Saturday, April 30, 2011

Envi group says tragedy in Pantukan should push government to rethink mining policy

Panalipdan Mindanao
April 30, 2011

NEWS RELEASE
for reference : Sr. Stella Matutina, OSB, Secretary General, 0920.497.2204

Envi group says tragedy in Pantukan should push government to rethink mining policy

The environment coalition Panalipdan Mindanao laments the deaths during the mining-triggered landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley, and said this should let the government think twice on its push for large-scale mining and other projects that pose similar threats to communities.

In their recent Earth Day Conference held in Digos City, the group says President Benigno Aquino III should heed this incident as a warning.

"It is the irony that the Aquino administration pursues liberalized large-scale mining which brings about far greater effects of waste spillings, denudation of forests, and depletion of water resources. The government’s eleven priority large-scale, open-pit mining projects in Mindanao promise to be exponentially destructive," their statement says.

The groups says the Pantukan incident "showed the dangers posed by the mining industry and stressed the need for government to regulate small scale mining along nationalist development goals."

The group further said that Aquino's Mindanao 2020 program is potentially damaging since it promotes industries that destroy natural resources.

Sr. Stella Matutina OSB, secretary general of Panalipdan Mindanao, says that what the communities need is food security rather than "development" projects that damage resources such as mining, hydro power plants, coal-powered plants and agri-business expansion.

"Such projects have shown its negative impact towards communities, harming their sources of livelihood." she said.

Panalipdan Mindanao held its Earth Day Conference last April 25-27 at San Isidro Parish, Digos City, gathering 360 particpants and 50 organization from indigenous peoples, farmers, church people, academe and environmental advocates.

Among the participating groups and churches are Soccsksargends AGENDA, Panalipdan Southern Mindanao, Caraga Watch, PROTECT Zamboanga Peninsula, Kalumaran, Sisters' Association in Mindanao, United Methodist Church, and Episcopal Church of the Philippines.

The coalition presented their statement to local government units in the Provincial Board of Davao del Sur, municipal offices of Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur.

The group vowed to continue education campaigns and lobby with local government unites to come up with environment codes similar to the South Cotabato code that banned the X-Strata/ Sagittarius Mines project in their province.

"More than ever, our campaigns shall continue to educate the people that our land, our future is not for sale to environmental plunder. We seek the nationalization of industries to promote genuine pro-people, ecologically-centered development." the statement said.
#

Friday, April 29, 2011

Gov’t assures Cordilleran IPs to bring in their issues in CASER draft with NDF

Gov’t assures Cordilleran IPs to bring in their issues in CASER draft with NDF

Lacub, Abra, Apr. 30
– Peace panel member Ednar Dayanghirang on Wednesday assured the indigenous peoples (IP) of the Cordillera that the government will take account of the issues and recommendations they have aired in drafting the Comprehensive Agreement on the Socio-economic Reforms (CASER) with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

In a joint peace consultation with NDFP panel member Rafael Baylosis during the 27thCordillera Day held in Barangay Buneg here, Dayanghirang urged the IP representatives of Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province to continue articulating their concrete proposals to the Government of the Philippines (GPH).

Also present were Fr. Albert Alejo, member of the GPH Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on CASER, and Jimmid Mansayag, government consultant on IP concerns. Beverly Longid, IP resource person from the NDFP side, likewise joined the dialogue.

Dayanghirang stressed that the GPH-NDFP talks now focus on CASER to "address the roots of armed conflict and help lead to reforms that the people seek." CASER is one of three key agreements that the government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP have agreed to complete within a period of 18 months to three years.

Dayanghirang, an IP from the Mandaya tribe of Davao Oriental and chair of the GPH Reciprocal Working Committee (RWC) on CASER, cited six roots of the armed conflict which the CASER draft proposal must confront. These include poverty, poor delivery of basic services, marginalization of IPs, inequitable distribution of wealth and resources, unemployment and underemployment, and environmental degradation.

Noting that a lot still needs to be done to address IP issues, Dayanghirang said that poverty and underdevelopment have grown as reflected in statistics.

Immediate measures

The secluded, landlocked town of Lacub is among many areas in the Cordillera region richly endowed with gold ore deposits and other mineral resources but remains underdeveloped, Dayanghirang underscored.

There has been decades-old opposition to large-scale mining which has caused damage to the environment and local agriculture, economic and physical displacement of IP communities, and worsening impacts of climate change.

In the manifestos read by provincial IP representatives, issues on ancestral domain claims, alleged human rights violations of the military, poor delivery of basic services, corruption among local officials, and others were highlighted as barriers to development.

On this, Dayanghirang said that the GPH panel will consider recommending immediate measures to address the problems. "The panel has the moral ascendancy to tell the President (Benigno Aquino III) what the people want," he said.

Among these are revisiting and evaluating conflicting policies regarding ancestral domain claims; considering a legal framework where Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) holders can defend their ancestral lands; and proposing to include public lands in the distribution to peasants.

Dayanghirang also asked the IPs to "educate us on your stand regarding the bills or the laws that you are proposing," expressing hopes that more IPs will represent them on the legislative level.

On the NDFP part, Baylosis called for a moratorium on mining in the region. He added that the NPA can be given the responsibility "to guard the forests as well as the ancestral domains from capitalists."

"We can also create a joint political authority that would implement the reforms that have been agreed," he suggested.

IP support

Dayanghirang appealed to the IPs to push both parties to finally come to a peace agreement. "We have to continue persuading each other," he stated.

He also urged them to continue these dialogues because "the masses are critical to the success of the negotiations."

"Peace talks would be useless if the people are not involved," stressed Dayanghirang.

Further, he encouraged them to help the government and the NDFP solicit inputs from the people by holding their own consultations. "Let us pool our efforts in bridging the gap between the people and the government so that the government will understand the issues of the basic sectors."

The GPH-NDF joint peace consultation was organized by the Cordillera People’s Alliance and Katribu Partylist. #

Massive labor day protest set, PNoy tagged as heartless, pro-capitalist

Media Release

April 30, 2011

Massive labor day protest set, PNoy tagged as heartless, pro-capitalist

Davao City – A massive nationwide protest on Labor Day is set to be held in the city this coming Sunday highlighting the workers’ call for additional wages and to put a stop to the incessant price hikes that have pushed more Filipinos to poverty and hunger.

Research groups like IBON pointed that increasing wages by P125 daily will be beneficial to the economy as it will spur demand and stimulate the economy. It has also said that raising wages by this amount will only cut capitalists’ profits by a mere 15%.

“But President Aquino remains stubborn in giving in to these demands. He is apparently protective of the interest of his own oppressive class,” said Franchie Buhayan, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.

“He remains heedless, too, in the call for the scrapping of 12% Valued Added Tax on oil which, as economists say, will not hurt the economy and will even spur growth as it will greatly reduce oil pump prices and allow customers to save on fuel bills,” she added.

The government’s inaction has labeled Aquino as a heartless and pro-capitalist president.

“His inaction is a blatant disregard of the people’s well-being and welfare, in favor of big foreign and local capitalists’ excessive profiteering,” Buhayan said.

While the country’s top corporations earn billions more of profits, in contrast is the dismal condition of workers whose wages have increased four times only since 2001.

Even hinting increase in wages through the regional tripartite wage and productivity boards (RTWPB), as Pnoy recently did, is no guarantee that workers will finally have substantial wages. According to Buhayan, “Record shows that since these boards were created, workers’ wages were raised by as much as P26 only. Wage boards are also used instead by capitalists to press down wage hikes to insignificant levels.”

The people’s clamor for P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide has been pending for nearly a decade.

“We enjoin the people to go out on the streets on May 1. It will be a good day for us to show the President that if the government could not provide for us, we will claim these rights by our collective struggle,” Buhayan said.

For Reference:

FRANCHIE BUHAYAN
Secretary General
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao Region (Bayan-SMR)
0999.195.3370

Bukid Apo: Statement of GPH Chair Marvic Leonen, 21st Exploratory Talks with the MILF

Bukid Apo: Statement of GPH Chair Marvic Leonen, 21st Exploratory Talks with the MILF

Bukid Apo: LAKBAYAN CONTINGENT SWELLS IN 3-DAY MARCH FOR ‘LAND AND JUSTICE’

Bukid Apo: LAKBAYAN CONTINGENT SWELLS IN 3-DAY MARCH FOR ‘LAND AND JUSTICE’

LAKBAYAN CONTINGENT SWELLS IN 3-DAY MARCH FOR ‘LAND AND JUSTICE’



PRESS RELEASE
April 29, 2011

LAKBAYAN CONTINGENT SWELLS IN 3-DAY MARCH FOR ‘LAND AND JUSTICE’

Davao City --- Hundreds of farmers and advocates joined the 70 members of the Bagobo Klata tribe in Sitio Kahusayan who trooped to Brgy. Calinan yesterday (April 28) as part of their 3-day march tagged as the “Lakbayan Alang sa Yuta ug Hustisya” (March for Land and Justice).

“We are a small community and our numbers are slowly diminishing as a result of landgrabbing and militarization. But we have not wavered in this march as we believe in the justness of our cause,” said Diolito Diarog, nephew of slain Kahusayan leader Datu Dominador Diarog and council member of the local peoples’ organization Kahugpungan sa Lumad – Kahusayan (KSL).


The lumads led by the Diarog clan called for government attention as they struggle to return to their ancestral lands, a big portion of which were fenced off by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who owns a 5-hectare prayer mountain and 40 - hectare pine tree plantation at the foothills of Mt. Apo. Kahusayan residents are alarmed that the gherkins (small cucumber) plantation by Quiboloy would completely drive them away from the remaining part of their ancestral lands which Datu Doming Diarog died for.

“As we march from our ancestral home to downtown Davao, we enjoin all advocates for human rights and social justice to show their solidarity by joining the march and programs. Our fight for the land that has been forcibly taken away from us, our struggle against poverty, eviction and discrimination is also a fight shared by all oppressed farmers, lumads and urban poor,” said Diarog.

“We need the support of the public in this fight on which the survival of our tribe depends on,” said Diarog adding that the support from the town centers they pass is overwhelming.

“Donations in the form of clothes, cash and food stuff were also generously given by the onlookers. Simple people from market vendors to poor urban dwellers understood our plight and gave their support. Private car owners would honk or roll down their windows and raise their fists in support,” said Diarog.

Meanwhile, the marchers are expected to reach downtown Davao today. From Mintal Gym, a Sakbayan – Caravan will be staged, ending at Ulas where a 4 - hour march will then take place. The contingent is expected to arrive at the Matina- Quimpo Intersection at 10 a.m. where support groups await. A ritual calling on Magbabaya for the victory of their struggle will be held. Indignation rallies at the regional offices of the NCIP and the CHR will also be held before marchers head towards Centennial Park for a vigil. #

FOR REFERENCE:


Dioleto Diarog

Deputy Secretary General

PASAKA

Contact: 0948-880-2237

Tawi-Tawi granted P10-M worth peace and development projects

Tawi-Tawi granted P10-M worth peace and development projects

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Apr. 29 – Tawi-Tawi, the farthest island province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), was granted P 10-million worth of peace and development projects by the government through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) or PAMANA program.

Officials and staff of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently visited the province to brief Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali and other local chief executives on PAMANA’s objectives and implementation mechanisms. OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo and Assistant Secretary Jehanne Mutin of OPAPP’s Peacebuilding and Development Office led the delegation.

Tawi-Tawi is one of the priority areas for PAMANA in 2011 until 2013.

An initial P 10-million funding has been earmarked for the municipalities of Panglima Sugala and Simunul, mainly in support of the province’s road network development. The intervention is part of PAMANA’s Pillar Three which is peacebuilding through addressing connectivity and accessibility issues of communities.

During the briefing, prospects for expansion to other needs of the province were discussed, such as infrastructure and support services for cassava and seaweed farmers; provision of hospital equipment, as well as additional doctors and nurses; and improvement of water supply system in the province by tapping the Malung river as a source.

Panglima Sugala and Simunul are both Peace and Development Communities identified in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The P10-million funding support is also part of GPH’s fulfillment of its commitment to the pact’s implementation.

In the capital Bongao, Mayor Jasper Que in one of the consultations expressed appreciation on the linking up of OPAPP to the local government unit (LGU). He emphasized that close coordination between national agencies and LGUs is crucial for any project to succeed.

When asked where PAMANA’s intervention can help, flagged the need for sanitation facilities in every primary and secondary classroom in town, explaining further that a boost in health and well-being of the students is also contributory to a peaceful and prosperous Bongao.

The OPAPP team also visited the municipality of Languyan and held a forum on PAMANA wherein electrification of the town was proposed by officials as an intervention.

“Gusto po ng PAMANA na talagang maramdaman ninyo na naririto ang gobyerno, at naiintindihan namin ang inyong mga pangangailangan. Pagsisikapin po ng PAMANA na matugunan ang mga ito. (PAMANA only has good intentions for the community – for you to feel that the government understands your needs. PAMANA shall put in the best efforts to sincerely address them),” Montalbo said in the forum.

Mutin, on the other hand, emphasized everyone’s longing for healing as she is a Muslim herself and has seen and felt the pains of war.

“Alam po naming marami ang naapektuhan ng hidwaan, alam po naming masakit, pero kami po ay humihiling. Hindi po sa lahat ng panahon ay kaaway ang gobyerno. Kung pwede po sana ay makita niyo rin na pwedeng ka-partner ninyo ang gobyerno. (We know how many lives have been affected by this war, and we know that it’s painful for most of us, but it’s time and we ask for your indulgence. The government is not always an enemy. We hope that you will find it in your hearts to see the government as a partner this time),” Mutin stated.

Languyan is one of the remotest municipalities of the province of Tawi-tawi, and is a PAMANA target area for 2012. It is two hours away by motor boat from Bongao, and up to this day remains unreached by electric power lines. #

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Statement of GPH Chair Marvic Leonen, 21st Exploratory Talks with the MILF

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

MILF not giving up on Kato

MILF not giving up on Kato
28-Apr-11, 4:41 PM | Ria Rose Uro and Romy Elusfa, special to InterAksyon.com
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ILIGAN CITY, Philippines - (UPDATE) Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) admitted that efforts to win back Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato “are still wanting” but vowed that they would continue to convince the breakaway field commander to return.

“We are not giving up,” said chief MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal MILF in his opening statement during the 21st exploratory talks with government in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Government had earlier expressed “serious concern” following reports that Kato had broken ranks and formed his own armed group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Kato used to lead the MILF command operating around the Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

He was one of three field commanders accused of atrocities against civilians during the renewed fighting with government forces in 2008 that followed the aborted signing of a landmark Bangsamoro homeland deal.

Iqbal assured government that Kato “has not yet burned his bridges with the MILF” and asked that they be given a chance to resolve the problem.

He also said Kato assured them “he will stay within the fold of the MILF no matter what happens.”

“Kato has said that he will not create trouble against the peace process and the ceasefire. He also pledged to respect the good result of the negotiation,” Iqbal stressed.

On Thursday, a post on the MILF’s official website revealed the various efforts undertaken by the rebel leadership to have Kato “return to the fold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) without delay.”

The BIAF is the armed wing of the MILF.

The post also quoted MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar as saying Kato was not expelled from the MILF but is being branded a renegade because “he willfully defied orders by organizing another army, which is totally unacceptable in any revolutionary organization.”

A former Arabic teacher in madrasahs in Davao Oriental, Kato joined the MILF in 1993.

The MILF said it had sent several emissaries, from rebel officials to Islamic teachers or ulama, to explain its stand to Kato about his actions.

“The MILF Central Committee has exerted efforts to make him realize his mistakes (and) discontinue with his so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,” Iqbal said.

In a related development, peace activists urged both parties’ peace negotiators to focus their efforts on more substantive issues than the status of Kato.

Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Council for Just Peace, worried that the questions chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen raised about Kato could be “counter- productive.”

Benito, who agreed that the Kato case should be left for the MILF to resolve, explained that Leonen’s questions “could invite more supporters for Kato whose major concern, among a few others, is an endless negotiation.”

“Instead of wasting time and energies on the Kato case, the negotiators should buckle down to work on a comprehensive agreement because if there are disagreements among the ranks of the MILF, the more disagreements are there among government officials and agencies,” Benito stressed.

Aware of an earlier report by an independent organization on the status of Kato, Benito even entertained the possibility that “the government might just be looking for a reason to delay the peace process. I really hope that this is not one of the dilatory tactics that the government has stocked.”

Leonen, referred to an independent report about Kato by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus in his opening statement at the Kuala Lumpur talks.

While Kato, in that report, clarified that his BIFF does not intend to hold separate negotiations with government and will respect the outcome of the GPH-MILF talks, he also warned government against deceiving the Bangsamoro people again, citing the botched Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain as example of alleged government deception.

Rexall Kaalim, head of the grassroots independent ceasefire monitoring group Bantay Ceasefire, urged the peace negotiators to “reiterate an earlier request for the International Monitoring Team to conduct an independent investigation on the alleged coercion and other atrocities being blamed on Kato.”

Kaalim, who was among those who dialogued with the BIFF commander in the hinterlands of Maguindanao on April 16, relayed that “until now, Kato is still waiting for any independent party who would want to investigate on what really happened in August of 2008,” referring to the war that broke after the botching of the MOA-AD and displaced 700,000 civilians.

The MPC report quoted Kato belying allegations that his forces attacked innocent civilians in 2008, saying: “It was the military who attacked us first.”

It also cited the claim of Kato that there was not one investigation done on the allegations hurled against him and three other MILF commanders.

“Kato claims that there has never been an investigation conducted in order to ferret out the truth about this incident. Lahat nalang ibinibintang sa akin,” the MPC report said while emphasizing that the BIFF chief “is open to any impartial investigation so that the truth will come out.

Moro groups call for own rule

Moro groups call for own rule
Mindanao people want peace for the region 'sooner rather than later'
Romy Elusfa, Cotabato City
Philippines
April 28, 2011

Moro groups on the southern island of Mindanao have urged the government to ensure a negotiated peace settlement with rebels and to create a Bangsamoro (Moro nation) sub-state.

Their call came during a “send-off” procession for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiators, ahead of the reopening of peace talks in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“No to endless negotiations,” read banners and placards held up by spectators along the procession’s route.

Up to 10,000 people took part in the 500-vehicle procession, which started in Cotabato City and passed through the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.

Participants also called on the government and the MILF to immediately sign a comprehensive agreement for peace in Mindanao.

Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Council for Just Peace, said the people’s participation in the procession was “a manifestation of our agreement with the legitimate demands that the MILF has forwarded to the government.”

Carlo Abdulmalik Cleofe, advocacy officer of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, said the procession “shows that the Bangsamoro people are really behind the negotiations and the MILF’s agenda.”

In Davao City, peace activists set up a 200-meter “human chain for peace” not only to show support for the peace talks but also “to demand concrete results from the negotiations.”

Government peace negotiators yesterday said they had no illusions that their own requirements for consultation will be easy.

“What we are trying to achieve… is a political settlement which should embody what we in government can deliver,” said lawyer Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace panel.

He praised the MILF decision to conduct consultations with non-Moro groups. “We are here to negotiate ways to solve problems,” Leonen said.

DOJ ISSUES ADVISORY OPINION ON RULES ON MILITARY/POLICE CHECKPOINTS

Please note the following DOJ advisory regarding military and police check points (below and attachment).



DOJ ISSUES ADVISORY OPINION ON RULES

ON MILITARY/POLICE CHECKPOINTS [1]
24 March 2011
The Department of Justice (DOJ) released today the first Advisory Opinion summarizing the basic rights of citizens in military/police checkpoints.

Advisory Opinion No. 1 signed by Secretary Leila M. De Lima is issued in line with the thrust of the Department to take a pro-active stance and dynamic approach in criminal justice concerns.

“We came out with this initiative to protect the public from abuses committed by law enforcers and to weed out illegal checkpoints,” said Secretary Leila M. De Lima.

The ten (10) checkpoint rules outlined in the Advisory are anchored on the constitutional guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures (Section 2, Article III). These are:
Checkpoint must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.
1. Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle.
2. Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed.
3. Do not submit to a physical or bodily search.
4. You are not obliged to open glove compartment, trunk or bags.
5. Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.
6. Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.
7. Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy and within reach.
8. Be ready to use your cellphone at anytime. Speed-dial emergency number.
9. Report violations immediately. Your actions may save others.

Each rule is supported by law and jurisprudence to ensure that in the implementation of proper search and seizure procedures at military and police checkpoints, human rights are not violated. Important definitions such as “checkpoint,” “visual search” and “probable cause” are included in the Advisory. The rules are couched in a language that is easy to understand and memorize.

Republika ng Pilipinas
KAGAWARAN NG KATARUNGAN
Department of Justice Manila
15 March 2011
ADVISORY OPINION NO. 01

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ADVISORY
ON RULES ON MILITARY/POLICE CHECKPOINTS

I. INTRODUCTION
This Department of Justice (DOJ) Advisory (the “Advisory”) is intended to address and advise the public on the proper conduct of checkpoints to protect citizens, to serve as warning to erring law enforcers and to weed out illegal checkpoints. The Advisory summarizes law and jurisprudence to ensure that in the implementation of proper search and seizure procedures at military or police checkpoints, civil, political and human rights are not violated.

II. SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Constitution
Section 2, Article III of the Constitution provides for the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Section 3, Article III also provides that any evidence obtained in violation of the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.
2. Election laws, rules and guidelines
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued guidelines on the establishment of checkpoints to effectively implement the firearms ban during election period pursuant to the powers vested in it by the Constitution, Omnibus Election Code and other election laws.
3. Supreme Court decisions
The Supreme Court, in several cases, has ruled that not all checkpoints are illegal. Those which are warranted by the exigencies of public order and are conducted in a way least intrusive to motorists are allowed. For, admittedly, routine checkpoints do intrude, to a certain extent, on motorists’ right to “free passage without interruption,” but it cannot be denied that, as a rule, it involves only a brief detention of travelers during which the vehicle’s occupants are required to answer a brief question or two. For as long as the vehicle is neither searched not its occupants subjected to a body search, and the inspection of the vehicle is limited to a visual search, said routine checks cannot be regarded as violative of an individual’s right against unreasonable search. In fact, these routine checks, when conducted in a fixed area, are even less intrusive. [1]


III. IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

1. Checkpoint – A place where the military or police check vehicular or pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation control measures and other laws, orders, and regulations which involves only a brief detention of travelers during which the vehicle’s occupants are required to answer a brief question or two.

2. Brief detention – a brief stoppage or interruption of travel or motion (in the context of the conduct of checkpoints).

3. Plain view – that which is readily in sight of an officer who has a right to be in the position to have that view.

4. Probable cause – the existence of such facts and circumstances as would lead a person of ordinary caution and prudence to entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the person charged is guilty of the crime subject of the investigation.

5. Uniformed personnel – refers to the AFP and/or PNP personnel wearing their respective service uniforms with the name plates and other identification tags.

6. Visual search – an eye search using the ‘plain view’ doctrine.


IV. ADVISORY

The general public is hereby advised on the rules on military/police checkpoints as follows:

1. CHECKPOINT MUST BE WELL-LIGHTED, PROPERLY IDENTIFIED AND MANNED BY UNIFORMED PERSONNEL.

Checkpoint guidelines provide that all personnel manning legitimate checkpoints should be in service uniform with the name plates and other identification tags clearly visible and readable.

2. UPON APPROACH, SLOW DOWN, DIM HEADLIGHTS AND TURN ON CABIN LIGHTS. NEVER STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE.

In a checkpoint inquiry, the occupants cannot be compelled to step out of the vehicle.[2]

3. LOCK ALL DOORS. ONLY VISUAL SEARCH IS ALLOWED.

The search which is normally permissible is limited to visual search where the officer simply looks into the vehicle and flashes a light therein without opening the car’s door.[3]

4. DO NOT SUBMIT TO A PHYSICAL OR BODY SEARCH.

The search which is normally permissible is limited to an instance where the occupants are not subjected to a physical or body search.[4]

5. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGED TO OPEN GLOVE COMPARTMENT, TRUNK OR BAGS.

The personnel manning the checkpoint cannot compel the motorist to open the trunk or glove compartment of the car or any package contained therein. Such extensive search requires the existence of probable cause.[5]

6. ORDINARY/ROUTINE QUESTIONS MAY BE ASKED. BE COURTEOUS BUT FIRM WITH ANSWERS.

Checkpoint involves only a brief detention of travelers during which the vehicle’s occupants are required to answer a brief question or two.[6]

7. ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS, HAVE PRESENCE OF MIND AND DO NOT PANIC.

The constitutional immunity against unreasonable searches and seizures is a personal right which may be waived. Affirmative acts of volition without being forced or intimidated to do so, shall properly be construed as a clear waiver of right.[7]

8. KEEP YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE AND CAR REGISTRATION HANDY AND WITHIN REACH.

To avoid delay and inconvenience, ready the car registration documents for inspection, in case requested by authorities.

9. BE READY TO USE YOUR CELLPHONE AT ANYTIME. SPEED DIAL EMERGENCY NUMBER.

In case of violation in any these standards, cellphones can be used anytime to call emergency numbers: 117 (PNP) or (02)521-2930 ( DOJ Action Center ).

10. REPORT VIOLATIONS IMMEDIATELY. YOUR ACTIONS MAY SAVE OTHERS.

All violations shall be reported to the authorities to ensure steps are taken to investigate checkpoint violations.

This Advisory is issued in line with the thrust of the Department to take a pro-active stance and dynamic approach in criminal justice concerns and all are enjoined to observe this Advisory.


(signed)
LEILA M. DE LIMA
Secretary

[1] People vs. Escaño, G.R. No. 129756-58, January 28,2000
[2] Abenes vs. CA, GR No. 156320, February 14, 2007
[3] Caballes vs. CA, GR No. 136292, January 15, 2002
[4] Op. Cit.
[5] People vs. Lacerna GR. No.n 109250, September 5, 1997
[6] Supra. Abenes vs. CA
[7] Supra. Caballes vs. CA

MILF: Kato is our problem



MILF: Kato is our problem


Kuala Lumpur, Apr. 28 - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clarified that Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato is "still part of the MILF and is considered an internal problem."


MILF Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal disclosed this today, the last day of the 21st formal exploratory talks between the government and the armed group from southern Philippines.


Iqbal made this clarification upon the request of the Philippine government who views with 'serious concern' the issue of Kato and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which he founded.


"Kato will respect the peace negotiations. He will not commit any form of agression," Iqbal stressed. "You should leave the problem (Kato) to us."


Iqbal said that what Kato cannot tolerate is the endless peace negotiations and the inability of government to deliver on its promises.


On August 2008, Kato was believed to be behind the outbreak of violence in Mindanao following the non-signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.


At the opening ceremony of the recently concluded round of talks, GPH chief negotiator Marvic Leonen asked the MILF for clarification on the Kato issue.


"At this point, it will be difficult to get the needed political critical mass to implement an agreement of the magnitude that is implied in your Revised Comprehensive Compact if there are unaddressed spliter groups from your movement," Leonen stated. #

KAHUSAYAN LUMAD LAKBAYAN ALANG SA YUTA UG HUSTISYA (2nd Day)



PHOTO3: Sons of Datu Doming Diarog called out their demands for the reclamation of their ancestral lands and justice for their slain Datu. The Bagobo Klata'S Lakbayan alang sa Yuta ug Hustisya passed along Calinan highway. (PHOTOS by: JONALD MAHINAY)

LAKBAYAN FOR LAND AND JUSTICE REACHES MINTAL, LUMADS DECRY HARASSMENT

April 28, 2011



LAKBAYAN FOR LAND AND JUSTICE REACHES MINTAL, LUMADS DECRY HARASSMENT



Lakbayan delegation composed of Bagobo K’lata Lumads from Brgy. Manuel Guianga and supporters from other farming districts and advocate groups decried today (April 28) the harassment of the elements of the police from the Mintal Police Station.



The Lakbayan delegation formally asked the barangay for the use of the barangay gymnasium where cultural and solidarity program will be held tonight, the lumads’ second night in a march for land rights.



The elements of the police attempted to disperse the lumads and farmers, brandishing the lakbayan as an illegal assembly and a nuisance.



“Among giduso ang among katungod nga makapasibaw sa among mulo. Padayong giilog kanamo ang among yutang kabilin ug bag-ohay lang aduna na usab mga pagpanghulga nga among nasinati luyo sa umaabotay nga ikatulong tuig sa panghitabo nga pagpatay sa among lider nga si Datu Diarog nga hangtod karon wala gayod nakatagamtam og hustisya. Hangtod karon inutil gihapon ang gubyerno nga mubarog alang sa mga kabus ug dinaog daog sa mga anaa sa gahom ug impluwensyadong mga tawo nga sama ni Pastor Quiboloy!” decried Diolito Diarog, Bagobo Klata leader from Sitio Kahusayan, who now stands as one of the leading tribal council member after the death of Datu Doming Diarog three years ago.



“Wala’y makapugong sa among paglunsad og usa ka dakong lihok protesta pinaagi sa pagmartsa gikan sa among komunidad hangtod sa sentrong bahin sa Dakbayan sa Davao. Buot namong mapabaniog ang among dugay na nga panawagan nga i-uli kanamo ang among yutang kabilin ug mahatag kanamo ang dugay namong gipangita nga hustisya, samtang nagamartsa kami sa kadalanan, gikan Kahusayan hangtod dinha sa atbang sa ahensya sa lokal nga panggamhanan,” he adds.



After the program at Mintal Gym tonight, the march proceeds tomorrow (April 29) to Ulas. From there the lumads will hold a ritual at the Crossing Matina going Quimpo Boulevard while various support groups from other sectors will join them in solidarity march for land and justice.



The delegation is expected to reach Davao City Sangguniang Panglungsod at around 5 pm where a vigil will be held to commemorate the killing of Datu Dominador Diarog who was slain by members of the military unit -Task Force Davao, as he refused to sell his ancestral land and valinatly defend his land and tribe against the land grabber -- Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. #



FOR REFERENCE:



Dioleto Diarog

PASAKA Deputy Secretary General
Contact Number: 0948-8802237

Pantukan tragedy: PNoy’s last wake-up call to end oppressive economic policy - Bayan

April 28, 2011



Pantukan tragedy: PNoy’s last wake-up call to end oppressive economic policy - Bayan



Davao City – We offer our sympathies to the families of those who perished in the landslide in Pantukan. Most of them and those who remain missing are the abanteros of small-scale mining tunnels who scour the earth with their bare hands for a living.



Sadly, in the wake of the tragedy, we hear government putting a blame on the victims themselves whom it forgets are the very people who are not supposed to end up dead had there been enough opportunities for them to cope with hard life.



Worst, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director himself, Leo Jasareno, takes advantage of the situation by declaring a shift to policies that are prejudicial to the small-scale mining and in favor of the large-scale and foreign-backed mining..



It is unnerving for this top bureaucrat of the Aquino administration to say that the Pantukan disaster is “the last wake-up call of the government to cut back on small mining operations” while sparing, on the other hand, the 1,600 hectare area of the U.S.-backed mining company Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor) within the tragedy site in Pantukan, from such declaration.



But Jasareno, understandably, is just playing well for his master. After all, he is serving an administration that has constantly pursued an economic agenda of promoting more foreign investments and public-private partnerships in industries, one of which is mining.



In fact, just as President Aquino ordered a nationwide logging moratorium but failed to cancel logging permits of large logging concessions, he has rejected 903 pending mining applications from mostly Filipino corporations, while favorably endorsing 247 foreign-backed applications for processing.



Duplicity from the Aquino administration is the last thing Filipinos need at this time.



Mining areas have been the veritable graveyard of poor Filipinos, like the abanteros whose cheap labor are being exploited by the capitalists so the country may fulfill its tragic role of being a mere provider of cheap raw material exports to foreign economies.



The Pantukan tragedy will always be a reminder of the harshness that life has been for the country’s poor. For this, it should be the Aquino government’s last wake-up call instead to reverse its oppressive economic policy that has made the people suffer long enough.#



For Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao Region (Bayan-SMR),


FRANCHIE BUHAYAN
Secretary General
0999.195.3370

JOINT STATEMENT OF GPH AND MILF

JOINT STATEMENT


The 21st Round of Peace Talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the facilitation of the Malaysian Government concluded today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the Parties tackling important issues paving the way for the discussions of the Comprehensive Compact.


The GPH Panel made queries on the Revised Draft Comprehensive Compact submitted by the MILF during the last meeting seeking to clarify concepts, meanings and intent on some of its provisions. The GPH panel Agreed to submit its counter proposal during the next meeting on June 27-28, 2011.


The GPH Panel briefed the MILF Panel on the Progress and the efforts of the Government on the political detainees claimed by the MILF.


The GPH Panel sought clarification on the status of Commander Kato. The MILF reiterated their stand that it is an internal matter that they are still exerting all effort to resolve.


The Parties also provided updates on the formation of their respective committees to the AHJAG.


The Parties expressed their appreciation and deep gratitude to HE Datuk Othman Bin Abd Razak for his efforts in moving forward the peace process and welcome HE Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Bin Tenku Mohamed as the new Malaysian Facilitator.


Likewise, the Parties expressed their high appreciation to HE President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his unstinting support to the Peace Process, to HE Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continuing support in the achievement of a just and lasting peace in Mindanao and HE MILF Chairman Al haj Murad Ebrahim for his commitment to the resolution of the Bangsamoro Question.


Done this 28th day of April 2011 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



FOR THE GPH:

MARVIC M.V.F. LEONEN
GPH Panel Chair


FOR THE MILF:

MOHAGHER IQBAL
MILF Panel Chair


SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF:

TENGKU DATO’ AB GHAFAR BIN TENGKU MOHAMED
Malaysian Facilitator

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Let us fast track the negotiation

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Iqbal: "Let us fast track the negotiation"

Opening statement of Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Panel, during the 21st GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur on April 27-28, 2011
Let us fast track the negotiation


Under the Aquino dispensation, this is our third meeting to pursue the peace negotiation that started fourteen years ago. Surely, we are still very much on track and we hope to stay on course until we finally sign the comprehensive compact which contains the negotiated political solution to the Moro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao. I am sure both peace panels have this in mind and are both committed to make this a reality.


Frankly, at no time in the 14-year GPH-MILF peace negotiation that the delivery capacity of the government is seen very clearly. First, President Benigno Aquino III has vast political and social capital that he can use to rally massive support to his peace agenda in Mindanao. His popularity, as reflected in various surveys, is unequalled in the history of presidents in the Philippines. Second, my counterpart has expressed several times his unflinching commitment to address the problem in Mindanao including the resort to the “universe of possibilities” in order to sign a peace deal with the MILF. This indeed is very encouraging. Afterward, he made another bold assertion that a peace pact with the MILF can be done within one year. Thirdly, the current peace panel is undergoing serious consultations with various stakeholders in Mindanao especially local government executives, whose political interests, although some are fleeting, are radically affected by any alteration or dislocation of power in governance. And fourth, the government has all the time needed to accomplish this peace pact with the MILF within their remaining time in government.

On the part of the MILF, we are also holding dialogues with various non-Moro groups in Mindanao, even if it is not our responsibility, as agreed by the parties. We have reach out to the clergy, both Catholics and Protestants, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), and business groups. After this meeting, we have another round of dialogues in Manila with non-Moro NGOs, CSOs, business groups and members of the diplomatic community; and from there, we will proceed to Zamboanga City, the island provinces of Western Mindanao, Pagadian City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City. At the same time, we are also conducting side forums with members of the indigenous communities and members of the MILF political and military leadership in the various cities and provinces which we visited and are scheduled to visit. They must not be left in the tail-end of the dialogues; on the contrary, they must be in the forefront to know and understand not only the inside and out of the peace process but more importantly to accept the validity and wisdom of a peaceful, just, and lasting negotiated political settlement of the problem in Mindanao. They must own the peace process and the results; otherwise, a problem is in the offing.

Mind you, in these sorties even to areas traditionally dubbed as “unfriendly” to the peace talks like Zamboanga City, people are cautioning us about the security risk. We told them that all these efforts are done in the name of peace and is part of advocacy agreed by the parties. We tell them also that our counterpart in government is informed of this officially and we are sure they are not remiss in their responsibility.

In addition, we have met several experts on conflict resolutions and constitutional negotiations, and in the course of our serious discussion, we have learned and drawn lessons from their vast experiences that, to us, are of tremendous value to anyone who is serious in resolving conflicts of various nature, including sovereignty-based like the MILF. I hope those government officials whom these experts talked to also shared our views.

At this juncture, let me refresh our memories about the coming in of the International Contact Group (ICG) to the GPH-MILF peace process. During the GPH-MILF non-meeting on July 7, 2009, the MILF peace panel had categorically told their counterpart in government that the MILF will not return to the negotiating table even in the brink of more fighting except when there is an international guarantee. “We cannot trust the government anymore after they deliberately did not sign the MOA-AD.

After some serious talks, the MILF and the government settled to use “contact” instead of “guarantee”, on the condition that its main task is “to exert proper leverage” to the parties in negotiation.

For the MILF, the ICG is not dispensable; they must be invited to attend and observe not only the opening and closing programs of the talks but more importantly to the plenary session where the substantive agenda of the talks is under deliberation. Of course, the parties can go on an executive meeting to discuss an agenda that is considered exclusive to them.

On the issue of Ameril Ombra Kato, he has not yet “burned his bridges” with the MILF. On the contrary, he said he will stay within the fold of the MILF no matter what happens. Kato has said that he will not create trouble against the peace process and the ceasefire. He also pledged to respect the good result of the negotiation. What he cannot accept is “endless negotiations” and the failure of government to deliver their part of the bargain.

For your information, the MILF Central Committee has exerted efforts to make him realize his mistakes, discontinue with his so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and return to the fold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) but more efforts are still wanting --- and we are not giving up.

The Kato problem is internal to the MILF. Leave this problem to us.

Fourteen years since the start of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation in 1997 is too long a process. We have gone through various hardships and tribulations and practically only one agenda is left for discussion; i.e., the comprehensive compact. For the MILF, this is not very difficult agenda; it is only about an asymmetrical state-substate relationship. We are not talking here of independence, as what was done in Islamic Sudan and Christian-Animist South Sudan.

But let me caution ourselves that all eyes are trained on us, whether we are serious or not, or whether we are engaged in problem solving or merely managing the conflict in Mindanao. For the MILF, the parties need to fast track the process. Practically one year has already been consumed in the six-year term of President Aquino, and the GPH peace panel has not submitted their own counter-draft on the comprehensive compact. We want the GPH peace panel to be ready with their draft during the next round of talks. If they want ample time to be able to do this, we can allow them the time they need; and one month timeframe, I think, is fair enough.

On this note, let me once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for their coming and attendance in this important meeting of the parties. And to his Excellency, Datuk Othman Bin Abd’ Razak, my sincerest thanks for his services in the name of peace-making and more importantly for his sterling performance as Malaysian facilitator of the GPH-MILF peace talks. He can be equaled but his deep commitment to peace and fair play are outstanding that could remain in the annals of this negotiation for the years and generations to come. And to the new Malaysian facilitator, we welcome you and rest assured of our cooperation in our common journey to peace.


Thank you and wassalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!
--------------------------------
** Opening statement of Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF peace panel, during the 21st GPH-MILF Peace Talks in Kuala Lumpur on April 27, 2011.


Opening statement of Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Panel, during the 21st GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur on April 27-28, 2011
Fix IE Bug. Dont remove this line.
Let us fast track the negotiation


Under the Aquino dispensation, this is our third meeting to pursue the peace negotiation that started fourteen years ago. Surely, we are still very much on track and we hope to stay on course until we finally sign the comprehensive compact which contains the negotiated political solution to the Moro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao. I am sure both peace panels have this in mind and are both committed to make this a reality.


Frankly, at no time in the 14-year GPH-MILF peace negotiation that the delivery capacity of the government is seen very clearly. First, President Benigno Aquino III has vast political and social capital that he can use to rally massive support to his peace agenda in Mindanao. His popularity, as reflected in various surveys, is unequalled in the history of presidents in the Philippines. Second, my counterpart has expressed several times his unflinching commitment to address the problem in Mindanao including the resort to the “universe of possibilities” in order to sign a peace deal with the MILF. This indeed is very encouraging. Afterward, he made another bold assertion that a peace pact with the MILF can be done within one year. Thirdly, the current peace panel is undergoing serious consultations with various stakeholders in Mindanao especially local government executives, whose political interests, although some are fleeting, are radically affected by any alteration or dislocation of power in governance. And fourth, the government has all the time needed to accomplish this peace pact with the MILF within their remaining time in government.

On the part of the MILF, we are also holding dialogues with various non-Moro groups in Mindanao, even if it is not our responsibility, as agreed by the parties. We have reach out to the clergy, both Catholics and Protestants, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), and business groups. After this meeting, we have another round of dialogues in Manila with non-Moro NGOs, CSOs, business groups and members of the diplomatic community; and from there, we will proceed to Zamboanga City, the island provinces of Western Mindanao, Pagadian City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City. At the same time, we are also conducting side forums with members of the indigenous communities and members of the MILF political and military leadership in the various cities and provinces which we visited and are scheduled to visit. They must not be left in the tail-end of the dialogues; on the contrary, they must be in the forefront to know and understand not only the inside and out of the peace process but more importantly to accept the validity and wisdom of a peaceful, just, and lasting negotiated political settlement of the problem in Mindanao. They must own the peace process and the results; otherwise, a problem is in the offing.

Mind you, in these sorties even to areas traditionally dubbed as “unfriendly” to the peace talks like Zamboanga City, people are cautioning us about the security risk. We told them that all these efforts are done in the name of peace and is part of advocacy agreed by the parties. We tell them also that our counterpart in government is informed of this officially and we are sure they are not remiss in their responsibility.

In addition, we have met several experts on conflict resolutions and constitutional negotiations, and in the course of our serious discussion, we have learned and drawn lessons from their vast experiences that, to us, are of tremendous value to anyone who is serious in resolving conflicts of various nature, including sovereignty-based like the MILF. I hope those government officials whom these experts talked to also shared our views.

At this juncture, let me refresh our memories about the coming in of the International Contact Group (ICG) to the GPH-MILF peace process. During the GPH-MILF non-meeting on July 7, 2009, the MILF peace panel had categorically told their counterpart in government that the MILF will not return to the negotiating table even in the brink of more fighting except when there is an international guarantee. “We cannot trust the government anymore after they deliberately did not sign the MOA-AD.

After some serious talks, the MILF and the government settled to use “contact” instead of “guarantee”, on the condition that its main task is “to exert proper leverage” to the parties in negotiation.

For the MILF, the ICG is not dispensable; they must be invited to attend and observe not only the opening and closing programs of the talks but more importantly to the plenary session where the substantive agenda of the talks is under deliberation. Of course, the parties can go on an executive meeting to discuss an agenda that is considered exclusive to them.

On the issue of Ameril Ombra Kato, he has not yet “burned his bridges” with the MILF. On the contrary, he said he will stay within the fold of the MILF no matter what happens. Kato has said that he will not create trouble against the peace process and the ceasefire. He also pledged to respect the good result of the negotiation. What he cannot accept is “endless negotiations” and the failure of government to deliver their part of the bargain.

For your information, the MILF Central Committee has exerted efforts to make him realize his mistakes, discontinue with his so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and return to the fold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) but more efforts are still wanting --- and we are not giving up.

The Kato problem is internal to the MILF. Leave this problem to us.

Fourteen years since the start of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation in 1997 is too long a process. We have gone through various hardships and tribulations and practically only one agenda is left for discussion; i.e., the comprehensive compact. For the MILF, this is not very difficult agenda; it is only about an asymmetrical state-substate relationship. We are not talking here of independence, as what was done in Islamic Sudan and Christian-Animist South Sudan.

But let me caution ourselves that all eyes are trained on us, whether we are serious or not, or whether we are engaged in problem solving or merely managing the conflict in Mindanao. For the MILF, the parties need to fast track the process. Practically one year has already been consumed in the six-year term of President Aquino, and the GPH peace panel has not submitted their own counter-draft on the comprehensive compact. We want the GPH peace panel to be ready with their draft during the next round of talks. If they want ample time to be able to do this, we can allow them the time they need; and one month timeframe, I think, is fair enough.

On this note, let me once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for their coming and attendance in this important meeting of the parties. And to his Excellency, Datuk Othman Bin Abd’ Razak, my sincerest thanks for his services in the name of peace-making and more importantly for his sterling performance as Malaysian facilitator of the GPH-MILF peace talks. He can be equaled but his deep commitment to peace and fair play are outstanding that could remain in the annals of this negotiation for the years and generations to come. And to the new Malaysian facilitator, we welcome you and rest assured of our cooperation in our common journey to peace.


Thank you and wassalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!
--------------------------------
** Opening statement of Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF peace panel, during the 21st GPH-MILF Peace Talks in Kuala Lumpur on April 27, 2011.

GPH-MILF 21st exploratory talks

GPH-MILF 21st exploratory talks


Kuala Lumpur, Apr. 27 – The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) today resumed peace negotiations, the 2nd round of formal talks under the Aquino administration.


The talks is currently being facilitated by Tenkgu Dato AB Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, the new Malaysian third party facilitator who replaced Datuk Othman bin Abdul Razak.


Othman introduced Ghafar at the opening of the 21st formal exploratory talks, saying that “I have been in this position for almost 9 yrs and I have overstayed so it’s time for me to leave. I am hoping that the (new) facilitator will be able to guide the talks, having heard that the GPH has a timetable to complete the talks in the soonest possible time.”


The GPH and MILF panels lauded the introduction of the new facilitator. At the same time, both panels signified their appreciation to Othman for his strong commitment to the Mindanao peace process.


Substantive Agenda of the Talks

The meat of the current peace negotiations is the clarification on some points of the Comprehensive Compact, the standing position of the MILF.


GPH Panel Chair Marvic Leonen thanked the MILF for allowing the government to comb through the MILF proposal and ask for clarifications.


“We hope that you would take our questions in the spirit in which we have to make them: to elicit your interpretation so that we or our principals will not second guess what your initial positions are,” Leonen stated.


Meanwhile, Iqbal expressed hope that the GPH and the MILF will finally be able to forge a peace agreement in the soonest possible time.


According to Iqbal, “President Benigno Aquino III has a vast social and political capital that can be used to push the peace process forward.”


Iqbal also said that he is encouraged by Leonen’s bold public statement that a peace agreement can be effected in one year.


Public Consultations

Both the government and MILF panels have been conducting public consultations to get the pulse of the public on the countless issues related to the Mindanao peace process.


According to Leonen, the government has already conducted a total of 24 consultations with different sectors where there were “frank and candid exchanges of hopes and aspirations, ideals and pragmatic results, ideas and approaches that can help validate our position on countless issues.”


“Our schedules are full the next few weeks: meetings which range from command conferences of the area commands in Mindanao, consultations with local government officials, to meetings with legislators, former justices, cabinet clusters and of course with our direct principal, the President,” Leonen added.


Meanwhile, the MILF is also set to pursue several more consultations with the different stakeholders, the clergy which includes Catholics and Protestants, NGOs, civil society as well as several Manila-based groups including the Manila Business Club.#

GPH to MILF: See the problems realistically

GPH to MILF: See the problems realistically
Kuala Lumpur, Apr. 28 – As their formal exploratory talks began today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the government told the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that underlying issues of negotiations require them to see problems realistically.


“We are here to negotiate ways to solve problems. That principally requires that we are open to seeing the problem realistically,” said Marvic Leonen, Government of the Philippines (GPH) panel chair for the MILF talks, during his opening statement in the 21st GPH-MILF formal exploratory talks in Malaysia.


In his statement, Leonen cited two issues that he said may affect the “workability of any final agreement”. These refer to the consideration of a previously signed accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that deals with the same areas and peoples as that of the MILF; and the issue of alleged splinter groups such as that formed by Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato.


Considering that the government has signed a Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF in 1996, Leonen sees that the current negotiations with the MILF deals with much of the same ground and in representation of the same peoples.


Leonen, with that, hoped that that the MILF can consider the offshoots of the situation as a problem that both panels can mutually address.


“We hope that the MNLF and the MILF’s commitment, both representing the Bangsamoro peoples, should not be at cross purposes with each other,” added Leonen.


Meanwhile, the GPH panel chair likewise stressed on the alleged separation of Kato’s group, now called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).


The chair mentioned some concerns that the government panel has been trying to get answers including: the threat of setting up another negotiating table for the BIFF, in case the GPH has already signed an agreement with MILF; the question on the BIFF still being part of MILF; the uncertainty on authority over MILF’s coercive forces; the assurance of the BIFF respecting ceasefires of the government with MILF; and the extent of the BIFF constituency on Kato’s areas of operation.


In August 2008, Kato was a prominent figure behind the outbreak of violence following the non-signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).#

New Malaysian facilitator for GPH-MILF talks named

New Malaysian facilitator for GPH-MILF talks named


Kuala Lumpur, Apr. 27 – The new Malaysian third party facilitator for GPH-MILF peace negotiations was introduced today, at the opening of the 21st formal exploratory talks.


Tenkgu Dato AB Ghafar Tengku Mohamed will replace outgoing Malaysian facilitator Datuk Othman bin Abdul Razak, who has been brokering the GPH-MILF talks for the past nine years.


Ghafar is the former Secretary of Malaysia’s National Security Council, and according to the Othman, has the same level of experience as him.


Othman introduced the new facilitator as he emphasized that the opening ceremony will be the last session he will be facilitating.


“I have been in this position for almost 9 yrs and I have overstayed so it’s time for me to leave. I am hoping that the (new) facilitator will be able to guide the talks, having heard that the GPH has a timetable to complete the talks in the soonest possible time,” according to Othman.


The GPH and MILF panels lauded the introduction of the new facilitator. At the same time, both panels signified their appreciation to Othman for his strong commitment to the Mindanao peace process.


“I would like to thank Datuk Otman for having served this framework of negotiations in what I may describe as nine difficult years,” government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen stated.


Meanwhile, MILF Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal stated that “Othman’s commitment to peace will remain in the annals of the (GPH-MILF) negotiations.”


At the same time, International Contact Group (ICG) member David Gorman lauded Othman’s “great skill and dexterity in keeping the peace process on track despite the breakdown in the past due to the non-signing of the MOA-AD.”


The Philippine government previously requested for the replacement of Othman due to alleged bias towards the MILF.#

Globe, SingTel build a home for underprivileged residents of Bantayan Island

Press Release

Globe, SingTel build a home for underprivileged
residents of Bantayan Island


Globe and SingTel volunteers painstakingly build a house for impoverished families in Bantayan Island, Cebu through the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2011

Unmindful of the fatigue and scorching heat, volunteers from Globe Telecom and its shareholder Singapore Telecommunication Limited (SingTel) willingly mixed cement, stacked hollow blocks, made steel and wall frames, and did a host of other construction jobs just to provide a home for one of Bantayan Island’s marginalized families.

Ten volunteers from Globe, 12 from SingTel and another 10 from the Globe Gawad Kalinga sponsored village in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, traveled to far-flung Bantayan to participate in the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge 2011 in Madridejos town. They joined over 1,700 volunteers from 27 provinces and three countries – USA, Australia, and Singapore, in giving a better life to residents of the island.

With its pristine shores and crystal clear blue waters, Bantayan has become one of the most popular vacation spots in Cebu province. However, behind its beauty is a backdrop of poverty where people, mostly fisher folks, continue to live a hand-to-mouth existence. This prompted GK to hold the annual Bayani Challenge in Bantayan.

For the GK Bayani Challenge 2011, 32 teams engaged in various activities such as building of homes, schools and farms; island greening; health mission; and feeding program and sports clinic for children.

Billy Tan, head of the SingTel delegation, remained undaunted by the task despite the bruises he received while clearing the area and building the house. Although Billy was a first time GK volunteer without any construction experience, the 35-year old consultant expects to join future Bayani Challenges which he said gave him not only a sense of fulfillment but also a feeling of camaraderie with other volunteers.

Team Globe leader and civil engineer Dante Rosello, on the other hand, is a regular volunteer. Rosello is always willing to help the less fortunate, having experienced financial difficulties himself during his growing up years.

Even Rommel Alido, a resident of Globe GK Village in Bagong Silang, makes it a point to volunteer every time his help is needed as a way of giving back to the organization which helped him and his family acquire a new home after their house was burned in 1985.

This was the fifth time for Globe employees to join the GK Bayani Challenge, believing that doing volunteer work for the needy is a way to achieve a work-life balance.

###

For more information, pls. contact:

Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel. No. 7302627
Fax. No.7393075
Email Address: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com

ustomized business solutions for SMEs across the Philippines Globe Negostar marks encouraging first quarter take-up

Press Release

Customized business solutions for SMEs across the Philippines
Globe Negostar marks encouraging first quarter take-up

Globe Business held 11 Negostar fora for the first quarter of the year, offering customized solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) nationwide. Only Globe Business, as a one-stop-shop, offers wireless, wired, and broadband solutions to its customers, allowing its Account Managers to address specific business needs conveniently with a complete package.

Globe Business will continue to hold a series of Negostar fora across the country, encouraged by the strong take-up during the first quarter. “We hope to sustain the momentum we have achieved three months into the year as we aggressively pursue leadership in the SME market. Entrepreneurs can expect more Negostar fora as we continue to go around the country showing the benefits of using unique solutions customized to their unique needs,” said Manny Aligada, Head of Corporate and SME Segments at Globe Business.

Aligada added, “What SMEs aim to achieve are cost efficiency, operational excellence and value for money. So we don’t just show them our entire suite of business solutions. We give consultations that start with a market scan, how big their enterprise is and how they want it to grow. In this way, we are able to provide them with exactly what their business requires.”

Several speakers also shared their insights to fellow entrepreneurs at these Negostar fora. They are ENCASH Director for ATM Operations Jose Maria Valdez, Land Resource Corp. – Tuscania General Manager Vivian S. Vestil, Ehje’s Peanut Butter President and General Manager Jennilyn Antonio, Clinica de Leon Drugstore owner and pharmacist Shiela Canapi, and Golden Press Printing Press owner and accountant Belen Lim.

Globe Business, the group behind the successful Globe Negostar program for SMEs, provides customized solutions to entrepreneurs with the aim of expanding their operations and growing their profits. Its Account Managers understand what the market demands from their businesses and helps SMEs address these challenges using the right solutions. Aided by Account Managers, SMEs experience personalized service to find the right solutions that fit their needs.

Last March 21, Globe Business also launched new Negostar deals bringing increased savings to SMEs. These offers bring down the price of mobile packages and provide affordable mobile and broadband solutions for entrepreneurs.

For savings as much as 50%, the new Negostar Bronze deal offers three Nokia 1616 phones with three postpaid lines for only P719 every month. The three lines, called Negostar Mobile Trio, get free 300 texts to all networks and are treated as one account so business owners get just one bill.

Entrepreneurs who are heavy on calls can use the Nokia 1616 bundled with Negostar SuperDUO for only P499 each month. This allows unlimited calls to all Globe and TM phones nationwide, unlimited calls to any landline or DUO number with the same registered area, unlimited calls to DUO numbers in other DUO areas, and unlimited calls to any Globelines nationwide.

Globe Business also offers the new Negostar Silver plan that gives as much as 39% savings to SMEs. For only P2,319 per month, they get a postpaid plan with a new Nokia C1-01, broadband service at speeds of up to 1Mbps plus their very own netbook, and a Globe landline. The postpaid line features unlimited calls to Globe and TM phones and free 300 texts to all networks.

SMEs can enjoy more than 79% savings when they subscribe to the new Negostar Innovation. This package includes a postpaid plan that has unlimited Globe and TM calls and texts, 120 minutes worth of free local calls, free 300 texts to all networks, BlackBerry Internet Service, 160MB worth of mobile browsing and a new BlackBerry Keplar 9300. It also comes with an unlimited Tattoo plan plus a new netbook.

Globe Negostar will continue its roadshow all over the country, demonstrating business innovations especially for SMEs who aim to grow their bottom line. Catch the next Negostar forum. Better yet, discover how Globe Business is helping SMEs across the country now.

Experience the benefits of using customized solutions to grow your business. Consult our Account Managers, visit the Globe Stores, call the Globe Business Hotline +632 730-1288 or log on to www.globe.com.ph/negostar today to find out more.

Photo Captions


Raffle prizes await SMEs at every Negostar forum. Shown in photo at the Negostar Batangas are (from left) Globe Business Regional Sales Head for SME Rene Rico, Batangas Electric Cooperative 1 Information Technology Head Alvin Velasco, and Globe Business Corporate and SME Product Marketing Head Maureen Laus.


Hundreds of SMEs from more than 100 unique companies attended the Negostar forum in Cebu, looking for ways to improve their businesses using Globe Business’ customized solutions.

# # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Yoly Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe
Tel. no. +632 730 2627
Fax no. +632 739 3075
Email: globe.corpcomm@gmail.com

SUPPORT THE KAHUSAYAN LUMADS’ LAKBAYAN!

SUPPORT THE KAHUSAYAN LUMADS’ LAKBAYAN!

A People’s March for Ancestral Land Rights and Justice



April 27 – 30, 2011

Sitio Kahusayan – Davao City

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On April first week, three backhoes escorted by members of the 84th IBPA arrived in Kahusayan.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy threatens to bulldoze the farmlands of slain Kahusayan Datu Dominador Diarog in preparation for a gherkins (small cucumber) plantation he owns.



The Bagobo - Klata lumads already lost thousands of hectares of their ancestral lands when Quiboloy’s prayer mountain was constructed in 1999. Quiboloy’s pine trees and fences takeover their traditional farms, place of worship and hunting grounds.

Now they stand to be completely driven away from the small piece of land where they were pushed to stay.

This LAKBAYAN is a courageous act of defiance against the landgrabbing of the Bagobo Klata’s ancestral lands. They need the support of all Davaoenos as they embark on this march for land and justice.

What you can share:

1. Rice, 2. Canned Goods, 3. Lunch packs or Snacks 4. Cash,

5. Mineral Water and Empty Bottles, 6. Slippers, 7. Blankets, 8. Used Clothing, 9. Trapal etc.



Express your Solidarity. Join us on the March Highlights!




Lunch/ Solidarity Stops during the March


Nightly Solidarity Program

Every 6 to 9 pm

April 27





Calinan Gym

April 28


KM. 20 at Los Amigos


Mintal Gym

April 29


10 am: Intersection going to SM, near old ABS-CBN

Sugat sa mga Lumad ug Suportang Grupo

11: Piket at CHR along Quimpo

12: Piket at NCIP office at SIR Matina


VIGIL at Centennial Park.



Messages of Support, Songs and Poetry on land and justice welcome!









LAKBAYAN SCHEUDLE:



April 27


Calinan Proper Gymnasium

Opening Program



April 28


8:00 - 10:00 AM March from Calinan – Tugbok (5Km)




10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Stop-over @ Tugbok KM20 – LUNCH




2:00 PM-4:00 PM Martsa from Tugbok to Mintal (3km)



Stop-over @ Mintal Gym, Cultural Night

April 29


7:00 -8:00 Caravan from Mintal to Ulas






10 am SYMBOLIC RITUAL at Crossing to SM (Matina)

8:00 – 11:00 am March from Ulas to CHR & NCIP office

11:00 AM – 2:00 pm Stop-over @ NCIP; Rally & Lunch

2:00-4:00 pm March from NCIP office to SP



Vigil @ SP Cultural program



Remembering the Life and Struggle of Datu Doming Diarog

Reaffirming the Struggle for Ancestral Land





April 30


9 am - 12 nn Program @ Rizal Park or Centennial Park



“Pakigbisugan ang Katungod sa Yutang Kabilin ug Hustisya!

Ipadayon ang Pagbatok sa Pagpang-ilog sa Yuta ug Militarisasyon sa Kahusayan!



(Launching: Signature campaign on GARB; Call on PEACE TALKS; CASER)





FOR INQUIRIES, DONATIONS & other means of Support,

PLEASE CONTACT THE LAKBAYAN SECRETRIAT at 0929-8117267.

Diverse cable systems achieve business continuity Enterprise customers benefit from latest cable investments of Globe

PRESS RELEASE

Diverse cable systems achieve business continuity
Enterprise customers benefit from latest cable investments of Globe

Having a solid Business Continuity Program in place to ensure quick crisis recovery and its investment in various submarine cable systems enables Globe to provide redundant and reliable connections to customers, especially enterprise clients who account for the bulk of international traffic. Network resiliency is critical to large industries to ensure uninterrupted operations and 24x7 connectivity.

Among the latest cable links of Globe are the Unity Cable System that was activated in the third quarter of last year and the Tata Global Network-Intra Asia Cable System (TGN-IA) that started serving enterprise customers in 2009. The Unity Cable System is a Trans-Pacific cable that runs a span of 9,620 kilometers between Japan and the US. It has one of the lowest latencies across the Pacific and provides direct connections for internet traffic between Asia and the U.S. It has 960Gbps or a total of 96 10G wavelengths capacity making more bandwidth available to businesses.

TGN-IA is a direct, point-to-point and express optical fiber submarine cable. It directly links the Philippines to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Vietnam. Unity and TGN-IA complement other Globe investments such as the TGN-Pacific Cable, Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2), and City to City (C2C) cable network. Other submarine cable systems that Globe utilizes are South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe Cable Network 3 (SMW3) and East Asia Crossing, Japan-U.S. Cable Network (JUCN), China-U.S. Cable Network (CUCN).

“Given our diverse portfolio of cable systems and network paths, we are able to provide our customers with superior, uninterrupted connections and significantly lessen the impact of service disruptions. We have the capacity to immediately restore traffic and we also deliver 24x7 technical support,” said Jesus C. Romero, Head of Enterprise Segments at Globe Business.

The recent Japan quake, which affected five submarine cable systems, had very minimal impact to Globe customers. Globe delivered stable connectivity to the US through the Unity Cable System and TGN-IA, which provided the capacity needed to reroute affected circuits. Enterprise customers were able to benefit from the readily available alternative links that Globe has in cases of service disruption. Thus, businesses had enough capacity and experienced continuous data and Internet connections during the earthquake.

“Enterprise customers are assured that we are ready and prepared. With our diverse Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure and submarine cable systems, we were able to serve with ease both existing and new requirements for capacity when the earthquake happened. When the earthquake struck, Globe’s international network rerouted all service immediately. We were able to restore 100 percent of all voice and data services. Moreover, no traffic congestion was experienced on IP connectivity and on all international private networks,” explained Romero.

The IP infrastructure of Globe is linked to multiple peers both globally and locally making sure that enterprises experience the best route to access content and reach destinations across the internet. Globe has more than 100Gbps IP port capacity that ensures customers of business continuity and seamless flow of traffic anywhere in the Philippines and beyond.

###

For more information, please contact:

Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
(02) 7302627
globe.corpcomm@gmail.com

Davao Based Peace Group MPC to GPH-MILF Panel: Finalize Working Draft of the Talks; Sign the Peace Agreement Immediately

Press Release
April 27, 2011

Davao Based Peace Group MPC to GPH-MILF Panel: Finalize Working
Draft of the Talks; Sign the Peace Agreement Immediately

Davao based peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC), called on both the GPH-
MILF panels to focus the discussions on finalizing the working draft of the talks and tackle the
substantial issues that covers the demand of the MILF on governance, territory, and control of
resources rather than focus its time and energy on issues that sidetracks the negotiations. This
statement was delivered in a rally held yesterday at Davao City that coincided with the opening
of the formal talks between the GPH-MILF panels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

MPC Secretary General Atty. Mary Ann Arnado 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 and to finally set a date to for the negotiations on the substantial agenda
of the peace talks as contained in the draft comprehensive compact submitted by the MILF.”

The draft comprehensive compact contains provisions that address the demand of the
Bangsamoro people for the creation of a Bangsamoro homeland and creation of a Bangsamoro
sub-state. The document also discusses the relationship of the proposed Bangsamoro sub-state
with the Philippine government, resource sharing, and economic development.

“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 for the formal
negotiations that will eventually lead to the signing of an inclusive peace agreement agreeable
to both parties”. Arnado said.

The current meeting in Malaysia is the third time the panels meet since the resumption of
talks which started last January during a “non-meeting” organized by Malaysia through Datuk
Uthman bin Razak the third party facilitator to the talks. Since February, MPC has helped
organized consultation meetings of the MILF peace panel with non-moro civil society groups
coming from indigenous peoples, business, academe, and religious sectors to clarify the MILF
demands and discuss state of the current peace negotiations.

“So far the participants to these consultations have been optimistic about the GPH-MILF
negotiations and they have been very supportive of the MILF agenda. This indicates the
aspirations and overwhelming support of the people for a peaceful negotiated settlement of
the Bangsamoro issue. It is now up to the panels, particularly the GPH panel to live up to these
expectations by finalizing a peace agreement within the year.” Arnado reiterated.

The protestors who formed a human chain that covers the 200 meters of Quimpo Boulevard in
Davao 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”. #