June 6, 2011 - The Generation Peace Youth Network or GenPeace led by its head secretariat and Program Coordinator Nikki Delfin of Gazton Z. Ortigas Peace Institute and Mirma Mae C. Tica, Program Coordinator Center for Peace Education Miriam College, paid a courtesy call on June 5 on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Vice-Chairman for Political Affairs GhazaliJaafar at his office in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.
Also included in the meeting was the local partners of GenPeace in Cotabato City and Maguindanao such as the United Youth for Peace and Development, TiyakapKawagib- community based human rights defenders and Bangsamoro Youth Assembly.
The visit to Vice Chairman Jaafar is part of the courtesy and respect of GenPeace to the leadership of the MILF in its continuing struggle for the right to self-determination and freedom of the Bangsamoro People.
During the discussion, Ghazi Jaafar made his prelude by sharing the Bangsamoro history prior the coming of Spaniards. He specifically mentioned the book authored by Vic Hurley, the Swish of the Kris, that specifically dealt with the insurrection of the fearless Moro warriors in the Southern portion of the Philippines. Jaafar shared the narration of the author of the resistance by the Moros armed only with bladed weapons known as kalis or kris "as one of the most terrible offensive weapon developed by man.
Vic Hurley settled in Mindanao during the Spanish and American occupations of the country, principally in the provinces of Cotabato and Zamboanga, for seven years.
The meeting revolved mainly on the discussions concerning the forthcoming peace talks slated on June 27-28, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ARMM election, Moro political detainees and the role of women in the sub-state proposal.
When asked what will happen to the peace process if the counter proposal of the government is very far from the demand of the MILF, Jaafar quickly replied, “we are a legitimate and strong revolutionary organization and always prepared for any eventuality”. He confided, the MILF continuously conducting series of consultation to its forty provincial committees all over Mindanao.
He reiterated the proposal submitted to the government is the result of numerous consultations with the Bangsamoro people after shifting its position from independence to full autonomy.
Peace is only attained in Mindanao if Bangsamoro issue resolve, Jaafar stressed.
The meeting lasted for over an hour and GenPeace is thankful for the candid reaction of Vice Chairman Jaafar and looked forward to further its contribution for the peace advocacy and promoting culture of peace to younger generation particularly to the non-Moro sectors.
GenPeace is a network of organizations and individuals engaging for a youth-led advocacy towards a just and sustainable peace in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao. It was formed in 2006 after the need for a more coherent youth peace advocacy and youth peace agenda.
Currently, GenPeace is constantly engaging around 40 different networks and organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with core leaders coming from 10 different organizations and networks with expertise in various fields such as Advocacy and Campaigns, Human Rights, Development, International Humanitarian Law and Peace Education among others.
To date, GenPeace has linkages with International Alert, Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the United Network of Young Peacebuilders, UN Development Programme – Conflict Prevention and PeacebuildingProgramme, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Manindigansa Peace Talks, and the Mindanao Solidarity Network.
The successful meeting of GenPeace with MILF Vice Chairman was made possible thru the facilitation of the Bangsamoro Center for JustPeace (BCJP).
Showing posts with label Peacebuilding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peacebuilding. Show all posts
Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS: Dealing with Kato
By H. Marcos C. Mordeno | Sunday| May 8, 2011 | Filed under: SOMEONE ELSE'S WINDOWS. By H. Marcos C. Mordeno
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 May) – On several occasions the government has raised the issue of the move of Amiril Umra Kato to part ways with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as one that may affect the course of the peace talks. Kato, former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, has formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over dissatisfaction with what he called “endless negotiations” that had led to no decisive outcome.
Kato may have a valid point. The previous administration had a chance to prove it was sincere in finding a lasting solution to the Moro rebellion in Mindanao. However, then President Arroyo did not stand up to the challenge posed by the opponents of the Memorandum of Agreement
on Ancestral Domain and practically left her peace negotiators to the mercies of the spoilers like former Cotabato vice governor Emmanuel Pinol, former senator Manuel Roxas III and media personalities who may not have read the document at all. The Supreme Court eventually declared the MOA-AD as unconstitutional.
It was the junking of the MOA-AD that reportedly made Kato doubt government’s sincerity in the peace talks. A few days after the Supreme Court decision hostilities erupted anew in parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao between government forces and MILF units loyal to Kato .It’s not clear how many fighters are with Kato. What is clear is that he can, if he chooses to, be a stumbling block to the peace process.
In a recent interview with MindaNews, Kato disclosed he “will not stand in the way of peace negotiations”. This is reassuring. But both the government and the MILF should note that he has no patience with negotiations without a definite timeframe. He did not say he can wait
for another eternity for an agreement that would reflect the Moro people’s aspirations for self-determination, presumably something akin to the botched MOA-AD.
A closer look would reveal that Kato has some odds stacked in his favor even if he lacks the numbers at present. By giving the talks a chance to succeed he has somehow dispelled notions that he is a hawk as cultivated by media sensationalism. If he manages to avoid making
unwanted moves or stays out of trouble amid possible provocation until such reasonable time that the negotiation reaches a happy ending, Kato will have nothing to lose. He won’t be a hero. But he won’t be a villain either.
On the other hand, if the peace process drags on indefinitely without hints of mutually acceptable terms of agreement Kato would be vindicated in his belief that government simply wants to manage the conflict not resolve it. Allowing this thing to happen is a formula for further disillusionment among the Moro people. They may not necessarily cast their lot with the BIFF but they will certainly lose faith in the talks.
Much will depend on government considering the vested interests within it that are wary of anything remotely related to Moro self-determination. The best way to deal with Kato is to make sure these interests won’t get in the way of the peace process. Otherwise, he will have a good reason to say to the Moro people “I told you so”.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 May) – On several occasions the government has raised the issue of the move of Amiril Umra Kato to part ways with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as one that may affect the course of the peace talks. Kato, former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, has formed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over dissatisfaction with what he called “endless negotiations” that had led to no decisive outcome.
Kato may have a valid point. The previous administration had a chance to prove it was sincere in finding a lasting solution to the Moro rebellion in Mindanao. However, then President Arroyo did not stand up to the challenge posed by the opponents of the Memorandum of Agreement
on Ancestral Domain and practically left her peace negotiators to the mercies of the spoilers like former Cotabato vice governor Emmanuel Pinol, former senator Manuel Roxas III and media personalities who may not have read the document at all. The Supreme Court eventually declared the MOA-AD as unconstitutional.
It was the junking of the MOA-AD that reportedly made Kato doubt government’s sincerity in the peace talks. A few days after the Supreme Court decision hostilities erupted anew in parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao between government forces and MILF units loyal to Kato .It’s not clear how many fighters are with Kato. What is clear is that he can, if he chooses to, be a stumbling block to the peace process.
In a recent interview with MindaNews, Kato disclosed he “will not stand in the way of peace negotiations”. This is reassuring. But both the government and the MILF should note that he has no patience with negotiations without a definite timeframe. He did not say he can wait
for another eternity for an agreement that would reflect the Moro people’s aspirations for self-determination, presumably something akin to the botched MOA-AD.
A closer look would reveal that Kato has some odds stacked in his favor even if he lacks the numbers at present. By giving the talks a chance to succeed he has somehow dispelled notions that he is a hawk as cultivated by media sensationalism. If he manages to avoid making
unwanted moves or stays out of trouble amid possible provocation until such reasonable time that the negotiation reaches a happy ending, Kato will have nothing to lose. He won’t be a hero. But he won’t be a villain either.
On the other hand, if the peace process drags on indefinitely without hints of mutually acceptable terms of agreement Kato would be vindicated in his belief that government simply wants to manage the conflict not resolve it. Allowing this thing to happen is a formula for further disillusionment among the Moro people. They may not necessarily cast their lot with the BIFF but they will certainly lose faith in the talks.
Much will depend on government considering the vested interests within it that are wary of anything remotely related to Moro self-determination. The best way to deal with Kato is to make sure these interests won’t get in the way of the peace process. Otherwise, he will have a good reason to say to the Moro people “I told you so”.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Peace caravan launched in Mindanao to support GRP-MILF talks
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Peace groups to GPH-MILF panels: “Negotiate A Political Settlement Now!”
Press Release
April 27, 2011
The Davao City-based peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) has called on both the GPH and the MILF panels to focus their discussions in coming up with a mutually acceptable political formula that will finally resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao.
MPC Chair Reu Montecillo, a protestant pastor from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, said in a rally today that the peace panels should immediately deliver the working drafts of a peace agreement that address the Bangsamoro’s demand for self-governance, power and wealth-sharing rather than divert their attention on peripheral issues and technicalities.
Today, the government and MILF peace panels started the two-day 24th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia amid pronouncement of government that it plans to conclude the already 12-year-old negotiations in the next 12 months.
Pastor Montecillo said that “since the timeframe set by the government to finally reach a negotiated settlement with the MILF is 12 months, there is a need to fast track the talks so that both panels can soon come up with an agreement on the substantial agenda of negotiation.”
The MILF has already laid down its proposal for a sub-state which will be governed by the Bangsamoro with corresponding details on power-sharing and resources-sharing, among others.
“We hope that this meeting in Malaysia will finally discuss the points in the comprehensive compact and that the next meeting of the GPH-MILF panel will be the formal negotiation that should logically lead to the signing of an inclusive peace agreement agreeable to both parties and acceptable to the majority of the stakeholders,” Montecillo stressed to a crowd of peace advocates that formed a “human chain for peace” in a crowded place fronting the biggest mall in Davao City.
The church minister called on “all church leaders of different churches in the Philippines and the world to support and pray for the success of the negotiations,” saying peace makers would “ultimately be blessed for their efforts in trying to realize the kingdom of God here on earth.”
Montecillo also requested the business sector to “take a pro-active role in ensuring that the peace process in Mindanao would succeed because a peaceful environment, no doubt, will always produce a climate conducive for investment and business.”
“Mindanao has unlimited untapped business potentials. Once there is peace, we are almost sure that business activity in Mindanao may be doubled, or, even tripled,” he said.
The peace advocates, who formed a 200-meter human chain along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City held posters calling for an inclusive peace agreement and negotiated settlement. They also wore individual cut-out letters that spelled out that “Mindanaons support the GPH-MILF peace talks.”
Yesterday, some 10,000 people from Central Mindanao also joined a caravan of some 500 vehicles that ceremonially sent-off the peace negotiators who flew to Kuala Lumpur to the the two-day talk. ###
April 27, 2011
The Davao City-based peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) has called on both the GPH and the MILF panels to focus their discussions in coming up with a mutually acceptable political formula that will finally resolve the root causes of the armed conflict in Mindanao.
MPC Chair Reu Montecillo, a protestant pastor from Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, said in a rally today that the peace panels should immediately deliver the working drafts of a peace agreement that address the Bangsamoro’s demand for self-governance, power and wealth-sharing rather than divert their attention on peripheral issues and technicalities.
Today, the government and MILF peace panels started the two-day 24th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia amid pronouncement of government that it plans to conclude the already 12-year-old negotiations in the next 12 months.
Pastor Montecillo said that “since the timeframe set by the government to finally reach a negotiated settlement with the MILF is 12 months, there is a need to fast track the talks so that both panels can soon come up with an agreement on the substantial agenda of negotiation.”
The MILF has already laid down its proposal for a sub-state which will be governed by the Bangsamoro with corresponding details on power-sharing and resources-sharing, among others.
“We hope that this meeting in Malaysia will finally discuss the points in the comprehensive compact and that the next meeting of the GPH-MILF panel will be the formal negotiation that should logically lead to the signing of an inclusive peace agreement agreeable to both parties and acceptable to the majority of the stakeholders,” Montecillo stressed to a crowd of peace advocates that formed a “human chain for peace” in a crowded place fronting the biggest mall in Davao City.
The church minister called on “all church leaders of different churches in the Philippines and the world to support and pray for the success of the negotiations,” saying peace makers would “ultimately be blessed for their efforts in trying to realize the kingdom of God here on earth.”
Montecillo also requested the business sector to “take a pro-active role in ensuring that the peace process in Mindanao would succeed because a peaceful environment, no doubt, will always produce a climate conducive for investment and business.”
“Mindanao has unlimited untapped business potentials. Once there is peace, we are almost sure that business activity in Mindanao may be doubled, or, even tripled,” he said.
The peace advocates, who formed a 200-meter human chain along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City held posters calling for an inclusive peace agreement and negotiated settlement. They also wore individual cut-out letters that spelled out that “Mindanaons support the GPH-MILF peace talks.”
Yesterday, some 10,000 people from Central Mindanao also joined a caravan of some 500 vehicles that ceremonially sent-off the peace negotiators who flew to Kuala Lumpur to the the two-day talk. ###
Friday, April 22, 2011
Alliance supports peace process; calls for unity and solidarity
By: Aiman A. Yusoph
April 23, 2011 - The local government of Datu Piang in Maguindanao led by Mayor Hadji Samer K. Uy, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, leaders of internally displaced persons (IDPs), BCJP-Tiyakap Kawagib, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) has agreed during their recent meeting held at the field office of Non-Violent Peace Force to support the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The alliance also called for the end to “Rido” or family or clan feuds in Maguindanao.
The Datu Piang Alliance for Peace has adopted the theme: “The People of Datu Piang support the peace process and call for unity and solidarity”.
They also organized the Walk for Peace on April 26, 2011, whose purpose is to show concern and support for peace in Mindanao in general and in Maguindanao in particular.
Organizers described the walk for peace as an expression of the desire of all residents of Datu Piang for a long lasting peace in Mindanao.
The parade will start at 8:00am and winds up to 11:00am. It will mill around the town and culminates at the town plaza where a short program will be held.
This was disclosed to the media by Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, convenor and in charge of mass media for this activity.
Edward Diestro, Information Officer of Local Government of Unit of Datu Piang said during the radio interview over DXMY last Saturday by BCJP Executive Director Benito that it is expected that people from all walks of life, including women, religious sectors both Muslim and Christian, youths, civil society organizations, non-government organization, international non-government organization with field offices in Datu Piang, peoples will join the parade.
Also expected to join are government employees of the town.
Mayor Uy appealed to all citizens to join the activity.
The organizers also invited Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director, Mindanao Human Rights Action Center ((MinHRAC) and to make the opening statement.
The invitation was signed by Guaimel M. Alim of CBCS, Fr. Lino Razon, OMI, of St. Teresita Parish Priest, Ustadz Macmod Tuan of Datu Piang, Edward Diestro, and Abbdulbasit R. Benito, requesting him to make the opening remark.
Benedick John Paul Z. Carandang, ABC President of Datu Piang municipality, expressed his support and has urged all the barangay chairmen of Datu Piang to participate in the activity.
In a related development, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, is also sponsoring a similar activity, dubbed as “Send-Off Caravan for Just Peace”, as a gesture of support to the MILF peace panel which is slated to leave on April 25 to attend the 21st GPH-MILF peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28-, 2011.
The caravan will be on April 26, 2011, following this route: from Marhaban, Salimbao Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, towards Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Shariff Aguak, Esperanza, Isulan, Tacurong, Pres. Quirino, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Bagontapay, Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan, Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan and return to place of origin.
The assembly time will be 6:00 AM and the caravan will start moving at exactly 7:00 AM.
April 23, 2011 - The local government of Datu Piang in Maguindanao led by Mayor Hadji Samer K. Uy, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, leaders of internally displaced persons (IDPs), BCJP-Tiyakap Kawagib, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI) has agreed during their recent meeting held at the field office of Non-Violent Peace Force to support the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The alliance also called for the end to “Rido” or family or clan feuds in Maguindanao.
The Datu Piang Alliance for Peace has adopted the theme: “The People of Datu Piang support the peace process and call for unity and solidarity”.
They also organized the Walk for Peace on April 26, 2011, whose purpose is to show concern and support for peace in Mindanao in general and in Maguindanao in particular.
Organizers described the walk for peace as an expression of the desire of all residents of Datu Piang for a long lasting peace in Mindanao.
The parade will start at 8:00am and winds up to 11:00am. It will mill around the town and culminates at the town plaza where a short program will be held.
This was disclosed to the media by Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, convenor and in charge of mass media for this activity.
Edward Diestro, Information Officer of Local Government of Unit of Datu Piang said during the radio interview over DXMY last Saturday by BCJP Executive Director Benito that it is expected that people from all walks of life, including women, religious sectors both Muslim and Christian, youths, civil society organizations, non-government organization, international non-government organization with field offices in Datu Piang, peoples will join the parade.
Also expected to join are government employees of the town.
Mayor Uy appealed to all citizens to join the activity.
The organizers also invited Atty. Zen Malang, Executive Director, Mindanao Human Rights Action Center ((MinHRAC) and to make the opening statement.
The invitation was signed by Guaimel M. Alim of CBCS, Fr. Lino Razon, OMI, of St. Teresita Parish Priest, Ustadz Macmod Tuan of Datu Piang, Edward Diestro, and Abbdulbasit R. Benito, requesting him to make the opening remark.
Benedick John Paul Z. Carandang, ABC President of Datu Piang municipality, expressed his support and has urged all the barangay chairmen of Datu Piang to participate in the activity.
In a related development, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), in collaboration with the Bangsamoro Civil Society, is also sponsoring a similar activity, dubbed as “Send-Off Caravan for Just Peace”, as a gesture of support to the MILF peace panel which is slated to leave on April 25 to attend the 21st GPH-MILF peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 27-28-, 2011.
The caravan will be on April 26, 2011, following this route: from Marhaban, Salimbao Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, towards Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Shariff Aguak, Esperanza, Isulan, Tacurong, Pres. Quirino, Buluan, Datu Paglas, Bagontapay, Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan, Datu Montawal, Pagalungan, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Libungan, Pigcawayan and return to place of origin.
The assembly time will be 6:00 AM and the caravan will start moving at exactly 7:00 AM.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Moro CSO: Reform ARMM, support the peace process, call for solidarity
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
BCJP Calls for Peace in the Middle East
BCJP Call for peace in the Middle East
The Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace Inc. (BCJP) condemns the US-led war of aggressions against the people of Libya. This wide scope military action to intervene the internal conflict between the government of President Muammar Quaddafi and the opposition was done by virtue of a UN Resolution that resulted in the operation called "Operations Odyssey Dawn".
To bomb Libya, in order to overthrow the Kaddafi government on the pretext of “humanitarian intervention is total hypocrisy and will only worsen the situation. Why are these great western powers exhibiting such concern for the seven million or so Libyans?
Aside from the truth having been exposed especially with regard to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, why these powers were not concerned about the lives lost and the destruction wreaked on Gaza when it was being bombarded by Israel in 2009, or when Palestinian refugees were massacred in Sabra-Shatilla in 1982? Why are they not as quick to condemn and call for international intervention - diplomatic, economic and military – against the continuing mailed-fist treatment of unarmed protestors in other North African states such as Egypt and Yemen and those in the Middle East such as Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet? Bahrain has already declared martial law, killed scores of demonstrators, and has welcomed 1000 elite Saudi Arabian troops to help quell the unrest.
Why are they tolerating the mercilessly killings of a pro-democracy civilians and monks in a peaceful protests rally against the military regime in Burma in 2009? In the Philippines, the martial law alone caused the lives of about 120,000 to 160,000 lives mostly of the Moro Peoples. The biggest lost due to massacres in the 70s. The big wars continue on the backyards of the Moro Peoples that until now caused unaccounted lives. The 2001 all out war policy of President Joseph Estrada that commemorated its 9th anniversary on March 21 caused the displacement of thousands of innocent civilians and millions worth of properties destroyed and burned yet did somebody ever cried for "international community intervention?
Today there are still a little less than a hundred thousand (accumulated) number of IDPs who are victims of the 2008 Military Surgical Operations who have not yet returned to their places of origin as they have nothing to return. They have suffered much longer than the Libyan people, however the International community particularly the UN is blind, voiceless and deaf.
BCJP also criticizes the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference for its failure to resolve the Libyan political crisis and violence without calling on foreign intervention. The Arab League and OIC are tooth-less tigers. The political crisis and violence have brought the scourge of violence and Western imperialism to Libya and her people in the guise of saving the Libyans from Colonel Moammar al-Gadhafi could be the long-sought excuse the Western world was waiting for to get into the Libyan oil pie and help themselves.
We call on to all peace loving people, CSOs, peace movements and human rights defenders all over the world to lend their voice to the call for peace in the Middle East. Demand and urge their respective government’s involvement in facilitating peace and cessation of violence between western forces and Middle Eastern governments.
No to US led war of aggression in Libya!
Stop the Operation Odyssey Dawn Now!
Reference;
Bobby Benito
Cell No. 09994972939 or 09057500530
Tel. No. 390 2729
Email; bc.justpeace@gmail.com
The Bangsamoro Center for Justpeace Inc. (BCJP) condemns the US-led war of aggressions against the people of Libya. This wide scope military action to intervene the internal conflict between the government of President Muammar Quaddafi and the opposition was done by virtue of a UN Resolution that resulted in the operation called "Operations Odyssey Dawn".
To bomb Libya, in order to overthrow the Kaddafi government on the pretext of “humanitarian intervention is total hypocrisy and will only worsen the situation. Why are these great western powers exhibiting such concern for the seven million or so Libyans?
Aside from the truth having been exposed especially with regard to the invasion and occupation of Iraq, why these powers were not concerned about the lives lost and the destruction wreaked on Gaza when it was being bombarded by Israel in 2009, or when Palestinian refugees were massacred in Sabra-Shatilla in 1982? Why are they not as quick to condemn and call for international intervention - diplomatic, economic and military – against the continuing mailed-fist treatment of unarmed protestors in other North African states such as Egypt and Yemen and those in the Middle East such as Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet? Bahrain has already declared martial law, killed scores of demonstrators, and has welcomed 1000 elite Saudi Arabian troops to help quell the unrest.
Why are they tolerating the mercilessly killings of a pro-democracy civilians and monks in a peaceful protests rally against the military regime in Burma in 2009? In the Philippines, the martial law alone caused the lives of about 120,000 to 160,000 lives mostly of the Moro Peoples. The biggest lost due to massacres in the 70s. The big wars continue on the backyards of the Moro Peoples that until now caused unaccounted lives. The 2001 all out war policy of President Joseph Estrada that commemorated its 9th anniversary on March 21 caused the displacement of thousands of innocent civilians and millions worth of properties destroyed and burned yet did somebody ever cried for "international community intervention?
Today there are still a little less than a hundred thousand (accumulated) number of IDPs who are victims of the 2008 Military Surgical Operations who have not yet returned to their places of origin as they have nothing to return. They have suffered much longer than the Libyan people, however the International community particularly the UN is blind, voiceless and deaf.
BCJP also criticizes the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference for its failure to resolve the Libyan political crisis and violence without calling on foreign intervention. The Arab League and OIC are tooth-less tigers. The political crisis and violence have brought the scourge of violence and Western imperialism to Libya and her people in the guise of saving the Libyans from Colonel Moammar al-Gadhafi could be the long-sought excuse the Western world was waiting for to get into the Libyan oil pie and help themselves.
We call on to all peace loving people, CSOs, peace movements and human rights defenders all over the world to lend their voice to the call for peace in the Middle East. Demand and urge their respective government’s involvement in facilitating peace and cessation of violence between western forces and Middle Eastern governments.
No to US led war of aggression in Libya!
Stop the Operation Odyssey Dawn Now!
Reference;
Bobby Benito
Cell No. 09994972939 or 09057500530
Tel. No. 390 2729
Email; bc.justpeace@gmail.com
Saturday, February 12, 2011
CBCS Statement of Support for the GPH-MILF Peace Talks
The two-day meeting between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on February 9 to 10, 2011 marks their 20th exploratory peace talks since they started their peace negotiation ended with high notes reflective of the genuine desire of both panels to strive and work hard to bring back peace in Mindanao.
Among the major issues stipulated in joint statement the two (2) panels issued is the review and amended of the terms of reference of International Monitoring Team (IMT), the implementing guidelines for the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the 25 Moro political detainees. From here, we can see how the unity of thoughts of the two (2) panels is blending in looking at the issues or problems they are addressing at the negotiating table as we viewed as a healthy sign in start of the formal peace.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) had been sharing its part in support for the GRP-MILF Peace Talks as we are hereby reaffirming our commitment to support the GPH-MILF Peace Talks.
Toward this end, the CBCS is calling on the Bangsamoro and our leaders to support the GRP-MILF Peace Panels in preserving and sustaining the peace negotiation so that they can ink peace agreement the soonest possible time. Likewise, the CBCS is also calling on other Moro civil society organizations and non Moro civil society organizations and other peoples in Mindanao to join us in working and ensuring the success of the peace talks so that a just and lasting peace will restored in our homeland we peoples in Mindanao will peacefully co-exist and harmoniously living based on trust and respect.
Issued in Cotabato City this 10th day of February 2011
Among the major issues stipulated in joint statement the two (2) panels issued is the review and amended of the terms of reference of International Monitoring Team (IMT), the implementing guidelines for the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the 25 Moro political detainees. From here, we can see how the unity of thoughts of the two (2) panels is blending in looking at the issues or problems they are addressing at the negotiating table as we viewed as a healthy sign in start of the formal peace.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) had been sharing its part in support for the GRP-MILF Peace Talks as we are hereby reaffirming our commitment to support the GPH-MILF Peace Talks.
Toward this end, the CBCS is calling on the Bangsamoro and our leaders to support the GRP-MILF Peace Panels in preserving and sustaining the peace negotiation so that they can ink peace agreement the soonest possible time. Likewise, the CBCS is also calling on other Moro civil society organizations and non Moro civil society organizations and other peoples in Mindanao to join us in working and ensuring the success of the peace talks so that a just and lasting peace will restored in our homeland we peoples in Mindanao will peacefully co-exist and harmoniously living based on trust and respect.
Issued in Cotabato City this 10th day of February 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Negotiating peace with the Philippine MILF
December 2010 Last updated at 00:39
By Kate McGeown BBC News, Mindanao
n a jungle in the southern Philippines, a training exercise is under way.
Men carrying AK47s and rocket-propelled grenades are marching in unison, following the instructions of a battle-hardened commander.
In their combat fatigues, they could easily be mistaken for government soldiers, except for a red badge on their left shoulder and the periodic cry of "Allahu Akbar!", the Arabic for "God is great!"
They are members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a rebel group fighting for the rights of the Bangsamoro people - a Muslim community in a country that is more than 80% Catholic.
Moro rebels have been fighting against the government for nearly 40 years, in one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies. An estimated 120,000 people have been killed.
It is a conflict that has nearly been resolved several times, and a fragile ceasefire has been in place since 2003.
But despite repeated attempts from both sides, something always seems to prevent a lasting settlement.
In May, there was renewed hope that a solution might be reached. A popular new president, Benigno Aquino, had just been elected into office in Manila, and one of his main campaign pledges was to restart peace talks and bring an end to the violence.
But nearly six months on, nothing has happened, and the Bangsamoro people are angry.
We passed a rally near the city of Cotabato, with several thousand people waving placards and shouting: 'We want peace.'
"When there are no negotiations, there are hostilities - there is war," said Raby Angkal, one of the protest organisers.
Elusive deal
So what is the hold-up this time?
"I think the government should make the first move, not us," vice-chairman for political affairs, Ghadzali Jaafar, told us at his jungle camp.
In her office hundreds of miles away in Manila, the presidential adviser on the peace process, Teresita Deles, said the government was also ready - but there was just one problem.
"We have some concerns about Othman Abdul Razak," she said, confirming media speculation that the government had requested a new Malaysian facilitator for the talks, due to a belief that Mr Othman was not neutral.
On the surface, the inclusion or otherwise of one person in the talks process might seem like a relatively small obstacle - but as both sides know to their cost, if the details are not fully agreed by everyone, a deal could easily slip through their fingers.
In 1976, a peace agreement signed with another Islamic group, the MNLF, failed to stick, leading to the formation of the MILF.
In 1996 the government set up a semi-autonomous region, but that too failed to stop the fighting, because it did not address all the MILF's concerns or those of many local people.
n August 2008, after 11 years of negotiations, the government said it had finally agreed on the boundaries for a Muslim autonomous region - a key sticking point - and smiling officials from all sides met to sign a deal.
But local Christian groups complained they had not been fully consulted, and the Supreme Court stepped in and blocked the agreement.
Within weeks conflict had resumed, and by the end of the year an estimated 300,000 civilians had fled their homes. Two years later, many of them have still not gone back.
Hja Bidariya Kanakan and her family live with two other families in a wooden hut in Nunangan camp, several hours' drive away from her former home.
"I used to have a big house with air conditioning," she said. "Now life is awful."
But she said she would only contemplate going back when there was "no more war, and no bombs from planes".
Heart of discussions
What makes this conflict all the more frustrating for people like Hja Biariya is that the negotiators are obviously close to a deal.
The MILF is often described as an Islamic separatist group, but strictly speaking neither of these adjectives apply any longer.
The group is Islamic in that it is run by Muslims, but according to Ghadzali Jaafar, this is not a religious struggle but a fight to retain land and cultural identity.
And the MILF has also given up its demand for a separate state.
"We just want to govern ourselves and our homeland, and that government will still be under the republic of the Philippines. We can take the example of Hong Kong to China," Mr Jaafar said.
The government also knows it needs to make some serious concessions.
"Certainly it could mean some adjustments in territorial boundaries," said Secretary Deles. "It would mean adjustments in our legal system, financial system."
Both agree that the issue of the Bangsamoro ancestral domain, and what exactly should be included in an expanded autonomous region, is at the heart of the discussions.
And those close to the talks know there is now a vital window of opportunity.
A key reason for past failures is opposition from other Filipinos - Christians living in the affected areas, and people in the rest of the country who will mourn the loss of such ready access to the rich natural resources of western Mindanao.
A quick look at the votes in this year's presidential election clearly shows the depth of feeling in Mindanao's Christian areas.
Joseph Estrada, a former leader who led a campaign of all-out war against the MILF, won the most votes in every Christian province in Mindanao, even though he lost nationally to Mr Aquino by a huge margin.
"A peace agreement will not be popular in many parts of the Philippines," said Father Jun Mercado, a regional peace advocate. "I believe we can only have an agreement when the national leader enjoys a lot of public support."
And right now, President Aquino has that kind of support - something his unpopular predecessor Gloria Arroyo could only dream about.
All sides also know that, the longer they delay the talks, the angrier people will get - and the more chance there is that the bubbling frustration will spill over into bloodshed.
When asked whether he thought there could be a return to violence if the talks did not start soon, Ghadzali Jafaar thought carefully before saying: "It's a very dangerous situation."
For those who could be caught - yet again - in the crossfire, it could be a very dangerous situation indeed.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Moro peace advocates urge GRP-MILF talks resumption
Jun 29, '08 6:55 AM
for everyone
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/
by Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY — A group of Moro peace advocates in central Mindanao has urged the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resume their stalled talks.
To drumbeat their calls, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), a multi-sectoral group of peace advocates in Mindanao, is set to hold a mass rally in Cotabato City, around 9 a.m., on Saturday.
Bobby Benito, head of the Information Committee of the Center for Just Peace, one of the MAP convenors, said the delay in the resolution of the Mindanao conflict as a result of the impasse in the GRP-MILF talks is "sending a wrong signal" especially to the "grassroots" or the people in the countryside.
"We fear (that) Mindanao will face again more ravaging hostilities in which its people are the most and seriously affected," Benito said.
The conflict in Mindanao, he claimed, can only be resolved through a "negotiated political settlement."
"We the people in the grassroots of Mindanao desire a meaningful result of the peace process. It is the only way to put an end to centuries-old Mindanao problem," he stressed.
The peace talks between the government and the MILF started way back in July 1997.
Catholic priest Eliseo Mercado, OMI, of the Kusog Mindanao, also a group of peace advocates in central Mindanao, said that one of the highly contentious issues discussed before the GRP-MILF talks ended late last year was about the ancestral domain.
The component involved in the ancestral domain discourse, Mercado said, is the issue of governance.
"The crucial issues on the talk of governance shall touch on the establishment of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), its authority and the length of the transition and its relationship to the central government," he said.
Aside from the Muslims or the Bangsamoro, Mercado said that there are two other crucial stakeholders who also claim franchise over the "land" — the indigenous peoples and the Christian settlers, specifically in places and areas where they are "entrenched."
"Without a greater consensus among the stakeholders, the feasibility and the sustainability of any peace agreement will be in question. But consensus does not only involve the actual peoples in the areas but also a national consensus. While this is very ticklish to say the least, but for any peace agreement to fly, you need a national consensus," he explained.
for everyone
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/
by Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY — A group of Moro peace advocates in central Mindanao has urged the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resume their stalled talks.
To drumbeat their calls, the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), a multi-sectoral group of peace advocates in Mindanao, is set to hold a mass rally in Cotabato City, around 9 a.m., on Saturday.
Bobby Benito, head of the Information Committee of the Center for Just Peace, one of the MAP convenors, said the delay in the resolution of the Mindanao conflict as a result of the impasse in the GRP-MILF talks is "sending a wrong signal" especially to the "grassroots" or the people in the countryside.
"We fear (that) Mindanao will face again more ravaging hostilities in which its people are the most and seriously affected," Benito said.
The conflict in Mindanao, he claimed, can only be resolved through a "negotiated political settlement."
"We the people in the grassroots of Mindanao desire a meaningful result of the peace process. It is the only way to put an end to centuries-old Mindanao problem," he stressed.
The peace talks between the government and the MILF started way back in July 1997.
Catholic priest Eliseo Mercado, OMI, of the Kusog Mindanao, also a group of peace advocates in central Mindanao, said that one of the highly contentious issues discussed before the GRP-MILF talks ended late last year was about the ancestral domain.
The component involved in the ancestral domain discourse, Mercado said, is the issue of governance.
"The crucial issues on the talk of governance shall touch on the establishment of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), its authority and the length of the transition and its relationship to the central government," he said.
Aside from the Muslims or the Bangsamoro, Mercado said that there are two other crucial stakeholders who also claim franchise over the "land" — the indigenous peoples and the Christian settlers, specifically in places and areas where they are "entrenched."
"Without a greater consensus among the stakeholders, the feasibility and the sustainability of any peace agreement will be in question. But consensus does not only involve the actual peoples in the areas but also a national consensus. While this is very ticklish to say the least, but for any peace agreement to fly, you need a national consensus," he explained.
Bangsamoros hold rallies in many parts of Mindanao to demand immediate resumption of GRP-MILF peace talks
Jun 29, '08 6:57 AM
for everyone
source: http://zamboangasouthwall.blogspot.com/
Thousands of Bangsamoros held simultaneous rallies in various parts of Mindanao on Saturday and called for immediate resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Dubbed as "Mass Rally for Peace," they called the government to respect and sign with sincerity the previously agreed consensus points on ancestral domain and to cancel the August 11 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections.
The rallyists led by the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) flocked in the main plazas of the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, General Santos, Isabela, Basilan, Pagadian, and the municipalities of Jolo, Sulu, and Pikit in North Cotabato.
They criticized Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat for rejecting their application for a permit to hold a peace rally in the city.
Zamboanga was a former Muslim province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, but many of its original inhabitants were forced out by Christian settlers.
The rallyists also said government troops prevented about a thousand colleagues on board six trucks from going to General Santos City from North Cotabato.
Bobby Benito, MAP spokesman, said they also urged to maintain and sustain the ceasefire as a vehicle leading to ink the long awaited final and meaningful agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government.
During the rally in Cotabato City that was attended by representatives from the MNLF, indigenous peoples, and Bangsamoro women group, the alliance issued a manifesto calling the GRP and the MILF to immediately resume the peace negotiations.
The manifesto calls on both parties to honor the consensus points on ancestral domain that they have already agreed upon. They see the immediate resumption of the peace talks as the only way to stop the war that may break out once again.
Peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF were stalled since last year over the issue of the ancestral domain, which the moro rebels have been demanding from the Arroyo regime.
The alliance for peace further calls on the government to defer the election in the ARMM, describing the upcoming regional polls in the autonomous region as a hindrance in the GRP-MILF peace talks.
"Clearly holding the ARMM elections is a sign that the government is not sincere it its peace negotiations with the MILF. We will all be the victims when war erupts," the group said.
"We call on every Bangsamoro people and on every peace-loving individual for that matter to unite with us and let our voices be heard and we want peace now for we have been suffering the war for so long."
"Finally, we support, respect and uphold the legitimate struggle of the Bangsamor people for freedom and the right to self determination," the group concluded. (HG)
for everyone
source: http://zamboangasouthwall.blogspot.com/
Thousands of Bangsamoros held simultaneous rallies in various parts of Mindanao on Saturday and called for immediate resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Dubbed as "Mass Rally for Peace," they called the government to respect and sign with sincerity the previously agreed consensus points on ancestral domain and to cancel the August 11 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections.
The rallyists led by the Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) flocked in the main plazas of the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, General Santos, Isabela, Basilan, Pagadian, and the municipalities of Jolo, Sulu, and Pikit in North Cotabato.
They criticized Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat for rejecting their application for a permit to hold a peace rally in the city.
Zamboanga was a former Muslim province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, but many of its original inhabitants were forced out by Christian settlers.
The rallyists also said government troops prevented about a thousand colleagues on board six trucks from going to General Santos City from North Cotabato.
Bobby Benito, MAP spokesman, said they also urged to maintain and sustain the ceasefire as a vehicle leading to ink the long awaited final and meaningful agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government.
During the rally in Cotabato City that was attended by representatives from the MNLF, indigenous peoples, and Bangsamoro women group, the alliance issued a manifesto calling the GRP and the MILF to immediately resume the peace negotiations.
The manifesto calls on both parties to honor the consensus points on ancestral domain that they have already agreed upon. They see the immediate resumption of the peace talks as the only way to stop the war that may break out once again.
Peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF were stalled since last year over the issue of the ancestral domain, which the moro rebels have been demanding from the Arroyo regime.
The alliance for peace further calls on the government to defer the election in the ARMM, describing the upcoming regional polls in the autonomous region as a hindrance in the GRP-MILF peace talks.
"Clearly holding the ARMM elections is a sign that the government is not sincere it its peace negotiations with the MILF. We will all be the victims when war erupts," the group said.
"We call on every Bangsamoro people and on every peace-loving individual for that matter to unite with us and let our voices be heard and we want peace now for we have been suffering the war for so long."
"Finally, we support, respect and uphold the legitimate struggle of the Bangsamor people for freedom and the right to self determination," the group concluded. (HG)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Transforming the Facilitation in the Mindanao Peace Process
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Advocates Renew calls for Mindanao peace
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click here to view the post.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Mindanao’s civil society to Deles as Peace Adviser: “Welcome back”
By Mindanews | Saturday| May 29, 2010
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/29 May) – Representatives of civil society in Mindanao welcome the return of Teresita “Ging” Deles to Malacanang, as the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, a post she held from 2003 to her resignation along with the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members from the Arroyo administration on July 8, 2005, following the “Hello Garci” electoral controversy that cast doubts on the legitimacy of the Arroyo administration.
Deles returns to Malacanang at noon of June 30 with fellow “Hyatt 10” member Corazon “Dinky” Soliman who will serve her old post as secretary of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) said Deles “has vast experience in peacemaking and peace building” and is “best able to point the new administration in the right path towards achieving a genuine and just peace in Mindanao.”
Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) told MindaNews Deles is “a highly competent and a deeply committed peace advocate with a genuine concern for Mindanao. She will serve as an effective link between this administration’s peace talks with the MILF and the incoming Aquino administration. “
Arnado said the challenge for Deles now is “how to harness all the gains of the peace process and bring these towards a successful political settlement.”
Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IIID) said they are “looking forward to a more earnest engagement and hopefully a full, transparent partnership with civil society which was almost a hallmark during her short-lived sting with GMA.”
Guiamel Alim, executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation and a member of the council of elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) says he’s “okay” with Deles but thinks she should be in the Defense Department instead.
Abdulbasit Benito, chair of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, said Deles’ return to Malcanang is also a welcome development.
“And though I appreciate Noynoy (Aquino) for his move in choosing the right persons for the job, including Sec. Dinky Soliman, the bottomline is the sincerity of intention by the executives, the support they need from the different chambers of government and the political will from the President. Nevertheless, with the legitimacy of Noynoy and the social capital he possesses, I am optimistic that Sec. Deles and Sec. Soliman would make a difference to the lives of our people who are suffering from recurring conflicts,” Benito added.
MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said he knows Deles as a person and as Peace Adviser. “It’s good to be dealing with someone whom you know,” he said.
Fatmawati Salapuddin of the Lupah Sug Bangsamoro Women Association in Jolo, Sulu said, “we had good monitoring of the conflict between the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) when Deles was PAPP (in 2003 to 2005). At least civilians were taken care of in partnership with Dinky in DSWD that time. Deles was open to suggestions and had a balanced perspective of the conflict situation.”
The PCID in a press statement from Amina Rasul, lead convenor and Rey Trillana, project director, said they are “particularly hopeful that Sec. Deles will continue to uphold her visions for peace that she articulated in previous occasions, including, among others: The primacy of peace talks over “all-out war” strategy; Ensuring civil society participation in the peace process; Addressing loose firearms and putting an end to the culture of impunity in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao); Rejecting the conflation of Muslim with the war on terror; and Upholding human rights in Muslim communities.”
“We appreciate the fact that the incoming administration has hit the ground running on the peace process with the early selection of its peace adviser. Peace, as we have stated in the past, cannot be hostaged to petty political intramurals. We wish Secretary Ging all the luck in her return as peace adviser, and we offer our support and help in building a just and peaceful nation for our children,” the PCID said.
Deles was executive director of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute in 1991. When Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the post of the deposed President Joseph Estrada in January 2001, she named Deles chair of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
Deles was loved by the peace movement in Mindanao for her constant updating of government and non-governmental groups on the peace processes. (MindaNews)
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/29 May) – Representatives of civil society in Mindanao welcome the return of Teresita “Ging” Deles to Malacanang, as the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, a post she held from 2003 to her resignation along with the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members from the Arroyo administration on July 8, 2005, following the “Hello Garci” electoral controversy that cast doubts on the legitimacy of the Arroyo administration.
Deles returns to Malacanang at noon of June 30 with fellow “Hyatt 10” member Corazon “Dinky” Soliman who will serve her old post as secretary of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) said Deles “has vast experience in peacemaking and peace building” and is “best able to point the new administration in the right path towards achieving a genuine and just peace in Mindanao.”
Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) told MindaNews Deles is “a highly competent and a deeply committed peace advocate with a genuine concern for Mindanao. She will serve as an effective link between this administration’s peace talks with the MILF and the incoming Aquino administration. “
Arnado said the challenge for Deles now is “how to harness all the gains of the peace process and bring these towards a successful political settlement.”
Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IIID) said they are “looking forward to a more earnest engagement and hopefully a full, transparent partnership with civil society which was almost a hallmark during her short-lived sting with GMA.”
Guiamel Alim, executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation and a member of the council of elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) says he’s “okay” with Deles but thinks she should be in the Defense Department instead.
Abdulbasit Benito, chair of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, said Deles’ return to Malcanang is also a welcome development.
“And though I appreciate Noynoy (Aquino) for his move in choosing the right persons for the job, including Sec. Dinky Soliman, the bottomline is the sincerity of intention by the executives, the support they need from the different chambers of government and the political will from the President. Nevertheless, with the legitimacy of Noynoy and the social capital he possesses, I am optimistic that Sec. Deles and Sec. Soliman would make a difference to the lives of our people who are suffering from recurring conflicts,” Benito added.
MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said he knows Deles as a person and as Peace Adviser. “It’s good to be dealing with someone whom you know,” he said.
Fatmawati Salapuddin of the Lupah Sug Bangsamoro Women Association in Jolo, Sulu said, “we had good monitoring of the conflict between the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) when Deles was PAPP (in 2003 to 2005). At least civilians were taken care of in partnership with Dinky in DSWD that time. Deles was open to suggestions and had a balanced perspective of the conflict situation.”
The PCID in a press statement from Amina Rasul, lead convenor and Rey Trillana, project director, said they are “particularly hopeful that Sec. Deles will continue to uphold her visions for peace that she articulated in previous occasions, including, among others: The primacy of peace talks over “all-out war” strategy; Ensuring civil society participation in the peace process; Addressing loose firearms and putting an end to the culture of impunity in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao); Rejecting the conflation of Muslim with the war on terror; and Upholding human rights in Muslim communities.”
“We appreciate the fact that the incoming administration has hit the ground running on the peace process with the early selection of its peace adviser. Peace, as we have stated in the past, cannot be hostaged to petty political intramurals. We wish Secretary Ging all the luck in her return as peace adviser, and we offer our support and help in building a just and peaceful nation for our children,” the PCID said.
Deles was executive director of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute in 1991. When Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the post of the deposed President Joseph Estrada in January 2001, she named Deles chair of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
Deles was loved by the peace movement in Mindanao for her constant updating of government and non-governmental groups on the peace processes. (MindaNews)
Monday, April 26, 2010
PRESS STATEMENT:
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!
(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!
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