MILF: Nonviolent Peaceforce, UNYPAD conduct FGD for Community Leaders in Lanao Del Sur

May 18, 2014, 8:49 am

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From the MILF Website (May 18): Nonviolent Peaceforce, UNYPAD conduct FGD for Community Leaders in Lanao Del Sur



The Nonviolent Peaceforce in the Philippines (NPP)—unarmed Peacekeeping Force, conducted focus group discussions (FDG) on strengthening the security sector and non-state actors’ efforts on peacebuilding.
  

The activity was facilitated by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) and was held on May 7, 2014 at Ressan Snack Inn, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

One of the participants said, “In our search for lasting peace in Mindanao, Lanao Del Sur is now beset with the so-called local clan feuds or ‘rido’ and ‘drug pushing,’ we attended this seminar so that we can be part in finding solutions to the problems or totally eradicate them.”

Reports said that alleged organized armed groups in the municipalities of Malabang and Picong are involved in “rido” and illegal drugs pushing.

According to UNYPAD Coastal Ranao Chapter, the FGD participants came from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and Political Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel, Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) monitors, professionals, representatives from religious groups, traditional leaders and some local government employees of Malabang.

The Chief of Police of Malabang town, Alrashed Tulawi asked for help and cooperation from different sectors in the locality in stabilizing peace and order situation in Malabang.

Aleem Said Mo’men, Committee on Da’wah in Ranao Region, said, “Without support from local government and the security sector, including non-state actors, it is too difficult to settle local conflicts involving warring clans or families.” “Rido and illegal drugs-related problems couldn’t be addressed in our area without their help,” he stressed. 

A member of Markazzoshabab Fil Philippine, Aleem Alioden Dimaayao disclosed that despite the presence and efforts of the security sector assigned in Malabang, the problem on “rido” and illegal drugs pushing remained unresolved.

“I believe that the only solution is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Congress so that the Bangsamoro Government can fully implement its provisions and solve once and for all the nagging problems on family feuds and illegal drugs”, Dimaayao said.

The Brigade Commander of Inner Guard Base, BIAF-MILF, “Lemon 3” expressed his support on matters that pertain to security and safety of civilians.

He said, “if the PNP and AFP will ask for help, the BIAF is always ready to help for the sake of stability and peace in Lanao Del Sur”.

The Chief Administrative Officer of 115th Base Command, Datu Tery strongly recommended to the PNP to identify and arrest individuals that may possess illegal firearms at Malabang Poblacion.

On his part, Malabang Muncipal Engineer Camar Mauyag persistently called on authorities in the past to disband private armies and address the proliferation of illegal fire arms. “…because when there are no guns, there are no more killings,” he said.

The program concluded with a message of support from the UNYPAD Provincial Chairman of Coastal Ranao Chapter, Omair B. Saripada. He sought the support of all stakeholders in the region to the BBL in order to achieve lasting peace and tranquillity in Mindanao.     

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/981-nonviolent-peaceforce-unypad-conduct-fgd-for-community-leaders-in-lanao-del-sur

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MILF: Muslim community leader urges gov’t to sincerely implement the Bangsamoro peace deal

May 18, 2014, 8:52 am

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From the MILF Website (May 17): Muslim community leader urges gov’t to sincerely implement the Bangsamoro peace deal



A Muslim community leader urges the Philippine Government to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) sincerely with notion that “We do not want to repeat the same mistake again for according to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) not all provisions of the Philippine Government-MNLF peace agreement were implemented.”
  

The government and MNLF, represented by MNLF Chairman Prof. Nur Misuari, signed in 1996 the final peace accord with hope that the agreement will bring peace and development in Southern Philippines.

“A Mu’min (believer) should not be bitten twice by the same snake coming from the same hole,” said Ustadz Akman Abtahi, President of Al-Hiqma Learning Institute and Chairman of Purok Bangsamoro in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City, during the Muslim Leaders Consultative Dialogue/Forum on April 8, 2014 at Mindanao State University- Gensan.

Abtahi pointed out that for the Muslims, an agreement is indeed sacred and it deserves respect and “must be implemented.”

Imam Jimmy Ubpon, President of General Santos City Council of Imams, further stressed the need to adhere to an agreement for Muslims consider it sacred.



Abtahi added, “What will happen if the Bangsamoro peace agreement won’t be implemented? I do not want to predict.”

“Is there a guarantee that the draft basic law will still be 100% intact after it will be  scrutinized by Congress?” he asked. “How will the MILF react if they will not be satisfied?” he further asked.

“Actually there are no changes in the process now compared with the MNLF deal,” he recalled.

He said the government has three branches, executive, legislative and judiciary which he suggested should have representatives that had constituted the GPH Peace Panel “so that there will be no more question.”

“We should have also looked at that matter unlike now, only the executive entered into agreement with the Bangsamoro,”  he elaborated.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/980-muslim-community-leader-urges-gov’t-to-sincerely-implement-the-bangsamoro-peace-deal

NPA rebels urged to work in oil palm plantation

May 18, 2014, 8:59 am

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From the Business World (May 18): NPA rebels urged to work in oil palm plantation

DAVAO CITY -- Employment in an oil palm plantation could be an alternative livelihood for communist rebels, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said.

Mr. Duterte said a Malaysian firm has expressed intention to establish up to 50,000 hectares of oil palm plantations all over Mindanao with the city’s Paquibato district, an area highly suitable to the crop, as a priority site.

However, Mr. Duterte admitted that Paquibato is a lair of the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).

Thus, he plans to talk to Leoncio Pitao, alias Kumander Parago, to offer his proposal for the rebels to work in the proposed oil palm plantation and see if they want that type of life instead of living in the mountains and fighting the government.

There is no need for the rebels to surrender, Mr. Duterte told reporters. “Just stop the war, bury your arms and work,” he said.

Once an agreement with rebels is reached, the mayor vowed to talk to the Malaysian firm and will ask the company to provide employment only for Paquibato residents.

“This is a good opportunity for the rebels and if they agree to welcome the Malaysian investors and let them work peacefully in the area, then I will give this to them,” he said.

The establishment of an oil palm plantation in Paquibato is expected to spur economic growth in the area, which will address economic woes among the residents as well as the rebels.

Mr. Duterte said he could not blame the residents of Paquibato for supporting the rebels because they have lived in poverty for years. The only way to address their problem is to provide a livelihood opportunity for them and this is a good opportunity, he added.

Mr. Duterte, however, warned the rebels not to ask revolutionary taxes or exorbitant wages from the investors since minimum wage is fair enough. Paquibato is more than an hour’s drive from the city center.

Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, secretary of the Davao Oriental oil palm development council, has urged the government to promote the crop among investors as it is a lucrative industry.

Among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, only the Philippines has not taken full advantage of the opportunity offered by oil palm with only 45,608 hectares planted to the crop compared with Thailand’s 625,000 hectares, Malaysia’s 4.5 million hectares and Indonesia’s 7.5 million hectares.

Mr. Pamplona said oil palm is an ideal crop for farmers who want to earn more because they can harvest within two and a half years.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=NPA-rebels-urged-to-work-in-oil-palm-plantation&id=87581

Sarangani coal plant 42% complete

May 18, 2014, 9:03 am

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From the Business World (May 18): Sarangani coal plant 42% complete

 “The plant, with an initial capacity of 105-MW will be operational by October 2015 and will reach the full 210-MW capacity by 2016,” Nicandro R. Fucoy, Sarangani Energy vice-president for project implementation, said during a media briefing and tour of the plant’s facilities on Friday.

The power plant, which occupies a 23.2-hectare area inside the 54-hectare Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone, now employs 1,625 workers, with 82% from the host community.

Because of its location, the company is entitled to enjoy perks and benefits, including income tax holidays and duty-free importation of equipment for the plant.

It is under the Alsons Power Holdings, Inc. and located in the municipality of Maasim, four kilometers from General Santos City.

Alsons is a Mindanao-based conglomerate controlled by the Alcantara family, which was formerly into logging and wood processing.

The plant’s initial 105-MW (Section 1) output will provide power to around 3.47 million people in Sarangani, General Santos City, South Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Tagum City, Samal Island, and most parts of Davao del Norte.

Even before Section 1 of the coal-fired power plant is completed, it is already 100%-contracted as the company has already entered into 25-year power sales agreements with the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative for 70 MW, the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative for 15 MW, Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. for 10 MW and the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. for 10 MW.

“The coal-fired power plant is the single biggest investment in Sarangani Province and the entire Region 12 (Soccsksargen),” said Maasim Mayor Aniceto P. Lopez.

The 210-MW coal plant has a total cost of $570 million. Section 1 of the plant alone costs $309 million, including the transmission lines.

The 52,000-hectare municipality of Maasim is a fishing community of 40 barangays inhabited by around 62,000 people. With a meager P5-million revenue from local taxes, the municipal government largely relies on the P121-million Internal Revenue Allotment from the national government for most of its projects.

With the power plant, however, Maasim is set to get approximately P15 million per year, with a 2% share in the gross income earned by the plant. The municipality will also get P550,000 in terms of real property taxes every year.

“We are one if not the poorest municipality here. The coal power plant was given by God to this war-torn municipality,” Mr. Lopez said.

Many of the residents here are members of the New People’s Army or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, but with the coal-fired plant in place, the mayor said, most of them are now working with Sarangani Energy.

Mr. Lopez also said the number one critic of the coal-fired power plant is the Catholic Church, but he does not care because majority of the residents agree with his decision to allow the construction of the plant, resulting in his re-election in 2013. The mayor has been supportive of the power plant ever since the idea was hatched in 2010, so he considers it his legacy.

The coal-fired power plant had been the target of many advocacy groups, including international environment group Greenpeace. The group’s campaign ship Rainbow Warrior docked at Makar Wharf in General Santos City in 2010 to support local protest actions against the power plant.

Greenpeace has been urging governments worldwide to take action against climate change by opting for renewable energy sources instead of coal-fired power plants.

Sarangani Bay, which measures 215,950 hectares, is the location of Alson Powers’ coal-fired power plant was declared a protected seascape in 1996.

The company said it has committed to protect the bay by not drawing or discharging water from or into it.

“We will source our cooling water from the Siguil River, which is 12 kilometers from the plant site. The company is presently installing the underground water pipes that will connect the plant to the river,” said Fernando Corrales, plant project manager.

A water treatment plant is being constructed where the used cooling water will be treated before it will be poured into an aquaculture plant where tilapia will be raised.

“This will be the only power plant that will not only produce power but also fishes. This will be the showcase of the safe technology we are implementing here,” Mr. Corrales added.

Mr. Fucoy said the coal plant will use clean coal technology with the use of a circulating fluidized bed boiler and low-sulfur coal from Kalimantan, Indonesia. The boiler, which is about the size of a 15-storey building, will be the main structure of the power plant.

“Some people argue there is no clean coal, but we follow the Clean Air Act standards when it comes to mercury, sulfur and other emissions. All our emissions will be below the levels prescribed by the government,” Mr. Fucoy said.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Sarangani-coal-plant-42%-complete&id=87592

Caloocan barangay execs to put up own checkpoints

May 18, 2014, 9:07 am

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From the Manila Standard Today (May 17): Caloocan barangay execs to put up own checkpoints

Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan expressed support to the move of the city council enabling barangay officials to put up checkpoints as part of his administration’s anti-criminality campaign.

The resolution, authored by First District Councilor Aurora “Onet” Henson, cited the recent spate of violence that resulted in the death of two village leaders.

Malapitan said the measure, along with police visibility, would boost public security toward upholding the rule law.

In Henson’s proposal, village checkpoints should be clearly marked, located in well-lit areas and “where circumstances warrant” and to be manned by police in official uniform and at least two barangay watchmen.

Senior Supt. Bernard Tambaoan, Caloocan police chief, has released the photographs of two suspects who were riding a motorcycle when they shot dead Kagawad Rogelio Escano and Kagawad Gerry Moralla.

Malapitan and the Caloocan police have put up a P200,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects who have been linked to the Alex Boncayao Brigade death squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People Army.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/05/17/caloocan-barangay-execs-to-put-up-own-checkpoints/

Maximum security

May 18, 2014, 9:10 am

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From Mindanao Newsbits section of the Manila Bulletin (May 16): Maximum security

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – The 4th Infantry Division, the largest Army division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Mindanao, had established “maximum security,” a new camp regulation adopted to eliminate “possible security breach” involving sensitive facilities inside the camp.

The 4th ID has three infantry brigades – the 401st in Surigao provinces, 402nd in Agusan provinces and 403rd in Misamis and Bukidnon provinces and several other operational control (Opcon) units including tactical operations group deployed at various areas in Northeastern and Northern Mindanao regions.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mindanao-newsbits-for-may-16-2014/

2nd batch of S. Korea's Araw Force contingent to arrive this June

June 1, 2014, 7:30 am

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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): 2nd batch of S. Korea's Araw Force contingent to arrive this June

More than 300 personnel of the South Korean military contingent will arrive before the end of June to replace the first batch of their military humanitarian contingents, according to Colonel ChulWon Lee, commander of the Araw Forces Joint Support Group.

“Only 13 percent of the first batch will remain and most of these are the officials,” said Col Lee in a press gathering which they called for local media of Tacloban.

The second batch will arrive before the first batch leave end of June. They will be divided into five groups; three will focus on rebuilding and rehabilitating public elementary schools while two groups will focus in rebuilding and rehabilitating houses of Filipino War Veterans who were sent in Korea during Korean War and other local government offices.

An additional force which is a construction team, a new engineering group, composed of 25 officers will be added, whose responsibility is solely for the reconstruction efforts.

“I hope that they will be received by the locals with the same response they did to the first batch,” said Col Lee.

In almost six months of their stay in Leyte province where their humanitarian works concentration is in the towns of Tanauan, Tolosa and Palo, ColLee said that they were now able to rehabilitate and rebuild 15 public elementary schools that were destroyed by typhoon Yolanda.

They also conducted medical missions and social activities in barangays where their troops are deployed for rehabilitation works.

Although the military contingent is hoping to expand their area of operation to Dulag Leyte, their efforts will continue to focus in Palo, Tanuan, Tolosa.

Lee thanked the national government of the Philippines, including the local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the local residents for the great support and acceptance that made their mission successful.

Aside from public elementary schools, local government structures like police stations, fire stations, rural health offices and senior citizens offices were rehabilitated by their troops.

The Araw contingent also opened a technical-vocational school that offers heavy equipment training for residents of Tanauan, Tolosa, Palo and Tacloban.

A Korean Language class for elementary, secondary and adults was also offered by the Araw Forces, which will last until the end of the year.

The Araw Forces in Leyte is one of the six military humanitarian contingents of South Korea in countries currently facing problems on disasters and conflicts like Lebanon.

The Korean Araw Forces based in Candahug, Palo, leyte is set to carry their initial plan for rehabilitation and restoration and Lee has high expectation especially that a new funding will be released to carry out their mission in time for the coming of the new batch of military officers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649158

NPA rebels kill CAFGU man in ambush

June 1, 2014, 7:33 am

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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): NPA rebels kill CAFGU man in ambush

An active member of the Citizens Armed Forces and Geographical Unit (CAFGU)died in an ambush by members of the New People's Army (NPA) while on his way to their camp in Sitio Binubon, Barangay Pag-oring Nuevo, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, on Sunday morning.

A police report identified the victim as Ramon Manzano, who was based at a Philippine Army Detachment in Sitio Dinumpilan, Barangay Malinao, Libmanan.

The report said Manzano was travelling on board his motorcycle going to report for duty from his house at about 9:00 a.m. when five men armed with .45-caliber pistols blocked his way and peppered his body and head with bullets.

After shooting him, the rebels casually walked away while the residents rushed inside their homes.

Manzano's fellow security officers immediately responded but they were not able to catch up with the rebels and just brought the victim to the funeral parlor for autopsy.

Meanwhile, another group of NPA rebels shot dead a farmer while was working on a riceland owned by his uncle in Purok 4, Barangay Cabungahan, Cawayan, Masbate.

Victim Joniel Tumulak, a resident of Barangay Tuburan, Cawayan, was working on the farm when the armed rebels arrived, confronted him for allegedly being military and police informer and gunned him down.

Prior to his killing, Tumulak had reportedly been receiving death threats but he had denied the rebels' accusation as, claiming he was just and ordinary farmer.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649180

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'Still no word on location of abducted DENR inspectors, abductors' - Eastern Mindanao Command

June 1, 2014, 7:36 am

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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): 'Still no word on location of abducted DENR inspectors, abductors' - Eastern Mindanao Command

Tracking teams of the Eastern Mindanao Command have yet to locate the six abducted Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inspectors and their abductors.

This was revealed by Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, in a message to the PNA.

"For info, still no contact on both victims and (their) abductors," he added.

Six DENR survey inspectors were abducted by still unidentified armed men around 2 p.m. Friday in Barangay New Leyte, Maco town, CompostelaValley

“Our primary concern is for the safe release of the civilians," Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III earlier said.

The victims were on their way to undertake validation and survey on the National Greening Program of the government in the area when snatched by the suspects.

The survey inspectors were identified as Kendrik Wong; Nico Lasaca; Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina.

Soldiers from the 1001st Infantry Brigade have joined the Philippine National Police in the pursuit and tracking operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649169

Sultan Kudarat cops on alert after arrest of outlawed Moro leader linked to arson

June 1, 2014, 7:39 am

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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): Sultan Kudarat cops on alert after arrest of outlawed Moro leader linked to arson

Police in the coastal town of Sultan Kudarat were placed on heightened alert after charges were filed against a Moro rebel leader allegedly behind the burning of the town hall last month.

Charges of arson, robbery, cattle rustling and extortion were filed against a certain Commander Jojo who was tagged as behind the burning of Palimbang town hall in early May.

He was arrested last week following weeks of surveillance operations, according to town administrator Sahara Maulana.

Citing police intelligence report, Maulana said the suspect who is now detained at the police detention cell in this city will be rescued by his comrades.

The total damages to the old and new town hall buildings were placed at about P15 million.

Maulana believed the local government earned the ire Commander Jojo after it ordered his eviction from the town hall compound due to expansion project like the construction of more town government offices.

Aside from arson, Commander Jojo was also charged with carnapping, possession of illegal drugs, large scale cattle rustling, among others.

Maulana assured the residents of Palimbang that police and military authorities are on top of the situation after rumors started circulating that Commander Jojo's followers who belonged to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), will rescue him from police custody.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649157

Shariff Aguak, 1st Mechanized Brigade at MILF nagtulong-tulong sa peace project

June 1, 2014, 7:44 am

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From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 1): Shariff Aguak, 1st Mechanized Brigade at MILF nagtulong-tulong sa peace project



Daan-daang katao ang nagtulong-tulong sa isang community clean-up program sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao na kung saan ay isang medical mission rin ang inilunsad ng pamahalaang lokal at ng militar katuwang ang Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Mismong si Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan ang nanguna sa naturang proyekto katuwang ang mga empleyado ng pamahalaan, at ang mga residente sa nasabing bayan. Ang clean-up drive at medical mission ay inulunsad bilang bahagi naman ng selebrasyon ng ika-apat na anibersaryo ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Col. Gener del Rosario na naka-base sa bayan.

Nakibahagi rin ang MILF at ang lokal na pulisya at iba pang sektor sa naturang pagdiriwang bilang suporta sa komunidad at pakikiisa sa naturang proyekto. Natuwa naman ang mga residente sa nasabing proyekto at sa nakitang nilang pagkakaisa ng lahat sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak.

Kilalang peace advocate si Mayor Zahara at ilang beses na rin itong naglunsad ng kanduli o thanksgiving na dinaluhan ng MILF, pulisya at militar na nagsilbing palatandaan ng kanilang hangarin na magkaroon ng katahimikan hindi lamang sa Shariff Aguak o ibang bayan ng Maguindanao, kundi sa buong Mindanao at bansa.

“Tuloy-tuloy naman yun ating mga peace and development projects dito sa Shariff Aguak at suportado rin ng mga mamamayan at ibat-ibang mga sektor ang ating isinusulong dahil lahat naman tayo ay kapayapaan ang hangarin.

Nagpapasalamat rin tayo sa lahat ng mga sektor, sa militar, sa pulisya at sa MILF at napakaganda ng ating samahan dito,” ani Mayor Zahara sa panayam ng Mindanao Examiner.

Maging si Col. Gener ay ito rin ang tugon at ipinangako pa nito na suportado ng militar ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.











Si Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan at Col. Gener del Rosario, ang commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade, sa paglulunsad ng community clean-up drive at medical mission sa naturang bayan na matatagpuan sa Maguindanao, isa sa limang lalawigan sa ilalim ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Mark Navales)

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/shariff-aguak-1st-mechanized-brigade-at.html

Troops fail to locate 6 abducted forestry surveyors in Southern Philippines

June 1, 2014, 7:46 am

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From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 1): Troops fail to locate 6 abducted forestry surveyors in Southern Philippines

Government troops on Sunday failed to locate six forestry surveyors who were abducted in Compostela Valley province in the restive southern region of Mindanao where security forces are fighting terrorism and communist rebellion.

“Troops have returned empty handed, but the search is continuing and hopefully we could rescue them safely,” Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The six men, all working for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, were sent to the town of Maco to undertake a survey for the government’s forest rehabilitation project called National Greening Program when gunmen in three motorcycles seized them.

Caber identified the surveyors as Kendrik Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina.

He said the six men were also bringing with them one unmanned aerial drone which they are using in the survey and this, too, was taken by the gang. He said no group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, but the province is a known stronghold of the communist rebel group New People’s Army, and a known lair of illegal gold miners.

The NPA, which is fighting for the establishment of a separate communist state, has not issued any statement denying or owing up to the abduction of the government workers.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/troops-fail-to-locate-6-abducted.html

Philippine tribesmen urged to return home

June 1, 2014, 7:50 am

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From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 1): Philippine tribesmen urged to return home



A Philippine tribal leader has urged his fellow tribesmen to return to their ancestral land in Mount Firis in Maguindanao province who fled more than four decades ago following the outbreak of Muslim rebellion in the southern region.

Timuay Melanio Ulama, now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, said it is time for the tribesmen to return to their own domain because there is now peace in Mindanao after the signing of a political deal between the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.

The Comprehensive Agreement of Bangsamoro signed by peace negotiators in March will pave the way for the creation of a new autonomous region which will be home to Muslim, Christian and the indigenous tribes in Mindanao.  The new region will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao comprised of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, including the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

In a recent ceremony held in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Ulama, who also heads the Organization of Teduray and Lambangian Conference, said the peace agreement would bring fresh hope not only to his tribe, but to Muslims and Christians, to live in unity and peace and work together for the development of the Bangsamoro region and its people.

Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF vice chairman and chief peace negotiator, said under the new Bangsamoro law, all sectors of the society will be represented because it promotes representation of women, indigenous peoples, settlers and the youth “as these will have their respective seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament.”

The Teduray tribe covered more than 10,000 hectares in Mount Firis, but the rebellion forced them to flee from their ancestral domain.

Iqbal, who is also the chairman of the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission, ensured the inclusion of concerns of the indigenous people in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law they submitted to President Benigno Aquino for his signature in April.

He said among these concerns were the right of the tribesmen for native titles and respect to indigenous customs and traditions, justice system, and political structures; right to an equitable share in the revenues from utilization of resources in their ancestral land; right to free and prior and informed consent; right to political participation including at least two reserved seats for the indigenous people in the parliament; right to basic services; and right to freedom of choice to self-identity.

Aquino is yet to sign the draft before it goes to Congress for ratification before the government can hold a plebiscite in Muslim areas for residents to decide whether to join the new autonomous government.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/philippine-tribesmen-urged-to-return.html

Malaysia detains Filipina woman freed by Abu Sayyaf

June 1, 2014, 7:53 am

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From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 1): Malaysia detains Filipina woman freed by Abu Sayyaf

Malaysian authorities have detained a Filipina woman who was freed by the Abu Sayyaf after she and a Chinese tourist were kidnapped by militants tied to Jemaah Islamiya in the southern Philippines.

The news website Rakyat Post based in Kuala Lumpur reported Sunday that the 40-year Marcy Dayawan is being held a day after she and Chinese holidaymaker Gao Huayun, 29, were freed by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu province. The duo was kidnapped on April 2 from the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort in the town of Semporna in Sabah where Dayawan works.

The report quoted Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib as saying that Dayawan is being interrogated in by the Royal Malaysia Police in Kuala Lumpur in connection to the investigation into the kidnappings. “We will detain her further until we are satisfied and confident that she is not involved in the kidnapping incident,” he said.

The police commissioner said Dayawan was an illegal worker and had entered Sabah illegally. He said the Filipina was employed by resort just two months before the kidnappings. “And if Marcy, who had entered Sabah illegally, is proven to be clean, she will be deported to her country of origin,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila about the detention of Dayawan, and it was unknown if she is being assisted by a lawyer.

The Abu Sayyaf released the two hostages in Parang town after a leader of the former rebel Moro National Liberation Front, Nameh Sangkula, negotiated with the kidnappers for the release of the victims.

It was not immediately known from Philippine authorities how much ransom was paid to the Abu Sayyaf or how tapped Sangkula to negotiate with the terrorist group, blamed for terrorism and spate of kidnappings in Mindanao region.

The kidnappers originally demanded RM36.4 million or equivalent to almost P500 million for the safe release of the Chinese woman and had threatened to behead Dayawan if ransom is not paid. Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak insisted that no ransom was paid for the release of the hostages.

The two hostages, who were fetched by Filipino soldiers and police officers, were handed over to Malaysian police officials in Sulu and brought them to Sabah and eventually to Kuala Lumpur where Gao is reunited with her family.

Philippine authorities have tagged Abu Sayyaf commanders Murphy Ladja and Alhabsi Misaya in the kidnappings.

Director-General Datuk Mohammad Mentek, of the Eastern Sabah Security Command, has previously linked the kidnappers to the 2000 kidnappings of 21 mostly European holidaymakers and Asian workers at the Pulau Sipadan resort; and also in the kidnapping in November of a Taiwanese woman on Pom Pom Island, also in Sabah.

Malaysian authorities also said gunmen snatched May 6 a Chinese fish farm manager in Lahad Datu town in Sabah and clashed briefly with pursuing patrol before disappearing into the southern Philippines. At least 5 armed men on a speedboat intruded into the Wonderful Terrace and seized the 34-year Yang Zai Lin after he came out to check the commotion at the farm.

The latest abduction has forced Sabah authorities to declare curfew and travel restrictions in several areas there.

In November last year, the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf group kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s Pom Pom Island.

The woman was eventually released a month later near the village of Liban in Talipao town in Sulu after paying ransom. The Abu Sayyaf has resorted to ransom kidnappings to raise money for the purchase weapons and fund terror attacks in the Philippines.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/malaysian-detains-filipina-woman-freed.html

Military suspects NPA in abduction of DENR contractors

June 1, 2014, 7:57 am

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From InterAksyon (Jun 1): Military suspects NPA in abduction of DENR contractors

The military on Sunday said the New People’s Army could be behind the abduction of six contractors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Maco, Compostela Valley.

 “The NPA is a suspect in this one,” Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said.

However, Maco Vice Mayor Voltaire Rimando, who heads the Crisis Management Committee overseeing efforts to get the victims back safely, said there is as yet no evidence to accuse the rebels.

“Actually, up to now we’ve no contact with either the victims or abductors. Let’s just say for now that the abductors were armed men,” Rimando said.

He said that even the driver of the vehicle rented by the victims, who was released by the abductors, could not say who the kidnappers were.

No one has claimed responsibility for the abduction, although various armed groups are known to operate in the area, including communist guerrillas and private security personnel who work for illegal loggers and miners.

Earlier, provincial police director Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan said Kendrick Wong, Nico Lasaca, Chris Favila, Matthew Chua, Jonas Loredo, and Tim Sabino, all from Manila, were conducting a survey for the DENR’s National Greening Program when they were seized Friday in Barangay New Leyte.

“We appeal to those who seized them (victims) to release safe and without condition,” Rmiando said as he promised the victims’ families and media of prompt updates as soon as they make contact.

However, Caber, explaining why the rebels were most likely to have abducted the contractors, said, “kasi nagpalipad sila (victims) ng drone.
Malamang, ang assessment namin napagdududahan ngayon itong mga taga-DENR ng NPA na mga military sila kasi nga du’n sa drone. Makikita kasi sila (NPA), ‘yung location nila (because they flew a drone. In our assessment, the NPA would most likely suspect the DENR contractors of being with the military because of the drone. Their location would be identified),” Caber said.

He said a barangay councilman informed the military that the abductors rode motorcycles to where the surveyors and held them at gunpoint.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/88078/military-suspects-npa-in-abduction-of-denr-contractors

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Greening of MILF camp needed no negotiation

June 1, 2014, 8:05 am

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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 1): Greening of MILF camp needed no negotiation



GOVERNMENT officials and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front launch a greening program in Camp Abubakar. Photo by ARMM BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao—It was one endeavor that needed no negotiation. Government officials and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) launched a program to plant trees in Camp Abubakar, once the main lair of the MILF.

Abubakar used to be the main training camp of MILF rebels when the group severed ties with its mother unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, in 1978.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, regarded Camp Abubakar as a sacred ground of martyrs after government forces took control of it in an all-out war launched by former President Joseph Estrada, a pardoned plunder convict, in 2000.

The military invasion of the rebel camp transformed its name from Abubakar to Camp Iranun, which is now the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade base command.

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He recounted the former rebel sanctuary in Barangay Togaig, Barira town, as a cold, serene place, with soil so fertile that seeds that fell on the ground soon grew into plants.

Although born and raised in Cotabato City, Jaafar learned to appreciate nature during his long stay at the MILF camp.

Jaafar, a broadcast journalist of the defunct dxMV of the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network prior to the declaration of martial law in 1972, said the wanton cutting of trees by loggers denuded vast areas of the camp, drastically changing its landscape and climate.

“The climate became humid,” Jaafar said.

He blamed the wide-scale denudation to a government that allowed the destruction of the island’s natural resources by vested interest groups at the expense of local inhabitants who suffer the brunt of flooding, landslides and other natural calamities.

“This is one of the reasons why many joined the Moro rebellion because the once known and cherished Moro homeland was explored and left to ruins by outsiders,” Jaafar said, as he lauded the multimillion-peso greening project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the camp.

Kahal Kedtag, environment secretary for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said President Aquino in 2011 issued Executive Order No. 29 imposing a log ban in the country, aware of the lapses and abuses of his predecessor on environmental issues.

Kedtag said an estimated 200,000 hectares of land in the ARMM needed more than 800,000 seedlings for its reforestation.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/607154/greening-of-milf-camp-needed-no-negotiation

MILF: Notre Dame University Students attend Values Transformation Training at BLMI

June 1, 2014, 8:10 am

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From the MILF Website (Jun 1): Notre Dame University Students attend Values Transformation Training at BLMI



Twenty Five female students from the Notre Dame University (NDU), Cotabato City held their Values Transformation Training (VTT) at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) Training Hall on May 26-28, 2014.
   

The three-day activity was initiated by the Jum’iatul Tilmizzat Organization, an all- Female Muslim Student organization from different field of study of Notre Dame University.  Resource Lecturers were from the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Mindanao Women’s Advocacy for good Governance, and BLMI.

The program was aimed at strengthening the Faith (Iman) of the participants; raise their awareness on the current societal Issues that transgresses Islam and affects them directly or indirectly nowadays.

Ms. Norhaya P. Pango, Mechanical Engineering Student and the organization’s president facilitated the program and was assisted by some of her peers with the supervision of the BLMI Staff.    

Ustadz Omar Hamdan, BDA Officer discussed about BDA and its programs and lectured on values enhancement and its importance in the lives of every Muslim.

Ms. Zaharia Kasim, touched on the Five Pillars of Islam that every Muslim, male or female are oblige to follow and perform while on earth as commanded by the Divine Creator Allah subhanahu wataalah.

Ms. Lani Guiamadel lectured on how to develop Islamic Values through in-depth understanding of Islam and stressed the essence of humane and civility when dealing with non- Muslims and the importance of patience and perseverance when facing vexation and upsets.

Sheikh Sam Alabat, a Shariah Lawyer and BLMI Unit head of Community Organizing lectured on Shariah Law and cited the importance of youth participation in advocacies that promotes youth involvement in  a productive and meaningful activities in society.

This writer,  BLMI Research Unit head talked on GPH-MILF Peace process, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) updates and the envisioned Bangsamoro Government.

At the closing program, BLMI officials reminded the participants to be responsive and participative in state- building endeavors in their own level.

The student participants expressed their gratitude to the speakers and BLMI officials and promised to exert more efforts in furtherance of the Moro aspiration for peace, prosperity and freedom in the Bangsamoro.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1008-notre-dame-university-students-attend-values-transformation-training-at-blmi

Moro rebel 'bomber' nabbed

June 1, 2014, 8:14 am

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From the Sun Star (Jun 1): Moro rebel 'bomber' nabbed

Police said they have captured a suspected Moro rebel bomber believed to be involved in a 2009 landmine attack that killed two US Special Forces soldiers and a Filipino marine in a volatile southern province.

Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, Sulu provincial police chief, said Miraji Bairulla did not resist when government forces served a warrant for his arrest Sunday in Indanan town.

Bairullah, who uses the rebel name "Mahang," is a bomb expert of the rebel group the Moro National Liberation Front, according to Orbita.

Orbita said the suspect was among militants who placed a landmine that hit a passing Humvee and killed two US soldiers and a Filipino marine in Indanan on September 29, 2009, in Sulu, where Moro bandit groups are active.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/06/01/moro-rebel-bomber-nabbed-345855

China hits back at US, Japan

June 1, 2014, 8:22 am

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Posted to the Manila Times (Jun 1): China hits back at US, Japan

China denounced Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Sunday for “provocative” remarks accusing Beijing of destabilizing actions in contested Asian waters.

Lieutenant General Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of the general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, told an Asian security forum in Singapore that strong comments made by Abe and Hagel at the conference were “unacceptable.”

Abe had opened the Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday by urging countries to respect the rule of law —an apparent reference to what rivals consider aggressive Chinese behavior over disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and East China Sea.

Hagel on Saturday warned China against “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea and listed a number of alleged infractions, including against the Philippines and Vietnam, the two most vocal critics of Beijing’s claims.

“The Chinese delegation… have this feeling that the speeches of Mr Abe and Mr Hagel are a provocative action against China,” Wang, dressed in full military uniform, said in an address to the forum.

Abe had left Saturday and Hagel departed early Sunday before Wang spoke.
The Pentagon said Hagel and Wang held a brief meeting on Saturday in which they “exchanged views about issues important to both the US and China, as well as to the region.”

About midway into his prepared speech in which he said China “will never seek hegemony and foreign expansion,” Wang diverted from the script.

He accused Abe and Hagel of “coordinating” with each other to attack China.

“This is simply unimaginable,” said Wang, the highest ranking military official in the Chinese delegation, adding that the US and Japanese speeches were “unacceptable and not in the spirit of this Shangri-La Dialogue.”

“The speeches made by Mr Abe and Mr Hagel gave me the impression that they coordinated with each other, they supported each other, they encouraged each other and they took the advantage of speaking first… and staged provocative actions and challenges against China,” he said.

‘Destabilizing actions’

Hagel issued a blunt message to Beijing on Saturday, saying “China has undertaken destabilizing, unilateral actions asserting its claims in the South China Sea.”

He accused China of restricting the Philippines’ access to Scarborough Shoal, putting pressure on Manila’s long-standing presence in Second Thomas Shoal, beginning land reclamation at various locations and moving an oil rig into disputed waters with Vietnam.

Hagel said that while Washington does not take sides on rival claims, “we firmly oppose any nation’s use of intimidation, coercion, or the threat of force to assert these claims.”

Abe in turn pledged that his country would play a larger role in promoting peace in Asia as his administration moves to reshape the Japanese military’s purely defensive stance.

Beijing and Tokyo contest islands in the East China Sea.

http://www.manilatimes.net/china-hits-back-at-us-japan/100934/

Bomb fails to explode at military detachment

June 1, 2014, 8:27 am

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From the Manila Times (Jun 1): Bomb fails to explode at military detachment

ROGUE Muslim rebels tried but failed to bomb a military detachment in a remote village in Maguindanao on Friday.

Reports at Camp Aguinaldo said government troops recovered a homemade bomb in front of a military detachment in Datu Piang.

The bomb, fashioned out from an 80mm mortar shell, was allegedly owned by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breaaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). BIFF opposed the peace agreement between MILF and the government.

http://www.manilatimes.net/bomb-fails-to-explode-at-military-detachment/100770/