DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/29 October) – Civilian protection monitoring will be an added mandate for the International Monitoring Team (IMT) but it will be done by “new entrants into the IMT, including international and local NGOs,” government peace panel spokesperson Camilo Montesa said. Montesa, also Peace Process Undersecretary, told MindaNews that while civilian protection monitoring has been added to the IMT’s ceasefire monitoring and development monitoring roles, “the civilian protection monitoring will be done by new entrants into the IMT.”
Peace groups welcomed the October 27 agreement but doubts were expressed about its implementation, with only eight months left to the end of the Arroyo administration.
Amirah Lidasan of Suara Bangsamoro said the agreement is “okay.”
“Inshallah, it will help protect the civilians. This is just a reiteration of the UNDHR (United Nations Declaration of Human Rights), Geneva protocols and the GRP-NDF’s Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL).”
“As Human Rights defenders, aside from pushing government to implement the agreement, we should also push for the GRP-AFP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Armed Forces of the Philippines) to answer for the human rights violations committed during the conduct of the war in the previous years,” she said.
“GRP has signed so many agreements to protect civilian rights, and yet we still have a high number of cases of human rights violations and no one from government has answered for their atrocities against the people,” she added.
The Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) and its allied women’s organizations in a press statement said they were “highly dismayed” in that civilian protection “to be simply delegated as an added function of the International Monitoring Team tends to create the false impression that it is simply an afterthought – an adjunct to the ceasefire monitoring mandate of the IMT which at this point in time it has not even fulfilled for a reason which is not of its own fault” (see separate story).
“We did our part,” MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews, adding, “negotiation is a two-way process.”
Montesa said there is “no reason to be dismayed” as the agreement is “win-win for everyone.”
He explained that MPC itself or its Bantay Ceasefire, women’s groups can be part of the new entrants into the IMT that would be dealing with civilian protection monitoring.
Iqbal said MPC and other applicants for civilian protection monitoring can, indeed, be among the new entrants into the IMT based on the agreement.
But MPC secretary-general Mary Ann Arnado said Montesa “misses the point.”
“MPC/Bantay Ceasefire is dismayed not because we wanted to be part of the mechanism itself but because of the apparent weakness and loopholes in the agreed framework that the peace panels have managed to achieve in their Oct27 exploratory meetings. MPC has proposed for the establishment of an International Mission for the Protection of Civilians in Mindanao (IMPCM) which, like the IMT, can also be international in character -- but very much focused on ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law are observed and civilians are spared and protected in the conduct of the war in Mindanao. This is a very important survival issue for millions of innocent civilians in the conflict-affected areas thus the need for a separate, effective, influential international protection mission which the United Nations -- with or without the Philippine government and the MILF, can within its powers, do anyway under the principle of the Right to Protect.”
In its July 29, 2009 Joint Statement in Kuala Lumpur, the first after a year-long impasse, the government and MILF agreed on four points including working “for a framework agreement on the establishment of a mechanism on the protection of non-combatants in armed conflict” and on the setting up of an International Contact Group.
The framework agreement on the ICG was done on September 15, also in Kuala Lumpur.
The October 27 agreement on the protection of civilians provides that the IMT “shall monitor, verify and report non-compliance by the Parties to their basic undertaking to protect civilian communities.”
The agreement also provides that when the IMT ceases to operate, “the civilian protection component shall remain in place and continue to perform such function.”
“The Parties shall designate humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations, both international and national, with proven track record for impartiality, neutrality and independence, to carry out the civilian protection function.”
Montesa said this is important because even if the IMT ceases to operate, the civilian protection component will continue to function.
Iqbal said the two parties’ next meeting will be the review of the terms of reference of the IMT.
Both parties are also expected to immediately request the reactivation of the IMT.
The IMT started operations in 2004, with a mandate renewed annually upon request of both parties. The Malaysian-led IMT’s tour of duty ended on November 30 last year and had not been renewed as the talks collapsed in August last year following the aborted signing of the already initialed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) and the government peace panel, disbanded on September 3, was reconstituted only in December.
The IMT was composed initially of military contingents from Malaysia, Brunei and Libya and later, a development expert from Japan.
The October 27 agreement came just as thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continued to remain in evacuation sites or with their relatives.
In its last press statement dated October 22, the Bureau of Pubic Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) reported that based on the records of its Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), “as of October 15, 2009, out of the total 70,135 affected families in 196 conflict-affected barangays in the ARMM, 36,770 are still in evacuation centers and 12,423 are staying outside evacuation centers while 16,405 families have already returned to their homes.”
The ARMM statement did not say where the remaining 4,137 families are since the total number of families in the evacuation centers and outside as well as those who have returned home, according to its press statement, is 65,998 families. The latter represents some 330,000 residents.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in its last report on the issue of IDPs said a total of 115,434 families or 745,763 persons were served from August 10, 2008 to July 7, 2009 and that as of July 7, 2009, there were still 51,326 families served inside evacuation centers and home-based, or 254,119 persons.
Thousands of IDPs, dubbed “enemy reserve force” by 6th ID spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, took to the streets on July 23 demanding ceasefire and the resumption of the peace talks so they could return home.
Malacanang that afternoon issued a suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) while the MILF reciprocated two days later with a suspension of military action.”
For Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, making civilian protection monitoring a component of the IMT “reduces the number of structures of the peace process.”
Lingga was referring to the other structures in the peace process like the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities, and International Contact Group.
Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue said the agreement is “attuned to UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Res. 1474 on protecting civilians in armed conflict. Also r2p (right to protect) doctrine plus UNSC 1325 and UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID). IID and allied networks commit to help ensure this. Kudos to both panels.”
Amina Rasul, convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) said, “since I have no expectations that any substantive agreement can be reached under Mrs. Arroyo, this agreement is a good step. It does not provide full protection of civilians or respond to the needs of the displaced, but since I have low expectations, I am happy. My problem lies in implementation of any agreement.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Peace group dismayed by assigning civilian protection to IMT
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/28 October) – A peace advocacy group in Mindanao has expressed dismay over the decision assigning the implementation of the Agreement on the Protection of Civilian Component to the International Monitoring Team, the body overseeing the ceasefire agreement between the military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The Mindanao People’s Caucus said delegating the task to the IMT “tends to create the false impression that it is simply an afterthought – an adjunct to the ceasefire monitoring mandate of the IMT which at this point in time it has not even fulfilled for a reason which is not of its own fault.”
MPC said the task of protecting civilians deserves “appropriate, effective, vigilant and influential mechanism that can break the impunity of human rights violations and war crimes committed in the context of the armed conflict.”
It noted that there have been serious and grave attacks and abuses committed against civilian communities.
The group, however, clarified that it supports and recognizes the importance of the IMT but that it would be too much to impose upon it the task of protecting the civilians.
“If the IMT and the peace panels could not even manage at this point to declare a ceasefire and bring the IMT back to Mindanao, how much more if we add this new mandate of civilian protection to the IMT? If it is already difficult to fulfill its mandate to implement the ceasefire agreement, how can we expect it to deliver yet another gargantuan mission of protecting the civilians?” MPC said.
The group said it would be better to allow the IMT to fulfill its primary mandate of helping the peace process in Mindanao.
It also noted that the agreement is silent on the role and participation of women despite the fact that women leaders have already submitted to the peace panels their proposed women’s framework on civilian protection. (MindaNews)
The Mindanao People’s Caucus said delegating the task to the IMT “tends to create the false impression that it is simply an afterthought – an adjunct to the ceasefire monitoring mandate of the IMT which at this point in time it has not even fulfilled for a reason which is not of its own fault.”
MPC said the task of protecting civilians deserves “appropriate, effective, vigilant and influential mechanism that can break the impunity of human rights violations and war crimes committed in the context of the armed conflict.”
It noted that there have been serious and grave attacks and abuses committed against civilian communities.
The group, however, clarified that it supports and recognizes the importance of the IMT but that it would be too much to impose upon it the task of protecting the civilians.
“If the IMT and the peace panels could not even manage at this point to declare a ceasefire and bring the IMT back to Mindanao, how much more if we add this new mandate of civilian protection to the IMT? If it is already difficult to fulfill its mandate to implement the ceasefire agreement, how can we expect it to deliver yet another gargantuan mission of protecting the civilians?” MPC said.
The group said it would be better to allow the IMT to fulfill its primary mandate of helping the peace process in Mindanao.
It also noted that the agreement is silent on the role and participation of women despite the fact that women leaders have already submitted to the peace panels their proposed women’s framework on civilian protection. (MindaNews)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
GRP, MILF sign agreement to protect civilians
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/27 October) – The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed Tuesday afternoon an agreement to expand the mandate of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to include civilian protection.
The agreement was signed at around 5:10 p.m. October 27 in Kuala Lumpur by government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, in the presence of Malaysian facilitator Datuk Othman bin Abdul Razak.
Under the agreement, the IMT shall also “monitor, verify and report non-compliance by the Parties to their basic undertaking to protect civilian communities.”
The Agreement specifies that the Philippine government and the MILF “shall designate humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations, both international and national, with proven track record for impartiality, neutrality and independence, to carry out the civilian protection function.”
The two parties “reconfirm their obligations under humanitarian law and human rights law to take constant care to protect the civilian population and civilian properties against the dangers arising in armed conflict situations.”
The parties made a five-point commitment to:
1. refrain from intentionally targeting or attacking non-combatants, prevent suffering of the civilian population and avoid acts that would cause collateral damage to civilians;
2. refrain from targeting or intentionally attacking civilian properties or facilities such as schools, hospitals, religious premises, health and food distribution centers, or relief operations, or objects or facilities indispensable to the survival of the civilian population and of a civilian nature;
3. take all necessary actions to facilitate the provision of relief supplies to affected communities;
4. take all precautions feasible to avoid incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and danger to civilian objects; and
5. ensure that all protective and relief actions shall be undertaken in a purely non-discriminatory basis covering all affected communities.”
“To effect the above objectives, the Parties shall issue or re-issue orders to their respective military units or security forces (including paramilitaries, associated militias, and police units) to conduct their operations consistent with their obligations and commitments described herein,” the Agreement said.
The parties also agreed that should the IMT cease to operate, “the civilian protection component shall remain in place and continue to perform such function,” the agreement said.
The IMT, led by Malaysia, started operations in 2004, with a mandate renewed annually upon request of both parties.
The IMT’s mandate ended November 30 last year.
The agreement on civilian protection component “shall form part of the Terms of Reference of the IMT to be deliberated and agreed by the Parties upon the formal resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace Talks.”
The signing of the agreement came about six weeks since the September 15 agreement on the formation of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the GRP-MILF Peace Process .
The ICG “will consist of interested countries accompanying the peace process preferably drawn from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union (EU) as well as accredited INGO to be invited by the Parties in consultation with the Third Party Facilitator.”
The Agreement on Civilian Component was immediately welcomed by representatives of civil society.
Amina Rasul, convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), sent this message in reaction to the news: “that’s excellent news! And now comes the tough part: how to implement this when previous agreements are violated.”
“Good,” said Guiamel Alim, executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. and a member of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society.
Father Eduardo Vasquez, parish priest of predominantly Muslim Datu Piang in Maguindanao, told MindaNews, “that’s good to hear. I just hope both parties will respect and follow the agreement.”
“Finally,” said lawyer Zen Malang of the Bangsamoro Center for Law and Policy. “It’s a much awaited initiative from the two sides. Civilians in the conflict-affected areas will potentially reap the benefits from this agreement. But, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Its effectiveness will depend on the institutions and people who will run it and how much support and respect is given to it by the GRP and MILF and the other institutions in the peace process.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
The agreement was signed at around 5:10 p.m. October 27 in Kuala Lumpur by government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis and MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, in the presence of Malaysian facilitator Datuk Othman bin Abdul Razak.
Under the agreement, the IMT shall also “monitor, verify and report non-compliance by the Parties to their basic undertaking to protect civilian communities.”
The Agreement specifies that the Philippine government and the MILF “shall designate humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations, both international and national, with proven track record for impartiality, neutrality and independence, to carry out the civilian protection function.”
The two parties “reconfirm their obligations under humanitarian law and human rights law to take constant care to protect the civilian population and civilian properties against the dangers arising in armed conflict situations.”
The parties made a five-point commitment to:
1. refrain from intentionally targeting or attacking non-combatants, prevent suffering of the civilian population and avoid acts that would cause collateral damage to civilians;
2. refrain from targeting or intentionally attacking civilian properties or facilities such as schools, hospitals, religious premises, health and food distribution centers, or relief operations, or objects or facilities indispensable to the survival of the civilian population and of a civilian nature;
3. take all necessary actions to facilitate the provision of relief supplies to affected communities;
4. take all precautions feasible to avoid incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and danger to civilian objects; and
5. ensure that all protective and relief actions shall be undertaken in a purely non-discriminatory basis covering all affected communities.”
“To effect the above objectives, the Parties shall issue or re-issue orders to their respective military units or security forces (including paramilitaries, associated militias, and police units) to conduct their operations consistent with their obligations and commitments described herein,” the Agreement said.
The parties also agreed that should the IMT cease to operate, “the civilian protection component shall remain in place and continue to perform such function,” the agreement said.
The IMT, led by Malaysia, started operations in 2004, with a mandate renewed annually upon request of both parties.
The IMT’s mandate ended November 30 last year.
The agreement on civilian protection component “shall form part of the Terms of Reference of the IMT to be deliberated and agreed by the Parties upon the formal resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace Talks.”
The signing of the agreement came about six weeks since the September 15 agreement on the formation of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the GRP-MILF Peace Process .
The ICG “will consist of interested countries accompanying the peace process preferably drawn from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union (EU) as well as accredited INGO to be invited by the Parties in consultation with the Third Party Facilitator.”
The Agreement on Civilian Component was immediately welcomed by representatives of civil society.
Amina Rasul, convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), sent this message in reaction to the news: “that’s excellent news! And now comes the tough part: how to implement this when previous agreements are violated.”
“Good,” said Guiamel Alim, executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. and a member of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society.
Father Eduardo Vasquez, parish priest of predominantly Muslim Datu Piang in Maguindanao, told MindaNews, “that’s good to hear. I just hope both parties will respect and follow the agreement.”
“Finally,” said lawyer Zen Malang of the Bangsamoro Center for Law and Policy. “It’s a much awaited initiative from the two sides. Civilians in the conflict-affected areas will potentially reap the benefits from this agreement. But, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Its effectiveness will depend on the institutions and people who will run it and how much support and respect is given to it by the GRP and MILF and the other institutions in the peace process.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Moro groups launch Human Rights Center in Cotabato on Saturday
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/26 October) – Bangsamoro organizations are launching this weekend the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC), which will tackle human rights protection and violation in Southwestern Mindanao.
MinHRAC will be launched at the Pacific Heigths and the Marqueza in Cotabato City on Saturday, October 31.
The Center’s primary objectives are “to foster respect for human rights, constitutional rights, and promote the rule of law in Mindanao as well as other parts in the Philippines; to monitor, expose and oppose human rights violations; to promote critical human rights awareness among the people through education, training, information, research and documentations; to promote cooperation and solidarity among regional, national, and international organizations active in the field of human rights.”
“The ravages of the past and present armed hostilities in Mindanao continue to haunt peoples in the island particularly in conflict affected areas. Economic survival and human rights protection are main problems confronting these communities. Women, youth, and children mostly suffered from human rights violations during these very difficult circumstances. The aftermath of war and conflict, as well as the realities of poverty make them more vulnerable to depression, deprivation, marginalization, and exploitation,” the MinHRAC’s press statement says.
MinHRAC is a collaborative effort of Bangsamoro organizations such as the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, Bangsamoro Women Solidarity Forum, Inc., Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc., Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, United Youth for Peace and Development, United Youth of the Philippines, Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, Kangudan Development Center Inc., IPRC, Bangsamoro Center for Law and Policy and Al Ihsan Foundation.
Commiassion on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima will discuss the theme “Human Rights for All” during the launch.
CHR has no regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-tawi and Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
The CHR and MinHRAC will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the launch. The press statement, however, did not say what the MOA is for.
MinHRAC’s executive director, Paisal S. Abdul, will give the welcome remarks and presentation of delegates during the launch while lawyer Anwar Malang, MinHRAC chair, will give an overview of the Center.
Among those asked to deliver solidarity messages are Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel cahir Mohagher Iqbal, Kadtuntaya Foundation chair Guiamel Alim, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cotabato chapter president Sukarno Abas and Col. Ernesto Aradanas, chief of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.
Lawyer Christina Haw Tai-Jover of the CHR in Cotabato City will discuss human rights situation in the region while Sammy Maulana, secretary-general of the Consortium on Bangsamoro Civil Society, will discuss the realities of human rights violations in Mindanao.
Abdulbasit Benito, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, will deliver the closing remarks. (MIndaNews)
MinHRAC will be launched at the Pacific Heigths and the Marqueza in Cotabato City on Saturday, October 31.
The Center’s primary objectives are “to foster respect for human rights, constitutional rights, and promote the rule of law in Mindanao as well as other parts in the Philippines; to monitor, expose and oppose human rights violations; to promote critical human rights awareness among the people through education, training, information, research and documentations; to promote cooperation and solidarity among regional, national, and international organizations active in the field of human rights.”
“The ravages of the past and present armed hostilities in Mindanao continue to haunt peoples in the island particularly in conflict affected areas. Economic survival and human rights protection are main problems confronting these communities. Women, youth, and children mostly suffered from human rights violations during these very difficult circumstances. The aftermath of war and conflict, as well as the realities of poverty make them more vulnerable to depression, deprivation, marginalization, and exploitation,” the MinHRAC’s press statement says.
MinHRAC is a collaborative effort of Bangsamoro organizations such as the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, Bangsamoro Women Solidarity Forum, Inc., Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc., Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, United Youth for Peace and Development, United Youth of the Philippines, Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, Kangudan Development Center Inc., IPRC, Bangsamoro Center for Law and Policy and Al Ihsan Foundation.
Commiassion on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima will discuss the theme “Human Rights for All” during the launch.
CHR has no regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ARMM comprises the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-tawi and Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
The CHR and MinHRAC will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the launch. The press statement, however, did not say what the MOA is for.
MinHRAC’s executive director, Paisal S. Abdul, will give the welcome remarks and presentation of delegates during the launch while lawyer Anwar Malang, MinHRAC chair, will give an overview of the Center.
Among those asked to deliver solidarity messages are Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel cahir Mohagher Iqbal, Kadtuntaya Foundation chair Guiamel Alim, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Cotabato chapter president Sukarno Abas and Col. Ernesto Aradanas, chief of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.
Lawyer Christina Haw Tai-Jover of the CHR in Cotabato City will discuss human rights situation in the region while Sammy Maulana, secretary-general of the Consortium on Bangsamoro Civil Society, will discuss the realities of human rights violations in Mindanao.
Abdulbasit Benito, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace, will deliver the closing remarks. (MIndaNews)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Abaya is new Peace Adviser
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/23 October) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named Annabelle Abaya as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, vice former police chief Avelino Razon who resigned last week to run for mayor of Manila in May 2010.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced the appointment in his regular Friday press briefing this afternoon, the Office of the Press Secretary reported.
“In her brief remarks, Abaya said her priority as head of the Office of the President-Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OP-OPPAPP) is to initiate the resumption of peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” the OPS reported.
The talks with the MILF had resumed since both parties issued a suspension of military operations on July 23 this year.
The OPS quoted Abaya as saying she is “honored for the opportunity to explore opportunities for a lasting peace in Mindanao during the President’s remaining eight months in office.”
“We still need to do some work. There are still two very big peace talks that need to happen and these are with the MILF and with the NDF,” Abaya said.
“On her plan to boost the morale of both peace panels, Abaya said she will review the peace settlement of 1987 with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and “look at recommendations for what have been learned, motivate that we need to change, and the need for it to strengthen,” the OPS reported.
The peace agreement with the MNLF was signed on September 2, 1996. This is the agreement whose implementation is currently under review.
According to the OPS, Abaya is “a former Palace spokesperson (who) holds a graduate degree in public administration from Harvard University, another graduate degree in discreet resolution from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and a doctorate in conflict resolution from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States.”
Abaya is also the president and founder of Conflict Resolution Group Foundation Inc., an active member of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines peace panel with the NDF and concurrent conflict resolution consultant of the World Bank the Asian Development Bank, and The Asia Foundation. (MindaNews)
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced the appointment in his regular Friday press briefing this afternoon, the Office of the Press Secretary reported.
“In her brief remarks, Abaya said her priority as head of the Office of the President-Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OP-OPPAPP) is to initiate the resumption of peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” the OPS reported.
The talks with the MILF had resumed since both parties issued a suspension of military operations on July 23 this year.
The OPS quoted Abaya as saying she is “honored for the opportunity to explore opportunities for a lasting peace in Mindanao during the President’s remaining eight months in office.”
“We still need to do some work. There are still two very big peace talks that need to happen and these are with the MILF and with the NDF,” Abaya said.
“On her plan to boost the morale of both peace panels, Abaya said she will review the peace settlement of 1987 with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and “look at recommendations for what have been learned, motivate that we need to change, and the need for it to strengthen,” the OPS reported.
The peace agreement with the MNLF was signed on September 2, 1996. This is the agreement whose implementation is currently under review.
According to the OPS, Abaya is “a former Palace spokesperson (who) holds a graduate degree in public administration from Harvard University, another graduate degree in discreet resolution from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and a doctorate in conflict resolution from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States.”
Abaya is also the president and founder of Conflict Resolution Group Foundation Inc., an active member of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines peace panel with the NDF and concurrent conflict resolution consultant of the World Bank the Asian Development Bank, and The Asia Foundation. (MindaNews)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Germany gives P70M for displaced, wounded in Mindanao
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Pagadian bishop, Moro group call for Fr. Sinnott’s release
ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/14 Oct) -- Bishop Emmanuel T. Cabajar of the Diocese of Pagadian, in a letter circulated among religious leaders, appealed to the suspected abductors of Irish Columban missionary Michael Sinnott to free the priest and "have pity on him."
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), meanwhile, called for the “immediate-unconditional release” of the priest even as it cautioned the military and the police to spare the civilians from harm should they launch a rescue mission against the abductors.
Sinnott, 79, was abducted by three or four armed men while he was walking around his convent 7:30 p.m. last October 11 at Pagadian city.
"He is a peace-loving priest and has been sincerely serving our communities for some time in good faith," Cabajar said in Cebuano.
Cabajar related that Sinnott has greatly helped the special children who are considered mentally challenged, deaf and blind. “Prior to his abduction he founded and even served as coordinator of the Hangop Kabataan in 2008, a dwelling place for both Muslim and Christian children who need special attention,” seconded the CBCS.
The bishop urged Sinnot’s abductors to allow him to continue his mission. “Please do not deprive the children of his care and the welfare he could offer,” the bishop said.
Cabajar also wrote that "the priest has a delicate health because he is old and sickly."
"He would be happy if you would give him his liberty so that he can continue his priestly vocation," the bishop pleaded.
"His life is a mirror of peace and love -- our common dream. Let that devotion for love and peace be nourished with liberating respect to Fr. Sinnott. Let him come home," Cabajar said.
The CBCS, in a statement, said that the abduction was “an act of utter savagery, which is diametrically opposed to the tenets of Islam and Christianity.”
But the group said they were also saddened by the fact that the “government has remained inefficient to protect and preserve the safety of the citizenry” despite the huge funds appropriated by Congress for security, intelligence and national defense. (Violeta M. Gloria / MindaNews)
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), meanwhile, called for the “immediate-unconditional release” of the priest even as it cautioned the military and the police to spare the civilians from harm should they launch a rescue mission against the abductors.
Sinnott, 79, was abducted by three or four armed men while he was walking around his convent 7:30 p.m. last October 11 at Pagadian city.
"He is a peace-loving priest and has been sincerely serving our communities for some time in good faith," Cabajar said in Cebuano.
Cabajar related that Sinnott has greatly helped the special children who are considered mentally challenged, deaf and blind. “Prior to his abduction he founded and even served as coordinator of the Hangop Kabataan in 2008, a dwelling place for both Muslim and Christian children who need special attention,” seconded the CBCS.
The bishop urged Sinnot’s abductors to allow him to continue his mission. “Please do not deprive the children of his care and the welfare he could offer,” the bishop said.
Cabajar also wrote that "the priest has a delicate health because he is old and sickly."
"He would be happy if you would give him his liberty so that he can continue his priestly vocation," the bishop pleaded.
"His life is a mirror of peace and love -- our common dream. Let that devotion for love and peace be nourished with liberating respect to Fr. Sinnott. Let him come home," Cabajar said.
The CBCS, in a statement, said that the abduction was “an act of utter savagery, which is diametrically opposed to the tenets of Islam and Christianity.”
But the group said they were also saddened by the fact that the “government has remained inefficient to protect and preserve the safety of the citizenry” despite the huge funds appropriated by Congress for security, intelligence and national defense. (Violeta M. Gloria / MindaNews)
Irish priest kidnapped in Pagadian
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/12 October) – A 79-year old Irish priest based in the Diocese of Pagadian was abducted by still unidentified armed men who reportedly stormed his convent at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
Father Michael Sinnott, a member of the Missionaries of St. Columban, has been working in the Philippines since the early 1980s.
According to the CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) News Online, three of the convent’s employees were about to close the gate of the compound when a man pushed the gate and said he wanted to talk to the priest.
Father Sinnott was reportedly doing a post-dinner walk inside the compound when the armed men barged in.
“Witnesses said three or four other men immediately entered and took Father Sinnott to a vehicle and brought him to still unknown destination,” CBCP News Online reported.
Police said the priest was taken to a waiting van which was later found abandoned and burned in the city’s coastal area.
CBCP News Online quoted the Columban’s regional director, Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue as saying they were “very shocked” because they never expected such an incident would happen inside Pagadian City.
He added he was worried because Fr. Sinnott has a heart condition and has to take his medicines regularly.
According to the Diocesan Profiles of the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN), Father Sinnott as of 2008, was coordinator of Hangop Kabataan (Caring for Special Children), is a dwelling place for children who need special attention, children with physically and mentally challenged like blind, deaf.”
In a statement, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Zamboanga Peninsula and Ummah Fi Salam, said the Muslim community in Pagadian City laments the kidnapping of Father Sinnott.
“This act is against the morality of Islam. In solidarity, we join our Christian brethrens in strongly condemning this act. We also pray for his safety and immediate release,” the statement signed by Sultan Maguid Maruhom, chair of the CBCS-Sibugay Region and Executive Driector of the Ummah Fi Salama of Pagadian City, said.
The CBCS also appealed for “calmness and sobriety and ask that we work together in solidarity for the early and unconditional release of Fr. Sinnot.”
“As a peace advocate, Fr. Sinnot, a Columban missionary priest is the founder of Hangop Kabataan Foundation who caters to the needs of disadvantaged children. He is also a respected member of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace in Pagadian City, an organization of religious and concerned Christians, Muslims and Subanens, who had contributed a lot in bridging understanding and peace building,” Maruhom’s statement read.
Fr Sinnott is the third Irish priest to be kidnapped in the Western Mindanao-Lanao area in 12 years.
On October 27, 1997, Irish priest Desmond Hartford, then the acting bishop of the Prelature of Marawi, was abducted in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. He was freed after 12 days.
Four years later, on Aug. 28, 2001, Rufus Halley, an Irish Columban missionary, was shot dead in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, while resisting a kidnap attempt. (MindaNews)
Father Michael Sinnott, a member of the Missionaries of St. Columban, has been working in the Philippines since the early 1980s.
According to the CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) News Online, three of the convent’s employees were about to close the gate of the compound when a man pushed the gate and said he wanted to talk to the priest.
Father Sinnott was reportedly doing a post-dinner walk inside the compound when the armed men barged in.
“Witnesses said three or four other men immediately entered and took Father Sinnott to a vehicle and brought him to still unknown destination,” CBCP News Online reported.
Police said the priest was taken to a waiting van which was later found abandoned and burned in the city’s coastal area.
CBCP News Online quoted the Columban’s regional director, Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue as saying they were “very shocked” because they never expected such an incident would happen inside Pagadian City.
He added he was worried because Fr. Sinnott has a heart condition and has to take his medicines regularly.
According to the Diocesan Profiles of the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN), Father Sinnott as of 2008, was coordinator of Hangop Kabataan (Caring for Special Children), is a dwelling place for children who need special attention, children with physically and mentally challenged like blind, deaf.”
In a statement, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Zamboanga Peninsula and Ummah Fi Salam, said the Muslim community in Pagadian City laments the kidnapping of Father Sinnott.
“This act is against the morality of Islam. In solidarity, we join our Christian brethrens in strongly condemning this act. We also pray for his safety and immediate release,” the statement signed by Sultan Maguid Maruhom, chair of the CBCS-Sibugay Region and Executive Driector of the Ummah Fi Salama of Pagadian City, said.
The CBCS also appealed for “calmness and sobriety and ask that we work together in solidarity for the early and unconditional release of Fr. Sinnot.”
“As a peace advocate, Fr. Sinnot, a Columban missionary priest is the founder of Hangop Kabataan Foundation who caters to the needs of disadvantaged children. He is also a respected member of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace in Pagadian City, an organization of religious and concerned Christians, Muslims and Subanens, who had contributed a lot in bridging understanding and peace building,” Maruhom’s statement read.
Fr Sinnott is the third Irish priest to be kidnapped in the Western Mindanao-Lanao area in 12 years.
On October 27, 1997, Irish priest Desmond Hartford, then the acting bishop of the Prelature of Marawi, was abducted in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. He was freed after 12 days.
Four years later, on Aug. 28, 2001, Rufus Halley, an Irish Columban missionary, was shot dead in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, while resisting a kidnap attempt. (MindaNews)
A Call for the Immediate Unconditional Release of Fr. Michael Sinnot
The abduction of Fr. Michael Sinnot in Pagadian City on October 11, 2009 is an act of utter savagery, which is diametrically opposed to the tenets of Islam and Christianity. This has no place under a democratic and civilized society.
As we join in the vehement condemnation of Fr. Sinnot’s abduction in the highest terms, we are very much saddened by the fact that, albeit huge funds appropriated by Congress for security, intelligence and national defense, the government has remained inefficient to protect and preserve the safety of the citizenry, whether Muslim or Christian. The abduction of Fr. Sinnot is a classic example of this, as it had happened at the very heart of the city where law enforcers have their routine patrols.
Fr. Michael Sinnot is an Irish priest who is a member of the Missionaries of St. Columban. He had been in the Philippines since the 1980s, serving as missionary. Prior to his abduction he founded and even served as coordinator of the Hangop Kabataan in 2008, a dwelling place for both Muslim and Christian children who need special attention; children with physically and mentally challenged like blind and deaf.
Despite his old age of 79 and his problematic condition, Fr. Sinnot’s friends and peers best know him for being energetic and consistently attentive in all of his undertakings. He is also admired by them for being humble, soft spoken, approachable, kind and caring like a father or a brother.
As we call on the perpetrators for the immediate-unconditional release of Fr. Michael Sinnot, we caution the military and the Philippine National Police to be professional in carrying out their rescue operations to spare the civilian from harm and no “white wash” be involved in the subsequent investigations to identify and apprehend the real perpetrators of this heinous crime. We urge also both the leaders of the Moro and Non-Moro civil society organizations to unite and share their part in the collective work for the immediate and unconditional release of Fr. Michael Sinnot.
Adopted and signed in Cotabato city, this 13th day of October 2009.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)
KFI Compound, Doña Pilar Street, Poblacion IV
9600 Cotabato City, Philippines
Telefax No.: +63 (064) 421-5420
E-mail: cbcs_04@yahoo.com, secretariat@cbcsi.org
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) is a conferential body and network of 168 Moro civil society organizations based and operating in the whole of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan who have converged for the purpose of advocating for peace, human rights and good governance, while collectively empowering the Bangsamoro people in their struggle and aspirations to restore their inalienable right to self determination (RSD) as a people and a nation.
As we join in the vehement condemnation of Fr. Sinnot’s abduction in the highest terms, we are very much saddened by the fact that, albeit huge funds appropriated by Congress for security, intelligence and national defense, the government has remained inefficient to protect and preserve the safety of the citizenry, whether Muslim or Christian. The abduction of Fr. Sinnot is a classic example of this, as it had happened at the very heart of the city where law enforcers have their routine patrols.
Fr. Michael Sinnot is an Irish priest who is a member of the Missionaries of St. Columban. He had been in the Philippines since the 1980s, serving as missionary. Prior to his abduction he founded and even served as coordinator of the Hangop Kabataan in 2008, a dwelling place for both Muslim and Christian children who need special attention; children with physically and mentally challenged like blind and deaf.
Despite his old age of 79 and his problematic condition, Fr. Sinnot’s friends and peers best know him for being energetic and consistently attentive in all of his undertakings. He is also admired by them for being humble, soft spoken, approachable, kind and caring like a father or a brother.
As we call on the perpetrators for the immediate-unconditional release of Fr. Michael Sinnot, we caution the military and the Philippine National Police to be professional in carrying out their rescue operations to spare the civilian from harm and no “white wash” be involved in the subsequent investigations to identify and apprehend the real perpetrators of this heinous crime. We urge also both the leaders of the Moro and Non-Moro civil society organizations to unite and share their part in the collective work for the immediate and unconditional release of Fr. Michael Sinnot.
Adopted and signed in Cotabato city, this 13th day of October 2009.
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)
KFI Compound, Doña Pilar Street, Poblacion IV
9600 Cotabato City, Philippines
Telefax No.: +63 (064) 421-5420
E-mail: cbcs_04@yahoo.com, secretariat@cbcsi.org
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) is a conferential body and network of 168 Moro civil society organizations based and operating in the whole of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan who have converged for the purpose of advocating for peace, human rights and good governance, while collectively empowering the Bangsamoro people in their struggle and aspirations to restore their inalienable right to self determination (RSD) as a people and a nation.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Who’s minding Mindanao’s bakwits?
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/13 October) – The Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Center’s October 2009 report features a map detailing where the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are as of May 2009 and on the same page, two quotations that sum up how government and the IDPs have been dealing with this recurring issue of conflict-induced displacement. The IDMC report quoted Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral as saying on August 16, 2008: “Some of them [people in Mindanao] need a little counselling, most do not. A lot of them are used to it. It’s not the first time that this has happened (…) They already know if there’s an exchange of gun fire, they should leave their homes, then if the shooting ends, then they go back to their homes, that’s a way of life in Mindanao…”
Cabral heads the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead government agency in charge of IDP protection and assistance.
The other quotation is from an unnamed IDP in Aleosan, North Cotabato, on August 31, 2008. “Look at us. If you have been here in 2000 and 2003, we are living in the same situation. Nothing really changed except for our age. What is sad is our children might be having the same lives in the future (…) The lives of the Moro people are under the line of poverty. Now, multiply that 10 times and you see the lives of the Moro evacuees,” the IDP said.
Fourteen months after Cabral said evacuations are a “way of life in Mindanao,” thousands of IDPs have spent 14 months and their second Ramadan in the evacuation sites; thousands are still waiting to return home even as the warring forces had suspended military operations against each other in the last week of July.
In its 32-page October 2009 report titled “Cycle of Conflict and Neglect: Mindanao’s displacement and protection crisis,” the IDMC said the plight of conflict-induced IDPs and of communities assisting them “has worsened as their resources have run out."
The report includes only people dispaced "as a result of the August 2008 upsurge in fighting" between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
At present, it is not clear exactly how many thousands are still in evacuation sites. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) which used to regularly update its situation report since August 10, 2008, stopped updating on July 14, 2009, long before NDCC got swamped with work due to the killer typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
Its July 14, 2009 reports said that as of July 7, 2009, there were still 51,326 families or 254,199 IDPs.
HELP-CM (Health, Education, Livelihood, Progress Task force-Central Mindanao) was created under Administrative Order 267 signed on 29 June, copies of which were made available only on July 16. It was supposed to coordinate efforts to help the IDPs, among others.
HELP-CM is supposed to be convened by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP) and chaired by the government peace panel chair. The PAPP, however, resigned effective Monday, to run for mayor of Manila.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s latest update on the IDPs sent to MindaNews last week, was the September 8, 2009 report of ARMM Regional Health Secretary Tahir Sulaik. The report cited an August 20 census of IDPs -- a total of 51,482 families of 246,885 individuals “all over ARMM,” 91% of which are from Maguindanao.”
On October 4, Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza appealed to donors not to forget Mindanao’s flood victims, a number of whom are “double whammy victims, having been displaced by recurrent armed skirmishes – and now by floods.”
“We sympathize with Metro Manila flood victims and we appeal for help. But, lest we forget, some parts of Mindanao also experienced flooding as residual effect of Ondoy,” a press statement from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Mindanao quoted him as saying.
According to the press statement, StRIDe-Mindanao(Strengthening Response to Internal Displacement in Mindanao) Project, a component of multi-donor assisted Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Program, reported a total of 45,701 families affected by Ondoy-triggered floods in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat -- 18,000 families in Maguindanao; 22,318 in North Cotabato; and 5,383 in Sultan Kudarat.
An updated version of the report was sent to MindaNews by Dureza’s office. “The following are the areas and number of families affected by floodings, resulting from the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy, reported by StriDe-Mindanao as of October 3, 2009,” it said.
It put the total number of families affected at 46,138 families or 116,040 individuals from eight barangays in four towns in Sultan Kudarat province, 48 barangays in five Maguindanao towns, 102 barangays in six North Cotabato towns (PPALMA or Pigcawayan, Pikit, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan), and one barangay in Zamboanga City.
Are all of these 46,138 families victims of Ondoy, as the report states they are? Or are some of
|them flood victims, the others war victims? How many of this number are both flood and war victims?
Between August 20 and October 13, there has been no consolidated report on the IDP status in the conflict areas.
Several Mindanawons – both Moro and non-Moro -- have noted the quick response of individuals and organizations to help the flood victims of Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
They cite this in contrast to the response to war victims in Mindanao.
The Philippines adheres to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID).
Principle 3 of the UNGPID provides that “National Authorities have the primary duty and responsibility to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons within their jurisdiction.”
IDPs, it added, “have the right to request and to receive protection and humanitarian assistance from these authorities. They shall not be persecuted or punished for making such request.”
Principle 4 of UNGPID states that there should be “no discrimination of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, legal or social status, age, disability, property, birth, or any other similar criteria.”
The IDMC report, however, noted that the Philippine government “has appeared at times unable to prioritize its responsibility to assist and protect all civilians,” and that “its attitude towards IDPs from Muslim-populated areas has seemed at times to be driven more by distrust and suspicion than by concern for their well-being.”
It added that shortly after the August 2008 upsurge in fighting, “Oxfam, clearly referring to Moro civilians, noted that ‘humanitarian assistance is being withheld from some people because of their religious belief.’”
“In past years, there have sometimes been reports of discrimination in the provision of aid during displacement, with IDP camps housing civilians considered loyal to paramilitary and government forces reportedly receiving greater assistance from government aid agencies while (mainly Moro) IDPs in schools or makeshift shelters considered as ‘pro-MILF’ found it more difficult to be recognised as beneficiaries and receive assistance,” the IDMC report said.
“During 2009, government measures to better control the distribution of humanitarian supplies and stop them falling into the hands of MILF combatants have presented problems to IDPs: they have included the reduction of the size of food rations, and the general distribution of Family
Access Cards (FACs), which has raised concerns about possible use of the personal information collected on IDPs for security purpose,” the IDMC report said.
The Moro evacuee as victim of war is also a suspected rebel or members of the “enemy reserve forces” as what the spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, described them to reporters from Manila and Mindanao during a media forum on the IDPS in Cotabato City on June 30 this year.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce claimed that IDPs are “enemy reserve forces” and that relief goods for them have been diverted for use by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Ponce said that “based on the proofs, indications, and observations presented, there seems to be a diversion of relief goods from the supposed ‘IDP’ beneficiaries to the MILF.”
According to the IDMC report, government response to the Mindanao displacement crisis “can be described as significant in terms of the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, in particular during the first months of the emergency, but also inconsistent and insufficient as the displacement situation evolved. Despite making real efforts to assist people affected by the conflict, the government has so far failed to provide a comprehensive response to the specific problems which IDPs face. Most efforts have gone into providing emergency humanitarian assistance, but not enough to ensure that the returns which have taken place are sustainable both in terms of security and livelihood opportunities, or that alternative durable solutionssuch as local integration or resettlement elsewhere are offered when return is not an option.”
The government, the IDMC report said, “ remains by far the main agent of displacement through military and security operations against rebels and criminal groups and their suspected sympathizers.”
“Causing recurrent waves of displacement to the same areas and communities year after year, repeated AFP operations have not only prevented early recovery projects from being implemented, but they have also undermined previous return and rehabilitation efforts and left stability and security a distant dream for most IDPs and returnees,” it added. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Cabral heads the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead government agency in charge of IDP protection and assistance.
The other quotation is from an unnamed IDP in Aleosan, North Cotabato, on August 31, 2008. “Look at us. If you have been here in 2000 and 2003, we are living in the same situation. Nothing really changed except for our age. What is sad is our children might be having the same lives in the future (…) The lives of the Moro people are under the line of poverty. Now, multiply that 10 times and you see the lives of the Moro evacuees,” the IDP said.
Fourteen months after Cabral said evacuations are a “way of life in Mindanao,” thousands of IDPs have spent 14 months and their second Ramadan in the evacuation sites; thousands are still waiting to return home even as the warring forces had suspended military operations against each other in the last week of July.
In its 32-page October 2009 report titled “Cycle of Conflict and Neglect: Mindanao’s displacement and protection crisis,” the IDMC said the plight of conflict-induced IDPs and of communities assisting them “has worsened as their resources have run out."
The report includes only people dispaced "as a result of the August 2008 upsurge in fighting" between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
At present, it is not clear exactly how many thousands are still in evacuation sites. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) which used to regularly update its situation report since August 10, 2008, stopped updating on July 14, 2009, long before NDCC got swamped with work due to the killer typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
Its July 14, 2009 reports said that as of July 7, 2009, there were still 51,326 families or 254,199 IDPs.
HELP-CM (Health, Education, Livelihood, Progress Task force-Central Mindanao) was created under Administrative Order 267 signed on 29 June, copies of which were made available only on July 16. It was supposed to coordinate efforts to help the IDPs, among others.
HELP-CM is supposed to be convened by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP) and chaired by the government peace panel chair. The PAPP, however, resigned effective Monday, to run for mayor of Manila.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s latest update on the IDPs sent to MindaNews last week, was the September 8, 2009 report of ARMM Regional Health Secretary Tahir Sulaik. The report cited an August 20 census of IDPs -- a total of 51,482 families of 246,885 individuals “all over ARMM,” 91% of which are from Maguindanao.”
On October 4, Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza appealed to donors not to forget Mindanao’s flood victims, a number of whom are “double whammy victims, having been displaced by recurrent armed skirmishes – and now by floods.”
“We sympathize with Metro Manila flood victims and we appeal for help. But, lest we forget, some parts of Mindanao also experienced flooding as residual effect of Ondoy,” a press statement from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Mindanao quoted him as saying.
According to the press statement, StRIDe-Mindanao(Strengthening Response to Internal Displacement in Mindanao) Project, a component of multi-donor assisted Action for Conflict Transformation (ACT) for Peace Program, reported a total of 45,701 families affected by Ondoy-triggered floods in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat -- 18,000 families in Maguindanao; 22,318 in North Cotabato; and 5,383 in Sultan Kudarat.
An updated version of the report was sent to MindaNews by Dureza’s office. “The following are the areas and number of families affected by floodings, resulting from the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy, reported by StriDe-Mindanao as of October 3, 2009,” it said.
It put the total number of families affected at 46,138 families or 116,040 individuals from eight barangays in four towns in Sultan Kudarat province, 48 barangays in five Maguindanao towns, 102 barangays in six North Cotabato towns (PPALMA or Pigcawayan, Pikit, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan), and one barangay in Zamboanga City.
Are all of these 46,138 families victims of Ondoy, as the report states they are? Or are some of
|them flood victims, the others war victims? How many of this number are both flood and war victims?
Between August 20 and October 13, there has been no consolidated report on the IDP status in the conflict areas.
Several Mindanawons – both Moro and non-Moro -- have noted the quick response of individuals and organizations to help the flood victims of Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
They cite this in contrast to the response to war victims in Mindanao.
The Philippines adheres to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID).
Principle 3 of the UNGPID provides that “National Authorities have the primary duty and responsibility to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons within their jurisdiction.”
IDPs, it added, “have the right to request and to receive protection and humanitarian assistance from these authorities. They shall not be persecuted or punished for making such request.”
Principle 4 of UNGPID states that there should be “no discrimination of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, legal or social status, age, disability, property, birth, or any other similar criteria.”
The IDMC report, however, noted that the Philippine government “has appeared at times unable to prioritize its responsibility to assist and protect all civilians,” and that “its attitude towards IDPs from Muslim-populated areas has seemed at times to be driven more by distrust and suspicion than by concern for their well-being.”
It added that shortly after the August 2008 upsurge in fighting, “Oxfam, clearly referring to Moro civilians, noted that ‘humanitarian assistance is being withheld from some people because of their religious belief.’”
“In past years, there have sometimes been reports of discrimination in the provision of aid during displacement, with IDP camps housing civilians considered loyal to paramilitary and government forces reportedly receiving greater assistance from government aid agencies while (mainly Moro) IDPs in schools or makeshift shelters considered as ‘pro-MILF’ found it more difficult to be recognised as beneficiaries and receive assistance,” the IDMC report said.
“During 2009, government measures to better control the distribution of humanitarian supplies and stop them falling into the hands of MILF combatants have presented problems to IDPs: they have included the reduction of the size of food rations, and the general distribution of Family
Access Cards (FACs), which has raised concerns about possible use of the personal information collected on IDPs for security purpose,” the IDMC report said.
The Moro evacuee as victim of war is also a suspected rebel or members of the “enemy reserve forces” as what the spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, described them to reporters from Manila and Mindanao during a media forum on the IDPS in Cotabato City on June 30 this year.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce claimed that IDPs are “enemy reserve forces” and that relief goods for them have been diverted for use by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Ponce said that “based on the proofs, indications, and observations presented, there seems to be a diversion of relief goods from the supposed ‘IDP’ beneficiaries to the MILF.”
According to the IDMC report, government response to the Mindanao displacement crisis “can be described as significant in terms of the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, in particular during the first months of the emergency, but also inconsistent and insufficient as the displacement situation evolved. Despite making real efforts to assist people affected by the conflict, the government has so far failed to provide a comprehensive response to the specific problems which IDPs face. Most efforts have gone into providing emergency humanitarian assistance, but not enough to ensure that the returns which have taken place are sustainable both in terms of security and livelihood opportunities, or that alternative durable solutionssuch as local integration or resettlement elsewhere are offered when return is not an option.”
The government, the IDMC report said, “ remains by far the main agent of displacement through military and security operations against rebels and criminal groups and their suspected sympathizers.”
“Causing recurrent waves of displacement to the same areas and communities year after year, repeated AFP operations have not only prevented early recovery projects from being implemented, but they have also undermined previous return and rehabilitation efforts and left stability and security a distant dream for most IDPs and returnees,” it added. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Pope commends BUC, MPC, etc.. for helping advance peace in Mindanao and the world
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/12 October) – Pope Benedict XVI has commended the Bishops Ulama Conference, the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus and other grassroots organizations in Mindanao for helping advance “peace in Mindanao and throughout the world.”
He also encouraged “all to persevere so that peace may prevail.
"In the conviction that evil is only conquered with good (cf. Rom 12:21), many in your country are taking courageous steps to bring people together in order to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding,” the Pope told Ambassador Mercedes Arrastia Tuason, the Philippines’ new ambassador to the Vatican when she presented her letters of credence at the Pope’s summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, 30 kilometers south of Rome, on Oct. 2.
“I am thinking in particular of the commendable work of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), the Mindanao People's Conference, as well as that of many grassroots organizations,” he said.
The BUC was organized by the Mindanao bishops and ulama in 1996 to provide the “faith” dimension in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro. The organization also inspired the convening of an Asian Bishops-Ulama conference.
The Pope was apparently referring to the Mindanao People’s Caucus, a tri-people’s grassroots organization active in the peace process between the government and the Bangsamoro. There is no organization named “Mindanao People’s Conference.” There is, however, a “Mindanao Interfaith People’s Conference” which is “an aggrupation of non-government nationalist development organizations and peoples organizations in Mindanao that acts as a service institution committed to the Mindanao tri-people poor of Lumads, Moro and lowland Christian communities through various capacity, conscious of the interfaith dimension of social development work.”
The Pope also said that the “Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development,” which the Philippines will host in December, “also holds out the promise of advancing peace in Mindanao and throughout the world.”
A transcript of the meeting is available through the Daily Bulletin of The Holy See Press.
In the meeting with Tuason, the Pope also relayed “assurance of my spiritual closeness and prayers, especially for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana.” Ketsana is the international name of Ondoy. Typhoon Pepeng had not reached the Philippines at the time of the Tuason presentation of her letters of credence.
“I am confident that the faith of the Filipino people – a faith, as Your Excellency has indicated, which gives them the ‘resilience’ to face any hardship or difficulty – will arouse in them a desire to participate ever more fervently in the worldwide task of building up a civilization of love, the seed of which God has implanted in every people and every culture,” the Pope said.
He said he was “pleased to note the various development initiatives under way in your country” but noted that the “struggle against poverty calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those directly entrusted with the offices of governance and public administration.”
“In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the ‘work of charity’ (Caritas in Veritate, 57) is particularly urgent. This is especially true in regions that have been sadly scarred by conflicts. I encourage all to persevere so that peace may prevail. As you have mentioned, Madam Ambassador, initiatives that aim at facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange are particularly effective, for peace can never come about merely as the product of a technical process engineered through legislative, judicial or economic means,” the Pope said.
He then praised the work of the BUC, MPC “as well as that of many grassroots organizations.”
The Pope reassured the Filipino people of “my affection and continued prayers for them. I encourage them to allow their deep faith, their cultural heritage and the democratic values that have been a part of their patrimony from the time of their independence to shine as an example to all.” (MindaNews)
He also encouraged “all to persevere so that peace may prevail.
"In the conviction that evil is only conquered with good (cf. Rom 12:21), many in your country are taking courageous steps to bring people together in order to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding,” the Pope told Ambassador Mercedes Arrastia Tuason, the Philippines’ new ambassador to the Vatican when she presented her letters of credence at the Pope’s summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, 30 kilometers south of Rome, on Oct. 2.
“I am thinking in particular of the commendable work of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), the Mindanao People's Conference, as well as that of many grassroots organizations,” he said.
The BUC was organized by the Mindanao bishops and ulama in 1996 to provide the “faith” dimension in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro. The organization also inspired the convening of an Asian Bishops-Ulama conference.
The Pope was apparently referring to the Mindanao People’s Caucus, a tri-people’s grassroots organization active in the peace process between the government and the Bangsamoro. There is no organization named “Mindanao People’s Conference.” There is, however, a “Mindanao Interfaith People’s Conference” which is “an aggrupation of non-government nationalist development organizations and peoples organizations in Mindanao that acts as a service institution committed to the Mindanao tri-people poor of Lumads, Moro and lowland Christian communities through various capacity, conscious of the interfaith dimension of social development work.”
The Pope also said that the “Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development,” which the Philippines will host in December, “also holds out the promise of advancing peace in Mindanao and throughout the world.”
A transcript of the meeting is available through the Daily Bulletin of The Holy See Press.
In the meeting with Tuason, the Pope also relayed “assurance of my spiritual closeness and prayers, especially for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana.” Ketsana is the international name of Ondoy. Typhoon Pepeng had not reached the Philippines at the time of the Tuason presentation of her letters of credence.
“I am confident that the faith of the Filipino people – a faith, as Your Excellency has indicated, which gives them the ‘resilience’ to face any hardship or difficulty – will arouse in them a desire to participate ever more fervently in the worldwide task of building up a civilization of love, the seed of which God has implanted in every people and every culture,” the Pope said.
He said he was “pleased to note the various development initiatives under way in your country” but noted that the “struggle against poverty calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those directly entrusted with the offices of governance and public administration.”
“In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the ‘work of charity’ (Caritas in Veritate, 57) is particularly urgent. This is especially true in regions that have been sadly scarred by conflicts. I encourage all to persevere so that peace may prevail. As you have mentioned, Madam Ambassador, initiatives that aim at facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange are particularly effective, for peace can never come about merely as the product of a technical process engineered through legislative, judicial or economic means,” the Pope said.
He then praised the work of the BUC, MPC “as well as that of many grassroots organizations.”
The Pope reassured the Filipino people of “my affection and continued prayers for them. I encourage them to allow their deep faith, their cultural heritage and the democratic values that have been a part of their patrimony from the time of their independence to shine as an example to all.” (MindaNews)
Peace Adviser Razon resigns to run for Manila mayor; Sulu’s Nabil Tan assumes as OIC
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/12 October) – Sulu’s Nabil Tan is now Officer in Charge of the office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, following the resignation of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Avelino Razon, Jr
Razon resigned effective October 12, to prepare for his mayoral bid in Manila in May 2010.
Tan, Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, is the first Muslim appointed OIC of the OPAPP. But this is his second time as OIC. He served as OIC during the transition in early 2001, after Peace Adviser Manuel Yan retired and before Eduardo Ermita assumed the post of PAPP.
Tan is knowledgeable about the conflict between the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro, having been the first vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from 1990 to 1993 when Zacaria Candao was governor. He is also updated on the peace processes with the National Democratic Front, having worked as Deputy Peace Adviser for more than a decade.
As ARMM Vice Governor and even after his term, he was a member of the government peace panel that negotiated peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from 1992 to 1996.
Tan served as Deputy OPAPP to retired Ambassador Manuel Yan, the government peace panel chair in the negotiations with the MNLF, and the Presidential Advisers that succeeded Yan, after his term as ARMM vice governor in 1993, until January 2002. He returned to OPAPP under Jesus Dureza, in August 2006.
From 2002 to 2003, Tan served as ARMM Executive Secretary to then Governor Parouk Hussein.
From 2003 to 2006, he served as senior adviser in an NGO called Asia America Initiative, which Tan told MindaNews, was doing “peacebuilding works in Sulu, especially assisting public schools and assisting in improving the health system in Sulu.”
Tan has been serving as chair of the government delegation to the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) since its first meeting in Jeddah in November 2007.
Razon, a former Philippine National Police chief, assumed the post as OPPAP chief on January 29 from his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1974, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who was named head of the Presidential Management Staff. (MindaNews)
Razon resigned effective October 12, to prepare for his mayoral bid in Manila in May 2010.
Tan, Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, is the first Muslim appointed OIC of the OPAPP. But this is his second time as OIC. He served as OIC during the transition in early 2001, after Peace Adviser Manuel Yan retired and before Eduardo Ermita assumed the post of PAPP.
Tan is knowledgeable about the conflict between the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro, having been the first vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from 1990 to 1993 when Zacaria Candao was governor. He is also updated on the peace processes with the National Democratic Front, having worked as Deputy Peace Adviser for more than a decade.
As ARMM Vice Governor and even after his term, he was a member of the government peace panel that negotiated peace with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from 1992 to 1996.
Tan served as Deputy OPAPP to retired Ambassador Manuel Yan, the government peace panel chair in the negotiations with the MNLF, and the Presidential Advisers that succeeded Yan, after his term as ARMM vice governor in 1993, until January 2002. He returned to OPAPP under Jesus Dureza, in August 2006.
From 2002 to 2003, Tan served as ARMM Executive Secretary to then Governor Parouk Hussein.
From 2003 to 2006, he served as senior adviser in an NGO called Asia America Initiative, which Tan told MindaNews, was doing “peacebuilding works in Sulu, especially assisting public schools and assisting in improving the health system in Sulu.”
Tan has been serving as chair of the government delegation to the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) since its first meeting in Jeddah in November 2007.
Razon, a former Philippine National Police chief, assumed the post as OPPAP chief on January 29 from his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1974, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who was named head of the Presidential Management Staff. (MindaNews)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Razon resigns as gov’t peace adviser
By EDD K. USMAN
October 10, 2009, 7:14pm
Secretary Avelino "Sonny" Razon Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has decided to resign effective October 12 as President Arroyo's senior peace adviser to give more time to his plans to run for mayor of Manila in the May 2010 election.
Razon will turn over on Monday the management of OPAPP to Undersecretary Nabil Tan as officer-in-charge. Tan will be the first Muslim, a Tausug from Sulu, to head OPAPP.
A press statement from OPAPP said the President has accepted Razon's resignation, who also named Tan as his successor.
There will be a simple turnover rite at OPAPP's main office at Agustin 1 Building in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Razon was former director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and tapped by the President to replace Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as OPAPP head in January this year.
Razon and Esperon, now head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in Malacañang, belonged to class of 1974 in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class.
Although at OPAPP helm for a brief period, Razon took the cudgels left by his predecessor, intensifying the government’s peace efforts with rebel groups, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF)."
His persistence and commitment to the Mindanao peace process was one of the reasons the government and the MILF achieved a "major breakthrough" last September 15 with the signing of the two parties of the International Contact Group (ICG), created to enlist the help of interest countries and international non-government groups in moving the stalled peace talks.
On the government-CPP/NPA/NDF negotiations, Razon's OPAPP stint has also seen confidence-building measures adopted.
Razon's tenure also saw the creation and launching over the week of the Ambassador Manuel T. Yan’s Peace Resource Center (AMTYPRC).
Source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/224128/razon-resigns-gov-t-peace-adviser)
October 10, 2009, 7:14pm
Secretary Avelino "Sonny" Razon Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has decided to resign effective October 12 as President Arroyo's senior peace adviser to give more time to his plans to run for mayor of Manila in the May 2010 election.
Razon will turn over on Monday the management of OPAPP to Undersecretary Nabil Tan as officer-in-charge. Tan will be the first Muslim, a Tausug from Sulu, to head OPAPP.
A press statement from OPAPP said the President has accepted Razon's resignation, who also named Tan as his successor.
There will be a simple turnover rite at OPAPP's main office at Agustin 1 Building in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Razon was former director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and tapped by the President to replace Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as OPAPP head in January this year.
Razon and Esperon, now head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) in Malacañang, belonged to class of 1974 in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class.
Although at OPAPP helm for a brief period, Razon took the cudgels left by his predecessor, intensifying the government’s peace efforts with rebel groups, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF)."
His persistence and commitment to the Mindanao peace process was one of the reasons the government and the MILF achieved a "major breakthrough" last September 15 with the signing of the two parties of the International Contact Group (ICG), created to enlist the help of interest countries and international non-government groups in moving the stalled peace talks.
On the government-CPP/NPA/NDF negotiations, Razon's OPAPP stint has also seen confidence-building measures adopted.
Razon's tenure also saw the creation and launching over the week of the Ambassador Manuel T. Yan’s Peace Resource Center (AMTYPRC).
Source: Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/224128/razon-resigns-gov-t-peace-adviser)
CBCS-Sibugay Region Statement on the Abduction of Fr. Michael Sinnot
and
Ummah Fi Salam
STATEMENT
October 12, 2009
The Muslim community in Pagadian City laments the kidnapping of Irish priest Fr. Michael Sinnot by six unidentified armed men on the night of October 11, 2009 inside the Columban House in Pagadian City.
This act is against the morality of Islam. In solidarity, we join our Christian brethrens in strongly condemning this act. We also pray for his safety and immediate release.
Even as we say this we also appeal for calmness and sobriety and ask that we work together in solidarity for the early and unconditional release of Fr. Sinnot.
As a peace advocate, Fr. Sinnot, a Columban missionary priest is the founder of Hangop Kabataan Foundation who caters to the needs of disadvantaged children. He is also a respected member of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace in Pagadian City, an organization of religious and concern Christians, Muslims and Subanens, who had contributed a lot in bridging understanding and peace building.
(Sgd)
SULTAN MAGUID A. MARUHOM
Chairperson, Consortium of Bangsamooro Civil Society- Sibugay Region
Executive Director, Ummah Fi Salam, Pagadian City
E-mail: ummah_phil@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lumads sue Pinol for alleged encroachment of ancestral domain; Pinol says charges are “ridiculous”
By Walter I. Balane with a report from Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 October) -- The Federation of Matigsalug and Manobo Tribal Councils (Femmatrics) has sued North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Pińol for alleged “unlawful intrusion and encroachment” into their ancestral domain and “willful disregard and open violation of their right to ‘Free Prior Informed Consent.’ Datu Roelito A. Gawilan, tribal chieftain and Femmatrics chair, filed his affidavit-complaint to Bukidnon provincial prosecutor Mirabeaus Undalok last Monday (Oct. 6) in his office at the Capitol Compound, charging Pinol for alleged violation of the penal provisions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, particularly Sections 72 and 73 thereof, of Trespassing under the Revised Penal Code, of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713).
Pinol dismissed the charges as “ridiculous.”
Datus, Baes, and other tribal leaders backed Femmatrics in the move, reportedly the “first of its kind” in the Philippines.
Gawilan said they held traditional Matigsalug rites in Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon before they traveled in a convoy to Malaybalay to file the complaint.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the tribe’s 70,000 members with a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) on October 31, 2003 in Davao City over a total land area of 102,324.8186 hectares. The area straddles Bukidnon, Davao City, and Arakan Valley in North Cotabato.
Talaandig tribal chieftain Datu Migketay Saway, who went with Gawilan and other members of Femmatrics and the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus to Undalok’s office, said they came “full force” to support Femmatrics in their legal action.
Saway came with Datu Umpongan Romando Sambile, head of the Bukidnon Tribal Development Council of Elders.
Investigation
Parts of the Femmatrics’ ancestral domain, are being occupied by non-Lumads, mostly the wealthy from Bukidnon, Davao City and neighboring North Cotabato, for vacation houses and plantations.
The area boasts of a Baguio-like climate.
In his affidavit, Gawilan said that sometime in February 2007, he received a report from the tribal leaders of Kulaman Valley in Arakan and Barangay Sagundanon in Kitaotao, Bukidnon that an Emmanuel Piñol acquired 300 hectares of land in Barangay Binoongan, Arakan, Cotabato – a portion of their ancestral domain.
He said he immediately called for an investigation.
The investigation, Gawilan said, yielded the following information: that Piñol, then governor, bought 300 hectares from Pablito B. Berdin, Selverio O. Mangga and Ruben Endao for P3 million paid in several installments.
“Berdin and Mangga are both Ilonggos and have no authority whatsoever to sell our ancestral domain,” Gawilan said, adding the sale is “evidenced by two acknowledgment receipts dated January 6, 2007 and March 16, 2007.
The receipts acknowledged P200,000 each, “representing the partial payment of our land with an area of three hundred hectares which the latter intends to buy in the amount of three million pesos,” the first receipt of which was signed in the presence of Atty Russel Abonado and Roger Maralit. The second receipt had Abonado’s space unsigned.
Gawilan said Maralit is “an employee of Piñol in his office in Amas, Kidapawan” while Abonado, “based on the website of the Municipality of M’lang, is an incumbent member of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan of M’lang, the Municipal Mayor of which is the brother of Emmanuel Piñol.”
Endao, one of the signatories, is a Matigsalug, who, Gawilan said, was “apologetic of what he did (and who) told me that he was not completely informed of the purpose of the entire transaction.”
Gawilan said that Endao in an affidavit said he was “used by Piñol to represent the tribe to justify his purchase of the subject lot.”
“Ridiculous”
Pinol found the allegations “ridiculous.”
“How can I even be charged of trespassing or grabbing a piece of land that I have not taken possession of, or at the very least, seen with my own eyes? I don’t even know the exact location of the land,” he told MindaNews in a text message.
“Indeed, there was an offer by tribal leaders led by Datu Ruben Endao to lease the property to me to be planted to rubber but the deal has not progressed because I required them to present a certificate of prior consent from tribal leaders in the area,” he said.
But Pinol added, “Let them file it (complaint) so that the issues can be threshed out.”
He later said, “please inform Gawilan that he better be sure his charges will hold water otherwise I will file libel and malicious prosecution cases against him and his cohorts.
Last month, Gawilan warned they would go to court to force around 20 "illegal occupants" in their ancestral domain to go through a free and prior informed consent process even if belatedly..
He told MindaNews in Bukidnon on September 23 that they were preparing to file cases against those who refuse to go through an FPIC process despite attempts of the group to formalize the request starting April this year.
Gawilan said he made earlier moves to keep the legal path at bay. He cited a chance meeting with Pińol in Malaybalay City for a joint session of both provinces’ provincial boards. But he said Piñol ignored him after a brief verbal exchange.
Meantime, he claimed, Piñol brought in farm equipments to prepare the land for his development project as well as sacks of rice.
”This showed his possession and control over the land,” Gawilan said.
This alarmed Femmatrics prompting them to call Piñol to appear before the Council of Elders to thresh out issues with the end in view of resolving it peacefully through FPIC.
But Piñol allegedly ignored it and successive notices including a phone conversation between him and Bae Magdalena Herbilla, the Chair of the Council of Elders on August 9, 2008. In that conversation, Piñol reportedly promised Bae Magdalena that he would visit Femmatrics upon his return from the US for the boxing fight of Manny Pacquiao.
From the prosecutor’s office, the convoy proceeded to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples office in Bukidnon where the party agreed on schedules with Ma. Shirlene Sario over the FPIC process with Sec. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on Mindanao, and other occupants. The Femmatrics complained that six months after agreeing to go through an FPIC process, Dureza has not done the first move.
“I will be the example”
On April 18 this year, a precedent-setting meeting was held at the Office of the Supreme Tribal in Kidaotao when at least 25 non-Lumad occupants of the Matigsalug-Manobo’s ancestral domain, led by then Presidential Legal Counsel Dureza, vowed to submit to the process of formally seeking the tribe’s consent for use of their land.
“I will be the example. Unahon nako akong sarili nga magsubay gayud sa inyong proseso (I will lead by following your process),” said Dureza who has been operating the Seagull Mountain Resort in Lorega, Kitaotao since 1994.
Dureza whose resort of “at least 17 hectares” is covered by a special land use from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources until 2010, said he accepted the invitation of Femmatrics “aron pagyuko sa proseso nga gihan-ay sa atong IPRA (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) [to submit to the process laid out by the IPRA].
Femmatrics had sent out notices to at least 80 non-Lumad occupants within the tribes’ 102,324.8186- hectare ancestral domain, “for the purpose of upholding the right of ownership of the tribe and formalizing the recognition of existing property rights of non-members of the tribe within the domain.”
Under the IPRA, any undertaking within the tribe’s ancestral domain by non-members of the tribe requires the tribe’s FPIC. (Walter I. Balane with a report from Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Source: http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7080&Itemid=50
MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/07 October) -- The Federation of Matigsalug and Manobo Tribal Councils (Femmatrics) has sued North Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Pińol for alleged “unlawful intrusion and encroachment” into their ancestral domain and “willful disregard and open violation of their right to ‘Free Prior Informed Consent.’ Datu Roelito A. Gawilan, tribal chieftain and Femmatrics chair, filed his affidavit-complaint to Bukidnon provincial prosecutor Mirabeaus Undalok last Monday (Oct. 6) in his office at the Capitol Compound, charging Pinol for alleged violation of the penal provisions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, particularly Sections 72 and 73 thereof, of Trespassing under the Revised Penal Code, of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019) and of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713).
Pinol dismissed the charges as “ridiculous.”
Datus, Baes, and other tribal leaders backed Femmatrics in the move, reportedly the “first of its kind” in the Philippines.
Gawilan said they held traditional Matigsalug rites in Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon before they traveled in a convoy to Malaybalay to file the complaint.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded the tribe’s 70,000 members with a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) on October 31, 2003 in Davao City over a total land area of 102,324.8186 hectares. The area straddles Bukidnon, Davao City, and Arakan Valley in North Cotabato.
Talaandig tribal chieftain Datu Migketay Saway, who went with Gawilan and other members of Femmatrics and the Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus to Undalok’s office, said they came “full force” to support Femmatrics in their legal action.
Saway came with Datu Umpongan Romando Sambile, head of the Bukidnon Tribal Development Council of Elders.
Investigation
Parts of the Femmatrics’ ancestral domain, are being occupied by non-Lumads, mostly the wealthy from Bukidnon, Davao City and neighboring North Cotabato, for vacation houses and plantations.
The area boasts of a Baguio-like climate.
In his affidavit, Gawilan said that sometime in February 2007, he received a report from the tribal leaders of Kulaman Valley in Arakan and Barangay Sagundanon in Kitaotao, Bukidnon that an Emmanuel Piñol acquired 300 hectares of land in Barangay Binoongan, Arakan, Cotabato – a portion of their ancestral domain.
He said he immediately called for an investigation.
The investigation, Gawilan said, yielded the following information: that Piñol, then governor, bought 300 hectares from Pablito B. Berdin, Selverio O. Mangga and Ruben Endao for P3 million paid in several installments.
“Berdin and Mangga are both Ilonggos and have no authority whatsoever to sell our ancestral domain,” Gawilan said, adding the sale is “evidenced by two acknowledgment receipts dated January 6, 2007 and March 16, 2007.
The receipts acknowledged P200,000 each, “representing the partial payment of our land with an area of three hundred hectares which the latter intends to buy in the amount of three million pesos,” the first receipt of which was signed in the presence of Atty Russel Abonado and Roger Maralit. The second receipt had Abonado’s space unsigned.
Gawilan said Maralit is “an employee of Piñol in his office in Amas, Kidapawan” while Abonado, “based on the website of the Municipality of M’lang, is an incumbent member of the 16th Sangguniang Bayan of M’lang, the Municipal Mayor of which is the brother of Emmanuel Piñol.”
Endao, one of the signatories, is a Matigsalug, who, Gawilan said, was “apologetic of what he did (and who) told me that he was not completely informed of the purpose of the entire transaction.”
Gawilan said that Endao in an affidavit said he was “used by Piñol to represent the tribe to justify his purchase of the subject lot.”
“Ridiculous”
Pinol found the allegations “ridiculous.”
“How can I even be charged of trespassing or grabbing a piece of land that I have not taken possession of, or at the very least, seen with my own eyes? I don’t even know the exact location of the land,” he told MindaNews in a text message.
“Indeed, there was an offer by tribal leaders led by Datu Ruben Endao to lease the property to me to be planted to rubber but the deal has not progressed because I required them to present a certificate of prior consent from tribal leaders in the area,” he said.
But Pinol added, “Let them file it (complaint) so that the issues can be threshed out.”
He later said, “please inform Gawilan that he better be sure his charges will hold water otherwise I will file libel and malicious prosecution cases against him and his cohorts.
Last month, Gawilan warned they would go to court to force around 20 "illegal occupants" in their ancestral domain to go through a free and prior informed consent process even if belatedly..
He told MindaNews in Bukidnon on September 23 that they were preparing to file cases against those who refuse to go through an FPIC process despite attempts of the group to formalize the request starting April this year.
Gawilan said he made earlier moves to keep the legal path at bay. He cited a chance meeting with Pińol in Malaybalay City for a joint session of both provinces’ provincial boards. But he said Piñol ignored him after a brief verbal exchange.
Meantime, he claimed, Piñol brought in farm equipments to prepare the land for his development project as well as sacks of rice.
”This showed his possession and control over the land,” Gawilan said.
This alarmed Femmatrics prompting them to call Piñol to appear before the Council of Elders to thresh out issues with the end in view of resolving it peacefully through FPIC.
But Piñol allegedly ignored it and successive notices including a phone conversation between him and Bae Magdalena Herbilla, the Chair of the Council of Elders on August 9, 2008. In that conversation, Piñol reportedly promised Bae Magdalena that he would visit Femmatrics upon his return from the US for the boxing fight of Manny Pacquiao.
From the prosecutor’s office, the convoy proceeded to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples office in Bukidnon where the party agreed on schedules with Ma. Shirlene Sario over the FPIC process with Sec. Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on Mindanao, and other occupants. The Femmatrics complained that six months after agreeing to go through an FPIC process, Dureza has not done the first move.
“I will be the example”
On April 18 this year, a precedent-setting meeting was held at the Office of the Supreme Tribal in Kidaotao when at least 25 non-Lumad occupants of the Matigsalug-Manobo’s ancestral domain, led by then Presidential Legal Counsel Dureza, vowed to submit to the process of formally seeking the tribe’s consent for use of their land.
“I will be the example. Unahon nako akong sarili nga magsubay gayud sa inyong proseso (I will lead by following your process),” said Dureza who has been operating the Seagull Mountain Resort in Lorega, Kitaotao since 1994.
Dureza whose resort of “at least 17 hectares” is covered by a special land use from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources until 2010, said he accepted the invitation of Femmatrics “aron pagyuko sa proseso nga gihan-ay sa atong IPRA (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) [to submit to the process laid out by the IPRA].
Femmatrics had sent out notices to at least 80 non-Lumad occupants within the tribes’ 102,324.8186- hectare ancestral domain, “for the purpose of upholding the right of ownership of the tribe and formalizing the recognition of existing property rights of non-members of the tribe within the domain.”
Under the IPRA, any undertaking within the tribe’s ancestral domain by non-members of the tribe requires the tribe’s FPIC. (Walter I. Balane with a report from Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Source: http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7080&Itemid=50
Nearly 1 in 4 people worldwide is Muslim, report says
(CNN) -- Nearly one in four people worldwide is Muslim -- and they are not necessarily where you might think, according to an extensive new study that aims to map the global Muslim population.
India, a majority-Hindu country, has more Muslims than any country except for Indonesia and Pakistan, and more than twice as many as Egypt.
China has more Muslims than Syria.
Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon.
And Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya put together.
Nearly two out of three of the world's Muslims are in Asia, stretching from Turkey to Indonesia.
The Middle East and north Africa, which together are home to about one in five of the world's Muslims, trail a very distant second.
There are about 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, according to the report, "Mapping the Global Muslim Population," by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. That represents about 23 percent of the total global population of 6.8 billion.
There are about 2.25 billion Christians, based on projections from the 2005 World Religions Database.
Brian Grim, the senior researcher on the Pew Forum project, was slightly surprised at the number of Muslims in the world, he told CNN.
"Overall, the number is higher than I expected," he said, noting that earlier estimates of the global Muslim population have ranged from 1 billion to 1.8 billion.
The report can -- and should -- have implications for United States policy, said Reza Aslan, the best-selling Iranian-American author of "No God but God."
"Increasingly, the people of the Middle East are making up a smaller and smaller percentage of the worldwide Muslim community," he told CNN by phone.
"When it comes to issues of outreach to the Muslim world, these numbers will indicate that outreach cannot be focused so narrowly on the Middle East," he said.
"If the goal is to create better understanding between the United States and the Muslim world, our focus should be on south and southeast Asia, not the Middle East," he said.
He spoke to CNN before the report was published and without having seen its contents, but was familiar with the general trends the report identified.
The team at the Pew Forum spent nearly three years analyzing "the best available data" from 232 countries and territories, Grim said.
Their aim was to get the most comprehensive snapshot ever assembled of the world's Muslim population at a given moment in time.
So they took the data they gathered from national censuses and surveys, and projected it forward based on what they knew about population growth in each country.
They describe the resulting report as "the largest project of its kind to date."
It's full of details that even the researchers found surprising.
"There are these countries that we don't think of as Muslim at all, and yet they have very sizable numbers of Muslims," said Alan Cooperman, the associate director of research for the Pew Forum, naming India, Russia and China.
One in five of the world's Muslims lives in a country where Muslims are a minority.
And while most people think of the Muslim population of Europe is being composed of immigrants, that's only true in western Europe, Cooperman said.
"In the rest of Europe -- Russia, Albania, Kosovo, those places -- Muslims are an indigenous population," he said. "More than half of the Muslims in Europe are indigenous."
The researchers also were surprised to find the Muslim population of sub-Saharan Africa to be as low as they concluded, Cooperman said.
It has only about 240 million Muslims -- about 15 percent of all the world's Muslims.
Islam is thought to be growing fast in the region, with countries such as Nigeria, which has large populations of both Christians and Muslims, seeing violence between the two groups.
The Pew researchers concluded that Nigeria is just over half Muslim, making it the sixth most populous Muslim country in the world.
Roughly nine out of 10 Muslims worldwide are Sunni, and about one in 10 is Shiite, they estimated.
They warned they were less confident of those numbers than of the general population figures because sectarian data is harder to come by.
"Only one or two censuses in the world ... have ever asked the sectarian question," said Grim.
"Among Muslims it's a very sensitive question. If asked, large numbers will say I am just a Muslim -- not that they don't know, but it is a sensitive question in many places," he said.
One in three of the world's Shiite Muslims lives in Iran, which is one of only four countries with a Shiite majority, he said. The others are Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain.
Huge as the project of mapping the world's Muslim population is, it is only the first step in a Pew Forum undertaking.
Next year, the think tank intends to release a report projecting Muslim population growth into the future, and then the researchers intend to do the whole thing over again with Christians, followed by other faith groups.
"We don't care only about Muslims," Grim said.
They're also digging into what people believe and practice, since the current analysis doesn't analyze that.
"This is no way reflects the religiosity of people, only their self-identification," Grim said. "We're trying to get the overall picture of religion in the world."
Story Highlights
• There are about 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, according to the report
• Report by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
• Nearly 2 out of 3 of world's Muslims are in Asia, report says
• Roughly 9 of 10 Muslims worldwide are Sunni, report says
Fact Box
Report: Top 10 Muslim countries, by population
1. Indonesia: 202,867,000 (country is 88.2 percent Muslim)
2. Pakistan: 174,082,000 (country is 96.3 percent Muslim)
3. India: 160,945,000 (country is 13.4 percent Muslim)
4. Bangaldesh: 145,312,000 (country is 89.6 percent Muslim)
5. Egypt: 78,513,000 (country is 94.6 percent Muslim)
6. Nigeria: 78,056,000 (country is 50.4 percent Muslim)
7. Iran: 73,777,000 (country is 99.4 percent Muslim)
8. Turkey: 73,619,000 (country is about 98 percent Muslim)
9. Algeria: 34,199,000 (country is 98 percent Muslim)
10. Morocco: 31,993,000 (country is about 99 percent Muslim)
Source: "Mapping the Global Muslim Population," The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/07/muslim.world.population/index.html
India, a majority-Hindu country, has more Muslims than any country except for Indonesia and Pakistan, and more than twice as many as Egypt.
China has more Muslims than Syria.
Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon.
And Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya put together.
Nearly two out of three of the world's Muslims are in Asia, stretching from Turkey to Indonesia.
The Middle East and north Africa, which together are home to about one in five of the world's Muslims, trail a very distant second.
There are about 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, according to the report, "Mapping the Global Muslim Population," by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. That represents about 23 percent of the total global population of 6.8 billion.
There are about 2.25 billion Christians, based on projections from the 2005 World Religions Database.
Brian Grim, the senior researcher on the Pew Forum project, was slightly surprised at the number of Muslims in the world, he told CNN.
"Overall, the number is higher than I expected," he said, noting that earlier estimates of the global Muslim population have ranged from 1 billion to 1.8 billion.
The report can -- and should -- have implications for United States policy, said Reza Aslan, the best-selling Iranian-American author of "No God but God."
"Increasingly, the people of the Middle East are making up a smaller and smaller percentage of the worldwide Muslim community," he told CNN by phone.
"When it comes to issues of outreach to the Muslim world, these numbers will indicate that outreach cannot be focused so narrowly on the Middle East," he said.
"If the goal is to create better understanding between the United States and the Muslim world, our focus should be on south and southeast Asia, not the Middle East," he said.
He spoke to CNN before the report was published and without having seen its contents, but was familiar with the general trends the report identified.
The team at the Pew Forum spent nearly three years analyzing "the best available data" from 232 countries and territories, Grim said.
Their aim was to get the most comprehensive snapshot ever assembled of the world's Muslim population at a given moment in time.
So they took the data they gathered from national censuses and surveys, and projected it forward based on what they knew about population growth in each country.
They describe the resulting report as "the largest project of its kind to date."
It's full of details that even the researchers found surprising.
"There are these countries that we don't think of as Muslim at all, and yet they have very sizable numbers of Muslims," said Alan Cooperman, the associate director of research for the Pew Forum, naming India, Russia and China.
One in five of the world's Muslims lives in a country where Muslims are a minority.
And while most people think of the Muslim population of Europe is being composed of immigrants, that's only true in western Europe, Cooperman said.
"In the rest of Europe -- Russia, Albania, Kosovo, those places -- Muslims are an indigenous population," he said. "More than half of the Muslims in Europe are indigenous."
The researchers also were surprised to find the Muslim population of sub-Saharan Africa to be as low as they concluded, Cooperman said.
It has only about 240 million Muslims -- about 15 percent of all the world's Muslims.
Islam is thought to be growing fast in the region, with countries such as Nigeria, which has large populations of both Christians and Muslims, seeing violence between the two groups.
The Pew researchers concluded that Nigeria is just over half Muslim, making it the sixth most populous Muslim country in the world.
Roughly nine out of 10 Muslims worldwide are Sunni, and about one in 10 is Shiite, they estimated.
They warned they were less confident of those numbers than of the general population figures because sectarian data is harder to come by.
"Only one or two censuses in the world ... have ever asked the sectarian question," said Grim.
"Among Muslims it's a very sensitive question. If asked, large numbers will say I am just a Muslim -- not that they don't know, but it is a sensitive question in many places," he said.
One in three of the world's Shiite Muslims lives in Iran, which is one of only four countries with a Shiite majority, he said. The others are Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain.
Huge as the project of mapping the world's Muslim population is, it is only the first step in a Pew Forum undertaking.
Next year, the think tank intends to release a report projecting Muslim population growth into the future, and then the researchers intend to do the whole thing over again with Christians, followed by other faith groups.
"We don't care only about Muslims," Grim said.
They're also digging into what people believe and practice, since the current analysis doesn't analyze that.
"This is no way reflects the religiosity of people, only their self-identification," Grim said. "We're trying to get the overall picture of religion in the world."
Story Highlights
• There are about 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, according to the report
• Report by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
• Nearly 2 out of 3 of world's Muslims are in Asia, report says
• Roughly 9 of 10 Muslims worldwide are Sunni, report says
Fact Box
Report: Top 10 Muslim countries, by population
1. Indonesia: 202,867,000 (country is 88.2 percent Muslim)
2. Pakistan: 174,082,000 (country is 96.3 percent Muslim)
3. India: 160,945,000 (country is 13.4 percent Muslim)
4. Bangaldesh: 145,312,000 (country is 89.6 percent Muslim)
5. Egypt: 78,513,000 (country is 94.6 percent Muslim)
6. Nigeria: 78,056,000 (country is 50.4 percent Muslim)
7. Iran: 73,777,000 (country is 99.4 percent Muslim)
8. Turkey: 73,619,000 (country is about 98 percent Muslim)
9. Algeria: 34,199,000 (country is 98 percent Muslim)
10. Morocco: 31,993,000 (country is about 99 percent Muslim)
Source: "Mapping the Global Muslim Population," The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/10/07/muslim.world.population/index.html
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Philippines defends attack - 4 Oct 09
As Eid al-Fitr was being celebrated two weeks ago in the Muslim-majority southern Philippines, the military launched lethal air and artillery strikes against suspected Muslim separatist Abu Sayyaf fighters, causing outrage among Muslims.
The ensuing battle left almost 50 people dead including up to 24 fighters and eight soldiers.
But as Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from Jolo in southern Philippines, the Muslim general who ordered the attack is making no apologies.
The ensuing battle left almost 50 people dead including up to 24 fighters and eight soldiers.
But as Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from Jolo in southern Philippines, the Muslim general who ordered the attack is making no apologies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
