3 CAR mayors affirm positive effects of community- driven dev’t. projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 18): 3 CAR mayors affirm positive effects of community- driven dev’t.  projects

Local executives in three towns in the Cordillera affirmed the positive effect of the community – driven development projects in their respective localities.

In the closure program for Millennium Challenge Corporation funded KALAHI – CIDSS (Kapit – Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services),  Mayor James Edduba of Pasil,  Kalinga,   highlighted that KALAHI – CIDSS is a good and the right program that encourages volunteerism and brings (positive) changes in the countryside.

Mayor Victorino Barona Jr of Bucay, Abra, in behalf of the people in the municipality, expressed gratitude for the program as the community development sub – projects implemented under the program have truly changed for the better the lives of the people.

Besao, Mountain Province Mayor Wellington also highlighted the progress brought by the around P70 million worth of KALAHI – CIDSS community development sub –projects in his town.

The towns of Pasil, Bucay and Besao, in the five year implementation of the MCC-funded program are four, three and six cycles’ beneficiary of KALAHI – CIDSS grants, respectively.

Aside from their respective LCEs, community volunteers from each town also shared their learning experiences and the benefits they have earned under the program.

DSWD Undersecretary Camilo Gudmalin, in his keynote message, said the KALAHI – CIDSS program was conceptualized then as a dream to increase LGUs’ and people’s participation in community development and poverty reduction projects. But the inspiring stories that were shared in the forum are indications that community empowerment is now a reality.

DSWD Regional Director Janet Armas,  reported that under the KALAHI – CIDSS accomplishments  in the  Cordillera, 432 sub-projects  involving basic access infrastructure, basic social services, community production, economic support and common service facilities, and environmental protection and conservation, were approved benefitting 67,792 households in 19 municipalities in five provinces in the region.

Through the program, Armas bared an increase in barangay assembly participation, mobilization and training of volunteers, labor generation, which are in line with the program’s goal to address poverty, increased community involvement and improvement of local governance.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/61458212427/3-car-mayors-affirm-positive-effects-of-community--driven-dev-t-projects

BIFF bandits attack N. Cotabato CAFGU detachment, shot Maguindanao dump truck

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19): BIFF bandits attack N. Cotabato CAFGU detachment, shot Maguindanao dump truck

Elements of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) tried but failed to overrun a para-military detachment in a remote village here, police on Saturday said.

Senior Inspector Junete Napat, Aleosan town police chief, said about 50 suspected BIFF from Datu Salibo, Maguindanao harassed the detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) at about 8 p.m. by firing assault rifles and rifle grenades.

But the militiamen were prepared and engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted for about two hours until the guerrillas retreated back to Liguasan marshland.

The militia detachment was one of the many outposts established by the military to prevent BIFF, now under attack by government forces in Datu Salibo, from harassing civilian communities in North Cotabato.

The Rio Grande de Mindnanao served as the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Napat said no casualty was reported on the side of the militiamen. Paramilitary troopers could not say if the attackers suffered casualties either.

The morning after, government forces recovered about 100 pieces of empty shells from M-16 Armalite rifle, Garand rifle, fragments of rifle grenade and empty shells for cal. 50 Barret rifle in an area where the BIFF positioned, about 100 meters away from the detachment.

Barret rifle is a signature firearm of the BIFF.

It was the second harassment against the Aleosan detachment this year. Last February 18, BIFF also attacked the CAFGU base.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the harassment on Aleosan detachment was part of the diversionary tactics of the BIFF which suffered heavy losses during Army offensives in Maguindanao.

"This is part of the terrorists' tactics to ease the offensives in Datu Salibo," Petinglay said. The military launched attacks against the BIFF after the outlawed group harassed workers of a government flood control project in Maguindanao.

Petinglay said the BIFF has resorted to harassment or hit and run attacks, not only against the military, but other areas in Maguindanao as well. Aside from Aleosan detachment, on Friday afternoon, BIFF also harassed and fired at a dump truck owned by the Maguindanao provincial government in a remote village in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The dump truck was working on road project in Ampatuan.

Petinglay said military operations against the BIFF in Maguindanao and nearby areas continue despite the observance of Holy Week.

"Our operations continue, we cannot just leave the area because suspected IEDs still litter the communities earlier occupied by the BIFF," she said.

She said soldiers can pause and pray even while they are in the battle fields.

The armed conflict in Maguindanao started on February 5 after the BIFF prevented workers of a PHP58-million flood control project aimed at saving villagers from floods every rainy season.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=868254

RP, US show teeth to China with expanded war games

From the Daily Tribune (Mar 19): RP, US show teeth to China with expanded war games

As China steps up its claim over the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), allies the Philippines and United States are set to launch bigger joint war games, with more than 8,000 Filipino and American troops participating in various training in different facilities in the country.

Aside from the huge number of participants, this year Balikatan 2016 (BK16) will involve jet fighters — with the Armed Forces of the  Philippines (AFP) sending its two brand-new FA50 lead-in fighters to exercise with the US Air Force A10 “Thunderbolts and British-made Hawker Hunter.

The AFP will also be sending all its S211 trainer aircraft in the joint war games.
It was gathered that a total of 4,900 US troops and 3,773 AFP personnel will be taking part in BK 16 which will officially open on April 4.

Also, 80 Australian servicemen will be coming as support elements.

In recent years, the waters of the South China Sea have become the stage for a tussle for dominance between Beijing and Washington, the world’s two largest economic and military powers.

The West Philippine Sea is Manila’s term for areas of the South China Sea that it claims as part of Philippine territory, including islands and reefs on the Spratly Islands that it occupies.

Manila’s decision to take its dispute with China to an international tribunal based in the Hague has infuriated Beijing, which insists the matter is outside the court’s remit.
A ruling on the matter is expected before May.

The US Embassy, in a statement, said the 12-day BK16 will involve “rapid reaction” operation between the Filipino and US troops.

“One of the main operations for this year’s exercise will be the implementation of a joint rapid reaction force as part of the distributed operations in the vicinity of Panay, demonstrating the partnered capability in rapid response.,” it added.

Military service members from both countries will also conduct combined simulation supported events and operational events in three main commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Western Command, Northern Luzon Command and Sothern Luzon Command), and other major Philippine military camps such as Crow Valley, Fort Magsaysay, Clark Air Field, Subic Bay, Palawan and Panay to improve their ability to work together, partnering in capabilities and plan follow-on operations.

There will also be humanitarian civil assistance projects throughout Panay and Palawan areas. Preliminary work on community infrastructure projects begins at the end of March.

The US Embassy said BK 16 will demonstrate cooperation and interoperability between the Philippines and the US, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement “as we continue our commitment to train, share information and provide support to each other through a range of military operations.”  
“Throughout BK 16, AFP and US forces will work together to enhance maritime law enforcement throughout the Philippines in order to meet annual training requirements, and enhance techniques, tactics, and procedures as a critical part of interoperability of our forces,” it said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/rp-us-show-teeth-to-china-with-expanded-war-games

Jabidah massacre remembered in Cotabato, Corregidor

From ABS-CBN (Mar 18): Jabidah massacre remembered in Cotabato, Corregidor



Progressive groups in Cotabato City on Friday commemorated the 48th year of the Jabidah massacre. Arianne Apatan, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao

Members of progressive groups on Friday staged a rally in front of the Cotabato City Plaza in commemoration of the 48th year of the Jabidah massacre.

The activists carried placards with words expressing their dismay with the government. They also placed on the road an effigy covered in white cloth, with the word Jabidah beside it.

Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson Jerome Succor said up to this day, they are still seeking justice for the victims of the massacre, which happened during the Marcos regime.

"Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, kung titingnan natin, patuloy yung extrajudicial killings sa mga Moro na civilians. Hanggang ngyayon ay wala pa ring hustisya doon sa mga sibilyan na nasawi na perpetrated by state authority, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Sa ngayon, sa panunungkulan ni President Aquino, zero justice sa mga victims," Succor claimed.

Some say the Jabidah massacre did not happen, but martial law victim Abunawas Kali said he strongly believes that the massacre took place.

"Iyung mga pinatay, mga Bangsamoro. Bangsamoro kami. Masakit sa amin yung pagkuha sa kanila para kunin ang Sabah. Ayaw ng Malaysia na ibigay ang Sabah. Nung panahon na yun, yung mga Muslim hindi naman alam na binalak i-take over yung Sabah," Kali said.

How Jabidah massacre caused Moro rebellion

Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) also commemorated the massacre by going to Corregidor.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said justice must be served. He said the Bangsamoro people should no longer hide in the shadows of the past. He said they will continue finding ways to achieve peace in Mindanao.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said incidents like the Jabidah massacre should never happen again.

"We will remember Jabidah massacre. We should not let this happen again. Through historical narrative, we can find solution to the problem," he said.

On March 18, 1968, hundreds of young Moro were brought to Corregidor to be trained by the military for a secret mission to help the Marcos government seize control of Sabah from Malaysia.

They later refused to go and were killed.

The Jabidah massacre was said to be the inspiration of then University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Nur Misuari in forming the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

In 2015, a marker was built in Corregidor acknowledging the Jabidah massacre as part of Philippine history.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/03/18/16/jabidah-massacre-remembered-in-cotabato-corregidor

MILF: Editorial -- Seeing evil always

Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 19): Editorial -- Seeing evil always

Four columnists of The Manila Times, including at times it editorial writer have always seen evils in Moros, Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the peace process in general, and Benigno Aquino III. We are already beginning to doubt whether they are still professing Christians, otherwise, they will be guided by what the Bible had said: “”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God.”

The latest of such unrestrained tongue-lashings was hurled against Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel and Chairman Mohagher Iqbal when they attended a forum on the Bangsamoro and Cordillera Peace Processes on March 9 at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). (Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan also attended). It was described by editorial of the Manila Times on March 13 as “a treason for politicising the military’.

Are the two peace-makers so powerful speakers that they can convince the people running the PMA and its cadets --- and defile the institution --- in just one visit?

If the GPH-MILF peace process had reached this point of almost complete success, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have supported it and played their shares exceptionally well. In fact, four of the 11 government chief peace negotiators were military men.

It is not our policy to hit back every time people wrong us. We are not vindictive and spiteful. We value much the merits of patience, resiliency, and perseverance, but surely we never had embraced negative passivity. We also know how to use stone if hit by stone (but Islam asks us to better pardon).

We think it is time for the management of The Manila Times to restrain the excesses of the four columnists and editorial writer. We are not afraid to be criticised, because, first, we are not perfect, and, second, no one including the Prophets can please everybody, and third, there are people who are genetically already anti-peace or war-thirsty.  Even in the past, as it is now, people continue to rebel against God. So, who are we to be spared of such criticisms?

But the four columnists seemed to have developed a negative and twisted logic if the issues involved are the Moros, BBL, peace process, and the Aquino family. They have never treated in their writings these issues with objectivity, as good journalists are morally bound. They seem to have been controlled by their hatred if not outright bigotry (or they are being for it). Even without mentioning their names, only by their initials: FP, FT, RT, and HA, people will know them.  FT read the declaration of Martial Law in September 1972 and active member of the Opus Dei, an ultra-conservative Christian group; RT was formerly a communist, who learned that the enemy of your enemy is your friend but seemed to have forgotten all those MTT teachings and learned to worship only one woman whom he served during her presidency; FP, not much is known of him, except that the picture he used in his column does not reflect his real age; and HA was once arrested for trying to blackmail a Japanese businessman for four million dollars.

Criticism can only be much appreciated or valid if the one criticising is free from the faults they are seeing in others. Remember also that pointing two accusing fingers at a person, three fingers are pointing back at the accuser.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/editorial/25-january-16-23/637-seeing-evil-always

MILF: BTC Regular Employees undergo Seminar –Workshop on Strategic Performance Management System

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Website (Mar 18): BTC Regular Employees undergo Seminar –Workshop on Strategic Performance Management System



The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) conducted Seminar-Workshop on Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) through the facilitation of Civil Service Commission (CSC)-ARMM on March 14, 2016 at Kutawato Hall, Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.

The program aims to enhance the knowledge of BTC regular employees in setting performance targets and how those performances are achieved and evaluated to determine their over-all performance for end of the year.

The submission of annual accomplishment report to the CSC and the Office of the President (OP) is true to all government agencies as required by law.

Section 3-Article IX-B of the Philippine Constitution mandates the government to ‘establish a career service; adopt measures to promote morale efficiency, integrity, responsiveness, progressiveness and courtesy in the civil service’.

This provision of the Constitution also mandates to strengthen the rewards and merit system; integrate human resource development (HRD) programs for all levels and ranks, among others.

The law is very clear that a particular employee must achieve a ‘very satisfactory’ rating if not ‘outstanding’ at the end of the year otherwise he/she is at risk of being dismissed from public service especially when he/she gets a consistent ‘poor rating’.

It was also mentioned that the submission of annual performance rating for the year that ended where the employee is holding a regular appointment is a requirement for the payment of ‘performance-based bonus.’



Atty.  Sha Elijah Dumama Alba, BTC Deputy Executive Director in her introductory statement emphasized the importance of one’s performance, target setting and how they are achieved to be able to remain in public service.

The facilitators from the CSC, Mr. Kenneth Mar S. Salcedo and Ms. Zamchemarie K. Puntalan articulately presented and discussed their topics, gave emphasis to the keyword ’performance’.

BTC Commissioners Abdulla Camlian, Pedro Eisma and Timuay Melanio Ulama attended the program, while 22 BTC regular employees were present who attentively listened to the speakers from the CSC.

The workshop outputs were presented with most of the comments for improvements were done by Mr. Salcedo and Ms. Punzalan.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/632-btc-regular-employees-undergo-seminar-workshop-on-strategic-performance-management-system

MILF ‘We respect the agreements and obey orders from MILF Central Committee’—BIAF Western Mindanao Base Commands

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 18): ‘We respect the agreements and obey orders from MILF Central Committee’—BIAF Western Mindanao Base Commands



Bongao, Tawi-Tawi—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) chaired by Mohammad Nasif headed the MILF camps visits in Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga Sibugay on March 1-5, 2016.

The MILF-JNC visited the 117th Base Command of the MILF-BIAF at Camp Sultan Shariful Hasim, Languyan, and Camp Maniyupan under the Inner Base Command, National Guard Front in Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi on March 2 and 3, respectively.

On March 4, they visited MILF forces of the 113rd Base Command, in Camp Salman Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Nasif said that the visit in Tawi-Tawi was postponed twice already but his team is glad that they have finally visited their comrades in the area. “I apologize my brothers and sisters in the struggle because our activity was postponed for many times since last year,” he said.

Nasif, also the MILF General Staff for Operations reminded the MILF combatants to avoid provocative actions that might affect the on-going peace process.

Commenting on the concern over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the frustrations felt by MILF forces, Nasif asked his colleagues to remain patient and steadfast.

“We have achieved very important agreements in our talks with the Philippine government with the help of international communities, that is why you (BIAF) should never repeat what had happened before when ‘MOA-AD’ was aborted in 2008,” he stressed.

“The Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro are the fruits of our struggle and we must treasure these gains that we achieved,” said Nasif.

“Why we achieved the CAB because we work harder. And now we need to work much harder than before,” he added.

In the MILF-JNC peace advocacies, it was noted that the BIAF is fully committed to the peace agreements signed by the government and the MILF (i.e. FAB and CAB) especially on the observance of existing ceasefire mechanisms.

 “We respect the agreements and obey orders from MILF Central Committee”, said one BIAF Commander in Tawi-Tawi in an exclusive interview.

Nasif disclosed that the program was closely coordinated with their counterpart in government side.

On the other hand, the Head of Islamic Call and Guidance of General Staff, BIAF-MILF, told the participants to observe patience. “Fighters that have patience will surely win as promised by Allah”.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo gave updates on current status of GPH-MIF peace process and explained the joint normalization process.

“In the current talks, we have only reached Congress. We have more steps to do,” Atty. Sinarimbo said.

He said that in the normalization program, the MILF have done their part. “They did the first decommissioning of their combatants, and weapons, handed them over to Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) as a true manifestation of its strong commitment to the peace process.

Atty. Sinarimbo further said that since no BBL is passed in the Congress, there is no more succeeding decommissioning of MILF combatants.

“Our approach in doing this is calibrated, if they give, we will also give,” he pointed out.

“The imperative to do right now is strengthen our programs, to widen our political campaign on CAB as gains of the peace process,” said Sinarimbo.

However, the 145 MILF combatants that were decommissioned will continue to benefit from socio-economic programs.

Toks Ebrahim, Administrative Officer of the GS BIAF-MILF and Chairman of MILF-Joint Peace Security Team discussed the BIAF programs that are based on four-point program of the late MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim.

Ebrahim told the participants that in developing Moro communities, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) is mandated to do the work and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) is task to develop Moro leaders in public administration and governance. These two agencies are products of the peace process.

The MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Malik Caril presented the tasks of MILF CCCH before the participants.

Meantime, the Batch 300 member Atiollah Jamsuri, along with his Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) batch-mates who attended at the Camp Salman program said that he felt frustrated of the Philippine government in its peace process with MNLF and the MILF.

He said that there were signed agreements like the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the MOA-AD that government failed to comply. 

“The government doesn’t want us Bangsamoro to have our own government as they failed to pass the BBL,” he said.

“At this stage of our life, we never think of ourselves. This struggle is for you and the young generations. We all know that you have sacrificed like what we did before and until now. Sometime we’re thinking of fighting again against the government but once we are gone in this world who else could guide you in our struggle,” Jamsuri emotionally said.

Referring to the agreements signed by the parties-GPH with MNLF and the MILF, Jamsuri told the participants, “Let us wait for another opportunity; if we didn’t achieve the passage of BBL, I know Allah will give us much better than BBL in shaa Allah (God willing).

Jamsuri appreciates much the leadership of MILF through the leadership of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for conducting advocacy programs.

“This is good because in this way, we understand each other and builds strong brotherhood. We want to finish this struggle with you,” he said.

The JNC is also co-chaired by Undersecretary Zenonida F. Brosas for the government. The government members include MGen. Ariel B. Bernardo (Ret.) and MGen. Leo Cresente M. Ferrer (Ret.).

MILF members include ‎Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo and Atty. Blo Adiong, Dir. Susan Guadalupe Marcaida and Toks Ebrahim.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/633-we-respect-the-agreements-and-obey-orders-from-milf-central-committee-biaf-western-mindanao-base-commands

MILFL: BTC Chair thankful for Japan’s commitment to support peace process

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 18): BTC Chair thankful for Japan’s commitment to support peace process



Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman Mohagher Iqbal expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for its commitment to support the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace process despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)

“We are grateful to Japan for its support to the GPH-MILF peace process,” Iqbal told Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazhuhide Ishikawa last Monday (Mar 14) night during the latter’s visit to the BTC office in Cotabato City.

Ishikawa, together with fellow Japanese embassy officials was in Cotabato City on Monday for a Grant Contract Signing with five local organizations that will implement projects as part of part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

The Japanese envoy reiterated Japan’s commitment to continue supporting the peace process.

Chairman Iqbal said BTC is privileged and honored with the visit of the Japanese diplomats. “This sends a strong message that the partnership we have built throughout the years will continue and live on, with or without BBL,” he said.

The BBL, which the Philippine Congress failed to pass, is a proposed law drafted by the BTC that is hoped to bring sustainable peace and development in Mindanao.

In his message, the BTC chair described the Japanese government as a “close friend” and supporter to the peace process.

“The presence of Japanese Government through participation in major peace mechanisms and even to the extent of granting aid in support of the peace process, has made a great impact to lead us into reaching milestones,” the BTC head disclosed.

The Japanese Embassy expanded grassroots assistance program to MILF areas and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) started a community development project supporting peace and stability in Mindanao in 2006 according to Chairman Iqbal.

He said the project together with previous projects in Mindanao was labelled J-BIRD.

“This was a rare case of Japan entering a conflict-affected region before a peace agreement was reached,” he said.
Chairman Iqbal related that in 2006, Japan joined the International Monitoring Team that was established in 2004 to monitor the implementation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement between the two parties.

Japan dispatched an expert in socioeconomic development to join the peace monitors. The BTC Chair said Japan’s actual projects and programs for socioeconomic development helped facilitate peace negotiations.

He related further that Japan became member of the International Contact Group, an international body that observes the negotiation and ensures the implementation of mutually agreed accords.

Chairman Iqbal also recalled the effort of when the Japanese Government for the peace process when it facilitated the meeting between President Aquino and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in August 2011 at a hotel near Narita Airport in Japan.

Currently, JICA is implementing the project called “Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for Bangsamoro (CCDP-B) with the BTC as its counterpart agency from 2013 to 2016.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/634-btc-chair-thankful-for-japan-s-commitment-to-support-peace-process

MILF: Japan reiterates commitment of support Bangsamoro peace process

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 18): Japan reiterates commitment of support Bangsamoro peace process



Commending the Bangsamoro people for staying in the course of the peace process despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines reiterated Japan’s commitment of support to the peaceful means of resolving the Mindanao problem.

During their courtesy call to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) on Monday (March 14) eve, Japanese Ambassador Kazhuhide Ishikawa said, “The main purpose of the visit is to see as many key persons in Mindanao as possible and to deliver the government of Japan’s message to all of you which is to continue to support.”

“Regardless of what is going on in political field in Manila, we will continue to support,” he added.

Ishikawa stressed, “This is our firm commitment and in that sense we really appreciate your party decided to stay on the peace process as before and it is highly appreciated by not only Japan but also the entire international community.”

The Japanese envoy related President Aquino’s state visit to Japan last June where the two heads of state issued a statement saying that there are three pillars of importance in terms of Philippine-Japan relations.

“One is political security including South China Sea, second is economic cooperation and third one is peace process in Mindanao,” he mentioned.

“In that spirit we would like to continue our cooperation and in particular we have expertise and experience in socio-economic development so we will to cooperate with you in that field as much as possible,“ Ishikawa said.

The Japanese ambassador was joined by his subordinates Second Secretaries Bumpei Sugano and Takuhiro Watanabe, First Secretaries Takayuki Nakagawa and Yosuke Tamabayashi, and Kurisu Yoshimoto, chief of the security section.

Together with fellow Commissioners, Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal warmly welcomed the Japanese diplomats and expressed gratitude to Japan’s continuing assistance to the peace process.



http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/635-japan-reiterates-commitment-of-support-bangsamoro-peace-process

MILF: Malacanang directs OPAPP for steps to address grievances and historical injustices

Posted the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 19): Malacanang directs OPAPP for steps to address grievances and historical injustices



In response to the recommendations of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TCRJ) for the government to address grievances and correct historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, the Office of the Executive Secretary directed the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to convene and coordinate with agencies to work towards the adoption and implementation of the TJRC recommendations.

In a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. on March 11, 2016, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Q. Deles was instructed to endorse the TJRC Report to the relevant agencies for the agencies’ review and assessment, convene and coordinate with the agencies to work towards the adoption and implementation of the recommendations and identify and mobilize resources to support the programs that may be implemented.

The Executive Secretary further directed Deles to encourage and initiate activities towards the mainstreaming and popularization of the framework for transitional justice and reconciliation.

The Normalization Annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed in 2014 provides the creation of the TJRC.

TJRC is mandated to conduct study and make recommendations with the view to promote healing and reconciliation of the different communities that have been affected by armed conflict in Mindanao.

The Commission, conducted “listening process” sessions in more than 210 Moro, Indigenous peoples and settler communities in Mindanao and island provinces.

Respondents of the study included people engaged in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, human rights practitioners, community and religious leaders, academics, experts in Mindanao and Bangsamoro studies, history and culture, public servants and representatives from security and private sectors.

The TCRJ study came with the conclusion that there were “legitimate grievances” of the Bangsamoro people that were political, economic, social and cultural in nature during decades and there were “historical injustices” committed by the colonial governments of Spanish, American and Japanese as well as the Philippine Government.

It further concluded there were human rights violations committed against the Bangsamoro people through extrajudicial killings, rape, arbitrary arrest, and torture before, during and after Martial law era.

The study has also found out also that there was “land dispossession of the Moro and indigenous peoples” through enforced privatization and titling, government-led settlement and enforced colonization through land laws.

TJRC report was made public at Cotabato City on March 15 and in Manila on March 16 this year.

The body is composed of Ms. Mo Beeker, Special Envoy of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs as the chairperson, GPH delegate Atty. Cecilia Jimenez, MILF delegate Atty.

Ishak Matura, GPH alternate delegate Atty. Mohammed Al-Amin Julkipli, MILF alternate delegate Atty. Rusty Kalim, Senior Adviser Jonathan Sisson of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Senior Gender Adviser Dr. Ma. Lourdes Veneracion-Ralonza.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/636-malacanang-directs-opapp-for-steps-to-address-grievances-and-historical-injustices

DWDD: EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE II Phl Army Achieved Positive Trust and Satisfaction Ratings

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 18): EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE II Phl Army Achieved Positive Trust and Satisfaction Ratings

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) – The Philippine Army has achieved positive result of their trust and satisfaction ratings, to include its nation-building contribution index based on the latest nationwide survey conducted by Club Media Asia, Inc.



According to Lt Gen Eduardo Ano, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, the organization has maintained an excellent trust rating and has improved their net satisfaction rating and nation-building contribution index this year.

The army has maintained their excellent trust rating of +75, similar to its baseline record in 2015; while in terms of net satisfaction rating, they received a +73 rating, or an increase of +3 points based from its +70 rating last year.

The Philippine Army’s biggest improvement in the survey was its nation building contribution index which got a +74 rating compared to +68 in 2015.

Lt Gen Ano added that these figures indicate that the Philippine Army is traversing thew right track in achieving one of its strategic objective of being an army loved by the people and it also meant that the services they provided were appreciated by Filipinos.

The survey was conducted among 1, 032 respondents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

This latest achievement is considered another development for the Philippine Army’s Transformation Program after receiving the coveted Island of Good Governance Award from the Institute for Solidarity in Asia in October 2015.

Lastly, Lt Gen Ano reiterated that this is a great anniversary gift for the Philippine Army, on their 199^th year of existence and rest assured that their army will continue to serve the people and secure our land as mandated by our Constitution. AES / OACPA / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/excellence-in-service-ii-phl-army-achieved-positive-trust-and-satisfaction-ratings-2/

‘Terror Warnings’ For Travelers Persist For Malaysia’s Scenic ‘Island’ Getaways

From the Inquisitr (Mar 18): ‘Terror Warnings’ For Travelers Persist For Malaysia’s Scenic ‘Island’ Getaways   

Terror warnings for travelers to Malaysian Islands have persisted after Britain and Australia issued terror alerts in February for their citizens, respectively. The alerts came following fears of possible terrorist attacks in and around the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. British tourists in particular had been cautioned against visiting Malaysia’s east coast islands owning to the increased threat of kidnappings and other criminal activities.

In response to the heightened alerts, a Malaysian Foreign Ministry spokesman had emphasized that all foreign missions in the country’s capital will be kept abreast of emerging security related developments.

“We also acknowledged the fact that foreign missions are at liberty to provide their own assessment of the security situation in their host countries albeit the fact that it may not be accurate or give a true reflection of the situation.”

In January, the Malaysian police said the country was on its highest-ever security alert. Its counter terrorism officers have cautioned against a seemingly surging ISIS influence in the country and expressed grave apprehensions about its impact on the more vulnerable elements of Malaysian society. In recent times, it has been reported that thousands of young men from Far East countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines have been volunteering to join the terror outfit actively engaged in the Middle East.

Kuala Lumpur (Image: Shutterstock)

In January, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak introduced immediate security measures in the midst of an enhanced terror alert across Southeast Asia following bombings in neighbouring Indonesia and the arrests of suspected suicide bombers in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. A 28-year-old man, in addition to three other suspects, was arrested in the same month with evidence linking them to ISIS. These men had, as per Malaysia’s police, confessed to plotting a terrorist attack on the country.

According to counter-terrorism expert Tomas Olivier, Malaysia’s security threat is not necessarily restricted to the Islamic State.

“The presence of Abu Sayyaf, the Moro National Liberation Front and many insurgent (terrorist) organizations in the south of the Philippines have always posed a threat to Malaysia’s northern state of Sabah, and now, given their allegiance to IS, they also threaten the capital Kuala Lumpur.”

Malaysia is home to nearly 900 magnificent islands, ranging from the bustling and accessible, to the tranquil and secluded. Boasting one of the most awe-inspiring and pristine beaches marvelously caressed by sparkling turquoise waters, these idyllic getaways are amongst the most prized tourist destinations on the planet. The islands are divided into those of the western peninsula, the eastern peninsula, and the islands around Borneo.

Malaysian Island (Image: Shutterstock)

The east coast is predominantly rural, somewhat impoverished, as well as largely conservative in outlook compared to other parts of the country, hence the reason the warnings issued to foreigners in view of safety concerns in this region are more pronounced. Nonetheless, the east offers prime attractions for travelers with some of its most captivating and untouched islands, many of them famous for their extremely rare and rich underwater paradise that remains a tempting lure for scuba-divers flocking in from all across the world.

According to an updated United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advisement, travel warnings for British tourists persist for Malaysia more particularly for all islands off the coast of eastern Sabah. According to the report, there is a significant security threat for foreigners traveling to that part of the country owing to increased instances of kidnapping as well as other dangerous crimes reported in this region recently.

The advisement continues to remain in effect as of now for the nearly 400,000 British nationals who visit Malaysia annually.      

http://www.inquisitr.com/2902093/terror-warnings-for-travellers-persist-for-malaysias-scenic-island-getaways/
    

Soldier, 7 Abus slain in firefight

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 19): Soldier, 7 Abus slain in firefight

Seven suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists and a soldier were killed during a fierce firefight that erupted in a village of Patikul town in Sulu, the military reported.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said 17 soldiers were wounded in the clash. Six terrorists were also reportedly wounded, including wanted Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, he added.

However, the military said no bodies from the enemy side were actually recovered from the site of the clash.

Arrojado said soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion clashed with around 100 armed men under the one-armed Sahiron in Sitio Maggi, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul town, on Friday morning. The firefight began at around 9: 15 a.m. and lasted until 10:40 a.m.

The United States government earlier put up a $1-million bounty for Sahiron’s arrest, apart from the P5-million reward put up by the Philippine government.

Arrojado said additional troops have been deployed to pursue the terrorist group.

Two military helicopters airlifted the lone fatality and the wounded soldiers on Friday morning and brought them to hospitals for medical treatment.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/775098/soldier-7-abus-slain-in-firefight

Philippines v. China Won't End South China Sea Disputes

From The Diplomat (Mar 17): Philippines v. China Won't End South China Sea Disputes (By John Ford)

Despite high hopes for the ruling, Manila’s arbitration case against China won’t solve the South China Sea issue.

Image Credit: YouTube Still Shot / US Navy

 

Observers of Asian geopolitics are by now familiar with the legal challenge brought by the Philippines challenging China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea. Last year, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that it had jurisdiction over the main claims brought by the Philippines, rejecting China’s argument that the case presented a territorial dispute beyond the purview of the Court. A ruling on the merits of the case, including a ruling of the legality of China’s “nine-dash line” is expected in May or June of this year.

The case is a landmark for international law as a force in geopolitics. The case is also a landmark for the Court, as it is arguably the highest profile case in its 117 year history. The case also will have a real impact on the region’s geopolitics if the nine-dash line is formally ruled illegal. But no one should be under the impression that this case will end the dispute over control of the South China Sea — far from it. In fact, the Court’s ruling on jurisdiction was written in such a way that protects some of China’s most controversial claims from the scrutiny of legal arbitration and ensures that maritime disputes in the South China Sea will continue. To understand why requires a precise understanding of exactly what the Court said in its ruling on jurisdiction and how China’s arguments in the case effectively narrowed any potential ruling to shield some of China’s most important claims from the Court’s reach.

China did not formally participate in the case, though it did publish a position paper that the Court treated as a brief. In its position paper, China argued that the Court had no jurisdiction over the nine-dash line because it is based on underlying claims to territory (namely, China’s claims to the island chains of the South China Sea) and the Court is expressly prohibited from deciding territorial disputes. Essentially, China argued that the Court could not rule on the legality of the nine-dash line because it did not have the power to decide the underlying dispute over control of the Spratly Islands.
China’s paper was right insofar as the Court can’t rule on a territorial dispute. China’s position paper forced the Philippines to find a legal argument that would allow the Court to rule on the nine-dash line without having to rule on the question of which party had the stronger claim to the Spratly Islands. The Philippines chose to argue that even if all of China’s claims to the islands of the South China Sea were accepted as legitimate, the nine-dash line would still exceed what China would be entitled to under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Philippines argued that even if China’s claims to the Spratlys were accepted, they would still only have either 12 miles of territorial waters (the Philippine position) or a 200 mile exclusive economic zone (the Chinese position). In either case, China’s rights would not come anywhere near the claims made under the nine-dash line.  The Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to decide on the legality of the nine-dash line because deciding this question did not require a ruling on who owned the Spratlys. The line would exceed China’s possible claims regardless of how the underlying territorial question was ultimately resolved.

The Philippines’ argument was a clever solution to a difficult problem, but it also reveals the limits of the Philippines’ lawfare strategy. Because the question of who owns the Spratly Islands had to be removed from the Court’s consideration, none of China’s claims to these islands will be dented at all by the outcome of the case. This means that even if, as is expected, the Court rules the nine-dash line exceeds any plausible Chinese claims under international maritime law, this won’t end the dispute in the South China Sea. China would still be claiming to own the Spratly Islands.

China’s arguments in its position paper didn’t stop the Court from hearing the case but they did get China’s position heard without having to acknowledge the legitimacy of the court’s proceedings. It was also effective in shaping the terms of the debate before the Court. China has managed to ensure that even if the Court strikes down the nine-dash line, many of China’s other claims will survive.

Further, China has essentially gotten the Court to admit it has no jurisdiction to ever decide China’s claims to the Spratly Islands. This ensures that China’s ambitious efforts to militarize the islands will continue and the dispute in the South China Sea won’t ultimately be settled in a courtroom.

[John Ford is a Captain in the US Army JAG Corps and now serves as a reservist. He holds a J.D. and LL.M. and practices with the California law firm Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP.]

http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/philippines-v-china-wont-end-south-china-sea-disputes/

Group remembers Jabidah Massacre, says no to Marcos as VP

From the pro-CPP online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Mar 18): Group remembers Jabidah Massacre, says no to Marcos as VP

BULATLAT FILE PHOTO

“Today, March 18, is the 48th anniversary of the infamous Jabidah massacre, one of the many blood debts of the Marcos dictatorship to the Moro people.”

An interfaith group called on the public not to vote for vice presidential aspirant Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose candidacy, they said, is an insult to the Moro victims of martial law, specially those who died in the Jabidah massacre in 1968.

“Today, March 18, is the 48th anniversary of the infamous Jabidah massacre, one of the many blood debts of the Marcos dictatorship to the Moro people that remains unresolved and cries for justice to this day,” said the Moro-Christian People’s Alliance (MCPA) in a statement.

Antonio Liongson, MCPA spokesperson, called Marcos’s candidacy “an affront to the sensibilities of the Moro people, especially to the families and relatives of the victims of the Jabidah massacre of the Marcos Dictatorship.”

“The families and relatives of the victims of the Jabidah massacre are still crying for justice. But the dictator’s son, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr is determined to perpetuate the legacy of lying, denial and cover ups of the 1968 Jabidah massacre as he refuses to acknowledge the crimes against humanity committed by his father’s tyrannical rule.” Liongson said.

On that fateful day, some 23 to 28 young Moro recruits were gunned down and killed by their military trainers in Corregidor Island in Manila Bay, after they resisted and complained about the harsh training conditions. The Moro youths were recruited by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for Oplan Merdeka, the Marcos dictatorship’s covert operation plan to destabilize and reclaim Sabah in North Borneo, Malaysia, which the Philippines claims to have historical rights as territory.

MCPA said the incident outraged the Moro community and sparked rebellion in Mindanao, leading to “the rebirth of the Moro people’s armed struggle for freedom and independence” and the formation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1969.

The Marcos dictatorship responded with an iron fist. “Marcos martial rule has murdered thousands of innocent Moros without mercy — men, women, children and elderly — in its campaign to crush the Moro resistance in Mindanao,” Liongson said.
March 18 is now commemorated as Bangsamoro Freedom Day, in accordance with the Muslim Mindanao Act.

“In remembering and honoring the victims of Jabidah massacre, the MCPA calls on the Moro people to resoundingly frustrate Sen. Bongbong Marcos’ attempt to reclaim his family’s political power by becoming vice-president, a step to the presidency,” Liongson said.

http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/03/18/group-remembers-jabidah-massacre-says-no-to-marcos-as-vp/