Monday, October 15, 2012

Abu Sayyaf bomb expert, accomplice fall

From the Philippine Star (Oct 16): Abu Sayyaf bomb expert, accomplice fall

Plots to blow up vital installations and public places were thwarted when joint police and military intelligence forces captured an Abu Sayyaf bomb expert and a police accomplice in this city, according to security officials. The captured suspects were identified as Rakib Janihul Jairi alias Abu Sulaiman and his suspected accomplice as Police Officer 3 Asbi Sahibol, assigned at the Hadji Motamad town, Basilan.... A security source, however, said the two suspects were captured in a coffee shop Friday in this city's downtown. But the information was only made public during the follow-up operations. The security official said the target of the arrest was Jairi, who has a pending warrant of arrest for his participation in the mass kidnapping in Tumahubong, Sumisip and kidnapping of plantation workers in Tairan, Lantawan town in 2000 and 2001. “However, during the arrest the suspect was having a meeting with Sahibol inside the coffee shop,” the security official disclosed. He said the joint police and military intelligence personnel recovered an improvised explosive device from Sahibol's belt-bag. Sahibol has been detained at the city police office while Jairi is still undergoing tactical interrogation inside a police camp in this city. Initial investigation disclosed that Jairi, who underwent foreign training in demolition and sabotage, was reportedly training Abu Sayyaf members in bomb making....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=860134

Misuari slams 'vicious conspiracy'

From the Philippine Star (Oct 16): Misuari slams 'vicious conspiracy'

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari denounced the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro signed yesterday by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), calling it a “vicious conspiracy between the Philippines and Malaysia.” Misuari reiterated his disapproval of the agreement when asked by reporters at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel shortly after his meeting with Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).... “The framework will turn into a recipe for the failure of the administration of President Aquino as well as their counterpart in this conspiracy against our people, the administration of Prime Minister Najib (Razak) of Malaysia,” Misuari added....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=859997&publicationSubCategoryId=63

With signing of framework pact, MILF says Kato's group 'will fade away'

From InterAksyon (Oct 16): With signing of framework pact, MILF says Kato's group 'will fade away'

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expects the breakaway group of Umbra Kato to "fade away in due time" now that a framework agreement for the creation of a Bangsamoro state has been signed with the Aquino administration. Government troops are also now preparing to launch "offensives" against Kato and his men, with the cooperation of the MILF. According to MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, Kato's Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has "no legitimacy."  "When you finally find the real solution or the real medicine, all the sufferings will fade away. The BIFF has no legitimacy so they will fade away in due time," Iqbal said on Tuesday....

 http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45656/with-signing-of-framework-pact-milf-says-katos-group-will-fade-away

Gov't, MILF return to negotiating table

From Rappler (Oct 16): Gov't, MILF return to negotiating table

Back to the negotiating table. After the historic signing of a preliminary peace agreement, the peace panels of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will thresh out the details of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. At a Malacañang press conference after the signing ceremony on Monday, October 15, government peace panel chairman Marvic Leonen and his MILF counterpart Mohagher Iqbal said they have agreed to work on the document’s annexes in November. The formal exploratory talks will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Calling the deal an incomplete document, Iqbal said the panels will focus on the annexes on power-sharing and wealth-sharing between the central government and the Bangsamoro, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).....

 http://www.rappler.com/nation/14260-gov-t-milf-return-to-negotiating-table

Statement by the Press Secretary on the Agreement Between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Posted to the U.S. Embassy Website (Oct 1): Statement by the Press Secretary on the Agreement Between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

The United States welcomes today the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the presence of President Aquino of the Republic of the Philippines and Prime Minister Najib of Malaysia. We commend the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership for their hard work and unwavering commitment to a better future, as well as Malaysia for its longstanding role as facilitator of the negotiations. Today’s ceremony marks another step toward ending insurrection and restoring good governance. The United States will continue to work with the international community, regional stakeholders and the people of the Philippines to promote transparency, governance, economic growth and development to achieve a better future.
 

Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed; new history begins

From MindaNews (Oct 16): Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed; new history begins

A new chapter in Philippine history unfolded Monday afternoon with the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsmaoro (FAB), putting an end to decades of what Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim described as “adversarial relationship between the Bangsamoro and the Philippine nation.” President Benigno Simeon Aquino III said the agreement “not only marks a new chapter in our history; it now defines the very path we take as a people—one where opinions are heard and hope is shared; where understanding and consensus breed meaningful solutions for all stakeholders; one where every child is offered the opportunity to shape his own destiny.” “We see the dawn of a new beginning for the people of Mindanao, a day when we welcome a unified Philippines,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, whose country has been facilitating the peace talks since 2001....

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/16/framework-agreement-on-the-bangsamoro-signed-new-history-begins/

Euphoria sweeps MILF’s Camp Darapanan as Framework Agreement finally signed in Malacañang

From MindaNews (Oct 16): Euphoria sweeps MILF’s Camp Darapanan as Framework Agreement finally signed in Malacañang

Euphoria was everywhere at this sprawling bastion of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as hundreds of rebel fighters in military formation raised their assorted high-powered firearms to greet the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on Monday in Malacañang. Chants of “Allahu Akbar!” (Allah is the greatest) echoed in the scorching heat as tall coconut trees, intercropped with banana plants, swayed gracefully in the background. Elsewhere in Maguindanao province, green was the color of the day carried through pandalas (flaglets), streamers, ribbons and even plastic wrappers that lined up the roads of the towns of Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi, Guindulungan, Talayan and Datu Odin Sinsuat to Cotabato City and finally in Sultan Kudarat, host of the MILF’s largest camp. In Islam, green symbolizes peace....

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/10/16/euphoria-sweeps-milfs-camp-darapanan-as-framework-agreement-finally-signed-in-malacanang/

Philippine authorities hold 2 Sayyaf men in terror plot

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 16): Philippine authorities hold 2 Sayyaf men in terror plot

Philippine authorities detained 2 people, including an alleged policeman, who were both linked to a terror plot in Zamboanga City. Officials said the two were captured during an operation in Zamboanga over the weekend and that the men are members of the local Abu Sayyaf group tied by authorities to the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya. Local police chief James Mejia confirmed the arrest of the duo, but did not give details about the operations that led to the capture of the men, who are natives if Basilan province, a known stronghold of Abu Sayyaf rebels. Other reports said the duo was plotting to bomb civilian targets in Zamboanga which recently celebrated the Catholic feast of the Virgin Mary.  It was not immediately known whether explosives had been recovered from the men, but one of them was also linked to the series of kidnappings and attacks in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao....

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121016005040

Peace negotiators belittle Misuari, Kato threats

From ABS-CBN (Oct 15): Peace negotiators belittle Misuari, Kato threats

Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiators on Monday downplayed the possibility that the peace process could be derailed by the forces of Nur Misuari's faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) or by Ameril Umbra Kato's breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Mohaqer Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, said the BIFF "has no legitimacy" in the Moro region, and that "it will fade away." Marvic Leonen, chief peace negotiator for the Philippine government, echoed his counterpart's statement. Leonen said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already dislodged the Kato breakaway group from Camp Omar in Maguindanao and warrants of arrest have already been issued against the members of the "lawless group." As for claims of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari that some 17,000 MILF fighters have defected to the MNLF, making them a force to reckon with, Iqbal said, "There is a little bit of an exaggeration there. And now he is even speaking of more than a million fighters. Even the government forces do not have that...."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/10/15/12/peace-negotiators-belittle-misuari-kato-threats

Photo: Misuari opposes govt-MILF peace accord

From GMANews (Oct 15): Photo: Misuari opposes govt-MILF peace accord



At a news briefing in Manila on Monday, former ARMM Gov. and MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari (left) voices opposition to the PHL-MILF Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Misuari said the deal would only worsen the situation in Mindanao. Danny Pata

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/26517/misuari-opposes-govt-milf-peace-accord?ref=related_photos

Calm Down, Misuari Urged

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 15): Calm Down, Misuari Urged

Joining higher authorities and supportive civil society groups, Mindanao leaders trained on Monday their barrage of pleas to Nur Misuari and his followers, urging them to calm down and allow the Aquino government to smoothly pursue its initial peace accord with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the sake of lasting peace. This developed as Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), said categorically yesterday morning that contrary to hyped reports, he and his armed followers will not resort to violence despite their rejection of the MILF-government peace process. “We are against it, but we would not stand violently in the way of the peace pact unless our camps are attacked,” Misuari told the ABS-CBN morning public affair program via phone patch yesterday, shortly before the scheduled signing of the framework agreement in Malacañang. Misuari confirmed that some emissaries had been sent to reach out to him, saying they wanted him to talk to incumbent authorities including ARMM caretaker-Governor Mujiv Hataman. “They asked me to talk to Hataman…But I will not talk to him (because) he has no authority (to give decisive assurance),” said....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/377329/calm-down-misuari-urged

Hardened MILF fighters teary-eyed over initial peace pact signing

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 15): Hardened MILF fighters teary-eyed over initial peace pact signing

.... Not a few members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), old and young alike, were misty-eyed following the signing of the peace agreement between their organization that had fought for self-determination and the Philippine government that had recognized their right to identity within one republic. Some wiped their eyes. Others raised their left hand and cheered as chief negotiators Mohagher Iqbal, for the MILF, and Marvic Leonen, for the government, affixed their signatures on the 13-page document, in a ceremony witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III, MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, the leader of the country that facilitated the talks. More than 200 MILF members, all smartly dressed in dark suits and wearing their head gear called “kupya” sat to the President’s left and watched the ceremony intently....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/289530/hardened-milf-fighters-teary-eyed-over-initial-peace-pact-signing

MILF fighters in Maguindanao overcome with joy over framework agreement for peace

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 15): MILF fighters in Maguindanao overcome with joy over framework agreement for peace

.... Aloy was among some 2,000 fully armed MILF fighters, who lined up for formation starting 7 a.m. on Monday, and patiently waited for the developments of the signing of the preliminary accord. Like his colleagues in the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), Aloy listened intently to the radio broadcast of the developments in Malacañang, which was beamed over a loud speaker placed on a stage decorated in bright colors of gold, green and purple. An MILF flag was also raised. When it was Murad’s turn to speak, many of them started to be emotional under the scorching heat but maintained composure. As those in Malacañang clapped their hands in between Murad’s lines, Aloy and his colleagues would also raise their firearms and chant “Allahu Akbar (God is Great).” Other MILF members not in formation raised clenched fists and joined the takbir.... Mohammad Nasif, camp commander of Darapanan, said the mood was celebratory among the more than 5,000 people – including BIAF members – who came over to show support to the signing of the initial agreement....
 
 
 

Nur: Bangsamoro deal may lead to crisis and war

From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): Nur: Bangsamoro deal may lead to crisis and war

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari on Monday lashed at the “Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro” between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) calling it a “vicious conspiracy between the Philippines and Malaysia.” Speaking to reporters at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel shortly after a closed-door meeting with Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Misuari reiterated his disapproval of the agreement. “Mahal na mahal namin ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Itong tinatawag na framework agreement, this is a recipe for another crisis and war in Mindanao,” he said....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=859830

War-weary Moro general sees hope in framework pact but says genuine autonomy still a long way off

From InterAksyon (Oct 15): War-weary Moro general sees hope in framework pact but says genuine autonomy still a long way off

Mohammad Nasif, a general in the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was only 18 when he and more than 200 other college students took up arms at the height of Martial law in the 1970s after seeing their fellow Muslims massacred by the regime’s forces. More than four decades after he took up arms, Nasif admits he has grown weary of war. Looking back at all the years, Nasif said of the original 200 youth with whom he joined the struggle, less than 50 are still alive today. He saw many of them, his friends, die in combat before his eyes.
Instead of guns and bullets, it is his grandchildren he wants to devote his attention to. “Lahat ng tao nais maging mapayapa ... mabuhay nang maayos ... makapag-aral ang mga anak namin ... magkaroon ng mga ospital (All people want peace ... a quiet life … to see our children educated … to have hospitals),” he said. Despite the hope brought by the signing of the framework agreement, Nasif admitted that there is still a long way to go before the Bangsamoro can achieve genuine autonomy, if not independence....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45554/war-weary-moro-general-sees-hope-in-framework-pact-but-says-genuine-autonomy-still-a-long-way-off

MNLF to MILF: Good luck but beware

From Rappler (Oct 15): MNLF to MILF: Good luck but beware

Today, October 15, marked the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the "death of the final peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)," a leader of one of the 3 MNLF factions said. "Sana mag-succeed sila (government) pati MILF, but we have our doubts. (I hope the government will succeed including the MILF) What they have done to the MNLF might also be done to the MILF," Habib Mujahab Hashim, chairman of an MNLF breakaway faction, the Islamic Command Council (ICC), told Rappler. "It's easy to sign any agreement but implementing such an agreement is another thing," the 65-year-old Hashim warned. Known as "Boghdadi" or "Bogs," Hashim was the former chief MNLF negotiator during the peace talks between the MNLF and the Cory Aquino government between 1986 to 1987....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/14225-mnlf-to-milf-on-peace-deal-good-luck-but-beware

Gov’t has enough resources to cater to rebel returnees – Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15): Gov’t has enough resources to cater to rebel returnees – Army

Government has enough resources to cater to the needs of rebels who return to the folds of the law. Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade issued this statement following the surrender of a former leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) to the local government of Mati City, Davao Oriental Thursday. Ricardo Lucnod ended his involvement with the NPA in August 2012 and decided to surrender to Mayor Michelle Rabat of Mati City due to the hardships and sickness suffered in the mountains, he said. Lucnod will be integrated through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the city of Mati and Davao Oriental provincial government intended for former rebels, Guerrero said.... In six years, from August 2006 to July this year, the number of rebel returnees soared up to 1,027 attributing this development to the Philippine Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program characterized by the continuous efforts of peace and development teams (PDT), together with the local government units, line government agencies and civil society organizations to reach out to far-flung communities, Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division said. “Almost 60 percent of the surrenderees yielded from August 2010 to July this year,” he said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381350265945

PHL gov't, MILF sign peace framework pact

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15): PHL gov't, MILF sign peace framework pact

The government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Peace Framework Agreement at Malacanang today. The agreement will prepare for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. President Aquino, in his keynote speech, said that through this, Filipinos are committing to peace that will be sustained through democratic ideals. He said it is a peace meant to heal and empower, and recognize the “many narratives of the Filipino people, and weaves them into a single, national aspiration for equitable progress.”“We are now at the beginning of a comprehensive agreement that will map out the detailed steps, detailed commitments, and detailed programs that will lead to the fulfillment of our long-term goals. We are committed to enabling our partners to transform themselves to a genuine political party that can help facilitate the region's transition towards a truly peaceful and progressive place,” he added....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1831350297528

NPA rebels torch cargo truck in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): NPA rebels torch cargo truck in Capiz

Thirty armed men believed to be New People's Army (NPA)members torched a cargo truck in Brgy. Quinabonglan, Maayon, Capiz. Police report over the weekend said at least 30 heavily armed rebels set ablaze the Reo truck owned by Mrs. Erlinda Alcazaren of Poblacion, President Roxas, Capiz. An informant said the cargo truck was on its way to Brgy. Quinabonglan to get sacks of corn when four suspects including a woman accomplice, brandishing high-powered firearms flagged down the vehicle. The suspected rebels then boarded and commandeered the truck and sped toward a secluded area in Brgy. Quinabonglan where other armed men waited. From there, the armed group ordered the truck driver Marcelo Denosta and his crew to disembark before they poured gasoline on the truck and set it ablaze. The rebel group reportedly led by Romulo Gangoso alias Ka Regan immediately left the area after the incident....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=462681

Framework peace agreement will allow AFP to focus on external defense duties --Burgos

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): Framework peace agreement will allow AFP to focus on external defense duties --Burgos

Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said on Monday the signing of the historic framework agreement for peace between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will now allow the military to focus on its external defense duties. "With the framework agreement now in place, peace will reign in Mindanao, allowing the AFP to focus on external defense," he stressed.... Burgos also clarified that military units will remain in Mindanao to protect the gains of peace....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462759

President Aquino witnesses the signing of Framework Agreement between GPH and MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): President Aquino witnesses the signing of Framework Agreement between GPH and MILF

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the historic signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Monday. The GPH-MILF Framework Agreement serves as a roadmap for the creation of a Bangsamoro entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and lays down the groundwork to achieve lasting and genuine peace in Mindanao. “Today, we sign a Framework Agreement that can finally seal genuine, lasting peace in Mindanao. In full view of the Filipino people, and witnessed even by our friends from different parts of the world, we commit to peace: A peace that will be sustained through democratic ideals; a peace that heals and empowers; a peace that recognizes the many narratives of the Filipino people, and weaves them into a single, national aspiration for equitable progress,” the President said in his speech keynoting the event....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462803

MNLF part of inclusive transition process, says Leonen

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): MNLF part of inclusive transition process, says Leonen

The Aquino administration is inviting the Moro National Liberation Front to take part in the Transition Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, government chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen said Monday. "Insofar as the government is concerned, there is every intention that the government side of the transition commission will be inclusive and, yes, it will include members of the MNLF," Leonen said during the joint press briefing in Malacanang Monday....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462859

Murad appeals to MNLF to support Framework Agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15): Murad appeals to MNLF to support Framework Agreement

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership on Monday appealed to the the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to support the Framework Agreement to attain lasting peace in Mindanao. "Let me have this opportunity to call on and appeal to our MNLF brethren to support the Framework Agreement and take this historic journey with us to redeem our Bangsamoro homeland on the gains given to us by the agreement," said MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in his speech at the signing of the historic Framework Agreement held in Malacanang. "This is not the time for discrimination. This is the time for unity, the time for all of us to think, act and speak as one Bangsamoro as we summon all our friends to face the daunting task of home rule," he said....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=462866

Philippines, MILF rebels sign peace pact

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 15): Philippines, MILF rebels sign peace pact

The Philippines and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, have signed a historic pact on Monday, a huge step towards ending decades of bloody fighting that had killed tens of thousands of civilians in Mindanao. Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak witnessed the signing of the peace pact with President Benigno Aquino in the Presidential Palace. MILF deputy and chief of the peace panel, Mohagher Iqbal, and his Philippine counterpart Marvic Leonen signed the Framework Agreement which outlines the general features of the political settlement between the two sides.  Manila said the pact defines the structure and powers of the new Bangsamoro autonomous entity that will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces, including the cities of Lamitan and Marawi. It said the Framework Agreement also sets the principles, processes and mechanisms for the transition until the regular election in 2016 for the new Bangsamoro autonomous political entity. And it paves the way forward to the just resolution of the historical divide between the Filipino government and the Muslims.






President Benigno Aquino III with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu during the signing of the Framework Agreement in Manila on Monday, October 15, 2012. Also in the photo are Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles, Philippine peace negotiator Marvic Leonen and his MILF counterpart Mohagher Iqbal. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan)

 http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121015093119

BIFM: BIFM On Framework Agreement

Posted to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) Website (Oct 14): BIFM On Framework Agreement

The frame work of agreement between the GPH and the MILF scheduled for signing on Monday October 15, 2012 is just a beginning or an outline of multifarious solutions aimed at lasting peace in Bangsamoro Homeland. To comment at this point in time is still premature. Therefore, the BIFM is on the wait and see policy and its role as a liberating organization of the Bangsamoro is to keep on watchful and be more vigilant. The wait and see policy (WASP) of the BIFM may have 3 basic elements, namely: time, assessment and evaluation. Starting from the signing of the frame work agreement October 15, 2012 to 2016 represents the first basic element of WASP. The second element will start upon effecting the transition government which shall possibly start any part of the year 2016. Evaluation or the third element of WASP shall take effect immediately at the end of transition government.  Now, by this time BIFM leadership may have a concrete and more reliable conclusion in terms of accomplishments of the Bangsamoro government.

http://www.alhaqieqiyyah.com/News17.html

3rd Maintenance Battalion hits the road

From the  Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) Website (Oct 14): 3rd Maintenance Battalion hits the road

Marines from 3rd Maintenance Battalion participated in several convoys with members of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps in support of Philippine-U.S. Bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013. The participants received classes on convoy operations, the M11-51 A1 and the MK23 A1 before conducting convoys around Camp O’Donnell and Crow Valley. “The classes were very helpful,” said Philippine Army 2nd Lt. Rani V. Birog, the platoon commander for 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army. “This is our first time on any of the U.S. vehicles, so it helped us familiarize ourselves with the trucks and what weapons are mounted to them....”

3rd Maintenance Battalion hits the road

Philippine Army 2nd Lt. Rani V. Birog debriefs U.S. Marines and Philippine Army after a convoy on Crow Valley, Republic of the Philippines. Members of the Philippine Marines, Army and U.S. Marines participated in a convoy to learn how one another reacts to certain situations in support of Philippine Bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise 2013. Birog is the platoon commander for 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/96163/3rd-maintenance-battalion-hits-road

Service members reach Filipino hearts through medical, dental care

Posted to the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) Website (Oct 15): Service members reach Filipino hearts through medical, dental care
Marines, sailors and service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines join hands to provide medical and dental care to the local people of San Narciso at Namatacan Elementary School Oct. 10, 2012.... “The U.S. Marines are really encouraging the patients to consult here, take some medications, and fix any problems they might have,” said Sgt. Bon Jovi A. Tabing, AFP reserve Marine. Service members from both the U.S. and AFP helped to serve more than 400 patients suffering with a wide variety of dental and medical problems....

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/96169/service-members-reach-filipino-hearts-through-medical-dental-care

MILF and terrorism: Hypocrisy, lies, truth

From Rappler (Oct 15): MILF and terrorism: Hypocrisy, lies, truth

For nearly a decade, both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were at best hypocritical – at worst, lying – about the MILF’s links to terrorism and al-Qaeda. The MILF admits it had a close working relationship with Muslims in the global diaspora who would later become notorious as terrorists – from al-Qaeda to its arm in Southeast Asia, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The relationship began before either al-Qaeda nor JI was even formed – in bin Laden’s training camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where for a time there was a special “Moro” sub-brigade...

http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/14222-milf-and-terrorism-hypocrisy,-lies,-truth

Militants threaten Manila peace deal

From the left-of-center Asia Times (Oct 16): Militants threaten Manila peace deal

A framework agreement formally signed on Monday by the Philippine government and rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) aims to end a decades-long conflict through the establishment of a new autonomous political entity known as Bangsamoro on the southern island of Mindanao. Despite widespread optimism both at home and abroad about the agreement's peace prospects, a number of outstanding issues still mitigate against the deal's long-term success. Those spoilers include the potential for radical MILF fighters to defect from the leadership who brokered the deal and continue their armed struggle; a resurgent Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which believes its own peace agreement has been undermined by the deal and has threatened to resume hostilities; the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who under their radical leader Ameril Kato have threatened to carry out attacks on civilians if the agreement passes; and Abu Sayyaf, the country's al-Qaeda-inspired Islamist insurgency which appears to have launched a new international recruitment drive....


http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NJ16Ae01.html


Not all MILF fighters understand peace plan: Iqbal

From ABS-CBN (Oct 15): Not all MILF fighters understand peace plan: Iqbal

Not all Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters understand the framework agreement of the MILF and the government. MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal admitted the dynamics contained in the Framework Agreement have not quite cascaded down to fighters on the ground. " "Admittedly, there is some communication problem. Not all MILF understand the nuances of the Framework Agreement. That is why after this, we will go to the ground and explain to them," he said in a joint press briefing in Malacañang. Iqbal refused to comment on how the fighters have received news of the gradual decommissioning of their forces, saying the matter is still to be discussed within the MILF. He said the MILF abandoned its earlier call for separatism for practicality. "There is no compelling reason [why we opted for autonomy instead]. But we have to balance idealism with reality. I have been in the struggle for 40 years. I will be the first to say that I want peace more than anyone. I want honorable peace," he said....

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/10/15/12/not-all-milf-fighters-understand-peace-plan-iqbal

Photo: MILF rebels raise their firearms in celebration of the peace deal signing at Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao

From the Reuters Alert Net (Oct 15): Photo: MILF rebels raise their firearms in celebration of the peace deal signing at Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao

Picture loading...

Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels raise their firearms in celebration of the peace deal signing at Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines October 15, 2012. The Philippine government and the country's largest Muslim rebel group signed a peace deal on Monday that serves as a roadmap to forming a new autonomous region in the south, a step towards ending more than 40 years of conflict. REUTERS/Pat Roque

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/multimedia/pictures/detail.dot?mediaInode=a63b8728-d9a8-41d2-842d-c39f48d94c68


BIFM: Struggle for Bangsamoro independence continues

From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): BIFM: Struggle for Bangsamoro independence continues


The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) on Monday said that the Bangsamoro framework agreement will not bring peace in Mindanao and vowed to continue calling for the creation of an independent homeland. Abu Misri Mama, spokesman of the BIFM, insisted that the real aspiration of Bangsamoros is to achieve independence. “Tuloy pa rin ang independence para sa Bangsamoro (Our struggle for independence for Bangsamoros will continue). The Bangsamoro political entity is not the aspiration of Bangsamoros,” Mama told radio station dzBB. “What they are aspiring for is independence, a constitution that is not under any other political constitution,” he added.... “We will not use violence to oppose that (Bangsamoro framework agreement) because that will be pointless,” the BIFM spokesman said in Filipino. “Pero gagamit kami ng dahas sa aming minimithi (But we will use violence for our aim)...." “As I said earlier, we will not commit violent acts because of the signing (of the framework agreement). We resort to violence because of our jihad,” he added....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=859825

Reds won’t go back to negotiating table

From the Manila Standard Today (Oct 15): Reds won’t go back to negotiating table

The draft framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is useless in getting the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army to the negotiating table, National Democratic Front of the Philippines chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni said Sunday. “The propaganda of the GPH [Government of the Philippines] on the signing of this Framework next week is to pressure the NDFP to agree on a ceasefire and resume formal GPH-NDFP peace negotiations,” he said in a statement released by the CPP Bureau. First, Jalandoni said, the government should comply with the basic binding GRP/GPH bilateral agreements such as the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. “The JASIG requires the GPH to release 13 NDFP Consultants in GPH prisons. The CARHRIHL requires the release of political prisoners who have been charged, detained or convicted for common crimes in violation of the Hernandez political offense doctrine,” he said. “There are some 385 political prisoners, 107 of them arrested and detained under the current Aquino regime....”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/15/reds-wont-go-back-to-negotiating-table/

Gov't militiamen repel NPA attack in Misamis

From the Philippine Star (Oct 15): Gov't militiamen repel NPA attack in Misamis

Government militia forces repelled an attack by heavily-armed communist rebels in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental on Sunday night. The military said 15 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) fired at the detachment of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Barangay Hoyohoy at around about 7:30 p.m. Sunday. “The rebels were positioned some 100 meters in a vegetated area and fired at the detachment,” said Captain Alberto Caber, spokesman of Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division. Caber said that the rebels pushed back after a five-minute firefight. The Army spokesperson said an undetermined number of rebels were injured during the firefight. Caber said 1st Army Division chief, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, has placed all troops in Zamboanga Peninsula on heighten alert for more possible attacks from the communist rebels.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=859800