From MindaNews (Feb 23): Mindanao sultanates support peace efforts, federalism
Sultanates in Mindanao on Thursday declared support to the peace efforts and proposal for a shift to a federal form of government of the Duterte administration.
The sultanates issued their stand during the “1st Grand Summit of the Confederation of Royal Sultanates in Mindanao” which carried the theme “In Unity There is Strength, In Solidarity, There is Peace” at the Davao Convention Center.
Sultan Kudarat Rep. Suharto T. Mangudadatu told reporters that the gathering is essential to the success of the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
He said that although the sultans no longer exercise political powers, as traditional leaders, they still command respect among the Moro people that dates back to the pre-colonial period.
He said that the traditional leaders have formed a confederation to strengthen the Moro people to ensure the success of the peace efforts with the MILF and the MNLF.
“The Mindanao Sultanates believe in the Duterte administration and are very positive about his leadership to bring change in Mindanao and the entire Philippines,” he said.
Datu Manaros Simbaan, of the Royal Sultanate of Masiu, said that the convergence is “a symbol of unity” among the traditional leaders who seek peace and development in Mindanao through the government’s peace efforts and push for a shift to federalism.
He said he was disappointed when the Aquino administration downplayed the role of the sultanates and excluded them in the crafting of the abortive Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“All stakeholders of Mindanao must be represented in order to know the strategy to succeed in the peace process. The sultanates – they are the chieftains of their communities where they can express the real sentiment of their own people,” he said.
“Although we do not have the power like a barangay captain, mayor, governors, but when it comes to our families, our clans, we have a say because they listen to us,” said Datu Tungko Saikol, a sultanate of Raja Buayan.
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/02/mindanao-sultanates-support-peace-efforts-federalism/
Thursday, February 23, 2017
ARMM investment officials: Sulu piracy affects region's int'l trade
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): ARMM investment officials: Sulu piracy affects region's int'l trade
Investment officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed alarm over piracy attacks in Sulu as international trade at Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao is affected.
The port, situated within the ARMM Economic Zone in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, serves as the major gateway for international trade in the ARMM and mainland Mindanao.
Lawyer Ishak Mastura, ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) chair, said reports have reached his office from the port management and ARMM investors that international shipping to Polloc has been put on hold due to piracy in the Sulu Seas.
"While we mourn the tragic loss of life and empathize with those abducted, we are deeply concerned that the bane of piracy in the Sulu Sea has affected our international trade leading to revenue losses for the ARMM regional government, which owns and operates Polloc Port," Mastura said in a statement in reaction to the latest piracy incident.
The latest piratical attack which happened this week was on a Vietnamese ship headed for Polloc Port.
The bulk carrier Giang Hai was attacked by armed pirates in the Sulu Sea, some 20 nautical miles north off Pearl Bank in Tawi-Tawi province, which is part of ARMM.
The vessel was carrying 4,500 tons of cement from Indonesia destined for Polloc Port, when it was approached by a motor boat with heavily armed men who tried to cross the route of the vessel.
One of the 25-man crew member was killed while seven were abducted. They include Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Dutch, German and Japanese nationals.
Reports said 17 others were rescued by the Philippines Coast Guard, which then pursued the attackers.
Hexan Mabang, Polloc Port manager, said this latest act of piracy prompted several shipments of cement and other cargo to be suspended as shippers refused to charter vessels passing the Sulu Sea headed for Polloc Port and other ports in Mindanao.
Christopher Lu, a local investor registered with RBOI-ARMM who was expecting a cargo shipment of wood chips and sundry bulk cargo from Malaysia and Indonesia, said the shipper refused to proceed after learning of the latest attack.
Meanwhile, Haron Bandila of the ARMM Business Council also expressed alarm over the possible effects of piracy in the Sulu Sea to the ongoing peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is based mainly in mainland Mindanao.
"I am afraid that talking with just the MILF cannot resolve the piracy in the Sulu Sea. The MILF leadership and following are not Tausugs so how can they understand what the Tausug pirates want and bring them to the fold of the peace process?" Bandila asked.
"We hope that the increasing piracy in the Sulu Sea, including the abduction of sailors, do not become a severe setback to the peace process because it seems the peace process cannot address such security risks like this piracy," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966535
Investment officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed alarm over piracy attacks in Sulu as international trade at Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao is affected.
The port, situated within the ARMM Economic Zone in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, serves as the major gateway for international trade in the ARMM and mainland Mindanao.
Lawyer Ishak Mastura, ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) chair, said reports have reached his office from the port management and ARMM investors that international shipping to Polloc has been put on hold due to piracy in the Sulu Seas.
"While we mourn the tragic loss of life and empathize with those abducted, we are deeply concerned that the bane of piracy in the Sulu Sea has affected our international trade leading to revenue losses for the ARMM regional government, which owns and operates Polloc Port," Mastura said in a statement in reaction to the latest piracy incident.
The latest piratical attack which happened this week was on a Vietnamese ship headed for Polloc Port.
The bulk carrier Giang Hai was attacked by armed pirates in the Sulu Sea, some 20 nautical miles north off Pearl Bank in Tawi-Tawi province, which is part of ARMM.
The vessel was carrying 4,500 tons of cement from Indonesia destined for Polloc Port, when it was approached by a motor boat with heavily armed men who tried to cross the route of the vessel.
One of the 25-man crew member was killed while seven were abducted. They include Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Dutch, German and Japanese nationals.
Reports said 17 others were rescued by the Philippines Coast Guard, which then pursued the attackers.
Hexan Mabang, Polloc Port manager, said this latest act of piracy prompted several shipments of cement and other cargo to be suspended as shippers refused to charter vessels passing the Sulu Sea headed for Polloc Port and other ports in Mindanao.
Christopher Lu, a local investor registered with RBOI-ARMM who was expecting a cargo shipment of wood chips and sundry bulk cargo from Malaysia and Indonesia, said the shipper refused to proceed after learning of the latest attack.
Meanwhile, Haron Bandila of the ARMM Business Council also expressed alarm over the possible effects of piracy in the Sulu Sea to the ongoing peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is based mainly in mainland Mindanao.
"I am afraid that talking with just the MILF cannot resolve the piracy in the Sulu Sea. The MILF leadership and following are not Tausugs so how can they understand what the Tausug pirates want and bring them to the fold of the peace process?" Bandila asked.
"We hope that the increasing piracy in the Sulu Sea, including the abduction of sailors, do not become a severe setback to the peace process because it seems the peace process cannot address such security risks like this piracy," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966535
Govt forces in Bulacan on alert following NPA sightings
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): Govt forces in Bulacan on alert following NPA sightings
Government forces in this province, particularly those assigned in the north eastern part of Bulacan, are on alert following confirmed sightings of band of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Dona Remedios Trinidad town and in the mountains of Umiray, Aurora which is close to the mountain town of Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., made this disclosure during the Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held at the Hiyas Convention Center here on Thursday morning.
Caramat told PPOC chairman and Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando that a band of NPA rebels were first sighted in the mountain village of Kabayunan, Dona Remedios Trinidad on Feb. 7.
He said that based on intelligence reports and sources that was verified by the 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under the command of Lt. Col. Ramil Anoyo, the communists guerrillas were on procurement missions.
He said the rebel band bought dresses, combat boots, 100 bullet rounds of M203 grenade rifle and 10,000 rounds of M16 rifles.
Alvarado said both the police and military should be vigilant since Bulacan has already been declared insurgent -free by the Philippine Army in 2013, during the time of AFP chief Gregorio Pio Catapang.
He also said that while no violent incidents have been reported for so many years now, the government troops assigned in Bulacan must always remain on alert and vigilant because the anniversary of the NPA will take place next month and they might do some surprises in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966587
Government forces in this province, particularly those assigned in the north eastern part of Bulacan, are on alert following confirmed sightings of band of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Dona Remedios Trinidad town and in the mountains of Umiray, Aurora which is close to the mountain town of Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Bulacan acting police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., made this disclosure during the Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting held at the Hiyas Convention Center here on Thursday morning.
Caramat told PPOC chairman and Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando that a band of NPA rebels were first sighted in the mountain village of Kabayunan, Dona Remedios Trinidad on Feb. 7.
He said that based on intelligence reports and sources that was verified by the 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under the command of Lt. Col. Ramil Anoyo, the communists guerrillas were on procurement missions.
He said the rebel band bought dresses, combat boots, 100 bullet rounds of M203 grenade rifle and 10,000 rounds of M16 rifles.
Alvarado said both the police and military should be vigilant since Bulacan has already been declared insurgent -free by the Philippine Army in 2013, during the time of AFP chief Gregorio Pio Catapang.
He also said that while no violent incidents have been reported for so many years now, the government troops assigned in Bulacan must always remain on alert and vigilant because the anniversary of the NPA will take place next month and they might do some surprises in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966587
Leyte, Samar remain peaceful amid halt in peace talks with Reds
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): Leyte, Samar remain peaceful amid halt in peace talks with Reds
The Philippine Army reported that Eastern Visayas region remained peaceful despite the termination of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.
Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Raul Farnacio said Leyte and Samar provinces have been spared by recent atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Farnacio attributed the situation to the fact that one of the key rebel leaders in the region is a priest, who is also searching for genuine peace. The official is referring to Fr. Santiago Salas, the National Democratic Front (NDF) Eastern Visayas spokesperson.
“Fr. Salas adheres to the peace agreement of the negotiating panel and there is a big chance that they are really pursuing peace, once and for all,” he said.
“I believe that he is aware of the consequence that warring parties had brought to the region, especially to worsening poverty incidence in Samar provinces.”
Farnacio noted that even in Western Visayas where rebels are led by a priest, there are no atrocities as well.
Although there were reported tactical moves by rebels, the official said no violence had been perpetrated by communist rebels recently unlike in other parts of the country where there are attacks, abduction of soldiers, and burning of equipment.
Recently, three NDF leaders in the region have conveyed their intention to continue with the peace talks.
Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain consisting of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.
Since the early stages of the rebellion, Samar Island has been considered to be a rebel stronghold with 11 percent of all NPA-related incidents having taken place in the three provinces, the same study revealed.
The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966631
The Philippine Army reported that Eastern Visayas region remained peaceful despite the termination of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.
Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Raul Farnacio said Leyte and Samar provinces have been spared by recent atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Farnacio attributed the situation to the fact that one of the key rebel leaders in the region is a priest, who is also searching for genuine peace. The official is referring to Fr. Santiago Salas, the National Democratic Front (NDF) Eastern Visayas spokesperson.
“Fr. Salas adheres to the peace agreement of the negotiating panel and there is a big chance that they are really pursuing peace, once and for all,” he said.
“I believe that he is aware of the consequence that warring parties had brought to the region, especially to worsening poverty incidence in Samar provinces.”
Farnacio noted that even in Western Visayas where rebels are led by a priest, there are no atrocities as well.
Although there were reported tactical moves by rebels, the official said no violence had been perpetrated by communist rebels recently unlike in other parts of the country where there are attacks, abduction of soldiers, and burning of equipment.
Recently, three NDF leaders in the region have conveyed their intention to continue with the peace talks.
Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain consisting of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.
Since the early stages of the rebellion, Samar Island has been considered to be a rebel stronghold with 11 percent of all NPA-related incidents having taken place in the three provinces, the same study revealed.
The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966631
5 NPA rebels yield in Masbate -- Solcom official
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): 5 NPA rebels yield in Masbate -- Solcom official
Five suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bacolod, Milagros town in Masbate on Thursday afternoon, an Army spokesperson said.
Maj. Virgilio Perez, spokesperson of the Southern Luzon Command based at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, said the communist rebels brought with them five firearms that included an M16 Armalite rifle, M14 rifle, M1 carbine, .45-cal. and .38-cal. pistols when they surrendered at the Army headquarters at 1:40 p.m.
The surrenderers requested that their identities be withheld for the meantime.
Perez said the surrender of the five rebels resulted from the continuous military offensive operations in Masbate province under Col.Fernando Trinidad, commander of the 903rd Brigade.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966753
Five suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Bacolod, Milagros town in Masbate on Thursday afternoon, an Army spokesperson said.
Maj. Virgilio Perez, spokesperson of the Southern Luzon Command based at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, said the communist rebels brought with them five firearms that included an M16 Armalite rifle, M14 rifle, M1 carbine, .45-cal. and .38-cal. pistols when they surrendered at the Army headquarters at 1:40 p.m.
The surrenderers requested that their identities be withheld for the meantime.
Perez said the surrender of the five rebels resulted from the continuous military offensive operations in Masbate province under Col.Fernando Trinidad, commander of the 903rd Brigade.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966753
Maguindanao farmers get livelihood aid from GPH-MILF peace panels
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): Maguindanao farmers get livelihood aid from GPH-MILF peace panels
Leaders of farmers' groups here were elated by the livelihood projects extended them by the government and Moro rebels peace panels.
A huge warehouse, a wide solar dryer and a Corn Sheller will now help farmers bring farm produce to the market at less expenses, increasing their profitability and productivity.
On Thursday morning, Government Implementing Panel Chair Irene Santiago, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Rolly Asuncion, European Union Program Manager Emily Mercado and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF's) Atty. Haron Meling and Abhoud Syed M. Lingga turned over the facilities to the Ampatuan Bangsamoro Farmers' Association.
"Di na kami gagastos ng halos kalahati ng aming benta para dalhin sa bayan ang aming mga mais upang i-sheller at ibilad (Now, we don't need to spend almost half of our income from our harvests just to shell and dry our corns at the town center)," Bangsamoro Farmers Association president Norodin Baguinda said.
He personally received the turnover certificate of a Warehouse, Solar Dryer and Corn Sheller from the GPH and MILF peace panel representatives in ceremonies held here.
The turnover ceremony and completion program was held in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao one of the communities comprising Camp Omar, a camp identified with the MILF.
Peter Dedumo of OPAPP Mindanao said the project will benefit 1,008 Tedurays, Maguindanons and Ilongos in the village who were identified by the GPH-MILF Joint Task Force on Camps Transformation (JTFCT).
The project is part of the Camps Program funded by the Mindanao Trust Fund-Rehabilitation and Dev't Program (MTF-RDP) and implemented by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) for the six acknowledged MILF camps in the GPH-MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966702
Leaders of farmers' groups here were elated by the livelihood projects extended them by the government and Moro rebels peace panels.
A huge warehouse, a wide solar dryer and a Corn Sheller will now help farmers bring farm produce to the market at less expenses, increasing their profitability and productivity.
On Thursday morning, Government Implementing Panel Chair Irene Santiago, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Rolly Asuncion, European Union Program Manager Emily Mercado and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF's) Atty. Haron Meling and Abhoud Syed M. Lingga turned over the facilities to the Ampatuan Bangsamoro Farmers' Association.
"Di na kami gagastos ng halos kalahati ng aming benta para dalhin sa bayan ang aming mga mais upang i-sheller at ibilad (Now, we don't need to spend almost half of our income from our harvests just to shell and dry our corns at the town center)," Bangsamoro Farmers Association president Norodin Baguinda said.
He personally received the turnover certificate of a Warehouse, Solar Dryer and Corn Sheller from the GPH and MILF peace panel representatives in ceremonies held here.
The turnover ceremony and completion program was held in Barangay Saniag, Ampatuan, Maguindanao one of the communities comprising Camp Omar, a camp identified with the MILF.
Peter Dedumo of OPAPP Mindanao said the project will benefit 1,008 Tedurays, Maguindanons and Ilongos in the village who were identified by the GPH-MILF Joint Task Force on Camps Transformation (JTFCT).
The project is part of the Camps Program funded by the Mindanao Trust Fund-Rehabilitation and Dev't Program (MTF-RDP) and implemented by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) for the six acknowledged MILF camps in the GPH-MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=966702
2 JMSDF TC-90s aircraft to be delivered on March 27
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): 2 JMSDF TC-90s aircraft to be delivered on March 27
The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will deliver two of the five leased turbo-prop TC-90 aircraft to the Philippine Navy's (PN) Sangley Point air facility on March 27.
This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Thursday.
The aircraft will be delivered to the country by JMSDF pilots and will be formally transferred to the Navy on the same day.
Lincuna said the remaining three TC-90s will be transferred to the Navy before the end of the year.
He added that the TC-90s will be used to augment the existing Norman-Britten BN-2 Islander fleet, which the Navy uses in patrol, surveillance and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and rapid assessment missions.
Last November, two PN pilots and six air crews left for Japan to start their TC-90 flight training.
The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the Philippines will re-equip the TC-90s as Japan has stripped them of some equipment, including their surveillance systems.
The country will pay Japan USD7,000 each for the first four aircraft yearly and only USD200 for the fifth, for total of USD28,200 as stipulated in its lease agreement.
The DND added it is also looking at the possibility of using the TC-90 for 20 years while the military is upgrading its equipment.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized Feb. 29 last year.
The TC-90's patrol range is double that of a small Philippine aircraft, which only has a maximum range of 300 km.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966600
The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) will deliver two of the five leased turbo-prop TC-90 aircraft to the Philippine Navy's (PN) Sangley Point air facility on March 27.
This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Thursday.
The aircraft will be delivered to the country by JMSDF pilots and will be formally transferred to the Navy on the same day.
Lincuna said the remaining three TC-90s will be transferred to the Navy before the end of the year.
He added that the TC-90s will be used to augment the existing Norman-Britten BN-2 Islander fleet, which the Navy uses in patrol, surveillance and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and rapid assessment missions.
Last November, two PN pilots and six air crews left for Japan to start their TC-90 flight training.
The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the Philippines will re-equip the TC-90s as Japan has stripped them of some equipment, including their surveillance systems.
The country will pay Japan USD7,000 each for the first four aircraft yearly and only USD200 for the fifth, for total of USD28,200 as stipulated in its lease agreement.
The DND added it is also looking at the possibility of using the TC-90 for 20 years while the military is upgrading its equipment.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized Feb. 29 last year.
The TC-90's patrol range is double that of a small Philippine aircraft, which only has a maximum range of 300 km.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966600
AFP conducting simple rites, activities for EDSA-1 anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): AFP conducting simple rites, activities for EDSA-1 anniversary
As the nation celebrates the 31st anniversary of the EDSA People Power 1 on Feb. 25, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will conduct simple rites and activities in honor of the bloodless revolt.
Activities include a Catholic Mass that will be held at the Grandstand of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, which will be followed by awarding ceremonies for civilians and other stakeholders who played a valuable role during EDSA 1, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
Aside from this, a wreath-laying ceremony, spearheaded by former president Fidel Ramos, will be held at the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, Mandaluyong on Saturday.
The AFP's commemoration of EDSA 1 formally started on the morning of Feb. 22 when a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The flowers came from President Rodrigo Duterte, Arevalo said.
Despite the relative simplicity of this year's rites, the AFP official said what is important is that the AFP, as ordered by its head Gen. Eduardo Año, is showing its solidarity with the people on this important historical occasion for Filipinos.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966565
As the nation celebrates the 31st anniversary of the EDSA People Power 1 on Feb. 25, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will conduct simple rites and activities in honor of the bloodless revolt.
Activities include a Catholic Mass that will be held at the Grandstand of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, which will be followed by awarding ceremonies for civilians and other stakeholders who played a valuable role during EDSA 1, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
Aside from this, a wreath-laying ceremony, spearheaded by former president Fidel Ramos, will be held at the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas, Mandaluyong on Saturday.
The AFP's commemoration of EDSA 1 formally started on the morning of Feb. 22 when a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The flowers came from President Rodrigo Duterte, Arevalo said.
Despite the relative simplicity of this year's rites, the AFP official said what is important is that the AFP, as ordered by its head Gen. Eduardo Año, is showing its solidarity with the people on this important historical occasion for Filipinos.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966565
PHL not abandoning territorial claim-- Yasay
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23): PHL not abandoning territorial claim-- Yasay
The Philippines continues to assert its claims over territories in the South China Sea (SCS).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. stressed Thursday that the government is not about to abandon the country’s territorial claims in the SCS.
Yasay also made a clarification on what he told the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday that the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration last year only covered whether or not certain portions of the disputed water are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone
"My position—and this is the position of the government, and this is the legal position also taken by the arbitral tribunal in its decision—is that the disputed territory in the South China Sea has never been adjudged to be belonging to any particular country," he said.
Yasay maintained that the court's decision was on "whether or not the South China Sea that we have claimed is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone, not our territory, because even as they have ruled in our favor overwhelmingly, this territory continues to be international waters."
He explained there is "no decision" on both the claim of China based on the nine-dash-line and the Philippines' claim of owning certain islands in this disputed territories.
"Therefore, the question about whether or not the Philippines own these islands or these features, or these areas or China ruling these islands, features, or areas has no legal basis under international law as yet," he said.
He added that these will have to be determined by another tribunal of competent jurisdiction.
He stressed that the official position of the Philippines insofar as certain features it occupies such as Pag-asa island, is that "we have possession, legal possession of this territory."
He said it "can bloom into ownership, can bloom into part of our territory" when the appropriate arbitral tribunal and international law will be able to make a determination on that basis.
However, Yasay asserted that if China were to engage in "provocative actions in encroaching into our 12-mile territorial limit" as is recognized under international law as part of Philippine territory, the Philippines "will have to make sure we will be asserting ourselves, defending ourselves, even using our force if necessary.
He further said that in filing the Philippines' case before the arbitral tribunal, "we never raise the issue on who owns those features. We never raise the issue on whoowns that part of the sea that we have dispute with China."
"And it is in that context that I have also said that the decisionof the arbitral tribunal did not pass upon the territorial ownershipof these features of the sea, but simply ruled on whether or not thisdisputed area in the context of the 1982 UNCLOS is part of ourexclusive economic zone."
He added that the arbitral tribunal in fact resoundingly validated the Philippines' position that it also said that the claims ofChina under the nine dash line has no legal basis at all.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966633
The Philippines continues to assert its claims over territories in the South China Sea (SCS).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. stressed Thursday that the government is not about to abandon the country’s territorial claims in the SCS.
Yasay also made a clarification on what he told the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday that the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration last year only covered whether or not certain portions of the disputed water are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone
"My position—and this is the position of the government, and this is the legal position also taken by the arbitral tribunal in its decision—is that the disputed territory in the South China Sea has never been adjudged to be belonging to any particular country," he said.
Yasay maintained that the court's decision was on "whether or not the South China Sea that we have claimed is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone, not our territory, because even as they have ruled in our favor overwhelmingly, this territory continues to be international waters."
He explained there is "no decision" on both the claim of China based on the nine-dash-line and the Philippines' claim of owning certain islands in this disputed territories.
"Therefore, the question about whether or not the Philippines own these islands or these features, or these areas or China ruling these islands, features, or areas has no legal basis under international law as yet," he said.
He added that these will have to be determined by another tribunal of competent jurisdiction.
He stressed that the official position of the Philippines insofar as certain features it occupies such as Pag-asa island, is that "we have possession, legal possession of this territory."
He said it "can bloom into ownership, can bloom into part of our territory" when the appropriate arbitral tribunal and international law will be able to make a determination on that basis.
However, Yasay asserted that if China were to engage in "provocative actions in encroaching into our 12-mile territorial limit" as is recognized under international law as part of Philippine territory, the Philippines "will have to make sure we will be asserting ourselves, defending ourselves, even using our force if necessary.
He further said that in filing the Philippines' case before the arbitral tribunal, "we never raise the issue on who owns those features. We never raise the issue on whoowns that part of the sea that we have dispute with China."
"And it is in that context that I have also said that the decisionof the arbitral tribunal did not pass upon the territorial ownershipof these features of the sea, but simply ruled on whether or not thisdisputed area in the context of the 1982 UNCLOS is part of ourexclusive economic zone."
He added that the arbitral tribunal in fact resoundingly validated the Philippines' position that it also said that the claims ofChina under the nine dash line has no legal basis at all.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=966633
AFP confident to rescue Kantner before his execution
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 22): AFP confident to rescue Kantner before his execution
The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) said that the military leadership is confident that government troops can rescue German hostage Jurgen Kantner before his reported execution at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26.
Kantner, remains in the hands of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in a still undisclosed location in Mindanao.
Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo said that government troops are working doubly hard to find the location of the kidnappers and the kidnap victim.
Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año confidently says that they will be able to rescue Kantner from the bandits.
“Just like what we have been saying, until he’s alive there is still hope. We are not stopping and that’s what we like to emphasize. There might be times that we are silent, there’s a lull but it doesn’t mean, that is not the case on the ground,” he added.
Arevalo said that the troops on the ground continue to conduct intensified operations against the bandits and rescue the victim.
He added that they initially have information where the bandits and kidnap victim are but they cannot disclose it.
“We have information where they are but we cannot divulge it as of this time,” he said.
Earlier, the commander of the AFP Joint Task Force Sulu assured that they are doing everything they can to rescue Kantner who remains in the hands of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/02/22/afp-confident-to-rescue-kantner-before-his-execution/
The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) said that the military leadership is confident that government troops can rescue German hostage Jurgen Kantner before his reported execution at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 26.
Kantner, remains in the hands of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in a still undisclosed location in Mindanao.
MB FILE — Abducted German national Jurgen Kantner. (Photo screen grabbed form the released video) | Manila Bulletin
Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año confidently says that they will be able to rescue Kantner from the bandits.
“Just like what we have been saying, until he’s alive there is still hope. We are not stopping and that’s what we like to emphasize. There might be times that we are silent, there’s a lull but it doesn’t mean, that is not the case on the ground,” he added.
Arevalo said that the troops on the ground continue to conduct intensified operations against the bandits and rescue the victim.
He added that they initially have information where the bandits and kidnap victim are but they cannot disclose it.
“We have information where they are but we cannot divulge it as of this time,” he said.
Earlier, the commander of the AFP Joint Task Force Sulu assured that they are doing everything they can to rescue Kantner who remains in the hands of suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/02/22/afp-confident-to-rescue-kantner-before-his-execution/
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Soldier wounded in Sulu clash
From the Sun Star-Manila (Feb 22): Soldier wounded in Sulu clash
A SOLDIER was wounded Wednesday in an encounter with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Carlito Galvez Jr. said the 10-minute clash between troops of the 69th Infantry Battalion and at least 20 ASG members started around 8:44 a.m. in Barangay Paligi, Indanan town.
Galvez said the clash occurred while the troops were conducting search and rescue operations of the ASG hostages. Galvez said the Abu Sayyaf bandits were led by a commander Aldin Bagadi.
"Our troops are currently on the ground to pin down the Abu Sayyaf who are on the run and are evading military forces," he said, adding that the wounded soldier was immediately brought to the nearby hospital for treatment.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2017/02/22/soldier-wounded-sulu-clash-527224
A SOLDIER was wounded Wednesday in an encounter with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Carlito Galvez Jr. said the 10-minute clash between troops of the 69th Infantry Battalion and at least 20 ASG members started around 8:44 a.m. in Barangay Paligi, Indanan town.
Galvez said the clash occurred while the troops were conducting search and rescue operations of the ASG hostages. Galvez said the Abu Sayyaf bandits were led by a commander Aldin Bagadi.
"Our troops are currently on the ground to pin down the Abu Sayyaf who are on the run and are evading military forces," he said, adding that the wounded soldier was immediately brought to the nearby hospital for treatment.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2017/02/22/soldier-wounded-sulu-clash-527224
NPA attempt to burn heavy equipment in Quezon foiled
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 22): NPA attempt to burn heavy equipment in Quezon foiled
A suspected band of New People’s Army rebels tried but failed to destroy heavy construction equipment in Catanauan town in Quezon province shortly before midnight Tuesday, police said Wednesday.
“The communist terrorists tried but the immediate action of our forces thwarted their attempt to commit another violence,” Senior Supt. Rhoderick Armamento, Quezon police provincial director, said.
Report said local police, Army soldiers and firemen went to the Strong Hand Builders batching plant in Barangay (village) Cutucutan, 15 kilometers away from the town proper, around 11 p.m. in response to a phone call from the caretaker of the plant on the arson attempt.
Senior Police Officer 1 Lerma Cabangon, one of the policemen, said they found six gallons of gasoline under a pay-loader equipment and a newly ignited fire to trigger the blaze.
Cabangon said policemen and Army soldiers immediately secured the site and later escorted the transfer of heavy equipment to a safe place. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/874175/npa-attempt-to-burn-heavy-equipment-in-quezon-foiled
A suspected band of New People’s Army rebels tried but failed to destroy heavy construction equipment in Catanauan town in Quezon province shortly before midnight Tuesday, police said Wednesday.
“The communist terrorists tried but the immediate action of our forces thwarted their attempt to commit another violence,” Senior Supt. Rhoderick Armamento, Quezon police provincial director, said.
Report said local police, Army soldiers and firemen went to the Strong Hand Builders batching plant in Barangay (village) Cutucutan, 15 kilometers away from the town proper, around 11 p.m. in response to a phone call from the caretaker of the plant on the arson attempt.
Senior Police Officer 1 Lerma Cabangon, one of the policemen, said they found six gallons of gasoline under a pay-loader equipment and a newly ignited fire to trigger the blaze.
Cabangon said policemen and Army soldiers immediately secured the site and later escorted the transfer of heavy equipment to a safe place. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/874175/npa-attempt-to-burn-heavy-equipment-in-quezon-foiled
Reds to release 6 prisoners of war for resumption of talks
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Feb 23): Reds to release 6 prisoners of war for resumption of talks
In this file photo taken on August 26, 2016, guerrilla fighters of the New People’s Army prepare their formation at the start of the ceremony for the release of its two captive police officers in a village in Lupon, Davao Oriental. (davaotoday.com file photo)
As a gesture of support on the resumption of peace talks, the National Democratic Front in Mindanao announced Thursday the slated released of the six prisoners of wars who were held captive by the New People’s Army.
In a statement dated February 17, NDF-Mindanao Spokesperson Ka Joaquin Jacinto said that PO2 Jerome Anthony Natividad, Pfc. Edwin Salan, Sgt. Solaiman Calucop, Pfc. Samuel Garay and Cafgu Active Auxiliary Rene Doller and Carl Marc Nucos will be released by the NPA units in their respective regions. The statement was sent to media Thursday midnight.
“The NDFP in Mindanao urges the GRP to heed the call of the Filipino people for the resumption of formal talks with the NDFP, despite the absence of any ceasefire agreement,” Jacinto said.
He said the “Duterte government cannot, at this point, ignore this resounding call to set into motion the possible implementation of genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization.”
“If genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization are carried out to the satisfaction of Filipino peasants, workers and national minorities, millions will surely benefit and significantly improve their lives,” he pointed out.
Even as the NDF would want the peace talks with the government to resume, the communist group emphasized that the termination of its unilateral ceasefire was “necessary” after the government failed to fulfill its promise to release the more than 400 political detainees from their custody.
The NDF-Mindanao bashed also the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for “deliberately made the situation untenable” after the President Rodrigo Duterte declared an all-out war against the NPA after he unilaterally terminated the peace talks.
Jacinto claimed that in a span of nearly six months, the government troops have occupied hundreds of communities in both cities and the countryside in Mindanao and the rest of the country under the guise of the government’s previous anti-insurgency campaign Oplan Bayanihan and the new security plan Oplan Kapayapaan.
The state security forces’ continued operations under the AFP’s new security plan, according to Jacinto, has “threatened and harassed poor and innocent peasants and Lumad, causing many to flee their villages for fear of being captured, tortured, extra-judicially killed or massacred.”
“In this context, the NPA, in active-defense mode, was only duty-bound to launch offensives against operating AFP/PNP troops in order to defend these communities from state-sponsored atrocities,” Jacinto said.
He further explained that the “continued fighting in the field will remain standard in a protracted civil war, especially when the roots of such a conflict remain unresolved.”
“Under this condition, however, a continuing peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP becomes imperative, which, needless to say, opens doors to find possible genuine solutions to the basic social problems suffered by the people and pave the way to attain just and lasting peace,” he added.
In a statement dated February 17, NDF-Mindanao Spokesperson Ka Joaquin Jacinto said that PO2 Jerome Anthony Natividad, Pfc. Edwin Salan, Sgt. Solaiman Calucop, Pfc. Samuel Garay and Cafgu Active Auxiliary Rene Doller and Carl Marc Nucos will be released by the NPA units in their respective regions. The statement was sent to media Thursday midnight.
“The NDFP in Mindanao urges the GRP to heed the call of the Filipino people for the resumption of formal talks with the NDFP, despite the absence of any ceasefire agreement,” Jacinto said.
He said the “Duterte government cannot, at this point, ignore this resounding call to set into motion the possible implementation of genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization.”
“If genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization are carried out to the satisfaction of Filipino peasants, workers and national minorities, millions will surely benefit and significantly improve their lives,” he pointed out.
Even as the NDF would want the peace talks with the government to resume, the communist group emphasized that the termination of its unilateral ceasefire was “necessary” after the government failed to fulfill its promise to release the more than 400 political detainees from their custody.
The NDF-Mindanao bashed also the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for “deliberately made the situation untenable” after the President Rodrigo Duterte declared an all-out war against the NPA after he unilaterally terminated the peace talks.
Jacinto claimed that in a span of nearly six months, the government troops have occupied hundreds of communities in both cities and the countryside in Mindanao and the rest of the country under the guise of the government’s previous anti-insurgency campaign Oplan Bayanihan and the new security plan Oplan Kapayapaan.
The state security forces’ continued operations under the AFP’s new security plan, according to Jacinto, has “threatened and harassed poor and innocent peasants and Lumad, causing many to flee their villages for fear of being captured, tortured, extra-judicially killed or massacred.”
“In this context, the NPA, in active-defense mode, was only duty-bound to launch offensives against operating AFP/PNP troops in order to defend these communities from state-sponsored atrocities,” Jacinto said.
He further explained that the “continued fighting in the field will remain standard in a protracted civil war, especially when the roots of such a conflict remain unresolved.”
“Under this condition, however, a continuing peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP becomes imperative, which, needless to say, opens doors to find possible genuine solutions to the basic social problems suffered by the people and pave the way to attain just and lasting peace,” he added.
Air Force C-130 aircraft may soon fly for Philippine Food Skyway
From Update.Ph (Feb 23): Air Force C-130 aircraft may soon fly for Philippine Food Skyway
The Philippine Food Skyway Project was endorse by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said in a statement released in his official networking page. Piñol said this project that will utilize Philippine Air Force C-130 Cargo Transport aircraft is a longtime dream that he has nurtured.
“In a meeting which Speaker Alvarez called in Congress yesterday (February 19) attended by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform Rafael Mariano, National Irrigation Administrator Peter Laviña, the Undersecretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Congressman Arthur Yap of Bohol and other agencies involved in food production, the issue of the very high cost of transport of fruits and other high value products was discussed,” Piñol said.
On the said topic, Piñol said Alvarez “proposed the use of Air Force C-130 Cargo Planes to bring Mindanao’s fruits to Metro Manila, Baguio’s vegetables to the Visayas and Mindanao, and the fish from Zamboanga, Basilan, Tawitawi and Sulu to Cebu and Manila.”
“That was when I told Speaker Alvarez that his proposal was what I have long been suggesting to the national government – a concept of moving goods from one island to another in the country using cargo planes which I called the Philippine Food Skyway,” he said.
Piñol said Speaker Alvarez noted the Department of Agriculture does not have to buy the cargo planes as the Philippine Air Force could be directed by President Rody Duterte to undertake the transporting of the products.
“He said he will endorse to President Duterte the immediate implementation of the program, especially since the season of fruits in the Southern Philippines will start in August of this year,” Piñol said.
“With this development, the people of Baguio City will soon have an abundant supply of fresh fruits from Davao and fish and crabs from the Island Provinces,” the Agri chief said. “The people of the South soon will also have plenty of the Cordillera’s fresh vegetables and strawberries.”
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/air-force-c-130-aircraft-may-soon-fly-for-philippine-food-skyway/14750
The Philippine Food Skyway Project was endorse by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said in a statement released in his official networking page. Piñol said this project that will utilize Philippine Air Force C-130 Cargo Transport aircraft is a longtime dream that he has nurtured.
“In a meeting which Speaker Alvarez called in Congress yesterday (February 19) attended by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform Rafael Mariano, National Irrigation Administrator Peter Laviña, the Undersecretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Congressman Arthur Yap of Bohol and other agencies involved in food production, the issue of the very high cost of transport of fruits and other high value products was discussed,” Piñol said.
On the said topic, Piñol said Alvarez “proposed the use of Air Force C-130 Cargo Planes to bring Mindanao’s fruits to Metro Manila, Baguio’s vegetables to the Visayas and Mindanao, and the fish from Zamboanga, Basilan, Tawitawi and Sulu to Cebu and Manila.”
“That was when I told Speaker Alvarez that his proposal was what I have long been suggesting to the national government – a concept of moving goods from one island to another in the country using cargo planes which I called the Philippine Food Skyway,” he said.
Piñol said Speaker Alvarez noted the Department of Agriculture does not have to buy the cargo planes as the Philippine Air Force could be directed by President Rody Duterte to undertake the transporting of the products.
“He said he will endorse to President Duterte the immediate implementation of the program, especially since the season of fruits in the Southern Philippines will start in August of this year,” Piñol said.
“With this development, the people of Baguio City will soon have an abundant supply of fresh fruits from Davao and fish and crabs from the Island Provinces,” the Agri chief said. “The people of the South soon will also have plenty of the Cordillera’s fresh vegetables and strawberries.”
http://www.update.ph/2017/02/air-force-c-130-aircraft-may-soon-fly-for-philippine-food-skyway/14750
Duterte urged to create Bangsamoro transitional justice commission
From InterAksyon (Feb 22): Duterte urged to create Bangsamoro transitional justice commission
The commission is expected to help address deep-rooted grievances of the Bangsamoro people, which President Rodrigo Duterte often talks about
http://www.rappler.com/nation/162250-duterte-bangsamoro-transitional-justice-commission
The commission is expected to help address deep-rooted grievances of the Bangsamoro people, which President Rodrigo Duterte often talks about
PEACE FOR MINDANAO. President Rodrigo Duterte frequently mentions historical injustices committed against Muslims in Mindanao. File photo by Simeon Celi Jr/Presidential Photo
President Rodrigo Duterte, who frequently talks about historical injustices in Mindanao in his speeches, is being urged to create a commission to address deep-rooted grievances of the Bangsamoro people in order to bring about peace in the region.
The government implementing panel for the Bangsamoro peace accord is prioritizing the creation of such a body, called the National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission on the Bangsamoro.
The creation of the commission is among the recommendations by an independent body on how to address grievances of Mindanaoans which have long stood in the way of peace in the region.
Irene Santiago, chairperson of the government implementing panel, said such a commission is necessary for establishing programs on reconciliation and justice.
Irene Santiago, chairperson of the government implementing panel, said such a commission is necessary for establishing programs on reconciliation and justice.
Muslims of Mindanao cite abuses by Spanish, American, and Japanese colonial governments; land dispossession; forced displacement; and human rights violations by government as among the injustices that cast a shadow on the peace process.
"[The commission] is a priority because most of the recommendations are really the responsibility of that commission so if you want the implementation to go on already then we have that national commission," Santiago told Rappler on Monday, February 20.
She said she will urge President Rodrigo Duterte to either craft an executive order creating the commission or declare his support for a law creating such a body within the year.
"We'd like to do that as soon as possible. One of the things that I found is that healing and reconciliation is a very difficult thing. That's why people don't usually get into it because it's hard. You've had people who have had hurts and relationships that have been so injured for so long," she said.
The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), the independent body that made the recommendations, suggests a 7-member body.
Aside from a chairperson, there should be 4 sub-committee members, and 2 ex-officio members from civil society.
Bangsamoro monuments, history
TJRC chairperson Mo Bleeker said several of the 90 recommendations made by her group can be implemented "immediately," even before the signing of a basic law for the Bangsamoro region.
Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, lead coordinator of the TJRC Listening Process, said these "low-hanging fruits" include creating landmarks to commemorate sites of atrocities committed in the Bangsamoro region and integrating Bangsamoro history into the curricula of schools all over the country.
"[The commission] is a priority because most of the recommendations are really the responsibility of that commission so if you want the implementation to go on already then we have that national commission," Santiago told Rappler on Monday, February 20.
She said she will urge President Rodrigo Duterte to either craft an executive order creating the commission or declare his support for a law creating such a body within the year.
"We'd like to do that as soon as possible. One of the things that I found is that healing and reconciliation is a very difficult thing. That's why people don't usually get into it because it's hard. You've had people who have had hurts and relationships that have been so injured for so long," she said.
The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), the independent body that made the recommendations, suggests a 7-member body.
Aside from a chairperson, there should be 4 sub-committee members, and 2 ex-officio members from civil society.
Bangsamoro monuments, history
TJRC chairperson Mo Bleeker said several of the 90 recommendations made by her group can be implemented "immediately," even before the signing of a basic law for the Bangsamoro region.
Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, lead coordinator of the TJRC Listening Process, said these "low-hanging fruits" include creating landmarks to commemorate sites of atrocities committed in the Bangsamoro region and integrating Bangsamoro history into the curricula of schools all over the country.
"We should be teaching Moro history to the larger Philippine public which is still clueless to what happened in the past to the Bangsamoro people," she said.
Celebrating Mindanao icons of heroism may also help heal the hurt still in the hearts of the Bangsamoro people, said TJRC.
Fight vs extremism
TJRC members said addressing historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people is critical to stemming the tide of extremism in some parts of Mindanao.
Celebrating Mindanao icons of heroism may also help heal the hurt still in the hearts of the Bangsamoro people, said TJRC.
Fight vs extremism
TJRC members said addressing historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people is critical to stemming the tide of extremism in some parts of Mindanao.
Young Muslims in the region are particularly vulnerable to the siren song of extremist groups both in and outside the country.
"We see the young people, some of them already recruited by international extremist groups. These are borne out of frustrations. When they don't see anything good, they find alternatives," said Guiamel Alim, another TJRC Listening Process coordinator.
Cagoco-Guiam said she has heard of the indoctrination of young Muslims into "extremist thinking" in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga.
Cagoco-Guiam said she has heard of the indoctrination of young Muslims into "extremist thinking" in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga.
Santiago is confident that Duterte, the first Mindanaoan president, will champion the creation of the national transitional justice commission.
"The focus of his entire campaign has really been to correct historical injustices. No presidential candidate ever before him has spoken about historical injustice so this is the time to do it. I am very sure he's going to want that national commission established as soon as possible," said Santiago.
On Monday, the TJRC submitted its last reports to the government implementing panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front panel.
"The focus of his entire campaign has really been to correct historical injustices. No presidential candidate ever before him has spoken about historical injustice so this is the time to do it. I am very sure he's going to want that national commission established as soon as possible," said Santiago.
On Monday, the TJRC submitted its last reports to the government implementing panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front panel.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/162250-duterte-bangsamoro-transitional-justice-commission
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