By Ryan Rosauro
Inquirer Mindanao First
MARAWI CITY, Philippines—Some 500 Muslims burned the Israeli flag during a demonstration here Saturday morning to denounce the May 31 raid by Israeli Defense Forces on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in which nine people were killed.
Most of the protesters were youth and students carrying red, white and blue flags and streamers with messages such as “justice to the Palestinian people” during protest, which was held at Plaza Cabili and dubbed “Bangsamoro Action Against Israeli Terrorism.”
Abul Alibasa of the Ranaw Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development said they wanted “to register and add our voice to the mounting calls for Israeli accountability” for the flotilla raid and “its stranglehold of the Palestinians in general.”
The Israeli military claimed the flotilla was carrying Hamas terrorists although it was later found that the people aboard the boats were peace activists and aid workers.
The raid became a global issue especially on the question of whether the tiny Jewish state has the right to stage attacks in international waters.
On Saturday, another humanitarian aid flotilla was expected to arrive in Gaza, although Israeli authorities have warned that it would be diverted to another port and the food supplies would be transported to Gaza on trucks. .
“If Israel wants respect, it must also respect the basic rights of other people,” said Alibasa.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front internal affairs chief Abdul Azis Mimbantas said in a message read on his behalf that the flotilla raid was a “gruesome violation of human rights perpetrated in cold blood."
Mimbantas said such action “threatened the existence of humanitarian programs around the world.”
“We join the clamor of our Muslim brothers in Gaza and affirm our unity and solidarity with the international community in condemning the brutal and heart-rending incident,” he added.
Mimbantas also issued an appeal “to all paragons of justice, especially the advocates of human rights… to bring the perpetrators to justice and work on the immediate lifting of the equally inhuman siege in Gaza.”
“Imposing a food blockade against any group of people—regardless of religious affiliations and irrespective of political convictions—is worse because it violates the law of God and of man,” said Rahib Kudto, national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development.
“The barbarity of harming those who help a starving population such as the people of Gaza is beyond the power of words to describe,” Kudto added.
Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace said the Israeli attack was “an act of brutal state terrorism."
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy, that is, its blockade of Gaza, where two-thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal,” he said.
Benito urged the Moros and peace-building communities to “make this dark moment a turning point (to) arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.”
Friday, June 18, 2010
Marawi demonstrators denounce Israel attack on flotilla
By Ryan Rosauro
Inquirer Mindanao First
MARAWI CITY, Philippines—Some 500 Muslims burned the Israeli flag during a demonstration here Saturday morning to denounce the May 31 raid by Israeli Defense Forces on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in which nine people were killed.
Most of the protesters were youth and students carrying red, white and blue flags and streamers with messages such as “justice to the Palestinian people” during protest, which was held at Plaza Cabili and dubbed “Bangsamoro Action Against Israeli Terrorism.”
Abul Alibasa of the Ranaw Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development said they wanted “to register and add our voice to the mounting calls for Israeli accountability” for the flotilla raid and “its stranglehold of the Palestinians in general.”
The Israeli military claimed the flotilla was carrying Hamas terrorists although it was later found that the people aboard the boats were peace activists and aid workers.
The raid became a global issue especially on the question of whether the tiny Jewish state has the right to stage attacks in international waters.
On Saturday, another humanitarian aid flotilla was expected to arrive in Gaza, although Israeli authorities have warned that it would be diverted to another port and the food supplies would be transported to Gaza on trucks. .
“If Israel wants respect, it must also respect the basic rights of other people,” said Alibasa.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front internal affairs chief Abdul Azis Mimbantas said in a message read on his behalf that the flotilla raid was a “gruesome violation of human rights perpetrated in cold blood."
Mimbantas said such action “threatened the existence of humanitarian programs around the world.”
“We join the clamor of our Muslim brothers in Gaza and affirm our unity and solidarity with the international community in condemning the brutal and heart-rending incident,” he added.
Mimbantas also issued an appeal “to all paragons of justice, especially the advocates of human rights… to bring the perpetrators to justice and work on the immediate lifting of the equally inhuman siege in Gaza.”
“Imposing a food blockade against any group of people—regardless of religious affiliations and irrespective of political convictions—is worse because it violates the law of God and of man,” said Rahib Kudto, national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development.
“The barbarity of harming those who help a starving population such as the people of Gaza is beyond the power of words to describe,” Kudto added.
Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace said the Israeli attack was “an act of brutal state terrorism."
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy, that is, its blockade of Gaza, where two-thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal,” he said.
Benito urged the Moros and peace-building communities to “make this dark moment a turning point (to) arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.”
Inquirer Mindanao First
MARAWI CITY, Philippines—Some 500 Muslims burned the Israeli flag during a demonstration here Saturday morning to denounce the May 31 raid by Israeli Defense Forces on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza in which nine people were killed.
Most of the protesters were youth and students carrying red, white and blue flags and streamers with messages such as “justice to the Palestinian people” during protest, which was held at Plaza Cabili and dubbed “Bangsamoro Action Against Israeli Terrorism.”
Abul Alibasa of the Ranaw Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development said they wanted “to register and add our voice to the mounting calls for Israeli accountability” for the flotilla raid and “its stranglehold of the Palestinians in general.”
The Israeli military claimed the flotilla was carrying Hamas terrorists although it was later found that the people aboard the boats were peace activists and aid workers.
The raid became a global issue especially on the question of whether the tiny Jewish state has the right to stage attacks in international waters.
On Saturday, another humanitarian aid flotilla was expected to arrive in Gaza, although Israeli authorities have warned that it would be diverted to another port and the food supplies would be transported to Gaza on trucks. .
“If Israel wants respect, it must also respect the basic rights of other people,” said Alibasa.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front internal affairs chief Abdul Azis Mimbantas said in a message read on his behalf that the flotilla raid was a “gruesome violation of human rights perpetrated in cold blood."
Mimbantas said such action “threatened the existence of humanitarian programs around the world.”
“We join the clamor of our Muslim brothers in Gaza and affirm our unity and solidarity with the international community in condemning the brutal and heart-rending incident,” he added.
Mimbantas also issued an appeal “to all paragons of justice, especially the advocates of human rights… to bring the perpetrators to justice and work on the immediate lifting of the equally inhuman siege in Gaza.”
“Imposing a food blockade against any group of people—regardless of religious affiliations and irrespective of political convictions—is worse because it violates the law of God and of man,” said Rahib Kudto, national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development.
“The barbarity of harming those who help a starving population such as the people of Gaza is beyond the power of words to describe,” Kudto added.
Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace said the Israeli attack was “an act of brutal state terrorism."
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy, that is, its blockade of Gaza, where two-thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal,” he said.
Benito urged the Moros and peace-building communities to “make this dark moment a turning point (to) arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.”
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mangudadatu rejects revenge, seeks gun-less society
By Abdulbasit Benito, Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Philippines Inc. - VERA Files
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
BULUAN, Maguindanao. —If he wins, he will turn Maguindanao into a gun-less society.
Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu promised this during the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum and Dialogue held on April 6, the first of a series of dialogues between candidates and civil society organizations in Maguindanao. Mangudadatu was the first candidate invited to the dialogue.
He added that he will not seek revenge for the murder of his wife and relatives who were among the 57 people killed on Nov. 23 as they headed for Shariff Aguak to file the certificate of candidacy on Mangudadatu’s behalf. Also killed in that incident were about 30 journalists who joined the convoy.
The carnage was blamed on the leaders of the Ampatuan clan who were subsequently arrested and are now facing charges.
Explaining why he will not seek revenge, Mangudadatu said, “By being martyrs… (their death) will bring (about) great change in Maguindanao.” He said the death of the 57 people would be worthless if he uses violence to avenge them.
On his first 100 days in office should he get elected, Mangudadatu said he will take necessary steps to regulate firearms in the province. According to the Philippine National Police, there are over a million unlicensed firearms in the country. About 15,000 firearms are reportedly owned by insurgent groups in Mindanao.
Firearms in Mindanao are said to come from military and police arsenals, either stolen or declared as lost during armed encounters. There are also unlicensed gun manufacturers in Western Mindanao, gunrunners who sell to local bandits in the southern part, rebels who manufacture assault rifles and rifle-propelled grenades, and illegal foreign shipments.
The vice mayor also said he is also willing to provide for an amnesty program for private armed groups. Partisan Armed Groups or Private Armed Groups (PAGs) are known to contribute to the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in the country.
he said that once elected he will be focusing on good governance, poverty alleviation, infrastructure, enforcement of the rule of law, improved delivery of basic services, and reconciliation.
Describing his manner of governance, Mangudadatu said he will make sure that all stakeholders, especially indigenous peoples, Christians, women, and the youth, will have a voice in his administration.
For the next round of the dialogue series, CSOs will be inviting gubernatorial candidates Datu Midpantao Midtimbang and Datu Ombra Sinsuat. The series is led by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network of Moro nongovernment organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives.
“We will talk as brothers and sisters, as Bangsamoros with a common cause,” said Hadji Morsed Mascud, executive director of the Al Ihsan Foundation Inc.
The dialogues will be aired over the radio to enable as many people as possible to hear the candidates, he added.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Dialogue Mindanaw: “lack of awareness and understanding of issues” in GRP-MILF peace talks
By Carolyn O. Arguillas | Saturday| June 12, 2010
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/12 June) – “Lack of awareness and understanding” of the issues in the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is the reason why “people could not make informed choices and are confused about th e issues,” the results of the poll survey conducted during the Dialogue Mindanaw, showed.
Musa Sanguila, Regional Management Team coordinator for Lanao, who presented the poll survey results at the Peace Forum for Sustained Partnership at the Grand Regal Hotel here on Friday, concluded by saying, “if there is one imperative arising from the results, it is the need for a comprehensive communication program that would make people understand the issues and the implications in order for them to make informed, responsible decisions.”
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) initiated the “reflective dialogues” in 13 areas in the country, nine of them in Mindanao. Some 3,769 participants from various sectors and religions, participated in the dialogues.
Dialogue Mindanaw involved three steps: information-sharing on the issues in the peace talks by representatives of the government and the MILF, small group discussions where participants are divided into 30 groups at ten members each, for them to reflect on these four questions:
-What do you feel about the current GRP-MILF talks?
-What issues in the GRP-MILF peace talks are clear to you? What are not clear?
-Which issue in the GRP-MILF peace talks do you think is most important? What should be done to address it?
-What other issues related to the GRP-MILF Peace Talks should also be considered? How should these issues be handled?
The third step is the poll survey which is done after the sharing.
The dialogues, held in February and March, brought participants in neighboring towns to Jolo, Sulu; Davao City, Zamboanga City, Bacolod City, Cotabato City, Koronadal City, Cagayan de Oro, Caraga region, Southern Palawan, Northern Luzon and Lanao.
Question 1: While some participants are “happy and hopeful” about the GRP-MILF talks as it would “successfully lead to the signing of a peace agreement which will result to a cessation of hostilities and peace and development in their communities,” others are “worried, anxious and doubtful.”
Worried about an MILF-led governance, anxious about the peace talks being used as justification to amend the Constitution for political interests, and doubtful about the integrity of the negotiations due to “lack of transparency, lack of information, holding the talks in Malaysia and the composition of the panel.”
Other participants said they felt “frustrated, disappointed and cynical,” another set says they’re “confused and ‘do not know;” while others are “apathetic and indifferent.”
Question 2: Participants listed the following as both clear and unclear to them: Bangsamoro Ancestral Domain, including the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain; Bangsamoro Identity; Governance, Revenue-Sharing, Sharing on Natural Resources, Conduct of Peace Talks, Constitutional Change and Indigenous Peoples Lumads, indigenous governance and sharing of resources.
Question 3: The most frequently cited issues are Bangsamoro Homeland/Ancestral Domain, Governance, Bangsamoro Identitiy, Resources, Conduct of the Peace Negotiations, Concerns over the Indigenous Peoples/Lumads and MNLF-MILF relations.
Question 4: Other issues participants want tackled in the talks are human security/peace and Order; Human rights violations: Internal Displacement, Discrimination against Muslims, Social and Economic Development of Mindanao; Understanding and Appreciation of Mindanao’s Culgture; Eucation and Other Social Services, Interfaith Dialogue; implementation of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement; Peace Constituency-Building, and Fostering the Culture of Peace; Role of Media, Land Tenure, Women’s Agenda and Environment.
“Bangsamoro people”
Eight questions were asked during the poll survey, the first of which was the people’s understanding of the term “Bangsamoro people.”
Four choices of answer were given: all native inhabitants of Mindanao at the time of conquest. This was the favoured answer of TawiTawi – 62%; Cotabato- 47%; Lanao-40%; Palawan- 39%; and Sulu 35%
Participants in other dialogue sites chose the second and fourth alternatives: Bangsamoros are believers of Islam; and inhabitants of ARMM and neighboring communities who agree to be part of Bangsamoro.
Constituional Amendments
Amending the Constitution has been forwarded as a way forward in the GRP-MILF peace talks as the present Constitution limits the choices for proposed solutions.
Proponents of amending the Constitution to solve the Bangsamoro problem argued that it is necessary to “respond to the call for structural change such as expansion of the ARMM, management and sharing of resources, and governance.”
Areas where participants favour Constitutional amendments are: TawiTawi – 72% ; Sulu -65%; Bacolod- 55%; Manila- 54%; and Cotabato- 53%.
Those not in favor and/or have doubts and have asked for the possibility of looking for other options are participants from: Butuan – 59%; CDO – 54%; Koronadal – 51%; Zamboanga – 51%; and Baguio – 49%.
Expanding ARMM
Participants were also asked if they favor the expansion of the ARMM.
Areas where participants favor expanding the ARMM are TawiTawi – 79%, Sulu – 60%, Iligan -48% and Cotabato- 48%. Palawan which is included in the MOA-AD registered a yes of only 31%.
Participants in the other dialogue sites said no to expansion. These are Butuan – 69%, Zamboanga – 67%; Bacolod -65%; Cagayan de Oro – 62%; Baguio – 65%; Davao – 57%; and Palawan – 50%.
ARMM and National Government
What is the appropriate relationship between the ARMM and the National Government?
Participants in the dialogue sites of Butuan, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao prefer to retain the present ARMM structure.
Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, Bacolod, Koronodal, Cotabato, and Sulu favor a federal state while Manila and Davao participants have approximately the same percentage on the choice between present ARMM structure and federal state.
Coastal Waters?
How should the coastal waters be managed?
Results show that those who favor “ARMM to have sole control within 15kms and joint management beyond 15 kms are the following: Tawi-Tawi (48%), Manila (48%) Sulu (47%) Iligan (43%) Puerto Princesa (36%) and Zamboanga (35%).”
Those who favor “ARMM to have only administrative authority within 15 kms from the coastlines” are Butuan (39%), Baguio (37%) , Koronodal (38%), and Davao (42%) while Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Cotabato registered an almost equal opinion on the first and second item..
Sharing
The current form of sharing on revenues from natural resources is as follows: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 35% , Province at 35%; and National Government at 30%.
The MILF proposes a 75%-25% sharing between the Bangsamoro and National Government.
Respondents from the following dialogue sites favor the 75-25 % sharing: Tawi-Tawi – 56%; Sulu– 42%; Bacolod – 38%, Iligan – 40%; Manila – 34%.
Respondents from Butuan (28%) prefer a 60-40% sharing in favor of the Bangsamoro while those who favor a 50-50% sharing are Zamboanga and Davao.
Strategic Minerals
All regions favoured the joint management by the autonomous regional government and National Government with Baguio (84%) registering the highest percentage followed by Tawi-Tawi (80%) Bacolod, (78%), Manila (71%)
But Zamboanga (25%) Cagayan de Oro (21%) and Davao (20%) prefer ‘sole control by the National Government” while participants in Butuan, Puerto Princesa, Koronadal,. Cotabato and Sulu, registered 20% respondents who answered ‘I do not know’ and ‘no answer’.
Confidence in peace peace talks
The last question measures the level of confidence on the GRP-MILF peace negotiation.
Only two regions are optimistic: Tawi-Tawi which is “very confident (59%) followed by Butuan at 41%.
Areas where participants are “somewhat confident” are Bacolod ( 60%), Baguio (50%), Cotabato (49%), Iligan (48%) Koronadal (46%), and Davao (45%).
Conclusions
Poll survey results show there is lack of consensus on all issues except on the joint management of natural resources where all regions favored the joint management by the ARMM Regional Government and National Government.
There is a lack of awareness and understanding of the issues in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks.
Because of this, people could not make informed choices and are confused about the issues.
Delay in announcing results
The Dialogue Mindanaw results were not immediately announced.
Abaya said they waited for the election fever to subside before going on a roadshow.
The results have not been presented to the MILF.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace asked if the results have been presented to the MILF but Abaya replied, “di pa naibibigay sa MILF. We’re hoping the people we are inviting will be the ones to bring this to MI but if MI is interested in listening to us, we can present to them.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/12 June) – “Lack of awareness and understanding” of the issues in the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is the reason why “people could not make informed choices and are confused about th e issues,” the results of the poll survey conducted during the Dialogue Mindanaw, showed.
Musa Sanguila, Regional Management Team coordinator for Lanao, who presented the poll survey results at the Peace Forum for Sustained Partnership at the Grand Regal Hotel here on Friday, concluded by saying, “if there is one imperative arising from the results, it is the need for a comprehensive communication program that would make people understand the issues and the implications in order for them to make informed, responsible decisions.”
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) initiated the “reflective dialogues” in 13 areas in the country, nine of them in Mindanao. Some 3,769 participants from various sectors and religions, participated in the dialogues.
Dialogue Mindanaw involved three steps: information-sharing on the issues in the peace talks by representatives of the government and the MILF, small group discussions where participants are divided into 30 groups at ten members each, for them to reflect on these four questions:
-What do you feel about the current GRP-MILF talks?
-What issues in the GRP-MILF peace talks are clear to you? What are not clear?
-Which issue in the GRP-MILF peace talks do you think is most important? What should be done to address it?
-What other issues related to the GRP-MILF Peace Talks should also be considered? How should these issues be handled?
The third step is the poll survey which is done after the sharing.
The dialogues, held in February and March, brought participants in neighboring towns to Jolo, Sulu; Davao City, Zamboanga City, Bacolod City, Cotabato City, Koronadal City, Cagayan de Oro, Caraga region, Southern Palawan, Northern Luzon and Lanao.
Question 1: While some participants are “happy and hopeful” about the GRP-MILF talks as it would “successfully lead to the signing of a peace agreement which will result to a cessation of hostilities and peace and development in their communities,” others are “worried, anxious and doubtful.”
Worried about an MILF-led governance, anxious about the peace talks being used as justification to amend the Constitution for political interests, and doubtful about the integrity of the negotiations due to “lack of transparency, lack of information, holding the talks in Malaysia and the composition of the panel.”
Other participants said they felt “frustrated, disappointed and cynical,” another set says they’re “confused and ‘do not know;” while others are “apathetic and indifferent.”
Question 2: Participants listed the following as both clear and unclear to them: Bangsamoro Ancestral Domain, including the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain; Bangsamoro Identity; Governance, Revenue-Sharing, Sharing on Natural Resources, Conduct of Peace Talks, Constitutional Change and Indigenous Peoples Lumads, indigenous governance and sharing of resources.
Question 3: The most frequently cited issues are Bangsamoro Homeland/Ancestral Domain, Governance, Bangsamoro Identitiy, Resources, Conduct of the Peace Negotiations, Concerns over the Indigenous Peoples/Lumads and MNLF-MILF relations.
Question 4: Other issues participants want tackled in the talks are human security/peace and Order; Human rights violations: Internal Displacement, Discrimination against Muslims, Social and Economic Development of Mindanao; Understanding and Appreciation of Mindanao’s Culgture; Eucation and Other Social Services, Interfaith Dialogue; implementation of the 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement; Peace Constituency-Building, and Fostering the Culture of Peace; Role of Media, Land Tenure, Women’s Agenda and Environment.
“Bangsamoro people”
Eight questions were asked during the poll survey, the first of which was the people’s understanding of the term “Bangsamoro people.”
Four choices of answer were given: all native inhabitants of Mindanao at the time of conquest. This was the favoured answer of TawiTawi – 62%; Cotabato- 47%; Lanao-40%; Palawan- 39%; and Sulu 35%
Participants in other dialogue sites chose the second and fourth alternatives: Bangsamoros are believers of Islam; and inhabitants of ARMM and neighboring communities who agree to be part of Bangsamoro.
Constituional Amendments
Amending the Constitution has been forwarded as a way forward in the GRP-MILF peace talks as the present Constitution limits the choices for proposed solutions.
Proponents of amending the Constitution to solve the Bangsamoro problem argued that it is necessary to “respond to the call for structural change such as expansion of the ARMM, management and sharing of resources, and governance.”
Areas where participants favour Constitutional amendments are: TawiTawi – 72% ; Sulu -65%; Bacolod- 55%; Manila- 54%; and Cotabato- 53%.
Those not in favor and/or have doubts and have asked for the possibility of looking for other options are participants from: Butuan – 59%; CDO – 54%; Koronadal – 51%; Zamboanga – 51%; and Baguio – 49%.
Expanding ARMM
Participants were also asked if they favor the expansion of the ARMM.
Areas where participants favor expanding the ARMM are TawiTawi – 79%, Sulu – 60%, Iligan -48% and Cotabato- 48%. Palawan which is included in the MOA-AD registered a yes of only 31%.
Participants in the other dialogue sites said no to expansion. These are Butuan – 69%, Zamboanga – 67%; Bacolod -65%; Cagayan de Oro – 62%; Baguio – 65%; Davao – 57%; and Palawan – 50%.
ARMM and National Government
What is the appropriate relationship between the ARMM and the National Government?
Participants in the dialogue sites of Butuan, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao prefer to retain the present ARMM structure.
Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, Bacolod, Koronodal, Cotabato, and Sulu favor a federal state while Manila and Davao participants have approximately the same percentage on the choice between present ARMM structure and federal state.
Coastal Waters?
How should the coastal waters be managed?
Results show that those who favor “ARMM to have sole control within 15kms and joint management beyond 15 kms are the following: Tawi-Tawi (48%), Manila (48%) Sulu (47%) Iligan (43%) Puerto Princesa (36%) and Zamboanga (35%).”
Those who favor “ARMM to have only administrative authority within 15 kms from the coastlines” are Butuan (39%), Baguio (37%) , Koronodal (38%), and Davao (42%) while Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Cotabato registered an almost equal opinion on the first and second item..
Sharing
The current form of sharing on revenues from natural resources is as follows: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at 35% , Province at 35%; and National Government at 30%.
The MILF proposes a 75%-25% sharing between the Bangsamoro and National Government.
Respondents from the following dialogue sites favor the 75-25 % sharing: Tawi-Tawi – 56%; Sulu– 42%; Bacolod – 38%, Iligan – 40%; Manila – 34%.
Respondents from Butuan (28%) prefer a 60-40% sharing in favor of the Bangsamoro while those who favor a 50-50% sharing are Zamboanga and Davao.
Strategic Minerals
All regions favoured the joint management by the autonomous regional government and National Government with Baguio (84%) registering the highest percentage followed by Tawi-Tawi (80%) Bacolod, (78%), Manila (71%)
But Zamboanga (25%) Cagayan de Oro (21%) and Davao (20%) prefer ‘sole control by the National Government” while participants in Butuan, Puerto Princesa, Koronadal,. Cotabato and Sulu, registered 20% respondents who answered ‘I do not know’ and ‘no answer’.
Confidence in peace peace talks
The last question measures the level of confidence on the GRP-MILF peace negotiation.
Only two regions are optimistic: Tawi-Tawi which is “very confident (59%) followed by Butuan at 41%.
Areas where participants are “somewhat confident” are Bacolod ( 60%), Baguio (50%), Cotabato (49%), Iligan (48%) Koronadal (46%), and Davao (45%).
Conclusions
Poll survey results show there is lack of consensus on all issues except on the joint management of natural resources where all regions favored the joint management by the ARMM Regional Government and National Government.
There is a lack of awareness and understanding of the issues in the GRP-MILF Peace Talks.
Because of this, people could not make informed choices and are confused about the issues.
Delay in announcing results
The Dialogue Mindanaw results were not immediately announced.
Abaya said they waited for the election fever to subside before going on a roadshow.
The results have not been presented to the MILF.
Abdulbasit Benito of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace asked if the results have been presented to the MILF but Abaya replied, “di pa naibibigay sa MILF. We’re hoping the people we are inviting will be the ones to bring this to MI but if MI is interested in listening to us, we can present to them.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Friday, June 4, 2010
BCJP Denounces Israeli Attack; Independent investigation urged.
June 2, 2010
Cotabato City - The Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace Inc. (BCJP) denounces Israel’s outrageous attack on a convoy of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza on May 31, 2010. The incident resulted to catastrophic loss of life after they boarded and attacked the ships three of which flew Turkish flag. The Israeli attack “is an act of brutal state terrorism", said BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito.
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal”. Benito added
With this, we are calling on the Israel to lift the blockade now. We are also urging the UN, EU, and every other government and multilateral organization to launch a full investigation of the flotilla raid. But without massive pressure from their citizens, world leaders might limit their response to mere words -- as they have so many times before. Hence we encourage every peace loving people of the world to pressure their respective government to do something regarding this tragic incident for humanitarian sake on behalf of the children, women and other vulnerable peoples in Palestine.
Let's make the world's outcry too loud to ignore. Let us all join in the call for an independent investigation into the raid, accountability for those responsible, and an immediate end to the blockade in Gaza. These people in Gaza have been suffering for a very long time already and now their suffering is even greater.
Their lives of people who perished in the attack cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace. Benito stressed out. “It's time for a full investigation to begin -- and for the siege of Gaza to end, he added.
Cotabato City - The Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace Inc. (BCJP) denounces Israel’s outrageous attack on a convoy of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza on May 31, 2010. The incident resulted to catastrophic loss of life after they boarded and attacked the ships three of which flew Turkish flag. The Israeli attack “is an act of brutal state terrorism", said BCJP Executive Director Abdulbasit R. Benito.
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal”. Benito added
With this, we are calling on the Israel to lift the blockade now. We are also urging the UN, EU, and every other government and multilateral organization to launch a full investigation of the flotilla raid. But without massive pressure from their citizens, world leaders might limit their response to mere words -- as they have so many times before. Hence we encourage every peace loving people of the world to pressure their respective government to do something regarding this tragic incident for humanitarian sake on behalf of the children, women and other vulnerable peoples in Palestine.
Let's make the world's outcry too loud to ignore. Let us all join in the call for an independent investigation into the raid, accountability for those responsible, and an immediate end to the blockade in Gaza. These people in Gaza have been suffering for a very long time already and now their suffering is even greater.
Their lives of people who perished in the attack cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace. Benito stressed out. “It's time for a full investigation to begin -- and for the siege of Gaza to end, he added.
Moro CSO’s condemn Israeli attack vs. Peace Flotilla
By: Ali Zhul-Qarnain
June 3, 2010 - Various Moro civil society organizations condemned in the strongest terms possible the attack of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the Freedom Flotilla off the Gazan coastline.
“Imposing a food blockade against any group of people – regardless of religious affiliations and irrespective of political convictions – is worse enough because it violates the law of God and that of man. And the barbarity of harming those who help a starving population such as the people of Gaza is beyond the power of words to describe.”
This is the reaction of Rahib L. Kudto, the national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), a nongovernmental organization (NGO) based in Cotabato City, on the attack of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) against the Freedom Flotilla while the convoy of ship are still in the international waters.
Kudto, concurrently, is the deputy secretary-general of the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) and the chairperson of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society – Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC).
Contrary to what the IDF claims, the Freedom Flotilla was not full of Hamas terrorists but instead full of peace activists, members of European parliaments and other groups who wanted the blockade of Gaza be lifted immediately.
Bobby Benito, the Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace (BCJP) said the Israeli attack was “an act of brutal state terrorism."
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal,” Benito said.
“The lives of people who perished in the attack cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace,“ Benito added.
Meanwhile, Taher Solaiman, the president and founder of the Cotabato Center for Peace and Development Initiatives, Inc. (CCPDII), an NGO based in Carmen, North Cotabato, said “the food blockade against Gaza is no less than a form of a collective punishment of its whole population which is illegal under both international human rights law and international humanitarian law and, therefore, its perpetrators should not go unpunished.”
The UNYPAD, BCJP and CCPDII are one in calling for “an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation on the Israeli attack on the Peace Flotilla; to punish whoever will be found guilty and, for the outright lifting of the food blockade against Gaza.”
June 3, 2010 - Various Moro civil society organizations condemned in the strongest terms possible the attack of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on the Freedom Flotilla off the Gazan coastline.
“Imposing a food blockade against any group of people – regardless of religious affiliations and irrespective of political convictions – is worse enough because it violates the law of God and that of man. And the barbarity of harming those who help a starving population such as the people of Gaza is beyond the power of words to describe.”
This is the reaction of Rahib L. Kudto, the national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), a nongovernmental organization (NGO) based in Cotabato City, on the attack of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) against the Freedom Flotilla while the convoy of ship are still in the international waters.
Kudto, concurrently, is the deputy secretary-general of the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) and the chairperson of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society – Kutawato Regional Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC).
Contrary to what the IDF claims, the Freedom Flotilla was not full of Hamas terrorists but instead full of peace activists, members of European parliaments and other groups who wanted the blockade of Gaza be lifted immediately.
Bobby Benito, the Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace (BCJP) said the Israeli attack was “an act of brutal state terrorism."
“Israel, like any other state, has the right to defend itself and its territories, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal,” Benito said.
“The lives of people who perished in the attack cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace,“ Benito added.
Meanwhile, Taher Solaiman, the president and founder of the Cotabato Center for Peace and Development Initiatives, Inc. (CCPDII), an NGO based in Carmen, North Cotabato, said “the food blockade against Gaza is no less than a form of a collective punishment of its whole population which is illegal under both international human rights law and international humanitarian law and, therefore, its perpetrators should not go unpunished.”
The UNYPAD, BCJP and CCPDII are one in calling for “an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation on the Israeli attack on the Peace Flotilla; to punish whoever will be found guilty and, for the outright lifting of the food blockade against Gaza.”
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