiration for sustainable peace and development. Once grassroots people own it and believing that its implementation would change their lives and communities, they will have informed decisions whatever happens," Aiyub replied.

A young woman in her message during the program said “Huwag po nating isipin na may mga taong maapakan kung maisabatas na itong BBL bagkus isipin po natin ang positibong hatid nito.”

The UNYPAD-Davao Oriental Provincial Chairman Jake Sabello told luwaran.com that the BBL symposium in Lupon municipality has earned mass support. “The Vice Mayor of Lupon himself had asked on how their municipality could be included in the proposed territory of the Bangsamoro areas,” said Sabello.

"We strongly support the passage of the BBL, and expressing our willingness to join and asking on how we will become part of the Bangsamoro government since our place is not part of the core territories?" expressed by the community people through their multi-sectoral representatives and their LGU official headed by the Lupon municipality Vice Mayor  Hadji Bunso Barabag.

Barabag is in favour to include their municipality in the Bangsamoro government.



Sabello said that BTC Commissioner Hussein Muňoz has imparted an updates on the BBL in the afternoon program in Lupon.

Gabriel C. Palma, UNYPAD Regional Coordinator for Davao region said that other sectors who participated in the affairs were coming from Indigenous Peoples/Tribal Leaders, Farmers Sector, Fisher folks, Students, Academe, Transport Group, Cooperatives, Religious leaders both from Muslims and Christians, Medical and Rescue group like the Philippine Red Cross, and Radio Communications groups.

Palma also said that the community are hopeful that agreed version of BBL will be passed on June 11 so that just-peace and genuine development will reign in the Bangsamoro communities.
 
This writer discussed the Role of Youth in Nation Building and shared inputs on the status of the BTC-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnership program called Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) by which Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces are recipients of multi-purpose building in the CCDP-B Quick Impact Projects.

Among other organizations that supported the event are the Local Government Units of Mati City and municipality of Lupon all in Davao Oriental province, Bangsamoro Development Agency, United Youth of the Philippines, United Associations of Datus and Imam in Mati City, Bangsamoro Radio Assistance on Communication and Emergency Services, Bangsamoro Organization of Davao Oriental, Concerned Bangsamoro Youth, and Muslim Students Organizations-Davao State College of Science and Technology.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/407-davao-oriental-del-norte-compostela-valley-supportive-on-bbl

MILF: MILF appeal to Congress: Stay faithful to the original BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 9): MILF appeal to Congress: Stay faithful to the original BBL



A member of the MILF Central Committee has appealed to members of Congress to stay faithful to the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as embodied in the original Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which was crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and submitted to President Benigno Aquino III on September 7, 2014.

Sheikh Mohammad Muntassir, a senior member of the MILF Central Committee, told Luwaran that dilution or watering down of the BBL will not be accepted by the MILF, citing two major reasons: 1) It will not solve the armed conflict in Mindanao and instead invite more and more adverse consequences; and 2) the MILF will become the laughing stock for accepting a so-called autonomy lesser than what is in the Autonomous Region in Mindanao.

Asked what particular provision in the BBL that can easily turn-off the MILF from accepting it, he cited the provision of the FAB and CAB where the natural resources are classified as: non-metallic, metallic, and fossil fuels, but in the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL it classified practically everything as “strategic minerals” including potential sources of energy (sun, water, wind).

“This is unacceptable,” referring to the provision, and added that this alone can force the MILF not to accept the BBL.

He explained that aside from directly violating the FAB and CAB, it renders the Bangsamoro entity not really autonomous.

“It is a pity that many people hate the Moros but are moving heaven and earth to deny us access to those God-given wealth beneath our lands.”

He disclosed that the most powerful lobby in Congress comes from the energy and mining sectors and followed by those so-called protectors of the interests of indigenous peoples (IPs) in Mindanao and the Cordillera.

“Who systematically grabbed the landholdings of the IPs?” he asked, without elaborating.
He also lamented that the principle of the “parity of esteem” was stricken out of the Committee report, which is very important in a principled and problem-solving negotiation.

He explained that parity of esteem is deeper than the principle of the equality of peoples which is more physical. Parity of esteem is not only about respect for competences, say of the central government and of the Bangsamoro, as provided in the BBL but is a phrase used in political philosophy to explain a theory to overcome inter-communal conflict. Promoters of the theory argue that parity of esteem offers a language for negotiation of a post-conflict equilibrium. This negotiation begins with the communities recognising the stalemate of their position. Rather than continue trying to out-do each other, the communities should attempt to negotiate a peaceful coexistence in a shared physical space despite their cultural differences.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/406-milf-appeal-to-congress-stay-faithful-to-the-original-bbl

CPP/NDF/KM: Release NDFP consultant Adelberto Silva, Rosanna Cabusao and Isidro de Lima!

NDF/KM propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 5): Release NDFP consultant Adelberto Silva, Rosanna Cabusao and Isidro de Lima!

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

By Ma. LAYA GUERRERO
Spokesperson, Kabataang Makabayan

 

The Kabataang Makabayan (KM) condemns in strongest terms the illegal arrest and detention of Adelberto Silva by the US-Aquino’s mercenary troops last June 1, 2015 in Molino Bacoor, Cavite. Silva is a National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant and covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

We demand the immediate release of Adelberto Silva, his wife Rosanna Cabusao and Isidro de Lima who were arrested with him and also charged with same cases as Silva. The PNP’s claim that they seized rocket-propelled grenade from each of them is utterly ludicrous and a clear alibi to justify the filing of non-bailable charges against them. Silva was charged with fabricated cases of murder and illegal possession of explosives.

The NDFP confirms Silva as a holder of NDFP Document of Identification ND978229 with the assumed name Percival Rojo, also containing his photo. Under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees which was signed by previous Philippine regimes with the NDFP, Silva and all peace consultants are guaranteed immunity from arrest, detention, surveillance, harassment, search and other punitive actions.

The AFP and PNP claim that the coordinated operations was hatched more than a year ago and Silva has been under constant surveillance from the mercenary troops of Aquino. This only proves that the Aquino regime has never been sincere in the peace negotiations in order to address the root causes of the armed revolution that rages in the countryside. The US-Aquino regime is viciously ridiculing the peace negotiations and the past agreements signed by Philippine government with the NDFP and systematically attacks the NDFP personages who are directly involved in the process.

This and the arrests of other NDF peace consultants Roberto Saluta, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, brings to 16 the number of peace consultants treacherously detained under the US-puppet regime of Aquino, and among the 527 political prisoners languishing in jails across the country.
KM demands the release of Adelberto Silva along with Cabusao and Isidro de Lima, and other NDFP consultants and all political prisoners under the US-Aquino regime.

With the US-Aquino regime’s failing to crush the armed revolution under its counter-revolutionary war and US-patterned fascist Oplan Bayanihan against the formidable New People’s Army and the revolutionary forces, it resorted to arrests and detention of peace consultants, leaders of the revolutionary movement and activists. The US-Aquino regime is hell-bent in criminalizing them, and further exposes itself and its fascist military’s modus operandi of planting of evidence upon their arrest and fabrication of charges.

The US-Aquino and its fascist military is day-dreaming in harping that with their arrest the revolutionary movement will weaken. The US-Aquino regime and its fascist armed machinery, armed to the teeth, never learn from our people’s history. It is the great swathe of poverty experienced by the people, oppression of the peasants, workers and people by a handful few, denial of basic people’s rights by this regime, US imperialist domination and prevailing unjust system that continue to inspire the Filipino youth and people to take the revolutionary road and armed struggle. It is the same reasons and aspirations for genuine freedom and democracy that continuously fire up the Filipino youth to embrace the people’s armed revolution in the countryside.

Release Adelberto Silva, Rosanna Cabusao and Isidro de Lima!
Free all peace consultants of the NDFP and all political prisoners!
Long live the people’s democratic revolution!
Long live the CPP-NPA-NDFP!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150605_release-ndfp-consultant-adelberto-silva-rosanna-cabusao-and-isidro-de-lima

CPP/NDF/NPA: Ezekiel alias Itsoy napatay sa proseso sa pag-aresto sa iya sg RPC-NPA

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 9): Ezekiel alias Itsoy napatay sa proseso sa pag-aresto sa iya sg RPC-NPA (Ezekiel alias Itsoy was killed in the process to arrest him by the RPC-NPA)

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

CECIL ESTRELLA
Spokesperson, NPA Roselyn Pelle Command
Northern Negros Guerilla Front
New People’s Army

 

Napatay sadtong Mayo 29, 2015, mga alas dos sang hapon(2pm), sa Sitio Pison, Barangay Minautoc, Calatrava ,Negros Occidental. Si Ezekiel alias “ ITSOY” napatay sa dirang ginpapanaugan sg “warrant of arrest” kg gindakop sa isa ka unit sg RPC-NPA agud dad-on siya sa talatapan sg rebolusyonaryong korte kg taralon sa kasong “murder” batok sa kay Bador nga isa ka lider mangunguma sa mao nga Barangay sadtong ulihi nga bahin sg 2007. Kun madomduman, ang mga mangunguma sa amo nga lugar naglunsar sg paghimakas sa pagpangapin sa ila duta batok sa pagpang-landgrab ni Lumayno. Si ITSOY amo ang aktibo nga tinawo ni Lumayno agud lutoson ang paghimakas sa mga mangunguma sa sina nga panahon kg siya ang nangunang nagpatay kay Bador sandig sa mga saksi kg “prima facie” nga ebidensya.

Si ITSOY, usab aduna’y extortion activity sa maong erya sadtong 2014 nga gamit ang ngalan sang NPA . Si ITSOY, usa ka civilian nga armado sang nagkalain-lain nga kalibre sang armas sama sa 45 kaliber pistol, KG-9 kag Inggram.

Sa panahon sa pag-aresto, siya nagbato sa arresting team sg NPA kg subo palandungon nga ang bilog nga hitabo nabutang sa “battle situation” nga amo ang kabangdanan nga napatay si ITSOY. Kun wala lang tani siya nagbato, indi matabo ang pagpatay sa iya kg hilway tani siya nga mangapin sa iya kaugalingon sa iya pag-atubangon sa rebolusyonaryong korte.

Ang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sg Pumuluyo tampad nga nagakapot sa mga sandigan nga prinsipyo sg “due process” kg iban nga legal standards sa iya mga palisiya kg proseso, ginagarantiya sini ang mga pundamental nga kinamatarung sg mga suspetsado. Ginahimo ang mga maid-id nga imbestigasyon nga ginpatuman sa NPA sa idalom sg Roselyn Pelle Command (RPC) sandig sa mando sa rebolusyonaryong korte sa idalom sa Demokratikong Gobyerno sg Pumuluyo sa tion nga nabaton sini ang mga pormal nga reklamo kg pagpasaka sa mga kaso batok sa ila. Ginasiguro ang mabakud nga mga “prima facie” kg mga sirkumstansyal nga ebidensya kg panaysayon sa mga masaligan nga saksi nga nakalap. Ang nasambit nga kaso ginkabig nga KRIMINAL ang kinaiya sini batok sa pumuluyo kg rebolusyonaryong kahublagan kg naga-merito sg silot KAMATAYON kun mapamatud-an nga may sala.

Ginapanawagan man lang sa rebolusyonaryong kahublagan ang mga may kaso batok sa pumuluyo kg rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa ila BOLUNTARYO NGA PAGSURENDER agud mas hapsay ang pagpatigayon sa ila seguridad kg kaluwasan kg matratar sg husto ang ila mga kaso. Ginapangayo man sg rebolusyonaryong kahublagan ang ila kooperasyon agud indi mabutang sa sitwasyon ang mga arresting units sg NPA sa aktibong pagdepensa kg mapilitan nga magsulod sa “battle situation” kun ang mga akusado armado kg peligroso sa tion nga sila paga-arestuhon. Determinado ang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sg Pumuluyo nga mahatagan sg makatarunganon nga proseso ang mga Akusado kg mahatagan sg makatarunganon nga hustisya ang mga Biktima labi na sa hanay sa malapad nga Pumuluyo.

Sa subong nga panahon, naga-operate na ang tanan nga mga units sg NPA sa idalom sg Roselyn Pelle Command (RPC) agud ipatuman ang Mandamyento De Aresto batok sa may mga kaso batok sa pumuluyo kg rebolusyonaryong kahublagan kg sa pagpanaug sa Silot Kamatayon sa mga may Standing Order na sg reblousyonaryong korte..

Sa liwat, nagapanawagan ang Rebolusyonaryong Kahublagan sa tanan nga may ara kaso batok sa Rebong Kahublagan kg sa Pumuluyo sa ila BOLUNTARYONG PAGSURRENDER agud mahatagan sg husto nga pagtratar ang ila mga kaso, maserbisyohan ang mga ini kg mahatagan sg ligwa sa pagbag-o sa kaugalingon.

Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDF!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150609_ezekiel-alias-itsoy-napatay-sa-proseso-sa-pag-aresto-sa-iya-sg-rpc-npa

China cannot claim the entire sea: The world already rejected that 1600s-idea

From Ang Malaya (Jun 10): China cannot claim the entire sea: The world already rejected that 1600s-idea

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said, in an interview with Mario Esteban of Elcano Royal Institute, that in this modern time no country can claim an entire sea. “China can claim the islands and territories, and we can discuss that over time, but in this time and age, no state can claim an entire sea anymore. That era long passed and settled a long time ago.”

Transcript of the said interview dated May 11 in Madrid was provided by Supreme Court Public Information Office with video of the interview uploaded by Elcano Royal Institute in Youtube.
“We are now under the UNCLOS,” Justice Carpio said. “You cannot claim the entire sea. That’s all over now, that idea in the 1600s that the world has rejected, and China is reviving it today.”

When asked if how can the ruling help prevent the escalation of the situation, Carpio said “if the Tribunal will declare the nine-dash line as void, therefore, China cannot claim as sovereign territorial waters the entire South China Sea. It will have to limit its claim to the islands and the 12-nautical mile territorial sea. So that will drastically reduce the area of conflict from the entire South China Sea to the islands and that kind of conflict over small islands can be managed.”

Justice Carpio said the Philippine government is expecting a decision on jurisdictional issue to be released in August or September and another hearing will be help in November. “And after that, we wait for the decision of the tribunal. We expect the tribunal to decide on the merits with finality in the first quarter of 2016.”

The Elcano Royal Institute is a think-tank for international and strategic studies that analyses world events and trends from a Spanish, European and global perspective.

“If we have a favorable ruling, the area of the dispute will be reduced considerably and we can leave on that kind of dispute,” he said. “If the Tribunal will allow the nine-dash line to stand, then the law of the sea, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, will not apply in the South China Sea. If it can’t apply in the South China Sea, it cannot apply in other seas or oceans because other naval powers will demand the same rights as China.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/10/11315-china-cannot-claim-the-entire-sea-the-world-already-rejected-that-1600s-idea

China tells G7 to stop making irresponsible remarks

From Ang Malaya (Jun 9): China tells G7 to stop making irresponsible remarks

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs today responded to statement released by leaders of seven major advanced economies known as G7. G7 leaders said in their declaration that they “strongly oppose the use of intimidation, coercion or force, as well as any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo, such as large scale land reclamation.”

G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“What the G7 does and says are way out of step with the facts and the internationally recognized principles. China strongly urges the G7 to respect the facts, shed prejudices, stop making irresponsible remarks, and do more to help properly handle and settle the disputes and promote regional peace and stability,” Foreign Affairs Ministry of China said.

The Chinese government added that they do not recognize the status quo in Senkaku Islands and Spratly Islands “that were illegally snatched and occupied by other countries.”

“As a sovereign state, China will make necessary response to any attempt to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” China added.

The spokesman at the said ministry added that China will be the first to stand up against anyone who deliberately stirs up troubles that pose a threat to the freedom of navigation and overflight in relevant waters.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/09/11311-china-tells-g7-to-stop-making-irresponsible-remarks

G7 opposes China’s massive reclamation in West Philippine Sea: Maintain a rules-based order

From Ang Malaya (Jun 9): G7 opposes China’s massive reclamation in West Philippine Sea: Maintain a rules-based order

The leaders of seven major advanced economies known as G7 released a statement – after a two-day summit June 7 and 8 at Schloss Elmau, Krün, Bavaria, Germany – strongly opposing China’s unilateral actions including massive land reclamation in West Philippine Sea. G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“We strongly oppose the use of intimidation, coercion or force, as well as any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo, such as large scale land reclamation,” says in G7 Leaders Declaration.

“We are committed to maintaining a rules-based order in the maritime domain based on the principles of international law, in particular as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We are concerned by tensions in the East and South China Seas,” the leaders added.

They also underlined that peaceful settlement of disputes along with free and unimpeded lawful use of the world’s oceans in important.

“We, the G7, emphasise the importance of freedom, peace and territorial integrity, as well as respect for international law and respect for human rights,” they declared.

Present at the summit are Prime Ministers of Canada, Italy, Japan, and United Kingdom, President of France and United States, Chancellor of Germany, European Union Commission President and Council President.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/06/09/11289-g7-opposes-chinas-massive-reclamation-in-west-philippine-sea-maintain-a-rules-based-order

Malaysia sends Royal Navy, Maritime Enforcers to guard territory against China: Taking diplomatic actions

From Ang Malaya (Jun 9): Malaysia sends Royal Navy, Maritime Enforcers to guard territory against China: Taking diplomatic actions

Malaysia is now taking a firm position against China’s aggressiveness. The Malaysian government sent the Royal Malaysian Navy and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to guard the Luconia Shoals, known as Beting Patinggi Ali in Malaysia, where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG-1123) intruded.

The said territory is located approximately 100 kilometers off Sarawak coast of Borneo and approximately two thousand kilometers from mainland China.

Malaysia’s National Security Minister Shahidan Kassim said in his social networking site account last week that the territory is not within overlapping claims and that foreign ships who come are intruders. He also posted images of Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCG-1123) anchored at Luconia Shoals.

On Monday, June 8, The Wall Street Journal quoted Kassim saying Malaysia is taking diplomatic action possibly at the highest level between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Luconia shoals are being claimed by the Republic of China (Taiwan), the People’s Republic of China, and Malaysia. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea including the Spratly Islands in West Philippine Sea.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/09/11293-malaysia-sends-royal-navy-maritime-enforcers-to-guard-territory-against-china-taking-diplomatic-actions

China deploys surveillance vessels off Hawaii: US won’t be caught surprised

From Ang Malaya (Jun 9): China deploys surveillance vessels off Hawaii: US won’t be caught surprised

The US Pacific Fleet made a statement on the report of Taiwanese newspaper Want China Times regarding China’s deployment of surveillance vessels off the coast of Hawaii. The action of China, according to the report, was in response to the US Navy’s monitoring activities of disputed islands in West Philippine Sea.

“I will say that it is a fundamental right of all nations for military ships and aircraft to operate in international waters and airspace in accordance with well-established international law,” Captain Darryn James, U.S. Pacific Fleet chief spokesperson said as quoted by Stripes.com, a US Department of Defense authorized news outlet.

“The U.S. Navy closely monitors all activity in the Pacific, so regardless of what the Chinese navy does, we won’t be caught surprised,” Capt. James added.

He added that he is not “going to speculate about a vague news report on Chinese surveillance ship intentions.”

US Secretary of Defense Carter earlier vowed that US will remain as the principal security power in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come. “The United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we do all around the world.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/06/09/11304-china-deploys-surveillance-vessels-off-hawaii-us-wont-be-caught-surprised

Royal Brunei Navy, Philippine Navy aim deeper, stronger relationship

From Ang Malaya (Jun 10): Royal Brunei Navy, Philippine Navy aim deeper, stronger relationship

The Royal Brunei Navy wants a deeper and stronger relationship with the Philippine Navy. RBN Commander First Admiral Pengiran Norazmi Bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad expressed his enthusiasm in deepening and strengthening of the relationship between the PN and RBN, the Navy said. The RBN commander assumed office March 13 this year. He arrived last Sunday for an official visit and introductory call to Philippine military and defense officials.

First Admiral Norazmi had a meeting with PN Flag-Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan June 8 at Philippine Navy Headquarters, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

“The PN and RBN has a regular bilateral training codenamed Maritime Training Activity Seagull (MTA Seagull) hosted alternately to strengthen the bilateral relationship and enhance the mutual cooperation and understanding between the two navies,” the Navy said.

MTA Seagull is being held every other year in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam signed on August 22, 2001 which serves as a framework for fostering closer defense relations and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

Last year, MTA Seagull was held in Philippines within Naval Forces West area of responsibility in Palawan. RBN sent one Darussalam Class Offshore Patrol Vessel, one fast patrol boat and one diving section.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/10/11335-royal-brunei-navy-philippine-navy-aim-deeper-stronger-relationship

Female NAVSOG member won gold in SEA Games shooting event

From Ang Malaya (Jun 10): Female NAVSOG member won gold in SEA Games shooting event

Seawoman 1st Class Elvie Baldivino bagged one gold medal for the Philippines in the Women’s Precision Pistol Individual event of the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore June 8, 2015.

She defeated Norizan Mustafa of Singapore, 230-228, in the finals. Baldivino together with Franchetta Shayne Quiroz and Carmen Guillermo won the silver medal in the Women’s Precision Pistol Team event.

Baldivino, 34 years old, “a female enlisted personnel of the Philippine Navy captured the gold medal after ruling the Women’s Precision Pistol Individual event,” PN says in a news release.

The Navy added that she is a member of the Naval Special Operations Group.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/10/11326-female-navsog-member-won-gold-in-sea-games-shooting-event