BBL is formula for peace and national solidarity—MILF

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 23): BBL is formula for peace and national solidarity—MILF

Continuing his appeal for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal highlighted that it is the solution to ending the internal armed conflict in Mindanao and promoting peace and national unity among Filipinos.

“The best way to move forward is to pursue the path of peace. We don’t want war [to happen again] and we don’t want it to continue anymore. The BBL is a priority bill, nay an administration bill, that seeks to establish peace in Mindanao,” Iqbal said in a roundtable discussion with media held on Monday.

“Every one of us can help because the passage of the BBL is of national interest. After more than 42 years of armed conflict, and of 17 years of long, hard, and harsh negotiations, then the government has to exhaust all possible extra efforts and measures to get the law passed,” he added.

The MILF chief peace negotiator reaffirmed the rebel group’s commitment in the peace process despite delays in the passage of the BBL as well as its continued trust on the commitment made by Congress’ leadership to pass a law that would embody the Bangsamoro aspiration for autonomy without diminishing the current powers enjoyed by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We never say die [in lobbying for the passage of the BBL]. Congress can do it,” Iqbal said. “The role of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission which I happen to head has been consistently and tirelessly monitoring the progress... [of] the deliberations of the BBL in the halls of Congress.”

Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel–Ferrer stressed that the support and participation of every Filipino on the success of the Bangsamoro peace process is important.

“The BBL is not just for the MILF but for all of us. People want the peace process to be 100% risk-free, but part of it is a leap of faith out of good intentions,” Ferrer said. “Our appeal is to have the faith with us so that we will have the best results.”

Ferrer added that the passage of the BBL will lessen the problems of the next president as the proposed law will correct the structural problems within ARMM.

"Our challenge to the next President, do you want to inherit a problem or the solution? Let's give peace a chance," she said.

 
Debunking ridiculous claims on the BBL

The government chief negotiator noted that delays in the passage of the BBL are partly due to misinformation circulated immediately after the Mamasapano incident.

“After the Mamasapano tragedy, political opponents of the current administration used the BBL to derail the peace process while some politicians continue to use this as a platform to bolster their 2016 election campaign,” she said.

Ferrer also debunked some claims as simply ridiculous. These include conspiracy theories that the BBL caters to Malaysia’s vested interests on Mindanao particularly the claim on Sabah and that the proposed law will lead to secession led by the MILF in which Ferrer cleared that the main aim of the peace talks is to stop the war and institute the needed reforms in order to achieve national unity.

“The MILF has committed to observe the ceasefire and undergo decommissioning of weapons and combatants while other groups continue to use violent and indiscriminate means. They remain committed to the peace process despite the delay on the passage of the BBL,” she said.

Ferrer also clarified that there is nothing unconstitutional in the BBL, noting that the key features and structural changes in the draft law are all within the flexibilities of the Philippine Constitution. She emphasized the inclusivity of the Bangsamoro law.

“The BBL is not just for the MILF. It protects the rights and welfare of all inhabitants of the prospective Bangsamoro,” Ferrer said.
 
Meanwhile Iqbal added that “mistrust, biases, and prejudices, fear and paranoia against Muslims or Moros have created much opinion on the Christian majority population including so-called intelligentsia, Church-people, media pundits, and media networks and that this bias is at the heart of the rejection of any BBL. The only…lasting legacy President Aquino can give to our people especially those in Mindanao is lasting peace through the passage of BBL.” (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001445508731/bbl-is-formula-for-peace-and-national-solidarity-milf-

Joint Task Group Sulu rescue passenger-cargo vessel

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Joint Task Group Sulu rescue passenger-cargo vessel

The Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) has safely rescued late Thursday a passenger-cargo vessel with 17 people and fuel aboard in the Sulu Sea.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, JTGS commander, said the vessel was safely rescued around 7:10 p.m. Thursday off Sulu.

Arrojado said the rescue came after Sulu second district Rep. Habib Tupay Loong have requested them to provide assistance to M/L TJ, which is in distress.

Arrojado said based on information they gathered the vessel’s engine malfunctioned while traveling from this city to Tumbagaaan Mining in Languyan town in Tawi-Tawi.

He said the vessel, which has 10 crew and seven passengers, departed in this city around 4 a.m. Thursday. It is also loaded with diesel fuel.

He said M/L TJ is owned by Najib Juljani and skippered by Razu Ragba.

He said M/L TJ is being towed by Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) of the JTGS’ Naval Task Unit and is scheduled to arrive at the port of Jolo around 9 p.m. Thursday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=818480

Army optimistic to wipe out insurgency in Region 8 by end of 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Army optimistic to wipe out insurgency in Region 8 by end of 2016

The Philippines Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) is on track on its campaign to wipe out insurgency in Eastern Visayas by the end of 2016, a top official reported.

Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino, 8th ID commander, said all the six provinces in Eastern Visayas have been declared as peaceful and development ready, a big step towards attaining insurgency-free status.

A province is declared “peaceful and ready for development” if armed threats and rebellion are too weak to influence its citizens and way of life. The declaration is made formal by a resolution signed by officials from the local government, police and military.

The next step is to declare the same status in all towns of the six provinces.

“Base on our assessment, their strength is declining. One of the major factor is the conduct of 'bayanihan' activities where soldiers are immersed in the different affected villages,” Velarmino told reporters

The tri-boundaries of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces have been tagged as areas plagued by the New People’s Army (NPA), an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

This election season, the army is closely monitoring the possible collection of permit to campaign fees by the NPA from politicians. The fee assures candidates’ safety during campaign in remote areas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=818521

CEAP says BLBAR is unconstitutional, pass the BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): CEAP says BLBAR is unconstitutional, pass the BBL

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), a national association of catholic educational institution in the Philippines, has asked the country’s lawmakers to heed the Philippine Constitution and pass the original draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“With the limited number of days left before Congress adjourns, we urge our lawmakers to heed the command of our Constitution. Give to the autonomous regions what is guaranteed them. Do not take away what has already been granted by existing laws,” the CEAP said in a statement Wednesday.

Founded in 1941, CEAP now has 1,252 member institutions, which include universities and colleges offering academic and continuing education programs that are at par with foreign schools in the USA and Europe.

The CEAP stressed the two replacement versions of the draft BBL in the two Houses of Congress take back what have been granted by the Charter to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The association of catholic schools stressed that “an organic law for genuine political autonomy in Muslim Mindanao as mandated by the Constitution is nearly three decades overdue.”

“The BLBAR is unconstitutional. Pass a BBL that implements the Constitution and enjoy the approval of the Bangsamoro people,” CEAP said.

Pending before the House of Representatives is House Bill 5811 authored by Cagayan Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, while Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr had his own version, Senate Bill No. 2894, replacing SB No. 2408 filed on Sept. 15, 2014 by Senate President Franklin Drilon and co-authored by 10 other senators.

“What has been mandated by the Constitution and granted to the ARMM, the BLBAR (especially the Senate version) is taken back. . What has been clearly expressed in the 1987 Constitution, the BLBAR now circumvents,” the CEAP said in a statement endorsed by Orlando Cardinal Quevedo and 26 civil society organizations.

The CEAP added: “This is clearly contrary to the intent of granting authentic self-governance to an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.”

In claiming BLBAR as unconstitutional, CEAP said both versions failed to provide what the Constitution mandates in Sec. 20 Art. X.

CEAP said lawmakers pushing for their own versions of the BBL practically took away the powers and functions granted to the existing ARMM, thereby reducing its proposed substitute Bangsamoro entity similar to an ordinary local government unit.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=818422

Moro lawyer to file motion before SC in defense of FAB, CAB

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Moro lawyer to file motion before SC in defense of FAB, CAB

A lawyer and elected delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention will file on October 27 an “urgent motion for leave to intervene and to admit attached comment-in-intervention” before the Supreme Court in defense of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which have been questioned before the highest court of the land.

Datu Michael O. Mastura, representing the Bangsamoro, will respond to earlier petitions filed, among others, by the Philippine Constitutional Association (PHILCONSA) asking the highest court to nullify the FAB and CAB.

A senior member of the MILF Peace negotiating panel, former member of House of Representatives, a historian, lawyer, prolific writer and scholar, Mastura’s act of filing this Intervention case is inspired by his “maratabat” for the Bangsamoro nation.

A “maratabat” means a Moro contribution to fellow Moro struggle during crucial time when they face most perilous trial as whether to remain as colonized subjects under the status quo or be a free people exercising the right to self-determination.

Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado of Mindanao Peoples Caucus urged fellow Mindanao peace advocates to show support for Mastura, more known as “Datu Mike,” who is a direct descendant of the great Sultan Kudarat, who in history, is acknowledged as one of the finest leaders and heroes of Muslim Mindanao.

“Let us show to all and sundry that Datu Mike is not alone in his mission, nor is he alone in his maratabat, and that we stand together with him because his maratabat is our maratabat, it is every Bangsamoro's maratabat, and the maratabat of the entire Moro Nation itself,” Arnado said.

Arnado said Datu Mike seeks to intervene in this case in his personal capacity as a native born successor generation of Moro ancestry and as bearer of heritage of indigenous institutions in Muslim Mindanao.

"He seeks to intervene in order to provide an opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to be heard before the Supreme Court as their own identity is pilloried, their allegiance to this Republic harshly questioned, and their genuine aspiration for freedom, justice and peace repeatedly suppressed by the sheer tyranny of the majority of this country," Arnado said.

"The cardinal rule on due process dictates that before the Honorable Supreme Court exercise its power of judicial review and decide on the fate of the FAB and CAB, the Bangsamoro people through the humble Intervention need first to be heard and properly understood," she added.

After his appearance before the SC along Padre Faura Street in Manila, he will host a press conference at 10:30 a.m. at Max Restaurant (fronting the Court of Appeals).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=818597

Tension rises in Sultan Kudarat town as MILF prevents return of IDPs

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Tension rises in Sultan Kudarat town as MILF prevents return of IDPs

The municipal government of Palembang, Sultan Kudarat has asked the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel to intervene so the 500 civilians displaced by armed conflict could return home.

Zahara Maulana, Palembang municipal administrator, said the Philippine Marines, using its six-by-six trucks, have assisted the local government in sending back the displaced families to their homes in the upland village of Napnapon Friday morning.

However, tension ran high when Commander Teng Binago of the MILF refused entry for military vehicles with the displaced families into the village. Palembang is south of Cotabato City and is about four-hour drive from here.

”The refusal of Commander Binago triggered tension because there was already an arrangement that the military will escort the displaced families back home,” Maulana said, adding the GPH-MILF ceasefire panel has been officially informed.

The civilians, mostly Moro women and children, fled last month after Commander Binago and another MILF commander figured in a shooting war over land dispute.

Maulana said the local government have extended assistance to the displaced families and many of whom wanted to return home so they can continue farming.

With the refusal of Commander Binago to allow entry of military vehicles forced government forces to bring back the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to the municipal gymnasium where they stayed for more than a month.

Maulana later learned that Commander Binago would only allow the return of civilian evacuees if the soldiers will not enter the village of Napnapon.

But Maulana told reporters in a phone interview that the village is not within identified territories of the MILF that coming in the area needs coordination.

In the meantime, Maulana said, the IDPs will continue to receive assistance from the local social welfare office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=818817

Drone leads cops to arrest nine drug suspects, seizure of Php 270,000 worth of ‘shabu’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Drone leads cops to arrest nine drug suspects, seizure of Php 270,000 worth of ‘shabu’

With the help of drone, police operatives seized about Php 270,000-worth of methamphetamine hydrocloride, also known as ‘shabu’ from nine drug suspects during a anti-drug operation in North Cotabato.

North Cotabato provincial police director Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum identified the suspects a certain Salping and Pendatun; Rodin Camsa; Karex Untong Maliga; Datu Utto Salipada; Usop Saguipa; Esmael Abdul; Hoffer Pasagui; and Bonifacio Bayog.

Tagum said the operatives used a "spy drone" to trace four of the suspects, who tried to evade arrest by hiding at a swamp beside Purok Krislam, Brgy. Poblacion, North Cotabato.

Drone meaning in the creative video photography of inaccessible locations, meaning the bird's eye-view above the human ground level. Access to view the ground from high altitude of several hundred feet changes everything, it opens up entirely different perspective on the environment.

Tagum said the suspects were arrested by members of the local units of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Provincial Public Safety Company, as well as police teams from Matalam, Makilala, Magpet, Antipas, and M'lang on Wednesday at around 10 a.m. as they were implemented two search warrants issued by the Kidapawan Regional Trial Court Branch 17 against Tedz Salping alias "Parson" and Henry Pendatun alias "Kentig,".

He added they were found carrying 39 sachets containing about 30 grams of suspected shabu, five rounds of live ammunition, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Four men fled during the raid and hid among bushes at a swamp near the targets' houses, but were located with the drone's help, he said.

For his part, Superintendent Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato provincial police spokesman, said it was the police's first time to use a drone in anti-drug operations in the province.

He noted the drone was borrowed (from) Tagum's friend and it was supposed to be for rescue efforts during calamities but for the first time tried in anti-drug operation and it was found to be effective.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818319

Independent decommissioning body convenes anew in anticipation of BBL passage

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Independent decommissioning body convenes anew in anticipation of BBL passage

The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), the mechanism established by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating panels and tasked to oversee the decommissioning of MILF weaponry and combatants reconvened last Tuesday, October 20, with a new chair and chief of staff.

Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Pulat is now the new Chairperson of the seven-man team, which includes two other foreign experts and four other local experts nominated by the GPH and the MILF panels.

Pulat succeeds Ambassador Haydar Berk who led the team that was instrumental in guaranteeing a smooth decommissioning of the initial 145 MILF combatants and 75 crew-served and high powered armaments last July.

Aside from Pulat, the IDB is also being reinforced by the appointment of Norway’s William Hovland as chief of staff. Hovland previously served as the Chief Operations Officer of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), another integral body that is part of the ceasefire mechanism between the government and the MILF.

He led the IMT in restoring the ceasefire that broke down on January 25 in Mamasapano and in conducting the IMT's own investigation on the incident.

Hovland is joined by three other Norwegians who will head the Joint Verification and Monitoring Teams (JVMTs) of the IDB who are taking turns in administering the weapons storage area of the decommissioned firearms inside Camp Iranun (Abubakar) in Barira, Maguindanao.

These three are Inger Grete, a retired female police officer, and Jan Stenvik and Asbjorn Lode, who have previously served in various peace-keeping capacities in different parts of the world.

Every JVMT has a member each from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the MILF. The JVMT supervises the Joint Peace and Security Teams which help secure the stored weapons.

“People on the ground are closely watching what is happening to the 145 initially decommissioned combatants. We are here, ready to assist, and willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the process,” shared Pulat during his team’s courtesy call on Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer earlier today.

“The Government of the Republic of Turkey supports the efforts of the Philippine Government in bringing a lasting peace to Mindanao and thus, is committed to its work within the IDB. We believe that Ambassador Mustafa Pulat, as a qualified and able diplomat, will continue contributing to the work of the IDB,” said the Embassy of Turkey on Pulat’s assignment.

Prior to being IDB chief, Pulat served as Turkey’s Ambassador to the Abuja-Federal Republic of Nigeria (2013-2015) and as the country’s Consul General in Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.

Decommissioning is one of the important components of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed in 2014 by the government and the MILF.

It is under the bigger and broader normalization arrangement which seeks to return normalcy to communities affected by the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao.

However, the CAB dictates that the decommissioning process will be done gradually and in sync with identified milestones in the legislative timetable of the BBL.

Accordingly, the next phase of decommissioning which will involve 30 percent of the MILF’s combatants and weapons will occur after the BBL has been passed and ratified through a plebiscite.

The meeting was also attended by GPH peace panel members -- former Agriculture secretary Senen Bacani and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao. Retired Lieutenant General Rey Ardo and Professor Mario Aguja, two of the local experts assigned with the IDB were also present.

The IDB is in charge of conducting inventory, verification, and validation of the MILF’s combatants and weapons as well as developing and implementing a schedule for the decommissioning. Planning, designing, and implementing of techniques that will put the decommissioned weapons beyond use are also among the tasks of the IDB.

“Decommissioning is a very critical part of the similarly critical normalization process. As you understand, there is still no BBL so you are joining us at a crucial and interesting time,” said Deles to Pulat. “We appreciate you getting on board at this time. It is our view that it is better to have systems and the architecture in place for decommissioning even before the basic law is passed rather than scramble later.”

Ferrer, meanwhile, stressed that she looks forward to seeing a “fully working IDB very soon.”

“Administratively, the OPAPP and the Panel can assist the IDB but the single, most important thing is for IDB to work closely with the MILF with regard a detailed verification of the MILF combatants.”

Hitting the ground running

With the arrival of Pulat, the IDB is expected to finalize work on Phase 1 of the decommissioning process such as the verification and validation of the list of weapons and combatants submitted by the MILF to the body.

“Phase 1 remains to be completed,” shared Ferrer to Pulat. “The validation of MILF combatants is a very vital step in ensuring an efficient decommissioning once the Bangsamoro Basic Law hurdles Congress."

“Decommissioning, as understood in the negotiated agreement, is both voluntary and a commitment on the part of the MILF. Meaning, for instance, the MILF would have to determine where or who to decommission first. Here, IDB’s working relationship with the MILF is vital,” added the chief peace negotiator.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818582

Ombudsman orders dismissal of 19 PNP officials over PHP4.54-M rubber boat scam

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Ombudsman orders dismissal of 19 PNP officials over PHP4.54-M rubber boat scam

Nineteen officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman over the anomalous procurement of rubber boats worth PHP4.54 million in 2009.

The Ombudsman noted that the police coastal crafts (PCCs) were procured without public bidding and despite the glaring defects that were noted during delivery, the boats were still certified to have passed the acceptance criteria.

Ordered dismissed from the service for grave misconduct were Sr. Supts. Asher Dolina, Ferdinand Yuzon, Cornelio Salinas, Thomas Abellar, Nepomuceno Magno Corpus, Jr. and Rico Payonga, Chief Supts. Reynaldo Rafal and Rizaldo Tungala, Jr., Sr. Supts. Alex Sarmiento and Aleto Jeremy Mirasol, Supt. Michael Amor Filart, PO3 Avensuel Dy, Supts. Job Marasigan and Leodegario Visaya, Chief Insps. Juanito Estrebor and Renelfa Saculles.

Supt. Henry Duque and PNP Accounting Division Chief Antonio Retrato were also dismissed for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty, while Chief Supt. George Piano and Commission on Audit (COA) Auditor for the PNP Jaime Sañares were dismissed for gross neglect of duty.

The officials were also meted out perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service, forfeiture of retirement benefits and cancellation of civil service eligibility.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also ordered the filing of charges for multiple violations of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3019 or the "Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act", against Chief Supt. Villamor Bumanglag, along with Piano, Dolina, Yuzon, Salinas, Corpus, Jr., Abellar, Payonga, Duque, Retrato, Marasigan, Visaya, Estrebor, Saculles, Dy, Rafal, Tungala, Jr., Sarmiento, Mirasol, Sañares, Filart, and Roselle Ferrer and Pacita Umali of Four Petals Trading (FPT), the supplier of the rubber boats.

Additional charges for falsification of public documents were also ordered against Piano and Duque.

In 2009, the PNP national headquarters issued a resolution for the procurement of watercrafts, including 20 PCCs with a budget of PHP5 million.

Bumanglag, as former director of the Maritime Group, requested for the increase in unit price from PHP250,000 to PHP312,000 resulting into a reduction of the number of units to 16 PCCs.

At the time the rubber boats were delivered and inspected on March 22, 2010, several defects were uncovered such as lack of water temperature gauges, fuel gauges, engine oil pressure gauges and speedometers; engines were not operational; no rudder posts, one damaged outrigger; no ampere gauge; no canvass; no hole back portion for starboard side; no alternator; stacked-up transmission; and no heater plug.

Still, the PCCs were accepted as conforming to end-user's specification.

Several procurement violations were also established such as: undated and unnumbered procurement documents; supplier was not a technically, legally and financial capable supplier given that its address is located in a residential area with no company website; and FPT is not known in the coastal craft-building industry.

In August 2010, the PNP officials paid FPT a total of PHP4.54 million for the defective rubber boats.

Morales said that "the significant events leading to the procurement of 16 PCCs would not only reveal badges of irregularities but also of haste and preference to buy from FPT as the sole and only choice of supplier for coastal crafts."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818652

Urgent need for public to be more aware of WPS issues - DFA spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Urgent need for public to be more aware of WPS issues - DFA spokesperson

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assistant secretary and spokesperson Charles Jose on Friday said that there is urgent for the public to raise its level of awareness on issues concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where China and the country is currently locked in a maritime dispute.

"It is a matter of national interest that should concern all Filipinos," he stressed.

Jose also said the WPS issues should be disseminated properly to the public as it has severe implications on the country's sovereignty, territorial security, and economy.

He also said that whatever outcome of maritime row will affect the lives of future generations.

The DFA spokesperson made this statement during the "Communicating The Dispute on the West Philippine Sea" forum which was held at the 4th floor auditorium of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Building on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

The event was sponsored by Philippine Communication Society together with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, PIA and the Philippine Press Institute.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818709

China's 9-Dash-Line claims to cut PHL EEZ by 80 percent

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): China's 9-Dash-Line claims to cut PHL EEZ by 80 percent
 

Allowing China's 9-Dash-Line claims unchallenged could result in the reduction of the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by 80 percent.

This was stressed by Department of Foreign Affairs assistant secretary and spokesperson Charles Jose Friday.

Most of these areas are rich fishing grounds.

He added that this could severely affect the lives of more than five million Filipinos making a living out of the sea.

China's 9-Dash-Line claims cut across the EEZ of the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Taiwan and Malaysia.

The Philippine coastline is placed at 36,289 kilometers, one of the longest in the world.

What makes China's claims unacceptable to coastal nations is the fact that they gave no fixed geographical points, Jose added.

In fact, China's main argument on claiming the West Philippine (South China Sea) is that they first discovered and made use of its waters and resources.

Despite these Chinese claims, Philippines presence on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is more than justified by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

UNCLOS is also known as the "Constitution of the Oceans" and as such defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

And with the Philippines strictly following all UNCLOS conventions, the country is more than justified in asserting its claims in the WPS, Jose said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818739

3 more former rebels get cash & livelihood assistance thru CLIP

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): 3 more former rebels get cash & livelihood assistance thru CLIP

Three former New People's Army (NPA) fighters formally received cash and livelihood assistance from the Provincial Government of Iloilo through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) Friday.

The returnees identified only through their aliases as Revo, Lim and Carol each received Php15,000 worth of cash assistance and Php50,000 worth livelihood assistance, 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office chief Major Ray Tiongson said.

Expenditure of the money will be monitored regularly by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other concerned agencies.

The ex-rebels formerly operated in the hinterlands of southern Iloilo province.

The 82nd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez Jr. together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Iloilo facilitated the profiling of the former rebels and the processing of pertinent documents for the livelihood assistance under the CLIP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818765

GPH, MILF peace panel chairs remain hopeful with BBL passage

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): GPH, MILF peace panel chairs remain hopeful with BBL passage

The peace panel chairs of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remain optimistic with the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) when the Congress resumes sessions in November.

“There is still hope. However, this matter depends on the senators and congressmen. They should let national interest rule over them, rather than personal or group interest,” MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said in Filipino through a phone interview at the “Kapihan sa Media ng Bayan” at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bldg. in Quezon City on Friday.

“The proposed BBL is for everyone, for the unity of this country,” Iqbal added.

Similarly, GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who was one of the forum guests, still possesses a positive mindset with the BBL’s passage even with only eight months remaining in President Benigno Aquino III’s term.

“Even in the last two minutes, we should still continue to catch up,” said Ferrer as she compared the passage of the proposed BBL to the madness of the last two minutes of a basketball game.

She noted that if the bill is not enacted, everything will be “back to zero” and efforts will be wasted.

Ferrer said that the period of interpellation should end first, and amendments should be introduced before it reaches the Senate-House of Representatives bicameral conference for reconciliation.

Furthermore, the Congress should approve the bill before a plebiscite could be held by the Commission on Elections(Comelec).

“Hopefully, everything will take place by December,” Ferrer said.

The Senate and the House have set Dec. 16 as the new deadline for the passage of the proposed BBL.

If enacted, BBL would establish a proposed new autonomous political entity known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which would have greater powers and resources compared to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The salient features of the bill include the structure of government which is parliamentary and an annual block grant which would reach PhP27 billion in 2016.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=818847

AFP hunts down mayor’s killers

From Tempo (Oct 22): AFP hunts down mayor’s killers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has beefed up combat troops hunting down the killers of a town mayor and his son in Agusan del Sur.

401st Infantry Brigade commanding officer Col. Alexander L. Macario is leading pursuit operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be behind the murder of Loreto town mayor Dario E. Otaza and his son Daryl.

Military officials have also made available two gunship helicopters of the tactical operations group (TOG) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that are on standby alert at Camp Bancasi in case air cover would be necessary.

“The 4th ID will intensify the operations to go after the perpetrators of this cowardly attack and at the same time ensure that Lumad tribesmen loyal to Mayor Otaza will not conduct revenge killings as the attack could trigger a new wave of violence among Lumad factions,” said Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, commanding general of the northeastern and northern Mindanao 4th ID.

“This is unfortunate because the AFP, PNP and our LGUs have been working hard to de-escalate the situation,” he added.

Otaza is a known peace advocate in their area who has been working on gaining peace for the Lumads.

The bodies of Mayor Otaza and his son, Daryl were found at Purok 2, Barangay Bitan-agan, this city last Tuesday.

The two were reportedly kidnapped by the NPA, who disguised themselves as NBI agents at his residence at Purok 5, Barangay Baan last Monday.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Vert T. Chavez, regional director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) also deployed the regional and provincial mobile forces as well as the special force battalion to help the 401st Brigade in the manhunt operations against the rebels in Agusan del Sur.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/10/22/afp-hunts-down-mayors-killers/

Suspect in Loreto mayor's slay identified

From ABS-CBN (Oct 22): Suspect in Loreto mayor's slay identified

Authorities have identified one of the suspects in the abduction and murder of Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his son.

Members of the special investigation task group identified one of the suspects as Rene Tindugan, suspected to be a member of the communist New People's Army (NPA).

He was identified as the thin man suffering from an ailment in the left eye, as was shown in the facial composite released on Wednesday.



Police said Tindugan is the son of alias Kumander Boy Tindugan of the Guerrilla Front Committee 34, which operates in Agusan del Sur.

Authorities have also identified nine others who are tagged in the abduction and murder of the victims. They, however, refused to identify the suspects until appropriate charges have been filed against them.

Otaza and his son were abducted Monday by 18 unidentified armed men from their home in Barangay Riverside in Butuan City.

The Otazas were found shot dead in a coconut plantation in Purok Dos, Barangay Bitan-agan Tuesday morning.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/22/15/suspect-loreto-mayors-slay-identified