US, PHL to work together to enhance regional security

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): US, PHL to work together to enhance regional security

The United States and the Philippines will continue to work together to enhance regional security in the Asia-Pacific.

This was the sense of the meeting between Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris Wednesday.

"The Secretary of National Defense and the Commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM) shared the sense that the Philippines and the US will continue to work together to enhance regional security," said Defense spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez.

Along this line, both parties agreed that developing the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is of paramount importance, specifically in the areas of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); command and control (C2); lift; and interdiction.

In addition to building the AFP’s capability, there was also an agreement to cooperate on information sharing through the crafting of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Galvez added.

"Admiral Harris acknowledged that enhanced information sharing would further enhance inter-operability between the AFP and US PACOM," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797483

Natural disasters, miscalculation at seas discussed during Harris-Iriberri meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): Natural disasters, miscalculation at seas discussed during Harris-Iriberri meeting

Responding to natural disasters and ensuring that no miscalculations occur in disputed waters were among the topics discussed by visiting US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri.

This was revealed by AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla Wednesday.

Harris arrived in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at 10:30 a.m. and was accorded full military honors.

"We’re all cognizant of the challenges that are emerging, first of all the continuing natural disaster disasters that we always encounter, that we need to respond to it, the challenges that we need to face to ensure that no miscalculation occurs in our part of our seas and in the South China sea and to keep this free, these areas free for mariners so they can ply their trade and in the air so that the commercial airlines can continue to do their plights to specific locations," he said.

However, Padilla said the American official did not give specific details on whether the US will conduct training exercises with its Filipino counterparts regarding these issues.

"No specific details (were given) for this," he said.

With regards to the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea, the AFP spokesman said the issue was not discussed during the meeting.

No specific commitments were also made by Harris regarding the monitoring of the disputed waters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797349

2 Navy ships loaded with relief goods for 'Ineng' victims arrive in La Union

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 2 Navy ships loaded with relief goods for 'Ineng' victims arrive in La Union

Two of the Navy's latest ships, BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak (AT-299), have arrived off Poro Point, La Union Wednesday to help in the ongoing relief efforts for typhoon-battered Ilocos and Cordillera regions.

These two ships are the landing craft heavies (LCHs) donated by Australia last January and commissioned into service last Aug. 10.

Naval Task Group 11 commander Capt. Albert A. Mogol said the ships transported 13,602 family food packs coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He added these relief goods will distributed to the affected families using military mobility assets.

Mogol said the LCHs greatly enhanced the Navy's transport and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797559

PA to issue 'corrected' M-4 automatic rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): PA to issue 'corrected' M-4 automatic rifles

The Philippine Army (PA) is preparing to issue the newly-procured and improved 5.56 R4A3 M-4 carbine rifles to its troops as soon as the required inspections and tests are finished.

PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao on Thursday said the M-4 rifles were earlier found to have some deficiencies with its rear sights by the technical inspection and assessment committee.

This prompted the PA to file a report with Remington, after which the arms supplier corrected the deficiencies without any costs to the government.

The Army has procured a total of 56,843 carbine rifles as part of its capability upgrade program.

Out of this total procurement, 44,186 rifles are now on-hand of which 24,300 are now ready for issuance and 19,866 still has to undergo ballistic test for record purposes.

A ballistic test by the PNP Crime Laboratory uses the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).

The IBIS is a computer-based system which has the capability to capture, store, rapidly compare and retrieve digital images of cartridge casings (shells) and bullets for the purpose of connecting or tracing this to the guns from which these were fired.

The procurement of new firearms, which is worth Php1.9 billion, is part of Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act under RA 10349 signed in December 2012 that aims to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP.

With these new upgraded weapons, the PA is on the right track of transforming into a modern Army that our country deserves to have, Hao said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797886

Rebel captured, two M-16 rifles recovered in Compostela Valley operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Rebel captured, two M-16 rifles recovered in Compostela Valley operations

Gov't troopers captured a New People's Army (NPA) fighter and recovered from him two M-16 automatic rifles during operations at Barangay Datu Davao, Laak town, Compostela Valley Thursday morning.

The incident took place at 6: 20 a.m., Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) public affairs office chief, said.

He added that troopers from 60th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine patrols when they caught a still unidentified rebel hiding the weapons in a nipa hut.

Appropriate charges are now being prepared against the NPA bandit.

Meanwhile, a soldier of 67th Infantry Battalion was killed while another one was wounded after being ambushed by NPA bandits at Barangay Binondo, Baganga, Davao Oriental at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The rebels retreated to still unknown direction after 20- minute firefight.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797890

2 killed by still unknown gunmen in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 2 killed by still unknown gunmen in Lanao del Sur

A militiaman and a security guard were shot and killed by still unidentified gunmen in Picong, Lanao del Sur Thursday morning.

The incident took place at 7 a.m. as the victims were on their way to Barangay Baraas, Picong town, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Audie Mongao said.

He identified the victims as militiaman Marianito Dela Peña and security guard Roel Maghanoy.

 

Both men were working as security personnel of the Matling Industrial Commercial Corporation.

The two were hit by M-14 and M-1 automatic rifle shells and died on the spot.

The suspects immediately took the M-16 automatic rifle and M-1 carbine carried by the victims before making their escape.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797898

Harris visit to WESCOM HQ, a 'meeting of the minds'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Harris visit to WESCOM HQ, a 'meeting of the minds'

A "meeting of the minds," this was what the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called the visit of US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris to Western Command (WESCOM) headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Thursday.

"Admiral Harris wanted to be appraised of the situation on the ground and follow on a previous meeting with Adm Alex Lopez, Commander of WESCOM who he met earlier in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue," said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Harris in the Philippines last Wednesday and visited ranking Filipino military and political leaders making his trip to WESCOM headquarters Thursday.

"Admiral Lopez afforded him a thorough organizational and situational briefing on his command and its area-of -operation," he added.

In the same vein, the US official's stopover at Western Command was dubbed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri as a " sort of area familiarization for the new Commander of the Pacific Command."

He summed Harris' visit as a great opportunity to further enhance a long lasting and enduring alliance.

It was also in furtherance of a collective effort at ensuring regional security and stability as well as leveling of expectations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797887

EDITORIAL - A forgotten threat

Editorial posted to the Philippine Star (Aug 25): EDITORIAL - A forgotten threat     

       

Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed in an encounter with Army forces yesterday in Patikul, Sulu, the military reported. The bandits are still holding 11 hostages, five of them foreigners, in their jungle lairs in Sulu.

The fighting erupted just days after two members of the Philippine Coast Guard who were snatched by the Abu Sayyaf in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte last May managed to escape from their captors. The two reported that while in captivity, they served as cooks and even masseurs of the bandits. Perhaps the other hostages have also become part of the unpaid household staff of the Abu Sayyaf.

It takes organization and logistics to keep hostages for many months. Some of the captives have been held for about two years. How do the bandits get their supplies? They can’t subsist forever on sweet potato and crops foraged from the forest. Don’t they have relatives in the residential areas of Sulu?

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding 11 hostages, including a Cambodian, Dutch, Japanese, Malaysian and South Korean. All of these hostages have relatives waiting for their return in their respective countries. Their continued captivity reinforces perceptions that visitors face serious security risks in the Philippines. Yet there seems to be little urgency in rescuing the hostages.

It’s not enough to engage the bandits in periodic armed skirmishes. The government should also discourage the release of hostages in exchange for “board and lodging fees.” Any payment makes the crime profitable and encourages more kidnappings for ransom. There are ways of tracking down individuals, following their movements and compelling them to reveal their lairs. The local government has a network at the grassroots that can be mobilized to gather information on armed elements. The government must show more interest and energy in confronting this persistent scourge.

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/08/26/1492347/editorial-forgotten-threat

Authorities get Sayyaf leader in Zamboanga

From The Standard (Aug 27): Authorities get Sayyaf leader in Zamboanga

An urban operations leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group who had a P4.3 million bounty on his head was captured Tuesday night in Barangay Poblacion, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Police Officer 2 Jonas Macasa Jr., staff of the Public Information Office of the Police regional Office 9 said Wednesday.

 

Government intelligence operatives captured Ibni Acosta, a known leader of the ASG’s Urban Terrorist Group, during stakeout operations.

Macasa said Acosta was cornered at around   11:30 p.m.   at his hideout by joint elements of the Zamboanga Sibugay police, the Army’s 6th Special Forces and 304th Intelligence Service Group of the Air Force.

“Arrested person was involved in the Sipadan kidnapping and has an existing warrant of arrest docketed under criminal case nr 122473-122493 (21 counts) for kidnapping, serious illegal detention with ransom,” Macasa said.

Acosta was brought to the headquarters of the 6th SF Battalion in Barangay Libertad for interrogation and then turned over to the Tungawan Municipal Police Station for booking procedure. He was subsequently brought to Zamboanga City by the operating team for proper disposition.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/27/authorities-get-sayyaf-leader-in-zamboanga/

Noy, US officer discuss sea spat

From The Standard (Aug 27): Noy, US officer discuss sea spat

The commander of the United States Pacific Command discussed the territorial conflict in the West Philippine Sea during his courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III yesterday.

“The two of them discussed how to enhance our bilateral relations further. They also talked about the West Philippine Sea issue,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in an interview after the closed-door meeting at the Palace.

“Admiral Harris also reiterated the commitment of the US to help us in enhancing our capability through training and joint military exercises,” Gazmin added.

Harris is scheduled to meet today (Thursday) with Armed Forces Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez in Palawan, the province nearest the disputed Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea.

There has been no word, though, whether Harris will join an aerial surveillance mission over the West Philippine Sea as did Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the US Pacific Fleet.

Harris was accompanied to the Palace by US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg, USPACOM Foreign Affairs Policy Advisor Christopher Marut, Senior Defense Official Col. Earnest Lee and Political Military Affairs Chief Marc Jackson.

Aside from Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri were also present during the meeting.

Harris also met with Gazmin and Iriberri at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday morning where they discussed Washington’s defense and security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

In a statement, the AFP said the discussions “focused on safeguarding freedom of the seas, deterring conflict and coercion, and promoting adherence to international law and standards in order to preserve the peace and security the Asia-Pacific region has enjoyed for the past 70 years.”

“A frank and honest exchange of ideas regarding the evolving security challenges in the region as a result of natural disasters and issues involving the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea ensued during the dialogue,” the AFP said.

Harris also discussed the latest US Defense Department Asia Pacific Maritime Security Strategy Report with his Philippine counterparts.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/27/noy-us-officer-discuss-sea-spat/

Jailed for 11 years, political prisoner's rebellion case stalled by 'identity crisis'

From InterAksyon (Aug 26): Jailed for 11 years, political prisoner's rebellion case stalled by 'identity crisis'



Political prisoner Eduardo Serrano holds up a clenched fist as he is taken back to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame. (photo by Bernard Testa, InterAksyon.com)

The rebellion case against a political prisoner who has been detained for 11 years was further delayed Wednesday over a literal “identity crisis.”

InterAksyon.com came upon Eduardo Serrano just as he was being taken back to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame on orders of the Quezon City regional trial court.

Jun Zamora of the human rights group Karapatan, which has been monitoring Serrano’s case, explained that his arraignment had been deferred to September 16 to allow the Court of Appeals to establish the political prisoner’s real identity.

Serrano, who human rights activists maintain is a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and thus supposedly protected from arrest and prosecution under the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees, was arrested in May 2004.

However, when the military presented him to media, he was introduced as Rogelio Villanueva, supposedly a New People’s Army member.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116664/jailed-for-11-years-political-prisoners-rebellion-case-stalled-by-identity-crisis

‘Philippine villagers hiding hostages’

From the New Straits Times (Aug 26): ‘Philippine villagers hiding hostages’
 

KOTA KINABALU: Hostages are being kept out of sight of the Philippine armed forces by Abu Sayaff militants with the help of the local community in Indanan, Sulu.

This prevents the army from tracking down their whereabouts as intelligence indicates the militants and their captives are mobile.

Philippine Armed Forces Joint Task Group Sulu public affairs officer Captain Antonio Bulao told the New Straits Times the al-Qaeda-linked militants, who were responsible for beheading several hostages, were getting support from local residents because of blood ties.

“They (supporters) help to hide captives before the militants move them into the jungle.

“We are facing difficulties in locating the militants because of the terrain.

“They are well-versed with the terrain, which is mostly jungles and hills,” he said yesterday, adding that the army was combing several areas.

Last week, the security forces engaged in a gun battle with the militants after the armed forces stormed a Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Indanan, Jolo, to rescue 11 hostages after extremists beheaded the 12th captive.

The hostages included two Malaysians — Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, and Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39 — who had been held captive since they were kidnapped from Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan on May 14.

During the gunfight, two coastguard personnel, who were kidnapped on May 4, escaped and were later rescued by the security forces.

Bulao said the militants were aware of the armed forces’ movements and their rescue mission, following tip-offs from relatives and supporters.

“However, the villagers have also been feeding information to us because they want this to end.

“That is how we know the captives were placed under the care of villagers.”  

In Kuala Lumpur, Then’s wife, Chan Wai See, said Abu Sayyaf members had threatened to behead her husband if the ransom was not paid.

Chan, who had spoken to her husband on Saturday, was quoted as saying that Then was next in line to be beheaded and pleaded with the government to save him.

She last spoke to the militants in June shortly before police advised her to switch off her handphone.

The recent call was made by the captors at 5pm after Chan switched on her phone following news of unrest in southern Philippines.

On Saturday, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said it would take time to rescue Thien and Then due to the huge ransom demand but said police were doing their best.

“We have been informed they are safe. We are in constant communication with the Philippine authority. Efforts to secure their release will take time as negotiation is taking place,” he said.

Soon after Thien and Then were kidnapped, kidnappers demanded RM30 million per person. The amount was reduced by 50 per cent.

http://www.nst.com.my/node/97850

MILF: JICA, BTC, MILF turnover Quick Impact Project to residents of Upi, Maguindanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 26): JICA, BTC, MILF turnover Quick Impact Project to residents of Upi, Maguindanao

A two-classroom school building financed through the Quick Impact Project (QIP) under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) was formally turned-over to residents and school administration of Kibleg Elementary School, Barangay Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao on Monday, August 24.

Dr Mohammad Yacob, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) explained that the QIP’s for conflict affected-areas in Mindanao was initiated by JICA President Dr Akihiko Tanaka and MILF Chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim after the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacańan, Palace in March 2014.

The BDA and other stakeholders have contributed in one way or the other to the successful implementation of the project.

Tanaka explained why JICA and MILF chose QIPs. He said “Both JICA and our MILF counterpart believe that QIP would be a great way for Bangsamoro communities to feel the peace dividends and for people to remain hopeful about the benefits of the peace process and continue to support it, they need to be assured that the CAB will bring improvements in their lives.” 

Tanaka said “The QIP is actually a small scale local project but implemented in a short period of time that can address urgent community needs.”

The QIP is implemented in 20 sites; in Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental. “These communities are chosen because they are among the most affected by conflict,” he pointed out.  

Quick impact project he said is just one element of their broader projects in the region. The construction of school and multipurpose buildings and solar dryers with ware houses in the conflict affected-communities started last March 2015.

In 2013 the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and JICA have started the CCDP-B. There are cooperation activities under the CCDP-B like assistance public consultation for drafting a Bangsamoro Basic Law, supporting the drafting of Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), human resource development, capacity building seminars in Tokyo and other parts of Japan to acquire more learnings on political system and governance, and the implementation of QIPs.

Tanaka also recalled the breakdown of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that induced frustrations of some MILF commanders which led to the 2008 war against government troops that displaced half-a-million people in Mindanao; and recently the January 25 Mamasapano incident, and the prolonged deliberations on the Bangsamor Basic Law (BBL) in the lower and upper houses of congress that may affect the 17-year peace negotiations.

However, he said, “The Japanese government and JICA remained steadfast in their commitment in supporting the peace process in Mindanao”.

Tanaka also reminded the parents and teachers on the importance of education. “We all know the importance of good education.  In addition to qualified and passionate teacher; studying in an environment that is conducive to learning is the key to a quality education. With these new classrooms, students in the community have access to basic education,” he said. 

He asked students in a Filipino language, “Masaya ba kayo sa bagong classroom?” (Are you happy with these new classrooms”) and the crowd said “Opo!” (Yes!). And he asked again, “Nag-aaral ba kayo ng mabuti?” (Are you studying hard?). The students replied “opo” means yes and Dr Tanaka said “very good.” 

Tanaka advised the pupils of Kibleg Elementary School to strive harder in their studies. He said “You’re all have a very bright future ahead of you, please study hard and listen to your teachers, your parents always tell you that education is one of the greatest things that they can give you. I fully agree with them, education is something that no one else can take away from you. Education will pave the way for your personal growth and help you achieve a brighter future.

“Let us all work together for better future and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro,” he appealed to his audience. 

Tanaka promised that JICA will remain true to its commitment of promoting peace and to further strengthen its support in Mindanao.  

The first visit of Tanaka in Mindanao was held in May 2012 and this is his first trip abroad as JICA new President.  The JICA President by then was fully committed to support the peace process and socio-economic development of Mindanao.

On the other hand, BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal was joined by his fellow Commissioners Ebrahim Ali and Melanio Ulama, a Teduray Timuay (Datu) and a native of Upi.

Iqbal thanked the JICA and the Japanese government especially JICA President’s commitment for attending and leading the turnover ceremony.

He appreciated the role of Japan through the International Monitoring Team and the International Contact Group’s active role in the government-MILF peace process.

“Japan have outstanding role in the GPH-MILF peace process…Japan has been journeying with us in terms of socio-economic development in the future Bangsamoro entity, and into the entire Mindanao. Japan is here to help our people,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal told the audience that BTC’s Socio-Economic Office has received information that the school building built in Kibleg is the best constructed building among the 20 projects all-over Mindanao.  

He congratulates the constructor (Angkat Const. and Supplies), the school principal and members of faculty, pupils and parents.

“Japan has been investing too much even without the peace process succeeding, even without seeing that peace process is really successful. Japan is already with us investing so much money for our people,” he added.  

He was emphasizing that Japan is investing even without expecting something. “Maybe if there is peace Mindanao, then natural that Japan will become our partner in developing our area in the Bangsamoro,” said Iqbal.

Talking about BBL, he said “We will not know what will happen to the Bangsamoro Law…there is hope that BBL will be delivered but there’s no assurance. We need to work hard at least we can make a difference so that BBL will be passed.”

Upi Mayor Ramon Piang Sr said in his closing remarks, “Thank you Japan for helping these small children. We believe that it is a manifestation that Japan through JICA trust the MILF because this quick impact project is a confidence building program of the MILF and people of Japan.”

“The people of Upi, Mr Chairman (Iqbal) and of course Mr President (Tanaka) are behind the MILF in its quest for peace in this part of Central Mindanao. We sympathize with the MILF and pray with them that government and the legislature of this country will be able to think faster and see the impact of peace in Mindanao,” he stressed.

Piang said that they have suffered from violence in the past and he doesn’t like to repeat this negative impact of war to his constituents especially the students.  

He also said that aside from this project, JICA and the Government of Japan gave them other infrastructure projects and capacity building programs which are beneficial to the growth of Upi.

Other highlights of the program were cutting of ribbon and unveiling of the stakeholders’ memorial plate with Japan and Philippine Flags, Logo of JICA and MILF, J-BIRD, BTC and BDA that says: “Quick Impact Project Initiative by MILF Chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim and JICA President Akihiko Tanaka under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro”.

It is expected that the president of JICA will also turn over other quick impact projects located in 20 sites in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/543-jica-btc-milf-turnover-quick-impact-project-to-residents-of-upi-maguindanao

MILF: JICA President Tanaka visits Camp Darapanan

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 26): JICA President Tanaka visits Camp Darapanan



Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Akihiko Tanaka together with his delegation paid a visit to the MILF leadership Yesterday, August 25 at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. They were cordially welcomed by MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, First Vice Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar, Second Vice Chairman Aleem Pangalian Solaiman and majority of the Central Committee Officials.

It is noteworthy to remember that JICA President Tanaka and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad met on March 28, 2014, after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and have agreed and committed that in order to create confidence and mutual trust among stakeholders of the Peace process, peace dividends must be realized soonest in the conflict affected areas, thus Quick impact projects were designed, and implemented. 

On August 24, the JICA delegation was in Barangay Kibleg, North Upi, where they attended and witnessed the turn-over of a two classroom school building.  MILF Chief Negotiator and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Commissioners Ebrahim Ali and Timuay Melanio Ulama also attended the turn-over. Upi Mayor Ramon Piang was also present.

Chairman Al Haj Murad, on behalf of the Central Committee and the Bangsamoro people expressed thanks and gratitude to Pres. Tanaka, JICA and the Japanese Government for their support to the peace process. Such quick impact projects are products of the GPH-MILF Peace process and gives motivation to stakeholders for their continuing support to the peace process, Chairman Al Haj Murad said.

Tanaka in his meaningful message expressed hope that the QIP will benefit people both practically as well as symbolically. They have the assumption that they need to deliver as inclusively as possible thru out the conflict affected areas. 

He was so happy indeed that they were able to attend the turnover of the first facility completed under the QIP at Upi. Nineteen more facilities are on its way and to be completed and delivered in 2 to 3 months’ time. Pres Tanaka said that "though the projects are small in scale, we hope to deliver a message to the people that peace process is really going on and there is genuine possibility of enjoying peace".

Tanaka also said that, in addition to QIP, JICA is conducting various technical projects on capacity development, prepares granting farm-to-market road projects that could improve agriculture in the area of Bangsamoro. He thanked the leadership of the MILF Central Committee for their support and acceptance of the programs. 

Tanaka is hopeful that under the leadership of President Aquino, a solution will be reached. He reiterated that they will continue to work with the MILF in support of the peace process.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/542-jica-president-tanaka-visits-camp-darapanan

2 Moro commanders forge peace covenant

From the Philippine Star (Aug 26): 2 Moro commanders forge peace covenant



The two Moro commanders, both members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), fought in the past for strategic areas in Datu Saudi and nearby towns of Maguindanao. Google Earth

Two Moro commanders on Tuesday ended through a peace covenant a deadly rido involving their clans who figured in deadly encounters in years past.

The rido protagonists, Commanders Maten and Rambo, both belong to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), swore over the Qur’an, inside a mosque at the town proper of Maguindanao’s Datu Saudi town, to start anew as siblings in Islamic faith.

The term rido is a generic term for clan war in most southern ethnic dialects.

The two commanders agreed to have their rido settled amicably by Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi town and an influential Muslim cleric, Imam Wahid Tundok.

It took the mayor a month to negotiate their reconciliation, according to employees of the Datu Saudi municipal government.

Tundok, a foreign-trained Islamic preacher, is chief of the MILF’s 108th Base Command, whose forces are scattered in Datu Saudi and nearby towns in the second district of Maguindanao.

The families of Maten and Rambo had figured in more than a dozen deadly encounters that left fatalities on both sides and caused dislocation of villagers in affected areas.

Dimaukom told The STAR he is thankful to both commanders for agreeing to a diplomatic resolution of their rido.

He said Tundok also helped pacify Maten and Rambo, who are related to each other by blood and through intermarriages of relatives.

The two groups fought for control of strategic areas in Datu Saudi and nearby towns.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/26/1492440/2-moro-commanders-forge-peace-covenant