Peace representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) have conducted a brief negotiation Wednesday, January 27, in Kuala Lumpur. After exchanging drafts on the proposed Comprehensive Compact, they returned to their respective hotels to scrutinize each other’s proposal with the understanding to return the next day for consideration. The MILF Peace Panel, finding that the GRP’s draft had nothing new to offer, decided not to meet its counterpart. Instead, the MILF Peace Panel requested for a special meeting with the Malaysian facilitator and members of the International Contact Group (ICG) to explain the position they have taken.
“The GRP draft essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” says Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of MILF Negotiating Panel, adding that “this offer was done in April of 2000 and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato. The Seguis-led GRP Negotiating Panel submitted a 17-page document (font 14, double space), while the MILF’s is 37 pages (font 12, 11/2 space).
Asked about his comment, MILF lawyer Michael O. Mastura commented off-hand that, “the GRP Draft is practically an enabling legislation piece.” It was learned from Iqbal later that this GRP approach deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous GRP-MILF Special Meeting last December 8 and 9, 2009.
Among those commonly agreed items that the GRP lawyer Camilo Montesa summed up are: 1) Identity and citizenship, 2) Governance structure, 3) Security arrangements, 4) Wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights, 5) Restorative justice and reconciliation, 6) Implementation arrangements, and 7) Independent Monitoring.
But Mastura also pointed out that, except for item 5, the MILF agreed to prepare a Draft as outlined earlier. However, he clarified that “the MILF stresses Transitional justice and reconciliation rather than Restorative justice.”
The meeting on Wednesday was very brief. It opened with the statements from the Malaysian facilitator, Ambassador Rafael Seguis, GRP chief negotiator, Iqbal, and some members of the ICG. After this, drafts were exchanged.
A chance interview with three other members of the MILF peace panel, Maulana Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Antonio Kinoc, revealed that the MILF Draft has adhered to the general outline agreed during the Agenda Setting Session. He said the two Drafts had wide divergence that have no point of convergence, adding that the GRP Draft’s derogation of prior agreements is not a positive response to sustain confidence building measures.
According to Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat, “the second day (January 28, Thursday) was supposed to be the deliberation session.” But in place of the normal “face-to-face deliberation” between the two panels, “proximate meetings” took place, thereby the Facilitator and an ICG representative shuttled between the two sides.
Meanwhile, a more positive development is the announcement of Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak, the Malaysian Facilitator, that the deployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) is under way before the end of February 2010.
The Parties agreed to meet again on February 18 to 19, 2010 “to discuss the draft texts and identify the next steps” for the purpose of achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution. According to a statement issued to the Press by Datuk Othman, the Parties also agreed as follows: “1) to preserve previous gains made in the peace process; 2) to review each other’s draft texts with their respective principals; and 3) to consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward.”
On the second day, the GRP Peace Panel met the ICG first from 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning, and from 11:00 to past noon it was the MILF’s turn to meet the Facilitator and the ICG.
Other members of the MILF Peace Panel were Atty. Datu Michael Mastura, Maulana Bobby Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan. Jun Mantawil and Mike Pasigan composed the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.
The GRP Peace Panel was headed by Ambassador Rafael Seguis, DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandamen, Dr. Ronald Adamat, a Tiruray, Atty. Tony Laviña, and Atty. Mariano Sarmiento. Director Ryan Mark Sullivan and Mr. Zoilo Velasco composed the GRP Peace Panel Secretariat.
The representatives of the ICG present were Mr. Hitoshi Ozawa and Mr. Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Minister and First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Manila respectively (Japan); H.E. Ambassador Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Mr. Christopher Wright, Second Secretary, British Embassy in Manila (UK); H.E. Yasin Temizkan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur (Turkey).
The INGO members who attended were: David Gorman, Mediation Adviser of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC); The Asia Foundation’s(TAF) Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative for the Philippines, Herizal Hazri, Program Director in Malaysia, and Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict based in Thailand; Ms. Cynthia Petrigh, Advisor on Peace Process, Conciliation Resources (CR, London); and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah accompanied by an adviser, Surwandono.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
BCJP to Gov’t.; “You should Have a Clear Agenda in talking with MILF”
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato - THE Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace Inc. (BCJP) today calls the government to have a clear agenda for GRP-MILF Peace Process."
BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito said “We want the government to treat the Mindanao conflict seriously with best intentions and sincerity; we are dismay with the recent fate of the peace talks last January 27, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia when the government peace panel offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which is unacceptable to the MILF, MNLF and to the Bangsamoro people in general.
Offering ARMM to the MILF over and over again, this to me is a manifestation of insincerity and lack of seriousness on the part of the government, after more than ten years of negotiations with so much time, energy, resources and efforts; the government did not value the interim agreements and consensus points of both panels, after all, it is the ARMM the government can afford to offer, Benito said.
He said “Our people are suffered a lot, the IDPs still languishing in the evacuation centers with their children cannot attend school, our olds and child died without seeing the doctors, and we want this hardship to end.
Benito stressed out why the government is so responsive with Cotabato vice Governor Manny Pinol and his cohorts, “when Pinol opposed the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA AD) last August 2008 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, the Supreme Court response so quickly by issuing a Temporary Restraining Order, subsequently, the MO AD declared unconstitutional by the Chief Justice Reynato Puno”.
Manny Pinol even threatened the public to have war in Mindanao should the MOA AD be signed. The AFP have launched an unjust war and missive offensive against the MILF guerillas resulted to the massive displacement of our peoples, rampant violations of human rights, our impoverished situations deteriorates.
With this, Benito said, we reiterate our calls to the government to demonstrate political will to resolve the problem once and for all, it can be attain if the government will have a coherent and cohesive peace agenda with the MILF. We are also calling vice governor Manny Pinol to show mercy to the people specially to the women, children and the olds who are greatly affected by unrelenting armed conflict every time he block the peace talks between the government and the MILF.
BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito said “We want the government to treat the Mindanao conflict seriously with best intentions and sincerity; we are dismay with the recent fate of the peace talks last January 27, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia when the government peace panel offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which is unacceptable to the MILF, MNLF and to the Bangsamoro people in general.
Offering ARMM to the MILF over and over again, this to me is a manifestation of insincerity and lack of seriousness on the part of the government, after more than ten years of negotiations with so much time, energy, resources and efforts; the government did not value the interim agreements and consensus points of both panels, after all, it is the ARMM the government can afford to offer, Benito said.
He said “Our people are suffered a lot, the IDPs still languishing in the evacuation centers with their children cannot attend school, our olds and child died without seeing the doctors, and we want this hardship to end.
Benito stressed out why the government is so responsive with Cotabato vice Governor Manny Pinol and his cohorts, “when Pinol opposed the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA AD) last August 2008 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, the Supreme Court response so quickly by issuing a Temporary Restraining Order, subsequently, the MO AD declared unconstitutional by the Chief Justice Reynato Puno”.
Manny Pinol even threatened the public to have war in Mindanao should the MOA AD be signed. The AFP have launched an unjust war and missive offensive against the MILF guerillas resulted to the massive displacement of our peoples, rampant violations of human rights, our impoverished situations deteriorates.
With this, Benito said, we reiterate our calls to the government to demonstrate political will to resolve the problem once and for all, it can be attain if the government will have a coherent and cohesive peace agenda with the MILF. We are also calling vice governor Manny Pinol to show mercy to the people specially to the women, children and the olds who are greatly affected by unrelenting armed conflict every time he block the peace talks between the government and the MILF.
“Government should have a coherent and cohesive peace agenda” – BCJP
By William B. Banzali
January 31, 2010
Davao City - The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace Inc. (BCJP) on Friday told Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Anabelle T. Abaya to come up with a coherent peace agenda in talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other revolutionary movements in the country.
”The Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary should come up with a coherent peace agenda in talking with MILF to ensure that whatever the peace panels may agreed in the negotiations is binding and be treated as national policy and government’s position, not just one chamber of government, in this way, the fate of the MOA AD could have been avoided,” said BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito in an open forum during the OPAPP Peace Partners Forum held at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on January 29, 2010.
He said it is difficult to negotiate with the peace panel that has no clear mandates. The MOA AD experienced shows how weak the government peace panels was, including the executive when some local chief executives in some provinces in Mindanao oppose the agreement on ancestral domain, and the Supreme Court responds to the petition very quickly”.
Mr. Benito also reacted to the presentation that the root causes of conflict in Mindanao are due to poverty, socio economic inequity and poor governance. “These issue of poverty, poor governance, un peace and others are just a symptoms of a main problem, for us and the people we talked, we believed that the root caused of problem in Mindanao is Injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, we are politically disenfranchised, we are systematically marginalized”, He said. Unless this root caused of the problem is address properly, the juspeace restoration in the Bangsamoro homeland is elusive, Benito added.
For interviews and inquiries, please call;
(064) 390 2726
09197245492
http;//bobbybenito.blogspot.com
January 31, 2010
Davao City - The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace Inc. (BCJP) on Friday told Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Anabelle T. Abaya to come up with a coherent peace agenda in talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other revolutionary movements in the country.
”The Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary should come up with a coherent peace agenda in talking with MILF to ensure that whatever the peace panels may agreed in the negotiations is binding and be treated as national policy and government’s position, not just one chamber of government, in this way, the fate of the MOA AD could have been avoided,” said BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito in an open forum during the OPAPP Peace Partners Forum held at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on January 29, 2010.
He said it is difficult to negotiate with the peace panel that has no clear mandates. The MOA AD experienced shows how weak the government peace panels was, including the executive when some local chief executives in some provinces in Mindanao oppose the agreement on ancestral domain, and the Supreme Court responds to the petition very quickly”.
Mr. Benito also reacted to the presentation that the root causes of conflict in Mindanao are due to poverty, socio economic inequity and poor governance. “These issue of poverty, poor governance, un peace and others are just a symptoms of a main problem, for us and the people we talked, we believed that the root caused of problem in Mindanao is Injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, we are politically disenfranchised, we are systematically marginalized”, He said. Unless this root caused of the problem is address properly, the juspeace restoration in the Bangsamoro homeland is elusive, Benito added.
For interviews and inquiries, please call;
(064) 390 2726
09197245492
http;//bobbybenito.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Gov’t, MILF exchange draft peace pacts; IMT returns before end of February
by Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews
Friday, 29 January 2010 21:20
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/29 January) – The Philippine government and Moro Islamic Libreation Front (MILF) peace panels will meet again on February 18 to 19 in Kuala Lumpur after exchanging “very divergent drafts” on the proposed Comprehensive Compact or the negotiated settlement on January 27.
But while discussion on the drafts was postponed to three weeks later, the panels lauded the announcement of Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak, the Malaysian facilitator, that the International Monitoring Team (IMT) will be deployed back in Mindanao before end of February. The IMT left on November 30, 2008 and is returning after an absence of 14 months.
For the first time in the history of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis in a press statement dated January 28, cited government’s “openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
The two panels agreed to meet again on February 18 to 19 “to discuss the draft texts and identify the next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution,” a press statement from Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak dated January 28 said.
The facilitator said the parties also agreed “to preserve previous gains made in the peace process; to review each other’s draft texts with their respective principals; and to consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward.”
“Both parties look forward to the deployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in the coming weeks,” he said.
But Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel said the government’s draft peace agreement “essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).”
“This offer was done in April of 2000 (sic) and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal must have meant late May 2000 when the “all-out war” that then President Joseph Estrada waged in March in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, had moved to the Narciso Ramos Highway in Maguindanao and in Pikit, North Cotabato and government troops were attacking the MILF’s Camp Bushra in preparation for Camp Abubakar, the government peace panel, then under retired general Eduardo Batenga, met with the MILF peace panel in Cotabato City and offered as a political package, a “meaningful autonomy” through then House Bill 7883, a bill the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had earlier rejected.
Asked about government’s alleged offer of the ARMM to the MILF, Seguis told MindaNews in a text message, “no substantive talks yet. Not in that context!”
The government peace panel submitted a 17-page document, font 14, double space, while the MILF submitted a 37-page document, font 12, 1.5 space.
In his January 28 press statement, Seguis clarified “there is no agreement yet” with the MILF.
“Both sides are still in the early stages of discussing each other’s position papers,” he said.
Though not explaining what kind of political package it was offering the MILF, Seguis in his press statement said the government’s draft peace agreement is “compliant with the Constitution and pertinent laws” and is “also guided by the Supreme Court decision on the aborted Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).”
The government and MILF peace panels had initialed the MOA-AD in late July 2008 and were already back in Kuala Lumpur by August 4 for the August 5 formal signing when the Philippine Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) late afternoon of August 4, preventing the government peace panel chair from signing the agreement.
Seguis said the government’s 2010 draft peace agreement “mostly identities executive ‘doables’, proposed legislative actions to strengthen regional autonomy, and openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
“The GRP draft is clear that discussions that will concern legislative and other policy actions will still be proposals which would be submitted to Congress,” he said.
“There is no mention of any ‘Bangsa Moro’ sub-state in our draft,” Seguis added.
Iqbal told MindaNews the MILF has proposed a “State – Sub-state relationship” that would require amending the 1987 Constitution’s Article 10, Section 15-21.
Sections 15 to 21 of Article 10 on Local Government, focus on the autonomous regions. In the 1987 Constitution, these sections provided for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras but only the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao has been created. The Cordillera region has remained an administrative region.
The arrangement, Iqbal said, would be “similar to Sarawak” in Malaysia. Malaysia has a federal form of government.
But lawyer and peace advocate Soliman Santos, author of “The Moro Islamic Challenge: Constitutional Rethinking for the Mindanao Peace Process,” told MindaNews , “we can amend the Constitution’s provisions on ARMM only and place in the amendments something like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement.”
Santos said the Constitution “can be changed in any way as long as the process is proper” and that there is no need to shift to a federal system of government “wholesale, across-the-board (nation).”
He said what can be amended are “provisions for a special region as was done with ARMM (& CAR) but this time of higher degree of self-determination like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement if that is agreed upon. This would already place it on the same constitutional level as the rest of the Constitution, and therefore obviates any issues of unconstitutionality.”
Iqbal declined to elaborate on what is new about the government’s ARMM offer.
The term of office of incumbent ARMM officials is until September 30, 2011 although Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales wants the ARMM to hold elections in time with the national and local polls on May 10.
He said an early election for ARMM is needed to firm up the peace and order that martial law had started to establish not only in Maguindanao but also in the entire ARMM.
Iqbal said the government’s draft “deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous GRP-MILF Special Meeting last December 8 and 9, 2009.”
In that Special Meeting, the panels agreed on seven items which government peace panel adviser Camilo Montesa summed up as: identity and citizenship; governance structure; security arrangements; wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights; restorative justice and reconciliation; implementation arrangements; and independent monitoring.
MILF senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura said that the MILF stresses more on “transitional justice and reconciliation.”
Wednesday’s meeting opened with the statements from the Malaysian facilitator, Seguis, Iqbal, and some members of the International Contact Group (ICG), after which the drafts were exchanged.
The MILF peace panel was represented by Iqbal, Mastura, Maulana Bobby Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan. Jun Mantawil and Mike Pasigan composed the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.
The government peace panel was represented by Seguis and members, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Ronald Adamat; laywers Antonio Laviña, and Mariano Sarmiento; Ryan Mark Sullivan, executive director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; and Zoilo Velasco.
The ICG members represented were Hitoshi Ozawa and Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Minister and First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Manila respectively (Japan); Ambassador Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Mr. Christopher Wright, Second Secretary, British Embassy in Manila (UK); and Yasin Temizkan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur (Turkey).
The INGO (international non-governmental organization) members who were present were David Gorman, Mediation Adviser of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC); Dr. Steven Rood, country director for the Philippines of The Asia Foundation (TAF); Herizal Hazri, Program Director in Malaysia; Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict based in Thailand; Ms Cynthia Petrigh, Advisor on Peace Process, Conciliation Resources (CR, London); and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah accompanied by an adviser, Surwandono. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Friday, 29 January 2010 21:20
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/29 January) – The Philippine government and Moro Islamic Libreation Front (MILF) peace panels will meet again on February 18 to 19 in Kuala Lumpur after exchanging “very divergent drafts” on the proposed Comprehensive Compact or the negotiated settlement on January 27.
But while discussion on the drafts was postponed to three weeks later, the panels lauded the announcement of Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak, the Malaysian facilitator, that the International Monitoring Team (IMT) will be deployed back in Mindanao before end of February. The IMT left on November 30, 2008 and is returning after an absence of 14 months.
For the first time in the history of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis in a press statement dated January 28, cited government’s “openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
The two panels agreed to meet again on February 18 to 19 “to discuss the draft texts and identify the next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution,” a press statement from Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak dated January 28 said.
The facilitator said the parties also agreed “to preserve previous gains made in the peace process; to review each other’s draft texts with their respective principals; and to consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward.”
“Both parties look forward to the deployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in the coming weeks,” he said.
But Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel said the government’s draft peace agreement “essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).”
“This offer was done in April of 2000 (sic) and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal must have meant late May 2000 when the “all-out war” that then President Joseph Estrada waged in March in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, had moved to the Narciso Ramos Highway in Maguindanao and in Pikit, North Cotabato and government troops were attacking the MILF’s Camp Bushra in preparation for Camp Abubakar, the government peace panel, then under retired general Eduardo Batenga, met with the MILF peace panel in Cotabato City and offered as a political package, a “meaningful autonomy” through then House Bill 7883, a bill the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had earlier rejected.
Asked about government’s alleged offer of the ARMM to the MILF, Seguis told MindaNews in a text message, “no substantive talks yet. Not in that context!”
The government peace panel submitted a 17-page document, font 14, double space, while the MILF submitted a 37-page document, font 12, 1.5 space.
In his January 28 press statement, Seguis clarified “there is no agreement yet” with the MILF.
“Both sides are still in the early stages of discussing each other’s position papers,” he said.
Though not explaining what kind of political package it was offering the MILF, Seguis in his press statement said the government’s draft peace agreement is “compliant with the Constitution and pertinent laws” and is “also guided by the Supreme Court decision on the aborted Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).”
The government and MILF peace panels had initialed the MOA-AD in late July 2008 and were already back in Kuala Lumpur by August 4 for the August 5 formal signing when the Philippine Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) late afternoon of August 4, preventing the government peace panel chair from signing the agreement.
Seguis said the government’s 2010 draft peace agreement “mostly identities executive ‘doables’, proposed legislative actions to strengthen regional autonomy, and openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
“The GRP draft is clear that discussions that will concern legislative and other policy actions will still be proposals which would be submitted to Congress,” he said.
“There is no mention of any ‘Bangsa Moro’ sub-state in our draft,” Seguis added.
Iqbal told MindaNews the MILF has proposed a “State – Sub-state relationship” that would require amending the 1987 Constitution’s Article 10, Section 15-21.
Sections 15 to 21 of Article 10 on Local Government, focus on the autonomous regions. In the 1987 Constitution, these sections provided for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras but only the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao has been created. The Cordillera region has remained an administrative region.
The arrangement, Iqbal said, would be “similar to Sarawak” in Malaysia. Malaysia has a federal form of government.
But lawyer and peace advocate Soliman Santos, author of “The Moro Islamic Challenge: Constitutional Rethinking for the Mindanao Peace Process,” told MindaNews , “we can amend the Constitution’s provisions on ARMM only and place in the amendments something like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement.”
Santos said the Constitution “can be changed in any way as long as the process is proper” and that there is no need to shift to a federal system of government “wholesale, across-the-board (nation).”
He said what can be amended are “provisions for a special region as was done with ARMM (& CAR) but this time of higher degree of self-determination like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement if that is agreed upon. This would already place it on the same constitutional level as the rest of the Constitution, and therefore obviates any issues of unconstitutionality.”
Iqbal declined to elaborate on what is new about the government’s ARMM offer.
The term of office of incumbent ARMM officials is until September 30, 2011 although Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales wants the ARMM to hold elections in time with the national and local polls on May 10.
He said an early election for ARMM is needed to firm up the peace and order that martial law had started to establish not only in Maguindanao but also in the entire ARMM.
Iqbal said the government’s draft “deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous GRP-MILF Special Meeting last December 8 and 9, 2009.”
In that Special Meeting, the panels agreed on seven items which government peace panel adviser Camilo Montesa summed up as: identity and citizenship; governance structure; security arrangements; wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights; restorative justice and reconciliation; implementation arrangements; and independent monitoring.
MILF senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura said that the MILF stresses more on “transitional justice and reconciliation.”
Wednesday’s meeting opened with the statements from the Malaysian facilitator, Seguis, Iqbal, and some members of the International Contact Group (ICG), after which the drafts were exchanged.
The MILF peace panel was represented by Iqbal, Mastura, Maulana Bobby Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan. Jun Mantawil and Mike Pasigan composed the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.
The government peace panel was represented by Seguis and members, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Ronald Adamat; laywers Antonio Laviña, and Mariano Sarmiento; Ryan Mark Sullivan, executive director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; and Zoilo Velasco.
The ICG members represented were Hitoshi Ozawa and Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Minister and First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Manila respectively (Japan); Ambassador Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Mr. Christopher Wright, Second Secretary, British Embassy in Manila (UK); and Yasin Temizkan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur (Turkey).
The INGO (international non-governmental organization) members who were present were David Gorman, Mediation Adviser of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC); Dr. Steven Rood, country director for the Philippines of The Asia Foundation (TAF); Herizal Hazri, Program Director in Malaysia; Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict based in Thailand; Ms Cynthia Petrigh, Advisor on Peace Process, Conciliation Resources (CR, London); and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah accompanied by an adviser, Surwandono. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Presidential bets ‘should have clear Mindanao agenda’
THE Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) on Monday rallied presidential candidates to have a "clear agenda for Mindanao."
"Mindanao has always been dubbed 'the land of promise' but it has been a victim of development disparity and always treated with biases and prejudices. With the multi-cultural and multi-sectoral stakeholders rallying a strong and urgent call for a permanent institution mechanism, candidates running for president (should show) a clear agenda to address the socio-historical injustice suffered by this southern region," said Medco chair Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana.
He said those aspiring for the presidency must define what kind of a country they would want the Philippines to be and what role will Mindanao play "to ensure the consolidation of the Philippine archipelago in a strong, united and progressive nation."
Leyretana said much attention should be given to presidential aspirants after proposed Mindanao Economic Development Authority (Meda) bill was approved this week during the bicameral conference committee deliberation of both Senate and House of Representatives.
He admitted that previous attention given to Mindanao under the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) "has not reflected realities on the ground."
The bill was pushed in view of the need for Mindanao to catch up with the mainstream national development.
Key proponents of the bill from both chambers are expected to review, harmonize and come up with a final and approved version to be transmitted to the Office of the President for signing.
General provisions of the Meda proposal seek to strengthen the existing Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) by converting it into Meda, a permanent agency that will carry on the critical task of ensuring coherence, consistency and continuity of peace and development efforts in Mindanao. (JCZ/With Sunnex)
"Mindanao has always been dubbed 'the land of promise' but it has been a victim of development disparity and always treated with biases and prejudices. With the multi-cultural and multi-sectoral stakeholders rallying a strong and urgent call for a permanent institution mechanism, candidates running for president (should show) a clear agenda to address the socio-historical injustice suffered by this southern region," said Medco chair Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana.
He said those aspiring for the presidency must define what kind of a country they would want the Philippines to be and what role will Mindanao play "to ensure the consolidation of the Philippine archipelago in a strong, united and progressive nation."
Leyretana said much attention should be given to presidential aspirants after proposed Mindanao Economic Development Authority (Meda) bill was approved this week during the bicameral conference committee deliberation of both Senate and House of Representatives.
He admitted that previous attention given to Mindanao under the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) "has not reflected realities on the ground."
The bill was pushed in view of the need for Mindanao to catch up with the mainstream national development.
Key proponents of the bill from both chambers are expected to review, harmonize and come up with a final and approved version to be transmitted to the Office of the President for signing.
General provisions of the Meda proposal seek to strengthen the existing Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) by converting it into Meda, a permanent agency that will carry on the critical task of ensuring coherence, consistency and continuity of peace and development efforts in Mindanao. (JCZ/With Sunnex)
Vice guv to attend House inquiry on peace talks
NORTH Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol will appear before the House of Representative’s Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on Monday, February 1.
The official will be giving his insights on the renewed peace negotiations between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The committee will deliberate on House Resolution 1546 filed by Zamboanga City Representative Maria Isabelle Climaco requiring the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) to fully disclose specific details of the renewed peace talks.
The government and MILF peace panels will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 27 and 28 to exchange draft proposals on a comprehensive compact that could be signed by March this year.
In an interview with a local radio station, MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal described the comprehensive compact as more encompassing than the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC) following a case filed against it before the high tribunal by Piñol.
Earlier this week, Piñol aired his concerns about the reported plan of the MILF to press its demand for a Bangsamoro territory that will include parts of North Cotabato, particularly the Palma-P area that is made up of the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, Aleosan and Pikit.
“The people of North Cotabato vehemently oppose this idea,” Piñol said.
“We have made this clear in the plebiscites on the creation of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (Armm) in 1996 and on its expansion in 2001, and again in our opposition to the MOA-AD,” he said.
North Cotabato voted overwhelmingly against inclusion in the Armm in the plebiscite of September 2, 1996 with 114,568 “no” votes against only 26,734 “yes” votes.
In the plebiscite on the expansion of the Armm on August 14, 2001, North Cotabato registered 167,531 “no” votes against only 16,603 “yes” votes.
Piñol called on leaders in the province to set aside politics and stand together in reiterating the people’s sentiment on the issue. (BOT/With PR)
The official will be giving his insights on the renewed peace negotiations between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The committee will deliberate on House Resolution 1546 filed by Zamboanga City Representative Maria Isabelle Climaco requiring the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) to fully disclose specific details of the renewed peace talks.
The government and MILF peace panels will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 27 and 28 to exchange draft proposals on a comprehensive compact that could be signed by March this year.
In an interview with a local radio station, MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal described the comprehensive compact as more encompassing than the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court (SC) following a case filed against it before the high tribunal by Piñol.
Earlier this week, Piñol aired his concerns about the reported plan of the MILF to press its demand for a Bangsamoro territory that will include parts of North Cotabato, particularly the Palma-P area that is made up of the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, Aleosan and Pikit.
“The people of North Cotabato vehemently oppose this idea,” Piñol said.
“We have made this clear in the plebiscites on the creation of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (Armm) in 1996 and on its expansion in 2001, and again in our opposition to the MOA-AD,” he said.
North Cotabato voted overwhelmingly against inclusion in the Armm in the plebiscite of September 2, 1996 with 114,568 “no” votes against only 26,734 “yes” votes.
In the plebiscite on the expansion of the Armm on August 14, 2001, North Cotabato registered 167,531 “no” votes against only 16,603 “yes” votes.
Piñol called on leaders in the province to set aside politics and stand together in reiterating the people’s sentiment on the issue. (BOT/With PR)
North Cotabato leaders submit resolutions
THREE North Cotabato officials have submitted resolutions and documents that could help the government peace panel in firming up its position on the “enhanced autonomy” proposed by Moro rebels.
North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol and Board Members Romeo Arana and Ronaldo Pader travelled all the way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to submit the documents that were gathered from barangays and municipalities in the province.
Ambassador Rafael Seguis, who met the three officials along with two other panel members -- Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Ronald Adamat, thanked Piñol’s group, saying the resolutions are important as they would help the government peace panel decide on the proposed expansion of the autonomous area to be placed under the administration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
eguis and the other panel members were in Kuala Lumpur for a three-day exploratory talk with the MILF negotiating panel led by Mohaqher Iqbal. Both parties want to resolve the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
Seguis assured Piñol that the government will adhere to the idea of negotiations within the framework of the Constitution and push for an “enhanced autonomy” with the existing territory of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) as the basis.
He, however, said they are expecting the MILF to push for the expansion of that area to include parts of North Cotabato.
The documents submitted by the three North Cotabato leaders will strengthen their position to oppose such proposal, Seguis said.
Pangandaman said that with the documents and resolutions in the possession of the government peace panel now, it would be easier for the negotiators to explain to the MILF that the people of North Cotabato reject the proposal to be included in “an enhanced autonomy” or the MILF’s proposed Bangsamoro Sub-State.
Seguis and the panel members met with Piñol, Arana, and Pader at the Impiana Hotel for about an hour on Friday following the conclusion of the three-day talks between the Philippine government and MILF hosted by the Malaysian government.
Both the Philippine government and the MILF exchanged draft text proposals on the comprehensive peace compact. They will meet again on February 18 and 19 prior to the expected signing of an agreement in March of this year.
Seguis and his team flew back to Manila also on Friday, carrying with them the MILF's draft proposal that will be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the National Security Council.
The MILF team headed by chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal, on the other hand, is expected to head to Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat to submit to the MILF Central Committee the government's version of the peace formula.
A press statement issued by the Malaysian Secretariat headed by Datuk Othman Bin Abd Razak said both sides exchanged documents in the presence of the Malaysian facilitator and members of the International Contact Group (ICG).
The statement said both sides are expected to:
1. Preserve the previous gains made in the peace process;
2. Review each other's draft texts with their respective principals;
3. Consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward; and
4. Meet again on February 18 to 19, 2010 to discuss the draft texts and identify next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution.
The statement also said the International Monitoring Team (IMT), including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC), will be deployed "in the coming weeks."
But while both sides are positively looking at a March 2010 timetable to sign the "comprehensive peace agreement," there are still serious issues to be resolved by both sides before any peace document could be finalized.
Among the most contentious issues are the differing views of both sides on the "enhanced autonomy" as proposed by the Philippine government and the "Bangsamoro Sub-State" as suggested by the MILF.
Seguis, in a short briefing given to officials of North Cotabato, said the government panel based its proposals solely on what is allowed by the Constitution.
He said the concept of the "enhanced autonomy" would only entail the original political area of the Armm for its territory but with greater or enhanced autonomous powers.
The MILF, on the other hand, has been talking of a "Bangsamoro Sub-State" that is believed to be a reformulated Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). This would have been established with the signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last year.
It is expected that the Moro rebel group will demand for a bigger political territory to be included in the Bangsamoro Ancestral Domain, to include towns of the Province of North Cotabato, prompting Piñol and his group to go to Malaysia and meet with the government panel.
Pangandaman said he too expects the MILF to negotiate for a bigger territory.
"That is why the documents submitted by North Cotabato showing the opposition of the people to the inclusion of their areas to the proposed expanded territory is helpful to us in the negotiations," he said.
The detailed positions of both sides are expected to be made public as both the government and the MILF conduct consultations with the stakeholders in Mindanao.
The MILF, on the other hand, said "the GRP draft essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao."
In a report by Luwaran.com, Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of MILF negotiating panel, said “this offer was done in April of 2000 and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato.”
The Seguis-led government negotiating panel submitted a 17-page document, while the MILF’s has 37 pages.
Asked for his comment, MILF lawyer Michael O. Mastura commented off-hand, saying: "The GRP draft is practically an enabling legislation piece."
It was learned from Iqbal later that this government approach deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous special meeting between the government and MILF last December 8 and 9, 2009.
Among those commonly agreed items that the GRP lawyer Camilo Montesa summed up are: 1) identity and citizenship, 2) governance structure, 3) security arrangements, 4) wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights, 5) restorative justice and reconciliation, 6) implementation arrangements, and 7) independent monitoring.
Mastura also pointed out that, except for item 5, the MILF agreed to prepare a draft as outlined earlier. He, however, clarified that “the MILF stresses transitional justice and reconciliation rather than restorative justice.” (BOT)
North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol and Board Members Romeo Arana and Ronaldo Pader travelled all the way to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to submit the documents that were gathered from barangays and municipalities in the province.
Ambassador Rafael Seguis, who met the three officials along with two other panel members -- Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Ronald Adamat, thanked Piñol’s group, saying the resolutions are important as they would help the government peace panel decide on the proposed expansion of the autonomous area to be placed under the administration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
eguis and the other panel members were in Kuala Lumpur for a three-day exploratory talk with the MILF negotiating panel led by Mohaqher Iqbal. Both parties want to resolve the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
Seguis assured Piñol that the government will adhere to the idea of negotiations within the framework of the Constitution and push for an “enhanced autonomy” with the existing territory of the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) as the basis.
He, however, said they are expecting the MILF to push for the expansion of that area to include parts of North Cotabato.
The documents submitted by the three North Cotabato leaders will strengthen their position to oppose such proposal, Seguis said.
Pangandaman said that with the documents and resolutions in the possession of the government peace panel now, it would be easier for the negotiators to explain to the MILF that the people of North Cotabato reject the proposal to be included in “an enhanced autonomy” or the MILF’s proposed Bangsamoro Sub-State.
Seguis and the panel members met with Piñol, Arana, and Pader at the Impiana Hotel for about an hour on Friday following the conclusion of the three-day talks between the Philippine government and MILF hosted by the Malaysian government.
Both the Philippine government and the MILF exchanged draft text proposals on the comprehensive peace compact. They will meet again on February 18 and 19 prior to the expected signing of an agreement in March of this year.
Seguis and his team flew back to Manila also on Friday, carrying with them the MILF's draft proposal that will be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the National Security Council.
The MILF team headed by chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal, on the other hand, is expected to head to Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat to submit to the MILF Central Committee the government's version of the peace formula.
A press statement issued by the Malaysian Secretariat headed by Datuk Othman Bin Abd Razak said both sides exchanged documents in the presence of the Malaysian facilitator and members of the International Contact Group (ICG).
The statement said both sides are expected to:
1. Preserve the previous gains made in the peace process;
2. Review each other's draft texts with their respective principals;
3. Consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward; and
4. Meet again on February 18 to 19, 2010 to discuss the draft texts and identify next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution.
The statement also said the International Monitoring Team (IMT), including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC), will be deployed "in the coming weeks."
But while both sides are positively looking at a March 2010 timetable to sign the "comprehensive peace agreement," there are still serious issues to be resolved by both sides before any peace document could be finalized.
Among the most contentious issues are the differing views of both sides on the "enhanced autonomy" as proposed by the Philippine government and the "Bangsamoro Sub-State" as suggested by the MILF.
Seguis, in a short briefing given to officials of North Cotabato, said the government panel based its proposals solely on what is allowed by the Constitution.
He said the concept of the "enhanced autonomy" would only entail the original political area of the Armm for its territory but with greater or enhanced autonomous powers.
The MILF, on the other hand, has been talking of a "Bangsamoro Sub-State" that is believed to be a reformulated Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). This would have been established with the signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last year.
It is expected that the Moro rebel group will demand for a bigger political territory to be included in the Bangsamoro Ancestral Domain, to include towns of the Province of North Cotabato, prompting Piñol and his group to go to Malaysia and meet with the government panel.
Pangandaman said he too expects the MILF to negotiate for a bigger territory.
"That is why the documents submitted by North Cotabato showing the opposition of the people to the inclusion of their areas to the proposed expanded territory is helpful to us in the negotiations," he said.
The detailed positions of both sides are expected to be made public as both the government and the MILF conduct consultations with the stakeholders in Mindanao.
The MILF, on the other hand, said "the GRP draft essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao."
In a report by Luwaran.com, Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of MILF negotiating panel, said “this offer was done in April of 2000 and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato.”
The Seguis-led government negotiating panel submitted a 17-page document, while the MILF’s has 37 pages.
Asked for his comment, MILF lawyer Michael O. Mastura commented off-hand, saying: "The GRP draft is practically an enabling legislation piece."
It was learned from Iqbal later that this government approach deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous special meeting between the government and MILF last December 8 and 9, 2009.
Among those commonly agreed items that the GRP lawyer Camilo Montesa summed up are: 1) identity and citizenship, 2) governance structure, 3) security arrangements, 4) wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights, 5) restorative justice and reconciliation, 6) implementation arrangements, and 7) independent monitoring.
Mastura also pointed out that, except for item 5, the MILF agreed to prepare a draft as outlined earlier. He, however, clarified that “the MILF stresses transitional justice and reconciliation rather than restorative justice.” (BOT)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
WHY ALLOW ADAM TO PARTICIPATE IN MAY 2010 ELECTIONS?
Ma. Cecilia L. Rodriguez
Mobile: +639177155812
Davao City, Philippines
This email aims to share the information about the recent COMELEC’s
accreditation of a partylist that is controlled by Andal Ampatuan Sr.
The partylist is Adhikain ng Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM). We, in the civil society organizations here in Mindanao, can not stop wondering why a partylist organization such as the one organized by the Ampatuans can acquire accreditation where in fact it does not qualify as a marginalized sector and it was organized mainly for the benefit of the Ampatuan clan. This partylist is represented by Andal’s
Sr. nephew, Usec. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan.
Usec Zam and Andal Sr. had come a long way in deceiving our government with their schemes in providing alternative views of the Bangsamoro problem. Back in early 2000, their campaign was to fight the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). They used broadcast media to expose the corruptions in the ranks of the MILF and their clinging to Islamic extremism. It was a noble cause at first. Their fight was able to
convince many Maguindanaons that it was the right thing to do to stop the MILF. It convinced the datus and big clans to form alliance with them and fight the MILF. But, the fight is for the benefit of the Ampatuan clan and the family of Andal Sr.
Because of this fight, the government was also convinced that it was the right thing to do. Commanding officers of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (from Gen. Camiling, Gen. Kiamko, Gen Cayton), and their ranks gave full support to Andal Ampatuan Sr. When Camp Abubakar was conquered by the government troops, the opportunity for power for the Ampatuans fell like rain. Andal Ampatuan Sr. was successful in defeating Zacaria Candao during the 2001 gubernatorial elections. Zam Ampatuan was appointed Executive Director of Office on Muslim Affairs. And the rest are history.
Just to give you a brief summary of the turn of events, a time table
below describes this:
Year Events People/Organizations behind 1999 Start of Radyo Kalimudan.
A radio broadcast aired at DXMS of Zam Ampatuan providing an alternative views of the Moro problem, focusing on cultural integrity. UN Multi Donor Programme;
Col. Corpus (Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army assigned at Sultan sa Barongis) Zam and Col Corpus became close friends and implemented various projects at Rajah Buayan and Sultan sa Barongis focusing in the Liguasan Marsh.
Bombing of DXMS during the radio live broadcast of Zam Ampatuan.Allegedly by the MILF
Zam Ampatuan was ambush in Cotabato City, his close in escort was killed on the spot, his driver was wounded and lost his right leg. Allegedly by the MILF
2000 All out war of Pres. Erap against the MILF, Camp Abubakar was conquered by the Philippine troops.
2001 Local elections. Andal Ampatuan Sr defeated Zacaria Candao in their gubernatorial race. Massive cheating was done in 2nd district of Maguindanao.Commissioner Mehol Sadain motioned in Comelec en banc for the proclamation of Andal Sr. Zam Ampatuan was appointed ED of OMA Col Victor Corpus was appointed head of ISAFP Sec. Angelo Reyes was appointed DND Backed up by Secretary Angelo Reyes
2004 Local and national elections: Hello Garci tapeAndal delivered huge amount of votes to GMA Zam Ampatuan was head of the Southern Philippines Development
Authority GMA’s endorsement
2005 Zam Ampatuan was appointed National Anti Poverty Commission head. He delivered P100M worth of water project to Maguindanao alone. Projects need to be properly evaluated/audited.
GMA’s endorsement
ARMM elections: Toto Paglas vs. Zaldy Ampatuan for the Regional Governorship. Malacanang set a steering committee as to who will be the Lakas Official Candidate. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan was selected by the streering committee and not Toto Paglas GMA’s operators
2006 Province of Maguindanao was divided into two provinces. District 1, Shariff Kabunsuan; District 2, Maguindanao
Governorship for Shariff Kabunsuan was given to Datu Bimbo Q. Sinsuat ARMM Regional legislative assembly No. 201
2007 Zam Ampatuan was appointed to Department of Agriculture to a GOCC.
Allegedly his task was to generate funds for the election campaign.
Local and national elections:
12 – 0 for senatorial slate
Massive election fraud in Maguindanao, whistle blowers from municipality of Pagalungan and PagagawanGMA
Machinery of Andal Ampatuan Sr.
2008 Zam Ampatuan was appointed USEC of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR),
More than 1 billion worth of projects from DAR was given to ARMM and Maguindanao
GMA Through the leadership of Secretary Nasser Pangandaman
2009 Sec Angelo Reyes heads DOE
USEC Zam Ampatuan – DOE
USEC Roy Kiamko – DOE
GMA
June 2009 Andal Sr. gave the blessing for Zam Ampatuan to organize his parylist organization named ADAM
1st Division of the COMELEC handled the ADAM’s petition for accreditation. August 17, 2009 ADAM was filed with the Clerk of the Commission (COMELEC) November 2009 ADAM was accredited with the COMELEC as a partylist organization Approved by Com. Rene Sarmiento
Hopefully, this information will stop the schemes and plans of Andal Ampatuan Sr. It is also recommended that there will be a group to handle and organize an international/local group fact finding mission.
All the things we hear from the news and read in the newspapers about the Ampatuans are “unbelievable” at one point. But if you stand in the shoes of the Maguindanaons and people oppressed by the Ampatuans, you will see that most of them really happened. They got away with the Maguindanao Chainsaw Massacre in 2002. They almost got away with the Backhoe massacre, and if their plan with the ADAM entering in congress in 2010, we will never know what damage it can bring in the lives of
the people of Maguindanao and our country as a whole.
Recent developments that is gathered by the network of peace advocates in Mindanao, Senator Manny Villar is allied with Zam Ampatuan. Last November 2009, Mayor Anwar Ampatuan was suppose to take his oath as a member of the Nationalist Party. Through the money of Sen. Villar, ADAM will have machinery for its campaign. In return, the Ampatuans promised to deliver votes in Maguindanao and ARMM.
--
Ma. Cecilia L. Rodriguez
Mobile: +639177155812
Davao City, Philippines
Mobile: +639177155812
Davao City, Philippines
This email aims to share the information about the recent COMELEC’s
accreditation of a partylist that is controlled by Andal Ampatuan Sr.
The partylist is Adhikain ng Dakilang Anak ng Maharlika (ADAM). We, in the civil society organizations here in Mindanao, can not stop wondering why a partylist organization such as the one organized by the Ampatuans can acquire accreditation where in fact it does not qualify as a marginalized sector and it was organized mainly for the benefit of the Ampatuan clan. This partylist is represented by Andal’s
Sr. nephew, Usec. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan.
Usec Zam and Andal Sr. had come a long way in deceiving our government with their schemes in providing alternative views of the Bangsamoro problem. Back in early 2000, their campaign was to fight the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). They used broadcast media to expose the corruptions in the ranks of the MILF and their clinging to Islamic extremism. It was a noble cause at first. Their fight was able to
convince many Maguindanaons that it was the right thing to do to stop the MILF. It convinced the datus and big clans to form alliance with them and fight the MILF. But, the fight is for the benefit of the Ampatuan clan and the family of Andal Sr.
Because of this fight, the government was also convinced that it was the right thing to do. Commanding officers of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (from Gen. Camiling, Gen. Kiamko, Gen Cayton), and their ranks gave full support to Andal Ampatuan Sr. When Camp Abubakar was conquered by the government troops, the opportunity for power for the Ampatuans fell like rain. Andal Ampatuan Sr. was successful in defeating Zacaria Candao during the 2001 gubernatorial elections. Zam Ampatuan was appointed Executive Director of Office on Muslim Affairs. And the rest are history.
Just to give you a brief summary of the turn of events, a time table
below describes this:
Year Events People/Organizations behind 1999 Start of Radyo Kalimudan.
A radio broadcast aired at DXMS of Zam Ampatuan providing an alternative views of the Moro problem, focusing on cultural integrity. UN Multi Donor Programme;
Col. Corpus (Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army assigned at Sultan sa Barongis) Zam and Col Corpus became close friends and implemented various projects at Rajah Buayan and Sultan sa Barongis focusing in the Liguasan Marsh.
Bombing of DXMS during the radio live broadcast of Zam Ampatuan.Allegedly by the MILF
Zam Ampatuan was ambush in Cotabato City, his close in escort was killed on the spot, his driver was wounded and lost his right leg. Allegedly by the MILF
2000 All out war of Pres. Erap against the MILF, Camp Abubakar was conquered by the Philippine troops.
2001 Local elections. Andal Ampatuan Sr defeated Zacaria Candao in their gubernatorial race. Massive cheating was done in 2nd district of Maguindanao.Commissioner Mehol Sadain motioned in Comelec en banc for the proclamation of Andal Sr. Zam Ampatuan was appointed ED of OMA Col Victor Corpus was appointed head of ISAFP Sec. Angelo Reyes was appointed DND Backed up by Secretary Angelo Reyes
2004 Local and national elections: Hello Garci tapeAndal delivered huge amount of votes to GMA Zam Ampatuan was head of the Southern Philippines Development
Authority GMA’s endorsement
2005 Zam Ampatuan was appointed National Anti Poverty Commission head. He delivered P100M worth of water project to Maguindanao alone. Projects need to be properly evaluated/audited.
GMA’s endorsement
ARMM elections: Toto Paglas vs. Zaldy Ampatuan for the Regional Governorship. Malacanang set a steering committee as to who will be the Lakas Official Candidate. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan was selected by the streering committee and not Toto Paglas GMA’s operators
2006 Province of Maguindanao was divided into two provinces. District 1, Shariff Kabunsuan; District 2, Maguindanao
Governorship for Shariff Kabunsuan was given to Datu Bimbo Q. Sinsuat ARMM Regional legislative assembly No. 201
2007 Zam Ampatuan was appointed to Department of Agriculture to a GOCC.
Allegedly his task was to generate funds for the election campaign.
Local and national elections:
12 – 0 for senatorial slate
Massive election fraud in Maguindanao, whistle blowers from municipality of Pagalungan and PagagawanGMA
Machinery of Andal Ampatuan Sr.
2008 Zam Ampatuan was appointed USEC of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR),
More than 1 billion worth of projects from DAR was given to ARMM and Maguindanao
GMA Through the leadership of Secretary Nasser Pangandaman
2009 Sec Angelo Reyes heads DOE
USEC Zam Ampatuan – DOE
USEC Roy Kiamko – DOE
GMA
June 2009 Andal Sr. gave the blessing for Zam Ampatuan to organize his parylist organization named ADAM
1st Division of the COMELEC handled the ADAM’s petition for accreditation. August 17, 2009 ADAM was filed with the Clerk of the Commission (COMELEC) November 2009 ADAM was accredited with the COMELEC as a partylist organization Approved by Com. Rene Sarmiento
Hopefully, this information will stop the schemes and plans of Andal Ampatuan Sr. It is also recommended that there will be a group to handle and organize an international/local group fact finding mission.
All the things we hear from the news and read in the newspapers about the Ampatuans are “unbelievable” at one point. But if you stand in the shoes of the Maguindanaons and people oppressed by the Ampatuans, you will see that most of them really happened. They got away with the Maguindanao Chainsaw Massacre in 2002. They almost got away with the Backhoe massacre, and if their plan with the ADAM entering in congress in 2010, we will never know what damage it can bring in the lives of
the people of Maguindanao and our country as a whole.
Recent developments that is gathered by the network of peace advocates in Mindanao, Senator Manny Villar is allied with Zam Ampatuan. Last November 2009, Mayor Anwar Ampatuan was suppose to take his oath as a member of the Nationalist Party. Through the money of Sen. Villar, ADAM will have machinery for its campaign. In return, the Ampatuans promised to deliver votes in Maguindanao and ARMM.
--
Ma. Cecilia L. Rodriguez
Mobile: +639177155812
Davao City, Philippines
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The killing continues in the municipality of Ampatuan
Village official shot dead in Ampatuan
by Malu Cadeliña Manar / MindaNews
Thursday, 21 January 2010 08:32
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/20 Jan) – The killing continues in the municipality of Ampatuan in Maguindanao as a barangay kagawad was shot dead by a still unidentified suspect late afternoon Tuesday, police said.
Talib Salahudin, of Barangay Kakal, was reportedly on his way home when shot many times in the head. No one saw the incident in the dark and deserted area where he was shot, said Sr. Supt. Alex Lineses, provincial police director.
Lineses clarified that the victim was not in any way related to Ampatuan Vice Mayor Rasul Sangki, the primary witness to the Nov. 23 Ampatuan massacre where 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media.
The police chief said the victim was also not the “Doc Uling” earlier reported as the one killed last Tuesday night in Kakal.
Uling, reports said, was Sangki’s first cousin and security aide.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who is candidate for Maguindanao governor, said earlier that Uling was shot dead inside his home in Kakal, supposedly by the grandchildren of Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. The suspects, he said, are Bahnarin and Ulo Ampatuan, and Sukarno Badal.
The three suspects are also among those accused in the Ampatuan massacre.
“They killed Uling to threaten Sangki, who is our primary witness. They might also do that to Sangki’s other relatives,” he warned. (Malu Cadeliña Manar / MindaNews)
by Malu Cadeliña Manar / MindaNews
Thursday, 21 January 2010 08:32
KIDAPAWAN CITY (MindaNews/20 Jan) – The killing continues in the municipality of Ampatuan in Maguindanao as a barangay kagawad was shot dead by a still unidentified suspect late afternoon Tuesday, police said.
Talib Salahudin, of Barangay Kakal, was reportedly on his way home when shot many times in the head. No one saw the incident in the dark and deserted area where he was shot, said Sr. Supt. Alex Lineses, provincial police director.
Lineses clarified that the victim was not in any way related to Ampatuan Vice Mayor Rasul Sangki, the primary witness to the Nov. 23 Ampatuan massacre where 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media.
The police chief said the victim was also not the “Doc Uling” earlier reported as the one killed last Tuesday night in Kakal.
Uling, reports said, was Sangki’s first cousin and security aide.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who is candidate for Maguindanao governor, said earlier that Uling was shot dead inside his home in Kakal, supposedly by the grandchildren of Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. The suspects, he said, are Bahnarin and Ulo Ampatuan, and Sukarno Badal.
The three suspects are also among those accused in the Ampatuan massacre.
“They killed Uling to threaten Sangki, who is our primary witness. They might also do that to Sangki’s other relatives,” he warned. (Malu Cadeliña Manar / MindaNews)
CBCS-KRMC Update
Background:
January 7, 2010 – (At dawn) Tamano Mamalapat, a CVO Commander and loyal to Ampatuans encountered with Commander Double S of 105th Base Command of MILF at sitio Balanaken, Barangay Kitapok, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Datu Mama reinforced Tamano while Datu Mando Tambungalan and Commander Basco, MNLF commanders support Commander Double S. the fighting was spread toward the Mamasapano and Datu Hoffer boarders, another more than 10 houses has been burned out in Datu Hoffer municipality.
Another incident took place on January 7, 2010 in the morning when Datu Saudi Councilor JUNREAL KAMAONG was ambushed and killed at Poblacion, Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Maguindanao. Kamaong and Mamalapat had a long standing family feud (rido) with Commander Castro of 104th Base Command of MILF.
Civilians from Salvo Datu Saudi, Datu Hoffer and Mamasapnao were forced move out and sought refuge to their relatives in the nearby barangay of Bagan in Guindulungan Muncipality. Up to this writing, community have felt the tension between these groups. Peace condition is very volatile.
Prior to this incident, series of violence already erupted in many areas of Maguindanao. Chronologies of event after Martial Law lifted on December 12, 2009 are as follows;
• January 3, 2010 – more or less 100 Unidentified armed group tried to destroyed the gate and fences to enter in the compound and rob and loot in the house of Rajah Buayan Mayor Jacob “Jack” Ampatuan in the Poblacion of Shariff Aguak Maguindanao;
• January 4, 2010 – unidentified men ransacked the COMELEC office inside the provincial capitol in pob. Shariff Aguak Maguindanao.
• January 4, 2010 – M79 grenade landed few meters away from the Mansion of Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr. The incident happened hours after armed men robbed houses in nearby villages and took with them three motorcycles as getaway vehicles.
• Unidentified armed group roaming around in the Poblacion every night caused panic and great fear to the civilians; for them, every night is their nightmare.
• January 10, 2010 – another looting in Poblacion, Sharif Aguak, a female house helper of the Ampatuan were abducted for several hours but her captors released her after more than 5 hours, there is a rumor that the girl was raped many times.
The on going violence is rarely reported because until now, majority of the media networks have centered their coverage in the November 23 Massacre.
Aside from the Rido that is now taking place, Looting, Robbery, Arsons, Harassment of civilians are also the problems of the province. The Military and the PNP are outnumbered and they cannot cover the entire Shariff Aguak and Datu Hoffer.
CBCS RESPONSES:
As head of the Human Rights Quick Response Team, and a regional secretary of Kutawato Region BCJP facilitated the inter-NGO/CSO Meeting on January 9, 2010 at KRMC office in Cotabato City to map out what are the immediate needs and steps to halt the violence in the province.
Participating organizations:
1. UNYPAD
2. AL IHSAN
3. BCJP
4. UNYPHIL- Women
5. MOWDEC
6. CRDC
7. MPC
As an initial intervention, On January 11, 2010 – CBCS KRMC met the OIC Governor of Maguindanao at provincial capitol. On the same day, Meeting with the barangay Captains of Shariff Aguak at the residence of Shariff Aguak mayor Datu Anwar Ampatuan. They are committed to support the plans and initiative of the BCJP and other Human Rights Networks in minimizing the conflict in the area and even the governor herself vowed also to assist any interventions that CSO want to extend.
Output of the meeting with the barangay captains
o Appeal to the CSO to assist to appease to their situation
o Request to the CSO to facilitate dialogue with the AFP (Col. Aradanas of 603rd Brig.) and to the MILF (CCCH, AHJAG and taskforce ITTIHAD)
o Initial plan to meet with the PNP, AFP to ask permit to form a un armed civilian volunteers to guard the poblacion)
o They Appeal to the media to expose their situations. During the heights of Martial law, the media people were staying in S. Aguak even sleep with them but now, they are victims, the media seems doesn’t care about them
o Appeal for the CHR to look into and investigate their situations
January 7, 2010 – (At dawn) Tamano Mamalapat, a CVO Commander and loyal to Ampatuans encountered with Commander Double S of 105th Base Command of MILF at sitio Balanaken, Barangay Kitapok, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Datu Mama reinforced Tamano while Datu Mando Tambungalan and Commander Basco, MNLF commanders support Commander Double S. the fighting was spread toward the Mamasapano and Datu Hoffer boarders, another more than 10 houses has been burned out in Datu Hoffer municipality.
Another incident took place on January 7, 2010 in the morning when Datu Saudi Councilor JUNREAL KAMAONG was ambushed and killed at Poblacion, Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Maguindanao. Kamaong and Mamalapat had a long standing family feud (rido) with Commander Castro of 104th Base Command of MILF.
Civilians from Salvo Datu Saudi, Datu Hoffer and Mamasapnao were forced move out and sought refuge to their relatives in the nearby barangay of Bagan in Guindulungan Muncipality. Up to this writing, community have felt the tension between these groups. Peace condition is very volatile.
Prior to this incident, series of violence already erupted in many areas of Maguindanao. Chronologies of event after Martial Law lifted on December 12, 2009 are as follows;
• January 3, 2010 – more or less 100 Unidentified armed group tried to destroyed the gate and fences to enter in the compound and rob and loot in the house of Rajah Buayan Mayor Jacob “Jack” Ampatuan in the Poblacion of Shariff Aguak Maguindanao;
• January 4, 2010 – unidentified men ransacked the COMELEC office inside the provincial capitol in pob. Shariff Aguak Maguindanao.
• January 4, 2010 – M79 grenade landed few meters away from the Mansion of Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr. The incident happened hours after armed men robbed houses in nearby villages and took with them three motorcycles as getaway vehicles.
• Unidentified armed group roaming around in the Poblacion every night caused panic and great fear to the civilians; for them, every night is their nightmare.
• January 10, 2010 – another looting in Poblacion, Sharif Aguak, a female house helper of the Ampatuan were abducted for several hours but her captors released her after more than 5 hours, there is a rumor that the girl was raped many times.
The on going violence is rarely reported because until now, majority of the media networks have centered their coverage in the November 23 Massacre.
Aside from the Rido that is now taking place, Looting, Robbery, Arsons, Harassment of civilians are also the problems of the province. The Military and the PNP are outnumbered and they cannot cover the entire Shariff Aguak and Datu Hoffer.
CBCS RESPONSES:
As head of the Human Rights Quick Response Team, and a regional secretary of Kutawato Region BCJP facilitated the inter-NGO/CSO Meeting on January 9, 2010 at KRMC office in Cotabato City to map out what are the immediate needs and steps to halt the violence in the province.
Participating organizations:
1. UNYPAD
2. AL IHSAN
3. BCJP
4. UNYPHIL- Women
5. MOWDEC
6. CRDC
7. MPC
As an initial intervention, On January 11, 2010 – CBCS KRMC met the OIC Governor of Maguindanao at provincial capitol. On the same day, Meeting with the barangay Captains of Shariff Aguak at the residence of Shariff Aguak mayor Datu Anwar Ampatuan. They are committed to support the plans and initiative of the BCJP and other Human Rights Networks in minimizing the conflict in the area and even the governor herself vowed also to assist any interventions that CSO want to extend.
Output of the meeting with the barangay captains
o Appeal to the CSO to assist to appease to their situation
o Request to the CSO to facilitate dialogue with the AFP (Col. Aradanas of 603rd Brig.) and to the MILF (CCCH, AHJAG and taskforce ITTIHAD)
o Initial plan to meet with the PNP, AFP to ask permit to form a un armed civilian volunteers to guard the poblacion)
o They Appeal to the media to expose their situations. During the heights of Martial law, the media people were staying in S. Aguak even sleep with them but now, they are victims, the media seems doesn’t care about them
o Appeal for the CHR to look into and investigate their situations
First Automated National election in the country; possible
First Automated National election in the country; possible
By Bobby Benito
January 14, 2010
CLARK, Pampanga – Commission on Election spokesperson James Arthur B. Jimenez said today that the first nationwide elections will push through despite concerns on the delayed delivery of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines by its manufacturer,Smartmatic.
“It is expected that first PCOS delivery is on February 21, 2 010, as of now there are 7,200 and another 3,000 then 8,000 and then by Friday 3,200 and on Saturday, another 8,000. So now we are about 32,000 units of PCOS,” said Jimenez in his talk at the Journalist-CSO Partnership for election reporting monitoring held at Montevista Villa in Clark, Pampanga.
Jimenez said something interesting about the machines still on the way in a ship and that there are still a lot of uncertainties like weather.
Smartmatic’s machines will come from China.
Smartmatic, based in Venezuela, won the P7 billion contracts to provide voting machines and system to consolidate election results.
On the call of several groups for an early election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Jimenez said that a bill on that is still pending in Congress.
ARMM is one of the identified 558 “Hot Spots” out of 1,634 Cities and municipalities areas of concerns in the country.
By Bobby Benito
January 14, 2010
CLARK, Pampanga – Commission on Election spokesperson James Arthur B. Jimenez said today that the first nationwide elections will push through despite concerns on the delayed delivery of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines by its manufacturer,Smartmatic.
“It is expected that first PCOS delivery is on February 21, 2 010, as of now there are 7,200 and another 3,000 then 8,000 and then by Friday 3,200 and on Saturday, another 8,000. So now we are about 32,000 units of PCOS,” said Jimenez in his talk at the Journalist-CSO Partnership for election reporting monitoring held at Montevista Villa in Clark, Pampanga.
Jimenez said something interesting about the machines still on the way in a ship and that there are still a lot of uncertainties like weather.
Smartmatic’s machines will come from China.
Smartmatic, based in Venezuela, won the P7 billion contracts to provide voting machines and system to consolidate election results.
On the call of several groups for an early election in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Jimenez said that a bill on that is still pending in Congress.
ARMM is one of the identified 558 “Hot Spots” out of 1,634 Cities and municipalities areas of concerns in the country.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Response from Prof Bajunaid
Thank you, Brother Bobby, for the kind words. Jazakallah. May Allah guide us all to His Infinite Wisdom. May we all have a fruitful and blessed Hijrah/Gregorian Year ahead of us. Best regards. Wassalamo alaikum wa rahmatullah.
Brother Moner
Brother Moner
Optimizing Opportunities in the ARMM
"...and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allaah knows but you do not know." (Surah Baqarah: 216)
With that Notion, I am optimistic that some changes is possible if we will be able to optimize opportunities in the ARMM for the coming years
OPPORTUNITIES in Maguindanao - the command votes is minimize, ( I guess) election cheating, fraud, flying voters, vote buying, ghost voting and election related violence will also minimize (My prayer) with the automation of elections (perhaps)
People are vigilant. a sense of little hope that our votes will will be counted, at least.
* But when you look at the candidates in Maguindanao, most of them are old faces in the politics, traditional politicians who may just utilize this event for their turn to get power again.
My Proposal therefore is to have a Group of CSO leaders’ forum on Approaches for Optimizing Opportunities
One possible outcome the Forum will be a CSO Alliance or Political Party in preparation for the ARMM Election.
In this way, the like of Mr. Guiamel M. Alim, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, and Atty. Theng Ambolodto and Anwar Upahm will be push to serve the ARMM. While Atty. Anwar Malang bids to serve Cotabato City, Atty. Zen Malang is best alternative in the Congress. Brother Mujiv Hataman by the way is running for a gubernatorial set in Basilan, he deserve supports from us.
We need the idealism, dynamism, and youthful energy of these CSO leaders to transform ARMM from un-peace, corruption, poverty and poor education to prosperity, justice, development and peace.
Remember the Qur’an Verses:
[Allah will not change the condition of people as long as they do not change their state]
Now, who will change our conditions?
With that Notion, I am optimistic that some changes is possible if we will be able to optimize opportunities in the ARMM for the coming years
OPPORTUNITIES in Maguindanao - the command votes is minimize, ( I guess) election cheating, fraud, flying voters, vote buying, ghost voting and election related violence will also minimize (My prayer) with the automation of elections (perhaps)
People are vigilant. a sense of little hope that our votes will will be counted, at least.
* But when you look at the candidates in Maguindanao, most of them are old faces in the politics, traditional politicians who may just utilize this event for their turn to get power again.
My Proposal therefore is to have a Group of CSO leaders’ forum on Approaches for Optimizing Opportunities
One possible outcome the Forum will be a CSO Alliance or Political Party in preparation for the ARMM Election.
In this way, the like of Mr. Guiamel M. Alim, Prof. Moner Bajunaid, and Atty. Theng Ambolodto and Anwar Upahm will be push to serve the ARMM. While Atty. Anwar Malang bids to serve Cotabato City, Atty. Zen Malang is best alternative in the Congress. Brother Mujiv Hataman by the way is running for a gubernatorial set in Basilan, he deserve supports from us.
We need the idealism, dynamism, and youthful energy of these CSO leaders to transform ARMM from un-peace, corruption, poverty and poor education to prosperity, justice, development and peace.
Remember the Qur’an Verses:
[Allah will not change the condition of people as long as they do not change their state]
Now, who will change our conditions?
Press Release (February 8, 2008)
For Immediate Release
For inquiry: 09197245492
: 390 2726
Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), Condemning Massacre of Innocent Civilians in Sulu
Cotabato City (February 8, 2008) – The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc. (BCJP), is strongly condemned the massacre of seven innocent civilians, including two children, two teenagers, one pregnant woman and an off-duty soldier early Monday February 4, 2008 during a military raid on a suspected Abu Sayyaf hideout on a coastal village of Ipil in Maimbung town. Sulu.
BOBBY BENITO, Founding Director of the BCJP said "We condemned the massacre and mutilation of some dead body of civilians and those responsible in the killings of innocent children, pregnant women and other victims must be punished to pay for these heinous crimes." “This is a culpable violations of human rights and inhuman acts committed by Elite Forces of the Armed Forces against innocent civilians and therefore, deserved a highly condemnation,
In a report, government military troops was tracking down a kidnapped victim trader Rosalie Lao, clashed at dawn on Monday with alleged Abu Sayyaf groups in the area where the eight bodies had been found later in the day.
But villagers insisted that the government troops were the responsible for the killing the civilians. "They were just seaweed farmers and not members of the Abu Sayyaf," according to the civilian residents in the area.
The children were shot in the head," some of those killed were shot at sea while escaping the fighting on boat. Some victim’s right forefinger was cut off by “allegedly members of the Philippine Navy's Special Warfare Group and Philippine Army' Light Reaction Company.” ” Benito added.
Those killed were identified as Marisa Payian, 4; Wedme Lahim, 9; Alnalyn Lahim, 15; Sulayman Hakob, 17; Kirah Lahim, 45; Eldisim Lahim, 43; Narcia Abon, 24, all civilians and Pfc. Ibnul Wahid, of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (MNLF Integree).
The BCJP is calling the attention of the House of Congress, House of Senate, the Commission on Human Rights and all Human Rights groups for an immediate and impartial conduct of investigation to give justice to the victims of this tragedy.
For inquiry: 09197245492
: 390 2726
Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), Condemning Massacre of Innocent Civilians in Sulu
Cotabato City (February 8, 2008) – The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc. (BCJP), is strongly condemned the massacre of seven innocent civilians, including two children, two teenagers, one pregnant woman and an off-duty soldier early Monday February 4, 2008 during a military raid on a suspected Abu Sayyaf hideout on a coastal village of Ipil in Maimbung town. Sulu.
BOBBY BENITO, Founding Director of the BCJP said "We condemned the massacre and mutilation of some dead body of civilians and those responsible in the killings of innocent children, pregnant women and other victims must be punished to pay for these heinous crimes." “This is a culpable violations of human rights and inhuman acts committed by Elite Forces of the Armed Forces against innocent civilians and therefore, deserved a highly condemnation,
In a report, government military troops was tracking down a kidnapped victim trader Rosalie Lao, clashed at dawn on Monday with alleged Abu Sayyaf groups in the area where the eight bodies had been found later in the day.
But villagers insisted that the government troops were the responsible for the killing the civilians. "They were just seaweed farmers and not members of the Abu Sayyaf," according to the civilian residents in the area.
The children were shot in the head," some of those killed were shot at sea while escaping the fighting on boat. Some victim’s right forefinger was cut off by “allegedly members of the Philippine Navy's Special Warfare Group and Philippine Army' Light Reaction Company.” ” Benito added.
Those killed were identified as Marisa Payian, 4; Wedme Lahim, 9; Alnalyn Lahim, 15; Sulayman Hakob, 17; Kirah Lahim, 45; Eldisim Lahim, 43; Narcia Abon, 24, all civilians and Pfc. Ibnul Wahid, of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (MNLF Integree).
The BCJP is calling the attention of the House of Congress, House of Senate, the Commission on Human Rights and all Human Rights groups for an immediate and impartial conduct of investigation to give justice to the victims of this tragedy.
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