Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Phil’s, Inc.
(BCJP)
Int. 003-c, Don E. Sero Street
Rosary Heights 4, Cotabato City
PRESS STATEMENT:
April 24, 2010
PEACE AGREEMENT; NOW NA!
As an organization who seeks and aspires to have a peaceful country, the Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Philippines Inc. (BCJP) is supporting any peaceful alternatives that will resolve the conflict in Mindanao. A peaceful resolution is yearn so that the people especially the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will once again experience how it was to be safe and free. These IDPs who are still suffering in the evacuation centers have been hoping to return to their places of origin. Sadly though, they remain in a state of suspension since they are not sure if conflict will not erupt again in their communities knowing that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace talks continuous to bog down.
Because of the situation, BCJP is continuously calling both sides to resolve the conflict in most speedy manner all for the sake of the civilians especially the women, children and old people who are greatly affected.
In light of all that have been done, BCJP is thankful nonetheless that the peace talk is thrusting forward. With the arrival of the Royal Norwegian Government who will be joining forces with the International Monitoring Team (IMT) as part of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) it is a good sign indeed that the peace talks is moving forward. All civil society organizations that have been at the forefront of calling and lobbying for resumption of peace talks have been glad knowing that all the efforts paid off and will continue to be watchful for the success of the talks.
However, we are sadden by the new threat to the peace talks, in the form of statements coming from the Church, NGOs and some Politicians who seemed to signify that they do not want the Muslims to achieve peace because of their vested interest and political propaganda. What is so disappointing is their statement of threat that there will be conflict once the GRP and MILF Peace panel did come to a signing of the Interim Agreement. To quote, “that would have a big effect (the signing). There would be big trouble in Maguindanao and the whole Mindanao, and that could be one of the reasons for the postponement of elections in Mindanao.” One may ask, why is it when the MOA AD was not signed two years ago (since they made a move to stop it), conflict still happened that resulted to the displacement of more than 700 IDPs, millions worth of properties damaged, livelihood ceased and more civilians died? And now they are telling us that there will be trouble once there is signing? Isn’t that a preposterous statement?
BCJP is once again calling Church Leaders, Political Leaders and other NGOs to be more responsible in giving statement. It is not helping our present situation in fact it is trying to create a new divide between the Muslims and Christians. Irresponsible statements served to heighten people’s fears that may aggravate volatile situations. To all the existing organizations and groups let us unite and work together to fight against PEACE SPOILERS and PEACE SABOTEURS coming from different sectors including the Church and NGOs.
BCJP is also calling the peace loving Christian brothers and sisters to understand the plight of the civilians pining away in the evacuation centers due to recurring conflict. They wanted their lives back that is free, independent and with dignity and not dependent on rations. That is why they need your support in calling for a speedy peaceful settlement.
Moro leaders and all CSOs are asked to stay calm if there are threats. Let us not be driven into acts of violence repeating the Muslim-Christian war during martial law. It was a nightmare which we fervently hope will not happen in our generation nor in generations to come.
We stand together and say no to all forms of violence. PEACE AGREEMENT, NOW NA!
Monday, April 26, 2010
GRP-MILF JOINT STATEMENT
The Peace Panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) concluded today the 18th round of Exploratory Talks under the auspices of the Malaysian Third-Party Facilitator. They were joined by representatives of the International Contact Group (lCG) during the two day session.
Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating
fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 lDPs
out of which approximately 100,000 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards
achieving it.
In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining lDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of
landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (lDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (lMT), and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.
The Parties also agreed to refer to the IMT Head of Mission the proposed terms of reference to govern the operations of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the IMT in consultation with the four members of the CPC, representatives of the GRP and MILF Peace
Panels and in coordination with their respective CCCH, for later submission to the Facilitator and approval of the Parties. The Parties also reiterated their invitation to the Royal
Norwegian Government to join the IMT with a specific coordinating role of the CPC.
The Parties discussed the implementing guidelines of the project on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas to be undertaken jointly by the GRP and MILF CCCH, the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and Swiss Foundation for
Mine Action (FSD).
The Parties agreed to mobilize technical and administrative resources including a facility for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) to fulfill its role as a capacity building center for emerging Bangsamoro leaders and professionals.
The Parties reached a consensus to enhance operational support arrangements for the CCCH and the AHJAG.
The Parties formally exchanged amended draft proposals and matrices, discussed their proposals and agreed on areas of common ground, subject to endorsement by the Panels to their respective principals. This would be the basis of crafting the interim document in early
May 2010.
The Parties expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his generous and steadfast support and assistance to the pursuit of these goals.
Done this 21st day of April 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FOR THE GRP:
AMB. RAFAEL E. SEGUIS
GRP Panel Chairman
For MILF:
MOHAGHER IQBAL
MILF Panel Chairman
Signed in the presence of:
DATUK OTHMAN BIN ABD RAZAK
Third Party Facilitator
Since the resumption of Formal Talks on 8-9 December 2009, the representatives of the GRP and the MILF Peace Panels have successfully resumed the peace process after the devastating
fighting that displaced 600,000 persons in Mindanao. They have steadily strengthened the peace process through effectively suspending hostilities, helping return over 500,000 lDPs
out of which approximately 100,000 are still in evacuation centers, introducing additional international and local bodies to bolster the Talks and improve security on the ground and most critically initiated talks on a final Comprehensive Compact and the steps towards
achieving it.
In Kuala Lumpur, the two parties met to review drafts on arrangements transitioning towards a Comprehensive Compact as well as to discuss the return of remaining lDPs, terms of reference for the Civilian Protection Component, Implementing Guidelines on the clearing of
landmines and unexploded ordnance, support for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and administrative support for the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
Both Parties agreed to work together for the swift return of the remaining internally displaced persons (lDPs) in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. To this end, the Parties tasked the CCCH to help ensure the safety and security of returning evacuees by accompanying them to their respective areas of origin, in close coordination with local government units concerned, the International Monitoring Team (lMT), and other concerned agencies. The Parties also called on other civil society groups and NGOs to assist.
The Parties also agreed to refer to the IMT Head of Mission the proposed terms of reference to govern the operations of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the IMT in consultation with the four members of the CPC, representatives of the GRP and MILF Peace
Panels and in coordination with their respective CCCH, for later submission to the Facilitator and approval of the Parties. The Parties also reiterated their invitation to the Royal
Norwegian Government to join the IMT with a specific coordinating role of the CPC.
The Parties discussed the implementing guidelines of the project on the clearing of landmines and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas to be undertaken jointly by the GRP and MILF CCCH, the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL) and Swiss Foundation for
Mine Action (FSD).
The Parties agreed to mobilize technical and administrative resources including a facility for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) to fulfill its role as a capacity building center for emerging Bangsamoro leaders and professionals.
The Parties reached a consensus to enhance operational support arrangements for the CCCH and the AHJAG.
The Parties formally exchanged amended draft proposals and matrices, discussed their proposals and agreed on areas of common ground, subject to endorsement by the Panels to their respective principals. This would be the basis of crafting the interim document in early
May 2010.
The Parties expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his generous and steadfast support and assistance to the pursuit of these goals.
Done this 21st day of April 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FOR THE GRP:
AMB. RAFAEL E. SEGUIS
GRP Panel Chairman
For MILF:
MOHAGHER IQBAL
MILF Panel Chairman
Signed in the presence of:
DATUK OTHMAN BIN ABD RAZAK
Third Party Facilitator
Saturday, April 24, 2010
MIndanao on their minds (part 2)
During the Paminaw sa Mindanaw (Listen to Mindanao) forum with the presidentiables last April 16 at the Holy Cross College in Davao City, presidential candidates Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Brother Eddie Villanueva, Nicanor “Nicky” Perlas, and Juan Carlo “JC” de los Reyes listened and responded to the concerns raised by representatives of the diverse Mindanao sectors and constituents.
Discussed were the peace process, the right to self-determination (RSD), Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Doman, and federalism. Former Commissioner Nasser Marohomsalic of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy represented the Muslim communities, asking the candidates whether they would support constitutional amendment and introduce a political system such as federalism to address the demands of the Muslim liberation fronts on the right to self determination (RSD) and ancestral domain (which is also a concern of the indigenous peoples).
Marohomsalic: “The conflict in the south owes its origins to the resistance of the Bangsamoro against foreign colonialism which began in the 1500s. The insurgency of the MNLF and the MILF is its contemporary episode, this time, against Imperial Manila. Despite superior weapons and number, Spain and America failed to bring the Muslims to their civilizations. Martial law under Marcos did not defeat their insurgency. Estrada’s total war policy only worsened the condition, causing massive internal displacement. Peace talks only brought temporary respite. What, in your opinion, is the reason why this conflict eludes solution? Is it a question of insincerity on the part of government or lack of resolve? Or is it the lack of understanding or appreciation by government of the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro?”
Nicky Perlas noted that peace is elusive because of the extreme poverty suffered by the Muslim communities, the areas least served by government. He would support the RSD and provide an adequate budget to implement a peace plan. On the failed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, Nicky said that the concept of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity should be well defined. He would support federalism but Charter change should only be done thru a constitutional convention (after the Arroyo administration).
Brother Eddie said peace is elusive because of the absence of mutual trust. He pointed to the obvious insincerity of the parties involved in complying with the terms of their agreement, which has led to renewed armed conflicts. Brother Eddie, who has signed a covenant with the MNLF to respect RSD, will also have one with MILF and the IPs. He agreed with Perlas that federalism can be considered as a political system for the Philippines, but only thru a constitutional convention. Brother Eddie capped his discussion by stressing that the wounds of Mindanao can only be healed if the government is sincere.
If JC is elected President, he would sit on the peace panel. He would support enhanced autonomy and respect subsidiarity to address the demands of the Moro liberation fronts for the right to self-determination. JC believes that military men should not serve on peace panels as their traumas from war may color their views of the negotiations.
Gibo Teodoro cautioned that the government must approach conflict from the legal framework. In the case of the MOA-AD, he stressed that the any agreement on ancestral domain must respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state, unless the Philippine Constitution is amended (thus leaving the door ajar to an agreement on the MOAAD under a GIBO presidency) On federalism, he emphasized that it should be granted to local governments that are ready. Otherwise, governance will be dysfunctional. (To say that Gibo is not favorably impressed by the ARMM is an understatement. But then, neither are the citizens of ARMM).
In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have arrived at a consensus on additional initiatives during their 18th Exploratory Talks between held on April 20 to 21, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
We at the PCID acknowledge the efforts of the members of the peace panels, both from the GRP and the MILF parties, to accomplish initiatives that would further the goals of a peaceful Mindanao. Since the recommencement of the formal talks on December 8-9, 2009, the parties have steadily supported the peace process through effectively suspending aggression and hostilities, helping to reintegrate those who have been displaced, introducing international and local bodies aimed at bolstering talks and improving ground security, and lastly, through the introduction of the initiatives to embark on a Final Comprehensive Compact.
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus issued a statement welcoming the GRP-MILF initiatives and appealed “to all groups and sectors especially politicians and church leaders to refrain from issuing statements that would undermine the laudable efforts of the peace panels of both government and MILF.” The MPC cautioned leaders from “issuing false statements that could just create unnecessary anxiety among the communities who bore the negative consequences of these irresponsible remarks and false assumptions about the interim agreement.”
We now await the responses of those who aspire to lead the nation.
--
Amina Rasul
Lead Convenor,
Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
Trustee, Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc
Room 307
Continental Court
47 Annapolis St
Greenhills, San Juan City
Philippines
Discussed were the peace process, the right to self-determination (RSD), Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Doman, and federalism. Former Commissioner Nasser Marohomsalic of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy represented the Muslim communities, asking the candidates whether they would support constitutional amendment and introduce a political system such as federalism to address the demands of the Muslim liberation fronts on the right to self determination (RSD) and ancestral domain (which is also a concern of the indigenous peoples).
Marohomsalic: “The conflict in the south owes its origins to the resistance of the Bangsamoro against foreign colonialism which began in the 1500s. The insurgency of the MNLF and the MILF is its contemporary episode, this time, against Imperial Manila. Despite superior weapons and number, Spain and America failed to bring the Muslims to their civilizations. Martial law under Marcos did not defeat their insurgency. Estrada’s total war policy only worsened the condition, causing massive internal displacement. Peace talks only brought temporary respite. What, in your opinion, is the reason why this conflict eludes solution? Is it a question of insincerity on the part of government or lack of resolve? Or is it the lack of understanding or appreciation by government of the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro?”
Nicky Perlas noted that peace is elusive because of the extreme poverty suffered by the Muslim communities, the areas least served by government. He would support the RSD and provide an adequate budget to implement a peace plan. On the failed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, Nicky said that the concept of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity should be well defined. He would support federalism but Charter change should only be done thru a constitutional convention (after the Arroyo administration).
Brother Eddie said peace is elusive because of the absence of mutual trust. He pointed to the obvious insincerity of the parties involved in complying with the terms of their agreement, which has led to renewed armed conflicts. Brother Eddie, who has signed a covenant with the MNLF to respect RSD, will also have one with MILF and the IPs. He agreed with Perlas that federalism can be considered as a political system for the Philippines, but only thru a constitutional convention. Brother Eddie capped his discussion by stressing that the wounds of Mindanao can only be healed if the government is sincere.
If JC is elected President, he would sit on the peace panel. He would support enhanced autonomy and respect subsidiarity to address the demands of the Moro liberation fronts for the right to self-determination. JC believes that military men should not serve on peace panels as their traumas from war may color their views of the negotiations.
Gibo Teodoro cautioned that the government must approach conflict from the legal framework. In the case of the MOA-AD, he stressed that the any agreement on ancestral domain must respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state, unless the Philippine Constitution is amended (thus leaving the door ajar to an agreement on the MOAAD under a GIBO presidency) On federalism, he emphasized that it should be granted to local governments that are ready. Otherwise, governance will be dysfunctional. (To say that Gibo is not favorably impressed by the ARMM is an understatement. But then, neither are the citizens of ARMM).
In the meantime, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have arrived at a consensus on additional initiatives during their 18th Exploratory Talks between held on April 20 to 21, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
We at the PCID acknowledge the efforts of the members of the peace panels, both from the GRP and the MILF parties, to accomplish initiatives that would further the goals of a peaceful Mindanao. Since the recommencement of the formal talks on December 8-9, 2009, the parties have steadily supported the peace process through effectively suspending aggression and hostilities, helping to reintegrate those who have been displaced, introducing international and local bodies aimed at bolstering talks and improving ground security, and lastly, through the introduction of the initiatives to embark on a Final Comprehensive Compact.
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus issued a statement welcoming the GRP-MILF initiatives and appealed “to all groups and sectors especially politicians and church leaders to refrain from issuing statements that would undermine the laudable efforts of the peace panels of both government and MILF.” The MPC cautioned leaders from “issuing false statements that could just create unnecessary anxiety among the communities who bore the negative consequences of these irresponsible remarks and false assumptions about the interim agreement.”
We now await the responses of those who aspire to lead the nation.
--
Amina Rasul
Lead Convenor,
Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
Trustee, Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc
Room 307
Continental Court
47 Annapolis St
Greenhills, San Juan City
Philippines
Friday, April 23, 2010
NorthCot’s Pinol, 3 others demand copy of draft interim pact
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click here to view the post.
Gubernatorial bet wants to restore peace in Maguindanao
April 22, 2010 - Mayor Midpantao “Datu Antao” Midtimbang of Guindulungan town in Maguindanao Province recently vowed “to get rid of violence in Maguindanao and bring peace back” as he claimed that his first mission is “to restore peace and order in the Province.”
In a forum held in Cotabato City over the weekend, Midtimbang recounted why he decided to join the gubernatorial race. He said:
“I did not have any plan to run for governor. It was the violence in Maguindanao that pushed me to do this. I hope I will be the instrument, if I will be given a chance to lead the province, in pacifying the warring groups in the area.”
Midtimbang was apparently referring to the Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009 where 57 civilians, including at least 32 journalists, were killed.
Murshid Mascud, the chairperson of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC) that organized the forum, told the participants that the activity was part of the organization’s effort to meet with all gubernatorial bets to present to the candidates the peoples’ peace agenda and also to listen to their platforms.
“This is not done for us to be able to select who is the best among them but for us to inform them about the platform of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and that of the civil society for it to be integrated in their own,” Mascud said.
When asked about the concerns of the civil society, Mascud said that it is “to support the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)” as he believes that only the ‘forging of a political agreement’ that can stall the displacement and continuing bloodlettings in Mindanao.
Literacy program is also one of the top priorities of Midtimbang as he said, “I don’t believe that Maguindanao is a poor province. Educate the people and liberate them from poverty. They should know how to utilize the idle land.”
Midtimbang, however, believes that the issues of illiteracy and the recurring displacement of innocent people in Maguindanao cannot be effectively addressed without addressing the root cause of the Moro’s struggle for freedom.
He called on the civil society and the media to support the peace processes in Mindanao. He said if there will be an agreement to be come up the problem on displacement will be addressed.
“Support peace process as it is tantamount to solving the problems of the IDPs,” Midtimbang said.
The forum was organized by the CBCS-KRMC.
In a forum held in Cotabato City over the weekend, Midtimbang recounted why he decided to join the gubernatorial race. He said:
“I did not have any plan to run for governor. It was the violence in Maguindanao that pushed me to do this. I hope I will be the instrument, if I will be given a chance to lead the province, in pacifying the warring groups in the area.”
Midtimbang was apparently referring to the Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009 where 57 civilians, including at least 32 journalists, were killed.
Murshid Mascud, the chairperson of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC) that organized the forum, told the participants that the activity was part of the organization’s effort to meet with all gubernatorial bets to present to the candidates the peoples’ peace agenda and also to listen to their platforms.
“This is not done for us to be able to select who is the best among them but for us to inform them about the platform of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and that of the civil society for it to be integrated in their own,” Mascud said.
When asked about the concerns of the civil society, Mascud said that it is “to support the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)” as he believes that only the ‘forging of a political agreement’ that can stall the displacement and continuing bloodlettings in Mindanao.
Literacy program is also one of the top priorities of Midtimbang as he said, “I don’t believe that Maguindanao is a poor province. Educate the people and liberate them from poverty. They should know how to utilize the idle land.”
Midtimbang, however, believes that the issues of illiteracy and the recurring displacement of innocent people in Maguindanao cannot be effectively addressed without addressing the root cause of the Moro’s struggle for freedom.
He called on the civil society and the media to support the peace processes in Mindanao. He said if there will be an agreement to be come up the problem on displacement will be addressed.
“Support peace process as it is tantamount to solving the problems of the IDPs,” Midtimbang said.
The forum was organized by the CBCS-KRMC.
Perlas asks Comelec: Postpone May 10 polls
Date Published: April 21, 2010
DAVAO CITY.– Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas has asked the Commission on Elections to postpone the May 10 polls by three months to avoid a possible failure of elections that may result from defects in the new automated election system (AES).
“The Comelec is not yet prepared. Many PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines are defective, an indication that there may be failure of elections,” Perlas said at the Paminaw Mindanao presidential forum held at the Holy Cross of Davao College on April 16.
He said in an interview that at least 20 defects in the AES had been identified like the lack of an independent source code review, infallible transmission systems, a verifiable paper audit trail, ballot security features and ballot printing efficiency.
The forum was organized by the Bishop’s Ulama Conference (BUC) Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Kusog Mindanaw, Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation (MASCUF), Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID). The IID is the forum’s lead convenor.
Of the nine candidates invited, only four attended – Perlas of Bangon Pilipinas, Kapatiran’s John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, Lakas Kampi’s Gilbert Teodoro and Jesus is Lord Movement’s Eddie Villanueva. – Abdulbasit Benito, Center for JustPeace Phils. Inc.
DAVAO CITY.– Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas has asked the Commission on Elections to postpone the May 10 polls by three months to avoid a possible failure of elections that may result from defects in the new automated election system (AES).
“The Comelec is not yet prepared. Many PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines are defective, an indication that there may be failure of elections,” Perlas said at the Paminaw Mindanao presidential forum held at the Holy Cross of Davao College on April 16.
He said in an interview that at least 20 defects in the AES had been identified like the lack of an independent source code review, infallible transmission systems, a verifiable paper audit trail, ballot security features and ballot printing efficiency.
The forum was organized by the Bishop’s Ulama Conference (BUC) Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Kusog Mindanaw, Mindanao Association of State Colleges and Universities Foundation (MASCUF), Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW), Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID). The IID is the forum’s lead convenor.
Of the nine candidates invited, only four attended – Perlas of Bangon Pilipinas, Kapatiran’s John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes, Lakas Kampi’s Gilbert Teodoro and Jesus is Lord Movement’s Eddie Villanueva. – Abdulbasit Benito, Center for JustPeace Phils. Inc.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
M A N I F E S T O
M A N I F E S T O
We, members of Multi Sectoral Movement for Peace and Justice, promoting social justice, human rights, unity, solidarity, professionalism, and strongly value the essence of peace, liberty, justice, equality, respect for dignity and principles that bind us together far beyond ideology and religious boundaries, call on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to expedite the peace process and come up with a peaceful, meaningful and lasting political agreement that would end the centuries old conflict in Mindanao acceptable to the Bangsamoro people, the Settlers and the Lumads.
We also urged the peace loving people of Mindanao to be vigilant in this coming May 10 2010 elections and be a responsible voter in electing/choosing candidates. Political candidates like Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Manny Pinol, Celso Lobregat, Lawrence Cruz and Jun Pinol who are anti and spoilers of peace should NOT be given any chance to run any position in this country. They have jeopardized the peace process between the MILF and the GRP. They are not contributors to the national development of this region but rather deteriorating the political and just aspiration of the people of Mindanao.
We call on also to other peace loving people of the Philippines to heed this call for peace and justice.
Signed this 19th day of April 2010 in Cotabato City.
We, members of Multi Sectoral Movement for Peace and Justice, promoting social justice, human rights, unity, solidarity, professionalism, and strongly value the essence of peace, liberty, justice, equality, respect for dignity and principles that bind us together far beyond ideology and religious boundaries, call on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to expedite the peace process and come up with a peaceful, meaningful and lasting political agreement that would end the centuries old conflict in Mindanao acceptable to the Bangsamoro people, the Settlers and the Lumads.
We also urged the peace loving people of Mindanao to be vigilant in this coming May 10 2010 elections and be a responsible voter in electing/choosing candidates. Political candidates like Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas, Franklin Drilon, Manny Pinol, Celso Lobregat, Lawrence Cruz and Jun Pinol who are anti and spoilers of peace should NOT be given any chance to run any position in this country. They have jeopardized the peace process between the MILF and the GRP. They are not contributors to the national development of this region but rather deteriorating the political and just aspiration of the people of Mindanao.
We call on also to other peace loving people of the Philippines to heed this call for peace and justice.
Signed this 19th day of April 2010 in Cotabato City.
Comely urged to hold polls in ARMM a week earlier; early voting asked for media, too
by MindaNews
Sunday, 18 April 2010 08:27
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 April)-- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. has urged the Commission on Elections to hold the national and local elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ahead of the May 10 polls, to prevent fraud and violence.
Pimentel said the Comelec, mandated by law and the Constitution to conduct free, honest, clean and orderly elections, “has the power to move the date of elections when it is not possible to achieve such objective.”
The Lanto bothers, Macabangkit and Benjamin, petitioned Comelec to hold the elections in the ARMM earlier than May 10.
Pimentel was invited by the Comelec’s first division, composed of Commissioners Rene Sarmiento (chair), Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal (members), to be an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to help in assessing the merits and legal basis for the proposal, given that Congress sets the date of the elections.
Sarmiento said hearing is set on Monday for early voting in the ARMM and for media.
In a press statement, Pimentel said he prefers the elections held a week or ten days earlier. He said the move is “extremely necessary” because “elections in some provinces in the ARMM have always, repeat always, been marred by violence that frustrates the will of the people from emerging through the ballot.”
“Recent events show that there would be no credible, honest and peaceful elections in the ARMM, hence, the need for an extraordinary undertaking by the Commission to ensure that the people in the said area will not be prevented from expressing their will of threats or actual violence,” Pimentel said in a press statement.
Pimentel cited recent incidents of violence in the ARMM – the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23, 2009 where at least 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media; and the recent bomb blasts in Sulu and Basilan.
Pimentel said Sarmiento had personally witnessed or had received verified reports of the outbreak of violence in many parts of the ARMM when he was the commissioner-in-charge of ARMM regional elections in 2007.
By advancing the ARMM elections, Pimentel said the Comelec and its deputized agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, will be able to mobilize their personnel and resources to supervise the polls and foil any attempt by any group to manipulate the polls.
On December 22, the Comelec passed a resolution formally endorsing the holding of early elections in the ARMM, giving lawmakers the go-signal to pass bills seeking early polls in the region.
Sarmiento explained that the pending bills in Congress for early ARMM polls could not be processed unless endorsed by the poll body.
The Comelec proposed that elections in the ARMM be held not later than April 12 or a month earlier than the May 10 elections. The bills propose that elections be held in the ARMM at least a week ahead of the rest of the nation - Senate Bill 2972, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon, House Bill 5578 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and House Bill 3437 authored by Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo.
On March 23, 2009, Comelec chair Jose Melo said he was “personally… in favor of it so that the concentration of our security forces and the election administration would be focused in the ARMM. ... If that would be the case, there might be fewer shenanigans there.”
But then ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the proposal “violates that law which synchronizes the local and national elections. Most importantly it is constitutionally infirmed. Under the Constitution, local and national elections shall be held on the 2nd Monday of May. The ARMM local government units (LGUs) are no different from any other LGUs.”
Calls for early elections in the ARMM were revived after the November 23, 2009 massacre of at least 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, allegedly by the Ampatuans.
Maguindanao was placed under a state of emergency and later under martial.law. It remains under a state of emergency to this day.
Congress, however, has gone on recess without passing the early voting bills.
Sarmiento told MindaNews Saturday that “if petitions are granted by us, we will set the date.”
But Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders o the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) said, “too late the hero.”
“How can you have ARMM elections in two weeks? May 10 is only three weeks away,” Alim added.
Sarmiento said, “we will also study the operational and practical angles aside from legal and constitutional angles.”
Sarmiento said Alim is right in that “Time is running fast. If Congress had acted fast and passed a law, we could have saved a lot of concerns.”
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance and
On the early voting for media, Makati Rep. Tedoro Locsin Jr. in December said there was still time for the passage of a measure that would allow media members to vote ahead of the May 10 elections media if the Senate will adopt the version of the House of Representatives.
Locsin, one of the principal authors of House Bill 6928 (An Act Providing for Early Voting to Qualified Members of Media), said the bill, approved on third reading, considers the fact that many journalists may not be able to vote on May 10 as they will cover the polls.
The Senate, however, proposed an early balloting not only for the media but also for certain sectors of society, prompting Locin to say “the leadership of the House feels this can be turned into a universal cheating system.”
The Commission on Elections had issued Resolution 8749 supporting the bill and urging both chambers of Congress to pass it, to allow media to cast their votes for one day “within April 24 to 26.”
Congress has gone on recess without passing the measure. (MindaNews)
Sunday, 18 April 2010 08:27
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 April)-- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. has urged the Commission on Elections to hold the national and local elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ahead of the May 10 polls, to prevent fraud and violence.
Pimentel said the Comelec, mandated by law and the Constitution to conduct free, honest, clean and orderly elections, “has the power to move the date of elections when it is not possible to achieve such objective.”
The Lanto bothers, Macabangkit and Benjamin, petitioned Comelec to hold the elections in the ARMM earlier than May 10.
Pimentel was invited by the Comelec’s first division, composed of Commissioners Rene Sarmiento (chair), Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal (members), to be an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to help in assessing the merits and legal basis for the proposal, given that Congress sets the date of the elections.
Sarmiento said hearing is set on Monday for early voting in the ARMM and for media.
In a press statement, Pimentel said he prefers the elections held a week or ten days earlier. He said the move is “extremely necessary” because “elections in some provinces in the ARMM have always, repeat always, been marred by violence that frustrates the will of the people from emerging through the ballot.”
“Recent events show that there would be no credible, honest and peaceful elections in the ARMM, hence, the need for an extraordinary undertaking by the Commission to ensure that the people in the said area will not be prevented from expressing their will of threats or actual violence,” Pimentel said in a press statement.
Pimentel cited recent incidents of violence in the ARMM – the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23, 2009 where at least 58 persons were killed, 32 of them from the media; and the recent bomb blasts in Sulu and Basilan.
Pimentel said Sarmiento had personally witnessed or had received verified reports of the outbreak of violence in many parts of the ARMM when he was the commissioner-in-charge of ARMM regional elections in 2007.
By advancing the ARMM elections, Pimentel said the Comelec and its deputized agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, will be able to mobilize their personnel and resources to supervise the polls and foil any attempt by any group to manipulate the polls.
On December 22, the Comelec passed a resolution formally endorsing the holding of early elections in the ARMM, giving lawmakers the go-signal to pass bills seeking early polls in the region.
Sarmiento explained that the pending bills in Congress for early ARMM polls could not be processed unless endorsed by the poll body.
The Comelec proposed that elections in the ARMM be held not later than April 12 or a month earlier than the May 10 elections. The bills propose that elections be held in the ARMM at least a week ahead of the rest of the nation - Senate Bill 2972, authored by Sen. Richard Gordon, House Bill 5578 authored by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and House Bill 3437 authored by Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo.
On March 23, 2009, Comelec chair Jose Melo said he was “personally… in favor of it so that the concentration of our security forces and the election administration would be focused in the ARMM. ... If that would be the case, there might be fewer shenanigans there.”
But then ARMM Solicitor General Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said the proposal “violates that law which synchronizes the local and national elections. Most importantly it is constitutionally infirmed. Under the Constitution, local and national elections shall be held on the 2nd Monday of May. The ARMM local government units (LGUs) are no different from any other LGUs.”
Calls for early elections in the ARMM were revived after the November 23, 2009 massacre of at least 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, allegedly by the Ampatuans.
Maguindanao was placed under a state of emergency and later under martial.law. It remains under a state of emergency to this day.
Congress, however, has gone on recess without passing the early voting bills.
Sarmiento told MindaNews Saturday that “if petitions are granted by us, we will set the date.”
But Guiamel Alim, a member of the Council of Elders o the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) said, “too late the hero.”
“How can you have ARMM elections in two weeks? May 10 is only three weeks away,” Alim added.
Sarmiento said, “we will also study the operational and practical angles aside from legal and constitutional angles.”
Sarmiento said Alim is right in that “Time is running fast. If Congress had acted fast and passed a law, we could have saved a lot of concerns.”
Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance and
>Bobby Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, say they agree with Pimentel’s proposal.
On the early voting for media, Makati Rep. Tedoro Locsin Jr. in December said there was still time for the passage of a measure that would allow media members to vote ahead of the May 10 elections media if the Senate will adopt the version of the House of Representatives.
Locsin, one of the principal authors of House Bill 6928 (An Act Providing for Early Voting to Qualified Members of Media), said the bill, approved on third reading, considers the fact that many journalists may not be able to vote on May 10 as they will cover the polls.
The Senate, however, proposed an early balloting not only for the media but also for certain sectors of society, prompting Locin to say “the leadership of the House feels this can be turned into a universal cheating system.”
The Commission on Elections had issued Resolution 8749 supporting the bill and urging both chambers of Congress to pass it, to allow media to cast their votes for one day “within April 24 to 26.”
Congress has gone on recess without passing the measure. (MindaNews)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
CBCS conducts ‘Candidates Forum and Dialogue for Peace’
By Muhair Abdullah
April 8, 2010 - The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) , one of the largest civil society groups in Mindanao, met and talked to Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu last April 6 in Buluan, Maguindanao.
Mangudadatu, who is running for a gubernatorial post in the province of Maguindanao, welcomed the CBCS delegation headed by Sammy Maulana, CBCS Secretary-General and Murshid Mascud, chairman of the Kutawato Regional Management Committee (KRMC-CBCS).
The CBCS asked all the gubernatorial candidates for Maguindanao to sit and discuss pertinent issues with the civil society.
“The activity aims to open a venue of understanding on the civilian protection; internally displaced persons (IDP), good governance and human rights issues and concerns, and peace and development initiatives,” Maulana stressed.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), who was also with the group, said that “hopefully, it (the meeting) would crosscheck on how civil society’s platforms work parallel with that of the candidates’ platforms.”
One of the highlights of the ‘question-and-answer’ with Mangudadatu was the query on what will he do on his first 100 days in office should he win as provincial governor.
Mangudadatu said his priorities include improvement on such services as education, health, agro-loans, among other tangible programs. He also talked on the importance a mobile hospital.
Pressed on the IPD issues, Mangudadatu said that facilitating the return of the IDPs to their places of origin will be hard since these people have no more homes and livelihood to return to.
The gubernatorial candidate acknowledged the imperativeness of the civil society groups and the provincial government unit working hand in hand.
“The meeting with Mangudadatu was very fruitful and we expect to talk to the two other gubernatorial candidates, Datu Midpantao “Antao” Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Q. Sinsuat,” said Jehan Amella of the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MODECC).
The CBCS members who joined the delegation were MOWDECC, Mindanao Resource Development Center (MRDC), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), BCJP, PUSAKA Inc., Mindanao Women for Active Governance (MWAG), UNYPHIL-Women, and CBCS Central.
April 8, 2010 - The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) , one of the largest civil society groups in Mindanao, met and talked to Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu last April 6 in Buluan, Maguindanao.
Mangudadatu, who is running for a gubernatorial post in the province of Maguindanao, welcomed the CBCS delegation headed by Sammy Maulana, CBCS Secretary-General and Murshid Mascud, chairman of the Kutawato Regional Management Committee (KRMC-CBCS).
The CBCS asked all the gubernatorial candidates for Maguindanao to sit and discuss pertinent issues with the civil society.
“The activity aims to open a venue of understanding on the civilian protection; internally displaced persons (IDP), good governance and human rights issues and concerns, and peace and development initiatives,” Maulana stressed.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP), who was also with the group, said that “hopefully, it (the meeting) would crosscheck on how civil society’s platforms work parallel with that of the candidates’ platforms.”
One of the highlights of the ‘question-and-answer’ with Mangudadatu was the query on what will he do on his first 100 days in office should he win as provincial governor.
Mangudadatu said his priorities include improvement on such services as education, health, agro-loans, among other tangible programs. He also talked on the importance a mobile hospital.
Pressed on the IPD issues, Mangudadatu said that facilitating the return of the IDPs to their places of origin will be hard since these people have no more homes and livelihood to return to.
The gubernatorial candidate acknowledged the imperativeness of the civil society groups and the provincial government unit working hand in hand.
“The meeting with Mangudadatu was very fruitful and we expect to talk to the two other gubernatorial candidates, Datu Midpantao “Antao” Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Q. Sinsuat,” said Jehan Amella of the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center (MODECC).
The CBCS members who joined the delegation were MOWDECC, Mindanao Resource Development Center (MRDC), United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), BCJP, PUSAKA Inc., Mindanao Women for Active Governance (MWAG), UNYPHIL-Women, and CBCS Central.
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