Tag Archives: Moro Islamic Liberation Front

[Press Release] Davao Citizens’ Signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement -IID

Posted on by Leave a comment

Davao Citizens’ Signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement

Davao City – In time for the signing of the Framework Agreement by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at the Malacañan Palace, Davao-based Peace networks and various groups conduct their own Citizens’ Signing of the Framework Agreement to welcome and support the historic Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The Citizens’ Signing of the Framework Agreement is the highlight of the “Davao, Duyog sa Kalinaw!”

activity to be held at the Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, Davao City on 15 October 2012.

The convenors celebrate this milestone in the 15-year-old GPH-MILF peace negotiations not as the end of the process but rather, the beginning of more challenges ahead. The Framework Agreement sets out the mutually agreed upon principles to guide both Peace Panels and put things in perspective as both thresh out the details in the substantive agenda of the talks.

The symbolic Citizens’ signing of the framework agreement is a clear message on Citizen Participation in the peace process. The convenors believe that a sustained engagement on matters of peace and right to self-determination will generate a groundswell of informed public support to the peace talks– even for those outside the zones of conflict.

At the same time, the group commits to remaining active and vigilant especially in monitoring the succeeding interim agreements and actual implementation of what comes next. Such mechanisms guaranteeing transparency and participation of all sectors especially covered in the core Bangsamoro territory should be soon installed. Monitoring the peace process and continuing education at the community level are among the tasks civil society organizations commit themselves to doing, in building the constituency supporting the peace process.

Activity organizers: Mindanao Peace Weavers (MPW), Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs (MINCODE), United Youth for Peace and Development- Davao Region Chapter (UNYPAD), Agong Peace Network, Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM), Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), Generation Peace Youth Network- Davao chapter (GENPEACE) and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka- Mindanao (PAKISAMA).
IID is the Secretariat of Mindanao Peace Weavers

IID is an advocacy and solidarity institution promoting peace, conflict prevention, democratization and right to self-determination in Southeast Asia. Our focus areas include Mindanao, Burma, Timor-Leste, South Thailand, Aceh and West Papua.

Press Release
15 October 2012

Contact persons:
Lyndee Prieto, Email: lyndeeprieto@yahoo.com; Mobile: 0917-724-7579
Rich de los Santos, Email: rich.delossantos84@gmail.com; Mobile: 0927.644.6524

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] Metro Cebu Muslims, advocates hail pact -Cebu Daily News

Posted on by Leave a comment

Metro Cebu Muslims, advocates hail pact
Cebu Daily News
October 15, 2012

International peace advocates and Muslim community leaders in Cebu hailed this afternoon’s signing of the preliminary framework agreement between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

A member of the International Contact Group assisting the peace process between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said today’s signing of the framework agreement on peace as a historic day of celebration.

“The Philippines is following a global trend of increased decentralization in response to the diverse and multiple identity of its people,” Emma Leslie, an Australian member of the International Contact Group (ICG) said.

“October 15th is a historic day for celebration, but just one milestone in the long journey for peace between the Moro and Filipino peoples,” said Leslie, also a director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies and founder of the Action Asia Peacebuilders.

Read full article @ cebudailynews.wordpress.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Event] Kamayan Forum on “Bangsamoro Peace Agreement: The Process, the Challenges and Sustainable Development”

Posted on by Leave a comment

Kamayan Forum
on “Bangsamoro Peace Agreement: The Process, the Challenges and
Sustainable Development“

on Oct.19, 2012
at 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
at the Kamayan Restaurant, EDSA

We are fortunate to have Atty. Marvic Leonen, chief Philippine negotiator for our country’s panel for this agreement as our guest speaker for this Kamayan session.

Nina Galang
President
Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] ‘Bakwits’ lament living life on the run -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » ‘Bakwits’ lament living life on the run.

By Keith Bacongco
August 26, 2012

PIKIT, North Cotabato(MindaNews/25 August) – Most villagers in a refugee camp here are no longer strangers to evacuation.

They have “mastered” the art of evacuation even if tensions are still brewing, knowing where to go for temporary shelter to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Barangay Batulawan here has become a popular refugee center for displaced villagers, as the amenities of evacuation centers built during the previous wars remain standing and ready to be used.

But if the evacuees would have their way, they want to settle peacefully in their villages since life in the evacuation centers are really difficult.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Statement] Let us never allow the MOA-AD experience to repeat itself -MPC

Posted on by Leave a comment

MPC Statement: “Let us never allow the MOA-AD experience to repeat itself”

12 August 2012 – The Mindanao Peoples Caucus calls on all peace loving peoples of Mindanao and the entire country to close ranks and unite behind the earnest efforts of the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to put a final closure to the armed conflict in Mindanao by signing a peace agreement at the soonest possible time.

MPC believes that the current attacks in the municipalities of Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are being used as a proxy war by politicians and powers that be in Mindanao who feel threatened by an incipient peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.

The developing scenario is reminiscent of MOA-AD in 2008 where provocation and harassments were launched by armed groups to cause chaos, confusion and hysteria among the people.

From the reports of Bantay Ceasefire, the sporadic attacks by the BIFF have already affected seven towns in Maguindanao and one barangay in Pikit, North Cotabato, displacing around 7,000 families.

While BIFF may have grievances, MPC believes that there are influential politicians riding on in their issues in order to create a scenario that will put to serious question the viability of signing a peace agreement with the MILF. This is an old recycled tactic that is being used every time there is a clear breakthrough in the negotiations.

MPC is also deeply concerned over messages circulating via mobile phones, Facebook and other social media networks on rumors and false information, causing public alarm and panic in the conflict-affected areas.

We urge fellow peace advocates and media to help verify and validate information so that we will not become willing victims of war propaganda.

MPC calls to mind its 16 April 2011 meeting with Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato, leader of the BIFF, who said that he will leave it to the MILF to negotiate with government. His group does not need to negotiate. The peace panels can continue the talks “at kung maganda ang resulta, automatic, agree na kami”. But, “to see is to believe, huwag agad maniwala sa mga salita nila. Hindi na kami madala sa deception ng gobyerno, the MOA-AD is the best proof of such deception.”

Given the positive developments in the peace talks, with the panels already at the homestretch of the negotiations, we challenge the leadership of BIFF to maintain its “wait and see” attitude and not to make further moves that can only derail the negotiations and put civilians in precarious and uncertain conditions in the evacuation centers.

Read full article @ mpc.org.ph

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] WAYWARD AND FANCIFUL: Helping children heal -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » WAYWARD AND FANCIFUL: Helping children heal.

By Gail Ilagan
August 5, 2012

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 4 Aug) – Mid-year 2012, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Marvic Leonen optimistically reported that after the 18 October 2011 incident in Al-Barka, Basilan, there had been no more armed skirmishes between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). However, he also reported that there continued to be armed skirmishes in Mindanao between security forces and lawless elements.

In many pockets of Mindanao, law enforcement often involves military support in cases when the suspects are known to be armed and dangerous and have sought shelter in heavily fortified hideouts. In fact, the Al-Barka incident had been a joint law enforcement operation intended to serve warrants of arrest on suspected criminals.

The towns of Payao and Alicia lie on the southeastern tip of the crescent that encloses Dumanquilas Bay in Zamboanga Sibugay. From the paved highway in Imelda, the idyllic coastal center of Payao lies past 36 kilometers of rough mountain road passable in many places only on board the hardy habal-habal that serves as the only means of public land transport plying that route. While uncomfortable in places, the dirt road to Alicia, on the other hand, can be negotiated by any form of motorized vehicles.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[From the web] Call for genuine reform at ARMM LGU Summit -mpc.org.ph

Posted on by Leave a comment

Call for genuine reform at ARMM LGU Summit

Davao City, June 20, 2012 – Progressive groups met President Noynoy Aquino and local executives of ARMM along KM 7 in Lanang with a picket rally calling for genuine ARMM reform.

President Noynoy Aquino III (PNOY) and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) executives were met by representatives of the Free Cocoy Tulawie Movement, including Freedom from Debt Coalition, Partido ng Manggagawa, Kilusan ng Pambansang Demokrasya, Alliance of Progressive Labor, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines and the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, along the highway to Waterfront Insular hotel, while said personalities were on their way to the ARMM LGU Summit.

The rallyists are demanding for genuine reforms, and zeroed in on the following calls related to human rights closely linked with ARMM governance:

The conduct of a Congressional Inquiry on the situation of human rights in ARMM, especially in Sulu;

For PNOY to immediately revoke EO 546 that allows Local Chief Executives to arm civilians;
Declaration of an audit on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of ARMM LGUs;
For the Ombudsman to investigate the Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of ARMM executives;

Vehement objection of the populace towards the Visiting Forces Agreement;

Speedy and just trial of Cocoy Tulawie, a human rights defender from Sulu currently detained in Davao City

And lastly, on the issue of the right to self-determination, the group is calling for a just political settlement and signing of a peace agreement between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Meanwhile, at the summit venue, representatives of local civil society organizations led by Mrs. Pat Sarenas of MINCODE had an audience with PNOY himself who was accompanied by top executives, among others, DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo, MinDA Chair Lu Antonino, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva and PNOY’s Political Adviser Ronald Llamas.

The CSO delegation presented a gift to the president, which was handed over by Mr. Dani Caspe of MPC, an album containing a copy of a speech of then Senator Ninoy Aquino delivered at the King Abdel Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia way back in May 12, 1981 titled “The historical background of the Moro problem in Southern Philippines.” In the said article, Ninoy outlined the root causes of the conflict in Mindanao and his proposed solutions, including the right to self determination of the Bangsamoro. The speech was presented to PNOY to remind him of what his father envisioned a long time ago. A fitting reminder for everyone who aspires for genuine reform in the ARMM.

Christine Sumugoy of MPC read the content of the Free Cocoy Tulawie Movement official statement at the meeting and submitted related documents to the president.

Read full article @ mpc.org.ph

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] MILF ready to resume talks, hopes for the ‘best’ -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MILF ready to resume talks, hopes for the ‘best’
By Bong S. Sarmiento
May 22, 2012

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/21 May)— With its talks with government now entering a crucial stage, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front expressed hopes on Monday that “things will out turn out smoothly” as negotiations proceed.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, said they are ready to resume peace talks with the government and just awaiting the date of the next meeting.

“It’s difficult to predict [the negotiations] but we are hoping for the best [once we meet again],” he said over the phone.

Third-party facilitator Malaysia has yet to set the date for the resumption of amity talks that shall be concurred upon by both the government and the MILF, but Iqbal said it could be towards the end of May.

During the 27th exploratory talks in April, the parties agreed to meet again this month.
Significantly, both sides signed in their last meeting in Kuala Lumpur the “Decision Points on Principles,” which shall serve as the framework in the discussion and formulation of the comprehensive peace compact.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

Related articles

[In the news] Groups, MILF condemn Iligan bombing -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » Groups, MILF condemn Iligan bombing.

By Mindanews
May 7, 2012

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/06 May) — The Iligan City Disaster and Rehabilitation  Coordination Center (ICDRCC), a group comprising more than 20 civil society organizations, have vehemently condemned Saturday night’s blast as “an evil act of a savage person or group,” coming as it did while the city is still recuperating from the devastation brought about by the killer floods unleasthed yphoon Sendong.

Atty Manny Salibay, chair of ICDRCC, called on sectors to assist the police and the military to find the culprits of the blast that killed two persons and injured at least 30 others, and to help attend to the needs of the injured and the relatives of the dead.

“We will not be terrified by this act of terrorism. God will be with us,” the group said in a statement.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also condemned the bombing.

Robert Maulana, a  member of the  MILF peace panel said the bombing was “an act of violent insanity that killed and injured people.”

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] Deles urges greater public participation in Mindanao peace process -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » Deles urges greater public participation in Mindanao peace process.

By Bong S. Sarmiento
May 5, 2012

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/04 May) — The government wants greater public participation in the Mindanao peace process, Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said.

Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles . OPAPP PhotoDeles appealed Thursday to the public to study the issues surrounding the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be able to contribute to the crafting of a final peace agreement.

“Read and study. You will see how broad and deep the GPH-MILF peace process is. You will understand how much there is that needs to be discussed on the peace table. Ask if there are things that need to be further explained and help in crafting an agreement that is acceptable to the majority,” she said in a statement.

Deles stressed the value of citizen participation in the peace process, saying that ordinary citizens should take part in supporting and guarding the peace talks.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[In the news] Abp Quevedo to GPH, MILF: peace possible without sacrificing RSD or nat’l sovereignty and territorial integrity -MindaNews

Posted on by One comment

MindaNews » Abp Quevedo to GPH, MILF: peace possible without sacrificing RSD or nat’l sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By Carolyn O. Arguillas
April 3, 2012

COTABATO CITY– The peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) can succeed because the paramount concerns of both parties – territorial integrity and national sovereignty for the government and right to self-determination (RSD) for the MILF — are politically acceptable and the other issues are negotiable, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo said.

Quevedo,  president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines during the  “all-out war” waged by the Estrada administration against the MILF in 2000 and the Buliok war waged by the Aquino administration in 2003, wrote on April 2 a seven-point “unsolicited advice” for the two panels to consider (see Quevedo letter),  as he expressed optimism “lasting peace can be achieved without sacrificing either RSD or national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Of Quevedo’s seven-points, one was addressed directly to government (GPH), two to the MILF,  three to both panels and one to the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

MindaNews emailed Quevedo’s piece to GPH peace panel chair Marvic Leonen and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal for comment but Leonen opted not to comment “for now.” Iqbal responded point by point.

Quevedo admitted reluctance in expressing his thoughts publicly on the peace process “until the news came that it might break down.”

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[From the web] OIC to sit as observer in GPH-MILF peace talks -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » OIC to sit as observer in GPH-MILF peace talks.

OIC to sit as observer in GPH-MILF peace talks
By Carolyn O. Arguillas
March 22, 2012

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/22 March) — The Philippine government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front  (MILF)  ended their three-day peace negotiations Wednesday with no significant agreement reached on the substantive issues of power and wealth sharing but agreed to approve the request of the  Office of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (formerly Conference) to sit as observer in the 15-year old  talks.

The approval of the OIC’s observer status was contained in the Joint Statement signed by GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen and MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqabal with Malaysian facilitator Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

“Excellent move,” historian Rudy Rodil said of the entry of the OIC. Rodil served as government peace panel member in the negotiations with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from 1993 to 1996 and in the negotiations with the MILF from 2004 to 2008.

The OIC, he told MindaNews, is the “perfect mediator between the MNLF and MILF.”

Peace advocate Soliman Santos, a regional trial court judge who has written several books on the Bangsamoro peace process, echoed Rodil’s comment. He told MindaNews the entry of the OIC is “good for convergence and international clout. They should be able to help the MNLF-MILF unity process and see also who better represents the Bangsamoro aspirations.”

“A value addition to the talks,”  said Guiamel Alim, of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society.

The 57-member pan-Islamic body brokered the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MNLF that led to the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).

The MNLF has been holding an observer status in the OIC since 1977 and has been sending delegations to OIC meetings in the last 35 years. The MILF is composed of members of the MNLF who broke away from the MNLF in the late 1970s to form what it initially called  the “New MNLF” but which it later renamed to MILF. The leader of the breakaway group was Salamat Hashim, vice chair to chair Nur Misuari.

Hashim succumbed to an illness in July 2003. Misuari was elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  (ARMM) a week after he signed the 1996 FPA. He was detained on charges of rebellion from January 2002 to April 2008.

The  OIC initially created a Committee of Four that later expanded into the Ministerial Committee of  the Six led by Indonesia to facilitate the talks until the signing of the FPA in 1996.  In late June 2000, just as the military was about to attack  the MILF’s main stronghold, Camp Abubakar, in the “all-out war “ waged by then President Joseph Estrada, the OIC’s International Conference of  Foreign Ministers (ICFM)  held in Malaysia, added two more country-members – Malaysia and Brunei – to make it into the Committee of the Eight , to look into the implementation of the 1996 FPA.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

[In the news] Lumad, Moro leaders reaffirm kinship, sign covenant -MindaNews

Posted on by Leave a comment

MindaNews » Lumad, Moro leaders reaffirm kinship, sign covenant.

By Walter I. Balane
March 10, 2012

SONGCO, Lantapan, Bukidnon (MindaNews/09 March) – Representatives of eight Moro tribes and most of the Lumad or non-Islamized tribes in Mindanao yesterday signed a five-point kinship covenant in a gathering here filled with festive remembrance of historical relationships and aspirations for peace and unity in the island.

Aside from signing the covenant, the participants also unveiled the monument marking the reaffirmation of their kinship, an event witnessed among others by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel and the International Monitoring Team.

The covenant, printed on white paper and etched in a plaque installed on the monument, cited mutual recognition and respect (kilalaha), mutual sharing of information (sayuda), cooperation (buliga), mutual

protection and preservation of life (uyaga), and mutual obligation to help the needy (pagbatunbatuna).

“The indigenous peoples and the Moro of Mindanao hereby acknowledge the following principles and doctrines of kinship as basis of their cooperation, understanding, and unity as descendants of the early

inhabitants in the island of Mindanao,” the declaration stated.

Before signing the covenant Lumad and Moro leaders exchanged accounts of shared history passed on for generations, mostly recalling a past that belonged to “one blood.” Their accounts differed in some respects but all of them cited peace pacts.

Among the stories the Lumad speakers shared was that of the brothers Mamalu and Tabunaway. The latter converted to Islam upon the arrival of Shariff Kabungsuan.

Moro representatives recalled stories of their ancestors’ interaction with the Lumads, including datus who shared portions of their ancestral domain to Moro people in their areas.

For their part, the Talaandigs offered their own version of the peopling of Mindanao. They said Apu Agbibilin was the grand ancestor of the Talaandig, Manobo, Maranao, and the Maguindanao.

Dr. Akmad Alonto, a Maranao, cited the Salsila, which contains accounts of a tampuda or peace pact between Lumad and Moro in Bukidnon.

He said that one more proof of kinship is belief in a creator, God.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

[From the web] Confidence building -PhilStar.com

Posted on by Leave a comment

EDITORIAL – Confidence building
The Philippine Star
March 02, 2012


What happens when a member of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front is “suspended” by its leadership? Does it include being temporarily disarmed? Will the suspended member follow the lead of MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato and simply form a breakaway group? And who can verify if the suspension has truly been carried out?

The government, which continues to explore long-term peace with the MILF, will just have to take the word of the group for it. The other day, the MILF leadership announced that three of the group’s commanders based in Basilan had been suspended for three months for their direct participation in the ambush of Army Special Forces and Scout Rangers in the town of Al-Barka on Oct. 18 last year. Nineteen soldiers were killed. The MILF’s chief peace negotiator said the three would undergo an education seminar on the peace process.

Read full article @ www.philstar.com

[From the web] PEACETALK: Filipino Citizens Still Optimistic About Chances for Peace in Mindanao -MindaNews

Posted on by One comment

MindaNews » PEACETALK: Filipino Citizens Still Optimistic About Chances for Peace in Mindanao.

by Steven Rood/The Asia Foundation, Mindanews
February 29, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC (MindaNews/28 February) — Peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur last week featured chocolates on Valentine’s Day. It was a light moment in talks characterized by the Malaysian facilitator as “sincere but tough.” As the next scheduled meeting in March approaches, long-time peace talks observer Carol Arguillas has taken to counting down the days to the end of the first quarter of 2012, which government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen once suggested as a time frame for reaching an agreement. As time marches on, it’s important to take a closer look at how we got here, and what Filipinos actually think about the long-running conflict and the prospect for peace.

In fact, the Philippines has had an extraordinarily long peace process with the Moro (Muslim) revolutionary fronts. In 1976 there was the Tripoli Peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that called for autonomy to be granted to 13 provinces in Mindanao and Palawan. But in the implementation, Ferdinand Marcos used his martial law powers to institute, instead, two autonomous regions which the MNLF regarded as divisive. After the fall of Marcos in 1986, the autonomy arrangement was re-worked under the 1987 Constitution. Despite the 1986 meeting of President Corazon Aquino and MNLF Chair Nur Misuari in Sulu, the MNLF did not take part in the 1990 institution of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Then, in 1996, a “Final Agreement on the Implementation of the Tripoli Agreement” was reached between the government and the MNLF, but to this day problems plague the full-implementation of that agreement. An upcoming March meeting between the government and the MNLF in Indonesia will be an attempt to bring closure to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

[Press Release] Missing Islamic Scholars Confirmed Abducted in NAIA 3 -FIND

Posted on by Leave a comment

Missing Islamic Scholars Confirmed Abducted in NAIA 3

Recent developments in the search for the three missing Islamic scholars took a positive turn. Najir Gumuntul Ahung, 38; Rasdie Bisita Kasaran, 21; and Yusup Cadlus Mohammad, 21, all residents of Al-Barka, Basilan disappeared on January 4, 2012. All three were bound for Khartoum, Sudan and were scheduled to leave Manila via Qatar Airways at 12:10 a.m. of that day.

The Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) on 14 February 2012, in what it considered as a breakthrough, was able to confirm from Air Philippines’ baggage section that the checked-in bags of Najir Ahung and Yusup Mohammad were never claimed.

Accompanied by FIND and CHR investigators headed by Atty. Robinson Viñas, the relatives went to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to secure the unclaimed baggage. The women relatives of the victims turned emotional and cried upon seeing the bags of Najir Ahung and Yusup Mohammad.

“Because of this circumstantial evidence, we can now establish the place where the supposed incident took place and our presumption is that the three were abducted inside the airport terminal even before they could claim their bags,” said Camilo Manio, Search and Documentation Program Officer of FIND.

Relatives of the victims suspected that government security agents were responsible in the disappearance of the three who were last seen on January 3, 2012 when they boarded an Air Philippines flight from Zamboanga City bound for Manila. Flight documents confirm that all three got to the NAIA but never got on board their scheduled flight to Sudan.

The family’s allegation stemmed from unconfirmed reports linking Ahung, Kasaran and Mohammad in the October 19, 2011 ambush of Philippine Army Special Forces by suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, reportedly joined by villagers near Al-Barka, Basilan.

FIND had been coordinating a working group in search for the victims. The working group is composed of the Asia Federation Against Involuntary Disappearance (AFAD) and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA).

In 20 January 2012, it sought the intervention of AFP Human Rights Office Chief Colonel Domingo Tutaan. Initial reports gathered from AFP units indicated negative results but he assured that investigation is ongoing.

Colonel Henry Libay of Task Force Usig meanwhile informed FIND that the three were nowhere to be found in Camp Crame and other PNP units.

From 20 January to 31, FIND’s search team went camp hopping and checked Camp Bicutan Detention Center, Camp Karingal, Camp Crame including a funeral parlor in Manila where recently reported salvaged victims unclaimed bodies were kept. FIND also inquired at the regional trial courts of Pasay and Manila to check whether cases have been filed against any of the three. All these yielded negative results.

On 13 February the relatives and FIND sought legal relief through the filing of Writ of Amparo at the office of Atty. Harry Roque. The relatives signed the petition in the presence of Counsel Romel Regalado Bagares.

On the following day, counsel for the petitioner filed the same before the Supreme Court indicating AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Brig. Gen. Cesar Ronnie Ordoyo Intelligence Service Chief of the AFP as respondents.

Manio underscored the value of the victims’ unclaimed luggage; “Once the Supreme Court grants our petition, we will definitely include it in stating the material facts of the case during the hearing. The evidence established our presumption that the victims were taken against their will inside NAIA-3, a secured facility within the control of airport authorities.”

Related articles

[Job announcement] Nonviolent Peaceforce-Philippines is in need of Regional Program Officer

Posted on by Leave a comment

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to inform you that Nonviolent Peaceforce-Philippines, currently in need of a qualified applicants for the position of Regional Program Officer for Zambasulta area. If you have known qualified candidates please share with them the attached JD. They may send ASAP letter of intent along with CV to

The Program Manager
Conflict Prevention Program
Nonviolent Peaceforce-Philippines
House #04, Don Abelardo St.
Poblacion IV, Cotabato City, Philippines

or email the said requirement to: smansoori@nonviolentpeaceforce.org

Thanks.

Lemuel L. Artiaga
Field Coordinator
Conflict Prevention Program
Nonviolent Peaceforce-Philippines
Fort Pikit, Pikit, Cotabato
e-mail: lartiaga@nonviolentpeaceforce.org
mobile: 09088917525

[In the news] EU wants early Mindanao peace deal -MindaNews.com

Posted on by Leave a comment

EU wants early Mindanao peace deal
By Bong S. Sarmiento, MindaNews.com
February 11, 2012

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/10 February) – Ambassadors from member-countries of the European Union have reiterated their support to the Mindanao peace process, and urged at the same time for a speedy forging of a final peace agreement.

The regional bloc currently provides P180 million in grants to the peace process between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

EU Head of Delegation Guy Ledoux and ambassadors Wilhelm Donko of Austria, Jorge Domecq of Spain and Stephen Lillie of the United Kingdom came to Cotabato City Wednesday to voice anew the bloc’s support to the peace talks.

“Our visit to Mindanao demonstrates the EU’s strong support for the Mindanao peace process. A peaceful settlement to the conflict is essential for the Philippines’ economic and social development, and we commend the GPH and MILF panels on their efforts so far,” Ledoux said in a statement.

The EU is currently providing P180 million in grants under its Instrument for Stability which supports the International Monitoring Team (IMT), as well as local and international NGOs involved in both the civilian protection component of the IMT and the International Contact Group.

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

[Urgent Action] Fear of Enforced Disappearance of Three Men – AI-Philippines

Posted on by One comment

Urgent Action Against Possible Enforced Disappearance!
by Amnesty International Philippines,January 20, 2012

URGENT ACTION
FEAR OF ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF THREE MEN

Three men have been missing since 3 January 2012, when they were last seen being taken, reportedly by military intelligence agents, at Manila airport.

After flying in to the Manila domestic airport terminal from Zamboanga City on 3 January, Najir Ahung, Rasbi Kasaran andYusoph Mohammad were apprehended by military intelligence agents, according to a credible local source.  The three men, residents of Al-Barka municipality in the conflict-affected island of Basilan, have not been seen or heard from since. Amnesty International fears that they are being detained incommunicado by the military, and are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

According to their families, the three men, all farmers, were also teachers at a madrasah (Islamic school).  They were in transit in Manila on their way to Qatar, where they were going to pursue further studies.

Rasbi Kasaran and Yusoph Mohammad, both 18, live in Cambug village in Al-Barka municipality, where there is known to be an MILF camp. On 19 October 2011, their village was the site of a clash between the army special forces and the armed opposition group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which left 19 soldiers dead and 11 wounded.

While the Philippine military routinely denies involvement in any case of enforced disappearance, in previous years Amnesty International has documented the military’s use of enforced disappearance against activists, suspected fighters and supporters of insurgent groups.

According to a reliable source, the arrest of the three men comes weeks after the Armed Forces of the Philippines filed 300 “John Doe” complaint affidavits against 300 unspecified residents of Cambug village. In a “John Doe” complaint affidavit or warrant, the authorities do not specify the name of the subject of the complaint or arrest.  Because such documents can be used against anyone, they have resulted in arbitrary arrest and detention.

Please write immediately in English or your own language:

expressing concern for the safety and wellbeing of Nahir Ahung, Rasbi Kasaran and Yusoph Mohammad, who were apprehended in Manila Airport on 3 January;

urging the authorities to immediately establish where the three men are being held;

calling on them to release Nahir Ahung, Rasbi Kasaran and Yusoph Mohammad immediately and unconditionally, or else charge them with a recognizably criminal offence.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 29 FEBRUARY 2012 TO:

Armed Forces of the Philippines
Chief of Staff
Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa
Office of the Chief of Staff
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
Quezon City, Philippines

Salutation: Dear General

Head, Army Human Rights Office
Col. Domingo Tutaan, Jr.
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +63 2911 7754
Email:  afphro@yahoo.com
Salutation: Dear Colonel

And copies to:
Head of Mission, International Monitoring Team in the Philippines
Maj. Gen. Dato Mahdi bin Yusof

IMT Headquarters
Cotabato City, Philippines
Email: imtphilippines@gmail.com

URGENT ACTION

FEAR OF ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE OF THREE MEN
Additional Information

Al-Barka municipality, in the remote island province of Basilan, southern Philippines, has seen intermittent fighting between the Philippine military and the insurgent group Moro Islamic Liberation Front., who both have bases in the area. Other armed groups including Abu Sayyaf, are also known to be present in the province, adding to general instability there.

Two of the deadliest clashes between the military and the MILF in recent years occurred in Al-Barka.  On 10 July 2007, 23 marines were killed in an encounter there, 14 of them beheaded.  On 19 October 2011, another armed encounter resulted in over 45 casualties on both sides and 10,000 civilians displaced.  This latest clash has led to a crackdown on residents in Al-Barka, including a complaint-affidavit being filed by the military against 300 unnamed residents.

Names:  Najir Ahung, Rasbi Kasaran and Yusoph Mohammad Gender m/f:  all are male

UA: 13/12 Index: ASA 35/001/2012 Issue Date: 18 January 2012

Related articles

[In the news] GPH, MILF to meet anew in Feb; Leonen says they have “inched forward but not fast enough” – www.mindanews.com

Posted on by Leave a comment

GPH, MILF to meet anew in Feb; Leonen says they have “inched forward but not fast enough”
By Carolyn O. Arguillas, www.mindanews.com
January 12, 2012

 DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/11 January) — The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will meet again next month to thresh out details of a proposed peace agreement that government hopes to forge by end of March.

But government panel chair Marvic Leonen in a press statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) at 11:15 p.m. January 11, appeared dismayed by the slow progress of the talks.

“We have inched forward but not fast enough,” Leonen said as he expressed concern “on the very slight movement” in the negotiations.

The two panels ended their three-day peace talks in Kuala Lumpur at 5:10 p.m. today (Wednesday), claiming in a joint statement that they had “constructive discussions on substantive issues” on power-sharing, among others, and have considered drafting “roadmaps towards a resolution of the Bangsamoro Question.”

Read full article @ www.mindanews.com

« Older Entries Recent Entries »