Center for Justpeace in the Phil's.

PEACE is more than the absence of war or overt violence. It is also the REALIZATION of JUSTICE where respect for fundamental rights and freedom of person is experienced.






BCJP Press Statement RE: SULU CRISIS
Thursday, April 26, 2007 9:07 AM
Press StatementApril 23, 2007

BOOBY BENITO
Coordinator
Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phils. Inc.
09197245492


GIVE PEACE A CHANCE IN MINDANAO;
RESOLVE THE WAR IN SULU NOW!

The Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace in the Phil’s. Inc. (BCJP) is appealing to the Philippine government for an immediate ceasefire with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and come up with immediate steps to prevent the escalation of the armed conflict in Sulu and respond to the humanitarian needs of some 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from eight towns of the island province.

BCJP also appreciate the initiative from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and from the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) for their united stand in this issue: calling the government and MNLF to cease fighting and talk to resolve their differences in the negotiating table.

The present hostilities going into the second week, wherein military blamed the Moro National Liberation Front under Habier Malik for attacking the Marines camp in Panamao last April 13. But reports from other sources said Malik was provoked when the Marines attacked his camp last April 11 allegedly in pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf.

Another sources traced the present clash to a series of massacres of Moro families in Indanan and Patikul towns as told by MNLF State Chairman Khaid Ajibon and Ustadz Zain Jali, chairman of the Bangsamoro People’s Congress. Malik is an area commander under Khaid Ajibon.
In this battle for airing out of issues, the Bangsamoro are at the disadvantage since the military has the Manila media awaiting its press releases. As for the Bangsamoro who has limited access to media usually get the popular blame, thus their cynicism against the national government and the military – and even against the Christians – deepens and hardens.

On the other hand, not only Christians, but BCJP and some Muslim religious leaders condemn Abu Sayyaf barbarism in the recent beheading of seven hostages in Parang, Sulu. They were as outraged as President Arroyo, who vowed for the time to obliterate the Abu Sayyaf. That outrage, to most Filipinos, justifies the pursuit of Malik and his forces – the rogue MNLF – to the end. But people should be made to understand that what is in the papers is not the whole truth. Its one sided in favor of the government.

The hostilities have already disrupted the election campaign. The evacuation -- now estimated to be as large as 50,000 -- can disenfranchise many voters. All these are happening in MNLF- influenced communities and will adversely affect Misuari’s chances of winning in the coming election
Our Role in the May 2007 Election
Monday, April 23, 2007 4:55 PM
BCJP is decided to participate in whatever capacity in the forthcomong Matt 2007 election. Financially, we are delpleted, but our didication and commitment cannot stop by financial constraints as it was proven in the past. We were able to compete with other Huge networks and organizations who has financially stable in terms of advocacy. Last February, BCJP was very glad when the Asia Foundation throuh the CBCS invited in a Call to Proposal for ElecReform Program being funded by the USAUD. dyring the meeting in Estosan Hotel in Cotabato City, 1 participant asked question will the The Asia Foundation priorize their partners for approval. Tatine of TAF categorically answered that not in their criteria for approval. 2 months after, it was found out that all proposal from not member was rejected. It was the UNYPAD and CBCS proposal has been approved. For the second time around, we are victim of discrimination. I expereinced this when I was an Executive Director of some NGO. TAF asked me to submit proposal, after complying all the required documents, with no explaination, the Asia Foundation simply said. Your proposal is no more acceptable because the contract for the project was ended.
BCJP Relief and Rehab initiatives for Pagalungan IDPs
Monday, April 23, 2007 4:34 PM
RAIDAH ABUBAKAR, BCJP Relief and Rehab Program officer initiated and convened different relief organizations in Cotabato City to provide relief assistnace for more than 1,000 families displaced by armed conflict between the Matalam and Montawal clan in Pagalungan, Maguindanao. at first, Ms. Abubakar called up CFSI, BDA, MERN and Save The Children where she inquired about their plan in response to the IDPs situation. meeting was called up by the Save the Children, CFSI and other relief organizations. during the planning meeting on April 16 at SC office, MERN through UNYPAD and Save the Children tandem were able to distributed non food assistance in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao. This initiaves made by UNYPAD and SC raised so many questions to RAIDAH. BCJP is an official memebre of MERN, but most of MERN activities, BCJP was not informed nor invited. One question is what is the participation of members? is it the UNYPAD only? Save the Children? Nevertheless, the issues would not stop BCJP from its Pro activtive participation with the activities. we are doing this because our people are sufferings..
JustPeace ACTIVITY REPORT
Tuesday, April 03, 2007 6:44 PM
Activities:

: Peace Dialogue
: Peace Rally
: Relief Distribution
: Medical Mission

Date Covered : March 2007


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACTIVITY:

Ø Advocacy for the implementation of the January 29, 2007. (8 points Consensus Resolutions) on Midsayap conflict has been highlighted through:
• Peace dialogued with the Military, MILF-CCCH and stakeholders in Southern Chtistian College (SCC)-Midsayap
• Peace Rally during the commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre
• Radio Program “Bitiala Kalilintad” over Radio Station DXMY


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:


Relief Distribution to be headed by the Al Ihsan Foundation on March 19, 2007 in Barangay Sambulawan, Lomopog and Kapimpilan, Midsyap, Cotabato

Medical Mission to be headed by the UNYPAD on March 21 at Barangay Sambulawan, Midsayap.

Peace Rally in commemoration to the Jabidah Massacre to be spearheaded by the BCJP and MBDRFI on March 18, 2007

Presentation of the accomplishment to Jan Nielen of CORDAID on March 21. UNYPHIL – men was tasked to present to be assisted by MBDRFI

Accomplishment:

Ø A motorcade with rekorida of at least 10 vehicles were able to mobilized by the CBCS-KRMC member organizations from People Palace going to Cotabato City plaza on March 18, 2007

Ø Peace Rally at Cotabato City plaza on March 18, 2007 – CBCS tasked the BCJP to represent the CBCS in the speakers. Dondon Banzali represent the CBCS while Mayor Mus Sema represent the MNLF.

Ø Relief assistance distributed to more or less 1,000 Families of IDPS in Barangay Sabulawan, Midsyaap Cotabato headed by the Al Ihsan

Ø More than 100 families of IDPs were able to received Medicines and medical check up from the Medical Mission headed by the UNYPAD in Barangay Sambulawan, Midsayap Cotabato on March 21, 2007

Ø CBCS was able to participate in the CODE NGO Congress in Ateneo De manila University and UP Diliman Quezon City represented by the Al Ihsan and BCJP


OVERVIEW OF the bangsamoro youth congress
Friday, March 30, 2007 10:16 PM
Bangsamoro Youth Congress

To strengthen unity of the Bangsamoro Youth

Theme:

"Breaking Barries: Building bridges of Understanding and Cooperation"

It is an attempt to strengthen the unity of 13 Bangsamoro ethno linguistic tribes & group that were separated and divided by their cultural/traditional differences and geographical location

Objectives
To develop a process of consultation and dialogue from a broad range of identified Bangsamoro youth leaders in Mindanao;

To promote unity and alliance among Bangsamoro youth, their organizations
To create at least five venues for dialogue and advocacy between the youth and the government and MILF peace panels

To discuss particular and common issues affecting the young people

To share ideas, stories, culture, passions, longings, and struggles
To look into their respective and common condition experiences from their own perspective

Main Activity

To hold a 3 days activity called “Bangsamoro Youth Congress” as culminating activities of the caucus which will be chosen from the different organization who participated in the consultation. The said congress it self will benefit at least fifty (50) participants who are chosen from the series of cluster caucus.

Major activities

Conveners Meeting
Cluster Caucus
Bangsamoro Youth Congress

Target Participants

18-25 years of age
Decision-maker of their Organization
Tribal and geographical Representation

Expected Output

developed alliances with peace groups Popularized the call for a strong and meaningful participation of the youth and
The Bangsamoro youth and children have established a solid alliance and strengthened their role in order to collectively reassert their legal and fundamental rights to determine their own future and political status vis-à-vis the on-going peace talks.

The Conveners Meeting

UNYPAD Inc
MINSED Foundation
UnYPhil Inc.
UnYPhil-Women
MYRO
MYB
BCJP

Cluster Caucus
Central Mindanao
Venue: Fiesta Cotabato , Cotabato City

Date: November 18,2006
Participated by 23 persons representing 11 youth organizations from different provinces in Central Mindanao

SoCSarGen CLUSTER

Venue: Isla Parilla, Alabel, Sarangani;
Date: December 22, 2006
Participated by 23 youth leaders from 10 Youth organizations from Different provinces in SoCSarGen.areas

Davao Region

Venue: Norul Hidaya, Upper Salazar, Mati, Davao Oriental;
Date: December 28, 2006
Participated by 22 youth leaders from 7 Youth organizations from Different provinces in Eastern Mindanao Region


Outputs FROM THE 3 CLUSTER CAUCUS

Overview of the project has been presented (e.g. Proposal submitted to HATAG KALINAW competition & shirt listing, online voting and defend to the panel)
Provide inputs on Bangsamoro situation

Inputs on Conflict Transformation (Moro Perspective)

Inputs: Children’s Rights : Islamic & Non-Islamic Perspective

WORKSHOPS (on particular issues that is commonly affecting the Bangsamoro youth)

Have shared ideas, stories, culture, passions, longings, and struggles

Identified common recommendations/alternatives (to be discussed during the proper Bangsamoro Youth Congress)

Position Paper addressed to the GRP & MILF Peace Panel to continue the impasse peace process

One representative was able to attend in a 3 to 4 months long SCHOOL OF PEACE in Bangalore, India

Has been discussed in the Media through several interviews (DXMS & DXMY)
Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Phil’s. Inc.
Monday, March 26, 2007 11:41 AM
Organizational Profile
A Brief history:
Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Philippines was established out of the need for complex Human Rights issues, Peace and Development and Environmental problems of the Bangsamoro communities in the Philippines. This initiative of dynamic Peace, Human Rights and Environmental Advocates create an atmosphere for a collaborative effort of the Bangsamoro youth and people’s organizations and other social entities in working together for comprehensive and non-violent solutions to the present social and economic crisis in the poor and marginalized communities in the country.

Organized in late 2003, CENTER FOR JUSTPEACE has been registered to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as non-profit, non-stock and non-political organization, where environmental issues, peace and development as well as gender issue are its primary concern.

In the last Three (3) years of operation, CENTER FOR JUSTPEACE has already significantly acquired, developed and enriched its experiences in various fields such as:


ADVOCACY/CAMPAIGN/NETWORKING
PEACEBUILDING
&
INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING


CENTER FOR JUSTPEACE Advocacy is done in close collaboration with multi sectoral groups that has concerns with Human Rights, Peace and Development, Gender, Environmental protection and the differently able Persons.

CENTER FOR JUSTPEACE is a member—network of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), Mindanao People Caucus (MPC), Mindanao Emergency Response Network (MERN), Kutawatu Coalition of Development NGO (K-CODE), Cotabato City Transparent and Accountable Network (CCTAN), Bantay Ceasefire, Mindanao Invisible Link - Cotabato Cluster and Tiyakap Kalilintad

Convenor/Founding member of Young Moro Forum (YMF), Mindanao Interfaith Human Rights Advocates (MIHRA), Taskforce Tiyakap Mindanao (TTM)., Mindanao Interfaith Coalition Against Injustice (MICAI) and founding member of the CENTER FOR JUSTPEACE IN ASIA, a network of peace movement from all over Asia based in Hong Kong Sar.


VISION

Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace in the Philippines Inc. (BCJP) envisions a community where people live in harmony, peace and in tranquility through individual, family, social and community transformation.

MISSION

To identify individuals and groups who are involved with grassroots communities using traditional methods of peacemaking, conflict transformation and development and to help create critical solidarity and collaboration among these groups to help counter the various forces of oppression and exploitation of natural resources work and defend the rights of the marginalized Bangsamoro communities and facilitate their initiatives to uplift their living condition


GOAL

Established a Self Reliant community that promotes peace; enjoy human rights; observe justice; equality and freedom; and protects environment through culturally relevant peacemaking, peacebuilding conflict transformation and development


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Document Human Rights and environmental abuses in the communities where few other organizations can safely operate
2. Strengthen unity among Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization and indigenous peoples groups.
3. Uphold and defend the rights and welfare of the marginalized sector of society
4. Launch educational campaigns aim at raising the consciousness of the Bangsamoro people and their communities on issues affecting their lives
5. Support and participate in any non-violent solution of the Bangsamoro people for genuine development and Justpeace restoration in Mindanao
6. To mobilize financial resources for community-based development project and support self-reliant efforts of the community
7. To foster interfaith and inter tribe dialogue with the purpose of developing a common contemporary challenges.


Present Programs:

Human Rights:

Human Rights Violation Documentation - Bangsamoro Political detainees and other victims of abduction – in collaboration with the Taskforce Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP and the Consortium of the Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)

Advocacy/Campaign
a. Against Anti-Terror Bill –
b. Anti E.O 546
c. Supporting the Anti Torture Bill
Through a series of Fora, Symposia and Seminars, Signature Campaign, Press Releases/Statement/Conferences - target of this activity is the Civil Society Organization, Students, the Academe and the Moro communities – assisted by the taskforce Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)

Human Rights Education/Orientation – Beneficiaries of these initiatives were various civic, sectoral and religious organization and Moro in Davao Oriental province- in collaboration with the taskforce Detainees of the Philippines. (TFDP)


Peacebuilding:

Bangsamoro Youth Congress – an attempt to unite Bangsamoro youth from the 13 ethno-linguistic groups divided by cultural/traditional practices and geographic location. The project assisted by the British Council through its HATAG KALINAW Mindanao program. Major provinces in Mindanao who are dominated by Moro were clustered into 4, Cluster 1 comprising Central Mindanao, Cluster 2 is SoCSarGen, Cluster 3 Eastern Mindanao and Cluster 4 is Western Mindanao. After cluster caucus for these 4 clusters, Bangsamoro Youth Congress will be conducted as culminating activities where the major issues and concerns as well as the recommendations from the caucus will be discussed and given due action which will be identified by the participants in the Congress.
Awareness Raising on the GRP-MILF Peace Process - To strengthen the participation of the Bangsamoro youth in the GRP-MILF peace talks with the end in view of responding to the special needs and protection of children in armed conflict situation. The project is supported by the Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Launching of a Young Moro Forum – Series of Youth consultation to the Bangsamoro youth it will be culminated in a launching of the Young Moro Forum – in partnership with the Mindanao People Caucus (MPC)

School Of Peace – identify and send participants to attend 4 – months School Of Peace in Bangalore, India to encourage young people from around Asia to become agents of transformation in the task of building cultures and communities of justpeace. – the project is supported by the Center for Justpeace in Asia (CJPA)

Conceptualization and Development of Module/Manual of Culture of Peace in a Moro Perspectives

People with Disability Empowerment – the project is supported by the Handicap International (HI) where differently people persons organize and train.