Friday, January 31, 2014

IMT, AHJAG tours of duty extended by another year

From the MILF Website (Feb 1): IMT, AHJAG tours of duty extended by another year

The peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) met and agreed on Sunday, January 26 to extend by another year the tours of duty of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Joint Group (AHJAG) in recognition for their important roles in the peace process.
  
But the number of the personnel of the IMT will be reduced a bit. Details however, were not made available.

The panels on January 25 last year extended the mandate of IMT until March 2014 and the AHJAG to February 14, 2014.

The IMT is mandated to monitor the ceasefire agreements between the GPH and MILF “in order to create conducive environment for peace negotiations and development initiatives in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.”  The IMT was first deployed in 2004, its mandate renewed annually, said a report by MindaNews on January 26.

The AHJAG on the other hand is a joint team against criminal elements operating in “MILF areas/communities, in order to pursue and apprehend such criminal elements.” The group operates in tandem with their respective Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities.”

GPH-MILF panels convened to discuss details of CAB

Meanwhile, a day after the signing of the Annex on Normalization, the last of four annexes to the Framework Agreement and the addendum on Bangsamoro territorial waters and zones of joint cooperation that will pave the way for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the GPH-MILF peace panels went back to work in the same venue to agree on the details of the CAB.

MindaNews quoted Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, head of the GHP peace panel saying they convened to discuss the “next steps towards the comprehensive agreement”. Their meeting began at around 10 a.m. and ended at 12:40 p.m. with both parties agreeing to continue in the Philippines and discuss details of what would go into the final text of the CAB.

On his part, MILF peace panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews they already submitted their draft text for the CAB to the GPH panel through the Malaysian facilitator late Friday. “We will thresh out the details in the Philippines,” he said.

On Friday, both panels did not appear to be on the same page as to what would go into the CAB, with Ferrer saying it was “parang introductory” and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles saying it was “parang cover.”

For Iqbal, the text of the CAB is more than just an introduction or a cover page. He told MindaNews Friday morning that there are some issues that they want clearly spelled out in the text of the CAB. He declined to elaborate.

No date has been set for the signing of the CAB but both Ferrer and Iqbal are eyeing “February or March.”

Philippine lawmakers expect basic law submitted by May

Last Tuesday, January 28, some members of the House of Representatives said that they expect the submission of the draft basic law to congress by May.

Representative Pangalian Balindong of Lanao del Sur and Deputy Speaker for Mindanao told reporters that they are hoping that the proposed basic law shall undergo smooth sailing and will not encounter any question on its constitutionality. The Bangsamoro Transition Commission whose members were appointed by President Benigno Aquino III will present the basic law.

"We in Congress are waiting for the [proposed] basic law, which will be presented to us by the Transitory Commission once it will be certified as urgent by the President," Balindong said.

He added that the signing on Saturday of the last of the four annexes to the Bangasamoro framework agreement is a welcome development.

Meanwhile, Basilan Representative Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman said that their main concern is the demobilization of the entire ARMM since, aside from the MILF, there are still threats that should be considered such as the Bangsamaro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a Moro breakaway group.

Magdalo Party-list Representative Gary Alejano also said that other threats than can derail the peace process will be addressed as law enforcement matters.

"I must say that we cannot please everybody along the way but we are happy that they sat with the government. [But for the threats], It's a matter of law enforcement," he said.

He added that the presence of other threat groups is not enough reason to delay the peace efforts in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/794-imt-ahjag-tours-of-duty-extended-by-another-year

MILF: BTC Chairman and Commissioners meet House Leaders

From the MILF Website (Jan 31): BTC Chairman and Commissioners meet House Leaders



Officials of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) were warmly received at the House of Representatives January 29 in a courtesy call described by the commission’s head as “seeking advises and wisdom” from the legislators.
  
BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal told House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. that their visit is the first step in the engagements to be made by the Commission especially if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would be transmitted already to Congress. He expressed hope that the “collective wisdom of Congress will guide it in passing a good legislation (BBL).”

Belmonte, along with nine other congressmen, considered it a “great honor” to have Iqbal and thirteen other commissioners.

The Speaker congratulated both the MILF and GPH Peace Panels for the January 25 signing of the last of four annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as well as the addendum on Bangsamoro waters. He assured the BTC that the House would be “open-minded” as far as the BBL is concerned and that they are willing to assist the commission “singly or collectively.”


The congressmen who joined the speaker in receiving the BTC expressed support for the peace process.

Rep. Pangalian M. Balindong (Lanao del Sur, 2nd District) emphasized the need to have a just and permanent settlement of the conflict in Mindanao.

Rep. Ronaldo B. Zamora (San Juan City, Lone District) hopes that the peace talks would end in the right way.

A former AFP Chief of Staff and Senator, Rep. Rodolfo G. Biazon (Muntinlupa City, Lone District) described the signed Annex on Normalization as a “leap of faith” while Rep. Gabriel Luis R. Quisumbing (Cebu, 6th District) called it a document of “historic significance.”

AMIN Party-list Representative Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, wife of ARMM Regional Gov. Mujib Hataman, appealed to her fellow lawmakers “not to let the opportunity pass” for the enactment of the law that would finally bring peace to Mindanao.

Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Lilia Macrohon-Nuño, Albay 2nd District Rep. Al Francis C. Bichara, Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Arnulfo F. Go, and Basilan Lone District Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman also relayed similar statements.

BTC Chairman Iqbal remarked that there has been no easy part of the 17 long years of hard negotiations, but that with focus and determination showed by both peace panels the agreements have been. “There is no option except to finish the peace process,” he said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/793-btc-chairman-and-commissioners-meet-house-leaders

MILF: Peace mechanisms extended by 1 year

From GMA News (Feb 1): MILF: Peace mechanisms extended by 1 year

Peace negotiators of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front have agreed to extend the tours of duty of two mechanisms helping the peace process in Mindanao, the MILF said Saturday.

The MILF said the two panels agreed last Jan. 26 to extend the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Joint Group (AHJAG) by one year.

"But the number of the personnel of the IMT will be reduced a bit. Details ... were not made available," the MILF said on its website.

On Jan. 25 last year, the peace panels of both sides agreed to extend the mandate of the IMT until March 2014 and the AHJAG to February 14, 2014.

IMT, which was first deployed in 2004, monitors the ceasefire agreements between the government and the MILF “to create conducive environment for peace negotiations and development initiatives in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.”

AHJAG is a joint effort against criminal elements operating in “MILF areas/communities." It works with the government and MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities.

Only last Jan. 25, the peace panels of both sides signed an annex that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/346522/news/nation/milf-peace-mechanisms-extended-by-1-year

6 soldiers, 6 civilians, including 2 media men, hurt in Maguindanao blast

From GMA News (Feb 1): 6 soldiers, 6 civilians, including 2 media men, hurt in Maguindanao blast

At least twelve people, including six civilians, were reported injured in an explosion at around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday in Barangay Lower Salvo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao, according to a military official.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said six soldiers and six civilians, including two media men from TV5, were injured from an improvised explosive device (IED) blast.

Earlier, in a separate phone interview, regional military spokesman Col. Dickson Hermoso said the injured were rushed to a local hospital. He has yet to identify the wounded victims.

Hermoso said they were caught off guard as the explosion happened in "the most unexpected place kasi maraming tao, civilians doon."

Hermoso claimed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, were behind the blast.

He, however, said the military has yet to decide if they will ask the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) for another extension to continue their military operations against the breakaway group.

Earlier, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said military operations will end on Saturday, based on the deadline approved by the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). He added that this has been extended after the first deadline ended on Wednesday.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/346524/news/regions/6-soldiers-6-civilians-including-2-media-men-hurt-in-maguindanao-blast

Homemade bomb found at roadside

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 31): Homemade bomb found at roadside

A POWERFUL improvised explosive device (IED) was accidentally discovered along the side of a national highway in Pantukan, Compostela Valley Thursday morning.

Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made the discovery during a road repair operation in the area.

DPWH personnel Arnulfo Llenado said they were picking up firewood to boil the asphalt in Bongabong, Pantukan when they discovered a long wire. When they tried pulling the wire they saw the IED with the long wire.

By chance, an Army truck was passing by the area and the bomb was readily defused.

The military said the IED was powerful enough to obliterate their truck had it been detonated.

Authorities suspected that the IED was placed by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/02/01/homemade-bomb-found-roadside-326102

TV5 reporter, cameraman hurt in blast - AFP

From Rappler (Feb 1): TV5 reporter, cameraman hurt in blast - AFP

CAPTURED: Brigadier General Edmundo Pangilinan (center) inspects materials they seized at the BIFF camps

CAPTURED: Brigadier General Edmundo Pangilinan (center) inspects materials they seized at the BIFF camps

A reporter of TV5, his cameraman and 6 government troops were hurt in two explosions along a road in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on Saturday morning, February 1, the military said.

The military's 6th Infantry Division said the explosions ripped through a military convoy, including an armored personnel carrier, at 8:30 am.

"Okay naman sila," Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the division, told Rappler. He however refused to identify the TV5 staff who were hurt.

Hermoso said they are now being treated at the Maguindanao General Hospital.
Sources said the TV5 crew were on their way to cover a flag-raising ceremony in Barangay Danta in Datu Piang town, which was captured by the military from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The military has launched a week-long offensive against members of the BIFF who are opposed to a peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49418-tv5-reporter-cameraman-hurt-in-blast

12 more BIFF members killed in clash

From the Philippine Star (Jan 31): 12 more BIFF members killed in clash

A dozen more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) had been killed in a series of encounters in Maguindanao in the past 24 hours, the military said.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers had recovered a dozen firearms beside the cadavers of the slain bandits.

Hermoso said about 20 of the 52 bandits killed by soldiers in the calibrated “police action” against the group had been identified with the help of local officials and barangay leaders.

A soldier was killed while 13 other enlisted Army personnel were wounded in the ensuing firefights with BIFF gunmen since Monday dawn.

“Some of the BIFF fatalities were adolescents the group had recruited for warfare purposes,” Hermoso said.

The 6th ID’s offensive against the BIFF was apparently triggered by a spate of attacks on farming communities, and bombings the group had perpetrated in recent months.

Local officials in Datu Piang, scene of the fiercest Army-BIFF clashes in the past five days, said the bandits have abandoned their lairs in several barangays in the municipality, and along portions of the Liguasan Marsh, which separates Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

The surroundings of Datu Piang have been silent since Friday morning, but  government combatants  continue to pursue  fleeing BIFF bandits to prevent them from regrouping.

“We’re also guarding stretches of highways and farming villages in the surroundings which they can subject to diversionary attacks,” Hermoso said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/31/1285162/12-more-biff-members-killed-clash

Top BIFF commander killed in Maguindanao clashes–military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 31): Top BIFF commander killed in Maguindanao clashes–military

A top lieutenant of Ameril Umbra Kato, leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, was one of the fatalities of the series of clashes between Moro rebels and the government forces in Maguindanao, the military said Friday.

Commander Hassan Indal, known as “Tambako,” was killed in a close air support operations by the military on Thursday, Colonel Dickson Hermoso, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson said.

Hermoso said the clashes killed at least 52 rebels and 49 wounded. He said 19 of the fatalities had already been identified, including three child warriors.

On the military side, a soldier had been killed and 13 wounded.

The fighting started on Monday after the police backed by military troops served the arrest warrant for BIFF members facing criminal charges.

The clashes also came two days after the government signed a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The BIFF is the breakaway group of the MILF.

Meanwhile, Major Dante Gania, Army’s 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer, said they have received intelligence reports that Kato is already “very sickly.”

“His spokesman is saying that he is okay, he is still strong, but we have not seen him for a long period of time. Last year we haven’t seen him or heard from him,” he said.

“We heard he has several illnesses because of complications and high sugar levels. We invited him to get treatment in a hospital here in Camp Siongco to save him…We are also appealing to the relatives of wounded BIFF (rebels) to send them to our hospital. We will treat them,” Gania added.

The intermittent fighting in parts of Maguindanao also caused 10,000 residents to flee. The operations, which was originally scheduled to last until Wednesday, was extended up to Saturday following the approval of the Ad Hoc Joint Group, the ceasefire mechanism between the government and the MILF.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572001/top-biff-commander-killed-in-maguindanao-clashes-military

Court rejects military bid to rearrest security guard

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 1): Court rejects military bid to rearrest security guard
The Court of Appeals has denied a motion by the military to rearrest a Quezon City security guard who was mistaken to be a ranking official of the communist rebel army and detained in 2012.

The court’s Fifth Division, in a decision dated Jan. 14, said there was no reason for the rearrest of Rolly Panesa since it had been proven that he was a victim of mistaken identity and that he was not the Danilo Benjamin Mendoza who the military claims leads the Southern Tagalog unit of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Despite the earlier finding of mistaken identity, the military still filed an urgent motion for reconsideration and for an order to rearrest Panesa. His captors had reportedly presented the security guard as “Mendoza” and already claimed a reward or bonus for the capture.

The motion was filed by Panesa’s arresting officers led by Insp. Bernardino Camus, Maj. Gen. Alan Luga, Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario, Chief Supt. James Andres Melad and Senior Supt. Manuel Abu.

Dismissing the motion for lack of merit, the appeals court said: “As we have emphatically been stating, the detained person, Rolly Panesa, is not the same person as ‘Danilo Benjamin Mendoza.’ Rolly Panesa is his real name and it can never be his alias, as what was stated in the commitment order. Hence, there can be no justification for his continued detention,” the court ruled.

Panesa had sought the help of human rights groups, saying he was tortured during his 10-month detention. He also suspected he was being fraudulently presented as the NPA leader so the military and police officials could claim a reward for the capture.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572334/court-rejects-military-bid-to-rearrest-security-guard

‘Presence of Soldiers Frighten, Terrorize Residents’

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jan 31): ‘Presence of Soldiers Frighten, Terrorize Residents’

Farmers in Barangay Kamansi in Kabankalan City, are complaining about the operations of the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) soldiers who, aside from staying in their houses, carry out foot patrols in the dead of night.

The soldiers are staying in the hacienda owned by landowner, Gene Sola, and primarily being by his son, John Paul Sola.

Word has spread that five of the farmers will allegedly be assassinated or eliminated after New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas carried out a lightning raid last week at the hacienda compound, seizing shotguns and hogtying security guards.

Earlier, the farmers had complained that whenever they venture out to work in their farms, they are allegedly being fired upon by black-uniformed guards.

After the NPA raid last week, the security guards who came from various towns and cities in Southern Negros were admonished to no longer come back.

With the security guards no longer there in the hacienda, soldiers in full battle gear have replaced them and allegedly sowed more fear and apprehensions among residents who are demanding that the landholdings be distributed to them.

The local Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) has promised to speed up the process of agrarian reform in the hacienda.

The military presence has not provided any assurance that there will be genuine peace and order in the village, because they are also trigger-happy, said the farmers’ spokesman who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Southern Negros had been the birthplace of the CPP-NPAs since years back.

Lots of encounters and firefights took place during the period the Marcos regime held sway.

The farmers’ spokesman in addition declared that if poverty and hunger are not solved, the unrests will go on.

http://ndb-online.com/013114/local-news/local-news-%E2%80%98presence-soldiers-frighten-terrorize-residents%E2%80%99

BIFF vows to crush military offensive

From the Manila Times (Jan 31): BIFF vows to crush military offensive

 ZAMBOANGA CITY: The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) vowed to repulse a massive assault by the military that has killed at least 40 of the group’s members after five days of clashes.

The Army has been pounding BIFF positions in North Cotabato and Maguindanao with artillery as it pressed on with its assault. The military has until Saturday to go after the BIFF, which is led by Ameril Umbrakato, a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The MILF has allowed the military incursion into territory it controls.

But Abu Misry Mama, a spokesman for the BIFF, said the group will defeat the government offensive which he said only brought misery to thousands of civilians.
“The only losers here are the civilians who are affected by the government offensive in North Cotabato and Maguindanao,” Mama told The Manila Times.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, a spokesman for the Sixth Infantry Division, which is spearheading the offensive, said as many as 40 rebels were killed since the assault began on January 27, a day after Philippine government peace negotiators and the MILF signed the last of the four annexes—Annex on Normalization—to the so-called Bangsamoro Framework Agreement Mama denied that many BIFF fighters were killed.

“Hermoso is a propagandist. I tell you that all he said was a lie. We have no casualties, although seven BIFF are slightly wounded,” Mama said.

He said at least three Army armored personnel carriers and a tank were destroyed in the clashes.

Mama laughed off what Hermoso said the BIFF harboring foreign terrorists and had been attacking military and civilian targets. “The BIFF does not need any foreign fighters, we can fight on our own and defend ourselves and the Muslims in Mindanao.

“The military would launch attacks against the BIFF every time peace talks between Manila and the MILF resumes and then they tell the Philippine media that we started it all.

The rebel spokesman also took a swipe at Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman, branding him as “anti-BIFF.” “This Hataman never reach out for peace. He is an anti-BIFF.”

Miriam Ferrer, head of the Philippine peace panel, said that over the last nine months, the BIFF repeatedly harassed troops and terrorized local communities.

Ferrer said the group planted roadside bombs, sniped at soldiers, took school teachers as hostages, and in one instance, even beheaded a civilian captive and recently commandeered a private vehicle and used it as a roadblock in Maguindanao.

She called on the members and the leaders of the BIFF “to put down their arms and be part of the process. We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance.

“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives,” Ferrer added.

Humanitarian considerations

 The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center, which has been monitoring and assisting those displaced by the war, appealed to the government to “wrap up” the operation due to the growing number of affected civilians.

The human rights center has distributed food packs to the displaced families, but relief aid is not enough and also appealed for more help to be able to feed the refugees.

Formidable force

 Mama said the BIFF—under Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato—remains a strong force despite government offensives the past years and warned that many MILF members may join them if the peace talks with the Aquino government fail. “That I can guarantee you,” he said.

Mama said even members of the Moro National Liberation Front may also join the BIFF.

The MILF, a breakaway faction of the MNLF, previously branded the five-province Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao as a failure.

The rebel group previously called on the Aquino government to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao.

Nur Misuari, leader of one of two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), had met with Kato in his stronghold in Guindulungan town in Maguindanao. There were speculations that Misuari was trying to persuade Kato to join the MNLF.

At the November 2011 meeting, Misuari said Kato’s group was well-armed and far larger than that of Murad Ebrahim, the MILF chieftain. He said the combined forces of the MNLF and Kato’s group is formidable.

Kato and another senior rebel leader, Abdulla Macapaar, were both accused by authorities as behind the series of deadly attacks in Mindanao in 2008. The two have been disowned by the MILF and Kato has since formed BIFF.

The military said Kato and Macapaar attacked civilian targets after peace negotiators failed to sign a Muslim homeland deal because the Supreme Court declared the accord unconstitutional.

Kato has repeatedly criticized Ebrahim for abandoning their struggle for independence and betraying the MILF when he agreed to a secret meeting called by President Aquino in Japan in August 2011.

Kato said Murad corrupted the rights of the Bangsamoro people, adding the MILF chieftain should have consulted his leaders before meeting with Aquino.

Kato suffered a stroke in 2011, and he is seldom seen in public. There were reports that a new commander—Sheik Mohidin Animbang—has taken over the BIFF, whose members were mostly former fighters of the MILF and the rival MNLF.

The MILF, in a previous statement, said it is willing to help the government go after Kato and provide forces to block all entry and exit points around his hideout.

The MILF forged an agreement with Manila in 2004 that paved the way for rebel forces—through the ad hoc joint action group—to help government hunt down terrorists and criminal elements in areas where the rebel group is actively operating.

Like Kato, Misuari opposes the government peace talks with the MILF, saying, Manila should first abide by the peace agreement it signed with the MNLF in September 1996, ending more than 20 years of bloody fighting in the southern Philippines.

After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became ARMM governor. But many former rebels were unhappy with the accord, saying the government failed to comply with some of its provisions and improve their standards of living.

They accused the government of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south, which remain in mired in poverty, heavily militarized and dependent financially on Manila.

On the eve of the ARMM elections in November 2001, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and his followers launched a new rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed.

http://manilatimes.net/biff-vows-to-crush-military-offensive/72261/

NPA raiders kill civilian, wound cop in Sorsogon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 31): NPA raiders kill civilian, wound cop in Sorsogon

Sorsogon CityAround 10 heavily-armed rebels attacked a police detachment at the junction in Barangay Cabid-an, here, the other night, resulting in the wounding of a police officer and the killing of a civilian caught in the crossfire.

Senior Superintendent Victor Deona, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) director, blamed the attack on the New People’s Army (NPA) and lauded elements of the Sorsogon City Police Office (CPO) manning the motorist assistance center for putting up a fight.

Deona said the firefight lasted 30 minutes as augmentation forces from the military and the CPO came to the aid of the only two policemen defending the police outpost – Police Officer 3 Ronel Diesta and PO1 Noly Lagsit.

The attack turned into a running gunbattle and, at one point, the rebels grabbed a passerby to use him as a human shield.

Inspector Arne Oliquiano of the city police identified the civilian as Henry Orbina of Salvacion, Irosin town, and a worker at Saints Peter Paul Corporation in Barangay Cabid-an.

Orbina, who was hit in the back and legs during the encounter, died and was later taken to the Funeraria Labalan.

Oliquiano said one Police Officer 2 Jovit Liwanag was seriously wounded in the fierce gunbattle.

During the pursuit, the rebels entered the compound of a certain Ferdinand Tan, keeping police at bay and then fleeing in different directions.

A crisis management team has been activated to quell any more attempts of a takeover of police, military or government installations in the city.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-raiders-kill-civilian-wound-cop-in-sorsogon/

BIFF fight widens; MILF, MNLF friends, kin join; gov’t forces engaged for 5th day

From Malaya (Jan 31): BIFF fight widens; MILF, MNLF friends, kin join; gov’t forces engaged for 5th day

FIGHTING between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao continued for the fifth day yesterday, with fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front aiding the BIFF.
 
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the involvement of some MILF and MNLF men in the fighting is not sanctioned by the leaders of the two groups.
 
He said these MILF and MNLF members are fighting government troops merely “reinforced” their relatives in the BIFF.
 
“They’re (BIFF men) only about 100 but they are reinforced by their relatives from other armed groups when you engage them,” he said.
 
“This is an independent action by these people. It’s not an institutional action; (they joined) because they have relatives in the BIFF,” he added.
 
The MILF is engaged in peace talks with government. The MNLF signed a peace pact with government in 1996 but some of the members later left the group and formed the MILF. The 300-strong BIFF is headed a former MILF commander who is opposed to the peace negotiations between government and the MILF.
 
Hermoso, asked how many MILF and MNLF fighters have aided the BIFF, said they are a few because most of them “do not want to subscribe with the BIFF.”
 
Hermoso also said fighting is dragging because troops are unfamiliar with the terrain and because of the presence of civilians in the area.
 
He said the target is to finish the operation by Saturday.
 
As of yesterday, there were sporadic firefights in barangays Bakat and Ganta, both in Shariff Saidona Mustapha town, and barangay Damablas in Datu Piang town.
 
“We’re pursuing them and they splintered into smaller groups. As of now, there is sporadic fighting. They (BIFF men) are still there,” he said.
 
The fighting broke out last Sunday in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao when government forces launched law enforcement operations against BIFF members for atrocities.
 
The military cleared the operations with MILF because the areas of operations are near MILF communities.
 
Hermoso said the military would continue with the operations “because the MILF itself requested to finish off the BIFF so that they would have no problem later on.”
 
He also said there is no need to deploy additional forces in Maguindanao because there are enough operating troops. Three Army battalions are directly involved in the campaign and other units are playing a support role, he said.
 
Around 40 BIFF men, including child warriors, have been killed since Sunday while 12 others were wounded. On the government side, a soldier has died and 13 others were wounded.
 
Miriam Cornel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel in the peace talks with the MILF, urged BIFF members to lay down their arms and be part of the peace process.
 
“We ask them (BIFF) to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she said.
 
She said local government officials are ready to receive BIFF men who would want to participate in programs under the peace agreement. She said the BIFF could also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF.
 
She also said relief provisions have been on standby for those temporarily displaced. 

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/biff-fight-widens-milf-mnlf-friends-kin-join-gov%E2%80%99t-forces-engaged-5th-day

'A PROVOCATIVE ACT' | US warns China over reported plans for 'air defense zone' over South China Sea

From InterAksyon (Feb 1): 'A PROVOCATIVE ACT' | US warns China over reported plans for 'air defense zone' over South China Sea

The United States warned China on Friday against any move to declare a new air defense zone over parts of the South China Sea including disputed islands.

The Asahi Shimbun daily of Japan reported that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for the next Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that could place the Paracel Islands at its core.

Any such move would be seen "as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China's commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. She stressed, however, that the reports were "unconfirmed" at this time.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.

Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.

"We've made very clear that parties must refrain from announcing an ADIZ or any other administrative regulation restraining activity of others in disputed territories, and we would of course urge China not to do so," Harf added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79877/a-provocative-act--us-warns-china-over-reported-plans-for-air-defense-zone-over-south-china-sea

Government forces scale down attack against BIFF guerrillas

From the Business Mirror (Jan 31): Government forces scale down attack against BIFF guerrillas

THE military-backed police operations against guerrillas belonging to a Moro rebel breakaway faction have been scaled down to clearing operations, a military official said on Friday.
 
However, the military operations have already resulted in the killing of at least 52 guerrillas, 19 of them already identified, said Maj. Dante Gania, public-affairs officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.
 
On the side of the government, the casualty remained at 13 wounded and one killed.
 
Gania said the law-enforcement operations or the serving of the warrants of arrest against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIIF) who were allegedly involved in the beheading of two civilians and the attack of a village in Pikit, North Cotabato, in September last year are continuing.
 
“The clearing operations are still ongoing, we are still serving the warrants,” he said.
 
Gania said the clearing operations are concentrated in several barangays in the towns of Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Datu Piang and Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.
 
Several barangays in the three towns, including Ganta and Bakat in Shariff Saidon Mustapha, were the scene of heavy fighting during the past days that saw the guerrillas using homemade bombs and mortars against the soldiers.
 
The soldiers, on the other hand, captured the BIFF’s headquarters, as well as training and bomb-making facilities.
 
“This is a good development, because it will definitely lessen the threat of the BIFF guerillas to use improvised explosive devices,” Gania said.
 
He said that among those that were recovered from the BIFF’s bomb-making facility were old mortar shells and rounds of rocket-propelled grenades.
 
Because of the fighting, at least 7,000 affected residents remained in evacuation centers and their needs are being taken care of by members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
 
Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said 13 of the dead BIFF members were minors.
 
“They were child fighters because they were in fatigue uniforms with BIFF markings and possessing firearms,” Hermoso said.
 
He said the guerrillas are now contained in Barangay Ganta and manifested limited resistance during the offensive.
 
An Army source said the remaining BIFF members are expected to surrender owing to lack of ammunition, manpower and food supplies, “because the Army contained them in an isolated community in the marshland.”
 
“Hopefully, with this development, the fighting will die down and the internally displaced persons may return home,” Hermoso said.
 
But Abu Misry Mama, speaking for the BIFF, maintained the breakaway group sustained only four fatalities, whom he called “martyrs.”
 
“Our stance remains, we will fight to the last drop of our blood in defense of our rights,” Mama said in a telephone interview.
 
Hermoso admitted not among the 20 BIFF members with warrants of arrest have been arrested, as the process of presenting the legal documents to individual persons was hampered by BIFF’s violent reaction.
 
Hermoso hinted that the Army might stop the offensive in a day or two.
 
Hermoso said the Army also alerted local governments in communities and towns outside the Maguindanao marshland which, traditionally, are being targeted by BIFF for diversionary attacks.
 
“The troops in the cities and provinces around the marshland are already on alert since Day One because our experience in the past showed that the BIFF carries out diversionary tactics to ease the heat in Maguindanao,” Hermoso said, adding, “we are pretty well aware of that, and we are ready.”
 
The fighting in Maguindanao came a day after the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed the final annex of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, which the BIFF strongly opposed.

 http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/26812-government-forces-scale-down-attack-against-biff-guerrillas

Maguindanao supports call for BIFF to join peace process actively

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Maguindanao supports call for BIFF to join peace process actively
 
Political leaders and residents of Maguindanao are supporting the call of the government peace panel for the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to take an active part in the Mindanao peace process, officials said Friday.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu said there is no other local government in the country that desires for peace than Maguindanao and its people.

Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel negotiating peace with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in an emailed statement Thursday said that the BIFF can be effective in the quest for peace if it joins with the process through diplomatic means and not through violence.

“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” Ferrer said.

Mangudadatu said it is also important for the MILF to use its influence to bring back the BIFF to the mainstream and help build a community of peaceful loving citizens that resolve issues through the negotiating table and not through the barrel of guns.

Due to ideological differences, BIFF founding chair Omra Ameril Kato broke away from the MILF in 2008 following the botched signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD)

"I believe that there is still a possibility that Kato and the MILF can reconcile and pursue common good of the Moro people," Mangudadatu said.

“If the status quo remains, it’s the civilians that suffer the brunt of conflict happening now," he added.

The provincial governor also said that he is certain Muslim religious leaders in the ranks of the MILF can convince the BIFF to change its course and toe the line the MILF took toward achieving peace in the island.

Mangudadatu added that most, if not all of those directly affected by the armed conflict in Maguindanao, are either relatives, wives and children of MILF or BIFF fighters.

"It pains me to see our people dislocated, get hungry and live in a very unhealthy condition in evacuation sites," he said.

Believing in the sincerity of both panels, Mangudadatu said he see no reason why conflict should still happen in the province when, all but the BIFF, are supportive of it.

“Maguindanao political leaders are hoping that sectors opposed to the peace process will gradually realize that the so-called `Moro issue’ can never be resolved through an armed uprising, for conflicts will only make Moro communities become poorer and poorer,” Mangudadatu said at a news conference.

Mangudadatu is worried the recent conflict will again destroy the socioeconomic programs his administration has envisioned and started to implement in Maguindanao's 36 municipalities.

"These programs are for our people. But how can they benefit from it if armed conflict continues," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=611529

Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30): Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says

The ongoing military operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Central Mindanao are aimed at degrading the fighting capability of the breakaway rebel group which has repeatedly harassed government forces and civilian communities the past nine months.

This is the press statement of Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), regarding the military action launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the BIFF in the towns of Datu Piang, Sharif Saydona, Sultan sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao and in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Ferrer said “the MILF is assisting in the operations by helping the government contain the movements of the BIFF.”

The AFP launched a punitive action last Monday or two days after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF signed in Kuala Lumpur the historic Annex on Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters that would pave the way for the signing of a peace agreement and put an end to the more than four decades of fighting in southern Philippines.

The fighting was on its fourth day Thursday.

“Over the last nine months, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) repeatedly harassed our soldiers and terrorized local communities,” Ferrer said.

She also said the BIFF “planted roadside bombs, sniped at our soldiers, took school teachers as hostages, and in one instance, even beheaded a civilian captive.”

“A few days ago, in the midst of the fighting, they commandeered a private vehicle and forcibly used it as a roadblock,” Ferrer said.

“The ongoing military operations are geared at degrading the BIFF’s capability to continue to cause harm to the government forces, civilians and the peace process,” Ferrer pointed out defending the action undertaken by the AFP.

Prior to the operations, the safety ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and the MILF have ensured the safety of civilians in surrounding areas.

Ferrer also said the government has readied relief provisions to meet the basic needs of those who have been temporarily displaced.

At the same time, he said “government and the MILF have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the operations will not spill over to involve MILF combatants or cause unnecessary or prolonged hardship to civilians.”

Ferrer also called on the members and the leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the peace process that would end the decades of war in Mindanao.

“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she echoed.

Ferrer said “local government officials are ready to receive those who would like to silence their guns and participate in the different programs we will be undertaking as part of the implementation of the peace agreements.”

“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives,” she said, adding that “these and other avenues are open for those among the BIFF who are ready to join us in our peace efforts.”

The ongoing fighting has killed 40 BIFF rebels while government forces suffered one killed in action and 13 wounded during the past four days.

The AFP has denounced the BIFF for recruiting child warriors which is prohibited by the United Nations (UN).

Reports said some of the slain BIFF were young children aged 14 to 17 years.

The military operation has resulted in the capture of three BIFF strongholds during the past four days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611264

DSWD supports peace-building efforts through livelihoods

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): DSWD supports peace-building efforts through livelihoods
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said Friday that it recently conducted a Program Review and Evaluation Workshop for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the national government.

According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, PAMANA is the Philippine government’s program and framework for peace and development.

“It focuses on providing development interventions in hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected communities,” Soliman explained.

Under the PAMANA project, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is tasked to implement the livelihood component of PAMANA’s development interventions.

It aim is to increase people’s participation in identifying community development projects that will lead to economic empowerment.

Based on DSWD’s record, in 2013, the PAMANA-SLP program has identified 470 barangays located in 19 municipalities in eight provinces and in one chartered city in Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SoCCSKSarGen and the CARAGA Region.

Each of these 470 barangays was granted with P300,000 pesos each for their community identified livelihood projects that hopes to benefit some 962,568 individuals.

For this year each barangay will be again granted with P300,000 pesos as additional assistance and continuous support for their existing livelihood projects that benefits the indigents in the barangay.

According to Roy Serdana, Regional Project Coordinator of SLP CARAGA, the fund will definitely help jumpstart the rebuilding of the livelihoods of the people like those recently affected by tropical depression ‘Agaton’.

Under also the said project, the people in the barangay will directly benefit since the livelihood projects are really intended for their use.

Mary Grace Yap, Social Welfare Assistant and MIAC member from Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, cited that they had identified solar dryers as the equipment commonly needed for their livelihood projects.

Yap explained that the solar dryers had benefited the farmers there since the main products of the said farmers there were rice and corn.

She added that for those barangays who already have solar dryers had opted to propose construction of post-harvest facilities such as warehouses to store palay that will serve as protective area during the rainy season.

Leonardito Plaza, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur, shared that some projects include feed mill and swine fattening facilities which were all use

“These projects had helped the people to save up on feeds and in paying rent for private owners’ solar dryers. The community can share in the use of these facilities and thus help them in saving money,” Plaza added.

Among those who attended the program review and workshop held last Jan. 23-25 were representatives from the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program National and Regional Project Management Offices, OPAPP officials and Regional Managers, and Multi-Inter Agency Councils of the concerned local government units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611379

8th Infantry Division helps in 30 medical missions for 'Yolanda' stricken areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): 8th Infantry Division helps in 30 medical missions for 'Yolanda' stricken areas
 
The Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division on Friday announced its participation in 30 medical missions for the victims of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in Eastern Samar.

These series of activities is ongoing since the typhoon struck last Nov. 8 with the help of various foreign and local relief agencies.

Around 5,000 people benefited from these medical missions.

Relatedly, the 8th Infantry Division has also assisted Task Force Cadaver in the recovery of 2,485 bodies.

The unit also helped in the distribution and transportation of 3,334,110 family food packs, 173,566 sacks of rice and 532,286 liters of water.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611356

Concerned civilian foils NPA landmining attempt in Tagum-Mati highway

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Concerned civilian foils NPA landmining attempt in Tagum-Mati highway

A concerned civilian has preempted a New People's Army (NPA) landmining attempt in the Tagum-Mati highway in Davao Del Norte Thursday morning.

1st Lt. Vilma Mojado, 1st Communication Information Company commander, said the civilian, those identity was withheld for security reasons, spotted the electrical wires connecting to the land mine around 8:45 a.m.

She said that the civilian immediately sought the assistance of troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade who at that moment was passing by.

Mojado said the troopers immediately secured and cordoned the area so that civilian motorists passing by the highway will not be in danger.

The troops confirmed that the object was a landmine after checking it.

Explosive ordnance disposal teams recovered and disarmed the landmine along with 100 meters electrical wire around 11 a.m.

Col. Angelito M. De Leon, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, scored these attempts by the NPAs, saying that these are acts of dying and desperate movement.

“The NPAs do not think of the dangers posed by their landmines on innocent civilian motorists traveling a busy highway. They were blatantly violating the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law banning the user of landmines of which the National Democratic Front is a signatory," he added.

De Leon also thanked the civilian who reported the location of the landmine, stressing that it has saved countless of lives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611361

Pilot, flight crew pool for PAF attack AW-109s identified

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Pilot, flight crew pool for PAF attack AW-109s identified

In line with its efforts to upgrade its capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has already identified the pilots and flight crews which will be manning the eight attack versions of AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters.

An initial two are expected to be delivered within the year.

"Two units will be delivered by 2014 and (by) 2015 (the remaining) six units will be delivered. As per signed contract, two units will be delivered 365 days upon LC (letter of credit) opening," PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said.

He added that the pilots and flight crew who will man the brand-new aircraft have already been identified.

"Pilot(s) and (flight) crew (are now) identified, however, date for training is TBDL (to be determined later)," Okol stressed.

The Philippines and AgustaWestland signed the P3.44 billion contract for the attack version of the AW-109s last Nov. 6.

Earlier, Department of National Defense undersecretary for finance, modernization, installation and munitions Fernando Manalo said the decision to acquire the AW-109s for both the Navy and Air Force was done to greatly ease the maintenance, training, and acquisition of spare parts

Aside from this, having both services operated the same helicopter would mean that the only type of simulator will be acquired for training of its flight crew.

"Having the two services operate the AW-109s means that we will just operate one type of aircraft which will greatly ease our maintenance, training and logistic procedures," he pointed out.

Manalo said that the only difference between the Navy and Air Force AW-109s is that the latter version is armed with .50 caliber machines and rocket launchers.

"But we can also arm the Navy AW-109s if needed," the DND undersecretary said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611375

1 rebel killed, police officer hurt in Sorsogon City encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): 1 rebel killed, police officer hurt in Sorsogon City encounter

A New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed while a police officer was hurt during an encounter in Barangay Cabidan-an, Sorsogon City Thursday night.

Col. Joselito Kakilala, chief of the Philippine Army's 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the fallen rebel was one of the five NPA fighters who earlier took hostage five civilians in an attempt to foil pursuing soldiers.

He said the government troops were directed to ensure that there were no civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.

Earlier, the NPAs attempted to overrun a police security checkpoint in the barangay at around 7:30 p.m.

During the ensuing firefight, one policeman was wounded and one rebel was killed. The remaining NPA rebels scattered and fled.

Troops were able to pursue two of the fleeing rebels who holed up in a nearby compound, taking five hostages.

The five hostages were able to escape which gave the responding troops to immediately clear the compound.

The rebels managed to escape by piling up plastic soft drink cases and using these to climb the wall at the rear of the compound.

The civilian hostages were given stress debriefing by Sorsogon City police.

Kakilala said the NPAs have reduced themselves into a criminal and lawless group by putting civilians in harm’s way as they try desperately to evade pursuing government forces.

Sorsogon is one of the remaining provinces that the AFP is targeting for normalization.

Currently, 43 of 75 NPA-affected provinces in the country have undergone “normalization” wherein local government units have taken the lead in local peace and security campaign.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611428

Surrender of arms to be observed in Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Surrender of arms to be observed in Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace official

A Malacanang official on Friday assured that the laying down of arms of rebel groups will be among the agreements contained in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“In essence, the principles of DDR (Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration) are being observed,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.

“The concept of decommissioning includes laying down arms and transforming an erstwhile armed force into social movement within a larger polity,” he said.

Coloma also explained that the Bangsamoro political entity is envisioned to become an integral component of the Republic of the Philippines.

“The Bangsamoro people are part of the Filipino nation,” he said.

Last Thursday, President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the Bangsamoro Transmission Commission (BTC) to fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure its passage and ratification to allow them enough time to complete the transition task in time for the 2016 elections.

President Aquino also asked the BTC to be transparent to reach out to different sectors including those initially resistant to the new political entity and assured them of the national government’s full support.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611506

Biazon urges MILF to convince BIFF-member relatives to surrender to end secession in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Biazon urges MILF to convince BIFF-member relatives to surrender to end secession in Mindanao

The chairman of the House committee on defense and national security on Friday challenged the leadership of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to show their sincerity and readiness to join the government’s effort to end hostilities in Mindanao.

Muntinlupa City Representative Rodolfo Biazon said that it is high time for the BIFF members to show their sincerity that they are not tolerating lawless elements by convincing relatives who have joined Bangsamoro Islamic Fighters (BIFF) to surrender to authorities.

“I think this is the time for MILF to show to the Filipino people that they heavily favor peace in Mindanao and end the more than four decades of hostilities,” Biazon told Philippines News Agency in a text message.

The MILF have forged peace negotiation and have passed four annexes that will be part of the Bangsamoro Framework in the future after they inked the vital annexes agreement recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Philippine Government had express strong determination to end hostilities in Mindanao and convert this second largest Philippine Island into a food basket and industrial hub.

The southern region of Mindanao is classified as the home of predominantly Catholic and Muslim minority. The MILF is the most important in a range of armed groups that have been fighting for independence for the majority-Muslim areas.

Government leaders hope that the rebel group will begin disarming in May which is contrary to the beliefs of BIFF which is not part of the negotiation.

“If the BIFF will rejoin MILF, their former home, then they will be part of the agreement and they are obliged to follow faithfully what have been agreed,” Biazon explained.

According to Biazon, showing sincerity that MILF will no longer tolerate lawlessness, they must spearhead crushing the armed groups to prove that they are respecting and obeying the Philippine Flag and its Constitution.

But he admitted that “Rido” or clash between clans which had been embedded to the Muslim’s culture will need more time to change the old habit.

The former AFP chief of staff turned politician, claimed that at least this administration has made a giant leap in pursuit of true peace in Mindanao, hoping that this could be the start of long lasting peace combined with full blast development that the people can realize that no one can claim they are victorious in any kind of war.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611507

Big challenge ahead with the signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31): Big challenge ahead with the signing of Annex on Normalization and Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters

The peace panels of both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will have to work harder to face a big challenge ahead with the recent signing of the Annex on Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters geared towards ending the decades-old Mindanao armed conflict.

This was stressed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quinto-Deles during an interview with reporters at the Kanto Restaurant in Ortigas Center, Pasig City over the week.

The Annex on Normalization lays out details the process on the return of the MILF forces to peaceful civilian life. On the other hand, the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters outlines the delineation and jurisdiction of Bangsamoro waters in southern Philippines.

Deles and Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, chair of the GPH panel, expressed their belief that the MILF is serious in ending the over than four decades of bloody warfare in Mindanao, tagged as a land of promise because of its abundance in natural resources, including food and untapped oil deposits.

The discussion of the normalization issue was very difficult and most emotional as this includes the decommissioning of weapons and put them beyond use.

“As to the combatants that will be covered in the decommissioning process, their number and names will be subject to verification and identification processes that will be undertaken by an Independent Decommissioning Body, Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, was quoted as saying following the signing in Kuala Lumpur last werek.

On the other hand, Ferrer explained that decommissioning is only one part of a comprehensive normalization process.

“We have several activities lined up addressing all components: security, socio-economic, transitional justice and social reconciliation, as well as the political and legislative process that will have to be done to complete the whole agreement,” she said, adding that they target to complete everything before the current administration ends its term in 2016,” Ferrer said.

Peace negotiations between the GPH and MILF started in 1997 during the remaining months of then President Fidel V. Ramos.

The Ramos administration initiated the negotiations of the breakaway MILF after the government signed a final peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Sept. 2, 1996.

This resulted in the signing of the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities on July 21, 1997; - Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on September 12, 1997 and Implementing Operational Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on November 14, 1997.

But during the time of then President Joseph Estrada, the volatile Mindanao situation broke out anew after MILF forces attacked government forces.

In response, Estrada declared an all-out war against the MILF and government forces practically captured all 49 MILF camps in Central MindanaoAs a result, the peace talks were suspended for some years.

But during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the talks were revived.

However, as the two peace panels were about sign the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008, the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional.

Hostilities broke out anew in Central Mindanao until exploratory peace talks were resumed in December 2009. Records at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) show the following agreements were signed from 2001 – 2013.

- Agreement of the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks Between the GRP and the MILF | March 24, 2001

- Agreement on Peace Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Tripoli Agreement of 2001) | June 22, 2001

- Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001 | August 7, 2001

- Manual of Instructions for CCCH and LMTS | October 18, 2001

- Joint Communique Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (AHJAG) | May 6, 2002

- Implementing Guidelines on the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace 2001 | May 7, 2002

- Interim Implementing Guidelines of the Joint Communique of 06 May 2002 | December 9, 2002

- Joint Statement (Exploratory Talks) | March 28, 2003

- Joint Statement (5th Exploratory Talks) | February 20, 2004

- Statement of Understanding | April 6, 2004

- Joint Statement (6th Exploratory Talks) | December 21, 2004

- Joint Statement (7th Exploratory Talks) | April 20, 2005

- Joint Statement (8th Exploratory Talks) | June 21, 2005

- Joint Statement (9th Exploratory Talks) | September 16, 2005

- Joint Statement (10th Exploratory Talks) | February 7, 2005

- Joint Statement (12th Exploratory Talks) | May 4, 2006

- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP-MILF Panels) | August 27, 2007

- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF Chairmen) | October 24, 2007

- Joint Statement (14th Exploratory Talks) | November 15, 2007

- Joint Statement of the GRP Interagency Technical Working Group (GRP IATWG) and the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) | November 8, 2008

- Civilian Protection Component of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) | October 27, 2009

- Terms of Reference of the International Monitoring Team | December 9, 2009

- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF Chairmen) | July 29, 2009

- Framework Agreement on the Formation of the International Contact Group for the GRP-MILF Peace Process | September 15, 2009

- Joint Statement (Special Meeting of the GRP and MILF Chairmen) | December 2, 2009

- Joint Statement; Resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace Negotiations (16th Exploratory Talks) | December 9, 20092010

- 17th Exploratory Talks | January 28, 2010

- Terms of Reference of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team | May 5, 2010

- Guidelines for the Implementation of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines-Fondation Suisse De Deminage (PCBL-FSD) Project Pursuant to the Joint Statement of the GRP-MILF Peace Panels Dated 15 November 2007 | May 5, 2010

- Joint Statement (18th Exploratory Talks)

- Declaration of Continuity for Peace Negotiation Between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front | June 3, 2010 2011

- Joint Statement (20th Exploratory Talks) | February 10, 2011

- Joint Statement (21st Exploratory Talks) | April 28, 2011

- Statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Dean Marvic Leonen on the Conclusion of the 22nd Formal Exploratory Talks | August 23, 2011

- Statement of Panel Chair Marvic Leonen (GPH-MILF Informal Executive Meeting) | November 3, 2011

- Joint Statement (23rd Exploratory Talks) | December 7, 2011 2012

- Joint Statement (24th Exploratory Talks) | January 11, 2012

- Joint Statement (25th Exploratory Talks) | Feburary 15, 2012

- Joint Statement (26th Exploratory Talks) | March 21, 2012

- Joint Statement (27th Exploratory Talks) | April 24, 2012

- Decision Points of Principles as of April 2012

- Joint Statement (29th Exploratory Talks) | July 18, 2012

- Joint Statement (30th Exploratory Talks) | August 11, 2012

- Joint Statement (31st Exploratory Talks) | September 8, 2012

- Joint Communique (32nd Exploratory Talks) | October 7, 2012

- Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro | October 15, 2012

- Joint Statement (33rd Formal Exploratory Talks) | November 17, 2012 2013

- Joint Statement (35th Formal Exploratory Talks) | January 25, 2013

- The Third Party Monitoring Team and its Terms of Reference | January 25, 2013

- GPH-MILF Certificate on AHJAG & IMT Renewal | January 25, 2013

- Joint Statement (36th Formal Exploratory Talks) | February 28, 2013

- Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities | February 28, 2013

- The Independent Commission on Policing and its Terms of Reference | February 28, 2013

- Joint Statement of GPH-MILF on the 37th Formal Exploratory Talks | April 11, 2013

- Terms of Reference for Sajahatra Bangsamoro | April 11, 2013

- Guidelines for Mutual Understanding between the CCCH of the GPH and the MILF for Ceasefire-related functions during the May 13, 2013 National and Local Elections | April 22, 2013

- Joint Statement of GPH-MILF peace panels on the 38th Formal Exploratory Talks | July 13, 2013

- Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing | July 13, 2013

-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 39th Formal Exploratory Talks | August 22, 2013

-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 40th Formal Exploratory Talks | September 20, 2013

-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 41st Formal Exploratory Talks | October 13, 2013

-Joint Statement of the GPH-MILF peace panels on the 42nd Formal Exploratory Talks | December 8, 2013

-Annex on Power Sharing | December 8, 2013.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611573

China drafts plans for air defense zone in West PH Sea - Japanese news report

From InterAksyon (Jan 31): China drafts plans for air defense zone in West PH Sea - Japanese news report

China is considering declaring a new Air Defense Identification Zone over the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea, according to a Japanese report Friday, a move likely to fan tensions in an area riven by territorial disputes.

The report comes months after Beijing caused consternation with the sudden declaration of an ADIZ above the East China Sea, covering islands at the center of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.

It also comes as countries in the region grow increasingly concerned about what they see as China's aggressive territorial claims.

Working level officials in the Chinese air force have drafted proposals for the new zone, which could set the Paracel islands at its core and spread over much of the sea, the Asahi Shimbun said, citing unnamed sources, including from the Chinese government.

The draft was submitted to senior Chinese military officials by May last year, the respected daily said.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.

The countries surrounding the sea, among these the Philippines, have competing and overlapping claims to the area and are in dispute with Beijing, including over the ownership of islands.

Many countries, including the US and Japan, use ADIZs as a form of early warning, allowing them to track aircraft approaching their airspace.

Planes entering the area are frequently asked to identify themselves and to maintain radio contact with local authorities.

Any aircraft causing concern can trigger the launch of fighter jets, which are scrambled to intercept it.

The draft says the zone would at a minimum cover the Paracels, and could go as wide as the majority of South China Sea, the Asahi said.

Beijing is still deliberating the extent of the zone and considering the timing of an announcement, the paper said.

Japan, South Korea and others reacted with anger in November when Beijing unilaterally declared an ADIZ in the East China Sea.

China demanded all aircraft provide flight plans when traversing the area, give their nationality and maintain two-way radio communication, or face "emergency defensive measures".

The US said it would not comply, and, in what was seen as a challenge to Beijing, promptly flew military planes through it.

The zone covers disputed Tokyo-controlled islands -- known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China -- where ships and aircraft from the two countries already shadow each other.

Its sudden declaration bolstered claims that China is throwing its growing military weight around.

Observers say the establishment of a similar zone in the South China Sea is a likely move for Beijing.

In November the southern Chinese island province of Hainan passed a rule requiring foreign fishing vessels to obtain permission to enter its waters, which it defined as the bulk of the sea.

In December, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned China against any move to declare an air defense zone over the sea, which is a vital transport route through which much regional and global trade passes.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79834/china-drafts-plans-for-air-defense-zone-in-west-ph-sea---japanese-news-report