Sunday, June 7, 2015

Keel of PHL's first SSV now being laid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): Keel of PHL's first SSV now being laid

The keel of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s first-ever strategic sealift vessel (SSV) is now being constructed by Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero).

PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA said work on the SSV has been proceeding smoothly since steel cutting started on Jan. 22 at the Persero's shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.

"(With the fast pace on construction), we are hopeful that the May 2016 delivery of the first SSV will be met," Lincuna said.

The Philippines has a two-SSV order with Persero for Php4-billion which is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The second SSV is expected to be completed and delivered by May 2017.

The keel is a beam around which the hull of a ship is built.

It runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern, and serves as a basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull.

The strategic sealift acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by the Secretary of National Defense on Oct. 30, 2013.

The Department of National Defense declared Persero as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder with a bidding price of Php3, 870,000,000 on Nov. 18, 2014.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Further, these vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=769881

NPA rebels ambush military team in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): NPA rebels ambush military team in Masbate

New People's Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a scout platoon of the Charlie Company of the 9th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army on Saturday afternoon at Sitio Matang Tubig, Barangay Real, Monreal, Masbate.

The Army platoon was conducting a security patrol in the village at about 2:50 p.m. when its members heard a loud explosion several meters away along their path, followed by a volley of gun shots.

The soldiers immediately positioned themselves and exchanged fire with the rebels for 20 minutes until the rebels withdrew upon sensing the arrival of military reinforcement.

The government troopers recovered wire, detonating cord, a plastic bag containing food like rice and sardines, and other provisions left behind by the rebels.

They believe that the rebels were really waiting for them but withdrew after they fiercely fought back.

They found drops of blood in the area where the latter were positioned, showing the rebels suffered wounded members.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=769719

1002nd Infantry Brigade advances initiatives against IP exploitation

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 5): 1002nd Infantry Brigade advances initiatives against IP exploitation

In a bid to  empow indigenous people (IP) and promote peace and development in cultural communities, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Malungon, Sarangani is strengthening  initiatives against IP exploitation  by rebel  groups.

Brigade commander Col. Ronald Villanueva said that aside from the peace and development outreach program the military is conducting in different areas, the 1002nd brigade also conducts various activities for IP  communities.

“We focus on indigenous people not only because they suffer from poverty and injustice but also because they are a rich source of the armed guerilla fighters,” Villanueva stated.

According to Villanueva, based on the statement of a rebel returnee, armed guerilla fighters or groups are using IP communities to indoctrinate the IP children on the communist ideology.

“Also, one of the means of IP exploitation the armed guerilla fighters are doing is the recruitment of minors to join their group,” the army official added.

On April this year, Villanueva noted that they have conducted an IP Leaders’ Forum in Sarangani gathering chieftains who discussed IP issues in their respective areas.

Also, recently, a summit involving IP leaders was held in General Santos City. Aimed at providing an avenue to discuss matters affecting the indigenous people, Villanueva emphasized that the activity intends to develop among the IPs the sense of belongingness.

“Our initiatives do not only focused on our fight against IP exploitation but also to generate support and commitment from the government,” Villanueva said adding that this is to answer one of the IP issues on the absence of the government and development in Ancestral Domains.

Among the salient points discussed in the summit are the indigenous political structure, ancestral domain and the socio-economic development in IP areas.

Meanwhile, to further answer the needs and the issues enveloping the tribal sector, the 1002nd Brigade passed two resolutions to the Regional Development Council 12 through the Macro-Economy, Development Administration and Finance Committee.

These include a resolution requesting the RDC to come up with terms and reference to mainstream Indigenous Political Structure in the policy and development intervention and a resolution requesting development councils in the region, province, city and municipality to adopt and integrate the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan in the policy and development intervention.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2301433474807/1002nd-infantry-brigade-advances-initiatives-against-ip-exploitation

Joint OPAPP/MILF Brigada Eskwela seen as part of transformation program towards normalization

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 5): Joint OPAPP/MILF Brigada Eskwela seen as part of transformation program towards normalization

While deliberations and review of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress continues, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reach out to communities in Mindanao.

Through the conduct of the Brigada Eskwela cum outreach program, OPAPP and MILF partner with the military, police, local leaders, parents, school officials, health workers, students and other stakeholders undertake repair of damage classrooms, cleaning of school premises, distribution of books, toothbrush and tooth paste, free haircut, and dentral extraction.

GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer leads the activity said starting June 3 in Camp Busra in Butig, Lanao del Sur while CCCH chief Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez and MILF National Guard Deputy Brigade Commander Abdulkadir Manibpel spearheaded the similar event in Camp Rajahmuda, Pikit, Cotabato.

During the June 4 Brigada Eskwela at Camp Abubakar in Barira, Maguindanao Ferrer said, they target 18 public schools within MILF camps In the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte to update communities on the gains of the peace process explaining the status of the BBL while gathering feedbacks, opinions and sentiments through informal interaction with local residents for better understanding and appreciation of people in the proposed core territories.

“Dito ipinapakita ang pagsasama-sama  ng MILF-BIAF at kasundaluhan hawak ang mga gamit sa pagaayos ng sirang silid aralan, blackboard at upuan,  at bolo at walis panglinis ng paligid ng paaralan sa pagbabalik eskwela ng mga kabataan sa halip na baril. Bahagi ito ng pagsisikap upang magkaroon ng kaunlaran, pagpapahalaga sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan tungo sa magandang kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon hindi lamang sa sarili,kundi para sa komunidad, lipunan at bayan,” Ferrer said.

(This manifests the partnership between the MILF-BIAF and military to unite for the common goal of service to the community-armed with tools for the repair of damaged classrooms and cleaning school premises with the opening of classes)

Ferrer said,  the series of Brigada Eskwela activity in 18 schools in MILF camps is part of the transformation process under the Annex on Normalization provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to transform “camps into peaceful and productive communities” in preparation for the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity upon the approval and passage of the proposed BBL.

A  GPH-MILF Joint Task Force on Normalization is created to undertake study and recommendations for transformation programs/activities to ensure long-term sustainable outcomes and development in the Bangsamoro area.

Admitting the rough sail the BBL faces in Congress, the objective is clear, Ferrer said, quest for just and meaningful solution to the peace problem in Mindanao for the interest of the majority of the people and communities in Southern Philippines.

“May problema sa BBL pero malinaw ang layunin - ang hanapan ng solusyon ang problema para sa interes ng nakakarami at tuloy ang pagbabantay natin sa takbo nito at sana maiangat ang estado para maiakyat na sa plenary sa lalong madaling panahon,” Ferrer said.

Appealing for speedy review and deliberation of the BBL, Ferrer stressed the proposal was not done overnight but rather is a product of years of negotiations, discussions and consultation/dialogues with various sectors that guarantees responsive, responsible and accountable autonomous government.(

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1661433482321/joint-opapp-milf-brigada-eskwela-seen-as-part-of-transformation-program-towards-normalization

Rebels gun down alleged military informer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Rebels gun down alleged military informer

New People's Army (NPA) rebels gunned down an alleged military informer on board a pedicab he was driving on Sunday morning at Purok 7, Barangay Bagauma, Aroroy, Masbate.

A police report said victim Arnel Atega, 34, married and resident of the village, was on his way to the pedicab terminal at about 6:15 a.m. when two young men armed with a submachine gun approached him and peppered him with bullets.

The suspects sped off on board a motorcycle towards the direction of Sitio Cambatang, Barangay Jaboyoan, the report said.

It said Atega had been receiving death threats from the rebels who had suspected him of being a military and police asset.

Alega's relatives, however, denied the NPA's accusations, saying he was just a simple pedicab driver working for his family's daily sustenance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=769739

Opinion: Gathering of eagles

Opinion piece by Ramon Farolan in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 7): Gathering of eagles

TRADITIONS ARE beliefs or practices with symbolic meaning or special significance, passed down within a group or society. The word “tradition” comes from the Latin word “tradere,” meaning to transmit, to hand over, to give for safekeeping. While it is commonly assumed that traditions have ancient history, many traditions, customs and practices have been created over relatively short periods of time.

In the Philippine Air Force family, one such tradition has been “A Night with the Air Chiefs,” an annual gathering of former commanding generals of the Air Force and their ladies. It is one of several activities culminating with the celebration of Air Force Day in early July.

Last Wednesday, the current Air Force commanding general, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Delgado, and his lady, Maria Raquel, welcomed the chiefs to their residence in Villamor Air Base for an evening of fine dining with music provided by Air Force minstrels.

This year the dinner started on a somber note as we remembered Maj. Gen. Vicente Piccio Jr., the 15th PAF chief, who passed away a few weeks ago.

For the first time since the practice was started more than 20 years ago, all the living former Air Force chiefs were accounted for. They were joined by Amelia Lapeña and Julie de Leon, widows, respectively, of former Air Force chiefs Petronio Lapeña and Jose de Leon.

To my knowledge, this tradition exists only in the Air Force, although the Army, Navy and possibly the Philippine National Police have their own variations of a similar gathering. Someone said that the strength of an organization can be measured by how the members remember and honor their leaders from the past. The Air Force continues to build on similar traditions that can only bring out the best in the fellowship of airmen.......

********

http://opinion.inquirer.net/85590/gathering-of-eagles

4 more rebels surrender, 2 IEDs recovered by 10ID units

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): 4 more rebels surrender, 2 IEDs recovered by 10ID units

Four more New People's Army (NPA) rebels formally surrendered to units of the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division while two improvised explosive device (IEDs) were recovered over the weekend.

Two of the surrendered rebels, were recruited from the Bagobo tribe of Calinan District, Davao City, and were aged 18 to 19, respectively, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson 1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra said.

He added that the two, who are members of the NPA's PBC-2, Southern Mindanao Regional Command, gave themselves up to troopers of the 84th Infantry Battalion and cited the desire to normal lives as the reason for their surrender.

Another rebel voluntarily surrendered Saturday to the 73rd Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Marabatuan, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani Province.

He was identified as a certain "Marvin" of the NPA's Front-71, FSMR.

The surrendered rebel stated unbearable hardship and starvation in the mountains as the reasons which forced him to abandon the lawless organization.

Last Friday, another NPA rebel bringing a M-16 automatic rifle loaded with one magazine voluntarily surrendered to 68th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Pongpong, Barangay Dagohoy Davao Del Norte.

The rebel abandoned Front 55, SMRC following his disillusionment in the underground movement and his longing to be reunited with his family.

Since January this year, 82 NPA rebels have already surrendered to different units of 10th Infantry Division as more are expected to follow suit.

Meanwhile, a landmine planted along the road in Sitio Kidaraan, Barangay Anitapan, Mabini town, Compostela Valley Province, was retrieved Saturday and rendered safe by troops of 71st Infantry Battalion.

The retrieval was made possible through the report of a concerned civilian who happened to pass by the said area.

In a separate occasion, one landmine was also retrieved by elements of 27th Infantry Battalion who were on security patrol last June 4 in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba town, Sarangani Province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=769747

Opinion: Generals, admirals oppose BBL

Opinion piece by Roberto D. Tiglao in the Manila Times (Jun 7): Generals, admirals oppose BBL

Hardly given media coverage was the position paper of the country’s Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), a decades-old organization of retired generals with star rank. Retired Lt. Gen. Edilberto Adan read out AGFO’s stand in a hearing of the Senate committee deliberating the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The position paper’s introduction partly answers the question why the AGFO members’ views should be seriously considered by Congress: “Many of them are veterans of the campaigns against insurgency and terrorism in Mindanao. As veterans, we experienced the scourge and cruelties of war, its physical, mental and psychological demands.”

A practical reason for listening to the retired generals is that they have had actual experience not only in dealing with insurgent forces, but also with the chain of command, knowing how this really works. Compared with these retired officers, our negotiators Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and her boss, Teresita Deles, are spoiled brats around which the wolves of insurgency are running circles.

Only President Aquino, among the presidents of this republic, has assigned civilians and bleeding-heart give-peace-a-chance NGO types to negotiate a deal with a powerful insurgent force. Compare Ferrer and Deles with negotiators of past presidents, such as Marcos chief negotiator with the MNLF Manuel Yan, a distinguished general and diplomat; Ramos’ and Arroyo’s first negotiator with MILF, General Eduardo Ermita; and you will understand why the BBL was agreed upon that so plainly will allow the MILF to amass strength in its own territory to eventually secede it from the Philippines.

In a press conference in April, chief negotiator Ferrer said that if the BBL wasn’t approved, there would be “very, very bloody war.” What kind of a negotiator would simply accept such a threat from a rebel group? Any rational administration would have fired such a negotiator the day that was said.
You can download the AGFO statement in the internet version of this column.

Some of the most important points of that paper:

§ “Conspicuously absent in these documents is an MILF’s renunciation of its separatist policy with the intent of establishing an Islamic State covering Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. Nowhere in these papers can one find an MILF undertaking to renounce its policy of separatism and goal of independence, as well as to affirm or acknowledge the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Plainly noticeable in them, though, is that the MILF is ranked equal or in partnership with the GPH, and that equality of relationship is expressly recognized as such in their provisions.

§ The BBL reference to the Bangsamoro’s “Aspiration for Self-governance.” Without any qualification, this phrase can be interpreted as either independence in running one’s own affairs, or managing one’s affairs independent of external control. Thus, duality of interpretation can give the MILF the opportunity to tailor it to its goal. It can be used to justify a declaration of independence later. The Bangsamoro people are allowed to “chart their political future.” Since the term is ambiguous, it can easily be construed as an end-state of autonomy or independence, depending on one’s purpose.

§ The proposed Bangsamoro police shall be responsible both to the central government and the Bangsamoro government and the communities it serves. This requirement violates unity of command of the PNP from the President as Commander-in-Chief down to the lowest unit of the organization. It will likewise put the head of the Bangsamoro police in a dilemma whenever conflict arises between orders from the PNP National Headquarters and the head of the Bangsamoro government.

Under Section 8, Powers of the Chief Minister over the Bangsamoro police, the Chief Minister shall exercise the following powers:(1) To select the head of the Bangsamoro police and his deputies; (2) To exercise operational control and supervision and disciplinary powers over the Bangsamoro police;(3) To employ or deploy the elements of and assign or reassign the Bangsamoro police thru the Bangsamoro police director.

We believe this provision will be a continuing source of conflict between the chief of the Philippine National Police, and possibly the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government/Chair of NAPOLCOM, in regard to PNP administration and operations. This is because the PNP chief will treat the Bangsamoro police as a subordinate unit/office of the PNP while the Bangsamoro government will look at the Bangsamoro police as “their police force,” and therefore, subject to the Chief Minister’s command and control in all circumstances.

§ Section 15 provides that the central government “may create a Bangsamoro Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines…” We recommend the deletion of this provision. No operational or area command is (presently) mandated by law; their establishment is based on the threat situation and geographic considerations among others.

§ Section 17 provides that the central government and the Bangsamoro government shall establish coordination protocols, which shall govern the movement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro.

The recent experience of the AFP in following such “coordination protocols” with the MILF is a sad story of military disasters resulting in numerous casualties, including the mutilation of our soldiers. Military operations require utmost secrecy to ensure success. Information leaks could lead to ambushes and casualties. Thus, based on military doctrines and actual experiences of the AFP such as in Basilan province, the “coordination protocols” for purely military operations being proposed to be established in the Bangsamoro law should be deleted.

Moreover, the AFP should have unrestricted authority to move or deploy troops, equipment and other military assets wherever and whenever such deployment or movements are deemed necessary in pursuit of the AFP mission mandated by the Constitution. The power and authority of the President to employ or deploy the AFP should not, in any way or manner, be diminished. We recommend that this principle be made a part of the proposed law on the Bangsamoro.

§ The CAB is unlike the peace agreements forged between some foreign countries and the militant separatist groups they respectively dealt with. On the other hand, because the DDR’s were deemed imperatives, the foreign countries indicated them in their respective agreements clearly and in a rather comprehensive and detailed manner.

The agreement between the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement, or Gerakin Aceh Merdeka (GAM), is an example. It provided that GAM had to hand over at least 840 arms within three months after the agreement was signed – and this was completed. With regard to the covenant entered into between the United Kingdom, on the one hand, and Ireland as well as Northern Ireland, on the other, it clearly indicated that there had to be a total disarmament of all para-military organizations (like the Irish Republican Army, or IRA) and the decommissioning of all arms in the possession of all those organizations in two years – and this was done.

The agreements with the MILF directs it to decommission “its forces so that they are put beyond use”… The four phases of the program relate to voluntary registration of firearms and not handing over of firearms to the Philippine government. Not mentioned in the phasing out are high-powered guns, crew-served weapons, self-propelled guns, and the like. It, thus, becomes evident that the process of decommissioning is going to be long, slow and difficult, and only for small-caliber rifles.

And since it will not be implemented by both the MILF and the GPH in a joint manner but by the MILF alone, there can be no telling when implementation will be completed, that is, if it will be completed at all.

Meanwhile, that the long and uncertain procedure of decommissioning is supposed to be ongoing, the probability is not remote that the MILF may exploit the time to beef up its arms and equipment, quantity- and quality-wise, and fine-tune its military organization. “And when the MILF forces shall have achieved the status or category of a standard army, then, likewise, the probability is not remote that the MILF – confident of support from other countries, would now repudiate the agreements it has made with the GPH, claiming the latter’s inability to comply with its obligations under those agreements, declare its independence and establish an Islamic state in the Philippine south.”

tiglao.manlatimes@gmail.com
FB: Bobi Tiglao

Statement of the Association of General and Flag Officers delivered by Lt.Gen. Edilberto P Adan (Ret), June 3, 2015, at the Senate Committee Hearing on the Basic Bangsamoro Law
(Note: This position paper is an amalgamation of the analyses and recommendations made by Col. Cesar Pobre Ph.D. and former DND Sec. Renato De Villa. Their papers were adopted by the AGFO and the PMAAA-BIRCI as their stand on the Bangsamoro Basic Law issue. This paper is supported by several groups of retired officers and veterans.)

Good morning Mr. Chairman, your Honors…

INTRODUCTION

 In behalf of the Assocation  of General and Flag Officers, the retired members of the PMAAA, the PNP, the PCG, and as well as the BJMP and BFP, let me express our appreciation of your kind invitation for us to attend this hearing on the proposed BBL. Members of these and other brother organizations are retired officers. Many of them are veterans of the campaigns against insurgency and terrorism in Mindanao.

As veterans, we experienced the scourge and cruelties of war, its physical, mental and psychological demands. We had to suffer the tormenting thought of leaving personal comfort and family behind, though unmindful that in putting our lives on the line we could come anytime into that fateful moment when “bells for us are rung, and our last taps is sung.”

And so when we say, “we abhor war, we long and crave for peace, lasting peace, just like anybody else,” please believe us. Our veterans fought for a noble cause … they saved Mindanao from separating from our republic and becoming a separate Islamic state.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED

 The Filipino soldier time and again, has proven that when provided proper direction and adequate resources to defeat the nation’s enemies, he will prevail. This was demonstrated in the successful campaigns against the MNLF secessionist rebellion in the ’70s and the major operations against the MILF in the year 2000 in Central Mindanao. We recognize that the military alone cannot resolve the problem in Mindanao but the problem cannot be solved without the participation of the military.

THE MILF: A REBEL GROUP

 The MILF is a rebel group and rebellion is a crime punishable by the Revised Penal Code. The President has broad powers provided by our Constitution to deal with rebellion and sedition. He may call on the armed forces or he may choose the path of negotiations, the outcome of which should be within the conditions allowed by the laws of the land.

THE BBL: AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE?

 The proposed BBL is touted to be precisely that instrument of peace, the solution to the decades-old strife in Mindanao. But in our view, as the derivative of two covenants – The Framework Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro – the BBL in its present form and substance, may not prove to be that instrument. This is because it contains provisions which can create more problems that it can solve. Also, it lacks provisions that will ensure its workability and prevent the dismemberment of our country.

OUR ASSESSMENT OF THE CAB, THE FAB AND THE BBL

 A. On the FAB and CAB, in general

1. Conspicuously absent in these documents is an MILF’s renunciation of its separatist policy with the intent of establishing an Islamic State covering Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. Nowhere in these papers can one find an MILF undertaking to renounce its policy of separatism and goal of independence, as well as to affirm or acknowledge the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Plainly noticeable in them, though, is that the MILF is ranked equal or in partnership with the GPH, and that equality of relationship is expressly recognized as such in their provisions. Here are some examples:

a. Repetitious mentioning of the phrase “The Philippine Government and the Bangsamoro Government.” If the spirit of the agreements is for the Bangsamoro to remain under the RP as an autonomous entity, then, it might have been more appropriate to use “Philippine Government and Autonomous Bangsamoro Region,” like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

b. Use of the word “asymmetric” to characterize the “relationship between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.” According to the dictionary, asymmetric means “not identical on both sides of the central line,” that is, the referent object on one side of the line is not the very same object on the other side. That the two are positioned side by side suggests that “asymmetric” is a horizontal and not a vertical concept. This is why the CAB describes the MILF as government in partnership with the GPH; and not a constituent part nor a subordinate of the latter.

c. Aspiration for self-governance. Without any qualification, this phrase can be
interpreted as either independence in running one’s own affairs, or managing one’s affairs independent of external control. Thus, duality of interpretation can give the MILF the opportunity to suit it to its goal. It can be used to justify a declaration of independence later.

d. The Bangsamoro people are allowed to “chart their political future.” Since the term is ambiguous, it can easily be construed as an end-state of autonomy or independence, depending on one’s purpose.

e. Affirming their rights to self-determination. This right, however, was shot down by the Supreme Court when it ruled out that the people’s right to self-determination does not include the unilateral right of secession.

2. Bangsamoro Participation in the Central Government. Section 9, Article VI, of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) provides:

It shall be the policy of the Central Government to appoint competent and qualified inhabitants of the Bangsamoro in the following offices of the Central Government: (1) at least one (1) Cabinet Secretary; at least one (1) in each of the other departments, offices and bureaus, holding executive, primarily confidential, highly technical, policy determining positions; and one (1) Commissioner in each of the constitutional bodies.

The recommendations of the Bangsamoro shall be channeled through the intergovernmental mechanisms.

Under the Constitution it is the President who is empowered to appoint the members of his Cabinet and heads of the various departments, offices, bureaus and constitutional bodies; even the members of the judiciary, the Sandiganbayan, GOCC’s, etc. Therefore, to require him to pick out from a particular sector of Philippine society, like the Bangsamoro, is a stark diminution of his power, which I believe is unconstitutional.

3. A petition to accede by at least 10% of the people residing in an area contiguous to the core territory is enough to start the process of being included as part of Bangsamoro. Would this not amount to a case of tyranny of the minority over the majority, considering that only a very small number of inhabitants of a contiguous area can legally bind the rest of the population to accede to the Bangsamoro, much against their will? To be sure, that would be undemocratic.

4. The MILF cannot claim the right to represent and act in the name of all the groups of stakeholders, such as the MNLF, the traditional Muslim leaders or Datus, the Ulamas or religious leaders, the Lumads or indigenous people, the Christians, and others, in the absence of any formal declaration to that effect by each of them. For this reason, these groups are not bound by the MILF – GPH agreement. And since they will undoubtedly be affected adversely by it, the likelihood is they would oppose it and cause trouble.

B. ON BBL ARTICLE IV, GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

* Section 4 of Article IV provides that governance in the Bangsamoro is the responsibility of the duly elected civilian government… and that “Civilian authority is at all times supreme over the military.” We recommend that the second sentence of this Section pertaining to “civilian authority over the military” be omitted in the proposed law.

This is a provision in the Constitution under Article II. Declaration of Principles and State Policies. We believe that the phrase “civilian authority” in regard to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (military) refers to the President of the Philippines only and not to any other official of the government. Our “civilian” President is the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and he does not share that position with anybody else in government.

It will be very difficult for the AFP to take and execute orders from the civilian officials of the Bangsamoro government, as the AFP follows and maintains the doctrine that the entire organization is under the command and control of the Commander-in-Chief and operates through the established Chain-of-Command. The military is required to operate within the bounds of law. They are also required to comply with summons from both Houses of Congress and other agencies of government conducting an official investigation when their presence is required.

 At the operating level, coordination between military commanders and civilian officials is the preferred approach to any situation that requires a common and cooperative effort that can be openly and publicly discussed.

C. ON BBL ARTICLE V, POWERS OF GOVERNMENT

* Under Section 1, Reserved Powers, the Central Government shall exercise as part of its reserved powers, authority and jurisdiction over Defense and External Security.

* We believe this provision limits the power of the President to address any situation with regard to national security, the threats to which may be internal or external. Thus, we recommend that this provision should be so reworded that the National Government shall have the power to exercise authority and jurisdiction on all matters pertaining to national defense and security.

D. ON BBL ARTICLE XI, PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY

* Under Section 2, there will be a Bangsamoro Police to be created for the primary purpose of law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the Bangsamoro territory… and it shall be part of the Philippine National Police.

* The central question in regard to this provision of creating a “Bangsamoro Police” is that it may be in violation of the Constitution that mandates that the “State shall establish and maintain one police force which shall be national in scope and civilian in character…”, notwithstanding the provision in the proposed law that the Bangsamoro Police “shall be part of the Philippine National Police.”

* The proposed Bangsamoro Police shall be responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government and the communities it serves. This requirement violates unity of command of the PNP from the President as Commander-in-Chief down to the lowest unit of the organization. It will likewise put the head of the Bangsamoro Police in a dilemma whenever there is a conflict between orders from the PNP National Headquarters and the head of the Bangsamoro government. Such predicament could mean loss of lives in an operational situation like the Luneta Hostage fiasco of 2010.

* Under Section 4, Bangsamoro Police Organization, for a period of 10 years following the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic law, the head of the Bangsamoro Police and his deputies may be selected from a list of Bangsamoro Police Officers with the rank of Police Senior Superintendent. We believe this is impractical, divisive and discriminatory against well-qualified non-Bangsamoro Police Officers serving in the Bangsamoro area.

* Section 6 provides that the Bangsamoro Police Board shall be composed of eleven (11) members and six (6) members of which shall come from the Bangsamoro Parliament, who shall serve in concurrent capacity. We believe that this provision will encourage and provide a way for local politics to influence the administration and operations of the Bangsamoro Police if it gets established, despite the provision n Section 2 of this Article, that the Bangsamoro Police “shall be fair and impartial, free from partisan political control and accountable under the law for its actions.” Present experiences of field officers of the PNP support this apprehension. We believe it would be much better if the Bangsamoro Police Board would be manned by civilians from different professions known for their integrity and civic-mindedness in the Bangsamoro territory.

* Under Section 8, Powers of the Chief Minister over the Bangsamoro Police, the Chief Minister shall exercise the following powers:

(1) To select the head of the Bangsamoro Police and his deputies;
(2) To exercise operational control and supervision and disciplinary powers over the Bangsamoro Police;
(3) To employ or deploy the elements of and assign or reassign the Bangsamoro Police thru the Bangsamoro Police Director.

* We believe this provision will be a continuing source of conflict between the Chief, Philippine National Police, and possibly the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government/Chair of NAPOLCOM, in regard to PNP administration and operations as the Chief, PNP will treat the Bangsamoro Police as a subordinate unit/office of the PNP while the Bangsamoro Government will look at the Bangsamoro Police as “their police force’ and therefore subject to the Chief Minister’s command and control in all circumstances. This can cause demoralization and inefficiency in the ranks.

* We believe and recommend that in lieu of creating a Bangsamoro Police the Bangsamoro organic law should provide for the creation and activation of a Bangsamoro Region Police Office (BRPO), similar to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and other regional police offices, that will be manned, administered and function as the police force for the Bangsamoro territory, in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations governing the Philippine National Police.

* The other aspects and characteristics of the proposed BRPO that are unique to the Bangsamoro government and area in regard to local requirements can be incorporated in the proposed law or document that directs the creation and activation of the Bangsamoro Regional Police Office.

* In this way, there can be no question that the constitutional mandate that the “State shall establish one police force that is national in scope and civilian in character” is being violated in the establishment of a Bangsamoro Police in Mindanao. It will also erase any apprehension that the Bangsamoro Police will metamorphose in the future into a private army of the Bangsamoro government.

E. ON BBL ARTICLE XI SECTION 15, DEFENSE AND SECURITY

* Section 15 provides that “the Central Government may create a Bangsamoro Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines…”

We recommend the deletion of this provision.

* The President and the Armed Forces of the Philippines must at all times have the flexibility to address national defense and security situations anywhere in the country at any time to protect the people and the State. Creating a subordinate command in the AFP as required by law will diminish the flexibility of the AFP to respond accordingly to a given national defense and security threat situation, especially in terms of task organizing, force mix, deployment, logistics, intelligence and combat operations. No operational or area command is mandated by law; their establishment is based on the threat situation and geographic considerations among others.

F. BBL ARTICLE XI SECTION 17, COORDINATION

* Section 17 provides that the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall establish coordination protocols, which shall govern the movement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Bangsamoro.

* The recent experience of the AFP in following such “coordination protocols” with the MILF is a sad story of military disasters resulting to numerous casualties including the mutilation of our soldiers. Military operations require utmost secrecy to ensure success. Information leaks could lead to ambushes and casualties. Thus, based on military doctrines and actual experiences of the AFP such as in Basilan Province, the “coordination protocols” for purely military operations being proposed to be established in the Bangsamoro law should be deleted.

* Moreover, the AFP should have unrestricted authority to move or deploy troops, equipment and other military assets wherever and whenever such deployment or movements are deemed necessary in the pursuit of the AFP mission mandated by the Constitution. The power and authority of the President to employ or deploy the AFP should not in any way or manner be diminished. We recommend that this principle be made a part of the proposed law on the Bangsamoro.

G. NORMALIZATION

We recommend that Normalization as defined in the Annex to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) be included as a major provision in the proposed Bangsamoro organic law being crafted by Congress.

We are here today because a rebel group has threatened to continue its preferred form of negotiation i.e. the use of weapons and violence if we do not accede to their demands. It is just fair that the granting of their demands will be reciprocated by a clear definite commitment to disarm. Their capability to ambush and attack our soldiers and policemen and villages should be totally removed.

1. Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)

 Normalization, according to the Comprehensive Agreement Annex, is the means of achieving the desired quality of life, including sustainable livelihood and political participation, and ensuring human security. It does not contemplate that in order to ensure lasting peace so that socio-economic development could proceed in earnest, there must be disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of members of the military component of the MILF. This Agreement seems to treat these matters as merely peripheral, if not anathema. Kung ano ang pinakaimportante, yun pa ang parang hindi pinahahalagahan.

The CAB is unlike the peace agreements forged between some foreign countries and the militant separatist groups they respectively dealt with. On the other hand, because the DDR’s were deemed imperatives, the foreign countries indicated them in their respective agreements clearly and in a rather comprehensive and detailed manner.

The agreement between the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement or Gerakin Aceh Merdeka (GAM) is an example. It provided that GAM had to hand over at least 840 arms within three months after the agreement was signed – and this was completed. With regard to the covenant entered into between the United Kingdom, on the one hand, and Ireland as well as Northern Ireland, on the other, it clearly indicated that there had to be a total disarmament of all para-military organizations (like the Irish Republican Army, or IRA) and decommissioning of all arms in the possession of all those organizations in two years – and this was done.

2. Decommissioning

The Annex directs the MILF to decommission “its forces so that they are put beyond use.” Decommissioning, however, is not only going to be parallel and commensurate to the implementation of all agreements of the parties. It is also to be carried out by a graduated and phased program. The four (4) phases of the program relate to voluntary registration of firearms and not handing over of firearms to the Philippine Government. Not mentioned in the phasing out are high-powered guns, crew-served weapons, self-propelled guns, and the like. It thus becomes evident that the process of decommissioning is going to be long, slow and difficult; and only for small-caliber rifles.

And since it will not be implemented by both the MILF and the GPH in a joint manner but by the MILF alone, there can be no telling when implementation will be completed, that is, if it will be completed at all.

Meanwhile that the long and uncertain procedure of decommissioning is supposed to be ongoing the probability is not remote that the MILF may exploit the time to beef up its arms and equipment, quantity- and quality-wise, and fine-tune its military organization. And when the MILF forces shall have achieved the status or category of a standard army, then, likewise, the probability is not remote that the MILF – confident of support from other countries, would now repudiate the agreements it has made with the GPH, claiming the latter’s inability to comply with its obligations under those agreements, declare its independence and establish an Islamic state in the Philippine south.

We therefore recommend that:

1. There should be a timeline and specific calendar dates in the decommissioning of the MILF armed component and turn in of their weapons or armaments.

The provision in the said Annex (para. C9) that states that “The decommissioning of MILF rebels shall be parallel and commensurate to the implementation of all the agreements of the Parties” is too general and the process could take years to accomplish. In the meantime, there will continue to exist in Mindanao an armed MILF participating in the elections and other civilian activities in areas where they are present. It is entirely possible that “all the agreements of the Parties” could not be implemented as envisioned in the FAB for various unforeseen reasons. Would such a predicament then stop the decommissioning of the MILF rebels and their weapons and thereby stop or suspend the implementation of all Agreements?

2. The provision on Redeployment of the AFP out of or within the Bangsamoro territory should be deleted because it curtails and delimits the power and authority of the President and Commander-in-Chief to employ or deploy the Armed Forces of the Philippines anywhere in the country in anticipation of or in response to an emergency or grave security situation.

3. Policing

Law and order may be defined as a socio-political situation characterized by the absence of crime and lawlessness. A relatively lawful and orderly situation is indicated by low rates of crime or juvenile delinquency. All this would be the result of the effectiveness of the law enforcement system, including the legal social systems, as well as the family, church, civic organizations, etc.
On the other hand, peace and order is a socio-political situation characterized by the absence of organized violence. So, when for instance, anti-government elements take up arms and go violent the peace and order situation in the affected area is put in disarray as the normal activities of living break down. How to address the situation would then be a problem of the military and not the police as it would not be merely a matter of enforcing the law and keeping order but putting down violence that would have escalated to alarming proportions. Besides, the police are not so functionally trained and armed as to have the competency to deal with such a situation.

The military referred to would perforce be the AFP for the simple reason that it is the only machinery of violence of the GPH. It is the one and only organized military force with legitimate existence under the RP. It is the only government instrumentality mandated by the Constitution to protect the people and the state.

Curiously, however, the Annex on Normalization provides that “Law enforcement and peace and order in the Bangsamoro shall be the primary function of the police force of the Bangsamoro.”
Ordinarily, a police force is equipped only with light weapons, to carry out law enforcement. But since the Bangsamoro police force has also to maintain peace and order it can justify without arousing suspicions the acquisition of heavy weapons and equipment, possibly including armored vehicles, planes, helicopters, ships and what not. In other words, the said provision grants the Bangsamoro the right and the opportunity for the build-up of a military force disguised as a police force that could well become the incarnation of what by then would be a decommissioned BIAF.

Only this time however, it would be a Bangsamoro armed force that is bigger and better equipped that is capable of engaging the AFP in case of a showdown, if and when the Bangsamoro should decide to secede, declare independence and establish an Islamic state.

The same provision, which makes the Bangsamoro police force solely responsible for the peace and order, or security of the area, is closely related to some other provisions of the Annex.

These are:

a. Defense and external security. This is one of the nine (9) reserved powers of the Central Government. Note that this power is not inclusive; it excludes internal security.
b. . In the Bangsamoro the AFP is to retain only such installations as are necessary for national defense and security. Note that the provision does not specify which installations (bases, camps, training areas, temporary shelters, etc.) are to be retained. It is therefore capable of different interpretations, which could lead to trouble later.
c. The Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) shall set the criteria for the redeployment of AFP units and troops from the former conflict areas. This has the effect of negating the principle that redeployment is based on the needs of security, as determined by the Central Government.

On 18 October 2011, some 40 Scout Rangers were dispatched to serve a warrant of arrest to the criminally accused and escapee Dan Laksaw Asnawi, the deputy head of the MILF 114th Base Command, known for his penchant for beheading his victims.

Apparently, since he was believed to be with his men in an MILF territory, the troops had to ask permission to enter the premises in order to serve the warrant. Permission to enter was part of an MILF-GPH arrangement earlier agreed upon with regard to troop movement in territories pertaining to the MILF. But in so asking permission the Rangers might have unwittingly telegraphed their punches, thereby alerting Asnawi and giving him the chance to stage the ambush-slaying of 19 of the Rangers, some of whom were tortured to death and decapitated.

C. RECOMMENDATIONS

In summary, our recommendations are:

1. The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) should include a provision explicitly stating that the Bangsamoro or MILF renounces forever its avowed separatist policy and goal of independence and pledges to remain under or be a part of the Republic of the Philippines. The inhabitants therein shall be Filipino citizens, acknowledging allegiance to the Republic and rendering to its government their habitual obedience.

2. The Normalization aspect of the peace agreement, instead of being a mere Annex to the Framework Agreement (FAB) should be included as a major provision of the Bangsamoro organic law being crafted by Congress.

3. Disarmament, Demobilization and Re-integration (DDR), or Normalization as termed in the Framework Agreement as enunciated by the UN, should be carried out jointly by the MILF and GPH through a process that has definite timelines. The MILF armed component must disarm and turn in all their weapons on a fixed date.

4. All the above-mentioned provisions of the MILF-GPH agreements, in particular the FAB and CAB, on redeployment of the Armed Forces should be omitted or repealed.

5. The phrase “Civilian authority is at all times supreme over the military” in Article IV Section 4 should be deleted.

6. The Central Government shall exercise authority and jurisdiction over defense and security, both internal and external in Article V section 1.

7. There should be no Bangsamoro Police. Instead the present ARMM Regional Police should be reconstituted to become the Bangsamoro Region Police Office under the Philippine National Police.

8. The provision that allows the creation of the AFP Bangsamoro Command should be deleted.

9. Article IX Section 17 on the requirement to establish coordination protocols for the movement of AFP in the Bangsamoro area should be deleted.

10. The provision in the Normalization Annex of the FAB that the AFP is to retain only such installations as are necessary for national defense and security should be removed.

CLOSING REMARKS

 Incidentally, on October 18, at the ANC talk show hosted by Ces Drilon on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), MILF Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal said the GPH must trust the MILF or Bangsamoro, that it will remain under the RP and the decommissioning will be carried out.
And just as the GPH’s trust is asked for, so should we also ask for the MILF to show that it can be trusted. This it can do by consenting to the inclusion in the BBL of a provision expressing explicitly that the Bangsamoro is a constituent part of the Central Government, that it renounces its original policy of separatism and goal of independence, and that it undertakes to decommission its combat elements with all their arms removed from their possession.

It is unfortunate however, that the tragic Mamasapano Incident had to happen and that so much has already been- and continue to be- said and written about it. Its complications though are yet to unfold. But what is now clear is that Mamasapano is sending out the message of doubt that the MILF truly deserves the trust it has been asking for.

And so in closing, your Honors, may I be allowed to express the concern of many citizens: the need to enact a law that will not only ensure peace and security but the unity of the nation and the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines. The Government should not be afraid of the MILF’s veiled threat of war if the BBL is not approved in the form they want. This challenge is great. Time is short. The decision is yours.

Sa ngalan ng inyong nagtanggol sa bayan. Salamat po.

http://www.manilatimes.net/generals-admirals-oppose-bbl/189981/

US ups pressure on China with West Philippine Sea overflights

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 7): US ups pressure on China with West Philippine Sea overflights

The alleged on-going reclamation of Subi Reef by China is seen from Pag-asa Island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, western Palawan Province, Philippines Monday, May 11, 2015. ,Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, the Philippines' military chief has flown to the Filipino-occupied island of Pag-asa in the South China Sea amid territorial disputes in the area with China, vowing to defend the islet and help the mayor develop tourism and marine resources there. (Ritchie B. Tongo/Pool Photo via AP)


The alleged on-going reclamation of Subi Reef by China is seen from Pag-asa Island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, western Palawan Province, Philippines Monday, May 11, 2015. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, the Philippines’ military chief has flown to the Filipino-occupied island of Pag-asa in the South China Sea amid territorial disputes in the area with China, vowing to defend the islet and help the mayor develop tourism and marine resources there. AP

The dispute over the strategic waterways of the South China Sea has intensified, pitting a rising China against its smaller and militarily weaker neighbors who all lay claim to a string of isles, coral reefs and lagoons known as the Spratly and the Paracel islands. Only about 45 of them are occupied. The area is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, rich in fish and potentially gas and oil reserves, but it has now emerged as a possible flashpoint involving world powers and regional claimants.

A look at some of the most recent key developments:

___

US RATCHETS UP PRESSURE ON CHINA

The U.S. military has begun actively — and more publicly — challenging China’s sovereignty claims over half a dozen artificial islands Beijing has been rapidly constructing through massive land reclamation.

On May 22, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft — a militarized version of the Boeing 737 — flew from Clark Air Base in the Philippines over Mischief Reef and Fiery Cross Reef, previously submerged coral features that China occupied in the mid-1990s and late 1980s, and is now expanding into a landmass several times their original size. Recent satellite images show the construction of an airstrip, port facilities, cement factories and barracks, among other installations. U.S. defense officials also revealed that China had put two large artillery vehicles on one island.

In a video captured by CNN, which had a crew on the P-8 flight, China’s navy dispatcher warned the plane eight times to leave the area, and each time the U.S. pilots responded by saying: “I am a United States military aircraft conducting lawful military activities acting outside national airspace. I am with due regard in accordance with international law.”

The U.S. refuses to recognize China’s sovereignty over disputed islands. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the U.S. will continue to enforce freedom of navigation in what it considers international waters. U.S. officials are concerned that China could use the islands to fortify its claims and gain the upper hand by force and intimidation.

Washington is considering more military flights and naval patrols, possibly within 12 nautical miles of the islands — a parameter China considers its territorial waters.

The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth, among the Navy’s most modern vessels, in May completed its patrol of the South China Sea. It encountered a Chinese navy ship, but they contacted each other to avoid any mishap, according to U.S. military officials.

Capt. Fred Kacher, commodore of the destroyer squadron, said routine operations like this in the South China Sea “will be the new normal” as four more littoral warships are expected to be deployed in the region.

___

CHINA STANDS BY ISLAND-BUILDING, TELLS MILITARY TO PROTECT SEAS

China says it is “extremely concerned” with the possibility that the U.S. could start patrolling close to the islands.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying says freedom of navigation does not mean that foreign military ships and aircraft can enter another country’s territorial waters or airspace at will. Hua said that China has always safeguarded the freedom and safety of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun compared the island-building to ordinary construction, such as road-building going on elsewhere in the country. He says such activities are designed to satisfy both military and civilian purposes.

Yang says the issue has been brought to the fore by an increase in surveillance activities and an effort to “deliberately play up the issue in order to smear China’s military and raise tensions in the region.”

“I don’t rule out that certain countries are looking for excuses to take certain actions,” Yang said.

Communist Party newspaper Global Times warned that Washington should not test Beijing’s restraint or China would have “no choice but to engage.”

In the newly updated report on its military strategy, China has added “open seas protection” to its traditional “offshore waters defense.”

___

COLD WAR REDUX?

The U.S. and China may not agree on the South China Sea, but the world powers are unlikely to start a conflict over it.

Instead, the South China Sea could become a new theater of Cold War-style confrontations involving close-in military flights and naval run-ins, the U.S. arming old allies (the Philippines) and seeking new ones (Vietnam).

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed Washington’s deep concern with China’s island-building when he visited Beijing in May. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Ji politely but pointedly dismissed it. Both stressed the importance of dialogue. Wang said that the differences between China and the U.S. could be managed “as long as we can avoid misunderstanding and, even more importantly, avoid miscalculation.”

“There aren’t any silver bullets to resolving this,” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David Shear. “It’s going to take time, and it’s going to take some determined diplomacy by us and with our partners.”

Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, asked for supplying lethal weapons to Vietnam and disinviting China from a major Pacific military exercise next year. However, Adm. Harry Harris, who just took over the U.S. Pacific Command, says China’s invitation stays and the two countries must engage if they are to build a better relationship.

___

LAST WORD

“Turning an underwater rock into an airfield simply does not afford the rights of sovereignty or permit restrictions on international air or maritime transit.” — U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/124303/us-ups-pressure-on-china-with-west-philippine-sea-overflights

2 Abu Sayyafs in botched kidnapping arrested

From the  Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 7): 2 Abu Sayyafs in botched kidnapping arrested

Government troops have arrested two suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits involved in a botched kidnapping Saturday in the province of Sulu, a top military official said.

Colonel Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said they launched pursuit operations after the botched kidnapping of Adelaida Hablo, a businesswoman and a resident of the village of Gandasuli, Patikul.

Arrojado identified the two arrested Abu Sayyaf bandits as Ayatulla Arabah and Jurpin Abduhalim.

Arrojado said the duo was arrested by members of the Army's 35th Infantry Battalion and policemen around 7:25 p.m. Saturday in the village of Buhanginan, Patikul.

He added that Arabah has standing warrant of arrest for murder. A caliber .45 pistol was confiscated from Abduhalim's possession.

The troops have recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf bandits, Arrojado said.

Hablo was aboard a tricycle that was waylaid by four bandits around 5:15 p.m. Saturday in front of the Notre Dame High School for Boys in the village of Busbus, Jolo, the capital of Sulu.

But the businesswoman managed to escape and ran toward a police detachment and sought help, prompting the policemen on duty to respond.

Arrojado said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fired at the responding policemen but missed their targets.

They fled on foot to different directions, leaving behind two motorcycles and a four-wheel getaway vehicle.

He said the bandits involved in the botched kidnapping are followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ninok Sappari who are operating in the hinterlands of Patikul.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/06/07/2-abu-sayyafs-botched-kidnapping-arrested-411850

Two Sayyaf men captured in Jolo

From the Manila Times (Jun 7): Two Sayyaf men captured in Jolo

Police are holding two Abu Sayyaf members after they were captured following a running gun battle in the town of Jolo in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

The two men – Jurpin Abdulhalim and Ayatollah Arabah – tried to flee after failing to abduct a woman late on Saturday in Busbus village.

The woman was onboard a tricycle when the duo blocked their path and attempted to take her, but she managed to run and sought help from policemen near the area.

Officers pursued the duo and engaged them in a firefight until two were cornered and captured.

http://www.manilatimes.net/two-sayyaf-men-captured-in-jolo/189908/

AFP modernization hobbled by complaints

From the Manila Times (Jun 7): AFP modernization hobbled by complaints

THE modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been delayed by a flawed bidding system which can be proven by complaints filed in court questioning the way these contracts were awarded, according to Sen. Francis Escudero.

The senator said a number of projects are either under arbitration or subject of a court case filed by a private contractor.

“The reason why a lot of allocations under the military modernization program remain unimplemented is because there are pending cases against them,” Escudero said in a radio interview aired over DZBB.

The senator cited the procurement of bullet proof vests and Kevlar helmets to be used by thousands of soldiers in the field.

Escudero said the budget for this project was allocated by CXongress four year ago but until now, not a single vest or helmet had been distributed because of pending court cases.

The Department of National Defense was able pick a qualified bidder but the military refused to accept the equipment allegedly because they were substandard.

“This prompted the supplier to file for arbitration and the DND’s hands are currently tied,” the senator said.

He cited another contract amounting to more than P1.2 billion for the supply of body armors for soldiers which also resulted in arbitration.

According to Escudero, three bidders joined the bidding but two were disqualified. The winner however failed to deliver the equipment on time.

“At present they are undergoing arbitration process once again,” he added

Escudero noted that arbitration and court cases involving government projects indicate that there is a problem with the bidding procedures or with the terms of reference prepared by the officials of the agency in charge of procurement process.

He noted the pattern in the DND procurement process wherein after three failed biddings, the agency would enter into a negotiated bidding. This pattern was observed in the controversial P1.2-billion refurbished UH-1D helicopter procurement deal entered into by the DND and United States -based Rice Aircrafts Services Inc. (RASI).

The deal, which is being investigated by the Senate blue ribbon committee, underwent three failed biddings before DND decided to award a negotiated contract to RASI, a bidder that was disqualified three times.

Rhodora Alvarez, who blew the whistle on the alleged anomalous procurement, claimed that the chopper deal was “tailor-fitted” to favor RASI allegedly with the help of DND officials including Undersecretary Fernando Manalo and Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez.

The two denied the allegations.

The Blue ribbon committee will resume its investigation on the helicopter deal on Tuesday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/afp-modernization-hobbled-by-complaints/189975/

PH rejects China sharing offer

From the Manila Times (Jun 7): PH rejects China sharing offer

MALACAÑANG on Sunday bluntly rejected an offer by China to “share” the facilities it is building in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as it welcomed reports that the G7 summit is poised to issue a statement expressing concern about unilateral efforts to assert sovereignty claims in the disputed sea.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said any bilateral talks between the two countries would not be easy in light of the Philippines’ staunch position in favor of a more binding Code of Conduct among various claimants.

In an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan, Coloma noted that while they welcome the statement of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua that Beijing is against any military solution to the dispute and is open to the possibility of holding bilateral talks to defuse tensions, the other claimants from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) should not be left out.

“Regarding the [resumption of] bilateral talks and ‘willing to share the facilities it is building in the [West Philippine Sea],’ the statement of the President (Benigno Aquino 3rd) is different, that we must respect the Declaration of the Code of Conduct between China and the Asean itself,” the official said in Filipino.

Coloma was reacting to Zhao’s statement on Friday that Beijing’s door remains open for bilateral talks with Manila even if the Philippine government decided to resolve the case through international arbitration.

He was not the first Philippine official who expressed cynicism on the “sharing” offer.

In a text message to The Manila Times, Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, said, “That offer was made only to deflect international criticism of China’s reclamation work.”

China’s words and actions do not match. They drive away our fishermen from Scarborough Shoal even when they try to go there to seek shelter during inclement weather,” Jose added.

In a meeting with a group of Filipino journalists, Zhao said Beijing wants the Philippines “to return to the negotiating table.” He added that China has no preconditions to the resumption of talks, not even dropping of the arbitration case Manila has lodged with the UN tribunal in The Hague that China does not recognize anyway.

But Coloma argued that the sea dispute is not only between Manila and Beijing and that the Chinese government itself had signed the Declaration of Conduct that it must obey and respect.

“It was done in 2002 and based on that, [the signatories] must flesh out a legally binding Code of Conduct because the issues do not involve only two countries. There are many others, usually more than two in each disputed territory, features or maritime entitlements in the [West Philippine Sea],” he explained.

“It is not that simple,” Coloma pointed out.

He, however, expressed elation over Zhao’s remarks that they would not seek any military solution to the territorial dispute, and for citing the 40-year diplomatic relations between Beijing and Manila as remaining “peaceful, friendly and cooperative.”

“Of course we are happy with those statements and we agree to the proposition that there should be no military solution [to the problem]. We also agree that the relations between China and the Philippines remain peaceful, friendly and cooperative,” the Palace official said.

He noted that the President had made his position clear with Chinese Premier Hu Jintao when he visited China in 2011.

“He [Aquino] declared that the issue on the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea is not the end-all and be-all of Philippines-China relations,” according to Coloma.

On the possibility of holding bilateral talks, the official said the positions of the two countries may not meet because the Philippines adheres to “Asean centrality,” which involves many nations.

G7 concern
Also on Sunday, the Philippines welcomed reports that a G7 summit will express concern about the maritime dispute in the South China Sea.

Regional alarm is growing at moves by China aggressively staking its claim to most of the sea, including a large-scale island-building program.

The United States has urged China and other countries to halt reclamations there.

Coloma said Manila had been seeking more global attention on the issue after Aquino raised it in his numerous overseas visits.

John Kirton, director of think-tank the G7 Research Group, has said the maritime row between China and its neighbors will be on the agenda of the summit starting Sunday in Germany.

Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper on Saturday said the summit would take up the issue.

Citing sources, the paper disclosed that a closing statement would express concern about unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea.

It said no country would be named.

The Group of Seven links the leaders of Germany, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the United States.

When asked about the reports, Coloma said “having talks on achieving a peaceful and orderly settlement of the issue in the… South China Sea corresponds with the position taken by our country”.

“The position of these many countries is that they understand the value of the freedom of aviation and the freedom of navigation and the orderly process of trade and global commerce,” he told reporters.

Aquino last week likened present-day China to Nazi Germany in a speech in Japan, hinting the world cannot continue to appease Beijing over its South China Sea claims.

The waters are also partially claimed by the Philippines as well as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

 http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-rejects-china-sharing-offer/189985/

MILF: Indonesian professors educate Mindanao stakeholders on Shari’ah economics

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 7): Indonesian professors educate Mindanao stakeholders on Shari’ah economics

Indonesian professors educate Mindanao stakeholders on Shari’ah economics

Two Indonesian university professors discussed Islamic finance and Shari’ah economics with stakeholders from Mindanao geared towards crafting a Philippine Framework Shari’ah Compliant Social Enterprise.

Indonesian economics experts, Prof. Piyongi Suceno, a master in economics, and Agus Widarjono, a doctor of philosophy with major in agricultural economics, shared Indonesia’s experience in practicing Islamic banking and finance.

The activity, Philippine Shari’ah-Complaint Social Enterprise Forum, was dubbed “Shari’ah Economics, New Paradigm. It was hosted by Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)-based Al Qalam Institute.

Professor Mussolini S. Lidasan, Al Qalam Director, said “the rise of concerned individuals with consideration on Islamic principles practices in all aspect of life leads to an increasing intention to implement such principles in business activities.”

The forum is an effort in line with the ongoing Bangsamoro peace processes between the government and the two revolutionary Fronts, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.

“This forum is not only for the Bangsamoro people but also for the social entrepreneurs in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao,” Lidasan added.

The activity was aimed to have a workable social enterprise that focuses on peace building in Mindanao and incorporating the Shariah principles.

Suzeno related the “slowly but surely” development of Islamic finance in Indonesia which was primarily supported by its people.

He also discussed the current status of Islamic banking and finance among the Muslim countries around the world.

He said Indonesia’s experience in microfinance can be replicated in the Philippines particularly in the Bangsamoro communities. He underscored the importance of stakeholder’s support to develop Shari’ah compliant financing.

Widarjono tackled the concepts and principles on agricultural economics and Shari’ah prospects. The two experts discussed the different Shari’ah compliant financial instruments.

Islamic bankers, Muslim businessmen, head of governmental departments, financial planners, wealth advisors, financial consultants, legal practitioners, academicians, entrepreneurs and civil society leaders were the participants of the forum.

Shari’ah principles on financing strictly adapt business engagements that are free from Riba or interest, uncertainties, and gambling.

Under Shari’ah-compliant financing, products must strictly be clean and free from Haram (forbidden) contents like pork, blood, and any substances detrimental to human health.



http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/398-indonesian-professors-educate-mindanao-stakeholders-on-shari-ah-economics

MILF: First Joint Peace and Security Team formed, trained

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 7): First Joint Peace and Security Team formed, trained

First Joint Peace and Security Team formed, trained

Manila Bulletin recently reported that the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front have finished forming and training the first Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), a composite group that that will be deployed in agreed areas in the proposed Bangsamoro to assist in the decommissioning process.

JPSTs will take key roles in the security aspect of the normalization process of the Bangsamoro region.

The Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro mandates the JPSTs to track and document private armies and other armed groups; help reduce and control weapons; and support the observance of the ceasefire agreement.

The security entity is also mandated to work on security arrangements for peace process-connected personalities and events and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground.

MILF had sent selected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military wing of the Front, to the training.

Presence of private armed groups, loose firearms, clan feuds, and election related armed conflicts are among the major security and safety concerns in the Bangsamoro.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the legal measure agreed upon the by the government and MILF, which will pave way for the establishment of new autonomous government envisages to address security problems in the Bangsamoro territory.

The BBL which was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, is currently facing “rough sailing” in the Senate and House of Representatives due to constitutionality issues.

Malacanang hopes that the Bangsamoro law will be finished by June 11 in order to allow ample time for the transition period before the 2016 elections.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/397-first-joint-peace-and-security-team-formed-trained